Han, X. F., Wang, L., & Yang, J. M. (2016). Higgs pair signal enhanced in the 2HDM with two degenerate 125 GeV Higgs bosons. Mod. Phys. Lett. A, 31(31), 1650178–14pp.
Abstract: We discuss a scenario of the type-II two-Higgs- doublet model (2HDM) in which the b (b) over bar gamma gamma rate of the Higgs pair production is enhanced due to the two nearly degenerate 125 GeV Higgs bosons ( h, H). Considering various theoretical and experimental constraints, we figure out the allowed ranges of the trilinear couplings of these two Higgs bosons and calculate the signal rate of b (b) over bar gamma gamma from the productions of Higgs pairs (hh, hH, HH) at the large hadron collider (LHC). We find that in the allowed parameter space some trilinear Higgs couplings can be larger than the Standard Model (SM) value by an order and the production rate of b _ b.. can be greatly enhanced. We also consider a “decoupling” benchmark point where the light CP-even Higgs has a SM-like cubic self-coupling while other trilinear couplings are very small. With a detailed simulation on the b (b) over bar gamma gamma signal and backgrounds, we find that in such a “decoupling” scenario the hh and hH channels can jointly enhance the statistical significance to 5 sigma at 14 TeV LHC with an integrated luminosity of 3000 fb(-1).
|
Pich, A., & Rodriguez-Sanchez, A. (2016). Updated determination of alpha(s)(m(tau)(2)) from tau decays. Mod. Phys. Lett. A, 31(30), 1630032–15pp.
Abstract: Using the most recent release of the ALEPH tau decay data, we present a very detailed phenomenological update of the alpha(s)(m(tau)(2)) determination. We have exploited the sensitivity to the strong coupling in many different ways, exploring several complementary methodologies. All determinations turn out to be in excellent agreement, allowing us to extract a very reliable value of the strong coupling. We find alpha((nf =3))(s)(m(tau)(2)) = 0.328 +/- 0.012 which implies alpha((nf=5))(s)(M-Z(2)) = 0.1197 +/- 0.0014. We critically revise previous work, and point out the problems flawing some recent analyses which claim slightly smaller values.
|
Candela-Juan, C., Niatsetski, Y., van der Laarse, R., Granero, D., Ballester, F., Perez-Calatayud, J., et al. (2016). Design and characterization of a new high-dose-rate brachytherapy Valencia applicator for larger skin lesions. Med. Phys., 43(4), 1639–1648.
Abstract: Purpose: The aims of this study were (i) to design a new high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy applicator for treating surface lesions with planning target volumes larger than 3 cm in diameter and up to 5 cm in size, using the microSelectron-HDR or Flexitron afterloader (Elekta Brachytherapy) with a Ir-192 source; (ii) to calculate by means of the Monte Carlo (MC) method the dose distribution for the new applicator when it is placed against a water phantom; and (iii) to validate experimentally the dose distributions in water. Methods: The PENELOPE2008 MC code was used to optimize dwell positions and dwell times. Next, the dose distribution in a water phantom and the leakage dose distribution around the applicator were calculated. Finally, MC data were validated experimentally for a 192Ir mHDR-v2 source by measuring (i) dose distributions with radiochromic EBT3 films (ISP); (ii) percentage depth-dose (PDD) curve with the parallel-plate ionization chamber Advanced Markus (PTW); and (iii) absolute dose rate with EBT3 films and the PinPoint T31016 (PTW) ionization chamber. Results: The new applicator is made of tungsten alloy (Densimet) and consists of a set of interchangeable collimators. Three catheters are used to allocate the source at prefixed dwell positions with preset weights to produce a homogenous dose distribution at the typical prescription depth of 3 mm in water. The same plan is used for all available collimators. PDD, absolute dose rate per unit of air kerma strength, and off-axis profiles in a cylindrical water phantom are reported. These data can be used for treatment planning. Leakage around the applicator was also scored. The dose distributions, PDD, and absolute dose rate calculated agree within experimental uncertainties with the doses measured: differences of MC data with chamber measurements are up to 0.8% and with radiochromic films are up to 3.5%. Conclusions: The new applicator and the dosimetric data provided here will be a valuable tool in clinical practice, making treatment of large skin lesions simpler, faster, and safer. Also the dose to surrounding healthy tissues is minimal.
|
Granero, D., Candela-Juan, C., Vijande, J., Ballester, F., Perez-Calatayud, J., Jacob, D., et al. (2016). Technical Note: Dosimetry of Leipzig and Valencia applicators without the plastic cap. Med. Phys., 43(5), 2087–4pp.
Abstract: Purpose: High dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy for treatment of small skin lesions using the Leipzig and Valencia applicators is a widely used technique. These applicators are equipped with an attachable plastic cap to be placed during fraction delivery to ensure electronic equilibrium and to prevent secondary electrons from reaching the skin surface. The purpose of this study is to report on the dosimetric impact of the cap being absent during HDR fraction delivery, which has not been explored previously in the literature. Methods: GEANT4 Monte Carlo simulations (version 10.0) have been performed for the Leipzig and Valencia applicators with and without the plastic cap. In order to validate the Monte Carlo simulations, experimental measurements using radiochromic films have been done. Results: Dose absorbed within 1 mm of the skin surface increases by a factor of 1500% for the Leipzig applicators and of 180% for the Valencia applicators. Deeper than 1 mm, the overdosage flattens up to a 10% increase. Conclusions: Differences of treating with or without the plastic cap are significant. Users must check always that the plastic cap is in place before any treatment in order to avoid overdosage of the skin. Prior to skin HDR fraction delivery, the timeout checklist should include verification of the cap placement. (C) 2016 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.
|
Lloret, E., Fernandez, A., Trbojevich, R., Arnau, J., & Picouet, P. A. (2016). Relevance of nanocomposite packaging on the stability of vacuum-packed dry cured ham. Meat Sci., 118, 8–14.
Abstract: In this study effects of a novel high barrier multilayer polyamide film containing dispersed nanoclays (PAN) on the stability of vacuum packed dry-cured ham were investigated during 90 days refrigerated storage in comparison with non-modified multilayer polyamide (PA) and a commercial high barrier film. Characteristic bands of the mineral in FT-IR spectra confirmed the presence of nanoclays in PAN, enhancing oxygen transmission barrier properties and UV protection. Packaging in PAN films did not originate significant changes on colour or lipid oxidation during prolonged storage of vacuum-packed dry-cured ham. Larger oxygen transmission rates in PA films caused changes in CIE b* during refrigerated storage. Ham quality was not affected by light exposition during 90 days and only curing had a significant benefit on colour and TBARS, being cured samples more stable during storage in all the packages used. Packaging of dry-cured ham in PAN was equivalent to commercial high barrier films.
|
