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Clinical Study | Open Access
Oliva Mejía-Rodríguez, Jorge E. Herrera-Abarca, Guillermo Ceballos-Reyes, Marcela Avila-Diaz, Carmen Prado-Uribe, Francisco Belio-Caro, Antonio Salinas-González, Helios Vega-Gomez, Cleto Alvarez-Aguilar, Bengt Lindholm, Elvia García-López, Ramón Paniagua, "Cardiovascular and Renal Effects of Bromocriptine in Diabetic Patients with Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease", BioMed Research International, vol. 2013, Article ID 104059, 8 pages, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/104059
Cardiovascular and Renal Effects of Bromocriptine in Diabetic Patients with Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease
Objective. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of bromocriptine (BEC) on left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and residual renal function (RRF) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Research Design and Methods. A 6-month double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted in 28 patients with T2D and stage 4 CKD with increased LVMI. Fourteen patients received BEC (2.5 mg, initially 1 tablet with subsequent increase to three times a day) and 14 received a placebo (PBO; initially 1 tablet with subsequent increase to three times a day). Cardiovascular changes were assessed by monitoring 24 h ambulatory blood pressure, two-dimensional-guided M-mode echocardiography, and N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) plasma levels. RRF was evaluated by creatinine clearance and cystatin-C plasma levels. Results. Both BEC and PBO groups decreased blood pressure—but the effect was more pronounced in the BEC group. Average 24 h, diurnal and nocturnal blood pressures, and circadian profile showed improved values compared to the PBO group; LVMI decreased by 14% in BEC and increased by 8% in PBO group. NT-proBNP decreased in BEC ( to pg/mL) and increased in PBO ( to pg/mL). Creatinine clearance did not change in the BEC group and decreased in the PBO group. Conclusions. BEC resulted in a decrease on blood pressure and LVMI. BEC also prevented the progression of CKD while maintaining the creatinine clearance unchanged.
1. Introduction
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the most frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) [1, 2]. High blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) associated with volume overload [3–5] are two of the earliest and most frequent cardiovascular disorders. These conditions are independent risk factors for death and loss of residual renal function (RRF) [6–9].
Adequate control of fluid overload is a key point in the prevention and handling of blood pressure and LVH. Nevertheless, in predialysis patients, when salt and fluid restriction is not sufficient, the need arises for pharmacological support. Although there are several classes of antihypertensive drugs available, the use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockers is considered the most effective renal and cardioprotective treatment [10, 11].
CKD is characterized by an increase in sympathetic activity, which appears to be triggered by the unhealthy kidney [12–14], with elevated plasma levels of epinephrine (E) and nor-epinephrine (NE) [15, 16], as well as a reduction in dopaminergic activity, as reflected by an increase in prolactin (PRL) plasma levels [17]. Sympathetic overactivity and circulating NE are two important promoters of cardiovascular disease through their vasoconstrictive action and stimulation of the hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibrosis [18–20]. Bromocriptine (BEC; bromoergocriptine), a type-2 dopamine receptor (D2) agonist, can reduce sympathetic activity and levels of circulating NE and thus contribute to the management of high blood pressure and LVH in patients with CKD. In previous studies, it has been demonstrated that the use of low doses of BEC permits adequate blood pressure control and reduces LV mass in both peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis patients [21–23].
In addition to its cardioprotective effects, BEC also has important metabolic effects, reducing insulin resistance and improving glycemic control in overweight and patients with T2D. Quick-release BEC has been accepted by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of T2D [24–26]. Taking these facts into consideration, BEC seems to have advantages in metabolic and blood pressure control for patients with T2D and advanced stages of CKD. The aim of this study was to address the hypothesis that BEC ameliorates high blood pressure and LVH, and delays the loss of RRF in patients with T2D and stage 4 CKD.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Design
A single-center, double-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in diabetic patients with stage 4 CKD. The protocol was approved by the scientific and ethics boards of the hospital and was performed according to the Helsinki Declaration. The protocol was also registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR; number ACTRN12610000779077; http://www.ANZCTR.org.au/ACTRN12610000779077.aspx). All patients signed a written informed consent form before beginning the study.
2.2. Patients
Prevalent CKD patients from the out-patient clinic for diabetes and hypertension were invited to participate. Inclusion criteria were age 18–80 years, blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg or on antihypertensive therapy, creatinine clearance (CrCl) ≤30 mL/minute, and LV mass index >116 gm2 in men and >104 gm2 in women. Patients were excluded if they were receiving dopamine D2 receptor antagonist treatment or if they had had metabolic complications in the last 3 months, heart failure, cancer, or positivity for HIV. Antihypertensive medication at baseline (number of patients in BEC versus PBO) was calcium channel blockers (CCB; 14 versus 12), α-1 blocker (prazosin; 3 versus 1), furosemide (13 versus 10), thiazides (1 versus 0), and spironolactone (0 versus 1).
2.3. Procedures
Patients underwent an initial baseline evaluation, demographic and clinical data, measurements of biochemical parameters, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), echocardiography, and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure were recorded. Patients were then randomized to receive an initial dose of 2.5 mg a day (tablet) of bromocriptine mesylate (BEC), or placebo (1 tablet) with a subsequent increase to 2 tablets per day after one week and 3 tablets from the third week. Patients were followed each week during the first four weeks and every month thereafter, for a total of 6 months. Antihypertensive drug doses were adjusted when necessary. Patients were prescribed a diet containing less than 100 mmol/day of sodium and reduced content of phosphorus according to current clinical guidelines.
2.4. Biochemistry
Overnight-fasting blood samples were taken following 30 minutes of complete rest in recumbent position from the antecubital vein without stasis between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. at baseline and at each visit. Samples were centrifuged, and plasma and serum were separated and kept at −70°C until assay. 24-hour urine collection was obtained for urinary volume and creatinine clearance (CrCl) analysis. Blood glucose, urea, creatinine, cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured by routine, standard techniques in automatic equipment. Cystatin-C levels were measured by immunoturbidimetric technique (N-Latex Cystatin C, Dade Behring, Germany). Prolactin (PROL-CTK4, DiaSorin Inc., Saluggia-Vercelli, Italy), aldosterone (ALDO-CTK2, DiaSorin Inc., Saluggia-Vercelli, Italy), and NT-proBNP (Diagnostic Automation, Calabasas, CA, USA) were measured in plasma by commercial RIA kits. GFR was calculated using the cystatin-C values and validated formulas [27].
2.5. Echocardiography
Echocardiography was performed in M mode and bidimensional mode by the same blinded cardiologist (echocardiography ATL, model HDI 3500, Bothell, WA, USA) and sectorial transducer (Model VIBS 24 OA, SSA) following recommendations of the American Society of Cardiology.
2.6. Ambulatory Blood Pressure
24-hour systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR) were assessed using a Space Labs 90207 recorder (SpaceLabs Inc., Redmond, WA, USA). Recording began at 7:00 a.m. and ended at 7:00 a.m. the following day. The monitor was programmed to measure the blood pressure every 30 minutes during the day and night.
2.7. Statistics
Data are presented as mean ± SE for continuous variables and percentage for discontinuous variables. Data were analyzed as an intention-to-treat analysis. Differences between groups were analyzed by independent Student -test; changes intragroup in the studied variables along the time were analyzed with a general linear model for repeated measures. To determine if the effects on LVM and renal function of BEC were independent of blood pressure and metabolic control an ANCOVA analysis was performed. Statistical significance was considered with a value <0.05. The data were processed with SPSS 18.0 (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA).
3. Results
Thirty-two patients were initially included in the study. Of these, two declined to participate in the study and two started peritoneal dialysis just after the deadline for the initial evaluation. Fourteen patients from each group were included in the final analysis.
Table 1 shows relevant data at baseline; there were no differences between the intervention (BEC) group and the placebo (PBO) group, indicating successful randomization.
|SBP: systolic blood pressure; DBP: diastolic blood pressure; LVMI: left ventricular mass index; CrCl: creatinine clearance.
3.1. Cardiovascular Effects
24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure. Twenty-four hour ambulatory blood pressure profiles were similar in both groups at baseline and showed loss of circadian rhythm, Figure 1(a). Significant reductions in 24-h ABP profiles were observed in the BEC group at 3 and 6 months, Figures 1(b) and 1(c). In this group, circadian rhythms were recovered, showing a significant reduction during nocturnal hours as compared with diurnal hours. In the PBO group, SBP was reduced but at a different level than the BEC, and this group did not recover circadian rhythm. No differences were observed in HR at any time point. In the BEC group, two patients required an extra dose of channel calcium blockers (CCB) and one prazocin; in two patients the dose of CCB was decreased; whereas in the PBO group an extra dose of CCB was required in two patients and additional medication was needed in 8 patients (CCB in one, prazosin in 5, hydralazine in 2, and thiazides in 1) only in one patient the furosemide dose was reduced.
