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Classical approaches to immunotherapy that show promise in some malignancies have generally been disappointing when applied to high-grade brain tumors such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). We recently showed that ex vivo expanded/activated γδ T cells recognize NKG2D ligands expressed on malignant glioma and are cytotoxic to glioma cell lines and primary GBM explants. In addition, γδ T cells extend survival and slow tumor progression when administered to immunodeficient mice with intracranial human glioma xenografts. We now show that temozolomide (TMZ), a principal chemotherapeutic agent used to treat GBM, increases the expression of stress-associated NKG2D ligands on TMZ-resistant glioma cells, potentially rendering them vulnerable to γδ T cell recognition and lysis. TMZ is also highly toxic to γδ T cells, however, and to overcome this cytotoxic effect γδ T cells were genetically modified using a lentiviral vector encoding the DNA repair enzyme O(6)-alkylguanine DNA alkyltransferase (AGT) from the O(6)-methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT) cDNA, which confers resistance to TMZ. Genetic modification of γδ T cells did not alter their phenotype or their cytotoxicity against GBM target cells. Importantly, gene modified γδ T cells showed greater cytotoxicity to two TMZ resistant GBM cell lines, U373TMZ-R and SNB-19TMZ-R cells, in the presence of TMZ than unmodified cells, suggesting that TMZ exposed more receptors for γδ T cell-targeted lysis. Therefore, TMZ resistant cd T cells can be generated without impairing their anti-tumor functions in the presence of high concentrations of TMZ. These results provide a mechanistic basis for combining chemotherapy and γδ T cell-based drug resistant cellular immunotherapy to treat GBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: The present study investigated thoracic kyphosis and the orientation and position of the scapula and head in male subjects with COPD compared to an age-paired control group. Quantitative descriptions on postural alterations in patients with COPD are lacking in the literature. Methods: Nineteen individuals with COPD (74.2 ± 5.1 years) and 19 individuals in the control group (71.9 ± 4.6 years) participated in the study. A three-dimensional motion capture system was used to obtain the upward rotation, anterior tilt and internal rotation angles as well as the linear measures of scapular elevation and abduction. Thoracic kyphosis, protraction of the head and shoulders, and the diameter ofthe upper thoracic cage were also measured. ANOVA and the Student's t-test for dependent samples were used for the inter-group and intra-group comparisons, respectively. Results: The COPD group exhibited significantly higher right (Ffl.37]=6.12,P=0.0l82; 12.99 cm 95% CI, 12.43 to 13.52) and left (F[1.37] = 10.21,P=0.0029; 12.35 cm, 95% CI. 11.81 to 12.89) scapulae elevation in comparison to the control group. The COPD group exhibited asymmetry in the scapulae and position of the head (P<0.05). Conclusions: Male individuals with COPD exhibit more elevated scapulae in comparison to controls, possibly due to hyperinflation of the lungs, which changes the position of the sternum and aftects the scapulae. Furthermore, patients exhibited asymmetries that could lead to the occurrence of pain in the scapular and cervical regions. Understanding these postural alterations is important to the development of exercise programs that would emphasize techniques aimed to prevent scapular elevation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The in vivo imaging probe [11C]-PIB (Pittsburgh Compound B, N-methyl[11C]2-(4'-methylaminophenyl-6-hydroxybenzathiazole) is under evaluation as a key imaging tool in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to date has been assumed to bind with high affinity and specificity to the amyloid structures associated with classical plaques (CPs), one of the pathological hallmarks of the disease. However, no studies have systematically investigated PIB binding to human neuropathological brain specimens at the tracer concentrations achieved during in vivo imaging scans. Using a combination of autoradiography and histochemical techniques, we demonstrate that PIB, in addition to binding CPs clearly delineates diffuse plaques and cerebrovascular amyloid angiopathy (CAA). The interaction of PIB with CAA was not fully displaceable and this may be linked to the apolipoprotein E-epsilon4 allele. PIB was also found to label neurofibrillary tangles, although the overall intensity of this binding was markedly lower than that associated with the amyloid-beta (Abeta) pathology. The data provide a molecular explanation for PIB's limited specificity in diagnosing and monitoring disease progression in AD and instead indicate that the ligand is primarily a non-specific marker of Abeta-peptide related cerebral amyloidosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background CD69 is a surrogate marker of T-cell responsiveness to mitogen and Ag stimulus and can be used as a measure of T-lymphocyte activation. Quantitative flow cytometric determination of CD69 expression on T lymphocytes has several advantages over traditional lymphocyte proliferation assays, but this method has not yet been standardized for clinical applications. Methods We qualified a commercially available assay using the manufacturer's procedures for measurement of T-cell response to a mitogen (PHA), superantigen (Staphylococcus endotoxin B; SEB) and Ca2+ ionophore (phorbyl myristate acetate; PMA) with peripheral blood from healthy volunteers. Following this, we tested the usefulness of the assay in determining T-cell responses to PHA and SEB for six immunocompromised patients. Results Healthy volunteers showed 17-fold increases in T-cell CD69 Ab bound per cell (ABC) with PHA stimulation compared with the baseline. SEB was also an effective T-cell activating agent, increasing CD69 ABC by 5-fold, comparable with results obtained with PMA stimulation. PHA- and SEB-stimulated T-cell CD69 ABC for patients 100 days post-BM transplant were generally below 1 SD of that from healthy volunteers. SEB-stimulated T-cell CD69 expression was significantly depressed for CD8+ T cells while CD4+ T-cell responses to SEB were generally within 1 SD of the mean for healthy volunteers. Discussion These results suggest that quantitative measurement of CD69 surface expression by flow cytometry is a useful diagnostic tool for detailed assessment of T-lymphocyte and subset activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: γδT cells contribute to immune defense against infectious organisms and some malignancies, but the process of activation and proliferation of these cells is not well understood. It is known that the immune response of γδT cells is not MHC-dependent, but is likely based on direct recognition of surface peptides and non-peptide ligands. This study examined whether DCs and CD4[sup +] T cells can participate in the activation of γδT cells. Method: Peripheral blood γδT cells were co-cultured with CD34-derived autologous DCs and CD4[sup +] T cells using contact-dependent cultures and transwell systems. Proliferation, immunophenotyping, and cytotoxicity assays determined the extent of γδT cell proliferation and cytotoxicity. Results: Human γδT cells expanded 221.3 ± 76-fold in cultures with DCs, and 165.7 ± 76.6-fold with CD4[sup +] T-cells alone. Proliferation was enhanced (1949.8 ± 261.3-fold) when γδT cells were cultured with both DC and CD4[sup +] T cells. Proliferation was contact-dependent, and resulted in the expansion of Vδ1+ or Vδ2+ cells cytotoxic against several leukemic cell-lines, but not against allogeneic PHA-induced lymphoid blasts. Ligation of the T-cell receptor with anti-pan-δ Ab significantly up-regulated cytotoxicity against K562, KBM-5 and KG1a, and normal BM, but not against Molt-4, allogeneic EBV-transfected B cells and allogeneic PHA-blasts. Minimal cytotoxic activity was shown against allogeneic marrow colony-forming units granulocyte-macrophage and erythrocyte colony-forming units. Conclusion: DCs can participate in the activation of γδT cells against specific autologous targets, and cytotoxicity can be enhanced by further stimulation via the T-cell receptor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents the super classical quantum mechanics theory, an interpretation of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics (NRQM) equivalent to the Heisenberg, Schrodinger and Dirac NRQM, but with the vital addition of Born's probabilistic interpretation of the wave function. Classical limit of the theory; Treatment of chaotic indeterminancies in Newtonian classical mechanics using the theory.

