Improved evidence for direct CP violation in B0-->pi+pi- decays and model-independent constraints on phi2

We present a new measurement of the time-dependent CP-violating parameters in B(0)--> pi(+)pi(-) decays with 275 x 10(6) BB pairs collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider operating at the Gamma(4S) resonance. We find 666 +/- 43 B(0) --> pi(+)pi(-) events and measure the CP-violating parameters: S(pipi) = -0.67 +/- 0.16(stat) +/- 0.06(syst) and A(pipi) = +0.56 +/- 0.12(stat) +/- 0.06(syst). We find evidence for large direct CP violation with a significance greater than 4 standard deviations for any S(pipi) value. Using isospin relations, we obtain 95.4% confidence intervals for the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa quark-mixing matrix angle phi(2) of 0 degree < phiv(2) < 19 degrees and 71 degrees < phi(2) < 180 degrees.

Studies of CP violation in B-->J/PsiK* decays

CP violation in B-->J/PsiK* decays is studied using an angular analysis in a data sample of 253 fb(-1) recorded with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) collider. The flavor separated measurements of the decay amplitudes indicate no evidence for direct CP violation. T-odd CP violation is studied using the asymmetries in triple product correlations, and the results are consistent with the standard model null predictions. The time-dependent angular analysis gives the following values of CP-violating parameters: sin(2phi(1) = 0.24 +/- 0.31 +/- 0.05 and cos(2phi(1)=0.56 +/- 0.79 +/- 0.11.

Measurement of time-dependent CP-violating asymmetries in B0 --> K(s)0K(s)0K(s)0 decay

We present a measurement of CP-violation parameters in the B0 --> K(s)0K(s)0K(s)0 decay based on a sample of 275 x 10(6) BB pairs collected at the upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB energy-asymmetric e+e- collider. One neutral B meson is fully reconstructed in the decay B0 --> K(s)0K(s)0K(s)0, and the flavor of the accompanying B meson is identified from its decay products. CP-violation parameters are obtained from the asymmetry in the distributions of the proper-time interval between the two B decays: S = +1.26 +/- 0.68(stat) +/- 0.20(syst) and [symbol: see text] = +0.54 +/- 0.34(stat) +/- 0.09(syst).

Observation of B+ --> plambdagamma

We report the first observation of the radiative hyperonic B decay B+ --> plambdagamma, using a 140 fb(-1) data sample recorded on upsilom(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric energy e+e- collider. The measured branching fraction is [symbol: see text](B+ --> plambdagamma) = (2.16(+0.58)(-0.53) +/- 0.20) x 10(-6). We examine its M(plambda) distribution and observe a peak near threshold. This feature is expected by the short-distance b --> sgamma transition. A search for B+ --> pepsilon0gamma yields no significant signal, and we set a 90% confidence-level upper limit on the branching fraction of [symbol: see textB+ --> pepsilon0gamma <4.6 x 10(-6).

Evidence for B0 --> D+ D- and observation of B- --> D0D- and B- -->D0D*- decays

We report evidence for B(0) --> D(0)D(-) and the first observation of the decay modes B(-) --> D(0)D(-) and B(-) --> D(0)D(*-) based on a sample of 152 x 10(6) BB events collected by the Belle detector at KEKB. The branching fractions for B(0) --> D(+) D(-), B--->D(0)D(-), and B--> D(0)D(*-) are found to be (1.91 +/- 0.51 +/- 0.30) x10(-4), (4.83 +/- 0.78 +/- 0.58) x 10(-4), and (4.57 +/- 0.71 +/- 0.56) x 10(-4), respectively. Charge asymmetries in the B---> D(0)D(-) and B(-) --> D(0)D(*-) channels are consistent with zero.

Measurement of the time-dependent CP-violating asymmetry in B(0)-->K(0)(S)pi(0)gamma decays

We present a new measurement of CP-violation parameters in B(0)-->K(0)(S)pi(0)gamma decay based on a sample of 275 x 10(6) BB pairs collected at the Gamma(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB energy-asymmetric e(+)e(-) collider. One of the B mesons is fully reconstructed in the B(0)-->K(0)(S)pi(0)gamma decay. The flavor of the accompanying B meson is identified from its decay products. CP-violation parameters are obtained from the asymmetry in the distribution of the proper time intervals between the two B decays. We obtain SK(0)(S)(pi(0)gamma) = -0.58(+0.46)(-0.38)(stat) +/- 0.11(syst) and AK(0)(S)(pi(0)gamma) = +0.03 +/- 0.34(stat) +/- 0.11(syst), for the K(0)(S)pi(0) invariant mass covering the full range up to 1.8 GeV/c2. We also measure the CP-violation parameters for the case B(0)-->K(*0)(-->K(0)(S)pi(0))gamma and obtain S(K(*0)gamma) = -0.79(+0.63)(-0.50)(stat) +/- 0.10(syst) for A(K(*0)gamma) fixed at 0.

