Observation of B0-->D*sJ(2317)+K- decay

The decays B0-->D+sJK- and B0-->D-sJpi+ are studied for the first time. A significant signal is observed in the B0-->D*sJ(2317)+K- decay channel with B(B0-->D*sJ(2317)+K-) x B(D*sJ(2317)+-->D+spi0)=(5.3(+1.5)(-1.3)+/-0.7+/-1.4) x 10(-5). No signals are observed in the B0-->D*sJ(2317)-pi+, B0-->DsJ(2460)+K-, and B 0-->DsJ(2460)-pi+ decay modes, and upper limits are obtained. The analysis is based on a data set of 140 fb(-1) collected by the Belle experiment at the asymmetric e+e- collider KEKB.

Measurement of the branching fraction and CP asymmetry in B+ --> rho+pi0

We report a measurement of the branching fraction for the decay B+ --> rho(+) pi(0) based on a 140 fb(-1) data sample collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric e(+)e(-) collider. We measure the branching fraction B(B(+) --> rho(+)pi(0)) = (13.2 +/- 2.3(stat)(+1.4)(-1.9)(syst)) x 10(-6), and the CP-violating asymmetry A(CP)(B-/+ -->rho(-/+)pi(0))=0.06 +/- 0.17(stat)(+0.04)(-0.05)(syst).

Comparison of synchrotron radiation calculations between analytical codes (STAC8, photon) and Monte Carlo codes (FLUKA, EGS4)

STAC8 is a significant improvement upon its predecessor PHOTON and is a valuable analytical code for quick and conservative beamline shielding designs for synchrotron radiation (SR) facilities. In order to check the applicability, accuracy and limitations of STAC8, studies were conducted to compare the results of STAC8 with those of PHOTON with calculations using the FLUKA and EGS4 Monte Carlo codes. Doses and spectra for scattered SR in a few beam-target-shield geometries were calculated, with and without photon linear polarisation effects. Areas for expanding the STAC8 capabilities, for example, features of the mirror-reflected lights and double-Compton light calculations and the use of monochromatic light have been identified. Some of these features have been implemented and benchmarked against Monte Carlo calculations. Reasonable agreements were found between the STAC8 and Monte Carlo calculations.

Study of time-dependent CP violation in B0-->J/psipi0 decays

We report a measurement of CP asymmetry parameters in the decay B0(B (0))-->J/psipi(0), which is governed by the b-->cc d transition. The analysis is based on a 140 fb(-1) data sample accumulated at the Upsilon(4S) resonance by the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. One neutral B meson in the J/psipi(0) final state is fully reconstructed for events used in this analysis. The accompanying B meson flavor is identified by its decay products. From the distribution of proper-time intervals between the two B decays, we obtain the following CP-violating parameters: S(J/psipi(0))=-0.72+/-0.42(stat)+/-0.09(syst) and A(J/psipi(0))=-0.01+/-0.29(stat)+/-0.03(syst).

Observation of B+-->LambdaLambdaK+

We report the first observation of the charmless hyperonic B decay, B+-->LambdaLambdaK+, using a 140 fb(-1) data sample recorded at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB (e+)(e-) collider. The measured branching fraction is B(B+-->LambdaLambdaK+) = (2.91(+0.90)(-0.70) +/- 0.38) x 10(-6). We also perform a search for the related decay mode B+-->LambdaLambdapi+, but do not find a significant signal. We set a 90% confidence-level upper limit of B(B+-->LambdaLambdapi+) < 2.8 x 10(-6).

Search for CP violation in the decay B0-->D*+/-D-/+

We report a search for CP-violating asymmetry in B0-->D(*+/-)D-/+ decays. The analysis employs two methods of B0 reconstruction: full and partial. In the full reconstruction method all daughter particles of the B0 are required to be detected; the partial reconstruction technique requires a fully reconstructed D- and only a slow pion from the D(*+)-->D0pi(+)(slow) decay. From a fit to the distribution of the time interval corresponding to the distance between two B meson decay points we calculate the CP-violating parameters and find the significance of nonzero CP asymmetry to be 2.7 standard deviations.

