Measurement of Direct-Photon Cross Section and Double-Helicity Asymmetry at sqrt[s]=510 GeV in p[over →]+p[over →] Collisions

We present measurements of the cross section and double-helicity asymmetry A_{LL} of direct-photon production in p[over →]+p[over →] collisions at sqrt[s]=510  GeV. The measurements have been performed at midrapidity (|η|<0.25) with the PHENIX detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. At relativistic energies, direct photons are dominantly produced from the initial quark-gluon hard scattering and do not interact via the strong force at leading order. Therefore, at sqrt[s]=510  GeV, where leading-order-effects dominate, these measurements provide clean and direct access to the gluon helicity in the polarized proton in the gluon-momentum-fraction range 0.02<x<0.08, with direct sensitivity to the sign of the gluon contribution.

Probing Gluon Spin-Momentum Correlations in Transversely Polarized Protons through Midrapidity Isolated Direct Photons in p^{↑}+p Collisions at sqrt[s]=200 GeV

Studying spin-momentum correlations in hadronic collisions offers a glimpse into a three-dimensional picture of proton structure. The transverse single-spin asymmetry for midrapidity isolated direct photons in p^{↑}+p collisions at sqrt[s]=200  GeV is measured with the PHENIX detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). Because direct photons in particular are produced from the hard scattering and do not interact via the strong force, this measurement is a clean probe of initial-state spin-momentum correlations inside the proton and is in particular sensitive to gluon interference effects within the proton. This is the first time direct photons have been used as a probe of spin-momentum correlations at RHIC. The uncertainties on the results are a 50-fold improvement with respect to those of the one prior measurement for the same observable, from the Fermilab E704 experiment. These results constrain gluon spin-momentum correlations in transversely polarized protons.

Erratum: Evolution of π^{0} Suppression in Au+Au Collisions from sqrt[s_{NN}]=39 to 200 GeV [Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 152301 (2012)]

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.109.152301.

P1245 Huge left atrial myxoma masks mitral regurgitation

A 61-year-old gentleman, he had shortness of breath while few weeks and getting worse, was presented to our hospital. His oxygen saturation was 94 %(O2 5L) and no crackles or rales were heard. His electrocardiogram was sinus tachycardia, and chest X-ray showed cardiomegaly and BNP level was elevated (260.3pg/mL). Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed huge mass(57 × 39mm) occupying left atrium (LA), the mass was flexible in cardiac cycle and prolapsing from LA to left ventricle, it seems like cardiac myxoma. We suspected mitral stenosis (MS) caused by the mass (peak trans mitral flow velocity 3.1m/s), mitral regurgitation(MR) was not significant, and moderate tricuspid regurgitation with pulmonary hypertension (peak systolic pressure 61 mmHg). We performed transesophageal echocardiography(TEE) and CT angiography revealed the mass at fossa ovalis, we decided surgery of removing the mass considering the risk of mitral annulus obstruction and embolism. Intraoperative findings, after taken off the mass, TEE showed moderate to severe MR not detected preoperative TEE. Additionally, it revealed the mitral annulus enlargement(42 × 38mm by 2D TEE) and may gradually induced by prolapsing the mass. Finally, surgery for mitral valve was performed and postoperative TTE showed no MR. The mass was diagnosed cardiac myxoma by pathology.

MS is relatively common in patients with prolapsing LA myxoma , and it improves after removing the mass. In this case, mitral valve was no degeneration but enlarged mitral annulus and significantly MR had revealed after removing the mass. Keep in mind that there is possibility to underestimate of MR associated with LA myxoma. To take care of mitral valve complex sufficiently in such case, and to detect these findings at preoperative echocardiography, then more useful assessment for surgery.

