Decreased MCM2-6 in Drosophila S2 cells does not generate significant DNA damage or cause a marked increase in sensitivity to replication interference.

A reduction in the level of some MCM proteins in human cancer cells (MCM5 in U20S cells or MCM3 in Hela cells) causes a rapid increase in the level of DNA damage under normal conditions of cell proliferation and a loss of viability when the cells are subjected to replication interference. Here we show that Drosophila S2 cells do not appear to show the same degree of sensitivity to MCM2-6 reduction. Under normal cell growth conditions a reduction of >95% in the levels of MCM3, 5, and 6 causes no significant short term alteration in the parameters of DNA replication or increase in DNA damage. MCM depleted cells challenged with HU do show a decrease in the density of replication forks compared to cells with normal levels of MCM proteins, but this produces no consistent change in the levels of DNA damage observed. In contrast a comparable reduction of MCM7 levels has marked effects on viability, replication parameters and DNA damage in the absence of HU treatment

Evaluating System Usability, Workload Suitability, and User Experience of Game-Based Virtual Reality in Spaceflight Education and Training

Game-based instruction and immersive virtual reality are enhanced pedagogical methods beneficial in training environments involving complex disciplines, ranging from medical applications to construction engineering technology. This study investigated the use of game-based virtual reality (GBVR) when applied to the complex field of spaceflight education and training. As modern society places increasing demand on space-based amenities, the need for proficient satellite operators will also increase, requiring more accessible and advanced training options. Satellite ground control training scenarios, immersed in the GBVR environment, were developed and deployed to university student participants. Multiple validated scales were employed to measure the GBVR system regarding three main attributes: system usability, workload suitability, and user experience. Results revealed that the GBVR system usability scores ranked above average on the System Usability Scale (SUS). Secondly, the workload suitability ranked within the accepted mean value range of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Task Load Index (TLX). And lastly, the user experience scores were similar to popular video game scores on the Game User Experience Satisfaction Scale (GUESS-18). Even with a small sample size (n = 10), the findings indicate that GBVR is a feasible tool when applied to a complex discipline such as spaceflight education and training

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Game-Based Virtual Reality in Satellite Ground Control Operations Education and Training

There is increased global demand for satellite amenities such as navigation, communications, weather reporting, disaster management, agricultural operations, or humanitarian assistance. The growing demand for satellite technology amplifies the need for highly trained satellite operators. Traditional simulation training methods typically utilize two-dimensional computer displays. However, training approaches involving game-based instruction and immersive virtual reality have shown benefits when integrated with complex disciplines and may provide an advanced training alternative for satellite operators. Game-based instruction enhances user motivation and cognitive engagement, while immersive virtual reality promotes user presence and prolonged cognitive engagement. The combination of these two training methods, noted as game-based virtual reality, is explored in this study when integrated with a satellite operator training scenario. The study compares two groups, one training with traditional methods and one with game-based virtual reality. Both scenarios indicated significant usability scores and proper cognitive loading necessary for meaningful learning, with only minimal symptoms of simulator sickness. However, unlike the traditional method, the results of the game-based virtual reality scenario revealed significant user enjoyment and satisfaction scores. A positive and satisfying learning experience can facilitate enhanced motivation and increased cognitive engagement, fundamental to meaningful learning, denoting game-based virtual reality as a viable and effective training alternative

Plasma Dynamics

Contains research objectives and summary of research on twenty-one projects split into three sections, with four sub-sections in the second section and reports on twelve research projects.National Science Foundation (Grant ENG75-06242)U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration (Contract E(11-1)-2766)U.S. Energy Research and Development Agency (Contract E(11-1)-3070)U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration (Contract E(11-1)-3070)Research Laboratory of Electronics, M.I.T. Industrial Fellowshi

MCM immunocytochemistry as a first line cervical screening test in developing countries: a prospective cohort study in a regional cancer centre in India

Cervical screening is not available for the majority of women in resource-poor countries. An important factor is a lack of skilled operators necessary for high-throughput assessment of the Papanicolaou (Pap) test currently in use. We compared the efficacy of immunocytochemistry for minichromosome maintenance (MCM) proteins vs standard Pap testing at detecting disease in 455 cervical smears processed in a typical Indian screening laboratory. Conventional (non-monolayer) smears were stained manually and then examined by a cytotechnologist and a cytopathologist. The MCM test was called positive when immunolabelled cells were identified as dyskaryotic by the Pap counterstain. The MCM test was read more quickly than the Pap test (approximately 2 vs 10 min) and there was 100% inter-observer agreement compared with 85% for Pap (P<0.0001). The MCM test detected 10 biopsy-proven cancers or pre-cancers that were not detected by Pap (P=0.002; P=0.016 excluding three cases where the Pap was deemed unsatisfactory on review). The cases in question included one recurrent squamous carcinoma and one adenocarcinoma in a screening patient who would have returned to 5 year recall. There were no false positive MCM test results. We propose that MCM immunocytochemistry has considerable advantages for cervical screening in developing countries like India

Impact of point-of-care pre-procedure creatinine and eGFR testing in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary PCI: The pilot STATCREAT study

Background: Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is a recognised complication during primary PCI that affects short and long term prognosis. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of point-of-care (POC) pre-PPCI creatinine and eGFR testing in STEMI patients. Methods 160 STEMI patients (STATCREAT group) with pre-procedure POC testing of Cr and eGFR were compared with 294 consecutive retrospective STEMI patients (control group). Patients were further divided into subjects with or without pre-existing CKD. Results: The incidence of CI-AKI in the whole population was 14.5% and not different between the two overall groups. For patients with pre-procedure CKD, contrast dose was significantly reduced in the STATCREAT group (124.6 ml vs. 152.3 ml, p = 0.015). The incidence of CI-AKI was 5.9% (n = 2) in the STATCREAT group compared with 17.9% (n = 10) in the control group (p = 0.12). There was no difference in the number of lesions treated (1.118 vs. 1.196, p = 0.643) or stents used (1.176 vs. 1.250, p = 0.78). For non-CKD patients, there was no significant difference in contrast dose (172.4 ml vs. 158.4 ml, p = 0.067), CI-AKI incidence (16.7% vs. 13.4%, p = 0.4), treated lesions (1.167 vs. 1.164, p = 1.0) or stents used (1.214 vs. 1.168, p = 0.611) between the two groups. Conclusions: Pre-PPCI point-of-care renal function testing did not reduce the incidence of CI-AKI in the overall group of STEMI patients. In patients with CKD, contrast dose was significantly reduced, but a numerical reduction in CI-AKI was not found to be statistically significant. No significant differences were found in the non-CKD group