Scintillation light detection in the 6-m drift-length ProtoDUNE Dual Phase liquid argon TPC

DUNE is a dual-site experiment for long-baseline neutrino oscillation studies, neutrino astrophysics and nucleon decay searches. ProtoDUNE Dual Phase (DP) is a 6  ×  6  ×  6 m 3 liquid argon time-projection-chamber (LArTPC) that recorded cosmic-muon data at the CERN Neutrino Platform in 2019-2020 as a prototype of the DUNE Far Detector. Charged particles propagating through the LArTPC produce ionization and scintillation light. The scintillation light signal in these detectors can provide the trigger for non-beam events. In addition, it adds precise timing capabilities and improves the calorimetry measurements. In ProtoDUNE-DP, scintillation and electroluminescence light produced by cosmic muons in the LArTPC is collected by photomultiplier tubes placed up to 7 m away from the ionizing track. In this paper, the ProtoDUNE-DP photon detection system performance is evaluated with a particular focus on the different wavelength shifters, such as PEN and TPB, and the use of Xe-doped LAr, considering its future use in giant LArTPCs. The scintillation light production and propagation processes are analyzed and a comparison of simulation to data is performed, improving understanding of the liquid argon properties.

Prospects for beyond the Standard Model physics searches at the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment: DUNE Collaboration

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) will be a powerful tool for a variety of physics topics. The high-intensity proton beams provide a large neutrino flux, sampled by a near detector system consisting of a combination of capable precision detectors, and by the massive far detector system located deep underground. This configuration sets up DUNE as a machine for discovery, as it enables opportunities not only to perform precision neutrino measurements that may uncover deviations from the present three-flavor mixing paradigm, but also to discover new particles and unveil new interactions and symmetries beyond those predicted in the Standard Model (SM). Of the many potential beyond the Standard Model (BSM) topics DUNE will probe, this paper presents a selection of studies quantifying DUNE's sensitivities to sterile neutrino mixing, heavy neutral leptons, non-standard interactions, CPT symmetry violation, Lorentz invariance violation, neutrino trident production, dark matter from both beam induced and cosmogenic sources, baryon number violation, and other new physics topics that complement those at high-energy colliders and significantly extend the present reach.

Association between N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptor Subunit 2B Gene Polymorphisms and Personality Traits in a Young Japanese Population

OBJECTIVE

The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 2B (GluN2B) is involved in regulation of anxiety and depression and nervous activity in the brain. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of the GluN2B gene (GRIN2B) are associated with human mental function and behaviour. We investigated whether four GRIN2B polymorphisms (rs7301328, rs1806201, rs1805247, and rs1805502) affect characterisation of personality traits.

METHODS

In 248 young people, GRIN2B polymorphisms were analysed, and personality traits were assessed using the Neuroticism Extraversion Openness-Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).

RESULTS

There was no main effect of the GRIN2B polymorphisms on the NEO-FFI and STAI dimension scores. Interaction between polymorphism and sex was found in rs1805247 (p = 0.034) and rs1805502 (p = 0.040) in terms of the conscientiousness score of the NEO-FFI. However, post hoc simple main effect analysis showed no significant effect. The preliminary haplotype analysis indicated that haplotype CTT (rs1806201-rs1805247-rs1805502) in the haplotype block was associated with the extraversion score of the NEO-FFI in female participants (p = 0.044), but the significance was lost on correction for multiple testing.

CONCLUSION

There was no significant association between selected GRIN2B polymorphisms and personality traits, but this may be due to low statistical power. Further studies involving a larger study population are needed to clarify this.

Iodoarene-catalyzed oxidative transformations using molecular oxygen

Molecular oxygen serves as an oxidant for the glycol scission of diols and the Hofmann rearrangement of amides using an iodoarene catalyst.

Influence of 1 year of androgen deprivation therapy on lipid and glucose metabolism and fat accumulation in Japanese patients with prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

We prospectively examined influence of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on lipid and glucose metabolisms in Japanese patients with prostate cancer.

