J/ψ elliptic flow in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV

We report on the first measurement of inclusive J/ψ elliptic flow v2 in heavy-ion collisions at the LHC. The measurement is performed with the ALICE detector in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV in the rapidity range 2.5<y<4.0. The dependence of the J/ψ v2 on the collision centrality and on the J/ψ transverse momentum is studied in the range 0≤p(T)<10 GeV/c. For semicentral Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV, an indication of nonzero v2 is observed with a largest measured value of v2=0.116±0.046(stat)±0.029(syst) for J/ψ in the transverse momentum range 2≤p(T)<4 GeV/c. The elliptic flow measurement complements the previously reported ALICE results on the inclusive J/ψ nuclear modification factor and favors the scenario of a significant fraction of J/ψ production from charm quarks in a deconfined partonic phase.

D meson elliptic flow in noncentral Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[sNN]=2.76 Tev

Azimuthally anisotropic distributions of D0, D+, and D*+ mesons were studied in the central rapidity region (|y|<0.8) in Pb-Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[sNN]=2.76  TeV per nucleon-nucleon collision, with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The second Fourier coefficient v2 (commonly denoted elliptic flow) was measured in the centrality class 30%-50% as a function of the D meson transverse momentum pT, in the range 2-16  GeV/c. The measured v2 of D mesons is comparable in magnitude to that of light-flavor hadrons. It is positive in the range 2<pT<6  GeV/c with 5.7σ significance, based on the combination of statistical and systematic uncertainties.

Operative surgical yield from general surgical outpatient clinics; time to change the way we practice?

The aim of this study was to compare the number of patients attending surgical outpatient clinics in a general hospital to the number of resulting elective procedures scheduled in a single year. Patients initially assessed at private consulting rooms are not included in this study. The number of surgical outpatient appointments issued in 2011 totalled 6503 with non-attendances running at 1489 (22.9%). The number of elective surgical theatre cases performed in 2011 (i.e. the surgical yield from that period) came to 1078 with an additional 1470 patients referred for endoscopy and 475 patients referred for minor operations. Operative surgical yield from the currently structured outpatient clinic model is low, with the number of theatre cases coming to only 16.58% of the original number of outpatient appointments issued. Recommendations for the improvement of outpatient services are made. These findings are relevant in the context of streamlining access to surgical services.

Measurement of inelastic, single- and double-diffraction cross sections in proton-proton collisions at the LHC with ALICE

Measurements of cross sections of inelastic and diffractive processes in proton-proton collisions at LHC energies were carried out with the ALICE detector. The fractions of diffractive processes in inelastic collisions were determined from a study of gaps in charged particle pseudorapidity distributions: for single diffraction (diffractive mass MX <200 GeV/c2) [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text], respectively at centre-of-mass energies [Formula: see text]; for double diffraction (for a pseudorapidity gap Δη>3) σDD/σINEL=0.11±0.03,0.12±0.05, and [Formula: see text], respectively at [Formula: see text]. To measure the inelastic cross section, beam properties were determined with van der Meer scans, and, using a simulation of diffraction adjusted to data, the following values were obtained: [Formula: see text] mb at [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] at [Formula: see text]. The single- and double-diffractive cross sections were calculated combining relative rates of diffraction with inelastic cross sections. The results are compared to previous measurements at proton-antiproton and proton-proton colliders at lower energies, to measurements by other experiments at the LHC, and to theoretical models.

Net-charge fluctuations in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[sNN]=2.76 TeV

We report the first measurement of the net-charge fluctuations in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[sNN]=2.76  TeV, measured with the ALICE detector at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. The dynamical fluctuations per unit entropy are observed to decrease when going from peripheral to central collisions. An additional reduction in the amount of fluctuations is seen in comparison to the results from lower energies. We examine the dependence of fluctuations on the pseudorapidity interval, which may account for the dilution of fluctuations during the evolution of the system. We find that the fluctuations at the LHC are smaller compared to the measurements at the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider, and as such, closer to what has been theoretically predicted for the formation of a quark-gluon plasma.

