393 research outputs found
Dynamics and control of the expansion of finite-size plasmas produced in ultraintense laser-matter interactions
The strong influence of the electron dynamics provides the possibility of
controlling the expansion of laser-produced plasmas by appropriately shaping
the laser pulse. A simple irradiation scheme is proposed to tailor the
explosion of large deuterium clusters, inducing the formation of shock
structures, capable of driving nuclear fusion reactions. Such a scenario has
been thoroughly investigated, resorting to two- and three-dimensional
particle-in-cell simulations. Furthermore, the intricate dynamics of ions and
electrons during the collisionless expansion of spherical nanoplasmas has been
analyzed in detail using a self-consistent ergodic-kinetic model. This study
clarifies the transition from hydrodynamic-like to Coulomb-explosion regimes
All-optical trapping and acceleration of heavy particles
A scheme for fast, compact, and controllable acceleration of heavy particles
in vacuum is proposed, in which two counterpropagating lasers with variable
frequencies drive a beat-wave structure with variable phase velocity, thus
allowing for trapping and acceleration of heavy particles, such as ions or
muons. Fine control over the energy distribution and the total charge of the
beam is obtained via tuning of the frequency variation. The acceleration scheme
is described with a one-dimensional theory, providing the general conditions
for trapping and scaling laws for the relevant features of the particle beam.
Two-dimensional, electromagnetic particle-in-cell simulations confirm the
validity and the robustness of the physical mechanism.Comment: 10 pages, 3 figures, to appear in New Journal of Physic
Effect of Nedocromil Sodium on Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Plasma Membrane
The effect of nedocromil sodium on the plasma membrane fluidity of
polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) was investigated by measuring
steady-state fluorescence anisotropy of
1-[4-trimethylammonium-phenyl]-6-phenyl- 1,3,5-hexatriene (TMA-DPH)
incorporated in the membrane. Our results show that nedocromil
sodium 300 ÎĽM significantly decreased membrane fluidity of PMNs.
The decrease in membrane fluidity of PMNs induced by fMLP was
abolished in the presence of nedocromil sodium. These data suggest
that nedocromil sodium interferes with the plasma membranes of PMNs
and modulates their activities
Transcriptome of male breast cancer matched with germline profiling reveals novel molecular subtypes with possible clinical relevance
SIMPLE SUMMARY: Breast cancer in men is a rare disease; however, morbidity and mortality in male breast cancer (MBC) patients is a serious concern. The identification of specific molecular features in MBC is essential for developing more appropriate and targeted therapeutic strategies for MBC patients. In this study, by transcriptome analysis of 63 MBCs characterized for germline mutations in the most relevant BC susceptibility genes, mainly BRCA1/2, we highlighted possible differences in the molecular pathways underlying MBC pathogenesis in relation to germline mutation status. Furthermore, we identified two distinct subgroups of MBCs of clinical relevance, which are characterized by different biological features and prognosis. Overall, our results showed that transcriptome profiling by RNA sequencing is a valuable approach to dissect the molecular heterogeneity of MBC and suggest that the transcriptome matched with germline profiling may lead to the identification of MBC subtypes with possible relevance in the clinical setting, which is a primary step to improve the clinical management of MBC patients. ABSTRACT: Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare and understudied disease compared with female BC. About 15% of MBCs are associated with germline mutation in BC susceptibility genes, mainly BRCA1/2 and PALB2. Hereditary MBCs are likely to represent a subgroup of tumors with a peculiar phenotype. Here, we performed a whole transcriptome analysis of MBCs characterized for germline mutations in the most relevant BC susceptibility genes in order to identify molecular subtypes with clinical relevance. A series of 63 MBCs, including 16 BRCA2, 6 BRCA1, 2 PALB2, 1 RAD50, and 1 RAD51D germline-mutated cases, was analyzed by RNA-sequencing. Differential expression and hierarchical clustering analyses were performed. Module signatures associated with central biological processes involved in breast cancer pathogenesis were also examined. Different transcriptome profiles for genes mainly involved in the cell cycle, DNA damage, and DNA repair pathways emerged between MBCs with and without germline mutations. Unsupervised clustering analysis revealed two distinct subgroups, one of which was characterized by a higher expression of immune response genes, high scores of gene-expression signatures suggestive of aggressive behavior, and worse overall survival. Our results suggest that transcriptome matched with germline profiling may be a valuable approach for the identification and characterization of MBC subtypes with possible relevance in the clinical setting
po 320 gene panel mutation screening for a better molecular stratification of colorectal cancer patients
