Observation of anomalous upsilon(1S)pi+pi(-) and upsilon(2S)pi+pi(-) production near the upsilon(5S) resonance

We report the first observation of e;{+}e;{-}-->Upsilon(1S)pi;{+}pi;{-}, Upsilon(2S)pi;{+}pi;{-}, and first evidence for e;{+}e;{-}-->Upsilon(3S)pi;{+}pi;{-}, Upsilon(1S)K+K-, near the peak of the Upsilon(5S) resonance at sqrt[s] approximately 10.87 GeV. The results are based on a data sample of 21.7 fb;{-1} collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB e;{+}e;{-} collider. Attributing the signals to the Upsilon(5S) resonance, the partial widths Gamma(Upsilon(5S)-->Upsilon(1S)pi;{+}pi;{-})=0.59+/-0.04(stat)+/-0.09(syst) MeV and Gamma(Upsilon(5S)-->Upsilon(2S)pi;{+}pi;{-})=0.85+/-0.07(stat)+/-0.16(syst) MeV are obtained from the observed cross sections. These values exceed by more than 2 orders of magnitude the previously measured partial widths for dipion transitions between lower Upsilon resonances.

Observation of a new DsJ meson in B+-->D0D0K+ decays

We report the observation of a new DsJ meson produced in B+-->D0DsJ-->D0D0K+. This state has a mass of M=2708+/-9(-10)(+11) MeV/c2, a width Gamma=108+/-23(-31)(+36) MeV/c2 and a 1- spin-parity. The statistical significance of this observation is 8.4 sigma. The results are based on an analysis of 449 x 10(6) BB events collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+e- collider.

Observation of the psi(4415)-->DD2*(2460) decay using initial-state radiation

We report measurements of the exclusive cross section for e(+)e(-)-->D(0)D(-)pi(+) over the center-of-mass energy range 4.0 GeV to 5.0 GeV with initial-state radiation and the first observation of the decay psi(4415)-->D(0)D(-)pi(+). From a study of the resonant substructure in psi(4415) decay we conclude that the psi(4415)-->D(0)D(-)pi(+) decay is dominated by psi(4415)-->DD(2)(*)(2460). We obtain B(psi(4415)-->D(0)D(-)pi(nonresonant)(+))/B(psi(4415)-->DD(2)(*)(2460)-->D(0)D(-)pi(+))<0.22 at 90% C.L. The analysis is based on a data sample collected with the Belle detector with an integrated luminosity of 673 fb(-1).

Time-dependent CP-violating asymmetry in B0-->rho0gamma decays

We report the first measurement of CP-violation parameters in B0-->rho0gamma decays based on a data sample of 657x10(6)BB pairs collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+e- collider. We obtain the time-dependent and direct CP-violating parameters, Srho0gamma=-0.83+/-0.65(stat)+/-0.18(syst) and Arho0gamma=-0.44+/-0.49(stat)+/-0.14(syst), respectively.

Relationship between endogenous parathyroid hormone and bone metabolism/geometry in female patients treated with glucocorticoid

Although the role of PTH (parathyroid hormone) has been debated in glucocorticoid (GC)-induced osteoporosis (GIO), clinical data about the relation of endogenous PTH to bone metabolism in patients treated with GC are still lacking. The present study was performed to examine the relationship of PTH to bone metabolic indices, bone mineral density (BMD), and bone geometry in 174 female patients treated with oral GC for more than 6 months. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) were employed for the assessment of BMD and bone geometry. No elevation of serum PTH levels was observed in patients treated with GC. Although serum levels of osteocalcin were not related to serum PTH levels, urinary levels of deoxypiridinoline were positively correlated. Serum PTH levels were negatively related to BMD at any site. In pQCT, serum PTH levels were negatively correlated to both trabecular and cortical volumetric BMD. As for bone morphometric indices, serum PTH levels were significantly related to endocortical circumferences, cortical thickness, and cortical area. Moreover, serum PTH levels were significantly higher in patients with vertebral fractures, compared with those without vertebral fractures in GC-treated patients. In the present study, serum PTH levels were related to the elevation of bone resorption marker, decreased BMD, cortical thinning, and an increase of vertebral fracture risk. The elevation of sensitivity to PTH in bone might play some role in the pathogenesis of GIO.