The purpose of the research reported here was to test empirically a conceptualization of brand associations that consists of three dimensions: brand image, brand attitude and perceived quality. A better understanding of brand associations is needed to facilitate further theoretical development and practical measurement of the construct. Three studies were conducted to: test a protocol for developing product category specific measures of brand image; investigate the dimensionality of the brand associations construct; and explore whether the degree of dimensionality of brand associations varies depending upon a brand’s familiarity. Findings confirm the efficacy of the brand image protocol and indicate that brand associations differ across brands and product categories. The latter finding supports the conclusion that brand associations for different products should be measured using different items. As predicted, dimensionality of brand associations was found to be influenced by brand familiarity. Top priority for many firms today. Research interest in branding continues to be strong in the marketing literature (e.g. Alden et al., 1999; Kirmani et al., 1999; Erdem, 1998). Likewise, marketing managers continue to realize the power of brands, manifest in the recent efforts of many companies to build strong Internet “brands” such as amazon.com and msn.com (Narisetti, 1998). The way consumers perceive brands is a key determinant of long-term business-consumer relationships (Fournier, 1998). Hence, building strong brand perceptions is a top priority for many firms today (Morris, 1996). Despite the importance of brands and consumer perceptions of them, marketing researchers have not used a consistent definition or measurement technique to assess consumer perceptions of brands. To address this, two scholars have recently developed extensive conceptual treatments of branding and related issues. Keller (1993; 1998) refers to consumer perceptions o... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Offers help to readers in identifying the animal that corresponds to the year of their birth. Structure of the Chinese zodiac; Mathematical properties for the set of animals.

