Molecular nitrogen in comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko indicates a low formation temperature

Molecular nitrogen (N2) is thought to have been the most abundant form of nitrogen in the protosolar nebula. It is the main N-bearing molecule in the atmospheres of Pluto and Triton and probably the main nitrogen reservoir from which the giant planets formed. Yet in comets, often considered the most primitive bodies in the solar system, N2 has not been detected. Here we report the direct in situ measurement of N2 in the Jupiter family comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, made by the Rosetta Orbiter Spectrometer for Ion and Neutral Analysis mass spectrometer aboard the Rosetta spacecraft. A N2/CO ratio of (5.70 ± 0.66) × 10(-3) (2σ standard deviation of the sampled mean) corresponds to depletion by a factor of ~25.4 ± 8.9 as compared to the protosolar value. This depletion suggests that cometary grains formed at low-temperature conditions below ~30 kelvin.

Cometary science. Time variability and heterogeneity in the coma of 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko

Comets contain the best-preserved material from the beginning of our planetary system. Their nuclei and comae composition reveal clues about physical and chemical conditions during the early solar system when comets formed. ROSINA (Rosetta Orbiter Spectrometer for Ion and Neutral Analysis) onboard the Rosetta spacecraft has measured the coma composition of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko with well-sampled time resolution per rotation. Measurements were made over many comet rotation periods and a wide range of latitudes. These measurements show large fluctuations in composition in a heterogeneous coma that has diurnal and possibly seasonal variations in the major outgassing species: water, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. These results indicate a complex coma-nucleus relationship where seasonal variations may be driven by temperature differences just below the comet surface.

Higher order parametric excitation modes for spaceborne quadrupole mass spectrometers

This paper describes a technique to significantly improve upon the mass peak shape and mass resolution of spaceborne quadrupole mass spectrometers (QMSs) through higher order auxiliary excitation of the quadrupole field. Using a novel multiresonant tank circuit, additional frequency components can be used to drive modulating voltages on the quadrupole rods in a practical manner, suitable for both improved commercial applications and spaceflight instruments. Auxiliary excitation at frequencies near twice that of the fundamental quadrupole RF frequency provides the advantages of previously studied parametric excitation techniques, but with the added benefit of increased sensed excitation amplitude dynamic range and the ability to operate voltage scan lines through the center of upper stability islands. Using a field programmable gate array, the amplitudes and frequencies of all QMS signals are digitally generated and managed, providing a robust and stable voltage control system. These techniques are experimentally verified through an interface with a commercial Pfeiffer QMG422 quadrupole rod system. When operating through the center of a stability island formed from higher order auxiliary excitation, approximately 50% and 400% improvements in 1% mass resolution and peak stability were measured, respectively, when compared with traditional QMS operation. Although tested with a circular rod system, the presented techniques have the potential to improve the performance of both circular and hyperbolic rod geometry QMS sensors.

Predictive value of postoperative electrophysiologic testing of the facial nerve after cerebellopontine angle surgery

Our objective was to assess the ability of postoperative electroneuronography (ENoG) and electromyography (EMG) to predict clinical facial function 1 year postoperatively in patients with facial paralysis and an intact facial nerve after cerebellopontine angle surgery. The study was a prospective, nonrandomized, uncontrolled clinical trial on an outpatient basis, at a tertiary care hospital. Primary eligibility criteria include: (1) cerebellopontine angle (CPA) surgery with anatomical preservation of facial nerve, (2) complete facial nerve paralysis; and (3) 1 year follow-up. ENoG and EMG were measured at 1 and 3 months postoperatively, House-Brackmann facial nerve grade at 1 year postoperatively. The Kendall coefficient of rank correlation demonstrated that the 1 and 3 month postoperative ENoG data were significant predictors of ultimate facial nerve outcome. Tracking multiple ENoG examinations in a single patient, over time was of little predictive value. EMG was a poor predictor of facial nerve outcome. In general, patients with delayed facial nerve paralysis had better ultimate facial function than patients with immediate paralysis. Postoperative ENoG, but not EMG was a statistically significant predictor of ultimate facial nerve outcome after CPA surgery. Patients with delayed facial paralysis had better outcomes than those with immediate facial paralysis.

Optical Indices of Tin-Doped Indium Oxide and Tungsten Oxide Electrochromic Coatings

Thin films of tin-doped indium oxide are widely used for transparent conductors. One application of ln203:Sn (ITO) is transparent contacts for electrochromic electrodes. Optical design of electrochromic devices requires knowledge of the optical constants for each layer from the near ultraviolet and visible to the mid infrared. Determination of the optical constants of the electrochromic layer cannot be made in isolation; a complete device or at least a half-cell including a layer of ITO is required to change the optical state of the electrochromic material. Measurements on ITO were made using variable-angle spectral ellipsometry, and spectral transmittance and reflectance. A series of structural models were fit to this data. The problem is complicated because of inhomogeneity in the films, variability in the manufacturing process, and sensitivity to environmental conditions. The spectral dependency was modeled by a single Lorentz oscillator and a Drude free-electron component. This data was then used as the basis for a model to extract the optical constants for a tungsten oxide electrochromic film.