Serum insulin-like growth factor-I level is associated with the presence of vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that serum IGF-I level was significantly lower in postmenopausal diabetic women with vertebral fractures than in those without fractures. Serum IGF-I level could be clinically useful for assessing the risk of vertebral fractures independent of BMD in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes.

INTRODUCTION

We investigated the relationships among serum IGF-I and C-peptide levels, BMD, and vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

A total of 131 postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes were consecutively recruited, and radiographic and biochemical characteristics were collected.

RESULTS

Either IGF-I or C-peptide was not correlated with BMD at any site or bone metabolic markers, such as osteocalcin (OC) and urinary N-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type-I collagen (uNTX). However, serum IGF-I level was significantly lower in subjects with vertebral fractures than in those without fractures (mean +/- SD: 106.9 +/- 50.0 vs. 142.8 +/- 50.8 ng/ml, p = 0.0006). When multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed with the presence of vertebral fractures as a dependent variable and serum IGF-I adjusted for the parameters described above as independent variables, IGF-I was selected as an index affecting the presence of vertebral fractures [odds ratio = 0.436, 95% confidential interval 0.234-0.814 per SD increase, p = 0.0092]. This significance was almost the same after additional adjustment for lumbar BMD or C-peptide.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum IGF-I level could be clinically useful for assessing the risk of vertebral fractures independent of BMD in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes.

The combination of high glucose and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) inhibits the mineralization of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells through glucose-induced increase in the receptor for AGEs

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is known to be associated with reduced bone mass and increased bone fractures. This is thought to be due to a decrease in osteoblastic bone formation rather than an increase in osteoclastic bone resorption, but the precise mechanism is unknown. In this study, we examined whether or not high glucose or advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which play key roles in the pathogenesis and complications of diabetes, affect the differentiation of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. First, MC3T3-E1 cells were incubated in media containing either 22 mM glucose, 22 mM mannitol, 300 microg/ml AGE2, or 300 microg/ml AGE3. Each of these agents alone did not affect the mineralization of the cells by von Kossa staining and Alizarin red staining. However, high glucose but not mannitol or AGEs markedly increased mRNA expression of AGE receptor (RAGE) by real-time PCR. Next, we examined the combined effects of high glucose and AGEs on the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. The combination of 22 mM glucose and 300 microg/ml AGE2 significantly inhibited the mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells, and 22 mM glucose in combination with either 300 microg/ml AGE2 or AGE3 apparently decreased osteocalcin mRNA expression. These results suggest that high glucose or AGEs alone might have no effect on osteoblastic differentiation, but their combination could additionally or synergistically inhibit osteoblastic mineralization through glucose-induced increase in RAGE expression.

Search for B --> h(*)nunu[over ] decays at Belle

We present a search for the rare decays B --> h(*)nunu[over ], where h(*) stands for a light meson. A data sample of 535 x 10{6} BB[over ] pairs collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB e{+}e{-} collider is used. Signal candidates are required to have an accompanying B meson fully reconstructed in a hadronic mode and signal side particles consistent with a single h(*) meson. No significant signal is observed and we set upper limits on the branching fractions at 90% confidence level. The limits on B{0} --> K{*0}nunu[over ] and B{+} --> K{+}nunu[over ] decays are more stringent than the previous constraints, while the first searches for B{0} --> K{0}nunu[over ], pi{0}nunu[over ], rho{0}nunu[over ], varphinunu[over ] and B{+} --> K{*+}nunu[over ], rho{+}nunu[over ] are reported.

Search for the CP-violating decays Upsilon(4S)-->B0B0-->J/psiKS0+J/psi(etac)KS0

We report the first search for CP-violating decays of the Upsilon(4S) using a data sample that contains 535 x 10(6) Upsilon(4S) mesons with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. A partial reconstruction technique is employed to enhance the signal sensitivity. No significant signals were observed. We obtain an upper limit of 4 x 10(-7) at the 90% confidence level for the branching fractions of the CP violating modes, Upsilon(4S)-->B(0)B(0)-->J/psiK(S)(0)+J/psi(eta(c))K(S)(0). Extrapolating the result, we find that an observation with 5sigma significance is expected with a 30 ab(-1) data sample, which is within the reach of a future super B factory.

