Parameters in a Class of Leptophilic Dark Matter Models from PAMELA, ATIC and FERMI

In this work we study a class of leptophilic dark matter models, where the dark matter interacts with the standard model particles via the $U(1)_{L_i-L_j}$ gauge boson, to explain the $e^{\pm}$ excess in cosmic rays observed by ATIC and PAMELA experiments, and more recently by Fermi experiment. There are three types of $U(1)_{L_i-L_j}$ models: a) $U(1)_{L_e - L_\mu}$, b) $U(1)_{L_e - L_{\tau}}$, and c) $U(1)_ {L_e-L_\tau}$. Although ATIC or Fermi data is consistent with PAMELA data separately, ATIC and Fermi data do not agree with each other. We therefore aim to identify which of the three models can explain which data set better. We find that models a) and b) can give correct dark matter relic density and explain the ATIC and PAMELA data simultaneously recur to the Breit-Wigner enhancement. Whereas model c) with a larger $Z^\prime$ mass can explain Fermi and PAMELA data simultaneously. In all cases the model parameters are restricted to narrow regions. Future improved data will decide which set of data are correct and also help to decide the correct dark matter model.Comment: Latex 15 pages with 5 figures. Modified to include discussions of recent Fermi data on the leptophilic models studied in this paper. Title also modifie

Exploring the singlet scalar dark matter from direct detections and neutrino signals via its annihilation in the Sun

We explore the singlet scalar dark matter (DM) from direct detections and high energy neutrino signals generated by the solar DM annihilation. Two singlet scalar DM models are discussed, one is the real singlet scalar DM model as the simple extension of the standard model (SSDM-SM) with a discrete Z_2 symmetry, and another is the complex singlet scalar DM model as the simple extension of the left-right symmetric two Higgs bidoublet model (SSDM-2HBDM) with $P$ and CP symmetries. To derive the Sun capture rate, we consider the uncertainties in the hadronic matrix elements and calculate the spin-independent DM-nucleon elastic scattering cross section. We find that the predicted neutrino induced upgoing muon fluxes in the region 3.7 GeV < m_D < 4.2 GeV slightly exceed the Super-Kamiokande limit in the SSDM-SM. However, this exceeded region can be excluded by the current DM direct detection experiments. For the SSDM-2HBDM, one may adjust the Yukawa couplings to avoid the direct detection limits and enhance the predicted muon fluxes. For the allowed parameter space of the SSDM-SM and SSDM-2HBDM, the produced muon fluxes in the Super-Kamiokande and muon event rates in the IceCube are less than the experiment upper bound and atmosphere background, respectively.Comment: 21 pages, 5 figures, 1 table. Accepted for publication in Nuclear Physics

RG running in a minimal UED model in light of recent LHC Higgs mass bounds

We study how the recent ATLAS and CMS Higgs mass bounds affect the renormalization group running of the physical parameters in universal extra dimensions. Using the running of the Higgs self-coupling constant, we derive bounds on the cutoff scale of the extra-dimensional theory itself. We show that the running of physical parameters, such as the fermion masses and the CKM mixing matrix, is significantly restricted by these bounds. In particular, we find that the running of the gauge couplings cannot be sufficient to allow gauge unification at the cutoff scale.Comment: 16 pages, 6 figures, RevTeX4. Final version published in Phys. Lett.

Property-Aware Multi-Speaker Data Simulation: A Probabilistic Modelling Technique for Synthetic Data Generation

We introduce a sophisticated multi-speaker speech data simulator, specifically engineered to generate multi-speaker speech recordings. A notable feature of this simulator is its capacity to modulate the distribution of silence and overlap via the adjustment of statistical parameters. This capability offers a tailored training environment for developing neural models suited for speaker diarization and voice activity detection. The acquisition of substantial datasets for speaker diarization often presents a significant challenge, particularly in multi-speaker scenarios. Furthermore, the precise time stamp annotation of speech data is a critical factor for training both speaker diarization and voice activity detection. Our proposed multi-speaker simulator tackles these problems by generating large-scale audio mixtures that maintain statistical properties closely aligned with the input parameters. We demonstrate that the proposed multi-speaker simulator generates audio mixtures with statistical properties that closely align with the input parameters derived from real-world statistics. Additionally, we present the effectiveness of speaker diarization and voice activity detection models, which have been trained exclusively on the generated simulated datasets

Control of Biohazards: A High Performance Energetic Polycyclized Iodine-Containing Biocide

