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Each week we scour the web to discover the latest developments, news and tips that will help you keep your technology (and your business) safe and secure.
Here are the most interesting articles we’ve found this week that could be helpful to you:
Great insightful story about ransomware and how it can hurt you.
In 2013, 72% of data breaches analysed world-wide were at companies with 100 or fewer employees
Cybercrime keeps growing and becoming more expensive for companies to deal with. These numbers are staggering and there doesn’t seem to be any end in sight.
Cybercrime is costing the global economy up to $450 billion annually, a new report by Hamilton Place Strategies reveals.
The document finds that the median cost of cybercrime has actually increased by approximately 200% in the last five years alone, and that it is very likely to continue in that vein
A new vulnerability has been discovered that’s present in a shocking amount of devices. It’s not clear what the exploit landscape looks like yet for this bug, but it may be the most widely distributed vulnerability of all time.
We’ve investigated the DNS lookup path, which requires the glibc exploit to survive traversing one of the millions of DNS caches dotted across the Internet. We’ve found that it is neither trivial to squeeze the glibc flaw through common name servers, nor is it trivial to prove such a feat is impossible. The vast majority of potentially affected systems require this attack path to function, and we just don’t know yet if it can. Our belief is that we’re likely to end up with attacks that work sometimes, and we’re probably going to end up hardening DNS caches against them with intent rather than accident. We’re likely not going to apply network level DNS length limits because that breaks things in catastrophic and hard to predict ways.
If you’ve got ransomware on your systems, it can get really expensive. The Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center had to pay $17,000 in Bitcoins just to get rid of it.
Hollywood Presbyterian had $974,387,384 in revenue and $20,979,948 in net income for 2015. If we divide both figures by 365 days we see that the hospital takes in roughly $2.7 million in revenue and generates $57,479 of net income per day. It was noted in several reports that long delays were experienced by patients and that medical information was being shared via phone and fax between doctors.
More shocking ransomware news. It’s more widespread than we think. And businesses have to pay a lot to get rid of it. This is not a good scenario.
Often, businesses conclude paying the ransom is the quickest and most efficient way to get their data back.
“People don’t like to talk about it. It’s happening across all industries, banking, small businesses and other places,” said Phil Lieberman, a cybersecurity consultant.
Another ransomware strain has been found. This particular one comes in an old form that computer security experts hadn’t seen much for years.
There is a new ransomware strain somewhat amateurishly called “Locky”, but this is professional grade malware. The major headache is that this flavor starts out with a Microsoft Word attachment which has malicious macros in it, making it hard to filter out. Over 400,000 workstations were infected in just a few hours, data from Palo Alto Networks shows.
If you download a new security patch, you need to reboot your computer to install it. Unfortunately, many people neglect to do the second step for way too long – leaving their systems vulnerable to attack.
Windows computers must be rebooted to complete the patch installations. And because a reboot takes the computer out of service for a few minutes, it causes downtime. And when that system is dependent on other systems, or vice versa, rebooting can cause a chain reaction that cripples critical software services. So in fact, the simple act of rebooting a computer to complete the patch installations is the hardest part of the job.
A cyber attack isn’t the only way to lose customer data. You can also just drop it on the street.
“During transport, a small quantity of records were released on Fowler Street in Fort Myers, Florida,” the statement says. “This incident resulted from the condition of the container used by Lee County Solid Waste Division to transport the records and the Lee County driver’s failure to properly secure the container door.”


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A new online national survey of Americans’ health app usage shows mixed results as it relates to consumer adoption of new health and wellness technologies. Published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research mHealth and uHealth and analyzed by researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center, the survey shows that 65% of respondents indicated that apps improved their health. Also, a majority of respondents had strong faith in the accuracy and effectiveness of health apps. 58% of the 1,604 adult smartphone users surveyed had downloaded one health-related mobile app and 42% had downloaded five or more. To be fair, these numbers are higher than some of the other research and surveys we have published in the past. This may be due to this survey being limited to mobile phone users as opposed to consumers in general. Also, this survey included a broad definition of health apps, such as apps that assist in scheduling medical appointments.
About 65% of respondents reported using health apps on a daily basis. According to the survey, the most popular apps were those used to track physical activity (53%), food consumption (48%), weight loss (47%), and exercise instruction (34%). These statistics are very impressive, but the survey also identified a number of challenges in health app engagement. For example, 46% of respondents admitted to having downloaded an app they no longer used. Also, respondents cited cost, disinterest over time, and privacy concerns as barriers to wider and more effective use of the apps. The most common reasons for people not downloading apps were lack of interest, cost, high volume of information that needed to be entered on a daily basis, and concern about apps collecting their personal data.
The average age of respondents was 40, and a majority had annual incomes of less than $50,000. Those most likely in the survey to use health apps were younger, more educated, of higher income, of Hispanic ethnicity, or obese (with a body mass index of 30 or more).
The takeaway from this survey, and many others like it, is that health and wellness apps have come a long way in the last several years, and like most emerging technologies, they still have a long way to go. Smart employers will recognize that these solutions are already being adopted by their employees, and rather than fight the trend, they will embrace it by allowing their employees to participate in their wellness programs through the solutions they already know, trust, and use. For most employers, the adoption rate of these technologies by their employees is higher than their current wellness program, which is just more reason to bring consumer health and wellness apps into their program. The best way to do this is through a bring your own device (BYOD) wellness strategy. To learn more about this strategy and why it makes sense for all employers, download this white paper now.

