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States that competitive advantage is like a moving target, changing over time as market conditions, consumer demand and resource availability vary. Provides a case study of Taiwan’s present advantages within the heights of the Asian economic growth and the recent economic crisis. Considers the ability of the country to sustain its remarkable growth rate and ask whether it needs to develop a new set of advantages. Uses Porter’s Diamond model in the “Competitive Advantage of Nations” (1990) to examine this issue. Concludes that the biggest threat is that of China’s claim to Taiwan’s territory.

Objectives: To review the advances in radiation therapy for prostate cancer and the nursing care of patients with prostate cancer. Data Sources: Peer-reviewed journal articles, including research studies and review articles. Conclusions: Radiation therapy is used to cure early stage prostate cancer, control locally advanced disease, and effectively palliate symptoms of metastasis. The three forms of treatment used include external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy, and radiopharmaceutical treatments. Implications for Nursing Practice: Nursing care of patients receiving radiation therapy for prostate cancer includes managing the symptoms associated with the disease and treatment, educating patients and families about self-care measures, and providing support throughout the course of the disease.

Previous studies have shown that chronic i.v. treatment with morphine or heroin decreased mu opioid receptor activation of G-proteins in specific brain regions. The present study examined the effect of intrathecal (i.t.) morphine administration on receptor/G-protein coupling in the spinal cord. In spinal cord membranes, [35S]GTP gamma S binding was stimulated by agonists of several G-protein-coupled receptors, including mu opioid (DAMGO), delta opioid (DPDPE), GABA(B) (baclofen), cannabinoid CB(1) (WIN 55,212-2), muscarinic cholinergic (carbachol) and adenosine A(1) (PIA). [35S]GTP gamma S autoradiography revealed that most of this agonist activation of G-proteins was localized to laminae I and II of dorsal horn. To determine the effects of chronic morphine on these receptor activities, rats were treated for 7 days with 0.11 mg/kg/day i.t. morphine, and receptor activation of G-proteins was determined by [35S]GTP gamma S autoradiography of brain and spinal cord. In spinal cord sections, chronic morphine treatment decreased DAMGO-stimulated [35S]GTP gamma S binding in laminae I and II at all levels of spinal cord examined. There were no effects of morphine treatment on [35S]GTP gamma S stimulation in spinal cord by other receptor systems examined (Adenosine A(1) and GABA(B)), and no significant effects of chronic i.t. morphine treatment were observed in brain sections. These data show that homologous desensitization of mu receptor/G-protein coupling occurs specifically in spinal cord following chronic morphine administration.

Using the Genetic Analysis Workshop 12 simulated data, we contrasted results for association tests in nuclear families and extended pedigrees using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data, and we compared results for different trait definitions, for outbred and isolate populations, and for SNP and microsatellite data. SNPs in major genes 1 and 6 were analyzed using transmission disequilibrium testing (TDT) [Spielman et al., Am J Hum Genet 52:506–16, 1993], sibship disequilibrium testing (SDT) [Horvath and Laird, Am J Hum Genet 63:1886–97, 1998], family-based association testing (FBAT) [Horvath et al., Eur J Hum Genet 9:301–6, 2001], and a chi-square analysis of founders. TDT and SDT were applied in a sample of independent nuclear families, while FBAT was applied in extended pedigrees. SNPs and microsatellites were analyzed with dichotomous and quantitative trait definitions using FBAT in the isolate and outbred populations. The results of the TDT, SDT, and FBAT analyses are comparable using SNP data to identify the disease gene. However, these tests of association were not helpful in discriminating between functional and non-functional SNPs in disequilibrium. SNP data were able to identify association with affection status in a gene that influences the liability directly (MG6), but did not perform as well when assessing association with affection status in a gene that influences the outcome only through a quantitative trait (MGI). Association with MGI was observed using the SNP data when the outcome was defined quantitatively. Microsatellite data were relatively unsuccessful in identifying association with the markers in the region of a major gene. The magnitude of the associations between SNPs and the dichotomous or quantitative trait definitions were similar in the outbred and isolated populations. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Looks at the problems of logistics in military operations and today’s commercial businesses. Traces the development of logistics management from a subordinate activity within a product producing entity to its performance by a separate entity which specializes in this area and requires a strategic alliance. Looks at this issue from the perspective of the outsourcing company and the logistical company. Considers what happens when this process is reversed and provides implications for the future.

OBJECTIVES: Reports of partner violence against HIV-positive women after they have disclosed their serostatus have led some to reassess partner notification strategies and to speculate that fear of partner violence following partner notification may influence women's HIV testing decisions. We studied whether associations exist between women's declining to have an HIV test and history of partner violence, fear of partner violence, previous experience with partner notification, or beliefs about partner notification. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we interviewed women seen at Newark and Miami sexually transmitted disease clinics. The women were at least 18 years old, not known to be HIV positive, not tested for HIV in the previous 3 months, and offered HIV testing during the clinic visit. Women who declined testing were compared with women who accepted. RESULTS: Of 490 participants (89% of eligible women), 16% reported partner violence in the past year, and 28% declined HIV testing. Declining the test was not significantly (p >.05) associated with history or fear of partner violence, previous experience with partner notification, or beliefs about partner notification. When specifically asked, only 2 women responded that their declining the test was related to fear that their partner or partners might harm them if the women tested positive. CONCLUSIONS: Among women seen at these clinics, we did not find evidence that declining the HIV test was strongly influenced by partner violence, previous experience with partner notification, or beliefs about partner notification. However, many women reported partner violence. Therefore, providers should assess the potential for partner violence and be prepared to make appropriate referrals. Language: en

Burkitt's lymphoma cell line, BL2 was stimulated by surface BCR cross-linking and altered gene expression was analyzed by RDA methodology. Consistent with previous reports, we detected up-regulated MDC, IL6R and adhesion molecule LFA1. We also detected gene expression of SIRPα, anti-apoptotic A-20, signal regulatory SLP76 and BCAR3, DNA binding proteins EGR2 and DEC1 in addition to some new genes.

