Search for WW and WZ production in lepton plus jets final state at CDF

We present a search for WW and WZ production in final states that contain a charged lepton (electron or muon) and at least two jets, produced in sqrt(s) = 1.96 TeV ppbar collisions at the Fermilab Tevatron, using data corresponding to 1.2 fb-1 of integrated luminosity collected with the CDF II detector. Diboson production in this decay channel has yet to be observed at hadron colliders due to the large single W plus jets background. An artificial neural network has been developed to increase signal sensitivity, as compared with an event selection based on conventional cuts. We set a 95% confidence level upper limit of sigma_{WW}* BR(W->lnu,W->jets)+ sigma_{WZ}*BR(W->lnu,Z->jets)We present a search for WW and WZ production in final states that contain a charged lepton (electron or muon) and at least two jets, produced in √s=1.96  TeV pp̅ collisions at the Fermilab Tevatron, using data corresponding to 1.2  fb-1 of integrated luminosity collected with the CDF II detector. Diboson production in this decay channel has yet to be observed at hadron colliders due to the large single W plus jets background. An artificial neural network has been developed to increase signal sensitivity, as compared with an event selection based on conventional cuts. We set a 95% confidence level upper limit of σWW×BR(W→ℓνℓ,W→jets)+σWZ×BR(W→ℓνℓ,Z→jets)<2.88  pb, which is consistent with the standard model next-to-leading-order cross section calculation for this decay channel of 2.09±0.12  pb.Peer reviewe

Effects of heat retention on gross metabolism and perceived effort during exercise

