Preliminary Analysis of Two Years of the Massive Collision Monitoring Activity

It is hypothesized that the interactions between many of the most massive derelicts in low Earth orbit are more frequent than modeled by the traditional combination of kinetic theory of gases and Poisson probability distribution function. This is suggested by the fact that there are clusters of derelicts where members' inclinations are nearly identical and their apogees/perigees overlap significantly resulting in periodic synchronization of the objects' orbits. In order to address this proposition, an experiment was designed and conducted over the last two years. Results from this monitoring and characterization experiment are presented with implications for proposed debris remediation strategies. Four separate clusters of massive derelicts were examined that are centered around 775km, 850km, 975km, and 1500km, respectively. In aggregate, the constituents of these clusters contain around 500 objects and about 800,000kg of mass; this equates to a third of all derelict mass in LEO. Preliminary analysis indicates that encounter rates over this time period for these objects are greater than is estimated by traditional techniques. Hypothesized dependencies between latitude of encounter, relative velocity, frequency of encounters, inclination, and differential semi-major axis were established and verified. This experiment also identified specific repeatable cluster dynamics that may reduce the cost/risk and enhance the effectiveness of debris remediation activities and also enable new operational debris remediation options

Anthropological Study of Shain Library: Uses, Perceptions, and Recommendations

In the spring of 2009 professor Benoit’s Applied Anthropology class conducted a comprehensive study on Connecticut College’s Shain Library. The class met with the library staff multiple times before deciding how to tackle the project. The research question posed was, how do students use and perceive the library? Does the library satisfy student’s needs, and if not what changes could be implemented to better the student body? The class began by submitting a proposal of our project to the Institutional Review Board, and then proceeded with the investigation. Though the topic as a whole is an examination of Shain Library each member of the class took on a specific aspects of the research. The topics covered range from study habits such as multitasking to how students utilize library resources outside of the library. The class created a DVD of their research and presented their findings to the library staff. This is the complete report of the research to compliment the DVD presentation

Identification of TPIT and other novel autoantigens in lymphocytic hypophysitis; immunoscreening of a pituitary cDNA library and development of immunoprecipitation assays

BACKGROUND: Lymphocytic hypophysitis is an organ-specific autoimmune disease of the pituitary gland. A specific and sensitive serological test currently does not exist to aid in the diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: To identify target autoantigens in lymphocytic hypophysitis and develop a diagnostic assay for these proteins. DESIGN/METHODS: A pituitary cDNA expression library was immunoscreened using sera from four patients with lymphocytic hypophysitis. Relevant cDNA clones from screening, along with previously identified autoantigens pituitary gland-specific factor 1a and 2 (PGSF1a and PGSF2) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) were tested in an in vitro transcription and translation immunoprecipitation assay. The corticotroph-specific transcription factor, TPIT, was investigated separately as a candidate autoantigen. RESULTS: Significantly positive autoantibody reactivity against TPIT was found in 9/86 hypophysitis patients vs 1/90 controls (P = 0.018). The reactivity against TPIT was not specific for lymphocytic hypophysitis with autoantibodies detectable in the sera from patients with other autoimmune endocrine diseases. Autoantibodies were also detected against chromodomain-helicase-DNA binding protein 8, presynaptic cytomatrix protein (piccolo), Ca(2+)-dependent secretion activator, PGSF2 and NSE in serum samples from patients with lymphocytic hypophysitis, but at a frequency that did not differ from healthy controls. Importantly, 8/86 patients with lymphocytic hypophysitis had autoantibodies against any two autoantigens in comparison with 0/90 controls (P = 0.0093). CONCLUSIONS: TPIT, a corticotroph-specific transcription factor, was identified as a target autoantigen in 10.5% of patients with lymphocytic hypophysitis. Further autoantigens related to vesicle processing were also identified as potential autoantigens with different immunoreactivity patterns in patients and controls

Transfusion Camp: The UK experience and its value in improving knowledge of transfusion medicine among postgraduate trainees

