Enzyme accelerates malignant stem cell cloning in chronic myeloid leukemia

Dec. 24, 2012 ? An international team, headed by researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, has identified a key enzyme in the reprogramming process that promotes malignant stem cell cloning and the growth of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a cancer of the blood and marrow that experts say is increasing in prevalence.

The findings are published in the Dec. 24 online early edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Despite the emergence of new therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, CML and other leukemias remain problematic because some cancer stem cells avoid destruction and eventually regenerate themselves, a stem cell process known as self-renewal that can result in a return and spread (metastasis) of the disease.

In the PNAS paper, principal investigator Catriona H. M. Jamieson, MD, PhD, associate professor of medicine at UC San Diego, with colleagues in the United States, Canada and Italy, report that inflammation ? long associated with the development of cancer ? boosts activity of an enzyme called adenosine deaminase or ADAR1.

Expressed during embryogenesis to help blood cell development, ADAR1 subsequently turns off and is triggered by viral infections where it protects normal hematopoietic stem cells from attack. In leukemia stem cells, however, overexpression of ADAR1 enhances the missplicing of RNA, which leads to greater self-renewal and therapeutic resistance of malignant stem cells.

The findings build upon previous studies by Jamieson and others that elucidate the effects of RNA missplicing and instability. ?People normally think about DNA instability in cancer, but in this case, it?s how the RNA is edited by enzymes that really matters in terms of cancer stem cell generation and resistance to conventional therapy.?

The described RNA editing process, which occurs in the context of human and other primate specific sequences, also underscores the importance of addressing inflammation as ?an essential driver of cancer relapse and therapeutic resistance,? Jamieson said. It also presents a new target for future therapies.

?ADAR1 is an enzyme that we may be able to specifically target with a small molecule inhibitor, an approach we have already used effectively with other inhibitors,? said Jamieson. ?If we can block the capacity of leukemia stem cells to use ADAR1, if we can knock down that pathway, maybe we can put stem cells back on the right track and stop malignant cloning.?

CML is a cancer initiated by a mutant gene called BCR-ABL in blood forming stem cells that leads to an expansion of white blood cells and their precursors. It is typically slow-growing and often not diagnosed until its later stages when there can be a sudden, dramatic increase in malignant cells, known as blast crisis. Median age of diagnosis is 66 years; incidence of the disease increases with age. Despite tremendous advances in BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapies, the majority of patients relapse if therapy is discontinued, in part as a result of dormant cancer stem cell resistance. This work suggests a novel mechanism for overcoming cancer stem cell resistance to therapy that may prevent relapse and progression.

The estimated prevalence of CML in the United States is 70,000 persons with the disease, projected to steadily increase to approximately 181,000 by 2050. CML is initiated by the mutant BCR-ABL gene, but scientists have not yet identified the cause of the mutation.

Co-authors are Qingfei Jiang, Leslie A. Crews, Angela C. Court, David J. Goff, Anil Sadarangani and Sheldon R. Morris, Stem Cell Program, UCSD Department of Medicine and UCSD Moores Cancer Center; Christian L. Barrett, UCSD Division of Genome Information Sciences, Departments of Pediatrics; Hye-Jung Chun, Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, Vancouver; Jane M. Isquith, Stem Cell Program, UCSD Department of Medicine, UCSD Moores Cancer Center and Department of Animal Science, California Polytechnic State University; Maria A. Zipeto, UCSD Department of Medicine, UCSD Moores Cancer Center and Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Milano-Biocca, Italy; Mark Minden, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Canada; Jessica M. Rusert and Lawrence S.B. Goldstein, UCSD Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Kim-Hien T. Dao, Oregon Health and Science University Knight Cancer Institute; Marco A. Marra, Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, Vancouver; and Kelly A. Frazer, UCSD Division of Genome Information Sciences, Departments of Pediatrics.

Funding for this research came, in part, from California Institute for Regenerative Medicine grants RN2-00910-1 and DR1-01430, CIRM training grant TG2-01154, CIRM SEED grant RS1-00228-1, the Government of Canada through Genome Canada and the Ontario Genomics Institute and the Canadian Institute of Health Research and the Ratner family foundation.

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Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/top_news/~3/RXBN5GaSW08/121226080344.htm

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2013 Small Business Events Roundup | Small Business Bonfire

You shouldn?t consider this an exhaustive list, but it does give you an idea of the variety of conferences available to you as small business owners and entrepreneurs. If you want to share information on a conference you?ll be attending or hosting, leave us a note in the comments.

Also, if you?re a member of the Small Business Bonfire community (it?s free to join), you can participate in the new forum discussion for conferences and events.

Entrepreneur Magazine?s 5th?Annual Growth Conference 2013

This event will be held in Dallas on January 10, 2013 at the Dallas Convention Center. It?ll feature ?how-to sessions, invaluable networking, and an unforgettable luncheon to honor the Entrepreneur of 2012 winners.? Notable speakers include keynote speaker Barbara Corcoran, Erika Napoletano, Jason Falls and others. Learn more.

Women Business Owners Conference

Designed for women business owners, this conference addresses challenges related to growing a business in today?s economy. The conference, held on March 22, 2013 in Anaheim, CA, will offer female entrepreneurs an opportunity to hear from experts like Liz Goodgold and Tom Patty. Learn more.

InfusionCon 2013

Organizers are touting InfusionCon as the small business sales and marketing event of the year. The conference?held in Scottsdale, AZ March 27 ? 29, 2013?will offer several different informational tracks depending on your interests: Green Track, Mastermind Track, Customer Success Track, Big Ideas Track, and Partner & Developer Track. Lots of speakers are on tap for this event including Daymond John, David Allen and Jay Baer. Learn more.

2013 Small Business Conference

The 2013 Small Business Conference will be held April 11, 2013 in Washington, D.C. and will feature breakout sessions designed to help small business owners improve customer service, small business competition, marketing strategy, and small business legislation. Registration opens December 17, 2012 for this event. Learn more.

America?s Small Business Summit

The Small Business Summit will be held April 29-May 3, 2013 in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce?s annual event ?unites small business owners, managers, and entrepreneurs from across the country to learn, network, and discuss common legislative and management concerns.? Speakers will include Thomas J.Donohue, Steve Forbes, Margaret Spelling, and Bob Woodward. Learn more.