domain: medical


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The identification of molecules involved in tumor initiation and progression is fundamental for understanding disease’s biology and, as a consequence, for the clinical management of patients. In the present work we will describe an optimized proteomic approach for the identification of molecules involved in the progression of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). In detail, leukemic cell lysates are resolved by 2-dimensional Electrophoresis (2DE) and visualized as “spots” on the 2DE gels. Comparative analysis of proteomic maps allows the identification of differentially expressed proteins (in terms of abundance and post-translational modifications) that are picked, isolated and identified by Mass Spectrometry (MS). The biological function of the identified candidates can be tested by different assays (i.e. migration, adhesion and F-actin polymerization), that we have optimized for primary leukemic cells.
19 Related JoVE Articles!
A Method for Screening and Validation of Resistant Mutations Against Kinase Inhibitors
Institutions: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
The discovery of BCR/ABL as a driver oncogene in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) resulted in the development of Imatinib, which, in fact, demonstrated the potential of targeting the kinase in cancers by effectively treating the CML patients. This observation revolutionized drug development to target the oncogenic kinases implicated in various other malignancies, such as, EGFR, B-RAF, KIT and PDGFRs. However, one major drawback of anti-kinase therapies is the emergence of drug resistance mutations rendering the target to have reduced or lost affinity for the drug. Understanding the mechanisms employed by resistant variants not only helps in developing the next generation inhibitors but also gives impetus to clinical management using personalized medicine. We reported a retroviral vector based screening strategy to identify the spectrum of resistance conferring mutations in BCR/ABL, which has helped in developing the next generation BCR/ABL inhibitors. Using Ruxolitinib and JAK2 as a drug target pair, here we describe in vitro
screening methods that utilizes the mouse BAF3 cells expressing the random mutation library of JAK2 kinase.
Genetics, Issue 94, JAK2, BCR/ABL, TKI, random mutagenesis, drug resistance, kinase inhibitors, in-vivo resistance,
Isolation of Fidelity Variants of RNA Viruses and Characterization of Virus Mutation Frequency
Institutions: Institut Pasteur .
RNA viruses use RNA dependent RNA polymerases to replicate their genomes. The intrinsically high error rate of these enzymes is a large contributor to the generation of extreme population diversity that facilitates virus adaptation and evolution. Increasing evidence shows that the intrinsic error rates, and the resulting mutation frequencies, of RNA viruses can be modulated by subtle amino acid changes to the viral polymerase. Although biochemical assays exist for some viral RNA polymerases that permit quantitative measure of incorporation fidelity, here we describe a simple method of measuring mutation frequencies of RNA viruses that has proven to be as accurate as biochemical approaches in identifying fidelity altering mutations. The approach uses conventional virological and sequencing techniques that can be performed in most biology laboratories. Based on our experience with a number of different viruses, we have identified the key steps that must be optimized to increase the likelihood of isolating fidelity variants and generating data of statistical significance. The isolation and characterization of fidelity altering mutations can provide new insights into polymerase structure and function1-3
. Furthermore, these fidelity variants can be useful tools in characterizing mechanisms of virus adaptation and evolution4-7
Immunology, Issue 52, Polymerase fidelity, RNA virus, mutation frequency, mutagen, RNA polymerase, viral evolution
gDNA Enrichment by a Transposase-based Technology for NGS Analysis of the Whole Sequence of BRCA1, BRCA2, and 9 Genes Involved in DNA Damage Repair
Institutions: Centre Georges-François Leclerc.
The widespread use of Next Generation Sequencing has opened up new avenues for cancer research and diagnosis. NGS will bring huge amounts of new data on cancer, and especially cancer genetics. Current knowledge and future discoveries will make it necessary to study a huge number of genes that could be involved in a genetic predisposition to cancer. In this regard, we developed a Nextera design to study 11 complete genes involved in DNA damage repair. This protocol was developed to safely study 11 genes (ATM
, and TP53
) from promoter to 3'-UTR in 24 patients simultaneously. This protocol, based on transposase technology and gDNA enrichment, gives a great advantage in terms of time for the genetic diagnosis thanks to sample multiplexing. This protocol can be safely used with blood gDNA.
Genetics, Issue 92, gDNA enrichment, Nextera, NGS, DNA damage, BRCA1, BRCA2
Isolation of Precursor B-cell Subsets from Umbilical Cord Blood
Institutions: University of Missouri-Columbia, University of Missouri-Columbia.
Umbilical cord blood is highly enriched for hematopoietic progenitor cells at different lineage commitment stages. We have developed a protocol for isolating precursor B-cells at four different stages of differentiation. Because genes are expressed and epigenetic modifications occur in a tissue specific manner, it is vital to discriminate between tissues and cell types in order to be able to identify alterations in the genome and the epigenome that may lead to the development of disease. This method can be adapted to any type of cell present in umbilical cord blood at any stage of differentiation.
This method comprises 4 main steps. First, mononuclear cells are separated by density centrifugation. Second, B-cells are enriched using biotin conjugated antibodies that recognize and remove non B-cells from the mononuclear cells. Third the B-cells are fluorescently labeled with cell surface protein antibodies specific to individual stages of B-cell development. Finally, the fluorescently labeled cells are sorted and individual populations are recovered. The recovered cells are of sufficient quantity and quality to be utilized in downstream nucleic acid assays.
Immunology, Issue 74, Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Medicine, Biomedical Engineering, Anatomy, Physiology, Neoplasms, Precursor B-cells, B cells, Umbilical cord blood, Cell sorting, DNA methylation, Tissue specific expression, labeling, enrichment, isolation, blood, tissue, cells, flow cytometry
A Multiplexed Luciferase-based Screening Platform for Interrogating Cancer-associated Signal Transduction in Cultured Cells
Institutions: UT Southwestern Medical Center.
Genome-scale interrogation of gene function using RNA interference (RNAi) holds tremendous promise for the rapid identification of chemically tractable cancer cell vulnerabilities. Limiting the potential of this technology is the inability to rapidly delineate the mechanistic basis of phenotypic outcomes and thus inform the development of molecularly targeted therapeutic strategies. We outline here methods to deconstruct cellular phenotypes induced by RNAi-mediated gene targeting using multiplexed reporter systems that allow monitoring of key cancer cell-associated processes. This high-content screening methodology is versatile and can be readily adapted for the screening of other types of large molecular libraries.
Cancer Biology, Issue 77, Medicine, Genetics, Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Bioengineering, Genomics, Drug Discovery, RNA Interference, Cell Biology, Neoplasms, luciferase reporters, functional genomics, chemical biology, high-throughput screening technology, signal transduction, PCR, transfection, assay
Identification of Key Factors Regulating Self-renewal and Differentiation in EML Hematopoietic Precursor Cells by RNA-sequencing Analysis
Institutions: The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston.
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are used clinically for transplantation treatment to rebuild a patient's hematopoietic system in many diseases such as leukemia and lymphoma. Elucidating the mechanisms controlling HSCs self-renewal and differentiation is important for application of HSCs for research and clinical uses. However, it is not possible to obtain large quantity of HSCs due to their inability to proliferate in vitro
. To overcome this hurdle, we used a mouse bone marrow derived cell line, the EML (Erythroid, Myeloid, and Lymphocytic) cell line, as a model system for this study.
RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) has been increasingly used to replace microarray for gene expression studies. We report here a detailed method of using RNA-Seq technology to investigate the potential key factors in regulation of EML cell self-renewal and differentiation. The protocol provided in this paper is divided into three parts. The first part explains how to culture EML cells and separate Lin-CD34+ and Lin-CD34- cells. The second part of the protocol offers detailed procedures for total RNA preparation and the subsequent library construction for high-throughput sequencing. The last part describes the method for RNA-Seq data analysis and explains how to use the data to identify differentially expressed transcription factors between Lin-CD34+ and Lin-CD34- cells. The most significantly differentially expressed transcription factors were identified to be the potential key regulators controlling EML cell self-renewal and differentiation. In the discussion section of this paper, we highlight the key steps for successful performance of this experiment.
In summary, this paper offers a method of using RNA-Seq technology to identify potential regulators of self-renewal and differentiation in EML cells. The key factors identified are subjected to downstream functional analysis in vitro
and in vivo
Genetics, Issue 93, EML Cells, Self-renewal, Differentiation, Hematopoietic precursor cell, RNA-Sequencing, Data analysis
Detecting Somatic Genetic Alterations in Tumor Specimens by Exon Capture and Massively Parallel Sequencing
Institutions: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Efforts to detect and investigate key oncogenic mutations have proven valuable to facilitate the appropriate treatment for cancer patients. The establishment of high-throughput, massively parallel "next-generation" sequencing has aided the discovery of many such mutations. To enhance the clinical and translational utility of this technology, platforms must be high-throughput, cost-effective, and compatible with formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue samples that may yield small amounts of degraded or damaged DNA. Here, we describe the preparation of barcoded and multiplexed DNA libraries followed by hybridization-based capture of targeted exons for the detection of cancer-associated mutations in fresh frozen and FFPE tumors by massively parallel sequencing. This method enables the identification of sequence mutations, copy number alterations, and select structural rearrangements involving all targeted genes. Targeted exon sequencing offers the benefits of high throughput, low cost, and deep sequence coverage, thus conferring high sensitivity for detecting low frequency mutations.
Molecular Biology, Issue 80, Molecular Diagnostic Techniques, High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing, Genetics, Neoplasms, Diagnosis, Massively parallel sequencing, targeted exon sequencing, hybridization capture, cancer, FFPE, DNA mutations
Pre-clinical Evaluation of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Treatment of Acute Leukemia
Institutions: University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, University Hospital of Essen.
Receptor tyrosine kinases have been implicated in the development and progression of many cancers, including both leukemia and solid tumors, and are attractive druggable therapeutic targets. Here we describe an efficient four-step strategy for pre-clinical evaluation of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in the treatment of acute leukemia. Initially, western blot analysis is used to confirm target inhibition in cultured leukemia cells. Functional activity is then evaluated using clonogenic assays in methylcellulose or soft agar cultures. Experimental compounds that demonstrate activity in cell culture assays are evaluated in vivo
using NOD-SCID-gamma (NSG) mice transplanted orthotopically with human leukemia cell lines. Initial in vivo
pharmacodynamic studies evaluate target inhibition in leukemic blasts isolated from the bone marrow. This approach is used to determine the dose and schedule of administration required for effective target inhibition. Subsequent studies evaluate the efficacy of the TKIs in vivo
using luciferase expressing leukemia cells, thereby allowing for non-invasive bioluminescent monitoring of leukemia burden and assessment of therapeutic response using an in vivo
bioluminescence imaging system. This strategy has been effective for evaluation of TKIs in vitro
and in vivo
and can be applied for identification of molecularly-targeted agents with therapeutic potential or for direct comparison and prioritization of multiple compounds.
Medicine, Issue 79, Leukemia, Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases, Molecular Targeted Therapy, Therapeutics, novel small molecule inhibitor, receptor tyrosine kinase, leukemia
Production of Replication-Defective Retrovirus by Transient Transfection of 293T cells
Institutions: Tufts University.
Our lab studies human myeloproliferative diseases induced by such oncogenes as Bcr-Abl or growth factor receptor-derived oncogenes (ZNF198-FGFR1, Bcr-PDGFRα, etc.). We are able to model and study a human-like disease in our mouse model, by transplanting bone marrow cells previously infected with a retrovirus expressing the oncogene of interest. Replication-defective retrovirus encoding a human oncogene and a marker (GFP, RFP, antibiotic resistance gene, etc.) is produced by a transient transfection protocol using 293T cells, a human renal epithelial cell line transformed by the adenovirus E1A gene product. 293 cells have the unusual property of being highly transfectable by calcium phosphate (CaPO4
), with up to 50-80% transfection efficiency readily attainable. Here, we co-transfect 293 cells with a retroviral vector expressing the oncogene of interest and a plasmid that expresses the gag-pol-env packaging functions, such as the single-genome packaging constructs kat or pCL, in this case the EcoPak plasmid. The initial transfection is further improved by use of chloroquine. Stocks of ecotropic virus, collected as culture supernatant 48 hrs. post-transfection, can be stored at -80°C and used for infection of cell-lines in view of transformation and in vitro studies, or primary cells such as mouse bone marrow cells, that can then be used for transplant in our mouse model.
Cellular Biology, issue 10, retrovirus, transfection, 293T cells
An Affordable HIV-1 Drug Resistance Monitoring Method for Resource Limited Settings
Institutions: University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, Jembi Health Systems, University of Amsterdam, Stanford Medical School.
HIV-1 drug resistance has the potential to seriously compromise the effectiveness and impact of antiretroviral therapy (ART). As ART programs in sub-Saharan Africa continue to expand, individuals on ART should be closely monitored for the emergence of drug resistance. Surveillance of transmitted drug resistance to track transmission of viral strains already resistant to ART is also critical. Unfortunately, drug resistance testing is still not readily accessible in resource limited settings, because genotyping is expensive and requires sophisticated laboratory and data management infrastructure. An open access genotypic drug resistance monitoring method to manage individuals and assess transmitted drug resistance is described. The method uses free open source software for the interpretation of drug resistance patterns and the generation of individual patient reports. The genotyping protocol has an amplification rate of greater than 95% for plasma samples with a viral load >1,000 HIV-1 RNA copies/ml. The sensitivity decreases significantly for viral loads <1,000 HIV-1 RNA copies/ml. The method described here was validated against a method of HIV-1 drug resistance testing approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Viroseq genotyping method. Limitations of the method described here include the fact that it is not automated and that it also failed to amplify the circulating recombinant form CRF02_AG from a validation panel of samples, although it amplified subtypes A and B from the same panel.
Medicine, Issue 85, Biomedical Technology, HIV-1, HIV Infections, Viremia, Nucleic Acids, genetics, antiretroviral therapy, drug resistance, genotyping, affordable
Transgenic Rodent Assay for Quantifying Male Germ Cell Mutant Frequency
Institutions: Environmental Health Centre.
mutations arise mostly in the male germline and may contribute to adverse health outcomes in subsequent generations. Traditional methods for assessing the induction of germ cell mutations require the use of large numbers of animals, making them impractical. As such, germ cell mutagenicity is rarely assessed during chemical testing and risk assessment. Herein, we describe an in vivo
male germ cell mutation assay using a transgenic rodent model that is based on a recently approved Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) test guideline. This method uses an in vitro
positive selection assay to measure in vivo
mutations induced in a transgenic λgt10 vector bearing a reporter gene directly in the germ cells of exposed males. We further describe how the detection of mutations in the transgene recovered from germ cells can be used to characterize the stage-specific sensitivity of the various spermatogenic cell types to mutagen exposure by controlling three experimental parameters: the duration of exposure (administration time), the time between exposure and sample collection (sampling time), and the cell population collected for analysis. Because a large number of germ cells can be assayed from a single male, this method has superior sensitivity compared with traditional methods, requires fewer animals and therefore much less time and resources.
Genetics, Issue 90, sperm, spermatogonia, male germ cells, spermatogenesis, de novo mutation, OECD TG 488, transgenic rodent mutation assay, N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea, genetic toxicology
Combining Magnetic Sorting of Mother Cells and Fluctuation Tests to Analyze Genome Instability During Mitotic Cell Aging in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Institutions: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
