Analysis of the semileptonic Λb→Λℓ+ℓ−\Lambda_b\rightarrow \Lambda \ell^+ \ell^- transition in topcolor-assisted technicolor (TC2) model

We comparatively analyze the flavor changing neutral current process of the $\Lambda_b \rightarrow \Lambda \ell^+ \ell^-$ in the standard model as well as topcolor-assisted technicolor model using the form factors calculated via light cone QCD sum rules in full theory. In particular, we calculate the decay width, branching ratio and lepton forward-backward asymmetry related to this decay channel. We compare the results of the topcolor-assisted technicolor model with those of the standard model and debate how the results of the topcolor-assisted technicolor model depart from the standard model predictions. We also compare our results on the differential branching ratio with recent experimental data provided by CDF and LHCb Collaborations.Comment: 29 Pages, 16 Figures and 8 Table

The Matrix Metalloproteases and Endothelin-1 in Infection-Associated Preterm Birth

Preterm birth (PTB) is clinically defined as any delivery which occurs before the completion of 37 weeks of gestation, and is currently the most important problem in obstetrics. In the United States, PTB accounts for 12-13% of all live births, and, with the exception of fetuses suffering from anomalies, is the primary cause of perinatal mortality. While the risk factors for PTB are numerous, the single most common cause is intrauterine infection. As there is currently no FDA-approved therapy for infection-associated PTB, understanding the pathogenesis of preterm labor (PTL) and delivery should be given high priority. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of enzymes that have been implicated in normal parturition as well as infection-triggered rupture of membranes and preterm birth. Several lines of evidence also suggest a role for endothelin-1 (ET-1) in infection-associated preterm delivery. This paper focuses on the evidence that the MMPs and ET-1 act in the same molecular pathway in preterm birth

Influence of trace metal release from volcanic ash on growth of Thalassiosira pseudonana and Emiliania huxleyi

Recent studies demonstrate that volcanic ash has the potential to increase phytoplankton biomass in the open ocean. However, besides fertilizing trace metals such as Fe, volcanic ash contains a variety of potentially toxic metals such as Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn. Especially in coastal regions closer to the volcanic eruption, where ash depositions can be very high, toxic effects are possible. Here we present the first results of laboratory experiments, showing that trace metal release from different volcanic materials can have both fertilizing and toxic effects on marine phytoplankton in natural coastal seawater. The diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana generally showed higher growth rates in seawater that was in short contact with volcanic ash compared to the controls without ash addition. In contrast to that, the addition of volcanic ash had either no effect or significantly decreased the growth rate of the coccolithophoride Emiliania huxleyi. It was not possible to attribute the effects to single trace metals, however, our results suggest that Mn plays an important role in regulating the antagonistic and synergistic effects of the different trace metals. This study shows that volcanic ash can lead to changes in the phytoplankton species composition in the high fall-out area of the surface ocean. Highlights: ► We tested the effect of volcanic ash on growth of T. pseudonana and E. huxleyi ► Volcanic ash increased growth of T. pseudonana but not of E. huxleyi ► Mn seems important to regulate the effects of different trace metals from the ash ► Volcanic eruptions have the potential to change phytoplankton community structure

Comparative analysis of the semileptonic Λb→Λℓ+ℓ−\Lambda_b \rightarrow \Lambda \ell^+ \ell^- transition in SM and different SUSY scenarios using form factors from full QCD

We work out the semileptonic $\Lambda_b\rightarrow \Lambda \ell^+ \ell^-$ transition in standard as well as different supersymmetric models. In particular, considering the parametrization of the matrix elements entered the low energy effective Hamiltonian in terms of form factors in full QCD, we calculate the amplitude and differential decay rate responsible for this decay channel in supersymmetric models. We then use the form factors calculated via light cone QCD sum rules in full theory to analyze the differential branching ratio and lepton forward-backward asymmetry of this decay channel in different supersymmetric models and compare the obtained results with those of the standard model. We also discuss how the results of different supersymmetric models deviate from the standard model predictions and which SUSY scenarios are favored.Comment: 23 Pages, 8 Figures and 11 Table

