Frequent loss of CD10 expression in follicular lymphoma with leukaemic presentation

INTRODUCTION

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is usually a nodal lymphoma expressing CD10, rarely with leukaemic presentation (FL-LP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched for FL-LP in our institution from 2000 to 2018 and characterised the neoplastic cells by flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Thirteen (6.1%) of 212 FL cases were FL-LP, all de novo neoplasms. The leukaemic cells were small in 12 cases and large in one. All had concurrent FL, mostly (92%; 12/13) low-grade. The single case with large leukaemic cells had a concurrent primary splenic low-grade FL and a double-hit large B-cell lymphoma in the marrow.

RESULTS

CD10 was expressed in the leukaemic cells in 38% (5/13) cases by flow cytometry and in 77% (10/13) cases in tumours (p= 0.0471). IGH/BCL2 reciprocal translocation was identified in 85% (11/13) cases. Most patients were treated with chemotherapy. In a median follow-up time of 36 months, nine patients were in complete remission. The 2- and 5-year survival rates were at 100% and 83%, respectively. In this study, we characterised a series of de novo FL-LP in Taiwan. All patients had concurrent nodal and/or tissue tumours, which might suggest that these patients seek medical help too late.

CONCLUSION

The lower CD10 expression rate by flow cytometry than by immunohistochemistry might be due to different epitopes for these assays. Alternatively, loss of CD10 expression might play a role in the pathogenesis of leukaemic change. The clinical course of FL-LP could be aggressive, but a significant proportion of the patients obtained complete remission with chemotherapy.

Spatiotemporal Changes of Neuronal Responses in the Primary Somatosensory Cortex to Noxious Tail Stimulation in Awake and Pentobarbital-Anesthetized Rats

Primary somatosensory cortex (SI) is a key area in the processing of nociceptor inputs to our consciousness. To clarify the columnar and laminar organization of SI for pain processing, we compared spatiotemporal changes in neuronal activities of the primary sensorimotor cortex (SmI) of the rat in response to noxious laser heat stimulation applied to the mid-tail. Longitudinal and vertical array microelectrodes were chronically implanted in the cerebral cortex. Evoked neuronal activities, including intracortical local field potentials (LFP) and ensemble single-unit activity (SU) around SmI were simultaneously recorded. The effect of pentobarbital on the neuronal responses was evaluated in comparison with the neuronal responses in conscious animals to explore the potential substrate of nociceptive processing in the conscious state. The results from the experiment with longitudinal microelectrode arrays indicated that noxious stimulation induced a neuronal response which was spread widely around the SmI of the conscious rat, and the range of neuronal responses was limited to the tail region of the SmI under anesthesia. The results from the experiment with vertical microelectrode arrays showed the universal neuronal responses through all cortical layers of the SmI in conscious rats, and sodium pentobarbital suppressed these neuronal responses in the supragranular layers significantly relative to the deeper layers and basal activity. These results imply that a wider range of cortical activation, both in the horizontal or vertical dimension, might be important for nociceptive processing in the conscious state.

Neurophysiological comparisons of subthalamic deep-brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease between patients receiving general and local anesthesia

Objectives:

Subthalamic nucleus deep-brain stimulation (STN-DBS) is suggested as a standard treatment for patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and drug-related side effects. Most centers perform the operation under local anesthesia (LA) to ensure better microelectrode recording (MER). Given the advances in imaging and MER, general anesthesia (GA) is perceived as an alternative choice for PD patients undergoing STN-DBS. However, the outcomes in terms of clinical symptoms and MER after GA have rarely been reported. In this report, we compared the outcomes after STN-DBS for PD between patients receiving LA and GA.

Materials and Methods:

We included 16 patients with comparable severity of PD undergoing either GA (n = 8) or LA (n = 8) for STN-DBS. MER was performed in all patients for STN localization, and surgical outcomes were evaluated using the Unified PD Rating Scales, and Mini-mental status examination. All adverse effects were documented.

Results:

Both groups (GA and LA) acquired similar benefits from STN-DBS, and there were no significant differences in neuropsychiatric outcome analysis between groups. There were no significant differences in stimulation parameters and adverse effects from STN-DBS between groups. The GA group had a trend toward a lower frequency rate of STN firing on MER.

Conclusion:

Although the GA group has a lower neuronal firing frequency in the STN during surgery, STN-DBS under GA showed comparable and non-inferior outcomes as compared with STN-DBS under LA.

Dorsolateral subthalamic neuronal activity enhanced by median nerve stimulation characterizes Parkinson’s disease during deep brain stimulation with general anesthesia

OBJECT

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery under general anesthesia is an alternative option for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, few studies are available that report whether neuronal firing can be accurately recorded during this condition. In this study the authors attempted to characterize the neuronal activity of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and elucidate the influence of general anesthetics on neurons during DBS surgery in patients with PD. The benefit of median nerve stimulation (MNS) for localization of the dorsolateral subterritory of the STN, which is involved in sensorimotor function, was explored.

METHODS

Eight patients with PD were anesthetized with desflurane and underwent contralateral MNS at the wrist during microelectrode recording of the STN. The authors analyzed the spiking patterns and power spectral density (PSD) of the background activity along each penetration track and determined the spatial correlation to the target location, estimated mated using standard neurophysiological procedures.

