Observation of D^{0} Meson Decays to π^{+}π^{-}μ^{+}μ^{-} and K^{+}K^{-}μ^{+}μ^{-} Final States

The first observation of the D^{0}→π^{+}π^{-}μ^{+}μ^{-} and D^{0}→K^{+}K^{-}μ^{+}μ^{-} decays is reported using a sample of proton-proton collisions collected by LHCb at a center-of-mass energy of 8 TeV, and corresponding to 2  fb^{-1} of integrated luminosity. The corresponding branching fractions are measured using as normalization the decay D^{0}→K^{-}π^{+}[μ^{+}μ^{-}]_{ρ^{0}/ω}, where the two muons are consistent with coming from the decay of a ρ^{0} or ω meson. The results are B(D^{0}→π^{+}π^{-}μ^{+}μ^{-})=(9.64±0.48±0.51±0.97)×10^{-7} and B(D^{0}→K^{+}K^{-}μ^{+}μ^{-})=(1.54±0.27±0.09±0.16)×10^{-7}, where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic, and due to the limited knowledge of the normalization branching fraction. The dependence of the branching fraction on the dimuon mass is also investigated.

Search for Baryon-Number Violating Ξ_{b}^{0} Oscillations

A search for baryon-number violating Ξ_{b}^{0} oscillations is performed with a sample of pp collision data recorded by the LHCb experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3  fb^{-1}. The baryon number at the moment of production is identified by requiring that the Ξ_{b}^{0} come from the decay of a resonance Ξ_{b}^{*-}→Ξ_{b}^{0}π^{-} or Ξ_{b}^{'-}→Ξ_{b}^{0}π^{-}, and the baryon number at the moment of decay is identified from the final state using the decays Ξ_{b}^{0}→Ξ_{c}^{+}π^{-},Ξ_{c}^{+}→pK^{-}π^{+}. No evidence of baryon-number violation is found, and an upper limit at the 95% confidence level is set on the oscillation rate of ω<0.08  ps^{-1}, where ω is the associated angular frequency.

Measurement of liver and spleen interstitial volume in patients with systemic amyloid light-chain amyloidosis using equilibrium contrast CT

OBJECTIVES

To investigate equilibrium contrast-enhanced CT (EQ-CT) measurement of extracellular volume fraction (ECV) in patients with systemic amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis, testing the hypothesis that ECV becomes elevated in the liver and spleen and ECV correlates with other estimates of organ amyloid burden.

METHODS

26 patients with AL amyloidosis underwent EQ-CT, and ECV was measured in the liver and spleen. Patients also underwent serum amyloid P (SAP) component scintigraphy with grading of liver and spleen involvement. Mann-Whitney U test was used to test for a difference between patients with amyloid deposition (SAP grade 1-3) and those without (SAP grade 0). Variation in ECV across SAP grades was assessed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and association between ECV and SAP grades with Spearman correlation.

RESULTS

Mean ECV in the spleen and liver was significantly greater (p < 0.0005) in amyloidotic organs (SAP grade 1-3) [spleen, liver: 0.430, 0.375] compared with healthy tissues [spleen, liver: 0.304, 0.269]. ECV increased with increasing amyloid burden, showing positive correlation with SAP grade in both the liver (r = 0.758) and spleen (r = 0.867).

CONCLUSION

In patients with systemic AL amyloidosis, EQ-CT can demonstrate increased spleen and liver ECV, which is associated with amyloid disease burden.

Improved limit on the branching fraction of the rare decay K S 0 → μ + μ -

A search for the decay K S 0 → μ + μ - is performed, based on a data sample of proton-proton collisions corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3 fb - 1 , collected by the LHCb experiment at centre-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV . The observed yield is consistent with the background-only hypothesis, yielding a limit on the branching fraction of B ( K S 0 → μ + μ - ) < 0.8 ( 1.0 ) × 10 - 9 at 90 % ( 95 % ) confidence level. This result improves the previous upper limit on the branching fraction by an order of magnitude.

Observation of the Doubly Charmed Baryon Ξ_{cc}^{++}

A highly significant structure is observed in the Λ_{c}^{+}K^{-}π^{+}π^{+} mass spectrum, where the Λ_{c}^{+} baryon is reconstructed in the decay mode pK^{-}π^{+}. The structure is consistent with originating from a weakly decaying particle, identified as the doubly charmed baryon Ξ_{cc}^{++}. The difference between the masses of the Ξ_{cc}^{++} and Λ_{c}^{+} states is measured to be 1334.94±0.72(stat.)±0.27(syst.)  MeV/c^{2}, and the Ξ_{cc}^{++} mass is then determined to be 3621.40±0.72(stat.)±0.27(syst.)±0.14(Λ_{c}^{+})  MeV/c^{2}, where the last uncertainty is due to the limited knowledge of the Λ_{c}^{+} mass. The state is observed in a sample of proton-proton collision data collected by the LHCb experiment at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.7  fb^{-1}, and confirmed in an additional sample of data collected at 8 TeV.

Study of charmonium production in b -hadron decays and first evidence for the decay B s 0 → ϕ ϕ ϕ

Using decays to ϕ -meson pairs, the inclusive production of charmonium states in b -hadron decays is studied with pp collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb - 1 , collected by the LHCb experiment at centre-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. Denoting by B C ≡ B ( b → C X ) × B ( C → ϕ ϕ ) the inclusive branching fraction of a b hadron to a charmonium state C that decays into a pair of ϕ mesons, ratios R C 2 C 1 ≡ B C 1 / B C 2 are determined as R η c ( 1 S ) χ c 0 = 0.147 ± 0.023 ± 0.011 , R η c ( 1 S ) χ c 1 = 0.073 ± 0.016 ± 0.006 , R η c ( 1 S ) χ c 2 = 0.081 ± 0.013 ± 0.005 , R χ c 0 χ c 1 = 0.50 ± 0.11 ± 0.01 , R χ c 0 χ c 2 = 0.56 ± 0.10 ± 0.01 and R η c ( 1 S ) η c ( 2 S ) = 0.040 ± 0.011 ± 0.004 . Here and below the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. Upper limits at 90% confidence level for the inclusive production of X(3872), X(3915) and χ c 2 ( 2 P ) states are obtained as R χ c 1 X ( 3872 ) < 0.34 , R χ c 0 X ( 3915 ) < 0.12 and R χ c 2 χ c 2 ( 2 P ) < 0.16 . Differential cross-sections as a function of transverse momentum are measured for the η c ( 1 S ) and χ c states. The branching fraction of the decay B s 0 → ϕ ϕ ϕ is measured for the first time, B ( B s 0 → ϕ ϕ ϕ ) = ( 2.15 ± 0.54 ± 0.28 ± 0 . 21 B ) × 10 - 6 . Here the third uncertainty is due to the branching fraction of the decay B s 0 → ϕ ϕ , which is used for normalization. No evidence for intermediate resonances is seen. A preferentially transverse ϕ polarization is observed. The measurements allow the determination of the ratio of the branching fractions for the η c ( 1 S ) decays to ϕ ϕ and p p ¯ as B ( η c ( 1 S ) → ϕ ϕ ) / B ( η c ( 1 S ) → p p ¯ ) = 1.79 ± 0.14 ± 0.32 .

