Mattsonmaps Authors Rough Guide to Tourism Board Websites and Technology

Wenonah, NJ, January 07, 2010 -- To support recent launches of three new instances of a one-of-a-kind software application to promote destinations worldwide, Mattsonmaps shares a marketing study that is highlighted on an Tnooz.com, an international travel technology website.

Mattsonmaps President and former professor at Temple University in Philadelphia just published a white paper in the prestigious travel tech news site called tnooz.com. The White Paper, as summation of a market research study done in conjunction with the Rohrer Business School at Rowan University, surveyed 650 destination marketing organization to determine tool use and plans for tool acquisition. For the purpose of this study, Mattsonmaps defined tools as interactive and downloadable maps, events calendars, itineraries-builders, newsletters, coupons, slideshows, advertisements, and data mining utilities.

The survey was used to demonstrate a five-class taxonomy based on tool use, DMO size, and organizational staffing. It also recorded respondent commentary providing useful insights into otherwise statistical findings.

An early review of the article said, “[The article] is an early must-read for the year…”

Mattsonmaps found that DMOs fell into one or several of the following categories: (1) Capacity Under-Performers; (2) Technology Prisoners; (3) Widows and Orphans; (4) Big Men on Campus; and (5) Market Under-Performers.

Mattsonmaps Website: http://www.tools-for-travel.com/

Tnooz Article: http://www.tnooz.com/2011/01/04/how-to/rough-guide-to-tourism-board-websites-and-technology/

Mattsonmaps is a developer of Internet software tools applications for destination marketing organizations and affinity sites in specialized markets. For further information, please contact us at (856) 889-0102.

Contact:
Mark Mattson
President
Mattson Maps
307 N Jefferson Ave
Wenonah, NJ 08090
mark@mattsonmaps.com
856-889-0102
http://www.tools-for-travel.com

Business Controls Hires Former Chief of Police as Vice President of Professional Services

(Greenwood Village, CO) January 7, 2011 -- Business Controls, Inc. (BCI), the country’s leading incident reporting and investigations firm announced the hire of Ricky Bennett as their new Vice President of Professional Services.

Mr. Bennett will be responsible for overseeing the professional services department including investigations, training, and research and due diligence. Mr. Bennett will utilize his 30 years of experience in law enforcement, most recently working for the Colorado Department of Corrections Division of Adult Parole. Mr. Bennett has held numerous positions specializing in investigations, internal administrative affairs, vice/narcotics, gang task force units, and criminal investigation units.

“We are very excited to have Ricky here,” said Steve Foster, BCI’s President. “He brings a tremendous amount of expertise and experience to help our clients.”

Mr. Bennett holds two Masters of Arts degrees in Human Resources Development and Management and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration. He has completed curricula through the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Executive Institute and National Academy, as well as the Southwestern Law Enforcement Institute.

About Business Controls, Inc.
Business Controls, Inc. is the country’s leading incident reporting and risk mitigation firm. Its services include incident reporting, corporate investigations, litigation support, and training. Business Controls serves over a million client employees in over 22,000 client locations in 130 countries via its award-winning and patent-pending anonymous reporting systems. Business Controls puts clients in a position to be compliant with numerous governmental regulations and business ethics best practices, manage employee related issues, and limit their exposure to litigation. For more information, call 800-650-7005 or visit www.BusinessControls.com.

Contact:
Briggin Palmer
Marketing and Account Manager
Business Controls, Inc.
bpalmer@BusinessControls.com
800.650.7005
http://www.BusinessControls.com

International Efforts for a Society Free of AIDS: HIV Reservoirs Control

Toulon, IL, January 07, 2010 -- HIV and Aids have been around for 3 decades and yet, few diseases have ever had such a profound effect: it has taken the lives of millions of people and hit virtually every nation in the world. In addition, there is still no cure and Doctors and researcher are still fighting to create a society without AIDS.

All over the globe teams of scientists are actually dedicating their time and resources to finding a way to tackle HIV reservoirs as the virus survives hidden in these sanctuary sites despite therapy. What is it about this particular disease that makes it so difficult to cure?

