CP Violation in Leptonic Rare Bs0B^0_s Decays as a Probe of New Physics

The decay $B^0_s\to\mu^+\mu^-$ is a key probe for the search of physics beyond the Standard Model. While the current measurements of the corresponding branching ratio agree with the Standard Model within the uncertainties, significant New-Physics effects may still be hiding in $B^0_s\to\mu^+\mu^-$. In order to reveal them, the observable $\mathcal{A}^{\mu\mu}_{\Delta \Gamma_s}$, which is provided by the decay width difference $\Delta\Gamma_s$ of the $B^0_s$-meson system, plays a central role. We point out that a measurement of a CP-violating observable ${\cal S}_{\rm \mu\mu}$, which is induced through interference between $B^0_s$-$\bar B^0_s$ mixing and $B_s\to\mu^+\mu^-$ decay processes, is essential to obtain the full picture, in particular to establish new scalar contributions and CP-violating phases. We illustrate these findings with future scenarios for the upgrade(s) of the LHC, exploiting also relations which emerge within an effective field theory description of the Standard Model, complemented with New Physics entering significantly beyond the electroweak scale.Comment: 36 pages, 15 figures, improved presentation, to appear in Eur. Phys. J.

Half-Cell Potential Analysis of an Ammonia Sensor with the Electrochemical Cell Au | YSZ | Au, V2O5-WO3-TiO2

Half-cell potentials of the electrochemical cell Au, VWT | YSZ | Au are analyzed in dependence on oxygen and ammonia concentration at 550 °C. One of the gold electrodes is covered with a porous SCR catalyst, vanadia-tungstenia-titania (VWT). The cell is utilized as a potentiometric ammonia gas sensor and provides a semi-logarithmic characteristic curve with a high NH(3) sensitivity and selectivity. The analyses of the Au | YSZ and Au, VWT | YSZ half-cells are conducted to describe the non-equilibrium behavior of the sensor device in light of mixed potential theory. Both electrode potentials provide a dependency on the NH(3) concentration, whereby VWT, Au | YSZ shows a stronger effect which increases with increasing VWT coverage. The potential shifts in the anodic direction confirm the formation of mixed potentials at both electrodes resulting from electrochemical reactions of O(2) and NH(3) at the three-phase boundary. Polarization curves indicate Butler-Volmer-type kinetics. Modified polarization curves of the VWT covered electrode show an enhanced anodic reaction and an almost unaltered cathodic reaction. The NH(3) dependency is dominated by the VWT coverage and it turns out that the catalytic properties of the VWT thick film are responsible for the electrode potential shift

NO Detection by Pulsed Polarization of Lambda Probes-Influence of the Reference Atmosphere

The pulsed polarization measurement technique using conventional thimble type lambda probes is suitable for low ppm NOx detection in exhaust gas applications. To evaluate the underlying sensor mechanism, the unknown influence of the reference atmosphere on the NO sensing behavior is investigated in this study. Besides answering questions with respect to the underlying principle, this investigation can resolve the main question of whether a simplified sensor element without reference may be also suitable for NO sensing using the pulsed polarization measurement technique. With an adequate sensor setup, the reference atmosphere of the thimble type lambda probe is changed completely after a certain diffusion time. Thus, the sensor response regarding NO is compared with and without different gas atmospheres on both electrodes. It is shown that there is still a very good NO sensitivity even without reference air, although the NO response is reduced due to non-existing overlying mixed potential type voltage, which is otherwise caused by different atmospheres on both electrodes. Considering these results, we see an opportunity to simplify the standard NOx sensor design by omitting the reference electrode

O podcast Mundaréu como uma experiência de antropologia pública

O podcast “Mundaréu” foi lançado em 2019, com o objetivo de comunicar o que é realizado pela Antropologia, área pouco conhecida fora dos limites das Ciências Sociais e fora da universidade. Há um intuito de formação, já que o Mundaréu pretende traduzir e discutir para estudantes em início de carreira o que faz e como trabalha a Antropologia, e também de extensão, no momento em que as Ciências Humanas têm sido abertamente questionadas e invalidadas como campo científico. Como um podcast mensal com cerca de quarenta minutos de duração, o Mundaréu almeja desafogar os olhos, conquistar os ouvidos e ampliar o alcance da Antropologia. As duas autoras produzem o podcast e coordenam uma equipe de estudantes das duas universidades, Universidade de Brasília e Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Os episódios recebem duas convidadas, uma antropóloga e sua interlocutora, e têm a chance de apresentar e problematizar a confecção antropológica. A partir do conceito de “mutualidade”, esse texto aborda os principais desafios para produzir uma antropologia pública e provocadora através do podcast Mundaréu.Palavras-chave: Podcast. Antropologia. Divulgação Científica. Mundaréu. Mutualidade  The Mundaréu podcast as an experiment in public anthropology Abstract:“Mundaréu” is a podcast that was launched in 2019, with the purpose of communicating what is done by Anthropology, an area little known outside the limits of the Social Sciences and outside the university milieu. Professional training is addressed, since Mundaréu intends to translate and discuss for students in their early careers what Anthropology does and how it works. Also, the podcast aims outreach, at a time when the Humanities have been openly questioned and invalidated as a scientific field. As a monthly frequency and a duration of about 40 minutes, Mundaréu wants to unburden the eyes, conquer the ears, and expand the range of Anthropology. Both authors produce the podcast and coordinate a team of students from their universities, University of Brasília, and the State University of Campinas. The program receives two guests, an anthropologist and her interlocutor, and in dialogue, they have the chance to present and discuss the anthropological fabrication. Starting from the idea of “mutuality”, this article approaches the main challenges to produce a public and provocative Anthropology with the Mundaréu podcast.Keywords: Podcast. Anthropology, Science Communication, Mundaréu, Mutualit

