The guide star catalog

Part 1 of the catalog presents an astronomical overview of the Guide Star Catalog, together with its history, the properties of its current implementation, and the prospects for enhancement. Part 2 presents the algorithms used in photometric and astrometric calibration of the catalog, as well as the analyses of the related errors. Part 3 presents the current structure and content, as well as future enhancements in this area. An overview of the forthcoming publications is given, both with regard to scientific papers and electronic media

Interplay of Polarity Proteins and GTPases in T-Lymphocyte Function

Polarity refers to the asymmetric distribution of different cellular components within a cell and is central to many cell functions. In T-cells, polarity regulates the activation, migration, and effector function of cytotoxic T-cells (CTLs) during an immune response. The regulation of asymmetric cell division by polarity proteins may also dictate CTL effector and memory differentiation following antigen presentation. Small GTPases, along with their associated polarity and adaptor proteins, are critical for mediating the polarity changes necessary for T-cell activation and function, and in turn, are regulated by guanine exchange factors (GEFS) and GTPase activating proteins (GAPS). For example, a novel GEF, dedicator of cytokinesis 8 (DOCK8) was recently identified as a regulator of immune cell function and mutations in DOCK8 have been detected in patients with severe combined immunodeficiency. Both B and T-cells from DOCK8 mutant mice form defective immunological synapses and have abnormal functions, in addition to impaired immune memory development. This paper will discuss the interplay between polarity proteins and GTPases, and their role in T-cell function

Interplay of Polarity Proteins and GTPases in T-Lymphocyte Function

Polarity refers to the asymmetric distribution of different cellular components within a cell and is central to many cell functions. In T-cells, polarity regulates the activation, migration, and effector function of cytotoxic T-cells (CTLs) during an immune response. The regulation of asymmetric cell division by polarity proteins may also dictate CTL effector and memory differentiation following antigen presentation. Small GTPases, along with their associated polarity and adaptor proteins, are critical for mediating the polarity changes necessary for T-cell activation and function, and in turn, are regulated by guanine exchange factors (GEFS) and GTPase activating proteins (GAPS). For example, a novel GEF, dedicator of cytokinesis 8 (DOCK8) was recently identified as a regulator of immune cell function and mutations in DOCK8 have been detected in patients with severe combined immunodeficiency. Both B and T-cells from DOCK8 mutant mice form defective immunological synapses and have abnormal functions, in addition to impaired immune memory development. This paper will discuss the interplay between polarity proteins and GTPases, and their role in T-cell function

United States Response to Questionnaire Concerning \u3cem\u3eCopyright: To Be or Not to Be\u3c/em\u3e

ALAI-USA is the U.S. branch of ALAI (Association Littèraire et Artistique Internationale). ALAI-USA was started in the 1980\u27s by the late Professor Melville B. Nimmer, and was later expanded by Professor John M. Kernochan

El análisis de redes en el estudio de la colaboración científica

El análisis de redes sociales es una herramienta que se usa cada vez más para determinar las relaciones entre los diferentes elementos bibliográficos que componen un trabajo científico. Desde tiempo atrás, las asociaciones entre coautores y entre sus instituciones y países de adscripción, se toman como una formar de medir las colaboraciones en ciencia. En nuestra presentación examinamos cómo el análisis de redes sociales se emplea para lograr una interpretación más acertada de estas relaciones tomando como ejemplo las colaboraciones bilaterales entre los países latinoamericanos.Social network analysis is a tool used increasingly by bibliometricians to determine the relationships between the different bibliographical elements present in a scientific paper. The associations between coauthors or between the institutions or countries they represent, have long been used as an manifestation of collaboration in science. In this presentation we look at how social network analysis is employed to assist in the interpretation of these relationships using examples taken from our work on bilateral collaborations between countries in Latin America

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling in development and skeletal diseases

AbstractFibroblast growth factors (FGF) and their receptors serve many functions in both the developing and adult organism. Humans contain 18 FGF ligands and four FGF receptors (FGFR). FGF ligands are polypeptide growth factors that regulate several developmental processes including cellular proliferation, differentiation, and migration, morphogenesis, and patterning. FGF-FGFR signaling is also critical to the developing axial and craniofacial skeleton. In particular, the signaling cascade has been implicated in intramembranous ossification of cranial bones as well as cranial suture homeostasis. In the adult, FGFs and FGFRs are crucial for tissue repair. FGF signaling generally follows one of three transduction pathways: RAS/MAP kinase, PI3/AKT, or PLCγ. Each pathway likely regulates specific cellular behaviors. Inappropriate expression of FGF and improper activation of FGFRs are associated with various pathologic conditions, unregulated cell growth, and tumorigenesis. Additionally, aberrant signaling has been implicated in many skeletal abnormalities including achondroplasia and craniosynostosis. The biology and mechanisms of the FGF family have been the subject of significant research over the past 30 years. Recently, work has focused on the therapeutic targeting and potential of FGF ligands and their associated receptors. The majority of FGF-related therapy is aimed at age-related disorders. Increased understanding of FGF signaling and biology may reveal additional therapeutic roles, both in utero and postnatally. This review discusses the role of FGF signaling in general physiologic and pathologic embryogenesis and further explores it within the context of skeletal development

Telling partners about chlamydia: how acceptable are the new technologies?

