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Call for Workshop ProposalsThe AAMAS-2010 Organizing Committee invites proposals for the Workshop Program to be held on May 10-11, 2010 immediately prior to the main technical program of the AAMAS conference.
The main goal of the AAMAS-2010 workshops is to stimulate and facilitate discussion, interaction, and comparison of approaches, methods, and ideas related to specific topics, both theoretical and applied, in the general area of Autonomous Agents and Multiagent Systems. The AAMAS-2010 workshops will provide an informal setting where participants will have the opportunity to discuss specific technical topics in an atmosphere that fosters the active exchange of ideas. AAMAS 2010 will be co-located with KR, NMR, ICAPS, FOIS, (all in Toronto) and DL 2010 (in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada), and welcomes proposals that cater to the broader community across these areas.
Members from all areas of the AAMAS community are invited to submit workshop proposals for review. Workshops on new and emerging topics, applications, and on broader topics catering to the broader community represented by the co-located events are particularly encouraged. Workshops can vary in length, but most will be one full day in duration. Workshop organizers and attendees must register for their workshop and preferably also for the main AAMAS conference. Attendance is limited to registered participants only.
Important Dates for Workshops
- OCTOBER 31, 2009 - Proposal Submission Deadline
- NOVEMBER 30, 2009 - Acceptance Notification
- DECEMBER 11, 2009 - Deadline for posting Workshops Call for Papers
- DECEMBER 11, 2009 - AAMAS-2010 Workshops Program Announced
- FEBRUARY, 2, 2010 - Submission of contributions to workshops
- MARCH 2, 2010 - Workshop paper acceptance notification
- MARCH 19, 2010 - Deadline for complete workshop notes submission to the workshop chair
- MARCH 19, 2010 - Deadline for posting a Call for Participation
AAMAS-2010 Workshops Requirements for SubmissionProposals for workshops should be a maximum of five pages in length (in plain ASCII text), and should contain the following information:
- Title of the workshop.
- A technical description of the workshop, specifying the workshop goals, the technical issues that it will address, and the relevance of the workshop to the main conference.
- A discussion of why and to whom the workshop is of interest.
- A list of related workshops held within the last three years, if any, and their relation to the proposed workshop. Information about previous offerings of the proposed workshop: when and where it has been offered in the past (i.e., with AAMAS or another conference?), organizers names and affiliations, number of submissions, acceptances and registered attendees, and follow-up publications, if any (e.g., journal special issue).
- A preliminary workshop agenda and a proposed schedule for organizing the workshop. This should include a brief description of how the organizers intend to encourage an atmosphere appropriate for a workshop.
- Description of paper review process and acceptance standards.
- If available, a list of tentatively confirmed attendees.
- The names, affiliations, postal addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of the proposed workshop organizing committee. This committee should consist of three or four people knowledgeable about the technical issues to be addressed. The organizing committee should include individuals from multiple institutions.
- The name of the primary contact for the organizing committee (this person must have an email address).
- A description of the qualifications of the individual committee members with respect to organizing an AAMAS workshop, including a list of workshops previously arranged by any members of the proposed organizing committee, if any.
- List of potential program committee members, including their title and affiliations.
- Expected duration of the workshop (half or full day).
- A list of places (distribution lists, web sites, journals, etc.) where the workshop is planned to be advertised.
The selection of the workshops to be included in the final AAMAS program will be based upon multiple factors, including: the scientific/technical interest of the topics, the clarity of the proposal in addressing the requested information, the innovativeness of workshop topics, the cross-disciplinary nature of the workshop, and the capacity of the conference workshop program. Note that authors of proposals addressing similar and/or overlapping content areas and/or audiences may be requested to merge their proposals.
Responsibilities of AAMAS and workshop organizersFor all accepted proposals, AAMAS will be responsible for:
- Providing publicity for the workshop series as a whole.
- Providing logistic support and a meeting place for the workshop.
- Together with the organizers, determining the workshop date and time.
- Setting up a website for the workshop.
- Advertising the workshop and issuing a call for papers (by DECEMBER 11, 2009) and a call for participation (by MARCH 19, 2010).
- Collecting and evaluating submissions, notifying authors of acceptance or rejection on a timely basis, and ensuring a transparent and fair selection process. All workshop organizers commit themselves to adopt the same deadlines for paper submissions and notifications of acceptance, i.e., FEBRUARY 2, 2010: Submissions of contributions to workshops; MARCH 2, 2010: Notifications
- Making the PDF of the whole workshop notes available to the workshops chair by MARCH 19, 2010, as well as a list of audio-visual requirements and any special room requirements. The AAMAS-2010 workshop notes will be included in the flash drive containing the AAMAS-2010 conference proceedings. To that end, please include the following sentence in your call for papers: "Workshop notes including all accepted papers will be distributed to AAMAS-2010 registrants in electronic form. Printed workshop notes will NOT be made available to workshop participants."
- Ensuring that the workshop notes or individual papers are available from the workshops websites, as appropriate. Though the workshop notes will appear on the flash drive distributed to conference attendees, the workshop notes will not be hosted on the IFAAMAS website.
- Ensuring that the workshop organizers and the participants register for the workshop and are invited to register to the main conference (at least one author must register for the workshop in order for a paper to appear in the workshop proceedings).
Submissions and InquiriesPlease send proposals and inquiries to:
Kagan Tumer
Oregon State University


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The untold success story in the Obamacare rollout is that the working poor are enrolling in Medicaid.
Sadly, the media have largely chosen to ignore this fact. Positive statistics are crowded out by incessant Republican distracters who prefer obsessing over glitches on the Healthcare.gov website than highlighting the thousands of families already benefiting from the safety and security that come with finally having medical insurance.
The Obama administration is not blameless here. Until only recently, the White House and congressional Democrats had silently acquiesced to the media meme that somehow, enrolling young healthy people in the private insurance exchanges was more important than expanding government health services for those in poverty.
The rationale, of course, was that those younger Americans would pay premiums that are cost-effective and contribute to lower insurance rates overall by bringing more people into the insurance market, which is true. But there are two problems with that narrative: First, it ignores the fact that many of those same healthy young Americans are working in minimum-wage jobs, and so they qualify for Medicaid. Second, it implies a hierarchy of sorts—in which those who can pay for private insurance are more worthy of the benefits attached to the Affordable Care Act.
Not so. Those who qualify for Medicaid deserve it and should not be shamed for needing it.
The president himself finally acknowledged the disparity in the underreporting of the success of the Medicaid expansion during a press conference on Thursday, when he explained that in the first month alone, 396,261 Americans qualified for Medicaid benefits. This was in contrast with the 106,185 people who have enrolled in a marketplace private insurance plan.
"That's been less reported on, but it shouldn't be," said the president. "Americans who are having a difficult time, who are poor—many of them working—may have a disability. They're Americans like everybody else."
Noting that those who have already qualified for Medicaid are poor but also working, Obama highlighted a fact often lost on Republicans, who have consistently marginalized the poor, portraying them as unworthy leeches on society. The GOP and their operatives have created a separate and unequal perception of Medicaid beneficiaries. But why should the poor be shamed for needing Medicaid? Especially when they are hardworking, taxpaying citizens?
Beginning with Nixon's Southern strategy—which was perfected by Ronald Reagan's "welfare queen" analogies in the 1980s—the GOP has cruelly crafted an image of poor people—black and brown in particular—who are living high off the government teat. It's a false narrative of someone receiving Medicaid, food stamps and housing assistance and who therefore has no incentive to work.
But that is the warped fantasy of misguided Fox News pundits and conservative talk radio hosts. America's poor are mostly working people who simply don't make enough to live, support their families and also pay for health insurance.
According to research by the Kaiser Family Foundation, there were 47 million Americans without health insurance coverage in 2012. Sixty-one percent of adults said that the main reason they were uninsured was that the cost was too high or they had lost their job. Many were self-employed or worked for small firms that are less likely to offer health benefits. Low-wage workers were sometimes offered coverage, but the premiums were too costly, given their low wages. More than 60 percent of uninsured Americans had at least one full-time worker in the home, and 16 percent had a part-time worker in the home.
Medicaid has become a necessity for an increasing number of Americans, as essential as Social Security and Medicare for the elderly.
Kentucky, led by Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear, is largely white and extremely poor. It has also become the poster child for the successful Medicaid expansion, despite being a Southern "red" state. Beshear's team has managed to enroll more than 33,561 of the state's 636,000 uninsured in Medicaid in the first few weeks of the ACA open enrollment. And that is only the beginning.
Gwenda Bond, Beshear's assistant communications director, told The Root, "There is so much heated rhetoric about the Medicaid expansion in the political arena, but I think the average person believes it's a good thing. We have about one-fourth of our population on Medicaid already, and I don't think anyone would not want those people to have health care."
Bond continued, "The vast majority of people who qualify for Medicaid are not on welfare—they are working. And it's why the Medicaid expansion was a part of the original design of the ACA. These are people who don't make enough money to afford insurance in the private market—even with a subsidy. And we have a moral responsibility to cover them. These are our neighbors and friends—not people who are living off the system."
Many of the states that have refused the Medicaid expansion are the poorest and most Republican, including Texas, Louisiana, Florida, South Carolina, Mississippi and Georgia—all of which have uninsured rates that are among the highest in the country.
The 2012 Supreme Court ruling that upheld the constitutionality of the ACA's individual mandate also permitted states to refuse to expand Medicaid, and Republicans have used this as a tool to subvert and obstruct President Obama's efforts to successfully implement the ACA—as well as to continue their proverbial war on the poor.
These tactics leave the GOP out of sync with the broader electorate. A record 49.7 million Americans were poor in 2012, and this was alongside more than 97.3 million who are considered low income. That means nearly half of the entire U.S. population—roughly 148 million people—may need Medicaid coverage or subsidies. And yes, they're not only our neighbors, friends and family—in many cases they're ourselves.
By shaming those living in poverty, Republicans betray the nation's foundational principles. It's time to applaud the fact that Obamacare is boldly embracing the need to protect and serve the poor.
Edward Wyckoff Williams is a contributing editor at The Root. He is a columnist and political analyst, appearing on Al-Jazeera, MSNBC, ABC, CBS Washington and national syndicated radio. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook.
Edward Wyckoff Williams is a contributing editor at The Root. He is a columnist and political analyst, appearing on Al-Jazeera, MSNBC, ABC, CBS Washington and national syndicated radio. Follow him on Twitter and on Facebook.

