WASHINGTON (AP) ? A federal judge has ordered the government to stop genital searches of Guantanamo Bay detainees who want to meet with their lawyers.
Royce Lamberth, chief judge of the U.S. District Court in Washington, on Thursday limited guards to grasping the waistband of a detainee's trousers and shaking the pants to dislodge any contraband.
The detainees had complained that guards had recently begun touching and holding detainees' genital and anal areas during searches.
Detainee lawyers say the searches began after prisoners were told they would have to travel offsite to meet with their lawyers at another location at the U.S. Navy base in Cuba, rather than at the prison there. The lawyers say some detainees had refused to make the trip because of the new searches.
Contact: Maria Hrynkiewicz maria@versita.com 48-660-476-421 Versita
New molecularly imprinted polymeric receptors found for nicotine recognition
Researchers from the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute in Nehru Marg, India have added another piece to the puzzle of how to synthetize an artificial nicotine receptor. Nicotine -- the infamous principal component of tobacco -- is responsible for smoking addition due to specific receptors in the brain that trigger the dopamine reward system. One of the most long-lasting goals of biomedical science and technology is to design and synthesize efficient artificial receptors that would point to new avenues in the treatment of addiction. Recent advances in materials chemistry clearly demonstrate that the development of such robust synthetic materials, which can partially mimic biological receptors, is possible.
In the article "Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Receptors for Nicotine Recognition in Biological Systems" published in Molecular Imprinting -- an open access journal by Versita -- Reddithota Krupadam and his colleagues have developed molecularly imprinted polymers as synthetic receptors for nicotine. These molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) have potential applications for analysis in biological systems such as clinical detection of nicotine in blood and serum, as well as in the development of treatment therapies for nicotine addicted patients.
The authors succeeded in developing highly selective MIP receptors for nicotine with levels of selectivity similar to those of natural molecules such as acetylcholine esterase (AChE). The developed nicotine affinity-polymers were able to recognize nicotine in biological buffers, which indeed is a significant improvement, compared to previous research. Additionally, when compared to natural receptors that show high binding at only pH 7.6 - these receptors were effective in a wide range of pH between 6.8 and 8.2.
The authors studied the binding mechanisms between nicotine and MIP receptors by UV spectroscopy and computer aided molecular simulations in order to understand the nature of interactions between functional monomers and nicotine in pre-polymerization systems. Their studies create a starting point in the development of basic procedures for the optimization of nicotine binding in biological buffers, since strong nicotine-MIP interaction typically require the use of nonpolar organic solvents during the imprinting process.
Although the authors managed to formulate polymeric receptors with specificity to nicotine, they also emphasize that these can only work in nonpolar conditions, which differ substantially from endogenous environment.
It is yet to be confirmed whether these MIPs can be used as direct alternatives to natural receptors (e.g. in drug screening applications) but they could be very useful as recognition elements for key niche applications such as in biomedical assays and sensors.
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For more information, the original article is available at: http://www.degruyter.com/view/j/molim.2012.1.issue/molim-2012-0004/molim-2012-0004.xml?format=INT
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AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.
Contact: Maria Hrynkiewicz maria@versita.com 48-660-476-421 Versita
New molecularly imprinted polymeric receptors found for nicotine recognition
Researchers from the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute in Nehru Marg, India have added another piece to the puzzle of how to synthetize an artificial nicotine receptor. Nicotine -- the infamous principal component of tobacco -- is responsible for smoking addition due to specific receptors in the brain that trigger the dopamine reward system. One of the most long-lasting goals of biomedical science and technology is to design and synthesize efficient artificial receptors that would point to new avenues in the treatment of addiction. Recent advances in materials chemistry clearly demonstrate that the development of such robust synthetic materials, which can partially mimic biological receptors, is possible.
In the article "Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Receptors for Nicotine Recognition in Biological Systems" published in Molecular Imprinting -- an open access journal by Versita -- Reddithota Krupadam and his colleagues have developed molecularly imprinted polymers as synthetic receptors for nicotine. These molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) have potential applications for analysis in biological systems such as clinical detection of nicotine in blood and serum, as well as in the development of treatment therapies for nicotine addicted patients.
