Search for direct top squark pair production in final states with one isolated lepton, jets, and missing transverse momentum in sqrt[s] = 7 TeV pp collisions using 4.7 fb(-10 of ATLAS data

A search is presented for direct top squark pair production in final states with one isolated electron or muon, jets, and missing transverse momentum in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s] = 7 TeV. The measurement is based on 4.7 fb(-1) of data collected with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. Each top squark is assumed to decay to a top quark and the lightest supersymmetric particle (LSP). The data are found to be consistent with standard model expectations. Top squark masses between 230 GeV and 440 GeV are excluded with 95% confidence for massless LSPs, and top squark masses around 400 GeV are excluded for LSP masses up to 125 GeV.

Search for a supersymmetric partner to the top quark in final states with jets and missing transverse momentum at sqrt[s] = 7 TeV with the ATLAS detector

A search for direct pair production of supersymmetric top squarks (t(1)) is presented, assuming the t(1) decays into a top quark and the lightest supersymmetric particle, χ(1)(0), and that both top quarks decay to purely hadronic final states. A total of 16 (4) events are observed compared to a predicted standard model background of 13.5(-3.6)(+3.7)(4.4(-1.3)(+1.7)) events in two signal regions based on ∫Ldt = 4.7 fb(-1) of pp collision data taken at sqrt[s] = 7 TeV with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. An exclusion region in the t(1) versus χ(1)(0) mass plane is evaluated: 370<m(t)(1)}<465 GeV is excluded for m(χ)(1)(0) ~ 0 GeV while m(t)(1) = 445 GeV is excluded for m(χ)(1)(0) ≤ 50 GeV.

Precision measurement of the B → Xs γ photon energy spectrum, branching fraction, and direct CP asymmetry A(CP)((B → X(s+d)γ)

The photon spectrum in the inclusive electromagnetic radiative decays of the B meson, B → X(s)γ plus B → X(d)γ, is studied using a data sample of (382.8 ± 4.2) × 10(6)Υ(4S) → BB decays collected by the BABAR experiment at SLAC. The spectrum is used to extract the branching fraction B(B → X(s)γ) = (3.21 ± 0.33) × 10(-4) for E(γ) >1.8 GeV and the direct CP asymmetry A(CP) (B → X(s+d)γ) = 0.057 ± 0.063. The effects of detector resolution and Doppler smearing are unfolded to measure the photon energy spectrum in the B meson rest frame.

Resistant patterns of bacteria isolated from bloodstream infections at a university hospital in Delhi

Background:

The choice of antimicrobial therapy for bloodstream infections is often empirical and based on the knowledge of local antimicrobial activity profiles of the most common bacteria causing such infections.

Aims:

The present study was aimed to investigate frequency of bacterial pathogens causing septicemia and their antimicrobial resistant pattern in hospital admitted patients.

Settings and Design:

It was a prospective study, conducted at Majeedia Hospital, Hamdard University, New Delhi, India.

Material and Methods:

We examined prospectively, 168 bacterial strains isolated from 186 clinically diagnosed septicemia cases admitted at a University Hospital in New Delhi, over a period of six months from July 2009 to December 2009. Antimicrobial susceptibility was performed according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI, USA) guidelines.

Results:

The most frequently identified Gram-positive bacteria were coagulase-negative staphylococci 63.5%, Staphylococcus aureus 23.1%, enterococci 5.8% and alpha-haemolytic streptococci 5.8%. The most frequently Gram-negative bacteria identified were Acinetobacter species 31%, Salmonella typhi 24.1%, Escherichia coli 23.3% and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 13.8%. Coagulase-negative staphylococci showed maximum resistance to cefaclor 57.1% and ampicillin 46.9%. Staphylococcus aureus showed maximum resistance to amoxicillin 100% and ampicillin 91.7%. Acinetobacter species showed maximum resistance to amoxicillin 89.7%, amoxiclav 87.1% and ampicillin 85.7%. Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae showed maximum resistance to ampicillin, 46.4%, 92%, 93.8% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusions:

Gram-negative pathogens predominated in bloodstream infections. Resistance to most of the antimicrobial agents for a number of pathogens implicated in bloodstream infections, especially in Gram-negative bacteria, has reached worrisome levels and continues to increase.

Evidence for an excess of B→D*τ(-)ν(τ) decays

Based on the full BABAR data sample, we report improved measurements of the ratios R(D(*))=B(B[over ¯]→D(*)τ(-)ν[over ¯](τ))/B(B[over ¯]→D(*)ℓ(ℓ)(-)ν[over ¯](ℓ)), where ℓ is either e or μ. These ratios are sensitive to new physics contributions in the form of a charged Higgs boson. We measure R(D)=0.440±0.058±0.042 and R(D(*))=0.332±0.024±0.018, which exceed the standard model expectations by 2.0σ and 2.7σ, respectively. Taken together, our results disagree with these expectations at the 3.4σ level. This excess cannot be explained by a charged Higgs boson in the type II two-Higgs-doublet model.

Search for supersymmetry in events with three leptons and missing transverse momentum in √[s]=7 TeV pp collisions with the ATLAS detector

A search for the weak production of charginos and neutralinos decaying to a final state with three leptons (electrons or muons) and missing transverse momentum is presented. The analysis uses 2.06 fb(-1) of √[s]=7 TeV proton-proton collision data delivered by the Large Hadron Collider and recorded with the ATLAS detector. Observations are consistent with standard model expectations in two signal regions that are either depleted or enriched in Z-boson decays. Upper limits at 95% confidence level are set in R-parity conserving phenomenological minimal supersymmetric and simplified models. For the simplified models, degenerate lightest chargino and next-to-lightest neutralino masses up to 300 GeV are excluded for mass differences from the lightest neutralino up to 300 GeV.

