A training unit has been developed that allows NVESD researchers to develop training simulations within virtual environments to enhance infantry skill and awareness. A ground station was developed to house a computer, power system, and video transmission system. This station will allow for a remote operator to wirelessly send a video/audio stream to the handset. The ground station also allows the use of external video and audio inputs to be sent using onboard converters. Different wireless frequencies were evaluated to determine the best for long-range transmission of content. A handset was developed from a carbon fiber prototype shell. The handset features a video receiver, display, power system, OSD system, and external video inputs. The user can view transmitted video and audio while obtaining real-time GPS feedback from the OSD. The alternate video input allows the handset to be used within the virtual environments developed at the University of Kentucky’s Center for Visualization for virtual environments. This thesis will present the research conducted in order to develop Mark VIIE training unit including the requirements for the project, the desired functionality, the NVESD provided equipment, the analysis of the prospective components, the design of custom fabricated parts, and the assembly and integration of the components into a complete system.

No description available.

DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) are primarily repaired in eukaryotic cells by two different mechanisms – non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) or homologous recombination (HR). In mammalian somatic cells the balance between the two highly favours NHEJ. Gene targeting is a technique that exploits HR repair to alter a defined gene locus. While it holds potential to be implemented as a treatment option for several diseases, the outlook for using it in a clinical setting has been obstructed by a low gene targeting efficiency. This has been coupled to the low frequency of HR in mammalian cells. With the intention of shifting the repair balance, antibodies against DSB repair proteins will be introduced into mammalian cells. It is predicted that by targeting key repair proteins with antibodies, a compensatory increase in the frequency of HR can be fostered, ultimately resulting in improved gene targeting. / xv, 168 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm

This PhD dissertation is made of four papers on central banking in inflation-targeting emerging economies. The first part of the dissertation is dedicated to two empirical works, based on the experiences of the 19 emerging economies that have adopted an inflation-targeting framework. I examine what exchange rate arrangement these economies are implementing together with the inflation targeting strategy, and what can explain their choice. ln the first chapter, I propose a new method to build up taxonomies of exchange-rate regimes. My approach is based on Gaussian mixture estimates. ln the second chapter, the choices for exchange-rate arrangements are explained though panel econometrics analysis. The second part of the dissertation is about the theory of optimal monetary policy. ln the first chapter, I propose an original dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model to study what should monetary policy do when food price hikes, in a small open emerging economy. ln the last chapter, a similar modeling approach is used to analysis how credit constraints impact monetary policy in financially venerable emerging economies.

A novel, lipid-based platform nanotechnology has been designed to overcome limitations of in vivo fluorescent imaging, multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotypes hindering breast cancer chemotherapy, and shortcomings of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) thermometry. Using this platform, three nanoparticle systems have been developed: QD-SLN (quantum dot-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles), DMsPLN (doxorubicin and mitomycin C co-loaded polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles), and HLN (hydrogel-lipid hybrid nanoparticles). Stealth, near-infrared emitting QD-SLN were developed for deep tissue fluorescence imaging, which were capable of extending the depth of penetration beyond 2 cm, with near complete probe clearance and good tolerability in vivo. The QD-SLN was used to evaluate the biodistribution of non-targeted SLN and actively targeted RGD-conjugated SLN. Non-targeted SLN accumulated in breast tumors and evaded liver uptake. The RGD-SLN showed prolonged retention in breast tumor neovasculature at the cost of lesser tumor accumulation due to enhanced liver uptake. With this information, a long circulating, non-targeted DMsPLN with a synergistic cancer chemotherapeutic combination of doxorubicin and mitomycin C was formulated to overcome MDR, enhancing breast cancer chemotherapy. Extensive tumor cell uptake and perinuclear trafficking of DMsPLN overcame the MDR phenotype of breast tumor cells in vitro. The DMsPLN provided the most efficacious chemotherapy reported in literature against aggressive mouse mammary tumors in vivo with significant reduction in whole animal and cardiotoxicity as compared to clinically applied liposomal doxorubicin. In establishing our tumor models, the impact of Matrigel™ on the tumor microenvironment was investigated, demonstrating altered tumor vascular and lymphatic anatomy and physiology, and significantly impacting nanomedicines assessment in mouse models of cancer. In all in vivo studies, tumors were established without use of Matrigel™. To guide thermotherapy of solid tumors, a novel HLN was formulated for use in MRI thermometry, presenting the first contrast agent capable of indicating a tunable, absolute two-point temperature window. In using specific limitations of therapeutic and imaging modalities to inform rational nanoparticle design, this lipid-based platform nanotechnology has extended the application of fluorescence imaging in vivo, enhanced the utility of nanoparticulate chemotherapeutics against breast cancer independent of MDR status, and provided novel functionality for MRI thermometry.

