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The full list of projects contains the entire database hosted on this portal, across the available directories. The projects and activities (across all directories/catalogs) are also available by country of origin, by geographical region, or by directory.
HIMOM will aim to provide a system of methods, the so-called Hierarchical Monitoring Methods (or HMM), to determine system status and changes which are expressed by biological and physical variations within inter-tidal areas. The HMM will aim to provide a management strategy tailored to the needs of End User involved in activities relating to the sustainable development of tidal flat areas around Europe. The HMM system will represent a hierarchical suite of activities, ranging from simple ground measurements of biota and physical characteristics to remote sensing of spectral reflectance properties for the analysis of basin scale systems.
To study the organisms involved in phytoplankton succession and the Key factors involved. This includes Bacteria-Algae, Algae-zooplankton and Zooplankton-Fish interactions. Aspects such as algal-grazer defence mechanisms and digestability of alage are core topics.
The photosynthetic productivity and the factors affecting it are measured in the nival zone of the Alps. Patterns of CO2 exchange for several lichen species are determined whilst recording environmental factors such as light and temperature and lichen water content. Whilst these records will show the lichen response over the year they can most easily be interpreted when the photosynthetic ability of individual lichens is well known. To achieve this the response of each species to light intensity, temperature, thallus water content and humidity will be determined under fully controlled conditions in the laboratory. The final aim is to achieve an initial carbon balance model for the lichen species. This will be aided considerably by the deploying of a continuously recording chlorophyll fluorescence system that will provide activity data for one lichen species on a better than hourly basis throughout the year.
Cellphysiological investigations of the effects of marine secondary metabolites on isolated (sensory) cells
Effects of UV-B radiation on microbial communities in Kongsfjorden in relation to metal and dissolved organic matter availabillity.
The succession of macro- and microalgal communities in the Antarctic will be investigated in field experiments under various UV radiation (UVR) conditions and in the absence or presence of grazers. The observed differences in the succession process will be correlated to physiological traits of single species, especially in spores and germlings, which are the most vulnerable stages in their life histories. Photosynthetic activity of the different developmental stages will be measured routinely. Additionally we plan the determination of pigment composition, C:N ratios, content of UV protective pigments and of possible DNA damage. The experiments will start in spring, concomitant to the time of highest UVBR, due to the seasonal depletion of the ozone layer in the Antarctic region. Supplemental laboratory experiments will be conducted to determine the effects of UVR on spores and germlings of individual species. In addition to the above analyses, we plan to examine of UVR induced damage of cell fine structure and of the cytoskeleton. The results of both the field and laboratory experiments will allow us to predict the consequences of enhanced UVR for the diversity and stability of the algal community.
Marine invertebrates have highly active digestive enzymes which can exhibit extraordinary catalytical properties with respect to specificity, turnover performance and thermal stabilty. Highly specific bio-active substances are important for various biotechnological applications. The project is aimed to investigate the catalytic properties of digestive enzymes in marine invertebrates from a wide geographical and thus ecological range. Target species will be preferably crustaceans and echinoderms.
Marine invertebrates show a large variety of feeding strategies. These comprise mechanisms for catching prey, the uptake of food and the utilisation of various food sources. Morphological and anatomical adaptations allow for the capture and the ingestion of the food. However, the organism's physiological properties are the key for the efficient digestion, the nutrient uptake and the assimilation of food. In response to environmental factors marine organisms have developed highly specialised biochemical adaptations which are particularly reflected by the immeasurable diversity of digestive enzymes. The detailed function of digestive enzymes in marine invertebrates and, particularly, their synergistic interplay is still poorly understood.The overall aim is to investigate the mechanisms of enzymatic food utilisation and enzyme induction in different taxa of marine invertebrates in response to environmental factors.
Radioactivity in the Arctic environment is a central topic within environmental pollution issues. Increased discharges of technetium-99 (99Tc) from the nuclear fuel reprocessing plant Sellafield to the Irish Sea has caused public concerns in Norway. This project (acronym "RADNOR") includes model and monitoring assessments and improvements, assessment of current and novel abiotic and biotic dose parameters and dose calculations and use of realistic climatic background scenarios in order to assess corresponding consequences for transport of radioactive pollutants. RADNOR consists of three main components: part 1, the determination of levels and time series of 99Tc in benthic and pelagic food webs; part 2, containing working packages on improvements to the understanding of site-specific and time-dependent sediment-water interactions (KD), kinetics of accumulation (CF) and body distribution in marine organisms, including contaminated products for the alginate industry and part 3, dealing with model hindcasts and observations for spreading of 99Tc from the Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant during the 1990s and improvement of the NRPA dose assessment box model. From the model outputs, doses to man and environment will be calculated resulting in a valuable database for use within environmental management and for decision makers.
Detection of UV-B induced DNA damage on zoospores of brown algae
The aim of this project is to investigate and understand those factors that play a role in the seasonal dynamics of different functional groups in the pelagic zone of coastal seas. We investigate the interactions between bacteria, phytoplankton, zooplankton and juvenile fish in order to assess the importance of biological interactions in the seasonal succession.
In the late seventies, ELLIOTT and KINGSTON (1987) discovered a polychaetous annelid in various North Sea estuaries that had previously been found only in North American estuaries. Further specimens of what appeared to be the same species were found in the mid-eighties in the coastal waters of the Baltic Sea (BICK and BURCKHARDT, 1989). The distribution of these events in time and space led to the assumption that a North American species had immigrated to the North Sea and then extended its range of distribution to the Baltic. Within several years this species became one of the most dominant species in these estuaries. Identification of the immigrant was beset with problems from the start. It was identified as M. wireni AUGENER, 1913 or as M. viridis (VERRILL, 1873). It was the population genetic studies by BASTROP et al. (1995) and ROEHNER et al. (1996a, b) that showed the presence of genetically distinct forms in the North and Baltic Sea as well as in different regions of the north eastern coast of America. The morphological studies undertaken against this background allowed a good discrimination between these species (BICK & ZETTLER, 1997). Though, all authors dealing with the two species immigrated into the European estuaries were unable to name these species. The main reasons for this uncertainty are: - species identification is difficult, because diagnostic characters vary with growth (BICK, 1995), - the geographical distribution of Marenzelleria species is far from clear, - type material no longer exists or it is in poor condition (BICK & ZETTLER, 1997). Specimens of the type species of the genus, Marenzelleria wireni, were recorded from the Arctic region, Franz-Joseph Land and Spitzbergen (WIREN, 1883 and von MARENZELLER, 1892). As mentioned above, these specimens deposited in the Zoologisches Museum Hamburg and the Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm are in poor condition. As far as we know further material from these regions does not exist. In order to eliminate the taxonomic uncertainty it is necessary to investigate morphologically and genetically specimens from the type locality.
Description of parameters of the population dynamics of polar bivalve communities, first year: growth and reproductive cycle of the dominant Greenland cockles (Serripes groenlandicus)
Arctic islands of genetic diversity or fragments of an ancient clone. The history and future of Dryas octopetala in a changing environment.
As a result of the increasing atmospheric CO2 levels and other greenhose gases due to anthropogenic activities, global and water temperature is rising. The objectives of our project might be summarized as follows: I. To measure the activity of the enzymatic systems involved in carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus uptake (carbonic anhydrase, nitrate reductase and alkaline phosphatase) in selected macroalgae. To assess the optimal concentration of inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus for growth and photosynthesis. To study the total concentration of carbon and nitrogen metabolites in the macroalgae (proteins, total carbohydrates, and lipids) in order to define the possible existence of nutrient limitation. II. To simulate the conditions of climate change, represented as CO2 enrichment and increasing UV radiation, on the activity of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus uptake mechanisms. III. To screen the activity of the enzymatic systems previously detailed in macroalgae from the Konjsfjord, in order to know their nutritional state.
To investigate arctic foxes physiological adaptations to life at high latitudes. Resting and running metabolic rates, body weight, food intake, body core temperature, heart rate, and blood parameters were examined during different seasons and during periods of food deprivation.
Biological nitrogen fixation by cyanobacteria is a key process for productivity in terrestrial Arctic ecosystems and the activity is dependent of size and diversity of cyanobacterial populations. Changes in biodiversity after pertubations of different types of habitats simulating climatic changes or other antropogenic effects will be studied by molecular methods and correlated to variations of nitrogen fixation activity.
The structure and role of the cyanobacterial communities that colonise bare soils and fix nitrogen in the arctic ecosystem will be studied. The planned activities will focus on the isolation, identification and characterisation of cyanobacteria from arctic habitats and on the changes of the cyanobacterial community along a transect from a retreating glacier front to a more stable habitat characterised by the presence of mature vegetation. For these purposes, a polyphasic approach encompassing microbiological, morphological and molecular techniques will be applied to environmental samples and isolated cultures. The obtained results will give new insights on the diversity and role of nitrogen fixing cyanobacteria in the arctic and, in more general terms, on ecosystem development under changing climatic conditions.
To evaluate temporal variation in arctic fox numbers and their food resourses in the Kongsfjorden area. The number of foxes captured per 100 trap-days are used as an index of fox density termed "Fox Capture Index". The observations of denning activity i.e. observation of number of arctic fox litters and litter size at den are termed "Fox Den Index" as a second index of fox abundance. A third index is termed "Fox Observation Index". This index is based on both observations of adult foxes seen away from breeding dens pr 100 h field work and reports on request from scientists and local people on observations of adult foxes during summer. In addition, reports on observation of fox tracks in the study area were collected in 1990-2001 as a fourth index, which were called "Fox Track Index". The field census are conducted for 10 days starting at the end of June. All dead foxes in the area should be collected.
Surveillance of sea birds, west Spitsbergen


