U.S. Bank Accepts Freedom Award in Washington D.C. Ceremony

Posted on by

WASHINGTON & MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Richard Davis, chairman, president and chief executive officer of U.S. Bancorp (USB), led a delegation of U.S. Bank employees to accept the Freedom Award from the Secretary of Defense and Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve on Thursday, Sept. 26, at a ceremony in Washington D.C.

U.S. Bank is one of only 15 companies chosen to receive this years award from 2,900 nominations. The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is the highest honor given to employers in recognition of the companys commitment to supporting National Guard and Reserve employees.

This week, we honor members of the National Guard and Reserve who carry that legacy forward, said President Barack Obama in a September 20 proclamation honoring the award recipients. We thank the employers who support them; and we reaffirm our promise to provide our troops, our veterans, and our military families with the opportunities they have earned.

It is inspiring and a great honor to be recognized by our nations leaders for the work that thousands of U.S. Bank employees have done and continue to do to make our company a great place to work for veterans and active duty soldiers, Davis said. We are humbled and deeply grateful for the service and sacrifice of our military families, and will continue to build a legacy of support for those who have given so much on behalf of our country.

The 2013 award recipients include large and small businesses, as well as public sector agencies that have gone above and beyond their legal obligations to military employees, offering formal and informal initiatives that ensure service members and their families are taken care of throughout all types of military service. The recipients measures of support included creating special hiring programs, providing personal support to families such as home maintenance, and continuing full benefits, salary and additional paid leave options during deployment.

U.S. Bank supports Guard and Reserve employees through the Proud to Serve program, a company-wide initiative focused on hiring and supporting service members and their families. U.S. Bank committed to hiring 1,000 service members and veterans by the end of 2013. U.S. Bank was also recognized for the Freedom Award for providing two weeks of additional paid leave to family members impacted by a deployment, among other military support policies. U.S. Bank currently employs more than 2,000 current and former members of the U.S. military.

In addition to its employment practices, which have been recognized by Military Times and G.I. Jobs, U.S. Bank has a number of banking services in place to support veterans and military families. The company offers military members its Platinum Package which entitles them to a full suite of benefits that include waived monthly maintenance fees on checking accounts and no annual fees on home equity lines of credit. U.S. Bank provides a dedicated customer service center and financial education resources specifically for military families. In 2013, U.S. Bank began a home donation program for veterans in need through nonprofits Military Warriors Support Foundation and Freedom Alliance.

A complete list of Freedom Award honorees is available at http://www.FreedomAward.mil.

About ESGR Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense office established in 1972, develops and maintains employer support for Guard and Reserve service. ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and employers. Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce. On behalf of the Secretary of Defense, ESGR runs the annual Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award program. Created in 1996, the Freedom Award has been presented to 175 employers since its inception.

More here:

U.S. Bank Accepts Freedom Award in Washington D.C. Ceremony

TCM Interstitial Future Shock 11of16 Sept. 20, 2013 A.I. Artificial Intelligence (Ending) – Video

Posted on by


TCM Interstitial Future Shock 11of16 Sept. 20, 2013 A.I. Artificial Intelligence (Ending)
Week 3, Film 3 closing bookend of Turner Classic Movies #39; Friday Night Spotlight marathon, September 2013.

By: aczilla

Read this article:

TCM Interstitial Future Shock 11of16 Sept. 20, 2013 A.I. Artificial Intelligence (Ending) - Video

Stem cell therapy improves lives of pets

Posted on by

An unprecedented stem cell procedure that's been used on athletes overseas is now helping to improve the quality of life for mans best friend.

The technique is only available at one animal hospital in Louisiana.

Dale Landry loves his dog, Ratchet, unconditionally. He said he's a friend who's stuck by him through many of life's adventures.

"He comes to my office; he's a very active dog. He's done water sports until about two years ago, rides in the boat, rides the Seado. He actually used to wakeboard with me," Landry said.

Ratchet has been a little less active lately. The almost 15-year-old labrador mix has recently been suffering from joint pain and hip arthritis.

"He's been more and more hunched in the back and crouched down in the hind end, so you could definitely tell he was having a little trouble getting up in the morning," said Dr. Gordy Labbe of the Metairie Small Animal Hospital.

Ratchet has been taking medication and has undergone laser treatments for a year, but Labbe tried a new option Wednesday in the form of stem cell therapy.

It's a breakthrough technique that has yet to be used on small animals. It's a new tool available to veterinarians to combat osteoarthritis and give hope to improving quality of life of canines, felines and equine patients.

Labbe is one of the 450 veterinarians across the nation to implement this American Veterinary Medical Association approved procedure.

The Metairie Small Animal Hospital is the only clinic in the state of Louisiana that offers the in-house technology.

