Integral functions of electron lateral distribution and their fluctuations in electron-photon cascades

Monte Carlo simulated lateral distribution functions for electrons of EPC developing in lead, at superhigh energies (.1-1 PeV) for depths t or = 60 c.u. delta t=1t. c.u. are presented. The higher moment characteristics, i.e., variation, asymmetry, excess, are presented along with analytical solutions for the same characteristics at fixed observation level calculated to theory approximations A and B by using numerical inversion of the Laplace transformation. The conclusion is made of a complex, usually non-Gaussian shape of the function of the particle number distribution within a circle of given radius at fixed depth

Estimation of the total inelasticity coefficient in interaction of greater than or equal to 20 TeV hadrons with lead

Experimental data on the interaction mean free path of hadrons with energy E 20 TeV in lead obtained with multilayer X-ray emulsion chambers(XEC) are compared with results of simulation of nuclear-electromagnetic cascades in lead chamber. It is shown that, to explain experimental data, the value of the inelasticity coefficients, K .8 should be assumed

Sensitivity of depth of maximum and absorption depth of EAS to hadron production mechanism

Comparison of experimental data on depth of extensive air showers (EAS) development maximum in the atmosphere, T sub M and path of absorption, lambda, in the lower atmosphere of EAS with fixed particle number in the energy region eV with the results of calculation show that these parameters are sensitive mainly to the inelastic interaction cross section and scaling violation in the fragmentation and pionization region. The data are explained in a unified manner within the framework of a model in which scaling is violated slightly in the fragmentation region and strongly in the pionization region at primary cosmic rays composition close to the normal one and a permanent increase of inelastic interaction cross section. It is shown that, while interpreting the experimental data, disregard of two methodical points causes a systematic shift in T sub M: (1) shower selection system; and (2) EAS electron lateral distribution when performing the calculations on basis of which the transfer is made from the Cerenkov pulse FWHM to the depth of shower maximum, T sub M

Electromagnetic showers in a strong magnetic field

We present the results concerning the main shower characteristics in a strong magnetic field obtained through shower simulation. The processes of magnetic bremsstrahlung and pair production were taken into account for values of the parameter $\chi \gg 1$. We compare our simulation results with a recently developed cascade theory in a strong magnetic field.Comment: 11 pages, 9 eps figures, LaTex2e, Iopart.cls, Iopart12.clo, Iopams.st

An information-theoretic approach to software test-retest problems

Symposium Presentation (for Acquisition Research Program)Symposium PresentationNaval Postgraduate School Acquisition Research ProgramApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Investigating knowledge management factors affecting Chinese ICT firms performance: An integrated KM framework

This is an Author's Accepted Manuscript of an article published in the Journal of Information Systems Management, 28(1), 19 - 29, 2011, copyright Taylor & Francis, available online at: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/10580530.2011.536107.This article sets out to investigate the critical factors of Knowledge Management (KM) which are considered to have an impact on the performance of Chinese information and communication technology (ICT) firms. This study confirms that the cultural environment of an enterprise is central to its success in the context of China. It shows that a collaborated, trusted, and learning environment within ICT firms will have a positive impact on their KM performance

