Abstract: Using pp collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.0 fb(-1) and collected by LHCb in 2011 at a center-of-mass energy of 7 TeV, we report the measurement of direct CP violation in B-s(0) -> K-pi(+) decays, A(CP) (B-s(0) -> K-pi(+)) = 0.27 +/- 0.04(stat) +/- 0.01(syst), with significance exceeding 5 standard deviations. This is the first observation of CP violation in the decays of B-s(0) mesons. Furthermore, we provide an improved determination of direct CP violation in B-0 -> K+pi(-) decays, A(CP)(B-0 -> K+pi(-) ) = -0.080 +/- 0.007(stat) +/- 0.003(syst), which is the most precise measurement of this quantity to date.

Abstract: In this paper we show that certain three-dimensional isometry algebras, specifically those of type I, II, III and V (according to Bianchi's classification), can be obtained as expansions of the isometries in two dimensions. In particular, we use the so-called S-expansionmethod, which makes use of the finite Abelian semigroups, because it is the most general procedure known until now. Also, it is explicitly shown why it is impossible to obtain the algebras of type IV, VI-IX as expansions from the isometry algebras in two dimensions. All the results are checked with computer programs. This procedure shows that the problem of how to relate, by an expansion, two Lie algebras of different dimensions can be entirely solved. In particular, the procedure can be generalized to higher dimensions, which could be useful for diverse physical applications, as we discuss in our conclusions.

Abstract: A first flavor-tagged measurement of the time-dependent CP-violating asymmetry in B-s(0) -> phi phi decays is presented. In this decay channel, the CP-violating weak phase arises due to CP violation in the interference between B-s(0)-(B) over bar (0)(s) mixing and the b -> s (s) over bars gluonic penguin decay amplitude. Using a sample of pp collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.0 fb(-1) and collected at a center-of-mass energy of 7 TeV with the LHCb detector, 880 B-s(0) -> phi phi signal decays are obtained. The CP-violating phase is measured to be in the interval [-2.46, -0.76] rad at a 68% confidence level. The p value of the standard model prediction is 16%.

Abstract: The study of the relation between Lie algebras and groups, and especially the derivation of new algebras from them, is a problem of great interest in mathematics and physics, because finding a new Lie group from an already known one also means that a new physical theory can be obtained from a known one. One of the procedures that allow us to do so is called expansion of Lie algebras, and has been recently used in different physical applications-particularly in gauge theories of gravity. Here we report on further developments of this method, required to understand in a deeper way their consequences in physical theories. We have found theorems related to the preservation of some properties of the algebras under expansions that can be used as criteria and, more specifically, as necessary conditions to know if two arbitrary Lie algebras can be related by some expansion mechanism. Formal aspects, such as the Cartan decomposition of the expanded algebras, are also discussed. Finally, an instructive example that allows us to check explicitly all our theoretical results is also provided.

Abstract: The immune system should constitute a strong selective pressure promoting viral genetic diversity and evolution. However, HIV shows lower sequence variability at T-cell epitopes than elsewhere in the genome, in contrast with other human RNA viruses. Here, we propose that epitope conservation is a consequence of the particular interactions established between HIV and the immune system. On one hand, epitope recognition triggers an anti-HIV response mediated by cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs), but on the other hand, activation of CD4(+) helper T lymphocytes (T-H cells) promotes HIV replication. Mathematical modeling of these opposite selective forces revealed that selection at the intrapatient level can promote either T-cell epitope conservation or escape. We predict greater conservation for epitopes contributing significantly to total immune activation levels (immunodominance), and when T-H cell infection is concomitant to epitope recognition (transinfection). We suggest that HIV-driven immune activation in the lymph nodes during the chronic stage of the disease may offer a favorable scenario for epitope conservation. Our results also support the view that some pathogens draw benefits from the immune response and suggest that vaccination strategies based on conserved T-H epitopes may be counterproductive.