3.2. Echocardiographic Parameters
Patients in the BEC group showed significant reductions in LV mass and interventricular wall thickness after 3 and 6 months of treatment, whereas in patients in the PBO group these parameters tended to increase, resulting in significant differences between the groups at 3 and 6 months, Table 2. The decrease in LVMI in the BEC group was accompanied by a decrease in the levels of NT-proBNP while the opposite was true for the PBO group, Figures 2(a) and 2(b). Nine patients in the BEC group showed echocardiographic values within normal limits at the end of the study, whereas in the PBO group no patient reached this target. LVMI is highly dependent on (blood pressure) BP, to a better analysis of changes of LVMI, patients of both groups were categorized according to control of BP. Among the patients in the four groups, BEC with BP within normal limits, BEC with BP over normal limits, PBO within normal limits, and PBO over normal limits, only the BEC groups had significant decrements in LVMI versus PBO group independently if BP was within or not within normal limits, Figure 2(c). The left ventricle ejection fraction was preserved, and no significant changes were observed in any group, Table 2.
|LVM: left ventricle mass; LVMI: left ventricle mass index; LVDD: left ventricle diastolic diameter; LVSD: left ventricle systolic diameter; LV EF: left ventricle ejection fraction; LVPWT: left ventricle posterior wall thickness; IVST: interventricular septum thickness. S-Cr: serum creatinine; CrCl: creatinine clearance; GFRcyst: glomerular filtration rate calculated by serum cystatin C.
3.3. Renal Effects
In the PBO group, creatinine and cystatin C increased whilst CrCl declined significantly, and GFR calculated by cystatin-C values also tended to decline. In contrast, although there was an observed increase in creatinine and cystatin C, CrCl remained statistically unchanged in the BEC group, Table 2. Two patients from the control group started peritoneal dialysis during the study in the fourth and fifth months respectively.
3.4. Biochemical and Variables
Significant reductions in glucose and cholesterol were observed in the BEC group at three months; in the PBO group these parameters increased; at this point the antidiabetic treatment was modified (four patients in the BEC group decreased the hypoglycemic oral medication or insulin dose on the contrary five patients in the control group increased the dose of oral medication or insulin) after this modification the glucose and cholesterol levels decreased in both groups without significant difference between the groups at the end of the study. Hemoglobin levels and hematocrit did not change along the study in any group, Table 2. Small but significant reductions in serum triglyceride values from baseline to 3 and 6 months were seen only in the BEC group. In the BEC group, PRL levels showed significant reduction at 3 and 6 months in comparison with baseline values, and PRL levels were also significantly lower as compared with those in the PBO group, in which PRL levels instead showed significant increments at the end of follow-up, Table 2.
4. Discussion
Data from this randomized controlled trial can be summarized as follows: oral administration of BEC for 6 months in patients with T2D and CKD resulted in: reduced blood pressure, restored circadian rhythm of blood pressure, reduced LV mass, delayed decline of RRF, and improved metabolic control.
The results of the current study support the importance of targeting the overactivity of the sympathetic system and increased levels of NE in patients with CKD as suggested by previous reports from clinical and experimental studies [12–19]. High NE plasma levels, sympathetic overactivity, and hyperprolactinemia have been recognized in different clinical conditions, including obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and CKD, suggesting a reduced dopaminergic tone [28–31]. Furthermore, it has been proposed that the association between low-birth weight and the development of hypertension and metabolic syndrome in later life could be due to a reduction in dopaminergic tone and an increase in sympathetic activity [32, 33]. Therefore, it seems plausible that the use of dopamine agonists in these conditions could be of benefit for the patients, and this is supported by several studies demonstrating beneficial effects of BEC on cardiovascular and metabolic parameters [21–26, 34]. In the current study, blood pressure was better controlled in the patients receiving BEC with minimal changes in the antihypertensive medication. Furthermore, PRL levels decreased significantly as compared with the PBO group, suggesting an improvement in the dopaminergic tone. A cardioprotective effect of BEC, expressed as a reduction in blood pressure, has been previously reported in hypertensive patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis [17, 21–23]. More recent reports suggest that the elevated levels of NE and the sympathetic overactivity stimulate and promote cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis resulting in increased LV mass [19, 20, 35]. In a group of patients with ESRD on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis treated with BEC, we showed a reduction in LV mass assessed by echocardiography and reduction in NT-proBNP levels, confirming a cardioprotective effect of BEC [22]. The cardioprotective effect was also observed in a randomized clinical trial in which the authors reported a reduction of cardiovascular risk in patients taking BEC compared with PBO [36]. High blood pressure is probably the strongest stimuli for increasing LVMI, for further clarification of the BEC effect, patients in both groups were divided according to the control of BP (cut-point 140/90). We found the BEC effect to be independent of BP control. BEC administration seems to have additive effect with BP values within control limits on LVMI.
The nephroprotective effect of BEC with better preservation of renal function as measured by CrCl was observed in the current study; the pathophysiological pathways that explain this effect have not been sufficiently explored, and we cannot assure that there are some other independent factors not directly related to the heart or the kidney. However, there are some experimental studies reporting that circulating levels of PRL are elevated in an NZB/NZW murine model of systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) and that the treatment with BEC prevents or retards the development of lupus nephropathy in mice [35, 37, 38]. On the other hand, high plasma PRL levels have also been found in humans with SLE and are associated with episodes of SLE reactivation and progression of lupus nephropathy [39]. The effect of BEC has been attributed to suppression of PRL secretion, preventing the proinflammatory action of the hormone. We did not monitor inflammation markers and are thus unable to prove whether or not this mechanism alone or in combination with better blood pressure control is the basis for the observed effects of BEC including its apparent beneficial impact on preservation of renal function.
Previous studies, including some RCT's testing the effect of quick-release BEC formulations, have shown a beneficial effect of BEC in the control of glycaemia and glycated hemoglobin levels, and the frequency of serious adverse events and cardiovascular events was lower in the BEC treated group when compared with placebo controls [24–26, 40]. In the current study, a better control of glycaemia, cholesterol, and triglycerides levels was observed in patients in the BEC group. The mechanism by which BEC improves metabolic control in diabetic patients is currently under investigation. Some central effects have been mentioned, but the peripheral effect in reducing sympathetic tone and a possible antiinflammatory action may also be involved [24–26].
Some limitations of the current study should be noted. Only surrogate markers of clinical outcomes were monitored; a longer follow-up period analyzing all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in a larger group of patients is needed to provide definitive proof of the beneficial effects of BEC. The study enrolled a small number of patients; however, significant results were still obtained with an acceptable level of confidence.
In conclusion, the results of this RCT show that BEC treatment of stage 4 CKD patients resulted in reduction of LV mass, improved blood pressure control, and lowered NT-proBNP and PRL levels; it also prevented the decline of RRF, and improved the metabolic control. These promising results deserve to be tested in a more open setting resembling the day-to-day conditions to be validated. Additional studies are needed to clarify the pathophysiological mechanisms involved that are regulated by BEC. From a cost-effectiveness point of view, BEC should be advantageous as it is cheaper than most of the common drugs currently used as cardio- and renal protection.
5. Summary
To test previously reported benefits of BEC for metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and for reducing left ventricular mass in CKD, an RCT was conducted for six months in patients with stage 4 CKD and increased LV left ventricular mass. The main findings include a better control of blood pressure, measured by 24-hour ambulatory monitoring. Echocardiography showed significant reduction in left ventricular mass, paralleled by a reduction in NT-proBNP levels. BEC also improved blood glucose and lipid control and lowered PRL levels. No significant adverse events of BEC were observed.
Dr. Oliva Mejía-Rodríguez received a fellowship from the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, México. The study was sponsored by a Grant from the Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social (no. 2004/063). The authors want to thank Susan Drier for her assistance in the preparation of this paper. Bengt Lindholm is employed by Baxter Healthcare Corporation. The authors do not have any financial relation with the commercial identities mentioned in this paper, and no conflict of interests exists.
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Copyright © 2013 Oliva Mejía-Rodríguez et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.


