Single-neutron states in (101)Sn

The first data on the relative single-particle energies outside the doubly magic (100)Sn nucleus were obtained. A prompt 171.7(6) keV gamma-ray transition was correlated with protons emitted following the beta decay of (101)Sn and is interpreted as the transition between the single-neutron g(7/2) and d(5/2) orbitals in (101)Sn. This observation provides a stringent test of current nuclear structure models. The measured nug(7/2)-nud(5/2) energy splitting is compared with values calculated using mean-field nuclear potentials and is used to calculate low-energy excited states in light Sn isotopes in the framework of the shell model. The correlation technique used in this work offers possibilities for future, more extensive spectroscopy near (100)Sn.

Precision determination of the D0 mass

A precision measurement of the D0 meson mass has been made using approximately 281 pb(-1) of e+e- annihilation data taken with the CLEO-c detector at the psi(3770) resonance. The exclusive decay D0-->K_{S}phi has been used to obtain M(D0)=1864.847+/-0.150(stat)+/-0.095(syst) MeV. This corresponds to M(D0D*0)=3871.81+/-0.36 MeV, and leads to a well-constrained determination of the binding energy of the proposed D0D*0 molecule X(3872), as Eb=0.6+/-0.6 MeV.

Observation of Upsilon(3S)-->tau+tau- and tests of lepton universality in Upsilon decays

Using data collected with the CLEO III detector at the CESR e+e- collider, we report on a first observation of the decay Upsilon(3S)-->tau+tau-, and precisely measure the ratio of branching fractions of Upsilon(nS), n=1, 2, 3, to tau+tau- and mu+mu- final states, finding agreement with expectations from lepton universality. We derive absolute branching fractions for these decays, and also set a limit on the influence of a low mass CP-odd Higgs boson in the decay of the Upsilon(1S).

Absolute branching fraction measurements for D+ and D0 inclusive semileptonic decays

We present measurements of the inclusive branching fractions for the decays D+-->Xe+ nu(e) and D0-->Xe+ nu(e), using 281 pb(-1) of data collected on the psi(3770) resonance with the CLEO-c detector. We find B(D0-->Xe+ nu(e)) = (6.46+/-0.17+/-0.13)% and B(D+-->Xe+ nu(e)) = (16.13+/-0.20+/-0.33)%. Using the known D meson lifetimes, we obtain the ratio Gamma(D+)sl/Gamma(D0)sl = 0.985+/-0.028+/-0.015, confirming isospin invariance at the level of 3%. The positron momentum spectra from D+ and D0 have consistent shapes.

K isomers in 254No: probing single-particle energies and pairing strengths in the heaviest nuclei

We have identified two isomers in 254No, built on two- and four-quasiparticle excitations, with quantum numbers K pi = 8- and (14+), as well as a low-energy 2-quasiparticle Kpi = 3+ state. The occurrence of isomers establishes that K is a good quantum number and therefore that the nucleus has an axial prolate shape. The 2-quasiparticle states probe the energies of the proton levels that govern the stability of superheavy nuclei, test 2-quasiparticle energies from theory, and thereby check their predictions of magic gaps.

Observation of Psi(3770)-->gammachi(c1)-->gammagammaJ/Psi

From e(+)e(-) collision data acquired with the CLEO detector at the Cornell Electron Storage Ring, we observe the non-DD(_) decay Psi(3770))-->gammachi(c1) with a statistical significance of 6.6 standard deviations, using the two-photon cascades to J/Psi and J/Psi-->l(+)l(-). We determine sigma(e(=)e(-)-->Psi(3770))xBeta(Psi(3770)-->gammachi(c1))=(18.0 +/- 3.3 +/- 2.5) pb and branching fraction Beta(Psi(3770)-->gammachi(c1)=(2.8 +/- 0.5+/-0.4) x 10(-3). We set 90% C.L. upper limits for the transition to chi(c2) (chi(c0)): sigma x Beta<5.7 pb (<282 pb) and Beta<0.9 x 10(-3) (<44 x 10(-3)). We also determine Gamma(Psi(3770)gammachi(c1))/Gamma(Psi(3770)-->pi(+)pi(-)J/Psi)=1.5 +/- 0.3 +/- 0.3 (>1.0 at 90% C.L.), which bears upon the interpretation of X(3872).

