Mysteries of spider silk strength unraveled

Jan. 27, 2013 ? Scientists at ASU are celebrating their recent success on the path to understanding what makes the fiber that spiders spin -- weight for weight -- at least five times as strong as piano wire. They have found a way to obtain a wide variety of elastic properties of the silk of several intact spiders' webs using a sophisticated but non-invasive laser light scattering technique.

"Spider silk has a unique combination of mechanical strength and elasticity that make it one of the toughest materials we know," said Professor Jeffery Yarger of ASU's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and lead researcher of the study. "This work represents the most complete understanding we have of the underlying mechanical properties of spider silks."

Spider silk is an exceptional biological polymer, related to collagen (the stuff of skin and bones) but much more complex in its structure. The ASU team of chemists is studying its molecular structure in an effort to produce materials ranging from bulletproof vests to artificial tendons.

The extensive array of elastic and mechanical properties of spider silks in situ, obtained by the ASU team, is the first of its kind and will greatly facilitate future modeling efforts aimed at understanding the interplay of the mechanical properties and the molecular structure of silk used to produce spider webs.

The team published their results in a recent issue of Nature materials and their paper is titled "Non-invasive determination of the complete elastic moduli of spider silks."

"This information should help provide a blueprint for structural engineering of an abundant array of bio-inspired materials, such as precise materials engineering of synthetic fibers to create stronger, stretchier, and more elastic materials," explained Yarger.

Other members of Yarger's team, in ASU's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, included Kristie Koski, at the time a postdoctoral researcher and currently a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University, and ASU undergraduate students Paul Akhenblit and Keri McKiernan.

The Brillouin light scattering technique used an extremely low power laser, less than 3.5 milliwatts, which is significantly less than the average laser pointer. Recording what happened to this laser beam as it passed through the intact spider webs enabled the researchers to spatially map the elastic stiffnesses of each web without deforming or disrupting it. This non-invasive, non-contact measurement produced findings showing variations among discrete fibers, junctions and glue spots.

Four different types of spider's webs were studied. They included Nephila clavipes (pictured), A. aurantia ("gilded silver face"-common to the contiguous United States), L. Hesperus the western black widow and P. viridans the green lynx spider, the only spider included that does not build a web for catching prey but has major silk elastic properties similar to those of the other species studied.

The group also investigated one of the most studied aspects of orb-weaving dragline spider silk, namely supercontraction, a property unique to silk. Spider silk takes up water when exposed to high humidity. Absorbed water leads to shrinkage in an unrestrained fiber up to 50 percent shrinkage with 100 percent humidity in N. clavipes silk.

Their results are consistent with the hypothesis that supercontraction helps the spider tailor the properties of the silk during spinning. This type of behavior, specifically adjusting mechanical properties by simply adjusting water content, is inspirational from a bio-inspired mechanical structure perspective.

"This study is unique in that we can extract all the elastic properties of spider silk that cannot and have not been measured with conventional testing," concluded Yarger.

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Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Arizona State University.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

---

Journal Reference:

1. Kristie J. Koski, Paul Akhenblit, Keri McKiernan, Jeffery L. Yarger. Non-invasive determination of the complete elastic moduli of spider silks. Nature Materials, 2013; DOI: 10.1038/nmat3549

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/matter_energy/biochemistry/~3/vTijetqY7Dw/130128104741.htm

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Tear gas and protests mark second anniversary of Egypt uprising

CAIRO (Reuters) - Youths fought Egyptian police in Cairo and Alexandria on Friday on the second anniversary of the revolt that toppled Hosni Mubarak and brought the election of an Islamist president who protesters accuse of riding roughshod over the new democracy.

The January 25 anniversary showcased the divide between the Islamists and their secular foes that is hindering President Mohamed Mursi's efforts to revive an economy in crisis and reverse a plunge in Egypt's currency by enticing back investors and tourists.

Inspired by Tunisia's historic popular uprising, Egypt's revolution spurred further revolts across the Arab world. But the sense of common purpose that united Egyptians two years ago has given way to internal strife that has only worsened and last month triggered lethal street battles.

Opponents of Mursi and his Muslim Brotherhood allies massed in Cairo's Tahrir Square to revive the demands of a revolution they say has been betrayed by Islamists.

"Our revolution is continuing. We reject the domination of any party over this state. We say no to the Brotherhood state," Hamdeen Sabahy, a popular leftist leader, told Reuters TV as he made his way to the square for the rally.

Police battled protesters who threw petrol bombs and firecrackers as they tried to approach a wall blocking access to government buildings near the square in the pre-dawn hours.

Clouds of tear gas fired by police filled the air. At one point, riot police used one of the incendiaries thrown at them to set ablaze at least two tents erected by the youths, a Reuters witness said. Clashes between stone-throwing youths and the police continued in streets near the square into the day.

Ambulances ferried away a steady stream of casualties. The health ministry said 25 people had been injured since Thursday in clashes around Tahrir Square.

There were similar scenes in Alexandria, where protesters and riot police skirmished near local government offices. Tear gas fouled the air and black smoke billowed from tires set ablaze by youths. Nine people were wounded by birdshot pellets, according to medical and security sources.

Some protesters pledged to march to Mursi's Cairo palace.

Thousands more protested against the Brotherhood in cities across Egypt including Suez, Ismailia and Port Said.

The Brotherhood decided against mobilizing in the street for the anniversary, wary of the scope for more conflict after violence in December that was stoked by Mursi's decision to fast-track an Islamist-tinged constitution.

"The people want to bring down the regime," chanted crowds in Tahrir Square, where numbers stood at several thousand by early afternoon. "Save Egypt from the rule of the Supreme Guide," said another, a reference to leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, Mohamed Badie.

"We are not here to celebrate but to force those in power to submit to the will of the people. Egypt now must never be like Egypt during Mubarak's rule," said Mohamed Fahmy, an activist.

Mursi, in a speech on Thursday marking the Prophet Mohammad's birthday, called on Egyptians to mark the anniversary "in a civilized, peaceful way that safeguards our nation, our institutions, our lives".

"The Brotherhood is very concerned about escalation, that's why they have tried to dial down their role on January 25," said Shadi Hamid, director of research at the Brookings Doha Center.

"There may very well be the kinds of clashes that we've seen before, but I don't see anything major happening that is going to fundamentally change the political situation," he said.

BADIE CALLS FOR "PRACTICAL, SERIOUS COMPETITION"

With its eye firmly on forthcoming parliamentary elections, the Brotherhood marked the anniversary with a big charity drive across the nation. It plans to deliver medical aid to 1 million people and distribute affordable basic foodstuffs.

Writing in Al-Ahram, Egypt's flagship state-run daily, Brotherhood leader Badie said the country was in need of "practical, serious competition" to reform the corrupt state left by the Mubarak era.

"The differences of opinion and vision that Egypt is passing through is a characteristic at the core of transitions from dictatorship to democracy, and clearly expresses the variety of Egyptian culture," he wrote.

