Combined explanation of WW-mass, muon g−2g-2, RK(∗)R_{K^{(*)}} and RD(∗)R_{D^{(*)}} anomalies in a singlet-triplet scalar leptoquark model

In addition to the three long-standing anomalies seen in the muon $g-2$, $R_{K^{(*)}}$, and $R_{D^{(*)}}$ observables by various independent experiments, the CDF collaboration has found another significant one in the $W$ boson mass. These anomalies might be intertwined at a fundamental level and have a single new physics explanation. In this paper, we investigate the possibility of whether these anomalies can be explained in a model of a weak-singlet $S_1$ and a weak-triplet $S_3$ scalar leptoquarks. We find that with an appropriate flavour ansatz and mass mixing between the $S_1$ and $S_3$ leptoquarks through a Higgs portal, the model can explain the four anomalies simultaneously while being consistent with potential spoilsport observables like $R_{K^{(*)}}^{\nu\nu}$.Comment: 12 pages, 5 figures, 1 table. Comments are welcom

Effect of Welding Parameters on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of BQ Plateastm SA 516 – 60 Grade

A detailed study on the microstructure, phase analysis and mechanical properties, HAZ width of BQ PLATE ASME SA 516 – 60 GRADE weld metal V- joint and heat-affected zone of 10 mm thick BQ plate was carried out using metallurgical microscopy, with olimpus inverted metallurgical microscope projection system including mega pixel camera and image analysis software. The various sub-zones in the microstructure were observed in the HAZ of weld, base metal and weld pool are spheroidized, partially transformed, grain refined and grain coarsened. The main purpose of present work is to investigation and correlate the relationship between the various parameters; mechanical properties and microstructure of single “V” butt joint of Boiler Quality plate

Leptoquark-assisted Singlet-mediated Di-Higgs Production at the LHC

At the LHC, the gluon-initiated processes are considered to be the primary source of di-Higgs production. However, in the presence of a new resonance, the light-quark initiated processes can also contribute significantly. In this paper, we look at the di-Higgs production mediated by a new singlet scalar. The singlet is produced in both quark-antiquark and gluon fusion processes through loops involving a scalar leptoquark and right-handed neutrinos. With benchmark parameters inspired from the recent resonant di-Higgs searches by the ATLAS collaboration, we examine the prospects of such a resonance in the TeV-range at the High-Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) in the $b\bar{b} \tau^{+}\tau^{-}$ mode with a multivariate analysis. We obtain the $5\sigma$ and $2\sigma$ contours and find that a significant part of the parameter space is within the reach of the HL-LHC.Comment: 11 pages, 7 figures, 3 tables. Published versio

PHYSICIAN AND PHARMACIST OPINION ON DIABETES MELLITUS AND THE MOST COMMONLY PRESCRIBED ANTI-DIABETIC DRUG IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS OF U.P. (WEST), INDIA

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by a chronic hyperglycemic condition resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. The prevalence of diabetes is increasing rapidly worldwide and the World Health Organization indicates global prevalence of diabetes was estimated to be 9% among adults aged 18+ years and it will be the 7th leading cause of death in 2030. The aim of this paper is to gather latest information on the prevalence of Diabetes among the human society and also to investigate pharmaceutical marketing of Metformin and its combinations used for Diabetes Mellitus in various districts of U.P. (West) region. The survey was based on the questionnaire which was presented before the physicians and the pharmacist in-charge on medical store to get information about the patient having diabetes mellitus and commonly prescribed brands of Metformin alone and its combination with other anti-diabetic drugs. On the basis of physician’s opinion on the Diabetes (type 2), 65.78% of patients from total OPD patients was found to have diabetes,  49.76% patients are type-2 patients, 7.45% of teenagers was fall in the category of having type-1 diabetes and 8.57% were among the new patients of diabetes. There are 20 and 30 brands in Metformin (and its HCl salt), Metformin (and its HCl salt) with other anti-diabetic drug categories, respectively. The sale of Glyciphage of Franco Indian Remedies brand of the Metformin only, Diapride M 1 containing Glimepiride and Metformin 500 mg from Micro Labs Ltd., respective categories, were highest in the area of interest. KEYWORDS: Diabetes Mellitus, Metformin (and its HCl salt), Combination drugs, Marketing Investigation

Seed Longevity in Legumes: Deeper Insights Into Mechanisms and Molecular Perspectives

