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- 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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- Abdo, A. A., et al.
(author)
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FERMI/LARGE AREA TELESCOPE DISCOVERY OF GAMMA-RAY EMISSION FROM A RELATIVISTIC JET IN THE NARROW-LINE QUASAR PMN J0948+0022
- 2009
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In: Astrophysical Journal. - 0004-637X .- 1538-4357. ; 699:2, s. 976-984
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report the discovery by the Large Area Telescope (LAT) onboard the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope of high-energy. gamma-ray emission from the peculiar quasar PMN J0948+0022 (z = 0.5846). The optical spectrum of this object exhibits rather narrow H beta (FWHM(H beta) similar to 1500 km s(-1)), weak forbidden lines, and is therefore classified as a narrow-line type I quasar. This class of objects is thought to have relatively small black hole mass and to accrete at a high Eddington ratio. The radio loudness and variability of the compact radio core indicate the presence of a relativistic jet. Quasi-simultaneous radio/optical/X-ray and gamma-ray observations are presented. Both radio and gamma-ray emissions (observed over five months) are strongly variable. The simultaneous optical and X-ray data from Swift show a blue continuum attributed to the accretion disk and a hard X-ray spectrum attributed to the jet. The resulting broadband spectral energy distribution (SED) and, in particular, the gamma-ray spectrum measured by Fermi are similar to those of more powerful Flat-Spectrum Radio Quasars (FSRQs). A comparison of the radio and gamma-ray characteristics of PMN J0948+0022 with the other blazars detected by LAT shows that this source has a relatively low radio and gamma-ray power with respect to other FSRQs. The physical parameters obtained from modeling the SED also fall at the low power end of the FSRQ parameter region discussed in Celotti & Ghisellini. We suggest that the similarity of the SED of PMN J0948+0022 to that of more massive and more powerful quasars can be understood in a scenario in which the SED properties depend on the Eddington ratio rather than on the absolute power.
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5. |
- Caamano, M, et al.
(author)
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Isomers in neutron-rich A approximate to 190 nuclides from Pb-208 fragmentation
- 2005
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In: European Physical Journal A. Hadrons and Nuclei. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1434-6001. ; 23:2, s. 201-215
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Relativistic projectile fragmentation of Pb-208 has been used to produce isomers in neutron-rich, A approximate to 190 nuclides. A forward-focusing spectrometer provided ion-by-ion mass and charge identification. The detection of gamma-rays emitted by stopped ions has led to the assignment of isomers in Ta-188, W-190, Re-192, Re-193, Os-195, Ir-197, Ir-198, Pt-200, Pt-201, Pt-202 and Au-203, with half-lives ranging from approximately 10 ns to 1 ms. Tentative isomer information has been found also for Er-174, Er-175, Hf-185, Re-191, Re-194 and Ir-199. In most cases, time-correlated, singles gamma-ray events provided the first spectroscopic data on excited states for each nuclide. In Pt-200 and Pt-201. the assignments are supported by gamma-gamma coincidences. Isomeric ratios provide additional information, such as half-life and transition energy constraints in particular cases. The level structures of the platinum isotopes are discussed, and comparisons are made with isomer systematics.
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6. |
- Regan, P H, et al.
(author)
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Vibrational and rotational sequences in Mo-101 and Ru-103,Ru-4 studied via multinucleon transfer reactions
- 2005
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In: Acta Physica Polonica B. - 0587-4254 .- 1509-5770. ; 36:4, s. 1313-1322
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The near-yrast states of Mo-101(42)59 and Ru-103,4(44)59,60 have been studied following their population via heavy-ion multinucleon transfer reactions between a Xe-136 beam and a thin, self-supporting Mo-100 target. The ground state sequence in Ru-104 can be understood as demonstrating a simple evolution from a quasi-vibrational structure at lower spins to statically deformed, quasi-rotational excitation involving the population of a pair of low-Omega h(11/2) neutron orbitals. The effect of the decoupled h(11/2) orbital on this vibration-to-rotational evolution is demonstrated by an extension of the "E-GOS" prescription to include odd-A nuclei. The experimental results are also compared with self-consistent Total Routhian Surface calculations which also highlight the polarising role of the highly aligned neutron h(11/2) orbital in these nuclei.
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7. |
- Lynch, David K., et al.
