Towards next-to-next-to-leading-log accuracy for the width difference in the Bs−BˉsB_s-\bar{B}_s system: fermionic contributions to order (mc/mb)0(m_c/m_b)^0 and (mc/mb)1(m_c/m_b)^1

We calculate a class of three-loop Feynman diagrams which contribute to the next-to-next-to-leading logarithmic approximation for the width difference $\Delta\Gamma_{s}$ in the $B_s-\bar{B}_s$ system. The considered diagrams contain a closed fermion loop in a gluon propagator and constitute the order $\alpha_s^2 N_f$, where $N_f$ is the number of light quarks. Our results entail a considerable correction in that order, if $\Delta\Gamma_{s}$ is expressed in terms of the pole mass of the bottom quark. If the $\overline{MS}$ scheme is used instead, the correction is much smaller. As a result, we find a decrease of the scheme dependence. Our result also indicates that the usually quoted value of the NLO renormalization scale dependence underestimates the perturbative error.Comment: We corrected a typographical mistake in Eq. (4.18), made larger axis labels in Fig.2. Version accepted by JHE

Reduction of Charm Quark Mass Scheme Dependence in Bˉ→Xsγ\bar B \to X_s \gamma at the NNLL Level

The uncertainty of the theoretical prediction of the $\bar B \to X_s \gamma$ branching ratio at NLL level is dominated by the charm mass renormalization scheme ambiguity. In this paper we calculate those NNLL terms which are related to the renormalization of $m_c$, in order to get an estimate of the corresponding uncertainty at the NNLL level. We find that these terms significantly reduce (by typically a factor of two) the error on ${BR}(\bar B \to X_s \gamma)$ induced by the definition of $m_c$. Taking into account the experimental accuracy of around 10% and the future prospects of the $B$ factories, we conclude that a NNLL calculation would increase the sensitivity of the observable $\bar B \to X_s \gamma$ to possible new degrees of freedom beyond the SM significantly.Comment: 13 pages including 3 figure

Genetic characterization of grape varieties in Armenia

Historically, grapes have been an important crop in Armenia. The world‘s earliest known wine-making facility has been discovered in Armenia during excavation of Areni-1 cave between 2007-2010, and analysis has confirmed the discovery of the oldest complete wine production facility ever discovered dated between 6,000 B.C. and 8,000 B.C. Having thousands of years history, Armenian native grape varieties are characterized with high genetic diversity and variability. The study has evaluated the genetic diversity of the Armenian grapevine cultivars within the Vitis collection of the Scientific Center of Fruit Growing, Viticulture and Wine-making (Merdzavan, Armenia) and analysed the relationships of this genetic pool with the international varieties registered in European Vitis Database. The analysis of 59 accessions of grapevines from Armenia at 23 microsatellite markers generated 336 alleles. The most informative locus turned out to be VVS2 (21 alleles, PI = 0.016). Twelve cases of identical genotypes and five cases of homonymy among studied genotypes were identified. The genetic profiles of 28 accessions were unique. Most of them belonged to autochthonous varieties. Genetic analyses tools are highly contributing to the identification and inventory of existing grape varieties. The data generated proves the importance of molecular characterization of grapevines in Armenia especially old ones to support effective preservation of rich diversity of Armenian grape varieties and clones

Increased levels of circulating Annexin A5 in Familial Mediterranean fever

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Familial Mediterranean fever is a genetic autoinflammatory disease most commonly affecting the ethnic groups originating from around the Mediterranean Sea. Apoptosis plays an important role in down-regulation of the inflammatory response by reducing the lifespan of activated immunocompetent cells. Thus, increased apoptosis may be associated with pathogenesis of familial Mediterranean fever.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In the present study we determined the serum levels of apoptotic marker, Annexin A5, in familial Mediterranean fever patients, within an attack and attack-free, in comparison to healthy subjects and assessed the influence of colchicine treatment on this parameter. In addition, in all study subjects serum levels of C-reactive protein and interleukine-1β, and the total leukocyte count were also determined.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Our results demonstrated that pathogenesis of familial Mediterranean fever is characterized by the increased levels of circulating Annexin A5, which is higher in patients within the attack and which associate with the increased levels of C-reactive protein and interleukine-1β and total leukocyte count.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The results obtained indicate elevated rates of apoptosis of subpopulations of leukocytes involved in autoinflammation and recurrent episodes of fever in familial Mediterranean fever. It was also revealed that regular colchicine treatment sufficiently decreases the rate of apoptosis in familial Mediterranean fever patients by affecting the intensity of autoinflammatory reactions.</p

Spectrum of surface-mode contributions to the excitation probability for electron beam interacting with sharp-edged dielectric wedges

The interaction of a nonrelativistic charged particle beam, travelling parallel to the surface of a sharp-edged dielectric wedge is analyzed. The general expressions for excitation probability are obtained for a beam moving along the direction of a symmetry axis, either outside or inside the dielectric wedge. The dielectric function of the medium is assumed to be isotropic, and numerical results are given for the materials of experimental interest.Comment: LaTeX 2.09, 15 pages, 10 figure