Search for the Higgs boson in H --> WW(*) decays in pp collisions at square root of 1.96 TeV

We present a search for the standard model Higgs boson in H --> WW(*) decays with e+e-, e+/-mu-/+, and mu+mu- final states in pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of square root of s = 1.96 TeV. The data, collected from April 2002 to June 2004 with the D0 detector, correspond to an integrated luminosity of 300-325 pb(-1), depending on the final state. The number of events observed is consistent with the expectation from backgrounds. Limits from the combination of all three channels on the Higgs boson production cross section times branching ratio sigma x BR(H --> WW(*) are presented.

Measurement of the lifetime difference in the B0(s) system

We present a study of the decay B0(s) --> J/psiphi. We obtain the CP-odd fraction in the final state at time zero, Rperpendicular = 0.16 +/- 0.10(stat) +/- 0.02 (syst), the average lifetime of the (B0(s), B0(s)) system, tau(B0(s)) = 1.39(+0.13)(-0.16)(stat)(+0.01)(-0.02)(syst) ps, and the relative width difference between the heavy and light mass eigenstates, DeltaGamma/Gamma tripple bond (GammaL - GammaH)/Gamma = 0.24(+0.28)(-0.38)(stat)(+0.03)(-0.04)(syst). With the additional constraint from the world average of the lifetime measurements using semileptonic decays, we find tau(B0(s)) = 1.39 +/- 0.06 ps and DeltaGamma/Gamma = 0.25(+0.14)(-0.15). For the ratio of the B0(s) and B0 lifetimes we obtain tau(B0(s))/tau(B0) = 0.91 +/- 0.09(stat) +/- 0.003(syst).

Measurement of semileptonic branching fractions of B mesons to narrow D** states

Using the data accumulated in 2002-2004 with the D0 detector in proton-antiproton collisions at the Fermilab Tevatron collider with a center-of-mass energy of 1.96 TeV, the branching fractions of the decays B --> D0(1)(2420)mu+ vmuX and B --> D2(*0)(2460)mu+ vmuX and their ratio have been measured: B(b --> B) x B(B --> D0(1)mu+ vmuX) x B(D0(*0) --> D*- pi+) = [0.087 +/- 0.007(stat) +/- 0.014(syst)]%; B(b --> B) x B(B --> D2(*0) mu+ vmuX) x B(D2(*0) --> D*- pi+) = [0.035 +/- 0.007(stat) +/- 0.008(syst)]% and [B(B --> D2(*0)mu+ vmuX) x B(D2(*0) --> D*- pi+)]/[B(B --> D0(1)mu+ vmuX) x B(D0(1) --> D*- pi+)] = 0.39 +/- 0.09(stat) +/- 0.12 (syst), where the charge conjugated states are always implied.

Search for large extra spatial dimensions in dimuon production with the d0 detector

We present the results of a search for the effects of large extra spatial dimensions in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV in events containing a pair of energetic muons. The data correspond to 246 pb(-1) of integrated luminosity collected by the D0 experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. Good agreement with the expected background was found, yielding no evidence for large extra dimensions. We set 95% C.L. lower limits on the fundamental Planck scale between 0.85 and 1.27 TeV within several formalisms. These are the most stringent limits achieved in the dimuon channel to date.

Search for supersymmetry via associated production of charginos and neutralinos in final states with three leptons

A search for associated production of charginos and neutralinos is performed using data recorded with the D0 detector at a pp center-of-mass energy of 1.96 TeV at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. This analysis considers final states with missing transverse energy and three charged leptons, of which at least two are electrons or muons. No evidence for supersymmetry is found in a data set corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 320 pb-1. Limits on the product of the production cross section and leptonic branching fraction are set. For the minimal supergravity model, a chargino lower mass limit of 117 GeV at the 95% C.L. is derived in regions of parameter space with enhanced leptonic branching fractions.

Search for neutral supersymmetric Higgs Bosons in multijet events at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV

We have performed a search for neutral Higgs bosons produced in association with bottom quarks in pp collisions, using 260 pb-1 of data collected with the D0 detector in Run II of the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. The cross sections for these processes are enhanced in many extensions of the standard model (SM), such as in its minimal supersymmetric extension at large tanbeta. The results of our analysis agree with expectations from the SM, and we use our measurements to set upper limits on the production of neutral Higgs bosons in the mass range of 90 to 150 GeV.

