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Leading from the Middle
Aligning a company's information technology strategy with its business plan is often an elusive goal that CIOs achieve with varying degrees of success. New Web-enabled middleware for business process management is giving CIOs a fighting chance to bring businesses and IT into alignment more quickly, and efficiently, than possible before.
Although definitions vary, middleware is best understood as the layer of software that sits between a database and its applications and allows those applications to talk to one another. Web-enabled middleware takes advantage of Web services, such as extensible Markup Language, to enable applications to transfer information more easily.
Most big companies are saddled with any number of large applications that were developed using different systems and formats and don't allow for the easy exchange of information. In addition, companies continue to push more applications out to the Web. Processes that business are looking to improve with Web-based middleware run the gamut—from human resources and supply chain to customer relationship management—wherever inefficiencies may lurk. For just one example, middleware can help shave precious seconds from customer-service queries by automating the process of finding and pushing timely information from different databases to a customer service rep.
But in order to set up these new systems, the information processes behind them must be mapped out, automated, and then monitored for any glitches. Many of today's Web-enabled middleware packages contain tools that let business managers, with no technical skills, use a graphical user interface to define business processes and initiate the building of applications. The result: No longer must business managers submit a wish list to IT and get back applications created by the tech organization. And because the tools speed up the software development process—sometimes cutting down the time to map out and deploy a new process to a matter of weeks—companies can respond almost immediately to changing business conditions or customer demands.
"Middleware used to be used for point-to-point application integration—tying one kind of application to another. But now, it's being used to map out business processes," says Mervyn Adrian, an analyst at Forrester Research Inc.
Of course, no business process improvement project, including those using Web-enabled middleware, is without hurdles. For one, top management must be convinced that redesigning business processes is worth the effort. Second, business managers may be reluctant to get their hands dirty and engage directly in the IT system design. Overall, when looking to redesign a business process with a Web-based middleware package, the best course of action is to take it step by step.
Step 1: Take Stock
Companies embarking on a business process overhaul are likely to start with disconnected applications. The first step is to take stock of these "silos" and define the business processes that are in use. For example, sales, marketing and customer service applications may each have a distinct applications and databases. Yet when a customer phones the call center with a request, data from each of these applications, made available as a Web service and automatically delivered to call center staff, could prove very helpful in answering customers' questions.
Four years ago, Andres Carvallo was named CIO of Austin Energy, the Austin, Texas, utility that is the nation's tenth-largest electrical power company. When he arrived at the utility, Carvallo found five distinct lines of business: generation, transmission, distribution, wholesale energy and retail energy, each with its own IT operations. "There was no common enterprise architecture, no data warehouse, no business intelligence and no process modeling," says Carvallo.
The new CIO set about documenting business processes across all five units. To do so, he assigned four business analysts to interview 500 Austin Energy employees over a period of 30 days. The interviewers then compiled their notes into a 35-page document, highlighting the 72 most critical business processes.
Step 2: Pick Your Application
Once you understand your company's business processes, choose the best Web-based middleware tools for your needs. There are a large number of suites to choose from, which Forrester divides into two categories: integration-centric BPM suites (IC-BPMs) and human-centric BPM suites (HC-BPMs).
An integration-centric suite, such as IBM Corp.'s WebSphere business process management suite, is geared to tying together enterprise applications via Web services. Other major players in this space include Oracle Corp. and BEA Systems Inc. Human-centric suites, such as Pegasystems Inc.'s SmartBPM, take human interaction into account in the design and execution of business processes. Other vendors offering HC-BPMS include Savvion Inc. and Lombardi Software Inc. Pricing varies, but costs can be significant, depending on the maker and number of modules used: The Pegasystems suite, for instance, starts at $125,000. Forrester's Adrian predicts the two suite types will likely merge into a single product category in the next three to five years.
Some products, such as IBM's WebSphere Business Modeler and WebSphere Integration Developer, generate business process execution language. BPEL is used by developers as the basis of service-oriented architecture applications, which make different applications appear as Web services to one another, allowing them to call on one another to serve up data or perform tasks as needed. Savvion and Pegasystems claim their tools generate application code directly, without need of any modification by developers, which can further save time and expense. Still other middleware products, such as Lombardi's Teamworks, generate PowerPoint diagrams of workflows and businesses processes, but don't generate code at all.
Step 3: Start Modeling
Now the fun begins. Using the graphical tools that come with the BPM middleware suites, or if you prefer, a separate graphical package such as Microsoft Corp.'s Visio, it's time to map out the business processes in a workflow diagram.
"You map the processes into the modeling toolboxes and arrows and attach properties to those boxes, such as who is in charge of those processes and what are the expected inputs and outputs," says Carvallo, who used IBM's WebSphere Business Modeler. Using this kind of building-block approach helps business managers spot shortcuts that can save time and money. Some tools have simulation capabilities, enabling business professionals to run "what-if" scenarios to measure the impact of process changes.
At this stage it's important to make sure that line-of-business leaders are participating in the redesign of business processes in order to achieve IT and business alignment. "Make sure you bring in all departments, such as sales, finance, operations and human resources, to the project as early as you can, so they can describe their business processes. The way they look at it may be different from the way that IT looks at it," says Pierre Vedel, CIO of ELM Resources, a nonprofit that provides software as a service to the financial services industry for handling student loans. "Get them involved early and learn from them what they want—then put that into the tool," he emphasizes, which for ELM was the IBM WebSphere Business Modeler.
In some cases, business managers may require training to use the graphical tools. But one of the tools' strong points is their intuitive nature, which tends to keep training expenses at a minimum. However, business managers should understand that their involvement in the use of these tools will be ongoing: Once a new business process has been designed it will be subject to monitoring and optimization, for which their input will be needed.
In his experience, Austin Energy's Carvallo says the modeling process takes anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour. After that, he uses IBM's WebSphere tools to generate BPEL code, which developers adapt to build Austin Energy's applications.
At this stage, one useful BPM middleware tool is a repository for storing information about your business processes. Mike Rulf, vice president of advanced engineering at USi, a hosted application provider and unit of AT&T Inc. said USi is using the Oracle Services Registry (made by Systinet and sold as part of the application server component of Oracle's Fusion middleware). USi uses it to capture and store business rules for future reference and redesigned business processes for later reuse.
Step 4: Monitor and Manage
Once the applications are running, monitoring how well the redesigned business processes are actually performing—and making adjustments where needed—is critical in assuring ongoing business-IT alignment. USi uses Oracle's Web Services Manager, another Fusion middleware component that allows administrators to view which parts of a given process have been completed.
USi uses an internally developed management framework to monitor business process performance, allocating server resources as necessary to meet the applications' needs. The company also uses the ARIS toolset, made by IDS Scheer and sold by Oracle as its Business Process Analysis Suite, which lets changes made in production applications be reflected back in the original diagram—a key feature for keeping IT and business processes in alignment.
Austin Energy has been overhauling its 72 targeted processes one by one. So far, the company has completed work on eight of them: customer service, mobile workforce, financial management, asset management, inventory management and three new customer portals. In each case, Austin Energy redesigned its business processes and Web-enabled legacy systems via BPM middleware to serve up data to end users. Monitoring the results of the redesigned business processes has shown that BPM middleware can deliver big paybacks. The biggest win so far has been cutting the time needed to handle customer service calls, by gathering information needed from multiple systems onto a service representative's screen in real time.
"A call used to take four to seven minutes. We got the time down to 32 seconds," says Carvallo. What's more, Austin Energy can now handle 5,000 calls per hour, compared with 400 calls per hour before. That capacity came in especially handy last May, when an ice storm hit the Austin area and 52,000 customers lost power. Says Carvallo: "Everyone was in awe."
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I am officially obsessed with foundation. I can't help it. I love a good base.
Up for review is this Boots No. 7 Lift & Luminate Foundation – Boots No. 7 has release a skincare range called Lift & Luminate (which I have started testing and like a lot) and this foundation is part of the set!
This is a lifting and firming foundation with a natural glow.
They say:
Skin looks and feels instantly lifted, minimising pores and imperfections. Plus, it contains SPF 15 to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun.
The Lift & Luminate range is actually aimed at the older lady (aged 40+) but there's no harm in prevention, eh?
Another foundation I have been testing out is Bourjois Sleep Effect Foundation (review coming up) and this product reminds me of it, in terms of the 'wake up' effect.
The texture is very different though. Lift & Luminate Foundation has a thicker texture:
Note that there are 6 shades to choose from. Boots have always been quite consistent with their shades…I've noticed with their other base products that they all share the same names – so you can pretty much guess which shade you are in all their foundations, concealers etc.
I got blonde – I am between a blonde and almond (I am a NC35 in MAC). Almond is ever so slightly dark. Blonde is more natural but ever so slightly light.
I choose blonde as its a fresher look.
Worked into the skin, it looks a little oily, but quickly settles down into quite an even, glowy finish. Not at all greasy.
On the face:
I really like this foundation! Its similar to Bourjois Sleep Effect foundation but it has a better texture for my skin – its creamy so its good for my dry skin and has better coverage.
I think my skin felt quite smooth afterwards. I'd say this powder benefits from a light powder to set things because it is a glowy base and can slide off during the day.
I would recommend this base – for £15 (apparently no longer expensive for a drugstore level foundation) you get a treatment and a medium coverage foundation that does everything you need.
If you have very oily skin, this may be a little rich for you.
You can buy it and from Boots stores!

