SHc^c Realization of Minimal Model CFT: Triality, Poset and Burge Condition

Recently an orthogonal basis of $\mathcal{W}_N$-algebra (AFLT basis) labeled by $N$-tuple Young diagrams was found in the context of 4D/2D duality. Recursion relations among the basis are summarized in the form of an algebra SH$^c$ which is universal for any $N$. We show that it has an $\mathfrak{S}_3$ automorphism which is referred to as triality. We study the level-rank duality between minimal models, which is a special example of the automorphism. It is shown that the nonvanishing states in both systems are described by $N$ or $M$ Young diagrams with the rows of boxes appropriately shuffled. The reshuffling of rows implies there exists partial ordering of the set which labels them. For the simplest example, one can compute the partition functions for the partially ordered set (poset) explicitly, which reproduces the Rogers-Ramanujan identities. We also study the description of minimal models by SH$^c$. Simple analysis reproduces some known properties of minimal models, the structure of singular vectors and the $N$-Burge condition in the Hilbert space.Comment: 1+38 pages and 12 figures. v2: typos corrected + comments adde

Comparison of Commuters' Satisfaction and Preferences with Public Transport: A Case of Wagon Service in Lahore

This study aims at making a comparison between different modes' users for satisfaction and preferences with public transportation by taking wagon service in Lahore as a case study. A questionnaire survey was conducted, and structural models were developed for satisfaction with wagon and preferences to use public transportation. Structural model of satisfaction shows that commuters' satisfaction has positive relationship with the improvement of symbolic and functional factors of wagon service. However, increase in cost and time factors tends to decrease satisfaction level. Similarly, symbolic and functional factors of service quality have positive influence on people’s preferences to use public transportation. The results of comparative structural modeling revealed that there is significant difference for standardized estimates of structural equations between different mode users. The models of public transport and motorcycle users have more resemblance with the base model of satisfaction which implies that perceptions of current public transport and potential users are adequate for evaluation of service quality of public transport modes. Moreover, it is found that variation exists between different modes' users for preferences to use public transportation. The findings would be helpful in improving the service quality of wagon service according to satisfaction and preferences of different modes' users

The pure annihilation type decays B0→Ds−K2∗+B^0\rightarrow D_{s}^{-}K_{2}^{*+} and Bs→Dˉa2B_{s}\rightarrow \bar{D}a_{2} in perturbative QCD approach

We calculate the branching ratios of pure annihilation type decays $B^0\rightarrow D_{s}^{-}K_{2}^{*+}$ and $B_s\rightarrow \bar{D}a_{2}$ using the perturbative QCD approach based on $k_T$ factorization. The branching ratios are predicted to be $(60.6_{-16.5\,-10.4\,-2.1}^{+17.3\,+4.3\,+3.2}) \times 10^{-6}$ for $B^0\rightarrow D_{s}^{-}K_{2}^{*+}$, $(1.1_{-0.4\,-0.2\,-0.1}^{+0.4\,+0.1\,+0.1})\times 10^{-6}$ for $B_s\rightarrow \bar{D}a_{2}^{0}$ and $(2.3_{-0.8\,-0.4\,-0.1}^{+0.8\,+0.2\,+0.1})\times 10^{-6}$ for $B_{s}\rightarrow D^{-}a_{2}^{+}$. They are large enough to be measured in the ongoing experiment. Due to the shortage of contributions from penguin operators, there are no direct CP asymmetries for these decays in the standard model. We also derive simple relations among these decay channels to reduce theoretical uncertainties for the experiments to test the accuracy of theory and search of new physics signal.Comment: 9pages, 1 figur

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) production from synthetic waste using Pseudomonas pseudoflava : PHA synthase enzyme activity analysis from P. pseudoflava and P. palleronii

Synthetic wastewater (SW) at various carbon concentrations (5–60 g/l) were evaluated for polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) production using the bacteria Pseudomonas pseudoflava. Bacteria showed highest PHA production with 20 g/l (57 ± 5%), and highest carbon removal at 5 g/l (74 ± 6%) concentrations respectively. Structure, molecular weight, and thermal properties of the produced PHA were evaluated using various analytical techniques. Bacteria produced homo-polymer [poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (P3HB)] when only acetate was used as carbon source; and it produced co-polymer [poly-(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) P(3HB-co-3HV)] by addition of co-substrate propionate. PHA synthase, the enzyme which produce PHA was extracted from two bacterial strains i.e., P. pseudoflava and P. palleronii and its molecular weight was analysed using SDS-PAGE. Protein concentration, and PHA synthase enzyme activity of P. pseudoflava and P. palleronii was carried out using spectrophotometer. Results denoted that P. pseudoflava can be used for degradation of organic carbon persistent in wastewaters and their subsequent conversion into PHA