Optical Indices of Pyrolytic Tin-Oxide Glass

SnO2:F is a widely used transparent conductor and commercially available in a multilayer structure as Tech glass. Current applications include photovoltaics, electrochromics and displays. Optical design of these and other applications requires knowledge of the optical constants, in some cases, over the whole solar spectrum. Various optical property measurements were performed including variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry, and spectral transmittance and reflectance measurements. This material is deposited in several steps and has a fairly complex structure. The measured data were fit to models based on this structure to obtain the optical indices. Atomic force microscopy confirmed the optically modeled surface roughness.

Mount st. Helens volcano: recent and future behavior

Mount St. Helens volcano in southern Washington has erupted many times during the last 4000 years, usually after brief dormant periods. This behavior pattern. suggests that the volcano, last active in 1857, will erupt again-perhaps within the next few decades. Potential volcanic hazards of several kinds should be considered in planning for land use near the volcano.

Deep layer of sediments in alpine lake in the tropical mid-pacific

Sediments from a unique high-altitude lake on Hawaii indicate ash falls and other airborne and waterborne materials for a period estimated to extend into the Pleistocene.

Phase II trial of bevacizumab and everolimus in the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma: Preliminary results

9027

Background: Metastatic melanoma remains resistant to therapy. Anti-angiogenesis agents and m-TOR inhibitors have shown modest activity as single agents. In this multicenter phase II trial, we evaluated the combination of bevacizumab and everolimus in the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma. Methods: Patients with unresectable metastatic melanoma with ECOG PS 0–2 were eligible. Up to 2 previous treatment regimens were allowed; patients previously treated with angiogenesis or m-TOR inhibitors were excluded. Additional eligibility requirements: adequate organ function, no CNS involvement, standard bevacizumab exclusions. All patients received bevacizumab 15mg/kg IV q 3 weeks, and everolimus 10mg po daily. Patients were evaluated every 6 weeks, and treatment continued until disease progression. Results: Between February 2008 and October 2008, 56 patients were enrolled; the first 31 patients are included in this interim report. The median age was 71 years (range 36 to 89 years); 19 patients (61%) had visceral metastases; 0/1/2 previous regimens, 12/11/8 patients; ECOG PS 0/1/2, 17/11/1. 28 patients (90%) received at least 6 weeks of treatment; 3 patients withdrew prior to 6 weeks (toxicity, 2 patients; intercurrent illness, 1 patient). 1 of 28 evaluable patients (4%) had a PR. However, 19 additional patients (68%) had stable disease (15 of these patients had measurable decrease in tumor size), for a disease control rate of 72%. 14 patients remain on treatment, after treatment durations of 2 - 7.5 months. After a median followup of 5 months, the median progression-free survival is 3.5 months (95% CI 2.4 - 5.4 months). Bevacizumab/everolimus was generally well tolerated. 1 patient withdrew because of interstitial pneumonitis (reversible) and 1 patient had a fatal MI, possibly bevacizumab-related. Grade 3 mucositis occurred in 13%; other grade 3 toxicities occurred in < 10% of patients. Conclusions: The combination of bevacizumab and everolimus was well tolerated and has activity in patients with metastatic melanoma. Updated results in all 56 patients will be presented.

[Table: see text]

Combined modality therapy with radiation therapy (RT), chemotherapy, bevacizumab, and erlotinib in the treatment of patients (pts) with locally advanced squamous carcinoma of the head and neck

6012

Background: Concurrent chemotherapy/RT is the standard of treatment for locally advanced head and neck cancer. Agents targeting EGFR and the angiogenesis pathway have also demonstrated activity. In this phase II trial, we added bevacizumab and erlotinib to an active combined modality regimen in the first-line treatment of pts with locally advanced head and neck cancer. Methods: Eligible pts had previously untreated squamous carcinoma of any head and neck site, with T3/T4 primary lesions and/or N1-N3 nodal involvement. Additional eligibility: ECOG PS 0 or 1; adequate organ function; indwelling central venous catheter; standard bevacizumab exclusions. All pts received induction therapy with 2 courses of paclitaxel (200mg/m2), carboplatin (AUC 6.0), 5-FU (200mg/m2 per day, 24 hour CI days 1–21), and bevacizumab (15 mg/kg); cycles were repeated at 21-day intervals. Pts then received concurrent RT (68.4 Gy, 1.8 Gy/day), paclitaxel (50 mg/m2 weekly x 6), bevacizumab (15 mg/kg weeks 1 and 4), and erlotinib (150 mg daily x 7 weeks). PFS was the primary endpoint. Results: Between December 2006 and July 2008, 60 pts were enrolled; the first 48 pts are included in this preliminary report. The median age was 56 years; T3/T4 = 9/8; N1/N2/N3 = 13/27/4. 45 pts (94%) completed the 6-week induction therapy, and 41 pts (85%) completed all therapy. After induction therapy, 56% of pts had objective response; 77% had objective response after completion of therapy. After a median follow-up of 16 months, the 18-month progression-free and overall survivals are 85% and 87%, respectively. Grade 3/4 toxicity during induction therapy included neutropenia (46%), neutropenic fever (6%), mucositis (14%), diarrhea (14%), and hand/foot syndrome (11%). Severe local toxicity (mucositis/esophagitis) occurred in 31 patients (76%) during combined modality therapy (56% grade 3/20% grade 4). Conclusions: The addition of bevacizumab and erlotinib to concurrent chemotherapy/RT was feasible, with no unexpected toxicity. After short followup, the regimen appears highly active. Updated results will be presented.

