Energy and system-size dependence of two- and four-particle nu(2) measurements in heavy-ion collisions at root S-NN=62.4 and 200 GeV and their implications on flow fluctuations and nonflow

We present STAR measurements of azimuthal anisotropy by means of the two- and four-particle cumulants nu(2) (nu(2){2} and nu(2){4}) for Au + Au and Cu + Cu collisions at center-of-mass energies root S-NN = 62.4 and 200 GeV. The difference between nu(2){2}(2) and nu(2){4}(2) is related to nu(2) fluctuations (sigma(nu 2)) and nonflow (delta(2)). We present an upper limit to sigma(nu 2)/nu 2. Following the assumption that eccentricity fluctuations sigma(epsilon) dominate nu(2) fluctuations nu(2)/sigma nu(2) approximate to epsilon/sigma epsilon we deduce the nonflow implied for several models of eccentricity fluctuations that would be required for consistency with nu(2){2} and nu(2){4}. We also present results on the ratio of nu(2) to eccentricity.

Measurement of prompt J/psi and beauty hadron production cross sections at mid-rapidity in pp collisions at root s=7 TeV

The ALICE experiment at the LHC has studied J/psi production at mid-rapidity in pp collisions at root s = 7 TeV through its electron pair decay on a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity L-int = 5.6 nb(-1). The fraction of J/psi from the decay of long-lived beauty hadrons was determined for J/psi candidates with transverse momentum p(t) > 1,3 GeV/c and rapidity vertical bar y vertical bar < 0.9. The cross section for prompt J/psi mesons, i.e. directly produced J/psi and prompt decays of heavier charmonium states such as the psi(2S) and chi(c) resonances, is sigma(prompt J/psi) (p(t) > 1.3 GeV/c, vertical bar y vertical bar < 0.9) = 8.3 +/- 0.8(stat.) +/- 1.1 (syst.)(-1.4)(+1.5) (syst. pol.) mu b. The cross section for the production of b-hadrons decaying to J/psi with p(t) > 1.3 GeV/c and vertical bar y vertical bar < 0.9 is a sigma(J/psi <- hB) (p(t) > 1.3 GeV/c, vertical bar y vertical bar < 0.9) = 1.46 +/- 0.38 (stat.)(-0.32)(+0.26) (syst.) mu b. The results are compared to QCD model predictions. The shape of the p(t) and y distributions of b-quarks predicted by perturbative QCD model calculations are used to extrapolate the measured cross section to derive the b (b) over bar pair total cross section and d sigma/dy at mid-rapidity.

Directed Flow of Identified Particles in Au plus Au Collisions at root S-NN=200 GeV at RHIC

STAR's measurements of directed flow (v(1)) around midrapidity for pi(+/-), K-+/-, K-S(0), p, and (p) over bar in Au + Au collisions at root s(NN) = 200 GeV are presented. A negative v(1) (y) slope is observed for most of produced particles (pi(+/-), K-+/-, K-S(0), p, and (p) over bar). In 5%-30% central collisions, a sizable difference is present between the v(1)(y) slope of protons and antiprotons, with the former being consistent with zero within errors. The v(1) excitation function is presented. Comparisons to model calculations (RQMD, UrQMD, AMPT, QGSM with parton recombination, and a hydrodynamics model with a tilted source) are made. For those models which have calculations of v(1) for both pions and protons, none of them can describe v(1()y) forpions and protons simultaneously. The hydrodynamics model with a tilted source as currently implemented cannot explain the centrality dependence of the difference between the v(1)(y) slopes of protons and antiprotons.

Transverse single-spin asymmetry and cross section for pi(0) and eta mesons at large Feynman x in p(up arrow) + p collisions at root s=200 GeV

Measurements of the differential cross section and the transverse single-spin asymmetry, A(N), vs x(F) for pi(0) and eta mesons are reported for 0.4 < x(F) < 0.75 at an average pseudorapidity of 3.68. A data sample of approximately 6.3 pb(-1) was analyzed, which was recorded during p(up arrow) + p collisions at root s = 200 GeV by the STAR experiment at RHIC. The average transverse beam polarization was 56%. The cross section for pi(0), including the previously unmeasured region of x(F) > 0.55, is consistent with a perturbative QCD prediction, and the eta/pi(0) cross-section ratio agrees with existing midrapidity measurements. For 0.55 < x(F) < 0.75, the average A(N) for eta is 0.210 +/- 0.056, and that for pi(0) is 0.081 +/- 0.016. The probability that these two asymmetries are equal is similar to 3%.

Extra and intradural spinal Hemangioblastoma

Hemangioblastomas of the central nervous system (CNS) are low-grade highly vascularized tumors that may be sporadic or associated with Von Hippel-Lindau disease. Extradural hemangioblastomas are uncommon and those located extra and intradurally are even rarer. This study uses an illustrative case and literature review to discuss the difficulties to consider the correct diagnosis and to select the best surgical approach. A 57 years-old white male patient presented with myelopathy and right C5 radiculopathy. The images showed a lobulated, hourglass shaped, highly enhanced extra/intradural lesion that occupied the spinal canal and widened the C4-C5 right intervertebral foramen. Total resection of the intradural lesion was achieved through a posterior approach, but the extradural part could only be partially removed. Complete improvement was observed after four months of follow-up and the residual tumor has been followed up clinically and radiologically. Even though the preoperative impression was of a spinal schwannoma, the histopathological examination revealed grade I hemangioblastoma as per WHO. Despite their rarity, current complementary exams allow considering the diagnosis of hemangioblastoma preoperatively. That is essential to a better surgical planning in view of the particular surgical features of this lesion.