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Curse of the Hasty Pawn Advance
EvgeniyZh (1192) – raj475 (1324)ICC Live Game (30-0), 2014
1.e4 b6 2.e4 e6 3.e5
I've seen many sub-1500 rated players make this kind of hasty pawn advance, and I will take this opportunity to make a comment about it.
Though not the end of the world, this isn't a particularly good move. Why? It seems to gain space, so what's wrong with it? Here's a breakdown of its flaws:
The game continued:
3...Bb7 4.Nf3
A poor move. Yes, it develops, but it blocks the g8-knight and fails to put pressure on White's center. Instead, 4...c5, beginning an assault against White's center, is the logical move. Play might continue: 5.c3 Nc6 (more heat on d4) 6.Be2 Nge7 when this knight (depending on how White plays) can go to f5 (more pressure against d4!) or to g6 followed by ...d7-d6 (pressure against e5!).
Black's typical, "I'll develop a piece but I have no idea what I really should be doing" approach to chess is yet another thing I often see sub-1500 rated players do. Of course, development IS important, but there's an old saying that goes, "No development is better than a bad development."
This means that at times a developing move actually makes the position worse rather than better! A more advanced player will first understand the long-term needs of the position (e.g. pressure against White's center), and make sure that all his developing moves help to make this concept a reality. In other words, the plan and/or structure often dictate the moves, not the player!
Taking this a bit further, one might ask, "Well, how would anyone know that Black should attack White's center?"
That is not only a good question, it's an important one! In fact, all players that want to improve should be asking this. And NO (for those, "Tactics is everything" zombies), it has nothing to do with tactics. You can study tactics all day and night and you still won't have the answer. The only way you know this is by pattern recognition, which is acquired by experience (playing lots of games) and study (looking at master games and/or reading this article). Fortunately, this kind of "central pressure" pattern (found in so many openings, with the Grünfeld Defense being a prime example of killing a huge pawn center) is easily assimilated.
Can Children Learn If They Watch Master Level Games Zip By?
Jimmykay wrote:
"My 6-year old son understands how the pieces move, and what checkmate looks like. Although he is not interested in playing games, he loves watching me run through master-level games at blitz speed. It sounds from your recent articles that this might have some long-term benefits for his chess. Would you agree?"
Dear Jimmykay:
I think the following from Capablanca's famous book My Chess Career will answer this:
"I was not yet five years old when by accident I came into my father's private office and found him playing with another gentleman. I had never seen a game of chess before; the pieces interested me, and I went the next day to see them play again. The third day, as I looked on, my father, a very poor beginner, moved a knight from a White square to another White square. His opponent, apparently, not a better player, did not notice it. My father won, and I proceeded to call him a cheat and to laugh. After a little wrangle, during which I was nearly put out of the room, I showed my father what he had done. He asked me how and what I knew about chess? I answered that I could beat him; he said it was impossible, considering that I could not even set up the pieces correctly. We tried conclusions, and I won."
This is quite a remarkable tale, but a couple things stand out (other than his mindboggling talent):
Jimmykay, if your son loves watching you run through master games, he'll not only enjoy himself, but he will indeed pick up lots of subliminal information (patterns) that will, in time, "click" and become real chess skills.
Are Some Game Collections More Instructive Than Others?
Arlemanne1 asked:
"My rating is not particularly good, but I have decided to take your advice about quickly playing through a huge number of master games. Right now, I've begun with Garry Kasparov's collection, My Great Predecessors. I'll be done with the whole series in a couple of months. What other books of master games (or series of books) would you recommend for somebody of my rating (around 1400) who needs to improve in all areas of chess? Would you recommend collections of any specific master or would you just recommend getting a couple of volumes of Informants and just quickly playing through the contents?"
Dear Arlemanne1:
As I said in my previous articles, one should only zip through master games if you seriously feel you can be a chess pro, and can put in that 10,000+ hours of work (and even then it might lead to nothing).
Most people should simply toss away the "zip" and instead study instructive chess books (like my 4th edition of How to Reassess Your Chess), and look through game collections at a reasonable pace (you really should take a bit of time and savor these amazing games and their notes).
The game collections you choose should be all about personal taste, though I usually recommend the older classics followed by working your way to more modern players. For example, my first chess hero was Alekhine, and his games (with his notes) will teach you what dynamic chess is all about. Capablanca's games will teach you how quiet positional mastery and fantastic technique will overwhelm the most violent tactician. Emanuel Lasker's games are harder to wrap one's mind around. Ultimately they will show you how a powerful will to win, embracing every chess game as a fight to the death, a mastery of tactics (one of the greatest tactical players ever), preternatural defensive mojo, and outrageous endgame technique placed him firmly in my "top 5 players of all time" list (the great Mikhail Tal had him as number 1). After that game collections by Botvinnik, Keres, Smyslov, and all the World Champions should follow.
BTW, Karparov's My Great Predecessors series, though criticized by some reviewers, is fantastic. It not only has tons of magnificent games, but it also introduces players to the thrilling richness of chess history. Read them all!
The Endless Debate – Can Anyone Be a Grandmaster?
Tmodel66 asked:
"There is a debate going on in one of the Chess.com forums over the following question: 'Can anyone become a grandmaster?' I mean... if someone plays and learns chess and trains him/herself systematically, can he/her become a grandmaster? Or do you have to have some gift to do that?
"It seems evident to me that becoming a GM is not a possibility for anyone. IMO talent has to be a factor to some degree.
"The other side says that with enough study anyone (of reasonable intelligence and work ethic) could get there. What say you? And, if not GM, could 'anyone' become a Master? Also, how late in life is too late to become a GM (or a Master)?"
Dear Tmodel66:
This question could just as well be, "Can anyone become an astronaut, a doctor, a professional boxer, etc."
The safe, politically correct way out is to say, "Yes, read a book on boxing, practice a bit, and you too can beat a prime Mike Tyson!" or "Yes, study hard and you can be the first man on Mars!"
Fortunately, I despise political correctness, so you'll get my honest opinion (as always).
As I've mentioned in past articles, and in my answer to Arlemanne1's question in this article, you have a real chance at success IF you are willing to put in those 10,000+ hours of nonstop, agonizing, nose to the grindstone, sacrificing, total devotion to your goal, work. But, how many are willing to do that? And worst of all, there's no guarantee that all that work will lead you to your goal!
For those that want it without that kind of complete goal immersion, enjoy your dream and do your best (have fun with it!), but the odds are overwhelmingly against you. On the other hand, I really do believe that anyone can achieve a 2100 or 2200 rating (even if you start late!), but that also takes dedication and hard work.
I will admit that natural talent for the field of your choice gives you a huge edge over the competition. A very talented but lazy chess guy might, with experience and quite a bit of work, get that GM title, but he won't be a top 10 player (he probably won't be a top 100 player). That means that even Magnus, our present world champion, with all his amazing talent, put in those 10,000+ hours to reach the very top (note: to be world champion he combined 10,000+ hours of hard work, astronomical talent, and had a very rare kind of will power that you need to be born with).
It's the same in other fields. If you work hard and put in the necessary hard work and sacrifice, you might successfully become a medical doctor. But will you be the best doctor? To be best in class, you'll need talent and a driving desire to be number one.
Basketball. How many kids play the game endlessly and dream of being a professional? And they might well be very good players when all is said and done. But will they make the cut against those that worked harder, or those that have some kind of mega-talent?
When all is said and done, talking about success in any field is nothing more than spitting into the wind if you can't embrace the necessary work ethic and sacrifice.
In my case, I learned how to play chess much too late (12 years of age... nowadays grandmaster hopefuls start at 5 or 6), I then worked nonstop to get my dreamed of grandmaster title until I was 19 (sacrificing normal childhood behavior/activities), and then I "reentered the world" and learned a lot about life, but failed in my ultimate chess goal.
For those that keep raving about how everyone can become a grandmaster, you should be working hard to do it instead of talking about it. Everyone can talk about it, but very, very few do it.
I'll leave you with a story:
Emanuel Lasker, one of the world's greatest thinkers and the world chess champion, took up the game of Go (it is also known as "weiqi" and other names). He played regularly against his brother Berthold and Edward Lasker, who introduced him to it (Edward eventually founded the American Go Association!), and all three became completely enamored by the game. After a while, Emanuel Lasker decided that he was an extremely good player (he even wrote about it). Of course, he should have known better, but he had never faced a real Go master and thus had no way of understanding the true depths of the game.
One day a Japanese Go master came to town and all three of them (Edward, Emanuel, and Berthold) joined together in consultation against him. They were given 9 stone odds (similar to queen odds in chess) and got wiped off the board.
To me, the people that think it won't be that hard to get the grandmaster title in chess are suffering from the same (very human) illusion Emanuel Lasker had: they weren't able to fully appreciate the insane amount of understanding and knowledge that the giants of chess/Go possess. Lasker, of course, immediately recognized his ignorance after that game! He still loved go and played it, but he no longer made the mistake of thinking too highly of his Go skills!