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ARCH2029 Digging Data: quantitative data analysis in Archaeology
Module Overview
Archaeology is an immensely data-rich activity that records the characteristics of sites, landscapes and artefacts, sometimes in great detail. Making sense of that data often relies on quantitative or statistical methods to identify patterns, associations and relationships. This module aims to provide students (who do not necessarily have a recent background in maths or statistics) with some statistical concepts and methods, and the knowledge to apply them using readily available software (spreadsheets). It aims to deliver understanding of a range of ideas about quantitative approaches to archaeology from how to make better graphs to how we can phrase archaeological questions in a range of quantitative ways. During the module, you will learn about graphical representations of numerical data, descriptive statistics and summaries of single variables; the normal distribution; statistical inference; some measures of association between two variables and ways to explore relationships between numeric variables using correlation and regression.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Numerical and statistical description of single variables
- Statistical inference and significance
- The normal distribution and sampling
- Correlation and regression
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Understand some key statistical concepts
- Express archaeological questions in quantitative ways
- Evaluate, describe and analyse archaeological datasets
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Work effectively with functions and expressions in spreadsheets
- Describe archaeological quantitative data using graphs
- Perform simple standard statistical tests for association and significance
- Perform correlation and regression analyses
- Use a computer to undertake numerical analysis
The syllabus introduces a range of basic quantitative and statistical methods including: • Measurement levels and graphical summaries of numerical variables • Descriptive statistics and numerical summaries of single variables • Statistical inference, measures of association, the chi-squared and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests • Normal and t distributions, confidence intervals and sampling • Studying relationships between numeric variables using correlation and regression • Statistical inference and some simple measures of association between two variables • Introduction to multiple regression and other multivariate methods
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Numerical and statistical concepts and methods are introduced in lectures, which are supported by computer- based practical classes to reinforce learning. Short statistical exercises are set to be undertaken outside of contact hours. The module also expects students to develop skills in spreadsheets (formulae, functions, numerical data processing). Because of the different level of students' skills on entry to the module, students are guided to self-led online resources for this purpose. Teaching methods include • Online and offline courses and resources (for spreadsheet skills) • Lectures • Computer-based practical classes • Project surgeries Learning activities include • Set reading and statistical exercises • Independent work in preparation for data analysis project • Exam preparation
|Preparation for scheduled sessions
|Follow-up work
|Wider reading or practice
|Completion of assessment task
|Project supervision
|Practical classes and workshops
|Total study time
Resources & Reading list
Fletcher, M and Lock GR (1991). Digging numbers.
Shennan, SJ (1997). Quantifying Archaeology.
Baxter MJ (2003). Statistics in archaeology.
Drennan RD (1996). Statistics for archaeologists: a commonsense approach.
Tufte ER (1983). The visual display of quantitative information.
Orton, C (2000). Sampling in Archaeology.
Thomas, DH (1986). Refiguring Anthropology.
|Percentage contribution
|Data analysis project (2000 words)
|Percentage contribution
|Data analysis project
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External
Costs associated with this module
Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the academic requirements for each programme of study.
In addition to this, students registered for this module typically also have to pay for:
Books and Stationery equipment
Copies are in the library, students may wish to purchase a copy of the module's core text "Shennan, SJ 1997 Quantifying Archaeology". This is around £28 new, but second-hand copies can be obtained for less.
Please also ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University's Fees, Charges and Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk.


