Aging in the LHCb Outer Tracker

The detector modules of the LHCb Outer Tracker have shown to suffer from gain loss after irradiation. This process is referred to as aging. The purpose of this thesis is to study and to try to solve this problem. We have analyzed the parameters that affect the aging, and compared our aging effects with those seen in other experiments. Using a special chamber, we were also able to determine that the glue used in the construction of the OT modules cause the aging. We have tested several possible solutions to the aging problem. Extensive flushing, low gas flow during operation, the addition of oxygen to the counting gas, high voltage training of the anode wires, and finally heating of the modules all showed beneficial effects. Further research will be necessary to investigate the long term behavior

Using priced options to solve the exposure problem in sequential auctions

We propose a priced options model for solving the exposure problem of bidders with valuation synergies participating in a sequence of online auctions. We consider a setting in which complementary-valued items are offered sequentially by different sellers, who have the choice of either selling their item directly or through a priced option. In our model, the seller fixes the exercise price for this option, and then sells it through a first-price auction. We analyze this model from a decision-theoretic perspective and we show, for a setting where the competition is formed by local bidders (which desire a single item), that using options can increase the expected profit for both sides. Furthermore, we derive the equations that provide minimum and maximum bounds between which the bids of the synergy buyer are expected to fall, in order for both sides of the market to have an incentive to use the options mechanism. Next, we perform an experimental analysis of a market in which multiple synergy buyers are active simultaneously. We show that, despite the extra competition, some synergy buyers may benefit, because sellers are forced to set their exercise prices for options at levels which encourage participation of all buyers.</jats:p

Using Options with Set Exercise Prices to Reduce Bidder Exposure in Sequential Auctions

The exposure problem appears whenever an agent with complementary valuations bids to acquire a bundle of items sold sequentially, in separate auctions. In this talk, we review a possible solution that can help solve this problem, which involves selling options for the items, instead of the items themselves. We provide a brief overview of the state of the art in this field and discuss, based on our recent results, under which conditions using option mechanisms would be desirable for both buyers and sellers, by comparison to direct auctioning of items. We conclude with a brief discussion of further research directions in this field, as well as the relation to other techniques proposed to address the problem, such as leveled commitment mechanisms

Thermal stability of copper nitride thin films: The role of nitrogen migration

The atomic composition, structural, morphological, and optical properties of N-rich copper nitride thin films have been investigated prior to and after annealing them in vacuum at temperatures up to 300 °C. Films were characterized by means of ion-beam analysis (IBMA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and spectroscopic ellipsometry techniques (SE). The data reveal that even when the total (integrated over the whole thickness) atomic composition of the films remains constant, nitrogen starts to migrate from the bulk to the film surface, without out-diffusing, at temperatures as low as 100 °C. This migration leads to two chemical phases with different atomic concentration of nitrogen, lattice parameters, and crystallographic orientation but with the same crystal structure. XRD experimental and Rietveld refined data seem to confirm that nitrogen excess accommodates in interstitial locations within the anti-ReO3 crystal lattice forming a solid solution. The influence of nitrogen migration on the optical (electronic) properties of the films will be discusse

The debates on citizenship in Morocco. Social movements and constitutional reform. EUSpring Working Paper No. 4, 11 August 2015

Introduction. The current debates on citizenship in Morocco are taking place in a political context marked by the events of the Arab Spring. How are political, social, legal, and identity-related dimensions of citizenship formulated in the context of a monarchy that has a long continuity in Moroccan history

Changes in vasoactive pathways in congenital diaphragmatic hernia associated pulmonary hypertension explain unresponsiveness to pharmacotherapy

Background: Patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) have structural and functional different pulmonary vessels, leading to pulmonary hypertension. They often fail to respond to standard vasodilator therapy targeting the major vasoactive pathways, causing a high morbidity and mortality. We analyzed whether the expression of crucial members of these vasoactive pathways could explain the lack of responsiveness to therapy in CDH patients. Methods: The expression of direct targets of current vasodilator therapy in the endothelin and prostacyclin pathway was analyzed in human lung specimens of control and CDH patients. Results: CDH lungs showed increased expression of both ETA and ETB endothelin receptors and the rate-limiting Endothelin Converting Enzyme (ECE-1), and a decreased expression of the prostaglandin-I2 receptor (PTGIR). These data were supported by increased expression of both endothelin receptors and ECE-1, endothelial nitric oxide synthase and PTGIR in the well-established nitrofen-CDH rodent model. Conclusions: Together, these data demonstrate aberrant expression of targeted receptors in the endothelin and prostacyclin pathway in CDH already early during development. The analysis of this unique patient material may explain why a significant number of patients do not respond to vasodilator therapy. This knowledge could have important implications for the choice of drugs and the design of future clinical trials internationally

