Anomalous line shape of the cross section for e{+}e{-}--> hadrons in the center-of-mass energy region between 3.650 and 3.872 GeV

We observe an obvious anomalous line shape of the e;{+}e;{-}--> hadrons total cross sections in the energy region between 3.700 and 3.872 GeV. It is inconsistent with the explanation for only one simple psi(3770) resonance with a statistical significance of 7sigma. The anomalous line shape may be explained by two possible enhancements of the inclusive hadron production near the center-of-mass energies of 3.764 and 3.779 GeV, indicating that either there is likely a new structure in addition to the psi(3770) resonance around 3.773 GeV, or there are some physics effects reflecting the DD[over ] production dynamics.

Fracture detection in the cervical spine with multidetector CT: 1-mm versus 3-mm axial images

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Multidetector CT imaging of the cervical spine performed with submillimeter collimation allows for the production of excellent quality multiplanar reformations and reconstructed axial images at any chosen section thickness. Currently there is no consensus on what images need to be reviewed for accurate diagnosis of cervical spine fractures. Our study assesses whether 1-mm axial images provide any diagnostic advantage over 3-mm images in detection of cervical spine fractures when read in conjunction with multiplanar reformations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The dataset consisted 50 cases of CT of the cervical spine and included 25 consecutive cases of cervical spine fractures and 25 matched normal CTs. Axial images were reconstructed at 1- and 3-mm thicknesses, and the sagittal and coronal reformations between 2- and 3-mm thicknesses. Four radiologists reviewed all 50 of the cases twice, once at 1 mm and once at 3 mm. Reads were separated by 3 months.

RESULTS

There were 39 fractures in total, consisting of 29 clinically significant and 10 insignificant fractures. Thirty-three fractures were missed in 400 reads. Twenty-one misses were at 3 mm (sensitivity, 86%), and 12 misses at 1 mm (sensitivity, 92%; P = .228). Ten of 33 misses were of clinically significant fractures, 6 misses at 1 mm and 4 at 3 mm (P = .52). Twenty-three of 33 misses were of clinically insignificant fractures, 6 at 1 mm and 17 at 3 mm (P = .006).

CONCLUSION

For detection of clinically important fractures, there is no significant difference between 1- and 3-mm axial images when read in conjunction with multiplanar reformations.

RAGE upregulation and nuclear factor-kappaB activation associated with ageing rat cardiomyocyte dysfunction

Evidence suggests that ageing is a major risk factor for cardiac dysfunction. Interactions between advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) and the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) are known to cause chronic cellular activation, including activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), which has been implicated as a causal factor in the ageing process. To assess whether cardiomyocyte contractile function and the interaction of AGEs with RAGE in the heart are altered in ageing, 25- and 2-month-old male rats were compared. Mechanical properties were assessed in ventricular myocytes using an edge-detection system, including peak twitch amplitude (PTA), time-to-PTA (TPS), time-to-75% relengthening (TR75) and maximal velocity of shortening/relengthening (+/-dL/dt) in ventricular myocytes. AGEs were detected by using a fluorescence assay. The expression of RAGE and NF-kappaB was assessed through a Western blot analysis. Compared with young myocytes, aged myocytes displayed a prolonged TR75 at 1 Hz. With increasing stimulus frequency (from 2 to 4 Hz), aged myocytes' PTA was significantly reduced relative to young myocytes. Aged rat hearts displayed high level of AGEs, RAGE upregulation and NF-kappaB activation. These findings demonstrate impaired cardiomyocyte relaxation and reduced tolerance to increased stimulus frequency in aged rats, which might be associated with enhanced AGEs, RAGE expression, and NF-kappaB activation.

