Role of resonances in rho^0 -> pi^+ pi^- gamma

We study the effect of the sigma(600) and a_1(1260) resonances in the rho^0 -> pi^+ pi^- gamma decay, within the meson dominance model. Major effects are driven by the mass and width parameters of the sigma(600), and the usually neglected contribution of the a_1(1260), although small by itself, may become sizable through its interference with pion bremsstrahlung, and the proper relative sign can favor the central value of the experimental branching ratio. We present a procedure, using the gauge invariant structure of the resonant amplitudes, to kinematically enhance the resonant effects in the angular and energy distribution of the photon. We also elaborate on the coupling constants involved.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figures, accepted for publication in PR

Superintegrable Oscillator and Kepler Systems on Spaces of Nonconstant Curvature via the St\"ackel Transform

The St\"ackel transform is applied to the geodesic motion on Euclidean space, through the harmonic oscillator and Kepler-Coloumb potentials, in order to obtain maximally superintegrable classical systems on N-dimensional Riemannian spaces of nonconstant curvature. By one hand, the harmonic oscillator potential leads to two families of superintegrable systems which are interpreted as an intrinsic Kepler-Coloumb system on a hyperbolic curved space and as the so-called Darboux III oscillator. On the other, the Kepler-Coloumb potential gives rise to an oscillator system on a spherical curved space as well as to the Taub-NUT oscillator. Their integrals of motion are explicitly given. The role of the (flat/curved) Fradkin tensor and Laplace-Runge-Lenz N-vector for all of these Hamiltonians is highlighted throughout the paper. The corresponding quantum maximally superintegrable systems are also presented

Sketching protein aggregation with a physics-based toy model

We explore the applicability of a single-bead coarse-grained molecular model to describe the competition between protein folding and aggregation. We have designed very simple and regular sequences, based on our previous studies on peptide aggregation, that successfully fold into the three main protein structural families (all-α, all-β, and α + β). Thanks to equilibrium computer simulations, we evaluate how temperature and concentration promote aggregation. Aggregates have been obtained for all the amino acid sequences considered, showing that this process is common to all proteins, as previously stated. However, each structural family presents particular characteristics that can be related to its specific balance between hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interactions. The model is very simple and has limitations, yet it is able to reproduce both the cooperative folding of isolated polypeptide chains with regular sequences and the formation of different types of aggregates at high concentrations

Two essential light chains regulate the MyoA lever arm to promote Toxoplasma gliding motility

Key to the virulence of apicomplexan parasites is their ability to move through tissue and to invade and egress from host cells. Apicomplexan motility requires the activity of the glideosome, a multicomponent molecular motor composed of a type XIV myosin, MyoA. Here we identify a novel glideosome component, essential light chain 2 (ELC2), and functionally characterize the two essential light chains (ELC1 and ELC2) of MyoA in Toxoplasma. We show that these proteins are functionally redundant but are important for invasion, egress, and motility. Molecular simulations of the MyoA lever arm identify a role for Ca2+ in promoting intermolecular contacts between the ELCs and the adjacent MLC1 light chain to stabilize this domain. Using point mutations predicted to ablate either the interaction with Ca2+ or the interface between the two light chains, we demonstrate their contribution to the quality, displacement, and speed of gliding Toxoplasma parasites. Our work therefore delineates the importance of the MyoA lever arm and highlights a mechanism by which this domain could be stabilized in order to promote invasion, egress, and gliding motility in apicomplexan parasites

Cervantes entre la realidad y la ficción de su propia obra (Una meditación personal en torno al capítulo 30 de la Segunda Parte).

Sin resumenIn this chapter of Don Quixote the union between reality and fiction achieved by Cervantes throughout the novel clearly appears. From the beginning, he takes care of the features of credibility of the fiction lived by Don Quixote and Sancho. He wants to write good literature and, with tllat purpose, the novel must comply with reality. Don Quixote asks Sansón Carrasco if it is true that a story about his 111 Miguel josé Pérez Cervantes entre la realidad y la ficción de su propia obra Julia Enciso Orellana deeds has been published; and he himself, as well as Sancho, take great care of knowing whether this printed story complies with truth. We feel as if diese characters were, simultaneously, real and fictional; that is why they reached such renown aud such fame that «there is no nation or language into which they wiU not be transíated». The deep truth depicted by Cervantes benefited the fame and good name of the Ingenioso Caballero de la Mancha