First Measurements of Absolute Branching Fractions of the Ξ_{c}^{0} Baryon at Belle

We present the first measurements of absolute branching fractions of Ξ_{c}^{0} decays into Ξ^{-}π^{+}, ΛK^{-}π^{+}, and pK^{-}K^{-}π^{+} final states. The measurements are made using a dataset comprising (772±11)×10^{6} BB[over ¯] pairs collected at the ϒ(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e^{+}e^{-} collider. We first measure the absolute branching fraction for B^{-}→Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-}Ξ_{c}^{0} using a missing-mass technique; the result is B(B^{-}→Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-}Ξ_{c}^{0})=(9.51±2.10±0.88)×10^{-4}. We subsequently measure the product branching fractions B(B^{-}→Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-}Ξ_{c}^{0})B(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+}), B(B^{-}→Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-}Ξ_{c}^{0})B(Ξ_{c}^{0}→ΛK^{-}π^{+}), and B(B^{-}→Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-}Ξ_{c}^{0})B(Ξ_{c}^{0}→pK^{-}K^{-}π^{+}) with improved precision. Dividing these product branching fractions by the result for B^{-}→Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-}Ξ_{c}^{0} yields the following branching fractions: B(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+})=(1.80±0.50±0.14)%, B(Ξ_{c}^{0}→ΛK^{-}π^{+})=(1.17±0.37±0.09)%, and B(Ξ_{c}^{0}→pK^{-}K^{-}π^{+})=(0.58±0.23±0.05)%. For the above branching fractions, the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. Our result for B(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+}) can be combined with Ξ_{c}^{0} branching fractions measured relative to Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+} to yield other absolute Ξ_{c}^{0} branching fractions.

Observation of Ξ(1620)^{0} and Evidence for Ξ(1690)^{0} in Ξ_{c}^{+}→Ξ^{-}π^{+}π^{+} Decays

We report the first observation of the double strange baryon Ξ(1620)^{0} in its decay to Ξ^{-}π^{+} via Ξ_{c}^{+}→Ξ^{-}π^{+}π^{+} decays based on a 980  fb^{-1} data sample collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. The mass and width are measured to be 1610.4±6.0(stat)_{-4.2}^{+6.1} (syst)  MeV/c^{2} and 59.9±4.8(stat)_{-7.1}^{+2.8}(syst)  MeV, respectively. We obtain 4.0σ evidence of the Ξ(1690)^{0} with the same data sample. These results shed light on the structure of hyperon resonances with strangeness S=-2.

Observation of Transverse Λ/Λ[over ¯] Hyperon Polarization in e^{+}e^{-} Annihilation at Belle

We report the first observation of the spontaneous polarization of Λ and Λ[over ¯] hyperons transverse to the production plane in e^{+}e^{-} annihilation, which is attributed to the effect arising from a polarizing fragmentation function. For inclusive Λ/Λ[over ¯] production, we also report results with subtracted feed-down contributions from Σ^{0} and charm. This measurement uses a dataset of 800.4  fb^{-1} collected by the Belle experiment at or near a center-of-mass energy of 10.58 GeV. We observe a significant polarization that rises with the fractional energy carried by the Λ/Λ[over ¯] hyperon.

Search for a Light CP-odd Higgs Boson and Low-Mass Dark Matter at the Belle Experiment

We report on the first Belle search for a light CP-odd Higgs boson, A^{0}, that decays into low mass dark matter, χ, in final states with a single photon and missing energy. We search for events produced via the dipion transition ϒ(2S)→ϒ(1S)π^{+}π^{-}, followed by the on-shell process ϒ(1S)→γA^{0} with A^{0}→χχ, or by the off-shell process ϒ(1S)→γχχ. Utilizing a data sample of 157.3×10^{6} ϒ(2S) decays, we find no evidence for a signal. We set limits on the branching fractions of such processes in the mass ranges M_{A^{0}}<8.97  GeV/c^{2} and M_{χ}<4.44  GeV/c^{2}. We then use the limits on the off-shell process to set competitive limits on WIMP-nucleon scattering in the WIMP mass range below 5  GeV/c^{2}.

