Spy1 Levels Predict Sensitivity of Refractory Multiple Myeloma to Therapy

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an aggressive hematopoietic malignancy with a poor prognosis that is caused by the abnormal growth of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CKIs) have been explored as a possible treatment for MM, with limited clinical success. We postulate that the cyclin-like protein, Spy1 (SPDYA), which is capable of overriding cell-cycle checkpoints, may play a role in limiting therapeutic effectiveness. To support this hypothesis, we have found that Spy1 is highly expressed in MM patient samples and human cell lines. We aim to explore the role that Spy1 plays in CKI resistance in MM using a variety of in vitro and in vivo techniques. Firstly, we intend to create and optimize an in vitro platform to study MM using patient samples collected from clinicians at Windsor Regional Hospital. Using this culture, and human cell lines, we intend to investigate the methylation status of Spy1 and other MM genes in Spy1 overexpression and knockout conditions to see the effects of epigenetic regulation. Then, we will perform drug and toxicity assays with standard CKIs using our Spy1 overexpression and knock-down lines to observe response to CKIs, expecting lines with higher Spy1 to demonstrate increased therapy resistance. Finally, our cells with manipulated Spy1 levels will be injected into zebrafish to test the effects of CKIs in vivo. Collectively, we aim to explore the role Spy1 may play in resistance to CKI therapy in MM, to improve disease understanding and identify areas treatments may be improved

The Measurement of Service Quality in the Tour Operating Sector: A Methodological Comparison

ABSTRACT Service quality in the tourism industry receives increasing attention in the literature and yet confusion still exists as to which measure offers the greatest validity. The two main research instruments are Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) and SERVQUAL. However, both measures have been questioned and research has introduced measures that multiply SERVQUAL by Importance, as well a measure of just performance (SERVPERF). This paper assesses these four main methods of measuring customer service quality. The data were obtained in co-operation with a major UK tour operator. 220 respondents completed a questionnaire before departure on what elements were important to them and what their expectations were for these elements. Then towards the end of their holiday respondents were issued with a second questionnaire measuring performance on the same elements. The research found that although there was variety in the rankings of the 13 different elements, there was no statistical difference between the four methodologies. The final section of the paper considers the implications of this finding for tourism managers and future research in the area of service quality

TWO AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL ASSESSMENTS OF LOWER-LIMB KINEMATICS IN UNDERWATER FLY KICK

The purpose of this study was to compare sagittal plane lower limb kinematics of underwater fly kick measured using two and three-dimensional methods. Eight male participants (average FINA points score 801±138) completed underwater fly kick trials, recorded using a six camera Qualisys underwater system. Each trial was analysed using both two and three-dimensional methods. Lower-limb angles were significantly underestimated using two-dimensional methods, particularly at the hip where flexion and range of motion reduced by 13.73 degrees and 15.91 degrees respectively. The ankle and hip produce a large amount motion in the transverse and frontal planes. The results of two-dimensional analyses of underwater fly kick should be interpreted with caution due reductions in measured angles, and exclusion of out-of-plane kinematic information

The Index of Global Philanthropy and Remittances 2013

The 2013 Index of Global Philanthropy and Remittances breaks new ground by measuring and analyzing the financial flows of emerging economies to the developing world, including philanthropy, remittances, government aid, and private investment. This year’s Index, sponsored by the International Development Research Centre in Ottawa, Canada, is the first attempt to systematically capture this information. The research will add to the ongoing work of the Center for Global Prosperity (CGP) at Hudson Institute. Over the last decade, CGP has demonstrated how the landscape of international development has changed. Of the total financial flows The Index of Global Philanthropy and Remittances 2013 from developed to developing countries, over 80 percent are private. Government aid, at less than 20 percent, is now a minority shareholder, the opposite of 40 years ago

The Index of Global Philanthropy and Remittances 2010

Philanthropy to the developing world remained steady in 2008 and remittances continued to grow—despite the global recession and dire forecasts—providing a much needed lifeline to poor people throughout the world. And they were more resilient to the downturn than private capital flows to developing countries, which fell dramatically in 2008. Despite this, private flows still accounted for three-quarters of the developed world’s economic dealings with developing countries in 2008, proving that this innovative, diverse new foreign aid architecture is here to stay in good times and in bad