Search for ZZ and Zgamma* production in pp[over ] collisions at square root s=1.96 TeV and limits on anomalous ZZZ and ZZgamma* couplings

We present a study of micro micro micro micro, eeee, and micro micro ee events using 1 fb(-1) of data collected with the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron pp[over ] Collider at square root s=1.96 TeV. Requiring the lepton pair masses to be greater than 30 GeV, we observe one event, consistent with the expected background of 0.13+/-0.03 events and with the predicted standard model ZZ and Zgamma* production of 1.71+/-0.15 events. We set an upper limit on the ZZ and Zgamma* cross section of 4.4 pb at the 95% C.L. We also derive limits on anomalous neutral trilinear ZZZ and ZZgamma* gauge couplings. The one-parameter 95% C.L. coupling limits with a form-factor scale Lambda=1.2 TeV are -0.28<f(40)(Z)<0.28, -0.31<f(50)(Z)<0.29, -0.26<f(40)(gamma)<0.26, and -0.30<f(50)(gamma)<0.28.

Fat embolism syndrome

Fat embolism syndrome is a rare complication occurring in 0.5 to 2% of patients following a long bone fracture. It is believed to be caused by the toxic effects of free fatty acids. Diagnosis is clinical, based on respiratory, cerebral and dermal manifestations. Treatment is only supportive, directed mainly at maintaining respiratory functions.

Search for flavor-changing-neutral-current d meson decays

We study the flavor-changing-neutral-current process c-->u micro(+) micro(-) using 1.3 fb(-1) of pp[over ] collisions at square root s = 1.96 TeV recorded by the D0 detector operating at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. We see clear indications of the charged-current mediated D(s)(+) and D(+)-->phipi(+) --> micro(+)micro(-)pi(+) final states with significance greater than 4 standard deviations above background for the D(+) state. We search for the continuum neutral-current decay of D(+)-->pi(+) micro(+) micro(-) in the dimuon invariant mass spectrum away from the phi resonance. We see no evidence of signal above background and set a limit of B(D(+) --> pi(+) micro(+) micro(-))<3.9 x 10(-6) at the 90% C.L. This limit places the most stringent constraint on new phenomena in the c--> u micro(+) micro(-) transition.

Septic arthritis in a native joint due to Anaerococcus prevotii

A 37-year-old injecting drug user presented with signs and symptoms of septic arthritis. Staphylococcus aureus was grown from his blood cultures. Despite treatment with flucloxacillin and fusidic acid his condition continued to deteriorate. Echocardiography showed no signs of endocarditis. Culture of his knee aspirate grew Anaerococcus prevotii after 5 days of incubation. Metronidazole was added to his treatment regime. A collection of pus (800 ml) was drained from the right thigh and A prevotii was isolated. His condition improved gradually and he was subsequently transferred to a drug rehabilitation unit after completing his antibiotic course. The importance of anaerobic streptococci in septic arthritis, as a very rare cause, is highlighted.

Measurement of the shape of the boson-transverse momentum distribution in pp --> Z/gamma* --> e+e- + X events produced at square root s = 1.96 TeV

We present a measurement of the shape of the Z/gamma* boson transverse momentum (q(T)) distribution in pp --> Z/gamma* --> e(+)e(-) + X events at a center-of-mass energy of 1.96 TeV using 0.98 fb(-1) of data collected with the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron collider. The data are found to be consistent with the resummation prediction at low q(T), but above the perturbative QCD calculation in the region of q(T)>30 GeV/c. Using events with q(T)<30 GeV/c, we extract the value of g(2), one of the nonperturbative parameters for the resummation calculation. Data at large boson rapidity y are compared with the prediction of resummation and with alternative models that employ a resummed form factor with modifications in the small Bjorken x region of the proton wave function.

Search for Randall-Sundrum gravitons with 1 fb(-1) of data from pp collisions at sqrt(s)=1.96 TeV

We search for decays of Kaluza-Klein excitations of the graviton in the Randall-Sundrum model of extra dimensions to e+ e(-) and gamma gamma in 1 fb(-1) of pp collisions at sqrt(s)=1.96 TeV collected by the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. We set 95% confidence level upper limits on the production cross section times branching fraction, which translate into lower limits on the mass of the lightest excitation between 300 and 900 GeV for values of the coupling k/MPl between 0.01 and 0.1.

