Search for pair production of vector-like partners of the top quark (T), with T → tH, H → γγ

We present a search for a heavy vector-like quark with charge 2/3(top partner, T). We search for events where the top partner is produced in pairs and where at least one of them decays into a top quark and a Higgs boson. We focus on the decays of the Higgs boson to photons to allow for full mass reconstruction. The observed data are in agreement with the standard model prediction. We proceed to set observed (expected) 95% confidence level upper limits on the production cross section of strong T¯T production, excluding the existence of top quark partners with mass up to 540 (607) GeV using 19.7 fb−1 of integrated luminosity

Experimental investigation of dam-break usinglow cost laser sourcesand image processing techniques

Dambreak waves in a horizontal rectangular and smooth channel are measured using a number of low cost laser sources, fluorescent dies and Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence (PLIF). Even in such a simple configuration, the experiment are useful to investigate a number of factors such as: the initial wave formation process, the positive front propagation and the local velocity of the wave. The positive wave fronts and the shape of the waves are compared with analytically determined solution proposed by Ritter. The effect of the relative reservoir high on the wave maximum and shape is shown to reasonably agree with the Ritter solution. The results so obtained are discussed and allow a deeper insight into the mechanics of dam-break waves. The results are readily available for applications, and a significant modification regarding the initial flow conditions is described

The Linear Behaviour of Pathogen Strain of Bacillus anthracis A0843 in Anthrax Subcutaneous Challenge on Rabbit Model

Background: The pathogen strain of Bacillus anthracis A0843, isolated during an anthrax outbreak occurred in Italy, belongs to the Cluster A1a genotype 3. The authors show its activity underlining that the regular behaviour could make it useful as a reference strain for subcutaneous challenge in rabbit model for anthrax vaccines efficacy test. Italy doesn't use Ames strain because the restrictive measures, imposed after the bioterroristic events occurred in October 2001 in USA, reduced the movements of pathogen agents between reference laboratories in the world. It is necessary to adopt new rules that favour the security and the regularity of the research. Method: This study was done, during 3 years, on 50 New Zeeland rabbits, males and females, with a weigh between 1.200 and 1500 grams. The site of injection was back in the space between the two scapulae. It was used 20 LD50 (about 40.000 spores) of the pathogen strain according to the European Pharmacopoeia. Results: It was observed that anthrax begins to kills after 48 hours from the infection. At 72 hours the percentage of survival is 56,66%; at 96 hours is 30%. It was observed that two animals that survived after 120 hours from infection didn't die. Conclusion: The LD50 of B. anthracis strain A0843 in rabbit is 2.000 spores, less virulent then Ames strain which is characterized of a LD50 of about 1.200 spores. The standard amount of 20 DL50 (about 40.000 spores) of B. anthracis strain A0843 injected in subcutaneous area in rabbits shows a linear behaviour. The higher mortality is observed between 72 and 96 hours. All the animals died within 120 hours from the infection. None of the infected animals survived over this time and we consider it the survival line of anthrax subcutaneous challenge in rabbit. Technical support: Angela Aceti and Nicola Nigro Founds: Ricerca Corrente 2005 of Ministry of Health of Italy This research was done in according to the Decreto legislativo n.116/92 on animal welfar

Impact Testing and Simulation of Composite Airframe Structures

Dynamic tests were performed at NASA Langley Research Center on composite airframe structural components of increasing complexity to evaluate their energy absorption behavior when subjected to impact loading. A second objective was to assess the capabilities of predicting the dynamic response of composite airframe structures, including damage initiation and progression, using a state-of-the-art nonlinear, explicit transient dynamic finite element code, LS-DYNA. The test specimens were extracted from a previously tested composite prototype fuselage section developed and manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation under the US Army's Survivable Affordable Repairable Airframe Program (SARAP). Laminate characterization testing was conducted in tension and compression. In addition, dynamic impact tests were performed on several components, including I-beams, T-sections, and cruciform sections. Finally, tests were conducted on two full-scale components including a subfloor section and a framed fuselage section. These tests included a modal vibration and longitudinal impact test of the subfloor section and a quasi-static, modal vibration, and vertical drop test of the framed fuselage section. Most of the test articles were manufactured of graphite unidirectional tape composite with a thermoplastic resin system. However, the framed fuselage section was constructed primarily of a plain weave graphite fabric material with a thermoset resin system. Test data were collected from instrumentation such as accelerometers and strain gages and from full-field photogrammetry