Abstract P1245 Figure. Huge Left Atrial Myxoma Masks MR

Nuclear Dependence of the Transverse Single-Spin Asymmetry in the Production of Charged Hadrons at Forward Rapidity in Polarized p+p, p+Al, and p+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

We report on the nuclear dependence of transverse single-spin asymmetries (TSSAs) in the production of positively charged hadrons in polarized p^{↑}+p, p^{↑}+Al, and p^{↑}+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. The measurements have been performed at forward rapidity (1.4<η<2.4) over the range of transverse momentum (1.8<p_{T}<7.0  GeV/c) and Feynman x (0.1<x_{F}<0.2). We observed positive asymmetries for positively charged hadrons in p^{↑}+p collisions, and significantly reduced asymmetries in p^{↑}+A collisions. These results reveal a nuclear dependence of TSSAs for charged-hadron production in a regime where perturbative techniques are applicable. These results provide new opportunities to use p^{↑}+A collisions as a tool to investigate the rich phenomena behind TSSAs in hadronic collisions and to use TSSAs as a new handle in studying small-system collisions.

Beam Energy and Centrality Dependence of Direct-Photon Emission from Ultrarelativistic Heavy-Ion Collisions

The PHENIX collaboration presents first measurements of low-momentum (0.4<p_{T}<3  GeV/c) direct-photon yields from Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=39 and 62.4 GeV. For both beam energies the direct-photon yields are substantially enhanced with respect to expectations from prompt processes, similar to the yields observed in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200. Analyzing the photon yield as a function of the experimental observable dN_{ch}/dη reveals that the low-momentum (>1  GeV/c) direct-photon yield dN_{γ}^{dir}/dη is a smooth function of dN_{ch}/dη and can be well described as proportional to (dN_{ch}/dη)^{α} with α≈1.25. This scaling behavior holds for a wide range of beam energies at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider and the Large Hadron Collider, for centrality selected samples, as well as for different A+A collision systems. At a given beam energy, the scaling also holds for high p_{T} (>5  GeV/c), but when results from different collision energies are compared, an additional sqrt[s_{NN}]-dependent multiplicative factor is needed to describe the integrated-direct-photon yield.

Detection of Talaromyces macrosporus and Talaromyces trachyspermus by a PCR assay targeting the hydrophobin gene

Talaromyces species are typical fungi capable of producing the heat-resistant ascospores responsible for the spoilage of processed food products. Hydrophobins, which are unique to fungi, are small secreted proteins that form amphipathic layers on the outer surface of fungal cell walls. In this study, species-specific primer sets for detecting and identifying Talaromyces macrosporus and Talaromyces trachyspermus were designed based on hydrophobin gene sequences. A conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay using these primer sets produced species-specific amplicons for T. macrosporus and T. trachyspermus. The detection limit for each primer set was 100 pg template DNA. This assay also detected fungal DNA extracted from blueberries inoculated with T. macrosporus. Other heat-resistant fungi, including Byssochlamys, Neosartorya and Talaromyces species, which cause food spoilage, were not detected in PCR amplifications with these primer sets. Furthermore, a conventional PCR assay using a crude DNA extract as the template also yielded amplicons specific to T. macrosporus and T. trachyspermus. The simple and rapid PCR assay described herein is highly species-specific and can reliably detect T. macrosporus and T. trachyspermus, suggesting it may be relevant for the food and beverage industry. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The heat-resistant ascospores of Talaromyces macrosporus and Talaromyces trachyspermus are responsible for food spoilage after pasteurization. Traditional methods for detecting fungal contamination based on morphological characteristics are time-consuming and exhibit low sensitivity and specificity. In this study, a conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay based on hydrophobin gene sequences was developed for the specific detection of T. macrosporus and T. trachyspermus. This detection method was simple, rapid and highly specific. These results suggest that the conventional PCR assay developed in this study may be useful for detecting T. macrosporus and T. trachyspermus in raw materials and processed food products.