Effects of Heat Retention on Gross Metabolism and Perceived Effort During Exercise Adam J. Madl, Dr. PG Wagner, and Dr. TLE Wagner Washburn University, Department of Biology Effects of Heat Retention on Gross Metabolism and Perceived Effort During Exercise. Madl, AJ; PG Wagner, TLE Wagner Department of Biology, Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas 66621 As an athlete and personal trainer, I have frequently encountered individuals who believe that utilizing mechanisms that increase heat retention can improve workouts. However, when heat is not properly released from the body, other mechanisms of body temperature regulation must compensate. The human body has many ways to regulate temperature. Sometimes the temperature state of the body has an impact on which type of energy source is preferentially metabolized. In the present study, we examined the effects of heat retention on human gross metabolism during moderate to intense exercise. Each subject underwent three trials on a cycle ergometer. The first trial was an Astrand protocol, used to find the work load needed to push each subject to 70% maximum heart rate. During the next two trials, subjects pedaled at 60-70 rpm to reach target heart rate for 25 minutes. During one of these two trials, the subject wore a sweatshirt in order to increase heat retention. In the other trial, the subject did not wear the sweatshirt, decreasing heat retention. Gross metabolism was quantified by measuring the subjects’ O2 consumption and CO2 production. We predict that while wearing the sweatshirt, increasing heat retention, the subjects will have a higher degree of perceived effort. Preliminary data indicates that heat retention shifts energy source utilization from lipid to carbohydrate oxidation at an increased rate. By spending less time burning fat, subjects are predicted to burn fewer calories since fat contains more calories per gram than does carbohydrates. SUMMARY RESULTS DISCUSSION ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION Individuals, both athletes and non-athletes, are always looking for ways to boost the exercise efficiency of their workouts. A common practice for attempting to do this is to increase individual heat retention. This can be done by wearing additional layers of clothes during a workout or by increasing the room temperature. Individuals engaging in such practices believe that this increased heat retention leads to increased weight loss, increased metabolism, and/or increased cardiovascular fitness. Individuals reach this conclusion because they often experience an increase in perceived effort when working out under these altered conditions. An increase in perceived effort is commonly associated with a more efficient workout. Before entering into the experiment, subjects were required to pass a physical evaluation conducted by a licensed physician and sign a consent form. Subjects underwent three experimental trials apiece. Exercise is conducted on a bike during all trials. During the first trial, subjects become acquainted with the bike and complete a basic Astrand test. This test predicts VO2 max and the load (wattage) necessary to push each subject to 70% of their maximum heart rate. The length of this trial varies with the fitness level of the subject. The second and third trials are each 35 minutes in length. Subjects warm up for 5 minutes, pedal 60-70 rpm at their 70% load for 25 minutes, and then cool down for 5 minutes. Subjects are randomly assigned to wear a sweatshirt during one of these last two trials. At this point, the subject is hooked up to a mask that measures O2 consumption and CO2 production, both of which are used to calculate metabolic rates and source of fuels. Also being monitored are heart rate, ventilation rate, and ventilation volume. During these last two trials, temperature and perceived effort are taken at 5-minute intervals between the 5-30 minute mark. This is the time the subject is working at 70% load. In all three trials, measurements of subjects’ weight*, body fat percentage*, hydration level*, blood pressure, and heart rate are taken both before and after the trial (*these data were obtained using a scale with an electrode). At the end of each trial, subjects consume 20 oz of Gatorade in order to rehydrate and replenish electrolytes. METHODS We hypothesized that individuals who utilize heat retention practices do not actually achieve a “better” workout (i.e. increased intensity, weight loss….) and that the prevalence of this idea was due to an increased Rating of Perceived Effort (RPE), as opposed to an actual increase in intensity. Thus, we anticipated that there would be a significant difference in RPE, but not many other variables that reflect exercise performance. The data acquired indicates that the RPE of the experimental trials are consistently higher than those of the control, but statistical analysis indicates that these differences are not large enough to be of significance. Thus, our findings do not appear to support the original hypothesis. One possible explanation for this is that the subjects decreased their intensity of exercise; the RPE remained the same but the “work” being done decreased. This possibility is unlikely, given the fact that the subjects were able to maintain their revolutions per minute between 60 and 70, and the resistance placed on the pedals was the same for each trial. Additionally, other variables (heart rate, calories burned, body temperature, weight loss) indicate that exertion between control and experimental conditions remained similar. Having stated that the intensity of workout between the conditions has been controlled, one might question whether or not the heat retention itself had any effect. Internal body temperatures seem to be consistent both with and without the increased heat retention. This suggests that either the sweatshirt did not adequately increase heat retention, or that when heat retention increased, the body compensated in some way in order to maintain temperature homeostasis. This compensation could take the form of increased sweating, which should result in more water, and thus weight, loss. As illustrated by the graph, there was no significant difference in the change in weight between the control and experimental trials. In fact, the data trend is less weight (and likely water) loss with increased heat retention. This is in direct opposition to the popular idea that working out under conditions of increased heat retention will lead to a larger amount of weight loss. Our data indicates that there is no such significant difference, in either immediate loss, or in calories burned. The preliminary data gathered that seemed to support a change from lipid to carbohydrate metabolism at an earlier time frame did not show any significant difference when additional data was included and analyzed using a simple T-test (p <0.05). Having analyzed our data and finding no significant difference in any of our variables, we are unable to negate any of our hypotheses. The trends seen are not significant, but the number of subjects that have completed the study is small. Perhaps with additional numbers, significance will be established. Alternatively, it may be possible to achieve significance by altering the protocol to include more intense exercise. One of our test subjects seemed to be an outlier in comparison with the other subjects’ data. This particular subject was pushed to 92% maximum heart rate during his experimental trial and also varied to a greater extent on other measured variables such as temperature, perceived exertion, and total calories burned. It should be noted that this subject was unintentionally pushed to a higher level, and this subject also demonstrated the greatest deviation between control and experimental trials. It might be suggested then that significant differences could be seen if subjects are pushed to a higher percentage of their maximum heart rate. In opposition to our hypothesis, data indicates that there is no significant difference in RPE under conditions of increased heat retention. In support of our hypothesis, data indicates that there is no significant difference in temperature, total calories burned, or peak heart rate under conditions of increased heat retention. Larger deviations between control and experimental trials were observed when subjects were pushed to a greater percentage of their maximum heart rate during exercise. This may be of significance for future research. This research has been made possible by: Internal grant funds for Scholarly and Creative Transformational Experiences from Washburn University. The equipment used in this study was purchased using funds from a Federally funded grant from the U.S. Department of Education. TMAs an athlete and personal trainer, I have frequently encountered individuals who believe that utilizing mechanisms that increase heat retention can improve workouts. However, when heat is not properly released from the body, other mechanisms of body temperature regulation must compensate. The human body has many ways to regulate temperature. Sometimes the temperature state of the body has an impact on which type of energy source is preferentially metabolized. In the present study, we examined the effects of heat retention on human gross metabolism during moderate to intense exercise. Each subject underwent three trials on a cycle ergometer. The first trial was an Astrand protocol, used to find the work load needed to push each subject to 70% maximum heart rate. During the next two trials, subjects pedaled at 60-70 rpm to reach target heart rate for 25 minutes. During one of these two trials, the subject wore a sweatshirt in order to increase heat retention. In the other trial, the subject did not wear the sweatshirt,decreasing heat retention. Gross metabolism was quantified by measuring the subjects’ O2 consumption and CO2 production. We predict that while wearing the sweatshirt, increasing heat retention, the subjects will have a higher degree of perceived effort. Preliminary data indicates that heat retention shifts energy source utilization from lipid to carbohydrate oxidation at an increased rate. By spending less time burning fat, subjects are predicted to burn fewer calories since fat contains more calories per gram than does carbohydrates

A Cross-Sectional Survey on Knowledge and Perceptions of Health Risks Associated with Arsenic and Mercury Contamination from Artisanal Gold mining in Tanzania.