This study investigated the relationship between mu receptor binding and mu agonist activation of G-proteins in the rat brain. To directly compare agonist potencies in receptor binding (K(i) values) and G-protein activation (K(s) values), both agonist-stimulated [(35)S]guanosine-5'-O-(gamma-thio)-triphosphate ([(35)S]GTPgammaS) and [(3)H]naloxone binding assays were conducted under identical conditions, using the full mu agonist [d-Ala(2), N-Me(4), Gly(5)-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO). DAMGO exhibited biphasic competition of [(3)H]naloxone binding and stimulation of [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding in most regions. Whereas the high-affinity component represented a large percentage (50-80%) of total receptor sites, the high-affinity component of DAMGO-stimulated [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding was much lower,30% of the total, and in most regions significant stimulation of [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding did not occur until the high-affinity binding sites were completely occupied. Moreover, the low-affinity potencies for DAMGO in receptor binding and G-protein activation were the same across different regions. Receptor-transducer amplification factors were calculated by the ratio of the apparent B(max) of net agonist-stimulated [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding to the B(max) of receptor binding. Amplification factors for the nine regions examined were relatively high and varied significantly across regions, from a ratio of 8 in the thalamus to 38 in the cortex, suggesting that the efficiency of mu opioid receptor coupling to G-proteins varies across brain regions.

Assesses the effects of the Asian economic crisis on Taiwan and identifies some reasons why it has been less dramatically affected than other Asian countries. Discusses its actual and planned policies aimed at strengthening the economy further by maintaining currency stability, improving competitive strengths in both hi‐tech industries and manufacturing, entering new export markets, stimulating domestic demand and reforming financial institutions and regulations. Recognizes the political threats it faces but believes that increasing trade with and investment in China has reduced them.

Outlines the Japanese system of protectionism as a global barrier and focuses on the rice markets as one of the first markets to be opened up. Analyses the reasons for this and offers strategies for overseas companies to take advantage of this opportunity. Suggest that these examples can then be applied to other markets.

Introduction: To conduct an evidence-based review of the literature on the effectiveness of partner notification strategies for syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the United States. Methods: Systematic literature searches of available databases yielded 212 English language articles on partner notification, 13 of which met the inclusion criteria. These 13 articles were systematically reviewed, abstracted, and rated for quality of study methods, analysis, and generalizability. Results: Partner notification can newly detect HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases among partners. Of the six high-quality studies, the highest numbers of infections per infected person, 0.23 and 0.24, were detected by provider referral while the lowest number of infections per infected person, 0.03, was detected by self referral. None of the 13 studies examined the consequences of partner notification, such as infections or health consequences averted or changes in behavior and partnerships for infected persons or their partners. Conclusions: There is good evidence that partner notification is a means of newly detecting infections. In addition, there is fair evidence that provider referral generally ensures that more partners are notified and medically evaluated than does self referral. More research is needed to improve elicitation and notification procedures and tailor them to specific populations, to assess the effect of new testing technologies on partner notification, and to understand the consequences of partner notification for infected persons and their partners.

We report 611 non-mosaic and 91 mosaic findings of trisomies 13, 18 and 21, and numerical sex chromosome abnormalities in a series of 20 527 CVS, in the Association of Clinical Cytogeneticists U.K. Collaborative Study, the majority with analysis of both direct preparations and cultured cells. No false-positive results were encountered among the 611 non-mosaic cases, making these findings a very reliable indicator of the fetal karyotype. One false-negative case was reported. In contrast, the 91 mosaic abnormalities were unreliable predictors of fetal abnormality. Many were associated with normal outcomes, but a significant proportion of cases of each individual aneuploidy proved genuine. Mosaicism for 45,X, and trisomies 13 and 18 was disproportionately common. 17 of the mosaic cases showed complete discordance between the karyotype from direct preparations and that from cultured cells. All would have resulted in either a false-positive or a false-negative finding if only one technique had been used. Based on our experience, and that of others, we believe that the highest level of predictive accuracy using CVS can only be achieved if both direct preparation and cell culture are performed. In addition, we continue to recommend that all pregnancies demonstrating mosaicism for these aneuploidies at CVS undergo amniocentesis or fetal blood sampling to differentiate between confined placental mosaicism and true fetal karyotypic abnormality. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Purpose: With changes in reimbursement and a decrease in the number of residents, there is a need to explore new ways of achieving high quality patient care in radiation oncology. One mechanism is the implementation of non-physician practitioner roles, such as the advanced practice nurse (APN) and physician assistant (PA). This paper provides information for radiation oncologists and nurses making decisions about: (1) whether or not APNs or PAs are appropriate for their practice, (2) which type of provider would be most effective, and (3) how best to implement this role. Methods: Review of the literature and personal perspective. Conclusions: Specific issues addressed regarding APN and PA roles in radiation oncology include: definition of roles, regulation, prescriptive authority, reimbursement, considerations in implementation of the role, educational needs, and impact on resident training. A point of emphasis is that the non-physician practitioner is not a replacement or substitute for either a resident or a radiation oncologist. Instead, this role is a complementary one. The non-physician practitioner can assist in the diagnostic work-up of patients, manage symptoms, provide education to patients and families, and assist them in coping. This support facilitates the physician’s ability to focus on the technical aspects of prescribing radiotherapy.

