Inclusive search for standard model Higgs boson production in the WW decay channel using the CDF II detector

We present a search for standard model (SM) Higgs boson production using pp collision data at square root(s) = 1.96 TeV, collected with the CDF II detector and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 4.8 fb(-1). We search for Higgs bosons produced in all processes with a significant production rate and decaying to two W bosons. We find no evidence for SM Higgs boson production and place upper limits at the 95% confidence level on the SM production cross section (sigma(H)) for values of the Higgs boson mass (sigma(H)) in the range from 110 to 200 GeV. These limits are the most stringent for m(H) > 130 GeV and are 1.29 above the predicted value of sigma(H) for c = 165 GeV.

Developmental ability of miniature pig embryos cloned with mesenchymal stem cells

The present study compared the developmental ability of miniature pig embryos cloned with fetal fibroblasts (FFs), bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and differentiated (osteocytes, adipocytes and chondrocytes) MSCs. MSCs were isolated from an approximately 1-month-old female miniature pig (T-type, PWG Micro-pig((R)), PWG Genetics Korea). MSCs were differentiated into osteocytes, adipocytes and chondrocytes under controlled conditions and characterized by cell surface antigen profile using specific markers. These differentiated or undifferentiated MSCs, as well as FFs of miniature pig, were transferred into enucleated oocytes of domestic pigs. Data from 10 replicates involving 1567 cloned embryos were assessed in terms of developmental rates. The in vitro development rate to the blastocyst stage of embryos cloned with undifferentiated MSCs was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of embryos cloned with differentiated MSCs and FFs. Surgical transfer of 523 two-cell stage embryos cloned with undifferentiated MSCs into five synchronized domestic pig recipients resulted in 5 cloned miniature pig offspring (1 stillborn and 4 viable) from 2 pregnant recipients. The results imply that MSCs might be multipotent and that they can be used to produce viable cloned miniature pigs that cannot be easily reproduced with differentiated somatic cells.

Search for supersymmetry with gauge-mediated breaking in diphoton events with missing transverse energy at CDF II

We present the results of a search for supersymmetry with gauge-mediated breaking and chi(1)(0) --> gammaG in the gammagamma + missing transverse energy final state. In 2.6+/-0.2 fb(-1) of pp collisions at square root(s) = 1.96 TeV recorded by the CDF II detector we observe no candidate events, consistent with a standard model background expectation of 1.4+/-0.4 events. We set limits on the cross section at the 95% C.L. and place the world's best limit of 149 GeV/c2 on the chi(1)(0) mass at tau(chi(1)(0)) << 1 ns. We also exclude regions in the chi(1)(0) mass-lifetime plane for tau(chi(1)(0)) approximately < 2 ns.

Search for the associated production of the standard-model Higgs Boson in the all-hadronic channel

We report on a search for the standard-model Higgs boson in pp collisions at square root(s) = 1.96 TeV using an integrated luminosity of 2.0 fb(-1). We look for production of the Higgs boson decaying to a pair of bottom quarks in association with a vector boson V (W or Z) decaying to quarks, resulting in a four-jet final state. Two of the jets are required to have secondary vertices consistent with B-hadron decays. We set the first 95% confidence level upper limit on the VH production cross section with V(--> qq/qq')H(--> bb) decay for Higgs boson masses of 100-150 GeV/c2 using data from run II at the Fermilab Tevatron. For m(H) = 120 GeV/c2, we exclude cross sections larger than 38 times the standard-model prediction.

Search for Higgs bosons predicted in two-Higgs-doublet models via decays to tau lepton pairs in 1.96 TeV pp collisions

We present the results of a search for Higgs bosons predicted in two-Higgs-doublet models, in the case where the Higgs bosons decay to tau lepton pairs, using 1.8 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity of pp collisions recorded by the CDF II experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron. Studying the mass distribution in events where one or both tau leptons decay leptonically, no evidence for a Higgs boson signal is observed. The result is used to infer exclusion limits in the two-dimensional space of tanbeta versus m(A) (the ratio of the vacuum expectation values of the two Higgs doublets and the mass of the pseudoscalar boson, respectively).

