Stem Cell Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 3

Stem Cell - Research Paper Example Though one cannot forecast the results from basic research, there is enough information available to suggest that a good deal of this enthusiasm is justified. Definition of Stem Cells Stem cells are basically building block cells of a human being which are capable of becoming 210 different types of tissue. â€Å"Stem cells have traditionally been defined as not fully differentiated yet to be any particular type of cell or tissue† (Irving, 1999). Adult stem cells are found in minute numbers within most tissues, but the majority of stem cells can be obtained from the umbilical cord. A more precise term is â€Å"somatic stem cells† (Sullivan, 2004). There are numerous potential sources for stem cells. Embryonic stem cells originate from the inner cell of an early stage embryo. Embryonic germ cells can be collected from fetal tissue at a later stage of development. Adult stem cells can be obtained from mature tissues. â€Å"Even after complete maturation of an organism, ce lls need to be replaced. A good example (of adult stem cells) is blood, but this is true for muscle and other connective tissue as well, and may be true for at least some nervous system cells† (Chapman et al, 1999). ... It has been substantiated from animal research that stem cells can be differentiated into cells that will behave appropriately in their transplanted location. For example, the transplantation of stem cells following treatments for cancer has found much success for many years. â€Å"Experiments such as the transplantation of fetal tissue into the brains of Parkinson’s patients indicate that the expectation that stem cell therapies could provide robust treatments for many human diseases is a reasonable one. It is only through controlled scientific research that the true promise will be understood† (Frankel, 1999). Argument for use of aborted fetuses The moral dilemma that surrounds the prohibition of aborted fetuses is the idea of abortion itself. The former Bush administration made it very clear that it was opposed to legal abortions, in at least most circumstances, and transferred that ideology to the prohibition of embryonic stem cell research. The concept of scientifi c study of the next stage of development, the fetus, which resulted from an abortion, was unthinkable. The ideology of the past Presidential administration reflected the minority which opposes abortion and also reflects the majority that is opposed to aborted fetuses of consenting parents being used for experimentation. This reality has no basis in reason. Why would those who claim to be ‘pro-choice’ want to waste the aborted tissue? For that matter, why would pro-lifers want to witness what they believe is a living being tossed away in vain? At least its ‘life’ could have meant something to humanity in a very real way. In 1999 alone, more than 850,000 abortions were performed in the U.S.

Antibody targeted drugs for cancer therapy Dissertation

Antibody targeted drugs for cancer therapy - Dissertation Example Targeting of an antigen that is suitable is done, the conjugate attached to it, which is usually inactive is internalized through endocytosis that is receptor mediated, without undergoing any modification. The conjugate taken thus into the cell is then released into the cell from the lysosome and the cytotoxic activity is then restored. This is the principle behind antibody targeted chemotherapy. Monoclonal antibodies are currently considered as important treatment approaches for malignancy because of their tolerance and also effectiveness in the treatment of various cancers. However, in view of limited scope for clinical trials only a few monoclonal antibodies are approved for clinical use and application against cancer. They not only have a role as anticancer agents, but also have ability to increase the selectivity of various other anticancer agents which are not effective when applied alone. Introduction Classic anticancer treatments include radiation therapy, chemotherapy and su rgical resection. ... eal treatments of cancer where the toxicity is exerted only on tumor tissues and normal tissues are spared, application of monoclonal antibodies for target approach of cancer therapy has found its way. Such an application has revolutionized because of hybridoma technology which has contributed to the production of monoclonal antibodies. When these are used for anticancer treatment, they either target the cancer cells directly, or get exerted after conjugation with cytotoxic drugs or immunotoxins or enzymes (Juntilla et al, 2011). Thus, immunotherapy has become the fourth modality of cancer therapy. Strategies for this therapeutic application are destruction of cancer cells that are directed by immune reaction, interference of the therapy with the growth and differentiation of cancer cells, transport of anti-cancer agents to the cancer cells based on antigen epitopes, anti-idiotype vaccination and finally, development of humanised mouse monoclonal antibodies through genetic engineerin g. Several agents like radionucleotides, toxins and chemotherapeutic agents have been conjugated for anticancer application. These forms of treatment are not only useful following surgical resection but also can be employed in terminal cancer stages (Bodey et al, 2000). In this review, role of antibody mediated cancer therapy will be discussed through review of suitable articles. Monoclonal antibodies Antibodies that are produced from a single type of immune cell are known as monoclonal antibodies. Since these antibodies are basically clones of a single parent cell, they are all identical. Monoclonal antibodies have wide application both in diagnostic and therapeutic clinical arenas (Lambert et al, 2005). Currently, they are used in the treatment of various conditions like cancer, rejection

