First measurement of direct f0(980)f_0(980) photoproduction on the proton

We report on the results of the first measurement of exclusive $f_0(980)$ meson photoproduction on protons for $E_\gamma=3.0 - 3.8$ GeV and $-t = 0.4-1.0$ GeV$^2$. Data were collected with the CLAS detector at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. The resonance was detected via its decay in the $\pi^+ \pi^-$ channel by performing a partial wave analysis of the reaction $\gamma p \to p \pi^+ \pi^-$. Clear evidence of the $f_0(980)$ meson was found in the interference between $P$ and $S$ waves at $M_{\pi^+ \pi^-}\sim 1$ GeV. The $S$-wave differential cross section integrated in the mass range of the $f_0(980)$ was found to be a factor of 50 smaller than the cross section for the $\rho$ meson. This is the first time the $f_0(980)$ meson has been measured in a photoproduction experiment

Novel genetic loci associated with hippocampal volume

The hippocampal formation is a brain structure integrally involved in episodic memory, spatial navigation, cognition and stress responsiveness. Structural abnormalities in hippocampal volume and shape are found in several common neuropsychiatric disorders. To identify the genetic underpinnings of hippocampal structure here we perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 33,536 individuals and discover six independent loci significantly associated with hippocampal volume, four of them novel. Of the novel loci, three lie within genes (ASTN2, DPP4 and MAST4) and one is found 200 kb upstream of SHH. A hippocampal subfield analysis shows that a locus within the MSRB3 gene shows evidence of a localized effect along the dentate gyrus, subiculum, CA1 and fissure. Further, we show that genetic variants associated with decreased hippocampal volume are also associated with increased risk for Alzheimer's disease (rg =-0.155). Our findings suggest novel biological pathways through which human genetic variation influences hippocampal volume and risk for neuropsychiatric illness

ANALISA PEMAHAMAN MAHASISWA MENGENAI KATA TABU DAN EUFEMISME DALAM BUDAYA CHINA (STUDI KASUS JURUSAN SASTRA CHINA BINUS UNIVERSITY)

ANALISA PEMAHAMAN MAHASISWA MENGENAI KATA TABU DAN EUFEMISME DALAM BUDAYA CHINA (STUDI KASUS JURUSAN SASTRA CHINA BINUS UNIVERSITY)

Hydropower development in the Republic of Georgia and implications for freshwater biodiversity conservation

The Caucasus region is a meeting point for culture and nature, lying at the nexus of Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa, and identified as one of 36 global biodiversity hotspots. The Republic of Georgia, the center of the Caucasus biodiversity hotspot, encompasses a geographically diverse landscape inhabited by a remarkable, endemic, and understudied flora and fauna under increasing threat from human activities. A wave of new and proposed dams for hydropower presents one of the most pressing challenges for freshwater biodiversity conservation in Georgia, a country where hydropower accounts for >90% of electricity. However, this situation remains largely unknown to the international scientific community and there is limited scientific information available about Georgia in the internationally indexed peer-reviewed literature. In this article, we describe the geography, politics, and freshwater biodiversity of rivers of Georgia, with a focus on fishes. We examine trends in hydropower development over the past century and identify four distinct periods: the pre-Soviet period (until 1921), the Soviet period (1921–1991), the 1990s immediately following Georgia's declaration of independence, and the 21st century. We explore the effects of existing and proposed dams on the connectivity of rivers of western Georgia and their potential consequences for conservation of diadromous, potamodromous, and resident fish. Using the Dendritic Connectivity Index (DCI) as an analytical lens, we found serial decreases in DCI values following different periods of hydropower development in the country. Finally, we offer four considerations for future research and conservation in light of ongoing hydropower development: i) expand biodiversity research and environmental monitoring, ii) assess and implement environmental flows for Georgian rivers, iii) implement strategic planning for new hydropower development, and iv) establish strict conservation areas for protection of endangered sturgeons.Accepted Author ManuscriptWater Resource