Measurement of dijet angular distributions at square root(s) = 1.96 TeV and searches for quark compositeness and extra spatial dimensions

We present the first measurement of dijet angular distributions in pp collisions at square root(s) = 1.96 TeV at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. The measurement is based on a dataset corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 0.7 fb(-1) collected with the D0 detector. Dijet angular distributions have been measured over a range of dijet masses, from 0.25 TeV to above 1.1 TeV. The data are in good agreement with the predictions of perturbative QCD and are used to constrain new physics models including quark compositeness, large extra dimensions, and TeV(-1) scale extra dimensions. For all models considered, we set the most stringent direct limits to date.

Measurement of the WW production cross section with dilepton final states in pp collisions at square root(s) = 1.96 TeV and limits on anomalous trilinear gauge couplings

We provide the most precise measurement of the WW production cross section in pp collisions to date at a center of mass energy of 1.96 TeV, and set limits on the associated trilinear gauge couplings. The WW-->lnul'nu (l, l' = e, mu) decay channels are analyzed in 1 fb(-1) of data collected by the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. The measured cross section is sigma(pp --> WW) = 11.5+/-2.1(stat+syst)+/-0.7(lumi) pb. One- and two-dimensional 95% C.L. limits on trilinear gauge couplings are provided.

Measurement of the W boson mass

We present a measurement of the W boson mass in W-->e(nu) decays using 1 fb-1 of data collected with the D0 detector during Run II of the Fermilab Tevatron collider. With a sample of 499830 W-->e(nu) candidate events, we measure M(W)=80.401+/-0.043 GeV. This is the most precise measurement from a single experiment.

Direct measurement of the mass difference between top and antitop quarks

We present a measurement of the mass difference between t and t[over] quarks in lepton + jets final states of tt[over] events in 1 fb;{-1} of data collected with the D0 detector from Fermilab Tevatron Collider pp[over] collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV. The measured mass difference of 3.8 +/- 3.7 GeV is consistent with the equality of t and t[over ] masses. This is the first direct measurement of a mass difference between a quark and its antiquark partner.

Observation of single top-quark production

We report observation of the electroweak production of single top quarks in pp[over ] collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV based on 2.3 fb(-1) of data collected by the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. Using events containing an isolated electron or muon and missing transverse energy, together with jets originating from the fragmentation of b quarks, we measure a cross section of sigma(pp[over ]--> tb + X, tqb + X) = 3.94 + or - 0.88 pb. The probability to measure a cross section at this value or higher in the absence of signal is 2.5 x 10(-7), corresponding to a 5.0 standard deviation significance for the observation.

Search for dark photons from supersymmetric hidden valleys

We search for a new light gauge boson, a dark photon, with the D0 experiment. In the model we consider, supersymmetric partners are pair produced and cascade to the lightest neutralinos that can decay into the hidden sector state plus either a photon or a dark photon. The dark photon decays through its mixing with a photon into fermion pairs. We therefore investigate a previously unexplored final state that contains a photon, two spatially close leptons, and large missing transverse energy. We do not observe any evidence for dark photons and set a limit on their production.

Search for resonant pair production of neutral long-lived particles decaying to bb in pp collisions at square root(S)=1.96 TeV

We report on a first search for resonant pair production of neutral long-lived particles (NLLP) which each decay to a bb pair, using 3.6 fb(-1) of data recorded with the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron collider. We search for pairs of displaced vertices in the tracking detector at radii in the range 1.6-20 cm from the beam axis. No significant excess is observed above background, and upper limits are set on the production rate in a hidden-valley benchmark model for a range of Higgs boson masses and NLLP masses and lifetimes.

Search for next-to-minimal supersymmetric Higgs bosons in the h --> aa --> micromicromicromicro, micromicrotautau channels using pp[over] collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV

We report on a first search for production of the lightest neutral CP-even Higgs boson (h) in the next-to-minimal supersymmetric standard model, where h decays to a pair of neutral pseudoscalar Higgs bosons (a), using 4.2 fb;{-1} of data recorded with the D0 detector at Fermilab. The a bosons are required to either both decay to micro;{+}micro;{-} or one to micro;{+}micro;{-} and the other to tau;{+}tau;{-}. No significant signal is observed, and we set limits on its production as functions of M_{a} and M_{h}.

Composition, distribution, and characterization of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in sandstorm depositions in Beijing, China

This study was conducted to determine the concentration of 8 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in sandstorm depositions in Beijing, China. The PBDE concentrations in 10 samples collected in Beijing ranged from 8.47 to 29.02 ng g(-1), with BDE-209 as the predominant congener (>85%). Principal component analysis revealed that the major source of PBDEs in Beijing may be potentially associated with deca-BDE. Furthermore, increasing PBDE contamination was observed from northwest to east Beijing. Finally, possible factors affecting contamination of the sandstorm depositions were subsequently explored revealing a significant correlation between SigmaPBDEs and the minimum particle size of the sandstorm deposition samples.