Measurement of polarization and triple-product correlations in B-->phiK* decays

We present measurements of decay amplitudes and triple-product correlations in B-->phiK* decays based on 253 fb(-1) of data recorded at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) storage ring. The decay amplitudes for the three different helicity states are determined from the angular distributions of final-state particles. The longitudinal polarization amplitudes are found to be 0.45 +/- 0.05 +/- 0.02 for B0-->phiK(*0) and 0.52 +/- 0.08 +/- 0.03 for B+ -->phiK(*+) decays. CP- and T-odd CP-violating triple-product asymmetries are measured to be consistent with zero.

Observation of the D1(2420)-->Dpi + pi- decays

We report on the first observation of D0/1(2420)-->D0pi- pi+ and D+/1(2420-->D+ pi- pi+ decays (where the contribution from the dominant known D1-->D*pi decay mode is excluded) in the B- -->D0/1pi-) and (-)B0-->D+/1pi- decays, respectively. The observation is based on 15.2 x 10(7) B(-)B events collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB collider. We also set 90% confidence level upper limits for the branching fractions of the four following decays: B- -->D0/1pi-, D01-->D(*0)pi- pi+, (-)B0-->D+/1pi-, D+/1-->D(*+) pi- pi+, B- -->D(*0)2(2460)pi-, D(*0)2 -->D(*0) pi- pi+, (-)B0-->D(*+)2(2460)pi-, D(*+)2-->D(*+)pi- pi+.

Observation of a near-threshold omegaJ/psi mass enhancement in exclusive B-->KomegaJ/psi decays

We report the observation of a near-threshold enhancement in the omegaJ/psi invariant mass distribution for exclusive B-->KomegaJ/psi decays. The results are obtained from a 253 fb(-1) data sample that contains 275 x 10(6) BB pairs that were collected near the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric energy e(+)e(-) collider. The statistical significance of the omegaJ/psi mass enhancement is estimated to be greater than 8sigma.

Observation of B0-->pi0pi0

We report the observation of the decay B0-->pi(0)pi(0), using a 253 fb(-1) data sample collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) collider. The measured branching fraction is B(B0-->pi(0)pi(0))=(2.3(+0.4+0.2)(-0.5-0.3))x10(-6), with a significance of 5.8 standard deviations including systematic uncertainties. We also make a measurement of the direct CP violating asymmetry in this mode.

Isolation, cloning, sequencing of brain type aromatase and its expression in male and female Wrasse, Pseudolabrus sieboldi

Pseudolabrus sieboldi, wrasse being a diurnal spawner provides a good opportunity to study the endocrine mechanism of estrogen formation in brain and gonads. Moreover, an extremely large amount of E2 was produced in serum and testis of wrasse. It is assumed that the presence of E2 may play a major role in diurnal gametogenesis in male fish. In this study brain type aromatase have been isolated, cloned and sequenced from the brain of wrasse. Further, the expression pattern of brain type aromatase in gonads and adult tissue of male and female fish have been analyzed. In addition, the diurnal expression pattern of brain type aromatase in both male and female fish brain during spawning season have been analyzed.The P450arom (br) was isolated, cloned and sequenced from both male and female bamboleaf wrasse. The P450arom (br) gene (1877 sequenced nucleotide) contains an ORF of 1470 bp, a 5'-UTR of 18 bp and at least 407 bp in 3'-UTR. The amino acid sequence homology in the coding region of wrasse P450arom (br) is high compared to that of medaka, Oryzias latipes (80%), rainbow trout type 2, Oncorhynchu mykiss (78.2%), fugu, Takifugu ribripes (78%) rainbow trout type 1, (76%), goldfish, Carassius auratus (66.8%) and zebrafish, Danio rerio (66.2%). Expression study reveals that P450arom (br) mRNA were most abundant in brains of both male and female fish throughout the day during the spawning season. RT-PCR study revealed that P450arom (br) was expressed in skin, anal fin and tail fin of both male and female wrasse. P450arom (br) was not detected at any time of the spawning day in either ovary or testis of wrasse.

Observation of an isotriplet of excited charmed baryons decaying to lambda+c pi

We report the observation of an isotriplet of excited charmed baryons, decaying into Lambda(+)(c)pi(-), Lambda(+)(c)pi(0), and Lambda(+)(c)pi(+). We measure the mass differences M(Lambda(+)(c)pi)-M(Lambda(+)(c)) and widths to be 515.4(+3.2+2.1)(-3.1-6.0) MeV/c(2), 61(+18+22)(-13-13) MeV for the neutral state; 505.4(+5.8+12.4)(-4.6-2.0) MeV/c(2), 62(+37+52)(-23-38) MeV for the charged state; and 514.5(+3.4+2.8)(-3.1-4.9) MeV/c(2), 75(+18+12)(-13-11) MeV for the doubly charged state, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. These results are obtained from a 281 fb(-1) data sample collected with the Belle detector near the Upsilon(4S) resonance, at the KEKB asymmetric energy e(+)e(-) collider.