Nerve conduction and sensorineural function in dental hygienists using high frequency ultrasound handpieces

BACKGROUND

Oscillatory vibration from industrial power tools poses a well-recognized risk of peripheral nerve injury. There have been reports of elevated vibrotactile perception thresholds (VPT) among dentists, dental technicians, and dental hygienists, using rotary devices and ultrasonics. Elevated VPTs are an indicator of small fiber nerve or mechanoreceptor injury, but the high frequencies associated with dental instruments are presumed by the ISO to exceed physiological response upper thresholds. This study examines nerve conduction and sensorineural deficits in dental hygienists.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 94 experienced dental hygienists was conducted to assess peripheral nerve function and clinical signs and symptoms. Specialized testing included measurement of VPTs for three different categories of mechanoreceptors, sensory nerve conduction tests with fractionated digit and palmar segments, and measurement of calibrated pinch force with force sensitive resistors (FSRs) during a simulated procedure.

RESULTS

Chronic hand paresthesias were described by 44.7% of experienced dental hygienists. Sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) across the wrist-palm segment of the median nerve. VPTs were particularly elevated at the FAII mechanoreceptor among experienced dental hygienists. Compared to participants without carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), as defined by study criteria, 14 experienced hygienists with diagnosed CTS had almost twice the average weekly use of vibratory instruments -8.3 hr versus 4.5 hr, and had SNCV deficits along the digit -47.11 m/sec (+8.70) versus 42.57 m/sec (+8.25), and across the wrist -44.04 m/sec (+7.15) versus 41.36 m/sec (+9.27). There was a distinct subset of dental hygienists (27%) with a combination of low calibrated pinch force in simulations, subjective loss of strength and elevated VPTs, especially in the FAII mechanoreceptor population -110.82 db (+8.57) versus 104.84 db (+6.80) in the rest of the cohort. This subset also had a higher prevalence of paresthesias (67% vs. 39%) and greater cumulative vibration exposure (OR = 1.206 [CI 1.005-1.448]), than other hygienists.

CONCLUSIONS

The high levels of paresthesias observed among dental hygienists appear to be attributable to several pathophysiological mechanisms, including, sensory nerve demyelination at the carpal tunnel and intrinsic to the digits, and dysfunction of fingertip mechanoreceptors. A distinct sub-population appears to exhibit a high level of accumulated abnormality.

Charmonium Decays of Y(4260), psi(4160), and psi(4040)

Using data collected with the CLEO detector operating at the CESR e+e- collider at sqrt[s]=3.97-4.26 GeV, we investigate 15 charmonium decay modes of the psi(4040), psi(4160), and Y(4260) resonances. We confirm, at 11 sigma significance, the BABAR Y(4260)-->pi+pi- J/psi discovery, make the first observation of Y(4260)--> pi(0)pi(0) J/psi (5.1 sigma), and find the first evidence for Y(4260)-->K+K- J/psi(3.7 sigma). We measure e+e- cross sections at sqrt[s]=4.26 GeV as sigma(pi+pi- J/psi)=58(+12)(-10)+/-4 pb, sigma(pi(0)pi(0) J/psi)=23(+12)(-8)+/-1 pb, and sigma(K+K- J/psi)=9(+9)(-5)+/-1 pb, in which the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. Upper limits are placed on other decay rates from all three resonances.

Measurements of the exclusive decays of the upsilon(5S) to meson final states and improved B(s)* mass measurement

Using 420 pb(-1) of data collected on the upsilon(5S) resonance with the CLEO III detector, we reconstruct B mesons in 25 exclusive decay channels to measure or set upper limits on the decay rate of upsilon(5S) into B meson final states. We measure the inclusive B cross section to be sigma(upsilon(5S) --> BB(X)) = (0.177 +/- 0.030 +/- 0.016) nb and make the first measurements of the production rates of sigma(upsilon(5S) --> B*B*) = (0.131 +/- 0.025 +/- 0.014) nb and sigma(upsilon(5S) --> BB*) = (0.043 +/- 0.016 +/- 0.006) nb, respectively. We set 90% confidence level limits of sigma(upsilon(5S) -->BB) < 0.038 nb, sigma(upsilon(5S) --> B(*)B(*)pi) < 0.055 nb and sigma(upsilon(5S) --> BBpipi) < 0.024 nb. We also extract the most precise value of the B(s)* mass to date, M(B(s)*) = (5411.7 +/- 1.6 +/- 0.6) MeV/c2.

