Direct effects of protein S in ameliorating acute lung injury

OBJECTIVE

Protein S may exert an anticoagulant activity by enhancing the anticoagulant activity of activated protein C and/or by directly inhibiting the prothrombinase complex. Protein S itself may also directly regulate inflammatory responses and apoptosis. The role of protein S in acute lung injury (ALI) was unknown. This study evaluated the effect of protein S on ALI in the mouse.

METHODS

Animal ALI was induced in C57/BL6 mice by intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Mice were treated with protein S or saline by intraperitoneal injection 1 h before LPS instillation.

RESULTS

Activated protein or protein S alone and combined activated protein C + protein S therapy decreased inflammatory markers and cytokines in mice with acute lung injury. In LPS-treated mice compared with controls ALI was induced as shown by significantly increased levels of total protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Mice with ALI treated with protein S had significantly decreased concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 in the lung compared with untreated animals. Thrombin-antithrombin III, a marker of the activity of the coagulation cascade, was unchanged. Protein S inhibited the expression of cytokines in vitro and increased activation of the Axl tyrosine kinase pathway in A549 epithelial cells.

CONCLUSION

Protein S protects against LPS-induced ALI, possibly by directly inhibiting the local expression of inflammatory cytokines without affecting coagulation.

Prostate cancer detection: the value of performing an MRI before a biopsy

BACKGROUND

In recent years, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening has been widely performed. As a result, patients who need to undergo a complete physical examination for an elevated PSA level have been rapidly increasing. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination has previously been reported to be effective for the detection of prostate cancer.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the detectability of prostate cancer by performing MRI before biopsy, and to evaluate the relationship between detectability with MRI and cancer location, Gleason score (GS), and tumor size.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

MRI was performed at 1.5 Tesla in 122 consecutive patients before biopsy. The detectability of prostate cancer, including sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS), T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) (b=2000 s/mm(2)), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map, and biopsy, was calculated using whole-mount section histopathology as a gold standard. In addition, the relationship between the detectability on each MRI sequence and factors such as cancer location (peripheral zone vs. transition zone), GS 5-10, short-axis diameter (< or =4 mm, 5-9 mm, > or =10 mm), and long-axis diameter (< or =9 mm, 10-19 mm, > or =20 mm) were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The sensitivities of TRUS, T2WI, DWI, ADC map, and biopsy were 26.9%, 41.2%, 56.7%, 57.7%, and 75.1%, respectively, and the PPVs of those modalities were 73.0%, 83.0%, 86.4%, 87.2%, and 91.5%, respectively. There was no correlation between the sensitivity of each MRI sequence and cancer location. The sensitivity of each MRI sequence increased as GS and short- and long-axis diameters of cancer lesions increased.

CONCLUSION

MRI before a biopsy has a high detectability of prostate cancer, particularly with tumor size of more than 5 mm in short-axis diameter or 10 mm in long-axis diameter.

Germ cell degeneration in high-temperature treated pufferfish, Takifugu rubripes

Exogenous factors such as temperature, social behavior, and salinity play a crucial role during the critical sensitive period of sex differentiation in many vertebrates. In fishes, amphibians, and reptiles temperature treatment is known to induce all-male (or female) individuals, and genes related to sex differentiation have been studied. The Japanese pufferfish, Takifugu rubripes, possesses the most compact genome among vertebrates and has immense potential for studies focusing on comparative genome analysis. In this study, we describe gonadal morphology and vasa (germ cell marker) and dmrt1 (Sertoli cell marker) expression on a molecular level in relation to the development of temperature-treated pufferfish. To investigate the relationship between temperature and gonadal development, pufferfish were exposed to high-temperature conditions (32 degrees C) during early gonadal development. Morphological observations showed that this high-temperature treatment did not influence sexual differentiation as determined by ovarian cavity characteristics; however, high-temperature treatment induces gonadal degeneration that is devoid of germ cells. RT-PCR results revealed no vasa expression within germ cell-degenerated gonads. In situ hybridization results showed that dmrt1 was expressed in somatic cells of germ cell-degenerated ovaries. These results suggest that high-temperature treatment during early gonadal development induces germ cell degeneration and masculinization of ovarian somatic cells in pufferfish.