Evidence for direct CP violation in B0-->K+pi- decays

We report evidence for direct CP violation in the decay B0-->K+pi(-) with 253 fb(-1) of data collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) collider. Using 275x10(6) BB pairs we observe a B-->K+/-pi(-/+) signal with 2140+/-53 events. The measured CP violating asymmetry is A(CP)(K+pi(-))=-0.101+/-0.025(stat)+/-0.005(syst), corresponding to a significance of 3.9sigma including systematics. We also search for CP violation in the decays B+-->K+pi(0) and B+-->pi(+)pi(0). The measured CP violating asymmetries are A(CP)(K+pi(0))=0.04+/-0.05(stat)+/-0.02(syst) and A(CP)(pi(+)pi(0))=-0.02+/-0.10(stat)+/-0.01(syst), corresponding to the intervals -0.05<A(CP)(K+pi(0))<0.13 and -0.18<A(CP)(pi(+)pi(0))<0.14 at 90% confidence level.

Rheumatoid factor isotypes and anti-agalactosyl IgG antibodies in systemic sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid factor isotypes and anti-agalactosyl IgG antibodies (anti-AG IgG) have been reported to be detected and correlated with the disease activity in some collagen diseases.

OBJECTIVES

To study the frequency and the clinical significance of IgM, IgG and IgA rheumatoid factor (IgM-RF, IgG-RF and IgA-RF) and anti-AG IgG in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

METHODS

Seventy-nine serum samples from patients with SSc were examined by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

RESULTS

The levels of IgM-, IgG-, IgA-RF and anti-AG IgG were significantly higher in SSc patients than in normal healthy controls. The levels of IgM- and IgA-RF were significantly higher in patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc than in those with limited cutaneous SSc. IgM-, IgG- and IgA-RF and anti-AG IgG were significantly elevated in 39%, 32%, 23% and 35% of 79 SSc patients, respectively. The prevalence of pulmonary fibrosis, oesophageal involvement and cutaneous telangectasias in patients with elevated IgA-RF levels was significantly higher than in those with normal levels. The incidence of pitting scars of digits in those with elevated IgG-RF levels and the incidence of contracture of phalanges in those with elevated IgM-RF levels were significantly higher than in those with normal levels. The frequency of increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate in patients with elevated IgG-RF and the frequency of increased C-reactive protein in those with elevated IgM-RF were significantly greater than in those with normal levels.

CONCLUSIONS

IgM-, IgG-, IgA-RF and anti-AG IgG can be serum indicators of specific clinical manifestations in SSc patients.

Evidence for B0-->rho0pi0

We present the first evidence of the decay B0-->rho(0)pi(0), using 140 fb(-1) of data collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric e(+)e(-) collider. We detect 15.1+/-4.8 signal events with a significance of 3.5 standard deviations and measure the branching fraction to be B(B0-->rho(0)pi(0))=(5.1+/-1.6(stat)+/-0.9(syst))x10(-6).

Evidence for B+-->omegal+nu

We have searched for the decay B+-->omegal(+)nu (l=e or mu) in 78 fb(-1) of Upsilon(4S) data (85x10(6)BB events) accumulated with the Belle detector. The final state is fully reconstructed using the omega decay into pi(+)pi(-)pi(0), combined with detector hermeticity to estimate the neutrino momentum. A signal of 414+/-125 events is found in the data, corresponding to a branching fraction of (1.3+/-0.4+/-0.2+/-0.3)x10(-4), where the first two errors are statistical and systematic, respectively. The third error reflects the estimated form-factor uncertainty.

New limit on the T-violating transverse muon polarization in K+-->pi0mu+nu decays

A search for T-violating transverse muon polarization (P(T)) in the K+-->pi(0)mu(+)nu decay was performed using kaon decays at rest. A new improved value P(T)=-0.0017+/-0.0023(stat)+/-0.0011(syst) was obtained giving an upper limit |P(T)|<0.0050. The T-violation parameter was determined to be Imxi=-0.0053+/-0.0071(stat)+/-0.0036(syst) giving an upper limit |Imxi|<0.016.

Search for the lepton-flavor-violating decay tau- -->micro-eta at Belle

We have searched for the lepton flavor violating decay tau(-)-->micro(-)eta using a data sample of 84.3 fb(-1) accumulated with the Belle detector at KEK. The eta meson was detected through the decay modes: eta-->gammagamma and pi(+)pi(-)pi(0). No signal candidates are found, and we obtain an upper limit for the branching fraction B(tau(-)-->micro(-)eta)<3.4 x 10(-7) at the 90% confidence level.

