Measurement of R(D) and R(D^{*}) with a Semileptonic Tagging Method

The experimental results on the ratios of branching fractions R(D)=B(B[over ¯]→Dτ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{τ})/B(B[over ¯]→Dℓ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{ℓ}) and R(D^{*})=B(B[over ¯]→D^{*}τ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{τ})/B(B[over ¯]→D^{*}ℓ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{ℓ}), where ℓ denotes an electron or a muon, show a long-standing discrepancy with the standard model predictions, and might hint at a violation of lepton flavor universality. We report a new simultaneous measurement of R(D) and R(D^{*}), based on a data sample containing 772×10^{6}  BB[over ¯] events recorded at the ϒ(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e^{+}e^{-} collider. In this analysis the tag-side B meson is reconstructed in a semileptonic decay mode and the signal-side τ is reconstructed in a purely leptonic decay. The measured values are R(D)=0.307±0.037±0.016 and R(D^{*})=0.283±0.018±0.014, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. These results are in agreement with the standard model predictions within 0.2, 1.1, and 0.8 standard deviations for R(D), R(D^{*}), and their combination, respectively. This work constitutes the most precise measurements of R(D) and R(D^{*}) performed to date as well as the first result for R(D) based on a semileptonic tagging method.

Search for an Invisibly Decaying Z^{'} Boson at Belle II in e^{+}e^{-}→μ^{+}μ^{-}(e^{±}μ^{∓}) Plus Missing Energy Final States

Theories beyond the standard model often predict the existence of an additional neutral boson, the Z^{'}. Using data collected by the Belle II experiment during 2018 at the SuperKEKB collider, we perform the first searches for the invisible decay of a Z^{'} in the process e^{+}e^{-}→μ^{+}μ^{-}Z^{'} and of a lepton-flavor-violating Z^{'} in e^{+}e^{-}→e^{±}μ^{∓}Z^{'}. We do not find any excess of events and set 90% credibility level upper limits on the cross sections of these processes. We translate the former, in the framework of an L_{μ}-L_{τ} theory, into upper limits on the Z^{'} coupling constant at the level of 5×10^{-2}-1 for M_{Z^{'}}≤6  GeV/c^{2}.

Observation of the Radiative Decays of ϒ(1S) to χ_{c1}

We report the first observation of the radiative decay of the ϒ(1S) into a charmonium state. The significance of the observed signal of ϒ(1S)→γχ_{c1} is 6.3 standard deviations including systematics. The branching fraction is calculated to be B[ϒ(1S)→γχ_{c1}]=[4.7_{-1.8}^{+2.4}(stat)_{-0.5}^{+0.4}(sys)×10^{-5}]. We also searched for ϒ(1S) radiative decays into χ_{c0,2} and η_{c}(1S,2S), and set upper limits on their branching fractions. These results are obtained from a 24.9  fb^{-1} data sample collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider at a center-of-mass energy equal to the ϒ(2S) mass using ϒ(1S) tagging by the ϒ(2S)→ϒ(1S)π^{+}π^{-} transitions.

Surface and interfacial study of atomic layer deposited Al2O3 on MoTe2 and WTe2

The atomic layer deposition (ALD) of high-k dielectrics could build an efficient barrier against moisture and O₂ adsorption. Such a barrier is highly needed for MoTe₂ and WTe₂ transition metal dichalcogenides because of the poor structural stability and the fast oxidization in ambient air. In situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ex situ atomic force microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy were employed to report a comparative study between the growth of Al₂O₃ on MoTe₂ and WTe₂ by means of traditional thermal ALD and plasma-enhanced ALD (PEALD). Similar to what has been observed on other 2D materials such as MoS₂ and Graphene, the thermal ALD results in an islanding growth of Al₂O₃ on MoTe₂ due to the dearth of dangling bonds, whereas, a uniform coverage of Al₂O₃ on WTe₂ is observed and likely contributed to the high concentration of intrinsic structural defects. The PEALD behavior is consistent between MoTe₂ and WTe₂ providing a conformal and linear growth rate (∼0.08 nm/cycle), which correlates with the creation of Te-O and metal-O nucleation sites. However, a thin layer of interfacial Mo or W oxides gradually forms, resulting from the plasma-induced damage in the topmost (1-2) layers. Attempts to enhance the Al₂O₃/MoTe₂ interfacial quality by physically evaporating an Al₂O₃ seed layer are investigated as well. However, the evaporated Al₂O₃ process causes thermal damage on MoTe₂, necessitating a more 'gentle' ALD technique for the surface passivation.