First Evidence for cos2β>0 and Resolution of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa Quark-Mixing Unitarity Triangle Ambiguity

We present first evidence that the cosine of the CP-violating weak phase 2β is positive, and hence exclude trigonometric multifold solutions of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) Unitarity Triangle using a time-dependent Dalitz plot analysis of B^{0}→D^{(*)}h^{0} with D→K_{S}^{0}π^{+}π^{-} decays, where h^{0}∈{π^{0},η,ω} denotes a light unflavored and neutral hadron. The measurement is performed combining the final data sets of the BABAR and Belle experiments collected at the ϒ(4S) resonance at the asymmetric-energy B factories PEP-II at SLAC and KEKB at KEK, respectively. The data samples contain (471±3)×10^{6}BB[over ¯] pairs recorded by the BABAR detector and (772±11)×10^{6}BB[over ¯] pairs recorded by the Belle detector. The results of the measurement are sin2β=0.80±0.14(stat)±0.06(syst)±0.03(model) and cos2β=0.91±0.22(stat)±0.09(syst)±0.07(model). The result for the direct measurement of the angle β of the CKM Unitarity Triangle is β=[22.5±4.4(stat)±1.2(syst)±0.6(model)]°. The measurement assumes no direct CP violation in B^{0}→D^{(*)}h^{0} decays. The quoted model uncertainties are due to the composition of the D^{0}→K_{S}^{0}π^{+}π^{-} decay amplitude model, which is newly established by performing a Dalitz plot amplitude analysis using a high-statistics e^{+}e^{-}→cc[over ¯] data sample. CP violation is observed in B^{0}→D^{(*)}h^{0} decays at the level of 5.1 standard deviations. The significance for cos2β>0 is 3.7 standard deviations. The trigonometric multifold solution π/2-β=(68.1±0.7)° is excluded at the level of 7.3 standard deviations. The measurement resolves an ambiguity in the determination of the apex of the CKM Unitarity Triangle.

Observation of ϒ(2S)→γη_{b}(1S) Decay

We report the observation of ϒ(2S)→γη_{b}(1S) decay based on an analysis of the inclusive photon spectrum of 24.7  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collisions at the ϒ(2S) center-of-mass energy collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. We measure a branching fraction of B[ϒ(2S)→γη_{b}(1S)]=(6.1_{-0.7-0.6}^{+0.6+0.9})×10^{-4} and derive an η_{b}(1S) mass of 9394.8_{-3.1-2.7}^{+2.7+4.5}  MeV/c^{2}, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The significance of our measurement is greater than 7 standard deviations, constituting the first observation of this decay mode.

Reduction and Increase in Thermal Conductivity of Si Irradiated with Ga+ via Focused Ion Beam

Focused ion beam (FIB) technology has become a valuable tool for the microelectronics industry and for the fabrication and preparation of samples at the micro/nanoscale. Its effects on the thermal transport properties of Si, however, are not well understood nor do experimental data exist. This paper presents a carefully designed set of experiments for the determination of the thermal conductivity of Si samples irradiated by Ga⁺ FIB. Generally, the thermal conductivity decreases with increasing ion dose. For doses of >10¹⁶ (Ga⁺/cm²), a reversal of the trend was observed due to recrystallization of Si. This report provides insight on the thermal transport considerations relevant to engineering of Si nanostructures and interfaces fabricated or prepared by FIB.

Observation of ϒ(4S)→η^{'}ϒ(1S)

We report the first observation of the hadronic transition ϒ(4S)→η^{'}ϒ(1S), using 496  fb^{-1} data collected at the ϒ(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. We reconstruct the η^{'} meson through its decays to ρ^{0}γ and to π^{+}π^{-}η, with η→γγ. We measure B(ϒ(4S)→η^{'}ϒ(1S))=[3.43±0.88(stat)±0.21(syst)]×10^{-5}, with a significance of 5.7σ.

