Showing papers by "Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati published in 2013"

Study of e + e - →π + π - J/ψ and Observation of a Charged Charmoniumlike State at Belle

Abstract: The cross section for ee+ e- → π+ π- J/ψ between 3.8 and 5.5 GeV is measured with a 967 fb(-1) data sample collected by the Belle detector at or near the Υ(nS) (n = 1,2,…,5) resonances. The Y(4260) state is observed, and its resonance parameters are determined. In addition, an excess of π+ π- J/ψ production around 4 GeV is observed. This feature can be described by a Breit-Wigner parametrization with properties that are consistent with the Y(4008) state that was previously reported by Belle. In a study of Y(4260) → π+ π- J/ψ decays, a structure is observed in the M(π(±)J/ψ) mass spectrum with 5.2σ significance, with mass M = (3894.5 ± 6.6 ± 4.5) MeV/c2 and width Γ = (63 ± 24 ± 26) MeV/c2, where the errors are statistical and systematic, respectively. This structure can be interpreted as a new charged charmoniumlike state.

Measurement of an excess of B̄→D(*) τ-ν̄τ decays and implications for charged Higgs bosons

Abstract: The concept for this analysis is to a large degree based on earlier BABAR work and we acknowledge the guidance provided by M. Mazur. The authors consulted with theorists A. Datta, S. Westhoff, S. Fajfer, J. Kamenik, and I. Nisandzic on the calculations of the charged Higgs contributions to the decay rates. We are grateful for the extraordinary contributions of our PEP-II colleagues in achieving the excellent luminosity and machine conditions that have made this work possible. The success of this project also relied critically on the expertise and dedication of the computing organizations that support BABAR. The collaborating institutions wish to thank SLAC for its support and the kind hospitality extended to them. This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy and National Science Foundation, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (Canada), the Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique and Institut National de Physique Nucleaire et de Physique des Particules (France), the Bundesministerium fur Bildung und Forschung and Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Germany), the Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (Italy), the Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter (Netherlands), the Research Council of Norway, the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad (Spain), and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (United Kingdom). Individuals have received support from the Marie-Curie IEF program (European Union) and the A. P. Sloan Foundation (USA).

The Long-Baseline Neutrino Experiment: Exploring Fundamental Symmetries of the Universe

Abstract: The preponderance of matter over antimatter in the early Universe, the dynamics of the supernova bursts that produced the heavy elements necessary for life and whether protons eventually decay --- these mysteries at the forefront of particle physics and astrophysics are key to understanding the early evolution of our Universe, its current state and its eventual fate. The Long-Baseline Neutrino Experiment (LBNE) represents an extensively developed plan for a world-class experiment dedicated to addressing these questions. LBNE is conceived around three central components: (1) a new, high-intensity neutrino source generated from a megawatt-class proton accelerator at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, (2) a near neutrino detector just downstream of the source, and (3) a massive liquid argon time-projection chamber deployed as a far detector deep underground at the Sanford Underground Research Facility. This facility, located at the site of the former Homestake Mine in Lead, South Dakota, is approximately 1,300 km from the neutrino source at Fermilab -- a distance (baseline) that delivers optimal sensitivity to neutrino charge-parity symmetry violation and mass ordering effects. This ambitious yet cost-effective design incorporates scalability and flexibility and can accommodate a variety of upgrades and contributions. With its exceptional combination of experimental configuration, technical capabilities, and potential for transformative discoveries, LBNE promises to be a vital facility for the field of particle physics worldwide, providing physicists from around the globe with opportunities to collaborate in a twenty to thirty year program of exciting science. In this document we provide a comprehensive overview of LBNE's scientific objectives, its place in the landscape of neutrino physics worldwide, the technologies it will incorporate and the capabilities it will possess.

Evidence of oxygen vacancy induced room temperature ferromagnetism in solvothermally synthesized undoped TiO2 nanoribbons.