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Javanese Gambus Music
Gambus is the Indonesian word for a stringed instrument that belongs to the lute family, has six strings and is shaped like half a pear, but it can also be used to denote a style of music that is strongly influenced by Arabic culture. The lyrics of gambus music, which is often played at Muslim celebrations, are also usually in Arabic.
But after six months of experimentation, 43-year-old Slamet Gundono has come up with a new style of gambus music called Javanese gambus, which is dominated by the sounds of gamelan instruments the saron, boning and demung.
"We have spent six months exploring gambus music and invented a new style that is freed from the constraints of Arabic forms," said Slamet at a concert held early September at Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta to mark the 25th anniversary of Bentara Budaya and introduce people to the new style of music.
Slamet said traditional Javanese culture was able to coexist successfully with newer notions of identity.
"Take Javanese gambus, for example. The gambus rhythm is still there but the music also has a strong Javanese feel," he said.
In the concert, a folk story about the Buddhist King Ulinnara, who became a Sufi master, was translated into dance and set to Javanese gambus played by a group of 15 musicians.
A compact disc of six Javanese gambus songs was also launched at the event. Slamet wrote the lyrics himself. They are based on a desire for universal oneness and the unity of all people. For example, the song titled Maca (Reading) was inspired by the Al-Alaq in the Holy Koran.
Slamet believes the teachings of the Prophet were directed at all human beings not only Muslims. It was only by chance that the Prophet came from Arabia, which is associated with Islam, he said.
Slamet said the gambus musicians wove together both composed and improvised elements in the performance.
"One performance is always different from the next. It cannot be repeated. All our performances are based on improvisation," he said.
Max Byon, the group's violinist, describes every performance as a "new challenge".
At first it was difficult to play without any rules. The same song might be played in C one day and D the next.
"But we reevaluated our old habits and practices and found a new approach. I have always liked a challenge," he said.
Slamet Susanto

subset: commoncrawl


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Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment
Disc conditions are painful and problems like torn or slipped disc can relate to degenerative disc disease. Aging breaks down or degenerates the spinal discs, which may result in degenerative disc disease. In addition, the loss of fluid...", the loss of fluid in the discs and small tears or cracks in the outer layers of the disc can coincide with this condition. Advanced imaging studies such as an MRI can help elucidate this condition. A variety of treatment may be considered.
Inflammation Treatment
This disease can affect the spine including the lower back (lumbar region) and the neck (cervical region). The disease may irritate nerves and/or the spinal cord, leading to terrible pain and considerable effects on the nerve functioning. Treatment is focused on removing inflammation from around the disc by using steroid and anti-inflammatory medications."
Physical Treatment
In addition, exercise and physical therapy stretches the back, eventually providing relief by dynamically relieving crowded and irritated areas in the spine. Once the biomechanics are optimized, and the spine is unloaded, the body's natural ability to heal is accessed. Along with the physical stretches and exercises, other modalities like ultrasound, TENS units, massage or manual manipulations help control symptoms.
Epidural Steroids
In case of persisting pain, epidural steroid injection can also be considered. An epidural steroid injection resets the inflammatory clock and allows a person to take advantage of the "window of opportunity" during which they can perform more physical therapy. This will tweak the biomechanics so that the chances of pain are minimized.
Surgical Treatment
Once you feel the pain is interfering with the quality of life, surgical alternatives can be considered. Surgery can sometimes help when other treatment options don't quite work. By addressing the degenerative disc at its core, surgery can be used to fundamentally reconstruct the problem.
Oral Medication and Other Treatments
Heat or ice, when applied to the affected area, acts as an effective pain reliever. Another treatment is to use drugs (acetaminophen, such as Tylenol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including aspirin, such as Bayer, ibuprofen, such as Advil or naproxen sodium, such as Aleve) to relieve pain. Oral medications can control the pain and the person can continue with physical activities. Some treatments depend on whether the damaged disc has resulted in other conditions, like a herniated disc, osteoarthritis, or spinal stenosis.


text: The Midway Drive-in is proud to present that ever popular movie "Closed for the Season", In the 70th remake of this timeless classic, we find the bit players of the Midway Drive-in Theatre troupe finally getting caught up on their sleep, and getting settled back into their normal workday. The viewer can expect some clips from past films such as Frozen, Ice Age, Home Alone, and Groundhog Day to make some brief appearances, but hopefully the director (Mother Nature) doesn't have a remake of previous year's Snowmageddon cued up for this season. As the credits roll, we will see you in the Spring. Go check out Sarah Resel's picture on the Special Events Page


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June 2010
- Business NH Magazine Unveils the Top Public Companies
- For Richer or Poorer - How is NH's Wedding Market Faring?
- Move It! – Why Your Commute is Crazier Than Ever
- Will Health Care Reform Cure Business Ills?
- Do It Yourself SEO
- 2010 Commercial Real Estate and Construction Services Guide


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Getting Fast Fingers Under Control
I was recently teaching a masterclass and afterward, a brave young student asked about slowing down finger technique. There is so much attention paid to the topic of speeding up slow finger technique, but there are also those students who seem to have the opposite issue: their fingers move so fast that they can't control them. Just like people who are left-handed in a right-handed world, these students feel so much frustration because most advice and exercises take the wrong approach. Here is a handy guide for evening out wild technique.
Finger Dexterity is a Plus…
…once you learn how to maneuver it. Don't feel discouraged because your friends and colleagues seem different. Watch this video of Denis Bouriakov, there's no limit to what you can do once you get your wild fingers under control: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syUwtHlON-0
Exercise One:
Always hear every note in your head before you play it. To practice this, try first singing the pattern and then playing it. Experiment with singing part of the pattern and then playing part.
Exercise Two:
Change the beat emphasis with your metronome. Instead of imagining that the metronome is clicking on the beats, practice imagining the metronome is clicking between the beats. Do this slowly at first, it is quite challenging!
Exercise Three:
Add rests. Keep the fingers as precise as possible, but add rests to check up on the other notes.
Exercise Four:
Add fermatas. Listen for a beautiful sustained note, and then continue with the metronome.
Getting Started with T&G EJ4
There's no doubt that Taffanel and Gaubert's technique book 17 Grands Exercices Journaliers de Mécanisme pour Flûte has been a staple in flutists' practice routines since its inception. These exercises provide flutists with a thoughtful and methodical approach to conquering technique. One of my favorite exercises in the book is EJ4. It succinctly works the flutist through the major and minor scales in a progression that is both musical and mechanical. However, many young students struggle with getting started with this exercise. Here's a simple approach to getting started with this exercise, enjoy!
Before you get started with the actual exercise, familiarize yourself with the major and minor scales in all three forms. Get used to playing them over the full range of your instrument, not only from the tonic-up-and-back.
Step One: Majors
Practice all of the major scales in the exercise. Start with the first seven measures plus the first note of the eighth measure. Skip ahead to measure 17-24 and so forth. Hint: look for the double bar and key change, that is the start of the next major key area. Get these really good and memorize them! Work up the tempo until you can do it in one or two breaths.
Step Two: Minors
Practice all of the minors following the same procedure as in step one. Before you start the first minor key, analyze the pattern. When is it harmonic minor? When is it melodic minor? This pattern holds true for every minor scale, so learn it well in the first key area and then apply that knowledge to the less familiar key areas. Memorize them!
Step Three: Transitions
Practice all transitions. First practice the transitions from major to minor as a unit. This would be measure 8 to the downbeat of 9, 24 to the downbeat of 25, and so on. Learn how they work and memorize the pattern, from there you will be able to play the notes! Follow the same procedure for the transitions of minor to major (measure 16 to the down beat of 17, and so on.) Memorize this!
Step Four: Putting It All Together
Now that you can do each individual skill, practice them in units. Start with one major and minor key area, and then add more until you can play through the entire exercise. This step is more about mental training and focus than it is about learning the actual notes. Remember, you have already done all the heavy lifting, now all you have to do is maintain through consistent and committed practicing. Celebrate your achievement! You now have the entire exercise memorized and you are ready to go on to the scale game!
Patricia Surman
flutist, writer, traveler, teacher
October 2021