5-HT2C-like receptors in the brain of Xenopus laevis initiate sex-typical fictive vocalizations

Vocalizations of male and female African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis) are generated by brain stem central pattern generators. Serotonin (5-HT) is likely important for vocal initiation because, when applied in vitro, sex-typical fictive vocalizations are evoked from isolated brains. To explore the mechanisms underlying vocal initiation, we identified the types of serotonin receptors mediating vocal activation pharmacologically using a whole brain, fictive preparation. The results showed that 5-HT(2C)-like receptors are important for activation of fictive vocalizations in the sexes. 5-HT(2C) receptor agonists elicited fictive vocalizations, and 5-HT(2C) receptor antagonists blocked 5-HT-induced fictive vocalizations, whereas agonists and antagonists of 5-HT(2A) and 5-HT(2B) receptors failed to initiate or block 5-HT-induced fictive vocalizations in the sexes. The results indicate that serotonin initiates fictive vocalizations by binding to 5-HT(2C)-like receptors located either within or upstream of the vocal central pattern generator in both sexes. We conclude that the basic mechanism of vocal initiation is shared by the sexes despite the differences in the actual vocalizations between males and females. Sex-typical vocalizations, therefore, most likely arise from activation of different populations of 5-HT(2C) receptor expressing cells or from differential activation of downstream pattern generating neurons.

Study on the performance of anaerobic ammonium oxidation treatment using PVA gel as a carrier

A continuous experiment was carried out to study the performance of anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox), a novel and low cost nitrogen removal treatment process with an energy-saving characteristic. A complete mixing reactor was used with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gel as the carrier. In particular, performances of nitrogen removal and attachment characteristics of anammox bacteria on the PVA carrier surface were investigated. The results indicted that high concentration of anammox bacteria, up to 27,000 mg/L-carrier, had attached on the PVA carrier surface. A high nitrogen removal rate of up to 5.5 kg/m(3)-reactor/d was obtained during this continuous experiment. Furthermore, it was also confirmed that there was no generation of N(2)O gas in the anammox reaction.

Inelastic collisions in optically trapped ultracold metastable ytterbium

We report measurement of inelastic loss in dense and cold metastable ytterbium (Yb[3P2]). Use of an optical far-off-resonance trap enables us to trap atoms in all magnetic sublevels, removing m-changing collisional trap loss from the system. Trapped samples of Yb[3P2] are produced at a density of 2 x 10(13) cm(-3) and temperature of 2 microK. We observe rapid two-body trap loss of Yb[3P2] and measure the inelastic collision rate constant 1.0(3) x 10(-11) cm3 s(-1). The existence of the fine-structure changing collisions between atoms in the 3P2 state is strongly suggested.

Impairment by allyl isothiocyanate of gastric epithelial wound repair through inhibition of ion transporters

Isothiocyanate is a transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) agonist and also an inhibitor of ion transporters such as anion exchanger (AE) and Na(+)/HCO(3)(-) cotransporter (NBC). We examined the expression of TRPA1 and ion transporters in monolayers of the rat gastric epithelial cell line RGM1 and investigated the involvement of these factors in the inhibitory action of isothiocyanate on epithelial wound healing. After obtaining a confluent monolayer, a round artificial wound of constant size was induced in the center of the cell monolayer using a pencil-type mixer with a rotating silicon tip. Immediately after the wound induction, cells at the edge of the wound started to form lamellipodia, migrating towards the center of wound, and the cell-free area decreased with time. Addition of allyl isothiocyanate to standard buffer suppressed the recovery of the wound in a concentration-dependent manner without affecting the viability of the RGM1 cells. Icilin, another TRPA1 agonist, dose-dependently inhibited wound repair. Likewise, 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS), a stilbene compound containing an isothiocyanate group, also inhibited the recovery of epithelial wounds. In addition, the repair of epithelial wounds was suppressed when the cells were incubated in Na(+), Cl(-) or HCO(3)(-) free buffer. The RGM1 cells expressed the mRNAs of AE2a and NBC1 but not TRPA1. These results suggested that isothiocyanate impairs the repair of epithelial wounds in RGM1 cells, probably through the inhibition of ion transporters such as AE2a and NBC1 and not the activation of the TRPA1 channel. It is assumed that the process of epithelial repair is associated with the regulation of cell volume and intracellular pH (pHi) by these ion transporters.

