Differential branching fraction and angular analysis of the decay B0 → K*0 μ+ μ-

The angular distributions and the partial branching fraction of the decay B0 → K*0 μ+ μ- are studied by using an integrated luminosity of 0.37 fb(-1) of data collected with the LHCb detector. The forward-backward asymmetry of the muons, A(FB), the fraction of longitudinal polarization, F(L), and the partial branching fraction dB/dq2 are determined as a function of the dimuon invariant mass. The measurements are in good agreement with the standard model predictions and are the most precise to date. In the dimuon invariant mass squared range 1.00-6.00 GeV2/c4, the results are A(FB)=-0.06(-0.14)(+0.13)±0.04, F(L)=0.55±0.10±0.03, and dB/dq2=(0.42±0.06±0.03)×10(-7) c4/GeV2. In each case, the first error is statistical and the second systematic.     

Search for lepton number violating decays B+ → π- μ+ μ+ and B+ → K- μ+ μ+

A search is performed for the lepton number violating decay B+ → h- μ+ μ+, where h- represents a K- or a π-, using an integrated luminosity of 36 pb(-1) of data collected with the LHCb detector. The decay is forbidden in the standard model but allowed in models with a Majorana neutrino. No signal is observed in either channel and limits of B(B+ → K- μ+ μ+) < 5.4×10(-8) and B(B+ → π- μ+ μ+) < 5.8×10(-8) are set at the 95% confidence level. These improve the previous best limits by factors of 40 and 30, respectively.     

Measurement of the CP-violating phase ϕ(s) in the decay B(s)(0) → J/ψϕ

We present a measurement of the time-dependent CP-violating asymmetry in B(s)(0) → J/ψ? decays, using data collected with the LHCb detector at the LHC. The decay time distribution of B(s)(0) → J/ψ? is characterized by the decay widths Γ(H) and Γ(L) of the heavy and light mass eigenstates, respectively, of the B(s)(0) - B(s)(0) system and by a CP-violating phase ?(s). In a sample of about 8500 B(s)(0) → J/ψ? events isolated from 0.37 fb(-1) of pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 7 TeV, we measure ?(s) = 0.15 ± 0.18(stat) ± 0.06(syst) rad. We also find an average B(s)(0) decay width Γ(s) ≡ (Γ(L) + Γ(H))/2 = 0.657 ± 0.009(stat) ± 0.008(syst) ps(-1) and a decay width difference ΔΓ(s) ≡ Γ(L) - Γ(H) = 0.123 ± 0.029(stat) ± 0.011(syst) ps(-1). Our measurement is insensitive to the transformation (?(s),ΔΓ(s)) ? (π - ?(s), -ΔΓ(s)).     

Observation of B(s)(0) → J/ψf(2)'(1525) in J/ψK+ K- final states

The decay B(s)(0) → J/ψK+ K- is investigated using 0.16 fb(-1) of data collected with the LHCb detector using 7 TeV pp collisions. Although the J/ψ? channel is well known, final states at higher K+ K- masses have not previously been studied. In the K+ K- mass spectrum we observe a significant signal in the f(2)'(1525) region as well as a nonresonant component. After subtracting the nonresonant component, we find B(B(s)(0) → J/ψf(2)'(1525))/B(B(s)(0) → J/ψ?) = (26.4 ± 2.7 ± 2.4)%.     

First observation of the decays B(0) → D(+)K(-)π(+)π(-) and B(-) → D(0)K(-)π(+)π(-)

First observations of the Cabibbo-suppressed decays B(0) → D(+)K(-)π(+)π(-) and B(-) → D(0)K(-)π(+)π(-) are reported using 35 pb(-1) of data collected with the LHCb detector. Their branching fractions are measured with respect to the corresponding Cabibbo-favored decays, from which we obtain B(B(0) → D(+)K(-)π(+)π(-))/B(B(0) → D(+)π(-)π(+)π(-))=(5.9±1.1±0.5)×10(-2) and B(B(-) → D(0)K(-)π(+)π(-))/B(B(-) → D(0)π(-)π(+)π(-))=(9.4±1.3±0.9)×10(-2), where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The B(-) → D(0)K(-)π(+)π(-) decay is particularly interesting, as it can be used in a similar way to B(-) → D(0)K(-) to measure the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa phase γ.     

