Design and construction of a scintillating fibre tracker for measuring hard exclusive reactions at HERMES

This thesis describes design and construction of the SFT. The first section gives a comprehensive overview of the experimental set-up of HERMES and its components relevant for DVCS analysis. The second section introduces the Recoil Detector and Monte Carlo (MC) studies performed to evaluate the requirements for the individual detector parts. In the third section a detailed description of the design parameters and constraints is given and the chosen materials and assembling methods are discussed. This section is complemented by reporting results of the performance of SFT prototype modules from a test experiment conducted at GSI. Finally, an introduction into the GPD formalism and its application to nuclei is given in the fourth section and pioneering results of DVCS off nuclei are presented in the fifth section.Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wird die Planung und der Bau eines Spurrekonstruktionsdetektors aus szintillierenden Fasern (SFT) für den HERMES Recoil-Detektor beschrieben. Dies umfaßt die Festlegung der Entwurfsziele, Entwicklung von Herstellungverfahren, Auswahl der Detektorbestandteile sowie die Durchführung und Auswertung von Komponententests. Abschließend wird eine Einführung in den Generalised Parton Distribution-Formalismus (GPD) zur Beschreibung der nicht-perturbativen Nukleonstruktur gegeben. Dieser Formalismus kann auch auf Atomkerne angewendet werden und zu neuen Einsichten in die Kernstruktur und partonische Freiheitsgrade im Kern führen. Anschließend wird die Analyse tief-virtueller Compton-Streuereignisse an verschiedenen Kernen beschrieben

Measurement uncertainty interval in case of a known relationship between precision and mean [version 1; peer review: 2 approved, 1 approved with reservations]

Background: Measurement uncertainty is typically expressed in terms of a symmetric interval y±U, where y denotes the measurement result and U the expanded uncertainty. However, in the case of heteroscedasticity, symmetric uncertainty intervals can be misleading. In this paper, a different approach for the calculation of uncertainty intervals is introduced. Methods: This approach is applicable when a validation study has been conducted with samples with known concentrations. In a first step, test results are obtained at the different known concentration levels. Then, on the basis of precision estimates, a prediction range is calculated. The measurement uncertainty for a given test result can then be obtained by projecting the intersection of the test result with the limits of the prediction range back onto the axis of the known values, now interpreted as representing the measurand. Results: It will be shown how, under certain circumstances, asymmetric uncertainty intervals arise quite naturally and lead to more reliable uncertainty intervals. Conclusions:  This article establishes a conceptual framework in which measurement uncertainty can be derived from precision whenever the relationship between the latter and concentration has been characterized. This approach is applicable for different types of distributions. Closed expressions for the limits of the uncertainty interval are provided for the simple case of normally distributed test results and constant relative standard deviation

Development, design, and realization of a proficiency test for the forensic determination of shooting distances - FDSD 2015

Within the framework of the ENFSI Expert Working Group Firearms/GSR a novel proficiency test on the Forensic Determination of Shooting Distances – FDSD 2015 – was implemented. This proficiency test was developed out of collaborative studies which were previously carried out by a number of pre-selected ENFSI laboratories. The aim of this test was to assess the laboratories’ performance in visualizing the lead patterns on a shot object, and compare the questioned patterns with provided test shot patterns. The participating laboratories were requested to estimate the presumed shooting distance following their individual laboratory specific methods (SOPs) for shooting distance/muzzle-to-target determination. The submitted results were compiled by means of z scores according to the IUPAC and EURACHEM guidelines, and an extended statistical evaluation was performed. This is one of the first proficiency tests in the field of qualitative forensic methods where z scores were successfully utilized. This paper summarizes the results of the study and presents the overall performance of the participating laboratories

Development, design, and realization of a proficiency test for the forensic determination of shooting distances - FDSD 2015

