Fast CP Violation

$B$ flavor tagging will be extensively studied at the asymmetric $B$ factories due to its importance in CP asymmetry measurements. The primary tagging modes are the semileptonic decays of the $b$ (lepton tag), or the hadronic $b \to c (\to s)$ decays (kaon tag). We suggest that looking for time dependent CP asymmetries in events where one $B$ is tagged leptonically and the other one is tagged with a kaon could result in an early detection of CP violation. Although in the Standard Model these asymmetries are expected to be small, $\sim 1$, they could be measured with about the same amount of data as in the ``gold-plated'' decay $B_d \to \psi K_S$. In the presence of physics beyond the Standard Model, these asymmetries could be as large as $\sim 5$, and the first CP violation signal in the $B$ system may show up in these events. We give explicit examples of new physics scenarios where this occurs.Comment: 9 pages, revtex, no figures. Discussion of new physics effects on CP violation with two lepton tags expanded. Factors of 2 correcte

Quantification of soil organic matter using mathematical models based on colorimetry in the Munsell color system

O presente estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver modelos matemáticos para a quantificação do teor de matéria orgânica, a partir da cor do solo, obtida por aparelho colorímetro no sistema Munsell de cores. Para esse fim, 912 amostras de solo foram coletadas na região de Porto Grande (Amapá) e enviadas para análises química, granulométrica e determinação da cor em amostras secas e úmidas. Os componentes valor e croma da cor do solo no sistema Munsell, obtidos por colorímetro, foram utilizados para quantificar através de regressão múltipla passo a passo (stepwise) o teor de matéria orgânica do solo. O modelo de predição com base em todas as amostras apresentou R² de 0,66 para amostras úmidas e 0,56 para amostras secas, ao serem validados utilizando amostras independentes. Foi possível ainda melhorar os modelos quando as amostras foram separadas por classe de solo ou textura, e os modelos gerados com base em cores de amostras úmidas foram sistematicamente superiores àqueles utilizando amostras secas. Em relação às classes de solo, os melhores resultados foram obtidos para Argissolos e Latossolos, ambos gerando um R² de validação independente de 0,73 (amostra úmida). Para textura, os melhores resultados foram obtidos para solos de textura muito argilosa, com R² de validação de 0,81 (amostra úmida). Os modelos de predição de matéria orgânica em função da cor do solo possuem simplicidade e potencial para serem utilizados no laboratório e no campo, especialmente para Argissolos e Latossolos de textura argilosa, de maneira automática e sem necessidade de uso de produtos ou reagentes.This study aimed to derive mathematical models to predict the soil organic matter content based on soil color obtained by a colorimeter in the Munsell color system. A total of 907 soil samples were collected in the region of Porto Grande (Amapá, Brazil) and analyzed in the laboratory for chemical properties, particle size distribution and color of dry and wet samples. The Munsell color components value and croma obtained using a colorimeter were used to predict soil organic matter content based on stepwise multiple linear regression. Models derived using all samples had R² of 0.66 for wet samples and 0.56 for dry samples, respectively, when validated using independent samples. It was possible to improve the models by separating the samples by soil class or texture. The models derived using colors obtained from wet samples were systematically better than those based on dry samples. Among soil classes, best results were obtained for Argissolos (Ultisols) and Latossolos (Oxisols), both having an R² of independent validation of 0.73 (wet sample). For texture, best results were obtained for very clayey soils, with an R² of validation of 0.81 (wet sample). The soil organic matter prediction models based on soil color have simplicity and potential to be used in the laboratory and in the field with quick and unnecessary chemical products, especially for Ultisols and Oxisols of clayey texture.CNPq/PQ e CNPq/PIBI