To end this discussion once and for all (yeah, sure... people will always dream of getting the grandmaster title without dedication or hard work), let's take a look at a very funny, and very wise quote. In Saidy's and Lessing's wonderful book, The World of Chess, Norman Lessing (chess master, television screenwriter/producer, playwright) had this to say concerning hard work, talent, and criticisms about Fischer:
"Accusation four is usually put in the form of an inquiry: 'why shouldn't Bobby be good? He spent his whole lifetime on nothing but chess!' Answer: Thousands upon thousands of chess players have done precisely the same with little to show for it, except an occasional divorce."
Clearly, becoming a grandmaster is far from easy. And even if you do put in that 10,000+ hours, you might find yourself with "only" a 2100 or 2200 rating (not bad at all, but not close to the grandmaster goal).
Mr. Tmodel66, thanks for asking this question. You are quite right – becoming a grandmaster is, indeed, not a possibility for everyone. Instead, people should work towards more reachable goals: a 2000 rating is a great goal, and makes you an elite player (I'm not talking about an online rating, I'm talking about an over-the-board real tournament rating). If they reach that goal, then go for 2200 (Master! How cool is that!?). That's what Magnus did, and he was overjoyed each time he reached a goal. Then, like all goals, you create a new one and strive to reach that.
If you want to dream, then dream. But if you want to achieve something, create a doable goal, work hard to reach it, and then create a new goal.
A Reader Game in the Alekhine Defense
Elkinm, who played White, wondered what he did wrong in the following game. I was happy to see it since I have always had a "thing" for this very interesting opening.
As for where he went wrong, the answer is easy! Your opponent was using a strong chess engine (Houdini) so you had absolutely no chance whatsoever! How do I know this? All his moves were perfect, and on move 21 he played the maneuver 21...Ra3 22.Qe2 Ra6, which is not a human maneuver. At that point I decided to see how his moves compared with Houdini's. His choices (after he followed basic opening theory from some book) matched the computer's top choices 100% of the time, and picked the number one choice 98% of the time.
After confirming that vahid608 is a cheat, I looked for his page and discovered that he was tossed from the site. It doesn't take a genius to figure out why.
Elkinm (1694) – vahid608 (1822)Chess.com live chess, 2014 (30/0)
1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.c4 Nb6 4.d4 d6
Compare this to our initial game, EvgeniyZh – raj475, where the moves 1.e4 b6 2.e4 e6 3.e5 were played. In the Alekhine Black is willing to waste time with his knight to overextend (he hopes!) White's pawn center. In the EvgeniyZh game, White's 3.e5 overextended in the same way, but he wasn't compelled to do so.
A popular move. White's other mainline moves are 5.Nf3 (positional) and 5.f4 (sometimes quite violent). After 5.f4 dxe5 (Black also has reasonable results with 5...Bf5 and 5...g6!?, while the crazy looking 5...g5!? is also fun to look at.) 6.fxe5 Nc6 7.Be3 Bf5 8.Nc3 e6 9.Nf3 Be7 White can go for a quiet game via 10.Be2 0-0 11.0-0 f6 12.exf6 Bxf6 which leads to an interesting positional battle, or a crazy tactical war with 10.d5, though 10...exd5 11.cxd5 Nb4 12.Nd4 Bd7 13.e6 fxe6 14.dxe6 Bc6 seems satisfactory for Black.
5...exd6 is also common, but that's a different story.
Believe it or not, this natural move is no longer thought to be accurate. Instead the following line is all the rage: 6.Nc3 g6 7.Be3 Bg7 8.Rc1 (Defending c3 and preparing d4-d5 in reply to ...Nc6) 8...0-0 9.b3 and now both 9...Nc6 10.d5 Ne5 11.Be2 and 9...e5 10.dxe5 dxe5 11.Qxd8 Rxd8 12.c5 leave White with a small but annoying edge.
6...g6 7.Nc3 Bg7 8.Be3 0-0 9.Be2 Nc6 10.0-0 Bg4 11.b3 d5 12.c5 Nc8 13.h3 Bxf3 14.Bxf3 e6
Anyone who is serious about playing the Alekhine Defense is well acquainted with this position – not just the moves, but the structure, Black's main maneuver, and the opening's general philosophy.
One might think that White should be better due to his two bishops and queenside space advantage, but the truth is that Black's game is already superior! The reason is that White's bishops aren't very active, and White doesn't have a clear target to train his sights on. Black on the other hand is pressuring d4, and that pressure will increase after ...Nc8-e7-f5.
I'll give the rest of the game without notes. It's worth seeing though, since it's a powerful demonstration of Black's dynamic potential in this opening.
15.Qd2 N8e7 16.Nb5 Nf5 17.g4 a6 18.gxf5 axb5 19.fxe6 fxe6 20.Bg2 Qh4 21.Rad1 Ra3 22.Qe2 Ra6 23.Qxb5 Rf7 24.a4 Bxd4 25.Bxd4 Nxd4 26.Qd3 Rf4 27.Rd2 Qg5 28.Kh2 Qe5 29.Kh1 Qf5 30.Qxf5 Nxf5 31.Kg1 Rb4 32.Rd3 Nd4 33.Rfd1 Nxb3 34.Rb1 Nxc5 and Black easily grabbed the full point.
thanks for the instructive and accessible article on the hasty pawn advances and the inaccurate developing moves. Also, your description of Lasker and 'preternatural defensive mojo' etc., was very nice.
I think that the comparison of learning chess to learning a language is very useful. In that context we could compare Silman's (and others) approach of going through massive amounts of games to the "total immersion" approach favored by some in learning a language.
I tried posting a longer version of this before, but I think it got eaten by the internet god!...
It might be worth comparing learning chess with learning a language. This is something that all human beings are fundamentally programmed for, and all will achieve, to a greater or lesser extent, so long as they do not have some form of learning disability (or incredibly cruel parents). But it takes *years* of active learning: a lot more than the 10,000 hours quoted here.
Learning a second language is different, and can be achieved much more quickly - as a native English speaker, about 650 hours of classroom study can get you an Advanced level in a closely related language (Spanish, Afrikaans, Swedish); about 2200 hours (half in the country of origin) will get you Arabic, Korean or Chinese to the same standard: presuming you stick at it, are reasonably conscientious in your self-study, and don't have any serious disadvantages (a tin ear; an inability to make guesses about language; being too old). It would probably help to already have learned another foreign language or two.
This is *not* the same as being a native speaker of that language, but it is a standard that most learners will never achieve: not because they are actually unable to, but because they are not able to commit to the full course, and quite possibly because they are discouraged by the apparent slowness of their progress. How does this all compare with chess? Well, on the one hand, chess is clearly much simpler than language, and shouldn't/doesn't take so long. On the other hand, there is no instinct for chess, no inherent need for it, and certainly no built-in capacity to learn it (though having a good set of memory skills and practices will certainly help learners of both languages and chess).
In short, Silman's sketch of a degree of skill being achievable by virtually all, given sufficient study and patience, but of the 'heights' requiring additional qualities that not everyone possesses* seems entirely reasonable.
* - these qualities are not just intellectual/mental (memory, visualisation skills etc), but also personal (motivation, determination) and environmental (enough time and money to study, access to an active chess culture).
Yes, random articles are always enlightening!
I can relax now. Time, effort, sacrifice; I like those words. Talent rings falsely...
Again, thanks for the article!
"GM Jacques Mieses is a good candidate for that, he was 85 when he got the GM title"
That's only because he was 85 in 1950 when FIDE issued titles for the first time, not because he was 85 when reached that level.
According to the imcomparable Bill Wall who is usually right on the money about such things "The oldest I can think of was Viktor Ciocaltea of Romania. He was born on January 16, 1932. He became an International Master in 1957 at the age of 25. He played on and off, and finally became a grandmaster at the age of 47 in 1979."
@ Jimmy-the-Hand and Pawnslinger1:
Actually I haven't read any of those books. I noticed the 10,000 rule in some random article. But trying to make any number "special" in this respect is bogus. I use the 10,000 rule as a simple way to say, "If you want to be really good at anything, it takes an enormous amount of time, effort, and sacrifice to even have a chance at success (with no guarantees!)."
@ Pawnslinger1, yes, can't say I'm a major fan of Gladwell's book. A lot of anecdotal evidence and so on, without showing the mass research itself. When I said invented, I didn't mean the scientific sense of inventing, I meant more the pulling out of nowhere. But you're right, 'popularising' is correct.
I was just assuming IM Silman came across the 10,000 rule through Gladwell.
As for K. Anders Ericsson, see below 'The Making of an Expert'. And who does he start his introduction with? The Polgar family!
Lucky_Dude7>> ...Does anyone know who the oldest person was to get the GM title? That might give some of our older chess hobbyists some hope...
