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OnePlus News Daily Dose #1: MWC invite, new OOS features and bugfixes, radiation level and more
OnePlus started their journey as a small Chinese startup. They share their internal roots with OPPO, but a different software design along with separate business strategy helped them to establish themself as a worthy contender of premium Android OEMs like Samsung.
I still have my OnePlus One – truly a legend! I played with their subsequent phones as well, mostly due to research. One thing I really like to follow is the evolution of their in-house OxygenOS. It's the sole reason to associate myself with Oxygen Updater.
In this series of articles, I will talk about OnePlus and everything about them. Be it a new OOS update or their creative marketing stance – they will be captured and analyzed under my radar. 🤓
No kidding! I do have a flight radar installed.
It's February, and smartphone enthusiasts are eagerly waiting for this year's Mobile World Congress (MWC). OnePlus did not choose MWC to release any of their gadgets in past. Well, 2019 will be different as OnePlus sent out media invitations for a closed-door event.
Reported by Digit, the incident once again fuels the rumor mill about the upcoming 5G phone from OnePlus. But isn't it too early?
EXCLUSIVE! Here's your first look at an upcoming OnePlus Device I don't know much about. This image shows the device in prototype/designing stage and it is not final but this is probably how the device may end up looking. That's Pete (CEO of OP) in the img and the device itself. pic.twitter.com/Yau9EsgSDy
— Ishan Agarwal (@ishanagarwal24) December 19, 2018
Do the maths: OnePlus launched the McLaren edition of 6T in last December, so announcing the next flagship (or a separate 5G phone) doesn't sound feasible.
OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition 🏎
Salute to Speed 🏁 @mclaren https://t.co/2xoFek8muQ pic.twitter.com/10IC1jTsya
— Carl Pei (@getpeid) December 11, 2018
Even Pete Lau, the CEO of OnePlus, projected the release of the 5G phone toward the end of the second quarter.
There were some speculations on the smart TV as well. Yes, OnePlus is preparing for a big boom in the TV industry, but again: MWC is not the right venue for it.
OnePlus later contacted Digit and confirmed that it will be a generic networking event. The invitation says "Join OnePlus at Ultramarinos where drinks and a taste of the future will be on us." as per All About OnePlus.
Probably a sneak peek at their next phones? Let's wait.
On the other hand, the company is looking for new features to incorporate in OxygenOS and wants the suggestion from you.
They are inviting users to take the role of Product Manager and pitch their ideas, complying the format of PRD (product requirements document). Senior OOS devs will review the ideas and pick the best one. The winner will get a chance to visit a nearby OnePlus launch event.
Moving on, we have something for the Physics nerds. Statista published a report about smartphone radiation levels. The SAR (specific absorption rate) values of several phones were analysed, courtesy to the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection (Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz).
OnePlus phones from 2016 and 2017 are on top 15 in that list, with OnePlus 5T occupying the 2nd place. No need to grab your tin-foil hat – the values are still within safe threshold.
Regarding bug-fixing in OOS, Tile users should rejoice as the long-reported activation and discovery bug was acknowledged by OnePlus. The upcoming stable update should contain the fix.
Team PiunikaWeb also investigated about an unpatched vulnerability in current OnePlus phones that makes it possible to grab low level flash tools directly from the official servers.
Wait wait, do you know that you can now set systemwide custom alarm tone in OxygenOS? Follow the tutorial and the background story by clicking here.
That's it folks! See you next day. 😄
PiunikaWeb is a unique initiative that mainly focuses on investigative journalism. This means we do a lot of hard work to come up with news stories that are either 'exclusive,' 'breaking,' or 'curated' in nature. Perhaps that's the reason our work has been picked by the likes of Forbes, Foxnews, Gizmodo, TechCrunch, Engadget, The Verge, Macrumors, and more. Do take a tour of our website to get a feel of our work. And if you like what we do, stay connected with us on Twitter (@PiunikaWeb) and other social media channels to receive timely updates on stories we publish.


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I know you'll want to understand exactly what you can get for your investment when you book a shoot with me, and I like to keep my prices simple and transparent. No minimum spend or packages that include things you don't want. You just choose what's right for you.
When you book your session you'll pay a session fee, which secures your session date. You can pay your session fee online by debit or credit card, or by bank transfer.
A family session with me costs £150. This fee includes:
- a telephone consultation with me so that we can plan your session, and tailor it to your family
- a 2 hour family session at your home, or on location
- professional editing and retouching of the photographs from your session
- a viewing appointment at your home or my studio to help you choose your photographs
The session fee doesn't include any digital images, prints or products, these are purchased afterwards at your viewing appointment. You can see all of the digital and print options and their prices below.
If you're just after a few new images to capture this moment in your family life, a shorter mini session may be a better fit. You can find out about the next mini sessions here.
DIGITAL IMAGES, framing, PRINTing & ALBUMS
After your session you'll have the option to purchase high resolution digital files to print yourself, or to choose from a carefully curated range of prints, wall art and albums.
As a guide, most families spend between £550-£1,800 on photographs after their session. You can see all of the products available to purchase, and their prices below.
Digital Images
A USB flash drive containing high resolution digital copies of photographs from your session - ready to print or share as you wish.
5 digital images £400
10 digital images £600
All digital images (approximately 40) £800
Framed Prints, Acrylic & Canvas
These classic frames come in three sizes and a choice of black, white, oak or mahogany.
Canvas, aluminium frames, box frames and acrylic are available as alternative options.
Each frame is made to order. Fine art printing and anti-reflective art glass come as standard.
Small Frame (16" x 12" Glass Size) £275
Medium Frame (20" x 16" Glass Size) £400
Large Frame (30" x 20" Glass Size) £645
Multi Aperture Frame
This beautiful frame showcases nine photographs from your session, and is a very popular choice with families.
The frame comes in your choice of black, white, oak and mahogany. Each frame is made to order. Fine art printing and anti-reflective art glass come as standard.
24" x 24" (glass size)
Gallery Walls
By grouping frames together, you can create a stunning focal point in a room. Save over 25% on a la carte prices when you purchase one of these three gallery wall collections.
The Four Frame Gallery Wall
Four small frames, small acrylics, or small canvases (12" x 16" glass size)
£900 (save £200!)
The Jigsaw Gallery Wall
Two small frames or small canvases (12" x 16" glass size)Two medium frames or small canvases (16" x 20" glass size)
£1,150 (save £300!)
The Eight Frame Gallery Wall
Eight small frames or small canvases (12" x 16" glass size)
£1,700 (save £500!)
Fine Art Albums
These beautiful albums are hand bound, made using the finest quality papers and inks, and are designed to last a life time. Each double spread opens out to lay flat, so that a photo can be displayed across two pages.A range of leather or fabric cover options are included in the price, and the front cover can be engraved with the text of your choice.
Fine Art Print box
This beautiful, hand-made print box contains 12 mounted fine-art prints from your session. Each box also includes a wooden stand that you can use to create a rotating art display.
Each box can be personalised with your choice of text - for example your family name or the date of your shoot.
Portrait Collections
These special packages include my most popular products, and offer savings of up to 25% off a la carte pricing.
One Medium Framed Print (16" x 20")
Ten mounted Fine Art Prints
Ten Wallet Prints
£650 (save £200!)
One Multi Aperture Frame OR Fine Art Album
USB flash drive of all digital images from your gallery
Five mounted Fine Art Prints
Mobile / Tablet app
£1,295 (Save £350!)
The Jigsaw Gallery Wall
One Multi Aperture Frame OR Fine Art Album
USB Flash Drive of All Digital Images From Your Gallery
Five Mounted Fine Art Prints
Mobile / Tablet App
£2,295 (Save £500!)
Add-on Gift Items
Gift prints and portfolios are available to purchase with any collection or item from the main menu. These make popular gifts for grandparents and godparents.
Fine Art Prints
These beautiful fine art prints are mounted and ready to pop into frames or give as gifts. Available in any size up to 12" x 8".
£40 each
Gift Portfolio
This cotton covered gift portfolio showcases up to six photographs from your session. It comes in a choice of six cover options and with fine art printing as standard.
£70 each

subset: commoncrawl


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Bay Village has highest recycling rate in the county
Every year, the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District publishes a report to show how recycling efforts by community are adding up. In the just-released report for 2015, Bay Village was at the top of the list for the first time, with a 73.57 percent total recycling rate. This was up from 68.2 percent in 2014.
The Solid Waste District compiles its figures every year using data reported from each city on the tonnage collected through the community's waste collection, curbside recycling, and yard waste collection programs. The recycling rate signifies the percentage of waste that a city diverts from the landfill by recycling and composting.
This is great news, and shows that Bay Village is doing a fantastic job keeping waste out of the landfill! Westlake readers, please take note: Westlake's total recycling rate was 35.81 percent in 2015, down slightly from the previous year's 36.27 percent. I challenge you to improve your number! I would love for Westlake to beat Bay Village someday. Bay Villagers, keep up the great work!
So why is the recycling rate important? Recycling conserves natural resources and also supports local recycling-based businesses. Recycling keeps waste out of the landfill which in turn helps to reduce harmful chemicals and greenhouses gases from being released into the environment. For example, when a plastic bottle is thrown into the trash and ends up in the landfill, as it sits in the landfill for hundreds of years, it will release harmful chemicals into the air. If it's recycled, that does not happen.
What is recycling? Recycling involves reusing used materials that are labeled as recyclable for a new purpose. A recyclable product is turned back into raw form that is used to create different products. Glass can be recycled endlessly without any loss in purity or quality. For example, the glass pickle jar you placed in the recycle bin may have been recycled over 100 times already and you'd never know!
Aluminum cans are the most sustainable beverage package and are infinitely recyclable. The average can contains 70 percent recycled metal. On average, a recycled aluminum can becomes a new can in less than 60 days. Nearly three-quarters of all aluminum produced in the U.S. is still in use today! Glass and aluminum are very eco-friendly: manufacturers use 30 percent less energy when they switch to reclaimed glass and 95 percent less when using recycled aluminum, all without sacrificing any quality. When possible, choose glass and cans!
Recycling your corrugated cardboard (i.e. shipping boxes), paperboard (i.e. cereal boxes), and paper is also very important. Over 90 percent of all shipments in the United States are shipped in cardboard boxes. When you add in shipments made all over the world, that's a lot of cardboard to manufacture! Cardboard is made from tree pulp, and we all know how important trees are to the environment, so cutting down trees to make cardboard is a lot less desirable than recycling cardboard already out there. Paper fibers from cardboard are strong and can be reused about six times, reducing the need to cut down more trees. Furthermore, when you put clean white printer paper in the recycling bin, this paper will be downcycled to make newspapers or paper towels, which will eventually become waste. However, the good news is that paper can be composted easily, making an eco-friendly end for paper products.
Recyclable plastics are "downcycled," meaning they are turned into lower grade plastic than they were originally. For example, a plastic water bottle can be turned into fibers for carpeting, but that carpeting can never be turned back into a water bottle. Plastic never biodegrades, and the polymers in plastic can only be used a few times before they're too degraded for further use. Downcycled plastic products require extra treatment, rendering them not recyclable again. Limiting single-use plastic and reusing plastic as much as possible is one way to help reduce what is an environmental menace to the earth.
As you go about your routine and choose products to purchase, please try to keep in mind the mantra we all know "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle." These words are not in that order accidentally, they are in order of importance. First, we need to Reduce our waste. Second, when we produce waste, we should try to Reuse it somehow. If that is not possible, Recycling is the last resort. Thank you for your recycling efforts! Keep up the good work!