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Ten Top-Notch Chocolate Desserts
We take a look at 10 chocolate creations recently enjoyed by our Michelin Inspectors
85% of MICHELIN Starred Restaurants back open in Week 41 (10/05 – 10/11)
The MICHELIN Guide has developed an international barometer to facilitate analysis of the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on Michelin Starred restaurants.
The Fat Duck: 25 Years of Innovation
We take a look at the plans this Three Michelin Starred Restaurant has for its Silver Anniversary celebrations.
Ten of our Favourite Restaurants for Vegans and Vegetarians
On World Vegetarian Day, the Michelin Inspectors give us their recommendations for those who eat a plant-based diet.
The MICHELIN Guide Great Britain and Ireland, 2021: a new year, a new chapter
Two new MICHELIN Stars for Austria – in Vienna and Salzburg – have been announced today in the MICHELIN Main Cities of Europe Guide 2020
We take a closer look at both of them:
The MICHELIN Guide Main Cities of Europe 2020 was launched today and among the new awards is a Michelin Star for Bottiglieria 1881 in Cracow.
This is the first time this Polish city has ever had a Michelin Starred restaurant.


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Review: Sony Xperia M2 has good performance and strong battery
With 4.8 inches, the screen of the M2 delivers 960 × 540 pixels, great brightness and color fidelity. To run Android 4.3 without choking, this smartphone brings a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset 400 with four cores at 1.2 GHz, Adreno 305 GPU and 1GB of RAM.
This firepower, coupled with 8GB of internal memory (expandable by microSD), 8 MP camera, NFC and great design are sufficient to scratch the brightness of the "best cheap smartphone market"? It can satisfy the most demanding users without leaving that taste of "cheaper imitation" of Z2? Find out below in our review.
Design and footprint
Like the Xperia Z2 , the cheapest M2 is also a great device. Its dimensions of 13.9 × 7.1 cm just do not turn it into an uncomfortable appliance for the thickness of 0.8 cm (as in Z2). There is the same centralized side button to unlock the screen accompanied by the volume control. On that same side is also slot microSD card and SIM card.
Following the pattern of the market, the M2 also brings no physical buttons on the front face, incorporating the control of the Android screen and the system buttons. Fortunately Sony remained dedicated to the camera, which, besides leaving the registry access agile images, helps reduce photo blur button.
In Z2, the touch gets a very pleasant feeling of metal and glass, for reasons of cost reduction in M2 converts to plastic and plastic. The footprint becomes less comfortable and the material does not have oleophobic protection, being more susceptible to accumulation of fat hands.Fortunately, M2 slot for the SIM card is much easier to deal with than the Z2 and spends more security.
Even so, the M2 booking their own elegant design of the new Xperia that is hard to beat. Placed side by side, the M2 seems to belong to a superior Moto G, at least visually class.
If your idea was to dip in the pool this unit, give up. There is no protection against liquids or even immersion. But why not take the two glass surfaces, the M2 can be less prone to headaches with small falls.
Weighing 148 grams, the handset is light for its size, and even has good weight distribution, which makes it pleasant both in vertical and horizontal use. Not the kind of device that will leave you in pain by availing a movie on Netflix, for example.
In most pockets of the pants M2 Xperia will not turn into a nuisance. It can comfortably fit any front pocket men's trousers. For women, generally with smaller pockets, the way will be to take the M2 always in bag, as it is too big for the back pockets of any pants. Incidentally, remove the device from the pocket in time to sit must become a habit since the flex to sit in various situations, the unit will undergo a lot of pressure that can even be disastrous.
With resolution of 960 × 540 pixels, the LCD panel provides M2 density of 229 pixels per inch.Although the resolution is not spectacular for a 4.8-inch screen, taking into account the current very high standards, the result is far above average.
There is a protection Gorilla Glass 3 but, as mentioned above, lack of coverage oleophobic leaves the screen more difficult to clean than normal. There are quite acceptable angles of vision, even for a TFT panel, and a fairly intense glow.
As the screens from Samsung, the Xperia M2 tends to reinforce the cold tones, giving a slightly blue tint to the image. This is not a problem, since in Brazil we are used to this type of screen that, for many, make reading and more comfortable use.
The response to touch is perfect. We did not find any difficulty during our tests, including corners, which are generally a weak point accuracy. Part of this accuracy can be confirmed by the multitouch test, which recognized up to 10 fingers simultaneously.
Software and Multimedia
With the disadvantage of still run Android 4.3, the Xperia M2 brings the traditional interface of Sony. Currently she is one of the fastest moves away from the pure version of the system, as well as Samsung. In this case the distance to the clean interface brings a number of advantages to the user, and a fairly clean look, nice and great customization options.
The main difference at first glance are the colors. Sony opted for darker tones, which enhances the contrast between background and text (usually white) and easy to read. One of the progress I miss most when I go to other devices is the interface to customize workspaces. Besides facilitating the organization of shortcuts and widgets, you can add as many areas as you want and define what will be the main.
On this screen you can also access the theme options, which change the color scheme of the apparatus and also your desktop background automatically. There is a certain nostalgic air that functionality, since it was very popular before the arrival of smartphones. Can change the look of the system without a launcher is, in my view, a positive point.
In the listing of applications, a sidebar located to the left of the screen allows you to sort the apps to your taste. The adjustment can be done alphabetically, of most used to least used, installed for the pre-installed or as the user's disposal.
Another not very subtle adaptation was made in multitasking function. In addition to managing open applications for your thumbnails, you can quickly access applications running as windows, going over everything that is open. Are available: Active Clip, a kind of screen capture with selection area; Agenda; Currency; Favorites from Chrome; Gmail; Browser; Timer (stopwatch or timer) and Touch Block, a button that locks the screen. You can download other Google Play, but the utility of each is quite questionable.
Sony has tried to fill this smartphone with your standard application package. The most useful of all is probably the Walkman, one of the most complete music players to smartphones. Besides the visual, there are resources to share lists, see lists of friends and access the streaming channels, all the Music Unlimited service.
There's also TrackID, which identifies the song playing in the environment à la Shazam beyond TrackTV, it should work the same way for TV programs. The big problem is the latter Brazil is not available, ie, even if the idea is interesting, the app is useless, unless you are traveling.
Another highlight is the Socialife, which brings together your contacts from social networking updates. Simply connect Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and even news feeds to receive news in one place. If you are in doubt about what to download, Select Sony makes suggestions for apps, themes and games.
To take care of possible problems, including Sony Xperia Care. This app collects support information like access to the forum, a "contact us" and lists of resolutions of known issues for the entire line of Sony products. Also gives to find the nearest authorized.
With a resolution of 8 megapixels, the camera of Xperia M2 makes photos with excellent quality and color fidelity. A weak point is the video recording. Even recording at 1080p at 30 frames per second, the autofocus is slow and fails to find the center point of a scene. The backlight adjustment (exposure and white) is agile, but can also become a nuisance in scenes with a lot of variation of exposure.
Fortunately, the photos, the camera does not sin as M2 in video recording. Even with the ability to manually adjust the camera options, the best is abusing the "Higher Self". During the tests it did not fail to choose the best options for the scene.
Overall, the photos with good light conditions are clean, but there is a lot of noise when registering scenes indoors or at night.
In addition to the registration authority of pictures, the camera has additional features. For aficionados selfies, Portrait mode offers different styles to register their best expression. The options are: Everyday, Office, Natural, Gentle, Young, Classic, Beach, Party, Doll and Ballad.
The "Picture Effect" mode gives an artistic touch to images copyrighted. Can you choose between 9 different effects to make your photos more fun. Another impractical, but funny, action is the AR effect. With it you can insert landscapes or masks augmented reality. You can leave everyone with a hat, or create a scene with a dinosaur in the background, which moves in a prehistoric landscape. The effect does not always work as expected, since in certain cases the device can not determine the proportions correctly, but it's still fun.
In general, the camera of M2 is very competent in recording images of everyday life and there is fun effects, but does an average job at recording videos.
The Snapdragon 400 Xperia M2 ensures an uncomplicated and quite agile use of Android 4.3. In our tests we found no slow or even crash. In simple tasks, navigation, use of social networks or games, can you forget that the device is not a top of the line.
The device also does not disappoint connection speed. The M2 is compatible with 4G (LTE) networks and also has Wi-Fi 802.11n, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, GPS with A-GPS and GLONASS and also tuning FM radio with RDS. 8 GB of internal storage, 5 GB available to the user and their applications. You can expand the storage up to 32GB cards.
In the basic function of a cell, which is linked to the M2 does a competent job. The call volume is high and very good definition. The speakerphone is not the most powerful, which can be a problem for anyone who answers a call at the wheel, for example. At no time during testing showed the device problem with signal reception.
With 2,330 mAh battery, the Xperia M2 provides a complete load day, with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled. Among my activities did the basics. Sailed for Chrome, I used social networking applications, a large volume of exchanged messages (including audio, video and photos) by WhatsApp because of the World Cup and I used the camera to take photos.
For the 4.8-inch screen expected a lower battery life, but fortunately the unit surprised at this point. In my test video playback with Netflix, Bluetooth, NFC and Wi-Fi enabled with the screen brightness and volume to maximum, the unit resisted for 5 hours and 15 minutes.
The device had an average duration of 11 hours of battery life, so without activating the Stamina mode, which disables background data with the screen off, or even low battery mode, which disables a number of functions to save energy. Overall, the power management of Sony is quite competent and can save you those moments of agony and low battery.
- Lack of coverage for the oleophobic screen.
- Size can be a limiter.
- Screen resolution below the competition.
- Good battery life.
- Great performance.
- Screen with good brightness and contrast.
The Xperia M2 is a competent intermediary device. For its price of $899 , delivering a performance that can be compared to the top of the line appliances in several respects, in particular in everyday use. There is a missing or even something that can not be executed efficiently resource.
The problem for the M2 in the Brazilian market can be compared to some competitors, especially the Moto G 4G, sold for 799 dollars. However, the model from Sony features a sleek design, is thinner and can attract many for its camera interface and better quality for photos.
In the direct fight, perhaps lacking the M2 an update to Android 4.4 to become more competitive.Anyway, the device has many features to make the user satisfied.
Technical Specifications
- Battery: 2,330 mAh.
- Camera: 8 megapixel (rear) and VGA (front).
- Connectivity: 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi 802.11n, GPS, GLONASS, Bluetooth 4.0, USB 2.0.
- Dimensions: 139.6 x 71.1 x 8.6 mm.
- GPU: Adreno 305.
- Kit contains: Sony Xperia M2, headset (3.5mm), charger, USB cable and instruction manuals.
- External Memory: microSD card support up to 32GB.
- Internal Memory: 8 GB (5 GB available to the user).
- Weight: 148 grams.
- Platform: Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean).
- Processor: Quad-core 1.2 GHz Snapdragon 400
- Sensors: Accelerometer, compass, gyro, proximity.
- Screen: 4.8-inch TFT LCD with a resolution of 960 × 540 pixels.


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National Research Centre for Citrus NRCC Recruitment 2020-2020 (Govt Jobs) : National Research Centre for Citrus Jobs 2020 : Dear Candidates, National Research Centre for Citrus announced recruitment notification for the Young Professional-II, Field Assistant vacancies. Eligible candidates can fill there application as per the guidelines of National Research Centre for Citrus. Dear Job Seeker Remember the last date to fill the application form is05/08/2020 .
Other Details like Age, Education Qualification , Application Fees, Salary / Pay Scale, Important Dates, Selection Process, etc are given below in this notification.
National Research Centre for Citrus Job Openings Notification Details :-
Total Number Of Posts : 02 Vacancies
Jobs Details and Eligibility NRCC :
|Name of Posts
|Max Age limit
|Education Qualification
|Young Professional –II (AICRP-Citrus)
|21 to 45 years
|M. Sc.(Agri./Hort) in any discipline
|Young Professional –II Soil Science Lab
|21 to 45 years
|M.Sc. (Soil Science) or Microbiology
|Field Assistant
|18 -30 years for men and 18-35 years for women as on date of the interview
|B.Sc. (Agri/Hort.) B. Sc. in any Biological/Life Science
Salary (Pay Scale):Rs. 25,000/- consolidated
Application Fees:not mention
Selection Method :Walk-In Interview
How To Apply: The interested candidates should appear for walk-in-interview on scheduled dates and time at the Central Citrus Research Institute (Formerly National Research Centre for Citrus) Opp. NBSS & LUP & Regional Remote Sensing Centre, Near University Campus, Before Wadi, Amravati Road, Nagpur along with their application on plain paper duly affixing a latest passport size photograph and with particulars Viz (1) Advt. No. (2) Post applied for (3) Name (in BLOCK letters) with telephone/Cell nos. and e-mail address (4) Address for correspondence (with pin code No.) (5) Date of birth and age (6) Qualification (Self attested copies of certificate as proof of age and mark sheet etc. to be attached), (7) Details of experience (Proof of stating in which Institute/Organization the candidate has worked, period etc. enclosing the Certificates),(8) Whether belongs to ST/SC/OBC/OHP/Ex-servicemen(9) List of publication,(10)Particulars of Employment Registration No. date etc. and its validity, (11) No objection Certificate from the employer, if employed together with testimonials duly signed. The candidate may also bring original certificate for verification. No separate call letter will be posted to the candidates. No TA/DA will be paid for appearing in the Interview. The CCRI (formerly N.R.C.C) & ICAR or other project funding agency will have no liability whatsoever for the contractual staff employed under this sub-project.
Job Hiring State, City : Maharastra, nagpur
Recruitment Type : Govt Jobs
Important Dates :
Starting date of application form : 1/8/2020
Last date of application form : 05/08/2020
Follow Links For More Detailed Notification:
Main Link : http://nrccitrus.nic.in


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Develop high quality internal audits for better performance on registration and surveillance audits. In just four days with a low student-to-instructor ratio of 15:1, learn to improve your internal audits and the results of your surveillance audits with the "supplier version" of the official ISO/TS 16949:2009 third-party auditor certification course. Instruction focuses on the requirements of ISO/TS 16949:2009, its linkages to North American automotive quality core tools and customer requirements, and the automotive process approach auditing practices. Coursework is designed to meet ISO/TS 16949:2009 requirements and customer requirements for Chrysler, Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co.
Course Outline
- Assimilate the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) expectations for auditor performance defined in the Certification Body Auditor Competency Criteria (what an automotive auditor needs to know and do to be able to audit accurately and consistently) and Rules for achieving IATF recognition 3rd Edition.
- Demonstrate the following tasks:
- Prepare a Stage 1 Readiness review
- Audit with an Automotive process
- Report findings
- Investigate nonconformity management
For certification, you will be evaluated with a written examination and performance assessment covering general content of ISO/TS 16949, the North American automotive quality core tools (APQP, FMEA, MSA and SPC) and the application of auditing principles and practices.
Note: Successful completion of this course/exam does not qualify you to conduct third-party audits.
Prerequisite: Working knowledge of ISO/TS 16949 or attendance of Understanding ISO/TS 16949.
Please Note: Attendance to the entire course is required to receive a Certificate of Attendance