subset: commoncrawl


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One of the greasiest parts of National Signing Day (an altogether unctuous holiday for those who stalk 17-year-olds on Twitter), is watching the coaches de-commit to the kids who just committed to them.
Thus went Todd Grantham's day, as the University of Georgia defensive coordinator tap-danced around questions about his interest in NFL jobs, as he's been linked to jobs with both the Saints (where he's interviewing tomorrow) or the Eagles (where he seems to have a chance at the job).
Grantham talked to reporters covering the Bulldogs for nearly 20 minutes, said he "fully expects" to be back on campus, but didn't approach denying his interest in pro jobs.
"Right now I'm the defensive coordinator at Georgia and I'm certainly looking forward to coaching those guys," Grantham said of his new recruits, via Seth Emerson of the Macon Telegraph. "You know what, I get a lot of inquiries all the time. And there's no way that I'm gonna comment on any particular one, because if I did there was no way I could do my job."
Of course.
A year ago, Grantham released a statement denying interest in NFL jobs, but he did no such thing this year.
"Yeah, and you know what after thinking about it I realized that was a mistake," Grantham said. "Because it seems that things keep popping up from time to time, so I think the best thing to do is let things be as they are and move on."
"Let things be as they are," is a close cousin to NFL coaches' favorite cliche "It is what it is," so Grantham should fit in just fine.
"I told guys that I love Georgia, and I think this is a great place. My family loves it, and I love it, and I fully expect to be here," he said. "But as coaches, if things come up, you're always gonna say, Hey, what's best for your family, and see what happens. Nothing's come up for me from the standpoint of I feel like I have to contractually say something."
Coaches are awesome. The over-under on Grantham working in the NFL should probably now be measured in days rather than weeks.
If not hours.


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The vote took "about 2.3 seconds," according to Brampton Battalion president Mike Griffin.
All the OHL governors in the room were asked to raise their hand if they were in favour of the Battalion relocating to North Bay next season.
Everyone raised their hand in unanimous support.
And with that, the North Bay Battalion were born. The franchise will move from Brampton to North Bay beginning in 2013-14, following the OHL's unanimous approval of the Battalion's relocation request at a board of governors meeting in Toronto Monday.
Upon learning of the decision, which followed a presentation by City of North Bay officials and Battalion executives, team owner Scott Abbott was seen emerging from the boardroom with a broad smile.
Griffin said the presentation made on the North Bay's behalf by Mayor Al McDonald, CAO Jerry Knox and community services director Peter Chirico was "superb.
"A lot of the governors are very happy for Scott," Griffin said. "Everyone was extremely favourable. Scott is a happy guy right now. He's very pleased and very proud."
Griffin said he was confident heading into Monday's meeting — he had informally discussed with some OHL colleagues the direction the Battalion were leaning toward as early as August — but did not want to take things for granted.
"The presentation by city staff went very well and I can't say enough about how well-prepared they were," Griffin said.
During their presentation, city officials answered a few questions regarding the $12-million in planned renovations for Memorial Gardens and the timelines for completing the work, but there were no objections.
Two weeks ago, the Battalion came to an agreement-in-principle with North Bay to relocate the team next season and begin a 15-year lease, pending a commitment of at least 2,000 season tickets for the first three seasons and $12-million in renovations at Memorial Gardens.
The deal required Monday's approval from the OHL's board of governors. The season-ticket count is now at 2,146 and rising.
Griffin said the team's immediate priority is to finalize renovation plans at Memorial Gardens.
The club has already hired a staff member to set up in an office at City Hall and team officials will also be back between Brampton and North Bay over the next few weeks setting up contacts for corporate and advertising packages, getting in touch with season-ticket holders and laying the foundation for the franchise's transition.
The planned renovations include a reconfigured ice surface of 200-by-85 feet (from the current 190-by 90), new seating, 10 corporate suites, improved dressing room and fitness facilities, a new video scoreboard, administration and retail facilities, concession upgrades as well as HVAC and sound/lighting improvements.
There are still architectural plans to finalize, Griffin said, but the target date to complete renovations will be mid-August.


text: Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica (ex Kauffmann and Edwards) Le Minor and Popoff serovar Typhi (ATCC® 700931D-5™) Strain Designations: Genomic DNA from Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhi strain Ty2 [ATCC® 700931™] / Type Strain: yes / Biosafety Level: 1 General Information Characteristics History Documentation Print Email Share Share this product Facebook Twitter Google+ Permits and Restrictions View Permits Deposited As Salmonella choleraesuis subsp. choleraesuis (Smith) Weldin serovar Typhi Strain Designations Genomic DNA from Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhi strain Ty2 [ATCC® 700931™] Biosafety Level 1 Biosafety classification is based on U.S. Public Health Service Guidelines, it is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that their facilities comply with biosafety regulations for their own country. Product Format dried Total DNA: At least 5 µg in 1X TE buffer Preceptrol® no Genome Sequenced Strain Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhi Ty2, complete genome Type Strain yes Comments This preparation of high molecular weight DNA is appropriate for use in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)* process and other molecular biology applications.*the PCR process is covered by patents owned by Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. Use of the PCR process requires a license.Genomic DNA from genome sequenced strain Name of Depositor ATCC Special Collection ATCC, DNA References Judicial Commission of the Internat. The type species of the genus Salmonella Lignieres 1900 is Salmonella enterica (ex Kauffmann and Edwards 1952) Le Minor and Popoff 1987, with the type strain LT2T, and conservation of the epithet enterica in Salmonella enterica over all earlier epithets that may be applied to this species. Opinion 80. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 55: 519-520, 2005. PubMed: 15653929 Tindall BJ, et al. Nomenclature and taxonomy of the genus Salmonella. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 55: 521-524, 2005. PubMed: 15653930 Cross References Nucleotide (GenBank) : AE014613 Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhi Ty2, complete genome Permits These permits may be required for shipping this product: This item is listed on the Commerce Control List of the U.S. Department of Commerce and is distributed only within the 50 United States. Distribution requires completion of a Customer Acceptance of Responsibility (CAR) for Commerce Control List (CCL) Biologicals form. Customers located in the state of Hawaii will need to contact the Hawaii Department of Agriculture to determine if an Import Permit is required. A copy of the permit or documentation that a permit is not required must be sent to ATCC in advance of shipment. Basic Documentation Product Sheet Certificate of Analysis SDS