Planar laser scattering (PLS) and planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) techniques are currently being used for rapid characterization of fuel sprays associated with gas turbine atomizers, Diesel injectors, and automotive fuel injectors. These techniques can be use used for qualitative, quantitative, and rapid measurement of fuel mass, spray geometry, and Sauter mean diameters in various sprays. The spatial distribution of the fuel mass can be inferred directly from the PLIF image, and the Sauter mean diameter can be measured by simultaneously recording the PLIF and PLS images, and then ratioing the two. A spray characterization system incorporating the PLS and/or PLIF techniques has been loosely termed an Optical Patternator, and in this study, it has been used to characterize both steady and pulsed sprays. The results obtained with the Optical Patternator have been directly validated using a Phase Doppler Particle Analyzer (PDPA).Copyright © 1997 by ASME

Background. Polymorphic class I and II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are not transcribed in trophoblasts although many immune system cells express these genes constitutively. To study the molecular biology of MHC suppression for the purposes of potential transgenic animal development, we examined the effect on MHC expression in B cells by fusing them with trophoblasts. Methods. Trophoblasts and B cells with separate selection markers were fused with polyethylene glycol. After growth in double selection media, the hybrids were analyzed for HLA-A, -B, -C, -DR, -DP, and -DQ expression by fluorescence-activated cell scanning and class I and II mRNA by Northern blotting. Class II promoter activity in trophoblasts was then analyzed by transfection of a lethal reporter construct and subsequently, the class II transactivator. Results. Class I and II surface antigens and their corresponding mRNA were completely suppressed in the hybrids. The lethal reporter construct demonstrated that class II suppression resulted from lack of activation of the class II promoter. This in turn was caused by lack of functional class II transactivator. Conclusions. These data indicate that dominant negative trophoblast factors, either directly or indirectly, suppress expression of the MHC genes. If these factors can be cloned, the potential exists for developing transgenic animals that cannot express MHC or peptide antigen to T cell receptors through the MHC system.

Linkage analysis was performed on the GAW11 Problem 2 data set using stratification to explore the effects of the environmental risk factors and the differences between mild and severe phenotypes. Analysis of the four study populations stratified by the two risk factors identified regions on chromosomes 3 and 5 with significant evidence for linkage. Other loci were sought by removing families consistent with linkage to the chromosome 3 locus. Our studies identified a locus on chromosome 3 (markers 43-46) associated with the mild phenotype in the presence of risk factor 1 and with the severe phenotype independent of risk factor 1. This suggests that distinct allelic variants at the chromosome 3 locus may cause different forms of disease. The locus identified on chromosome 5 (markers 36-39) was linked to the severe phenotype, but exposure to factor 1 or 2 may have a protective effect. The regions on chromosomes 3 and 5 appeared to have independent roles in disease etiology. Evidence for two loci on chromosome 1 linked to the mild form was found. The methods successfully identified linkages and interaction consistent with the generating model.

Zenk et al. recently discussed the relative unavailability of healthier food in low-income communities of color. Another population experiencing disparities in access to healthy foods are prison inmates. Prisons offer a unique opportunity for implementing system and policy changes because the food environment can be completely controlled, yet many inmates—women, in particular— gain unhealthy amounts of weight. As part of a larger intervention to reduce chronic disease risk among women inmates, Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF) in Wilsonville, Oregon, implemented a reducedcalorie menu in its minimum-security facility cafeteria, moving from 3000 to 2200 daily calories in August 2012. However, inmates may still purchase supplementary food from prison commissary each week. We conducted a small study to determine the amount and type of food women inmates purchased before and after implementation of the reduced-calorie menu. Specifically, we collected commissary receipts for two samples of women who were incarcerated for six to 24 months and resided in the minimum security facility during the study periods. Receipts were analyzed for all purchases made during three one-month time periods, including a baseline (May 2012, n=128) and two follow-ups (October 2013, n=102; May 2014, n=133). On average, women purchased more than 1000 calories per day from commissary. Top Ramen, nondairy creamer, Crystal Lite drink mix, and soda pop were purchased most often. Only a quarter of commissary food purchases met all Smart Snacks in Schools standards, fewer than 20% of total calories purchased. Women did not purchase more calories from commissary after the reduced-calorie menu was implemented (Table 1). The astonishing amount of calories women inmates purchased from prison commissary, a retail environment analogous to limitedservice corner stores, clearly undermined institutional policies to promote health and address rising obesity and chronic disease rates. If a woman ate an extra 1000 calories per day, she would gain up to eight pounds per month. Security concerns and logistical considerations limit the type of food offered through prison commissary. For example, canned fruit and vegetables are unfeasible because of metal pull tabs; fresh fruit can be made into an alcohol substitute. However, the Oregon Department of Corrections is currently working within these constraints to offer and promote healthier food alternatives through its prison commissary. Zenk et al’s conclusion that “policies and other interventions may need to address relative availability of healthier alternatives” fully applies to prison environments, and may help institutions reduce the burden of obesity and chronic diseases. j

Warns against expecting the Japanese and Chinese to behave similarly, despite common features of their national cultures and geographical proximity. Points out that China follows Confucian‐based business ethics based on connections, mutual trust and under the table dealings, whereas Japan subscribes to Shinto‐based business ethics, depending on perfection, product superiority, obligation, personal honesty and self‐sacrifice. Provides a brief historical overview of each country’s cultural and political dynamics, then draws attention to some of the important differences between China and Japan – China preferring a command culture, pragmatism, centred on the family and using punishment as a means of ensuring conformity, whereas Japan prefers a consensus culture, sentimentality, has a strong sense of nationhood and relies on praise to achieve required performance. Suggests that western businesses keep this in mind if they are to conduct business successfully in either or both of these two countries.