Study of B0-->rho+/- pi-/+ time-dependent CP violation at Belle

We present a time-dependent analysis of CP violation in B0-->rho(+/-)pi(-/+) decays based on a 140 fb(-1) data sample collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at KEKB. We obtain the charge asymmetry A(rhopi)(CP)=-0.16+/-0.10(stat)+/-0.02(syst). An unbinned maximum-likelihood fit to the Deltat distributions yields C(rhopi)=0.25+/-0.17(stat)+0.02-0.06(syst), DeltaC(rhopi)=0.38+/-0.18(stat)+0.02-0.04(syst), S(rhopi)=-0.28+/-0.23(stat)+0.10-0.08(syst), and DeltaS(rhopi)=-0.30+/-0.24(stat)+/-0.09(syst). The direct CP violation parameters for B-->rho(+)pi(-) and B-->rho(-)pi(+) decays are A(+-)(rhopi)=-0.02+/-0.16(stat)+0.05-0.02(syst) and A(-+)(rhopi)=-0.53+/-0.29(stat)+0.09-0.04(syst).

Observation of B+-->K1(1270)+gamma

We report the observation of the radiative decay B+-->K1(1270)(+) gamma using a data sample of 140 fb(-1) taken at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e+e- collider. We find the branching fraction to be B(B+-->K1(1270)(+)gamma)=(4.3+/-0.9(stat.)+/-0.9(syst.))x10(-5) with a significance of 7.3sigma. We find no significant signal for B+-->K1(1400)(+)gamma and set an upper limit B(B+-->K1(1400)(+)gamma)<1.5 x 10(-5) at the 90% confidence level. We also measure inclusive branching fractions for B+-->K+pi+pi-gamma and B0-->K0pi+pi-gamma in the mass range 1 GeV/c(2)<M(K+(0)pi+pi-)<2 GeV/c(2).

A nonsense mutation (R220X) in the alpha-galactosidase A gene causes typical Fabry disease in both genders

BACKGROUND

Fabry disease is an X-linked recessive disorder resulting from a deficiency of lysosomal alpha-galactosidase A (alpha-Gal A). Chronic renal failure is an important cause of death in patients with Fabry disease. We report on patients with Fabry disease (a hemizygous male and his mother) due to a nonsense mutation (R220X) in the alpha-Gal A gene.

METHODS

The proband, a 41-year-old man, and his 71-year-old mother presented with renal and cardiac manifestations of Fabry disease. Histological examination and molecular analysis of the alpha-Gal A gene were performed.

RESULTS

Typical histological findings of Fabry disease were observed in a renal biopsy specimen from the proband and in renal and myocardial necropsy specimens from the mother. Sequencing of a full-length alpha-Gal A cDNA from the proband indicated a C-T transition at codon 220, resulting in substitution of the predictable termination for arginine (R220X). Examination of genomic alpha-Gal A DNA revealed that the proband was a hemizygote and the mother was a heterozygous carrier for the mutation.

CONCLUSION

This is the first detailed report of family members with Fabry disease due to a nonsense mutation (R220X) in the alpha-Gal A gene. Our study indicates that this mutation causes the typical disease in both genders.

Study of the suppressed decays B- -->[K+pi-](D)K- and B- -->[K+pi-]Dpi-

We report a study of the suppressed decays B--->[K(+)pi(-)](D)K- and B--->[K(+)pi(-)](D)pi(-), where [K(+)pi(-)](D) indicates that the K+pi(-) pair originates from a neutral D meson. These decay modes are sensitive to the unitarity triangle angle varphi(3). We use a data sample containing 275 x 10(6) BB pairs recorded at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric e(+)e(-) storage ring. The signal for B--->[K(+)pi(-)](D)K- is not statistically significant, and we set a limit r(B)<0.27 at 90% confidence level, where r(B) is the magnitude of the ratio of amplitudes |A(B--->D 0K-)/A(B--->D0K-)|. We observe a signal with 6.4sigma statistical significance in the related mode, B--->[K(+)pi(-)](D)pi(-).

Search for D0-D0 mixing in D0 --> K+ pi(-) decays and measurement of the doubly-Cabibbo-suppressed decay rate

We have searched for mixing in the D(0)-D (0) system by measuring the decay-time distribution of D(0) --> K(+) pi(-) decays. The analysis uses 90 fb(-1) of data collected by the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+) e(-) collider. We fit the decay-time distribution for the mixing parameters x' and y' and also for the parameter R(D), which is the ratio of the rate for the doubly-Cabibbo-suppressed decay D(0)--> K+ pi(-) to that for the Cabibbo-favored decay D(0)--> K-pi(+). We do these fits both assuming CP conservation and allowing for CP violation. We use a frequentist method to obtain a 95% C.L. region in the x'(2) - y' plane. Assuming no mixing, we measure R(D) = (0.381 +/- 0.017(+0.008)(-0.016))%.