A Retrospective Study

Publisher Copyright: © 2022, The Author(s).Diabetes is a risk factor for greater severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) is an independent predictor of critical illness, and it is reported to have a stronger association than absolute hyperglycemia. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship of absolute hyperglycemia and SHR with the severity of COVID-19, since there are no studies investigating SHR in patients with COVID-19. We conducted a retrospective observational study on hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in the first months of the pandemic, regarding absolute hyperglycemia, SHR, and severity outcomes. Of the 374 patients, 28.1% had a previous diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Absolute hyperglycemia (64.8% versus 22.7%; p < 0.01) and SHR [1.1 (IQR 0.9–1.3) versus 1.0 (IQR 0.9–1.2); p < 0.001] showed a statistically significant association with previous diabetes. Absolute hyperglycemia showed a significant association with clinical severity of COVID-19 (79.0% versus 62.7%; p < 0.001), need for oxygen therapy (74.8% versus 54.4%; p < 0.001), invasive mechanical ventilation (28.6% versus 11.6%; p < 0.001), and intensive care unit (30.3% versus 14.9%; p = 0.002), but not with mortality; by contrast, there was no statistically significant association between SHR and all these parameters. Our results are in agreement with the literature regarding the impact of absolute hyperglycemia on COVID-19 severity outcomes, while SHR was not a significant marker. We therefore suggest that SHR should not be evaluated in all patients admitted in the hospital for COVID-19, and we encourage the standard measures at admission of blood glucose and HbA1c levels.publishersversionepub_ahead_of_prin

Absolute hyperglycemia versus stress hyperglycemia ratio for the prognosis of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in the first months of the pandemic: a retrospective study

Diabetes is a risk factor for the greater severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) is an independent predictor of critical illness, and it is reported to have a stronger association than absolute hyperglycemia. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between absolute hyperglycemia and SHR with the severity of COVID-19 since there are no studies investigating SHR in patients with COVID-19. We conducted a retrospective observational study on hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in the first months of the pandemic, regarding absolute hyperglycemia, SHR, and severity outcomes. Of the 374 patients, 28.1% had a previous diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Absolute hyperglycemia (64.8% versus 22.7%; p < 0.01) and SHR [1.1 (IQR 0.9-1.3) versus 1.0 (IQR 0.9-1.2); p < 0.001] showed a statistically significant association with previous diabetes. Absolute hyperglycemia showed a significant association with the clinical severity of COVID-19 (79.0% versus 62.7%; p < 0.001), need for oxygen therapy (74.8% versus 54.4%; p < 0.001), invasive mechanical ventilation (28.6% versus 11.6%; p < 0.001), and intensive care unit (30.3% versus 14.9%; p = 0.002), but not with mortality; by contrast, there was no statistically significant association between SHR and all these parameters. Our results are in agreement with the literature regarding the impact of absolute hyperglycemia on COVID-19 severity outcomes, while SHR was not a significant marker. We, therefore, suggest that SHR should not be evaluated in all patients admitted to the hospital for COVID-19, and we encourage the standard measures at the admission of blood glucose and HbA1c levels.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Reference values for spirometry in preschool children

OBJECTIVES: Reference values for lung function tests differ in samples from different countries, including values for preschoolers. The main objective of this study was to derive reference values in this population. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted through a questionnaire applied to 425 preschool children aged 3 to 6 years, from schools and day-care centers in a metropolitan city in Brazil. Children were selected by simple random sampling from the aforementioned schools. Peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volumes (FEV1, FEV0.50), forced expiratory flow (FEF25-75) and FEV1/FVC, FEV0.5/FVC and FEF25-75/FVC ratios were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 425 children enrolled, 321 (75.6%) underwent the tests. Of these, 135 (42.0%) showed acceptable results with full expiratory curves and thus were included in the regression analysis to define the reference values. Height and gender significantly influenced FVC values through linear and logarithmic regression analysis. In males, R2 increased with the logarithmic model for FVC and FEV1, but the linear model was retained for its simplicity. The lower limits were calculated by measuring the fifth percentile residues. CONCLUSION: Full expiratory curves are more difficult to obtain in preschoolers. In addition to height, gender also influences the measures of FVC and FEV1. Reference values were defined for spirometry in preschool children in this population, which are applicable to similar populations.OBJETIVOS: Valores de referência para testes de função pulmonar diferem em amostras de diferentes países, incluindo valores para pré-escolares. O objetivo principal do presente estudo foi derivar valores de referência em nossa população. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado estudo prospectivo, com aplicação de questionário a 425 crianças pré-escolares com idade variando entre três e seis anos, provenientes de escolas e creches públicas e privadas de uma cidade metropolitana do Brasil. As crianças foram selecionadas por amostragem aleatória simples dos referidos educandários. Foram avaliados: PFE, CVF, VEF1 VEF0,50, FEF25-75 e as relações: VEF1/CVF, VEF0,5/CVF e FEF25-75/CVF. RESULTADOS: Das 425 crianças recrutadas, 321 (75,6%) realizaram os testes. Destas, 135 (42,0%) apresentaram manobras aceitáveis, com curvas expiratórias completas e fizeram parte da análise de regressão para definir os valores de referência. Por análise de regressão linear e logarítmica, a estatura e o sexo influenciaram significativamente nas medidas de CVF. No sexo masculino, o r² se elevou com o modelo logarítmico, para a CVF e VEF1, porém o modelo linear foi mantido, por sua simplicidade. Os limites inferiores foram calculados através das medidas do 5º percentil dos resíduos. CONCLUSÃO: Curvas expiratórias completas são de mais difícil obtenção em pré-escolares. Além da estatura, o sexo também influencia nas medidas de CVF e VEF1. Foram definidos valores de referência para espirometria em crianças pré-escolares, nessa população, aplicáveis a populações semelhantes.Universidade Federal de PernambucoUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de Medicina Departamento de MedicinaUFPE Departamento de Medicina ClínicaFundação Oswaldo Cruz Centro de Pesquisas Ageu MagalhãesUNIFESP, EPM, Depto. de MedicinaSciEL

