Measurement of an Excess in the Yield of J/ψ at Very Low p_{T} in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s]_{NN}=2.76 TeV

We report on the first measurement of an excess in the yield of J/ψ at very low transverse momentum (p_{T}<0.3  GeV/c) in peripheral hadronic Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=2.76  TeV, performed by ALICE at the CERN LHC. Remarkably, the measured nuclear modification factor of J/ψ in the rapidity range 2.5<y<4 reaches about 7 (2) in the p_{T} range 0-0.3  GeV/c in the 70%-90% (50%-70%) centrality class. The J/ψ production cross section associated with the observed excess is obtained under the hypothesis that coherent photoproduction of J/ψ is the underlying physics mechanism. If confirmed, the observation of J/ψ coherent photoproduction in Pb-Pb collisions at impact parameters smaller than twice the nuclear radius opens new theoretical and experimental challenges and opportunities. In particular, coherent photoproduction accompanying hadronic collisions may provide insight into the dynamics of photoproduction and nuclear reactions, as well as become a novel probe of the quark-gluon plasma.

Poly(9,9-dihexylfluorene)/ZnO Nanoparticles Based Inorganic/Organic Heterojunction Structure: Electrical and Photoconductivity Properties

ZnO nanoparticles in size of -5 nm were synthesized by wet chemical method, P-type (9,9-dihexylfluorene) (PFH) and the synthesized n-type ZnO nanoparticles were used to fabricate PFH/ZnO heterojunction structure using spin coating method. The current-voltage characteristic of the heterojunction demonstrates the typical p-n junction rectifying behavior, but such rectifying behavior disappeared in vacuum, which is considered to be related to the oxygen in ZnO. The heterojunction shown an fast and stable response to UV and blue light. The responsivity of heterostruture can be tuned by the bias. The conductivities of organic/inorganic heterojunction increase with the increase of temperature, and the derived active energy (Ea) decreased linearly with the increase of bias.

Genome-wide association analyses reveal complex genetic architecture underlying natural variation for flowering time in canola

Optimum flowering time is the key to maximize canola production in order to meet global demand of vegetable oil, biodiesel and canola-meal. We reveal extensive variation in flowering time across diverse genotypes of canola under field, glasshouse and controlled environmental conditions. We conduct a genome-wide association study and identify 69 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers associated with flowering time, which are repeatedly detected across experiments. Several associated SNPs occur in clusters across the canola genome; seven of them were detected within 20 Kb regions of a priori candidate genes; FLOWERING LOCUS T, FRUITFUL, FLOWERING LOCUS C, CONSTANS, FRIGIDA, PHYTOCHROME B and an additional five SNPs were localized within 14 Kb of a previously identified quantitative trait loci for flowering time. Expression analyses showed that among FLC paralogs, BnFLC.A2 accounts for ~23% of natural variation in diverse accessions. Genome-wide association analysis for FLC expression levels mapped not only BnFLC.C2 but also other loci that contribute to variation in FLC expression. In addition to revealing the complex genetic architecture of flowering time variation, we demonstrate that the identified SNPs can be modelled to predict flowering time in diverse canola germplasm accurately and hence are suitable for genomic selection of adaptative traits in canola improvement programmes.

Innate lymphoid cells as novel regulators of obesity and its-associated metabolic dysfunction

The increased prevalence of obesity worldwide has been accompanied by increases in risk and rates of obesity-associated metabolic dysfunctions, such as insulin resistance. The chronic, low-grade inflammatory condition of obesity highlights the pathophysiological link between the immune system and the metabolic system, which has yet to be fully understood. Recent studies of obesity have started to uncover potential regulatory roles for the innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), which under normal conditions serve to regulate development of lymphoid tissue and function of the mucosal immune system. The ILCs are a newly identified immune cell population with complicated composition and subsequently diverse and dynamic functions. Studies to determine the distribution profile of the various ILCs in adipose tissue provide intriguing clues as to their regulatory capacity in obesity and its associated metabolic dysfunctions. Here, we review the recent findings supporting a role for ILCs as regulators of obesity or its associated insulin resistance, and discuss the potential underlying molecular mechanism as well as its promise as a therapeutic target for clinical applications. © 2016 World Obesity.

