Weak transition matrix elements from finite-volume correlation functions

The two-body decay rate of a weakly decaying particle (such as the kaon) is shown to be proportional to the square of a well-defined transition matrix element in finite volume. Contrary to the physical amplitude, the latter can be extracted from finite-volume correlation functions in euclidean space without analytic continuation. The K -> pi pi transitions and other non-leptonic decays thus become accessible to established numerical techniques in lattice QCD.Comment: Plain TeX source, 19 pages, figures include

TSE pathogenesis in cattle and sheep

Many studies have been undertaken in rodents to study the pathogenesis of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE). Only a few studies have focused on the pathogenesis of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and scrapie in their natural hosts. In this review, we summarize the most recent insights into the pathogenesis of BSE and scrapie starting from the initial uptake of TSE agents and crossing of the gut epithelium. Following replication in the gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT), TSE agents spread to the enteric nervous system (ENS) of the gut. Infection is then carried through the efferent fibers of the post-ganglionic neurons of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system to the pre-ganglionic neurons in the medulla oblongata of the brain and the thoracic segments of the spinal cord. The differences between the pathogenesis of BSE in cattle and scrapie in sheep are discussed as well as the possible existence of additional pathogenetic routes

The Transformation of the Prayer Wall

My paper provides an analysis of online prayer, a phenomenon that takes place on several websites and online social networks. It aims to understand how online prayer manifests itself as a religious practice in a media age. In order to answer this research question, I will frame online prayer (1) as a ritualized action in a media context, (2) as part of online religious community. On several websites and online communities, it is possible to post prayers. Thousands of people post their prayers on the evangelical website tangle.com. Others use email groups to send their prayers for intercession. Many prayers are addressed to God, but the fact that others can read and comment on those prayers plays a very significant role. Moreover, it is possible to add images and movies to the prayers. Online prayer shows how new forms of online religious communities are emerging. In my paper, I will conduct an analysis of prayer websites as part of religion online. This implies that religion online contains a certain media logic. Therefore, I will pay attention to the visual aspects, the technical possibilities and the limitations. I will compare the several forms of online prayer on platforms like tangle.com and Twitter