Searching for t-bar t Resonances at the Large Hadron Collider

Many new physics models predict resonances with masses in the TeV range which decay into a pair of top quarks. With its large cross section, t-bar t production at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) offers an excellent opportunity to search for such particles. We present a detailed study of the discovery potential of the CERN Large Hadron Collider for Kaluza-Klein (KK) excitations of the gluon in bulk Randall-Sundrum (RS) models in the t-bar t -> ell^+/- nu b-bar bq-bar q' (ell=e, mu) final state. We utilize final states with one or two tagged b-quarks, and two, three or four jets (including b-jets). Our calculations take into account the finite resolution of detectors, the energy loss due to b-quark decays, the expected reduced b-tagging efficiency at large t-bar t invariant masses, and include the background originating from Wb-bar b+jets, (Wb+W-bar b)+jets, W+jets, and single top + jets production. We derive semi-realistic 5 sigma discovery limits for nine different KK gluon scenarios, and compare them with those for KK gravitons, and a Z_H boson in the Littlest Higgs model. We also analyze the capabilities of the LHC experiments to differentiate between individual KK gluon models and measure the couplings of KK gluons to quarks. We find that, for the parameters and models chosen, KK gluons with masses up to about 4 TeV can be discovered at the LHC. The ability of the LHC to discriminate between different bulk RS models, and to measure the couplings of the KK gluons is found to be highly model dependent.Comment: revtex3, 27 pages, 5 tables, 6 figure

Evalutating the potential of desis to infer plant taxonomical and functional diversities in europwean forests

Abstract. Tackling the accelerated human-induced biodiversity loss requires tools able to map biodiversity and its changes globally. Remote sensing (RS) offers unique capabilities of characterizing Earth surfaces; therefore, it could map plant biodiversity continuously and globally. This approach is supported by the Spectral Variation Hypothesis (SVH), which states that spectra and species (taxonomic and trait) diversities are linked through environmental heterogeneity. In this work, we evaluate the capability of the DESIS hyperspectral imager to capture plant diversity patterns as measured in dedicated plots of the network FunDivEUROPE. We computed functional and taxonomical diversity metrics from field taxonomic, structural, and foliar measurements in vegetation plots sampled in Spain and Romania. In addition, we also computed functional diversity metrics both from the DESIS reflectance factors and from vegetation parameters estimated via inversion of a radiative transfer model. Results showed that only metrics computed from spectral reflectance were able to capture taxonomic variability in the area. However, the lack of sensitivity was related to the insufficient plot size and the lack of spatial match between remote sensing and field data, but also the differences between the information contained in the field traits and remote sensing data, and the potential uncertainties in the remote estimates of vegetation parameters. Thus, while DESIS showed some sensitivity to plant diversity, further efforts are needed to deploy suitable biodiversity evaluation and validation plots and networks that support the development of biodiversity remote sensing products

Engineering evaluations and studies. Volume 3: Exhibit C

High rate multiplexes asymmetry and jitter, data-dependent amplitude variations, and transition density are discussed

Engineering evaluations and studies. Volume 2: Exhibit B, part 1

Ku-band communication system analysis, S-band system investigations, payload communication investigations, shuttle/TDRSS and GSTDN compatibility analysis are discussed

MuPix7 - A fast monolithic HV-CMOS pixel chip for Mu3e

The MuPix7 chip is a monolithic HV-CMOS pixel chip, thinned down to 50 \mu m. It provides continuous self-triggered, non-shuttered readout at rates up to 30 Mhits/chip of 3x3 mm^2 active area and a pixel size of 103x80 \mu m^2. The hit efficiency depends on the chosen working point. Settings with a power consumption of 300 mW/cm^2 allow for a hit efficiency >99.5%. A time resolution of 14.2 ns (Gaussian sigma) is achieved. Latest results from 2016 test beam campaigns are shown.Comment: Proceedingsfor the PIXEL2016 conference, submitted to JINST A dangling reference has been removed from this version, no other change

Foliar application of silicon and the effect on wheat seed yield and quality.

