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New report highlights concerns over the future of Welsh on Anglesey
Photo by Menter Iaith
Nearly a quarter of Anglesey households where both parents can speak Welsh are failing to transfer the language to their children before they start school, a new study has warned.
Also finding that little more than a third succeed in passing it on when only one of the parents can speak Welsh, Menter Iaith Môn's report also sheds light on the impact of inward migration on many communities.
While it was once rare to hear English spoken at all in vast swathes of the island – with over 80% recorded as Welsh speakers in 1951 – that figure slumped to just 57.2% by 2011.
Since 2016, a council-led language strategy has targeted the boosting of that figure to at least 60% when this year's census is released.
Among the findings of the report compiled with Fforwm Iaith Môn are:
78% of Welsh-born islanders can speak the language, with another 11% able to understand it. Welsh-born speakers varied from 58.8% around Holyhead to 90.4% in central Anglesey.
Outward migration of younger Welsh speakers coupled with the inward migration of non-Welsh speaking older people said to be "Anglicising" areas and affecting its sustainability.
The result of inward migration being clear within older age groups, with fewer than half of over 50's speaking Welsh (with over 40% of this group born outside of Wales in many parts), said to be having the biggest impact on coastal communities.
More Anglesey pupils being taught mostly through the medium of Welsh at school (86.8%), but only 49.1% of children speaking Cymraeg regularly at home.
"Looking at the trends of the last 50 years, an increase in the population is leading to a decrease in the percentages of Welsh speakers," it noted.
"Arguably, the language has held its ground quite well so far given the extent of inward migration from outside Wales.
'Real threat'
"On the other hand, a further increase in population could pose a real threat to the Welsh language in many parts of the island."
Among those are Covid's impact on face to face social use, continued inward migration and a failure by some non-Welsh speakers to assimilate and the busy housing market pricing many locals out.
An "over-dependence" on the public sector for employment and a lack of opportunities in some parts of the island are also cited.
However, positives include a growing appetite for online language learning and the authority's emphasis on increasing usage of Welsh as the main internal medium of administration.
Language transfer from parents to children even before they start school has been earmarked as an area needing attention, however, with Anglesey's figures being highlighted in a Welsh Government consultation document.
In households on Môn where one parent of the pair could speak Welsh, it was found only 38.1% of three and 57.8% of four year olds could do so.
And even where both adults spoke Welsh, the corresponding figures were 76.7% and 84.2% respectively.
According to Elen Hughes of Menter Iaith Môn, the message to parents is not to miss a "golden opportunity" to give their children an advantage in life.
"What strikes us is that perhaps not all parents realise what a gift Welsh can be for their child," she said.
'Benefits'
"With so many benefits to being bilingual, especially on an island where there are obvious benefits in terms of job prospects, what can we do to raise awareness of the advantages of transferring Welsh to children at home?
"It's so much easier to acquire a language as a baby and when very young, so we're appealing to Anglesey parents to offer the best chance to their child in life by speaking Welsh with them at home if possible.
"It doesn't matter what the standard of Welsh is, every natural conversation you have will help your child, and of course Nain and Taid have a role to play as well.
"If you speak Welsh of any sorts, then note it down proudly on your upcoming Census form and set yourself a goal of sharing whatever Welsh you were given by previous generations, with the up-and-coming generation."
Among recommendations to help address the issue are calls for more support for parents, the need for early years immersion facilities in Holyhead and more and better paying employment to retain local families.
Welcomed, however, is Anglesey Council's growing emphasis and an increase in the number of pupils being assessed as first language speakers during the foundation phase and later key stages.
Elen Hughes added that delaying Welsh language learning until formal education reduces the children's chance of becoming bilingual, with only 8% of those who start learning in secondary schools remaining fluent speakers.
'Immersion'
She said: "To learn a minority second-language well is so much easier if the child receives early learning, through childcare or nursery, which uses language 'immersion' techniques.
"Immersion involves learning more than a few words in Welsh, it means that the atmosphere around the child, including conversations amongst adults, is in Welsh.
"Providers such as Mudiad Meithrin are very experienced in ensuring a child will learn the language naturally through play."
In response, Anglesey's Director of Education, Rhys Hughes, said that the local authority believed strongly in developing the skills of pupils so that they can use both Welsh and English confidently.
He added, "Language transmission in the home is an essential part of this process, enabling every child to be a full member of our bilingual society, fostering pride in their language and culture.
"We work with regional and local partners such as GwE, Menter Iaith, Language Charter, Bangor University, Fforwm Iaith Môn and others to develop confident bilingual pupils in all primary and secondary schools .
"I would like to endorse the message of Menter Môn and others to encourage parents in the process of transmitting the language to their children."
He concluded that the under development Welsh in Education Strategic Plan was key to the success of bilingual provision, covering the next decade and setting practical targets leading to the development of bilingualism at all levels.
The report can be found here.


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NASA gearing up for next summer's Mars Rover Launch
Suorojit Mazumder, Contributing Writer
NASA plans to launch its Mars 202 0 rover next July, with a potential landing at the Jezero Crater scheduled for February 2021.
In an effort to get the public excited about the mission, the space agency is giving people the chance to write their names on microchips, which will then be placed on the rover. A lab for microdevices at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory will use an electron beam to stencil in the names that the public submits. More than a million names will be able to be inscribed on a single silicon chip.
While the sole purpose of past missions to the Red Planet was to find indicators of habitable conditions from the past, this mission seeks to search for signs of past microbial life and will try to gain a glimpse into the origins of life. In addition, the rover will monitor the Martian weather to assess if humans could potentially colonize the planet.
Furthermore, a helicopter has been attached to the rover to gain another vantage point atop Mars. The aircraft will explore Mars from the air while the rover collects samples on the ground. The helicopter will also snapshot aerial views of cliffs, caves, and craters. According to NASA, if the solar-powered helicopter flies successfully, it'll be the first aircraft to fly on another planet.
Fremd freshman Advitya Batta believes that NASA is taking a step in the right direction as they seek to understand one of the greatest unexplored frontiers of the universe.
"I think now is a great time to carry out this mission. . . NASA is thinking ahead by trying to explore Mars," Batta said.
Astronomy teacher Bradley Schroeder believes that NASA's mission will have major future implications.
"I think that right now, they are on the right path. When the rover travels to Mars, NASA will be able to determine if Mars is a planet that harvests life and stores important resources. This mobile science lab will glean a better understanding of Mars if we ever choose to colonize it," Schroeder said.
This rover marks the culmination of a multiyear long project, fraught with challenge after challenge. NASA's chief scientist himself believes that a whole new set of scientific questions will begin to emerge from the results of this mission, but doubts the public's ability to deal with the results of this mission.
However, Schroeder believes that the mission will energize the public. "I think people want to believe that there is life outside of Earth," Schroeder said. "People will be excited about life elsewhere."
As MiMi Aung, project manager for the Mars Helicopter at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, describes the obstacles NASA has faced, it is clear that this project could mark another chapter in NASA's storied history for years to come.
"The chamber hosted missions from the Ranger Moon probes to the Voyagers to Cassini, and every Mars rover ever flown," Aung said. "To see our helicopter in there reminded me that we are on our way to making a little chunk of space history as well."
What Is Movember?
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A look at the split of Amazon and its founder Jeff Bezos
21 Savage at risk of deportation
A look back at the Paris Climate Agreement
The drama surrounding Google's search engine for China
Understanding meteorology: Weather models and how they work
November weather: Getting you ready for the latest
New Apple products highlight updated features, designs

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Eli Williams, from Vancouver British Columbia, has been an Elvis fan since he was a small child and was exposed to original vinyl albums. In 2007, Eli met Brian Simpson, 4 time World Champion and instructor of the World's only Elvis school, Elvis 101. Immediately, he enrolled, and has never looked back.
Eli's young career was changed drastically by winning the Grand Champion crown at the Pacific Northwest Elvis Festival. With that win, Eli was entered into the Ultimate Elvis, World Championships in Memphis, Tennessee, Eli was extremely successful in Memphis, finishing top 15 in the King of the World, out of 96 competitors. Eli has also won the first Ultimate Elvis Contest in Waikiki, Hawaii, put on by Legends in Concert.
Currently, Eli is enjoying performing the music of Elvis Presley and living the dream of being able to share it with the world!


