Measurement of time-dependent CP asymmetries and the CP-odd fraction in the decay B0-->D(*+)D(*-)

We present a measurement of time-dependent CP asymmetries and an updated determination of the CP-odd fraction in the decay B0-->D(*+)D(*-) using a data sample of 88x10(6)BB pairs collected by the BABAR detector at the PEP-II B Factory at SLAC. We determine the CP-odd fraction to be 0.063+/-0.055(stat)+/-0.009(syst). The time-dependent CP asymmetry parameters Im(lambda(+)) and /lambda(+)/ are determined to be 0.05+/-0.29(stat)+/-0.10(syst) and 0.75+/-0.19(stat)+/-0.02(syst), respectively. The standard model predicts these parameters to be -sin(2beta and 1, respectively, in the absence of penguin diagram contributions.

Limits on D0-macro D0 mixing and CP violation from the ratio of lifetimes for decay to K-pi+, K-K+, and pi- pi+

We present a measurement of D0-macro D0 mixing parameters using the ratios of lifetimes extracted from samples of D0 mesons decaying to K-pi(+), K-K+, and pi(-)pi(+). Using 91 fb(-1) of data collected by the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy B Factory, we obtain a value Y=[0.8+/-0.4(stat.)(+0.5)(-0.4)(syst.)]%, which, in the limit of CP conservation, corresponds to the mixing parameter y=Delta Gamma/2 Gamma. Using the difference in lifetimes of D0 and macro D0 mesons, we obtain the CP-violation parameter Delta Y=[-0.8+/-0.6(stat.)+/-0.2(syst.)]%.

Rare B decays into states containing a J/psi meson and a meson with s(-)s quark content

We report a study of the B meson decays, B+ --> J/psiphiK+, B0 --> J/psiphiK(0)(S), B0 --> J/psiphi, B0 --> J/psieta, and B0 --> J/psieta' using 56 x 10(6) B(-)B events collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II e(+)e(-) asymmetric-energy storage ring. We measure the branching fractions B(B+ --> J/psiphiK+)=(4.4+/-1.4(stat)+/-0.5(syst))x 10(-5) and B(B0 --> J/psiphiK(0)(S))=(5.1+/-1.9(stat)+/-0.5(syst))x 10(-5), and set upper limits at 90% confidence level for the branching fractions B(B0 --> J/psiphi)<9.2 x 10(-6), B(B0 --> J/psieta)<2.7 x 10(-5), and B(B0 --> J/psieta')<6.3 x 10(-5).

Study of time-dependent CP asymmetry in neutral B decays to J/psi pi0

We present the first study of the time-dependent CP-violating asymmetry in B0-->J/psi pi(0) decays using e(+)e(-) annihilation data collected with the BABAR detector at the Upsilon(4S) resonance during the years 1999-2002 at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy B Factory at SLAC. Using approximately 88 x 10(6) BB; pairs, our results for the coefficients of the cosine and sine terms of the CP asymmetry are C(J/psi pi(0))=0.38+/-0.41(stat)+/-0.09(syst) and S(J/psi pi(0))=0.05+/-0.49(stat)+/-0.16(syst).

Measurements of the branching fractions and bounds on the charge asymmetries of charmless three-body charged B decays

We present measurements of branching fractions and charge asymmetries for charmless B-meson decays to three-body final states of charged pions and kaons. The analysis uses 81.8 fb(-1) of data collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the BABAR detector at the SLAC PEP-II asymmetric B Factory. We measure the branching fractions B(B+-->pi(+)pi(-)pi(+))=(10.9+/-3.3+/-1.6)x10(-6), B(B+-->K+pi(-)pi(+))=(59.1+/-3.8+/-3.2)x10(-6), and B(B+-->K+K-K+)=(29.6+/-2.1+/-1.6)x10(-6) and provide 90% C.L. upper limits for other decays. We observe no charge asymmetries for these modes.

Observation of the decay B+/--->pi+/-pi0, study of B+/--->K+/-pi0, and search for B0-->pi0pi0

We present results for the branching fractions and charge asymmetries in B+/--->h(+/-)pi(0) (where h(+/-)=pi(+/-),K+/-) and a search for the decay B0-->pi(0)pi(0) using a sample of approximately 88 x 10(6) BBmacr; pairs collected by the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy B Factory at SLAC. We measure B(B+/--->pi(+/-)pi(0))=(5.5(+1.0)(-0.9)+/-0.6)x10(-6), where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic. The B+/--->pi(+/-)pi(0) signal has a significance of 7.7sigma including systematic uncertainties. We simultaneously measure the K+/-pi(0) branching fraction to be B(B+/--->K+/-pi(0))=(12.8(+1.2)(-1.1)+/-1.0)x10(-6). The charge asymmetries are Api(+/-)(pi(0))=-0.03(+0.18)(-0.17)+/-0.02 and AK+/-(pi(0))=-0.09+/-0.09+/-0.01. We place a 90% confidence-level upper limit on the branching fraction B(B0-->pi(0)pi(0)) of 3.6 x 10(-6).

Observation of a narrow meson state decaying to D(+)(s)pi(0) at a mass of 2.32 GeV/c(2)

We have observed a narrow state near 2.32 GeV/c(2) in the inclusive D(+)(s)pi(0) invariant mass distribution from e(+)e(-) annihilation data at energies near 10.6 GeV. The observed width is consistent with the experimental resolution. The small intrinsic width and the quantum numbers of the final state indicate that the decay violates isospin conservation. The state has natural spin-parity and the low mass suggests a J(P)=0(+) assignment. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 91 fb(-1) recorded by the BABAR detector at the SLAC PEP-II asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) storage ring.

Molecular manifestations and molecular determinants of telomere capping

Multiple interacting components of the telomere, together with telomerase (and sometimes recombination), determine whether a telomere will be functional, allowing cell proliferation. The various components reinforce each other, providing for a robust and resilient system of protection and replenishment of telomeres. A characteristic of a telomere is that its structural features elicit responses that allow it to be dynamically recapped. Eliciting a DNA damage response through uncapping of a telomere appears to be one way in which telomerase action at that telomere is stimulated. Thus, as long as a timely and appropriate recapping of the telomere is possible, regulated uncapping of a telomere appears to be not only normal, but even required for optimal telomere maintenance. Telomere length and the presence of telomerase provide an example of a pair of interacting components that determine telomere capping function. Telomerase is dispensable in cells with sufficiently long telomeres; but in cells with short telomeres lacking telomerase, cells lose the ability to proliferate, and in some cell types, telomere fusions are increased. However, expressing telomerase can make even very short telomeres functional. Many interesting questions remain as to the mechanisms of these biological effects.

Evidence for B+-->J/psip(-)Lambda; and search for B0-->J/psip(-)p

We have performed a search for the decays B+-->J/psip(-)Lambda; and search for B0-->J/psip(-)p. in a data set of (88.9+/-1.0) x 10(6) Upsilon(4S) decays collected by the BABAR experiment at the PEP-II e(+)e(-) storage ring at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center. Four charged B candidates have been observed with an expected background of 0.21+/-0.14 events. The corresponding branching fraction is (12(+9)(-6)) x 10(-6), where statistical and systematic uncertainties have been combined. The result can be interpreted as a 90% confidence level (C.L.) upper limit of 26 x 10(-6). We also find one B0 candidate, with an expected background of 0.64+/-0.17 events, implying a 90% C.L. upper limit of 1.9 x 10(-6).

Measurement of the branching fraction, and bounds on the CP-violating asymmetries, of neutral B decays to D*+/- D-/+

We present measurements of the branching fraction and CP-violating asymmetries for neutral B decays to D(*+/-)D-/+. The measurement uses a data sample of approximately 88x10(6) Upsilon(4S)-->BBmacr; decays collected with the BABAR detector at the SLAC PEP-II asymmetric-energy e(+)-e(-) collider. By fully reconstructing the D(*+/-)D-/+ decay products, we measure the branching fraction to be (8.8+/-1.0+/-1.3)x10(-4) and the time-integrated CP-violating asymmetry between the rates to D(*-)D+ and D(*+)D- to be A=-0.03+/-0.11+/-0.05. We also measure the time-dependent CP-violating asymmetry parameters to be S(-+)=-0.24+/-0.69+/-0.12, C(-+)=-0.22+/-0.37+/-0.10 for B-->D(*-)D+ and S(+-)=-0.82+/-0.75+/-0.14, C(+-)=-0.47+/-0.40+/-0.12 for B-->D(*+)D-. In each case, the first error is statistical and the second error is systematic.