Long-distance, graft-transmissible action of Arabidopsis FLOWERING LOCUS T protein to promote flowering

Day length perceived by a leaf is a major environmental factor that controls the timing of flowering. It has been believed that a mobile, long-distance signal called florigen is produced in the leaf under inductive day length conditions, and is transported to the shoot apex where it triggers floral morphogenesis. Grafting experiments have shown that florigen is transmissible from a donor plant that has been subjected to inductive day length to an uninduced recipient plant. However, the nature of florigen has long remained elusive. Arabidopsis FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) is expressed in cotyledons and leaves in response to inductive long days (LDs). FT protein, with a basic region/leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor FD, acts in the shoot apex to induce target meristem identity genes such as APETALA1 (AP1) and initiates floral morphogenesis. Recent studies have provided evidence that the FT protein in Arabidopsis and corresponding proteins in other species are an important part of florigen. Our work shows that the FT activity, either from overexpressing or inducible transgenes or from the endogenous gene, to promote flowering is transmissible through a graft junction, and that an FT protein with a T7 tag is transported from a donor scion to the apical region of recipient stock plants and becomes detectable within a day or two. The sequence and structure of mRNA are not of critical importance for the long-distance action of the FT gene. These observations led to the conclusion that the FT protein, but not mRNA, is the essential component of florigen.

Temperature-dependent regulation of vocal pattern generator

Vocalizations of Xenopus laevis are generated by central pattern generators (CPGs). The advertisement call of male X. laevis is a complex biphasic motor rhythm consisting of fast and slow trills (a train of clicks). We found that the trill rate of these advertisement calls is sensitive to temperature and that this rate modification of the vocal rhythms originates in the central pattern generators. In vivo the rates of fast and slow trills increased linearly with an increase in temperature. In vitro a similar linear relation between temperature and compound action potential frequency in the laryngeal nerve was found when fictive advertisement calls were evoked in the isolated brain. Temperature did not limit the contractile properties of laryngeal muscles within the frequency range of vocalizations. We next took advantage of the temperature sensitivity of the vocal CPG in vitro to localize the source of the vocal rhythms. We focused on the dorsal tegmental area of the medulla (DTAM), a brain stem nucleus that is essential for vocal production. We found that bilateral cooling of DTAM reduced both fast and slow trill rates. Thus we conclude that DTAM is a source of biphasic vocal rhythms.

Expression of mRNA for specific fibroblast growth factors associates with that of the myogenic markers MyoD and proliferating cell nuclear antigen in regenerating and overloaded rat plantaris muscle

AIM

To examine the relations between specific fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and satellite cell activation during muscle regeneration and hypertrophy in vivo, we measured mRNA expression of FGFs and myogenic markers in rat plantaris muscle after bupivacaine administration and synergist ablation.

METHODS

mRNA levels for MyoD, myogenin, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), p21, M-cadherin, Pax7, FGF-1, FGF-2, FGF-3, FGF-4, FGF-5, FGF-6, FGF-7, FGF-8 and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) were measured continually for up to 72 h after bupivacaine administration and synergist ablation. FGF-5, FGF-7 and HGF proteins were immunostained at 72 h after bupivacaine administration.

RESULTS

MyoD and PCNA mRNAs started increasing 24 h after bupivacaine administration. Myogenin, p21, M-cadherin and Pax7 mRNAs started to increase after 48 and 72 h. After synergist ablation, MyoD, PCNA, M-cadherin and Pax7 mRNAs had increased at 24 and 48 h, and myogenin and p21 mRNAs at 12 and 24 h. FGF-1, FGF-7 and HGF mRNAs after the treatments started to increase at the same time as MyoD and PCNA mRNAs. FGF-5 was expressed at the same time as MyoD and PCNA mRNAs after bupivacaine administration but did not after the ablation. FGF-2, FGF-3, FGF-4, FGF-6 and FGF-8 mRNAs were not associated with the expression of the myogenic markers. FGF-7 and HGF proteins were expressed in immature muscle fibre nuclei and the extracellular matrix, but FGF-5 protein was preferentially expressed in extracellular matrix.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that FGF-1, FGF-7 and HGF are associated with specific myogenic marker expression during muscle regeneration and hypertrophy.