Observation of B0-->D*sJ(2317)+K- decay

The decays B0-->D+sJK- and B0-->D-sJpi+ are studied for the first time. A significant signal is observed in the B0-->D*sJ(2317)+K- decay channel with B(B0-->D*sJ(2317)+K-) x B(D*sJ(2317)+-->D+spi0)=(5.3(+1.5)(-1.3)+/-0.7+/-1.4) x 10(-5). No signals are observed in the B0-->D*sJ(2317)-pi+, B0-->DsJ(2460)+K-, and B 0-->DsJ(2460)-pi+ decay modes, and upper limits are obtained. The analysis is based on a data set of 140 fb(-1) collected by the Belle experiment at the asymmetric e+e- collider KEKB.

Measurement of the branching fraction and CP asymmetry in B+ --> rho+pi0

We report a measurement of the branching fraction for the decay B+ --> rho(+) pi(0) based on a 140 fb(-1) data sample collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric e(+)e(-) collider. We measure the branching fraction B(B(+) --> rho(+)pi(0)) = (13.2 +/- 2.3(stat)(+1.4)(-1.9)(syst)) x 10(-6), and the CP-violating asymmetry A(CP)(B-/+ -->rho(-/+)pi(0))=0.06 +/- 0.17(stat)(+0.04)(-0.05)(syst).

Single-Molecule Magnets: Structure and Properties of [Mn18O14(O2CMe)18(hep)4(hepH)2(H2O)2](ClO4)2 with Spin S = 13

The reaction of 2-(hydroxyethyl)pyridine (hepH) with a 2:1 molar mixture of [Mn3O(O2CMe)6(py)3]ClO4 and [Mn3O(O2CMe)6(py)3] in MeCN afforded the new mixed-valent (16Mn(III), 2Mn(II)), octadecanuclear complex [Mn18O14(O2CMe)18(hep)4(hepH)2(H2O)2](ClO4)2 (1) in 20% yield. Complex 1 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P. Direct current magnetic susceptibility studies in a 1.0 T field in the 5.0-300 K range, and variable-temperature variable-field dc magnetization studies in the 2.0-4.0 K and 2.0-5.0 T ranges were obtained on polycrystalline samples. Fitting of magnetization data established that complex 1 possesses a ground-state spin of S = 13 and D = -0.18 K. This was confirmed by the value of the in-phase ac magnetic susceptibility signal. Below 3 K, the complex exhibits a frequency-dependent drop in the in-phase signal, and a concomitant increase in the out-of-phase signal, consistent with slow magnetization relaxation on the ac time scale. This suggests the complex is a single-molecule magnet (SMM), and this was confirmed by hysteresis loops below 1 K in magnetization versus dc field sweeps on a single crystal. Alternating current and direct current magnetization data were combined to yield an Arrhenius plot from which was obtained the effective barrier (U(eff)) for magnetization reversal of 21.3 K. Below 0.2 K, the relaxation becomes temperature-independent, consistent with relaxation only by quantum tunneling of the magnetization (QTM) through the anisotropy barrier via the lowest-energy MS = +/-13 levels of the S = 13 spin manifold. Complex 1 is thus the SMM with the largest ground-state spin to display QTM.

Study of time-dependent CP violation in B0-->J/psipi0 decays

We report a measurement of CP asymmetry parameters in the decay B0(B (0))-->J/psipi(0), which is governed by the b-->cc d transition. The analysis is based on a 140 fb(-1) data sample accumulated at the Upsilon(4S) resonance by the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. One neutral B meson in the J/psipi(0) final state is fully reconstructed for events used in this analysis. The accompanying B meson flavor is identified by its decay products. From the distribution of proper-time intervals between the two B decays, we obtain the following CP-violating parameters: S(J/psipi(0))=-0.72+/-0.42(stat)+/-0.09(syst) and A(J/psipi(0))=-0.01+/-0.29(stat)+/-0.03(syst).

Observation of B+-->LambdaLambdaK+

We report the first observation of the charmless hyperonic B decay, B+-->LambdaLambdaK+, using a 140 fb(-1) data sample recorded at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB (e+)(e-) collider. The measured branching fraction is B(B+-->LambdaLambdaK+) = (2.91(+0.90)(-0.70) +/- 0.38) x 10(-6). We also perform a search for the related decay mode B+-->LambdaLambdapi+, but do not find a significant signal. We set a 90% confidence-level upper limit of B(B+-->LambdaLambdapi+) < 2.8 x 10(-6).

