Exploring the Unitarity Triangle through CP violation observables in Bs→K+K−B_s \to K^+ K^-

We discuss the determination of the CKM parameters from the forthcoming $CP$ violation observables in $B_s \to K^+ K^-$ decays. Combining the information on mixing induced CP violation in $B_s \to K^+ K^-$, with the $B_d \to J/\psi K_s$ precision observable $\sin 2\beta$ and the $B^0_s$--$\bar{B^0_s}$ mixing phase $\phi_s$, we propose a determination of the unitarity triangle $(\bar\rho, \bar\eta)$. Computing the penguin parameters $(r, \theta)$ within QCD factorization yield precise determination of $(\bar\rho, \bar\eta)$, reflected by a weak dependence on the $\theta$ which is shown as a second order effect. The impact of the direct CP violation observable $C_{KK}$ on the penguin parameters are investigated and a lower bound on $C_{KK}$ is extracted. We also discuss the effect of the $B^0_s$--$\bar{B^0_s}$ new physics mixing phase on the penguin parameters $(r, \theta)$ and $S_{KK}$. Using the SU(3)-flavour symmetry argument and the current $B$-factories data provided by the $B_d \to \pi^+ \pi^-$ modes, we complement the $B_s \to K^+ K^-$ CP-violating observables in a variety of ways, in particular we find that $S_{KK}>0$. Finally we analyze systematically the SU(3)-symmetry breaking factor within QCD factorization.Comment: 22 pages, 6 figures, typos corrected, reference and some remarks adde

Radiative B decays to the axial KK mesons at next-to-leading order

We calculate the branching ratios of $B\to K_1\gamma$ at next-to-leading order (NLO) of $\alpha_s$ where $K_1$ is the orbitally excited axial vector meson. The NLO decay amplitude is divided into the vertex correction and the hard spectator interaction part. The one is proportional to the weak form factor of $B\to K_1$ transition while the other is a convolution between light-cone distribution amplitudes and hard scattering kernel. Using the light-cone sum rule results for the form factor, we have \calB(B^0\to K_1^0(1270)\gamma)=(0.828\pm0.335)\times 10^{-5} and \calB(B^0\to K_1^0(1400)\gamma)=(0.393\pm0.151)\times 10^{-5}.Comment: 17pages, 4 figures. Minor changes, typos corrected. PRD accepted versio

Direct CP Violation, Branching Ratios and Form Factors B→πB \to \pi, B→KB \to K in BB Decays

The $B \to \pi$ and $B \to K$ transitions involved in hadronic B decays are investigated in a phenomenological way through the framework of QCD factorization. By comparing our results with experimental branching ratios from the BELLE, BABAR and CLEO Collaborations for all the B decays including either a pion or a kaon, we propose boundaries for the transition form factors $B \to \pi$ and $B \to K$ depending on the CKM matrix element parameters $\rho$ and $\eta$. From this analysis, the form factors required to reproduce the experimental data for branching ratios are $F^{B \to \pi}= 0.31 \pm 0.12$ and $F^{B \to K}= 0.37\pm 0.13$. We calculate the direct CP violating asymmetry parameter, $a_{CP}$, for $B \to \pi^{+} \pi^{-} \pi$ and $B \to \pi^{+} \pi^{-} K$ decays, in the case where $\rho-\omega$ mixing effects are taken into account. Based on these results, we find that the direct CP asymmetry for $B^{-} \to \pi^{+} \pi^{-} \pi^{-}$, $\bar{B}^{0} \to \pi^{+} \pi^{-} \pi^{0}$, $B^{-} \to \pi^{+} \pi^{-} K^{-}$, and $\bar{B}^{0} \to \pi^{+} \pi^{-} \bar{K}^{0}$, reaches its maximum when the invariant mass $\pi^{+} \pi^{-}$ is in the vicinity of the $\omega$ meson mass. The inclusion of $\rho-\omega$ mixing provides an opportunity to erase, without ambiguity, the phase uncertainty mod$(\pi)$ in the determination of the CKM angles $\alpha$ in case of $b\to u$ and $\gamma$ in case of $b \to s$.Comment: 74 pages, 15 figures, 8 tables. A few misprints corrected, two references adde

Photon polarization in radiative B decays

We study decay distributions in B -> K pi pi gamma, combining contributions from several overlapping resonances in a K pi pi mass range near 1400 MeV, (1^+) K_1(1400), (2^+) K^*_2(1430) and (1^-) K^*(1410). A method is proposed for using these distributions to determine a photon polarization parameter in the effective radiative weak Hamiltonian. This parameter is measured through an up-down asymmetry of the photon direction relative to the K pi pi decay plane. We calculate a dominant up-down asymmetry of 0.33 +- 0.05 from the K1(1400) resonance, which can be measured with about 10^8 B B-bar pairs, thus providing a new test for the Standard Model and a probe for some of its extensions.Comment: 22 pages, 3 figures, version to appear in Phys. Rev.

Testing QCD factorisation and charming penguins in charmless B→PV{\boldsymbol{B\to PV}}

We try a global fit of the experimental branching ratios and CP-asymmetries of the charmless $B\to PV$ decays according to QCD factorisation. We find it impossible to reach a satisfactory agreement, the confidence level (CL) of the best fit is smaller than .1 %. The main reason for this failure is the difficulty to accomodate several large experimental branching ratios of the strange channels. Furthermore, experiment was not able to exclude a large direct CP asymmetry in $\bar {B^0}\to\rho^+ \pi^-$, which is predicted very small by QCD factorisation. Trying a fit with QCD factorisation complemented by a charming-penguin inspired model we reach a best fit which is not excluded by experiment (CL of about 8 %) but is not fully convincing. These negative results must be tempered by the remark that some of the experimental data used are recent and might still evolve significantly.Comment: 21 pages, 4 figures; several typos corrected, added one footnote and two references, comments added about PQCD. To appear in Phys.Rev.

