Disintegration of beauty: a precision study

We update the Standard Model (SM) predictions for $B$-meson lifetimes within the heavy quark expansion (HQE). Including for the first time the contribution of the Darwin operator, SU(3)$_F$ breaking corrections to the matrix element of dimension-six four-quark operators and the so-called eye-contractions, we obtain for the total widths \Gamma (B^+) = (0.58^{+0.11}_{-0.07}) \, \mbox{ps}^{-1}, \Gamma (B_d) = (0.63^{+0.11}_{-0.07}) \, \mbox{ps}^{-1}, \Gamma (B_s) = (0.63^{+0.11}_{-0.07}) \, \mbox{ps}^{-1}, and for the lifetime ratios $\tau (B^+) / \tau (B_d) = 1.086 \pm 0.022$, $\tau (B_s) / \tau (B_d) = 1.003 \pm 0.006 \, (1.028 \pm 0.011)$. The two values for the last observable arise from using two different sets of input for the non-perturbative parameters $\mu_\pi^2(B_d)$, $\mu_G^2(B_d)$, and $\rho_D^3(B_d)$ as well as from different estimates of the SU(3)$_F$ breaking in these parameters. Our results are overall in very good agreement with the corresponding experimental data, however, there seems to emerge a tension in $\tau (B_s)/\tau (B_d)$ when considering the second set of input parameters. Specifically, this observable is extremely sensitive to the size of the parameter $\rho_D^3 (B_d)$ and of the SU(3)$_F$ breaking effects in $\mu_\pi^2$, $\mu_G^2$ and $\rho_D^3$; hence, it is of utmost importance to be able to better constrain all these parameters. In this respect, an extraction of $\mu_\pi^2 (B_s), \mu_G^2 (B_s), \rho_D^3 (B_s)$ from future experimental data on inclusive semileptonic $B_s$-meson decays or from direct non-perturbative calculations, as well as more insights about the value of $\rho_D^3 (B)$ extracted from fit, would be very helpful in reducing the corresponding theory uncertainties.Comment: 35 pages, 5 figures, 7 table

Contribution of the Darwin operator to non-leptonic decays of heavy quarks

We compute the Darwin operator contribution (1/m3b correction) to the width of the inclusive non-leptonic decay of a B meson (B+, Bd or Bs), stemming from the quark flavour-changing transition b → q1q¯¯2q3, where q1, q2 = u, c and q3 = d, s. The key ideas of the computation are the local expansion of the quark propagator in the external gluon field including terms with a covariant derivative of the gluon field strength tensor and the standard technique of the Heavy Quark Expansion (HQE). We confirm the previously known expressions of the 1/m3b contributions to the semi-leptonic decay b → q1ℓν¯¯¯ℓ, with ℓ = e, μ, τ and of the 1/m2b contributions to the non-leptonic modes. We find that this new term can give a sizeable correction of about −4 % to the non-leptonic decay width of a B meson. For Bd and Bs mesons this turns out to be the dominant correction to the free b-quark decay, while for the B+ meson the Darwin term gives the second most important correction — roughly 1/2 to 1/3 of the phase space enhanced Pauli interference contribution. Due to the tiny experimental uncertainties in lifetime measurements the incorporation of the Darwin term contribution is crucial for precision tests of the Standard Model

Taming New Physics in b→cuˉd(s)b \to c \bar u d (s) with τ(B+)/τ(Bd)\tau (B^+)/\tau(B_d) and aslda_{sl}^d

Inspired by the recently observed tensions between the experimental data and the theoretical predictions, based on QCD factorisation, for several colour-allowed non-leptonic $B$-meson decays, we study the potential size of new physics (NP) effects in the decay channels $b \to c \bar{u} d(s)$. Starting from the most general effective Hamiltonian describing the $b \to c \bar{u} d(s)$ transitions, we compute NP contributions to the theoretical predictions of $B$-meson lifetime and of $B$-mixing observables. The well-known lifetime ratio $\tau (B^+)/\tau (B_d)$ and the experimental bound on the semi-leptonic CP asymmetry $a_{sl}^d$, provide strong, complementary constraints on some of the NP Wilson coefficients.Comment: 29 pages, 3 figure

Association of sex and cardiovascular risk factors with atherosclerosis distribution pattern in lower extremity peripheral artery disease.

