Is the product of ccc spaces a ccc space?

In this expository paper it is shown that Martin's Axiom and the negation of the Continuum Hypothesis imply that the product of ccc spaces is a ccc space. The Continuum Hypothesis is then used to construct the Laver-Galvin example of two ccc spaces whose product is not a ccc space

Study on the role of nuclear Cofilin1

Cofilin1, an actin depolymerizing factor, is a member of the ADF/Cofilin family. The ADF/Cofilin family members carry a conserved nuclear translocation signal (NTS) comprising the core amino acid sequence KKRKK. In vitro studies showed wt-Cofilin1 in the cytoplasm and the nucleus, whereas Cofilin1 NTS mutants were restricted to the cytoplasm. In this thesis the physiological consequences of a mutation of the NTS to KTRTK were studied with the help of a mouse line. Even though Cofilin2, ADF and Cofilin1 share similar biochemical properties, they differ in regulation and expression pattern and are not functionally identical. Cofilin1KTRTK/KTRTK mutants were not born but viable until the time of birth. Homozygous KTRTK-Cofilin1 mutants showed an exencephalic phenotype, a cranial neural tube closure defect, apparent at embryonic day 10 (E10). Massive malformations of brain structures, seemingly a defect in the midbrain and diencephalon development, resulting in characteristics of an everted brain were observed. In vitro neurons displayed increased branching activity and astrocytes indicated a delay in maturation. Analysis of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (Mefs) derived from Cofilin1KTRTK/KTRTK embryos revealed distinct disturbances in the progression of the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, significantly reduced proliferation rates and morphological differences in the form of multinucleate cells and increase in cell size as well. FACS analyses observed changes in G- and F-actin ratios in Cofilin1KTRTK/KTRTK mutant cells. This could be responsible for cytokinesis and growth defects in Mefs and aberrant brain development. Actin assays showed reduced depolymerizing activity of KTRTK-Cofilin1, confirming that KTRTK-Cofilin1 was not fully functional. Protein level analysis revealed the decrease of KTRTK-Cofilin1 during embryonic development. Decrease did not result from transcriptional modifications, changed protein stability or altered solubility. Microarray data showed alterations in gene expression of extracellular matrix proteins and actin isoforms for instance. Acquired data indicates that the subcellular location of Cofilin1 is essential for maintenance of the cell homeostasis. Nucleo- cytoplasmic shuffling of actin, makes Cofilin1 a critical regulator of transcriptional activity. Multiple proof experiments lead to the solid conclusion that Cofilin1 is connected to disparate and highly complex events for embryonic development, morphogenesis and cellular functionality

Ultrathin Quadrifilar Spirals and Spiral Ensembles

We investigate the eigenmodes of both ultrathin quadrifilar spirals and ensembles made up of such spirals by comparing experimental near-field scans with numerical finite-element models. These modes can be understood in the picture of electric and magnetic localized spoof plasmons.EPSRC through the QUEST programme; “The Quest for Ultimate Electromagnetics using Spatial Transformations (QUEST).

Electromagnetic Properties of Ultrathin Quadrifilar Spirals and Their Complementary Structures

Published

Basic Singular Spectrum Analysis and Forecasting with R

Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA) as a tool for analysis and forecasting of time series is considered. The main features of the Rssa package, which implements the SSA algorithms and methodology in R, are described and examples of its use are presented. Analysis, forecasting and parameter estimation are demonstrated by means of case study with an accompanying code in R

Parasocial Relationships with Musicians

Extending research on the development of parasocial relationships (PSR), the present study fits into a long line of research beginning with Rubin and McHugh’s (1987) seminal work investigating the how communication, liking, and intimacy interact as audiences form relationships with mediated characters.  The current study applied Ruben and McHugh’s model to the unique connection consumers feel with their favorite musicians.  Structural equation modeling reveals that these parasocial relationships with musicians differ from those previously found with more traditional media characters. The model confirms that music fans develop parasocial relationships with musicians, as well as reinforce previous findings that exposure is a powerful predictor of physical attraction.  The results provide justification for extending the theoretical expectations of parasocial relationships to musicians

The Evolution of Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair Therapy Lessons Learned and Implications for Patient Selection

AbstractMitral regurgitation (MR) is the most common valve disease in the United States. However, a significant number of patients are denied surgery due to increased age, poor ventricular function, or associated comorbidities, putting them at high risk for adverse events. Moreover, the benefit of surgery for MR is unclear in patients with functional (secondary) MR. Recently, percutaneous repair of the mitral valve with a particular device (MitraClip, Abbott, Menlo Park, California) has emerged as a novel therapeutic option for patients with secondary MR or those deemed to be high risk for surgery. We review data from its initial concept through clinical trials and current data available from several registries. We focused on lessons learned regarding adequate patient selection, along with current and future perspectives on the use of device therapy for the treatment of MR

How Do Elderly Poor Prognosis Patients Tolerate Palliative Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Stage III? A Subset Analysis From a Clinical Phase III Trial

AbstractBackgroundIn a phase III trial of patients with unresectable, locally advanced, stage III non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a poor prognosis, palliative concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) provided a significantly better outcome than chemotherapy alone, except among performance status (PS) 2 patients. In the present subgroup analysis, we evaluated the effect on patients aged ≥ 70 years (42% of all included) compared with patients aged < 70 years enrolled in the trial.Patients and MethodsAll patients received 4 courses of intravenous carboplatin and oral vinorelbine. The experimental arm also received radiotherapy (42 Gy in 15 fractions). The included patients were required to have large tumors (> 8 cm), weight loss (> 10% within the previous 6 months) and/or PS 2.ResultsThe overall survival was increased among the CRT patients in both age groups, but the difference was significant only in patients aged < 70 years (median survival, 14.8 vs. 9.7 months; P = .001; age ≥ 70 years, median survival, 10.2 vs. 9.1 months; P = .09). Patients aged ≥ 70 years experienced better preserved health-related quality of life (QOL) and significantly less hematologic toxicity. The 2- and 3-year survival was significantly increased in both age groups receiving CRT.ConclusionElderly patients aged ≥ 70 years with unresectable, stage III, locally advanced, NSLCL and a poor prognosis can tolerate CRT with the doses adjusted to age and palliative intent. These results indicate that CRT can provide both survival and QOL benefits in elderly patients, except for those with PS 2 or worse. The male predominance in the ≥ 70-year-age group and the reduced chemotherapy intensity for the patients aged > 75 years might explain the lack of significant survival improvement among those patients aged ≥ 70 years