Fully-elastic multi-granular network with space/frequency/time switching using multi-core fibres and programmable optical nodes

We present the first elastic, space division multiplexing, and multi-granular network based on two 7-core MCF links and four programmable optical nodes able to switch traffic utilising the space, frequency and time dimensions with over 6000-fold bandwidth granularity. Results show good end-to-end performance on all channels with power penalties between 0.75 dB and 3.7 dB.

Transverse momentum distribution and nuclear modification factor of charged particles in p+Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 5.02 TeV

The transverse momentum (p(T)) distribution of primary charged particles is measured in minimum bias (non-single-diffractive) p+Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=5.02 TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The p(T) spectra measured near central rapidity in the range 0.5<p(T) <20 GeV/c exhibit a weak pseudorapidity dependence. The nuclear modification factor R(pPb) is consistent with unity for p(T) above 2 GeV/c. This measurement indicates that the strong suppression of hadron production at high p(T) observed in Pb+Pb collisions at the LHC is not due to an initial-state effect. The measurement is compared to theoretical calculations.

Pseudorapidity density of charged particles in p+Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=5.02 TeV

The charged-particle pseudorapidity density measured over four units of pseudorapidity in nonsingle-diffractive p+Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair √(s(NN))=5.02 TeV is presented. The average value at midrapidity is measured to be 16.81±0.71 (syst), which corresponds to 2.14±0.17 (syst) per participating nucleon, calculated with the Glauber model. This is 16% lower than in nonsingle-diffractive pp collisions interpolated to the same collision energy and 84% higher than in d+Au collisions at s√(s(NN))=0.2 TeV. The measured pseudorapidity density in p+Pb collisions is compared to model predictions and provides new constraints on the description of particle production in high-energy nuclear collisions.

Charge separation relative to the reaction plane in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 2.76 TeV

Measurements of charge-dependent azimuthal correlations with the ALICE detector at the LHC are reported for Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 2.76 TeV. Two- and three-particle charge-dependent azimuthal correlations in the pseudorapidity range |η| < 0.8 are presented as a function of the collision centrality, particle separation in pseudorapidity, and transverse momentum. A clear signal compatible with a charge-dependent separation relative to the reaction plane is observed, which shows little or no collision energy dependence when compared to measurements at RHIC energies. This provides a new insight for understanding the nature of the charge-dependent azimuthal correlations observed at RHIC and LHC energies.

Pion, kaon, and proton production in central Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 2.76 TeV

In this Letter we report the first results on π(±), K(±), p, and p production at midrapidity (|y|<0.5) in central Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 2.76 TeV, measured by the ALICE experiment at the LHC. The p(T) distributions and yields are compared to previous results at sqrt[s(NN)] = 200 GeV and expectations from hydrodynamic and thermal models. The spectral shapes indicate a strong increase of the radial flow velocity with sqrt[s(NN)], which in hydrodynamic models is expected as a consequence of the increasing particle density. While the K/π ratio is in line with predictions from the thermal model, the p/π ratio is found to be lower by a factor of about 1.5. This deviation from thermal model expectations is still to be understood.

Measurement of the cross section for electromagnetic dissociation with neutron emission in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 2.76 TeV

The first measurement of neutron emission in electromagnetic dissociation of ^{208}Pb nuclei at the LHC is presented. The measurement is performed using the neutron zero degree calorimeters of the ALICE experiment, which detect neutral particles close to beam rapidity. The measured cross sections of single and mutual electromagnetic dissociation of Pb nuclei at sqrt[s(NN)]=2.76 TeV with neutron emission are σ(singleEMD)=187.4 ± 0.2(stat)(-11.2)(+13.2) (syst) b and σ(mutualEMD) = 5.7 ± 0.1(stat) ± 0.4(syst) b, respectively. The experimental results are compared to the predictions from a relativistic electromagnetic dissociation model.

