Search for scalar bottom quarks from gluino decays in collisions at

We searched for scalar bottom quarks 156 pb(-1) of pp collisions at radicalS = 1.96 recorded by the Collider Detector at Fermilab II experiment at the Tevatron. Scalar bottom quarks can be produced from gluino decays in -parity conserving models of supersymmetry when the mass of the gluino exceeds that of the scalar bottom quark. Then, a scalar bottom quark can decay into a bottom quark and a neutralino. To search for this scenario, we investigated events with large missing transverse energy and at least three jets, two or more of which were identified as containing a secondary vertex from the hadronization of quarks. We found four candidate events, where 2.6 +/- 0.7 are expected from standard model processes, and placed 95% confidence level lower limits on gluino and scalar bottom quark masses of up to 280 and 240 GeV/c(2), respectively.

Top-quark mass measurement from dilepton events at CDF II

We report a measurement of the top-quark mass using events collected by the CDF II detector from pp collisions at square root of s = 1.96 TeV at the Fermilab Tevatron. We calculate a likelihood function for the top-quark mass in events that are consistent with tt --> bl(-)nu(l)bl'+ nu'(l) decays. The likelihood is formed as the convolution of the leading-order matrix element and detector resolution functions. The joint likelihood is the product of likelihoods for each of 33 events collected in 340 pb(-1) of integrated luminosity, yielding a top-quark mass M(t) = 165.2 +/- 6.1(stat) +/- 3.4(syst) GeV/c2. This first application of a matrix-element technique to tt --> bl+ nu(l)bl'- nu(l') decays gives the most precise single measurement of M(t) in dilepton events. Combined with other CDF run II measurements using dilepton events, we measure M(t) = 167.9 +/- 5.2(stat) +/- 3.7(syst) GeV/c2.

Measurement of the inclusive jet cross section using the kT algorithm in pp collisions at (square root s)=1.96 TeV

We report on a measurement of the inclusive jet production cross section as a function of the jet transverse momentum in pp collisions at (square root s)=1.96 TeV using data collected with the upgraded Collider Detector at Fermilab in run II, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 385 pb-1. The measurement is carried out for jets with rapidity 0.1</yjet/<0.7 and transverse momentum in the range 54<pjetT<700 GeV/c. Next-to-leading order perturbative QCD predictions are in good agreement with the measured cross section after the necessary nonperturbative parton-to-hadron corrections are included.

Measurement of the dipion mass spectrum in decays

We measure the dipion mass spectrum in X(3872)--> J/psipi(+) pi(-) decays using 360 pb(-1) of pp collisions at square root s= 1.96 TeV collected with the CDF II detector. The spectrum is fit with predictions for odd C-parity ((3)S(1), (1)P(1), and (3)D(J)) charmonia decaying to J/psipi(+) pi(-), as well as even C-parity states in which the pions are from rho(0) decay. The latter case also encompasses exotic interpretations, such as a D(0)D(*0) molecule. Only the (3)S(1) and J/psirho hypotheses are compatible with our data. Since (3)S(1) is untenable on other grounds, decay via J/psirho is favored, which implies C= +1 for the X(3872). Models for J/psi - rho different angular momenta L are considered. Flexibility in the models, especially the introduction of rho - omega interference, enables good descriptions of our data for both L = 0 and 1.

Search for Higgs bosons decaying to bb and produced in association with W bosons in pp collisions at square root of s = 1.96 TeV

We present a search for Higgs bosons decaying into bb and produced in association with W bosons in pp collisions at square root of s = 1.96 TeV. This search uses 320 pb(-1) of the data set accumulated by the upgraded Collider Detector at Fermilab. Events are selected that have a high-transverse momentum electron or muon, missing transverse energy, and two jets, at least one of which is consistent with the hadronization of a b quark. Both the number of events and the dijet mass distribution are consistent with standard model background expectations, and we set 95% confidence level upper limits on the production cross section times branching ratio for the Higgs boson or any new particle with similar decay kinematics. These upper limits range from 10 pb for mH = 110 GeV/c2 to 3 pb for mH = 150 GeV/c2.

Evidence for the exclusive decay B(c)+- --> J/psi pi+- and measurement of the mass of the B(c)+- meson

We report the first evidence for a fully reconstructed decay mode of the B(c)+- meson in the channel B(c)+- --> J/psi pi+-, with J/psi --> mu+ mu-. The analysis is based on an integrated luminosity of 360 pb(-1) in pp collisions at 1.96 TeV center of mass energy collected by the Collider Detector at Fermilab. We observe 14.6 +/- 4.6 signal events with a background of 7.1 +/- 0.9 events, and a fit to the J/psi pi+-mass spectrum yields a B(c)+- mass of 6285.7 +/- 5.3(stat) +/- 1.2(syst) MeV/c2. The probability of a peak of this magnitude occurring by random fluctuation in the search region is estimated as 0.012%.