Cognitive function in a randomized trial of evolocumab

Inga Stuķēna as well as a complete list of investigators is provided in the Supplementary Appendix, available at NEJM.org. https://www.nejm.org/doi/suppl/10.1056/NEJMoa1701131/suppl_file/nejmoa1701131_appendix.pdf Funding Information: (Funded by Amgen; EBBINGHAUS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02207634.) Supported by Amgen. We thank Sarah T. Farias, Ph.D., at UC Davis Health for providing the English-language and translated versions of the Everyday Cognition (ECog) tool. Publisher Copyright: Copyright © 2017 Massachusetts Medical Society.BACKGROUND: Findings from clinical trials of proprotein convertase subtilisin–kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors have led to concern that these drugs or the low levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol that result from their use are associated with cognitive deficits. METHODS: In a subgroup of patients from a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of evolocumab added to statin therapy, we prospectively assessed cognitive function using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. The primary end point was the score on the spatial working memory strategy index of executive function (scores range from 4 to 28, with lower scores indicating a more efficient use of strategy and planning). Secondary end points were the scores for working memory (scores range from 0 to 279, with lower scores indicating fewer errors), episodic memory (scores range from 0 to 70, with lower scores indicating fewer errors), and psychomotor speed (scores range from 100 to 5100 msec, with faster times representing better performance). Assessments of cognitive function were performed at baseline, week 24, yearly, and at the end of the trial. The primary analysis was a noninferiority comparison of the mean change from baseline in the score on the spatial working memory strategy index of executive function between the patients who received evolocumab and those who received placebo; the noninferiority margin was set at 20% of the standard deviation of the score in the placebo group. RESULTS: A total of 1204 patients were followed for a median of 19 months; the mean (±SD) change from baseline over time in the raw score for the spatial working memory strategy index of executive function (primary end point) was −0.21±2.62 in the evolocumab group and −0.29±2.81 in the placebo group (P<0.001 for noninferiority; P=0.85 for superiority). There were no significant between-group differences in the secondary end points of scores for working memory (change in raw score, −0.52 in the evolocumab group and −0.93 in the placebo group), episodic memory (change in raw score, −1.53 and −1.53, respectively), or psychomotor speed (change in raw score, 5.2 msec and 0.9 msec, respectively). In an exploratory analysis, there were no associations between LDL cholesterol levels and cognitive changes. CONCLUSIONS: In a randomized trial involving patients who received either evolocumab or placebo in addition to statin therapy, no significant between-group difference in cognitive function was observed over a median of 19 months.publishersversionPeer reviewe

Space-VLBI observations of OH maser OH34.26+0.15: low interstellar scattering

We report on the first space-VLBI observations of the OH34.26+0.15 maser in two main line OH transitions at 1665 and 1667 MHz. The observations involved the space radiotelescope on board the Japanese satellite HALCA and an array of ground radio telescopes. The map of the maser region and images of individual maser spots were produced with an angular resolution of 1 milliarcsec which is several times higher than the angular resolution available on the ground. The maser spots were only partly resolved and a lower limit to the brightness temperature 6x10^{12} K was obtained. The maser seems to be located in the direction of low interstellar scattering, an order of magnitude lower than the scattering of a nearby extragalactic source and pulsar.Comment: 8 pages, 2 tables, 9 figures, accepted for publication in MNRA

Ultra-High Energy Gamma Rays in Geomagnetic Field and Atmosphere

The nature and origin of ultra-high energy (UHE: reffering to > 10^19 eV) cosmic rays are great mysteries in modern astrophysics. The current theories for their explanation include the so-called "top-down" decay scenarios whose main signature is a large ratio of UHE gamma rays to protons. Important step in determining the primary composition at ultra-high energies is the study of air shower development. UHE gamma ray induced showers are affected by the Landau-Pomeranchuk-Migdal (LPM) effect and the geomagnetic cascading process. In this work extensive simulations have been carried out to study the characteristics of air showers from UHE gamma rays. At energies above several times 10^19 eV the shower is affected by geomagnetic cascading rather than by the LPM effect. The properties of the longitudinal development such as average depth of the shower maximum or its fluctuations depend strongly on both primary energy and incident direction. This feature may provide a possible evidence of the UHE gamma ray presence by fluorescence detectors.Comment: 27 pages, 12 figures, submitted to Phys.Rev.

Fibrin Facilitates Both Innate and T Cell-Mediated Defense against Yersinia pestis

The gram-negative bacterium Yersinia pestis causes plague, a rapidly progressing and often fatal disease. The formation of fibrin at sites of Y. pestis infection supports innate host defense against plague, perhaps by providing a non-diffusible spatial cue that promotes the accumulation of inflammatory cells expressing fibrin-binding integrins. This report demonstrates that fibrin is an essential component of T cell-mediated defense against plague but can be dispensable for antibody-mediated defense. Genetic or pharmacologic depletion of fibrin abrogated innate and T cell-mediated defense in mice challenged intranasally with Y. pestis. The fibrin-deficient mice displayed reduced survival, increased bacterial burden, and exacerbated hemorrhagic pathology. They also showed fewer neutrophils within infected lung tissue and reduced neutrophil viability at sites of liver infection. Depletion of neutrophils from wild type mice weakened T cell-mediated defense against plague. The data suggest that T cells combat plague in conjunction with neutrophils, which require help from fibrin in order to withstand Y. pestis encounters and effectively clear bacteria