Pseudorapidity Dependence of Particle Production and Elliptic Flow in Asymmetric Nuclear Collisions of p+Al, p+Au, d+Au, and ^{3}He+Au at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

Asymmetric nuclear collisions of p+Al, p+Au, d+Au, and ^{3}He+Au at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV provide an excellent laboratory for understanding particle production, as well as exploring interactions among these particles after their initial creation in the collision. We present measurements of charged hadron production dN_{ch}/dη in all such collision systems over a broad pseudorapidity range and as a function of collision multiplicity. A simple wounded quark model is remarkably successful at describing the full data set. We also measure the elliptic flow v_{2} over a similarly broad pseudorapidity range. These measurements provide key constraints on models of particle emission and their translation into flow.

Measurements of Multiparticle Correlations in d+Au Collisions at 200, 62.4, 39, and 19.6 GeV and p+Au Collisions at 200 GeV and Implications for Collective Behavior

Recently, multiparticle-correlation measurements of relativistic p/d/^{3}He+Au, p+Pb, and even p+p collisions show surprising collective signatures. Here, we present beam-energy-scan measurements of two-, four-, and six-particle angular correlations in d+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200, 62.4, 39, and 19.6 GeV. We also present measurements of two- and four-particle angular correlations in p+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. We find the four-particle cumulant to be real valued for d+Au collisions at all four energies. We also find that the four-particle cumulant in p+Au has the opposite sign as that in d+Au. Further, we find that the six-particle cumulant agrees with the four-particle cumulant in d+Au collisions at 200 GeV, indicating that nonflow effects are subdominant. These observations provide strong evidence that the correlations originate from the initial geometric configuration, which is then translated into the momentum distribution for all particles, commonly referred to as collectivity.

Nuclear Dependence of the Transverse-Single-Spin Asymmetry for Forward Neutron Production in Polarized p+A Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

During 2015, the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) provided collisions of transversely polarized protons with Au and Al nuclei for the first time, enabling the exploration of transverse-single-spin asymmetries with heavy nuclei. Large single-spin asymmetries in very forward neutron production have been previously observed in transversely polarized p+p collisions at RHIC, and the existing theoretical framework that was successful in describing the single-spin asymmetry in p+p collisions predicts only a moderate atomic-mass-number (A) dependence. In contrast, the asymmetries observed at RHIC in p+A collisions showed a surprisingly strong A dependence in inclusive forward neutron production. The observed asymmetry in p+Al collisions is much smaller, while the asymmetry in p+Au collisions is a factor of 3 larger in absolute value and of opposite sign. The interplay of different neutron production mechanisms is discussed as a possible explanation of the observed A dependence.

Design of a species-specific PCR method for the detection of the heat-resistant fungi Talaromyces macrosporus and Talaromyces trachyspermus

Heat-resistant fungi occur sporadically and are a continuing problem for the food and beverage industry. The genus Talaromyces, as a typical fungus, is capable of producing the heat-resistant ascospores responsible for the spoilage of processed food products. Isocitrate lyase, a signature enzyme of the glyoxylate cycle, is required for the metabolism of non-fermentable carbon compounds, like acetate and ethanol. Here, species-specific primer sets for detection and identification of DNA derived from Talaromyces macrosporus and Talaromyces trachyspermus were designed based on the nucleotide sequences of their isocitrate lyase genes. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a species-specific primer set amplified products specific to T. macrosporus and T. trachyspermus. Other fungal species, such as Byssochlamys fulva and Hamigera striata, which cause food spoilage, were not detected using the Talaromyces-specific primer sets. The detection limit for each species-specific primer set was determined as being 50 pg of template DNA, without using a nested PCR method. The specificity of each species-specific primer set was maintained in the presence of 1,000-fold amounts of genomic DNA from other fungi. The method also detected fungal DNA extracted from blueberry inoculated with T. macrosporus. This PCR method provides a quick, simple, powerful and reliable way to detect T. macrosporus and T. trachyspermus.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based detection is rapid, convenient and sensitive compared with traditional methods of detecting heat-resistant fungi. In this study, a PCR-based method was developed for the detection and identification of amplification products from Talaromyces macrosporus and Talaromyces trachyspermus using primer sets that target the isocitrate lyase gene. This method could be used for the on-site detection of T. macrosporus and T. trachyspermus in the near future, and will be helpful in the safety control of raw materials and in food and beverage production.

