Showing papers by "DSM published in 2007"

The reversal of the star formation-density relation in the distant universe

Abstract: Aims We study the relationship between the local environment of galaxies and their star formation rate (SFR) in the Great Observatories Origins Deep Survey, GOODS, at z∼1 Methods We use ultradeep imaging at 24� m with the MIPS camera onboard Spitzer to determine the contribution of obscured light to the SFR of galaxies over the redshift range 08≤ z ≤12 Accurate galaxy densities are measured thanks to the large sample of ∼1200 spectroscopic redshifts with high (∼70 %) spectroscopic completeness Morphology and stellar masses are derived from deep HST-ACS imaging, supplemented by ground based imaging programs and photometry from the IRAC camera onboard Spitzer Results We show that the star formation‐density relation observed locally was reversed at z∼ 1: the average SFR of an individual galaxy increased with local galaxy density when the universe was less than half its present age Hierarchical galaxy for mation models (simulated lightcones from the Millennium model) predicted such a reversal to occur only at earlier epochs (z>2) and at a lower level We present a remarkable structure at z∼ 1016, containing X-ray traced galaxy concentrations, which will eventually merge into a Virgo-like cluster This structure illustrates how the ind ividual SFR of galaxies increases with density and shows that it is the∼1‐2 Mpc scale that affects most the star formation in galaxies at z∼ 1 The SFR of z∼ 1 galaxies is found to correlate with stellar mass suggesting that mass plays a role in the observed star formation‐density trend However the specific SFR ( =SFR/M⋆) decreases with stellar mass while it increases with galaxy density, which i mplies that the environment does directly affect the star formation activity of galaxies Major mergers do not appear to be the unique or even major cause for this effect since nearly half (46 %) of the luminous infrared galaxies (LIRGs) at z∼ 1 present the HST-ACS morphology of spirals, while only a third present a clear signature of major mergers The remaining galaxies are divided into compact (9 %) and irregular (14 %) galaxies Moreover, the specific SFR o f major mergers is only marginally stronger than that of spirals Conclusions These findings constrain the influence of the growth of large- scale structures on the star formation history of galaxies Reproducing the SFR‐density relation at z∼ 1 is a new challenge for models, requiring a correct balance between mass assembly through mergers and in-situ star formation at early epochs

Genome sequencing and analysis of the versatile cell factory Aspergillus niger CBS 513.88

Abstract: The filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger is widely exploited by the fermentation industry for the production of enzymes and organic acids, particularly citric acid. We sequenced the 33.9-megabase genome of A. niger CBS 513.88, the ancestor of currently used enzyme production strains. A high level of synteny was observed with other aspergilli sequenced. Strong function predictions were made for 6,506 of the 14,165 open reading frames identified. A detailed description of the components of the protein secretion pathway was made and striking differences in the hydrolytic enzyme spectra of aspergilli were observed. A reconstructed metabolic network comprising 1,069 unique reactions illustrates the versatile metabolism of A. niger. Noteworthy is the large number of major facilitator superfamily transporters and fungal zinc binuclear cluster transcription factors, and the presence of putative gene clusters for fumonisin and ochratoxin A synthesis.

Limits on the Macho Content of the Galactic Halo from the EROS-2 Survey of the Magellanic Clouds

Abstract: The EROS-2 project was designed to test the hypothesis that massive compact halo objects (the so-called ''machos'') could be a major component of the dark matter halo of the Milky Way galaxy. To this end, EROS-2 monitored millions of stars in the Magellanic clouds for microlensing events caused by such objects. (abridged)

Spectral Energy Distributions of Hard X-Ray Selected Active Galactic Nuclei in the XMM-Newton Medium Deep Survey

