Observation of the Decay B_{s}

We measure the decay B_{s}^{0}→K^{0}K[over ¯]^{0} using data collected at the ϒ(5S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e^{+}e^{-} collider. The data sample used corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 121.4 fb^{-1}. We measure a branching fraction B(B_{s}^{0}→K^{0}K[over ¯]^{0})=[19.6_{-5.1}^{+5.8}(stat)±1.0(syst)±2.0(N_{B_{s}^{0}B[over ¯]_{s}^{0}})]×10^{-6} with a significance of 5.1 standard deviations. This measurement constitutes the first observation of this decay.

Observation of B(s)(0) → D(s)(*)+ D(s)(*)- using e+ e- collisions and a determination of the B(s)-B(s) width difference ΔΓ(s).

We have made the first observation of B(s)(0)→D(s)(*)+ D(s)(*)- decays using 23.6 fb(-1) of data recorded by the Belle experiment running on the Υ(5S) resonance. The branching fractions are measured to be B(B(s)(0)→D(s)+ D(s)-)=(1.03(-0.32-0.25)(+0.39+0.26))%, B(B(s)(0)→D(s)(*±) D(s)(∓))=(2.75(-0.71)(+0.83)±0.69)%, and B(B(s)(0)→D(s)*+ D(s)*-)=(3.08(-1.04-0.86)(+1.22+0.85))%; the sum is B[B(s)(0)→D(s)(*)+ D(s)(*)-]=(6.85(-1.30-1.80)(+1.53+1.79))%. Assuming B(s)(0)→D(s)(*)+ D(s)(*)- saturates decays to CP-even final states, the branching fraction determines the ratio ΔΓ(s)/cosφ, where ΔΓ(s) is the difference in widths between the two B(s)-B(s) mass eigenstates, and φ is a CP-violating weak phase. Taking CP violation to be negligibly small, we obtain ΔΓ(s)/Γ(s)=0.147(-0.030)(+0.036)(stat)(-0.041)(+0.042)(syst), where Γ(s) is the mean decay width.

Evidence for neutral B meson decays to omegaK*0.

We present the results of a study of the charmless vector-vector decay B0-->omegaK*0 with 657 x 10(6) BB pairs collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB e+e- collider. We measure the branching fraction to be B(B0-->omegaK*0) = [1.8+/-0.7(stat)+/-0.3(syst)]x 10(-6) with 3.0sigma significance. We also perform a helicity analysis of the omega and K*0 vector mesons, and obtain the longitudinal polarization fraction fL(B0-->omegaK*0) = 0.56+/-0.29(stat) -0.08(+0.18)(syst). Finally, we measure a large nonresonant branching fraction B[B0-->omegaK+pi(-);M Kpi in(0.755,1.250) GeV/c2] = [5.1+/-0.7(stat)+/-0.7(syst)]x 10(-6) with a significance of 9.5sigma.

Emergence of strong exchange interaction in the actinide series: the driving force for magnetic stabilization of curium.

Using electron energy-loss spectroscopy, many-electron atomic spectral calculations, and density functional theory, we show that angular-momentum coupling in the 5f states plays a decisive role in the formation of the magnetic moment in Cm metal. The 5f states of Cm in intermediate coupling are strongly shifted towards the LS coupling limit due to exchange interaction, unlike most actinide elements where the effective spin-orbit interaction prevails. Hund's rule coupling is the key to producing the large spin polarization that dictates the newly found crystal structure of Cm under pressure.

Symmetry and stability of plutonium: the influence of electronic structure.

Using first-principles density-functional theory, we calculate the bond strengths between the 12 nearest neighbors in delta plutonium for both pure Pu and a Pu-3.7 at. % Ga alloy. Our results for pure Pu reveal a structure with the monoclinic space group Cm rather than face-centered cubic Fm3m, showing that the anomalously large anisotropy of delta plutonium is a consequence of greatly varying bond strengths between the 12 nearest neighbors. Further results for a Pu-3.7 at. % Ga alloy show that the nearest-neighbor bond strengths around a Ga atom are more uniform. Hence, our calculations address (i) why the ground state of Pu is monoclinic, (ii) why distortions of the delta phase are viable, with considerable implications for the behavior of the material as it ages due to anisotropic response to self-irradiation, and (iii) why Ga stabilizes face-centered cubic delta-Pu.