Atmospheric distribution of particulate- and gas-phase phthalic esters (PAEs) in a Metropolitan City, Nanjing, East China

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are used in many branches of industry and are produced in huge amounts throughout the world. An investigation on particulate- and gas-phase distribution of PAEs has been conducted in Nanjing (China). The 12-h daily sampling program (from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm) for ten consecutive days was conducted in April, July and October 2005, and in January 2006 at about 1.5m above the ground level. For comparative purposes, sampling events were simultaneously conducted at two stations, one at the urban center and the other about 12 km from city center for suburban background monitoring. It was observed that the most abundant members of the PAE group were dimethyl phthalate (DMP) (10.1 ng m(-3), average), diethyl phthalate (DEP) (3.4 ng m(-3)), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) (58.8 ng m(-3)), butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP) (3.2 ng m(-3)), di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) (20.3 ng m(-3)) and di-n-octyl phthalate (DOP) (1.2 ng m(-3)). The average contribution of PAEs in the gas phase to the total PAE concentration (Sigma(6)PAE, sum of six PAE congeners) ranged from 75.0% to 89.2%. Both particulate- and gas-phase Sigma(6)PAE concentrations decreased with increasing temperature. Experimentally determined gas-particle partitioning (K(p)) of PAEs is well-correlated with their vapor pressure. The Sigma(6)PAE levels in the urban area are approximately 3.5 times as high as the levels found at the suburban station. The vertical profiles from 1.5 to 30.0m above the ground display slight height dependence.

Search for B+-->D*+pi0 decay

We report on a search for the doubly Cabibbo suppressed decay B+-->D*+pi0, based on a data sample of 657x10(6) BB pairs collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+e- collider. We find no significant signal and set an upper limit of B(B+-->D*+pi0)<3.6x10(-6) at the 90% confidence level. This limit can be used to constrain the ratio between suppressed and favored B-->D*pi decay amplitudes, r<0.051, at the 90% confidence level.

High-efficiency direct-pumped Nd:YVO4 laser operating at 1.34 microm

We report a high-efficiency Nd:YVO(4) laser operating at 1342 nm pumped by an all-solid-state Q-switched Ti:Sapphire laser at 879 nm. A plano-concave cavity was optimized to obtain high efficiency and good beam quality. Output power for two Nd:YVO(4) crystals with 1.0- and 3.0- at.% Nd(3+) doping under 879-nm pumping was measured respectively. Comparative results obtained by traditional pumping at 808 nm into the highly absorbing (4)F(5/2) level were presented, showing that the slope efficiency of the 1.0-at.% Nd:YVO(4) laser under 879-nm pumping was 10.5% higher than that of 808-nm pumping. In a 4-mm-thick, 1.0-at.% Nd:YVO(4)4 crystal, a high slope efficiency of 64% was achieved under 879-nm pumping, with an optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 41.3%.

Broadband Tm-doped superfluorescent fiber source with 11 W single-ended output power

High-power operation of a cladding-pumped Tm-doped broadband superfluorescent fiber source in the two-micron wavelength regime is described. Predominately single-ended operation was achieved using a simple all-fiber geometry without the use of a high reflectivity mirror or fiber Bragg gratings. The source produced >11 W of single-ended amplified spontaneous emission output spanning the wavelength range from approximately 1930 nm to 1988 nm for a launched diode pump power of approximately 40 W at approximately 790 nm, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 38% with respect to launched pump power. The wavelength spectrum of the superfluorescent source spanned the range from approximately 1650 to 2100 nm with a bandwidth (FWHM) of > 100 nm for output power levels of < 20 mW.

