Measurement of the direct CP-violating charge asymmetry in Ds ± → ϕ π ± decays

We present a measurement of the direct CP-violating charge asymmetry in Ds+ → ϕ π(±) decays where the ϕ meson decays to K(+)K(-), using the full Run II data set with an integrated luminosity of 10.4  fb-1 of proton-antiproton collisions collected using the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. The normalized difference A(CP) in the yield of D(s)(+) and D(s)(-) mesons in these decays is measured by fitting the difference between their reconstructed invariant mass distributions. This results in an asymmetry of A(CP) = [-0.38 ± 0.27]%, which is the most precise measurement of this quantity to date. The result is consistent with the standard model prediction of zero CP asymmetry in this decay.

Measurement of associated production of z bosons with charm quark jets in pp collisions at √s=1.96 TeV

We present the first measurements of the ratios of cross sections σ(pp → Z+c jet)/σ(pp → Z+jet) and σ(pp → Z+c jet)/σ(pp → Z+b jet) for the associated production of a Z boson with at least one charm or bottom quark jet. Jets have transverse momentum ​pT(jet)​>20  GeV and pseudorapidity |​η(jet)​|<2.5. These cross section ratios are measured differentially as a function of jet and Z boson transverse momenta, based on 9.7  fb(-1) of pp collisions collected with the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider at √s=1.96  TeV. The measurements show significant deviations from perturbative QCD calculations and predictions from various event generators.

Rotational defects in cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX) crystals

Cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX) crystalizes in the orthorhombic α-phase at the ambient pressure and temperature. In principle, the point defects commonly found in monatomic crystals, such as vacancies and interstitials, may exist in RDX as well. However, in molecular crystals one encounters additional point defects associated with the distortion of the molecules. A set of rotational defects are described in this article. These are molecules which are located in the proper positions in the crystal but are rotated relative to the molecules in the perfect crystal, and their ring is slightly puckered. The energetic barriers for defect formation and for their annealing back to the perfect crystal configuration are computed using an atomistic model. It is shown that the formation energy of rotational defects is smaller than the vacancy formation energy. Such defects are identified in the cores of dislocations in RDX and hence their concentration in the crystal is expected to increase during plastic deformation. The importance of such point defects is related to their role in phonon scattering and in dislocation-mediated plastic deformation.

Relationship of body compositional and nutritional parameters with blood pressure in adults

BACKGROUND

Obesity has been regarded as a single best predictor and major controllable contributor to hypertension. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between body compositional and nutritional parameters with blood pressure in rural Bengalee adults.

METHODS

Anthropometric measures, blood pressure and nutritional parameters were measured in 522 rural Bengalee adults using standard protocols. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was carried out to identify cut-off values of body mass index (BMI) and percentage of body fat (BF%) as associated factors of hypertension and hypotension.

RESULTS

Most of the subjects were normotensive. However, a notable percentage had hypertension (males: 21.86%; females: 15.27%), although the prevalence of hypotension was low (males: 10.53%; females: 8.73%). Obesity indicators were significantly higher in hypertensive individuals than hypotensive and normotensive individuals. All anthropometric parameters and obesity indicators were significantly correlated (P < 0.001) with blood pressure. Blood pressure increased steadily from being underweight through to normal and then to overweight/obese individuals. There were significant differences in the percentage of hypertension and hypotension between nutritional categories. Blood pressure had significant positive correlation with energy, carbohydrate and fat intake, whereas protein and calcium were negatively associated with blood pressure. The suggested cut-off values of BMI and BF%, which were taken as associated factors of hypertension, were 21.86 kg m⁻² and 20.31%, and those of hypotension were 18.18 kg m⁻² and 13.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In lean rural Bengalee populations, high BMI levels may be associated with an increased risk of hypertension. The cut-off values of BMI and BF% in the present study suggested associated factors for cardiovascular risk factors and these values may be of help with respect to reducing mean population blood pressure levels.