Operation with a single-channel thin-fibre arthroscope in patients with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint

We evaluated the use of operation by single-puncture arthroscopy in 55 patients (62 joints) with locked temporomandibular joints (TMJ). We used a single-channel thin-fibre arthroscope (M & M Co., Tokyo, Japan) and a holuminium yttrium aluminium garnet (Ho:YAG) laser (Lumenis Co., Tokyo, Japan). The preoperative mean (SD) maximum interincisal measurement (distance between the edge of the lower and upper incisor) was 26.0 (4.9) mm, and it was increased by 15.0mm 12 weeks after operation. The preoperative mean (SD) visual analogue score (VAS) was 6.3(2.0), and after 12 weeks it had been reduced to 1.6 (1.1). There were no other complaints. Single-puncture arthroscopy with the Ho:YAG laser is simple and useful. There were no other complications, and the results obtained were satisfactory.

E-cadherin expression in the subepithelial nevus cells of the giant congenital nevocellular nevi (GCNN) correlates with their migration ability in vitro

BACKGROUND

Giant congenital nevocellular nevi (GCNN) are histologically characterized by the broad distribution of nevus cells in the epidermis and dermis.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize E-cadherin in GCNN and define its role in nevic cell migrations.

METHODS

Twenty-four cases were immunohistochemically examined and in five cases cells were isolated for primary culture for migration assays.

RESULTS

The nevus cells in the superficial region showed the immunoreactivity of E-cadherin in a membranous pattern, but those in the deep part of dermis had little immunoreactivity. Ultra-structural analysis of the superficial nevus cells revealed that E-cadherin immunodeposits in the fibrillar processes around the cell body in a spotted pattern. This distribution pattern is quite different from that in the adherens junction of skin squamous epithelial cells. Boyden chamber experiments were performed using primary cultures of intradermal nevus cells. EDTA pretreatment reduced cell migration to the E-cadherin positive side when the E-cadherin positive population was relatively large in the primary cultures.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that E-cadherin in the nevus cells may affect nevus cell motility rather than intercellular attachment.

Sexually differentiated central pattern generators in Xenopus laevis

Understanding the neural mechanisms that underlie the function of central pattern generators (CPGs) presents a formidable challenge requiring sophisticated tools and well-chosen model systems. In this article, we describe recent work on vocalizations of the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis. These behaviors are driven by sexually differentiated CPGs and are exceptionally well suited to this objective. In particular, a simplified mechanism of vocal production (independent of respiratory musculature) allows straightforward interpretations of nerve activity with respect to behavior. Furthermore, the development of a fictively vocalizing isolated brain, together with the finding of rapid androgen-induced masculinization of female vocalizations, provides an invaluable tool for determining how new behaviors arise from existing circuits.

Fugu (Takifugu rubripes) sexual differentiation: CYP19 regulation and aromatase inhibitor induced testicular development

