Jet substructure as a new Higgs-search channel at the Large Hadron Collider

It is widely considered that, for Higgs boson searches at the CERN Large Hadron Colider, WH and ZH production where the Higgs boson decays to bb are poor search channels due to large backgrounds. We show that at high transverse momenta, employing state-of-the-art jet reconstruction and decomposition techniques, these processes can be recovered as promising search channels for the standard model Higgs boson around 120 GeV in mass.     

High-density targeting of a viral multifunctional nanoplatform to a pathogenic, biofilm-forming bacterium

Nanomedicine directed at diagnosis and treatment of infections can benefit from innovations that have substantially increased the variety of available multifunctional nanoplatforms. Here, we targeted a spherical, icosahedral viral nanoplatform to a pathogenic, biofilm-forming bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus. Density of binding mediated through specific protein-ligand interactions exceeded the density expected for a planar, hexagonally close-packed array. A multifunctionalized viral protein cage was used to load imaging agents (fluorophore and MRI contrast agent) onto cells. The fluorescence-imaging capability allowed for direct observation of penetration of the nanoplatform into an S. aureus biofilm. These results demonstrate that multifunctional nanoplatforms based on protein cage architectures have significant potential as tools for both diagnosis and targeted treatment of recalcitrant bacterial infections.     

()‐3‐Ethyl‐2‐methyl‐4‐oxo­cyclo­hexane­carboxyl­ic acid: catemeric hydrogen bonding in a cyclic δ‐keto acid

In the title compound, C₁₀H₁₆O₃, the two mol­ecules of the asymmetric unit form acid‐to‐ketone hydrogen‐bonded chains. The two species differ only very slightly and are related by a pseudo‐center, so that the apparent translational relationship among the units of the hydrogen‐bonded chain is actually a pseudo‐translation, with the mol­ecules alternating in type. Two counterdirectional pairs of chains proceed through each cell [O⋯O = 2.743 (2) and 2.683 (2) Å, and O—H⋯O = 171 (3) and 157 (3)°]. Three intermolecular C—H⋯O close contacts were found, involving all three O atoms of one of the mol­ecules.     

The early exercise region for Bermudan options on two underlyings

This paper investigates the early exercise region for Bermudan options on two underlying assets. We present a set of analytical validation results for the early exercise region which can be used as a means of validating pricing techniques. When all strike prices are identical we show the existence of an intersection point such that for any asset price pair below this point early exercise is always optimal. We develop an approximation to this point in the two asset put case. When the strike prices are not all equal, we show that three separate cases exist for the early exercise region. For a Bermudan put on two assets we present these cases and show that there exists a critical point in which the boundaries of the two asset early exercise region bifurcate. Comparisons are drawn between the Bermudan results presented and the corresponding American option results.     

High-spin states in neutron-rich Dy isotopes populated in deep-inelastic reactions

High-spin states in neutron-rich Dy isotopes, populated in deep-inelastic processes produced by the interaction of 234 MeV ³⁷Cl ions with a ¹⁶⁰Gd target, have been studied using the highly sensitive EUROBALL IV gamma-ray detector array. The previously known level schemes for ^{159,160,161,162}Dy have been extended to significantly higher spin ( ? 30?) and the i _13/2 band crossing in ¹⁵⁹Dy has been observed for the first time. The experimental results are discussed within the framework of cranked shell model and projected shell model calculations with particular reference to the observed delayed band crossing in ¹⁶²Dy. Received: 20 October 2000 / Accepted: 16 January 2001     

A short story of SIN!

A brief overview is given of the theory of surface-ion neutralization (SIN) by highlighting studies from the pioneering days to the present time. Emphasis is placed on the 1-electron time-dependent Newns-Anderson (TDNA) model, which has played such a key role in studying resonance charge transfer. Recently, a many-electron (ME) version of the TDNA approach has been formulated to treat two or more electron processes, such as Auger transitions. The equation-of-motion technique is used to obtain the TD coefficients from which the required SIN probabilities can be found. After outlining the ME method, two applications are described. The first deals with the Li⁺-Cs/W(110) system, while the second addresses the laser enhancement of SIN, in the case of Li⁺-KBr, and revises some earlier results.     

An Ethnoscience Approach to Curriculum Issues for American Indian Students

This paper describes a course offered to teachers of American Indian students, which focused on the development of culturally relevant activities as part of the science and mathematics curricula. In response to the concern that American Indian students do not find meaning in the curriculum, these activities were embedded in a holistic approach to the curriculum, and the informal science and mathematics of the culture were linked with the traditional school science and mathematics. Informal results suggest that the development of these connections will help American Indian students make sense of what they are learning, both in the context of the culture and in the context of school science and mathematics.     

The effect of biotin on the production of succinic acid byAnaerobiospirillum succiniciproducens

Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology - The effect of biotin at 50 mg/L on the production of succinic acid byA. succiniciproducens has been studied. Biotin improved glucose consumption, cell...     

Modulated polarographic and voltammetric techniques in the study of natural water chemistry

Modulated polarographic and voltammetric techniques are of particular importance in natural water chemistry because of their sensitivity not only to very low concentrations of electroactive components but also to their chemical form. Direct polarographic techniques are most useful for the analysis of non-metallic components at low concentrations since metal levels are only rarely high enough for the analysis of untreated samples. Preconcentration by chemical or electrochemical techniques have both been employed. Potentially the most productive field of application of polarographic and voltammetric methods is in determining the chemical speciation of electroactive components in natural waters. Some clarification is required of the chemical and biological significance of operational classifications currently employed. Intermetallic interferences and the influence of surface films on electrode behaviour need to be more thoroughly investigated before analyses or speciation studies on untreated samples can be routinely undertaken. Chemical and electrochemical understanding rather than increased sophistication in the instrumentation is required at this stage if full advantage is to be taken of the capabilities of modulated polarographic and voltammetric methods in natural water chemistry.