Pn Data Research Articles

Characterization of a novel pulse normalization technology for beam scanning of small fields without a reference chamber.

A novel pulse normalization technology enabling the acquisition of low noise beam data without the use of a physical reference chamber has recently been commercially released. The purpose of this study was to characterize the use of this technology for beam scanning of small fields required in the commissioning of a stereotactic radiotherapy program. Three detectors (Edge diode, microDiamond, PinPoint) were used to acquire beam data under three conditions: with a reference chamber, with pulse normalization and no reference chamber (PN), and without pulse normalization and no reference chamber (nPN). Percent depth dose (PDD) scans were acquired for 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 cm2 field sizes and profiles were acquired at 1.4, 10, and 30cm depths using continuous scanning. The coefficient of variation (CoV) was calculated for all beam data to compare signal-to-noise and gamma comparisons (1%, 1mm) were calculated of the PN and nPN scans compared to the reference data. Average 95th percentile CoV values were similar for all detectors across conditions, with PN data being comparable to reference data and minor increases observed for nPN data. Mean gamma pass rates for PN PDD scans exceeded 98% for all detectors. Profile gamma pass rates were 100% for all detectors at 1.4 and 10cm depth. At 30cm depth, profiles acquired with the PinPoint and microDiamond detectors had lower mean gamma pass rates than the Edge, at 95% and 95.7%, respectively. A novel pulse normalization technology was demonstrated to be effective for acquiring beam profiles and PDDs for small fields without the use of a physical reference chamber. Limitations in how the method is implemented led to some errors in data acquired using lower sensitivity detectors. When used with a diode, pulse normalization produced equivalent scans to those acquired with a reference chamber.

Pre-surgical 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET for biochemical recurrence risk assessment: A surrogate of pelvic lymph node dissection? Follow-up analysis of a multicenter prospective phase 3 imaging trial.

285 Background: To compare the prognostic value of presurgical PSMA-PET and pelvic lymph nodes invasion (pN1) for biochemical recurrence (BCR) free-survival (FS) in patients with intermediate-risk to high-risk prostate cancer (PCa) treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) and pelvic lymph node dissection. Methods: This is a follow-up study of the surgery cohort included in the multicenter prospective phase 3 imaging trial (n=277; NCT03368547, NCT02611882, NCT02919111). Each 68Ga-PSMA-11-PET scan was read by three blinded independent readers. Local histopathology risk score (CAPRA-S (Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment) score without pN data), PSMA-PET extra-prostatic disease (N1/M1), and pN were used to assess risk of BCR. Patients were followed up after RP by the local investigators using electronic medical records. BCR was defined by a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level ≥0.2 ng/ml after RP or an initiation of PCa specific secondary treatment (>6 months after surgery). Univariate, multivariate Cox model, and c-statistic index were performed to assess the prognostic value of PSMA-PET, LNI and its added value to Local histopathology risk score. Results: From December 2015 to December 2019, 277 patients underwent surgery after PSMA-PET. Clinical follow-up was obtained in 240/277 (87%) patients. Median follow-up from surgery was 32.4 (IQR 23.3-42.9) months. Ninety-one/240 BCR events (38%) were observed. PSMA-PET N1/M1 and pN1 were found in 41/240 (17%) and 67/240 (28%) patients respectively. Local histopathology risk score, PSMA-PET and pN were significant univariate predictors of BCR. Only Local histopathology risk score and PSMA PET were significant in multivariate analysis (HR [95% CI] 1.4 (1.2-1.5) p<0.0001) and (1.7 (1-2.9) p=0.03). Prognostic value of model combining local histopathology and PSMA-PET was not significantly different than model combining local histopathology and pN (c-statistic 0.74 (0.69-0.79) vs 0.73 (0.68-0.78); p= 0.69). In patient group with low-risk Local histopathology score and PSMA-PET N0-M0 only 4/109 (5%) were pN1. In patients with high-risk local histopathology score, a PSMA-PET N1/M1 was associated with a significant lower BCR-FS than a PSMA-PET N0-M0 (median survival (95% CI) 32.7 (14.9-NR) vs 8 (3.2-15.5) p= 0.001). pN1 was found in respectively 25/34 (74%) and 34/90 (38%). Conclusions: Combination of pre-surgical PSMA-PET and Local histopathology was not statistically different than the reference standard, i.e local histopathology and pN to predict BCR-FS. Interestingly rate of discrepancy with pN was low among patient with low histopathology risk and PSMA-PET (N0-M0) and patient with high histopathology risk and PSMA-PET (N1/M1). Clinical trial information: NCT03368547 , NCT02611882 , NCT02919111 .

IPECM Platform: An open-source software for greenhouse environment regulation using machine learning and optimization algorithm

Protected agriculture has emerged as a key solution to address the pressing issue of food scarcity. To enhance crop yield, environmental regulation techniques have been widely employed in protected production. However, the absence of user-friendly, data-driven tools for developing regulation models remains a challenge. This study aims to propose IPECM, an independent and user-friendly software platform for processing and analyzing crop photosynthetic rate (Pn) data and formulating environmental regulation targets. The platform provides functionalities, such as Pn prediction model development, environmental regulation model development and result visualization, supporting various machine learning algorithms and regulation target obtaining algorithms. The IPECM Platform's application is demonstrated through examples of light intensity regulation for cucumber growth and CO2 concentration regulation for tomato growth. The results showcase the software's ability to handle photosynthetic data of any dimension, with the established Pn prediction model achieving a coefficient of determination of 0.98 and a root mean square error lower than 1 μmol·m−2·s−1. The established regulation models can achieve maximum Pn or optimal energy utilization efficiency according to user requirements. IPECM Platform is an independent, automated, and open-source software for protected environmental regulation modeling, providing both the modeling process and results visualization. It offers valuable services for protected agriculture research, eliminating the need for programming knowledge.

XMM-Newton’s view of a RS CVn binary CF Tuc

Coronal emission exhibited by the chromospherically active binaries is important to understand the underlying mechanism. We report the X-ray spectral studies of an RS CVn source CF Tuc using XMM-Newton archival data. The light curve was found to be steady with no flaring activity and the source was in a quiescent X-ray emission state. The source spectrum can be explained by a three-component thin plasma model with temperatures ∼ 0.26 keV, ∼1.01 keV, and ∼2.14 keV using EPIC MOS and pn data. We found that the source exhibits low abundance Z = 0.1−0.2 Z⊙, well in agreement with previous studies. Based on the RGS spectral fits of OVII triplets, we estimated the temperature to be about 1−2 × 106 K and density ne= 1−2 × 1010 cm−3 of the coronal emission region during the quiescent state.

Pre-surgical 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET for biochemical recurrence risk assessment: A surrogate of pelvic lymph node dissection? Follow-up analysis of a multicenter prospective phase 3 imaging trial.