RESULTS

The dorsolateral STN spiking pattern showed a more prominent bursting pattern without MNS and more oscillation with MNS. In terms of the neural oscillation of the background activity, beta-band oscillation dominated within the sensorimotor STN and showed significantly more PSD during MNS (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Neuronal firing within the STN could be accurately identified and differentiated when patients with PD received general anesthetics. Median nerve stimulation can enhance the neural activity in beta-band oscillations, which can be used as an index to ensure optimal electrode placement via successfully tracked dorsolateral STN topography.

Buprenorphine, methadone, and morphine treatment during pregnancy: behavioral effects on the offspring in rats

Methadone and buprenorphine are widely used for treating people with opioid dependence, including pregnant women. Prenatal exposure to opioids has devastating effects on the development of human fetuses and may induce long-term physical and neurobehavioral changes during postnatal maturation. This study aimed at comparing the behavioral outcomes of young rats prenatally exposed to buprenorphine, methadone, and morphine. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were administered saline, morphine, methadone, and buprenorphine during embryonic days 3-20. The cognitive function, social interaction, anxiety-like behaviors, and locomotor activity of offsprings were examined by novel object recognition test, social interaction test, light-dark transition test, elevated plus-maze, and open-field test between 6 weeks and 10 weeks of age. Prenatal exposure to methadone and buprenorphine did not affect locomotor activity, but significantly impaired novel object recognition and social interaction in both male and female offsprings in the same manner as morphine. Although prenatal exposure to methadone or buprenorphine increased anxiety-like behaviors in the light-dark transition in both male and female offsprings, the effects were less pronounced as compared to that of morphine. Methadone affected elevated plus-maze in both sex, but buprenorphine only affected the female offsprings. These findings suggest that buprenorphine and methadone maintenance therapy for pregnant women, like morphine, produced detrimental effects on cognitive function and social behaviors, whereas the offsprings of such women might have a lower risk of developing anxiety disorders.

Comparisons of terminal densities of cardiovascular function-related projections from the amygdala subnuclei

The amygdala is important in higher-level control of cardiovascular functions. In this study, we compared cardiovascular-related projections among the subnuclei of the amygdala. Biotinylated dextran amine was injected into the central, medial, and basolateral nuclei of the amygdala, and the distributions and densities of anterograde-labeled terminal boutons were analyzed. We found that the medial, basolateral, and central nuclei all had projections into the cardiovascular-related areas of the hypothalamus. However, only the central nucleus had a significant direct projection into the medulla. By contrast, the medial nucleus had limited projections, and the basolateral nucleus had no terminals extending into the medulla. We concluded that the medial, central, and basolateral nuclei of the amygdala may influence cardiovascular-related nuclei through monosynaptic connections with cardiovascular-related nuclei in the hypothalamus and medulla.

Effects of spike sorting error on the Granger causality index

Accurately sorting individual neurons is a technical challenge and plays an important role in identifying information flow among neurons. Spike sorting errors are almost unavoidable and can roughly be divided into two types: false positives (FPs) and false negatives (FNs). This study investigates how FPs and FNs affect results of the Granger causality (GC) analysis, a powerful method for detecting causal interactions between time series signals. We derived an explicit formula based on a first order vector autoregressive model to analytically study the effects of FPs and FNs. The proposed formula was able to reveal the intrinsic properties of the GC, and was verified by simulation studies. The effects of FPs and FNs were further evaluated using real experimental data from the ventroposterior medial nucleus of the thalamus. Some practical suggestions for spike sorting are also provided in this paper.

Vertical-cavity and randomly scattered lasing from different thicknesses of epitaxial ZnO films grown on Y₂O₃-buffered Si (111)

Two different types of lasing modes, vertical Fabry-Perot cavity and random lasing, were observed in ZnO epi-films of different thicknesses grown on Si (111) substrates. Under optical excitation at room temperature by a frequency tripled Nd:YVO₄ laser with wavelength of 355 nm, the lasing thresholds are low due to high crystalline quality of the ZnO epitaxial films, which act as microresonators. For the thick ZnO layer (1,200 nm), its lasing action is originated from the random scattering due to the high density of crack networks developed in the thick ZnO film. However, the low crack density of the thin film (555 nm) fails to provide feedback loops essential for random scattering. Nevertheless, even the lower threshold lasing is achieved by the Fabry-Perot cavity formed by two interfaces of the thin ZnO film. The associated lasing modes of the thin ZnO film can be characterized as the transverse Gaussian modes attributed to the smooth curved surfaces.

Involvement of the periaqueductal gray in the effect of motor cortex stimulation

Several clinical and animal studies of different pain models reported that motor cortex stimulation (MCS) has an antinociceptive effect. In our previous study, the response of the primary somatosensory cortex (SI) to peripheral stimuli decreased after MCS. The aim of the present study was to investigate involvement of the periaqueductal gray (PAG) in this inhibitory effect of MCS. Responses of the SI to electrical stimuli applied to both forepaws of anesthetized rats were monitored to evaluate the effect of MCS. After sensory-evoked potentials (SEPs) were stable, either saline, opioid, or dopamine receptor antagonists were locally microinjected into the PAG. After drug or saline administration, MCS was applied to the forepaw area of the right motor cortex. SEPs after MCS were compared to those before MCS. In the saline group, SEPs ipsilateral to MCS decreased, but SEPs contralateral to MCS did not. The decrease in SEPs was prevented by pretreatment of the PAG with naloxone. Application of a nonspecific dopamine receptor antagonist (α-flupenthixol) to the PAG also blocked the inhibition of SEPs after MCS. Inhibition of SEPs after MCS was blocked by local application of a D1 antagonist (SCH-23390) in the PAG, but not by a D2 antagonist (eticlopride). These results suggest that the PAG participates in the inhibitory effect of MCS, and this effect of MCS may be mediated by opioid and dopamine D1 receptors within thePAG.