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Digital Footprint
Digital footprint is the term that refers to the digital traces, trail, or footprint that is left behind after online activities and is available for others to find. Digital life is both public and permanent. Your digital footprint is impacted by what you post online and also by what others post about you. Something that happens on the spur of the moment - a funny picture, an angry post - can resurface years later. If we are not careful, our reputations can be harmed. In addition, a bad digital footprint can affect our future livelihood. Colleges are now checking the social media postings of potential students, and employers are doing the same for applicants.
What contributes to your digital footprint?
A simple Google search of your name should give you a glimpse into your web presence. The following are examples of online sources that reflect your digital identity and contribute to your overall digital footprint.
- Classroom and personal websites
- Twitter account postings
- Facebook postings
- Instagram posts
- YouTube uploads and channel subscriptions
- Blog postings
- Social bookmarking
- Conference presentations
- Product evaluation comments
- Digital portfolio
From http://instructionaltechtalk.com/digital-footprints-what-to-look-for-when-hiring-teachers/
Web Permanence
What you post on the web and through social media is permanent. Even if you decide to delete the content that you posted later, anyone who has access to the internet and the same social media sites as you may have downloaded or copied your content and uploaded or re-posted it to other websites or social media postings over which you have no control. Internet engines and social media sites also regularly search the internet, archive content, and republish information.
Basic Recommendations
- Always think twice before posting any content or opinions on the internet or social media sites.
- Consider creating separate accounts for personal and professional use if you think anything you post might reflect poorly on you or your school, department, or SPPS.
This page includes text used with permission from Houston Public Schools.


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This Material Culture Handmade Jewellery
Browse our entire collection of beautiful handmade jewellery here. All of our unique jewellery is handmade in the UK and we love creating new quirky products you'll love. Whatever your passion, we've got jewellery for you. We use high-quality materials and a range of techniques to craft stunning jewellery. If you've got a specific piece in mind, or you're looking for unique gifts we've got the perfect piece for you. All jewellery is affordable, alternative and full of character.


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Two ExcerptsBy Jennifer Bartlett
Jennifer Bartlett is author of (a) lullaby without any music and co-editor of Beauty is a Verb. She is currently writing a biography of Larry Eigner. Bartlett lives in Greenpoint with the writer Jim Stewart, their son Jeffrey, and many animals.
FiveBy Valerie Deus
Valerie Deus is poet living in Minneapolis. When shes not curating films for the Minneapolis Underground Film Festival, she is dreaming about the ocean.
FourBy Jessica Smith
Jessica Smith has authored numerous chapbooks including, most recently, mnemotechnics (above/ground press), and one book, Organic Furniture Cellar (Outside Voices). Her second book is forthcoming from Chax Press.
from State of the UnionBy Susan Lewis
Susan Lewis is the author of seven books and chapbooks, including How to Be Another, from Červená Barva Press, and State of the Union, from Spuyten Duyvil Press, both just published. This Visit is forthcoming in 2014 from BlazeVOX. She is also editor of the on-line journal Posit.
ThreeBy Chris Hosea
Chris Hosea was born in Princeton, New Jersey and educated at Harvard College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst MFA Program. John Ashbery gave Hosea the Walt Whitman Award for his first poetry collection, PUT YOUR HANDS IN (LSU Press 2014). Hoseas work as art curator includes Ode to Street Hassle (BronxArtSpace 2012). He lives in Brooklyn.
from Slow Poetry in AmericaBy Dale Martin Smith
Dale Smith is the author of the recently published book of poetry, Slow Poetry in America (Cuneiform, 2014); and a book of scholarship, Poets Beyond the Barricade: Rhetoric, Citizenship, and Dissent after 1960 (Alabama, 2012). He is on the faculty of the department of English at Ryerson University, Toronto.


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Glorious. It was the greatest experience in the history of mankind.
This Michigan State team is the best team in the country. They proved it again in their most complete performance of the season, and the most complete performance in my 45 years of life. Quite simply: we'd kick Alabama's ass.
As Dantonio stated after the Big Ten championship, "why not us?" MSU IS the best team in the country. They really are. They beat everyone the same way – aggressive defense, an improving offense, and wearing teams down with physical play. Who's next? Bring them on. The Spartans would beat anyone.
Speaking about Alabama… fifteen years ago, Nick Saban left Michigan State for "greener pastures" at Louisiana State, not wanting to be #2 in the state of Michigan. Well, Nick, I guess the tables are turned. MSU is better than your team, and it is the #1 team in the state of Michigan; funny, your Crimson Tide is #2 in the state of Alabama. That's karma.
The ES is writing this blog with Keith in Manhattan Beach, and I haven't even looked at the stats until now. Why? Cause it doesn't matter. It's the last game of the season, you either win or you don't. The only stat that matters in the Rose Bowl is the score. But… that said, let's see the stats to learn what really stands out:
1. The No Fly Zone was in effect: my god, Michigan State threw for 332 yards; Stanford for just 143 (10-of-18). It was so impressive, the stadium was roaring "No Fly, No Fly" as the game wore on. Stanford was afraid to throw on its last drive.
2. Stanford's drives in the second half demonstrate MSU's rugged defense:
• 3-13, 1:13, interception
• 7-54, 4:18, stopped on 4th down
• 3-(-1), 2:01, punt
• 3-7, 1:13, punt
• 9-50, 4:46, field goal
• 4-9, 1:23, downs
3. Stanford's defensive front was the best Michigan State faced all year – holding the Spartans to just 65 yards rushing, with three sacks; Jeremy Langford had 84 yards on 23 carries (3.7 average).
4. Bennie Fowler (2-97) and Tony Lippett (5-94) were AWESOME targets for Connor Cook. Fowler's 37 yard, reach-back grab, was especially amazing. These guys couldn't catch a ball early in the season; yesterday, they caught everything thrown their way.
45-minutes after the game, there were still 70,000 Spartan fans in the Rose Bowl. Noone wanted the moment to end.
OK, more later. The ES just ran into some Spartan fans here at Baja Sharkeez – we talked about the game yesterday, and they agreed "it was the greatest event I ever saw." Funny thing is, they also noted "it ruined watching sports for the rest of my life."
Well, I haven't bathed since 4:30 am on Wednesday and my hair is still green. I might never wash it again.
Thank you, coach Dantonio and these Michigan State Spartans. As was the theme of the Rose Bowl, and as sung by Darryl Hall during the Rose Parade, "You made my dreams come true." Coach D, you done did it. Thank you.
And by the way: to the college football nation, Michigan State is #1.
Thursday, January 02, 2014
Why not us?
Posted by SHirko at 7:50 PM
Labels: #RoseBowl100, Michigan State vs Stanford, Rose Bowl, Spartans
1 comment:
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When you want to show AND tell people about You Glorious You, a professionally designed and written brochure does the heavy lifting for you.
Perhaps you've had a go at writing it yourself but somehow it's not quite…there? Don't agonise over tone of voice and messaging and punctuation. That's my job (and it doesn't hurt a bit).
Hire a Professional Writer to Do your Brochure Copywriting
Let me help create a valuable marketing tool that makes your business look good – and keeps on working. Because brochures have a longer shelf life than other marketing pieces, they're worth taking time over.
Need a Hand with the Design?
I know some deliciously creative designers who are as flexible and experienced as me. I'd be glad to introduce you.