Environmental Science Phase 5 Individual Project Essay

Environmental Science Phase 5 Individual Project - Essay Example There are several fatal flaws in the claim that the U.S. can’t afford to take the legislative steps necessary to slow the effects of global warming. The scientific community agrees that global temperatures are rising due to the burning of fossil fuels which are damaging the protective atmospheric Ozone layer by changing its composition. Human pollution is changing the climate of our earth and has increased global warming in the past half century. The effects are being felt worldwide, not just in the U.S. where most of the CO2 emissions are generated. The question before us is, are we stewards of our earth and will we preserve it for future generations? If the past 30 years are any indication, then the answer is no. Noticeable effects of global warming are fairly insignificant right now to the average person, but its effects are unquestionably growing in scale. If the population of the planet were to immediately discontinue polluting the air with carbon dioxide emissions, climate changes would still continue long into the future. It is vitally important that the people of the world realize that we have set in motion an experiment on planet Earth which we cannot simply turn off because we finally realized the dire consequences. If we injure the planet in this selfish, cataclysmic method, we kill future generations of humankind. Agricultural activity, land masses and the very air we breathe will suffer a radical change from the effects of global warming, but to what degree? I don’t know but don’t want to know. The projected rate of climate change is very alarming to many scientists but not as much to politicians as this topic isn’t as high on the political agenda as some others. It seems to me that the world leaders have no sense of urgency about them regarding global warming. They place great importance on the popular items of the

Antibody targeted drugs for cancer therapy Dissertation

Antibody targeted drugs for cancer therapy - Dissertation Example Targeting of an antigen that is suitable is done, the conjugate attached to it, which is usually inactive is internalized through endocytosis that is receptor mediated, without undergoing any modification. The conjugate taken thus into the cell is then released into the cell from the lysosome and the cytotoxic activity is then restored. This is the principle behind antibody targeted chemotherapy. Monoclonal antibodies are currently considered as important treatment approaches for malignancy because of their tolerance and also effectiveness in the treatment of various cancers. However, in view of limited scope for clinical trials only a few monoclonal antibodies are approved for clinical use and application against cancer. They not only have a role as anticancer agents, but also have ability to increase the selectivity of various other anticancer agents which are not effective when applied alone. Introduction Classic anticancer treatments include radiation therapy, chemotherapy and su rgical resection. ... eal treatments of cancer where the toxicity is exerted only on tumor tissues and normal tissues are spared, application of monoclonal antibodies for target approach of cancer therapy has found its way. Such an application has revolutionized because of hybridoma technology which has contributed to the production of monoclonal antibodies. When these are used for anticancer treatment, they either target the cancer cells directly, or get exerted after conjugation with cytotoxic drugs or immunotoxins or enzymes (Juntilla et al, 2011). Thus, immunotherapy has become the fourth modality of cancer therapy. Strategies for this therapeutic application are destruction of cancer cells that are directed by immune reaction, interference of the therapy with the growth and differentiation of cancer cells, transport of anti-cancer agents to the cancer cells based on antigen epitopes, anti-idiotype vaccination and finally, development of humanised mouse monoclonal antibodies through genetic engineerin g. Several agents like radionucleotides, toxins and chemotherapeutic agents have been conjugated for anticancer application. These forms of treatment are not only useful following surgical resection but also can be employed in terminal cancer stages (Bodey et al, 2000). In this review, role of antibody mediated cancer therapy will be discussed through review of suitable articles. Monoclonal antibodies Antibodies that are produced from a single type of immune cell are known as monoclonal antibodies. Since these antibodies are basically clones of a single parent cell, they are all identical. Monoclonal antibodies have wide application both in diagnostic and therapeutic clinical arenas (Lambert et al, 2005). Currently, they are used in the treatment of various conditions like cancer, rejection

