A Quantum Scattering Interferometer

The collision of two ultra-cold atoms results in a quantum-mechanical superposition of two outcomes: each atom continues without scattering and each atom scatters as a spherically outgoing wave with an s-wave phase shift. The magnitude of the s-wave phase shift depends very sensitively on the interaction between the atoms. Quantum scattering and the underlying phase shifts are vitally important in many areas of contemporary atomic physics, including Bose-Einstein condensates, degenerate Fermi gases, frequency shifts in atomic clocks, and magnetically-tuned Feshbach resonances. Precise measurements of quantum scattering phase shifts have not been possible until now because, in scattering experiments, the number of scattered atoms depends on the s-wave phase shifts as well as the atomic density, which cannot be measured precisely. Here we demonstrate a fundamentally new type of scattering experiment that interferometrically detects the quantum scattering phase shifts of individual atoms. By performing an atomic clock measurement using only the scattered part of each atom, we directly and precisely measure the difference of the s-wave phase shifts for the two clock states in a density independent manner. Our method will give the most direct and precise measurements of ultracold atom-atom interactions and will place stringent limits on the time variations of fundamental constants.Comment: Corrected formatting and typo

The genetic architecture of the human cerebral cortex

The cerebral cortex underlies our complex cognitive capabilities, yet little is known about the specific genetic loci that influence human cortical structure. To identify genetic variants that affect cortical structure, we conducted a genome-wide association meta-analysis of brain magnetic resonance imaging data from 51,665 individuals. We analyzed the surface area and average thickness of the whole cortex and 34 regions with known functional specializations. We identified 199 significant loci and found significant enrichment for loci influencing total surface area within regulatory elements that are active during prenatal cortical development, supporting the radial unit hypothesis. Loci that affect regional surface area cluster near genes in Wnt signaling pathways, which influence progenitor expansion and areal identity. Variation in cortical structure is genetically correlated with cognitive function, Parkinson's disease, insomnia, depression, neuroticism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Brentuximab vedotin with AVD for stage II–IV HIV-related Hodgkin lymphoma (AMC 085): phase 2 results from an open-label, single arm, multicentre phase 1/2 trial

International audienceBackground: Brentuximab vedotin in combination with doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (AVD) is approved in the upfront setting for advanced stage classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). People living with HIV have been excluded from these studies. We aimed to understand the activity and safety of brentuximab vedotin–AVD in people living with HIV diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, while focusing on HIV disease parameters and antiretroviral therapy (ART) interactions. Methods: We present the phase 2 portion of a multicentre phase 1/2 study. Eligible patients were 18 years or older, had untreated stage II–IV HIV-associated cHL (HIV-cHL), a Karnofsky performance status of more than 30%, a CD4+ T-cell count of 50 cells per μL or more, were required to take ART, and were not on strong CYP3A4 or P-glycoprotein inhibitors. Patients were treated intravenously with 1·2 mg/kg of brentuximab vedotin (recommended phase 2 dose) with standard doses of AVD for six cycles on days 1 and 15 of a 28-day cycle. The primary endpoint of the phase 2 portion was 2-year progression-free survival (PFS), assessed in all eligible participants who began treatment. Accrual has been completed. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01771107. Findings: Between March 8, 2013, and March 7, 2019, 41 patients received study therapy with a median follow up of 29 months (IQR 16–38). 34 (83%) of 41 patients presented with stage III–IV and seven (17%) with stage II unfavourable HIV-cHL. 37 (90%) of 41 patients completed therapy, all 37 of whom achieved complete response. The 2-year PFS was 87% (95% CI 71–94) and the overall survival was 92% (78–97). The most common grade 3 or worse adverse events were peripheral sensory neuropathy (four [10%] of 41 patients), neutropenia (18 [44%]), and febrile neutropenia (five [12%]). One treatment-related death was reported, due to infection. Interpretation: Brentuximab vedotin–AVD was highly active and had a tolerable adverse event rate in HIV-cHL and is an important therapeutic option for people with HIV-cHL. The complete reponse rate is encouraging and is possibly related to a unique aspect of HIV-cHL biology. Upcoming 5-year data will evaluate the sustainability of the outcomes obtained. Funding: National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute