The Bs oscillation amplitude analysis

The properties of the amplitude method for \Bs oscillation analyses are studied in detail. The world combination of measured amplitudes is converted into a likelihood profile as a function of oscillation frequency. A procedure is proposed to estimate the probability that the minimum observed is due to a statistical fluctuation. This method, applied to the data available at the time of 1999 Winter Conferences, gives $1 - CL \approx 0.03$ .Comment: 27 pages, 16 figur

The BsB_{s} oscillation amplitude analysis

The properties of the amplitude method for \Bs oscillation analyses are studied in detail. The world combination of measured amplitudes is converted into a likelihood profile as a function of oscillation frequency. A procedure is proposed to estimate the probability that the minimum observed is due to a statistical fluctuation. This method, applied to the data available at the time of 1999 Winter Conferences, gives $1 - CL \approx 0.03$ .The properties of the amplitude method for \Bs oscillation analyses are studied in detail. The world combination of measured amplitudes is converted into a likelihood profile as a function of oscillation frequency. A procedure is proposed to estimate the probability that the minimum observed is due to a statistical fluctuation. This method, applied to the data available at the time of 1999 Winter Conferences, gives $1 - CL \approx 0.03$

Light-Trap: A SiPM Upgrade for Very High Energy Astronomy and Beyond

With the development of the Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Technique (IACT), Gamma-ray astronomy has become one of the most interesting and productive fields of astrophysics. Current IACT telescope arrays (MAGIC, H.E.S.S, VERITAS) use photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) to detect the optical/near-UV Cherenkov radiation emitted due to the interaction of gamma rays with the atmosphere. For the next generation of IACT experiments, the possibility of replacing the PMTs with Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) is being studied. Among the main drawbacks of SiPMs are their limited active area (leading to an increase in the cost and complexity of the camera readout) and their sensitivity to unwanted wavelengths. Here we propose a novel method to build a relatively low-cost pixel consisting of a SiPM attached to a PMMA disc doped with a wavelength shifter. This pixel collects light over a much larger area than a single standard SiPM and improves sensitivity to near-UV light while simultaneously rejecting background. We describe the design of a detector that could also have applications in other fields where detection area and cost are crucial. We present results of simulations and laboratory measurements of a pixel prototype and from field tests performed with a 7-pixel cluster installed in a MAGIC telescope camera.Comment: Proceedings of the 35th International Cosmic Ray Conference (ICRC 2017), Bexco, Busan, Korea. Id:81

Intra and inter-annual variation of functional structure of macroinvertebrate assemblages in Mediterranean temporary ponds

Temporal variation of the functional structure of macroinvertebrate assemblages in Mediterranean temporary ponds has been studied in Sardinia (Italy). Sixteen small and shallow ponds (less than 2 ha and less than 2 m deep) subject to low human pressure were sampled in different periods

Algunos ejemplos de relación entre agregación, capacidad de infiltración y erosión en suelos mediterráneos

[Resumen] Este trabajo tiene por objeto evaluar la influencia de la agregación sobre la capacidad de infiltración y la tendencia a la erosión de suelos mediterráneos sobre litología caliza. Se identifican algunas variables de agregación que influyen de una manera importante en la infiltración y la erosión, aunque es en combinación con otras características del suelo cuando estas variables explican mejor dichos parámetros. Se consiguen una serie de modelos de ecuaciones de regresión múltiple basadas en variables indicadoras de la agregación de los suelos y otras características (cobertura vegetal, materia orgánica, pedregosidad y humedad del suelo) que explican bastante bien la capacidad de infiltración, la concentración de sedimentos y la erosión de los suelos en las zonas de estudio.[Abstract] The objective of this work is to evaluate the influence of soil aggregation on soil infiltration capacity and erosion in mediterranean soils developed on limestones. Sorne key-variables related to soil aggregation which play an important role on soil infiltration capacity and erosion are identified. Especially the combination of these variables with other soil characterisitics give the most satisfactory results explaining soil infiltration and erosiono Sorne models of multiple regression equations based in variables related to aggregation and other soil characteristics (vegetation cover, organic matter, stoniness and soil moisture) are obtained. They explain quite well the infiltration capacity, the sediment concentration and the erosion in the study zones

Nuevo equipo para medir la distribución de la densidad aparente de piezas cerámicas: DENSEXPLORER

Este trabajo ha participado en la 38 edición de los premios Alfa de Oro, otorgados por la Sociedad Española de Cerámica y Vidrio, durante la Feria Internacional de Cerámica de Valencia CEVISAMA 2014 Densexplorer es el primer dispositivo capaz de determinar la distribución de la densidad aparente de baldosas cerámicas industriales de gran tamaño, de forma no destructiva, no perjudicial para la salud, respetuosa con el medio ambiente, incrementando la productividad respecto a los equipos actuales. El sistema está basado en la medida puntual de la absorción de rayos X y del espesor de la pieza.Densexplorer is the first device for industrial manufacturing plant capable of determining the distribution of bulk density of large ceramic tiles in a non-destructively way, which is not harmful to health, respectful with the environment and that increases the productivity of the process regarding to existing equipment. The system is based on the X-ray absorption technique, in which a material absorbs an amount of radiation depending on its thickness and density

Is Microtox® toxicity related to potentially harmful algae proliferation in Mediterranean salt marshes?