Measurement of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element V(ub) with B-->rhoenu decays

We present a measurement of the branching fraction for the rare decays B-->rhoenu and extract a value for the magnitude of V(ub), one of the smallest elements of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa quark-mixing matrix. The results are given for five different calculations of form factors used to para-metrize the hadronic current in semileptonic decays. Using a sample of 55 x 10(6) BB meson pairs recorded with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II e(+)e(-) storage ring, we obtain B(B0-->rho(-)e(+)nu)=(3.29+/-0.42+/-0.47+/-0.55) x 10(-4) and |V(ub)|=(3.64+/-0.22+/-0.25(+0.39)(-0.56)) x 10(-3), where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic, and theoretical, respectively.

Study of the rare decays B0-->D((*)+)(s)pi(-) and B0-->D((*)-)(s)K+

We report evidence for the decays B0-->D(+)(s)pi(-) and B0-->D(-)(s)K+ and the results of a search for B0-->D(*+)(s)pi(-) and B0-->D(*-)(s)K+ in a sample of 84 x 10(6) upsilon(4S) decays into BB pairs collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) storage ring. We measure the branching fractions B(B0-->D(+)(s)pi(-))=[3.2+/-0.9(stat)+/-1.0(syst)] x 10(-5) and B(B0-->D(-)(s)K+)=[3.2+/-1.0(stat)+/-1.0(syst)] x 10(-5). We also set 90% C.L. limits B(B0-->D(*+)(s)pi(-))<4.1 x 10(-5) and B(B0-->D(*-)(s)K+)<2.5 x 10(-5).

Measurement of the B0-->J/psipi+pi- branching fraction

We present a measurement of the branching fraction for the decay of the neutral B meson into the final state J/psipi(+)pi(-). The data set contains approximately 56 x 10(6) BB pairs produced at the Upsilon(4S) resonance and recorded with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) storage ring. The result of this analysis is B(B0-->J/psipi(+)pi(-))=(4.6+/-0.7+/-0.6) x 10(-5), where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic. In addition, we measure B(B0-->J/psirho(0))=(1.6+/-0.6+/-0.4) x 10(-5).

Measurements of branching fractions and CP-violating asymmetries in B0-->pi+pi-, K+pi-, K+K- decays

We present measurements of branching fractions and CP-violating asymmetries for two-body neutral B meson decays to charged pions and kaons based on a sample of about 88x10(6) Upsilon(4S)-->BB decays. From a time-independent fit we measure the charge-averaged branching fractions B(B0-->pi+pi-)=(4.7+/-0.6+/-0.2)x10(-6), B(B0-->K+pi-)=(17.9+/-0.9+/-0.7)x10(-6), and the direct CP-violating charge asymmetry A(Kpi)=-0.102+/-0.050+/-0.016 [-0.188,-0.016], where the ranges in square brackets indicate the 90% confidence intervals. From a time-dependent fit we measure the B0-->pi+pi- CP-violating parameters S(pipi)=0.02+/-0.34+/-0.05 [-0.54,+0.58] and C(pipi)=-0.30+/-0.25+/-0.04 [-0.72,+0.12].

Long-term (7 to 8-year) experience with finasteride in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effects of finasteride, a specific type II 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, on symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate volume, and urinary flow during a 7 to 8-year period.

METHODS

A total of 190 men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia and enlarged prostates entered one of two Phase II double-blind 3 to 6-month studies. Of these, 156 patients continued taking open-label finasteride, and more than 70 patients completed 7 to 8 years of treatment. The symptoms were scored using a patient self-administered modified Boyarsky symptom questionnaire. Prostate volume was measured by magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasonography, and the maximal urinary flow rate was assessed noninvasively.

RESULTS

Treatment with finasteride for 7 to 8 years led to sustained improvement in symptoms, reduction in prostate volume (28% from baseline), and increased urinary flow (median 2.5 mL/s from baseline). Decreases in dihydrotestosterone (86%) and prostate-specific antigen (54%) levels were also maintained. Long-term finasteride treatment was safe and generally well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term treatment with finasteride was well tolerated and resulted in durable symptom relief and improvement in prostate volume and urinary flow.