Claudin-1 acts through c-Abl-protein kinase Cdelta (PKCdelta) signaling and has a causal role in the acquisition of invasive capacity in human liver cells

Claudins are identified as members of the tetraspanin family of proteins, which are integral to the structure and function of tight junction. Recent studies showed an increase in expression of claudins during tumorigenesis, which is associated with loss of cell-cell contact, dedifferentiation, and invasiveness. However, the molecular basis for the causal relationship between claudin expression and cancer progression is not fully understood yet. In this study, we show that claudin-1 plays a causal role in the acquisition of invasive capacity in human liver cells and that c-Abl-protein kinase Cdelta (PKCdelta) signaling is critical for the malignant progression induced by claudin-1. Overexpression of claudin-1 clearly induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and cell invasion and migration in normal liver cells as well as in non-invasive human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Conversely, small interfering RNA targeting of claudin-1 in invasive HCC cells completely inhibited cell invasion. Both c-Abl and PKCdelta are found to be activated in normal liver cell line clones that stably overexpress claudin-1. Inhibition of either c-Abl or PKCdelta alone clearly attenuated MMP-2 activation and impeded cell invasion and migration in both human HCC and normal liver cells expressing claudin-1. These results indicate that claudin-1 is both necessary and sufficient to induce invasive behavior in human liver cells and that activation of c-Abl-PKCdelta signaling pathway is critically required for the claudin-1-induced acquisition of the malignant phenotype. The present observations raise the possibility of exploiting claudin-1 as a potential biomarker for the spread of liver cancer and might provide pivotal points for therapeutic intervention in HCC.

First observation of B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+/-)K(-/+) and measurement of the ratio of branching fractions B(B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+/-)K(-/+)/B(B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+)pi(-))

A combined mass and particle identification fit is used to make the first observation of the decay B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+/-)K(-/+) and measure the branching fraction of B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+/-)K(-/+) relative to B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+)pi(-). This analysis uses 1.2 fb(-1) integrated luminosity of pp collisions at square root(s) = 1.96 TeV collected with the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron collider. We observe a B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+/-)K(-/+) signal with a statistical significance of 8.1 sigma and measure B(B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+/-)K(-/+) /B(B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+)pi(-) 0.097+/-0.018(stat) +/- 0.009(syst).

Precision measurement of the X(3872) mass in J/psi pi(+) pi(-) decays

We present an analysis of the mass of the X(3872) reconstructed via its decay to J/psi pi(+)pi(-) using 2.4 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity from pp collisions at square root(s)=1.96 TeV, collected with the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. The possible existence of two nearby mass states is investigated. Within the limits of our experimental resolution the data are consistent with a single state, and having no evidence for two states we set upper limits on the mass difference between two hypothetical states for different assumed ratios of contributions to the observed peak. For equal contributions, the 95% confidence level upper limit on the mass difference is 3.6 MeV/c(2). Under the single-state model the X(3872) mass is measured to be 3871.61+/-0.16(stat)+/-0.19(syst) MeV/c(2), which is the most precise determination to date.

Diagnosis of breast cancer at dynamic MRI in patients with breast augmentation by paraffin or silicone injection

AIM

To determine the diagnostic performance of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for breast cancer in breasts augmented with liquid paraffin or silicone injection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Among 62 patients with breast augmentation by liquid paraffin or silicone injection who had undergone dynamic breast MRI at our institution, 27 women, who had pathological diagnosis or at least 1-year MRI follow-up, were included in this retrospective study and their MRI images were reviewed. For enhancing lesions on MRI, the morphological features, enhancement kinetics, and BI-RADS assessment category were analysed. The lesion characteristics at MRI were correlated with the final diagnosis based on the histopathological result or at least 1-year MRI follow-up.