Is Microtox® toxicity related to potentially harmful algae proliferation in Mediterranean salt marshes? Mediterranean salt marshes are ecosystems that are highly influenced by sea changes and freshwater inputs from runoff. In these ecosystems, toxic and nontoxic algae blooms often produce Jarge and unpredictabJe biomasses of phytoplankton. The Microtox@) test has been described as a successful, quick method for detecting toxicity in various phytoplankton taxa. Our study sought to test the efficiency of Microtox® in detecting toxic HAB in Mediterranean salt marshes. The results showed that the Microtox® test was able to detect toxic substances in the particulate matter of several lagoons in the Emporda salt marshes. This Microtox® toxicity coincided with periods when potentially harrnful cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates and haptophytes had a high biomass. The results suggest that potentially harmful phytoplankton cannot be ruled out as a source of Microtox® toxicity or as a source of other organism kills and subacute effects in Mediterranean salt marshes.Las marismas mediterráneas son ecosistemas altamente injluenciados por la entrada de agua marina y de agua dulce, procedente de la escorrentía. En estos ecosistemas, las proliferaciones de algas tóxicas y no tóxicas sin patrón temporal o espacial, alcanzan altas e impredecibles biomasas de fitoplancton. El ensayo Microtox® ha sido descrito como un rápido y eficiente método para detectar la toxicidad de diferentes taxones de fitoplaneton. Nosotros hemos hecho una primera aproximación para determinar la eficiencia del test Microtox® en la detección de proliferaciones algales tóxicas en las marismas mediterráneas. Se ha podido concluir que hay substancias tóxicas, en la materia particulada de diversas lagunas de las marismas del Emporda, que el método Microtox® es capaz de detectar. Esta toxicidad detectada por Microtox® se da en periodos en que cianobacterias, dinojlagelados y haptófitos potencialmente tóxicos presentan alta biomasa. Los resultados sugieren que el fitoplancton potencialmente tóxico no puede ser descartado como causante de la mortalidad o de efectos subagudos a otros organismos de las marismas mediterráneas

A Light Calibration System for the ProtoDUNE-DP Detector

A LED-based fiber calibration system for the ProtoDUNE-Dual Phase (DP) photon detection system (PDS) has been designed and validated. ProtoDUNE-DP is a 6x6x6 m3 liquid argon time-projection-chamber currently being installed at the Neutrino Platform at CERN. The PDS is based on 36 8-inch photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) and will allow triggering on cosmic rays. The system serves as prototype for the PDS of the final DUNE DP far detector in which the PDS also has the function to allow the 3D event reconstruction on non-beam physics. For this purpose an equalized PMT response is desirable to allow using the same threshold definition for all PMT groups, simplifying the determination of the trigger efficiency. The light calibration system described in this paper is developed to provide this and to monitor the PMT performance in-situ.Comment: 15 pages, 5 figure

Influencia de la estructura y usos del suelo en las características de retención hídrica de suelos mediterráneos sobre litología caliza

[Resumen] Se investigan las diferencias entre la capacidad de retención hídrica de suelos mediterráneos sobre litología caliza sometidos a diferentes usos: incendiados y bajo pastoreo intensivo. En estos mismos suelos se valoran las relaciones entre estructura del suelo y capacidad de retención hídrica a diversos puntos de la curva de retención. Agregados de pequeño tamaño y materia orgánica influyen positivamente y de manera considerable en la capacidad de retención en casi todos los puntos de la curva de retención determinados. Agregados de gran tamaño y microagregados estables en agua influyen negativamente. La combinación de agregados de tamaño 1-0,105 mm y el contenido en materia orgánica predicen bastante bien la capacidad de retención a niveles bajos de succión (pF 0,4 YpF 1).[Abstract] The differences between the water holding capacity of Mediterranean soils developed on limestones and under different land uses (burnt and overgrazed soils) are investigated. The relationships between soil structure and soil moisture characteristic at different levels of the water retention curve in these same soils are evaluated. Organic matter and small sized aggregates are positively related to the water holding capacity. Large sized aggregates and waterstable microaggregates are negatively related to the water holding capacity of the soils. The combination of aggregates at 1-0,105 mm and organic matter content predict quite well the water retention capacity at lower suction levels (pF 0,4 and pF 1)

Deep subcutaneous application of poly-L-lactic acid as a filler for facial lipoatrophy in HIV-infected patients

Introduction: Facial lipoatrophy is a crucial problem of HIV-infected patients undergoing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Poly-L-lactic acid (PLA), provided as New-Fill(R)/Sculptra(TM), is known as one possible treatment option. In 2004 PLA was approved by the FDA as Sculptra(TM) for the treatment of lipoatrophy of the face in HIV-infected patients. While the first trials demonstrated relevant efficacy, this was to some extent linked to unwanted effects. As the depth of injection was considered relevant in this context, the application modalities of the preparation were changed. The preparation was to be injected more deeply into subcutaneous tissue, after increased dilution. Material and Methods: To test this approach we performed a pilot study following the new recommendations in 14 patients. Results: While the efficacy turned out to be about the same, tolerability was markedly improved. The increase in facial dermal thickness was particularly obvious in those patients who had suffered from lipoatrophy for a comparatively small period of time. Conclusion: With the new recommendations to dilute PLA powder and to inject it into the deeper subcutaneous tissue nodule formation is a minor problem. However, good treatment results can only be achieved if lipoatrophy is not too intense; treatment intervals should be about 2 - 3 weeks. Copyright (C) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel