Radiologic-histopathologic correlation of fatty island sign with fat necrosis in atypical lipomatous tumor and lipoma

AIM

This study aimed to assess the imaging features of atypical lipomatous tumors (ALTs) and lipoma with fat necrosis.

METHODS

This study included patients with histopathologically proven fat necrosis within adipocytic tumors who underwent preoperative imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or computer tomography (CT) findings of fat necrosis associated with lipomatous tumors were retrospectively reviewed, emphasizing the "fatty island sign (FIS)." FISs were defined as well-demarcated, focal fat-containing areas surrounded by more thickened septa compared with other intratumoral septa. Imaging findings of FIS were compared between ALT and lipoma.

RESULTS

Fat necrosis was histopathologically confirmed in 17 patients (6 ALTs and 11 lipomas). Among them, 18 FISs were observed in 10 lesions (59%). Multiple FISs within a lesion were observed in 4 (40%) patients. The median maximum diameter of the FISs was 37 mm. Hypointense areas within FISs relative to the subcutaneous fat on T1- and T2-weighted images were observed in 8 (80%) and 9 (90%), respectively, whereas hyperintense areas within FISs on fat-suppressed T2-weighted images were observed in 2 (20%). Nonfatty solid components within FISs were observed in 2 (20%). On CT, increased fat attenuation and pure fat attenuation within FISs were observed in 6 (86%) and 1 (14%), respectively. The imaging findings of FIS were not significantly different between ALT and lipoma.

CONCLUSION

FISs were observed in 59% of the histologically proven ALT and lipoma patients with fat necrosis. The hypointense areas relative to the subcutaneous fat on T1- and T2-weighted images and increased fat attenuation on CT were usually observed within FISs.

Successful Treatment with Definitive Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy Followed by Durvalumab Maintenance Therapy in a Patient with Tracheal Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare type of malignant tracheal tumor originating from the secretory glands. Complete surgical resection is the current standard of care for tracheal ACC. However, there have been few case reports of chemoradiotherapy for unresectable tracheal ACC. We herein report a 28-year-old man with unresectable tracheal ACC who received concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) followed by maintenance therapy with durvalumab. CCRT was completed with a good response and safety, and the patient is currently receiving durvalumab as maintenance therapy. Durvalumab after CCRT can be a treatment option for patients with unresectable tracheal ACC.

Alectinib-Induced Severe Hemolytic Anemia in a Patient with ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Case Report

Alectinib is a selective anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) tyrosine kinase inhibitor as standard therapy for ALK-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Hemolytic anemia is considered as a rare but significant adverse event with alectinib. Here, we report a case of a 73-year-old female with lung adenocarcinoma, harbouring an ALK fusion gene, who received alectinib as second-line therapy and developed gradually progressive grade 4 (6.4 g/dL) drug-induced hemolytic anemia (DIHA) after complete response. We discontinued alectinib and performed a blood transfusion for the severe anemia. The anemia improved with no recurrence of lung adenocarcinoma over 10 months. Regular hematologic monitoring and the possibility of DIHA should be considered in case of progressive hemolytic anemia during alectinib treatment.

Successful Treatment with Short-Term Steroid Against Severe Hepatitis Confirmed by Liver Biopsy in a Patient with Advanced Squamous-Cell Lung Cancer Receiving a Combination of Pembrolizumab, Carboplatin, and Nab-Paclitaxel: A Case Report

Pembrolizumab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) that targets programmed death-1. Although ICIs have shown efficacy in the treatment of lung cancer, they have also been reported to cause a variety of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Hepatotoxicity is a known irAEs, but currently, there is not enough information on its pathological characteristics and treatment. We report the case of a 70-year-old man with advanced squamous-cell lung cancer who developed severe grade 4 hepatitis on day 8 after receiving carboplatin, nab-paclitaxel, and pembrolizumab as fourth-line therapy. We treated him with steroid therapy the day after a liver biopsy was performed to investigate his pathological features, which led to a rapid and remarkable improvement. Confirmation of immune-related hepatotoxicity by pathological findings allowed the early tapering and discontinuation of steroid therapy. Performing a liver biopsy and verifying histological characteristics are needed for successful treatment with short-term steroids when drug-induced hepatitis caused by anti-cancer therapy including pembrolizumab is considered.

Adipocytes disrupt the translational programme of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia to favour tumour survival and persistence

The specific niche adaptations that facilitate primary disease and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) survival after induction chemotherapy remain unclear. Here, we show that Bone Marrow (BM) adipocytes dynamically evolve during ALL pathogenesis and therapy, transitioning from cellular depletion in the primary leukaemia niche to a fully reconstituted state upon remission induction. Functionally, adipocyte niches elicit a fate switch in ALL cells towards slow-proliferation and cellular quiescence, highlighting the critical contribution of the adipocyte dynamic to disease establishment and chemotherapy resistance. Mechanistically, adipocyte niche interaction targets posttranscriptional networks and suppresses protein biosynthesis in ALL cells. Treatment with general control nonderepressible 2 inhibitor (GCN2ib) alleviates adipocyte-mediated translational repression and rescues ALL cell quiescence thereby significantly reducing the cytoprotective effect of adipocytes against chemotherapy and other extrinsic stressors. These data establish how adipocyte driven restrictions of the ALL proteome benefit ALL tumours, preventing their elimination, and suggest ways to manipulate adipocyte-mediated ALL resistance.

