Exploring nu signals in dark matter detectors

We investigate standard and non-standard solar neutrino signals in direct dark matter detection experiments. It is well known that even without new physics, scattering of solar neutrinos on nuclei or electrons is an irreducible background for direct dark matter searches, once these experiments reach the ton scale. Here, we entertain the possibility that neutrino interactions are enhanced by new physics, such as new light force carriers (for instance a "dark photon") or neutrino magnetic moments. We consider models with only the three standard neutrino flavors, as well as scenarios with extra sterile neutrinos. We find that low-energy neutrino-electron and neutrino-nucleus scattering rates can be enhanced by several orders of magnitude, potentially enough to explain the event excesses observed in CoGeNT and CRESST. We also investigate temporal modulation in these neutrino signals, which can arise from geometric effects, oscillation physics, non-standard neutrino energy loss, and direction-dependent detection efficiencies. We emphasize that, in addition to providing potential explanations for existing signals, models featuring new physics in the neutrino sector can also be very relevant to future dark matter searches, where, on the one hand, they can be probed and constrained, but on the other hand, their signatures could also be confused with dark matter signals.

Influence of the Sol-Gel pH Process and Compact Film on the Efficiency of TiO2-Based Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

The influence of pH during hydrolysis of titanium(IV) isopropoxide on the morphological and electronic properties of TiO2 nanoparticles prepared by the sol-gel method is investigated and correlated to the photoelectrochemical parameters of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) based on TiO2 films. Nanoparticles prepared under acid pH exhibit smaller particle size and higher surface area, which result in higher dye loadings and better short-circuit current densities than DSCs based on alkaline TiO2-processed films. On the other hand, the product of charge collection and separation quantum yields in films with TiO2 obtained by alkaline hydrolysis is c. a. 27% higher than for the acid TiO2 films. The combination of acid and alkaline TiO2 nanoparticles as mesoporous layer in DSCs results in a synergic effect with overall efficiencies up to 6.3%, which is better than the results found for devices employing one of the nanoparticles separately. These distinct nanoparticles can be also combined by using the layer-by-layer technique (LbL) to prepare compact TiO2 films applied before the mesoporous layer. DSCs employing photoanodes with 30 TiO2 bilayers have shown efficiencies up to 12% higher than the nontreated photoanode ones. These results can be conveniently used to develop optimized synthetic procedures of TiO2 nanoparticles for several dye-sensitized solar cell applications.

PLGA microspheres containing bee venom proteins for preventive immunotherapy

Bee venom (BV) allergy is potentially dangerous for allergic individuals because a single bee sting may induce an anaphylactic reaction, eventually leading to death. Currently, venom immunotherapy (VIT) is the only treatment with long-lasting effect for this kind of allergy and its efficiency has been recognized worldwide. This therapy consists of subcutaneous injections of gradually increasing doses of the allergen. This causes patient lack of compliance due to a long time of treatment with a total of 30-80 injections administered over years. In this article we deal with the characterization of different MS-PLGA formulations containing BV proteins for VIT. The PLGA microspheres containing BV represent a strategy to replace the multiple injections, because they can control the solute release. Physical and biochemical methods were used to analyze and characterize their preparation. Microspheres with encapsulation efficiencies of 49-75% were obtained with a BV triphasic release profile. Among them, the MS-PLGA 34 kDa-COOH showed to be best for VIT because they presented a low initial burst (20%) and a slow BV release during lag phase. Furthermore, few conformational changes were observed in the released BV. Above all, the BV remained immunologically recognizable, which means that they could continuously stimulate the immune system. Those microspheres containing BV could replace sequential injections of traditional VIT with the remarkable advantage of reduced number of injections. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

SET overexpression decreases cell detoxification efficiency: ALDH2 and GSTP1 are downregulated, DDR is impaired and DNA damage accumulates

Alcohol and tobacco consumption are risk factors for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) and glutathione Stransferase pi 1 (GSTP1) are important enzymes for cellular detoxification and low efficiencies are implicated in cancer. We assessed the potential role of SET protein overexpression, a histone acetylation modulator accumulated in HNSCC, in gene regulation and protein activity of ALDH2 and GSTP1. SET was knocked down in HN13, HN12 and Cal27, and overexpressed in HEK293 cells; ethanol and cisplatin were the chemical agents. Cells with SET overexpression (HEK293/SET, HN13 and HN12) showed lower ALDH2 and GSTP1 mRNA levels and trichostatin A increased them (real-time PCR). Ethanol upregulated GSTP1 and ALDH2 mRNAs, whereas cisplatin upregulated GSTP1 in HEK293 cells. SET-chromatin binding revealed SET interaction with ALDH2 and GSTP1 promoters, specifically via SET NAP domain; ethanol and cisplatin abolished SET binding. ALDH2 and GSTP1 efficiency was assessed by enzymatic and comet assay. A lower ALDH2 activity was associated with greater DNA damage (tail intensity) in HEK293/SET compared with HEK293 cells, whereas HN13/siSET showed ALDH2 activity higher than HN13 cells. HN13/siSET cells showed increased tail intensity. Cisplatin-induced DNA damage response showed negative relationship between SET overexpression and BRCA2 recruitment. SET downregulated repair genes ATM, BRCA1 and CHEK2 and upregulated TP53. Cisplatin-induced cell-cycle arrest occurred in G0/G1 and S in HEK293 cells, whereas HEK293/SET showed G2/M stalling. Overall, cisplatin was more cytotoxic for HN13 than HN13/siSET cells. Our data suggest a role for SET in cellular detoxification, DNA damage response and genome integrity.

Spectroscopic, morphological and electrochromic characterization of layer-by-layer hybrid films of polyaniline and hexaniobate nanoscrolls

The combination of semiconducting oxides and polyaniline in the nanoscale range may result in hybrid materials having enhanced properties, such as electrochromism and charge capacity. This paper reports the spectroscopic, morphological and electrochromic characterization of hybrid films made up of hexaniobate one-dimensional (1D) nanoscrolls and polyaniline prepared by the layer-by-layer assembly technique (LbL). Secondary electron imaging and backscattered electron imaging techniques performed using a scanning electron microscope showed that polyaniline is adsorbed on the hexaniobate nanoscrolls, which confirms the combination of the components in the nanoscale domain. UV-VIS-NIR electronic spectra of the LbL hybrid films showed the absorption tail in the NIR region, assigned to delocalized polarons of the polyaniline. Resonance Raman spectra in the 1000-1700 cm(-1) range indicated that hybrid films present a higher relative intensity of polaron bands at 1337 and 1508 cm(-1) than pristine polyaniline in the emeraldine salt form. These results suggest that hexaniobate nanoscrolls induce a secondary doping of polyaniline. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) data for the hybrid film showed a specific capacity of 870 C cm(-3). According to CV results, the synergistic effect on charge storage properties of the hybrid material is attributed to the enhanced electroactivity of the hexaniobate component in the LbL film. Spectroelectrochemical experiments showed that the electrochromic efficiencies at 420 nm are ca. -41 and 24 cm(2) C-1 as the potential changes from 0.8 to -0.9 V and from -0.9 to -1.8 V, respectively, whereas at 800 nm the efficiencies are ca. -55 and 8 cm(2) C-1 for the same potential ranges. The electrochromic efficiencies and multi-colour character of the LbL film of hexaniobate nanoscrolls and polyaniline indicate that this novel hybrid material is an interesting modified electrode for electrochromic devices.

Chemical composition and enzymatic digestibility of sugarcane clones selected for varied lignin content

Abstract Background The recalcitrance of lignocellulosic materials is a major limitation for their conversion into fermentable sugars. Lignin depletion in new cultivars or transgenic plants has been identified as a way to diminish this recalcitrance. In this study, we assessed the success of a sugarcane breeding program in selecting sugarcane plants with low lignin content, and report the chemical composition and agronomic characteristics of eleven experimental hybrids and two reference samples. The enzymatic digestion of untreated and chemically delignified samples was evaluated to advance the performance of the sugarcane residue (bagasse) in cellulosic-ethanol production processes. Results The ranges for the percentages of glucan, hemicellulose, lignin, and extractive (based on oven-dry biomass) of the experimental hybrids and reference samples were 38% to 43%, 25% to 32%, 17% to 24%, and 1.6% to 7.5%, respectively. The samples with the smallest amounts of lignin did not produce the largest amounts of total polysaccharides. Instead, a variable increase in the mass of a number of components, including extractives, seemed to compensate for the reduction in lignin content. Hydroxycinnamic acids accounted for a significant part of the aromatic compounds in the samples, with p-coumaric acid predominating, whereas ferulic acid was present only in low amounts. Hydroxycinnamic acids with ester linkage to the hemicelluloses varied from 2.3% to 3.6%. The percentage of total hydroxycinnamic acids (including the fraction linked to lignin through ether linkages) varied from 5.0% to 9.2%, and correlated to some extent with the lignin content. These clones released up to 31% of glucose after 72 hours of digestion with commercial cellulases, whereas chemically delignified samples led to cellulose conversion values of more than 80%. However, plants with lower lignin content required less delignification to reach higher efficiencies of cellulose conversion during the enzymatic treatment. Conclusion Some of the experimental sugarcane hybrids did have the combined characteristics of high biomass and high sucrose production with low lignin content. Conversion of glucan to glucose by commercial cellulases was increased in the samples with low lignin content. Chemical delignification further increased the cellulose conversion to values of more than 80%. Thus, plants with lower lignin content required less delignification to reach higher efficiencies of cellulose conversion during the enzymatic treatment.

Effects of pretreatment on morphology, chemical composition and enzymatic digestibility of eucalyptus bark: a potentially valuable source of fermentable sugars for biofuel production – part 1

Abstract Background In recent years, the growing demand for biofuels has encouraged the search for different sources of underutilized lignocellulosic feedstocks that are available in sufficient abundance to be used for sustainable biofuel production. Much attention has been focused on biomass from grass. However, large amounts of timber residues such as eucalyptus bark are available and represent a potential source for conversion to bioethanol. In the present paper, we investigate the effects of a delignification process with increasing sodium hydroxide concentrations, preceded or not by diluted acid, on the bark of two eucalyptus clones: Eucalyptus grandis (EG) and the hybrid, E. grandis x urophylla (HGU). The enzymatic digestibility and total cellulose conversion were measured, along with the effect on the composition of the solid and the liquor fractions. Barks were also assessed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X-Ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results Compositional analysis revealed an increase in the cellulose content, reaching around 81% and 76% of glucose for HGU and EG, respectively, using a two-step treatment with HCl 1%, followed by 4% NaOH. Lignin removal was 84% (HGU) and 79% (EG), while the hemicellulose removal was 95% and 97% for HGU and EG, respectively. However, when we applied a one-step treatment, with 4% NaOH, higher hydrolysis efficiencies were found after 48 h for both clones, reaching almost 100% for HGU and 80% for EG, in spite of the lower lignin and hemicellulose removal. Total cellulose conversion increased from 5% and 7% to around 65% for HGU and 59% for EG. NMR and FTIR provided important insight into the lignin and hemicellulose removal and SEM studies shed light on the cell-wall unstructuring after pretreatment and lignin migration and precipitation on the fibers surface, which explain the different hydrolysis rates found for the clones. Conclusion Our results show that the single step alkaline pretreatment improves the enzymatic digestibility of Eucalyptus bark. Furthermore, the chemical and physical methods combined in this study provide a better comprehension of the pretreatment effects on cell-wall and the factors that influence enzymatic digestibility of this forest residue.

Ex-situ bioremediation of Brazilian soil contaminated with plasticizers process wastes

The aim of this research was to evaluate the bioremediation of a soil contaminated with wastes from a plasticizers industry, located in São Paulo, Brazil. A 100-kg soil sample containing alcohols, adipates and phthalates was treated in an aerobic slurry-phase reactor using indigenous and acclimated microorganisms from the sludge of a wastewater treatment plant of the plasticizers industry (11gVSS kg-1 dry soil), during 120 days. The soil pH and temperature were not corrected during bioremediation; soil humidity was corrected weekly to maintain 40%. The biodegradation of the pollutants followed first-order kinetics; the removal efficiencies were above 61% and, among the analyzed plasticizers, adipate was removed to below the detection limit. Biological molecular analysis during bioremediation revealed a significant change in the dominant populations initially present in the reactor.

Characterization of immobilized biomass by amplified rDNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) in an anaerobic sequencing-batch biofilm reactor (ASBBR) for the treatment of industrial wastewater

The performance of an anaerobic sequencing-batch biofilm reactor (ASBBR- laboratory scale- 14L )containing biomass immobilized on coal was evaluated for the removal of elevated concentrations of sulfate (between 200 and 3,000 mg SO4-2·L-1) from industrial wastewater effluents. The ASBBR was shown to be efficient for removal of organic material (between 90% and 45%) and sulfate (between 95% and 85%). The microbiota adhering to the support medium was analyzed by amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA). The ARDRA profiles for the Bacteria and Archaea domains proved to be sensitive for the determination of microbial diversity and were consistent with the physical-chemical monitoring analysis of the reactor. At 3,000 mg SO4-2·L-1, there was a reduction in the microbial diversity of both domains and also in the removal efficiencies of organic material and sulfate.

Monte Carlo Semi-Empirical Model for Si(Li) X-Ray Detector: Differences between Nominal and Fitted Parameters.

A detailed characterization of a X-ray Si(Li) detector was performed to obtain the energy dependence of efficiency in the photon energy range of 6.4 - 59.5 keV. which was measured and reproduced by Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. Significant discrepancies between MC and experimental values were found when lhe manufacturer parameters of lhe detector were used in lhe simulation. A complete Computerized Tomagraphy (CT) detector scan allowed to find the correct crystal dimensions and position inside the capsule. The computed efficiencies with the resulting detector model differed with the measured values no more than 10% in most of the energy range.

Effects of increased CO2 levels on growth, photosynthesis, ammonium uptake and cell composition in the macroalga Hypnea spinella (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta)

[EN] The red seaweed Hypnea spinella (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta), was cultured at laboratory scale under three different CO2 conditions, non-enriched air (360 ppm CO2)and CO2-enriched air at two final concentrations (750 and 1,600 ppm CO2), in order to evaluate the influence of increased CO2 concentrations on growth, photosynthetic capacity, nitrogen removal efficiency, and chemical cellular composition. Average specific growth rates of H. spinella treated with 750 and 1,600 ppm CO2-enriched air increased by 85.6% and 63.2% compared with non-enriched air cultures. CO2 reduction percentages close to 12% were measured at 750 ppm CO2 with respect to 5% and 7% for cultures treated with air and 1,600 ppm CO2, respectively. Maximum photosynthetic rates were enhanced significantly for high CO2 treatments, showing Pmax values 1.5-fold higher than that for air-treated cultures. N–NH4+ consumption rates were also faster for algae growing at 750 and 1,600 ppm CO2 than that for non-enriched air cultures. As a consequence of these experimental conditions, soluble carbohydrates increased and soluble protein contents decreased in algae treated with CO2-enriched air. However, internal C and N contents remained constant at the different CO2 concentrations. No significant differences in data obtained with both elevated CO2 treatments, under the assayed conditions, indicate that H. spinella is saturated at dissolved inorganic carbon concentrations close by twice the actual atmospheric levels. The results show that increased CO2 concentrations might be considered a key factor in order to improve intensively cultured H. spinella production yields and carbon and nitrogen bioremediation efficiencies.

Reconstruction of CNGS neutrino events in the emulsions of the OPERA experiment

The OPERA experiment aims at the direct observation of ν_mu -> ν_tau oscillations in the CNGS (CERN Neutrinos to Gran Sasso) neutrino beam produced at CERN; since the ν_e contamination in the CNGS beam is low, OPERA will also be able to study the sub-dominant oscillation channel ν_mu -> ν_e. OPERA is a large scale hybrid apparatus divided in two supermodules, each equipped with electronic detectors, an iron spectrometer and a highly segmented ~0.7 kton target section made of Emulsion Cloud Chamber (ECC) units. During my research work in the Bologna Lab. I have taken part to the set-up of the automatic scanning microscopes studying and tuning the scanning system performances and efficiencies with emulsions exposed to a test beam at CERN in 2007. Once the triggered bricks were distributed to the collaboration laboratories, my work was centered on the procedure used for the localization and the reconstruction of neutrino events.