Simultaneous multiplane in vivo nonlinear microscopy using spectral encoding

Conventional point-by-point imaging schemes for laser scanning microscopy limit acquisition speeds, particularly when imaging three-dimensional volumes. We report a novel approach that achieves parallelization of multiple fields of view through the use of spectral encoding. By focusing two or more beams of different wavelengths at different positions within a suitable tissue, fluorescence or second/third harmonic generation emissions from these regions can be uniquely separated. We demonstrate that this approach can allow simultaneous in vivo imaging of fluorescence in two planes within the living rodent cortex, and of second harmonic generation in fresh tissue.     

Magnetic conducting composites based on polypyrrol and iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized via electrochemistry

In this work, the preparation of a polypyrrol-magnetite composite with good magnetic and electric properties is described. Firstly, the method consists of the electrochemical synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles 20 nm in diameter and narrow size distribution, and secondly, the encapsulation of the nanoparticles in a polymer matrix during its formation by chemical oxidation of the monomer. Particles appear well dispersed in the polymer matrix by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) while no degradation, in terms of nanoparticles size or magnetic properties during the polymer formation, seems to take place as it was revealed by X-ray diffraction and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Saturation magnetization increases with the amount of magnetic material present in the composite, but conductivity decreases in such a way that the amount of magnetic material was optimized to 10% with respect to the monomer to obtain a composite with high electrical conductivity and magnetic response.     

Two (+)‐α,4‐dimethyl‐2‐oxocyclo­hexaneacetic acids: hydrogen bonding in a terpenoid γ‐keto acid and in a diastereomeric lactol

The (+)‐(αS,1S,4R)‐diastereomer of the title structure, C₁₀H₁₆O₃, aggregates in the solid as non‐symmetric dimers with disorder in both carboxyl groups [O·O = 2.710 (5) and 2.638 (5) Å]. The two mol­ecules constituting the asymmetric unit pair around a pseudo‐twofold rotational axis and differ only slightly in their distances and angles, but one methyl group displays rotational disorder absent in the other mol­ecule. Five inter­molecular C—H·O close contacts exist, involving both ketone groups. The (+)‐(αR,1R,4R)‐diastereomer exists in the crystal in its closed‐ring lactol form, (3R,3aR,6R,7aR)‐2,3,3a,4,5,6,7,7a‐octa­hydro‐7a‐hydroxy‐3,6‐dimethyl­benzo[b]furan‐2‐one, C₁₀H₁₆O₃, and aggregates as hydrogen‐bonded catemers that extend from the hydroxyl group of one mol­ecule to the carbonyl group of a neighbor screw‐related along b [O·O = 2.830 (3) Å and O—H·O = 169°]. One close inter­molecular C—H·O contact exists involving the carbonyl group.     

Experimental and Theoretical Insights on Methylene Blue Removal from Wastewater Using an Adsorbent Obtained from the Residues of the Orange Industry

Chemical and thermochemical transformations were performed on orange peel to obtain materials that were characterized and further tested to explore their potential as adsorbents for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions. The results show the high potential of some of these materials for MB adsorption not only due to the surface area of the resulting substrate but also to the chemistry of the corresponding surface functional groups. Fitting of the kinetic as well as the equilibrium experimental data to different models suggests that a variety of interactions are involved in MB adsorption. The overall capacities for these substrates (larger than 192.31 mg g⁻¹) were found to compare well with those reported for activated carbon and other adsorbents of agro-industrial origin. According to these results and complementary with theoretical study using Density Functional Theory (DFT) approximations, it was found that the most important adsorption mechanisms of MB correspond to: (i) electrostatic interactions, (ii) H-bonding, and (iii) π (MB)–π (biochar) interactions. In view of these findings, it can be concluded that adsorbent materials obtained from orange peel, constitute a good alternative for the removal of MB dye from aqueous solutions.     

Synthesis of (R)-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-carboxaldehyde: application to the synthesis of potent adenosine A2A and A3 receptor agonist

Synthesis of potent adenosine A_2A and A₃ receptor agonist from the modification of adenosine-5′-N-ethylcarboxamide (NECA) has been reported. Diastereoisomer possessing an (R)-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyranyl (DHP) moiety exhibited the highest affinity at the A_2A and A₃ receptors. The key steps involve the synthesis of (R)-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-carboxaldehyde (7), which was obtained through the enzyme-catalyzed kinetic resolution of (±)-2-acetoxymethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran (5).