METHODS

Patients with prostate cancer who were hormone-naive and scheduled to receive long-term ADT were recruited between 2011 and 2013. Body weight, abdominal circumference and blood testing associated with lipid and glucose metabolism were recorded every 3 months during 1 year of ADT. Computed tomography (CT) was performed to measure areas of subcutaneous and visceral fat before and after 1 year of ADT. ADT was limited to a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist with or without bicalutamide.

RESULTS

Of 218 patients registered, data were available from 177 patients who completed 1 year of ADT. Of these, CT was performed before and after 1 year of ADT in 88 patients. Median age was 75 years (range, 49-85 years). Median PSA before ADT was 16.7 ng ml(-1) (range, 0.3-3316). Clinical stage was B (54.2%), C (23.2%) and D (20.9%). Mean increases in body weight and abdominal circumference after 1 year of ADT were 2.9 and 3.0%, respectively. Mean increases in total, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides were 10.6, 14.3, 7.8 and 16.2%, respectively. Mean increases in fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were 3.9 and 2.7%, respectively. Lipid alterations were noted in patients without comorbidities, whereas changes in HbA1c were noted in patients with diabetes mellitus at baseline. These lipid and glucose alterations were prominent in the early ADT period. Both visceral and subcutaneous fat, as measured by CT, increased by >20%. The increase in subcutaneous fat was significantly greater than that in visceral fat (P=0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

One year of ADT significantly changed lipid and glucose metabolism in Japanese patients with prostate cancer. Patient characteristics or comorbidities at baseline may be associated with ADT-induced metabolic changes.

Maternal body mass index and risk of birth and maternal health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based cohort studies of maternal body mass index (BMI) and risk of adverse birth and health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and the British Nursing Index were searched from inception to February 2014. Forty-two studies were included. Our study found that maternal underweight was significantly associated with higher risk of preterm birth (odds ratio [OR], 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.27), low birthweight (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.50-1.84) and small for gestational age (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.69-2.02). Compared with mothers with normal BMI, overweight or obese mothers were at increased odds of gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia, caesarean delivery and post-partum haemorrhage. The population-attributable risk (PAR) indicated that if women were entirely unexposed to overweight or obesity during the pre-pregnancy or early pregnancy period, 14% to 35% fewer women would develop gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia or pregnancy-induced hypertension in Brazil, China, India, Iran or Thailand. The highest PAR of low birthweight attributable to maternal underweight was found in Iran (20%), followed by India (18%), Thailand (10%) and China (8%). Treatment and prevention of maternal underweight, overweight or obesity may help reduce the burden on maternal and child health in developing countries.

Hyperbranched hydrocarbon surfactants give fluorocarbon-like low surface energies

Two series of Aerosol-OT-analogue surfactants (sulfosuccinate-type di-BCnSS and sulfoglutarate-type di-BCnSG) with hyperbranched alkyl double tails (so-called "hedgehog" groups, carbon number n = 6, 9, 12, and 18) have been synthesized and shown to demonstrate interfacial properties comparable to those seen for related fluorocarbon (FC) systems. Critical micelle concentration (CMC), surface tension at the CMC (γCMC), and minimum area per molecule (Amin) were obtained from surface tension measurements of aqueous surfactant solutions. The results were examined for relationships between the structure of the hedgehog group and packing density at the interface. To evaluate A and B values in the Klevens equation for these hedgehog surfactants, log(CMC) was plotted as a function of the total carbon number in the surfactant double tail. A linear relationship was observed, producing B values of 0.20-0.25 for di-BCnSS and di-BCnSG, compared to a value of 0.31 for standard double-straight-tail sulfosuccinate surfactants. The lower B values of these hedgehog surfactants highlight their lower hydrophobicity compared to double-straight-tail surfactants. To clarify how hydrocarbon density in the surfactant-tail layer (ρ(layer)) affects γCMC, the ρ(layer) of each double-tail surfactant was calculated and the relationship between γCMC and ρ(layer) examined. As expected for the design of low surface energy surfactant layers, ρ(layer) was identified as an important property for controlling γCMC with higher ρ(layer), leading to a lower γCMC. Interestingly, surfactants with BC9 and BC12 tails achieved much lower γCMC, even at low ρ(layer) values of <0.55 g cm(-3). The lowest surface energy surfactant studied here was di-BC6SS, which had a γCMC of only 23.8 mN m(-1). Such a low γCMC is comparable to those obtained with short FC-tail surfactants (e.g., 22.0 mN m(-1) for the sulfosuccinate-type FC-surfactant with R = F(CF2)6CH2CH2-).