Search for low-mass dark-sector Higgs bosons

Recent astrophysical and terrestrial experiments have motivated the proposal of a dark sector with GeV-scale gauge boson force carriers and new Higgs bosons. We present a search for a dark Higgs boson using 516 fb(-1) of data collected with the BABAR detector. We do not observe a significant signal and we set 90% confidence level upper limits on the product of the standard model-dark-sector mixing angle and the dark-sector coupling constant.

Decision optimization for face recognition based on an alternate correlation plane quantification metric

We consider a new approach for enhancing the discrimination performance of the VanderLugt correlator. Instead of trying to optimize the correlation filter, or propose a new decision correlation peak detection criterion, we propose herein to denoise the correlation plane before applying the peak-to-correlation energy (PCE) criterion. For that purpose, we use a linear functional model to express a given correlation plane as a linear combination of the correlation peak, noise, and residual components. The correlation peak is modeled using an orthonormalized function and the singular value decomposition method. A set of training correlation planes is then selected to create the correlation noise components. Finally, an optimized correlation plane is reconstructed while discarding the noise components. Independently of the filter correlation used, this technique denoises the correlation plane by lowering the correlation noise magnitude in case of true correlation and decreases the false alarm rate when the target image does not belong to the desired class. Test results are presented, using a composite filter and a face recognition application, to verify the effectiveness of the proposed technique.

Assessing Environmental and Health Impact of Drought in the Northwest Bangladesh

Drought, the result of regional climatic variability is one of the dominant threats to environment. This study focuses on the biophysical, environmental and health issues concerning drought occurrence in northwest region of Bangladesh. Using both primary and secondary data, the analysis revealed that, during the drought period, rainfall as the dominant factor of supplying surface water and normalizing the dryness of the nature was almost 46% lower than the previous (normal) years. Similarly, average monthly sunshine hours in the drought year was about 7% higher compared to that of the normal year. On an average, groundwater level declined more than one meter compared to the previous years. Thus, many of the tubewells turned dry or failed to supply the required quantity of water for household and irrigation purposes. A significant number of surface water bodies including ponds, ditches, canals and streams had little volume of low quality water. In normal years, almost all households used hand tubewells (HTWs) as the major source of drinking water, while in the drought period only 90% households could use HTW water since substantial proportion of the HTWs turned dry. People had to collect drinking and domestic water from far distance to meet the basic requirements. Increase in temperature and prevalence of severe dust during drought periods compared to the normal years caused different health hazards including dysentery and diarrhoea due to unsafe drinking water. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v4i2.10141 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 4(2): 89-97, 2011  

Synthesis and evaluation of anticancer activity of some novel 6-aryl-2-(p-sulfamylphenyl)-pyridazin-3(2H)-ones

A series of novel pyridazinone derivatives bearing benzenesulfonamide moiety (2a-h) has been synthesized by the condensation of appropriate aroylacrylic acid and 4-hydrazinobenzenesulfonamide hydrochloride in ethanol. Five derivatives (2a, 2b, 2d, 2g and 2h) were evaluated for their anticancer activity toward human cancer cell lines by the National Cancer Institute. The 2h showed remarkable activity against SR (leukemia) and NCI-H522 (non-small cell lung) with a GI(50) value of less than 0.1 μM. It also displayed good activity against leukemia (CCRF-CEM, HL-60 (TB), K-562, MOLT-4, RPMI-8226), non-small cell lung cancer (NCI-H460), colon (HCT-116, HCT-15, HT29, KMI2, SW-620), CNS (SF-295), melanoma (MALME-3M, M14, MDA-MB-435 SK-MEL-5), ovarian (OVCAR-3, NCI/ADR-RES) and breast (MCF7) cancer cell lines with a GI(50) less than 1.0 μM. The acute toxicity study of 2h indicated that it is well tolerated intra-peritoneally (400 mg/kg) by athymic nude mice. The 2h may possibly be used as lead compound for developing new anticancer agents.

Measurement of the ZZ production cross section and limits on anomalous neutral triple gauge couplings in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s] = 7 TeV with the ATLAS detector

A measurement of the ZZ production cross section in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s] = 7 TeV using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.02 fb(-1) recorded by the ATLAS experiment at the LHC is presented. Twelve events containing two Z boson candidates decaying to electrons and/or muons are observed, with an expected background of 0.3 ± 0.3(stat)(-0.3)(+0.4)(syst) events. The cross section measured in a phase-space region with good detector acceptance and for dilepton masses within the range 66 to 116 GeV is σ(ZZ → ℓ+ ℓ- ℓ+ ℓ-)(fid) = 19.4(-5.2)(+6.3)(stat)(-0.7)(+0.9)(syst) ± 0.7(lumi) fb. The resulting total cross section for on-shell ZZ production, σ(ZZ)(tot) = 8.5(-2.3)(+2.7)(stat)(-0.3)(+0.4)(syst) ± 0.3(lumi) pb, is consistent with the standard model expectation of 6.5(-0.2)(+0.3) pb calculated at the next-to-leading order in QCD. Limits on anomalous neutral triple gauge boson couplings are derived.

Antimicrobial therapy and outcome of septicemia patients admitted to a University Hospital in Delhi

Septicemia is a common clinical condition encountered in most of the hospitals in this region of the world. However, limited information is available in the Indian literature on antimicrobial usage in patients with suspected or proven cases of septicemia. The aim of the present study is on the one hand to describe the clinical characteristics of septicemia, the causative pathogens, the current pattern of antimicrobial use, the clinical outcome, the acquisition cost of commonly used antimicrobial regimens and on the other hand to monitor adverse drug reactions (ADRs) during therapy of septicemia patients admitted to a University Hospital in Delhi. We prospectively reviewed the antimicrobial therapy in 34 clinically diagnosed septicemia cases admitted to a University Hospital from July 2009 to December 2009. All study patients presented various clinical signs and symptoms, fever, diarrhoea and vomiting were most commonly reported. Microorganisms could be identified in 13 (38.2%) of the patients. Escherichia coli (41.2%) constituted the most prevalent bacterial pathogen. Among culture positive patients, 15.4% received ceftriaxone as the most common empirical antimicrobial therapy; among culture negative patients, 19% received cefotaxime plus amikacin as the most common empirical antimicrobial therapy. The average acquisition cost of the 1st line antimicrobial regimen was higher in culture positive than in culture negative patients, but it was reversed for the 2nd line therapy. Overall, 67.6% patients were discharged after recovery, 23.5% were transferred out and 8.8% died during the course of therapy. 9 (26.5%) patients experienced ADRs during the antimicrobial therapy. These findings may have an important implication for developing comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines for the practical treatment of septicemia, adherence to which may lead to a more rational antimicrobial therapy, to cost reduction and to an improved level of care of patients with septicemia.