Abstract: We present the SEDs of a hard X-ray selected sample containing 136 sources with F_(2-10 keV) > 10^(-14) erg cm^(-2) s^(-1); 132 are AGNs. The sources are detected in a 1 deg^2 area of the XMM-Newton Medium Deep Survey where optical data from the VVDS and CFHTLS and infrared data from the SWIRE survey are available. Based on a SED fitting technique we derive photometric redshifts with σ(1 + z) = 0.11 and 6% of outliers and identify AGN signatures in 83% of the objects. This fraction is higher than derived when a spectroscopic classification is available. The remaining 17^(+9)_(-6)% of AGNs show star-forming galaxy SEDs (SF class). The sources with AGN signatures are divided in two classes, AGN1 (33^(+6)_(-1)%) and AGN2 (50^(+6)_(-11)%). The AGN1 and AGN2 classes include sources whose SEDs are fitted by type 1 and type 2 AGN templates, respectively. On average, AGN1s show soft X-ray spectra, consistent with being unabsorbed, while AGN2s and SFs show hard X-ray spectra, consistent with being absorbed. The analysis of the average SEDs as a function of X-ray luminosity shows a reddening of the infrared SEDs, consistent with a decreasing contribution from the host galaxy at higher luminosities. The AGNs in the SF classes are likely obscured in the mid-infrared, as suggested by their low L_(3-20 μm)/L^(corr)_(0.5-10 keV) ratios. We confirm the previously found correlation for AGNs between the radio luminosity and the X-ray and the mid-infrared luminosities. The X-ray-radio correlation can be used to identify heavily absorbed AGNs. However, the estimated radio fluxes for the missing AGN population responsible for the bulk of the background at E > 10 keV are too faint to be detected even in the deepest current radio surveys.

SALT2: using distant supernovae to improve the use of type Ia supernovae as distance indicators

Abstract: We present an empirical model of Type Ia supernovae spectro-photometric evolution with time. The model is built using a large data set including light-curves and spectra of both nearby and distant supernovae, the latter being observed by the SNLS collaboration. We derive the average spectral sequence of Type Ia supernovae and their main variability components including a color variation law. The model allows us to measure distance moduli in the spectral range 2500-8000 A with calculable uncertainties, including those arising from variability of spectral features. Thanks to the use of high-redshift SNe to model the rest-frame UV spectral energy distribution, we are able to derive improved distance estimates for SNe Ia in the redshift range 0.8

Fundamental differences between SPH and grid methods

Abstract: We have carried out a comparison study of hydrodynamical codes by investigating their performance in modelling interacting multiphase fluids. The two commonly used techniques of grid and smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) show striking differences in their ability to model processes that are fundamentally important across many areas of astrophysics. Whilst Eulerian grid based methods are able to resolve and treat important dynamical instabilities, such as Kelvin-Helmholtz or Rayleigh-Taylor, these processes are poorly or not at all resolved by existing SPH techniques. We show that the reason for this is that SPH, at least in its standard implementation, introduces spurious pressure forces on particles in regions where there are steep density gradients. This results in a boundary gap of the size of an SPH smoothing kernel radius over which interactions are severely damped.

Room-temperature coexistence of large electric polarization and magnetic order in Bi Fe O 3 single crystals

Abstract: From an experimental point of view, room-temperature ferroelectricity in $\mathrm{Bi}\mathrm{Fe}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ is raising many questions. Electric measurements made a long time ago on solid solutions of $\mathrm{Bi}\mathrm{Fe}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ with $\mathrm{Pb}(\mathrm{Ti},\mathrm{Zr}){\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ indicate that a spontaneous electric polarization exists in $\mathrm{Bi}\mathrm{Fe}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ below the Curie temperature ${T}_{C}=1143\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$. Yet in most reported works, the synthesized samples are too conductive at room temperature to get a clear polarization loop in the bulk without any effects of extrinsic physical or chemical parameters. Surprisingly, up to now there has been no report of a $P(E)$ (polarization versus electric field) loop at room temperature on single crystals of $\mathrm{Bi}\mathrm{Fe}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$. We describe here our procedure to synthesize ceramics and to grow good quality sizeable single crystals by a flux method. We demonstrate that $\mathrm{Bi}\mathrm{Fe}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ is indeed ferroelectric at room temperature through evidence by piezoresponse force microscopy and $P(E)$ loops. The polarization is found to be large, around $60\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{C}∕{\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$, a value that has only been reached in thin films. Magnetic measurements using a superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer and M\"ossbauer spectroscopy are also presented. The latter confirms the results of nuclear magnetic resonance measurements concerning the anisotropy of the hyperfine field attributed to the magnetic cycloidal structure.

A giant outburst two years before the core-collapse of a massive star

Abstract: The death of massive stars produces a variety of supernovae, which are linked to the structure of the exploding stars. The detection of several precursor stars of type II supernovae has been reported (see, for example, ref. 3), but we do not yet have direct information on the progenitors of the hydrogen-deficient type Ib and Ic supernovae. Here we report that the peculiar type Ib supernova SN 2006jc is spatially coincident with a bright optical transient that occurred in 2004. Spectroscopic and photometric monitoring of the supernova leads us to suggest that the progenitor was a carbon-oxygen Wolf-Rayet star embedded within a helium-rich circumstellar medium. There are different possible explanations for this pre-explosion transient. It appears similar to the giant outbursts of luminous blue variable stars (LBVs) of 60-100 solar masses, but the progenitor of SN 2006jc was helium- and hydrogen-deficient (unlike LBVs). An LBV-like outburst of a Wolf-Rayet star could be invoked, but this would be the first observational evidence of such a phenomenon. Alternatively, a massive binary system composed of an LBV that erupted in 2004, and a Wolf-Rayet star exploding as SN 2006jc, could explain the observations.

Dark matter maps reveal cosmic scaffolding

Abstract: Ordinary baryonic particles (such as protons and neutrons) account for only one-sixth of the total matter in the Universe. The remainder is a mysterious 'dark matter' component, which does not interact via electromagnetism and thus neither emits nor reflects light. As dark matter cannot be seen directly using traditional observations, very little is currently known about its properties. It does interact via gravity, and is most effectively probed through gravitational lensing: the deflection of light from distant galaxies by the gravitational attraction of foreground mass concentrations. This is a purely geometrical effect that is free of astrophysical assumptions and sensitive to all matter—whether baryonic or dark. Here we show high-fidelity maps of the large-scale distribution of dark matter, resolved in both angle and depth. We find a loose network of filaments, growing over time, which intersect in massive structures at the locations of clusters of galaxies. Our results are consistent with predictions of gravitationally induced structure formation, in which the initial, smooth distribution of dark matter collapses into filaments then into clusters, forming a gravitational scaffold into which gas can accumulate, and stars can be built.

Effects of Green Tea and EGCG on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health

Abstract: Since ancient times green tea has been considered a health-promoting beverage. In recent years, scientists throughout the world have investigated the potential benefits of green tea and its most abundant catechin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). The anti-cancer effects of green tea and EGCG were the focus of early research, and encouraging data from in vitro, animal model, and human studies have emerged. Due to the dominant role of cardiovascular disease and the dramatic rise of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus as major and interlinked healthcare problems, green tea and EGCG are increasingly being investigated in these areas. Dose-response relationships observed in several epidemiological studies have indicated that pronounced cardiovascular and metabolic health benefits can be obtained by regular consumption of 5-6 or more cups of green tea per day. Furthermore, intervention studies using similar amounts of green tea, containing 200-300 mg of EGCG, have demonstrated its usefulness for maintaining cardiovascular and metabolic health. Additionally, there are numerous in vivo studies demonstrating that green tea and EGCG exert cardiovascular and metabolic benefits in these model systems. Therefore, green tea and EGCG can be regarded as food components useful for the maintenance of cardiovascular and metabolic health. To prove the effectiveness for disease prevention or treatment, several multi-center, long-term clinical studies investigating the effects of one precisely-defined green tea product on cardiovascular and metabolic endpoints would be necessary. The aim of this manuscript is to provide an overview of the research investigating the effects of green tea and green tea catechins on cardiovascular and metabolic health.

Asymmetric hydrogenation using monodentate phosphoramidite ligands.

Abstract: Monodentate phosphoramidites are excellent ligands for Rh-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenations of substituted olefins Enantioselectivities between 95 and 99% were obtained in the asymmetric hydrogenation of protected α- and β-dehydroamino acids and esters, itaconic acid and esters, aromatic enamides, aromatic enol esters, aromatic and aliphatic enol carbamates, and α-substituted cinnamic acids An iridium catalyst Ir(L*)(COD)Cl was developed that contains only a single bulky phosphoramidite based on 3,3′-disubstituted BINOL or bisphenol as a chiral ligand With this catalyst, acetylated dehydroamino acid esters could be hydrogenated with very good enantioselectivity Most reactions have turnover frequencies of 250–1600 h −1, depending upon the hydrogen pressure The enantioselectivity is unaffected by the pressure over a wide range Because of their modularity and easy synthesis, parallel ligand synthesis is possible Results obtained with these library ligands deviate only slightly from those obtained wi