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Welcoming your calls and emails WORLDWIDE!We sell specialize and sell vacations to the Caribbean, Costa Rica, & MexicoCelebrating 29 years in business! Toll-free: 1-877-380-4142
Secrets Silversands ResortRiviera Cancun All-inclusive Unlimited-Luxury®AAA Four Diamond ResortSecrets Silversands Riviera Cancun Reservations 1-877-380-4142 Rooftop Jacuzzi Ocean View Preferred Club Suites & Over the Pool Bora Bora Cabana Honeymoon Suites
On the Riviera Maya coastline sits the lively Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun, a AAA Four Diamond resort. Here, guests experience Unlimited-Luxury® amenities beginning with 24-hour room service, limitless top-shelf spirits, pool and beach wait service and more. Designed for young souls with modern, sleek décor, Secrets Silversands boasts the largest suites in the Riviera Maya, featuring ultra-cozy suspended beds and furnished terrace or patio. Gourmet dining, top-shelf spirits and nightlife begin with eight gourmet restaurants, eight chic bars, and live entertainment in an open-air theater and bar, Enjoy the expansive 43,000 sq. ft. pool area, complimentary greens fees at nearby Grand Coral Riviera Maya or the world-class Spa by Pevonia.
Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun . . . Lively . . Modern . . Chic
The Secrets Silversands is situated on the Yucatan Peninsula, a mere 15 miles south of Cancun and 20 minutes from the Cancun International Airport.
Puerto Morelos
Playa del Carmen
XEL-HA Archeological Site
XCaret Eco-Archeological Park
Tulum (Mayan Ruins)
Cobá (Mayan Ruins)
The resort features 438 nonsmoking, modern and stylish suites that are outfitted with all the comforting amenities that you might require during your stay. With an in-room Jacuzzi, furnished terrace, and 24-hour room service, the comfort begins you your suite and flows through the entire resort. You will be captivated by the surroundings of Riviera Maya and wake each morning to the sights and sounds of this beachfront paradise.
*Additional costs may apply
The Preferred Club is an exclusive area offering exceptional services. Preferred status and amenities, access to a private lounge and Preferred Club suites offering impressive pool and ocean front views all in premium locations as well as:
These suites are located on the upper floors of the main building, The suites are 816 sq. ft. suites and have been designed with contemporary décor. The suites feature a king size bed with stunning sea views of the Caribbean, state-of-the-art remote controlled motorized curtains and blinds, in-room climate control, a working desk separating the sitting area including a small dining table for two and a hidden motorized flat 42" screen TV providing entertainment at the push of a button. A spacious bathroom area offers a Jacuzzi for two, walk-in rain spa shower, double vanities, individual sound system, a scale, bathrobes & slippers, IPod Dock station and two telephones. The suites offers feature a private furnished terrace with outdoor Jacuzzi and sitting area.
Facing the Caribbean sea, the 930 square foot suites are tastefully designed in exotic woods and marble. Ideal for couples, the cabanas feature king size bedding, 60" wide screen HD TV, spacious bathroom area that offers a bathroom area that offers a Jacuzzi overlooking the private plunge pool, walk-in rain spa shower, double vanities, walk-in closet. Additionally, the suite offers an expanded, private furnished terrace with outdoor private plunge pool.
Can paradise get any better? The bungalows are perched on stilts above a 282 square meters pool. Preferred club services included. These suites are by request only. Give Judy and Maria a call today to request your Cabana Honeymoon Suite: Toll-free: 877-380-4142.
Your gourmet tastes will be satisfied. Whether it is Italian, steak, or seafood you desire, Secrets Silversands will deliver. And with no reservations needed, you can dine at any of the restaurants whenever and as often as you would like.
Offering 8 restaurants: 1 buffet and 7 á la carte restaurants. No reservations are required. All restaurant opening rotate throughout the week. umber of restaurants open fore each meal is dependent upon occupancy levels.
World Café
Seaside Grill
El Patio
Barefoot Grill
Bars & Lounges
Offering 8 bars and lounges, serving premium brand domestic and international brand beverages ranging from swim-up to a music lounge.
Manatees Bar
Sugar Reef
The Fitness Center is open daily. The center provides a full range of cardio-conditioning equipment including free weights, treadmills. Lifecycles, stair climbers and cross trainers.
12,000 square feet offering a full spa menu of body treatments and rejuvenating therapies.
Water circuit
14 massage cabins
4-dual massage rooms with shower
1-hydro-massage room with shower
1 wet massage room with shower
Body treatment cabins
Relaxing aromatherapy and sport massages
Exfoliation treatments
Steam room and dry sauna
Beauty salon
Hair cut
and more
Concierge services and 24-hour front desk
24-hour room service
Currency exchange*
Theater and game area
Silversands Resort features a fully-equipped business center*
Computers with internet access
Phone and fax
Computer accessories
Shopping onsite*
Gift shop
Signature shop
Jewelry shop
Cigar shop
Laundry services*
Travel agency*
Car rental*
Meeting rooms
Entertainment palapas
Wedding gazebo
Eight swimming pools with an expanse of over 43,000 sq. ft.
1 jetted section of the pool with capacity for 20 people
1 outdoor Jacuzzi by the ocean with capacity for 16 people
Infinity pool for Preferred Club guests
1 tennis court
Reef snorkeling the world's second largest barrier reef
Mini golf course
Pool Games
Spanish Lessons
Water aerobics
Beach volleyball
Scuba diving*
Fishing excursions*
Motorized water sports*
Yoga and fitness classes
Pool volleyball
Dance lessons
Bocce Ball
*Additional cost applies
This open-air theater includes a stage for fabulous shows and events with comfortable seating and bar service. The game lounge consists of an outdoor garden with pool tables, Ping-Pong tables, giant chess and a selection of game tables for your entertainment pleasure.
Stretching over 12,000 sq. ft. The Spa by Pevonia offers a sublime atmosphere of pure indulgence. By combining hydrotherapy with indigenous treatments, the Spa creates a refreshing, invigorating and peaceful experience. Sensation showers, a water circuit, sauna, steam room, private showers and a relaxing indoor lounge area are here for you to enjoy. Massages, body treatments facials, manicures, pedicures and a full-service beauty salon. The Spa features17 treatment rooms with 19 massage tables.
Weddings bring a contemporary style to the serenity of the beach, creating the perfect marriage of modernity and romance for a destination wedding or honeymoon. Couples looking to tie the knot in chic sophistication will be enamored by the stylishly designed wedding gazebo and stunning ballroom. And all newly weds will appreciate the elegant suites, glamorous grounds, and lavish spa.
Unlimited Connectivity - Complimentary
The complimentary, interactive mobile app allows guests to stay connected to those they are with, as well as friends and family back home with Unlimited Connectivity. Using the app-to-app call feature, guests can make local and international calls using the resort's Wi-Fi connection, without incurring any cell phone roaming charges. Guests can also personalize their stay by creating a user profile using email, Facebook or Twitter accounts to contact resort staff directly. Book spa appointments, reserve excursions and access information about dining, resort activities, local attractions and much more. In addition, this easy-to-use, cost-saving app registers as a room extension so guests can send and receive calls throughout the resort as if they were in their room.
Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun is small with only 436 suites. The property is easy to navigate. The majority of the hotel's restaurants are located off of the lobby. The pools wind throughout the property. Guests with swim out rooms (located on lower floors) are only steps away from the pool. The beach is a short distance from guestrooms and is perfect for the snorkeling enthusiasts with coral and natural sea life in abundance. Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa is a luxury, world class all-inclusive resort.
Upon walking into the air-conditioned lobby of the hotel, one's first impression is "Wow!" The lobby and décor throughout the hotel is bright, fresh, and is a combination of European sophistication and South Beach trendy! The azure blue glass-mirrored wall backdrop behind the reception desks ,along with the matching contemporary furniture, is well-designed, soft-colored, bright, and distinctive.
Walking through the lobby guests will come upon a glass-enclosed spiral staircase leading to the lower level of the hotel which features the lobby bar. Looking down the staircase to the lower level one experiences an optical illusion with the mirrored floor that makes the hotel look like multi-levels. Secrets Silversands is wonderful!
Dear Judy and Maria
Just wanted to thank you for such a wonderful time at Silversands Cancun. You really made sure they went out of their way for us.:-) we were treated wonderfully by all. Hope to return there again! The resort was beautiful and spotless.The food was great as well.
Thanks again and will look forward to booking with you again.Terry and Dave :-) :-) :-) :-) Michigan
Dear Judy and Maria,
Thank you, thank you for taking the stress out of traveling. This trip included a number of firsts for us: international travel, all inclusive resort, and using a travel agent. Everything was smooth and stress free (up until I left my passport in the kiosk in ATL on the way home, but even that was quickly fixed when one of the agents had it in her hand...lesson learned). We learned a lot and appreciated the finer details being smooth (transportation to/from airport, perfect room, VIP service, great recommendation for the resort).
We arrived at the airport and navigated our way to the van. We were quickly loaded and on our way to the resort. As soon as we stepped out, we were greeted with warm smiles, cold wash clothes, and champagne. Already feeling special, we were told that we would have a private check in (and we were served more to drink). Our room wasn't ready but we were encouraged to walk around, eat some lunch, then return.
The room was perfect: an ocean view, bottle of champagne, shower and jacuzzi for two, rose petals, snacks, drinks... SPOILED is the only word that comes to mind. Our daily activities included: floating in the pool, naps in the tiki huts/tented beds on the beach, tasty meals, walks around the resort, and evening music and entertainment (the Spanish/Mexican coffee being one of my favorites). We even visited Playa del Carmen...and everyone knew us;) also an experience;)
You set a high standard with your attention, and it continued with ALL of the staff at the resort. We left feeling like we had new friends...Israel being our favorite. Every person at the resort (down to the grounds keepers and hawk keeper) was truly special and first class.
We are already discussing our next adventure; the hard part is deciding whether to try something new or go back to something we know is wonderful.
We look forward to talking with you soon,
Michael and SaraMurfeesboro, TN
Read more testimonials
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JOSIE'S PICKS for Snuggling Up
It's been a little brrrr here in Pennsylvania for this California girl! I've been cozying up here at the farm and at QVC headquarters, promoting my TSV. Despite the fact that I miss the warm weather back in L.A., there is something nice about getting warm next to a fire with goodies like fuzzy blankets and hot mugs of tea. Here are a few fun picks I found on Etsy for getting in that snuggly Autumn mood.
With love and snuggles,