Measurement of B_{s}^{0} and D_{s}^{-} Meson Lifetimes

We report on a measurement of the flavor-specific B_{s}^{0} lifetime and of the D_{s}^{-} lifetime using proton-proton collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, collected by the LHCb experiment and corresponding to 3.0  fb^{-1} of integrated luminosity. Approximately 407 000 B_{s}^{0}→D_{s}^{(*)-}μ^{+}ν_{μ} decays are partially reconstructed in the K^{+}K^{-}π^{-}μ^{+} final state. The B_{s}^{0} and D_{s}^{-} natural widths are determined using, as a reference, kinematically similar B^{0}→D^{(*)-}μ^{+}ν_{μ} decays reconstructed in the same final state. The resulting differences between widths of B_{s}^{0} and B^{0} mesons and of D_{s}^{-} and D^{-} mesons are Δ_{Γ}(B)=-0.0115±0.0053(stat)±0.0041(syst)  ps^{-1} and Δ_{Γ}(D)=1.0131±0.0117(stat)±0.0065(syst)  ps^{-1}, respectively. Combined with the known B^{0} and D^{-} lifetimes, these yield the flavor-specific B_{s}^{0} lifetime, τ_{B_{s}^{0}}^{fs}=1.547±0.013(stat)±0.010(syst)±0.004(τ_{B})  ps and the D_{s}^{-} lifetime, τ_{D_{s}^{-}}=0.5064±0.0030(stat)±0.0017(syst)±0.0017(τ_{D})  ps. The last uncertainties originate from the limited knowledge of the B^{0} and D^{-} lifetimes. The results improve upon current determinations.

Managing Carious Lesions: Consensus Recommendations on Terminology

Variation in the terminology used to describe clinical management of carious lesions has contributed to a lack of clarity in the scientific literature and beyond. In this article, the International Caries Consensus Collaboration presents 1) issues around terminology, a scoping review of current words used in the literature for caries removal techniques, and 2) agreed terms and definitions, explaining how these were decided.Dental cariesis the name of the disease, and thecarious lesionis the consequence and manifestation of the disease-the signs or symptoms of the disease. The termdental caries managementshould be limited to situations involving control of the disease through preventive and noninvasive means at a patient level, whereascarious lesion managementcontrols the disease symptoms at the tooth level. While it is not possible to directly relate the visual appearance of carious lesions' clinical manifestations to the histopathology, we have based the terminology around the clinical consequences of disease (soft, leathery, firm, and hard dentine). Approaches to carious tissue removal are defined: 1)selective removal of carious tissue-includingselective removal to soft dentineandselective removal to firm dentine; 2)stepwise removal-including stage 1,selective removal to soft dentine, and stage 2,selective removal to firm dentine6 to 12 mo later; and 3)nonselective removal to hard dentine-formerly known ascomplete caries removal(technique no longer recommended). Adoption of these terms, around managing dental caries and its sequelae, will facilitate improved understanding and communication among researchers and within dental educators and the wider clinical dentistry community.

Observation of the Decays Λ_{b}^{0}→χ_{c1}pK^{-} and Λ_{b}^{0}→χ_{c2}pK^{-}

The first observation of the decays Λ_{b}^{0}→χ_{c1}pK^{-} and Λ_{b}^{0}→χ_{c2}pK^{-} is reported using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb^{-1}, collected by the LHCb experiment in pp collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. The following ratios of branching fractions are measured: B(Λ_{b}^{0}→χ_{c1}pK^{-})/B(Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψpK^{-})=0.242±0.014±0.013±0.009,B(Λ_{b}^{0}→χ_{c2}pK^{-})/B(Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψpK^{-})=0.248±0.020±0.014±0.009,B(Λ_{b}^{0}→χ_{c2}pK^{-})/B(Λ_{b}^{0}→χ_{c1}pK^{-})=1.02±0.10±0.02±0.05,where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second systematic, and the third due to the uncertainty on the branching fractions of the χ_{c1}→J/ψγ and χ_{c2}→J/ψγ decays. Using both decay modes, the mass of the Λ_{b}^{0} baryon is also measured to be m_{Λ_{b}^{0}}=5619.44±0.28±0.26  MeV/c^{2}, where the first and second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively.

Correlation electron cyclotron emission diagnostic in TCV

The correlation electron cyclotron emission diagnostic of tokamak à configuration variable has recently been upgraded. It now has the choice of three lines of sight: two horizontal lines placed on the low field side of the vessel, perpendicular to the magnetic field, and a dual-axis steerable antenna. The polarization of the radiation collected by the latter can be rotated using a universal polarizer situated in the transmission line. This line is also shared with a reflectometry system, allowing simultaneous measurements of temperature and density fluctuations in the same plasma volumes. When using this line, it is possible to choose between two dedicated front ends characterized by different local oscillator frequencies, adding flexibility in the choice of the plasma region to be studied. The intermediate frequency section is now equipped with six frequency tunable YIG filters allowing the study of turbulence properties in a wide range of radial positions. When studying fluctuations over the whole video bandwidth, the minimum detectable fluctuation level is δT_e/T_e∼0.5%. The new system has been used to measure electron temperature fluctuations over a large fraction of the plasma profiles in a series of plasmas with triangularity varying from 0.6 to -0.6 but comparable collisionality profiles.

