Simultaneous measurement of the ratio R=B(t --> Wb)/B(t --> Wq) and the top-quark pair production cross section with the D0 detector at sqrt(s) = 1.96 TeV

We present the first simultaneous measurement of the ratio of branching fractions, R=B(t --> Wb)/B(t --> Wq), with q being a d, s, or b quark, and the top-quark pair production cross section sigma(tt[over]) in the lepton plus jets channel using 0.9 fb(-1) of pp[over] collision data at sqrt(s)=1.96 TeV collected with the D0 detector. We extract R and sigma(tt[over]) by analyzing samples of events with 0, 1, and > or =2 identified b jets. We measure R=0.97(+0.09)/(-0.08)(stat+syst) and sigma(tt[over])=8.18(+0.09)(-0.84)(stat+syst) +/- 0.50(lumi) pb, in agreement with the standard model prediction.

Measurement of the tt[over] production cross section in pp[over] collisions at sqrt(s)=1.96 TeV

We measure the tt[over] production cross section in pp[over] collisions at sqrt(s)=1.96 TeV in the lepton + jets channel. Two complementary methods discriminate between signal and background: b tagging and a kinematic likelihood discriminant. Based on 0.9 fb(-1) of data collected by the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider, we measure sigma(tt[over])=7.62+/-0.85 pb, assuming the current world average m(t)=172.6 GeV. We compare our cross section measurement with theory predictions to determine a value for the top-quark mass of 170+/-7 GeV.

Measurement of the forward-backward charge asymmetry in top-quark pair production

We present the first measurement of the integrated forward-backward charge asymmetry in top-quark-top-antiquark pair (tt) production in proton-antiproton (pp) collisions in the lepton+jets final state. Using a b-jet tagging algorithm and kinematic reconstruction assuming tt + X production and decay, a sample of 0.9 fb(-1) of data, collected by the D0 experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider, is used to measure the asymmetry for different jet multiplicities. The result is also used to set upper limits on tt+X production via a Z' resonance.

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.

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.

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)]%.

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.

Lidocaine abolishes the myocardial protective effect of sevoflurane post-conditioning

BACKGROUND

Post-ischemic administration of volatile anesthetics activates ischemia-reperfusion injury salvage process and decreases myocardial damage. However, the mechanisms underlying anesthetic post-conditioning and effects of lidocaine on it remain unclear. Here we report the cardioprotection of sevoflurane-induced post-conditioning and the effects of lidocaine on it.

METHODS

Isolated perfused rat hearts were exposed to 40 min of ischemia followed by 1 h of reperfusion. Volatile anesthetic post-conditioning was induced by 15 min of 3 vol% sevourane (1.5 minimum alveolar concentration) administered at the onset of reperfusion. In some experiments, lidocaine was coadministered with sevoflurane in different concentrations (2, 10 and 20 microg/ml). Infarct size was determined by dividing the total necrotic area of the left ventricle by the total left ventricular slice area (percent necrotic area).

RESULTS

Sevoflurane-induced post-conditioning signicantly improved post-ischemia functional recovery and decreased infarct size (47.3+/-5.6% in unprotected hearts vs. 18.6+/-3.1% in anesthetic post-conditioning, P<0.05). Sevourane-mediated cardioprotection was abolished by 20 microg/ml lidocaine.

CONCLUSIONS

Sevourane-induced post-conditioning effectively protected myocardium against reperfusion damage and its cytoprotection was reversed by 20 microg/ml lidocaine.

Characterization of frequency noise on a broadband infrared frequency comb using optical heterodyne techniques

We measure the frequency noise across a Cr:forsterite infrared frequency comb through the optical heterodyne beat of different comb teeth against stable continuous wave (CW) lasers. This sensitive measurement shows strong correlations of the frequency noise between spectral components of the comb, relative to a fixed optical frequency near the 1.3 micron carrier of the Cr:forsterite laser. The correlated frequency fluctuations are shown to arise from amplitude noise on the pump laser. We also report a preliminary comparison of excess noise that occurs during supercontinuum generation in both highly nonlinear fiber and an extruded glass microstructured fiber.

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).

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.

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.

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).

