New role realities: Avenues for extending the reach of information specialists

As organizations have developed enterprise-wide electronic information environments, a diverse range of job roles has emerged at a variety of levels. Some of these roles are ear-marked for “traditional” information specialists, but many are not – and although some information specialists have moved into this kind of work, others from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds occupy many of the newly-created information-related positions. This paper reports on a project undertaken by a team of researchers from the corporate and academic sectors in the UK. The project aimed to consolidate, and strengthen, understanding of the emerging information job market, with a view to indicating how those in the “traditional” information profession may extend their occupational reach. The preliminary findings of the work, as presented here, indicate that this job market has grown due to a number of factors. Individuals who can offer skills in particular areas of work that support information delivery, in particular information architecture and content management, are well-positioned to take up the opportunities that this market offers, whether or not they hold formal information qualifications. The research approaches adopted have taken this discussion beyond the natural constituency of earlier work that predicts the nature of information profession in the digital future. This paper, which furnishes an overview of main messages from the preliminary findings of the project under discussion, will be of particular interest to those keen to explore the existing scope of work opportunities for information professionals in electronic environments, and to those whose ambitions lie in preparing for, responding to, and leading the future information world

Covalent inactivation of Mycobacterium thermoresistibile inosine-5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH).

Inosine-5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) is a rate-limiting enzyme involved in nucleotide biosynthesis. Because of its critical role in purine biosynthesis, IMPDH is a drug design target for immunosuppressive, anticancer, antiviral and antimicrobial chemotherapy. In this study, we use mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallography to show that the inhibitor 6-Cl-purine ribotide forms a covalent adduct with the Cys-341 residue of Mycobacterium thermoresistibile IMPDH

Compensatory ErbB3/c-Src signaling enhances carcinoma cell survival to ionizing radiation

EGFR and ErbB2 are two members of the ErbB family of receptor Tyr Kinases identified as therapeutic targets for treating carcinomas. Breast carcinoma cells express different complements and variable proportions of ErbB receptor Tyr kinases, which activate unique and redundant signaling cascades that are essential for cell survival. Previously it was shown that a COOH-terminal truncation mutant of the EGFR (EGFR-CD533) blocks EGFR dependent signals and radiosensitizes breast carcinoma cells. In this study the effects of EGFR-CD533 and an analogous truncation mutant of ErbB2 (ErbB2-CD572) on ErbB receptor family dimerization and signaling are further investigated. Using adenoviral vectors in breast carcinoma cell lines with variable ErbB expression profiles, we demonstrate different effects for each deletion mutant. EGFR-CD533 blocks ligand stimulation of EGFR, ErbB2, and ErbB4, but is associated with a compensatory Tyr kinase activity resulting in phosphorylation of ErbB3. In contrast, ErbB2-CD572 produces a weaker, non-specific pattern of ErbB receptor family inhibition, based upon the ErbB expression pattern of the cell type. Investigation of the compensatory Tyr kinase activity associated with EGFR-CD533 expression identified an ErbB3/c-Src signaling pathway that regulates expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl family proteins. This signaling is active in the T47D cell line, which inherently over-express ErbB3, absent in MDA-MB231 cells, which have low ErbB3 expression levels, and is restored in a MDA-MB231 cell line engineered to over-express ErbB3. Furthermore we demonstrate that ErbB3/c-Src signaling is radio-protective, and that its elimination through pharmacologic inhibition of c-Src enhances radiation-induced apoptosis. In summary, these studies identify a novel ErbB3/c-Src survival signal and point to ErbB3 expression levels as an important variable in therapeutic targeting of ErbB receptors in breast carcinoma cells.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/44234/1/10549_2005_Article_9023.pd

ASIME 2018 White Paper. In-Space Utilisation of Asteroids: Asteroid Composition -- Answers to Questions from the Asteroid Miners

In keeping with the Luxembourg government's initiative to support the future use of space resources, ASIME 2018 was held in Belval, Luxembourg on April 16-17, 2018. The goal of ASIME 2018: Asteroid Intersections with Mine Engineering, was to focus on asteroid composition for advancing the asteroid in-space resource utilisation domain. What do we know about asteroid composition from remote-sensing observations? What are the potential caveats in the interpretation of Earth-based spectral observations? What are the next steps to improve our knowledge on asteroid composition by means of ground-based and space-based observations and asteroid rendez-vous and sample return missions? How can asteroid mining companies use this knowledge? ASIME 2018 was a two-day workshop of almost 70 scientists and engineers in the context of the engineering needs of space missions with in-space asteroid utilisation. The 21 Questions from the asteroid mining companies were sorted into the four asteroid science themes: 1) Potential Targets, 2) Asteroid-Meteorite Links, 3) In-Situ Measurements and 4) Laboratory Measurements. The Answers to those Questions were provided by the scientists with their conference presentations and collected by A. Graps or edited directly into an open-access collaborative Google document or inserted by A. Graps using additional reference materials. During the ASIME 2018, first day and second day Wrap-Ups, the answers to the questions were discussed further. New readers to the asteroid mining topic may find the Conversation boxes and the Mission Design discussions especially interesting.Comment: Outcome from the ASIME 2018: Asteroid Intersections with Mine Engineering, Luxembourg. April 16-17, 2018. 65 Pages. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1612.0070