Strong cytoplasmic incompatibility and high vertical transmission rate can explain the high frequencies of Wolbachia infection in Japanese populations of Colias erate poliographus (Lepidoptera: Pieridae)

Wolbachia, belonging to Alphaproteobacteria, is ubiquitously found in arthropods and filarial nematodes, and is known to manipulate the reproduction of its hosts in various ways, such as feminization, male killing, induction of parthenogenesis or induction of cytoplasmic incompatibility. We found that the Wolbachia infection frequencies of the butterfly Colias erate poliographus were high (85.7-100%) in seven Japanese populations. Crossing experiments and rearing revealed that the Wolbachia strain exhibited strong cytoplasmic incompatibility and perfect vertical transmission in C. erate poliographus. Moreover, a comparison of the survival rates between infected and cured broods suggested that Wolbachia infection had beneficial effects on host fitness. Our findings suggested that the high infection frequencies in Japanese populations have been accomplished by these advantageous traits of the Wolbachia strain. Furthermore, the multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme revealed that the Wolbachia in C. erate poliographus is a novel strain (ST141), belonging to supergroup B.

Evaluation of lengthened callus by callotasis with analysis of mathematical morphology

BACKGROUND

Callotasis has become an established option for reconstruction of congenital anomalies and after resection of bone tumors. However, fracture after removal of the lengthener remains one of the most serious complications. Mathematical morphology is an image processing technique that allows the skeletal patterns of trabecular bone to be selectively extracted as binary images from computed radiographic (CR) images. We evaluated the strength of the lengthened callus by analysis using mathematical morphology and examined the utility of this method in a biomechanical study.

METHODS

Three Japanese white rabbits per time point were euthanized at the 2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, and 8-week points after completion of the lengthening and were evaluated by CR images and analysis with mathematical morphology.

RESULTS

The changes of the number and continuity of trabecular bone were obtained visually and could be evaluated quantitatively. In some cases corticalization appeared to be complete in the CR images, but it was not complete on the morphological images. Such cases were found to be weaker than those in which corticalization appeared to be complete on both CR and morphological images.

CONCLUSION

Analysis with mathematical morphology is useful for evaluating the lengthened callus after callotasis.

Direct measurements of Ab and Ac using vertex and kaon charge tags at the SLAC detector

Exploiting the manipulation of the SLAC Linear Collider electron-beam polarization, we present precise direct measurements of the parity-violation parameters A(c) and A(b) in the Z-boson-c-quark and Z-boson-b-quark coupling. Quark-antiquark discrimination is accomplished via a unique algorithm that takes advantage of the precise SLAC Large Detector charge coupled device vertex detector, employing the net charge of displaced vertices as well as the charge of kaons that emanate from those vertices. From the 1996-1998 sample of 400 000 Z decays, produced with an average beam polarization of 73.4%, we find A(c)=0.673+/-0.029(stat)+/-0.023(syst) and A(b)=0.919+/-0.018(stat)+/-0.017(syst).

Different profile of interleukin-10 production in circulating T cells from atopic asthmatics compared with healthy subjects

BACKGROUND

Interleukin (IL)-10 is a pleiotropic cytokine released from various cells, including T cells. Although IL-10 is suggested to inhibit allergic responses, its role in asthma remains uncertain. The purpose of the present study was to compare the profile of IL-10 in circulating T cells from stable atopic asthmatics, atopic nonasthmatics and healthy controls.

METHODS

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated, stained with anti-CD3 and CD4/CD8 antibodies, and then processed for intracellular IL-10 detection by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

A kinetic study in healthy controls showed that stimulation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and ionomycin significantly increased the frequencies of IL-10-producing CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ cells. Without stimulation, the frequencies of IL-10-producing CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+cells were significantly higher in asthmatics than in healthy controls, while a similar trend was observed in atopic nonasthmatics. Stimulation for 24 h significantly increased IL-10-producing CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+cells in healthy controls and atopic nonasthmatics, but not in asthmatics.