First Observation of a Baryonic B_{s}^{0} Decay

We report the first observation of a baryonic B_{s}^{0} decay, B_{s}^{0}→pΛ[over ¯]K^{-}, using proton-proton collision data recorded by the LHCb experiment at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb^{-1}. The branching fraction is measured to be B(B_{s}^{0}→pΛ[over ¯]K^{-})+B(B_{s}^{0}→p[over ¯]ΛK^{+})=[5.46±0.61±0.57±0.50(B)±0.32(f_{s}/f_{d})]×10^{-6}, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic, the third uncertainty accounts for the experimental uncertainty on the branching fraction of the B^{0}→pΛ[over ¯]π^{-} decay used for normalization, and the fourth uncertainty relates to the knowledge of the ratio of b-quark hadronization probabilities f_{s}/f_{d}.

Measurement of the CP Violation Parameter A_{Γ} in D^{0}→K^{+}K^{-} and D^{0}→π^{+}π^{-} Decays

Asymmetries in the time-dependent rates of D^{0}→K^{+}K^{-} and D^{0}→π^{+}π^{-} decays are measured in a pp collision data sample collected with the LHCb detector during LHC Run 1, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3  fb^{-1}. The asymmetries in effective decay widths between D^{0} and D[over ¯]^{0} decays, sensitive to indirect CP violation, are measured to be A_{Γ}(K^{+}K^{-})=(-0.30±0.32±0.10)×10^{-3} and A_{Γ}(π^{+}π^{-})=(0.46±0.58±0.12)×10^{-3}, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. These measurements show no evidence for CP violation and improve on the precision of the previous best measurements by nearly a factor of two.

Search for the Decays B_{s}^{0}→τ^{+}τ^{-} and B^{0}→τ^{+}τ^{-}

A search for the rare decays B_{s}^{0}→τ^{+}τ^{-} and B^{0}→τ^{+}τ^{-} is performed using proton-proton collision data collected with the LHCb detector. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 3  fb^{-1} collected in 2011 and 2012. The τ leptons are reconstructed through the decay τ^{-}→π^{-}π^{+}π^{-}ν_{τ}. Assuming no contribution from B^{0}→τ^{+}τ^{-} decays, an upper limit is set on the branching fraction B(B_{s}^{0}→τ^{+}τ^{-})<6.8×10^{-3} at the 95% confidence level. If instead no contribution from B_{s}^{0}→τ^{+}τ^{-} decays is assumed, the limit is B(B^{0}→τ^{+}τ^{-})<2.1×10^{-3} at the 95% confidence level. These results correspond to the first direct limit on B(B_{s}^{0}→τ^{+}τ^{-}) and the world's best limit on B(B^{0}→τ^{+}τ^{-}).

Study of J/ψ Production in Jets

The production of J/ψ mesons in jets is studied in the forward region of proton-proton collisions using data collected with the LHCb detector at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. The fraction of the jet transverse momentum carried by the J/ψ meson, z(J/ψ)≡p_{T}(J/ψ)/p_{T}(jet), is measured using jets with p_{T}(jet)>20  GeV in the pseudorapidity range 2.5<η(jet)<4.0. The observed z(J/ψ) distribution for J/ψ mesons produced in b-hadron decays is consistent with expectations. However, the results for prompt J/ψ production do not agree with predictions based on fixed-order nonrelativistic QCD. This is the first measurement of the p_{T} fraction carried by prompt J/ψ mesons in jets at any experiment.

Measurement of the B_{s}^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-} Branching Fraction and Effective Lifetime and Search for B^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-} Decays

A search for the rare decays B_{s}^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-} and B^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-} is performed at the LHCb experiment using data collected in pp collisions corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 4.4  fb^{-1}. An excess of B_{s}^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-} decays is observed with a significance of 7.8 standard deviations, representing the first observation of this decay in a single experiment. The branching fraction is measured to be B(B_{s}^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-})=(3.0±0.6_{-0.2}^{+0.3})×10^{-9}, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. The first measurement of the B_{s}^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-} effective lifetime, τ(B_{s}^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-})=2.04±0.44±0.05  ps, is reported. No significant excess of B^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-} decays is found, and a 95% confidence level upper limit, B(B^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-})<3.4×10^{-10}, is determined. All results are in agreement with the standard model expectations.

Observation of Five New Narrow Ω_{c}^{0} States Decaying to Ξ_{c}^{+}K^{-}

The Ξ_{c}^{+}K^{-} mass spectrum is studied with a sample of pp collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.3  fb^{-1}, collected by the LHCb experiment. The Ξ_{c}^{+} is reconstructed in the decay mode pK^{-}π^{+}. Five new, narrow excited Ω_{c}^{0} states are observed: the Ω_{c}(3000)^{0}, Ω_{c}(3050)^{0}, Ω_{c}(3066)^{0}, Ω_{c}(3090)^{0}, and Ω_{c}(3119)^{0}. Measurements of their masses and widths are reported.

Search for massive long-lived particles decaying semileptonically in the LHCb detector

A search is presented for massive long-lived particles decaying into a muon and two quarks. The dataset consists of proton-proton interactions at centre-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, corresponding to integrated luminosities of 1 and 2[Formula: see text], respectively. The analysis is performed assuming a set of production mechanisms with simple topologies, including the production of a Higgs-like particle decaying into two long-lived particles. The mass range from 20 to 80 [Formula: see text] and lifetimes from 5 to 100[Formula: see text] are explored. Results are also interpreted in terms of neutralino production in different R-Parity violating supersymmetric models, with masses in the 23-198 GeV/[Formula: see text] range. No excess above the background expectation is observed and upper limits are set on the production cross-section for various points in the parameter space of theoretical models.