Postnatal development of renal function in preterm and term neonates

The study was done to determine the renal function in preterm and term newborn infants in the neonatology unit of the Department of Paediatrics and Labour Ward of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) during the period of February 2002 to February 2003. Sixty physiologically stable newborn infants were enrolled in this study, 40 of those were preterm and 20 were term. The gestational ages of preterm and term babies were 35.6±4.7 and 39.10±1.41 weeks respectively. Mean weight of preterm babies was 1840±410 gm and term babies was 3150±340 gm respectively. Male to female ratio was1.6:1. The concentration of serum creatinine was high during the first week of life in both the term and preterm babies. The concentration decreased in both the groups during the subsequent 3 weeks. Although creatinine values were significantly high in preterm babies than the term babies at first week (p<0.001), the values reach to almost similar at 3rd week of life. A negative correlation was found between serum creatinine and gestational age (r=0.86, p<0.001). Creatinine clearance was found low at birth, the lowest values being observed in the most premature infants (p<0.0001) and was increased in the subsequent 3 weeks of the study period. Creatinine clearance showed a positive correlation to gestational age from the first week onwards (r=0.87, p<0.001). Fifteen percent preterm babies were hyponatraemic and in all term babies serum level of sodium was within normal limit. Fractional excretion of sodium was high in preterm neonate than the term neonate especially in early weeks of life (p<0.001). The value correlated negatively to gestational age (r=0.67, p<0.001). It was evident from the present study that the renal function is significantly lower in preterm neonates than term neonates. The study also indicates that the maturation of renal function occurs earlier in the term babies than the preterm babies.

Search for hadronic decays of a light Higgs boson in the radiative decay Υ→γA0

We search for hadronic decays of a light Higgs boson (A(0)) produced in radiative decays of an Υ(2S) or Υ(3S) meson, Υ→γA(0). The data have been recorded by the BABAR experiment at the Υ(3S) and Υ(2S) center-of-mass energies and include (121.3±1.2)×10(6) Υ(3S) and (98.3±0.9)×10(6) Υ(2S) mesons. No significant signal is observed. We set 90% confidence level upper limits on the product branching fractions B(Υ(nS)→γA(0))B(A(0)→hadrons) (n=2 or 3) that range from 1×10(-6) for an A(0) mass of 0.3 GeV/c(2) to 8×10(-5) at 7 GeV/c(2).

Role of ETT to diagnose coronary artery disease

The purpose of the study to predict the coronary arterial disease by exercise treadmill scoring system and to see the correlation of angiographic extent of coronary artery disease by high treadmill score in our country. The present prospective study carried out in the department of cardiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, University Cardiac Centre during the period of January 2006 to July 2006. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria a total of 80 patient of chronic stable angina or chest pain evaluation having positive ETT who were admitted in university cardiac centre in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and underwent coronary angiogram within one month were the study population. Among 80 subjects 60(75%) were male and 20(25%) were female and male: female ratio 3:1 Mean age of male subject 51.37±9.08 years and mean age of female subjects were 43.75±7.67 years. Three quarter of the subject had the history of typical anginal pain followed by 21.3% atypical and 3.8% pain of non-anginal origin. All the risk factors like, dyslipidemia (90%), HTN (68.8%) past smoker (45%), current smoker (32.5%), diabetes (36.3%), family history of coronary artery disease (25%) and sudden death of first degree relatives (8.8%); dyslipidemia was the highest percentage. Among 80 subjects more than one third 35% (28) of the subjects were observed to be normal by angiogram, 28.8% (23) had SVD, 16.3% (13) DVD and 20% (16) TVD. Approximately 70% of the significant stenosis was predicted as having high probability of 30.8% as intermediate probability and none as low probability with exercise test scores. Multi-vessel coronary artery disease were predicted by high probability exercise test score 82.8%. Thus high probability score needs urgent coronary angiogram.

Observation of the decay B- → D(s)((*)+) K- ℓ- ν(ℓ)

We report the observation of the decay B- → D(s)((*)+) K- ℓ- ν(ℓ) based on 342  fb(-1) of data collected at the Υ(4S) resonance with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II e+ e- storage rings at SLAC. A simultaneous fit to three D(s)(+) decay chains is performed to extract the signal yield from measurements of the squared missing mass in the B meson decay. We observe the decay B- → D(s)((*)+) K- ℓ- ν(ℓ) with a significance greater than 5 standard deviations (including systematic uncertainties) and measure its branching fraction to be B(B- → D(s)((*)+) K- ℓ- ν(ℓ)) = [6.13(-1.03)(+1.04)(stat)±0.43(syst)±0.51(B(D(s)))]×10(-4), where the last error reflects the limited knowledge of the D(s) branching fractions.