GM Jacques Mieses is a good candidate for that, he was 85 when he got the GM title...
@ Jimmy-the-hand. The 10,000 hour rule was popularised by Gladwell, it was not invented by him. He is a reporter and a very good writer but not a scientist.
Professor Anders Ericcsson is the one who did the landmark work over the course of decades on the concept of "deliberate practice" and the 10,000 hour rule. Virtually all literature on this topic starts with Ericcsson's work and Gladwell definitely acknowledges Professor Ericcsson.
Another excellent book on the topic for the layman is "The Talent Code" by Daniel Coyle. IMO its even better done than Gladwell's book.
Thanks IM Silman. I always look forward to and enjoy your articles. Does anyone know who the oldest person was to get the GM title? That might give some of our older chess hobbyists some hope...
Fantastic article, thank you so much
I'm still waiting to see if anyone can explain what Houdini is thinking when executing the "Vulcan Maneouver". Was it really first played in a game between Cpt. Kirk and Mr. Spock?
(If TLDR, talent is a myth!)Chess entertainment at it's best!
Is there an understandable reason for the "Vulcan" manoeuvre, as you called it?! 21...Ra3 to restrain 22.a4 maybe, 22...Ra6 a nice anchor point perhaps?
You refer to the '10,000 hour rule', which is probably a good rule of thumb, and 'talent' regularly. But the person who invented this figure, Malcolm Gladwell, thought the two concepts were mutually exclusive! The reason he put forward this idea of 10,000 hours of purposeful practice was to do away with notions of talent.
The quote about Fischer is misleading. I don't think "thousands upon thousands of chess players" have had the same obsession, the same dedication, the same mania with chess that Fischer had.
Carlsen's "astronomical talent"? He was able to solve 50-piece jigsaw puzzles at the age of two, granted. So perhaps we can call him a savant. But when first introduced to chess, no such 'talent' was present. He wasn't even particularly interested. His skill developed exponentially over time, but I would guess in line with the quality and quantity of his practice. I would also assume will power is a result of children's conditioning, their brains being incredibly plastic, not something you can "be born with".
The Polgar sisters are another example. Their father, a psychologist and chess theory expert, is another believer in the myth of talent. He proclaimed his children would be geniuses, but years before any of them were born! Judit Polgar became the eighth strongest player in the world at her peak. What is more likely, her father's intensive training regime brought results, or that coincidentally Judit was highly talented as a chess player?
@ghms Magnus was well into his first 10.000 hours of practice by the time he reached 2000. He has played seriously for 13 years, I would guess he is past 20.000 hours by now.
10.000 isn't that much, really. But you have to start young. For instance, the best 12 year old footballers in Argentina have 4.000 hours of coaching by that age (1.000 in Norway), according to a coaching seminar I once attended.
As for us adults, enjoy the game first and foremost. If I can manage 500 hours of chess in a year (10 hours a week), I hope to make some progress from my current 1700+ FIDE rating. MAYBE 2000 is still possible, even for a 45 year old - albeit with a fantastic wife who prefers that I play chess rather than turn to drink.
And one important part of enjoying the game is reading the articles by Mr. Silman!
I doubt you need 10000 hours to become a GM. I think some people have the talent(memory, imagination) and others don't.(They are not even going to become one with 20000)
Magnus for example jumped within 4 years from a playing strengh of ~2000 to his GM title. I doubt he investet 2500 hours/year.
Favourite Chess-related activity of the week - every week: reading Silman's articles on Chess. Fun, informative and makes me love the game of chess
Vindication should be in that vahid608's account has been closed for cheating.
@ Rommeldam, who doesn't know what the moves ...Ra3 followed by ...Ra6 do.
EXACTLY! I don't think any human would have played that sequence. Yet Houdini rolls around on the floor moaning in ecstasy when it recommends those moves. In my mind, clear proof that Black was using an engine. When you add the fact that all his moves were Houdini favorites, it becomes an open and shut case.
The moves Ra3 followed by Ra6 are indeed strange but, sorry for asking, why are they usefull? They are made by a strong engine so they are probably very good moves but I fail to understand why
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Most Cited Progress in Particle and Nuclear Physics Articles
The most cited articles published since 2011, extracted from Scopus.
Experimental studies of the Pygmy Dipole ResonanceD. Savran | T. Aumann | A. Zilges
Volume 70, Issue , May 2013, Pages 210-245
The electric dipole response of atomic nuclei has attracted a lot of attention from experimentalists and theorists in the last decade. This review gives an overview about the present status of experimental approaches to study low-lying electric dipole strength (often denoted as Pygmy Dipole Resonance) in stable and radioactive atomic nuclei and discusses the implications of these findings. Data published until July 2012 have been taken into account.
Relativistic nuclear energy density functionals: Mean-field and beyondT. Nikšić | D. Vretenar | P. Ring
Volume 66, Issue 3, July 2011, Pages 519-548
Relativistic energy density functionals (EDF) have become a standard tool for nuclear structure calculations, providing a complete and accurate, global description of nuclear ground states and collective excitations. Guided by the medium dependence of the microscopic nucleon self-energies in nuclear matter, semi-empirical functionals have been adjusted to the nuclear matter equation of state and to bulk properties of finite nuclei, and applied to studies of arbitrarily heavy nuclei, exotic nuclei far from stability, and even systems at the nucleon drip-lines. REDF-based structure models have also been developed that go beyond the static mean-field approximation, and include collective correlations related to the restoration of broken symmetries and to fluctuations of collective variables. These models are employed in analyses of structure phenomena related to shell evolution, including detailed predictions of excitation spectra and electromagnetic transition rates.© 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The theory and phenomenology of perturbative QCD based jet quenchingA. Majumder | M. Van Leeuwen
Volume 66, Issue 1, January 2011, Pages 41-92
The study of the structure of strongly interacting dense matter via hard jets is reviewed. High momentum partons produced in hard collisions produce a shower of gluons prior to undergoing the non-perturbative process of hadronization. In the presence of a dense medium this shower is modified due to scattering of the various partons off the constituents in the medium. The modified pattern of the final detected hadrons is then a probe of the structure of the medium as perceived by the jet. Starting from the factorization paradigm developed for the case of particle collisions, we review the basic underlying theory of medium induced gluon radiation based on perturbative Quantum Chromo Dynamics (pQCD) and current experimental results from Deep Inelastic Scattering on large nuclei and high energy heavy-ion collisions, emphasizing how these results constrain our understanding of energy loss. This review contains introductions to the theory of radiative energy loss, elastic energy loss, and the corresponding experimental observables and issues. We close with a discussion of important calculations and measurements that need to be carried out to complete the description of jet modification at high energies at future high energy colliders. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Ab initio no core shell modelBruce R. Barrett | Petr Navrátil | James P. Vary
Volume 69, Issue 1, March 2013, Pages 131-181
Motivated by limitations of the Bloch-Horowitz-Brandow perturbative approach to nuclear structure we have developed the non-perturbative ab initio no core shell model (NCSM) capable of solving the properties of nuclei exactly for arbitrary nucleon-nucleon (NN) and NN+ three-nucleon (NNN) interactions with exact preservation of all symmetries. We present the complete ab initio NCSM formalism and review highlights obtained with it since its inception. These highlights include the first ab initio nuclear-structure calculations utilizing chiral NNN interactions, which predict the correct low-lying spectrum for 10B and explain the anomalous long 14C β-decay lifetime. We also obtain the small quadrupole moment of 6Li. In addition to explaining long-standing nuclear structure anomalies, the ab initio NCSM provides a predictive framework for observables that are not yet measured or are not directly measurable. For example, reactions between short-lived systems and reaction rates near zero energy are relevant to fusion research but may not be known from experiment with sufficient precision. We, therefore, discuss, in detail, the extension of the ab initio NCSM to nuclear reactions and sketch a number of promising future directions for research emerging from the NCSM foundation, including a microscopic non-perturbative framework for the theory with a core. Having a parameter-free approach, we can construct systems with a core, which will provide an ab initio pathway to heavier nuclei. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Radioactive waste partitioning and transmutation within advanced fuel cycles: Achievements and challengesM. Salvatores | G. Palmiotti
Volume 66, Issue 1, January 2011, Pages 144-166
If nuclear power becomes a sustainable source of energy, a safe, robust, and acceptable solution must be pursued for existing and projected inventories of high-activity, long-lived radioactive waste. Remarkable progress in the field of geological disposal has been made in the last two decades. Some countries have reached important milestones, and geological disposal (of spent fuel) is expected to start in 2020 in Finland and in 2022 in Sweden. In fact, the licensing of the geological repositories in both countries is now entering into its final phase. In France, disposal of intermediate-level waste (ILW) and vitrified high-level waste (HLW) is expected to start around 2025, according to the roadmap defined by an Act of Parliament in 2006. In this context, transmutation of part of the waste through use of advanced fuel cycles, probably feasible in the coming decades, can reduce the burden on the geological repository. This article presents the physical principle of transmutation and reviews several strategies of partitioning and transmutation (P&T). Many recent studies have demonstrated that the impact of P&T on geological disposal concepts is not overwhelmingly high. However, by reducing waste heat production, a more efficient utilization of repository space is likely. Moreover, even if radionuclide release from the waste to the environment and related calculated doses to the population are only partially reduced by P&T, it is important to point out that a clear reduction of the actinide inventory in the HLW definitely reduces risks arising from less probable evolutions of a repository (i.e., an increase of actinide mobility in certain geochemical situations and radiological impact by human intrusion). © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Electric dipole moments of nucleons, nuclei, and atoms: The Standard Model and beyondJonathan Engel | Michael J. Ramsey-Musolf | U. Van Kolck