Examines several issues regarding skill development in marketing education. Description of the term skills; Importance of skill development and enhancement in marketing education; Tips for developing a selected set of skills.

The authors examine important classroom protocol issues in the use of student-led case presentations and the benefits and limitations of this pedagogy. In addition, the efficacy of videotaping these presentations is explored and protocol issues are discussed. Sample grading and peer evaluation forms are included as appendices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the difficulty of understanding quantum mechanics. Description of classical mechanics by quantum mechanics; Development of classical mechanics from a simple form of the Schrodinger wave equation; Discovery of quantum mechanics in 1925 to 1926 in three forms; Application of quantum mechanics to classical mechanical problems.

Shows how a nurse can assess a patient's risk for septic shock. Stages of septic shock; Care and prevention; Effects of advancing shock. INSET: UPS & DOWNS IN SEPTIC SHOCK.

Background Our laboratory previously reported that leukemia patients who developed ≥ 10% γδ + T cells during the first six months after receiving an anti-TCRαβ T-cell-depleted (TCD) graft from a partially mismatched related donor (PMRD) had a disease-free survival (DFS) advantage. These γδ + T cells were Vδ1 + CD3 + CD4 - CD8 - CD69 + HLADR + and are cytotoxic to K562 cells. Methods In order to determine whether the anti-αβ TCD regimen was associated with these findings, we compared the reconstitution of γδ + T cells from patients who received TCD PMRD grafts using the anti-tCRαβ MAb T10B9-1A31 (previously reported) with similar patients who received grafts using the anti-CD3 MAb OKT3. Results Increased cytotoxic Vδ1+ T cells were seen in 10 of 43 T10B9 TCD patients compared to 7 of 100 in the OKT3 TCD group (23% versus 7%, p = 0.010 ). T10B9 patients with increased γδ + T cells also exhibited a higher range of increased γδ + T cells and the length of time the γδ + T cells remained high was longer when compared to OKT3 patients. Patients with increased γδ + T cells whose grafts were T-cell depleted with T10B9 showed a significant decrease in relapse ( p = 0.038 ). Similar rates and reduction in relapse were seen in OKT3 TCD patients, although significance was not reached due to the small number of patients with increased γδ + T cells. Estimated 3 year disease-free survival was significantly improved in T10B9 patients with increased γδ + T cells (0.79 versus 0.31, p = 0.009 ), a trend also seen in OKT3 patients ( p = 0.091 ). Discussion These observations indicate that Vδ1 + CD4 - CD8 - cytotoxic T cells are associated with lower relapse rates and improved survival, and thus may have a role in a graft-versus-leukemia effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myeloablative chemotherapy followed by transplantation of a T cell-depleted bone marrow graft from a partially mismatched related donor provides a potentially curative option for patients with leukemia and other disorders of hematopoiesis, although the patient is faced with a period of sustained immunodeficiency as well as pharmacologic immunosuppression as a result of prophylaxis against graft-versus-host disease. Thirty patients who received one to three antigen T cell-depleted mismatched grafts were evaluated for immune reconstitution. The percentage and numbers of cells expressing lymphocyte subset antigens were determined by flow cytometry at 14, 28, 60, 100, 180, 270 and 365 days post-BMT and at 6 month intervals thereafter. Lymphocyte reconstitution was characterized by the early appearance of natural killer cells and a low percentage of both T and B cells. During the first year after BMT, the number of NK cells remained constant while T and B cells gradually returned to normal numbers and proportions. Response to the lymphocyte mitogen phytohemagglutinin returned to normal over the course of 2 years, while the response to concanavalin A was slightly depressed and the response to pokeweed mitogen became supranormal at about 1.5 years and continued to increase. These data suggest the need for long-term immunophenotypic monitoring as well as prolonged infection surveillance and prophylaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allogeneic BMT offers the possibility of cure for a variety of hematopoietic malignancies, but disease relapse remains a major cause of treatment failure. This report describes two cases in which flow cytometric cell sorting (FACS) and molecular chimerism analysis were combined to increase the sensitivity of minimal residual disease (MRD) detection. In the first case this approach was used to demonstrate that a suspicious phenotype was not recurrent leukemia, thus preventing the use of potentially toxic therapy. In the second case the recurrence of a leukemia which was undetectable by conventional analysis was confirmed. The potential benefits of combining these MRD detection methods are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the use of journal or diary writing assignments to enhance a foreign study tour program. Two versions of the journal writing assignment are described, and benefits of this teaching and learning approach are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Business schools are frequently criticized for focusing too much attention on theories and concepts and not enough attention on communication, decision making, and other skills that are at least as important to career success as content knowledge. This article presents a six-step approach that has been used successfully to integrate skills training into an undergraduate marketing curriculum. The process is general and appropriate for other faculty groups considering systematic integration of skills training into their curricula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introductory marketing course plays a key role in the marketing curriculum and in the curricula of other business majors. This article reports the findings of a study designed to elicit marketing educators' views regarding (1) the relative emphasis currently being placed on various conceptual content and experiential areas in the undergraduate introductory course; (2) the ideal level of emphasis that should be placed on each area; and (3) the desirability of a two-course sequence in the introductory marketing course. Findings suggest that the concept of a two-course sequence has support among some marketing educators and that it should be carefully examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is three-fold. First, a synthesis of the literature concerning perceived risk will be presented. Second, apparent voids in the literature and suggestions for future research will be indicated. A discussion of managerial implications will conclude the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the efficiency of a ballot technique in reducing bias caused by nonsampling errors in studies designed to gather sensitive information. Findings reveal that the technique produces population estimates more accurate than conventional interviewing and as accurate as the randomized-response technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides a foundation for an effective use of existing judgement-based salesforce decision models and for improving judgement-based salesforce decision models. Review of judgement-based salesforce decision models; Response estimation problems; Recommended model usage situations.