HIV is impossible to eradicate because it establishes reservoirs. Although the disease can be slowed with antiretroviral therapy, HIV cannot be totally eradicated from the body. One of the main reasons is that HIV hides from drugs and immune surveillance in different organs and regions of the body, such as the brain and the gut. Doctors are not even yet able to determine and identify all the places where the disease can hide. HIV is also established in a dormant state in some reservoir cells where it can last for decades.

The ability of HIV to hide and remain silent makes some people wonder if the disease will ever truly be "cured" one day.  Even if a sterilizing cure, i.e. getting rid of the virus in an infected individual, seems currently out of reach, other strategies of ‘control’ are on the horizon. First, by treating HIV infection very early, at the time of acute infection, up to 15% of patients can sustain HIV replication control after therapy is subsequently stopped. HIV is still present in these patients but remains silent, causing no harm, despite discontinuation of antiretroviral drugs. Therefore, they have been transformed in “Elite Controllers”, these rare cases of HIV infection (less than 1% of infected individuals) where the body itself is able to control the virus without medication. Then, some researchers are testing strategies to “purge” the reservoir. They give antiretrovirals to the patient to block HIV replication, but also other molecules able to stimulate HIV replication…in the cells where the virus is dormant. They hope to bring these cells to be destroyed or to die due to HIV expression, whereas healthy cells are protected by antiretrovirals.

To hasten progress in HIV reservoirs cure or control, a coordination strategy is urgently needed. In that way, we launched in 2003 an international HIV reservoirs workshop, dedicated to researchers, which also is a think tank on this topic. New scientific results relevant to tackling HIV persistence were presented at the second workshop in 2005, more clinical results were shown at the following editions in 2007 and 2009.

Whether eradicating the virus (HIV sterilizing cure) or achieving long-term remission in the absence of continued therapy (HIV functional cure) will be possible one day remains currently unknown. The categories of the workshop sessions span from animal models, identifying the locations of HIV reservoirs in the body, the mechanisms of viral persistence, to potential therapeutic interventions and methods to evaluate their impact.

In 2007 and 2009 we were joined in our fight against HIV reservoirs by institutional support, both from the NIH (American National Institute of Health) and the ANRS (French Agency for AIDS Research). The workshop was also accredited by the Massachusetts School of Medicine. The 2011 HIV reservoirs workshop will be held in December in Saint Martin.

About us:
HIV Reservoirs and Eradication Strategies Workshop: http://www.hiv-reservoirs.com

Contact:

Ted Ias
AVPS
Toulon, IL, USA
Tel: 494616340
E-Mail: lafeuillade@orange.fr
Web: http://www.hiv-reservoirs.com

Synergy By Jasmine Yoga, gives the edge to choose Romantic Valentine's Day Ideas near Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA, January 07, 2010 -- Are considering a yoga retreat, spiritual retreat or a romantic couples retreat? You have allocated the time and money and are committed to a meaningful experience. How do you know what to expect from your upcoming retreat? A little forethought, research and proper planning can make your retreat a profound life experience a la  Eat, Pray, Love.

A little online research will show that there are terrific retreats all over the globe. The abundance of differing techniques, varied locations and contrasting practices may be a bit overwhelming. Here is a checklist of considerations that might help finalize your choice, according to Jasmine Kaloudis, Yoga Retreat Leader near Philadelphia.

1. Instruction - Just as you know there are many forms of yoga, you also know each variation has a different instructional style. Make sure the teaching style at your retreat is to your liking and within you ability.

2. Goals - Make sure you understand the goals of the yoga retreat you will be engaging and that their goals match well with your personal aspirations. Again, research is the key. When setting your goals, think both long-term benefit and short-term benefit. If the program does not give you a sense of these benefits, speak to a coordinator.

3.  Facility - Get an understanding of the program's facility and how the yoga program utilizes the retreat's facilities. Practical ramifications of this information may affect how you will dress and therefore the clothes you need to pack. Are you looking for something luxurious like Miraval or would something spartan, clean and more budget-friendly like Kripalu serve your needs?

