First measurement of the transverse spin asymmetries of the deuteron in semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering

First measurements of the Collins and Sivers asymmetries of charged hadrons produced in deep-inelastic scattering of muons on a transversely polarized 6LiD target are presented. The data were taken in 2002 with the COMPASS spectrometer using the muon beam of the CERN SPS at 160 GeV/c. The Collins asymmetry turns out to be compatible with zero, as does the measured Sivers asymmetry within the present statistical errors.

First results from the CERN axion solar telescope

Hypothetical axionlike particles with a two-photon interaction would be produced in the sun by the Primakoff process. In a laboratory magnetic field ("axion helioscope"), they would be transformed into x-rays with energies of a few keV. Using a decommissioned Large Hadron Collider test magnet, the CERN Axion Solar Telescope ran for about 6 months during 2003. The first results from the analysis of these data are presented here. No signal above background was observed, implying an upper limit to the axion-photon coupling g(agamma)<1.16x10(-10) GeV-1 at 95% C.L. for m(a) less, similar 0.02 eV. This limit, assumption-free, is comparable to the limit from stellar energy-loss arguments and considerably more restrictive than any previous experiment over a broad range of axion masses.

Hypernuclear fine structure in (16)(Lambda)O and the LambdaN tensor interaction

We have observed two gamma-ray transitions in (16)(Lambda)O from the 6.6 MeV excited 1(-)(2) state to both ground-state spin-doublet members (1(-)(1),0(-)) by the (K-,pi(-)gamma) reaction. We have obtained the ground-state doublet spacing to be 26.4+/-1.6(stat)+/-0.5(syst) keV and the excitation energy of the 1(-)(2) state to be 6561.7+/-1.1(stat)+/-1.7(syst) keV. The ground-state doublet spacing provides a small but nonzero strength of the tensor interaction between a Lambda and a nucleon. This is the first experimental result on the LambdaN tensor interaction.

Flavor decomposition of the sea-quark helicity distributions in the nucleon from semiinclusive deep inelastic scattering

Double-spin asymmetries of semiinclusive cross sections for the production of identified pions and kaons have been measured in deep inelastic scattering of polarized positrons on a polarized deuterium target. Five helicity distributions including those for three sea quark flavors were extracted from these data together with reanalyzed previous data for identified pions from a hydrogen target. These distributions are consistent with zero for all three sea flavors. A recently predicted flavor asymmetry in the polarization of the light quark sea appears to be disfavored by the data.

Evidence for quark-hadron duality in the proton spin asymmetry A1

Spin-dependent lepton-nucleon scattering data have been used to investigate the validity of the concept of quark-hadron duality for the spin asymmetry A1. Longitudinally polarized positrons were scattered off a longitudinally polarized hydrogen target for values of Q2 between 1.2 and 12 GeV2 and values of W2 between 1 and 4 GeV2. The average double-spin asymmetry in the nucleon resonance region is found to agree with that measured in deep-inelastic scattering at the same values of the Bjorken scaling variable x. This finding implies that the description of A1 in terms of quark degrees of freedom is valid also in the nucleon resonance region for values of Q2 above 1.6 GeV2.

Q2 dependence of nuclear transparency for exclusive rho0 production

Exclusive coherent and incoherent electroproduction of the rho(0) meson from 1H and 14N targets has been studied at the HERMES experiment as a function of coherence length (l(c)), corresponding to the lifetime of hadronic fluctuations of the virtual photon, and squared four-momentum of the virtual photon (-Q2). The ratio of 14N to 1H cross sections per nucleon, called nuclear transparency, was found to increase (decrease) with increasing l(c) for coherent (incoherent) rho(0) electroproduction. For fixed l(c), a rise of nuclear transparency with Q2 is observed for both coherent and incoherent rho(0) production, which is in agreement with theoretical calculations of color transparency.