HERACLES: a three-dimensional radiation hydrodynamics code

Abstract: Aims. We present a new three-dimensional radiation hydrodynamics code called HERACLES that uses an original moment method to solve the radiative transfer. Methods. The radiation transfer is modelled using a two-moment model and a closure relation that allows large angular anisotropies in the radiation field to be preserved and reproduced. The radiative equations thus obtained are solved by a second-order Godunov-type method and integrated implicitly by using iterative solvers. HERACLES has been parallelized with the MPI library and implemented in Cartesian, cylindrical, and spherical coordinates. To characterize the accuracy of HERACLES and to compare it with other codes, we performed a series of tests including purely radiative tests and radiation-hydrodynamics ones. Results. The results show that the physical model used in HERACLES for the transfer is fairly accurate in both the diffusion and transport limit, but also for semi-transparent regions. Conclusions. This makes HERACLES very well-suited to studying many astrophysical problems such as radiative shocks, molecular jets of young stars, fragmentation and formation of dense cores in the interstellar medium, and protoplanetary discs.

The initial conditions of star formation in the Ophiuchus main cloud: Kinematics of the protocluster condensations ,

Abstract: Context. The earliest phases of clustered star formation and the origin of the stellar initial mass function (IMF) are currently much debated. In one school of thought the IMF of embedded clusters is entirely determined by turbulent fragmentation at the prestellar stage of star formation, while in a major alternative view it results from dynamical interactions and competitive accretion at the protostellar stage. Aims. In an effort to discriminate between these two pictures for the origin of the IMF, we investigated the internal and relative motions of starless condensations and protostars previously detected by us in the dust continuum at 1.2 mm in the L1688 protocluster of the Ophiuchus molecular cloud complex. The starless condensations have a mass spectrum resembling the IMF and are therefore likely representative of the initial stages of star formation in the protocluster. Methods. We carried out detailed molecular line observations, including some N2H + (1−0) mapping, of the Ophiuchus protocluster condensations using the IRAM 30 m telescope. Results. We measured subsonic or at most transonic levels of internal turbulence within the condensations, implying virial masses which generally agree within a factor of ∼2 with the masses derived from the 1.2 mm dust continuum. This supports the notion that most of the L1688 starless condensations are gravitationally bound and prestellar in nature. We detected the classical spectroscopic signature of infall motions in CS(2–1), CS(3–2), H2CO(212−111), and/or HCO + (3–2) toward six condensations, and obtained tentative infall signatures toward 10 other condensations. In addition, we measured a global one-dimensional velocity dispersion of less than 0. 4k m s −1 (or twice the sound speed) between condensations. The small relative velocity dispersion implies that, in general, the condensations do not have time to interact with one another before evolving into pre-main sequence objects. Conclusions. Our observations support the view that the IMF is partly determined by cloud fragmentation at the prestellar stage. Competitive accretion is unlikely to be the dominant mechanism at the protostellar stage in the Ophiuchus protocluster, but it may possibly govern the growth of starless, self-gravitating condensations initially produced by gravoturbulent fragmentation toward an IMF, Salpeter-like mass spectrum.

Development of Efficient Xylose Fermentation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Xylose Isomerase as a Key Component

Abstract: Metabolic engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for ethanol production from d-xylose, an abundant sugar in plant biomass hydrolysates, has been pursued vigorously for the past 15 years. Whereas wild-type S. cerevisiae cannot ferment d-xylose, the ketoisomer d-xylulose can be metabolised slowly. Conversion of d-xylose into d-xylulose is therefore crucial in metabolic engineering of xylose fermentation by S. cerevisiae. Expression of heterologous xylose reductase and xylitol dehydrogenase does enable d-xylose utilisation, but intrinsic redox constraints of this pathway result in undesirable byproduct formation in the absence of oxygen. In contrast, expression of xylose isomerase (XI, EC 5.3.1.5), which directly interconverts d-xylose and d-xylulose, does not have these constraints. However, several problems with the functional expression of various bacterial and Archaeal XI genes have precluded successful use of XI in yeast metabolic engineering. This changed with the discovery of a fungal XI gene in Piromyces sp. E2, expression of which led to high XI activities in S. cerevisiae. When combined with over-expression of the genes of the non-oxidative pentose phosphate pathway of S. cerevisiae, the resulting strain grew anaerobically on d-xylose with a doubling time of ca. 8 h, with the same ethanol yield as on glucose. Additional evolutionary engineering was used to improve the fermentation kinetics of mixed-substrate utilisation, resulting in efficient d-xylose utilisation in synthetic media. Although industrial pilot experiments have already demonstrated high ethanol yields from the d-xylose present in plant biomass hydrolysates, strain robustness, especially with respect to tolerance to inhibitors present in hydrolysates, can still be further improved.