Observation of B_{c}^{+}→D^{0}K^{+} Decays

Using proton-proton collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb^{-1}, recorded by the LHCb detector at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, the B_{c}^{+}→D^{0}K^{+} decay is observed with a statistical significance of 5.1 standard deviations. By normalizing to B^{+}→D[over ¯]^{0}π^{+} decays, a measurement of the branching fraction multiplied by the production rates for B_{c}^{+} relative to B^{+} mesons in the LHCb acceptance is obtained, R_{D^{0}K}=(f_{c}/f_{u})×B(B_{c}^{+}→D^{0}K^{+})=(9.3_{-2.5}^{+2.8}±0.6)×10^{-7}, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. This decay is expected to proceed predominantly through weak annihilation and penguin amplitudes, and is the first B_{c}^{+} decay of this nature to be observed.

Measurement of the phase difference between short- and long-distance amplitudes in the [Formula: see text] decay

A measurement of the phase difference between the short- and long-distance contributions to the [Formula: see text] decay is performed by analysing the dimuon mass distribution. The analysis is based on pp collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3[Formula: see text] collected by the LHCb experiment in 2011 and 2012. The long-distance contribution to the [Formula: see text] decay is modelled as a sum of relativistic Breit-Wigner amplitudes representing different vector meson resonances decaying to muon pairs, each with their own magnitude and phase. The measured phases of the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] resonances are such that the interference with the short-distance component in dimuon mass regions far from their pole masses is small. In addition, constraints are placed on the Wilson coefficients, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], and the branching fraction of the short-distance component is measured.

Observation of the Annihilation Decay Mode B^{0}→K^{+}K^{-}

A search for the B^{0}→K^{+}K^{-} decay is performed using pp-collision data collected by LHCb. The data set corresponds to integrated luminosities of 1.0 and 2.0  fb^{-1} at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, respectively. This decay is observed for the first time, with a significance of more than 5 standard deviations. The analysis also results in an improved measurement of the branching fraction for the B_{s}^{0}→π^{+}π^{-} decay. The measured branching fractions are B(B^{0}→K^{+}K^{-})=(7.80±1.27±0.81±0.21)×10^{-8} and B(B_{s}^{0}→π^{+}π^{-})=(6.91±0.54±0.63±0.19±0.40)×10^{-7}. The first uncertainty is statistical, the second is systematic, the third is due to the uncertainty on the B^{0}→K^{+}π^{-} branching fraction used as a normalization. For the B_{s}^{0} mode, the fourth accounts for the uncertainty on the ratio of the probabilities for b quarks to hadronize into B_{s}^{0} and B^{0} mesons.

Observation of the Decay Ξ_{b}^{-}→pK^{-}K^{-}

Decays of the Ξ_{b}^{-} and Ω_{b}^{-} baryons to the charmless final states ph^{-}h^{'-}, where h^{(')} denotes a kaon or pion, are searched for with the LHCb detector. The analysis is based on a sample of proton-proton collision data collected at center-of-mass energies sqrt[s]=7 and 8 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3  fb^{-1}. The decay Ξ_{b}^{-}→pK^{-}K^{-} is observed with a significance of 8.7 standard deviations, and evidence at the level of 3.4 standard deviations is found for the Ξ_{b}^{-}→pK^{-}π^{-} decay. Results are reported, relative to the B^{-}→K^{+}K^{-}K^{-} normalization channel, for the products of branching fractions and b-hadron production fractions. The branching fractions of Ξ_{b}^{-}→pK^{-}π^{-} and Ξ_{b}^{-}→pπ^{-}π^{-} relative to Ξ_{b}^{-}→pK^{-}K^{-} decays are also measured.

Observation of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] decays

The decays [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are observed for the first time using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb[Formula: see text], collected by the LHCb experiment in proton-proton collisions at the centre-of-mass energies of 7 and 8[Formula: see text]. The branching fractions relative to that of [Formula: see text] are measured to be [Formula: see text]where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic.

Measurement of the b-Quark Production Cross Section in 7 and 13 TeV pp Collisions

Measurements of the cross section for producing b quarks in the reaction pp→bb[over ¯]X are reported in 7 and 13 TeV collisions at the LHC as a function of the pseudorapidity η in the range 2<η<5 covered by the acceptance of the LHCb experiment. The measurements are done using semileptonic decays of b-flavored hadrons decaying into a ground-state charmed hadron in association with a muon. The cross sections in the covered η range are 72.0±0.3±6.8 and 154.3±1.5±14.3  μb for 7 and 13 TeV. The ratio is 2.14±0.02±0.13, where the quoted uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The agreement with theoretical expectation is good at 7 TeV, but differs somewhat at 13 TeV. The measured ratio of cross sections is larger at lower η than the model prediction.

Observation of J/ψϕ Structures Consistent with Exotic States from Amplitude Analysis of B^{+}→J/ψϕK^{+} Decays

The first full amplitude analysis of B^{+}→J/ψϕK^{+} with J/ψ→μ^{+}μ^{-}, ϕ→K^{+}K^{-} decays is performed with a data sample of 3  fb^{-1} of pp collision data collected at sqrt[s]=7 and 8 TeV with the LHCb detector. The data cannot be described by a model that contains only excited kaon states decaying into ϕK^{+}, and four J/ψϕ structures are observed, each with significance over 5 standard deviations. The quantum numbers of these structures are determined with significance of at least 4 standard deviations. The lightest has mass consistent with, but width much larger than, previous measurements of the claimed X(4140) state.

First Experimental Study of Photon Polarization in Radiative B_{s}^{0} Decays

The polarization of photons produced in radiative B_{s}^{0} decays is studied for the first time. The data are recorded by the LHCb experiment in pp collisions corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3  fb^{-1} at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. A time-dependent analysis of the B_{s}^{0}→ϕγ decay rate is conducted to determine the parameter A^{Δ}, which is related to the ratio of right- over left-handed photon polarization amplitudes in b→sγ transitions. A value of A^{Δ}=-0.98_{-0.52}^{+0.46}_{-0.20}^{+0.23} is measured. This result is consistent with the standard model prediction within 2 standard deviations.

Measurement of CP Violation in B^{0}→D^{+}D^{-} Decays

The CP violation observables S and C in the decay channel B^{0}→D^{+}D^{-} are determined from a sample of proton-proton collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, collected by the LHCb experiment and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3  fb^{-1}. The observable S describes CP violation in the interference between mixing and the decay amplitude, and C parametrizes direct CP violation in the decay. The following values are obtained from a flavor-tagged, decay-time-dependent analysis: S=-0.54_{-0.16}^{+0.17}(stat)±0.05(syst), C=0.26_{-0.17}^{+0.18}(stat)±0.02(syst). These values provide evidence for CP violation at a significance level of 4.0 standard deviations. The phase shift due to higher-order standard model corrections is constrained to a small value of Δϕ=-0.16_{-0.21}^{+0.19}  rad.