[Table: see text]

Final results of a first line multicenter phase II metastatic breast cancer trial of vinflunine monotherapy and in combination with trastuzumab in HER2+ patients

Abstract #3148

Background: Vinflunine (VFL) is a novel microtubule inhibitor agent of the vinca alkaloid class that inhibits tubulin polymerization without stabilization, resulting in cell cycle arrest in mitosis and apoptosis. Weak tubulin binding at the vinca-binding site accounts for its reduced neurotoxicity. VFL has demonstrated activity in anthracycline and taxane pretreated patients (pts) and in combination with capecitabine. This trial evaluates the activity and safety of VFL monotherapy and in combination with trastuzumab (T) in HER2+ pts as 1st line therapy metastatic breast cancer (MBC).&#x2028; Methods: Eligibility: 0 prior regimens for MBC, &gt; 6 mo from adjuvant therapy, RECIST criteria measurable disease, ECOG PS 0-2, adequate organ function, peripheral neuropathy &lt; G2. Treatment: HER2 unspecified: VFL 320 mg/m2 IV q3 wks; FISH HER2+ pts: VFL 280 mg/m2 plus T 6 mg/kg q3 wks. Response evaluations q9 wks; treatment continued until disease progression or toxicity.&#x2028; Results: Due to termination of VFL licensing between BMS and Pierre Fabre Medicament, the study closed prematurely with only 31 evaluable pts of a planned 48 pts in each treatment arm of VFL monotherapy or VFL in combination with T. 10 pts received VFL and 21 pts were treated with VFL + T. Median age: 59 yrs (35-78). ECOG PS 0-18 pts, 1-11 pts, 2-2 pts. 48% were ER+. Prior adjuvant anthracyclines and taxanes noted in 17 and 19 pts respectively. 4 pts presented with de novo stage IV disease, all HER2 positive. 45% had 3 or more metastatic disease sites with bone (17 pts), liver (16 pts) and lung (15 pts) predominating. Median of # cycles: 4 (range 1-19). There were 10 PRs (32%), all in VFL + T, and 9 pts (29%) with PD (VFL-4 pts, VFL + T-5pts). SD was reported in 10 pts (32%). 2 pts (7%) were unevaluable, divided equally between the two arms. G3/4 neutropenia occurred in 11 pts (35%); none with fever. G3 nonhematologic toxicity consisted of pain, attributed to treatment in 5 pts (16%) (sites: abdomen-2, chest, back, and infusion site each in 1 pt), and GI toxicity characterized by N/V 3 pts (10%) as well as abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, occurring each in 2 pts (6%). There were no G4 events. 10 pts were hospitalized (GI -4 pts, pain 2 pts, pulmonary 2 pts, and other 2 pts). Median PFS was 3.5 months for VFL and 6.6 months for VFL + T. Median overall survival was 9 months for VFL and has not been reached for VFL + T.&#x2028; Conclusions: The combination of vinflunine and trastuzumab is active in the first line treatment of MBC, producing a 48% response rate. Adverse events were as expected, manageable and consisted primarily of neutropenia, pain and GI toxicity. This encouraging activity compares favorably with other trastuzumab combination regimens and merits further evaluation.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 3148.

[TMPRSS2-ETS gene fusion in prostate cancer]

BACKGROUND

Recurrent chromosomal rearrangements have not been well characterized in common carcinomas. Using a novel bioinformatics approach, our group recently described a novel gene fusion in PCa. This fusion involves the androgen-regulated gene TMPRSS2 and so far three members of the ETS family of transcription factors already described as rearranged in the Ewing's family of tumors. By analogy, fusion status in prostate cancer may determine clinical outcome and secondary genetic alterations as witnessed in Ewing's tumors.

MATERIAL

These novel gene fusions occur in the majority of prostate cancers identified by PSA screening and are the driving mechanism for overexpression of the three members of the ETS transcription factor family, either ERG (21q22.3), ETV1 (7p21.2), or ETV4 (17q21). Considering the high incidence of prostate cancer and the high frequency of this gene fusion, the TMPRSS2-ETS gene fusion is the most common genetic aberration so far described in human malignancies.

RESULTS

So far, this is the only gene rearrangement in any of the most prevalent cancers. As confirmed by other groups, we demonstrated that, within the group of ETS transcription factors, ERG is the most common fusion partner of the ETS genes with TMPRSS2. This gene fusion is considered to be an early event in PCa development. Emerging data suggest that gene fusion PCa demonstrates a distinct clinical course and thus support its use as a diagnostic test and prognostic biomarker. Also similar to the Philadelphia chromosome in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), the gene fusion in prostate cancer has potential as an important candidate for the development of targeted therapy.