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Director: Lawrence Michael Levine
Starring: Sophia Takal, Lawrence Michael Levine, Alia Shawkat
Year: 2014
If Anna Kendrick were an indie star, her name would be Sophia Takal. The pair look alike, have some of the same mannerisms, and are only separated by a few hundred million dollars. Perhaps that's where Takal would like to go with her career, to super-stardom with Kendrick. Or perhaps not, perhaps she wants to be a director/producer/indieactress, who knows. Anna Kendrick sure didn't start at the top; people forget that she was a side character in the Twilight movies. That's right, she played second fiddle to Kristen Stewart, the wet rag of Hollywood. Anyway, I digress. If you'd like to see an Anne Kendrick look-alike lead a quirky cast in a crime caper throwback with an indie twist, look no further.
This is a movie about characters, so here's the rundown. Barri is an unemployed New Yorker who lives with her boyfriend and is trying to turn a big idea into an actual moneymaker. Noah is her beau, he owns a small company that deal with film directors. Eleanor is his ex-girlfriend & business partner, a current lesbian who might still love Noah. Jean is the couple's roommate, also a lesbian, often annoying Noah, maybe loving Barry, highly attracted to Eleanor. The action of the plot begins when Barri's & Noah's neighbor Sylvia dies, leaving her son Anthony to deal with her finances. Damien, the owner of the building, intends to sell now that the last rent-controlled tenant is gone. But was there foul play? That's what Barri is determined to find out, while Noah tries to stop her, Eleanor creates complicated theories, Jean attempts to help, Anthony acts suspicious, and Damien makes masks of the people he knows. Odd? You betcha.
As with most New York indie comedies, there's a certain feel. Woody Allen crafted it, others have duplicated it, and it's always there, permeating the story and adding to the drama. The apartments, the tenants, the city streets, the subways, the rooftops; and that's just the background. You also have the typical cast of characters, one that Allen would instantly relate to. Levine does his best to direct & star in a film that pays homage to an old school style, and it mostly works. The film is indie-meets-classic, a new take on an old premise. The intrigue, the comedy, the fast pace, the ridiculous choices, the light mood despite the dark premise; it's a film that's easy to like. The problem is that it's not great. It doesn't shine on its own, doesn't compel audiences to laugh out loud, and doesn't move far beyond the good base that sets it up to succeed but doesn't guarantee complete success. Wild Canaries in a quick laugh, a nice throwback, but no more.
My rating: ☆ ☆ ☆


text: Direct oral anticoagulants were introduced in the market to simplify the anticoagulation treatment and eventually, replace warfarin. DOACs offer pharmacological advantages over VKAs; they have predictable dose responses thereby eliminating the need for routine monitoring, fewer dietary restrictions, limited drug-drug interactions and rapid onset/offset of action. Large randomized clinical trials for all four DOACs in AF have shown these drugs to be safe and efficacious for stroke prevention in AF patients and possibly better than warfarin. The incidence of major bleeding events with DOACs were found to be similar to or lower than with warfarin. However, in the absence of an no head-to-head comparative trials with DOACs, one cannot be considered superior over the others. In this part two of the four-part whitepaper, we provide an overview of the current in-market DOACs along with their clinical profiles, trials in AF, marketing and promotional data, ongoing clinical trials and real-world evidence generated for each DOAC.


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You'll be shocked by the number of clubs and societies on offer at Aberystwyth University. There's something for everyone! As well as being able to pick different clubs and societies, most courses let you choose modules at different points through your degree.
As well as personalising your course through optional modules, you may have the chance to do a work placement during your studies. Developing your professional skills through work placements is a great way to add to your CV and boost your employability.
If you want a job you love (and who doesn't?), getting a job in a field you're passionate about is a great place to start. By studying a subject you really enjoy, you'll be qualified for a range of jobs relating to that subject, which you'll hopefully love.
For those who aren't ready to give up on education after an undergraduate degree, you'll have the opportunity to progress to postgraduate study such as a master's or even a PhD.
Aberystwyth University's accommodation is designed to be as straightforward and stress-free as possible. All your bills are included in your rent, you'll have free WiFi and your rent also includes security and maintenance.
You'll have access to communal areas like kitchen and dining facilities, where you can socialise with other students you're living with. Disabled students will find several rooms adapted in accessible halls to suit a range of access requirements.


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Sickening violence as security guard kicked in face
CCTV shows a security guard at a Nonthaburi housing estate being repeatedly kicked in the head by a group of three men.
The guard – Jetsada, 39 – had told one of the men to stop revving an engine in a car and annoying residents Sanook reported.
The man revving his car engine called Wisanu or Tor, 28, went into the Ua-athorn housing estate in the Ratanathibet area to fetch two mates before the attack started.
Later two men were arrested – they were Nathawut or Pok and Saran or Pond, both 20. The man doing most of the kicking is still at large, it is believed.
After the attack a chair is thrown at the stricken guard while the assailants walk off.
The guard is recovering in hospital after the attack that took place on Saturday evening.
The two arrested men have been charged with causing grievous bodily harm. The ringleader is being hunted by Ratanathibet police.
Source: Sanook


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A prominent Saudi cleric has declared photographs with cats, and other animals, forbidden unless completely necessary due to an upsurge in Saudis "who want to be like Westerners."
On a televised broadcast, Sheikh Saleh Bin Fawzan Al-Fazwan, a member of the Saudi Council of Senior Scholars, was told about "a new trend of taking pictures with cats has been spreading among people who want to be like Westerners."
He replied: "What?! What do you mean pictures with cats? Taking pictures is prohibited. The cats don't matter here."
The sheikh continued: "Taking pictures is prohibited if not for a necessity. Not with cats, not with dogs, not with wolves, not with anything."
Footage of the televised broadcast was published on YouTube on April 17 and translated by the Middle East Media Research Institute monitoring group.
Under the country's strict, ultraconservative brand of Islam, known as Wahhabism, many things that are normal in Western daily life are outlawed. In January, Saudi Arabia's grand mufti allegedly ruled that chess is forbidden in the kingdom as it encourages gambling. Sheikh Abdulaziz al-Sheikh said that chess was "a waste of time and money and a cause for hatred and enmity between players."
Another game to be banned in the country is the Pokemon franchise, with the grand mufti saying that it promoted other religions, such as Christianity or Judaism because of the crosses or the Jewish Star of David that were displayed on the cards.


text:
- Shop
- Help Me Choose
- Skin
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- Ingredients
- Refill
- Last Chance
- About
This aromatherapy roll-on is designed just for stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Formulated using principles of Ayurveda and aromatherapy to be grounding and calming to overactive and flighty Vata dosha.
Earthy, herbaceous, and sweet, this aromatherapy roll-on will leave you smelling fresh and feeling calm.
Top notes: juniper berry, bergamot
Middle notes: rosemary, fennel
Base notes: vetiver, cinnamon leaf
Grounded and all of our other scents are made in homage to my great uncle Ernie (1924-2003) who was a famous custom perfumer. I can't pretend to approximate his level of genius but I hope to do him justice.
Apply to pulse points on wrists, neck, and temples. Inhale.
We believe in total transparency. Below is a complete list of each and every ingredient in our formulas - we list everything while other brands won't disclose ingredients that make up less than 1% of their formulas. Every ingredient has the safest rating from the Environmental Working Group. To learn more about our ingredient standards, click here.
safflower oil*, juniper berry essential oil, rosemary essential oil, bergamot essential oil, fennel essential oil, vetiver essential oil, cinnamon leaf essential oil
*certified organic
This is the most up-to-date ingredient list and may differ from product packaging.
I am obsessed with this roll on. It smells so good. The scent is calming and dare I say, grounding! I bought a second one before the first ran out so I wouldn't have to go without it! This scent is also great for when I experience bouts of nausea and I keep it close by during those times. Highly recommend!
I love roll ons and this one has the perfect scent combination with the fresh bergamot and earthy vetiver and rosemary. Whenever I sit and inhale this oil, I feel a more calm and collected.
Adding this perfume roll-on to my bedtime routine has become such an amazing way to take a little bit better care of myself. I swear I drift off to sleep easier and faster when I use it.
I adore this blend and hope you keep it around for a long time!
Love this new roll on! As a person who deals with a lot of anxiety, this scent is so calming and really helps me relax before bed. Love it!