The authors succeeded in developing highly selective MIP receptors for nicotine with levels of selectivity similar to those of natural molecules such as acetylcholine esterase (AChE). The developed nicotine affinity-polymers were able to recognize nicotine in biological buffers, which indeed is a significant improvement, compared to previous research. Additionally, when compared to natural receptors that show high binding at only pH 7.6 - these receptors were effective in a wide range of pH between 6.8 and 8.2.
The authors studied the binding mechanisms between nicotine and MIP receptors by UV spectroscopy and computer aided molecular simulations in order to understand the nature of interactions between functional monomers and nicotine in pre-polymerization systems. Their studies create a starting point in the development of basic procedures for the optimization of nicotine binding in biological buffers, since strong nicotine-MIP interaction typically require the use of nonpolar organic solvents during the imprinting process.
Although the authors managed to formulate polymeric receptors with specificity to nicotine, they also emphasize that these can only work in nonpolar conditions, which differ substantially from endogenous environment.
It is yet to be confirmed whether these MIPs can be used as direct alternatives to natural receptors (e.g. in drug screening applications) but they could be very useful as recognition elements for key niche applications such as in biomedical assays and sensors.
###
For more information, the original article is available at: http://www.degruyter.com/view/j/molim.2012.1.issue/molim-2012-0004/molim-2012-0004.xml?format=INT
[ | E-mail | Share ]
?
AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.
Yesterday, Nokia announced to some fanfare its new Lumia 1020: a 41-megapixel, Xenon-flashed, highly tweakable camera that, y'know, also makes phone calls. But how good does the camera on your phone really need to be?
Of course, it depends on your usage. Only interested in posting pictures of sandwiches to Instagram? Your humble 5,6,7,8-megapixel camera on whatever old Android is in your pocket can do a respectable job. Interested in replacing a high-end compact camera? Maybe the new Nokia is for you.
But here's what we want to know: what does you use the camera on your phone for and, as a result, how good does it really, really need to be? Discuss.
On Tuesday, limited snippets of an affidavit filed in a Florida court emerged, via the Associated Press.? And while the information published by the AP was accurate, it was hardly complete.
Albert Breer of NFL Network has passed along the entire affidavit, and it paints a much more comprehensive picture of what Ortiz said, and when and where he said it.
Basically, Ortiz said everything he knows.
As of Tuesday, June 25, Ortiz was on probation.? He showed up that day for a previously-scheduled meeting with his probation officer.? When Ortiz got there, he learned that there was another purpose for that day?s meeting.
Investigators provided Ortiz with the so-called Miranda warnings (?you have the right to remain silent . . .?), and Ortiz nevertheless agreed to speak.? Both the video and audio were recorded.
Ortiz said that he and Wallace arrived at Hernandez?s home in North Attleboro just after midnight on June 17, 2013.? Hernandez and Shayanna Jenkins weren?t home; a babysitter let Wallace and Ortiz into the home.
Ortiz saw ?a small and large handgun? in the home, and when Hernandez returned with Jenkins, Ortiz saw Hernandez ?carrying a handgun.?
The three men ? Hernandez, Ortiz, and Wallace ? left the home at 1:09 a.m., stopping once for gas and then picking up Odin Lloyd and traveling back to North Attleboro.
Ortiz told police that, on the drive back, ?he overheard Mr. Hernandez state directly to Mr. Lloyd that he was ?chilling? with people that [Hernandez] had problems with.?? Ortiz said that Hernandez and Lloyd ?made up by ?shaking hands? and added that ?it? was squashed.?
Ortiz then fell asleep.? He woke up when the vehicle stopped, and Ortiz saw the other three men ? Hernandez, Wallace, and Lloyd ? get out of the car ?to urinate.?
Ortiz then heard gunshots.
Hernandez and Wallace got back in to the car ?without Mr. Lloyd,? and the vehicle ?fled? the scene.
