Nucleic Acid Measurements - 1302 Words

Lecture 8 Nucleic Acid-Based Measurements Text Chapter 13 Wednesday, July 24, 2013 Total community DNA †¢ Extract DNA from soil – – – – remove cells from soil separate cells from soil lyse cells separate DNA from cells – purify DNA †¢ Extract DNA from soil – Extract DNA from cells in presence of soil †¢ Bead-beating †¢ chemical or enzymatic treatment – Sodium dodecyl sulfate or lysozyme Wednesday, July 24, 2013 DNA purification †¢ Cesium chloride gradient centrifugation †¢ Kits Low density DNA High density Wednesday, July 24, 2013 Visualizing nucleic acidsBlotting †¢ Southern blotting – DNA †¢ Northern blotting – RNA Wednesday, July 24, 2013 Agarose gel electrophoresis - Stain gel with ethidium†¦show more content†¦ednesday, July 24, 2013 50  µm Combining ELF and CF319a probes to determine what portion of the PO4aseactive cells in floc fall within cytophaga-flavobacteria group ELFTM PO4ase CF319a FISH probe activity FISH probe PO4ase activity 17% of total community PO4ase activity contributed by cytophaga Wednesday, July 24, 2013 Summary FISH provides information on – Presence of specific populations – Morphology of specific populations – Relative numerical contribution of specific populations to total community – Spatial relationships between populations – Functions associated with specific populations Wednesday, July 24, 2013 Gene probe detection of a DNA sequence Digoxigenin (DIG) Probes range in size from 18-100bp ssDNA Denatured ssDNA from suspect bacterium Wednesday, July 24, 2013 Alternative gene probe detection of a DNA sequence Wednesday, July 24, 2013 Exploring microbial activity †¢Need to know sequence of gene being expressed †¢Alternatively, use random hexamer primers, then sequence cDNA product to identify gene being expressed Wednesday, July 24, 2013 Reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) †¢ Make single-strand cDNA from mRNA – downstream antisense primer or random hexamer and RT to make complete cDNA copy of RNA molecule †¢ Use cDNA, DNA polymerase, and a downstream primer in conventional PCR – extension leads to double-stranded DNA †¢ Regular PCR of dsDNA Wednesday, July 24, 2013 Applications of RT-PCR †¢ Detection ofShow MoreRelatedFiber Sensors For Bio Sensing1289 Words   |  6 Pagesdetection of the analyte. 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Given that the nucleic acid aptamers function in vivo across blood plasma, it limitations has proven not to be efficient and accurate in cancer diagnosis. Due to its polynucleotides nature, n ucleic acid aptamers are naturally susceptible to enzymes degradation by exo-nucleases or enod-nucleases, leading to a reduced in vivo circulatory half-life [16]. The use of aptamers in animal models of disease and in human is seen to have reduced stability of natural nucleic acids in biological media [17]Read MorePollution from Synthetic Dyes1379 Words   |  6 Pagesforbidden with normal atmospheric triplet oxygen. 1.3.4 Sulfide Analysis The formation of methylene blue after the reaction of hydrogen sulphide with dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine and iron (III) at pH 0.4 – 0.7 is utilized to focus by photometric measurements. Sulfide concentration in the range of (20 ppb to 1.5 ppm). 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Cause And Effect Essay Sleep Deprivation - 1134 Words

Shubhanker Gaur Com 1101(09) 03/17/2016 Essay 4 Cause and Effect Essay Sleep Deprivation Cause and effect Essay Sleep deprivation Most people have at least stayed awake for the entire night once during their lifetime. This behavior is common amongst individuals enrolled in High School or pursuing University degree. One might wonder how lack of sleep for the night impact him/her. However, it has being proven that being awake for 24 hours has unpleasant effects on health.So why is sleep so important? How does lack of sleep impact one’s mood so significantly, causing people to be ‘grumpy’, isn t sleep just people lying down in their bed and closing their eyes.sleep is a complex process, it is a natural process where body relaxes and repairs itself. Sleep takes places in 3 stages, 1-2 stage ,2-3 stage and REM (Rapid Eye Movement ) stage. Our body is like a battery, sleeping helps replenishes that energy, if one does not store enough energy for the next day the body will struggle to carry out simple tasks which can Aultimately lead to exhaustion. Sleep is the time when the human body gets a chanc e to rest. Personally suffering from sleep deprivation it has caused a lot of problems in my own life such as flying safely, concentrating on school work and working efficiently. Being a pilot means having flights 3 or even 4 times a week, which can make it stressful. Being at the flightline for 4 or 5 hours isnt as simple as it may sound. For instance planning a flight can take uptoShow MoreRelatedSleep Deprivation Negatively Influences Driving Performance1722 Words   |  7 Pagesinjuries are estimated to be the 5th leading cause of death within the next 15 years, with the current yearly death toll reaching 1.3 million (Gresser, 2014; ASIRT, 2016). 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Dealing with Fraud Free Essays