Read the original here:
Stem cell therapy improves lives of pets

Physiology of Sodium and Potassium Balance (Renin, Angiotensin, Aldosterone, and ADH) – Video

Posted on by


Physiology of Sodium and Potassium Balance (Renin, Angiotensin, Aldosterone, and ADH)
A review of the normal physiology of sodium, potassium, and water. Major topics covered include the renin angiotensin aldosterone system, the hypothalamic pi...

By: drericstrong

Read this article:
Physiology of Sodium and Potassium Balance (Renin, Angiotensin, Aldosterone, and ADH) - Video

Turns out you can learn a lot from a belly button

Posted on by

Salisbury, North Carolina

Catawba College News Service

SALISBURY It turns out you can learn a lot about microbiology by simply sampling the bacteria from a belly button. Catawba College students enrolled in Dr. Carmony Hartwigs microbiology and immunology course last spring swabbed their own navels and discovered a new bacterial world.

Hartwig says her class went wild when offered the chance to have some inquiry-based fun. Twenty students worked to emulate an N.C. State University research project studying belly button bacterial biodiversity done in conjunction with the N.C. Science Museum in Raleigh (Huclr et al., 2012; in the lab of Robert Dunn).

The original (NCSU) project used a high-throughput genetic sequencing method to look at identification of bacterial species from isolated individual navel cultures. I decided that since the students were in the process of learning microbial identification techniques through testing unknown bacteria this would be a fantastic opportunity to characterize one isolated bacterial colony from their own sample using both microscopy and biochemical tests.

We also decided to perform genetic sequencing of the students samples, which taught the students not only genetics-based laboratory skills, but bioinformatics techniques using known genetic information to get identification of an unknown species.

Hartwig explained that the DNA from each students belly button bacteria was isolated and then a probe was run for a specific and conserved 16S rRNA sequence. Of the samples sequenced we successfully generated over 50 percent clean and identifiable DNA sequence; fantastic for the first time our students attempted this kind of project, she added, noting that the biology department is doing a smaller inquiry-based modification to this project in the introductory molecules and cells course.

Senior Linda Castillo of China Grove was one of Hartwigs students and expressed her enthusiasm for the project. The belly button project was a great way to build skills required in a research environment. While we were performing this small research experiment, we learned the techniques to build and form many types of bacterial cultures. We awaited the results and problem-solved if something went awry.

Not only did Dr. Hartwig teach us the necessary for class, but she expanded it to give us a taste of what research really consists of. Each step of the way, we were curious to see what sort of bacteria each of us grew on our skin and were anxious to see the results making the experience all the more worthwhile and enjoyable!

When we began the experiment some of us were rather skeptical of the probability that we would get interesting results. This couldnt have been farther from the truth. After taking samples from our own belly buttons and culturing the bacteria, we were amazed to see that the type of bacteria from one student to the next varied greatly. We learned many laboratory techniques throughout this project and Dr. Hartwig did an amazing job of making us see lab as an exciting experience rather than work we were required to do, senior Juliana Conte of Hampton, Ontario, explained. It was interesting to take something that was on our bodies, culture it and analyze our results. Overall, it was a great experience.

Read more from the original source:
Turns out you can learn a lot from a belly button

Chapter 08 Microbial Genetics and Genetic Engineering – Cowan – Dr. Mark Jolley – Video

Posted on by


Chapter 08 Microbial Genetics and Genetic Engineering - Cowan - Dr. Mark Jolley
Chapter 08 Microbial Genetics and Genetic Engineering - Cowan - Dr. Mark Jolley Dr. Mark Jolley, Cowan, Microbiology, Eagle Gate College, Provo College, Micr...

By: Mark Jolley

Excerpt from:
Chapter 08 Microbial Genetics and Genetic Engineering - Cowan - Dr. Mark Jolley - Video

Genetic engineering course wins Science magazine prize

Posted on by

Public release date: 26-Sep-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Natasha Pinol npinol@aaas.org 202-326-6440 American Association for the Advancement of Science

Biology students at the University of Minnesota take a course in their very first semester in which they propose their own gene-based solution to a problem. Among the projects they have worked on was a camouflage military suit that could change color through the use of a gene that allows an octopus to camouflage itselfa technology that happened to be developed by the U.S. military a few years later.

"We've got these undergrads who propose amazingly practical, valuable, doable and sophisticated projects," Sue Wick, director of biology major undergraduate studies at the University of Minnesota and one of four professors there who developed the course.

Because of its effectiveness at teaching undergraduates how to think like professional biologists, the Genetic Engineering Proposal curriculum module has been chosen to receive the Science Prize for Inquiry-Based Instruction.

