Measurement of polarization and search for CP violation in B(s)0→φφ decays

We present the first measurement of polarization and CP-violating asymmetries in a B(s)(0) decay into two light vector mesons, B(s)(0)→φφ, and an improved determination of its branching ratio using 295 decays reconstructed in a data sample corresponding to 2.9 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity collected by the CDF experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron collider. The fraction of longitudinal polarization is determined to be f(L)=0.348±0.041(stat)±0.021(syst), and the branching ratio B(B(s)(0)→φφ)=[2.32±0.18(stat)±0.82(syst)]×10(-5). Asymmetries of decay angle distributions sensitive to CP violation are measured to be A(u)=-0.007±0.064(stat)±0.018(syst) and A(v)=-0.120±0.064(stat)±0.016(syst).

Search for a heavy toplike quark in pp collisions at √s=1.96 TeV

We present the results of a search for pair production of a heavy toplike (t') quark decaying to Wq final states using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.6 fb(-1) collected by the CDF II detector in pp collisions at √s=1.96 TeV. We perform parallel searches for t'→Wb and t'→Wq (where q is a generic down-type quark) in events containing a lepton and four or more jets. By performing a fit to the two-dimensional distribution of total transverse energy versus reconstructed t' quark mass, we set upper limits on the t't' production cross section and exclude a standard model fourth-generation t' quark decaying to Wb (Wq) with mass below 358 (340) GeV/c(2) at 95% C.L.

Top-quark mass measurement using events with missing transverse energy and jets at CDF

We present a measurement of the top-quark mass using a sample of t ̄t events in 5.7 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity from p ̄p collisions at the Fermilab Tevatron with √s=1.96 TeV and collected by the CDF II Detector. We select events having large missing transverse energy, and four, five, or six jets with at least one jet tagged as coming from a b quark, and reject events with identified charged leptons. This analysis considers events from the semileptonic t ̄t decay channel, including events that contain tau leptons. The measurement is based on a multidimensional template method. We fit the data to signal templates of varying top-quark masses and background templates, and measure a top-quark mass of M(top)=172.32±2.4(stat)±1.0(syst)  GeV/c(2).

Observation of the baryonic flavor-changing neutral current decay Λb(0)→Λμ+μ-

We report the first observation of the baryonic flavor-changing neutral current decay Λ(b)(0)→Λμ(+)μ(-) with 24 signal events and a statistical significance of 5.8 Gaussian standard deviations. This measurement uses a pp collisions data sample corresponding to 6.8 fb(-1) at √s = 1.96 TeV collected by the CDF II detector at the Tevatron collider. The total and differential branching ratios for Λ(b)(0)→Λμ(+)μ(-) are measured. We find B(Λ(b)(0)→Λμ(+)μ(-))=[1.73 ± 0.42(stat) ± (syst)] × 10(-6). We also report the first measurement of the differential branching ratio of B(s)(0)→ϕμ(+)μ(-), using 49 signal events. In addition, we report branching ratios for B(+)→K(+)μ(+)μ(-), B(0)→K(0)μ(+)μ(-), and B→K(*)(892)μ(+)μ(-) decays.

Search for New T' particles in final states with large jet multiplicities and missing transverse energy in p p collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV

We present a search for a new particle T' decaying to a top quark via T' → t + X, where X goes undetected. We use a data sample corresponding to 5.7 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity of p p collisions with sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV, collected at Fermilab Tevatron by the CDF II detector. Our search for pair production of T' is focused on the hadronic decay channel, pp → T'T' → tt + XX → bqq b qq + XX. We interpret our results in terms of a model where T' is an exotic fourth generation quark and X is a dark matter particle. The data are consistent with standard model expectations. We set a limit on the generic production of T'T' → tt + XX, excluding the fourth generation exotic quarks T' at 95% confidence level up to m(T') = 400 GeV/c(2) for m(X) ≤ 70 GeV/c(2).

Search for B(s)(0) → μ+ μ- and B(0) → μ+ μ- decays with CDF II

A search has been performed for B(s)(0) → μ+ μ- and B(0) → μ+ μ- decays using 7 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity collected by the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron collider. The observed number of B(0) candidates is consistent with background-only expectations and yields an upper limit on the branching fraction of B(B(0) → μ+ μ-) < 6.0 × 10(-9) at 95% confidence level. We observe an excess of B(s)(0) candidates. The probability that the background processes alone could produce such an excess or larger is 0.27%. The probability that the combination of background and the expected standard model rate of B(s)(0) → μ+ μ- could produce such an excess or larger is 1.9%. These data are used to determine B(B(s)(0)→ μ+ μ-) = (1.8(-0.9) (+1.1)) × 10(-8) and provide an upper limit of B(B(s)(0) → μ+ μ-) < 4.0 × 10(-8) at 95% confidence level.

Search for new physics in high pT like-sign dilepton events at CDF II

We present a search for new physics in events with two high pT leptons of the same electric charge, using data with an integrated luminosity of 6.1 fb(-1). The observed data are consistent with standard model predictions. We set 95% C.L. lower limits on the mass of doubly charged scalars decaying to like-sign dileptons, m(H±±) > 190-245 GeV/c(2), assuming 100% BR to ee, μμ or eμ.

