Supersymmetry without R-parity : Constraints from Leptonic Phenomenology

R-parity conservation is an {\it ad hoc} assumption in the most popular version of the supersymmetric standard model. Most studies of models which do allow for R-parity violation have been restricted to various limiting scenarios. The single-VEV parametrization used in this paper provides a workable framework to analyze phenomenology of the most general theory of SUSY without R-parity. We perform a comprehensive study of leptonic phenomenology at tree-level. Experimental constraints on various processes are studied individually and then combined to yield regions of admissible parameter space. In particular, we show that large R-parity violating bilinear couplings are not ruled out, especially for large $\tan\beta$.Comment: 56 pages Revtex with figures incorporated; typos (including transcription typo in Table II) and minor corrections; proof-read version, to appear in Phys. Rev.

Motion-Compensation Techniques in Neonatal and Fetal MR Imaging

Fetal and neonatal MR imaging is increasingly used as a complementary diagnostic tool to sonography. MR imaging is an ideal technique for imaging fetuses and neonates because of the absence of ionizing radiation, the superior contrast of soft tissues compared with sonography, the availability of different contrast options, and the increased FOV. Motion in the normally mobile fetus and the unsettled, sleeping, or sedated neonate during a long acquisition will decrease image quality in the form of motion artifacts, hamper image interpretation, and often necessitate a repeat MR imaging to establish a diagnosis. This article reviews current techniques of motion compensation in fetal and neonatal MR imaging, including the following: 1) motion-prevention strategies (such as adequate patient preparation, patient coaching, and sedation, when required), 2) motion-artifacts minimization methods (such as fast imaging protocols, data undersampling, and motion-resistant sequences), and 3) motion-detection/correction schemes (such as navigators and self-navigated sequences, external motion-tracking devices, and postprocessing approaches) and their application in fetal and neonatal brain MR imaging. Additionally some background on the repertoire of motion of the fetal and neonatal patient and the resulting artifacts will be presented, as well as insights into future developments and emerging techniques of motion compensation

Isolation and mycelial growth of Diehliomyces microsporus: effect of culture medium and incubation temperature

The false truffle is one of the main problems in the production of the Agaricus brasiliensis in Brazil and the control of this fungal competitor has been rather difficult due to difficulties in the isolation and cultivation of this pathogen. This experiment was conducted in three stages, the first consisting of the isolation of Diehliomyces microsporus starting from portions of the fruiting body and through the ascospores suspension; second, D. microsporus cultivated in vitro at 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35ºC in six different culture media (CSDA, OCDA, PCDA, ODA, PDA, CDA); third, D. microsporus was inoculated on sterilized compost for formation of the fruiting body. The colony formation from tissue of D. microsporus starting from portions of fruiting body was more efficient than germination of the ascospores. Compost medium (CDA) allowed a larger diameter of the D. microsporus colony, followed by the medium made up of compost and potato mixture, favoring a denser composition. The largest mycelial growth speed of D. microsporus occurred when the culture was incubated at 28 and 30ºC. Incubation temperatures lower than 15ºC or above 35ºC inhibited the mycelial growth of D. microsporus completely. The fruiting bodies were obtained easily in sterilized compost and later inoculated along with mycelial competitor.<br>A falsa trufa está sendo um dos principais problemas na produção do Agaricus brasiliensis cultivado no Brasil e o controle deste fungo competidor tem sido difícil, devido às dificuldades encontradas no isolamento e cultivo do patógeno. Este experimento foi conduzido em três etapas, sendo a primeira constituída pelo isolamento de Diehliomyces microsporus a partir de porções do ascostroma e através da suspensão de ascósporos; a segunda, o cultivo in vitro de D. microsporus nas temperaturas de 15, 20, 25, 30 e 35ºC e em seis meios de cultura (CTDA, ACDA, BCDA, ADA, BDA e CDA) e a terceira pela inoculação de D. microsporus no composto (pasteurizado, composto esterilizado e composto esterilizado com camada de cobertura) para formação dos ascostromas. O isolamento de D. microsporus a partir de fragmentos do ascostroma recém coletado foi mais eficiente do que a germinação dos ascósporos; o meio de cultura à base de composto (CDA) proporcionou maior diâmetro da colônia de D. microsporus, seguido pelo meio constituído da mistura de composto e batata, favorecendo um micélio mais denso; a maior velocidade de crescimento de D. microsporus ocorreu quando a cultura foi incubada entre 28 e 30ºC; temperaturas de incubação menor que15ºC ou a acima de 35ºC inibiu completamente o crescimento micelial de D. microsporus; a obtenção de frutificação de D. microsporus foi facilmente obtida em composto esterilizado e posteriormente inoculado com o competidor