subset: commoncrawl


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Blog Archives
Cuba Is Ready To Win The 2013 World Baseball Classic
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Saturday February 16th, 2013
By Jonathan Hacohen (Lead Baseball Columnist, Oakland A's Correspondent and Website Founder): Follow @Jhacohen
Going into the 3rd edition of the World Baseball Classic, the #1 question that I get asked on a daily basis is: "Which country will win it all?" A fair question, as all sports fans (not just baseball ones) love to predict champions before the first game is even played. Given that Japan has won the first two WBC titles (2006 and 2009), they have to be the favorites going into this year's tournament. But as every new WBC edition begins, every country begins to get hungrier and hungrier. We had a qualifier tournament recently, the inaugural one for a WBC. 16 countries battled it out to win the 4 coveted spots into the tournament. Chinese Taipei, Brazil, Canada and Spain will field teams next month.
Canada and Chinese Taipei were two of the four countries that did not receive automatic entries and were required to qualify. Brazil and Spain were the newcomers that got their first taste of the WBC…and evidently loved it. So who will be it folks? Japan beat Korea in 2009 and Cuba back in 2006. Ironically, Cuba lost to Japan twice back in the 2nd round of 2009. If not for Japan, Cuba would have at least WBC title under their belts. Maybe two. So who does Cuba get in their group as part of the 1st Round of the 2013 WBC? Japan, of course. This time around, things will be different. Cuba is ready to knock the Japanese gorilla off their backs and take the 2013 World Baseball Classic.


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Hello World! Computer Programming for Kids and Other Beginners, by Warren D. Sande and Carter Sande, is a wonderful book to recommend to young people and anyone interested in learning programming skills in a playful and extremely informative way. The authors choice of Python as the learning language of choice is excellent considering the considerably amount of Python code available on the web and the unambiguous style of coding that it enforces.
Jolt Productivity Award
Hello World! Computer Programming for Kids and Other Beginners
Warren D. Sande and Carter Sande
Publisher: Manning Publications
Warren Sande wrote this book with his son Carter, nicknamed "Tech Support" by his elementary school classmates. This unique collaboration works extremely well and helps to further define and differentiate the book among other introductory Python programming books.
Copious illustrations and code listings solidify everything from rudimentary concepts to OOP principles. It is books like this that will engage new programmers as a book they will fondly remember that gave them the knowledge to pursue their passion (for me, that book was Doug Cooper's Oh! Pascal! ). I only wish that Hello World had been available four years ago when my own kids were diving into their first programs. Until this book came along, I had been recommending Chris Pine's Learn to Program. However, I find at times that Ruby syntax not as obvious as Python's. The other advantage that I commend the Sande's with is the book's four chapters on using Pygame. We all want to impress our friends with new games we created ourselves, and Pygame provides one of the easiest ways to quickly do so.
Congratulations and kudos to the book's authors. Hello World will jolt eager new programming minds to the core!


text: OnGossamer is one of the best-selling brands in the fashion world for their innovative bras, sleepwear, shapewear and panties. Pieces in the collection are exquisitely made with soft fabrics and featherweight fashions. The sexiness and versatility of these fashions are what make the foundation of OnGossamer designs. The mesh fabric that makes up the Mesh Essentials collection creates pieces that are constructed of stretchy, fine mesh. Many customers fall in love with the Bump It Up line that features graduated foam padding that enhances cleavage. Women love OnGossamer because they know that being beautiful must go hand-in-hand with feeling comfortable. The brand gives women what they want by offering their soft fabric combined with many different hues and designs of lingerie. The elegant and unique OnGossamer pieces are never boring, yet always relaxing. Even the shapewear and sleepwear follow the motto to feel as if you have nothing on. All pieces are made of lightweight materials with the highest technology in supportive fashions. OnGossamer has won herroom.com Undie Awards for Select Winners of the Judges in the categories of Favorite Hi-Cut Brief, Favorite Bikini and Favorite Push-Up Bra.