5090 Background: To compare the prognostic value of presurgical PSMA-PET and pelvic lymph nodes invasion (pN1) for biochemical recurrence (BCR) free-survival (FS) in patients with intermediate-risk to high-risk prostate cancer (PCa) treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) and pelvic lymph node dissection. Methods: This is a follow-up study of the surgery cohort included in the multicenter prospective phase 3 imaging trial (n=277; NCT03368547, NCT02611882, NCT02919111). Each 68Ga-PSMA-11-PET scan was read by three blinded independent readers. Local histopathology risk score (CAPRA-S (Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment) score without pN data), PSMA-PET extra-prostatic disease (N1/M1), and pN were used to assess risk of BCR. Patients were followed up after RP by the local investigators using electronic medical records. BCR was defined by a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level ≥0.2 ng/ml after RP or an initiation of PCa specific secondary treatment (>6 months after surgery). Univariate, multivariate Cox model, and c-statistic index were performed to assess the prognostic value of PSMA-PET, LNI and its added value to Local histopathology risk score. Results: From December 2015 to December 2019, 277 patients underwent surgery after PSMA-PET. Clinical follow-up was obtained in 240/277(87%) patients. Median follow-up from surgery was 32.4 (IQR 23.3-42.9) months. Ninety-one/240 BCR events (38%) were observed. PSMA-PET N1/M1 and pN1 were found in 41/240 (17%) and 67/240 (28%) patients respectively. Local histopathology risk score, PSMA-PET and pN were significant univariate predictors of BCR. Only Local histopathology risk score and PSMA PET were significant in multivariate analysis (HR [95% CI] 1.4 (1.2-1.5) p<0.0001) and (1.7 (1-2.9) p=0.03). Prognostic value of model combining local histopathology and PSMA-PET was not significantly different than model combining local histopathology and pN (c-statistic 0.74 (0.69-0.79) vs 0.73 (0.68-0.78); p= 0.69). In patient group with low-risk Local histopathology score and PSMA-PET N0-M0 only 4/109 (5%) were pN1. In patients with high-risk local histopathology score, a PSMA-PET N1/M1 was associated with a significant lower BCR-FS than a PSMA-PET N0-M0 (median survival (95% CI) 32.7 (14.9-NR) vs 8 (3.2-15.5) p= 0.001). pN1 was found in respectively 25/34 (74%) and 34/90 (38%). Conclusions: Combination of pre-surgical PSMA-PET and Local histopathology was not statistically different than the reference standard, i.e local histopathology and pN to predict BCR-FS. Interestingly rate of discrepancy with pN was low among patient with low histopathology risk and PSMA-PET (N0-M0) and patient with high histopathology risk and PSMA-PET (N1/M1). Clinical trial information: NCT03368547 .

CTNI-04. TRAM-01: A PHASE 2 STUDY OF TRAMETINIB FOR PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH NEUROFIBROMATOSIS TYPE 1 AND PLEXIFORM NEUROFIBROMAS

Abstract BACKGROUND Plexiform neurofibromas (PN) are observed in up to 50% of patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Trametinib has been used widely to treat PN but limited data has been reported on its efficacy within a clinical trial. METHODS This ongoing multicenter phase II trial includes patients with pediatric low-grade glioma and PN. Patients received daily oral trametinib (MEK inhibitor) for eighteen 28-day cycles. The volumes of PN were centrally quantified using a new semi-automatic 3D segmentation method. RESULTS As of May 15, 2022, 46 patients with PN were enrolled in the study and the recruitment was completed for this study arm. Thirty-four completed treatment and were available for analysis. For these patients, the median age was 10.5 years (range 0.7-19.8). The median volume of PN at baseline was 51cm3 (range 2.6 to 487.6). Among the 34 patients, 28 (82.4%) completed 18 cycles as planned. Two patients discontinued due to adverse reaction, three patients refused to continue treatment and one patient discontinued treatment based on physician decision. Median duration of treatment was 16.8 months (range 2.8 to 16.8). Median duration of follow-up was 30.4 months (range 8.2 to 42). A total of 38 PN were available for volumetric analysis. Using RECIST evaluation, the overall response rate was 13.1%. Volumetric assessment demonstrated an overall response rate of 64.7% (22/34 patients), and 65.8% (25/38 PN) of PN showed a decrease of more than 20% in volume. Median volume change was -30% (range -93.5 to 14.3). Thirty-one patients (91.1%) had durable response without progression (lasting ≥ 1 year). After discontinuation of treatment, one patient underwent surgery and three patients resumed MEK inhibitor. CONCLUSION We report outcome and volumetric quantification of PN treated with trametinib within a large clinical trial. Based on the current results, trametinib is effective and offers durable response.

The Origin of the Unfocused XMM-Newton Background, Its Variability, and Lessons Learned for ATHENA

Abstract We analyzed the unexposed to the sky (outFOV) region of the MOS2 detector on board XMM-Newton covering 15 yr of data amounting to 255 Ms. We show convincing evidence that the origin of the unfocused background in XMM-Newton is due to energetic protons, electrons, and hard X-ray photons. Galactic cosmic rays are the main contributors as shown by the tight correlation (2.6% of total scatter) with the 1 GeV proton data of the SOHO EPHIN detector. Tight correlations are found with a proxy of the Chandra background rate, revealing the common source of background for detectors in similar orbits, and with the data of the EPIC Radiation Monitor, only when excluding Solar energetic particle events. The entrance to the outer electron belts is associated with a sudden increase in the outFOV MOS2 rate and a spectral change. These facts support the fact that MeV electrons can generate an unfocused background signal. The correlation between MOS2 outFOV data and the SOHO EPHIN data reveals a term constant in time and isotropic, similar to the one found in the study of the pn data. The most plausible origin of this component is hard unfocused X-ray photons of the cosmic X-ray background Compton scattering in the detector as supported by the strength of the signal in the two detectors with different thicknesses. Based on this physical understanding, a particle radiation monitor on board the Advanced Telescope for High Energy Astrophysics has been proposed and it is currently under study. It will be able to track different species with the necessary accuracy and precision to guarantee the challenging requirement of 2% reproducibility of the background.

Averaging Techniques in Processing the High Time-resolution Photosynthesis Data of Cherry Tomato Plants for Model Development

We evaluated averaging techniques in data processing for the estimation of canopy net photosynthetic rates (Pn) of two cherry tomato plants using a multiple linear regression analysis with variables of aerial environmental factors. Whole canopy Pn and the environmental factors were measured in a high time resolution with a 5-minute interval under a commercial greenhouse by using a novel photosynthesis chamber. We processed the data by using a moving average (MA) and simple average (SA) with several time frames (30-minute, 1-hour, 2-hour). The canopy Pn was expressed as a general linear function of PAR irradiance (I), air temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), vapor pressure deficit (VPD), and CO2 concentration (C). Model accuracy generally increased with longer time frames; however, it can be varied depending on the datasets and the variables used in the models. The 2-hour-SA datasets gave the best accuracy for both 5-variable model (I, T, RH, VPD, C) and 3-variable model (I, VPD, C) with R2 of 0.81 and 0.67, respectively. This study indicates that datasets of 2-hour time frame with simple average are promising to make a practical general linear regression model for the estimation of Pn of cherry tomato by using the high time-resolution Pn data.

Determining Trap Compliances, Microsphere Size Variations, and Response Linearities in Single DNA Molecule Elasticity Measurements with Optical Tweezers.

We previously introduced the use of DNA molecules for calibration of biophysical force and displacement measurements with optical tweezers. Force and length scale factors can be determined from measurements of DNA stretching. Trap compliance can be determined by fitting the data to a nonlinear DNA elasticity model, however, noise/drift/offsets in the measurement can affect the reliability of this determination. Here we demonstrate a more robust method that uses a linear approximation for DNA elasticity applied to high force range (25–45 pN) data. We show that this method can be used to assess how small variations in microsphere sizes affect DNA length measurements and demonstrate methods for correcting for these errors. We further show that these measurements can be used to check assumed linearities of system responses. Finally, we demonstrate methods combining microsphere imaging and DNA stretching to check the compliance and positioning of individual traps.

Breast cancer pathology patterns in Armenia.