Inclusive measurement of the photon energy spectrum in b --> sgamma decays

We report a fully inclusive measurement of the flavor changing neutral current decay b --> sgamma in the energy range 1.8 GeV < or = E*gamma < or = 2.8 GeV, covering 95% of the total spectrum. Using 140 fb(-1), we obtain B(b --> sgamma) = (3.55+/-0.32(+0.30+0.11)(-0.31-0.07)) x 10(-4), where the errors are statistical, systematic, and from theory corrections. We also measure the first and second moments of the photon energy spectrum above 1.8 GeV and obtain (Egamma) = 2.292+/-0.026+/-0.034 GeV and (E2gamma) - (Egamma)2 = 0.0305+/-0.0074+/-0.0063 GeV2, where the errors are statistical and systematic.

Serum levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and 2 in patients with eosinophilic fasciitis

BACKGROUND

Serum levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) have been reported to be elevated in patients with various connective tissue diseases. However, there has been no report that evaluates TIMPs in patients with eosinophilic fasciitis (EF).

OBJECTIVES

To determine serum TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 levels in patients with EF and to investigate their clinical significance.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical stainings were performed in normal and EF skin samples. Serum TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 levels of 11 patients with EF and 12 healthy individuals were also measured with specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

RESULTS

The fascia of EF patients was stained only by TIMP-1. Serum TIMP-1 levels (mean +/- SD) were significantly higher in EF patients than in healthy individuals (206.3 +/- 65.4 vs. 145.2 +/- 36.2 ng mL(-1), P < 0.01). Serum TIMP-1 levels in EF patients were significantly correlated with serum gamma-globulin and IgG levels (r = 0.86, P < 0.05; r = 0.83, P < 0.005, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that TIMP-1 is involved in the pathogenesis of EF, and that TIMP-1 may be a useful marker for the disease activity as well as serum gamma-globulin or IgG levels.

Observation of B+-->psi(3770)K+

We report the first observation of the decay B+-->psi(3770)K+ where the psi(3770) is reconstructed in the D0(-)D(0) and D+D- decay channels. The obtained branching fraction is B(B+-->psi(3770)K+)=(0.48+/-0.11+/-0.07)x10(-3). We have measured the branching fraction for the decay B+-->D0(-)D0K+ to be (1.17+/-0.21+/-0.15)x10(-3) and set a 90% confidence level upper limit of 0.90 x 10(-3) for the decay B+-->D+D-K+. We also present the results of a search for possible decays to D(-)D and D0(-)D(0)pi(0) of the recently observed X(3872) particle. The analysis is based on 88 fb(-1) of data collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance by the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider.

Measurement of the CP asymmetry in B-->Xs gamma

Direct CP violation in the b-->sgamma process is a sensitive probe of physics beyond the standard model. We report a measurement of the CP asymmetry in B-->X(s)gamma, where the hadronic recoil system X(s) is reconstructed using a pseudoreconstruction technique. In this approach there is negligible contamination from b-->dgamma decays, which are expected to have a much larger CP asymmetry. We find A(CP)=0.002+/-0.050(stat)+/-0.030(syst) for B-->X(s)gamma events having recoil mass smaller than 2.1 GeV/c(2). The analysis is based on a data sample of 140 fb(-1) recorded at the upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) storage ring.

Study of CP violating effects in time dependent B0(B0)-->D(*)-/+pi+/- decays

We report measurements of time dependent decay rates for B0(B(0))-->D((*)-/+)pi(+/-) decays and extraction of CP violation parameters containing phi(3). Using fully reconstructed D((*))pi events from a 140 fb(-1) data sample collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance, we obtain the CP violation parameters for D(*)pi and Dpi decays, 2R(D((*))pi)sin((2phi(1)+phi(3)+/-delta(D((*))pi)), where R(D((*))pi) is the ratio of the magnitudes of the doubly Cabibbo-suppressed and Cabibbo-favored amplitudes, and delta(D((*))pi) is the strong phase difference between them. Under the assumption of delta(D((*))pi) being close to either 0 degrees or 180 degrees, we obtain |2R(D(*)pi)sin((2phi(1)+phi(3))|=0.060+/-0.040(stat)+/-0.019(syst) and |2R(Dpi)sin((2phi(1)+phi(3))|=0.061+/-0.037(stat)+/-0.018(syst).