Within the framework of the ENFSI Expert Working Group Firearms/GSR a novel proficiency test on the Forensic Determination of Shooting Distances – FDSD 2015 – was implemented. This proficiency test was developed out of collaborative studies which were previously carried out by a number of pre-selected ENFSI laboratories. The aim of this test was to assess the laboratories’ performance in visualizing the lead patterns on a shot object, and compare the questioned patterns with provided test shot patterns. The participating laboratories were requested to estimate the presumed shooting distance following their individual laboratory specific methods (SOPs) for shooting distance/muzzle-to-target determination. The submitted results were compiled by means of z scores according to the IUPAC and EURACHEM guidelines, and an extended statistical evaluation was performed. This is one of the first proficiency tests in the field of qualitative forensic methods where z scores were successfully utilized. This paper summarizes the results of the study and presents the overall performance of the participating laboratories

Анализ и оптимизация распределения ресурсов в беспроводных сетях с использованием БПЛА для передачи информации и энергии

Объект исследования: проектирование системы, распределение ресурсов и оптимизация ресурсов для сетей беспроводной связи с беспроводным питанием от БПЛА при сохранении ожидаемых параметров качества обслуживания в сетях 5G и выше. Цель исследования: Одновременная беспроводная передача информации и мощности (ОБПИМ) является недорогим, а также потенциально способным повысить эффективность использования спектра методом. Компромисс между скоростью передачи информации и количеством собранной энергии становится критическим фактором для оценки производительности сети связи. Следовательно, эффективное и действенное распределение и оптимизация ресурсов в сети связи имеет первостепенное значение для совместных сетей связи БПЛА с поддержкой ОБПИМ и беспроводные сенсорные сети.Subject of research: system design, resource allocation and resource optimization for wireless communication networks with wireless power supply from UAVs while maintaining the expected quality of service parameters in 5G and higher networks. Objective of the study: Simultaneous wireless transmission of information and power (SWIPT) is inexpensive, and also potentially capable of increasing the efficiency of spectrum use. The trade-off between information transfer rate and the amount of collected energy becomes a critical factor in assessing the performance of a communications network. Consequently, efficient and effective allocation and optimization of resources in the communication network is of paramount importance for joint communication networks of UAVs with support for SWIPT and WSN

Особенности философского мировоззрения Южного Судана

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), associated with chorioamnionitis, results from the simultaneous effects of disrupted lung development, lung injury, and repair superimposed on the developing lung. Caveolins (Cavs) are implicated as major modulators of lung injury and remodeling by multiple signaling pathways, although Cavs have been minimally studied in the injured developing lung. We hypothesized that chorioamnionitis-associated antenatal lung inflammation would decrease the expression of Cav-1 in preterm fetal lungs. We tested whether changes occurred in the transcription factors Smad2/3, Smad1/5, Stat3, and Stat1, and we also studied the activation of acid-sphingomyelinase (a-SMase) with the generation of ceramide, along with changes in the expression of heme oxygenase–1 (HO-1) as indicators of possible Cav-1–mediated effects. Fetal sheep were exposed to 10 mg of intra-amniotic endotoxin or saline for 2, 7, or 2 + 7 days before preterm delivery at 124 days of gestation. The expression of Cav-1 and HO-1 and the phosphorylation of Smad and Stat were evaluated by real-time PCR, Western blotting, and/or immunohistochemistry. The activity of a-SMase and the concentrations of ceramide were measured. Intra-amniotic endotoxin decreased Cav-1 mRNA and protein expression in the lungs, with a maximum reduction of Cav-1 mRNA to 50% ± 7% of the control value (P < 0.05), and of Cav-1 protein expression to 20% ± 5% of the control value (P < 0.05). Decreased concentrations of Cav-1 were associated with the elevated phosphorylation of Smad2/3, Stat3, and Stat1, but not of Smad1/5. The expression of HO-1, a-SMase activity, and ceramide increased. Antenatal inflammation decreased the expression of Cav-1 in the preterm fetal lung. The decreased expression of Cav-1 was associated with the activation of the Smad2/3, Stat, and a-SMase/ceramide pathways, and with the increased expression of HO-1. The decreased concentrations of Cav-1 and changes in other signaling pathways may contribute to BPD