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If it wasn't for Gary Vaynerchuk proclaiming its virtues and potential, I probably wouldn't have got onto TikTok – not yet anyway. I probably would have done soon enough, seeing how quickly this relatively new social media phenomenon is growing. But cheers for the heads up, Gary.
It's rise is quite remarkable: 'TikTok boasts over 800 million monthly active users–up 300 million from January 2019,' said Ryan Donovan, CTO of Hootsuite.
Compared to the 'long slogs' of trying to build brand and engagement on YouTube and Twitter, TikTok is (currently!) far more welcoming.
Here's what I think I've learned so far. I've split the main things I've observed into four main categories: Join in, Be quick, Ditch perfectionism, and Follow protocol:
Join in
For me TikTok was like turning up a party where you don't know anyone and walking straight to the dance floor. Join in, don't try and change the tune.
Despite only being on TikTok for a couple of weeks, I've observed a few common traits of posts that seem to have done well. I think posts have got to be either:
- Quirky funny
- Slapstick funny
- Helpful
- Jaw-droppingly wowing
Or a mixture of the above. My first ten posts have probably come under the first two categories. I will probably produce some 'helpful' pieces down the line, but I doubt I'll do very many backflip-from-balcony-into-swimming-pool posts very soon… but hey, give me time!
So think, what are you going to create and how is it going to make people watch it.
Be quick
You gotta be fast on TikTok! Trends and challenges come and go pretty quick, so that means you need to think on your feet. Think less 'big production' and more 'instant creation'. Just do it now.
Saying that a bit of quick, adrenaline-filled planning helps. I admit I did a few takes for some of my posts, but I think I can be forgiven for warming up a little?
Also be quick about getting to the point. As with any video today on social platforms, you need to grab people's attention from the get go. Factor in the sound probably being off as well, as well. What are you going to do to keep people watching? (Note to self: I need to work harder on this.)
Ditch perfectionism
If you go for a job at TikTok and they ask you what is your biggest weakness, don't even think about saying 'perfectionism'. In fact, top tip, ditch saying that at any job interview. TikTok seems to be very much about thinking on your feet. Yes, it's good to get it right (particularly if you're going to get someone to film you backflipping off a balcony…), but it's far better to do it, than to stay silent.
As I said above, I have done a few takes of my posts, but I've done them at least. Don't spend too long overthinking it. Yes, get your music, your hashtags, and your thumbnail right, but err on the side of flying, not sitting on your hands.
Follow protocol
TikTok HQ are actually quite transparent when it comes to their algorithm… well the top level things, not the deep inner workings, of course. But it's all pretty helpful for newbies like me. Recently they published How TikTok recommends videos #ForYou which gives a good overview of how it weighs up and pushes your content. Here's an extract about the things that matter:
- User interactions such as the videos you like or share, accounts you follow, comments you post, and content you create.
- Video information, which might include details like captions, sounds, and hashtags.
- Device and account settings like your language preference, country setting, and device type. These factors are included to make sure the system is optimised for performance, but they receive lower weight in the recommendation system relative to other data points we measure since users don't actively express these as preferences. (Source: TikTok Newsroom)
So I've been finding my way around the app, and trying to do this stuff. It's quite intuitive, but a few things I've not yet figured out, which I'm sure won't be long in becoming clear.
I've had around 150 views or more on each post and over 100 likes, so it's been fun so far finding my way around like a grandad discovering Facebook.
Follow me here: https://www.tiktok.com/@hortzio


text:
Movie: Chang Chen Ghost Stories 2
Chinese Title: 张震讲故事之合租屋 / Zhang Zhen Jiang Gu Shi Zhi He Zu Wu
|Release Date: July 8, 2016
Language: Mandarin
Director: Zhan Yue
Origin: China
Love Meter
Synopsis and Plot Summary
Xiao Ying (Lu Shan) is a violinist who moves in with three quirky roommates - popular Weibo personality Mo Zheng (Song Han Huan), social butterfly Wan Su (Wu Jin Xi) and fitness coach Lin Yu (Bo Heng). Since their meeting, the four have established a harmonious relationship until they come across a mysterious notebook that causes Xiao Ying to have hallucinations.
|Amber Lu Shan as Xiao Ying
|Fu Heng as Lin Yu
|Wu Jinxi as Gu Wansu
|Song Hanhuan as Mo Zheng
Supporting Cast
- Listen - Ge Zu (合租My God) by Qun Xing (群星)
Show more...
Let us know why you like Chang Chen Ghost Stories 2 in the comments section. Please also share these fun facts using the social media buttons below.
China , Horror , Movies , Movies-2016 , Suspense


text:
Bhutan Youth Foundation unit of Sherubtse along with Polsoc First Love Yourself (FLY) observed World Suicide Prevention at college quadrangle on September 10. The elaborate observation was carried out with members and passerby posting heartfelt messages on self-love and awareness on suicide. Presided by the college president Tshering Wangdi, the observation was joined by Dr. Yezer, Dean of Student Affairs.
Later in the evening, the talk and video presentation was carried out for social science students covering various topics such as valuing life, signs of suicidal behavior, prevention and saving lives. The talk also highlighted on support to work together in helping self and others.
The program ended with the message that there is always help, you just have to seek.
Reshmi Rai
B.A English & Media (Third Year)