Fragment-Based Approach to Targeting Inosine-5'-monophosphate Dehydrogenase (IMPDH) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major cause of mortality worldwide, and improved treatments are needed to combat emergence of drug resistance. Inosine 5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), a crucial enzyme required for de novo synthesis of guanine nucleotides, is an attractive TB drug target. Herein, we describe the identification of potent IMPDH inhibitors using fragment-based screening and structure-based design techniques. Screening of a fragment library for Mycobacterium thermoresistible ( Mth) IMPDH ΔCBS inhibitors identified a low affinity phenylimidazole derivative. X-ray crystallography of the Mth IMPDH ΔCBS-IMP-inhibitor complex revealed that two molecules of the fragment were bound in the NAD binding pocket of IMPDH. Linking the two molecules of the fragment afforded compounds with more than 1000-fold improvement in IMPDH affinity over the initial fragment hit

High sensitivity measurements of the CMB power spectrum with the extended Very Small Array

We present deep Ka-band ($\nu \approx 33$ GHz) observations of the CMB made with the extended Very Small Array (VSA). This configuration produces a naturally weighted synthesized FWHM beamwidth of $\sim 11$ arcmin which covers an $\ell$-range of 300 to 1500. On these scales, foreground extragalactic sources can be a major source of contamination to the CMB anisotropy. This problem has been alleviated by identifying sources at 15 GHz with the Ryle Telescope and then monitoring these sources at 33 GHz using a single baseline interferometer co-located with the VSA. Sources with flux densities \gtsim 20 mJy at 33 GHz are subtracted from the data. In addition, we calculate a statistical correction for the small residual contribution from weaker sources that are below the detection limit of the survey. The CMB power spectrum corrected for Galactic foregrounds and extragalactic point sources is presented. A total $\ell$-range of 150-1500 is achieved by combining the complete extended array data with earlier VSA data in a compact configuration. Our resolution of $\Delta \ell \approx 60$ allows the first 3 acoustic peaks to be clearly delineated. The is achieved by using mosaiced observations in 7 regions covering a total area of 82 sq. degrees. There is good agreement with WMAP data up to $\ell=700$ where WMAP data run out of resolution. For higher $\ell$-values out to $\ell = 1500$, the agreement in power spectrum amplitudes with other experiments is also very good despite differences in frequency and observing technique.Comment: 16 pages. Accepted in MNRAS (minor revisions

Bending the curve of global freshwater biodiversity loss: an emergency recovery plan

Despite their limited spatial extent, freshwater ecosystems host remarkable biodiversity, including one-third of all vertebrate species. This biodiversity is declining dramatically: Globally, wetlands are vanishing three times faster than forests, and freshwater vertebrate populations have fallen more than twice as steeply as terrestrial or marine populations. Threats to freshwater biodiversity are well documented but coordinated action to reverse the decline is lacking. We present an Emergency Recovery Plan to bend the curve of freshwater biodiversity loss. Priority actions include accelerating implementation of environmental flows; improving water quality; protecting and restoring critical habitats; managing the exploitation of freshwater ecosystem resources, especially species and riverine aggregates; preventing and controlling nonnative species invasions; and safeguarding and restoring river connectivity. We recommend adjustments to targets and indicators for the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Sustainable Development Goals and roles for national and international state and nonstate actors

Social validity of randomised controlled trials in health services research and intellectual disabilities: a qualitative exploration of stakeholder views

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard of evidence-based practice in medicine but they have had limited influence in the field of intellectual disabilities. Previous literature suggests that participants and professionals have limited tolerance for this type of research methodology. However, it is not known how well service users, carers and other health professionals understand and accept the need for RCTs, and why it is important for individuals with intellectual disabilities to be included in this kind of research.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We examined individual perceptions of RCTs in 51 participants (18 carers, 6 service users and 27 professionals) using semi-structured interviews. A framework approach was adopted in the analysis of data.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We found that participants had concerns about capacity and resource allocation but held positive views towards this type of research methodology. Understanding of the principles behind RCTs was poor amongst service users and a minority of carers, but mediated by previous exposure to research for professionals.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The social validity of RCTs in intellectual disabilities may be compromised by lack of understanding of the design and the on-going concerns about obtaining informed consent especially in incapacitated adults. However, the overall finding that the need for this form of research was seen in a positive light suggests that there is a turning point in the perceptions of stakeholders working in intellectual disabilities services. We recommend that researchers include on-going education on RCT design during trials, tailoring it to all stakeholders with emphasis on strong service user and care involvement. This could be a pivotal element in improving acceptability of, and recruitment to RCTs.</p

