NORFOLK, Va. (AP) ? The Air Force began grounding about one-third of its active-duty combat aircraft on Tuesday because of automatic federal spending cuts, including squadrons of fighters, bombers and airborne warning and control craft.
The stand down will affect units stationed in the U.S., Europe and the Pacific, though the Air Force didn't immediately provide a list of the units and bases that will be affected.
Some units that include F-16s, F-22s, A-10s and B-1s will stand down after they return home from their deployments. Other units began the stand down Tuesday.
"We must implement a tiered readiness concept where only the units preparing to deploy in support of major operations like Afghanistan are fully mission capable," Gen. Mike Hostage, commander of Air Combat Command at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, said in a statement. "Units will stand down on a rotating basis so our limited resources can be focused on fulfilling critical missions."
The Air Force says the stand-down is the result of cuts to the command's operations and maintenance account. The Air Force says it must reduce its flying by about 45,000 fewer training hours by Oct. 1 than previously scheduled.
"The current situation means we're accepting the risk that combat airpower may not be ready to respond immediately to new contingencies as they occur," Hostage said.
The Air Force says it generally takes 60 to 90 days to conduct the training needed to return aircrews to mission-ready status. For affected units, the Air Force says it will shift its focus to ground training.
That includes the use of flight simulators and academic training to maintain basic skills and aircraft knowledge, Air Combat Command spokesman Maj. Brandon Lingle said.
Lingle said aircraft maintainers would clear up as much of a backlog of scheduled inspections and maintenance that budgets allow.
___
Brock Vergakis can be reached at www.twitter.com/BrockVergakis
Hermit: 1,000 burglaries are attributed to a Maine hermit. Christopher Knight told police he had broken into one campground about 50 times since he began living in the woods in 1986.
By Staff,?Associated Press / April 10, 2013
Christopher Knight is shown in this 2012 surveillance photo from a private dwelling break-in released by Maine State Police on April 10, 2013. After almost three decades of living like a hermit in central Maine, he was arrested last week, police said on Tuesday.
REUTERS/Maine State Police/Handout
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Authorities say a man who lived like a hermit for decades in the woods of central Maine and may be responsible for more than 1,000 burglaries has been captured.
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State police say in a court affidavit that 47-year-old Christopher Knight was arrested last week when he tripped a sensor while stealing food from a camp in Rome.
Authorities on Tuesday found the campsite where they believed Knight ? known as the North Pond Hermit in local lore? has lived for 27 years.
Knight was arrested last Thursday as he left Pine Tree Camp with $283 worth of food. State Trooper Diane Vance says Knight told her he had broken into the camp about 50 times since he began living in the woods in 1986.
Knight's being held at the Kennebec County jail on burglary and theft charges.
Knight's activities, if proven, bear a remarkable similarity to the behavior of a man arrested last week in Utah. The so-called Mountain Man allegedly burglarized cabins in the Wasatch Mountains for six years.?
As The Christian Science Monitor reported, "For years, Troy Knapp was a figure in the mist, a figment floating across the rugged backcountry of southern Utah with a rifle slung over his shoulder and a grim set of the jaw. What he needed, he took, often from shuttered mountain cabins
For years, his name wasn?t known, until authorities matched a partial fingerprint from a cabin window to a California man who disappeared in 2002 after running afoul of authorities in the Golden State. But before then, motion-trigger cameras had caught several snapshots of the elusive, mysterious and possibly dangerous ?mountain man,? sparking widespread debate about his identity.
On Tuesday, Knapp?s nearly seven year walkabout ended after a tip brought local law enforcement to his tracks, which they followed to a cabin where they could hear someone chopping wood. After a brief shootout, Knapp dropped his rifle and said, reportedly with a smile, ?Good job, you got me.?
2-drug combo more effective in treating sarcomas, Moffitt Cancer Center study showsPublic release date: 9-Apr-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: Kim Polacek kim.polacek@moffitt.org 813-745-7408 H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute
MK-1775 and gemcitabine together increase cell death in rare tumor
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center and colleagues at the University of South Florida have found that when given together, a two-drug combination acts synergistically in test animals modeled with sarcoma tumors. They report that the drug combination of MK-1775 and gemcitabine resulted in a 70 percent decrease in the tumor volume when compared to receiving one drug or the other.
Their study was published in the March 8 online edition of PLOS ONE.
"Sarcomas are rare tumors affecting both children and adults, but sarcomas account for a greater number of pediatric cancers than adult," said study lead author Soner Altiok, M.D., Ph.D., associate member of the Chemical Biology and Molecular Medicine Program. "Sarcoma response rates to standard chemotherapies have been low, drug toxicity has been high, and improvement in overall survival, especially in metastatic disease, has been negligible. New drugs are needed."