SONORIDADES, ESCUTAS E APRENDIZADOS DE ANTROPOLOGIA COM O USO DE PODCASTS EM SALA DE AULA

This article analyzes the active perception of sounds by students listening to a podcast in the context of learning about Anthropology. It starts from the listening of a podcast that deals with themes relevant to Anthropology and Social Sciences: Mundaréu. This podcast was inserted in 14 courses offered at the University of Brasilia in 2020, in an experiment conducted by the Mundaréu team. The team took episodes of the podcast so that the students could listen to it and discuss later in class the themes related to the subject and the episode. From this experimentation, data was gathered, among a form with 122 answers, an evaluation of the experience with 35 answers and a third specific evaluation of a discipline with 38 answers from the students, which served as a guide for this research. With this, we intend to highlight the possibilities that listening to podcasts offers to understand more "closely" stories and experiences that bring students closer to knowledge in real, everyday life.Este artigo analisa a percepção ativa dos sons e da escuta por estudantes ao ouvir um podcast no contexto de aprendizagem de Antropologia. Parte-se aqui da escuta de um podcast que aborda temas pertinentes à Antropologia e às Ciências Sociais: o Mundaréu. Ele foi inserido em 14 disciplinas ofertadas na Universidade de Brasília no ano de 2020, em um experimento realizado pela própria equipe do Mundaréu. A equipe levou episódios do podcast para que as estudantes escutassem e discutissem posteriormente em sala de aula os temas pertinentes à matéria e ao episódio. Dessa experimentação, foram reunidos dados, dentre um formulário com 122 respostas, uma avaliação da experiência com 35 respostas e uma terceira avaliação específica, de uma disciplina, com 38 respostas das estudantes, que serviram de guia para esta pesquisa. Com isso, pretende-se evidenciar as possibilidades que a escuta dos podcasts oferecem para entender mais “de perto” histórias e experiências que aproximam os alunos do conhecimento na prática, no cotidiano

Изучение процессов неравновесного выхода водорода из металлических образцов (Ni,Ti) различной толщины различных видах стимуляции

Рассмотрены особенности неравновесного выхода водорода из образцов (Ni, Ti ) при различных способах насыщения материалов водородом ( электролиз, метод Сивертса, плазма ВЧ разряда) и стимуляции (термическая и стимуляция с высокой эффективной температурой). Проанализированы современные подходы теоретического рассмотрения данных процессов, включая обратный эффект Мессбауэра. Результаты работы актуальны для решения проблемы водородного охрупчивания конструкционных материалов в ядерной и водородной энергетике и предотвращения пассивирования примесных центров свечения в светодиодах.The features of the nonequilibrium hydrogen output from samples (Ni, Ti) at various methods of hydrogen saturation with materials (electrolysis, Sievert method, high-frequency discharge plasma) and stimulation (thermal and stimulation with high effective temperature) are considered.     Modern approaches to theoretical consideration of these processes, including the inverse Mossbauer effect, are analyzed.     The results of the work are relevant for the solution of the problem of hydrogen embrittlement of structural materials in nuclear and hydrogen energy and prevention of passivation of impurity centers of luminescence in light-emitting diodes

Toward a coordinated understanding of hydro-biogeochemical root functions in tropical forests for application in vegetation models

Tropical forest root characteristics and resource acquisition strategies are underrepresented in vegetation and global models, hampering the prediction of forest–climate feedbacks for these carbon-rich ecosystems. Lowland tropical forests often have globally unique combinations of high taxonomic and functional biodiversity, rainfall seasonality, and strongly weathered infertile soils, giving rise to distinct patterns in root traits and functions compared with higher latitude ecosystems. We provide a roadmap for integrating recent advances in our understanding of tropical forest belowground function into vegetation models, focusing on water and nutrient acquisition. We offer comparisons of recent advances in empirical and model understanding of root characteristics that represent important functional processes in tropical forests. We focus on: (1) fine-root strategies for soil resource exploration, (2) coupling and trade-offs in fine-root water vs nutrient acquisition, and (3) aboveground–belowground linkages in plant resource acquisition and use. We suggest avenues for representing these extremely diverse plant communities in computationally manageable and ecologically meaningful groups in models for linked aboveground–belowground hydro-nutrient functions. Tropical forests are undergoing warming, shifting rainfall regimes, and exacerbation of soil nutrient scarcity caused by elevated atmospheric CO2. The accurate model representation of tropical forest functions is crucial for understanding the interactions of this biome with the climate