ABSTRACT: Adequate nutrients for plants are important for increasing the yield and quality of the seeds produced. The objective of this study was to evaluate foliar fertilization with silicon in wheat and its effect on seed yield and physiological quality. Treatments consisted of two silicon dosages (three and six liters silicon per hectare) and the control (no silicon) and five wheat cultivars: OR "Quartzo", OR "Ônix", Fundacep "Linhagem", Fundacep "Campo Real" and Fundacep "Horizonte". The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications. After physiological maturity, harvesting and threshing of the seeds were done manually. Seed samples were evaluated for yield and physiological quality from the germination test, first germination count, seedling dry weight, accelerated aging, electrical conductivity, 1000 seeds and hectoliter weights. The results showed that the foliar application of silicon at the dosages tested did not affect the yield and physiological quality of the seeds produced by the wheat cultivars. RESUMO: A disponibilidade adequada de nutrientes às plantas é de fundamental importância tanto para incrementos em rendimento bem como, para a produção de sementes de elevada qualidade. Dessa forma, objetivou-se com esse trabalho avaliar o efeito da adubação foliar com silício em trigo, no rendimento e na qualidade fisiológica das sementes produzidas. Os tratamentos consistiram de duas doses de silício aplicados via foliar (três e seis litros de silício por hectare), além da testemunha (sem aplicação do produto). Foram utilizadas cinco cultivares de trigo (OR "Quartzo", OR "Ônix", Fundacep "Linhagem", Fundacep "Campo Real" e Fundacep "Horizonte"). O delineamento experimental foi blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. Após a maturidade fisiológica, efetuou-se a colheita e a debulha das sementes de forma manual. Posteriormente, as amostras foram encaminhadas ao laboratório de análise de sementes onde foram efetuadas as avaliações do rendimento e da qualidade das sementes, por meio dos testes de germinação, primeira contagem da germinação, massa seca de plântulas, envelhecimento acelerado, condutividade elétrica, massa de mil sementes e massa hectolitro. A aplicação de silício, nas cultivares de trigo e nas doses testadas, não afeta o rendimento nem a qualidade fisiológica das sementes produzidas

Report of the Dark Energy Task Force

Dark energy appears to be the dominant component of the physical Universe, yet there is no persuasive theoretical explanation for its existence or magnitude. The acceleration of the Universe is, along with dark matter, the observed phenomenon that most directly demonstrates that our theories of fundamental particles and gravity are either incorrect or incomplete. Most experts believe that nothing short of a revolution in our understanding of fundamental physics will be required to achieve a full understanding of the cosmic acceleration. For these reasons, the nature of dark energy ranks among the very most compelling of all outstanding problems in physical science. These circumstances demand an ambitious observational program to determine the dark energy properties as well as possible

Distribuição espacial de danos de percevejo em campos de produção de sementes de soja.