Observation and properties of the orbitally excited B_(s2)(*) meson

We report the direct observation of the excited L=1 state B_(s2)(*) in fully reconstructed decays to B+K-. The mass of the B_(s2)(*) meson is measured to be 5839.6+/-1.1(stat)+/-0.7(syst) MeV/c(2), and its production rate relative to the B+ meson is measured to be [1.15+/-0.23(stat)+/-0.13(syst)]%.

Magnetoresistance behavior of ferromagnetic nanorings in a ring-wire hybrid configuration

We present a technique for probing the magnetic configurations in ferromagnetic rings electrically without placing the electrical contact leads directly on the nanorings, but on wires attached to the ring structures. The magnetic configurations in pseudo spin valve rectangular and elliptical rings of width in the range from 60 to 300 nm have been systematically mapped using this technique. The giant magnetoresistance (GMR) responses for both the rings exhibit distinct switching fields and features corresponding to identifiable magnetization states in different segments of the nanostructures.

Model-independent measurement of the W-boson helicity in top-quark decays at D0

We present the first model-independent measurement of the helicity of W bosons produced in top quark decays, based on a 1 fb(-1) sample of candidate tt events in the dilepton and lepton plus jets channels collected by the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron pp Collider. We reconstruct the angle theta(*) between the momenta of the down-type fermion and the top quark in the W boson rest frame for each top quark decay. A fit of the resulting costheta(*) distribution finds that the fraction of longitudinal W bosons f(0)=0.425+/-0.166(stat)+/-0.102(syst) and the fraction of right-handed W bosons f(+)=0.119+/-0.090(stat)+/-0.053(syst), which is consistent at the 30% C.L. with the standard model.

Search for W' bosons decaying to an electron and a neutrino with the D0 detector

This Letter describes the search for a new heavy charged gauge boson W' decaying into an electron and a neutrino. The data were collected with the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron pp[over] Collider at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV, and correspond to an integrated luminosity of about 1 fb(-1). Lacking any significant excess in the data in comparison with known processes, an upper limit is set on sigma_(W') x B(W')-->e nu), and a W' boson with mass below 1.00 TeV can be excluded at the 95% C.L., assuming standard-model-like couplings to fermions. This result significantly improves upon previous limits and is the most stringent to date.

Study of the decay Bs(0)-->Ds(*)Ds(*)

We report a study of the decay Bs(0)-->Ds(*)Ds(*) using a data sample corresponding to 1.3 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity collected by the D0 experiment in 2002-2006 during run II of the Fermilab Tevatron collider. One Ds(*) meson was partially reconstructed in the decay Ds-->phi mu nu, and the other Ds(*) meson was identified using the decay Ds-->phi pi where no attempt was made to distinguish Ds and Ds(*) states. For the branching fraction Br(Bs(0)-->Ds(*)Ds(*)) we obtain a 90% C.L. range [0.002,0.080] and central value 0.039(-0.017)(+0.019)(stat)(-0.015)(+0.016)(syst). This was subsequently used to make the most precise estimate of the width difference DeltaGamma(s)CP in the Bs(0)-Bs(0) system: DeltaGamma(s)CP/Gamma(s)=0.079(-0.035)(+0.038)(stat)(-0.030)(+0.031)(syst).

Perioperative sargramostim (recombinant human GM-CSF) induces an increase in the level of soluble VEGFR1 in colon cancer patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery

INTRODUCTION

Experimentally, laparotomy is associated with increased tumor growth. In humans, abdominal surgery is associated with immunosuppression and elevated plasma VEGF levels that might stimulate tumor growth early after surgery. Avoidance of these surgery-related changes and their consequences may be advantageous. Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GMCSF) is a non-specific immune system up-regulator that has also been associated, experimentally, with increased release of soluble VEGF Receptor 1 (sVEGFR1) which is an endogenous inhibitor of VEGF. This study's purpose was to determine the impact of perioperatively administered recombinant human GMCSF (rhu-GMCSF) on both immune function and plasma sVEGFR1 levels in colorectal cancer patients.