Toward a Coordinated Understanding of Hydro-Biogeochemical Root Functions in Tropical Forests for Application in Vegetation Models

Tropical forest root characteristics and resource acquisition strategies are underrepresented in vegetation and global models, hampering the prediction of forest–climate feedbacks for these carbon-rich ecosystems. Lowland tropical forests often have globally unique combinations of high taxonomic and functional biodiversity, rainfall seasonality, and strongly weathered infertile soils, giving rise to distinct patterns in root traits and functions compared with higher latitude ecosystems. We provide a roadmap for integrating recent advances in our understanding of tropical forest belowground function into vegetation models, focusing on water and nutrient acquisition. We offer comparisons of recent advances in empirical and model understanding of root characteristics that represent important functional processes in tropical forests. We focus on: (1) fine-root strategies for soil resource exploration, (2) coupling and trade-offs in fine-root water vs nutrient acquisition, and (3) aboveground–belowground linkages in plant resource acquisition and use. We suggest avenues for representing these extremely diverse plant communities in computationally manageable and ecologically meaningful groups in models for linked aboveground–belowground hydro-nutrient functions. Tropical forests are undergoing warming, shifting rainfall regimes, and exacerbation of soil nutrient scarcity caused by elevated atmospheric CO2. The accurate model representation of tropical forest functions is crucial for understanding the interactions of this biome with the climate

Differential Modulation of Beta-Adrenergic Receptor Signaling by Trace Amine-Associated Receptor 1 Agonists

Trace amine-associated receptors (TAAR) are rhodopsin-like G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). TAAR are involved in modulation of neuronal, cardiac and vascular functions and they are potentially linked with neurological disorders like schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. Subtype TAAR1, the best characterized TAAR so far, is promiscuous for a wide set of ligands and is activated by trace amines tyramine (TYR), phenylethylamine (PEA), octopamine (OA), but also by thyronamines, dopamine, and psycho-active drugs. Unfortunately, effects of trace amines on signaling of the two homologous β-adrenergic receptors 1 (ADRB1) and 2 (ADRB2) have not been clarified yet in detail. We, therefore, tested TAAR1 agonists TYR, PEA and OA regarding their effects on ADRB1/2 signaling by co-stimulation studies. Surprisingly, trace amines TYR and PEA are partial allosteric antagonists at ADRB1/2, whereas OA is a partial orthosteric ADRB2-antagonist and ADRB1-agonist. To specify molecular reasons for TAAR1 ligand promiscuity and for observed differences in signaling effects on particular aminergic receptors we compared TAAR, tyramine (TAR) octopamine (OAR), ADRB1/2 and dopamine receptors at the structural level. We found especially for TAAR1 that the remarkable ligand promiscuity is likely based on high amino acid similarity in the ligand-binding region compared with further aminergic receptors. On the other hand few TAAR specific properties in the ligand-binding site might determine differences in ligand-induced effects compared to ADRB1/2. Taken together, this study points to molecular details of TAAR1-ligand promiscuity and identified specific trace amines as allosteric or orthosteric ligands of particular β-adrenergic receptor subtypes

Influence of Ocean Acidification on a Natural Winter-to-Summer Plankton Succession : First Insights from a Long-Term Mesocosm Study Draw Attention to Periods of Low Nutrient Concentrations

Every year, the oceans absorb about 30% of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) leading to a re-equilibration of the marine carbonate system and decreasing seawater pH. Today, there is increasing awareness that these changes-summarized by the term ocean acidification (OA)-could differentially affect the competitive ability of marine organisms, thereby provoking a restructuring of marine ecosystems and biogeochemical element cycles. In winter 2013, we deployed ten pelagic mesocosms in the Gullmar Fjord at the Swedish west coast in order to study the effect of OA on plankton ecology and biogeochemistry under close to natural conditions. Five of the ten mesocosms were left unperturbed and served as controls (similar to 380 mu atm pCO(2)), whereas the others were enriched with CO2-saturated water to simulate realistic end-of-the-century carbonate chemistry conditions (mu 760 mu atm pCO(2)). We ran the experiment for 113 days which allowed us to study the influence of high CO2 on an entire winter-to-summer plankton succession and to investigate the potential of some plankton organisms for evolutionary adaptation to OA in their natural environment. This paper is the first in a PLOS collection and provides a detailed overview on the experimental design, important events, and the key complexities of such a "long-term mesocosm" approach. Furthermore, we analyzed whether simulated end-of-the-century carbonate chemistry conditions could lead to a significant restructuring of the plankton community in the course of the succession. At the level of detail analyzed in this overview paper we found that CO2-induced differences in plankton community composition were non-detectable during most of the succession except for a period where a phytoplankton bloom was fueled by remineralized nutrients. These results indicate: (1) Long-term studies with pelagic ecosystems are necessary to uncover OA-sensitive stages of succession. (2) Plankton communities fueled by regenerated nutrients may be more responsive to changing carbonate chemistry than those having access to high inorganic nutrient concentrations and may deserve particular attention in future studies.Peer reviewe