A novel, lipid-based platform nanotechnology has been designed to overcome limitations of in vivo fluorescent imaging, multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotypes hindering breast cancer chemotherapy, and shortcomings of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) thermometry. Using this platform, three nanoparticle systems have been developed: QD-SLN (quantum dot-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles), DMsPLN (doxorubicin and mitomycin C co-loaded polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles), and HLN (hydrogel-lipid hybrid nanoparticles). Stealth, near-infrared emitting QD-SLN were developed for deep tissue fluorescence imaging, which were capable of extending the depth of penetration beyond 2 cm, with near complete probe clearance and good tolerability in vivo. The QD-SLN was used to evaluate the biodistribution of non-targeted SLN and actively targeted RGD-conjugated SLN. Non-targeted SLN accumulated in breast tumors and evaded liver uptake. The RGD-SLN showed prolonged retention in breast tumor neovasculature at the cost of lesser tumor accumulation due to enhanced liver uptake. With this information, a long circulating, non-targeted DMsPLN with a synergistic cancer chemotherapeutic combination of doxorubicin and mitomycin C was formulated to overcome MDR, enhancing breast cancer chemotherapy. Extensive tumor cell uptake and perinuclear trafficking of DMsPLN overcame the MDR phenotype of breast tumor cells in vitro. The DMsPLN provided the most efficacious chemotherapy reported in literature against aggressive mouse mammary tumors in vivo with significant reduction in whole animal and cardiotoxicity as compared to clinically applied liposomal doxorubicin. In establishing our tumor models, the impact of Matrigel™ on the tumor microenvironment was investigated, demonstrating altered tumor vascular and lymphatic anatomy and physiology, and significantly impacting nanomedicines assessment in mouse models of cancer. In all in vivo studies, tumors were established without use of Matrigel™. To guide thermotherapy of solid tumors, a novel HLN was formulated for use in MRI thermometry, presenting the first contrast agent capable of indicating a tunable, absolute two-point temperature window. In using specific limitations of therapeutic and imaging modalities to inform rational nanoparticle design, this lipid-based platform nanotechnology has extended the application of fluorescence imaging in vivo, enhanced the utility of nanoparticulate chemotherapeutics against breast cancer independent of MDR status, and provided novel functionality for MRI thermometry.

This thesis deals with the law applicable to targeting during an armed conflict — in particular, the law concerning military objectives and the rule of proportionality. The law concerning military objectives is further considered in the context of a UN sanctioned military operation.Using the law applicable to Australia as the frame of reference (particularly Additional Protocol I of 1977), the existing treaty law, relevant case law, and the extensive commentary available is analysed. Separate chapters deal with the law concerning human targets, non-human targets, and currently controversial targets (along with effects based operations). Further chapters deal with precautions in attack and proportionality.The law of targeting in the context of United Nations operations is addressed; and in particular, how a United Nations Security Council mandate might affect what objectives are lawful targets.Finally, I put forward a process by which responsibility for individual components of a targeting decision can be analysed. This will allow for the determination of legal responsibility for discrete steps in a targeting decision. This should prove particularly useful in two situations. First, it will enable military commanders to appreciate what needs to be considered in each targeting decision and thereby ensure that somebody is assigned responsibility for each discrete step. Second, in the event of an investigation into an alleged targeting mishap, it will be possible to identify who had, or at least should have had, responsibility for discrete aspects of the overall targeting decision.