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Safety and Efficacy Study of CVD 1208S, a Live, Attenuated Oral Vaccine to Prevent Shigella Infection: Phase IIa
|The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details.
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00866476
Recruitment Status : Terminated (Reactogenicity met study halting criteria)
First Posted : March 20, 2009
Last Update Posted : April 21, 2017
- Study Details
- Tabular View
- No Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
|Condition or disease
|Biological: CVD 1208S, a Shigella flexneri 2a live, oral vaccine Other: Placebo
|Phase 2
The study comprises a Phase 2 vaccination study and a Phase 2b challenge study. The primary objectives of the Phase 2 vaccination study are: 1. To evaluate, in healthy volunteers, the safety and clinical acceptability of three spaced doses (one month apart) of an investigational, live, oral, attenuated vaccine called CVD 1208S, with particular attention to the occurence of diarrhea, dysentery, and fever, and 2. To characterize immune responses following ingestion of this vaccine. The primary objective of the Phase 2b challenge study is to measure the protective efficacy of 3 spaced doses of vaccine after ingestion of an oral challenge strain called Shigella flexneri 2a strain 2457T.
Shigella is a leading cause of disease and death among children younger than 5 years living in developing countries. The difficulty controlling this infection has led experts to believe that prevention with the use of a vaccine is a promising strategy. At the CVD, we have pursued an approach of developing an oral, attenuated Shigella vaccine that prevents infection with the Shigella types of greatest clinical and epidemiologic importance. One of the strains to be included in the vaccine is called Shigella flexneri 2a. Investigators at the CVD have created a vaccine from Shigella flexneri 2a, designated CVD 1208S, using molecular biology techniques. To date, nearly 40 subjects have received varying doses of this vaccine with good clinical tolerance and modest immunogenicity. Previously a single dose of vaccine was used. In the current study, we will administer doses of vaccine on days 0, 28, and 56 to attempt to maximize immunogenicity. Approximately one month after the 3rd dose, a group of ~15-20 vaccinated volunteers along with a similar number of unvaccinated control subjects will be admitted to the CVD Research Isolation Ward at SNBL and challenged with wild type Shigella flexneri 2a. By comparing the attack rate of illness in vaccinated vs. unvaccinated subjects, we will determine the vaccine's ability to confer protective immunity.
|Study Type :
|Interventional (Clinical Trial)
|Actual Enrollment :
|20 participants
|Intervention Model:
|Parallel Assignment
|Quadruple (Participant, Care Provider, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
|Primary Purpose:
|Official Title:
|Safety, Immunogenicity, and Efficacy Following Experimental Challenge of CVD 1208S, a Delta guaBA, Delta Sen, Delta Set Shigella Flexneri 2a Live, Oral Vaccine: Phase IIa Vaccination Study
|Study Start Date :
|January 2010
|Actual Primary Completion Date :
|February 2010
|Actual Study Completion Date :
|February 2010
|Experimental: Vaccine-recipients
Biological: CVD 1208S, a Shigella flexneri 2a live, oral vaccine
CVD 1208S consists of freshly harvested ∆guaBA, ∆sen, ∆set S. flexneri 2a strain 2457T suspended in phosphate buffered saline to reach the desired inoculum Form: liquid Dose: 10 to the 9th power CFU in 1.0 ml Route: oral.
|Placebo Comparator: Placebo
Other: Placebo
30 ml of buffer solution (2.0 grams of NaHCO3 dissolved in 150 ml of sterile water) without bacteria, to which food grade corn starch, USP is added, as necessary, to match the turbidity of the vaccine inoculum
- To evaluate, in healthy volunteers, the safety and clinical acceptability of three spaced doses (one month apart) of CVD 1208S vaccine candidate, with particular attention to the occurrence of diarrhea, dysentery, and fever [ Time Frame: approximately June 2009-January 2010 and October 2010 ]
- To characterize the following immune responses following ingestion of this vaccine: Serum IgA and IgG anti-S. flexneri 2a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) antibody and IgA anti-LPS antibody secreting cells (ASC) [ Time Frame: approximately June 2009, February 2010 - April 2010, and October 2010 ]
- To assess the fecal shedding of CVD 1208S [ Time Frame: approximately June - July 2009 and October 2010 ]
- To elucidate the systemic and mucosal immune responses to vaccination, including fecal IgA antibodies to LPS and Ipas, IgG anti-LPS ASCs, IgG and IgA Ipa ASC, ASC & T cell homing, specific B and T memory responses, and cytokine production by PBMC. [ Time Frame: approximately June 2009 and August - October 2010 ]
Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|18 Years to 45 Years (Adult)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age 18 to 45 years, inclusive
- Good general health as determined by a screening evaluation within 45 days before inoculation
- Expressed interest and availability to fulfill study requirements
- Informed, written consent
- Agrees to indefinite storage of unused clinical specimens at the CVD for use in future research, which may require separate IRB approval
- Agrees not to participate in another investigational vaccine or drug trial during the 8-month study
Has no childbearing potential, i.e., either surgically sterilized or 1 year postmenopausal, or agrees to abstain from becoming pregnant from the day of screening (at least 14 days before vaccination) through Day 98 of the trial by using one of the following methods of birth control:
- Abstinence;
- Intrauterine contraceptive device;
- Oral contraceptives or equivalent hormonal contraception, e.g., progestogen-only; implantable, cutaneous hormonal patch, injectable contraceptives, or Nuvaring (vaginal hormonal ring);
- Diaphragm in combination with contraceptive jelly, cream, or foam;
- Condoms with spermicide.
- Agrees not to donate blood to a blood bank for 12 months after receiving the vaccine
Exclusion Criteria:
An acute or chronic medical condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would render vaccination unsafe or would interfere with the evaluation of responses. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Chronic liver disease, renal insufficiency, unstable or progressive neurological disorders, diabetes mellitus, collagen vascular disease (such as lupus), active neoplastic disease (not cured or in remission), or previous hematological malignancy
- Repeated (two or more) seizures occurring after 5 years of age, and not related to a concussion
- Any of the following in the past 10 years: Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel disease, celiac disease, stomach or intestinal ulcers, or 2 or more episodes of arthritis (joint pain and swelling);
- Recurrent infections (greater than 1 hospitalization for invasive bacterial infections, e.g., pneumonia, meningitis);
- G6PD deficiency;
- Any current illness requiring daily medication (vitamins, birth control pills, nasal or topical medications, allowed);
- Blood in stool on more than 2 occasions (other than small amounts from straining) in past 12 months;
- Recurrent diarrhea (greater than 5 episodes in past 6 months, each lasting 3 days or more).
- Immunosuppression as a result of an underlying illness or treatment with immunosuppressive or cytotoxic drugs, or use of anticancer chemotherapy or radiation therapy within the preceding 36 months
- Long term (greater than 2 weeks) use of oral or parenteral steroids, or high-dose inhaled steroids (greater than 800 micrograms/day of beclomethasone dipropionate or equivalent) within the preceding 6 months (Nasal and topical steroids are allowed)
History of the following types of abdominal surgery:
- Any major gastrointestinal surgery (e.g., intestinal resection or splenectomy);
- A laparotomy for any reason (e.g., hysterectomy, Caesarian section, appendectomy, or herniorrhaphy) within the last 3 years;
- Laparoscopic abdominal surgery within the past year.
- Medical, occupational, or family problems as a result of alcohol or illicit drug use during the past 12 months.
- Known allergy or intolerance to ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (or other sulfa antibiotic), ampicillin (for women), or corn
- History of shigellosis or Shigella vaccination or challenge or a laboratory worker with known exposure to Shigella
Anticipates any of the following during the first 84 days (12 weeks) of the study:
- Shares a household with a child less than 3 years of age, a pregnant woman or a woman who plans to become pregnant during this time;
- Household or sexual contact with someone who has weakened immunity (such as someone with HIV infection, someone receiving treatment for cancer, or an elderly person greater than 70 years);
- Occupation as a food-handler, childcare (for children less than 3 years), or health care worker with direct patient contact
- Poor peripheral access for placement of an intravenous line
A clinically significant abnormality on physical examination, including, but not limited to:
- A pathologic heart murmur
- Lymphadenopathy
- Hypertension (systolic blood pressure greater than 150 or diastolic blood pressure greater than 90 on 2 separate days during medical screening)
- A large abdominal scar of unclear origin
Any of the following laboratory abnormalities detected during medical screening:
- WBC less than 3.0 x 103/mm3
- Neutrophils less than 1500/mm3
- Hemoglobin less than 12.0 g/dL (men) or less than 11.0 g/dL (women)
- Platelets less than 130,000/mm3
- Serum sodium less than 130 mEq/L
- Serum creatinine greater than 1.5 mg/dL
- SGPT greater than 82 U/L (men) or greater than 60 (women)
- Fasting glucose greater than 99 mg/dl (if screening greater than 99 mg/dl)
- Positive serology for syphilis, hepatitis C or HIV antibody or hepatitis B surface antigen
- HLA B27 positive
- Stool culture positive for Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Yersinia, Vibrio cholerae, or lacking normal flora, or pathogenic protozoa by microscopic examination.
- Positive pregnancy test during medical screening or within 24 hours of inoculation or current breast feeding (women)
- Failure to attain a score of at least 70 percent on the written examination (two attempts permitted)
- During the past 3 years, developed diarrhea during travel to a developing country, or within 1 week of returning home
Receipt of any of the following:
- Any vaccine or investigational drug within 30 days of study vaccine
- A live, attenuated vaccine within the 30 days of the study vaccine
- A subunit or killed vaccine within the 14 days of the study vaccine
- A blood product, including immunoglobulin, in the 90 days before the study vaccine
- Receipt of antibiotics within 7 days of inoculation (or within 21 days if the antibiotic was azithromycin).
- Loose stools (grade 3-5) or any other acute illness such as fever greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees F during the 48 hours before vaccination
- Other condition that in the opinion of the investigator would jeopardize the safety or rights of a participant or would render the subject unable to comply with the protocol
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT00866476
|United States, Maryland
|University of Maryland, Baltimore Center for Vaccine Development
|Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21201
|Principal Investigator:
|Karen L Kotloff, M.D.
|University of Maryland, Baltimore Center for Vaccine Development
|Responsible Party:
|Karen Kotloff, Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine, University of Maryland
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT00866476 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
HP-00040710 Phase IIa
Shigella CVD 27000 ( Other Identifier: University of Maryland Center for Vaccine Development )
|First Posted:
|March 20, 2009 Key Record Dates
|Last Update Posted:
|April 21, 2017
|Last Verified:
|April 2017
Keywords provided by Karen Kotloff, University of Maryland:
Mucosal immunity
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
Dysentery, Bacillary
Enterobacteriaceae Infections
Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections
Bacterial Infections
Gastrointestinal Diseases
Digestive System Diseases
Intestinal Diseases
Immunologic Factors
Physiological Effects of Drugs


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17th May 2018
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Paul Gulley's '23 T-bucket
For the past 40 years Paul Gulley has been infected with the hot rod bug. It hit him in the '70s, even though he couldn't afford to buy one, instead taking in the magazines of the era devoted to promoting the hobby with young men just like Paul. The magazines fueled his imagination and one day, he thought, he'd have one of those little cars. Longing for a hot rod in its purest form led Paul to want a T-bucket more than any other type of car, a desire he would carry long after school and raising a family.
Decades later his desires were reawakened when he saw a sharp-looking T-bucket and soon he'd begun to figure out how to get one. He discussed the thought with his brother of possibly finding a fixer-upper to start with-one he could redo and end up with exactly the car he wanted. As it turned out, his brother knew of a T-bucket for sale, and happened to still have the phone number of the owner, Chuck Sellers. Sellers was looking for a way to finance his latest acquisition, a '32 Ford coupe, and he needed to sell his T to get the project rolling.
Sellers had built the T using a kit from Total Performance, which included the chassis and body. The chassis is a pre-fabricated ladder-type frame, set up on a wheelbase of 108 inches. The front suspension uses a tube axle, dropped 6 inches, and a pair of Total Performance hairpin radius rods. Out back Carrera coilover shocks are mounted to a Currie rearend (4.11:1) with an aluminum centersection. Red steel rims (from Coker Tires) wear caps 'n' rings along with wide white rubber (also from Coker).
The engine is the centerpiece to most any T-bucket, and this one is no different. Rated at 600-plus horsepower, the 355-inch Chevy was assembled by Michaels Racing in Eastlake, Ohio. They started with a new crate block, then balanced the rotating parts, which included Eagle rods and crank, Wiseco forged pistons (8.5:1), and an Isky cam ground special for blower motors. Up top, a pair of Edelbrock 600-cfm chromed carbs are fed by a BDS supercharger, which is underdriven 9 percent. Dart steel heads, ported and polished and set up with stainless steel valves, were outfitted with roller rockers and topped with Moon aluminum finned valve covers.
The motor was slid into the chassis, which was painted along with the fiberglass body with Dodge Viper Red PPG paint by S&M Auto Body in Eastlake, Ohio. The floor and firewall were then padded with Dynamat insulation before the Ron Francis wiring kit was linked to the Moon gauges found on the dash. The seat was custom-made, which allowed for the fuse panel, horn, headlight, and turn signal switches to be mounted away from the dash and out of sight. Portage Upholstery and Trim (Eastlake, OH) used a pleated pattern with the white vinyl material, opting for a black loop pile for the carpet.
Sellers emailed Paul some photos of the car, which looked promising and, shortly afterward, they made a deal over the phone. When he took delivery of the car, it exceeded his expectations, and Paul said it "needed nothing except an enthusiastic driver." Paul also states, "Sellers did a wonderful job engineering and building the car," and that "he really has an eye for detail."
Normally Paul, who lives in Louisville, Kentucky, builds his own cars but, since this one met his exact requirements, he didn't need to change anything, and he could start enjoying the car as soon as he got it. "The car gets attention everywhere it goes," Paul says, and we'd have to agree-it certainly got ours!


