Steady-State Ultracold Plasma Created by Continuous Photoionization of Laser Cooled Atoms.

In this Letter we discuss our approach that makes possible creation of the steady-state ultracold plasma having various densities and temperatures by means of continuous two-step optical excitation of calcium atoms in the magneto-optical trap. A strongly coupled ultracold plasma can be used as an excellent test platform for studying many-body interactions associated with various plasma phenomena. The parameters of the plasma are studied using laser-induced fluorescence of calcium ions. The experimental results are well described by a simple theoretical model involving equilibration of the continuous source of charged particles by the hydrodynamical ion outflux and three-body recombination. The ultracold plasma with the peak ion density of 2.7×10^{6} cm^{-3} and the minimum electron temperature near 2 K has been prepared. Our steady-state approach in combination with the strong magnetic confinement of the plasma will make it possible to reach extremely strong coupling in such system.

First Simultaneous Determination of Inclusive and Exclusive |V_{ub}|.

The first simultaneous determination of the absolute value of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element V_{ub} using inclusive and exclusive decays is performed with the full Belle data set at the ϒ(4S) resonance, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 711 fb^{-1}. We analyze collision events in which one B meson is fully reconstructed in hadronic modes. This allows for the reconstruction of the hadronic X_{u} system of the semileptonic b→uℓν[over ¯]_{ℓ} decay. We separate exclusive B→πℓν[over ¯]_{ℓ} decays from other inclusive B→X_{u}ℓν[over ¯]_{ℓ} and backgrounds with a two-dimensional fit that utilizes the number of charged pions in the X_{u} system and the four-momentum transfer q^{2} between the B and X_{u} systems. Combining our measurement with information from lattice QCD and QCD calculations of the inclusive partial rate as well as external experimental information on the shape of the B→πℓν[over ¯]_{ℓ} form factor, we determine |V_{ub}^{excl}|=(3.78±0.23±0.16±0.14)×10^{-3} and |V_{ub}^{incl}|=(3.88±0.20±0.31±0.09)×10^{-3}, respectively, with the uncertainties being the statistical error, systematic errors, and theory errors. The ratio of |V_{ub}^{excl}|/|V_{ub}^{incl}|=0.97±0.12 is compatible with unity.

Tests of Light-Lepton Universality in Angular Asymmetries of B

We present the first comprehensive tests of the universality of the light leptons in the angular distributions of semileptonic B^{0}-meson decays to charged spin-1 charmed mesons. We measure five angular-asymmetry observables as functions of the decay recoil that are sensitive to lepton-universality-violating contributions. We use events where one neutral B is fully reconstructed in ϒ(4S)→BB[over ¯] decays in data corresponding to 189 fb^{-1} integrated luminosity from electron-positron collisions collected with the Belle II detector. We find no significant deviation from the standard model expectations.

Search for a τ

We report the first search for a nonstandard-model resonance decaying into τ pairs in e^{+}e^{-}→µ^{+}µ^{-}τ^{+}τ^{-} events in the 3.6-10 GeV/c^{2} mass range. We use a 62.8 fb^{-1} sample of e^{+}e^{-} collisions collected at a center-of-mass energy of 10.58 GeV by the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB collider. The analysis probes three different models predicting a spin-1 particle coupling only to the heavier lepton families, a Higgs-like spin-0 particle that couples preferentially to charged leptons (leptophilic scalar), and an axionlike particle, respectively. We observe no evidence for a signal and set exclusion limits at 90% confidence level on the product of cross section and branching fraction into τ pairs, ranging from 0.7 to 24 fb, and on the couplings of these processes. We obtain world-leading constraints on the couplings for the leptophilic scalar model for masses above 6.5 GeV/c^{2} and for the axionlike particle model over the entire mass range.

First Measurement of the Michel Parameter ξ

We report the first measurement of the Michel parameter ξ^{'} in the τ^{-}→µ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{µ}ν_{τ} decay with a new method proposed just recently. The measurement is based on the reconstruction of the τ^{-}→µ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{µ}ν_{τ} events with subsequent muon decay in flight in the Belle central drift chamber. The analyzed data sample of 988 fb^{-1} collected by the Belle detector corresponds to approximately 912×10^{6} τ^{+}τ^{-} pairs. We measure ξ^{'}=0.22±0.94(stat)±0.42(syst), which is in agreement with the standard model prediction of ξ^{'}=1. Statistical uncertainty dominates in this study, being a limiting factor, while systematic uncertainty is well under control. Our analysis proved the practicability of this promising method and its prospects for further precise measurement in future experiments.

