The Low-Cost Upper-Atmosphere Sounder (LOCUS)

The LOw-Cost Upper-atmosphere Sounder (LOCUS) is a mission concept with the aim of observing the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) region of the Earth’s atmosphere from a small space-borne platform in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO). The LOCUS payload consists of a compact terahertz radiometer operating between 0.8–4.7 THz providing global distributions of key MLT species such as atomic oxygen (O), the hydroxyl radical (OH) and nitric oxide (NO) with the aim of increasing our understanding of the chemistry of the region and its effect on climate. This paper presents an overview of the LOCUS mission concept and describes the main technology pre-developments that are in progress in the areas of quantum-cascade lasers (QCL), terahertz Schottky diodes and components, space cryocoolers and digital spectrometers

A phase II study evaluating the use of concurrent mitomycin C and capecitabine in patients with advanced unresectable pseudomyxoma peritonei

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare neoplastic process characterised by progressive intra-abdominal dissemination of mucinous tumour, and generally considered resistant to systemic chemotherapy. A phase II study in patients with advanced unresectable PMP was undertaken to evaluate the combination of systemic concurrent mitomycin C (7 mg m(−2) i.v. on day 1) and capecitabine (1250 mg m(−2) b.d. on days 1–14) in a 3-weekly cycle (MCap). Response was determined by semiquantitative assessment of disease volume on serial computed tomographic (CT) scans and serum tumour marker (CEA, CA125, CA19-9) changes at 12 weeks. Between 2003 and 2006, 40 patients were recruited through a national centre for the treatment of peritoneal surface tumours. At baseline, 23 patients had progressive disease and 17 had stable disease. Of 39 assessable patients, 15 (38%, 95% confidence intervals (CIs): 25, 54%) benefited from chemotherapy in the form of either reductions in mucinous deposition or stabilisation of progressive pretreatment disease determined on CT scan. Notably, two patients, originally considered unresectable, following MCap and re-staging underwent potentially curative cytoreductive surgery. Grade 3/4 toxicity rates were low (6%, 95% CIs: 4, 9%). Twenty out of 29 assessed patients (69%, 95% CIs: 51, 83%) felt that their Global Health Status improved during chemotherapy. This is the first trial to demonstrate an apparent benefit of systemic chemotherapy in patients with advanced unresectable PMP

Mobilizing records: re-framing archival description to support human rights

This article seeks to raise consciousness within the field of archival studies in order to foster a generative discussion about how descriptive practices might be expanded, approached differently, or completely rethought. It brings together crosscutting theoretical issues and provides practical examples of mediation in order to mobilize these records in support of human rights work. It first problematizes the foundational archival precept of respect des fonds and its sub-principles of original order and provenance. It then analyzes the necessary transformation of institutional policies and standards in order to foster trust and transparency and identifies structural or system wide strategies for ameliorating past abuses