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NASHVILLE, Tenn.— GRAMMY® Award-winning Audio Adrenaline is set to celebrate their latest FairTrade Services recording, Sound of the Saints, with an exclusive live streaming special on the project's release day, May 4. Presented by CCM, "Audio Adrenaline Up Close & Unplugged" begins at 8 pm CT this Monday at CCMMagazine.com.
Hosted by Emmy-nominated TV anchor and media personality Kelly Sutton, the band will answer questions from fans and perform acoustic selections from the new project. Using hashtag #AAUpClose, questions may be submitted via Twitter to @CCMMagazine anytime in advance and during the event.
Sound of the Saints was produced by GRAMMY® winner Seth Mosley (Jeremy Camp, for KING & COUNTRY) and Joshua Silverberg (Newsboys, Michael W. Smith) and builds on the pop/rock foundation and lyrical themes which have hallmarked Audio Adrenaline's iconic repertoire for nearly three decades. One of Christian music's most prolific bands, they have garnered two GRAMMY® Awards; five GMA Dove Awards; a Gold®-certified recording; and 14 #1 Christian radio singles, including such signature songs as "Big House," "Get Down" and "Hands And Feet."


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IMG_3325 in line to see The Daily show with Jon Stewart
IMG_3331 finally saw Avenue Q and it is great! 9 out of 10
IMG_3327 Howie Michael Smith after the show
IMG_3328 he plays / puppets Princeton
IMG_3329 Robert McClure is Nicky and Trekkie Monster
IMG_3332 Times Square after the show
IMG_3334 "Fairway Market - Like No Other" lots of stuff and space is expensive, so they go Vertical
IMG_3335 it's unrefrigerated and at 11pm a bit messy, but the veggies are just fine
IMG_3336 bought masking tape and plugged the drafts
IMG_3337 my accommodations, sink in room
IMG_3338 no view, but less street noise and importantly, less expensive
IMG_3339 shared a bathroom with two other rooms
IMG_3340 an average station
IMG_3341 view from Jamaica Station, Queens, Long Island
IMG_3348 the classic Pan Am, then TWA, terminal
IMG_3351 flying home with the fading glow
Best Of
IMG_3353 it's blurry, but I kinda like the swirling
IMG_3362 half second exposure and it's not too blurry - yeah baby!
IMG_3366 last light, good night
Date: 06/02/2005
Views: 3305


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Banning al-Quds Day Won't Be Easy. But It's Necessary.
Children carry signs comparing the Israel Defence Forces to ISIS at al-Quds Day in Toronto on June 9, 2018 (Photo: Twitter)
June 26, 2018
OPINION | By Josh Korn
Special to B'nai Brith Canada
The opinions, facts and any media content presented do not necessarily reflect the position of B'nai Brith Canada.
OTTAWA – Earlier this month, an article by David Reevely appeared in the Ottawa Citizen in which he questions how incoming Ontario Premier Doug Ford plans to implement his campaign pledge to ban al-Quds Day rallies in Ontario.


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The Costa Rica food we enjoyed on our trip was waaay better than the guidebooks led us to believe. Before we arrived, our impression was that we would certainly eat, but not be blown away by the quality or taste.
Um, no. We were blown away.
So much so that Foxy is now learning to make Costa Rican pico de gallo (a rice and beans dish) so we can have a taste of vacation at home.
"Tico" food--that is, Costa Rica food--often includes pico de gallo, cabbage salad, and meat. Maybe chicken, fish, or shellfish. They have a cream cheese that is out of this world, like a combination of brie and butter, yummy local sour cream, avocados, and lush fresh fruits. Wash it down with some mango juice or an Imperial beer, and you're in heaven.
Our eating adventures began at this unpretentious little soda, where we had our first taste of "tico." (Costa Ricans call themselves ticos, it's not an insult at all.) The ceviche was so good we had to return the very next day. It was full of perfect little shrimp and cost about $4.
At Paraiso Verde, Fredi served us an amazing breakfast each morning. We had a beautiful spread of unusual fruits, some of them from his garden, handmade cured ham, cheese, fresh breads, and Costa Rican coffee. Oh yes, Costa Rica food is awesome.
The Caribbean version of Costa Rica food is all its own, with flavors of Jamaica predominating.
Our favorite restaurant in PV, De Paso, is just a little south of town, an easy stroll or bike ride from the center of PV. (Remember, this is a small town -- you can walk anywhere.) We loved it so much that we went almost every night during our visit. It's a magical place, situated on the beach. The dining room floor is sand, and it's candle-lit. Great food, reasonable prices, sweet waitstaff, and a grill going on weekends. We love De Paso! We miss it. (This photo doesn't do it justice, but I'm not a great photographer. Argh.)
Where else, you ask?
Other favorites in Puerto Viejo Costa Rica include:
Elena Brown's Restaurant. Great, GREAT Caribbean food with a kick. We met Elena and her daughter and loved them. But we loved Elena's coconut rice and beans like nobody's business. Just stay on your bike a little past De Paso, slightly south of PV, and you'll see it on the right.
Jammin'. (Downtown Puerto Viejo Costa Rica) You can get all sorts of traditional local food as well as international stuff like falafels at Jammin'. It is a very cool place, decorated in Caribbean style, with two levels, Marley playing in the background. The agua sapo rocked my world. But: with one very notable exception, the waitstaff's attitude toward us ranged from indifferent to almost hostile. Why? We behaved ourselves. It was worth it, though, for the great food and cool atmo. They even have dominoes and other games you can play and are, in theory, open evenings.
Puerto Viejo Bakery. Near Elena Brown's just south of town, they've got a toast trio that gave new meaning to breakfast. Try the chocolate rolls, too.
Organica Botanica. An easy bike ride down the main road takes you from one scene of incredible charm and beauty to the next. On our ride south to Punta Uva, we stopped for an amazingly delicious veggie lunch at Organica Botanica. We also met a shaman! So fun.
Now that you know all about Costa Rica food, find out more about this gorgeous country here.