has been an excellent model system for examining mechanisms and consequences of genome instability. Information gained from this yeast model is relevant to many organisms, including humans, since DNA repair and DNA damage response factors are well conserved across diverse species. However, S. cerevisiae
has not yet been used to fully address whether the rate of accumulating mutations changes with increasing replicative (mitotic) age due to technical constraints. For instance, measurements of yeast replicative lifespan through micromanipulation involve very small populations of cells, which prohibit detection of rare mutations. Genetic methods to enrich for mother cells in populations by inducing death of daughter cells have been developed, but population sizes are still limited by the frequency with which random mutations that compromise the selection systems occur. The current protocol takes advantage of magnetic sorting of surface-labeled yeast mother cells to obtain large enough populations of aging mother cells to quantify rare mutations through phenotypic selections. Mutation rates, measured through fluctuation tests, and mutation frequencies are first established for young cells and used to predict the frequency of mutations in mother cells of various replicative ages. Mutation frequencies are then determined for sorted mother cells, and the age of the mother cells is determined using flow cytometry by staining with a fluorescent reagent that detects bud scars formed on their cell surfaces during cell division. Comparison of predicted mutation frequencies based on the number of cell divisions to the frequencies experimentally observed for mother cells of a given replicative age can then identify whether there are age-related changes in the rate of accumulating mutations. Variations of this basic protocol provide the means to investigate the influence of alterations in specific gene functions or specific environmental conditions on mutation accumulation to address mechanisms underlying genome instability during replicative aging.
Microbiology, Issue 92, Aging, mutations, genome instability, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, fluctuation test, magnetic sorting, mother cell, replicative aging
In Vivo Modeling of the Morbid Human Genome using Danio rerio
Institutions: Duke University Medical Center, Duke University, Duke University Medical Center.
Here, we present methods for the development of assays to query potentially clinically significant nonsynonymous changes using in vivo
complementation in zebrafish. Zebrafish (Danio rerio
) are a useful animal system due to their experimental tractability; embryos are transparent to enable facile viewing, undergo rapid development ex vivo,
and can be genetically manipulated.1
These aspects have allowed for significant advances in the analysis of embryogenesis, molecular processes, and morphogenetic signaling. Taken together, the advantages of this vertebrate model make zebrafish highly amenable to modeling the developmental defects in pediatric disease, and in some cases, adult-onset disorders. Because the zebrafish genome is highly conserved with that of humans (~70% orthologous), it is possible to recapitulate human disease states in zebrafish. This is accomplished either through the injection of mutant human mRNA to induce dominant negative or gain of function alleles, or utilization of morpholino (MO) antisense oligonucleotides to suppress genes to mimic loss of function variants. Through complementation of MO-induced phenotypes with capped human mRNA, our approach enables the interpretation of the deleterious effect of mutations on human protein sequence based on the ability of mutant mRNA to rescue a measurable, physiologically relevant phenotype. Modeling of the human disease alleles occurs through microinjection of zebrafish embryos with MO and/or human mRNA at the 1-4 cell stage, and phenotyping up to seven days post fertilization (dpf). This general strategy can be extended to a wide range of disease phenotypes, as demonstrated in the following protocol. We present our established models for morphogenetic signaling, craniofacial, cardiac, vascular integrity, renal function, and skeletal muscle disorder phenotypes, as well as others.
Molecular Biology, Issue 78, Genetics, Biomedical Engineering, Medicine, Developmental Biology, Biochemistry, Anatomy, Physiology, Bioengineering, Genomics, Medical, zebrafish, in vivo, morpholino, human disease modeling, transcription, PCR, mRNA, DNA, Danio rerio, animal model
RNA-seq Analysis of Transcriptomes in Thrombin-treated and Control Human Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelial Cells
Institutions: Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinics, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City.
The characterization of gene expression in cells via measurement of mRNA levels is a useful tool in determining how the transcriptional machinery of the cell is affected by external signals (e.g.
drug treatment), or how cells differ between a healthy state and a diseased state. With the advent and continuous refinement of next-generation DNA sequencing technology, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) has become an increasingly popular method of transcriptome analysis to catalog all species of transcripts, to determine the transcriptional structure of all expressed genes and to quantify the changing expression levels of the total set of transcripts in a given cell, tissue or organism1,2
. RNA-seq is gradually replacing DNA microarrays as a preferred method for transcriptome analysis because it has the advantages of profiling a complete transcriptome, providing a digital type datum (copy number of any transcript) and not relying on any known genomic sequence3
Here, we present a complete and detailed protocol to apply RNA-seq to profile transcriptomes in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells with or without thrombin treatment. This protocol is based on our recent published study entitled "RNA-seq Reveals Novel Transcriptome of Genes and Their Isoforms in Human Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelial Cells Treated with Thrombin,"4
in which we successfully performed the first complete transcriptome analysis of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells treated with thrombin using RNA-seq. It yielded unprecedented resources for further experimentation to gain insights into molecular mechanisms underlying thrombin-mediated endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of inflammatory conditions, cancer, diabetes, and coronary heart disease, and provides potential new leads for therapeutic targets to those diseases.
The descriptive text of this protocol is divided into four parts. The first part describes the treatment of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells with thrombin and RNA isolation, quality analysis and quantification. The second part describes library construction and sequencing. The third part describes the data analysis. The fourth part describes an RT-PCR validation assay. Representative results of several key steps are displayed. Useful tips or precautions to boost success in key steps are provided in the Discussion section. Although this protocol uses human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells treated with thrombin, it can be generalized to profile transcriptomes in both mammalian and non-mammalian cells and in tissues treated with different stimuli or inhibitors, or to compare transcriptomes in cells or tissues between a healthy state and a disease state.
Genetics, Issue 72, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Medicine, Genomics, Proteins, RNA-seq, Next Generation DNA Sequencing, Transcriptome, Transcription, Thrombin, Endothelial cells, high-throughput, DNA, genomic DNA, RT-PCR, PCR
Identifying DNA Mutations in Purified Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells
Institutions: UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio.
In recent years, it has become apparent that genomic instability is tightly related to many developmental disorders, cancers, and aging. Given that stem cells are responsible for ensuring tissue homeostasis and repair throughout life, it is reasonable to hypothesize that the stem cell population is critical for preserving genomic integrity of tissues. Therefore, significant interest has arisen in assessing the impact of endogenous and environmental factors on genomic integrity in stem cells and their progeny, aiming to understand the etiology of stem-cell based diseases.
transgenic mice carry a recoverable λ phage vector encoding the LacI
reporter system, in which the LacI
gene serves as the mutation reporter. The result of a mutated LacI
gene is the production of β-galactosidase that cleaves a chromogenic substrate, turning it blue. The LacI
reporter system is carried in all cells, including stem/progenitor cells and can easily be recovered and used to subsequently infect E. coli
. After incubating infected E. coli
on agarose that contains the correct substrate, plaques can be scored; blue plaques indicate a mutant LacI
gene, while clear plaques harbor wild-type. The frequency of blue (among clear) plaques indicates the mutant frequency in the original cell population the DNA was extracted from. Sequencing the mutant LacI
gene will show the location of the mutations in the gene and the type of mutation.
transgenic mouse model is well-established as an in vivo
mutagenesis assay. Moreover, the mice and the reagents for the assay are commercially available. Here we describe in detail how this model can be adapted to measure the frequency of spontaneously occurring DNA mutants in stem cell-enriched Lin-
(LSK) cells and other subpopulations of the hematopoietic system.
Infection, Issue 84, In vivo mutagenesis, hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, LacI mouse model, DNA mutations, E. coli
Modeling Astrocytoma Pathogenesis In Vitro and In Vivo Using Cortical Astrocytes or Neural Stem Cells from Conditional, Genetically Engineered Mice
Institutions: University of North Carolina School of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine.
Current astrocytoma models are limited in their ability to define the roles of oncogenic mutations in specific brain cell types during disease pathogenesis and their utility for preclinical drug development. In order to design a better model system for these applications, phenotypically wild-type cortical astrocytes and neural stem cells (NSC) from conditional, genetically engineered mice (GEM) that harbor various combinations of floxed oncogenic alleles were harvested and grown in culture. Genetic recombination was induced in vitro
using adenoviral Cre-mediated recombination, resulting in expression of mutated oncogenes and deletion of tumor suppressor genes. The phenotypic consequences of these mutations were defined by measuring proliferation, transformation, and drug response in vitro
. Orthotopic allograft models, whereby transformed cells are stereotactically injected into the brains of immune-competent, syngeneic littermates, were developed to define the role of oncogenic mutations and cell type on tumorigenesis in vivo
. Unlike most established human glioblastoma cell line xenografts, injection of transformed GEM-derived cortical astrocytes into the brains of immune-competent littermates produced astrocytomas, including the most aggressive subtype, glioblastoma, that recapitulated the histopathological hallmarks of human astrocytomas, including diffuse invasion of normal brain parenchyma. Bioluminescence imaging of orthotopic allografts from transformed astrocytes engineered to express luciferase was utilized to monitor in vivo
tumor growth over time. Thus, astrocytoma models using astrocytes and NSC harvested from GEM with conditional oncogenic alleles provide an integrated system to study the genetics and cell biology of astrocytoma pathogenesis in vitro
and in vivo
and may be useful in preclinical drug development for these devastating diseases.
Neuroscience, Issue 90, astrocytoma, cortical astrocytes, genetically engineered mice, glioblastoma, neural stem cells, orthotopic allograft
Building a Better Mosquito: Identifying the Genes Enabling Malaria and Dengue Fever Resistance in A. gambiae and A. aegypti Mosquitoes
Institutions: Johns Hopkins University.
In this interview, George Dimopoulos focuses on the physiological mechanisms used by mosquitoes to combat Plasmodium falciparum and dengue virus infections. Explanation is given for how key refractory genes, those genes conferring resistance to vector pathogens, are identified in the mosquito and how this knowledge can be used to generate transgenic mosquitoes that are unable to carry the malaria parasite or dengue virus.
Cellular Biology, Issue 5, Translational Research, mosquito, malaria, virus, dengue, genetics, injection, RNAi, transgenesis, transgenic
Comprehensive & Cost Effective Laboratory Monitoring of HIV/AIDS: an African Role Model
Institutions: National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS-SA), University of Witwatersrand, Lightcurve Films.
We present the video about assisting anti-retroviral therapy (ART) by an apt laboratory service - representing a South-African role model for economical large scale diagnostic testing. In the low-income countries inexpensive ART has transformed the prospects for the survival of HIV seropositive patients but there are doubts whether there is a need for the laboratory monitoring of ART and at what costs - in situations when the overall quality of pathology services can still be very low. The appropriate answer is to establish economically sound services with better coordination and stricter internal quality assessment than seen in western countries. This video, photographed at location in the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS-SA) at the Witwatersrand University, Johannesburg, South Africa, provides such a coordinated scheme expanding the original 2-color CD4-CD45 PanLeucoGating strategy (PLG). Thus the six modules of the video presentation reveal the simplicity of a 4-color flow cytometric assay to combine haematological, immunological and virology-related tests in a single tube. These video modules are: (i) the set-up of instruments; (ii) sample preparations; (iii) testing absolute counts and monitoring quality for each sample by bead-count-rate; (iv) the heamatological CD45 test for white cell counts and differentials; (v) the CD4 counts, and (vi) the activation of CD8+ T cells measured by CD38 display, a viral load related parameter. The potential cost-savings are remarkable. This arrangement is a prime example for the feasibility of performing > 800-1000 tests per day with a stricter quality control than that applied in western laboratories, and also with a transfer of technology to other laboratories within a NHLS-SA network. Expert advisors, laboratory managers and policy makers who carry the duty of making decisions about introducing modern medical technology are frequently not in a position to see the latest technical details as carried out in the large regional laboratories with huge burdens of workload. Hence this video shows details of these new developments.
Immunology, Issue 44, Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV); CD4 lymphocyte count, white cell count, CD45, panleucogating, lymphocyte activation, CD38, HIV viral load, antiretroviral therapy (ART), internal quality control
A Strategy to Identify de Novo Mutations in Common Disorders such as Autism and Schizophrenia
Institutions: Universite de Montreal, Universite de Montreal, Universite de Montreal.
There are several lines of evidence supporting the role of de novo
mutations as a mechanism for common disorders, such as autism and schizophrenia. First, the de novo
mutation rate in humans is relatively high, so new mutations are generated at a high frequency in the population. However, de novo
mutations have not been reported in most common diseases. Mutations in genes leading to severe diseases where there is a strong negative selection against the phenotype, such as lethality in embryonic stages or reduced reproductive fitness, will not be transmitted to multiple family members, and therefore will not be detected by linkage gene mapping or association studies. The observation of very high concordance in monozygotic twins and very low concordance in dizygotic twins also strongly supports the hypothesis that a significant fraction of cases may result from new mutations. Such is the case for diseases such as autism and schizophrenia. Second, despite reduced reproductive fitness1
and extremely variable environmental factors, the incidence of some diseases is maintained worldwide at a relatively high and constant rate. This is the case for autism and schizophrenia, with an incidence of approximately 1% worldwide. Mutational load can be thought of as a balance between selection for or against a deleterious mutation and its production by de novo
mutation. Lower rates of reproduction constitute a negative selection factor that should reduce the number of mutant alleles in the population, ultimately leading to decreased disease prevalence. These selective pressures tend to be of different intensity in different environments. Nonetheless, these severe mental disorders have been maintained at a constant relatively high prevalence in the worldwide population across a wide range of cultures and countries despite a strong negative selection against them2
. This is not what one would predict in diseases with reduced reproductive fitness, unless there was a high new mutation rate. Finally, the effects of paternal age: there is a significantly increased risk of the disease with increasing paternal age, which could result from the age related increase in paternal de novo
mutations. This is the case for autism and schizophrenia3
. The male-to-female ratio of mutation rate is estimated at about 4–6:1, presumably due to a higher number of germ-cell divisions with age in males. Therefore, one would predict that de novo
mutations would more frequently come from males, particularly older males4
. A high rate of new mutations may in part explain why genetic studies have so far failed to identify many genes predisposing to complexes diseases genes, such as autism and schizophrenia, and why diseases have been identified for a mere 3% of genes in the human genome. Identification for de novo
mutations as a cause of a disease requires a targeted molecular approach, which includes studying parents and affected subjects. The process for determining if the genetic basis of a disease may result in part from de novo
mutations and the molecular approach to establish this link will be illustrated, using autism and schizophrenia as examples.
Medicine, Issue 52, de novo mutation, complex diseases, schizophrenia, autism, rare variations, DNA sequencing