The Science Prize for Inquiry-Based Instruction (IBI) was developed to showcase outstanding materials, usable in a wide range of schools and settings, for teaching introductory science courses at the college level. The materials must be designed to encourage students' natural curiosity about how the world works, rather than to deliver facts and principles about what scientists have already discovered. Organized as one free-standing "module," the materials should offer real understanding of the nature of science, as well as provide an experience in generating and evaluating scientific evidence. Each month, Science publishes an essay by a recipient of the award, which explains the winning project. The essay about the Genetic Engineering Proposal, written by course co-creators Wick, Mark Decker, David Matthes and Robin Wright, will be published on September 27.

"We want to recognize innovators in science education, as well as the institutions that support them," says Bruce Alberts, editor-in-chief emeritus of Science. "At the same time, this competition will promote those inquiry-based laboratory modules with the most potential to benefit science students and teachers. The publication of an essay in Science on each winning module will encourage more college teachers to use these outstanding resources, thereby promoting science literacy."

From its inception, the Genetic Engineering Proposal course module has applied one main principle: that students should do biology, rather than just read about it. This idea was familiar to Wick, even when she was taking high school biology at her Milwaukee, Wisc., all-girls high school. Her teacher, a former medical technologist, made sure her students' science education was inquiry-based.

"There was inquiry, the idea of exploring, that we didn't know everything, that there were still so many things to discover, to explore and find out about," Wick says.

With her teacher's encouragement, Wick participated in a National Science Foundation summer high school program, took Advanced Placement biology, and ultimately went on to earn a PhD in the biological sciences.

Original post:
Genetic engineering course wins Science magazine prize

Joseph Purita, M.D. and Maritza Novas, R.N., M.S.N of Stem Cell Training, Inc., Keynote Speakers at Anti-Aging and …

Posted on by

Miami (PRWEB) September 25, 2013

Two specialists from Stem Cell Training, Inc., a division of the Global Stem Cells Group, were invited keynote speakers at last months prestigious 7th annual World Meeting of the Australian Academy for Anti-Aging Medicine in Melbourne, Australia.

Joseph Purita, M.D. and Maritza Novas R.N., M.S.N., were in Melbourne August 24th and 25th for the two-day conference, focusing their discussions on stem cell medicine and its anti-aging applications. Purita and Novas joined other leaders from the worlds medical community to share cutting edge research and techniques from multiple medical streams to present groundbreaking advances in evidence-based, best-practice protocols for the early detection, prevention and treatment of obesity, metabolic disorders, related diseases and premature decline.

Purita, a lead trainer for Stem Cell Training, Inc. and a pioneer in the use of stem cells in orthopedics, graduated from Georgetown University Medical School and has been with the Boca Raton Orthopedic Group since 1981. He is a Global Stem Cell Group Advisory Board member and a member of the following organizations:

Purita is Board Certified by the following organizations:

Novas received her Medical Degree from the Medical School of University of Havana, completed her post-doctoral training and residency program in Family Medicine at the University of Phoenix, and is a member in good standing with the American Academy of Anti-aging medicine. She specializes in Functional Medicine, Age Management, Bio-identical Hormone Therapy, Weight Control and Rejuvenation. Novas has been a certified Adistem Specialist for more than four years.

Novas is a lead trainer with Stem Cell Training, Inc., having successfully trained and certified more than 150 physicians globally. She is also a member of Stem Cell Training, Inc.s of research and development team, and has assisted in the development of new proprietary adipose and bone marrow protocols currently being used in the companys comprehensive courses.

For more information, visit the Stem Cell Training, Inc. website, email info(at)stemcelltraining(dot)net, or call 305-224-1858.

About Global Stem Cells Group: Global Stem Cells Group, Inc. is the parent company of six wholly owned operating companies dedicated entirely to stem cell research, training, products and solutions. Founded in 2012, the company combines dedicated researchers, physician and patient educators and solution providers with the shared goal of meeting the growing worldwide need for leading edge stem cell treatments and solutions. With a singular focus on this exciting new area of medical research, Global Stem Cells Group and its subsidiaries are uniquely positioned to become global leaders in cellular medicine.

Global Stem Cells Groups corporate mission is to make the promise of stem cell medicine a reality for patients around the world. With each of GSCGs six operating companies focused on a separate research-based mission, the result is a global network of state-of-the-art stem cell treatments.

View post:
Joseph Purita, M.D. and Maritza Novas, R.N., M.S.N of Stem Cell Training, Inc., Keynote Speakers at Anti-Aging and ...

Hotelogix to Exhibit at World Travel Market, London 2013

Posted on by

BANGALORE, Karnataka, Sept. 26, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via PRWEB - WTM is the leading global event for the travel industry which shall take place in ExCel London from the 4th to 7th of November. The decision to participate will not only mean that Hotelogix is taking part in an event boasting consistent growth in the value of deals it drives, but comes following news that WTM 2013 will be bigger and better with a number of new initiatives for this year.