Biological parameters of a silurid catfish Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch, 1794) from River Ghaghara, India

The present study examined a total of 446 samples of Ompok bimaculatus and describes the condition factor, gonadosomatic index, length-length relationships, sex ratio, size at first maturity. The regression parameter 'b' ranged from 3.06 to 3.76 (r2 > 0.90). During the pre-monsoon, the allometric coefficient 'b' of the LWR was close to isometric value (b = 3.06) while that of overall was positive allometric (b = 3.31) although it suggested positive allometric growth in monsoon (b = 3.21), and post-monsoon (b = 3.76), periods. The values of condition factor ranged from 0.524 to 0.573. In the study, sex ratio ranged from 1:1.03 to 1:1.3. Males ranged from 14.0-26.6 cm while females varied from 11.2-29.0 cm in length. A significant difference in length at 50% maturity (p < 0.05) was found between both the sexes. First maturity stages in males and females were 22.3 cm and 23.2 cm, respectively. The smallest mature female was 22.0 cm L; the largest immature female was 26.8 cm L. The smallest mature male was 20.0 cm L; the largest immature male was 24.5 cm L. The results of the study could be useful to help in sustainable fisheries management in the Ghaghara River.

Length weight relationship and condition factor of selected freshwater fish species found in river Ganga, Gomti and Rapti, India

This study is based on the length-weight relationships (LWRs) of 2148 fishes, belonging to 8 families, 12 genera and 15 freshwater fish species (Wallago attu, Rite rita, Sperato seenghala, Sperota aor, Mostacembalus armatus, Macrognathus puncolus, Gudusia chopra, Clupisoma garua, Puntius sophore, Puntius ticto, Rasbora daniconius, Amblypharyngodon mole, Chanda noma, Colisa fociatus and Colisa sota) captured from river Ganga, Gomti and Rapti during May 2011 to March 2012. The growth coefficient (b) values varied between 1.30 and 3.07, with the mean b = 2.03 at p< 0.001. The condition factor (K) varied considerably from 0.76 and 2.95, with a mean K = 1.43 which may be attributed to different environmental conditions of the river basin. The objective was to evaluate the pattern of LWRs and condition factors of the freshwater fish species of the main Ganga and tributaries which serves as baseline for other tropical Indian rivers and tributaries.

Measurement of direct CP violation parameters in B± → J/ψK± and B± → J/ψπ± decays with 10.4 fb-1 of Tevatron data

We present a measurement of the direct CP-violating charge asymmetry in B(±) mesons decaying to J/ψK(±) and J/ψπ(±) where J/ψ decays to μ(+) μ(-), using the full run II data set of 10.4 fb(-1) of proton-antiproton collisions collected using the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. A difference in the yield of B(-) and B(+) mesons in these decays is found by fitting to the difference between their reconstructed invariant mass distributions resulting in asymmetries of A(J/ψK) = [0.59 ± 0.37]%, which is the most precise measurement to date, and A(J/ψπ) = [-4.2 ± 4.5]%. Both measurements are consistent with standard model predictions.

Sensitive detection of CO2 implementing tunable thulium-doped all-fiber laser

In this paper a compact, yet sensitive gas detection system based on a modulated, tunable thulium-doped fiber laser in the 2 μm wavelength region is reported. The laser operating wavelength range centered at a wavelength of 1.995 μm has been selected to access the R(50) transition (ν1+2ν2+ν3) of CO2 based on its line strength and to achieve isolation from interfering high-temperature water absorption features. The laser linewidth and tuning range are optimized accordingly. The modulation of the fiber laser, achieved through pump source modulation and a locking detection mechanism, has been utilized to stabilize the laser system and therefore to create a compact gas sensor with high sensitivity. The absorption spectrum, as well as the line strength and the concentration level of CO2, have been monitored through absorption spectroscopy techniques. The measured minimum detectable concentration of CO2 obtained using the system shows that it is quite capable of detecting trace gas at the ppm (parts in 10(6)) level. The stable laser performance achieved in the sensor system illustrates its potential for the development of practical, compact, yet sensitive fiber-laser-based gas sensor systems.

Post-prandial reflux suppression by a raft-forming alginate (Gaviscon Advance) compared to a simple antacid documented by magnetic resonance imaging and pH-impedance monitoring: mechanistic assessment in healthy volunteers and randomised, controlled, double-blind study in reflux patients

BACKGROUND

Alginates form a raft above the gastric contents, which may suppress gastro-oesophageal reflux; however, inconsistent effects have been reported in mechanistic and clinical studies.

AIMS

To visualise reflux suppression by an alginate-antacid [Gaviscon Advance (GA), Reckitt Benckiser, UK] compared with a nonraft-forming antacid using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to determine the feasibility of pH-impedance monitoring for assessment of reflux suppression by alginates.

