Showing papers by "Université Paris-Saclay published in 2003"

Elliptic flow of identified hadrons in [formula presented] collisions at [formula presented]

Abstract: The anisotropy parameter (v(2)), the second harmonic of the azimuthal particle distribution, has been measured with the PHENIX detector in Au+Au collisions at roots(NN)=200 GeV for identified and inclusive charged particle production at central rapidities (eta 2 GeV/c, in marked contrast to the predictions of a hydrodynamical model. A quark-coalescence model is also investigated.

PHENIX detector overview

Abstract: The PHENIX detector is designed to perform a broad study of A-A, p-A, and p-p collisions to investigate nuclear matter under extreme conditions A wide variety of probes, sensitive to all timescales, are used to study systematic variations with species and energy as well as to measure the spin structure of the nucleon Designing for the needs of the heavy-ion and polarized-proton programs has produced a detector with unparalleled capabilities PHENIX measures electron and muon pairs, photons, and hadrons with excellent energy and momentum resolution The detector consists of a large number of subsystems that are discussed in other papers in this volume The overall design parameters of the detector are presented (C) 2002 Elsevier Science BV All rights reserved

Absence of suppression in particle production at large transverse momentum in √sNN = 200 GeV d + Au collisions

Abstract: Transverse momentum spectra of charged hadrons with p(T)<8 GeV/c and neutral pions with p(T)<10 GeV/c have been measured at midrapidity by the PHENIX experiment at BNL RHIC in d+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=200 GeV. The measured yields are compared to those in p+p collisions at the same sqrt[s(NN)] scaled up by the number of underlying nucleon-nucleon collisions in d+Au. The yield ratio does not show the suppression observed in central Au+Au collisions at RHIC. Instead, there is a small enhancement in the yield of high momentum particles.

Dust emission from the most distant quasars

Abstract: We report observations of three SDSS z>6 QSOs at 250 GHz (1.2mm) using the 117-channel Max-Planck Millimeter Bolometer (MAMBO-2) array at the IRAM 30-meter telescope. J1148+5251 (z=6.41) and J1048+4637 (z=6.23) were detected with 250 GHz flux densities of 5.0 +- 0.6 mJy and 3.0 +- 0.4 mJy, respectively. J1630+4012 (z=6.05) was not detected with a 3 sigma upper limit of 1.8 mJy. Upper flux density limits from VLA observations at 43 GHz for J1148+5251 and J1048+4637 imply steeply rising spectra, indicative of thermal infrared emission from warm dust. The far-infrared luminosities are estimated to be \\~10^13 L_sun, and the dust masses ~10^8 M_sun, assuming Galactic dust properties. The presence of large amounts of dust in the highest redshift QSOs indicates that dust formation must be rapid during the early evolution of QSO host galaxies. Dust absorption may hinder the escape of ionizing photons which reionize the intergalactic medium at this early epoch.

A New Hat For The c=1 Matrix Model

Abstract: We consider two dimensional supergravity coupled to $\hat c=1$ matter. This system can also be interpreted as noncritical type 0 string theory in a two dimensional target space. After reviewing and extending the traditional descriptions of this class of theories, we provide a matrix model description. The 0B theory is similar to the realization of two dimensional bosonic string theory via matrix quantum mechanics in an inverted harmonic oscillator potential; the difference is that we expand around a non-perturbatively stable vacuum, where the matrix eigenvalues are equally distributed on both sides of the potential. The 0A theory is described by a quiver matrix model.