Business Article review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Business Article review - Essay Example The Department of Labor reported that unit labor costs increased by 1.4% while inflation-adjusted compensation rose to only 0.4 %. The higher rate of increases in productivity relative to the mount in hourly wage indicates that "companies are still able to keep a significant share of productivity gains for themselves and their investors." An implication of this is that companies are able to keep a larger share of their revenue as gross profits which can dampen the possibility of inflation as they allow companies to absorb more costs. However, the article also recognized that as companies have strong pricing power, they are hesitant in absorbing higher input costs but are inclined to pass these costs to consumers. The decline in the number of unemployed is indicative of a strong job market (Whitehouse). The article revealed the interrelation of different macroeconomic variables in the society as well as showed how the economic climate affects the position and decision making of business entities. The concepts such as inflation, productivity, and employment levels which are presently tackled in the class and their relationships are more elucidated and understood in the business article. Theoretically, labor productivity and wages are closely li

Supply Chain Management and Distribution Centers Essay Example for Free

Supply Chain Management and Distribution Centers Essay 1. Wal-Mart has been able to achieve respectable leadership in the retail industry because of its focus on supply chain management. Discuss in detail the distribution and logistics system adopted by Wal-Mart. Ans : As the world’s largest retailer with net sales of almost $219 billion for the fiscal year 2002, Wal-Mart is considered a â€Å"best-in-class† company for its supply chain management practices. These practices are a key competitive advantage that have enabled Wal-Mart to achieve leadership in the retail industry through a focus on increasing operational efficiency and on customer needs Wal-Mart’s corporate website calls â€Å"logistics† and â€Å"distribution† the heart of its operation, one that keeps millions of products moving to customers every day of the year. Wal-Mart’s complete Supply chain is aligned to provide maximum value to its customers by Every day low prices in its Stores. Wal-Mart’s highly-automated distribution centers, which operate 24 hours a day and are served by Wal-Mart’s truck fleet, are the foundation of its growth strategy and supply network. In the United States alone, the company has more than 40 regional distribution centers for import flow and more than 140 distribution centers for domestic flow .When entering a new geographic arena, the company first determines if the area will be able to contain enough stores to support a distribution center. Each distribution center supports between 75 to 100 retail stores within a 250-mile area. Once a center is built, stores are gradually built around it to saturate the area and the distribution network is realigned to maximize efficiencies through a process termed â€Å"reoptimization†. The result is a â€Å"trickle-down† effect: trucks do not have to travel as far to retail stores to make deliveries, shorter distances reduce transportation costs and lead time, and shorter lead time means holding less safety inventory. If shortages do occur, replenishment can be made more quickly because stores receive daily deliveries from distribution centers. The company’s hub-and-spoke distribution network utilizes a system of manufacturer storage with customer pickup. No inventory is stored at Wal-Mart’s distribution centers. Wal-Mart’s fleet of 3,500 dedicated trucks and over 50,000 trailers are used to pick up goods directly from manufacturers’ warehous es, thus eliminating intermediaries and increasing responsiveness. The use of trucks raises transportation costs but is justified in terms of reduced inventory. Merchandise brought in by truck to distribution centers is sorted for delivery to stores within 24 to 48 hours. However, certain goods, such as automotive and drug products, are delivered directly to stores by suppliers. Wal-Mart, a pioneer in the logistics technique of cross-docking, also has store-specific orders packed and shipped directly to the store by the manufacturer. Because Wal-Mart’s fast, responsive transportation operations are such a major part of the company’s successful logistics system, great care is taken in the hiring, training, supervising, and assigning of drivers’ schedules and job responsibilities. From the onset of his retailing career, Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton recognized the importance of hiring experienced people and of building loyalty not only in his customers but also in his employees. The company hires only experienced drivers who have driven more than 300,000 accident-free miles and whom it believes will be committed to customer service. Its retail stores are considered important â€Å"customers† of the distribution centers. As stated in the â€Å"Private Fleet Driver Handbook† that each driver is given a copy of, drivers are expected to be â€Å"polite† and â€Å"kind† when dealing with store personnel and others. In addition to containing a driver’s code of conduct, the Private Fleet Driver Handbook gives instructions and rules for following pre-planned travel routes and schedules, the responsible unloading of a truck trailer at a retail store, and the safe-guarding of Wal-Mart’s property. For example, although drivers deliver loaded trailers in the afternoon and evening hours, a trailer can be brought to the store’s docks only at its scheduled unloading time. Because unloading is done at two-hour intervals during the night, a driver is expected to spend the night, returning to the distribution center at a pre-scheduled time with an empty trailer. Coordinators closely monitor the detailed records of each driver’s activities for adherence to rules. Violations are dealt with according to handbook procedures, which include employee education to prevent future occurrences of incorrect actions. By effectively managing every aspect of its transportation operations and treating its drivers fairly, Wal-Mart gets results that are unrivaled in the logistics arena. Rules are a key to consistency, which leads to preparedness, which then leads to proper execution. To gain maximum out of cross-docking, Walmart had to make fundamental changes in its approach to managerial control. The cross-docking system changed the practice of highly centralized decision at Corporate level.The system shifted the focus from â€Å"supply chain† to the â€Å"demand chain† which meant that instead of the retailer ‘pushing ‘products into the system; customers could ‘pull’ products, when and where they needed.

