1. |
- Schael, S, et al.
(author)
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Precision electroweak measurements on the Z resonance
- 2006
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In: Physics Reports. - : Elsevier BV. - 0370-1573 .- 1873-6270. ; 427:5-6, s. 257-454
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report on the final electroweak measurements performed with data taken at the Z resonance by the experiments operating at the electron-positron colliders SLC and LEP. The data consist of 17 million Z decays accumulated by the ALEPH, DELPHI, L3 and OPAL experiments at LEP, and 600 thousand Z decays by the SLID experiment using a polarised beam at SLC. The measurements include cross-sections, forward-backward asymmetries and polarised asymmetries. The mass and width of the Z boson, m(Z) and Gamma(Z), and its couplings to fermions, for example the p parameter and the effective electroweak mixing angle for leptons, are precisely measured: m(Z) = 91.1875 +/- 0.0021 GeV, Gamma(Z) = 2.4952 +/- 0.0023 GeV, rho(l) = 1.0050 +/- 0.0010, sin(2)theta(eff)(lept) = 0.23153 +/- 0.00016. The number of light neutrino species is determined to be 2.9840 +/- 0.0082, in agreement with the three observed generations of fundamental fermions. The results are compared to the predictions of the Standard Model (SM). At the Z-pole, electroweak radiative corrections beyond the running of the QED and QCD coupling constants are observed with a significance of five standard deviations, and in agreement with the Standard Model. Of the many Z-pole measurements, the forward-backward asymmetry in b-quark production shows the largest difference with respect to its SM expectation, at the level of 2.8 standard deviations. Through radiative corrections evaluated in the framework of the Standard Model, the Z-pole data are also used to predict the mass of the top quark, m(t) = 173(+10)(+13) GeV, and the mass of the W boson, m(W) = 80.363 +/- 0.032 GeV. These indirect constraints are compared to the direct measurements, providing a stringent test of the SM. Using in addition the direct measurements of m(t) and m(W), the mass of the as yet unobserved SM Higgs boson is predicted with a relative uncertainty of about 50% and found to be less than 285 GeV at 95% confidence level. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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2. |
- Aamodt, K., et al.
(author)
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The ALICE experiment at the CERN LHC
- 2008
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In: Journal of Instrumentation. - 1748-0221. ; 3:S08002
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment) is a general-purpose, heavy-ion detector at the CERN LHC which focuses on QCD, the strong-interaction sector of the Standard Model. It is designed to address the physics of strongly interacting matter and the quark-gluon plasma at extreme values of energy density and temperature in nucleus-nucleus collisions. Besides running with Pb ions, the physics programme includes collisions with lighter ions, lower energy running and dedicated proton-nucleus runs. ALICE will also take data with proton beams at the top LHC energy to collect reference data for the heavy-ion programme and to address several QCD topics for which ALICE is complementary to the other LHC detectors. The ALICE detector has been built by a collaboration including currently over 1000 physicists and engineers from 105 Institutes in 30 countries, Its overall dimensions are 16 x 16 x 26 m(3) with a total weight of approximately 10 000 t. The experiment consists of 18 different detector systems each with its own specific technology choice and design constraints, driven both by the physics requirements and the experimental conditions expected at LHC. The most stringent design constraint is to cope with the extreme particle multiplicity anticipated in central Pb-Pb collisions. The different subsystems were optimized to provide high-momentum resolution as well as excellent Particle Identification (PID) over a broad range in momentum, up to the highest multiplicities predicted for LHC. This will allow for comprehensive studies of hadrons, electrons, muons, and photons produced in the collision of heavy nuclei. Most detector systems are scheduled to be installed and ready for data taking by mid-2008 when the LHC is scheduled to start operation, with the exception of parts of the Photon Spectrometer (PHOS), Transition Radiation Detector (TRD) and Electro Magnetic Calorimeter (EMCal). These detectors will be completed for the high-luminosity ion run expected in 2010. This paper describes in detail the detector components as installed for the first data taking in the summer of 2008.
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3. |
- Ablikim, M., et al.