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Neuronal development and neurite regeneration depends on the locomotion and navigation of nerve growth cones (GCs). There are few detailed descriptions of the GC function and structure in the adult auditory system. In this study, GCs of adult dissociated and cultured spiral ganglion (SG) neurons were analyzed in vitro utilizing combined high resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and time lapse video microscopy (TLVM). Axon kinesis was assessed on planar substratum with growth factors BDNF, NT-3 and GDNF. At the nano-scale level, lamellipodial abdomen of the expanding GC was found to be decorated with short surface specializations, which at TLVM were considered to be related to their crawling capacity. Filopodia were devoid of these surface structures, supporting its generally described sensory role. Microspikes appearing on lamellipodia and axons, showed circular adhesions, which at TLVM were found to provide anchorage of the navigating and turning axon. Neurons and GCs expressed the DCC-receptor for the guidance molecule netrin-1. Asymmetric ligand-based stimulation initiated turning responses suggest that this attractant cue influences steering of GC in adult regenerating auditory neurites. Hopefully, these findings may be used for ensuing tentative navigation of spiral ganglion neurons to induce regenerative processes in the human ear.
The aim of this study was to collect follow-up data on social competence and behavioural problems in a sample of Swedish burned children and to compare the results with normative data from a reference group of children comparable in age, socio-economic status and gender. Parents of 44 children (55% response rate) aged 7-12 years were asked to complete a questionnaire booklet including the Children's Behaviour Questionnaire (CBQ) and the Social Competence Inventory (SCI). Data from the children's teachers were also collected for 20 children using the same booklet. In addition, data on TBSA, localisation of injury, and other background factors were collected. Results showed that the burned children were rated by their parents as showing lesser degrees of social initiative and more externalising problems and concentration problems compared with the control group. Teachers rated the burn injured children as having less prosocial orientation, more externalising problems, and more concentration problems. No clear effects were found for gender and characteristics of the burn injury. Results on the Social Competence Inventory were associated with scores on the Children's Behaviour Questionnaire.The findings are consistent with previous research in that the differences found were relatively small. However, they do call for attention to the possible adverse effects of growing up with a burn injury, but also to the possible pre-morbid characteristics that may be related to the injury.
Personality disorders (PDs) are associated with increased overall mortality. In patients hospitalised with a principal diagnosis of PD, this is observed for all clusters and for natural as well as unnatural causes of death. Data from Swedish nationwide registers were used to assess whether this was also true for the majority of patients diagnosed with PDs not severe enough to lead to hospitalisation. There was an increased mortality in all clusters, and for natural as well as unnatural death, also in patients treated as out-patients only, although not to the same extent as in those hospitalised.
Objective: The influence of psychopathology on suicide method has revealed different distributions among different psychiatric disorders. However, evidence is still scarce. We hypothesized that having a diagnosis of personality disorder (PD) affect the suicide method, and that different PD clusters would influence the suicide method in different ways. In addition, we hypothesized that the presence of psychiatric and somatic co-morbidity also affects the suicide method. Method: We examined 25,217 individuals aged 15-64 who had been hospitalized in Sweden with a main diagnosis of PD the years 1987-2013 (N = 25,217). The patients were followed from the date of first discharge until death or until the end of the follow-up period, i.e. December 31, 2013, for a total of 323,508.8 person-years, with a mean follow up time of 11.7 years. The SMR, i.e. the ratio between the observed number of suicides and the expected number of suicides, was used as a measure of risk. Results: Overall PD, different PD-clusters, and comorbidity influenced the suicide method. Hanging evidenced highest SMR in female PD patients (SMR 34.2 (95% CI: 29.3-39.8)), as compared to non-PD patients and jumping among male PD patients (SMR 24.8 (95% CI: 18.3-33.6)), as compared to non PD-patients. Furthermore, the elevated suicide risk was related to both psychiatric and somatic comorbidity. Conclusion: The increased suicide risk was unevenly distributed with respect to suicide method and type of PD. However, these differences were only moderate and greatly overshadowed by the overall excess suicide risk in having PD. Any attempt from society to decrease the suicide rate in persons with PD must take these characteristics into account.
BackgroundAlthough personality disorders are associated with increased overall mortality, less is known about cause of death and personality type.AimsTo determine causes of mortality in ICD personality disorders.MethodBased on data from Swedish nationwide registers, individuals admitted to hospital with a primary diagnosis of personality disorder between 1987 and 2011 were followed with respect to mortality until 31 December 2011. Standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) with 95% confidence intervals and underlying causes of death were calculated.ResultsAll-cause SMRs were increased, overall and in all clusters, for natural as well as unnatural causes of death. The overall SMR was 6.1 in women and 5.0 in men, as high as previously reported for anorexia nervosa, with higher rates in cluster B and mixed/other personality disorders. The SMR for suicide was 34.5 in women and 16.0 in men for cluster B disorders. Somatic and psychiatric comorbidity increased SMRs.ConclusionsThe SMR was substantially increased for all personality disorder clusters. Thus, there was an increased premature mortality risk for all personality disorders, irrespective of category.
To report a study of predictors of psychological symptoms in family members of patients with burns.
Family members are important as a source of social support for patients undergoing prolonged rehabilitation. Little is known about psychological symptoms of family members of patients with burns, especially in the long term.
The design of the study was prospective and longitudinal.
Forty-four family members of adult patients treated in a burn centre between 2000-2007 completed questionnaires during care and at 3, 6, and 12 months after injury. Psychological symptoms were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Predictors for anxiety and depression were explored in regression analyses.
The mean scores indicated normal to mild symptoms in general. Moderate and severe symptom levels during care and at 12 months were demonstrated on the anxiety subscale by 15/44 and 5/39, respectively, and on the depression subscale by 5/44 and 0/39 of the family members, respectively. In the final regression models, the primary predictor was psychological symptoms at the previous assessment. Other predictors were previous life events, age, and the coping strategy avoidance.
Family members of patients with burns demonstrate normal to mild levels of psychological symptoms that decrease over time. One-third show moderate to severe anxiety symptoms during care and may benefit from counselling. Previous symptoms predict later symptoms, indicating that screening with a validated instrument is useful. The results provide guidance for nurses in assessing and planning adequate interventions for family members.
A severe burn not only affects the patients, but may also have a great impact on the lives of family members. It is known that family members of patients with burns experience psychological distress, but health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has not been studied in this group. The aim was to study predictors of HRQoL in family members of patients with burns. Forty-four family members of adult patients treated in a burn center, between 2000 and 2007, completed questionnaires during care, and at 3, 6, and 12 months after injury. HRQoL was assessed with the EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D), which consists of the dimensions: mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain, and anxiety/depression. The questionnaire generates an EQ-5D index and a visual analog scale (VAS) score. Overall, the EQ-5D index was similar to that of the general population. A slight improvement in HRQoL was found in the VAS scores and in the anxiety/depression dimension over time. In regression models, HRQoL was primarily predicted by earlier life events, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, and HRQoL, assessed during the patients' hospitalization. In summary, HRQoL assessed with VAS scores increased slightly during the first year postburn, and early screening for life events and psychological symptoms, and HRQoL might be useful in identifying family members in need of support.
BACKGROUND: Psychiatric history has been suggested to have an impact on long-term adjustment in burn survivors. A rigorous, prospective, longitudinal approach was used to study psychiatric history in a population-based burn sample and its impact on symptomatology of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at a 12-month follow-up. METHODS: Seventy-three consecutive patients admitted to the Uppsala Burn Unit were assessed with the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition for psychiatric disorders, of whom 64 were also assessed after 12 months. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients (66%) presented with at least one lifetime psychiatric diagnosis; major depression (41%), alcohol abuse or dependence (32%), simple phobia (16%), and panic disorder (16%) were most prevalent. At 12-months postburn, 10 patients (16%) met criteria for major depression, 6 (9%) for PTSD, and 11 (17%) for subsyndromal PTSD. Patients with lifetime anxiety disorder and with lifetime psychiatric comorbidity were more likely to be depressed at 12 months, whereas those with lifetime affective disorder, substance use disorder and psychiatric comorbidity were more likely to have symptoms of PTSD. CONCLUSIONS: Two-thirds of burn survivors exhibit a history of lifetime psychiatric disorders. Those with a psychiatric history have a higher risk of postburn psychiatric problems.
Purpose: Personality disorders (PDs) are associated with significant distress, disability, and cause great difficulties in life. PDs have been suggested to influence adaptation after major burns, but the potential relationship has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of PDs in 107 patients with major burn injury, and to identify the impact of PDs on perceived patient outcome assessed as health-related quality of life (HRQoL) one year after burn. Methods: One burn-specific instrument (Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief (BSHS-B)) and two generic instruments (EuroQol Five Dimensions and Short Form 36 Health Survey) were used, and Psychiatric Axis I and II disorders were assessed one year post burn. Results: This study identified an above normal prevalence of PDs among individuals afflicted by burn, and participants with PD had a significantly larger lifetime burden of Axis I disorders compared to participants without PD. Participants with PDs scored significantly lower than those without PD in the BSHS-B domain Skin involvement, and the effect of having a PD was related to the subscale Treatment regimens. There was no relationship between the presence of PD and generic HRQoL. Conclusions: An implication of these observations is that special rehabilitation efforts including more tailored interventions must be offered to these patients to ensure that the obstacles they perceive to caring for themselves in this respect are eliminated.
Years after injury, pruritus is a common and severe problem for many burn patients. However, its characteristics and consequences are often only partially described. The authors therefore performed a prospective detailed examination of burn- and individual-related factors and considered those in relation to pruritus severity. Sixty-seven consecutive burn patients were assessed during acute care, and at 3 and 12 months postburn regarding preburn psychiatric disorders, health-related quality of life, post traumatic stress disorder, and personality traits. Postburn pruritus was subsequently assessed 2 to 7 years postburn using the Questionnaire for Pruritus Assessment. Fifty-one individuals, 76% of the participants, reported burn pruritus any time after the burn. Thirty-three individuals, 49% of the participants, reported ongoing pruritus the last 2 months. Information on the characteristics of pruritus was obtained from 32 of these individuals. Most perceived pruritus as bothersome or annoying and as present every day, 16 (50 %) were considered to have severe pruritus, and 11 (34 %) scratched themselves to the point of bleeding. In logistic regressions, this was independently related to TBSA full-thickness burn and health-related quality of life at 3 months, and to TBSA full thickness burn and the personality trait impulsiveness, respectively. About half of the previous burn patients experienced ongoing pruritus on an average of 4.5 years after injury, and half of them had severe pruritus. Scratching oneself to the point of bleeding is linked both to a certain personality and to pruritus. It is suspected that many patients are left without access to the best available treatment.
Background: Chronic pain after burn can have severe physical and psychological effects on former patients years after the initial injury. Although the issue of pain after burn has gained increased attention over the past years, prospective, longitudinal studies are scarce. Our aim was to prospectively investigate consecutive burn patients for pain severity over time and to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of post-burn pain to 2-7 years after the burn. As an additional aim, the effects of burn and individual-related factors, especially health related Quality of Life (HRQoL), were investigated.
Method: Sixty-seven consecutive burn patients were assessed during acute care at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months, as well as at 2-7 years post-burn. HRQoL, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychiatric disorders were investigated. During the interviews that took place 2-7 years after the injury (mean 4.6 1.9 years), current chronic post-burn pain was assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF).
Results: One-third of the patients still reported pain 2-7 years after the injury. Pain severity and interference with daily life were mainly mild to moderate though they were found to be associated with significantly lower HRQoL. Chronic pain after bum was associated with both burn- and individual-related factors. In logistic regression analysis HRQoL at 3 and 12 months and symptoms of PTSD at 12 months were independent factors in predicting chronic pain after burn.
Conclusion: Pain after burn becomes a chronic burden for many former burn patients and decreases HRQoL. A novel finding in this study was that HRQoL assessed early after burn was a predictor for the development of chronic pain. This finding may help to predict future pain problems and serve as an indicator for pain preventive measures.
Background: To investigate possible differences in the effects of soluble factors from oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells (UT-SCC-87) and normal oral keratinocytes (NOK) on fibroblast expression of genes involved in tumor stroma turnover. Materials and Methods: Transwell co-cultures with fibroblasts in collagen gels, and SCC cells or NOK in inserts were carried out. Fibroblast gene expression was measured with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: The expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) was up-regulated in co-cultures with SCC cells but not with NOK. In contrast, both SCC cells and NOK regulated matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1) and -3, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP2) and -3 to a similar extent, while MMP2 and TIMP1 were largely unaffected. Interleukin 1 alpha (IL1 alpha) up-regulated both MMP1 and MMP3 and down-regulated PAI-1, TIMP2 and -3. Conclusion: SCC and NOK regulate fibroblast expression of genes involved in tumor stroma turnover differentially in vitro. These observations may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms behind extracellular matrix turnover in tumors.
Objectives: The composition of tumor stroma and the activity of tumor associated fibroblasts are important for tumor growth. Interactions between carcinoma cells and fibroblasts regulate the turnover of extracellular matrix (ECM). Here, the in vitro effects of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells (UT-SCC-30 and UT-SCC-87) on fibroblast expression of genes for ECM components and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2), were compared to those of normal oral keratinocytes (NOK). Materials and Methods: Cocultures with fibroblasts in collagen gels and keratinocytes with the two cell types separated by a semi permeable membrane were used, and relative gene expression was measured with real-time PCR. Results: All investigated genes were regulated by NOK and the SCCs. The downregulation of pro-collagens alpha 1(I) and alpha 1(III) was more pronounced in cocultures with NOK, while the expression of CCN2 and fibronectin was downregulated by both NOK and the SCCs to a similar extent. UT-SCC-87, but not UT-SCC-30, secreted significantly more IL-1 alpha than NOK. A recombinant interleukin-1 receptor antagonist reversed many of the observed effects on fibroblast gene expression suggesting involvement of IL-1 in cocultures with NOK as well as with SCCs. Conclusion: The observed differential effects on fibroblast gene expression suggest that NOK are more antifibrotic compared to UT-SCC-30 and UT-SCC-87. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms behind ECM turnover in tumors.
Background: Tumor stroma is similar to the connective tissue of chronic inflammation. The extracellular matrix of tumors is formed by cancer-associated fibroblasts that also modulate the inflammatory response. Materials and Methods: We studied the ability of oral keratinocytes (NOK) and oral squamous cell carcinoma cells (SCC) to induce an innate immune response in fibroblasts. Co-cultures with fibroblasts in collagen gels and keratinocytes in inserts were used. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) was used as an indicator of an innate immune response. Results: SCC and NOK up-regulated fibroblast mRNA expression and protein release of PTX3. mRNA levels were more pronounced in cultures with malignant cells. The induction of PTX3 was abrogated by an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist Conclusion: Keratinocytes have the capacity to induce an interleukin-1-dependent innate immune response by fibroblasts in vitro. This could be important for subsequent fibroblast modulation of the inflammatory reaction in non-malignant and malignant disease processes.
Background: While carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) support tumorigenesis, normal tissue fibroblasts suppress tumor progression. Mechanisms behind conversion of fibroblasts into a CAF phenotype are largely unrevealed. Materials and Methods: Transwell co-cultures with fibroblasts in collagen gels and squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC) cells or normal oral keratinocytes (NOKs) in inserts. Differences in fibroblast global gene expression were analyzed using Affymetrix arrays and subsequent functional annotation and cluster analysis, as well as gene set enrichment analysis were performed. Results: There were 52 up-regulated and 30 down-regulated transcript IDs (>2-fold, p<0.05) in fibroblasts co-cultured with SCC compared to NOKs. Functional analysis demonstrated an enrichment of collagen-related genes. There were similarities with gene sets reflecting a non-specific, innate-type response with activation of both interferon pathways and connective tissue turnover. Conclusion: There were distinct differences in fibroblast gene expression between the co-culture types. Many were in genes related to an innate-type of response and to connective tissue turnover.
BACKGROUND: Growing evidence suggests that the interstitial hyaluronan (HA) content is a determinant of the fluid exchange barrier in tissues through its high resistance to water flow. This study addressed the possible involvement of renal papillary HA in water balance regulation. METHODS: In anesthetized rats during different states of renal water handling (euvolemia, water diuresis, antidiuresis), in desert rodents, and in Brattleboro rats (diabetes insipidus) with a hereditary difference in water handling, regional renal HA and water contents were measured. RESULTS: The intrarenal HA distribution is heterogeneous, with 100 times larger amounts in the papilla than in the cortex. Compared with control rats, two hours of water diuresis increased the papillary HA content by 48% and that in the outer medulla by 52%, leaving the cortex unaffected. After 24 hours of water deprivation, papillary HA was decreased by 17%, while outer medullary HA remained unchanged. In gerbils, papillary and outer medullary HA contents were only 25 and 13%, respectively, of those in normal rats, while the cortical content was similar. In Brattleboro rats, the outer medullary HA content was significantly higher (285%) than in the normal rat, while the papillary content was similar. Generally, papillary HA was positively correlated to water content but was inversely related to urine osmolality. CONCLUSIONS: The amount of renal papillary HA changes in response to water balance of the organism. When excess water needs to be excreted, increased papillary interstitial HA could antagonize water reabsorption. The opposite occurs during water conservation. HA may play a role in renal water handling by affecting physicochemical characteristics of the papillary interstitial matrix and influencing the interstitial hydrostatic pressure, thereby determining interstitial water diffusion.
In acute rejection of transplanted organs intragraft fibroblasts increase their production of hyaluronan. Hyaluronan has strong water binding capacity and an increased tissue content of hyaluronan thus contributes to the development of interstitial oedema. The present study examined the effects of commonly used immunosuppressants (prednisolone, cyclosporin, tacrolimus, mycophenolic acid and sirolimus) on fibroblast proliferation, hyaluronan production and cell surface receptor expression. Fibroblasts isolated from rejecting tissue and from normal, non-transplanted tissue were studied in parallel. All substances investigated, except tacrolimus, were found to affect fibroblasts in one way or another. The most striking effect was the almost total inhibition of fibroblast proliferation in the presence of mycophenolic acid. Cyclosporin reduced the proliferation by about 50% and prednisolone had an inhibiting effect on hyaluronan production (50% reduction). These effects were observed on fibroblasts isolated from rat cardiac allografts undergoing rejection as well as on fibroblasts obtained from normal heart tissue. In contrast, sirolimus was found to stimulate the proliferation of fibroblasts from rejecting tissue (100% increase), but not that of normal fibroblasts. The majority of the fibroblasts expressed the hyaluronan receptor CD44, with a more intense expression in cultures of fibroblasts derived at rejection. None of the immunosuppressants affected the staining pattern (number of positive cells or intensity). The inhibitory effects of prednisolone, cyclosporin and mycophenolic acid on fibroblasts may contribute to the overall beneficial effects of these drugs when used for prevention or treatment of rejection.
Background. The Burn Specific Health Scale (BSHS) is an outcome scale designed specifically for burn patients. The scale has been abbreviated (BSHS-A) and revised (BSHS-R). We used a factor analytic approach to further improve the scale for clinical use.


