Review: Gene-Modified Dendritic Cells for Use in Tumor Vaccines

Dendritic cells (DCs) are potent antigen-presenting cells capable of priming activation of naive T cells. Because of their immunostimulatory capacity, immunization with DCs presenting tumor antigens has been proposed as a treatment regimen for cancer. The results from translational research studies and early clinical trials point to the need for improvement of DC-based tumor vaccines before they become a more broadly applicable treatment modality. In this regard, studies suggest that genetic modification of DCs to express tumor antigens and/or immunomodulatory proteins may improve their capacity to promote an antitumor response. Because the DC phenotype is relatively unstable, nonperturbing methods of gene transfer must be employed that do not compromise viability or immunostimulatory capacity. DCs expressing transgenes encoding tumor antigens have been shown to be more potent primers of antitumor immunity both in vitro and in animal models of disease; in some measures of immune priming, gene-modified DCs exceeded their soluble antigen-pulsed counterparts. Cytokine gene modification of DCs has improved their capacity to prime tumor antigenspecific T cell responses and promote antitumor immunity in vivo. Here, we review the current status of genemodified DCs in both human and murine studies. Although successful results have been obtained to date in experimental systems, we discuss potential problems that have already arisen and may yet be encountered before gene-modified DCs are more widely applicable for use in human clinical trials.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/63168/1/10430340050015419.pd

Pigments for the 21st century

Materials with potential for high temperature inorganic pigment applications (e.g. ceramics) have been synthesised using solid state methods and characterised using powder X-ray and neutron diffraction, magic angle spinning NMR, Mossbauer spectroscopy, UVNis spectroscopy and colour measurement techniques. A number of compounds containing tin (H) and niobium (V) have been modified and doped with various constituents to tailor and widen the colour properties of the bright yellow parent phases. The dark yellow (L*(91.28), a*(13.74), b*(54.76)) tin niobium oxide pyrochlores have been re-characterised using neutron diffraction techniques. These materials exhibit both cation and anion disorder caused by a stereoactive lone pair on the tin (H) metal centres. Solid state NMR and Mossbauer studies have shown the presence of tin (IV) on a symmetric site within the primary phase of the pure oxide pyrochlore and methods have been investigated to minimise the tin (H) disproportion method from where the tin (IV) is derived.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Pigments for the 21st century

Materials with potential for high temperature inorganic pigment applications (e.g. ceramics) have been synthesised using solid state methods and characterised using powder X-ray and neutron diffraction, magic angle spinning NMR, Mossbauer spectroscopy, UVNis spectroscopy and colour measurement techniques. A number of compounds containing tin (H) and niobium (V) have been modified and doped with various constituents to tailor and widen the colour properties of the bright yellow parent phases. The dark yellow (L*(91.28), a*(13.74), b*(54.76)) tin niobium oxide pyrochlores have been re-characterised using neutron diffraction techniques. These materials exhibit both cation and anion disorder caused by a stereoactive lone pair on the tin (H) metal centres. Solid state NMR and Mossbauer studies have shown the presence of tin (IV) on a symmetric site within the primary phase of the pure oxide pyrochlore and methods have been investigated to minimise the tin (H) disproportion method from where the tin (IV) is derived.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Alternative development options for a site in downtown Seattle

Thesis (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Architecture, 1986.MICROFICHE COPY AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVES AND ROTCH.Vita.by J. Christopher Kirk.M.S

Integrated pest management in Missouri's green industries (2008)

"New 11/00; Revised 2/08/7C.""Plant Protection Programs and Division of Plant Sciences.""Integrated pest management.

Overview of Performance Based Practical Design

State transportation agencies (STAs) have increasingly turned to practical design and performance based practical design (PBPD) to inform project development and implementation — and to reduce project costs while optimizing systemwide benefits. PBPD is a design-up philosophy that encourages agencies to formulate projects to meet the purpose and need rather than adhering to ostensibly immutable design standards. This paper reviews practical design and PBPD concepts and initiatives and their application in a variety of contexts. It also summarizes best practices STAs can use to develop a PBPD program. As a holistic approach to project design, PBPD underscores context sensitive solutions that balance the needs of all roadway users, including motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Common PBPD solutions include opting for low-cost enhancements, such as striping, signing, and rumble strips, as opposed to realignment; narrowing shoulder widths; redesigning projects to lower right-of-way costs; modifying interchange designs; and using design exceptions to build projects that fulfill project objectives. STAs committed to establishing robust PBPD programs will typically require 18 to 24 months to get a program off the ground. For an initiative to succeed, it is critical for executive leadership in an agency to advocate for PBPD; that agency staff learn about practical design and ongoing PBPD programs in other states; that a baseline performance evaluation of the tools, concepts, and resources currently used for project development be conducted; and that changes made to the project development process are thoroughly documented. The report closes with a series of recommended performance metrics the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet should consider adopting to improve its monitoring of critical bridge and roadway assets