Measurement of the cross section for prompt isolated diphoton production in pp collisions at square root(s) = 1.96 TeV

This Letter reports a measurement of the cross section of prompt isolated photon pair production in pp collisions at a total energy square root(s)=1.96  TeV using data of 5.36  fb(-1) integrated luminosity collected with the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. The measured cross section, differential in basic kinematic variables, is compared with three perturbative QCD predictions, a leading order parton shower calculation and two next-to-leading order calculations. The next-to-leading order calculations reproduce most aspects of the data. By including photon radiation from quarks before and after hard scattering, the parton shower prediction becomes competitive with the next-to-leading order predictions.

Observation of the Ξ(b)(0) baryon

The observation of the bottom, strange baryon Ξ(b)(0) through the decay chain Ξ(b)(0)→Ξ(c)(+)π-, where ΞΞ(c)(+)→Ξ- π+ π+, Ξ-→Λπ-, and Λ→pπ-, is reported by using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 4.2  fb(-1) from pp collisions at square root(s)=1.96  TeV recorded with the Collider Detector at Fermilab. A signal of 25.3(-5.4)(+5.6) candidates is observed whose probability of arising from a background fluctuation is 3.6×10(-12), corresponding to 6.8 gaussian standard deviations. The Ξ(b)(0) mass is measured to be 5787.8±5.0(stat)±1.3(syst)  MeV/c2. In addition, the Ξ(b)- baryon is observed through the process Ξ(b)-→Ξ(c)(0)π-, where Ξ(c)(0)→Ξ- π+, Ξ-→Λπ-, and Λ→pπ-.

Discovery of two novel HLA-B alleles, B*46:13:03 and B*15:189, in two Taiwanese volunteer bone marrow donors by sequence-based typing

We report here two novel HLA-B alleles, B*46:13:03 and B*15:189, discovered in two Taiwanese volunteer bone marrow donors. The sequence of B*15:189 has a nucleotide sequence possibly derived from a recombination event between HLA-B*39:01:01 and B*15:01:01:01, while the origin of the sequence B*46:13:03 was less obvious to postulate, considering the low frequency of B*46:13 in the general population and the silent mutations involved. Our report here adds further HLA polymorphism to the growing lists of HLA-B*46 and HLA-B*15 and provides an additional HLA information for donor search programme for patients undergoing transplant.

Overactive bladder in Taiwanese women: re-analysis of epidemiological database of community from 1999 to 2001

AIMS

To update our previous computerized epidemiological data according to the new taxonomy, we re-evaluated and re-analyzed the data using the current definitions of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) which were approved and published by the ICS in 2002 and 2010 according to patient perception. Further, we divided overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms into OAB dry and OAB wet to assess their prevalence percentages by using the current definitions.

METHODS

OAB syndrome in our computerized database was re-defined as having the following storage symptoms present, that is, frequency, urgency, nocturia, urgency incontinence, or stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The prevalence of OAB syndrome was determined with a different taxonomy for those five storage symptoms either singly or in combination. OAB symptoms which were probably associated with mixed incontinence were either ignored or excluded.

RESULTS

The prevalence of OAB syndrome varied from 34.76% to 28.33% to 20.95% using different classifications of the above five storage symptoms. The prevalence of OAB wet symptoms increased with advancing age and this finding was consistent with three different definitions.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of OAB using the current definition is slightly higher than the result found in our previous published data using a defective classification system of OAB symptoms. The effects of mixed symptoms and probable misclassification cannot be overlooked because many women with OAB (with or without urgency incontinence) might also have SUI.

Oriental HLA-A*11:90 detected in a Taiwanese cord blood sample and the haplotype in association with A*11:90 allele

We report here an HLA-A allele, A*11:90, found in a Taiwanese cord blood sample using DNA sequence-based typing (SBT) protocol after observing an anomalous reaction pattern in a sequence-specific oligonucleotide (SSO) typing exercise. The sequence of A*11:90 is identical to A*11:01:01, the most predominant A*11 variant in Taiwanese, in exon 2 but differs from A*11:01:01 in exon 3 by two nucleotide substitutions at codon 163 (c.487C>G and c.488G>A), resulting R163E. In comparison with the sequence of A*11:02:01, the second most predominant subtype of A*11 in Taiwanese A*11:90 has one nucleotide difference at codon 19 (c.55A>G) in exon 2 resulting K19E and two nucleotides variations at codon 163 (c.487C>G and c.488G>A) in exon 3 resulting R163E. HLA-A*11:90-B*40:02-DRB1*11:01 is the deduced probable HLA haplotype in association with A*11:90. The generation of A*11:90 is thought to involve a DNA recombination event between alleles A*11:01:01 and A*80:01 where A*80:01 donated a fragment of the DNA sequence (from n.t. 487 to n.t. 497) to the recipient sequence of A*11:01:01.

Search for new dielectron resonances and Randall-Sundrum gravitons at the collider detector at Fermilab

A search for new dielectron-mass resonances using data recorded by the CDF II detector and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.7  fb(-1) is presented. No significant excess over the expected standard model prediction is observed. In this data set, an event with the highest dielectron mass ever observed (960  GeV/c(2)) was recorded. The results are interpreted in the Randall-Sundrum (RS) model. Combined with the 5.4  fb(-1) diphoton analysis, the RS-graviton lower-mass limit for the coupling k/M¯(Pl)=0.1 is 1058  GeV/c(2), making it the strongest limit to date.