Enhancement of oxygen permeability by copolymerization of silyl group-containing diphenylacetylenes with tert-butyl group-containing diphenylacetylene and desilylation of copolymer membranes

The gas permeability of poly(TMSDPA-co-TBDPA) was higher than those of homopolymers, poly(TMSDPA) and poly(TBDPA). The gas permeability of copolymers and desilylated copolymers increased with increasing of the composition ratio of TBDPA.

Enhancement of CO2 permeability of poly(vinyl ether)s having oxyethylene chains by the sequence control of crosslinking sites

Triblock copolymers exhibited high gas permeability than the random copolymers. The triblock copolymers have the crosslinking only at the end segments, which makes the polymer chains more flexible than the random copolymers.

Detection and partial purification of ischaemia-related neurotrophic activity in the periinfarcted brain tissue

In the rat model of middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion, axons originating from the ipsilateral cortical and thalamic neurons are injured by ischaemia. The cortical neurons survive thereafter without retrograde degeneration, but thalamic neurons slowly die because of retrograde degeneration. The fate of these two neurons is remarkably different and may be related to neurotrophic activity induced by ischaemia. We detected ischaemia-related neurotrophic activity, and partially purified the factor. Tissue samples were obtained from the cortex adjacent to the infarction and contralateral corresponding site at 4, 8 and 12 days after occlusion of the MCA. They were homogenated with a culture medium and ultracentrifuged. The supernatant was obtained and used for neurotrophic assay. Foetal cortical neurons were obtained from 17 days rat embryo and cultured. Neurotrophic activity was assayed by applying tissue extract to the culture medium. Application of periischaemic cortical extract obtained at 8 and 12 days after ischaemia improved neuronal survival by 50% and 200% as compared to contralateral cortical extract, respectively. The activity was not detectable at 4 days after ischaemia. The neurotrophic activity disappeared by heating the extract at 90 degrees C for 10 min. We fractionated the extract by saturated ammonium sulphate precipitation, followed by gel-filtered with Superose 12 column. The neurotrophic activity was detected in the precipitation of 30 to 60% saturation fraction of ammonium sulphate. With gel-filtration we separated neurotrophic activity in several fractions, which included marker proteins of 8, 22 and 30 kilodaltons. The activities were only detected in the lesioned side but not in the contralateral side.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Centrality-Dependent Modification of Jet-Production Rates in Deuteron-Gold Collisions at √[s(NN)]=200 GeV

Jet production rates are measured in p+p and d+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV recorded in 2008 with the PHENIX detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. Jets are reconstructed using the R=0.3 anti-k_{t} algorithm from energy deposits in the electromagnetic calorimeter and charged tracks in multiwire proportional chambers, and the jet transverse momentum (p_{T}) spectra are corrected for the detector response. Spectra are reported for jets with 12<p_{T}<50  GeV/c, within a pseudorapidity acceptance of |η|<0.3. The nuclear-modification factor (R_{dAu}) values for 0%-100% d+Au events are found to be consistent with unity, constraining the role of initial state effects on jet production. However, the centrality-selected R_{dAu} values and central-to-peripheral ratios (R_{CP}) show large, p_{T}-dependent deviations from unity, challenging the conventional models that relate hard-process rates and soft-particle production in collisions involving nuclei.

Measurements of Elliptic and Triangular Flow in High-Multiplicity 3He+Au Collisions at √(s(NN))=200 GeV

We present the first measurement of elliptic (v(2)) and triangular (v(3)) flow in high-multiplicity (3)He+Au collisions at √(s(NN))=200  GeV. Two-particle correlations, where the particles have a large separation in pseudorapidity, are compared in (3)He+Au and in p+p collisions and indicate that collective effects dominate the second and third Fourier components for the correlations observed in the (3)He+Au system. The collective behavior is quantified in terms of elliptic v(2) and triangular v(3) anisotropy coefficients measured with respect to their corresponding event planes. The v(2) values are comparable to those previously measured in d+Au collisions at the same nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy. Comparisons with various theoretical predictions are made, including to models where the hot spots created by the impact of the three (3)He nucleons on the Au nucleus expand hydrodynamically to generate the triangular flow. The agreement of these models with data may indicate the formation of low-viscosity quark-gluon plasma even in these small collision systems.

