Recent Archaeological Discoveries and Biblical Research, pt. 2

Discussion of how archaeology today can illuminate the world of the Bible, specifically the Israelite settlement in Canaan, and how it is possible to reconstruct the lost background of the Israelite cults.

The Formation and Circulation of Early Yanzi Lore, Fourth Century B.C. - Third Century A.D.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Washington, 2016-06

Pioglitazone inhibits cell growth and reduces matrix production in human kidney fibroblasts

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) agonists are increasingly used in patients with diabetes, and small studies have suggested a beneficial effect on renal function, but their effects on. extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover are unknown. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of the PPAR-gamma agonist pioglitazone on growth and matrix production in human cortical fibroblasts (CF). Cell growth and ECM production and turnover were measured in human CF in the presence and absence of 1 and 3 muM pioglitazone. Exposure of CF to pioglitazone caused an antiproliferative (P < 0.0001) and hypertrophic (P < 0.0001) effect; reduced type IV collagen secretion (P < 0.01), fibronectin secretion (P < 0.0001), and proline incorporation (P < 0.0001); decreased MMP-9 activity (P < 0.05); and reduced tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and TIMP-2 secretion (P < 0.001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). These effects were independent of TGF-beta1. A reduction in ECM production was similarly observed when CF were exposed to a selective PPAR-gamma agonist (L-805645) in concentrations that caused no toxicity, confirming the antifibrotic effects of pioglitazone were mediated through a PPAR-gamma-dependent mechanism. Exposure of CF to high glucose conditions induced an increase in the expression of collagen IV (P < 0.05), which was reversed both in the presence of pioglitazone (1 and 3 muM) and by L-805645. In summary, exposure of human CIF to pioglitazone causes an antiproliferative effect and reduces ECM production through mechanisms that include reducing TIMP activity, independent of TGF-beta1. These studies suggest that the PPAR-gamma agonists may have a specific role in ameliorating the course of progressive tubulointerstitial fibrosis under both normoglycemic and hyperglycemic states.

Kidney side population reveals multilineage potential and renal functional capacity but also cellular heterogeneity

Side population (SP) cells in the adult kidney are proposed to represent a progenitor population. However, the size, origin, phenotype, and potential of the kidney SP has been controversial. In this study, the SP fraction of embryonic and adult kidneys represented 0.1 to 0.2% of the total viable cell population. The immunophenotype and the expression profile of kidney SP cells was distinct from that of bone marrow SP cells, suggesting that they are a resident nonhematopoietic cell population. Affymetrix expression profiling implicated a role for Notch signaling in kidney SP cells and was used to identify markers of kidney SP. Localization by in situ hybridization confirmed a primarily proximal tubule location, supporting the existence of a tubular niche, but also revealed considerable heterogeneity, including the presence of renal macrophages. Adult kidney SP cells demonstrated multilineage differentiation in vitro, whereas microinjection into mouse metanephroi showed that SP cells had a 3.5- to 13-fold greater potential to contribute to developing kidney than non-SP main population cells. However, although reintroduction of SP cells into an Adriamycin-nephropathy model reduced albuminuria:creatinine ratios, this was without significant tubular integration, suggesting a humoral role for SP cells in renal repair. The heterogeneity of the renal SP highlights the need for further fractionation to distinguish the cellular subpopulations that are responsible for the observed multilineage capacity and transdifferentiative and humoral activities.

Re-treatment of chronic hepatitis C patients after relapse: efficacy of peginterferon-alpha-2a (40 kDa) and ribavirin

SUMMARY. We conducted a randomized multinational study to determine whether 48 weeks of re-treatment with peginterferon- alpha-2a (40 kDa) plus ribavirin would induce a sustained virological response (SVR) in relapsed chronic hepatitis C patients. Patients who had previously relapsed during 24 weeks of untreated follow-up, after having achieved an end-of-treatment virological response with 24 weeks of peginterferon-alpha-2a (40 kDa)/ribavirin combination therapy, within a phase III trial, were studied. Although the recommended dosage was the same as that used at the end of the initial trial, adjustments were permitted. Data on serious adverse events, or adverse events that resulted in dose reductions or discontinuations, were collected. Following re-treatment, the overall SVR rate in the 64 patients was 55%. The SVR rates in patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 and non-1 genotypes were 51% and 63%, respectively. Early (week 12) virological responses were seen in 39 patients (61%) and were predictive of an SVR. Re-treatment was well tolerated. The most frequent adverse events recorded were fatigue (5%) and abdominal pain (3%). Dosages of peginterferon-alpha-2a (40 kDa) and/or ribavirin were modified because of adverse events in 3% and 13% of patients, and because of laboratory abnormalities in 23% and 5% of patients, respectively. Thus, a 48-week course of peginterferon-alpha-2a (40 kDa) plus ribavirin induces an SVR in 55% of patients who relapsed during follow-up after 24 weeks of combination therapy. Physicians should not hesitate to offer re-treatment to patients who relapse after an initial, 24-week course of combination therapy, or who have prematurely stopped treatment because, for example, of laboratory abnormalities.