Experimental limits on weak annihilation contributions to decays

We present the first experimental limits on high-q2 contributions to charmless semileptonic decays of the form expected from the weak annihilation (WA) decay mechanism. Such contributions could bias determinations of /Vub/ from inclusive measurements of B-->Xulupsilon. Using a wide range of models based on available theoretical input we set a limit of GammaWA/Gammab-->u<7.4% (90% confidence level) on the WA fraction, and assess the impact on previous inclusive determinations of /Vub/.

Dielectron widths of the Gamma(1S,2S,3S) resonances

We determine the dielectron widths of the Gamma(1S), Gamma(2S), and Gamma(3S) resonances with better than 2% precision by integrating the cross section of e+e- -->Gamma over the e+e- center-of-mass energy. Using e+e- energy scans of the Gamma resonances at the Cornell Electron Storage Ring and measuring Gamma production with the CLEO detector, we find dielectron widths of 1.252+/-0.004(sigma(stat))+/-0.019(sigma(syst)) keV, 0.581+/-0.004+/-0.009 keV, and 0.413+/-0.004+/-0.006 keV for the Gamma(1S), Gamma(2S), and Gamma(3S), respectively.

Measurement of sigma(e+e- -->psi(3770)-->hadrons) at Ec.m.=3773 MeV

We measure the cross section for e+e- -->psi(3770) -->hadrons at Ec.m.=3773 MeV to be (6.38+/-0.08(+0.41)(-0.30) nb using the CLEO detector at the CESR e+e- collider. The difference between this and the e+e- -->psi(3770) -->DD cross section at the same energy is found to be (-0.01+/-0.08(+0.41)(-0.30) nb. With the observed total cross section, we extract Gamma(ee)(psi(3770))=(0.204+/-0.003(+0.041)(-0.027) keV. Uncertainties shown are statistical and systematic, respectively.

The role of diet, exercise and smoking in dyslipidaemia in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy

BACKGROUND

Lipodystrophy in HIV-infected (LDHIV) patients receiving protease inhibitors (PIs) is associated with dyslipidaemia. Whether lifestyle factors play a role in dyslipidaemia in LDHIV subjects on PIs is not well characterized.

METHODS

A total of 45 LDHIV male and six LDHIV female patients on PIs were recruited, and data were collected on smoking, exercise, diet (by 3-day food record), and fasting levels of serum lipids and lipoproteins. The relationships between lifestyle factors and metabolic variables were analysed in male patients by Spearman's correlation test and the significant relationships were further analysed by adjusting for age, PI duration, and waist circumference by Spearman's partial correlation test.

RESULTS

In men, mean (+/-standard deviation) serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and non-HDL-C were 212+/-70, 35+/-7.3, 325+/-230 and 169+/-44 mg/dL, respectively. Sixty-seven percent of the men exercised regularly and 31.1% smoked. The reported diet was high in cholesterol (390+/-212 mg) and percentage energy from saturated (12.2+/-3.3%) and trans (2.4+/-1.2%) fats, and low in soluble fibre (6.9+/-2.3 g) compared with recent dietary guidelines. Following adjustments for the confounding variables, percentage energy intake from total protein and animal protein was positively related to TC (r=0.44, P<0.01 and r=0.37, P<0.05, respectively), TG (r=0.40, P<0.01 and r=0.46, P<0.01, respectively) and non-HDL-C (r=0.56, P<0.001 and r=0.49, P<0.01, respectively), that from trans fat was positively related to TG (r=0.34, P<0.05), and soluble fibre was negatively related to non-HDL-C (r=-0.41, P<0.01). Moderate to heavy aerobic exercise tended to be associated with higher HDL-C (r=0.30, P=0.07) whereas smoking was not associated with any of the metabolic variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased intake of total protein, animal protein and trans fat, and reduced soluble fibre consumption contribute to dyslipidaemia in LDHIV subjects on PIs.

