Long-term operation of a multi-channel cosmic muon system based on scintillation counters with MRS APD light readout

A Cosmic Ray Test Facility (CRTF) is the first large-scale implementation of a scintillation triggering system based on a new scintillation technique known as START. In START, the scintillation light is collected and transported by WLS optical fibers, while light detection is performed by pairs of avalanche photodiodes with the Metal-Resistor-Semiconductor structure operated in the Geiger mode (MRS APD). START delivers 100% efficiency of cosmic muon detection, while its intrinsic noise level is less than 10^{-2} Hz. CRTF, consisting of 160 START channels, has been continuously operated by the ALICE TOF collaboration for more than 25 000 hours, and has demonstrated a high level of stability. Fewer than 10% of MRS APDs had to be replaced during this period.Comment: Proceedings of NDIP-2008. 8 pages, 8 figures, 6 reference

Scintillation counter with MRS APD light readout

START, a high-efficiency and low-noise scintillation detector for ionizing particles, was developed for the purpose of creating a high-granular system for triggering cosmic muons. Scintillation light in START is detected by MRS APDs (Avalanche Photo-Diodes with Metal-Resistance-Semiconductor structure), operated in the Geiger mode, which have 1 mm^2 sensitive areas. START is assembled from a 15 x 15 x 1 cm^3 scintillating plastic plate, two MRS APDs and two pieces of wavelength-shifting optical fiber stacked in circular coils inside the plastic. The front-end electronic card is mounted directly on the detector. Tests with START have confirmed its operational consistency, over 99% efficiency of MIP registration and good homogeneity. START demonstrates a low intrinsic noise of about 10^{-2} Hz. If these detectors are to be mass-produced, the cost of a mosaic array of STARTs is estimated at a moderate level of 2-3 kUSD/m^2.Comment: 6 pages, 5 figure

AMBIGUITIES ELIMINATION AT IDENTIFICATION A FEW DYNAMIC OBJECTS IN ANALYSIS OF ENERGY CHARACTERISTICS

An algorithm for manipulating pixels of image is proposed. It is used to modify the method of identifying several dynamic objects

Identification of earthquake precursors in the hydrogeochemical and geoacoustic data for the Kamchatka peninsula by flicker-noise spectroscopy

A phenomenological systems approach for identifying potential precursors in multiple signals of different types for the same local seismically active region is proposed based on the assumption that a large earthquake may be preceded by a system reconfiguration (preparation) at different time and space scales. A nonstationarity factor introduced within the framework of flicker-noise spectroscopy, a statistical physics approach to the analysis of time series, is used as the dimensionless criterion for detecting qualitative (precursory) changes within relatively short time intervals in arbitrary signals. Nonstationarity factors for chlorine-ion concentration variations in the underground water of two boreholes on the Kamchatka peninsula and geacoustic emissions in a deep borehole within the same seismic zone are studied together in the time frame around a large earthquake on October 8, 2001. It is shown that nonstationarity factor spikes (potential precursors) take place in the interval from 70 to 50 days before the earthquake for the hydrogeochemical data and at 29 and 6 days in advance for the geoacoustic data.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figures; to be published in Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sc

Control of chronic excessive alcohol drinking by genetic manipulation of the Edinger-Westphal nucleus urocortin-1 neuropeptide system

Midbrain neurons of the centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EWcp) are activated by alcohol, and enriched with stress-responsive neuropeptide modulators (including the paralog of corticotropin-releasing factor, urocortin-1). Evidence suggests that EWcp neurons promote behavioral processes for alcohol-seeking and consumption, but a definitive role for these cells remains elusive. Here we combined targeted viral manipulations and gene array profiling of EWcp neurons with mass behavioral phenotyping in C57BL/6 J mice to directly define the links between EWcp-specific urocortin-1 expression and voluntary binge alcohol intake, demonstrating a specific importance for EWcp urocortin-1 activity in escalation of alcohol intake

ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ ЗОВНІШНІХ (ВІЗУАЛЬНИХ) ОЗНАК НАЯВНОСТІ ЛЕГКОЗАЙМИСТИХ І ГОРЮЧИХ РІДИН, ВИЯВЛЕНИХ НА МІСЦІ ПОЖЕЖІ

The article purpose is to systematize the external (visual) signs of the use of flammable and combustible liquids as a combustion intensifier at the scene of fire and the methodology of the analysis of these signs to provide reasonable, reliable conclusions when conducting forensic examination in the forensic specialty 10.8. Research on the circumstances of fire occurrence and spread and compliance with fire safety requirements. A particular relevance of using a set of special knowledge while investiga- tion of crimes related to fires is explained by the fact that almost only conclu- sions of forensic examinations make it possible to establish the very fact of the commission of such a crime as arson. The analysis of forensic practice showed that a significant part of crimes related to fires occurs when flammable and com- bustible liquids are used. At the same time, a reliable establishment of the fact of flammable liquids and combustible liquids use as intensifiers (initiators and ac- celerators) of burning is a crucial, key factor that must be defined for the inves- tigation completeness. The fact of determining unpredicted release of flammable and combustible liquids in the area of fire is a direct indication of committing a crime, yet this sign is quite often the only proof of the criminal nature of fire. However, the establishment of the fact of the use of flammable and combusti- ble liquids usually occurs during the analysis of quite specific visible signs left at the fire scene. In the suggested paper, the authors systematized the external (visual) signs of the use of flammable and combustible liquids as an intensifier of combustion at the fire scene and a methodology for the analysis of all these signs to provide reasonable and reliable conclusions when conducting forensic examinations in the forensic specialty 10.8 Research on the circumstances of fire occurrence and spread and compliance with fire safety requirements.Розглянуто питання виявлення й аналіз зовнішніх (візуальних) ознак за- стосування легкозаймистих і горючих рідин як інтенсифікаторів горіння на місцях (об’єктах) пожеж. Проаналізовано об’єктивні причини невияв- лення слідів нафтопродуктів і пально-мастильних матеріалів на наданих на дослідження зразках ґрунту, змивах або інших об’єктах-носіях, вилуче- них з місця пожежі під час проведення хімічних досліджень. Для надання обґрунтованих, достовірних висновків під час проведення експертизи за експертною спеціальністю 10.8 «Дослідження обставин виникнення і по- ширення пожеж та дотримання вимог пожежної безпеки», зважаючи на експертну практику, запропоновано проведення комплексного аналізу зовнішніх (візуальних) специфічних ознак застосування легкозаймистих і горючих рідин на місці пожежі у вигляді методології зазначених вище ознак та результатів експертиз нафтопродуктів і пально-мастильних ма- теріалів