Limits on anomalous trilinear gauge couplings in Zγ events from pp¯ collisions at √s=1.96 TeV

Using Zγ candidate events collected by the CDF detector at the Tevatron Collider, we search for potential anomalous (non-standard-model) couplings between the Z boson and the photon. Zγ couplings vanish at tree level and are heavily suppressed at higher orders; hence any evidence of couplings indicates new physics. Measurements are performed using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 4.9  fb(-1) in the Z→νν¯ decay channel and 5.1  fb(-1) in the Z→l(+)l(-) (l=μ, e) decay channels. The combination of these measurements provides the most stringent limits to date on Zγ trilinear gauge couplings. Using an energy scale of Λ=1.5  TeV to allow for a direct comparison with previous measurements, we find limits on the CP-conserving parameters that describe Zγ couplings to be |h(3)(γ,Z)|<0.022 and |h(4)(γ,Z)|<0.0009. These results are consistent with standard model predictions.

First search for multijet resonances in sqrt(s) = 1.96 TeV pp collisions

We present the first model independent search for three-jet hadronic resonances within multijet events in sqrt(s) = 1.96  TeV pp collisions at the Fermilab Tevatron using the CDF II detector. Pair production of supersymmetric gluinos and squarks with hadronic R-parity violating decays is employed as an example of a new physics benchmark for this signature. Selection criteria based on the kinematic properties of an ensemble of jet combinations within each event help to extract signal from copious QCD background. No significant excess outside the top quark mass window is observed in data with an integrated luminosity of 3.2  fb(-1). We place 95% confidence level limits on the production cross section σ(pp → XX')×BR(gg → 3  jet + 3  jet) where X, X' = g, q, or q, with q, q → g + jet, as a function of gluino mass, in the range of 77  GeV/c2 to 240  GeV/c2.

Search for a very light CP-odd Higgs boson in top quark decays from pp collisions at sqrt(s)]=1.96 TeV

We present the results of a search for a very light CP-odd Higgs boson a(1)(0) originating from top quark decays t → H(±)b → W(±(*)) a(1)(0)b, and subsequently decaying into τ+ τ-. Using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.7  fb(-1) collected by the CDF II detector in pp collisions at 1.96 TeV, we perform a search for events containing a lepton, three or more jets, and an additional isolated track with transverse momentum in the range 3 to 20  GeV/c. Observed events are consistent with background sources, and 95% C.L. limits are set on the branching ratio of t → H(±)b for various masses of H(±) and a(1)(0).

Detection of two HLA-A alleles, A*31:30 and A*26:20, in two Taiwanese volunteer bone marrow donors by sequence-based typing

We here report detection of a novel sequence of HLA-A*31:30 and a confirmatory sequence of HLA*26:20 from two Taiwanese individuals. The sequence of A*31:30 is identical to that of A*31:01:02 in exons 2 and 3, except one nucleotide (n.t.) substitution c.539T > G resulting in p.Leu180Trp. The sequence of A*26:20 is identical to A*26:01:01 in exons 2 and 3, except a segment of the sequence from n.t. 78 to n.t.102. The mismatched sequence segment is identical to a sequence segment of A*02:03:01, suggesting that the formation of A*26:20 was resulted from a DNA recombination event between A*26:01:01 and A*02:03:01 sequences. A*26:20 differs from A*26:01:01 with c.98A > T resulting in p.Tyr33Phe.

First measurement of the angular coefficients of Drell-Yan e(+)e(-) pairs in the Z mass region from pp¯ collisions at √s=1.96 TeV

We report on the first measurement of the angular distributions of final state electrons in pp¯ → γ*/Z → e(+)e(-) + X events produced in the Z boson mass region at √s1.96 TeV. The data sample collected by the CDF II detector for this result corresponds to 2.1  fb(-1) of integrated luminosity. The angular distributions are studied as a function of the transverse momentum of the electron-positron pair and show good agreement with the Lam-Tung relation, consistent with a spin-1 description of the gluon, and demonstrate that, at high values of the transverse momentum, Z bosons are produced via quark-antiquark annihilation and quark-gluon Compton processes.

Search for production of heavy particles decaying to top quarks and invisible particles in pp collisions at √s = 1.96 TeV

We present a search for a new particle T' decaying to top quark via T' → t + X, where X is an invisible particle. In a data sample with 4.8  fb(-1) of integrated luminosity collected by the CDF II detector at Fermilab in pp collisions with √s = 1.96  TeV, we search for pair production of T' in the lepton + jets channel, pp → tt + X + X → ℓνbqq'b + X + X. We interpret our results primarily in terms of a model where T' are exotic fourth generation quarks and X are dark matter particles. Current direct and indirect bounds on such exotic quarks restrict their masses to be between 300 and 600  GeV/c2, the dark matter particle mass being anywhere below m(T'). The data are consistent with standard model expectations, and we set 95% confidence level limits on the generic production of T'T' → tt + X + X. For the dark matter model we exclude T' at 95% confidence level up to m(T') = 360  GeV/c2 for m(X) ≤ 100  GeV/c2.