Patterns of Eating Behavior among 13-Year-Old Adolescents and Associated Factors: Findings from the Generation XXI Birth Cohort

Eating behavior adopted during adolescence may persist into adulthood. The aims of this study were to identify eating behavior patterns among Portuguese adolescents and to explore whether groups differ in terms of early life and family characteristics, severity of depressive symptoms, and body mass index (BMI) z-score. Participants were 3601 13-year-olds enrolled in the birth cohort Generation XXI. Eating behavior was assessed using the self-reported Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire (AEBQ), validated in this sample. The severity of depressive symptoms was measured through the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), and data on sociodemographic and anthropometrics were collected at birth and 13-years-old. Latent class analysis was conducted, and associations were estimated using multinomial logistic regression models. Five patterns of individuals were identified: Picky eating, Disinterest towards food, Food neophilia, Emotional eating, and Food attractiveness. The adolescents' sex, maternal education, BMI z-score, and severity of depressive symptoms were significantly associated with the identified patterns. In particular, adolescents with a higher BMI z-score were more likely in Food neophilia while individuals with more severe depressive symptoms were in the Picky eating, Emotional eating, and Food attractiveness patterns. These findings suggest a starting point for the development and planning of targeted public health interventions

Postmenopausal therapy reduces catalase activity and attenuates cardiovascular risk

BACKGROUND: Menopause can lead to alterations in women's health, with changes in the oxidative status of postmenopausal women in whom information regarding the influence of hormone therapy (HT) on antioxidant enzyme activities is limited. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of HT on catalase activity; concentrations of lipids and lipoprotein, cholesteryl ester transfer protein, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, nitrates, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and carotid thickness in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Ninety-four consecutive women were allocated to one of four groups, without HT and with HT. The latter group was subdivided into women using estrogen and those using estrogen plus progestogen therapy. Plasma biochemical parameters and common carotid intima-media thickness measurements were performed. RESULTS: HT antagonized the decrease in catalase activity after menopause, but had no effect on the levels of cholesteryl ester transfer protein, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, lipid peroxide, nitrate, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, or on the common carotid intima-media thickness. Multivariate analysis showed that estrogen-based HT attenuated the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and the intima-media thickness of the common carotid. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that HT in postmenopausal women produces beneficial antioxidant and anti-atherosclerotic effects by ameliorating the plasma lipid and lipoprotein profiles, increasing plasma catalase activity and attenuating the association between cardiovascular risk factors and early atherosclerosis.FUNDAMENTO: A menopausa pode levar a alterações na saúde feminina, com mudanças no estado oxidativo de mulheres pós-menopausadas, para as quais são limitadas as informações relativas à influência da hormonioterapia (HT) sobre as atividades das enzimas antioxidantes. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência da HT sobre a atividade da catalase, concentrações de lipídeos e lipoproteínas, proteína de transferência de colesteril éster, substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico, nitratos, proteína C-reativa ultrassensível e espessura da carótida em mulheres pós-menopausadas. MÉTODOS: Foram alocadas 94 mulheres para um de quatro grupos com ou sem HT. O último grupo foi subdividido em mulheres sendo tratadas com estrógeno e outras com estrógeno mais progestágeno. Foram realizadas medidas de parâmetros bioquímicos plasmáticos e da espessura da íntima-média da carótida. RESULTADOS: A HT antagonizou a redução na atividade da catalase após a menopausa, mas não teve efeito sobre os níveis da proteína de transferência de colesteril éster, substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico, peróxido lipídico, nitrato e proteína C reativa ultrassensível, nem sobre a espessura da íntima-média da carótida. A análise multivariada mostrou que a HT baseada em estrógeno atenuou a relação entre os fatores de risco cardiovasculares e a espessura da íntima-média da carótida comum. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo mostra que a HT em mulheres pós-menopausadas produz efeitos antioxidantes e antiateroscleróticos benéficos por melhorar as concentrações séricas de lipídios e lipoproteínas, aumentar a atividade da catalase sérica e atenuar a associação entre os fatores de risco cardiovasculares e a aterosclerose precoce.1008101