Observation of an Excited Ω^{-} Baryon

Using data recorded with the Belle detector, we observe a new excited hyperon, an Ω^{*-} candidate decaying into Ξ^{0}K^{-} and Ξ^{-}K_{S}^{0} with a mass of 2012.4±0.7(stat)±0.6(syst)  MeV/c^{2} and a width of Γ=6.4_{-2.0}^{+2.5}(stat)±1.6(syst)  MeV. The Ω^{*-} is seen primarily in ϒ(1S),ϒ(2S), and ϒ(3S) decays.

Abstract 3842: Potent antitumor activity of the HSP90 inhibitor SNX-2112 in type 1 papillary renal cell carcinoma

Papillary renal-cell carcinoma (pRCC) is the second most common form of kidney cancer, accounting for 15 to 20% of all cases. There are currently no treatment options of proven benefit for patients with advanced pRCC. The type 1 subset of pRCC tumors are associated with gain of chromosome 7 and activating mutations of MET that could lead to aberrant MET pathway activation resulting in cell proliferation and anti-apoptotic signaling. While MET kinase inhibitors are active in some patients with type 1 pRCC, primary and acquired resistance is common, prompting us to investigate possible therapeutic alternatives. Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), which stabilizes numerous oncogenic proteins, including MET and several downstream mediators of MET activity, is an important regulator of cell proliferation and survival, and has attracted wide interest as a novel target for cancer therapy. Hsp90 inhibitors were also identified as molecules of interest based on antitumor activity against patient derived type 1 pRCC cell lines following quantitative high throughput screening (qHTS) with small molecule libraries. We hypothesized that inhibition of Hsp90 might provide a novel therapeutic approach for patients with pRCC tumors with MET pathway activation. SNX-2112 was chosen as a candidate Hsp90 inhibitor for further evaluation. Our data demonstrate that inhibition of the Hsp90 pathway is lethal to pRCC cell lines with MET pathway activation, and that treatment with SNX-2112 leads to the degradation of MET/pMET and its downstream signaling intermediates p-AKT, AKT, p-ERK. Furthermore, SNX-2112 leads to inhibition of critical downstream transcriptional targets of AKT and ERK, including VEGF, c-Myc and BIRC5. SNX-2112 has potent anti-tumor activity in vitro, inhibiting proliferation, clonogenicity and 3D-anchorage independent colony formation of MET activated pRCC cell lines. These data demonstrate that Hsp90 inhibition is a promising therapeutic strategy in Type 1 pRCC and is worthy of further preclinical and clinical evaluation.

Citation Format: Roma Pahwa, Abhigya Giri, Carole Sourbier, Craig Thomas, W Marston Linehan, Len Neckers, Ramaprasad Srinivasan. Potent antitumor activity of the HSP90 inhibitor SNX-2112 in type 1 papillary renal cell carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3842.

Usefulness of Flexible Airway Endoscopy for the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Diseases in Children

Background Flexible airway endoscopy is a highly valuable procedure for evaluating pediatric airway and pulmonary disorders. However, its use in our setup is limited. Objective The main objective of this study is to analyze indications for flexible airway endoscopy in our population, explore its diagnostic yield and highlight potential complications. Method Seventy flexible airway endoscopies performed in children at Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital from June, 2013 to May, 2015 were analyzed. Result Fifty six (80%) of airway endoscopy had a meaningful outcome. Diagnostic yield for individual indications ranged from 50 to 87.5%. Recurrent/persistent pneumonia was the most rewarding indication. Complications were minimal and easily reversible. Conclusion The overall diagnostic yield of flexible airway endoscopy in our study population was 80%. The procedure was safe with minimal complication. Hence, earlier intervention and utilization of bronchoscopy should be encouraged after a careful clinical consideration of patients who could potentially benefit from this procedure.