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Virginia Corrigan, DVM, MPH, DABVP, CHPV, CCRP
Diplomate American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (Canine/Feline), Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Veterinarian, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
SCHOOL: University of Tennessee, 2010
WHY I LOVE WHAT I DO: I truly love to care for pets and their families to help strengthen and support the amazing human-animal bond, especially at the end of life when compassion and respect for the bond is most important. I am also fortunate to work in an educational setting where I have the opportunity to coach future veterinarians in the special skills and knowledge they will need to provide the best care and service to their patients and communities.
BEST WAY TO START THE DAY: A cup of coffee, a beautiful sunrise, and a fun workout!
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Just keep swimming" ~ Dory in Finding Nemo

domain: pet


91K3O Armament Maintenance Supervisor
Armament Maintenance Supervisor for a Brigade Support Battalion Maintenance Company within the 138th FiB and 103rd BSB. Serves as a squad leader and was responsible for the training, mentorship, counseling, health, and welfare of eleven Soldiers; directly responsible for organizational and direct support maintenance for the Brigade; planned and organized work schedules; assigned workloads; responsible for the disposition, evacuation and transportation of all equipment accountability and inventory of over $966,645.45 worth of equipment.
91K30 Armament Repairer
Performs duties in preceding skill levels, performs small arms/artillery repairer. Supervises lower grade soldiers, and provides technical guidance to the soldiers in the accomplishment of their duties. Inspects and trouble shoots fire control systems components, towed fired artillery control systems, self propelled artillery fire control systems. Performs direct/general support and depot level maintenance/repairs on mechanisms/systems of tank turrets/weapons.
Small Arm/Artilery Repairer
Serves as a Small Arm/Artilery Repairer in the 1-1 BSTB maintenance section. Responsible for the field and sustainment level support maintenance of 4500 woapons which include the M9, M4, M16A4, M249, M240B, M240C, M2, M2A1, M203, M320 and MK19 weapon systems; responsible for the disposition, evacuation and movement of all equipment requiring a higher level of maintenance; responsible for the health, welfare and training of three Soldier; maintained accountability of over $300,000 dollars of small arms repair special tools and equipment.
Armament Shop Foreman (SGT)
Serves as the Armament Shop Foreman(SGT) in X CO, Brigade Support Battalion of the Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT) forward deployed in support of OIF XX-XX; provides Direct Support Maintenance of small arms, fire control and artillery equipment for three Infantry Battalions, one Field Artillery Battalion and one Calvary Squadron; responsible for the professional development, health, safety and training of nine Soldiers; responsible for the serviceability and accountability of four shop sets, four electronic shelters and two generators valued in excess of $120,000.
Section Chief for the Armament Repair Section
Performs duties as Section Chief for the Armament Repair Section of the Stryker Brigade Combat Team(SBCT); supervises the inspection, troubleshooting and maintenance of the Brigade's Small Arms, Artillery, Optical and Fire Control Systems; responsible for training, mentoring and the accountability of XX NCO, XX Soldiers and their families; provides oversite, mentorship and technical guidance to Combat Repair Team Armament Maintainers; accountable for over $X.X million worth of test equipment, vehicles and repair parts.
A 91K is essentially used as all three feeder MOS's. 91K utilizes skills with electrical circuits, soldering, and DSESTS to perform fire control repairs on LRU's as well as replacing components essential to turret control. More commonly the 91K will serve as a 91F working almost exclusively with small arms and any other weapon system that fires a projectile that is 155mm or less. 91K2O serve as Armament shop foreman or a section NCOIC. Any duty title at or above the rank of E-6 will shortly be reclassified as a 91F.


