Correlated long-range mixed-harmonic fluctuations measured in pp, p+Pb and low-multiplicity Pb+Pb collisions with the ATLAS detector

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Performance of top-quark and W -boson tagging with ATLAS in Run 2 of the LHC

The performance of identification algorithms (“taggers”) for hadronically decaying top quarks and W bosons in pp collisions at √s=13 TeV recorded by the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider is presented. A set of techniques based on jet shape observables are studied to determine a set of optimal cut-based taggers for use in physics analyses. The studies are extended to assess the utility of combinations of substructure observables as a multivariate tagger using boosted decision trees or deep neural networks in comparison with taggers based on two-variable combinations. In addition, for highly boosted top-quark tagging, a deep neural network based on jet constituent inputs as well as a re-optimisation of the shower deconstruction technique is presented. The performance of these taggers is studied in data collected during 2015 and 2016 corresponding to 36.1 fb −1 for the tt ¯ and γ+jet and 36.7 fb −1 −1 for the dijet event topologies

In situ calibration of large-radius jet energy and mass in 13 TeV proton–proton collisions with the ATLAS detector

The response of the ATLAS detector to largeradius jets is measured in situ using 36.2 fb−1 of √s = 13 TeV proton–proton collisions provided by the LHC and recorded by the ATLAS experiment during 2015 and 2016. The jet energy scale is measured in events where the jet recoils against a reference object, which can be either a calibrated photon, a reconstructed Z boson, or a system of well-measured small-radius jets. The jet energy resolution and a calibration of forward jets are derived using dijet balance measurements. The jet mass response is measured with two methods: using mass peaks formed by W bosons and top quarks with large transverse momenta and by comparing the jet mass measured using the energy deposited in the calorimeter with that using the momenta of charged-particle tracks. The transversemomentum and mass responses in simulations are found to be about 2–3% higher than in data. This difference is adjusted for with a correction factor. The results of the different methods are combined to yield a calibration over a large range of transverse momenta (pT). The precision of the relative jet energy scale is 1–2% for 200 GeV < pT < 2 TeV, while that of the mass scale is 2–10%. The ratio of the energy resolutions in data and simulation is measured to a precision of 10–15% over the same pT range

Measurement of the photon identification efficiencies with the ATLAS detector using LHC Run 2 data collected in 2015 and 2016

The efficiency of the photon identification criteria in the ATLAS detector is measured using 36.1 fb1 to 36.7 fb1 of pp collision data at s√=13 TeV collected in 2015 and 2016. The efficiencies are measured separately for converted and unconverted isolated photons, in four different pseudorapidity regions, for transverse momenta between 10 GeV and 1.5 TeV. The results from the combination of three data-driven techniques are compared with the predictions from simulation after correcting the variables describing the shape of electromagnetic showers in simulation for the average differences observed relative to data. Data-to-simulation efficiency ratios are determined to account for the small residual efficiency differences. These factors are measured with uncertainties between 0.5% and 5% depending on the photon transverse momentum and pseudorapidity. The impact of the isolation criteria on the photon identification efficiency, and that of additional soft pp interactions, are also discussed. The probability of reconstructing an electron as a photon candidate is measured in data, and compared with the predictions from simulation. The efficiency of the reconstruction of photon conversions is measured using a sample of photon candidates from Z→μμγ events, exploiting the properties of the ratio of the energies deposited in the first and second longitudinal layers of the ATLAS electromagnetic calorimeter