Search for the standard model Higgs boson in tau final states

We present a search for the standard model Higgs boson using hadronically decaying tau leptons, in 1 fb(-1) of data collected with the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron pp collider. We select two final states: tau+/- plus missing transverse energy and b jets, and tau+ tau- plus jets. These final states are sensitive to a combination of associated W/Z boson plus Higgs boson, vector boson fusion, and gluon-gluon fusion production processes. The observed ratio of the combined limit on the Higgs production cross section at the 95% C.L. to the standard model expectation is 29 for a Higgs boson mass of 115 GeV.

Search for resonant diphoton production with the D0 detector

We present a search for a narrow resonance in the inclusive diphoton final state using approximately 2.7 fb(-1) of data collected with the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron pp Collider. We observe good agreement between the data and the background prediction, and set the first 95% C.L. upper limits on the production cross section times the branching ratio for decay into a pair of photons for resonance masses between 100 and 150 GeV. This search is also interpreted in the context of several models of electroweak symmetry breaking with a Higgs boson decaying into two photons.

Controlling balance decline across the menopause using a balance-strategy training program: a randomized, controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate effectiveness and long-term benefits of a specific balance-strategy training program in sedentary women aged 40-60 years and whether participation leads to adoption of a more active lifestyle.

METHOD

Fifty healthy women were admitted to the randomized, controlled trial on the basis of their activity level. Subjects were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group, with the former attending twice-weekly for 12 weeks. Assessments made pre- and post-intervention and at 9 months follow-up included: personal demographics, hormone replacement therapy medication, activity level, balance measures, somatosensory function, ankle flexibility and leg muscle strength.

RESULTS

The intervention group showed improvement in balance measures (p < 0.030), right ankle tactile sensation (p = 0.027), ankle flexibility (p < 0.000) and muscle strength (p < 0.018) of quadriceps, hip abductors and external rotators, compared with the control group immediately after intervention. At 9 months follow-up, the intervention effect was maintained for all measures and a latent improvement of somatosensory measures (tactile acuity of foot (p < 0.05), joint repositioning sense (p < 0.010), and vibration threshold of the left knee (p < 0.016)) revealed. The intervention group also adopted a more active lifestyle (p = 0.000).

CONCLUSION

These results provide evidence that this physiotherapist-designed program preserves/reverses the balance decline associated with age and leads to adoption of a more active lifestyle.

Association of MIF promoter polymorphisms with childhood asthma in a northeastern Chinese population

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in pathogenesis of asthma. A high level of MIF has been detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, serum and sputum in asthma. Polymorphisms associated with inflammatory diseases exist in the promoter region of MIF, which alter its expression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential relationship between functional polymorphisms of MIF and childhood asthma in a northeastern Chinese population. The study consisted of a set of 41 trios and an independent sample set of 189 childhood asthma patients and 261 healthy controls. We genotyped MIF-173G/C using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Additionally, MIF-794CATT(5-8) microsatellite polymorphism was genotyped by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). A statistically significant difference in the distribution of the MIF-173C allele between patients and controls [P = 0.01, odds ratio (OR) = 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.13-2.18] was observed. In addition, the frequency of the MIF-173CC genotype was higher in asthmatic children (P < 0.01, OR = 3.37, 95% CI = 1.27-8.93). No difference in the distribution of CATT(5-8) was found between patients and healthy controls. Haplotype analysis showed that only the MIFCATT(7)-173C haplotype was associated with greater susceptibility to childhood asthma (P = 0.03, OR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.03-2.28). However, the transmission disequilibrium test confirmed a positive association between MIF-173G/C and childhood asthma (P = 0.005), and the absence of an association between the MIF-794CATT(5-8) and the disease. These preliminary results suggest an association between the MIF-173C allele and childhood asthma.

Measurement of the Zgamma --> nunu[over ]gamma production cross section and limits on anomalous ZZgamma and Zgammagamma couplings in pp[over] collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV

We present the first observation of the Zgamma --> nunu[over ]gamma process at the Fermilab Tevatron at 5.1 standard deviations significance, based on 3.6 fb;{-1} of integrated luminosity collected with the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron pp[over ] Collider at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV. The measured Zgamma production cross section multiplied by the branching fraction of Z --> nunu[over] is 32 +/- 9(stat + syst) +/-2 (lumi) fb for the photon E_{T} > 90 GeV. It is in agreement with the standard model prediction of 39 +/- 4 fb. We set limits on anomalous trilinear Zgammagamma and ZZgamma gauge boson couplings, most of which are the most restrictive to date.