Introduction Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide. The metastatic disease contributes to the high mortality rate reported for such tumours. Significant benefit on overall survival was brought about the introduction of monoclonal antibodies anti-EGFR and anti-VEGF used in combination with chemotherapy in metastatic CRC (mCRC). While anti-VEGF treatment does not require biomarker-based selection criteria, the potential efficacy of anti-EGFR antibodies is neglected to patients with activating mutations in KRAS and NRAS (RAS) genes, whose molecular analysis became a clinical routine. The advent of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) instruments, able to reach quick testing of multiple clinically-relevant hotspots, yet maintaining precision and low costs, allows the simultaneous determination of the mutation status of an expanding number of genes. Despite only few of these molecular biomarkers have gained clinical utility in the routine oncological practice, the acquisition of more complex cancer mutational patterns may provide more efficient tumour characterisation for prognostic and predictive purposes and highlight actionable targets. Material and methods We sequenced 639 mCRC samples by IT-PGM platform using a panel of hotspots and targeted regions of 22 genes (including RAS) commonly involved in CRCs. MSI analyses on 89 patients have been performed with a single fluorescent system comprising BAT25 and BAT26 mononucleotide repeats. Results and discussions We identified recurrent mutations (≥1%) in 12/22 genes, being KRAS, TP53 and PIK3CA the most frequently mutated ones. Statistical analysis, indicated that the mutation associations follow a non-random distribution. Categorization of the cases on the base of KRAS and p53 mutation status led us the definition of 8 Mutation Association Patterns (MAPs) characterised by specific mutation associations. Analysis of the clinicopathological data available for 89 out of 639 cases indicates interesting trends for the associations of MAPs with specific parameters, some of which reached statistical significance. Conclusion Application of NGS gene panel as a routine for the characterisation of RAS/BRAF status required for predictive purposes in CRC patients, may provide additional prognostic/predictive information, with no significant extra-costs
The dependence of Galactic outflows on the properties and orientation of zCOSMOS galaxies at z ~ 1
We present an analysis of cool outflowing gas around galaxies, traced by MgII
absorption lines in the co-added spectra of a sample of 486 zCOSMOS galaxies at
1 < z < 1.5. These galaxies span a range of stellar masses (9.45<
log[M*/Msun]<10.7) and star formation rates (0.14 < log [SFR/Msun/yr] < 2.35).
We identify the cool outflowing component in the MgII absorption and find that
the equivalent width of the outflowing component increases with stellar mass.
The outflow equivalent width also increases steadily with the increasing star
formation rate of the galaxies. At similar stellar masses the blue galaxies
exhibit a significantly higher outflow equivalent width as compared to red
galaxies. The outflow equivalent width shows strong effect with star formation
surface density ({\Sigma}SFR) of the sample. For the disk galaxies, the outflow
equivalent width is higher for the face-on systems as compared to the edge-on
ones, indicating that for the disk galaxies, the outflowing gas is primarily
bipolar in geometry. Galaxies typically exhibit outflow velocities ranging from
-200 km/s to -300 km/s and on average the face-on galaxies exhibit higher
outflow velocity as compared to the edge-on ones. Galaxies with irregular
morphologies exhibit outflow equivalent width as well as outflow velocities
comparable to face on disk galaxies. These galaxies exhibit minimum mass
outflow rates > 5-7 Msun/yr and a mass loading factor ({\eta} = dMout/dt /SFR)
comparable to the star formation rates of the galaxies.Comment: 12 pages, 14 figures, ApJ submitte
Bioarchaeology aids the cultural understanding of six characters in search of their agency (Tarquinia, ninth–seventh century BC, central Italy)
Etruria contained one of the great early urban civilisations in the Italian peninsula during the first millennium BC, much studied from a cultural, humanities-based, perspective, but relatively little with scientific data, and rarely in combination. We have addressed the unusual location of twenty inhumations found in the sacred heart of the Etruscan city of Tarquinia, focusing on six of these as illustrative, contrasting with the typical contemporary cremations found in cemeteries on the edge of the city. The cultural evidence suggests that the six skeletons were also distinctive in their ritualization and memorialisation. Focusing on the six, as a representative sample, the scientific evidence of osteoarchaeology, isotopic compositions, and ancient DNA has established that these appear to show mobility, diversity and violence through an integrated bioarchaeological approach. The combination of multiple lines of evidence makes major strides towards a deeper understanding of the role of these extraordinary individuals in the life of the early city of Etruria
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