Primer registro de dos especies invasoras de Crypticerya (Hemiptera: Monophlebidae) causantes de brotes poblacionales en áreas verdes urbanas de la provincia de Guayas, Ecuador

The scale insect genus Crypticerya Cockerell, 1895 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Monophlebidae: Iceryini) is mainly distributed in the New World and includes numerous pest species despite being a relatively small group. Ovisacs have longitudinal flutes or grooves in those species that produce them, hence their common name “fluted scales”.” In the present study, Crypticerya multicicatrices Kondo &amp; Unruh and Crypticerya genistae (Hempel) are reported for the first time from Ecuador. The two species of fluted scales were found to cause outbreaks in urban green areas in Guayas province on the Ecuadorian coast, attacking native and alien plants. Eighty-five and eleven new host plant species were recorded for C. multicicatrices and C. genistae, respectively. Both invasive fluted scales prefer hosts in the family Fabaceae. No significant differences in the infestation levels of C. multicicatrices and C. genistae were found between native and alien host-plant species. In general, C. multicicatrices prefers trees as hosts, whereas C. genistae prefers herbaceous plants and shrubs. Both species are considered  serious pests in urban green areas, associated with sooty molds, yellowing of leaves, and, in some cases, tree dieback. Management strategies to control the fluted scales are discussed briefly.El género de insectos escama Crypticerya Cockerell, 1895 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Monophlebidae: Iceryini), se distribuye principalmente en el Nuevo Mundo e incluye numerosas especies de plagas a pesar de ser un grupo relativamente pequeño. Los ovisacos, en las especies que los producen, tienen canales o surcos longitudinales, de ahí su nombre común “cochinillas acanaladas”. En el presente estudio, Crypticerya multicicatrices Kondo &amp; Unruh y Crypticerya genistae (Hempel) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Monophlebidae) se reportan por primera vez en Ecuador. Las dos especies se encontraron causando brotes poblacionales en áreas verdes urbanas de la provincia de Guayas en la costa ecuatoriana, donde atacan plantas nativas y exóticas. Se identificaron 85 y 11 nuevos registros de plantas hospedantes para C. multicicatrices y C. genistae, respectivamente. Las especies de plantas hospedadoras preferidas para ambas escamas acanaladas invasoras pertenecen a la familia Fabaceae. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en el nivel de infestación por C. multicicatrices y C. genistae entre especies de plantas hospedantes nativas y exóticas. En general, C. multicicatrices prefiere los árboles como hospedantes, mientras que C. genistae prefiere las plantas arvenses y los arbustos. Ambas especies se consideran plagas importantes en las áreas verdes urbanas, asociadas con fumagina, el amarillamiento de las hojas e incluso la muerte regresiva de los árboles. Por último, se discuten brevemente las estrategias de manejo para controlar las escamas acanaladas

Strong tree level unitarity violations in the extra dimensional Standard Model with scalars in the bulk

