Jet-like correlations between Forward- and Mid- rapidity in p+p, d+Au and Au+Au collisions from STAR at 200 GeV

In this proceedings we present STAR measurements of two particle azimuthal correlations between trigger particles at mid-rapidity ($|\eta|<$ 1) and associated particles at forward rapidities (2.7 $<|\eta|<$ 3.9) in p+p, d+Au and Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$= 200 GeV. Two particle azimuthal correlations between a mid-rapidity trigger particle and forward-rapidity associated particles preferably probe large-x quarks scattered off small-x gluons in RHIC collisions. Comparison of the separate d- and Au-side measurements in d+Au collisions may potentially probe gluon saturation and the presence of Color Glass Condensate. In Au+Au collisions quark energy loss can be probed at large rapidities, which may be different from gluon energy loss measured at mid-rapidity.Comment: Quark Matter 06 Conference proceedings, submitted to Journal of Phys.

Physics with Identified Particles at STAR

New physics results with identified particles at STAR are presented. Measurements at low $p_T$ address bulk properties of the collision, while those at high $p_T$ address jet energy loss in the bulk matter produced. Between these extremes, measurements at intermediate $p_T$ address the interplay between jets and the bulk. We highlight: measurements of $v_2$ fluctuations as a new, sensitive probe of the initial conditions and the equation of state; correlations involving multi-strange particles, along with ratios of identified particles to test coalescence as a mechanism of particle production at intermediate $p_T$; three particle azimuthal correlation to search for conical emission; and the energy and particle-type dependence of hadron production at high $p_T$ to study quark and gluon jet energy loss.Comment: 9 pages, 7 figures. To appear in the proceedings of the 19th International Conference on Ultra-Relativistic Nucleus-Nucleus Collisions (Quark Matter 2006), Shanghai, China, November 14-20, 200

Development of a New Method for Cell Spheroid Formation Through a Hydrogel Dipping Process

Traditional cell culture systems make use of two-dimensional (2D) monolayer studies which are simple, cheap, and have been successful for a various cell types. However, since this does not reflect on the in vivo physiology, studies have branched out to use three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems. 3D cell culture allows for studies which make use of the cell connectivity, polarity, and tissue architecture. The use of 3D aggregates called spheroids is one of the most common and versatile of these methods. There are various techniques for spheroid formation and chosen technique is often decided based on the decided spheroid use and size. Many of these methods are limited by the quantity, size, and reproducibility of the spheroids. A new method focused on the manufacturability of the process would overcome these issues. By focusing on the manufacturability of the process, spheroids would be able to be produced in larger quantities and consistently sized. The goal of this study is to manufacture and characterize droplet-on-fiber through a dipping process. The withdrawal of the fiber from a liquid solution will result in a coating due to the balance between the viscous drag and the capillary rise. The thickness of the layer depends upon various parameters of the fluid and dipping process. Above a threshold coating thickness, Rayleigh-Plateau Instability will trigger the formation of droplets. Controlling the process parameters will determine the liquid volume in the droplet and its morphology. Such a simple droplet formation technique will be less resource intensive than existing methods and can produce droplets of various sizes and shapes in a short amount of time. Extruded polylactic acid (PLA) fiber is considered as the substrate for droplet adherence while alginate solution is used for the dipping fluid. The focus of this work is on the shape fidelity and reproducibility of the droplet formation by varying the dipping fluid composition. The aspect ratio between droplet diameter and wetting length is defined as a quantifiable shape-fidelity index which is reported in this work. By varying the dipping fluid composition, the relationship between the viscosity of the dipping fluid (alginate) and the PLA fiber can be identified. The observations made throughout this thesis will allow for further development of this dipping process, as well as determine the optimal concentration of alginate to achieve reproducible droplets with the desired morphology for cell spheroid formation

Centrality dependence of the N(Ω)/N(ϕ)N(\Omega)/N(\phi) ratios and ϕ\phi v2v_{2} - a test of thermalization in Au+Au collisions at RHIC

We present the centrality dependence of the $N(\Omega)/N(\phi)$ ratios and $\phi$ $v_{2}$ measured in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=200$ GeV by the STAR experiment at RHIC. The results are compared to measurements of other identified particles and recombination model expectations in order to gain insight into the partonic collectivity and possible thermalization of the produced medium.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures, Quark Matter 2006 conference proceeding

Upsilon cross section in p+p collisions at STAR

The main focus of the heavy flavor program at RHIC is to investigate the properties of the dense matter produced in heavy-ion collisions by studying its effect on open heavy flavor and quarkonia production. This in turn requires a detailed understanding of their production in elementary p+p collisions so that the dense matter effects can be later unfolded. In this paper, we present the first mid-rapidity cross section measurement of bottomonium at $\sqrt{s}=200$ GeV with the STAR experiment. We compare our results with perturbative QCD calculations. A brief status on the study of charmonium in STAR is given.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures. To appear in the proceedings of Quark Matter 2006 as a special issue of Journal of Physics G: Nuclear and Particle Physic

The first measurement of BB meson semi-leptonic decay contribution to non-photonic electrons at RHIC

We present the first measurement for the $B$ meson semi-leptonic decay contribution to non-photonic electrons at RHIC using non-photonic electron azimuthal correlations with charged hadrons in p+p collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 200$ GeV from STAR.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, Quark Matter 2006 Proceedings, to appear in J. Phys.

Liver transplantation in patients with patent splenorenal shunts

Patent distal splenorenal shunts (Warren shunt) have been reported to cause decreases in the portal perfusion pressure and the total hepatic blood flow. Such hemodynamic alterations could have adverse effects on the transplanted liver. The experience with hepatic replacement in four patients with patent Warren shunts is reported. Operative findings were phlebosclerotic portal veins of small size and diminished portal blood flows. Hepatofugal collateral channels created by the construction of the Warren shunt should not be a contraindication for hepatic transplantation