Shape of primary proton spectrum in multi-TeV region from data on vertical muon flux

It is shown, that primary proton spectrum, reconstructed from sea-level and underground data on muon spectrum with the use of QGSJET 01, QGSJET II, NEXUS 3.97 and SIBYLL 2.1 interaction models, demonstrates not only model-dependent intensity, but also model-dependent form. For correct reproduction of muon spectrum shape primary proton flux should have non-constant power index for all considered models, except SIBYLL 2.1, with break at energies around 10-15 TeV and value of exponent before break close to that obtained in ATIC-2 experiment. To validate presence of this break understanding of inclusive spectra behavior in fragmentation region in p-air collisions should be improved, but we show, that it is impossible to do on the basis of the existing experimental data on primary nuclei, atmospheric muon and hadron fluxes.Comment: Submitted to Phys. Rev.

Mechanical Behaviour of the Short Models of LHC Main Dipole Magnets

A series of single and twin aperture 1 metre magnet models has been built and tested in the framework of the R&D program of main superconducting dipole magnets for the Large Hadron Collider project. The se models, designed for a nominal field of 8.3 T at 1.8 K, have been constructed to test the performance of SC coils and to optimise various design options for the full length 15 metre long dipoles. T he models have been extensively equipped with a specially developed mechanical instrumentation, enabling both the control of main assembly parameters - like coil azimuthal and axial pre-load, stress i n the outer shrinking cylinder - and also the monitoring of magnet behaviour during cooling and energising, under the action of electromagnetic forces. The instrumentation used, mainly based on strain gauge transducers, is described and the results of mechanical measurements obtained during power tests of the models are discussed and compared with the design predictions based on Finite Element calc ulations

Continuous Aquatic Soundings of the Lake Tere-Khol’ Water Area in the Republic of Tuva (Russia)

Introduction The archaeological site of Por-Bajin (meaning « Clay House » in the local Tuva language) occupies a small island in Lake Tere-Khol’, eight kilometers west of the Kungurtuk settlement in the southwestern part of the Republic of Tuva, Southern Siberia (Fig. 1).It consists of a rectangular enclosure around a complex of buildings and courtyards which is dominated by a central building. Its building materials and technology suggest that Por-Bajin was erected within the framework of th..

State of the Short Dipole Model Program for the LHC

Superconducting single and twin aperture 1-m long dipole magnets are currently being fabricated at CERN at a rate of about one per month in the framework of the short dipole model program for the LHC. The program allows to study performance improvements coming from refinements in design, components and assembly options and to accumulate statistics based on a small-scale production. The experience thus gained provides in turn feedback into the long magnet program in industry. In recent models initial quenching fields above 9 T have been obtained and after a short training the conductor limit at 2 K is reached, resulting in a central bore field exceeding 10 T. The paper describes the features of recent single aperture models, the results obtained during cold tests and the plans to ensure the continuation of a vigorous model program providing input for the fabrication of the main LHC dipoles

Knockdown of Ant2 Reduces Adipocyte Hypoxia And Improves Insulin Resistance in Obesity.

Decreased adipose tissue oxygen tension and increased HIF-1α expression can trigger adipose tissue inflammation and dysfunction in obesity. Our current understanding of obesity-associated decreased adipose tissue oxygen tension is mainly focused on changes in oxygen supply and angiogenesis. Here, we demonstrate that increased adipocyte O2 demand, mediated by ANT2 activity, is the dominant cause of adipocyte hypoxia. Deletion of adipocyte Ant2 improves obesity-induced intracellular adipocyte hypoxia by decreasing obesity-induced adipocyte oxygen demand, without effects on mitochondrial number or mass, or oligomycin-sensitive respiration. This led to decreased adipose tissue HIF-1α expression and inflammation with improved glucose tolerance and insulin resistance in both a preventative or therapeutic setting. Our results suggest that ANT2 may be a target for the development of insulin sensitizing drugs and that ANT2 inhibition might have clinical utility

Present State of the Single and Twin Aperture Short Dipole Model Program for the LHC

The LHC model program for main dipoles is based on the design, fabrication and testing at CERN of a number of single and twin aperture 1m long magnets. So far, a number of single aperture models, each with specific characteristics, were tested at 2 K at a rate of about one per month. These magnets are the main tool used to check coil performance as a function of design and assembly options in view of optimizing and finalizing choices of components and procedures. Initial quenching field levels of 8.8 T were obtained and the short sample limit of the cable at 1.9 K was reached corresponding to a central bore field of 10 T. A few twin aperture dipole models were also built and tested, using the same structural components as for the long magnets which are now being built in industry. The paper discusses the main characteristics of the models built so far, the instrumentation developed to date and the experience obtained. Finally it describes the plans aimed at continuing a vigorous program to provide input to the long magnet program in industry

Wolfram Syndrome protein, Miner1, regulates sulphydryl redox status, the unfolded protein response, and Ca2+ homeostasis.

Miner1 is a redox-active 2Fe2S cluster protein. Mutations in Miner1 result in Wolfram Syndrome, a metabolic disease associated with diabetes, blindness, deafness, and a shortened lifespan. Embryonic fibroblasts from Miner1(-/-) mice displayed ER stress and showed hallmarks of the unfolded protein response. In addition, loss of Miner1 caused a depletion of ER Ca(2+) stores, a dramatic increase in mitochondrial Ca(2+) load, increased reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, an increase in the GSSG/GSH and NAD(+)/NADH ratios, and an increase in the ADP/ATP ratio consistent with enhanced ATP utilization. Furthermore, mitochondria in fibroblasts lacking Miner1 displayed ultrastructural alterations, such as increased cristae density and punctate morphology, and an increase in O2 consumption. Treatment with the sulphydryl anti-oxidant N-acetylcysteine reversed the abnormalities in the Miner1 deficient cells, suggesting that sulphydryl reducing agents should be explored as a treatment for this rare genetic disease

Geophysical investigations on Por-Bajin island, Tuva (Russia)

In 2007-2008, the cultural fund « Fortress Por-Bajin » undertook extensive archaeological excavations on the 8th/9th century AD monument of Por-Bajin. By the end of the summer season 2008, the total excavated area was about 2 hectares. Some 1 000 people took part in this project: archaeologists, architects, soil scientists, geomorphologists and other specialists. Considering the extreme remoteness of the site, the fund developed its own infrastructure for transport, accommodation and safety o..

Beta-Delayed fission of 230Am

The exotic decay process of β-delayed fission (βDF) has been studied in the neutron-deficient isotope Am230. The Am230 nuclei were produced in the complete fusion reaction Pb207(Al27,4n)Am230 and separated by using the GARIS gas-filled recoil ion separator. A lower limit for the βDF probability PβDF(Am230)>0.30 was deduced, which so far is the highest value among all known βDF nuclei. The systematics of βDF in the region of Am230 will be discussed