First Measurement of the B

We study B^{+}→π^{+}π^{0}π^{0} using 711 fb^{-1} of data collected at the ϒ(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. We measure an inclusive branching fraction of (19.0±1.5±1.4)×10^{-6} and an inclusive CP asymmetry of (9.2±6.8±0.7)%, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic, and a B^{+}→ρ(770)^{+}π^{0} branching fraction of (11.2±1.1±0.9_{-1.6}^{+0.8})×10^{-6}, where the third uncertainty is due to possible interference with B^{+}→ρ(1450)^{+}π^{0}. We present the first observation of a structure around 1 GeV/c^{2} in the π^{0}π^{0} mass spectrum, with a significance of 6.4σ, and measure a branching fraction to be (6.9±0.9±0.6)×10^{-6}. We also report a measurement of local CP asymmetry in this structure.

First Observation of Λπ

Using the data sample of 980 fb^{-1} collected with the Belle detector operating at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider, we present the results of an investigation of the Λπ^{+} and Λπ^{-} invariant mass distributions looking for substructure in the decay Λ_{c}^{+}→Λπ^{+}π^{+}π^{-}. We find a significant signal in each mass distribution. When interpreted as resonances, we find for the Λπ^{+} (Λπ^{-}) combination a mass of 1434.3±0.6(stat)±0.9(syst) MeV/c^{2} [1438.5±0.9(stat)±2.5(syst) MeV/c^{2}], an intrinsic width of 11.5±2.8(stat)±5.3(syst) MeV/c^{2} [33.0±7.5(stat)±23.6(syst) MeV/c^{2}] with a significance of 7.5σ (6.2σ). As these two signals are very close to the K[over ¯]N threshold, we also investigate the possibility of a K[over ¯]N cusp, and find that we cannot discriminate between these two interpretations due to the limited size of the data sample.

Search for a Dark Photon and an Invisible Dark Higgs Boson in µ

The dark photon A^{'} and the dark Higgs boson h^{'} are hypothetical particles predicted in many dark sector models. We search for the simultaneous production of A^{'} and h^{'} in the dark Higgsstrahlung process e^{+}e^{-}→A^{'}h^{'} with A^{'}→µ^{+}µ^{-} and h^{'} invisible in electron-positron collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 10.58 GeV in data collected by the Belle II experiment in 2019. With an integrated luminosity of 8.34 fb^{-1}, we observe no evidence for signal. We obtain exclusion limits at 90% Bayesian credibility in the range of 1.7-5.0 fb on the cross section and in the range of 1.7×10^{-8}-200×10^{-8} on the effective coupling ϵ^{2}×α_{D} for the A^{'} mass in the range of 4.0 GeV/c^{2}

[A case of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyo-pathy associated with myocardial inflammation].

Recent years have been marked by a number of published reports that have shown a high frequency of signs of myocardial inflammation in patients with confirmed arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). This article presents a clinical case of typical phenotypic manifestations of ARVC associated with morphometric signs of subacute myocarditis. A 66-year-old man presented to the emergency department with signs of arrhythmogenic shock caused by ventricular tachycardia. Examination detected electrocardiographic signs of (ARVC), visualized signs of right ventricular dilatation, increased trabeculation, and wall fibrosis. Endomyocardial biopsy of the right ventricular wall showed degenerative alterations of cardiomyocytes with perivascular lymphocytic infiltration and areas of granulation tissue. New facts that evidence inflammatory alterations of the myocardium will still require specifying and reconsidering positions of expert consensuses on diagnostics and treatment of ARVC.

[Mental disorders and personality characteristics of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome]. / Psikhicheskie rasstroistva i lichnostnye osobennosti u patsientok s sindromom polikistoznykh yaichnikov.