METHODS

Two studies were performed: (i) GA and antacid (Alucol, Wander Ltd, Switzerland) were visualised in the stomach after ingestion in 12 healthy volunteers over 30 min after a meal by MRI, with reflux events documented by manometry. (ii) A randomised controlled, double-blind cross-over trial of post-prandial reflux suppression documented by pH-impedance in 20 patients randomised to GA or antacid (Milk of Magnesia; Boots, UK) after two meals taken 24 h apart.

RESULTS

MRI visualized a "mass" of GA form at the oesophago-gastric junction (OGJ); simple antacid sank to the distal stomach. The number of post-prandial common cavity reflux events was less with GA than antacid [median 2 (0-5) vs. 5 (1-11); P < 0.035]. Distal reflux events and acid exposure measured by pH-impedance were similar after GA and antacid. There was a trend to reduced proximal reflux events with GA compared with antacid [10.5 (8.9) vs. 13.9 (8.3); P = 0.070].

CONCLUSIONS

Gaviscon Advance forms a 'mass' close to the OGJ and significantly suppresses reflux compared with a nonraft-forming antacid. Standard pH-impedance monitoring is suitable for clinical studies of GA in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease patients where proximal reflux is the primary outcome.

Local electromagnetic properties of magnetic pnictides: a comparative study probed by NMR measurements

(75)As and (31)P NMR studies are performed in PrCoAsO and NdCoPO respectively. The Knight shift data in PrCoAsO indicate the presence of an antiferromagnetic interaction between the 4f moments along the c axis in the ferromagnetic state of Co 3d moments. We propose a possible spin structure in this system. The (75)As quadrupolar coupling constant, νQ, increases continuously with decrease of temperature and is found to vary linearly with the intrinsic spin susceptibility, K(iso). This indicates the possibility of the presence of a coupling between charge density and spin density fluctuations. Further, the (31)P NMR Knight shift and spin-lattice relaxation rate (1/T1) in the paramagnetic state of NdCoPO indicate that the differences of LaCoPO and NdCoPO from SmCoPO are due to the decrement of the interlayer separation and not due to the moments of the 4f electrons. The nuclear spin-lattice relaxation time (T1) in NdCoPO shows weak anisotropy at 300 K. Using the self-consistent renormalization (SCR) theory of itinerant ferromagnets, it is shown that in the ab plane, the spin fluctuations are three-dimensional ferromagnetic in nature. From SCR theory the important spin-fluctuation parameters (T0, TA, F¯1) are evaluated. The similarities and dissimilarities of the NMR results in As and P based systems with different rare earths are also discussed.

Effect of yogic intervention on the autonomic nervous system in the patients with coronary artery disease: a randomized controlled trial

In this study 258 patients from the Department of Cardiology in Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University, Lucknow were selected to participate. All had been diagnosed with coronary artery disease. They were randomly divided into 2 groups, the yoga group and the non-yoga group, 129 in each group; 208 completed the study protocol. The yogic intervention consisted of 35-40 min/day, 5 days a week over a period of 18 months in the Department of Physiology. Autonomic function testing was done in both the groups at zero time and after 18 months. We observed a statistically significant reduction in body mass index, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate (P < 0.05), i.e., a significant positive effect was observed when yoga therapy was used as an adjunct in patients with coronary artery disease.

Cigarette smoke condensate promotes pro-tumourigenic stromal-epithelial interactions by suppressing miR-145

BACKGROUND

Exposure to factors released from tobacco during chewing or smoking is recognized as a major risk factor for oral carcinogenesis and influences the phenotype of oral epithelial cells and fibroblasts within the underlying stroma. Micro(mi)RNA can regulate the expression of genes within cells, and previous studies show that tobacco products can alter the miRNA profiles in lung epithelial cells. However, the molecular alterations occurring in oral fibroblasts exposed to tobacco constituents remain to be elucidated.

METHODS

Oral fibroblasts were exposed to cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) and miRNA expression compared to untreated controls using tiling low-density arrays (TLDA). Expression of miRNA-145 was confirmed by quantitative (q)RT-PCR. The effect of CSC on fibroblast cell viability, motility and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 expression was measured using MTS, a wound scratch assay and qRT-PCR, respectively. Oral cancer cell migration in response to culture supernatants from mock, control or pre-miR-145-transfected CSC-treated fibroblasts was analysed by chemotaxis assay.