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Super Star Clusters in Dust-Enshrouded Galaxy
The sharp eye of the Hubble Space Telescope's Advanced Camera for Surveys has uncovered more than 200 mammoth star clusters in the heart of the galaxy Arp 220.
The clusters are the bluish-white dots scattered throughout the image. The heftiest Arp 220 cluster - about 10 million solar masses - is twice as massive as any comparable star cluster in the Milky Way Galaxy. Arp 220 collided with another galaxy about 700 million years ago, fueling the frenzy of star birth in a small region about 5,000 light-years across. The galaxy is a nearby example of the aftermath of two colliding galaxies.
The clusters are so compact, however, that even at their moderate distance they look to Hubble like brilliant single stars. Astronomers know the clusters are not stars because they are much brighter than a star would be at that distance, 250 million light-years away in the constellation Serpens.
The massive clusters seen in this visible-light image are just the tip of the iceberg. More star clusters are not visible because they are obscured by the dust that engulfs this galaxy. In fact, much of the visible light in this photo is reddened by dust, like Earth's sky at sunset. Because of this dust, Arp 220 shines brightest in infrared light and is called an ultra-luminous infrared galaxy (ULIRG). ULIRGs are the products of mergers between galaxies, which can create firestorms of star birth. Starlight from the new stars heats the surrounding dust, causing the galaxies to glow brilliantly in infrared light.
The Advanced Camera observations were taken in visible light in August 2002.
NASA, ESA, and C. Wilson (McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada)