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In Their Own Words
February 05, 1741
Oglethorpe Challenged for Parliament Seat
Though James Oglethorpe's family home was in the Surrey County town of Godalming, he was elected to the House of Commons from the nearby community of Haslemere. [See map] During his stay in Georgia, Oglethorpe remained a member of Parliament, but on this day his friend and fellow-Trustee, the Earl of Egmont, learned some sad news. Egmont's son had decided to challenge Oglethorpe for his Haslemere seat, as noted in Egmont's diary:
"My son told me this day that he was to go next Sunday with Mr. Boon to offer his service at Haslemere at next election, being both invited by the greatest number of voters. That he had 43 sure votes and the whole number are but 69. I told him, I was very sorry for it, because he would fling out Col. Oglethorpe, but his friends refused, and after all, it was as good he should be elected as another, for they had been hawking the borough, and if he had not stood another would, for the Colonel's managers, who are two attorneys, had received the money given at former elections, and divided nothing to the electors but sunk it in their own pockets. That he agreed for a sum, but no purchase, no pay."
Source: U.K. Historical Manuscripts Commission, Diary of the First Earl of Egmont (London: His Majesty's Stationery Office, 1923), Vol. III, p. 188.


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Robert Greene Quotes About RealityQuotes about: Reality
Adversity Animals Appearance Art Balance Belief Books Brandy Character College Critics Culture Decisions Desire Discipline Doubt Effort Emotions Enemies Energy Envy Exercise Failing Feelings Fighting Film Focus Giving Goals Hate Heaven Home Identity Internet Language Manipulation Mistakes Mom Opinions Overcoming Parents Past Persistence Pleasure Purpose Reality Reputation Resentment Running Strategy Study Take Care Talent Waiting Wall War Water Weakness Worry Writing
Her seductive power, however, did not lie in her looks [...]. In reality, Cleopatra was physically unexceptional and had no political power, yet both Caesar and Antony, brave and clever men, saw none of this. What they saw was a woman who constantly transformed herself before their eyes, a one-woman spectacle.Her dress and makeup changed from day to day, but always gave her a heightened, goddesslike appearance. Her words could be banal enough, but were spoken so sweetly that listeners would find themselves remembering not what she said but how she said it.
You May Also Like:
Robert Greene
- Born: May 14, 1959
- Occupation: American author
- Cite this Page: Citation


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I got this from USA WEEKEND. Thought it was intriguing. I will comment on each places that I already visited.
Top Places For Fun (2004)
1. Las Vegas -- Of course, the town is 24/7 entertainment city. Each visit I went, drama ensued.
2. Iowa State Fair - Des Moines
3. Times Square, New York City -- What is there to see except the tourists? I can't stand Times Square because of tourists -- they do not know how to walk properly. They suddenly stopped and the commuters crashed into them. I go there only for Broadway plays and avoid the Square as much as can be.
4. Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio
5. Provincetown, Cape Cod, Mass -- Ahh, gay people made it a tourist destination but never went there. I heard that you could fuck openly in the beach area, though.
6. Guadalupe River tubing, Texas
7. Audubon Zoo, New Orleans
8. Disneyland, Anaheim, CA
9. National Air and Space Museum, Chantilly, VA
10. Telluride, Colorado
Most Beautiful Places (2003)
1. Red Rock Country (Sedona, Arizona) -- I visited this place once before. It was difficult to explain what it is like.
2. Nighttime view from Mount Washington, Pittsburgh
3. The upper Mississippi River
4. Hawai'i's Na Pali Coast
5. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco -- Agreed with this one.
6. Grafton, Vermont
7. Jenny Lake, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming -- I was there -- the Teton MOuntains simply overwhelmed me.
8. Key Largo to Key West in Florida
9. Clingmans Dome, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
10. The squares of Savannah, Georgia -- It is historical area -- very liberal in that area where gays people can kiss their partners openly. See, that is the whole point -- Liberals make it beautiful and safe. Can the Conservatives? Nah, they can't.
National Treasures (2001)
1. Gettysburg Battlefields, Pennsylvania -- Barf. I went there. It is so barf. I grew up in Virginia, I'm so sick of Civil War reenactments shit.
2. Acadia National Park, Maine
3. Gateway Arch, St. Louis -- I saw it. I'm like, "That's all?"
4. Statue of Liberty, New York -- The closest thing I did is riding the Staten Island Ferry during the nighttime -- I swear the lady sported big boobs when the lights illuminated from the ground floor.
5. National Civil Rights Museum -- I passed Memphis 4 times in my lifetime, if I knew there was a museum like this, I would stop by!
6. Brooklyn Bridge, New York City -- This is the bridge where you can view Manhattan in action from Downtown all the way to Midtown -- the skyscrapers and everything ... it always inspired me each time I walked over the bridge.
7. Acoma Indian Pueblo, Acoma, NM
8. USS Arizona Memorial, Honolulu
9. Hollywood sign , Los Angeles -- Sometimes you cannot see the sign because of smog. Sometimes you can see the sign. Honest to God, I always thought it was massive huge until I visited Los Angeles and realized, "Oh, that is all?"
10. Home, sweet home -- This is true. I once fooled my parents that I'm bringing 2 friends home for the Labor Day Weekend from Gallaudet -- I brought 9 friends instead. And my parents still fed them all. I sincerely hope someone has the picture of us all when the Tropical Storm hits the waterpark which we invaded all day long.