Production of WZ events in pp collisions at square root(s) = 1.96 TeV and limits on anomalous WWZ couplings

We present results from a search for WZ production with subsequent decay to l nu l' l' (l and l' = e or mu) using 0.30 fb(-1) of data collected by the D0 experiment between 2002 and 2004 at the Fermilab Tevatron. Three events with WZ decay characteristics are observed. With an estimated background of 0.71 +/- 0.08 events, we measure the WZ production cross section to be 4.5(-2.6)(+3.8) pb, with a 95% C.L. upper limit of 13.3 pb. The 95% C.L. limits for anomalous WWZ couplings are found to be -2.0 < delta kappaZ < 2.4 for form factor scale lambda = 1 TeV, and -0.48 < lambdaZ < 0.48 and -0.49 < delta g(1)(Z) < 0.66 for lambda = 1.5 TeV.

Search for Randall-Sundrum gravitons in dilepton and diphoton final states

We report the first direct search for the Kaluza-Klein (KK) modes of Randall-Sundrum gravitons using dielectron, dimuon, and diphoton events observed with the D0 detector operating at the Fermilab Tevatron pp(-) Collider at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV. No evidence for resonant production of gravitons has been found in the data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of approximately equal to 260 pb(-1). Lower limits on the mass of the first KK mode at the 95% C.L. have been set between 250 and 785 GeV, depending on its coupling to standard model particles.

Study of Zgamma events and limits on anomalous ZZgamma and Zgammagamma couplings in pp collisions at square root s = 1.96 TeV

We present a measurement of the Zgamma production cross section and limits on anomalous ZZgamma and Zgammagamma couplings for form-factor scales of lambda = 750 and 1000 GeV. The measurement is based on 138 (152) candidates in the eegamma (mumugamma) final state using 320(290) pb(-1) of pp(-1) collisions at square root of s = 1.96 TeV. The 95% C.L. limits on real and imaginary parts of individual anomalous couplings are /h(10,30)Z/ < 0.23, /h(20,40)Z/ < 0.020, /h(10,30)gamma/ < 0.23, and /h(20,40)gamma/ < 0.019 for lambda = 1000 GeV.

Measurement of inclusive differential cross sections for pp collisions at (square root)s = 1.96 TeV

We present measurements of the inclusive production cross sections of the Gamma(1S) bottomonium state in pp collisions at (square root)s = 1.96 TeV. Using the Gamma(1S) --> mu(+)mu(-) decay mode for a data sample of 159 +/- 10 pb(-1) collected by the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron collider, we determine the differential cross sections as a function of the Gamma(1S) transverse momentum for three ranges of the Gamma(1S) rapidity: 0 < y(Gamma) < or = 0.6, 0.6 < y(Gamma) < or = 1.2, and 1.2 < y(Gamma) < or = 1.8.

Measurement of dijet azimuthal decorrelations at central rapidities in pp collisions at sqrt s =1.96 TeV

Correlations in the azimuthal angle between the two largest transverse momentum jets have been measured using the D0 detector in p (-)p collisions at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV. The analysis is based on an inclusive dijet event sample in the central rapidity region corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 150 pb(-1). Azimuthal correlations are stronger at larger transverse momenta. These are well described in perturbative QCD at next-to-leading order in the strong coupling constant, except at large azimuthal differences where contributions with low transverse momentum are significant.

Measurement of the ratio of B+ and B0 meson lifetimes

The ratio of the B+ and B0 meson lifetimes was measured using data collected in 2002-2004 by the D0 experiment in Run II of the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. These mesons were reconstructed in B-->mu(+)nuD(*-)X decays, which are dominated by B0 and B-->mu(+)nuD 0X decays, which are dominated by B+. The ratio of lifetimes is measured to be tau(+)/tau(0)=1.080+/-0.016(stat)+/-0.014(syst).