New measurements of Cabibbo-suppressed decays of mesons with the CLEO-c detector

Using of data collected with the CLEO-c detector, we report on first observations and measurements of Cabibbo-suppressed decays of D mesons in the following six decay modes: pi+ pi- pi0 pi0, pi+ pi+ pi- pi- pi0, pi+ pi0 pi0, pi+ pi+ pi- pi0, eta pi0, and omega pi+ pi-. Improved branching fraction measurements in eight other multipion decay modes are also presented. The measured D --> pi pi rates allow us to extract the ratio of isospin amplitudes A(DeltaI = (3/2) / A(DeltaI = (1/2)) = 0.420 +/- 0.014(stat) +/- 0.016(syst) and the strong phase shift of delta1 = (86.4 +/- 2.8 +/- 3.3) degrees, which is quite large and now more precisely determined.

Observation of psi(3770) --> pi pi J/psi and measurement of Gamma ee[psi(2S)]

We observe signals for the decays psi(3770) --> XJ/psi from data acquired with the CLEO detector operating at the CESR e+ e- collider with square root of s = 3773 MeV. We measure the following branching fractions Beta(psi(3770) --> XJ/psi and significances: (189 +/- 20 +/- 20) x 10(-5) (11.6sigma) for X = pi+ pi-, (80 +/- 25 +/- 16) x 10(-5) (3.4sigma) for X = pi0 pi0, and (87 +/- 33 +/- 22) x 10(-5) (3.5sigma) for X = eta, where the errors are statistical and systematic, respectively. The radiative return process e+ e- --> gamma psi(2S) populates the same event sample and is used to measure Gamma ee[psi(2S)] = (2.54 +/- 0.03 +/- 0.11) keV.

Search for exclusive multibody non- decays at the resonance

Using data collected at the psi(3770) resonance with the CLEO-c detector at the Cornell e+e- storage ring, we present searches for 25 charmless decay modes of the psi(3770), mostly multibody final states. No evidence for charmless decays is found.

Observation of Bs production at the Y(5S) resonance

Using the CLEO detector at the Cornell Electron Storage Ring, we have observed the Bs meson in e+e- annihilation at the Y(5S) resonance. We find 14 candidates consistent with Bs decays into final states with a J/psi or a Ds(*)- . The probability that we have observed a background fluctuation is less than 8 x 10(-10) . We have established that at the energy of the Y(5S) resonance Bs production proceeds predominantly through the creation of Bs*Bs* pairs. We find sigma(e+e- --> Bs*Bs*) = [0.11(-0.03))(+0.04)(stat) +/- 0.02(syst)]nb , and set the following limits: sigma(e+e- --> BsBs)/ sigma(e+ e- --> Bs*Bs*) <0.16 and [sigma(e+e- --> BsBs*) + sigma(e+e- --> Bs*Bs)]/sigma(e+e- -->Bs*Bs*) < 0.16 (90% C.L.). The mass of the Bs* meson is measured to be M(Bs*) = [5.414+/- 0.001(stat) +/- 0.003(syst)] GeV/c2 .

Precision measurements of the timelike electromagnetic form factors of pion, kaon, and proton

Using 20.7 pb(-1) of e(+)e(-) annihilation data taken at sq.rt(r) = 3.671 GeV with the CLEO-c detector, precision measurements of the electromagnetic form factors of the charged pion, charged kaon, and proton have been made for timelike momentum transfer of |Q(2)| = 13.48 GeV(2) by the reaction e(+)e(-) --> h(+)h(-). The measurements are the first ever with identified pions and kaons of |Q(2)| > 4 GeV(2), with the results F(13.48 GeV(2)) = 0.075 +/- 0.008(stat) +/- 0.005(syst) and F(K)(13.48 GeV(2)) = 0.063 +/- 0.004(stat) +/- 0.001(syst). The result for the proton, assuming G(p)(E) = G(p)(M), is G(p)(M)(13.48 GeV(2)) = 0.014 +/- 0.002(stat) +/- 0.001(syst), which is in agreement with earlier results.

Evidence for Bs* Bs* production at the Gamma(5S) resonance

We use data collected by the CLEO III detector at the Cornell Electron Storage Ring to measure the inclusive yields of D(s) mesons as B(Y(5S) --> D(s)X) = (44-7 +/- 4.2 +/- 9.9)% and B(Y(4S) --> D(s)X) = (18.1 +/- 0.5 +/- 2.8)%. From these measurements, we make a model dependent estimate of the ratio of B(s)*B(s)* to the total bb quark pair production of (16.0 +/- 2.6 +/- 5.8)% at the Y(5S) energy.