Respiratory Sarcopenia and Sarcopenic Respiratory Disability: Concepts, Diagnosis, and Treatment

The condition of muscle fiber atrophy and weakness that occurs in respiratory muscles along with systemic skeletal muscle with age is known as respiratory sarcopenia. The Japanese Working Group of Respiratory Sarcopenia of the Japanese Association of Rehabilitation Nutrition narratively reviews these areas, and proposes the concept and diagnostic criteria. We have defined respiratory sarcopenia as "whole-body sarcopenia and low respiratory muscle mass followed by low respiratory muscle strength and/or low respiratory function." Respiratory sarcopenia can be caused by various factors such as aging, decreased activity, undernutrition, disease, cachexia, and iatrogenic causes. We have also created an algorithm for diagnosing respiratory sarcopenia. Respiratory function decreases with age in healthy older people, along with low respiratory muscle mass and strength. We have created a new term, "Presbypnea," meaning a decline in respiratory function with aging. Minor functional respiratory disability due to aging, such as that indicated by a modified Medical Research Council level 1 (troubled by shortness of breath when hurrying or walking straight up hill), is an indicator of presbypnea. We also define sarcopenic respiratory disability as "a disability with deteriorated respiratory function that results from respiratory sarcopenia." Sarcopenic respiratory disability is diagnosed if respiratory sarcopenia is present with functional disability. Cases of respiratory sarcopenia without functional disability are diagnosed as "at risk of sarcopenic respiratory disability." Functional disability is defined as a modified Medical Research Council grade of 2 or more. Rehabilitation nutrition, treatment that combines rehabilitation and nutritional management, may be adequate to prevent and treat respiratory sarcopenia and sarcopenic respiratory disability.

Assignment of Dental Hygienists Improves Outcomes in Japanese Rehabilitation Wards: A Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

To clarify the effectiveness of ward-assigned dental hygienists (DHs) on rehabilitation outcomes in rehabilitation wards.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

The registry data from the Japanese Rehabilitation Nutrition Database.

PARTICIPANTS

656 patients with hip fracture or stroke admitted to convalescent rehabilitation wards.

MEASUREMENTS

The main outcome measures were the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), the Food Intake Level Scale (FILS), and the home discharge rate. Patients were divided into two groups based on the ward setting: with an assigned DH (DH group) and without an assigned DH (NDH group). Clinical characteristics and outcomes were compered between the groups. Between-facility differences were adjusted by generalized estimating equation. We performed post-hoc power analysis to confirm that there were enough samples included in this study to detect a significant difference.

RESULTS

Of 656 patients (mean age, 77 years; 57.1% female; 65.5% stroke) from 10 facilities, 454 patients (69.2%) from 4 facilities were in the DH group. FIM score at discharge (107 vs 90, P<0.001), percentage improvement in FILS score from admission to discharge (44.5% vs 22.8%, P<0.001) and home discharge rate (72.5% vs 61.4%, P<0.001) were significantly higher in the DH group than in the NDH group. After multivariate analysis, the FIM score at discharge (P=0.007), FILS score at discharge (P=0.024), and home discharge rate (P=0.007) were significantly higher in the DH group than in the NDH group.

CONCLUSIONS

ADL and swallowing function were significantly improved at discharge and the home discharge rate was higher among patients in rehabilitation wards with DHs. Having a ward-assigned DH may lead to better rehabilitation outcomes in rehabilitation wards.

Abstract P5-18-08: Defining molecular signatures to personalise management of patients with early breast cancer

Background

A review of breast screening highlighted the need to reduce overdiagnosis. Ductal Carcinoma In-Situ (DCIS) contributes significantly to this overdiagnosis. Epithelial cells in DCIS are as genetically advanced as those in invasive disease, focusing attention on the tumour microenvironment (ME). A key components of the ME in DCIS is the myoepithelial cell(MEC). These cells lie at the interface of the epithelial and stromal compartments, regulating cell function. We previously have identified changes in the MEC that contribute to tumour progression. Here we investigate the functional and clinical significance of a novel change in MEC phenotype: loss of Galectin-7 (Gal-7) expression. Gal-7 is proposed to play a role in apoptosis. We hypothesise that changes in MEC phenotype in DCIS alter the ME towards a pro-invasive phenotype, and hypothesise that loss of Gal-7 modifies the ME, destabilizes the MEC interface and ultimately may lead to loss of the MEC population through apoptosis.

Methods

Gal-7 expression and function was investigated in clinical samples and in-vitro model systems, respectively.

Gal-7 expression was assessed in a series of pure DCIS samples (low risk model) and DCIS with co-existant invasion (high risk model). Tissue sections were stained for Gal-7 and MEC expression scored on a duct-by-duct basis as positive, heterogeneous or negative.