The Veteran Entrepreneur Training Symposium (VETS) 2013

As you probably guessed, this conference is created for veterans by veterans. VETS 2013 runs June 10-13, 2013 and will take place in Reno, NV. According to the event website, the goal of this conference is to ?Provide the knowledge and relationships needed for Veterans to transition into Business Owners to service the Federal Government.? It will help U.S. Vets make the most of contracting opportunities for Veteran-owned businesses. Learn more.

America?s Small Business Development Center (ASBDC) Annual Conference

September 9 ? 12, 2013 the Small Business Development Center will offer workshops, roundtables, general sessions, and working luncheons in Orlando, FL. This conference is still being planned, and they?re looking for presenters. Their call for presentations is open until January 15?hint, hint. Learn more.

?

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Source: http://smallbusinessbonfire.com/2013-small-business-events

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John Degenfelder, Kim Lasley, Jill Bacorn are finalists for 2012 ...

W.T. Kirkman Company, Pamo Valley Winery, and
Ramona Rebels Elite Cheer are business finalists

Ramona Chamber of Commerce has selected three individuals, three businesses, and three organizations as 2012 Annual Awards Finalists for, respectively, Ramona Citizen of the Year, Ramona Business of the Year, and Ramona Non-Profit Organization of the Year.

For approximately 50 years, Ramona has recognized individuals and business owners who have continually dedicated their time and resources in making Ramona a better place to work and live, reports the chamber. This year?s finalists were chosen on their volunteerism, impact of services, contributions made to Ramona as a whole along with the selfless giving of time and effort.

John Degenfelder, Kim Lasley and Jill Bacorn are finalists for Citizen of the Year based on their individual contributions to the community, volunteerism, and leadership.

Ramona Rebels Elite Cheer, W.T. Kirkman Company, and Pamo Valley Winery are the business finalists.

?Each business deserves to be recognized for their abundant community support, countless contributions and overall dedication to enriching Ramona,? chamber director Sally Westbrook said on behalf of the Ramona Chamber of Commerce.

Ramona Rotary, Ramona Garden Club, and Ramona Trails Association are finalists under the nonprofit organization category.

?During the challenges of the economy, these agencies have continued to bring a tremendous amount of value to our town,? said Westbrook. ?Their tireless efforts have made things happen that might not otherwise be possible. ?

Selection of a few from the many nominations was challenging and the chamber recognizes the caliber and impressive number of contributions within the community of Ramona, said Westbrook.

?The finalists are to be congratulated and recognized for going over and above community expectations,? she said.

Nominations for the awards came from the entire community and were not limited to chamber members nor were the nominees limited to chamber members. Nominations were accepted from Sept. 1 through Nov. 15.

?Participation in the nominating of all the candidates is very much appreciated,? said Westbrook.

Award recipients for Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year, Non-Profit Organization of the Year as well as a Special Lifetime Achievement award will be announced at the Annual Ramona Chamber Installation Dinner on Jan. 13, 2013, in San Vicente Inn. To learn more about the chamber or the installation dinner, visit ramonachamber.com or call the chamber at 760-789-1311.

Related posts:

1. Fowler, Owen, Davis are finalists for 2011 citizen of the year
2. Chamber announces award finalists
3. Chamber accepts nominations for citizen, business of year
4. Chamber accepts nominations for citizen, business, lifetime awards
5. Chamber accepts nominations for annual awards

Short URL: http://www.ramonasentinel.com/?p=20051

Source: http://www.ramonasentinel.com/2012/12/26/john-degenfelder-kim-lasley-jill-bacorn-are-finalists-for-2012-citizen-of-the-year-award/

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Amazon deforestation brings loss of microbial communities

Dec. 24, 2012 ? An international team of microbiologists led by Klaus N?sslein of the University of Massachusetts Amherst has found that a troubling net loss in diversity among the microbial organisms responsible for a functioning ecosystem is accompanying deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.

N?sslein, an expert in tropical rain forest microbial soil communities, says, "We found that after rainforest conversion to agricultural pastures, bacterial communities were significantly different from those of forest soils. Not only did the pasture soils show increased species numbers, these species were also less related to one another than in rainforest soil. This is important because the combination of lost forest species and the homogenization of pasture communities together signal that this ecosystem is now a lot less capable of dealing with additional outside stress."

He and colleagues studied a large farm site over the past four years at the frontier where farmers drive agriculture into pristine rainforest in Rondonia, Brazil, to convert rainforest to agricultural use. Findings in part validated previous research showing that bacteria in the soil became more diverse after conversion to pasture. However, in its fourth year, their study overcame limitations of earlier investigations to show that changes in microbial diversity occurred over larger geographic scales. Results appear in the current issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

In addition to N?sslein at UMass Amherst, the research group includes first author Jorge Rodrigues at the University of Texas at Arlington with Brendan Bohannan at the University of Oregon, James Tiedje at Michigan State University, and others at the University of Sao Paulo. Lead investigators N?sslein and Rodrigues emphasize that the study is an equal collaboration among the four research groups.

Findings do not support earlier study conclusions, instead they show that the loss of restricted ranges for different bacteria communities results in a biotic homogenization and net loss of diversity overall. Scientists worry that the loss of genetic variation in bacteria across a converted forest could reduce ecosystem resilience. The researchers hope their work will provide valuable data to those making decisions about the future of the Amazon rainforest.

Biologist and first author Jorge Rodrigues of the University of Texas at Arlington adds, "We have known for a long time that conversion of rainforest land in the Amazon for agriculture results in a loss of biodiversity in plants and animals. Now we know that microbial communities which are so important to the ecosystem also suffer significant losses."

As N?sslein and colleagues point out, the Amazon represents half of the world's rainforest and is home to one-third of Earth's species, yet the Amazon has one of the highest rates of deforestation. Agriculture is one of the largest and most dynamic parts of Brazil's economy, so dealing with standing rainforests in the tropics will be tricky, but nevertheless, it is vital that the issue is tackled."

Rodrigues says he and colleagues are currently compiling findings about the potential for recovery of the microbial diversity after pastureland is abandoned and returned to "secondary forest." At the same time, N?sslein and colleagues are leading an effort to investigate how the redundancy of functions provided by soil microbes provides resilience to the effects of agricultural land use change to support a stressed ecosystem to recover stability.