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New Mexico becomes latest state to ban 'conversion therapy' for minors
The state's Republican governor signed the bill banning "conversion therapy" — which does not apply to clergy — into law Friday.
By Erin Rook Saturday, April 8, 2017
Conversion therapy has been knocked down in another state.
New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez signed a bill Friday banning the use of therapies aimed at changing sexual orientation or gender identity on minors, the Human Rights Campaign reports.
"As a survivor of conversion therapy that happened right here in my home state of New Mexico, it's a very special day to see this barbaric and dangerous practice banned in the place that I grew up and call home," said Equality New Mexico Executive Director Amber Royster.. "My hope is that parents and families everywhere will think twice before seeking to change their LGBTQ child or loved one, and now we have the legal mechanism to ensure it doesn't happen at the hands of licensed practitioners in New Mexico."
The law, sponsored by Democrat Sen. Jacob Candelaria and Democratic Rep. G. Andres Romero, apply to physical and mental health care providers, but not to clergy. It also outlines disciplinary measures state licensing boards can take against offenders. Candelaria called the bill's signing a "historic action" that transcends partisan divisions to protect all children.
"In New Mexico, we value and celebrate every child for who they are. I want to thank Governor Martinez for having the courage to stand up for the simple truth that every LGBTQ kid in New Mexico is born perfect," Candelaira said. "I also want to thank the victims of conversion 'therapy' who came forward to support this bill. Their stories did not fall on deaf ears. They turned their suffering into a force for good, and because of them, and for them, we have made history."
The dangerous and discredited practice of so-called "conversion therapy" has been outlawed in at least six states — California, Vermont, Oregon, New Jersey, New York, and Illinois — and four cities — Seattle, Miami Beach, Cincinnati, and Washington, D.C.
Clergy, Conversion Therapy, Gov. Susana Martinez, Law, New Mexico, Reparative Therapy
Judge compares transgender teen Gavin Grimm to civil rights icons
NBA says N.C. law change makes Charlotte eligible to host 2019 All-Star Game


Great location at an affordable price and low taxes! This lovely home is within walking distance to the train and downtown Westmont, blocks from excellent dining, shopping and Westmont and Clarendon Hills parks. Situated on a quiet, family-friendly street, this home has an open floor plan, three bedrooms, newer kitchen and appliances, 1.1 bathrooms with a whirlpool tub, a partially finished basement, and a beautiful fenced in and landscaped backyard with trees and perennials. The bedroom on the upper level is large and can be converted into two separate bedrooms. There is plenty of space to add on to the existing building. Excellent schools and lots of green spaces around. Recent updates: windows (2017), roof (2018), oven, refrigerator, washer, dryer, entrance and basement doors all in the past few years. The home is freshly painted and ready for your personalization.


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5th Edition of the ANZAC CUP in historic Villers-Bretonneux this weekend
April 18, 2013 /in Uncategorized /by afleurope
By Thomas Urban
For many years, the city of Villers-Bretonneux has organized a whole week of festivities around the ANZAC Day (historic movies, photos exposition, visit of memorials). In 2009, some Australians with strong connections with the Villers-Bretonneux battle contacted CNFA (governing body of Australian Football in France) to organize a game between French and Australian expats in Europe, with the Australian team to be known as the Aussie Spirit. After 2 years playing on a soccer field, the city of Villers-Bretonneux and CNFA hired a farmers field in front the Memorial. Those involved in the event love to think that this site is where the first Australians played football in France, in 1916. Unfortunately this year the event has reverted back to the towns pitch because of increased cost to rent the field, however we hope that for the centenary we will be able to return to the oval looking up and the hill and memorial.
CNFA continue to promote Australian Football in France and develop the game in as many cities as possible. France has a relative lack of commemorative sports games except the ANZAC Cup. This provides them the opportunity to make some waves and let people know what Australian Football is and that it is not just an Australian sport but also a French one.
Villers-Bretonneux is a part of Australia: Melbourne Café, Victoria Street, Victoria School… When you arrive in VB there is an unusual feeling you are in France but also in Australia. It is natural that CNFA continue to play a role in the events of the week. As Australia has the MGC, CNFA dreams that VB oval will be the national ground and maybe one day the Essendon v Collingwood game will be played over at the foothills of the memorial.
The score of the game doesn't matter, the friendship between our 2 countries is the most important. That's why together we created the ANZAC: to keep the Spirit. Lest we forget.
www.football-australien.fr
Tags: AFL, ANZAC, Aussie Rules, Cup, Europe, Events, France
afleurope http://afleurope.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/AFLEurope-3.png afleurope2013-04-18 10:00:132013-04-18 10:00:135th Edition of the ANZAC CUP in historic Villers-Bretonneux this weekend
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AFL Europe Championships Finals - Croatia vs Germany
Get your free NAB Challenge Pass now
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Easter Series comes to exciting conclusion in Copenhagen Round 4 Schedule


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Bureau County Republican
GARY A. JAMES
Share GARY's life story with friends and family
Born: July 13, 1941
Died: November 24, 2020
The family of Gary A. James, 79, of Princeton, IL sadly shares the passing of their sweet husband and dad due to complications of the Covid virus. Gary and Pat began their journey of 53 years of marriage in 1967, a rookie cop and a naive preacher's kid. He proposed after three days but they had a two year courtship. When two daughters, Karen and Laura, were born, he parented them with unconditional love, wisdom, and was so proud of the fine women they became. His girls were so proud of their dad.
Gary was born in Oklahoma City to Alton and Eileen James on July 13, 1941. He was a graduate of U.S. Grant High School, after which he joined the U.S. Coast Guard. He later graduated from Central State University. As a teen, he was a proud cadet in the Civil Air Patrol which began a lifelong passion for aviation. He was still in touch with many friends from his CAP days. To say Gary loved aviation is a huge understatement! He was a WWII aviation photographer and historian, with over 50,000 slides of military aircraft which were meticulously researched and organized, and he traded slides with people all over the U.S. and the Netherlands. He and Pat spent hours at airports with the understanding that one airport equaled one antique store! He could smell an airport and would start sniffing when one was near! He was also a member of the Oklahoma Air National Guard for twenty years.
In l967, Gary joined the Oklahoma City Police Department and found his niche early-on in crime scene reconstruction. He was a supervisor in homicide, the head of white collar crime, and worked on special projects for the chief's office. In 1979, Gary was one of two OCPD forensic investigators chosen to study at Scotland Yard. This opportunity of a lifetime changed the trajectory of the rest of his career and the way in which the OCPD organized investigations.
After twenty one years, the state training agency for police, the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training, asked Gary to join their staff to teach crime scene reconstruction full-time. He traveled the state teaching, later moving into management. He would often take his classes outside, set up crime scenes, and was known for his expertise throughout the state. He was also an adjunct instructor for The University of Central Oklahoma.
After retiring from CLEET, he provided courtroom security for the U.S. Marshall Service. Gary ended his career working in safety and security for the First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City, where he also volunteered in the kitchen as chief dishwasher for the Wednesday evening meals. He also worked many years for the Affair of the Heart, a regional craft show.
His passion for aviation history was joined in recent years by a passion for woodcarving. Gary was a member of the First Baptist Church OKC Woodchippers and started a woodcarving group at the Methodist church in Princeton, IL. He carved in Bettendorf IA every week, and monthly in Ottawa, IL.
Gary was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City and was currently a member of First United Methodist Church of Princeton, IL where Gary and Pat retired in 2014. He was unapologetic about his devout Christian faith and it was the guiding principle of his life.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Alton and Eileen James of Yukon, OK, Pat's sister, Nancy Liner of Moore, OK, and Pat's parents, Carl and Martha Nelson of Blanchard, OK. He is survived by his wife, Pat James of Princeton, IL; his sister Trudy Lowell and her husband, Ron, of Norman, OK; his daughter Karen Kloepping, her husband Brett and his two grandchildren, Trent and Tricia Kloepping, all of Princeton, IL; his daughter Laura Spence and her husband, Mark Pickett of Martinsville, IN; Pat's sister, Becky Wood and her husband James of Choctaw, OK. There is a host of cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends who loved him like family. Gary was the rock of the extended family and was always there for them in time of need and for the many who sought his wisdom over the years. He had a multitude of lifelong dear friends but in recent years had a close personal friendship with Rick Alexander of Blue Hill, ME and Sam Escobedo of San Antonio, TX.
Gary was a quiet, humble man and would have probably never told you about his career achievements since they did not define who he was. He was blessed with such an interesting life and was quietly grateful to God for the doors that had opened for him. While he left his mark in his career, Gary was a loving husband, the best dad, a big brother, and a special friend. He loved his family and friends beyond words. And he was so easy to love. His heart was big enough to embrace anyone who crossed his path and he touched so many lives.
If you want to remember Gary, thank the police officers you see. And search the night skies for the brightest star, realizing that he would want you to know it may be a plane.
"Some glad morning when this life is o'er,
I'll fly away: To a home on God's celestial shore,
I'll fly away (fly away).
I'll fly away, Oh Glory
I'll fly away: (in the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by
I'll fly away (fly away)"
Albert Brumley
Online condolences and memorials may be directed to www.norbergfh.com
Arrangements by Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments.
Published in Bureau County Republican on Dec. 2, 2020.
No memorial events are currently scheduled. To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.
Norberg Memorial Home Inc
701 E Thompson St
Guest Book sponsored by Norberg Memorial Home Inc
Such a beautiful tribute to a special man! He is missed! Praying God's comfort and blessing on all of his family!!
Darise Taylor


