The flavor of product-group GUTs

The doublet-triplet splitting problem can be simply solved in product-group GUT models, using a global symmetry that distinguishes the doublets from the triplets. Apart from giving the required mass hierarchy, this ``triplet symmetry'' can also forbid some of the triplet couplings to matter. We point out that, since this symmetry is typically generation-dependent, it gives rise to non-trivial flavor structure. Furthermore, because flavor symmetries cannot be exact, the triplet-matter couplings are not forbidden then but only suppressed. We construct models in which the triplet symmetry gives acceptable proton decay rate and fermion masses. In some of the models, the prediction m_b ~ m_\tau is retained, while the similar relation for the first generation is corrected. Finally, all this can be accomplished with triplets somewhat below the GUT scale, supplying the right correction for the standard model gauge couplings to unify precisely.Comment: 10 page

SIMULATION OF THE BURNUP IN CELL CALCULATION USING THE WIMSD-5B CODE CONSIDERING DIFFERENT NUCLEAR DATA LIBRARIES

This work proposes to implement the cell calculation considering the fuel burning using the WIMSD-5B code. The cell calculation procedure allows to determine the nuclear parameters present in the multi-group neutron diffusion equation and for this purpose the neutron transport theory is used in a problem with dimensional reduction, but in contrast is considered a large number of groups associated with the neutron spectrum. There are a variety of reactor physics codes that determine the nuclear parameters by solving the neutron transport equation applied to an equivalent cell representing a fuel element. The WIMSD-5B code is a deterministic code that solves the transport equation using collision probability method. The simulation of fuel burning in the cell calculation took into account different nuclear data libraries. The WIMSD-5B code supports several nuclear data libraries and in the present work the following libraries were used: IAEA, ENDFB-VII.1, JENDL3.2, JEFF3.1 and JEF2.2, all formatted for 69 energy groups

A Pilot Study Examining Speed of Processing Training (SPT) to Improve Processing Speed in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis

Background: Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) have significant impairments in processing speed (PS) and such impairments may underlie other cognitive deficits common in MS and limit performance of everyday life activities.Objective: To examine the efficacy of a computerized PS intervention, Speed of Processing Training (SPT), in persons with MS on PS, memory and everyday activities.Methods: Twenty-one individuals with clinically definite MS and an objectively assessed impairment in PS were included in a controlled randomized clinical trial, randomly assigned to a treatment group or a control group. Participants were assessed prior to and within 1 week of completing the treatment. Outcome measures included traditional neuropsychological tests measuring PS and memory, and an assessment of PS in daily life activities.Results: The treatment group showed a significant improvement on neuropsychological tests of PS and new learning and memory. A significant improvement was additionally noted in the treatment group on measures of PS in everyday life. These changes were not observed in the control group.Conclusions: Results provide preliminary data in support of SPT in treating PS deficits in persons with MS. Additional research is needed with larger samples and more comprehensive outcome measures

SYCE2 is required for synaptonemal complex assembly, double strand break repair, and homologous recombination

Synapsis is the process by which paired chromosome homologues closely associate in meiosis before crossover. In the synaptonemal complex (SC), axial elements of each homologue connect through molecules of SYCP1 to the central element, which contains the proteins SYCE1 and -2. We have derived mice lacking SYCE2 protein, producing males and females in which meiotic chromosomes align and axes form but do not synapse. Sex chromosomes are unaligned, not forming a sex body. Additionally, markers of DNA breakage and repair are retained on the axes, and crossover is impaired, culminating in both males and females failing to produce gametes. We show that SC formation can initiate at sites of SYCE1/SYCP1 localization but that these points of initiation cannot be extended in the absence of SYCE2. SC assembly is thus dependent on SYCP1, SYCE1, and SYCE2. We provide a model to explain this based on protein–protein interactions

Light GUT Triplets and Yukawa Splitting

Triplet-mediated proton decay in Grand Unified Theories (GUTs) is usually suppressed by arranging a large triplet mass. Here we explore instead a mechanism for suppressing the couplings of the triplets to the first and second generations compared to the Yukawa couplings, so that the triplets' mass can be below the GUT scale. This mechanism is based on a ``triplet symmetry'' in the context of product-group GUTs. We study two possibilities. One, which requires the top Yukawa to arise from a non-renormalizable operator at the GUT scale, is that all triplet couplings to matter are negligible, so that the triplets can be at the weak scale. The second is that some triplet couplings, and in particular $T t b$ and $T \bar{t} \bar{l}$, are equal to the corresponding Yukawa couplings. This would give a distinct signature of grand unification if the triplets were sufficiently light. However, we derive a model-independent bound on the triplet mass in this case, which is at least 10$^6$GeV. Finally, we construct a GUT model based on Yukawa splitting, with the triplets at 10$^{14}$GeV, as required for coupling unification to work.Comment: 5 pages, Revtex4, 1 EPS figure. To appear in PRD: Minor changes. Appendix droppe

Efecto de la región centromérica del cromosoma 8 de tomate sobre caracteres de morfología y calidad de fruto

El cultivar Rio Grande de Solanum lycopersicum produce frutos grandes y alargados mientras que la línea LA1589 de S. pimpinellifolium produce frutos pequeños y redondos con un peso aproximado de 1 gramo. En Rio Grande el índice de forma de fruto (relación entre altura y ancho) es controlado principalmente por un locus denominado fs8.1, que se encuentra ubicado próximo al centrómero del cromosoma 8. Esta región cromosómica también ha sido asociada a otros caracteres de interés agronómico y de calidad de fruto en varios cruzamientos interespecíficos de tomate. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de la región que contiene al locus fs8.1 sobre caracteres de morfología y calidad de fruto en NILs (Near Isogenic Lines o líneas casi isogénicas) que difieren del progenitor cultivado solo en la región centromérica del cromosoma 8. Para ello se realizaron cuatro retrocruzas asistidas por marcadores moleculares del cruzamiento entre Rio Grande (padre recurrente) y LA1589 (padre donante) seguida por una autofecundación. De esta población se seleccionaron por marcadores moleculares cinco plantas homocigotas para los alelos cultivados y cuatro plantas homocigotas para los alelos silvestres en la región que contiene a fs8.1. Por planta se determinaron nueve caracteres de morfología de fruto: área, índice de forma de fruto, forma cuadrangular proximal y distal, forma triangular, ángulos proximal y distal macro, área de la protuberancia distal y posición del mayor ancho. Para la evaluación de los caracteres morfológicos aproximadamente seis frutos por planta fueron cortados longitudinalmente y colocados en un escaner para obtener imágenes de 300 dpi con fondo negro que fueron posteriormente analizadas con el programa Tomato Analyzer 3.0. También fueron evaluados ocho caracteres de calidad de fruto: sólidos solubles, pH, acidez titulable, peso, vida poscosecha, índices L y a/b de color y firmeza de los frutos. Se aplicó la prueba t de Student para comparar los valores medios de ambos grupos de NILs para los 17 caracteres evaluados. Todas las variables se distribuyeron normalmente con valores de W cercanos a uno (prueba de Shapiro-Wilk). Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre las NILs para las variables peso (t=3,44; p=0,011), firmeza (t=2,70; p=0,043), índice de forma de fruto(t=5,77; p=0,001), ángulo proximal (t=-5,01; p=0,002) y distal (t=-7,81; p=0,0001) de fruto. Los genotipos con alelos cultivados en estado homocigota presentaron valores medios mayores que el grupo con alelos silvestres para las variables peso, firmeza e índice de forma de fruto. Por otro lado, la presencia de alelos de LA1589 produjeron un aumento en los valores medios de las variables ángulos proximal y distal macro respecto de los genotipos con alelos de Rio Grande. Se puede concluir que la región que contiene a fs8.1 controla la forma y el peso del fruto y que la presencia de los alelos cultivados en esta región aumenta el crecimiento del fruto en la dimensión longitudinal. Además esta región controla otro carácter de calidad como es la firmeza de los frutos.Fil: Green, Gisela Yael. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Rosario; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Departamento de Biología. Cátedra de Genética; ArgentinaFil: Pereira Da Costa, Javier Hernán. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Rosario; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Departamento de Biología. Cátedra de Genética; ArgentinaFil: Piola, Ezequiel. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Departamento de Biología. Cátedra de Genética; ArgentinaFil: Pratta, Guillermo Raúl. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Rosario; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Departamento de Biología. Cátedra de Genética; ArgentinaFil: Zorzoli, Roxana. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Departamento de Biología. Cátedra de Genética; ArgentinaFil: Rodríguez, Gustavo Rubén. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Rosario; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Departamento de Biología. Cátedra de Genética; ArgentinaXV Congreso y XXXIII Reunión Anual de la Sociedad de Biología de RosarioZavallaArgentinaSociedad de Biología de Rosari