Observation of large CP violation and evidence for direct CP violation in B0-->pi(+)pi(-) decays

We report the first observation of CP violation in B0-->pi(+)pi(-) decays based on 152x10(6) gamma (4S)-->BB decays collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. We reconstruct a B0-->pi(+)pi(-) CP eigenstate and identify the flavor of the accompanying B meson from its decay products. From the distribution of the time intervals between the two B meson decay points, we obtain A(pipi)=+0.58+/-0.15(stat)+/-0.07(syst) and S(pipi)=-1.00+/-0.21(stat)+/-0.07(syst). We rule out the CP-conserving case, A(pipi)=S(pipi)=0, at a level of 5.2 standard deviations. We also find evidence for direct CP violation with a significance at or greater than 3.2 standard deviations for any S(pipi) value.

Upper bound on the decay tau-->microgamma from the Belle detector

We have performed a search for the lepton-flavor-violating decay tau-->microgamma using a data sample of 86.3 fb(-1) accumulated by the Belle detector at KEK. No evidence for a signal is seen, and we set an upper limit for the branching fraction of B(tau-->microgamma)<3.1 x 10(-7) at the 90% confidence level.

Observation of B(+)-->pppi+, B0-->ppK0, and B(+)-->ppK(*+)

We report the first observation of a b-->u type charmless baryonic B decay, B+-->pppi(+), as well as b-->s type B0-->ppK0 and B+-->ppK(*+) decays. The analysis is based on a 78 fb(-1) data sample recorded on the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at KEKB. We find B(B+-->pppi(+))=(3.06(+0.73)(-0.62)+/-0.37)x10(-6), B(B0-->ppK0)=(1.88(+0.77)(-0.60)+/-0.23)x10(-6), and B(B+-->ppK(*+))=(10.3(+3.6+1.3)(-2.8-1.7))x10(-6). We also update B(B+-->ppK+)=(5.66(+0.67)(-0.57)+/-0.62)x10(-6) and present an upper limit on B(B0-->ppK(*0)) at the 90% confidence level. A common feature of the observed decay modes is threshold peaking in baryon pair invariant mass.

Measurement of /V(ub)/ using inclusive B-->X(u)lnu decays with a novel X(u)-reconstruction method

We report the measurement of an inclusive partial branching fraction for charmless semileptonic B decay and the extraction of /V(ub)/. Candidates for B-->X(u)lnu are identified with a novel X(u) reconstruction method based on neutrino reconstruction via missing 4-momentum and a technique called "simulated annealing." Based on 86.9 fb(-1) of data taken with the Belle detector, we obtain DeltaB(B-->X(u)lnu;M(X)<1.7 GeV/c2,q2>8.0 GeV2/c2)=[7.37+/-0.89(stat)+/-1.12(syst)+/-0.55(b-->c)+/-0.24(b-->u)]x10(-4) and determine |V(ub)|=[4.66+/-0.28(stat)+/-0.35(syst)+/-0.17(b-->c)+/-0.08(b-->u)+/-0.58(theory)]x10(-3).

Observation of radiative B-->phi K gamma decays

The radiative decay B-->phi K gamma is observed for the first time. The branching fraction for the charged B--->phi K- gamma decay mode is measured to be B(B--->phi K- gamma)=(3.4+/-0.9+/-0.4)x10(-6). The photon energy distribution for the B--->phi K- gamma decay is presented. The signal for the neutral B(0)-->phi K(0)gamma decay mode is not statistically significant and an upper limit, B(B(0)-->phi K(0)gamma)<8.3x10(-6) at 90% C.L., is set. The analysis is based on a data set of 90 fb(-1) collected by the Belle experiment at the e(+)e(-) asymmetric collider KEKB.