You're invited to the Children's Museum of Houston to celebrate the first-ever statewide celebration of the first three years of life! Baby Day™ is a time for families to come together and celebrate this incredible period of growth and brain development in our tiniest Texans. Take part in various baby–friendly activities including baby yoga, music class, adult learning classes, and more!


mortgage, to ensuring we are both covered adequately should the un-expected ever happen.
We can offer advice on a wide range of mortgage products, with varying interest rates and repayment options available no matter what your circumstances.
Investing money in property needs careful consideration and you need to be absolutely sure of the risks involved. Buy to let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
When it comes to you, your family, your financial security and your possessions, you will want to protect them. How can Life and Protection insurance help you and your loved ones?
Click here to download our Summer 2018 newsletter.
Infinity Financial Advice Ltd is an appointed representative of Openwork Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The information on this website is for use of residents of the United Kingdom only. No representations are made as to whether the information is applicable or available in any other country which may have access to it.


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Philanthropic Efforts to Battle COVID-19 Around the Corner and Around the World
This Complimentary SSIR Live! Program Will Explore:
How philanthropic resources are being deployed to support medical response, fund vital research, and assist people and organizations who have been directly impacted
The ways in which community foundations are working to move money to where it is needed most
How donor-advised funds are providing support to nonprofits as they continue to provide services during the
COVID-19 pandemic, in the near and long term
Suggestions for funders who want to effectively support individuals and organizations affected by COVID-19 locally, nationally, and globally
As the world battles the COVID-19 pandemic, large amounts of philanthropic dollars are being marshalled to support frontline clinicians and health care workers, researchers, and others striving locally, nationally, and internationally to address the virus' impact on our communities. Funders and grantees are trying to better understand the immediate- and long-term needs of the nonprofit sector.
Locally: The ripple effects of the new coronavirus outbreak are already affecting low-income families, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses. What steps are community foundations—who are uniquely positioned to meet the ongoing needs of local communities—taking to help address these unexpected challenges, protect public health, and assist those affected by the virus and its impact?
Nationally: Nonprofits in the United States are experiencing increased demand for their services at a time when in-person fundraising activities such as galas and walk-a-thons are being canceled. In adverse and challenging times like these, how can national donor-advised funds function as a philanthropic "capital reserve," with funds that are at the ready to be deployed to support nonprofits across the country and beyond?
Internationally: Research and development of drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics have become a global project, with philanthropic resources helping move the most promising therapeutics from the lab, through clinical trials, and into the manufacturing process as quickly as possible. Equally important is the need to ensure that tests, vaccines, and antivirals are available for even the poorest countries. How is direct philanthropic intervention on the part of foundations helping to make this happen?
In this complimentary SSIR Live! webinar, we will explore how resources are being deployed in local communities across the United States and around the world to support organizations combating the new coronavirus. Nicole Taylor, president and CEO of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation (the largest US community foundation), will share information on the work that community foundations are doing across the United States. Kim Laughton, president of Schwab Charitable, will discuss the ways in which the financial resources of national donor-advised funds are being directed into the hands of nonprofits nationally. And Jennifer Alcorn, deputy director, philanthropic partnerships, at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will discuss what the foundation believes are the most pressing global needs during this pandemic.
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM PT


Five key areas of strategic focus for METS Ignited, which have recently been endorsed by its industry-led board, sets the tone for it to realise its vision for the Australian mining equipment, technology and services (METS) sector.
METS Ignited aims to strengthen Australia's position as a global hub for mining innovation and enhance the global competitive of the Australian METS sector, and its strategic direction supports this.
Elizabeth Lewis-Gray, Chair of METS Ignited said that the strategic direction is also aligned to the four broad themes that the Australian Government expects the Industry Growth Centre to achieve under its productivity and innovation agenda.
"Globally, Australian METS have a good reputation of being innovative, and in some capability areas, we are world-leading, but I believe that the sector has the potential to take a greater share of the global market," said Ms Lewis-Gray.
"METS Ignited has identified five areas to direct its focus. These are the capabilities and strengths of the Australian METS sector that it can build to address future challenges and opportunities in the global mining supply chain," she said.
"Greater collaboration across the mining ecosystem is big factor to enable the METS sector to grow. METS companies, researchers and miners can work better together for greater outcomes so the mining innovation can prosper."
"METS companies are the solution providers to mining productivity challenges. Greater willingness by miners to consider innovation in mining products and services will deliver value from mine operations. Researchers can work with miners and METS to unlock research value and commercialisation opportunities."
"Part of our work to do this will start next month as we commence several weeks of industry engagement to begin development of the Sector Competitiveness Plan - the 10-year road map for the METS sector."
"Feedback from industry that comes out of this process will no doubt refine what we need to do in our five strategic areas."
"Plus, over the coming months, we will announce other projects that will help support and test our vision for the sector," said Ms Lewis-Gray.
develop and promote our world-class clusters.
For more information about METS Ignited's strategic direction, download the fact sheet.


WellnessTimes.com: Is Your Cluttered Home or Office Making You Sick?
Lorie wrote the following post for WellnessTimes.com.
Is Your Cluttered Home or Office Making You Sick?
If youre sick of living with clutter, you could be becoming sick in other ways as well. Living in a cluttered environment causes both physical and psychological issues that can adversely affect your health.
survey by the American Psychological Association, most Americans experience moderate to high stress, and 44 percent report that their stress levels have risen over the last five years. A cluttered environment adds to the stress in our lives. Along with being aesthetically overwhelming, clutter also causes immense anxiety due to financial problems resulting from disorganization, such as late fees, missing bills, purchasing duplicate items unnecessarily and storage unit rental fees. Lost things mean lost opportunities, lost time, increased costs and conflict within your family. In addition, excess clouds your clarity.
Click the link below to find out one of the biggest issues people have with clutter.


text:
package v1beta1

type IngressExpansion interface{}

type ReplicaSetExpansion interface{}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
using System.Runtime.Serialization;
using System;

namespace EspaceClient.FrontOffice.Web.ViewModels.ViewModels
{
    public partial class TypeActionGeneraleViewModel
    {
    public long ID { get; set; }
    public string Code { get; set; }
    public string Description { get; set; }
    }
}


