Search for the standard model Higgs boson decaying to a bb pair in events with two oppositely charged leptons using the full CDF data set

We present a search for the standard model Higgs boson produced in association with a Z boson in data collected with the CDF II detector at the Tevatron, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9.45  fb(-1). In events consistent with the decay of the Higgs boson to a bottom-quark pair and the Z boson to electron or muon pairs, we set 95% credibility level upper limits on the ZH production cross section times the H→bb branching ratio as a function of Higgs boson mass. At a Higgs boson mass of 125  GeV/c(2), we observe (expect) a limit of 7.1 (3.9) times the standard model value.

Evidence for a particle produced in association with weak bosons and decaying to a bottom-antibottom quark pair in higgs boson searches at the tevatron

We combine searches by the CDF and D0 Collaborations for the associated production of a Higgs boson with a W or Z boson and subsequent decay of the Higgs boson to a bottom-antibottom quark pair. The data, originating from Fermilab Tevatron pp collisions at √s = 1.96 TeV, correspond to integrated luminosities of up to 9.7 fb(-1). The searches are conducted for a Higgs boson with mass in the range 100-150 GeV/c(2). We observe an excess of events in the data compared with the background predictions, which is most significant in the mass range between 120 and 135 GeV/c(2). The largest local significance is 3.3 standard deviations, corresponding to a global significance of 3.1 standard deviations. We interpret this as evidence for the presence of a new particle consistent with the standard model Higgs boson, which is produced in association with a weak vector boson and decays to a bottom-antibottom quark pair.

Flow characteristics of LIMA radial composite sequential bypass grafting and single LIMA and saphenous vein sequential bypass grafting performed under OPCAB

AIM

The present study was aimed to compare the hemodynamic flow characteristics of LIMA radial artery composite sequential bypass grafting and with single LIMA and saphenous vein sequential bypass grafting performed by off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB).

METHODS

Between March 2007 and February 2008, 121 OPCAB patients were prospectively divided into two groups; Group I (N.=70, left internal thoracic artery [LITA]-left anterior descending [LAD] and Ao-SV sequential grafting), and Group II (N.=51, LITA-RA sequential grafting). The mean flow, pulsatility index (PI) and back flow (BF) were measured using the Transit-time flow meter (TTFM). In Group II, the proximal (p-LITA) and distal LITA (d-LITA) flow in relation to the RA side branch anastomosis were measured separately.

RESULTS

The mean flow and PI of the proximal SV sequential graft and that of the RA graft were 64.4 ± 37.3 mL/min and 2.6 ± 1.6 versus 27.3 ± 18.6 mL/min and 4.1 ± 4.4, respectively (P<0.05). In Group I, the mean LITA flow, PI, and BF were 26.9 ± 16.4 mL/min, 2.6 ± 1.5, and 3.1 ± 6.1% whereas in Group II those of the p-LITA were 37.3 ± 21.6 mL/min, 2.3 ± 1.0, and 2.0 ± 3.5% and the d-LITA were 18.8 ± 12.2 mL/min, 3.9 ± 3.3 and 7.4 ± 11.8% (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The results of the present data suggest the hemodynamic flow characteristics of composite bypass grafting to be inferior to the single LIMA and separate aorta-saphenous vein bypass grafting strategy. However, a longer follow up is warranted to assess the implications of these findings on graft durability.

Evidence that abnormally large seasonal declines in vitamin D status may trigger SLE flare in non-African Americans

Cross-sectional studies have shown that low vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D)) is associated with increased systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) activity. This study is the first to assess the temporal relationship between 25(OH)D levels and onset of SLE flare. This assessment was made possible because of the specimen bank and database of the Ohio SLE Study (OSS), a longitudinal study of frequently relapsing SLE that involved regular bimonthly patient follow-up. We identified for this study 82 flares from 46 patients that were separated by at least 8 months from previous flares. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured at 4 and 2 months before flare, and at the time of flare (a flare interval). We found that for flares occurring during low daylight months (LDM, Oct-Mar), 25(OH)D levels were decreased at the time of flare, but only in non-African American (non-AA) patients (32% decrease at flare, compared to 4 months prior, p < 0.001). To control for seasonal effects, we also measured 25(OH)D levels in the LDM "no-flare" intervals, which were intervals that matched to the same calendar months of the patients' LDM flare intervals, but that didn't end in flare (n = 24). For these matches, a significant decrease occurred in 25(OH)D levels during the flare intervals (18.1% decrease, p < 0.001), but not during the matching no-flare intervals (6.2% decrease, p = 0.411). For flares occurring during high daylight months (HDM), 25(OH)D levels changed only in non-AA patients, increasing slightly (5.6%, p = 0.010). Analysis of flare rates for the entire OSS cohort (n = 201 flares) revealed a tendency for higher flare rates during LDM compared to HDM, but again only in non-AA patients (p = 0.060). Flare rates were lower during HDM for non-AA patients compared to AA patients (p = 0.028). In conclusion, in non-AA SLE patients, unusually large declines in 25(OH)D during LDM may be mechanistically related to SLE flare, whereas relatively high 25(OH)D levels during HDM may protect against flare.

