Bc1-2 protects mice against fatal alphavirus encephalitis.

Virus-induced apoptosis has been well characterized in vitro, but the role of apoptosis in viral pathogenesis is not well understood. The suicide of a cell in response to viral infection is postulated to be an important host defense for the organism, leading to a reduction in its total viral burden. However, virus-induced death of nonregenerating cells in the central nervous system may be detrimental to the host. Therefore, to investigate the role of apoptosis in the pathogenesis of fatal encephalitis, we constructed a recombinant alphavirus chimera that expresses the antiapoptotic gene, bcl-2, in virally infected neural cells. Infection of neonatal mice with the alphavirus chimera expressing human bcl-2 [Sindbis virus (SIN)/bcl-2] resulted in a significantly lower mortality rate (7.5%) as compared with infection with control chimeric viruses containing a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene (SIN/CAT) (78.1%) or bcl-2 containing a premature stop codon (SIN/bcl-2stop) (72.1%) (P < 0.001). Viral titers were reduced 5-fold 1 day after infection and 10-fold 6 days after infection in the brains of SIN/bcl-2-infected mice as compared to SIN/CAT or SIN/bcl-2stop-infected mice. In situ end labeling to detect apoptotic nuclei demonstrated a reduction in the number of foci of apoptotic cells in the brains of mice infected with SIN/bcl-2 as compared with SIN/bcl-2stop. The reduction in apoptosis was associated with a reduction in the number of foci of cells expressing alphavirus RNA. Thus, the antiapoptotic gene, bcl-2, suppresses viral replication and protects against a lethal viral disease, suggesting an interaction between cellular genetic control of viral replication and cell death.

Emergence of a new epidemic/epizootic Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus in South America.

One of the most important questions in arbovirology concerns the origin of epidemic Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) viruses; these viruses caused periodic, extensive epidemics/epizootics in the Americas from 1938-1973 (reaching the United States in 1971) but had recently been presumed extinct. We have documented the 1992 emergence of a new epidemic/epizootic VEE virus in Venezuela. Phylogenetic analysis of strains isolated during two outbreaks indicated that the new epidemic/epizootic virus(es) evolved recently from an enzootic VEE virus in northern South America. These results suggest continued emergence of epizootic VEE viruses; surveillance of enzootic viruses and routine vaccination of equines should therefore be resumed.

Japanese American Biracial Adolescents and Identity Formation

The purpose of the current paper is to examine the racial identity development of Japanese American biracial adolescents. A review of the literature revealed critical factors as it relates to Japanese American biracial adolescents and their identity formation. Ethnic identity, adolescent developmental stage, environmental ethnic socialization processes used to facilitate identity development, and the resulting psychological adjustment were the major issues identified in the literature. Educators, counselors and other mental health professionals must begin to understand their development if the needs of this population are to be met in the future. A case study of a biracial Japanese American teen was included to heighten the understanding of the identity development of biracial individuals. Findings indicate that biracial children who are raised to identify with both sides of their ethnic heritage are not suffering from negative psychological consequences (e.g. guilt, anger, isolation) but, instead, gain a "healthier" sense of self. Implications for clinicians are discussed in terms of how therapists can be responsive to the unique needs of biracial adolescents.

Wrestling With Tradition: Japanese Activities at Amache, a World War II Incarceration Facility

I employ archaeological analyses, archival research, and oral histories to investigate traditional Japanese practices that were performed at Amache, a World War II Japanese American incarceration facility. I argue that these inter-generational practices helped to bridge a cultural gap that existed between several generations of Japanese Americans. For many incarcerated Japanese Americans, their first exposure to many traditional activities occurred during incarceration. The resulting social environment incorporated aspects of Japanese, Japanese American, and mainstream American influences, all of which were adapted to conditions during incarceration. Similarly, archaeological analyses allow for the investigation of traditional practice features. These provide evidence regarding the significance of the adapted landscape at Amache. Evidence of these practices suggests Amache internees had both a strong desire to maintain and celebrate these aspects of their Japanese heritage but they also incorporated non-traditional elements that reflected the unique living conditions during incarceration. Incarceration, I argue, created an environment in which a unique internee consciousness was formed in which the use of traditional practices was a focal point. The physical remains of traditional practices allow archaeologists to determine aspects of this newly formed consciousness that are not readily apparent in historical documentation.

John La Farge as collector of Japanese art : motivations and reflections

Throughout his lifetime, American artist John La Farge (1835-1910) amassed an enormous collection of art and books. La Farge’s study of art and culture encompassed several genres and aesthetic elements. La Farge has been credited as the first American artist — even prior to James Abbott McNeill Whistler (1834-1903)— to integrate visual elements and cultural awareness of the Far East within his own Western-trained art. Although many scholars have studied La Farge’s art and life from various perspectives, including his interest in Asian art, the object of the present study is solely focused on La Farge’s collecting of Japanese art.

Blurring the lines : how Japanese American internment camps re-defined art and religion's relationship

After the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor during WWII, anyone of Japanese descent living on the West Coast was placed in internment camps scattered throughout the country. Life inside the camps included many different activities to make life as normal as possible. This study will focus on two intersecting day-to-day activities in particular, the practice of religion within the camps, as well as the creation of art. Art created in the camps was influenced by multiple religious traditions. An analysis of artworks created by professional and amateur artists, interviews and an examination of existing scholarship demonstrates that internment camps created a unique environment for the creation of art. The values of internees reflected the seamless coexistence of Christianity, Buddhism and Shinto in internment camp art.

The European response to the challenge of the Japanese steel industry (1950–1980)

Between 1950 and 1980, the European delay with respect to Japan and the relative loss of competitiveness in the integrated steel industry was due to an institutional, geographical and economic logic based largely on historical factors. Europe had a long steel-making history that was closely related to its sources of raw materials. The new technological paradigm turned this former advantage into a clear disadvantage, while the large investments made in the Thomas and open hearth processes and the affordable price of scrap delayed the adoption of the Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) until its superiority had been clearly demonstrated. The European steel industry was not at the forefront of the transformation, but merely adapting to the changes, pushed by the threat of a new uncomfortable competitor.