Objectives: To report the UK experience of rolling out Transfusion Camp. Background: Transfusion Camp is a structured education programme developed in Toronto, with the aim of reducing knowledge gaps in transfusion medicine in postgraduate trainees. It consists of didactic lectures viewed online by the participants, then interactive, locally delivered seminars. Since 2015, it has been rolled out in the United Kingdom, and is now available in four centres. Here, we report the UK experience of Transfusion Camp and outcomes. Methods: Trainees are recruited via the training programme directors in each region. Pre‐ and post‐course assessments are administered using the validated BEST (Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion) test, with possible scores 0–20, and confidence measured on an A‐E Likert scale. Results: Since 2015, 130 trainees have participated in Transfusion Camp in the United Kingdom. Trainees from all specialties significantly improved their BEST‐test scores after attending the course (mean score 11.6/20 before the course, compared with 14.3/20 after the course), and confidence in managing transfusion‐related issues was also significantly improved. Conclusion: We recommend that all centres consider offering Transfusion Camp to trainees in haematology and other specialties that frequently use blood transfusions, such as anaesthesia/ICU, Internal Medicine and others

A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of a Gender-Sensitive Rite of Passage Program for Adolescent Males

Introduction Current gendered health disparities impacting the wellbeing of boys and young men require new early intervention-focussed approaches. Health promotion programs developed with young men’s health needs and preferences in mind commonly report positive outcomes. Male-specific rite of passage programs aim to formally acknowledge the life-stage transition from boyhood to manhood through a holistic focus on identity, community, and social responsibility. While these programs are growing in popularity, there is limited data available on their effectiveness. Methods This study undertook a pilot evaluation of the Making of Men rite of passage program in a sample of second-ary school boys (n=61, age M=16.0, SD=0.5) and their accompanying fathers or male mentors (n=47, age M=52.1, SD=5.8 years) providing non-matched pre-test, post-test, alongside follow-up data for participating boys. Qualitative interviews were also undertaken with 15 individuals (5 mothers, 6 staff members, 4 fathers). Results Quantitative program feedback indicated acceptability, with most respondents providing positive feedback, particularly from participating fathers. Exploratory quantitative effects indicated potential improvements in subjective social support and open communication among boys. Fathers appeared to report lower confor-mity to traditional masculine norms post-program, in addition to more open communication. Qualitative interviews identified three main themes: enabling relational bonds, creating a men-specific context, and supporting developmental transitions. Conclusions Positive program acceptability and promising outcome effects highlighted the present rite of passage program as a promising mechanism for supporting healthy masculine identity development among adolescent males

Cancer prevention and therapy through the modulation of the tumor microenvironment

Cancer arises in the context of an in vivo tumor microenvironment. This microenvironment is both a cause and consequence of tumorigenesis. Tumor and host cells co-evolve dynamically through indirect and direct cellular interactions, eliciting multiscale effects on many biological programs, including cellular proliferation, growth, and metabolism, as well as angiogenesis and hypoxia and innate and adaptive immunity. Here we highlight specific biological processes that could be exploited as targets for the prevention and therapy of cancer. Specifically, we describe how inhibition of targets such as cholesterol synthesis and metabolites, reactive oxygen species and hypoxia, macrophage activation and conversion, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase regulation of dendritic cells, vascular endothelial growth factor regulation of angiogenesis, fibrosis inhibition, endoglin, and Janus kinase signaling emerge as examples of important potential nexuses in the regulation of tumorigenesis and the tumor microenvironment that can be targeted. We have also identified therapeutic agents as approaches, in particular natural products such as berberine, resveratrol, onionin A, epigallocatechin gallate, genistein, curcumin, naringenin, desoxyrhapontigenin, piperine, and zerumbone, that may warrant further investigation to target the tumor microenvironment for the treatment and/or prevention of cancer

Evaluation of Three Amorphous Drug Delivery Technologies to Improve the Oral Absorption of Flubendazole

AbstractThis study investigates 3 amorphous technologies to improve the dissolution rate and oral bioavailability of flubendazole (FLU). The selected approaches are (1) a standard spray-dried dispersion with hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) E5 or polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate 64, both with Vitamin E d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate; (2) a modified process spray-dried dispersion (MPSDD) with either HPMC E3 or hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS-M); and (3) confining FLU in ordered mesoporous silica (OMS). The physicochemical stability and in vitro release of optimized formulations were evaluated following 2 weeks of open conditions at 25°C/60% relative humidity (RH) and 40°C/75% RH. All formulations remained amorphous at 25°C/60% RH. Only the MPSDD formulation containing HPMCAS-M and 3/7 (wt./wt.) FLU/OMS did not crystallize following 40°C/75% RH exposure. The OMS and MPSDD formulations contained the lowest and highest amount of hydrolyzed degradant, respectively. All formulations were dosed to rats at 20 mg/kg in suspension. One FLU/OMS formulation was also dosed as a capsule blend. Plasma concentration profiles were determined following a single dose. In vivo findings show that the OMS capsule and suspension resulted in the overall highest area under the curve and Cmax values, respectively. These results cross-evaluate various amorphous formulations and provide a link to enhanced biopharmaceutical performance

