After spending a few days around Security Week (BlackHat, Defcon, BSidesLV) last week, I was constantly amazed at the excitement and innovation around security. Unfortunately, most of this focused on the attack side, but nevertheless, it will drive security thinking forward (which is what we want!).
wi-fi, by poloballs
Several researchers focused on Near Field Communication (NFC) implementations as this technology is quickly becoming embedded in many mobile devices. While you may not be an NFC expert, you certainly have used NFC before. Think about any time you have used your credit card in a contactless way, paid for transport in London with an Oyster card, or even started your new automobile, you are using a form of NFC. Businesses want NFC because it offers (in some cases) better authentication of payment devices, easier ways to interact with customers (with minimal intrusion), and can potentially serve to increase efficiency on both sides of the relationship. As with most technological innovations, the business will get very creative in ways to monetize it.
But as with most technological innovations, implementation is often more important than design (see WEP/RC4). Researchers last week showed how implementing an NFC interface to a smartphone can potentially be disastrous for its owner. In this case, the software behind the hardware was the problem, and software manufacturers must be vigilant in their quest for releasing stable, secure products.
Another researcher at DEFCON demonstrated quite the opposite where he used a smartphone?s NFC technology to capture payment information from a contactless payment instrument, store it, and then replay it to complete a transaction. This is not a new attack as we?ve seen the replay of RFID before, but it?s a much stealthier attack as everything is contained within the phone. Imagine walking by someone and pushing ?attack? on your phone?s software moments before the swing of your arm matches up with the swing of the leg where he pockets his wallet. Quickly and stealthily interrogating the payment instruments and using them to buy things later.
If nothing else, this demonstrates that you should be personally vigilant on watching every charge posted to your accounts, setting up lots of alerts to monitor strange behavior, and disable anything you are not actively using. If you are concerned about people stealing your payment information, you can put your cards into paper-thin shields that will prevent someone from interacting with it, or simply request a card that does not have the contactless technology embedded in it.
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It is hard to believe I am already at the halfway point of my Spanish education at FSI.?Next week I have my evaluation, which is basically like a mock test session. Oh yeah ? I don?t think I have mentioned that I?am able to take the exam and receive an ILR score. Andmy exam is already scheduled in late August!
Which brings me to the title of this post: Sometimes, to be successful in learning Spanish, you have to lie a little bit.
Dramatic? Not as dramatic as?El Talisman.
As Kail wrote, learning Spanish is about saying what you can say ? not what you want to say. This is especially true during one part of the exam?s speaking portion (there is a speaking test and a reading test), during which test-takers must give a brief presentation on a topic they select among a handful of choices. And you only have a few minutes to prepare.
In class, we?ve practiced this exercise several times. The themes can run the gamut of policy issues. In our practice sessions, I have talked about immigration, disparities between developed and developing nations,?the prevalence of cell phones and other mobile communication devices, domestic violence and aging.
Let me be clear: I don?t even know whether I could give a cogent argument on these topics in English, let alone in Spanish.?But the point isn?t to demonstrate the depth of your knowledge on the subject at hand; rather, it?s to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively on topics that may or may not come up in conversation in your course of work as a Foreign Service Officer (or as a Foreign Service Officer?s spouse, like me).
So citing statistics, referencing anecdotes and?offering solutions are all tactics that are encouraged to deliver a strong presentation. Are the statistics true? Maybe, maybe not. They?re not not true. Or at least, your exam proctor has no way of knowing. I might just say, ?I read that Americans spend something like 68% of their day using a mobile device.? Or, ?My friend told me her grandmother is in her 80s, and while her short-term memory isn?t very strong, her long-term memory is.?
I?m not presenting them as facts, so it?s harmless, right?
When it comes to offering solutions, do I really think the government has a responsibility to help [insert whatever subgroup I happen to be discussing] and that the best way to administer this help is to implement a new law or regulation, give more money to an existing federal program and/or create a new federal program altogether? No, but?I know how to say that in Spanish so I?m going to say it.
Note: These white lies apply only when I?m speaking Spanish, so you don?t have to worry about things I tell you in English.
What do you think: Is it OK to tell a little white lie every now and then?
The Humane Society of the United States thanks U.S Rep. Jim Moran, D-VA, co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, for introducing a resolution condemning the use of carbon monoxide gas chambers for euthanasia of shelter animals. The Resolution, H. Res. 736, calls for states to enact laws requiring shelters that must euthanize animals to use injectable drugs instead of gas chambers, and encourages states to remove barriers to use of the more humane injection technique.???? ? The HSUS considers use of the gas chamber in a shelter setting to be unacceptable under any circumstances. ? ?Euthanasia of dogs and cats in shelters is a tragedy that must come to an end through spaying and neutering of pets, increased adoption of pets from shelters and other approaches, but when an animal must be euthanized, it?s critical that it be done in the most compassionate way possible. Direct injection of approved euthanasia drugs, by which the animal quickly loses consciousness without experiencing pain or distress, is the most humane method currently available,? said Inga Fricke, director of sheltering and pet care issues for The HSUS. ?Lesser alternatives like carbon monoxide gas chambers should never be used in shelter settings.? ? The reasons The HSUS considers gas chambers inappropriate in shelter settings include:
Gas chambers cannot provide humane euthanasia for shelter populations: The animals euthanized in shelters are often old, young, ill or injured; none of these animals can be humanely euthanized in a gas chamber. Even healthy adult dogs and cats will suffer stress just by being placed in a gas chamber, making their death inhumane.
Gas chambers pose grave dangers to staff: Gas chambers pose great physical and psychological harm to staff. Staff must handle, transport and place animals into the chamber, putting them at risk of bites and scratches. Animal care workers have also been injured and killed by carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless and tasteless toxic gas.
Euthanasia by injection is less expensive: Studies have proven that it is more expensive to operate a gas chamber than it is to purchase and use euthanasia drugs.?