Volume 71, Issue , July 2013, Pages 21-74
Searches for the permanent electric dipole moments (EDMs) of molecules, atoms, nucleons and nuclei provide powerful probes of CP violation both within the Standard Model and beyond the Standard Model (BSM). The interpretation of experimental EDM limits requires careful delineation of physics at a wide range of scales, from the long-range atomic and molecular scales to the short-distance dynamics of physics at or beyond the Fermi scale. In this review, we provide a framework for disentangling contributions from physics at these disparate scales, building out from the set of dimension four and six effective operators that embody CP violation at the Fermi scale. We survey computations of hadronic and nuclear matrix elements associated with Fermi-scale CP violation in systems of experimental interest and quantify the present level of theoretical uncertainty in these calculations. Using representative BSM scenarios of current interest, we discuss ways in which the interplay of physics at various scales can generate EDMs at a potentially observable level. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The nature of the Λ (1405) resonance in chiral dynamicsTetsuo Hyodo | Daisuke Jido
Volume 67, Issue 1, January 2012, Pages 55-98
The Λ(1405) baryon resonance plays an outstanding role in various aspects in hadron and nuclear physics. It has been considered that the Λ(1405) resonance is generated by the attractive interaction of the antikaon and the nucleon as a quasi-bound state below its threshold decaying into the πΣ channel. Thus, the structure of Λ(1405) is closely related to the KN interaction which is the fundamental ingredient to study few-body systems with antikaon. In this paper, after reviewing the basic properties of the Λ(1405) resonance, we introduce the dynamical coupled-channel model which respects chiral symmetry of QCD and the unitarity of the scattering amplitude. We show that the structure of the Λ(1405) resonance is dominated by the mesonbaryon molecular component and is described as a superposition of two independent states. The mesonbaryon nature of Λ(1405) leads to various hadronic molecular states in few-body systems with strangeness which are hadron composite systems driven by the hadronic interactions. We summarize the recent progress in the investigation of the Λ(1405) structure and future perspective of the physics of the Λ(1405) resonance. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Recent experimental progress in nuclear halo structure studiesIsao Tanihata | Herve Savajols | Rituparna Kanungo
Volume 68, Issue 1, January 2013, Pages 215-313
Recent developments (since the last review in J. of Physics G by I. Tanihata in 1996 [1]) at RIB facilities opened possibilities of detailed studies of halo nuclei. New facilities have been constructed to provide higher intensity beams of radioactive nuclei in a wide range of energies. At the time of the last review, only secondary beams by projectile fragmentation were the production source of halo nuclei for use in reaction studies. Since then, re-acceleration facilities have been developed and thus high-quality low-energy beams become available for the reaction studies. The wide variety of new data are thus available on halo nuclei and nuclei on and outside of proton and neutron drip lines. Low energy beams provided a means to determine the masses and charge radii of halo nuclei (6,8He, 11Li). Also transfer reactions have been measured in many nuclei far from the stability line. In fragmentation facilities, new experimental methods such as gamma ray detection in coincidence with breakup fragments of halo nuclei have been developed. Also the reaction cross sections have been measured in a wide range of beam energies. In addition, proton elastic scattering of halo nuclei has been measured at high energies. All together, studies of density distribution, identification of shell orbitals and spectroscopic factors of halo wave function became possible. Such studies reveal many new important information such as the change of magic numbers in nuclei far from the stability line. In this article, we would like to review the experimental developments on halo nuclei and other related drip line nuclei. Also the new view of the nuclear structure learned from such studies will be discussed. Development of selected theories on related nuclear structure problems will be mentioned briefly. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Explanation and prediction of observables using continuum strong QCDIan C. Cloët | Craig D. Roberts
Volume 77, Issue , January 2014, Pages 1-69
The last five years have brought considerable progress in the study of the bound-state problem in continuum quantum field theory. We highlight a subset of that progress; viz., that made within the context of Dyson-Schwinger equation analyses of cold, sparse hadrons. Our focus is primarily on advances in the reliable computation, explanation and prediction of quantities that are truly measurable; but we also review aspects of a new paradigm that has condensates contained within hadrons, and explain that the asymptotic form of parton distribution amplitudes and functions are practically unreachable with terrestrial facilities. Given the pace of expansion in experiment and improvement in theory, it appears possible that the next five years will bring profound growth in our store of knowledge about hadrons and nuclei. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
What are the astrophysical sites for the r-process and the production of heavy elements?F. K. Thielemann | A. Arcones | R. Kppeli | M. Liebendrfer | T. Rauscher | C. Winteler | C. Frhlich | I. Dillmann | T. Fischer | G. Martinez-Pinedo | K. Langanke | K. Farouqi | K. L. Kratz | I. Panov | I. K. Korneev
Volume 66, Issue 2, April 2011, Pages 346-353
This article addresses three of the four nucleosynthesis processes involved in producing heavy nuclei beyond Fe (with a main focus on the r-process). Opposite to the fourth process (the s-process), which operates in stellar evolution during He- and C-burning, they are all related to explosive burning phases, (presumably) linked to core collapse supernova events of massive stars. The (classical) p-process is identified with explosive Ne/O-burning in outer zones of the progenitor star. It is initiated by the passage of the supernova shock wave and acts via photodisintegration reactions like a spallation process which produces neighboring (proton-rich) isotopes from pre-existing heavy nuclei. The reproduction of some of the so-called lighter p-isotopes with A<100 faces problems in this environment. The only recently discovered νp-process is related to the innermost ejecta, the neutrino wind expelled from the hot proto-neutron star after core collapse and the supernova explosion. This neutrino wind is proton-rich in its early phase, producing nuclei up to 64Ge. Reactions with neutrinos permit to overcome decay/reaction bottlenecks for the flow beyond 64Ge, thus producing light p-isotopes, which face problems in the classical p-process scenario. The understanding of the r-process, being identified for a long time with rapid neutron captures and passing through nuclei far from stability, is still experiencing major problems. These are on the one hand related to nuclear uncertainties far from stability (masses, half-lives, fission barriers), affecting the process speed and abundance peaks. On the other hand the site is still not definitely located, yet. (i) Later, possibly neutron-rich, high entropy phases of the neutrino wind (if they materialize!) could permit its operation. (ii) Other options include the ejection of very neutron-rich neutron star-like matter, occurring possibly in neutron star mergers or core collapse supernova events with jets, related to prior stellar evolution with high rotation rates and magnetic fields. Two different environments are required for a weak and a main/strong r-process, witnessed by observations of low metallicity stars and meteoritic inclusions, which could possibly be identified with the two options listed above, i.e. the weak r-process could be related to the neutrino wind when changing from p-rich to n-rich conditions. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Review of two-photon exchange in electron scatteringJ. Arrington | P. G. Blunden | W. Melnitchouk
Volume 66, Issue 4, October 2011, Pages 782-833
We review the role of two-photon exchange (TPE) in electronhadron scattering, focusing in particular on hadronic frameworks suitable for describing the low and moderate Q2 region relevant to most experimental studies. We discuss the effects of TPE on the extraction of nucleon form factors and their role in the resolution of the proton electric to magnetic form factor ratio puzzle. The implications of TPE on various other observables, including neutron form factors, electroproduction of resonances and pions, and nuclear form factors, are summarized. Measurements seeking to directly identify TPE effects, such as through the angular dependence of polarization observables, nonlinear ε contributions to the cross sections, and via e+p to e-p cross section ratios, are also outlined. In the weak sector, we describe the role of TPE and γZ interference in parity-violating electron scattering, and assess their impact on the extraction of the strange form factors of the nucleon and the weak charge of the proton. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The Chiral Magnetic Effect and anomaly-induced transportDmitri E. Kharzeev
Volume 75, Issue , March 2014, Pages 133-151
The Chiral Magnetic Effect (CME) is the phenomenon of electric charge separation along the external magnetic field that is induced by the chirality imbalance. The CME is a macroscopic quantum effect - it is a manifestation of the chiral anomaly creating a collective motion in Dirac sea. Because the chirality imbalance is related to the global topology of gauge fields, the CME current is topologically protected and hence non-dissipative even in the presence of strong interactions. As a result, the CME and related quantum phenomena affect the hydrodynamical and transport behavior of systems possessing chiral fermions, from the quark-gluon plasma to chiral materials. The goal of the present review is to provide an elementary introduction into the main ideas underlying the physics of CME, a historical perspective, and a guide to the rapidly growing literature on this topic. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Electroexcitation of nucleon resonancesI. G. Aznauryan | V. D. Burkert