"Whether bacterial diversity will completely recover from ecosystem conversion will depend in part on whether the taxa lost due to conversion are truly locally extinct or whether they are present in the pasture sites but of such low abundance that they are undetectable in our study," the authors write.

This work was supported by grants from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Research Support Foundation of the State of S?o Paulo.

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Scientific American Staff Picks: 10 Apps for Your Smart Phone or Tablet

Load up your new device with these geek-centric apps

By The Editors

Image: Courtesy of WeWantToKnow

DragonBox

Compatibility: Apple iOS and OS X, Google Android, Microsoft Windows
Cost: $6

Scientific American says: ?A game that teaches the concepts behind algebra without being intimidating or ?mathy.??

Description: Developed by WeWantToKnow, the goal of DragonBox is to create an app that?s fun and at the same time teaches players to solve difficult mathematical equations.

Source: http://rss.sciam.com/click.phdo?i=b38518057646108a9e8676fc34932970

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What the Future Looked Like 100 Years Ago (And 5 Predictions That Came True)

In the early 1900s, Ladies Home Journal thought the future would bring a lot of things. The predictions sound funny and old timey, sure, but you know what? Even though we haven't eradicated flies and mosquitos (yet!), a lot of them came true. Including these five: More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/3jZpkFlHIFw/what-the-future-looked-like-100-years-ago-and-5-things-that-came-true

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Worshippers rejoice in Jesus' Bethlehem birthplace

BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) ? Pilgrims and locals celebrated Christmas Day on Tuesday in the ancient Bethlehem church built over the site where tradition holds Jesus was born, candles illuminating the sacred site and the joyous sound of prayer filling its overflowing halls.

Overcast skies and a cold wind didn't dampen the spirits of worshippers who came dressed in holiday finery and the traditional attire of foreign lands to mark the holy day in this biblical West Bank town. Bells pealed and long lines formed inside the fourth-century Church of the Nativity complex as Christian faithful waited eagerly to see the grotto that is Jesus' traditional birthplace.

Duncan Hardock, 24, a writer from MacLean, Va., traveled to Bethlehem from the republic of Georgia, where he had been teaching English. After passing through the separation barrier Israel built to ward off West Bank attackers, he walked to Bethlehem's Manger Square where the church stands.

"I feel we got to see both sides of Bethlehem in a really short period of time," Hardock said. "On our walk from the wall, we got to see the lonesome, closed side of Bethlehem ... But the moment we got into town, we're suddenly in the middle of the party."

Bethlehem lies 10 kilometers (6 miles) south of Jerusalem. Entry to the city is controlled by Israel, which occupied the West Bank in 1967.

Hardock's girlfriend, 22-year-old Jennifer Gemmell of Longmont, Colorado, compared the festive spirit in Manger Square on Christmas Eve, saying "it's like being at Times Square at New Year's."

The cavernous church was unable to hold all the worshippers who had hoped to celebrate Christmas Day Mass inside. A loudspeaker outside the church broadcast the service to the hundreds in the square who could not pack inside.

Tourists in the square posed for pictures as vendors hawked olive wood rosaries, nativity scenes, corn on the cob, roasted nuts, tea and coffee.

An official from the Palestinian tourism ministry predicted 10,000 foreigners would visit Bethlehem on Christmas Day and said 15,000 visited on Christmas Eve ? up 20 percent from a year earlier. The official, Rula Maia'a, attributed the rise in part to the Church of the Nativity's classification earlier this year as a U.N. World Heritage Site.

Christians from Israel ? Arab citizens and others ? also boosted the number of visitors.

Information technology consultant Martin Wzork came to Bethlehem with his wife and young daughter from Krakow, Poland.

"My wife believes in God, so it's important for her," said Wzork, who described himself as a non-believer. "For me, it's interesting because it's a historical place and famous."

On Christmas Eve, thousands of Christians from all over the world packed the square, which was awash in light, resplendent with decorations and adorned by a lavishly decorated, 17-meter (55-foot) fir tree. Their Palestinian hosts, who welcome this holiday as the high point of their city's year, were especially joyous this season, proud of the United Nations' recognition of an independent state of Palestine just last month.

Israel, backed by the United States, opposed the Palestinian statehood bid, saying it was a ploy to bypass negotiations, something the Palestinians deny. Talks stalled four years ago.

Later Tuesday, the world's Christmas focus will shift to Vatican City, where Pope Benedict XVI will deliver his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" speech ? Latin for "to the city and the world" ? from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to thousands of pilgrims, tourists and Romans gathered in the piazza below.

The speech traditionally reviews world events and global challenges, and ends with the pope delivering Christmas greetings in dozens of languages.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/worshippers-rejoice-jesus-bethlehem-birthplace-081929930.html

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You know how the word-association game goes: Someone says a word, and you blurt out the first thing that comes to mind. If a friend said ?fantasy sports,? you probably answer, ?football.? So, you might be surprised to learn that fantasy sports actually started with baseball back in the early 1980s.

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Hate it? An insider's guide to returning gifts

TODAY

The refund policies at most major retailers are the same as last year, with a few notable exceptions. But that doesn't mean it will always be easy to take back that unwanted item.

By By Herb Weisbaum, TODAY contributor

It happens. You get a gift and you want to return it. Maybe you don?t need another electric can opener or you're not fond of that bright pink necktie.

Good news: According to the annual survey by ConsumerWorld.org, the refund policies at most major retailers are the same as last year, with a few notable exceptions. But that doesn?t mean it will always be easy to take back that unwanted item.

?Many stores are still slicing and dicing their return policies, creating different rules for different categories of items,? noted Consumer World founder Edgar Dworsky. ?For example, electronics typically have a shorter return period than clothing.?

If you get something you don?t want, you?d better find out how long you have to take it back.

?We get so wrapped up in the holidays that by the time you think about returning something in mid-January, it may be too late,? noted Carey Rossi, editor-in-chief at ConsumerSearch.com. ?So there is a timeline as to when you need to return those unwanted gifts.?

Here are a few of the noteworthy return-policy changes from the Consumer World survey:

• Target tightened its return policy for the second time in two years. The return period for digital items, such as computers (tablet, netbook, notebook or eReader), video game consoles, GPS units and digital cameras is now 30 days instead of 45 days.