An in-vitro model of normal primary myoepithelial cells isolated from reduction mammoplasty was used to investigate the functional impact of loss of Gal-7. These cells have high endogenous levels of Gal-7. Gal-7 was knocked down using siRNA and apoptosis assessed using cleaved caspase-3. The effect of Gal-7 on MEC layer integrity was assessed using immunofluorescence and adhesion assays.

The global impact of loss of Gal-7 was investigated using RNA sequencing.

Results

In the tissue analysis 1926 DCIS ducts were scored for MEC expression of Gal-7. Significantly more ducts showed loss of Gal-7 in DCIS with co-existant invasion, with pure DCIS showing 388 ducts positive and DCIS with invasion 144 DCIS ducts positive (p=0.0014). Pure DCIS and DCIS with invasion had 99 and 646 negative DCIS ducts respectively (p=0.0002).

In model systems of primary MEC, knockdown of Gal-7 resulted in increased expression of cleaved caspase-3, suggesting lower levels of Gal-7 increases apoptosis. In functional assays silencing Gal-7 reduces adhesion to both fibronectin and laminin extracellular matrices (p-value 0.005 and 0.001 respectively)

RNA sequencing indicates silencing Gal-7 increases LOX expression - a key regulator of the collagen matrix of the microenvironment.

Conclusion

Normal MEC strongly express Gal-7. Expression is lost in DCIS, with significantly more frequent loss in DCIS with co-existant invasion, suggesting that loss is associated with a more advanced phenotype. Functional assays indicate that loss of MEC Gal-7 enhances MEC apoptosis, which may be one mechanism by which this interface is lost during progression. Gal-7 negative MEC also show impaired adhesion to matrix proteins and lead to up-regulation of LOX, an enzyme key in promoting tumourigenesis. The incorporation of Gal-7 expression into a risk stratification algorithm has functional evidence and is currently being investigated.

Citation Format: Allen N, Allen M, Ahmed K, Gomm J, Nelan R, Nagano A, Chelala C, Gadaleta E, Thorat M, Cuzick J, Jones LJ. Defining molecular signatures to personalise management of patients with early breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-18-08.

Rehabilitation Nutrition for Iatrogenic Sarcopenia and Sarcopenic Dysphagia

Sarcopenia is a very important issue in rehabilitation medicine and nutritional care. The prevalence of sarcopenia in older people is approximately 50% in the rehabilitation setting, and also approximately 15% of inpatients without sarcopenia upon admission developed sarcopenia during hospitalization. There is a concern that secondary sarcopenia may occur iatrogenically during hospitalization. Iatrogenic sarcopenia is defined as sarcopenia caused by the activities of medical staff including doctors, nurses, or other health care professionals in healthcare facilities. Iatrogenic sarcopenia is categorized into activity-related, nutrition-related and disease-related-iatrogenic sarcopenia. Especially in acute phase hospitals, concentrating on the treatment of diseases with less attention to nutrition and activity is more likely to cause iatrogenic sarcopenia. Sarcopenic dysphagia is also an important aspect in rehabilitation medicine and nutritional care. Sarcopenic dysphagia is characterized by swallowing difficulty because of a loss of mass and function in whole-body skeletal and swallowing muscles. Sarcopenic dysphagia can be diagnosed using a 5-step algorithm for the condition. Iatrogenic sarcopenia and sarcopenic dysphagia are affected by nutrition, activity and diseases in a complex manner. Therefore, treatment of iatrogenic sarcopenia and sarcopenic dysphagia requires comprehensive interventions through nutrition management and rehabilitation. Rehabilitation nutrition is effective for preventing and treating iatrogenic sarcopenia and sarcopenic dysphagia. Rehabilitation nutrition can be practiced more effectively and comprehensively by using the rehabilitation nutrition care process, which is a systematic problem-solving method. Further research is required to verify the efficacy of rehabilitation nutrition for preventing or improving iatrogenic sarcopenia and/or sarcopenic dysphagia.

Relationship between the length of the forefoot bones and performance in male sprinters

Although recent studies have reported that the forefoot bones are longer in sprinters than in non-sprinters, these reports included a relatively small number of subjects. Moreover, while computer simulation suggested that longer forefoot bones may contribute to higher sprint performance by enhancing plantar flexor moment during sprinting, the correlation between forefoot bone length and sprint performance in humans has not been confirmed in observational studies. Thus, using a relatively large sample, we compared the length of the forefoot bones between sprinters and non-sprinters. We also examined the relationship between forefoot bone length and performance in sprinters. The length of forefoot bones of the big and second toes in 36 well-trained male sprinters and 36 male non-sprinters was measured using magnetic resonance imaging. The length of forefoot bones in the big and second toes was significantly longer in sprinters than in non-sprinters. After dividing the sprinters into faster and slower groups according to their personal best time in the 100-m sprint, it was found that the forefoot bone length of the second toe, but not that of the big toe, was significantly longer in faster group than in slower group. Furthermore, the forefoot bone length of the second toe correlated significantly with the personal best time in the 100-m sprint. This study supported evidence that the forefoot bones are longer in sprinters than in non-sprinters. In addition, this is the first study to show that longer forefoot bones may be advantageous for achieving superior sprint performance in humans.