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Wabash Day 2010 - Chicagoby Jacob Pactor '04 • October 11, 2010 Share:
"The birds don't poop during the night," Charlotte Newfield of the Bill Jarvis Bird Sanctuary said. "They need to conserve their energy while flying."
And that's how Wabash Day in Chicago began for the 9 Wabash alumni and 17 total people connected to Wabash who volunteered at the Sanctuary on Saturday, October 9, 2010. The Little Giant volunteers collected trash, removed the invasive nightshade plant, and collected seeds from native plants to be replanted before the first snowfall.
In addition to enjoying Newfield's levity, the volunteering offered alumni a chance to put into practice what they learned at Wabash. Boyce Evans '08, a German major, to use what he learned in Professor of Biology Amanda Ingram's Plants and Human Affairs class. Current teachers Jeremy Robinson '04 and Jacob Pactor '04 spent time talking with current high school student Sydney Stewart when not mulching a 50-foot area.
Joe Martin combined Wabash Day with his T-Rowe Price co-workers: Greg Stewart and his daughter Sydney, Fran Solis and his wife Aimee, Brent Andersen and his fiancé Heather, Rich Fernandez, and Kyrie Bock.
The Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary sits along the city's lakefront and provides eight acres of essential woodland and wetland habitat for migratory and resident birds. Each spring and summer, millions of birds spot over in Chicago to rest and refuel on their route from northern breeding grounds to southern wintering grounds. A viewing platform and walking path provide ample opportunities for bird watching.
Census: John Dewart '10, Ben Esbaum '07, Boyce Evans '08, John Flanagan '66, Jake Koeneman '06, Joe Martin '06, Jacob Pactor '04, Morgan Patchell '05, Jeremy Robinson '04


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Chair with shiny aluminium five-star base mounted on castors, fitted with armrests and available with gas mechanism (art. 2113) or with gas and tilt mechanism (art. 2115). The shell with medium height backrest is in polyurethane, covered with leather, faux leather, fabric or customer's fabric.
The Catifa project is an on-going "work in progress" inspired by a modern concept of relaxation, luxury and lightness. Catifa 60, a system that includes office and leisure seating, is a further extension of the range. The generous dimensions of the shell make these models comfortable and distinguished while maintaining the sinuous linearity of their design. The Office, Direction and Conference versions are ideal for working environments, boardrooms and meeting rooms. Made of soft polyurethane, Catifa 60's shell is upholstered in leather, fabric in a wide colour-range, or the customer's own fabric. It can also be fitted with armrests, covered if required. The base comes in polished aluminium, in a 4- or 5-star version with self-braking castors. Various mechanisms are available for enhanced comfort and functionality: swivel, automatic, gas or gas with tilt repositioning mechanism.
Arper is an Italian company producing and distributing office, home and contract sector furniture worldwide.


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Vidyard's core products and services are based on a cutting-edge Video Marketing platform with emphasis on the functionality surrounding analytics and Enterprise-level integrations. This vendor profile will provide vendor information, key features & functionality, unique strengths & differentiation, opportunities for improvement and a real-world use case of an active customer solution.
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- About Vidyard
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- About Demand Metric
About Demand Metric's Vendor Profile Methodology
Demand Metric Vendor Profiles combine analyst insight, customer perspective and vital statistics about vendors that are the subjects of these profiles. They provide the hype-free, need-to-know information about vendors at a glance, enabling more objective consideration of vendors and their offerings.
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MPs voice concerns about 'off payroll' tax arrangements
The tax arrangements of some public sector workers, including thousands at the BBC, have been criticised by MPs.
A Public Accounts Committee report says too many make their own arrangements to pay tax and national insurance, which could allow them to contribute less.
It said it was shocked to find the BBC had 25,000 such "off payroll" contracts - 13,000 for people who were on air.
The BBC said many of these were short-term contracts, but it was carrying out a detailed review of tax arrangements.
The Public Accounts Committee began its inquiries into off payroll contracts after it emerged earlier this year that the former head of the Student Loans Company was being paid via a company.
The arrangement - agreed by the tax authorities - potentially saved Ed Lester tens of thousands of pounds in tax.
It triggered a Treasury investigation across the government, which revealed that for more than 2,400 civil servants, tax was not being deducted when their wages were paid through PAYE.
Committee chairwoman Margaret Hodge said: "It was... shocking to find out that no fewer than 2,400 central government appointees were benefiting from off payroll arrangements.
"Furthermore, the Treasury Review only covered civil servants. Tax avoidance in the public sector goes much wider."
The Labour MP said avoiding tax and national insurance when paying public sector staff was "almost always staggeringly inappropriate".
She urged the public sector to "show leadership in the fight against tax avoidance" and should avoid the practice of using off-payroll arrangements for staff.
Jonathan Isaby, political director of the Taxpayers' Alliance, which campaigns for lower taxes, said many people would be "astonished" by the findings.
"People are paying huge amounts of tax as it is for this country and they will feel even more angry if they think that those in public bodies, in the government, in local councils, and indeed their favourite TV presenters, are not paying their fair share as well," he said.
John Whiting, director of tax policy at the Chartered Institute of Taxation, said some workers make their own tax arrangements for legitimate reasons.
'Disguised employment'
"If you are just an ordinary freelancer, which is very prevalent these days - anyone from a plumber to journalist - working here and there, working through a company, then it is a perfectly sensible way of organising your affairs," he told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme.
"What this report is targeting are people who are in what is often termed as 'disguised employment' - they're really an employee but they are putting the aura around them of 'No, I'm operating for a company'."
This, he said, was the charge being made against some BBC staff and some public sector workers.
Mr Whiting said the authorities did have a "notorious" anti-avoidance provision to deal with this, named IR35, which has been operating since 2000, however the MPs' report pointed out that this provision was "not that easy to apply" and it was not being applied in as many situations as it could be.
"Therefore, people have been getting away with it," he said.
The committee said it still lacked full information about the number of people employed by the National Health Service or in local government who were paid through private companies.
Members acknowledged that ultimately, whether or not staff with off payroll contracts were paying the right amount of tax was dependent on HM Revenue and Customs properly enforcing the rules.
'Complying with legislation'
But they also expressed concern that in recent years, HMRC had reduced its enforcement of legislation designed to eliminate tax avoidance through the use of intermediaries.
The BBC said that the actual number of people who were not paying tax at source was far smaller than the figures suggested.
In a statement, the broadcaster said: "In many cases an individual - such as an occasional contributor to programmes - could be issued with a contract each time he or she is booked to appear.
"We note the conclusions of the PAC report and will respond to the points raised as part of our detailed review of tax arrangements."
David Smith, the BBC's head of employment tax, said the corporation was "complying with the legislation that is there".
Mr Smith said: "It's not necessarily staff positions we are using the service company route for.
"These are people who are freelance by their very nature, or certainly that's the way their services want to be provided to the BBC and the use of the service company is therefore there to protect the BBC from any unexpected exposure should HMRC disagree with that position."


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Kurt Nimmo
December 3, 2012
Prior to the anti-Second Amendment commentary of Bob Costas and Kansas City sports writer Jason Whitlock (who compared the NRA to the KKK), notorious gun-grabber Charles Schumer made a move in the Senate to deny veterans the right to own firearms.
Schumer raised a stink last week after Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., prepared to amend a $631 billion defense bill and prevent the Veterans Affairs Department from adding the names of veterans the government designates as mentally incompetent and unable to handle their finances into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. The system effectively shuts down their Second Amendment right to own a firearm.
"I love our veterans, I vote for them all the time. They defend us," Schumer said. "If you are a veteran or not and you have been judged to be mentally infirm, you should not have a gun."
Dan Gross, president of the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, said that if the government deems you "unable to handle your own affairs, that's likely to constitute a high percentage of people who are dangerously mentally ill."
For Gross, Schumer and the VA, "infirm" not only applies to people who suffer from schizophrenia, but also from post-traumatic stress disorder. In recent years, the gun-grabbers have used PTSD as an excuse to deny gun rights to veterans.
"PTSD is only the beginning," we warned in June. "There are any number of medical conditions the government will ultimately cite in order to restrict gun ownership."
"We consider it an abject tragedy that so many of our veterans return home, after risking life and limb to defend our freedom, only to be stripped of their Second Amendment rights because they need help managing their compensation," Chris Cox of the NRA said last year.
"We want to remove these stigmas for mental health treatment. It's a combat injury," said Tom Tarantino, chief policy officer for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, in response to the move by Sen. Schumer. "They wouldn't be doing this if you were missing your right hand, so they shouldn't be doing it if you're seeking treatment for post-traumatic-stress-disorder or traumatic brain injury."
In June, we wrote about how Obamacare will ultimately centralize medical records and "allow the FBI to troll a list of Americans for ailments such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to deny them their gun rights, in the same way that the Veterans Administration has already denied more than 150,000 veterans their right to bear arms," according to Gun Owners of America.
The corporate media is cranking up the anti-gun propaganda machine in the wake of the tragic murder-suicide of NFL linebacker Jovan Belcher.
Ashley Fantz, writing for the military psy op CNN, quotes Dr. Scott Eliason who says that a "middle-aged man who is recently separated or facing pending estrangement from an intimate partner and who is depressed and has access to firearms" potentially poses a serious threat. In addition, "an older male who is the primary caregiver for a spouse who is ill or debilitated, where there is a recent onset of new illness in the male, depression and access to firearms" may commit murder.
Considering the government's inevitable mission creep (especially in regard to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights) it is entirely possible "at risk" middle age non-veterans may also have their firearms ownership either denied or their firearms confiscated following the implementation of Obamacare and its sprawling database.
The antipathy of Democrats toward the right to own firearms is legendary and Obama now believes he has a mandate to attack the Constitution under the cover of Obamacare (as he previously attacked it under the mission to fight terrorism, as did his predecessor).
"The ObamaCare bill already contains language that will punish Americans who engage in unhealthy behavior by allowing insurers to charge them higher insurance premiums. (What constitutes an unhealthy lifestyle is, of course, to be defined by legislators.)," Gun Owners of America writes. "Don't be surprised if an anti-gun nut like [noted gun-grabber and HHS boss Kathleen Sebelius] uses this line of thinking to impose ObamaCare policies which result in a back-door gun ban on any American who owns 'dangerous' firearms."