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Oracabessa Tourist Attractions
Travelers are voting James Bond Beach, Above Rocks and Bob Marley Museum as the best of 9 tourist attractions in Oracabessa. There are 20 tourist attractions in Falmouth a city just 103 km from Oracabessa and 23 tourist attractions in Montego Bay which is 132 km distant. The most popular of these are Doctor's Cave Beach in Falmouth and Prospect in Montego Bay. You can find 68 Tourist Attraction in the country of Jamaica and Doctor's Cave Beach is our members favorite Tourist Attraction in all of Jamaica. Want more? Check out our map of tourist attractions in Oracabessa.

domain: geography


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I used 2 novelty pans to make this cake. The top half is the Strawberry Shortcake pan. The bottom half is made from a Blue's Clues pan. I cut it to fit the design I wanted to acheive. The cake and the background are made with Buttercream Icing.
You May Also Be Interested In
CakeCentral.com is the world's largest cake community for cake decorating professionals and enthusiasts.

domain: food


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The folks over at The Moving Picture have posted more video goodness for M. Night Shyamalan’s The Happening in the form of a new behind the scenes featurette. Much like the clip that debuted last week on Yahoo!, this featurette is simply Shyamalan talking about how he came up with the idea, as well as the inspiration for the film. Thanks to ypehmish in the forums for the tip.
Zooey Deschanel has inked to star with Mark Wahlberg in M. Night Shyamalan’s 20th Century Fox thriller “The Happening.” Helmer’s “Unbreakable” and “Sixth Sense” producer Barry Mendel will produce with Sam Mercer. Deschanel’s credits include […]
*UPDATE: Looks as if this was just a rumor that grew out of control. anywho, MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS <3 Dr Malcom Crowe, Specter, and everyone here @ MNightFans.com ————————————-

domain: artistic


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February 12, 2015
Case Study #1 – Radio Shack
Organization in Crisis
Radio Shack, a consumer electrics business chain with roughly 4,000 store locations has been serving consumers for almost a century.
Brief Situation Summary
After many years of declining sales, Radio Shack has filed for bankruptcy as of Thursday, February 5th, 2015. The declines in sales started when Radio Shack began to lose relevance with consumers. As Radio Shack declined many other competitors started gain market share, and hold a stronger presence with the public. The loss of sales resulted in Radio Shack no longer having the capability to afford all of their locations. As bills started to increase, the company simply could not keep up. The organization plans to close half of its stores, and combine the rest with Sprint locations, allowing some products to still be sold. According to Radio Shack’s Chief Executive Officer Joe Magnacca, “These steps are the culmination of a thorough process intended to drive maximum value for our stakeholders,” (McCarty and Lochner). As of right now, the company’s priorities are paying their stakeholders, employees, and closing their remaining locations successfully. This crisis became very serious in a short amount of time due to Radio Shack failing to take action pre crisis.
The people most affected by this crisis are the employees and the stakeholders of the company. Employees and primary and secondary stakeholders, are immediately affected because not only are jobs going to be diminished, but payment becomes questionable. Employees become worried about finding their next job, as well as how they are going to get paid as their location comes to a close. Stakeholders are concerned with their personal shares within the company and how their contributions will be affected. The publics who are peripherally affected are Sprint and Radio Shack’s competitors. Sprint becomes affected by this crisis because now they are working hand in hand with the company, which means a newly adapted business plan. Competitors are affected slightly because they no longer have to compete with Radio Shack’s sales, and they have less competition to focus on. Since the company has been around for almost a century, there are a lot of supporters who have been using Radio Shack for a long time who are going to be extremely disappointed. They have built a relationship with this company, and now they will have to adapt to a new company regarding their technological needs. All of these publics are impacted, and Radio Shack will have to work with each one accordingly.
This type of crisis has caused Radio Shack to no longer be an organization that can stand on its own. From here on out it will always be affiliated with Sprint because they are now “cobranded,” and it will be known for its loss of relevance in society (Isidore and Lobosco). The company’s ability to conduct business began to lag at some point, in relation to its competitors, and it never fully regained the strength it had almost a century ago. The technology field is changing on a consistent basis, which means that companies like Radio Shack have to be able to adapt and grow with the technology that is being sold, and it is apparent the company failed to do so. Another important aspect of owning a chain like Radio Shack is the relationship the organization has with its key publics. A big reason why this company became unimportant to consumers, and other businesses is because Radio Shack failed to successfully reach out, advertise, and fight for their spot in the technology field. Radio Shack needed to have close relationships with the media, community, employees, and consumers as a proactive tactic. The organization’s mission statement states, “Through its convenient and comfortable neighborhood stores, knowledgeable sales associates help customers get the most out of their technology products,” (Farfan). The company got too comfortable being “comfortable,” therefore staying a big competitor became difficult.
The biggest warning sign that the business was going downhill was the decline in sales. Radio Shack wasn’t proactive in focusing on risk management, therefore they didn’t take the warning seriously. The decline in sales has been going on for years, and it was a manageable problem, but it wasn’t acted upon until it was too late. Another important warning sign was the company was uncertain of the fate of the chain. In other words, Radio Shack simply could not keep up with the ever changing technology that was sold, and how to market and sell those particular products. If they would have expanded their advertising capabilities, online shopping experience, and accepted change, perhaps consumers would have ended up choosing Radio Shack more often over Best Buy. The crisis developed because the organization failed to take corrective action when warning signs became evident.
This crisis could potentially have been prevented if the right actions would have been taken. First of all, the first year a decline of sales was apparent I would develop numerous theories as to why consumers are choosing the competition over my organization. Next, I would build strong relationships with the media by using the relationship management theory to get my company’s image in the eyes of consumers once again. If those actions weren’t strong enough, I would conduct surveys about the Radio Shack customer experience, to gather insights from consumers. After analyzing the surveys, I would begin to take the necessary preventive action to get my company back on track. Because Radio Shack is 94 years old, I would look into remodeling the look of the company to make a statement that our organization is still relevant. Taking these steps early and efficiently would definitely work because consumers are always looking for the “next best thing,” and if Radio Shack became more cutting edge and new it could potentially have attracted the competition’s client base.
In the circumstances Radio Shack is in right now, I do believe they are taking the necessary steps in ending their business with a decent amount of dignity left. They are making sure the stakeholders and employees know they are of the highest priority as the company comes to a close. Working with Sprint was a good business move because although locations are closing, Radio Shack will still be able to sell some of their products through a popular organization. One aspect that could be improved upon was the coverage in the media. The public can get the perspectives from numerous media platforms, but none coming directly from Radio Shack. Radio Shack has been around for so long, it should release their own statements to their website, and not act like the crisis isn’t happening. Consumers have grown up with this company, they deserve to know what is going on and why.
Randazzo, Sara. “RadioShack Proposes Up to $3 Million in Bankruptcy Bonuses.” Wall Street Journal. N.p., 10 Feb. 2015. Web. 10 Feb. 2015. <http://www.wsj.com/articles/radioshack-proposes-up-to-3-million-in-bankruptcy-bonuses-1423598930>.
McCarty, Dawn, and Lauren Coleman Lochner. “RadioShack Files for Bankruptcy Protection.” Bloomberg.com. Bloomberg, 5 Feb. 2015. Web. 09 Feb. 2015. <http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-05/radioshack-files-for-bankruptcy-protection-as-losses-mount-i5spaw86>.
Isidore, Chris, and Katie Lobosco. “RadioShack Declares Bankruptcy.”CNNMoney. Cable News Network, 5 Feb. 2015. Web. 09 Feb. 2015. <http://money.cnn.com/2015/02/05/news/companies/radioshack-bankruptcy/>.
Farfan, Barbara. “Radio Shack Mission Statement Is Clear and Simple.” Retail Industry. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2015. <http%3A%2F%2Fretailindustry.about.com%2Fod%2Fretailbestpractices%2Fig%2FCompany-Mission-Statements%2FRadio-Shack-Mission-Statement.htm>.