In order to assess the involvement of aromatase CYP19 isoforms and endogenous sex steroids in gonadal sex differentiation and development of the Japanese fugu (Takifugu rubripes), an aromatase inhibitor (AI, fadrozole) was administered to developing fishes from the 'first feeding' till the 100th day after hatching. It was observed that ovarian cavity formation was inhibited by fadrozole at doses of 500 and 1000 microg/g diet, which was followed by testicular differentiation in all treated fugu. In the non-treated fugu, CYP19A was predominantly expressed in the ovary and CYP19B in the brain (in both sexes), although both were expressed interchangeably at low levels. An exceptionally high expression of CYP19B was also evident in testis throughout the study period. Both forms of CYP19 mRNA showed low levels of expression in brain and gonad with no significant differences between the two AI treatments. AI treatment inhibited CYP19A mRNA in trunk during the crucial period of ovarian cavity formation and CYP19B in gonad and brain by the end of gonadal sex differentiation. An elevation of testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone was observed which can be associated with the down-regulation of the circulating 17beta-estradiol production during the AI treatment period. After stopping AI treatment, both circulating estrogen and androgen were normalized. The current results suggest that suppression of CYP19A before and during morphological sex differentiation inhibits ovarian cavity formation in fugu. Furthermore, non-detectable limits of 17beta-estradiol and high testosterone levels by the end of the gonadal differentiation period can be ascribed to inhibition of CYP19B, suggesting that conversion of 17beta-estradiol from testosterone is plausibly regulated by CYP19B, and that this factor (CYP19B) may play an important role in AI-induced testicular development after gonadal sex differentiation through regulation of the testosterone-17beta-estradiol balance in fugu.

An Anti-c-Fms Antibody Inhibits Orthodontic Tooth Movement

Orthodontic force induces osteoclastogenesis in vivo. It has recently been reported that administration of an antibody against the macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) receptor c-Fms blocks osteoclastogenesis and bone erosion induced by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) administration. This study aimed to examine the effect of an anti-c-Fms antibody on mechanical loading-induced osteoclastogenesis and osteolysis in an orthodontic tooth movement model in mice. Using TNF receptor 1- and 2-deficient mice, we showed that orthodontic tooth movement was mediated by TNF-α. We injected anti-c-Fms antibody daily into a local site, for 12 days, during mechanical loading. The anti-c-Fms antibody significantly inhibited orthodontic tooth movement, markedly reduced the number of osteoclasts in vivo, and inhibited TNF-α-induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro. These findings suggest that M-CSF plays an important role in mechanical loading-induced osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption during orthodontic tooth movement mediated by TNF-α.

Effect of hypoxia and interleukin-1beta on expression of tenascin-C in temporomandibular joint

OBJECTIVE

The expression of tenascin-C in the synovial membrane of the internal derangement (ID) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) has been reported. Hypoxia of the synovial membrane in TMJ is considered to be a cause for the pathophysiology of ID. In this study, we clarify the contribution of hypoxia and interleukin-1beta in the expression of tenascin-C in ID of TMJ.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Synovial fibroblasts and disk cells obtained from ID of TMJs were cultured and treated with interleukin-1beta under normoxia and hypoxia. A Western blot analysis and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis were used to identify tenascin-C in cultured synovial fibroblasts and disk cells. In addition, the immunohistochemical staining of tenascin-C was carried out for the specimens of ID of TMJs and normal.

RESULTS

The combination of hypoxia and interleukin-1beta caused a significant increase in tenascin-C protein and mRNA of synovial fibroblasts. In contrast, the combination caused no increase in tenascin-C in disk cells. However, the immunohistochemical staining demonstrated tenascin-C to be significantly detected in both the synovial tissue and disks in ID of TMJ.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that hypoxic conditions with inflammation modulate the tenascin-C expression in synovial fibroblasts, but not in disk cells.

Amelogenin positive cells scattered in the interstitial component of odontogenic fibromas

BACKGROUND

Odontogenic tumours are often biphasic, consisting of epithelial and interstitial components, with an origin that is not well understood. Odontogenic fibromas are rich in mesenchymal component, but also have many epithelial nests.

AIMS

To investigate the origin of this tumour by immunohistochemistry.

METHODS

The expression of several odontogenic and epithelial markers, including amelogenin, was investigated by immunofluorescent studies.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemical analysis showed that epithelial nests exhibited E-cadherin expression, but not amelogenin. Amelogenin positive cells were scattered in the fibrous tissue, which did not exhibit epithelial marker expression except for epithelial membrane antigen. In one case that had received a test biopsy before whole resection of tumour, amelogenin positive cells were distributed in the regenerating mucosal epithelium or subepithelial tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate that amelogenin positive cells of odontogenic fibromas have an epithelial origin and may have the potential for epithelial mesenchymal transition, which has not to date been investigated in benign tumours.