We show how the tree level unitarity violations of compactified extra dimensional extensions of the Standard Model become much stronger when the scalar sector is included in the bulk. This effect occurs when the couplings are not suppressed for larger Kaluza-Klein levels, and could have relevant consequences for the phenomenology of the next generation of colliders. We also introduce a simple and generic formalism to obtain unitarity bounds for finite energies, taking into account coupled channels including the towers of Kaluza-Klein excitations.Comment: Version to appear in Phys. Rev. D Typos corrected and remarks added to clarify figure

Signals from extra dimensions decoupled from the compactification scale

Multilocalization provides a simple way of decoupling the mass scale of new physics from the compactification scale of extra dimensions. It naturally appears, for example, when localization of fermion zero modes is used to explain the observed fermion spectrum, leaving low energy remnants of the geometrical origin of the fermion mass hierarchy. We study the phenomenology of the simplest five dimensional model with order one Yukawa couplings reproducing the standard fermion masses and mixing angles and with a light Kaluza-Klein quark Q_{2/3} saturating experimental limits on V_{tb} and m_Q, and then with observable new effects at Tevatron.Comment: 18 pages, 7 figs; v2 reference and comments added to match the published version. A discussion of the limits from precision electroweak data is included. Conclusions are unchange

Giardia lamblia and respiratory allergies: a study of children from an urban area with a high incidence of protozoan infections

OBJECTIVES: There is a high incidence of intestinal parasite infection in urban areas in the Northeast of Brazil. Giardia lamblia infections have been associated with increased prevalence of cutaneous allergies and gastrointestinal disorders. However, little is known about the relationship between giardiasis and allergic diseases of the airways. The present study aimed to investigate the possible association between respiratory allergic diseases and infections by G. lamblia in children from urban areas. METHODS: This study recruited 110 patients of both sexes aged 5-15 years. Patients were administered a questionnaire evaluating clinical symptoms and were given skin tests, parasite tests and serum tests. RESULTS: A high incidence of G. lamblia was observed (45%, 50/110). Infections by this protozoan were not associated with increased risk of respiratory allergy (p = 0.075), high total IgE levels (p = 0.701), positive specific IgE tests (p = 0.250), or positive skin tests for a range of environmental allergens (p = 0.239). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that symptoms of asthma, skin allergy and serum markers were not associated with G. lamblia infections in this sample of children from urban areas.OBJETIVO: Uma elevada incidência de enteroparasitoses é encontrada em regiões urbanas do nordeste brasileiro. As infecções por Giardia lamblia têm sido relacionadas com aumento da prevalência de alergias cutâneas e gastrointestinais. Contudo, ainda existe pouca informação sobre a associação entre a giardíase e doenças alérgicas das vias aéreas. Diante disso, o presente estudo se propôs a verificar a relação entre a infecção por G. lamblia em crianças de área urbana e reatividade alérgica respiratória. MÉTODOS: O estudo incluiu 110 pacientes, de ambos os sexos e idades, entre 5 e 15 anos. Os pacientes foram submetidos a questionários de avaliação dos sintomas clínicos, testes cutâneos de leitura imediata e exames coproparasitológicos e sorológicos. RESULTADOS: Foi verificada uma frequência elevada de crianças infectadas por G. lamblia (45%, 50/110). A infecção pelo protozoário não foi associada com maior risco de alergias respiratórias (p = 0,075), elevação de IgE total (p = 0,701), IgE específica (p = 0,250) ou teste cutâneo positivo para diferentes alérgenos ambientais (p = 0,239). CONCLUSÃO: O estudo demonstrou que a presença dos sintomas de asma, atopia cutânea e marcadores sorológicos não foram associados com a presença de infecção pela G. lamblia nessa amostra de crianças.Ministério da Saúde (Governo Federal do Brasil)Ministério da Ciência e e Tecnologia (Governo Federal do Brasil)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Universidade Federal de Pernambuco Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo AsamiUFPE Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo AsamiUFPE Hospital das Cínicas ImunologiaUFPE Hospital das Clínicas ImunologiaUFPE Hospital das ClínicasUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Pediatria e Ciências AplicadasUNIFESP Imunologia Clínica e Reumatologia Pediatria e Ciências Aplicadas PediatriaUFPEUFPE Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da SaúdeUNIFESP, Pediatria e Ciências AplicadasUNIFESP, Imunologia Clínica e Reumatologia Pediatria e Ciências Aplicadas PediatriaCNPq: 402666/2005-4SciEL