The Cause and Effects of Terrorism

The Cause and Effects of Terrorism In this modern world, terrorism has become a hazardous threat to all the countries around the world as it will cause devastating casualties and economy impact in any of the countries. According to Krueger and Maleckova (2003), the term terrorism is defined as premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents, usually intended to influence an audience. Terrorism is basically an act of the terrorists to convert a message such as ideological, religious or political object through violence or destruction. The more destructive it is, the more audiences they will have. Thus, terrorists will be greatly increased if they can influence people around the world to achieve the objectives or goals that the terrorists group has plotted. In addition, there are factors that made other people to join terrorism and the effects of it. While terrorism is still in active around the globe, what has causes this dreadful act that harm many people live and property and what are the reasons behind this Keet (2003) stated that one of the causes is formation of nationalist or separatist. He emphasize that colonized nations which made nationalist movement has a high chances to become a terrorism organization. Mahatma Ghandi was the only one who gets along with the freedom movement without using any violence act. Extreme nationalism, on the other hand, has set up or upholds language rights, religious belief and symbols. They persuade on a regional-ethic party and less accentuate on the political rights and privileges. Lawson (2001) too claimed that resistance against an oppressor is a contributing factor that will lead to terrorism. He remarked that the dominance of terrorists land and their people from any oppressor are apparent to have high chances of conducting terrorism. The IRA, the Basque separatist group ETA, the Pale stinians, the Tamil Tigers, the Chechens, and Iraqi insurgents are some of the examples of organization that used forces to fulfill their political goals (Lawson, 2001). Keet (2003) reviewed an important factor that is related to terrorism was social stratification and disproportion of division of limited resources such as food, water and clothing. In this study, lack of economic management has give a huge impact on civilian for their survive needs. Based on the studies shown in Keet (2003) 15% of the population for the poor countries consumes 85% of the overall resources. He stated that if those people cant get a satisfactory amount of resources they needed, they will use force or violence to get what they wanted in order to keep them alive. Thus, these circumstances have formed a new society or organization that will lead to terrorism. The contradictory of theory of disaffected intelligentsia, which is simple minded people that are lack of moral and social knowledge, were the ones that mislead the people (Keet, 2003). They are the reason that dehumanizes terrorists and, in this manner, they wanted to be heard, and acknowledge by the society or the world, that they have the equivalent of human rights. This indicates the inner reason of terrorism, decreeing from the point of its viewpoints, mindset, method of approach and the consequences as studied by Keet (2003). In addition to the dehumanization of terrorists, Keet (2003) claimed that religion is essential cause for the terrorism as it stressed on the Muslim extremists in the Middle East. The research showed that Islamic terrorism rejects the ideology of democracy and individualism, while Islamists dislike the concept of capitalism and believe in Caliphate (the idea of leading Muslim community in worldwide). People believed that the social issue was connected to the war is the religion and realm which indicates on different belief have a higher chance to engage in a battle than those share the same belief (Keet, 2003). Despite of the above, all religion accentuates that we must treat others as we are wished to be treated and killing is prohibited on most of the religious teaching. In 2004, Borum studied the behavior among terrorists and found out that most of them