OBJECTIVE Atherosclerosis expression varies across not only coronary, cerebrovascular, and peripheral arteries but also within the peripheral vascular tree. The underlying pathomechanisms of distinct atherosclerosis phenotypes in lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) is poorly understood. We investigated the association of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) and atherosclerosis distribution in a targeted approach analyzing symptomatic patients with isolated anatomic phenotypes of PAD. METHODS In a cross-sectional analysis of consecutive patients undergoing first-time endovascular recanalization for symptomatic PAD, data of patients with isolated anatomic phenotypes of either proximal (iliac) or distal (infrageniculate) atherosclerosis segregation were extracted. We performed a multivariable logistic regression model with backward elimination to investigate the association of proximal and distal PAD with CVRFs. RESULTS Of the 637 patients (29% females) with endovascular recanalization, 351 (55%) had proximal and 286 (45%) had distal atherosclerosis. Female sex [odds ratio (OR) 0.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.20-0.54, p = 0.01], active smoking (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.09-0.28, p < 0.001), and former smoking (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.20-0.57, p < 0.001) were associated with proximal disease. Diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR 3.25, 95% CI 1.93-5.46, p < 0.001), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.08-1.28, p < 0.001), and older age (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.06-1.61, p = 0.01) were associated with distal disease. CONCLUSION Female sex, particularly in the context of smoking, is associated with clinically relevant, proximal atherosclerosis expression. Our additional findings that distal atherosclerosis expression is associated with DM, CKD, and older age suggest that PAD has at least two distinct atherosclerotic phenotypes with sex-specific and individual susceptibility to atherogenic risk factors

Un estudio exploratorio sobre los regímenes de carrera académica/docente en las universidades nacionales

El trabajo presenta un estudio exploratorio sobre los regímenes de Carrera Docente/Académica en el subsistema universitario nacional. A partir de un relevamiento documental, la primera parte del escrito desarrolla una caracterización general de las CD/CA e incluye ciertos rasgos comunes en torno de los mecanismos de aprobación de las reglamentaciones vigentes. El segundo apartado despliega el análisis de los distintos modelos de CD/CA tomando en consideración cinco dimensiones centrales: funciones docentes – formación docente y financiamiento - acceso/ingreso y retiro/egreso – permanencia – promoción. Finalmente, en la tercera sección, se presentan las conclusiones preliminares del estudio y se señalan líneas posibles y vacantes de investigación para profundizar esta temática de estudio. El argumento que orienta la indagación sostiene que, en los últimos años, algunas casas de estudio implementaron dispositivos innovadores vinculados con la evaluación de sus docentes, mientras que prolifera una gran heterogeneidad y disparidad en los mecanismos y criterios que rigen la permanencia y promoción.Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educació

PANEL: Deep Places of the World: Journeys in the Underworlds of Middle-earth

In many world mythologies, underworlds are typically subterranean lands that house the dead. Sometimes these underworlds are visited by living heroes who pass trials only to return to the land of the living transformed. Tolkien uses this mythological theme to great effect throughout his legendarium. From The Hobbit to the Silmarillion, Tolkien’s world is littered with underworlds through which characters journey and emerge forever changed. Join us for a lively discussion of Tolkien’s underworlds and how they transform the characters who enter them, as well as the shape the larger events of Middle-earth

針葉樹葉クチン成分及びその分解物の効率的な大量取得法の確立と高度利用法開発の試行

平成7年度-平成9年度年度科学研究費補助金 (基盤研究(A)(2)　課題番号07556101) 研究成果報告

Expansión y nuevas configuraciones en los regímenes de carrera académica/docente en las universidades nacionales de la Argentina