Measurement of the Neutrino Mixing Angle θ_{23} in NOvA

This Letter reports new results on muon neutrino disappearance from NOvA, using a 14 kton detector equivalent exposure of 6.05×10^{20} protons on target from the NuMI beam at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. The measurement probes the muon-tau symmetry hypothesis that requires maximal θ_{23} mixing (θ_{23}=π/4). Assuming the normal mass hierarchy, we find Δm_{32}^{2}=(2.67±0.11)×10^{-3}  eV^{2} and sin^{2}θ_{23} at the two statistically degenerate values 0.404_{-0.022}^{+0.030} and 0.624_{-0.030}^{+0.022}, both at the 68% confidence level. Our data disfavor the maximal mixing scenario with 2.6σ significance.

Thermal conductivity measurements of non-metals via combined time- and frequency-domain thermoreflectance without a metal film transducer

The thermoreflectance-based techniques time- and frequency-domain thermoreflectance (TDTR and FDTR, respectively) have emerged as robust platforms to measure the thermophysical properties of a wide array of systems on varying length scales. Routine in the implementation of these techniques is the application of a thin metal film on the surface of the sample of interest to serve as an opto-thermal transducer ensuring the measured modulated reflectivity is dominated by the change in thermoreflectance of the sample. Here, we outline a method to directly measure the thermal conductivities of bulk materials without using a metal transducer layer using a standard TDTR/FDTR experiment. A major key in this approach is the use of a thermal model with z-dependent heat source when the optical penetration depth is comparable to the beam sizes and measuring the FDTR response at a long delay time to minimize non-thermoreflectivity contributions to the modulated reflectance signals (such as free carrier excitations). Using this approach, we demonstrate the ability to measure the thermal conductivity on three semiconductors, intrinsic Si (100), GaAs (100), and InSb (100), the results of which are validated with FDTR measurements on the same wafers with aluminum transducers. We outline the major sources of uncertainty in this approach, including frequency dependent heating and precise knowledge of the pump and probe spot sizes. As a result, we discuss appropriate pump-frequency ranges in which to implement this TDTR/FDTR approach and present a procedure to measure the effective spot sizes by fitting the FDTR data of an 80 nm Al/SiO₂ sample at a time delay in which the spot size sensitivity dominates an FDTR measurement over the substrate thermal properties. Our method provides a more convenient way to directly measure the thermal conductivities of semiconductors.

Histopathological evaluation of surgically treated adult renal tumors: Report from a tertiary care center in India

BACKGROUND

This retrospective study was performed in a tertiary care center from India analyzing the histopathological reports and the clinical data of the adult patients admitted in this institute with a diagnosis of renal tumors and had undergone nephrectomy for the disease.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to determine the relative frequencies of different renal tumors in adults (above the age of 16 years) and to analyze the histopathological characters of the tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, we have analyzed the histopathology reports along with the demographic and clinical data of the adult patients who had undergone nephrectomy for renal tumors in our institute from January 2005 to December 2011.

RESULTS

A total 113 adult patients underwent tumor nephrectomy during the last 7 years in our institute. Mean age of the patients was 54.5 years (range 16-69 years). Male:Female ratio was 1.9:1. Out of 131 cases of adult renal tumors, 91.6% cases were malignant and 8.45 cases were benign tumors. Among the malignant tumors, renal cell carcinoma was the most common type. There were 2 cases of renal primitive neuroectodermal tumors and one case of renal myofibroblastoma in our series.

CONCLUSION

The spectrum of adult renal tumors in this series is consistent with the other series of cases reported by different authors. Only few cases of the renal tumors were diagnosed incidentally among our patients which is just opposite to the rate of renal tumors diagnosed incidentally in the developed countries. Myofibroblastoma, a benign kidney tumor diagnosed in our series is probably the first reported case in the world.