Measurement of the ratio of inclusive cross sections sigma(pp --> Z + b jet)/sigma(pp --> Z + jet) at square root(s) = 1.96 TeV

Using the data collected with the D0 detector at square root(s) = 1.96 TeV, for integrated luminosities of about 180 pb(-1), we have measured the ratio of inclusive cross sections for pp --> Z + b jet to pp --> Z + jet production. The inclusive Z + b-jet reaction is an important background to searches for the Higgs boson in associated ZH production at the Fermilab Tevatron collider. Our measurement is the first of its kind, and relies on the Z --> e+ e- and Z --> mu+ mu- modes. The combined measurement of the ratio yields 0.021+/-0.005 for hadronic jets with transverse momenta pT > 20 GeV/c and pseudorapidities absolute value(eta) < 2.5, consistent with next-to-leading-order predictions of the standard model.

Search for anomalous heavy-flavor quark production in association with W bosons

We search for anomalous production of heavy-flavor quark jets in association with W bosons at the Fermilab Tevatron pp Collider in final states in which the heavy-flavor quark content is enhanced by requiring at least one tagged jet in an event. Jets are tagged using one algorithm based on semileptonic decays of b/c hadrons, and another on their lifetimes. We compare e+jets (164 pb(-1)) and mu+jets (145 pb(-1)) channels collected with the D0 detector at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV to expectations from the standard model and set upper limits on anomalous production of such events.

Measurement of the WW production cross section in pp collisions at square root[s]=1.96 TeV

We present a measurement of the W boson pair-production cross section in pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV. The data, collected with the Run II D0 detector at Fermilab, correspond to an integrated luminosity of 224-252 pb(-1) depending on the final state (ee, emu, or mumu). We observe 25 candidates with a background expectation of 8.1+/-0.6(stat)+/-0.6(syst)+/-0.5(lum) events. The probability for an upward fluctuation of the background to produce the observed signal is 2.3x10(-7), equivalent to 5.2 standard deviations. The measurement yields a cross section of 13.8(+4.3)(-3.8)(stat)+1.2-0.9(syst)+/-0.9(lum) pb, in agreement with predictions from the standard model.

Measurement of the Lambda0b lifetime in the decay lambda0b--> J/psiLambda0 with the D0 detector

We present measurements of the Lambda(0)(b) lifetime in the exclusive decay channel Lambda(0)(b)--> J/psiLambda(0), with J/psi--> mu(+)mu(-) and Lambda(0)--> ppi(-), the B0 lifetime in the decay B0-->J/psiK(0)(S) with J/psi--> mu(+)mu(-) and K(0)(S)-->pi(+)pi(-), and the ratio of these lifetimes. The analysis is based on approximately 250 pb(-1) of data recorded with the D0 detector in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV. The Lambda(0)(b) lifetime is determined to be tau(Lambda(0)(b)) = 1.22(+0.22)(-0.18)(stat) +/- 0.04(syst) ps, the B0 lifetime tau(B0) = 1.40(+0.11)(-0.10)(stat) +/- 0.03(syst) ps, and the ratio tau(Lambda(0)(b))/tau(B0) = 0.87(+0.17)(-0.14)(stat) +/- 0.03(syst). In contrast with previous measurements using semileptonic decays, this is the first determination of the Lambda(0)(b) lifetime based on a fully reconstructed decay channel.

Search for Wbb and WH production in pp collisions at square root [s]=1.96 TeV

We present a search for Wbb production in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV in events containing one electron, an imbalance in transverse momentum, and two b-tagged jets. Using 174 pb(-1) of integrated luminosity accumulated by the D0 experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron collider, and the standard-model description of such events, we set a 95% C.L. upper limit on Wbb production of 6.6 pb for b quarks with transverse momenta p(b)(T)>20 GeV and bb separation in pseudorapidity-azimuth space DeltaR(bb)>0.75. Restricting the search to optimized bb mass intervals provides upper limits on WH production of 9.0-12.2 pb for Higgs-boson masses of 105-135 GeV.

Search for the flavor-changing neutral current decay B0s--> mu(+) mu(-) in pp Collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV with the D0 detector

We present the results of a search for the flavor-changing neutral current decay B(0)(s)--> mu(+) mu(-) using a data set with integrated luminosity of 240 pb(-1) of pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV collected with the D0 detector in run II of the Fermilab Tevatron collider. We find the upper limit on the branching fraction to be B(B(0)(s)--> mu(+) mu(-)) < or= 5.0 x 10(-7) at the 95% C.L. assuming no contributions from the decay B(0)(d)--> mu(+) mu(-) in the signal region. This limit is the most stringent upper bound on the branching fraction B(0)(s)--> mu(+) mu(-) to date.