The article of record as published may be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.8b01600Biohazards and chemical hazards as well as radioactive hazards have always been a threat to human health. The search for solutions to these problems is an ongoing worldwide effort. In order to control biohazards by chemical methods, a synthetically useful fused tricyclic iodine-rich compound, 2,6-diiodo-3,5-dinitro-4,9-dihydrodipyrazolo [1,5a:5',1'-d][1,3,5]triazine (5), with good detonation performance was synthesized, characterized, and its properties determined. This compound which acts as an agent defeat weapon has been shown to destroy certain microorganisms effectively by releasing iodine after undergoing decomposition or combustion. The small iodine residues remaining will not be deleterious to human life after 1 month.Financial support of the Office of Naval Research (N00014-16- 1-2089), and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (HDTRA 1-15-1-0028) is gratefully acknowledged. The M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust (No. 2014120) is thanked for funds supporting the purchase of a 500 MHz NMR.Financial support of the Office of Naval Research (N00014-16- 1-2089), and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (HDTRA 1-15-1-0028) is gratefully acknowledged. The M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust (No. 2014120) is thanked for funds supporting the purchase of a 500 MHz NMR

Evaluating the efficacy of thoracoscopy and talc poudrage versus pleurodesis using talc slurry (TAPPS trial): protocol of an open-label randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION: The management of recurrent malignant pleural effusions (MPE) can be challenging. Various options are available, with the most efficacious and widely used being talc pleurodesis. Talc can either be applied via a chest drain in the form of slurry, or at medical thoracoscopy using poudrage. Current evidence regarding which method is most effective is conflicting and often methodologically flawed. The TAPPS trial is a suitably powered, multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial designed to compare the pleurodesis success rate of medical thoracoscopy and talc poudrage with chest drain insertion and talc slurry. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: 330 patients with a confirmed MPE requiring intervention will be recruited from UK hospitals. Patients will be randomised (1:1) to undergo either small bore (&lt;14 Fr) Seldinger chest drain insertion followed by instillation of sterile talc (4 g), or to undergo medical thoracoscopy and simultaneous poudrage (4 g). The allocated procedure will be performed as an inpatient within 3 days of randomisation taking place. Following discharge, patients will be followed up at regular intervals for 6 months. The primary outcome measure is pleurodesis failure rates at 3 months. Pleurodesis failure is defined as the need for further pleural intervention for fluid management on the side of the trial intervention. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The trial has received ethical approval from the National Research Ethics Service Committee North West-Preston (12/NW/0467). There is a trial steering committee which includes independent members and a patient and public representative. The trial results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at international conferences, as well as being disseminated via local and national charities and patient groups. All participants who wish to know the study results will also be contacted directly on their publication. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN47845793

Energy and Biocides Storage Compounds: Synthesis and Characterization of Energetic Bridged Bis(triiodoazoles)

The article of record as published may be found at https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.7b02277Energetic bridged triiodopyrazoles and triiodoimidazoles were designed and synthsized by reacting potassium triiodopyrazolate or triiodoimidazolate with corresponding dichloro compounds. All compounds were fully characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and elemental analyses. The structure of compound 1 was further confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. All of the compounds exhibit good thermal stability with decomposition temperatures between 199 and 270 °C and high densities ranging from 2.804 to 3.358 g/cm3. The detonation performances and the detonation products were calculated by CHEETAH 7. Compound 3 (Dv = 4765 m s–1; P = 17.9 GPa) and compound 7 (Dv = 4841 m s–1; P = 18.5 GPa) show comparable detonation pressure to TNT, and high iodine content makes them promising as energy and biocides storage compounds.This work was supported by the Office of Naval Research (N00014-16-1-2089) and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (HDTRA 1-15-1-0028). The authors thank the M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust, Vancouver, WA (Reference No.: 2014120: MNL:11/20/2014), for funds to purchase a 500 MHz NMR spectrometer.

Presence of virus neutralizing antibodies in cerebral spinal fluid correlates with non-lethal rabies in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Rabies is traditionally considered a uniformly fatal disease after onset of clinical manifestations. However, increasing evidence indicates that non-lethal infection as well as recovery from flaccid paralysis and encephalitis occurs in laboratory animals as well as humans. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Non-lethal rabies infection in dogs experimentally infected with wild type dog rabies virus (RABV, wt DRV-Mexico) correlates with the presence of high level of virus neutralizing antibodies (VNA) in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and mild immune cell accumulation in the central nervous system (CNS). By contrast, dogs that succumbed to rabies showed only little or no VNA in the serum or in the CSF and severe inflammation in the CNS. Dogs vaccinated with a rabies vaccine showed no clinical signs of rabies and survived challenge with a lethal dose of wild-type DRV. VNA was detected in the serum, but not in the CSF of immunized dogs. Thus the presence of VNA is critical for inhibiting virus spread within the CNS and eventually clearing the virus from the CNS. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Non-lethal infection with wt RABV correlates with the presence of VNA in the CNS. Therefore production of VNA within the CNS or invasion of VNA from the periphery into the CNS via compromised blood-brain barrier is important for clearing the virus infection from CNS, thereby preventing an otherwise lethal rabies virus infection