Harnessing the Power of Light to See and Treat Breast Cancer

images[9]Our objective is to exploit the wealth of physiological, metabolic, morphological and molecular sources of optical contrast to develop novel strategies that focus on two breast cancer applications: tumor margin assessment and prediction of response to neo-adjuvant therapy. The proposed aims of this grant are expected to result in three major contributions. The first has the most immediate impact. An optically based strategy that can quickly and non-destructively detect positive tumor margins will decrease the need for re-excision surgery and thereby decrease the local recurrence rate and rate of distant metastases in women electing BCS. Gaining insight into the physiological, metabolic, morphological and molecular sources of heterogeneity within and among tumors and how they are modulated by therapy, drug resistance and metastatic potential will directly benefit prognostication, prediction of outcome and planning of cancer therapies. With these tools, clinicians and clinical researchers can get a better understanding of this disease and how it might react to a drug. Basic science researchers could use it as an informed approach to study tumor biology and assay the effect of novel therapeutic agents in vivo. Personal Author N. Ramanujam
For more info please go to: http://www.ntis.gov/search/product.aspx?ABBR=ADA594106 or call NTIS 1-800-553-6847 Mon – Fri 8am – 5pm est

Dimensional Review of Scales for Forensic Photography.

images[3]Scales for forensic photography provide a geometrical reference in the photographic documentation of evidence. A common scale used by investigators is a plastic, L-shaped ruler that allows for a dimensional reference in the photographic documentation of evidence or a crime scene. The ABFO No. 2 Standard Reference Scale has received recognition by the forensic science community as a reliable and accurate reference scale; however, we have surveyed commercially available scales and found a lack of consistency in manufacturing processes and, consequently a lack of strict adherence to the standard. This study seeks to evaluate the quality of commercially available photo scales, document manufacturing processes, and suggest pathways for establishing standards for forensic photo scales that will serve as a means for ensuring accuracy and user confidence. Personal Author J. A. Neiman J. P. Jones M. Ferrucci R. Thompson S. M. Ballou T. D. Doiron
For more info go to: http://www.ntis.gov/search/product.aspx?ABBR=PB2014100702