Renormalization Group Invariant Matrix Elements of DS = 2 and DI = 3/2 Four-Fermion Operators without Quark Masses

We introduce a new parameterization of four-fermion operator matrix elements which does not involve quark masses and thus allows a reduction of systematic uncertainties. In order to simplify the matching between lattice and continuum renormalization schemes, we express our results in terms of renormalization group invariant B-parameters which are renormalization-scheme and scale independent. As an application of our proposal, matrix elements of DI=3/2 and SUSY DS =2 operators have been computed. The calculations have been performed using the tree-level improved Clover lattice action at two different values of the strong coupling constant (beta=6/g^2=6.0 and 6.2), in the quenched approximation. Renormalization constants and mixing coefficients of lattice operators have been obtained non-perturbatively. Using lowest order ChiPT, we also obtain ^{NDR}_{I=2} = (0.11\pm 0.02) GeV^4 and <Pi Pi| O_8|K >^{NDR}_{I=2} = (0.51\pm 0.05) GeV^4 at mu=2 GeV.Comment: LATEX, 17 pages, 1 figure include

Mixing of B mesons and Decay Constants with the Non-Perturbatively Improved Action

Several quantities relevant to phenomenological studies of the mixing of neutral B mesons are computed on the lattice. Our main results are: f_{Bd} sqrt(B_{Bd})=206(28)(7) MeV, f_{Bs} sqrt(B_{Bs})/f_{Bd}sqrt(B_{Bd})=1.16(7). We also obtain the related quantities f_{Bs}sqrt(B{Bs})=237(18)(8) MeV, f_{Bd}= 174(22)(+7-0)(-4-0) MeV, f_{Bs}= 204(15)(+7-0)(+3-0) MeV, f_{Bs}/f_{Bd}=1.17(4)(+0-1), f_{Bd}/f_{Ds}=0.74(5). After combining our results with the experimental world average (Delta m_d), we predict (Delta m_s)=15.8(2.1)(3.3) ps^{-1}. We have also computed the relevant parameters for mixing of neutral D mesons which may be useful in some extensions of the Standard Model. All the quantities were obtained from a quenched simulation with a non-perturbatively improved Clover action at beta=6.2, corresponding to a lattice spacing 1/a=2.7(1) GeV, on a sample of 200 gauge-field configurations. A discussion of the main systematic errors is also presented.Comment: 21 pages (LaTeX2e), 5 PostScript figure

The relict population of Pinna nobilis in the Mar Menor is facing an uncertain future

Pinna nobilis is undergoing one of the most dramatic events suffered by an endangered species. An emerging disease has relegated its populations to coastal lagoons or estuaries with salinities beyond the 36.5–39.7 psu range. The Mar Menor is one of two such locations on the Spanish coastline. Poor environmental conditions and eutrophication and anoxia events, that became critical in 2016, 2019 and 2021, have reduced its population in >99 %. In this work, the spatial distribution of the species within the lagoon and the factors determining its survival along the successive crises of eutrophication are studied using a two-stage (presence/absence estimation and density modelling) Species Distribution Model. A potential area of 200.97 ha and an average density of 1.05 ind.100 m2 is estimated for 2020. The viability of the Mar Menor population depends on management actions designed both for the species and to improve the lagoon environmental state.This research was supported by the EU LIFE Programme Project “Protection and restoration of Pinna nobilis populations as a response to the catastrophic pandemic started in 2016” (LIFE PINNARCA) [grant number LIFE20 NAT/ES/001265] and the Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge Project RECUPERA PINNA [grant number IRTA1-21T]. This research was supported by the Dirección General del Mar Menor, Consejería de Agua, Agricultura, Ganadería, Pesca y Medio Ambiente (CARM), Project “Proyecto para la cría ex situ de Pinna nobilis y creación del Banco de Especies protegidas y singulares del Mar Menor”

Light Quark Masses from Lattice Quark Propagators at Large Momenta

We compute non-perturbatively the average up-down and strange quark masses from the large momentum (short-distance) behaviour of the quark propagator in the Landau gauge. This method, which has never been applied so far, does not require the explicit calculation of the quark mass renormalization constant. Calculations were performed in the quenched approximation, by using O(a)-improved Wilson fermions. The main results of this study are ml^RI(2GeV)=5.8(6)MeV and ms^RI(2GeV)=136(11)MeV. Using the relations between different schemes, obtained from the available four-loop anomalous dimensions, we also find ml^RGI=7.6(8)MeV and ms^RGI=177(14)MeV, and the MSbar-masses, ml^MS(2GeV)=4.8(5)MeV and ms^MS(2GeV)=111(9)MeV.Comment: 19 pages, 2 references added, version to appear in Phys. Rev.