Measurement of the CP asymmetry amplitude sin2beta with B0 mesons

We present results on time-dependent CP asymmetries in neutral B decays to several CP eigenstates. The measurements use a data sample of about 88 x 10(6) Upsilon(4S)-->B(-)B decays collected between 1999 and 2002 with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy B factory at SLAC. We study events in which one neutral B meson is fully reconstructed in a final state containing a charmonium meson and the other B meson is determined to be either a B(0) or B(-0) from its decay products. The amplitude of the CP asymmetry, which in the standard model is proportional to sin2beta, is derived from the decay-time distributions in such events. We measure sin2beta=0.741+/-0.067(stat)+/-0.034(syst) and |lambda|=0.948+/-0.051(stat)+/-0.030(syst). The magnitude of lambda is consistent with unity, in agreement with the standard model expectation of no direct CP violation in these modes.

Measurement of the branching fraction and CP content for the decay B0-->D(*+)D(*-)

We report a measurement of the branching fraction of the decay B0-->D(*+)D(*-) and of the CP-odd component of its final state using the BABAR detector. With data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 20.4 fb (-1) collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance during 1999-2000, we have reconstructed 38 candidate signal events in the mode B0-->D(*+)D(*-) with an estimated background of 6.2+/-0.5 events. From these events, we determine the branching fraction to be B(B0-->D(*+)D(*-))=[8.3+/-1.6(stat)+/-1.2(syst)]x10(-4). The measured CP-odd fraction of the final state is 0.22+/-0.18(stat)+/-0.03(syst).

Measurement of the B(0) lifetime with partially reconstructed B(0)-->D(-)l(+)nu(l) decays

The B(0) lifetime was measured with a sample of 23 million BB pairs collected by the BABAR detector at the PEP-II e(+)e(-) storage ring during 1999 and 2000. Events from the semileptonic decay B(0)-->D(*-)l(+)nu(l) have been selected with a partial reconstruction method in which only the charged lepton and the slow pi from the D*--->D(0)pi(-) decay are reconstructed. The result is tau(B(0)) = 1.529+/-0.012(stat)+/-0.029(syst) ps.

Search for the rare decays B-->Kl(+)l(-) and B-->K(*)l(+)l(-)

We present results from a search for the flavor-changing neutral current decays B-->Kl(+)l(-) and B-->K(*)l(+)l(-), where l(+)l(-) is either an e(+)e(-) or mu(+)mu(-) pair. The data sample comprises 22.7 x 10(6) Upsilon(4S)-->B(-)B decays collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II B Factory. We obtain the 90% C.L. upper limits B(B-->Kl(+)l(-))<0.51 x 10(-6) and B(B-->K(*)l(+)l(-))<3.1 x 10(-6), close to standard model predictions for these branching fractions. We have also obtained limits on the lepton-family-violating decays B-->Ke+/-mu(-/+) and B-->K(*)e(+/-)mu(-/+).

Search for T and CP violation in B0-B-0 mixing with inclusive dilepton events

We report the results of a search for T and CP violation in B0-B-0 mixing using an inclusive dilepton sample collected by the BABAR experiment at the PEP-II B Factory. The asymmetry between l+l+ and l-l- events allows us to compare the probabilities for B-0-->B0 and B0-->B-0 oscillations and thus probe T and CP invariance. Using a sample of 23 x 10(6) BB- pairs, we measure a same-sign dilepton asymmetry of A(T/CP) = [0.5+/-1.2(stat)+/-1.4(syst)]%. For the modulus of the ratio of complex mixing parameters p and q, we obtain q/p = 0.998+/-0.006(stat)+/-0.007(syst).

Measurement of B0-B-0 flavor oscillations in hadronic B0 decays

Flavor oscillations of neutral B mesons have been studied in e+e- annihilation data collected with the BABAR detector at center-of-mass energies near the upsilon(4S) resonance. The data sample used for this purpose consists of events in which one B0 meson is reconstructed in a hadronic decay mode, while the flavor of the recoiling B0 is determined with a tagging algorithm that exploits the correlation between the flavor of the heavy quark and the charges of its decay products. From the time development of the observed mixed and unmixed final states, we determine the B0-B-0 oscillation frequency deltamd to be 0.516+/-0.016(stat)+/-0.010(syst) ps-1.

Measurement of the B0-B-0 oscillation frequency with inclusive dilepton events

The B0-B-0 oscillation frequency has been measured with a sample of 23 x 10(6) BB- pairs collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric B Factory at SLAC. In this sample, we select events in which both B mesons decay semileptonically and use the charge of the leptons to identify the flavor of each B meson. A simultaneous fit to the decay time difference distributions for opposite- and same-sign dilepton events gives deltamd = 0.493+/-0.012(stat)+/-0.009(syst) ps-1.

