Search for first-generation scalar and vector leptoquarks

We describe a search for the pair production of first-generation scalar and vector leptoquarks in the eejj and eνjj channels by the DØ Collaboration. The data are from the 1992–1996 pp̅ run at √s=1.8 TeV at the Fermilab Tevatron collider. We find no evidence for leptoquark production; in addition, no kinematically interesting events are observed using relaxed selection criteria. The results from the eejj and eνjj channels are combined with those from a previous DØ analysis of the ννjj channel to obtain 95% confidence level (C.L.) upper limits on the leptoquark pair-production cross section as a function of mass and of β, the branching fraction to a charged lepton. These limits are compared to next-to-leading-order theory to set 95% C.L. lower limits on the mass of a first-generation scalar leptoquark of 225, 204, and 79 GeV/c2 for β=1, 1/2, and 0, respectively. For vector leptoquarks with gauge (Yang-Mills) couplings, 95% C.L. lower limits of 345, 337, and 206 GeV/c2 are set on the mass for β=1, 1/2, and 0, respectively. Mass limits for vector leptoquarks are also set for anomalous vector couplings

Temporal discrimination: Mechanisms and relevance to adult-onset dystonia

Temporal discrimination is the ability to determine that two sequential sensory stimuli are separated in time. For any individual, the temporal discrimination threshold (TDT) is the minimum interval at which paired sequential stimuli are perceived as being asynchronous; this can be assessed, with high test-retest and inter-rater reliability, using a simple psychophysical test. Temporal discrimination is disordered in a number of basal ganglia diseases including adult-onset dystonia, of which the two most common phenotypes are cervical dystonia and blepharospasm. The causes of adult-onset focal dystonia are unknown; genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors are relevant. Abnormal TDTs in adult-onset dystonia are associated with structural and neurophysiological changes considered to reflect defective inhibitory interneuronal processing within a network which includes the superior colliculus, basal ganglia, and primary somatosensory cortex. It is hypothesized that abnormal temporal discrimination is a mediational endophenotype and, when present in unaffected relatives of patients with adult-onset dystonia, indicates non-manifesting gene carriage. Using the mediational endophenotype concept, etiological factors in adult-onset dystonia may be examined including (i) the role of environmental exposures in disease penetrance and expression; (ii) sexual dimorphism in sex ratios at age of onset; (iii) the pathogenesis of non-motor symptoms of adult-onset dystonia; and (iv) subcortical mechanisms in disease pathogenesis

Data acquisition system for phase-2 KGF proton decay experiment

Phase-2 of KGF proton decay experiment using 4000 proportional counters will start operating from middle of 1985. The detection systems, in addition to measuring the time information to an accuracy of 200 n see, also records ionization in the hit counters. It also monitors different characteristics of the counters like pulse height spectrum, pulse width spectrum and counting rate. The acquisition system is discussed

Results on nucleon life-time from the Kolar gold field experiment

The KGF nucleon decay experiment has been in operation since October 1980 with a 140 ton calorimetric detector at a depth of 2.3 Km underground. The detector comprises 34 layers of proportional counters arranged in an orthogonal geometry with 12 mm thick iron plates in between successive layers. The proportional counters are made up of square (10 x 10 square centimeters) iron plates of wall thickness 2.3 mm. Each of the 1600 counters is instrumented to provide data on ionization, DE/dx and arrival time. The visible energy of a particle is determined to an accuracy of approximately 20% from the ionization and range of its track. The end point ionization of a stopping track provides the direction of motion as well as the nature of the particle (mu/pi,k,p). Decay of mu is recorded with an overall efficiency of only 20% in view of the thickness of 13 g/square centimeters between successive layers

Muon and neutrino results from KGF experiment at a depth of 7000 hg/square cm

The KGF nucleon decay experiment at a depth of 7000 hg/sq cm has provided valuable data on muons and neutrinos. The detector comprised of 34 crossed layers of proportional counters (cross section 10 x 10 sq cm; lengths 4m and 6m) sandwiched between 1.2 cm thick iron plates can record tracks of charged particles to an accuracy of 1 deg from tracks that traverse the whole of the detector. A special two-fold coincidence system enables the detector to record charged particles that enter at very large zenith angles. In a live time of 3.6 years about 2600 events have been recorded. These events include atmospheric muons, neutrino induced muons from rock, stopping muons, showers and events which have their production vertex inside the detectors. The results on atmospheric muons and neutrino events are presented

Prevalence, Risk Factors and Antimicrobial Resistance of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria Among Antenatal Women