(author)
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Measurements of (XcJ)-> K+K-K+K- decays
- 2006
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In: Physics Letters B. - : Elsevier BV. - 0370-2693 .- 1873-2445. ; 642:3, s. 197-202
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Using 14M psi(2S) events taken with the BESII detector, chi(cJ) -> 2(K+K-) decays are studied. For the four-kaon final state, the branching fractions are B(chi(c0,1,2) ->.2(K+K-)) = (3.48 +/- 0.23 +/- 0.47) x 10(-3), (0.70 +/- 0.13 +/- 0.10) x 10(-3), and (2.17 +/- 0.20 +/- 0.31) x 10(-3). For the phi K+K- final state, the branching fractions, which are measured for the first time, are B(chi(c0,1,2) -> phi K+K-) = (1.03 +/- 0.22 +/- 0.15) x 10(-3), (0.46 +/- 0.16 +/- 0.06) x 10(-3), and (1.67 +/- 0.26 +/- 0.24) x 10(-4). For the phi phi final state, B(chi(c0,2) -> phi phi) = (0.94 +/- 0.21 +/- 0.13) x 10(-3) and (1.70 +/- 0.30 +/- 0.25) x 10(-3).
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4. |
- Aydt, H., et al.
(author)
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Symbiotic simulation model validation for radiation detection applications
- 2009
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In: PADS '09. ACM/IEEE/SCS 23rd Workshop on Principles of Advanced and Distributed Simulation, 2009. - : IEEE Computer Society. - 9780769537139 ; , s. 11-18
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Detection of radiological dispersal devices (RDDs) is important because of their potential for destruction and psychological impact on the affected population. These devices leave a clear trace which can be followed when using appropriate detection devices. Geiger counter devices provide data regarding the radiation intensity. However, this is not enough information to pinpoint a radiation source. Neither can this information be directly used to classify the radiation source. We describe a method using symbiotic simulation which can be used to classify and localise a radiation source given accurate measurements of radiation intensities at reference points and a detailed model of the environment. Initial classification and localisation, as well as continuous tracking of a moving radiation source, is considered. The effects of a measurement error and a model error are investigated.
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5. |
- Cai, G-H, et al.
(author)
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Quantitative PCR analysis of fungal DNA in Swedish day care centers and comparison with building characteristics and allergen levels
- 2009
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In: Indoor Air. - : Hindawi Limited. - 0905-6947 .- 1600-0668. ; 19:5, s. 392-400
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Sweden has had allergen-avoidance day care centers (AADCs) since 1979. The aim of this study was to measure fungal DNA by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), a new method, in AADCs and ordinary day care centers (ODCs) and examine associations between allergen levels and building characteristics. Dust samples were collected by swabbing doorframes, vacuum-cleaning, and using Petri dishes. In total, 11 AADCs and 11 ODCs were studied (70 rooms). Total fungal DNA, measured by qPCR in the swab dust, was detected in 89%, Aspergillus or Penicillium (Asp/Pen) DNA in 34%, and Stachybotrys chartarum DNA in 6% of the rooms. Total fungal DNA was significantly higher in rooms with linoleum floor (P = 0.02), textile carpets (P = 0.03), reported dampness/molds (P = 0.02) and reported odor (P < 0.001) in the buildings, and significantly lower in wooden facade buildings (P = 0.003). Reported odor was related to the amount of sieved fine dust, reported dampness/molds and type of building construction. Total fungal DNA was related to cat, dog, horse and total allergen levels (P = 0.003) in the day care centers. In conclusion, total fungal DNA is related to reported dampness/molds, reported odor, and type of wall construction. The association between fungal and allergen contamination indicated a general 'hygiene factor' related to biological contaminants. Practical Implications The associations between fungal DNA, reported dampness/molds, and odor support the view that buildings with odor problems should be investigated for possible hidden fungal growth. There is a need to measure fungal biomass in different types of building constructions by monitoring fungal DNA. Analysis of fungal DNA with quantitative PCR can be a fast and practical way to study indoor fungal contamination. Swabbing dust from the doorframe of the main entrance to the room can be a convenient method of sampling dust for fungal DNA analysis. The high prevalence of reported dampness/molds and the common occurrence of fungal DNA indicate the need to improve the indoor environment of Swedish day care centers.
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6. |
- Qian, J., et al.
(author)
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Quantum-Dots-Doped ORMOSIL Nanoparticles as Optical Probes for Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Imaging of Cancer Cells
- 2009
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In: IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics. - : Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). - 1077-260X .- 1558-4542. ; 15:5, s. 1374-1379
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report the novel use of organically modified silica (ORMOSIL) nanoparticles to encapsulate hydrophobic quantum dots (QDs), thus making them hydrophilic and yet maintaining stable optical properties. QDs are resistant to photobleaching, and the cationic charge on the surfaces of the ORMOSIL nanoparticles can facilitate them being uptaken at the cell substrate regions. An objective-lens-based total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscope is used to observe the staining and dynamics of HeLa cancer cells, which have been targeted by the synthesized QD-doped ORMOSIL nanoparticles. Since the same microscope objective is used for launching the incident light beam and the collection lens, the observation and manipulation of live samples under a TIRF microscope is therefore much easier than that in the case of using the conventional prism-based TIRF setup. The present nanoparticle-assisted approach has made TIRF imaging a much more powerful tool for real-time monitoring of intracellular biological metabolic activities.