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Picture Carousel Feature in iLister Classified Software by WorksForWebWednesday, June 1st, 2011
A picture carousel enables visitors of the websites based on iLister classified software by WorksForWeb to view all of the listing images without selecting each image. Site visitors can adjust various options such as image rotation speed, can pause and resume slideshow, and switch to next or previous image. Users can order picture carousel as a listing enhancement for an additional fee by purchasing a package with this option.
Read more about the "Picture Carousel" feature.


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Celebrating the Life of Sarah Loguen Fraser
Photo courtesy of Department of Historical Collections, Health
Sciences Library, SUNY Upstate Medical University.
In Spring 2012, the students of Prof. Sarah Berry's Nineteenth-Century Women Healers course at Hobart and William Smith Colleges undertook a research project on Dr. Sarah Loguen Fraser (1850-1933), the first African American to graduate from Syracuse University College of Medicine in 1876, one of the first African American women to earn a medical degree, and the first woman doctor in Santo Domingo (now the Dominican Republic). We are inspired by Dr. Fraser's courage in the struggle for African American social equality, her contribution to women's participation in medicine, and her lifelong commitment to improving healthcare for African Americans.
Dr. Sarah Loguen Fraser practiced family medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics for over 50 years, belonged to a pioneering African American professional association, the Order of Malachites, and was honored by Howard University in 1926. Yet after her death in 1933, she was largely forgotten for the rest of the twentieth century. Recently, she has been recognized by her medical college for her groundbreaking role in U.S. medical history. In 2000, on her 150th birthday, SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY commemorated Dr. Loguen Fraser with a street renaming, a commissioned portrait, and a scholarship (Warren-Moore). This is Dr. Loguen Fraser's story.
Dr. Loguen Fraser was born in 1850 in Syracuse, NY as Sarah Marinda Loguen to Reverend Jermain Wesley Loguen, a self-emancipated formerly enslaved man, and Caroline Storum Loguen, the daughter of abolitionists. The entire Loguen family broke racial constraints, produced social change, and achieved professional success throughout their lives. Their Syracuse home was a hub of reform work. In 1848, Rev. Loguen purchased a plot of land in Syracuse for eight hundred dollars from Joseph and Sarah Chapman ("Plot of Jermain Loguen," OHA). On this land a house was built and a forty- by fifty-foot section was reserved to create a school for African American children. Loguen's home also became a safe house for slaves in the Underground Railroad. In collaboration with Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass, Rev. and Mrs. Loguen helped at least 1,500 fugitives on their way to freedom in Canada, earning Rev. Loguen the nickname "The Underground Railroad King" (Syracuse Journal, Oct. 1 1872; Mar 6, 1858). Rev. Loguen was a lively educator and tireless activist who spoke, preached, traveled, and organized to gain proper treatment, attitudes, and rights for himself as well as for all other people seeking to escape slavery. His example of perseverance and adherence to beliefs transcends the centuries; in his autobiography, he writes, "Let the love of justice and truth, the cries of bleeding humanity persuade them forth, and God will sustain them. Every man and woman must be within himself an embodiment of all a church or society can be for good. For myself, I am willing to co-operate with others, so long as I can do so and maintain my manhood" (Loguen 1859). Mrs. Loguen worked tirelessly to provide fugitives with food, clothing, and healthcare using Native American techniques shared by a local group of Iroquois women who visited often (Keeter 96).
Many of Rev. Loguen's children would continue his work for equality and social justice. For example, Gerrit Smith Loguen, Dr. Loguen Fraser's younger brother, serves as a powerful example that the color of one's skin by no means defines one's capabilities. While Dr. Loguen Fraser would demonstrate this in her medical practice, Gerrit achieved success as a politician and an artist. The careers of both siblings illustrated to their contemporaries that societal constructions of gender and race have no bearing on achievement.
Sarah Loguen Fraser grew up in a family of activists who publicly changed the face of racial justice before and during the Civil War. After the death of her mother in 1867 and her father in 1872, Sarah, now 22 years old, decided she would carry on her family's work through medicine. According to her biography in the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center at Howard University, she witnessed an accident in which a young boy was pinned beneath wagon wheels at a train station, and no one would help him. In her distress at this lack of response, she decided that she would never again "see a human being in need and not be able to help."
Sarah Loguen Fraser's decision to enter medical school was one that did not lack support: she was encouraged by her family to fight for humanity and equality, as they were continuously doing so themselves in their efforts with abolition (Goins). The Syracuse papers announced her entrance into medical school and wished her well in an era when women doctors were considered "freaks" and fought hard for respect, education and internships, and clients; there were only 2,400 total women physicians in 1880, and by the 1920s, only 65 African American women physicians were practicing (Hine 108). Dr. Loguen Fraser was committed to delivering healthcare to African Americans in order to continue the work of her family and obtain equality for all African Americans (Luft 151).
The Loguen family physician, Dr. Michael Benedict, played a pivotal role in jumpstarting her career. After being convinced of her dedication and confidence, Dr. Benedict tutored her and she was able to enroll in Syracuse University College of Medicine, where he taught some of her classes (Keeter 105).
In addition to Dr. Benedict's help, influential factors such as the location of the medical college near her Syracuse home; connections with the trustees through the ministry; and most of all a strong personal desire to grow and advocate for women, specifically women of color, enabled Sarah Loguen Fraser to pursue the rigorous three-year course of study to earn her medical degree. Syracuse University College of Medicine provided the best medical education available at that time. It was among the first medical schools to require three years of study and rigorous examinations and to include in the curriculum clinical training at local hospitals (Annual Announcements, 1872-76). Loguen Fraser was now not only among the small group of women medical graduates in the United States, but also historians estimate that she was the fourth African American woman to earn the medical degree (Luft 149). Perhaps most important, she was the first African American, male or female, to graduate from Syracuse University College of Medicine.
After graduation, Dr. Benedict continued to mentor her. After encouraging her to apply for internships in both Boston and Philadelphia, he sent a letter of recommendation without her knowledge to a hospital in Philadelphia, and then traveled there to discuss her qualifications in person (Keeter 107). With Dr. Benedict' s encouragement, Dr. Loguen Fraser began her internship at the Women's Hospital of Philadelphia in September 1876. Her internship was centered on pediatric-obstetric medicine but she worked with other areas of medicine as well (Marc 2). The children in the wards, due to her kindness and positive nature, called her "Miss Doc" (Goins).
Doctor Loguen served a second internship in 1878 at the New England Hospital for Women and Children in Boston. This experience in a ground-breaking hospital staffed entirely by women undoubtedly encouraged her at the beginning of her astounding medical career. The all-female staff challenged the norm of childbirth practices, leading to changes in obstetrical procedures. Dr. Loguen Fraser would go on to practice obstetrics and train midwives throughout her life.
Dr. Loguen Fraser moved to Washington, D.C. during the summer of 1879. A few years earlier, the National Medical Association had been established to represent African American physicians and their patients as a result of their exclusion from the American Medical Association. This could have been an important factor in Dr. Loguen Fraser's move to D.C., where she opened her first practice and became a family physician to many prominent Washington families (Keeter 111). While in D.C., an admirer from Santo Domingo, Charles Fraser, courted Dr. Loguen through letters and gifts. She accepted his proposal and they married in Syracuse in 1882 before moving to Santo Domingo (now the Dominican Republic). While still on ship waiting to debark in her new country, she took care of women and children ("Dr. Sarah Loguen Fraser and the Dominican Republic").
Charles Fraser supported his wife's career in an era when women stopped work after marrying. Dr. Loguen Fraser took an examination at the University of Santo Domingo and became the first female physician in Santo Domingo (Keeter 116). She worked out of Puerto Plata, where her husband had a plantation called Anacaona and a pharmacy. Medical practitioners were in short supply in Santo Domingo, and prior to Fraser's arrival, Puerto Plata was limited to only two doctors (Keeter 117). Puerto Plata is one of largest cities on the coast of the Dominican Republic, and the major port. At the turn of the century, it was a hub for trade and additionally provided a rich agricultural climate that was ideal for farming local crops (Keeter 115). Dr. Loguen Fraser resided there with her husband from 1882 until 1894, treating women and children (women were not allowed to treat men by law), making house calls on long rides into the countryside, and giving birth to her only child, Gregoria, in 1883.
