Measurement of the B→J/ψXB \to J/\psi X inclusive cross-section at the collider detector at Fermilab

The Collider Detector at Fermilab (CDF) is a multi-purpose detector designed to study proton-antiproton collisions at center-of-mass energies of 1.96 TeV/c{sup 2}. One of the most importatn components of CDF is the silicon tracking detector. A detailed description of the testing and construction of the CDF silicon tracker is presented. Measurements of the tracking efficiency of the completed detector are also provided. Using 36 pb{sup -1} of the J/{psi} data sample collected by CDF between February and October 2002, the inclusive B {yields} J/{psi} X cross-section is measured in p{bar p} interactions at {radical}s = 1.96 TeV/c{sup 2}. The fraction of J/{psi} events arising from the decay of b hadrons is extracted using an unbinned maximum likelihood fit to the decay length of the J/{psi} candidates. The p{sub T} dependent differential cross section for inclusive B {yields} J/{psi} X events with rapidity |y| < 0.6 is obtained by combining the B-fraction result with a measurement of the J/{psi} differential cross-section. For 2.0 < p{sub T}(J/{psi}) < 17.0 GeV/c, the integrated B {yields} J/{psi} X cross-section is measured to be {sigma}(J/{psi}, B) {center_dot} {Beta}(J/{psi} {yields} {mu}{mu}) = 16.02 {+-} 0.24(stat){sub -2.20}{sup +2.26}(syst) nb

Persistent desmoglein-1 downregulation and periostin accumulation in histologic remission of eosinophilic esophagitis

Background Patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) require long-lasting resolution of inflammation to prevent fibrostenosis and dysphagia. However, the dissociation between symptoms and histologic improvement suggests persistent molecular drivers despite histologic remission. Objective We characterized persisting molecular alterations in pediatric patients with EoE using tissue transcriptomics and proteomics. Methods Esophageal biopsy samples (n = 247) collected prospectively during 189 endoscopies from pediatric patients with EoE (n = 36, up to 11 follow-up endoscopies) and pediatric controls (n = 44, single endoscopies) were subjected to bulk transcriptomics (n = 96) and proteomics (n = 151). Intercellular junctions (desmoglein-1/3, desmoplakin, E-cadherin) and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (vimentin:E-cadherin ratio) were assessed by immunofluorescence staining. Results Active EoE (≥15 eosinophils per high-power field [eos/hpf]), inactive EoE (<15 eos/hpf), and deep-remission EoE (0 eos/hpf) were diagnosed in 107 of 185, 78 of 185, and 41 of 185 biopsy samples, respectively. Among the dysregulated genes (up-/downregulated 310/112) and proteins (up-/downregulated 68/16) between active EoE and controls, 17 genes, and 6 proteins remained dysregulated in inactive EoE. Using persistently upregulated genes (n = 9) and proteins (n = 3) only, such as ALOX15, CXCL1, CXCL6, CTSG, CDH26, PRRX1, CLC, EPX, and periostin (POSTN), was sufficient to separate inactive EoE and deep-remission biopsy samples from control tissue. While 32 differentially expressed genes persisted in deep-remission EoE compared to controls, the proteome normalized except for persistently upregulated POSTN. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition normalized in inactive EoE, whereas desmosome recovery remained impaired as a result of desmoglein-1 downregulation. Conclusion The analysis of molecular changes shows persistent EoE-associated esophageal dysregulation despite histologic remission. These data expand our understanding of inflammatory processes and possible mechanisms that underlie tissue remodeling in EoE

Transketolase catalysed upgrading of l-arabinose: the one-step stereoselective synthesis of l-gluco-heptulose

Conversion of biomass using biocatalysis is likely to become a technology that contributes significantly to the future production of chemical building blocks, materials and transport fuels. Here the synthesis of a value-added chemical from L-arabinose, a major component of the carbohydrates in sugar beet pulp (SBP), in a concise and sustainable manner has been investigated. Biocatalytic conversions using transketolase variants have been developed for the efficient, scalable synthesis of a rare naturally occurring ketoheptose, L-gluco-heptulose, from L-arabinose. New active E. coli TK mutants that readily accept L-arabinose were identified using a versatile colorimetric screening assay and the reaction was performed on a preparative scale

Measurement of the B→J/ψXB \to J/\psi X inclusive cross-section at the collider detector at Fermilab

The Collider Detector at Fermilab (CDF) is a multi-purpose detector designed to study proton-antiproton collisions at center-of-mass energies of 1.96 TeV/c{sup 2}. One of the most importatn components of CDF is the silicon tracking detector. A detailed description of the testing and construction of the CDF silicon tracker is presented. Measurements of the tracking efficiency of the completed detector are also provided. Using 36 pb{sup -1} of the J/{psi} data sample collected by CDF between February and October 2002, the inclusive B {yields} J/{psi} X cross-section is measured in p{bar p} interactions at {radical}s = 1.96 TeV/c{sup 2}. The fraction of J/{psi} events arising from the decay of b hadrons is extracted using an unbinned maximum likelihood fit to the decay length of the J/{psi} candidates. The p{sub T} dependent differential cross section for inclusive B {yields} J/{psi} X events with rapidity |y| &lt; 0.6 is obtained by combining the B-fraction result with a measurement of the J/{psi} differential cross-section. For 2.0 &lt; p{sub T}(J/{psi}) &lt; 17.0 GeV/c, the integrated B {yields} J/{psi} X cross-section is measured to be {sigma}(J/{psi}, B) {center_dot} {Beta}(J/{psi} {yields} {mu}{mu}) = 16.02 {+-} 0.24(stat){sub -2.20}{sup +2.26}(syst) nb

Measurement of the Bâ¤J/ψX inclusive cross-section at the collider detector at Fermilab

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Assessment of Skin Flaps Above Cranial Defects Following Craniectomy: A Proposed Classification System

Abstract Objective The assessment of the skin flap above cranial defects (SCD) following craniectomy is routine in neurosurgical practice, and a change in the consistency of the skin flap may indicate raised intracranial pressure or the occurrence of a complication necessitating intervention. The purpose of this study was to develop a clinically useful classification system based on clinical assessment of the degree of skin flap bulging or sinking and its firmness. Patients and Methods This was a prospective single-center study. The SCDs of consecutive patients who underwent craniectomy were assessed daily by two trained independent examiners. The consistency of the flap and its bulging or sinking in comparison with the level of the cranium were noted. Testing conditions including the positioning of the patient and examiner were standardized. Results A total of 520 examinations were conducted in 24 patients during their hospital stay. There was 100% interrater reliability (Cohen’s κ = 1.0). In 66.6% of all patients (n = 16/24), a change of the SCD classification in comparison with that recorded on the previous day was noted. Conclusions The SCD classification facilitates the reproducible and objective assessment of SCDs, enabling reliable monitoring over time and between individuals.</jats:p

Kinect for interactive AR anatomy learning

Education of anatomy is a challenging but crucial element in educating medical professionals, but also for general education of pupils. Our research group has previously developed a prototype of an Augmented Reality (AR) magic mirror which allows intuitive visualization of realistic anatomical information on the user. However, the current overlay is imprecise as the magic mirror depends on the skeleton output from Kinect. These imprecisions affect the quality of education and learning. Hence, together with clinicians we have defined bone landmarks which users can touch easily on their body while standing in front of the sensor. We demonstrate that these landmarks allow the proper deformation of medical data within the magic mirror and onto the human body, resulting in a more precise augmentation.