Systematic uncertainties of the top background in the H->WW channel

The ttbar process is one of the main backgrounds for the H->WW->lnulnu signal search. The simulation of this background as well as an estimation of its contribution to the total systematic error for this Higgs search will be studied in detail. For this, the predictions of the PYTHIA, HERWIG, TopREX and MC@NLO Monte Carlos are compared in order to estimate the effect of different showering programs and of the spin correlations. Furthermore, the question of how to include NLO corrections will be addressed and the simulation of single top background at NLO discussed. In order to extrapolate the ttbar background to the Higgs signal region, once data is available, different normalization methods will be proposed and compared. The experimental uncertainties coming from different normalization processes will be estimated using a full CMS simulation

Combining Monte Carlo generators with next-to-next-to-leading order calculations: event reweighting for Higgs boson production at the LHC

We study a phenomenological ansatz for merging next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) calculations with Monte Carlo event generators. We reweight them to match bin-integrated NNLO differential distributions. To test this procedure, we study the Higgs boson production cross-section at the LHC, for which a fully differential partonic NNLO calculation is available. We normalize PYTHIA and MC@NLO Monte Carlo events for Higgs production in the gluon fusion channel to reproduce the bin integrated NNLO double differential distribution in the transverse momentum and rapidity of the Higgs boson. These events are used to compute differential distributions for the photons in the pp \to H \to \gamma \gamma decay channel, and are compared to predictions from fixed-order perturbation theory at NNLO. We find agreement between the reweighted generators and the NNLO result in kinematic regions where we expect a good description using fixed-order perturbation theory. Kinematic boundaries where resummation is required are also modeled correctly using this procedure. We then use these events to compute distributions in the pp \to H \to W^+W^- \to l^+l^- \nu\bar{\nu} channel, for which an accurate description is needed for measurements at the LHC. We find that the final state lepton distributions obtained from PYTHIA are not significantly changed by the reweighting procedure.Comment: 18 pages, 14 fig

Energy Resolution Performance of the CMS Electromagnetic Calorimeter

The energy resolution performance of the CMS lead tungstate crystal electromagnetic calorimeter is presented. Measurements were made with an electron beam using a fully equipped supermodule of the calorimeter barrel. Results are given both for electrons incident on the centre of crystals and for electrons distributed uniformly over the calorimeter surface. The electron energy is reconstructed in matrices of 3 times 3 or 5 times 5 crystals centred on the crystal containing the maximum energy. Corrections for variations in the shower containment are applied in the case of uniform incidence. The resolution measured is consistent with the design goals

Generational Hazards

This article appeared in Homeland Security Affairs (September 2007), v.3 no.3Today, the homeland security official is focused squarely on the near-term external threats facing America -- the natural and terrorism-induced hazards that define our discipline's present-day rule-set. This essay argues that we need to create a new, broader homeland security rule-set; one that includes at its core both external hazards as well as the internal, long-term 'generational hazards' of our society's own creation. America's fiscal profligacy, global warming, an inferior mathematics and science educational system, and other 'generational hazards' pose a mortal threat to the stability and security of our nation every bit as lethal as religiously-inspired terrorism or the next big earthquake. To aid in the solution to these generational hazards, homeland security officials at every level of government should use their soft-power to help position these threats on a par equivalent to the global war on terrorism; that is, a multi-decade struggle for the very future of our civilization.Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Gamma-Insensitive Fast Neutron Detector with Spectral Source Identification Potential

This article appeared in Homeland Security Affairs (March 2011), Supplement no.3Calculations are presented to support the claim that fast neutron detection systems can achieve higher performance in detecting weak neutron sources than conventional thermal neutron detection systems involving moderators. Minimum Detectable Limits (MDL) are used as a comparative metric, more representative than the metric of absolute sensitivity, which does not take into account the influence of natural backgrounds. Monte Carlo simulations are used to show that heavily shielded neutron sources emit a substantial fraction of fast neutrons. Arguments are presented to support the claim that fast neutron detection systems are superior at defeating heavy neutron shielding than thermal systems.Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Detailed Studies of the CMS Potential to Measure the Standard Model Higgs Boson in the gg -> HH -> WWWW -> lvlvlvlv Channel at LHC

