Graphene optomechanics realized at microwave frequencies

Cavity optomechanics has served as a platform for studying the interaction between light and micromechanical motion via radiation pressure. Here we observe such phenomena with a graphene mechanical resonator coupled to an electromagnetic mode. We measure thermal motion and backaction cooling in a bilayer graphene resonator coupled to a microwave on-chip cavity. We detect the lowest flexural mode at 24 MHz down to 60 mK, corresponding to 50±6 mechanical quanta, which represents a phonon occupation that is nearly 3 orders of magnitude lower than that which has been recorded to date with graphene resonators.

Prolonged systemic circulation of chimeric oncolytic adenovirus Ad5/3-Cox2L-D24 in patients with metastatic and refractory solid tumors

Eighteen patients with refractory and progressive solid tumors were treated with a single round of triple modified oncolytic adenovirus (Ad5/3-Cox2L-D24). Ad5/3-Cox2L-D24 is the first non-Coxsackie-adenovirus receptor-binding oncolytic adenovirus used in humans. Grades 1-2 flu-like symptoms, fever, and fatigue were seen in most patients, whereas transaminitis or thrombocytopenia were seen in some. Non-hematological grades 3-5 side effects were seen in one patient with grade 3 ileus. Treatment resulted in high neutralizing antibody titers within 3 weeks. Virus appeared in serum 2-4 days after treatment in 83% of patients and persisted for up to 5 weeks. One out of five radiologically evaluable patients had partial response (PR), one had minor response (MR), and three had progressive disease (PD). Two patients scored as PD had a decrease in tumor density. Tumor reductions not measurable with Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST) were seen in a further four patients. PR, MR, stable disease, and PD were seen in 12, 23.5, 35, and 29.5% of tumor markers analyzed, respectively (N=17). Ad5/3-Cox2L-D24 appears safe for treatment of cancer in humans and extended virus circulation results from a single treatment. Objective evidence of anti-tumor activity was seen in 11/18 (61%) of patients. Clinical trials are needed to extend these findings.

Relationship between embryo recovery rate and uterine lavage fluid composition in postpartum mares

The aim of the study was to determine whether neutrophil numbers (PMN), trypsin-inhibitor capacity (TIC), lysozyme, N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAGase), beta-glucuronidase (B-Gase), total protein, and plasmin in uterine lavage fluid of postpartum (p.p.) mares, either at the time of foal heat insemination or around the time of arrival of the embryo in the uterus, could be used in predicting conception. Fifteen mares were inseminated within 13 h after the first p.p. ovulation. Uterine lavage fluids were successfully collected from 9 out of 12 mares before insemination and from all 15 mares before embryo recovery 7 to 8 days after insemination. The embryo recovery rate was 53% (8/15). Prior to insemination, PMN, TIC and lysozyme levels were elevated in 3/4 mares not producing embryos. However, only 1/5, 1/5 and 0/5 mares producing embryos had elevated levels of PMN, TIC, and lysozyme, respectively. None of the parameters was significantly different in mares with or without embryos, but lysozyme was the closest to significance (p = 0.07). In both groups of mares, activities of NAGase (p < 0.01) and B-Gase (p < 0.05) were significantly higher in dioestrus than immediately after ovulation. At embryo recovery, NAGase was higher in mares not producing embryos (p < 0.05). The results suggest that a long-lasting inflammation is the best explanation for low pregnancy rates during the first p.p. oestrus. Further research is needed to establish whether lysozyme, or possibly TIC, could be used in predicting conception at foal heat.