A NEW HAT FOR THE c=1 MATRIX MODEL

Abstract: M. R. DOUGLAS, I. R. KLEBANOV, D. KUTASOV, J. MALDACENA, E. MARTINEC, and N. SEIBERG 3 Department of Physics, Rutgers University Piscataway, NJ 08855-0849, USA 2 I.H.E.S., Le Bois-Marie, Bures-sur-Yvette, 91440 France Institute for Advanced Study Princeton, New Jersey 08540, USA Joseph Henry Laboratories, Princeton University Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA Enrico Fermi Institute, University of Chicago Chicago, IL 60637, USA

Identification of mutations in a new gene encoding a FERM family protein with a pleckstrin homology domain in Kindler syndrome

Abstract: Kindler syndrome is a rare autosomal-recessive genodermatosis characterized by bullous poikiloderma with photosensitivity. We report the localization to chromosome 20p12.3 by homozygosity mapping and the identification of a new gene, which we propose to name kindlerin. We found four different homozygous mutations in four consanguineous families from North Africa and Senegal; three are expected to lead to premature stop codons and truncated proteins and the fourth involves a splice site. We were unable to identify a mutation in kindlerin in a fifth consanguineous family from Algeria with a similar phenotype and in which the patient was homozygous for the markers in the 20p12.3 interval. The kindlerin protein contains several domains which are shared by a diverse group of peripheral membrane proteins that function as membrane-cytoskeleton linkers: two regions homologous to band 4.1 domain of which one includes a FERM domain with a NPKY sequence motif, and a third region with a PH or pleckstrin homology domain. Kindlerin might be involved in the bidirectional signaling between integrin molecules in the membrane and the cytoskeleton, and could be involved in cell adhesion processes via integrin signaling.

Scaling Properties of Proton and Antiproton Production in √S NN = 200 GeV Au + Au Collisions

Abstract: We report on the yield of protons and antiprotons, as a function of centrality and transverse momentum, in Au+Au collisions at rootS(NN)=200 GeV measured at midrapidity by the PHENIX experiment at the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. In central collisions at intermediate transverse momenta (1.5

Evidence for Magnetic-Field-Induced Quadrupolar Ordering in the Heavy-Fermion Superconductor PrOs4Sb12

Abstract: Neutron diffraction experiments on the heavy-fermion superconductor PrOs 4 Sb 12 revealed that a small antiferromagnetic moment, parallel to [010] ( y -direction), is induced in the field-induced phase ( H ∥ z ). The analysis, based on the Γ 1 singlet ground state crystal field model, shows that antiferro-order of O y z -type quadrupole moments of Pr ions is formed in the field-induced phase. This strongly suggests that the crystal field ground-state of Pr ions in PrOs 4 Sb 12 is the Γ 1 singlet and the quadrupolar ordering is induced due to level crossing with an excited state under a magnetic field.

Free-electron-laser-based biophysical and biomedical instrumentation

Abstract: A survey of biophysical and biomedical applications of free-electron lasers (FELs) is presented. FELs are pulsed light sources, collectively operating from the microwave through the x-ray range. This accelerator-based technology spans gaps in wavelength, pulse structure, and optical power left by conventional sources. FELs are continuously tunable and can produce high-average and high-peak power. Collectively, FEL pulses range from quasicontinuous to subpicosecond, in some cases with complex superpulse structures. Any given FEL, however, has a more restricted set of operational parameters. FELs with high-peak and high-average power are enabling biophysical and biomedical investigations of infrared tissue ablation. A midinfrared FEL has been upgraded to meet the standards of a medical laser and is serving as a surgical tool in ophthalmology and human neurosurgery. The ultrashort pulses produced by infrared or ultraviolet FELs are useful for biophysical investigations, both one-color time-resolved spectroscopy and when coupled with other light sources, for two-color time-resolved spectroscopy. FELs are being used to drive soft ionization processes in mass spectrometry. Certain FELs have high repetition rates that are beneficial for some biophysical and biomedical applications, but confound research for other applications. Infrared FELs have been used as sources for inverse Compton scattering to produce a pulsed, tunable, monochromatic x-ray source for medical imaging and structural biology. FEL research and FEL applications research have allowed the specification of spin-off technologies. On the horizon is the next generation of FELs, which is aimed at producing ultrashort, tunable x rays by self-amplified spontaneous emission with potential applications in biology.