Search for charged Higgs bosons from top quark decays in pp collisions at square root s=1.96 TeV

We report the results of a search for a charged Higgs boson in the decays of top quarks produced in pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 1.96 TeV. We use a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 193 pb-1 collected by the upgraded Collider Detector at Fermilab. No evidence for charged Higgs production is found, allowing 95% C.L. upper limits to be placed on BR(t-->H+b) for different charged Higgs decay scenarios. In addition, we present in the minimal supersymmetric standard model (mH+/-, tanbeta) plane the first exclusion regions with radiative and Yukawa coupling corrections.

Precision top-quark mass measurement in the lepton+jets topology in p p collisions at square root s=1.96 TeV

We report two measurements of the top-quark mass M(top) using the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron in a 318 pb(-1) data sample of tt events in the lepton+jets final state. One method uses an event-based likelihood technique resulting in M(top) = 173.2(-2.4)(+2.6)(stat) +/- 3.2(syst) GeV/c2 or 173.2(-4.0)(+4.1) GeV/c2. The second method reconstructs a top-quark mass in each event using the measured invariant mass of the hadronically decaying W boson to constrain the jet energy scale to obtain a value for M(top)of 173.5(-3.6)(+3.7)(stat) +/- 1.3(syst) GeV/c2 or 173.5(-3.8)(+3.9) GeV/c2 . We take the latter, which is more precise, as our result.

Search for neutral Higgs bosons of the minimal supersymmetric standard model decaying to tau pairs in pp collisions at square root of s = 1.96 TeV

We present a search for neutral supersymmetric Higgs bosons decaying to tau pairs produced in pp collisions at square root of s = 1.96 TeV. The data, corresponding to 310 pb(-1) integrated luminosity, were collected with the Collider Detector at Fermilab in run II of the Tevatron. No significant excess above the standard model backgrounds is observed. We set exclusion limits on the production cross section times branching fraction to tau pairs for Higgs boson masses in the range from 90 to 250 GeV/c2.

Gene expression of glucose transporter (GLUT) 1, 3 and 4 in bovine follicle and corpus luteum

Glucose is the main energy substrate in the bovine ovary, and a sufficient supply of it is necessary to sustain the ovarian activity. Glucose cannot permeate the plasma membrane, and its uptake is mediated by a number of glucose transporters (GLUT). In the present study, we investigated the gene expression of GLUT1, 3 and 4 in the bovine follicle and corpus luteum (CL). Ovaries were obtained from Holstein x Japanese Black F1 heifers. Granulosa cells and theca interna layers were harvested from follicles classified into five categories by their physiologic status: follicular size (>or= 8.5 mm: dominant; < 8.5 mm: subordinate), ratio of estradiol (E(2)) to progesterone in follicular fluid (>or= 1: E(2) active;<1: E(2) inactive), and stage of estrous cycle (luteal phase, follicular phase). CL were also classified by the stage of estrous cycle. Expression levels of GLUT1, 3 and 4 mRNA were quantified by a real-time PCR. The mRNA for GLUT1 and 3 were detected in the bovine follicle and CL at comparable levels to those in classic GLUT-expressing organs such as brain and heart. Much lower but appreciable levels of GLUT4 were also detected in these tissues. The gene expression of these GLUT showed tissue- and stage-specific patterns. Despite considerable differences in physiologic conditions, similar levels of GLUT1, 3 and 4 mRNA were expressed in subordinate follicles as well as dominant E(2)-active follicles in both luteal and follicular phases, whereas a notable increase in the gene expression of these GLUT was observed in dominant E(2)-inactive follicles undergoing the atretic process. In these follicles, highly significant negative correlations were observed between the concentrations of glucose in follicular fluid and the levels of GLUT1 and 3 mRNA in granulosa cells, implying that the local glucose environment affects glucose uptake of follicles. These results indicate that GLUT1 and 3 act as major transporters of glucose while GLUT4 may play a supporting role in the bovine follicle and CL.

Search for new high-mass particles decaying to Lepton pairs in pp collisions at square root s = 1.96 TeV

A search for new particles (X) that decay to electron or muon pairs has been performed using approximately 200 pb(-1) of pp collision data at (square root) s = 1.96 TeV collected by the CDF II experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron. Limits on sigma(pp --> X)BR (X --> ll) are presented as a function of dilepton invariant mass m(ll) > 150 GeV/c2, for different spin hypotheses (0, 1, or 2). The limits are approximately 25 fb for m(ll) > GeV/c2. Lower mass bounds for X from representative models beyond the standard model including heavy neutral gauge bosons are presented.