Towards constraints on the SUSY seesaw from flavour-dependent leptogenesis

We systematically investigate constraints on the parameters of the supersymmetric type-I seesaw mechanism from the requirement of successful thermal leptogenesis in the presence of upper bounds on the reheat temperature $T_\mathrm{RH}$ of the early Universe. To this end, we solve the flavour-dependent Boltzmann equations in the MSSM, extended to include reheating. With conservative bounds on $T_\mathrm{RH}$, leading to mildly constrained scenarios for thermal leptogenesis, compatibility with observation can be obtained for extensive new regions of the parameter space, due to flavour-dependent effects. On the other hand, focusing on (normal) hierarchical light and heavy neutrinos, the hypothesis that there is no CP violation associated with the right-handed neutrino sector, and that leptogenesis exclusively arises from the CP-violating phases of the $U_\text{MNS}$ matrix, is only marginally consistent. Taking into account stricter bounds on $T_\mathrm{RH}$ further suggests that (additional) sources of CP violation must arise from the right-handed neutrino sector, further implying stronger constraints for the right-handed neutrino parameters.Comment: 42 pages, 12 figures; final version published in JCAP; numerical results for the efficiency factor can be downloaded from http://www.newphysics.eu/leptogenesis

Detection of air trapping in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by low frequency ultrasound

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Spirometry is regarded as the gold standard for the diagnosis of COPD, yet the condition is widely underdiagnosed. Therefore, additional screening methods that are easy to perform and to interpret are needed. Recently, we demonstrated that low frequency ultrasound (LFU) may be helpful for monitoring lung diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether LFU can be used to detect air trapping in COPD. In addition, we evaluated the ability of LFU to detect the effects of short-acting bronchodilator medication.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Seventeen patients with COPD and 9 healthy subjects were examined by body plethysmography and LFU. Ultrasound frequencies ranging from 1 to 40 kHz were transmitted to the sternum and received at the back during inspiration and expiration. The high pass frequency was determined from the inspiratory and the expiratory signals and their difference termed ΔF. Measurements were repeated after inhalation of salbutamol.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We found significant differences in ΔF between COPD subjects and healthy subjects. These differences were already significant at GOLD stage 1 and increased with the severity of COPD. Sensitivity for detection of GOLD stage 1 was 83% and for GOLD stages worse than 1 it was 91%. Bronchodilator effects could not be detected reliably.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>We conclude that low frequency ultrasound is cost-effective, easy to perform and suitable for detecting air trapping. It might be useful in screening for COPD.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>ClinicalTrials.gov: <a href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01080924">NCT01080924</a></p

Multiple Myeloma Treatment in Real-world Clinical Practice : Results of a Prospective, Multinational, Noninterventional Study