Suggests a systematic approach to formulating public sector distribution decisions. Overview of the distribution process; Information on the kinds of decisions which constitute the operational components of a public agency's distribution system; Discussion on the different components of the evaluation process; Types of evaluation indicators; Information on the possible approaches in making the comparison between different types of services; Reasons for inappropriate facility location.

Investigates the potential variables regarding country of origin that consumers may use in making judgements about foreign-made products. Country composition based on economic, political and cultural environment; Analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range test results; Factors affecting research results.

Presents a study that examined the status of the marketing concept in public recreation and park agencies. Personal and agency philosophies regarding the marketing concept; Description of the questionnaire used in the study; Debate over the role of marketing in public and nonprofit organizations

Presents a study that examined the relationship between United States consumers' perceptions regarding selected foreign environmental influences in several European countries and their willingness to buy products from these countries. Factorial design models that were chosen as the research designs for the study; Frequency distribution of respondents' willingness to buy products from European countries; Respondents' rating of economic and political environments of several European countries; Implications of the findings of the study.

Market segmentation is an important topic to higher education researchers and administrators. The authors explored the relative importance that prospective students attach to various benefirts offered by a medium-sized private university with moderately selective admissions criteria. The purposes of the study were to test, and provide data to illustrate, the efficacy of one approach to college benefit segmentation analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Rural hospitals are facing a crisis of major proportions. Declining patient loads, revenues, and profits are the norm. The authors find that in rural communities, the likelihood of going to the local hospital increases with age and may decrease with income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article refers to health-care marketing research and marketing strategy that helps hospitals meet physicians' needs. Physicians are the consumers in this strategy, which offers computer-based information systems or consultant services to help doctors manage their medical offices and increases referrals and hospital revenue. Two general categories of hospital marketing programs, three reasons why doctors are important to hospitals, and three steps in identifying customer needs are mentioned. Surveys by the National Research Corporation and by All Saints Episcopal Hospital are mentioned.