Astrophysical Supercomputing with GPUs: Critical Decisions for Early Adopters

General purpose computing on graphics processing units (GPGPU) is dramatically changing the landscape of high performance computing in astronomy. In this paper, we identify and investigate several key decision areas, with a goal of simplyfing the early adoption of GPGPU in astronomy. We consider the merits of OpenCL as an open standard in order to reduce risks associated with coding in a native, vendor-specific programming environment, and present a GPU programming philosophy based on using brute force solutions. We assert that effective use of new GPU-based supercomputing facilities will require a change in approach from astronomers. This will likely include improved programming training, an increased need for software development best-practice through the use of profiling and related optimisation tools, and a greater reliance on third-party code libraries. As with any new technology, those willing to take the risks, and make the investment of time and effort to become early adopters of GPGPU in astronomy, stand to reap great benefits.Comment: 13 pages, 5 figures, accepted for publication in PAS

Geochemical Implications of CO2 Leakage Associated with Geologic Storage: A Review

Leakage from deep storage reservoirs is a major risk factor associated with geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide (CO2). Different scientific theories exist concerning the potential implications of such leakage for near-surface environments. The authors of this report reviewed the current literature on how CO2 leakage (from storage reservoirs) would likely impact the geochemistry of near surface environments such as potable water aquifers and the vadose zone. Experimental and modeling studies highlighted the potential for both beneficial (e.g., CO2 re sequestration or contaminant immobilization) and deleterious (e.g., contaminant mobilization) consequences of CO2 intrusion in these systems. Current knowledge gaps, including the role of CO2-induced changes in redox conditions, the influence of CO2 influx rate, gas composition, organic matter content and microorganisms are discussed in terms of their potential influence on pertinent geochemical processes and the potential for beneficial or deleterious outcomes. Geochemical modeling was used to systematically highlight why closing these knowledge gaps are pivotal. A framework for studying and assessing consequences associated with each factor is also presented in Section 5.6

Low Mass Printable Devices for Energy Capture, Storage, and Use for Space Exploration Missions

The energy-efficient, environmentally friendly technology that will be presented is the result of a Space Act Agreement between -Technologies Worldwide, Inc., and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration s (NASA s) Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). This work combines semiconductor and printing technologies to advance lightweight electronic and photonic devices having excellent potential for commercial and exploration applications, and is an example of industry and government cooperation that leads to novel inventions. Device development involves three energy generation and consumption projects: 1) a low mass efficient (low power, low heat emission) micro light-emitting diode (LED) area lighting device; 2) a low-mass omni-directional efficient photovoltaic (PV) device with significantly improved energy capture; and 3) a new approach to building supercapacitors. These three technologies - energy capture, storage, and usage (e.g., lighting) - represent a systematic approach for building efficient local micro-grids that are commercially feasible; furthermore, these same technologies will be useful for lightweight power generation that enables inner planetary missions using smaller launch vehicles and facilitates surface operations. The PV device model is a two-sphere, light-trapped sheet approximately 2-mm thick. The model suggests a significant improvement over current thin film systems. All three components may be printed in line by printing sequential layers on a standard screen or flexographic direct impact press using the threedimensional printing technique (3DFM) patented by NthDegree. MSFC is testing the robustness of prototype devices in the harsh space and lunar surface environments, and available results will be reported. Unlike many traditional light sources, this device does not contain toxic compounds, and the LED component has passed stringent off-gassing tests required for potential manifesting on spacecraft such as the International Space Station. Future exploration missions will benefit from "green" technology lighting devices such as this, which show great promise for both terrestrial use and space missions

Contemplating Mindfulness at Work: An Integrative Review

Mindfulness research activity is surging within organizational science. Emerging evidence across multiple fields suggests that mindfulness is fundamentally connected to many aspects of workplace functioning, but this knowledge base has not been systematically integrated to date. This review coalesces the burgeoning body of mindfulness scholarship into a framework to guide mainstream management research investigating a broad range of constructs. The framework identifies how mindfulness influences attention, with downstream effects on functional domains of cognition, emotion, behavior, and physiology. Ultimately, these domains impact key workplace outcomes, including performance, relationships, and well-being. Consideration of the evidence on mindfulness at work stimulates important questions and challenges key assumptions within management science, generating an agenda for future research