Increased incidence of acute graft-versus-host disease with the continuous infusion of cyclosporine A compared to twice-daily infusion

We retrospectively compared the incidence of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) before and after September 1999, when we changed the mode of cyclosporine A (CsA) administration from twice-daily infusions (TD) (n=58) to continuous infusion (CIF) (n=71). The incidence of grade II-IV acute GVHD in the CIF group (56%) was significantly higher than that in the TD group (27%, P=0.00022). Multivariate analysis identified only two independent significant risk factors for the development of grade II-IV acute GVHD; CIF of CsA (relative risk 2.59, 95% CI 1.46-4.60, P=0.0011) and the presence of HLA mismatch (2.01, 95% CI 1.15-3.53, P=0.014). The incidence of relapse was significantly lower in the CIF group when adjusted for disease status before transplantation (0.41, 95% CI 0.18-0.95, P=0.038), which resulted in better disease-free survival in high-risk patients (43 vs 16% at 2 years, P=0.039), but not in standard-risk patients (72 vs 80%, P=0.45). CIF of CsA with a target level of 250-400 ng/ml may not be appropriate for GVHD prophylaxis in standard-risk patients.

Measurements of the D(sJ) resonance properties

We report measurements of the properties of the D(+)(sJ)(2317) and D(+)(sJ)(2457) resonances produced in continuum e(+)e(-) annihilation near sqrt[s]=10.6 GeV. The analysis is based on an 86.9 fb(-1) data sample collected with the Belle detector at KEKB. We determine the masses to be M(D(+)(sJ)(2317))=2317.2+/-0.5(stat)+/-0.9(syst) MeV/c(2) and M(D(+)(sJ)(2457))=2456.5+/-1.3(stat)+/-1.3(syst) MeV/c(2). We observe the radiative decay mode D(+)(sJ)(2457)-->D(+)(s)gamma and the dipion decay mode D(+)(sJ)(2457)-->D(+)(s)pi(+)pi(-) and determine their branching fractions. No corresponding decays are observed for the D(sJ)(2317) state. These results are consistent with the spin-parity assignments of 0(+) for the D(sJ)(2317) and 1(+) for the D(sJ)(2457).

In vitro and in vivo analysis of human herpesvirus-6 U90 protein expression

In order to establish a reliable method for the detection of human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) B antigens in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) collected from HHV-6 infected patients, we created a polyclonal antibody against the HHV-6 B U90 protein (IEA/ex3) and used it to examine the expression of this protein in virus-infected cells and patients' PBMCs. This antibody reacted with 170 and 195 kDa proteins in HHV-6 B-infected cord blood mononuclear cells. The IEA/ex3 antigen was detected in cord blood mononuclear cells at 6 hr post-infection, and the number of infected cells reached its maximum at 48 hr post-infection. The antigen stained in a punctate pattern and partially localized to the promyelocytic leukemia (PML) protein body. We also examined 60 PBMC samples from 60 febrile children (3-19 months old) and detected IEA/ex3 antigen in the PBMCs by laser-scanning microscopy. HHV-6 was isolated from 31 of the 60 samples. The sensitivity and specificity of the antigen detection were 84% (26/31) and 97% (28/29), respectively, in the samples with virus detected. The mean number of antigen-positive PBMCs was 409/10(6) cells in 20 samples with viral isolation. A significant correlation (r = 0.566; P = 0.008) was observed between the viral load and number of antigen-positive cells. Although IEA/ex3 antigen was detected by laser-scanning microscopy in PBMCs (without cultivation) collected from six patients with isolated virus, it was detected in only one sample by conventional fluorescence microscopy. Increasing the intensity by cultivation (24 hr) resulted in a higher detection rate (5/6) even by conventional fluorescence microscopy, which is available in most hospital laboratories.

Measurement of time-dependent CP-violating asymmetries in B0-->phiK(0)S, K+K-K0(S), and eta'K0(S) decays

We present an improved measurement of CP-violation parameters in B0-->phiK(0)(S), K(+)K(-)K(0)(S), and eta(')K(0)(S) decays based on a 140 fb(-1) data sample collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB energy-asymmetric e(+)e(-) collider. One neutral B meson is fully reconstructed in one of the specified decay channels, and the flavor of the accompanying B meson is identified from its decay products. CP-violation parameters for each of the three modes are obtained from the asymmetries in the distributions of the proper-time intervals between the two B decays. We find that the observed CP asymmetry in the B-->phiK(0)(S) decay differs from the standard model (SM) expectation by 3.5 standard deviations, while the other cases are consistent with the SM.