were perceived from injustice, wanted identity and unfortunately, they were the targeted victims of terrorism. Traumatize from the childhood abuse, they felt injustice as well as humiliated and as a result, they joined the terrorists group as they are the majority in the organization (Borum, 2004). People who search for their identity often trap by the terrorist organization in many ways as one of them is referred to identity foreclosure when the idea or mindset of a terrorist organization is being accepted without serious inspection (as cited in Borum, 2004, p. 25). They often accept the mindset as they couldnt take any more of the complexity and stressful world and they are usually classified as lifeless or monotonous person. Similarly, the studies based on Borum (2004) has emphasizes on the motivation of terrorists as a root to terrorism. Motive is defined as the passion or aspiration to get something done. The opportunity to get into action, the belonging needs, the wish to get acknowledge in society and the acquirement of material rewards are the motivations go get involve in terrorism (Borum, 2004). Moreover, Borum (2004) stated that the remedies of an injustice were the essential motivation for terrorism as it can help them to get their revenge back and the best motivation is to help others to avenge but not themselves. The need of belonging that was remarked earlier on has great impact on radical extremist groups as they felt connected and associated with the group. They were expelled and rejected from their society but the organization accepted them and they felt the warmth and kindness just like a family does (Borum, 2004). The causes on terrorism in this world are unavoidable indeed. On the other hand, the effects on terrorism as stated in Bennett and Bray (n.d.) are on tourism industry. After the incident on 9/11, the impact on world travel and tourism council has reported that over 10% of the travel and tourism demand on worldwide has decreased and consequently, 8.8 million people have lost their job in airlines, hotels, tour operators, car rental and credit card companies, thus it decreased 1.7% of total GDP for the world economy (Bennett and Bray, n.d.). With the attacks on the world trade centre, Bennett and Bray (n.d.) reviewed that international arrivals around the world in 2001 has greatly decrease which estimated 4 million that were less than the previous year and it was indicated clearly that people have the fear to take flights. Bennett and Bray (n.d.) stated that it was disastrous for the airlines companies as the passengers numbers were declining. Similarly, AFP (2010a) stated airports and other travel centers as well as tourist attractions across Europe have been heightened with security forces as al-Qaeda has linked with terror plot that targeted in London, Paris, Berlin and other European countries. On the other hand, AP (2010) mentioned on terrorism that was on the alert to those Americans living in or traveling to Europe. The economy around the globe has badly influenced from the act of terrorism. As Abadie and Gardeazabal (2007) reviewed that the capital stock, either in physical or human form, has greatly reduced after the act of terrorist in a country. In addition, the country itself needs to increase expenditures on counter-terrorism and in order to get the resources or capital; they need to obtain from their productive industries for the sake of the countrys security (Abadie Gardeazabal, 2007). The incident of September 11th terrorist attacks on US economy have affected the total production assets which decreased 0.06% of it. Walters, Sachsida and Sandler (2006) indicated the stocks in US direct investment has lower drastically after the terrorist assaults against US interest in OECD countries. Similarly, Persitz (n.d.) claimed that due to intense terror in Pakistan, the consumption and government-expense section increases while investment, exports, and imports of production decreases. In the market, people are devastated from terrorist acts as human tragedies happened most of the time. Because of fear, many people didnt want to take the risk to start a business