The remarkable rapid X-ray, ultraviolet, optical, and IR variability in the black hole XTE J1118+480

Abstract: The transient black hole binary XTE J1118+480 exhibited dramatic rapid variability at all wavelengths which were suitably observed during its 2000 April-July outburst. We examine time-resolved X-ray, ultraviolet, optical, and infrared data spanning the plateau phase of the outburst. We find that both X-ray and infrared bands show large amplitude variability. The ultraviolet and optical variability is more subdued, but clearly correlated with that seen in the X-rays. The ultraviolet, at least, appears to be dominated by the continuum, although the lines are also variable. Using the X-ray variations as a reference point, we find that the UV variability at long wavelengths occurs later than that at short wavelengths. Uncertainty in HST timing prohibits a determination of the absolute lag with respect to the X-rays, however. The transfer function is clearly not a delta-function, exhibiting significant repeatable structure. For the main signal we can rule out an origin in reprocessing on the companion star - the lack of variation in the lags is not consistent with this given a relatively high orbital inclination. Weak reprocessing from the disc and/or companion star may be present, but is not required, and another component must dominate the variability. This could be variable synchrotron emission correlated with X-ray variability, consistent with our earlier interpretation of the IR flux as due to synchrotron emission rather than thermal disc emission. In fact the broad-band energy distribution of the variability from IR to X-rays is consistent with expectations of optically thin synchrotron emission. We also follow the evolution of the low-frequency quasi-periodic oscillation in X-rays, UV, and optical. Its properties at all wavelengths are similar indicating a common origin.

Sensitive Observations at 1.4 and 250 GHz of z > 5 QSOs

Abstract: We present 1.4 and 5 GHz observations taken with the Very Large Array, and observations at 250 GHz obtained with the Max Planck Millimeter Bolometer Array at the IRAM 30 m telescope, of 10 optically selected quasi-stellar objects (QSOs) at 5.0 ≤ z ≤ 6.28. Four sources are detected at 1.4 GHz. Two of the sources have rest-frame 1.4 GHz luminosity densities greater than 5.0 × 1026 W Hz-1, placing them in the regime of radio-loud QSOs. Both of these sources are also detected at 5 GHz. These results are roughly consistent with there being no evolution of the radio-loud QSO fraction out to z ~ 6. Three sources have been detected at 250 or 350 GHz by these, and previous, observations. The (sub-) millimeter flux densities for these three sources are much larger than their 1.4 GHz flux densities. The rapidly rising spectra into the (rest-frame) far-IR (FIR) argue that the observed millimeter emission is likely thermal emission from warm dust, although more exotic possibilities cannot be precluded. The implied IR luminosities are between 1012 and 1013 L⊙. For J0301+0020, the radio continuum emission is clearly above that expected for a star-forming galaxy based on the radio-FIR correlation. In this case, it seems likely that the radio emission relates to the active galactic nucleus. For J0756+4104, the radio emission is within the range expected for a star-forming galaxy, while for J1044-0125 the radio upper limit is at least consistent with a star-forming galaxy. If the dust is heated by star formation, the implied massive star formation rates are between 200 and 1000 M⊙ yr-1. We do not detect radio emission from the reported X-ray jet associated with J1306+0356. The lack of radio emission implies that the magnetic field is well below typical equipartition values in powerful radio jets or that particle acceleration ceased between 106 and 107 yr ago or that the X-ray emission is not inverse Compton emission from a jet related to J1306+0356. The highest redshift source in our sample (J1030+0524 at z = 6.28) is not detected at 1.4 or 250 GHz, but four fairly bright radio sources (S1.4GHz > 0.2 mJy) are detected in a 2' field centered on the QSO, including an edge-brightened ("FR II") double radio source with an extent of about 1'. A similar overdensity of radio sources is seen in the field of the highest redshift QSO J1148+5251. We speculate that these overdensities of radio sources may indicate clusters along the lines of sight, in which case gravitational lensing by the cluster could magnify the QSO emission by a factor 2 or so without giving rise to arcsecond-scale distortions in the optical images of the QSOs.

