The METCRAX II Field Experiment: A Study of Downslope Windstorm-Type Flows in Arizona\u2019s Meteor Crater

The second Meteor Crater Experiment (METCRAX II) was conducted in October 2013 at Arizona\u2019s Meteor Crater. The experiment was designed to investigate nighttime downslope windstorm 12type flows that form regularly above the inner southwest sidewall of the 1.2-km diameter crater as a southwesterly mesoscale katabatic flow cascades over the crater rim. The objective of METCRAX II is to determine the causes of these strong, intermittent, and turbulent inflows that bring warm-air intrusions into the southwest part of the crater. This article provides an overview of the scientific goals of the experiment; summarizes the measurements, the crater topography, and the synoptic meteorology of the study period; and presents initial analysis results

Science to Solutions Dialogue 3 - Everyone eating well within environmental limits

EAT and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) convened through FReSH a Science to Solutions Dialogue (SSD) on Everyone Eating Well within Environmental Limits. This third dialogue took place from 4-7 December 2018 in Texcoco, Mexico, and brought together business, science and civil society to explore how to feed almost 10 billion people with sustainable and healthy diets. The summary of the discussion sets out three mutually supportive narratives to focus business action and the key solutions

Chemico-calorimetric analysis of amorphous granules manufactured via continuous granulation process

The current study explores the first case of the implementation of solution calorimetry (SolCal) in order to determine the amorphous content of crystalline benzoyl-methoxy-methylindol-acetic acid (BMA)—a model poorly soluble drug, in the amorphous granules prepared via single-step continuous twin-screw dry granulations (TSG). Amorphous magnesium aluminometasilicate (Neusilin®) (US2) was used as a novel inorganic carrier via a TwinLab 10 mm twin-screw extruder. The BMA/US2 blends were processed at 180 °C and varying drug: carrier ratios of 1:4, 1:2.5 and 1:1 (w/w). Physico-chemical characterisation conducted via SEM, DSC and XRPD showed amorphous state of the drug in all granulated formulations. Reverse optical microscopy revealed a meso-porous structure of US2 in which the drug particles are adsorbed and/or entrapped within the porous network of the carrier. This phenomenon can be the underlying reason for the increase of the amorphous content in the extruded granules. Solution calorimetry (SolCal) study revealed amorphous content of the drug in all formulations quite precisely, whereas the dynamic vapour sorption (DVS) analysis complemented the results from SolCal. Furthermore, an attempt has been made for the first time to interrelate the findings from the SolCal to that of the release of the drug from the amorphous granules. It can be concluded that SolCal can be used as a novel technique to precisely quantify and interrelate the amorphous content to its physico-chemical performances such as drug release from the granulated formulations processed via TS

MFSD2A Promotes Endothelial Generation of Inflammation-resolving Lipid Mediators and Reduces Colitis in Mice

Alterations in signaling pathways that regulate resolution of inflammation (resolving pathways) contribute to pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). The resolution process is regulated by lipid mediators, such as those derived from the \u3c9-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), whose esterified form is transported by the major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2A (MFSD2A) through the endothelium of brain, retina, and placenta. We investigated if and how MFSD2A regulates lipid metabolism of gut endothelial cells to promote resolution of intestinal inflammation

Hypofractionated radiotherapy for prostate cancer

In the last few years, hypofractionated external beam radiotherapy has gained increasing popularity for prostate cancer treatment, since sufficient evidence exists that prostate cancer has a low alpha/beta ratio, lower than the one of the surrounding organs at risk and thus there is a potential therapeutic benefit of using larger fractionated single doses. Apart from the therapeutic rationale there are advantages such as saving treatment time and medical resources and thereby improving patient's convenience. While older trials showed unsatisfactory results in both standard and hypofractionated arm due to insufficient radiation doses and non-standard contouring of target volumes, contemporary randomized studies have reported on encouraging results of tumor control mostly without an increase of relevant side effects, especially late toxicity. Aim of this review is to give a detailed analysis of relevant, recently published clinical trials with special focus on rationale for hypofractionation and different therapy settings

Pandemic A/H1N1v influenza 2009 in hospitalized children: a multicenter Belgian survey

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>During the 2009 influenza A/H1N1v pandemic, children were identified as a specific "at risk" group. We conducted a multicentric study to describe pattern of influenza A/H1N1v infection among hospitalized children in Brussels, Belgium.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>From July 1, 2009, to January 31, 2010, we collected epidemiological and clinical data of all proven (positive H1N1v PCR) and probable (positive influenza A antigen or culture) pediatric cases of influenza A/H1N1v infections, hospitalized in four tertiary centers.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>During the epidemic period, an excess of 18% of pediatric outpatients and emergency department visits was registered. 215 children were hospitalized with proven/probable influenza A/H1N1v infection. Median age was 31 months. 47% had ≥ 1 comorbid conditions. Febrile respiratory illness was the most common presentation. 36% presented with initial gastrointestinal symptoms and 10% with neurological manifestations. 34% had pneumonia. Only 24% of the patients received oseltamivir but 57% received antibiotics. 10% of children were admitted to PICU, seven of whom with ARDS. Case fatality-rate was 5/215 (2%), concerning only children suffering from chronic neurological disorders. Children over 2 years of age showed a higher propensity to be admitted to PICU (16% vs 1%, p = 0.002) and a higher mortality rate (4% vs 0%, p = 0.06). Infants less than 3 months old showed a milder course of infection, with few respiratory and neurological complications.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Although influenza A/H1N1v infections were generally self-limited, pediatric burden of disease was significant. Compared to other countries experiencing different health care systems, our Belgian cohort was younger and received less frequently antiviral therapy; disease course and mortality were however similar.</p