The 3 μm Spectrum of Jupiter's Irregular Satellite Himalia

We present a medium resolution spectrum of Jupiter's irregular satellite Himalia covering the critical 3 μm spectral region. The spectrum shows no evidence for aqueously altered phyllosilicates, as had been suggested from the tentative detection of a 0.7 μm absorption, but instead shows a spectrum strikingly similar to the C/CF type asteroid 52 Europa. 52 Europa is the prototype of a class of asteroids generally situated in the outer asteroid belt between less distant asteroids which show evidence for aqueous alteration and more distant asteroids which show evidence for water ice. The spectral match between Himalia and this group of asteroids is surprising and difficult to reconcile with models of the origin of the irregular satellites

Obstetricians and Violence against Women

I argue that the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), as an organization and through its individual members, can and should be a far greater ally in the prevention of violence against women. Specifically, I argue that we need to pay attention to obstetrical practices that inadvertently contribute to the problem of violence against women. While intimate partner violence is a complex phenomenon, I focus on the coercive control of women and adherence to oppressive gender norms. Using physician response to alcohol use during pregnancy and court-ordered medical treatment as examples, I show how some obstetrical practices mirror the attitudes of abusive men insofar as they try to coercively control women\u27s behavior through manipulation and violence. To be greater allies in the prevention of violence against women, obstetricians should stop participating in practices that inadvertently perpetuate violence against women

BRAF exon 15 mutations in papillary carcinoma and adjacent thyroid parenchyma: A search for the early molecular events associated with tumor development

BRAF exon 15 mutations are the most common molecular alterations found in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). To date, there is no information regarding BRAF alterations in the thyroid parenchyma surrounding the tumor. To explore the early events associated with the development of PTC, we used massively parallel sequencing to investigate BRAF exon 15 in 30 PTCs and in 100 samples from the thyroid parenchyma surrounding the tumor. BRAF p.V600E was identified in 19/30 PTCs (63.3%). BRAF p.V600E mutations were identified in the tissue adjacent the PTC only in samples containing psammoma bodies. The other samples were either BRAF wild type (WT) or carried BRAF non p.V600E mutations. Specifically, BRAF p.G593D,-p.A598T,-p.V600M,-p.R603Q,-p.S607F, and-p.S607P were identified in 4 of 36 (11.1%) samples with follicular cell atypia, in 2 of 16 (12.5%) with follicular cell hyperplasia, and in 1 of 33 (3.0%) histologically normal samples\u2014only in tissue surrounding BRAF p.V600E mutated PTCs. These mutations are predicted to affect protein function in silico but, in vitro, have kinase activity and BRAF phosphorylation levels similar to BRAF WT. No BRAF exon 15 mutations were identified in samples adjacent to PTCs that were BRAF WT. A mutagenic process affecting BRAF exon 15 occurs in a subset of thyroid glands that develop BRAF p.V600E mutated PTCs

Prevalence of the single-nucleotide polymorphism rs11554137 (IDH1105GGT) in brain tumors of a cohort of Italian patients

IDH mutational status is required for proper diagnosis according to the WHO criteria revised in 2016. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs11554137 (IDH1105GGT) at codon 105 of IDH1 has been reported in patients with several tumor types, including those with glioma. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of IDH1105GGTin a cohort of brain tumors, and its association with clinicopathologic features and IDH1 and IDH2 missense mutations. Exon 4 of IDH1 and IDH2 was analyzed in a series of brain tumors classified according to current WHO criteria. DNA from control individuals was analyzed to infer the prevalence of IDH1105GGTin the reference population. Analysis was performed using next generation sequencing. IDH1105GGTwas three times more frequent in patients with tumors (44/293 cases, 15.0%) vs. population controls (6/109, 5.5%) (p = 0.0102). IDH1105GGTwas more frequent in grade III tumors (26.1%) compared to grade II (10.9%, p = 0.038) and grade IV tumors (13.7%, p = 0.041). IDH1105GGTwas more frequent in grade II and III tumors without an IDH tumor missense mutation (43.8%) than in those with (11.5%, p = 0.005). The IDH1105GGTSNP likely represents an important genetic marker, worthy of additional investigation to better understand the clinical and biological features of IDH-WT infiltrating gliomas

Out of School Time (OST) for Latinx Youth: A Qualitative Research Study in Spartanburg, South Carolina

This project was undertaken as a result of conversations initiated by staff members in a variety of organizations with initiatives underway to support and improve outcomes for youth in Spartanburg, South Carolina. These organizations include the Spartanburg Academic Movement (SAM), Mary Black Foundation (MBF), and public schools. Conversations pointed to the desirability of qualitative data to contextualize quantitative data related to both educational outcomes, particularly college access and attainment, and public health, including mental health and teen pregnancy, with a focus on Latinx youth

Does the site of origin of the microcarcinoma with respect to the thyroid surface matter? A multicenter pathologic and clinical study for risk stratification

It is unclear whether the site of origin of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (mPTC) with respect to the thyroid surface has an influence on clinicopathologic parameters. The objectives of the study were to: (i) Accurately measure the mPTC distance from the thyroid surface; (ii) analyze whether this distance correlates with relevant clinicopathologic parameters; and (iii) investigate the impact of the site of origin of the mPTC on risk stratification. Clinicopathologic features and BRAF mutational status were analyzed and correlated with the site of origin of the mPTC in a multicenter cohort of 298 mPTCs from six Italian medical institutions. Tumors arise at a median distance of 3.5 mm below the surface of the thyroid gland. Statistical analysis identified four distinct clusters. Group A, mPTC: size 65 5 mm and distance of the edge of the tumor from the thyroid capsule = 0 mm; group B, mPTC: size 65 5 mm and distance of the edge of the tumor from the thyroid capsule > 0 mm; group C, mPTC: size < 5 mm and distance of the edge of the tumor from the thyroid capsule = 0 mm; and group D, mPTC: size < 5 mm and distance of the edge of the tumor from the thyroid capsule > 0 mm. Univariate analysis demonstrates significant differences between the groups: Group A shows the most aggressive features, and group D the most indolent ones. By multivariate analysis, group A tumors are characterized by tall cell histotype, BRAF V600E mutation, tumor fibrosis, aggressive growth with invasive features, vascular invasion, lymph node metastases, and intermediate ATA risk. The mPTC clinicopathologic features vary according to the tumor size and distance from the thyroid surface. A four-group model may be useful for risk stratification and to refine the selection of nodules to be targeted for fine needle aspiration

Greek community needs assessment: Reducing the negative impact of alcohol and drugs

Participants representing Clemson\u27s Greek community have designed a research project that aims to define the problems associated with alcohol and drug misuse in the Greek community at Clemson University and to implement action steps based on sound evidence to mitigate the negative consequences associated with that misuse. The team is made up of Greek student leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their community and ultimately creating a plan to reduce alcohol and drug abuse among members. The team has conducted IRB and National PanHellenic approved focus groups and is in the process of coding the data. This poster reflects a preliminary analysis of that data