Fate and impact on microorganisms of rice allelochemicals in paddy soil

Allelopathic rice can release allelochemicals from roots to inhibit neighboring plant species, but little is currently known about their fate and impact on microorganisms in paddy soil. This study showed that allelopathic rice PI312777 released much higher concentrations of allelochemical (5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3',5'-dimethoxyflavone) than non-allelopathic rice Liaojing-9 in field. When quantitative 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3',5'-dimethoxyflavone was added into soil, flavone gave a short half-life of 18.27 +/- 2.32 h (r(2) = 0.94) and could easily be degraded into benzoic acid. Benzoic acid with a half-life of 29.99 +/- 2.19 h (r(2) = 0.96) was more resistant toward degradation in paddy soil. Furthermore, both the culturable microbial population and the entire microbial community structure of soil incubated with flavone and benzoic acid were evaluated using the soil dilution plate method and phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis, respectively. It appeared from the results that flavone could reduce microorganisms especially for fungi present in paddy soil, while benzoic acid could induce a higher response for soil microorganisms especially for bacteria. Consequently, flavone would be responsible for the dynamics of soil microorganisms during the early period, and any observed effect during the late period would be very likely due to its degradation product benzoic acid rather than flavone itself. These results suggested that allelopathic rice varieties could modify soil microorganisms to their advantage through the release of allelochemicals. The concentration and fate of discriminating 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3',5'-dimethoxyflavone between allelopathic and non-alleloparhic varieties tested in rice soil would result in the different patterns of microbial population and community structure in paddy ecosystems.

Protective effect of green tea polyphenols on bone loss in middle-aged female rats

Recent studies have suggested that green tea polyphenols (GTP) are promising agents for preventing bone loss in women. Findings that GTP supplementation resulted in increased urinary GTP concentrations and bone mass via an increase of antioxidant capacity and/or a decrease of oxidative stress damage suggest a significant role of GTP in bone health of women.

INTRODUCTION

Recent studies suggested that green tea polyphenols (GTP) are promising agents for preventing bone loss in women. However, the mechanism related to the possible protective role of GTP in bone loss is not well understood.

METHODS

This study evaluated bioavailability, mechanisms, bone mass, and safety of GTP in preventing bone loss in middle-aged rats without (sham, SH) and with ovariectomy (OVX). A 16-week study of 2 (SH vs. OVX) x 3 (no GTP, 0.1% GTP, and 0.5% GTP in drinking water) factorial design using 14-month-old female rats (n = 10/group) was performed. An additional 10 rats in baseline group were euthanized at the beginning of study to provide baseline parameters.

RESULTS

There was no difference in femur bone mineral density between baseline and the SH+0.5% GTP group. Ovariectomy resulted in lower values for liver glutathione peroxidase activity, serum estradiol, and bone mineral density. GTP supplementation resulted in increased urinary epigallocatechin and epicatechin concentrations, liver glutathione peroxidase activity and femur bone mineral density, decreased urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and urinary calcium levels, but no effect on serum estradiol and blood chemistry levels.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that a bone-protective role of GTP may contribute to an increase of antioxidant capacity and/or a decrease of oxidative stress damage.

Observation of B{0}-->ppK*0 with a large K*0 polarization

Using a 492 fb{-1} data sample collected near the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e{+}e{-} collider, we observe the decay B{0}-->ppK*0 with a branching fraction of (1.18{-0.25}{+0.29}(stat)+/-0.11(syst))x10{-6}. We study the decay dynamics of B{0}-->ppK*0 and compare with B{+}-->ppK*+. The K*0 meson is found to be almost 100% polarized (with a fraction of (101+/-13+/-3)% in the helicity zero state), while the K*+ meson has a (32+/-17+/-9)% fraction in the helicity zero state. The direct CP asymmetries for B{0}-->ppK*0 and B{+}-->ppK*+ are measured to be -0.08+/-0.20+/-0.02 and -0.01+/-0.19+/-0.02, respectively. In addition, we report improved measurements of the branching fractions B(B{+}-->ppK*+)=(3.38{-0.60}{+0.73}+/-0.39)x10{-6} and B(B{0}-->ppK{0})=(2.51{-0.29}{+0.35}+/-0.21)x10{-6}, which supersede our previous measurements.

Optimization of fermentation medium and conditions for mycelial growth and water-soluble exo-polysaccharides production by Isaria farinosa B05

The optimal fermentation medium and conditions for mycelial growth and water-soluble exo-polysaccharides production by Isaria farinosa B05 were investigated. The medium components and fermentation conditions were optimized according to the one at a time method, while the concentration of medium components was determined by the orthogonal matrix method. The results showed that the optimal fermentation medium was as follows: sucrose 3.5% (w/v), peptone 0.5%, yeast extract 0.2%, K(2)HPO(4) 0.1%, and MgSO(4) 0.05%. The suitable fermentation conditions were as follows: initial pH 7.0, temperature 25 degrees C, medium volume 75 mL/250 mL, inoculum volume 5% (v/v), time 5d. In such optimal nutrition and environmental conditions, the maximal mycelial yield was 2.124 g/100 mL after 4 day's fermentation, while maximal water-soluble exo-polysaccharides production reached 2.144 g/L after 5 day's fermentation.