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Nalco Water Pretreatment Solutions (PTS) is a premier provider of water treatment solutions to meet the water quality and quantity requirements of unique customer applications. Our solutions are comprised of three broad areas of expertise:
Nalco Water
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August 9, 2011
Macroeconomic forecasts typically do not play a meaningful role when we
select securities. However, in light of Standard and Poor's downgrade of
U.S. government debt as well as the recent market volatility, we believe that
such events could lead to challenging equity market conditions over the near-
to medium-term, and will continue to monitor the situation closely. Having said
that, we will attempt to seek opportunities that may arise as a result of
current market conditions and more importantly, positions that we believe could
potentially provide benefits over the long-term.
A big part of our investment process involves allocating capital to
companies that we believe have superior business models, attractive long-term
growth potential, strong balance sheets, as well as those that we believe can
outperform their peers in a slow-growth economy or in an environment where
access to outside financing is limited. With this framework in mind, we believe
we are appropriately positioned, and we look to use any widespread selloff,
including those of recent sessions, as an opportunity to invest in companies
with solid long-term earnings growth prospects that are trading at what we
believe are attractive valuations.
These downgrades may have repercussions for certain
clients' investment guidelines. For example, investment guidelines may
not anticipate a downgrade of U.S. Treasury debt below AAA (and with that the
average quality of many indices). This could restrict a desirable portfolio
action or even direct the sale of one or more portfolio holdings. If this is
the case, we strongly recommend that
you provide at least temporary relief from your guidelines relating to
investments in U.S. government securities, consistent with your investment
Client service offices will be in touch in the event
there are any questions about your guidelines.
Investing involves risk, including the possible
loss of principal.
Investments in small and/or medium-sized companies
typically exhibit greater risk and higher volatility than larger, more
established companies.
As a result of global trade and financial linkages, emerging markets are not
immune to the challenges facing developed markets. While we believe the full
consequences of these challenges have yet to be fully felt, we don't
attempt to position our portfolios in response to a particular macroeconomic
outlook or event. This includes last week's downgrade of U.S. debt
obligations by Standard and Poor's as well as the market volatility that
came before and after the downgrade.
Instead, we believe volatility can potentially be beneficial for long-term
investors such as us and we will continue to monitor the situation closely and
look for any potential opportunities that may arise. Looking forward, we will
seek to take advantage of any market corrections to help reposition the
portfolio toward companies that we feel have the potential to benefit from the
trends we continue to see for emerging markets.
International investments entail risks not ordinarily
associated with U.S. investments including fluctuation in currency values,
differences in accounting principles, or economic or political instability in
other nations.
Investing in emerging markets can be riskier than investing
in established foreign markets due to increased volatility and lower trading
Despite recent market volatility and fearful investor sentiment, we remain
consistent in our positioning, philosophy, and process. Our concerns about
the global economy and valuation of the U.S. stock market have, for a while
now, been reflected in the protective positioning of the portfolio through
our sector strategy, capitalization focus on larger companies, and selection
of companies that we believe have more consistent earnings from diverse
revenue sources.
In light of recent market declines, we're seeing a larger number of
potential investment ideas and are considering ways to be more opportunistic
as prices become increasingly more attractive. Overall, we continue to
maintain a positive outlook on U.S. stocks, which we believe may provide
potential protection against longer-term inflation.
These downgrades may have repercussions for certain
clients' investment guidelines. For example, investment guidelines may
not anticipate a downgrade of U.S. Treasury debt below AAA (and with that the
average quality of many indices). This could restrict a desirable portfolio
action or even direct the sale of one or more portfolio holdings. If this is
the case, we strongly recommend
that you provide at least temporary relief from your guidelines relating to
investments in U.S. government securities, consistent with your investment
Client service offices will be in touch in the event
there are any questions about your guidelines.
Investing involves risk, including the possible
loss of principal.
The Standard & Poor's (S&P) downgrades of recent days pose
psychological headwinds for securities markets as many investors try to sort
through a complicated mix of factors that can affect securities prices.
Within municipal markets specifically, the current investment environment
exhibits the uncertainties that existed in late 2010 after a well-known
analyst predicted widespread municipal defaults. At the time, municipal
markets experienced investor outflows during a period of illiquidity which
sent rates higher. This rate move, over time, reversed as the dire
predictions proved incorrect and states' revenues showed improvement.
This time around, we believe municipal markets will once again be resilient,
and we encourage investors to keep in mind that rating downgrades at the
federal level do not necessarily imply downgrades for individual states. (As
S&P reiterated in an August 8 release, state and local credit quality
will continue being analyzed on a standalone basis, independently of U.S.
sovereign debt.)
In the quarters ahead, we believe much will depend on factors that include
1) the Budget Control Act that was passed last week, and 2) prospects for
U.S. economic growth, which had been weakening prior to the downgrade. In
both cases, outcomes will be difficult to predict. When you look at the
budget act, for instance, you certainly see a broad framework for spending
reductions and/or tax reform — but the specifics are yet to be
completely spelled out.
As risk appetites continue to fluctuate, we believe periods of volatility
will be likely. With that in mind, we remind investors to view municipal
bonds as longer-term investments that have historically done relatively well
at weathering uncertainty. In the meantime, we will continue managing money
the way we always have, with an emphasis on credit research, security
selection, and risk awareness.
Fixed income securities and bond funds can lose value,
and investors can lose principal, as interest rates rise. They also may be
affected by economic conditions that hinder an issuer's ability to make
interest and principal payments on its debt.
Fixed income securities may also be subject to prepayment
risk, the risk that the principal of a fixed income security that is held by a
Fund may be prepaid prior to maturity, potentially forcing the Fund to reinvest
that money at a lower interest rate.
Funds that invest primarily in one state may be more
susceptible to the economic, regulatory, and other factors of that state than
funds that invest more broadly.
Substantially all dividend income derived from tax-free
funds is exempt from federal income tax. Some income may be subject to the
federal alternative minimum tax (AMT) that applies to certain investors.
Capital gains, if any, are taxable.
In the small- and mid-cap space, we believe that last week's
downgrades have had more of a psychological (rather than an economic) effect.
There continues to be, in our opinion, a low chance of default because the
Treasury will continue to pay interest and principal on obligations that are
Currently, we believe that the more important issues are the situation in
Europe and the threat of a recession and/or rising interest rates in the
United States. However, the downgrade virtually guarantees, in our view, that
short-term interest rates will not be increased any time soon. As long as
interest rates remain low, borrowing costs should not be a concern in the
small- and mid-cap space. However, that could change if the downgrade begins
to affect corporate yields. So far, we haven't seen any indication that
that will happen.
Our primary focus is corporate profits and the overall state of the
economy. We are not necessarily bullish, but we are optimistic about the
generally strong free cash flow figures we're seeing from the companies
in our portfolio. We believe the cash flow numbers will likely remain strong,
unless the economy stumbles badly.
As of today's date, Aug. 9, 2011, we do not plan to make any
significant transactions in response to the downgrade or the recent market
volatility. We have been very pleased, for the most part, with the profits
being generated by the holdings we own.
Investments in small and/or medium-sized companies
typically exhibit greater risk and higher volatility than larger, more
established companies.
International investments entail risks not ordinarily
associated with U.S. investments including fluctuation in currency values,
differences in accounting principles, or economic or political instability in
other nations.
Investing in emerging markets can be riskier than
investing in established foreign markets due to increased volatility and lower
trading volume.
The enormous buildup of debt during the last two decades continues to have
ramifications both for politics and for the capital markets around the globe.
Many developed nations in particular have built up debt levels (in all parts
of their society) that are greater than 300% of their gross domestic product
(GDP). In years past, asset prices were moved to high or extreme levels based
on this financing. However, when poor loan collateral performance was
introduced via Early Pay Defaults* on sub-prime mortgage securitizations in
the fall of 2006, it started a shockwave that is still affecting the global
financial markets today.
As politicians and government leaders have tried to deal with the damaging
growth aspects of the deleveraging that has ensued, two of the most popular
actions seem to have been 1) increasing government spending to stimulate
demand and shore up/re-capitalize commercial banks, and 2) injecting
significant monetary stimulus into their respective economies. While
deleveraging has generally taken place through the destruction of outstanding
debt (defaults) and some pay downs of principal, perhaps the dominant theme
in recent years has been the transfer of private obligations to the public
Within this environment, we believe 2011 marks a new phase of the credit
crisis, in which global investors are making choices about which sovereign
debt is apparently either safe enough, or attractive enough, for return
opportunity. The recent intensity of the capital market selloffs, in our
opinion, represents escalated investor concern over stagnant or declining
growth rates across the developed world. This is significant because
austerity programs have become increasingly difficult or impossible to
implement under today's very slow growth, or recessionary,
environments, and leaves policy makers in many developed countries with few
remaining options other than keeping interest rates at their current low
levels, likely through the next couple of years.
During this phase of the credit crisis, we, as investors, should go back
to an environment in which high quality fixed income investments should
continue to perform well in our opinion. While it has become difficult to
make this assessment with the current low level of yields for these
investments, do not be fooled. To us, today's environment is about
returning capital intact, and not searching for stretched return on capital.
In our opinion, high quality country debt should continue to meet this goal
(Australia, Norway, and Canada) while high debt-to-GDP countries should
continue to struggle (Greece, Ireland, Portugal, and now Italy and Spain).
Additionally, we continue to view corporate debt — both high grade and
high yield — as an attractive option as many of these entities have
either already restructured or delevered to face the growth challenges that
lie ahead.
In our opinion, growth challenges should continue to intensify sovereign
concerns and U.S. government debt ratings will come under further pressure as
our recovery stalls. However, possibly the biggest concern, in our opinion,
revolves around the effects that the slow-growth environment could have on
France. France is currently an "AAA rated" country that we
believe is key to the ongoing bailouts of the peripheral European nations. If
France's AAA rating were threatened, we believe the European Financial
Stability Facility (ESFS) that Europe is counting on to assist in peripheral
financing over the next two years (it has recently been granted expanded
responsibility for this action) might be called into question.
We will continue to monitor credit indicators for this country as a
barometer for sovereign crisis levels. Yet, given the many macroeconomic
uncertainties that remain in place, quality, liquidity, an emphasis on
downside protection through careful corporate and sovereign credit selection
will remain keys to our approach to fixed income security selection as we
face the remainder of 2011.
Current positioning across our diversified
mutual funds:
*An Early Payment Default generally is
considered to be a property owner who defaults on their payments within a
short period of time of the close on the loan.
High yielding, noninvestment grade bonds (junk bonds)
involve higher risk than investment grade bonds. The high yield secondary
market is particularly susceptible to liquidity problems when institutional
investors, such as mutual funds and certain other financial institutions,
temporarily stop buying bonds for regulatory, financial, or other reasons. In
addition, a less liquid secondary market makes it more difficult for a Fund to
obtain precise valuations of the high yield securities in its portfolio.
If and when a Fund invests in forward foreign currency
contracts or uses other investments to hedge against currency risks, it will be
subject to special risks, including counterparty risk.
The views expressed were current as of Aug. 9, 2011, and
are subject to change at any time.
Carefully consider the Funds' investment objectives, risk factors, charges, and expenses before investing. This and other information can be found in the Funds' prospectuses and their summary prospectuses, which may be obtained by visiting delawarefunds.com/literature or calling 800 523-1918. Investors should read the prospectus and the summary prospectus carefully before investing.
Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.
These materials represent the views and opinions of the author(s) regarding the economic conditions, asset classes, securities, issuers or financial instruments referenced herein. Any reproduction of these materials, in whole or in part, or the divulgence of any of the contents thereof, without prior consent of Delaware Investments is prohibited. Certain information contained herein has been obtained from sources that Delaware Investments believes to be reliable as of the date presented; however Delaware Investments cannot guarantee the accuracy of such information, assure its completeness, or warrant such information will not be changed. The information contained herein is current as of the date of issuance (or such earlier date as referenced herein) and is subject to change without notice. Delaware Investments has no obligation to update any or all of such information; nor do we make any express or implied warranties or representations as to the completeness or accuracy or accept responsibility for errors. These materials are not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security or other financial instrument or any investment management services and should not be used as the basis for any investment decision. No liability whatsoever is accepted for any loss (whether direct, indirect, or consequential) that may arise from any use of the information contained in or derived from this report. Delaware Investments and its affiliates may make investment decisions that are inconsistent with the recommendations or views expressed herein, including for proprietary accounts of Delaware Investments or its affiliates.
The opinions and recommendations herein do not take into account individual client circumstances, objectives, or needs and are not intended as recommendations of particular securities, financial instruments or funds to particular clients or prospects. No determination has been made regarding the suitability of any securities, financial instruments or funds for particular clients or prospects. For any securities or financial instruments mentioned herein, the recipient(s) of this report must make its own independent decisions.
Conflicts of Interest: Delaware Investments and its affiliates may have investment advisory or other business relationships with the issuers of securities referenced herein. Delaware Investments and its affiliates, officers, directors and employees may from time to time have long or short positions in and buy or sell securities or financial instruments referenced herein. Delaware Investments affiliates may develop and publish research that is independent of, and different than, the information contained herein. Delaware Investments personnel other than the author(s), such as sales, marketing, and trading personnel, may provide oral or written market commentary or ideas to clients of Delaware Investments or prospects or proprietary investment ideas that differ from the views expressed herein. Additional information regarding actual and potential conflicts of interest is available in Part II of Form ADV for Delaware Management Business Trust.
Not FDIC Insured | No Bank Guarantee | May Lose Value