4.  Experience - Cross-reference your own research with the first hand or word-of-mouth experiences of previous attendees. Don't be afraid to ask if they would return or what their progress has been since visiting the retreat. Do a google search for reviews of the retreat or ask if you can speak with someone who experienced the retreat.

5. Travel - Just as you plan your itinerary, make sure there are no holes in your travel plans. Some retreats are in outlying areas. Verify and confirm all return-trip information weeks before departing. Check the weather as well before you are traveling. Investigate the cancellation policy in case of inclement weather.

6.  Budget - Your budget should include all costs associated with travel and the yoga retreat.. Be especially clear about meal and travel provisions. It is safe to say that every yoga retreat has its own standards. Are extras such as spa treatments, mats, blocks and other classes included or are they extra?

7. Experience - Many yoga retreats cater to practitioners of different levels. Some retreats are prone to accept beginning students while others prohibit the beginner. Most important is matching your experience level with the program's stated experience levels. Are you looking to do an intensive program with 6-8 hours of yoga a day or would 2-3 hours be your pace? Find our the schedule before hand if you can.

Jasmine Kaloudis teaches yoga retreats at Synergy By Jasmine in Philadelphia. For free images of yoga poses with tips on how to do them, email  info at jasminepartneryoga dot com with "Request Yoga Poses and Tips" in headline.

For more recent blog posts about mind, body, spirit topics and stress-management http://www.synergybyjasmine.com/blog

Twitter - synergyjasmine - Follow for inspiring quotes, vitality, meditation, yoga and stress-management.

Contact:
Jasmine Kaloudis
Public Relations
Synergy by Jasmine
3901 B Building Main Street, 2nd Floor
Manayunk, Philadelphia, PA 19127
Tel: 610.352.1177
E-Mail: info@synergybyjasmine.com
Web: http://www.synergybyjasmine.com

Biotage Announces New Methods for the Extraction of Key Compounds for Clinical, Environmental and Forensic Applications

Charlotte, North Carolina USA, January 7, 2011 -- Biotage® (STO: BIOT), a leading supplier of tools and technology for analytical and medicinal chemistry, introduced a new series of application notes utilizing the industry-standard RapidTrace® SPE Workstation. These methods are now available at www.biotage.com. New applications include extractions from plasma, urine and whole blood, typically assayed in clinical and forensic protocols. Additionally, a new soil analysis method for dioxins and furans joins the presently available EPH protocols from Biotage.

“By offering SPE methods ready for use on the RapidTrace, labs are better able to quickly achieve consistent solid phase extraction results that meet industry needs for low to high throughput applications” says Anna-Karin Wihlborg, Biotage Product Manager. “These new methods further strengthen our portfolio of support illustrate that Biotage is committed to providing the tools our customers need to achieve greater results.”

The RapidTrace Workstation is the gold standard for efficient and reliable solid phase extraction from low to high throughput applications. Up to 10 RapidTrace Modules can be controlled simultaneously by one computer allowing for a scalable solution.

RapidTrace users can receive free software updates with the new methods pre-loaded by contacting a Biotage Representative. The RapidTrace utilizes effortless point-and-click software allowing for simple execution of pre-loaded methods as well as easy custom method set-up and editing.

Newly Released Methods for RapidTrace:

-Extraction of Vitamin D from Plasma Using ISOLUTE - This method allows extraction of the main active Vitamin D metabolites; 25-hydroxy-vitamin D and 1a, 25-dihydroxy-vitamin D. Deficiency can result in various disorders including osteoporosis, liver and kidney problems to increased risk of various cancers and multiple sclerosis, making this compound extremely clinically relevant.

-Extraction of the Cocaine Metabolite, Benzoylecgonine from Urine using ISOLUTE HCX - Due to short half life of cocaine, the screening for the presence of cocaine in urine is majorly accomplished via the major metabolite of cocaine; Benzoylecgonine. It allows a profile of use to be constructed and can be used to determine how long ago from the time of testing the cocaine was administered.