? To date, 19 states have already banned gas chambers. In 15 states the gas chamber is not banned outright, but shelters have the legal authority to acquire and use euthanasia drugs, referred to as ?direct licensing,? so eliminating chambers is a policy determination of the shelter. In the remaining 16 states, shelters have no authority to acquire euthanasia drugs directly; they must rely on the cooperation of a local veterinarian to provide them. ? When euthanasia must be performed in a shelter setting, euthanasia by injection is the only acceptable humane method. In states where shelters have the ability to acquire euthanasia drugs directly, all shelters still using a gas chamber should convert to euthanasia by injection immediately. Where direct licensing is not yet available, The HSUS will partner with its affiliate the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association in an effort to help shelters secure access to euthanasia drugs until a direct licensing measure is passed in their state. The HSUS will provide necessary training and assistance to any shelter committed to using injectable drugs.
Read the resolution!?
SOURCE and LINK: The Humane Society of the United States www.humanesociety.org
LONDON -- Add LeBron James to the list of players who don't want to see the London Olympics become the last one before a restrictive age cap is instituted for men's basketball, limiting the tournament to those 23 or younger.
"I disagree with that," he said.
Why?
"Because I'm 27," he said with a smile.
The charmingly made point illustrated a widespread feeling among the superstar players on Team USA -- that although they might be jet-setting millionaires dozens of times over, they still crave representing their country at the Olympics.
"I feel like we should definitely have a choice," forward Kevin Love said. "When the time comes, I know that they'll make a decision. But my stance is that the players should have the right to choose if they want to play in the Olympics, because this might only come around once."
The Americans take on lightly regarded Tunisia in their next game Tuesday.
But in the aftermath of a blowout opening win over France, several players cited forward Blake Griffin in their defense of an Olympic status quo, in the face of suggestions by NBA Commissioner David Stern and some team owners to impose an age limit.
The 23-year-old Griffin was chosen for the Olympic team, but lost the opportunity when he had to back out because of a knee injury suffered during training camp.
"He couldn't play in 2016, if that goes into effect," said Chris Paul, his teammate on the Los Angeles Clippers.
The
players are competing on the 20th anniversary of the original "Dream Team" at the 1992 Barcelona Games, the first Olympics at which NBA professionals were allowed to compete. Until then, the men's basketball competition was limited to amateurs and pros from Europe and South America.
It has never had an age limit, per se.
But Stern and owners such as Mark Cuban want to both curtail the risk of injury to players to whom NBA teams are paying vast salaries, and create a "World Cup" of basketball from which they can make more money than they do from the Olympics.
The idea harkens to men's soccer, which does have a 23-year-old age limit in the Olympics, in large part because the giant European clubs have resisted allowing their top stars to play in yet another international competition.
But even the head of the international soccer federation, Sepp Blatter, has encouraged young soccer stars to take a stand against their teams if they want to play in the Olympics. Blatter cited superstar Lionel Messi, who played at the 2008 Beijing Olympics as a 21-year-old against the wishes of Barcelona FC and won the gold medal with Argentina.
"Everyone should embrace the spirit and play in the Games if they want to," Blatter said. "The problem is that the national associations are not making the right contacts with the clubs. I think the players themselves would like to come."
The basketball players seem to demonstrate that.
Paul said he doesn't see a change happening, and even Stern has acknowledged the issue isn't an urgent one. USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said he doesn't expect anybody to seriously study the issue until after the London Olympics.
But Kobe Bryant has been among those most vocal about his opposition, originally calling the idea of an age limit "stupid," and contesting the notion that owners need a hedge against injuries.
Bryant said it's more likely for players to get hurt playing pick-up games during the offseason against "a bunch of bums" than during the Olympics, when players are closely monitored as they would be during the NBA season.
"To me, playing on an Olympic team is actually better, if I was an owner," he said.
Beyond that, Bryant said, the Americans can't expect to compete against the rest of the world if they use only younger players. It was an amateur team's failure to win gold at the 1988 Seoul Olympics in Korea, after all, that led to the creation of the Dream Team, and everybody agrees that other countries have only grown stronger since then.
"We'll be in trouble," Bryant said. "Guys playing against us will be grown men and we'll be in trouble. If you just look at the Olympics as a whole, it's about putting your best athletes to the front to showcase. That's what it's about. If an athlete doesn't want to play, that's his decision. If a team feels some type of way [about] him performing, it's the team's responsibility to have those conversations with the athlete. That's how it should be.
"I don't see why it's even a topic of discussion," he said.
LONDON - Swiss soccer player Michel Morganella has been expelled from the London Olympics for posting a racist message on Twitter.
Swiss Olympic team chief Gian Gilli says Morganella is being stripped of his Olympic accreditation ahead of Switzerland's final group match against Mexico on Wednesday.
Morganella posted what the Swiss officials called an offensive and threatening message aimed at South Korean people after the Swiss team lost 2-1 to South Korea on Sunday.
The Swiss daily Le Matin published images of a tweet from the player's account (at)morgastoss. The account has since been deleted.
The 23-year-old defender is the second Olympic athlete to be kicked off a team for offensive Twitter comments.