A catalog of visual double and multiple stars with eclipsing components

A new catalog of visual double systems containing eclipsing binaries as one component is presented. The main purpose of this catalog is to compile a complete list of all known multiples of this variety, both for current analysis and to highlight those in need of additional observations. All available photometric and astrometric data were analyzed, resulting in new orbits for eight systems and new times of minimum light for a number of the eclipsing binaries. Some of the systems in the catalog have acceptable solutions for their visual orbits, although in most cases their orbital periods are too long for simultaneous analysis. Also included, however, are a number of systems which currently lack an orbital solution but which may be suitable for simultaneous analysis in the future.Comment: 15 pages, 8 figures, 4 tables, published in A

PIASγ Is Required for Faithful Chromosome Segregation in Human Cells

BACKGROUND: The precision of the metaphase-anaphase transition ensures stable genetic inheritance. The spindle checkpoint blocks anaphase onset until the last chromosome biorients at metaphase plate, then the bonds between sister chromatids are removed and disjoined chromatids segregate to the spindle poles. But, how sister separation is triggered is not fully understood. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We identify PIASγ as a human E3 sumo ligase required for timely and efficient sister chromatid separation. In cells lacking PIASγ, normal metaphase plates form, but the spindle checkpoint is activated, leading to a prolonged metaphase block. Sister chromatids remain cohered even if cohesin is removed by depletion of hSgo1, because DNA catenations persist at centromeres. PIASγ-depleted cells cannot properly localize Topoisomerase II at centromeres or in the cores of mitotic chromosomes, providing a functional link between PIASγ and Topoisomerase II. CONCLUSIONS: PIASγ directs Topoisomerase II to specific chromosome regions that require efficient removal of DNA catenations prior to anaphase. The lack of this activity activates the spindle checkpoint, protecting cells from non-disjunction. Because DNA catenations persist without PIASγ in the absence of cohesin, removal of catenations and cohesin rings must be regulated in parallel

KIFC1-Like Motor Protein Associates with the Cephalopod Manchette and Participates in Sperm Nuclear Morphogenesis in Octopus tankahkeei

Nuclear morphogenesis is one of the most fundamental cellular transformations taking place during spermatogenesis. In rodents, a microtubule-based perinuclear structure, the manchette, and a C-terminal kinesin motor KIFC1 are believed to play crucial roles in this process. Spermatogenesis in Octopus tankahkeei is a good model system to explore whether evolution has created a cephalopod prototype of mammalian manchette-based and KIFC1-dependent sperm nuclear shaping machinery.We detected the presence of a KIFC1-like protein in the testis, muscle, and liver of O. tankahkeei by Western Blot. Then we tracked its dynamic localization in spermatic cells at various stages using Immunofluorescence and Immunogold Electron Microscopy. The KIFC1-like protein was not expressed at early stages of spermatogenesis when no significant morphological changes occur, began to be present in early spermatid, localized around and in the nucleus of intermediate and late spermatids where the nucleus was dramatically elongated and compressed, and concentrated at one end of final spermatid. Furthermore, distribution of the motor protein during nuclear elongation and condensation overlapped with that of the cephalopod counterpart of manchette at a significant level.The results support the assumption that the protein is actively involved in sperm nuclear morphogenesis in O. tankahkeei possibly through bridging the manchette-like perinuclear microtubules to the nucleus and assisting in the nucleocytoplasmic trafficking of specific cargoes. This study represents the first description of the role of a motor protein in sperm nuclear shaping in cephalopod