A study of the Higgs channel pp → H → WW → ℓνℓν for a mass between 150 and 180 GeV is presented. Signal and background systematics are invest igated in detail, including the implementation of most up-to-date higher order QCD correct ions for signal and background. For the first time full detector simulations are performed in this channel. A data driven approach to determine the size of the backgrounds is used. A S tandard Model Higgs boson can be discovered in the H → WW → ℓνℓν channel with an integrated luminosity of less than 1 fb − 1 if its mass is around 165 GeV. If it has a mass between 150 and 18 0 GeV, a 5 σ signal can be seen with a luminosity of about 10 fb − 1 . Assuming that the LHC experiments will discover a Higgs-like signal in this channel, different experimental observables have been analysed in order to establish how and how well the Higgs mass can be measured in this mass range. Combining the hypothetical cross section measureme nt with the lepton p T spectra and the estimated systematic uncertainties of 10 to 15%, ass ociated with this signature, we find that the mass of a Standard-Model-Higgs-like signal in t he mass range between 150 and 180 GeV can be measured with an accuracy of 2 to 2.5 GeV. In c ase that no further improvements in the systematics for this channel can be achi eved, our analysis shows also that such a mass measurement will be dominated by systematic uncertainties once integrated luminosities of about 10-20 fb − 1 can be analysed

Vocal reabilitation and quality of life in total laryngectomized

Quando o paciente com câncer de laringe chega ao tratamento com tumor em estágio avançado, a cirurgia de laringectomia total, retirada cirúrgica da laringe, torna-se a opção de tratamento. Esta cirurgia traz ao indivíduo a possibilidade de sobrevivência, porém com a perda irreversível da voz laríngea. Existem diferentes métodos para reabilitar a voz do laringectomizado total; dentre eles a voz esofágica, a laringe eletrônica e a prótese traqueoesofágica. Podem estes métodos melhorar a qualidade de vida por permitirem ao paciente se comunicar, mesmo possuindo qualidade sonora resultante diferente da produzida pela laringe? O presente estudo se propôs comparar a qualidade de vida de indivíduos submetidos à cirurgia de laringectomia total nas situações de ausência ou presença da reabilitação vocal, bem como nos diferentes métodos utilizados para esta reabilitação, por meio dos questionários de qualidade de vida relacionados ao câncer de cabeça e pescoço (UWQOL e FACT-H&N) e à voz (IDV e QVV). Participaram deste estudo 24 laringectomizados totais, 12 não reabilitados de voz (grupo NR) e 12 reabilitados (grupo R). O grupo R foi subdividido, sendo 7 indivíduos reabilitados por voz esofágica (RVE) e 5 por laringe eletrônica (RLE). Como resultados deste estudo observou-se melhor qualidade de vida para os reabilitados de voz (R) com diferença estatística significativa (p<0,05) em comparação com os laringectomizados totais não reabilitados (NR); isto nos resultados gerais de todos os questionários aplicados. Os domínios específicos dos questionários de qualidade de vida relacionados ao câncer de cabeça e pescoço UWQOL (Fala, Humor, Ansiedade e Paladar) e FACT-H&N (Emocional e Físico) apontaram, também, melhor qualidade de vida para os pacientes com reabilitação vocal. As dificuldades específicas referentes a cada método de reabilitação foram vistas pelos pacientes como inerentes ao processo de cura do câncer. Como conclusão observou-se que a ausência da voz trouxe agravos emocionais e à inserção social dos laringectomizados totais que acabaram por afetar sua qualidade de vida global. A reabilitação vocal tanto por voz esofágica (RVE) quanto por laringe eletrônica (RLE), trouxeram melhoras da qualidade de vida após excisão da laringe.When the patient with laryngeal cancer begins the treatment with tumor advanced locally, the total laryngectomy becomes the treatment option. This method of cancer\'s remotion brings the chance of survival to the individual, however, with vocal loss. There are different methods to rehabilitate the voice after the total laringectomy. However these methods provide quality of voice distinct from that produced in the larynx. Can these methods improve the quality of life, since allow the oral communication to the individual? The objectives of this study were to compare the quality of life of patients undergoing surgery of total laryngectomy in cases of absence (NR) or presence of rehabilitation vocal (R), as well as in the different methods used for this rehabilitation, through questionnaires of quality of life related to cancer of the head and neck (UWQOL and FACT-H & N) and related to voice (VHI and V-RQOL).The study included 24 TL, 12 non-rehabilitated of voice (NR) and 12 rehabilitated (R). The group of rehabilitated was subdivided, being 7 with esophageal speech (RVE) and 5 electronic larynx users (RLE). As a result there was a better quality of life for the rehabilitated of voice (R) with statistically significant difference (p <0.05) compared with NR, in all questionnaires. Specific areas of questionnaires of the quality of life related to cancer of the head and neck UWQOL (Speech, Mood, Anxiety and Taste) and FACT-H & N (emotional and physical) had better quality of life for individuals with vocal rehabilitation. The specific difficulties relating to each method of rehabilitation were perceived by the patients as inherent to the process of curing cancer. In conclusion it was observed that the absence of voice brought emotional and integration social grievances. These aspects ultimately affected the overall quality of life of the TL. Both the rehabilitation of electronic larynx (RLE) such the esophageal speech (RVE) brought improvements to the quality of life after excision of the larynx