High-power linearly-polarized operation of a cladding-pumped Yb fibre laser using a volume Bragg grating for wavelength selection

In this work a volume Bragg grating is used as a wavelength selective element in a high-power cladding-pumped Yb-doped silica fiber laser. The laser produced 138 W of linearly-polarized single-spatial-mode output at 1066 nm with a relatively narrow linewidth of 0.2 nm for approximately 202 W of launched pump power at 976 nm. The beam propagation factor (M(2)) for the output beam was determined to be 1.07. Thermal limitations of volume Bragg gratings are discussed in the context of power scaling for fiber lasers.

Measurement of B(Ds{+}-->mu+nu(mu))

We present a measurement of the branching fraction B(D{s}{+}-->mu{+}nu{mu}) using a 548 fb{-1} data sample collected by the Belle experiment at the KEKB e{+}e{-} collider. The D{s} momentum is determined by reconstruction of the system recoiling against DKgammaX in events of the type e{+}e{-}-->D{s}{*}DKX, D{s}{*}-->D{s}gamma, where X represents additional pions or photons from fragmentation. This full-reconstruction method provides high resolution in the neutrino momentum and thus good background separation, equivalent to that achieved by experiments at the tau-charm factories. We obtain the branching fraction B(D{s}{+}-->mu{+}nu{mu})=[6.44+/-0.76(stat)+/-0.57(syst)]x10{-3}, implying a D{s} decay constant of f{D{s}}=[275+/-16(stat)+/-12(syst)] MeV.

Pattern of seat belt wearing in Nanjing, China

OBJECTIVE

To describe the patterns of seat belt wearing in Nanjing, China for drivers, front seat passengers, and rear occupants of motor vehicles.

DESIGN

Roadside observational study.

SETTING

Four sites in central and northern Nanjing during daylight hours over 1 week in April 2005.

SUBJECTS

Drivers and passengers of 17 147 cars, taxis, goods vans, and pickups, which traveled in the inside traffic lane.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Percentage seat belt wearing for each of seating position, age/sex, time of day, vehicle type, day of week.

RESULTS

The rate of seat belt wearing was significantly higher in drivers (67.3%, 95% CI 66.6 to 68.0) than front seat passengers (18.9%, 95% CI, 18.0 to 19.8). It was negligible for second front seat passengers (2.6%, 95% CI 0.3 to 4.9) and rear seat passengers (0.5%, 95% CI 0.3 to 0.7). Belt tampering, such that protection would be reduced in the event of a crash, was observed for 18.5% of taxi drivers. Drivers were most likely to wear seat belts in cars and vans and at a city roundabout; front seat passengers were most likely to wear seat belts in non-taxi vehicles, during the evening rush hour, if the driver was wearing a belt, and on the local north road. Drivers were least likely to wear a belt in the early morning, in pickups and taxis, on Tuesday (or the following week), and on the local north road; front seat passengers were least likely to wear a belt in taxis and if the driver was not wearing a belt.

CONCLUSIONS

Rates of seat belt wearing by passengers were low despite national legislation and provincial regulations coming into effect several months before the survey. Combined education and enforcement are necessary accompaniments to legislation.

Elderly patients with dementia-related symptoms of severe agitation and aggression: consensus statement on treatment options, clinical trials methodology, and policy

OBJECTIVE

Atypical antipsychotic drugs have been used off label in clinical practice for treatment of serious dementia-associated agitation and aggression. Following reports of cerebrovascular adverse events associated with the use of atypical antipsychotics in elderly patients with dementia, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued black box warnings for several atypical antipsychotics titled "Cerebrovascular Adverse Events, Including Stroke, in Elderly Patients With Dementia." Subsequently, the FDA initiated a metaanalysis of safety data from 17 registration trials across 6 antipsychotic drugs (5 atypical antipsychotics and haloperidol). In 2005, the FDA issued a black box warning regarding increased risk of mortality associated with the use of atypical antipsychotic drugs in this patient population.

