Final state interaction in D+→K−π+π+D^+\to K^-\pi^+\pi^+ with KπK\pi I=1/2 and 3/2 channels

The final state interaction contribution to $D^+$ decays is computed for the $K^-\pi^+\pi^+$ channel within a light-front relativistic three-body model for the final state interaction. The rescattering process between the kaon and two pions in the decay channel is considered. The off-shell decay amplitude is a solution of a four-dimensional Bethe-Salpeter equation, which is decomposed in a Faddeev form. The projection onto the light-front of the coupled set of integral equations is performed via a quasi-potential approach. The S-wave $K\pi$ interaction is introduced in the resonant isospin $1/2$ and the non-resonant isospin $3/2$ channels. The numerical solution of the light-front tridimensional inhomogeneous integral equations for the Faddeev components of the decay amplitude is performed perturbatively. The loop-expansion converges fast, and the three-loop contribution can be neglected in respect to the two-loop results for the practical application. The dependence on the model parameters in respect to the input amplitude at the partonic level is exploited and the phase found in the experimental analysis, is fitted with an appropriate choice of the real weights of the isospin components of the partonic amplitude. The data suggests a small mixture of total isospin $5/2$ to the dominant $3/2$ one. The modulus of the unsymmetrized decay amplitude, which presents a deep valley and a following increase for $K\pi$ masses above $1.5$ GeV, is fairly reproduced. This suggests the assignment of the quantum numbers $0^+$ to the isospin 1/2 $K^*(1630)$ resonance

Development and validation of an analytical methodology for the determination of antipsychotic drugs in hospital wastewaters by gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS)

The consumption of psychiatric drugs has seen a huge increase during the last years as a consequence of the financial European crisis, and this can lead to psychological health effects causing several psychiatric diseases. These drugs have become pseudo-persistent in the environment due to their large volumes of use, and nowadays they are considered environmental emerging contaminants. Within this main group, the antipsychotic class have experienced an expressive increase in consumption, namely in Portugal, being used for the management of psychotic episodes as well as for other related behavioral symptoms and even other therapeutic indications. The present work describes the development and validation of a highly sensitive analytical method for the simultaneous determination of antipsychotic drugs in influent and effluent hospital wastewaters by GC–MS/MS. The studied compounds were levomepromazine, clozapine, chlorpromazine, haloperidol, quetiapine and ciamemazine using promazine as internal standard. Sample preparation was carried out by solid phase extraction (SPE) using mixed mode-columns (Strata XC – 200 mg) and followed by derivatization of the extracts with MSTFA (with TMCS). Chromatographic separation was achieved on a 5% phenylmethylsiloxane column. All chromatographic conditions and mass spectrometric parameters were previously optimized to enhance the maximum signal. The method was validated following internationally accepted criteria, and the studied parameters included selectivity, linearity, limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ), instrumental limits, precision and accuracy, stability and recovery. The procedure was linear for concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 10 g/L (0.02–2 g/L for haloperidol), with determination coefficients higher than 0.99 for all analytes. Intra- and inter-day precision was lower than 15% for all analytes at the studied concentrations, while accuracy remained between a ±15% interval. Recoveries ranged from 35% to 80%. Low LODs were achieved, between 2 and 10 pg/mL, allowing a reliable and accurate quantification of the analytes at trace level (low ppb). All studied parameters complied with the defined criteria and the method enabled the successful determination of antipsychotics in hospital wastewater samples

Dialogism in detail: Per Linell’s Rethinking language, mind, and world dialogically and its potentials.

Per Linell’s (2009) book Rethinking language, mind, and world dialogically offers an inte- grated view upon the many strands of Dialogism, establishing itself as an essential ref- erence to the field. In this review of his book we aim to discuss a few selected topics, building upon these with our own views. Initially, we focus on the relevance and urgency of such book by summing up the most important dialogical concepts presented by it. Following our initial argument, we move on to the discussion of contrasts between monological and dialogical perspectives, the concepts of extended mind and the inter- world, suggesting Dialogism as an ontology, and finally, reflecting upon the relation between intersubjectivity and alterity. We conclude our review by stressing how Linell’s book contributes to the unification of an entanglement of different dialogical theories and perspectives, crafting a solid meta-theory. This integration paves the way for a deeper understanding of what constitutes the nature of knowledge and human phenomena, as conceptualized by Dialogism

Canonical Analysis of the Jackiw-Teitelboim Model in the Temporal Gauge. I. The Classical Theory

As a preparation for its quantization in the loop formalism, the 2-dimensional gravitation model of Jackiw and Teitelboim is analysed in the classical canonical formalism. The dynamics is of pure constraints as it is well-known. A partial gauge fixing of the temporal type being performed, the resulting second class constraints are sorted out and the corresponding Dirac bracket algebra is worked out. Dirac observables of this classical theory are then calculated.Comment: 15 pages, Latex. Misprint correction

The impact of media pressure on corporate sustainability in the cement industry: a Portuguese case study

In this study we examine the sustainability reporting practices and sustainability strategies of a leading Portuguese cement company. The Portuguese cement industry had to deal since 1997 with scrutiny and pressure because of its involvement in co-incineration of hazardous industrial waste. Grounded on a lens of analysis combining legitimacy theory and media agenda-setting theory and based on a content analysis of sustainability reports and semi-structured interviews, we analyse the strategies used by the company to deal with said scrutiny and pressure and present its sustainability performance. Media pressure does seem to have impacted sustainability reporting and sustainability strategies as tools for the company to restore its legitimacy. Findings generally suggest that strategies of communication designed to legitimate the company actions were used. In particular, we suggest that the company managed its legitimacy by using simultaneously two sustainability reporting strategies: one of image enhancement and other of avoidance of threatening topics.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Effect of Agrobacterium rhizogenes infection on in vitro rooting of Vitis vinifera

Agrobacterium rhizogenes is known to induce the proliferation of rapid growing, highly branching roots (hairy roots) in most dicotyledonous plants. We report here the effect of in vitro infection of Vitis vinifera with two A. rhizogenes strains (b-glucuronidase transgenic A4 and wild type LBA), with regard to an increase of root mass. In vitro-grown V. vinifera explants were infected with two A. rhizogenes strains. Both strains induced a significant increase in the number of the developed roots, and of their weight and length. Root number was increased by a factor of 2.9 (strain A4) and 2.7 (strain LBA), length increased 1.9 and 1.6 times (strains A4 and LBA, respectively), while the root weight was more affected by strain A4 (2.8 times increasing) than by LBA strain (1.9 times increasing). The transformation status of the developed roots was assessed by two different methods: PCR detection of rolB gene in LBA strain-derived roots and quantification of â-glucuronidase activity in A4 strain-derived roots.

Bilateral Shoulder Arthritis in COVID-19 Patient After Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation Assist: a Case Report

Prolonged immobilization and, in particular, mechanical ventilation, have been linked to muscle atrophy. Anecdotal reports in the literature describe rhabdomyolysis as a potential late complication of COVID-19 infection which, in severe cases, may coexist with fluid collections. We report a case of a 28-year-old patient that had been recently hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, with need for invasive ventilation support. Days after being discharged, the patient presents with retrosternal thoracalgia irradiating to the left upper limb. On physical examination, abduction and external rotation were limited due to pain complaints and there was soft tissue swelling of the corresponding shoulder and arm. Imaging evaluation was essential to establish the underlying condition, revealing bilateral arthritis communicating with large rotator cuff collections, which was considered of septic nature.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio