Effect of lecithin and soy oil on the fermentative performance of Saccharomyces uvarum I Z 1904

The proposal of this work was to study the effects of lecithin and soy oil on the fermentative performance of Saccharomyces uvarum I Z 1904, a yeast used in the industrial production of ethanol. High Test Molasses (HTM) was chosen as the fermentation media because it is a substratum that is poor in nutrients, and because it permits one to distinguish the action of lipids from other nutritional factors. The study of the optimization of the concentration of lipids by surface response analysis showed that the lipids favor the performance of the yeast principally when applied separately. Maximum concentrations of the two sources of lipids in the media stimulated the budding rate but did not constitute a protection against cell death. Considering the action of lipids on the cellular parameters studied, the supplementation of the media with 3.0 g/l of soy oil permitted the obtention of maximum responses of cellular viability, budding rate and viability of the buds after 6 successive cycles. In relation to the fermentative parameters, the use of 1.5 g/l of soy oil provided high yields and an equilibrium between the mass of ethanol produced (EM) and the alcoholic yield (Y p/s) , whereas the cellular viability after 6 cycles did not differ statistically from that observed with 3g/l of oil.

Time-resolved Z-scan and thermal lens measurements in Er+3 and Nd+3 doped fluoroindate glasses

In rare earth ion doped solids, a resonant non-linear refractive index, n2, appears when the laser pumps one of the ion excited states and the refractive index change is proportional to the excited state population. In these solids there are usually thermal and non-thermal lensing effects, where the non-thermal one is due to the polarizability difference, Δα, between excited and ground states of the ions. We have used the time resolved Z-scan and a mode-mismatched thermal lens technique with an Ar+ ion laser in Er+3 (20ZnF2-20SrF2-2NaF-16BaF2-6GaF3-(36 - x)InF3-xErF3, with x= 1, 2, 3 and 4 mol%) and Nd+3 (20SrF2-16BaF2-20ZnF2-2GdF3-2NaF-(40 - x)InF3-xNdF3, with x = 0.1, 0.25, 0.5-1 mol%) doped fluoroindate glasses. In both samples we found that the non-linear refraction is due to the thermal effect, while the non-thermal effect is negligible. This result indicates that in fluoride glasses Δα is very small (less than 10-26 cm3). We also measured the imaginary part of the non-linear refractive index (n″2) due to absorption saturation.

Limits on anomalous top couplings from Z pole physics

We obtain constraints on possible anomalous interactions of the top quark with the electroweak vector bosons arising from the precision measurements at the Z pole. In the framework of SU(2)L ⊕ U(1)Y chiral Lagrangians, we examine all effective CP-conserving operators of dimension five which induce fermionic currents involving the top quark. We constrain the magnitudes of these anomalous interactions by evaluating their one-loop contributions to the Z pole physics. Our analysis shows that the operators that contribute to the LEP observables get bounds close to the theoretical expectation for their anomalous couplings. We also show that those which break the SU(2)C custodial symmetry are more strongly bounded. © 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.

Indirect constraints on the triple gauge boson couplings from Z → bb partial width: An update

We update the indirect bounds on anomalous triple gauge couplings coming from the non-universal one-loop contributions to the Z → bb width. These bounds, which are independent of the Higgs boson mass, are in agreement with the standard model predictions for the gauge boson self-couplings since the present value of R(b) agrees fairly well with the theoretical estimates. Moreover, these indirect constraints on Δg(Z)/1 and g(Z)/5 are most stringent than the present direct bounds on these quantities, while the indirect limit on λ(Z) is weaker than the available experimental data.

Bose-Einstein correlations in W-pair decays

Bose-Einstein correlations are studied in semileptonic (WW → qq̄lv) and fully hadronic (WW → qq̄qq̄) W-pair decays with the ALEPH detector at LEP at centre-of-mass energies of 172, 183 and 189 GeV. They are compared with those made at the Z peak after correction for the different flavour compositions. A Monte Carlo model of Bose-Einstein correlations based on the JETSET hadronization scheme was tuned to the Z data and reproduces the correlations in the WW → qq̄lv events. The same Monte Carlo reproduces the correlations in the WW → qq̄qq̄ channel assuming independent fragmentation of the two W's. A variant of this model with Bose-Einstein correlations between decay products of different W's is disfavoured. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.

Vibrational-rotational structure of supersingular plus Coulomb potential A/r4 - Z/r*

The vibrational-rotational states of the supersingular plus Coulomb potential A/r4 - Z/r are variationally constructed using a nonorthogonal basis of atomic hydrogenic eigenfunctions modulated by an exponential factor exp(- α/r), ensuring the correct behavior in the vicinity of the supersingularity. The construction is carried out in two successive stages. The first stage is restricted to trial functions without radial nodes, leading to a variational optimization of the parameters of the basis for each value of the angular momentum. The second stage uses the complete basis to construct linear trial functions and to formulate the variational problem in terms of secular equations, yielding the successive vibrational and rotational states. Numerical results for the corresponding energy levels are presented for different combinations of the intensity parameters of the potential. © 2001 Plenum Publishing Corporation.

Z gamma production and limits on anomalous ZZ gamma and Z gamma gamma couplings in pp collisions at root s=1.96 TeV

We present a study of eeγ and μμγ events using 1109 (1009) pb-1 of data in the electron (muon) channel, respectively. These data were collected with the DØ detector at the Fermilab Tevatron p over(p, ̄) collider at sqrt(s) = 1.96   TeV. Having observed 453 (515) candidates in the eeγ (μμγ) final state, we measure the Zγ production cross section for a photon with transverse energy ET > 7   GeV, separation between the photon and leptons Δ Rℓ γ > 0.7, and invariant mass of the di-lepton pair Mℓ ℓ > 30   GeV / c2, to be 4.96 ± 0.30 (stat . + syst .) ± 0.30 (lumi .)   pb, in agreement with the Standard Model prediction of 4.74 ± 0.22   pb. This is the most precise Zγ cross section measurement at a hadron collider. We set limits on anomalous trilinear Zγγ and ZZγ gauge boson couplings of - 0.085 < h30 γ < 0.084, - 0.0053 < h40 γ < 0.0054 and - 0.083 < h30 Z < 0.082, - 0.0053 < h40 Z < 0.0054 at the 95% C.L. for the form-factor scale Λ = 1.2   TeV.

Application of a serum/protein-free medium for the growth of mammalian cell lines and high level production of classical, variant and very virulent strain of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV)

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Evolutionary dynamics of 5S rDNA location in acridid grasshoppers and its relationship with H3 histone gene and 45S rDNA location

We analyze the chromosomal location of 5S rDNA clusters in 29 species of grasshoppers belonging to the family Acrididae. There was extensive variation among species for the number and location of 5S rDNA sites. Out of 148 sites detected, 75% were proximally located, 21.6% were interstitial, and only 3.4% were distal. The number of 5S rDNA sites per species varied from a single chromosome pair (in six species) to all chromosome pairs (in five species), with a range of intermediate situations. Thirteen chromosomes from eight species carried two 5S rDNA clusters. At intraspecific level, differences among populations were detected in Eyprepocnemis plorans, and some heteromorphisms have also been observed in some species. Double FISH for 5S rDNA and H3 histone gene DNA, performed on 17 of these 29 species, revealed that both markers are sometimes placed in a same chromosome but at different location, whereas they appeared to co-localize in five species (Calliptamus barbarus, Heteracris adpersa, Aiolopus strepens, Oedipoda charpentieri and O. coerulescens). Double fiber-FISH in A. strepens and O. coerulescens showed that the two DNAs are closely interspersed with variable relative amounts of both classes of DNA. Finally, no correlation was observed between the number of 5S and 45S rDNA clusters in 23 species where this information was available. These results are discussed in the light of possible mechanisms of spread that led to the extensive variation in the number of clusters observed for both rDNA types in acridid grasshoppers. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

Measurements of inclusive W and Z cross sections in pp collisions at √s = 7 TeV The CMS collaboration

Measurements of inclusive W and Z boson production cross sections in pp collisions at √s = 7 TeV are presented, based on 2.9 pb-1 of data recorded by the CMS detector at the LHC. The measurements, performed in the electron and muon decay channels, are combined to give σ(pp → WX) × B(W → l?) = 9.95 ± 0.07 (stat.) ± 0.28 (syst.) ± 1.09 (lumi.) nb and σ(pp → ZX) × B(Z → l +l-) = 0.931 ± 0.026 (stat.) ± 0.023 (syst.) ± 0.102 (lumi.) nb, where l stands for either e or μ. Theoretical predictions, calculated at the next-to-next-to-leading order in QCD using recent parton distribution functions, are in agreement with the measured cross sections. Ratios of cross sections, which incur an experimental systematic uncertainty of less than 4%, are also reported.

Search for Zγ events with large missing transverse energy in pp̄ collisions at √s=1.96TeV

We present the first search for new phenomena in Zγ final states with large missing transverse energy using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6.2fb -1 collected with the D0 experiment in pp̄ collisions at √s=1.96TeV. This signature is predicted in gauge-mediated supersymmetry-breaking models, where the lightest neutralino χ 10 is the next-to-lightest supersymmetric particle and is produced in pairs, possibly through decay from heavier supersymmetric particles. The χ 10 can decay either to a Z boson or a photon and an associated gravitino that escapes detection. We exclude this model at the 95% C.L. for supersymmetry-breaking scales of Λ<87TeV. © 2012 American Physical Society.

Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS stimulation downregulates DNMT1, DNMT3a, and JMJD3 gene expression levels in human HaCaT keratinocytes

Objective: The role of epigenetic regulation in inflammatory diseases such as periodontitis is poorly known. The aim of this study was to assess whether Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can modulate gene expression levels of the some enzymes that promote epigenetic events in cultures of the human keratinocytes and gingival fibroblasts. In addition, the same enzymes were evaluated in gingival samples from healthy and periodontitis-affected individuals. Materials and methods: Primary gingival fibroblast and keratinocyte (HaCaT) cultures were treated with medium containing P. gingivalis LPS or P. gingivalis LPS vehicle for 24 h. After this period, cell viability was assessed by MTT test and total RNA extracted to evaluate gene expression levels of the following enzymes by qRT-PCR: DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), DNA methyltransferase 3a (DNMT3a), histone demethylases Jumonji domain containing 3 (JMJD3) and ubiquitously transcribed tetratricopeptide repeat, X chromosome (UTX). To evaluate gene expression in healthy and periodontitis-affected individuals, total RNA was extracted from biopsies of gingival tissue from healthy and periodontitis sites, and gene expression of DNMT1, DNAMT3a, JMJD3, and UTX was evaluated by qRT-PCR. Results: No significant differences were found in the gene expression analysis between healthy and periodontitis-affected gingival samples. The results showed that LPS downregulated DNMT1 (p < 0. 05), DNMT3a (p < 0. 05), and JMJD3 (p < 0. 01) gene expression in HaCaT cells, but no modulation was observed in gingival fibroblasts. Conclusion: P. gingivalis LPS exposure to human HaCaT keratinocytes downregulates gene expression of the enzymes that promote epigenetic events. Clinical relevance: The advance knowledge about epigenetic modifications caused by periodontopathogens may to possibly led to the development of new periodontal therapies. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.

Cytogenetic mapping of H1 histone and ribosomal RNA genes in hybrids between catfish species Pseudoplatystoma corruscans and Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum

A physical chromosome mapping of the H1 histone and 5S and 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes was performed in interspecific hybrids of Pseudoplatystoma corruscans and P. reticulatum. The results showed that 5S rRNA clusters were located in the terminal region of 2 chromosomes. H1 histone and 18S ribosomal genes were co-localized in the terminal portion of 2 chromosomes (distinct from the chromosomes bearing 5S clusters). These results represent the first report of association between H1 histone and 18S genes in fish genomes. The chromosome clustering of ribosomal and histone genes was already reported for different organisms and suggests a possible selective pressure for the maintenance of this association. © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Chromosome painting of Z and W sex chromosomes in Characidium (Characiformes, Crenuchidae)

Some species of the genus Characidium have heteromorphic ZZ/ZW sex chromosomes with a totally heterochromatic W chromosome. Methods for chromosome microdissection associated with chromosome painting have become important tools for cytogenetic studies in Neotropical fish. In Characidium cf. fasciatum, the Z chromosome contains a pericentromeric heterochromatin block, whereas the W chromosome is completely heterochromatic. Therefore, a probe was produced from the W chromosome through microdissection and degenerate oligonucleotide-primed polymerase chain reaction amplification. FISH was performed using the W probe on the chromosomes of specimens of this species. This revealed expressive marks in the pericentromeric region of the Z chromosome as well as a completely painted W chromosome. When applying the same probe on chromosome preparations of C. cf. gomesi and Characidium sp., a pattern similar to C. cf. fasciatum was found, while C. cf. zebra, C. cf. lagosantense and Crenuchus spilurus species showed no hybridization signals. Structural changes in the chromosomes of an ancestral sexual system in the group that includes the species C. cf. gomesi, C. cf. fasciatum and Characidium sp., could have contributed to the process of speciation and could represent a causal mechanism of chromosomal diversification in this group. The heterochromatinization process possibly began in homomorphic and homologous chromosomes of an ancestral form, and this process could have given rise to the current patterns found in the species with sex chromosome heteromorphism. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.

Search for a narrow, spin-2 resonance decaying to a pair of Z bosons in the qq̄ℓ+ℓ- final state

Results are presented from a search for a narrow, spin-2 resonance decaying into a pair of Z bosons, with one Z-boson decaying into leptons (e+e- or μ+μ-) and the other into jets. An example of such a resonance is the Kaluza-Klein graviton, GKK, predicted in Randall-Sundrum models. The analysis is based on a 4.9 fb-1 sample of proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 7 TeV, collected with the CMS detector at the LHC. Kinematic and topological properties including decay angular distributions are used to discriminate between signal and background. No evidence for a resonance is observed, and upper limits on the production cross sections times branching fractions are set. In two models that predict Z-boson spin correlations in graviton decays, graviton masses are excluded lower than a value which varies between 610 and 945 GeV, depending on the model and the strength of the graviton couplings. © 2012 CERN.