• Sears shortened its ?extended holiday return period? from 120 days across the board. Items that qualify for a 30-day and 60-day return can now be brought back until Jan. 24, and in some cases, later. Toys ?R" Us will now let you return an electronic product after the package has been opened.? In the past, they would not.

• Buy.com expanded its holiday return period from Jan. 31 to Feb. 15. ?

Remember: Some retailers won?t accept the return of an electronic item if the box has been opened, the product has been used, parts are missing or the original packaging is gone.

Or you may have to pay a restocking fee. Sears charges a 15 percent restocking fee if they determine the item is ?used? or has missing parts. At Overstock.com, you could pay as much as 60 percent of the purchase price to return something that?s been opened or used.

Know the rules
Retailers want to handle your return in a friendly and courteous manner. That?s why they have extended holiday return policies.

?Many however, keep it a secret,? Dworsky noted. ?Most don?t post big signs in the store, and managers may not even be aware of it.?

Whether they post it in plain sight or not, there are rules to follow.

?Receipts are the key to easy returns,? noted Judy Rohlena, senior editor at ShopSmart magazine. ?If you don?t have a receipt, you could be out of luck.?

Most stores won?t accept a return without a receipt. And with all the return fraud taking place, you can?t blame them.

If they do take back an item without a receipt, you may only get the lowest price that item sold for in the past 90 days.

While it?s important for gift-givers to include a ?gift receipt,? most stores won?t let you use that to get a refund, only an equal exchange, merchandise credit or gift card.

?If you want your money back, you?ll have to get the gift-giver to go back with the original receipt,? Dworsky said.

Note: The return policies for online purchases may be different. Don?t assume you can take an Internet purchase back to a company?s physical store.

• Sports Authority won?t take back any online purchases at its stores.

• Some items sold by OldNavy.com, Gap.com and BananaRepublic.com must be returned by mail.

• You will only get a merchandise credit it you take back something purchased at ToysRUs.com to a Toys ?R? Us store.

Remember: Some online retailers will cover the cost of that return. Others make you pay to send it back.

The bottom line
Be careful how you handle your gifts, especially those you think you might not want. Don?t wear clothing. Keep all the packaging. Don?t even open the box ? especially for electronic items ? if you know it?s going back.

Keep in mind: Many stores track returns to spot potential fraud.

?For honest consumers, this can cause problems, as some stores limit the amount of return activity to a certain number or value of annual merchandise,? noted Sally Greenberg, executive director of the National Consumers League. ?So be prepared for the worst.?

If you follow the rules, you shouldn?t have many problems. Just remember, those rules vary from store to store. You need to understand that company?s policy before you head to the store or try to ship it back.

?If you?re asking for something that?s outside the rules, that means you?re asking for an accommodation,? Dworsky said. ?But if you?re asking for something that?s in the policy and they turn you down, then you can be more assertive.?

Have a problem with a return? Ask to speak to the store manager or contact the customer service department. If that doesn?t work file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, your state Attorney General?s office or local consumer protection agency.

More information:

Consumer World Survey: 2012 Return Policies

Consumer Reports: Hassle-Free Gift Returns

National Consumers League: Stress-Free Gift Returns

Herb Weisbaum is The ConsumerMan. Follow him on?Facebookand?Twitter?or visit?The ConsumerMan?website.

Source: http://lifeinc.today.com/_news/2012/12/24/16070672-hate-it-an-insiders-guide-to-returning-gifts?lite

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Car Finance ? Emergency Income Via A Payday Financing Assistance

Get urgent $ 300 payday loans online lenders Detroit, MI within overnight .

Very often, life can throw unexpected bend balls the right path. Whether or not your vehicle reduces and needs servicing, or you become sick or wounded, crashes could happen which require dollars now. Pay day loans are a choice when your income is not coming easily enough, so read on for useful tips!

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Ensure that you stay updated with any tip adjustments in relation to your payday advance financial institution. Guidelines is always getting approved that adjustments how loan companies can work so be sure to understand any tip adjustments and just how they affect you and your loan prior to signing an agreement.

Just before investing in a payday advance, make sure that the possible firm you are credit from is licensed through your condition. In the states, whichever condition the organization is within, they legally have to be licensed. Should they be not licensed, odds are good they are illegitimate.

Be sure that you keep a version of the payday advance deal. As a result, if something fails, you will have published evidence of the conditions that you simply agreed to. Payday advance firms occasionally make mistakes, like consuming dollars out of your banking account before the agreed upon payback date. Therefore, it is essential that there is a version of the payday advance deal, to enable you to query any blunders.

Since It was talked about at the beginning of this post, a payday advance could be what you need if you are currently quick on funds. Nevertheless, make certain you are familiar with pay day loans really are about. This post is meant to guide you in making sensible payday advance options.

Source: http://yumiwa.com/emergency-income-via-a-payday-financing-assistance/

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Dr. Tracey Wilen-Daugenti: Inaugurate a New Career Plan With ...

With forecasts predicting a slow recovery in 2013 and economic growth at less than 3 percent, smart workers are resolving to take charge of their career planning in the New Year. Here are four ways you can compete in a volatile employment marketplace and be positioned to reap the benefits once the economy rebounds.

1. Develop an authentic personal brand that radiates integrity. Be mindful of how you present yourself on social media sites and other online communication channels. Off-hand remarks, political statements, or indiscriminate photos can be easily accessible to employers, and can damage your professional image in a nanosecond. If you are job-hunting, ?cutting and pasting? your resume online is a simple task, but so is instant fact-checking. Making false or inflated claims about your employment credentials ? which some sources indicate appear on more than 40 percent of employment applications ? or taking credit for others? work, can hamper your job prospects. Your authenticity is essential to your personal brand, and it?s worth protecting.

2. Embrace the unpredictable and serendipitous. Rather than a vertical ladder or linear path, many workers find their careers are a labyrinth of stops, starts and lateral moves. In fact, 58 percent of women describe their career path as ?nonlinear,? and nearly 90 percent of women executives and managers shift careers in midlife, according to Apollo Research Institute?s forthcoming book, Women Lead. This ?female? career model will likely become the norm for most 21st-century workers who are increasingly guided by personal values and nontraditional definitions of success. Uncertain times can present opportunities to be more flexible, break out of tired roles, and ?make one?s own luck.? A positive attitude coupled with some thoughtful planning may be just the ticket for a more rewarding career direction.