SU-E-J-23: Prostate Bed Motion Study Using Surgical Clips Based on Daily CBCT

PURPOSE

To study prostate-bed motion after prostatectomy using the surgical clips as a surrogate.

METHODS

On the treatment planning CT, surgical clips within the PTV are identified and contoured. They are also identified and contoured in each daily CBCT. The center of mass (COM) coordinates for each clip within the native reference frame of each image set of CT and CBCT are recorded. Each CBCT (for daily image guidance) is registered to the planning CT based on the pelvic bony structure. The resulted 3D transformation matrix is used to convert the clip coordinates in the CBCT to the planning CT reference frame. Difference between the converted COM coordinates and the one in planning CT is taken as the rigid motion of the prostate bed relative to the pelvic bony structure during the course of radiation therapy. The motion data are then analyzed using statistical error analysis and quantified by the commonly defined M (average over all fractions and all patients), S (stdev of averages per patient, the systematic motion), and s (root mean square of stdev per patient, the random motion). Among a large pool of patients, seven patients were selected for this retrospective study, each with 3 to 11 identifiable clips and 17 to 26 CBCT sets. The total number of clips is 44 and total daily CBCT sets 160.

RESULTS

In the (right-left, anterio-posterior, foot-head) directions, the M values are (0.2 mm, 0.4 mm, -0.6 mm), S (0.2, 2.5, 3.2), and s (1.7, 2.6, 2.1).

CONCLUSIONS

Relative to the bony pelvic structure, the prostate bed motion characteristics are similar to that of intact prostate, as summarized in Table 2 of Rasch et al 2005 ('Target Definition in Prostate, Head, and Neck.' Semin Radiat Oncol 15:136-145).

Search for dark matter in events with one jet and missing transverse energy in pp¯ collisions at √s=1.96 TeV

We present the results of a search for dark matter production in the monojet signature. We analyze a sample of Tevatron pp[over ¯] collisions at √s=1.96 TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6.7 fb(-1) recorded by the CDF II detector. In events with large missing transverse energy and one energetic jet, we find good agreement between the standard model prediction and the observed data. We set 90% confidence level upper limits on the dark matter production rate. The limits are translated into bounds on nucleon-dark matter scattering rates which are competitive with current direct detection bounds on spin-independent interaction below a dark matter candidate mass of 5 GeV/c(2), and on spin-dependent interactions up to masses of 200 GeV/c(2).

Search for a heavy particle decaying to a top quark and a light quark in pp ¯ collisions at √s=1.96 TeV

We present a search for a new heavy particle X produced in association with a top quark, pp[over ¯]→t(X→t[over ¯]q) or pp[over ¯]→t[over ¯](X[over ¯]→tq[over ¯]), where q stands for up quarks and down quarks. Such a particle may explain the recent anomalous measurements of top-quark forward-backward asymmetry. If the light-flavor quark (q) is reconstructed as a jet (j), this gives a t[over ¯]+j or t+j resonance in tt[over ¯]+jet events, a previously unexplored experimental signature. In a sample of events with exactly one lepton, missing transverse momentum and at least five jets, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 8.7 fb(-1) collected by the CDF II detector, we find the data to be consistent with the standard model. We set cross-section upper limits on the production (pp[over ¯]→Xt or X[over ¯]t[over ¯]) at 95% confidence level from 0.61 pb to 0.02 pb for X masses ranging from 200 GeV/c(2) to 800 GeV/c(2), respectively.

Evidence for the charmless annihilation decay mode B(s)(0)→π(+)π(-)

We search for annihilation decay modes of neutral b mesons into pairs of charmless charged hadrons with the upgraded Collider Detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. Using a data sample corresponding to 6 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity, we obtain the first evidence for the B(s)(0)→π(+)π(-) decay, with a significance of 3.7σ, and a measured branching ratio B(B(s)(0)→π(+)π(-))=(0.57±0.15(stat)±0.10(syst))×10(-6). A search for the B(0)→K(+)K(-) mode in the same sample yields a significance of 2.0σ, and a central value estimate B(B(0)→K(+)K(-))=(0.23±0.10(stat)±0.10(syst))×10(-6).

Measurement of Bs0→Ds(*)+Ds(*)- branching ratios

The decays Bs0→Ds(*)+Ds(*)- are reconstructed in a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6.8  fb-1 collected by the CDF II detector at the Tevatron pp[over ¯] collider. All decay modes are observed with a significance of more than 10σ, and we measure the Bs0 production rate times Bs0→Ds(*)+Ds(*)- branching ratios relative to the normalization mode B0→Ds+D-to be 0.183±0.021±0.017 for Bs0→Ds+Ds-, 0.424±0.046±0.035 for Bs0→Ds*±Ds^∓, 0.654±0.072±0.065 for Bs0→Ds*+Ds*-, and 1.261±0.095±0.112 for the inclusive decay Bs0→Ds(*)+Ds(*)-, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic. These results are the most precise single measurements to date and provide important constraints for indirect searches for nonstandard model physics in Bs0 mixing.

