Theoretical predictions of several measurable quantities, which are relevant in K-, Dand Bmeson phenomenology, depend on the matrix elements of some ∆F = 2 four-fermion operators. Examples are given by FCNC effects in SUSY extensions of the Standard Model [1]-[2], by the B s– B̄ s width difference [3] and by the O(1/m 3 b) corrections in inclusive b-hadron decay rates (which actually depend on t...

We investigate O’Raifeartaigh-type models for F-term supersymmetry breaking in gauge mediation scenarios in the presence of gravity. It is pointed out that the vacuum structure of those models is such that in metastable vacua gravity mediation contribution to scalar masses is always suppressed to the level below 1 percent, almost sufficient for avoiding FCNC problem. Close to that limit, gravit...

The electroweak structures of the FCNC-induced rare and radiative K decays are presented. While the former decays are sensitive to short-distance physics and offer exceptional probes for new physics, the latter are dominated by long-distance physics. Even so, they should not be set aside since they constitute essential ingredients to control the hadronic uncertainties occurring for the rare dec...

In this work, we update the constraints on tree level FCNC couplings in the framework of a theory with n isosinglet vector-like down quarks. In this context, we emphasize the sensitivity of the B → J/ψKS CP asymmetry to the presence of new vector-like down quarks. This CP asymmetry, together with the rare decays B → Xs,dll̄ and K → πνν̄ are the best options to further constrain the FCNC tree leve...

Patients with low-grade myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) show high levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and up-regulation of apoptosis in the marrow. In contrast, marrow cells in advanced MDS are typically resistant to TNFα-induced apoptosis but are rendered apoptosis-sensitive on coculture with stroma. The present studies show that CD34(+) marrow cells in advanced MDS express high levels of...

The objective of this study was to determine the role of individual NFAT isoforms in TNFα-induced retinal leukostasis. To this end, human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMEC) transfected with siRNA targeting individual NFAT isoforms were treated with TNFα, and qRT-PCR was used to examine the contribution of each isoform to the TNFα-induced upregulation of leukocyte adhesion proteins....

BACKGROUND A recent study reported that an 18-analyte multiplexed plasma panel of signaling proteins differentiated Alzheimer's disease (AD) from controls. This study measured mRNA expression for nine of these promising bio-markers in 23 AD patients and 23 age- and sex-matched controls. METHODS Total RNA was isolated from PaxGene RNA tubes. Relative mRNA expression levels of CCL5 [RANTES], CS...

Patients with low-grade myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) show high levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF ) and upregulation of apoptosis in the marrow. In contrast, marrow cells in advanced MDS are typically resistant to TNF -induced apoptosis but are rendered apoptosissensitive on coculture with stroma. The present studies show that CD34 marrow cells in advanced MDS express high levels of TWIST,...