METHODS

This randomized placebo-controlled study included 36 colorectal cancer patients who underwent minimally invasive resection (17 GMCSF, 19 Placebo). Patients received 7 subcutaneous injections of either rhu-GMCSF, 125 microg/m2, or saline on preoperative days 3, 2 and 1 and on postoperative days (POD) 1, 2, 3 and 4. A number of immune parameters were followed and plasma levels of soluble VEGF Receptor 1 (sVEGFR1) and VEGF were determined.

RESULTS

The total WBC, neutrophil, eosinophil, and monocyte counts were significantly higher after surgery in the GMCSF group; no differences were noted for the other immune parameters. In the GMCSF group, median plasma sVEGFR1 levels were significantly elevated on POD 1 (188.1 pg/ml), and on POD 5 (142.8 pg/ml) when compared to pre-GMCSF levels (0 pg/ml) (p-value<0.05 for all comparisons). In the placebo group, the POD5 median sVEGFR1 level (116.3 pg/ml) was elevated and of borderline significance (p=0.05) vs the pre-treatment result (0 pg/ml). Of note, both groups had significantly elevated median plasma VEGF levels on POD 5 (Control 435.7 pg/ml; GMCSF 385.3 pg/ml) when compared to their preoperative results (Control 183.3 pg/ml, p=0.0013; GMCSF 171.5 pg/ml, p=0.0055).

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative GMCSF was not associated with an immune function benefit in this study, however, such treatment leads to increased plasma sVEGFR1 levels. Colorectal resection, with or without GMCSF, was also associated with increased VEGF levels postoperatively. Increased plasma levels of sVEGFR1 after surgery might limit the pro-angiogenic tumor stimulatory effects of VEGF. Further study of GMCSF's impact on angiogenesis appears warranted.

Search for production of single top quarks via tcg and tug flavor-changing-neutral-current couplings

We search for the production of single top quarks via flavor-changing-neutral-current couplings of a gluon to the top quark and a charm (c) or up (u) quark. We analyze 230 pb{-1} of lepton+jets data from pp[over] collisions at a center of mass energy of 1.96 TeV collected by the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. We observe no significant deviation from standard model predictions, and hence set upper limits on the anomalous coupling parameters kappa{g}{c}/Lambda and kappa{g}{u}/Lambda, where kappa{g} define the strength of tcg and tug couplings, and Lambda defines the scale of new physics. The limits at 95% C.L. are kappa{g}{c}/Lambda<0.15 TeV-1 and kappa{g}{u}/Lambda<0.037 TeV-1.

Measurement of the Lambdab0 lifetime using semileptonic decays

We report a measurement of the Lambda(b)(0) lifetime using a sample corresponding to 1.3 fb(-1) of data collected by the D0 experiment in 2002-2006 during run II of the Fermilab Tevatron collider. The Lambda(b)(0) baryon is reconstructed via the decay Lambda(b)(0)-->micronuLambda(c)(+)X. Using 4437+/-329 signal candidates, we measure the Lambda(b)(0) lifetime to be tau(Lambda(b)(0))=1.290(-0.110)(+0.119)(stat)(-0.091)(+0.087)(syst) ps, which is among the most precise measurements in semileptonic Lambda(b)(0) decays. This result is in good agreement with the world average value.