Observation of a new DsJ meson in B+-->D0D0K+ decays

We report the observation of a new DsJ meson produced in B+-->D0DsJ-->D0D0K+. This state has a mass of M=2708+/-9(-10)(+11) MeV/c2, a width Gamma=108+/-23(-31)(+36) MeV/c2 and a 1- spin-parity. The statistical significance of this observation is 8.4 sigma. The results are based on an analysis of 449 x 10(6) BB events collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+e- collider.

Observation of the psi(4415)-->DD2*(2460) decay using initial-state radiation

We report measurements of the exclusive cross section for e(+)e(-)-->D(0)D(-)pi(+) over the center-of-mass energy range 4.0 GeV to 5.0 GeV with initial-state radiation and the first observation of the decay psi(4415)-->D(0)D(-)pi(+). From a study of the resonant substructure in psi(4415) decay we conclude that the psi(4415)-->D(0)D(-)pi(+) decay is dominated by psi(4415)-->DD(2)(*)(2460). We obtain B(psi(4415)-->D(0)D(-)pi(nonresonant)(+))/B(psi(4415)-->DD(2)(*)(2460)-->D(0)D(-)pi(+))<0.22 at 90% C.L. The analysis is based on a data sample collected with the Belle detector with an integrated luminosity of 673 fb(-1).

Neutral-kaon mixing from (2+1)-flavor domain-wall QCD

We present the first results for neutral-kaon mixing using (2+1)-flavors of domain-wall fermions. A new approach is used to extrapolate to the physical up and down quark masses from our numerical studies with pion masses in the range 240-420 MeV; only SU(2)_{L}xSU(2)_{R} chiral symmetry is assumed and the kaon is not assumed to be light. Our main result is B_{K};{MS[over ]}(2 GeV)=0.524(10)(28) where the first error is statistical and the second incorporates estimates for all systematic errors.

Time-dependent CP-violating asymmetry in B0-->rho0gamma decays

We report the first measurement of CP-violation parameters in B0-->rho0gamma decays based on a data sample of 657x10(6)BB pairs collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+e- collider. We obtain the time-dependent and direct CP-violating parameters, Srho0gamma=-0.83+/-0.65(stat)+/-0.18(syst) and Arho0gamma=-0.44+/-0.49(stat)+/-0.14(syst), respectively.

Search for B --> h(*)nunu[over ] decays at Belle

We present a search for the rare decays B --> h(*)nunu[over ], where h(*) stands for a light meson. A data sample of 535 x 10{6} BB[over ] pairs collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB e{+}e{-} collider is used. Signal candidates are required to have an accompanying B meson fully reconstructed in a hadronic mode and signal side particles consistent with a single h(*) meson. No significant signal is observed and we set upper limits on the branching fractions at 90% confidence level. The limits on B{0} --> K{*0}nunu[over ] and B{+} --> K{+}nunu[over ] decays are more stringent than the previous constraints, while the first searches for B{0} --> K{0}nunu[over ], pi{0}nunu[over ], rho{0}nunu[over ], varphinunu[over ] and B{+} --> K{*+}nunu[over ], rho{+}nunu[over ] are reported.

Search for the CP-violating decays Upsilon(4S)-->B0B0-->J/psiKS0+J/psi(etac)KS0

We report the first search for CP-violating decays of the Upsilon(4S) using a data sample that contains 535 x 10(6) Upsilon(4S) mesons with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. A partial reconstruction technique is employed to enhance the signal sensitivity. No significant signals were observed. We obtain an upper limit of 4 x 10(-7) at the 90% confidence level for the branching fractions of the CP violating modes, Upsilon(4S)-->B(0)B(0)-->J/psiK(S)(0)+J/psi(eta(c))K(S)(0). Extrapolating the result, we find that an observation with 5sigma significance is expected with a 30 ab(-1) data sample, which is within the reach of a future super B factory.