Single domain m-plane ZnO grown on m-plane sapphire by radio frequency magnetron sputtering

High-quality m-plane orientated ZnO films have been successfully grown on m-plane sapphire by using radio frequency magnetron sputtering deposition. The introduction of a nanometer-thick, low-temperature-grown ZnO buffer layer effectively eliminates inclusions of other undesirable orientations. The structure characteristics of the ZnO epi-layers were thoroughly studied by synchrotron X-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The in-plane epitaxial relationship between ZnO and sapphire follows (0002)(ZnO) [parallel] (112[overline]0)(sapphire) and (112[overline]0)(ZnO) [parallel] (0006)(sapphire) and the ZnO/sapphire interface structure can be described by the domain matching epitaxy along the [112[overline]0](ZnO) direction. The vibrational properties of the films were investigated by polarization dependent micro-Raman spectroscopy. Both XRD and micro-Raman results reveal that the obtained m-ZnO layers are under an anisotropic biaxial strain but still retains a hexagonal lattice.

Detection of Rickettsia spp. and host and habitat associations of fleas (Siphonaptera) in eastern Taiwan

Rickettsia typhi and Rickettsia felis (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) are two rickettsiae principally transmitted by fleas, but the detection of either pathogen has rarely been attempted in Taiwan. Of 2048 small mammals trapped in eastern Taiwan, Apodemus agrarius Pallas (24.5%) and Mus caroli Bonhote (24.4%) (both: Rodentia: Muridae) were the most abundant, and M. caroli hosted the highest proportion of fleas (63.9% of 330 fleas). Two flea species were identified: Stivalius aporus Jordan and Rothschild (Siphonaptera: Stivaliidae), and Acropsylla episema Rothschild (Siphonaptera: Leptopsyllidae). Nested polymerase chain reaction targeting parts of the ompB and gltA genes showed six fleas to be positive for Rickettsia spp. (3.8% of 160 samples), which showed the greatest similarity to R. felis, Rickettsia japonica, Rickettsia conorii or Rickettsia sp. TwKM01. Rickettsia typhi was not detected in the fleas and Rickettsia co-infection did not occur. Both flea species were more abundant during months with lower temperatures and less rainfall, and flea abundance on M. caroli was not related to soil hardness, vegetative height, ground cover by litter or by understory layer, or the abundance of M. caroli. Our study reveals the potential circulation of R. felis and other rickettsiae in eastern Taiwan, necessitating further surveillance of rickettsial diseases in this region. This is especially important because many novel rickettsioses are emerging worldwide.

Effect of phenethyl isothiocyanate on Ca2+ movement and viability in MDCK canine renal tubular cells

The effect of the natural compound phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) on cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) and viability in MDCK renal cells is unknown. This study explored whether PEITC changed [Ca2+]i in MDCK cells using the Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent dye fura-2. PEITC at 200–700 μM increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner. The signal was reduced by removing extracellular Ca2+. PEITC-induced Ca2+ influx was inhibited by nifedipine, econazole, SK&F 96365 and protein kinase C modulators. In Ca2+-free medium, treatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor thapsigargin (TG) or 2,5-di- tert-butylhydroquinone (BHQ) inhibited PEITC-induced rise in [Ca2+]i. Incubation with PEITC also inhibited TG or BHQ-induced rise in [Ca2+]i. Inhibition of phospholipase C with U73122 abolished PEITC-induced rise in [Ca2+]i. At 15–75 μM, PEITC decreased viability. The cytotoxic effect of PEITC was enhanced by chelating cytosolic Ca2+ with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane- N, N, N′, N′-tetraacetic acid/acetoxymethyl ester. Annexin V-FITC data suggest that 20 and 50 μM PEITC induced apoptosis. At 10 and 15 μM, PEITC did not increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Together, in renal tubular cells, PEITC-induced rise in [Ca2+]i by inducing phospholipase C-dependent Ca2+ release from endoplasmic reticulum and Ca2+ entry via store-operated Ca2+ channels. PEITC induced apoptosis in a concentration-dependent, ROS/Ca2+-independent manner.