Charles River Sprague Dawley rats lack early age-dependent susceptibility to DMBA-induced mammary carcinogenesis

Developmental stages of mammary glands influence their susceptibility to initiating events related to carcinogenesis. The "window of susceptibility" to mammary carcinogenesis is classically defined as the time in early puberty when the mammary gland morphology is most sensitive to initiation events. Administration of the polyaromatic hydrocarbon, 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA), in a single oral dose yields maximal mammary tumor formation when administered in this "window". We examined the DMBA treated mammary glands, precursor lesions, and morphology of the uninvolved mammary epithelium for the first 100 days of life for Charles River Sprague Dawley CD(R) IGS. Our goal was to determine the DMBA dose at which 50% of the rats (IC50) developed carcinoma in situ (CIS) within three months of dosing. Here we demonstrate, rather than the classical U-shaped dose curve in which there is maximum sensitivity for DMBA at 50 days, there is an increasing degree of sensitivity with age in the CD(R) IGS rat. Additionally, we report that vehicle-treated animals developed mammary CIS without any known initiator, and 100 day virgin animals demonstrated lactational changes, independent of DMBA exposure or dose. Lastly, we demonstrate this strain of virgin female rats has elevated pituitary prolactin immunoreactivity independent of the level of mammary differentiation. We conclude this strain of Charles River Sprague Dawley rats has prolactin-induced pituitary stimulation, and therefore, the window of susceptibility for mammary tumorigenesis is absent.

Search for stopped gluinos from pp collisions at square root s = 1.96 TeV

Long-lived, heavy particles are predicted in a number of models beyond the standard model of particle physics. We present the first direct search for such particles' decays, occurring up to 100 h after their production and not synchronized with an accelerator bunch crossing. We apply the analysis to the gluino (g), predicted in split supersymmetry, which after hadronization can become charged and lose enough momentum through ionization to come to rest in dense particle detectors. Approximately 410 pb(-1) of pp collisions at square root(s) = 1.96 TeV collected with the D0 detector during Run II of the Fermilab Tevatron collider are analyzed in search of such "stopped gluinos" decaying into a gluon and a neutralino (chi(1)(0)). Limits are placed on the (gluino cross section) x (probability to stop) x [BR(g --> g chi(1)(0))] as a function of the gluino and chi(1)(0) masses, for gluino lifetimes from 30 micros-100 h.

Search for third-generation scalar leptoquarks in pp at square root s=1.96 TeV

We report on a search for charge-1/3 third-generation leptoquarks (LQ) produced in pp collisions at square root s =1.96 TeV using the D0 detector at Fermilab. Third-generation leptoquarks are assumed to be produced in pairs and to decay to a tau neutrino and a b quark with branching fraction B. We place upper limits on sigma(pp --> LQLQ)B2 as a function of the leptoquark mass M(LQ). Assuming B=1, we exclude at the 95% confidence level third-generation scalar leptoquarks with M(LQ)<229 GeV.

Direct observation of the strange b baryon Xib-

We report the first direct observation of the strange b baryon Xi(b)- (Xi(b)+). We reconstruct the decay Xi(b)- -->J/psiXi-, with J/psi-->mu+mu-, and Xi--->Lambdapi--->ppi-pi- in pp collisions at square root of s =1.96 TeV. Using 1.3 fb(-1) of data collected by the D0 detector, we observe 15.2 +/- 4.4(stat)(-0.4)(+1.9)(syst) Xi(b)- candidates at a mass of 5.774 +/- 0.011(stat) +/- 0.015(syst) GeV. The significance of the observed signal is 5.5 sigma, equivalent to a probability of 3.3 x 10(-8) of it arising from a background fluctuation. Normalizing to the decay Lambda(b)-->J/psiLambda, we measure the relative rate sigma(Xi(b-) x B(Xi)b})- -->J/psiXi-)/sigma(Lambda(b)) x B(Lambda(b)-->J/psiLambda) = 0.28+/-0.09(stat)(-0.08)(+0.09)(syst).