RESULTS

Of the 27 patients, 17 enhancing lesions in 13 patients were found on MRI. All six lesions that were confirmed as malignancy showed suspicious morphological findings and type 2 or 3 enhancement kinetics, assigned to BI-RADS category 4 or 5. Of the remaining 11 benign lesions, 10 showed benign-favouring morphological findings, and all showed type 1 enhancement kinetics, assigned to BI-RADS category 2 or 4.

CONCLUSION

In patients with breasts injected with foreign material, MRI was used to successfully diagnose malignant breast lesions and could be the diagnostic method of choice. Analysis of the morphological and kinetic features at MRI in conjunction with clinical findings is essential.

The Rac1/MKK7/JNK pathway signals upregulation of Atg5 and subsequent autophagic cell death in response to oncogenic Ras

To prevent the development of malignancies, mammalian cells activate disposal programs, such as programmed cell death, in response to deregulated oncogene expression. However, the molecular basis for regulation of cellular disposal machinery in response to activated oncogenes is unclear at present. In this study, we show that upregulation of the autophagy-related protein, Atg5, is critically required for the oncogenic H-ras-induced autophagic cell death and that Rac1/mitogen-activated kinase kinase (MKK) 7/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signals upregulation of Atg5. Overexpression of H-ras(V12) induced marked autophagic vacuole formation and cell death in normal fibroblasts, which remained unaffected by a caspase inhibitor. Pretreatment with Bafilomycin A1, an autophagy inhibitor, completely attenuated H-ras(V12)-induced cell death as well as autophagic vacuole formation. Selective production of Atg5 was observed in cells overexpressing H-ras(V12), and small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting of Atg5 clearly inhibited autophagic cell death. Interestingly, inhibition of JNK or c-Jun by specific siRNA suppressed Atg5 upregulation and autophagic cell death. Moreover, inhibition of MKK7, but not MKK4, effectively attenuated H-ras(V12)-induced JNK activation. In addition, ectopic expression of RacN17 or Rac1-siRNA effectively inhibited MKK7-JNK activation, Atg5 upregulation and autophagic cell death. These data support the notion that upregulation of Atg5 is required for the oncogenic H-ras-induced autophagic cell death in normal fibroblasts and that activation of Rac1/MKK7/JNK-signaling pathway leads to upregulation of Atg5 in response to oncogenic H-ras. Our findings suggest that in cells acquiring deregulated oncogene expression, oncogenic stress triggers autophagic cell death, which protects cells against malignant progression.

Zooming method (x 2.0) of digital mammography vs digital magnification view (x 1.8) in full-field digital mammography for the diagnosis of microcalcifications

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the interpretation of microcalcifications assessed on images zoomed (x 2.0) from digital mammograms is at least equivalent to that from digital magnification mammography (x 1.8) with respect to diagnostic accuracy and image quality. Three radiologists with different levels of experience in mammography reviewed each full-field digital mammography reader set for 185 patients with pathologically proven microcalcification clusters, which consisted of digital magnification mammograms (MAGs) with a magnification factor of 1.8 and images zoomed from mammograms (ZOOM) with a zoom factor of 2.0. Each radiologist rated their suspicion of breast cancer in microcalcific lesions using a six-point scale and the image quality and their confidence in the decisions using a five-point scale. Results were analysed according to display methods using areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (A(z) value) for ZOOM and MAGs to interpret microcalcifications, and the Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test for image quality and confidence levels. There was no statistically significant difference in the level of suspicion of breast cancer between the ZOOM and MAG groups (A(z) = 0.8680 for ZOOM; A(z) = 0.8682 for MAG; p = 0.9897). However, MAG images were significantly better than ZOOM images in terms of visual imaging quality (p < 0.001), and the confidence level with MAG was better than with ZOOM (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the performance of radiologists in the diagnosis of microcalcifications using ZOOM was similar to that using MAGs, although image quality and confidence levels were better using MAGs.