REM observations of GRB 060418 and GRB 060607A: the onset of the afterglow and the initial fireball Lorentz factor determination

Abstract: Context. Gamma-ray burst (GRB) emission is believed to originate in highly relativistic fireballs. Aims. Currently, only lower limits were securely set to the initia l fireball Lorentz factor 0. We aim to provide a direct measure of 0. Methods. The early-time afterglow light curve carries information about 0, which determines the time of the afterglow peak. We have obtained early observations of the near-infrared afte rglows of GRB 060418 and GRB 060607A with the REM robotic telescope. Results. For both events, the afterglow peak could be clearly singled out, allowing a firm determination of the fireball Lorentz of 0∼ 400, fully confirming the highly relativistic nature of GRB fi reballs. The deceleration radius was inferred to be Rdec≈ 10 17 cm. This is much larger than the internal shocks radius (believed to power the prompt emission), thus providing further evidence for a different origin of the prompt and afterglow stages of the GRB.

The tensor part of the Skyrme energy density functional. I. Spherical nuclei

Abstract: We perform a systematic study of the impact of the ${\mathbf{J}}^{2}$ tensor term in the Skyrme energy functional on properties of spherical nuclei. In the Skyrme energy functional, the tensor terms originate from both zero-range central and tensor forces. We build a set of 36 parametrizations, covering a wide range of the parameter space of the isoscalar and isovector tensor term coupling constants with a fit protocol very similar to that of the successful SLy parametrizations. We analyze the impact of the tensor terms on a large variety of observables in spherical mean-field calculations, such as the spin-orbit splittings and single-particle spectra of doubly-magic nuclei, the evolution of spin-orbit splittings along chains of semi-magic nuclei, mass residuals of spherical nuclei, and known anomalies of radii. The major findings of our study are as follows: (i) Tensor terms should not be added perturbatively to existing parametrizations; a complete refit of the entire parameter set is imperative. (ii) The free variation of the tensor terms does not lower the ${\ensuremath{\chi}}^{2}$ within a standard Skyrme energy functional. (iii) For certain regions of the parameter space of their coupling constants, the tensor terms lead to instabilities of the spherical shell structure, or even to the coexistence of two configurations with different spherical shell structures. (iv) The standard spin-orbit interaction does not scale properly with the principal quantum number, such that single-particle states with one or several nodes have too large spin-orbit splittings, whereas those of nodeless intruder levels are tentatively too small. Tensor terms with realistic coupling constants cannot cure this problem. (v) Positive values of the coupling constants of proton-neutron and like-particle tensor terms allow for a qualitative description of the evolution of spin-orbit splittings in chains of Ca, Ni, and Sn isotopes. (vi) For the same values of the tensor term coupling constants, however, the overall agreement of the single-particle spectra in doubly-magic nuclei is deteriorated, which can be traced back to features of the single-particle spectra that are not related to the tensor terms. We conclude that the currently used central and spin-orbit parts of the Skyrme energy density functional are not flexible enough to allow for the presence of large tensor terms.

Grafting Polymers on Surfaces: A New Powerful and Versatile Diazonium Salt-Based One-Step Process in Aqueous Media

Abstract: Covalent surface modification of conductive, semiconductive, and insulating substrates with thin organic polymers films induced by redox activation of aryl diazonium salts in the presence of vinyl monomers has been investigated in acidic aqueous media. This new process, called diazonium-induced anchoring process (DIAP), is an efficient technique to impart covalent adhesion of polyvinyl coatings onto raw inorganic or organic surfaces without any conductivity requirement. Typically, aryl diazonium salts are reduced with iron powder to give surface-active aryl radicals leading (i) to the formation of a grafted polyphenylene-like film on the substrate surface and (ii) to the initiation of the radical polymerization of the vinylic monomer in solution. The resulting radical-terminated macromolecular chains formed in solution are then able to react with the polyphenylene primer layer to form a very homogeneous thin organic film on the surface. The final organic thin coating is strongly grafted on materials surfa...

