D0−Dˉ0D^0 - \bar D^0 Mixing in the Presence of Isosinglet Quarks

We analyse $\Delta C=2$ transitions in the framework of a minimal extension of the Standard Model where either a $Q=2/3$ or a $Q=-1/3$ isosinglet quark is added to the standard quark spectrum. In the case of a $Q=2/3$ isosinglet quark, it is shown that there is a significant region of parameter space where $D^0 - \bar D^0$ mixing is sufficiently enhanced to be observed at the next round of experiments. On the contrary, in the case of a $Q=-1/3$ isosinglet quark, it is pointed out that obtaining a substancial enhancement of $D^0 - \bar D^0$ mixing, while complying with the experimental constraints on rare kaon decays, requires a contrived choice of parameters.Comment: 10 pages plus four figures. The figures are not included but are available upon reques

Radular myoglobin as a molecular marker in littorinid systematics (Caenogastropoda)

Radular myoglobin (Mb) was investigated in 288 specimens of 10 littorinid species using vertical polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and isoelectric focusing (IEF). Within the genus Littorina the two most basal species, L. striata and L. keenae, have Mb patterns that correspond to those of the genera Littoraria and Nodilittorina, while the sibling species L. scutulata and L. plena have identical Mb profiles that consistently differ from those of L. littorea, L. saxatilis, L. compressa and L. areana. In contrast to previous claims, Mb does not consistently separate the sibling rough periwinkles Littorina saxatilis and L. arcana. These data suggest (1) that the Nodilittorina/Littoraria Mb profile in L. striata is not unique within the genus Littorina and therefore does not refute the assignment of L. striata to this genus, and (2) that L. scutulata and L. plena occupy a separate position compared to the other species of the subgenus Littorina. This latter result supports the suggestion that L. scutulata and L. plena may constitute a separate subgeneric taxon. Finally, the IEF Mb profiles of Nodilittorina hawaiiensis and Cenchritis muricatus were nearly identical to the Nodilittorina/Littoraria Mb pattern. Yet, PAGE of Mb in Cenchritis muricatus suggests a tentative Mendelian polymorphism. It is concluded that littorinid Mb may not be a useful marker to distinguish closely related species, but rather provides information on 'higher level' systematics

A New Laccase Biosensor For Polyphenols Determination

The relevance of polyphenols in human health is a well known fact. Prompted by that, a very intensive research has been directed to get a method to detect them, wich will improve the current ones. Laccase (p-diphenol:dioxygen oxidoreductase EC 1.10.3.2) is a multi-copper oxidase, wich couples catalytic oxidation of phenolic substrates with four electron reduction of dioxygen to water [1]. A maximum catalytic response in oxigenated electrolyte was observed between 4.5 and 5.5 [2], while for pH > 6.9 the laccase was found to be inactive [3]. We prepared a biosensor with laccase immobilised on a polyether sulphone membrane, at pH 4.5, wich was applied at Universal Sensors base electrode. Reduction of the product of oxidation of several polyphenols, catalysed by laccase, was done at a potential for wich the polyphenol of interest was found to respond. Reduction of catechol was found to occur at a potential of -200mV, wich is often referred to in the literature for polyphenolic biosensors. However other polyphenols did not respond at that potential. It was observed that (+)- catechin produced a very large cathodic current when +100mV were applied to the laccase biosensor, both in aqueous acetate and 12% ethanol acetate buffer, whereas caffeic acid responded at -50mV. Other polyphenols tested were gallic acid, malvidin, quercetin, rutin, trans-resveratro

Mining Exceptional Social Behaviour

Essentially, our lives are made of social interactions. These can be recorded through personal gadgets as well as sensors adequately attached to people for research purposes. In particular, such sensors may record real time location of people. This location data can then be used to infer interactions, which may be translated into behavioural patterns. In this paper, we focus on the automatic discovery of exceptional social behaviour from spatio-temporal data. For that, we propose a method for Exceptional Behaviour Discovery (EBD). The proposed method combines Subgroup Discovery and Network Science techniques for finding social behaviour that deviates from the norm. In particular, it transforms movement and demographic data into attributed social interaction networks, and returns descriptive subgroups. We applied the proposed method on two real datasets containing location data from children playing in the school playground. Our results indicate that this is a valid approach which is able to obtain meaningful knowledge from the data

The “Football is Medicine” platform—scientific evidence, large-scale implementation of evidence-based concepts and future perspectives

[No abstract available

Epidemiological and ecological aspects related to malaria in the area of influence of the lake at Porto Primavera dam, in western São Paulo State, Brazil Aspectos epidemiológicos e ecológicos relacionados à malária na área de influência do lago da Represa de Porto Primavera, região oeste do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil

A study was carried out in the area of influence of the Porto Primavera Hydroelectric Power Station, in western São Paulo State, to investigate ecological and epidemiological aspects of malaria in the area and monitor the profile of the anopheline populations following the environmental changes brought about by the construction of the lake. Mosquitoes captured were analyzed by standardized indicator species analysis (ISA) before and during different flooding phases (253 m and 257 m elevations). The local human population was studied by means of parasitological (thin/thick blood smears), molecular (PCR) and serological tests. Serological tests consisted of Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) with synthetic peptides of the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) from classic Plasmodium vivax, P. vivax variants (VK247 and "vivax-like"), P. malariae and P. falciparum and Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) with asexual forms of P. vivax, P. malariae and P. falciparum. The results of the entomological survey indicated that, although the Anopheles darlingi population increased after the flooding, the population density remained very low. No malaria, parasite infection or DNA was detected in the inhabitants of the study area. However, there was a low frequency of antibodies against asexual forms and a significant prevalence of antibodies against P. vivax, P. vivax variants, P. falciparum and P. malariae; the presence of these antibodies may result from recent or less recent contact with human or simian Plasmodium (a parallel study in the same area revealed the existence of a sylvatic cycle). Nevertheless, these results suggest that, as in other places where malaria is present and potential vectors circulate, the local epidemiological conditions observed could potentially support the transmission of malaria in Porto Primavera Lake if infected individuals are introduced in sufficient numbers. Further studies are required to elucidate the phenomena described in this paper.<br>Foi realizada pesquisa na área de influência do lago da Usina Hidrelétrica de Porto Primavera, região oeste do Estado de São Paulo, para estudar aspectos ecológicos e epidemiológicos da malária na localidade e acompanhar o perfil das populações de anofelinos frente às mudanças decorrentes do impacto ambiental pela formação do lago. Mosquitos capturados foram analisados pelo Índice de Abundância de Espécies Padronizado (IAEP), antes e durante o enchimento do reservatório (cotas 253 e 257 m). A população humana local foi estudada por meio de teste parasitológico (gota espessa e esfregaço sangüíneo), testes moleculares (PCR) e testes sorológicos. A sorologia consistiu na reação de ELISA com peptídeos sintéticos correspondentes à porção repetitiva da proteína circumsporozoíta (CSP) de Plasmodium vivax clássico, e suas variantes VK247 e "vivax-like", P. malariae e P. falciparum; e reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI) com formas assexuadas de P. vivax, P. malariae e P. falciparum. Os resultados do estudo entomológico indicaram que, embora a população de Anopheles darlingi tenha aumentando após o enchimento, permaneceu em baixa densidade. Não foi detectada malária nem a presença de parasitos ou de DNA parasitário nos habitantes estudados. No entanto, foi observada baixa freqüência de anticorpos contra formas assexuadas e significativa prevalência de anticorpos contra esporozoítos de P. vivax e suas variantes, P. falciparum e P. malariae, que poderiam decorrer de contatos prévios, recentes ou não, com plasmódios humanos ou símios (o ciclo silvestre foi evidenciado em estudo paralelo realizado na mesma área). Por outro lado, estes resultados sugerem que, como em outros lugares onde existem vetores potenciais da malária, as condições epidemiológicas poderiam potencialmente permitir a transmissão da malária na área de influência do lago de Porto Primavera, se indivíduos infectados fossem introduzidos em número suficiente. Estudos adicionais deverão ser realizados para elucidar os fenômenos relatados neste artigo

Guiding conservation efforts in the Hantam–Tanqua–Roggeveld (South Africa) using diversity parameters

The Hantam–Tanqua–Roggeveld subregion falls within the Succulent Karoo and Fynbos Biomes, which are both recognised as global biodiversity hotspots that should be conserved. The objective of this study was to gather baseline biodiversity information that can be used to guide conservation efforts. A total of 40 Whittaker plots were surveyed in the subregion and the various diversity parameters calculated from the data were compared across the subregion and to available data for the Succulent Karoo and Fynbos Biomes. Species richness per 1000 m2 ranged from nine to 100 species across the subregion. Species richness for all plot sizes < 1000 m2 was significantly lower for the Tanqua Karoo than for both the Winter Rainfall Karoo and Mountain Renosterveld. The latter two areas did not differ significantly from each other with regard to species richness. Species richness was significantly higher only at the 1000 m2 scale in the Mountain Renosterveld compared to the Winter Rainfall Karoo. Evenness and Shannon and Simpson indices did not differ significantly between the Mountain Renosterveld and Winter Rainfall Karoo; however, these values were significantly higher than for the Tanqua Karoo. A principal coordinate analysis of species richness data at seven plot sizes produced three distinct clusters. One cluster represented the Tanqua Karoo, with low species richness, evenness, and Shannon and Simpson indices. Another cluster represented mostly Mountain Renosterveld vegetation, which was characterised by a high species richness, evenness, and Shannon and Simpson indices. The third cluster was formed by the remaining Mountain Renosterveld plots as well as the Winter Rainfall Karoo plots. The high species richness values found in the various vegetation units can add valuable information to the conservation planning arena by providing information on biodiversity parameters and their spatial distribution. This information can assist with conservation efforts in the Hantam, Tanqua and Roggeveld areas. Conservation implications: Conservation and development of the Hantam–Tanqua– Roggeveld subregion is hampered by a lack of information on floristic diversity. The results of the current study indicated areas of low diversity and contrasting areas of high diversity. These data can be used to guide effective conservation and management of the floristic diversity