Centrality dependence of charged jet production in p-Pb collisions at [Formula: see text] = 5.02 TeV

Measurements of charged jet production as a function of centrality are presented for  p-Pb  collisions recorded at [Formula: see text] TeV with the ALICE detector. Centrality classes are determined via the energy deposit in neutron calorimeters at zero degree, close to the beam direction, to minimise dynamical biases of the selection. The corresponding number of participants or binary nucleon-nucleon collisions is determined based on the particle production in the Pb-going rapidity region. Jets have been reconstructed in the central rapidity region from charged particles with the anti-[Formula: see text] algorithm for resolution parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in the transverse momentum range 20 to 120 GeV/c. The reconstructed jet momentum and yields have been corrected for detector effects and underlying-event background. In the five centrality bins considered, the charged jet production in  p-Pb   collisions is consistent with the production expected from binary scaling from pp collisions. The ratio of jet yields reconstructed with the two different resolution parameters is also independent of the centrality selection, demonstrating the absence of major modifications of the radial jet structure in the reported centrality classes.

[Quantities and function of NK cells in patients with positive BMMNC-Coombs test and cytopenia]

OBJECTIVE

To test NK cell quantities and function in patients with positive BMMNC-Coombs test (CBCPC) and cytopenia and to explore how NK cell participate in the progress of this disease.

METHODS

The percentage of CD3(-)CD56(+) NK cell in peripheral blood lymphocytes, the expression of activating receptor (NKG2D, NKp46, NKp44), inhibitory receptor (CD158a, CD158b), perforin and granzyme-β were detected by flow cytometry. All samples were taken from 42 patients (22 newly diagnosed and 20 in remission) and 12 healthy volunteers. The correlation between the above parameters and patients' clinical profile were evaluated.

RESULTS

①The percentage of CD3(-)CD56(+) NK cell in new diagnosed and remission CBCPC patients were significantly lower than that in healthy control [(10.04 ± 5.33)% vs (19.94 ± 7.38)%; (11.62 ± 6.80)% vs (19.94 ± 7.38)%, all P<0.01]. ② The expression of activating receptor NKG2D in new diagnosed CBCPC patients was significantly higher than that in remission group and healthy control [(74.03±18.24)% vs (45.97±29.45)%; (74.03±18.24)% vs (41.89± 15.34)% , P <0.01]. ③The expression of inhibitory receptor CD158a in new diagnosed CBCPC patients was significantly lower than that in remission group and healthy control (median: 3.72% vs 16.10%, P= 0.015; 3.72% vs 11.04%, P=0.025). ④The expression of perforin in new diagnosed and remitted CBCPC patients were significantly higher than that in healthy controls [(75.71±10.14) % vs (57.20±18.85)%, P= 0.018; (77.88±22.82)% vs (57.20±18.85)%, P=0.008]. ⑤The product of NK cell percentage and perforin expression in new diagnosed and remission CBCPC patient were significantly lower than that in healthy control [(7.68±4.54)% vs (12.13±5.19)%, P=0.011; (8.24±5.80)% vs (12.13±5.19)%, P=0.023]. The product of NK cell percentage and granzyme-β expression in the new diagnosed and remission CBCPC patient were significantly lower than that in healthy control [(7.83±5.26)% vs (14.79±8.37)%, P=0.008; (8.37 ± 6.83)% vs (14.79±8.37)%, P=0.012].

CONCLUSION

Deceased quantities and impaired total NK function might play a role in pathogenesis of CBCPC.