string(179) " for Medicare and Medicaid patients must be met before admission to determine suitable environment and to respect patient’s rights after admission while receiving medical care\." Dealing with Fraud Health Care Policy, Law, and Ethics HSA 515 March 09, 2013 Dealing with Fraud Obstetric health care centers are a major source for providing care to millions of women around the country and a branch of medicine that involves pregnancy and childbirth. Studies of pathologic and physiologic functions of the female reproductive area are also a part of obstetric care. Physicians in this field commonly referred to as OB/GYNs and care for the mother and fetus during pregnancy. We will write a custom essay sample on Dealing with Fraud or any similar topic only for you Order Now As Chief Nursing Officer of one of the state’s largest Obstetric Health Facilities countless women are treated at this center. The staff is fully aware of the mission, vision, policies, and procedures that make a huge impact in the community. Women rely on the care and attention received from the exceptional physicians on staff. Unfortunately, the type of care delivered and the service the hospital is responsible for providing, word of fraudulent behaviors have been reported and must be addressed. As United States health care cost continues to rise, people depend upon privately funded health plans and millions are still uninsured due to funding by state and federal government. The major government sponsored health care plans are Medicare and Medicaid programs. Both programs make up a large portion of government spending. One key reason for rising costs has been the enormous degree of fraud committed against government health care programs. Although billions have been exposed due to informants of qui tam, additional monies remain undetected. Ultimately, health care fraud used as a deceptive means to profit from health care agreements through the federal government and the reason the United States Government Accounting Office has categorized Medicare and Medicaid as â€Å"high-risk programs. Various sources evaluate the effect of qui tam in health care organizations and refer to the 1986 False Claim Act the effectiveness. The term â€Å"whistleblowing† recognized by provisions in the False Claims Act and authorizes cases be brought to the government on behalf of the United States to share in the recovery efforts. The â€Å"Informer’s Act† or better known as â€Å"The Qui Tam Statue is from the Latin phrase â€Å"qui tam pro domino rege quam pro seipse,† meaning â€Å"he who as much for the king as for himself,† established during the civil war and focused on ending dishonest suppliers to the union military. Therefore, fraud investigation, and legal action became easier for the government. The history behind qui tam statue and today’s use provides an understanding to the term â€Å"whistleblower† and for an individual with past or present knowledge of fraud on the federal government to recover damages and impose penalties, (Cruise, â€Å"n. d. †). Fraudulent behavior or health care fraud affects health care organizations. Several ways businesses and individuals have defrauded, and continue to defraud, federal, and state government health care programs. Examples of fraudulent behavior include: †¢ No Services: Non-submission of claims for diagnostic tests, treatments, devices, or pharmaceuticals services that were never rendered. †¢ Non Existence: Involves submitting a claim for the services previously mentioned and provided to patients that do not exist or never received service. Also an item billed for in the claim. †¢ Anti-Kickback Statute: bans any offer, payment, solicitation or receipt of money, property or remuneration to persuade or reward patient referrals or health care services funded by a government health care program, including Medicare or Medicaid. These are improper payments and come in several different forms, includes but not limited to: referral fees, finder’s fees, productivity bonuses, research grants, excessive compensation, and free or discounted travel or entertainment. The offer, payment, solicitation or receipt of any such monies or remuneration can be a violation of the Federal Anti-Kickback statute, 