PILOT AND EXPLORATORY STUDIES CORE

试点和探索性研究核心(PESC)的目标是为将开展的研究提供支持 并测试与中心总体主题高度相关的新研究思路、预测因素和调节因素 衰老表型以及遗传、环境和社会因素影响晚年生活的方式 通过对衰老过程的影响而引发的疾病。因此，PESC将资助广泛的先导性研究 一系列学科，从基础遗传学和生理学到行为和健康服务 研究。每个提交的提案将首先接受至少两个外部人员对科学价值的评估 审查人员，然后由伊斯兰会议组织领导人进一步评估其与中心目标的相关性。《胡椒》 该中心的前研究开发核心(REIC)自#年成立以来，已获得61项试点赠款 1989年，主要面向初级教职员工，其中许多人现在已经确立了自己的生产力 老年医学和相关学科的独立研究人员。已有四个项目入选 2004-2005学年的资助，包括：(A)骨化学遗传学和 脆弱性；(B)使用肌肉外植体研究胰岛素敏感性的新系统；(C)修改因素 身体虚弱和健康的老年人跌倒的风险；和(D)性别和种族对 酒精消费的轨迹。PESC将由理查德·米勒博士领导，他曾担任 自1993年以来一直担任OAIC的RDC主任，并将由Jeffrey Halt博士共同指导。米勒博士和哈尔特博士 将与RCDC主任密切合作，协助RCDC初级教职员工制定计划 竞争试点资助申请，以供PESC考虑。

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.