text:
The Washington Post (6/11/12) had a story by headlined "Largest Health Insurer to Keep Key Parts of Law Regardless of Court Ruling." In the piece, reporter N.C. Aizenman relayed UnitedHealthcare's announcement that even if the Obama healthcare law is struck down by the Supreme Court, the company "will keep in place several key consumer provisions":
The company will continue to provide customers preventive healthcare services without co-payments or other out-of-pocket charges, allow parents to keep adult children up to age 26 on their plans, and maintain the more streamlined appeals process required by the law.
UnitedHealthcare would also continue to observe the law's prohibitions on putting lifetime limits on insurance payouts and rescinding coverage after a member becomes ill, except in cases where a member intentionally lied on an insurance application.
The piece isn't entirely a press release for the company; Aizenman notes that the law under Supreme Court review "includes several mandates that UnitedHealthcare did not pledge to continue complying with." But the overall message is clear: The health insurance industry doesn't need a law to make them do the right thing. How reassuring.
But if you turn to MichaelMoore.com (6/12/12), you find registered nurse and single-payer advocate Donna Smith explaining what that phrase "except in cases where a member intentionally lied on an insurance application" really means, citing the case of small-business owner Nathan Wilkes, whose son Thomas has hemophilia:
Just this week, as now 8-year-old Thomas was facing a health crisis and the Wilkes family was dealing with that crisis, Nathan got a letter from his insurance carrier, UnitedHealthcare. It told him that the insurance giant was auditing the company's coverage and required additional documentations (tax forms, income statements, etc.) and that unless the documents were provided and found satisfactory, the business' insurance coverage would be terminated July 1, 2012. While that was awful enough, Nathan then began hearing from the family's medical providers that UnitedHealthcare went to all Thomas' healthcare providers and informed those providers that the family's coverage would be cancelled on July 1.
Imagine that. Your child is hospitalized. Your insurance company doesn't like that your child is hospitalized and needing care—again. So your insurance company begins to find ways to terminate your coverage for good—like trying to find that one piece of documentation on your application for coverage or your company's application for coverage that fits their warning as stated in the WP article, "except in cases where a member intentionally lied on an insurance application."
No, UnitedHealthcare does not want to do the right thing; like other for-profit corporations, they are legally forbidden to try to do the right thing if that would mean smaller profits for their investors. This is perhaps something that is hard to bear in mind when you're a reporter for an outlet owned by a for-profit corporation yourself.


text:
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Vodka Saves Circus Elephants From Deadly Russian Winter
We always knew that booze had healing powers. According to Russian circus trainers, though, that magical property also extends to elephants.
Two circus elephants were being housed in a trailer outside the Russian city of Novosibirsk on Thursday night when the trailer somehow caught fire, forcing the circus trainers to bring the elephants out into the bitterly cold winter night. To help keep the animals warm, trainer Leonid Labo gave the animals 2.6 gallons of vodka diluted with some warm water. Labo says the vodka helped keep the animals warm and a veterinarian later said the elephants suffered only from frostbite on the tips of their ears before they could be moved to a warm gym at a local community college.
Physicians say that alcohol only makes us feel warmer and that it actually has the opposite effect of reducing our core body temperature. But who are we going to believe here—medical doctors or Russian carnies? Once again, vodka saves the day.


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Table of Contents
> Autosomal recessive disorders
Autosomal recessive disorders
Related terms
Future research
Author information
Related Terms
Allele, autosome, carrier, chromosome, cystic fibrosis, Gaucher's disease, genetic counseling, genetic testing, heterozygote, homozygote, sickle cell anemia, spinal muscular atrophy, Tay-Sachs disease, thalassemia, Wilson's disease.
Chromosomes are the genetic material found in all cells. They consist of proteins and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Each cell has 23 pairs of chromosomes, including one pair of sex chromosomes and 22 pairs of non-sex chromosomes. There are two sex chromosomes, called the X chromosome and the Y chromosome. Females have two X chromosomes, while males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome. Autosomes are the non-sex chromosomes that are numbered chromosome 1 through 22. Each autosomal gene has two copies and one copy (or allele) is inherited from each parent. Variations of the genes are also known as alleles.
A person inherits genes from his or her parents. One gene is inherited from the mother, and the other gene is inherited from the father. Each parent can only pass one of their genes on to the child. Which gene gets passed down is determined purely by chance. When both alleles of a gene are the same, a person is said to be
for that gene. If different alleles of the gene are inherited from each parent, the person is said to be
for that gene.
Autosomal recessive disorders are inherited disorders caused by a mutation in a gene. In order to have an autosomal recessive disorder, both copies of the gene (one inherited from each parent) need to contain the mutation. In other words, to be affected by an autosomal recessive disorder, the person needs to be homozygous for that gene. This is different from autosomal dominant disorders, for which a person only needs to inherit one copy of the mutant gene to be affected by the disorder.
When only one mutant gene is inherited in an autosomal recessive disorder, the person does not have the disease and is known as a genetic carrier of the disease. Carriers are able to pass their mutant gene to their children. If both parents are genetic carriers of an autosomal recessive disorder, there is a one in four chance that the child will have the disease. There is a 25% chance the child will have two normal genes and a 50% chance the child will be a carrier and not have the disease. If only one parent has a faulty gene, there is no chance the child will develop the disease. In this case, there is a 25% chance of the child being a carrier. If both parents are affected by an autosomal recessive disorder, then all of their children will most likely have that condition as well.
Cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, thalassemia, Gaucher's disease, Wilson's disease, spinal muscular atrophy, and sickle cell disease are all examples of autosomal recessive disorders.
Because males and females share the same autosomal chromosomes, they are affected equally by autosomal recessive disorders. Some autosomal recessive disorders are more common in certain populations. For example, sickle cell disease occurs more frequently in sub-Saharan Africa and other tropical or sub-tropical regions. French Canadians and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent historically had a higher incidence of Tay-Sachs disease. Among populations that are closely related (or among people who share a common ancestor), autosomal recessive disorders can also be more common.
A child may inherit an autosomal recessive disorder if both parents are carriers of the abnormal gene. If only one parent is a carrier, the child will not inherit the disorder. However, there is a 50% chance that the child will be a carrier.
A child of two carrier parents has a 25% chance of inheriting two abnormal copies of the gene. Thus, each child has a 25% chance of being affected by the disorder. There is a 25% chance the child will inherit both normal genes and neither have the disease nor be a carrier. This means that there is a 50% chance a child will inherit one faulty gene and one normal gene. This child will be a genetic carrier, but will not be affected by the disorder.
If one parent has the disorder (and therefore has two copies of the mutant gene) and the other parent is a carrier, the chance of a child having the disorder increases to 50%. There is also a 50% chance the child will be a carrier and no chance of the child having a normal pair of genes. If both parents have the same autosomal recessive disorder, their children will most likely have the disease.
Each pregnancy holds the same risk, and each child of two carriers has a 25% chance of developing the disease.
: Currently, there is a significant amount of research devoted to genetic testing for autosomal recessive genes. For some conditions, it is possible to check if a person is a carrier of a recessive disorder. Children and growing fetuses may be tested for some genetic conditions. However, not all genes or genetic disorders can be tested. Ongoing research will increase the number of genes and genetic disorders that can be tested.
Genetic testing is available for several autosomal recessive disorders, including Tay-Sachs disease, cystic fibrosis, Canavan disease, sickle cell anemia, Familial dysautonomia, Niemann-Pick disease, Bloom syndrome, Gaucher disease, Fanconi anemia, and mucolipidosis type IV.
Genetic carrier testing
: It is possible to test whether a person is a carrier for certain autosomal recessive disorders. The genetic carrier test will either look at the products of a specific gene or test if the gene itself is faulty. A sample of a person's blood or saliva is taken and sent to a lab to look for the defective gene. The results of the test may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to analyze. The test is usually only performed if there is a family history of an autosomal recessive disorder. This test may also be performed if the parents are of a certain ethnic or cultural background that is associated with an autosomal recessive disorder.
Couples may discuss the decision to get genetic carrier testing with a genetic counselor. Together, they may decide whether carrier testing is appropriate. This test may be performed at any time before, during, or after pregnancy. Reliability of the test depends on what condition is being tested for and to what lab it is being sent.
Diagnostic testing
: Genetic testing may be used to diagnose a child that may have an autosomal recessive disorder. Like genetic carrier testing, a sample of saliva and blood is taken from the patient and sent to a lab. At the lab, the sample is tested for a defect in the gene and may take a few days or weeks to analyze. A child that shows signs and symptoms of a disease may get genetic testing to confirm a diagnosis. The patient or parents of the patient may talk with a doctor or genetic counselor if they suspect the child has an autosomal recessive disorder, and they can then decide whether a genetic test is necessary. However, not all diseases can be genetically tested.
Prenatal testing
: Prenatal testing may be used to check if a growing fetus has a mutation in the gene or chromosome. Prenatal screening tests may be able to detect if a fetus is at increased risk of getting the disease. Prenatal diagnostic tests may be able to see if a fetus actually has a disorder or is a carrier.
An ultrasound may be used to see if the fetus has any physical abnormalities associated with the disorder. An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to make a picture of the fetus. Ultrasounds are generally regarded as safe, but they may not be as specific as other tests. An ultrasound is the least reliable genetic test because it does not look at the actual DNA or chromosomes of the fetus. Sometimes ultrasound may seem normal even if the fetus has the disorder.
Amniocentesis uses a needle to remove amniotic fluid from the sac surrounding the developing fetus. The DNA of the fetus is examined for genetic mutations. Amniocentesis may result in miscarriage, but the incidence is less than that of chorionic villus sampling and cordocentesis. Other risks include infection and injury to the fetus.
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) looks for genetic defects by removing a small piece of the uterus tissue, called the chorionic villus. This is done by making an incision in the uterus and inserting a small, plastic tube. The sample is used to study the DNA, chromosomes, and enzymes of the fetus, which makes it a more reliable test than an ultrasound. There is a risk of miscarriage, which occurs in about 2% of patients. Other risks include bleeding, infection, and rupture of membranes. This test is used when results are desired early in pregnancy because amniocentesis is performed later in pregnancy.
Cordocentesis uses a needle to take out blood from the fetus' umbilical cord. This process is very similar to amniocentesis, except that it looks at the blood of the fetus rather than at the amniotic fluid. Miscarriage may occur in about one or two out of 100 patients. Other risks include bleeding, infection, and rupture of membranes.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)
: Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a test used for embryos in
in vitro
fertilization. When the embryo comprises fewer than 10 cells, a couple of the cells are removed and sent to a lab. Polymerase chain reaction is used to multiply the DNA and test for genetic disorders before implantation. The procedure is expensive, costing a few thousand dollars and may not be covered by insurance. Parents should discuss PGD with their doctors and genetic counselors before having it done.
Genetic testing and counseling
: Individuals who have autosomal recessive disorders may meet with genetic counselors to discuss the risks of having children with the disease. Individuals from high-risk populations or those with family histories of an autosomal recessive disorder may meet with genetic counselors to determine whether they carry the faulty gene.
Carriers can be determined through detailed family histories or by genetic testing. Known carriers of an autosomal recessive disorder may choose to undergo genetic counseling before they conceive a child. Genetic counselors can explain the options and the associated risks of various tests, including pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), amniocentesis, and chorionic villus sampling (CVS).
Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) may be used with
in vitro
(artificial) fertilization. In PGD, embryos are tested for the faulty gene in question, and only the embryos that are free of these mutations may be implanted.
Because certain autosomal recessive disorders can be detected in a growing fetus, parents may choose whether or not to continue the pregnancy. Genetic counselors may assist parents with these difficult decisions.
Because autosomal recessive disorders are inherited, there is no way to prevent them. Couples may work with genetic counselors to evaluate the probability of having children with autosomal recessive disorders. Counselors may also help prospective parents decide the appropriate testing methods.
Genetic screening is possible through a relatively inexpensive and widely available enzyme assay. Individuals with positive or inconclusive results with the enzyme assay test may undergo DNA testing, which is highly accurate but more expensive.
Having an autosomal recessive disorder or being a carrier can affect a couple's decision to have children. Some parents may not want to have children because of the risk of a child inheriting the disorder. These parents may instead choose to adopt a child or to not have children at all.
For some autosomal recessive disorders, the responsible gene (or genes) may not be known.
Future research
For some autosomal recessive disorders, the responsible gene (or genes) may not be known. For genetic disorders, much research focuses on identifying the gene(s) involved, as well as the mutations that are responsible for the disorders. This type of research could help identify carriers of rare diseases. It may also help to diagnose these diseases so that treatment can be started as soon as possible.
Author information
This information has been edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).
Burke W. Genetic testing. N Engl J Med. 2002 Dec 5;347(23):1867-75.
Carreiro-Lewandowski E. Newborn screening: an overview. Clin Lab Sci. 2002 Fall;15(4):229-38.
Genetics Home Reference (GHR). National Institutes of Health. .
Genetics & Public Policy Center. .
Gustavson KH. The prevention and management of autosomal recessive conditions. Main example: alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency. Clin Genet. 1989 Nov;36(5):327-32.
Morris JK, Law MR, Wald NJ. Is cascade testing a sensible method of screening a population for autosomal recessive disorders? Am J Med Genet A. 2004 Jul 30;128(3):271-5.
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). .
Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. .
Vallance H, Ford J. Carrier testing for autosomal-recessive disorders. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci. 2003 Aug;40(4):473-97.
Copyright © 2011 Natural Standard (
The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.
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The Modern Herbs of Classical Formula brand Tao Hong Si Wu Tang is a product of GMP, has the highest and consistant quality.*
Ingredients: walnut, Safflower flower, Ligusticum wallichii rhizome, Chinese Peony root, Dong Quai root, Rehmannia cured root tuber
Direction: 3 pills a tiem, 2 times a day.
Caution: Don't use if pregnant.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Content Copyright Mount Spring International


