Saclay Nuclear Research Centre

We present initial results from JWST NIRSpec integral field unit observations of the nearby supernova SN 1987A. The observations provide the first spatially resolved spectroscopy of the ejecta and equatorial ring (ER) over the 1–5 μm range. We construct 3D emissivity maps of the [Fe i] 1.443 μm line from the inner ejecta and the He i 1.083 μm line from the reverse shock (RS), where the former probes the explosion geometry and the latter traces the structure of the circumstellar medium. We also present a model for the integrated spectrum of the ejecta. The [Fe i] 3D map reveals a highly asymmetric morphology resembling a broken dipole, dominated by two large clumps with velocities of ∼2300 km s−1. We also find evidence that the Fe-rich inner ejecta have started to interact with the RS. The RS surface traced by the He i line extends from just inside the ER to higher latitudes on both sides of the ER with a half-opening angle ∼45°, forming a bubble-like structure. The spectral model for the ejecta allows us to identify the many emission lines, including numerous H2 lines. We find that the H2 is most likely excited by far-UV emission, while the metal-line ratios are consistent with a combination of collisional excitation and recombination in the low-temperature ejecta. We also find several high-ionization coronal lines from the ER, requiring a temperature ≳2 × 106 K.

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Heatwaves are one of the most dangerous climatic hazards affecting the health of humans and ecosystems around the world. Accurate forecasts of these dramatic events can be relevant for policy makers, climate services and the local population. In this perspective, the present study addresses the predictability of heatwaves in sub-seasonal to seasonal forecasts in the West Africa region over the recent period from 2001 up to 2020. Two models from the S2S Prediction project namely ECMWF and UKMO have been analyzed. Heatwaves have been detected using minimum/maximum values of 2-m temperature as indicators over a period of at least 3 consecutive  days. The validation of the model outputs is processed using ERA5 as reference. The global skill of the models in reproducing 2-m temperature is done by calculating the Continuous Rank Probability Score (CRPS). ECMWF model shows more skill in the Guinean region for minimum and maximum values of 2-meter temperatures.  The predictability of heatwaves in the models is estimated by the computation of some probabilistic metrics such as : hit-rate and false alarm ratio (FAR).  Models show predictive skill of heatwave days greater than the climatology up to 3 weeks lead time in the 3 regions. The FAR values are high and increasing with the lead time. This suggests that the models used to predict heat wave days which are not observed in the reanalysis (ERA5) more than real events. ECMWF shows more predictive skill at weekly time scale with high hit_rate values up to 3 weeks lead time. The accurate representation of the heatwaves intensity in the models remains very challenging at any lead time.

Angular correlations of heavy-flavour and charged particles in high-energy proton–proton collisions are sensitive to the production mechanisms of heavy quarks and to their fragmentation as well as hadronisation processes. The measurement of the azimuthal-correlation function of prompt D mesons with charged particles in proton–proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of sqrt{s} = 13 TeV with the ALICE detector is reported, considering mathrm D^{0} , mathrm D^{+} , and mathrm D^{*+} mesons in the transverse-momentum interval 3< p_{mathrm{T}} < 36 GeV/c at midrapidity (|y| < 0.5), and charged particles with p_{mathrm{T}} > 0.3 GeV/c and pseudorapidity |eta | < 0.8. This measurement has an improved precision and provides an extended transverse-momentum coverage compared to previous ALICE measurements at lower energies. The study is also performed as a function of the charged-particle multiplicity, showing no modifications of the correlation function with multiplicity within uncertainties. The properties and the transverse-momentum evolution of the near- and away-side correlation peaks are studied and compared with predictions from various Monte Carlo event generators. Among those considered, PYTHIA8 and POWHEG+PYTHIA8 provide the best description of the measured observables. The obtained results can provide guidance on tuning the generators.

In the past few years, attention has been drawn to the fact that a precision analysis of two-neutrino double beta decay (2υββ) allows the study of interesting physics cases like the emission of Majoron bosons and possible Lorentz symmetry violation. These processes modify the summed-energy distribution of the two electrons emitted in 2υββ. CUPID is a next-generation experiment aiming to exploit 100Mo-enriched scintillating Li2MoO4 crystals, operating as cryogenic calorimeters. Given the relatively fast half-life of 100Mo 2υββ and the large exposure that can be reached by CUPID, we expect to measure with very high precision the 100Mo 2υββ spectrum shape, reaching great sensitivities in the search for distortions induced by the physics beyond the Standard Model. In this contribution, we present the CUPID exclusion sensitivity for such New Physics processes, as well as the preliminary projected background of CUPID.

In this paper, which is of programmatic rather than quantitative nature, we aim to further delineate and sharpen the future potential of the LISA mission in the area of fundamental physics. Given the very broad range of topics that might be relevant to LISA, we present here a sample of what we view as particularly promising directions, based in part on the current research interests of the LISA scientific community in the area of fundamental physics. We organize these directions through a "science-first" approach that allows us to classify how LISA data can inform theoretical physics in a variety of areas. For each of these theoretical physics classes, we identify the sources that are currently expected to provide the principal contribution to our knowledge, and the areas that need further development. The classification presented here should not be thought of as cast in stone, but rather as a fluid framework that is amenable to change with the flow of new insights in theoretical physics.

To analyze 11-year data of France for temporal trends in dose indices and dose optimization and draw lessons for those who are willing to work on creation and update of diagnostic reference levels (DRLs). The data from about 3000 radiology departments leading to about 750,000 imaging exams between 2004 and 2015 was analyzed, and patterns of reductions in dose for those below and above the DRLs were estimated and correlated with technology change. Dose optimization achieved was important and significant in departments which were above or just below the DRL (p = .006) but not in those which were around half of the DRL values. The decrease in 75th percentile value of Kerma air product (KAP) for chest radiography by 27.4% between 2004 and 2015 was observed with the number of flat panel detectors increase from 6 to 43%. A good correlation between the detector type distribution and the level of patient radiation exposure is observed. Otherwise, setting DRLs for standard-sized patient excludes patients lower and higher weighted than "standard." The concept of DRL may become obsolete unless lessons drawn from the experience of users are taken into account. While establishing DRLs should be part of the regulations, setting up and updating values should be governed by bodies whose decision-making cycle is short, at the most 1year. A local rather than national approach, taking into account body habitus and image quality, needs to be organized. • The technology changes faster than regulations. Requirement of DRL establishment should be part of the regulations; however, setting and updating values should be the role of professional societies. • The concept of DRL, highlighting the 75th percentile values and dedicated to standard-sized adult, misses optimization opportunities in the majority of patients who are below the 75th percentile value and outside the range of standard-sized adult. • The ugly aspects of the DRL concept include its non-applicability to individuals, no customization to clinical indications, and lack of consideration of image quality.

Background: Levels fulfilling the seniority scheme and relevant isomers are commonly observed features in semimagic nuclei; for example, in Sn isotopes (Z = 50). Seniority isomers in Sn, with dominantly pure neutron configurations, directly probe the underlying neutron-neutron () interaction. Furthermore, an addition of a valence proton particle or hole, through neutron-proton () interaction, affects the neutron seniority as well as the angular momentum.