Search for charged higgs bosons decaying into top and bottom quarks in pp[over ] collisions

We describe a search for production of a charged Higgs boson, qq[over ];{'}-->H;{+}, reconstructed in the tb[over ] final state in the mass range 180< or =M_{H;{+}}< or =300 GeV. The search was undertaken at the Fermilab Tevatron collider with a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV and uses 0.9 fb;{-1} of data collected with the D0 detector. We find no evidence for charged Higgs boson production and set upper limits on the production cross section in the types I, II, and III two-Higgs-doublet models (2HDMs). An excluded region in the (M_{H;{+}}, tanbeta) plane for type I 2HDM is presented.

Measurement of gamma+b+X and gamma+c+X Production Cross Sections in pp[over ] Collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV

First measurements of the differential cross sections d;{3}sigma/(dp_{T};{gamma}dy;{gamma}dy;{jet}) for the inclusive production of a photon in association with a heavy quark (b, c) jet are presented, covering photon transverse momenta 30<p_{T};{gamma}<150 GeV, photon rapidities |y;{gamma}|<1.0, jet rapidities |y;{jet}|<0.8, and jet transverse momenta p_{T};{jet}>15 GeV. The results are based on an integrated luminosity of 1 fb;{-1} in pp[over ] collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV recorded with the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. The results are compared with next-to-leading order perturbative QCD predictions.

Search for long-lived charged massive particles with the D0 detector

We search for long-lived charged massive particles using 1.1 fb;{-1} of data collected by the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron pp[over ] Collider. Time-of-flight information is used to search for pair produced long-lived tau sleptons, gauginolike charginos, and Higgsino-like charginos. We find no evidence of a signal and set 95% C.L. cross section upper limits for staus, which vary from 0.31 to 0.04 pb for stau masses between 60 and 300 GeV. We also set lower mass limits of 206 GeV (171 GeV) for pair produced charged gauginos (Higgsinos).

Evidence of WW and WZ production with lepton + jets final states in pp collisions at square root s=1.96 TeV

We present first evidence for WW+WZ production in lepton + jets final states at a hadron collider. The data correspond to 1.07 fb-1 of integrated luminosity collected with the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron in pp collisions at square root s=1.96 TeV. The observed cross section for WW+WZ production is 20.2+/-4.5 pb, consistent with the standard model and more precise than previous measurements in fully leptonic final states. The probability that background fluctuations alone produce this excess is <5.4 x 10-6, which corresponds to a significance of 4.4 standard deviations.

Search for anomalous top-quark couplings with the D0 detector

Anomalous Wtb couplings modify the angular correlations of the top-quark decay products and change the single top-quark production cross section. We present limits on anomalous top-quark couplings by combining information from W boson helicity measurements in top-quark decays and anomalous coupling searches in the single top-quark final state. We set limits on right-handed vector couplings as well as left-handed and right-handed tensor couplings based on about 1 fb(-1) of data collected by the D0 experiment.

Measurement of the lifetime of the Bc+/- meson in the semileptonic decay channel

Using approximately 1.3 fb(-1) of data collected by the D0 detector between 2002 and 2006, we measure the lifetime of the Bc+/- meson in the Bc-/+-->J/psimicro+/-+X final state. A simultaneous unbinned likelihood fit to the J/psi+micro invariant mass and lifetime distributions yields a signal of 881+/-80(stat) candidates and a lifetime measurement of tau(Bc+/-)=0.448(-0.036)(+0.038)(stat)+/-0.032(syst) ps.

Evidence for the decay Bs0-->Ds(*)Ds(*) and a measurement of DeltaGammasCP/Gammas

We search for the semi-inclusive process Bs0-->Ds(*)Ds(*) using 2.8 fb(-1) of pp collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV recorded by the D0 detector operating at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. We observe 26.6+/-8.4 signal events with a significance above background of 3.2 standard deviations yielding a branching ratio of B(Bs0-->Ds(*)Ds(*))=0.035+/-0.010(stat.)+/-0.011(syst.). Under certain theoretical assumptions, these double-charm final states saturate CP-even eigenstates in the Bs0 decays resulting in a width difference of DeltaGammasCP/Gammas=0.072+/-0.021(stat.)+/-0.022(syst.).

Search for neutral Higgs Bosons at high tanbeta in the b(h/H/A)-->btau;{+}tau;{-} channel

The first search in pp[over ] collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV for the production of neutral Higgs bosons in association with bottom quarks and decaying in two tau leptons is presented. The cross section for this process is enhanced in many extensions of the standard model, such as its minimal supersymmetric extension (MSSM) at large tanbeta. The data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 328 pb;{-1}, were collected with the D0 detector at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. An upper limit is set on the production cross section of neutral Higgs bosons in the mass range of 90 to 150 GeV, and this limit is used to exclude part of the MSSM parameter space.