Probing the Quantum Interference between Singly and Doubly Resonant Top-Quark Production in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter presents a normalized differential cross-section measurement in a fiducial phase-space region where interference effects between top-quark pair production and associated production of a single top quark with a W boson and a b-quark are significant. Events with exactly two leptons (ee, μμ, or eμ) and two b-tagged jets that satisfy a multiparticle invariant mass requirement are selected from 36.1  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collision data taken at sqrt[s]=13  TeV with the ATLAS detector at the LHC in 2015 and 2016. The results are compared with predictions from simulations using various strategies for the interference. The standard prescriptions for interference modeling are significantly different from each other but are within 2σ of the data. State-of-the-art predictions that naturally incorporate interference effects provide the best description of the data in the measured region of phase space most sensitive to these effects. These results provide an important constraint on interference models and will guide future model development and tuning.

Measurement of the Ratios of Branching Fractions R(D^{*}) and R(D^{0})

The ratios of branching fractions R(D^{*})≡B(B[over ¯]→D^{*}τ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{τ})/B(B[over ¯]→D^{*}μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}) and R(D^{0})≡B(B^{-}→D^{0}τ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{τ})/B(B^{-}→D^{0}μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}) are measured, assuming isospin symmetry, using a sample of proton-proton collision data corresponding to 3.0  fb^{-1} of integrated luminosity recorded by the LHCb experiment during 2011 and 2012. The tau lepton is identified in the decay mode τ^{-}→μ^{-}ν_{τ}ν[over ¯]_{μ}. The measured values are R(D^{*})=0.281±0.018±0.024 and R(D^{0})=0.441±0.060±0.066, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. The correlation between these measurements is ρ=-0.43. The results are consistent with the current average of these quantities and are at a combined 1.9 standard deviations from the predictions based on lepton flavor universality in the standard model.

Measurements of CP-violating asymmetries in B0-->a1+/-(1260)pi-/+ decays

We present measurements of CP-violating asymmetries in the decay B(0)-->a(1)(+/-)(1260)pi(-/+) with a(1)(+/-)(1260)-->pi(-/+)pi(+/-)pi(+/-). The data sample corresponds to 384x10(6) BB[over ] pairs collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric B factory at SLAC. We measure the CP-violating asymmetry A(CP)(a(1)pi)=-0.07+/-0.07+/-0.02, the mixing-induced CP violation parameter S(a(1)pi)=0.37+/-0.21+/-0.07, the direct CP violation parameter C(a(1)pi)=-0.10+/-0.15+/-0.09, and the parameters DeltaC(a(1)pi)=0.26+/-0.15+/-0.07 and DeltaS(a(1)pi)=-0.14+/-0.21+/-0.06. From these measured quantities we determine the angle alpha(eff)=78.6 degrees +/-7.3 degrees.

Multiplicity and transverse momentum evolution of charge-dependent correlations in pp, p-Pb, and Pb-Pb collisions at the LHC

We report on two-particle charge-dependent correlations in pp, p-Pb, and Pb-Pb collisions as a function of the pseudorapidity and azimuthal angle difference, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] respectively. These correlations are studied using the balance function that probes the charge creation time and the development of collectivity in the produced system. The dependence of the balance function on the event multiplicity as well as on the trigger and associated particle transverse momentum ([Formula: see text]) in pp, p-Pb, and Pb-Pb collisions at [Formula: see text] 7, 5.02, and 2.76 TeV, respectively, are presented. In the low transverse momentum region, for [Formula: see text] GeV/c, the balance function becomes narrower in both [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] directions in all three systems for events with higher multiplicity. The experimental findings favor models that either incorporate some collective behavior (e.g. AMPT) or different mechanisms that lead to effects that resemble collective behavior (e.g. PYTHIA8 with color reconnection). For higher values of transverse momenta the balance function becomes even narrower but exhibits no multiplicity dependence, indicating that the observed narrowing with increasing multiplicity at low [Formula: see text] is a feature of bulk particle production.