Still, Mursi faces discontent on multiple fronts.

His opponents say he and his group are seeking to dominate the post-Mubarak order. They accuse him of showing some of the autocratic impulses of the deposed leader by, for example, driving through the new constitution last month.

"I am taking part in today's marches to reject the warped constitution, the 'Brotherhoodisation' of the state, the attack on the rule of law, and the disregard of the president and his government for the demands for social justice," Amr Hamzawy, a prominent liberal politician, wrote on his Twitter feed.

The Brotherhood dismisses many of the criticisms as unfair. It accuses its opponents of failing to respect the rules of the new democracy that put the Islamists in the driving seat by winning free elections.

Six months into office, Mursi is also being held responsible for an economic crisis caused by two years of turmoil. The Egyptian pound has sunk to record lows against the dollar.

SOURCES OF FRICTION ABOUND

Other sources of friction abound. Little has been done to reform brutal Mubarak-era security agencies. A spate of transport disasters on roads and railways neglected for years is feeding discontent as well. Activists are impatient for justice for the victims of violence over the last two years.

These include hardcore soccer fans, or ultras, who have been rallying in recent days to press for justice for 74 people killed in a soccer stadium disaster a year ago in Port Said after a match between local side al-Masry and Cairo's Al Ahly.

A verdict in the case brought against 73 people charged in connection with the deaths had been expected on Saturday, but could be delayed after a request by the prosecutor for time to present new evidence. A delay will likely kindle more protests.

The parties that called for Friday's protests listed demands including a complete overhaul of the constitution.

Critics say the constitution, which was approved in a referendum, offers inadequate protection for human rights, grants the president too many privileges and fails to curb the power of a military establishment supreme in the Mubarak era.

Mursi's supporters say that enacting the constitution quickly was crucial to restoring stability desperately needed for economic recovery, and that the opposition is making the situation worse by perpetuating unrest.

(Additional reporting by Ashraf Fahim and Marwa Awad in Cairo and Abdel Rahman Youssef in Alexandria; Writing by Tom Perry; Editing by Mark Heinrich)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/egyptian-opposition-mark-uprising-protests-012625590.html

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No, Anonymous Doesn't Have Access to U.S. Warheads

If you were skimming the news this morning, we could understand why you might be confused and thinking that the hacking collective Anonymous has access to real U.S. warheads. Stop worrying, they don't.?

They allege they do have sensitive information about the Justice Department, though. The group took over the?United States Sentencing Service website early Saturday. The site has been taken down now, but The Verge pointed out you can still see the defaced-by-Anonymous version through this Google cache.?

RELATED: Anonymous' Megaupload Revenge Shows Copyright Compromise Isn't Possible

According to the lengthy note left on the site, the attack was carried out in the name of Aaron Swartz, the hacker and activist who committed suicide two weeks ago:?

RELATED: Turkish Cops Arrest 32 Alleged Anonymous Members

?

"Two weeks ago today, a line was crossed. Two weeks ago today, Aaron Swartz was killed. Killed because he faced an impossible choice. Killed because he was forced into playing a game he could not win -- a twisted and distorted perversion of justice -- a game where the only winning move was not to play."

Anonymous claims to have hacked multiple government websites and accumulated a wealth of sensitive information they plan to release in "warheads," a fancy, terrifying-at-first word they're using to call document dumps. The first one is/was called?U S - D O J - L E A - 2013 . A E E 256, and it was supposed to be available to download on the Sentencing Service website, but clicking the alleged link only ever returned an error message.?

RELATED: British Police Nab Two More LulzSec Hackers

So, yeah, no missiles. Only sensitive government information:

RELATED: Leaked Emails Reveal Assad's Love of LMFAO and Right Said Fred

?

The contents are various and we won't ruin the speculation by revealing them. Suffice it to say, everyone has secrets, and some things are not meant to be public. At a regular interval commencing today, we will choose one media outlet and supply them with heavily redacted partial contents of the file. Any media outlets wishing to be eligible for this program must include within their reporting a means of secure communications.

Each "warhead" is named for a Supreme Court judge. The attack seems to have been months in the making, if the note left by the hackers is to be believed. They said they only "wound down" the attack in the two weeks since Swartz's death.?

There are demands. The hackers who carried out the attack want "reform of outdated and poorly-envisioned legislation," "reform of mandatory minimum sentencing," and "a return to proportionality of punishment with respect to actual harm caused," if the Justice Department wants their information to stay private.?

This isn't the first time Anonymous has become involved with the fallout from Swartz's death. They were able to keep the Westboro Baptist Church from protesting Swartz's funeral with an extremely successful social media campaign. But we suspect the prosecutor defending the decision to seek jail time in Swartz's complicated case drew the attention of the hacking group.?

What happens next is anyone's guess. There are immediate questions like, do they actually have any sensitive information? Are they bluffing? The FBI told CNN they're already looking into it. A criminal case has been opened. Whether or not they find anything, or traces of anyone, will be interesting to see.?

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/no-anonymous-doesnt-access-u-warheads-202802839.html

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White House, senators launching immigration push

FILE - In this Jan. 14, 2013 file photo, President Barack Obama gestures speaks during his final news conference of his first term in the East Room of the White House in Washington. President Barack Obama's fledgling second term agenda so far reads like a progressive wish list. In less than a week, he's vowed to tackle climate change, expand gay rights and protect government entitlements. His administration lifted a ban on women in combat and expanded opportunities for disabled students. Proposals for stricter gun laws have already been unveiled and plans for comprehensive immigration reform, including a pathway to citizenship for millions of illegal immigrants, are coming soon. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

FILE - In this Jan. 14, 2013 file photo, President Barack Obama gestures speaks during his final news conference of his first term in the East Room of the White House in Washington. President Barack Obama's fledgling second term agenda so far reads like a progressive wish list. In less than a week, he's vowed to tackle climate change, expand gay rights and protect government entitlements. His administration lifted a ban on women in combat and expanded opportunities for disabled students. Proposals for stricter gun laws have already been unveiled and plans for comprehensive immigration reform, including a pathway to citizenship for millions of illegal immigrants, are coming soon. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

White House press secretary Jay Carney gesture as he speaks during his daily news briefing at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

WASHINGTON (AP) ? President Barack Obama will launch a campaign next week aimed at overhauling the nation's flawed immigration system and creating legal status for millions, as a bipartisan Senate group nears agreement on achieving the same goals.

The proposals from Obama and lawmakers will mark the start of what is expected to be a contentious and emotional process with deep political implications. Latino voters overwhelmingly backed Obama in the 2012 election, leaving Republicans grappling for a way to regain their standing with an increasingly powerful pool of voters.

The president will press his case for immigration changes during a trip to Las Vegas Tuesday. The Senate working group is also aiming to outline its proposals next week, according to a Senate aide.