Measurement of the branching fraction, polarization, and asymmetry for decays, and determination of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa phase.

We have measured the branching fraction , longitudinal polarization fraction f(L), and CP asymmetry coefficients A and S for B(0) --> rho(+) rho(-) decays with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+) e(-) collider using 253 Fb(-1) of data. We obtain B = [22.8 +/- 3.8(stat)(+2.3)(-2.6)(syst)] x 10(-6), f(L) = 0.941 (+0.034)(-0.040)(stat) +/- 0.030(syst). A = 0.00 +/- 0.30(stat) +/- 0.09(syst) and S = 0.08 +/- 0.09(syst). These values are used to constrain the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa phase ; the solution consistent with the standard model is phi(2) = (88 +/- 17) degrees or 59 degrees < phi(2) < 115 degrees at 90% C.L.

Probing the population of the spin-orbit split levels in the actinide 5f states.

Spin-orbit interaction in the 5f states is believed to strongly influence exotic behaviors observed in actinide metals and compounds. Understanding these interactions and how they relate to the actinide series is of considerable importance. To address this issue, the branching ratio of the white-line peaks of the N4,5 edge for the light actinide metals, alpha-Th, alpha-U, and alpha-Pu were recorded using electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) and synchrotron-radiation-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Using the spin-orbit sum rule and the branching ratios from both experimental spectra and many-electron atomic spectral calculations, accurate values of the spin-orbit interaction, and thus the relative occupation of the j = 5/2 and 7/2 levels, are determined for the actinide 5f states. Results show that the spin-orbit sum rule works very well with both EELS and XAS spectra, needing little or no correction. This is important, since the high spatial resolution of a TEM can be used to overcome the problems of single-crystal growth often encountered with actinide metals, allowing acquisition of EELS spectra, and subsequent spin-orbit analysis, from nm-sized regions. The relative occupation numbers obtained by our method have been compared with recent theoretical results and they show a good agreement in their trend.

Search for D0-D0 mixing in D0 --> K+ pi(-) decays and measurement of the doubly-Cabibbo-suppressed decay rate.

We have searched for mixing in the D(0)-D (0) system by measuring the decay-time distribution of D(0) --> K(+) pi(-) decays. The analysis uses 90 fb(-1) of data collected by the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+) e(-) collider. We fit the decay-time distribution for the mixing parameters x' and y' and also for the parameter R(D), which is the ratio of the rate for the doubly-Cabibbo-suppressed decay D(0)--> K+ pi(-) to that for the Cabibbo-favored decay D(0)--> K-pi(+). We do these fits both assuming CP conservation and allowing for CP violation. We use a frequentist method to obtain a 95% C.L. region in the x'(2) - y' plane. Assuming no mixing, we measure R(D) = (0.381 +/- 0.017(+0.008)(-0.016))%.

Applicability of the spin-orbit sum rule for the actinide 5f states.

The branching ratio of core-valence transitions in electron energy-loss spectroscopy and x-ray absorption spectroscopy is linearly related to the expectation value of the spin-orbit operator of the valence states. Here, we analyze the branching ratio of the N(4,5) edges in the actinides and find that the spin-orbit sum rule gives an accurate result without the need to include the core-valence interactions. The branching ratio is not only useful to study the variations in the 5f spin-orbit interaction, it also allows us to constrain the 5f count for given angular-momentum coupling conditions.

Failure of Russell-Saunders coupling in the 5f states of plutonium.

Using high energy-electron energy loss spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and synchrotron-radiation-based x-ray absorption spectroscopy, we provide the first experimental evidence that Russell-Saunders (LS) coupling fails for the 5f states of Pu. These results support the assumption that only the use of jj or intermediate coupling is appropriate for the 5f states of Pu. High energy-electron energy loss spectroscopy experiments were performed by use of a transmission electron microscope and are coupled with image and diffraction data; therefore, the measurements are completely phase specific.