Genome-wide association analysis identifies novel loci for chronotype in 100,420 individuals from the UK Biobank

Our sleep timing preference, or chronotype, is a manifestation of our internal biological clock. Variation in chronotype has been linked to sleep disorders, cognitive and physical performance, and chronic disease. Here we perform a genome-wide association study of self-reported chronotype within the UK Biobank cohort (n=100,420). We identify 12 new genetic loci that implicate known components of the circadian clock machinery and point to previously unstudied genetic variants and candidate genes that might modulate core circadian rhythms or light-sensing pathways. Pathway analyses highlight central nervous and ocular systems and fear-response-related processes. Genetic correlation analysis suggests chronotype shares underlying genetic pathways with schizophrenia, educational attainment and possibly BMI. Further, Mendelian randomization suggests that evening chronotype relates to higher educational attainment. These results not only expand our knowledge of the circadian system in humans but also expose the influence of circadian characteristics over human health and life-history variables such as educational attainment.

Shopping for Computer Restaurant Management Systems

A myriad of computer management systems are available for the restaurant business. The author discusses all aspects of evaluating, purchasing, and using such systems for a restaurant operation.

Near Term Computer Management Strategy For Hospitality Managers and Computer System Vendors

In his dialogue - Near Term Computer Management Strategy For Hospitality Managers and Computer System Vendors - by William O'Brien, Associate Professor, School of Hospitality Management at Florida International University, Associate Professor O���Brien initially states: ���The computer revolution has only just begun. Rapid improvement in hardware will continue into the foreseeable future; over the last five years it has set the stage for more significant improvements in software technology still to come. John Naisbitt's information electronics economy�� based on the creation and distribution of information has already arrived and as computer devices improve, hospitality managers will increasingly do at least a portion of their work with software tools.��� At the time of this writing Assistant Professor O���Brien will have you know, contrary to what some people might think, the computer revolution is not over, it���s just beginning; it���s just an embryo. Computer technology will only continue to develop and expand, says O���Brien with citation. ���A complacent few of us who feel ���we have survived the computer revolution��� will miss opportunities as a new wave of technology moves through the hospitality industry,��� says ���Professor O���Brien. ���Both managers who buy technology and vendors who sell it can profit from strategy based on understanding the wave of technological innovation,��� is his informed opinion. Property managers who embrace rather than eschew innovation, in this case computer technology, will benefit greatly from this new science in hospitality management, O���Brien says. ���The manager who is not alert to or misunderstands the nature of this wave of innovation will be the constant victim of technology,��� he advises. On the vendor side of the equation, O���Brien observes, ���Computer-wise hospitality managers want systems which are easier and more profitable to operate. Some view their own industry as being somewhat behind the times��� They plan to pay significantly less for better computer devices. Their high expectations are fed by vendor marketing efforts������ he says. O���Brien warns against taking a gamble on a risky computer system by falling victim to un-substantiated claims and pie-in-the-sky promises. He recommends affiliating with turn-key vendors who provide hardware, software, and training, or soliciting the help of large mainstream vendors such as IBM, NCR, or Apple. Many experts agree that the computer revolution has merely and genuinely morphed into the software revolution, informs O���Brien; ������recognizing that a computer is nothing but a box in which programs run.��� Yes, some of the empirical data in this article is dated by now, but the core philosophy of advancing technology, and properties continually tapping current knowledge is sound.