Because he had been asleep and stayed in the car, Ortiz didn?t know who had fired the shots, which makes Monday?s report that Wallace told Ortiz that Hernandez fired the shots now more sensible.
When the vehicle returned to Hernandez?s house, Wallace asked Ortiz to get a small gun located under the rear of the driver?s seat.? Ortiz got the gun, carried it inside, and gave it to Hernandez.
Ortiz said that he then went back to sleep.
The affidavit confirms that it was Ortiz who told police about the things Hernandez said to Lloyd in the car, but Ortiz?s version as explained in the affidavit differs from the representations made in court by prosecutor Bill McCauley during Hernandez?s arraignment.? For example, McCauley mentioned that Hernandez spoke about not being able to trust anyone, and that Hernandez wasn?t upset about Lloyd ?chilling? with people Hernandez had issues with but that Lloyd had actually said something to them that called his trustworthiness in to question.? Also, McCauley said nothing about Hernandez and Lloyd making up.
Still, if Ortiz repeats his story in court, it will be very hard to overcome the clear and complete picture it paints.? While Hernandez?s lawyers surely will try to paint Ortiz as a liar, the reality is that Hernandez specifically asked Ortiz and Wallace to come to Massachusetts from Connecticut.? As a practical matter, Hernandez is pretty much stuck with whatever Ortiz says happened, unless Hernandez and Wallace plan to offer an alternative explanation on the witness stand at trial.
Microsoft might not be seeing the sales numbers it hoped to for its Surface RT, because according to The Verge, it's readying substantial price cuts across its debut tablet. In short, the cheapest option (a 32GB Surface RT) could reach $350, while adding a Touch Cover will land at $100 more to $450. Doubling storage to 64GB will cost $450, while another hundred bucks will add a Touch Cover there. We've been in touch with Microsoft, who told us that it "doesn't comment on rumor and speculation," so it's certainly not set in stone. We'll let you know when we see an official confirmation.
Update: Staples has confirmed the price cut is coming -- this Sunday!
Overview: Due to a variety of reasons, the Jacksonville Jaguars have struggled mightily on the offensive side of the ball in recent seasons. One of the major issues for the lack of production has been constant protection issues for their quarterbacksBlaine Gabbert and Chad Henne. Despite the presence of?Eugene Monroe, a highly thought of and productive left tackle, the inability to protect the quarterback has not only prevented the Jaguars from consistently?putting up points?but has also hindered the development of Gabbert the?10th overall?pick in the 2011 draft. The Jaguars hired Atlanta Falconsdirector of college scoutingDavid Caldwell as their new general manager earlier this off-season and paired him with?rookie head coachGus Bradley, the former defensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks. Caldwell and Bradley did not hesitate to select?Texas A&Moffensive tackleLuke Joeckel with the 2nd overall selection in this April?s?draft to bookend with Monroe and give the Jaguars arguably?their?most talented offensive tackle tandem in the?franchise?s history.?Quarterback Blaine Gabbert has had a rough start to his career and is at his worst when under duress, while his time as the quarterback of the future is certainly running out the new regime would like to give him one last chance with a better support system around him. Joeckel brings athleticism, excellent technique,?and a little bit of a mean streak with him to the right side where he figures to line up next to right guardUche Nwaneri. Not only should Joeckel make Gabbert?s job easier in the pocket, but he will be an asset in the running game as well by?assisting Maurice Jones-Drew get his career back on track.
Position Battles: After using the 2nd overall selection on Luke Joeckel, the Jaguars have already named him their starting right tackle. Former 2nd round bust Eben Britton has moved on, and last seasons rags to riches UDFA story Cameron Bradfield proved not quite ready for prime time.?Though his athleticism and versatility should?land him?a valuable role as a utility lineman and swing tackle. New offensive coordinatorJedd Fisch?s newly installed system emphasizes tempo and athleticism. Joeckel?s final year at Texas A&M was spent in an uptempo style offense under Kevin Sumlin and his athleticism is one of the reasons he was?such a highly?sought after?prospect. His fit in Fisch?s system is near perfect and the Jaguars?are in a very good position to keep edge rushers at bay in 2013.