OBJECTIVE: To study the frequency and clinical manifestations of mental disorders in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), to describe the personality characteristics and basic behavioral styles of these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and sixteen women with PCOS were examined, the average age was 26.9±4.1 years. The diagnosis of PCOS was verified by a gynecologist based on the ESHRE/ASRM criteria, the qualification of the mental state was carried out by a psychiatrist based on the ICD-10 criteria. MMPI and 16-PF were used to assess personality characteristics. RESULTS: Mental disorders were diagnosed in 76 (65.5%) patients. Generalized anxiety disorder (26.7%), recurrent depression (19.8%) and bipolar affective disorder (14.7%) were prevailed. A psychological study of the PCOS patients identified four main behavioral styles: anxiety-depressive (n=18, 22.5%), masculine (n=18, 22.5%), hyperthymic (n=25, 31.3%) and sensitive (n=19, 23.7%). Anxiety-depressive and sensitive styles were most frequently combined with mental disorders. CONCLUSION: Women with PCOS have an increased risk of developing mental disorders, which indicates the need to connect psychological and psychiatric support to their medical management.

Search for a Light Higgs Boson in Single-Photon Decays of ϒ(1S) Using ϒ(2S)→π

We search for a light Higgs boson (A^{0}) decaying into a τ^{+}τ^{-} or µ^{+}µ^{-} pair in the radiative decays of ϒ(1S). The production of ϒ(1S) mesons is tagged by ϒ(2S)→π^{+}π^{-}ϒ(1S) transitions, using 158×10^{6} ϒ(2S) events accumulated with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric energy electron-positron collider. No significant A^{0} signals in the mass range from the τ^{+}τ^{-} or µ^{+}µ^{-} threshold to 9.2 GeV/c^{2} are observed. We set the upper limits at 90% credibility level (C.L.) on the product branching fractions for ϒ(1S)→γA^{0} and A^{0}→τ^{+}τ^{-} varying from 3.8×10^{-6} to 1.5×10^{-4}. Our results represent an approximately twofold improvement on the current world best upper limits for the ϒ(1S)→γA^{0}(→τ^{+}τ^{-}) production. For A^{0}→µ^{+}µ^{-}, the upper limits on the product branching fractions for ϒ(1S)→γA^{0} and A^{0}→µ^{+}µ^{-} are at the same level as the world average limits, and vary from 3.1×10^{-7} to 1.6×10^{-5}. The upper limits at 90% credibility level on the Yukawa coupling f_{ϒ(1S)} and mixing angle sinθ_{A^{0}} are also given.

Precise Measurement of the D

We report a measurement of the D^{0} and D^{+} lifetimes using D^{0}→K^{-}π^{+} and D^{+}→K^{-}π^{+}π^{+} decays reconstructed in e^{+}e^{-}→cc[over ¯] data recorded by the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. The data, collected at center-of-mass energies at or near the ϒ(4S) resonance, correspond to an integrated luminosity of 72 fb^{-1}. The results, τ(D^{0})=410.5±1.1(stat)±0.8(syst) fs and τ(D^{+})=1030.4±4.7(stat)±3.1(syst) fs, are the most precise to date and are consistent with previous determinations.

Bodipy Based Fluorescent Materials in Cellulose Matrices: Synthesis, Spectral Properties and Vapochromic Fluorescent Recognition of Alcohols and Acetone.

This paper highlights advances made using the 4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (BODIPY) as a fluorophore in design and application of fluorescent sensors for microenvironment polarity. Sections of the paper cover broad analysis of a range of fluorescent indicators immobilized in ethyl- and methyl cellulose matrices. The present study demonstrates that BODIPY-based fluorescent materials could be successfully utilized for ratiometric detection of ethanol and acetone in gas phase. The achieved limit of detection value equals 0.02 mg/ml for acetone and 0.08 mg/ml for ethanol, whereas obtained sensoric materials are reusable without regeneration required.