Search for supersymmetry with gauge-mediated breaking in diphoton events at D0

We report the results of a search for supersymmetry (SUSY) with gauge-mediated breaking in the missing transverse energy distribution of inclusive diphoton events using 263 pb(-1) of data collected by the D0 experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider in 2002-2004. No excess is observed above the background expected from standard model processes, and lower limits on the masses of the lightest neutralino and chargino of about 108 and 195 GeV, respectively, are set at the 95% confidence level. These are the most stringent limits to date for models with gauge-mediated SUSY breaking with a short-lived neutralino as the next-to-lightest SUSY particle.

Measurement of the B0s lifetime in the exclusive decay channel B0s-->J/psiphi

Using the exclusive decay B0s-->J/psi(mu+mu-)phi(K+K-), we report the most precise single measurement of the B0s lifetime. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of approximately 220 pb(-1) collected with the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider in 2002-2004. We reconstruct 337 signal candidates, from which we extract the B0s lifetime, tau(B0s)=1.444(+0.098)(-0.090)(stat)+/-0.020(sys) ps. We also report a measurement for the lifetime of the B0 meson using the exclusive decay B0-->J/psi(mu+mu-)K*0(892)(K+pi-). We reconstruct 1370 signal candidates, obtaining tau(B0)=1.473(+0.052)(-0.050)(stat)+/-0.023(sys) ps, and the ratio of lifetimes, tau(B0s)/tau(B0)=0.980(+0.076)(-0.071)(stat)+/-0.003(sys).

Observation and properties of the X(3872) decaying to J/psipi(+)pi(-) in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV

We report the observation of the X(3872) in the J/psipi(+)pi(-) channel, with J/psi decaying to mu(+)mu(-), in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV. Using approximately 230 pb(-1) of data collected with the Run II D0 detector, we observe 522+/-100 X(3872) candidates. The mass difference between the X(3872) state and the J/psi is measured to be 774.9+/-3.1(stat)+/-3.0(syst) MeV/c(2). We have investigated the production and decay characteristics of the X(3872) and find them to be similar to those of the psi(2S) state.

Search for doubly charged higgs boson pair production in the decay to mu(+)mu(+)mu(-)mu(-) in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV

A search for pair production of doubly charged Higgs bosons in the process pp -->H(++)H(--) -->mu(+)mu(+)mu(-)mu(-) is performed with the D0 run II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. The analysis is based on a sample of inclusive dimuon data collected at an energy of sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 113 pb(-1). In the absence of a signal, 95% confidence level mass limits of M(H(+/-+/-)(L))>118.4 GeV/c(2) and M(H(+/-+/-)(R))>98.2 GeV/c(2) are set for left-handed and right-handed doubly charged Higgs bosons, respectively, assuming 100% branching into muon pairs.

During lytic infection herpes simplex virus type 1 is associated with histones bearing modifications that correlate with active transcription

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a large (150-kb) double-stranded DNA virus that forms latent infections in neuronal cells of the human peripheral nervous system. Previous work determined that the HSV-1 genome is found in an ordered nucleosomal structure during latent infection. However, during lytic infection, it was unclear whether viral DNA was in a chromatin state. We examined HSV-1 during lytic infection using micrococcal nuclease digestion and chromatin immunoprecipitation. The HSV-1 genome is at least partially nucleosomal, although apparently not in a regular repeating structure. Analysis of histones associated with HSV-1, within both the promoter and the transcribed regions, revealed covalent amino tail modifications similar to those associated with active host mammalian genes. Certain of the modifications were detected in the temporal order expected of the immediate-early, early, and late gene classes. These data suggest that productive infection may be accompanied by acquisition of a permissive chromatin state.