Explores Chinese culture and the problems foreign firms and governments encounter when dealing with China. Emphasizes Confucianism’s dominant cultural tradition in China and attempts to explain it to improve foreign firms’ chances of success. Describes Confucianism as a way of living, incorporating the principles of humanism and the notion of filial piety. Mentions the five cardinal relations, harmony and Neo‐Confucianism’s “Principle of universal truth, order, law, production and reproduction”. Assesses the implications of social inequality, social ritual, familism, guan xi (connections), face, and sun yung (mutual trust) for foreign firms. Concludes that foreign firms wishing to do business with China need to understand the labyrinth of Confucianism.

We report a family in which the proband has a direct insertion of band 7q21.3 into chromosome 22 at 22q13.3, karyotype 46,XX,dir ins(22;7)(q13.3;q21.2q22.1). Two of her children have unbalanced chromosome rearrangements involving 7q21.3, with one girl monosomic for the region and a boy trisomic for the region. The child monosomic for band 7q21.3 has a split hand/split foot (SHSF) anomaly and her clinical features are consistent with the 7q21-q22 contiguous gene deletion syndrome. In situ hybridisation studies have shown that the proband and her son have a submicroscopic deletion of chromosome band 22q13.3. Interstitial deletions of this chromosome band have rarely been reported.

Background. Several studies have shown that Alaska Native people have higher smoking prevalence than non-Natives. However, no population-based studies have explored whether smoking-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviors also differ between Alaska Native people and non-Natives. Objective. We compared current smoking prevalence and smoking-related knowledge, attitudes and behavior of Alaska Native adults living in the State of Alaska with non-Natives. Methods. We used Alaska Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data for 1996 to 2010 to compare smoking prevalence, consumption, and cessation- and secondhand smoke-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviors between self-identified Alaska Native people and non-Natives. Results. Current smoking prevalence was 41% (95% CI: 37.9%-44.4%) among Alaska Native people compared to 17.1% (95% CI: 15.9%-18.4%) among non-Natives. Among every day smokers, Alaska Natives were five times more likely to smoke less than 10 cigarettes per day (OR=5.0, 95% CI: 2.6-9.6) than non-Natives. Compared to non-Native smokers, Alaska Native smokers were as likely to have made a past year quit attempt (OR=1.4, 95% CI: 0.9-2.1), but the attempt was less likely to be successful (OR=0.5, 95% CI: 0.2-0.9). Among current smokers, Alaska Natives were more likely to believe SHS was very harmful (OR=4.5, 95% CI: 2.8-7.2), to believe that smoking should not be allowed in indoor work areas (OR=1.9, 95% CI: 1.1-3.1) or in restaurants (OR=4.2, 95% CI: 2.5-6.9), to have a home smoking ban (OR=2.5, 95% CI: 1.6-3.9), and to have no home exposure to SHS in the past 30 days (OR=2.3, 95% CI: 1.5-3.6) than non-Natives. Conclusion. Although a disparity in current smoking exists, Alaska Native people have smoking-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that are encouraging for reducing the burden of smoking in this population. Programs should support efforts to promote cessation, prevent relapse, and establish smoke-free environments. Keywords: smoking, smoking cessation, Alaska Native people, disparities, indigenous populations (Published: 5 August 2013) This paper is part of Supplement 1, 2013, ICCH15 Proceedings . More papers from this Supplement can be found here . Citation: Int J Circumpolar Health 2013, 72 : 21141 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/ijch.v72i0.21141

The MINERvA 6 experiment is designed to perform precision studies of neutrino-nucleus scattering using ν μ and ν ¯ μ neutrinos incident at 1–20 GeV in the NuMI beam at Fermilab. This article presents a detailed description of the MINERvA detector and describes the ex situ and in situ techniques employed to characterize the detector and monitor its performance. The detector is composed of a finely segmented scintillator-based inner tracking region surrounded by electromagnetic and hadronic sampling calorimetry. The upstream portion of the detector includes planes of graphite, iron and lead interleaved between tracking planes to facilitate the study of nuclear effects in neutrino interactions. Observations concerning the detector response over sustained periods of running are reported. The detector design and methods of operation have relevance to future neutrino experiments in which segmented scintillator tracking is utilized.