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'Candle-lit vigil' at Fort Sam strikes some as proselytizing
A suicide-prevention session that included a prayer at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston is being investigated by the Army after several complaints were lodged from people who felt that they were forced to be subjected to "government-sponsored proselytism."
Mikey Weinstein, founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, said 38 troops at the post, including 11 who were among about 800 who attended the Sept. 26 session, are willing to sign a federal complaint against the Army and an unnamed chaplain who led it.
"It became incredibly like a prayer service" based on accounts from witnesses, said Weinstein, who said he feels the training violated constitutional rights of soldiers and Army regulations ensuring fair treatment of personnel.
Staff Sgt. Victoria Gettman, a lab technician instructor, said she watched soldiers who'd recently completed basic training attend nearly two hours of suicide prevention and resiliency instruction before the chaplain was introduced at Evans Theater.
Gettman, an atheist who grew up Catholic, said she grew uncomfortable after battery-operated plastic lights resembling candles were passed out and the chaplain talked about "needing something divine."
Though details of what happened in those 15 minutes are in dispute, Gettman said she heard references to a "heavenly father," and viewed the session as a Christian prayer service. She later spoke with other instructors who agreed with her.
"When it was all over, I was just disgusted," said Gettman, who filed complaints Friday with the Army's inspector general and the post's equal opportunity office.
Phil Reidinger, an Army spokesman at the post, said the training was mandatory and that there was a prayer, even though "Christian prayer is not a component of the Army suicide prevention and awareness program."
"We take these allegations seriously. We respect religious freedoms of all those on our team," he said in a statement.
"We are investigating in order to gather the facts, details and sort through what had happened, why and if any violations had occurred," Reidinger added.
Gettman said she would not have minded if trainees could opt out of the session. But since the training was mandatory, she viewed it as government-sponsored proselytism.
"It felt like he was trying to convert people," she said.
Weinstein, self-described as Jewish-agnostic, said the session was potentially offensive to people of nearly all backgrounds.
The 38 troops willing to file complaints include 24 Christians as well as two Jewish soldiers who attended the session. Both had volunteered to attend training that they were told would be mission-critical on the sacred Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, Weinstein said.
Army Sgt. Justin Griffith, military director of American Atheists, a group based in New Jersey, said the training might have stirred feelings of alienation and despair among young troops suffering from mental anguish.
"It's hard to speak out when you're having those feelings," he said. "How could that make someone feel if they were contemplating suicide?"
Reidinger said the "candle-lit vigil" was intended to build unity among troops in the 264th Medical Battalion.
Using a suicide prevention theme of "ask, care and escort," Army officials hoped to encourage troops to intervene if a soldier is at risk.
"Getting someone help is a paramount consideration," Reidinger said.


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I'm happy to present second installment of photographs from our amazing European trip with our friends over at Royal Talens And Canson. If you remember we started our trip in Paris and made our way over to Amsterdam, stopping along the way to check out all the museums, galleries, and sights that each city offered.
We started our first day in Amsterdam with a boat tour of the canals to get acquainted with the many tiny streets and canals that zig zag throughout the city. Along the way we saw many amazing examples of dutch architecture, design, street art and of course Houseboats!