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Page 1 of 3 Next
Blog / Elements News
Donald McGee Jul 8, 2015 Elements News
Perhaps you have tried talking with a therapist or counselor, which is an effective way to tackle this often desperation-inducing condition, but it often works even better when you treat the chemical side of the issue. Doctors often prescribe a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as Fluoxentine, Sertraline and Citalopram, and they are often effective but they sometimes come with side effects that may complicate treatment, at the very least.
Jennie Lee May 11, 2015 Elements News
Wellness has become a buzzword these days, ranging in application from medical diagnoses to spa services. Anyone you ask will have a list of things that make him/her feel good. For most people, this list will be based on circumstances and relationships outside of themselves. But externals are always changing and in order to cultivate an overall sense of true wellbeing, we must tap a source that remains consistent regardless of anything happening around us.
Oct 13, 2014 Elements News
When you make a commitment to routine massage therapy sessions, you're committing to a lifestyle that is focused on overall health and wellness. To make sure that you're getting the best massage every time, Elements Massage suggests adopting the following top ten tips to enhance your massage therapy experience.
Elements San Antonio Client Chooses Massage Over Surgery, Medications to Address Chronic Pain, Live a Pain-Free Lifestyle
Jul 10, 2014 Elements News
When you're plagued with constant debilitating pain that affects your everyday functionality and ability to perform your job's duties, you don't want to hear from your doctors that your only options for pain relief are to undergo an unpleasant surgical procedure with unfavorable side effects or to just try and tolerate the pain for as long as you can. For Stephanie Condron, those were the only options presented to her for relieving the neuropathy in her heel from an arthritic condition that caused a burning pain when she walked, sat or drove.
Elements Masage May 5, 2014 Elements News
Our Elements Massage therapeutic approach is designed to match you with the therapist and the specific technique that's best for your unique health and wellness situation. We customize each massage session to the specific needs of every client and often incorporate techniques from several types of massage to ensure that you receive the best and most appropriate treatment.
Elements Massage Apr 9, 2014 Elements News
Whether you're a weekend warrior or a competitive athlete, sports activity can jar your joints, max your muscles and exhaust your energy. If you don't take the time to prepare and recover your mind and body for competition, you'll find difficulty in reaching your performance potential and accomplishing your sports activity goals.
By incorporating regular sports massage therapy into your training and competition regimen, you will not only be in a better position to get the most out of your athletic capabilities during an event, but you'll also be able to build strength, confidence and range of motion while recuperating.
Elements Massage Mar 31, 2014 Elements News
Thereapists from Elements Massage across the United States speak out on what are the most common injuries people treat using Massage Therapy.
Elements Massage Mar 10, 2014 Elements News
You know you've had a disappointing massage experience when you leave a session feeling mentally and physically dissatisfied. Whether you had a hard time relaxing because of too many thoughts running through your mind or you weren't comfortable with the therapist's massage approach, the room temperature, music selection or lighting, there are many internal and external factors that come into play during a massage session.
Elements Massage Feb 26, 2014 Elements News
When most people think about a true therapeutic experience, they often opt for a full body massage to relax and rejuvenate their mind, body and spirit. But what they might not realize is that the simple act of focusing on the reflexology zones in the hands, feet and ears can help elevate their state of relaxation and recovery to new levels.
Elements Massage Therapists Feb 17, 2014 Elements News
Therapists from around the country describe what they love most about massage.
Page 1 of 3 Next


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Weekly Top 10
WASHINGTON, D.C. March 8, 2019
TO: NCSEJ Leadership and Interested Parties
FROM: Daniel Rubin, Chairman;
Aleksander Smukler, President;
Mark B. Levin, Executive Vice-Chairman & CEO
Dear Friend,
On Thursday afternoon, the House of Representative overwhelmingly passed (407-23)
H. Res. 183
condemning anti-Semitism and intolerance towards other groups and religious denominations. The resolution was initiated in response to Representative Ilhan Omar's (D-MI) use of the anti-Semitic "dual loyalty" trope during an event. Some American Jewish organizations and members of Congress were disappointed that the resolution did not solely focus on anti-Semitism.
This week, Politico reported on the myriad causes of the
contemporary surge of anti-Semitism
around the world. William Echikson, the author and Director of the European Union of Progressive Judaism Brussels office, explores the role of nationalist governments in Eastern Europe in spreading anti-Jewish propaganda, leftist movements in Western Europe engaging in popular demonstrations against Jews, and the ideological confrontations in the United States between supporters and detractors of Israel. Echikson concludes by warning of continued repercussions for the Jewish community if this new hate grows unchecked.
On Tuesday, Israeli Interior Minister Aryeh Deri, the leader of Israel's ultra-Orthodox Shas party,
disparaged hundreds of thousands of former Soviet Jews
who immigrated to Israel for not being halachically Jewish, and threatened to change Israel's Law of Return to exclude some immigrants from the region. Having worked for the liberation of Soviet Jewry for decades and for their right to make aliyah, NCSEJ is disappointed with Deri for his comments. Jews from the former Soviet Union now living in Israel have and continue to make important contributions to the country's society and culture.
Please see the article below on the return of the
descendants of Chernobyl's Jewish dynasty
, over thirty years after the disaster that befell the city. Rabbi Sirkis Leibel of New York has led ten groups to Chernobyl to visit the Old Synagogue and the grave of Hasidic movement's early leaders.
On Thursday, NCSEJ Deputy Director Lesley Weiss and I arranged for Chief Rabbi of Moscow and President of the Conference of European Pinchas Goldschmidt to meet with the State Department Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating Anti-Semitism Elan Carr.
Today, I am joining a small group of Jewish leaders to meet with Czech Republic Prime Minister Andrej Babiš to discuss issues concerning the Jewish community in his country.
Mark B. Levin
NCSEJ Executive Vice-Chairman & CEO
From left to right: Senior Advisor for Combating Anti-Semitism and Unit Chief for Europe
Stacy Davis, NCSEJ CEO Mark Levin, Chief Rabbi of Moscow Pinchas Goldschmidt, US Special Envoy to Monitor & Combat Anti-Semitism Elan Carr, and NCSEJ Deputy Director Lesley Weiss.
Washington, D.C. March 8, 2019
What's Behind Europe's Surge in Anti-Semitism?
By William Echikson
Politico, March 4, 2019
Anti-Semitism is back in Europe. Cries of "dirty Jew" during Yellow Jackets protests in France, anti-Semitic posters condemning Hungarian-American philanthropist George Soros in Hungary, a row over anti-Semitic remarks that threatens to tear the Labour Party apart in the U.K. — these are all part of the same worrying trend.
This particularly European pathology never truly went away, of course, but it had been confined, after the Holocaust, to the far-right fringes of society. Now the numbers of high-profile incidents and violent attacks are multiplying. Not only is this disease back; it is being weaponized by nationalist governments and parties on both sides of the political spectrum.
So what explains this alarming resurgence?
Read the full article here.
Here's How Young European Jews in Far-Flung Cities Are Connecting to Jewish Studies
By Ben Harris
JTA, March 4, 2019
When Jewish physicist Vladimir Osipov emigrated from his native Moscow 13 years ago, he first moved to Holon, a city in central Israel.
But it wasn't until Osipov relocated with his family three years later to a mid-size city in Germany that they felt part of a vibrant Jewish community.
It wasn't because of the preponderance of Jews in Duisburg, a city of about half a million people in Germany's western Rhineland region. On the contrary, there are only about 2,500 Jews spread out across Duisburg and two neighboring cities.
Read the full article here.
Netanyahu: Russia Shares Goal of Removing All Foreign Troops from Syria
By Herb Keinon
The Jerusalem Post, March 3, 2019
Russia and Israel share the goal of removing all foreign troops from Syria, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday at the weekly cabinet meeting.
Netanyahu, discussing his meeting in Moscow last week with Russian President Vladimir Putin, said that Iran was the focus of the talks, and that he and Putin agreed on the need to remove all foreign forces that arrived in Syria after the start of the civil war there in 2011.
Diplomatic sources said last week that this would exclude Russia, which had a military presence in Syria even before the beginning of the civil war.
Read the full article here.
World Mayors Unite against Anti-Semitism
By Itamar Eichner
YNet News, March 4, 2019
In response to the recent uptick in anti-Semitism around the world, a coalition of mayors of cities around the world are pledging to combat hate, anti-Semitism and the BDS (boycott, divestment and sanctions) movement targeting Israel.
The initiative is headed by Modi'in Mayor Haim Bibas, Mayor of Bal Harbour (Florida) Gabriel Groisman and Mayor of Frankfurt Uwe Becker.
They intend to release a statement signed by the mayors of 40 cities to combat anti-Semitism. They will commit to a number of steps including conducting an annual gathering to discuss dealing with the issue, taking concrete steps to raise awareness in the educational system, examining the possibilities for applicable legislation and exploring ways in which to unite against the rise in extremism around the world.
Read the full article here.
Europe's Jews Caught in a Pincer Movement of Hate
By Jamie Dettmer
Voice of America, March 5, 2019
They sang "La Marseillaise," France's rousing national anthem, on a gray day in the recently desecrated Jewish cemetery in the Alsace village of Quatzenheim, where 96 gravestones were spray-painted last month with Nazi slogans.
The gathering Sunday of hundreds wanting to mark their disgust at the desecration was somber.
And it was made even more mournful by news of another act of vandalism a day earlier in nearby Strasbourg, where anti-Semites vandalized a memorial marking the site of a synagogue that was was razed by the Hitler Youth in September 1940, after the region was annexed by Germany's Third Reich.
Read the full article here.
Meet the Heroes Who Ensured the Holocaust Would Never Be Forgotten
By Francine Wolfisz
Times of Israel, March 5, 2019
From first-hand accounts and diaries to drawings, posters and scribbled notes, the members of the Oyneg Shabbos organisation diligently recorded life from inside the Warsaw Ghetto for posterity.
Hidden in milk cans and metal boxes, which were then carefully secreted away in basements and within the foundations of buildings, some 6,000 documents provided a trove of evidence about the atrocities of the Holocaust and later helped pave the way for the pursuit of justice.
Now the substantial efforts of these individuals and others have been brought to the fore in a fascinating new exhibition, Crimes Uncovered: The First Generation of Holocaust Researchers, which opened at The Wiener Library last week.
Read the full article here.
Poland Considering Exhumations at World War II Massacre Site
Times of Israel, March 6, 2019
The Polish government said Wednesday it is considering carrying out exhumations at a World War II-era site where Jews were burned alive in a barn by their Polish neighbors, something which would violate Jewish religious law.
The matter concerns the 1941 pogrom in the Polish town of Jedwabne, where Poles burned alive more than 300 Jews during the German wartime occupation of the country.
An exhumation began in 2001 but was stopped at the time by then-justice minister Lech Kaczynski out of respect for Jewish law, which objects to disturbing buried remains.
Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki told private broadcaster Polsat News on Tu
esday that authorities are considering starting the exhumations again and that prosecutors will have the final say.
Read the full article here.
Descendants of Chernobyl's Jewish Dynasty Return to the Exclusion Zone
By Christina Blau
National Geographic, March 6, 2019
For 30 years, New York native Yitz Twersky spent all his time and money researching his genealogy, connecting eight generations and over 50,000 people to their roots in Chernobyl, the site of catastrophic nuclear disaster in 1986. He funded hundreds of genetic tests to confirm distant relations, while combing through historical records of a prominent Jewish dynasty. Once satisfied with his life pursuit, Yitz traveled to the birthplace of his family in Ukraine for the first time, breathing fresh life into the surrounding contamination.
Long before clouds of highly radioactive particles were released across Europe, sparking fascination and instilling fear of humanity's fragility, Chernobyl consumed the region with a spiritual fervor. During the 18th century, this town around 100 miles northeast of Kiev became the cradle of a prominent Hasidic movement started by Yitz's direct ancestor, Rebbe Menachem Nahum Twersky, a disciple of the founder of Hasidism, the Baal Shem Tov.
Read the full article here.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Visit Israel Ahead of Elections
By Marcy Oster
JTA, March 6, 2019
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will visit Israel this month with the country in the throes of an election campaign.
Pompeo will be in Israel on March 20 for a summit involving Israel, Greece and Cyprus, Axios reported.
State Department spokesman Robert Palladino told reporters that Pompeo's visit was not meant to influence the April 9 election.
"Israel is an ally. We're not going to get involved in the domestic politics of another country," he said.
Read the full article here.
Israel Interior Minister Ripped As Racist for Tirade Against Soviet Immigrants
By Marcy Oster
JTA, March 6, 2019
Israel's haredi Orthodox interior minister was accused of racism after saying that he regrets the immigration of Israelis from the former Soviet Union because many are not Jewish.
"Unfortunately, hundreds of thousands of Israelis who immigrated from the former Soviet Union in accordance with the Law of Return aren't Jews according to halacha and they are here, to my great regret," Aryeh Deri, who heads the Sephardic Orthodox Shas party, said at a campaign event Tuesday in the coastal city of Ashdod.
Halacha refers to rabbinic Jewish law, which holds that in order to be recognized as Jewish a person must have a Jewish mother or have been converted to Judaism.
Read the full article here.
1120 20th Street NW, Ste. 300N Washington, DC 20036-3413
Telephone: +1 202 898 2500 |
About NCSEJ
Founded in 1971
, the National Coalition Supporting Eurasian Jewry
represents the organized American Jewish community in monitoring and advocating on behalf of the estimated 1.5 million Jews in Eastern Europe and Eurasia, including the 15 successor states of the former Soviet Union.