Administration officials say Obama's second-term immigration push will be a continuation of the principles he outlined during his first four years in office but failed to act on. He is expected to revive his little-noticed 2011 immigration "blueprint," which calls for a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants that includes paying fines and back taxes; increased border security; mandatory penalties for businesses that employ unauthorized immigrants; and improvements to the legal immigration system, including giving green cards to high-skilled workers and lifting caps on legal immigration for the immediate family members of U.S. citizens.

"What has been absent in the time since he put those principles forward has been a willingness by Republicans, generally speaking, to move forward with comprehensive immigration reform," White House press secretary Jay Carney said. "What he hopes is that that dynamic has changed."

The political dynamic does appear to have shifted following the November election. Despite making little progress on immigration in his first term, Obama won more than 70 percent of the Latino vote, in part because of the conservative positions on immigration that Republican nominee Mitt Romney staked out during the GOP primary. Latino voters accounted for 10 percent of the electorate in November.

The president met privately Friday morning with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to discuss his next steps on immigration. Among those in the meeting was Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Calif., who said Obama told lawmakers "immigration reform is his number one legislative priority."

That could bump back the president's efforts to seek legislation enacting stricter gun laws, another issue he has vowed to make a top second term priority.

The Senate immigration group is also pressing for quick action, aiming to draft a bill by March and pass legislation in their chamber by August, said the aide, who requested anonymity in order to discuss private deliberations. The Republican-controlled House would also need to pass the legislation before it went to the White House for the president's signature.

Senate lawmakers working on the immigration effort include Democrats Charles Schumer of New York, Dick Durbin of Illinois and Robert Menendez of New Jersey; and Republicans John McCain of Arizona, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Marco Rubio of Florida, according to Senate aides.

Democrat Michael Bennet of Colorado, and Republicans Jeff Flake of Arizona and Mike Lee of Utah have also been involved. It's not clear whether all those involved will sign on to the principles the group hopes to roll out next week.

Those principles are expected to include a process toward legalizing the status of unauthorized immigrants already in the country; border security; verification measures for employers hiring workers and ways for more temporary workers to be admitted into the country.

It's unclear whether the group will back the pathway to full citizenship that the president is seeking. Schumer and Graham have previously supported requiring illegal immigrants to admit they broke the law, perform community service, pay fines and back taxes, pass background checks and learn English before going to the back of the line of immigrants already in the system in order to legalize their immigration status.

Several of the senators negotiating the immigration principles are veterans of the failed comprehensive immigration reform effort under then-President George W. Bush. That process collapsed in 2007 when it came up well-short of the needed votes in the Senate, a bitter outcome for Bush and the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, the Democrats' leader on the legislation.

Some Republicans still lament that result as a missed opportunity for the party that could have set the GOP on a different path to reach more Latino voters.

Rubio is a relative newcomer to Senate negotiations on the issue, but he's seen as a rising star in his party and a potential 2016 presidential candidate. As a charismatic young Hispanic leader his proposals on immigration have attracted wide notice in recent weeks. And as a conservative favorite, unlike McCain or Graham, his stamp of approval could be critical to drawing in other conservative lawmakers.

A Republican aide said that Rubio has made clear in his interactions with the Senate group that he couldn't sign on to proposals that deviated from the principles he himself has been laying out in recent media interviews, including border security first, a guest-worker program, more visas for high-tech workers and enforcement in the workplace.

As for the illegal immigrants already in the country, Rubio would have them pay a fine and back taxes, show they have not committed crimes, prove they've been in the country for some time and speak some English and apply for permanent residency. Ultimately citizenship too could be in reach but only after a process that doesn't nudge aside immigrants already in line, and Rubio hasn't provided details on how long it all might take.

___

Associated Press writer Luis Alonso Lugo contributed to this report.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/89ae8247abe8493fae24405546e9a1aa/Article_2013-01-26-Immigration/id-0634eb01168a434b8a4f70a535fd10c2

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Suspects arrive at court for India gang rape trial

NEW DELHI (AP) ? Five men accused in the fatal gang rape of a young woman on a New Delhi bus have arrived at a special fast-track court for the start of their trial.

The court is expected to hear opening arguments Thursday as the rape and murder trial gets underway. A sixth suspect claims to be a juvenile and is expected to be tried in a juvenile court.

Weeks of protests following the attack last month prompted the government to set up the special court to deal swiftly with crimes against women.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/suspects-arrive-court-india-gang-rape-trial-064130034.html

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Obama the fly swatter strikes again

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - There was a buzz at the White House on Thursday when President Barack Obama announced the nomination of two top financial regulatory officials.

A large fly interrupted the president as he presented his picks to head the Securities and Exchange Commission and a watchdog for financial consumer products.

Under bright television lights, the fly darted around the president's head as he spoke in the White House's ornate State Dining Room, alighting briefly on the middle of his forehead.

"We need cops on the beat to enforce the law," the president said, speaking about SEC nominee Mary Jo White and Richard Cordray, who he renominated to continue as head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Obama broke off to swat at the intruder, which flew away.

"This guy is bothering me here," Obama said, glaring at his staff.

The insect was luckier than a fly that harassed Obama in 2009 while taping a television interview.

"Get out of here," he said, before smacking and killing the fly. "I got the sucker," he said at the time. An animal rights group protested.

(Reporting by Mark Felsenthal, Editing by Alistair Bell and David Brunnstrom)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/obama-fly-swatter-strikes-again-224658620.html

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How to Get Bad Credit Auto Loans in the Evergreen State?

We,
Americans are all proud car lovers. Cars are a necessity for everyone
and more so, if you are living in Washington. Travelling in the
Evergreen State, a car is indispensable as there is very little public
transportation outside the main cities. Also, it offers a
well-maintained road network which means cars are the most convenient
way to travel.

The only thing that causes a hurdle while buying a car is your bad credit score. If your bad credit score is troubling you, then this article is for you. There are several Americans dealing with bad credit scores and yet are able to get a reasonable auto loan.

Washingtonians! Even you can buy your dream car irrespective of your bad credit score. How do you do it? Here are few tips to help you avail a bad credit car loan.

Think Practical

You must understand that you have a weak credit score and so it?s obvious that you will have to pay more than someone with a good credit score. You must keep this in mind so that you don?t feel dissatisfied in the end. Also, remember that choosing an expensive vehicle can unnecessarily increase your loan amount.

Decide on the exact loan amount. Also, know the amount of monthly payment that you can easily pay. For that, prepare your budget. Deduct all your expenses from your gross income and you will know the amount to spare for the loan payments. You can take help of the car loan calculators which are available online.

Nothing Is More Dangerous Than Ignorance

Yes, the words of Martin Luther King hold true even in the context of your car loan. If you are unaware of your credit score, the lender may cheat you and ask for a higher interest rate. Trust nobody but yourself and hence, get your credit score. There are several websites that help you get it.

Your credit score is determined on the basis of your report. The Federal Law allows you to check your credit report once a year and that too without any cost. You can go to annualcreditreport.com and get your free copy. Check for any errors. There are several cases where errors and identity theft have played havoc. If you find any discrepancy, report it to the credit bureaus.

Are You Ready?