Sustainable agricultural production largely depends upon the viability and longevity of high-quality seeds during storage. Legumes are considered as rich source of dietary protein that helps to ensure nutritional security, but associated with poor seed longevity that hinders their performance and productivity in farmer's fields. Seed longevity is the key determinant to assure proper seed plant value and crop yield. Thus, maintenance of seed longevity during storage is of prime concern and a pre-requisite for enhancing crop productivity of legumes. Seed longevity is significantly correlated with other seed quality parameters such as germination, vigor, viability and seed coat permeability that affect crop growth and development, consequently distressing crop yield. Therefore, information on genetic basis and regulatory networks associated with seed longevity, as well as molecular dissection of traits linked to longevity could help in developing crop varieties with good storability. Keeping this in view, the present review focuses towards highlighting the molecular basis of seed longevity, with special emphasis on candidate genes and proteins associated with seed longevity and their interplay with other quality parameters. Further, an attempt was made to provide information on 3D structures of various genetic loci (genes/proteins) associated to seed longevity that could facilitate in understanding the interactions taking place within the seed at molecular level. This review compiles and provides information on genetic and genomic approaches for the identification of molecular pathways and key players involved in the maintenance of seed longevity in legumes, in a holistic manner. Finally, a hypothetical fast-forward breeding pipeline has been provided, that could assist the breeders to successfully develop varieties with improved seed longevity in legumes

Short-term efficacy and safety of rituximab therapy in refractory systemic lupus erythematosus: results from the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group Biologics Register.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the baseline characteristics of SLE patients requiring biologic therapy in the UK and to explore short term efficacy and infection rates associated with rituximab (RTX) use. METHODS: Patients commencing biologic therapy for refractory SLE and who consented to join BILAG-BR were analysed. Baseline characteristics, disease activity (BILAG 2004/SLEDAI-2K) and rates of infection over follow-up were analysed. Response was defined as loss of all A and B BILAG scores to ⩽ 1 B score with no new A/B scores in other organ systems at 6 months. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy SLE patients commenced biologic therapy from September 2010 to September 2015, most commonly RTX (n = 261). Two hundred and fifty (93%) patients were taking glucocorticoids at baseline at a median [interquartile range (IQR)] oral dose of 10 mg (5-20 mg) daily. Response rates at 6 months were available for 68% of patients. The median (IQR) BILAG score was 15 (10-23) at baseline and 3 (2-12) at 6 months (P < 0.0001). The median (IQR) SLEDAI-2K reduced from 8 (5-12) to 4 (0-7) (P < 0.001). Response was achieved in 49% of patients. There was also a reduction in glucocorticoid use to a median (IQR) dose of 7.5 mg (5-12 mg) at 6 months (P < 0.001). Serious infections occurred in 26 (10%) patients, being more frequent in the first 3 months post-RTX therapy. A higher proportion of early infections were non-respiratory (odds ratio = 1.98, 95% CI: 0.99, 3.9; P = 0.049). CONCLUSION: RTX is safe and is associated with improvement in disease activity in refractory SLE patients with concomitant reductions in glucocorticoid use. Early vigilance for infection post-infusion is important to further improve treatment risks and benefits

A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial of Atorvastatin for the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with increased cardiovascular event (CVE) risk. The impact of statins in RA is not established. We assessed whether atorvastatin is superior to placebo for the primary prevention of CVEs in RA patients. Methods: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was designed to detect a 32% CVE risk reduction based on an estimated 1.6% per annum event rate with 80% power at P 50 years or with a disease duration of >10 years who did not have clinical atherosclerosis, diabetes, or myopathy received atorvastatin 40 mg daily or matching placebo. The primary end point was a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, transient ischemic attack, or any arterial revascularization. Secondary and tertiary end points included plasma lipids and safety. Results: A total of 3,002 patients (mean age 61 years; 74% female) were followed up for a median of 2.51 years (interquartile range [IQR] 1.90, 3.49 years) (7,827 patient‐years). The study was terminated early due to a lower than expected event rate (0.70% per annum). Of the 1,504 patients receiving atorvastatin, 24 (1.6%) experienced a primary end point, compared with 36 (2.4%) of the 1,498 receiving placebo (hazard ratio [HR] 0.66 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.39, 1.11]; P = 0.115 and adjusted HR 0.60 [95% CI 0.32, 1.15]; P = 0.127). At trial end, patients receiving atorvastatin had a mean ± SD low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level 0.77 ± 0.04 mmoles/liter lower than those receiving placebo (P < 0.0001). C‐reactive protein level was also significantly lower in the atorvastatin group than the placebo group (median 2.59 mg/liter [IQR 0.94, 6.08] versus 3.60 mg/liter [IQR 1.47, 7.49]; P < 0.0001). CVE risk reduction per mmole/liter reduction in LDL cholesterol was 42% (95% CI −14%, 70%). The rates of adverse events in the atorvastatin group (n = 298 [19.8%]) and placebo group (n = 292 [19.5%]) were similar. Conclusion: Atorvastatin 40 mg daily is safe and results in a significantly greater reduction of LDL cholesterol level than placebo in patients with RA. The 34% CVE risk reduction is consistent with the Cholesterol Treatment Trialists’ Collaboration meta‐analysis of statin effects in other populations