Greece dropped triple jumper Voula Papachristou last week after she posted a comment mocking African immigrants.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
FILE - In this Dec. 13, 2009 file photo, unidentified crew members of a Russian-made cargo plane detained in Bangkok for allegedly smuggling North Korean weapons to Iran are led by a Thai police officer to an interrogation room in Bangkok, Thailand. Taking advantage of liberal company laws in New Zealand, a New Zealand shell company, SP Trading, leased the airplane that was seized in Bangkok while carrying 35 tons of rocket-propelled grenades, surface-to-air missiles and other weaponry. The plane had picked up the cargo in North Korea and was headed for Iran. The crew, four Kazahks and a Belarusian, were incarcerated and charged with possessing weapons. (AP Photo/Apichart Weerawong, File)
FILE - In this Dec. 13, 2009 file photo, unidentified crew members of a Russian-made cargo plane detained in Bangkok for allegedly smuggling North Korean weapons to Iran are led by a Thai police officer to an interrogation room in Bangkok, Thailand. Taking advantage of liberal company laws in New Zealand, a New Zealand shell company, SP Trading, leased the airplane that was seized in Bangkok while carrying 35 tons of rocket-propelled grenades, surface-to-air missiles and other weaponry. The plane had picked up the cargo in North Korea and was headed for Iran. The crew, four Kazahks and a Belarusian, were incarcerated and charged with possessing weapons. (AP Photo/Apichart Weerawong, File)
FILE - In this Dec. 12, 2009 file photo, Thai police officers and soldiers surround Il-76 cargo plane from Kazakhstan to make a search at Don Muang airport in Bangkok, Thailand. Taking advantage of liberal company laws in New Zealand, a New Zealand shell company, SP Trading, leased the airplane that was seized in Bangkok while carrying 35 tons of rocket-propelled grenades, surface-to-air missiles and other weaponry. The plane had picked up the cargo in North Korea and was headed for Iran. The crew, four Kazahks and a Belarusian, were incarcerated and charged with possessing weapons. (AP Photo/File) THAILAND OUT
FILE - In this Dec. 12, 2009 file photo, Thai police officers and soldiers remove boxes of war weaponry from a suspected foreign-registered cargo plane onto trucks at Don Muang airport in Bangkok, Thailand. Taking advantage of liberal company laws in New Zealand, a New Zealand shell company, SP Trading, leased the airplane that was seized in Bangkok while carrying 35 tons of rocket-propelled grenades, surface-to-air missiles and other weaponry. The plane had picked up the cargo in North Korea and was headed for Iran. The crew, four Kazahks and a Belarusian, were incarcerated and charged with possessing weapons. (AP Photo/File) THAILAND OUT
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) ? When American Jeffery Lowrance pleaded guilty this month to wire fraud and money laundering after running a $25 million Ponzi scheme, he was just the latest in a long list of criminals to take advantage of liberal company laws in New Zealand.
Like those before him, he found that about $130 and a little online paperwork let him set up a shell company in New Zealand without stepping foot in the country or having any financial presence. He registered First Capital Savings & Loan to an Auckland address but ran his scheme from Panama.
The World Bank ranks New Zealand as the easiest place in the world to set up a business, a point of pride for the island nation, which seeks to encourage trade and investment. But the system is open to abuse.
In an alarming case two years ago, a New Zealand shell company, SP Trading, leased an airplane that was seized in Thailand while carrying 35 tons of rocket-propelled grenades, surface-to-air missiles and other weaponry. The plane had picked up the cargo in North Korea and was headed for Iran. The crew, four Kazahks and a Belarusian, were incarcerated and charged with possessing weapons.
Soon after that, New Zealand's Companies Office set up risk-profiling teams to scour the company register for suspect companies. Since 2010, they've found 2,600 illegitimate companies, and have been de-listing companies that don't comply with rules at the rate of more than 1,000 per month. Yet with more than 560,000 companies now registered in New Zealand ? one for every eight citizens ? the database is large and growing.
And in the case of SP Trading, it wasn't until two months ago that the Companies Office finally removed it from its register of legitimate businesses.
The European Union became concerned enough that last year it struck New Zealand from its so-called "white list" of countries that require only minimal customer due diligence for transactions involving financial and credit institutions. Concerned that New Zealand could be prone to money laundering and terrorist financing, the EU reaffirmed this year that New Zealand wouldn't be on the list, which includes Australia, Canada and the U.S.
That's been an embarrassment for the developed nation that is regularly rated among the world's least corrupt.
Last week, New Zealand's Commerce Minister Craig Foss introduced a bill that he says will tighten the rules by requiring each listed company to have a New Zealand-based agent who will bear some legal responsibility. But even if passed by the parliament, the new law would not come into effect until mid-2013 and would not go far enough to satisfy some critics.
"It's about balance," Foss said in an interview. "We are renowned for our ability to get companies up and running in New Zealand. We need to balance that ease with our obligations to make sure we are doing what we can to stop abuse."
He said the new rules would dovetail with anti-money laundering legislation that is being spearheaded by Justice Minister Judith Collins.
Some say New Zealand has yet to get serious about stopping abuse. Financial blog naked capitalism has repeatedly accused New Zealand of playing the equivalent of the arcade game "Whac-a-Mole" by knocking down illegitimate operators as they pop up but not dealing with the systemic problems that give rise to the abuse.
"There are significant gaps in New Zealand legislation, especially concerning the registration and supervision of companies," said Michalis Rokas, the Charg? d'Affaires for the EU delegation in New Zealand.
Rokas said EU member states will likely review whether New Zealand can be restored to the white list if and when the country enacts the proposed new laws.
Alastair Stewart, a spokesman for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, wrote in an email that authorities are aware that operators like Lowrance are abusing the system and they're undertaking a wide program of work "to further reduce the misuse of New Zealand's-registered companies and protect our international reputation."
Records indicate that Lowrance, who once lived in Houston but was last year extradited by federal authorities from Peru, set up his New Zealand company in early 2007. The Companies Office didn't shut it down until mid-2010, eight months after the U.S. District Court of South Dakota issued a $42 million default judgment against Lowrance.
According to another civil judgment filed in Illinois, Lowrance told his 400-plus victims they would get returns of up to 7 percent each month by investing in his foreign currency trading scheme. In fact, Lowrance kept the money for himself, the judgment says, using some of it to fund an unsuccessful religious newspaper called "USA Tomorrow."
Lowrance's victims included a 78-year-old retired Illinois school teacher and a 77-year-old California woman who sold books and flags on eBay.
Under the terms of his plea deal in the criminal case, Lowrance is due to be sentenced later this year to a maximum 15 years, 8 months in prison.
Kimberly Locke poses for a photo in New York on Monday, July 30, 2012. the former American Idol finalist says she's open to be a judge on American Idol next season following the departure of Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez. (AP Photo/John Carucci)
Kimberly Locke poses for a photo in New York on Monday, July 30, 2012. the former American Idol finalist says she's open to be a judge on American Idol next season following the departure of Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez. (AP Photo/John Carucci)
NEW YORK (AP) ? Kimberley Locke wants to fill that vacant judge's chair on American Idol. The season 2 finalist feels having a former contestant on the show can bring renewed interest to the popular TV singing competition.