Synthesis of some new 1,3,5-trisubstituted pyrazolines bearing benzene sulfonamide as anticancer and anti-inflammatory agents

Thirteen new 2-pyrazoline derivatives bearing benzenesulfonamide moiety (2a-m) were synthesized by condensing appropriate chalcones with 4-hydrazinonbenzenesulfonamide hydrochloride and tested for anticancer and anti-inflammatory actions. According to the protocol of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in vitro disease-oriented human cells screening panel assay compounds 2b, 2c, 2e, 2f and 2g exhibited considerable antitumor activities against the entire tested tumor cell lines and showed effective growth inhibition GI(50) (MG-MID) values of 2.63, 2.57, 6.61, 3.31 and 2.57μM, respectively, beside a cyclostatic activity TGI (MG-MID) 9.54, 8.51, 24.0, 19.9 and 8.71μM, respectively. Two compounds 2g and 2k showed more potent anti-inflammatory activity than celecoxib at 5h in carrageenan-induced rat paw edema bioassay. These compounds (2g and 2k) proved to have superior gastrointestinal safety profiles as compared to celecoxib, when tested for their ulcerogenic effects. Compounds 2g and 2k showed no inhibition against the enzymatic activity of bovine COX-2 (in vitro).

A pharmacovigilance study on patients of bronchial asthma in a teaching hospital

Objective:

The present study was conducted to monitor adverse drug reactions in patients of bronchial asthma in outpatient department and inpatient department of a university teaching hospital in South Delhi.

Materials and Methods:

About 200 patients irrespective of age and sex with established asthma were interviewed during the time period of January 2006 to April 2006 using structured questionnaire. Naranjo’s adverse drug reaction probability scale was used to assess the adverse drug reactions.

Results:

A total of 15 adverse drug reactions were reported in 13 out of 200 asthmatic patients. Among the 13 patients reported with adverse drug reactions, 5 (38.5%) were male and 8 (61.5%) patients were female. Maximum percentage of ADRs (2 in 15 prescriptions, 13.3%) observed with montelukast, followed by beclomethasone (1 in 12 prescriptions, 8.3%), salbutamol (6 in 109 prescriptions, 5.5%), and ipratropium (3 in 63 prescriptions, 4.8%).

Conclusions:

Montelukast was found to be associated with greater percentage of adverse drug reactions as compared to other antiasthamatics. The above findings are constrained by a small sample size and need to be corroborated by conducting long-term studies using a larger sample size.

Search for production of invisible final states in single-photon decays of Υ(1S)

We search for single-photon decays of the Υ(1S) resonance, Υ → γ + invisible, where the invisible state is either a particle of definite mass, such as a light Higgs boson A⁰, or a pair of dark matter particles, χχ. Both A⁰ and χ are assumed to have zero spin. We tag Υ(1S) decays with a dipion transition Υ(2S) → π⁺π⁻Υ(1S) and look for events with a single energetic photon and significant missing energy. We find no evidence for such processes in the mass range m(A⁰) ≤ 9.2 GeV and m(χ) ≤ 4.5 GeV in the sample of 98 × 10⁶ Υ(2S) decays collected with the BABAR detector and set stringent limits on new physics models that contain light dark matter states.

Evaluation of risk factors of oral cancer

This cross sectional study was done for the evaluation of the risk factors of oral cancer. This study was carried out in the department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 90 consecutive patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) were studied in Otolaryngology department of BSMMU and DMCH from January 2003 to December 2005. A questionnaire was used for data collection from careful history taking, clinical examination and investigations. About 71.1% were habituated with betel quid chewing, 36.7% were habituated with smoking but among 23.3 % also betel quid chewer in addition. None of the patient was found to be habituated with alcohol consumption. Majority of the patients of OSCC were malnourished, of which female were more in number, and it was found that nutritional status was significantly associated with sex. Odds ratio (OD) showed that malnutrition was positively associated with female subjects. Also it was found that 69.01% betel quid chewer was malnourished and nutritional status was significantly associated with chewing and smoking habit. Betel quid chewing, smoking and malnutrition is important risk factor of oral cancer.

Outcome of tympanoplasty with and without cortical mastoidectomy for tubotympanic chronic otitis media

This cross sectional study was done to find out the level of hearing improvement in Type-I tympanoplasty with cortical mastoidectomy in tubotympanic chronic otitis media. Data were analyzed from 60 patients with audiometric studies with a minimum of 6 months follow up. Patients who under went tympanoplasty alone were kept in Group I, and who under went tympanoplasty with cortical mastoidectomy were kept in Group II. All patients prior to tympanoplasty were examined thoroughly after taking detailed history. On otoscopy, site and size of the tympanic membrane perforation, condition of the rest of the tympanic membrane, condition of the middle ear mucosa and the ossicles were noted. Tuning fork test, test for facial nerve integrity and fistulae test were performed. Hearing level was assessed by pure tone audiometry with masking. X-ray mastoid and X-ray paranasal sinuses were done to exclude local pathology. Surgical approaches were mostly post-auricular and in few cases it was per-meatal in Group I patient. Audiometric evaluation performed according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard. Hearing threshold measured at 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz. Hearing improvement was assessed by closure of the air bone gap. Mean closure of air bone gap in Group I was 9.38 dB and in Group II it was 20.61 dB which was statistically significant (p<0.001). Improvement of hearing level was more in patient who underwent tympanoplasty with cortical mastoidectomy than those patients on whom only tympanoplasty was performed. Hearing gain is more in Type-1 tympanoplasty combining with Cortical Mastoidectomy than in Type-1 tympanoplasty alone in the patient's of tubotympanic otitis media.

A feeding aid prosthesis for a preterm baby with cleft lip and palate

Cleft lip and palate is a common congenital defect of human being. If a child is born with congenital cleft palate defect, it is very painful to their parents. They are very much worried about the feeding of their baby. In this situation feeding aid prosthesis is the only treatment of choice. The feeding aid prosthesis helps not only feeding the baby but also help to develop proper articulation of speech. The article describes an advanced clinical and laboratory technique for the fabrication of a feeding aid prosthesis for new born baby. 9 infants who were suffering from congenital cleft lip and palate defect and a 9 month old baby with acquired palatal defect (acid-victim) were included in this study. All of them had treated with feeding aid prosthesis for feeding till palatoplasty was done. The feeding aid prosthesis was fabricated with acrylic resin and finally relined with soft lining materials. The impression of the palate was taken with heavy body silicon putty with the help of modeling wax custom tray. Data were collected before and after prosthesis on the basis of feeding time, amount of consumption of milk and growth pattern of the infants with their height and weight. Out of ten babies, 30% rejected the prostheses and 70% had accepted and used the prostheses until they were fit for palatoplasty. Growth of the babies was significantly improved who accepted the prosthesis than who rejected the prosthesis.

