Abstract: We provide three Fortran programs which evaluate the QCD analytic (holomorphic) couplings A(v)(Q(2)) for complex or real squared momenta Q(2). These couplings are holomorphic analogs of the powers a(Q(2))(v) of the underlying perturbative QCD (pQCD) coupling a(Q(2)) equivalent to alpha(s)(Q(2))/pi, in three analytic QCD models (anQCD): Fractional Analytic Perturbation Theory (FAPT), Two-delta analytic QCD (2 delta anQCD), and Massive Perturbation Theory (MPT). The index v can be noninteger. The provided programs do basically the same job as the Mathematica package anQCD.m published by us previously (Ayala and Cvetic, 2015), but are now written in Fortran. Program summary Program title: AanQCDext Catalogue identifier: AEYKv10 Program summary URL: http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AEYICv1_0.html Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University, Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions: Standard CPC licence, http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/licence/licence.html No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 12105 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 98822 Distribution format: tar.gz Programming language: Fortran. Computer: Any work-station or PC where Fortran 95/200312008 (gfortran) is running. Operating system: Operating system Linux (Ubuntu and Scientific Linux), Windows (in all cases using gfortran). Classification: 11.1, 11.5. Nature of problem: Calculation of values of the running analytic couplings A(v)(Q(2); N-f) for general complex squared momenta Q(2) equivalent to -q(2), in three analytic QCD models, where A(v)(Q(2); N-f) is the analytic (holomorphic) analog of the power (alpha(s)(Q(2); N-f)/pi)(v). Here, A(v)(Q(2); N-f) is a holomorphic function in the Q(2) complex plane, with the exception of the negative semiaxis (-infinity, -M-thr(2)], reflecting the analyticity properties of the spacelike renormalization invariant quantities D(Q(2)) in QCD. In contrast, the perturbative QCD power (alpha(s)(Q(2); N-f)/pi)(v) has singularities even outside the negative semiaxis (Landau ghosts). The three considered models are: Analytic Perturbation theory (APT); Two-delta analytic QCD (2 delta anQCD); Massive Perturbation Theory (MPT). We refer to Ref. [1] for more details and literature. Solution method: The Fortran programs for FAPT and 2 delta anQCD models contain routines and functions needed to perform two-dimensional numerical integrations involving the spectral function, in order to evaluate A(v)(Q(2)) couplings. In MPT model, one-dimensional numerical integration involving A(1)(Q(2)) is sufficient to evaluate any A(v)(Q(2)) coupling. Restrictions: For unphysical choices of the input parameters the results are meaningless. When Q(2) is close to the cut region of the couplings (Q(2) real negative), the calculations can take more time and can have less precision. Running time: For evaluation of a set of about 10 related couplings, the times vary in the range t similar to 10(1)-10(2) s. MPT requires less time, t similar to 1-10(1) s. References: [1] C. Ayala and G. Cvetic, anQCD: a Mathematica package for calculations in general analytic QCD models, Comput. Phys. Commun. 190 (2015) 182.

Abstract: An algorithm is described for tagging the flavour content at production of neutral B mesons in the LHCb experiment. The algorithm exploits the correlation of the flavour of a B meson with the charge of a reconstructed secondary charm hadron from the decay of the other b hadron produced in the proton-proton collision. Charm hadron candidates are identified in a number of fully or partially reconstructed Cabibbo-favoured decay modes. The algorithm is calibrated on the self-tagged decay modes B+ -> J/psi K+ and B-0 -> J/psi K*(0) using 3.0fb(-1) of data collected by the LHCb experiment at pp centre-of-mass energies of 7TeV and 8TeV. Its tagging power on these samples of B -> J/psi X decays is (0.30 +/- 0.01 +/- 0.01) %.

Abstract: We demonstrate that the application of an external magnetic field could lead to an improved background rejection in neutrinoless double-beta (0 nu beta beta) decay experiments using a high-pressure xenon (HPXe) TPC. HPXe chambers are capable of imaging electron tracks, a feature that enhances the separation between signal events (the two electrons emitted in the 0 nu beta beta decay of Xe-136) and background events, arising chiefly from single electrons of kinetic energy compatible with the end-point of the 0 nu beta beta decay (Q(beta beta)). Applying an external magnetic field of sufficiently high intensity (in the range of 0.5-1 Tesla for operating pressures in the range of 5-15 atmospheres) causes the electrons to produce helical tracks. Assuming the tracks can be properly reconstructed, the sign of the curvature can be determined at several points along these tracks, and such information can be used to separate signal (0 nu beta beta) events containing two electrons producing a track with two different directions of curvature from background (single-electron) events producing a track that should spiral in a single direction. Due to electron multiple scattering, this strategy is not perfectly efficient on an event-by-event basis, but a statistical estimator can be constructed which can be used to reject background events by one order of magnitude at a moderate cost (about 30%) in signal efficiency. Combining this estimator with the excellent energy resolution and topological signature identification characteristic of the HPXe TPC, it is possible to reach a background rate of less than one count per ton-year of exposure. Such a low background rate is an essential feature of the next generation of 0 nu beta beta experiments, aiming to fully explore the inverse hierarchy of neutrino masses.

Abstract: We study the impact of a hidden sector beyond the Standard Model, e.g. a Hidden Valley model, on factorial moments and cumulants of multiplicity distributions in multiparticle production with a special emphasis on the prospects for LHC results.

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.