Search for CP violation in the decay B0-->D*+/-D-/+

We report a search for CP-violating asymmetry in B0-->D(*+/-)D-/+ decays. The analysis employs two methods of B0 reconstruction: full and partial. In the full reconstruction method all daughter particles of the B0 are required to be detected; the partial reconstruction technique requires a fully reconstructed D- and only a slow pion from the D(*+)-->D0pi(+)(slow) decay. From a fit to the distribution of the time interval corresponding to the distance between two B meson decay points we calculate the CP-violating parameters and find the significance of nonzero CP asymmetry to be 2.7 standard deviations.

Evidence for direct CP violation in B0-->K+pi- decays

We report evidence for direct CP violation in the decay B0-->K+pi(-) with 253 fb(-1) of data collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) collider. Using 275x10(6) BB pairs we observe a B-->K+/-pi(-/+) signal with 2140+/-53 events. The measured CP violating asymmetry is A(CP)(K+pi(-))=-0.101+/-0.025(stat)+/-0.005(syst), corresponding to a significance of 3.9sigma including systematics. We also search for CP violation in the decays B+-->K+pi(0) and B+-->pi(+)pi(0). The measured CP violating asymmetries are A(CP)(K+pi(0))=0.04+/-0.05(stat)+/-0.02(syst) and A(CP)(pi(+)pi(0))=-0.02+/-0.10(stat)+/-0.01(syst), corresponding to the intervals -0.05<A(CP)(K+pi(0))<0.13 and -0.18<A(CP)(pi(+)pi(0))<0.14 at 90% confidence level.

Follistatin-related protein gene (FRP) is expressed in the synovial tissues of rheumatoid arthritis, but its polymorphisms are not associated with genetic susceptibility

OBJECTIVE

To examine the expression level and function of follistatin-related protein gene (FRP, also referred to as FSTL1) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and possible association of its polymorphisms with genetic susceptibility to RA.

METHODS

FRP mRNA expression levels in the synovial tissues from 10 patients with RA and 5 patients with OA were measured using real-time RT-PCR. Effects on the growth of synovial cells were evaluated by stably introducing FRP cDNA into a rheumatoid synovial cell line, E11. Screening of genomic DNA variations was done using DNA from 12 patients with RA and 12 healthy individuals by direct sequencing. Genotypes at the detected polymorphic sites were determined in 224 patients with RA and 220 healthy individuals using PCR-single strand conformation polymorphism.

RESULTS

FRP mRNA was overexpressed in synovial tissues from RA patients by 2.3-fold as compared with those from OA. A rheumatoid synovial cell line (E11) transfected with FRP exhibited reduced proliferation, probably mediated by secreted FRP molecule. 16 genomic variations were identified, among which 4 were polymorphisms within the promoter region and exons, and the remainder were either rare variations or intronic polymorphisms. Genotyping of 4 polymorphic sites did not reveal statistically significant association with the susceptibility to RA.

CONCLUSION

FRP mRNA is overexpressed in RA synovium, the product of which exerts inhibitory activity on synovial cell growth. Although new polymorphic sites were identified, they were not associated with susceptibility to RA, suggesting that overexpression of FRP is secondarily caused by synovial environment of RA.

Evidence for B0-->rho0pi0

We present the first evidence of the decay B0-->rho(0)pi(0), using 140 fb(-1) of data collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric e(+)e(-) collider. We detect 15.1+/-4.8 signal events with a significance of 3.5 standard deviations and measure the branching fraction to be B(B0-->rho(0)pi(0))=(5.1+/-1.6(stat)+/-0.9(syst))x10(-6).

Evidence for B+-->omegal+nu

We have searched for the decay B+-->omegal(+)nu (l=e or mu) in 78 fb(-1) of Upsilon(4S) data (85x10(6)BB events) accumulated with the Belle detector. The final state is fully reconstructed using the omega decay into pi(+)pi(-)pi(0), combined with detector hermeticity to estimate the neutrino momentum. A signal of 414+/-125 events is found in the data, corresponding to a branching fraction of (1.3+/-0.4+/-0.2+/-0.3)x10(-4), where the first two errors are statistical and systematic, respectively. The third error reflects the estimated form-factor uncertainty.

Establishment of a clonal human mesenchymal cell line that retains multilineage differentiation capacity from a spinal hamartoma