Impact of perturbation and value of fundamental frequency on the sound quality of electrolaryngeal speech

Introdução: A eletrolaringe é utilizada como fonte sonora de substituição ao som glotal nos casos de perda irreversível da voz natural. O som é considerado artificial muito provavelmente pela ausência de perturbação ciclo a ciclo da frequência fundamental (f0). Objetivo: Comparar a qualidade sonora da voz de pacientes laringectomizados totais produzida com uso da eletrolaringe modificada pela inserção de perturbação na f0 e adequação do valor da f0, com a da eletrolaringe convencional, tendo como medida de resultado o julgamento perceptivoauditivo da voz. Método: A pesquisa foi dividida em 3 etapas. Etapa 1: Obtenção de medidas acústicas de fonte (f0), filtro (primeiro ao quarto formantes- F1- F4 e larguras de banda- B1- B4) para a síntese de voz. Para isso, foram analisadas vogais sustentadas /a/ emitidas por 162 indivíduos vocalmente saudáveis, 78 mulheres e 84 homens adultos jovens, de meia-idade e idosos. Etapa 2: Análise do grau de naturalidade de 24 vogais sintetizadas /a/ produzidas com dois padrões matemáticos de perturbação da f0, (I) aleatório com distribuição uniforme e (II) de segunda ordem subamortecido acrescido de aleatoriedade, utilizando como controle a perturbação da f0 extraída de vozes humanas e, como placebo, a ausência de perturbação, por meio de julgamento perceptivo-auditivo. Etapa 3: Análise comparativa da qualidade sonora de emissões realizadas por 10 pacientes laringectomizados totais, 1 mulher e 9 homens, com a eletrolaringe modificada e a convencional, por meio de julgamento perceptivo-auditivo realizado por fonoaudiólogas. Resultados: Etapa 1: Os valores médios das medidas de f0 , F1- F4, B1- B4 obtidas foram aplicados na síntese de vogais. Etapa 2: O grau de naturalidade proporcionado pelos dois padrões matemáticos de perturbação da f0 foi equivalente à perturbação humana, utilizada como controle. Etapa 3: A perturbação aleatória com distribuição uniforme foi inserida na eletrolaringe. Das fonoaudiólogas, 7(100%) selecionaram a sonoridade modificada como a melhor, sendo que 7(100%) apontaram maior inteligibilidade e menor ruído de fundo, 6(87,5%) indicaram maior adequação para o sexo feminino e 5(71,4%) consideraram mais natural. Conclusão: A eletrolaringe modificada pela inserção de perturbação aleatória na f0 e adequação do valor da f0 apresentou melhor qualidade sonora que a eletrolaringe convencional, quanto aos aspectos de inteligibilidade de fala, redução do ruído adicional, adequação para sexo e idade e naturalidade.Introduction: The electrolarynx is used as a sound source to replace the glottal sound in cases of irreversible loss of the natural voice. The sound is considered artificial, most likely due to the absence of cycle-by-cycle perturbation of the fundamental frequency (f0). Objective: To compare the sound quality of the voice of total laryngectomized patients produced with the use of electrolarynx modified by the insertion of perturbation in f0 and adequacy of the value of f0, with conventional electrolaryngeal, having as a result measure the