The therapeutic activity of sulphate-bicarbonate-calcium-magnesiac mineral water in the functional disorders of the biliary tract

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Functional disorders of the biliary tract involve gallbladder and sphincter of Oddi and cause pain and/or digestive troubles. In this context, in addition to pharmacological treatments, an important role is played by the use of sodium-sulphate and sulphate-bicarbonate mineral waters that, because of their composition into ions macro and trace elements, can stimulate the release or modulate the activity of some neurohumoral regulators of the digestive process. We want to do a study on the effects of hydropinotherapy with a sulphate-bicarbonate-calcium-magnesium mineral water in patients suffering from pain and other symptoms caused by biliary dyskinesias, biliary sand (without gallstones), or following a cholecystectomy (post-cholecystectomy syndromes).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We enrolled 43 patients suffering from those affections; all the patients did two cycles in one year of hydropinotherapy with Acqua Santa at Italy's Chianciano Spa; 20 of these patients did a third cycle of hydropinotherapy in the second year of the study. At the end of the second and of the third cycle we compared the frequency of eleven main symptoms in both groups and we also performed an longitudinal-observational study on the frequency of those symptoms before the beginning of the first cycle of the therapy and at the end of the second and of the third cycle. Statistical analyses were based on the use of Pearson's χ2 test.

RESULTS

The frequency of the symptoms observed at the end of second and third cicle of hydropinotherapy was significantly lower than that considered before starting therapy. The differences were statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our research regarding the hydropinotherapy by sulphate-bicarbonate-calcium-magnesium mineral water show a significant improvement of symptoms in patients suffering from disturbances of biliary tract.

Search for Higgs-like bosons decaying into long-lived exotic particles

A search is presented for massive long-lived particles, in the 20-60 [Formula: see text] mass range with lifetimes between 5 and 100 [Formula: see text]. The dataset used corresponds to 0.62[Formula: see text] of proton-proton collision data collected by the LHCb detector at [Formula: see text]. The particles are assumed to be pair-produced by the decay of a Higgs-like boson with mass between 80 and 140 [Formula: see text]. No excess above the background expectation is observed and limits are set on the production cross-section as a function of the long-lived particle mass and lifetime and of the Higgs-like boson mass.

Lacertus fibrosus augmentation for distal biceps brachii rupture repair: surgical technique

BACKGROUND

Repair of distal biceps tendon ruptures has become widely accepted. Unfortunately, care of retracted-degenerated injuries remains a challenge for orthopedic surgeons. Complication rates appear to increase when surgery is performed in chronic cases compared to those operated acutely. Multiple techniques for chronic reconstruction with the use of grafts have been described. Recently Morrey, from the Mayo Clinic, proposed a direct anatomic repair of retracted distal biceps tendon ruptures in extreme flexion (60°-90°) to avoid grafting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors propose and describe a new surgical technique using the lacertus fibrosus (LF) as augmentation-elongation for retracted-degenerated distal biceps tendon tears. We present four cases with chronic ruptures with 2-year follow-up. The mean age was 45 years old (33-51), the time of surgery was 13 weeks (4-24) after the trauma, dominant arm was involved in two cases.

RESULTS

The mean MEPS was 95/100 at 2-year follow-up. With this technique we increase the length of the tendon up to 2.5 cm. The major complication in our study was transient sensitive radial nerve paresthesia. We did not have any hardware mobilization or muscular herniation.

CONCLUSION

With this study we want to present our experience in the treatment of retracted distal biceps tendon tear with lacertus fibrosus augmentation. Our surgical technique is an effective and cheap option for chronic-retracted distal biceps tendon lesions. Recovery time is quicker, and integration is faster due to the use of an autologous vascularized graft. Preoperative ultrasound scan is mandatory in order to evaluate LF integrity, thickness and size.

Search for Structure in the B_{s}^{0}π^{±} Invariant Mass Spectrum

The B_{s}^{0}π^{±} invariant mass distribution is investigated in order to search for possible exotic meson states. The analysis is based on a data sample recorded with the LHCb detector corresponding to 3  fb^{-1} of pp collision data at sqrt[s]=7 and 8 TeV. No significant excess is found, and upper limits are set on the production rate of the claimed X(5568) state within the LHCb acceptance. Upper limits are also set as a function of the mass and width of a possible exotic meson decaying to the B_{s}^{0}π^{±} final state. The same limits also apply to a possible exotic meson decaying through the chain B_{s}^{*0}π^{±}, B_{s}^{*0}→B_{s}^{0}γ where the photon is excluded from the reconstructed decays.

Salivary microbiota and caries occurrence in Mutans Streptococci-positive school children

AIM

To compare the composition of the salivary microbiota in caries-affected vs. caries-free mutans streptococci (MS)- positive children with mixed dentition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty eight healthy, 11-12-year-old schoolchildren with high MS counts (>10⊃5 CFU/mL) were included in this study. The children were screened with the Dentocult SM Strip Mutans test (Orion Diagnostica, Espoo, Finland) and examined using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS). The microbial composition of the saliva was assessed using the Human Oral Microbe Identification Microarray (HOMIM). Microbial differences between caries-affected (n=18) and caries-free children (n=10) were compared by Mann-Whitney analysis.

RESULTS

The microbiota of the caries-affected vs. caries-free children was rather similar. Abiotrophia defectiva and Actinomyces meyeri/A. odontolyticus were significantly higher in caries-affected than in caries-free children (p=0.006, 0.046, respectively). Shuttleworthia satelles was significantly higher in caries-free compared to caries-affected children (p=0.031). A. defectiva and A. meyeri/A. odontolyticus correlated positively with caries severity measured by ICDAS Caries Index (p = 0.494, 0.454, 0.400 respectively) while S. satelles was negatively correlated with caries severity (p= -0.489).