Improved measurement of B(D+ --> mu+nu) and the pseudoscalar decay constant fD+

We extract a relatively precise value for the decay constant of the meson by measuring B(D+ --> mu+nu) = (4.40 +/-0.66(+0.09)(-0.12) x 10(-4) using 281 pb(-1) of data taken on phi(3770) the resonance with the CLEO-c detector. We find fD+ = (222.6 +/- 16.7(+2.8)(-3.4)) MeV, and compare with current theoretical calculations. We also set a 90% confidence upper limit on B(D+e+nu)< 2.4 x 10(-5) which constrains new physics models.

The management of midline transcranial nasal dermoid sinus cysts

The most common congenital midline nasal masses are nasal dermoid sinus cysts (NDSC) [Hughes GB, Sharpino G, Hunt W, Tucker HM. Management of the congenital midline nasal mass--a review. Head Neck Surg 1980;2:222-33.]. Their clinical importance hinges on their potential to communicate with the central nervous system. Preoperative diagnosis of an intracranial extension allows for referral to a craniofacial team with the appropriate skills and experience for a transcranial approach. All patients with a NDSC require imaging with high resolution multiplanar MRI scans and complimentary fine cut CT scan to reveal the anatomical extent of the tract and its relationship to the anterior cranial fossa. A single-stage craniofacial approach to resection of midline NDSC extending to the anterior cranial base is effective with minimal morbidity [Yavuzer R, Bier U, Jackson IT. Be careful: it might be a nasal dermoid cyst. Plast Reconstr Surg 1999;103:2082-3; Denoyelle F, Ducroz V, Roger G, Garabedian EN. Nasal dermoid sinus cysts in children. Laryngoscope 1997;107:795-800; Rohrich RJ, Lowe JB, Schwartz MR. The role of open rhinoplasty in the management of nasal dermoid cysts. Plast Reconstr Surg 1999;104:2163-70; Rahbar R, Shah P, Mulliken JB, et al. The presentation and management of nasal dermoid-a 30-year experience. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2003;129:464-71; Posnick JC, Bortoluzzi P, Armstrong DC, Drake JM. Intracranial nasal dermoid sinus cysts: computed tomographic scan findings and surgical results. Plast Reconstr Surg 1994;93:745-54 [discussion 755-56]; Bartlett SP, Lin KY, Grossman R, Kratowitz J. The surgical management of orbitofacial dermoids in the pediatric patient. Plast Reconstr Surg 1993;91:1208-15.]. The cyst and tract are accessed through a combination of a nasal and transcranial approach. This allows visualisation and dissection of the tract with only a small incision on the nasal dorsum to include the cutaneous punctum when present. Transnasal endoscopic techniques have been advocated where the dermoid is located within the nasal cavity and there is little or no cutaneous involvement [Weiss DD, Robson CD, Mulliken JB. Transnasal endoscopic excision of midline nasal dermoid from the anterior cranial base. Plast Reconstr Surg 1998;101:2119-23.]. We present a review of five cases referred to our unit between 1999 and 2004 with a diagnosis of a midline nasal dermoid sinus cyst and radiological evidence of intracranial communication. All cases had a communication with the anterior cranial fossa diagnosed preoperatively and were treated surgically with a craniofacial approach. An intracranial extension was identified at operation in each case and this was confirmed on histopathology. The only significant complication resulted from an early postoperative infection, requiring re-operation. There were no recurrences and acceptable aesthetic outcomes have been observed in all cases.

Search for rare and forbidden decays D+ --> h+/- e+/- e+

Using 0.8 x 10(6) D+ D- pairs collected with the CLEO-c detector at the psi(3770) resonance, we have searched for flavor-changing neutral current and lepton-number-violating decays of D+ mesons to final states with dielectrons. We find no indication of either, obtaining 90% confidence level upper limits of B(D+ --> pi+ e+ e-) < 7.4 x 10(-6), B(D+ --> pi- e+ d+) < 3.6 x 10(-6), B(D+ --> K+ e+ e-) < 6.2 x 10(-6), and B(D+ --> K- e+ e+) < 4.5 x 10(-6).