Observation of B(0)-->D(*-)tau(+)nu(tau) decay at Belle

We report an observation of the decay B{0}-->D{*-}tau{+}nu{tau} in a data sample containing 535x10{6} BB pairs collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e{+}e{-} collider. We find a signal with a significance of 5.2sigma and measure the branching fraction B(B{0}-->D{*-}tau{+}nu{tau})=(2.02{-0.37}{+0.40}(stat)+/-0.37(syst))%. This is the first observation of an exclusive B decay with a b-->ctaunu{tau} transition.

Observation of two resonant structures in e+ e- -->pi+ pi- psi(2S) via initial-state radiation at Belle

The cross section for e+ e- --> pi+ pi- psi(2S) between threshold and sqrt[s]=5.5 GeV is measured using 673 fb(-1) of data on and off the Upsilon(4S) resonance collected with the Belle detector at KEKB. Two resonant structures are observed in the pi+ pi- psi(2S) invariant-mass distribution, one at 4361 +/- 9 +/- 9 MeV/c2 with a width of 74 +/- 15 +/- 10 MeV/c2, and another at 4664 +/- 11 +/- 5 MeV/c2 with a width of 48 +/- 15 +/- 3 MeV/c2, if the mass spectrum is parametrized with the coherent sum of two Breit-Wigner functions. These values do not match those of any of the known charmonium states.

Role of the ionosphere for the atmospheric evolution of planets

We have synthesized current understanding, mainly observations, with regard to ion escape mechanisms to space from the ionosphere and exosphere of Titan and Earth-type planets, with the intent to provide an improved input for models of atmospheric evolution on early Earth and Earth-type planets and exoplanets. We focus on the role of the ionosphere and its non-linear response to solar parameters, all of which have been underestimated in current models of ancient atmospheric escape (4 billion years ago). Factors that have been overlooked include the following: (1) Much larger variation of O(+) outflow than H(+) outflow from the terrestrial ionosphere, depending on solar and geomagnetic activities (an important consideration when attempting to determine the oxidized state of the atmosphere of early Earth); (2) magnetization of the ionopause, which keeps ionospheric ions from escaping and controls many other escape processes; (3) extra ionization by, for example, the critical ionization velocity mechanism, which expands the ionosphere to greater altitudes than current models predict; and (4) the large escape of cold ions from the dense, expanded ionosphere of Titan. Here we offer, as a guideline for quantitative simulations, a qualitative diagnosis of increases or decreases of non-thermal escape related to the ionosphere for magnetized and unmagnetized planets in response to changes in solar parameters (i.e., solar EUV/FUV flux, solar wind dynamic pressure, and interplanetary magnetic field).

Measurement of Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen-type flavor entanglement in Upsilon(4S) --> B0 B0 decays

The neutral B meson pair produced at the Upsilon(4S) should exhibit a nonlocal correlation of the type discussed by Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen. We measure this correlation using the time-dependent flavor asymmetry of semileptonic B(0) decays, which we compare with predictions from quantum mechanics and two local realistic models. The data are consistent with quantum mechanics, and inconsistent with the other models. Assuming that some B pairs disentangle to produce B(0) and B(0) with definite flavor, we find a decoherent fraction of 0.029 +/ -0.057, consistent with no decoherence.

Measurement of D0-D0 mixing parameters in D0 --> Ks pi+ pi- decays

We report a measurement of D0-D(0) mixing parameters in D(0) --> K(s)(0) pi(+) pi(-) decays using a time-dependent Dalitz-plot analysis. We first assume CP conservation and subsequently allow for CP violation. The results are based on 540 fb(-1) of data accumulated with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) collider. Assuming negligible CP violation, we measure the mixing parameters x = (0.80 +/- 0.29(-0.07-0.14)(+0.09+0.10))% and y = (0.33+/-0.24(-0.12-0.08)(+0.08+0.06))%, where the errors are statistical, experimental systematic, and systematic due to the Dalitz decay model, respectively. Allowing for CP violation, we obtain the CP-violating parameters |q / p| = 0.86(-0.29-0.03)(+0.30+0.06) +/- 0.08 and arg(q/p) = (-14(-18-3-4)(+16+5+2)) degrees .