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of IL-10-producing T cells is increased in the circulation of stable atopic asthmatics compared with normal controls. The lack of enhancement in their frequency by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and ionomycin in asthmatics suggests that the circulating T cells of asthmatic subjects are maximally stimulated with regards to IL-10 production; alternatively, IL-10 production by T cells from asthmatics may be regulated differently than T cells from other subjects.

Effect of glucocorticosteroids on tumour necrosis factor-alpha-induced intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression in cultured primary human nasal epithelial cells

OBJECTIVE

In order to confirm the direct effect of glucocorticosteroids on epithelial intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression, we examined ICAM-1 expression on primary cultured human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) at both protein and mRNA levels.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

HNECs were stimulated with recombinant human TNF-alpha (20 pg/mL-20 ng/mL) for specified time periods (0, 12, 24, and 48 h) and ICAM-1 mRNA and the soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) concentrations were measured by quantitative RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. We also evaluated surface expression of ICAM-1 by flow cytometry 48 h after stimulation and determined the effect of dexamethasone (DEX) on TNF-alpha-induced ICAM-1 expression.

RESULTS

Significant increases in ICAM-1 gene expression in HNECs were initially detected at 24 h, peaking at 48 h after the stimulation. The TNF-mediated-ICAM-1 mRNA and ICAM-1 surface expression at 48 h was significantly inhibited by co-incubation with human recombinant soluble TNF receptor I. Similarly, TNF-alpha-induced release sICAM-1 occurred in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. DEX 10(-6) M attenuated the TNF-alpha-induced ICAM-1 expression at mRNA and protein levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Our finding suggests a potential role for topical steroids in allergic rhinitis in suppressing inflammatory reactions in the nasal mucosa by regulating ICAM-1 expression on nasal epithelium.

Improved direct measurement of the parity-violation parameter Ab using a mass tag and momentum-weighted track charge

We present an improved direct measurement of the parity-violation parameter A(b) in the Z boson-b-quark coupling using a self-calibrating track-charge technique applied to a sample enriched in Z-->bb events via the topological reconstruction of the B hadron mass. Manipulation of the Stanford Linear Collider electron-beam polarization permits the measurement of A(b) to be made independently of other Z-pole coupling parameters. From the 1996-1998 sample of 400,000 hadronic Z decays, produced with an average beam polarization of 73.4%, we find A(b)=0.906+/-0.022(stat)+/-0.023(syst).

Expression and localization of the cysteinyl leukotriene 1 receptor in human nasal mucosa

BACKGROUND

The cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLT) are lipid mediators that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. Pharmacological studies using CysLTs indicate that two classes of receptors, named CysLT1 and CysLT2 receptor, exist. The former is sensitive to the CysLT1 antagonist currently used to treat asthma and allergic rhinitis. Recently, the cDNA for human CysLT1 and CysLT2 receptor have been cloned, making it now possible to study the gene expression of CysLTs receptors.

OBJECTIVE

We have used reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to study the gene expression of CysLT1 and CysLT2 receptor and in situ hybridization to determine the distribution of CysLT1 receptor mRNA in human nasal mucosa. In addition, the distribution of the CysLT1 receptor protein was studied by immunohistochemistry.

METHODS

Human turbinates were obtained after turbinectomy from six patients with nasal obstruction refractory to medical therapy. Total RNA was isolated from human nasal mucosa and both CysLT1 and CysLT2 receptor mRNA was detected in these tissues by using RT-PCR. For in situ hybridization study of human nasal mucosa, we used biotin-labelled oligonucleotides probes encoding human CysLT1 receptor cDNA. To identify the cells expressing the CysLT1 receptor protein, double immunostaining was performed by using anti-CysLT1 receptor antibody and monoclonal antileucocyte antibodies.

RESULTS

RT-PCR analysis of total nasal RNA demonstrated the expression of both CysLT1 receptor and CysLT2 receptor mRNA. In situ hybridization indicated high levels of CysLT1 receptor hybridization in blood vessels and the interstitial cells, but a sparse signal in airway epithelium and submucosal glands. The immunohistochemical studies revealed that anti-CysLT1 receptor antibody labelled eosinophils, mast cells, macrophages, neutrophils and vascular endothelial cells in the nasal mucosa.

