Trans-Neptunian objects found in the first four years of the Dark Energy Survey

We present a catalog of 316 trans-Neptunian bodies (TNOs) detected from the first four seasons ("Y4" data) of the Dark Energy Survey (DES). The survey covers a contiguous 5000 deg(2) of the southern sky in the grizY optical/NIR filter set, with a typical TNO in this part of the sky being targeted by 25-30 Y4 exposures. This paper focuses on the methods used to detect these objects from the 60,000 Y4 exposures, a process made challenging by the absence of the few-hour repeat observations employed by TNO-optimized surveys. Newly developed techniques include: transient/moving object detection by comparison of single-epoch catalogs to catalogs of "stacked" images; quantified astrometric error from atmospheric turbulence; new software for detecting TNO linkages in a temporally sparse transient catalog, and for estimating the rate of spurious linkages; use of faint stars to determine the detection efficiency versus magnitude in all exposures. Final validation of the reality of linked orbits uses a new "sub-threshold confirmation" test, wherein we demand the object be detectable in a stack of the exposures in which the orbit indicates an object should be present, but was not individually detected. This catalog contains all validated TNOs which were detected on >= 6 unique nights in the Y4 data, and is complete to r less than or similar to 23.3 mag with virtually no dependence on orbital properties for bound TNOs at distance 30 au d 0.3 mag more depth, and arcs of >4 yr for nearly all detections.This item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]

High Viral Fitness during Acute HIV-1 Infection

Several clinical studies have shown that, relative to disease progression, HIV-1 isolates that are less fit are also less pathogenic. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between viral fitness and control of viral load (VL) in acute and early HIV-1 infection. Samples were obtained from subjects participating in two clinical studies. In the PULSE study, antiretroviral therapy (ART) was initiated before, or no later than six months following seroconversion. Subjects then underwent multiple structured treatment interruptions (STIs). The PHAEDRA study enrolled and monitored a cohort of individuals with documented evidence of primary infection. The subset chosen were individuals identified no later than 12 months following seroconversion to HIV-1, who were not receiving ART. The relative fitness of primary isolates obtained from study participants was investigated ex vivo. Viral DNA production was quantified using a novel real time PCR assay. Following intermittent ART, the fitness of isolates obtained from 5 of 6 PULSE subjects decreased over time. In contrast, in the absence of ART the fitness of paired isolates obtained from 7 of 9 PHAEDRA subjects increased over time. However, viral fitness did not correlate with plasma VL. Most unexpected was the high relative fitness of isolates obtained at Baseline from PULSE subjects, before initiating ART. It is widely thought that the fitness of strains present during the acute phase is low relative to strains present during chronic HIV-1 infection, due to the bottleneck imposed upon transmission. The results of this study provide evidence that the relative fitness of strains present during acute HIV-1 infection may be higher than previously thought. Furthermore, that viral fitness may represent an important clinical parameter to be considered when deciding whether to initiate ART during early HIV-1 infection

Antibody association with HER-2/neu–targeted vaccine enhances CD8+ T cell responses in mice through Fc-mediated activation of DCs

The pathogenic nature of cancer is attributed, at least in part, to the ability of tumors cells to induce systemic and local mechanisms of immune tolerance. However, we previously reported that tumor-free survival in up to 100% of tolerized HER-2/neu transgenic mice can be achieved by administration of neu-specific mAb concurrently with a HER-2/neu–expressing, GM-CSF–secreting whole cell vaccine. In this report, we show that one mechanism of improved antitumor activity induced by the combination of these 2 neu-targeted interventions was enhanced Fc-mediated activation of APCs. Specifically, in vivo studies demonstrated localization of radiolabeled neu-specific mAb at the vaccine site. Subsequently, increased accumulation of neu-specific mAb at the vaccine-draining lymph node correlated with increased vaccine cell uptake by DCs in vivo. This led to enhancement of CD8+ neu-specific T cell function in terms of proliferation, cytokine production, and central memory development. Thus, the administration of a neu-specific mAb with a neu-targeted GM-CSF–secreting tumor vaccine enhanced induction of neu-specific CD8+ T cells through Fc-mediated activation of DCs. This multimodality attack on the same tumor antigen may have the potential to overcome tolerance to self antigens and weaken the immunosuppressive networks within the tumor microenvironment

Revered and Elevated or Invisible and Condemned, a male concern: Perspectives of Male Primary Teachers in English Primary Schools

This research critiques and explores how male primary school teachers construct their professional identities. The research also focuses on masculinity and femininity in public discourse and outlines how particular professions attract significantly higher or fewer males or females. In parallel, the study critiques the concepts of teacher professionalism and gendered behaviour linked to gendered assumptions underlying dominant conceptions of the professional male primary teacher. This research investigates the construction of male primary school teacher’s identities and its gendered dimensions. The significance of positioning strategies adopted by male practitioners in primary schools is explored. Contributory factors to professional identities, which are partly formulated by colleagues, parents, children and policy- makers is researched. Responses to policy assumptions and rhetoric are also shared. This research is also widened to examine the 'moral panic' (Cohen, 1972) apparent when discussing a lack of male primary school teachers in English schools and how many assumptions are articulated regarding the advocacy of a more balanced gendered profession in primary education. Findings reveal that the professional identities of male primary school teachers in this study are shaped by many influences, including policy. Following an analysis of the findings the significance of male teachers as role models; stereotypical behaviour and masculinity in primary schools; safeguarding; child protection and social spaces and the juxtaposition of power were revealed