Abstract: We report on the oxygen vacancy induced ferromagnetism (FM) at and above room temperature in undoped TiO2 nanoporous nanoribbons synthesized by a solvothermal route. The origin of FM in as-synthesized and vacuum annealed undoped nanoribbons grown for different reaction durations followed by calcinations was investigated by several experimental tools. X-Ray diffraction pattern and micro-Raman studies reveal the TiO2(B), TiO2(B)-anatase, and anatase–rutile mixed phases of TiO2 structure. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy observations reveal nanoribbons with uniform pore distribution and nanopits/nanobricks formed on the surface. These samples exhibit strong visible photoluminescence associated with oxygen vacancies and a clear ferromagnetic hysteresis loop, both of which dramatically enhanced after vacuum annealing. Direct evidence of oxygen vacancies and related Ti3+ in the as-prepared and vacuum annealed TiO2 samples are provided through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. Micro-Raman, infrared absorption and optical absorption spectroscopic analyses further support our conclusion. The observed room temperature FM in undoped TiO2 nanoribbons is quantitatively analyzed and explained through a model involving bound magnetic polarons (BMP), which include an electron locally trapped by an oxygen vacancy with the trapped electron occupying an orbital overlapping with the unpaired electron (3d1) of Ti3+ ion. Our analysis interestingly shows that the calculated BMP concentration scales linearly with concentration of oxygen vacancies and provides a stronger footing for exploiting defect engineered ferromagnetism in undoped TiO2 nanostructures. The development of such highly porous TiO2 nanoribbons constitutes an important step towards realizing improved visible light photocatalytic and photovoltaic applications of this novel material.

NIR- and FRET-Based Sensing of Cu2+ and S2- in Physiological Conditions and in Live Cells

Abstract: We have synthesized a new indole functionalized rhodamine derivative L1 which specifically binds to Cu2+ in the presence of large excess of other competing ions with visually observable changes in their electronic and fluorescence spectral behavior. These spectral changes are significant enough in the NIR and visible region of the spectrum and thus enable naked eye detection. The receptor, L1, could be employed as a resonance energy transfer (RET) based sensor for detection of Cu2+ based on the process involving the donor indole and the acceptor Cu2+ bound xanthene fragment. Studies reveal that L1–Cu complex is selectively and fully reversible in presence of sulfide anions. Further, fluorescence microscopic studies confirmed that the reagent L1 could also be used as an imaging probe for detection of uptake of these ions in HeLa cells.

Microbubble generation and microbubble-aided transport process intensification—A state-of-the-art report

Abstract: This article aims to provide a state-of-the-art assessment of the research work carried out so far in microbubble-aided transport processes The different methods of microbubble generation and the properties of microbubble have been reported in this article The different components that constitute the microbubble are also discussed The characteristics of microbubble are pointed out The measuring methods of zeta potential in microbubble system are described This article provides an update of important research works in the microbubble technology This article also reports the important future research scope and their significance in the microbubble flow system For researchers, this article may be useful for further research in microbubble technology

CD271+ Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells May Provide a Niche for Dormant Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Abstract: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) can persist in hostile intracellular microenvironments evading immune cells and drug treatment. However, the protective cellular niches where Mtb persists remain unclear. We report that Mtb may maintain long-term intracellular viability in a human bone marrow (BM)–derived CD271+/CD45− mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) population in vitro. We also report that Mtb resides in an equivalent population of BM-MSCs in a mouse model of dormant tuberculosis infection. Viable Mtb was detected in CD271+/CD45− BM-MSCs isolated from individuals who had successfully completed months of anti-Mtb drug treatment. These results suggest that CD271+ BM-MSCs may provide a long-term protective intracellular niche in the host in which dormant Mtb can reside.

