CORE--PILOT AND EXPLORATORY STUDIES

试点和探索性研究核心（PESC）的目标是为研究提供支持，这些研究将开发和测试与中心总体主题高度相关的新研究理念，衰老表型的预测因子和调节剂，以及遗传、环境和社会因素通过对衰老过程的影响影响晚年疾病的方式。因此，PESC将资助从基本遗传学和生理学到行为和保健服务研究等广泛学科的试点研究。每个提交的提案将首先接受至少两名外部审稿人的科学价值评估，然后由OAIC领导人进一步评估其与中心目标的相关性。胡椒中心的前研究发展核心（REIC）自1989年成立以来，已经颁发了61项试点拨款，主要是给初级教员，其中许多人现在已经成为老年医学和相关学科中富有成效的独立研究人员。在2004 - 2005学年，有四个项目获资助，包括：(a)骨骼化学遗传学和脆性研究；(b)利用肌肉外植体研究胰岛素敏感性的新系统；(c)改变体弱和健康老年人跌倒风险的因素；(d)性别和族裔群体对酒精消费轨迹的影响。PESC将由理查德·米勒博士领导，他曾担任

The goal of the Pilot and Exploratory Studies Core (PESC) is to provide support for studies that will develop and test new research ideas of high relevance to the Center's overall theme, the predictors and modulators of the aging phenotype and the ways in which genetic, environmental, and social factors influence late life disease through effects on the aging process. The PESC will thus fund pilot research studies over a wide range of disciplines, ranging from basic genetics and physiology through behavioral and health services research. Each submitted proposal will first receive an evaluation for scientific merit by at least two external reviewers, and then be further evaluated by OAIC leaders for its relevance to Center objectives. The Pepper Center's former Research Development Core (REIC) has made 61 pilot grant awards since its inception in 1989, mostly to junior faculty members, many of whom have now established themselves as productive independent researchers in geriatric medicine and cognate disciplines. Four projects have been selected for funding in the 2004 - 2005 academic year, including studies of (a) the genetics of bone chemistry and fragility; (b) a new system for investigation of insulin sensitivity using muscle explants; (c) factors modifying risk of falls in frail and healthy elderly subjects; and (d) the influences of gender and ethnic group on trajectories of alcohol consumption. The PESC will be directed by Dr. Richard Miller, who has served as director of the OAIC's RDC since 1993, and will be co-directed by Dr. Jeffrey Halter. Drs. Miller and Halter will work closely with the Directors of the RCDC to assist RCDC junior faculty as they develop plans for competitive Pilot Grant applications for PESC consideration.