e12586 Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among the women in Armenia (AM). Currently there is a knowledge gap regarding the morphology distribution of the BC in AM. Methods: The data on patients with BC diagnosed in 2015-2016 in the pathology lab “Davidyants Labs” in AM were retrospectively reviewed. Pts with Her2+ results by IHC were excluded from the study, due to unavailability to perform FISH or CISH analyses. Overall 361 pathology reports were evaluated. Results: The median age was 54 years; range [19-82]. Histopathological subtypes were defined for 305 pts, from which lobular carcinoma 57.4% of cases (175/305), ductal carcinoma 26.9% (82/305), mucinous carcinoma 2.6% (8/305), mixed type carcinoma (lobular and ductal) 2.6% (8/305), DCIS 2% (n = 6/305), non specified carcinoma 2% (6/305), medullary carcinoma 1% (n = 3/305) and others 5.6% (17/305). Within the cohort 8.5% (23/270) were grade 1, 65.9% grade 2 (178/270); 25.6% grade 3 (n = 69/270). Vascular or lymphatic invasion was present in 59.5% (50/84) and 64.7% (55/85), respectively. Staging distribution, based on pT pN data for 92 pts who went to primary surgery, was: 0 stage 7.6% (7/92), I stage 22.8% (21/92), II stage 41.3% (38/92), III stage 28.3% (26/92). Staging distribution based on ypT ypN data for 27 pts who went to surgery after neoadjuvant chemo was 0 stage 25.9% (7/27), I stage 18.5% (5/27), II stage 29.6% (8/27), III stage 25.9% (7/27). ER and PR were defined for 244 patients. ER positive 89.8% (219/244) of cases, PR pos. 73% (178/244), ER/PR pos. 72.5% (177/244) cases. Her receptor was defined for 237 patients. Her3+ 16.9% (40/237); Her2+ 12.7% (30/237); Her1+ 38% (90/237); Her0 32.5% (n = 77/237). We could not evaluate Her2+ status by FISH or CISH, so these results were excluded from the analysis. Ki67 was low (≤20) in 42.1% (101/240) of cases and high ( > 20) in 57.9% (139/240). Within the group Luminal A type was 41.4% (84/203); Luminal B 32.5% (66/203); Her positive 19.7% (40/203) and triple negative 6.4% (13/203). p53 and perineural invasion (Pn) was present in 32% (16/50) and 52% (26/50), respectively. Tumor leukocyte infiltration was determined for 16 patients. Leukocyte infiltration was positive in 43.7% (7/16) cases, negative in 25% (4/16) cases, minimal in 31.3% cases (5/16). Conclusions: BC in Armenian women presents with different epidemiological characteristics in comparison with other ethnicities. Lobular type BC is the most frequent type among Armenian women, however, differential diagnosis between lobular/ductal carcinomas was done without IHC (E-Cadherin), which rises the need for further studies on that regard.

Seismic Attenuation and Velocity Measurements of the Uppermost Mantle Beneath the Central and Eastern United States and Implications for the Temperature of the North American Lithosphere

AbstractWe constructed a detailed map of the uppermost mantle seismic structure beneath the Central and Eastern United States (CEUS) using the International Seismological Centre Bulletin and seismic waveforms from USArray. Identical Pn and Sn travel time data sets were inverted to tomographically image the uppermost mantle P wave (Pn) velocity, S wave (Sn) velocity, and the velocity ratio (VPn/VSn). Furthermore, we modified the two‐station method in order to limit the contributions of site response and estimate the effective attenuation of Sn phase (Q−1Sn).Lower Q values generally correspond with lower velocities in terms of both Pn and Sn wave speeds (e.g., New England and the Mississippi Embayment), but some regions, including southern Georgia, eastern South Carolina, and the New Madrid Seismic Zone, show high velocity and low QSn values. This can be explained by scattering attenuation of the Sn phase. To estimate the uppermost mantle temperature, a constrained grid‐search algorithm was conducted using the observed VSn, VPn, and QSn with the calculated velocities of specific compositional models. The uppermost mantle temperature result shows ~300–500 °C beneath the northern midcontinent and 1100 °C beneath New England. Although our temperature results appear to be well resolved, we found that VPn, VSn, and QSn are not enough to constrain the detailed uppermost mantle composition model. Our results highlight significant temperature heterogeneity in the uppermost mantle across the CEUS and is consistent with there not being any melt within the uppermost mantle beneath the CEUS.