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7. |
- Aydt, H., et al.
(author)
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Preventive what-if analysis in symbiotic simulation
- 2008
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In: Proc. Winter Simul. Conf.. - 9781424427086 ; , s. 750-758
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The what-if analysis process is essential in symbiotic simulation systems. It is responsible for creating a number of alternative what-if scenarios and evaluating their performance by means of simulation. Most applications use a reactive approach for triggering the what-if analysis process. In this paper we describe a preventive triggering approach which is based on the detection of a future critical condition in the forecast of a physical system. With decreasing probability of a critical condition, using preventive what-if analysis becomes undesirable. We introduce the notion of a Gvalue and explain how this metric can be used to decide whether or not to use preventive what-if analysis. In addition, we give an example for a possible application in semiconductor manufacturing.
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8. |
- Cai, Y., et al.
(author)
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Propagation of laser array beams in a turbulent atmosphere
- 2007
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In: Applied physics. B, Lasers and optics (Print). - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0946-2171 .- 1432-0649. ; 88:3, s. 467-475
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The propagation of phase-locked and non-phase-locked laser array beams of radial and rectangular symmetries in a turbulent atmosphere are investigated based on the extended Huygens-Fresnel integral. The beamlet used in our paper for constructing the laser array beams is of elliptical Gaussian mode. Analytical formulae for the average irradiance of phase-locked and non-phase-locked radial and rectangular laser array beams are derived through vector integration and tensor operation. The irradiance properties of these laser array beams in a turbulent atmosphere are studied numerically. It is found that both phase-locked and non-phase-locked radial and rectangular laser array beams eventually become circular Gaussian beams in a turbulent atmosphere, which is much different from their propagation properties in free space. The propagation properties are closely related to the parameters of laser array beams and the structure constant of the turbulent atmosphere.
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9. |
- Haas, Brian J., et al.
(author)
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Genome sequence and analysis of the Irish potato famine pathogen Phytophthora infestans
- 2009
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In: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 461:7262, s. 393-398
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Phytophthora infestans is the most destructive pathogen of potato and a model organism for the oomycetes, a distinct lineage of fungus-like eukaryotes that are related to organisms such as brown algae and diatoms. As the agent of the Irish potato famine in the mid-nineteenth century, P. infestans has had a tremendous effect on human history, resulting in famine and population displacement(1). To this day, it affects world agriculture by causing the most destructive disease of potato, the fourth largest food crop and a critical alternative to the major cereal crops for feeding the world's population(1). Current annual worldwide potato crop losses due to late blight are conservatively estimated at $6.7 billion(2). Management of this devastating pathogen is challenged by its remarkable speed of adaptation to control strategies such as genetically resistant cultivars(3,4). Here we report the sequence of the P. infestans genome, which at similar to 240 megabases (Mb) is by far the largest and most complex genome sequenced so far in the chromalveolates. Its expansion results from a proliferation of repetitive DNA accounting for similar to 74% of the genome. Comparison with two other Phytophthora genomes showed rapid turnover and extensive expansion of specific families of secreted disease effector proteins, including many genes that are induced during infection or are predicted to have activities that alter host physiology. These fast-evolving effector genes are localized to highly dynamic and expanded regions of the P. infestans genome. This probably plays a crucial part in the rapid adaptability of the pathogen to host plants and underpins its evolutionary potential.
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10. |
- Huang, H., et al.
(author)
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Load-sharing in Multi-homed System based on Mobile IPv6
- 2005
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In the field of mobile communications, there coexist various access technologies that support wireless connections, such as Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11 and GPRS. These technologies are diverse in terms of bandwidth, delay, coverage area, etc. It is not uncommon that a mobile device is equipped with multiple wireless network interfaces to achieve efficient and ubiquitous communications. In wireless overlay networks, the mobile node can even utilize multiple network interfaces simultaneously to achieve greater QoS performance. This paper presents the design of such a system that supports multi-homed communications. In particular, we design the policy for mapping different network flows to different interfaces, and propose a load-sharing algorithm based on Weighted-Round-Robin channel selection and Jump-Ahead packet scheduling. Simulation results show that the algorithm can efficiently distribute data packets among multiple channels to achieve bandwidth aggregation
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