3. Seek out opportunities in growth sectors. Six sectors are projected to offer the best job prospects in the coming year and beyond: healthcare, IT, business services, nonprofits, education and manufacturing. Healthcare is most robust of all, and is projected to grow by 29 percent and add 3.5 million jobs by 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The sector is already producing one in five jobs as the economy recovers. Plagued with worker shortages, the healthcare sector is expected to need 711,000 new registered nurses and 100,000 doctors in the next decade, according to the Labor Department.

Rapid expansion in the nearly recession-proof IT sector shows no indication of diminishing in the year ahead, and 1.4 million more computing-related jobs are expected to open by 2018, according to the National Center for Women and Information Technology. In Women Lead, the Apollo Research Institute reports that growth in IT may be especially good for women, as the industry now expects its professionals to translate technical information by applying keen social and communication skills, an area in which many women excel.

Related to expansion in technology, business services continues to boom. This sector, which employs more than three-fourths of American workers and produces more than 78 percent of the country?s GDP, will generate 18 million new jobs by 2020.

In the nonprofit sector ? which includes tax-exempt organizations such as hospitals, higher education institutions, museums, advocacy groups and religious, scientific and literary organizations ? many leadership opportunities are expected to emerge as Baby Boomers retire and organizations expand to meet growing needs. Experts foresee a 65% turnover in leadership at nonprofits in the next five years, which will require 80,000 senior managers a year to fill.

Education is also a growing industry affected by increased enrollments at all levels and the expanding number of teachers and administrators who are approaching retirement. The Bureau of Labor Statistics? Occupational Outlook predicts that education, training and library professions will add 1.4 million jobs by 2020.

And don?t discount opportunities in the U.S. manufacturing sector, which is still the world?s largest and equal to the eighth-largest global economy. Manufacturing is a hotbed for innovation, and conducts 70 percent of the country?s industrial research and development.

4. Keep your skills ? especially high-tech ones ? up-to-date. Rapid change defines today?s world of work, an environment similar to what the Army War College describes as ?volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous? (VUCA). Successful organizations nimbly adapt to an ever-changing business environment, and they seek employees with vision who can identify trends and opportunities amid this complexity. Pursue certifications, degrees, technical training and leadership development that will keep your skills current and help you identify career opportunities. Look for internships, apprenticeships and job rotations to gain hands-on experience. And cultivate the most important future work skills ? such as new media literacy, virtual collaboration and cross-cultural competency ? that will be critical for workplace success in the next 10 years.

Above all, keep your technology skills sharp. No matter the industry, 70 percent of jobs will have a technological component by 2020. To stay employable in the future workplace, you can?t afford to become obsolete.

Source: http://www.redliontrader.com/streamingnews/dr-tracey-wilen-daugenti-inaugurate-a-new-career-plan-with-these-2013-predictions/

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Rewrite a text about DNS | Article Rewriting | Copywriting | Editing ...

Tax Type Tax Rate Tax ID or Company no.

eg. VAT, GST ? Registration no.

Source: http://www.freelancer.com/projects/Copywriting-Proofreading/Rewrite-text-about-DNS.html

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Brookhaven Retreat Helps Women Prepare Legal Plans for Mental ...

http://nonamos.com/brookhaven-retreat-helps-women-prepare-legal-plans-for-men...Brookhaven Retreat Helps Women Prepare Legal Plans for Mental Health?Back gay men, The Life, HIV News | Nonamos

Mental Health Recovery

Knoxville, TN (PRWEB) December 18, 2012

With the new year fast approaching, many women are trying to refresh their lives and are making resolutions for a happier, healthier 2013. For women with mental health or substance abuse issues, however, long-ignored roadblocks can impede achievement of a healthy start. Family, friend, fitness and finance goals are difficult to focus on when women are facing medical or legal troubles.

Women with mood disorders or substance abuse issues may have important legal issues that require immediate attention. Mood disorders often lead to legal repercussions; for example, women with bipolar disorder may take on excessive financial burdens, face discrimination at work or experience arrest. Women with mood disorders may also face legal issues regarding the effects of violence, divorce or substance abuse.

Brookhaven Retreat teaches women in its residential treatment facility various ways of coping with mood disorders and protecting their futures so that mental health issues do not prevent them from living full and safe lives. Only then can women focus on creating a happy new year. Once medical safety has been assured, women learn to protect their future, possessions, families and medical health with a variety of legal options. Key options Brookhaven Retreat teaches women in its program include:

Have a Lawyer: Women with mental health issues should have a lawyer who is familiar with their medical history and directions should something occur. Should women face discrimination or require hospitalization, this lawyer would serve as a contact for placing protective measures into effect.

Create Advanced Directives: Advanced directives serve to communicate preferences for mental health treatment if women are unable to give consent themselves. Because mental health issues may crop up unexpectedly, these legal documents specify the care women wish to receive and the types of treatment and medication they do not wish to be given. Advanced directives should be part of a woman?s medical record. Her doctors and health care proxy should be given copies so that, should she be admitted to a mental health facility, her specific instructions are easily accessible.

Power of Attorney: Women with mood disorders can be resistant about continuing necessary medication. Giving a trusted loved one or family member power of attorney grants them the ability to admit a woman to a psychiatric facility should she display symptoms dangerous to her well-being. This is especially important for women complying with terms of probation who may resist taking necessary precautions.

It is important that women with mental health issues consider the resources required for long-term emotional recovery. Often these resources should include legal support.

Brookhaven Retreat teaches the women in its residential treatment facility that when focusing on a path to happiness, they need to create a plan to prevent future consequences and protect the lives they are creating. Familiarity with the legal system and familiarity with a lawyer both help safeguard long-term wellness.

About Brookhaven Retreat

Brookhaven Retreat is a women?s treatment center nestled on a naturally beautiful 48-acre site secluded in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. It has helped hundreds of women across the United States overcome depression, trauma, anxiety, substance use and a range of other behavioral health challenges. Brookhaven?s Founder, Jacqueline Dawes, has predicated its gender-specific treatment on ?healing emotional breakage? for women. In this way, she has established a sanctuary and a place where women can feel safe, secure and cared for by a staff of highly trained professionals.