"I would love to sit in that chair and, you know, give some advice from the contestant's standpoint because I've been on that stage and I know what it's like," Locke said Monday in an interview with The Associated Press.
But don't consider her a pushover. Locke says she'll be brutally honest about each performance and "give it with no fluff."
"When you're a contestant on that show you do need that hard truth sometimes," Locke says, anticipating her critical tone would fall somewhere between the styles of two former judges.
"I'm not quite as nice as Paula (Abdul). Paula's super, super nice but I don't think I'm quite as mean as Simon (Cowell) either."
The empty judges' chairs came after Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez decided not to come back for another season. Last week, Mariah Carey confirmed she would join the show's 12th season. Other names mentioned to fill the missing spot include Nick Jonas, Pharrell Williams and Charlie Sheen.
Regardless of if Locke were to get the call, she loves the idea of former contestants coming back to judge. Adam Lambert has also been vocal about his willingness to be a judge on "Idol."
Since finishing behind Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken at the end of the show's second season, Locke embarked on a solo career, releasing two albums on Curb Records. Locke recently started her own label, IAM Entertainment. Her first single, "Finally Free" came out on Tuesday. She plans to release another single this year and a full album early next year.
___
Online: http://www.kimberleylockeofficial.com/
John Carucci covers entertainment for The Associated Press. Follow him at http://www.twitter.com/jcarucci_ap
BGI reports the latest finding on NMNAT1 mutations linked to Leber congenital amaurosisPublic release date: 29-Jul-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: Jia Liu liujia@genomics.cn BGI Shenzhen
July 29th, 2012, Shenzhen, China A five-country international team, led by Casey Eye Institute Molecular Diagnostic laboratory, BGI and Zhejiang University School of Medicine First Affiliated Hospital identified the NMNAT1 mutations as a cause of Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), one of the most common causes of inherited blindness in children. The latest study was published online in Nature Genetics, reporting the genetic characteristics underlying some LCA patients, and providing important evidences that support NMNAT1 as a promising target for the gene therapy of LCA.
LCA is an inherited retinal degenerative disease characterized by severe loss of vision at birth. It is estimated that LCA occurs in 2 to 3 per 100,000 newborns. Currently a lot of studies are being done on LCA. Scientists found that LCA could result from mutations in at least 17 genes, all of which are necessary for normal vision and play important roles in the development and function of the retina. More importantly, gene replacement therapy has been successful in animal models and in humans more studies are underway. However, the genetic characters for about 20-30% LCA patients are still unknown.
In this study, the researchers sequenced the whole exome of an LCA patient with no previously identified mutations. They identified 2,460 previously unreported variants. Through a series of screening and analysis, the result indicated that the gene NMNAT1 may serve as a candidate for LCA. Previous studies have shown that NMNAT1 plays an important role in axonal degeneration, because it could encode an enzyme in the NAD (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) biosynthesis pathway associated with protection against axonal degeneration.
In the further evaluation of NMNAT1, the researchers used Sanger sequencing to analyze 50 unrelated LCA patients with no previously indentified mutations, and they found that ten patients carried NMNAT1 mutations. By relating the clinical phenotypes of LCA patients with the mutations, the researchers found that the severity of LCA may correlate with the types of NMNAT 1 mutation: the patients carrying both of the missense variant (c.769G>A, p.Glu257Lys) and nonsense variant (c.507G>A, p.Trp169*) were all blind at birth; while those who carrying only missense variant (c.769G>A, p.Glu257Lys) may develop poor vision within a few years after birth.
Professor Ming Qi, Chief Scientist at BGI, Director of Center for Genetic and Genomic Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine First Affiliated Hospital and James D. Watson Institute of Genome Sciences, said, "LCA is one of the most common causes of inherited blindness in childhood. The study on NMNAT1 lays a solid foundation for understanding genetic characteristics of LCA and other related congenital blindness diseases. It is also an important step forward for developing new molecular diagnosis and gene therapy."
###
About BGI
BGI was founded in Beijing, China, in 1999 with the mission to become a premier scientific partner for the global research community. The goal of BGI is to make leading-edge genomic science highly accessible, which it achieves through its investment in infrastructure, leveraging the best available technology, economies of scale, and expert bioinformatics resources. BGI, and its affiliates, BGI Americas, headquartered in Cambridge, MA, and BGI Europe, headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, have established partnerships and collaborations with leading academic and government research institutions as well as global biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, supporting a variety of disease, agricultural, environmental, and related applications.
BGI has a proven track record of excellence, delivering results with high efficiency and accuracy for innovative, high-profile research: research that has generated over 200 publications in top-tier journals such as Nature and Science. BGI's many accomplishments include: sequencing one percent of the human genome for the International Human Genome Project, contributing 10 percent to the International Human HapMap Project, carrying out research to combat SARS and German deadly E. coli, playing a key role in the Sino-British Chicken Genome Project, and completing the sequence of the rice genome, the silkworm genome, the first Asian diploid genome, the potato genome, and, more recently, have sequenced the human Gut Metagenome, and a significant proportion of the genomes for the1000 Genomes Project. For more information about BGI, please visit www.genomics.cn
Contact Information:
Ming Qi
Professor and Director of Center for Genetic and Genomic Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine First Affiliated Hospital and James D. Watson Institute of Genome Sciences,
Chief Scientist of BGI,
qiming@genomics.cn
www.genomics.cn
Bicheng Yang
Public Communication Officer
BGI
+86-755-82639701
yangbicheng@genomics.cn
www.genomics.cn
[ | 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.
BGI reports the latest finding on NMNAT1 mutations linked to Leber congenital amaurosisPublic release date: 29-Jul-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: Jia Liu liujia@genomics.cn BGI Shenzhen
July 29th, 2012, Shenzhen, China A five-country international team, led by Casey Eye Institute Molecular Diagnostic laboratory, BGI and Zhejiang University School of Medicine First Affiliated Hospital identified the NMNAT1 mutations as a cause of Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), one of the most common causes of inherited blindness in children. The latest study was published online in Nature Genetics, reporting the genetic characteristics underlying some LCA patients, and providing important evidences that support NMNAT1 as a promising target for the gene therapy of LCA.