Phytogeny of genusGlossina (Diptera:Glossinidae) according to ITS2 sequences

The flies of genusGlossina (Diptera: Glossinidae) are an important vector of African trypanosomiases which cause diseases in humans and animals. The ribosomal DNA Internal Transcribed Spacer-2 (ITS-2) region sequences from differentGlossina species were PCR-amplified and analyzed in order to construct a molecular phylogeny for genusGlossina. Trees generated by parsimony confirmed the monophyletic taxonomic placement of genusGlossina wherefusca group species formed the deepest branch followed bymorsitans andpalpalis groups, respectively. The placement ofGlossina austeni by both the traditional morphological and biochemical criteria has been controversial. Results presented here, based on ITS-2 locus sequence analysis, suggest thatGlossina austeni can be placed into a separate subgenerus which forms a sister-group relationship with themorsitans group species.

Computational modelling of wounded tissue subject to negative pressure wound therapy following trans-femoral amputation

Proof-of-concept computational models were developed and applied as tools to gain insights into biomechanical interactions and variations of oxygen gradients of wounded tissue subject to negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), following trans-femoral amputation. A macro-scale finite-element model of a lower limb was first developed based on computed tomography data, and distributions of maximum and minimum principal stress values we calculated for a region of interest (ROI). Then, the obtained results were applied iteratively as new sets of boundary conditions for a specific spatial position in a capillary sub-model. Data from coupled capillary stress and mass- diffusion sub-models were transferred to the macro-scale model to map the spatial changes of tissue oxygen gradients in the ROI. The −70 mmHg NPWT resulted in a dramatic change of a wound surface area and the greatest relative contraction was observed at −150 mmHg. Tissue lateral to the depth of the wound cavity revealed homogenous patterns of decrease in oxygenation area and the extent of such decrease was dependent on the distance from the wound surface. However, tissue lateral to the width of the wound demonstrated heterogeneous patterns of change, as evidenced by both gradual increase and decrease in the oxygenation area. The multiscale models developed in the current study showed a significant influence of NPWT on both macro-deformations and changes of tissue oxygenation. The patterns of changes depended on the depth of the tissue, the geometry of the wound, and also the location of tissue plane.

Comparison of Fragmentation Functions for Jets Dominated by Light Quarks and Gluons from pp and Pb+Pb Collisions in ATLAS

Charged-particle fragmentation functions for jets azimuthally balanced by a high-transverse-momentum, prompt, isolated photon are measured in 25  pb^{-1} of pp and 0.49  nb^{-1} of Pb+Pb collision data at 5.02 TeV per nucleon pair recorded with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The measurements are compared to predictions of Monte Carlo generators and to measurements of inclusively selected jets. In pp collisions, a different jet fragmentation function in photon-tagged events from that in inclusive jet events arises from the difference in fragmentation between light quarks and gluons. The ratios of the fragmentation functions in Pb+Pb events to that in pp events are used to explore the parton color-charge dependence of jet quenching in the hot medium. In relatively peripheral collisions, fragmentation functions exhibit a similar modification pattern for photon-tagged and inclusive jets. However, photon-tagged jets are observed to have larger modifications than inclusive jets in central Pb+Pb events.

Search for Displaced Leptons in sqrt[s]=13 TeV pp Collisions with the ATLAS Detector

A search for charged leptons with large impact parameters using 139  fb^{-1} of sqrt[s]=13  TeV pp collision data from the ATLAS detector at the LHC is presented, addressing a long-standing gap in coverage of possible new physics signatures. Results are consistent with the background prediction. This search provides unique sensitivity to long-lived scalar supersymmetric lepton partners (sleptons). For lifetimes of 0.1 ns, selectron, smuon, and stau masses up to 720, 680, and 340  GeV, respectively, are excluded at 95% confidence level, drastically improving on the previous best limits from LEP.