text:
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Behavioral Science Track Award for Rapid Transition (B/Start)(R03)
R03 Small Grant Program
Reissue of PAR-12-251
This FOA will use an NIH Small Research Grant (R03) award mechanism and seeks to facilitate the entry of beginning investigators into the field of behavioral science research related to drug abuse. R03 projects will be supported for one year to allow gathering of pilot data with the intent that PDs/PIs become better positioned to seek additional support for independent research programs. To be appropriate for a B/Start award, research must be primarily focused on behavioral processes and research questions.
January 8, 2016
January 16, 2016
Not Applicable
Any due dates on or after Jan 25, 2018 must use reissued FOA.
Standard dates apply, by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization. All types of non-AIDS applications allowed for this funding opportunity announcement are due on these dates.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow adequate time to make any corrections to errors found in the application during the submission process by the due date.
Standard AIDS dates apply by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization. All types of AIDS and AIDS-related applications allowed for this funding opportunity announcement are due on these dates.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow adequate time to make any corrections to errors found in the application during the submission process by the due date.
Not Applicable
Required Application Instructions
It is critical that applicants follow the instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide, except where instructed to do otherwise (in this FOA or in a Notice from the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts). Conformance to all requirements (both in the Application Guide and the FOA) is required and strictly enforced. Applicants must read and follow all application instructions in the Application Guide as well as any program-specific instructions noted in Section IV. When the program-specific instructions deviate from those in the Application Guide, follow the program-specific instructions. Applications that do not comply with these instructions may be delayed or not accepted for review.
Part 1. Overview Information
Part 2. Full Text of the Announcement
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Section II. Award Information
Section III. Eligibility Information
Section IV. Application and Submission Information
Section V. Application Review Information
Section VI. Award Administration Information
Section VII. Agency Contacts
Section VIII. Other Information
The R03 grant mechanism supports different types of projects including pilot and feasibility studies; secondary analysis of existing data; small, self-contained research projects; development of research methodology; and development of new research technology. Through support of this R03 mechanism, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) seeks to facilitate the entry of beginning investigators into drug addiction research by inviting applications that address behavioral processes and mechanisms, including their neurobiological substrates at all levels of analysis. NIDA invites newly independent investigators to submit applications for small scale, innovative pilot projects related to NIDA's behavioral sciences mission. The B/START award is intended to enable an investigator to gather preliminary data to support the submission of a subsequent research project grant.
General Background
Understanding behavior at all levels of analysis (e.g., from neurobiological mechanisms to epidemiology) is fundamental to understanding drug abuse and addiction. To be appropriate for a B/START, research must be primarily focused on contemporary behavioral research questions in drug abuse or addiction. Thus, research on neural, genetic, epigenetic or other biological processes would be appropriate only if the overall emphasis is on understanding behavioral phenomena. Research approaches with animal models, human laboratory or field-based studies, or clinically-oriented studies are all supported by the B/START mechanism.
NIDA supports basic, epidemiological, clinical, treatment, services and prevention research investigating the causes and consequences of drug abuse and addiction including research at the intersection of HIV/AIDS and drug abuse. A number of areas of behavioral research are identified as high priority. For example, behavioral research on tobacco smoking is an area of high priority at NIDA (including use of e cigarettes and alternate forms of nicotine delivery). Tobacco smoking is the single most preventable cause of death in the United States, and NIDA supports a portfolio of basic and applied research that has potential to inform understanding of, and interventions for, the incidence and prevalence of smoking. Similarly, smoking, and drug abuse more generally, are often co-morbid with other psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, depression and anxiety. Behavioral research aimed at understanding the co-morbid expression of drug abuse and addiction with other psychiatric disorders is of interest to NIDA. Investigations on prescription drug abuse, particularly in adolescent populations, are also included in NIDA's current priorities. Also, research designed to develop behavioral interventions that are effective alone or in combination with pharmacological approaches is another high priority area that might be the focus of a B/START grant.
Behavioral research is needed to increase the success of abstinence and prevent relapse. Thus, NIDA is also interested in supporting research on novel interventions for preventing and treating drug abuse and addiction including behavioral, environmental, neurobiological or pharmacological approaches. In the area of treatment, NIDA is also interested in the use of cognitive and behavioral interventions to improve treatment outcomes, as well as in the use of pharmacotherapies as adjuncts to increase the effectiveness of behavioral therapy. Application of emerging approaches and techniques in electronic- and mobile health, and social media, in general, to drug abuse and addiction is critical for developing cutting edge behaviorally-oriented treatment and prevention strategies.
An expanding area is an interest in vulnerability phenotypes or individual differences, characterized at all levels of analysis. Vulnerability is of interest across all phases of abuse from initiation through maintenance, including cessation/abstinence and relapse, including the development of uncontrollable compulsive use. Another priority area focuses on exciting new research in epigenetics. Behavioral and environmental factors alter gene expression which consequently affects adaptive responding and the vulnerability for drug abuse. The potential of epigenetics research to illuminate the complexity of gene by environment interactions is just beginning to be realized. Lastly, research on marijuana use during development and in particular, effects of cannabinoids and other drugs of abuse on cognitive processes including cognitive flexibility, decision making and risk taking is a high priority area.
Proposed research may address these priorities or other drug abuse or addiction topics across the lifespan, as pre-natal or early life exposure/influences, adolescent vulnerability or as drug abuse issues specific to an aging population. In all proposed research, investigators are encouraged to consider designing the research to permit an analysis of data by sex/gender (see https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-15-102.html). In addition, in submitting applications for this FOA, NIDA expects applicants to consider the general strengths and weaknesses of the prior research being cited by the investigator as crucial to support the application. It is expected that this consideration of general strengths and weaknesses could include attention to the rigor of the previous experimental designs, as well as the incorporation of relevant biological variables and authentication of key resources (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-15-103.html).
Research proposed for B/START support need not be conducted with drug-abusing populations or involve the administration of drugs; however, relevance of the research to drug abuse or drug addiction must be clearly established in the application. Moreover, the research should be guided by contemporary questions and techniques that ultimately will move the field forward. The application of computational approaches and secondary data analysis are both appropriate for the B/Start mechanism.
All areas of behavioral research related to drug abuse are sought under this announcement including (a) animal and human basic behavioral research aimed at elucidating underlying behavioral mechanisms, determinants and correlates of drug abuse and characterizing the consequences of drug abuse and addiction; (b) research incorporating neural and other biological approaches if the research has a primary focus on behavior; (c) drug abuse epidemiology, risk and protective factors, treatment, prevention, and drug abuse services; and (d) behavioral research at the intersection of drug abuse and HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases.
Special Considerations
HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing Policy for the National Institute on Drug Abuse: In light of recent significant advances in rapid testing for HIV and in effective treatments for HIV, NIDA has revised its 2001 policy on HIV counseling and testing. NIDA-funded researchers are strongly encouraged to provide and/or refer research subjects to HIV risk reduction education and education about the benefits of HIV treatment, counseling and testing, referral to treatment, and other appropriate interventions to prevent acquisition and transmission of HIV. This policy applies to all NIDA funded research conducted domestically or internationally. For more information see https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-DA-07-013.html.
National Advisory Council on Drug Abuse Recommended Guidelines for the Administration of Drugs to Human Subjects: The National Advisory Council on Drug Abuse (NACDA) recognizes the importance of research involving the administration of drugs with abuse potential, and dependence or addiction liability, to human subjects. Potential applicants are encouraged to obtain and review these recommendations of Council before submitting an application that will administer compounds to human subjects. The guidelines are available on NIDA's Web site at http://www.nida.nih.gov/about/organization/nacda/CouncilStatement.html.
Points to Consider Regarding Tobacco Industry Funding of NIDA Applicants: The National Advisory Council on Drug Abuse (NACDA) encourages NIDA and its grantees to consider the points it has set forth with regard to existing or prospective sponsored research agreements with tobacco companies or their related entities and the impact of acceptance of tobacco industry funding on NIDA's credibility and reputation within the scientific community. Please see (http://ww2.drugabuse.gov/about/organization/nacda/points-to-consider.html) for details.
Data Harmonization for Substance Abuse and Addiction via the PhenX Toolkit: NIDA strongly encourages investigators involved in human-subjects studies to employ a common set of tools and resources that will promote the collection of comparable data across studies and to do so by incorporating the measures from the Core and Specialty collections, which are available in the Substance Abuse and Addiction Collection of the PhenX Toolkit (www.phenxtoolkit.org). Please see NOT-DA-12-008 (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-DA-12-008.html) for further details.
Grant: A support mechanism providing money, property, or both to an eligible entity to carry out an approved project or activity.
The OER Glossary and the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide provide details on these application types.
The number of awards is contingent upon NIH appropriations and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications.
The project period is not to exceed one year and a budget of direct costs of up to three $25,000 modules, or $75,000, may be requested. Commensurate Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs are allowed.
The maximum period is one year
NIH grants policies as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement will apply to the applications submitted and awards made in response to this FOA.
Higher Education Institutions
The following types of Higher Education Institutions are always encouraged to apply for NIH support as Public or Private Institutions of Higher Education:
Nonprofits Other Than Institutions of Higher Education
For-Profit Organizations
Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions) are
not eligible to apply.
Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply.
Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are not allowed.
Applicant Organizations
Applicant organizations must complete and maintain the following registrations as described in the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide to be eligible to apply for or receive an award. All registrations must be completed prior to the application being submitted. Registration can take 6 weeks or more, so applicants should begin the registration process as soon as possible. The NIH Policy on Late Submission of Grant Applications states that failure to complete registrations in advance of a due date is not a valid reason for a late submission.
Program Directors/Principal Investigators (PD(s)/PI(s))
All PD(s)/PI(s) must have an eRA Commons account. PD(s)/PI(s) should work with their organizational officials to either create a new account or to affiliate their existing account with the applicant organization in eRA Commons. If the PD/PI is also the organizational Signing Official, they must have two distinct eRA Commons accounts, one for each role. Obtaining an eRA Commons account can take up to 2 weeks.
Any individual(s) with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research as the Program Director(s)/Principal Investigator(s) (PD(s)/PI(s)) is invited to work with his/her organization to develop an application for support. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NIH support.
For institutions/organizations proposing multiple PDs/PIs, visit the Multiple Program Director/Principal Investigator Policy and submission details in the Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) Component of the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
To be eligible for a B/START award, the proposed PD/PI must be independent of a mentor at the time of award, but be at the beginning stages of her/his research career. No B/START award will be made to individuals in training status. While applicants may submit applications toward the anticipated end of their training, a B/START award cannot be issued until the applicant is in an independent status and procurement of an independent research position should not be contingent upon receipt of an award.
The proposed PD/PI may not have been designated previously as PD/PI on a National Institutes of Health (NIH) or federally-supported research project or component (except a dissertation research grant) or have received similar support from another federal agency, e.g., the National Science Foundation. Previous receipt of a National Research Service Award is permissible. Recipients of mentored K-awards are also eligible.
Because this program is targeted at newly independent investigators, individuals who are more than five years beyond a training status should consider other mechanisms of support.
This FOA does not require cost sharing as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Applicant organizations may submit more than one application, provided that each application is scientifically distinct.
The NIH will not accept duplicate or highly overlapping applications under review at the same time. This means that the NIH will not accept:
Applicants must download the SF424 (R&R) application package associated with this funding opportunity using the "Apply for Grant Electronically" button in this FOA or following the directions provided at Grants.gov.
It is critical that applicants follow the instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide, including Supplemental Grant Application Instructions except where instructed in this funding opportunity announcement to do otherwise. Conformance to the requirements in the Application Guide is required and strictly enforced. Applications that are out of compliance with these instructions may be delayed or not accepted for review.
For information on Application Submission and Receipt, visit Frequently Asked Questions – Application Guide, Electronic Submission of Grant Applications.
All page limitations described in the SF424 Application Guide and the Table of Page Limits must be followed
The following section supplements the instructions found in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide and should be used for preparing an application to this FOA.
All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed.
All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed.
All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed.
All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed.
All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed.
All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed.
All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed.
All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed, with the following additional instructions:
Research Strategy. Preliminary data are not required, but may be submitted.
Resource Sharing Plan: Individuals are required to comply with the instructions for the Resource Sharing Plans as provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide:
Appendix: Do not use the Appendix to circumvent page limits. Follow all instructions for the Appendix as described in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
When conducting clinical research, follow all instructions for completing Planned Enrollment Reports as described in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
When conducting clinical research, follow all instructions for completing Cumulative Inclusion Enrollment Report as described in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