PARTICIPANTS

Geriatric mental health experts participating in a 2006 consensus conference (Bethesda, Md., June 28-29) reviewed evidence on the safety and efficacy of antipsychotics, as well as nonpharmacologic approaches, in treating dementia-related symptoms of agitation and aggression. EVIDENCE/CONSENSUS PROCESS: The participants concluded that, while problems in clinical trial designs may have been one of the contributors to the failure to find a signal of drug efficacy, the findings related to drug safety should be taken seriously by clinicians in assessing the potential risks and benefits of treatment in a frail population, and in advising families about treatment. Information provided to patients and family members should be documented in the patient's chart. Drugs should be used only when nonpharmacologic approaches have failed to adequately control behavioral disruption. Participants also agreed that there is a need for an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of severe, persistent, or recurrent dementia-related symptoms of agitation and aggression (even in the absence of psychosis) that are unresponsive to nonpharmacologic intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

This article outlines methodological enhancements to better evaluate treatment approaches in future registration trials and provides an algorithm for improving the treatment of these patients in nursing home and non-nursing home settings.

Production of new charmoniumlike states in e+e- -->J/psiD*D[over](*) at sqrt[s] approximately 10.6 GeV

We report a study of the processes e+e- -->J/psiD*D[over](*). In J/psiD*D[over]* we observe a significant enhancement in the D*D[over]* invariant mass spectrum, which we interpret as a new charmoniumlike state and denote X(4160). The X(4160) parameters are M=(4156(-20)+25+/-15) MeV/c2 and Gamma=(139(-61)+111+/-21) MeV. We also report a new measurement of the X(3940) mass and width: M=(3942(-6)+7+/-6) MeV/c2 and Gamma=(37(-15)+26+/-8) MeV. The analysis is based on a 693 fb(-1) data sample recorded near the Upsilon(4S) resonance by the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy collider.

Novel SOX2 mutation associated with ocular coloboma in a Chinese family

OBJECTIVES

To report a novel SOX2 (OMIM 184429) mutation in a Chinese family and to describe its ocular and extraocular clinical features.

METHODS

Ocular and systemic examinations were performed, and genomic DNA was prepared from peripheral leukocytes. The coding exons and the adjacent intronic sequence of SOX2 were analyzed by cycle sequencing.

RESULTS

A novel heterozygous c.695C>A (p.Thr232Asn) mutation in SOX2 was identified in a Chinese family in which both the father and the son had iris and chorioretinal uveal colobomas. In addition, cataracts were noted in the father but not in the son. Other anomalies were not found in the father but were present in the son, including brain arachnoid cyst, microcornea, retrobulbar colobomatous orbital cyst, and penoscrotal hypospadias. This mutation was not detected in the unaffected mother and 103 unaffected control individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

Mutation in SOX2 is associated with typical ocular coloboma and probably other anomalies in this Chinese family. Arachnoid cyst has not been reported in individuals with the SOX2 mutation.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The results remind us that ocular coloboma may be accompanied by arachnoid cyst and may be associated with SOX2 mutation, which will be helpful for improving diagnosis and patient care.

Search for the invisible decay of J/psi in psi(2S) --> pi(+)pi(-) J/psi

Using psi(2S) --> pi(+)pi(-) J/psi events in a sample of 14.0 x 10(6) psi(2S) decays collected with the BES-II detector, a search for the decay of the J/psi to invisible final states is performed. No signal is found, and an upper limit at the 90% confidence level is determined to be 1.2 x 10(-2) for the ratio B(J/psi --> invisible)/B(J/psi-->mu(+)mu(-)). This is the first search for J/psi decays to invisible final states.