Possible prevention of dialysis-requiring congestive heart failure by angiotensin-II receptor blockers in non-dialysis Japanese patients with Stage 5 chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Preventive medications for dialysis-requiring congestive heart failure (CHF) in non-dialysis Japanese patients with Stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) are unknown. Our aim was to explore which CKD medication was associated with a reduced prevalence of dialysis-requiring CHF in non-dialysis Japanese patients with Stage 5 CKD.

METHODS

The present multicenter, retrospective, cross-sectional study examined the association between CKD medications and the prevalence of dialysis-requiring CHF in non-dialysis Japanese patients with Stage 5 CKD.

RESULTS

There were 1536 Japanese Stage 5 CKD patients who satisfied our inclusion criteria. We had 309 (20.1%) patients whom had developed dialysis-requiring CHF and 940 patients (60.8%) whom had been using angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARBs) before initiating dialysis. In our multivariate analysis, only ARB use was significantly associated with a lower risk of CHF (Odds ratio (OR): 0.680, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.516-0.897; p = 0.0064), of the CKD treatments examined in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that ARB use during the pre-dialysis period is associated with a lower prevalence of CHF in the non-dialysis Japanese patients with Stage 5 CKD, suggesting a possible prevention of dialysis-requiring CHF by ARBs, in non-dialysis Japanese patients with Stage 5 CKD.

Measurement of Long-Range Angular Correlation and Quadrupole Anisotropy of Pions and (Anti)Protons in Central d+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

We present azimuthal angular correlations between charged hadrons and energy deposited in calorimeter towers in central d+Au and minimum bias p+p collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV. The charged hadron is measured at midrapidity |η|<0.35, and the energy is measured at large rapidity (-3.7<η<-3.1, Au-going direction). An enhanced near-side angular correlation across |Δη|>2.75 is observed in d+Au collisions. Using the event plane method applied to the Au-going energy distribution, we extract the anisotropy strength v_{2} for inclusive charged hadrons at midrapidity up to p_{T}=4.5 GeV/c. We also present the measurement of v_{2} for identified π^{±} and (anti)protons in central d+Au collisions, and observe a mass-ordering pattern similar to that seen in heavy-ion collisions. These results are compared with viscous hydrodynamic calculations and measurements from p+Pb at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV. The magnitude of the mass ordering in d+Au is found to be smaller than that in p+Pb collisions, which may indicate smaller radial flow in lower energy d+Au collisions.

Hyperspectroscopic imager for baby fibers

Hyperspectral imaging system for diagnosing digestive diseases was newly developed in order to obtain information on pathology beyond morphology of lesions. In order to guide light reflected from a lesion, a baby fiber, which can be inserted in a forceps channel of the electronic endoscope, was also developed. The performance of the system was evaluated by animal experiment. Obtained hyperspectral data were found to have sufficient quality endurable to practical use. Harmful phenomena to a living body were not observed within the experiment. It was considered from the animal experiment that the present system could be practically used for humans.

Effects of Cyclophosphamide Pulse Therapy on the Clinical and Histopathological Findings, Particularly Crescent Formation, in a Patient with Adult-onset Steroid-refractory Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Nephritis

A 29-year-old woman was diagnosed with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) based on the presence of purpura and histopathological findings showing crescent formation, mesangial proliferation and IgA deposition in the glomerular mesangium. She was treated with high-dose steroids; however, the nephritic syndrome persisted. Therefore, we diagnosed her with steroid-resistant HSPN and decided to add treatment with cyclosphamide pulse therapy. After one year of treatment, the histopathological findings, including crescent formation and IgA deposition, improved, as confirmed on a renal biopsy, and the patient fulfilled the criteria for complete remission. Cyclophosphamide pulse therapy may be considered an effective treatment for intractable HSPN.

