Subsurface Circulations within Active Regions

Using high-resolution ring analysis (HRRA) we deduce subsurface flows within magnetic active regions and within quiet sun. With this procedure we are capable of measuring flows with a horizontal spatial resolution of 2 degrees in heliographic angle (or roughly 20 Mm). From the resulting flow fields we deduce mean inflow rates into active regions, mean circulation speeds around active regions, and probability density functions (PDFs) of properties of the flow field. These analyses indicate that active regions have a zonal velocity that exceeds that of quiet sun at the same latitude by 20 m/s, yet active regions advect poleward at the same rate as quiet sun. We also find that almost all active regions possess a mean inflow (20-30 m/s) and a cyclonic circulation (~5 m/s) at their peripheries, whereas their cores, where the sunspots are located, are zones of strong anticyclonic outflow (~50 m/s). From the PDFs, we find that active regions modify the structure of convection with a scale greater than that of supergranulation. Instead of possessing an asymmetry between inflows and outflows (with a larger percentage of the surface occupied by outflows), as is seen in quiet sun, active regions possess symmetric distributions.Comment: 34 pages, 12 figures, submitted to the Astrophysical Journa

Two-Dimensional Helioseismic Power, Phase, and Coherence Spectra of {\it Solar Dynamics Observatory} Photospheric and Chromospheric Observables

While the {\it Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager} (HMI) onboard the {\it Solar Dynamics Observatory} (SDO) provides Doppler velocity [$V$], continuum intensity [$I_C$], and line-depth [$Ld$] observations, each of which is sensitive to the five-minute acoustic spectrum, the {\it Atmospheric Imaging Array} (AIA) also observes at wavelengths -- specifically the 1600 and 1700 Angstrom bands -- that are partly formed in the upper photosphere and have good sensitivity to acoustic modes. In this article we consider the characteristics of the spatio--temporal Fourier spectra in AIA and HMI observables for a 15-degree region around NOAA Active Region 11072. We map the spatio--temporal-power distribution for the different observables and the HMI Line Core [$I_L$], or Continuum minus Line Depth, and the phase and coherence functions for selected observable pairs, as a function of position and frequency. Five-minute oscillation power in all observables is suppressed in the sunspot and also in plage areas. Above the acoustic cut-off frequency, the behaviour is more complicated: power in HMI $I_C$ is still suppressed in the presence of surface magnetic fields, while power in HMI $I_L$ and the AIA bands is suppressed in areas of surface field but enhanced in an extended area around the active region, and power in HMI $V$ is enhanced in a narrow zone around strong-field concentrations and suppressed in a wider surrounding area. The relative phase of the observables, and their cross-coherence functions, are also altered around the active region. These effects may help us to understand the interaction of waves and magnetic fields in the different layers of the photosphere, and will need to be taken into account in multi-wavelength local helioseismic analysis of active regions.Comment: 18 pages, 15 figures, to be published in Solar Physic

Methyl-CpG-binding domain sequencing reveals a prognostic methylation signature in neuroblastoma

Accurate assessment of neuroblastoma outcome prediction remains challenging. Therefore, this study aims at establishing novel prognostic tumor DNA methylation biomarkers. In total, 396 low- and high-risk primary tumors were analyzed, of which 87 were profiled using methyl-CpG-binding domain (MBD) sequencing for differential methylation analysis between prognostic patient groups. Subsequently, methylation-specific PCR (MSP) assays were developed for 78 top-ranking differentially methylated regions and tested on two independent cohorts of 132 and 177 samples, respectively. Further, a new statistical framework was used to identify a robust set of MSP assays of which the methylation score (i.e. the percentage of methylated assays) allows accurate outcome prediction. Survival analyses were performed on the individual target level, as well as on the combined multimarker signature. As a result of the differential DNA methylation assessment by MBD sequencing, 58 of the 78 MSP assays were designed in regions previously unexplored in neuroblastoma, and 36 are located in non-promoter or non-coding regions. In total, 5 individual MSP assays (located in CCDC177, NXPH1, lnc-MRPL3-2, lnc-TREX1-1 and one on a region from chromosome 8 with no further annotation) predict event-free survival and 4 additional assays (located in SPRED3, TNFAIP2, NPM2 and CYYR1) also predict overall survival. Furthermore, a robust 58-marker methylation signature predicting overall and event-free survival was established. In conclusion, this study encompasses the largest DNA methylation biomarker study in neuroblastoma so far. We identified and independently validated several novel prognostic biomarkers, as well as a prognostic 58-marker methylation signature

Organizational Cultural Assessment of the Solar Energy Research Institute

An Organizational Cultural Assessment (OCA) was performed at the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) by administering an Organizational Culture Survey (OCS) that queried employees on the subjects of organizational culture, various aspects of communications, employee commitment, work group cohesion, coordination of work, environmental concerns, hazardous nature of work, safety and overall job satisfaction. The purpose of the OCS is to measure in a quantitative and objective way the notion of culture;'' that is, the values, attitudes, and beliefs of the individuals working within the organization. In addition, through the OCS, a broad simple of individuals can be reached that would probably not be interviewed or observed during the course of a typical assessment. The OCS also provides a descriptive profile of the organization at one point in time that can then be compared to a profile taken at a different point in time to assess changes in the culture of the organization. All data from the OCS is presented in group summaries, by division, supervisory level, and staff classification. Statistically significant differences between groups are identified and discussed. The most notable finding which emerges from the OCA conducted at SERI is that it is a very homogeneous organization as indicated by the few statistically significant differences found between divisions/offices, staff classifications, and supervisory levels. The results also indicate SERI to be an organization which places a large amount of emphasis on those behaviors which are considered constructive'' (i.e., Humanistic-Encouraging, Affiliative, Achievement, Self-Actualizing) and, although to a lesser extent, on those behaviors which could be regarded as passive/defensive'' (i.e., Approval, Conventional, Dependent, Avoidance). 9 refs., 11 figs., 6 tabs

Can we detect local helioseismic parameter shifts in coronal holes?

International audienceChanges in helioseismic mode parameters in active regions and across the solar disk are well documented, but local magnetic activity and geometric effects may not account for all of the scatter seen in the results. We use results from the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager ring-diagram pipeline for Carrington rotation 2113 to look for differences in mode amplitude and frequency between coronal holes and other quiet-Sun regions. While we do not find a systematic difference, the results do suggest that the correlation between magnetic activity index and mode parameters shows less scatter in coronal hole regions than in general quiet Sun

Enhancing the Potential of Immunotherapy in Paediatric Sarcomas: Breaking the Immunosuppressive Barrier with Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors

Despite aggressive surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, survival of children and adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with sarcoma has not improved significantly in the past four decades. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are an exciting type of immunotherapy that offer new opportunities for the treatment of paediatric and AYA sarcomas. However, to date, most children do not derive a benefit from this type of treatment as a monotherapy. The immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment is a major barrier limiting their efficacy. Combinations of ICIs, such as anti-PD-1 therapy, with targeted molecular therapies that have immunomodulatory properties may be the key to breaking through immunosuppressive barriers and improving patient outcomes. Preclinical studies have indicated that several receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (RTKi) can alter the tumour microenvironment and boost the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy. A number of these combinations have entered phase-1/2 clinical trials, mostly in adults, and in most instances have shown efficacy with manageable side-effects. In this review, we discuss the status of ICI therapy in paediatric and AYA sarcomas and the rationale for co-treatment with RTKis. We highlight new opportunities for the integration of ICI therapy with RTK inhibitors, to improve outcomes for children with sarcoma