The ESA Hera Mission : Detailed Characterization of the DART Impact Outcome and of the Binary Asteroid (65803) Didymos

Funding Information: To achieve these objectives, Milani is carrying two scientific payloads, the ASPECT visual and near-infrared (Vis-NIR) imaging spectrometer and the VISTA thermogravimeter aimed at collecting and characterizing volatiles and dust particles below 10 μm. Additionally, navigation payloads include a visible navigation camera and lidar. The Milani consortium is composed of entities and institutions from Italy, the Czech Republic, and Finland. The consortium Prime is Tyvak International, responsible for the whole program management and platform design, development, integration, testing, and final delivery to the customer. Politecnico di Torino is tasked with defining requirements and performing thermal, radiation, and debris analysis. Politecnico di Milano is responsible for mission analysis and GNC. Altec will support the Ground Segment architecture and interface definition. Centro Italiano per la Ricerca Aerospaziale (CIRA) is responsible for the execution of the vehicle environmental campaign. HULD contributes to developing the mission-specific software. VTT is the main payload (ASPECT hyperspectral imager) provider and is supported by the following entities dealing with ASPECT-related development: University of Helsinki (ASPECT calibration); Reaktor Space Lab (ASPECT Data Processing Unit development), Institute of Geology of the Czech Academy of Sciences (ASPECT scientific algorithms requirements and testing); and Brno University of Technology (ASPECT scientific algorithms development). INAF-IAPS is the secondary Payload (VISTA, dust detector) provider. Funding Information: The Mission PI is appointed by ESA and is the primary interface to ESA. The Hera SMB consists of the ESA Hera Project Scientist (ESA PS), the Mission PI, and the Hera Advisory Board, consisting of four mission advisors. The Mission PI chairs the HIT and is supported by the Hera Advisory Board. The tasks of the Hera SMB are 1. advising the Hera mission project team on all aspects related to the Hera mission objectives; 2. ensuring that the WGs’ activities cover the needs of the Hera mission; 3. providing recommendations to ESA concerning the membership in the HIT; and 4. implementing the Publication Policy. Funding Information: Hera is the ESA contribution to the AIDA collaboration. Hera, Juventas, Milani, and their instruments are developed under ESA contract supported by national agencies. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No. 870377 (project NEO-MAPP), the CNRS through the MITI interdisciplinary programs, ASI, CNES, JAXA, the Academy of Finland project no. 335595, and was conducted with institutional support RVO 67985831 of the Institute of Geology of the Czech Academy of Sciences. M.L., E.P., P.T .and E.D. are grateful to the Italian Space Agency (ASI) for financial support through Agreement No. 2022-8-HH.0 in the context of ESA’s Hera mission. We are grateful to the whole Hera team, including Working Group core members and other contributors for their continuous efforts and support. Their names can be found on the following website: https:// www.heramission.space/team. Publisher Copyright: © 2022. The Author(s). Published by the American Astronomical Society.Hera is a planetary defense mission under development in the Space Safety and Security Program of the European Space Agency for launch in 2024 October. It will rendezvous in late 2026 December with the binary asteroid (65803) Didymos and in particular its moon, Dimorphos, which will be impacted by NASA’s DART spacecraft on 2022 September 26 as the first asteroid deflection test. The main goals of Hera are the detailed characterization of the physical properties of Didymos and Dimorphos and of the crater made by the DART mission, as well as measurement of the momentum transfer efficiency resulting from DART’s impact. The data from the Hera spacecraft and its two CubeSats will also provide significant insights into asteroid science and the evolutionary history of our solar system. Hera will perform the first rendezvous with a binary asteroid and provide new measurements, such as radar sounding of an asteroid interior, which will allow models in planetary science to be tested. Hera will thus provide a crucial element in the global effort to avert future asteroid impacts at the same time as providing world-leading science.Peer reviewe

The ESA Hera Mission: Detailed Characterization of the DART Impact Outcome and of the Binary Asteroid (65803) Didymos

Hera is a planetary defense mission under development in the Space Safety and Security Program of the European Space Agency for launch in 2024 October. It will rendezvous in late 2026 December with the binary asteroid (65803) Didymos and in particular its moon, Dimorphos, which will be impacted by NASA's DART spacecraft on 2022 September 26 as the first asteroid deflection test. The main goals of Hera are the detailed characterization of the physical properties of Didymos and Dimorphos and of the crater made by the DART mission, as well as measurement of the momentum transfer efficiency resulting from DART's impact. The data from the Hera spacecraft and its two CubeSats will also provide significant insights into asteroid science and the evolutionary history of our solar system. Hera will perform the first rendezvous with a binary asteroid and provide new measurements, such as radar sounding of an asteroid interior, which will allow models in planetary science to be tested. Hera will thus provide a crucial element in the global effort to avert future asteroid impacts at the same time as providing world-leading science