LCA is an inherited retinal degenerative disease characterized by severe loss of vision at birth. It is estimated that LCA occurs in 2 to 3 per 100,000 newborns. Currently a lot of studies are being done on LCA. Scientists found that LCA could result from mutations in at least 17 genes, all of which are necessary for normal vision and play important roles in the development and function of the retina. More importantly, gene replacement therapy has been successful in animal models and in humans more studies are underway. However, the genetic characters for about 20-30% LCA patients are still unknown.
In this study, the researchers sequenced the whole exome of an LCA patient with no previously identified mutations. They identified 2,460 previously unreported variants. Through a series of screening and analysis, the result indicated that the gene NMNAT1 may serve as a candidate for LCA. Previous studies have shown that NMNAT1 plays an important role in axonal degeneration, because it could encode an enzyme in the NAD (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) biosynthesis pathway associated with protection against axonal degeneration.
In the further evaluation of NMNAT1, the researchers used Sanger sequencing to analyze 50 unrelated LCA patients with no previously indentified mutations, and they found that ten patients carried NMNAT1 mutations. By relating the clinical phenotypes of LCA patients with the mutations, the researchers found that the severity of LCA may correlate with the types of NMNAT 1 mutation: the patients carrying both of the missense variant (c.769G>A, p.Glu257Lys) and nonsense variant (c.507G>A, p.Trp169*) were all blind at birth; while those who carrying only missense variant (c.769G>A, p.Glu257Lys) may develop poor vision within a few years after birth.
Professor Ming Qi, Chief Scientist at BGI, Director of Center for Genetic and Genomic Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine First Affiliated Hospital and James D. Watson Institute of Genome Sciences, said, "LCA is one of the most common causes of inherited blindness in childhood. The study on NMNAT1 lays a solid foundation for understanding genetic characteristics of LCA and other related congenital blindness diseases. It is also an important step forward for developing new molecular diagnosis and gene therapy."
###
About BGI
BGI was founded in Beijing, China, in 1999 with the mission to become a premier scientific partner for the global research community. The goal of BGI is to make leading-edge genomic science highly accessible, which it achieves through its investment in infrastructure, leveraging the best available technology, economies of scale, and expert bioinformatics resources. BGI, and its affiliates, BGI Americas, headquartered in Cambridge, MA, and BGI Europe, headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, have established partnerships and collaborations with leading academic and government research institutions as well as global biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, supporting a variety of disease, agricultural, environmental, and related applications.
BGI has a proven track record of excellence, delivering results with high efficiency and accuracy for innovative, high-profile research: research that has generated over 200 publications in top-tier journals such as Nature and Science. BGI's many accomplishments include: sequencing one percent of the human genome for the International Human Genome Project, contributing 10 percent to the International Human HapMap Project, carrying out research to combat SARS and German deadly E. coli, playing a key role in the Sino-British Chicken Genome Project, and completing the sequence of the rice genome, the silkworm genome, the first Asian diploid genome, the potato genome, and, more recently, have sequenced the human Gut Metagenome, and a significant proportion of the genomes for the1000 Genomes Project. For more information about BGI, please visit www.genomics.cn
Contact Information:
Ming Qi
Professor and Director of Center for Genetic and Genomic Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine First Affiliated Hospital and James D. Watson Institute of Genome Sciences,
Chief Scientist of BGI,
qiming@genomics.cn
www.genomics.cn
Bicheng Yang
Public Communication Officer
BGI
+86-755-82639701
yangbicheng@genomics.cn
www.genomics.cn
[ | 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.
The Samsung Galaxy Note is among a rare breed of smartphones that need no introduction. It's polarizing, memorable and single-handedly responsible for the popularization of the term "phablet." It's also the indisputable king of that category, having recently defended its throne against LG's Optimus Vu. Aside from the Note's sprawling display, much of its appeal lies in the tight software integration with the S Pen stylus, which endows the phone with notepad-like functionality.
The first (and second) time we reviewed the Galaxy Note, it featured Android 2.3. Since then, it's received an update to Android 4.0, along with a new set of productivity apps dubbed the Premium Suite. Now as the phone arrives at T-Mobile (for $250 with a contract and after a $50 rebate), we're taking the opportunity to review not just the new variant, but in this case, the latest OS as well. You already know much of the Galaxy Note's story, but now the question remains: just how much of the text has been re-written? Let's find out.
Picking a career in engineering can be quite a difficult choice as a result of variety of options offered by Universities and Colleges. The first stage is identifying your passions and interests and to observe how well they match each one of the engineering professions. Electrical engineering is among the four main procedures along with physical, chemical and civil.Electrical engineering centers on the style and implementation of systems concerning energy generation and distribution, electronics and computer systems. Electric engineers are usually a part of large-scale programs which create and transmit power, unlike its sub-disciplines which concentrate on transmitting information. Due to the common use of computers and electrical devices, electrical engineers may also be used to put in and maintain electrical equipment and instrumentation in vehicles and structures. This control is worthy of those that have a higher attention to detail and enjoy electric circuit design. It can be the most difficult of the professions to examine at university, because of the amount of theoretical understanding that students should obtain.The important sub-disciplines of electrical engineering are described below.Power Power generation and transmission are the main regions of electrical power that engineers in this field may contribute towards. Power era exists for industrial and public use and will most likely require three-phase AC electricity. However, you will find circumstances where energy designers can be associated with technical tasks for the military and other government organisations.Electronics A sub method of electrical engineering that focuses on small-scale methods used to send information. These programs contain microprocessors used in computers and video monitoring equipment. Electronics deals solely with productive electrical elements such as amplifiers and transistors.Telecommunications Telecommunications engineering is really a part of electronics which focuses on the products and mediums used to transmit information. The web, cell phone systems and satellites all need the expertise of telecommunications engineers. Telecommunication companies often look for the services of engineers to build up their community base.Computer & Network Computer engineers have knowledge in particular computing hardware and computer software, specially their integration. They design enterprise boards, manage advanced computer systems and develop computer software for various programs. Computer engineers aid firms in increasing output by streamlining their computer and network configuration, using new technology where possible. Several experts offer their services as consultants to government agencies and big organisations.Software Dealing entirely with software programming and product improvement is what separates software engineers from computer engineers. Software engineers use problem solving and statistical models to develop software tools for computer operating plans and in develop computer games. That discipline is recommended for those who are thinking about programming.Control Control systems are commonly used in programs where physical quantities must be kept inside a certain range. For example the working temperature of an combustion engine or the function of a computerized sprinkler. Management engineers design and enhance these techniques, combined with instrumentation used to operate them. Management technicians have a tendency to be very theoretical in character, preventing hands on work where possible.If you?re able to identify yourself with some of the above sub-disciplines you?re nearly to deciding on an engineering class. When you?re interested in electrical circuit design but are not particularly excited in regards to a particular industry, then it is advisable to select an electrical engineering program that will show you to an extensive array of subjects. Once signed up for a program, it?s often possible to shift right into a related discipline should you change the mind.