Observation of B(0)-->D(*-)tau(+)nu(tau) decay at Belle

We report an observation of the decay B{0}-->D{*-}tau{+}nu{tau} in a data sample containing 535x10{6} BB pairs collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e{+}e{-} collider. We find a signal with a significance of 5.2sigma and measure the branching fraction B(B{0}-->D{*-}tau{+}nu{tau})=(2.02{-0.37}{+0.40}(stat)+/-0.37(syst))%. This is the first observation of an exclusive B decay with a b-->ctaunu{tau} transition.

Measurement of the e+e- -->pi+pi- J/psi cross section via initial-state radiation at Belle

The cross section for e(+)e(-)-->pi(+)pi(-)J/psi between 3.8 and 5.5 GeV/c(2) is measured using a 548 fb(-1) data sample collected on or near the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at KEKB. A peak near 4.25 GeV/c(2), corresponding to the so called Y(4260), is observed. In addition, there is another cluster of events at around 4.05 GeV/c(2). A fit using two interfering Breit-Wigner shapes describes the data better than one that uses only the Y(4260), especially for the lower-mass side of the 4.25 GeV enhancement.

Observation of two resonant structures in e+ e- -->pi+ pi- psi(2S) via initial-state radiation at Belle

The cross section for e+ e- --> pi+ pi- psi(2S) between threshold and sqrt[s]=5.5 GeV is measured using 673 fb(-1) of data on and off the Upsilon(4S) resonance collected with the Belle detector at KEKB. Two resonant structures are observed in the pi+ pi- psi(2S) invariant-mass distribution, one at 4361 +/- 9 +/- 9 MeV/c2 with a width of 74 +/- 15 +/- 10 MeV/c2, and another at 4664 +/- 11 +/- 5 MeV/c2 with a width of 48 +/- 15 +/- 3 MeV/c2, if the mass spectrum is parametrized with the coherent sum of two Breit-Wigner functions. These values do not match those of any of the known charmonium states.

Measurement of Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen-type flavor entanglement in Upsilon(4S) --> B0 B0 decays

The neutral B meson pair produced at the Upsilon(4S) should exhibit a nonlocal correlation of the type discussed by Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen. We measure this correlation using the time-dependent flavor asymmetry of semileptonic B(0) decays, which we compare with predictions from quantum mechanics and two local realistic models. The data are consistent with quantum mechanics, and inconsistent with the other models. Assuming that some B pairs disentangle to produce B(0) and B(0) with definite flavor, we find a decoherent fraction of 0.029 +/ -0.057, consistent with no decoherence.

Measurement of D0-D0 mixing parameters in D0 --> Ks pi+ pi- decays

We report a measurement of D0-D(0) mixing parameters in D(0) --> K(s)(0) pi(+) pi(-) decays using a time-dependent Dalitz-plot analysis. We first assume CP conservation and subsequently allow for CP violation. The results are based on 540 fb(-1) of data accumulated with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) collider. Assuming negligible CP violation, we measure the mixing parameters x = (0.80 +/- 0.29(-0.07-0.14)(+0.09+0.10))% and y = (0.33+/-0.24(-0.12-0.08)(+0.08+0.06))%, where the errors are statistical, experimental systematic, and systematic due to the Dalitz decay model, respectively. Allowing for CP violation, we obtain the CP-violating parameters |q / p| = 0.86(-0.29-0.03)(+0.30+0.06) +/- 0.08 and arg(q/p) = (-14(-18-3-4)(+16+5+2)) degrees .

Measurements of branching fractions for B --> K pi and B --> pi pi decays

We report measurements of branching fractions for B --> K pi and B --> pi pi decays based on a data sample of 449 x 10(6) BB[over] pairs collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. We also measure the ratios of partial widths for B-->Kpi decays, namely R(c) identical with 2Gamma(B(+) --> K(+) pi(0))/Gamma(B(+) --> K(0) pi(+)) = 1.08+/-0.06+/-0.08 and R(n) identical with Gamma(B(0) --> K(+) pi(-))/2 Gamma(B(0) --> K(0) pi(0)) = 1.08+/-0.08+/-0.08, where the first and the second errors are statistical and systematic, respectively. These ratios are sensitive to enhanced electroweak penguin contributions from new physics; the new measurements are, however, consistent with standard model expectations.