Defining Frailty in Research Abstracts: A Systematic Review and Recommendations for Standardization

Multiple definitions of frailty are used. We sought to quantify the frequency that frailty is insufficiently defined in published abstracts. We conducted a systematic review of MEDLINE/PubMed for English abstracts of original research investigating frailty as an exposure or outcome in humans from 2015-2017. A complete definition of frailty included: 1) a named measure of frailty, including "frailty" alone, 2) details on variables included (e.g. grip strength), 3) number of variables included (e.g. 33-item frailty index), and 4) details on cutoffs or levels of frailty unless a definition was used continuously. Our search yielded 1,110 titles; 490 abstracts met review criteria, 348 abstracts had any definition of frailty and were included. Majority reported a single measure of frailty (n=313, 90%). The most commonly used measures were variations of Fried's phenotype (n=167, 48%) and Rockwood's cumulative deficit model (n=101, 29%). Only 56 abstracts had complete definitions (16%). In 123 abstracts (35%), a means of measuring frailty was named, but no additional details were given. When details of the frailty measure were described, they generally referred to cutoffs or levels rather than variables used in the measure. A minority of abstracts of original manuscripts related to frailty research had adequate definitions of frailty. We encourage scientists to adopt a standardized approach to defining the term for all abstracts related to frailty research to facilitate systematic reviews, meta-analysis, and accurate reporting of frailty science.

First Measurements of Absolute Branching Fractions of the Ξ_{c}^{0} Baryon at Belle

We present the first measurements of absolute branching fractions of Ξ_{c}^{0} decays into Ξ^{-}π^{+}, ΛK^{-}π^{+}, and pK^{-}K^{-}π^{+} final states. The measurements are made using a dataset comprising (772±11)×10^{6} BB[over ¯] pairs collected at the ϒ(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e^{+}e^{-} collider. We first measure the absolute branching fraction for B^{-}→Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-}Ξ_{c}^{0} using a missing-mass technique; the result is B(B^{-}→Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-}Ξ_{c}^{0})=(9.51±2.10±0.88)×10^{-4}. We subsequently measure the product branching fractions B(B^{-}→Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-}Ξ_{c}^{0})B(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+}), B(B^{-}→Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-}Ξ_{c}^{0})B(Ξ_{c}^{0}→ΛK^{-}π^{+}), and B(B^{-}→Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-}Ξ_{c}^{0})B(Ξ_{c}^{0}→pK^{-}K^{-}π^{+}) with improved precision. Dividing these product branching fractions by the result for B^{-}→Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-}Ξ_{c}^{0} yields the following branching fractions: B(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+})=(1.80±0.50±0.14)%, B(Ξ_{c}^{0}→ΛK^{-}π^{+})=(1.17±0.37±0.09)%, and B(Ξ_{c}^{0}→pK^{-}K^{-}π^{+})=(0.58±0.23±0.05)%. For the above branching fractions, the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. Our result for B(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+}) can be combined with Ξ_{c}^{0} branching fractions measured relative to Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+} to yield other absolute Ξ_{c}^{0} branching fractions.