[Mental disorders in type 2 diabetes]. / Psikhicheskie rasstroistva pri sakharnom diabete 2-go tipa.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of mental disorders in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and their relationship with laboratory findings, somatic comorbidities and psychosocial consequences. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the frames of the INTERPRET-DD multicenter 200 T2DM patients from primary care (47 men and 153 women) from the Russian sample were studied. The psychometric assessment included MINI-6, HAMD-17, PHQ-9, PAID, WHO-5. RESULTS: One hundred and seventeen patients (58.5%) have mental disorders. Current mental disorders were diagnosed in 93 (46.5%) of patients. Depression (depressive episode, recurrent depressive disorder, bipolar affective disorder type II) was identified in 34 (17.0%), dysthymia in 26 (13.0%), and anxiety spectrum disorders in 39 (19.5%). In about half of the cases, anxiety disorders were combined with depression. The most severe problems were observed in the patients with depression and dysthymia. Patients with social phobia had significantly higher levels of glycated hemoglobin compared to patients without mental disorders. The significant decrease of systolic arterial pressure and body mass index was observed in patients with agoraphobia compared to patients without mental disorders. In addition, there was an increased prevalence of chronic ischemic heart disease in recurrent depression, dysthymia and generalized anxiety disorder, higher prevalence of neuropathy in depressive episode and recurrent depression and nephropathy in panic disorder. CONCLUSION: Depressive and anxiety disorders, as well as severe psychosocial problems, are consistently associated with T2DM. At the same time, concomitant somatic disorders and complications of DM2 are not just by chance comorbid to various forms of mental disorders, which allows for a new look at the problem of comorbidity/multimorbidity in T2DM.

Measurement of Differential Branching Fractions of Inclusive B→X_{u}ℓ

The first measurements of differential branching fractions of inclusive semileptonic B→X_{u}ℓ^{+}ν_{ℓ} decays are performed using the full Belle data set of 711 fb^{-1} of integrated luminosity at the ϒ(4S) resonance and for ℓ=e, µ. With the availability of these measurements, new avenues for future shape-function model-independent determinations of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |V_{ub}| can be pursued to gain new insights in the existing tension with respect to exclusive determinations. The differential branching fractions are reported as a function of the lepton energy, the four-momentum-transfer squared, light-cone momenta, the hadronic mass, and the hadronic mass squared. They are obtained by subtracting the backgrounds from semileptonic B→X_{c}ℓ^{+}ν_{ℓ} decays and other processes, and corrected for resolution and acceptance effects.

Factors associated with the onset of major depressive disorder in adults with type 2 diabetes living in 12 different countries: results from the INTERPRET-DD prospective study.

AIMS: To examine the factors that are associated with changes in depression in people with type 2 diabetes living in 12 different countries. METHODS: People with type 2 diabetes treated in out-patient settings aged 18-65 years underwent a psychiatric assessment to diagnose major depressive disorder (MDD) at baseline and follow-up. At both time points, participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the WHO five-item Well-being scale (WHO-5) and the Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) scale which measures diabetes-related distress. A composite stress score (CSS) (the occurrence of stressful life events and their reported degree of 'upset') between baseline and follow-up was calculated. Demographic data and medical record information were collected. Separate regression analyses were conducted with MDD and PHQ-9 scores as the dependent variables. RESULTS: In total, there were 7.4% (120) incident cases of MDD with 81.5% (1317) continuing to remain free of a diagnosis of MDD. Univariate analyses demonstrated that those with MDD were more likely to be female, less likely to be physically active, more likely to have diabetes complications at baseline and have higher CSS. Mean scores for the WHO-5, PAID and PHQ-9 were poorer in those with incident MDD compared with those who had never had a diagnosis of MDD. Regression analyses demonstrated that higher PHQ-9, lower WHO-5 scores and greater CSS were significant predictors of incident MDD. Significant predictors of PHQ-9 were baseline PHQ-9 score, WHO-5, PAID and CSS. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the importance of psychosocial factors in addition to physiological variables in the development of depressive symptoms and incident MDD in people with type 2 diabetes. Stressful life events, depressive symptoms and diabetes-related distress all play a significant role which has implications for practice. A more holistic approach to care, which recognises the interplay of these psychosocial factors, may help to mitigate their impact on diabetes self-management as well as MDD, thus early screening and treatment for symptoms is recommended.

[Contrast Echocardiography with a Quantitative Assessment of Myocardial Perfusion in Patients with Previous Q-Wave Myocardial Infarction].