Measurements of branching fractions for B --> K pi and B --> pi pi decays

We report measurements of branching fractions for B --> K pi and B --> pi pi decays based on a data sample of 449 x 10(6) BB[over] pairs collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. We also measure the ratios of partial widths for B-->Kpi decays, namely R(c) identical with 2Gamma(B(+) --> K(+) pi(0))/Gamma(B(+) --> K(0) pi(+)) = 1.08+/-0.06+/-0.08 and R(n) identical with Gamma(B(0) --> K(+) pi(-))/2 Gamma(B(0) --> K(0) pi(0)) = 1.08+/-0.08+/-0.08, where the first and the second errors are statistical and systematic, respectively. These ratios are sensitive to enhanced electroweak penguin contributions from new physics; the new measurements are, however, consistent with standard model expectations.

Prospective evaluation of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography with advanced dynamic flow for the diagnosis of intestinal ischaemia

This study aims to prospectively evaluate the importance of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography with advanced dynamic flow in the diagnosis of intestinal ischaemia in bowel obstruction. 50 patients admitted for bowel obstruction were included in this study. Of these, 17 patients had intestinal ischaemia (bowel strangulation, nine; superior mesenteric artery thromboembolism, four; non-occlusive mesenteric ischaemia, four), whereas 33 patients had simple obstructions. The definitive diagnosis of intestinal ischaemia was established by surgery. After administration of SHU 508A, the least peristaltic and/or the most dilated segments were imaged by this method. Colour signals depicted in the bowel wall were classified as normal, diminished or absent. The ultrasonographic findings were later correlated with the clinical outcomes and surgical findings. The colour signals were absent in 12 patients (bowel strangulation, six; superior mesenteric artery thromboembolism, four; non-occlusive mesenteric ischaemia, two), were diminished in four patients (bowel strangulation, two; non-occlusive mesenteric ischaemia, two) and were normal in 34 patients (simple obstruction, 33; bowel strangulation, one). Assuming that the diminished and absent colour signals indicate the presence of intestinal ischaemia, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the method were 94.1%, 100%, 100% and 97.1%, respectively. Our preliminary experience suggests that contrast-enhanced ultrasonography with advanced dynamic flow is a highly sensitive method for the diagnosis of intestinal ischaemia in patients with bowel obstruction.

Measurement of the tau lepton mass and an upper limit on the mass difference between tau+ and tau-

The mass of the tau lepton has been measured in the decay mode tau-->3pinutau using a pseudomass technique. The result obtained from 414 fb-1 of data collected with the Belle detector is Mtau=[1776.61+/-0.13(stat)+/-0.35(sys)] MeV/c2. The upper limit on the relative mass difference between positive and negative tau leptons is |Mtau+-Mtau-|/Mtau<2.8 x 10-4 at 90% confidence level.

Experimental constraints on the spin and parity of the Lambdac(2880)+

We report the results of several studies of the Lambda(c)(+)pi(+)pi(-)X final state in continuum e(+)e(-) annihilation data collected by the Belle detector. An analysis of angular distributions in Lambda(c)(2880)(+)-->Sigma(c)(2455)(0,++)pi(+,-) decays strongly favors a Lambda(c)(2880)(+) spin assignment of 5/2 over 3/2 or 1/2. We find evidence for Lambda(c)(2880)(+)-->Sigma(c)(2520)(0,++)pi(+,-) decay and measure the ratio of Lambda(c)(2880)(+) partial widths Gamma(Sigma(c)(2520)pi)/Gamma(Sigma(c)(2455)pi)=0.225+/-0.062+/-0.025. This value favors the Lambda(c)(2880)(+) spin-parity assignment of 5/2(+) over 5/2(-). We also report the first observation of Lambda(c)(2940)(+)-->Sigma(c)(2455)(0,++)pi(+,-) decay and measure Lambda(c)(2880)(+) and Lambda(c)(2940)(+) mass and width parameters. These studies are based on a 553 fb(-1) data sample collected at or near the Upsilon(4S) resonance at the KEKB collider.