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Home Depot may be the largest home improvement retailer but when it comes to selling major appliances it trails behind Sears, the leader, and Lowe's. In a seeming effort to change that, Home Depot has added three new appliance lines, Whirlpool, Electrolux and Frigidaire, brands that are already sold by its competitors. All three have fared pretty well in Consumer Reports appliance tests.
You don?t need to pay a lot to get the best car auto insurance out there. Shopping smart guarantees that not only do you get the best out of your way, but only actually what you need. Some insurance deals overwhelm the buyer by offering all sorts of plans that don?t really make sense to his or her situation. Novice car owners often fall into this trap and end up buying a package that contains services they never get to use. Source: typepad.com
Video: HOW TO FIND CHEAP CAR INSURANCE (AUTO INSURANCE)
With These Great Florida Car Insurance Tips, Anyone Can Save
A great way for one to cut costs in your Florida auto insurance is to discover an all-in-one insurance carrier. This is really because every time you file a claim there is a chance that your rates goes up. You should make sure your current policy matches your situation because whether it does not, you could possibly be paying more when you are doing not need to. If you only drive several miles each day to obtain to work, or if you are taking public transportation, you will likely qualify to get a low mileage discount on your policy. If there are not any companies that specialize in high-risk drivers covers you, research insurance coverage through the high-risk insurance pool made available from your state. Source: elsa22.com
Compare Your Car Insurance Before Deciding
However, making a car insurance comparison study of offers from different companies doesn?t guarantee the best coverage at the lowest price. You need to act smart for buying a policy that best suits you. You may succeed in getting a cheaper one, but what?s the guarantee that the company will offer reliable services. So, it?s your job to look for a reliable supplier from that crowd of companies. Ultimately, you save money only if you succeed there. You may get robbed by entering into a deal with a deceitful insurer. This could prove to be starting point of your financial disaster, if unfortunately you happen to have an accident! Source: apssci.org
What To Ask Your Car Insurance Agent
When speaking with a car insurance agent, people need to ask them about the parts that will be used to fix their vehicles. If the car needs to be repaired, some car insurance companies choose to use generic parts or aftermarket parts because they are cheaper. What people will want to clarify is that their car insurance companies will use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts that are parts made specifically for their own cars. Some companies do allow for the use of OEM parts but others categorically refuse. Ask the agent to find out if OEM parts are a possibility or not. Source: modestmoney.com
Wherever to Get Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes
The benefit of buying on the internet is that you can do it at your personal convenience at any time of the night or day and even on holidays. You preserve gas as there is no cheap auto insurance touring to be accomplished and the rates are normally reduced as the overheads are significantly less no office expected nor employees to seem right after your requirements. If you use a automobile insurance policy comparison website you can find car insurance coverage quotes for your motor vehicle very quickly and with relieve. And when you do the comparison make positive that you are comparing oranges to oranges. That is, the quotations that you get ought to all be for the identical policies if you are going to use the price tag as a foundation to select the vehicle insurance suited for you. If the advantages offered or the stage of deal with differ from a single insurance coverage business to an additional then your comparison will not genuinely have a lot that means. Source: zxyzxy.net
When You Need To Find Auto Insurance
The very best way to keep your insurance premiums low is to drive safely. If you are able to go for long periods of time without getting a ticket or having an accident, you will probably by eligible for safe driver discounts. This savings can really add up over time, and you may even get a larger discount every year you do not get into an accident or get a ticket. You will stop your premiums from going up. Source: cheapcarinsuranceforyoungdrivers2u.com
Proven Tips For Buying Insurance For Your Vehicle
Keep your driving record clean. A car accident can bump up your rates faster than anything else. Take into account any limitations you have that can adversely affect your ability to drive safely, such as the need to wear corrective lenses. In addition, try to steer clear of risky situations that can result in an accident. Keep off the roads in the evening, if your night vision is poor. Source: cheapcarinsuranceplanet.com
Help With Finding Affordable, Quality Auto Insurance
Every year when your automotive insurance is up for renewal, shop around to check that the premium being paid is still market competitive. There are an abundance of internet facilities available where you can enter the vehicle details online and immediately receive insurance quotes from various companies. This will confirm or deny that your current premium is realistic. Source: soask.me
Insurance Tips When Selling Your Car
One of the areas that is affected is the buying and selling of cars. The tightening of finances has resulted in the number of used car deals rising significantly. If you are planning to sell your car because you are buying a new one or for any other reason, then there are crucial insurance related tips that you need to consider. Source: co.za
Get a Cheap Auto Insurance Quote
The raise level of traffic jam and possibility to experience accidents or stolen become bigger, so that important if you have a car insurance as a protection. There are several things to consider when you decide to purchase insurance. Get a cheap auto insurance quote based on your region so that you can choose the best one that fit to your need and budget. This provider focuses on auto insurance and offers the best rates. Insurance has many benefits to minimize the losses resulting from small accidents or total damage. You can get auto insurance discounts such as discount for Safety Devices, discount for Drivers with driving record, discount for Low Mileage records, etc. Even if you choose to paying premiums in full or purchasing more than one policy, you can get more discounts. Source: flexfuelmyride.com
Have On the net Insurance quotes To get Vehicle insurance