Ion‐ and Atom‐Leaching Mechanisms from Palladium Nanoparticles in Cross‐Coupling Reactions

Abstract: Leaching of palladium species from Pd nanoparticles under C - C coupling conditions was observed for both Heck and Suzuki reactions by using a special membrane reactor. The membrane allows the passage of palladium atoms and ions, but not of species larger than 5 nm. Three possible mechanistic scenarios for palladium leaching were investigated with the aim of identifying the true catalytic species. Firstly, we examined whether or not palladium(0) atoms could leach from clusters under non-oxidising conditions. By using our membrane reactor, we proved that this indeed happens. We then investigated whether or not small palladium(0) clusters could in fact be the active catalytic species by analysing the reaction composition and the palladium species that diffused through the membrane. Neither TEM nor ICP analysis supported this scenario. Finally, we tested whether or not palladium(II) ions could be leached in the presence of PhI by oxidative addition and the formation of [PdIIArI] complexes. Using mass spectrometry, UV-visible spectroscopy and 13C NMR spectroscopy, we observed and monitored the formation and diffusion of these complexes, which showed that the first and the third mechanistic scenarios were both possible, and were likely to occur simultaneously. Based on these findings, we maintain that palladium nanoparticles are not the true catalysts in C - C coupling reactions. Instead, catalysis is carried out by either palladium(0) atoms or palladium(II) ions that leach into solution.

Biocatalytic Reductions : From Lab Curiosity to First Choice

Abstract: Enzyme-catalyzed reductions have been studied for decades and have been introduced in more than 10 industrial processes for production of various chiral alcohols, R-hydroxy acids and R-amino acids. The earlier hurdle of expensive cofactors was taken by the development of highly efficient cofactor regeneration methods. In addition, the accessible number of suitable dehydrogenases and therefore the versatility of this technology is constantly increasing and currently expanding beyond asymmetric production of alcohols and amino acids. Access to a large set of enzymes for highly selective CdC reductions and reductive amination of ketones for production of chiral secondary amines and the development of improved D-selective amino acid dehydrogenases will fuel the next wave of industrial bioreduction processes.

INTEGRAL observations of the cosmic X-ray background in the 5-100 keV range via occultation by the Earth

Abstract: Aims. We study the spectrum of the cosmic X-ray background (CXB) in energy range ∼5−100 keV. Methods. Early in 2006 the INTEGRAL observatory performed a series of four 30 ks observations with the Earth disk crossing the field of view of the instruments. The modulation of the aperture flux due to occultation of extragalactic objects by the Earth disk was used to obtain the spectrum of the Cosmic X-ray Background (CXB). Various sources of contamination were evaluated, including compact sources, Galactic Ridge emission, CXB reflection by the Earth atmosphere, cosmic ray induced emission by the Earth atmosphere and the Earth auroral emission. Results. The spectrum of the cosmic X-ray background in the energy band 5−100 keV is obtained. The shape of the spectrum is consistent with that obtained previously by the HEAO-1 observatory, while the normalization is ∼10% higher. This difference in normalization can (at least partly) be traced to the different assumptions on the absolute flux from the Crab Nebulae. The increase relative to the earlier adopted value of the absolute flux of the CXB near the energy of maximum luminosity (20−50 keV) has direct implications for the energy release of supermassive black holes in the Universe and their growth at the epoch of the CXB origin.

The beam and detector for the NA48 neutral kaon CP violation experiment at CERN

Abstract: The beam and detector, used for the NA48 experiment, devoted to the measurement of Re(e′/e), and for the NA48/1 experiment on rare KS and neutral hyperon decays, are described.

Acute EGCG supplementation reverses endothelial dysfunction in patients with coronary artery disease.

Abstract: Background: Epidemiological studies demonstrate an inverse relation between dietary flavonoid intake and cardiovascular risk. Recent studies with flavonoid-containing beverages suggest that the benefits of these nutrients may relate, in part, to improved endothelial function.Objective: We hypothesized that dietary supplementation with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major catechin in tea, would improve endothelial function in humans.Design: We examined the effects of EGCG on endothelial function in a double blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design study. We measured brachial artery flow-mediated dilation by vascular ultrasound at six time points: prior to treatment with EGCG or placebo, two hours after an initial dose of EGCG (300 mg) or placebo, and after two weeks of treatment with EGCG (150 mg twice daily) or placebo. The order of treatments (EGCG or placebo) was randomized and there was a one-week washout period between treatments.Results: A total of 42 subjects completed the study, and brachial...