RESULTS

TLDA analysis identified widespread changes in the miRNA expression profile of fibroblasts exposed to CSC. Pri-, pre- and mature miRNA-145 were significantly down-regulated in response to CSC, and this was accompanied by up-regulated expression of MMP-2 and increased migration of fibroblasts compared to untreated controls. Re-expression of miR-145 abrogated the ability of fibroblasts to promote oral cancer cell chemotaxis in response to CSC.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that tobacco constituents influence the expression of miRNA within oral fibroblasts promoting a phenotype that increases oral cancer migration and sheds new light on the mechanisms underlying oral cancer pathogenesis.

Measurement of the semileptonic charge asymmetry using B(s)(0) → D(s)μX decays

We present a measurement of the time-integrated flavor-specific semileptonic charge asymmetry in the decays of B(s)(0) mesons that have undergone flavor mixing, a(sl)(s), using B(s)(0)(B(s)(0)) → D(s)(-/+) μ(±) X decays, with D(s)(-/+) → [symbol: see text]π(-/+) and [symbol: see text]→ K(+) K(-), using 10.4 fb(-1) of proton-antiproton collisions collected by the D0 detector during Run II at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. A fit to the difference between the time-integrated D(s)(-) and D(s)(+) mass distributions of the B(s)(0) and B(s)(0) candidates yields the flavor-specific asymmetry a(sl)(s) = [-1.12 ± 0.74(stat) ± 0.17(syst)]%, which is the most precise measurement and in agreement with the standard model prediction.

The genetics of type 2 diabetes and its clinical relevance

The increasing worldwide prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) motivates efforts to use genetics to define key pathways involved in disease predisposition, and thereby to improve management of the disease. Research over the past 5 years has taken the total number of genetic loci implicated in T2D susceptibility beyond 60, and the emphasis is now shifting to the translation of these genetic insights into clinical value. Clinical translation may flow from the identification of novel therapeutic targets, but opportunities also exist with respect to individual prediction, diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic optimization. To date, the main clinical impact has been seen for relatively rare, monogenic forms of diabetes rather than common T2D. However, the advent of high throughput sequencing approaches may herald discovery of rare and low frequency variants that offer greater translational potential.

Mathematical model of mechanical behavior of micro/nanofibrous materials designed for extracellular matrix substitutes

Electrospun micro/nanofibrous biomaterials are widely used as extracellular matrix substitutes in tissue engineering applications because of their structural and mechanical properties. To explore the influence of microstructure on the mechanical behavior of fibrous material, a mathematical model of the fiber system was developed. The model describes the microstructural properties of a fibrous matrix using a probability density function, and enables study of their mechanical properties. The results from the mathematical model were validated by qualitative comparison with the experimental results of mechanical testing of polystyrene electrospun nanofibrous materials. The analyses show a trend of three-phase load-displacement behavior. Initially, as an increasing number of fibers are recruited for load bearing, the load-displacement curve has a 'J'-shaped toe region, which is followed by a nearly linear load-displacement curve, in which the number of load-bearing fibers remains nearly steady. Finally, there is a phase when the load-displacement curve descends, indicating failure of the material. The increase in flexibility of the fibrous material makes it stronger, but the randomness of fiber orientation makes the fibrous structure more flexible at the cost of lower strength. The measured mechanical properties of a fibrous matrix were also observed to be dependent on sample size. Therefore, the analyses establish a clear link between the structure and strength of fibrous materials for optimized design and fabrication of fibrous biomaterials with targeted use in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and drug delivery. The model also establishes a need for standardization of experimental protocols for mechanical characterization of fibrous materials for consistency.

Search for the standard model Higgs boson in associated WH production in 9.7 fb(-1) of pp collisions with the D0 detector

We present a search for the standard model Higgs boson in final states with a charged lepton (electron or muon), missing transverse energy, and two or three jets, at least one of which is identified as a b-quark jet. The search is primarily sensitive to WH→ℓνbb production and uses data corresponding to 9.7 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity collected with the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron pp Collider at √s = 1.96 TeV. We observe agreement between the data and the expected background. For a Higgs boson mass of 125 GeV, we set a 95% C.L. upper limit on the production of a standard model Higgs boson of 5.2 × σ(SM), where σ(SM) is the standard model Higgs boson production cross section, while the expected limit is 4.7 × σ(SM).

