Engaging the Immune Response to Normalize the Tumor Microenvironment

Solid tumors exist as heterogeneous populations comprised not only of malignant cells, but various other cell types, including cells that make up the vasculature, that can strongly influence tumorgenicity. Many forms of solid cancers are highly vascularized due to dysregulated angiogenesis. The tumor vasculature is classified by leaky, chaotic blood vessels consisting of several components including vascular endothelial cells and pericytes, as well vascular progenitors, resulting in vascular permeability and high interstitial pressure. As a result, the tumor vasculature limits the access of immune effector cells to the tumor, and may in part be responsible for the modest success observed in many current anti-cancer immunotherapies. Current first-line therapeutics in the advanced stage disease setting include anti-angiogenic small molecule drugs that have yielded high objective clinical response rates, however these responses tend to be transient in nature, with most patients becoming drug-refractory. Anti-tumor vasculature vaccines may promote the reconditioning of the tumor microenvironment by coordinately promoting a pro-inflammatory environment and the specific immune targeting of tumor-associated stromal cell populations that contribute to vasculature destabilization. Implementing a vaccine with these therapeutic effects is a promising treatment option that may extend disease-free intervals and overall patient survival. I show that vaccines specifically targeting tumor vasculature populations can “normalize” the tumor microenvironment, as shown by upregulation of proinflammatory molecules within the tumor as well as vascular remodeling promoting enhanced recruitment of CD8+ T cells, resulting in superior anti-tumor efficacy

Geomorphology, tectonics, and exploration

Explorationists interpret satellite images for tectonic features and patterns that may be clues to mineral and energy deposits. The tectonic features of interest range in scale from regional (sedimentary basins, fold belts) to local (faults, fractures) and are generally expressed as geomorphic features in remote sensing images. Explorationists typically employ classic concepts of geomorphology and landform analysis for their interpretations, which leads to the question - Are there new and evolving concepts in geomorphology that may be applicable to tectonic analyses of images

Expression of San Andreas Fault on Seasat Radar Image

On a Seasat image (23.5-cm wavelength) of the Durmid Hills in southern California, the San Andreas fault is expressed as a prominent southeast-trending tonal lineament that is bright on the southwest side and dark on the northeast side. Field investigation established that the bright signature corresponds to outcrops of the Borrego Formation, which weathers to a rough surface. The dark signature corresponds to sand and silt deposits of Lake Coahuila which are smooth at the wavelength of the Seasat radar. These signatures and field characteristics agree with calculations of the smooth and rough radar criteria. On Landsat and Skylab images of the Durmid Hills, the Borrego and Lake Coahuila surfaces have similar bright tones and the San Andreas fault is not detectable. On a side-looking airborne radar image (0.86-cm wavelength), both the Borrego and Lake Coahuila surfaces appear rough, which results in bright signatures on both sides of the San Andreas fault. Because of this lack of roughness contrast, the fault cannot be distinguished. The wavelength of the Seasat radar system is well suited for mapping geologic features in the Durmid Hills that are obscure on other remote sensing images

Geology

Papers from private industry reporting applications of remote sensing to oil and gas exploration were presented. Digitally processed LANDSAT images were successfully employed in several geologic interpretations. A growing interest in digital image processing among the geologic user community was shown. The papers covered a wide geographic range and a wide technical and application range. Topics included: (1) oil and gas exploration, by use of radar and multisensor studies as well as by use of LANDSAT imagery or LANDSAT digital data, (2) mineral exploration, by mapping from LANDSAT and Skylab imagery and by LANDSAT digital processing, (3) geothermal energy studies with Skylab imagery, (4) environmental and engineering geology, by use of radar or LANDSAT and Skylab imagery, (5) regional mapping and interpretation, and digital and spectral methods

Development of a Method: Self-Directed Self-Expression through Digital Storytelling for Students with Behavioral Concerns