The multi-functional cellular adhesion molecule CD44 is regulated by the 8;21 chromosomal translocation

The 8;21 translocation is a common chromosomal abnormality in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We recently identified a naturally occurring leukemogenic splice variant, AML1-ETO9a (acute myeloid leukemia-1 transcription factor and the eight-twenty-one corepressor-9a), of t(8;21). To understand the leukemic potential of AML1-ETO9a, we performed microarray analysis with the murine multipotential hematopoietic FDCP-mix A4 cell line. We identified changes in expression of various genes including CD44. CD44 is a type I transmembrane protein and functions as the major cellular adhesion molecule for hyaluronic acid, a component of the extracellular matrix. CD44 is expressed in most human cell types and is implicated in myeloid leukemia pathogenesis. We show that the presence of AML1-ETO9a significantly increased the expression of CD44 at both RNA and protein levels. Furthermore, the CD44 promoter is bound by AML1-ETO9a and AML1-ETO at the chromatin level. In addition, in the AML1-ETO9a leukemia mouse model CD44 is regulated in a cell context-dependent manner. Thus, our observations suggest that AML1-ETO and its splice variant AML1-ETO9a are able to regulate the expression of the CD44 gene, linking the 8;21 translocation to the regulation of a cell adhesion molecule that is involved in the growth and maintenance of the AML blast/stem cells.

The cell cycle regulation of anti-cancer bioactive peptide (ACBP) on gastric cancer cell lines

15087

Background: Anti-cancer bioactive peptide (ACBP) was extracted from the spleen of the goat suffered immune inducement by immunoreaction, supercentrifuge and ultra-filtration. Our previous studies have identified ACBP had significantly inhibited the growth of the human gastric cancer cell lines BGC-823 and MGC-803, the human rhinopharyngocele cell line CNE and the leukemic cell line. The in vivo experiments showed ACBP could dramatically repress the growth of tumor, and had few side-effects in the long-term toxic experiments. In clinical trials, ACBP could enhance the survival and life quality of the patients with advanced gastric cancer. In this study, we will explore the influence and mechanism of the effect of ACBP on cell cycle using human gastric cancer cell lines BGC-823 and MGC-803. Methods: Human gastric cancer cell lines BGC-823 and MGC-803 were cultured with different concentrations (10–25 ug/ml) of ACBP. The MTT method was employed to measure the growth inhibition rates of the cells with different concentrations of ACBP; the morphological changes were observed under the light microscope; the semi-quantitative RT-PCR was used to assay the changes of mRNA for p16,p21,p27,c-myc,cyclin D1,bax,bcl-2 gene. Results: Different concentrations of ACBP in the range of 10.0–25.0 μg/ml could inhibit the growth of BGC-823 and MGC-803 cell and such effect was both concentration and time dependent. 25.0 μg/ml ACBP had an inhibition rate (IR) of 84.4%, 72.3% and a median concentration (IC50) of 17.86 μg/ml, 13.16 ug/ml. After ACBP treatment, the cells showed typical apoptotic changes under the light microscope. On RT-PCR, the expressions of p16,p21,p27,bax mRNA in the two cell lines were markedly increased after ACBP treatment. On the contrary, the expression of c-myc,cyclin D1,bcl-2 mRNA in the two cell lines were obviously decreased after ACBP treatment. Conclusion: ACBP had markedly repressed the growth of BGC-823 and MGC-803 cell lines through inducing the cellular apoptosis. The possible mechanism is ACBP affects the cell cycle molecules expression including p16,p21,p27,cyclin D1 and regulate c-myc,bcl-2 and bax to induce apoptosis.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Search for techniparticles in e+jets events at D0

We search for the technicolor process pp-->rhoT/omegaT-->WpiT in events containing one electron and two jets, in data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 390 pb(-1), recorded by the D0 experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron. Technicolor predicts that technipions pi(T) decay dominantly into bb, bc, or bc, depending on their charge. In these events b and c quarks are identified by their secondary decay vertices within jets. Two analysis methods based on topological variables are presented. Since no excess above the standard model prediction was found, the result is presented as an exclusion in the pi(T) vs rho(T) mass plane for a given set of model parameters.

Evidence for production of single top quarks and first direct measurement of |Vtb|

The D0 Collaboration presents first evidence for the production of single top quarks at the Fermilab Tevatron pp[over ] collider. Using a 0.9 fb(-1) dataset, we apply a multivariate analysis to separate signal from background and measure sigma(pp[over ]-->tb+X,tqb+X)=4.9+/-1.4 pb. The probability to measure a cross section at this value or higher in the absence of a signal is 0.035%, corresponding to a 3.4 standard deviation significance. We use the cross section measurement to directly determine the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element that describes the Wtb coupling and find 0.68<|V(tb)|</=1 at 95% C.L. within the standard model.