We isolated a single-cell-derived cell line from a spinal hamartoma, a which occurred in a newborn boy and was associated with a rudimentary limb. The maternal cells (HHC-7) differentiated into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, adipocytes, and skeletal muscles when they were cultured in differentiation-inducing media specific to each mesenchymal cell. We isolated a single-cell-derived clonal cell line (Clone K) after transfection with SV40 T antigen. These cells expressed CD73 and CD117, while being negative for expression of CD45. Clone K cells cultured in an osteogenic differentiation medium increased ALP activity and expressed mRNAs for Runx2 and osteocalcin. Treatment with rhBMP-2 induced Clone K cells to differentiate into both osteoblasts and chondrocytes. These cells expressed mRNAs for Sox9 and aggrecan in addition to osteogenic markers. Culture in an adipogenic differentiation medium induced Clone K cells to differentiation into adipocytes, which expressed mRNAs for PPARgamma2 and a2P. Clone K cells cultured in a serum-depleted medium generated desmin-positive cells and expressed MyoD1 mRNA. Clone K cells exhibited numerous alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive cells; however, treatment with rhBMP-2 decreased their number. Clone K cells, transplanted with a carrier containing rhBMP-2 into the muscles of SCID mice, generated ectopic endochondral bone formation. In these tissues, several osteoblasts and chondrocytes expressed SV40 T antigen, indicating their Clone K cell origin. Thus, Clone K cells are useful tools for analyzing the characteristics of human multipotential mesenchymal progenitors.

Inclusive measurement of the photon energy spectrum in b --> sgamma decays

We report a fully inclusive measurement of the flavor changing neutral current decay b --> sgamma in the energy range 1.8 GeV < or = E*gamma < or = 2.8 GeV, covering 95% of the total spectrum. Using 140 fb(-1), we obtain B(b --> sgamma) = (3.55+/-0.32(+0.30+0.11)(-0.31-0.07)) x 10(-4), where the errors are statistical, systematic, and from theory corrections. We also measure the first and second moments of the photon energy spectrum above 1.8 GeV and obtain (Egamma) = 2.292+/-0.026+/-0.034 GeV and (E2gamma) - (Egamma)2 = 0.0305+/-0.0074+/-0.0063 GeV2, where the errors are statistical and systematic.

Observation of B+-->psi(3770)K+

We report the first observation of the decay B+-->psi(3770)K+ where the psi(3770) is reconstructed in the D0(-)D(0) and D+D- decay channels. The obtained branching fraction is B(B+-->psi(3770)K+)=(0.48+/-0.11+/-0.07)x10(-3). We have measured the branching fraction for the decay B+-->D0(-)D0K+ to be (1.17+/-0.21+/-0.15)x10(-3) and set a 90% confidence level upper limit of 0.90 x 10(-3) for the decay B+-->D+D-K+. We also present the results of a search for possible decays to D(-)D and D0(-)D(0)pi(0) of the recently observed X(3872) particle. The analysis is based on 88 fb(-1) of data collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance by the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider.

Measurement of the CP asymmetry in B-->Xs gamma

Direct CP violation in the b-->sgamma process is a sensitive probe of physics beyond the standard model. We report a measurement of the CP asymmetry in B-->X(s)gamma, where the hadronic recoil system X(s) is reconstructed using a pseudoreconstruction technique. In this approach there is negligible contamination from b-->dgamma decays, which are expected to have a much larger CP asymmetry. We find A(CP)=0.002+/-0.050(stat)+/-0.030(syst) for B-->X(s)gamma events having recoil mass smaller than 2.1 GeV/c(2). The analysis is based on a data sample of 140 fb(-1) recorded at the upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) storage ring.

Study of CP violating effects in time dependent B0(B0)-->D(*)-/+pi+/- decays

We report measurements of time dependent decay rates for B0(B(0))-->D((*)-/+)pi(+/-) decays and extraction of CP violation parameters containing phi(3). Using fully reconstructed D((*))pi events from a 140 fb(-1) data sample collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance, we obtain the CP violation parameters for D(*)pi and Dpi decays, 2R(D((*))pi)sin((2phi(1)+phi(3)+/-delta(D((*))pi)), where R(D((*))pi) is the ratio of the magnitudes of the doubly Cabibbo-suppressed and Cabibbo-favored amplitudes, and delta(D((*))pi) is the strong phase difference between them. Under the assumption of delta(D((*))pi) being close to either 0 degrees or 180 degrees, we obtain |2R(D(*)pi)sin((2phi(1)+phi(3))|=0.060+/-0.040(stat)+/-0.019(syst) and |2R(Dpi)sin((2phi(1)+phi(3))|=0.061+/-0.037(stat)+/-0.018(syst).

Observation of large CP violation and evidence for direct CP violation in B0-->pi(+)pi(-) decays

We report the first observation of CP violation in B0-->pi(+)pi(-) decays based on 152x10(6) gamma (4S)-->BB decays collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. We reconstruct a B0-->pi(+)pi(-) CP eigenstate and identify the flavor of the accompanying B meson from its decay products. From the distribution of the time intervals between the two B meson decay points, we obtain A(pipi)=+0.58+/-0.15(stat)+/-0.07(syst) and S(pipi)=-1.00+/-0.21(stat)+/-0.07(syst). We rule out the CP-conserving case, A(pipi)=S(pipi)=0, at a level of 5.2 standard deviations. We also find evidence for direct CP violation with a significance at or greater than 3.2 standard deviations for any S(pipi) value.