42 USC  §1328-7b(b), the Federal False Claims Act, various other federal, state laws, and regulations, (Pietragallo, Gordon, Alfano, Bosick, and Raspanti, LLC, 2013). These are just a small number of fraudulent activities currently affecting health care organizations. Qui tam has been an effective force in combating fraud. The Justice Department continues to recover record amount of judgments and settlements, however, qui tam cases exist in a variety of health care organizations. Processing and payment errors of Medicaid and Medicare patients may appear to be simple mistakes and not by medical professionals attempting to take advantage of the system, but individuals intent on abusing the system particularly, with working nowledge of how and when the government pays Medicare and Medicaid claims. Also in some cases fraud affects the people with these programs and liability occurs for co-payments and contributes to excessive government spending. Other examples of qui tam cases include; Defective pricing/false negotiation – reflects price adjustments by submitting false data and pricing to the government to receive an inflated amount according to the contract price. Mischarging – one of the more widespread frauds used to submit claims for products or services never provided or rendered. Product/service substitution – A product is certified that does not meet specifications or submitting a product for government approval then substituting the merchandise with another of poorer quality. False certification – benefit entitlement documents are falsely certified. Information submitted to the government has been adjusted for price supports or mortgage guarantees, according to the source more than half of qui tam recoveries have involved health care fraud, qui tam lawsuits filed have been successful against defense contractors and other companies, (â€Å"Einstein Law,† 2008). Various federal and state requirements must be satisfied by the health facility prior to admission. For example, pre-admission evaluations for Medicaid patients require prior determination for eligibility. A full patient assessment will determine a plan of care. The prescribed care plan is prepared by the attending physician and registered nurse. Other hospital staff will get involved with the patient’s care if necessary. The care plan is updated on a quarterly basis, or more frequently if the patient’s condition changes. Other requirements for Medicare and Medicaid patients must be met before admission to determine suitable environment and to respect patient’s rights after admission while receiving medical care. You read "Dealing with Fraud" in category "Papers" Procedures for admission into a health facility for Medicare and Medicaid referrals must understand and comply with the laws that govern these procedures. The Anti-Kickback Statute (â€Å"AKS†) enacted by Congress delivers criminal penalties for the payment of fees designed to persuade or reward medical referrals for treatment covered by Medicare and Medicaid. The AKS is extensive and includes discounts for physician referrals. Liability is a major concern under the Anti-Kickback Statue unless procedures fall within the law. Another regulation that limits physician self-referrals for Medicare and Medicaid patients is The Stark Law. Hospitals or health care providers are prohibited from receiving payments or kickbacks after improper billing Medicare for selected equipment or services. Ultimately, claims cannot be submitted by physicians for items or services because of their financial relationship with the health care providers. The Stark Law passed because of inappropriate financial relationships between doctors and health care providers and the professional judgment of doctors with regard to whether items or services are medically necessary, safe, or effective also reduce probable overpayments by Medicare for uncertain services, (The Qui Tam Team, 2012). The next stage is for physicians and nurses review the following conditions for patient referrals. 1) Services must be personally referred by the attending physician. 2) Referrals are to a physician of the same group or practice. ) Any individual supervised by the referring physician in the hospital or physician that works part-time in the facility and is part of a group practice must comply with all coverage and payment rules regarding Medicare and Medicaid patients. 4) Patient billing is by the physician performing or supervising the care and treatment of the patient. 