Funding Information: The authors would like to thank all patients and their families and all the EMMOS investigators for their valuable contributions to the study. The authors would like to acknowledge Robert Olie for his significant contribution to the EMMOS study. Writing support during the development of our report was provided by Laura Mulcahy and Catherine Crookes of FireKite, an Ashfield company, a part of UDG Healthcare plc, which was funded by Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc, and Janssen Global Services, LLC. The EMMOS study was supported by research funding from Janssen Pharmaceutical NV and Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Funding Information: The authors would like to thank all patients and their families and all the EMMOS investigators for their valuable contributions to the study. The authors would like to acknowledge Robert Olie for his significant contribution to the EMMOS study. Writing support during the development of our report was provided by Laura Mulcahy and Catherine Crookes of FireKite, an Ashfield company, a part of UDG Healthcare plc, which was funded by Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc, and Janssen Global Services, LLC. The EMMOS study was supported by research funding from Janssen Pharmaceutical NV and Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Funding Information: M.M. has received personal fees from Janssen, Celgene, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Sanofi, Novartis, and Takeda and grants from Janssen and Sanofi during the conduct of the study. E.T. has received grants from Janssen and personal fees from Janssen and Takeda during the conduct of the study, and grants from Amgen, Celgene/Genesis, personal fees from Amgen, Celgene/Genesis, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Novartis, and Glaxo-Smith Kline outside the submitted work. M.V.M. has received personal fees from Janssen, Celgene, Amgen, and Takeda outside the submitted work. M.C. reports honoraria from Janssen, outside the submitted work. M. B. reports grants from Janssen Cilag during the conduct of the study. M.D. has received honoraria for participation on advisory boards for Janssen, Celgene, Takeda, Amgen, and Novartis. H.S. has received honoraria from Janssen-Cilag, Celgene, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Novartis, and Takeda outside the submitted work. V.P. reports personal fees from Janssen during the conduct of the study and grants, personal fees, and nonfinancial support from Amgen, grants and personal fees from Sanofi, and personal fees from Takeda outside the submitted work. W.W. has received personal fees and grants from Amgen, Celgene, Novartis, Roche, Takeda, Gilead, and Janssen and nonfinancial support from Roche outside the submitted work. J.S. reports grants and nonfinancial support from Janssen Pharmaceutical during the conduct of the study. V.L. reports funding from Janssen Global Services LLC during the conduct of the study and study support from Janssen-Cilag and Pharmion outside the submitted work. A.P. reports employment and shareholding of Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) during the conduct of the study. C.C. reports employment at Janssen-Cilag during the conduct of the study. C.F. reports employment at Janssen Research and Development during the conduct of the study. F.T.B. reports employment at Janssen-Cilag during the conduct of the study. The remaining authors have stated that they have no conflicts of interest. Publisher Copyright: © 2018 The AuthorsMultiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable disease, with little information available on its management in real-world clinical practice. The results of the present prospective, noninterventional observational study revealed great diversity in the treatment regimens used to treat MM. Our results also provide data to inform health economic, pharmacoepidemiologic, and outcomes research, providing a framework for the design of protocols to improve the outcomes of patients with MM. Background: The present prospective, multinational, noninterventional study aimed to document and describe real-world treatment regimens and disease progression in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Patients and Methods: Adult patients initiating any new MM therapy from October 2010 to October 2012 were eligible. A multistage patient/site recruitment model was applied to minimize the selection bias; enrollment was stratified by country, region, and practice type. The patient medical and disease features, treatment history, and remission status were recorded at baseline, and prospective data on treatment, efficacy, and safety were collected electronically every 3 months. Results: A total of 2358 patients were enrolled. Of these patients, 775 and 1583 did and did not undergo stem cell transplantation (SCT) at any time during treatment, respectively. Of the patients in the SCT and non-SCT groups, 49%, 21%, 14%, and 15% and 57%, 20%, 12% and 10% were enrolled at treatment line 1, 2, 3, and ≥ 4, respectively. In the SCT and non-SCT groups, 45% and 54% of the patients had received bortezomib-based therapy without thalidomide/lenalidomide, 12% and 18% had received thalidomide/lenalidomide-based therapy without bortezomib, and 30% and 4% had received bortezomib plus thalidomide/lenalidomide-based therapy as frontline treatment, respectively. The corresponding proportions of SCT and non-SCT patients in lines 2, 3, and ≥ 4 were 45% and 37%, 30% and 37%, and 12% and 3%, 33% and 27%, 35% and 32%, and 8% and 2%, and 27% and 27%, 27% and 23%, and 6% and 4%, respectively. In the SCT and non-SCT patients, the overall response rate was 86% to 97% and 64% to 85% in line 1, 74% to 78% and 59% to 68% in line 2, 55% to 83% and 48% to 60% in line 3, and 49% to 65% and 36% and 45% in line 4, respectively, for regimens that included bortezomib and/or thalidomide/lenalidomide. Conclusion: The results of our prospective study have revealed great diversity in the treatment regimens used to manage MM in real-life practice. This diversity was linked to factors such as novel agent accessibility and evolving treatment recommendations. Our results provide insight into associated clinical benefits.publishersversionPeer reviewe