Production of K[Formula: see text](892)[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text](1020) in p-Pb collisions at [Formula: see text] = 5.02 TeV

The production of K[Formula: see text](892)[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text](1020) mesons has been measured in p-Pb collisions at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] 5.02 TeV. K[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are reconstructed via their decay into charged hadrons with the ALICE detector in the rapidity range [Formula: see text]. The transverse momentum spectra, measured as a function of the multiplicity, have a p[Formula: see text] range from 0 to 15 GeV/c for K[Formula: see text] and from 0.3 to 21 GeV/c for [Formula: see text]. Integrated yields, mean transverse momenta and particle ratios are reported and compared with results in pp collisions at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] 7 TeV and Pb-Pb collisions at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] 2.76 TeV. In Pb-Pb and p-Pb collisions, K[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] probe the hadronic phase of the system and contribute to the study of particle formation mechanisms by comparison with other identified hadrons. For this purpose, the mean transverse momenta and the differential proton-to-[Formula: see text] ratio are discussed as a function of the multiplicity of the event. The short-lived K[Formula: see text] is measured to investigate re-scattering effects, believed to be related to the size of the system and to the lifetime of the hadronic phase.

miR-125b inhibits goblet cell differentiation in allergic airway inflammation by targeting SPDEF

Asthma is a disease characterized by goblet cell differentiation, mucus hypersecretion, airway inflammation, and airway hyperresponsiveness. miR-125b was downregulated as normal human bronchial epithelial cells differentiation to pseudostratified epithelium. However, its role in asthma remains unknown especially in regulating goblet cell differentiation. miR-125b expression in the sputum of 50 asthmatic children and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were assessed by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). Meanwhile, expressions of miR-125b and SAM pointed domain-containing ETS transcription factor (SPDEF) in normal human tracheal epithelial (HTEpC) and A549 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 2h were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot. Furthermore, the predicted miR-125b target was determined in silico and confirmed with dual-luciferase reporter assay. Additionally, intranasal delivery of miR-125b mimic in mice was performed to study its effects on house dust mite-induced allergic airway inflammation mouse models. We found that miR-125b expression was decreased in the sputum of the asthmatic patients especially in eosinophilic asthma. After stimulation with LPS, miR-125b expression was downregulated, accompanied by the upregulation of SPDEF in HTEpC and A549 cells. Moreover, SPDEF is a target of miR-125b, which regulates SPDEF at the posttranscriptional level. Additionally, intranasal delivery of miR-125b decreased SPDEF protein levels, goblet cell differentiation, mucus hypersecretion, and altered relevant gene expressions. Taken together, these results suggest that miR-125b inhibits SPDEF expression modulating goblet cell differentiation and mucus secretion in asthma.

[A new kinematics method of determing elbow rotation axis and evaluation of its feasibility]

OBJECTIVE

To study a new positioning method of elbow external fixation rotation axis, and to evaluate its feasibility.

METHODS

Four normal adult volunteers and six Sawbone elbow models were brought into this experiment. The kinematic data of five elbow flexion were collected respectively by optical positioning system. The rotation axes of the elbow joints were fitted by the least square method. The kinematic data and fitting results were visually displayed. According to the fitting results, the average moving planes and rotation axes were calculated. Thus, the rotation axes of new kinematic methods were obtained. By using standard clinical methods, the entrance and exit points of rotation axes of six Sawbone elbow models were located under X-ray. And The kirschner wires were placed as the representatives of rotation axes using traditional positioning methods. Then, the entrance point deviation, the exit point deviation and the angle deviation of two kinds of located rotation axes were compared.

RESULTS

As to the four volunteers, the indicators represented circular degree and coplanarity of elbow flexion movement trajectory of each volunteer were both about 1 mm. All the distance deviations of the moving axes to the average moving rotation axes of the five volunteers were less than 3 mm. All the angle deviations of the moving axes to the average moving rotation axes of the five volunteers were less than 5°. As to the six Sawbone models, the average entrance point deviations, the average exit point deviations and the average angle deviations of two different rotation axes determined by two kinds of located methods were respectively 1.697 2 mm, 1.838 3 mm and 1.321 7°. All the deviations were very small. They were all in an acceptable range of clinical practice.

CONCLUSION

The values that represent circular degree and coplanarity of volunteer's elbow single curvature movement trajectory are very small. The result shows that the elbow single curvature movement can be regarded as the approximate fixed axis movement. The new method can replace the traditional method in accuracy. It can make up the deficiency of the traditional fixed axis method.

Hematogones: a sensitive prognostic factor for Chinese adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia

BACKGROUND

Hematogones (hgs) are normal B-lymphocyte precursors that increase in some hematologic diseases. Many studies indicate that hgs might be a favourable prognostic factor. We thus considered it important to determine whether hgs are also a prognostic factor for Chinese adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (aml) and whether the hg-positive and hg-negative groups show any serologic or phenotypic differences.