X-ray properties of dwarf nova EY Cyg and the companion star using an XMM-Newton observation

We present the X-ray analysis of dwarf nova EY Cyg using the 45 ks XMM-Newton observatory archival data obtained in quiescence. We find orbital modulations in X-rays. We simultaneously fitted EPIC pn, MOS1 and MOS2 data using a model for interstellar medium absorption (tbabs) and a multi-temperature plasma emission model with a power-law distribution of temperatures (CEVMKL) as expected from low accretion rate quiescent dwarf novae. The XMM-Newton EPIC spectra of the source yields a maximum temperature kTmax∼14.9-2.2+3.3 keV with an unabsorbed X-ray flux and luminosity of (1.8–2.0) ×10-12 ergs−1 cm−1 and (8.7–9.7) ×1031 ergs−1, respectively, in the energy range 0.1–50 keV. There is 3–4 sigma excess at energies below 0.5 keV, we model the excess using MEKAL, POWERLAW and BBODY models and favor the model MEKAL which is physical. According to previous studies, the secondary in this system is thought to be a K-type star which may radiate in the soft X-ray region. The fit with an additive MEKAL model gives a temperature of kT ∼ 0.1 keV with an unabsorbed X-ray flux and luminosity of (2.7–8.8) ×10-14 ergs−1 cm−1 and (1.3–4.2) ×1030 ergs−1, respectively, for the companion star. Based on the results from the timing and spectral analysis, we highly suggest that the secondary of EY Cyg is a K-type star.

A long serendipitous XMM–Newton observation of the intermediate polar XY Ari1

XY Ari is one of the few known eclipsing intermediate polars. We present results from a detailed analysis of an unpublished archival observation using XMM-Newton EPIC pn and MOS data in a quiescent state of XY Ari. The X-ray orbital modulation and spin pulse variations were investigated for energy dependent modulations in different energy bands. The broad orbital modulation observed with various observations was confirmed with XMM-Newton at hard X-ray (>1.6 keV). The EPIC light curves folded at the spin phases show a double peak profile as expected from two pole accretion. The pulse profile is found to be energy dependent. Hardness ratio variations and energy modulation depth during spin modulation can be explained by photoelectric absorption. The simultaneously fitted EPIC spectra with CEVMKL model yield maximum plasma temperature of $28^{+3.1}_{-2.9}$ keV with an iron abundance $\mathrm{Fe}/\mathrm{Fe}_\odot=0.37^{+0.06}_{-0.05}$. We find two intrinsic partial covering absorption columns of $6.2^{+1.0}_{-0.9} \times 10^{22}$ and $105.3^{+35.4}_{-30.4} \times 10^{22} \,\mathrm{cm^{-2}}$ with covering fractions of $0.53^{+0.05}_{-0.04}$, $0.41^{+0.14}_{-0.13}$ respectively. In addition, a Gaussian emission line at $6.43^{+0.01}_{-0.02}$ keV with an equivalent width of $51^{+12}_{-10}$ eV is required to account for fluorescent emission from neutral iron. The X-ray luminosity of the source is $4.2 \times 10^{32} \,\mathrm{erg \,s^{-1}}$ in the 0.2-10.0 keV energy band.

NewXMM-Newtonobservation of the Phoenix cluster: properties of the cool core

(Abridged) We present a spectral analysis of a deep (220 ks) XMM-Newton observation of the Phoenix cluster (SPT-CL J2344-4243), which we also combine with Chandra archival ACIS-I data. We extract CCD and RGS X-ray spectra from the core region to search for the signature of cold gas, and constrain the mass deposition rate in the cooling flow which is thought to be responsible of the massive star formation episode observed in the BCG. We find an average mass deposition rate of $\dot M = 620 (-190 +200)_{stat} (-50 +150)_{syst} M_\odot$/yr in the temperature range 0.3-3.0 keV from MOS data. A temperature-resolved analysis shows that a significant amount of gas is deposited only above 1.8 keV, while upper limits of the order of hundreds of $M_\odot$/yr can be put in the 0.3-1.8 keV temperature range. From pn data we obtain $\dot M = 210 (-80 +85)_{stat} ( -35 +60)_{syst} M_\odot$/yr, and the upper limits from the temperature-resolved analysis are typically a factor of 3 lower than MOS data. In the RGS spectrum, no line emission from ionization states below Fe XXIII is seen above $12 \AA$, and the amount of gas cooling below $\sim 3$ keV has a best-fit value $\dot M = 122_{-122}^{+343}$ $M_{\odot}$/yr. In addition, our analysis of the FIR SED of the BCG based on Herschel data provides $SFR = (530 \pm 50) M_\odot$/yr, significantly lower than previous estimates by a factor 1.5. Current data are able to firmly identify substantial amount of cooling gas only above 1.8 keV in the core of the Phoenix cluster. While MOS data analysis is consistent with values as high as $\dot M \sim 1000$ within $1 \sigma$, pn data provide $\dot M < 500 M_\odot$ yr$^{-1}$ at $3\sigma$ c.l. at temperature below 1.8 keV. At present, this discrepancy cannot be explained on the basis of known calibration uncertainties or other sources of statistical noise.