El trabajo presenta un estudio exploratorio sobre los regímenes de Carrera Docente/Académica (en adelante, CD/CA) en el sistema universitario nacional de la Argentina. Basado en un relevamiento documental, el escrito desarrolla una caracterización general de las CD/CA e incluye ciertos rasgos comunes en torno de los dispositivos de aprobación de las reglamentaciones vigentes. Por otra parte, despliega el análisis de los distintos modelos de CD/CA, tomando en consideración cinco dimensiones centrales: funciones docentes y formación, acceso/ingreso, retiro/egreso, permanencia y promoción. Finalmente, se presentan las conclusiones preliminares del estudio y se señalan líneas posibles y vacantes de investigación para profundizar la temática. El argumento que orienta la indagación sostiene que, en los últimos años, algunas casas de estudio implementaron dispositivos innovadores vinculados con la evaluación de sus docentes, mientras que prolifera una gran heterogeneidad y disparidad en los mecanismos y criterios que rigen la permanencia y promoción.The paper presents an exploratory study on Teaching / Academic Career regimes (hereinafter, TC/AC) at national university system in Argentina. Based on a documentary survey, the paper develops a general characterization of the TC/AC and includes certain common features around approval of the regulations devices. In addition, it displays an analysis of different models of TC/AC, considering five core dimensions: teaching positions and learning, access/entry, withdrawal/exit, permanency and promotion. Finally, the preliminary findings of the study and possible lines of vacancy research are presented in order to deepen this subject. The argument that guides the inquiry argues that in recent years, some houses of study implemented innovative devices related to teaching assessment, while there is a rampant great heterogeneity and disparity in the mechanisms and criteria that govern tenure and promotion.Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educació

Expansión y nuevas configuraciones en los regímenes de carrera académica/docente en las universidades nacionales de la Argentina

El trabajo presenta un estudio exploratorio sobre los regímenes de Carrera Docente/Académica (en adelante, CD/CA) en el sistema universitario nacional de la Argentina. Basado en un relevamiento documental, el escrito desarrolla una caracterización general de las CD/CA e incluye ciertos rasgos comunes en torno de los dispositivos de aprobación de las reglamentaciones vigentes. Por otra parte, despliega el análisis de los distintos modelos de CD/CA, tomando en consideración cinco dimensiones centrales: funciones docentes y formación, acceso/ingreso, retiro/egreso, permanencia y promoción. Finalmente, se presentan las conclusiones preliminares del estudio y se señalan líneas posibles y vacantes de investigación para profundizar la temática. El argumento que orienta la indagación sostiene que, en los últimos años, algunas casas de estudio implementaron dispositivos innovadores vinculados con la evaluación de sus docentes, mientras que prolifera una gran heterogeneidad y disparidad en los mecanismos y criterios que rigen la permanencia y promoción.The paper presents an exploratory study on Teaching / Academic Career regimes (hereinafter, TC/AC) at national university system in Argentina. Based on a documentary survey, the paper develops a general characterization of the TC/AC and includes certain common features around approval of the regulations devices. In addition, it displays an analysis of different models of TC/AC, considering five core dimensions: teaching positions and learning, access/entry, withdrawal/exit, permanency and promotion. Finally, the preliminary findings of the study and possible lines of vacancy research are presented in order to deepen this subject. The argument that guides the inquiry argues that in recent years, some houses of study implemented innovative devices related to teaching assessment, while there is a rampant great heterogeneity and disparity in the mechanisms and criteria that govern tenure and promotion.Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educació

A preliminary study in osteoinduction by a nano-crystalline hydroxyapatite in the mini pig.

To test the probable osteoinductive properties of NanoBone, a new highly non-sintered porous nano-crystalline hydroxylapatite bone substitute embedded into a silica gel matrix, granules were implanted subcutaneously and intramuscularly into the back region of 18 mini pigs. After periods of 5 and 10 weeks as well as 4 and 8 months, implantation sites were investigated using histological and histomorphometric procedures. Signs of early osteogenesis could already be detected after 5 weeks. The later periods were characterized by increasing membranous osteogenesis in and around the granules leading to the formation of bone-like structures showing periosteal and tendon-like structures with bone marrow and focal chondrogenesis. Bone formation was better in the subcutaneous than in the intramuscular implantation sites. This ectopic osteogenesis is discussed with regard to the nanoporosity and microporosity of the material, physico-chemical interactions at its surface, the differentiation of osteoblasts, the role of angiogenesis and the probable involvement of growth factors. The results of this preliminary study indicate that this biomaterial has osteoinductive potential and induces the formation of bone structures, mainly in subcutaneous adipose tissue in the pig