First Measurement of Electron Neutrino Appearance in NOvA

We report results from the first search for ν_{μ}→ν_{e} transitions by the NOvA experiment. In an exposure equivalent to 2.74×10^{20} protons on target in the upgraded NuMI beam at Fermilab, we observe 6 events in the Far Detector, compared to a background expectation of 0.99±0.11(syst) events based on the Near Detector measurement. A secondary analysis observes 11 events with a background of 1.07±0.14(syst). The 3.3σ excess of events observed in the primary analysis disfavors 0.1π<δ_{CP}<0.5π in the inverted mass hierarchy at the 90% C.L.

A Study of Complications following Self-administration with Medical Abortion Pills

Aims: The objective of this study was to find out the complications following self-administration with medical abortion pills.Methods: A prospective descriptive study was conducted in Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,Nepal Medical College over a period of two years from January 2013 to December 2014 among 48 women who were admitted with abortion complications and also gave history of self-administration of abortion pills.Results: During the study period, 48 women with history of self-medication with abortion pills were admitted with various abortion complications. There were 60% of women who had consumed abortion pills within approved nine weeks gestation while 19% had consumed after nine weeks and 21% after twelve weeks. Majority (60%) were admitted with incomplete abortion, 4% with missed abortion, 13% with continued live pregnancy, 6.5% with septic abortion and 6.5% with ectopic pregnancy. Anemia was present in 79% of patient. More than one third of the patient had severe anemia and blood transfusion was needed in 52%. Surgical evacuation was required in 71% of patient; medical abortion with repeat doses of mifepristone and misoprostol was done in was done 13% and 6.5% needed laparotomy for ectopic pregnancy.Conclusions: Though medical abortion is considered to be highly effective and safe procedure, unsupervised selfadministration of medical abortion pills was associated with serious maternal morbidities. There should be some policy torestrict over the counter sale of this medicine.

Surgical site wound infection in relation to antibiotic prophylaxis given before skin incision and after cord clamping during cesarean delivery

Surgical site infection is one of the most common complications following Lower Segment Cesarean Section, which accounts for prolonged hospital stay thereby increasing expense. Prophylactic antibiotics in cesarean section reduces surgical site infection significantly. The best protection is provided when tissue level of antibiotics are adequate before incision, without prejudice to neonatal infectious morbidity. The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of surgical site wound infection with prophylactic antibiotics given before skin incision and after cord clamping following delivery of baby. This was a prospective, hospital based study, in which hundred cases of cesarean deliveries who received antibiotics prophylaxis one hour before the skin incision were compared with another 100 cases where antibiotic was given after cord clamping following delivery of the baby. Surgical site infection occurred in 3% of women who received antibiotics prophylaxis before skin incision as compared to 6% in whom antibiotic was given after cord clamping. It was statistically not significant (p = 0.465).

Adult filarial worm in the aspirate from a breast lump mimicking fibroadenosis

Filariasis is major public health hazard particularly in tropical countries like India. The presence of microfilaria using fine needle aspiration cytology has been reported from various sites. However, the presence of the adult gravid filarial worm with a surrounding host response has rarely been reported on breast aspirates. Here, we report a unique case in which aspiration cytology from a breast lump clinically suspicious of fibroadenosis of the breast, showed adult filarial worms with numerous microfilariae and a granulomatous inflammatory host response. The filarial worm appears to be ubiquitous in endemic areas, and the presence of an unexplained granulomatous lesion in breast should prompt a careful consideration of the filarial etiology in our country. Therapy with diethylcarbamazine, albendazole, and antibiotics are sufficient for treatment of this type of lesion.