Volume 67, Issue 1, January 2012, Pages 1-54
We review recent progress in the investigation of the electroexcitation of nucleon resonances, both in experiment and in theory. We describe current experimental facilities, the experiments performed on π and η electroproduction off protons, and theoretical approaches used for the extraction of resonance contributions from the experimental data. The status of 2π, KΛ, and KΣ electroproduction is also presented. The most accurate results have been obtained for the electroexcitation amplitudes of the four lowest excited states, which have been measured in a range of Q2 up to 8 and 4.5 GeV 2 for Δ(1232)P33, N(1535) S11 and N(1440)P11, N(1520)D13, respectively. These results have been confronted with calculations based on lattice QCD, large-Nc relations, perturbative QCD (pQCD), and QCD-inspired models. The amplitudes for the Δ(1232) indicate large pion-cloud contributions at low Q2 and do not show any sign of approaching the pQCD regime for Q2<7GeV2. Measured for the first time, the electroexcitation amplitudes of the Roper resonance, N(1440)P11, provide strong evidence for this state as a predominantly radial excitation of a three-quark (3q) ground state, with additional non-3-quark contributions needed to describe the low Q2 behavior of the amplitudes. The longitudinal transition amplitude for the N(1535)S11 was determined and has become a challenge for quark models. Explanations may require large meson-cloud contributions or alternative representations of this state. The N(1520) D13 clearly shows the rapid changeover from helicity-3/2 dominance at the real photon point to helicity-1/2 dominance at Q2>0.5GeV 2, confirming a long-standing prediction of the constituent quark model. The interpretation of the moments of resonance transition form factors in terms of transition transverse charge distributions in infinite momentum frame is presented. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Using effective field theory to analyse low-energy compton scattering data from protons and light nucleiH. W. Grießhammer | J. A. McGovern | D. R. Phillips | G. Feldman
Volume 67, Issue 4, October 2012, Pages 841-897
Compton scattering from protons and neutrons provides important insight into the structure of the nucleon. For photon energies up to about 300 MeV, the process can be parameterised by six dynamical dipole polarisabilities which characterise the response of the nucleon to a monochromatic photon of fixed frequency and multipolarity. Their zero-energy limit yields the well-known static electric and magnetic dipole polarisabilities αE1 and βM1, and the four dipole spin polarisabilities. The emergence of full lattice QCD results and new experiments at MAMI (Mainz), HIγS at TUNL, and MAX-Lab (Lund) makes this an opportune time to review nucleon Compton scattering. Chiral Effective Field Theory (χEFT) provides an ideal analysis tool, since it encodes the well-established low-energy dynamics of QCD while maintaining an appropriately flexible form for the Compton amplitudes of the nucleon. The same χEFT also describes deuteron and 3He Compton scattering, using consistent nuclear currents, rescattering and wave functions, and respects the low-energy theorems for photonnucleus scattering. It can thus also be used to extract useful information on the neutron amplitude from Compton scattering on light nuclei. We summarise past work in χEFT on all of these reactions and compare with other theoretical approaches. We also discuss all proton experiments up to about 400 MeV, as well as the three modern elastic deuteron data sets, paying particular attention to the precision and accuracy of each set. Constraining the Δ(1232) parameters from the resonance region, we then perform new fits to the proton data up to ωlab=170MeV, and a new fit to the deuteron data. After checking in each case that a two-parameter fit is compatible with the respective Baldin sum rules, we obtain, using the sum-rule constraints in a one-parameter fit, αE1(p)=10.7±0.3(stat)±0.2(Baldin) ±0.8(theory), βM1(p)=3.1∓0.3(stat)±0.2(Baldin) ±0.8(theory), for the proton polarisabilities, and αE1(s)=10. 9±0.9(stat)±0.2(Baldin)±0.8(theory), βM1(s)=3. 6∓0.9(stat)±0.2(Baldin)±0.8(theory), for the isoscalar polarisabilities, each in units of 10-4fm3. Finally, we discuss plans for polarised Compton scattering on the proton, deuteron, 3He and heavier targets, their promise as tools to access spin polarisabilities, and other future avenues for theoretical and experimental investigation. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Nuclear physics from lattice QCDS. R. Beane | W. Detmold | K. Orginos | M. J. Savage
Volume 66, Issue 1, January 2011, Pages 1-40
We review recent progress toward establishing lattice Quantum Chromodynamics as a predictive calculational framework for nuclear physics. A survey of the current techniques that are used to extract low-energy hadronic scattering amplitudes and interactions is followed by a review of recent two-body and few-body calculations by the NPLQCD collaboration and others. An outline of the nuclear physics that is expected to be accomplished with Lattice QCD in the next decade, along with estimates of the required computational resources, is presented. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Hard probes of short-range nucleonnucleon correlationsJ. Arrington | D. W. Higinbotham | G. Rosner | M. Sargsian
Volume 67, Issue 4, October 2012, Pages 898-938
One of the primary goals of nuclear physics is providing a complete description of the structure of atomic nuclei. While mean-field calculations provide detailed information on the nuclear shell structure for a wide range of nuclei, they do not capture the complete structure of nuclei, in particular the impact of small, dense structures in nuclei. The strong, short-range component of the nucleonnucleon potential yields hard interactions between nucleons which are close together, generating a high-momentum tail to the nucleon momentum distribution, with momenta well in excess of the Fermi momentum. This high-momentum component of the nuclear wave-function is one of the most poorly understood parts of nuclear structure. Utilizing high-energy probes, we can isolate scattering from high-momentum nucleons, and use these measurements to examine the structure and impact of short-range nucleonnucleon correlations. Over the last decade we have moved from looking for evidence of such short-range structures to mapping out their strength in nuclei and examining their isospin structure. This has been made possible by high-luminosity and high-energy accelerators, coupled with an improved understanding of the reaction mechanism issues involved in studying these structures. We review the general issues related to short-range correlations, survey recent experiments aimed at probing these short-range structures, and lay out future possibilities to further these studies. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Spin-isospin excitations probed by strong, weak and electro-magnetic interactionsY. Fujita | B. Rubio | W. Gelletly
Volume 66, Issue 3, July 2011, Pages 549-606
GamowTeller (GT) transitions are the most common weak interaction processes of spinisospin (στ) type in atomic nuclei. They are of interest not only in nuclear physics but also in astrophysics; they play an important role in supernovae explosions and nucleosynthesis. The direct study of weak decay processes, however, gives relatively limited information about GT transitions and the states excited via GT transitions (GT states); β decay can only access states at excitation energies lower than the decay Q-value, and neutrino-induced reactions have very small cross-sections. However, one should note that β decay has a direct access to the absolute GT transition strengths B(GT) from a study of half-lives, Qβ-values and branching ratios. They also provide information on GT transitions in nuclei far-from-stability. Studies of M1γ transitions provide similar information. In contrast, the complementary charge-exchange (CE) reactions, such as the (p,n) or (3He, t) reactions at intermediate beam energies and 0°, can selectively excite GT states up to high excitation energies in the final nucleus. It has been found empirically that there is a close proportionality between the cross-sections at 0° and the transition strengths B(GT) in these CE reactions. Therefore, CE reactions are useful tools to study the relative values of B(GT) strengths up to high excitation energies. In recent (3He, t) measurements, one order-of-magnitude improvement in the energy resolution has been achieved. This has made it possible to make one-to-one comparisons of GT transitions studied in CE reactions and β decays. Thus GT strengths in (3He, t) reactions can be normalised by the β-decay values. In addition, comparisons with closely related M1 transitions studied in γ decay or electron inelastic scattering [(e, e′)], and furthermore with "spin" M1 transitions that can be studied by proton inelastic scattering [(p,p′)] have now been made possible. In these comparisons, the isospin quantum number T and associated symmetry structure in the same mass A nuclei (isobars) play a key role. Isospin symmetry can extend our scope even to the structures of unstable nuclei that are far from reach at present unstable beam factories.© 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The QCD equation of state from the latticeOwe Philipsen
Volume 70, Issue , May 2013, Pages 55-107
The equation of state of QCD at finite temperatures and baryon densities has a wide range of applications in many fields of modern particle and nuclear physics. It is the main ingredient to describe the dynamics of experimental heavy ion collisions, the expansion of the early universe in the standard model era and the interior of compact stars. On most scales of interest, QCD is strongly coupled and not amenable to perturbative investigations. Over the past decade, first principles calculations using lattice QCD have reached maturity, in the sense that for particular discretisation schemes simulations at the physical point have become possible, finite temperature results near the continuum limit are available and systematic errors begin to be controlled. This review summarises the current theoretical and numerical state of the art based on staggered and Wilson fermions. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Developing the Recoil Distance Doppler-Shift technique towards a versatile tool for lifetime measurements of excited nuclear statesA. Dewald | O. Möller | P. Petkov
Volume 67, Issue 3, July 2012, Pages 786-839