Influence of storage time on DNA of Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae for accurate detection by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction

The shipment and storage conditions of clinical samples pose a major challenge to the detection accuracy of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) when using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The aim of the present study was to explore the influence of storage time at 4°C on the DNA of these pathogens and its effect on their detection by qRT-PCR. CT, NG, and UU positive genital swabs from 70 patients were collected, and DNA of all samples were extracted and divided into eight aliquots. One aliquot was immediately analyzed with qRT-PCR to assess the initial pathogen load, whereas the remaining samples were stored at 4°C and analyzed after 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. No significant differences in CT, NG, and UU DNA loads were observed between baseline (day 0) and the subsequent time points (days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28) in any of the 70 samples. Although a slight increase in DNA levels was observed at day 28 compared to day 0, paired sample t-test results revealed no significant differences between the mean DNA levels at different time points following storage at 4°C (all P>0.05). Overall, the CT, UU, and NG DNA loads from all genital swab samples were stable at 4°C over a 28-day period.

Identification of IgE and IgG1 specific antigens in Echinococcus granulosus cyst fluid

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is an anthropozoonotic disease with worldwide distribution and is caused by the cestode Echinococcus granulosus. Anaphylactic shock induced by CE rupture is a serious complication especially in patients with hydatid infections, as the resulting leakage of fluid contains highly toxic endogenous antigen. We aimed to isolate and identify the antigens of specific IgE and IgG1 (sIgE and sIgG1) in E. granulosus cyst fluid (EgCF). Crude antigen for EgCF was prepared from E. granulosus-infected sheep liver. Antigens were separated and identified by one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (1D SDS-PAGE), two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE), and immunoblotting. Results of 1D SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting showed that 40.5 kDa protein was the major antigen of sIgE, and 35.5 kDa protein was the major antigen of sIgG1 in EgCF. Results of 2-DE and immunoblotting showed that main antigens of sIgE in EgCF were four proteins with pI values ranging from 6.5 to 9.0 and a molecular weight of 40.5 kDa. Main antigens of sIgG1 in EgCF were five proteins with pI values ranging from 6.5 to 9.0 and a molecular weight of 35.5 kDa. The antigens identified for sIgE and sIgG1 can provide critical insights into cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying anaphylactic shock induced by CE.

Obstructed small bowel ruptured toward the inguinal canal resulting from metastatic colon carcinoma in an irreducible, recurrent inguinal hernia with mesh-plug repair: Report of a case

Four years after treatment of colon cancer an 82-year-old man presented with an irreducible, recurrent inguinal hernia with mesh-plug repair. Delayed surgical exploration revealed metastatic cancer with small bowel adhesion to the mesh-plug and perforation. The mesh-plug with adherent tissue was removed through the inguinal incision, and the ruptured small bowel was resected. Histopathology revealed moderately differentiated mucinous adenocarcinoma of the tissue adhering to the prosthetic material corresponding to the original colon cancer.

The relationship between the vas volume and the anatomic size of the vas deferens

The anatomic sizes of 210 vas segments from 107 volunteers of vasectomy were measured by computerized image graphic technique with microphotography. The mean equivalent-round, outer and inner diameters of the vas were 2.17 +/- 0.20 mm and 0.56 +/- 0.08 mm, respectively. The calculated thickness of vas wall was 0.81 +/- 0.21 mm. The maximal volumes of 124 vas segments (1 cm in length) were tested by injecting colored solution into vas lumen until vas rupture. The mean rupture volume of 1 cm vas lumen was 0.05 +/- 0.007 mL. A significant influence of the thickness of vas wall (p < 0.05) and body height (p < 0.05) on the rupture volume was noticed in stepwise regression analysis. A tunnel-like rupturing pattern was observed in morphological observation. The obtained rupture volume provides a security line in determining the injection volume of occlusive material or the size of the implanted contraceptive device.