Measurements of direct CP violating asymmetries in charmless decays of strange bottom mesons and bottom baryons

We report measurements of direct CP-violating asymmetries in charmless decays of neutral bottom hadrons to pairs of charged hadrons with the upgraded Collider Detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. Using a data sample corresponding to 1 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity, we obtain the first measurements of direct CP violation in bottom strange mesons, A(CP)(B(s)(0)→K(-)π(+))=+0.39±0.15(stat)±0.08(syst), and bottom baryons, A(CP)(Λ(b)(0)→pπ(-))=+0.03±0.17(stat)±0.05(syst) and A(CP)(Λ(b)(0)→pK(-))=+0.37±0.17(stat)±0.03(syst). In addition, we measure CP violation in B(0)→K(+)π(-) decays with 3.5σ significance, A(CP)(B(0)→K(+)π(-))=-0.086±0.023(stat)±0.009(syst), in agreement with the current world average. Measurements of branching fractions of B(s)(0)→K(+)K(-) and B(0)→π(+)π(-) decays are also updated.

Invariant mass distribution of jet pairs produced in association with a W boson in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV

We report a study of the invariant mass distribution of jet pairs produced in association with a W boson using data collected with the CDF detector which correspond to an integrated luminosity of 4.3  fb(-1). The observed distribution has an excess in the 120-160  GeV/c(2) mass range which is not described by current theoretical predictions within the statistical and systematic uncertainties. In this Letter, we report studies of the properties of this excess.

Measurement of the forward-backward asymmetry in the B→K*μ(+)μ(-) decay and first observation of the B(s)0→ϕμ(+)μ(-) decay

We reconstruct the rare decays B(+)→K(+)μ(+0μ(-0, B90)→K*(892)(0)μ(+)μ(-), and B(s)(0)→ϕ(1020)μ(+)μ(-) in a data sample corresponding to 4.4  fb(-1) collected in pp collisions at √[s]=1.96  TeV by the CDF II detector at the Tevatron Collider. Using 121±16 B(+)→K(+)μ(+)μ(-) and 101±12 B(0)→K(*0)μ(+)μ(-) decays we report the branching ratios. In addition, we report the differential branching ratio and the muon forward-backward asymmetry in the B(+) and B(0) decay modes, and the K(*0) longitudinal polarization fraction in the B(0) decay mode with respect to the squared dimuon mass. These are consistent with the predictions, and most recent determinations from other experiments and of comparable accuracy. We also report the first observation of the B(s)(0)→ϕμ(+)μ(-) decay and measure its branching ratio BR(B(s)(0)→ϕμ(+)μ(-))=[1.44±0.33±0.46]×10(-6) using 27±6 signal events. This is currently the most rare B(s)(0) decay observed.

Measurement of the mass difference between t and t quarks

We present a direct measurement of the mass difference between t and t quarks using tt candidate events in the lepton+jets channel, collected with the CDF II detector at Fermilab's 1.96 TeV Tevatron pp Collider. We make an event by event estimate of the mass difference to construct templates for top quark pair signal events and background events. The resulting mass difference distribution of data is compared to templates of signals and background using a maximum likelihood fit. From a sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.6  fb(-1), we measure a mass difference, ΔM(top) = M(t) - M(t) = -3.3 ± 1.4(stat) ± 1.0(syst)  GeV/c2, approximately 2 standard deviations away from the CPT hypothesis of zero mass difference.

Search for heavy bottomlike quarks decaying to an electron or muon and jets in pp collisions at √s = 1.96 TeV

We report the most sensitive direct search for pair production of fourth-generation bottomlike chiral quarks (b') each decaying promptly to tW. We search for an excess of events with an electron or muon, at least five jets (one identified as due to a b or c quark), and an imbalance of transverse momentum by using data from pp collisions collected by the CDF II detector at Fermilab with an integrated luminosity of 4.8  fb(-1). We observe events consistent with background expectation, calculate upper limits on the b' pair-production cross section (σ(bb')) ≲30  fb for m(b') > 375  GeV/c2), and exclude m(b') < 372  GeV/c2 at 95% confidence level assuming a 100% branching ratio of b' to tW.

Measurement of b hadron lifetimes in exclusive decays containing a J/ψ in pp collisions at √s=1.96 TeV

We report on a measurement of b-hadron lifetimes in the fully reconstructed decay modes B(+)→J/ψK(+), B⁰→J/ψK*(892)⁰, B⁰→J/ψK(s)⁰, and Λ(b)⁰→J/ψΛ⁰ using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 4.3 fb⁻¹, collected by the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. The measured lifetimes are τ(B(+))=[1.639±0.009(stat)±0.009(syst)] ps, τ(B⁰)=[1.507±0.010(stat)±0.008(syst)] ps, and τ(Λ(b)⁰)=[1.537±0.045(stat)±0.014(syst)] ps. The lifetime ratios are τ(B(+))/τ(B⁰)=[1.088±0.009(stat)±0.004(syst)] and τ(Λ(b)⁰)/τ(B⁰)=[1.020±0.030(stat)±0.008(syst)]. These are the most precise determinations of these quantities from a single experiment.