In this article, the Recoil Distance Doppler-Shift (RDDS) method which is extensively used in nuclear structure physics to determine level lifetimes and absolute transition probabilities is reviewed. Especially, it is aimed to present new developments and variants of the technique which have evolved mainly in the past 25 years. After a short and comprehensive description of the basic elements of the plunger technique, the new variants are presented. This comprises the RDDS technique using γγ-coincidences, RDDS measurements in combination with particle detectors for selecting specific reaction channels, RDDS after Coulomb excitation, RDDS after fission and RDDS using a gas target. In addition, the concept of a differential plunger is discussed with respect to its specific features and typical experimental setups. Examples of differential plunger measurements with recoil tagging, recoil decay tagging and after deep inelastic reactions, Coulomb excitation in inverse reaction kinematics as well as after reactions with fast radioactive beams at energies of 50-100 MeV/u are given. The second focus of the review is dedicated to today's plunger devices and related hardware. The concepts of specific plunger devices which accommodate the specific demands of the aforementioned RDDS applications including specific feedback systems for controlling target-stopper/degrader separations in-beam are presented. Also discussed are target and stopper/degrader foil related issues like foil preparation, mounting and stretching as well as specific features of the foil behavior in-beam (temperature, blistering, wrinkling and carbon build-up). The third focus is devoted to the data analysis. The concept of the Differential Decay Curve Method (DDCM) is presented as an alternative approach for the analysis of RDDS data measured as singles or as γγ-coincidences. For the latter, different gating possibilities are discussed, e.g. gating from above and gating from below the level of interest and gating on fractional components. Finally, the simulation of line-shapes and its application is presented. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The phase diagram of nuclear and quark matter at high baryon densityKenji Fukushima | Chihiro Sasaki
Volume 72, Issue , September 2013, Pages 99-154
We review theoretical approaches to explore the phase diagram of nuclear and quark matter at high baryon density. We first look over the basic properties of quantum chromodynamics (QCD) and address how to describe various states of QCD matter. In our discussions on nuclear matter we cover the relativistic mean-field model, the chiral perturbation theory, and the approximation based on the large-Nc limit where Nc is the number of colors. We then explain the liquid-gas phase transition and the inhomogeneous meson condensation in nuclear matter with emphasis put on the relevance to quark matter. We commence the next part focused on quark matter with the bootstrap model and the Hagedorn temperature. Then we turn to properties associated with chiral symmetry and exposit theoretical descriptions of the chiral phase transition. There emerge some quark-matter counterparts of phenomena seen in nuclear matter such as the liquid-gas phase transition and the inhomogeneous structure of the chiral condensate. The third regime that is being recognized recently is what is called quarkyonic matter, which has both aspects of nuclear and quark matter. We closely elucidate the basic idea of quarkyonic matter in the large-Nc limit and its physics implications. Finally, we discuss some experimental indications for the QCD phase diagram and close the review with outlooks. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The renormalization scale-setting problem in QCDXing Gang Wu | Stanley J. Brodsky | Matin Mojaza
Volume 72, Issue , September 2013, Pages 44-98
A key problem in making precise perturbative QCD predictions is to set the proper renormalization scale of the running coupling. The conventional scale-setting procedure assigns an arbitrary range and an arbitrary systematic error to fixed-order pQCD predictions. In fact, this ad hoc procedure gives results which depend on the choice of the renormalization scheme, and it is in conflict with the standard scale-setting procedure used in QED. Predictions for physical results should be independent of the choice of the scheme or other theoretical conventions. We review current ideas and points of view on how to deal with the renormalization scale ambiguity and show how to obtain renormalization scheme- and scale-independent estimates. We begin by introducing the renormalization group (RG) equation and an extended version, which expresses the invariance of physical observables under both the renormalization scheme and scale-parameter transformations. The RG equation provides a convenient way for estimating the scheme- and scale-dependence of a physical process. We then discuss self-consistency requirements of the RG equations, such as reflexivity, symmetry, and transitivity, which must be satisfied by a scale-setting method. Four typical scale setting methods suggested in the literature, i.e., the Fastest Apparent Convergence (FAC) criterion, the Principle of Minimum Sensitivity (PMS), the Brodsky-Lepage-Mackenzie method (BLM), and the Principle of Maximum Conformality (PMC), are introduced. Basic properties and their applications are discussed. We pay particular attention to the PMC, which satisfies all of the requirements of RG invariance. Using the PMC, all non-conformal terms associated with the β-function in the perturbative series are summed into the running coupling, and one obtains a unique, scale-fixed, scheme-independent prediction at any finite order. The PMC provides the principle underlying the BLM method, since it gives the general rule for extending BLM up to any perturbative order; in fact, they are equivalent to each other through the PMC-BLM correspondence principle. Thus, all the features previously observed in the BLM literature are also adaptable to the PMC. The PMC scales and the resulting finite-order PMC predictions are to high accuracy independent of the choice of the initial renormalization scale, and thus consistent with RG invariance. The PMC is also consistent with the renormalization scale-setting procedure for QED in the zero-color limit. The use of the PMC thus eliminates a serious systematic scale error in perturbative QCD predictions, greatly improving the precision of empirical tests of the Standard Model and their sensitivity to new physics. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Precision tau physicsAntonio Pich
Volume 75, Issue , March 2014, Pages 41-85
Precise measurements of the lepton properties provide stringent tests of the Standard Model and accurate determinations of its parameters. We overview the present status of τ physics, highlighting the most recent developments, and discuss the prospects for future improvements. The leptonic decays of the τ lepton probe the structure of the weak currents and the universality of their couplings to the W boson. The universality of the leptonic Z couplings has also been tested through Z→ℓ+ℓ- decays. The hadronic τ decay modes constitute an ideal tool for studying low-energy effects of the strong interaction in very clean conditions. Accurate determinations of the QCD coupling and the Cabibbo mixing Vus have been obtained with τ data. The large mass of the τ opens the possibility to study many kinematically-allowed exclusive decay modes and extract relevant dynamical information. Violations of flavour and CP conservation laws can also be searched for with τ decays. Related subjects such as μ decays, the electron and muon anomalous magnetic moments, neutrino mixing and B-meson decays into τ leptons are briefly covered. Being one the fermions most strongly coupled to the scalar sector, the τ lepton is playing now a very important role at the LHC as a tool to test the Higgs properties and search for new physics at higher scales. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Gluon saturation and initial conditions for relativistic heavy ion collisionsJ. L. Albacete | C. Marquet
Volume 76, Issue , January 2014, Pages 1-42
We present an overview of theoretical aspects of the phenomenon of gluon saturation in high energy scattering in Quantum Chromo Dynamics. Then we review the state-of-the-art of saturation-based phenomenological approaches to the study and characterization of the initial state of ultra-relativistic heavy ion collisions performed at RHIC and the LHC. Our review focuses mostly in the Color Glass Condensate effective theory, although we shall also discuss other approaches in parallel. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Future prospects for hadron physics at P̄ANDAUlrich Wiedner
Volume 66, Issue 3, July 2011, Pages 477-518
The P̄ANDA experiment at the new FAIR facility will be the major hadron physics experiment at the end of this decade. It has an ambitious far-reaching physics program that spans the most fascinating topics that are emerging in contemporary hadron physics. The universality of the antiproton annihilation process, with either protons or nuclei as targets, allows physicists to address questions like the structure of glueballs and hybrids; to clarify the nature of the X, Y and Z states; to investigate electromagnetic channels in order to measure form factors of the nucleon; and to provide theory with input with respect to non-perturbative aspects of QCD. The possibility to use different nuclear targets opens the window for charm physics with nuclei or for color transparency studies, as well as for an intensive hypernuclear physics program. Previous experimental experience has clearly demonstrated that the key to success lies in high levels of precision complemented with sophisticated analysis methods, only possible with high statistics in the data set. However, since this puts many critical demands on the detector, P̄ANDA's design has incorporated cutting-edge detector technologies that in some cases have surpassed even the requirements for LHC experiments.© 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Constraints on the density dependence of the symmetry energy from heavy-ion collisionsM. B. Tsang | Z. Chajecki | D. Coupland | P. Danielewicz | F. Famiano | R. Hodges | M. Kilburn | F. Lu | W. G. Lynch | J. Winkelbauer | M. Youngs | Y. X. Zhang
Volume 66, Issue 2, April 2011, Pages 400-404
Constraints on the equation of state (EoS) for symmetric matter (equal neutron and proton numbers) have been extracted from energetic collisions of heavy ions over a range of energies. Collisions of neutron-deficient and neutron-rich heavy ions now provide initial constraints on the EoS of neutron-rich matter at subsaturation densities from isospin diffusions and neutron proton ratios. This article reviews the experimental constraints on the density dependence of symmetry energy at subsaturation density. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.