Growth suppression and mitotic defect induced by JNJ-7706621, an inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases and aurora kinases

Aurora kinases and cyclin-dependent kinases, which play critical roles in the cell cycle and are frequently overexpressed in a variety of tumors, have been suggested as attractive targets for cancer therapy. JNJ-7706621, a recently identified dual inhibitor of these kinases, is reported to induce cell cycle arrest, endoreduplication, and apoptosis. In the present study, we further investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. The inhibitor arrested various cells at G2 phase at low concentration, and at both G1 and G2 phases at high concentration. JNJ-7706621 did not prevent localization of Aurora A to the spindle poles, but did inhibit other centrosomal proteins such as TOG, Nek2, and TACC3 in early mitotic phase. Similarly, the drug did not prevent localization of Aurora B to the kinetochore, but did inhibit other chromosomal passenger proteins such as Survivin and INCENP. In the cells exposed to JNJ-7706621 after nocodazole release, Aurora B, INCENP, and Survivin became relocated to the peripheral region of chromosomes, but Plk1 and Prc1 were localized on microtubules in later mitotic phase. Treatment of nocodazole-synchronized cells with JNJ-7706621 was able to override mitotic arrest by preventing spindle checkpoint signaling, resulting in failure of chromosome alignment and segregation. Injection of the drug significantly inhibited the growth of TC135 Ewing's sarcoma cells transplanted into athymic mice by cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. JNJ-7706621 is a unique inhibitor regulating cell cycle progression at multiple points, suggesting that it could be useful for cell cycle analysis and therapy of various cancers, including Ewing's sarcoma.

Dilemmas concerning dose distribution and the influence of relative biological effect in proton beam therapy of medulloblastoma

OBJECTIVE

To improve medulloblastoma proton therapy. Although considered ideal for proton therapy, there are potential disadvantages. Expected benefits include reduced radiation-induced cancer and circulatory complications, while avoiding small brain volumes of dose in-homogeneity when compared with conventional X-rays. Several aspects of proton therapy might contribute to reduced tumour control due to (a) the use of more homogenous dose levels which can result in under-dosage, (b) differences in relative biological effectiveness (RBE) between that prescription RBE of 1.1 and the RBE of brain and spinal cord (likely to exceed 1.1) and in medulloblastoma cells (where RBE is likely to be below 1.1). Such changes, although speculative for RBE, might result in potential underdosage of tumour cells and a higher bio-effect in brain tissue.

METHODS

Dose distributions for X-ray and proton treatment are compared, with allocation of likely RBE values for fast growing medullolastoma cells and stable central nervous system tissue.

RESULTS

These physical and radiobiological factors are shown to combine to give a higher risk of tumour recurrence with further risks on tumour control when dose reduction schedules used for X-ray therapy are replicated for proton therapy for "low-risk" patients.

CONCLUSION

The dose distributions and prescribed doses of proton therapy, taking into account RBE, in children and adults with medulloblastoma, need to be reconsidered.

Energy saving system with high effluent quality for municipal sewage treatment by UASB-DHS

An up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) - down-flow hanging sponge (DHS) was applied to Japanese municipal sewage treatment, and its treatability, energy consumption, and sludge production were evaluated. The designed sewage load was 50 m(3)/d. The sewage typically had a chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 402 mg/L, a suspended solids (SS) content of 167 mg/L, and a temperature of 17-29 °C. The UASB and DHS exhibited theoretical hydraulic retention times of 9.7 and 2.5 h, respectively. The entire system was operated without temperature control. Operation was started with mesophilic anaerobic digested sludge for the UASB and various sponge media for the DHS. Continuous operational data suggest that although the cellulose decomposition and methanogenic process in the UASB are temperature sensitive, stable operation can be obtained by maintaining a satisfactory sludge volume index and sludge concentration. For the DHS, the cube-type medium G3-2 offers superior filling rates, biological preservation and operational execution. The SS derived from the DHS contaminated the effluent but could be removed by optional sand filtration. A comparison with conventional activated sludge (CAS) treatment confirmed that this system is adequate for municipal sewage treatment, with an estimated energy requirement and excess sludge production approximately 75 and 85% less than those of CAS, respectively.

Search for pair production of supersymmetric top quarks in dilepton events from pp collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV

We present the results of a search for pair production of the supersymmetric partner of the top quark (the top squark t{1}) decaying to a b quark and a chargino χ{1}{±} with a subsequent χ{1}{±} decay into a neutralino χ{1}{0}, lepton ℓ, and neutrino ν. Using a data sample corresponding to 2.7  fb{-1} of integrated luminosity of pp collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96  TeV collected by the CDF II detector, we reconstruct the mass of top squark candidate events and fit the observed mass spectrum to a combination of standard model processes and t{1}t{1} signal. We find no evidence for t{1}t{1} production and set 95% C.L. limits on the masses of the top squark and the neutralino for several values of the chargino mass and the branching ratio B(χ{1}{±}→χ{1}{0}ℓ{±}ν).