Measurement of spin-transfer observables in p p-->Lambda Lambda at 1.637 GeV/c

Spin-transfer observables for p p-->Lambda Lambda have been measured using a transversely polarized frozen-spin target and a beam momentum of 1.637 GeV/c. Current models of the reaction near threshold are in good agreement with existing measurements performed with unpolarized particles in the initial state but produce conflicting predictions for the spin-transfer observables Dnn and Knn (the normal-to-normal depolarization and polarization transfer), which are measurable only with polarized target or beam. Measurements of Dnn and Knn presented here are found to be in disagreement with predictions from these models.

Antigenic and adjuvant activities of branched aliphatic oligoester (M-DL-LA) microspheres with incorporated bovine rotavirus

Branched aliphatic oligoester microspheres (msp) with incorporated rotavirus were used to induce the production of systemic and mucosal antibodies in mice. The msp with a mean diameter of 7.4 microm were prepared by the w/o/w technique. The mice were immunized intraperitoneally or orally. High ELISA titres of systemic and local IgG and IgA antibodies were indicative of rotavirus incorporation and of the adjuvant activity of msp. Oral immunization with a split dose administered on three consecutive days, resulted in the production of systemic IgG and IgA antibodies, but failed to induce the production of mucosal antibodies even if the immunization dose was increased threefold. Specific antibodies were detectable in faeces of orally immunized mice only after another triple administration of the same dose in the fourth week of the experiment. Reactions of blood serum IgG with the structural viral proteins VP4, VP6, and VP7 were demonstrated by western blotting. Both systemic, and faecal IgA antibodies were specific for the VP6 protein and the dimeric form of the glycoprotein VP4.

Hypernuclear fine structure in (9)(lambda)Be

With a germanium detector array (Hyperball), we observed two gamma-ray peaks corresponding to the two transitions (5/2(+)-->1/2(+) and 3/2(+)-->1/2(+)) in the (9)(Lambda)Be hypernucleus which was produced by the 9Be(K-,pi(-)) reaction. The energies of the gamma rays are 3029 +/- 2 +/- 1 keV and 3060 +/- 2 +/- 1 keV. The energy difference was measured to be 31.4(+2.5)(-3.6) keV, which indicates a very small Lambda-spin-dependent spin-orbit force between a Lambda and a nucleon. This is the smallest level splitting by far ever measured in a hypernucleus.

Production of (4)(double Lambda)H hypernuclei

An experiment demonstrating the production of double-Lambda hypernuclei in (K(-),K(+)) reactions on (9)Be was carried out at the D6 line in the BNL alternating-gradient synchrotron. The technique was the observation of pions produced in sequential mesonic weak decay, each pion associated with one unit of strangeness change. The results indicate the production of a significant number of the double hypernucleus (4)(double Lambda)H and the twin hypernuclei (4)(Lambda)H and (3)(Lambda)H. The relevant decay chains are discussed and a simple model of the production mechanism is presented. An implication of this experiment is that the existence of an S = -2 dibaryon more than a few MeV below the double Lambda mass is unlikely.

Observation of spin-orbit splitting in lambda single-particle states

The spin-orbit splitting of Lambda single-particle states in (13)(Lambda)C was measured. The 13C(K-,pi(-))(13)(Lambda)C reaction was used to excite both the 1/2(-) and 3/2(-) states simultaneously, which have predominantly 12C(0(+)) x p(Lambda) configuration. gamma rays from the states to the ground state were measured in coincidence with the pi(-)'s, by which ls splitting was found to be 152+/-54(stat)+/-36(syst) keV. The value is 20-30 times smaller than exhibited by the ls splitting in the nuclear shell model. This value gives us new insight into the YN interaction.