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Hey guys...as most of you know, I've been conducting a poll about (shhh...sex!) Here are the final results:
13 people voted total
ONE of you said it was better when you first got married
ONE of you said it was good for a while and then leveled off
TWO of you said it has stayed the same throughout the years
SEVEN of you said it is WAY hotter now
and TWO of you said What sex life?
I am thrilled to report to my young married friend that, in fact, I was right...there is HOPE! That aspect of marriage really does grow and intensify the longer you are together and as you come to know one another more deeply and more completely. I am tempted to say though that this may not be quite the same for non-Christians. I think as Christians, we are more commited to making this part of our marriage a priorty (at least some of us are anyway). Obviously we are not going to be looking to the world to satisfy our physical desires.
Anyhow, I know this is a sensitive subject and I tend to be a blabber mouth so I'm gonna make this short to ensure I don't overdo it.
I just thought I'd let you all know what the verdict was.
Also, as you can see, I am now doing a poll on tattoos. I am interested in finding out what you all think about them. Some (Christian) people I know think they are perfectly fine and great and some I know think it is a complete SIN to get/have one. I'm curious what you guys think....and why. Feel free to leave comments on this post and elaborate on your poll answers.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
The results are in---sex is good!
Hey guys...as most of you know, I've been conducting a poll about (shhh...sex!) Here are the final results:
2 comments:
- Kate said...
It's me,Kate. I just changed my id. Good news, indeed on the sex survey! So, catch BL this week? I miss Bonnie-Sue, crazy as she was; she made me laugh. Wanna hear how you're doing on your goals! We start Tai Chi tonight. No calorie burning there, but it's supposed to be very relaxing and good for you, so I'm game.
- Amy said...
About tattoos...I have one and I'm not ashamed of it. It's not in a place where people can see it unless I choose to show it to them and I'm glad for that. (It's a heart w/flames on my left hip.)
I don't think if I had it to do over again I would but I don't regret it either. I got it at a time in my life when I was very much asserting my independence and figuring out who I was. I think if Easton ever wants one or wants to know about why I got a tattto I'll tell him truthfully and tell him that I don't think I'd do it again. But that will certainly be one of those tricky situations where I'll wish he'd "Do as I say, not as I do." :)


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Thorax (insect anatomy)
The thorax is the midsection (tagma) o the insect bouk. It haulds the heid, legs, weengs an abdomen. It is an aa cried mesosoma in ither arthropods.
It is formed by the prothorax, mesothorax an metathorax and comprises the scutellum; the cervix, a membrane that separates the heid frae the thorax; an the pleuron, a lateral sclerite o the thorax.
In dragonflies and damselflies the mesothorax and metathorax are fused thegither tae form the synthorax.
In some insect pupae, lik the mosquitoes', the head and thorax can be fused in a cephalothorax.
Members o sub order Apocrita (wasps, ants an bees) in the order Hymenoptera hae the first segment o the abdomen fused wi' the thorax, which is called the propodeum.
In maist flying insects, the thorax allows fur the use o asynchronous muscles.


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Just how IT Support Services Can Aid Your Small Business Grow
If you have a local business, after that the chances are you would certainly like to have someone taking care of the IT needs of your business. From maintaining information secure, ensuring that hardware and software are operating optimally, in addition to going on top the ever-changing governing framework, there is much to do.
Many small businesses might have someone, or a small team, looking after the tech, however there are times when outdoors, and specialist, support is required. By making use of the solutions of a remote IT support company, an establishing business can obtain the support they require, without the expenses of hiring and educating their staff. This allows the owner as well as other staff members to concentrate on providing and also creating the core services they offer their clients.
You do not need to establish an IT department if you require technical support neither do you should add people to the pay-roll. Numerous small companies function from home, yet that doesn't suggest that you can't obtain expert aid when you require it. There are great deals of affordable approaches to getting IT support, however the first point you have to think about is just how having the support in place can aid to improve not just your company but also your sanity.
IT Support To Keep Your Systems Running
The initial thing you require to assume around is exactly how your service would run if your email system or database went down while you were sound asleep? If you have not backed up your systems, you might be at an overall loss and need to begin from scrape apologising to clients that have actually been let down as a result.
Having dependable support in place will certainly enable troubles to be quickly determined and remedied so that organisation could return to customarily. Having IT support solutions can stop problems from occurring, so none of your ways of communication goes down at all.
Protecting Your System From Viruses And Hackers
All you require is for a virus to discover it's method into your business network or a harmful hacker to access your personal files after that you might not only shed valuable data yet additionally run the risk of being taken to court for breaching Data Protection regulations. Having actually committed IT support services will certainly mean you can rest simple as they will certainly make sure all your software to shield information is up to date at all times.
Updating Your Software Is Crucial
With Windows 7 support being taken out in a few years, as well as lots of companies still utilising it, it shows exactly how sluggish lots of businesses are in keeping on top of tech advancements. Having the ideal support will certainly mean you do not have to worry about, or put off, crucial upgrades.
Outsourcing your demands means that you will not have to employ a team that is paid a certain quantity each week/month whether or not you need them. You can benefit from convenience such as making a decision whether you require remote assistance or on-site support. Maybe something as easy as obtaining added support when you have brand-new software to install to ensure whatever runs efficiently. Whatever you require you will constantly be able to contact professional aid when you require it most whether that's night and day or the weird event.
Do not leave your innovation and also individual files without appropriate security, essential updates to stay ahead of the hackers and also viruses. This can be an expensive and even legal frustration that you do not want to tackle. The earlier you pass this duty to the experts the earlier you could return to helping your service grow.
Remote IT Services For Ladbroke Grove Businesses
Remote IT support allows our skilled engineers to access your systems from our office. On those occasions where we require to physically be existing, we will see your area, at a time that is hassle-free for your service.


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Taipei--President Tsai Ing-wen on Monday thanked the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for its positive and cooperative attitude toward Taiwan, while stressing the importance of Taiwan-Japan relations in the government's diplomatic agenda.
"Our government will display the same positive and cooperative attitude," Tsai told a visiting Japanese delegation led by Keisuke Suzuki, director of the Liberal Democratic Party's Youth Division in Japan.
The Monday visit was the fifth time Suzuki had led a delegation to the Presidential Office.
During the meeting, Tsai thanked the Japanese government for its decision to change the name of its representative office in Taiwan from the "Interchange Association, Japan" to the "Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association" at the beginning of this year.
It also changed the Chinese name of the organization by adding the names "Japan" and "Taiwan."
The president said that considering the close economic and social ties between Taiwan and Japan, Taiwan's government is eager to help expand cooperation between the private enterprises of the two countries.
She also pledged that Frank Hsieh, Taiwan's representative to Japan, and Chiou I-jen , president of the Association of East Asian Relations (AEAR), who are both seasoned politicians, will work effortlessly to help boost bilateral ties.
Vice President Chen Chien-jen, who was also at the meeting, said the name change offered evidence that ties between Taiwan and Japan have risen to new heights.
Chen also encouraged businesses on both sides to establish a complementary relationship that makes the most of each side's strengths.
The time has never been better for the two sides to team up and forge a stronger Taiwan-Japan relationship of the future, he said.
Source: Overseas Community Affairs Council


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Hearty Salmon
10 Rupees
Heart Recovery
"This fish makes its home in cold water, giving it extra layers of fat. It temporarily increases your maximum hearts when used in cooking."
The Hearty Salmon (051 in the Hyrule Compendium) is a fish found in Breath of the Wild. This creature can be eaten to recover 4 hearts, and can be sold to shop-vendors all over Hyrule for 10 Rupees each. They are rarely found in bodies of water, the most common areas being the Tabantha Frontier and Hebra Mountains. Hearty Salmon can be used in many Recipes and will temporarily increase the maximum numbers of hearts when cooked in a recipe. If cooked on an open flame by itself, Link will receive a Roasted Hearty Salmon, which will restore 4½ hearts.