First measurement of the b-jet cross section in events with a W boson in pp collisions at square root(s) = 1.96 TeV

The cross section for jets from b quarks produced with a W boson has been measured in pp collision data from 1.9 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity recorded by the CDF II detector at the Tevatron. The W+b-jets process poses a significant background in measurements of top quark production and prominent searches for the Higgs boson. We measure a b-jet cross section of 2.74+/-0.27(stat)+/-0.42(syst) pb in association with a single flavor of leptonic W boson decay over a limited kinematic phase space. This measured result cannot be accommodated in several available theoretical predictions.

Search for the associated production of the standard-model Higgs Boson in the all-hadronic channel

We report on a search for the standard-model Higgs boson in pp collisions at square root(s) = 1.96 TeV using an integrated luminosity of 2.0 fb(-1). We look for production of the Higgs boson decaying to a pair of bottom quarks in association with a vector boson V (W or Z) decaying to quarks, resulting in a four-jet final state. Two of the jets are required to have secondary vertices consistent with B-hadron decays. We set the first 95% confidence level upper limit on the VH production cross section with V(--> qq/qq')H(--> bb) decay for Higgs boson masses of 100-150 GeV/c2 using data from run II at the Fermilab Tevatron. For m(H) = 120 GeV/c2, we exclude cross sections larger than 38 times the standard-model prediction.

Search for Higgs bosons predicted in two-Higgs-doublet models via decays to tau lepton pairs in 1.96 TeV pp collisions

We present the results of a search for Higgs bosons predicted in two-Higgs-doublet models, in the case where the Higgs bosons decay to tau lepton pairs, using 1.8 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity of pp collisions recorded by the CDF II experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron. Studying the mass distribution in events where one or both tau leptons decay leptonically, no evidence for a Higgs boson signal is observed. The result is used to infer exclusion limits in the two-dimensional space of tanbeta versus m(A) (the ratio of the vacuum expectation values of the two Higgs doublets and the mass of the pseudoscalar boson, respectively).

First observation of B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+/-)K(-/+) and measurement of the ratio of branching fractions B(B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+/-)K(-/+)/B(B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+)pi(-))

A combined mass and particle identification fit is used to make the first observation of the decay B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+/-)K(-/+) and measure the branching fraction of B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+/-)K(-/+) relative to B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+)pi(-). This analysis uses 1.2 fb(-1) integrated luminosity of pp collisions at square root(s) = 1.96 TeV collected with the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron collider. We observe a B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+/-)K(-/+) signal with a statistical significance of 8.1 sigma and measure B(B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+/-)K(-/+) /B(B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+)pi(-) 0.097+/-0.018(stat) +/- 0.009(syst).

Precision measurement of the X(3872) mass in J/psi pi(+) pi(-) decays

We present an analysis of the mass of the X(3872) reconstructed via its decay to J/psi pi(+)pi(-) using 2.4 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity from pp collisions at square root(s)=1.96 TeV, collected with the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. The possible existence of two nearby mass states is investigated. Within the limits of our experimental resolution the data are consistent with a single state, and having no evidence for two states we set upper limits on the mass difference between two hypothetical states for different assumed ratios of contributions to the observed peak. For equal contributions, the 95% confidence level upper limit on the mass difference is 3.6 MeV/c(2). Under the single-state model the X(3872) mass is measured to be 3871.61+/-0.16(stat)+/-0.19(syst) MeV/c(2), which is the most precise determination to date.

Search for a standard model Higgs boson in WH --> lvbb in pp collisions at square root s = 1.96 TeV

We present a search for a standard model Higgs boson produced in association with a W boson using 2.7 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity of pp collision data taken at square root s = 1.96 TeV. Limits on the Higgs boson production rate are obtained for masses between 100 and 150 GeV/c(2). Through the use of multivariate techniques, the analysis achieves an observed (expected) 95% confidence level upper limit of 5.6 (4.8) times the theoretically expected production cross section for a standard model Higgs boson with a mass of 115 GeV/c(2).

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

We report on the first direct search for charged Higgs bosons decaying into cs in tt events produced by pp collisions at square root s = 1.96 TeV. The search uses a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.2 fb(-1) collected by the CDF II detector at Fermilab and looks for a resonance in the invariant mass distribution of two jets in the lepton + jets sample of tt candidates. We observe no evidence of charged Higgs bosons in top quark decays. Hence, 95% upper limits on the top quark decay branching ratio are placed at B(t --> H(+)b)< 0.1 to 0.3 for charged Higgs boson masses of 60 to 150 GeV/c(2) assuming B(H(+) --> cs)=1.0. The upper limits on B(t --> H(+)b) are also used as model-independent limits on the decay branching ratio of top quarks to generic scalar charged bosons beyond the standard model.

Observation of electroweak single top-quark production

We report the observation of single top-quark production using 3.2 fb(-1) of pp[over ] collision data with sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV collected by the Collider Detector at Fermilab. The significance of the observed data is 5.0 standard deviations, and the expected sensitivity for standard model production and decay is in excess of 5.9 standard deviations. Assuming m(t) = 175 GeV/c(2), we measure a cross section of 2.3(-0.5);(+0.6)(stat + syst) pb, extract the CKM matrix-element value |V(tb)| = 0.91 + or - 0.11(stat + syst) + or - 0.07(theory), and set the limit |V(tb)| > 0.71 at the 95% C.L.