5) Regarding a group practice, attending physician under the group must be a member wit h an assigned billing number different from physicians employed with the health facility. ) Third party billing companies representing the physician(s) will also be assigned a billing number. These companies have to comply with Medicare requirements. The task of evaluating referral arrangements by physicians will be challenging, however: financial provisions involving physicians can be analyzed using the conditions outlined. The Chief Nursing Officer will receive a monthly report of Medicare and Medicaid referrals. Non-compliance will result in immediate termination from the health facility. Discussing fraud and abuse the health industry continues to lose billions. Fraud can range from performing unnecessary medical procedures for insurance gains, to altering patient information and illegally billing for services not rendered. Also accepting kickbacks for patient referrals, and promoting drugs without authorization. These incidents affect the economy and are potential hazards to the health and safety of patients. An example is medical information illegally altered may receive incorrect treatment or realize existing health benefits are exhausted. Either way another alternative for compliance can address these issues. A method of enforcement created by the office of the Inspector General (OIG) identified as a Corporate Integrity Agreement to improve health care quality and promote compliance to health care guidelines. The term â€Å"Integrity Agreement† focuses on physicians according to one source. Establishing OIG 1976 to imposed action against widespread fraud and abuse in Federal health care programs. These efforts developed a collaborative use of enforcement tools as monetary penalties and exclusions. Corporate Integrity Agreements implemented by the OIG to redeem health care providers under the program to avoid exclusions. Implementing a CIA will be challenging and somewhat complex, especially for birth and reproduction. The sterilization process, wrongful birth, and wrongful life are areas of interest, and the CIA will have major impact. Physicians play a major role due to misconception by prenatal testing, genetic testing, and laboratories that failed to provide these services. Sterilization falls under reproduction and birth is another area likely for fraudulent behavior from the side effects patients go through and were not informed by the attending physician. Nevertheless, to address current fraud behaviors and prevent future incidents among physicians, nurses, and medical staff it is necessary to develop strategies to ensure ethical and moral business practices through compliance of various laws that will reduce any risk of legal liability. Although the CIA program contains various features, after careful review and collaboration among executive staff the following requirements will accommodate the needs and requirements that will mitigate incidents of fraud by: Developing written policies and standards; Instituting a confidential disclosure program; Employing a compliance officer or a compliance committee; Implementing an employee training program; Restricting employment of ineligible persons; Report overpayments, fraudulent behaviors, and ongoing investigations/legal proceedings; Implementation reports are provided annually to the regulatory agency, (Sable, 2013). These requirements should prevent future fraud misconduct by ensuring internal actions and mitigating methods are in place. In conjunction with fraud and abuse is protecting patient information and omplying by all applicable laws. Accessing patient information considered a major subject for health organizations to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) laws. Patient medical records are vital for treatment and must remain confidential within the federal and state laws. Without authorization the patient Privacy Rules are in violation. The responsibility of Chief Nursing Officer ensures t he medical staff training and knowledgeable of health center’s policies and procedures to remain in compliance with HIPPA. Often areas overlooked whether accidental or intentional and certain information is discussed or discarded documents. Routine conversation among staff would be limited to specific areas where patient information cannot be disclosed. Public areas such as elevators, hallways, or waiting areas are strictly off limits. Many times patients are in surgery or receiving treatment for an illness, family members are waiting for results and often physicians will meet with them in public areas to discuss sensitive information not realizing the conversation can be overheard by others. This is just one example of a disclosure violation. Also what may sound insignificant represents another action that can lead to breach of information by patient documents thrown in a trash can that must be shredded to avoid public view. The