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Cuddles N Biscuits Pet Sitting , LLC
Click here to add a short description
Click Here to Add a Title
Click Here to Add a Title
My name is Tara Facchin . I started my own dog boarding business after having several years of experience working as a pet sitter for other pet sitting companies. I only take one or two dogs at a time, and will give your dog a lot of attention, playtime in my fenced in yard, walks, and a bath if service is requested.
I am insured through Pet Sitters Associates
Please respect that I am a small dog boarding business from my home, so appointment times will be needed for drop off and pick ups.
* Please supply up to date proof of pet's vaccinations for the safety of all!
Here's what we've been working on
Here's what we've been working on


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OCE Power Rankings6/24/16 - 7/1/16
oce Power Rankings {6/24/16 - 7/1/16}
Welcome to the Rocket League Power Rankings!
Each week, our committee will be ranking the best teams based on a variety of criteria as well as providing commentary on the teams who make it into the Top 10. The committee is comprised of players, content creators, fans, analysts, & coordinators to help diversify opinions and come to a general consensus. Each committee member has their own method for determining team rankings (ranging from stat-tracking to instinct), but they only count for a single vote since the individual ranks are averaged together. Each member will also list a team that didn't quite make the Top 10, but they feel is on the rise and should be watched.
While we do our best to ensure that we are fair and impartial, it is important to remember that these are just opinions and will most likely change weekly. If you have any questions, thoughts, or suggestions, please send them our way. We'd love to hear from you!
Nuovo Gaming
Roster: Bango, SnarfSnarf, Montyconnor
Nuovo play a very smart and steady style of Rocket League. They perform well under pressure, keep well grounded, and are always ready to adapt to the game. They've introduced a more European style of play into the OCE scene and it's been paying off for them, with a soaring record that has taken them to the top. They remain undefeated in recent times, winning their Rocket League Oceanic Championship (RLOC) pool with a 3 - 0 record. However, they did drop games to #JGT, Erase FD, and Gameroos XD, showing a small sign of weakness that they too can have off days. Luckily for Nuovo, they have 2 weeks to make sure they are on top of their game for the finals, where they will be looking to take that big first place prize.yumi_cheeseman
Legacy eSports
Roster: Soma, eren, Orion
Legacy are showing a real spark this week! Taking their pass-first playstyle into both the RLOC pool stage and the Gameroos Tuesday 3v3 tournament (under the name "Lejacy"), and managing to come out on top in both. After their 0-5 loss to Abyss last week, they had a chance to get revenge in RLOC, managing to overcome Abyss in a close 3 - 2 series. However, they were almost beaten in an exciting matchup against Mayne eSports, so they will need to shore up their play, and make sure they aren't losing games unnecessarily. They showed a solid run in Gameroos Tuesday, coming top of their pool, and winning their way through the grand final to get the big prize, it is great to see them participating in more tournaments as they practice for the RLOC finals coming up in 2 weeks.yumi_cheeseman
Abyss eSports
Roster: Addzey, Express, TheSchoolBus
This week Abyss found themselves in Group D along with Legacy, Mayne and Singularity in the RLOC Invitational Qualifier. Definitely not an easy group but one they should be expecting to 3-0. They came out of the group 2-1 with a close loss to Legacy which takes them through to the final 8 but I'd be surprised if they were content with the results. Abyss will be looking to improve their chances of cementing their place in the CGp finals when they take on Team Invidious next week while also putting in the prep work for the RLOC final 8.cyrix
Alpha Sydney
Roster: Dumbo, Dicky, Stoney
Alpha Sydney have the individual skills to pay the bills, but they've continued to show inconsistency throughout their games, not quite ready to play off each other and going for the big solo plays that pay off due to their mechanical talent. This week they took an unsurprising victory in their RLOC pool, with wins against FuroX, Reload and 2KF1. However, they looked a little shaky, especially in their match against Reload in which they did not play to their potential, making it a close 3 - 2 series. Things are looking up for Alpha Sydney however, and it is worth noting they only moved down 1 spot on the power rankings due to some solid performances by Legacy. Alpha Sydney will be practicing hard for the RLOC finals, and with some changes to their play, this power ranker predicts Alpha Sydney with a high chance of taking 1st or 2nd for the entire tournament.yumi_cheeseman
Another One
Roster: OssyOsbert, Stig, Cyrix, Plitzinator
Great results from Another One this week, with a smashing few series in the RLOC Invitational Qualifiers last sunday. They played the day out with their newly found sub (a first for Another One) Plitzinator one of the best PS4 strikers who has made the switch to PC Master Race as of a few weeks ago. Starting off the day A1 headed up against the up and coming Trinity who are the revamped roster of Citadel now with Jcoffee, with a easy 3-1. Next in round 2 was a rather surprising 3-0 against Control who have been looking so solid as of late, and of our last ranking were two places above A1 ranked 5th. Finally we saw another 3-1 this time against Team Supremacy, just going to show how on fire A1 were with super sub Plitzinator. When CGp matches commence again next week due to recruitment week having just taken place A1 will be up against Legacy who have been looking a little shaky these past few week, so if A1 are on their game i expect a very close series.Fachy
Control eSports
Roster: Drippay, Daisu, Turtle
Only one showing from the boys over at Control, that being the RLOC Invitational Qualifiers last Sunday, where they managed to make top top two of Group A and will proceed to the Online Finals on the 26th. Control might have only just sealed their top 2 spot with some close and not so close series throughout the day. They started off with a close 3-2 series against the newly picked up Team Supremacy which might have been a kick in the gut for Control going into their next match against A1 where they surprisingly lost 3-0 to Another One considering their recent consistency. Finally the match that got them to the Online Finals, another close series again at 3-2 against Trinity. Even though they made top 2 of their group last Sunday they had some close series which in turn demands their swap with Another One this week.Fachy
Roster: Fachy, Fake, Siki, Seeker
Velocity are still in their rebuilding phase after leaving their old organisation and taking on a fourth. In just one outing this week, they lost to a team they should have beaten. Chalk it up this time as "having a bad day" but if this sort of loss continues in the coming weeks they are likely to slide more than just one place at a time. They impressed early in the Season but now have work to do to regain form and glory.chrisis
Team furoX
Roster: Kapow_power, Ultra, Outlast
Great showing from furo this week with showings in the RLOC and Gameroos 28/6 / 30/6. First up was their RLOC appearance where they clinched a top 2 spot alongside Alpha Sydney. During that day they had a unsurprising 3-0 win against 2KF1 Gaming, then a close 3-2 series against Reload who were running with their sub Ramus after Freaks departure from Competitive RL. Finally their matchup against Alpha where they lost 3-1 to give them the score 2-1 for the day claiming the second top spot of Group B, proceeding to the Online Finals. Tuesday and Thursday saw witness to furo in Gameroos where they took Thursday's against the newly formed Blitzkrieg with a 3-2 in the finals. Lastly Tuesday's with a close loss to Legacy 2-1 in the semi finals, a strong showing. FuroX also made one pickup during recruitment week that being the former Erase player Turbul4nc3.With these results FuroX definitely earned their +2.cyrix
Gameroos XD
Roster: yumi_cheeseman, aoe_emp, DaBeastXD
Great showing from furo this week with showings in the RLOC and Gameroos 28/6 / 30/6. First up was their RLOC appearance where they clinched a top 2 spot alongside Alpha Sydney. During that day they had a unsurprising 3-0 win against 2KF1 Gaming, then a close 3-2 series against Reload who were running with their sub Ramus after Freaks departure from Competitive RL. Finally their matchup against Alpha where they lost 3-1 to give them the score 2-1 for the day claiming the second top spot of Group B, proceeding to the Online Finals. Tuesday and Thursday saw witness to furo in Gameroos where they took Thursday's against the newly formed Blitzkrieg with a 3-2 in the finals. Lastly Tuesday's with a close loss to Legacy 2-1 in the semi finals, a strong showing. FuroX also made one pickup during recruitment week that being the former Erase player Turbul4nc3.With these results FuroX definitely earned their +2.cyrix
Roster: Sparks, French Fries, Coleslaw
Invidious have a very aggressive, challenge heavy playstyle that stifles their opponents and allow them to capitalise on mistakes and good 50/50s. Once, a top 3 team, they are slowly trickling down the power rankings due to inactivity and a lack of solid results. They unfortunately could not play in the RLOC group stage, and have had no matches to speak of this week. I think InVidious need to make some changes and experiment with their playstyle. They have 3 very strong players who have played Rocket League since the inception, and with some hard work, they can easily find themselves back at the top. For now, we hope we'll be able to see more of them.yumi_cheeseman
Top 10
|Nuovo Gaming
|Legacy eSports
|Abyss eSports
|Alpha Sydney
|Another One
|Control eSports
|Team furoX
|Gameroos XD
Player for Another One
Player for Gameroos and Commentator for AussieGamingTV
Player for Velocity.
Lead Rocket League commentator for Gamestah
Teams To Watch
- Chrisis: Control eSports
- Fachy: Riotous eSports
- Cyrix: Trinity
- yumi_cheeseman: Singularity