METHODS

Chinese adult aml patients (n = 177) who were all initially hg-negative underwent standard chemotherapy and were thereafter divided into hg-positive and hg-negative groups according to hg levels in bone marrow during their first remission.

RESULTS

The follow-up study confirmed that survival duration (both leukemia-free and overall) was significantly greater in the hg-positive group than in the hg-negative group and was accompanied by a lower relapse rate. A retrospective study of patient characteristics at the time of first diagnosis revealed some differences between the hg-positive and the hg-negative groups, including elevations in white blood cells, lactate dehydrogenase, and β2-microglobulin in the hg-negative group. Retrospective phenotypic analysis revealed a significantly lower proportion of abnormal chromosome karyotype and CD34 expression in hg-positive patients. Finally, we evaluated whether additional intensive chemotherapy after standard chemotherapy could further increase hgs.

CONCLUSIONS

The present work verified the validity of hgs as a prognostic factor for Chinese adult patients with aml. Compared with hg-negative patients, hg-positive patients not only experienced longer survival and a lower relapse rate, but they also had some serologic and phenotypic characteristics that are all considered indicators of better outcome. Additional intensive chemotherapy could further increase the level of hgs, which might imply better clinical results.

Comprehensive gene and microRNA expression profiling reveals miR-206 inhibits MET in lung cancer metastasis

MiRNAs associated with the metastasis of lung cancer remain largely unexplored. In this study, gene and miRNA expression profiling were performed to analyze the global expression of mRNAs and miRNAs in human high- and low-metastatic lung cancer cell strains. By developing an integrated bioinformatics analysis, six miRNAs (miR-424-3p, miR-450b-5p, miR-335-5p, miR-34a-5p, miR-302b-3p and miR-206) showed higher target gene degrees in the miRNA-gene network and might be potential metastasis-related miRNAs. Using the qRT-PCR method, the six miRNAs were further confirmed to show a significant expression difference between human lung cancer and normal tissue samples. Since miR-206 showed lower expression both in lung cancer tissues and cell lines, it was used as an example for further functional verification. The wound healing assay and transwell invasion assay showed that miR-206 mimics significantly inhibited the cell migration and invasion of the high-metastatic lung cancer 95D cell strain. One of its predicted targets in our miRNA-gene network, MET, was also obviously decreased at the protein level when miR-206 was overexpressed. Instead, miR-206 inhibitors increased MET protein expression, cell migration and invasion of the low-metastatic lung cancer 95C cell strain. Meanwhile, the luciferase assay showed that MET was a direct target of miR-206. Furthermore, MET gene silence showed a similar anti-migration and anti-invasion effect with miR-206 mimics in 95D cells and could partially attenuate the migration- and invasion-promoting effect of miR-206 inhibitors in 95C cells, suggesting that miR-206 targets MET in lung cancer metastasis. Finally, we also demonstrated that miR-206 can significantly inhibit lung cancer proliferation and metastasis in mouse models. In conclusion, our study provided a miRNA-gene regulatory network in lung cancer metastasis and further demonstrated the roles of miR-206 and MET in this process, which enhances the understanding of the regulatory mechanism in lung cancer metastasis.

Inclusive quarkonium production at forward rapidity in pp collisions at [Formula: see text]TeV

We report on the inclusive production cross sections of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text](1S), [Formula: see text](2S) and [Formula: see text](3S), measured at forward rapidity with the ALICE detector in [Formula: see text] collisions at a center-of-mass energy [Formula: see text] TeV. The analysis is based on data collected at the LHC and corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 1.23 pb[Formula: see text]. Quarkonia are reconstructed in the dimuon-decay channel. The differential production cross sections are measured as a function of the transverse momentum [Formula: see text] and rapidity y, over the [Formula: see text] ranges [Formula: see text] GeV/c for [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] GeV/c for all other resonances, and for [Formula: see text]. The cross sections, integrated over [Formula: see text] and y, and assuming unpolarized quarkonia, are [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]b, [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]b, [Formula: see text] nb, [Formula: see text] nb and [Formula: see text] nb, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second one is systematic. These values agree, within at most [Formula: see text], with measurements performed by the LHCb collaboration in the same rapidity range.