plan is simple; to comply with all necessary laws extensive training provided to the entire staff is the beginning. One-on-one and group meetings held on a quarterly basis as a tool to prevent abuse and fraudulent behavior. Patient sensitivity is essential in meeting the goals of health center. Laws provide direction for dealing with fraud cases or any unethical or moral decisions made. To eliminate fraud and abuse continued pressure on the government to establish tougher policies in the delivery of medical and health care services. Additional funding for government enforcement agencies will put more pressure on physicians to act responsibly. As physicians become more aware of this fact, he or she should continue to take steps, such as implementing a compliance plan, to ensure the services provided reflect effective documentation for claims of payment. Until doctors, nurses, and other medical staff demonstrate ethical and moral standards, fraud, and abuse will continue to a problem for health organizations. References Fraud and Qui Tam Cases. (2008). Retrieved from http://www. lawyershop. com Healthcare Fraud and Qui Tam Suits. (2008). Retrieved from http://www. lawyershop. com Pietragallo, Gordon, Alfano, Bosick, and Raspanti, LLC. (2013). Health Care Fraud and False Claims. Retrieved from http://www. falseclaimsact. com Cruise, P. L. (â€Å"n. d. †). Deregulating Health Care Ethics Education. Retrieved from http://www. spaef. com/article Sable, L. (2013). Negotiating Corporate Integrity Agreements. Retrieved from http://www. franchiselawsolutions. com The Qui Tam Team. (2012). Types of Qui Tam Cases. Retrieved from http://www. quitamteam. com How to cite Dealing with Fraud, Papers

Panera Bread free essay sample

The driving concept behind Panera Bread is to provide a premium specialty bakery and cafe experience to urban workers and suburban dwellers. Panera Breads distinctive menu, signature cafe design, inviting ambience, operating systems and unit location strategy allowed it to compete successfully in five submarkets of the food away from home industry: breakfast, lunch, daytime â€Å"chill out†, light evening eat in or take out, and take home bread. In his letter to shareholders, in the company’s 2005 annual report, Panera chairman and CEO Ron Shaich said: â€Å"we think our continued commitment to providing crave-able food that people trust, served in a warm, community gathering place by associates who make our guests feel comfortable, really matters. † Panera’s target market are urban workers and suburban dwellers who are looking for quick service meals and a more aesthetically pleasing dining experience than that offered by traditional fast food vendors. The competitive strategy which most closely fit the competitive approach of Panera Bread is the broad differentiation strategy. This unique position has contributed to its success by adding a bonus to the mix-specialty food, opening for breakfast, lunch, and dinner also offer hand-tossed salads, signature sandwiches, and hearty soups served in edible sourdough bread bowls along with hot and cold coffee drinks. In addition, providing catering services through its via Panera catering business, suggesting a new time of day to eat specialty foods, calling the time between lunch and dinner †chill-out† time. Moreover, the unique position also has providing an inviting neighborly atmosphere adding to their appeal as well. Yes, Panera Bread will reach its goal of becoming a leading national brand in the restaurant industry because the company is counting on its unique positioning strategy, its signature foods, and savvy execution to make this goal a reality. Q2) Porter’s Five Forces Competitors: The main competition Panera Bread Co. experiences is from coffee shops such as Starbucks and Caribou Coffee, along with specialty restaurants such as Chipotle Mexican Grill. Starbucks is a global company with superior market share and brand awareness. Caribou coffee is closer in scale to Panera Bread Co. ; both have high growth outlooks and are currently expanding. Chipotle competes with Panera Bread at lunch and dinner, whereas Starbucks and Caribou compete with Panera Bread in the mornings and at non-traditional dining hours. Panera Bread Co. ’s free Wi-Fi network gives the company a considerable competitive advantage. Substitutes: Small, privately owned local coffee shops or delis could be substitutes for a chain restaurant such as Panera Bread. The small neighborhood atmosphere that â€Å"mom and pop shops† offer could potentially be eliminated. Panera Bread Co. has the ability to offer a wider array of goods and services than substitutes such as these. Since Panera Bread offers a broad assortment of goods on its