P and CP violation in B physics

While the Kobayashi--Maskawa single phase origin of CP violation passed its first crucial precision test in $B\to J/\psi K_S$, the chirality of weak $b$-quark couplings has not yet been carefully tested. We discuss recent proposals for studying the chiral and CP-violating structure of these couplings in radiative and in hadronic B decays.Comment: 15 pages, talk at PASCOS'03, Tata Inst., Mumbai, Jan. 200

Ward Identities, B-> \rho Form Factors and |V_ub|

The exclusive FCNC beauty semileptonic decay B-> \rho is studied using Ward identities in a general vector meson dominance framework, predicting vector meson couplings involved. The long distance contributions are discussed which results to obtain form factors and |V_ub|. A detailed comparison is given with other approaches.Comment: 30 pages+four postscript figures, an Appendix adde

Genetic Alchemy unveiled: MicroRNA-mediated gene therapy as the Artisan craft in the battlefront against hepatocellular carcinoma—a comprehensive chronicle of strategies and innovations

Investigating therapeutic miRNAs is a rewarding endeavour for pharmaceutical companies. Since its discovery in 1993, our understanding of miRNA biology has advanced significantly. Numerous studies have emphasised the disruption of miRNA expression in various diseases, making them appealing candidates for innovative therapeutic approaches. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant malignancy that poses a severe threat to human health, accounting for approximately 70%–85% of all malignant tumours. Currently, the efficacy of several HCC therapies is limited. Alterations in various biomacromolecules during HCC progression and their underlying mechanisms provide a basis for the investigation of novel and effective therapeutic approaches. MicroRNAs, also known as miRNAs, have been identified in the last 20 years and significantly impact gene expression and protein translation. This atypical expression pattern is strongly associated with the onset and progression of various malignancies. Gene therapy, a novel form of biological therapy, is a prominent research area. Therefore, miRNAs have been used in the investigation of tumour gene therapy. This review examines the mechanisms of action of miRNAs, explores the correlation between miRNAs and HCC, and investigates the use of miRNAs in HCC gene therapy

Effects of Two Species of VA Mycorrhizal Fungi on Drought Tolerance of Winter Wheat

Roots and soils from western Nebraska fields of native and planted grasslands, and winter wheat of varied fallow-wheat cultivation duration, were evaluated for vesicular-arbuscular (VA) mycorrhizal root infection and spore numbers and types. Increased cultivation decreased percentage mycorrhizal infection in wheat and reduced spore numbers of Glomus fasciculatus, the dominant VA mycorrhizal fungus in these soils. Spore numbers of other VA mycorrhizal fungi did not change significantly with cultivation although mean numbers of G. mosseae increased with continued wheat production. Water relations and growth were determined for greenhouse-grown non-mycorrhizal, G. fasciculatus-infected, and G. mosseae-infected wheat in wet and dry soils. Stomatal conductances were higher in mycorrhizal than in non-mycorrhizal plants in both wet and dry treatments. Stomatal closure in mycorrhizal plants occurred at lower leaf water potentials (ψ1) and after greater desiccation than in non-mycorrhizal plants, but some leaves of G. masseae-infected plants showed no stomatal response to drought and continued to transpire at ψ1 as low as -4◦1 MPa. Leaf osmotic adjustment was greater for G. fasciculatus-infected plants. Non-mycorrhizal and G. fasciculatus-infected plants had equal dry wts in both wet and dry conditions. Infection by G. fasciculatus appeared to increase wheat drought tolerance while infection by G. mosseae did not

An Expert Consensus Statement on the Management of Large Chondral and Osteochondral Defects in the Patellofemoral Joint

© The Author(s) 2020. Background: Cartilage lesions of the patellofemoral joint constitute a frequent abnormality. Patellofemoral conditions are challenging to treat because of complex biomechanics and morphology. Purpose: To develop a consensus statement on the functional anatomy, indications, donor graft considerations, surgical treatment, and rehabilitation for the management of large chondral and osteochondral defects in the patellofemoral joint using a modified Delphi technique. Study Design: Consensus statement. Methods: A working group of 4 persons generated a list of statements related to the functional anatomy, indications, donor graft considerations, surgical treatment, and rehabilitation for the management of large chondral and osteochondral defects in the patellofemoral joint to form the basis of an initial survey for rating by a group of experts. The Metrics of Osteochondral Allografts (MOCA) expert group (composed of 28 high-volume cartilage experts) was surveyed on 3 occasions to establish a consensus on the statements. In addition to assessing agreement for each included statement, experts were invited to propose additional statements for inclusion or to suggest modifications of existing statements with each round. Predefined criteria were used to refine statement lists after each survey round. Statements reaching a consensus in round 3 were included within the final consensus document. Results: A total of 28 experts (100% response rate) completed 3 rounds of surveys. After 3 rounds, 36 statements achieved a consensus, with over 75% agreement and less than 20% disagreement. A consensus was reached in 100.00% of the statements relating to functional anatomy of the patellofemoral joint, 88.24% relating to surgical indications, 100.00% relating to surgical technical aspects, and 100.00% relating to rehabilitation, with an overall consensus of 95.5%. Conclusion: This study established a strong expert consensus document relating to the functional anatomy, surgical indications, donor graft considerations for osteochondral allografts, surgical technical aspects, and rehabilitation concepts for the management of large chondral and osteochondral defects in the patellofemoral joint. Further research is required to clinically validate the established consensus statements and better understand the precise indications for surgery as well as which techniques and graft processing/preparation methods should be used based on patient- and lesion-specific factors