Chemosensitization by a non-apoptogenic heat shock protein 70-binding apoptosis-inducing factor mutant.

Abstract: Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) inhibits apoptosis and thereby increases the survival of cells exposed to a wide range of lethal stimuli. HSP70 has also been shown to increase the tumorigenicity of cancer cells in rodent models. The protective function of this chaperone involves interaction and neutralization of the caspase activator apoptotic protease activation factor-1 and the mitochondrial flavoprotein apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF). In this work, we determined by deletional mutagenesis that a domain of AIF comprised between amino acids 150 and 228 is engaged in a molecular interaction with the substrate-binding domain of HSP70. Computer calculations favored this conclusion. On the basis of this information, we constructed an AIF-derived protein, which is cytosolic, noncytotoxic, yet maintains its capacity to interact with HSP70. This protein, designated ADD70, sensitized different human cancer cells to apoptosis induced by a variety of death stimuli by its capacity to interact with HSP70 and therefore to sequester HSP70. Thus, its chemosensitizing effect was lost in cells in which inducible HSP70 genes had been deleted. These data delineate a novel strategy for the selective neutralization of HSP70.

Evidence for the rare decay B → K*ℓ+ℓ- and measurement of the B → Kℓ+ℓ- branching fraction

Abstract: We present evidence for the flavor-changing neutral current decay B-->K-*.(+).(-) and a measurement of the branching fraction for the related process B-->K.(+).(-), where .(+).(-) is either an e(+)e(-) or a mu(+)mu(-) pair. These decays are highly suppressed in the standard model, and they are sensitive to contributions from new particles in the intermediate state. The data sample comprises 123x10(6) Y(4S)-->B (B) over bar decays collected with the BABAR detector at the SLAC PEP-II e(+)e(-) storage ring. Averaging over K-(*) isospin and lepton flavor, we obtain the branching fractions B(B-->Kl(+)l(-))=(0.65(-0.13)(+0.14)+/-0.04)x10(-6) and B(B-->K(*)l(+)l(-))=(0.88(-0.29)(+0.33)+/-0.10)x10(-6), where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The significance of the B-->Kl(+)l(-) signal is over 8sigma, while for B-->K(*)l(+)l(-) it is 3.3sigma.

Observation of the decay B± → π±π0, study of B± → K±π0, and search for B0 → π0 π0

Abstract: We present results for the branching fractions and charge asymmetries in B+/--->h(+/-)pi(0) (where h(+/-)=pi(+/-),K+/-) and a search for the decay B0-->pi(0)pi(0) using a sample of approximately 88 x 10(6) BBmacr; pairs collected by the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy B Factory at SLAC. We measure B(B+/--->pi(+/-)pi(0))=(5.5(+1.0)(-0.9)+/-0.6)x10(-6), where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic. The B+/--->pi(+/-)pi(0) signal has a significance of 7.7sigma including systematic uncertainties. We simultaneously measure the K+/-pi(0) branching fraction to be B(B+/--->K+/-pi(0))=(12.8(+1.2)(-1.1)+/-1.0)x10(-6). The charge asymmetries are Api(+/-)(pi(0))=-0.03(+0.18)(-0.17)+/-0.02 and AK+/-(pi(0))=-0.09+/-0.09+/-0.01. We place a 90% confidence-level upper limit on the branching fraction B(B0-->pi(0)pi(0)) of 3.6 x 10(-6).