as terrorism could strike anytime and anywhere and eventually it brings down the economy (Market, n.d.). Furthermore, the costs that cover the security purposes were a burden for most of the companies as they might decrease the price of the stock that will lead to disappointment from the stockholders. Market (n.d.) stated that resilience will occurred even if a terrorist attacks, the society will united together to overcome the catastrophe that changes the security system and become more secure and confident than before. For examples in the Kennedy assignation, the World Trade Center Bombing, and the Oklahoma City Bombing. Whats more about effect of the market is the human loss in a terrorist act is heartbreaking news for the victims loved ones. The loss of potential labor workers in a company suffered more hardship than losing profits (Market, n.d.). In 2007, Creekmore (2007) claimed that after the incident of September 11th, social conflict has been arising due to fear and horrified by the incident among citizens. After past few days of the incident, people were lined up around the gas station before gas prices rose two dollar a gallon. The governor of Mississippi took immediate action against local gas suppliers as they were found guilty on raising the gas prices (Creekmore, 2007). Eventually this has set off havoc between the local gas suppliers and customer in different states, and people were fighting for the gas. In addition, Creekmore (2007) mentioned about the rumors which were spread about the shortage of food due to the gas prices and soon everyone felt the state of panic. Media (2008) reviewed that the Internet has many useful functions for the terrorist, such as cyber-terrorism, coordination of plans of attack, communication with cells, or propaganda and information. Convenient, easy to use and access, much quicker to send precious information and inexpensive are the factors for terrorists to use the Internet. As the functions mentioned above, it brings huge impact on the media because the Internet act as a direct medium (Media, 2008). A Mexican-based terrorism organization, EZLN, also known as Zapatistas, has brought catastrophe to its country as it uses Internet to leak information throughout the world. Media (2008) has also remarked that Internet media offensive was started by al-Qaida that their message were translated into European languages and as a result, radicalization process is happening much faster, broader, more mysterious in the Internet era. Instead of having traditional weapons such as sword and spear, The Effects (2006) claimed that terrorists weaponry has stepped forward to a more advance technology, that is chemical and biological weapons. It was dated back then after Persian Gulf, thousands of US troops went home after the war has ended. Unfortunately, they have come across an illness which includes symptoms like chronic fatigue, severe joint pain and headaches, intestinal track problems, internal bleeding, and memory loss (The Effects, 2006). The veterans were then diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome as a result of war. The Effects (2006) reviewed the terrorists have been doing many illegal activities such as counterfeit the document and statements as well as take apart the equipments and tear down important documents in order to conceal their production of biological weapons. AFP (2010b) remarked the Taliban militants have claimed two raids which around 60 trucks were torched and three people died in this incident. O n the other hand, Pakistani authorities have reported 24 attacks since September 3rd which have claimed more than 140 lives. Over the years, terrorism has caught international attention as it has destructive goals that would bring casualties and economical impact around the world. The research on terrorism was insufficient and the data is not fully complete yet. There are still many unknown causes that would lead to terrorism. However, as times goes by, the secrets behind terrorism will eventually reveal to the world and it must be eradicate as soon as win-win solutions are being discovered and implement into the society.