Notable Match-Ups: No body questioned Joeckel?s talent when the Jaguars took him at the #2 spot, but his fit on a team with Eugene Monroe at left tackle and holes throughout their roster was deservingly called into question. After taking one look at the Jaguars 2013 opponents, it is safe to say that the Jaguars made a very wise decision. Joeckel will be facing J.J. Watt twice a year for the forseeable future and this years battles will come in weeks 12 and 14, so Joeckel should have?a better?comfort level within the offense and feel for?the NFL game before meeting the reigning defensive player of the year. The Jaguars out of conference opponents will be the NFC West, which might be the best defensive division in the entire NFL featuring the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks along with the rising defensive units of the St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals. Their AFC division match up for 2013 is the AFC west who offer two of the NFL?s best pass rushing duo?s in Denver BroncosVon Miller and Shaun Phillips as well as Tamba Hali and Justin Houston from Kansas City. All in all, the Jaguars will see the top 3 NFL sack leaders from 2012 as well as some of the most productive edge rushing duo?s in the league.
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2014 and Beyond
Like his 2013 classmates Eric Fisher in Kansas City and Lane Johnson in Philadelphia, Luke Joeckel will start?his career at right tackle but his?longterm position is still undecided. While as a rookie he will bookend with left tackle Eugene Monroe, the Jaguars will have to decide what they want to do?in the 2014?off-season when Monroe?s contract is up. Monroe graded out as a top 10 left tackle in 2012 and is still only 26 years old, it would be surprising if Jacksonville would let that type of?talent get away. However, if the Jaguars envision Joeckel as their left tackle of the future they could slap the franchise tag on Monroe and simply deal him to the highest bidder for multiple draft picks in order to further bolster the talent on their roster. The safest move and the smart money is on the Jaguars ponying up enough to keep Monroe around for the duration of Joeckel?s modest and affordable rookie deal. Once Joeckel?s rookie contract is up and he starts demanding left tackle money, Jaguars?general manager?David Caldwell will have to make?the tough decision, but for the?time being?the Jaguars should enjoy one of the?most talented?offensive tackle tandems in the league. Luke Joeckel has the ability to be an upper echelon tackle on either side of the line, that type of versatility is a valuable commodity.
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Topics: AFC South, Eugene Monroe, Gus Bradley, Jacksonville Jaguars, Luke Joeckel
NEW YORK (TheWrap.com) - Former CNN anchor Soledad O'Brien has reached a deal with Al Jazeera America in which she will contribute short segments and her production company, Starfish Media Group, will produce hour-long documentary specials.
O'Brien will serve as special correspondent to Al Jazeera America's primetime current affairs magazine program "America Tonight." Until February, she hosted CNN's "Starting Point." The network has since replaced the show with "New Day."
"O'Brien's career producing and reporting on the human side of many of the most important stories of the past decade will fit in perfectly with what Al Jazeera America will be covering every day," said Ehab Al Shihabi, executive director of Al Jazeera's international operations and the senior executive developing the new channel. "Her dedication to that type of journalism is what makes it so exciting to announce that she and her production company are joining the Al Jazeera America team."
"I look forward to beginning a relationship with Al Jazeera America, which has made a commitment to producing quality programming and pursuing underreported stories," O'Brien said. "I am thrilled to be back in business with Kim Bondy, who is a long-time friend and among the finest journalists in the broadcast news business today. With this agreement, Starfish continues its expansion as a cross-platform media company dedicated to compelling storytelling and enterprise journalism."
"Soledad and I have worked together since 1997, so I know she cares deeply about covering the human side of a story based solely on the facts," said Bondy, senior executive producer of "America Tonight."
TV Newser tweeted last week that O'Brien was in negotiations with Al Jazeera, which is launching in August.
Before hosting "Starting Point," O'Brien co-anchored "American Morning" for CNN. She came to CNN from NBC News, where she anchored "Weekend Today."
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Public release date: 11-Jul-2013
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