OBJECTIVE:  To assess possibilities of contrast echocardiography with quantitative evaluation of myocardial perfusion in patients with previous Q-wave myocardial infarction. MATERIALS AND METHODS:  We examined 15 men (42-72 years) with coronary artery disease and previous myocardial infarction, and pathological Q-wave in 2 or more ECG leads. Quantification of left ventricular (LV) myocardial perfusion was performed by calculating of the ultrasound signal tissue intensity from the LV myocardial segments during intravenous administration of the ultrasound contrast agent (SonoVue). The Tissue intensive curve (TIC) analysis was done in the end-diastolic period before and on the fourth cardiac cycle after applying the "flash". Changes in the intensity of myocardial perfusion (A4, dB) was estimated as the difference between the intensity values of the ultrasound signal in the myocardial segment during the period of filling the contrast bubbles on 4-th cardiac cycle and before applying the «flash¼. Measurements were performed in 16 segments of the LV. A contrast cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (contrast MRI) was performed in order to verify the LV scar. Fibrotic changes of 50% of myocardial wall or more were considered as signs of post-infarction scar. RESULTS: The dynamics of perfusion and scar presence in 240 myocardial segments were evaluated. The median A4 was 1 dB (range, -20 to 10 dB). MRI revealed 82 of 240 segments with the large-focal scar. The effectiveness of the diagnostic test (quantitative contrast perfusion echocardiography with A4 assessment) to detect myocardial scar was investigated. ROC curve analysis showed good model quality, AUC=0,787 (0,730-0,837); sensitivity 82.9%; specificity 75.3%; p<0.01. The cut-off point for A4 was -1. CONCLUSION:  A new approach to quantitative contrast assessment of perfusion allows to identify perfusion disorders with high efficiency in patients with previous Q-wave myocardial infarction.

Observation of the Radiative Decays of ϒ(1S) to χ_{c1}.

We report the first observation of the radiative decay of the ϒ(1S) into a charmonium state. The significance of the observed signal of ϒ(1S)→γχ_{c1} is 6.3 standard deviations including systematics. The branching fraction is calculated to be B[ϒ(1S)→γχ_{c1}]=[4.7_{-1.8}^{+2.4}(stat)_{-0.5}^{+0.4}(sys)×10^{-5}]. We also searched for ϒ(1S) radiative decays into χ_{c0,2} and η_{c}(1S,2S), and set upper limits on their branching fractions. These results are obtained from a 24.9 fb^{-1} data sample collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider at a center-of-mass energy equal to the ϒ(2S) mass using ϒ(1S) tagging by the ϒ(2S)→ϒ(1S)π^{+}π^{-} transitions.

Search for a Light CP-odd Higgs Boson and Low-Mass Dark Matter at the Belle Experiment.

We report on the first Belle search for a light CP-odd Higgs boson, A^{0}, that decays into low mass dark matter, χ, in final states with a single photon and missing energy. We search for events produced via the dipion transition ϒ(2S)→ϒ(1S)π^{+}π^{-}, followed by the on-shell process ϒ(1S)→γA^{0} with A^{0}→χχ, or by the off-shell process ϒ(1S)→γχχ. Utilizing a data sample of 157.3×10^{6} ϒ(2S) decays, we find no evidence for a signal. We set limits on the branching fractions of such processes in the mass ranges M_{A^{0}}<8.97 GeV/c^{2} and M_{χ}<4.44 GeV/c^{2}. We then use the limits on the off-shell process to set competitive limits on WIMP-nucleon scattering in the WIMP mass range below 5 GeV/c^{2}.

Observation of Transverse Λ/Λ[over ¯] Hyperon Polarization in e

We report the first observation of the spontaneous polarization of Λ and Λ[over ¯] hyperons transverse to the production plane in e^{+}e^{-} annihilation, which is attributed to the effect arising from a polarizing fragmentation function. For inclusive Λ/Λ[over ¯] production, we also report results with subtracted feed-down contributions from Σ^{0} and charm. This measurement uses a dataset of 800.4 fb^{-1} collected by the Belle experiment at or near a center-of-mass energy of 10.58 GeV. We observe a significant polarization that rises with the fractional energy carried by the Λ/Λ[over ¯] hyperon.