To avail bad credit auto loans, you must meet certain criteria. You will have to prepare your documents which will be needed by the lender. Here?s a list of all the papers:-

1. Proof of Income

You must be earning something between $ 1,000 - $ 2,000 per month.

If you are a salaried employee, send a copy of last two months? pay stubs to the lender. If you are a self-employed or individual contractor, you will have to submit your IT returns.

2. Bank Statements

Bank statements are like your personal diary. One can know everything about your finances from them. Lenders want to know if their money is safe with you and hence, will ask for your bank details.

3. Your Residential Proof

Most lenders want you to stay for at least six months in your current residence. You will need a residence proof and anything from a phone or an electricity bill will serve your purpose. If you are paying rent, then a receipt from your landlord can also be used as a proof.

4. Vehicle Information

Your car details will be required by the lender. If you haven?t selected your car and are waiting for the loan approval, it?s okay. But, you must submit the details as soon as you decide on a car.

Purchase price, VIN, car?s year, make and model are essential. If you are buying a used car, don?t forget to get the odometer disclosure and make sure that the title is clean.

It?s Time You Look Around

There are several options for availing a bad credit auto loan. Nonetheless, you will have to search for that one lender who offers you a perfect deal. Banks and dealerships are an option. But, if you want to have more choice, internet is your answer. There are several online auto financing companies that can help you in getting a loan. Most companies have a nation-wide network and hence, it would offer you more alternatives.

Don?t fill the application form if the company charges you for it. There are many companies that offer free car loan quotes. Don?t forget to ascertain the website?s reliability. You can do so by verifying the security certificate. Once you are sure about everything, fill the form and get yourself approved.

So, remember your bad credit score can no longer cause you any pain. With this comprehensive bad credit auto loan guide, it can no longer be the reason of your rejection.

Get ready to enjoy the beautiful ?Evergreen State? in your dream car. This is the time you forget all about your bad credit score and enjoy the rugged coastlines, mountains and deserts of Washington.

All the best in your search for that perfect auto loan.

About the Author:

Get ready to drive your dream car with RapidCarLoans.net - Our Washington bad credit auto loans program is designed for all those who are suffering with a bad credit history. We offer loans at affordable interest rates. So, apply for Washington auto loans and forget all your bad credit woes.

Source: http://www.shvoong.com/business-management/2352877-bad-credit-auto-loans-evergreen/

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entertainments: kabirbedixy: Reference and Education: Special ...

Sorry, Readability was unable to parse this page for content.

Source: http://misarmationa.blogspot.com/2013/01/entertainments-kabirbedixy-reference.html

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LSUHSC research provides new drug target for Her-2 related breast cancer

Public release date: 22-Jan-2013
[ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Leslie Capo
lcapo@lsuhsc.edu
504-568-4806
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center

New Orleans, LA Research led by Dr. Suresh Alahari, the Fred Brazda Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans and its Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, details exactly how the Her2 cancer gene promotes the progression and spread of breast cancer cells. The inactivation of a tumor suppression gene called Nischarin is among the mechanisms identified. The findings provide a new therapeutic target to block the function of Her2. The research was published in Cancer Research, OnlineFirst on January 21, 2013.

About 30% of breast cancers are positive for the Her2 oncogene. Although this gene is implicated in breast cancer, the exact mechanism has been unknown. In this study, the researchers showed that the Her2 oncogene activates two short microRNAs, called miR-27b and miR-23b, which in turn regulate breast cancer progression and lung metastasis. The study also shows, for the first time, that these microRNAs inactivate the function of a tumor suppressor gene called Nischarin, that Dr. Alahari's lab discovered.

Analysis to determine which of a number of cancer-related genes could be potential targets for miR-23b/27b found that only one other gene and Nischarin were directly targeted, and these microRNAs repressed its function. Nischarin is a novel protein that regulates breast cancer cell migration and movement. In a previous study, Dr. Alahari found that breast tumor growth and metastasis were reduced in the samples where they manipulated the overproduction of Nischarin.

"Our data for the first time show that these two microRNAs are highly expressed in breast cancer patients, and we were able suppress the expression of microRNAs using a novel antisense compound that led to inhibition of breast tumor growth in a mouse model," notes Dr. Alahari. "This study will be helpful in developing novel breast cancer therapeutic drugs that target mciroRNAs in breast cancer patients."

Excluding skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer among American women this year, and 2,240 among men in the US, with 39,620 deaths in women and 410 deaths in men.

Risk factors include aging, weight gain, combined hormone therapy, physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption. A family history increases risk, as does never having had children or having a first child after age 30. Mammography can often detect breast cancer at an early stage when treatment options are greatest and a cure is possible.

###

Researchers from the Cleveland Clinic, Regulus Therapeutics, and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center also contributed.

The research was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health, the Susan Komen Foundation, the Louisiana Board of Regents, and the Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium among others.

LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans educates Louisiana's health care professionals. The state's academic health leader, LSUHSC consists of a School of Medicine, the state's only School of Dentistry, Louisiana's only public School of Public Health, the only School of Nursing within an academic health center in Louisiana, and Schools of Allied Health Professions, and Graduate Studies. LSUHSC faculty take care of patients in public and private hospitals and clinics throughout the region. In the vanguard of biosciences research in a number of areas in a worldwide arena, the LSUHSC research enterprise generates jobs and enormous economic impact. LSUHSC faculty have made lifesaving discoveries and continue to work to prevent, advance treatment, or cure disease. To learn more, visit http://www.lsuhsc.edu and http://www.twitter.com/LSUHSCHealth.

---

[ | E-mail | Share ]

?

AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.

Public release date: 22-Jan-2013
[ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Leslie Capo
lcapo@lsuhsc.edu
504-568-4806
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center

New Orleans, LA Research led by Dr. Suresh Alahari, the Fred Brazda Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans and its Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, details exactly how the Her2 cancer gene promotes the progression and spread of breast cancer cells. The inactivation of a tumor suppression gene called Nischarin is among the mechanisms identified. The findings provide a new therapeutic target to block the function of Her2. The research was published in Cancer Research, OnlineFirst on January 21, 2013.

About 30% of breast cancers are positive for the Her2 oncogene. Although this gene is implicated in breast cancer, the exact mechanism has been unknown. In this study, the researchers showed that the Her2 oncogene activates two short microRNAs, called miR-27b and miR-23b, which in turn regulate breast cancer progression and lung metastasis. The study also shows, for the first time, that these microRNAs inactivate the function of a tumor suppressor gene called Nischarin, that Dr. Alahari's lab discovered.

Analysis to determine which of a number of cancer-related genes could be potential targets for miR-23b/27b found that only one other gene and Nischarin were directly targeted, and these microRNAs repressed its function. Nischarin is a novel protein that regulates breast cancer cell migration and movement. In a previous study, Dr. Alahari found that breast tumor growth and metastasis were reduced in the samples where they manipulated the overproduction of Nischarin.