Isolation and characterization of a mesenchymal cell line that differentiates into osteoblasts in response to BMP-2 from calvariae of GFP transgenic mice

We established the clonal mesenchymal cell line, GFP-C3 (C3), which differentiates into osteoblasts in response to BMP-2 from calvariae of newborn green fluorescence protein (GFP) transgenic mice. This cell line cultured with control medium expressed low levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osterix mRNA and undetectable ALP and osteocalcin mRNA. Incubation of these cells with rhBMP-2 increased ALP activity dose-dependently and induced substantial levels of ALP, osteocalcin and osterix mRNA expression. C3 cells infected with adenovirus vector encoding BMP-2 (AdBMP-2) or Runx2 (AdRunx2) showed greatly increased ALP mRNA expression in a time-dependent fashion. Transduction with AdRunx2-induced expression of ALP and osteocalcin mRNA, but not osterix mRNA by day 3. Transduction with AdBMP-2 induced apparent expression of ALP and osterix mRNA by day 1 after transduction, but induced only weak expression of osteocalcin mRNA day 3 after transduction. Transplantation of C3 cells transduced with AdBMP-2 into back subfascia in wild-type mice with a complex of poly-d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid/gelatin sponge (PGS) generated ectopic bone formation involving GFP-positive osteoblasts and osteocytes 2 weeks after transplantation. C3 cells transduced with AdRunx2 or AdLacZ failed to induce ectopic bone formation. Transplantation of C3 cells transduced with AdBMP-2 into craniotomy defects in wild-type mice using PGS as a carrier induced bone formation 2 weeks after transplantation, and replaced defects 4 weeks after transplantation. C3 cells transduced with AdRunx2 failed to induce bone repair after transplantation into craniotomy defects. These results indicate that C3 cells retain differentiation potential into osteoblasts in response to BMP-2. They are useful tools for analyzing the process of osteoblast differentiation in vivo after transplantation.

[Acute pulmonary embolism after cesarean section; report of a case]

We present a case of acute pulmonary embolism (APE) after cesarean section. A cesarean section was performed on a 27-year old woman with normal course. However, one day after operation, she suddenly developed syncope and dyspnea. Soon after the symptom, she developed hypotension 60 mmHg. As a result of various examinations, her illness was diagnosed as APE with right ventricular dysfunction after cesarean section. She was consulted to our hospital for treatment. Soon after her arrival, we treated her for both APE and cardiogenic shock. The combined with antithrombotic therapy using heparin sodium, was successfully treated the patient from cardiogenic shock due to APE with right ventricular dysfunction after cesarean section.

Upper bound on the decay tau-->microgamma from the Belle detector

We have performed a search for the lepton-flavor-violating decay tau-->microgamma using a data sample of 86.3 fb(-1) accumulated by the Belle detector at KEK. No evidence for a signal is seen, and we set an upper limit for the branching fraction of B(tau-->microgamma)<3.1 x 10(-7) at the 90% confidence level.

Observation of B(+)-->pppi+, B0-->ppK0, and B(+)-->ppK(*+)

We report the first observation of a b-->u type charmless baryonic B decay, B+-->pppi(+), as well as b-->s type B0-->ppK0 and B+-->ppK(*+) decays. The analysis is based on a 78 fb(-1) data sample recorded on the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at KEKB. We find B(B+-->pppi(+))=(3.06(+0.73)(-0.62)+/-0.37)x10(-6), B(B0-->ppK0)=(1.88(+0.77)(-0.60)+/-0.23)x10(-6), and B(B+-->ppK(*+))=(10.3(+3.6+1.3)(-2.8-1.7))x10(-6). We also update B(B+-->ppK+)=(5.66(+0.67)(-0.57)+/-0.62)x10(-6) and present an upper limit on B(B0-->ppK(*0)) at the 90% confidence level. A common feature of the observed decay modes is threshold peaking in baryon pair invariant mass.

[Repair of thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurisms by the use of hypothermic circulatory arrest]

From 1993 to 2003, repair of thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms using hypothermic circulatory arrest via the left thoracotomy was performed in 115 patients at our hospital. Ninety-one of them were elective cases and 24 of them were emergent cases. Hospital mortality rate was 3.3% in elective cases and 12.5% in emergent cases. Over all hospital mortality rate was 5.2%. Ischemic spinal cord injury was occurred in 2 patients (1.7%). Both of them needed total replacement of thoracoabodominal aorta by the graft. In the near future, Adamkiewicz artery may be detected by the imaging technology preoperatively and we expect the repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm may become safer operation avoiding spinal cord injury. Hypothermic circulatory arrest is a relatively safe and reliable method for the repair of thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

Measurement of /V(ub)/ using inclusive B-->X(u)lnu decays with a novel X(u)-reconstruction method

We report the measurement of an inclusive partial branching fraction for charmless semileptonic B decay and the extraction of /V(ub)/. Candidates for B-->X(u)lnu are identified with a novel X(u) reconstruction method based on neutrino reconstruction via missing 4-momentum and a technique called "simulated annealing." Based on 86.9 fb(-1) of data taken with the Belle detector, we obtain DeltaB(B-->X(u)lnu;M(X)<1.7 GeV/c2,q2>8.0 GeV2/c2)=[7.37+/-0.89(stat)+/-1.12(syst)+/-0.55(b-->c)+/-0.24(b-->u)]x10(-4) and determine |V(ub)|=[4.66+/-0.28(stat)+/-0.35(syst)+/-0.17(b-->c)+/-0.08(b-->u)+/-0.58(theory)]x10(-3).