Low functional robustness in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy

OBJECTIVES

Brain functional topology was investigated in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) by means of graph theory measures in two differentially defined graphs. Measures of segregation, integration, and centrality were compared between subjects with mTLE and healthy controls (HC).

METHODS

Eleven subjects with mTLE (age 36.5±10.9years) and 15 age-matched HC (age 36.8±14.0years) participated in this study. Both anatomically and functionally defined adjacency matrices were used to investigate the measures. Binary undirected graphs were constructed to study network segregation by calculating global clustering and modularity, and network integration by calculating local and global efficiency. Node degree and participation coefficient were also computed in order to investigate network hubs and their classification into provincial or connector hubs. Measures were investigated in a range of low to medium graph density.

RESULTS

The group of patients presented lower global segregation than HC while showing higher global but lower local integration. They also failed to engage regions that comprise the default-mode network (DMN) as hubs such as bilateral medial frontal regions, PCC/precuneus complex, and right inferior parietal lobule, which were present in controls. Furthermore, the cerebellum in subjects with mTLE seemed to be playing a major role in the integration of their functional networks, which was evident through the engagement of cerebellar regions as connector hubs.

CONCLUSIONS

Functional networks in subjects with mTLE presented both global and local abnormalities compared to healthy subjects. Specifically, there was significant separation between groups, with lower global segregation and slightly higher global integration observed in patients. This could be indicative of a network that is working as a whole instead of in segregated or specialized communities, which could translate into a less robust network and more prone to disruption in the group with epilepsy. Furthermore, functional irregularities were also observed in the group of patients in terms of the engagement of cerebellar regions as hubs while failing to engage DMN-related areas as major hubs in the network. The use of two differentially defined graphs synergistically contributed to findings.

Anisotropic Flow of Charged Particles in Pb-Pb Collisions at √[s{NN}]=5.02 TeV

We report the first results of elliptic (v_{2}), triangular (v_{3}), and quadrangular (v_{4}) flow of charged particles in Pb-Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair of sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV with the ALICE detector at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. The measurements are performed in the central pseudorapidity region |η|<0.8 and for the transverse momentum range 0.2<p_{T}<5  GeV/c. The anisotropic flow is measured using two-particle correlations with a pseudorapidity gap greater than one unit and with the multiparticle cumulant method. Compared to results from Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=2.76  TeV, the anisotropic flow coefficients v_{2}, v_{3}, and v_{4} are found to increase by (3.0±0.6)%, (4.3±1.4)%, and (10.2±3.8)%, respectively, in the centrality range 0%-50%. This increase can be attributed mostly to an increase of the average transverse momentum between the two energies. The measurements are found to be compatible with hydrodynamic model calculations. This comparison provides a unique opportunity to test the validity of the hydrodynamic picture and the power to further discriminate between various possibilities for the temperature dependence of shear viscosity to entropy density ratio of the produced matter in heavy-ion collisions at the highest energies.

MiR-21a-5p suppresses bisphenol A-induced pre-adipocyte differentiation by targeting map2k3 through MKK3/p38/MAPK

Childhood obesity is a metabolic disease characterized by accumulation of excessive fat. Bisphenol A (BPA), a potential obesogen compound, possesses an estrogen mimetic activity and endocrine disruption effect. MicroRNA-21a-5p (miR-21a-5p) is reported to regulate the adipogenic differentiation. Our study showed that miR-21a-5p overexpression significantly decreased the red lipid droplets and triglyceride level in BPA-induced 3T3-L1 cells. BPA induced the mRNA and protein expression levels of PPARγ, C/EBPα and adiponectin, and the induction was inhibited by miR-21a-5p mimics transfection. MiR-21a-5p mimics inhibited the GR activity, GR phosphorylation (S220, S21a-5p2, and S234), and the activation of p38/MAPK pathway, which are elevated by BPA treatment in 3T3-L1 cells. MiR-21a-5p overexpression inhibited the protein level of MKK3, but not in the mRNA level. Luciferase activity assay showed that miR-21a-5p directly targeted map2k3 3'-UTR. MKK3 overexpression attenuated the effect of miR-21a-5p mimics transfection on 3T3-L1 differentiation. We also assessed the body weight, fat mass and the content of serum lipid in rats subcutaneous injected with BPA and miR-21a-5p mimics. MiR-21a-5p overexpression attenuated BPA-induced obesity in vivo. These findings suggested that miR-21a-5p inhibited BPA induced adipocyte differentiation by targeting map2k3 through MKK3/p38/MAPK in 3T3-L1 cells, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for BPA induced obesity.