The Crystallization Age of Eucrite Zircon

Eucrites are a group of meteorites that represent the first planetary igneous activity following metal-silicate differentiation on an early planetesimal, similar to Asteroid 4 Vesta, and, thus, help date geophysical processes occurring on such bodies in the early solar system. Using the short-lived radionuclide (182)Hf as a relative chronometer, we demonstrate that eucrite zircon crystallized quickly within 6.8 million years of metal-silicate differentiation. This implies that mantle differentiation on the eucrite parent body occurred during a period when internal heat from the decay of (26)Al and (60)Fe was still available. Later metamorphism of eucrites took place at least 8.9 million years after the zircons crystallized and was likely caused by heating from impacts, or by burial under hot material excavated by impacts, rather than from lava flows. Thus, the timing of eucrite formation and of mantle differentiation is constrained.

Measurement of the tau lepton mass and an upper limit on the mass difference between tau+ and tau-

The mass of the tau lepton has been measured in the decay mode tau-->3pinutau using a pseudomass technique. The result obtained from 414 fb-1 of data collected with the Belle detector is Mtau=[1776.61+/-0.13(stat)+/-0.35(sys)] MeV/c2. The upper limit on the relative mass difference between positive and negative tau leptons is |Mtau+-Mtau-|/Mtau<2.8 x 10-4 at 90% confidence level.

Experimental constraints on the spin and parity of the Lambdac(2880)+

We report the results of several studies of the Lambda(c)(+)pi(+)pi(-)X final state in continuum e(+)e(-) annihilation data collected by the Belle detector. An analysis of angular distributions in Lambda(c)(2880)(+)-->Sigma(c)(2455)(0,++)pi(+,-) decays strongly favors a Lambda(c)(2880)(+) spin assignment of 5/2 over 3/2 or 1/2. We find evidence for Lambda(c)(2880)(+)-->Sigma(c)(2520)(0,++)pi(+,-) decay and measure the ratio of Lambda(c)(2880)(+) partial widths Gamma(Sigma(c)(2520)pi)/Gamma(Sigma(c)(2455)pi)=0.225+/-0.062+/-0.025. This value favors the Lambda(c)(2880)(+) spin-parity assignment of 5/2(+) over 5/2(-). We also report the first observation of Lambda(c)(2940)(+)-->Sigma(c)(2455)(0,++)pi(+,-) decay and measure Lambda(c)(2880)(+) and Lambda(c)(2940)(+) mass and width parameters. These studies are based on a 553 fb(-1) data sample collected at or near the Upsilon(4S) resonance at the KEKB collider.

Evidence for CP violation in B0-->D+D- decays

We report measurements of the branching fraction and CP violation parameters in B(0)-->D+ D- decays. The results are based on a data sample that contains 535 x 10(6) BB pairs collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance, with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+e- collider. We obtain [1.97+/-0.20(stat) +/- 0.20(syst)] x 10(-4) for the branching fraction of B0-->D+D-. The measured values of the CP violation parameters are S=-1.13+/-0.37+/-0.09, A=0.91+/-0.23+/-0.06, where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic. We find evidence of CP violation in B0-->D+D- at the 4.1sigma confidence level. While the value of S is consistent with expectations from other measurements, the value of the parameter A favors large direct CP violation at the 3.2sigma confidence level, in contradiction to standard model expectations.

Measurement of CP asymmetry in a time-dependent Dalitz analysis of B0-->(rhopi)0 and a constraint on the quark mixing matrix angle phi2

We present a measurement of CP asymmetry using a time-dependent Dalitz plot analysis of B0-->pi+pi-pi0 decays based on a 414 fb(-1) data sample containing 449 x 10(6) BB pairs. The data was collected on the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric energy e+ e- collider. Combining our analysis with information on charged B decay modes, we perform a full Dalitz and isospin analysis and obtain a constraint on the CKM angle phi2, 68 degrees < phi2 < 95 degrees as the 68.3% confidence interval for the phi2 solution consistent with the standard model (SM). A large SM-disfavored region also remains.