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The beginning of the inaugural ceremony for Hope College President John C. Knapp at Dimnent Memorial Chapel on Friday, Oct. 4, will be marked by a colorful procession of visiting celebrants from other colleges and universities, along with Hope College faculty members and representatives of learned organizations.
The order of appearance in the procession is determined by the institution's date of founding, oldest first. Harvard University, founded in 1636, will lead the procession. There will be 53 institutions represented, including representatives from universities in India, Japan, Mexico and the United Kingdom.
Approximately 150 members of the Hope College faculty will participate.
The inauguration will be held in Dimnent Memorial Chapel beginning at 2 p.m. Admission will be by ticket. The ceremony will be streamed live on the college's website.
Institutions to be represented
Harvard University, 1636
Yale University, 1701
Allegheny College, 1815
University of Michigan, 1817
Kenyon College, 1824
Hanover College, 1827
Kalamazoo College, 1833
Oberlin College, 1833
Albion College, 1835
DePauw University, 1837
Knox College, 1837
Samford University, 1841
Ohio Wesleyan University, 1842
Liverpool Hope University, 1844
Olivet College, 1844
Baylor University, 1845
Wittenberg University, 1845
Eastern Michigan Unversity, 1849
Coe College, 1851
Central College, 1853
Michigan State University, 1855
Adrian College, 1859
Wheaton College, 1860
Meiji Gakuin University, 1863
College of Wooster, 1866
Western Theological Seminary, 1866
Howard University, 1867
Ferris University, 1870
Spring Arbor University, 1873
Andrews University, 1874
St. Olaf College, 1874
Calvin College, 1876
Calvin Theological Seminary, 1876
Northwestern College, 1882
Waseda University, 1882
Ferris State University, 1884
Trine University, 1884
Alma College, 1886
Aquinas College, 1886
Whitworth University, 1890
Marygrove College, 1905
Georgia State University, 1913
Union Christian College, Aluva, 1921
Kendall College of Art and Design, 1928
Kuyper College, 1939
Cornerstone University, 1941
Grace Bible College, 1945
Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, 1951
Dordt College, 1955
Northwood University, 1959
Trinity Christian College, 1959
Grand Valley State University, 1960
Saginaw Valley State University, 1963
Representatives of Professional and Learned Societies
Michigan Colleges Foundation, 1949
Great Lakes Colleges Association, 1961
Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Michigan, 1967
Consortium for Global Education, 1987


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Hillsboro police
Dec. 16: Officers assisted Hillsboro fire department with a house fire in the 200 block of South Madison Street.
Dec. 17: Officers investigated a stalking complaint in the 400 block of South Washington Street.
Dec. 18: A damage complaint was taken in the 700 block of South Washington Street; a person said dogs damaged his drain spouts. A person reported a possible child sexual abuse violation; the case is still under investigation. A Hillsboro resident reported being harassed by a McPherson subject.
Dec. 19: Several complaints were taken of a helicopter hovering at low altitude over several areas of Hillsboro. The helicopter was tracked to a Wichita airport. A disturbance was reported at the public library; one subject was banned from the library because of his conduct
Dec. 21: A disturbance was reported
Last modified Dec. 28, 2012


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Cookie Recipes
Speculoos Spread Cookie Tartlet Recipe
I recently received a jar of speculoos spread from a company called Tamarin. I first saw these new speculoos "pâte a tartiner" jars during my last trip to Paris. Our family loves Nutella and peanut butter, so I couldn't wait to develop a new dessert around this product. The thick spread is based on speculoos, which are specialty shortcrust cookies that originally were baked traditionally for consumption on St. Nicholas' Eve. They originated from the North of France and Belgium (also known as "speculaas" in Dutch) and often are shaped with an image stamp depicting the story of St. Nicholas. The main spices for the thin, crunchy, slightly brown cookie are cinnamon, cloves, ground ginger, cardamom, nutmeg and white pepper. The cookies are so delicious that they're available year 'round in France.
I made a cookie dough using the same spices as for speculoos cookies but instead of making shortcrust, I used it as a base and created a cookie tartlet. As soon as the shells come out from the oven, I pressed the center of the cookie to create a cavity so I could insert a creamy spread of speculoos inside. The result was fantastic. I'll play around with the product more and post additional recipes, so stay tuned. Thanks, Tamarin!
Full Recipe...
Earl Grey Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe
I made Earl Grey ice cream sandwiches today with homemade Earl Grey tea ice cream. One member in my family is allergic to eggs, so this recipe suits her perfectly, as no eggs are involved in this dessert. I used chocolate chip Walkers shortbread cookies, which are eggless as well. At the same time, I thought I'd experiment a bit in advance of my little munchkin's big birthday party at the end of the month. She's been such a good girl, helping me out all week long since she's on vacation. I thought this would be the perfect treat to reward her because the sandwiches are perfect for little hands and fingers!
I absolutely adore the flavor combination; the bergamot in Earl Grey tea has a truly distinctive flavor which, -interestingly- tastes almost like Fruit Loops cereal when mixed in ice cream batter. For convenience, and because they taste great, I made ice cream sandwiches using packs of Walkers chocolate chip cookies. If you have time, you could also make homemade chocolate chip cookies for the sandwiches.
Full Recipe...
Chocolate Coconut Macaroons (Rochers Coco Recipe)
Coconut macaroons (called "rochers coco" in French) are another dessert that I bake very often. When I have extra egg whites from pudding, custard, crème caramel or crème brulée, I always whip up a batch. The macaroons I've tasted in America are generally more crumbly and denser than the ones from France. I make mine with a coating of condensed milk, which enhances the flavor and alters the texture.
I also covered the coconut cookies with dark chocolate for a fancier look. Check back tomorrow to see how I used the cookies in a decadent dessert that is perfect for Mother's Day.
Full Recipe...
Pandan Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
Pandan cookies always intrigue the guests who come to our house. The green color from the pandan paste makes the cookies very original, and after the first bite, our guests are amazed at how great they taste. Daddy's friend, who lives in Minnesota, loved them so much that I decided to send a basket of two dozen cookies to him as a care package.
When I was a child, Maman would use pandan leaves to flavor steamed jasmine rice. It's also used in many Vietnamese desserts, such a rau câu. That inspired me to try using pandan in Western dessert recipes.
I often fuse the ingredients of one cooking tradition with the recipes of another. It's a great way to create new dishes. In fact, the very first recipe posted on PhamFatale.com was for pandan cookies. In that recipe, I used pistachios and white chocolate chips. Both are great, but I think the cocoa in semi-sweet chocolate pairs especially well with pandan. Changing ingredients and coming up with new dishes is a big part of the culinary journey I've been sharing with you for a year and a half. After all, that's what cooking is all about. The history of cooking is really the history of the migration of people from one place to another. As they traveled, they adopted and adapted the local cuisine, creating many of the classic dishes we enjoy today. I hope you enjoy my small contribution to this tradition.
Full Recipe...
Kumquat and Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are so classic that one might ask, why mess with perfection? Well, I think my kumquat and chocolate chip cookies are the answer to that question. Citrus and chocolate are a great pair in desserts, and this is no exception. The zing of the rind really enhances the creamy quality of the chocolate.
I decided on kumquat preserves because I still had one jar leftover from last season (I'm making more today!). For the cookie dough, I mixed butter, brown sugar, finely chopped fresh kumquat zest and whole wheat flour for texture and a little nutrition. It provides a nice canvas for the morsels of chocolates and chunks of preserved kumquats.
If you're still skeptical that kumquats can enhance the flavor of chocolate chip cookies, there's really only one solution; make them yourself! You won't be disappointed.
Full Recipe...


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Welcome to the Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture! This department is dedicated to teaching landscape architecture and horticulture to aspiring students. Located just 15 miles north of Temple University Main Campus, our department is part of the 187-acre Ambler Campus Arboretum. The campus is a living laboratory with a wonderful blend of charming historic gardens from the 1920's. The campus is also home to numerous other gardens and demonstration projects that reflect contemporary environmental concerns.
Undergraduate students have the option of taking some of their courses on the main campus, and some of their landscape architecture, botany, and/or horticulture courses at Temple's Ambler campus. Temple runs a free shuttle bus service between the main campus and the Ambler campus. The required Ambler campus courses in the major are scheduled to coincide with the Ambler shuttle schedule. This allows students to have a great urban college campus experience while also benefiting from the hands-on learning in the arboretum and greenhouses for which the Ambler campus programs are known.
We offer accredited professional degrees at the Master and Bachelor levels in Landscape Architecture and Bachelor and Associate degrees in Horticulture. An ecological based approach is at the heart of teaching for all programs. Our education model provides the basic knowledge, skills and mindset needed to prepare the next generation of professionals to address the emerging environmental and social challenges.
Along with the ecologically based curriculum, the unique aspects of our department include the integration of art and science, hands-on learning, and an intimate sense of community for students. Although we are considered a small department by university standards, we have a big reputation, presence and influence on the campus, university and the larger community. Our proximity to Philadelphia, considered a major hub of horticulture and landscape architecture, is a wonderful resource for our programs. We interact with world-renowned firms and organizations, and tap these resources for adjunct professors, speakers, guest critics, and for internships and employment opportunities for our students.
Our faculty and staff provide a supportive and safe learning environment where ideas can be formed, tested, and put into practice. We are committed to engendering a love of learning and cultivating creativity and innovation. Empowered with a vision for a better world, and confident in their knowledge, our students are prepared to be leaders in their professions. I invite you to get a first-hand look at our fabulous grounds, to meet our dedicated faculty, and to talk with our enthusiastic students. And also learn about numerous other educational opportunities in the Landscape Architecture & Horticulture Department and the Division of Architecture and Environmental Design at Temple University.


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you attend, has notified you that your Internet account has been used to illegally
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is designed to help answer those questions and to provide information to help you
find the content you want legally.