Evidence for B0-->pi0pi0

We report evidence for the decay B0-->pi(0)pi(0). The analysis is based on a data sample of 152x10(6) BBmacr; pairs collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) storage ring. We detect a signal for B0-->pi(0)pi(0) with a significance of 3.4 standard deviations, and measure the branching fraction to be [1.7+/-0.6(stat)+/-0.2(syst)]x10(-6).

Observation of the D(sJ)(2317) and D(sJ)(2457) in B decays

We report the first observation of the B-->Dmacr;D(sJ)(2317) and B-->Dmacr;D(sJ)(2457) decays based on 123.8x10(6) BBmacr; events collected with the Belle detector at KEKB. We observe the D(sJ)(2317) decay to D(s)pi(0) and the D(sJ)(2457) decay to the D(*)(s)pi(0) and D(s)gamma final states. We also set 90% C.L. upper limits for the decays D(sJ)(2317)-->D(*)(s)gamma, D(sJ)(2457)-->D(*)(s)gamma, D(sJ)(2457)-->D(s)pi(0), and D(sJ)(2457)-->D(s)pi(+)pi(-).

Observation of B-->K*l+l-

We report the observation of the flavor-changing neutral current decay B-->K(*)l(+)l(-) and an im-proved measurement of the decay B-->Kl(+)l(-), where l represents an electron or a muon, with a data sample of 140 fb(-1) accumulated at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at KEKB. The results for the branching fractions are B(B-->K(*)l(+)l(-))=(11.5(+2.6)(-2.4)+/-0.8+/-0.2)x10(-7) and B(B-->Kl(+)l(-))=(4.8(+1.0)(-0.9)+/-0.3+/-0.1)x10(-7), where the first error is statistical, the second is systematic and the third is from model dependence.

Observation of a narrow charmoniumlike state in exclusive B+/--->K+/-pi+pi-J/psi decays

We report the observation of a narrow charmoniumlike state produced in the exclusive decay process B+/--->K+/-pi(+)pi(-)J/psi. This state, which decays into pi(+)pi(-)J/psi, has a mass of 3872.0+/-0.6(stat)+/-0.5(syst) MeV, a value that is very near the M(D0)+M(D(*0)) mass threshold. The results are based on an analysis of 152M B-Bmacr; events collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance in the Belle detector at the KEKB collider. The signal has a statistical significance that is in excess of 10sigma.

Observation of B-/+-->rho-/+rho0 decays

We report the first observation of the charmless vector-vector decay process B-/+-->rho(-/+)rho(0). The measurement uses a 78 fb(-1) data sample collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric e(+)e(-) collider operating at the Upsilon(4S) resonance. We obtain a branching fraction of B(B-/+-->rho(-/+)rho(0))=[31.7+/-7.1(stat)+3.8-6.7(syst)]x10(-6). An analysis of the rho helicity-angle distributions gives a longitudinal polarization fraction of Gamma(L)/Gamma=0.95+/-0.11(stat)+/-0.02(syst). We also measure the direct-CP-violating asymmetry A(CP)(B-/+-->rho(-/+)rho(0))=0.00+/-0.22(stat)+/-0.03(syst).

Male predominance among Japanese adult patients with late-onset hemorrhagic cystitis after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Late-onset hemorrhagic cystitis (LHC) after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is mainly caused by viral infections. We retrospectively analyzed the records of 141 Japanese adult patients who underwent a first allogeneic HSCT from 1995 to 2002. In all, 19 patients developed LHC a median of 51 days after HSCT. Adenovirus (AdV) was detected in the urine of 10 LHC patients, of whom eight had AdV type 11. Five of the six available serum samples from these patients were also positive for AdV type 11, but the detection of AdV in serum was not associated with a worse outcome. Male sex and the development of grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease were identified as independent significant risk factors for LHC. Male predominance was detected in LHC after HSCT, as has been previously shown in children with AdV-induced acute HC. The detection of AdV DNA in serum did not predict a poor outcome.