An estimated 0.5 to 1.5 million informal miners, of whom 30-50% are women, rely on artisanal mining for their livelihood in Tanzania. Mercury, used in the processing gold ore, and arsenic, which is a constituent of some ores, are common occupational exposures that frequently result in widespread environmental contamination. Frequently, the mining activities are conducted haphazardly without regard for environmental, occupational, or community exposure. The primary objective of this study was to assess community risk knowledge and perception of potential mercury and arsenic toxicity and/or exposure from artisanal gold mining in Rwamagasa in northwestern Tanzania. A cross-sectional survey of respondents in five sub-villages in the Rwamagasa Village located in Geita District in northwestern Tanzania near Lake Victoria was conducted. This area has a history of artisanal gold mining and many of the population continue to work as miners. Using a clustered random selection approach for recruitment, a total of 160 individuals over 18 years of age completed a structured interview. The interviews revealed wide variations in knowledge and risk perceptions concerning mercury and arsenic exposure, with 40.6% (n=65) and 89.4% (n=143) not aware of the health effects of mercury and arsenic exposure respectively. Males were significantly more knowledgeable (n=59, 36.9%) than females (n=36, 22.5%) with regard to mercury (x²=3.99, p<0.05). An individual's occupation category was associated with level of knowledge (x²=22.82, p=<0.001). Individuals involved in mining (n=63, 73.2%) were more knowledgeable about the negative health effects of mercury than individuals in other occupations. Of the few individuals (n=17, 10.6%) who knew about arsenic toxicity, the majority (n=10, 58.8%) were miners. The knowledge of individuals living in Rwamagasa, Tanzania, an area with a history of artisanal gold mining, varied widely with regard to the health hazards of mercury and arsenic. In these communities there was limited awareness of the threats to health associated with exposure to mercury and arsenic. This lack of knowledge, combined with minimal environmental monitoring and controlled waste management practices, highlights the need for health education, surveillance, and policy changes

FIRE (facilitating implementation of research evidence) : a study protocol

Research evidence underpins best practice, but is not always used in healthcare. The Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARIHS) framework suggests that the nature of evidence, the context in which it is used, and whether those trying to use evidence are helped (or facilitated) affect the use of evidence. Urinary incontinence has a major effect on quality of life of older people, has a high prevalence, and is a key priority within European health and social care policy. Improving continence care has the potential to improve the quality of life for older people and reduce the costs associated with providing incontinence aids

Search for squarks and gluinos with the ATLAS detector in final states with jets and missing transverse momentum using √s=8 TeV proton-proton collision data

A search for squarks and gluinos in final states containing high-p T jets, missing transverse momentum and no electrons or muons is presented. The data were recorded in 2012 by the ATLAS experiment in s√=8 TeV proton-proton collisions at the Large Hadron Collider, with a total integrated luminosity of 20.3 fb−1. Results are interpreted in a variety of simplified and specific supersymmetry-breaking models assuming that R-parity is conserved and that the lightest neutralino is the lightest supersymmetric particle. An exclusion limit at the 95% confidence level on the mass of the gluino is set at 1330 GeV for a simplified model incorporating only a gluino and the lightest neutralino. For a simplified model involving the strong production of first- and second-generation squarks, squark masses below 850 GeV (440 GeV) are excluded for a massless lightest neutralino, assuming mass degenerate (single light-flavour) squarks. In mSUGRA/CMSSM models with tan β = 30, A 0 = −2m 0 and μ > 0, squarks and gluinos of equal mass are excluded for masses below 1700 GeV. Additional limits are set for non-universal Higgs mass models with gaugino mediation and for simplified models involving the pair production of gluinos, each decaying to a top squark and a top quark, with the top squark decaying to a charm quark and a neutralino. These limits extend the region of supersymmetric parameter space excluded by previous searches with the ATLAS detector

Inclusive search for same-sign dilepton signatures in pp collisions at root s=7 TeV with the ATLAS detector

