Universal Predictions of Modular Invariant Flavor Models near the Self-Dual Point.

We analyze a large set of modular invariant models of lepton masses and mixing angles, pointing out that many of them prefer to live close to the self-dual point τ=i. We show that in the vicinity of this point a universal behavior naturally emerges, independent from details of the theory, such as the finite modular group acting on the lepton multiplets, the weights of the matter multiplets and even the form of the kinetic terms, which are not required to be minimal nor flavor blind. The neutrino mass spectrum is normally ordered and universal relations describe the scaling of the physical observables in terms of the parameter |τ-i|.

Does Information and Communication Technology Add Value to Citizen-Led Accountability Initiatives in Health? Experiences from India and Guatemala.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) may facilitate the collection and dissemination of citizen-generated data to enhance governmental accountability for the fulfillment of the right to health. The aim of this multiple case study research was to distill considerations related to the implementation of ICT and health accountability projects, describe the added operational value of ICT tools (as compared to similar projects that do not use ICT), and make preliminary statements regarding government responsiveness to accountability demands through ICT projects. In all three projects, the need for relationship building, continuous community engagement and technical support, and training for volunteers or service users was identified.

The challenges of institutionalizing community-level social accountability mechanisms for health and nutrition: a qualitative study in Odisha, India.

Background: India has been at the forefront of innovations around social accountability mechanisms in improving the delivery of public services, including health and nutrition. Yet little is known about how such initiatives are faring now that they are incorporated formally into government programmes and implemented at scale. This brings greater impetus to understand their effectiveness.

Revisiting Lepton Flavor Universality in B Decays.

Lepton flavor universality (LFU) in B decays is revisited by considering a class of semileptonic operators defined at a scale Λ above the electroweak scale v. The importance of quantum effects, so far neglected in the literature, is emphasized. We construct the low-energy effective Lagrangian taking into account the running effects from Λ down to v through the one-loop renormalization group equations (RGEs) in the limit of exact electroweak symmetry and QED RGEs from v down to the 1 GeV scale.

Expression and function of IL-1R8 (TIR8/SIGIRR): a regulatory member of the IL-1 receptor family in platelets.

Aims: Platelets express functional interleukin-1 receptor-1 (IL-1R1) as well as a repertoire of toll-like receptors (TLRs) involved in platelet activation, platelet-leucocyte reciprocal activation, and immunopathology. IL-1R8, also known as single Ig IL-1-related receptor (SIGIRR) or TIR8, is a member of the IL-1R family that negatively regulates responses to IL-1R family members and TLRs. In the present study, we addressed the expression of IL-1R8 in platelets and megakaryocytes and its role in the control of platelet activation during inflammatory conditions and thromboembolism.