SPINT2 deregulation in prostate carcinoma

SPINT2 is a tumor suppressor gene that inhibits proteases implicated in cancer progression, like HGFA, hepsin and matriptase. Loss of SPINT2 expression in tumors has been associated with gene promoter hypermethylation; however, little is known about the mechanisms of SPINT2 deregulation in prostate cancer (PCa). We aimed to analyze SPINT2 expression levels and understand the possible regulation by SPINT2 promoter hypermethylation in PCa. In a cohort of 57 cases including non-neoplastic and PCa tissues, SPINT2 expression and promoter methylation was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and methylation-specific PCR, respectively. Methylation status of the SPINT2 promoter was also evaluated by bisulfite sequencing and 5-aza-2’-deoxycytidine treatment. Oncomine and TCGA databases were used to perform in silico PCa analysis of SPINT2 mRNA and methylation levels. A reduction in SPINT2 expression levels from nonneoplastic to PCa tissues was observed; however, none of the cases exhibited SPINT2 promoter methylation. Both bisulfite sequencing and 5-aza demonstrated that SPINT2 promoter is not methylated in PCa cells. Bioinformatics approaches did not show downregulation of SPINT2 at the mRNA level and, in corroboration with our results, SPINT2 promoter region is reported to be unmethylated. Our study suggests an involvement of SPINT2 in PCa tumorigenesis, probably in association with a post-translational regulation of SPINT2.The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This study was supported by the ICVS internal research funds of participating authors and by FCT project, ref. PTDC/SAUONC/115513/2009. F.P. received fellowship from the FCT, ref. SFRH/BD/81369/2011 and M.VP from the ON.2 SR&TD Integrated Program (N-01-01-01-24-01-07), ref. UMINHO/ BPD/36/2013

Effects of plyometric versus optimum power load training on components of physical fitness in young male soccer players

Purpose: The current study aimed to compare the effects of plyometric (PT) versus optimum power load (OPL) training on physical performance of young high-level soccer players. Methods: Athletes were randomly divided into PT (horizontal and vertical drills) and OPL (squat + hip thrust exercises at the load of maximum power output) interventions, applied over 7 weeks during the in-season period. Squat and countermovement jumps, maximal sprint (10 and 30 m), and change of direction (COD; agility t test) were the pretraining and posttraining measured performance variables. Magnitude-based inference was used for within- and between-group comparisons. Results: OPL training induced moderate improvements in vertical squat jump (effect size [ES]: 0.97; 90% confidence interval [CI], 0.32–1.61) and countermovement jump (ES: 1.02; 90% CI, 0.46–1.57), 30-m sprint speed (ES: 1.02; 90% CI, 0.09–1.95), and COD performance (ES: 0.93; 90% CI, 0.50–1.36). After PT training method, vertical squat jump (ES: 1.08; 90% CI, 0.66–1.51) and countermovement jump (ES: 0.62; 90% CI, 0.18–1.06) were moderately increased, while small enhancements were noticed for 30-m sprint speed (ES: 0.21; 90% CI, −0.02 to 0.45) and COD performance (ES: 0.53; 90% CI, 0.24–0.81). The 10-m sprint speed possibly increased after PT intervention (small ES: 0.25; 90% CI, −0.05 to 0.54), but no substantial change (small ES: 0.36; 90% CI, −0.40 to 1.13) was noticed in OPL. For between-group analyses, the COD ability and 30-m sprint performances were possibly (small ES: 0.30; 90% CI, −0.20 to 0.81; Δ = +1.88%) and likely (moderate ES: 0.81; 90% CI, −0.16 to 1.78; Δ = +2.38%) more improved in the OPL than in the PT intervention, respectively. Conclusions: The 2 different training programs improved physical performance outcomes during the in-season period. However, the combination of vertically and horizontally based training exercises (squat + hip thrust) at optimum power zone led to superior gains in COD and 30-m linear sprint performances

A Proton Conductive Porous Framework of an 18-Crown-6-Ether Derivative Networked by Rigid Hydrogen Bonding Modules

A rigid hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOF) was constructed from a C3-symmetric hexatopic carboxylic acid with a hydrophilic 18-crown-6-ether (18C6) component. Despite the flexible macrocyclic structure with many conformations, the derivative with three 4,4’-dicarboxy-o-terphenyl moieties in the periphery yielded a rigid layered porous framework through directional intermolecular hydrogen bonding. Interestingly, the HOF possesses 1D channels with bottleneck composed of 18C6 rings. The HOF shows proton conductivity (1.12×10−7 S cm−1) through Grotthuss mechanism (Ea=0.27 eV) under 98 %RH. The present unique water channel structure provides an inspiration to create molecular porous materials.This is the accepted version of the following article:Chen X., Huang R.K., Takahashi K., et al. A Proton Conductive Porous Framework of an 18-Crown-6-Ether Derivative Networked by Rigid Hydrogen Bonding Modules. Angewandte Chemie - International Edition 61, e202211686 (2022), which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202211686. This article may be used for non-commercialpurposes in accordance with the Wiley Self-ArchivingPolicy [https://authorservices.wiley.com/author-resources/Journal-Authors/licensing/self-archiving.html