"Our data for the first time show that these two microRNAs are highly expressed in breast cancer patients, and we were able suppress the expression of microRNAs using a novel antisense compound that led to inhibition of breast tumor growth in a mouse model," notes Dr. Alahari. "This study will be helpful in developing novel breast cancer therapeutic drugs that target mciroRNAs in breast cancer patients."

Excluding skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer among American women this year, and 2,240 among men in the US, with 39,620 deaths in women and 410 deaths in men.

Risk factors include aging, weight gain, combined hormone therapy, physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption. A family history increases risk, as does never having had children or having a first child after age 30. Mammography can often detect breast cancer at an early stage when treatment options are greatest and a cure is possible.

###

Researchers from the Cleveland Clinic, Regulus Therapeutics, and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center also contributed.

The research was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health, the Susan Komen Foundation, the Louisiana Board of Regents, and the Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium among others.

LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans educates Louisiana's health care professionals. The state's academic health leader, LSUHSC consists of a School of Medicine, the state's only School of Dentistry, Louisiana's only public School of Public Health, the only School of Nursing within an academic health center in Louisiana, and Schools of Allied Health Professions, and Graduate Studies. LSUHSC faculty take care of patients in public and private hospitals and clinics throughout the region. In the vanguard of biosciences research in a number of areas in a worldwide arena, the LSUHSC research enterprise generates jobs and enormous economic impact. LSUHSC faculty have made lifesaving discoveries and continue to work to prevent, advance treatment, or cure disease. To learn more, visit http://www.lsuhsc.edu and http://www.twitter.com/LSUHSCHealth.

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AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.

Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-01/lsuh-lrp012213.php

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Anaheim hit with legal claims over summer unrest | police, claims ...

ANAHEIM ? Police actions escalated tension and put bystanders in harm's way in the moments after officers shot and killed an unarmed man who had run for them, according to legal claims filed against the city.

Eight residents of Anna Drive filed claims, seeking $500,000 each for physical injuries, emotional trauma, violations of Constitutional protections against unreasonable search and seizure and other damages. The claims were filed Friday and Tuesday, city officials said.

An officer-involved shooting on Anna Drive near La Palma Avenue in July left one man dead.

KEVIN WARN, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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The city has 45 days to formally respond; if it denies the claims, the residents may then file lawsuits.

Mayor Tom Tait said he had not seen the claims.

"All claims will be seriously looked at," he said.

Sgt. Bob Dunn of the Anaheim Police Department said he could not comment on claims. Representatives from the city attorney's office did not respond to requests for comment.

Each of the claims outlines the events on July 21 immediately after police shot 25-year-old Manuel Diaz, who they said was a known gang member. According to the claims, neighbors began gathering on the 600 block of Anna Drive, questioning why police shot Diaz as he fled, and why he did not receive medical attention as he lay dying. Shouting began, as neighbors called on officers to help Diaz.

Officers responded with "conflicting and incoherent" orders, according to the claims, then brought out batons and fired rubber bullets and pepper bullets to control the crowd.

"In this case, police didn't follow good procedure, and they turned a bad situation worse," said Dana Douglas, the attorney representing the eight Anna Drive residents as well as Diaz's family in a separate lawsuit.

Some in the crowd retaliated by throwing rocks, she said. Her clients and others, however, committed no crime, she said, and did not threaten police.

At the time of the unrest, Police Chief John Welter said officers fired bean bags and pepper spray into the crowd in response to "known gang members" who threw rocks and bottles at police. A K-9 police dog accidentally escaped from an officer's vehicle, he said.

"Officers in this situation can't retreat," Welter said at the time, defending the officers' decision to fire at the demonstrators. "If we would have abandoned the scene, we would not be doing our job."

On Tuesday, Anna Drive resident Elizabeth Aguilar, 19, vividly recalled the rubber bullets striking her and her father and displayed a bruise on her right arm.

She said she decided to file the claim to prevent another occurrence of what she called police mistreatment.

"If we let this slide, it will happen again," Aguilar said outside her apartment. "We have to put a stop to police."

On a fishing trip Monday, she wore the same clothes she did the day she was injured in July and said: "I had the biggest flashback of everything."

According to the claims:

?Junior Lagunas was bitten by an unleashed police dog as he tried to protect his young son, who was in a stroller. He saw his mother hit with rubber bullets and feared for her safety.

?Benjamin Ventura, a minor, was shot multiple times with rubber and pepper bullets. His injuries sent him to Western Medical Center.

?Susan Lopez was walking by the scene, pushing her infant daughter in a stroller. She shielded her daughter from rubber bullets and the police dog, but suffered injuries herself.

?Jose Herrera was struck with rubber and pepper bullets. Under emotional and physical stress, he had a seizure and was taken to Western Medical Center.

?Jose Jaime Aguilar-Lopez was shot with rubber and pepper bullets, eventually losing consciousness and falling to the ground. When he came to, he saw police shooting at his father in the back with rubber and pepper bullets. As he went to help his father, police shot at him again.

?Yesenia Rojas was struck with rubber and pepper bullets as she tried to protect her son and grandson. She then watched the police dog attack them and officers shoot at them.

?Yoseline Alonso, 11, was shot with rubber and pepper bullets in the leg, causing her to fall to the ground.

Two other men filed claims against the city in August. Anaheim residents Victor Gonzalez and Jesus Reyna said they were protesting the shooting when they were shot with rubber bullets. According to court records, they have not yet filed lawsuits.

Contact the writer: Sarah Tully contributed to this report.

Contact the writer: ckoerner@ocregister.com or 714-704-3709

Source: http://www.ocregister.com/news/police-408849-claims-bullets.html

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A Short Discussion On CMS Solutions with Joomla

CMS that means the content management system allows the software for administration and authorization of the website. Its system is at first to create and design the web content. It is the open source method in which various options takes place. Joomla is one of the best ways which used for the installation, setup and tutorial process. We, the GR Brains Technologies handle the CMS Solutions that provide you the way for the website presentations in different or all kinds of sectors such as:

At GR Brains Technologies, the CMS Solutions play a vital role in these types of web development process. Further on you may know that what it gives or the advantages like:

• Lower Cost
• Customization
• Support

Those people who don?t have idea for the professional environment in web design, is very difficult to impel the right track. At these circumstances the CMS website development provides the applications that involve backend administration for the users that can login to create and edit the website. This is called the dashboard that allows the user to get templates for page creation, revenue, accessibility, design, upload media by raw code files.

Joomla is that open source free system to build up the website, which highly use the content management system. It features includes:

• Polls
• RSS Feeds
• Media and banners, and so on.

We the GR Brains Technologies give you the right solutions in Joomla development because we have the appreciation award for the year of 2013 and continuously growing in this field to provide much, much and much solutions to you! See we some our joomla development services.

About us:
GR Brains Technologies ? A perfect joomla development company providing a complete joomla website development, portal development and custom requirement based on PHP development.

Source: http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/13858508-a-short-discussion-on-cms-solutions-with-joomla

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Grief Healing: Understanding and Managing Grief, January 13 ...