domain: economics


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Cherry tomatoes – those vibrant, bite-sized bursts of flavor that elevate any dish they grace. But what if you find yourself with an abundance of these luscious gems? Can you freeze them to savor their essence later? In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the world of freezing cherry tomatoes and unlock the secrets to preserving their freshness and taste.
Overview of Cherry Tomatoes
Before we delve into the world of freezing, let’s take a moment to appreciate the delightful nature of cherry tomatoes. These petite wonders are not just visually appealing, resembling vibrant red and yellow jewels; they are also packed with intense flavor. With their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, cherry tomatoes add a delightful pop to salads, pastas, and even cocktails.
Brief Explanation of Freezing as a Preservation Method
Freezing is a time-tested preservation technique that allows us to prolong the shelf life of various foods. By subjecting cherry tomatoes to freezing temperatures, we can halt the natural ripening process, effectively preserving their taste and texture. Freezing also offers the convenience of having cherry tomatoes readily available, regardless of the season.
Now that we have set the stage, let’s dig deeper into the benefits of freezing cherry tomatoes and uncover the steps to ensure optimal results. Join me on this culinary adventure as we explore the world of frozen cherry tomatoes, unlocking a treasure trove of flavors for your future enjoyment.
Benefits of Freezing Cherry Tomatoes
When it comes to preserving the delectable essence of cherry tomatoes, freezing proves to be a game-changer. Let’s explore the numerous benefits that freezing brings to the table.
Retaining Freshness and Flavor
By freezing cherry tomatoes at their peak ripeness, you can capture their vibrant colors, juiciness, and irresistible flavors. Freezing halts the natural enzymatic activity that causes deterioration, ensuring that each thawed tomato bursts with the same freshness and flavor as when it was first picked.
Extended Shelf Life
One of the primary advantages of freezing cherry tomatoes is their significantly extended shelf life. Rather than watching them wither away in the refrigerator, freezing allows you to preserve their quality for months. This means you can enjoy the taste of summer even in the depths of winter, bringing a burst of freshness to your culinary creations.
Versatility in Recipes
Frozen cherry tomatoes offer a world of culinary possibilities. Whether you desire a tangy addition to soups, a burst of sweetness in sauces, or a refreshing component in salads, these frozen gems are your ticket to year-round culinary creativity. Their versatility makes them a staple ingredient that can effortlessly elevate any dish you prepare.
Now that we understand the remarkable benefits of freezing cherry tomatoes, let’s dive into the step-by-step process to ensure you freeze them correctly and preserve their exceptional qualities.
Steps to Properly Freeze Cherry Tomatoes
To freeze cherry tomatoes successfully, following a few simple steps will ensure the best results. Let’s walk through the process together.
Selecting Ripe and Firm Tomatoes
Begin by selecting ripe cherry tomatoes that are firm and free from blemishes. This ensures that your frozen tomatoes will maintain their delicious taste and texture when thawed.
Preparing the Tomatoes for Freezing
Before freezing, wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Remove any stems or leaves and inspect them for any signs of spoilage. If desired, you can also blanch the tomatoes briefly to help preserve their texture.
Choosing the Right Packaging Method
When it comes to freezing cherry tomatoes, there are a few packaging options to consider. You can opt for freezer bags, airtight containers, or even ice cube trays for portioned servings. Ensure that the packaging you choose is suitable for freezing to prevent freezer burn and maintain the quality of the tomatoes.
Proper Storage Techniques
Once packaged, label the containers with the date of freezing and place them in the freezer. For optimal results, store the tomatoes at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below. This will maintain their quality and allow you to enjoy the taste of summer whenever you desire.
With these essential steps in place, you are well on your way to freezing cherry tomatoes successfully. Join me in the next section as we explore some tips and tricks to enhance your frozen cherry tomato experience.
Tips for Freezing Cherry Tomatoes
Freezing cherry tomatoes is a simple process, but there are a few tips and tricks that can elevate the quality of your frozen treasures. By following these expert tips, you can ensure that your frozen cherry tomatoes retain their flavor, texture, and overall appeal.
Blanching for Better Texture
One way to enhance the texture of frozen cherry tomatoes is by blanching them before freezing. Blanching involves briefly immersing the tomatoes in boiling water, followed by an immediate plunge into an ice bath. This technique helps to loosen the skin, making it easier to remove later. Not only does blanching improve the overall texture, but it also helps to retain the vibrant color of the tomatoes.
Removing Air to Prevent Freezer Burn
Air exposure is the arch-nemesis of frozen foods, leading to dreaded freezer burn. To prevent this, it’s crucial to remove as much air as possible from your cherry tomato packages. A simple way to do this is by using a vacuum sealer or tightly sealing them in airtight containers, ensuring there are no gaps or openings for air to sneak in. By eliminating air, you can maintain the quality and taste of your frozen cherry tomatoes for an extended period.
Labeling and Dating the Packages
When freezing cherry tomatoes, organization is key. Remember to label and date your packages before storing them in the freezer. This simple step will help you keep track of the freshness and ensure that you consume the oldest packages first. Additionally, consider writing down any additional information, such as the variety of cherry tomatoes or any specific recipe ideas. This way, you can easily plan your meals and make the most of your frozen cherry tomato supply.
By implementing these tips, you can elevate the freezing process and ensure that your frozen cherry tomatoes are of the highest quality. Now that we’ve covered the tips and tricks, let’s move on to the next section, where we explore the thawing and usage of frozen cherry tomatoes in various culinary creations.
Thawing and Using Frozen Cherry Tomatoes
Freezing cherry tomatoes is only half the battle; knowing how to properly thaw and utilize them is equally important. So, let’s explore the best methods for thawing these frozen jewels and discover creative ways to incorporate them into your favorite dishes.
Recommended Thawing Methods
Refrigerator Thawing: The safest and most recommended method for thawing frozen cherry tomatoes is to transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator. Leave them overnight or for a few hours until they defrost completely. This gradual thawing process ensures minimal texture and flavor loss.
Room Temperature Thawing: If you’re in a hurry, you can thaw frozen cherry tomatoes at room temperature. Place the desired amount in a bowl and allow them to thaw for about 30 minutes. Remember to consume them promptly after thawing to maintain their freshness.
Utilizing Frozen Cherry Tomatoes in Cooking
Sauces and Soups: Frozen cherry tomatoes lend themselves perfectly to sauces and soups. As they thaw, their juicy nature adds a burst of flavor to your homemade marinara, pasta sauce, or creamy tomato soup. Simply blend or cook them down to create a rich, vibrant base.
Roasted Delights: Roasting frozen cherry tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness and intensifies their flavors. Toss them in olive oil, sprinkle with herbs, and roast until they caramelize. These roasted gems make a delightful addition to salads, pizzas, and even sandwiches.
Tips for Incorporating Them into Various Dishes
Salads and Salsas: Add a pop of color and flavor by tossing thawed cherry tomatoes into your salads or salsas. Their vibrant hues and juicy texture will elevate even the simplest green salad or salsa recipe.
Pasta and Grain Dishes: Thawed cherry tomatoes can be gently stirred into cooked pasta or grain dishes, adding a burst of freshness and a touch of acidity. They work beautifully in cold pasta salads as well.
With these thawing methods and creative ideas for incorporating frozen cherry tomatoes into your meals, you can savor their vibrant taste and elevate your culinary creations. Get ready to unleash a burst of flavor and versatility that will tantalize your taste buds.
In conclusion, the answer to the question “can cherry tomatoes be frozen?” is a resounding yes! Freezing cherry tomatoes is a fantastic way to preserve their freshness, flavor, and versatility. By following the proper steps and techniques outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your frozen cherry tomatoes retain their vibrant taste and texture.
Cherry tomatoes, with their intense sweetness and tang, bring a burst of sunshine to any dish. Freezing them allows you to enjoy these delightful flavors all year round, even when they are out of season. Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color to your salads, enhance the richness of your sauces, or create a refreshing salsa, frozen cherry tomatoes are a convenient and delicious ingredient to have on hand.
So, why not give it a try? Take advantage of the bountiful harvest of cherry tomatoes, freeze them, and unlock a world of culinary possibilities. Remember, with proper storage and thawing methods, your frozen cherry tomatoes will bring joy to your taste buds, even months after they were picked.
At cherrynew.com, we are dedicated to bringing you the best tips and tricks for enjoying the versatile cherry tomato. So, go ahead and freeze those cherry tomatoes, and let their vibrant flavors brighten up your meals, no matter the season!
Remember, the captivating flavors of cherry tomatoes are just a freezer away. Embrace the convenience and taste that freezing can provide, and elevate your culinary creations with the juiciest jewels nature has to offer. Happy freezing!


Guys, I know that this question must have been asked - and answered - many time, but… At least one positive thing about growing older and more forgetful, is that you meet new people and learn new things every day!! I’ll qualify my oft-asked question even more by mentioning the fact that there have been quite a few advances in networking protocols and computer processing. So, I have to wonder - maybe I wondered this before? I digress…Since I have upgraded my modem and router network, I wonder if upgrading my old Cat 5 Ethernet to a 6, 7…or whatever the latest “number” is, will make any difference. I can’t help but wonder too whether plugging in a “better” (i.e.: more expensive) USB cable between my hard drive and dedicated laptop (server) would in the slightest make any difference…I mean could the little packet things be shaking hands more effectively!!!
For what it’s worth…


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Josh Creeps Around Clubhouse For Cardinals’ Celebration
From Our CBS Music Sites
Sports Fan Insider
Josh Innes of J&R was on hand in the clubhouse with the St. Louis Cardinals as they celebrated a playoff berth after beating the Astros at Minute Maid Park. The Cardinals capped a month-long comeback to clench the Wild Card; and Josh, being a huge St. Louis fan, was thrilled.
We have photos below as proof.

domain: news


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Daisy Pearce was born in Cornwall and grew up on a smallholding surrounded by hippies. She read Cujo and The Hamlyn Book of Horror far too young and has been fascinated with the macabre ever since.
Daisy began writing short stories as a teenager and after spells living in London and Brighton she had her first short story ‘The Black Prince’ published in One Eye Grey magazine. Another short story, ‘The Brook Witch’, was performed on stage at the Small Story Cabaret in Lewes in 2016. In 2015 ‘The Silence’ won a bursary with The Literary Consultancy. Later that year Daisy also won the Chindi Authors Competition with her short story ‘Worm Food’. A further novel was longlisted for the Mslexia Novel Award.
Daisy’s debut novel ‘The Silence’ was published by Thomas & Mercer in February 2020. Her second novel ‘The Missing’ was published in June 2020. Daisy currently works in a library where she stacks books and listens to podcasts on true crime and folklore.

domain: literature


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The GM Renaissance Center is a centerpiece of the Detroit skyline.
… I know how hard everybody has worked to make a great comeback.
"The city's industrial past is already giving way to a high tech future, and the excitement we've seen throughout the city as well as the success that new tech firms have already had is making the Big D one of the best places to launch a tech startup this year."
— Dan Blacharski, Techie.com editor-in-chief String
… I love a great comeback story!
… I want to be part of something amazing, a revitalization of making America great again.
… Detroit has a great blend of cultural, entertainment and lodging options.
… of the Motown music!
… you can get a great experience for your group at exceptional value.
… of the fantastic walkable downtown, fantastic new restaurants and @detroitrvrfrnt.
… of the arts, history, Cobo Center and total cool factors like @detroitrvrfrnt.
… of its resurgence, breweries and distilleries.
Detroit is among the largest theater districts in the country with over 13,000 theater seats. Major Broadway productions, top headliner entertainers, opera, dance, symphony, and other performing arts light up marquees.