See Part I. Section III.1 for information regarding the requirements for obtaining a Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number and for completing and maintaining an active System for Award Management (SAM) registration. Part I. Overview Information contains information about Key Dates. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications before the due date to ensure they have time to make any application corrections that might be necessary for successful submission.
Organizations must submit applications to Grants.gov (the online portal to find and apply for grants across all Federal agencies). Applicants must then complete the submission process by tracking the status of the application in the eRA Commons, NIH's electronic system for grants administration. NIH and Grants.gov systems check the application against many of the application instructions upon submission. Errors must be corrected and a changed/corrected application must be submitted to Grants.gov on or before the application due date. If a Changed/Corrected application is submitted after the deadline, the application will be considered late.
Applicants are responsible for viewing their application before the due date in the eRA Commons to ensure accurate and successful submission.
Information on the submission process and a definition of on-time submission are provided in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
This initiative is not subject to intergovernmental review.
All NIH awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Pre-award costs are allowable only as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Applications must be submitted electronically following the instructions described in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide. Paper applications will not be accepted.
Applicants must complete all required registrations before the application due date. Section III. Eligibility Information contains information about registration.
For assistance with your electronic application or for more information on the electronic submission process, visit Applying Electronically. If you encounter a system issue beyond your control that threatens your ability to complete the submission process on-time, you must follow the Guidelines for Applicants Experiencing System Issues.
Important reminders:
All PD(s)/PI(s) must include their eRA Commons ID in the Credential field of the Senior/Key Person Profile Component of the SF424(R&R) Application Package. Failure to register in the Commons and to include a valid PD/PI Commons ID in the credential field will prevent the successful submission of an electronic application to NIH. See Section III of this FOA for information on registration requirements.
The applicant organization must ensure that the DUNS number it provides on the application is the same number used in the organization's profile in the eRA Commons and for the System for Award Management. Additional information may be found in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide.
See more tips for avoiding common errors.
Upon receipt, applications will be evaluated for completeness and compliance with application instructions by the Center for Scientific Review, NIH. Applications that are incomplete or non-compliant will not be reviewed.
Applicants are required to follow our Post Submission Application Materials policy.
Important Update: See NOT-OD-16-006 and NOT-OD-16-011 for updated review language for applications for due dates on or after January 25, 2016.
Only the review criteria described below will be considered in the review process. As part of the NIH mission, all applications submitted to the NIH in support of biomedical and behavioral research are evaluated for scientific and technical merit through the NIH peer review system.
For this particular announcement, note the following:
The B/START is a special R03 program with a shortened one-year period of support and a budget limit of $75,000. Because the research project usually is limited, it is not expected that the R03 grant application include extensive detail or discussion. Accordingly, reviewers should evaluate the conceptual framework and general approach to the problem. Appropriate justification for the proposed work can be provided through literature citations, data from other sources, or from investigator-generated data. Preliminary data may be submitted but are not required in B/Start applications, including those applications that propose pilot or feasibility studies.
Reviewers will provide an overall impact score to reflect their assessment of the likelihood for the project to exert a sustained, powerful influence on the research field(s) involved, in consideration of the following review criteria and additional review criteria (as applicable for the project proposed).
Reviewers will consider each of the review criteria below in the determination of scientific merit, and give a separate score for each. An application does not need to be strong in all categories to be judged likely to have major scientific impact. For example, a project that by its nature is not innovative may be essential to advance a field.
Does the project address an important problem or a critical barrier to progress in the field? If the aims of the project are achieved, how will scientific knowledge, technical capability, and/or clinical practice be improved? How will successful completion of the aims change the concepts, methods, technologies, treatments, services, or preventative interventions that drive this field?
Are the PD(s)/PI(s), collaborators, and other researchers well suited to the project? If Early Stage Investigators or those in the early stages of independent careers, do they have appropriate experience and training? If established, have they demonstrated an ongoing record of accomplishments that have advanced their field(s)? If the project is collaborative or multi-PD/PI, do the investigators have complementary and integrated expertise; are their leadership approach, governance and organizational structure appropriate for the project? Will this B/Start research provide a firm foundation for future expansion of this PD/PI's individual research program?
Does the application challenge and seek to shift current research or clinical practice paradigms by utilizing novel theoretical concepts, approaches or methodologies, instrumentation, or interventions? Are the concepts, approaches or methodologies, instrumentation, or interventions novel to one field of research or novel in a broad sense? Is a refinement, improvement, or new application of theoretical concepts, approaches or methodologies, instrumentation, or interventions proposed?
Are the overall strategy, methodology, and analyses well-reasoned and appropriate to accomplish the specific aims of the project? Are potential problems, alternative strategies, and benchmarks for success presented? If the project is in the early stages of development, will the strategy establish feasibility and will particularly risky aspects be managed?
If the project involves human subjects and/or NIH-defined clinical research, are the plans to address 1) the protection of human subjects from research risks, and 2) inclusion (or exclusion) of individuals on the basis of sex/gender, race, and ethnicity, as well as the inclusion or exclusion of children, justified in terms of the scientific goals and research strategy proposed?
Will the scientific environment in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of success? Are the institutional support, equipment and other physical resources available to the investigators adequate for the project proposed? Will the project benefit from unique features of the scientific environment, subject populations, or collaborative arrangements?
As applicable for the project proposed, reviewers will evaluate the following additional items while determining scientific and technical merit, and in providing an overall impact score, but will not give separate scores for these items.
For research that involves human subjects but does not involve one of the six categories of research that are exempt under 45 CFR Part 46, the committee will evaluate the justification for involvement of human subjects and the proposed protections from research risk relating to their participation according to the following five review criteria: 1) risk to subjects, 2) adequacy of protection against risks, 3) potential benefits to the subjects and others, 4) importance of the knowledge to be gained, and 5) data and safety monitoring for clinical trials.
For research that involves human subjects and meets the criteria for one or more of the six categories of research that are exempt under 45 CFR Part 46, the committee will evaluate: 1) the justification for the exemption, 2) human subjects involvement and characteristics, and 3) sources of materials. For additional information on review of the Human Subjects section, please refer to the Guidelines for the Review of Human Subjects.
When the proposed project involves human subjects and/or NIH-defined clinical research, the committee will evaluate the proposed plans for the inclusion (or exclusion) of individuals on the basis of sex/gender, race, and ethnicity, as well as the inclusion (or exclusion) of children to determine if it is justified in terms of the scientific goals and research strategy proposed. For additional information on review of the Inclusion section, please refer to the Guidelines for the Review of Inclusion in Clinical Research.
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Senator Reid On Iraq: "This War Is Lost"
The Senate debate on Iraq grew sharper Thursday when Majority Leader Harry Reid said the war had been lost and that President Bush's troop buildup is not stemming the rampant violence. That statement prompted Republicans to declare that Democrats do not support the troops in Iraq.
"I believe myself that the secretary of state, secretary of defense and — you have to make your own decisions as to what the president knows — (know) this war is lost and the surge is not accomplishing anything as indicated by the extreme violence in Iraq yesterday," said Reid.
The White House called Reid's remarks "disturbing" and a slap at troops who are risking their lives.
Senior Republican Senator and White House hopeful John McCain also lashed out Thursday at Reid's comments.
At a news conference before a fund-raiser at a Las Vegas casino, McCain blasted the Nevada senator, saying his comments would hurt troop morale.
"It seems to me Sen. Reid has lost all sense of priority," he said.
White House spokeswoman Dana Perino says if Reid has the courage of his convictions, he'll try to cut off all war funding.
Democrats who lack the votes for that appear set to send President Bush a war-funding measure with a non-binding timeline for pulling out the troops. Bush still intends to veto it.
The president is scheduled to go to Michigan Friday to again speak out for a war-funding bill with no strings attached.
Anti-war liberals in the House are reluctant to mount opposition to war spending legislation even if it does not set a firm date for troop withdrawal.
Their support would pave the way for Democratic leaders next week to send President Bush a bill that would fund the Iraq war and still call for troops to leave by March 31, 2008, albeit a nonbinding withdrawal date.
The measure would be weaker than House Democrats wanted but is advocated by the Senate, where Democrats hold a slimmer majority and many party members oppose setting a firm timetable on the war.
Rather than let the bill sink, "we want to get it to the president and let him veto it," said Rep. Diane Watson, a Democratic Party liberal who opposes funding the war at all.
Bush has promised to veto any bill that sets a timetable on the Iraq war, contending that decisions on troop deployments must be left to the commander in chief and military commanders on the ground. His position raises the bigger question of what Democrats will do after the veto.
The quiet support of a House-Senate compromise among the rank-and-file represents a new tack by Democrats who say they want to pull together in their fight against Bush on the war.
Rep. Hank Johnson, a first-term Democrat who represents a district in Georgia that is strongly opposed to the war, said lending his support to a bill that funds the war without setting a firm end date will be difficult. On the other hand, he added, Democrats might be in a tougher spot if they cannot pull the caucus long enough to act against Bush.
"We have to look at the political realities of being the party that's in control, and prove the American people we can govern," he said.
Last month, Watson was one of several liberal Democrats who threatened to block passage of the House bill because she did not think the measure went far enough to end the war. Watson and Democratic Reps. Lynn Woolsey, Barbara Lee and Maxine Waters said they refused to fund the war and wanted language that would end combat before the end of 2007.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi launched an aggressive whip operation to persuade members the bill was their best shot at trying to force Bush to abandon his Iraq policy. Eventually, the group said they would help round up support for the bill despite their intention to personally vote against it.
The bill passed narrowly, mostly along party lines, in a 218-212 vote. House appropriators are now trying to negotiate a final bill that could be sent to the president by next week.
With Senate leaders nervous the final bill would fail if it included a firm deadline, aides said Democrats were leaning toward accepting the Senate's nonbinding goal. The compromise bill also is expected to retain House provisions preventing military units from being worn out by excessive combat deployments; however, the president could waive these standards if he states so publicly.
On Thursday, Pelosi summoned Woolsey, Lee, Waters and several other of the party's more liberal members to her office to discuss the issue. According to aides and members, concerns were expressed but there were no loud objections to a conference bill that would adopt the Senate's nonbinding goal.
Watson said she would personally oppose the final bill, as she did last month, but would not stand in Pelosi's way if the speaker agrees to the Senate version.
"It's still a timeline," she said. "We're not backing down from that."
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by Bo West
(Dublin VA)
Great day trip, its a 2 mile hike up to the falls. Taking the lower trail will take you along the water and has a lot of rock steps and inclines but the more scenic way to go. Once you make it to the top it is well worth the trip. The falls are something to see, and there is a good size pool at the bottom to swim in IF you're willing to stand the 56 degree water. Taking the upper trail back down is a easier walk - no steps and clear trail. It is only a short drive west from Blacksburg and a pretty easy hike to the falls. I definitely recommend it.
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About Southcoast Adventure
Southcoast Adventure operates a wide selection of activities all year round. Being located in the heart of South Iceland gives us the perfect opportunity to offer our customers great variety of fun and adventurous tours of all kinds.
Join us for a super jeep tour on top of Eyjafjallajökull glacier, into Þórsmörk valley or to the Landmannalaugar highlands. Hike with us over Fimmvörðuháls or hop on for an adventurous snowmobile ride on top of Eyjafjallajökull or in the highland wilderness.
We offer pre planned day tours and multi day tours of various kinds and we're experts in tailor making private itineraries for just you with just your needs and wishes in mind, taking care of you from the time you land till the time you depart or just for that one tour.
The majority of our staff are locals with years of experience in their field. We strive to make each trip special and unique leaving us with extremely high customer satisfaction. We use Iceland's dramatic weather changes to our advance and tailor make each trip according to weather and ground condition each day.
With years of experience we aim to make our tours better every year with small group sizes and personal guidance. We can also arrange luggage transport and vehicle assistance.
The Southcoast Adventure family is excited to welcome you to Iceland!
Quick overview
- Hiking
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Schnick, Claudia; Polley, Spencer D; Fivelman, Quinton L; Ranford-Cartwright, Lisa C; Wilkinson, Shane R; Brannigan, James A; Wilkinson, Anthony J; Baker, David A; (2009) Structure and non-essential function of glycerol kinase in Plasmodium falciparum blood stages. Molecular microbiology, 71 (2). pp. 533-545. ISSN 0950-382X DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2958.2008.06544.x
Permanent Identifier
Use this Digital Object Identifier when citing or linking to this resource.
Malaria pathology is caused by multiplication of asexual parasites within erythrocytes, whereas mosquito transmission of malaria is mediated by sexual precursor cells (gametocytes). Microarray analysis identified glycerol kinase (GK) as the second most highly upregulated gene in Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes with no expression detectable in asexual blood stage parasites. Phosphorylation of glycerol by GK is the rate-limiting step in glycerol utilization. Deletion of this gene from P. falciparum had no effect on asexual parasite growth, but surprisingly also had no effect on gametocyte development or exflagellation, suggesting that these life cycle stages do not utilize host-derived glycerol as a carbon source. Kinetic studies of purified PfGK showed that the enzyme is not regulated by fructose 1,6 bisphosphate. The high-resolution crystal structure of P. falciparum GK, the first of a eukaryotic GK, reveals two domains embracing a capacious ligand-binding groove. In the complexes of PfGK with glycerol and ADP, we observed closed and open forms of the active site respectively. The 27 degree domain opening is larger than in orthologous systems and exposes an extensive surface with potential for exploitation in selective inhibitor design should the enzyme prove to be essential in vivo either in the human or in the mosquito.
|Item Type
|Faculty and Department
Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases > Department of Infection Biology > Dept of Pathogen Molecular Biology (-2019)
Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases > Department of Infection Biology
|Research Centre
|Malaria Centre
|PubMed ID
|Related URLs
Filename: mmi0071-0533-SD1.pdf
Licence: Creative Commons: Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0Download