Search for f(J)(2220) in radiative J/ψ decays

We present a search for f(J)(2220) production in radiative J/ψ→γf(J)(2220) decays using 460  fb⁻¹ of data collected with the BABAR detector at the SLAC PEP-II e(+)e⁻ collider. The f(J)(2220) is searched for in the decays to K(+)K⁻ and K(S)⁰K(S)⁰. No evidence of this resonance is observed, and 90% confidence level upper limits on the product of the branching fractions for J/ψ→γf(J)(2220) and f(J)(2220)→K(+)K⁻(K(S)⁰K(S)⁰) as a function of spin and helicity are set at the level of 10⁻⁵, below the central values reported by the Mark III experiment.

Evidence for direct CP violation in the measurement of the Cabbibo-Kobayashi-Maskawa angle γ with B∓ → D(*)K(*)∓ decays

We report the measurement of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa CP-violating angle γ through a Dalitz plot analysis of neutral D-meson decays to K(S)(0) π+ π- and K(S)(0) K+ K- produced in the processes B∓ → DK∓, B∓ D* K∓ with D* → Dπ(0), Dγ, and B∓ → DK*∓ with K*∓ → K(S)(0) π∓, using 468 million BB pairs collected by the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy e+ e- collider at SLAC. We measure γ = (68 ± 14 ± 4 ± 3)° (modulo 180°), where the first error is statistical, the second is the experimental systematic uncertainty, and the third reflects the uncertainty in the description of the neutral D decay amplitudes. This result is inconsistent with γ = 0 (no direct CP violation) with a significance of 3.5 standard deviations.

Measurement of D0-D0 mixing parameters using D0 → K(S)(0)π+ π- and D0 → K(S)(0)K+ K- decays

We report a direct measurement of D0-D0 mixing parameters through a time-dependent amplitude analysis of the Dalitz plots of D(0) → K(S)(0) π+ π- and, for the first time, D0 → K(S)(0)K+ K- decays. The low-momentum pion π(s)(+) in the decay D*+ → D0 π(s)(+) identifies the flavor of the neutral D meson at its production. Using 468.5 fb(-1) of e+ e- colliding-beam data recorded near square root(s)=10.6 GeV by the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy collider at SLAC, we measure the mixing parameters x = [1.6 ± 2.3(stat) ± 1.2(syst) ± 0.8(model)] × 10(-3), and y = [5.7 ± 2.0(stat) ± 1.3(syst) ± 0.7(model)] × 10(-3). These results provide the best measurement to date of x and y. The knowledge of the value of x, in particular, is crucial for understanding the origin of mixing.

Measurements of charged current lepton universality and |Vus| using tau lepton decays to e- ν(e) ν(τ), μ- ν(μ) ν(τ), π- ν(τ), and K- ν(τ)

Using 467  fb(-1) of e+e- annihilation data collected with the BABAR detector, we measure (B(τ- → μ- ν(μ) ν(τ)))/(B(τ- → e- ν(e) ν(τ))) =(0.9796±0.0016±0.0036), (B(τ- → π- ν(τ)))/(B(τ- → e- ν(e) ν(τ))) = (0.5945±0.0014±0.0061), and (B(τ- → K- ν(τ)))/(B(τ- → e- ν(e) ν(τ))) = (0.03882±0.00032±0.00057), where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. From these precision τ measurements, we test the standard model assumption of μ-e and τ-μ charge current lepton universality and provide determinations of |Vus| experimentally independent of the decay of a kaon.

Allelic loss of 6q25-27, the PARKIN tumor suppressor gene locus, in cervical carcinoma

Studies on loss of heterozygosity have been made for Parkin gene-specific microsatellite markers in malignancies like breast, ovary and lungs, and the results have shown a significant association. However, till date, there is no study with respect to Parkin gene-associated microsatellite markers in cervical cancer. The present study deals with the Parkin gene-associated microsatellite markers and the occurrence of its loss of heterozygosity in patients with human cervical cancer. DNA was isolated from the 105 cervical carcinoma samples and matched control specimens. Polymerase chain reaction was performed using primer specific for two intragenic markers D6S1599 and D6S305 present in Parkin introns 2 and 7, respectively, and one marker (D6S1008) at telomeric end and further electrophoresed on 8% denaturing polyacrylamide gel. Overall, 59 of 105 (56%) samples showed loss of heterozygosity in at least one locus in the region examined. The percentage of loss of heterozygosity for these markers ranged from 25% (D6S1008) to 48% (D6S305). Chi-square test was performed, and loss of heterozygosity was found significantly higher in both the intragenic markers (D6S1599 and D6S305) when compared with the locus at telomeric end (D6S1008) with P<0.05. These data argue that Parkin is a tumor suppressor gene whose inactivation may play an important role in the carcinoma of uterine cervix.

Test of lepton universality in Υ(1S) decays at BABAR

The ratio R(τμ)(Υ(1S))=Γ(Υ(1S)→τ+ τ-)/Γ(Υ(1S)→μ+ μ-) is measured using a sample of (121.8±1.2)×10(6)Υ(3S) events recorded by the BABAR detector. This measurement is intended as a test of lepton universality and as a search for a possible light pseudoscalar Higgs boson. In the standard model (SM) this ratio is expected to be close to 1. Any significant deviations would violate lepton universality and could be introduced by the coupling to a light pseudoscalar Higgs boson. The analysis studies the decays Υ(3S)→Υ(1S)π+ π-, Υ(1S)→l+ l-, where l=μ, τ. The result, R(τμ)(Υ(1S))=1.005±0.013(stat)±0.022(syst), shows no deviation from the expected SM value, while improving the precision with respect to previous measurements.