The Near East as a cradle of biodiversity: a phylogeography of banded newts (genus Ommatotriton) reveals extensive inter- and intraspecific genetic differentiation

The banded newt (genus Ommatotriton) is widely distributed in the Near East (Anatolia, Caucasus and the Levant) - an understudied region from the perspective of phylogeography. The genus is polytypic, but the number of species included and the phylogenetic relationships between them are not settled. We sequenced two mitochondrial and two nuclear DNA markers throughout the range of Ommatotriton. For mtDNA we constructed phylogenetic trees, estimated divergence times using fossil calibration, and investigated changes in effective population size with Bayesian skyline plots and mismatch analyses. For nuDNA we constructed phylogenetic trees and haplotype networks. Species trees were constructed for all markers and nuDNA only. Species distribution models were projected on current and Last Glacial Maximum climate layers. We confirm the presence of three Ommatotriton species: O. nesterovi, O. ophryticus and O. vittatus. These species are genetically distinct and their most recent common ancestor was dated at ∼25Ma (Oligocene). No evidence of recent gene flow between species was found. The species show deep intraspecific genetic divergence, represented by geographically structured clades, with crown nodes of species dated ∼8-13Ma (Miocene to Early Quaternary); evidence of long-term in situ evolution and survival in multiple glacial refugia. While a species tree based on nuDNA suggested a sister species relationship between O. vittatus and O. ophryticus, when mtDNA was included, phylogenetic relationships were unresolved, and we refrain from accepting a particular phylogenetic hypothesis at this stage. While species distribution models suggest reduced and fragmented ranges during the Last Glacial Maximum, we found no evidence for strong population bottlenecks. We discuss our results in the light of other phylogeographic studies from the Near East. Our study underlines the important role of the Near East in generating and sustaining biodiversity

Batch and continuous removal of heavy metals from industrial effluents using microbial consortia

Bio-removal of heavy metals, using microbial biomass, increasingly attracting scientific attention due to their significant role in purification of different types of wastewaters making it reusable. Heavy metals were reported to have a significant hazardous effect on human health, and while the conventional methods of removal were found to be insufficient; microbial biosorption was found to be the most suitable alternative. In this work, an immobilized microbial consortium was generated using Statistical Design of Experiment (DOE) as a robust method to screen the efficiency of the microbial isolates in heavy metal removal process. This is the first report of applying Statistical DOE to screen the efficacy of microbial isolates to remove heavy metals instead of screening normal variables. A mixture of bacterial biomass and fungal spores was used both in batch and continuous modes to remove Chromium and Iron ions from industrial effluents. Bakery yeast was applied as a positive control, and all the obtained biosorbent isolates showed more significant efficiency in heavy metal removal. In batch mode, the immobilized biomass was enclosed in a hanged tea bag-like cellulose membrane to facilitate the separation of the biosorbent from the treated solutions, which is one of the main challenges in applying microbial biosorption at large scale. The continuous flow removal was performed using fixed bed mini-bioreactor, and the process was optimized in terms of pH (6) and flow rates (1 ml/min) using Response Surface Methodology. The most potential biosorbent microbes were identified and characterized. The generated microbial consortia and process succeeded in the total removal of Chromium ions and more than half of Iron ions both from standard solutions and industrial effluents

Border skirmishes and the question of belonging: An authoethnographic account of everyday exclusion in multicultural society

Transnational migration has transformed most European countries, making the problem of how to 'integrate' an increasingly popular topic in public debates and social policy. It is assumed that as long as the newcomer learns the language, adapts to the local customs and finds work, s/he will be integrated and welcomed with open arms as a full-fledged member of society. Based on an autoethnography of our experiences as US-born, long-term and fully 'integrated' residents of the Netherlands, one of Europe's most multicultural societies, we have explored some of the subtle, well-intentioned practices of distancing and exclusion that are part of the fabric of everyday life. We will show how, contrary to the official discourse of integration, 'Dutch-ness' as a white/ethnic national identity is continuously constructed as a 'we', which excludes all 'others'. And, indeed, we have discovered that, paradoxically, the closer the 'other' comes to being completely assimilated into Dutch society, the more the symbolic borders of national belonging may need to be policed and tightened. © The Author(s) 2011