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September 2023


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I looked back to the first of September 2019 to see what I was up to in my life. It was before COVID hit us — and we had no idea what the year 2020 would be like. I was curious what my big concerns were way back then.
What I discovered was I was dealing with a homeless man who would haunt me for the remainder of the time we lived in our old house. He magically appeared in our yard whenever we left town — I'd spot him on our Nest cameras. Or, he'd bring his belongings and sleep on our steps at night. I felt like he was stalking us. He'd write us random notes and leave them on our gate or cars — saying he'd force us out of the house and that he'd contacted the FBI. No, I don't miss him at all. I welcome my new intruders: the two coyotes I spotted on my morning walk, the bunnies, deer, bobcat and javelina.
In September 2020, I wrote this:
While we were on our working vacation at the beach in August, I had a friend's daughter taking care of Olive the cat and staying at our house. One of her first times over here, our big wooden gates were shut and after opening them, she found a pile of blankets behind our trash cans! UGH! I looked through my video feed and found him at midnight, opening and closing our gates, peering through our bedroom window and jumping over our wall into the backyard. I don't blame our house sitter at all, but she was no longer comfortable staying here! She made daily stops, but didn't want to spend the night.
We called our neighbors who promised to keep an eye out for us, plus the police, who said they'd patrol our house carefully while we were out of town. They promised to arrest him if they found him trespassing. We returned and I haven't seen him again. But, I did notice he stole our lock to the gate!
Here's what I wrote about our intruder September 2019:
Last week I wrote about how I was minding my own business at home waiting for eye surgery and discovered on our Google Nest security feed that we had an intruder trespassing on our property nightly. We started locking the big wooden gates that open onto the street. We also have a garage door and an archway gate that are locked. On the camera feed, I saw the stranger rattling our gates, peering in through our bedroom windows, climbing over the wall into the backyard — and taking an object to smash the lock on our archway gate. I was terrified. Then I went for my morning walk on Thursday like any normal day:
I went for my morning walk today as usual. I almost skipped it because I didn't want to leave our house with the big wooden gates open (they lock from the inside.) During my walk, I constantly checked the Nest app on my iPhone for activity. When I was a block from home, I looked at the app and the guy was there! He had returned!
I couldn't stop shaking and when I got home, the gate was closed! I yelled and said I was calling the cops so get out! I checked my app again. The intruder had left three minutes before I arrived home. I called the cops and waited, not stepping foot on our property, but feeling safer in the middle of the street. The policeman came right away and said he'd look for the guy, he was probably close-by. He also suggested we get a lock for the outside of our big wooden gates or hire a security firm. I'm thinking Rottie. We had one before and this never happened.
Friday morning the nightmare continued. I woke up at 5 a.m. to my husband yelling from outside the house to call the cops! I grabbed my glasses, my phone and my hands shook as I tried to dial 911. My husband kept the guy at bay on our steps while we waited for the police to arrive. The 911 operator kept me on the phone and asked me to narrate what was going on.
A few minutes later which felt like an eternity, a half dozen police arrived. They said, "Marco! What are you doing here?" to our intruder.
Marco answered, "I live here. I bought this house."
"No you don't. You said that about the house down the street," a policeman answered.
They handcuffed the intruder and drove him away. Both my husband and I were shaking with fear, anger and tried to lower our adrenaline levels to have a normal day. It didn't happen. We both struggled.
I find myself waking up in the night, looking at my Nest app, listening for any little noise. I'm hoping each day it gets a little better. This person turns out to be well-known, a Palm Springs native and harmless. Of course, we had no idea of that with his erratic behavior and his trespassing from Saturday night through Friday morning. It brings our homeless problem right in my yard, not some abstract issue I read about in the newspaper.
Have you had an intruder at your home? What happened and did you get over your fear?