Sarcomas are cancers that result from transformed cells in one of a number of tissues, including bone, cartilage, fat, muscle and vascular tissues. Sarcomas are different from carcinomas, such as breast, colon and lung cancers.
Researchers from Moffitt's Chemical Biology and Molecular Medicine and Sarcoma programs had previously collaborated in testing MK-1775's ability to inhibit Wee1, a protein known to regulate cell size and initiate cell division, an important step in the development of sarcoma. Wee1 plays a role in determining the time at which cell division begins. The researchers found that inhibition of Wee1 by MK-1775 induced cell death in sarcoma tumors.
"Inhibition of the pathways critical to tumor cell survival by molecularly targeted therapy represents an opportunity to reverse the biological basis of tumor formation," Altiok explained.
To further prove that inhibition of Wee1 by MK-1775 leads to cell death in sarcomas cells, the researchers performed additional studies, including studies on sarcomas-related mutations, such as the p53 gene. They also showed that MK-1775 was an active inhibitor of Wee1 regardless of the p53 mutation status of the tumors in the cell lines tested.
"The toxic effect of Wee1 inhibition on sarcoma cells appeared to be independent of p53 mutation status following our testing sarcoma cell lines with different p53 mutations," Altiok said. "All of them were highly sensitive to MK-1775, suggesting that Wee1 inhibition may represent a novel approach in the treatment of sarcomas. But p53 status was not predictive of response to MK-1775 as a single agent."
Because of the success of that previous research, in the new study the Moffitt team investigated the benefits of MK-1775 alone compared to MK-1775 in combination with gemcitabine, a standard chemotherapy drug. They tested the combination in a number of sarcoma cell lines derived from patient tissues and then in animals modeled with osteosarcoma (bone sarcoma).
"The combination of MK-1775 and gemcitabine demonstrated a synergistic effect in sarcoma cells," explained Altiok. "MK-1775 alone caused tumor cell damage, but when used in combination with gemcitabine, there was increased cell death."
When the research team tested the combination in laboratory animals, they found that gemcitabine alone inhibited 40 percent of tumor growth. MK-1775 alone inhibited 50 percent of tumor growth. However, MK-1775 and gemcitabine together inhibited 70 percent of tumor cell growth.
"Our data demonstrated that MK-1775 alone and in combination with gemcitabine induces significant cell death in high-grade osteosarcoma cells," concluded the authors. "This finding lays an important foundation for future clinical trials with MK-1775, which is a well-tolerated, readily available targeted drug."
###
About Moffitt Cancer Center
Located in Tampa, Moffitt is one of only 41 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a distinction that recognizes Moffitt's excellence in research, its contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Since 1999, Moffitt has been listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of "America's Best Hospitals" for cancer. With more than 4,200 employees, Moffitt has an economic impact on the state of nearly $2 billion. For more information, visit MOFFITT.org, and follow the Moffitt momentum on Facebook, twitter and YouTube.
Media release by Florida Science Communications
[ | E-mail | Share ]
?
AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.
2-drug combo more effective in treating sarcomas, Moffitt Cancer Center study showsPublic release date: 9-Apr-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: Kim Polacek kim.polacek@moffitt.org 813-745-7408 H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute
MK-1775 and gemcitabine together increase cell death in rare tumor
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center and colleagues at the University of South Florida have found that when given together, a two-drug combination acts synergistically in test animals modeled with sarcoma tumors. They report that the drug combination of MK-1775 and gemcitabine resulted in a 70 percent decrease in the tumor volume when compared to receiving one drug or the other.
Their study was published in the March 8 online edition of PLOS ONE.
"Sarcomas are rare tumors affecting both children and adults, but sarcomas account for a greater number of pediatric cancers than adult," said study lead author Soner Altiok, M.D., Ph.D., associate member of the Chemical Biology and Molecular Medicine Program. "Sarcoma response rates to standard chemotherapies have been low, drug toxicity has been high, and improvement in overall survival, especially in metastatic disease, has been negligible. New drugs are needed."
Sarcomas are cancers that result from transformed cells in one of a number of tissues, including bone, cartilage, fat, muscle and vascular tissues. Sarcomas are different from carcinomas, such as breast, colon and lung cancers.