Search for high mass resonances decaying to muon pairs in √s=1.96 TeV pp collisions

We present a search for a new narrow, spin-1, high mass resonance decaying to μ(+)μ⁻+X, using a matrix-element-based likelihood and a simultaneous measurement of the resonance mass and production rate. In data with 4.6 fb⁻¹ of integrated luminosity collected by the CDF detector in pp collisions at √s=1960 GeV, the most likely signal cross section is consistent with zero at 16% confidence level. We therefore do not observe evidence for a high mass resonance and place limits on models predicting spin-1 resonances, including M>1071 GeV/c² at 95% confidence level for a Z' boson with the same couplings to fermions as the Z boson.

Top quark mass measurement in the lepton + jets channel using a matrix element method and in situ jet energy calibration

A precision measurement of the top quark mass m(t) is obtained using a sample of tt events from pp collisions at the Fermilab Tevatron with the CDF II detector. Selected events require an electron or muon, large missing transverse energy, and exactly four high-energy jets, at least one of which is tagged as coming from a b quark. A likelihood is calculated using a matrix element method with quasi-Monte Carlo integration taking into account finite detector resolution and jet mass effects. The event likelihood is a function of m(t) and a parameter Δ(JES) used to calibrate the jet energy scale in situ. Using a total of 1087 events in 5.6 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity, a value of m(t)=173.0 ± 1.2 GeV/c(2) is measured.

Improved search for a Higgs boson produced in association with Z → l+ l- in pp collisions sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV

We search for the standard model Higgs boson produced with a Z boson in 4.1 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity collected with the CDF II detector at the Tevatron. In events consistent with the decay of the Higgs boson to a bottom-quark pair and the Z boson to electrons or muons, we set 95% credibility level upper limits on the ZH production cross section multiplied by the H → bb branching ratio. Improved analysis methods enhance signal sensitivity by 20% relative to previous searches. At a Higgs boson mass of 115 GeV/c2 we set a limit of 5.9 times the standard model cross section.

Direct top-quark width measurement at CDF

We present a measurement of the top-quark width in the lepton+jets decay channel of tt events produced in p p collisions at Fermilab's Tevatron collider and collected by the CDF II detector. From a data sample corresponding to 4.3 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity, we identify 756 candidate events. The top-quark mass and the mass of the hadronically decaying W boson that comes from the top-quark decay are reconstructed for each event and compared with templates of different top-quark widths (Γ(t)) and deviations from nominal jet energy scale (Δ(JES)) to perform a simultaneous fit for both parameters, where Δ(JES) is used for the in situ calibration of the jet energy scale. By applying a Feldman-Cousins approach, we establish an upper limit at 95% confidence level (CL) of Γ(t) <7.6 GeV and a two-sided 68% CL interval of 0.3 GeV <Γ(t) <4.4  GeV for a top-quark mass of 172.5 GeV/c(2), which are consistent with the standard model prediction.

Search for R-parity violating decays of sneutrinos to eμ, μτ, and eτ pairs in pp collisions at square root s = 1.96 TeV

We present a search for supersymmetric neutrino ν production using the Tevatron pp collision data collected with the CDF II detector and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1 fb-1. We focus on the scenarios predicted by the R-parity violating (RPV) supersymmetric models in which sneutrinos decay to two charged leptons of different flavor. With the data consistent with the standard model expectations, we set upper limits on σ(pp→ν)×BR(ν→eμ,μτ,eτ) and use these results to constrain the RPV couplings as a function of the sneutrino mass.

Search for new physics with a dijet plus missing E(T) signature in pp collisions at √s=1.96 TeV

We present results of a signature-based search for new physics using a dijet plus missing transverse energy (E(T)) data sample collected in 2  fb⁻¹ of pp collisions at √s=1.96  TeV with the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. We observe no significant event excess with respect to the standard model prediction and extract a 95% C.L. upper limit on the cross section times acceptance for a potential contribution from a nonstandard model process. The search is made by using novel, data-driven techniques for estimating backgrounds that are applicable to first searches at the LHC.

Evaluation of anti-Wnt/β-catenin signaling agents by pGL4-TOP transfected stable cells with a luciferase reporter system

Refractory and relapsed leukemia is a major problem during cancer therapy, which is due to the aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Activation of this pathway is promoted by wingless (Wnt) proteins and induces co-activator β-catenin binding to lymphoid enhancer factor (LEF)/T-cell factor protein (TCF). To provide a convenient system for the screening of anti-Wnt/β-catenin agents, we designed a bi-functional pGL4-TOP reporter plasmid that contained 3X β-catenin/LEF/TCF binding sites and a selectable marker. After transfection and hygromycin B selection, HEK 293-TOP and Jurkat-TOP stable clones were established. The luciferase activity in the stable clone was enhanced by the recombinant Wnt-3A (rWnt-3A; 100-400 ng/mL) and GSK3β inhibitor (2'Z,3'E)-6-bromoindirubin-3'-oxime (BIO; 5 µM) but was inhibited by aspirin (5 mM). Using this reporter model, we found that norcantharidin (NCTD; 100 µM) reduced 80% of rWnt-3A-induced luciferase activity. Furthermore, 50 µM NCTD inhibited 38% of BIO-induced luciferase activity in Jurkat-TOP stable cells. Employing ³H-thymidine uptake assay and Western blot analysis, we confirmed that NCTD (50 µM) significantly inhibited proliferation of Jurkat cells by 64%, which are the dominant β-catenin signaling cells and decreased β-catenin protein in a concentration-dependent manner. Thus, we established a stable HEK 293-TOP clone and successfully used it to identify the Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibitor NCTD.