Epidural motor cortex stimulation suppresses somatosensory evoked potentials in the primary somatosensory cortex of the rat

Motor cortex stimulation (MCS) is a promising clinical procedure to help alleviate chronic pain. Animal models demonstrated that MCS is effective in lessening nocifensive behaviors. The present study explored the effects of MCS on cortical somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) recorded at the primary somatosensory cortex (SI) of the rat. SEPs were evoked by electrical stimulation applied to the contralateral forepaws. Effects of different intensities, frequencies, and durations of MCS were tested. MCS at ≥2V suppressed SEPs of the ipsilateral SI. Suppression lasted 120 min at an intensity of 5 V. The optimal frequency was 50 Hz, and the duration was 30s. In contrast, MCS did not affect SEPs recorded on the contralateral SI. Cortical stimulation out of the motor cortex did not induce a decrease in the ipsilateral SEPs. We also investigated involvement of the endogenous opioid system in this inhibition of SEPs induced by MCS. The opioid antagonist, naloxone (0.5 mg/kg), was administered 30 min before MCS. Application of naloxone completely prevented the inhibitory effect of MCS on ipsilateral SEPs. These results demonstrate that MCS blocked the transmission of somatosensory information to the primary somatosensory cortex, and this interference was mediated by the endogenous opioid system. This inhibitory effect on sensory transmission induced by MCS may reflect its antinociceptive effect.

Identification of potential hosts and vectors of scrub typhus and tick-borne spotted fever group rickettsiae in eastern Taiwan

Scrub typhus and tick-borne spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsioses are transmitted by chiggers (larval trombiculid mites) and hard ticks, respectively. We assessed exposure to these disease vectors by extensively sampling both chiggers and ticks and their small mammal hosts in eastern Taiwan during 2007 and 2008. The striped field mouse Apodemus agrarius Pallas (Rodentia: Muridae) was the most common of the small mammals (36.1% of 1393 captures) and presented the highest rate of infestation with both chiggers (47.8% of 110 760) and ticks (78.1% of 1431). Leptotrombidium imphalum Vercammen-Grandjean & Langston (Trombidiformes: Trombiculidae) and immature Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides Supino (Ixodida: Ixodidae) were the most abundant chiggers (84.5%) and ticks (>99%) identified, respectively. Immunofluorescent antibody assay revealed high seropositive rates of rodents against Orientia tsutsugamushi Hyashi (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), the aetiological agent of scrub typhus (70.0% of 437 rodents), and tick-borne SFG rickettsiae (91.9% of 418 rodents). The current study represents a first step towards elucidating the potential hosts and vectors in the enzootic transmission of O. tsutsugamushi and tick-borne SFG rickettsiae in Taiwan. Further studies should focus on characterizing pathogens in L. imphalum and R. haemaphysaloides, as well as the proclivity of both vectors to humans. Uncovering the main hosts of adult ticks is also critical for the prevention of SFG rickettsial infections.

A simplified method for immunological typing of trachoma-inclusion conjunctivitis-lymphogranuloma venereum organisms

Responding to the pressure of large numbers of trachoma-inclusion conjunctivitis (TRIC)-lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) isolates from field studies requiring serotyping, we have developed a simplified, less-precise method that utilizes cell culture-grown organisms to produce mouse antisera which is tested agaist prototype TRIC-LGV antigens in the micro-immunofluorescence test. Cell cultures with as few as 5 to 15% of cells showing inclusions produced adequate antibody in mice 4 days after single injection. Knowledge of the reaction of prototype antisera with the antigens has allowed typing of most isolates tested from the pattern of cross-reaction of their antiserum.

Differential involvement of the anterior cingulate and primary sensorimotor cortices in sensory and affective functions of pain

The present study examined the role of neurons in different pain-related functions of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and primary sensorimotor cortex (SmI) by assessing their abilities to code different levels of noxious heat and activity changes evoked by classical fear conditioning involving electric shocks. Multiple single-unit activity was recorded with microwires implanted in the SmI and ACC of each rat. In the first set of experiments, the middle segment of the tail in each rat was irradiated with laser-heat pulses of various intensities. Neuronal responses in both the SmI and ACC increased with the intensity of the laser heat, although there was a significantly higher percentage of intensity-related units in the SmI. Furthermore, the stimulus-response curve of SmI ensemble activity had a steeper slope than that of the ACC. In the second set of experiments, rats were trained and tested on a conditioned fear-potentiated startle task in which a light was paired with an electric shock and, later, the startle response was elicited by a burst of noise in the presence or absence of light. A higher percentage of ACC units changed their neuronal responses to the conditioned stimulus after the light-shock pairing and the average activity change was also significantly stronger. Our results suggest that SmI neurons are better at coding laser-heat intensity than ACC neurons, whereas more ACC neurons are involved in conditioned fear associated with an electric shock than SmI neurons. These data provide evidence for differential contributions of the SmI and ACC to sensory and affective dimensions of pain.

Search for B+-->D*+pi0 decay

We report on a search for the doubly Cabibbo suppressed decay B+-->D*+pi0, based on a data sample of 657x10(6) BB pairs collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+e- collider. We find no significant signal and set an upper limit of B(B+-->D*+pi0)<3.6x10(-6) at the 90% confidence level. This limit can be used to constrain the ratio between suppressed and favored B-->D*pi decay amplitudes, r<0.051, at the 90% confidence level.

Observation of B{0}-->ppK*0 with a large K*0 polarization

Using a 492 fb{-1} data sample collected near the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e{+}e{-} collider, we observe the decay B{0}-->ppK*0 with a branching fraction of (1.18{-0.25}{+0.29}(stat)+/-0.11(syst))x10{-6}. We study the decay dynamics of B{0}-->ppK*0 and compare with B{+}-->ppK*+. The K*0 meson is found to be almost 100% polarized (with a fraction of (101+/-13+/-3)% in the helicity zero state), while the K*+ meson has a (32+/-17+/-9)% fraction in the helicity zero state. The direct CP asymmetries for B{0}-->ppK*0 and B{+}-->ppK*+ are measured to be -0.08+/-0.20+/-0.02 and -0.01+/-0.19+/-0.02, respectively. In addition, we report improved measurements of the branching fractions B(B{+}-->ppK*+)=(3.38{-0.60}{+0.73}+/-0.39)x10{-6} and B(B{0}-->ppK{0})=(2.51{-0.29}{+0.35}+/-0.21)x10{-6}, which supersede our previous measurements.