Advanced maternal age and obstetric outcome

Advanced maternal age defined as age 35 years or more at estimated date of delivery is considered to have higher incidence of obstetric complications and adverse pregnancy outcome than younger women. The objective of this study was to compare the obstetric and perinatal outcome of pregnancies in women with advanced maternal age > or = 35 years with that of younger women < 35 years. A prospective comparative study was carried out in department of obstetrics and gynecology at Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital over the period of one year from October 2012 to September 2013. The obstetric and perinatal outcome of 90 women with advanced maternal age (study group) were compared with those of 90 younger women aged 20-34 years (control group). Among antenatal complications, women of advanced maternal age had increased incidence of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (26.6% vs 4.4%; p = 0.00009) and breech presentation (8.8% vs 1.1%; p = 0.04). There were no significant difference between two groups in incidence of antepartum hemorrhage, gestational diabetes mellitus, prelabor rupture of membrane and preterm delivery. The rate of caesarean delivery was significantly higher in advanced maternal age (28.8% vs 17.7%; p = 0.05). In perinatal outcome, older women had significantly higher incidence of perinatal death (7.7% vs 0%; p = 0.01). There were no significant differences in low birth weight rate and apgar score less than 7 at five minutes of life in two groups. Thus from this study, it can be concluded that advanced age women had higher incidence of hypertensive disorder of pregnancies and malpresentation, were more likely to deliver by caesarean section and had increased incidence of perinatal death.

A fatal presentation of dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis (DM) is an autoimmune disease that mainly affects the skin, muscle, and lung. The pathogenesis of skin inflammation in DM is not well understood. We present a 40-year-old male who presented with four months history of generalized skin lesion, pain and weakness. He had elevated transaminases with detectable muscle weakness. This case highlights the need to consider dermatomyositis with skin lesion and weakness; and the use of aggressive immunosuppressive therapies due to its associated vasculopathies.

Stigma related to tuberculosis among patients attending DOTS clinics of Dharan municipality

BACKGROUND

The patients suffering from tuberculosis are receiving shame and unfair treatment from the people living around them within their own society attending DOTS clinic of Dharan municipality.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the stigma experienced by tuberculosis patients and to find out the association between stigma experienced by Tuberculosis patient and the selected variables (socio-demographic characteristics, clinical profile and illness experience).

METHODS

Descriptive Cross Sectional study was done among sixty tuberculosis patients. Stratified random sampling was used to select the main center and sub center of Tuberculosis treatment and population proportionate simple random sampling using lottery method was done. Data was collected using predesigned, pretested performa from Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue developed by World Health Organization.

RESULTS

The study revealed that 63.3% of the subjects were stigmatized. There was association between stigma and variables such as occupation, monthly family income and past history of Tuberculosis. There was also association of stigma with treatment phase, category of the patient and past outcome of illness.

CONCLUSION

Due to lack of knowledge and awareness about Tuberculosis, many patients were stigmatized. Efforts should be made to educate the public about Tuberculosis to reduce stigma experienced by Tuberculosis patients and improve the compliance of the patient.

A prospective study of wound infections after laparotomy in obstetrics and gynaecology department

Postoperative wound infection is of great importance to both surgeon and patient. All surgeons know that postoperative wound infection means morbidity, anxiety, longer hospitalization, higher cost; not to forget the embarrassment to the surgeons. However, it is still a common surgical complication despite other advances in modern medicine. This study was conducted to find out the incidence of postoperative wound infection and to survey the risk factors for wound infection in obstetrics and gynaecology department of Nepal medical college teaching hospital (NMCTH). A prospective study of all the cases with infected wound after laparotomy and lower segment cesarean section done in NMCTH in obstetrics and gynaecology department was carried out in this study from Chaitra 2068 to Falgun 2069. The frequency of wound infection was 5.87%. Most of the wound infection after lower segment cesarean section occurred in emergency cases (16 out of 19). Seventy percent of patients had preoperative hospital stay range of 0-2 days whereas the range was 3-18 days for the rest 30%. The range of blood loss was 150-300 ml in nearly 75.7 % of patients. Duration of operation was 1-2 hours in 89.2% cases. Only 48.6% of wound infection was identified within 8th postoperative day. Number of infected cases getting prophylactic antibiotic was 25 (67.6%). BMI was >25 in 62.2% of patients. Type of skin incision was pfannenstiel in 94.6%. Skin was closed subcuticularly with vicryl no. 1 in 81.1%. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in swab culture in 24.3%. Resuturing was required in 18.9% of cases.