Measurement of the charge asymmetry in semileptonic Bs0 decays

We have performed the first direct measurement of the time-integrated flavor untagged charge asymmetry in semileptonic Bs0 decays ASLs,unt by comparing the decay rate of Bs0-->micro+Ds-nuX, where Ds- -->phipi- and phi-->K+K-, with the charge-conjugate Bs0 decay rate. This sample was selected from 1.3 fb-1 of data collected by the D0 experiment in run II of the Fermilab Tevatron collider. We obtain ASLs,unt=[1.23+/-0.97(stat)+/-0.17(syst)]x10(-2). Assuming that Deltam(s)/Gamma(s)>>1, this result can be translated into a measurement of the CP-violating phase in Bs0 mixing: DeltaGamma(s)/Deltam(s)tanphi(s)=[2.45+/-1.93(stat)+/-0.35(syst)]x10(-2).

Lifetime difference and CP-violating phase in the Bs0 system

From an analysis of the decay Bs0-->J/psi phi, we obtain the width difference between the light and heavy mass eigenstates DeltaGamma identical with (GammaL-GammaH)=0.17+/-0.09(stat)+/-0.02(syst) ps-1 and the CP-violating phase phis=-0.79+/-0.56(stat)(-0.01)(+0.14)(syst). Under the hypothesis of no CP violation (phis identical with 0), we obtain 1/Gamma=tau(Bs0)=1.52+/-0.08(stat)(-0.03)(+0.01)(syst) ps and DeltaGamma=0.12(-0.10)(+0.08)(stat)+/-0.02(syst) ps-1. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of about 1.1 fb-1 accumulated with the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron collider. This is the first direct measurement of the CP-violating mixing phase in the Bs0 system.

Tuberculous cranial pachymeningitis

We describe two immunocompetent patients with tuberculous cranial pachymeningitis. Both patients underwent biopsy after focal dural thickening was identified on MRI. Histopathologic examination of tissue revealed necrotizing granulomatous inflammation. PCR for Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA was negative on CSF but positive on tissue. Both patients responded to antituberculous therapy. Although uncommon as a cause of cranial pachymeningitis, tuberculosis should be considered, since it responds well to treatment.

Experimental discrimination between charge 2e/3 top quark and charge 4e/3 exotic quark production scenarios

We present the first experimental discrimination between the 2e/3 and 4e/3 top quark electric charge scenarios, using top quark pairs (tt) produced in pp collisions at (square root) s = 1.96 TeV by the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. We use 370 pb;{-1} of data collected by the D0 experiment and select events with at least one high transverse momentum electron or muon, high transverse energy imbalance, and four or more jets. We discriminate between b- and b-quark jets by using the charge and momenta of tracks within the jet cones. The data are consistent with the expected electric charge, |q|=2e/3. We exclude, at the 92% C.L., that the sample is solely due to the production of exotic quark pairs QQ with |q|=4e/3. We place an upper limit on the fraction of QQ pairs rho<0.80 at the 90% C.L.

Measurement of the Bs(0) lifetime using semileptonic decays

We report a measurement of the Bs(0) lifetime in the semileptonic decay channel Bs(0) --> Ds- mu+ nuX (and its charge conjugate), using approximately 0.4 fb(-1) of data collected with the D0 detector during 2002-2004. Using 5176 reconstructed Ds- mu+ signal events, we have measured the Bs(0) lifetime to be tau(Bs(0))=1.398+/-0.044(stat)(-0.025)(+0.028)(syst) ps. This is the most precise measurement of the Bs(0) lifetime to date.