Measurement of B(Ds{+}-->mu+nu(mu))

We present a measurement of the branching fraction B(D{s}{+}-->mu{+}nu{mu}) using a 548 fb{-1} data sample collected by the Belle experiment at the KEKB e{+}e{-} collider. The D{s} momentum is determined by reconstruction of the system recoiling against DKgammaX in events of the type e{+}e{-}-->D{s}{*}DKX, D{s}{*}-->D{s}gamma, where X represents additional pions or photons from fragmentation. This full-reconstruction method provides high resolution in the neutrino momentum and thus good background separation, equivalent to that achieved by experiments at the tau-charm factories. We obtain the branching fraction B(D{s}{+}-->mu{+}nu{mu})=[6.44+/-0.76(stat)+/-0.57(syst)]x10{-3}, implying a D{s} decay constant of f{D{s}}=[275+/-16(stat)+/-12(syst)] MeV.

Production of new charmoniumlike states in e+e- -->J/psiD*D[over](*) at sqrt[s] approximately 10.6 GeV

We report a study of the processes e+e- -->J/psiD*D[over](*). In J/psiD*D[over]* we observe a significant enhancement in the D*D[over]* invariant mass spectrum, which we interpret as a new charmoniumlike state and denote X(4160). The X(4160) parameters are M=(4156(-20)+25+/-15) MeV/c2 and Gamma=(139(-61)+111+/-21) MeV. We also report a new measurement of the X(3940) mass and width: M=(3942(-6)+7+/-6) MeV/c2 and Gamma=(37(-15)+26+/-8) MeV. The analysis is based on a 693 fb(-1) data sample recorded near the Upsilon(4S) resonance by the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy collider.

Observation of a resonancelike structure in the pi +- psi' mass distribution in exclusive B-->Kpi +- psi' decays

A distinct peak is observed in the pi +/- psi' invariant mass distribution near 4.43 GeV in B-->K pi +/- psi' decays. A fit using a Breit-Wigner resonance shape yields a peak mass and width of M=4433+/-4(stat)+/-2(syst) MeV and Gamma=45-13+18(stat)-13+30(syst) MeV. The product branching fraction is determined to be B(B 0-->K -/+Z+/-(4430)) x B(Z+/-(4430)-->pi+/-psi')=(4.1+/-1.0(stat)+/-1.4(syst)) x 10(-5), where Z+/-(4430) is used to denote the observed structure. The statistical significance of the observed peak is 6.5 sigma. These results are obtained from a 605 fb(-1) data sample that contains 657 x 10(6) BB pairs collected near the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric energy e+ e- collider.

Observation of B_(s)(0)-->phigamma and search for B_(s)(0)-->gammagamma decays at Belle

We search for the radiative penguin decays B_{s}{0}-->varphigamma and B_{s}{0}-->gammagamma in a 23.6 fb{-1} data sample collected at the Upsilon(5S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e{+}e{-} asymmetric-energy collider. We observe for the first time a radiative penguin decay of the B_{s}{0} meson in the B_{s}{0}-->varphigamma mode and we measure B(B_{s}{0}-->varphigamma)=(57_{-15}{+18}(stat)-11+12(syst))x10{-6}. No significant B_{s}{0}-->gammagamma signal is observed and we set a 90% confidence level upper limit of B(B_{s}{0}-->gammagamma)<8.7x10{-6}.

Measurement of time-dependent CP-violating parameters in B(0)-->K_(S)(0)K_(S)(0) decays

We report a measurement of the CP-violating parameters in B;{0}-->K_{S}{0}K_{S}{0} decays based on a data sample of 657x10{6} BB[over ] pairs collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e;{+}e{-} collider. In this Letter, one neutral B meson is fully reconstructed in the B;{0}-->K_{S}{0}K_{S}{0} decay mode, and the flavor of the accompanying B meson is identified by its decay products. The CP-violating parameters are measured from the asymmetry in the distributions of the proper-time interval between the two B decays: S_K_{S}{0}K_{S}{0}}=-0.38_{-0.77}{+0.69}(stat)+/-0.09(syst) and A_{K_{S}{0}K_{S}{0}}=-0.38+/-0.38(stat)+/-0.05(syst).