Search for a dark matter candidate produced in association with a single top quark in pp collisions at √[s]=1.96 TeV

We report a new search for dark matter in a data sample of an integrated luminosity of 7.7  fb-1 of Tevatron pp[over ¯] collisions at √[s]=1.96  TeV, collected by the CDF II detector. We search for production of a dark-matter candidate, D, in association with a single top quark. We consider the hadronic decay mode of the top quark exclusively, yielding a final state of three jets with missing transverse energy. The data are consistent with the standard model; we thus set 95% confidence level upper limits on the cross section of the process pp[over ¯]→t+D as a function of the mass of the dark-matter candidate. The limits are approximately 0.5 pb for a dark-matter particle with mass in the range of 0-150  GeV/c2.

Characterization of glomerular diseases using proteomic analysis of laser capture microdissected glomeruli

The application of molecular techniques to characterize clinical kidney biopsies has the potential to provide insights into glomerular diseases that cannot be revealed by traditional renal pathology. The present work is a proof-of-concept approach to test whether proteomic analysis of glomeruli isolated from clinical biopsies by laser capture microdissection can provide unique information regarding differentially expressed proteins relevant to disease pathogenesis. The proteomes of glomeruli isolated by laser capture microdissection from biopsies of normal kidneys (living-related donor kidneys) were compared with those from patients with diabetic nephropathy, lupus nephritis, and fibronectin glomerulopathy. Glomerular proteins were extracted, trypsin digested, and subjected to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for identification and quantitation. Relative to normal glomeruli, all disease-associated glomeruli showed an increased presence of complement components, a marked decline in podocyte-associated proteins, and a decrease in proteins associated with cellular metabolism. Additionally, fibronectin glomerulopathy glomeruli differed from all the other glomeruli because of a significant accumulation of fibronectin and fibulin. This study demonstrates that our method acquires reproducible and quantitative proteomic information from laser capture microdissection isolates that can be used to characterize the molecular features of glomerular diseases.

Measurements of the angular distributions of muons from Υ decays in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV

The angular distributions of muons from Υ(1S,2S,3S) → μ+ μ- decays are measured using data from pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96  TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6.7  fb(-1) and collected with the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. This analysis is the first to report the full angular distributions as functions of transverse momentum p(T) for Υ mesons in both the Collins-Soper and s-channel helicity frames. This is also the first measurement of the spin alignment of Υ(3S) mesons. Within the kinematic range of Υ rapidity |y|<0.6 and p(T) up to 40  GeV/c, the angular distributions are found to be nearly isotropic.

Precise measurement of the W-boson mass with the CDF II detector

We have measured the W-boson mass M(W) using data corresponding to 2.2  fb(-1) of integrated luminosity collected in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96  TeV with the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron collider. Samples consisting of 470,126 W → eν candidates and 624,708 W → μν candidates yield the measurement M(W) = 80,387 ± 12(stat.) ± 15(syst.) = 80,387 ± 19  MeV/c2. This is the most precise measurement of the W-boson mass to date and significantly exceeds the precision of all previous measurements combined.

Poststroke depression and emotional incontinence: factors related to acute and subacute stages

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the characteristics and prevalence of poststroke depression (PSD) and poststroke emotional incontinence (PSEI) and the factors related to these conditions at admission and 3 months after stroke.

METHODS

We evaluated 508 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke for PSD and PSEI at admission and 3 months later. PSD was evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory, and PSEI was evaluated using Kim's criteria. Blood samples were collected and genotyped for the promoter region of the serotonin transporter protein (5-HTTLPR) and the number of tandem repeats within intron 2 (STin2 VNTR). Perceived social support (the ENRICHD Social Support Inventory) was also measured.

RESULTS

PSD and PSEI were present in 13.7% and 9.4% of patients, respectively, at admission and in 17.7% and 11.7%, respectively, at 3 months after stroke. Multivariate analyses showed that PSD at admission was associated with the NIH Stroke Scale score at admission (p < 0.001), whereas PSD at 3 months was associated with the presence of microbleeds (p < 0.01) and perceived low social support (p < 0.001). In contrast, only lesion location (p = 0.022) was associated with PSEI at admission, whereas modified Rankin Scale score (p = 0.019), STin2 VNTR (p = 0.040), and low social support (p = 0.042) were related to PSEI 3 months after stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

Diverse factors such as neurologic dysfunction, lesion location, microbleeds, genetic traits, and social support are differently related to acute and subacute emotional disturbances. Strategies to prevent or manage these problems should consider these differences.