Quark-Jet model for transverse momentum dependent fragmentation functions

In order to describe the hadronization of polarized quarks, we discuss an extension of the quark-jet model to transverse momentum dependent fragmentation functions. The description is based on a product ansatz, where each factor in the product represents one of the transverse momentum dependent splitting functions, which can be calculated by using effective quark theories. The resulting integral equations and sum rules are discussed in detail for the case of inclusive pion production. In particular, we demonstrate that the 3-dimensional momentum sum rules are satisfied naturally in this transverse momentum dependent quark-jet model. Our results are well suited for numerical calculations in effective quark theories, and can be implemented in Monte-Carlo simulations of polarized quark hadronization processes.Comment: 19 pages, 4 figure

H-Dihyperon in Quark Cluster Model

The H dihyperon (DH) is studied in the framework of the SU(3) chiral quark model. It is shown that except the $\sigma$ chiral field, the overall effect of the other SU(3) chiral fields is destructive in forming a stable DH. The resultant mass of DH in a three coupled channel calculation is ranged from 2225 $MeV$ to 2234 $MeV$.Comment: 9 pages, emte

Deltaron Dibaryon Structure in Chiral SU(3) Quark Model

We discuss the structure of Deltaron dibaryon in the chiral SU(3) quark model. The energy of Deltaron is obtained by considering the coupling of the $\Delta\Delta$ and $CC$ (hidden color) channels. The effects of various parameters on the Deltaron mass are also studied. It is shown that the mass of Deltaron is lower than the mass of $\Delta\Delta$ but higher than the mass of $\Delta N \pi$.Comment: 15 pages, Late

Effect of fruit and vegetable concentrates on endothelial function in metabolic syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background and Objective</p> <p>Dehydrated fruit and vegetable concentrates provide an accessible form of phytonutrient supplementation that may offer cardioprotective effects. This study assessed the effects of two blends of encapsulated juice powder concentrates (with and without added berry powders) on endothelial function in persons with metabolic syndrome, a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Randomized, double blind, placebo controlled crossover clinical trial with three treatment arms. 64 adults with metabolic syndrome were enrolled and received 8-week sequences of each blend of the concentrates and placebo. The primary outcome measure was change in endothelial function (assessed as flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery) 2 hr after consuming a 75 g glucose load, after 8-weeks of daily consumption (sustained) or 2 hr after consumption of a single dose (acute). Secondary outcome measures included plasma glucose, serum insulin, serum lipids, and body weight.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>No significant between-group differences in endothelial function with daily treatment for 8 weeks were seen. No other significant treatment effects were discerned in glucose, insulin, lipids, and weight.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Encapsulated fruit and vegetable juice powder concentrates did not alter insulin or glucose measures in this sample of adults with metabolic syndrome.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>clinicaltrials.gov <a href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01224743">NCT01224743</a></p

Deformed Base Antisymmetrized Molecular Dynamics and its Application to ^{20}Ne

A new theoretical framework named as deformed base antisymmetrized molecular dynamics that uses the localized triaxially deformed Gaussian as the single particle wave packet is presented. The model space enables us to describe sufficiently well the deformed mean-field structure as well as the cluster structure and their mixed structure within the same framework. The improvement over the original version of the antisymmetrized molecular dynamics which uses the spherical Gaussian is verified by the application to $^{20}{\rm Ne}$ nucleus. The almost pure $\alpha + ^{16}{\rm O_{g.s}}$ cluster structure of the $K^\pi$=$0^-$ band, the distortion of the cluster structure in the $K^\pi$=$0^+_1$ band and the dominance of the deformed mean-field structure of the $K^\pi$=$2^-$ band are confirmed and their observed properties are reproduced. Especially, the intra-band E2 transition probabilities in $K^\pi$=$0^+_1$ and $2^-$ bands are reproduced without any effective charge. Since it has been long known that the pure $\alpha + ^{16}{\rm O}_{g.s.}$ cluster model underestimates the intra-band $E2$ transitions in the $K^\pi$=$0^+_1$ band by about 30%, we consider that this success is due to the sufficient description of the deformed mean-field structure in addition to the cluster structure by the present framework. From the successful description of $^{20}{\rm Ne}$, we expect that the present framework presents us with a powerful approach for the study of the coexistence and interplay of the mean-field structure and the cluster structure

Possible ΔΔ\Delta\Delta dibaryons in the quark cluster model

In the framework of RGM, the binding energy of one channel $\Delta\Delta_{(3,0)}$($d^*$) and $\Delta\Delta_{(0,3)}$ are studied in the chiral SU(3) quark cluster model. It is shown that the binding energies of the systems are a few tens of MeV. The behavior of the chiral field is also investigated by comparing the results with those in the SU(2) and the extended SU(2) chiral quark models. It is found that the symmetry property of the $\Delta\Delta$ system makes the contribution of the relative kinetic energy operator between two clusters attractive. This is very beneficial for forming the bound dibaryon. Meanwhile the chiral-quark field coupling also plays a very important role on binding. The S-wave phase shifts and the corresponding scattering lengths of the systems are also given.Comment: LeTex with 2 ps figure

Recovery of physiological traits in saplings of invasive Bischofia tree compared with three species native to the Bonin Islands under successive drought and irrigation cycles

Partial leaf shedding induced by hydraulic failure under prolonged drought can prevent excess water consumption, resulting in delayed recovery of carbon productivity following rainfall. To understand the manner of water use of invasive species in oceanic island forests under a fluctuating water regime, leaf shedding, multiple physiological traits, and the progress of embolism in the stem xylem under repeated drought-irrigation cycles were examined in the potted saplings of an invasive species, Bischofia javanica Blume, and three endemic native species, Schima mertensiana (Sieb. Et Zucc, ) Koitz., Hibiscus glaber Matsum, and Distylium lepidotum Nakai, from the Bonin Islands, Japan. The progress of xylem embolism was observed by cryo-scanning electron microscopy. The samples exhibited different processes of water saving and drought tolerance based on the different combinations of partial leaf shedding involved in embolized conduits following repeated de-rehydration. Predawn leaf water potential largely decreased with each successive drought-irrigation cycle for all tree species, except for B. javanica. B. javanica shed leaves conspicuously under drought and showed responsive stomatal conductance to VPD, which contributed to recover leaf gas exchange in the remaining leaves, following a restored water supply. In contrast, native tree species did not completely recover photosynthetic rates during the repeated droughtirrigation cycles. H. glaber and D. lepidotum preserved water in vessels and adjusted leaf osmotic rates but did not actively shed leaves. S. mertensiana exhibited partial leaf shedding during the first cycle with an osmotic adjustment, but they showed less responsive stomatal conductance to VPD. Our data indicate that invasive B. javanica saplings can effectively use water supplied suddenly under drought conditions. We predict that fluctuating precipitation in the future may change tree distributions even in mesic or moist sites in the Bonin Islands

Potential Role of Protein Kinase B in Insulin-induced Glucose Transport, Glycogen Synthesis, and Protein Synthesis

Various biological responses stimulated by insulin have been thought to be regulated by phosphatidylinosi-tol 3-kinase, including glucose transport, glycogen syn-thesis, and protein synthesis. However, the molecular link between phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and these biological responses has been poorly understood. Re-cently, it has been shown that protein kinase B (PKB/c-Akt/ Rac) lies immediately downstream from phosphati-dylinositol 3-kinase. Here, we show that expression of a constitutively active form of PKB induced glucose up-take, glycogen synthesis, and protein synthesis in L6 myotubes downstream of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and independent of Ras and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation. Introduction of constitutively active PKB induced glucose uptake and protein synthesis but not glycogen synthesis in 3T3L-1 adipocytes, which lack expression of glycogen synthase kinase 3 different from L6 myotubes. Furthermore, we show that deactivation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 and activation of rapamy-cin- sensitive serine/threonine kinase by PKB in L6 myo-tubes might be involved in the enhancement of glycogen synthesis and protein synthesis, respectively. These re-sults suggest that PKB acts as a key enzyme linking phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation to multiple bi-ological functions of insulin through regulation of downstream kinases in skeletal muscle, a major target tissue of insulin

p.E66Q mutation in the GLA gene is associated with a high risk of cerebral small-vessel occlusion in elderly Japanese males

Background and purposeGLA is the causative gene of Fabry disease, an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder resulting from -galactosidase A (-GAL) deficiency. Stroke is an important manifestation of Fabry disease, and recent epidemiological studies have indicated that up to 4.9% of young male cryptogenic stroke patients have GLA mutations. To determine the importance of GLA mutations in the general stroke population, the frequency of GLA mutations in Japanese male ischaemic stroke (IS) patients with various risk factors and ages was measured. MethodsA total of 475 male IS patients (mean age 69.712.5years), were enrolled in this study. A blood sample was obtained to produce blood spots for measurement of -GAL activity. Blood samples with decreased enzymatic activity were reassayed and the entire GLA gene was analyzed by direct DNA sequencing if -Gal A activity was consistently low. Results-Gal A activity was decreased in 10 men, five of whom (1.1%) had the GLA gene mutation, p.E66Q. All IS patients with p.E66Q mutation had substantial residual -Gal A activity, in contrast to patients with classic-type Fabry disease. Clinically, all patients with p.E66Q mutation were >50years old and had multiple small-vessel occlusions (lacunar infarctions). Statistical analysis using Fisher's exact test showed the allele frequency of GLA p.E66Q in patients with small-vessel occlusion to be significantly higher than that in the general Japanese population [odds ratio (OR)=3.34, P=0.025). ConclusionsGLA p.E66Q mutation is a genetic risk factor for cerebral small-vessel occlusion in elderly Japanese males.ArticleEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY. 21(1):49-56 (2014)journal articl