The polar Catalysmic Variable 1RXS J173006.4+033813

We report the discovery of 1RXS J173006.4+033813, a polar cataclysmic variable with a period of 120.21 min. The white dwarf primary has a magnetic field of B = 42+6-5 MG, and the secondary is a M3 dwarf. The system shows highly symmetric double peaked photometric modulation in the active state as well as in quiescence. These arise from a combination of cyclotron beaming and ellipsoidal modulation. The projected orbital velocity of the secondary is K2 = 390+-4 km/s. We place an upper limit of 830+-65 pc on the distance.Comment: ApJ Accepted. 12 Pages, 13 Figures, 6 table

High source levels and small active space of high-pitched song in bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus)

© The Author(s), 2012. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License. The definitive version was published in Public Library of Science, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0052072.The low-frequency, powerful vocalizations of blue and fin whales may potentially be detected by conspecifics across entire ocean basins. In contrast, humpback and bowhead whales produce equally powerful, but more complex broadband vocalizations composed of higher frequencies that suffer from higher attenuation. Here we evaluate the active space of high frequency song notes of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) in Western Greenland using measurements of song source levels and ambient noise. Four independent, GPS-synchronized hydrophones were deployed through holes in the ice to localize vocalizing bowhead whales, estimate source levels and measure ambient noise. The song had a mean apparent source level of 185±2 dB rms re 1 µPa @ 1 m and a high mean centroid frequency of 444±48 Hz. Using measured ambient noise levels in the area and Arctic sound spreading models, the estimated active space of these song notes is between 40 and 130 km, an order of magnitude smaller than the estimated active space of low frequency blue and fin whale songs produced at similar source levels and for similar noise conditions. We propose that bowhead whales spatially compensate for their smaller communication range through mating aggregations that co-evolved with broadband song to form a complex and dynamic acoustically mediated sexual display.This work was funded by the Oticon Foundation (grant # 08-3469 to Arctic Station, OT). OT and MC were additionally funded by AP Møller og Hustru Chastine Mc-Kinney Møllers Fond til almene Formaal, MS by a PhD scholarship from the Oticon Foundation, FHJ by a Danish Council for Independent Research, Natural Sciences post-doctoral grant, SEP by a grant from the U.S. Office of Naval Research, and PTM by frame grants from the Danish Natural Science Research Council

Genome-wide association analyses for lung function and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease identify new loci and potential druggable targets

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by reduced lung function and is the third leading cause of death globally. Through genome-wide association discovery in 48,943 individuals, selected from extremes of the lung function distribution in UK Biobank, and follow-up in 95,375 individuals, we increased the yield of independent signals for lung function from 54 to 97. A genetic risk score was associated with COPD susceptibility (odds ratio per 1 s.d. of the risk score (∼6 alleles) (95% confidence interval) = 1.24 (1.20-1.27), P = 5.05 × 10‾⁴⁹), and we observed a 3.7-fold difference in COPD risk between individuals in the highest and lowest genetic risk score deciles in UK Biobank. The 97 signals show enrichment in genes for development, elastic fibers and epigenetic regulation pathways. We highlight targets for drugs and compounds in development for COPD and asthma (genes in the inositol phosphate metabolism pathway and CHRM3) and describe targets for potential drug repositioning from other clinical indications.This work was funded by a Medical Research Council (MRC) strategic award to M.D.T., I.P.H., D.S. and L.V.W. (MC_PC_12010). This research has been conducted using the UK Biobank Resource under application 648. This article presents independent research funded partially by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the UK Department of Health. This research used the ALICE and SPECTRE High-Performance Computing Facilities at the University of Leicester. Additional acknowledgments and funding details can be found in the Supplementary Note

Electron Beam Intraoperative Radiation Therapy for Pediatric Neoplasms

Background. Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) has potential advantages over conventional external beam radiation in that a single large dose is delivered to the tumor and its regional bed at the time of surgical exploration. The therapeutic ratio is enhanced by direct tumor visualization, precise treatment volume, and exclusion of normal organs. In childhood, local tumor control is critical for lesions that cannot be totally excised or residual disease not ablated by systemic therapy. Methods. During the past decade, the authors evaluated IORT in pediatric patients with unresectable or recurrent tumors. Fifty-nine patients were treated, 48 for advanced malignant disease and 11 for histologically benign but locally aggressive tumors. Sixty-four operations were performed, during which 84 separate radiation fields were used. High energy electrons at 5–11 MeV were delivered at a dose of 1000–1700 cGy to a tissue depth of 0.5–3 cm. Results. Of 25 children with advanced neuroblastoma, 15 were alive 14–104 months (mean, 51 months) after treatment. The survival of all patients with solid malignancies was 63%. Local tumor control was achieved in 75% of children with cancer and 91% of those with benign tumors. Complications of IORT at the doses used were trivial. Conclusions. Electron beam therapy can be safely and efficiently delivered to young patients during operations intended to treat the primary tumor. The outcome achieved for overall survival and local control of the primary tumor is encouraging, and an acceptable complication rate during intermediate to long-term follow-up has been noted. Cancer 1994; 74: 740-7