Observation of Ξ(1620)^{0} and Evidence for Ξ(1690)^{0} in Ξ_{c}^{+}→Ξ^{-}π^{+}π^{+} Decays

We report the first observation of the double strange baryon Ξ(1620)^{0} in its decay to Ξ^{-}π^{+} via Ξ_{c}^{+}→Ξ^{-}π^{+}π^{+} decays based on a 980  fb^{-1} data sample collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. The mass and width are measured to be 1610.4±6.0(stat)_{-4.2}^{+6.1} (syst)  MeV/c^{2} and 59.9±4.8(stat)_{-7.1}^{+2.8}(syst)  MeV, respectively. We obtain 4.0σ evidence of the Ξ(1690)^{0} with the same data sample. These results shed light on the structure of hyperon resonances with strangeness S=-2.

Observation of Transverse Λ/Λ[over ¯] Hyperon Polarization in e^{+}e^{-} Annihilation at Belle

We report the first observation of the spontaneous polarization of Λ and Λ[over ¯] hyperons transverse to the production plane in e^{+}e^{-} annihilation, which is attributed to the effect arising from a polarizing fragmentation function. For inclusive Λ/Λ[over ¯] production, we also report results with subtracted feed-down contributions from Σ^{0} and charm. This measurement uses a dataset of 800.4  fb^{-1} collected by the Belle experiment at or near a center-of-mass energy of 10.58 GeV. We observe a significant polarization that rises with the fractional energy carried by the Λ/Λ[over ¯] hyperon.

Search for a Light CP-odd Higgs Boson and Low-Mass Dark Matter at the Belle Experiment

We report on the first Belle search for a light CP-odd Higgs boson, A^{0}, that decays into low mass dark matter, χ, in final states with a single photon and missing energy. We search for events produced via the dipion transition ϒ(2S)→ϒ(1S)π^{+}π^{-}, followed by the on-shell process ϒ(1S)→γA^{0} with A^{0}→χχ, or by the off-shell process ϒ(1S)→γχχ. Utilizing a data sample of 157.3×10^{6} ϒ(2S) decays, we find no evidence for a signal. We set limits on the branching fractions of such processes in the mass ranges M_{A^{0}}<8.97  GeV/c^{2} and M_{χ}<4.44  GeV/c^{2}. We then use the limits on the off-shell process to set competitive limits on WIMP-nucleon scattering in the WIMP mass range below 5  GeV/c^{2}.

First Evidence for cos2β>0 and Resolution of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa Quark-Mixing Unitarity Triangle Ambiguity

We present first evidence that the cosine of the CP-violating weak phase 2β is positive, and hence exclude trigonometric multifold solutions of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) Unitarity Triangle using a time-dependent Dalitz plot analysis of B^{0}→D^{(*)}h^{0} with D→K_{S}^{0}π^{+}π^{-} decays, where h^{0}∈{π^{0},η,ω} denotes a light unflavored and neutral hadron. The measurement is performed combining the final data sets of the BABAR and Belle experiments collected at the ϒ(4S) resonance at the asymmetric-energy B factories PEP-II at SLAC and KEKB at KEK, respectively. The data samples contain (471±3)×10^{6}BB[over ¯] pairs recorded by the BABAR detector and (772±11)×10^{6}BB[over ¯] pairs recorded by the Belle detector. The results of the measurement are sin2β=0.80±0.14(stat)±0.06(syst)±0.03(model) and cos2β=0.91±0.22(stat)±0.09(syst)±0.07(model). The result for the direct measurement of the angle β of the CKM Unitarity Triangle is β=[22.5±4.4(stat)±1.2(syst)±0.6(model)]°. The measurement assumes no direct CP violation in B^{0}→D^{(*)}h^{0} decays. The quoted model uncertainties are due to the composition of the D^{0}→K_{S}^{0}π^{+}π^{-} decay amplitude model, which is newly established by performing a Dalitz plot amplitude analysis using a high-statistics e^{+}e^{-}→cc[over ¯] data sample. CP violation is observed in B^{0}→D^{(*)}h^{0} decays at the level of 5.1 standard deviations. The significance for cos2β>0 is 3.7 standard deviations. The trigonometric multifold solution π/2-β=(68.1±0.7)° is excluded at the level of 7.3 standard deviations. The measurement resolves an ambiguity in the determination of the apex of the CKM Unitarity Triangle.