famous quotes If you wish to insure an automobile and also car or truck, the net is definitely the great tool to find before buying because most vehicle insurance corporations on-line supply no cost vehicle insurance quotations to ensure that the buyer to match your charges and also insurance effortlessly. Below are a few methods for you on the way to assess the automobile insurance policies on-line: Have got web site look for vehicle insurance corporations in the area, along with positive a good listing out there. Choose only the insurance firms you are sure of very best and also exactly what your family members experienced proposed. You ought to get ready and also be aware of the label of your car or truck along with the mileage of one?s auto to acquire your appropriate facts. Observe that a lot of on-line quotations will ask basic facts that you?ve to answer the idea honestly. Make sure you hold the estimate e-mailed to you personally and also save the idea to your computer to ensure that that you look at down the road. Assess a minimum of Four or five quotations to car insurance policy corporations in case you need more information, you possibly can contact their customer support definitely they will provide anyone considering that insurance firms mean business enterprise everyday. If you have laser printer, you possibly can printing your quotations a minimum of you?ve a few proof when you go to the insurance company you choose out of. Check with this company exactly what best option and also offers they can acquire for anyone. You can also speak about for them any alternative insurance firms experienced presented anyone. Constantly pick the best insurance available to your requirements in case not happy, you can preserve shopping until you find the proper vehicle insurance you need. Understand that resolve decide what sort of car insurance policy insurance you need effectively for you you. Be aware of exact expense and also benefits you desire reported by your financial budget. Understand that the cost that your individual will pay for an auto insurance insurance plan may vary with each candidate for you are a few elements that affect the individual?s premium, primarily your car owners along with the automobiles to generally be protected. Comparing vehicle insurance, you will have to evaluate the crucial elements for instance personal stability, reputation and also user?s services, statements, accreditation along with the charges and also quotations. Prompt vehicle insurance companies? on-line compares together with the pace estimate out of many corporations just by giving an answer to a set of questions. You will discover a huge selection of insurance firms and also this kind of business is rather cut-throat considering that each firm features their very own methods to achieve buyers. Owing to modern globe engineering, a number of insurance providers and also insurance firms featuring quotations on the internet this really is useful on the working people because they don?t have enough the perfect time to buy groceries all-around for getting car insurance policy quotations. Internet improved the head in the insurance policies sectors and also to some other companies which makes it straightforward for feel . to match quotations out of different variety of providers together with the achievable options of getting vehicle insurance on the firm of these selection. Personal data isn?t required to obtain vehicle insurance quotations on-line. You have to be aware that even during the net, in addition there are hoaxes you?ll want to realize. On an simple and easy , dependable approach to finding on-line quotations to get vehicle insurance you should think about site featuring quotes. Likewise, you would like to ensure they provide no cost quotations to get vehicle insurance considering that no business rates to get quotations any longer. Source: blogspot.com
?WAL? Popular Niche News: How to buy car insurance online (VIDEO)
Insurance premiums are rising by an average of 44p per day so it?s advisable to buy your new policy straight away. However, if you decide not to, we?ll save your quotes, which is why when you give us your email address we also ask you to set up a password. This enables you to log into your moneysupermarket account and retrieve your quotes ? all the information you give to us is totally safe and kept in a secure environment. Source: world-and-local-news.com
Laughing Your Way To The Bank With These Auto Insurance Methods
A great tip for getting affordable auto insurance is to see if you are eligible for any group or organization discounts if you are a member of any groups or certain organizations. If you are, you could potentially save a lot of money on your auto insurance. However, you need to know if you have to purchase through them in order to receive this discount. Source: backlinkarticles.com
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We are seeking an Executive Director (ED) for the Eastern Massachusetts network to maximize our impact in the community. The ED will be responsible for setting the vision and direction of the network to ensure the long-term growth, sustainability and effectiveness of our work in each community. Specifically, the ED is responsible for ensuring ANet effectively partners with districts and schools to embed data-driven performance management practices into the everyday routines at the district, school and classroom level to ultimately raise student achievement. The ED will determine the network?s strategy for engaging district, non-profit, and charter management partners and for scaling the network?s size and strength. The ED will manage a team of coaches (Directors of School Support) who work with a portfolio of 12-15 schools, reaching more than 125 teachers and 3,000 students each. The ideal candidate is motivated by having an impact on closing the achievement gap by setting vision, managing others, and building high-stakes relationships with state, district and school leadership teams as well as with influential funders within the local community. The ED will collaborate regularly with EDs and coaches across Networks, as well as with ANet?s assessment, reporting, coaching, learning and development, finance, operations and growth strategy departments. The ED reports directly to VP, Networks.
The Eastern Massachusetts Network is the founding Achievement Network, and we aspire to be the flagship Achievement Network. We are poised to make dramatic gains in student achievement with our over fifty partner schools. We serve schools across three districts and the boundaries of district, charter, pilot, and turnarounds. Given the complexity and diversity of our network, we have the opportunity to innovate and build the capacity across a network of school leaders impacting the student achievement of a diverse student population. The strength, histories, and unique needs of our partner schools require us to be on the leading edge of education reforms in the state and nation, while carrying over the research-proven approaches that we know support high performing schools. The Eastern Massachusetts Achievement Network team must stay relevant and continue to provide the change management support to school leaders. In our collaboration with schools, we ensure data-driven cultures are embedded and thriving. Our bar for rigor is nationally known, and we need entrepreneurial leaders able to build the network and ensure our service to schools approach remains the center of our strong network as we grow.