jaw crushers mt baker mining and metals,mt. baker mining and metals jaw crushers are industrial grade, continuous duty machines. they take large pieces of rock, ore, concrete, or other materials, and crush them down to smaller sizes, for further processing in a ball mill or hammer mill, or for use in ballast or fill applications. youtube. mbmmllc..jaw crushers for sale ritchie bros auctioneers,jaw crushers are widely used in the mining and construction industry due to great efficiency in every crushing tasks. they allow operators to crush the materials to a specific size by adjusting the plates at the bottom and capable of moving around the job site by using their own wheels or being pulled by any towing vehicle. buying a jaw crusher.
crushers. crushers are widely used as a primary stage to produce the particulate product finer than about 50100 mm in size. they are classified as jaw, gyratory and cone crushers based on compression, cutter mill based on shear and hammer crusher based on impact.,hammer crusher crusher jaw crusher sand making,shandong jinbaoshan machinery co., ltd. based on manufacturing jaw crusher, hammer crusher, sand making machine, g stone machine, hammer to break,crushers such as broken machinery productswelcome to inquiretel400-0539-955
jaw crusher is a kind of stone crusher which is used widely in many industrial departments including mining, smelt metal, building materials, public road, railway, water conservation, chemical industry and so on, and it is also called rock crusher. hammer crusher. hammer crusher, which is also called hammer mill, is suitable for crushing all,industrial lump breakers amp crushers schutte hammermill,industrial hammer mills and jaw crushers are the size reduction equipment of choice for processing large, blocky andor abrasive materials. schutte-buffalo offers an extensive line of lump breakers, industrial hammer mills, and jaw crushers. all models are custom configured to suit the users material and production goals. showing all 6 results.
jaw crusher. 680x400mm 27x16 css range. 20mm to 80mm 34 to 3-14 weight. 12,000kgs 26,455lbs crusher. mill track 5000. output potential. up to 30tph 34 us tph. powerunit. 21,5kw 28,5hp diesel engine. css range. 5mm to 20mm 0,2 to 0,8 weight. 3,400kgs 7,496lbs hammer mill. 400x250mm 16x10 crusher. m 5000. output,mobile rock crusher jaw and hammer mill crushers komplet,t4f 52kw 70hp diesel. on board 24kv generator to power. jaw crusher. 680x400mm 27x16 css range. 20mm to 80mm 34 to 3-14. weight. 9,500kgs 20,944lbs crusher.
hammer mills are used for grinding almost all types of free-flowing materials. hammer mills operate on the principle that most materials will grind or crush upon impact with the hammers. a hammer mill is essentially a steel drum containing a horizontal rotating shaft or drum on which hammers are mounted. the rotor is spun at a high speed inside,construction working and maintenance of crushers,as the term primary implies, primary crushers are used in the first stage of any size reduction cycle. generally gyratory crushers, jaw crushers, high speed double roll crushers, low speed sizers, impactors and hammer mills are used as primary crushers. in the
the combination of the jaw crusher with the hammer mill and shaker table did has good if not better than it was advertised by mbmm. i read more. dan proctor gold miner, cabin resources by far, the best table i have owned use it for both hard rock and placer cons. i really recommend this table if you are looking for one.,miningore milling mt baker mining and metals,the jaw typically takes the larger run of mine product and produces a sized discharge for feed to a secondary crusher such as a cone crusher, ball mill, or hammer mill. we have sold our jaw crushers to many different industries over the years, but the hard rock mining industry is still the 1 purchaser of our jaw crushers.
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may 18, 2021 the jaw crusher can crush all kinds of soft and hard materials, with a compressive strength between 300-350mpa, such as granite, quartz stone, diabase, river pebbles, iron ore, etc. hammer crushers are mainly used to crush ore with low hardness, and the compressive strength is generally less than 200mpa, such as limestone, bluestone, coal,hammer crusher for building materials processing 2020,sep 11, 2021 sep 11, 2021 hammer stone crusher is a kind of equipment that crushes materials in the form of impact. crushing the size of 600-1800 mm material to 25m or less. hammermill machine can not only be used in stone crusher plant, sand plant, but also can replace the cone crusher in the mineral processing.marble crusher. marble is a read more
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> The head of the company's aluminium and copper division will also resign. They're leaving as Kobe Steel revealed the findings of a four-month long investigation. In a statement, the company said, quote, inappropriate actions were widespread and that some executives knew and were involved.
Kobe Steel was one of the biggest Japanese industrial scandals in recent memory. Last year, the revelations through global supply chains and the turmoil, dragging Japan's reputation from manufacturing excellence down with it. When the scandal broke in October, shares of the company nearly halved. Kobe Steel has managed to recoup somewhat.
Japanese automakers have vouched for the safety of the company's aluminium, and for now its finances appeared unscathed. But an ongoing probe by the US Justice Department means the company may still face costs both in fines and reputation.

domain: finance


text:
THE LAND THAT HOLDS US – PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
For thousands of years, the Takelma people lived in the Illinois and Rogue River valleys, what is now known as Josephine County. They lived in small bands close to the land. Interior southwest Oregon has pronounced seasons and the ancient Takelma adapted to these seasons by spending spring, summer and early fall months collecting and storing food for the winter season.
Salmon was central to their food source and way of life. The salmon diet was supplemented by game, such as deer, elk, beaver, bear, antelope and bighorn sheep. Smaller mammals, such as squirrels, rabbits and gophers, might have been snared by both men and women. They gathered the root of the Camas plant, part of the asparagus family, as well as acorns from the two native species of Oaks, the Oregon white oak and California black oak. Other vegetation included manzanita berries, pine nuts, tarweed seeds, wild plums and sunflowers. The Takelma are also known to have cultivated a native tobacco plant, but otherwise relied on the fruits of the wilderness for their survival. The main utensils included horn, bone and wood-made implements and a great variety of baskets constructed generally by twining on a hazel warp. Stone was used in the making of arrowheads and pestles. The clothing and personal adornment of the Takelma was similar to the tribes of northern California. Notable characteristics include facial painting, red-headed woodpecker scalps for men and basket caps for women. The women also tattooed the skin in three stripes and men tattooed the left arm.
European Settlement of the Illinois Valley began by the 1830’s, as the gold and logging industries developed. By the end of 1856, the traditional residents of the Rogue and Illinois River valleys were forcibly removed and relocated to the Siletz Reservation on the central Oregon coast. The Takelma were joined on the reservations by their neighbors, the Athapaskans and the Shasta, as well as tribes from even farther away, such as the Coos and Tillamook. It is reported that by 1906 less than ten Takelma were alive and able to speak their native language.
In 1994, for the first time in over 140 years, an ancient ceremony took place to welcome home and give thanks for the returning salmon, on the Kanaka Flats of the Applegate River. People of all heritages were welcomed at the annual Salmon Gathering on the Applegate River until 2006. In 2007, the ceremony was moved to the place where it was held for thousands of years: the Tilomikh (Powerhouse Falls), on the Rogue River near Gold Hill, Oregon. Since then, the ceremony has taken place annually in its traditional location, demonstrating that the Takelma culture is alive and will continue into the future.
Today, Takelma descendents continue to reside on or near the Siletz and Grand Ronde reservations. The Pilgrims brought back the Salmon Ceremony to Southern Oregon. Due to the Pilgrim’s contribution in returning the Salmon Ceremony to Jackson County, Agnis Baker-Pilgrim is known to some locals as the ‘Keeper of the Sacred Salmon Ceremony. Agnes, one of the oldest grandmothers of the International Council of the 13 Indigenous Grandmothers, has returned to the Rogue Valley and today her voice can be heard strong and clear, proving that the spirit and blood of her people are still with us.
We feel honored to be stewards of this land. One of our main visions for this land is to protect its cultural and environmental heritage. We are excited to share about the native food forest we will be cultivating for the local community and beyond. We will also be placing the land into a conservation trust so no logging or future development can occur. For the many years to come, we will explore the ways can live in harmony with the natural world for the greater good of people and the plants and animals we depend on.

domain: history


text:
About the Book
Can an injured wolf and a broken witch heal each other…?
Alice Sheffield tore her soul into pieces and hid them to escape a soul-eating demon. Free at last, she longs to rebuild herself as something new and stronger, but she doesn’t know how. Then a catalyst for change enters her life.
Ewan Shaw was shot with an ensorcelled silver bullet that has tainted his blood and bound his wolf beyond his reach. He retreats to his friend’s rural farm to lick his wounds and contemplate his lack of prospects. Renowned for his cold detachment, he is fascinated by broken Alice and the heat she stirs within him.
Then fate presents an opportunity. In bringing an old foe to justice. Ewan might find a path for his life and Alice could confront her demons. But to do that, two broken people must heal each other, or shattered pieces will be lost forever.
Buy the Book
The DetailsPublished: February 21, 2018
Publisher: Tilly Wallace
ISBN-10: 1980355797 ISBN-13: 978-1980355793 ASIN: B079VWKF65
Genres & Tropes
Wolf Shifters, Parnormal Romance, Shapeshifters


The 24 children had an agenda and they were organized. Each child
carried a protest sign with "No U-turns" colored on one side, and a photo
of a car making an illegal U-turn on the other.
"They certainly had their issue together," Spence said.
After settling into chairs in the council chambers, 4-year-old Dean
Wyrzykowski, the group's spokesman, stood to make his presentation.
Using wooden blocks, a toy car, and action figures, Dean demonstrated
how a car making a U-turn can run over a person in a crosswalk.
"We need you to do something about it because the cars'll run over
someone and they will get killed," Dean told the mayor.
Spence listened to the children's complaints and then spent some time
teaching the kids about city procedure. He also let the kids sit in the
City Council's chairs and talk in the microphones, then led them on a
tour of City Hall. The children visited City Manager Jerry Fulwood, who
looked at their photographic evidence -- 10 pictures of illegal U-turns
taken in just one hour -- and directed city staff to look into the
Spence said it's likely the city will put in a "No U-turn" sign in
front of the school. He and Fulwood will go to the school to report their
action to the children this week.
The school's director, Rose Hogg, said the children had the idea to
see someone about the illegal U-turns, and she directed them to the
"We get the kids involved in what they would do in real life," she