Search for charged lepton flavor violation in narrow upsilon decays

Charged-lepton flavor-violating processes are unobservable in the standard model, but they are predicted to be enhanced in several extensions to the standard model, including supersymmetry and models with leptoquarks or compositeness. We present a search for such processes in a sample of 99x10(6)Upsilon(2S) decays and 117x10(6)Upsilon(3S) decays collected with the BABAR detector. We place upper limits on the branching fractions B(Upsilon(nS)-->e(+/-)tau(-/+)) and B(Upsilon(nS)-->mu(+/-)tau(-/+)) (n=2,3) at the 10(-6) level and use these results to place lower limits of order 1 TeV on the mass scale of charged-lepton flavor-violating effective operators.

Band heterotopia

Band heterotopias are one of the rarest groups of congenital disorder that result in variable degree of structural abnormality of brain parenchyma. Band of heterotopic neurons result from a congenital or acquired deficiency of the neuronal migration. MRI is the examination of choice for demonstrating these abnormalities because of the superb gray vs. white matter differentiation, detail of cortical anatomy and ease of multiplanar imaging. We report a case of band heterotopia that showed a bilateral band of gray matter in deep white matter best demonstrated on T2 Wt. and FLAIR images.

A pharmacovigilance study for monitoring adverse drug reactions with antihypertensive agents at a South Delhi hospital

Objective

The aim of the present study was to conduct a pharmacovigilance study to monitor adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with antihypertensive drugs.

Setting

The study was conducted in the medicine outpatient department of the 150-bedded Majeedia Hospital in South Delhi.

Method

The study was conducted by a registered pharmacist by way of one-to-one patient interview by the pharmacist based on a questionnaire (ADR monitoring form) drafted according to World Health Organization (WHO) ADR monitoring guidelines.

Key findings

A total of 22 ADRs were observed in 205 patients (95 males and 110 females) of mean age 49.6 ± 12 years and mean body mass index 25.7 ± 14.9 kg/m2. Out of 22 ADRs, 13 (59.1%) were mild, 8 (36.4%) were moderate and only 1 (4.5%) was classified as severe. Amlodipine was the drug associated with maximum ADRs (36.4%), followed by atenolol (13.6%), metoprolol and nevibilol (4.5% each).

Conclusion

The above pharmacovigilance study presents the ADR profile of antihypertensive medicines prescribed in our university teaching hospital. Calcium channel blockers was the prescribed drug category associated with maximum ADRs, followed by beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and diuretics.

Searches for Lepton flavor violation in the decays tau{+/-}-->e{+/-}gamma and tau{+/-}-->mu{+/-}gamma

Searches for lepton-flavor-violating decays of a tau lepton to a lighter mass lepton and a photon have been performed with the entire data set of (963+/-7)x10{6} tau decays collected by the BABAR detector near the Upsilon(4S), Upsilon(3S) and Upsilon(2S) resonances. The searches yield no evidence of signals and we set upper limits on the branching fractions of B(tau{+/-}-->e{+/-}gamma)<3.3x10{-8} and B(tau{+/-}-->mu{+/-}gamma)<4.4x10{-8} at 90% confidence level.

Measurement of |V(cb)| and the form-factor slope in B --> Dl- nu(l) decays in events tagged by a fully reconstructed B meson

We present a measurement of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |V(cb)| and the form-factor slope rho2 in B --> Dl- nu(l) decays based on 460x10(6) BB events recorded at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the BABAR detector. B --> Dl- nu(l) decays are selected in events in which a hadronic decay of the second B meson is fully reconstructed. We measure B(B- --> D0 l- nu(l))/B(B- --> Xl- nu(l)) = (0.255+/-0.009+/-0.009) and B(B0 --> D+ l- nu(l))/B(B0 --> Xl- nu(l)) = (0.230+/-0.011+/-0.011), along with the differential decay distribution in B --> Dl- nu(l) decays. We then determine G(1)|V(cb)| = (42.3+/-1.9+/-1.4)x10(-3) and rho2 = 1.20+/-0.09+/-0.04, where G(1) is the hadronic form factor at the point of zero recoil.

Drug utilization pattern of antibacterials used in ear, nose and throat outpatient and inpatient departments of a university hospital at New Delhi, India

OBJECTIVE

We explored the antibacterial prescribing patterns of physicians in ear, nose and throat (ENT) outpatient and inpatient departments (OPD, IPD) of a University Hospital, New Delhi, India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective study was conducted, with a sample size of 276 patients, who visited the ENT OPD and IPD over a period of 4 months.

RESULTS

It was found that 62.68% were males, 26% patients were in the age group 26-35 years, followed by 22.8% belonging to the age group 26-35 years. Maximum number of patients were diagnosed with ear (37.3%) and throat (36.2%) infections. The most frequently prescribed antibacterials were β-lactams (45.52%) followed by quinolones (26.31%). The most commonly used agent in penicillins was amoxicillin and clavulanic acid (21.74%), in cepahalosporins was cefpodoxime proxetil (5.49%) and in quinolones was gemifloxacin (14.41%). Further, 66.67% of the patients received single antibacterial drug and the average number of antibacterial agents prescribed per patient per course was found to be 1.58. It was also observed that 70.71% of the antibacterials were prescribed by oral route. The most concomitant conditions were found to be diabetes (10.5%), hypertension (6.16%) and coronary heart disease (5.07%). All the drugs were prescribed by their brand names and 48.91% patients showed good adherence with the prescribed therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The present work is the maiden drug utilization study conducted in ENT department at our university hospital. It highlighted some rational prescription patterns including less utilization of antibiotics in ENT infections, good adherence by patients and prescription by brand names. The data presented here will be useful in future, long-term and more extensive drug utilization studies in the hospital and in promotion of rational prescribing and drug use in hospitals.