The natural history of sclerosteosis

Sclerosteosis (SCL) is a severe, progressive, autosomal-recessive craniotubular hyperostosis (MIM 269500). The determinant gene (SOST) has been isolated, and genotype-phenotype correlations, as well as the elucidation of pathogenetic mechanisms, are dependent upon the documentation of the natural history of the condition. For this reason, the course and complications in 63 affected individuals in South Africa, seen over a 38-year period, have been analyzed. Thirty-four of these persons died during the course of the survey, 24 from complications related to elevation of intracranial pressure as a result of calvarial overgrowth. The mean age of death in this group of individuals was 33 years, with an even gender distribution. Facial palsy and deafness, as a result of cranial nerve entrapment, developed in childhood in 52 (82%) affected persons. Mandibular overgrowth was present in 46 (73%) adults and syndactyly in 48 (76%). In South Africa in 2002, 29 affected persons were alive, 10 being < or =20 years of age. It is evident that sclerosteosis is a severe disorder which places a considerable burden upon affected individuals and their families.

Regional brain chemical alterations in young children with autism spectrum disorder

OBJECTIVE

The authors evaluated regional brain chemistry for evidence of increased neuronal packing density in autism.

METHODS

Forty-five 3- to 4-year-old children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), 13 children with typical development (TD), and 15 children with delayed development (DD) were studied using dual-echo proton echoplanar spectroscopic imaging (32 x 32 matrix-1 cm(3) voxels) to measure brain chemical concentrations and relaxation times. Chemical quantification was corrected for tissue partial volume and relative measures of chemical relaxation (T(2r)) were calculated from the paired echoes. Measures from averaged and individual regions were compared using analysis of variance corrected for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

ASD subjects demonstrated reduced N-acetylaspartate (NAA) (-10%), creatine (Cre) (-8%), and myo-inositol (-13%) concentrations compared to TD controls and prolonged NAA T(2r) relative to TD (7%) and DD (9%) groups. Compared to DD subjects, children with ASD also demonstrated prolonged T(2r) for choline (10%) and Cre (9%). Regional analyses demonstrated subtle patterns of chemical alterations in ASD compared to the TD and DD groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Brain chemical abnormalities are present in ASD at 3 to 4 years of age. However, the direction and widespread distribution of these abnormalities do not support hypothesis of diffuse increased neuronal packing density in ASD.

Priorities and satisfaction on the help needed and provided in a first episode of psychosis. A survey in five European Family Associations

In the case of a first episode of psychosis among members of different associations of families of mentally ill people, little is known about their priorities and how satisfied they are with the help provided to them. A survey was conducted in five European family associations. Respondents emphasized the need for early (ambulant) intervention through outreach with very practical goals directed at creating stability and social functioning. About one-third of the respondents are unsatisfied or very unsatisfied. The highest percentage of unsatisfied respondents was in the following five areas of care: advice on how to handle specific problems; help with preserving or regaining social functioning; help with regaining structure and routine; information; prompt assistance preferably in patients own environment. The agreement of these findings with findings from earlier studies underlines the importance of suggesting specific changes in the delivery of care.

Courting disaster. No direct funds for hospitals in bioterror bill; mixed requests hurt

Do they need $27 billion, $11.3 billion or some other figure? Mixed messages from the hospital lobby mean that the new $2.7 billion bioterrorism package left hospitals with no direct funds to pay for biochemical attack preparations.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Gag-specific vaginal immunity and protection after local immunizations with sindbis virus-based replicon particles

The majority of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections occur through vaginal and rectal transmission. In seeking a safe, nonreplicating gene-delivery vector that can induce mucosal and systemic immune responses and protection, Sindbis virus-based replicon particles expressing HIV-1 Gag (SIN-Gag) were developed. In mice, after nasal or intramuscular immunization with SIN-Gag and vaginal challenge with vaccinia virus (VV) expressing HIV-1 Gag (VV-Gag), CD8(+) T cell-mediated responses were detected locally, in the vaginal mucosa and in the draining iliac lymph nodes (ILNs), and systemically, in the spleen. However, the mice were not protected against VV-Gag replication in the ovaries. In contrast, after vaginal or rectal immunization with SIN-Gag and vaginal challenge with VV-Gag, despite lower local CD8(+) T cell-mediated responses in the vaginal mucosa and ILNs, the mice were protected against VV-Gag replication in the ovaries. Therefore, local immunization with SIN-Gag induced both local mucosal cell-mediated responses and protection.