CONCLUSION

The results may have an important clinical implication and also promote further investigation of the regulation of CysLT1 receptor in health and disease.

Improved direct measurement of A(b) and A(c) at the Z(0) pole using a lepton tag

The parity violation parameters A(b) and A(c) of the Zb(b) and Zc(c) couplings have been measured directly, using the polar angle dependence of the polarized cross sections at the Z(0) pole. Bottom and charmed hadrons were tagged via their semileptonic decays. Both the electron and muon analyses take advantage of new multivariate techniques to increase the analyzing power. Based on the 1993-1998 SLD sample of 550,000 Z(0) decays produced with highly polarized electron beams, we measure A(b) = 0.919+/-0.030(stat)+/-0.024(syst), and A(c) = 0.583+/-0.055(stat)+/-0.055(syst).

Distraction lengthening by callotasis in the hand

The clinical results of 26 digits (18 patients) lengthened by distraction callotasis were evaluated and the factors which influenced healing were analysed. There were 14 men and four women, with a mean age of 39 years. All digits had suffered traumatic amputation. There were eight thumbs and 18 fingers. The level of the site of the osteotomy was at the proximal metaphysis in ten, the middle diaphysis in 13 and the distal metaphysis in three.

Although the proposed length was achieved in 23 of the 26 digits, five required additional bone grafts. The rate of healing was 96 days/cm in the digits without complications such as callus fracture or poor callus formation, and 158 days/cm in those with complications. Lengthening at the proximal metaphysis gave a better result than at the diaphysis or distal metaphysis.

Distraction lengthening by callotasis in the hand

The clinical results of 26 digits (18 patients) lengthened by distraction callotasis were evaluated and the factors which influenced healing were analysed. There were 14 men and four women, with a mean age of 39 years. All digits had suffered traumatic amputation. There were eight thumbs and 18 fingers. The level of the site of the osteotomy was at the proximal metaphysis in ten, the middle diaphysis in 13 and the distal metaphysis in three. Although the proposed length was achieved in 23 of the 26 digits, five required additional bone grafts. The rate of healing was 96 days/cm in the digits without complications such as callus fracture or poor callus formation, and 158 days/cm in those with complications. Lengthening at the proximal metaphysis gave a better result than at the diaphysis or distal metaphysis.

Observation of B --> J/psi K(1)(1270)

We report the first observation of the exclusive decay process B-->J/psi K(1)(1270) using a sample of 11.2M BB macro meson pairs collected in the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric energy e(+)e(-) collider. We measure branching fractions of B[B(0)-->J/psi K(0)(1)(1270)] = (1.30+/-0.34+/-0.32) x 10(-3) and B[B(+)-->J/psi K(+)(1)(1270)] = (1.80+/-0.34+/-0.39) x 10(-3), where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic. These modes constitute approximately 15% of the total number of B-->J/psi X decays. No evidence is seen for B-->J/psi K(1)(1400) and we set an upper limit for this branching fraction.

Ipsilateral pedicle vascularized fibula grafts for reconstruction of tibial defects and non-unions

Between October 1983 and August 1998, 31 patients with non-union or bone defect of the tibia have undergone 32 vascularized fibula transfers to reconstruct lower legs. Of these 32 vascularized fibula transfers, there were 19 pedicle transfers from the ipsilateral leg. There were 17 males and two females. The average patient age was 53 (21 to 84) years old. All patients achieved good bone reconstruction. All patients are currently able to walk without a brace, except for one. As to major complications, three of these 19 had delayed union, with only one postoperative fracture. In the cases with delayed union or fractured grafted fibulas, the periods to walking without a brace were longer than in the cases without such major complications. From the results, the ipsilateral pedicle vascularized fibula graft appears to be a useful option for reconstruction of tibial defects.