We have isolated muon anti-neutrino charged-current quasi-elastic interactions occurring in the segmented scintillator tracking region of the MINERvA detector running in the NuMI neutrino beam at Fermilab. We measure the flux-averaged differential cross-section, d{\sigma}/dQ^2, and compare to several theoretical models of quasi-elastic scattering. Good agreement is obtained with a model where the nucleon axial mass, M_A, is set to 0.99 GeV/c^2 but the nucleon vector form factors are modified to account for the observed enhancement, relative to the free nucleon case, of the cross-section for the exchange of transversely polarized photons in electron-nucleus scattering. Our data at higher Q^2 favor this interpretation over an alternative in which the axial mass is increased., Comment: 8 pages, 5 figures. Added correlation between neutrino and anti-neutrino results in ancillary text files (CSV)

In this paper we present the UMUX-LITE, a two-item questionnaire based on the Usability Metric for User Experience (UMUX) [6]. The UMUX-LITE items are This system's capabilities meet my requirements and This system is easy to use." Data from two independent surveys demonstrated adequate psychometric quality of the questionnaire. Estimates of reliability were .82 and .83 -- excellent for a two-item instrument. Concurrent validity was also high, with significant correlation with the SUS (.81, .81) and with likelihood-to-recommend (LTR) scores (.74, .73). The scores were sensitive to respondents' frequency-of-use. UMUX-LITE score means were slightly lower than those for the SUS, but easily adjusted using linear regression to match the SUS scores. Due to its parsimony (two items), reliability, validity, structural basis (usefulness and usability) and, after applying the corrective regression formula, its correspondence to SUS scores, the UMUX-LITE appears to be a promising alternative to the SUS when it is not desirable to use a 10-item instrument.

The goals of this study of adults asymptomatic for coronary artery disease (CAD) were to examine the relations between established CAD risk factors and quantity of coronary artery calcification (CAC) in three arterial locations using generalized linear mixed models and to estimate the variability in quantity of CAC explained by established CAD risk factors and the variability due to noise or artifact in the measure. The community-based sample included 740 asymptomatic adults (378 women) aged 20-59 years without hypertension or diabetes. Participants were recruited from Rochester, Minnesota, between 1990 and 1994. Quantity of CAC in three arterial locations was detected noninvasively by electron beam computed tomography. Sex, arterial location, age, body size, blood pressure, lipid metabolism, and smoking were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with quantity of CAC. Age was more strongly associated with quantity of CAC in the left than in the right coronary or circumflex arterial locations (p < 0.005). In each sex, risk factors together explained less than 40% of the variability in quantity of CAC. Noise or artifact in the measure accounted for only a small proportion of unexplained variability. Future studies of new risk factors for artery-specific quantity of CAC and its progression could provide additional etiologic insights into the atherosclerotic process.

Porcine aortic endothelial cells (PAECs), unlike human endothelial cells, express a surface protein recognized by human CTLA4Ig fusion protein that costimulates human T cells through CD28. We have cloned porcine CD86 (pCD86) from an immortalized porcine endothelial cell line, PEC-A, that expresses high levels of this CTLA-4-binding protein. pCD86 mRNA is expressed in PEC-A and PAECs but not in human endothelial cells. Expression of stably transfected pCD86 in CHO cells modestly costimulates human T cell proliferation and IL-2 secretion. Expression of transiently transfected pCD86 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells strongly costimulates IL-2 production by human T cells, comparable to costimulation by PAECs. Costimulation of human T cells by pCD86 in both systems is as effective as costimulation by human CD80 or CD86, and can be blocked by human CTLA4Ig. We conclude that pCD86 contributes to the strong xenoreactivity of porcine endothelium.

Objective:Evaluate a plasmid typing technique for a diverse group of staphylococci.Design:In vitro testing on known isolates.Setting:University hospital.Intervention:The plasmid content of 195 isolates representing 26 staphylococcal species was analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis following lysostaphin-alkaline-SDS lysis, with and without acetone treatment.Results:Isolates yielded plasmid profiles with 0 to 7 extra-chromosomal bands (median, 1; 1.5); 171 (88%) had a profile with at least 1 band. Species with more than one isolate available for testing showed considerable diversity of plasmid profiles, except forStaphylococcus haemolyticus.Conclusions:The ease of the procedure and the diversity of plasmid profiles within each species examined suggests that plasmid profiling is an accessible and useful epidemiologic tool applicable to most staphylococcal species by epidemiologic units or clinical laboratories.

Objective: To examine patterns of familial aggregation and factors influencing onset age in a sample of siblings with PD. Methods: Sibling pairs (n = 203) with PD were collected as part of the Gene PD study. Standardized family history, medical history, and risk factor data were collected and analyzed. Results: The mean age at onset was 61.4 years and did not differ according to sex, exposure to coffee, alcohol, or pesticides. Head trauma was associated with younger onset ( p = 0.03) and multivitamin use with later onset ( p = 0.007). Age at onset correlation between sibling pairs was significant ( r = 0.56, p = 0.001) and was larger than the correlation in year of onset ( r = 0.29). The mean difference in onset age between siblings was 8.7 years (range, 0 to 30 years). Female sex was associated with increased frequency of relatives with PD. The frequency of affected parents (7.0%) and siblings (5.1%) was increased when compared with frequency in spouses (2.0%). Conclusions: The greater similarity for age at onset than for year of onset in sibling pairs with PD, together with increased risk for biological relatives over spouses of cases, supports a genetic component for PD. Risk to siblings in this series is increased over that seen in random series of PD cases; however, patients in this sample have similar ages at onset and sex distribution as seen for PD generally. These analyses suggest that factors influencing penetrance are critical to the understanding of this disease.

Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations are increasingly vulnerable and one of the main threats is chlamydial infection. Koala retrovirus (KoRV) has been proposed as an underlying cause of the koala's susceptibility to infection with Chlamydia and high rates of lymphoid neoplasia; however, the regionally ubiquitous, endogenous nature of this virus suggests that KoRV A infection is not sufficient for immune suppression to occur. A recently discovered exogenous variant of KoRV, KoRV B, has several structural elements that cause increased pathogenicity in related retroviruses and was associated with lymphoid neoplasia in one study. The present study assesses whether KoRV B infection is associated with alterations in immune function. Cytokine gene expression by mitogen stimulated lymphocytes of KoRV B positive (n = 5-6) and negative (n = 6-7) captive koalas was evaluated by qPCR four times (April 2014-February 2015) to control for seasonal variation. Key immune genes in the Th1 pathway (IFNγ, TNFα), Th2 pathway (IL 10, IL4, IL6) and Th17 pathway (IL17A), along with CD4:CD8 ratio, were assessed. KoRV B positive koalas showed significantly increased up-regulation of IL17A and IL10 in three out of four sampling periods and IFNγ, IL6, IL4 and TNFα in two out of four. IL17A is an immune marker for chlamydial pathogenesis in the koala; increased expression of IL17A in KoRV B positive koalas, and concurrent immune dysregulation, may explain the differences in susceptibility to chlamydial infection and severity of disease seen between individuals and populations. There was also marked seasonal variation in up-regulation for most of the cytokines and the CD4:CD8 ratio. The up-regulation in both Th1 and Th2 cytokines mirrors changes associated with immune dysregulation in humans and felids as a result of retroviral infections. This is the first report of altered immune expression in koalas infected by an exogenous variant of KoRV and also the first report of seasonal variation in cytokine up-regulation and CD4:CD8 ratio in marsupials.

Cultured porcine aortic endothelium was transfected with sequences that encode the SV40 T antigen, resulting in an immortalized cell line that retains the differentiated properties of normal aortic endothelial cells. Specifically, these cells form cobblestone monolayers, synthesize von Willebrand factor, and endocytose acetylated LDL. These cells can be readily propagated in culture and have been passaged over a year in culture. The cells form tubular structures when grown on Matrigel. The cells in culture express class I but do not express MHC class II antigens. Both class I and class II expression can be induced by treatment with recombinant swine interferon-γ. Expression of CD44 and several other cell surface antigens have been observed. Co-culture of these cells with purified human CD4+ T cells resulted in a significant T-cell proliferative response similar to that observed for primary porcine EC. Finally, the cells are readily susceptible to transfection and express exogenous genes. These cells should be valuable for study of human anti-porcine endothelial responses.

Beams of neutrinos have been proposed as a vehicle for communications under unusual circumstances, such as direct point-to-point global communication, communication with submarines, secure communications and interstellar communication. We report on the performance of a low-rate communications link established using the NuMI beam line and the MINERvA detector at Fermilab. The link achieved a decoded data rate of 0.1 bits/sec with a bit error rate of 1% over a distance of 1.035 km, including 240 m of earth., 10 pages, 7 figures, updated with final figures used in Modern Physics Letters A publication

Introduction: We studied the impact of implementing a comprehensive smoke-free policy in multiunit housing in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area. Among low-income tenants living in a subset of subsidized multiunit buildings, we evaluated cessation-related behaviors, policy knowledge and compliance, and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure. Methods: We mailed a self-administered questionnaire to a random sample of 839 current tenants of 17 subsidized buildings 4 months after policy implementation in January 2008 and sent another questionnaire to participants 1 year later. Results are based on 440 tenants who completed both surveys. Results: We observed a self-reported annualized quit rate of 14.7% over the study period (95% CI = 7.9% – 21.6%) compared with a historical quit rate in this population of 2.6% (95% CI = 0.6% – 4.5%). Almost half of ongoing smokers reduced their cigarette consumption. More smokers correctly reported policy rules for indoor settings than for outdoor settings; self-reported indoor smoking decreased signifi cantly from 59% to 17%. Among nonsmokers, frequent indoor SHS exposure (multiple times per week) decreased signifi cantly from 41% prepolicy to 17% postpolicy. Conclusions: The implementation of a smoke-free policy was associated with positive changes in cessation-related behaviors and reduced SHS exposure in this population of low-income adults.

We have previously shown that the neurotensin (NT) store in preganglionic axon terminals of the cat stellate ganglion (SG) is reversibly depleted by prolonged preganglionic stimulation. The present study addresses the questions of whether the preganglionic axon terminals release NT in response to depolarizing stimuli in vitro and whether in vivo NT is released by the tonic firing of the sympathetic preganglionic neurons. Slices of the SG of the anaesthetized cat, maintained in oxygenated Ringer solution, released NT. The efflux increased when the K concentration was increased from 5 to 25 or 45 mM or when veratridine was added to the medium. In Ca-free medium, efflux was suppressed. The effect of veratridine was blocked by tetrodotoxin (TTX). In awake, freely moving cats, in which TTX was applied for 4 days to the preganglionic input of the right SG, the NT content of this ganglion doubled by comparison with the left SG. Since NT accumulates proximal to a ligature on the preganglionic input of the SG, the increased NT content is likely to result from suppression of action potential-dependent release while influx into the terminals persists. This result suggests that the steady state of the NT store in sympathetic preganglionic terminals is the result of a steady influx from the soma balanced by action potential-dependent loss, presumably release.