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THE FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE
"Security under our constitution is given to the rights of conscience and private judgment. They are by nature subject to no control but that of Deity, and in that free situation they are now left."
-John Jay
One of the things the founding fathers were most driven by, and indeed much of the settlement and foundation of the United States of America, was religious freedom. Many of the immigrants to the Americas were driven by persecution from established religions in various European countries. Jews, Moravians, Hugenots, and many other groups fled to the new world to start up a new life free from tyranny and oppression.
That attitude and the memories of being oppressed, attacked, tortured, and killed for your faith loomed very large in the minds of the founders as they worked on the new country and what it would stand for. More than almost any other right, the freedom of conscience was central to the writings and thoughts of the founders.
What good is it to have liberty if you aren't allowed to believe and think what you wish? How could this new country be a beacon of freedom and the rights of mankind if people were punished for what they believed?
The founders were very, very clear on this topic, writing extensively and passionately against the idea of an established system of beliefs and faith, or any sort of religious persecution. Here are a few samples:
"If I could conceive that the general government might ever be so administered as to render the liberty of conscience insecure, I beg you will be persuaded, that no one would be more zealous than myself to establish effectual barriers against the horrors of spiritual tyranny, and every species of religious persecution."
-George Washington
"We should begin by setting conscience free. When all men of all religions shall enjoy equal liberty, property, and an equal chance for honors and power we may expect that improvements will be made in the human character and the state of society."
-John Adams
"No provision in our Constitution ought to be dearer to man than that which protects the rights of conscience against the enterprises of the civil authority."
The founders were primarily concerned about one religion establishing dominance over all others by using the state's power. And until very recently, the left was very, very concerned about this, calling for freedom and individual choices.
Until recently. Now we're told that what you believe and how you think about things must be either kept to yourself or kept within certain boundaries and guidelines. Increasingly, pressure is on people to think what they want, as long as that's all they do. Acting on your beliefs is considered not just mistaken but evil, if it varies from the left's beliefs.
Very recently in Oregon, a couple with a bakery who declined to make a "wedding" cake for two lesbians were ordered to pay the couple over $100,000 because the lesbians claim they felt "raped" and violated by the bakers declining. And what's more, the Oregon Labor Commissioner Brad Akavian ordered the couple to not ever discuss or talk about their beliefs in public, because he claims they violate the law and are discriminatory.
Now, whatever you think about homosexual "marriage" its obvious that this order violates several basic human rights in the name of shutting down freedom of conscience. Because its not enough to tell people they are free to think and believe what they want. You cannot stop someone from doing so. That's like saying someone is free to like bacon, no one can prevent it.
The freedom to act upon and shape your life based on your conscience is paramount for liberty, because if you must do only what you're told, it is irrelevant what you believe and you have no freedom at all.
The anti-communist efforts of the 1950s were awful and wrong because of this basic principle. It is this truth about rights and beliefs which defines why the McCarthy era was so anti-American. Putting aside the truth of many of his claims and stated concerns, the tactics and attitude of the time was wrong. Yes, Communism is an evil ideology. Yes, its insidious and horrible and was creeping into society at all levels, so much so that we have a flat out open and avowed communist as a serious presidential candidate on the Democrat party side today (Sanders).
But the persecution of people and the attempts to crush the movement, arrest its members, deny them free access to society, etc based on their beliefs and ideology was wrong. The entire process was a violation of constitutional rights and the foundational concepts of liberty in the United States, no matter how real the threat.
We have a basic system in this country already in place even in the military where someone's conscience is considered so sacred and so important that even during the draft, people cannot be forced to violate it. Conscientious Objectors are allowed to serve without directly violating their beliefs by killing others. The entire reason behind this is that we understood - in the past - in this nation that what you believe impacts and shapes what you do, and forcing people to violate their conscience is a tyranny which must not be tolerated in the state.
The government must never, ever, under any circumstances, punish people for what they believe. And what's more, they must not at any time punish people for acting on that belief, unless it represents a significant and important violation of a superior human right.
In other words: never should the government punish someone for believing in Azathoth even if that belief leads them to not sell sunblock to white people. However, the federal government must interfere if that cultist tries to sacrifice someone to Azathoth.
Today, we're told that we have a right to "dignity," according to Justice Kennedy on the Supreme Court. Not only is this a ridiculous, outrageous fiction akin to declaring that up is down and cake is pie, but its wholly without possibility of enforcing or protecting. The implications of this absurd statement are almost impossible to express and we'll be seeing that very soon, I am certain.
But even if there was such a right, even if "dignity" was a human right, or the more commonly insisted upon right to not be offended, it would not trump freedom of conscience.
Let me restate that
Your desire to feel good about yourself or not be offended does not trump my freedom of conscience.
You may not violate my conscience because what I believe I makes you feel bad. And the right to act upon that conscience must be defended and protected by the state, not violated, no matter how bad it makes someone feel.
But even if you somehow did have a right to not be offended, it is a lesser right than freedom of conscience. This is patently obvious, if for no other reason than because that offense and how you feel is your conscience and beliefs being acted upon. You are being hurt or offended because of what you believe. So your reaction to someone's behavior is a demonstration of your freedom of conscience\. Your freedom of conscience does not trump someone else's.
The way the left treats Islam is an example of a better approach to conscience. Islam as interpreted by modern clerics and in the Koran is a pretty awful religion in terms of human rights and basic liberties. It crushes the rights of women, it requires submission to a single state faith, and so on.
However, as long as Muslim faith does not begin to violate these rights, they should be free to believe and act as they choose. The left shows how this can be done by protecting the rights of Muslims and not allowing them to be silenced or shut out of public areas. Now, they're doing so not out of any allegiance to freedom of conscience, its part of their infantile oppressor/victim worldview, but the end result is what we should see for all faiths and beliefs.
Oliver Wolcott at the Connecticut Ratifying Convention has a troubling warning in his thoughts on the 1st amendment, however:
"Knowledge and liberty are so prevalent in this country, that I do not believe that the United States would ever be disposed to establish one religious sect, and lay all others under legal disabilities. But as we know not what may take place hereafter, and any such test would be exceedingly injurious to the rights of free citizens, I cannot think it altogether superfluous to have added a clause, which secures us from the possibility of such oppression."
One of the main purposes of the first amendment was to protect people from religious discrimination and oppression. It was meant to prevent the state from imposing one system of ideology over all others, to stop one faith system or belief system from dominating and oppressing any others.
There is legislation moving through the House of Representatives right now that would protect a church from federal penalties for refusing to hold a homosexual "wedding." This is legislation that should not even have to be considered. But these are the times we live in. Michael Foucault has a different kind of quote, one which more closely reflects modern thought on the topic than the founders:
"Freedom of conscience entails more dangers than authority and despotism."
Now this is taken out of context and doesn't mean exactly what it sounds like, but its a statement of how the left seems to view the world today. Your beliefs are sinister and dangerous and must be stopped because they are getting in the way of what I believe, we're told. Recently a congressman argued that religious beliefs must be restrained only to inside religious institutions, and this is mainstream thought in many universities and colleges. Only bad comes from religion, we're told - at least, the organized religions they recognize.
Demanding that people be compelled to participate, support, and in their business assist in what they believe is wrong is a fundamental violation of liberty and the freedom of conscience. This is not some strange new reactionary idea, it is one of the most bedrock concepts of American liberty. Further, it is so patently obvious and common sense that only someone fundamentally foolish or at least temporarily insane could possibly question it.
This is not open to any level of debate. There is no right to compel others to violate their consciences. Period. Full stop. Absolutely none. There is only the tyranny to force them to at the barrel of a gun. And is that really the world you want to live in and see your kids grow up in?
Well written - thank you.
1:29 AM, July 13, 2015
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Add the San Antonio Spurs to the list of teams pursuing sharpshooter Ray Allen.
ESPN.com has learned that the Spurs are trying to barge their way into the race to sign Allen ... which first, of course, requires one of the 39-year-old's suitors to persuade him to play next season.
Allen announced last month that he's still deciding if he wants to play what would be his 19th NBA season.
The uncertainty, mind you, has had zero impact on interest. The reigning champs from San Antonio join Doc Rivers' Los Angeles Clippers and, of course, LeBron James' Cleveland Cavaliers on the list of elite teams pursuing Allen. The Dallas Mavericks have also tried to make a play for Allen this summer, and there are surely other suitors yet to be identified since he remains available.
"It's August, and I don't want to rush to judgment," Allen said earlier this month at the Jim Calhoun Charity All-Star Classic in Connecticut. "I want to get to September and see how I really feel."
Allen has been a member of championship teams in Boston (2008) and Miami (2013), and he holds the NBA record for most 3-pointers made both in regular-season play (2,973) and the postseason (385).