Real-time validation of Indian Remote Sensing Satellite data down link chain performance and evaluation of online data analysis with BER measurement

Indian Remote Sensing Satellites transmit video data in X-band and telemetry data in S-band. Currently, there is no available mechanism to validate the data link chain performance from onboard satellite to ground station in real-time. In order to achieve the objective, a novel method of Real-time online Bit Error Rate (BER) measurement is formulated using Real-time BER validating system (RTBVS) for all IRS missions. The mechanism is designed, realized and implemented at Satellite ground station to evaluate total satellite data receive chain performance in real-time itself. The Real Time BER Validating System (RTBVS) is tested successfully and is made operational at Satellite Data Reception Station for IRS Satellite Series. The RTBVS design module consists of advanced high speed parallel frame synchronizer for high data rate satellites, flywheel logic for reliability and stability of good frame sync detection and synchronization, and display of BER on the fly in a suitable window logic of one million bits or selectable window greater than 106 bits. RTBVS aids in the routine offline checks viz., local loop checks conducted daily, far field bore sight radiation tests carried out at regular intervals at ground station, before acquisition of satellite for Ground station performance validation. Further, the required test PN data passes from satellite can be avoided by using RTBVS mechanism and that particular orbit can be released for real-time data reception. The routine off line checks validate the satellite data receive chain at ground station only, but the total data receive chain from onboard satellite to ground station can be established using the RTBVS system which displays the online BER reading and helps in evaluating the station performance.

The Outer Halos of Early-Type Galaxies

AbstractThe outer halos of massive early-type galaxies (ETGs) are dark matter dominated and may have formed by accretion of smaller systems during galaxy evolution. Here a brief report is given of some recent work on the kinematics, angular momentum, and mass distributions of simulated ETG halos, and of corresponding properties of observed halos measured with planetary nebulae (PNe) as tracers. In the outermost regions of the Virgo-central galaxy M87, the PN data show that the stellar halo and the co-spatial intracluster light are distinct kinematic components.

The many sides of RCW 86: a Type Ia supernova remnant evolving in its progenitor's wind bubble

We present the results of a detailed investigation of the Galactic supernova remnant RCW 86 using the XMM-Newton X-ray telescope. RCW 86 is the probable remnant of SN 185 A.D, a supernova that likely exploded inside a wind-blown cavity. We use the XMM-Newton Reflection Grating Spectrometer (RGS) to derive precise temperatures and ionization ages of the plasma, which are an indication of the interaction history of the remnant with the presumed cavity. We find that the spectra are well fitted by two non-equilibrium ionization models, which enables us to constrain the properties of the ejecta and interstellar matter plasma. Furthermore, we performed a principal component analysis on EPIC MOS and pn data to find regions with particular spectral properties. We present evidence that the shocked ejecta, emitting Fe-K and Si line emission, are confined to a shell of approximately 2 pc width with an oblate spheroidal morphology. Using detailed hydrodynamical simulations, we show that general dynamical and emission properties at different portions of the remnant can be well-reproduced by a type Ia supernova that exploded in a non-spherically symmetric wind-blown cavity. We also show that this cavity can be created using general wind properties for a single degenerate system. Our data and simulations provide further evidence that RCW 86 is indeed the remnant of SN 185, and is the likely result of a type Ia explosion of single degenerate origin.

