Gravity and Large Extra Dimensions

The idea that quantum gravity can be realized at the TeV scale is extremely attractive to theorists and experimentalists alike. This proposal leads to extra spacial dimensions large compared to the electroweak scale. Here we give a very systematic view of the foundations of the theories with large extra dimensions and their physical consequences.Comment: 26 pages, 3 diagram

Supernovae as Probes of Extra Dimensions

Since the dawn of the new millennium, there has been a revived interest in the concept of extra dimensions.In this scenario all the standard model matter and gauge fields are confined to the 4 dimensions and only gravity can escape to higher dimensions of the universe.This idea can be tested using table-top experiments, collider experiments, astrophysical or cosmological observations. The main astrophysical constraints come from the cooling rate of supernovae, neutron stars, red giants and the sun. In this article, we consider the energy loss mechanism of SN1987A and study the constraints it places on the number and size of extra dimensions and the higher dimensional Planck scale.Comment: 5 pages, no figures, new references are adde

A Toolbox for Tuberculosis Diagnosis: An Indian Multicentric Study (2006-2008): Microbiological Results

BACKGROUND: The aim of this multicentric prospective study in India was to assess the value of several microbiological tools that contribute to the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) according to HIV status. METHODS: Standard microbiological tools on individual specimens were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 807 patients with active TB, 131 were HIV-infected, 316 HIV-uninfected and 360 had HIV-unknown status. Among the 980 non-active TB subjects, 559 were at low risk and 421 were at high risk of M. tuberculosis (Mtb) exposure. Sensitivity of smear microscopy (SM) was significantly lower in HIV-infected (42.2%) than HIV-uninfected (75.9%) (p = 0.0001) and HIV-unknown pulmonary TB patients (61.4%) (p = 0.004). Specificity was 94.5% in non-TB patients and 100% in health care workers (HCW) and healthy family contacts. Automated liquid culture has significantly higher diagnostic performances than solid culture, measured by sensitivity (74.7% vs. 55.9%) (p = 0.0001) and shorter median time to detection (TTD) (12.0 vs. 34.0 days) (p = 0.0001). Specificity was 100% in HCW and cured-TB patients, but was lower in non-TB patients (89%) due to isolation of Mycobacteria other than tuberculosis (MOTT). TTD by both methods was related to AFB score. Contamination rate was low (1.4%). AccuProbe hybridization technique detected Mtb in almost all culture-positive specimens, but MOTT were found in 4.7% with a significantly higher frequency in HIV-infected (15%) than HIV-uninfected TB patients (0.5%) (p = 0.0007). Pre-test classification significantly increased the diagnostic value of all microbiological tests in pulmonary TB patients (p<0.0001) but to a lesser degree in extrapulmonary TB patients. CONCLUSIONS: Conventional microbiological tools led to results similar to those already described in India special features for HIV-infected TB patients included lower detection by SM and culture. New microbiological assays, such as the automated liquid culture system, showed increased accuracy and speed of detection