We have previously shown that prolonged preganglionic stimulation (e.g. 40 Hz 20 min) depletes the neurotensin (NT) store of preganglionic axon terminals in the stellate ganglion (SG) of the cat and that replenishment of the store requires several days. The present study investigates the mechanisms which control turnover of the NT store in sympathetic preganglionic axon terminals. NT content of the SG and of the preganglionic axons which innervate it was determined by radioimmunoassay in the anesthetized cat. This study shows that, during the 24 h after 40-Hz 20-min stimulation of the preganglionic input to the SG, the rate of NT accumulation proximal to a ligature on the stimulated input is three times that observed in the control. The poststimulus increase in NT accumulation rate is prevented by treatment with protein-synthesis inhibitors. When the centripetal propagation of action potentials from the stimulus site on the preganglionic axons is prevented by a tetrodotoxin block applied locally during the stimulation period, the poststimulus increase in NT accumulation rate and the replenishment of the store are both prevented. These data suggest that the level of activity of the neuron regulates NT supply to the axon terminals, presumably by regulating NT synthesis. Thus, in the sympathetic preganglionic neuron, the action potential provides a mechanism for matching peptide synthesis to release.

Ni and Ni-alloy rolling assisted biaxially textured substrates provided both from IFW Dresden and an industrial partner (Plansee GmbH) were employed for the deposition of YBCO-coated conductors by thermal evaporation. The main advantages of this process are high volume deposition rates and relatively low substrate temperatures of 680 °C. As a consequence, a simple, economic, and very thin 100 nm CeO 2 buffer layer has turned out to be sufficient for high quality YBCO growth. For samples up to 20 cm long, critical current densities of 1.2 MA/cm 2 were achieved at 77 K and 2 μm thick films sustained transport currents beyond 150 A. Recently, the first continuously operating prototype tape deposition system based on thermal evaporation has been put into operation. A reel-to-reel tape winding mechanism is capable of handling YBCO and buffer layer deposition on tape 10 mm wide and up to 100 m long has been implemented. The YBCO-deposition speed of 4 m/h for a 1 μm layer.

Our objective was to test the hypothesis that aberrantly modified forms of superoxide dismutase (SOD1) influence the disease course for sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (SALS). We probed for anti-SOD1 antibodies (IgM and IgG) against both the normal and aberrantly oxidized-SOD1 (SODox) antigens in sera from patients with SALS, subjects diagnosed with other neurological disorders and healthy individuals, and correlated the levels of these antibodies to disease duration and/or severity. Anti-SOD1 antibodies were detected in all cohorts; however, a subset of ∼5-10% of SALS cases exhibited elevated levels of anti-SOD1 antibodies. Those SALS cases with relatively high levels of IgM antibodies against SODox exhibit a longer survival of 6.4 years, compared to subjects lacking these antibodies. By contrast, SALS subjects expressing higher levels of IgG antibodies reactive for the normal WT-SOD1 antigen exhibit a shorter survival of 4.1 years. Anti-SOD1 antibody levels did not correlate with disease severity in either the Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease cohorts. In conclusion, the association of longer survival with elevated levels of anti-SODox antibodies suggests that these antibodies may be protective. By extension, these data implicate aberrantly modified forms of WT-SOD1 (e.g. oxidized SOD1) in SALS pathogenesis. In contrast, an immune response against the normal WT-SOD1 appears to be disadvantageous in SALS, possibly because the anti-oxidizing activity of normal WT-SOD1 is beneficial to SALS individuals.

The undergraduate degree of computer and cyber security has been offered at the School of Information Technology, Phetchaburi Rajabhat University, Thailand since 2005. Our program requires direct field experience when students are taking upper-level courses. This is not only to ensure that students are well prepared for their future jobs, but also to raise awareness of how important and mandatory specialized computer and cyber security personnel skills can be for their organizations. This paper documents an effective model incorporating real-world projects into 16-week lecture courses. Creating a strong bond between school and industry is one of the key factors in the success of the curriculum and our graduates, and is one of the quality assurance indicators for this degree and the School.

Summary form only given. Over the years the Internet has grown from a research tool to a worldwide communication medium. One application which has grown up with the Internet is e-mail. Larger, faster and more secure systems are constantly required to support the growing demand as well as abuse of the e-mail system.

We assessed the effects of syringe exchange program (SEP) policy on rates of HIV risk behavior and HIV incidence among injection drug users.Using a multivariate generalized estimating equation and Cox regression methods, we examined syringe borrowing, syringe lending, and HIV incidence among a prospective cohort of 1228 injection drug users in Vancouver, British Columbia.We observed substantial declines in rates of syringe borrowing (from 20.1% in 1998 to 9.2% in 2003) and syringe lending (from 19.1% in 1998 to 6.8% in 2003) following SEP policy change. These declines coincided with a statistically significant increase in the proportion of participants accessing sterile syringes from nontraditional SEP sources (P.001). In multivariate analyses, the period following the change in SEP policy was independently associated with a greater than 40% reduction in syringe borrowing (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.49, 0.65) and lending (AOR = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.45, 0.60), as well as declining HIV incidence (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.13; 95% CI = 0.06, 0.31).Widespread syringe distribution appears to be a more effective SEP policy than do more restrictive SEP policies that limit syringe access. Efforts should be made to ensure that SEP policies and program design serve to maximize rather than hinder syringe access.