Combining free vascularized fibula graft and the Ilizarov external fixator: recent approaches to congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia

The present study compares a recent approach for congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia, combining a free vascularized fibula graft and an Ilizarov external fixator. Between 1984 and 1993, seven vascularized fibula grafts were performed. In the first six cases, casts or unilateral external fixators were applied, and five of these cases were complicated by fractures of the graft, necessitating secondary procedures or long-term immobilization. The mean follow-up was 12.1 years. Five patients can now walk unassisted, and one uses a brace only outdoors. On average, a brace was required for 18 months. In the recent Ilizarov external fixator case, the fixator was removed after 4 months and a brace was unnecessary at 10 months. There was no leg-length discrepancy, severe ankle deformity, or fracture of the grafted fibula 7 years postoperatively. Combining a free vascularized fibula graft with an Ilizarov external fixator is recommended for this condition.

Observation of Cabibbo suppressed B --> D(*)K- decays at Belle

We report observations of the Cabibbo suppressed decays B-->D((*))K- using a 10.4 fb(-1) data sample accumulated at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) storage ring. We find that the ratios of Cabibbo suppressed to Cabibbo favored branching fractions are B(B--->D0K-)/B(B--->D0pi(-)) = 0.079+/-0.009+/-0.006, B(B(0)-->D+K-)/B(B(0)-->D+pi(-)) = 0.068+/-0.015+/-0.007, B(B--->D(*0)K-)/B(B--->D(*0)pi(-)) = 0.078+/-0.019+/-0.009, and B(B(0)-->D(*+)K-)/B(B(0)-->D(*+)pi(-)) = 0.074+/-0.015+/-0.006. These are the first observations of the B-->D+K-, D(*0)K-, and D(*+)K- decay processes.

[The pollen survey and dynamic statistics of patients with allergic rhinitis in Hakodate]

We have investigated the pollen survey (1994-1998) and dynamic statistics of patients with allergic rhinitis (1999-2000) in Hakodate, which is located southern part of Hokkaido. We have noted the pollen dispersion of Cryptomeria japonica, Cupressaceae, white birch, Gramineae and Artemisia. Especially, a lot of dispersion of Cryptomeria japonica has been noted in April. Concerning the dynamic statistics of patients with allergic rhinitis, we have investigated the 192 patients with allergic rhinitis in Hakodate municipal hospital. There has been a lot of pollinosis in March, April, May and September. Frequency of positive reaction to the specific IgE have been 38.0% of house dust, 16.9% of Artemisia, 13.2% of Gramineae, 10.3% of white birch, 9.0% of Cryptomeria japonica and 6.9% of cat in 379 subjects. In conclusion, we have noted that Cryptomeria japonica and white birch in addition to Gramineae and Artemisia are becoming more important antigen in patients with pollinosis in Hakodate, south part of Hokkaido.

Phage conversion of Panton-Valentine leukocidin in Staphylococcus aureus : molecular analysis of a PVL-converting phage, φSLT

Staphylococcal Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) is an important virulence factor, which causes leukocytolysis and tissue necrosis. Our previous report on the existence of the PVL genes (lukS-PV and lukF-PV) on the genome of prophage phiPVL in the Staphylococcus aureus strain V8 suggested the horizontal transmission of PVL genes by temperate bacteriophage among S. aureus (Kaneko, et al., 1998. Gene 215, 57-67). Here, we demonstrated the phage conversion of S. aureus leading to the production of PVL by discovery of a novel PVL-carrying phage, phiSLT (Staphylococcal Leukocytolytic Toxin) from a clinical isolate of S. aureus. phiSLT was able to lysogenize several clinical isolates of PVL-negative S. aureus strains as well as strain RN4220 at the conserved 29-bp sequence (attB) and all the lysogenized S. aureus strains had the ability to produce PVL. phiSLT had an elongated head of about 100x50 nm and a flexible tail of 400 nm long, that was quite different from phiPVL which had an isometric hexagonal head of about 60 nm diameter. The linear double-stranded phiSLT genome comprised 42,942 bp with 29-bp attachment core sequences and contained 62 open reading frames. Only 6.4 kbp region containing lysis cassette, PVL genes, attP, integrase, and orf204 of phiSLT was identical to that of phiPVL, while other regions were different from those of phiPVL. Thus, it can be concluded that PVL genes are carried by different temperate phages, which have the same attachment site.