As(III) removal and speciation of Fe (Oxyhydr)oxides during simultaneous oxidation of As(III) and Fe(II)

Abiotic oxidation of Fe(II) is an important pathway in the formation of Fe (oxyhydr)oxides. However, how can As(III) affect the oxidation rate of Fe(II) and the speciation of Fe (oxyhydr)oxides, and what's the extent of the newly formed Fe (oxyhydr)oxides on the removal of aqueous arsenic are still poorly understood. Oxidation of Fe(II) under neutral pH conditions was therefore investigated under different molar ratios of As:Fe. Our results suggest that co-existence of aqueous As(III) significantly slows down the oxidation rate of Fe(II). Speciation of Fe (oxyhydr)oxides is dependent on pH and As:Fe ratios. At pH 6.0, formation of lepidocrocite and goethite is apparently inhibited at low As:Fe ratios, and ferric arsenate is favored at high As:Fe ratios. At pH 7.0, lepidocrocite gradually degenerates with the increasing As:Fe ratios. At pH 8.0, arsenite significantly inhibits the development of magnetite and favors a formation of lepidocrocite. XPS analysis further reveals that more than half of As(III) is oxidized to As(V) at pH 6.0 and 7.0, whereas at pH 8.0, the rapid oxidation of Fe(II) as well as the rapid formation of Fe (oxyhydr)oxides facilitate a rapid removal of dissolved As(III) before its further oxidation to As(V).

Topography measurements and applications in ballistics and tool mark identifications

The application of surface topography measurement methods to the field of firearm and toolmark analysis is fairly new. The field has been boosted by the development of a number of competing optical methods, which has improved the speed and accuracy of surface topography acquisitions. We describe here some of these measurement methods as well as several analytical methods for assessing similarities and differences among pairs of surfaces. We also provide a few examples of research results to identify cartridge cases originating from the same firearm or tool marks produced by the same tool. Physical standards and issues of traceability are also discussed.

Relationship between CYP17 gene polymorphisms and risk of prostate cancer

Cytochrome P450 17a-hydroxylase (CYP17) plays a critical role in androgen biosynthesis. Polymorphisms of the CYP17 promoter have been proposed as risk factors for prostate cancer; however, some studies have produced inconclusive or controversial results. We investigated the relationship between polymorphisms of the CYP17 gene and the risk of prostate cancer. A total of 176 patients with prostate cancer were enrolled in the study, and 168 healthy individuals acted as the control group. The participants were divided into those <71 years old and those ≥71 years old. Restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction was used to confirm the genotype of CYP17 in the samples. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentrations were also measured in all subjects. When T/C and C/C were compared with T/T, the ORs were 0.478 (P = 0.489) and 0.814 (P = 0.367), respectively. There was no significant difference in PSA concentration among the three genotypes in the <71 group, whereas there were statistically significant differences in the ≥71 group (P = 0.003 and 0.012, respectively). There was no significant difference in free PSA and total PSA levels between the three groups and the control group. The T/C and C/C genotypes were not associated with the risk of prostate cancer, and there were no significant differences between them. In the ≥71 group, the T/C and C/C genotypes were closely associated with prostate cancer, which suggests that the CYP17 gene might be a risk factor for prostate cancer in males of advanced age.