What is the current train of thought on propellers in regards to nylon vrs wood? I hope I am not showing my ignorance. I do remember plastic props. I think they were nylon... not sure. I seem to remember the wood would run in a more true fashion and the nylon would flex more. BUT the wood would chip and wear faster and were more dangerous in regards to coming apart?
I need some thoughts, info, perspectives.
For your average .049 to 1.2 size stuff APC props can't be beat. They also have electric only props up to 24".
Wood props, Xoar is the go to manufacturer.
I like the Master Airscrew glass reinforced ones the best because they sometimes survive a noseover. APC is more efficient. I only use the old Tornado and Top Flight non reinforced ones for lower performance motors, but like them. I find the blades may not track properly, but when running, they straighten out. At certain rpms they flop around a bit. Most of the newer ones seem to be balanced well from the package, unlike the older ones and the wood ones. Wood varies in density. I don't use large props over 14" though. I think wood may be a better choice for that, as they are usually gas and have a big enough flywheel to idle well.
I received some purchased props in the mail the other day. I am prop-ing three engines. An Enya 15, an Enya 45, and a OS 60. Getting back into it as I am, I want to get them on a test stand and warm them up a bit so I can evaluate them. I have a new test stand on the way from the UK. It looks finely made. It is metal and quickly mechanically adjustable for many size engines.


UPDATE: Reading United has announced that they will be broadcasting both Semifinal matches on Saturday live on YouTube. Watch the Ocean City Nor'easters game at 5 p.m. HERE.
The Ocean City Nor'easters are set to take on the Charlotte Eagles on Saturday at 5 p.m. in the PDL Eastern Conference Semifinals. The semifinals and finals will be played on Don Thomas Stadium in Reading, Pa.
The Charlotte Eagles were crowned the regular season Eastern Conference champions after finishing with the most points across the three divisions. Their 34 points (11-2-1) are tied for third best across the entire 67-team Premier Development League. Eagles defender Macauley King is the 12th-ranked PDL prospect. Santiago Moar led the team in the main offensive categories, scoring eight goals and adding four assists in 14 appearances. He is only one of two players that played in every match for Charlotte this year.
Nor'easters forward Nathan Regis spent the last PDL campaign with the Charlotte Eagles. His play earned him a spot on the All-PDL team and after getting a taste of winning a national title with Pfeiffer University (and winning the NCAA Division II Player of the Year award), he is anxious to bring Ocean City its first national championship.
Regis finished the season tied for the league lead in assists with nine, which also tied the Ocean City single-season record.
Seven of those nine assists went to his teammate and the PDL's leading goalscorer Chevaughn "Chevy" Walsh who only needs one goal to break the club record for goals in one season in all competitions. He led the PDL in scoring in the regular season with 14 and scored in Tuesday's playoff-opening win over GPS Portland Phoenix to give him 15, which ties him with Ruben Mingo's total from the 2004 season.
That win over the Northeast Division champion Portland Phoenix was played at the University of New England in Maine. It was the first playoff win for the Nor'easters since their run to the national semifinals in 2013. They won 3-1 with goals by Walsh, Regis, and Mutaya Mwape.
The Nor'easters and the Charlotte Eagles may play in different divisions but they have a long history together. In fact, the very first game in club history back in 1997 was played against the Eagles. Things were much different back then. Both teams were members of the USL's D-3 Pro League and the Nor'easters were known as the South Jersey Barons. On April 18, 1997, the Eagles prevailed when the match finished 1-1, but Charlotte won the shootout. In the last game of the season that year, the Barons won the rematch 2-1 at home.
The Nor'easters have never played the Eagles as a PDL team, but as a pro team (1997-2002) they played each other five times with Ocean City finishing with a 2-3 record. The last time they met was the biggest. The two teams squared off in the D-3 Pro League's National semifinal in 1999 with South Jersey winning 3-2 in a shootout to reach the championship game. They would fall 2-1 to the Western Mass Pioneers in the title game.
The Nor'easters moved from the D-3 Pro League to the PDL ahead of the 2003 season, while the Eagles played their last pro season in 2014 before joining the PDL.
After the Eagles and Nor'easters play at 5 p.m. on Saturday, the second semifinal will follow between the hosts Reading United and the Carolina Dynamo. Reading defeated the Western Mass Pioneers 3-1 to earn a spot in the last four while the Carolina Dynamo dominated SC United Bantams with a 4-1 victory.
The two semifinal winners will need to recover quickly to play in the final on Sunday night 7 p.m. in Reading.


When: Friday, April 5th at 2:00 p.m.
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – More than 20 first responders spent the week training alongside Corpus Christi firefighters and paramedics learning new search and rescue techniques. They will soon return home to teach other firefighters the new procedures. Join us today as the group graduates from the fire department's training program.
Reasonable accommodations are provided upon request and in accordance with the American Disabilities Act. For assistance or to request a reasonable accommodation, please call 361-826-2940.
For more information contact Public Information Manager DeAnna McQueen at 361-826-2940 or by email at deannam@cctexas.com.


text:
FeaturedKankakee CountyNews
Bradley-Bourbonnais moves to remote learning till September 10th
BRADLEY – Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School is moving to remote learning, beginning Thursday.
"Wednesday, August 26th BBCHS will be using a remote planning day for teachers. Therefore, there will be no instruction for students." Superintendent Dr. Scott Wakeley said in a press release Tuesday night. "Beginning Thursday, August 27th BBCHS will continue by utilizing our Remote Learning Plan."
Dr. Wakely indicated in a letter to parents Tuesday the current intent is to not stay out, but go back to blended learning once numbers drop. The move from blended to remote learning is part of a fluid process subject to change based on. guidelines from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and other local agencies.
"This is an extremely difficult decision that was reached based on many considerations and conversations." Wakeley said in the release. "Our expectation is to make a return on September 10, 2020 to in-person blended learning after these new mitigation requirements from the governor are lifted. We recognize that there is no escaping inevitable positive COVID-19 cases even upon our return."
The move comes hours after Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced new mitigation restrictions for the South Suburban Region 7, which includes Kankakee County. Among new migitations includes limited gatherings, including less than 25 people or 25 percent capacity per building.
Since Monday, 70 new cases of COVID-19 have been announced in Kankakee County, including 18 new cases announced Tuesday.
Last Friday in a letter to parents, BBCHS reported it's first case of COVID-19 among it's community.
"We appreciate your patience and support. We ask that you partner with us in following IDPH guidelines in order to do our part in keeping this virus under control. Stay safe!" Dr. Wakeley told the BBCHS community Tuesday night.
"RED ALERT" for anyone who lives here, Gov Says of Kankakee, Will Residents
Skate Plaza closed in Bourbonnais after acts of vandalism
BBCHS Coach: 'We will lose sports again' if attempts to control...
Grab & Go meals essential to area schools during closures


Error: Error validating access token: Session has expired on Sunday, 09-Dec-18 10:40:35 PST. The current time is Tuesday, 23-Apr-19 03:11:14 PDT.
HENDERSON, Ky. (July 26, 2018) – With many schools slated to begin across the Commonwealth, Kentucky State Police are urging motorists to be alert for loading and unloading school buses. As a reminder, Kentucky law (KRS 189.370) requires that if any school or church bus used in the transportation of children is stopped upon a highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging passengers, (with the stop arm and signal lights activated) the operator of a vehicle approaching from any direction shall bring their vehicle to a stop and shall not proceed until the bus has completed receiving or discharging passengers and has been put in motion. The stop requirement provided for in this section shall not apply to vehicles approaching a stopped bus from the opposite direction upon a highway of four (4) or more lanes.
Passing a loading/unloading school/church bus is a class B misdemeanor for the first offense and a class A misdemeanor for the second offense. Any person who violates this law will be subject to being cited or arrested.
Another concern is speeding motorists in school zones. Be aware of school zones in your area and remember to adjust your speed accordingly. Effective July 13, 2004, the fines have been doubled for speeding violators in school zones where the speed limit has been lowered and flashing lights have been installed and are flashing at the time.
Be aware of the street traffic around you. Drivers are required to follow certain rules of the road concerning school buses; however, not all do. Protect yourself and watch out!
Everyone needs to be buckled up properly. That means older children in seat belts, younger children in booster seats, and little children in child safety seats.
For the next six weeks, KSP troopers will be increasing stationary and moving patrols in school zones during the morning and afternoon hours. Motorists who routinely travel corridors with school zones should be mindful of the restricted speed limits during these times.