Observation of ϒ(2S)→γη_{b}(1S) Decay

We report the observation of ϒ(2S)→γη_{b}(1S) decay based on an analysis of the inclusive photon spectrum of 24.7  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collisions at the ϒ(2S) center-of-mass energy collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. We measure a branching fraction of B[ϒ(2S)→γη_{b}(1S)]=(6.1_{-0.7-0.6}^{+0.6+0.9})×10^{-4} and derive an η_{b}(1S) mass of 9394.8_{-3.1-2.7}^{+2.7+4.5}  MeV/c^{2}, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The significance of our measurement is greater than 7 standard deviations, constituting the first observation of this decay mode.

Microbial Water Quality: Monitoring and Modeling

Microbial water quality lies in the nexus of human, animal, and environmental health. Multidisciplinary efforts are under way to understand how microbial water quality can be monitored, predicted, and managed. This special collection of papers in the was inspired by the idea of creating a special section containing the panoramic view of advances and challenges in the arena of microbial water quality research. It addresses various facets of health-related microorganism release, transport, and survival in the environment. The papers analyze the spatiotemporal variability of microbial water quality, selection of predictors of the spatiotemporal variations, the role of bottom sediments and biofilms, correlations between concentrations of indicator and pathogenic organisms and the role for risk assessment techniques, use of molecular markers, subsurface microbial transport as related to microbial water quality, antibiotic resistance, real-time monitoring and nowcasting, watershed scale modeling, and monitoring design. Both authors and editors represent international experience in the field. The findings underscore the challenges of observing and understanding microbial water quality; they also suggest promising research directions for improving the knowledge base needed to protect and improve our water sources.

Observation of ϒ(4S)→η^{'}ϒ(1S)

We report the first observation of the hadronic transition ϒ(4S)→η^{'}ϒ(1S), using 496  fb^{-1} data collected at the ϒ(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. We reconstruct the η^{'} meson through its decays to ρ^{0}γ and to π^{+}π^{-}η, with η→γγ. We measure B(ϒ(4S)→η^{'}ϒ(1S))=[3.43±0.88(stat)±0.21(syst)]×10^{-5}, with a significance of 5.7σ.

Observation of an Excited Ω^{-} Baryon

Using data recorded with the Belle detector, we observe a new excited hyperon, an Ω^{*-} candidate decaying into Ξ^{0}K^{-} and Ξ^{-}K_{S}^{0} with a mass of 2012.4±0.7(stat)±0.6(syst)  MeV/c^{2} and a width of Γ=6.4_{-2.0}^{+2.5}(stat)±1.6(syst)  MeV. The Ω^{*-} is seen primarily in ϒ(1S),ϒ(2S), and ϒ(3S) decays.

Search for B^{-}→μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ} Decays at the Belle Experiment

We report the results of a search for the rare, purely leptonic decay B^{-}→μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ} performed with a 711  fb^{-1} data sample that contains 772×10^{6}  BB[over ¯] pairs, collected near the ϒ(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. The signal events are selected based on the presence of a high momentum muon and the topology of the rest of the event showing properties of a generic B-meson decay, as well as the missing energy and momentum being consistent with the hypothesis of a neutrino from the signal decay. We find a 2.4 standard deviation excess above background including systematic uncertainties, which corresponds to a branching fraction of B(B^{-}→μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ})=(6.46±2.22±1.60)×10^{-7} or a frequentist 90% confidence level interval on the B^{-}→μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ} branching fraction of [2.9,10.7]×10^{-7}.

Search for the Exotic Meson X(5568) with the Collider Detector at Fermilab

A search for the exotic meson X(5568) decaying into the B_{s}^{0}π^{±} final state is performed using data corresponding to 9.6  fb^{-1} from pp[over ¯] collisions at sqrt[s]=1960  GeV recorded by the Collider Detector at Fermilab. No evidence for this state is found and an upper limit of 6.7% at the 95% confidence level is set on the fraction of B_{s}^{0} produced through the X(5568)→B_{s}^{0}π^{±} process.

Combined Forward-Backward Asymmetry Measurements in Top-Antitop Quark Production at the Tevatron

The CDF and D0 experiments at the Fermilab Tevatron have measured the asymmetry between yields of forward- and backward-produced top and antitop quarks based on their rapidity difference and the asymmetry between their decay leptons. These measurements use the full data sets collected in proton-antiproton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s]=1.96  TeV. We report the results of combinations of the inclusive asymmetries and their differential dependencies on relevant kinematic quantities. The combined inclusive asymmetry is A_{FB}^{tt[over ¯]}=0.128±0.025. The combined inclusive and differential asymmetries are consistent with recent standard model predictions.

Evidence for Isospin Violation and Measurement of CP Asymmetries in B→K^{*}(892)γ

We report the first evidence for isospin violation in B→K^{*}γ and the first measurement of the difference of CP asymmetries between B^{+}→K^{*+}γ and B^{0}→K^{*0}γ. This analysis is based on the data sample containing 772×10^{6}BB[over ¯] pairs that was collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB energy-asymmetric e^{+}e^{-} collider. We find evidence for the isospin violation with a significance of 3.1σ, Δ_{0+}=[+6.2±1.5(stat)±0.6(syst)±1.2(f_{+-}/f_{00})]%, where the third uncertainty is due to the uncertainty on the fraction of B^{+}B^{-} to B^{0}B[over ¯]^{0} production in ϒ(4S) decays. The measured value is consistent with predictions of the standard model. The result for the difference of CP asymmetries is ΔA_{CP}=[+2.4±2.8(stat)±0.5(syst)]%, consistent with zero. The measured branching fractions and CP asymmetries for charged and neutral B meson decays are the most precise to date. We also calculate the ratio of branching fractions of B^{0}→K^{*0}γ to B_{s}^{0}→ϕγ.

Search for CP Violation and Measurement of the Branching Fraction in the Decay D^{0}→K_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0}

We report a study of the decay D^{0}→K_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0} using 921  fb^{-1} of data collected at or near the ϒ(4S) and ϒ(5S) resonances with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. The measured time-integrated CP asymmetry is A_{CP}(D^{0}→K_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0})=(-0.02±1.53±0.02±0.17)%, and the branching fraction is B(D^{0}→K_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0})=(1.321±0.023±0.036±0.044)×10^{-4}, where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second is systematic, and the third is due to the normalization mode (D^{0}→K_{S}^{0}π^{0}). These results are significantly more precise than previous measurements available for this mode. The A_{CP} measurement is consistent with the standard model expectation.

Measurement of the τ Lepton Polarization and R(D^{*}) in the Decay B[over ¯]→D^{*}τ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{τ}

We report the first measurement of the τ lepton polarization P_{τ}(D^{*}) in the decay B[over ¯]→D^{*}τ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{τ} as well as a new measurement of the ratio of the branching fractions R(D^{*})=B(B[over ¯]→D^{*}τ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{τ})/B(B[over ¯]→D^{*}ℓ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{ℓ}), where ℓ^{-} denotes an electron or a muon, and the τ is reconstructed in the modes τ^{-}→π^{-}ν_{τ} and τ^{-}→ρ^{-}ν_{τ}. We use the full data sample of 772×10^{6}  BB[over ¯] pairs recorded with the Belle detector at the KEKB electron-positron collider. Our results, P_{τ}(D^{*})=-0.38±0.51(stat)_{-0.16}^{+0.21}(syst) and R(D^{*})=0.270±0.035(stat)_{-0.025}^{+0.028}(syst), are consistent with the theoretical predictions of the standard model.