Rapid typing of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato species in specimens from patients with different manifestations of Lyme borreliosis

To further investigate the pathogenic potential of different Borrelia burgdorferi genospecies, specimens from 27 patients with different manifestations of Lyme borreliosis were analyzed by PCR and reverse line blotting (RLB). In samples from Lyme arthritis patients, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto was predominantly identified, while in patients with neuroborreliosis or acrodermatitis, Borrelia garinii and Borrelia afzelii, respectively, were exclusively detected. The results demonstrate that PCR-RLB is a valuable tool for epidemiological and pathogenetic studies of Lyme borreliosis.

Evidence for a single-spin azimuthal asymmetry in semi-inclusive pion electroproduction

Single-spin asymmetries for semi-inclusive pion production in deep-inelastic scattering have been measured for the first time. A significant target-spin asymmetry of the distribution in the azimuthal angle straight phi of the pion relative to the lepton scattering plane was formed for pi(+) electroproduction on a longitudinally polarized hydrogen target. The corresponding analyzing power in the sinstraight phi moment of the cross section is 0.022+/-0.005+/-0.003. This result can be interpreted as the effect of terms in the cross section involving chiral-odd spin distribution functions in combination with a chiral-odd fragmentation function that is sensitive to the transverse polarization of the fragmenting quark.

Circulating levels of matrix metalloproteinases MMP-3 and MMP-1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1), and MMP-1/TIMP-1 complex in rheumatic disease. Correlation with clinical activity of rheumatoid arthritis versus other surrogate markers

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinases 3 (MMP-3, stromelysin), MMP-1 (collagenase), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1), and MMP1/TIMP-1 complex (MT complex) are specifically elevated in erosive joint diseases compared to nonerosive rheumatic diseases, and to assess how these markers reflect the clinical activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to circulating cytokines and markers of connective tissue turnover as well as established variables [C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and rheumatoid factor titer].

METHODS

Plasma levels of MMP-3, MMP-1, TIMP- 1, and MT complex were determined by ELISA. One hundred fifteen patients with RA, 20 with osteoarthritis (OA), 28 with psoriasis arthritis (PsA), 24 with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), 3 groups with systemic autoimmune diseases, and 30 healthy controls were analyzed. In patients with RA routine laboratory variables, circulating inflammatory cytokines [interleukin 1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and IL-6], collagen degradation products, and markers of bone formation were determined in parallel and were correlated to 4 variables of clinical activity.

RESULTS

MMP-3 levels were markedly elevated in RA compared to controls and OA, but also in all other groups, including 26 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). MMP-1 levels were significantly elevated in RA, but also in OA, PsA, SLE, and mixed connective tissue disease. In contrast, MT complex was elevated in RA only. TIMP-1 was not different from controls. CRP levels, MMP-3, and ESR correlated best with clinical activity of RA. In contrast, there was no correlation of IL-1 and TNF-alpha and only a weak correlation of IL-6 with clinical measures. Among variables of connective tissue turnover, only pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline crosslinks were weakly correlated with disease activity.

CONCLUSION

Elevated MMP-3 and MMP-1 levels are not specific for RA or for erosive joint diseases in general. In contrast, elevated MT complex levels were observed in patients with RA. However, the correlation of MT-1 with clinical data was weaker than that of MMP-3. Elevated MMP-3 levels reflected disease activity of RA better than cytokine levels or markers of connective tissue turnover. However, MMP-3 levels do not exceed the association of CRP with clinical activity.

Recombinant fish neurotrophin-6 is a heparin-binding glycoprotein: implications for a role in axonal guidance

