13 research outputs found
Phenomenology of the SU(3)_c X SU(3)_L X U(1)_X model with right-handed neutrinos
A phenomenological analysis of the three-family local gauge group
with right-handed neutrinos is carried
out. Instead of using the minimal scalar sector able to break the symmetry in a
proper way, we introduce an alternative set of four Higgs scalar triplets,
which combined with an anomaly-free discrete symmetry, produces a quark mass
spectrum without hierarchies in the Yukawa coupling contants. We also embed the
structure into a simple gauge group and show some conditions to achieve a low
energy gauge coupling unification, avoiding possible conflict with proton decay
bounds. By using experimental results from the CERN-LEP, SLAC linear collider
and atomic parity violation data, we update constraints on several parameters
of the model.Comment: RevTeX, 10 pages, 4 figures. v2: 13 pages. Substantial changes. New
section about RGE analysis. Experimental data updated. v3: Discussions about
bounds from unitarity violation of the CKM matrix and from FCNC included.
Accepted for publication in Eur. Phys. J.
Phenomenological aspects of the exotic quark in 331 models
In the context of 331 models we analyze the phenomenology of exotic
quarks with electric charge 2/3. We establish bounds for the corresponding
masses and mixing angles and study the decay modes , and . It
is found that the decays into scalars are strongly dependent on the model
parameters, and can be the dominant ones in a scenario with approximate flavor
symmetry.Comment: 11 pages, 2 figure
Measurements of the Production, Decay and Properties of the Top Quark: A Review
With the full Tevatron Run II and early LHC data samples, the opportunity for
furthering our understanding of the properties of the top quark has never been
more promising. Although the current knowledge of the top quark comes largely
from Tevatron measurements, the experiments at the LHC are poised to probe
top-quark production and decay in unprecedented regimes. Although no current
top quark measurements conclusively contradict predictions from the standard
model, the precision of most measurements remains statistically limited.
Additionally, some measurements, most notably the forward-backward asymmetry in
top quark pair production, show tantalizing hints of beyond-the-Standard-Model
dynamics. The top quark sample is growing rapidly at the LHC, with initial
results now public. This review examines the current status of top quark
measurements in the particular light of searching for evidence of new physics,
either through direct searches for beyond the standard model phenomena or
indirectly via precise measurements of standard model top quark properties
Serum magnesium and calcium levels in relation to ischemic stroke : Mendelian randomization study
ObjectiveTo determine whether serum magnesium and calcium concentrations are causally associated with ischemic stroke or any of its subtypes using the mendelian randomization approach.MethodsAnalyses were conducted using summary statistics data for 13 single-nucleotide polymorphisms robustly associated with serum magnesium (n = 6) or serum calcium (n = 7) concentrations. The corresponding data for ischemic stroke were obtained from the MEGASTROKE consortium (34,217 cases and 404,630 noncases).ResultsIn standard mendelian randomization analysis, the odds ratios for each 0.1 mmol/L (about 1 SD) increase in genetically predicted serum magnesium concentrations were 0.78 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.69-0.89; p = 1.3
7 10-4) for all ischemic stroke, 0.63 (95% CI 0.50-0.80; p = 1.6
7 10-4) for cardioembolic stroke, and 0.60 (95% CI 0.44-0.82; p = 0.001) for large artery stroke; there was no association with small vessel stroke (odds ratio 0.90, 95% CI 0.67-1.20; p = 0.46). Only the association with cardioembolic stroke was robust in sensitivity analyses. There was no association of genetically predicted serum calcium concentrations with all ischemic stroke (per 0.5 mg/dL [about 1 SD] increase in serum calcium: odds ratio 1.03, 95% CI 0.88-1.21) or with any subtype.ConclusionsThis study found that genetically higher serum magnesium concentrations are associated with a reduced risk of cardioembolic stroke but found no significant association of genetically higher serum calcium concentrations with any ischemic stroke subtype
Ripening and shelf life of 'BRS Caipira' banana fruit stored under room temperature or refrigeration
A common haplotype lowers PU.1 expression in myeloid cells and delays onset of Alzheimer's disease
A genome-wide survival analysis of 14,406 Alzheimer's disease (AD) cases and 25,849 controls identified eight previously reported AD risk loci and 14 novel loci associated with age at onset. Linkage disequilibrium score regression of 220 cell types implicated the regulation of myeloid gene expression in AD risk. The minor allele of rs1057233 (G), within the previously reported CELF1 AD risk locus, showed association with delayed AD onset and lower expression of SPI1 in monocytes and macrophages. SPI1 encodes PU.1, a transcription factor critical for myeloid cell development and function. AD heritability was enriched within the PU.1 cistrome, implicating a myeloid PU.1 target gene network in AD. Finally, experimentally altered PU.1 levels affected the expression of mouse orthologs of many AD risk genes and the phagocytic activity of mouse microglial cells. Our results suggest that lower SPI1 expression reduces AD risk by regulating myeloid gene expression and cell function