First observation of vector boson pairs in a hadronic final state at the tevatron collider

We present the first observation in hadronic collisions of the electroweak production of vector boson pairs (VV, V = W, Z) where one boson decays to a dijet final state. The data correspond to 3.5 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity of pp[over ] collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV collected by the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. We observe 1516 + or - 239(stat) + or - 144(syst) diboson candidate events and measure a cross section sigma(pp[over ]-->VV + X) of 18.0 + or - 2.8(stat) + or - 2.4(syst) + or -1.1(lumi) pb, in agreement with the expectations of the standard model.

Search for a fermiophobic Higgs boson decaying into diphotons in pp[over] collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV

A search for a narrow diphoton mass resonance is presented based on data from 3.0 fb;{-1} of integrated luminosity from pp[over ] collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV collected by the CDF experiment. No evidence of a resonance in the diphoton mass spectrum is observed, and upper limits are set on the cross section times branching fraction of the resonant state as a function of Higgs boson mass. The resulting limits exclude Higgs bosons with masses below 106 GeV/c;{2} at a 95% Bayesian credibility level for one fermiophobic benchmark model.

Search for the production of narrow tb[over] resonances in 1.9 fb;{-1} of pp[over] collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV

We present new limits on resonant tb[over] production in pp[over] collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV, using 1.9 fb;{-1} of data recorded with the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. We reconstruct a candidate tb[over] mass in events with a lepton, neutrino candidate, and two or three jets, and search for anomalous tb[over] production as modeled by W;{'} --> tb[over]. We set a new limit on a right-handed W;{'} with standard model-like coupling, excluding any mass below 800 GeV/c;{2} at 95% C.L. The cross section for any narrow, resonant tb[over] production between 750 and 950 GeV/c;{2} is found to be less than 0.28 pb at 95% C.L. We also present an exclusion of the W;{'} coupling strength versus W;{'} mass over the range 300-950 GeV/c;{2}.

Observation of new charmless decays of bottom hadrons

We search for new charmless decays of neutral b hadrons to pairs of charged hadrons, using 1 fb(-1) of data collected by the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. We report the first observation of the Bs0-->K-pi+ decay and measure B(Bs0-->K-pi+)=(5.0+/-0.7(stat)+/-0.8(syst))x10(-6). We also report the first observation of charmless b-baryon decays, and measure B(Lambdab0-->ppi-)=(3.5+/-0.6(stat)+/-0.9(syst))x10(-6) and B(Lambdab0-->pK-)=(5.6+/-0.8(stat)+/-1.5(syst))x10(-6). No evidence is found for other modes, and we set the limit B(Bs0-->pi+pi;-)<1.2x10(-6) at 90% C.L.

Search for long-lived massive charged particles in 1.96 TeV pp collisions

We performed a signature-based search for long-lived charged massive particles produced in 1.0 fb-1 of pp[over ] collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV, collected with the CDF II detector using a high transverse-momentum (pT) muon trigger. The search used time of flight to isolate slowly moving, high-pT particles. One event passed our selection cuts with an expected background of 1.9+/-0.2 events. We set an upper bound on the production cross section and, interpreting this result within the context of a stable scalar top-quark model, set a lower limit on the particle mass of 249 GeV/c2 at 95% C.L.

Evidence for a narrow near-threshold structure in the J/psivarphi mass spectrum in B;{+} --> J/psivarphiK;{+} decays

Evidence is reported for a narrow structure near the J/psivarphi threshold in exclusive B;{+} --> J/psivarphiK;{+} decays produced in p[over]p collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV. A signal of 14 +/- 5 events, with statistical significance in excess of 3.8 standard deviations, is observed in a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.7 fb;{-1}, collected by the CDF II detector. The mass and natural width of the structure are measured to be 4143.0 +/- 2.9(stat) +/- 1.2(syst) MeV/c;{2} and 11.7_{-5.0};{+8.3}(stat) +/- 3.7(syst) MeV/c;{2}.

Observation of exclusive charmonium production and gammagamma --> micro;{+}micro;{-} in pp[over] collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV

In CDF we have observed the reactions p + p[over] --> p + X + p[over], with X being a centrally produced J/psi, psi(2S), or chi_{c0}, and gammagamma-->micro;{+}micro;{-} in pp[over] collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV. The event signature requires two oppositely charged central muons, and either no other particles or one additional photon detected. Exclusive vector meson production is as expected for elastic photoproduction, gamma + p --> J/psi(psi(2S)) + p, observed here for the first time in hadron-hadron collisions. We also observe exclusive chi_{c0} --> J/psi + gamma. The cross sections dsigma/dy|_{y = 0} for J/psi, psi(2S), and chi_{c0} are 3.92 +/- 0.25(stat) +/- 0.52(syst) nb, 0.53 +/- 0.09(stat) +/- 0.10(syst) nb, and 76 +/- 10(stat) +/- 10(syst) nb, respectively, and the continuum is consistent with QED. We put an upper limit on the cross section for Odderon exchange in exclusive J/psi production.