Neurotrophin-6 (NT-6) was identified in the teleost fish Xiphophorus as a new member of the neurotrophin gene family. NT-6 binds specifically the glycosaminoglycan heparin. In this study NT-6 was expressed in a stably transfected mammalian cell line, and in insect cells via a recombinant baculovirus. It was purified to homogeneity and characterized by MS and N-terminal sequencing. NT-6 from both expression systems was proteolytically processed at one of two protease cleavage motifs and was found to be glycosylated. It supported the survival of embryonic chick sensory neurons; half-maximal survival was observed at 100 ng/ml. Furthermore, NT-6 elicited neurite outgrowth in explanted embryonic dorsal root ganglia. Addition of heparin into the medium did not potentiate the activity of NT-6 in survival assays. However, when a sensory ganglion explant was cultured in a collagen gel matrix assay adjacent to a heparin bead coated with NT-6, neurite outgrowth directed towards the bead was observed. This indicated that NT-6 was slowly released from the heparin bead generating a concentration gradient of NT-6 instrumental for axonal guidance in vitro. Thus the interaction of NT-6 with heparin might not be required for the activation of the cellular receptor for NT-6 on responsive cells but rather may serve to control, in vivo, the distribution of NT-6.

Spontaneously released substance P and bradykinin from isolated guinea-pig bladder

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether the isolated urinary bladder spontaneously releases substance P (SP) or bradykinin (BK), which can act as potent mediators of pain and inflammation of the urinary bladder, and whether peptidase inhibitors enhance peptide release.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Urinary bladder segments (2 x 10 x 0.8-1 mm) were isolated from guinea pigs and studied in vitro; tissue contraction was assessed using force-displacement transducers and the release of peptides by specific enzyme immunoassays.

RESULTS

In the absence of any exogenous agonists, the inhibition of neutral endopeptidase and angiotensin-converting enzyme by phosphoramidon and captopril, respectively, increased the frequency and magnitude of spontaneous motility of isolated bladder strips. Phosphoramidon increased the net release of SP-like immunoreactivity (SP-LI) and captopril increased the net release of SP-LI and BK-LI, concomitant with contraction. Peptide-LI was recovered primarily from bladder mucosa and to a lesser degree from detrusor smooth muscle. Similarly, peptidase inhibitors primarily affected the bladder mucosa; phosphoramidon induced a fourfold increase in SP-LI and captopril induced a significant increase of SP-LI and BK-LI from the mucosa. Tissues contracted in response to peptidase inhibitors in the presence of atropine and indomethacin, but contraction was reduced significantly by in vitro capsaicin desensitization or removal of bladder mucosa. BK stimulated SP-LI release from mucosa but not detrusor. SP stimulated increased BK-LI release from mucosa and detrusor.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate the basal release of peptide-like immunoreactivity by isolated bladder and further support the concept that peptidases located in the bladder mucosa are important in terminating the effects of endogenous peptides.

Immunogenicity of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (BHV-1) proteins integrated into ISCOMs or liposomes

Dynamics and persistence of antibody responses to immunization and reimmunization of rabbits with BHV-1 ISCOMs or BHV-1 liposomes were investigated for 20 weeks and compared with those induced by a commercial vaccine against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) or free BHV-1 protein subunits. Comparable levels of antibodies to BHV-1, determined by ELISA, were found throughout the observation period in rabbits treated with BHV-1 ISCOMs or the commercial vaccine. The immunogenicity of BHV-1 liposomes was higher than that of the free virus proteins, but lower than those of BHV-1 ISCOMs or the commercial vaccine. Virus neutralization test confirmed the best immunostimulatory effect of BHV-1 ISCOMs as far as the levels and the persistence of antibodies were concerned. The reactivities of the specific virus protein subunits with anti-BHV-1 antibodies elicited in rabbits immunized with BHV-1 ISCOMs or the commercial vaccine were compared by Western blotting. The patterns of the bands were similar, but some differences were found in their numbers and intensities.

Enhancement of antibody response to bovine herpesvirus 1 with non-specific immunostimulants

Stimulatory effects of aluminium hydroxide, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), muramyldipeptide (MDP), and empty liposomes on the antigenicity of inactivated bovine herpesvirus 1 were tested in mice. Compared with the standard effect of aluminium hydroxide, stronger antibody responses were observed in mice treated with empty liposomes or LPS alone, or a combination thereof. The strongest antibody response was recorded in mice treated with a combination of inactivated BHV-1, MDP and empty liposomes.