Physiology and Biotechnology of the Hydrogen Production with the Green Microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

The hydrogen production in the green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was evaluated by means of a detailed physiological and biotechnological study. First, a wide screening of the hydrogen productivity was done on 22 strains of C. reinhardtii, most of which mutated at the level of the D1 protein. The screening revealed for the first time that mutations upon the D1 protein may result on an increased hydrogen production. Indeed, productions ranged between 0 and more than 500 mL hydrogen per liter of culture (Torzillo, Scoma et al., 2007a), the highest producer (L159I-N230Y) being up to 5 times more performant than the strain cc124 widely adopted in literature (Torzillo, Scoma, et al., 2007b). Improved productivities by D1 protein mutants were generally a result of high photosynthetic capabilities counteracted by high respiration rates. Optimization of culture conditions were addressed according to the results of the physiological study of selected strains. In a first step, the photobioreactor (PBR) was provided with a multiple-impeller stirring system designed, developed and tested by us, using the strain cc124. It was found that the impeller system was effectively able to induce regular and turbulent mixing, which led to improved photosynthetic yields by means of light/dark cycles. Moreover, improved mixing regime sustained higher respiration rates, compared to what obtained with the commonly used stir bar mixing system. As far as the results of the initial screening phase are considered, both these factors are relevant to the hydrogen production. Indeed, very high energy conversion efficiencies (light to hydrogen) were obtained with the impeller device, prooving that our PBR was a good tool to both improve and study photosynthetic processes (Giannelli, Scoma et al., 2009). In the second part of the optimization, an accurate analysis of all the positive features of the high performance strain L159I-N230Y pointed out, respect to the WT, it has: (1) a larger chlorophyll optical cross-section; (2) a higher electron transfer rate by PSII; (3) a higher respiration rate; (4) a higher efficiency of utilization of the hydrogenase; (5) a higher starch synthesis capability; (6) a higher per cell D1 protein amount; (7) a higher zeaxanthin synthesis capability (Torzillo, Scoma et al., 2009). These information were gathered with those obtained with the impeller mixing device to find out the best culture conditions to optimize productivity with strain L159I-N230Y. The main aim was to sustain as long as possible the direct PSII contribution, which leads to hydrogen production without net CO2 release. Finally, an outstanding maximum rate of 11.1 ± 1.0 mL/L/h was reached and maintained for 21.8 ± 7.7 hours, when the effective photochemical efficiency of PSII (ΔF/F'm) underwent a last drop to zero. If expressed in terms of chl (24.0 ± 2.2 µmoles/mg chl/h), these rates of production are 4 times higher than what reported in literature to date (Scoma et al., 2010a submitted). DCMU addition experiments confirmed the key role played by PSII in sustaining such rates. On the other hand, experiments carried out in similar conditions with the control strain cc124 showed an improved final productivity, but no constant PSII direct contribution. These results showed that, aside from fermentation processes, if proper conditions are supplied to selected strains, hydrogen production can be substantially enhanced by means of biophotolysis. A last study on the physiology of the process was carried out with the mutant IL. Although able to express and very efficiently utilize the hydrogenase enzyme, this strain was unable to produce hydrogen when sulfur deprived. However, in a specific set of experiments this goal was finally reached, pointing out that other than (1) a state 1-2 transition of the photosynthetic apparatus, (2) starch storage and (3) anaerobiosis establishment, a timely transition to the hydrogen production is also needed in sulfur deprivation to induce the process before energy reserves are driven towards other processes necessary for the survival of the cell. This information turned out to be crucial when moving outdoor for the hydrogen production in a tubular horizontal 50-liter PBR under sunlight radiation. First attempts with laboratory grown cultures showed that no hydrogen production under sulfur starvation can be induced if a previous adaptation of the culture is not pursued outdoor. Indeed, in these conditions the hydrogen production under direct sunlight radiation with C. reinhardtii was finally achieved for the first time in literature (Scoma et al., 2010b submitted). Experiments were also made to optimize productivity in outdoor conditions, with respect to the light dilution within the culture layers. Finally, a brief study of the anaerobic metabolism of C. reinhardtii during hydrogen oxidation has been carried out. This study represents a good integration to the understanding of the complex interplay of pathways that operate concomitantly in this microalga.