RESUMO: Estudos tem demonstrado que a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de soja nos campos de produção apresenta variabilidade espacial. Uma das possíveis causas dessa variabilidade, pode ser o ataque localizado de pragas, principalmente percevejos. O objetivo do trabalho foi determinar a distribuição espacial dos danos de percevejos em sementes de soja nos campos de produção de sementes e o seu efeito na qualidade fisiológica. O trabalho foi desenvolvido em quatro campos de produção de sementes na safra 2011/12, na região central do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Para a coleta das amostras, foi estabelecida uma malha de amostragem com densidade de 1:0,10; 1:0,25; 1:0,10 e 1:0,25 pontos/ha, sendo a área total dos campos de 4,3; 11,4; 5,9 e 12,7ha e as cultivares NA 5909 RG, BMX Turbo RR, NA 5909 RG e NA 4725 RG, respectivamente. Foram realizadas as seguintes determinações: produtividade, teste de germinação, primeira contagem, emergência de plântulas e teste de tetrazólio. Os dados gerados foram utilizados para a elaboração de modelos digitais (mapas) através do software ?Sistema Agropecuário CR - Campeiro 7?. Os danos causados por percevejos em sementes de soja apresentam variabilidade espacial nos campos de produção e os dados são correlacionados a uma distância mínima de 200m. Os ataques de percevejos reduzem a viabilidade e o vigor de sementes de soja em diferentes intensidades dentro dos campos de produção. ABSTRACT: Studies have shown that the physiological quality of soybean seed production fields presents spatial variability. One of the possible causes of this variability can be localized attack of pests, especially stink bugs. The goal of this study was to determine the spatial distribution of stink bug damage in soybean seeds in seed production fields and their effect on physiological quality. The study was conducted in four seed production fields in the 2011/12 season, in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. For sample collection, a sampling grid with density of 1:0.10, 1:0.25, 1:0.10, 1:0.25 points/ ha was established, with total area of the fields of 4.3, 11.4, 5.9 and 12.7ha and cultivars NA 5909 RG, BMX Turbo RR, NA 5909 RG and NA 4725 RG, respectively. The following determinations were made: productivity, germination test, first count, seedling emergence and tetrazolium test. The generated data were used for the development of digital models (maps) using the ?System Agricultural CR - Campeiro 7? software. Damage caused by stink bugs in soybean seeds exhibit spatial variability in production fields and the data are correlated at a minimum distance of 200m. The attacks of stink bug reduce the viability and vigor of soybean seeds at different intensities within the fields of production. RESUMEN: Estudios anteriores han demostrado que la calidad fisiológica de las semillas de soya en los campos de producción presenta variabilidad espacial. Una de las causas posibles de tal variabilidad puede ser el ataque localizado de plagas, principalmente de chinches. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar la distribución espacial de los daños por chinches en semillas de soya en los campos de producción de semillas y su efecto en la calidad fisiológica. El trabajo fue llevado a cabo en cuatro campos de producción de semillas en la zafra 2011/2012, en la región central del estado de Rio Grande del Sur, Brasil. Para la recolección de muestras se estableció una malla de muestreo con densidades de 1:0,10; 1:0,25; 1:0,10 y 1:0,25 puntos/ha, siendo el área total de los campos de 4,3; 11,4; 5,9 e 12,7ha y los cultivares NA 5909 RG, BMX Turbo RR, NA 5909 RG e NA 4725 RG, respectivamente. Fueron realizadas las siguientes determinaciones: productividad, prueba de germinación, primer contaje, emergencia de plántulas y test de tetrazolio. Los datos obtenidos fueron utilizados para la elaboración de modelos digitales (mapas) por medio del logicial ? Sistema Agropecuario CR - Campeiro 7?. Los daños causados por chinches en semillas de soya presentan variabilidad espacial en los campos de producción y los datos se correlacionan una distancia mínima de 200m. Los ataques de chinches reducen la viabilidad y el vigor de las semillas de soya en diversos grados en los campos de producción

Upgrading the beam telescopes at the DESY II Test Beam Facility

The DESY II Test Beam Facility is a key infrastructure for modern high energy physics detector development, providing particles with a small momentum spread in a range from 1 to 6 GeV to user groups e.g. from the LHC experiments and Belle II as well as generic detector R&D. Beam telescopes are provided in all three test beam areas as precise tracking reference without time stamping, with triggered readout and a readout time of >115 $\mu$s . If the highest available rates are used, multiple particles are traversing the telescopes within one readout frame, thus creating ambiguities that cannot be resolved without additional timing layers. Several upgrades are currently investigated and tested: Firstly, a fast monolithic pixel sensor, the TelePix, to provide precise track timing and triggering on a region of interest is proposed to overcome this limitation. The TelePix is a 180 nm HV-CMOS sensor that has been developed jointly by DESY, KIT and the University of Heidelberg and designed at KIT. In this publication, the performance evaluation is presented: The difference between two amplifier designs is evaluated. A high hit detection efficiency of above 99.9 % combined with a time resolution of below 4 ns at negligible pixel noise rates is determined. Finally, the digital hit output to provide region of interest triggering is evaluated and shows a short absolute delay with respect to a traditional trigger scintillator as well as an excellent time resolution. Secondly, a fast LGAD plane has been proposed to provide a time resolution of a few 10 ps, which is foreseen to drastically improve the timing performance of the telescope. Time resolutions of below 70 ps have been determined in collaboration with the University of California, Santa Barbara