Researchers from Moffitt's Chemical Biology and Molecular Medicine and Sarcoma programs had previously collaborated in testing MK-1775's ability to inhibit Wee1, a protein known to regulate cell size and initiate cell division, an important step in the development of sarcoma. Wee1 plays a role in determining the time at which cell division begins. The researchers found that inhibition of Wee1 by MK-1775 induced cell death in sarcoma tumors.
"Inhibition of the pathways critical to tumor cell survival by molecularly targeted therapy represents an opportunity to reverse the biological basis of tumor formation," Altiok explained.
To further prove that inhibition of Wee1 by MK-1775 leads to cell death in sarcomas cells, the researchers performed additional studies, including studies on sarcomas-related mutations, such as the p53 gene. They also showed that MK-1775 was an active inhibitor of Wee1 regardless of the p53 mutation status of the tumors in the cell lines tested.
"The toxic effect of Wee1 inhibition on sarcoma cells appeared to be independent of p53 mutation status following our testing sarcoma cell lines with different p53 mutations," Altiok said. "All of them were highly sensitive to MK-1775, suggesting that Wee1 inhibition may represent a novel approach in the treatment of sarcomas. But p53 status was not predictive of response to MK-1775 as a single agent."
Because of the success of that previous research, in the new study the Moffitt team investigated the benefits of MK-1775 alone compared to MK-1775 in combination with gemcitabine, a standard chemotherapy drug. They tested the combination in a number of sarcoma cell lines derived from patient tissues and then in animals modeled with osteosarcoma (bone sarcoma).
"The combination of MK-1775 and gemcitabine demonstrated a synergistic effect in sarcoma cells," explained Altiok. "MK-1775 alone caused tumor cell damage, but when used in combination with gemcitabine, there was increased cell death."
When the research team tested the combination in laboratory animals, they found that gemcitabine alone inhibited 40 percent of tumor growth. MK-1775 alone inhibited 50 percent of tumor growth. However, MK-1775 and gemcitabine together inhibited 70 percent of tumor cell growth.
"Our data demonstrated that MK-1775 alone and in combination with gemcitabine induces significant cell death in high-grade osteosarcoma cells," concluded the authors. "This finding lays an important foundation for future clinical trials with MK-1775, which is a well-tolerated, readily available targeted drug."
###
About Moffitt Cancer Center
Located in Tampa, Moffitt is one of only 41 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a distinction that recognizes Moffitt's excellence in research, its contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Since 1999, Moffitt has been listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of "America's Best Hospitals" for cancer. With more than 4,200 employees, Moffitt has an economic impact on the state of nearly $2 billion. For more information, visit MOFFITT.org, and follow the Moffitt momentum on Facebook, twitter and YouTube.
Media release by Florida Science Communications
[ | E-mail | Share ]
?
AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.
Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies:
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Texas deputies confirm one suspect is in custody in connection with multiple stabbings at Lone Star Community College in Houston. MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell reports.
By Erin McClam, Staff Writer, NBC News
At least 14 people were hurt Tuesday in a stabbing spree at a Texas community college apparently carried out by a student, authorities said. Sheriff?s officials said the suspect was in custody.
At least two victims were in critical condition. It was not immediately clear how severe the other injuries were. The stabbing happened at the CyFair campus of Lone Star College, in the Houston suburb of Cypress.
Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia said that authorities were not certain what the weapon or motive was. He said the suspect was 21 years old.
Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle
Life Flight personnel rush a stabbing victim to a helicopter Tuesday near Lone Star College in Cypress, Texas.
Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center said it had two patients in critical condition and six in all, including four flown there by helicopter. A spokeswoman for another hospital, North Cypress Medical Center, said it had taken six stabbing victims who were in stable condition.
Two other victims were treated at the scene and declined to be taken to the hospital, the sheriff said.
The school closed for the day and ordered students to find shelter somewhere safe. Campus police caught the suspect, the Harris County Sheriff?s Office said. The school planned to open Wednesday.
The stabbing happened just after 11 a.m., a college official said. The school had initially warned students that a second suspect might be at large, but sheriff?s officials said later that they believed they had the only suspect in custody.
In January, three people were shot at a separate campus of the same college. A federal official said that those shootings appeared to be gang-related. A 22-year-old man was charged with aggravated assault.
The Lone Star system of colleges has 90,000 students in all.
This story was originally published on Tue Apr 9, 2013 1:19 PM EDT
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Public release date: 9-Apr-2013
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Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies:
Airtight Pulmonary Function Tests: Coaching Tips from Real Life Experiences
Hand made brown GENUINE REAL LEATHER wristlet cell phone /
Asthma in Real Life (International Congress & Symposium)