Solving Generalized Small Inverse Problems

Abstract. We introduce a “generalized small inverse problem (GSIP)” and present an algorithm for solving this problem. GSIP is formulated as finding small solutions of f(x0, x1,..., xn) = x0h(x1,..., xn) + C = 0(mod M) for an n-variate polynomial h, non-zero integers C and M. Our algorithm is based on lattice-based Coppersmith technique. We pro-vide a strategy for construction of a lattice basis for solving f = 0, which are systematically transformed from a lattice basis for solving h = 0. Then, we derive an upper bound such that the target problem can be solved in polynomial time in logM in an explicit form. Since GSIPs in-clude some RSA-related problems, our algorithm is applicable to them. For example, the small key attacks by Boneh and Durfee are re-found automatically. This is a full version of [13]

Disruption of podocyte cytoskeletal biomechanics by dasatinib leads to nephrotoxicity

Nephrotoxicity is a critical adverse event that leads to discontinuation of kinase inhibitor (KI) treatment. Here we show, through meta-analyses of FDA Adverse Event Reporting System, that dasatinib is associated with high risk for glomerular toxicity that is uncoupled from hypertension, suggesting a direct link between dasatinib and podocytes. We further investigate the cellular effects of dasatinib and other comparable KIs with varying risks of nephrotoxicity. Dasatinib treated podocytes show significant changes in focal adhesions, actin cytoskeleton, and morphology that are not observed with other KIs. We use phosphoproteomics and kinome profiling to identify the molecular mechanisms of dasatinib-induced injury to the actin cytoskeleton, and atomic force microscopy to quantify impairment to cellular biomechanics. Furthermore, chronic administration of dasatinib in mice causes reversible glomerular dysfunction, loss of stress fibers, and foot process effacement. We conclude that dasatinib induces nephrotoxicity through altered podocyte actin cytoskeleton, leading to injurious cellular biomechanics.FWN – Publicaties zonder aanstelling Universiteit Leide

Nitric oxide releasing-dendrimers: an overview

Platforms able to storage, release or scavenge NO in a controlled and specific manner is interesting for biological applications. Among the possible matrices for these purposes, dendrimers are excellent candidates for that. These molecules have been used as drug delivery systems and exhibit interesting properties, like the possibility to perform chemical modifications on dendrimers surface, the capacity of storage high concentrations of compounds of interest in the same molecule and the ability to improve the solubility and the biocompatibility of the compounds bonded to it. This review emphasizes the recent progress in the development and in the biological applications of different NO-releasing dendrimers and the nitric oxide release pathways in these compounds

Physical Processes in Star Formation

© 2020 Springer-Verlag. The final publication is available at Springer via https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-020-00693-8.Star formation is a complex multi-scale phenomenon that is of significant importance for astrophysics in general. Stars and star formation are key pillars in observational astronomy from local star forming regions in the Milky Way up to high-redshift galaxies. From a theoretical perspective, star formation and feedback processes (radiation, winds, and supernovae) play a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of the physical processes at work, both individually and of their interactions. In this review we will give an overview of the main processes that are important for the understanding of star formation. We start with an observationally motivated view on star formation from a global perspective and outline the general paradigm of the life-cycle of molecular clouds, in which star formation is the key process to close the cycle. After that we focus on the thermal and chemical aspects in star forming regions, discuss turbulence and magnetic fields as well as gravitational forces. Finally, we review the most important stellar feedback mechanisms.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio

Timing and Energy Characteristics of LaBr3[Ce] and CeBr3 Scintillators Read by FBK SiPMs

Lanthanum Halide scintillators exhibit high light output and fast decay times. The resulting high radiant flux has enabled the measurement of annihilation photon coincidence timing resolution of <100ps FWHM as well as with energy resolution<4% FWHM using conventional PMTs. Taking full advantage of these characteristics in a TOF PET detector is greatly affected by the performance of the photodetector. The ability to fabricate Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPM) pixels of comparable size to the cross section of scintillator pixels used in clinical scanners (4x4mm2) allows the direct coupling of a crystal array to an array of SiPM pixels. SiPMs fabricated at FBK have been designed to offer high Photon Detection Efficiency (PDE), high spatial and temporal transit time uniformity, fast risetime and low noise. The high gain and low noise of the FBK SiPM result in signal amplitude of ~200mV, enabling excellent performance using passive readout circuits. We characterize the response of LaBr3[Ce] and LYSO scintillators read out by FBK SiPM to annihilation photons. 511KeV photopeak energy resolution of 5.6% and 12.5% is measured with LaBr3 and LYSO, respectively, despite of the saturation behavior evident at that energy. Coincidence timing resolution of 163ps and 249ps FWHM are measured for 5mm long and 30mm long pixels, respectively. While measured performance with LaBr3 does not quite yet match performance measured with PMTs, these results are very encouraging considering that QE is not yet well matched to shorter wavelength emission of LaBr3