Simultaneous determination of diallyl trisulfide and diallyl disulfide in rat blood by gas chromatography with electron-capture detection

A simple, rapid and sensitive method has been developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of diallyl trisulfide (DATS) and diallyl disulfide (DADS) in rat blood by gas chromatography with electron-capture detection. The analytes were prevented from degradation by addition of acetonitrile and extraction with hexane before gas chromatographic separation. Two calibration curves for DATS were linear over the range of 10-500 ng/mL and 0.2-20 microg/mL, with typical r values of 0.9989 and 0.9993, respectively. Similarly, two calibration curves for DADS were linear in the concentration range of 50-5000 ng/mL and 1-30 microg/mL, with typical r values of 0.9989 and 0.9983, respectively. The limit of detection was less than 10 ng/mL for DATS and 50 ng/mL for DADS, and the assay was highly reproducible, considering the intra-, inter-day relative standard deviations (R.S.D.) below 12%. The developed procedure was successfully applied for the evaluation of the pharmacokinetics of garlic oil following iv administration at a single dose (10 mg) of garlic oil in rats. The results show that the developed method is suitable for pharmacokinetic and therapeutic purposes of DATS and DADS.

Search for pair production of scalar bottom quarks in pp collisions at square root of s = 1.96 TeV

A search for direct production of scalar bottom quarks (b) is performed with 310 pb(-1) of data collected by the D0 experiment in pp collisions at square root s = 1.96 TeV at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. The topology analyzed consists of two b jets and an imbalance in transverse momentum due to undetected neutralinos (chi(1)0), with chi(1)0 assumed to be the lightest supersymmetric particle. We find the data consistent with standard model expectations, and set a 95% C.L. exclusion domain in the (m(b), m(chi(1)0)) mass plane, improving significantly upon the results from run I of the Tevatron.

Search for neutral, long-lived particles decaying into two muons in pp[over] collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV

We present a search for a neutral particle, pair produced in pp[over] collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV, which decays into two muons and lives long enough to travel at least 5 cm before decaying. The analysis uses approximately 380 pb(-1) of data recorded with the D0 detector. The background is estimated to be about one event. No candidates are observed, and limits are set on the pair-production cross section times branching fraction into dimuons + X for such particles. For a mass of 10 GeV and lifetime of 4x10(-11) s, we exclude values greater than 0.14 pb (95% C.L.). These results are used to limit the interpretation of NuTeV's excess of dimuon events.

Search for the standard model Higgs Boson in the pp[over]-->ZH-->nunu[over]bb[over] channel

We report a search for the standard model (SM) Higgs boson based on data collected by the D0 experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 260 pb(-1). We study events with missing transverse energy and two acoplanar b jets, which provide sensitivity to the ZH production cross section in the nunu[over]bb[over] channel, and to WH production when the lepton from the W-->lnu decay is undetected. The data are consistent with the SM background expectation, and we set 95% C.L. upper limits on sigma(pp[over]-->ZH/WH)xB(H-->bb[over]) from 3.4/8.3 to 2.5/6.3 pb, for Higgs-boson masses between 105 and 135 GeV.

Search for associated higgs boson production WH-->WWW*-->l+/-nul'+/-nu'+X in pp collisions at square root s=1.96 Te V

We present a search for associated Higgs boson production in the process pp-->WH-->WWW*-->l;+/-nul'+/-nu'+X in final states containing two like-sign isolated electrons or muons (e+/-e;+/-, e+/-micro+/-, or micro+/-micro+/-). The search is based on D0 run II data samples corresponding to integrated luminosities of 360-380 pb-1. No excess is observed over the predicted standard model background. We set 95% C.L. upper limits on sigma(pp-->WH)xBr(H-->WW*) between 3.2 and 2.8 pb for Higgs boson masses from 115 to 175 GeV.

Effects of two different hydroxyethyl starch solutions (HES200/0.5 vs. HES130/0.4) on the expression of platelet membrane glycoprotein

BACKGROUND

There are various hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions with different degrees of hydroxylation and different molecular weights. HES200/0.5 solution is most commonly used. HES130/0.4 is a new HES solution and is the 'state-of-the-art' in volume substitution. However, the mechanism of the observed anticoagulation action of HES has not been fully delineated. The objective of this study was to further investigate the effect of HES200/0.5 and HES130/0.4 on platelet coagulation.