Inventory of current EU paediatric vision and hearing screening programmes

Background: We examined the diversity in paediatric vision and hearing screening programmes in Europe. Methods: Themes relevant for comparison of screening programmes were derived from literature and used to compile three questionnaires on vision, hearing and public-health screening. Tests used, professions involved, age and frequency of testing seem to influence sensitivity, specificity and costs most. Questionnaires were sent to ophthalmologists, orthoptists, otolaryngologists and audiologists involved in paediatric screening in all EU fullmember, candidate and associate states. Answers were cross-checked. Results: Thirty-nine countries participated; 35 have a vision screening programme, 33 a nation-wide neonatal hearing screening programme. Visual acuity (VA) is measured in 35 countries, in 71% more than once. First measurement of VA varies from three to seven years of age, but is usually before the age of five. At age three and four picture charts, including Lea Hyvarinen are used most, in children over four Tumbling-E and Snellen. As first hearing screening test otoacoustic emission (OAE) is used most in healthy neonates, and auditory brainstem response (ABR) in premature newborns. The majority of hearing testing programmes are staged; children are referred after one to four abnormal tests. Vision screening is performed mostly by paediatricians, ophthalmologists or nurses. Funding is mostly by health insurance or state. Coverage was reported as >95% in half of countries, but reporting was often not first-hand. Conclusion: Largest differences were found in VA charts used (12), professions involved in vision screening (10), number of hearing screening tests before referral (1-4) and funding sources (8)

Psychometric Properties and Correlates of Precarious Manhood Beliefs in 62 Nations

Precarious manhood beliefs portray manhood, relative to womanhood, as a social status that is hard to earn, easy to lose, and proven via public action. Here, we present cross-cultural data on a brief measure of precarious manhood beliefs (the Precarious Manhood Beliefs scale [PMB]) that covaries meaningfully with other cross-culturally validated gender ideologies and with country-level indices of gender equality and human development. Using data from university samples in 62 countries across 13 world regions (N = 33,417), we demonstrate: (1) the psychometric isomorphism of the PMB (i.e., its comparability in meaning and statistical properties across the individual and country levels); (2) the PMB’s distinctness from, and associations with, ambivalent sexism and ambivalence toward men; and (3) associations of the PMB with nation-level gender equality and human development. Findings are discussed in terms of their statistical and theoretical implications for understanding widely-held beliefs about the precariousness of the male gender role

Proteins and proteolysis in pre-term and term human milk and possible implications for infant formulae.

Understanding the differences between the protein system of human milk and bovine milk is critical in the development of infant formulae. In this study, the proteins of bovine milk and a bovine-based wheydominant infant formula were compared with those of human milk for infants born prematurely (preterm) or at full term (term). The protein distribution of infant formula differed significantly from that of either type of human milk. A proteomic comparison between pre-term and term human milk showed a reduction of levels of b-casein and as-casein and appearance of additional products, corresponding to low molecular weight hydrolysis products of the caseins, in pre-term milk. Pre-term milk samples also had higher total nitrogen concentration and plasmin activity, consistent with the proteomic data. These results suggest the operation of a physiological mechanism that may adjust enzyme and/or protein expression to modify protein digestibility, and may facilitate design of infant formulae, closer to maternal milk, particularly for premature infants

Study of the scattered x-ray distributions around a mammography unit

Purpose: To measure the distribution of scattered radiation in a mammography unit for shielding design purposes. Methods and Materials: Measurements were carried out with an anthropomorphic phantom used to simulate a body from one adult patient. The dose rate for scattered radiation was recorded by placing a solid state sensor (Unfors Xi Survey Detector) every 10 degrees at 1 m distance from the FOV centre, in the axial and coronal planes of the breast. The scattered radiation distribution was treated as isodose curves, specifying the amount of radiation that will be delivered to a specific point in the room around the equipment (GE Senographe DMR). More than 50 exposures were made with a tube voltage of 30 kVp, anode-filter combination Mo/Mo and large focus. Results: In the axial plane, results show that the scattered radiation is absorbed up to 73% on the back of the anthropomorphic phantom, at the potter bucky plane height. In the coronal plane, the scattered radiation significantly increases with the angle due to backscattering effect. Assuming the direction of the incidence beam is 0 degree, results show that the scattered radiation is 86% higher at 160 degrees than at 90 degrees. Conclusion: The type of mammographic view and the patient´s body strongly influence the distribution of scattered x-ray radiation. These results can be used to improve the shielding design of a mammographic unit with less resources and less spending on shielding barriers