965 research outputs found
Milton Keynes - preliminary estimates of regional traffic flows in 1981
The Milton Keynes Development Corporation and their planning
consultants have asked the College Transport Group to investigate the
scale of likely regional traffic flows into and out of Milton Keynes.
At this stage the emphasis is on providing information for the preparation
of a Master Plan for the city itself, rather than detailed traffic
estimates for planning transport systems in the surrounding region.
Population estimates for 1981 have been obtained from County
Councils for areas within a 20 mile radius of the new city, and the
proportions attracted to Milton Keynes for work and shopping assessed
using gravity model techniques. Separate estimates have been made of
work journeys from the city to regional employment and to London.
Possible upper and lower limits to these forecasts are included to
account for many uncertainties in the absolute and relative growth of
population, employment and shopping opportunities in the city itself and
in the surrounding region. The results are presented as traffic flews
into and out of octant sectors around the city. Flows to the east are
greater than to the west with work trip flows of the order of 2,500 person
trips each way in the most heavily loaded sectors. A 1981 city population
of 150,000 is likely to produce at least 1,500 daily commuters to London
using the fast rail service, with an additional 200 commuters from the region
using Milton Keynes railway station
Surface Enhanced Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy for the Detection of Breast Cancer Using Turbid Optical Phantoms
Breast cancer is a prevalent disease within today’s modern society, affecting 1 in 8 women and
1 in 870 men within a lifetime. With the introduction of mammographic breast screening in
1987 and marked improvements to targeted therapies, mortality rates declined, highlighting
the need for early diagnosis and tailored treatment to halt disease progression in its foremost
stages. Histology assessed biopsies, alongside initial two-view mammographic imaging, are
paired as the current diagnostic “gold standard”. The need to incorporate several techniques,
applying an “all-angles” approach to diagnostics, provides an effective, streamlined diagnostic
pathway, reducing patient wait times between testing and results – crucial in preventing disease
progression.
Optical spectroscopic techniques for the characterisation of biomolecular compounds and
structures present within tissue are fast becoming the biomedical analysis tools of choice,
coming to the forefront of clinical applications. Raman spectroscopy is one such technique
providing highly chemically specific results, in a non-ionising and non-invasive way. When used
in conjunction with metal nanoparticle probes, the inherently weak Raman signals of the
biomolecules surrounding the nanoparticle surface undergo extensive levels of enhancement
– an eponymous technique, Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS).
This thesis is split into two principal areas of study. The first explores extrinsic SERS
nanoparticles at depth within optical phantoms, “imaged” in a Transmission orientation,
mimicking the composition of the breast within a cranio-caudal mammographic imaging
position. The second concerns the micro-Raman quantification of gold nanoparticles,
functionalised to a biocompatible level for the active targeting of hydroxyapatite – a calcium
apatite form which, when dominant within breast microcalcifications, act as a biomarker for
malignancy.
Key aspects drawn from the results include a greater understanding of Raman reporter gold
nanoparticles at depth, and how the absorption profile of the sample material affects the
garnered intensity profile. The synthesis of a novel nanoparticle probe was also founded, with
promising future applications in terms of targeting and theranostic capabilities. Furthermore, a
protocol into the implementation of an automated mapping system within an open optical set
up is given, detailing the software, hardware and electrical installation requirements.
The advantages of Raman spectroscopy integration within current diagnostic practices are
highlighted, with limitations such as nanoparticle biocompatibility issues, the inherent optical
properties of biological tissues, and system conditions touched upon.Cobalt Healt
Designing Authentic Assignments to Engage Students
This session will offer strategies to participants which will empower them to design authentic research assignments that engage students and encourage the development of critical thinking and information literacy skills. The presenters will share and discuss their collaboration at Fairfield University, as a member of the biology faculty and an instructional librarian, to design an authentic assignment on the topic of the regulation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for an honors course that would incorporate information literacy skills. Participants will have the opportunity to analyze assignments and create their own authentic assignments using the concepts presented
Compositions And Methods Relating To Control DNA Construct
The invention relates to novel control DNA constructs, and methods and kits for using and making the same, which provide comprehensive controls useful for quality assurance in the diagnostic detection of complex genetic diseases such as, but not limited to, cystic fibrosis, and for quality assurance in nucleic acid assays to detect components associated with an environmental condition or a biological organism
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