text:
package org.wickedsource.docxstamper.api.coordinates;

import org.docx4j.wml.Tc;

public class TableCellCoordinates extends AbstractCoordinates {

    private final Tc cell;

    private final int index;

    private final TableRowCoordinates parentTableRowCoordinates;

    public TableCellCoordinates(Tc cell, int index, TableRowCoordinates parentTableRowCoordinates) {
        this.cell = cell;
        this.index = index;
        this.parentTableRowCoordinates = parentTableRowCoordinates;
    }

    public int getIndex() {
        return index;
    }

    public String toString() {
        String toString = String.format("paragraph at index %d", index);
        return parentTableRowCoordinates.toString() + "\n" + toString;
    }

    public Tc getCell() {
        return cell;
    }

    public TableRowCoordinates getParentTableRowCoordinates() {
        return parentTableRowCoordinates;
    }
}


Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). Resident Information. Office of Housing and Urban Improvement. Register for CERT Training CERT training with the Pompano Beach Fire Department will include interactive hands-on training.
Pompano Beach FL Real Estate. Homes for You. newest. 101 briny ave apt 2808, Pompano Beach, FL. 1 day on Zillow. 2375 SE 8th St Pompano Beach FL 33062. House for sale.
Since the opening of THRIVAS, Fort Lauderdale has served as the company's headquarters and our South Florida staffing agency and recruitment agency operations center.


text:
Q: Problem with links I have a few links on my home page witch shows on tabs. Links looks like /a10/o(example). When i deploy my app from na24 to na34 when i click on that links show me message not enough privileges. When i look on same tab like in na24,they have different ids. In Na24 is a10/o in Na34 is a1k/o,what to do? i get this message.

A: These initial three chars are object name of any custom object in your org. that is why they are different from one org to another. In your case you between NA24 and NA34.
You need to check profile permission for this object. You should have read permission on this object.
Go to Setup-> Users-> Profile -> Object Name

A: As suggested by other members, ids are org-specific - you should rely on something more robust for your logic, otherwise it can also get way too complex to maintain.
Also a reminder that read permissions for the given object can be given through various approaches:

*

*Org-wide defaults;

*Profiles;

*Permission sets.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


We are the number one glass contractor in San Jose, CA that has been helping the residential and commercial clients with top-of-the-line glass work. We provide the emergency board up services and can be hired, anytime, for the services such as commercial store front repair, patio door glass replacement, insulated glass replacement, and window repair, etc. We work 24/7, so our glass services can be hired, anytime.
For San Jose, CA residents, the A-Christian Glass & Mirror provides unparalleled residential glass replacement, repair, and installation services. From glass partitions to installing the frameless glass shower door and window glass replacement, etc. whatever glass work you require, we will help you with specialized services in a timely and the most effective manner. We commit our clients the finest services at the cheapest rates.
Our commercial glass services are known to be the best services in San Jose, CA as well as in many other areas of the United States. Our team is active 24/7 to help our commercial clients with the services such as storefront replacement, storefront repair, and office partitions, etc. From insulated glass repair to window replacement at your office, we will provide you every single service with quality assurance.
We provide the best quality glass products that a customer can get either at our glass shop in San Jose, CA or by visiting our website. We offer glass fixtures such as the glass shower door, frameless shower door, glass and mirror, replacement shower glass, and wall mirror, etc. Doesn't matter if you are looking for the glass shower doors or if you need any other glass fixture, you can go online and explore the entire range of available products on our website.


Being part of the AACSB Business Education Alliance means that businesses can acquire and share insights that strengthen their training and development programs while helping to improve the quality of business education worldwide. Below is a comparison of the benefits available across all business member categories.
Use of the Business Education Alliance logo on your website, making it easy for your association to be recognized as part of the world's largest global business education network, connecting educational institutions and businesses to develop exceptional global leaders.
Access to the AACSB Exchange, featuring a robust membership directory, peer-generated content and is your networking tool to connect with experts within schools of business—and within leading corporations—worldwide.
Listing in the International Conference and Annual Meeting magazine-style conference journal.
Complimentary copies of the award-winning BizEd magazine—in print and online—which delivers authoritative coverage of global business education, including insights, trends, and innovations.
Subscription to the Leading Insights, News, and Knowledge (LINK) bi-weekly email newsletter that delivers the newest, most relevant information in global business education to members and subscribers. As a content hub for numerous AACSB and industry publication platforms, LINK keeps you up to date on AACSB news and trending issues in business education.
Exclusive access to register to attend the annual Deans Conference.
AACSB's Deans Conference is the premier event for connecting with business school leaders, discussing today's challenges and opportunities, and shaping the future of business education.
More than 4,000 USD in annual discounts, including AACSB event registrations, advertising, sponsorship opportunities, and exhibits.
Access to DataDirect—the largest and most comprehensive business school database in the world, providing high-quality data and insights on the characteristics, practices, trends, and environments of business programs worldwide. Access a variety of benchmarking tools to generate reports. Use the reports to identify potential collaborators, to research program or salary trends, to browse innovative activities, and more.
Executive Members have access to all overview reports as they become available. (Associate) Business Members may request one (1) overview report within a 12-month period.
Listing in AACSB's Business Services Directory, which includes your logo, company description, and website link.
Complimentary sponsored content article on bized.aacsb.edu (6,200 USD value).
Please contact engage@aacsb.edu for availability.
Limit: one submission per fiscal year.
One-page print advertisement (1,500 USD value) in an AACSB conference journal. This is a 6" x 8.625" booklet distributed to conference registrants. The program is also available online in digital format.
Reserved table during the Beta Gamma Sigma International Honoree Luncheon, held in conjunction with the AACSB International Conference and Annual Meeting.