Search for a standard model Higgs boson in WH --> lvbb in pp collisions at square root s = 1.96 TeV

We present a search for a standard model Higgs boson produced in association with a W boson using 2.7 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity of pp collision data taken at square root s = 1.96 TeV. Limits on the Higgs boson production rate are obtained for masses between 100 and 150 GeV/c(2). Through the use of multivariate techniques, the analysis achieves an observed (expected) 95% confidence level upper limit of 5.6 (4.8) times the theoretically expected production cross section for a standard model Higgs boson with a mass of 115 GeV/c(2).

Search for charged Higgs bosons in decays of top quarks in pp collisions at square root s = 1.96 TeV

We report on the first direct search for charged Higgs bosons decaying into cs in tt events produced by pp collisions at square root s = 1.96 TeV. The search uses a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.2 fb(-1) collected by the CDF II detector at Fermilab and looks for a resonance in the invariant mass distribution of two jets in the lepton + jets sample of tt candidates. We observe no evidence of charged Higgs bosons in top quark decays. Hence, 95% upper limits on the top quark decay branching ratio are placed at B(t --> H(+)b)< 0.1 to 0.3 for charged Higgs boson masses of 60 to 150 GeV/c(2) assuming B(H(+) --> cs)=1.0. The upper limits on B(t --> H(+)b) are also used as model-independent limits on the decay branching ratio of top quarks to generic scalar charged bosons beyond the standard model.

Profiling of factor VIII mutations in Korean haemophilia A

Haemophilia A (HA) is an X chromosome-linked inherited bleeding disorder caused by heterogeneous mutations of coagulation factor VIII (FVIII). Although more than 900 mutations of FVIII gene are reported in the HAMSTeRS database, the mutation data regarding the FVIII gene in the Korean population is currently insufficient. The aim of this study was to profile the mutations of FVIII in Korean HA, 38 unrelated Korean HA male patients were examined. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from the patients. Long distance-PCR was performed for the identification of inversions in intron 22 and intron 1. Then gross exon deletion was examined to the inversion-negative patients by multiplex-PCR. Finally, direct sequencing was performed on exons 1-26, 5'- and 3'-UTR. We identified 33 mutations from the 38 patients. These included 15 inversions in intron 22 (39.5%), one inversion in intron 1 (2.6%), one gross exon deletion (2.6%), five deletions (13.2%), two insertions (5.3%), six missense (15.8%) and three nonsense mutations (7.9%). Mutation types for five patients (13.2%) were not identified in this study. We determined that the most common defect in FVIII in this study was an inversion mutation in intron 22; this is consistent with the findings of other studies. For the first time in Korean HA, a patient with intron 1 inversion was found. In addition, we report eight novel mutation types which never been reported in HAMSTeRS database. The mutation data in this study should prove useful as a reference for the diagnosis of HA and the detection of carriers in the Korean population.

Observation of electroweak single top-quark production

We report the observation of single top-quark production using 3.2 fb(-1) of pp[over ] collision data with sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV collected by the Collider Detector at Fermilab. The significance of the observed data is 5.0 standard deviations, and the expected sensitivity for standard model production and decay is in excess of 5.9 standard deviations. Assuming m(t) = 175 GeV/c(2), we measure a cross section of 2.3(-0.5);(+0.6)(stat + syst) pb, extract the CKM matrix-element value |V(tb)| = 0.91 + or - 0.11(stat + syst) + or - 0.07(theory), and set the limit |V(tb)| > 0.71 at the 95% C.L.

First observation of vector boson pairs in a hadronic final state at the tevatron collider

We present the first observation in hadronic collisions of the electroweak production of vector boson pairs (VV, V = W, Z) where one boson decays to a dijet final state. The data correspond to 3.5 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity of pp[over ] collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV collected by the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. We observe 1516 + or - 239(stat) + or - 144(syst) diboson candidate events and measure a cross section sigma(pp[over ]-->VV + X) of 18.0 + or - 2.8(stat) + or - 2.4(syst) + or -1.1(lumi) pb, in agreement with the expectations of the standard model.