Combined search for the standard model Higgs boson decaying to bb using the D0 run II data set

We present the results of the combination of searches for the standard model Higgs boson produced in association with a W or Z boson and decaying into bb using the data sample collected with the D0 detector in pp collisions at √s = 1.96 TeV at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. We derive 95% C.L. upper limits on the Higgs boson cross section relative to the standard model prediction in the mass range 100 GeV ≤ M(H) ≤ 150 GeV, and we exclude Higgs bosons with masses smaller than 102 GeV at the 95% C.L. In the mass range 120 GeV ≤ M(H) ≤145 GeV, the data exhibit an excess above the background prediction with a global significance of 1.5 standard deviations, consistent with the expectation in the presence of a standard model Higgs boson.

Search for the standard model Higgs boson in ZH→ℓ(+)ℓ(-)bb production with the D0 detector in 9.7 fb(-1) of pp collisions at √s = 1.96 TeV

We present a search for the standard model (SM) Higgs boson produced in association with a Z boson in 9.7 fb(-1) of pp collisions collected with the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider at √s = 1.96 TeV. Selected events contain one reconstructed Z→e(+)e(-) or Z→μ(+)μ(-) candidate and at least two jets, including at least one jet identified as likely to contain a b quark. To validate the search procedure, we also measure the cross section for ZZ production in the same final state. It is found to be consistent with its SM prediction. We set upper limits on the ZH production cross section times branching ratio for H→bb at the 95% C.L. for Higgs boson masses 90 ≤ M(H) ≤ 150 GeV. The observed (expected) limit for M(H) = 125 GeV is 7.1 (5.1) times the SM cross section.

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.

Membrane-damaging potential of natural L-(-)-usnic acid in Staphylococcus aureus

The purpose of this investigation was to try to understand the antibacterial mechanism of L-(-)-usnic acid isolated for the first time from fruticose lichen Usnea subfloridana using clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of L-(-)-usnic acid against the clinical isolates of MRSA and reference strain S. aureus MTCC-96 (SA-96) was in the range 25-50 μg/ml. Treatment of both reference and clinical strains (MRSA-ST 2071) with four-fold MIC concentrations (100-200 μg/ml) of L-(-)-usnic acid reduced the viability of cells without damaging the cell wall. However, the loss of 260 nm absorbing material and increase in propidium iodide uptake was observed in both of the strains. Similarly, a combined effect of L-(-)-usnic acid (25-50 μg/ml) and 7.5 % NaCl resulted in a reduced number of viable cells within 24 h in comparison to the control. These observations clearly indicate that L-(-)-usnic acid exerts its action by disruption of the bacterial membrane. Further, in vivo efficacy showed that L-(-)-usnic acid significantly (p < 0.001) lowered the microbial load of spleen at doses ranging from 1 to 5 mg/kg. Further, toxicity studies in infected mice at doses 20 times higher than the efficacious dose indicated L-(-)usnic acid to be safe. Paradoxically, L-(-)usnic acid exhibited changes in serum triglycerides, alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) and liver organ weight in the healthy mice administered with only 25 mg/kg body weight. The results obtained in this study showed that natural L-(-)-usnic acid exerts its antibacterial activity against MRSA by disruption of the cell membrane. Further, the natural L-(-)-usnic acid was found to be safe up to 100 mg/kg body weight, thereby, making it a probable candidate for treating S. aureus infections.

The gastro-esophageal reflux barrier: biophysical analysis on 3D models of anatomy from magnetic resonance imaging

BACKGROUND

The function and structure of the gastro-esophageal junction (GEJ) determine its efficacy as a reflux barrier. This study presents a novel methodology for the quantitative assessment of GEJ and proximal gastric morphology from magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Based on this data we propose a new conceptualization of the hypothesis that a flap valve mechanism contributes to reflux protection.

METHODS

3D models of the GEJ and proximal stomach were reconstructed from MR images in 12 healthy volunteers during respiration and on eating a test meal to maximum satiation. A rotating plane analysis measured the gastro-esophageal insertion angle and span of contact. An ellipsoid fit provided quantitative assessment of gastric shape and orientation relative to a fixed anatomical reference point. Position of the esophageal insertion on the 'gastric ellipse' was noted. An ellipsoid-cylinder model was designed to analyze the relationships among parameters describing the GEJ morphology.

KEY RESULTS

The insertion angle became more acute on expiration, but did not change with meal ingestion. In contrast the span of contact did not vary with respiration, but increased with gastric filling. Changes in gastric morphology with distension further augmented the span of gastro-esophageal contact in almost 70% of the studies.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Novel MR imaging and biophysical analysis of the GEJ and proximal stomach provide a quantitative description of structures contributing to the reflux barrier. Changes in these parameters during respiration and on eating support the hypothesis that structural components of a functional 'flap valve' like mechanism contribute to reflux protection.