Measurement of the k(T) distribution of particles in jets produced in pp collisions at sqrt(s)=1.96 TeV

We present a measurement of the transverse momentum with respect to the jet axis (k(t)) of particles in jets produced in pp collisions at sqrt(s)=1.96 TeV. Results are obtained for charged particles in a cone of 0.5 radians around the jet axis in events with dijet invariant masses between 66 and 737 GeV/c(2). The experimental data are compared to theoretical predictions obtained for fragmentation partons within the framework of resummed perturbative QCD using the modified leading log and next-to-modified leading log approximations. The comparison shows that trends in data are successfully described by the theoretical predictions, indicating that the perturbative QCD stage of jet fragmentation is dominant in shaping basic jet characteristics.

First measurement of the tt[over ] differential cross section dsigma/dM_{tt[over ]} in pp[over ] collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV

We present a measurement of the tt[over ] differential cross section with respect to the tt[over ] invariant mass, dsigma/dM_{tt[over ]}, in pp[over ] collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV using an integrated luminosity of 2.7 fb;{-1} collected by the CDF II experiment. The tt[over ] invariant mass spectrum is sensitive to a variety of exotic particles decaying into tt[over ] pairs. The result is consistent with the standard model expectation, as modeled by PYTHIA with CTEQ5L parton distribution functions.

Search for exclusive Z-boson production and observation of high-mass pp[over ]-->pgammagammap[over ]-->pl;{+}l;{-}p[over ] events in pp[over ] collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV

This Letter presents a search for exclusive Z boson production in proton-antiproton collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV, using the CDF II detector. No exclusive Z-->l;{+}l;{-} candidates are observed and the first upper limit on the exclusive Z cross section in hadron collisions is found to be sigma_{excl}(Z)<0.96 pb at 95% confidence level. In addition, eight candidate exclusive dilepton events from the process pp[over ]-->pgammagammap[over ]-->pl;{+}l;{-}p[over ] are observed, and a measurement of the cross section for M_{ll}>40 GeV/c;{2} and |eta_{l}|<4 is found to be sigma=0.24_{-0.10};{+0.13} pb, which is consistent with the standard model prediction.

Search for Gluino-Mediated Bottom Squark Production in pp[over ] Collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV

We report on a search for the supersymmetric partner of the bottom quark produced from gluino decays in data from 2.5 fb;{-1} of integrated luminosity collected by the Collider Detector at Fermilab at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV. Candidate events are selected requiring two or more jets and large missing transverse energy. At least two of the jets are required to be tagged as originating from a b quark to enhance the sensitivity. The results are in good agreement with the prediction of the standard model processes, giving no evidence for gluino decay to bottom squarks. This result constrains the gluino-pair-production cross section to be less than 40 fb at 95% credibility level for a gluino mass of 350 GeV/c;{2}.

Search for the decays B_{(s)};{0} --> e;{+} micro;{-} and B_{(s)};{0} --> e;{+} e;{-} in CDF run II

We report results from a search for the lepton flavor violating decays B_{s};{0} --> e;{+} micro;{-} and B;{0} --> e;{+} micro;{-}, and the flavor-changing neutral-current decays B_{s};{0} --> e;{+} e;{-} and B;{0} --> e;{+} e;{-}. The analysis uses data corresponding to 2 fb;{-1} of integrated luminosity of pp[over ] collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV collected with the upgraded Collider Detector (CDF II) at the Fermilab Tevatron. The observed number of B0 and B_{s};{0} candidates is consistent with background expectations. The resulting Bayesian upper limits on the branching ratios at 90% credibility level are B(B_{s};{0} --> e;{+} micro;{-}) < 2.0 x 10;{-7}, B(B;{0} --> e;{+} micro;{-}) < 6.4 x 10;{-8}, B(B_{s};{0} --> e;{+} e;{-}) < 2.8 x 10;{-7}, and B(B;{0} --> e;{+} e;{-}) < 8.3 x 10;{-8}. From the limits on B(B_{(s)};{0} --> e;{+} micro;{-}), the following lower bounds on the Pati-Salam leptoquark masses are also derived: M_{LQ}(B_{s};{0} --> e;{+} micro;{-}) > 47.8 TeV/c;{2}, and M_{LQ}(B;{0} --> e;{+} micro;{-}) > 59.3 TeV / c;{2}, at 90% credibility level.

Direct measurement of the W production charge asymmetry in pp collisions at square root s=1.96 TeV

We present the first direct measurement of the W production charge asymmetry as a function of the W boson rapidity yW in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV. We use a sample of W-->enu events in data from 1 fb-1 of integrated luminosity collected using the CDF II detector. In the region |yW|<3.0, this measurement is capable of constraining the ratio of up- and down-quark momentum distributions in the proton more directly than in previous measurements of the asymmetry that are functions of the charged-lepton pseudorapidity.