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While awaiting the next visit of the Celestials to Earth, the deities of the planet decided to find a way to convince the visitors that humankind was worthy of survival. Over the span of ten centuries, these deities selected twelve ordinary men and women as a sample of humanity. Each of the chosen had mastered one of humanity's greatest fields of achievement. Each of these humans was endowed with godlike powers.[1]
Kiana was an Inuit girl in 11th-century Alaska. By her teenage years, Kiana was already a skilled hunter. As an individual, Kiana was quiet and moody. She had a sense of humour, but with a tendency to joke in inopportune times. When she was 16-years-old, Kiana was chosen by the deities as a member of their sample of humanity.[1]
Powers and Abilities
Superhuman speed and the ability to blend in with her surroundings.
She is an excellent hunter and tracker.
Links and References
- 14 Appearances of Kiana (Earth-616)
- 1 Minor Appearances of Kiana (Earth-616)
- Media Kiana (Earth-616) was Mentioned in
- 6 Images featuring Kiana (Earth-616)
- Quotations by or about Kiana (Earth-616)
- Character Gallery: Kiana (Earth-616)
- http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix2/moonstalker.htm
Discover and Discuss
- Search this site for: Moonstalker · Kiana · Kiana (Earth-616)
|Like this? Let us know!


text: I love ebony fretboards in general, but especially on PRS guitars. I was lucky to grab this 2008 CU22AP from John Mann many years ago that also had a rosewood neck. That is when I discovered nothing does the "rings like a piano" thing like a rosewood neck/ebony board guitar. You can feel it in your fret hand and feel it against your body. Amplified, it has clear low end, nice midrange and wonderful clarity. I liked the guitar so much I wanted something similar with a trem and found this one-off DGT. Both of these guitars REALLY ring and have such a sweet and beautiful top end. Some people have commented the DGT neck pickup can be woofy or bassy. Mine is not that way at all---sweet, clear and open sounding. The CU22 has been modded a bit with a Schroeder adjustable bridge and old PRS Artist pickups (alnico 4 magnets!). It sounds like a glorious cross between a humbucker and a P-90 guitar. Just an amazing instrument. Another plus---these necks do not move. I play 11-52 strings and live in a very humid environment. I never have to adjust the truss rod.


text:
A seasoned and experienced sales and marketing operations leader, Paul Pellman was introduced to Adometry by Google through one of Adometry's investors, Austin Ventures, where Pellman served as entrepreneur in residence. Prior to joining Adometry in March 2008, Pellman was EVP of marketing for Hoover's Inc., where he was responsible for leadership of the company's brand development and marketing initiatives, including customer acquisition and retention, research, strategy, product positioning, licensing, traffic-oriented business development, and marketing communications.
Pellman also served as interim president of Hoover's Inc. from November 2006 through June 2007. Before joining Hoover's, he was vice president of consumer direct for global internet group Terra Lycos. Pellman has served in a number of executive management roles, including CEO for two early-stage start-ups.
Pellman began his career as a senior consultant with a Big Eight accounting firm. He holds a B.S. in accounting and finance from the University of Arizona, and an MBA from Harvard University.
Summits Attended
iMedia Commerce Summit
The Future of Shopping
iMedia Agency Summit
Media Re-Defined -- What Clients Want
iMedia Agency Summit
Partnership: The New Agency Value
iMedia Agency Summit
WCW: What Clients Want From Agencies & Media Companies
iMedia Agency Summit
Strategic Digital Insights and Networking for the Agency Executive & Partner
iMedia Agency Summit
Collaborate or Die!


text:
Dear XebiaLabs community,
As of December 5, 2019, the 8.0.x versions of XL Deploy and XL Release are no longer officially supported. We would like to strongly encourage you to upgrade to the latest version.
We are committed to ensuring your transition proceeds seamlessly. Please contact us via our support site if you have any questions.
We look forward to working together to continue to your successful use of XL Deploy and XL Release.
Best regards,
The XebiaLabs team


text:
UK Charity to Build Mobile App to Crowdsource Cancer Cure
A UK-based charity, Cancer Research UK, announced that it will create "a damn good [mobile] game," its second title focused on understanding cancer by using crowdsourced citizen science.
Partnering with Google, Facebook and Amazon, Cancer Research UK held a hackathon in March to gamify the dull yet crucial pattern recognition technique needed to sort through the enormous amount of data they collected. Computer algorithms are not as efficient at this particular task, whereas the human eye naturally excels at finding similarity in images. By using the crowd to sort through data, scientists are free to move on to next step experiments.
Cancer Research UK will select one game from the twelve prototypes created at the hackathon, releasing it to the public by the end of the year. The charity's first game, Cell Slider, allowed citizen scientists to sort cancer cells from both white blood cells and normal tissue cells that appeared on the same sample slide.
The new mobile app will turn scientific discovery into a game, which the charity hopes will boost participation, and make the experience, well, fun.
(Source: www.pmlive.com)


text:
perlnews eyepopslikeamosquito
 While not strictly Perl-related, it was pointed out to me today that the Object-Oriented Reengineering Patterns book by Demeyer, Ducasse, and Nierstrasz is now available for free download. This book was originally published in 2003 and its copyright has now reverted to its authors.

 I've long felt that there were insufficient good books available on reengineering old code. For Perl, Perl Medic: Transforming Legacy Code by Peter Scott is well worth a read. Can anyone recommend any other good references on dealing with legacy code?