Measurement of B --> K*gamma branching fractions and charge asymmetries

The branching fractions of the exclusive decays B0-->K(*0)gamma and B+-->K(*+)gamma are measured from a sample of (22.74+/-0.36)x10(6) BB decays collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric e(+)e(-) collider. We find B (B0-->K(*0)gamma) = [4.23+/-0.40(stat)+/-0.22(syst)]x10(-5), B(B+-->K(*+)gamma) = [3.83+/-0.62(stat)+/-0.22(syst)]x10(-5) and constrain the CP-violating charge asymmetry to be -0.170<A(CP)(B-->K(*)gamma)<0.082 at 90% C.L.

Search for the decay B0-->gammagamma

We present a limit on the branching fraction for the decay B0-->gammagamma using data collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric energy e+e- collider. Based on the observation of one event in the signal region, out of a sample of 21.3x10(6) e+e--->Upsilon(4S)-->BB decays, we establish an upper limit on the branching fraction of B(B0-->gammagamma)<1.7x10(-6) at the 90% confidence level. This result substantially improves upon existing limits.

Measurement of the B--> J/psiK*(892) decay amplitudes

We present a measurement of the decay amplitudes in B-->J/psiK*(892) channels using 20.7 fb(-1) of data collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the BABAR detector at PEP-II. We measure a P-wave fraction R(perpendicular) = (16.0 +/- 3.2 +/- 1.4)% and a longitudinal polarization fraction (59.7 +/- 2.8 +/- 2.4)%. The measurement of a relative phase that is neither 0 nor pi, phi = 2.50 +/- 0.20 +/-0.08 radians, favors a departure from the factorization hypothesis. Although the decay B-->/psiK(pi) proceeds mainly via K*(892), there is also evidence for K2*(1430) and K(pi) S-wave contributions.

Carbon allocation to volatiles and other reproductive components in male Ficus carica (Moraceae)

Volatile compounds are often mediators of plant-pollinator interactions. Their emission is presumed to be costly, but this cost has seldom been quantified. Figs of Ficus carica (a dioecious species) release volatile compounds when receptive, thus attracting the agaonid wasp Blastophaga psenes. In dioecious fig species, wasps lay eggs inside male figs and pollinate female ones. For a male tree, we estimated carbon allocation to reproduction using the annual growth module (AGM) as the unit of measurement. Over the growing season, leaf and fig carbon exchange and construction costs were measured, as well as carbon investment in stamens, provisioning pollinators, and biosynthesis and release of volatile compounds. Representativity of the tree studied was evaluated by measuring some of these parameters on seven other male fig trees. The results show that 7.6-16.4% of the carbon assimilated by leaves and figs was invested in reproduction. Of the carbon invested in reproduction, pollinator attraction and feeding represented only 0.08-0.12% and 1.84-2.33%, respectively, while pollinator sheltering (fig construction and respiration) represented 97.6-98.0%. In this strict and coevolved plant-pollinator association, the main male reproductive investment was thus in the structures sheltering the associated pollinators.

Lack of emergence of cytomegalovirus UL97 mutations conferring ganciclovir (GCV) resistance following preemptive GCV therapy in allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients

Fifty allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients were enrolled in a prospective cytomegalovirus pp65 antigenemia-guided preemptive therapy trial. Among these, 10 of 34 patients who received ganciclovir exhibited sustained and/or recurrent antigenemia despite treatment. Thirteen leukocyte preparations from these 10 subjects were screened for the presence of the most frequent cytomegalovirus UL97 mutations conferring ganciclovir resistance. None of these mutations were detected after mean and median ganciclovir exposures of 31.6 and 28.0 days, respectively.