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Article source: http://www.prweb.com/releases/brookhavenretreat/legalissues/prweb10237435.htm

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Source: http://nonamos.com/brookhaven-retreat-helps-women-prepare-legal-plans-for-mental-health/

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Source: http://kosemvy.posterous.com/brookhaven-retreat-helps-women-prepare-legal

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Introducing: Alison Schumacher

This is a series of Q&As with new, young and up-and-coming science, health and environmental writers and reporters. They ? at least some of them ? have recently hatched in the Incubators (science writing programs at schools of journalism), have even more recently fledged (graduated), and are now making their mark as wonderful new voices explaining science to the public.

Today we introduce you to Alison Schumacher (Mind The Science Gap articles).

Hello, welcome to The SA Incubator. Let?s start from the beginning: where are you originally from?

I was born and raised in Ann Arbor, MI. Go Blue!

How did you get into science and how did you get into writing? And how did these two trajectories fuse into becoming a science writer?

I wouldn?t call myself a science writer, per se. I just wrapped up my Master?s degree in public health, with a particular focus in health communication. I?ve always been interested in health, and how we, as professionals, can better communicate health problems to the public. My undergraduate studies were focused in medical anthropology, where I learned about differences in how individuals and communities understand disease and health, and how those differences impact health outcomes. Since then, I?ve been passionate about describing health issues and solutions to populations in a way that is relevant and personal to them.

This past semester, I was presented with the opportunity to enroll in a course at the University of Michigan School of Public Health (mentioned in a previous post by my colleague Michael Grisafe) that provides students the opportunity to post weekly blog posts on any health or science topic of their choice. I have always enjoyed writing, and was excited to have to opportunity to consistently practice and receive feedback on my ability to describe different health topics to a real audience.

Why did you decide to try breaking into the science writing business without attending a specialized science writing program?

Although I didn?t attend a program specifically geared toward scientific writing, the department of Health Behavior and Health Education at UM School of Public Health offers a specialization in health communication. Through my coursework I was able to develop skills in message design, audience profiling, message tailoring, and health education material development. Course projects allowed me to develop health education programs, PSAs, brochures, posters, and more, and each project provided insight into how to produce final products that are comprehensible, relevant, and important to the target audience.

Apart from writing, do you also do other aspects of science communication, e.g., podcasts, video, art/illustration, photography, infographics, or do you do any coding, web design and programming?

I know the basics in technology (I?ve made videos and websites), but my expertise is limited. I am, however, very interested in and excited about all the possible avenues for communication. Advances in technology are allowing more tailored, and personal health communication programs to be developed and disseminated and I hope to get into the mix at some point in my career. I?m all about creative ways to inspire health- related behavior change, and welcome any and all methods to reach out to potential audiences.

How do you see the current and future science media ecosystem, how it differs from the past, and what role will new, young science communicators like yourself play in building it and making it the best it can be?

The number of possibilities for science communication is huge and growing! The public is constantly battered with health messages?don?t do this, don?t eat this, get 60 minutes of physical activity a day, get tested, etc?and sometimes it?s hard to know what to pay attention to and what to ignore. I think as young professionals the best thing we can bring to the field is passion. I believe that passion about a particular issue or topic comes through in good writing. So, in order to make a statement amongst a sea of health messages and campaigns that passion must stand out! Through my master?s education I have met countless individuals with wonderful enthusiasm for the field and new ideas for how to promote health in the United States and abroad. I believe that through this enthusiasm and ingenuity we will certainly help to make the science media ecosystem the best it can be.

Thank you!

Thanks so much!

====================

Previously in this series:

Kristina Ashley Bjoran
Emily Eggleston
Erin Podolak
Rachel Nuwer
Hannah Krakauer
Rose Eveleth
Nadia Drake
Kelly Izlar
Jack Scanlan
Francie Diep
Maggie Pingolt
Jessica Gross
Abby McBride
Natalie Wolchover
Jordan Gaines
Audrey Quinn
Douglas Main
Smitha Mundasad
Mary Beth Griggs
Shara Yurkiewicz
Casey Rentz
Akshat Rathi
Kathleen Raven
Penny Sarchet
Amy Shira Teitel
Victoria Charlton
Noby Leong and Tristan O?Brien
Taylor Kubota
Benjamin Plackett
Laura Geggel
Daisy Yuhas
Miriam Kramer
Ashley Taylor
Kate Yandell
Justine Hausheer
Aatish Bhatia
Ashley Tucker
Jessica Men
Kelly Oakes
Lauren Fuge
Catherine Owsik
Marissa Fessenden
Mollie Bloudoff-Indelicato
Kelly Poe
Kate Shaw
Meghan Rosen
Jon Tennant
Ashley Braun
Suzi Gage
Michael Grisafe
Jonathan Chang

?

Source: http://rss.sciam.com/click.phdo?i=0921417358eec72fa2534d4ba5d45240

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Don't be Fooled, Drafting Patents is Complicated | IPWatchdog.com ...

This is one of those articles that I write every so often, in slightly different ways, in order to try and explain to inventors what it is that they need to know before they make an?enormously costly mistake.? For better or for worse, there is a popular conception that patent attorneys and patent agents are not really necessary and an inventor can do it themselves and save money.? The truth is that patent attorneys are among the most highly trained attorneys you will ever meet.? In addition to having to successfully complete law school and take a State Bar Examination, patent attorneys must have a scientific background or else they cannot even sit for the?Patent Bar Examination.? As my friend?John White?explains, a person becomes a patent attorney when they lack sufficient personality and charisma to do tax work!? But when it comes to describing your invention in a document that will grant you exclusive rights with respect to only what is disclosed and claimed, isn?t that the exact type of person you want in your corner?

It is extremely common for inventors to make mistakes that will render their hopes and dreams of a patent null and void.? I cannot tell you how many times over my career I have talked to inventors who have come up with something really special and are now ready to file a patent application.? Frequently the story is that the inventor created something several years ago (perhaps more) and they have been using it and people love it.? They finally now have the money to pursue a patent and want to get started.? Those familiar with patent law know they cannot get started, because rights have irreparably been lost.? The only recourse is to improve your magnum opus enough so that it is patentably unique compared to your original invention, which is not something that is typically easy for individuals to do.