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Airbus Defence and Space and ESA have signed an agreement that enables Copernicus Data Warehouse to continue receiving TerraSAR-X satellite information until the end of 2020.
Free tagging:
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on July 15 between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Environmental Agency (EEA) in order to share scientific expertise and technical data in the fields of
ALSAT-2A, the optical Earth observation satellite of the Algerian Space Agency (ASAL), Regional Support Office of UN-SPIDER, reached five years in orbit on July 12.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched on Friday, July 10, three 1 meter resolution optical
MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) has obtained three contracts from the Malaysian Remote Sensing Agency (MRSA) related to RADARSAT-2 satellite.
China carried out on June 26 the unexpected launch of a new Earth Observation satellite called Gaofen-8 from the Taiyuan Satellite launch Center in Shanxi province.
Deimos-2, Spain's first Very High Resolution
A new report by the international consulting firm Northern Sky Research (NSR) forecasts a boom for nano and microsatellites by 2024, which would lead to a significant diversification of the satellite industry. The report, entitled "Nano and Microsatellite Markets, 2nd Edition", states that the market for sub-100 kg space artifacts has nearly doubled between 2013 and 2014, and operators have multiplied by three in just five years.
Russia and Belarus announced that they are aiming to develop a new remote sensing satellite in two or three years. This
Sentinel 2A, the new satellite developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and Airbus, was successfully launched from the European Spaceport in Kourou (French Guiana) on 23 June 2015 at 01:52 GMT. It separated from the stage into flight 54 minutes after the launch, its solar panel has already been deployed but it will only begin its missions in three or four months.
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To celebrate the forthcoming release of Pitbull's new album Planet Pit, iTunes is releasing a new song each week for the next 3 weeks. This week, download "International Love feat. Chris Brown" and visit iTunes every Tuesday for a new song download!
Don't forget, Planet Pit hits stores on June 21st!


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Idiom of the Day
behind someone's back
Today: Fri, 28 Oct 2016
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Meaning: If you do something behind someone's back, you do it without letting them know about it.
For example:
- We've taught our kids that it's impolite to talk about people behind their backs.
- The nurses had to go behind the doctor's back when they reported him for drinking alcohol before doing operations.
Quick Quiz:
When the player spoke with another team about playing for them, he did it behind his own team's back because


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Some days I wake up and my lips feel sore and swollen; that's generally an indication I'll have a bad day.
Some days I wake up and my lips feel sore and swollen; that's generally an indication I'll have a bad day.
Here's a tip about that sort of thing, Jack:
When you have that sort of "feeling" play for about 5 minuntes and don't pay a whole lot of attention to how it sounds. Just go along your merry way as though you were participating in an outdoor event and it started raining. You look at the western sky and see blue. Continue to carry on with the event because you know it's going to pass and you're not getting all that wet anyway.
Rest 5 minutes, play another 5 and continue that pattern until things improve. They eventually will and quicker than you think. The critical element is to learn to ignore negative stimulus from the face and carry on anyway.
Throughout the process you keep singing the things you're warming up as you play. I promise you, it gets better if you ignore it and just proceed with your playing in a rather nonchalant and committed way.
Thanks Manny, I'll definitely give that a shot.
I thought that I would post in an update to this thread that I started in relation to my practicing and playing as of late.
It would seem that consistent practice (emphasis on the word "consistent") is necessary to improve as a player. I'm sure that this comes as no real shock to anyone, and it doesn't really come as a shock to me either. What has been interesting though is that I have noticed a jump in improvement in my ability to focus and concentrate that I believe is due in part to this consistency that I have forced myself to as of late.
And my physical chops weren't quite as good as I thought they were, but those are also improving.
As I have said, I am really working hard these days to bring my playing back up to a level that I am happy with and in the last week or so I have started noticing a marked improvement on some of the basics, which in turn has led to an increased ability to be expressive with the music that I play. But along with the physical and mechanical side of playing the trumpet, my level of concentration and awareness has really jumped, and I'm not sure what has caused it, not that I am complaining!
I suspect that the mental side of playing the trumpet is directly linked to the physical. To further explain this, I think that the reason for the increase in the ability to focus and concentrate is that because I have worked my physical chops a lot lately, they have gotten to the point where they are functioning much better on their own out of reflex, and brain activity that would normally be devoted to thinking about the physics and mechanics of playing is now freed up to focus instead on the expressive side of playing. I do still think about the mechanical side of playing, but really only when I'm working on technical things such as what I am working on out of my Arban's or Clarke books.
One thing that has been nice is that the last couple of gigs I have had it has been nice to walk in knowing that even if I didn't have a great night playing, it was still going to be pretty good, and I think that positive line of thinking sets me up for success before I ever even put the mouthpiece in the horn.
Anyway, I thought I would post an update and share some thoughts on the subject.
Patrick Gleason
"What we do in life echoes in eternity"
"At my signal, unleash hell."
- Maximus Decimus Meridius
Something else that I thought I would add in as an afterthought is that I think my approach that I am taking to some of my technical studies is probably also working to improve my focus and concentration.
In the Clarke Technical Studies, I'm only working on the second and third studies, but I'm doing it slowly and systematically in every key – in years past, I would hit most keys, but there were a few keys that were awkward enough for me that I avoided them. I figure that "slow and steady wins the race" and so I plod through these exercises, excruciatingly slow on some of them, making sure to get the right notes and not worry so much about tempo. I figure that if I just keep plodding through them, eventually the fingers will start to do the trick on their own and they won't seem so awkward after a while. This is a concept that I have used a little in the past, but it was emphasized to me recently in a phone conversation that I had with John Mohan, who basically said to keep repeating technical passages over and over, as many times and as slowly as necessary to play it correctly.
Anyway, I think that this also forces a higher level of concentration because you have to really engage the brain to get past some of the weird fingerings.
Patrick Gleason
"What we do in life echoes in eternity"
"At my signal, unleash hell."
- Maximus Decimus Meridius
Erg. Update: Tonight, practice wasn't so hot, probably because I worked so hard last night - I also had kind of a rough day and I'm physically and mentally tired, which never seem to mix in for a good day's practice or playing. I knew when I sat down and started to go to work that it wasn't going to have a productive practice, but I tried to fool myself into it for a bit.
So, I did about 45 minutes (on top of the 20 minute warm up set that I did earlier) of light duty playing - lyrical, easy...nothing high, taxing or strenuous, and then I just put it away for the night. There's always tomorrow night, right?
Patrick Gleason
"What we do in life echoes in eternity"
"At my signal, unleash hell."
- Maximus Decimus Meridius
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Later on, though, Cross sat poised with a jumble of microphones and cameras in his face and calmly and thoroughly answered every question thrown at him.
That's been symbolic of Cross' performance as Pitt's fourth and most intriguing quarterback of the spring. While he was a little flustered at first, but with a little help from his fellow quarterbacks and his coach, he's now settling in.
"At the beginning, I was a little shaky," Cross said. "I was trying to do too much and trying to show what I can do instead of just taking my time and learning."
His overexertion led to getting limited reps in both practice and in Pitt's two scrimmages leading up to the spring game on Saturday.
"After the first couple weeks [of spring practice], I took a step back," he said. "I listened to coach [Matt Cavanaugh] and the other quarterbacks and just learned. And I'm learning so much, I'm just starting to show a little. I'm just taking my time. I'm not really 100 percent right now, but I think I performed a little [Saturday]."
Even teammate Bill Stull, Pitt's top quarterback, saw he performed in Saturday's scrimmage, citing the game-like situations and ball movement as potential catalysts for Cross.
"He made some extra plays out there," Stull said. "Moving the ball helps a lot. Instead of only moving the ball in team tempo [during practice], now we're actually able to move it. Greg got to make some plays throwing the ball, and he showed he can run the ball. We all saw that."
That was a 29-yard third-down run that moved the chains for a first down. After being sacked by defensive end Tony Tucker on the previous play, Cross felt the pressure around him on the next and took off into the open field, which Cross says his coaches give him the permission to do.
"If I get the opportunity [to run], they told me just go," Cross said. "If it's there, take it. Don't hold back. I'm just having fun. I'm just going."
Cross ran five times on Saturday for 33 net yards and completed 2 of 5 passes for 42 yards. While he admits he's not yet where he wants to be as a player, he's as eager as anyone to get there.