The data acquisition system for the ANTARES Neutrino Telescope

Abstract: The ANTARES neutrino telescope is being constructed in the Mediterranean Sea. It consists of a large three-dimensional array of photo-multiplier tubes. The data acquisition system of the detector takes care of the digitisation of the photo-multiplier tube signals, data transport, data filtering, and data storage. The detector is operated using a control program interfaced with all elements. The design and the implementation of the data acquisition system are described.

On the structure of the turbulent interstellar atomic hydrogen. I- Physical characteristics Influence and nature of turbulence in a thermally bistable flow

Abstract: Aims. We study in some details the statistical properties of the turbulent 2-phase interstellar atomic gas. Methods. We present high resolution bidimensional numerical simulations of the interstellar atomic hydrogen which describe it over 3 to 4 orders of magnitude in spatial scales. Results. The simulations produce naturally small scale structures having either large or small column density. It is tempting to propose that the former are connected to the tiny small scale structures observed in the ISM. We compute the mass spectrum of CNM structures and find that N(M)dM / M 1.7 dM, which is remarkably similar to the mass spectrum inferred for the CO clumps. We propose a theoretical explanation based on a formalism inspired from the Press & Schecter (1974) approach and used the fact that the turbulence within WNM is subsonic. This theory predicts N(M) / M 5/3 in 2D and N(M) / M 16/9 in 3D. We compute the velocity and the density power-spectra and conclude that, although the latter is rather flat, as observed in supersonic isothermal simulations, the former follows the Kolmogorov prediction and is dominated by its solenoidal component. This is due to the bistable nature of the flow which produces large density fluctuations even when the rms Mach number (of WNM) is not large. We also find that, whereas the energy at large scales is mainly in the WNM, at smaller scales, it is dominated by the kinetic energy of the CNM fragments. Conclusions. We find that turbulence in a thermally bistable flow like the atomic interstellar hydrogen, is somehow different from turbulence in a supersonic isothermal gas. In a companion paper, we compare the numerical results with atomic hydrogen observations and show that the simulations well reproduce various observational features.

The effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate on thermogenesis and fat oxidation in obese men: a pilot study.

Abstract: Objectives: The development of obesity is characterized by an increase in adipose tissue mass and by concomitant and profound changes in almost all organ functions leading to diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease. Recent data from human studies indicate that the consumption of green tea and green tea extracts may help reduce body weight, mainly body fat, by increasing postprandial thermogenesis and fat oxidation. However, human studies investigating the metabolic effects of the most predominant tea catechin, EGCG, alone are absent. Methods: In a randomized double blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over pilot study, six overweight men were given 300 mg EGCG/d for 2d. Fasting and postprandial changes in energy expenditure (EE) and substrate oxidation were assessed. Results: Resting EE did not differ significantly between EGCG and placebo treatments, although during the first postprandial monitoring phase, respiratory quotient (RQ) values were significantly lower with EGCG compared to the placebo. Conclusions: These findings suggest that EGCG alone has the potential to increase fat oxidation in men and may thereby contribute to the anti-obesity effects of green tea. However, more studies with a greater sample size and a broader range of age and BMI are needed to define the optimum dose.

Non-renormalisation conditions in type II string theory and maximal supergravity

Abstract: This paper considers general features of the derivative expansion of Feynman diagram contributions to the four-graviton scattering amplitude in eleven-dimensional supergravity compactified on a two-torus. These are translated into statements about interactions of the form D2kR4 in type II superstring theories, assuming the standard M-theory/string theory duality relationships, which provide powerful constraints on the effective interactions. In the ten-dimensional IIA limit we find that there can be no perturbative contributions beyond k string loops (for k>0). Furthermore, the genus h = k contributions are determined exactly by the one-loop eleven-dimensional supergravity amplitude for all values of k. A plausible interpretation of these observations is that the sum of h-loop Feynman diagrams of maximally extended supergravity is less divergent than might be expected and could be ultraviolet finite in dimensions d<4+6/h – the same bound as for N = 4 Yang-Mills.