Another thing I see with increasing frequency is the inventor who doesn?t have much money and who wants to do things themselves.? The first question inventors without much money should ask themselves is whether they should even be pursuing an invention.? The cost of filing for and obtaining a patent is typically quite minor in comparison to the amount of money required to create, market and distribute the invention.? So if you can only muster several hundred dollars and need to file your own application because that is all you have, what are the realistic chances that you will be able to move forward in the commercialization process? ?Have you thoughtfully considered what you will do with the patent? Have you explored whether there are realistic licensing opportunities? Do you know there is a market for the invention?

Then there is the inventor who has a plan, knows what they want to do, is organized, but knows believes patent attorneys are unnecessary.? They are convinced that any schmo can draft a patent application after having read?Patent It Yourself, and patent attorneys are too expensive anyway.? We have all heard it, it is not news to us in the patent community, and invariably these inventors get such narrow rights that they are practically useless.? I don?t mean to poke fun, but I am trying to illustrate a point.? Deep down inside everyone has to know that a professional who has spent years of time training, and years of time reading, writing and prosecuting patent applications for 40 to 60 hours a week knows far more about what is required than someone who read?Patent It Yourself.? Right?

I understand it is prudent to proceed with care and not needlessly waste money, which is why I try and help inventors understand how best to?start the patent process on a budget, but a couple hundred dollars is not really a budget.? You might as well go to Vegas and put it all down on black and let it ride.? At least you have close to a 50% chance, which is a greater chance of success than having only a few hundred to spend on your invention.

Now don?t get me wrong, I am an advocate of inventors spending time to educate themselves with respect to both patent laws and the industries they seek to jump into with their inventions. Patent It Yourself?is a very good book, and any serious inventor really should have the book in their own private collection. Inventors should read through the book and reference it as necessary as they work through their inventions. If you have an understanding about what will go into a patent application you are going to better document your invention and be in a better position to meaningfully contribute if and when you do hire an attorney. Inventors are the most important person in any legal team. They are the ones who understand the invention. So arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible. ?For more information see?A Beginners Guide to Patent and the Patent Process.

Having said this, inventors really need to know and fully understand that there is a big difference between inventing and describing an invention. For well over 100 years courts have marveled at how difficult it is to draft a patent application.? Starting in 1892, in the case of?Topliff v. Topliff, 145 U.S. 156, the United States Supreme Court explained that a patent application is one of the most difficult legal instruments that can be drafted.? In this regard the Supreme Court explained:

The specification and claims of a patent, particularly if the invention be at all complicated, constitute one of the most difficult legal instruments to draw with accuracy, and in view of the fact that valuable inventions are often placed in the hands of inexperienced persons to prepare such specifications and claims, it is no matter of surprise that the latter frequently fail to describe with requisite certainty the exact invention of the patentee, and err either in claiming that which the patentee had not in fact invented, or in omitting some element which was a valuable or essential part of his actual invention.

This very same assertion was echoed by the United States Supreme Court 1963 in?Sperry v. Florida, 373 U.S. 379, when Chief Justice Earl Warren explained:

Such conduct inevitably requires the practitioner to consider and advise his clients as to the patentability of their inventions under the statutory criteria, 35 U. S. C. 101-103, 161, 171, as well as to consider the advisability of relying upon alternative forms of protection which may be available under state law. It also involves his participation in the drafting of the specification and claims of the patent application, 35 U. S. C. 112, which this Court long ago noted ?constitute[s] one of the most difficult legal instruments to draw with accuracy,? Topliff v. Topliff, 145 U.S. 156, 171.And upon rejection of the application, the practitioner may also assist in the preparation of amendments, 37 CFR 1.117-1.126, which frequently requires written argument to establish the patentability of the claimed invention under the applicable rules of law and in light of the prior art.

Still further, it was recognized by the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in 1988 in?Laitram Corp. v. Cambridge Wire Cloth Co., 863 F.2d 855, when Chief Judge Howard Markey explained:

This appeal again illustrates one of the many difficult dichotomies that lurk in the lacunae of patent law. On one side rests the very important, statutorily-created necessity of employing the clearest possible wording in preparing the specification and claims of a patent, one of ?the most difficult legal instruments to draw with accuracy.?? On the other lies the equally important, judicially-created necessity of determining infringement without the risk of injustice that may result from a blindered focus on words alone.

Chief Judge Markey had a gift for language that could rival Shakespeare himself.? According to?Dictionary.com, the term ?lacunae? means ?a gap or missing part, as in a manuscript, series, or logical argument.?? So not only is a patent application one of the most difficult legal instruments to draft, but patent law has some lurking gaps and missing parts!? It is hard to imagine a truer, more fair characterization from the first man to head the Federal Circuit.? If this description of patent law and patent applications doesn?t sum up exactly why inventors should seek the advice of patent attorneys, I don?t know what will.

Even more recently though, in 2004 in?Chef America v. Lamb-Weston, the Federal Circuit was issued a decision that will really drive home how important it is to choose your words in order to make sure your words are exactly what you mean to say. In this instantly famous case the Federal Circuit had to interpret the meaning of the phrase ?heating the resulting batter-coated dough to a temperature in the range of about 400? F. to 850? F.? What should have been said was ?heat the oven to a temperature in the range of about 400? F. to 850? F.?? Because what was said literally required the internal temperature of the dough to reach between 400? F. to 850? F., the patent owner had a useless patent. Inventors need to know that what they say will be interpreted literally.? You get great latitude to define the invention, but because it is up to you to define the invention the court will not fix what is said, even when everyone obviously knows what you most likely meant.

In addition to writing for IPWatchog.com, I have spent the last 15 years working with independent inventors and teaching law students?how to pass the patent bar?and how to be patent attorneys.? I have taught patent law, patent claim drafting, patent application drafting and licensing.? I have come up with a unique process to help coax information about inventions out of inventors through a mentored system called the?Invent + Patent System.? This is an excellent start to the process, and if inventors really put in time and follow the directions they can come out with a really good provisional patent application, particularly if they then combine that with quality drawings.? But an attorney can always make an application better.? The reality is that attorneys don?t run out of time to work on an application, clients run out of money.

A good patent attorney can always make an application better by spending additional time on the application.? You do reach a point of diminishing returns though, so you get to a high level that is acceptable and file the application.? But don?t fool yourself if you are an independent inventor.? While you may need to cut corners to get from point A to point B, patent attorneys are not superfluous.? If we were do you really think major corporations and stingy venture capitalists would hire patent attorneys to create and develop their patent portfolio?? Of course not.? If this were really so easy corporations would have their scientists and engineers, many who have PhDs, do the work.? They don?t for a reason.