Introduction: Embolic agents are used to block blood flow of hypervascular tumours, ultimately resulting in target tissue necrosis. However, this therapy is limited by the formation of new blood vessels within the tumour, a process known as angiogenesis. Targeting angiogenesis led to the discovery of anti-angiogenic factors, large molecular weight proteins that can block the angiogenic process. The aim of this research is development of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) aqueous solutions that cross-link in situ to form a hydrogel that functions as an embolic agent for delivery of macromolecular drugs. Methods: PVA (14 kDa, 83% hydrolysed), functionalised by 7 acrylamide groups per chain, was used to prepare 10, 15, and 20wt% non-degradable hydrogels, cured by UV or redox initiation. Structural properties were characterised and the release of FITCDextran (20kDa) was quantified. Degradable networks were then prepared by attaching to PVA (83% and 98 % hydrolysed) ester linkages with an acrylate end group. The effect on degradation profiles was assessed by varying parameters such as macromer concentration, cross-linking density, polymer backbone and curing method. To further enhance the technology, radiopaque degradable PVA was synthesised, and degradation profiles were determined. Cell growth inhibition of modified PVA and degradable products were also investigated. Results: Redox initiation resulted in non-degradable PVA networks of well-controlled structural properties. Increasing the solid content from 10 to 20wt% prolonged the release time from few hours to ~ 2 days but had no effect on the percent release, with only a maximum release of 65% achieved. Ester attachment to the PVA allowed flexibility in designing networks of variable swelling behaviors and degradation times allowing ease of tailoring for specific clinical requirements. Synthesis of radiopaque degradable PVA hydrogels was successful without affecting the polymer solubility in water or its ability to polymerize by redox. This suggested that this novel hydrogel is a potential liquid embolic with enhanced X-ray visibility. Degradable products had negligible cytotoxicity. Conclusion: Novel non-degradable and radiopaque degradable PVA hydrogels cured by redox initiation were developed in this research. The developed PVA hydrogels showed characteristics in vitro that are desirable for the in vivo application as release systems for anti-angiogenic factors.

Introduction: Embolic agents are used to block blood flow of hypervascular tumours, ultimately resulting in target tissue necrosis. However, this therapy is limited by the formation of new blood vessels within the tumour, a process known as angiogenesis. Targeting angiogenesis led to the discovery of anti-angiogenic factors, large molecular weight proteins that can block the angiogenic process. The aim of this research is development of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) aqueous solutions that cross-link in situ to form a hydrogel that functions as an embolic agent for delivery of macromolecular drugs. Methods: PVA (14 kDa, 83% hydrolysed), functionalised by 7 acrylamide groups per chain, was used to prepare 10, 15, and 20wt% non-degradable hydrogels, cured by UV or redox initiation. Structural properties were characterised and the release of FITCDextran (20kDa) was quantified. Degradable networks were then prepared by attaching to PVA (83% and 98 % hydrolysed) ester linkages with an acrylate end group. The effect on degradation profiles was assessed by varying parameters such as macromer concentration, cross-linking density, polymer backbone and curing method. To further enhance the technology, radiopaque degradable PVA was synthesised, and degradation profiles were determined. Cell growth inhibition of modified PVA and degradable products were also investigated. Results: Redox initiation resulted in non-degradable PVA networks of well-controlled structural properties. Increasing the solid content from 10 to 20wt% prolonged the release time from few hours to ~ 2 days but had no effect on the percent release, with only a maximum release of 65% achieved. Ester attachment to the PVA allowed flexibility in designing networks of variable swelling behaviors and degradation times allowing ease of tailoring for specific clinical requirements. Synthesis of radiopaque degradable PVA hydrogels was successful without affecting the polymer solubility in water or its ability to polymerize by redox. This suggested that this novel hydrogel is a potential liquid embolic with enhanced X-ray visibility. Degradable products had negligible cytotoxicity. Conclusion: Novel non-degradable and radiopaque degradable PVA hydrogels cured by redox initiation were developed in this research. The developed PVA hydrogels showed characteristics in vitro that are desirable for the in vivo application as release systems for anti-angiogenic factors.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karol. inst., 2003. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.