METHODS

Sixty ASA I-II patients undergoing elective minor surgery were randomly allocated to receive an intravenous infusion (20 ml/kg) of lactated Ringer's solution (group L), HES200/0.5 (group H) or HES130/0.4 (group V) after the induction of anesthesia. The expression of CD42b, CD41/61 and CD62p in vivo was assessed on non-stimulated platelets and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) agonist-activated platelets using flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Resting glycoprotein expression of the non-stimulated platelets was observed. HES200/0.5 and HES130/0.4 reduced the CD42b, CD41/61 and CD62p expression of ADP-agonist-activated platelets at 15 min after intravenous infusion. At 6 h after intravenous infusion, the trend of decreasing expression of activated CD42b, CD41/61 and CD62p was maintained in group H. However, CD42b, CD41/61 and CD62p expression returned to the pre-operative level in group V.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that both HES200/0.5 and HES130/0.4 can inhibit platelet coagulation. Platelet dysfunction experienced a faster recovery after the infusion of HES130/0.4 than after HES200/0.5. Liquid resuscitation with HES130/0.4 may decrease the risk of hemorrhage in the operative period.

Search for neutral Higgs bosons decaying to tau pairs in pp[over ] collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV

A search for the production of neutral Higgs bosons Phi decaying into tau(+)tau(-) final states in pp[over ] collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 1.96 TeV is presented. The data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of approximately 325 pb(-1), were collected by the D0 experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. Since no excess compared to the expectation from standard model processes is found, limits on the production cross section times branching ratio are set. The results are combined with those obtained from the D0 search for Phib(b[over ])-->bb[over ]b(b[over ]) and are interpreted in the minimal supersymmetric standard model.

Search for resonant second generation slepton production at the Fermilab Tevatron

We present a search for supersymmetry in the R-parity violating resonant production and decay of smuons and muon sneutrinos in the channels mu-->chi(1)(0)mu, mu-->chi(2,3,4)(0)mu, and nu(mu)-->chi(1,2)(+/-)mu. We analyzed 0.38 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity collected between April 2002 and August 2004 with the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. The observed number of events is in agreement with the standard model expectation, and we calculate 95% C.L. limits on the slepton production cross section times branching fraction to gaugino plus muon, as a function of slepton and gaugino masses. In the framework of minimal supergravity, we set limits on the coupling parameter lambda(211)('), extending significantly previous results obtained in Run I of the Tevatron and at the CERN LEP collider.

Direct limits on the oscillation frequency

We report results of a study of the B(s)(0) oscillation frequency using a large sample of B(s)(0) semileptonic decays corresponding to approximately 1 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity collected by the D0 experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider in 2002-2006. The amplitude method gives a lower limit on the B(s)(0) oscillation frequency at 14.8 ps(-1) at the 95% C.L. At delta m(s) = 19 ps(-1), the amplitude deviates from the hypothesis A= 0(1) by 2.5 (1.6) standard deviations, corresponding to a two-sided C.L. of 1% (10%). A likelihood scan over the oscillation frequency, delta m(s), gives a most probable value of 19 ps(-1) and a range of 17 < delta m(s) < 21 ps(-1)at the 90% C.L., assuming Gaussian uncertainties. This is the first direct two-sided bound measured by a single experiment. If delta m(s) lies above 22 ps(-1), then the probability that it would produce a likelihood minimum similar to the one observed in the interval 16-22 ps(-1) is (5.0 +/- 0.3)%.

Generalized Mueller matrix method for polarization mode dispersion measurement in a system with polarization-dependent loss or gain

A generalized Mueller matrix method (GMMM) is proposed to measure the polarization mode dispersion (PMD) in an optical fiber system with polarization-dependent loss or gain (PDL/G). This algorithm is based on the polar decomposition of a 4X4 matrix which corresponds to a Lorentz transformation. Compared to the generalized Poincaré sphere method, the GMMM can measure PMD accurately with a relatively larger frequency step, and the obtained PMD data has very low noise level.

Analysis of perturbed Bragg fibers with an extended transfer matrix method

We introduce an extended transfer matrix method (TMM) for solving guided modes in leaky optical fibers with layered cladding. The method can deal with fibers with circular but nonconcentric material interfaces. Validity of the method is verified by two full-vector numerical methods. The TMM is then used to investigate the guidance property of perturbed Bragg fibers. Our analysis reveals that the core modes will interact with each other when a perturbed Bragg fiber has only C(1) symmetry. Special attention is paid to the first transverse-electric (TE(01)) mode, which is found to experience severe degradation around spectral regions where its dispersion curve supposedly crosses a transverse-magnetic (TM) or hybrid mode.