A high-resolution serial sectioning specimen preparation technique for application to electron backscatter diffraction.

A high-resolution serial sectioning specimen preparation technique is described for acquisition of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) data. The primary objective is to develop a method to reproducibly remove a controlled thickness of material from a polycrystalline Ta sample while producing quality surfaces for EBSD orientation imaging. This is integrated with the ability to accurately measure the amount of material removed with each iteration and experimentally register the ensuing EBSD scans. To facilitate enhanced accuracy of this method, a metrology device containing high-precision etching patterns is fabricated using standard lithographic techniques. This metrology device allows for the sub-micron measurement of the serial section slice thickness and approximately 1 microm registration accuracy of each EBSD scan.

Penetrating neck trauma: hidden injuries-oesophagospinal traumatic fistula.

Injuries to the eosophagus are notoriously difficult to diagnose pre-operatively. Patients with such injuries usually will not have pre-operative signs and symptoms to suggest the presence of this type of injury. These injuries require a high index of suspicion, appreciation of the presence of injuries to adjacent structures, and an understanding that the clinical and radiological findings may evolve over a period of time. We describe a child with a rare presentation of an acute traumatic esophageal spinal fistula due to a bullet wound. This complicated injury required a variety of diagnostic modalities, including contrast radiography, multiple computerised tomography (CT) scans and operative assessments to make the definitive diagnosis.

Dislocation of the mandible: a case report.

Dislocation of the mandible is a possible complication of direct tracheal laryngoscopy. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is unique in that any movement of the bone always causes movement in both joints simultaneously. The entire TMJ is surrounded by a ligamentous capsule and is stabilized by 3 ligaments. Four muscles of mastication move the mandible with great power. The lateral pterygoid muscle has nearly horizontal muscular fibers and is chiefly responsible for dislocating the mandibular condyle and articular disc past the articular eminence into the infratemporal fossa, causing the patient great pain and distress. If mandibular dislocation should occur, prompt recognition and treatment of the dislocation is recommended. There are steps, used by dentists, which can be employed by the nurse anesthetist to relocate the mandible. The technique for intraoral bimanual relocation of the mandible is described.

Presumed moxidectin toxicosis in three foals.

Outcome and complications associated with administration of moxidectin gel to 3 foals < 4 months old are described. Two foals became comatose but survived following supportive treatment. One foal died following loss of consciousness associated with moxidectin administration. Risk of moxidectin overdose exists, because horse owners often fail to read or comprehend the package insert instructions pertaining to use of the syringe-locking mechanism. In addition, moxidectin should not be administered to foals < 4 months old, because it is likely that treated foals will become comatose.

So you want to publish in JACH? How to avoid some potholes and pitfallls and make it into print.

Many college health professionals are intimidated at the thought of submitting an article to the Journal of American College Health. In this article, the editors provide details about the scope of the journal, describe types of articles it publishes, warn about common errors authors sometimes make in writing and submitting manuscripts for publication, and outline the steps in the review process.

Replacement therapy with imiglucerase for type 1 Gaucher's disease.

Gaucher's disease, the most common sphingolipidosis, is caused by deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase. Therapy with alglucerase (the placental enzyme) is safe and effective at various dosing regimens. We report the use of low-dose imiglucerase (the recombinant enzyme) at two dosing schedules: 15 u/kg once fortnightly or 2.5 u/kg thrice weekly. Mean reductions in spleen and liver volumes achieved (in all ten patients) by imiglucerase at 12 months were 36.4% and 14.5%, respectively; mean increase in haemoglobin and platelet counts were 13.4% and 25.7%. There were no serious side-effects. No significant differences were observed between the two schedules. Low-dose low-frequency imiglucerase may be an alternative cost-effective approach with satisfactory clinical response and uncompromised quality of life.