Observation of the radiative decay D0-->phigamma

We report the observation of the decay D0-->phigamma with a statistical significance of 5.4sigma in 78.1 fb(-1) of data collected by the Belle experiment at the KEKB e+e- collider. This is the first observation of a flavor-changing radiative decay of a charmed meson. The Cabibbo- and color-suppressed decays D0-->phipi(0), phieta are also observed for the first time. We measure branching fractions B(D0-->phigamma)=[2.60(+0.70)(-0.61)(stat)+0.15-0.17(syst)] x 10(-5), B(D0-->phipi(0))=[8.01+/-0.26(stat)+/-0.47(syst)] x 10(-4), and B(D0-->phieta)=[1.48+/-0.47(stat)+/-0.09(syst)] x 10(-4).

Real-space observation of current-driven domain wall motion in submicron magnetic wires

We report direct observation of current-driven magnetic domain wall (DW) displacement by using a well-defined single DW in a microfabricated magnetic wire with submicron width. Magnetic force microscopy visualizes that a single DW introduced in a wire is displaced back and forth by positive and negative pulsed current, respectively. The direct observation gives quantitative information on the DW displacement as a function of the intensity and the duration of the pulsed current. The result is discussed in terms of the spin-transfer mechanism.

Measurements of the D(sJ) resonance properties

We report measurements of the properties of the D(+)(sJ)(2317) and D(+)(sJ)(2457) resonances produced in continuum e(+)e(-) annihilation near sqrt[s]=10.6 GeV. The analysis is based on an 86.9 fb(-1) data sample collected with the Belle detector at KEKB. We determine the masses to be M(D(+)(sJ)(2317))=2317.2+/-0.5(stat)+/-0.9(syst) MeV/c(2) and M(D(+)(sJ)(2457))=2456.5+/-1.3(stat)+/-1.3(syst) MeV/c(2). We observe the radiative decay mode D(+)(sJ)(2457)-->D(+)(s)gamma and the dipion decay mode D(+)(sJ)(2457)-->D(+)(s)pi(+)pi(-) and determine their branching fractions. No corresponding decays are observed for the D(sJ)(2317) state. These results are consistent with the spin-parity assignments of 0(+) for the D(sJ)(2317) and 1(+) for the D(sJ)(2457).

Measurement of time-dependent CP-violating asymmetries in B0-->phiK(0)S, K+K-K0(S), and eta'K0(S) decays

We present an improved measurement of CP-violation parameters in B0-->phiK(0)(S), K(+)K(-)K(0)(S), and eta(')K(0)(S) decays based on a 140 fb(-1) data sample collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB energy-asymmetric e(+)e(-) collider. One neutral B meson is fully reconstructed in one of the specified decay channels, and the flavor of the accompanying B meson is identified from its decay products. CP-violation parameters for each of the three modes are obtained from the asymmetries in the distributions of the proper-time intervals between the two B decays. We find that the observed CP asymmetry in the B-->phiK(0)(S) decay differs from the standard model (SM) expectation by 3.5 standard deviations, while the other cases are consistent with the SM.

Evidence for B0-->pi0pi0

We report evidence for the decay B0-->pi(0)pi(0). The analysis is based on a data sample of 152x10(6) BBmacr; pairs collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) storage ring. We detect a signal for B0-->pi(0)pi(0) with a significance of 3.4 standard deviations, and measure the branching fraction to be [1.7+/-0.6(stat)+/-0.2(syst)]x10(-6).

Observation of the D(sJ)(2317) and D(sJ)(2457) in B decays

We report the first observation of the B-->Dmacr;D(sJ)(2317) and B-->Dmacr;D(sJ)(2457) decays based on 123.8x10(6) BBmacr; events collected with the Belle detector at KEKB. We observe the D(sJ)(2317) decay to D(s)pi(0) and the D(sJ)(2457) decay to the D(*)(s)pi(0) and D(s)gamma final states. We also set 90% C.L. upper limits for the decays D(sJ)(2317)-->D(*)(s)gamma, D(sJ)(2457)-->D(*)(s)gamma, D(sJ)(2457)-->D(s)pi(0), and D(sJ)(2457)-->D(s)pi(+)pi(-).