Study of semileptonic and nonleptonic decays of the Bc−B_c^- meson

We evaluate semileptonic and two--meson nonleptonic decays of the $B_c^-$ meson in the framework of a nonrelativistic quark model. The former are done in spectator approximation using one--body current operators at the quark level. Our model reproduces the constraints of heavy quark spin symmetry obtained in the limit of infinite heavy quark mass. For the two--meson nonleptonic decays we work in factorization approximation. We compare our results to the ones obtained in different relativistic approaches.Comment: Talk given at the IVth International Conference on Quarks an Nuclear Physics, Madrid, June 5th-10th 200

Masses and semileptonic decays of doubly heavy baryons in a nonrelativistic quark model

We evaluate masses and semileptonic decay widths for the ground state of doubly heavy $\Xi$ and $\Omega$ baryons in the framework of a nonrelativistic quark model. We solve the three-body problem by means of a variational ansatz made possible by heavy-quark spin symmetry constraints. Our masses are comparable to the ones obtained in relativistic calculations and we get one of the best agreements with lattice data. Our simple wave functions are used to evaluate semileptonic decays of doubly heavy $\Xi, \Xi'(J=1/2)$ and $\Omega, \Omega'(J=1/2)$ baryons. Our results for the decay widths are in reasonable agreement with calculations done in a relativistic calculation in the quark-diquark approximation. We also check that our wave functions comply with what it is expected in the infinite heavy quark mass limit.Comment: 3 latex pages, two tables. To appear in the INPC07 proceeding

Masses and semileptonic decays of doubly heavy baryons in a nonrelativistic quark model

We evaluate masses and semileptonic decay widths for the ground state of doubly heavy $\Xi$ and $\Omega$ baryons in the framework of a nonrelativistic quark model. We solve the three-body problem by means of a variational ansatz made possible by heavy-quark spin symmetry constraints. Our masses are comparable to the ones obtained in relativistic calculations and we get one of the best agreements with lattice data. Our simple wave functions are used to evaluate semileptonic decays of doubly heavy $\Xi, \Xi'(J=1/2)$ and $\Omega, \Omega'(J=1/2)$ baryons. Our results for the decay widths are in reasonable agreement with calculations done in a relativistic calculation in the quark-diquark approximation. We also check that our wave functions comply with what it is expected in the infinite heavy quark mass limit.Comment: 3 latex pages, two tables. To appear in the INPC07 proceeding

Strong one-pion decay of Σc\Sigma_c, Σc∗\Sigma_c^* and Ξc∗\Xi_c^*

Working in the framework of a nonrelativistic quark model we evaluate the widths for the strong one-pion decays $\Sigma_c\to\Lambda_c \pi$, $\Sigma_c^*\to\Lambda_c \pi$ and $\Xi_c^{*}\to\Xi_c \pi$. We take advantage of the constraints imposed by heavy quark symmetry to solve the three-body problem by means of a simple variational ansatz. We use partial conservation of the axial current hypothesis to get the strong vertices from weak axial current matrix elements. Our results are in good agreement with experimental data.Comment: 3 latex pages. Contribution to the Proceedings of the Quark Confinement and the Hadron Spectrum VII Conference (QCHS7) Ponta Delgada (PT) Sept 2-7, 200

Quark model study of the semileptonic B -> pi decay

The semileptonic decay B->pi is studied starting from a simple quark model and taking into account the effect of the B* resonance. A novel, multiply subtracted, Omn\`es dispersion relation has been implemented to extend the predictions of the quark model to all physical q^2 values. We find |V_{ub}|=0.0034 +/- 0.0003(exp.)+/- 0.0007(theory), in good agreement with experiment.Comment: Three pages, two figures. To appear in the proceedings of Quark Confinament and Hadron Spectrum VII. Azores, September 200

Evolution of the decay mechanisms in central collisions of XeXe + SnSn from E/AE/A = 8 to 29 MeVMeV

Collisions of Xe+Sn at beam energies of $E/A$ = 8 to 29 $MeV$ and leading to fusion-like heavy residues are studied using the $4\pi$ INDRA multidetector. The fusion cross section was measured and shows a maximum at $E/A$ = 18-20 $MeV$. A decomposition into four exit-channels consisting of the number of heavy fragments produced in central collisions has been made. Their relative yields are measured as a function of the incident beam energy. The energy spectra of light charged particles (LCP) in coincidence with the fragments of each exit-channel have been analyzed. They reveal that a composite system is formed, it is highly excited and first decays by emitting light particles and then may breakup into 2- or many- fragments or survives as an evaporative residue. A quantitative estimation of this primary emission is given and compared to the secondary decay of the fragments. These analyses indicate that most of the evaporative LCP precede not only fission but also breakup into several fragments.Comment: Invited Talk given at the 11th International Conference on Nucleus-Nucleus Collisions (NN2012), San Antonio, Texas, USA, May 27-June 1, 2012. To appear in the NN2012 Proceedings in Journal of Physics: Conference Series (JPCS

Testosterone and Cholesterol Vasodilation of Rat Aorta Involves L-Type Calcium Channel Inhibition

Testosterone has rapid nongenomic vasodilator effects which could be involved in protective cardiovascular actions. Several authors suggested specific mechanisms to explain this effect, but this matter was not clarified yet. We studied the actions of testosterone and cholesterol on endothelium-denuded rat aorta and their effects on the L-type Ca2+ current (ICa,L) and potassium current (IK). Testosterone (1–100 μM) totally relaxed, in a rapid and concentration-dependent way, the aortic rings contracted by KCl or by (−)-Bay K8644 (BAY). Cholesterol also fully relaxed the contractions induced by KCl. None of the potassium channel antagonists tested (glibenclamide, tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine) modified significantly the relaxant effect of testosterone. The antagonist of classic testosterone receptors, flutamide, did not modify the vasorelaxant effect of testosterone. Furthermore, testosterone and cholesterol inhibited either basal and BAY-stimulated ICa,L in A7r5 cells and they have no effects on IK. In summary, our results demonstrate that cholesterol and testosterone relax rat aorta by inhibiting LTCC. This effect of testosterone is not mediated by the classic hormone receptor or by potassium channel activation. These results suggest that the vasodilator mechanism of cholesterol and testosterone is the same

Tecer a prevenção em Vila Verde

O relatório corresponde ao trabalho de diagnóstico do funcionamento da Comissão de proteção de crianças e jovens de Vila Verde, na sua Modalidade alargada, ao relatório social sobre as crianças e jovens do concelho e ao plano estratégico para a proteção e promoção dos direitos da criança. Este relatório corresponde à realização do Projeto Tecer a Prevenção em Vila Verde, o qual corresponde à ação específica realizada no concelho da iniciativa “Tecer a Prevenção” promovida pela Comissão Nacional de Proteção de Crianças e Jovens em Risco (CNPCJR).Comissão Nacional de Proteção de Crianças em Risc