Pure and entangled N=4 linear supermultiplets and their one-dimensional sigma-models

"Pure" homogeneous linear supermultiplets (minimal and non-minimal) of the N=4-Extended one-dimensional Supersymmetry Algebra are classified. "Pure" means that they admit at least one graphical presentation (the corresponding graph/graphs are known as "Adinkras"). We further prove the existence of "entangled" linear supermultiplets which do not admit a graphical presentation, by constructing an explicit example of an entangled N=4 supermultiplet with field content (3,8,5). It interpolates between two inequivalent pure N=4 supermultiplets with the same field content. The one-dimensional N=4 sigma-model with a three-dimensional target based on the entangled supermultiplet is presented. The distinction between the notion of equivalence for pure supermultiplets and the notion of equivalence for their associated graphs (Adinkras) is discussed. Discrete properties such as chirality and coloring can discriminate different supermultiplets. The tools used in our classification include, among others, the notion of field content, connectivity symbol, commuting group, node choice group and so on.Comment: 20 pages, 5 figures. Two references adde

On non-minimal N=4 supermultiplets in 1D and their associated sigma-models

We construct the non-minimal linear representations of the N=4 Extended Supersymmetry in one-dimension. They act on 8 bosonic and 8 fermionic fields. Inequivalent representations are specified by the mass-dimension of the fields and the connectivity of the associated graphs. The oxidation to minimal N=5 linear representations is given. Two types of N=4 sigma-models based on non-minimal representations are obtained: the resulting off-shell actions are either manifestly invariant or depend on a constrained prepotential. The connectivity properties of the graphs play a decisive role in discriminating inequivalent actions. These results find application in partial breaking of supersymmetric theories.Comment: 24 pages, 6 figure

Prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome and its associated complications in Iranian women: A meta-analysis

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age and is the most common cause of infertility due to anovulation. There is no single criterion for the diagnosis of this syndrome. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of PCOS and its associated complications in Iranian women using meta-analysis method. Materials and Methods: Prevalence of PCOS was investigated from the SID, Goggle scholar, PubMed, Magiran, Irandoc, and Iranmedex, and weighting of each study was calculated according to sample size and prevalence of the binomial distribution. Data were analyzed using a random-effects model meta-analysis (Random effects model) and the software R and Stata Version 11.2. Results: 30 studies conducted between the years 2006 to 2011 were entered into meta-analysis. The total sample size was 19, 226 women aged between 10-45 years. The prevalence of PCOS based on National institute of child health and human disease of the U.S was, 6.8 (95 CI: 4.11-8.5), based on Rotterdam was 19.5 (95 CI: 2.24-8.14), and based on ultrasound was 4.41 (95 CI: 5.68-4.14). Also, the prevalence of hirsutism was estimated to be 13, acne 26, androgenic alopecia 9, menstrual disorders 28, overweight 21, obesity 19, and infertility 8. Conclusion: The prevalence of PCOS in Iran is not high. However, given the risk of complications such as heart disease - cardiovascular and infertility, prevention of PCOS is important; we suggest that health officials must submit plans for the community in this respect

Impact of the 24-h ultramarathon race on homocysteine, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and paraoxonase 1 levels in professional runners

<div><p>The impact of the 24-h ultramarathon race on homocysteine (Hcy) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) levels, two well-recognized cardiovascular risk factors, has not been deeply investigated. Similarly, no information exists on paraoxonase 1 (PON1), an antioxidant enzyme associated with high-density lipoproteins, which may detoxify oxLDL and Hcy-thiolactone, hence preventing their proatherogenic action. Taking this into account, a competitive 24-h ultramarathon race was organized in Reggio-Emilia (Italy) recruiting professional runners (n = 14) from the Italian Ultramarathon and Trail Association. Blood samples were collected from each participant before, during (14 h), and immediately after (24 h) the competition, thus to monitor the serum changes in Hcy, oxLDL, and PON1 levels, as well as other oxidative stress-related parameters, namely reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) and total antioxidant capacity (PAT). As a result, a significant PON1 increase was recorded after 14 h of racing that persisted until the end of the performance. The same trend was observed for PAT values, which positively correlated to PON1 levels (R = 0.643, P<0.001). Hcy, oxLDL, and ROM remained almost unchanged throughout the competition. In conclusion, the present study suggested a protective role of PON1 in sustaining the antioxidant defense system and contrasting lipoprotein oxidative modifications over the 24-h race, and did not specifically evidence either Hcy or oxLDL accumulation in such challenging sporting events.</p></div