Measurement of branching fractions and polarization in B-->phiK(*) decays

We present the first measurement of decay amplitudes in B-->phiK* and measurements of branching fractions in B-->phiK(*) decays based on 78.1 fb(-1) of data recorded at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e+e- storage ring. The decay amplitudes for the different phiK*0 helicity states are measured from the angular distributions of final state particles in the transversity basis. The longitudinal and transverse complex amplitudes are |A0|2=0.43+/-0.09+/-0.04, |A(perpendicular)|2=0.41+/-0.10+/-0.04, arg((A(parallel))=-2.57+/-0.39+/-0.09, and arg((A(perpendicular))=0.48+/-0.32+/-0.06. The direct CP-violating asymmetries are found to be consistent with zero.

Beam-polarization asymmetries for the p(gamma-->, K+)Lambda and p(gamma-->, K+)Sigma(0) reactions for E(gamma)=1.5-2.4 GeV

Beam polarization asymmetries for the p(gamma-->,K+)Lambda and p(gamma-->,K+)Sigma(0) reactions are measured for the first time for E(gamma)=1.5-2.4 GeV and 0.6<cos((theta(c.m.)(K+))<1.0 by using linearly polarized photons at the Laser-Electron-Photon facility at SPring-8 (LEPS). The observed asymmetries are positive and gradually increase with rising photon energy. The data are not consistent with theoretical predictions based on tree-level effective-Lagrangian approaches. Including the new results in the development of the models is, therefore, crucial for understanding the reaction mechanism and to test the presence of baryon resonances which are predicted in quark models but are thus far undiscovered.

Trans-Tenon's retrobulbar triamcinolone infusion for the treatment of uveitis

AIM

To assess efficacy and complications of trans-Tenon's retrobulbar infusion of triamcinolone acetonide for posterior uveitic inflammation.

METHODS

Non-randomised, uncontrolled, retrospective study of 51 eyes of 37 patients who underwent triamcinolone infusion for vitritis, cystoid macular oedema (CMO), or posterior retinal vasculitis using a long blunt cannula via an incision made through conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule.

RESULTS

Overall clinical efficacy was 86%; 96% for vitritis, 82% for CMO, and 33% for posterior retinal vasculitis. Mean visual acuity improved within 1 month after triamcinolone infusion (p <0.05). Cataract progression and intraocular pressure elevation were observed in 31% and 27% of eyes, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Trans-Tenon's retrobulbar triamcinolone infusion may be a safe and effective treatment for posterior uveitic inflammation.

Evidence for a narrow S = +1 baryon resonance in photoproduction from the neutron

The gamman-->K(+)K(-)n reaction on 12C has been studied by measuring both K+ and K- at forward angles. A sharp baryon resonance peak was observed at 1.54+/-0.01 GeV/c(2) with a width smaller than 25 MeV/c(2) and a Gaussian significance of 4.6sigma. The strangeness quantum number (S) of the baryon resonance is +1. It can be interpreted as a molecular meson-baryon resonance or alternatively as an exotic five-quark state (uuddsmacr;) that decays into a K+ and a neutron. The resonance is consistent with the lowest member of an antidecuplet of baryons predicted by the chiral soliton model.

Combined treatment with nafamostat mesilate and aspirin prevents heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in a hemodialysis patient

We report on the management of a 36-year-old hemodialysis patient with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT, type II) and clot formation in extracorporeal circulation. Platelet aggregation test and measurement of anti-platelet factor 4/heparin complex antibody by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed to us that our patient had developed HIT. Instead of heparin, we used nafamostat mesilate (NM) as an anticoagulant during hemodialysis, but could not completely prevent HIT-induced thrombocytopenia or clot formation in the extracorporeal circuit. Combined use of NM and aspirin completely inhibited platelet aggregation, decrease in platelet count and clot formation in the extracorporeal circuit.

Observation of B0-->pLambda(pi)(-)

We report the first observation of the charmless hyperonic B decay, B0-->pLambda(pi)(-), using a 78 fb(-1) data sample recorded on the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at KEKB. The measured branching fraction is B(B0-->pLambda(pi)(-))=(3.97(+1.00)(-0.80)+/-0.56)x10(-6). Searches for B0-->pLambda(K)- and pSigma(0)pi(-) yield no significant signals and we set 90% confidence-level upper limits of B(B0-->pLambda(K)-)<8.2x10(-7) and B(B0-->pSigma(0)pi(-))<3.8x10(-6).