Combined untargeted and targeted metabolomic profiling reveals urinary biomarkers for discriminating obese from normal-weight adolescents

BACKGROUND

Childhood and adolescent obesity may lead to obesity and related complications in adulthood. Biomarkers of obesity can be useful for screening for obesity complications and promoting early intervention during school age. Thus, the metabolomic differences in obese children and adolescents should be investigated for identification of potential biomarkers.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated urinary biomarkers to distinguish metabolomic characteristics between obesity and normal weight in adolescents.

METHODS

Adolescent subjects were divided into non-obese (n = 91) and obese (n = 93) groups according to body mass index. Untargeted and targeted metabolomic profiling of urine was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (LC)-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MS), LC-MS/MS and flow injection analysis-MS/MS systems, respectively.

RESULTS

Multivariate statistical analysis showed clear discrimination between the untargeted metabolomes of non-obese and obese groups. Seven endogenous metabolites were distinguished in the obese group, and inflammation-related metabolite markers showed strong predictive power for group classification. From targeted metabolomics, 45 metabolites mostly related to inflammation were significantly different in the obese group.

CONCLUSIONS

Significantly different metabolome signatures were identified between normal-weight and obese adolescents. Combined untargeted and targeted metabolomics demonstrated that inflammation-driven insulin resistance, ammonia toxicity and oxidative stress may represent crucial metabolomic signatures in obese adolescents.

Lepton-Flavor-Dependent Angular Analysis of B→K^{*}ℓ^{+}ℓ^{-}

We present a measurement of angular observables and a test of lepton flavor universality in the B→K^{*}ℓ^{+}ℓ^{-} decay, where ℓ is either e or μ. The analysis is performed on a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 711  fb^{-1} containing 772×10^{6} BB[over ¯] pairs, collected at the ϒ(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider KEKB. The result is consistent with standard model (SM) expectations, where the largest discrepancy from a SM prediction is observed in the muon modes with a local significance of 2.6σ.

Observation of D^{0}→ρ^{0}γ and Search for CP Violation in Radiative Charm Decays

We report the first observation of the radiative charm decay D^{0}→ρ^{0}γ and the first search for CP violation in decays D^{0}→ρ^{0}γ, ϕγ, and K[over ¯]^{*0}(892)γ, using a data sample of 943  fb^{-1} collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. The branching fraction is measured to be B(D^{0}→ρ^{0}γ)=(1.77±0.30±0.07)×10^{-5}, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. The obtained CP asymmetries A_{CP}(D^{0}→ρ^{0}γ)=+0.056±0.152±0.006, A_{CP}(D^{0}→ϕγ)=-0.094±0.066±0.001, and A_{CP}(D^{0}→K[over ¯]^{*0}γ)=-0.003±0.020±0.000 are consistent with no CP violation. We also present an improved measurement of the branching fractions B(D^{0}→ϕγ)=(2.76±0.19±0.10)×10^{-5} and B(D^{0}→K[over ¯]^{*0}γ)=(4.66±0.21±0.21)×10^{-4}.

Microglia: Physiological Functions Revealed through Morphological Profiles

Microglia play key immunological roles in the central nervous system. Upon activation, resident microglial cells transform from a ramified form to an amoeboid form and acquire the ability to phagocytose and release pro-inflammatory cytokines. Here, we review microglial phenotypes that contribute to their functional roles in the central nervous system with the emphasis on their molecular profiles. Deeper understanding of the functions performed by microglia in physiological and pathological conditions can promote investigation of microglia activities in brain injury or disease and facilitate development of new treatment approaches.

Metabolomic analysis identifies potential diagnostic biomarkers for aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease

BACKGROUND

To date, there has been no reliable in vitro test to diagnose aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD).

OBJECTIVE

To investigate potential diagnostic biomarkers for AERD using metabolomic analysis.