perceptual-auditory judgment of the voice. Method: The research was divided into 3 steps. Step 1: Obtaining acoustic measurements of source (f0), filter (first to fourth formants- F1- F4 and bandwidths- B1- B4) for speech synthesis. For that, sustained vowels /a/ emitted by 162 vocally healthy individuals, 78 women and 84 young, middle-aged and elderly men, were analyzed. Step 2: Analysis of the degree of naturalness of 24 synthesized vowels /a/ produced with two mathematical patterns of f0 perturbation, (I) random with uniform distribution and (II) underdamped second order plus randomness, using as control the perturbation of the f0 extracted from human voices and, as a placebo, the absence of perturbation, through auditory-perceptual judgment. Step 3: Comparative analysis of the sound quality of emissions performed by a total of 10 laryngectomized patients, 1 woman and 9 men, with modified and conventional electrolarynx, through auditory-perceptual judgment performed by speech therapists. Results: Step 1: The mean values of the measurements of f0, F1-F4, B1-B4 obtained were applied in the vowel synthesis. Step 2: The degree of naturalness provided by the two mathematical perturbation patterns of f0 was equivalent to the human perturbation, used as a control. Step 3: The random perturbation with uniform distribution was inserted into the electrolarynx. Of the speech therapists, 7 (100%) selected the modified sound as the best one, and 7 (100%) indicated greater intelligibility and less background noise, 6 (87.5%) indicated greater adequacy for females and 5 (71.4%) considered it more natural. Conclusion: The electrolarynx modified by the insertion of random perturbation in f0 and adequacy of the value of f0 presented better sound quality than the conventional electrolarynx, in terms of speech intelligibility, reduction of additional noise, suitability for sex and age and birthplace

Standard Model Higgs Discovery Potential of CMS in H→WW→lνlνH \to WW \to l\nu l\nu Channel

The discovery potential of the CMS detector for the Standard Model Higgs boson in the H->WW->lnulnu channel is assessed using a full detector simulation. Sources of systematic uncertainties as well as methods to determine backgrounds from data are discussed. If the Standard Model Higgs boson has a mass between 150GeV and 180GeV, it should be observed with a significance of more than 5 sigma with a luminosity of about 10fb-1

MOX assay using He-4 scintillation detectors

A neutron spectroscopic technique for plutonium content measurement is described. The technique exploits the kinematic cuto of neutron emission from (&#38;alpha;, n) reactions on oxygen. The Watt spectrum of ssion neutron emission extends to higher energies without such a cuto. 4He scintillation detectors were calibrated with an energy cut to reject neutrons of low energies, thereby making the detectors sensitive only to ssion neutrons but not to neutrons from the (&#38;alpha;, n) reaction on oxygen. Experimental results are presented. Simulations are discussed to evaluate possible self shielding eects. Furthermore, numerous factors in uencing gamma rejection are discussed