After the untimely death of her husband, the years between 1896 and 1901 were tumultuous for Dr. Loguen Fraser. In 1896, she moved back to Washington, D.C. expecting to find new opportunities for both herself and her daughter. However, in the years since she had been away from the U.S., increased discrimination and segregation had taken hold. Now she found that the color of her skin prevented her from opening a doctor's office or enrolling Gregoria in any of the most respected schools. In an effort to find more opportunities for herself and her family she moved first to France, then back to Washington before finally settling in Syracuse, where Gregoria was able to attend Syracuse University and Dr. Loguen Fraser again worked as a doctor (Keeter 120, Marc).
While living in Syracuse she began to run a program out of her home in which she mentored midwives who tended to many African American women in the Syracuse area. Having a mentor like Dr. Fraser, a medical school graduate, gave midwives the skills they needed to keep an underserved community healthy.
Dr. Loguen Fraser faced some financial difficulties when she gave Lewis Douglass, her brother-in-law, $10,000 to invest for her. Douglass did not, however, invest this money. Part of the money had been meant for her daughter Gregoria, an inheritance from her father. Dr. Loguen Fraser consulted with Gregoria as to what action would be best to take and, in accordance with Gregoria's wishes, Dr. Loguen Fraser did not press her brother-in-law or her sister for the money and ultimately the debt was never paid.
In need of funds, Dr. Loguen Fraser took the position of resident physician at the Blue Plains Industrial School for Boys in Maryland. Upon arrival at the school, instead of a medical job which was promised, she was required to be "maid, cook, and laundress for the boys" (Luft 152-153). Although Fraser was exploited at the school, she kept on caring for her family and others. When Gregoria discovered the reality of her mother's situation, she removed her mother from the school.
After this, Dr. Loguen Fraser was able to secure a house in Washington for herself and Gregoria. While Gregoria taught music, Dr. Loguen Fraser lent her services to a Woman's Clinic run by female doctors of color. Unfortunately, after the clinic closed, all records of the doctors' work, including those of Dr. Loguen Fraser, were destroyed by white women doctors.
In 1926, on the 50th anniversary of her graduation from medical school, Dr. Loguen Fraser, a non-graduate of Howard University, was celebrated as a guest of honor at an alumni dinner for her advancements as an African American woman in the medical field (Keeter 122). It appears likely that her connection to Howard University developed through her involvement in the Order of the Malachites, an organization maintained by and for African American professionals such as accountants, lawyers, and physicians (Keeter 122). Aside from a brief stay in Santo Domingo to present deeds to her property after the U.S. military occupation of the island, Dr. Loguen Fraser would spend the rest of her life alongside her daughter, who would care for her mother until her death in 1933.
Dr. Loguen Fraser had embarked on a medical career to advance social justice for African Americans. Shortly after graduating, she had reflected, "My home and family have been a beacon to light the way for the poor, oppressed, and hunted of my race. The time has passed for the need of shelter, but God knows, we need to build strong and healthy bodies. To have those of my race come to me for aid—and for me to be able to give it—will be all the Heaven I want" (Goins). Dr. Sarah Loguen Fraser not only accomplished these goals—in two countries, no less—but also she helped open the doors of medicine to African American women. Her contributions to racial and gender equality in the profession and to improving healthcare delivery to underserved populations make her a pioneer who shaped American medicine as we know it today.
Acknowledgement: We would like to thank the librarians and curators who generously shared their expertise and time to make our research possible: Dr. Ida E. Jones, Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, Howard University; Sarah Kozma, Onondaga Historical Association; James Capodagli, SUNY Upstate Health Sciences Library; and Michael Hunter at Warren Hunting Smith Library, Hobart and William Smith Colleges.
Works Cited:
Annual Announcement of the College of Physicians & Surgeons of the Syracuse University for the session of 1872-73. Syracuse: William L. Rose, 1872.
Annual Announcement and Catalogue of the College of Physicians & Surgeons of the Syracuse University for the session of 1874-75. Syracuse: William L. Rose, 1874.
"Dr. Sarah Loguen Fraser and the Dominican Republic: 125+ Years Later." Syracuse: SUNY Upstate Medical University, 2012. <http://issuu.com/upstate/docs/loguen-puerto_1-6>
Fourth Annual Announcement of the College of Medicine of the Syracuse University for the session of 1875-76. Syracuse: William L. Rose, 1875.
Fifth Annual Announcement of the College of Medicine of the Syracuse University for the session of 1876-77. Syracuse: William L. Rose, 1876.
Goins, Gregoria F. "Miss Doc," book-length typescript biography of her mother, Sarah Loguen Fraser, contained in Box 36-4, Folders 51-52, of the Goins Papers in the Manuscript Division of the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, Howard University.
Hine, Darlene Clark. "Co-Laborers in the Work of the Lord: Nineteenth-Century Black Women Physicians." In Send Us a Lady Physician: Women Doctors in America, 1835-1920. Ed. Ruth J. Abram. New York: Norton, 1985. 107-120. Print.
Keeter, Susan. "All the Heaven I Want: The Life of Dr. Sarah Loguen Fraser." In Three 19th-Century Women Doctors. By Mary K. LeClair, Justin D. White, and Susan Keeter. Syracuse: Hofmann, 2007. 87-130. Print.
Loguen Family Papers. Onondaga Historical Association, Syracuse, NY.
Loguen, Jermain Wesley. The Rev. J. W. Loguen, as a Slave and as a Freeman. A Narrative of Real Life, Including Previously Uncollected Letters by Jermain W. Loguen. Syracuse, N. Y.: J. G. K. Truair & Co., 1859. Print.
Luft, Eric. "Sarah Loguen Fraser, MD (1850-1933): The Fourth African-American Woman Physician." Journal of the National Medical Association, 2000. 149-151.
Marc, David. "Fraser, Sarah Loguen." American National Biography Online. Oxford University Press. Feb. 2000. <http://www.anb.org/articles/13/13-02676.html>
Warren-Moore, Jackie. "Upstate praises a 'bridge.'" The Post Standard. 2 February 2000.
Contributing Students
Laura Alexander
Henry Buck
Khalym Burke-Thomas
Taylor Desgrosseilliers
Beth Dotten
Liz Douglass
Ashley Drake
Kristine Faulknham
Tommy Fiorentino
Alexandra Frankel
Kim Goral
Lindsey Haun
Adele Huffine
William Lee
Casey Mayer
Kelly Patel
Puja Patel
Greg Shelkey
Anola Stage
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Biological Sciences
Research Highlights
April 2012
Shedding Light on Photosynthesis
Dynamic proteome analysis of Cyanothece 51142
Scientists at PNNL and Washington University-St. Louis used a dynamic proteome analysis method that is adaptable to any bacterial species and offers insight into how proteins are expressed as a function of time. Enlarged View
Results: Imagine being able to monitor protein expression levels in a cell as they change over time and in response to external stimuli. That is just what researchers did when they studied the photosynthetic blue-green algae, Cyanothece 51142, as part of the Membrane Biology Scientific Grand Challenge at EMSL. The Challenge's team members from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Washington University in St. Louis measured dynamic changes in protein expression within Cyanothece when it performed photosynthesis.
Why It Matters: This technique of dynamic proteome analysis goes a step beyond static, traditional proteomics studies, provides greater insight into how proteins are expressed as a function of time, and will enable future similar studies of not only other cyanobacteria but other species of bacteria in general. Moreover, the team's results provide new knowledge about photosynthesis—nature's elegant way of manufacturing clean energy.
Methods: The scientists first cultured Cyanothece cells for several days under normal growth conditions, then introduced media containing carbon-13 and nitrogen-15-labeled leucine, an amino acid easily taken up by the cells for efficient synthesis of new proteins. They stimulated photosynthesis by subjecting the cultures to strong light. They then harvested cell samples over 48 hours, collecting both unlabeled and labeled proteins expressed at each time point.
"This is an efficient technique for real-time monitoring of new protein synthesis because it allows us to collect protein samples at multiple time points and quantitatively measure newly synthesized proteins that result from changes in environmental or cultural growth conditions, such as high light intensity," said Dr. Uma Aryal, PNNL postdoctoral researcher and lead author of the paper.
The information gained from such studies using this technique would be highly useful to optimize Cyanothece and cyanobacteria for specialized environments or energy production, such as increasing CO2 fixation efficiency.
Each sample was analyzed with EMSL's liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and bioinformatics resources. By comparing the relative isotope abundances of each labeled and unlabeled peptide, the researchers identified 414 different proteins with significant changes in abundance over the 48-hour duration of the experiment.
What's Next? Researchers will apply this metabolic labeling strategy to other cyanobacterial systems for quantitative measurement of their cellular proteomes. The eventual goal is to increase the rate at which cyanobacteria are capable of taking up carbon dioxide.
Acknowledgments: This work was performed as part of EMSL's Membrane Biology Scientific Grand Challenge. Portions of the work were performed at EMSL, a national Department of Energy scientific user facility located at PNNL. The research team included Uma Aryal, Jon Jacobs, Marina Gritsenko, Carrie Nicora, David Koppenaal, and Richard D. Smith, all PNNL; and Jana Stöckel, Eric Welsh, and Himadri Pakrasi, Washington University.
Reference: Aryal UK, J Stockel, EA Welsh, MA Gritsenko, CD Nicora, DW Koppenaal, RD Smith, HB Pakrasi, JM Jacobs. 2012. "Dynamic Proteome Analysis of Cyanothece sp. ATCC 51142 Under Constant Light." Journal of Proteome Research 11(2):609-619. DOI:10.1021/pr200959x.