Topical calcineurin inhibitors compromise stratum corneum integrity, epidermal permeability and antimicrobial barrier function

BACKGROUND

Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) such as pimecrolimus and tacrolimus have recently been used for dermatologic diseases including atopic dermatitis instead of topical glucocorticoids, because they display comparable efficacy, but less-frequent side effects. Although even short-term topical glucocorticoid compromise epidermal permeability barrier homeostasis, the effects of TCI on barrier function have not yet been reported. However, viral infections such as eczema herpeticum and molluscum contagiosum, which could indicate an impaired skin barrier, continue to occur with TCI use in atopic dermatitis.

OBJECTIVES

We determined here whether TCIs disrupt epidermal permeability barrier and antimicrobial function, and whether these effects can be prevented.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In normal humans, topical pimecrolimus and tacrolimus applied twice-daily for 5 days, delay barrier recovery without an increase in basal transepidermal water loss was observed. Co-application of physiologic lipid mixture (PLM) containing an equimolar ratio of ceramides, cholesterol and free fatty acids normalized barrier homeostasis in the face of topical TCIs. In hairless mice, 4 days of TCI treatment also disrupted barrier function significantly. TCIs-treated epidermis showed the decrease of epidermal lipid content, lamellar body number and secretion, and lipid synthesis-related enzymes such as 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase, serine-palmitoyl transferase and fatty acid synthase, implying decreased lipid synthesis. TCIs also suppressed expression of IL-1alpha and antimicrobial peptides, CRAMP and mouse beta-defensin 3. However, these TCI-induced abnormalities can be overridden by topical replacement with PLM.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that TCIs induce negative effects on the skin barrier including permeability and antimicrobial functions, which are mediated by decreasing epidermal lipid synthesis, lamellar body secretion and antimicrobial peptides expression through suppression of cytokine such as IL-1alpha, therefore co-treatment with PLM would be helpful to overcome these negative effects.

Peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness profile in subjects with myopia measured using the Stratus optical coherence tomography

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To evaluate the relationship between the axial length and refractive error and peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness profiles measured using Stratus optical coherence tomography (OCT) in subjects with myopia.

METHODS

Forty-eight eyes of 48 myopic subjects were recruited and divided into three groups according to their spherical equivalent (SE): low myopia (-3.0 D<SE<0.0 D), moderate myopia (-6.0 D<SE</=-3.0 D) and high myopia (SE</=-6.0 D) groups. All individuals underwent the imaging with the Stratus OCT. The RNFL thickness profiles were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

The global average RNFL was significantly thinner in the high myopia group than in the low myopia group (107.4 (SD 7.6) vs 115.8 (8.5) mum, p = 0.029 by post hoc test). For quadrant measures, the RNFL was thicker in the low myopia group than in the moderate and/or high myopia groups for the superior, nasal and inferior quadrants (all p values</=0.020). However, the temporal quadrant was thinner in the low myopia group than in the moderate and high myopia groups (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

High myopes had thinner RNFLs than did low myopes and showed different topographic profiles. Although the high myopes had significantly thinner RNFLs in the non-temporal sectors compared with the low myopes, they showed a significantly thicker RNFL in the temporal quadrant.

Search for a fermiophobic Higgs boson decaying into diphotons in pp[over] collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV

A search for a narrow diphoton mass resonance is presented based on data from 3.0 fb;{-1} of integrated luminosity from pp[over ] collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV collected by the CDF experiment. No evidence of a resonance in the diphoton mass spectrum is observed, and upper limits are set on the cross section times branching fraction of the resonant state as a function of Higgs boson mass. The resulting limits exclude Higgs bosons with masses below 106 GeV/c;{2} at a 95% Bayesian credibility level for one fermiophobic benchmark model.