Association between the Hemoglobin Level and Cardiothoracic Ratio in Patients on Incident Dialysis

BACKGROUND/AIM

The present study explores associations between hemoglobin (Hb) levels and patients with cardiac enlargement in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) to help prevent cardiac remodeling during the predialysis phase of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 2,249 patients with ESKD (age, 67 ± 13 years; male, 67%; diabetic kidney disease, 41%) who started hemodialysis (HD) between January 2006 and October 2013 at eight participating hospitals. We examined associations between Hb levels immediately before the first HD session and cardiothoracic ratios (CTRs). Clinical factors associated with the CTR were also assessed.

RESULTS

The mean Hb level was 8.7 ± 1.6 g/dl, and the mean and median CTRs were 55.0 and 54.7%, respectively. The correlation between the Hb level and the CTR was linear and negative (r = -0.129, p < 0.001). The mean CTR and the prevalence of patients with a CTR >50% obviously decreased with increasing Hb levels (both p < 0.001 for trend). Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed an approximately 20% reduction in the odds ratio for complicating CTRs >50% per 1 g/dl increase in Hb. Hb levels of <9 g/dl were significantly associated with CTRs >50%. Numerical and categorical Hb remained significantly associated with CTRs >50% after adjusting for confounding variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower Hb levels participate in progressive CTR enlargement in patients with ESKD, and maintaining Hb levels of >9 g/dl might help prevent cardiac remodeling during the predialysis phase of CKD.

Significance of serum magnesium as an independent correlative factor on the parathyroid hormone level in uremic patients

CONTEXT

PTH is a critical factor in mineral homeostasis, and chronic kidney disease mineral and bone metabolism disorder is a very important problem in patients with renal failure. Abnormal levels of PTH, serum phosphate, and calcium influence chronic kidney disease mineral and bone metabolism disorder, but there is little information about the influence of magnesium (Mg) on PTH.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to elucidate the correlation between magnesium and PTH levels in uremic patients just prior to beginning hemodialysis (HD) for the first time.

PATIENTS

We enrolled 1231 patients in nine Japanese facilities who had begun HD for end-stage renal disease. We investigated their serum Mg levels and the correlation between intact PTH (iPTH) and the serum Mg levels and other clinical parameters and medications.

RESULTS

The mean serum Mg was 2.2 ± 0.5 mg/dL, and hypermagnesemia was found in 663 patients (53.9%). Divided into two groups according to median iPTH level, the serum Mg levels were significantly higher in patients with low iPTH (2.3 ± 0.5 vs 2.1 ± 0.5, P < .01). Furthermore, divided into two groups according to the Mg level, iPTH levels were lower in patients with high Mg than in patients with normal serum Mg levels (277.9 ± 195.9 pg/mL vs 321.9 ± 203.7 pg/mL, P < .01). In the multiple regression analysis according to the effect of iPTH level, the serum Mg level was an independent variable after adjustment for other factors.

CONCLUSIONS

A high serum level of Mg is frequent in uremic patients with end-stage renal disease just prior to beginning HD. In the present set of patients, there was a significant correlation between the serum Mg and iPTH levels. Furthermore, the serum Mg level was an independent factor apart from the other factors regulating iPTH. These results suggest that serum Mg may be one of the factors regulating the serum PTH level in uremic patients.