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Nakheel Malls
Dubai, 18 May 2017 … Dragon Mart 2 is organising and hosting a Ramadan Market with up to 70 per cent discount on all the essentials for the Holy Month.
With everything from souvenirs to soft furnishings and chinaware to clothes – all at knock-down prices – the market is a one-stop destination to prepare for Ramadan.
The Ramadan Market is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm (10 am to midnight at weekends) until 30 May, and offers souvenirs, food items, textiles, vases, artificial flowers, kitchen utensils, clothing, decorations and more.
For more information on the Ramadan Market and other events and attractions at Dragon Mart 2, follow the mall on social media (Facebook @dragonmartcomplex, Instagram and Twitter @dragonmart) or call 04 3909999.
Media contact: Rebecca Rees on +971 4375 9702 (email@example.com)
Dragon Mart celebrates UAE-China Week With Exciting Line-up of Traditional Chinese Cultural Activities
Generation Start-up: Awok founder solving a retail problem for UAE's underserved mass market
Terms & Conditions | All rights reserved © GLMA Agency 2019


text: Darkness of Raven Wood, The Walkthrough by Alex Dijkstra for the BBC Note: Turn off write protect because when you finish part 1 a value is written to the disk which enables playing part 2. Chapter 1 EXAM CARRIAGE (you find a key), GET KEY, IN, TALK BARMAN (watch out for wolves in forest), GET GLASS, DRINK BEER, TALK VILLAGERS (they ony talk with you after you drank the beer with them. they tell you the woman at the vicarage wants something to remember her husband), OUT, E, TALK STRANGER (he tells you yoU need key to enter blacksmith), EXAM FOUNTAIN, GET ROCK, E, E, EXAM SIGN (you find a nail), GET NAIL, E, S, S, EXAM BROOK (you find mud), EXAM MUD (you find axe), GET AXE, S, FILL GLASS (with water), GET BIBLE, EXAM BIBLE (it is dedicated to amy), EXAM BRICKS ( you read the word xyzzy), SAY XYZZY (you are transported to the location outside the blacksmith), W, N, THROW ROCK (the crying stops), DROP BIBLE, S, N (the bible has been exchanged for the casket), GET CASKET, EXAM CASKET (it contains black powder), GET ROCK, S, S, W, EXAM UNDEAD (it'S the priest), SWING AXE (you slice its head off), GET CRUCIFIX, E, S, EXAM SIGN (you find a string), GET STRING, W, EXAM SCREE, GET FLINT, E, N, N, E, USE KEY (the door opens), IN, GET HAMMER, STRIKE ROCK (with flint), USE BELLOWS (the furnace lights), EXAM FURNACE (you fins a burning stick), GET STICK, USE CRUCIFIX (it melts), USE WATER (you can take the stake), GET STAKE, OUT, W, TALK STRANGER (he tells you you can use the casket to blast through the wall), STRIKE NAIL (with hammer), USE STRING (you've made a bomb), S, E, EXAM WOLVES, THROW STICK (the wolves die), GET BONES, CRUSH BONES (with hammer), W, N, W, IN, TALK VILLAGERS (you learn that you ust offer crushed bones to offer the spirit angelus), OUT, E, S, S, S, E, EXAM STONE, DROP POWDER, SAY ANGELUS, TALK GHOST (the ghost imbues the stake), W, N, N, N, E, E, E, E, N, GET BRICK (you make a small hole), PLACE CASKET, STRIKE ROCK (with flint), S (the bomb explodes), N (you see a large hole), GO HOLE (you need the hammer, imbued stake and axe to be able to pass the barrier). Chapter 2 You have lost all your objects except the hammer, stake and axe. In all the rooms you hear undergrowth splintering nearby and growling you have a 30% chance of encountering a werewolf. The werewolf can't be killed. E, E, E, E, S, GET BOOK, W, S, EXAM KEEPER, EXAM ARM (you find a key), GET KEY, EXAM POND (you find a handle), GET HANDLE, S, E, EXAM STATUE (inscription pull 3rd then place and twist), S, E, S, USE KEY (padlock), IN, GET SHEARS, GET BUCKET, OUT, N, W, N, W, N, FILL BUCKET (with water), S, E, S, E, S, E, EXAM FIRE (there is something in the flame), USE WATER (you find an amulet), GET AMULET, EXAM AMULET (it has a carving of a snake), READ BOOK (snakes fear amulet), W, W, SHOW AMULET (the snake cowers in fear), GET LADDER, E, N, W, DROP LADDER, U (you need the ladder), EXAM KITE (you find a key), GET KEY (iron), D, E, E, USE KEY (you unlock the doors), D, READ BOOK (you read about how to kill the plant), W, U, EXAM PICTURE (you find the letters OM), E, EXAM PICTURE (you find the letters LI), N, EXAM PICTURE (you find the letter X), W, EXAM DRAWS (you find a dagger), GET DAGGER, E, S, E, PULL CORD (you enter a secret passage), W, S, CUT HAND (with dagger), SAY OMLIX (the letters you found on the pictures), S, E, USE HANDLE , W (the plant dies), READ BOOK (daemons fear silver), SAY XYZZY(you are transported to the place where you found the book), W, W, S, S, S (the roots are dead), USE SHEARS (the roots have to be dead, you find an idol), GET IDOL, N, E, E, S, E, E, D, GET BOTTLE, 3 (the number you read on the statue. a hole opens), GO HOLE, EXAM ALTAR (it has an indention), EXAM IDOL (it's base fits in something), PLACE IDOL, TURN IDOL (you find a parchment), GET PARCHMENT, READ PARCHMENT (you learn the word emeth), OUT, W, U, E, N, EXAM MIRROR (it's backed with silver), SWING AXE (the axe shatters the mirror), GET SHARD, CRUSH SHARD (with hammer.you obtain silver powder), S, W, D, SAY EMETH (the golem shudders to a halt), N, THROW POWDER, USE STAKE, HIT STAKE (with hammer. you kill lord Elgan). The game contains a few minor bugs: *First chapter: -you can examine the bricks in any location to learn the word XYZZY *Second chapter: -You can't go back north in the room with the sealed door in the south wall when the door is sealed although you just came from the north. I used the word xyzzy to escape.


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Kellermayer, Ferreira, Dupuis, Groc et al. dans Neuron
Changement nanoscopique, effet macroscopique: nouvel éclairage sur le récepteur NMDA!
The nanoscale topography of GluN2-NMDA receptor subtypes tunes plasticity at glutamatergic synapses. Kellermayer B*, Ferreira JS*, Dupuis JP*, Levet F§, Grillo-Bosch D§, Bard L§, Linarès-Loyez J, Bouchet D, Choquet D, Rusakov DA, Bon P, Sibarita JB, Cognet L, Sainlos M, Carvalho AL, Groc L *,§ equal contributions. Neuron
:September 27, 2018DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2018.09.012
Shedding new lights on the organization of the synapse and its plasticity!
Glutamatergic synapses mediate most of excitatory neurotransmissions in the brain and have the ability to adapt their strength in response to salient environmental stimuli, a neuronal plasticity process that has been proposed to support learning and memory formation. NMDA glutamate receptors (NMDAR) were found to be central actors of these experience-dependent changes in transmission efficacy. Thus, they have been extensively studied over the past decades through genetic and pharmacological manipulations. These studies have revealed that two main subtypes of NMDAR can be found in the forebrain: those containing the GluN2A and those containing the GluN2B subunit, which display specific biophysical, pharmacological and signaling properties. An interesting feature of these two predominant subtypes is that their respective abundance at synapses changes along brain development or sensory experience, and directly influences the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken.
However, how the spatial distribution of GluN2A– and GluN2B-NMDAR at synapses evolves during maturation or activity-elicited modifications, and how it may affect synaptic signaling and adaptation remained open questions. In a joint effort between researchers of IINS (University of Bordeaux/CNRS UMR 5297), LP2N (University of Bordeaux/Institut d'Optique), University College London (UK), and of the University of Coimbra (Portugal), we used super-resolution microscopy and electrophysiological recordings in hippocampal neurons to investigate the nanoscale organization of GluN2A- and GluN2B-NMDAR at synapses and how it influences their adaptation. Both receptor subtypes were found to be organized in separate nanodomains which varied in number, area, shape, and localization over the course of development. (Picture: Laurent Groc)
These nanodomains displayed regulation mechanisms that were specific to each receptor subtype and involved interactions with scaffolding proteins of the postsynaptic density. To explore how this finely controlled distribution may influence synaptic signaling, we then selectively disrupted the organization of either GluN2A- or GluN2B-NMDAR nanodomains. To our surprise, acting on one or the other allowed to bi-directionally influence the adaptation of synapses: while disorganizing GluN2A-NMDAR nanodomains enhanced the strengthening of neuronal connections, disrupting the organization of GluN2B-NMDAR resulted in the exact opposite!
These investigations reveal for the first time that the nanoscale organization of receptors plays a key role in NMDAR signaling at synapses, and likely influences the plasticity of neuronal networks.
Laurent GROC Directeur Recherche CNRS, Group Leader IINS, CNRS UMR 5297 Centre Broca Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Universite de Bordeaux
Dernière mise à jour le 02.10.2018