Patients diagnosed for a serous ovarian borderline tumor (s-BOT) typically present with an excellent clinical outcome. However there have been controversies concerning the prognostic impact of so-called implants, an extra ovarian spread occurring alongside the s-BOT in certain cases. It remains obscure whether these implants actually resemble metastasis owning the same genetic pattern as the ovarian primary or whether they develop independently.
The current study, in the aim of further clarifying the genetic origin of implants, assessed BRAF/KRAS hot spot mutations and the p53/p16INK4a immunophenotype of s-BOTs and corresponding implants (n = 49) of 15 patients by pyro-sequencing and immunostaining, respectively.
A significant proportion of both s-BOTs and implants showed KRAS or BRAF mutation and though p16INK4a was found to be abundantly expressed, p53 immunoreactivity was rather low. When genotypes of BRAF/KRAS mutated s-BOTs and corresponding implants were compared no patient presented with a fully matching mutation profile of s-BOTs and all corresponding implants.
The current study reveals genetic heterogeneity of s-BOTs and implants, as none of the markers examined showed constant reciprocity. Hence, our findings may assist to explain the different clinical presentation of s-BOTs and implants and might encourage to applying more individualized follow up protocols.
Serous ovarian borderline tumors (s-BOTs) and advanced stage invasive ovarian cancer (IOC) differ regarding morphological, clinical and molecular characteristics. s-BOTs show an atypical degree of proliferation lacking obvious stromal invasion . According to the Malpica grading system s-BOTs may be associated with low-grade IOC , while high grade IOCs show marked nuclear atypia and mitotic activity .
Usually s-BOTs are characterized by their excellent clinical outcome as compared to advanced stage IOC [3, 4]. Though, it needs to be noted that, in contrast to IOC, s-BOTs frequently affect younger patients and might, in certain rare but not insignificant cases, also progress into low grade IOC [1, 5]. Since it remains challenging to identify patients at risk, it has been discussed repeatedly, to which extent so called implants, representing extra-ovarian lesions coincidentally occurring in about 20% of particularly serous s-BOT cases, influence patients' prognosis [1, 4, 6]. While it is broadly accepted that implants presenting with invasive features are of adverse prognostic significance [7–9], the impact of non-invasive implants is less clear. As stated by the WHO non-invasive implants have no to little effect on patients' outcome, while invasive implants are associated with increased recurrence rates and a significantly reduced 10 year survival . Hence it is critical to further investigate implant pathophysiology and genetic origin.
It remains to be elusive whether implants actually arise independently alongside the ovarian s-BOT as part of a field effect, or whether they may directly develop from the ovarian primary resembling its metastasis. Within the first scenario implants are supposed to be of heterogeneous origin and thus comprise a different genetic pattern as compared to the ovarian tumor while metastases are postulated to rise in a clonal manner and thus should closely mimic their primary. In general, since clonality of neoplastic lesions is discussed to be of prognostic significance, determining the mutation status of s-BOT and their corresponding implants may turn out to be of clinical use.
To address this question, this study employed pyrosequencing of KRAS (Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog) and BRAF (v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1) hot spot regions in s-BOTs and corresponding implants. Since both KRAS and BRAF are known to be frequently mutated in s-BOTs , they are especially suitable to indicate a possible genetic descent of extraovarian implants in s-BOT patients. BRAF and KRAS are upstream activators of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade which is commonly hyper-activated in different types of human cancer .
Further, p16INK4a (p16) and p53 immunoreactivity of s-BOTs and associated implants was compared. p16 acts as a cell cycle inhibitor antagonizing MAPK signaling and is compensatory up-regulated under hyper-proliferative conditions including high risk human papilloma virus infection or oncogene activation [13–15]. Accumulation of the tumor suppressor protein p53 was observed in malignant cells  thus leading to the assumption that mutation in TP53 may cause overexpression of p53 protein [16, 17]. Up to now the mechanism leading to p53 up-regulation remains to be controversial . Today, assessing p53 by immunohistochemistry instead of TP53 mutation analysis is a well-established method [18–21] and has been intensively studied [22, 23]. However, it needs to be mentioned that so far p53 immunohistochemistry may not fully resemble TP53 mutation testing. Though high grade IOC is characterized by p53 overexpression, the latter is considered a seldom event in both low grade IOC [24, 25] and in s-BOTs . We included both p16 and p53 immunohistochemistry in order to investigate whether these markers might be useful to match implants and their corresponding s-BOT(s).
Ultimately, our goal was to clarify whether implants actually resemble the mutation (regarding KRAS and BRAF) or protein expression (regarding p16 and p53) profile of corresponding s-BOTs. Further insights on origin and genetic causes of both s-BOTs and corresponding implants may help to identify patient subgroups that might benefit from more individualized therapy.
In total 15 patients (Table 1), that had undergone surgery at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich due to a suspected ovarian tumor between 2003 and 2009, were included in this study. All patients were diagnosed for either uni (n = 9)- or bilateral (n = 6) s-BOTs and concomitant implants. One up to 19 implants (total number: n = 49) were identified in each patient. Patient age at surgery ranged between 22 and 75 years (median = 46 years). Histological diagnoses according to the FIGO criteria were conducted at the Department of Pathology of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich by two experienced gynecological pathologists. All tumors were of serous histology and were staged analogically to invasive carcinomas of the ovary. Five patients were classified as FIGO II, while the remaining 10 patients were staged as FIGO III.
n.a. = not applicable. The total number of implants diagnosed in each patient is displayed in the "number of implants" column and the count of how often each mutation profile was observed is specified in the "mutation profiles" column.
All implants were non-invasive according to the WHO criteria and presented with serous histology. In four cases the patient had one implant, in six cases two and in the remaining cases three or more. Differentiation between non-invasive and invasive implants was performed according to criteria of the WHO  by two experienced gynecological pathologists at the Department of Pathology of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich. According to the WHO, the diagnosis of non-invasive implants was performed when they were typically localized on the surface, in submesothelial spaces or with extension into interlobular fibrous septa without infiltration of the underlying tissue. In contrast, diagnosis of invasive implants was made when the lesions disorderly infiltrated the normal tissue with irregular borders and showed nuclei resembling cells of low-grade serous adenocarcinoma.
Follow up data of all patients were available and retrieved from the Munich tumor registry. As of September 2013 three patients from the cohort had already died at the age of 78 years, 75 years and 73 years. Since just one of these deaths was reported as being cancer related, the remaining two cases were excluded from survival analysis. Mean follow up was 4.8 years (95% CI = 3.5 years - 6.2 years) and the only cancer related death was observed in a woman that died at the age of 78 (2.6 years after surgery).
The study was approved by the ethics committee of the LMU of Munich. Patients' data and samples were anonymized and processed in compliance with the guidelines of the Helsinki Declaration of 1975.
Sections of standard paraffin-embedded tissue were stained for p53 (ThermoScientific, Munich, Germany and p16 (CINtec®Histology, Roche, Mannheim, Germany using Ventana Benchmark® XT (Roche) in an automatic manner. The signal was quantified using a semi quantitative method  by two independent observers by consensus. At a glance the immuno-reactive (IR)-score quantifies intensity (1 = low, 2 = moderate, 3 = strong) and percentage of stained cells (0 = no, 1 = less than 10%, 2 = 10%-50%, 3 = 51%-80%, 4 = 81%-100%). Multiplication of these scores results in the IR-score ranging from 0 to 12. In this study the IR-score was subdivided as follows: IRS = 0, IRS = 1, IRS = 2 - negative; IRS = 3, IRS = 4 - weakly positive; IRS = 6, IRS = 8 - moderately positive; IRS = 9, IRS = 12 - strongly positive.
Hot spot mutations in KRAS exon 2 and BRAF exon 15 were analyzed. For each s-BOT/implant sequencing analysis of KRAS and BRAF was done on the same anatomically micro-dissected tumor/implant sample. KRAS/BRAF genotyping was performed by PCR and direct sequencing in a German reference laboratory for KRAS mutation testing (Department of Pathology, LMU of Munich). All tumors/implants underwent micro-dissection, followed by DNA isolation using DNA Micro-Amp-kits (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) according to the manufacturer's protocol. Mutation testing in codons 12 and 13 of the KRAS proto-oncogene was done by pyrosequencing employing Qiagen's PyroMark GoldVR kits together with a Q24 pyrosequencer device (Qiagen). This procedure was used to detect mutations in the KRAS proto-oncogene with a specificity of 0.98 and sensitivity of 0.99 [28, 29].
Following DNA isolation BRAF exon 15 was amplified [PCR buffer, 1.5 mM MgCl2, 200 nM dNTPs, 400 nM primers, 1 U Hotstar Taq-polymerase (Qiagen)] using the following primers: forward 5'-TGAAGACCTCACAGTAAAAATAGG-3', reverse 5'- TCCAGACAACTGTTCAAACTGAT-3'. PCR products were processed using Pyro-Gold kits (Qiagen) together with 3 nM of the corresponding sequencing primer employing the PyroMark Q24 device (Qiagen). The PyroMark™-Q24 software (Qiagen) was used for data analysis.