What Twin Studies Tell Us About the Heritability of Brain Development, Morphology, and Function: A Review

The development of brain structure and function shows large inter-individual variation. The extent to which this variation is due to genetic or environmental influences has been investigated in twin studies using structural and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The current review presents an overview of twin studies using MRI in children, adults and elderly, and focuses on cross-sectional and longitudinal designs. The majority of the investigated brain measures are heritable to a large extent (60–80 %), although spatial differences in heritability are observed as well. Cross-sectional studies suggest that heritability estimates slightly increase from childhood to adulthood. Long-term longitudinal studies are better suited to study developmental changes in heritability, but these studies are limited. Results so far suggest that the heritability of change over time is relatively low or absent, but more studies are needed to confirm these findings. Compared to brain structure, twin studies of brain function are scarce, and show much lower heritability estimates (~40 %). The insights from heritability studies aid our understanding of individual differences in brain structure and function. With the recent start of large genetic MRI consortia, the chance of finding genes that explain the heritability of brain morphology increases. Gene identification may provide insight in biological mechanisms involved in brain processes, which in turn will learn us more about healthy and disturbed brain functioning

Pulmonary vascular development in congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a rare congenital anomaly characterised by a diaphragmatic defect, persistent pulmonary hypertension (PH) and lung hypoplasia. The relative contribution of these three elements can vary considerably in individual patients. Most affected children suffer primarily from the associated PH, for which the therapeutic modalities are limited and frequently not evidence based. The vascular defects associated with PH, which is characterised by increased muscularisation of arterioles and capillaries, start to develop early in gestation. Pulmonary vascular development is integrated with the development of the airway epithelium. Although our knowledge is still incomplete, the processes involved in the growth and expansion of the vasculature are beginning to be unravelled. It is clear that early disturbances of this process lead to major pulmonary growth abnormalities, resulting in serious clinical challenges and in many cases death in the newborn. Here we provide an overview of the current molecular pathways involved in pulmonary vascular development. Moreover, we describe the abnormalities associated with CDH and the potential therapeutic approaches for this severe abnormality

Schizophrenia, Hearing Voices and Personal Growth

This article looks at the various challenges for personal growth posed by schizophrenia and Hearing voices, as they are experienced together. It uses Maslows Hierarchy of needs as a model for personal growth and details techniques and strategies for climbing the pyramid whilst experiencing these problems of mental illness. It contends there are therapeutic advantages for people with these symptoms which will improve their quality of life

Folders in group chat

While communicating in a group chat, whether on a computer, smartphone, or any other digital device, it is sometimes hard to find data, such as images, links, files, etc., that was sent a long time ago in the conversation thread by one of the participants of the group chat. In such a case, it is usually necessary to scroll back through the conversation thread and analyze all the data appearing in the thread so as to find the required information. This approach can be cumbersome, time-consuming, and often ineffective. As an alternative, a user can try to remember key words associated with such data to search using a built-in search engine. However, this alternative approach is also often ineffective given the difficulties of remembering exact one-to-one word matches in a filename or conversation from long ago. In order to solve said problem, all data that is sent by a particular participant can be stored in participant-specific or sender-specific folder as part of the group chat user interface. For example, in a group chat that has five participants, personalized folders that are specific to each of four other participants can be place in an screen panel, along with any other information or data. During group chats, all data that is sent by each participant can be stored in these participant-specific folders. In the case where a participant needs to find some data, such as a report that he can’t remember the exact filename of, and he knows who sent the report, he can open the participant-specific folder that is associated with the known sender in the group chat user interface and easily find what he needs. Since these folders contain data that is limited to a particular sender, the amount of data to search through is far less than what it would be from all the participants and much easier to navigate through. As another example, such personalized folders can be shown in a menu of the group chat, or in any other place. As another example, this participant-specific folder with all data that was sent by a particular user can be shown in the user profile information along with his contact information, title, and/or any other data. The examples above are not limiting and the participant-specific folders can be placed anywhere in a collaboration environment or other communication tool based on UI/UX needs and preferences