Responsibilities: Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
? Set the long-term vision and direction for network growth, sustainability and impact o Chart the path in the network to maximize our impact in the short and long run o Develop a network vision that articulates how ANet addresses specific educational needs within the community to internal and external stakeholders o Develop a strategy for building network strength such that our work influences the effectiveness of all schools within the network and even beyond our network o Build staff capacity to interface with stakeholders (schools, district leaders, education reform leaders) and articulate the unique network vision and impact. ? Manage the network to set and achieve ambitious goals that are aligned to the organizational goals and priorities o Work with the team to set short and long-term student achievement, school practice, network growth, and team management goals at the intersection of ambitious and feasible o Ensure a strong network-wide strategic plan and individual team strategic plans o Track progress towards goals and work with team to adjust plans to ensure goals are met ? Build and manage a team of coaches (Directors of School Support) to increase student achievement by partnering with and building the capacity of school leaders in the Network o Hire a diverse and highly qualified team of coaches o Coach and develop each individual to maximize their impact in the coach role and to build their long-term leadership capacity o Ensure a strong performance culture within the team that aligns to the ANet mission, core values, and commitment to diversity and inclusiveness ? Build ANet?s presence as a critical education reform partner in the community o Be the face and voice of ANet in the community and district o Build relationships with key education reform leaders and with influential leaders from other sectors to ensure these leaders understand our strategy and become advocates for our work in helping to close the achievement gap o Build a diverse local advisory board that has the connections and influence to help ensure our long-term sustainability and impact in the community o Identify and maximize opportunities to build ANet?s brand and presence in the community via media, speaking engagements, and other networking opportunities ? Ensure the growth and sustainability of the network by managing the sales process to bring in new schools and districts each year and to retain current schools. o Determine the short-term (one year out) and long-term (3-5 years out) growth trajectory for the network o Identify high potential prospect schools and secure their participation in the network based on annual growth targets o Build strong relationships and program efficacy with existing schools to ensure their continued partnership with ANet o Identify and execute on local fundraising opportunities as necessary to meet network funding targets ? Partner with the highest performing schools within the network to promote innovation across the network o Serve as thought-partner for school leaders in the highest performing schools (approximately 5 schools) within the network, supporting them to identify opportunities for increased impact via use of data-driven practices o Facilitate best practice sharing across high performing schools within and across networks to accelerate learning and improvement based on timely and targeted access to proven strategies o Partner with school leaders in high performing schools (charter and district) to identify high-impact strategies to share their best practices with lower performing schools, building capacity and a culture of high achievement across all schools in the network ? Support internal ANet company growth and success o Support the growth and success of ANet in the long-term by proactively identifying opportunities for innovation that align to our core mission o Contribute to the program strategy by supporting the development of tools, content and trainings that improve our impact on schools o Provide input to the senior leadership team on organizational priorities and strategies as needed o Serve in internal ANet leadership roles (e.g. serve on national committees)
In Islington, it is not strange to see homeowners battling with pests lurking behind the corners and walls, and other unused areas of their homes -- enemies that cause damage to structures and human health. Indeed, pest infestation can be really annoying and threatening. The worst part is that these unwanted organisms multiply fast, making it extremely difficult for homeowners to handle them all by themselves. Fortunately, if you live in Islington and see signs of pests thriving in your home, there are pest control Islington companies you can turn to for eradicating different types of pests, such as rats, termites, ants, bugs or wasps.
But as there are hundreds of them available, finding a good provider of pest control services in Islington that can guarantee the best assistance is not easy. The following four factors, however, may be helpful as you search for pest control contractors.
Treatment Methods
These services differ particularly in terms of pest infestation treatments applied. A good provider, however, often starts from home inspection in order to identify the type and source of pest infestations, and the extent of the problem. Once these aspects have been determined, the provider plans and decides on the best way to approach the problem, taking into consideration the concerns that homeowners may have regarding the process.
Excellent Reputation
A good service provider is one that has a good track record. The best way to determine the reputation of a pest control n1 service provider is by reading reviews of previous customers. You can also ask your friends and neighborhoods for recommendations, and whether they have availed of any type of pest control services in Islington. Licensed and Recognition
A good company is one that is licensed and recognized by local health departments or pest control authorities. The fact that a company is affiliated with a recognized association is an indication of their concern for quality. This company does not just adhere to pest control rules but also keep up with the latest development and innovations in the industry.
Experience and Service
Before signing an agreement with a pest control service provider in Islington, it is always best to ask questions. Ask about previous experiences and services, as well as the likelihood of success, and what to expect before and after treatment. A friendly and informative provider is one of the good indications that you have found a reliable company.
Taking actions to prevent pest infestations is as important as protecting your property from unwarranted invasions or intrusions. Thus, hiring a pest control services Islington company is crucial. They are the ones who can assess the seriousness of your situation and determine the best treatment for your pest infestation, as well as identify possible sources of future infestations. The cost that may be associated with hiring professional is nothing compared to the benefits that you and your family, as well as your neighborhood, will get.
Knowing how to choose the right pest control Islington company is the first step to efficiently getting rid of pests you have in your home. Visit our website to learn more about our effective pest infestation or pest control N1 services.
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That didn't take long. We've only known about the Sony Xperia J and its reported ST26i codename for a short while, but ePrice has already given the purported starter smartphone the full photo tour. From cursory looks and specifications, the J will slot neatly between the Xperia miro and tipo at the start of the line and the small but potent Xperia U: while it's not believed to be quite as fast or iconic as the dual-core U, the single-core, 1GHz J could still be faster than its tiniest cousins and strive for some chic with a brightly colored back wrapped around a 4-inch display. The real highlight may simply be an Xperia that ships with Android 4.0 from the get-go instead of requiring yet another upgrade merry-go-round. When the Xperia J shows is still up in the air, despite presumptions of an appearance at IFA; however, we won't be surprised if the J appears side-by-side with the Mint when it's officially ready for a close-up.
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You don?t need to pay a lot to get the best car auto insurance out there. Shopping smart guarantees that not only do you get the best out of your way, but only actually what you need. Some insurance deals overwhelm the buyer by offering all sorts of plans that don?t really make sense to his or her situation. Novice car owners often fall into this trap and end up buying a package that contains services they never get to use.