Exclusion of an exotic top quark with -4/3 electric charge using soft lepton tagging

We present a measurement of the electric charge of the top quark using pp collisions corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.7 fb(-1) at the CDF II detector. We reconstruct tt events in the lepton + jets final state. We use soft lepton taggers to determine the flavor of the b jets, which we use to reconstruct the top quark's electric charge and exclude an exotic top quark with -4/3 charge at 95% confidence level. This is the strongest exclusion of the exotic charge scenario and the first to use soft leptons for this purpose.

Search for the production of scalar bottom quarks in pp collisions at square root(s) = 1.96 TeV

We report on a search for direct scalar bottom quark (sbottom) pair production in pp collisions at square root(s) = 1.96 TeV, in events with large missing transverse energy and two jets of hadrons in the final state, where at least one of the jets is required to be identified as originating from a b quark. The study uses a collider detector at Fermilab Run II data sample corresponding to 2.65 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity. The data are in agreement with the standard model. In an R-parity conserving minimal supersymmetric scenario, and assuming that the sbottom decays exclusively into a bottom quark and a neutralino, 95% confidence-level upper limits on the sbottom pair production cross section of 0.1 pb are obtained. For neutralino masses below 70 GeV/c2, sbottom masses up to 230 GeV/c2 are excluded at 95% confidence level.

End-stage renal disease after orthotopic heart transplantation: a single-institute experience

Orthotopic heart transplantation is the treatment of choice for end-stage heart failure, and calcineurin inhibitor agents allow for better allograft survival. However, pretransplantation low cardiac output status and posttransplantation immunosuppressants contribute toward deterioration of renal function. From 1987 to 2008, 350 patients underwent orthotopic heart transplantation in our hospital. Most of them received anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) as the induction immunosuppressant. The introduction of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) reduced the maintenance level of cyclosporine. The 26 patients who developed end-stage renal disease required dialysis. We reviewed the patient characteristics, including pretransplantation status, immunosuppressant regimens and drug levels, time and type of dialysis, and mortality rate. The mean age of these 26 patients was 53 years. Three patients underwent peritoneal dialysis. The overall 1-year survival rate was 96%, and the 5-year survival rate was 80%. The duration from heart transplantation to chronic dialysis correlated with the presence of a pretransplantation diagnosis of diabetes (P<.05) and an elevated pretransplantation blood creatinine level (P=.01), but there was no significant effect of the initial level of cyclosporine. In addition, the pretransplantation blood creatinine level was also related to the necessity of immediate postoperative hemodialysis (P=.01). There was no significant risk factor in relation to mortality. Regardless of modification of immunosuppressant regimens and initial drug levels, pretransplantation kidney function played an important inverse role in the duration from transplantation to dialysis: the higher the pretransplantation blood creatinine, the shorter the duration. While awaiting a heart transplant, more effort should be spent on protecting renal function to avoid early chronic dialysis.

Measurement of W-boson polarization in Top-Quark Decay in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV

We report measurements of the polarization of W bosons from top-quark decays using 2.7 fb{-1} of pp collisions collected by the CDF II detector. Assuming a top-quark mass of 175  GeV/c{2}, three measurements are performed. A simultaneous measurement of the fraction of longitudinal (f{0}) and right-handed (f{+}) W bosons yields the model-independent results f{0}=0.88±0.11(stat)±0.06(syst) and f{+}=-0.15±0.07(stat)±0.06(syst) with a correlation coefficient of -0.59. A measurement of f{0} [f{+}] constraining f{+} [f{0}] to its standard model value of 0.0 [0.7] yields f{0}=0.70±0.07(stat)±0.04(syst) [f{+}=-0.01±0.02(stat)±0.05(syst)]. All these results are consistent with standard model expectations. We achieve the single most precise measurements of f{0} for both the model-independent and model-dependent determinations.

Measurement of the ratio σ{tt}/σ{Z/γ{*}→ll} and precise extraction of the tt cross section

We report a measurement of the ratio of the tt to Z/γ{*} production cross sections in sqrt[s]=1.96  TeV pp collisions using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of up to 4.6  fb{-1}, collected by the CDF II detector. The tt cross section ratio is measured using two complementary methods, a b-jet tagging measurement and a topological approach. By multiplying the ratios by the well-known theoretical Z/γ{*}→ll cross section predicted by the standard model, the extracted tt cross sections are effectively insensitive to the uncertainty on luminosity. A best linear unbiased estimate is used to combine both measurements with the result σ{tt}=7.70±0.52  pb, for a top-quark mass of 172.5  GeV/c{2}.