Last year, Hotelogix showcased their unified distribution product line which was widely appreciated. The Hotelogix unified distribution system enables a hotel to market themselves on all diverse mediums of sales and distribution in real time and from one single point.

Since the launch of the product last year, the system has been widely adopted by small and mid-sized properties in countries including UK, Greece, U.S.A, Thailand, Italy, Morocco, Japan, and Canada amongst many others. Prabhash Bhatnagar, Founder member and Executive Chairman of Hotelogix says, "With presence in 65+ countries, there's no doubting the speed with which Hotelogix is growing. The opportunities appear to be endless, and with our distribution system, we are giving smaller hotels a revolutionary technology that connects and updates all GDS networks, OTAs, web-booking engines, and booking consoles -- from a single dashboard! This is poised to transform the industry."

Hotelogix has worked with 4 rooms B&B's to 400 room business hotels. We realize that the smaller the inventory of a hotel, the bigger their challenges, especially when they venture into the global marketplace. Hotelogix's unified distribution system helps small hotels expand their target market leverage in all the complex mediums of sales and distribution in real time and be present in places where their customers are.

Hotelogix is looking forward to participating in the WTM for the 2nd consecutive year. Aditya Sanghi, co-founder and CEO of Hotelogix is pleased to say, "Hotelogix is gaining momentum globally and we see opportunities of scaling up in each of the countries we are present in, as well as other countries. At WTM 2013, we would like to forge effective partnerships with companies who would like to grow with Hotelogix, by leveraging their regional network with the small and mid-sized hospitality industry."

Hotelogix would look forward to meeting the industry experts and share its views with the global hospitality community that visits at WTM.

Reed Travel Exhibitions Exhibition Director World Travel Market Simon Press said: "We are delighted to welcome Hotelogix to WTM 2013 and are sure their attendance will prove to be a wise decision. WTM is showing consistent and strong growth in the business deals generated there and with this year's innovations, we are confident the 2013 event will continue in this vein."

ABOUT HOTELOGIX:

Hotelogix is now being used in over 65+ countries like USA, U.K, Brazil, Spain, Morocco, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, France; etc. It has Channel Partners in the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, USA, Peru, UK etc. and is backed by Accel Partners. Hotelogix offers a 24x7 live support to its customers and is hosted on highly reliable and secured cloud services. To know more visit: http://www.hotelogix.com

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Hotelogix

See original here:

Hotelogix to Exhibit at World Travel Market, London 2013

Exceptional South Africa Five-Star Safari Vacation with Lion World Travel

Posted on by

DELRAY BEACH, FL, Sept. 26, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Exceptional South Africa is an unforgettable five-star safari vacation. Walk with the majestic elephants, indulge in wine and olive oil tastings, and experience the breathtaking beauty of South Africa on this once-in-a-lifetime journey. All taxes and surcharges are included in the $3,499* price, saving guests more than $1,600 when compared to competing packages.

Spend four nights at the gorgeous five-star Table Bay Hotel, conveniently situated in the heart of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and positioned against the stunning backdrop of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. Complete your magnificent South African vacation with three nights at the luxurious and contemporary five-star Marataba Safari Lodge, where the vast plains touch the dramatic Waterberg Mountains, offering an exceptional game experience and an unparalleled scenic adventure.

This deal from Lion World Travel includes:

This 10-day vacation and safari is being offered by Lion World Travel for travel on specific dates in February, March, September and October 2014 for $3,499* based on double occupancy and an additional $100* for travel on specific dates in May and August 2014, based on double occupancy.

THE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT FEE IS $750.

*Prices are in US Dollars and are per person based on double occupancy accommodations and include fuel surcharges, Government taxes, departure fees and September 11th Security Fee.

**INCLUDES: US domestic flights from the following 26 cities: Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Charleston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New Orleans, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Raleigh, St. Louis, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C.

OPTIONAL VICTORIA FALLS EXTENSION: Starting from US $1,599* per person sharing accommodations. Straddling the borders of Zimbabwe and Zambia, the Victoria Falls captivates visitors from all over the world. The grandeur and beauty of this extraordinary natural phenomenon must be seen to be believed. This region has recently been described as the Adventure Capital of the World.

To book this travel deal, call Lion World Travel at 1-800-387-2706 from the USA or visit http://www.lionworldtravel.com.

Winner of the South African Tourism Ubuntu Awards "Top Producing Tour Operator for North America" for 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013

Read the original post:

Exceptional South Africa Five-Star Safari Vacation with Lion World Travel