Effects of pinealectomy and melatonin on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) gene expression in the male rat brain

Melatonin, a pineal hormone, is known to be an important neurohormonal factor involved in the timing of reproductive events which occur seasonally in various mammalian species. In order to evaluate the influence of melatonin on neurons which are producing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), we studied the effect of light-dark cycle as well as pinealectomy and melatonin administration on GnRH gene expression in the adult male rat medial preoptic area (MPOA) using quantitativein situ hybridization. The animals were kept under artificial light (light on 6:00 h-20:00 h). In animals which were sacrificed at 24:00 h (when endogenous melatonin levels are high), the hybridization signal was higher than that detected in animals sacrificed at 20:00 h (before the onset of darkness). Administration of melatonin during the light period (16:00 h) induced a 15% increase in the amount of GnRH mRNA after 4 h. Three weeks after pinealectomy mRNA levels were decreased by 35%. Injection of melatonin to pinealectomized rats 4 h before sacrifice increase the amount of GnRH mRNA, completely reversing the decrease in mRNA induced by pinealectomy. These results strongly suggest that melatonin produced by the pineal gland exerts a positive influence on GnRH neuronal activity in the male rat.

Observation of B+-->a1+(1260)K0 and B0-->a1-(1260)K+

We present branching fraction measurements of the decays B(+)-->a(1)(+)(1260)K(0) and B(0)-->a(1)(-)(1260)K(+) with a(1)(+/-)(1260)-->pi(-/+)pi(+/-)pi(+/-). The data sample corresponds to 383 x 10(6) BB pairs produced in e(+)e(-) annihilation through the Upsilon(4S) resonance. We measure the products of the branching fractions B(B(+)-->a(1)(+)(1260)K(0)B(a(1)(+)(1260)-->pi(-)pi(+)pi(+))=(17.4+/-2.5+/-2.2) x 10(-6) and B(B(0)-->a(1)(-)(1260)K(+)B(a(1)(-)(1260)-->pi(+)pi(-)pi(-)) = (8.2+/-1.5+/-1.2) x 10(-6). We also measure the charge asymmetries A(ch)(B(+)-->a(1)(+)(1260)K(0) = 0.12+/-0.11+/-0.02 and A(ch)(B(0)-->a(1)(-)(1260)K+) = -0.16+/-0.12+/-0.01. The first uncertainty quoted is statistical and the second is systematic.

Measurement of branching fractions and charge asymmetries in B decays to an eta meson and a K* meson

We present measurements of branching fractions and charge asymmetries for the decays B-->etaK*, where K* indicates a spin 0, 1, or 2 Kpi system. The data sample corresponds to 344x10(6) BB pairs collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy e+ e- collider at SLAC. We measure the branching fractions (in units of 10(-6): B(B0-->etaK*0(892))=16.5+/-1.1+/-0.8, B(B+-->etaK*+(892))=18.9+/-1.8+/-1.3, B(B0-->eta(Kpi)0*0)=11.0+/-1.6+/-1.5, B(B+-->eta(Kpi)0*+)=18.2+/-2.6+/-2.6, B(B0-->etaK2*0(1430))=9.6+/-1.8+/-1.1, and B(B+-->etaK2*+(1430))=9.1+/-2.7+/-1.4. We also determine the charge asymmetries for all decay modes.

[Factors associated with fatigue in the employees of internet companies]

Objective: To explore factors associated with fatigue in employees working in Internet companies. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 3603 employees from 35 internet companies. A self-conducted questionnaire was used to assess employees' fatigue and related factors. Results: The scores of body fatigue, mental fatigue and total fatigue were (4.53±2.56) , (2.37±1.64) , and (6.90±3.55) respectively. The body fatigue is positively correlated with job burnout and musculoskeletal disorders (r=0.426, 0.485) ; the mental fatigue is positively correlated with job burnout (r=0.429) . JDC and ERI occupational stress, burnout and high level of musculoskeletal disorders increased the risk of body fatigue of which odds ratios are 1.58, 1.72, 4.08 and 5.91; odds ratios for the risk of mental fatigue are 1.73, 1.37, 2.61 and 2.08. Sleep time over 7 hours reduces the risk of fatigue (P<0.05) with odds ratio of 0.61 and 0.62. Conclusion: Employees of Internet companies is facing fatigue issues. To protect employee's physical and mental health is highly important for employers to alleviate fatigue and improve work performance.