-Extraction of Tricyclic Antidepressants from Whole Blood Using ISOLUTE HCX Columns - Except for the use of Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) to treat depressive disorders, TCA’s have been found to have significant efficacy in the treatment of sleep disorders, ADHD, IBS and pain management.

-Extraction of Basic Drugs of Abuse from Biological Fluids using ISOLUTE HCX - The typical range of drugs screened using this generic method are Cocaine, D3 -Cocaine , Benzoylecgonine-TMS, D3-Benzoylegonine-TMS, Amphetamine, D5-Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, Codeine, Morphine, Amitriptyline HCL, Nortriptyline HCL, Imipramine HCL, Desipramine HCL. These drugs represent a panel of the most significantly abused drugs as recommended by The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

-Extraction of Cyclosporine from Whole Blood Using ISOLUTE Columns - Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant used in organ transplants to overcome rejection. Subsequent to an organ transplant, patients are tested at regular intervals for the presence of very low levels of the compound.

-Extraction of Environmental Contaminants Including Dioxins and Furans from Soil and Sediment Samples Using ISOLUTE NH2 – Dioxins and furans are a family of toxic chemicals. The levels of these chemicals in air, water and soil are constantly monitored through screening according to EPA guidelines, typical detection limits for these compounds in soil and sediments are 0.1 -1.0 parts per billion.

-Extraction of the Opiates, Morphine and Codeine from urine using ISOLUTE HCX - Morphine and codeine are two of the opiates analyzed in drugs of abuse testing, they are both on the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse Mental Health Service Administration) lists as drugs to be tested for workplace drug testing.

For more information regarding the application methods and the complete line of Biotage products for sample preparation, visit http://www.biotage.com

-Ends-

For further press information at Biotage please contact:
Rob Thompson
Director of Marketing Communications
10430 Harris Oaks Blvd., Suite C,
Charlotte, NC USA 28269
Tel: +1 704 654 4847
Fax: +1 704 654 4917
Email: rob.thompson@biotage.com

About Biotage
Biotage offers solutions, knowledge and experience in the areas of analytical and medicinal chemistry. The customers include the world’s top pharma and biotech companies, as well as leading academic institutes. The company is headquartered in Uppsala, Sweden, and has offices in the United States, United Kingdom and Japan. Biotage has 245 employees and had sales of SEK 394,1m in 2009. Biotage is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Nordic Stock Exchange. Website: http://www.biotage.com

IHireveterans.com Supports Military Veterans and Returning Military

Military Families - a Big Piece of The Puzzle

San Francisco, CA, January 07, 2010
-- IHireveterans.com, the website designed to help US veterans and retuning military, has announced a new program to assist the families of these service members connect with willing employers. Named “Operation Homeguard” , the program aims at finding both professional and entry level opportunities for family members and vets.

With many thousands of jobs in careers nationwide like customer service, cosmetology, engineering, construction and even part time and work from home positions, Ihireveterans.com is a great choice for both employers and candidates.

“To that end we are offering employers an unprecedented opportunity to post their jobs for only $45. (Unlimited job posting packages starting at just $995.) This will help employers comply with EEOC regulations to conduct a concerted effort to recruit military veterans and retuning military, but to also help the service member’s families.” noted Sela Rodriguez, VP.

Persons seeking positions can post their resumes for free. “There is never a charge for veterans and families,” added Rodriguez.

Excellent opportunities are available nationwide in communities large and small.  Ihireveterans.com is also supported by many local newspapers across the country offering positions that often never make the larger job boards.

Employers, service members, veterans and their families are invited to visit the site at http://www.IHireVeterans.com and find an exciting career opportunity or that next great employee. The website is partnering with it’s sister sites http://www.Diversity-Job.com and http://www.Green-Employers.com to create a comprehensive solution for employers and candidates.

Contact:
Sela Rodriguez
IHireVeterans.com
Sela.rodriguez@JOB1.co
619-575-6577
http://www.IHireVeterans.com