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A bstract We present a measurement of the doubly radiative decay η → π 0 γγ based on a sample of 82 million η mesons produced in the e + e − → ϕ → ηγ process at the Frascati ϕ -factory DAΦNE. From the data analysis, 1246 ± 133 signal events were observed. By normalising the signal to the well-known η → 3 π 0 decay the branching fraction is measured to be (0 . 98 ± 0 . 11 stat ± 0 . 14 syst ) × 10 − 4 . This result agrees with a preliminary KLOE measurement, but is a factor of two smaller than the current world average. Results for d Γ( η → π 0 γγ ) /dM 2 ( γγ ) are also presented and compared with the latest theoretical predictions.

We present a measurement of the doubly radiative decay η → π0γγ based ona sample of 82 million η mesons produced in the e+e− → ϕ → ηγ process at the Frascatiϕ-factory DAΦNE. From the data analysis, 1246 ± 133 signal events were observed. Bynormalising the signal to the well-known η → 3π0 decay the branching fraction B(η → π0γγ) ismeasured to be (0.98 ± 0.11stat ± 0.14syst) × 10−4. This result agrees with a preliminary KLOEmeasurement, but is a factor of two smaller than the current world average. Results for dΓ(η →π0γγ)/dM 2(γγ) are also presented and compared with the latest theoretical predictions.

We present the achievements of the last years of the experimental and theoretical groups working on hadronic cross section measurements at the low-energy e + e − colliders in Beijing, Frascati, Ithaca, Novosibirsk, Stanford and Tsukuba and on τ decays. We sketch the prospects in these fields for the years to come. We emphasise the status and the precision of the Monte Carlo generators used to analyse the hadronic cross section measurements obtained as well with energy scans as with radiative return, to determine luminosities and τ decays. The radiative corrections fully or approximately implemented in the various codes and the contribution of the vacuum polarisation are discussed.

Inhibition of agonist-induced M2 muscarinic receptor (M2R) activation by functional anti-M2R autoantibodies has been associated with cardiac parasympathetic dysfunction in patients with chronic Chagas disease (CD). This study explored the allosteric nature of that inhibitory effect by assessing the ability of serum IgG from patients with CD and dysautonomia (DCD IgG) to modulate the interaction between M2R and β-arrestins in HEK 293T cells using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer. DCD IgG alone did not stimulate arrestin-2 or arrestin-3 recruitment. When cells were preincubated with DCD IgG and then treated with carbachol, arrestin-2 translocation decreased in a concentration-dependent manner, while arrestin-3 recruitment remained unaffected. Inhibition curve analysis showed a submaximal inhibitory effect (68.1 ± 2.4%) and a Hill slope less than −1 (−4.03 ± 0.39). Carbachol concentration–response assays after preincubation with DCD IgG revealed a noncompetitive inhibition of arrestin-2 recruitment, with no change in arrestin-3 translocation. Unlikely, simultaneous exposure to DCD IgG and carbachol potentiated agonist-induced Arr-2 recruitment. We conclude that anti-M2R autoantibodies selectively inhibit agonist-induced arrestin-2 recruitment, acting as negative allosteric modulators of agonist efficacy. The direction of autoantibody-induced allosteric modulation depends on the timing of IgG application relative to the agonist and the duration of receptor exposure to autoantibodies.

Bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMDSCs) play an essential role in organ repair and regeneration. The molecular mechanisms by which hormones control BMDSCs proliferation and differentiation are unclear. Our aim in this study was to investigate how a lack of ovarian or/and thyroid hormones affects stem cell number in bone marrow lineage. To examine the effect of thyroid or/and ovarian hormones on the proliferative activity of BMDSCs, we removed the thyroid or/and the ovaries of adult female rats. An absence of ovarian and thyroid hormones was confirmed by Pap staining and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) measurement, respectively. To obtain the stem cells from the bone marrow, we punctured the iliac crest, and aspirated and isolated cells by using a density gradient. Specific markers were used by cytometry to identify the different BMDSCs types: endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), precursor B cells/pro-B cells, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Interestingly, our results showed that hypothyroidism caused a significant increase in the percentage of EPCs, whereas a lack of ovarian hormones significantly increased the precursor B cells/pro-B cells. Moreover, the removal of both glands led to increased MSCs. In conclusion, both ovarian and thyroid hormones appear to have key and diverse roles in regulating the proliferation of cells populations of the bone marrow.

Aims To evaluate the chemical characteristics of grape and orange juices, and their erosive potential in the decrease of microhardness and the loss of enamel structure. Methods Five grape and orange juices were evaluated for pH, titratable acidity, calcium, phosphate, and fluoride concentration. De-ionised water and Cola soft drink were used as a negative and positive control, respectively. Twelve specimens of bovine enamel were immersed in beverages for 10 min at 37 °C, 3 times/day for 7 days. Erosive potential was quantified using microhardness and loss of enamel structure. Anova One Way, Student’s t test, Multiple Regression and Spearman Correlation (p < 0.05) were used to analyse the results. Results Powdered grape juice showed the lowest pH (3.18 ± 0.03) and pure grape juice presented the highest titratable acidity (5.48 ± 0.06 mL NaOH/100 mL). Fresh orange juice and soya-based grape juice revealed the lowest calcium (0.77 ± 0.12 mmol/L) and phosphate concentrations (0.35 ± 0.06 mmol/L), respectively. Among juices, powdered orange juice caused the greatest decrease in surface microhardness (SMH) (127.99 ± 40.47 ΔSMH) and grape juice from concentrate caused the greatest loss of enamel structure (13.30 ± 3.56 μm). Conclusions All of the evaluated juices contributed to dental erosion. Grape juices presented greater erosive potential than orange juices. Pure, powdered and concentrated grape juices showed similar loss of enamel structure to the Cola soft drink. The erosive potential of beverages was statistically correlated to pH, titratable acidity, calcium, phosphate and fluoride concentrations.

We present a precise measurement of the ratio RK=Γ(K→eν(γ))/Γ(K→μν(γ)) and a study of the radiative process K→eνγ, performed with the KLOE detector. The results are based on data collected at the Frascati e+e− collider DAΦNE for an integrated luminosity of 2.2 fb−1. We find RK=(2.493±0.025stat±0.019syst)×10−5, in agreement with the Standard Model expectation. This result is used to improve constraints on parameters of the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model with lepton flavor violation. We also measured the differential decay rate dΓ(K→eνγ)/dEγ for photon energies 10

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