Database As A Tool For Hospitality Management

In his discussion - Database As A Tool For Hospitality Management - William O'Brien, Assistant Professor, School of Hospitality Management at Florida International University, O���Brien offers at the outset, ���Database systems offer sweeping possibilities for better management of information in the hospitality industry. The author discusses what such systems are capable of accomplishing.��� The author opens with a bit of background on database system development, which also lends an impression as to the complexion of the rest of the article; uh, it���s a shade technical. ���In early 1981, Ashton-Tate introduced dBase 11. It was the first microcomputer database management processor to offer relational capabilities and a user-friendly query system combined with a fast, convenient report writer,��� O���Brien informs. ���When 16-bit microcomputers such as the IBM PC series were introduced late the following year, more powerful database products followed: dBase 111, Friday!, and Framework. The effect on the entire business community, and the hospitality industry in particular, has been remarkable���, he further offers with his informed outlook. Professor O���Brien offers a few anecdotal situations to illustrate how much a comprehensive data-base system means to a hospitality operation, especially when billing is involved. Although attitudes about computer systems, as well as the systems themselves have changed since this article was written, there is pertinent, fundamental information to be gleaned. In regards to the digression of the personal touch when a customer is engaged with a computer system, O���Brien says, ���A modern data processing system should not force an employee to treat valued customers as numbers������ He also cautions, ���Any computer system that decreases the availability of the personal touch is simply unacceptable.��� In a system���s ability to process information, O���Brien suggests that in the past businesses were so enamored with just having an automated system that they failed to take full advantage of its capabilities. O���Brien says that a lot of savings, in time and money, went un-noticed and/or under-appreciated. Today, everyone has an integrated system, and the wise business manager is the business manager who takes full advantage of all his resources. O���Brien invokes the 80/20 rule, and offers, ������the last 20 percent of results costs 80 percent of the effort. But times have changed. Everyone is automating data management, so that last 20 percent that could be ignored a short time ago represents a significant competitive differential.��� The evolution of data systems takes center stage for much of the article; pitfalls also emerge.

File Control: The Heart Of Business Computer Management

In his study - File Control: The Heart Of Business Computer Management - William G. O'Brien, Assistant Professor, The School of Hospitality Management at Florida International University, initially informs you: ���Even though computers are an everyday part of the hospitality industry, many managers lack the knowledge and experience to control and protect the files in these systems. The author offers guidelines which can minimize or prevent damage to the business as a whole.��� Our author initially opens this study with some anecdotal instances illustrating the failure of hospitality managers to exercise due caution with regard to computer supported information systems inside their restaurants and hotels. ���Of the three components that make up any business computer system (data files, programs, and hard-ware), it is files that are most important, perhaps irreplaceable, to the business,��� O���Brien informs you. O���Brien breaks down the noun, files, into two distinct categories. They are, the files of extrinsic value, and its counterpart the files of intrinsic value. An example of extrinsic value files would be a restaurant���s wine inventory. ���As sales are made and new shipments are received, the computer updates the file,��� says O���Brien. ���This information might come directly from a point-of-sale terminal or might be entered manually by an employee,��� he further explains. On the intrinsic side of the equation, O���Brien wants you to know that the information itself is the valuable part of this type of file. Its value is over and above the file���s informational purpose as a pragmatic business tool, as it is in inventory control. ���The information is money in the legal sense For instance, figures moved about in banking system computers do not represent dollars; they are dollars,��� O���Brien explains. ���If the record of a dollar amount is erased from all computer files, then that money ceases to exist,��� he warns. This type of information can also be bought and sold, such as it is in customer lists to advertisers. Files must be protected O���Brien stresses. ���File security requires a systematic approach,��� he discloses. O���Brien goes on to explain important elements to consider when evaluating file information. File back-up is also an important factor to think about, along with file storage/safety concerns. ���Sooner or later, every property will have its fire, flood, careless mistake, or disgruntled employee,��� O���Brien closes. ������good file control can minimize or prevent damage to the business as a whole.���

An Analysis of Contributors to the FIU Hospitality Review: Volume 1 to Volume 19

This article documents all major articles in the FIU Hospitality Review, from its inaugural issue in spring of 1983 through 2001; 346 articles and 325 authors from 127 affiliations are included, as well as the academic institutions, hospitality industry organizations and authors who have contributed most frequently. The high ranking received by the FIU Hospitality Review is evidence of the many researchers and industry executives who have contributed over the past two decades.

Diversity in Education: Profiles of Students at FIU's School of Hospitality Management

The authors are conducting a study of career patterns for students enrolled in the Florida International University School of Hospitality Management. A preliminary ethnographic phase of the study was to profile a variety of student participants in order to identify potential factors which might affect career patterns. The result is a fascinating and diverse mosaic of ambitious young people and a wealth of insight for corporate recruiting.

(Table 1) Age determination of sediment core MD01-2404

We analyzed the high-resolution foraminifer isotope records, total organic carbon (TOC), and opal content from an Okinawa Trough core MD012404 in order to estimate the monsoon hydrography and productivity changes in the East China Sea (ECS) of the tropical western Pacific over the past 100,000 years. The variability shown in the records on orbital time scales indicates that high TOC intervals coincide with the increases of boreal May-September insolation driven by precession cycles (~21 ka), implying a strong connection to the variations in monsoons. We also observed possibly nearly synchronous, millennial-scale changes of the ECS surface hydrography (mainly driven by salinity changes but also by temperature effects) and productivity coincident with monsoon events in the Hulu/Dongge stalagmite isotope records. We found that increased freshening and high productivity correlate with high monsoon intensity in interstadials. This study suggests that the millennial-scale changes in monsoon hydrography and productivity in the ECS are remarkable and persistent features over the past 100,000 years.