Observation of anomalous upsilon(1S)pi+pi(-) and upsilon(2S)pi+pi(-) production near the upsilon(5S) resonance

We report the first observation of e;{+}e;{-}-->Upsilon(1S)pi;{+}pi;{-}, Upsilon(2S)pi;{+}pi;{-}, and first evidence for e;{+}e;{-}-->Upsilon(3S)pi;{+}pi;{-}, Upsilon(1S)K+K-, near the peak of the Upsilon(5S) resonance at sqrt[s] approximately 10.87 GeV. The results are based on a data sample of 21.7 fb;{-1} collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB e;{+}e;{-} collider. Attributing the signals to the Upsilon(5S) resonance, the partial widths Gamma(Upsilon(5S)-->Upsilon(1S)pi;{+}pi;{-})=0.59+/-0.04(stat)+/-0.09(syst) MeV and Gamma(Upsilon(5S)-->Upsilon(2S)pi;{+}pi;{-})=0.85+/-0.07(stat)+/-0.16(syst) MeV are obtained from the observed cross sections. These values exceed by more than 2 orders of magnitude the previously measured partial widths for dipion transitions between lower Upsilon resonances.

Observation of a new DsJ meson in B+-->D0D0K+ decays

We report the observation of a new DsJ meson produced in B+-->D0DsJ-->D0D0K+. This state has a mass of M=2708+/-9(-10)(+11) MeV/c2, a width Gamma=108+/-23(-31)(+36) MeV/c2 and a 1- spin-parity. The statistical significance of this observation is 8.4 sigma. The results are based on an analysis of 449 x 10(6) BB events collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+e- collider.

Observation of the psi(4415)-->DD2*(2460) decay using initial-state radiation

We report measurements of the exclusive cross section for e(+)e(-)-->D(0)D(-)pi(+) over the center-of-mass energy range 4.0 GeV to 5.0 GeV with initial-state radiation and the first observation of the decay psi(4415)-->D(0)D(-)pi(+). From a study of the resonant substructure in psi(4415) decay we conclude that the psi(4415)-->D(0)D(-)pi(+) decay is dominated by psi(4415)-->DD(2)(*)(2460). We obtain B(psi(4415)-->D(0)D(-)pi(nonresonant)(+))/B(psi(4415)-->DD(2)(*)(2460)-->D(0)D(-)pi(+))<0.22 at 90% C.L. The analysis is based on a data sample collected with the Belle detector with an integrated luminosity of 673 fb(-1).

Time-dependent CP-violating asymmetry in B0-->rho0gamma decays

We report the first measurement of CP-violation parameters in B0-->rho0gamma decays based on a data sample of 657x10(6)BB pairs collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+e- collider. We obtain the time-dependent and direct CP-violating parameters, Srho0gamma=-0.83+/-0.65(stat)+/-0.18(syst) and Arho0gamma=-0.44+/-0.49(stat)+/-0.14(syst), respectively.

Search for B --> h(*)nunu[over ] decays at Belle

We present a search for the rare decays B --> h(*)nunu[over ], where h(*) stands for a light meson. A data sample of 535 x 10{6} BB[over ] pairs collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB e{+}e{-} collider is used. Signal candidates are required to have an accompanying B meson fully reconstructed in a hadronic mode and signal side particles consistent with a single h(*) meson. No significant signal is observed and we set upper limits on the branching fractions at 90% confidence level. The limits on B{0} --> K{*0}nunu[over ] and B{+} --> K{+}nunu[over ] decays are more stringent than the previous constraints, while the first searches for B{0} --> K{0}nunu[over ], pi{0}nunu[over ], rho{0}nunu[over ], varphinunu[over ] and B{+} --> K{*+}nunu[over ], rho{+}nunu[over ] are reported.

Search for the CP-violating decays Upsilon(4S)-->B0B0-->J/psiKS0+J/psi(etac)KS0

We report the first search for CP-violating decays of the Upsilon(4S) using a data sample that contains 535 x 10(6) Upsilon(4S) mesons with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. A partial reconstruction technique is employed to enhance the signal sensitivity. No significant signals were observed. We obtain an upper limit of 4 x 10(-7) at the 90% confidence level for the branching fractions of the CP violating modes, Upsilon(4S)-->B(0)B(0)-->J/psiK(S)(0)+J/psi(eta(c))K(S)(0). Extrapolating the result, we find that an observation with 5sigma significance is expected with a 30 ab(-1) data sample, which is within the reach of a future super B factory.

Observation of B(0)-->D(*-)tau(+)nu(tau) decay at Belle

We report an observation of the decay B{0}-->D{*-}tau{+}nu{tau} in a data sample containing 535x10{6} BB pairs collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e{+}e{-} collider. We find a signal with a significance of 5.2sigma and measure the branching fraction B(B{0}-->D{*-}tau{+}nu{tau})=(2.02{-0.37}{+0.40}(stat)+/-0.37(syst))%. This is the first observation of an exclusive B decay with a b-->ctaunu{tau} transition.

Measurement of the e+e- -->pi+pi- J/psi cross section via initial-state radiation at Belle

The cross section for e(+)e(-)-->pi(+)pi(-)J/psi between 3.8 and 5.5 GeV/c(2) is measured using a 548 fb(-1) data sample collected on or near the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at KEKB. A peak near 4.25 GeV/c(2), corresponding to the so called Y(4260), is observed. In addition, there is another cluster of events at around 4.05 GeV/c(2). A fit using two interfering Breit-Wigner shapes describes the data better than one that uses only the Y(4260), especially for the lower-mass side of the 4.25 GeV enhancement.