Evidence for B-→τ-ν̄τ with a hadronic tagging method using the full data sample of belle

Abstract: We measure the branching fraction of B- → τ- ν(τ) using the full Υ(4S) data sample containing 772×10(6) BB pairs collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+ e- collider. Events with BB pairs are tagged by reconstructing one of the B mesons decaying into hadronic final states, and B- → τ- ν(τ) candidates are detected in the recoil. We find evidence for B- → τ- ν(τ) with a significance of 3.0 standard deviations including systematic errors and measure a branching fraction B(B- → τ- ν(τ))=[0.72(-0.25)(+0.27)(stat)±0.11(syst)]×10(-4).

Search for heavy neutrinos at Belle

Abstract: We report on a search for heavy neutrinos in $B$-meson decays. The results are obtained using a data sample that contains $772\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{6}B\overline{B}$ pairs collected at the $\ensuremath{\Upsilon}(4S)$ resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ collider. No signal is observed and upper limits are set on mixing of heavy neutrinos with left-handed neutrinos of the Standard Model in the mass range $0.5--5.0\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}/{c}^{2}$.

A new control scheme for PID load frequency controller of single-area and multi-area power systems

Abstract: A new control structure with a tuning method to design a PID load frequency controller for power systems is presented. Initially, the controller is designed for single area power system, then it is extended to multi-area case. The controller parameters are obtained by expanding controller transfer function using Laurent series. Relay based identification technique is adopted to estimate power system dynamics. Robustness studies on stability and performance are provided, with respect to uncertainties in the plant parameters. The proposed scheme ensures that overall system remains asymptotically stable for all bounded uncertainties and for system oscillations. Simulation results show the feasibility of the approach and the proposed method improves the load disturbance rejection performance significantly even in the presence of the uncertainties in plant parameters.

Review on the numerical investigations into the design and development of Savonius wind rotors

Abstract: In recent era, research and development activities in the field of renewable energy, especially wind and solar, have been considerably increased, due to the worldwide energy crisis and high global emission However, the available technical designs are not yet adequate to develop a reliable distributed wind energy converter for low wind speed conditions The Savonius rotor appears to be particularly promising for such conditions, but suffers from a low efficiency Till now, a number of experimentations have been carried out in the area of Savonius rotor to increase its efficiency These large-scale experimentations involve massive costs and hazards In this context, computational studies have shown a significant importance to carry out the research with large number of physical designs and parameters Over the past four decades, investigations have been carried out with various computational methodologies and turbulence models to optimize the different parameters and hence the efficiency of these rotors In the present paper, a detailed review of various computational methods addressing the influence of various operating parameters and augmentation techniques has been reported From this review study, it is observed that with the selection of a proper computational methodology, the design, performance, and efficiency of a Savonius rotor can be enhanced significantly

The BABAR detector: Upgrades, operation and performance

Abstract: The BaBar detector operated successfully at the PEP-II asymmetric e +e- collider at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory from 1999 to 2008. This report covers upgrades, operation, and performance of the collider and the detector systems, as well as the trigger, online and offline computing, and aspects of event reconstruction since the beginning of data taking.

Search for B→K(*)νν¯ and invisible quarkonium decays

Abstract: We search for the flavor-changing neutral-current decays B→K^(*)νν, and the invisible decays J/ψ→νν and ψ(2S)→νν via B→K^(*)J/ψ and B→K^(*)ψ(2S), respectively, using a data sample of 471×10^6 BB pairs collected by the BABAR experiment. We fully reconstruct the hadronic decay of one of the B mesons in the Υ(4S)→BB decay, and search for the B→K^(*)νν decay in the rest of the event. We observe no significant excess of signal decays over background and report branching fraction upper limits of B(B^+→K^+νν)<3.7×10^(-5), B(B^0→K^0νν)<8.1×10^(-5), B(B^+→K^(*+)νν)<11.6×10^(-5), B(B^0→K^(*0)νν)<9.3×10^(-5), and combined upper limits of B(B→Kνν)<3.2×10-5 and B(B→K^*νν)<7.9×10^(-5), all at the 90% confidence level. For the invisible quarkonium decays, we report branching fraction upper limits of B(J/ψ→νv)<3.9×10^(-3) and B(ψ(2S)→νν)<15.5×10^(-3) at the 90% confidence level. Using the improved kinematic resolution achieved from hadronic reconstruction, we also provide partial branching fraction limits for the B→K^(*)νν decays over the full kinematic spectrum.