METHODS

An untargeted profile of serum from asthmatics in the first cohort (group 1) comprising 45 AERD, 44 patients with aspirin-tolerant asthma (ATA), and 28 normal controls was developed using the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)/Q-ToF MS system. Metabolites that discriminate AERD from ATA were quantified in both serum and urine, which were collected before (baseline) and after the lysine-aspirin bronchoprovocation test (Lys-ASA BPT). The serum metabolites were validated in the second cohort (group 2) comprising 50 patients with AERD and 50 patients with ATA.

RESULTS

A clear discrimination of metabolomes was found between patients with AERD and ATA. In group 1, serum levels of LTE₄ and LTE₄ /PGF₂ α ratio before and after the Lys-ASA BPT were significantly higher in patients with AERD than in patients with ATA (P < 0.05 for each), and urine baseline levels of these two metabolites were significantly higher in patients with AERD. Significant differences of serum metabolite levels between patients with AERD and ATA were replicated in group 2 (P < 0.05 for each). Moreover, serum baseline levels of LTE₄ and LTE₄ /PGF₂ α ratio discriminated AERD from ATA with 70.5%/71.6% sensitivity and 41.5%/62.8% specificity, respectively (AUC = 0.649 and 0.732, respectively P < 0.001 for each). Urine baseline LTE₄ levels were significantly correlated with the fall in FEV₁ % after the Lys-ASA BPT in patients with AERD (P = 0.008, r = 0.463).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Serum metabolite level of LTE₄ and LTE₄ /PGF₂ α ratio was identified as potential in vitro diagnostic biomarkers for AERD using the UHPLC/Q-ToF MS system, which were closely associated with major pathogenetic mechanisms underlying AERD.

First Observation of the Doubly Cabibbo-Suppressed Decay of a Charmed Baryon: Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{+}π^{-}

We report the first observation of the decay Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{+}π^{-} using a 980  fb^{-1} data sample collected by the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. This is the first observation of a doubly Cabibbo-suppressed decay of a charmed baryon. We measure the branching ratio of this decay with respect to its Cabibbo-favored counterpart to be B(Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{+}π^{-})/B(Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{-}π^{+})=(2.35±0.27±0.21)×10^{-3}, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively.

Observation of Z_{b}(10610) and Z_{b}(10650) Decaying to B Mesons

We report the analysis of the three-body e^{+}e^{-}→BB[over ¯]π^{±}, BB[over ¯]^{*}π^{±}, and B^{*}B[over ¯]^{*}π^{±} processes, including the first observations of the Z_{b}^{±}(10610)→[BB[over ¯]^{*}+c.c.]^{±} and Z_{b}^{±}(10650)→[B^{*}B[over ¯]^{*}]^{±} transitions that are found to dominate the corresponding final states. We measure Born cross sections for the three-body production of σ(e^{+}e^{-}→[BB[over ¯]^{*}+c.c.]^{±}π^{∓})=[17.4±1.6(stat)±1.9(syst)]  pb and σ(e^{+}e^{-}→[B^{*}B[over ¯]^{*}]^{±}π^{∓})=[8.75±1.15(stat)±1.04(syst)]  pb and set a 90% C.L. upper limit of σ(e^{+}e^{-}→[BB[over ¯]]^{±}π^{∓})<2.9  pb. The results are based on a 121.4  fb^{-1} data sample collected with the Belle detector at a center-of-mass energy near the ϒ(10860) peak.

Observation of the Decay B_{s}^{0}→K^{0}K[over ¯]^{0}

We measure the decay B_{s}^{0}→K^{0}K[over ¯]^{0} using data collected at the ϒ(5S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e^{+}e^{-} collider. The data sample used corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 121.4  fb^{-1}. We measure a branching fraction B(B_{s}^{0}→K^{0}K[over ¯]^{0})=[19.6_{-5.1}^{+5.8}(stat)±1.0(syst)±2.0(N_{B_{s}^{0}B[over ¯]_{s}^{0}})]×10^{-6} with a significance of 5.1 standard deviations. This measurement constitutes the first observation of this decay.