The effect of 24- and 48-hour storage at room temperature on automated total nucleated cell count (TNCC), differential cell count (DCC) and cell morphology was assessed, and the effect of initial total protein concentration on canine and feline body cavity effusion samples (2 to 5 ml) was evaluated. At 24 and 48 hours, TNCC and absolute numbers of neutrophils, macrophages and small lymphocytes were significantly decreased and numbers of unrecognisable cells were significantly increased. Neoplastic cells and intracellular bacteria identified in fresh samples were missed at 24 and 48 hours. The initial total protein concentration was associated with an effect on percentage of unrecognisable cells and small lymphocytes over time. Change in TNCC over time would have resulted in misclassification of the effusion type in four of 47 samples.

Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure causes premature death and disease in children and non-smoking adults; the home is the primary source of SHS exposure. The aim of this study was to assess variance in the prevalence of children's SHS exposure in Alaskan households with an adult smoker according to rurality, race/ethnicity, income and education, household age composition, marital status, amount smoked each day, and beliefs in SHS health consequences.Telephone interviews were conducted between 2004 and 2007 on a population-based random sample of 1119 Alaskan adult smokers with children living in the household.Respondents living with children over 5 years of age reported a significantly (p0.05) higher prevalence of home SHS exposure, compared with those living with younger children. Respondents 40 years and older reported significantly more exposure than others. Alaska Native smokers reported significantly lower SHS exposure in their homes than those of other races, as did those living in very rural areas. Respondents' heavier smoking was significantly associated with more SHS exposure. The sub-population of adults living without other adults was approximately 1.5 times more likely to report SHS exposure than those living with other adults. As expected, having a no-smoking rule in the home greatly lowered the risk of SHS exposure in the home.Although most smokers with children believed that SHS is harmful, some need to convert those beliefs into actions. The results from this study suggest that those with school-aged children, and moderate to heavy smokers should be targeted for intervention, given their high prevalence of home SHS exposure. Future work should examine reasons for low exposure levels among Alaska Native people to inform programmatic efforts in other communities.

The murine Ly-6A/E gene is transcriptionally induced in cells exposed to interferon alpha/beta or gamma (IFN-alpha/beta or IFN-gamma). Analysis of the 5' flanking sequence using reporter plasmids that contain upstream elements of the Ly-6E gene has previously identified an approximately 850-base-pair IFN-responsive region that lacked an IFN-alpha-stimulated response element (ISRE), the element present and required for an IFN-alpha response of a number of genes. Analysis by deletion and stable transfection of the IFN-responsive region of the Ly-6E promoter has defined an 80-base-pair region containing an IFN-gamma activation site (GAS) but no ISRE that allows IFN-gamma and IFN-alpha inducibility of the Ly-6E gene. As tested by specific antiserum, a 91-kDa protein known to be activated in IFN-alpha- or IFN-gamma-treated cells binds to the GAS element from the Ly-6E promoter. The 91-kDa protein exists as an inactive cytoplasmic precursor and depends on tyrosine phosphorylation for its activation. Thus the same 91-kDa protein appears to act in the signal transduction pathways of both types of IFN for the Ly-6-A/E gene.

Newer genetic techniques have replaced phenotypic methods of subtyping Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Widespread application of newer methodologies, however, may be limited by technologic complexity and the cost of equipment. We conducted restriction endonuclease analysis (REA) of sheared genomic DNAs from 48 clinical P. aeruginosa strains using the enzyme SalI and electrophoresis in horizontal, low-concentration (0.3 to 0.6%) agarose gels. Each REA profile consisted of a smear of lower-molecular-mass bands as well as a countable number of well-resolved bands in the 8.3- to 48.5-kbp range which could easily be compared when isolates were run side-by-side on the same gel. In general, the REA patterns of strains recovered from different patients differed by at least seven bands, and those of serial isolates from individual patients were identical or differed by, at most, two bands over this 8.3- to 48.5-kbp range. REA of strains already subtyped by field inversion gel electrophoresis revealed that the two techniques generally paralleled each other. Overall, some unrelated strains had similar REA profiles, but the relative simplicity and low cost of the approach coupled with the ability to demonstrate differences between most unrelated strains should make this type of REA an attractive first step in the investigation of institutional P. aeruginosa problems.

Two clones of Escherichia coli O27:K1:H31 and O2:H7, isolated from patients with urinary tract infection or bacteraemia, failed to grow in a synthetic minimal medium (MM) of low osmolality. They were considered to be osmo-remedial because they grew well when sufficient amounts of NaCl, mannitol or sucrose were added to raise the osmolality of the medium to > 300 mOsm/kg. The defect could also be corrected by nicotinamide or its precursors quinolinic and aspartic acids. Each clone had a unique DNA restriction enzyme profile, fimbriae and antibiotic susceptibility patterns. The osmo-remedial variants were unstable and underwent phenotypic modulation to form mixtures with osmo-tolerant forms when grown in MM. They tended to form satellites of small colonies around large colonies of osmo-tolerant cells on MM agar plates. The penicillin method of Davis was used to separate the two forms. Nicotinamide induced the expression of ompF when the osmo-remedial strains were grown under conditions of low osmolality. It is possible that the variants are defective in the synthesis of membrane-derived oligosaccharides or outer-membrane proteins, but this has yet to be determined.

Strategic management thinking emerged in the 1930s (Steiner, 1969), and developed significantly in the 1940s. An identifiable body of literature began to appear in the 1950s and increased significantly, so much so that strategic management became a separate discipline in the 1970s. Over these years, two main themes were pursued: (1) process and (2) content. A third theme, structure (sometimes referred to as “organisation”), received less attention, probably because of its overlap with process and content, and because its parameters have been difficult to identify.