Study of exclusive B→Xuℓν decays and extraction of |Vub| using full reconstruction tagging at the Belle experiment

Abstract: We report the results of a study of the exclusive semileptonic decays ${B}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\overline{\ensuremath{ u}}}_{\ensuremath{\ell}}$, ${\overline{B}}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\overline{\ensuremath{ u}}}_{\ensuremath{\ell}}$, ${B}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\rho}}^{0}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\overline{\ensuremath{ u}}}_{\ensuremath{\ell}}$, ${\overline{B}}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\rho}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\overline{\ensuremath{ u}}}_{\ensuremath{\ell}}$ and ${B}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\omega}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\overline{\ensuremath{ u}}}_{\ensuremath{\ell}}$, where $\ensuremath{\ell}$ represents an electron or a muon. The events are tagged by fully reconstructing a second $B$ meson in the event in a hadronic decay mode. The measured branching fractions are $\mathcal{B}({B}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\overline{\ensuremath{ u}}}_{\ensuremath{\ell}})=(0.80\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.08\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$, $\mathcal{B}({\overline{B}}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\overline{\ensuremath{ u}}}_{\ensuremath{\ell}})=(1.49\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.09\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.07)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$, $\mathcal{B}({B}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\rho}}^{0}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\overline{\ensuremath{ u}}}_{\ensuremath{\ell}})=(1.83\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.10\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.10)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$, $\mathcal{B}({\overline{B}}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\rho}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\overline{\ensuremath{ u}}}_{\ensuremath{\ell}})=(3.22\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.27\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.24)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$, and $\mathcal{B}({B}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\omega}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\overline{\ensuremath{ u}}}_{\ensuremath{\ell}})=(1.07\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.16\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.07)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$, where the first error is statistical and the second one is systematic. The obtained branching fractions are inclusive of soft photon emission. We also determine the branching fractions as a function of the 4-momentum transfer squared to the leptonic system ${q}^{2}=({p}_{\ensuremath{\ell}}+{p}_{\ensuremath{ u}}{)}^{2}$, where ${p}_{\ensuremath{\ell}}$ and ${p}_{\ensuremath{ u}}$ are the lepton and neutrino 4-momenta, respectively. Using the pion modes, a recent light cone sum rule calculation, lattice QCD results and a model-independent description of the hadronic form factor, a value of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element $|{V}_{ub}|=(3.52\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.29)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ is extracted. A structure in the two-pion invariant mass distribution near $1.3\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}/{c}^{2}$, which might be dominated by the decay ${B}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{f}_{2}(1270){\ensuremath{\ell}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\overline{\ensuremath{ u}}}_{\ensuremath{\ell}}$, ${f}_{2}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, is seen. These results are obtained from a $711\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{fb}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ data sample that contains $772\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{6}$ $B\overline{B}$ pairs, collected near the $\ensuremath{\Upsilon}(4S)$ resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ collider.

Evidence of B+→τ+ν decays with hadronic B tags

Abstract: We present a search for the decay B+→τ+ν using 467.8×10^6 BB pairs collected at the Υ(4S) resonance with the BABAR detector at the SLAC PEP-II B-Factory. We select a sample of events with one completely reconstructed B- in the hadronic decay mode (B-→D(*)0X- and B-→J/ψX-). We examine the rest of the event to search for a B+→τ+ν decay. We identify the τ+ lepton in the following modes: τ+→e+νν , τ+→μ+νν , τ+→π+ν and τ+→ρ+ν . We find an excess of events with respect to the expected background, which excludes the null signal hypothesis at the level of 3.8σ (including systematic uncertainties) and corresponds to a branching fraction value of B(B+→τ+ν)=(1.83_(-0.49)^(+0.53)(stat)±0.24(syst))×10^(-4).