CONCLUSIONS

Salivary A. defectiva and A. meyeri/A. odontolyticus and are associated with caries occurrence in MS-positive children with mixed dentition.

Evidence for Exotic Hadron Contributions to Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψpπ^{-} Decays

A full amplitude analysis of Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψpπ^{-} decays is performed with a data sample acquired with the LHCb detector from 7 and 8 TeV pp collisions, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3  fb^{-1}. A significantly better description of the data is achieved when, in addition to the previously observed nucleon excitations N→pπ^{-}, either the P_{c}(4380)^{+} and P_{c}(4450)^{+}→J/ψp states, previously observed in Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψpK^{-} decays, or the Z_{c}(4200)^{-}→J/ψπ^{-} state, previously reported in B^{0}→J/ψK^{+}π^{-} decays, or all three, are included in the amplitude models. The data support a model containing all three exotic states, with a significance of more than three standard deviations. Within uncertainties, the data are consistent with the P_{c}(4380)^{+} and P_{c}(4450)^{+} production rates expected from their previous observation taking account of Cabibbo suppression.

Model-Independent Evidence for J/ψp Contributions to Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψpK^{-} Decays

The data sample of Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψpK^{-} decays acquired with the LHCb detector from 7 and 8 TeV pp collisions, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3  fb^{-1}, is inspected for the presence of J/ψp or J/ψK^{-} contributions with minimal assumptions about K^{-}p contributions. It is demonstrated at more than nine standard deviations that Λ_{b}^{0}→J/ψpK^{-} decays cannot be described with K^{-}p contributions alone, and that J/ψp contributions play a dominant role in this incompatibility. These model-independent results support the previously obtained model-dependent evidence for P_{c}^{+}→J/ψp charmonium-pentaquark states in the same data sample.

Measurement of the CP Asymmetry in B_{s}^{0}-B[over ¯]_{s}^{0} Mixing

The CP asymmetry in the mixing of B_{s}^{0} and B[over ¯]_{s}^{0} mesons is measured in proton-proton collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb^{-1}, recorded by the LHCb experiment at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. Semileptonic B_{s}^{0} and B[over ¯]_{s}^{0} decays are studied in the inclusive mode D_{s}^{∓}μ^{±}ν[over (-)]_{μ}X with the D_{s}^{∓} mesons reconstructed in the K^{+}K^{-}π^{∓} final state. Correcting the observed charge asymmetry for detection and background effects, the CP asymmetry is found to be a_{sl}^{s}=(0.39±0.26±0.20)%, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. This is the most precise measurement of a_{sl}^{s} to date. It is consistent with the prediction from the standard model and will constrain new models of particle physics.

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Ronayne J, Rotondo M, Rouvinet J, Ruf T, Ruiz Valls P, Saborido Silva JJ, Sagidova N, Sail P, Saitta B, Salustino Guimaraes V, Sanchez Mayordomo C, Sanmartin Sedes B, Santacesaria R, Santamarina Rios C, Santimaria M, Santovetti E, Sarti A, Satriano C, Satta A, Saunders DM, Savrina D, Schael S, Schiller M, Schindler H, Schlupp M, Schmelling M, Schmelzer T, Schmidt B, Schneider O, Schopper A, Schubiger M, Schune MH, Schwemmer R, Sciascia B, Sciubba A, Semennikov A, Sergi A, Serra N, Serrano J, Sestini L, Seyfert P, Shapkin M, Shapoval I, Shcheglov Y, Shears T, Shekhtman L, Shevchenko V, Shires A, Siddi BG, Silva Coutinho R, Silva de Oliveira L, Simi G, Sirendi M, Skidmore N, Skwarnicki T, Smith E, Smith E, Smith IT, Smith J, Smith M, Snoek H, Sokoloff MD, Soler FJP, Soomro F, Souza D, Souza De Paula B, Spaan B, Spradlin P, Sridharan S, Stagni F, Stahl M, Stahl S, Stefkova S, Steinkamp O, Stenyakin O, Stevenson S, Stoica S, Stone S, Storaci B, Stracka S, Straticiuc M, Straumann U, Sun L, Sutcliffe W, Swientek K, Swientek S, Syropoulos V, Szczekowski M, Szczypka P, Szumlak T, T’Jampens S, Tayduganov A, Tekampe T, Teklishyn M, Tellarini G, Teubert F, Thomas C, Thomas E, van Tilburg J, Tisserand V, Tobin M, Todd J, Tolk S, Tomassetti L, Tonelli D, Topp-Joergensen S, Torr N, Tournefier E, Tourneur S, Trabelsi K, Tran MT, Tresch M, Trisovic A, Tsaregorodtsev A, Tsopelas P, Tuning N, Ukleja A, Ustyuzhanin A, Uwer U, Vacca C, Vagnoni V, Valenti G, Vallier A, Vazquez Gomez R, Vazquez Regueiro P, Vázquez Sierra C, Vecchi S, van Veghel M, Velthuis JJ, Veltri M, Veneziano G, Vesterinen M, Viaud B, Vieira D, Vieites Diaz M, Vilasis-Cardona X, Vollhardt A, Volyanskyy D, Voong D, Vorobyev A, Vorobyev V, Voß C, de Vries JA, Waldi R, Wallace C, Wallace R, Walsh J, Wandernoth S, Wang J, Ward DR, Watson NK, Websdale D, Weiden A, Whitehead M, Wilkinson G, Wilkinson M, Williams M, Williams MP, Williams M, Williams T, Wilson FF, Wimberley J, Wishahi J, Wislicki W, Witek M, Wormser G, Wotton SA, Wright S, Wyllie K, Xie Y, Xu Z, Yang Z, Yu J, Yuan X, Yushchenko O, Zangoli M, Zavertyaev M, Zhang L, Zhang Y, Zhelezov A, Zhokhov A, Zhong L, Zhukov V, Zucchelli S. A precise measurement of the [Formula: see text] meson oscillation frequency

The oscillation frequency, [Formula: see text], of [Formula: see text] mesons is measured using semileptonic decays with a [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] meson in the final state. The data sample corresponds to 3.0[Formula: see text] of pp collisions, collected by the LHCb experiment at centre-of-mass energies [Formula: see text] = 7 and 8[Formula: see text]. A combination of the two decay modes gives [Formula: see text], where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. This is the most precise single measurement of this parameter. It is consistent with the current world average and has similar precision.