Search for invisible decays of the Upsilon(1S)

We search for invisible decays of the Upsilon(1S) meson using a sample of 91.4 x 10(6) Upsilon(3S) mesons collected at the BABAR/PEP-II B factory. We select events containing the decay Upsilon(3S) --> pi(+)pi(-)Upsilon(1S) and search for evidence of an undetectable Upsilon(1S) decay recoiling against the dipion system. We set an upper limit on the branching fraction B(Upsilon(1S) --> invisible) < 3.0 x 10(-4) at the 90% confidence level.

Precise measurement of the e+e- --> pi+pi-(gamma) cross section with the initial state radiation method at BABAR

A precise measurement of the cross section of the process e(+)e(-) --> pi(+)pi(-)(gamma) from threshold to an energy of 3 GeV is obtained with the initial state radiation (ISR) method using 232 fb(-1) of data collected with the BABAR detector at e(+)e(-) center-of-mass energies near 10.6 GeV. The ISR luminosity is determined from a study of the leptonic process e(+)e(-) --> mu(+)mu(-)gamma(gamma). The leading-order hadronic contribution to the muon magnetic anomaly calculated using the pipi cross section measured from threshold to 1.8 GeV is (514.1 +/- 2.2(stat) +/- 3.1(syst)) x 10(-10).

Measurement of B-->K{*}(892)gamma branching fractions and CP and Isospin asymmetries

We present an analysis of the decays B{0}-->K{*0}(892)gamma and B{+}-->K{*+}(892)gamma using a sample of about 383 x 10{6} BB[-over ] events collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric energy B factory. We measure the branching fractions B(B{0}-->K{*0}gamma)=(4.47+/-0.10+/-0.16) x 10{-5} and B(B{+}-->K{*+}gamma)=(4.22+/-0.14+/-0.16) x 10{-5}. We constrain the direct CP asymmetry to be -0.033<A(B-->K{*}gamma)<0.028 and the isospin asymmetry to be 0.017<Delta{0-} < 0.116, where the limits are determined by the 90% confidence interval and include both the statistical and systematic uncertainties.

Measurement of D{0}-D[-over]{0} mixing from a time-dependent amplitude analysis of D{0}-->K+pi{-}pi{0} decays

We present evidence of D{0}-D[-over ]{0} mixing using a time-dependent amplitude analysis of the decay D{0}-->K+pi{-}pi;{0} in a data sample of 384 fb{-1} collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II e+e{-} collider at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center. Assuming CP conservation, we measure the mixing parameters x{Kpipi{0}}{'}=[2.61{-0.68}{+0.57}(stat)+/-0.39(syst)]%, y{Kpipi;{0}}{'}=[-0.06{-0.64}{+0.55}(stat)+/-0.34(syst)]%. This result is inconsistent with the no-mixing hypothesis with a significance of 3.2 standard deviations. We find no evidence of CP violation in mixing.

Search for a low-mass higgs boson in Upsilon(3S)-->gammaA(0), A(0)-->tau(+)tau(-) at BABAR

We search for a light Higgs boson A0 in the radiative decay Upsilon(3S)-->gammaA(0), A(0)-->tau+tau-, tau+-->e+nu(e)nu(tau), or tau+-->mu+nu(mu)nu(tau). The data sample contains 122x10(6) Upsilon(3S) events recorded with the BABAR detector. We find no evidence for a narrow structure in the studied tau+tau- invariant mass region of 4.03<m(tau+tau-)<10.10 GeV/c2. We exclude at the 90% confidence level (C.L.) a low-mass Higgs boson decaying to tau+tau- with a product branching fraction B(Upsilon(3S)-->gammaA(0))xB(A(0)-->tau+tau-)>(1.5-16)x10(-5) across the m(tau+tau-) range. We also set a 90% C.L. upper limit on the tau+tau- decay of the eta(b) at B(eta(b)-->tau+tau-)<8%.

Evidence for the eta(b)(1S) meson in radiative Upsilon(2S) decay

We have performed a search for the eta_{b}(1S) meson in the radiative decay of the Upsilon(2S) resonance using a sample of 91.6x10(6) Upsilon(2S) events recorded with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II B factory at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. We observe a peak in the photon energy spectrum at Egamma=609.3(-4.5)(+4.6)(stat)+/-1.9(syst) MeV, corresponding to an eta(b)(1S) mass of 9394.2(-4.9)(+4.8)(stat)+/-2.0(syst) MeV/c2. The branching fraction for the decay Upsilon(2S)-->gamma(eta)b(1S) is determined to be [3.9+/-1.1(stat)-0.9+1.1(syst)]x10(-4). We find the ratio of branching fractions B[Upsilon(2S)-->gamma(eta)b(1S)]/B[Upsilon(3S)-->gamma(eta)b(1S)]=0.82+/-0.24(stat)(-0.19)(+0.20)(syst).

Search for dimuon decays of a light scalar boson in radiative transitions Upsilon-->gammaA0

We search for evidence of a light scalar boson in the radiative decays of the Upsilon(2S) and Upsilon(3S) resonances: Upsilon(2S,3S)-->gammaA0, A0-->mu+mu-. Such a particle appears in extensions of the standard model, where a light CP-odd Higgs boson naturally couples strongly to b quarks. We find no evidence for such processes in the mass range 0.212 < or = mA0 < or = 9.3 GeV in the samples of 99 x 10(6) Upsilon(2S) and 122 x 10(6) Upsilon(3S) decays collected by the BABAR detector at the SLAC PEP-II B factory and set stringent upper limits on the effective coupling of the b quark to the A0. We also limit the dimuon branching fraction of the etab meson: B(etab-->mu+mu-)<0.9% at 90% confidence level.