If you can afford to hire a patent attorney or patent agent you should. If you cannot afford to hire an attorney or agent then ?you need to proceed cautiously and carefully. Get and read Patent it Yourself. Consider using the Invent & Patent System. Work with a product design firm such as Enhance Product Development to get high quality 3D drawings and a product sell sheet (see?Patent Illustrations and Invention Drawings, What do you Need?). Do your own patent search to start, but don?t be surprised if you don?t find anything. Patent searching can be difficult. See?Patent Searching 101?and?Patent Searching 102?for help. But at some point you are going to likely want a professional patent search and professional assistance from a patent attorney or patent agent.

I have no problem with people following their dreams. I walk to the beat of my own drum and have made a career doing that. Just be honest with yourself. The biggest mistake I see is when an inventor convinces himself or herself that they can do just as good a job as trained professionals. While you may need to do a lot of the work yourself due to financial constraints, don?t make the mistake of thinking you can do a better job yourself. Go into the project with eyes wide open and realize that to succeed at some point you are almost certainly going to need help.

Happy inventing!

Source: http://www.ipwatchdog.com/2012/12/20/dont-be-fooled-drafting-patents-is-complicated/id=31559/

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Roleplayers Wanted!!

To have nothing but suddenly have something out of no where is a great surprise... But only when you find small amounts in your hands. This thought of getting something out of nowhere is an unusual occurrence and rarely happens, if at all. Sadly, when given too much, it is thought of as a burden. To have no powers at all, as sad as that might be, and then suddenly have the powers to destroy the world would often be thought of as a curse by many. What would you even do with this power? Destroy your world? Would you try your hardest to help this flawed world? Put it to use? Make your dreams true?.. Now, these may be tempting ideas at first.... But have you ever thought of the person containing this power? What about their feelings?... But hey, who really cares.... Right?.... Isn't that how you humans think? Now, I guess we should continue with our story... Right?

Hey! Want a really good RP that's fun and exciting? Come on over and join! We have many spots for anyone who wants them :P

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A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/RolePlayGateway/~3/h3vCCQAqOGg/viewtopic.php

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Nokia, RIM settle old disputes in new patent pact

HELSINKI (AP) ? Nokia Corp. and Canadian smartphone rival Research In Motion have agreed on a new patent licensing pact which will end all existing litigation between the two struggling companies, the Finnish firm said Friday.

The agreement includes a "one-time payment and on-going payments, all from RIM to Nokia," Nokia said, but did not disclose "confidential" terms.

Last month, Nokia sued the Blackberry maker for breach of contract in Britain, the United States and Canada over cellular patents they agreed in 2003. RIM claimed the license ? which covered patents on "standards-essential" technologies for mobile devices? should also have covered patents for non-essential parts, but the Arbitration Institute of Stockholm Chamber of Commerce ruled against RIM's claims.

Major manufacturers of phones and wireless equipment are increasingly turning to patent litigation as they jockey for an edge to expand their share of the rapidly growing smartphone market.

Nokia is among leading patent holders in the wireless industry. It has already received a $565 million royalty payment from Apple Inc. to settle long-standing patent disputes and filed claims in the United States and Germany alleging that products from HTC Corp. and Viewsonic Corp. infringe a number of its patents.

The company says it has invested ?45 billion ($60 billion) during the last 20 years in research and development and has one of the wireless industry's largest IPR portfolios claiming some 10,000 patent families.

Nokia stock was down more than 2 percent at ?3.09 in early afternoon trading in a depressed market in Helsinki.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/nokia-rim-settle-old-disputes-patent-pact-103329001--finance.html

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Birdsong bluster may dupe strange females, but it won't fool partners

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Male birds use their song to dupe females they have just met by pretending they are in excellent physical condition.

Just as some men try to cast themselves in a better light when they approach would-be dates, so male birds in poor condition seek to portray that they are fitter than they really are. But males do not even try to deceive their long-term partners, who are able to establish the true condition of the male by their song.

Researchers at the University of Exeter studied zebra finches to establish how trustworthy birdsong was in providing honest signals about the male's value as a mate. Singing is a test of the condition of birds because it uses a lot of energy. Fit and healthy birds are thought to be able to sustain a high song rate for longer, making them more attractive to females.

The research team, which included scientists from the Universit? de Bourgogne in France, looked at short and longer encounters with unknown females, as well as patterns of song around females who were familiar to them.

The team discovered that males in poor condition could "cheat" and vary their song to give a false impression to stranger females. But they did not even try to fool those who knew them, who used song as a reliable test of their underlying qualities. The research is published on December 19 in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

Dr Sasha Dall, of the University of Exeter, was involved in the research. He said: "Every man wants to cast himself in a favourable light when he meets an attractive female, and we have shown that birds are no different. But just like many humans, it seems zebra finch males are unable to dupe females who know them well enough. When the birds were in an established relationship, the female could tell the true condition of a male by his song, and judge whether he would make a good father for her next brood."

Zebra finches are Australia's most popular finch. They make common pets and are widely used in scientific research. They are particularly easy to keep, and adapt extremely well to their surroundings. For zebra finches, both colour and birdsong are important factors in choosing a mate.

The research was funded through a young researcher prize of the Bettencourt-Schueller Foundation for life sciences and a PhD grant, as well as two honorific master grants provided by the Conseil R?gional de Bourgogne in France.

The team studied 91 male and 91 female birds from a colony at the Universit? de Bourgogne and 12 of each gender from a colony at the University of Exeter. The body condition of each of the birds was measured. Scientists then videoed both brief and longer encounters between birds of each gender who were unknown to each other, and patterns of behaviour when they were with their mate, with whom they pair for life. They were also monitored to see if they showed signs of mutual attraction and going on to breed.

In the study, there was no difference in the singing of male single birds in either short or long encounters with unknown females. But, when in front of their partners, paired birds who were in good condition sang at a higher rate than those in poor condition.

Dr Morgan David, who led the research, said: "This is the first study to find evidence that the link between male body condition and birdsong differs depending on the context of the encounter with the opposite sex. It could have significant implications for learning more about the evolution of courtship patterns such as birdsong."

###

University of Exeter: http://www.exeter.ac.uk

Thanks to University of Exeter for this article.

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