The commentary refers to surveys--conducted in Texas and Ohio--that focused on consumers' perceptions concerning doctors of osteopathy and medical doctors. Factors that influenced consumers' choice of doctors include a willingness to talk to the patient about an illness, recommendations from other physicians, and accessibility of a preferred hospital. A statistical comparison shows respondents' perceptions of medical competency and training.

Market segmentation is an important topic to both health care practitioners and researchers. The authors explore the relative importance that health care consumers attach to various benefits available in a major metropolitan area hospital. The purposes of the study are to test, and provide data to illustrate, the efficacy of one approach to hospital benefit segmentation analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the background, research, and findings of one home health care organization that sought to improve its service to the community through communications with its prospective clientele. The organization, Family Service of Tarrant County, Ft. Worth, Texas, is a private, nonprofit, voluntary United Way agency staffed by professional social workers, psychologists, nurses, home health aides, community volunteers, and student interns. It is accredited by the Council for Family and Children's Services and provides a variety of services, including family and individual counseling, drug counseling, crisis intervention, educational and training programs for community groups and businesses, and home health care. Fees are based on a person's ability to pay, and Medicare/Medicaid insurance is honored. Home health services include home management, personal care, meal preparation, menu planning, child care and supervision, light housekeeping, shopping, nursing, and hospice care. Family Service has served the area since 1941 and has provided home health services since 1967. Eight offices are strategically located throughout the county to provide convenient service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines whether marketing has been over emphasised to hospital administrators. The article "Why Marketing Isn't Working in the Health Care Arena," written by Christopher O'Conner, is cited. In O'Conner's article he asserts that only a very limited portion of marketing has been applied to health care, and that the nature of the hospital industry precludes extensive application of marketing applications. It is suggested that O'Conner's assessment is flawed in some areas.

The article presents results from a study on physician continuity and physician dissatisfaction with health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and their policies. The link between patient satisfaction and physician continuity is stated. An overview is given of the primary ideological conflicts which can occur between HMOs and participating physicians and several are highlighted as primary factors leading to physician unaffiliation. Elements explored include payment schemes, claims management, and quality control measures. Comments are given reflecting on the implications of prioritizing physician-retention motivational factors on HMO policies.

Determines the degree of monitoring of consumer satisfaction among nonprofit hospitals. Discussion on marketing-oriented business organizations; Hospital use of unsolicited consumer constraints; Concern of the hospital with consumer welfare.

Cites the impact of corrective advertising on consumer behavior, attitudes and beliefs. Description of corrective advertising; Results of studies that attempted to measure the power or corrective advertisements to dissipate false claims; Investigation on the effects of different sources of corrective message.

Comparative advertising has gained a questionable status in the evaluation of advertising techniques. The consummation stems from a lack of empirical evidence in examining the effectiveness of this advertising technique. Studies conducted by the advertising giant Ogilvy & Mather Ltd. revealed that comparative format may lead to lower sponsor identification, and a confused mystification of the brand. Motivated by the lack of study in this domain, the author makes a foray to analyze the impact of comparative advertising and comparative marketing in effectively establishing a brand image. The study experiments with around 408 student subjects to access the receptivity of comparative advertisements. The technique employed for analyzing the data has been based on analysis of variance, or ANOVA. Results of the analysis comprehend no significant disparity in reception of advertisements that screen rival and competitive brands, and those that do not. Results of the analysis also spell that believability and interestingness of a comparative advertisement is not dominated or affected by the presence of absence of an illustration of competing brands.

Analyzes problems facing marketing-related journals and academicians. Purpose of marketing journals; Acceptance and rejection policies and practices; Lag time required for publication.

The relationship between marketing mix composition and SBU performance is one of the most fundamental issues in marketing management. While the impact of environmental variables such as business type and stage of the product life cycle on the marketing mix/SBU performance relationship have been studied in depth, other environmental variables from the strategic management and industrial/organizational economics literature have not. This study empirically assesses the impact of several environmental variables on the marketing mix composition/SBU performance relationship using PIMS, a cross-industry, cross-firm database. The study shows that several environmental variables that have received little attention in the marketing literature, such as level of industry imports and industry concentration, have a significant impact on the relationship between marketing mix composition and SBU performance, while commonly used variables such as the product life cycle and business type do not significantly affect the relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzes several studies focusing on specific cell populations. Immunophenotypic and functional recovery of T lymphocytes; Discussion on B lymphocyte recovery; Natural killer cell recovery.