An inclusive search is presented for new physics in events with two isolated leptons (e or mu) having the same electric charge. The data are selected from events collected from p p collisions at root s = 7 TeV by the ATLAS detector and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 34 pb(-1). The spectra in dilepton invariant mass, missing transverse momentum and jet multiplicity are presented and compared to Standard Model predictions. In this event sample, no evidence is found for contributions beyond those of the Standard Model. Limits are set on the cross-section in a fiducial region for new sources of same-sign high-mass dilepton events in the ee, e mu and mu mu channels. Four models predicting same-sign dilepton signals are constrained: two descriptions of Majorana neutrinos, a cascade topology similar to supersymmetry or universal extra dimensions, and fourth generation d-type quarks. Assuming a new physics scale of 1 TeV, Majorana neutrinos produced by an effective operator V with masses below 460 GeV are excluded at 95% confidence level. A lower limit of 290 GeV is set at 95% confidence level on the mass of fourth generation d-type quarks

Measurement of the top quark-pair production cross section with ATLAS in pp collisions at \sqrt{s}=7\TeV

A measurement of the production cross-section for top quark pairs(\ttbar) in $pp$ collisions at \sqrt{s}=7 \TeV is presented using data recorded with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. Events are selected in two different topologies: single lepton (electron $e$ or muon $\mu$) with large missing transverse energy and at least four jets, and dilepton ($ee$, $\mu\mu$ or $e\mu$) with large missing transverse energy and at least two jets. In a data sample of 2.9 pb-1, 37 candidate events are observed in the single-lepton topology and 9 events in the dilepton topology. The corresponding expected backgrounds from non-\ttbar Standard Model processes are estimated using data-driven methods and determined to be $12.2 \pm 3.9$ events and $2.5 \pm 0.6$ events, respectively. The kinematic properties of the selected events are consistent with SM \ttbar production. The inclusive top quark pair production cross-section is measured to be \sigmattbar=145 \pm 31 ^{+42}_{-27} pb where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. The measurement agrees with perturbative QCD calculations.Comment: 30 pages plus author list (50 pages total), 9 figures, 11 tables, CERN-PH number and final journal adde

Measurement of the production of a W boson in association with a charm quark in pp collisions at √s = 7 TeV with the ATLAS detector

The production of a W boson in association with a single charm quark is studied using 4.6 fb−1 of pp collision data at s√ = 7 TeV collected with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. In events in which a W boson decays to an electron or muon, the charm quark is tagged either by its semileptonic decay to a muon or by the presence of a charmed meson. The integrated and differential cross sections as a function of the pseudorapidity of the lepton from the W-boson decay are measured. Results are compared to the predictions of next-to-leading-order QCD calculations obtained from various parton distribution function parameterisations. The ratio of the strange-to-down sea-quark distributions is determined to be 0.96+0.26−0.30 at Q 2 = 1.9 GeV2, which supports the hypothesis of an SU(3)-symmetric composition of the light-quark sea. Additionally, the cross-section ratio σ(W + +c¯¯)/σ(W − + c) is compared to the predictions obtained using parton distribution function parameterisations with different assumptions about the s−s¯¯¯ quark asymmetry

Single hadron response measurement and calorimeter jet energy scale uncertainty with the ATLAS detector at the LHC

The uncertainty on the calorimeter energy response to jets of particles is derived for the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). First, the calorimeter response to single isolated charged hadrons is measured and compared to the Monte Carlo simulation using proton-proton collisions at centre-of-mass energies of sqrt(s) = 900 GeV and 7 TeV collected during 2009 and 2010. Then, using the decay of K_s and Lambda particles, the calorimeter response to specific types of particles (positively and negatively charged pions, protons, and anti-protons) is measured and compared to the Monte Carlo predictions. Finally, the jet energy scale uncertainty is determined by propagating the response uncertainty for single charged and neutral particles to jets. The response uncertainty is 2-5% for central isolated hadrons and 1-3% for the final calorimeter jet energy scale.Comment: 24 pages plus author list (36 pages total), 23 figures, 1 table, submitted to European Physical Journal

Standalone vertex finding in the ATLAS muon spectrometer

A dedicated reconstruction algorithm to find decay vertices in the ATLAS muon spectrometer is presented. The algorithm searches the region just upstream of or inside the muon spectrometer volume for multi-particle vertices that originate from the decay of particles with long decay paths. The performance of the algorithm is evaluated using both a sample of simulated Higgs boson events, in which the Higgs boson decays to long-lived neutral particles that in turn decay to bbar b final states, and pp collision data at √s = 7 TeV collected with the ATLAS detector at the LHC during 2011