"I'm hungry. I want to start the season," Cross said. "There's still a lot of learning I got to do, but you know the offense, I'm still learning it, watching a lot of film. Coach Cav told me really not to rush, so I'm just taking my time and that's what I'm doing.
"This [was] my first time in a big stadium with a crowd like this, so I'm starting to get more comfortable and more relaxed," Cross added. "I'm starting to have fun."


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Wow some really uninformed reviews here, but as a local and promoter I can give you the real deal on nights out in Adelaide that DON'T involve the usual dance music/hip hop or top40/urban beats you hear at any club around the world. We don't feel the need to advertise on mainstream forums because that's not our market, so many of the best clubs are more a secret known by locals. Here are the main nights out and a brief description of each;
JIVE: Live music venue and after 11.30pm on a Saturday hosts Gosh!, Adelaide's biggest and one of Australia's biggest indie clubs. If 300 people going mental to Arctic Monkeys, Strokes, Foals, Killers etc is your thing this is where you will find it. Modest $5 cover charge. Also hosts DiG on the first Saturday of the month, one of Australia's biggest nights of 60s music.
RHINO ROOM: Hosts comedy but afterwards once a month is Transmission, a similar indie night to Gosh! but on a Friday, and smaller capacity venue, still only $5 though!
THE AUSTRAL: Every Wed from 9.30pm is a night of 50s/60s music, more of a sit and drink then a club but worth a look.
THE KINGS HEAD: Friday nights every few weeks is a night of indie/60s/all things alternative or retro. See the pub site for details.
THE WELLINGTON HOTEL: This is a new one, but every Sunday from 2pm, is a day of 50s/60s/early 70s music for a sit down and eat/drink day out. Lovely setting opposite Wellington Square Nth Adelaide.
JACK RUBY: Soul nights with a live band on Saturdays every few weeks, check the pub site for details.
Dress Code No discrimination here, just don't look like you've crawled out of a dumpster (unless its clean of course) or dress head to toe in sporting attire.
Adelaide night life is a JOKE!! Stay out of hindley ST!! It is a mess. I mean I've lived in adelaide all my life and i can not think of anywhere else that is a ***hole.. It is a mess, disgrace and a total JOKE. And I'm more than happy to bag my own city because of how bad it is. Do yourself a favour and stay out of Adelaide and enjoy everywhere else but Adelaide!!
You will thank me later that is for sure!!
I dont like to go to Hindley St unless Im going to the Horse or if im on a bender and want to kick on for a while, in that case I usually go to the Mile High club. Upon entering the Mile High, adjacent to the bar I noticed a door....I opened it and went inside, the door closed and I became aware I was the only non aboriginal person in there. I went to the door to leave and found myself at the very back of a place I didnt know how to get out of. Straight away I was welcomed by an old female friend who was aboriginal. After talking for no longer than a few seconds I WAS KING HIT. It was a night club and of course very dark. The offender cracked me and ran off. Obviously I wanted to find out who this gutless person was, but was quickly talked into leaving before I had them all onto me as it is usually the case
I want to be let it known stay away from this place!!!. Thanks must go the people who would have witnesed this and came to my aid. (none) No wonder these people get a bad name..
I dont understand why Mile High would have this door being able to open, knowing theres nothin but trouble and no way of getting out without having to walk from the back of the place and upstairs to the front.....
Enigma, smack bang on Hindley St, city, just west of Morphett St. Bands from all around heard here. Not too big, upstairs, small bar, a low stage, easy to fall on, but pulls good crowds to many metal/rock/hardcore/grunge gigs. Most gigs are on Friday or Saturday nights, and tix can often be purchased at the door or, for bigger bands, at venutix. To see a more well known band could set you back maybe $15-20 or so.. maybe less. it varies. Local bands play there too- some for EP launches and the like- costs about $5-12. Some gigs are 18+, but many are not. Minors have to be out by midnight.
Dress Code Anything really! Most of the folk are somewhat 'alternatively' dressed. So if your friend invites you to a metal gig, try wear some closed in shoes and something dark. A pink mini skirt and heels will get you a lot of stares!! But otherwise, no one cares, they are there for the music, not the fashion.
Genre: Indie pop/rock/lowfi/altcountry.
Music venue by night student pub by day.
Large sized stage, great PA has a mezzanine area.
Beer on tap. Small to medium capacity, almost never too crowded.
Friendly staff (even the security!) Relaxed atmosphere
More of a venue than pub.
Almost always cover charge.
Dress Code casual
Not many people know about this place, but it's a gem because after all the other clubs have closed, this little beauty is usually still kicking on until morning - it opens at 3am. Hidden away in the top floor of a building called Basement, you will have to brave a walk along the the seedier part of Hindley st to get there (it's worth it, be brave) but at 5am you're probably just concentrating on walking straight anyway... :) The seats, complete with traytables, are all taken from an old aeroplane, and every once in a while a stewardess will take your drink order. This place is TINY and if you can get a seat, power to you, but if not just break out on the dance floor to the excellent dance music. Or take a breather on the mini balcony out the back.
Dress Code None.
Minke is about as close to club perfection as you can get in Adelaide. Having said that, it does have its off nights (but doesn't everywhere?). Multi levels of music cater to most people's tastes, with a heavy focus on funk and hip hop on the ground floor and techno, trance and d&b on the top floor (also called Skylab). One door price (usually about $10, more expensive than most clubs) will get you into both levels. Stays open until about 5-6am on Fri/Sat.
Dress Code No particular dress code, but avoid thongs and shorts and touristy clothes.
Mojo is gaining popularity in the West end - it's a bit divorced from the other places so it's easy to miss it. You can go nuts on the dancefloor (if you can get on it) to hip hop or fairly hard dance music, you can chill out in the two couch areas, or go outside to the beer garden to cool off. If you're out for a night of clubbing in the West end you have to try Mojo out.
Dress Code Guys: Anything that looks vaguely 'street' will get you in no worries. Avoid shorts and sneakers, and anything touristy looking.
Girls: Anything goes.
Set underground, Supermild is a very small, very groovy little club. Opening around 9pm and closing very, very late, it's a good place to either start or end your evening. 1970s decor and music, a small dancefloor, dj booth and cosy seating setup, this place is an Adelaide retro favourite (although the mainstream nightclubbers are starting to find it now, so it can get a bit weird at times...). The music is for dancing, but it's always on the more mellow side; definitely no hardcore clubbers to found here. Fantastic cocktails menu, and free water on the bar for all - what great guys! Definitely open Friday and Saturday nights, not sure about mid week.
Dress Code No dress code, but if you really want to look like you 'fit in' then either go for the street/skater look or some understated 70s vintage.
Set in Adelaide's ultra-cool-but-not-showing-it-off West End, this pub is excellent all day long. During the day it's fantastic for a bite to eat or a drink, either out on the street people watching, in the front bar, the pool room or the shady beer garden. At night it's a popular meeting place for almost everyone going out in the West end. Their food is fantastic value (you can get a great meal for about AU$6 - $12), the staff are friendly (they look scary but they're not) and the music is generally hip hop or funk (depending on what night you go). The crowd is always a mix, ranging from dressed-up posers to the multi-pierced, ultra-alternative types.
Dress Code Definitely no dress code. Anything goes in here.
This place is an old Adelaide favourite in the newly-established West End district that still pulls in the crowds after dark. It's open mid week but it's most pumping on Friday and Saturday nights, and you should pick your night depending on what you want. Friday nights are generally a bit less busy than Saturdays, with funky, happy bass-driven dance music. The crowd is cool. Saturday nights the place is packed, the crowd is quite young (18-25) and everyone is wearing the 'latest' fashions. The music is harder techno and trance. Gues which one I like best... :)
This place usually stays open until about 5am.
Dress Code No strict dress code as such, but use your common sense. Don't wear thongs and a dirty old t shirt. Sneakers and jeans are fine. Saturday nights tend to be a bit more 'fashion conscious' so if you want to pick up then you'd better dress up to the nines. :)


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Douglas Preston and Mario Spezi's best-selling serial killer novel The Monster of Florence has been picked up for a filmed adaptation by Tom Cruise and United Artists, according to Variety. Cruise will produce and possibly star in the film.
The case that inspired Preston and Spezi to write Monster is that of eight grisly double homicides committed between 1968 and 1985, which the police believe were all done by one person. The same case served as the inspiration for Thomas Harris' Hannibal as well.
The deal serves as the biggest ever done for one of Preston's novels, the last of which to be made into a film being The Relic.
Once Cruise gets his crazy hands on the script for The Monster of Florence, he will decide if he wants to star in it in addition to producing, which I'm sure would give the film's press a huge boost if it did happen. Keep it here for updates as we get 'em, and click here to get Preston & Spezi's novel through Evilshop!
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Picture Cruise as a killer in the Dread Central forums!