Synthesen und Charakterisierungen Arylamin-haltiger Polymere: multifunktionelle hoch-T g-Copolymere für photorefraktive Anwendungen

Zusammenfassung Die vorliegenden Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit den Synthesen und Charakterisierungen multifunktioneller, Arylamin-haltiger Polymere, welche sich als photorefraktive(PR)-Materialien eignen. Die Glastemperaturen (Tg) der angestrebten Materialien liegen deutlich über Raumtemperatur, um so den Pockels-Mechanismus zum Aufbau des PR-Effektes zu favorisieren. Hierzu sind zwei synthetische Konzepte, basierend auf Maleinimid-Methylvinylisocyanat-Reaktiv-Polymeren und Triphenylamin-haltigen Polymeren, entwickelt worden. Im Rahmen des Reaktiv-Polymer-Konzeptes konnten PR-Materialien mit den bisher größten Beugungs-Effizienzen sowie den schnellsten Ansprechzeiten für multifunktionelle hoch-Tg-Polymere dargestellt werden. Hierfür wurden Maleinimid-Methylvinylisocyanat-Reaktiv-Polymere synthetisiert welche an der Imid-Position über Spacer-Gruppen mit Carbazol-Einheiten funktionalisiert sind. Die Tg´s der Polymere konnten zwischen 60°C und 194°C eingestellt werden. Die Isocyanat-Gruppen wurden dann polymeranlog mit hydroxyalkyl-funktionalisierten Chromophoren umgesetzt. Die Kinetik des PR-Effektes dieser Materialien wird durch die Ladungsträger-Beweglichkeiten in den Proben bestimmt. Eine Steigerung der Farbstoff-Konzentrationen erhöht die PR-Leistungen der Materialien, behindert jedoch deren Kinetik.Das Triphenylamin-Polymer-Konzept verwendet Triphenylamine als Lochleiter. Hierfür wurden die radikalischen Polymerisations-Verhalten der Monomere p-Diphenylaminostyrol (DPAS) und erstmals p-Ditoluylaminostyrol (DTAS) untersucht. Die Monomere wurden durch spontane, freie und kontrollierte radikalische Verfahren polymerisiert. Mittels eines TEMPO-Derivates gelang der Aufbau von Block-Copolymeren. Poly-DPAS konnte, im Gegensatz zu Poly-DTAS, polymeranlog tricyanovinyliert werden. Dadurch lassen sich PDPAS-block-PTPAS-Copolymere selektiv im PDPAS-Block tricyanovinylieren. Diese Materialien weisen eine Tendenzen zur Mikro-Phasen-Separation auf.Die Strukturierung von PDPAS konnte durch Photo-Polymerisation mit einer Auflösung von wenigen mm demonstriert werden. Carbazol und Triphenylamin-haltige Materialien wurden mittels Cyclo-Voltametrie untersucht.

The topological trigger system of the TOF detector for the ALICE experiment at the LHC

The ALICE experiment at the LHC has been designed to cope with the experimental conditions and observables of a Quark Gluon Plasma reaction. One of the main assets of the ALICE experiment with respect to the other LHC experiments is the particle identification. The large Time-Of-Flight (TOF) detector is the main particle identification detector of the ALICE experiment. The overall time resolution, better that 80 ps, allows the particle identification over a large momentum range (up to 2.5 GeV/c for pi/K and 4 GeV/c for K/p). The TOF makes use of the Multi-gap Resistive Plate Chamber (MRPC), a detector with high efficiency, fast response and intrinsic time resoltion better than 40 ps. The TOF detector embeds a highly-segmented trigger system that exploits the fast rise time and the relatively low noise of the MRPC strips, in order to identify several event topologies. This work aims to provide detailed description of the TOF trigger system. The results achieved in the 2009 cosmic-ray run at CERN are presented to show the performances and readiness of TOF trigger system. The proposed trigger configuration for the proton-proton and Pb-Pb beams are detailed as well with estimates of the efficiencies and purity samples.