Measurements of the branching fractions of exclusive charmless B meson decays with eta(') or omega mesons

We present the results of searches for B decays to charmless two-body final states containing eta(') or omega mesons, based on 20.7 fb(-1) of data collected with the BABAR detector. We find the branching fractions Beta(B(+)-->eta(')K(+)) = (70+/-8+/-5) x 10(-6), Beta(B(0)-->eta(')K(0)) = (42(+13)(-11) +/- 4) x 10(-6), and Beta(B(+)-->omega pi(+)) = (6.6(+2.1)(-1.8) +/- 0.7) x 10(-6), where the first error quoted is statistical and the second is systematic. We give measurements of four additional modes for which the 90% confidence level upper limits are Beta(B(+)-->eta(')pi(+)) < 12 x 10(-6), Beta(B(+)-->omega K(+)) < 4 x 10(-6), Beta(B(0)-->omega K(0)) < 13 x 10(-6), and Beta(B(0)-->omega pi(0)) < 3 x 10(-6).

Measurement of the B(0) and B(+) meson lifetimes with fully reconstructed hadronic final states

The B(0) and B(+) meson lifetimes have been measured in e(+)e(-) annihilation data collected in 1999 and 2000 with the BABAR detector at center-of-mass energies near the Upsilon(4S) resonance. Events are selected in which one B meson is fully reconstructed in a hadronic final state while the second B meson is reconstructed inclusively. A combined fit to the B(0) and the B(+) decay time difference distributions yields tau(B(0)) = 1.546+/-0.032(stat)+/-0.022(syst) ps, tau(B(+)) = 1.673+/-0.032(stat)+/-0.023(syst) ps, and tau(B(+))/tau(B(0)) = 1.082+/-0.026(stat)+/-0.012(syst).

Allogeneic transplantation for multiple myeloma: further evidence for a GVHD-associated graft-versus-myeloma effect

We report a series of 37 consecutive patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who received an allograft between 1990 and 2000 at our institution. Median age was 47 years, and nearly 70% of patients were Durie-Salmon stage III. A median of five cycles of chemotherapy were given before transplant, with a median interval between diagnosis and transplant of 9.3 months. We report a nonrelapse mortality rate of 22% with a median follow-up period of 40 months, whereas complete remission (CR) rate at 12 months is estimated at 57%. Treatment failure rate and overall survival at 40 months are estimated at 52% and 32%, respectively. The number of chemotherapy cycles prior to allotransplantation achieved borderline statistical significance as a poor prognosis factor for overall survival (P = 0.05), while the presence of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) was significantly correlated with CR achievement (P = 0.036). Our study confirms that early allografting in MM can yield toxicity rates significantly lower than those associated with historical cohorts, and supports the hypothesis that cumulative chemotoxicity has a negative influence on mortality and survival rates. More importantly, our study clearly demonstrates an association between cGVHD and CR and brings further evidence in favor of a graft-versus-myeloma effect.

Measurement of J/psi production in continuum e(+)e(-) annihilations near square root of s = 10.6 GeV

The production of J/psi mesons in continuum e(+)e(-) annihilations has been studied with the BABAR detector at energies near the Upsilon(4S) resonance. The mesons are distinguished from J/psi production in B decays through their center-of-mass momentum and energy. We measure the cross section e(+)e(-)-->J/psi X to be 2.52+/-0.21+/-0.21 pb. We set a 90% C.L. upper limit on the branching fraction for direct Upsilon(4S)-->J/psi X decays at 4.7 x 10(-4).

Measurement of the decays B--> phiK and B--> phiK*

We have observed the decays B--> phiK and phiK(*) in a sample of over 45 million B mesons collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II collider. The measured branching fractions are B(B+--> phiK+) = (7.7(+1.6)(-1.4)+/-0.8)x10(-6), B(B0--> phiK0) = (8.1(+3.1)(-2.5)+/-0.8)x10(-6), B(B+--> phiK(*+)) = (9.7(+4.2)(-3.4)+/-1.7)x10(-6), and B(B0--> phiK(*0)) = (8.7(+2.5)(-2.1)+/-1.1)x10(-6). We also report the upper limit B(B+--> phipi(+))<1.4x10(-6) ( 90% C.L.).

Measurement of branching fractions and search for CP-violating charge asymmetries in charmless two-body B decays into pions and kaons

We present measurements, based on a sample of approximately 23x10(6) BB pairs, of the branching fractions and a search for CP-violating charge asymmetries in charmless hadronic decays of B mesons into two-body final states of kaons and pions. We find the branching fractions B(B0-->pi(+)pi(-)) = (4.1+/-1.0+/-0.7)x10(-6), B(B0-->K+pi(-)) = (16.7+/-1.6+/-1.3)x10(-6), B(B+-->K+pi(0)) = (10.8(+2.1)(-1.9)+/-1.0)x10(-6), B(B+-->K0pi(+)) = (18.2(+3.3)(-3.0)+/-2.0)x10(-6), B(B0-->K0pi(0)) = (8.2(+3.1)(-2.7)+/-1.2)x10(-6). We also report 90% confidence level upper limits for B meson decays to the pi(+)pi(0), K+K-, and K0K+ final states. In addition, charge asymmetries have been found to be consistent with zero, where the statistical precision is in the range of +/-0.10 to +/-0.18, depending on the decay mode.