Measurement of semileptonic B decays into orbitally excited charmed mesons

We present a study of B decays into semileptonic final states containing charged and neutral D1(2420) and D_{2};{*}(2460). The analysis is based on a data sample of 208 fb;{-1} collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy B factory at SLAC. With a simultaneous fit to four different decay chains, the semileptonic branching fractions are extracted from measurements of the mass difference Deltam=m(D;{**})-m(D) distributions. Product branching fractions are determined to be B(B;{+}-->D_{1};{0}l;{+}nu_{l})xB(D_{1};{0}-->D;{*+}pi;{-})=(2.97+/-0.17+/-0.17)x10;{-3}, B(B;{+}-->D_{2};{*0}l;{+}nu_{l})xB(D_{2};{*0}-->D;{(*)+}pi;{-})=(2.29+/-0.23+/-0.21)x10;{-3}, B(B;{0}-->D_{1};{-}l;{+}nu_{l})xB(D_{1};{-}-->D;{*0}pi;{-})=(2.78+/-0.24+/-0.25)x10;{-3} and B(B;{0}-->D_{2};{*-}l;{+}nu_{l})xB(D_{2};{*-}-->D;{(*)0}pi;{-})=(1.77+/-0.26+/-0.11)x10;{-3}. In addition we measure the branching ratio Gamma(D_{2};{*}-->Dpi;{-})/Gamma(D_{2};{*}-->D;{(*)}pi;{-})=0.62+/-0.03+/-0.02.

Search for second-class currents in tau;{-} --> omegapi;{-}nu_{tau}

We report an analysis of tau;{-} decaying into omegapi;{-}nu_{tau} with omega --> pi;{+}pi;{-}pi;{0} using a data sample containing nearly 320 x 10;{6}tau pairs collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II B-Factory. We find no evidence for second-class currents, and we set an upper limit of 0.69% at 90% confidence level for the fraction of second-class currents in this decay mode.

Improved limits on lepton-flavor-violating tau decays to lphi, lrho, lK, and lK

We search for the neutrinoless, lepton-flavor-violating tau decays tau- -->l-}V0, where l is an electron or muon and V0 is a vector meson reconstructed as phi-->K+K-, rho-->pi+pi-, K-->K+pi-, K[over ]-->K-pi+. The analysis has been performed using 451 fb-1 of data collected at an e+e- center-of-mass energy near 10.58 GeV with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II storage rings. The number of events found in the data is compatible with the background expectation, and upper limits on the branching fractions are set in the range (2.6-19)x10-8 at the 90% confidence level.

Measurement of B-->Xgamma decays and determination of |Vtd/Vts|

Using a sample of 383 x 10;{6} BB[over ] events collected by the BABAR experiment, we measure sums of seven exclusive final states B-->X_{d(s)}gamma, where X_{d}(X_{s}) is a nonstrange (strange) charmless hadronic system in the mass range 0.6-1.8 GeV/c;{2}. After correcting for unmeasured decay modes in this mass range, we obtain a branching fraction for b-->dgamma of (7.2+/-2.7(stat)+/-2.3(syst))x10;{-6}. Taking the ratio of X_{d} to X_{s} we find Gamma(b-->dgamma)/Gamma(b-->sgamma)=0.033+/-0.013(stat)+/-0.009(syst), from which we determine |V_{td}/V_{ts}|=0.177+/-0.043.

Improved measurement of B+ --> rho+ rho0 and determination of the quark-mixing phase angle alpha

We present improved measurements of the branching fraction B, the longitudinal polarization fraction f{L}, and the direct CP asymmetry A{CP} in the B meson decay channel B;{+}-->rho;{+}rho;{0}. The data sample was collected with the BABAR detector at SLAC. The results are B(B;{+}-->rho;{+}rho;{0})=(23.7+/-1.4+/-1.4) x 10;{-6}, f{L}=0.950+/-0.015+/-0.006, and A{CP}=-0.054+/-0.055+/-0.010, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. Based on these results, we perform an isospin analysis and determine the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa phase angle alpha=arg(-V{td}V{tb};/V{ud}V{ub}) to be (92.4{-6.5};{+6.0}) degrees.

Evidence for X(3872)-->psi(2S)gamma in B(+/-)-->X(3872)K(+/-) decays and a study of B-->cc[over ]gammaK

In a search for B-->cc[over ]gammaK decays with the BABAR detector, where cc[over ] includes J/psi and psi(2S), and K includes K(+/-), K(S)(0), and K(*)(892), we find evidence for X(3872)-->J/psigamma and X(3872)-->psi(2S)gamma with 3.6sigma and 3.5sigma significance, respectively. We measure the product of branching fractions B(B(+/-)-->X(3872)K(+/-))xB(X(3872)-->J/psigamma)=[2.8+/-0.8(stat)+/-0.1(syst)]x10(-6) and B(B(+/-)-->X(3872)K(+/-))xB(X(3872)-->psi(2S)gamma)=[9.5+/-2.7(stat)+/-0.6(syst)]x10(-6).

Direct CP, lepton flavor, and isospin asymmetries in the decays B-->K(*)l+l-

We measure branching fractions and integrated rate asymmetries for the rare decays B-->K(*)l+l-, where l+l- is either e+e- or micro+micro-, using a sample of 384x10(6) BB events collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II e+e- collider. We find no evidence for direct CP or lepton-flavor asymmetries. However, for dilepton masses below the J/psi resonance, we find evidence for unexpectedly large isospin asymmetries in both B-->Kl+l- and B-->K*l+l- which differ, respectively, by 3.2sigma and 2.7sigma, including systematic uncertainties, from the standard model expectations.

Measurement of the e;{+}e;{-}-->bb[over ] Cross Section between sqrt[s]=10.54 and 11.20 GeV

We report e;{+}e;{-}-->bb[over ] cross section measurements by the BABAR experiment performed during an energy scan in the range of 10.54 to 11.20 GeV at the SLAC PEP-II e;{+}e;{-} collider. A total relative error of about 5% is reached in more than 300 center-of-mass energy steps, separated by about 5 MeV. These measurements can be used to derive precise information on the parameters of the Upsilon(10860) and Upsilon(11020) resonances. In particular we show that their widths may be smaller than previously measured.