Multiplicity and transverse momentum evolution of charge-dependent correlations in pp, p-Pb, and Pb-Pb collisions at the LHC

We report on two-particle charge-dependent correlations in pp, p-Pb, and Pb-Pb collisions as a function of the pseudorapidity and azimuthal angle difference, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] respectively. These correlations are studied using the balance function that probes the charge creation time and the development of collectivity in the produced system. The dependence of the balance function on the event multiplicity as well as on the trigger and associated particle transverse momentum ([Formula: see text]) in pp, p-Pb, and Pb-Pb collisions at [Formula: see text] 7, 5.02, and 2.76 TeV, respectively, are presented. In the low transverse momentum region, for [Formula: see text] GeV/c, the balance function becomes narrower in both [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] directions in all three systems for events with higher multiplicity. The experimental findings favor models that either incorporate some collective behavior (e.g. AMPT) or different mechanisms that lead to effects that resemble collective behavior (e.g. PYTHIA8 with color reconnection). For higher values of transverse momenta the balance function becomes even narrower but exhibits no multiplicity dependence, indicating that the observed narrowing with increasing multiplicity at low [Formula: see text] is a feature of bulk particle production.

Abstract OT3-02-11: Phase 2 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of eribulin mesylate administered biweekly for patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative metastatic breast cancer

Eribulin mesylate, a mitotic inhibitor, is indicated for the treatment of patients (pts) with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) who have previously received at least 2 chemotherapeutic regimens for the treatment of metastatic disease, including an anthracycline and a taxane. The recommended dose is 1.4 mg/m2 (equivalent to 1.23 mg/m2 eribulin [expressed as free base]) on d1 and 8 of a 21d cycle. A modified biweekly dose regimen—which may improve safety profile without compromising efficacy—is also being explored.

This presentation describes an ongoing phase 2, open-label, single-arm, multicenter study of eribulin (1.4 mg/m2) administered intravenously (IV) biweekly (d1 and 15) in 28d cycles for the treatment of pts with human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)2-negative MBC previously treated with 2–5 chemotherapy regimens.

Approximately 58 female pts (aged ≥18 yrs) will be enrolled to have 55 evaluable pts; accrual has not yet commenced. Pts with ≥1 measurable lesion ≥10 mm in longest diameter (nonlymph node) or ≥15 mm in short-axis diameter (lymph node) with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤2 and life expectancy ≥3 months will be included. Exclusion criteria include treatment with chemotherapy, radiation, biological, or targeted therapy within the last 2 weeks (or 5 × half-life); existing anticancer-therapy–related toxicities of grades ≥2 (except alopecia); and prior malignancy other than carcinoma in situ of the cervix or nonmelanoma skin cancer (unless prior malignancy was treated &gt;5 yrs ago with no evidence of recurrence). Pts will receive treatment as long as clinical benefit is demonstrated or until intercurrent illness, unacceptable toxicity, or disease progression.

The study consists of 3 phases: a screening phase, treatment phase (estimated median treatment duration 5 months), and posttreatment survival follow-up phase. The study is divided into 2 stages (Simon 2-stage design): stage 1 (n=15 evaluable pts who have completed 3 cycles of treatment) allows for an interim analysis of efficacy results to end the trial early in the case of low anticancer activity (&lt;1 responder [objective response rate; ORR] and &lt;8 responders [disease control rate; DCR]). Otherwise, the study will proceed to Stage 2 (40 evaluable pts). Final analysis will take place after all ongoing pts complete ≥5 cycles of treatment or discontinue from treatment and ≥75% pts experience disease progression or death.

The primary objective is to evaluate efficacy in terms of ORR and DCR. A modified Simon 2-Stage Design will be used in hypothesis testing for these endpoints as well as the stage 1 interim futility analysis. Secondary objectives include evaluation of progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), safety, and tolerability. PFS and OS will be analyzed using Kaplan–Meier product-limit estimates. Median PFS, OS, and cumulative probability of PFS and OS at 3, 6, and 12 months will be calculated with 2-sided 95% confidence intervals, if estimable. The final analysis thresholds for success are defined as ≥7 responders by ORR or ≥32 responders by DCR out of 55 evaluable pts.

Citation Format: Smith J, O'Shaughnessy J, Song J, Berrak E. Phase 2 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of eribulin mesylate administered biweekly for patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative metastatic breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT3-02-11.