Measurement of the top-quark mass with dilepton events selected using neuroevolution at CDF

We report a measurement of the top-quark mass M_{t} in the dilepton decay channel tt[over ] --> bl;{'+} nu_{l};{'}b[over ]l;{-}nu[over ]_{l}. Events are selected with a neural network which has been directly optimized for statistical precision in top-quark mass using neuroevolution, a technique modeled on biological evolution. The top-quark mass is extracted from per-event probability densities that are formed by the convolution of leading order matrix elements and detector resolution functions. The joint probability is the product of the probability densities from 344 candidate events in 2.0 fb;{-1} of pp[over ] collisions collected with the CDF II detector, yielding a measurement of M_{t} = 171.2 +/- 2.7(stat) +/- 2.9(syst) GeV / c;{2}.

Search for top-quark production via flavor-changing neutral currents in W+1 jet events at CDF

We report on a search for the non-standard-model process u(c) + g --> t using pp[over ] collision data collected by the Collider Detector at Fermilab II detector corresponding to 2.2 fb;{-1}. The candidate events are classified as signal-like or backgroundlike by an artificial neural network. The observed discriminant distribution yields no evidence for flavor-changing neutral current top-quark production, resulting in an upper limit on the production cross section sigma(u(c) + g --> t) < 1.8 pb at the 95% C.L. Using theoretical predictions we convert the cross section limit to upper limits on flavor-changing neutral current branching ratios: B(t --> u + g) < 3.9 x 10;{-4} and B(t --> c + g) < 5.7 x 10;{-3}.

Inclusive search for squark and gluino production in pp[over ] collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV

We report on a search for inclusive production of squarks and gluinos in pp[over ] collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV, in events with large missing transverse energy and multiple jets of hadrons in the final state. The study uses a CDF Run II data sample corresponding to 2 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity. The data are in good agreement with the standard model predictions, giving no evidence for any squark or gluino component. In an R-parity conserving minimal supergravity scenario with A(0)=0, mu<0, and tanbeta=5, 95% C.L. upper limits on the production cross sections in the range between 0.1 and 1 pb are obtained, depending on the squark and gluino masses considered. For gluino masses below 280 GeV/c(2), arbitrarily large squark masses are excluded at the 95% C.L., while for mass degenerate gluinos and squarks, masses below 392 GeV/c(2) are excluded at the 95% C.L.

Measurement of resonance parameters of orbitally excited narrow B0 mesons

We report a measurement of resonance parameters of the orbitally excited (L=1) narrow B0 mesons in decays to B;{(*)+}pi;{-} using 1.7 fb;{-1} of data collected by the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. The mass and width of the B_{2};{*0} state are measured to be m(B_{2};{*0})=5740.2_{-1.8};{+1.7}(stat)-0.8+0.9(syst) MeV/c;{2} and Gamma(B_{2};{*0})=22.7_{-3.2};{+3.8}(stat)-10.2+3.2(syst) MeV/c;{2}. The mass difference between the B_{2};{*0} and B10 states is measured to be 14.9_{-2.5};{+2.2}(stat)-1.4+1.2(syst) MeV/c;{2}, resulting in a B10 mass of 5725.3_{-2.2};{+1.6}(stat)-1.5+1.4(syst) MeV/c;{2}. This is currently the most precise measurement of the masses of these states and the first measurement of the B_{2};{*0} width.

Search for high-mass resonances decaying to dimuons at CDF

We present a search for high-mass neutral resonances using dimuon data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.3 fb(-1) collected in pp[over ] collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV by the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. No significant excess above the standard model expectation is observed in the dimuon invariant-mass spectrum. We set 95% confidence level upper limits on sigmaBR(pp-->X-->micromicro), where X is a boson with spin-0, 1, or 2. Using these cross section limits, we determine lower mass limits on sneutrinos in R-parity-violating supersymmetric models, Z' bosons, and Kaluza-Klein gravitons in the Randall-Sundrum model.

Direct bound on the total decay width of the top quark in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV

We present the first direct experimental bound on the total decay width of the top quark, Gamma(t), using 955 pb(-1) of the Tevatron's pp collisions recorded by the Collider Detector at Fermilab. We identify 253 top-antitop pair candidate events. The distribution of reconstructed top quark mass from these events is fitted to templates representing different values of the top quark width. Using a confidence interval based on likelihood-ratio ordering, we extract an upper limit at 95% C.L. of Gamma(t)<13.1 GeV for an assumed top quark mass of 175 GeV/c(2).

Search for maximal flavor violating scalars in same-charge lepton pairs in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV

Models of maximal flavor violation (MxFV) in elementary particle physics may contain at least one new scalar SU(2) doublet field Phi(FV)=(eta(0),eta(+)) that couples the first and third generation quarks (q_(1), q_(3)) via a Lagrangian term L(FV)=xi(13)Phi(FV)q(1)q(3). These models have a distinctive signature of same-charge top-quark pairs and evade flavor-changing limits from meson mixing measurements. Data corresponding to 2 fb(-1) collected by the Collider Dectector at Fermilab II detector in pp[over ] collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV are analyzed for evidence of the MxFV signature. For a neutral scalar eta(0) with m_(eta;(0))=200 GeV/c(2) and coupling xi(13)=1, approximately 11 signal events are expected over a background of 2.1+/-1.8 events. Three events are observed in the data, consistent with background expectations, and limits are set on the coupling xi(13) for m(eta(0)=180-300 GeV/c(2).