Measurement of B(0)(d)-B_(0)(d) mixing rate from the time evolution of dilepton events at the upsilon(4S)

We report a determination of the B(0)(d)-&B_(0)(d) mixing parameter Deltam(d) based on the time evolution of dilepton yields in Upsilon(4S) decays. The measurement is based on a 5.9 fb(-1) data sample collected by the Belle detector at KEKB. The proper-time difference distributions for same-sign and opposite-sign dilepton events are simultaneously fitted to an expression containing Deltam(d) as a free parameter. Using both muons and electrons, we obtain Deltam(d) = 0.463+/-0.008 (stat)+/-0.016 (syst) ps(-1). This is the first determination of Deltam(d) from time evolution measurements at the Upsilon(4S). We also place limits on possible CPT violations.

Measurement of the CP violation parameter sin2 phi(1) in B(0)(d) meson decays

We present a measurement of the standard model CP violation parameter sin2 phi(1) (also known as sin2beta) based on a 10.5 fb(-1) data sample collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric e(+)e(-) collider. One neutral B meson is reconstructed in the J/psiK(S), psi(2S)K(S), chi(c1)K(S), eta(c)K(S), J/psiK(L), or J/psipi(0) CP-eigenstate decay channel and the flavor of the accompanying B meson is identified from its charged particle decay products. From the asymmetry in the distribution of the time interval between the two B-meson decay points, we determine sin2 phi(1) = 0.58(+0.32)(-0.34)(stat)+0.09-0.10(syst).

Improved direct measurement of leptonic coupling asymmetries with polarized Z bosons

We present final measurements of the Z boson-lepton coupling asymmetry parameters A(e), A(mu), and A(tau) with the complete sample of polarized Z bosons collected by the SLD detector at the SLAC Linear Collider. From the left-right production and decay polar angle asymmetries in leptonic Z decays we measure A(e) = 0.1544+/-0.0060, A(mu) = 0.142+/-0.015, and A(tau) = 0.136+/-0.015. Combined with our left-right asymmetry measured from hadronic decays, we find A(e) = 0.1516+/-0.0021. Assuming lepton universality, we obtain a combined effective weak mixing angle of sin (2)theta(eff)(W) = 0.230 98+/-0.000 26.

First symmetry tests in polarized Z0 decays to bbg

We have made the first direct symmetry tests in the decays of polarized Z0 bosons into fully identified bbg states, collected in the SLD experiment at SLAC. We searched for evidence of parity violation at the bbg vertex by studying the asymmetries in the b-quark polar- and azimuthal-angle distributions, and for evidence of T-odd, CP-even or CP-odd, final-state interactions by measuring angular correlations between the three-jet plane and the Z0 polarization. We found results consistent with standard model expectations and set 95% C. limits on anomalous contributions.

Prophage, phiPV83-pro, carrying panton-valentine leukocidin genes, on the Staphylococcus aureus P83 chromosome: comparative analysis of the genome structures of phiPV83-pro, phiPVL, phi11, and other phages

Staphylococcus aureus P83 has Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-like genes, lukM and lukF-PV. Here, lukM and lukF-PV genes were found on the genome of a prophage, which was designated as phiPV83-pro. The precise genome size was 45,636 bp with att core sequences of 10 base pairs. Sixty-four ORFs were identified on the phiPV83-pro genome, including two extra operons, lukM-lukF-PV and orfs63-64. The lukM-lukF-PV cluster was located 2.1 kb upstream of the attL site. The most striking feature of the phiPV83-pro genome was a constituent of at least 4 regions from phi11, phiPVL, and other phages, i.e., (i) att sites identical with those of phi11, (ii) a cos sequence and the genes encoding packaging and head proteins of phiPVL (occupied half region of phiPV83-pro), and (iii) the other two regions which showed no significant similarity with known phages (occupied about 40% of phiPV83-pro). Furthermore, two insertion sequences, ISSA1 and ISSA2 were integrated into attL site and orf44, respectively. PhiPV83-pro was not induced as phage particles from S. aureus P83 regardless of its treatment with mitomycin C. The insertion of ISSA1 into the attL site was one of the reasons of the failure of the induction of the phage particles by mitomycin C treatment of the strain P83.