BACKGROUND Partner notification is accepted as a vital component in the control of chlamydia. However, in reality, many sexual partners of individuals diagnosed with chlamydia are never informed of their risk. The newer technologies of email and SMS have been used as a means of improving partner notification rates. This study explored the use and acceptability of different partner notification methods to help inform the development of strategies and resources to increase the number of partners notified. METHODS Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 40 people who were recently diagnosed with chlamydia from three sexual health centres and two general practices across three Australian jurisdictions. RESULTS Most participants chose to contact their partners either in person (56%) or by phone (44%). Only 17% chose email or SMS. Participants viewed face-to-face as the "gold standard" in partner notification because it demonstrated caring, respect and courage. Telephone contact, while considered insensitive by some, was often valued because it was quick, convenient and less confronting. Email was often seen as less personal while SMS was generally considered the least acceptable method for telling partners. There was also concern that emails and SMS could be misunderstood, not taken seriously or shown to others. Despite these, email and SMS were seen to be appropriate and useful in some circumstances. Letters, both from the patients or from their doctor, were viewed more favourably but were seldom used. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that many people diagnosed with chlamydia are reluctant to use the new technologies for partner notification, except in specific circumstances, and our efforts in developing partner notification resources may best be focused on giving patients the skills and confidence for personal interaction.The study was funded by the Australian Federal Government Department of Health and Ageing Chlamydia Pilot Program of Targeted Grants

Desarrollo de las bases de un modelo de comunicación de la producción científica de la Universiad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)

The object of the present study was to develop a model to describe the communication patterns for the scientific publications of researchers in different disciplines affiliated to the National University of Mexico (UNAM). Using information on the scientific production of the different research institutes and centres published in the annual reports of the UNAM from 1997-2000 and analysing its presence in regional and international databases from 1997-1999, it was possible to establish the basis for the development of models in five main areas of knowledge: Exact Sciences; Natural Sciences; Applied Sciences; Social Sciences and the Humanities. Researchers from the first three areas published mainly in articles from international, peer-reviewed journals and, consequently, their production was highly visible in mainstream databases. On the other hand, researchers from the social sciences and humanities give equal weight to publication in books and in book chapters as they do to publication in journals. Unlike researchers in the hard sciences, social scientists and those working in the humanities prefer regional journals as shown by a strong presence in regional databases and low representation in the international databases. Therefore we conclude that communication patterns are different between the main areas of knowledge as previously defined.Se buscó elaborar las bases de un modelo de comunicación científica que permitiera demostrar las diferencias entre los patrones de comunicación de la producción científica en diferentes disciplinas en la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). Partiendo de la producción presentada por las diferentes dependencias de investigación de la UNAM en los informes anuales institucionales 1997-2000, así como a través de un análisis de su presencia en bases de datos regionales e internacionales 1997- 1999. Fue posible asentar las bases para el desarrollo de modelos de la comunicación de la producción científica en las cinco áreas grandes del conocimiento: Ciencias Exactas, Ciencias Naturales, Ciencias Aplicadas, Ciencias Sociales, y Humanidades. Los investigadores de las áreas de ciencias exactas, naturales, y aplicadas publican principalmente a través de artículos en revistas arbitradas a nivel internacional por lo tanto su producción tiene una fuerte representación en las bases de datos de corriente principal. En cambio, los investigadores de las ciencias sociales y humanidades dan igual importancia a la publicación en capítulos de libro y en libros que a la diseminación de sus resultados en revistas. A diferencia de las ciencias, los investigadores de las áreas sociales y humanísticas muestran preferencia por las revistas regionales como atestigua su presencia en las bases de datos regionales y escasa presencia en las internacionales. Concluimos que los patrones de investigación varían entre las principales áreas del conocimiento

Bristol girls dance project feasibility study: Using a pilot economic evaluation to inform design of a full trial

Background: There is currently little guidance for pilot trial economic evaluation where health outcomes and costs are influenced by a range of wider determinants and factors. Objectives: This article presents the findings of a pilot economic evaluation study running alongside the Bristol Girls Dance Project (BGDP) feasibility study. Design: 3-arm, cluster randomised, controlled pilot trial and economic evaluation. 7 schools (n=210) from the Bristol and greater Bristol area, UK were randomly allocated to the intervention arm 3 schools (n=90) and the control arm 4 schools (n=120). Intervention: Girls aged 11-12 years with parental consent were provided with two, 90 min dance sessions per week for 9 weeks at school facilities. Economic outcome measures: Programme costs and girls' preferences for attributes of dance and preferences for competing leisure time activities were measured. Results: The mainstream average cost of the BGDP programme (not including research, control and dance teacher training costs) per school was $2126.40, £1329 and €1555 and per participant was$70.90, £44.31 and €51.84 in 2010-2011 prices. Discrete choice experiment (DCE) methods are acceptable to girls of this age indicating time available for other leisure activities on dance class days is the attribute girls valued most and 2 h leisure time remaining preferred to 3 h. Conclusions: This pilot study indicates that providing full cost data for a future trial of the BGDP programme is feasible and practical. There is no evidence from preference data to support adjustment to intervention design. A future economic evaluation is likely to be successful utilising the resource use checklist developed. The importance of categorising separately resources used to develop, prepare, deliver and maintain the programme to estimate mainstream costs accurately is demonstrated