Best selections from Grief Healing's Twitter stream this week:

Voices of Experience: What I've Learned from Grief,?http://j.mp/pxcNlf

6 Simple Ways to Improve Your Mood,?http://j.mp/VMhxuz???Ashley Davis Bush, LCSW

Silence, a Source of Comfort for the Bereaved,?http://j.mp/10xXbcA???Open to Hope

CCBC recommends booklist on grief and loss for children, http://j.mp/V7ofwQ via?@WhatsYourGrief

Updated: Tips for Coping with Sleeplessness in Grief, http://j.mp/hkoXnZ?? Grief Healing Blog

Lack of Training in Spiritual Care Noted in Study,?http://j.mp/W5OazP?? Hospice Foundation of America
Helping Young Men Grieve Their Friends,?http://j.mp/10x1rcj?? Friend Grief?
Real Men Grieve: Losing my daughter and learning to grieve,?http://j.mp/13zNZlE???Hello Grief

From Lou LaGrand: Paths Toward Peace Of Mind As We Mourn,?http://j.mp/13zx96o

Teen Grief: Secondary Losses,?http://j.mp/103szP5?? Hospice of the Valley, AZ via @pinterest

Teen Grief: Getting Through It,?http://j.mp/W4ipY6?? Hospice of the Valley, AZ via @pinterest
Teen Grief: Guilt,?http://j.mp/UlH8ID?? Hospice of the Valley, AZ via @pinterest
Life After Child Loss, Maureen Hunter's Story,?http://j.mp/W41tRf
Guilt In the Wake of a Parent's Death,?http://j.mp/Xywa2Z?? Grief Healing Blog
Pin It

Source: http://www.griefhealingblog.com/2013/01/understanding-and-managing-grief_19.html

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What Te'o said to try and explain girlfriend hoax

Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o tried to clear the air late Friday about how he fell into an online relationship with a fictitious woman he met online who called herself Lennay Kekua. His grief at her "death" became a major story during the college football season. The problem was Kekua was a hoax ? there was no such person.

Te'o spoke to ESPN for 2 1/2 hours at an IMG training facility in Florida where he is training for the NFL draft.

In question-and-answer form, these are some highlights of the way events unfolded, according to Te'o:

____

Q: WHEN DID TE'O'S ONLINE "RELATIONSHIP" WITH THE FAKE WOMAN BEGIN AND HOW DID IT DEVELOP?

A: Te'o says he received a Facebook friend request from Kekua in early 2010, his freshman year at Notre Dame. They were in contact on and off over the next couple of years and, as Te'o describes it, it naturally progressed until they started to get very close last April. At that time, Te'o was told by a person portraying Kekua's brother, that Lennay had been in a serious car accident. In the wake of that twist, Te'o began to talk to the girl much more frequently. He became hugely invested in her and was then told she had leukemia.

Kekua "died" on Sept. 12, the same day Te'o's real grandmother died. Te'o said he was grief-stricken and had a testy conversation with Kekua, then ? hours later ? the pranksters called and said his girlfriend was dead.

____

Q: SO TE'O NEVER SAW LENNAY KEKUA IN THE FLESH?

A: That's right. They had planned to meet up one time in San Diego during a long layover he had on his way home to Hawaii. That never happened because on April 28, Te'o says he was told, she got into a serious car accident. Te'o said he was told the accident put Kekua into a coma, and when she came out her recovery from serious injuries drew them closer. He started talking to a woman portraying Kekua every day.

He said before he returned from Hawaii to South Bend for preseason practice he had planned to meet up with her on California, but he had to cancel this time to attend a family reunion in Utah.

Te'o claims they tried to make video phone calls using Skype and FaceTime, but he said he could never see her face. She would say she could see him and tease him about being able to use the technology correctly.

____

Q: WAS TE'O IN ON THE SCAM?

A: He says no. Skeptics contend that his story is so fantastic it's hard to believe, that he couldn't be so gullible to have been fooled by the scam. Yet no one has come forward with hard evidence that pins down Te'o as being a participant. In the lengthy and detailed story by Deadspin.com that broke the news of the hoax, the strongest accusation that Te'o was one of the perpetrators was an unidentified friend of Ronaiah Tuiasosopo, the alleged mastermind of the prank, telling Deadspin he was "80 percent sure" that Manti Te'o was "in on it."

___

Q: THROUGHOUT THE SEASON, THOUGH, TE'O SPOKE ABOUT HIS DEAD GIRLFRIEND AS IF SHE WE A LIVING PERSON. HOW DOES HE EXPLAIN THAT?

A: This is where it gets complicated. Te'o says he thought his girlfriend was real, but when she died ? and word got out that he was playing through the deaths of both his grandmother and girlfriend ? he was embarrassed that he had only ever had contact with Kekua online and by phone. Already, he had lied to his father and told him that he had seen Kekua.

So, in Te'o's words, "I knew that ? I even knew that it was crazy that I was with somebody that I didn't meet, and that alone people find out that this girl who died I was so invested in, and I didn't meet her as well. So I kind of tailored my stories to have people think that, yeah, he met her before she passed away. So people wouldn't think that I was some crazy dude."

___

Q: HOW DID THE SCHEME UNRAVEL?

A: Te'o received a phone call on Dec. 6 from the Kekua's phone number. On the line was a woman who sounded like Kekua. He says he was confused, and thought it was one of her sisters. The woman was telling him a story about having to fake her death to evade drug dealers but not directly identifying herself. Te'o said "She kept going back and forth. 'It's me.'

"I eventually just gave up and said, 'Who is me?' And she said, 'It's Lennay.' So we carried on that conversation, and I just got mad. I just went on a rampage. How could you do this to me? I ended that conversation by saying, simply, this: 'You know what, Lennay, my Lennay died on Sept. 12. I don't know who you are, but Lennay died on Sept. 12th,' and that conversation ended."

Te'o said he didn't know what to think at that point and her continued to refer to Lennay as his "girlfriend." The woman contacted him again and the tales got even more confusing. He says he didn't think that Lennay wasn't real, he thought she might still be alive but that she was possibly toying with him.

He told his mother on Christmas Eve what was going on and his father on Christmas Day, and on Dec. 26th he told Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly and defensive coordinator Bob Diaco. Within days, Notre Dame ordered an investigation.

Te'o told ESPN that not until the news broke earlier this week, and Tuiasosopo contacted him to apologize, did he finally realize Kekua wasn't real and the whole thing was a hoax.

___

Q: HOW ELABORATE WAS THE SCHEME?

A: Very, according to Te'o. The pranksters used multiple characters, they sent photos of the flowers Te'o sent for Lennay's "funeral" to him to show they arrived. Te'o claims they became agitated when he began to see another girl at Notre Dame in December, and a woman claiming to be Lennay's sister called Te'o's mother to complain about it.

Lennay had a large extended family, Te'o says he was told, including a young relative, a 9-year-old girl named Pookah. Te'o met her face-to-face, along with Tuiasosopo, when Notre Dame was in California in November to play USC.