Background: Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU) in antenatal women is microbiological diagnosis and if untreated have 20-30 fold increased risk of developing pyelonephritis during pregnancy.Aim: The prospective study was conducted to determine the prevalence, risk factors and antibiotic resistance related to ABU in antenatal women.Subjects and Methods: A total of 287 asymptomatic pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinic at a tertiary care hospital, Odisha, India from July 2012 to December 2012 were enrolled. Two consecutively voided urine specimens were collected by clean-catch midstream urine technique for culture. The urine samples were processed and microbial isolates were identifi ed by conventional methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on all bacterial isolates by Kirby Bauer’s disc diff usion method. Data were analyzed using GraphPad Quick Calcs Statistical Software Inc., USA. Inferential statistics was done by Chi-square (2) test and a P < 0.05 was considered signifi cant. Results: The prevalence of ABU in antenatal women was 11.5% (33/287). Lower socio-economic status and low level of education were signifi cant risk factors related to ABU (P=0.02). Parity, maternal and gestational age was not signifi cantly associated with ABU. Escherichia coli (54.5%, 18/33) were the most prevalent isolate followed by Enterococcus faecalis (15.2%, 5/33). Nitrofurantoin was the most eff ective antibiotic, showed resistance rate of 3% (1/33) for both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.Conclusion: Routine screening using urine culture method should be performed for ABU in early pregnancy. Specifi c guidelines should be issued and followed for testing antimicrobial susceptibility with safe drugs in antenatal women. Empirical treatment with nitrofurantoin can be recommended, which is a safe drug and active for both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Keywords: Antenatal women, antibiotic resistance, asymptomatic bacteriuria, prevalence, risk factor

Isotope shift studies of the ultra-violet and visible bands of P<SUP>16</SUP>O and P<SUP>18</SUP>O

The spectra of P16O and P18O were excited in sealed discharge tubes containing neon (2-3 mm. pressure), oxygen gas enriched to 65 per cent. of 18O and trace amounts of phosphorus vapour and photographed on a 3 m. grating spectrograph at a dispersion of 2.5 &#197;/mm. Isotope shift studies in the &#946;-bands confirmed the earlier vibrational scheme of Curryet al. and showed conclusively that the red as well as the violet degraded bands belonged to the same &#946;-system. The present studies of isotope shifts also confirmed the vibrational assignments of the extensive ultraviolet bands involving the 2&#8721;--X2&#928; transition and the &#947;-bands (A2&#8721;+-X2&#928;). In the case of the visible bands, they provided evidence for the first time that the bands at 5585&#197;, 5962&#197; and 6385&#197; belonged to one system and involved 0-0, 0–1 and 0–2 transitions respectively

Ranching of clams in the Ashtamudi lake

Ranching of clams in the Ashtamudi lak

Open and endovascular repair of the nontraumatic isolated aortic arch aneurysm

ObjectiveRepair of isolated aortic arch aneurysms (nontraumatic) by either open (OAR) or endovascular (TEVAR) methods is associated with need for hypothermic circulatory arrest, complex debranching procedures, or use of marginal proximal landing zones. This study evaluates outcomes for treatment of this cohort.MethodsOf 2153 patients undergoing arch repair (1993-2013), 137 (mean age, 60 years) were treated with isolated arch resection for nontraumatic aneurysms. Treatment was by open (n = 93), hybrid (n = 11), or TEVAR (n = 33) methods, with the last two approaches reserved for poor OAR candidates. Treatment was predominantly for saccular (n = 53) or fusiform (n = 30) aneurysms or dissection (n = 15). Rupture was present in 15%. Prior aortic repair was performed in the ascending (n = 30), arch (n = 40), descending (n = 24), or abdominal (n = 9) aorta. Propensity score adjustment was performed for multivariable analysis to account for baseline differences in patient groups as well as treatment selection bias.ResultsEarly mortality was seen in nine patients (7%). Morbidity included stroke (n = 9), paraplegia (n = 1), and need for dialysis (n = 5) or tracheostomy (n = 10). A composite outcome of death and stroke was independently predicted by advancing age (P = .055) and performance of a hybrid procedure (P = .012). The 15-year survival was 59%, with late mortality predicted by increasing age, presence of peripheral vascular disease, and perioperative stroke (all P < .05). The 10-year freedom from aortic rupture or reintervention was 75% and was higher after OAR (2-year OAR, 94% vs TEVAR or hybrid, 78%; P = .018). After propensity-adjusted Cox regression analysis, both prior abdominal aortic aneurysmectomy (P = .017) and an endovascular or hybrid procedure (P = .001) independently predicted late aortic rupture or need for reintervention.ConclusionsIsolated arch repair remains a high-risk procedure occurring frequently in the reoperative setting. Despite being performed in a higher risk group, endovascular strategies yielded similar outcomes but with an increased risk for aorta-related complications. These data support ongoing efforts to develop branched endografts specifically tailored for arch disease to potentially reduce morbidity related to currently available approaches