Observation of B0 -->D0K0 and B0 -->D0K*0 decays

We report on a search for B(0)-->D(*0)K(*0) decays based on 85 x 10(6) BB events collected with the Belle detector at KEKB. The B(0)-->D0K(0) and B(0)-->D0K(*0) decays have been observed for the first time with the branching fractions B(B(0)-->D0K(0))=(5.0(+1.3)(-1.2)+/-0.6)x10(-5) and B(B(0)-->D0K(*0))=(4.8(+1.1)(-1.0)+/-0.5)x10(-5). No significant signal has been found for the B(0)-->D(*0)K*0) and B(0)-->D(*0)K(*0) decay modes, and upper limits at 90% C.L. are presented.

Studies of the decay B+/- -->D(CP)K+/-

We report studies of the Cabibbo-suppressed decay B+/--->D(CP)K+/-, where D(CP) denotes CP eigenstates of the D0-D0; system. The analysis is based on a 29.1 fb(-1) sample collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric e(+)e(-) storage ring. We measure ratios of branching fractions, relative to Cabibbo-favored B+/--->D(CP)pi(+/-), of B(B--->D1K-)/B(B--->D1pi(-))=0.125+/-0.036+/-0.010 and B(B--->D2K-)/B(B--->D2pi(-))=0.119+/-0.028+/-0.006; the index 1 (2) denotes the CP=+1 (-1) eigenstate. We also extract the partial rate asymmetries for B+/--->D(CP)K+/-, finding A(1)=0.29+/-0.26+/-0.05 and A(2)=-0.22+/-0.24+/-0.04.

Observation of the decay B0-->lambda+cp

We report the measurement of the charmed baryonic decay B(0)-->Lambda(+)(c)p with a branching fraction of (2.19(+0.56)(-0.49)+/-0.32+/-0.57)x10(-5) and a statistical significance of 5.8 sigma. The errors are statistical, systematic, and the error of the Lambda(+)(c)-->pK(-)pi(+) decay branching fraction. This is the first observation of a two-body baryonic B decay. The analysis is based on 78.2 fb(-1) of data accumulated at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric e(+)e(-) collider.

Measurement of branching fractions for B-->eta(c)K(*) decays

We report measurements of branching fractions for charged and neutral B-->eta(c)K decays where the eta(c) meson is reconstructed in the K(0)(S)K+/-pi(-/+), K+K-pi(0), K(*0)K-pi(+), and pp; decay channels. The neutral B0 channel is a CP eigenstate and can be used to measure the CP violation parameter sin(2phi(1). We also report the first observation of the B0-->eta(c)K(*0) mode. The results are based on an analysis of 29.1 fb(-1) of data collected by the Belle detector at KEKB.

Plasma plasmin-alpha2-plasmin inhibitor complex levels are increased in systemic sclerosis patients with pulmonary hypertension

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency and clinical significance of plasma plasmin-alpha(2)-plasmin inhibitor complex (PIC) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

METHODS

Plasma samples from 74 patients with SSc and 32 healthy volunteers were examined by a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Elevated plasma PIC levels were present in 35 of the 74 patients (47.3%) with SSc. The patients with elevated plasma PIC levels had pulmonary hypertension (PH) at a significantly higher incidence than those with normal PIC levels (31.4 vs 7.7%, P<0.01). When PH was classified into isolated PH (IPH) and secondary PH (SPH), the presence of IPH was significantly greater in patients with elevated PIC levels than in those with normal levels (25.7 vs 5.1%, P<0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that plasma PIC levels may be a marker of PH, especially IPH, in patients with SSc.

Elevated circulating soluble CD40 ligand in patients with mixed connective tissue disease

Abnormalities of CD40 ligand have been demonstrated in various kinds of diseases. Our objective was to determine serum soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) levels in patients with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). Serum sCD40L levels of 23 patients with MCTD and 21 healthy individuals were measured with specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Serum levels of sCD40L were significantly higher in patients with MCTD than in healthy individuals (median 0.179 ng/ml vs 0.99 ng/ml, 25th-75th percentile; 0.117-0.296 ng/ml vs 0.82-1.70 ng/ml, P<0.005), whereas there were no significant correlation between elevated serum sCD40L levels and clinical or serological features in patients with MCTD. These results suggest that sCD40L plays a role in the pathogenesis of MCTD. Further studies are needed to clarify this.