First Observation of D^{0}-D[over ¯]^{0} Oscillations in D^{0}→K^{+}π^{-}π^{+}π^{-} Decays and Measurement of the Associated Coherence Parameters

Charm meson oscillations are observed in a time-dependent analysis of the ratio of D^{0}→K^{+}π^{-}π^{+}π^{-} to D^{0}→K^{-}π^{+}π^{-}π^{+} decay rates, using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb^{-1} recorded by the LHCb experiment. The measurements presented are sensitive to the phase-space averaged ratio of doubly Cabibbo-suppressed to Cabibbo-favored amplitudes r_{D}^{K3π} and the product of the coherence factor R_{D}^{K3π} and a charm mixing parameter y_{K3π}^{'}. The constraints measured are r_{D}^{K3π}=(5.67±0.12)×10^{-2}, which is the most precise determination to date, and R_{D}^{K3π}y_{K3π}^{'}=(0.3±1.8)×10^{-3}, which provides useful input for determinations of the CP-violating phase γ in B^{±}→DK^{±}, D→K^{∓}π^{±}π^{∓}π^{±} decays. The analysis also gives the most precise measurement of the D^{0}→K^{+}π^{-}π^{+}π^{-} branching fraction, and the first observation of D^{0}-D[over ¯]^{0} oscillations in this decay mode, with a significance of 8.2 standard deviations.

Search for Violations of Lorentz Invariance and CPT Symmetry in B_{(s)}^{0} Mixing

Violations of CPT symmetry and Lorentz invariance are searched for by studying interference effects in B^{0} mixing and in B_{s}^{0} mixing. Samples of B^{0}→J/ψK_{S}^{0} and B_{s}^{0}→J/ψK^{+}K^{-} decays are recorded by the LHCb detector in proton-proton collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3  fb^{-1}. No periodic variations of the particle-antiparticle mass differences are found, consistent with Lorentz invariance and CPT symmetry. Results are expressed in terms of the standard model extension parameter Δa_{μ} with precisions of O(10^{-15}) and O(10^{-14})  GeV for the B^{0} and B_{s}^{0} systems, respectively. With no assumption on Lorentz (non)invariance, the CPT-violating parameter z in the B_{s}^{0} system is measured for the first time and found to be Re(z)=-0.022±0.033±0.005 and Im(z)=0.004±0.011±0.002, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic.

Measurement of the Difference of Time-Integrated CP Asymmetries in D^{0}→K^{-}K^{+} and D^{0}→π^{-}π^{+} Decays

A search for CP violation in D^{0}→K^{-}K^{+} and D^{0}→π^{-}π^{+} decays is performed using pp collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3  fb^{-1}, collected using the LHCb detector at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. The flavor of the charm meson is inferred from the charge of the pion in D^{*+}→D^{0}π^{+} and D^{*-}→D[over ¯]^{0}π^{-} decays. The difference between the CP asymmetries in D^{0}→K^{-}K^{+} and D^{0}→π^{-}π^{+} decays, ΔA_{CP}≡A_{CP}(K^{-}K^{+})-A_{CP}(π^{-}π^{+}), is measured to be [-0.10±0.08(stat)±0.03(syst)]%. This is the most precise measurement of a time-integrated CP asymmetry in the charm sector from a single experiment.

Observation of B_{s}^{0}→D[over ¯]^{0}K_{S}^{0} and Evidence for B_{s}^{0}→D[over ¯]^{*}^{0}K_{S}^{0} Decays

The first observation of the B_{s}^{0}→D[over ¯]^{0}K_{S}^{0} decay mode and evidence for the B_{s}^{0}→D[over ¯]^{*0}K_{S}^{0} decay mode are reported. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb^{-1} collected in pp collisions by LHCb at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. The branching fractions are measured to be B(B_{s}^{0}→D[over ¯]^{0}K[over ¯]^{0})=[4.3±0.5(stat)±0.3(syst)±0.3(frag)±0.6(norm)]×10^{-4},B(B_{s}^{0}→D[over ¯]^{*0}K[over ¯]^{0})=[2.8±1.0(stat)±0.3(syst)±0.2(frag)±0.4(norm)]×10^{-4},where the uncertainties are due to contributions coming from statistical precision, systematic effects, and the precision of two external inputs, the ratio f_{s}/f_{d} and the branching fraction of B^{0}→D[over ¯]^{0}K_{S}^{0}, which is used as a calibration channel.

Managing Carious Lesions

The International Caries Consensus Collaboration undertook a consensus process and here presents clinical recommendations for carious tissue removal and managing cavitated carious lesions, including restoration, based on texture of demineralized dentine. Dentists should manage the disease dental caries and control activity of existing cavitated lesions to preserve hard tissues and retain teeth long-term. Entering the restorative cycle should be avoided as far as possible. Controlling the disease in cavitated carious lesions should be attempted using methods which are aimed at biofilm removal or control first. Only when cavitated carious lesions either are noncleansable or can no longer be sealed are restorative interventions indicated. When a restoration is indicated, the priorities are as follows: preserving healthy and remineralizable tissue, achieving a restorative seal, maintaining pulpal health, and maximizing restoration success. Carious tissue is removed purely to create conditions for long-lasting restorations. Bacterially contaminated or demineralized tissues close to the pulp do not need to be removed. In deeper lesions in teeth with sensible (vital) pulps, preserving pulpal health should be prioritized, while in shallow or moderately deep lesions, restoration longevity becomes more important. For teeth with shallow or moderately deep cavitated lesions, carious tissue removal is performed according to selective removal to firm dentine. In deep cavitated lesions in primary or permanent teeth, selective removal to soft dentine should be performed, although in permanent teeth, stepwise removal is an option. The evidence and, therefore, these recommendations support less invasive carious lesion management, delaying entry to, and slowing down, the restorative cycle by preserving tooth tissue and retaining teeth long-term.

Partial flow/volume curves and airway resistances in obese subjects: new tools for investigating flow limitation?