(author)
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NOVA V2362 CYGNI (NOVA CYGNI 2006): SPITZER, SWIFT, AND GROUND-BASED SPECTRAL EVOLUTION
- 2008
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In: Astronomical Journal. - 1538-3881 .- 0004-6256. ; 136:number 5, 2008 November, s. 1815-1827
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Nova V2362 Cygni has undergone a number of very unusual changes. Ground-based spectroscopy initially revealed a normal sequence of events: the object faded and its near-infrared emission lines gradually shifted to higher excitation conditions until about day 100 when the optical fading reversed and the object slowly brightened. This was accompanied by a rise in the Swift X-ray telescope flux and a sudden shift in excitation of the visible and IR spectrum back to low levels. The new lower excitation spectrum revealed broad line widths and many P-Cygni profiles, all indicative of the ejection of a second shell. Eventually, dust formed, the X-ray brightness—apparently unaffected by dust formation—peaked and then declined, and the object faded at all wavelengths. The Spitzer dust spectra revealed a number of solid-state emission features that, at this time, are not identified.
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- Podolyák, Zs, et al.
(author)
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Neutron-deficient N≈126 Nuclei Produced in 238U Fragmentation : Population of High-spin States
- 2006
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In: Frontiers in Nuclear Structure, Astrophysics, and Reactions - FINUSTAR. - : AIP. - 0735403236 - 9780735403239 ; 831, s. 114-118
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The population of metastable states produced in relativistic-energy fragmentation of a 238U beam has been measured. For states with high angular momentum, I=17 and I=21.5, a higher population than expected has been observed, with the discrepancy increasing with angular momentum. By considering two sources for the angular momentum, related to single-particle and collective motions, a much improved description of the experimental results can be obtained. In addition, new results on the structure of 208Fr, 211Ra and 216Ac are reported.
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- Whelan, M. J., et al.
(author)
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The behaviour of linear alkyl benzene sulphonate under direct discharge conditions in Vientiane, Lao PDR
- 2007
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In: Water Research. - 0043-1354 .- 1879-2448. ; 41:20, s. 4730-4740
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Direct discharge of untreated sewage to surface waters is a common practice in many parts of the world. However, relatively little is known about the behaviour of synthetic organic pollutants under these conditions. This paper describes a sampling campaign designed to track changes in water quality in a surface water system in Vientiane (Lao PDR) receiving significant quantities of untreated waste water. The study was based on following in-channel transport using a fluorescent tracer injected as a pulse, with a focus on the anionic surfactant linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS) and ammonia. Water samples were collected at a number of stations with sampling times estimated to coincide with solute time-of-travel. The reduction in LAS concentration with flow-time could be approximated by first-order kinetics with a half life of about 7 h. Free ammonia concentrations decreased more slowly than LAS and remained above the level believed to be toxic for sensitive aquatic species along the entire channel. Changes in the ratios of LAS alkyl chain homologues to total LAS concentrations suggest a preferential removal of longer chain lengths. The role of biodegradation in the removal of LAS was confirmed by the presence of LAS metabolites (sulphophenylcarboxylates, SPCs) which increased systematically (as a fraction of LAS remaining) with flow-time.
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12. |
- Whelan, M. J., et al.
(author)
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The behaviour of linear alkyl benzene sulphonate under direct discharge conditions in Vientiane, Lao PDR
- 2007
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In: Water Research. - : Elsevier Ltd.. - 0043-1354 .- 1879-2448. ; 41:20, s. 4730-4740
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Direct discharge of untreated sewage to surface waters is a common practice in many parts of the world. However, relatively little is known about the behaviour of synthetic organic pollutants under these conditions. This paper describes a sampling campaign designed to track changes in water quality in a surface water system in Vientiane (Lao PDR) receiving significant quantities of untreated waste water. The study was based on following in-channel transport using a fluorescent tracer injected as a pulse, with a focus on the anionic surfactant linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS) and ammonia. Water samples were collected at a number of stations with sampling times estimated to coincide with solute time-of-travel. The reduction in LAS concentration with flow-time could be approximated by first-order kinetics with a half life of about 7 h. Free ammonia concentrations decreased more slowly than LAS and remained above the level believed to be toxic for sensitive aquatic species along the entire channel. Changes inthe ratios of LAS alkyl chain homologues to total LAS concentrations suggest a preferential removal of longer chain lengths. The role of biodegradation in the removal of LAS was confirmed by the presence of LAS metabolites (sulphophenylcarboxylates, SPCs) which increased systematically (as a fraction of LAS remaining) with flow-time.
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14. |
- Casassus, S., et al.