Cold-nuclear-matter effects on heavy-quark production at forward and backward rapidity in d + Au collisions at √sNN = 200 GeV

The PHENIX experiment has measured open heavy-flavor production via semileptonic decay over the transverse momentum range 1 < p(T) < 6  GeV/c at forward and backward rapidity (1.4 < |y| < 2.0) in d+Au and p + p collisions at √sNN = 200  GeV. In central d+Au collisions, relative to the yield in p + p collisions scaled by the number of binary nucleon-nucleon collisions, a suppression is observed at forward rapidity (in the d-going direction) and an enhancement at backward rapidity (in the Au-going direction). Predictions using nuclear-modified-parton-distribution functions, even with additional nuclear-p(T) broadening, cannot simultaneously reproduce the data at both rapidity ranges, which implies that these models are incomplete and suggests the possible importance of final-state interactions in the asymmetric d + Au collision system. These results can be used to probe cold-nuclear-matter effects, which may significantly affect heavy-quark production, in addition to helping constrain the magnitude of charmonia-breakup effects in nuclear matter.

Azimuthal-angle dependence of charged-pion-interferometry measurements with respect to second- and third-order event planes in Au+Au collisions at √[S(NN)]=200 GeV

Charged-pion-interferometry measurements were made with respect to the second- and third-order event plane for Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. A strong azimuthal-angle dependence of the extracted Gaussian-source radii was observed with respect to both the second- and third-order event planes. The results for the second-order dependence indicate that the initial eccentricity is reduced during the medium evolution, which is consistent with previous results. In contrast, the results for the third-order dependence indicate that the initial triangular shape is significantly reduced and potentially reversed by the end of the medium evolution, and that the third-order oscillations are largely dominated by the dynamical effects from triangular flow.

Electron Microscopy and X-ray Analysis of Cr-Containing Precipitates Synthesized by Newly Isolated Actinobacterium, Flexivirga alba ST13(T.)

Chromium(Cr) precipitate synthesized by Cr(VI)-reducing bacterium Flexivirga alba ST13(T) was examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The strain showed altered-morphology after exposing to Cr(VI) in minimal medium. The resultant precipitate included bacterial pellet and needle-like structure which was similar to the structure made from Cr(OH)3 precipitate. Cr was observed in bacterial cells using TEM-EDX. Bacteria with high electron density showed the precipitation of Ca in addition to Cr. The isolated strain would be useful to precipitate Cr from Cr(VI)-containing environment.

Quadrupole anisotropy in dihadron azimuthal correlations in central d+Au collisions at √(s(NN))=200 GeV

The PHENIX collaboration at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) reports measurements of azimuthal dihadron correlations near midrapidity in d+Au collisions at √(s(NN))=200 GeV. These measurements complement recent analyses by experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) involving central p+Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=5.02 TeV, which have indicated strong anisotropic long-range correlations in angular distributions of hadron pairs. The origin of these anisotropies is currently unknown. Various competing explanations include parton saturation and hydrodynamic flow. We observe qualitatively similar, but larger, anisotropies in d+Au collisions at RHIC compared to those seen in p+Pb collisions at the LHC. The larger extracted v2 values in d+Au are consistent with expectations from hydrodynamic calculations owing to the larger expected initial-state eccentricity compared with that from p+Pb collisions. When both are divided by an estimate of the initial-state eccentricity the scaled anisotropies follow a common trend with multiplicity that may extend to heavy ion data at RHIC and the LHC, where the anisotropies are widely thought to arise from hydrodynamic flow.

Nuclear modification of ψ', χc, and J/ψ production in d+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=200 GeV

We present results for three charmonia states (ψ', χc, and J/ψ) in d+Au collisions at |y|<0.35 and sqrt[s(NN)]=200  GeV. We find that the modification of the ψ' yield relative to that of the J/ψ scales approximately with charged particle multiplicity at midrapidity across p+A, d+Au, and A+A results from the Super Proton Synchrotron and the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. In large-impact-parameter collisions we observe a similar suppression for the ψ' and J/ψ, while in small-impact-parameter collisions the more weakly bound ψ' is more strongly suppressed. Owing to the short time spent traversing the Au nucleus, the larger ψ' suppression in central events is not explained by an increase of the nuclear absorption owing to meson formation time effects.