Bone mineral density is not sensitive enough to assess the risk of vertebral fractures in type 2 diabetic women

Although the association between diabetes and osteoporosis has been studied, it remains unclear if the pathogenesis of vertebral fractures in patients with type 2 diabetes would be similar to those without diabetes. One hundred and fifty female diabetic patients without apparent proteinuria as well as 716 women without diabetes (control group) were examined by lateral thoracic and lumbar spine radiographs as well as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Vertebral fractures were found in 26 (17.3%) and 158 (22.1%) subjects in the diabetic and control groups, respectively. Diabetic patients had higher absolute and age-matched (Z score) values of lumbar bone mineral density (L-BMD) than controls despite their significantly higher mean age. By receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the absolute L-BMD values for detecting vertebral fractures were higher and sensitivity and specificity were lower in diabetic patients than controls (0.816 g/cm2 vs. 0.716 g/cm2 and 66.0% vs. 74.8%, respectively). Logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, body weight, and height also showed that L-BMD was not significantly associated with the presence of vertebral fractures in diabetic patients (odds ratio [OR] = 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.34-1.09 per standard deviation increase, P = 0.0954), in contrast to the significant association in controls (OR = 0.23, 95% CI 0.16-0.33, P < 0.0001). These results show that L-BMD is not sensitive enough to assess the risk of vertebral fractures in female diabetic patients and suggest that bone fragility not defined by BMD might be related to the risk of vertebral fractures in them.

Evidence for CP violation in B0-->D+D- decays

We report measurements of the branching fraction and CP violation parameters in B(0)-->D+ D- decays. The results are based on a data sample that contains 535 x 10(6) BB pairs collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance, with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+e- collider. We obtain [1.97+/-0.20(stat) +/- 0.20(syst)] x 10(-4) for the branching fraction of B0-->D+D-. The measured values of the CP violation parameters are S=-1.13+/-0.37+/-0.09, A=0.91+/-0.23+/-0.06, where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic. We find evidence of CP violation in B0-->D+D- at the 4.1sigma confidence level. While the value of S is consistent with expectations from other measurements, the value of the parameter A favors large direct CP violation at the 3.2sigma confidence level, in contradiction to standard model expectations.

Evidence for D0-D0 mixing

We observe evidence for D(0)-D(0) mixing by measuring the difference in the apparent lifetime when a D(0) meson decays to the CP eigenstates K(+)K(-) and pi(+)pi(-) and when it decays to the final state K(-)pi(+). We find the relative difference of the lifetimes y(CP) to be [1.31+/-0.32(stat)+/-0.25(syst)]%, 3.2 standard deviations from zero. We also search for a CP asymmetry between D(0) and D(0) decays; no evidence for CP violation is found. These results are based on 540 fb(-1) of data recorded by the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) collider.

Observation of direct CP violation in B0 --> pi+pi- decays and model-independent constraints on the quark-mixing angle phi2

We report a new measurement of the time-dependent CP-violating parameters in B(0)-->pi(+)pi(-) decays with 535 x 10(6) BB pairs collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider operating at the Upsilon(4S) resonance. We find 1464+/-65 B(0)-->pi(+)pi(-) events and measure the CP-violating parameters S(pipi)=-0.61+/-0.10(stat)+/-0.04(syst) and A(pipi)=+0.55+/-0.08(stat)+/-0.05(syst). We observe large direct CP violation with a significance greater than 5 standard deviations for any S(pipi) value. Using isospin relations, we measure the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa quark-mixing matrix angle phi(2)=(97+/-11) degrees for the solution consistent with the standard model and exclude the range 11 degrees <phi(2)<79 degrees at the 95% confidence level.

Observation of B decays to two kaons

Using 449x10(6) BB[over ] pairs collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider, we observe clear signals for B(+)-->K[over ](0)K(+) and B(0)-->K[over ](0)K(0) decays with 5.3sigma and 6.0sigma significance, respectively. We measure the branching fractions B(B(+)-->K[over ](0)K(+))=(1.22(-0.28-0.16)(+0.32+0.13))x10(-6) and B(B(0)-->K[over ](0)K(0))=(0.87(-0.20)(+0.25)+/-0.09)x10(-6), and partial-rate asymmetries A(CP)(B(+)-->K[over ](0)K(+))=0.13(-0.24)(+0.23)+/-0.02 and A(CP)(B(0)-->K[over ](0)K(0))=-0.58(-0.66)(+0.73)+/-0.04. From a simultaneous fit, we also obtain B(B(+)-->K(0)pi(+))=(22.8(-0.7)(+0.8)+/-1.3)x10(-6) and A(CP)(B(+)-->K(0)pi(+))=0.03+/-0.03+/-0.01. The first and second error in the branching fractions and the partial-rate asymmetries are statistical and systematic, respectively. No signal is observed for B(0)-->K(+)K(-) decays, and for this branching fraction, we set an upper limit of 4.1x10(-7) at the 90% confidence level.