(author)
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A centimetre-wave excess over free-free emission in planetary nebulae
- 2007
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In: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 382:4, s. 1607-1622
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report a centimetre-wave (cm-wave, 5-31 GHz) excess over free-free emission in planetary nebulae (PNe). Accurate 31- and 250-GHz measurements show that the 31-GHz flux densities in our sample are systematically higher than the level of optically thin free-free continuum extrapolated from 250-GHz. The 31-GHz excess is observed, within one standard deviation, in all 18 PNe with reliable 31- and 250-GHz data, and is significant in nine PNe. The only exception is the peculiar object M2-9, whose radio spectrum is that of an optically thick stellar wind. On average the fraction of non-free-free emission represents 51 per cent of the total flux density at 31 GHz, with a scatter of 11 per cent. The average 31-250 GHz spectral index of our sample is = -0.43 +/- 0.03 (in flux density, with a scatter of 0.14). The 31-250 GHz drop is reminiscent of the anomalous foreground observed in the diffuse interstellar medium (ISM) by cosmic microwave background (CMB) anisotropy experiments. The 5-31 GHz spectral indices are consistent with both flat spectra and spinning dust emissivities, given the 10 per cent calibration uncertainty of the comparison 5-GHz data. However, a detailed study of the objects with the largest cm-excess, including the low-frequency data available in the literature, shows that present spinning dust models alone cannot explain the cm-wave excess in PNe. Although we have no definitive interpretation of our data, the least implausible explanation involves a synchrotron component absorbed by a cold nebular screen. We give flux densities for 37 objects at 31 GHz, and for 26 objects at 250 GHz.
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15. |
- Ekberg, Henrik, et al.
(author)
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The challenge of achieving target drug concentrations in clinical trials: experience from the Symphony study.
- 2009
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In: Transplantation. - 1534-6080. ; 87:9, s. 1360-1366
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The Symphony study compared four immunosuppressant regimens, defined by protocol-specified target drug concentrations. This subanalysis examines actual drug levels and the implications on the interpretation of results. METHODS: De novo renal transplant patients (n=1645) were randomized to receive mycophenolate mofetil (2 g/day) and corticosteroids in combination with standard-dose cyclosporine A (CsA; 150-300 ng/mL for 3 months then 100-200 ng/mL), or daclizumab induction and low-dose CsA (50-100 ng/mL), low-dose tacrolimus (Tac; 3-7 ng/mL), or low-dose sirolimus (SRL; 4-8 ng/mL). RESULTS: Low-dose Tac was significantly superior for renal function, acute rejection, and graft survival at 12 months. Median trough levels of CsA, Tac, or SRL were toward the high end of target ranges in all groups, and 50% to 60% were within target. During weeks 1 to 8, only 6.5% to 11.0% of patients were consistently within target. At week 8, the range of concentrations encompassing 75% of patients on standard-dose CsA was 141 to 321 ng/mL; for low-dose CsA, 62 to 159 ng/mL; for low-dose Tac, 4.3 to 10.0 ng/mL, and for low-dose SRL, 4.4 to 11.2 ng/mL. The protocol-defined target levels were approximately, but not fully achieved. CONCLUSIONS: To replicate the Symphony study results in clinical practice, the protocol-defined drug concentration targets should be aimed for, but the concentrations actually achieved may be regarded as acceptable. Future clinical studies should include measures of how well target drug levels were achieved to better guide further attempts to develop new regimens designed to reduce or eliminate calcineurin inhibitors.
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16. |
- Koliopoulou, S, et al.
(author)
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Metal nano-floating gate memory devices fabricated at low temperature
- 2006
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In: Microelectronic Engineering. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-9317 .- 1873-5568. ; 83:4-9, s. 1563-1566
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this communication, we report on the realization of low-temperature processed Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) like device with embedded gold nanoparticles. The realization is based on the fabrication of a V-groove SiGe Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET), the functionalization of a gate oxide followed by self-assembly of gold nanoparticles and finally, the deposition of an organic insulator by Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique. Such structures were processed at a temperature lower than 400 degrees C. The electrical characteristics of the final hybrid Metal Insulator Semiconductor FET (MISFET) memory cells were evaluated in terms of memory window and program/erase voltage pulses. A model describing the memory characteristics, based on the electronic properties of the gate stack materials, is presented.
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- Podolyak, Z, et al.
(author)
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High Angular Momentum States Populated in Fragmentation Reactions
- 2006
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In: Physics Letters. Section B: Nuclear, Elementary Particle and High-Energy Physics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0370-2693. ; 632:2-3, s. 203-206
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The population of metastable states produced in relativistic-energy fragmentation of a U-238 beam has been measured. For states with angular momentum greater than or similar to 20h, a much higher population than expected has been observed. By introducing a collective component to the generation of angular momentum the experimental data can be understood. This is the first time that a collective degree of freedom has be shown to play a major role in such high-energy collisions. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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