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

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

Search for WW and WZ resonances decaying to electron, missing E(T), and two jets in pp collisions at square root(s) = 1.96 TeV

Using data from 2.9  fb(-1) of integrated luminosity collected with the CDF II detector at the Tevatron, we search for resonances decaying into a pair of on-shell gauge bosons, WW or WZ, where one W decays into an electron and a neutrino, and the other boson decays into two jets. We observed no statistically significant excess above the expected standard model background, and we set cross section limits at 95% confidence level on G* (Randall-Sundrum graviton), Z', and W' bosons. By comparing these limits to theoretical cross sections, mass exclusion regions for the three particles are derived. The mass exclusion regions for Z' and W' are further evaluated as a function of their gauge coupling strength.

Measurement of the W+ W- production cross section and search for anomalous WWγ and WWZ couplings in pp collisions at square root(s)=1.96 TeV

This Letter describes the current most precise measurement of the W boson pair production cross section and most sensitive test of anomalous WWγ and WWZ couplings in pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 1.96 TeV. The WW candidates are reconstructed from decays containing two charged leptons and two neutrinos. Using data collected by the CDF II detector from 3.6  fb(-1) of integrated luminosity, a total of 654 candidate events are observed with an expected background of 320±47 events. The measured cross section is σ(pp→W+ W- +X)=12.1±0.9(stat)-1.4+1.6(syst)  pb, which is in good agreement with the standard model prediction. The same data sample is used to place constraints on anomalous WWγ and WWZ couplings.

Quarter-filled supersolid and solid phases in the extended Bose-Hubbard model

We numerically study the ground state phase diagram of the two-dimensional hard-core Bose-Hubbard model with nearest-(V(1)) and next-nearest-neighbour (V(2)) repulsions. In particular, we focus on the quarter-filled phases where one supersolid and two solid phases are observed. Using both canonical and grand canonical quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) methods and a mean-field calculation, we provide evidence for the existence of a commensurate supersolid. Despite the two possible diagonal long-range orderings for the solid phase, only one kind of supersolid phase is found to be energetically stable. The competition between the two solid phases manifests itself as a first-order phase transition around 2V(2) ∼ V(1). The change of order parameters as a function of the chemical potential is also presented.

High-resolution photoacoustic imaging of ocular tissues

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and ultrasound (US) are methods widely used for diagnostic imaging of the eye. These techniques detect discontinuities in optical refractive index and acoustic impedance, respectively. Because these both relate to variations in tissue density or composition, OCT and US images share a qualitatively similar appearance. In photoacoustic imaging (PAI), short light pulses are directed at tissues, pressure is generated due to a rapid energy deposition in the tissue volume and thermoelastic expansion results in generation of broadband US. PAI thus depicts optical absorption, which is independent of the tissue characteristics imaged by OCT or US. Our aim was to demonstrate the application of PAI in ocular tissues and to do so with lateral resolution comparable to OCT. We developed two PAI assemblies, both of which used single-element US transducers and lasers sharing a common focus. The first assembly had optical and 35-MHz US axes offset by a 30 degrees angle. The second assembly consisted of a 20-MHz ring transducer with a coaxial optics. The laser emitted 5-ns pulses at either 532 nm or 1064 nm, with spot sizes at the focus of 35 microm for the angled probe and 20 microm for the coaxial probe. We compared lateral resolution by scanning 12.5 microm diameter wire targets with pulse/echo US and PAI at each wavelength. We then imaged the anterior segment in whole ex vivo pig eyes and the choroid and ciliary body region in sectioned eyes. PAI data obtained at 1064 nm in the near infrared had higher penetration but reduced signal amplitude compared to that obtained using the 532 nm green wavelength. Images were obtained of the iris, choroid and ciliary processes. The zonules and anterior cornea and lens surfaces were seen at 532 nm. Because the laser spot size was significantly smaller than the US beamwidth at the focus, PAI images had superior resolution than those obtained using conventional US.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor is a direct target of HBP1-mediated transcriptional repression that is overexpressed in prostate cancer

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a well-described proinflammatory mediator. MIF overexpression has been observed in many tumors and is implicated in oncogenic transformation and tumor progression. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for regulating MIF expression remain poorly understood. In this study, we showed that the transcriptional repressor HBP1 (HMG box-containing protein 1) negatively regulates MIF expression. We first identified a large high-affinity HBP1 DNA-binding element at positions -811 to -792 from the transcriptional start site within the MIF promoter by computer analysis. Reporter analyses showed that this element was required for HBP1-mediated transcriptional repression. Furthermore, HBP1 associated with the MIF promoter in vivo and repressed endogenous MIF gene expression. Consistent with HBP1-mediated repression of MIF, low levels of HBP1 expression were associated with high levels of MIF expression in prostate cancer samples. Importantly, HBP1-mediated repression of MIF inhibited tumorigenic growth and invasion, and the repressive effect of HBP1 on tumorigenic growth and invasion could be partially rescued by the addition of recombinant MIF to the culture medium. Finally, prostate tumor samples with low HBP1 and high MIF expression were associated with a significant decrease in relapse-free survival. Taken together, these results indicated that HBP1 directly inhibited MIF gene transcription, and suggested that the loss of HBP1 expression or activity may contribute to the upregulation of MIF expression in prostate tumor tissue.