menu, the threat of substitutes is not of large concern. Potential Entrants: The specialty restaurant industry is by no means mature and has plenty of room for growth, as seen by Caribou and Panera Bread Co. ’s expansion into new markets. In researching competitors, there were few companies with an identical structure and strategy as Panera Bread Co. , which exhibits its belief that there is room for profit in the specialty restaurant industry. As seen through Chipotle’s success, the specialty chain restaurant model can work and the threat of new entrants to the industry is possible. However, the current restaurant market is experiencing commodity and labor inflation that could contract the current margins in the industry and inhibit new entrants. Power of Suppliers: Since many of Panera Bread’s items on the menu are directly correlated to commodity prices such as wheat and dairy prices, the suppliers are quite powerful in this industry. A recent shift Panera Bread made was attaining some its baked goods from external vendors instead of being produced by its own fresh dough facilities (FDF’s), which again increases the power of suppliers. Customers: Patrons love Panera Bread for the wonderful smells and flavors that fill its stylish and very relaxed bakery/cafe shops. The place tends to be a hotspot for the â€Å"soccer mom† crowd, but with the largest free Wi-Fi network in the country, it looks as though businesspeople may become regulars. Its customers have substitutes in the specialty restaurant industry but Panera Bread Co. tends to have loyal customers. Panera Bread’s strategy is â€Å"to provide a premium specialty bakery and cafe xperience to urban workers and suburban dwellers. The concept is a mix between fast food and casual dining, or fast casual. By choosing this strategy, Panera is attempting to achieve competitive advantage in the unique offerings it provides, offering that rivals don’t have and can’t afford to match. In this case, delicious handcrafted bread arriving fresh daily, served in an inviting atmosphere is the company’s competitive advantage and core competen cy. Q3) Barriers to entry that Panera Bread has created for potential competitor are product differentiation and cost advantages independent of size. The barrier for Panera Bread is low. In product differentiation, Panera Bread very proud for their business because they can delivers high quality of food and products with faster speed compare to other casual dining. Besides, the barrier of cost advantages independent of size is the emergence of fast casual which is the new category in the restaurant industry. The owners of Au Bon Pain and Saint Louis Bread Company felt that they could help pioneer this new category. The maintenance cost is low, there are less competitors. It is necessary to consider entry barriers when assessing dominance, when determining whether unilateral conduct might deter new firms from participating in a market, and when analyzing the likely competitive effects of mergers. Entry barriers because competition will not be reduced if new firms could enter easily, quickly, significantly. Q4) Panera Bread’s primary sources of competitive advantage are its position in the restaurant industry, the atmosphere of its restaurants, the distinctive products, brand strength, customer loyalty, and financial performance. The advantages for position in the industry are avoid from arising of competition, success in positioning and execution, positioning strategy of various restaurant chains and also snack time. Besides, the atmosphere are franchised outlets have been operated, convenience, customer attraction, and also expansions. The next is distinctive products which provides product differentiation and offers various kinds of foods. For brand strength is special in brands and foods and also fast-casual category. Furthermore, the customers loyalty which is teamwork and manager-customer relationship. Lastly, the financial performance can avoid threats to profitability and increase of sales. References 1. Panera Bread position, research from: http://www. antiessays. com/free-essays/421278. html 2. Porter’s five forces, research from: www. trinity. edu/smf/inc/reports/PNRA. oc 3. Panera Bread position, advantages of primary sources, research from: https://docs. google. com/viewer? a=vamp;q=cache:2Ow6jb9_g-EJ:eshare. stut. edu. tw/EshareFile/2011_12/2011_12_41a57d4a. ppt+Do+you+think+Panera+Bread+will+reach+its+goal+of+becoming+a+leading+national+brand+in+the+restaurantamp;hl=enamp;gl=myamp;pid=blamp;srcid=ADGEEShBx7Llys8yZ-7i2-500tGOybggsozWXzUjym1Ueg4idLVJlFVzIc_bqVOJ_rhmrzmDSU4RvhjFpTE-RVxp_9Q6KYVHp9f4 2sK72ODpq5J0FJQ2J-pMjyZyafaF1SHZ_sy8K9amp;sig=AHIEtbRos7KiryelsJM71tuaW5YP9SXS9A