text:
Contest URL: Win Cool Gadgets Courtesy Of Market Leverage, Vat19.com And Affiliate Confession
Prize: Various
Deadline: Today. Hurry up!
Affiliate Confession with Market Leverage and Vat19 is holding a great contest. Prizes are as follows:
- Nintendo DS Lite + 2 games ($155)
- Affiliate Confession T-shirt
- Flip Mino camcorder ($179)
- iPod Nano
- 2GB USB pen
- $50 Market Leverage rewards card
- USB Missile Launcher, Banana Bunker, Video Aquarium DVD
To enter two simple rules:
- Write a post about this contest with link to the sponsors.
- Then leave a comment on the contest post


text:
Drug manufacturers and consumer advocates are waging a battle in court.
At stake is the lifespan of drug patents that allow pharmaceutical companies to charge higher prices, potentially costing consumers millions of dollars.
A tactic known as "product hopping" allows drug manufacturers to extend their patents on drugs and thus prevent competitors from creating cheaper generic equivalents, Consumer Reports explains.
For example, a decade ago, a cheaper generic version of the antibiotic Doryx (doxycycline) was about to emerge. Doryx's manufacturer, Warner Chilcott, stopped making the drug in its original capsule form and started making it in tablet form, according to Consumer Reports.
That action prevented the company Mylan from being able to release a generic tablet version of the medication.
Such actions by Warner Chilcott (which was acquired by Actavis in 2013) are now the subject of a lawsuit.
A federal court judge sided with Warner Chilcott in April, stating that it did not violate anti-trust laws. But Mylan is appealing that verdict — with support from national consumer-advocate organizations like Consumers Union, the policy and advocacy arm of Consumer Reports.
A legal brief associated with the case explains:
"Product hopping … has become a well-known tactic in the pharmaceutical industry that prevents generic medication from competing in the marketplace. Without generic competition, name-brand manufacturers continue to reap higher profits and consumers pay higher prices."
As this legal battle wages on, consumers hoping to reduce their prescription costs have other options. Online pharmacies can save you money, but you need to choose wisely.
For more, check out the Money Talks News stories "Online Pharmacies: What You Don't Know Could Kill You" and "Should You Use an Overseas Pharmacy?"
What's your take on pharmaceutical companies' practices like product hopping? Sound off in our Forums. It's the place where you can speak your mind, explore topics in-depth, and post questions and get answers.
Disclosure: The information you read here is always objective. However, we sometimes receive compensation when you click links within our stories.


text:
Thanks!<br>The link to restore the password has been sent to
Anywayanyday offers a convenient search engine for cheaper air tickets for flights departing from Lensk: we help find a flight and book a ticket for a chosen date.
Anywayanyday.com allows to book and buy cheaper air tickets: Anywayanyday engine compares flight options from 800 air lines and finds the cheapest tickets.
In case you didn't know: anywayanyday.com allows to filter flight options by departure and arrival airports. This will help you plan the optimal itinerary.
Lensk, general:
Location: Lensk, Russian Federation.
Info on local area code, time zone, currency in #CountryName# - refer to the widget above, to the right from the map.
IATA code: ULK.
You can learn addresses and phone numbers of client services of Lensk on its official website.
Weather in Lensk area
Learn about the local weather - look for the weather widget above, to the left from the map.
How to get to the airport
You can learn about trains, express trains, buses and shuttle buses that will take you to the airport from the city on the official website of Lensk. It is also likely to contain info about how to get to the airport by car.
Ho to get to the city by car
You can learn about trains, express trains, buses and shuttle buses that will take you from the airport to the city on the official website of Lensk. It is also likely to contain info about how to get from the airport to the city by car.
Flights departing from Lensk and flight timetable
Flight timetable is on page 'Departures from Lensk'
In order to check in for a flight departing from Lensk, you only need your passport.
Flights arriving at Lensk
Flight timetable is on page 'Arrivals to Lensk'
Special offers from Lensk
Many airlines have regular ticket sales for flights departing from Lensk. Follow such special offers in our social networks. Besides, we often inform you about such sales and special fares in our weekly emails.
Cheapest tickets for the next two weeks
The fare to a significant extent depends on when you buy the ticket: the earlier, the cheaper. Besides, the fare depends on the day of the week. That is why it is so important to compare fares for several dates, rather than for just one – this is how you might be lucky to find a flight departing from Lensk that is significantly cheaper.
Our Price dynamics widget helps you do it quickly and easily. Research fares for the next two weeks and choose the best one in terms of price and suitability.
Airlines departing from the airport
The fare may depend not only on the departure/arrival date and time, but also on the carrier. Compare fares from different airlines flying from Ленск and choose the best option.
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Anywayanyday offers its clients convenient payment methods. An order on anywayanyday.com can be paid in one of 5 currencies, at your choice:
Air tickets can be paid in one of two ways, at your choice:
Booking tickets on anywayanyday.com
Only logged-in users of anywayanyday.com can pre-book air tickets and pay for them later – within 72 hours. Anywayanyday clients are informed about any changes to the booking with texts and emails.
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text: I recently had the camera I've used for the last 8 years (Ricoh 35mm SLR) stolen from my car, and I need some advice on buying another 35mm SLR. I'm not necessarily looking for a NEW model camera. I've been watching ebay camera auctions for the past couple weeks, and it seems like I can get a camera and lens for pretty cheap. I do a large portion of my work with a 28mm-35mm wide-angle lens. I'm pretty much just looking for another SLR with a comparable lens. I looked at a lot of camera reviews for newish model Nikon and Canon cameras, and most of them said the shutter speed doesn't go below 1/30th of a second. Is this true, or am I misreading them? I definitely need a camera that has low shutter speed settings. I think I have pretty modest requests, right? Cheap is good, but I don't want to compromise quality. Please help! Thanks!


text:
Use internal pages to tell me about specific services or products you offer. When you're telling me about them, make sure to focus on my needs. Remember, I'm interested in what I can get from you, not when you were founded.
What product or service am I most likely to be interested in? Tell me that I won't find it better or more affordable anywhere else. Explain how comprehensive it is and why I should read more.
Let me know how I'll be better off by choosing your business. Explain why choosing your business is going to make my life easy, how with you what I need will be simple to find.
It's my choice - I need to know I'm making the right one. These pages should be used to describe the majority of your business and will make up the majority of your site.
Simply describe to me what you want me to know, and make sure to explain how I'll benefit from engaging your business. Summarise the core message of this page – remind me why I want what you're offering and why I should get it from you.
Give me options to navigate into your site by placing links to pages related to this page.
"Keep testimonials short concise and attributed to someone"
– John Doe


text:
The lamplight shines on my sleeplessness,
My mind clear, I smell the splendid incense.
Deep in the night, the hall rears up high,
The wind stirs, and gold is heard to clank.
The black sky masks the springtime court,
To the pure earth clings a hidden fragrance.
The Jade Rope wheels round and is cut,
The iron phoenix seems about to soar.
Sanskrit sometimes flows out from the temple,
The lingering bells still echo round my bed.
Tomorrow morning in the fertile field,
I'll bitterly behold the yellow dirt.
The Qinling mountains "crowd upon Chang'an," we learned in school.


text:
The role of the Particular Schooling Assist Service (SESS) is to boost the quality of studying and educating in relation to special educational provision. As a particular education instructor I feel that there will always be a need for particular lecturers within the training system as a result of I feel the catalyst to making inclusive school rooms work is for specialist teachers to co-educate alongside normal schooling teachers.
In 2005, the Louisiana Department of Education was scrutinized after a complaint and investigation was held to establish if students with specific behavioral points within the Jefferson Parish, Louisiana Junior Excessive College were being treated unjustly below strict federal laws outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004.
So I thought it would be higher for you all to have some idea about the historical past of this subject since then, seeing the way it developed will assist you to to grasp and be away from your perspective on Special Schooling area. From adaptive applied sciences to reforming particular schooling legislation, our faculty is actively engaged with the issues that have an effect on the future of special schooling.
In this method, the special schooling student is totally excluded …