Observation of two resonant structures in e+ e- -->pi+ pi- psi(2S) via initial-state radiation at Belle

The cross section for e+ e- --> pi+ pi- psi(2S) between threshold and sqrt[s]=5.5 GeV is measured using 673 fb(-1) of data on and off the Upsilon(4S) resonance collected with the Belle detector at KEKB. Two resonant structures are observed in the pi+ pi- psi(2S) invariant-mass distribution, one at 4361 +/- 9 +/- 9 MeV/c2 with a width of 74 +/- 15 +/- 10 MeV/c2, and another at 4664 +/- 11 +/- 5 MeV/c2 with a width of 48 +/- 15 +/- 3 MeV/c2, if the mass spectrum is parametrized with the coherent sum of two Breit-Wigner functions. These values do not match those of any of the known charmonium states.

Measurement of Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen-type flavor entanglement in Upsilon(4S) --> B0 B0 decays

The neutral B meson pair produced at the Upsilon(4S) should exhibit a nonlocal correlation of the type discussed by Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen. We measure this correlation using the time-dependent flavor asymmetry of semileptonic B(0) decays, which we compare with predictions from quantum mechanics and two local realistic models. The data are consistent with quantum mechanics, and inconsistent with the other models. Assuming that some B pairs disentangle to produce B(0) and B(0) with definite flavor, we find a decoherent fraction of 0.029 +/ -0.057, consistent with no decoherence.

Measurement of D0-D0 mixing parameters in D0 --> Ks pi+ pi- decays

We report a measurement of D0-D(0) mixing parameters in D(0) --> K(s)(0) pi(+) pi(-) decays using a time-dependent Dalitz-plot analysis. We first assume CP conservation and subsequently allow for CP violation. The results are based on 540 fb(-1) of data accumulated with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) collider. Assuming negligible CP violation, we measure the mixing parameters x = (0.80 +/- 0.29(-0.07-0.14)(+0.09+0.10))% and y = (0.33+/-0.24(-0.12-0.08)(+0.08+0.06))%, where the errors are statistical, experimental systematic, and systematic due to the Dalitz decay model, respectively. Allowing for CP violation, we obtain the CP-violating parameters |q / p| = 0.86(-0.29-0.03)(+0.30+0.06) +/- 0.08 and arg(q/p) = (-14(-18-3-4)(+16+5+2)) degrees .

Measurement of the tau lepton mass and an upper limit on the mass difference between tau+ and tau-

The mass of the tau lepton has been measured in the decay mode tau-->3pinutau using a pseudomass technique. The result obtained from 414 fb-1 of data collected with the Belle detector is Mtau=[1776.61+/-0.13(stat)+/-0.35(sys)] MeV/c2. The upper limit on the relative mass difference between positive and negative tau leptons is |Mtau+-Mtau-|/Mtau<2.8 x 10-4 at 90% confidence level.

Experimental constraints on the spin and parity of the Lambdac(2880)+

We report the results of several studies of the Lambda(c)(+)pi(+)pi(-)X final state in continuum e(+)e(-) annihilation data collected by the Belle detector. An analysis of angular distributions in Lambda(c)(2880)(+)-->Sigma(c)(2455)(0,++)pi(+,-) decays strongly favors a Lambda(c)(2880)(+) spin assignment of 5/2 over 3/2 or 1/2. We find evidence for Lambda(c)(2880)(+)-->Sigma(c)(2520)(0,++)pi(+,-) decay and measure the ratio of Lambda(c)(2880)(+) partial widths Gamma(Sigma(c)(2520)pi)/Gamma(Sigma(c)(2455)pi)=0.225+/-0.062+/-0.025. This value favors the Lambda(c)(2880)(+) spin-parity assignment of 5/2(+) over 5/2(-). We also report the first observation of Lambda(c)(2940)(+)-->Sigma(c)(2455)(0,++)pi(+,-) decay and measure Lambda(c)(2880)(+) and Lambda(c)(2940)(+) mass and width parameters. These studies are based on a 553 fb(-1) data sample collected at or near the Upsilon(4S) resonance at the KEKB collider.

Evidence for CP violation in B0-->D+D- decays

We report measurements of the branching fraction and CP violation parameters in B(0)-->D+ D- decays. The results are based on a data sample that contains 535 x 10(6) BB pairs collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance, with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+e- collider. We obtain [1.97+/-0.20(stat) +/- 0.20(syst)] x 10(-4) for the branching fraction of B0-->D+D-. The measured values of the CP violation parameters are S=-1.13+/-0.37+/-0.09, A=0.91+/-0.23+/-0.06, where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic. We find evidence of CP violation in B0-->D+D- at the 4.1sigma confidence level. While the value of S is consistent with expectations from other measurements, the value of the parameter A favors large direct CP violation at the 3.2sigma confidence level, in contradiction to standard model expectations.

Measurement of CP asymmetry in a time-dependent Dalitz analysis of B0-->(rhopi)0 and a constraint on the quark mixing matrix angle phi2

We present a measurement of CP asymmetry using a time-dependent Dalitz plot analysis of B0-->pi+pi-pi0 decays based on a 414 fb(-1) data sample containing 449 x 10(6) BB pairs. The data was collected on the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric energy e+ e- collider. Combining our analysis with information on charged B decay modes, we perform a full Dalitz and isospin analysis and obtain a constraint on the CKM angle phi2, 68 degrees < phi2 < 95 degrees as the 68.3% confidence interval for the phi2 solution consistent with the standard model (SM). A large SM-disfavored region also remains.