Experimental and Analytical Evaluation of a Composite Honeycomb Deployable Energy Absorber

In 2006, the NASA Subsonic Rotary Wing Aeronautics Program sponsored the experimental and analytical evaluation of an externally deployable composite honeycomb structure that is designed to attenuate impact energy during helicopter crashes. The concept, which is designated the Deployable Energy Absorber (DEA), utilizes an expandable Kevlar honeycomb structure to dissipate kinetic energy through crushing. The DEA incorporates a unique flexible hinge design that allows the honeycomb to be packaged and stowed flat until needed for deployment. A variety of deployment options such as linear, radial, and/or hybrid methods can be used. Experimental evaluation of the DEA utilized a building block approach that included material characterization testing of its constituent, Kevlar -129 fabric/epoxy, and flexural testing of single hexagonal cells. In addition, the energy attenuation capabilities of the DEA were demonstrated through multi-cell component dynamic crush tests, and vertical drop tests of a composite fuselage section, retrofitted with DEA blocks, onto concrete, water, and soft soil. During each stage of the DEA evaluation process, finite element models of the test articles were developed and simulations were performed using the explicit, nonlinear transient dynamic finite element code, LS-DYNA. This report documents the results of the experimental evaluation that was conducted to assess the energy absorption capabilities of the DEA

VOC 202012/01 Variant Is Effectively Neutralized by Antibodies Produced by Patients Infected before Its Diffusion in Italy

The coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and presents a global health emergency that needs urgent intervention. Viruses constantly change through mutation, and new variants of a virus are expected to occur over time. In the United Kingdom (UK), a new variant called B.1.1.7 has emerged with an unusually large number of mutations. The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of protection of sera from 12 patients infected and later healed in Apulia Region (Italy) with Covid-19 between March and November 2020, when the English variant was not circulating in this territory yet, against the new VOC 202012/01 variant by seroneutralization assay. The sera of patients had already been tested before, using a virus belonging to the lineage B.1 and showed an antibody neutralizing titer ranging between 1:160 and 1:320. All the 12 sera donors confirmed the same titers of neutralizing antibodies obtained with a strain belonging to the lineage B.1.1.7 (VOC 202012/01). These data indicate that antibodies produced in subjects infected with variants of Sars-CoV-2 strain before the appearance of the English one, seem to have a neutralizing power also against this variant

Measurement of the WZ production cross section in pp collisions at [Formula: see text] and 8[Formula: see text] and search for anomalous triple gauge couplings at [Formula: see text].

The WZ production cross section is measured by the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC in proton-proton collision data samples corresponding to integrated luminosities of 4.9[Formula: see text] collected at [Formula: see text], and 19.6[Formula: see text] at [Formula: see text]. The measurements are performed using the fully-leptonic WZ decay modes with electrons and muons in the final state. The measured cross sections for [Formula: see text] are [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]. Differential cross sections with respect to the [Formula: see text] boson [Formula: see text], the leading jet [Formula: see text], and the number of jets are obtained using the [Formula: see text] data. The results are consistent with standard model predictions and constraints on anomalous triple gauge couplings are obtained

Measurement of double-differential cross sections for top quark pair production in pp collisions at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] and impact on parton distribution functions.

Normalized double-differential cross sections for top quark pair ([Formula: see text]) production are measured in pp collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 8[Formula: see text] with the CMS experiment at the LHC. The analyzed data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 19.7[Formula: see text]. The measurement is performed in the dilepton [Formula: see text] final state. The [Formula: see text] cross section is determined as a function of various pairs of observables characterizing the kinematics of the top quark and [Formula: see text] system. The data are compared to calculations using perturbative quantum chromodynamics at next-to-leading and approximate next-to-next-to-leading orders. They are also compared to predictions of Monte Carlo event generators that complement fixed-order computations with parton showers, hadronization, and multiple-parton interactions. Overall agreement is observed with the predictions, which is improved when the latest global sets of proton parton distribution functions are used. The inclusion of the measured [Formula: see text] cross sections in a fit of parametrized parton distribution functions is shown to have significant impact on the gluon distribution