Toward identifying reproducible brain signatures of obsessive-compulsive profiles: rationale and methods for a new global initiative

Background Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has a lifetime prevalence of 2–3% and is a leading cause of global disability. Brain circuit abnormalities in individuals with OCD have been identified, but important knowledge gaps remain. The goal of the new global initiative described in this paper is to identify robust and reproducible brain signatures of measurable behaviors and clinical symptoms that are common in individuals with OCD. A global approach was chosen to accelerate discovery, to increase rigor and transparency, and to ensure generalizability of results. Methods We will study 250 medication-free adults with OCD, 100 unaffected adult siblings of individuals with OCD, and 250 healthy control subjects at five expert research sites across five countries (Brazil, India, Netherlands, South Africa, and the U.S.). All participants will receive clinical evaluation, neurocognitive assessment, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The imaging will examine multiple brain circuits hypothesized to underlie OCD behaviors, focusing on morphometry (T1-weighted MRI), structural connectivity (Diffusion Tensor Imaging), and functional connectivity (resting-state fMRI). In addition to analyzing each imaging modality separately, we will also use multi-modal fusion with machine learning statistical methods in an attempt to derive imaging signatures that distinguish individuals with OCD from unaffected siblings and healthy controls (Aim #1). Then we will examine how these imaging signatures link to behavioral performance on neurocognitive tasks that probe these same circuits as well as to clinical profiles (Aim #2). Finally, we will explore how specific environmental features (childhood trauma, socioeconomic status, and religiosity) moderate these brain-behavior associations. Discussion Using harmonized methods for data collection and analysis, we will conduct the largest neurocognitive and multimodal-imaging study in medication-free subjects with OCD to date. By recruiting a large, ethno-culturally diverse sample, we will test whether there are robust biosignatures of core OCD features that transcend countries and cultures. If so, future studies can use these brain signatures to reveal trans-diagnostic disease dimensions, chart when these signatures arise during development, and identify treatments that target these circuit abnormalities directly. The long-term goal of this research is to change not only how we conceptualize OCD but also how we diagnose and treat it

The IPIN 2019 Indoor Localisation Competition—Description and Results

IPIN 2019 Competition, sixth in a series of IPIN competitions, was held at the CNR Research Area of Pisa (IT), integrated into the program of the IPIN 2019 Conference. It included two on-site real-time Tracks and three off-site Tracks. The four Tracks presented in this paper were set in the same environment, made of two buildings close together for a total usable area of 1000 m 2 outdoors and and 6000 m 2 indoors over three floors, with a total path length exceeding 500 m. IPIN competitions, based on the EvAAL framework, have aimed at comparing the accuracy performance of personal positioning systems in fair and realistic conditions: past editions of the competition were carried in big conference settings, university campuses and a shopping mall. Positioning accuracy is computed while the person carrying the system under test walks at normal walking speed, uses lifts and goes up and down stairs or briefly stops at given points. Results presented here are a showcase of state-of-the-art systems tested side by side in real-world settings as part of the on-site real-time competition Tracks. Results for off-site Tracks allow a detailed and reproducible comparison of the most recent positioning and tracking algorithms in the same environment as the on-site Tracks