Age dependent aneuploidy and telomere length of the human vascular endothelium

RATIONALE

Aneuploidy and telomere length are two major parameters that have been associated with cellular senescence in vitro. In order to explore the role of aneuploidy and telomere length in aging of the human vasculature, we studied these two parameters in direct preparations of endothelial cells of the human abdominal aorta.

METHODS

Using fluorescent in situ hybridization on 'touch prep' slides, we evaluated aneuploidy of two autosomes (chromosomes 6 and 16) and sex chromosomes in non cultured endothelial cells of the abdominal aorta as a function of the donor's age.

RESULTS

We found that the frequency of aneuploidy of vascular endothelial cells significantly increased with age. This was expressed by age-dependent tetrasomy (r(s)=0.56, P=0.006 for chromosome 6; and r(s)=0.54, P=0.008 for chromosome 16), and age dependent loss of the Y chromosome (r(s)=0.85, P=0.0003). In addition, we found that telomere length was inversely correlated with age (r=-0.38, P=0.008). DATA INTERPRETATION: These findings suggest that indicators of cellular senescence, earlier observed in vitro, are also expressed in the human vascular endothelium in vivo. Aneuploidy and telomere attrition might thus play a role in the aging of the human vasculature.

Nonwoven fiber barriers for control of cabbage maggot and onion maggot (Diptera: Anthomyiidae)

We investigated the use of nonwoven fiber barriers for control of cabbage maggot, Delia radicum (L.), and onion maggot, D. antiqua (Meigen). The barriers consist of arrangements of minute fibers loosely intertwined in "web" form. Results from a greenhouse experiment showed that manually applied graphite fibers placed at the base of broccoli plants reduced the number of D. radicum eggs by 64-98%, and that efficacy increased with greater fiber density. Using a melt extrusion process, we devised a method for on-site creation of nonwoven fibers of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). In field trials with broccoli and onion plants, EVA fibers significantly reduced the number of cabbage and onion maggots infesting plants. Fiber barriers provided comparable control to standard insecticide applications. The addition of blue, yellow, red, or black pigments, as well as optical brighteners that absorb UV light did not enhance fiber efficacy. Incorporation of capsaicin olfactory repellent to EVA also did not enhance fiber efficacy. Nonwoven fiber barriers may offer an alternative to insecticides for control of cabbage maggot and onion maggot and possibly other insect pests. Additional research is needed to improve the application process and to identify economically feasible and biodegradable compounds for fibers.

Family income and crowd out among children enrolled in Massachusetts Children's Medical Security Plan

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether participation in a state publicly financed health insurance program, Massachusetts Children's Medical Security Plan (CMSP) , which is open to children regardless of income, was associated with disenrollment from private insurance.

DATA SOURCES/STUDY DESIGN

A survey of participants in CMSP who were enrolled as of April 1998 was used. We conducted analyses to detect differences in access to and uptake of private insurance between Medicaid-eligible and in eligible children, and between children eligible for the State Children's Health insurance Program (SCHIP) and in eligible children.

DATA COLLECTION METHODS

A stratified sample of children was drawn from administrative files. the sampling strategy allowed us to examine crowd out among children based on in come and eligibility for publicly funded coverage: those who were Medicaid-eligible (income pound 133 percent of the federal poverty level [FPL]) , those who were SCHIP-eligible (134-200 percent of FPL) , and those with family in comes that exceed SCHIP eligibility criteria (> 200 percent of FPL). The majority of telephone interviews were conducted with the child's parent/guardian between November 1998 and March 1999. The overall response rate was 61.8 percent , yielding a sample of 996 children.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Of the children in our sample whose recent health coverage was employer-sponsored insurance (59 percent), 70 percent were no longer eligible. Few children who had employer-sponsored insurance at enrollment dropped this coverage to enroll in CM SP (1 percent, 4 percent, and 2 percent by income). Compared to Medicaid-eligible children, children with incomes > 133 percent of FPL were significantly more likely to be eligible for employer-sponsored insurance but they were no more likely to have purchased offered coverage. Access to employer-sponsored insurance was limited (19 percent), and uptake was low (13 percent). We found no significant difference between SCHIP-eligible children and those whose family incomes exceeded SCHIP guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

The Massachusetts experience suggests that (1) coverage could be expanded to children with incomes up to 200 percent of FPL with little direct substitution of public coverage for private insurance, and (2) substitution among children with incomes > 200 percent of FPL, who paid a premium that may have restrained crowd out, did not differ from that among SCHIP-eligible children.