Search for [corrected] B0(s) --> mu+ mu- and B0(d) [corrected] --> mu + mu- decays in pp collisions with CDF II

We report on a search for B0(s) --> mu+ mu- and B0(d) --> mu + mu- decays in pp collisions at square root(s) = 1.96 TeV using 364 pb(-1) of data collected by the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. After applying all selection requirements, we observe no candidates inside the B0(s) or B0(d) mass windows. The resulting upper limits on the branching fractions are B(B0(s) --> mu+ mu-) < 1.5 x 10(-7) and B(B0(d) --> mu+ mu-) < 3.9 x 10(-8) at 90% confidence level.

Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with major portal vein thrombosis by combined therapy with subcutaneous interferon-alpha and intra-arterial 5-fluorouracil; role of type 1 interferon receptor expression

We previously reported the beneficial effects of combination therapy of interferon (IFN)-α/5-fluorouracil (FU) for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with tumour thrombi in the major portal branches. This report describes the results of longer follow-up and includes more than double the number of patients relative to the original report, and evaluates the role of IFN-α/type 2 interferon receptor (IFNAR2) expression on the response to the combination therapy. The study subjects were 55 patients with advanced HCC and tumour thrombi in the major branches of the portal vein (Vp3 or 4). They were treated with at least two courses of IFN-α/5-FU without major complication. In the 55 patients, 24 (43.6%) showed objective response (eight (14.5%) showed complete response, 16 (29.1%) partial response), four (7.3%) showed no response, and 27 (49.1%) showed progressive disease. Immunohistochemically, IFNAR2 expression was detected in nine out of 13 (69.2%) patients. There was significant difference in the time-to-progression survival (P=0.0002) and the overall survival (P<0.0001) between IFNAR2-positive and -negative cases. There was a significant correlation between IFNAR2 expression and response to IFN-α/5-FU combination therapy in univariate analysis (P=0.0070). IFN-α/5-FU combination therapy is a promising modality for advanced HCC with tumour thrombi in the major portal branches and could significantly depend on IFNAR2 expression.

Search for new physics using high-mass tau pairs from 1.96 TeV pp collisions

We present the results of a search for anomalous resonant production of tau lepton pairs with large invariant mass, the first such search using the CDF II Detector in Run II of the Tevatron pp collider. Such anomalous production could arise from various new physics processes. In a data sample corresponding to 195 pb(-1) of integrated luminosity we predict 2.8+/-0.5 events from standard model background processes and observe 4. We use this result to set limits on the production of heavy scalar and vector particles decaying to tau lepton pairs.

Measurement of B(t --> Wb)/B(t--> Wq) at the collider detector at fermilab

We present a measurement of the ratio of top-quark branching fractions R = B(t --> Wb)/B(t --> Wq), where q can be a b, s, or a d quark, using lepton-plus-jets and dilepton data sets with an integrated luminosity of approximately 162 pb(-1) collected with the Collider Detector at Fermilab during Run II of the Tevatron. The measurement is derived from the relative numbers of tt events with different multiplicity of identified secondary vertices. We set a lower limit of R > 0.61 at 95% confidence level.

In vitro application of endotoxin enhances nitric oxide production in thoracic aortas from Mg-deficient rats

Since endotoxin-induced vascular hyporeactivity to phenylephrine is enhanced in Mg-deficient rats, this study was designed to determine whether endotoxin directly enhances nitric oxide (NO) production in thoracic aortas isolated from Mg-deficient rats in vitro. Thoracic aortas isolated from Mg-deficient and control rats were cultured for 6 h with or without endotoxin (LPS). LPS (0.01-1.0 microg) increased NO production in a concentration-dependent manner. NO production in the presence of 0.1 and 1.0 microg/mL LPS was significantly higher in Mg-deficient rat aortas compared to aortas from control rats. The enhanced NO production was not significantly affected by endothelium-denudation. LPS-stimulated NO production was fully inhibited by a selective iNOS inhibitor, 1400W (0.1, 1.0 microM), in control rat aortas, but in Mg-deficient rat aortas inhibition by 1400W was only partial. A similar inhibitory effect was observed with anti-CD14 and anti-TLR4 antibodies. These results suggest that endotoxin enhances NO production in Mg-deficient rat aortas directly, and that endotoxin receptors might, at least in part, contribute to this enhancement.

Search for long-lived doubly charged Higgs bosons in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV

We present a search for long-lived doubly charged Higgs bosons (H(+/- +/-)), with signatures of high ionization energy loss and muonlike penetration. We use 292 pb(-1) of data collected in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV by the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. Observing no evidence of long-lived doubly charged particle production, we exclude H(+/- +/-)(L) and H(+/- +/-)(R) bosons with masses below 133 GeV/c(2) and 109 GeV/c(2), respectively. In the degenerate case we exclude H(+/- +/-) mass below 146 GeV/c(2). All limits are quoted at the 95% confidence level.

Blood flow: a key regulatory component of corpus luteum function in the cow

Prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) is the primary luteolysin in the cow. During the early luteal phase, the corpus luteum (CL) is resistant to the luteolytic effect of PGF2alpha. Once mature, the CL becomes responsive to PGF2alpha and undergoes luteal regression. These actions of PGF2alpha coincide with changes in luteal blood flow (BF): PGF2alpha has no effect on BF in the early CL, but acutely increases BF in the peripheral vasculature of the mature CL within 30 min of PGF2alpha injection. During spontaneous luteolysis, luteal BF increases on Days 17-18 of the estrous cycle, prior to any decrease in plasma progesterone (P). The increase in luteal BF is synchronous with an increase in plasma PGFM levels, suggesting that pulsatile release of PGF2alpha from uterus stimulates the increase in luteal BF. Serial biopsies of these CL showed that mRNA expression for endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) together with endothelin-1 (ET-1) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) increases on Days 17-18 when the luteal BF is elevated. On Day 19 when plasma P level firstly decreases, eNOS mRNA returns to the basal level whereas ET-1 and ACE mRNA remains elevated. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA expression increases on Day 19. In support of these data, an in vivo microdialysis study revealed that luteal ET-1 and angiotensin II (Ang II) secretion increases and precedes PGF2alpha secretion during spontaneous luteolysis. In conclusion, we show for the first time that an acute increase of BF occurs in the peripheral vasculature of the mature CL together with increases in eNOS expression and ET-1 and Ang II secretion in the CL during the early stages of luteolysis in the cow. We propose that the increase in luteal BF may be induced by NO from large arterioles surrounding the CL, and simultaneously uterine or exogenous PGF2alpha directly increases ET-1 and Ang II secretion from endothelial cells of microcapillary vessels within the CL, thereby suppressing P secretion by luteal cells. Taken together, our results indicate that an acute increase in luteal BF occurs as a first step of luteolysis in response to PGF2alpha. Therefore, local BF plays a key role to initiate luteal regression in the cow.

Evidence for B0 s-->phiphi decay and measurements of branching ratio and A(CP) for B+ -->phiK+

We present the first evidence of charmless decays of the B(0)(s) meson, the decay B(0)(s)--> phiphi, and a measurement of the branching ratio BR(B(0)(s)--> phiphi) using 180 pb(-1) of data collected by the CDF II experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron collider. In addition, the BR and direct CP asymmetry for the B+-->phiK+ decay are measured. We obtain BR(B(0)(s)--> phiphi)=[14(+6)(-5)(stat)+/-6(syst)] x 10(-6), BR(B+-->phiK+)=[7.6+/-1.3(stat)+/-0.6(syst)] x 10(-6), and A(CP)(B+-->phiK+)= -0.07+/-0.17(stat)+0.03 / -0.02(syst). Both decays are governed in the standard model by second order (penguin) b-->s(-)ss amplitudes.

Search for anomalous kinematics in tt dilepton events at CDF II

We report on a search for anomalous kinematics of tt dilepton events in pp collisions at square root of s=1.96 TeV using 193 pb(-1) of data collected with the CDF II detector. We developed a new a priori technique designed to isolate the subset in a data sample revealing the largest deviation from standard model (SM) expectations and to quantify the significance of this departure. In the four-variable space considered, no particular subset shows a significant discrepancy, and we find that the probability of obtaining a data sample less consistent with the SM than what is observed is 1.0%-4.5%.

Measurement of the cross section for prompt diphoton production in pp collisions at square root of s=1.96 TeV

We report a measurement of the rate of prompt diphoton production in pp collisions at square root of s=1.96 TeV using a data sample of 207 pb(-1) collected with the upgraded Collider Detector at Fermilab. The background from nonprompt sources is determined using a statistical method based on differences in the electromagnetic showers. The cross section is measured as a function of the diphoton mass, the transverse momentum of the diphoton system, and the azimuthal angle between the two photons and is found to be consistent with perturbative QCD predictions.

Measurement of the W(+)W(-) production cross section in pp collisions at square root[s]=1.96 TeV using dilepton events

We present a measurement of the W(+)W(-) production cross section using 184 pb(-1) of p(p) collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 1.96 TeV collected with the Collider Detector at Fermilab. Using the dilepton decay channel W(+)W(-)-->l(+)nul(-), where the charged leptons can be either electrons or muons, we find 17 candidate events compared to an expected background of 5.0(+2.2)(-0.8) events. The resulting W(+)W(-) production cross-section measurement of sigma(pp-->W(+)W(-))=14.6(+5.8)(-5.1)(stat)(+1.8)(-3.0)(syst) +/- 0.9(lum) pb agrees well with the standard model expectation.