Management of the acute appendix mass: a survey of surgical practice

Management of the appendix mass is controversial with no consensus in the literature. Traditionally, the approach has been conservative followed by interval appendicectomy. A survey was distributed to 117 surgeons (100 consultants and 17 final year specialist registrars) to determine how the appendix mass is currently treated in Ireland. In total, 70 surgeons responded. 51 (73%) adopt a conservative approach initially. 48 (68%) favoured interval appendicectomy at six weeks after a period of successful conservative management. 34 (49%) gave risk of recurrence as the reason for performing interval appendicectomy and 16 (22%) would perform interval appendicectomy in order to obtain histological analysis to outrule caecal or appendiceal neoplasm. 44 (63%) opted for a laparoscopic rather than an open approach for interval appendicectomy. No consensus exists in Ireland for management of the appendix mass presenting acutely. The present series demonstrates a trend towards conservative approach initially followed by interval appendicectomy.

Radio-opacity of commonly consumed bony fish in kelantan, malaysia

Fish is one of the major sources of protein among Malaysians. This has made incidents of fish bones lodged in the throat fairly common clinical problems. Plain radiograph, which is the first line of imaging in such cases, has been reported to have low sensitivity. Besides the location, the degree of radio-opacity of the bone is another important factor and is species dependent. This study was undertaken to determine the radio-opacity of bones from commonly consumed fish in Malaysia. A total of 15 types of fish were identified, six of them were opaque even when embedded and three were visualized in the simulated airway. In terms of radio-opacity, the commonly consumed fish in Malaysia possessed opaque bones and this fact can help doctors identify the location of the foreign body in the throat.

Epiglottic abscess: a rare cause of odynophagia

Epiglottic abscess is rare sequelae of acute epiglottitis. It occurs commonly in adult although acute epiglottitis commonly occur in children. The presentation includes fever with odynophagia. The diagnosis is based on high index of suspicion especially when oral examinations reveal normal findings. We report a case of adult epiglottic abscess which was treated with incision and drainage. The outline of management was discussed.

Production of muons from heavy flavor decays at forward rapidity in pp and Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=2.76 TeV

The ALICE Collaboration has measured the inclusive production of muons from heavy-flavor decays at forward rapidity, 2.5<y<4, in pp and Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=2.76  TeV. The p(t)-differential inclusive cross section of muons from heavy-flavor decays in pp collisions is compared to perturbative QCD calculations. The nuclear modification factor is studied as a function of p(t) and collision centrality. A weak suppression is measured in peripheral collisions. In the most central collisions, a suppression of a factor of about 3-4 is observed in 6<p(t)<10  GeV/c. The suppression shows no significant p(t) dependence.

J/ψ suppression at forward rapidity in Pb-Pb collisions at √s(NN) = 2.76 TeV

The ALICE experiment has measured the inclusive J/ψ production in Pb-Pb collisions at √s(NN) = 2.76 TeV down to zero transverse momentum in the rapidity range 2.5 < y < 4. A suppression of the inclusive J/ψ yield in Pb-Pb is observed with respect to the one measured in pp collisions scaled by the number of binary nucleon-nucleon collisions. The nuclear modification factor, integrated over the 0%-80% most central collisions, is 0.545 ± 0.032(stat) ± 0.083(syst) and does not exhibit a significant dependence on the collision centrality. These features appear significantly different from measurements at lower collision energies. Models including J/ψ production from charm quarks in a deconfined partonic phase can describe our data.

Recurrent glossal leiomyoma

Oral leiomyomas are rare benign tumour of smooth muscle. The first case of oral leiomyoma was reported by Blanc in 1884 and since then more cases has been published following advancement in immunohistochemical study. This tumour has an excellent prognosis and recurrences are extremely rare. We report a case of a recurrent glossal leiomyoma in a patient with HIV infection and the lesion recurred one year after the first excision.

Comparing the morbidity of external laryngeal nerve injury in thyroid surgery with and without identifying the nerve using intraoperative neuromonitoring

OBJECTIVE

To describe and determine the possibility of surgical trauma to the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve and to assess the role of intraoperative neuromonitoring in thyroid surgery.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Prospective, randomized, controlled study in a teaching Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.

SUBJECTS

Forty two patients of both genders, whom underwent thyroid surgery divided into two groups (21 patients control group and 21 patients study group) in HUSM and were randomly selected for our study.