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Science Friday® is produced by the Science Friday Initiative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Science Friday® and SciFri® are registered service marks of Science Friday, Inc. Site design by Pentagram; engineering by Mediapolis.
|2009 is a big year for science anniversaries. Biologists recently celebrated Darwin's 200th birthday. But 2009 is also the International Year of Astronomy -- this year marks the 400th anniversary of Galileo's use of a telescope to study the skies, Kepler's publication of Astronomia Nova. and Huygen's 1659 publication of Systema Saturnium. In this segment, we'll talk with Mario Livio, a senior astrophysicist at the Hubble Space Telescope Science Institute and the Head of the Institute's Office of Public Outreach, about the celebration of the International Year of Astronomy. We'll also talk about current events in astronomy and what's ahead for the Hubble Space Telescope.


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Shell CGI is a server configuration that lets you run CGI applications using the file associations set in Windows.
For example, if the server receives a request for a shell CGI file called hello.pl, the server uses the Windows file associations to run the file using the program associated with the .pl extension. If the .pl extension is associated with the program C:\\bin\\perl.exe, the server attempts to execute the hello.pl file as follows:
c:\\bin\\perl.exe hello.pl
The easiest way to configure shell CGI is to create a directory in your server's document root that contains only shell CGI files. However, you can also configure the server to associate specific file extensions with shell CGI by editing MIME types from the Web Server.
For information on setting Windows file extensions, see Windows documentation.


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Hi everyone! Today I am sharing my lastest make. Isn't this the most lovely hot bottle cover ever? I made it using the Wild Things Hotties pattern by Twig + Tale, for One Thimble 14. There are several designs available. I made the kitty and already started on the panda. A.d.o.r.a.b.l.e!
I have been using a hot water bottle since I can remember. It's great to sooth nasty cramps or muscular sores, and perfect to warm you up in the winter, or whenever it's cold.
I have always loved to put a hottie inside my bed a few minutes before I go to sleep. Oh the cozy warm feeling of getting into a warm bed... Then I put it at my feet so they get warm, because I just can't fall asleep if my feet are not warm.
I have had several hot water bottles over the years (because they get old and at some point let the water leak), and they have always been in their ugly raw plastic form... I can't believe that I finally have a lovely cover for it!! Well...actually I don't because this little girl has already claimed this one as hers! I will have to make another one for me and for my two oldest kids, because when they got home and saw this one they asked for one too!
I am always excited about each release of One Thimble. It is such an amazing sewing digital magazine! I have been joining the release promo tours since issue number 5. You can see my previous makes here:
issue five (the Moku Shorts/Culottes),
six (the Multi-Apron),
seven (the Jukebox Dress),
eight (the Jackalope Tee and the Fedora Hat),
nine (the Carnival Jacket),
ten (the Playproof Dungarees and the Willow Dress),
eleven (Wild Things Baby Shoes and the Bear & Bunny Baby Quilt),
twelve (Calla Lilly Crop Top)
and thirteen (the Sakuro Clutch).
And now, back to issue fourteen and to the Wild Things Hottie!
Wild Things Hotties, by Twig + Tale.
Fleece, felt and jersey.
This is a pattern suitable for beginners. You will have to sew straight lines and on the round, and apply double face interfacing. Also there's some embroidery / hand-stitching, but do not worry, it's easy!
This pattern offers options for: a kitty, a panda bear and a owl. I am already thinking of a few more, easy to make, like a bunny!
The hottie cover fits a standard hot water bottle (8'' x 13.5'', 20cm x 34cm).
The arms can sewn as an applique or secured with snaps. But little Miss R. asked if I could leave the arms free, so I did.
I had already made a couple of Twig + Tale patterns before, like the Wild Things Baby Shoes and the Pixie Hood Coat (not blogged yet) so I knew this pattern would be great to sew. The PDF layout is very appealing, and the instructions are very complete and easy to follow.
This issue offers 10 PDF sewing patterns, 27 sewing articles & tutorials (at only $25 AUSD!).
Here are the PDF patterns you will find in this issue:
– #113 Thread Faction Romper (size 2-10)
– Amuse Boho Dress and Tunic (ladies size xs-xxxl)
– Justin Drop Crotch Pants (size 2-16)
– Timber! Quilt (baby or twin size)
– Trillium Dress and Tunic (size 2T-12)
– Lala Skirt (size 1-10)
– Thyme Vest (size 2-12)
– Loli Dress & Top (size 2-10)
– Enchanting Woodland Meadow Playscape (handsewn)
– Wild Things Hottie Cover (3 options)
And the sewing articles and tutorials:
– Stress Free Invisible Zippers
– Mastering the art of mindful sewing
– How to cover plastic snaps with fabric
– How to make a Cozy For Eternity: Scarf & Cuff
– How to make a stick fort
– How to sew a bullion bunny
– The ins and outs of sewing the perfect buttonhole
– Represent! The secrets of success with brand reps
– The Brain : Big Business : Your Business
– Organic fabrics and much more
– Mastering the art of mindful sewing
– How to cover plastic snaps with fabric
– How to make a Cozy For Eternity: Scarf & Cuff
– How to make a stick fort
– How to sew a bullion bunny
– The ins and outs of sewing the perfect buttonhole
– Represent! The secrets of success with brand reps
– The Brain : Big Business : Your Business
– Organic fabrics and much more
Here is the One Thimble 14 tour line up. Don't miss the chance to have a peek at all these amazing creations! You will get inspired!
2/09/2017 | Pattern Revolution | Call Ajaire | The Berry Bunch
2/10/2017 | SewSophieLynn | Candice Ayala | Lilyshine Creates
2/11/2017 | Sprouting Jube Jube | Once Upon a Sewing Machine | Beri Bee Designs
2/12/2017 | That's-Sew-Kari | Gaafmachine | SnickerDoodle Stew
2/13/2017 | Stitches by Laura | Made by Sara | Max California
2/14/2017 | Little Cumquat | Tales of a Tester | House of Estrela
2/15/2017 | Not Sew Selfish | Adventures with Bubba and Bug | Lulu and Celeste
Happy sewing!


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Dick Clark, who as host of "American Bandstand" helped propel rock 'n' roll to cultural supremacy in the 1950s and 1960s, died Wednesday, April 18 in Santa Monica, Calif.
Read a story about his death, here.
Tributes are popping up across the globe. Here in Hampton Roads it's not difficult to find someone who has a personal memory of the man with the bright smile and calm, respectful personality.
Here are a few remembrances with local ties.
Gary U.S. Bonds, who grew up in Norfolk and began his musical career...


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A lot of makeup lines promise all-day wear, but which ones can really last for 10 hours?
Youtube and Instagram influencer "MelSoldera" decided to put NV by Jeunesse to the test — on camera. While applying, she can hardly believe how light and flawless the coverage is, exclaiming: "This is next level. I look like a bronzed goddess!"
After finishing her full-coverage look with eyes and lipstick, she bids her viewers farewell as she heads out for a full day of testing NV's beauty with benefits. In the next shot, as she reviews the amazing results of how NV looks nine hours later, MelSoldera declares, "Honestly, guys — I think this is my new favorite foundation."
In addition to lasting all day, NV is water resistant, so it's perfect for year-round wear, in any weather or climate. "If you live in an area with a lot of humidity or if you sweat a lot, I think it's great for the summer," says social media influencer "Duyan."
With an exclusive formula that contains vitamins, aloe and our Jeunesse exclusive APT-200, this youth enhancing blend is good for your skin and your soul, all day long.


