With four Standard Model families, the LHC could discover the Higgs boson with a few fb^-1

The existence of a 4th SM family would produce a large enhancement of the gluon fusion channel of Higgs boson production at hadron colliders. In this case, the SM Higgs boson could be seen at the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC) via the golden mode (H->4l) with an integral luminosity of only a few fb^-1.Comment: 7 pages, 2 figures, 2 tables, references updated in v

Using Linux PCs in DAQ applications

ATLAS Data Acquisition/Event Filter "-1" (DAQ/EF1) project provides the opportunity to explore the use of commodity hardware (PCs) and Open Source Software (Linux) in DAQ applications. In DAQ/EF-1 there is an element called the LDAQ which is responsible for providing local run-control, error-handling and reporting for a number of read- out modules in front end crates. This element is also responsible for providing event data for monitoring and for the interface with the global control and monitoring system (Back-End). We present the results of an evaluation of the Linux operating system made in the context of DAQ/EF-1 where there are no strong real-time requirements. We also report on our experience in implementing the LDAQ on a VMEbus based PC (the VMIVME-7587) and a desktop PC linked to VMEbus with a Bit3 interface both running Linux. We then present the problems encountered during the integration with VMEbus, the status of the LDAQ implementation and draw some conclusions on the use of Linux in DAQ applications. (18 refs)

Modelling of the effect of ELMs on fuel retention at the bulk W divertor of JET

Effect of ELMs on fuel retention at the bulk W target of JET ITER-Like Wall was studied with multi-scale calculations. Plasma input parameters were taken from ELMy H-mode plasma experiment. The energetic intra-ELM fuel particles get implanted and create near-surface defects up to depths of few tens of nm, which act as the main fuel trapping sites during ELMs. Clustering of implantation-induced vacancies were found to take place. The incoming flux of inter-ELM plasma particles increases the different filling levels of trapped fuel in defects. The temperature increase of the W target during the pulse increases the fuel detrapping rate. The inter-ELM fuel particle flux refills the partially emptied trapping sites and fills new sites. This leads to a competing effect on the retention and release rates of the implanted particles. At high temperatures the main retention appeared in larger vacancy clusters due to increased clustering rate

The outcomes after transfers of embryos with chromosomal mosaicism : a single reproductive medicine center experience at iVF Riga clinic

Publisher Copyright: © 2020 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group on behalf of the UR MED GRUPP (LLC). Copyright: Copyright 2020 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.Aim: The aim of this study is to summarize the outcomes of transfers of mosaic embryos, which were classified according to guidelines and in strong collaboration of reproductologists, clinical geneticists and patients approved as suitable for transfer. Material and Methods: Retrospective data were collected from 70 patients from a private IVF center to whom embryos with mosaic changes in chromosomal material were transferred from 2015 to 2019. Results and Conclusion: Implantation outcomes and continuing pregnancies showed slight differences, when compared to fully normal embryos. Artifacts have to be differentiated from undeniable aberrations, and correct interpretation of results must be done with following patient counselling and prenatal testing if necessary.publishersversionPeer reviewe

Case of Inherited Partial AZFa Deletion without Impact on Male Fertility

Male factor infertility accounts for 40–50% of all infertility cases. Deletions of one or more AZF region parts in chromosome Y are one of the most common genetic causes of male infertility. Usually full or partial AZF deletions, including genes involved in spermatogenesis, are associated with spermatogenic failure. Here we report a case of a Caucasian man with partial AZFa region deletion from a couple with secondary infertility. Partial AZFa deletion, involving part of USP9Y gene appears to be benign, as we proved transmission from father to son. According to our results, it is recommended to revise guidelines on markers selected for testing of AZFa region deletion, to be more selective against DDX3Y gene and exclude probably benign microdeletions involving only USP9Y gene.publishersversionPeer reviewe

The application of PGT-A for carriers of balanced structural chromosomal rearrangements

The aim of this study was to analyze differences in chromosomal aberrations and euploidy in embryos of each translocation type and gender of carrier in the case series of 10 couples with balanced translocations who underwent IVF with embryos trophectoderm (TE) biopsy and PGT-A to detect chromosomal aberrations. This is a Case Series (Retrospective study). In each case, controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, oocyte insemination with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and cultivation gave multiple blastocysts, that underwent trophectoderm (TE) biopsy with PGT-A analysis using aCGH and NGS. Number of total unbalanced translocations compared to the number of sporadic aneuploid embryos was 39.6% to 39.6% (50% to 50% of all 37 aneuploid embryos). The highest euploidy rate was in male carrier group–26.7% and the lowest in the Robertsonian translocation carrier group–18.2%. Sporadic aneuploidy–68.2% was highest in Robertsonian translocation carrier group and lowest in female group–11.1%. Chromosomal aberrations related to translocation were highest in female carrier group–77.8% and lowest in Robertsonian translocation carrier group–13.6%. Our study showed that expectancy of total embryo aneuploidy rates will be higher in carriers, than in people with normal karyotype. The prevalence of chromosomal aberrations related to translocation was 4.5 times higher in Reciprocal carrier group than in Robertsonian translocation carrier group. Among maternal and paternal carrier groups, the embryos from female carriers had the lowest euploidy rate, unbalanced translocation rate 4.7 times higher than in the male carrier group and higher total aneuploidy rates.publishersversionPeer reviewe

Cell-free Fetal DNA and Spontaneous Preterm Birth

Inflammation is known to play a key role in preterm and term parturition. Cell-free Fetal DNA (cff-DNA) is present in the maternal circulation and increases with gestational age and some pregnancy complications (eg preterm birth, pre-eclampsia). Microbial DNA and adult cell-free DNA can be pro-inflammatory through DNA sensing mechanisms such as toll-like receptor 9 and the Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) pathway. However, the pro-inflammatory properties of cff-DNA, and the possible effects of this on pregnancy and parturition are unknown. Clinical studies have quantified cff-DNA levels in the maternal circulation in women who deliver preterm and women who deliver term and show an association between preterm labour and higher cff-DNA levels in the 2nd, 3rd trimester and at onset of PTB symptoms. Together with potential pro-inflammatory properties of cff-DNA, this rise suggests a potential mechanistic role in the pathogenesis of spontaneous preterm birth. In this review we discuss the evidence linking cff-DNA to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth, obtained from preclinical and clinical studies