METHODS

The use of nerve monitoring and proper surgical technique of upper thyroid pole dissection followed by its lateralization and exposure of cricothyroid space were performed in each subject in study group in order to preserve EBSLN after its identification. In control group upper thyroid vessels were ligated close to the upper thyroid pole without any effort of EBSLN identification.

RESULTS

Total of 42 (35 females and 7 males) patients who underwent thyroid surgery in a period of 2 years. Evaluation of all subjects 1 case in control group presented with symptoms of EBSLN injury.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative identification and neuromonitoring can avoid injury to the EBSLN and prevent its sequential changes in voice especially for those who professionally depend to their voice.

Abstract 324: Resequencing of the Lipoprotein Lipase Gene in Individuals with Extreme HDL-Cholesterol Levels

In the United States, coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common cause of death and number one killer of American males and females. Several risk factors for CHD have been identified, including low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), elevated total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high triglycerides (TG), but the genetic variations underlying inter-individual differences in plasma lipid profiles still need to be further explored. Thus, our interest has been focused on the lipoprotein lipase ( LPL ) which is one of the major genes involved in lipid metabolism. Previously, its sequence variation has been associated with the risk of CHD and other complex traits such as dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, essential hypertension, and Alzheimer’s disease. In order to further investigate the common and rare variation in LPL , we resequenced the 95 individuals having lower (n=48) and upper (n=48) 5 th percentiles of HDL-C levels selected from a well defined population-based non-Hispanic White (NHW) sample of 623 individuals. As a result of resequencing the entire LPL gene and additional 1kb at the 5’ and 3’ end, a total of 179 variants (substitutions or indels) plus one microsatellite were identified, including 91 relatively uncommon or rare variants [minor allele frequency (MAF) <0.05)] and 88 common variants (MAF ≥0.05). We have observed differences in the distribution of the 91 relatively uncommon or rare variants in two groups; 21 were present only in the low HDL-C group and 25 were present only in the high HDL-C group. The prevalence of uncommon or rare variants was found to be higher in the high HDL-C group. Thirty two common variants showed significantly different (p-value <0.05) allele frequency between the high and low HDL-C groups. To date, we have analyzed 39 common variants (MAF ≥0.05) in the entire sample and our results confirm the previous association findings as well as reveal novel variants that are associated with inter-individual variation in HDL and TG levels. The genotyping effort of relevant rare variants in the entire sample has also been completed and their analysis will help to unravel the role of rare variants in the LPL gene in regulation of plasma HDL-C levels and other lipids.

Unilateral foul smelly nasal discharge in an adult

The incidence of rhinolith is by far very low compared to the nasal foreign bodies, especially in adult. Foreign body (FB) in the nostril will lead to unilateral nasal symptom which can start with nasal obstruction or discomfort. In younger children, they may miss to report the problem to the parents but, later on, the FB will manifest itself with unilateral nasal discharge, which at most of the time fouls smells. We report a case of a healthy adult female who presented with unilateral foul smelly nasal discharge which later was diagnosed as rhinolith, with rubber-tip pencil eraser as the nidus of calcification.

An annual audit of the ear foreign bodies in hospital universiti sains malaysia

Foreign bodies or objects in the ear are one of the most common problems encountered by otorhinolaryngologist (ORL) with attendant complications, removal of which requires expertise. Patients with this problem who sought treatment in the otorhinolaryngology clinic of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) were studied for duration of one year from January 2010 to December 2010. Specifically, the clinical presentation, type of foreign body and management outcome were analysed. 72 patients were reviewed - 44 (61.1%) males and 28 (38.9%) females. The age range was one year to 75 years with 59.8% being children below 10 years old. Ear pain (56.9%) was recorded as the most common and persistent symptom and insects (54%) were the commonest foreign body encountered. 95% (69) of the foreign bodies were removed under clinic setting with only three (4.2%) cases requiring general anaesthesia. Post-removal complications were noted in only one patient (1.4%). Repeated attempts by untrained personnel should be avoided and timely referral is vital to avoid undesirable complications.