Abstract: Invariant mass distributions of B (+) pi (-) and B (0) pi (+) combinations are investigated in order to study excited B mesons. The analysis is based on a data sample corresponding to 3.0 fb(-1) of pp collision data, recorded by the LHCb detector at centre-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. Precise measurements of the masses and widths of the B (1)(5721)(0,+) and B (2)(5747)(0,+) states are reported. Clear enhancements, particularly prominent at high pion transverse momentum, are seen over background in the mass range 5850-6000 MeV in both B (+) pi (-) and B (0) pi (+) combinations. The structures are consistent with the presence of four excited B mesons, labelled B (J) (5840)(0,+) and B (J) (5960)(0,+), whose masses and widths are obtained under different hypotheses for their quantum numbers.

Abstract: A study of B and B-s(0) meson decays into J/psi eta and J/psi eta' final states is performed using a data set of proton-proton collisions at centre-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, collected by the LCHb experiment and corresponding to 3.0 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity. The decay B-0 -> J/psi eta' is observed for the first time. The following ratios of branching fractions are measured: B(B-0 -> J psi eta')/B(B-s(0) -> J psi eta') = (2.28 +/- 0.65 (stat) +/- 0.010 (syst) +/- 0.13 (f(s)/f(d)) x 10(-2) , B(B-0 -> J psi eta')/B(B-s(0) -> J psi eta') = (1.85 +/- 0.65 (stat) +/- 0.09 (syst) +/- 0.11 (f(s)/f(d)) x 10(-2) where the third uncertainty is related to the present knowledge of f(s)/f(d), the ratio between the probabilities for a b quark to form a B-s(0) or a B-0 meson. The branching fraction ratios are used to determine the parameters of eta-eta' meson mixing. In addition, the first evidence for the decay B-s(0) -> psi(2S)' is reported, and the relative branching fraction is measured, B(B-s(0) -> psi(2S)eta')/B(B-s(0) -> J psi eta') = (38.7 +/- 9.0 (stat) +/- 1.3 (syst) +/- 0.9(B)) x 10(-2), where the third uncertainty is due to the limited knowledge of the branching fractions of J/psi and psi(2S) mesons.

Abstract: The Cabibbo-suppressed decay Lambda(0)(b) -> psi(2S)p pi(-) is observed for the fi rst time using a data sample collected by the LHCb experiment in proton-proton collisions corresponding to 1.0, 2.0 and 1.9 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity at centre-of-mass energies of 7, 8 and 13TeV, respectively. The psi(2S) mesons are reconstructed in the mu(+)mu(-) fi nal state. The branching fraction with respect to that of the Lambda(0)(b) -> psi(2S)pK(-) decay mode is measured to be B (Lambda(0)(b) -> psi(2S)p pi(-))/B (Lambda(0)(b) -> psi(2S)pK(-)) = (11.44 +/- 1.3 +/- 0.2)%, where the fi rst uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. The psi(2S) p and psi(2S)pi(-) mass spectra are investigated and no evidence for exotic resonances is found.

Abstract: The Advanced GAmma Tracking Array (AGATA) is a European project to develop and operate the next generation gamma-ray spectrometer. AGATA is based on the technique of gamma-ray energy tracking in electrically segmented high-purity germanium crystals. This technique requires the accurate determination of the energy, time and position of every interaction as a gamma ray deposits its energy within the detector volume. Reconstruction of the full interaction path results in a detector with very high efficiency and excellent spectral response. The realisation of gamma-ray tracking and AGATA is a result of many technical advances. These include the development of encapsulated highly segmented germanium detectors assembled in a triple cluster detector cryostat, an electronics system with fast digital sampling and a data acquisition system to process the data at a high rate. The full characterisation of the crystals was measured and compared with detector-response simulations. This enabled pulse-shape analysis algorithms, to extract energy, time and position, to be employed. In addition, tracking algorithms for event reconstruction were developed. The first phase of AGATA is now complete and operational in its first physics campaign. In the future AGATA will be moved between laboratories in Europe and operated in a series of campaigns to take advantage of the different beams and facilities available to maximise its science output. The paper reviews all the achievements made in the AGATA project including all the necessary infrastructure to operate and support the spectrometer.

Abstract: In small clinical studies, the application of transcranial photobiomodulation (PBM), which typically delivers low-intensity near-infrared (NIR) to treat the brain, has led to some remarkable results in the treatment of dementia and several neurodegenerative diseases. However, despite the extensive literature detailing the mechanisms of action underlying PBM outcomes, the specific mechanisms affecting neurodegenerative diseases are not entirely clear. While large clinical trials are warranted to validate these findings, evidence of the mechanisms can explain and thus provide credible support for PBM as a potential treatment for these diseases. Tubulin and its polymerized state of microtubules have been known to play important roles in the pathology of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, we investigated the effects of PBM on these cellular structures in the quest for insights into the underlying therapeutic mechanisms. In this study, we employed a Raman spectroscopic analysis of the amide I band of polymerized samples of tubulin exposed to pulsed low-intensity NIR radiation (810 nm, 10 Hz, 22.5 J/cm2 dose). Peaks in the Raman fingerprint region (300-1900 cm-1)-in particular, in the amide I band (1600-1700 cm-1)-were used to quantify the percentage of protein secondary structures. Under this band, hidden signals of C=O stretching, belonging to different structures, are superimposed, producing a complex signal as a result. An accurate decomposition of the amide I band is therefore required for the reliable analysis of the conformation of proteins, which we achieved through a straightforward method employing a Voigt profile. This approach was validated through secondary structure analyses of unexposed control samples, for which comparisons with other values available in the literature could be conducted. Subsequently, using this validated method, we present novel findings of statistically significant alterations in the secondary structures of polymerized NIR-exposed tubulin, characterized by a notable decrease in alpha-helix content and a concurrent increase in beta-sheets compared to the control samples. This PBM-induced alpha-helix to beta-sheet transition connects to reduced microtubule stability and the introduction of dynamism to allow for the remodeling and, consequently, refreshing of microtubule structures. This newly discovered mechanism could have implications for reducing the risks associated with brain aging, including neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease, through the introduction of an intervention following this transition.