___

Q: SO, IF IT WASN'T TE'O, WHO WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE HOAX?

The Deadspin story pointed to Tuiasosopo as being most involved, and Te'o said that the 22-year-old contacted him on Jan. 16 to apologize.

Te'o said the message went like this: "I have two people that I want to come clean with and that's you and your family. I'm not going to say anything to the press. I just want you to know the truth. And God bless, and blah, blah, blah."

Tuiasosopo has not yet spoken publicly about the situation.

___

Q: WHAT NEXT?

A: It seems no laws were broken, and Te'o has given no indication he wants to pursue a civil suit against the pranksters. Unless someone comes forward to refute Te'o's claims, or new evidence is unearthed contradicting what he has said, the next people he'll need to answer to are NFL coaches and executives.

Te'o will likely attend the combine in February and there he will start doing job interviews with prospective new employers. He has been projected as a potential high first-round pick. The first round is held the night of April 25 in New York City.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/teo-said-try-explain-girlfriend-hoax-234758523--spt.html

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Law Institution Relationships ? Five Methods for Love to Succeed in ...

But Tom continues to be heartbroken about Margaret, who trashed him only two weeks previously, and of course, that worries Anne because she gets seen this specific play out ahead of. She goes out with a guy for a few 2 or 3 weeks and then Pow! It?s all? ?Sorry, on the other hand guess I used to be just never truly over (so-and-so). It has been fun. Notice ya.Inches

Interpersonal appeal is supposed to be produce friendship and also romantic relationship. Your significant one particular (or spouse) may start over by making a friendship 1st, it can help both of you to get to realize each other more and build the particular trust in one another. It takes efforts and restore a broken relationship. Whenever you two regain a cracked relationship, make sure that interpersonal attraction in between you and your major one (or spouse) wouldn?t be faded.

When you are into the pattern of your relationship, begin to feel like you grasp the safety and familiarity this breeds. Nevertheless, in the long run, this may create a stale environment involving boredom and ?same-ness?, leading a lot of couples to experience restless, unfulfilled, and ?itching? for something new. Break out of in which rut by simply bringing additional spice and also novelty for your relationship. Shake things up a little bit and dare to become different! Big surprise your lover that has a night out on the town to break inside the mundane workweek. Expose more creativity and assortment into your love lifestyle. Keep your ex guessing and also on his feet for what exactly is coming up coming. By earning a little more enjoyment and stimulation, the biochemistry and biology between the both of you will be revitalized, reaffirming your relationship and strengthening your relationship.

The second reason women stress about their relationships Deal Clix Tips a great deal (even when your relationship is going very well), suffer because they have difficulty dealing with the uncertainty that comes along with any affectionate, love relationship. Probably you?ve been hurt by a preceding relationship, or you was raised in an atmosphere where you discovered other women get their hearts cracked by one more man, and many others. In any case, there?s a part of you actually is frightened and fearful of getting injure. So you will be in constant ?alert mode?, only watching for just a sign to view whether the guy you care about is losing interest and tugging away. You dont want to get caught unawares by his quick decision to be able to cheat or even leave this relationship.

And there in lies this rub. I?ve truly watched some people grow old with each other. The best relationships are those that retain physical get in touch with in the scenario, but many individuals seem to drift apart. There are many reasons for this, but here?s my thoughts on the subject.

Once you ascertain the underlying dilemma visit dealclix.com, you must prepare a plan of action to help reignite the loveual relationship. It needs to be agreeable to both of you, and a few compromise coming from both of you could possibly be necessary.

To ensure you to manage your relationship, you need to know how to take care of yourself initially. This is the most important rule to follow in making some sort of relationship work. Soon you are peaceful and happy, it would be quite impossible that you have a relaxing and happy relationship as well.

Source: http://cash-for-work-project.net/law-institution-relationships-five-methods-for-love-to-succeed-in-regulation-school/

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Vuvuzelas blare again as SAfrica opens African Cup

By GERALD IMRAY

AP Sports Writer

Associated Press Sports

updated 11:02 a.m. ET Jan. 19, 2013

JOHANNESBURG (AP) -South Africa's vuvuzelas blared again at Soccer City on Saturday as the former World Cup host opened the African Cup of Nations with the distinct sound that grabbed the globe's attention three years ago.

A huge wooden puppet of a boy in a red t-shirt with a football at his feet watched over the 40-minute opening ceremony which started with dancers knocking over walls. Hundreds of energetic performers wore traditional African outfits with acrobats bouncing on trampolines - which then turned into the flags of the 16 countries competing at Africa's top tournament.

Through it all, the sound of the bleating vuvuzelas, South African football's most famous and recognizable item, was near constant from fans watching in light rain on the bright orange seats of the stadium near Soweto that hosted the 2010 World Cup final.

The end of each section of the ceremony was greeted loudly by the horns as supporters began to fill the cavernous stadium for the opening game between the host and tournament first-timer Cape Verde.

South African president Jacob Zuma was at the stadium, and organizers said the opening game was an 87,000 sellout.

After the dancing and singing, history-making double amputee athlete Oscar Pistorius, who competed at the London Olympics last year, led out a group of children carrying the flag of the Confederation of African Football, Africa's football body and the organizers of the Cup of Nations.

At one point after the main part of the ceremony, an announcer had to ask the crowd to stop blowing their vuvuzelas for the African Union anthem to be played. The fans obeyed, and then burst into more horn blowing at the end of the anthem.

Earlier, the dancers had knocked over fake stone walls representing some of the continent's challenges and were inscribed with the words poverty, illiteracy, disease and famine.

People carrying giant red blue, green, yellow and white balls then weaved in and out in an elaborate act that ended with them creating an image of South Africa's multi-colored flag.

Persistent rain earlier had forced fans wearing the yellow shirts of South Africa's national team, Bafana Bafana, into the shelter of the inner parts of the stadium, but the ceremony drew them out to blow on their vuvuzelas and cheer the performers.

The noise reached a crescendo as the first South African players emerged from the tunnel to warm up on the pitch after the opening ceremony, then turned quickly to some boos when Cape Verde's players ran out.

South Africa's game with Cape Verde, which has qualified for a major tournament for the first time in its history, will be followed Saturday at Soccer City by the other opening Group A game, Morocco versus Angola.

? 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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More newsOtto Greule Jr / Getty Images

Adu's days in Philly are numbered

PST: Will there ever come a U.S. player where the surplus of animated discussion, weighed against the actual quantity of achievement, is so wildly imbalanced as it is with Freddy Adu?

Vuvuzelas blare again as SAfrica opens African Cup

??JOHANNESBURG (AP) -South Africa's vuvuzelas blared again at Soccer City on Saturday as the former World Cup host opened the African Cup of Nations with the distinct sound that grabbed the globe's attention three years ago.