Search for violation of Lorentz invariance in top quark pair production and decay

Using data collected with the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider, corresponding to 5.3 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity, we search for violation of Lorentz invariance by examining the tt[over ¯] production cross section in lepton+jets final states. We quantify this violation using the standard-model extension framework, which predicts a dependence of the tt[over ¯] production cross section on sidereal time as the orientation of the detector changes with the rotation of the Earth. Within this framework, we measure components of the matrices (c(Q))(μν33) and (c(U))(μν33) containing coefficients used to parametrize violation of Lorentz invariance in the top quark sector. Within uncertainties, these coefficients are found to be consistent with zero.

Measurements of WW and WZ production in W + jets final states in pp collisions

We study WW and WZ production with ℓνqq (ℓ=e,μ) final states using data collected by the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider corresponding to 4.3  fb(-1) of integrated luminosity from pp collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96  TeV. Assuming the ratio between the production cross sections σ(WW) and σ(WZ) as predicted by the standard model, we measure the total WV (V=W,Z) cross section to be σ(WV)=19.6(-3.0)(+3.2)  pb and reject the background-only hypothesis at a level of 7.9 standard deviations. We also use b-jet discrimination to separate the WZ component from the dominant WW component. Simultaneously fitting WW and WZ contributions, we measure σ(WW)=15.9(-3.2)(+3.7)  pb and σ(WZ)=3.3(-3.3)(+4.1)  pb, which is consistent with the standard model predictions.

Measurement of the W boson mass with the D0 detector

We present a measurement of the W boson mass using data corresponding to 4.3  fb(-1) of integrated luminosity collected with the D0 detector during Run II at the Fermilab Tevatron pp collider. With a sample of 1,677,394 W → eν candidate events, we measure M(W) = 80.367 ± 0.026  GeV. This result is combined with an earlier D0 result determined using an independent Run II data sample, corresponding to 1  fb(-1) of integrated luminosity, to yield M(W) = 80.375 ± 0.023  GeV.

Search for universal extra dimensions in pp collisions

We present a search for Kaluza-Klein (KK) particles predicted by models with universal extra dimensions (UED) using a data set corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 7.3 fb(-1), collected by the D0 detector at a pp center-of-mass energy of 1.96 TeV. The decay chain of KK particles can lead to a final state with two muons of the same charge. This signature is used to set a lower limit on the compactification scale of R(-1)>260 GeV in a minimal UED model.

Search for charged massive long-lived particles

We report on a search for charged massive long-lived particles (CMLLPs), based on 5.2  fb(-1) of integrated luminosity collected with the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron pp collider. We search for events in which one or more particles are reconstructed as muons but have speed and ionization energy loss (dE/dx) inconsistent with muons produced in beam collisions. CMLLPs are predicted in several theories of physics beyond the standard model. We exclude pair-produced long-lived gauginolike charginos below 267 GeV and Higgsino-like charginos below 217 GeV at 95% C.L., as well as long-lived scalar top quarks with mass below 285 GeV.

Evidence for spin correlation in t ̅t production

We present a measurement of the ratio of events with correlated t and t ̅t spins to the total number of t ̅t events. This ratio f is evaluated using a matrix-element-based approach in 729 t ̅t candidate events with a single lepton ℓ (electron or muon) and at least four jets. The analyzed p ̅p collisions data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 5.3 fb(-1) and were collected with the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron collider operating at a center-of-mass energy √s=1.96 TeV. Combining this result with a recent measurement of f in dileptonic final states, we find f in agreement with the standard model. In addition, the combination provides evidence for the presence of spin correlation in t ̅t events with a significance of more than 3 standard deviations.

Search for doubly charged Higgs boson pair production in pp¯ collisions at √s=1.96 TeV

We present a search for pair production of doubly charged Higgs bosons in the processes qq¯→H(++)H(--) decaying through H(±±)→τ(±)τ(±),μ(±)τ(±),μ(±)μ(±). The search is performed in pp¯ collisions at a center-of-mass energy of √s = 1.96 TeV using an integrated luminosity of up to 7.0 fb(-1) collected by the D0 experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. The results are used to set 95% C.L. limits on the pair production cross section of doubly charged Higgs bosons and on their mass for different H(±±) branching fractions. Models predicting different H(±±) decays are investigated. Assuming B(H(±±)→τ(±)τ(±))=1 yields an observed (expected) lower limit on the mass of a left-handed H(L)(±±) boson of 128 (116) GeV and assuming B(H(±±)→μ(±)τ(±))=1 the corresponding limits are 144 (149) GeV. In a model with B(H(±±)→τ(±)τ(±))=B(H(±±)→μ(±)τ(±))=B(H(±±)→μ(±)μ(±))=1/3, we obtain M(H(L)(±±))>130 (138) GeV.