Mucosal immunization with HIV-1 gag DNA on cationic microparticles prolongs gene expression and enhances local and systemic immunity

There is an urgent need to develop vaccines against transmission of HIV through the vaginal and rectal mucosa. In the present study we tested the ability of DNA encoding HIV-1 gag adsorbed onto the surface of cationic polylactide co-glycolide microparticles (PLG-DNA) to induce local and systemic gag-specific immunity following mucosal delivery. We found gag-specific cell- and antibody-mediated responses in local as well as systemic lymphoid tissues following intranasal (IN) immunizations with PLG-DNA but not with naked DNA. IN immunizations with PLG-DNA, but not naked DNA, induced prolonged expression of gag protein in local and systemic lymphoid tissues. These data have important implications for DNA vaccine development.

Not-so-close collaborators. As the potential for mass military casualties looms, the VA-Defense Department relationship is in the spotlight

Since the U.S. launched strikes against targets in Afghanistan Oct. 7, the relationship between the VA and the Defense Department has been at issue. Some think the VA's backing up the military is an anachronism. Others believe the two departments should stop squabbling and get together in a meaningful way.

Delayed emergence of bovine leukemia virus after vaccination with a protective cytotoxic T cell-based vaccine

In a previous study eight MHC class I-matched sheep were vaccinated with a minimal cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) peptide epitope vaccine and were challenged with the retrovirus, bovine leukemia virus (BLV). Half the vaccinated animals remained PCR negative after challenge, whereas the remaining half and the placebo group became PCR positive within 4 weeks postchallenge (Hislop AD, Good MF, Mateo L, Gardner J, Gatei MH, Daniel RCW, Meyers BV, Lavin MF, and Suhrbier A: Nat Med 1998;4:1193). Here we show that neither epitope mutations nor processing differences explained why half the peptide-vaccinated animals failed to resist the BLV challenge. However, in these animals the development of BLV-induced lymphosarcomas was significantly delayed compared with the placebo group, suggesting a role for CTLs in preventing retrovirus-induced cancers. Importantly, two of the initially protected animals become PCR positive after approximately 1.5 years, indicating extended suppression but not elimination of challenge virus by vaccine-induced CTLs. The late emergence of virus could not be explained by epitope escape mutations or the loss of memory CTL responses. We speculate that high levels of effector CTL may be needed to protect animals from a postchallenge viremia and maintenance of such effector CTLs, rather than memory CTLs, may be required to prevent subsequent emergence of virus from latent pools.

Midwives' perceptions of the use of technology in assisting childbirth in Northern Ireland

AIM OF THE PAPER

The aim of this paper is to report a survey of midwives' views on the use of technology in assisting births.

BACKGROUND

The research was designed to provide a deeper understanding of the integration of technology into midwives' practice and to identify and examine aspects of training needs.

METHODS

Over 400 midwives responded to a questionnaire seeking information on their experiences and perceived competence with labour ward technology, with a particular focus on the use of cardiotocograph machines (CTGs) for electronic foetal monitoring. The survey sought views on the extent to which midwives trust the technology, their perceived levels of training and competence, their awareness of policy relating to technological intervention and the issue of women's choice in whether the progress of their delivery is technologically monitored.

FINDINGS

The majority of midwives in this survey trust the use of technology but have concerns about issues of safety in relation to potential faults, and to their perceived lack of training in technology usage. The majority also indicated that they prefer a nontechnological birth although many point to the benefits of technological support when difficulties are encountered. The use of technology is seen as multi-professional and there was much support among the respondents for multi-disciplinary training in the use of technologies in future curricula.

CONCLUSIONS

If the various findings of this sample survey were to be consolidated for midwives as a whole, they suggest that provisions for continuing professional development may need to address technological awareness and competence in a more focused manner than is discernible at present.