Random trees between two walls: exact partition function

Abstract: We derive the exact partition function for a discrete model of random trees embedded in a one-dimensional space. These trees have vertices labelled by integers representing their position in the target space, with the solid-on-solid constraint that adjacent vertices have labels differing by ±1. A non-trivial partition function is obtained whenever the target space is bounded by walls. We concentrate on the two cases where the target space is (i) the half-line bounded by a wall at the origin or (ii) a segment bounded by two walls at a finite distance. The general solution has a soliton-like structure involving elliptic functions. We derive the corresponding continuum scaling limit which takes the remarkable form of the Weierstrass function with constrained periods. These results are used to analyse the probability for an evolving population spreading in one dimension to attain the boundary of a given domain with the geometry of the target (i) or (ii). They also translate, via suitable bijections, into generating functions for bounded planar graphs.

Search for D0-D̄0 Mixing and a Measurement of the Doubly Cabibbo-Suppressed Decay Rate in D0 → Kπ Decays

Abstract: We present results of a search for D0-D(-)0 mixing and a measurement of R(D), the ratio of doubly Cabibbo-suppressed decays to Cabibbo-favored decays, using D0-->K+pi- decays from 57.1 fb(-1) of data collected near sqrt[s]=10.6 GeV with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II collider. At the 95% confidence level, allowing for CP violation, we find the mixing parameters x('2)<0.0022 and -0.056

Observation of a significant excess of π0π0 events in B meson decays

Abstract: We present a study of the decay B0 -> p0p0 based on a sample of 124 * 106 B.hivin.B pairs recorded by the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asym.-energy B Factory at SLAC. We observe 46 +- 13 +- 3 events, where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic, corresponding to a significance of 4.2 std. deviations including systematic uncertainties. We measure the branching fraction B(B0 -> p0p0) = (2.1 +- 0.6 +- 0.3) * 10-6, averaged over B0 and .hivin.B0 decays. [on SciFinder (R)]

Measurement of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element vertical bar V-ub vertical bar with B -> pe nu decays

Abstract: We present a measurement of the branching fraction for the rare decays B-->rhoenu and extract a value for the magnitude of V(ub), one of the smallest elements of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa quark-mixing matrix. The results are given for five different calculations of form factors used to para-metrize the hadronic current in semileptonic decays. Using a sample of 55 x 10(6) BB meson pairs recorded with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II e(+)e(-) storage ring, we obtain B(B0-->rho(-)e(+)nu)=(3.29+/-0.42+/-0.47+/-0.55) x 10(-4) and |V(ub)|=(3.64+/-0.22+/-0.25(+0.39)(-0.56)) x 10(-3), where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic, and theoretical, respectively.

Terahertz quantum cascade lasers in a magnetic field

Abstract: We have investigated the behavior of a terahertz quantum cascade laser in an external magnetic field. A reduction of the threshold current density and a simultaneous enhancement of the laser emission intensity are observed. Although several mechanisms can induce this effect, the suppression of nonradiative Auger-intersubband transitions through Landau quantization of the in-plane electron motion is the most probable candidate. In addition, the injection rate via resonant inter-Landau-level transfer and the waveguide properties are modulated by the field. We also observed clear shifts of the emission spectra when the external magnetic field is applied, while operating the device at constant voltage or current.

Rare B Decays into States Containing a J/ψ Meson and a Meson with ss̄ Quark Content

Abstract: We report a study of the B meson decays, B+ --> J/psiphiK+, B0 --> J/psiphiK(0)(S), B0 --> J/psiphi, B0 --> J/psieta, and B0 --> J/psieta' using 56 x 10(6) B(-)B events collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II e(+)e(-) asymmetric-energy storage ring. We measure the branching fractions B(B+ --> J/psiphiK+)=(4.4+/-1.4(stat)+/-0.5(syst))x 10(-5) and B(B0 --> J/psiphiK(0)(S))=(5.1+/-1.9(stat)+/-0.5(syst))x 10(-5), and set upper limits at 90% confidence level for the branching fractions B(B0 --> J/psiphi) J/psieta) J/psieta')<6.3 x 10(-5).