Search for the Higgs boson using neural networks in events with missing energy and b-quark jets in pp collisions at square root(s) = 1.96 TeV

We report on a search for the standard model Higgs boson produced in association with a W or Z boson in pp collisions at square root(s)=1.96 TeV recorded by the CDF II experiment at the Tevatron in a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.1 fb(-1). We consider events which have no identified charged leptons, an imbalance in transverse momentum, and two or three jets where at least one jet is consistent with originating from the decay of a b hadron. We find good agreement between data and background predictions. We place 95% confidence level upper limits on the production cross section for several Higgs boson masses ranging from 110 GeV/c(2) to 150 GeV/c(2). For a mass of 115 GeV/c(2) the observed (expected) limit is 6.9 (5.6) times the standard model prediction.

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

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

Search for technicolor particles produced in association with a W Boson at CDF

We present a search for the technicolor particles rho{T} and pi_{T} in the process pp-->rho{T}-->Wpi{T} at a center of mass energy of sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV. The search uses a data sample corresponding to approximately 1.9 fb{-1} of integrated luminosity accumulated by the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. The event signature we consider is W-->lnu and pi{T}-->bb, bc or bu depending on the pi{T} charge. We select events with a single high-p{T} electron or muon, large missing transverse energy, and two jets. Jets corresponding to bottom quarks are identified with multiple b-tagging algorithms. The observed number of events and the invariant mass distributions are consistent with the standard model background expectations, and we exclude a region at 95% confidence level in the rho{T}-pi{T} mass plane. As a result, a large fraction of the region m(rho{T})=180-250 GeV/c{2} and m(pi{T})=95-145 GeV/c{2} is excluded.

Measurement of the Lambdab0 lifetime in Lambdab0 --> Lambdac+pi- decays in pp collisions at square root of s = 1.96 TeV

We report a measurement of the lifetime of the Lambda(b)(0) baryon in decays to the Lambda(c)(+)pi(-) final state in a sample corresponding to 1.1 fb(-1) collected in pp collisions at square root of s = 1.96 TeV by the CDF II detector at the Tevatron collider. Using a sample of about 3000 fully reconstructed Lambda(b)(0) events we measure tau(Lambda(b)(0)) = 1.401 +/- 0.046(stat) +/- 0.035(syst) ps (corresponding to ctau(Lambda(b)(0)) = 420.1 +/- 13.7(stat) +/- 10.6(syst) microm, where c is the speed of light). The ratio of this result and the world average B(0) lifetime yields tau(Lambda(b)(0))/tau(B(0)) = 0.918 +/- 0.038 (stat) and (syst), in good agreement with recent theoretical predictions.

Measurement of the WW + WZ production cross section using the lepton + jets final state at CDF II

We report two complementary measurements of the WW + WZ cross section in the final state consisting of an electron or muon, missing transverse energy, and jets, performed using pp collision data at square root of s = 1.96 TeV collected by the CDF II detector. The first method uses the dijet invariant mass distribution while the second more sensitive method uses matrix-element calculations. The result from the second method has a signal significance of 5.4sigma and is the first observation of WW + WZ production using this signature. Combining the results gives sigma(WW + WZ) = 16.0 +/- 3.3 pb, in agreement with the standard model prediction.

Search for new bottomlike quark pair decays QQ-->(tW(+)(-))(tW(+)(-)in same-charge dilepton events

We report the most restrictive direct limits on masses of fourth-generation down-type quarks b{'}, and quarklike composite fermions (B or T{5/3}), decaying promptly to tW{-/+}. We search for a significant excess of events with two same-charge leptons (e, mu), several hadronic jets, and missing transverse energy. An analysis of data from pp collisions with an integrated luminosity of 2.7 fb{-1} collected with the CDF II detector at Fermilab yields no evidence for such a signal, setting mass limits m{b{'}}, m{B}>338 GeV/c{2} and m{T{5/3}}>365 GeV/c{2} at 95% confidence level.

Elevated serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate level correlates with increased risk for metabolic syndrome in the elderly men

BACKGROUND

The previous studies regarding the association between endogenous dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) sulphate level and metabolic syndrome are inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate such relationship in elderly Taiwanese men.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five hundred and eighty-five elderly Taiwanese men (mean age 68.7 +/- 8.3 years) were enrolled as the baseline cohort population in 2000. In addition to a questionnaire, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, lipids, albumin and serum DHEA-S levels were measured for each participant. Metabolic syndrome was based on the definition by the America Heart Association/National Heart Lung Blood Institute.

RESULTS

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 33.3%. Using multivariate logistic regression analyses with adjustments for age, smoking, alcohol, physical activities, albumin and BMI, there was a positive relationship between serum DHEA-S level and metabolic syndrome. The highest DHEA-S quartile group had increased risk for metabolic syndrome (odds ratio = 2.68, 95% confidence interval: 1.44-5.01, P < 0.01) compared with the lowest quartile group. The mean serum DHEA-S level increased with increasing number of metabolic syndrome components.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome increases with elevated DHEA-S levels among elderly Taiwanese men. Thus, elevated serum DHEA-S level should be treated as an important risk factor for metabolic syndrome in elderly men.