Cultural requirements for in vitro seed germination, protocorm growth and seedling development of Geodorum densiflorum (Lam.) Schltr

Effects of different nutrient solutions, organic supplements and plant growth regulators on in vitro seed germination and protocorm development of Geodorum densiflorum (Lam.) Schltr. were studied. Seed germination was very high (up to 96%) in all the basal media, with Knudson's C and half-strength Murashige & Skoog being slightly more productive than Vacin & Went. Application of organic supplements and NAA had little effect on germination, but BAP proved inhibitory. After germination, protocorms exhibited a clear preference for peptone and NAA for much faster growth, while BAP resulted in stunted growth. Beside normal development, disorganisation of protocorms, followed by callusing occurred in presence of peptone and NAA. The calli were compact with limited growth and frequently regenerated protocorm like bodies. Development of seedlings was preceded by an intermediary rhizome phase. Growth of rhizomes was slow in the plant growth regulator free medium and about 15 months of culture was required for seedling formation. However, it was possible to hasten the process by 8-10 months with the employment of NAA, which also enhanced the number of seedlings per protocorm through axillary branching. Combined application of high BAP and low NAA was also useful for high rate of seedling formation.

Observation of CP violation in the B(0) meson system

We present an updated measurement of time-dependent CP-violating asymmetries in neutral B decays with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric B Factory at SLAC. This result uses an additional sample of Upsilon(4S) decays collected in 2001, bringing the data available to 32 x 10(6) BB macro pairs. We select events in which one neutral B meson is fully reconstructed in a final state containing charmonium and the flavor of the other neutral B meson is determined from its decay products. The amplitude of the CP-violating asymmetry, which in the standard model is proportional to sin2 beta, is derived from the decay time distributions in such events. The result sin2 beta = 0.59+/-0.14(stat)+/-0.05(syst) establishes CP violation in the B(0) meson system. We also determine absolute value of lambda = 0.93+/-0.09(stat)+/-0.03(syst), consistent with no direct CP violation.

Negative inotropic and chronotropic effects of oxytocin

We have previously shown that oxytocin receptors are present in the heart and that perfusion of isolated rat hearts with oxytocin results in decreased cardiac flow rate and bradycardia. The mechanisms involved in the negative inotropic and chronotropic effects of oxytocin were investigated in isolated dog right atria in the absence of central mechanisms. Perfusion of atria through the sinus node artery with 10(-6) mol/L oxytocin over 5 minutes (8 mL/min) significantly decreased both beating rate (-14.7+/-4.9% of basal levels, n=5, P<0.004) and force of contraction (-52.4+/-9.1% of basal levels, n=5, P<0.001). Co-perfusion with 10(-6) mol/L oxytocin receptor antagonist (n=3) completely inhibited the effects of oxytocin on frequency (P<0.04) and force of contraction (P<0.004), indicating receptor specificity. The effects of oxytocin were also totally inhibited by co-perfusion with 5x10(-8) mol/L tetrodotoxin (P<0.02) or 10(-6) mol/L atropine (P<0.03) but not by 10(-6) mol/L hexamethonium, which implies that these effects are neurally mediated, primarily by intrinsic parasympathetic postganglionic neurons. Co-perfusion with 10(-6) mol/L NO synthase inhibitor (L-NAME) significantly inhibited oxytocin effects on both beating rate (-1.85+/-1.27% versus -14.7+/-4.9% in oxytocin alone, P<0.05) and force of contraction (-24.9+/-4.4% versus -52.4+/-9.1% in oxytocin alone, n=4, P<0.04). The effect of oxytocin on contractility was further inhibited by L-NAME at 10(-4) mol/L (-8.1+/-1.8%, P<0.01). These studies imply that the negative inotropic and chronotropic effects of oxytocin are mediated by cardiac oxytocin receptors and that intrinsic cardiac cholinergic neurons and NO are involved in these actions.