Search for B-s(0)-(B-s(0))over-bar oscillations and a measurement of B-d(0)-(B-d(0))over-bar oscillations using events with an inclusively reconstructed vertex

Abstract: Neutral B meson oscillations in the B-s(0) - , and B-d(0) - systems were studied using a sample of about 4.0 million hadronic Z decays recorded by the DELPHI detector between 1992 and 2000. Events with a high transverse momentum lepton were removed and a sample of 770 k events with an inclusively reconstructed vertex was selected. The mass difference between the two physical states in the B-d(0) - system was measured to be: Deltam(d) = (0.531 +/- 0.025(stat.) +/- 0.007(syst.))ps(-1). The following limit on the width difference of these states was also obtained: DeltaGamma(Bd)/Gamma(Bd) oscillations was found, a limit on the mass difference of the two physical states was given:, Deltam(s) > 5.0 ps(-1) at 95% CL. The corresponding sensitivity of this analysis is equal to 6.6 ps(-1).

Measurements of the branching fractions and bounds on the charge asymmetries of charmless three-body charged B decays.

Abstract: We present measurements of branching fractions and charge asymmetries for charmless B-meson decays to three-body final states of charged pions and kaons. The analysis uses 81.8 fb^-1 of data collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the BaBar detector at the SLAC PEP-II asymmetric B Factory. We measure the branching fractions B(B+ -> pi+ pi- pi+) = (10.9 +/- 3.3 +/- 1.6) x 10^-6, B(B+ -> K+ pi- pi+) = (59.1 +/- 3.8 +/- 3.2) x 10^-6, and B(B+ -> K+ K- K+) = (29.6 +/- 2.1 +/- 1.6) x 10^-6, and provide 90% C.L. upper limits for other decays. We observe no charge asymmetries for these modes.

Evidence for B+ → J/ψpΛ̄ and search for B0 → J/ψpp̄

Abstract: We have performed a search for the decays ${B}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}J/\ensuremath{\psi}p\overline{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}$ and ${B}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}J/\ensuremath{\psi}p\overline{p}$ in a data set of $(88.9\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.0)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{6}$ $\ensuremath{\Upsilon}(4S)$ decays collected by the BABAR experiment at the PEP-II ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ storage ring at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center. Four charged $B$ candidates have been observed with an expected background of $0.21\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.14$ events. The corresponding branching fraction is $({12}_{\ensuremath{-}6}^{+9})\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$, where statistical and systematic uncertainties have been combined. The result can be interpreted as a 90% confidence level (C.L.) upper limit of $26\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$. We also find one ${B}^{0}$ candidate, with an expected background of $0.64\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.17$ events, implying a 90% C.L. upper limit of $1.9\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$.

ZZ production in e(+) e(-) interactions at root s=183-209 GeV

Abstract: Measurements of on-shell ZZ production are described, using data from the DELPHI experiment at LEP in e(+)e(-) collisions at centre-of-mass energies between 183 and 209 GeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of about 665 pb(-1). Results obtained in each of the final states q (q) over barq (q) over bar, nu(ν) over barq (q) over bar, mu(+)mu(-) q (q) over bar, e(+)e(-) r(+)r(-) q (q) over bar, l(+)l(-)l(+)l(-), and nu(ν) over barl(+)l(-) (with l = e, mu) are presented. The measured production cross-sections are consistent with the Standard Model expectations. These results update and supersede those already published at 183 and 189 GeV.

Singular limit of a second order nonlocal parabolic equation of conservative type arising in the micro-phase separation of diblock copolymers

Abstract: We study the limiting behavior as e tends to zero of the solution of a second order nonlocal parabolic equation of conservative type which models the micro-phase separation of diblock copolymers We consider the case of spherical symmetry and prove that as the reaction coefficient tends to infinity the problem converges to a free boundary problem where the interface motion is partly induced by its mean curvature