Remote Sensing Information Sciences Research Group: Santa Barbara Information Sciences Research Group, year 4

Information Sciences Research Group (ISRG) research continues to focus on improving the type, quantity, and quality of information which can be derived from remotely sensed data. Particular focus in on the needs of the remote sensing research and application science community which will be served by the Earth Observing System (EOS) and Space Station, including associated polar and co-orbiting platforms. The areas of georeferenced information systems, machine assisted information extraction from image data, artificial intelligence and both natural and cultural vegetation analysis and modeling research will be expanded

Remote sensing information sciences research group

Research conducted under this grant was used to extend and expand existing remote sensing activities at the University of California, Santa Barbara in the areas of georeferenced information systems, matching assisted information extraction from image data and large spatial data bases, artificial intelligence, and vegetation analysis and modeling. The research thrusts during the past year are summarized. The projects are discussed in some detail

Remote Sensing Information Sciences Research Group, year four

The needs of the remote sensing research and application community which will be served by the Earth Observing System (EOS) and space station, including associated polar and co-orbiting platforms are examined. Research conducted was used to extend and expand existing remote sensing research activities in the areas of georeferenced information systems, machine assisted information extraction from image data, artificial intelligence, and vegetation analysis and modeling. Projects are discussed in detail

Project LOBSTAQ : investigations on lobster (Homarus americanus) aquaculture, ecology and tertiary sewage treatment in controlled environmental systems

Research was based on different aspects of incorporating Homarus Americanus cultural into the multi-trophic level marine aquaculture-wastewater treatment system of the Environmental Systems laboratory at Woods Hole. Experiments were directed .toward optimizing food sources available within the system, developing designs to facilitate high density lobster growth, and elucidating the ecology of Homarus. The aquaculture-wastewater treatment system uses secondary sewage effluent or its equivalent as a nutrient source for marine phytoplankton ponds which in turn are fed into raceways containing racks of bivalves. The bivalves produce soluble nutrients used to raise macroalgae, and solid material (biodeposits) used to raise various deposit feeders. Almost all the N and over 50% of the P is removed from the wastewater by the artificial food chain.Prepared under NSF Grant GY-1154

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of cenicriviroc for treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis with fibrosis

The aim of this study was to evaluate cenicriviroc (CVC), a dual antagonist of C-C chemokine receptor types 2 and 5, for treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with liver fibrosis. A randomized, double-blind, multinational phase 2b study enrolled subjects with NASH, a nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score [NAS] ≥4, and liver fibrosis (stages 1–3, NASH Clinical Research Network) at 81 clinical sites. Subjects (N = 289) were randomly assigned CVC 150 mg or placebo. Primary outcome was ≥2-point improvement in NAS and no worsening of fibrosis at year 1. Key secondary outcomes were: resolution of steatohepatitis and no worsening of fibrosis; improvement in fibrosis by ≥1 stage and no worsening of steatohepatitis. Biomarkers of inflammation and adverse events were assessed. Full study recruitment was achieved. The primary end point of NAS improvement in the intent-to-treat population and resolution of steatohepatitis was achieved in a similar proportion of subjects on CVC (N = 145) and placebo (N = 144) (16% vs 19%, P = 0.52 and 8% vs 6%, P = 0.49, respectively). However, the fibrosis end point was met in significantly more subjects on CVC than placebo (20% vs 10%; P = 0.02). Treatment benefits were greater in those with higher disease activity and fibrosis stage at baseline. Biomarkers of systemic inflammation were reduced with CVC. Safety and tolerability of CVC were comparable to placebo. Conclusions: After 1 year of CVC treatment, twice as many subjects achieved improvement in fibrosis and no worsening of steatohepatitis compared with placebo. Given the urgent need to develop antifibrotic therapies in NASH, these findings warrant phase 3 evaluation

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of cenicriviroc for treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis with fibrosis

The aim of this study was to evaluate cenicriviroc (CVC), a dual antagonist of C-C chemokine receptor types 2 and 5, for treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with liver fibrosis. A randomized, double-blind, multinational phase 2b study enrolled subjects with NASH, a nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score [NAS] ≥4, and liver fibrosis (stages 1–3, NASH Clinical Research Network) at 81 clinical sites. Subjects (N = 289) were randomly assigned CVC 150 mg or placebo. Primary outcome was ≥2-point improvement in NAS and no worsening of fibrosis at year 1. Key secondary outcomes were: resolution of steatohepatitis and no worsening of fibrosis; improvement in fibrosis by ≥1 stage and no worsening of steatohepatitis. Biomarkers of inflammation and adverse events were assessed. Full study recruitment was achieved. The primary end point of NAS improvement in the intent-to-treat population and resolution of steatohepatitis was achieved in a similar proportion of subjects on CVC (N = 145) and placebo (N = 144) (16% vs 19%, P = 0.52 and 8% vs 6%, P = 0.49, respectively). However, the fibrosis end point was met in significantly more subjects on CVC than placebo (20% vs 10%; P = 0.02). Treatment benefits were greater in those with higher disease activity and fibrosis stage at baseline. Biomarkers of systemic inflammation were reduced with CVC. Safety and tolerability of CVC were comparable to placebo. Conclusions: After 1 year of CVC treatment, twice as many subjects achieved improvement in fibrosis and no worsening of steatohepatitis compared with placebo. Given the urgent need to develop antifibrotic therapies in NASH, these findings warrant phase 3 evaluation