The UK Centre for Astrobiology:A Virtual Astrobiology Centre. Accomplishments and Lessons Learned, 2011-2016

Authors thank all those individuals, UK research councils, funding agencies, nonprofit organisations, companies and corporations and UK and non-UK government agencies, who have so generously supported our aspirations and hopes over the last 5 years and supported UKCA projects. They include the STFC, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the Natural Environmental Research Council (NERC), the EU, the UK Space Agency, NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), The Crown Estate, Cleveland Potash and others. The Astrobiology Academy has been supported by the UK Space Agency (UKSA), National Space Centre, the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), Dynamic Earth, The Royal Astronomical Society, The Rotary Club (Shetlands) and the NASA Astrobiology Institute.The UK Centre for Astrobiology (UKCA) was set up in 2011 as a virtual center to contribute to astrobiology research, education, and outreach. After 5 years, we describe this center and its work in each of these areas. Its research has focused on studying life in extreme environments, the limits of life on Earth, and implications for habitability elsewhere. Among its research infrastructure projects, UKCA has assembled an underground astrobiology laboratory that has hosted a deep subsurface planetary analog program, and it has developed new flow-through systems to study extraterrestrial aqueous environments. UKCA has used this research backdrop to develop education programs in astrobiology, including a massive open online course in astrobiology that has attracted over 120,000 students, a teacher training program, and an initiative to take astrobiology into prisons. In this paper, we review these activities and others with a particular focus on providing lessons to others who may consider setting up an astrobiology center, institute, or science facility. We discuss experience in integrating astrobiology research into teaching and education activities.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

High-resolution record reveals climate-driven environmental and sedimentary changes in an active rift

Young rifts are shaped by combined tectonic and surface processes and climate, yet few records exist to evaluate the interplay of these processes over an extended period of early rift-basin development. Here, we present the longest and highest resolution record of sediment flux and paleoenvironmental changes when a young rift connects to the global oceans. New results from International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 381 in the Corinth Rift show 10s–100s of kyr cyclic variations in basin paleoenvironment as eustatic sea level fluctuated with respect to sills bounding this semi-isolated basin, and reveal substantial corresponding changes in the volume and character of sediment delivered into the rift. During interglacials, when the basin was marine, sedimentation rates were lower (excepting the Holocene), and bioturbation and organic carbon concentration higher. During glacials, the basin was isolated from the ocean, and sedimentation rates were higher (~2–7 times those in interglacials). We infer that reduced vegetation cover during glacials drove higher sediment flux from the rift flanks. These orbital-timescale changes in rate and type of basin infill will likely influence early rift sedimentary and faulting processes, potentially including syn-rift stratigraphy, sediment burial rates, and organic carbon flux and preservation on deep continental margins worldwide

High-resolution record revealsclimate-driven environmental andsedimentary changes in an active rift

Young rifts are shaped by combined tectonic and surface processes and climate, yet few records exist to evaluate the interplay of these processes over an extended period of early rift-basin development. Here, we present the longest and highest resolution record of sediment flux and paleoenvironmental changes when a young rift connects to the global oceans. New results from International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 381 in the Corinth Rift show 10s–100s of kyr cyclic variations in basin paleoenvironment as eustatic sea level fluctuated with respect to sills bounding this semi-isolated basin, and reveal substantial corresponding changes in the volume and character of sediment delivered into the rift. During interglacials, when the basin was marine, sedimentation rates were lower (excepting the Holocene), and bioturbation and organic carbon concentration higher. During glacials, the basin was isolated from the ocean, and sedimentation rates were higher (~2–7 times those in interglacials). We infer that reduced vegetation cover during glacials drove higher sediment flux from the rift flanks. These orbital-timescale changes in rate and type of basin infill will likely influence early rift sedimentary and faulting processes, potentially including syn-rift stratigraphy, sediment burial rates, and organic carbon flux and preservation on deep continental margins worldwide.publishedVersio