Acute angle: An angle of less than 90 between the arm and the body, used by Thibault to indicate that the sword arm is sloping downward.
Attack of First Intention: An attack launched the moment the attacker comes into the First Instance, with no preliminary subjection of the sword.
Closing the straight line: Positioning the sword so that the opponent cannot enter without either dealing with one’s blade or being hit
Cut under the blade: A common fencing move in which the sword, engaging the opponent’s blade on one side, drops under and across to the other side to deliver an attack.
Degraduation: Moving the point of contact between blades toward the point, from Foible to Forte.
Demi-fleuret: A Renaissance dance step in which the back foot is brought up to the forward one and set down, and in the same moment the forward one moves forward a step.
Estocade: From Italian stoccata, a direct thrust made in a line that can be traced back to intersect the body of the attacker.
Estramason: From Italian stramazzone, a fast cut made with the tip of the sword, usually aimed at the face; used by Thibault for any cut.
Far side of the diameter: The half of each circle further from the viewer, to Alexander’s right and Zachary’s left in their starting positions.
First Instance: The outermost of the three Instances, in which the opponents are placed so that the point of each blade comes to the other’s hilt.
Foible: The weaker part of the blade, toward the point; also referred to by Thibault as the “smaller numbers,” referring to the twelve numbers into which he divides the blade.
Forte: The stronger part of the blade, toward the hilt.
Graduation: Moving the point of contact between blades toward the hilt(A Transition from your opponents Forte, where they have the advantage to your Forte where you have the advantage).
Imbrocade: From Italian imbroccata, an indirect thrust made in a line that cannot be traced back to intersect the body of the attacker.
Inside the perpendicular: A position in which one swordsman has slipped past the other’s point and has closed to one side or another of the opponent’s blade; the “perpendicular” is a plane at right angles to the opponent’s point; also called inside the angles.
Instance: One of the three combat distances in Thibault’s system.
Movement: In some situations, a synonym for time, thus two actions made “in the same movement” are made in the same time.
Near side of the diameter: The half of each circle closer to the viewer, to Alexander’s left and Zachary’s right in their starting positions.
Obliging the blade: Bringing the swords into contact with one’s own sword beneath the opponent’s and pushing up on the latter, partly controlling its movements.
Obtuse angle: An angle of more than 90 between arm and body, used by Thibault to indicate that the sword arm is sloping upward.
Posture of the straight line: The standard posture of thibault’s method, body upright and turned side on to the opponent, and the sword and sword arm extended straight out toward the opponent.
Reverse: From Italian riversa, a backhand cut with the edge of the blade.
Second instance: The midmost of the three Instances, in which the opponents are placed so that the point of each sword comes to the other’s elbow
Sentiment: Sensitivity to the pressure of the opponent’s blade against one’s own.
Smaller numbers: See Foible; the reference is to the twelve numbers into which Thibault divides the sword blade.
Straight line: See Posture of the straight line.
Subjecting the blade: Bringing the blades into contact to that one’s own blade is angled partly over the top of the adversary’s blade, pressing down on it and controlling its movement.
Third Instance: The innermost of the three Instances, in which the opponents are placed so that the point of each sword comes to the other’s shoulder.
Time: The smallest interval in which it is possible to make a movement, so a movement “in one time” is made all but instantly; sometimes termed “movement” by Thibault.
Volte: Equivalent to the girata of Italian rapier fencing, a twisting move performed by moving the rear foot crosswise behind the front, moving the body out of line of an attack.


With XDA being a community of Android enthusiasts, it is not uncommon to see lots of bashing on Apple's iPhone here. There are different reasons for the hate, but we'd like to hear your number one reason for not going with the iPhone. Let us know your thoughts below!
Update For Motorola Droid RAZR And Non-US RAZR Rolling Out
Holiday season is OTA season! Motorola has officially announced an update for the Droid RAZR. The non-US versions, simply known as RAZR, also seem to be getting updates, according to reports in our forums. Even more good news: The update seems to be easily root-able.
Head over to this forum thread to report any issues. Full changelog below.
- Improved 4G data connectivity
- Eliminated false SIM error messages
- Improved performance for transition between 3G and 4G connections
- Improved maintenance of network connection upon completion of a voice call
- Enhanced Wi-Fi performance
- Enhanced camera performance
- Resolved general stability issues in menu access. Browser, Phone Dialer, video playback and music player reducing Force Close errors and lockups.
- Improved readability for Lapdock™ email, SMS and social networking user interface menu items
- Updated group message notifications
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If you are familiar with Xiaomi, you might have heard that they are not the most compliant when it comes to the General Public License that makes the core of Android open to us. The terms of the GPLv2 state that since the Android kernel is based on the Linux kernel, which is licensed under GPL,v2 Android has to be open-source for everyone to study or modify, and those that modify the Android kernel have to make their sources immediately available for...
Xiaomi was founded on April 6th, 2010 and its fifth anniversary is just around the corner. In the past five years, the company has grown by leaps and bounds, rising to the positions of largest smartphone OEM in China and third-largest globally and coupled with its expansion plans and 100 million sales benchmark, this anniversary warranted a fervent celebration. After teasing products on its forums for a few days, Xiaomi held the anniversary event earlier today and staying true to the...


Bellevue Mayor Conrad Lee, the first ethnic mayor for the City, will end his two-year term on Jan. 6. He’s also the only person of color at the City Council. Lee, 74, wants to be mayor again for another two years. The trouble is that five other Bellevue council members are also interested in the […]
By Zachariah Bryan Northwest Asian Weekly Bellevue Mayor Conrad Lee has been on the city council for 20 years. Put another way, that’s over 7,300 days, or over 175,000 hours, or over 1 million minutes. To say the least, Lee has put in a lot of time in his job, and now he’s running for […]
Over 30 candidates vying for political office attended the 4th annual Sea Beez Ethnic Media–Candidates Meet and Greet at the Nagomi Tea House on Aug. 15 in an effort to introduce themselves to communities of color. Candidates made it to the International District from as far away as Fircrest to make one minute speeches and […]
Bellevue hosted an installation ceremony on July 29, celebrating the sister city relationship between Bellevue and Hualien, Taiwan. Over 200 people attended the event.The ceremony was attended by multiple dignitaries, including Rep. Adam Smith, Bellevue Mayor Conrad Lee, multiple Bellevue City Councilmembers, Hualien First Lady Zhang Mei-Hui, and numerous business and government leaders from Taiwan. […]
By Charles Lam Northwest Asian Weekly As the primary approaches, Seattle’s mayoral candidates are making a strong push for votes as recent polls still show that 25 percent of Seattle’s voters are still undecided.
Bellevue Mayor Conrad Lee filed to run for Bellevue City Council–Position 2, his current council seat, the week of May 13. He held his first fundraiser on May 29, and, according to filings with the state of Washington, has raised $15,875.
Kin On hosted their second annual Karaoke Fundraiser on May 19 at China Harbor Restaurant, raising proceeds towards the expansion and renovation of the organization’s properties.
Though politicians were plentiful at the March 31 event honoring Lt. Governor Brad Owen, it wasn’t a political affair. Rather, the Sunday dinner was about fun and celebration.
By Assunta Ng It was tough for Rob McKenna’s supporters to accept defeat. These folks had poured their heart, money, and time into his campaign.
I never won anything in my whole life, be it lottery tickets, raffle drawings, or other types of gambling. At events, my husband and I are often the first to leave, never bothering to wait for raffle drawing results. You have to be present to win on most occasions.


text:
Darius Lovehall is a young black poet in Chicago who starts dating Nina Mosley, a beautiful and talented photographer. While trying to figure out if they've got a "love thing" or are just "... See full summary »
The story of a young man, Jason (Allen Payne) who must confront his trauma-induced insecurity about love, as well as a sense of owed responsibility to his mother and troubled brother Joshua... See full summary »
Jada Pinkett Smith,
Stella is a highly successful, forty-something San Francisco stock broker who is persuaded by her colorful New York girlfriend Delilah to take a well deserved, first-class vacation to ... See full summary »
An observable, fast-talking party man Darnell Wright, gets his punishment when one of his conquests takes it personally and comes back for revenge in this 'Fatal Attraction'-esque comic ... See full summary »
Matriarch Mama Joe has held her family together for 40 years around a Sunday dinner of soul food. When diabetes hospitalizes her, the dinners stop and tensions among her three daughters start to break the family apart. Two of the sisters feud continuously: Teri is jealous of Maxine's marriage and irritated that everyone assumes her corporate salary is open to the rest of the family's uses. Maxine resents Teri's bossiness and insensitivity to family tradition. Bird, the youngest, newly married to an ex-con, accepts a favor from an old lover that leads to her husband's arrest. Mama Joe's grandson Ahmad cooks up a scheme to bring the family together, back to the table.Written by
this is the most feel good movie evermade and the best family movie evermade. brandon hammond gives a great performance as the favorite grandson and mekhi phiefer does good as the trying to go straight new man in the family overall this movie is one of the greatest movies evermade and the most fun to watch everybody can relate to it especially me. A++++++
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domain: entertainment


text:
Armed man robs Pine Grove convenience store
An armed man robbed a Pine Grove convenience store early Tuesday morning, according to state police Schuylkill Haven.
An unidentified white man with facial hair and wearing a black and yellow hat, a black hooded sweatshirt, gray pants and black and white shoes entered the Pilot Truck Stop, 482 Suedberg Road, at 2:17 a.m. Tuesday and walked up to the cashier, Stacey Lehman, 39, of Pine Grove, state police said.
The man demanded Lehman give him the money from the register and then lifted up his hooded sweatshirt to reveal a firearm in his waistband, according to state police.
He stated he would use the weapon if Lehman didn't do as he said. She handed over the money from the register.
The man pocketed the money, left the store and got into a black 4-door sedan of unknown make and model and fled the truck stop traveling east on Route 443, state police said.
State police ask anyone with information regarding this incident to call them at 570-754-4600 and reference incident PA2018-807997.

domain: law