Operative Intervention for Carotid Restenosis is Safe and Effective

Carotid stenting has been proposed as an alternative to reoperative carotid endarterectomy (rCEA) for recurrent carotid stenosis. The purpose of this study is to prove the safety, effectiveness and durability of reoperation in long term follow up of 18 years in a community hospital setting. From March 1988 to April 2005 80 patients, 46 men and 34 women (mean age: 64.1 years) underwent a total of 83 operations. Symptomatic recurrent stenosis (>70%) was the indication in 32, asymptomatic high-grade stenosis (>80%) in 49, intimal flap in one and fibromuscular dysplasia (F.M.D), in one. The initial operation was carotid endarterectomy with primary closure in 60 and prosthetic patch in 23. The mean recurrences were at 23.3 months in 33 with myointimal hyperplasia, 105.4 months in 29 with recurrent atherosclerosis, 61.4 months in 19 with both hyperplasia and atherosclerosis, 2 months in one with intimal flap and 8 months in one with F.M.D bands. Reoperation utilized primary closure (3), vein patch (14), prosthetic patch (55), Gore-Tex interposition grafts (7), vein interposition grafts (3) and intraoperative dilation (1). No perioperative strokes or deaths occurred. One patient died from cardiac complications following combined rCEA and coronary artery bypass grafting. Operative morbidity consisted of reversible nerve injury (5), irreversible recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (1) and hematoma requiring evacuation (3). During follow up (3-153 months; mean: 50.9) carotid occlusion resulted in mild ipsilateral stroke in one patient, and one non-hemispheric stroke. There were 26 late deaths due to all causes, one due to CVA. Eight patients required reoperation (mean 53.4 months). Seven of these were hypertensive. Kaplan-Meier analysis of long-term follow up shows relatively high stroke free rates; at 153 months (12.75 years) the hemispheric stroke free rate was 98.67% and the all-stroke free rate was 95.85%. The survival estimate following redo surgery was 69.97% at 5 years and 40.23% at 10 years. We found that individuals on statin therapy (p-value=0.0042), and those on combination of statin and aspirin (p-value=0.0320), had significantly increased interval between primary and secondary operation. Increased age was correlated to a decreased time to redo surgery (p-value=<0.0001). We conclude that reoperation for recurrent carotid stenosis using standard vascular techniques is safe, effective, durable and cost effective. It should continue to be the mainstay of treatment when secondary intervention is required. Statins have a salutary effect on durability of the procedure and should be used when indicated.

Properties of L=1 B(1) and B(2)* mesons

This Letter presents the first strong evidence for the resolution of the excited B mesons B(1) and B(2)* as two separate states in fully reconstructed decays to B(+)(*)pi(-). The mass of B(1) is measured to be 5720.6+/-2.4+/-1.4 MeV/c(2) and the mass difference DeltaM between B(2)* and B(1) is 26.2+/-3.1+/-0.9 MeV/c;{2}, giving the mass of the B(2)* as 5746.8+/-2.4+/-1.7 MeV/c(2). The production rate for B(1) and B(2)* mesons is determined to be a fraction (13.9+/-1.9+/-3.2)% of the production rate of the B+ meson.

Helicopter Emergency Ambulance Service (HEAS) transfer: an analysis of trauma patient case-mix, injury severity and outcome

INTRODUCTION

A retrospective review of all patients transferred by helicopter ambulance to the Great Western Hospital over a 20-month period between January 2003 and September 2004 was undertaken to establish the case-mix of patients (trauma and non-trauma) transferred and the outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Details of all Helicopter Emergency Ambulance Service (HEAS) transfers to this unit in the study time period were obtained from the three HEAS providers in the area and case notes were reviewed.

RESULTS

There were 156 trauma patients transferred (total 193) in the study period with 111 cases identified for analysis with a mean age of 33 years (range, 1-92 years). Average Injury Severity Score on admission was 12 (range, 1-36). Forty-five patients were discharged home from the emergency department, 24 cases had operation, 10 patients required ICU care and 2 were pronounced dead in the emergency department. Average hospital stay following HEAS transfer was 2.97 days (range, 0-18 days).

DISCUSSION

Helicopter ambulance transfer in the acute setting is of debated value. Triage criteria are at fault if as many as 41% of patients transferred are being discharged home from casualty having incurred the financial cost of helicopter transfer. We suggest that the triage criteria for helicopter emergency transfer should be reviewed.

Measurement of the Lambda b lifetime in the exclusive decay Lambda b --> J/psi Lambda

We have measured the Lambda b lifetime using the exclusive decay Lambda b --> J/psi Lambda, based on 1.2 fb(-1) of data collected with the D0 detector during 2002-2006. From 171 reconstructed Lambda b decays, where the J/psi and Lambda are identified via the decays J/psi --> mu+ mu- and Lambda --> ppi, we measured the Lambda b lifetime to be tau(Lambda b)=1.218 (+0.130)/(-0.115) (stat) +/- 0.042(syst) ps. We also measured the B0 lifetime in the decay B0 --> J/psi(mu+ mu-)K(0)/(S)(pi+ pi-) to be tau(B0)=1.501 (+0.078)/(-0.074) (stat) +/- 0.050(syst) ps, yielding a lifetime ratio of tau(Lambda b)/tau(B0)=0.811 (+0.096)/(-0.087) (stat) +/- 0.034(syst).