Integral backstepping sliding mode control for underactuated systems: swing-up and stabilization of the Cart-Pendulum System.

Abstract: In this paper an integral backstepping sliding mode controller is proposed for controlling underactuated systems. A feedback control law is designed based on backstepping algorithm and a sliding surface is introduced in the final stage of the algorithm. The backstepping algorithm makes the controller immune to matched and mismatched uncertainties and the sliding mode control provides robustness. The proposed controller ensures asymptotic stability. The effectiveness of the proposed controller is compared against a coupled sliding mode controller for swing-up and stabilization of the Cart–Pendulum System. Simulation results show that the proposed integral backstepping sliding mode controller is able to reject both matched and mismatched uncertainties with a chattering free control law, while utilizing less control effort than the sliding mode controller.

Novel Pore-Expanded MCM-41 for CO2 Capture: Synthesis and Characterization

Abstract: Recently, amine-functionalized mesoporous silica materials have attracted considerable attention as a promising chemical sorbent for postcombustion CO2 capture applications. However, the grafting of amines in the conventional MCM-41 support induces the subsequent reduction of surface area and pore volume of the sorbents, affecting the CO2 adsorption-desorption kinetics significantly. To mitigate this problem, expensive pore expansion agents have been used to increase the pore size as well as the pore volume. The present study provides an innovative approach to the development of novel pore-expanded MCM-41 without the application of any swelling agent. The average pore size (~30 nm) obtained in our work is remarkably higher than the values (9 to 10 nm) reported in the literature. On the basis of the fundamental understanding of micelle properties under different alkaline conditions, a mechanism for the pore expansion process is proposed. The outcome (1.2 mmol/g) of the preliminary CO2 adsorption studies carried out on the novel support material grafted with monoamine silane is very promising.

Immobilization technologies in probiotic food production.

Abstract: Various supports and immobilization/encapsulation techniques have been proposed and tested for application in functional food production. In the present review, the use of probiotic microorganisms for the production of novel foods is discussed, while the benefits and criteria of using probiotic cultures are analyzed. Subsequently, immobilization/encapsulation applications in the food industry aiming at the prolongation of cell viability are described together with an evaluation of their potential future impact, which is also highlighted and assessed.

Evidence for Ti Interstitial Induced Extended Visible Absorption and Near Infrared Photoluminescence from Undoped TiO2 Nanoribbons: An In Situ Photoluminescence Study

Abstract: Despite decades of research on the role of intrinsic defects in enhancing the performance of reduced TiO2 based materials, unambiguous identification of defects responsible for visible light absorption, and near-infrared (NIR) photoluminescence from undoped TiO2 has remained challenging. Herein, through in situ photoluminescence (PL) studies under a controlled environment, we investigated the origin of an extended visible absorption, visible and NIR PL emission from undoped TiO2 nanoribbons grown by a solvothermal route. Our studies reveal that oxygen vacancies, Ti3+, and F+ center in TiO2 are responsible for absorption in the violet and blue-green region and the PL emission in the visible region. On the other hand, absorption in the yellow-red to NIR region and PL emission in the NIR region at 1.47 and ∼1.30 eV are due to Ti4+ and Ti3+ interstitials, respectively, near the surface identified for the first time. The above conclusions are supported by electron paramagnetic resonance and X-ray photoelectron...

Mechanistic Features of Oxidative Desulfurization Using Sono-Fenton–Peracetic Acid (Ultrasound/Fe2+–CH3COOH–H2O2) System

Abstract: This article attempts to identify the links between the chemistry of oxidative desulfurization and cavitation physics for an ultrasound-assisted oxidative desulfurization (UAOD) process using Fento...