Quasi-monochromatic fiber depolarizer and its application to polarization-dependent loss measurement

We theoretically derive the relationship between the degrees of polarization (DOPs) of input and output for an optical component with polarization-dependent loss (PDL) and birefringence. Based on the theoretical result, we propose a novel depolarizer for quasi-monochromatic light that can depolarize a fully polarized light with a 50 MHz linewidth to less than 0.2% in the DOP The depolarized light is then used to measure PDL in a single-mode optical fiber link. To the best of our knowledge, our new PDL measurement method is significantly faster than all known methods. Experimental results show excellent agreement with other methods.

Search for the Higgs boson in H --> WW(*) decays in pp collisions at square root of 1.96 TeV

We present a search for the standard model Higgs boson in H --> WW(*) decays with e+e-, e+/-mu-/+, and mu+mu- final states in pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of square root of s = 1.96 TeV. The data, collected from April 2002 to June 2004 with the D0 detector, correspond to an integrated luminosity of 300-325 pb(-1), depending on the final state. The number of events observed is consistent with the expectation from backgrounds. Limits from the combination of all three channels on the Higgs boson production cross section times branching ratio sigma x BR(H --> WW(*) are presented.

Dynamic origin of stripe domains

We investigate stripe domain formation in nanometer sized Co bars. The magnetic equilibrium states and the magnetic spin wave frequencies are obtained from micromagnetic-like simulations. We find that the lowest frequency standing-wave mode has the same spatial structure as the stripe domains at remanence and it goes soft at the field where the stripe domains emerge. We show, therefore, that the final domain structure at remanence, which is not the configuration with lowest energy, is predicted from a high-field analysis of the frequencies of the standing spin waves.

Measurement of the lifetime difference in the B0(s) system

We present a study of the decay B0(s) --> J/psiphi. We obtain the CP-odd fraction in the final state at time zero, Rperpendicular = 0.16 +/- 0.10(stat) +/- 0.02 (syst), the average lifetime of the (B0(s), B0(s)) system, tau(B0(s)) = 1.39(+0.13)(-0.16)(stat)(+0.01)(-0.02)(syst) ps, and the relative width difference between the heavy and light mass eigenstates, DeltaGamma/Gamma tripple bond (GammaL - GammaH)/Gamma = 0.24(+0.28)(-0.38)(stat)(+0.03)(-0.04)(syst). With the additional constraint from the world average of the lifetime measurements using semileptonic decays, we find tau(B0(s)) = 1.39 +/- 0.06 ps and DeltaGamma/Gamma = 0.25(+0.14)(-0.15). For the ratio of the B0(s) and B0 lifetimes we obtain tau(B0(s))/tau(B0) = 0.91 +/- 0.09(stat) +/- 0.003(syst).

Measurement of semileptonic branching fractions of B mesons to narrow D** states

Using the data accumulated in 2002-2004 with the D0 detector in proton-antiproton collisions at the Fermilab Tevatron collider with a center-of-mass energy of 1.96 TeV, the branching fractions of the decays B --> D0(1)(2420)mu+ vmuX and B --> D2(*0)(2460)mu+ vmuX and their ratio have been measured: B(b --> B) x B(B --> D0(1)mu+ vmuX) x B(D0(*0) --> D*- pi+) = [0.087 +/- 0.007(stat) +/- 0.014(syst)]%; B(b --> B) x B(B --> D2(*0) mu+ vmuX) x B(D2(*0) --> D*- pi+) = [0.035 +/- 0.007(stat) +/- 0.008(syst)]% and [B(B --> D2(*0)mu+ vmuX) x B(D2(*0) --> D*- pi+)]/[B(B --> D0(1)mu+ vmuX) x B(D0(1) --> D*- pi+)] = 0.39 +/- 0.09(stat) +/- 0.12 (syst), where the charge conjugated states are always implied.

Search for large extra spatial dimensions in dimuon production with the d0 detector

We present the results of a search for the effects of large extra spatial dimensions in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV in events containing a pair of energetic muons. The data correspond to 246 pb(-1) of integrated luminosity collected by the D0 experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. Good agreement with the expected background was found, yielding no evidence for large extra dimensions. We set 95% C.L. lower limits on the fundamental Planck scale between 0.85 and 1.27 TeV within several formalisms. These are the most stringent limits achieved in the dimuon channel to date.