Evidence for D0-D0 mixing

We observe evidence for D(0)-D(0) mixing by measuring the difference in the apparent lifetime when a D(0) meson decays to the CP eigenstates K(+)K(-) and pi(+)pi(-) and when it decays to the final state K(-)pi(+). We find the relative difference of the lifetimes y(CP) to be [1.31+/-0.32(stat)+/-0.25(syst)]%, 3.2 standard deviations from zero. We also search for a CP asymmetry between D(0) and D(0) decays; no evidence for CP violation is found. These results are based on 540 fb(-1) of data recorded by the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) collider.

Observation of direct CP violation in B0 --> pi+pi- decays and model-independent constraints on the quark-mixing angle phi2

We report a new measurement of the time-dependent CP-violating parameters in B(0)-->pi(+)pi(-) decays with 535 x 10(6) BB pairs collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider operating at the Upsilon(4S) resonance. We find 1464+/-65 B(0)-->pi(+)pi(-) events and measure the CP-violating parameters S(pipi)=-0.61+/-0.10(stat)+/-0.04(syst) and A(pipi)=+0.55+/-0.08(stat)+/-0.05(syst). We observe large direct CP violation with a significance greater than 5 standard deviations for any S(pipi) value. Using isospin relations, we measure the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa quark-mixing matrix angle phi(2)=(97+/-11) degrees for the solution consistent with the standard model and exclude the range 11 degrees <phi(2)<79 degrees at the 95% confidence level.

Observation of B decays to two kaons

Using 449x10(6) BB[over ] pairs collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider, we observe clear signals for B(+)-->K[over ](0)K(+) and B(0)-->K[over ](0)K(0) decays with 5.3sigma and 6.0sigma significance, respectively. We measure the branching fractions B(B(+)-->K[over ](0)K(+))=(1.22(-0.28-0.16)(+0.32+0.13))x10(-6) and B(B(0)-->K[over ](0)K(0))=(0.87(-0.20)(+0.25)+/-0.09)x10(-6), and partial-rate asymmetries A(CP)(B(+)-->K[over ](0)K(+))=0.13(-0.24)(+0.23)+/-0.02 and A(CP)(B(0)-->K[over ](0)K(0))=-0.58(-0.66)(+0.73)+/-0.04. From a simultaneous fit, we also obtain B(B(+)-->K(0)pi(+))=(22.8(-0.7)(+0.8)+/-1.3)x10(-6) and A(CP)(B(+)-->K(0)pi(+))=0.03+/-0.03+/-0.01. The first and second error in the branching fractions and the partial-rate asymmetries are statistical and systematic, respectively. No signal is observed for B(0)-->K(+)K(-) decays, and for this branching fraction, we set an upper limit of 4.1x10(-7) at the 90% confidence level.

Quadruple-bend achromatic low emittance lattice studies

A quadruple-bend achromatic (QBA) cell, defined as a supercell made of two double-bend cells with different outer and inner dipole bend angles, is found to provide a factor of 2 in lowering the beam emittance relative to the more conventional double-bend achromat. The ratio of bending angles of the inner dipoles to that of the outer dipoles is numerically found to be about 1.5-1.6 for an optimal low beam emittance in the isomagnetic condition. The QBA lattice provides an advantage over the double-bend achromat or the double-bend nonachromat in performance by providing a small natural beam emittance and some zero-dispersion straight sections. A lattice with 12 QBA cells and a preliminary dynamic aperture study serves as an example.

Search for invisible decay of the Upsilon(1S)

We report results of a search for the invisible decay of the Upsilon(1S) via the Upsilon(3S)-->pi+ pi- Upsilon(1S) transition using a data sample of 2.9 fb-1 at the Upsilon(3S) resonance. The data were collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+ e- collider. No signal is found, and an upper limit for the branching fraction at the 90% confidence level is determined to be B(Upsilon(1S)-->invisible)<2.5 x 10(-3).

Observation of the decay B(0)-->J/psieta

We report the first observation of B(0)-->J/psieta decay. These results are obtained from a data sample that contains 449 x10(6) BB[over] pairs accumulated at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. We observe a signal with a significance of 8.1 sigma and obtain a branching fraction of (9.5+/-1.7(stat)+/-0.8(syst)) x 10(-6).

Measurement of the near-threshold e+e- --> D(*)+/-D(*)-/+ cross section using initial-state radiation

We report a measurement of the exclusive e+e- -->D(*)+/-D*-/+ cross section as a function of center-of-mass energy near the D(*)+/-D*-/+ threshold with initial-state radiation. A partial reconstruction technique is used to increase the efficiency and to suppress background. The analysis is based on a data sample collected with the Belle detector with an integrated luminosity of 547.8 fb(-1).

Observation of a charmoniumlike state produced in association with a J/psi in e+e- annihilation at sqrt[s] approximately equal to 10.6 GeV

We report the first observation of a charmoniumlike state recoiling from the J/psi in the inclusive process e+e- -->J/psi+anything at a mass of (3.943+/-0.006+/-0.006) GeV/c{2}. We also observe the decay of this state into D*D[over ] and determine its intrinsic width to be less than 52 MeV/c{2} at the 90% C.L. These results are obtained from a 357 fb{-1} data sample collected with the Belle detector near the Upsilon(4S) resonance, at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+e- collider.