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Serous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas: a multinational study of 2622 patients under the auspices of the International Association of Pancreatology and European Pancreatic Club (European Study Group on Cystic Tumors of the Pancreas)

OBJECTIVES

Serous cystic neoplasm (SCN) is a cystic neoplasm of the pancreas whose natural history is poorly known. The purpose of the study was to attempt to describe the natural history of SCN, including the specific mortality.

DESIGN

Retrospective multinational study including SCN diagnosed between 1990 and 2014.

RESULTS

2622 patients were included. Seventy-four per cent were women, and median age at diagnosis was 58 years (16-99). Patients presented with non-specific abdominal pain (27%), pancreaticobiliary symptoms (9%), diabetes mellitus (5%), other symptoms (4%) and/or were asymptomatic (61%). Fifty-two per cent of patients were operated on during the first year after diagnosis (median size: 40 mm (2-200)), 9% had resection beyond 1 year of follow-up (3 years (1-20), size at diagnosis: 25 mm (4-140)) and 39% had no surgery (3.6 years (1-23), 25.5 mm (1-200)). Surgical indications were (not exclusive) uncertain diagnosis (60%), symptoms (23%), size increase (12%), large size (6%) and adjacent organ compression (5%). In patients followed beyond 1 year (n=1271), size increased in 37% (growth rate: 4 mm/year), was stable in 57% and decreased in 6%. Three serous cystadenocarcinomas were recorded. Postoperative mortality was 0.6% (n=10), and SCN's related mortality was 0.1% (n=1).

CONCLUSIONS

After a 3-year follow-up, clinical relevant symptoms occurred in a very small proportion of patients and size slowly increased in less than half. Surgical treatment should be proposed only for diagnosis remaining uncertain after complete workup, significant and related symptoms or exceptionally when exists concern with malignancy. This study supports an initial conservative management in the majority of patients with SCN.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

IRB 00006477.

A porous nanobranched structure: an effective way to improve piezoelectricity in sputtered ZnO thin films

ZnO nanomaterials are gaining lots of attention due to their biocompatible nature coupled with promising piezoelectric properties, envisioning a new generation of lead-free smart materials.

Search for long-lived heavy charged particles using a ring imaging Cherenkov technique at LHCb

A search is performed for heavy long-lived charged particles using 3.0 [Formula: see text] of proton-proton collisions collected at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] 7 and 8  TeV with the LHCb detector. The search is mainly based on the response of the ring imaging Cherenkov detectors to distinguish the heavy, slow-moving particles from muons. No evidence is found for the production of such long-lived states. The results are expressed as limits on the Drell-Yan production of pairs of long-lived particles, with both particles in the LHCb pseudorapidity acceptance, [Formula: see text]. The mass-dependent cross-section upper limits are in the range 2-4 fb (at 95 % CL) for masses between 14 and 309 [Formula: see text].

Evidence for the Strangeness-Changing Weak Decay Ξ_{b}^{-}→Λ_{b}^{0}π^{-}

Using a pp collision data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb^{-1}, collected by the LHCb detector, we present the first search for the strangeness-changing weak decay Ξ_{b}^{-}→Λ_{b}^{0}π^{-}. No b hadron decay of this type has been seen before. A signal for this decay, corresponding to a significance of 3.2 standard deviations, is reported. The relative rate is measured to be f_{Ξ_{b}^{-}}/f_{Λ_{b}^{0}}B(Ξ_{b}^{-}→Λ_{b}^{0}π^{-})=(5.7±1.8_{-0.9}^{+0.8})×10^{-4},where f_{Ξ_{b}^{-}} and f_{Λ_{b}^{0}} are the b→Ξ_{b}^{-} and b→Λ_{b}^{0} fragmentation fractions, and B(Ξ_{b}^{-}→Λ_{b}^{0}π^{-}) is the branching fraction. Assuming f_{Ξ_{b}^{-}}/f_{Λ_{b}^{0}} is bounded between 0.1 and 0.3, the branching fraction B(Ξ_{b}^{-}→Λ_{b}^{0}π^{-}) would lie in the range from (0.57±0.21)% to (0.19±0.07)%.

Prevention and treatment of nephrolithiasis: a review on the role of spa therapy

The prevalence and incidence of nephrolithiasis is reported to be increasing across the world. It is a disease of increased urinary concentration of stone-forming salts. The physicochemical mechanism of stone formation includes precipitation, homogenous/heterogeneous nucleation, growth, aggregation and concretion of various modulators in urine. Necessary condition to develop stones is urinary supersaturation, due to reduced urinary volume or to an excesses solutes. Fluid intake is the main determinant of urine volume. Urine dilution can significantly decrease both the crystallization rate of the urinary salts and the aggregation of the crystals. A correct fluid intake can act on different effects: urinary tract washing, urinary volume increasing and dilution of solutes. In addition mineral waters have other particular features: greater diuretic effect, more important urinary dilution with solutes and microbial concentration reduction, urinary pH changes, superior washout effect due to mechanical effects and ureteral contractions. Adequate water intake is the most important conservative strategy in urolithiasis prevention; particularly hydropinotherapy with oligomineral water should be considered as an important instrument to prevent stones in subjects predisposed to the disease (family members of people suffering from kidney stones), to reduce relapses, and can help to eliminate residual fragments also after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. It is recommended a management with increased mineral water intake to promote urine volume of at least 2.5L each day to prevent stone formation. Obviously water intake shall be varied in relation to the presence of contraindications or any diseases.

Search for Hidden-Sector Bosons in B(0)→K(*0)μ(+)μ(-) Decays

A search is presented for hidden-sector bosons, χ, produced in the decay B(0)→K*(892)(0)χ, with K*(892)(0)→K(+)π(-) and χ→μ(+)μ(-). The search is performed using pp-collision data corresponding to 3.0  fb(-1) collected with the LHCb detector. No significant signal is observed in the accessible mass range 214≤m(χ)≤4350  MeV, and upper limits are placed on the branching fraction product B(B(0)→K*(892)(0)χ)×B(χ→μ(+)μ(-)) as a function of the mass and lifetime of the χ boson. These limits are of the order of 10(-9) for χ lifetimes less than 100 ps over most of the m(χ) range, and place the most stringent constraints to date on many theories that predict the existence of additional low-mass bosons.