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With frozen food company Findus in the headlines for all the wrong reasons after some of its beef lasagne was found to contain as much as 100% horsemeat, we sum up its crisis comms story so far.
The crisis
On Monday Findus UK withdrew various packs of its beef lasagne from sale, saying it had been notified by its supplier there was a 'labelling issue'.
Yesterday tests confirmed fears this was related to the horsemeat in beef scandal uncovered by the Irish Food Safety Authority in January.
However, the situation facing Findus is daunting as the level of equine DNA found in its lasagne has exceeded the worst example from January, the Tesco beefburger that contained 29% horse DNA.
The media reaction to the test results
The story is also on the front page of The Independent, Daily Mail, Daily Mirror and reported by the Financial Times, Metro and The Guardian. Here's Google News:
And here's a view from Radio 2 breakfast DJ Chris Evans on Twitter to his million-plus followers:
Good luck all at the Findus PR dept. Findus lasagne alleged to contain 100 % horsemeat ! Jaap Stam couldn't defend that one.— Chris Evans (@achrisevans) February 8, 2013
There are claims that Findus waited two or more days between being informed of a potential problem with its lasagnes and instructing retailers to remove the products, by the Telegraph and the Guardian.**
The company reaction
So far the company has taken a low profile while awaiting publication of the test results. It has had support from its retained financial PR agency College Hill but, in an indication of how seriously it has taken the matter, it has engaged Burson-Marsteller, the crisis specialist which handled last year's Costa Concordia cruise ship disaster.
In addition to providing statements to the media, Findus has posted the following statement at the bottom of the home page of its www.findus.co.uk website.
'At Findus UK we are committed to our customers and the quality of our products. Following a thorough investigation, Findus UK can confirm that testing of its beef lasagne, produced by a 3rd party supplier and not by Findus, has revealed some product containing horse meat.
'As a precautionary measure, on Monday we coordinated a full withdrawal of our affected beef lasagne in the following sizes - 320g, 360g and 500g, from all retailers. All other Findus products have been tested and are not affected.
'We understand this it is a very sensitive subject for consumers and we would like to reassure you we have reacted immediately. We do not believe this to be a food safety issue.
'We are confident that we have fully resolved this supply chain issue. Fully compliant beef lasagne will be in stores again soon.
'Consumers who have purchased to the product should call our Findus UK Customer Care Line on UK 0800 132584, ROI 1800800500 or email email@example.com. for a full refund.
'We would like to take this opportunity to apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused.'
**UPDATE FRIDAY 15.00 - Findus UK has issued the following statement:
At Findus UK our first priority is our customers and providing quality products they can trust. But we know that many people have been concerned by the news this week that tests have shown that some of our Findus Beef Lasagne has been found to contain horsemeat.
We understand those concerns, we are sorry that we have let people down and we want to outline the facts.
On Monday 4th February 2013 we undertook a full product withdrawal of our Findus Beef Lasagne whilst we investigated.
Findus UK had extensive DNA testing completed by leading independent experts. On Wednesday 6th February these tests confirmed that horsemeat was present in a number of samples and this information was shared with the Food Standards Agency. The affected products are:
- Findus Beef Lasagne - 320g (barcode 5050093307376)
- Findus Beef Lasagne - 360g (barcodes 5050093306119 and 5050093307345)
- Findus Beef Lasagne - 500g (barcode 5050093307444)
We do not believe this is a food safety issue but as a precaution, we are asking customers who may have already bought Findus Beef Lasagne (identified on packaging with the barcodes above) to contact our Consumer Care Line on our UK Freephone number 0800 132584 (or if you are calling from the Republic of Ireland 01800 800500) for advice and to receive a full refund. Alternatively, you can email firstname.lastname@example.com.
All other Findus beef products have been tested and are not affected.
We are acting to make sure this cannot happen again.**
**UPDATE SATURDAY 16.00 - The Findus.co.uk home page now looks like this:
**UPDATE SATURDAY 17.00 - Findus has issued a statement saying it is considering legal action against its suppliers.
'Findus is taking legal advice about the grounds for pursuing a case against its suppliers, regarding what they believe is their suppliers' failure to meet contractual obligations about product integrity.
'The early results from Findus UK's internal investigation strongly suggests that the horsemeat contamination in Beef Lasagne was not accidental.'**
What next?
The situation could yet get worse for the company as the Food Standards Agency has ordered Findus to test the lasagne for the veterinary drug phenylbutazone, or 'bute'. Animals treated with phenylbutazone are not allowed to enter the food chain as it may pose a risk to human health.


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The following is the sports calendar for today and Wednesday.
Class 3A regional, No. 2 E.D. White Catholic at No. 18 Jewel Sumner, 4 p.m.
Division III state tournament at University of Louisiana-Monroe.
Division I state tournament at East Ridge Country Club in Shreveport
Division II state tournament at Shreveport Country Club
Division IV state tournament at Shreveport Country Club
McNeese State at LSU, 6:30 p.m. (Radio: 96.7-FM)
Omaha Storm Chasers at New Orleans Zephyrs, 7 p.m.
Class 4A regional, No. 14 Vandebilt Catholic at No. 3 West Ouachita, 6 p.m.
Division I state tournament at University of Louisiana-Monroe.
Division II state tournament at University of Louisiana-Monroe.
Division I, Region II state tournament at Shreveport Country Club.
Division II, Region II state tournament at Shreveport Country Club.
Omaha Storm Chasers at New Orleans Zephyrs, 11:30 a.m.
May 15. The High Vaultage pole vaulting club is accepting registration for their summer competition team until May 15. The team, which is led by coaches Kevin and Daniel Trosclair, will start practicing for the summer season on May 15. The practices will held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The team will practice at the club facility located at 2043 Coteau Road in Houma. The fee is $250. The first meet is on June 9th and the last competition will be August 10th. Registration is open for athletes ages 9-and-up. The club will teach the basic fundamentals of pole vaulting along with safety and good sportsmanship skills. The club will furnish vaulting poles if needed.For information, contact Kevin Trosclair at 872-0622 or 381-1410.
Today. The Cajun Youth Athletic Association is holding registration for its Cal Ripken (9-12 by May 1) and Babe Ruth (13-15 by May 1) local spring/summer baseball season in Houma. The cost is $50 for the Cal Ripken league per season and $60 for the Babe Ruth league per season. For information, contact president Roy Himel at 791-9803, secretary Tracy Bourg at 232-3329, Cal Ripken director Shawn Chaisson at 637-4727 or Babe Ruth director Aaron Dazee at 709-3131.
Saturday. The Terrebonne Parish Sportsman's League has a variety of events upcoming. There will be a children's rodeo at the Point-Aux-Chenes Marina on Saturday and a crawfish boil for members on May 14 at the East Park Recreation Center. The 12th Annual Youth Rodeo is free for kids 4-15, and registration begins at 7 a.m. Each child registered will receiver a T-Shirt and hat and food and drinks will be served. For information, contact Sportsman's League vice president Jason Magee at 688-3405 or secretary Troy Bonvillain at 804-7504.
May 11. The 13th Annual The Courier presents the 5K Run for Excellence and Cajun Food Festival will be held May 11 in downtown Houma. The Bucktown All-Stars will perform after the race, and food will also be available. A kids fun run will also be held prior to the 5K run. For information, visit www.tfae.org.
May 14-15. The Ellender softball program will be holding varsity and junior varsity tryouts for the 2014 season on May 14-15. The tryouts will be held from 2:45-4:30 p.m. each day. Participants are asked to bring cleats, ball, glove and a copy of a current physical.
May 18. The Third Annual One Small Step for Prader-Willi Syndrome Run will be held at 6 p.m. on May 18 at Mulberry Park in Houma. Registration ($25 for 5K) will begin at 4:30 p.m.. There will be a kids (12 and under) 1/2 mile run at 5:30 p.m. and the 5K starts at 6 p.m. Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex genetic disorder that occurs in approximately one out of every 15,000 births. The most notable symptom is an insatiable hunger and most people with PWS are not able to control their food intake. Hyperphagia coupled with a metabolism requiring only 50-60 percent of the calories of a typical peer can lead to excessive eating, diabetes, morbid obesity and even death. All of the proceeds from One SMALL Step events are used to fund Prader-Willi research as directed in the Prader-Willi Research Plan. Please visit www.FPWR.org for more info on PWS and current research plans. Visit www.runningforcade.com for more details or contact Maegan Richard at 860-4080 or email her at email@example.com.
May 18-19. The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 52 will host its first Fish Round-Up Rodeo. The headquarters is Montegut Marina, 2120 Hwy. 55. The fee is $25 and money made will benefit the Fraternal Order of Police Thibodaux Lodge. For information or tickets, call 985-228-6352.
May 23-25. The Houma's Oilman's Fishing Invitational Fishing Rodeo is set for May 23-25. The headquarters is Harbor Light Marina in Cocodrie. For information, call Phyllis Landry at 985-223-3849.
May 27-31. H.L. Bourgeois High School will hold boys and girls basketball camps for kids 7-13 from 9 a.m. to noon on May 27-31, June 3-7, July 8-12 and July 15-19 at the school in Gray. Registration is $75 per camper and includes a T-shirt. Campers will receive instruction from H.L. Bourgeois coaches and players. For information, contact H.L. Bourgeois athletic director and boys basketball coach Andrew Caillouet at 859-7527.
June 10. The H.L. Bourgeois High School Third Annual "Renewing the Reservation" Golf Tournament will be June 10 at Ellendale Country Club in Houma. The four-person scramble costs $400 per team. There are morning (7:30 a.m.) and afternoon (1 p.m.) flights. For information, call 804-1260 or email: email@example.com.
June 10-13 and 17-20. Vandebilt Catholic baseball will hold its annual summer camp on June 10-13 and 17-20. The camp times are 9 to 11:30 a.m. each day. Early registration will be on May 18, and the cost will be $75. Late registration will be on May 25, and the cost is $85. Registration for both dates will be from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Vandebilt baseball fields. Camper will receive a camp T-shirt. For information, call coach Keith Richard at 688-6377.
July 9-10. The H.L. Bourgeois volleyball staff, led by head coach Peter Verret, will hold the "Lady Braves Intense All Skills" volleyball clinic July 9-10 at the Lady Braves Gym in Gray. The camp will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon daily. The cost is $45 per camper. It is open for players 8-14 and aims to educate players in all fundamental aspects and skills of volleyball. For information, contact Verret at 438-1091.


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BRUSSELS, Feb. 14 (UPI) -- The Trans-Adriatic Pipeline could be one of the first parts of the Southern Corridor to get natural gas from Caspian suppliers, the EU energy commissioner said.
The governments of Albania, Greece and Italy stated support this week for the planned natural gas pipeline. TAP could move as much as 350 billion cubic feet per year to Europe from Azerbaijan.
EU Energy Commissioner Gunther Oettinger said the pipeline is "instrumental" to European energy security.
"It could be among the first components of the Southern Corridor, which aims at linking directly the European Union with the rich gas sources in the Caspian region," he said in a statement.
Europe aims to break Russia's grip on the energy sector with the Southern Corridor, a network of pipelines planned for alternative natural gas supplies. Russia supplies about one-quarter of Europe's gas.
A BP-led group working in the Shah Deniz gas field offshore Azerbaijan is expected to choose between TAP and the larger Nabucco West project by June.
TAP External Affairs Director Michael Hoffman said the trilateral agreement is one of the last hurdles before the June decision from the Shah Deniz group.