Bounds on the CP asymmetry in b --> sgamma decays

We have measured the CP asymmetry A(CP) identical with[gamma(b-->sgamma)-gammab-->sgamma)]/[gamma(b-->sgamma)+gamma(b-->sgamma)] to be A(CP) = (-0.079+/-0.108+/-0.022) (1.0+/-0.030), implying that, at 90% confidence level, A(CP) lies between -0.27 and +0.10. These limits rule out some extreme non-standard-model predictions, but are consistent with most, as well as with the standard model.

Study of tau decays to six pions and a neutrino

The tau decays to six-pion final states have been studied with the CLEO detector at the Cornell Electron Storage Ring. The measured branching fractions are B(tau(-)-->2pi(-)pi(+)3pi(0)nu(tau)) = (2.2+/-0.3+/-0.4)x10(-4) and B(tau(-)-->3pi(-)2pi(+)pi(0)nu(tau)) = (1.7+/-0.2+/-0.2)x10(-4). A search for substructure in these decays shows that they are saturated by intermediate states with eta or omega mesons. We present the first observation of the decay tau(-)-->2pi(-)pi(+)omega(nu)tau and the branching fraction is measured to be (1.2+/-0.2+/-0.1)x10(-4). The measured branching fractions are in good agreement with the isospin expectations but somewhat below the conserved-vector-current predictions.

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) gene expression in human T cells is regulated by phosphotyrosyl phosphatase activity. Involvement of NF-kappaB, Ets, and palindromic interferon-gamma-responsive element-binding sites

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) plays an important role in adhesion phenomena involved in the immune response. The strength of adhesion has been shown to be modulated by changes in ICAM-1 gene expression. In T cells, signaling pathways are intimately regulated by an equilibrium between protein-tyrosine kinases and protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTP). The use of bis-peroxovanadium (bpV) compounds, a class of potent PTP inhibitors, enabled us to investigate the involvement of phosphotyrosyl phosphatases in the regulation of ICAM-1 gene expression in human T cells. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that inhibition of PTP results in an increase of ICAM-1 surface expression on both human T lymphoid and primary mononuclear cells. The crucial role played by the NF-kappaB-, Ets-, and pIgammaRE-binding sites in bpV[pic]-mediated activation of ICAM-1 was demonstrated using various 5' deletion and site-specific mutants of the ICAM-1 gene promoter driving the luciferase reporter gene. Co-transfection experiments with trans-dominant mutants and electrophoretic mobility shift assays confirmed the importance of constitutive and inducible transcription factors that bind to specific responsive elements in bpV-dependent up-regulation of ICAM-1 surface expression. Altogether, these observations suggest that expression of ICAM-1 in human T cells is regulated by phosphotyrosyl phosphatase activity through NF-kappaB-, Ets-, and STAT-1-dependent signaling pathways.

Diclofenac sodium injection sterilized by autoclave and the occurrence of cyclic reaction producing a small amount of impurity

A known impurity is formed in the production of a parenteral dosage form of diclofenac sodium if terminally sterilized by autoclave. This impurity has been detected as 1-(2,6-dichlorophenyl) indolin-2qone, which is also an intermediate from which diclofenac sodium is generally synthesized. It is only the condition of the autoclave method (i.e., 123 +/- 2 degrees C) that enforces the intramolecular cyclic reaction of diclofenac sodium forming the indolinone derivative and sodium hydroxide. The formation of this impurity has been found to depend on the initial pH of the formulation. The reaction follows first-order kinetics, and the energy of activation is 5.34 kcal/mol. The other excipients in the formulation do not have a role in this reaction. The concentration of the impurity in the resultant product in the ampule goes beyond the limit of the raw materials in the pharmacopoeias. It is thus preferable to use an alternative sterilization method; that is, an aseptic filtration method in which the formation of this impurity can be avoided.

Search for B --> tau(nu) and B --> K(nu)nu

We report results of a search for B-->tau(nu) in a sample of 9.7 x 10(6) charged B meson decays. We exclusively reconstruct the companion B decay to suppress background. We set an upper limit on the branching fraction B(B-->tau(nu))<8.4 x 10(-4) at 90% confidence level. We also establish B(B+/--->K+/-nu(nu))<2.4 x 10(-4) at 90% confidence level.