Right-handed Dirac Neutrinos in νe−\nu e^{-} Scattering and Azimuthal Asymmetry in Recoil Electron Event Rates

In this paper a scenario with the participation of the exotic scalar S, tensor T and pseudoscalar couplings of the right-handed neutrinos in addition to the standard vector V, axial A couplings of the left-handed neutrinos in the low-energy $(\nu_{\mu}e^{-})$ and $(\nu_{e}e^{-})$ scattering processes is considered. Neutrinos are assumed to be massive Dirac fermions and to be polarized. Both reactions are studied at the level of the four-fermion point interaction. The main goal is to show that the physical consequence of the presence of the right-handed neutrinos is an appearance of the azimuthal asymmetry in the angular distribution of the recoil electrons caused by the non-vanishing interference terms between the standard and exotic couplings, proportional to the transverse neutrino polarization vector. The upper limits on the expected effect of this asymmetry for the low-energy neutrinos $(E_{\nu} < 1 MeV)$ are found. We also show that if the neutrino helicity rotation $(\nu_{eL} \to \nu_{eR})$ in the solar magnetic field takes place, the similar effect of the azimuthal asymmetry of the recoil electrons scattered by the solar neutrinos should be observed. This effect would also come from the interference terms between the standard $(V, A)_{L}$ and exotic $(S, T, P)_{R}$ couplings. New-type neutrino detectors with good angular resolution could search for the azimuthal asymmetry in event number.Comment: EPJ C style, 14 pages, 5 eps figures; to appear in Eur. Phys. J

“To be the salt of the earth” as a catechetical task

Kazimierz Misiaszek SDBThe author discusses the main catechetical tasks relevant to the motto of the recent pastoral year ‘To be the salt of the earth’ They relate to natural functions of salt, as preserving, making fertile and adding taste to food. To preserve means to store and to guard the heritage of Christianity and the truth, which is emphasized in the teachings by John Paul II and Benedict XVI. To make things fertile leads to the building of the foundations of the faith. The author has stresses that one of the drawbacks of today’s religious instruction is lack of the existential element of the message of salvation. Teaching religion today is more doctrinal than existential. A schoolchild today wants to know the purpose of his education and know to what extent it is beneficial for life. Adding taste means discovering the richness and beauty of the faith which can take place only in its natural environment, which is a parish community. That is why the author supports the idea of parish religious instruction.Uniwersytet Kardynała Stefana Wyszyńskiego w Warszawi

Education for the sustainable global citizen:what can we learn from Stoic philosophy and Freirean environmental pedagogies?

In support of sustainable development, the United Nations launched its Global Education First Initiative with the aims of accelerating progress towards universal access to education and good quality learning whilst fostering global citizenship. This paper explores how and to what extent Stoic virtue ethics and critical Freirean ecopedagogies can advance the UN’s vision for progressive educational systems with transformative societal effects. We propose an integrated solution that provides ecopedagogical concepts a more robust philosophical foundation whilst also offering Stoicism additional tools to tackle those 21st century problems, such as climate change and environmental degradation, that ancient Stoics could not have envisioned nor scientifically understood. The result of the paper is the preliminary theoretical underpinnings of an educational framework that facilitates progress towards both individual and collective wellbeing whilst also encompassing planetary level concerns so as to holistically promote and plan for a fuller expression of the terms “sustainable development” and “global citizen”

Structural studies of the human RNA polymerase I and the role of human RNA polymerase I and III in diseases.

In eukaryotes, the task of RNA synthesis is divided between three RNA polymerases (RNAPs). RNA polymerase I (Pol I) produces ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and Pol III specialises in making short, non-transcribed RNAs, which together constitute the majority of the RNA pool. Dysregulation of Pol I and Pol III function leads to complex diseases such as cancer or developmental disorders like Treacher Collins Syndrome or Hypomyelinating Leukodystrophy. Traditionally, RNAPs have been studied in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Yet, to gain insights into the complex human disorders and allow targeted drug design, understanding the structure and function of human RNAPs is crucial. Here, I present insights into the structure and function of the human Pol I and explore the role of human Pol I and Pol III in the aetiology of developmental disorders. Firstly, I employed the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technique to endogenously tag a subunit shared exclusively between Pol I and III (the RPAC1 subunit). Using introduced affinity tags, I purified native complexes to high homogeneity. Additionally, recombinant expression systems for producing human Pol I and its co-factors have been established. Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) allowed me to determine the structure of human Pol I in various functional states such as an elongating complex, bound to initiation factor RRN3 and bound to an open DNA scaffold, at 2.7 to 3.3 Å resolution. In the elongating Pol I structure, I could observe a double-stranded RNA in the RNA exit tunnel, which may support Pol I processivity. Analysis of the stalk sub-complex revealed that in humans, it constitutes only one subunit allowing the stalk to bend, for example, upon binding the initiation factor RRN3. Different modes of the human Pol I inactivation could also be explored. Finally, I could use the high-resolution structure of the human Pol I, and the recently solved structure of the human Pol III, to map disease-associated mutations. While some of those mutations are located in the subunits shared between Pol I and III, they might affect the two complexes differently. To further study the role of those mutations, I used the CRISPR-Cas9 system to introduce selected mutations into the endogenous subunits. Using inserted tags, I could study the effects of mutations on the localisation and assembly of the human Pol I and Pol III complexes. Further studies will help in understanding the molecular phenotypes underlying complex developmental disorders

Thermal neutrinos from pre-supernova

We would like to discuss prospects for neutrino observations of the core-collapse supernova progenitor during neutrino-cooled stage. We will present new theoretical results on thermal neutrino and antineutrino spectra produced deep inside the pre-supernova core. Three competing processes: pair-, photo and plasma-neutrino production, are taken into account. The results will be used to estimate signal in existing and future neutrino detectors. Chance for supernova prediction is estimated, with possible aid to core-collapse neutrino and gravitational wave detectors in the form of early warning.Comment: 1 page, Contribution to the Proceedings of Neutrino 2006 Conferenc

Direct detection of dark matter: a critical review

The nature of the dark matter in the Universe is one of the hardest unsolved problems in modern physics. Indeed, on one hand, the overwhelming indirect evidence from astrophysics seems to leave no doubt about its existence; on the other hand, direct search experiments, especially those conducted with low background detectors in underground laboratories all over the world seem to deliver only null results, with a few debated exceptions. Furthermore, the lack of predicted candidates at the LHC energy scale has made this dichotomy even more puzzling. We will recall the most important phases of this novel branch of experimental astro-particle physics, analyzing the interconnections among the main projects involved in this challenging quest, and we will draw conclusions slightly different from how the problem is commonly understood.Comment: 28 pages, 15 picture, 2 table