Source: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/50518011/ns/sports-soccer/

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SC tops, NC second-best in jobs from foreign investments

Staff Charlotte Business Journal

North Carolina is No. 2 in a new ranking of the top 20 states for attracting jobs through foreign investment, the Triangle Business Journal reports. The only state ranking higher is neighboring South Carolina.

The report, based on 2011 data, was prepared by the IBM (NYSE:IBM) Institute of Business Value, which takes an annual look at global relocation trends.

Source: http://feeds.bizjournals.com/~r/bizj_charlotte/~3/jpoqlYwBBI0/sc-tops-nc-second-best-in-jobs-from.html

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Avatar tirelessly screens for - and catches - liars

20 hrs.

John Roach , NBC News

Long lines at border crossings and airport security checkpoints may be trimmed with the help of a grey metal box about the size of an ATM with an avatar on a computer monitor described by one reporter as a "late-model Max Headroom."

Wired takes an in-depth look at the Embodied Avatar project being developed by researchers at the University of Arizona. The avatar?detects liars by asking people a list of short questions as it monitors their eye movements, body language, and vocal tones during each answer.

Research into what happens when we lie?indicates our pupils dilate, we fidget more and our vocal?pitch changes in slight, tell-tale ways. The avatar is trained to pick up those signs, which it does remarkably well.

For now, the machine is getting a limited workout at a border crossing in Arizona, but its success rates in trials ? 94 percent when tested in Poland ?has caught the attention of the Department of Homeland Security.

?An avatar interrogator has many advantages over its human counterparts. It?s consistent, tireless, and susceptible to neither persuasion nor bribery,? Wired noted.

People flagged by the Embodied Avatar in Arizona are pulled aside for further questioning by humans who, when acting alone, catch only 54 percent of liars.

More information on the Embodied Avatar technology, the history of lie detectors and research into the art of detecting a deceiver is laid out in Wired's feature. Read it.?

???via Verge, Wired?

John Roach is a contributing writer for NBC News Digital. To learn more about him, check out his website. For more of our Future of Technology series, watch the featured video below.

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/futureoftech/avatar-tirelessly-screens-catches-liars-1B8036738

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STM Bags Launches Protective iPad Mini Cases

STM Bags Launches Protective iPad Mini Cases

STM Bags, a leading manufacturer of protective and ergonomically designed laptop bags and accessories, announces the availability of its new iPad Mini case collection featuring the Skinny, Grip, Marquee and Jacket D7.

The lightweight Skinny for iPad Mini is a snap on, hard shell back case with soft lining to provide enhanced protection from scratches and bumps. The front cover provides additional protection and when opened or closed conveniently places the iPad Mini on sleep or wake mode. The Skinny?s front cover can be folded allowing users to place the iPad Mini in both typing and viewing angles. Additional features include easy access to all ports and controls and a loop closure. The Skinny for iPad Mini is available in four stylish colors ? berry, pink, royal blue and black.

STM Bags? Grip for iPad Mini features a lightweight, slim, protective construction to easily carry the iPad Mini while on the go. The case?s kickstand can be placed in a low position ideal for typing or in a higher position for viewing movies, playing games, FaceTime chatting and more. The snap on, hard shell back with soft lining and front cover provide maximum protection. The front cover when opened or closed conveniently places the iPad Mini in sleep or wake mode, and the case gives access to all ports and controls. The Grip for iPad Mini is available in four trendy colors ? tangerine, berry, royal blue and black.

The slim Marquee for iPad Mini, available in pink, white, black or royal blue, is a premium soft leather case with a hard snap on back, foldable front cover and loop to securely store a stylus. The protective case can be placed in both typing and viewing modes and gives access to all ports and buttons on the device.

The Jacket D7 for iPad Mini combines outstanding protection and versatility with contemporary style. The sleeve is constructed from water-resistant nylon, high-density closed cell padding and is luxuriously lined with extra-soft polyester microfiber to cradle the iPad Mini. The sleeve features large zippered pockets to store cables, chargers and other accessories. The secure, front-mounted pockets give quick access to smaller items such as a cellphone or wallet, while the full-width rear pocket provides ample storage for documents and other non-bulky items. Additional features include top-quality YKK zippers with protective flanges and a removable and adjustable shoulder strap. The Jacket D7 is available in either a stylish black/green or chocolate/orange color combination.

Availability:

• Skinny for iPad Mini is available now for $35 at J&R, RadTech and eBags.
• Grip for iPad Mini is available now for $40 at J&R, RadTech and eBags.
• Marquee for iPad Mini is available now for $80 at J&R and RadTech
• Jacket D7 is available now for $25 at J&R and RadTech.

Tags: accessories ? Case ? Grip for iPad Mini ? iPad mini ? Jacket D7 ? Marquee for iPad Mini ? press releases ? Skinny for iPad Mini ? STM Bags

Filed: Accessories ? Featured ? iPad ? iPadmodo

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/appmodo/~3/UtAHbs9fUmM/

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Scoop Business ? Builders urged to make safety a priority in 2013

Press Release ? Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment

Last year health and safety inspectors issued over 1,000 notices and written warnings to construction companies performing work at height unsafely.Media release

17 January 2013

Builders urged to make safety a priority in 2013

Last year health and safety inspectors issued over 1,000 notices and written warnings to construction companies performing work at height unsafely.

Inspectors from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment assessed more than 1,600 construction sites in 2012 as part of the Preventing Falls from Height project, which aims to reduce injuries and fatalities caused by falls in the construction sector.

The project continues in 2013 and construction workers are urged to make safety a priority in the New Year.

?The Ministry will continue to target sites that carry out work at height unsafely and those companies that put their workers at risk,? says Francois Barton, the Ministry?s Southern Division General Manager.

?We want to see enforcement figures improving in 2013 ? safe work at height should be standard practice in the industry.?

?Despite the high number of notices and warnings issued last year, it has been very positive to see some construction companies using innovative solutions to ensure their staff are safe while working at height. Companies are using adaptive scaffolding systems, mobile stair systems instead of ladders, and soft landing systems to stop workers getting hurt from falling off the top plate.?

?Many of these solutions are also increasing productivity by improving access for builders and the tradespeople that work alongside them.?

Builders, roofers, electrical workers, painters and decorators are the most likely to fall from height and get seriously hurt while they are working.

?Tradespeople are going back to work after a few weeks off, so now is the time for a renewed focus on safety issues,? Mr Barton says.

Hundreds of construction workers are injured on building sites every year ? these accidents are preventable if every care is taken. Workers must make safety a priority, particularly over summer when there is an overall increase in workplace injury.

?Working long hours in the sun can take its toll, so it is also important for workers to look after themselves both physically and mentally ? take breaks and stay hydrated, and keep an eye on stress and fatigue levels,? Mr Barton says.

?Health and safety is the responsibility of everyone on the site. We all have a role to play in improving workplace safety ? doing nothing is not an option.?

More information on the preventing Falls from height project is available at http://dol.govt.nz/prevent-falls/index.asp

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Source: http://business.scoop.co.nz/2013/01/17/builders-urged-to-make-safety-a-priority-in-2013/

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