Digital storytelling is an accessible and adaptable gateway for self-expression. There has been much research done exploring the benefits of using it within therapeutic and educational contexts, as it offers an alternative, semi-structured opportunity to freely create. Utilizing this form of expressive therapies with children with behavioral concerns can offer control and autonomy in a world where they get more attention for their problematic behaviors. This study was intended to provide a digital platform for children with behavioral concerns to direct their own self-expression through digital storytelling. The children chosen for this intervention attend a therapeutic behavioral day school and the intervention was carried out during school hours. A methodology was constructed offering four different modalities of digital storytelling, within two different thematic interpretations, over an 8-week period. The project did not result in what was planned, however, as the project’s only participant self-directed the intervention using only the piano and no digital material was created. This result echoed the literature in how vital it is to be flexible when working with children and within the expressive arts therapies

Adopting the Blue Zones lifestyle: the new solution to diabetes

Analyzing the literature regarding how adopting a Blue Zones-inspired lifestyle, diet, and exercise habits can improve the life longevity of middle-aged adults who have type II diabetes

Adopting the blue zones lifestyle: the new solution to diabetes & prolonging life longevity

This research encompasses the influence of the Blue Zones Project & Lifestyle as a means for blood glucose control & non-pharmacologic management for Type II Diabetes with added benefits of improving quality of life

Representation recovers information

Early agreement within cognitive science on the topic of representation has now given way to a combination of positions. Some question the significance of representation in cognition. Others continue to argue in favor, but the case has not been demonstrated in any formal way. The present paper sets out a framework in which the value of representation-use can be mathematically measured, albeit in a broadly sensory context rather than a specifically cognitive one. Key to the approach is the use of Bayesian networks for modeling the distal dimension of sensory processes. More relevant to cognitive science is the theoretical result obtained, which is that a certain type of representational architecture is *necessary* for achievement of sensory efficiency. While exhibiting few of the characteristics of traditional, symbolic encoding, this architecture corresponds quite closely to the forms of embedded representation now being explored in some embedded/embodied approaches. It becomes meaningful to view that type of representation-use as a form of information recovery. A formal basis then exists for viewing representation not so much as the substrate of reasoning and thought, but rather as a general medium for efficient, interpretive processing

Geo-environmental mapping using physiographic analysis: constraints on the evaluation of land instability and groundwater pollution hazards in the Metropolitan District of Campinas, Brazil

Geo-environmental terrain assessments and territorial zoning are useful tools for the formulation and implementation of environmental management instruments (including policy-making, planning, and enforcement of statutory regulations). They usually involve a set of procedures and techniques for delimitation, characterisation and classification of terrain units. However, terrain assessments and zoning exercises are often costly and time-consuming, particularly when encompassing large areas, which in many cases prevent local agencies in developing countries from properly benefiting from such assessments. In the present paper, a low-cost technique based on the analysis of texture of satellite imagery was used for delimitation of terrain units. The delimited units were further analysed in two test areas situated in Southeast Brazil to provide estimates of land instability and the vulnerability of groundwater to pollution hazards. The implementation incorporated procedures for inferring the influences and potential implications of tectonic fractures and other discontinuities on ground behaviour and local groundwater flow. Terrain attributes such as degree of fracturing, bedrock lithology and weathered materials were explored as indicators of ground properties. The paper also discusses constraints on- and limitations of- the approaches taken

Increasing Production from Low-Permeability Gas Reservoirs by Optimizing Zone Isolation for Successful Stimulation Treatments

Maximizing production from wells drilled in low-permeability reservoirs, such as the Barnett Shale, is determined by cementing, stimulation, and production techniques employed. Studies show that cementing can be effective in terms of improving fracture effectiveness by 'focusing' the frac in the desired zone and improving penetration. Additionally, a method is presented for determining the required properties of the set cement at various places in the well, with the surprising result that uphole cement properties in wells destined for multiple-zone fracturing is more critical than those applied to downhole zones. Stimulation studies show that measuring pressure profiles and response during Pre-Frac Injection Test procedures prior to the frac job are critical in determining if a frac is indicated at all, as well as the type and size of the frac job. This result is contrary to current industry practice, in which frac jobs are designed well before the execution, and carried out as designed on location. Finally, studies show that most wells in the Barnett Shale are production limited by liquid invasion into the wellbore, and determinants are presented for when rod or downhole pumps are indicated