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Mr. Bear also exhibits curiously human-like behaviours. Walking on two legs. Being sociable, yet also liking time alone. Quiet periods of introspection, interrupted with thunderous, angry roars. Bears also appear rather cuddly in their thick, wooly coats, and bear cubs in particular are just too cute. It is these contrasting elements of appearance and behavior that have endeared the bear as a creature of fascination for people through the ages.
One of the earliest and most significant events that cemented the position of the bear into modern culture was a bear hunting trip in Mississippi, 1902. On this trip was American President Theodore 'Teddy' Roosevelt, who became rather annoyed when some associates in his party trapped a bear, tied it up, and invited him to finish it off. Roosevelt felt this was unsporting behaviour, and news soon spread of this incident amongst the Twitterati of the day. Indeed, soon enough, the Washington Post included a cartoon featuring the stand-off between Roosevelt and the hapless bear. This cartoon then prompted toymaker Morris Michtom to design a stuffed bear cub toy, complete with a sign that read "Teddy's bear". The Teddy Bear has never looked back, and millions of his descendants are still with us 112 years on.
The point here is that the subsequent decades witnessed several very famous new bears, created for children's books and cartoons; who have all contributed greatly to the bear cause. Here are a few of the most distinctive:
The 1920s gave us Rupert the Bear and Winnie the Pooh. Rupert always struck me as a particularly dapper individual, what with his bipedal ways, matching yellow checked trousers and scarf and dazzling red jersey. Winnie the Pooh, however, was more earthy in appearance, and possessed a charming and whimsical personality which still captivates children 87 years on.
Fast forward two decades, and for some unknown reason that still mystifies historians to this day, three years after Hitler's advances were quashed a small hand-puppet bear called Sooty was created. It is not easy, 66 years later, to know why Yorkshireman Harry Corbett chose to create a small, yellow, mute hand-puppet bear, complete with magicians wand, but he clearly had some insight as Guinness World Records recognise Sooty as the longest-running children's programme in the UK.
It's 1958 and Paddington Bear makes his first entrance into the ursine pantheon. Paddington, much like Winnie the Pooh, was a quintessentially English bear (except, of course, he was from Peru.) with similar traits of grumpiness and moments of absurd joy. Paddington was also visually distinct, and was always characterised clutching his battered suitcase, resplendent in squashed red hat, red boots, and blue duffle coat. He was terribly polite, but also a bit confused, in a charming, lost kind of way.
It is very fitting that in the same year that Paddington Bear was created, across the Atlantic the ebullient Yogi Bear was launched by Hanna-Barbera productions. Yogi was a big character, and along with fellow bear Boo-Boo, spent much of this time hunter-gathering in Jellystone Park, much to the chagrin of Park Ranger Smith. The most distinctive features of Yogi are his big bear grin and his ever-cheerful, gurgly voice, as characterised in catchphrases such as 'Hey there, Boo-Boo!' and 'Hello, Mr. Ranger, Sir!'.
Okay, just two more bears to go. You still with me?! Can you bear any more? Or would you like me to paw's a little? (Sorry!)
If, like me, you were exposed to children's TV in the 1970s, you will recall the somewhat bizarre sight of a large, upright, naked and cumbersome bear with a dopey voice, accompanied by the excitable Zippy (what animal?!) and mellow George, the hippopotamus. I am talking, of course, about Bungle of cult classic Rainbow series fame. Legend has it that Bungle's initial representations were very bear-like, but as it was felt that this scared children, he was redesigned to appear more cartoon like. Perhaps all that messing around with his DNA affected his character? Poor old Bungle.
And finally. It's the eighties. It's SuperTed! Apparently, Mike Young designed this heroic bear as a means to help his son overcome his fear of the dark. It probably worked. Everything about SuperTed was vibrant, loud and confident. He was sensitive to others, but also possessed a boldness and sense of purpose that sprung into action whenever evil do'ers were at hand. Texas Pete was one of SuperTed's arch enemies, and once alert to the danger, all it took was the utterance of the 'secret magic word' and SuperTed would jump to the challenge. And with SuperTed currently undergoing a revival, we wonder what the modern makeover will do for him?
So, there we have it. As you can see, bears are a strange, quirky bunch, but have remained solidly in our childhood peripherals for over a century. Even within the listed family of VIP bears, we have grumpy bears, polite bears, clumsy bears, introspective bears, verbose bears and heroic bears. So much so, I think I've had enough.
Or, as Winnie the Pooh once reflected, "Did you ever stop to think...and forget to start again?"


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Beernana Bread
Total TimePrep: 15 min. Bake: 55 min. + cooling
Makes1 loaf (16 slices)
- 3 cups self-rising flour
- 3/4 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1-1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
- 1 bottle (12 ounces) wheat beer
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl, mix flour, oats and brown sugar. In another bowl, mix bananas, beer and maple syrup until blended. Add to flour mixture; stir just until moistened.
- Transfer to a greased 9x5-in. loaf pan. Drizzle with oil; sprinkle with sesame seeds and salt. Bake 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool.
Freeze option: Securely wrap and freeze cooled loaf in foil and place in resealable plastic freezer bag. To use, thaw at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts1 slice: 173 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 304mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
Recommended Video
Mar 25, 2018
roseannf, wheat beer is beer that is brewed with over 50% malted wheat as opposed to malted barley. I would suggest trying this recipe with Paulaner Hefe-Weizen. It has kind of a banana-like aroma and taste (and is also very good). Now I gotta try this bread too.
Sep 5, 2017
Want to try this really bad, but don't know what kind of beer is "wheat" beer? Can someone give me famous brand names so I can buy some??
Jan 9, 2016
Not for high altitude.
Apr 27, 2015
Your mathematical logic is spot on! This is my favorite banana bread recipe, and I will make it whenever I have the spare bananas. Moist and delicious, fabulous crust. I salute you sir. I also posted this on my All The Cooks App, crediting you of course. :) Thanks for a stellar recipe.
Oct 22, 2014
This recipe is wonderful! The bread is moist and delicious and a welcome change from more traditional banana bread recipes. My husband and I slathered our slices with butter, which was not necessary, but really tasted good! I will definitely be making this again!
Jul 8, 2014
I enjoyed the flavor of this bread, but I may try putting sugar on the top next time. The beer is subtle, but I can taste it. The texture is amazing.
Jun 16, 2014
Why rate something you haven't even tried? If it's too "weird" for you then move on and don't give a rating - especially if you haven't made it. Actually it wasn't weird at all, I made this today for company. Big hit everyone enjoyed it...and not one person thought it was weird.
Jun 15, 2014
How or WHY would you rate something you didn't even TRY! Excellent!!
Jun 15, 2014
Haven't tried it.....sounds so weird!!
May 9, 2013


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ACUTEC Attendance System
A clocking system built for peace of mind
Managing every employee's daily schedule can take up a lot of time. There is the need to juggle multiple people, know their schedules and know if those schedules are occurring and recorded. ACUTEC Attendance is a biometric attendance and absence software package or clocking system which will enable you to really understand what is happening with your business. The system is built on your staff 'clocking in' and 'clocking out' of your premises. A biometric scanner is installed which staff are able to sign in and sign out of the building by facial or fingerprint recognition. The system comes complete with a software package for you to access all the data you need to really know what's going on in your business.
Used by universities and businesses of all different shapes and sizes across the UK, ACUTEC Attendance is the perfect addition to your organisation. It ensures your staff's safety while also gaining fundamental reports for your business on time and attendance. Managing multiple shifts with different factors becomes easy rather than a headache with ACUTEC Attendance.
- No longer need ID cards
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- Integrates with payroll
Download our free ACUTEC Attendance Guide for everything you need to know about our clocking system.
The ACUTEC Attendance system is bundled with a dashboard system that provides complete management of what is happening in your organisation. You will be able to gain a clear view of both who is in the building and who is not, gaining health and safety reports and fire regulations in an instant.
The system is flexible to how you schedule your staff's time, allowing you to manage part-time and seasonal workers as well as those working off-site, training days, weekend working, bank holiday and time off in lieu, as well as annual leave and absences.
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We have dynamic solutions that are constantly being developed with help from our dedicated customers. 800 companies are more than 150,000 users use our software today. We are grateful and proud, and we are focused on providing the best service and guidance so the solutions fits each customer.


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Well in my neck of the woods, the sun is smiling down, the birds are still are singing and there is not a breath of the dreaded August westerley. have been having a ball at The Ekka the last two days… Last night I rode the chairlift for what may be one of the last times in my life, as I hear that it will not feature as part of the new revamped Ekka in 2010. And as my legs dangled over the wild lights of Sideshow Alley, the years stripped off me. The boy (which is never too far from the surface), wide eyed and aching to shove ping-pong balls down the mouth of a clown and ride the ferris wheel. Am already looking forward to heading back for our next poetry show on Sunday… yesterday's crowd really got into it.
But back to the Saturday sounds I promised… here's a few songs that are sure to help those weekend eyes open.
The Duke and the King – If You Ever Get Famous
Simone Felice, may be the best songwriter you've never heard of. This is the first song from his latest project The Duke and the King (Mark Twain would be proud), who have just released their debut, 'Nothing Gold Can Stay'. He has also written several books, including the revolutionary prose/poetry of Goodbye Amelia, which is well worth checking out.
A Hawk and a Hacksaw – Housle
A Hawk and a Hacksaw take us on a journey through the cobbled streets of Prague. With an orchestra of instruments including oud, accordion, Turkish cumbus and jaw harp, they harness the gypsy melodies and transform them into their own musical story.
Tex Perkins/Kev Carmody – Darkside
These lyrics kick hard and Tex delivers them with force. This was a highlight for me from last weekends 'Cannot Buy My Soul concert. As Paul Kelly says in this clip… this is a hymn that needs to be heard.