Wγ production and limits on anomalous WWγ couplings in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV

We measure the cross section and the difference in rapidities between photons and charged leptons for inclusive W(→lν) + γ production in eγ and μγ final states. Using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 4.2  fb(-1) collected with the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider, the measured cross section times branching fraction for the process pp → Wγ + X → lνγ + X and the distribution of the charge-signed photon-lepton rapidity difference are found to be in agreement with the standard model. These results provide the most stringent limits on anomalous WWγ couplings for data from hadron colliders: -0.4<Δκ(γ)<0.4 and -0.08<λ(γ)<0.07 at the 95% C.L.

Effects of aromatase inhibitor on menopausal hyperplasia in a case of obesity

The aromatase inhibitor anastrazole proved effective in the treatment of endometrial hyperplasia and postmenopausal bleeding in an obese 65-year-old woman with high operative risk. During anastrazole administration for 12 months, the endometrial thickness decreased from 9.8 mm to 2.4 mm and the control endometrial histology showed an atrophic endometrium. Uterine bleeding did not occur in the post-treatment, 3-year follow-up period. The endometrial thicknesses measured yearly by ultrasonography were 2.9, 3.5 and 3.3 mm. The plasma estradiol levels increased from < 73 pmol/l post-treatment to 112, 98 and 103 pmol/l. This case demonstrates that long-term aromatase inhibitor treatment can result in a refractory status of the endometrium and the estradiol produced in the adipose tissue does not exert a proliferative effect.

Piperine protects epilepsy associated depression: a study on role of monoamines

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

In patients with epilepsy, a common comorbidity diagnosed is depression. Temporal lobe epilepsy or post status epilepticus (SE) animal model establish and validate the co morbidity and common pathogenesis of depression and epilepsy. Elevation in serotonin concentration gives an inhibitory response to epileptic discharge and stabilizes the depressed mood disorder. Piperine is a potent monoaminooxidase inhibitor and stimulates the synthesis of serotonin. So the present work is undertaken to investigate the effect of piperine on depression associated with by status epilepticus induced by pilocarpine in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Status epilepticus was induced in the rats by administration of pilocarpine 350 mg/kg i.p.. Behaviour tests like forced swimming test (FST), saccharin consumption test, actophotometer test and rotarod test were conducted. Antidepressant effect and neuroprotective effect of piperine (25 mg/kg, p.o. for 10 days) in post status epilepticus animal model was evaluated. Brain serotonin concentration was also estimated. Fluoxetine (20 mg/kg p.o.) was used as standard.

RESULTS

Only piperine but not fluoxetine significantly increased the decrease in number of rotations of wheel in FST, and decrease volume of saccharine consumption caused by pilocarpine. Both fluoxetine and piperine significantly increase the pilocarpine induced decrease in activity score in actophotometer, time taken to fall in rotarod and concentration of serotonin in brain.

DISCUSSION

The underlying mechanism behind depression in epilepsy may be alteration in monoaminergic pathways and GABAergic pathways. The antidepressant activity of piperine in post-SE rats may be attributed to its MAO inhibitor activity and neuroprotective activity.

Diuretics induced uremia and nonrecovery of renal function in a patient with acute renal failure caused by sepsis

Sepsis is a clinical syndrome related to severe infection and is characterized by systemic inflammation and injury to multiple organs and functional systems. Sepsis is one of the main causes of acute renal failure (ARF). Diuretics are frequently administered during ARF. However, there is scant evidence that diuretics provide any benefit to the patients with ARF. This case report highlights the occurrence of uremia and nonrecovery of renal function after administration of diuretics in a patient with ARF caused by sepsis. It is suggested that physicians should be cautious in prescribing diuretics to patients with ARF due to septicemia. Diuretics cause uremia and may lead to false diagnosis of chronic renal failure and nonrecovery of renal function. The patient may unnecessarily require prolonged dialysis.