The vortex formation time to diastolic function relation: assessment of pseudonormalized versus normal filling

In early diastole, the suction pump feature of the left ventricle opens the mitral valve and aspirates atrial blood. The ventricle fills via a blunt profiled cylindrical jet of blood that forms an asymmetric toroidal vortex ring inside the ventricle whose growth has been quantified by the standard (dimensionless) expression for vortex formation time, VFTstandard = {transmitral velocity time integral}/{mitral orifice diameter}. It can differentiate between hearts having distinguishable early transmitral (Doppler E-wave) filling patterns. An alternative validated expression, VFTkinematic reexpresses VFTstandard by incorporating left heart, near “constant-volume pump” physiology thereby revealing VFTkinematic's explicit dependence on maximum rate of longitudinal chamber expansion (E′). In this work, we show that VFTkinematic can differentiate between hearts having indistinguishable E-wave patterns, such as pseudonormal (PN; 0.75 < E/A < 1.5 and E/E′ > 8) versus normal. Thirteen age-matched normal and 12 PN data sets (738 total cardiac cycles), all having normal LVEF, were selected from our Cardiovascular Biophysics Laboratory database. Doppler E-, lateral annular E′-waves, and M-mode data (mitral leaflet separation, chamber dimension) was used to compute VFTstandard and VFTkinematic. VFTstandard did not differentiate between groups (normal [3.58 ± 1.06] vs. PN [4.18 ± 0.79], P = 0.13). In comparison, VFTkinematic for normal (3.15 ± 1.28) versus PN (4.75 ± 1.35) yielded P = 0.006. Hence, the applicability of VFTkinematic for diastolic function quantitation has been broadened to include analysis of PN filling patterns in age-matched groups.

2.5-Dimensional tomography of uppermost mantle beneath Sichuan–Yunnan and surrounding regions

Abstract We examine the Pn and Sn travel time data with long and short epicentral distance ranges separately and obtain 2.5-dimensional tomographic models for the uppermost mantle velocity and the Vp/Vs ratio beneath the Sichuan–Yunnan and adjacent regions. The tomographic models show that the average Vp and Vs of the upper layer are approximately 8.10 km/s and 4.60 km/s and those of the deeper layer are 8.19 km/s and 4.65 km/s, respectively; the average velocity ratio is 1.76 under the study area. A comparison of the Pn and Sn velocity distribution reveals that the high- and low-velocity anomalies are consistent. High velocity and low Vp/Vs ratios exist in the Sichuan Basin and low velocity and high ratios distribute in the Myanmar–Yunnan, Songpan–Ganzi, and Hainan regions, respectively. Our models provide more evidence for the subduction of the Indian plate beneath the Myanmar–Yunnan region and the existence of the hot material upwelling beneath the Hainan region. In our velocity model, there is a significant difference between the southern and the northern parts of the Yunnan region (i.e. north and south of 26° N); we infer that these regions are controlled by different dynamic processes. The velocity distributions at different depths are mainly similar in most of the regions of the study area, and the differences between the upper layer and the deeper layer beneath the Yunnan region indicate that the heat flow from the upper mantle has complex characteristics.

Localized imaging of the uppermost mantle with USArray Pn data

USArray has now provided several years of high‐quality seismic data and improved ray coverage for much of the western United States. This allows increased resolution for regional studies of the lithosphere and deeper structure of the North American continent. In this study, we use Pn phases in the USArray data set to solve for velocity structure in the uppermost mantle in the western United States. This article focuses on localized imaging techniques that complement traditional Pn tomography analysis. We apply waveform cross‐correlation to obtain inter‐station travel times between the closely and uniformly spaced USArray stations. This allows us to use traces without phase picks and reduces errors associated with the picking. We obtain differential times that can directly be used to fit locally for slowness and, depending on the approach, for the direction and curvature of the incoming wavefront. The various measurements of incoming wavefronts at different sub‐arrays provide constraints on azimuthal variations in velocity. The traditional tomography approach and the local fitting method reveal similar large‐scale features. No regularization is applied with the local method, and the resulting velocity maps reveal smaller‐scale structures than the tomographic images.