For all statistical calculations Superior Performance Software System 19 was used. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test, Mann–Whitney U Test and the Spearman correlation coefficient were employed to analyze data. Values are displayed in terms of mean ± standard error and p-values lower than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.
None of the s-BOT samples examined was rated as highly (IRS > 8) positive for p53. Less than half of all patients were found to carry at least one s-BOT rated as either weakly (n = 5; 5/15; 33.3%) or moderately (n = 2; 2/15; 13.3%) positive for p53 and in eight (8/15; 53.3%) cases p53 was not detected at all. In contrast, p16 was abundantly expressed with the majority of patients showing up to strong (n = 4; 4/15; 26.7%), up to moderate (n = 5; 5/15; 33.3%) or at least weak (n = 4; 4/15; 26.7%) p16 positivity. Consequently, the overall immunoreactivity level for p16 was significantly higher (mean IRS = 6.0 ± 0.8 vs. mean IRS = 2.5 ± 0.4; p = 0.001) than for p53. Immunoreactivity of p53 and p16 (Figure 1) did not correlate and none of the both was significantly associated with clinical tumor staging.
Representative microphotographs of immuno-histochemical p53 (A, A', B, B') and p16 (C, C', D, D') staining are shown. A, A', C, C': serous ovarian borderline tumor (s-BOT); B, B', D, D': implants associated with s-BOT(s). Scale bars in A/A' equal 100 μm and apply to A-D/A'-D'.
Immunohistochemical analysis of p53 in implants (Figure 1) revealed strong p53 positivity in one (1/49; 2.0%), moderate in another one (1/49; 2.0%) and weak in nine (9/49; 18.4%) implant samples. In terms of patients, only one patient was identified with an implant strongly expressing p53. This patient (#3 in Table 1, Additional file 1) presented with an implant also strongly expressing p16. Further this implant was found to carry both KRAS p.G12D and BRAF p.V600E at the same time. Moreover another seven patients showed either up to moderate (one patient with moderate p53 expression in one implant) or up to weak (six patients with at least one weakly stained implant in each patient) positivity for p53, respectively. No p53 positive implant at all could be identified in the remaining seven cases. Yet again overall immunoreactivity for p53 was significantly lower than for p16 (mean IRS = 1.7 ± 0.3 vs. mean IRS = 5.4 ± 0.6; p < 0.001), though regarding implants expression of the two correlated (p = 0.032). About one third (15/49; 30.6%) of implants was found to be negative for p16. Twelve implants were weakly positive (12/49; 24.5%) for p16, while 22 (22/49; 44.9%) implant samples were identified as highly or moderately expressing p16, respectively. In respect to patients, nine (9/15; 60.0%) of them were diagnosed with at least one implant overexpressing p16.
KRAS/BRAF genotypes were determined by pyrosequencing in s-BOTs and implants (Figure 2). Regarding the ovarian primary the BRAF variant p.V600E was observed in at least one ovary of about half of all patients (8/15; 53.3%) while KRAS alterations (p.G12V, p.G12D, p.G12A) were detected in six patients (6/15; 40.0%; Table 1). Just one patient with a bilateral s-BOT did not show either KRAS or BRAF mutation. A combined KRAS-BRAF mutation in the same s-BOT was detected in three patients (3/15; 20.0%) while another patient was identified with single KRAS p.G12V in the s-BOT of the left ovary and single BRAF p.V600E in the s-BOT of the right ovary. BRAF or KRAS mutated tumors were not significantly different in respect to their p53, p16 immunophenotype. Moreover, no relation of KRAS or BRAF mutation and clinical tumor stage was observed.
Representative pyro-sequencing mutation analysis results are shown. The BRAF wildtype allele (A) is frequently mutated (B; p.V600E) in s-BOTs and implants. An amino acid substitution at codon 12 in KRAS (D; p.G12A) alters wildtype KRAS (C).
When implants were analyzed, about one third (16/49, 32.7%) of all implant samples presented a single point mutation in codon 12 of the KRAS gene (p.G12V: 13/49, 26.5%, p.G12D: 2/49, 4.1%, p.G12A: 1/49, 2.0%). The BRAF sequence variation p.V600E was detected in 15 (15/49, 30.6%) implant samples. Regarding total implant count (n = 49) a co-existing KRAS and BRAF mutation per sample was detected in 4 (4/49, 8.2%) implants. BRAF mutated implants showed a trend (p = 0,057) of higher overall p16 immunoreactivity though no such relation was observed for p53.
Patient wise five patients (5/15, 33.3%) were found to carry a KRAS mutation in at least one implant while BRAF p.V600E was detected in ten (10/15, 66.7%) patients. A coexisting mutation of KRAS and BRAF was observed in implants of four (4/15, 26.7%) patients and four (4/15, 26.7%) presented only without either KRAS or BRAF aberrations in their implants regarding the gene loci studied.
To address the question whether implants are developing alongside the ovarian primary or whether they directly spread from there, s-BOTs and their corresponding implants were compared regarding p53, p16 expression and KRAS, BRAF genotype. By contrasting s-BOT cases and their implants we found a strong correlation in terms of mean p16 (p16 [s-BOT] - p16 [implant]: p = 0.006; Table 2) but not p53 mean immunoreactivity.
In case of more than one implant or in case of bilateral s-BOT mean IR-scores were used to correlate s-BOTs and associated implants. ns = not significant, cc = correlation coefficient (Spearman's rho), ** Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed) and significant results are shown in bold.
Out of the 15 patients examined within this study four cases were found to show wildtype genotypes regarding both BRAF and KRAS in their s-BOTs as well as in all the implants diagnosed in these particular patients.
Four out of the six cases that had been diagnosed for a KRAS mutation of their s-BOTs presented with a matching KRAS mutation in at least one implant while a KRAS mutation different from the one found in the s-BOT was not detected. A complete match of a mutant KRAS allele in s-BOTs and all implants was just observed in a single patient that notably had only one implant at all and did not match regarding the BRAF allele. One patient in this study carried the KRAS p.G12D allele in an implant though no KRAS mutation at all was detected in the corresponding s-BOTs. Vice versa, two patients presented with a KRAS mutated s-BOT though their implants only carried the KRAS wildtype allele.
In seven out of eight patients diagnosed with a BRAF mutated s-BOT the same BRAF mutation was found in at least one implant. Notably, four of these patients (BRAF mutated s-BOT and the same BRAF mutation in at least one implant) also carried implants that were found to have a BRAF wildtype genotype. In one case BRAF p.V600E was not detected in any implant, though BRAF p.V600E was found in the s-BOT of this patient. The other way round three patients only carried BRAF mutated implant(s) though the ovarian lesion was homozygous for the wildtype allele.
In conclusion, when genotypes of BRAF/KRAS mutated s-BOTs and corresponding implants were compared no patient presented with a fully matching BRAF/KRAS mutation profile of s-BOTs and all implants observed in the particular case (Table 1).
Advanced stage IOCs are supposed to initiate from TP53 mutated ovarian surface  or fallopian tube  epithelium. As mutation in TP53 may cause its up-regulation, protein over-expression of p53 is frequently assessed [18–21]. This study performed immunohistochemistry to determine p53 up-regulation and defined p53 overexpression for strongly positive (IRS > 8) cases. Unlike p53, the cell cycle inhibitor p16 is routinely assessed to sub-classify certain neoplastic lesions. Physiologically, p16 acts as tumor suppressor inhibiting cell cycle progression hence attenuating mitogenic effects. Cellular stress factors like for instance oncogenic activation, as mediated by HPV infection or constitutive activation of mitogenic pathways (e.g. KRAS mutation) trigger compensatory p16 up-regulation [13–15]. This study detected a trend of higher p16 expression in BRAF mutated implants leading to the conclusion that p16 may act to attenuate BRAF induced cell cycle progression signals. When s-BOTs and their corresponding implants were contrasted regarding KRAS and BRAF mutation status. s-BOTs and implants correlated in respect of p16 expression. A significant proportion of s-BOTs and implants investigated here were negative for KRAS and/or BRAF mutation anticipating that in patients without KRAS or BRAF mutations other genetic events are likely to contribute to s-BOT development and implant formation. Regardless the fact that aberrations in KRAS and BRAF had been closely associated with development and progression of s-BOTs [32–37], other oncogenic routes, e.g. mutation of p53, being capable to initiate malignant transformation, need to be speculated for s-BOTs carrying KRAS/BRAF wildtype alleles. Yet, regarding s-BOTs in this study neither expression of p53 nor of p16 was significantly altered comparing KRAS/BRAF mutated vs. wildtype s-BOTs. These findings lead to the conclusion that even in absence of mutated KRAS/BRAF, initiation of s-BOTs is not reliant on p53 or may necessarily alter p16 expression.
In contrast to BRAF/KRAS, mutations in TP53 are reported to be rare in s-BOTs. Comparable to others , this study did not detected strong immunoreactivity for p53 in any s-BOT case, confirming thus the hypothesis that s-BOTs and advanced stage IOCs arise via different genetic pathways. Unexpectedly, herein coexisting BRAF and KRAS mutations were observed. This finding is unlikely to be due to sequencing inconsistencies, as the methods employed to determine BRAF and KRAS mutation status had been intensively validated [28, 38, 39]. KRAS mutation analysis was taken out at a German reference laboratory for KRAS mutation testing at our institute. Though coexistence of mutations occurring in BRAF or KRAS has been assumed to be mutually elusive, such phenomena were recently observed in colorectal adenoma/cancer [40, 41] and ovarian malignancies [42, 43]. Implant formation is a relatively seldom event in s-BOT genesis. However, since just s-BOT patients diagnosed with concomitant implants were included in the current study, it is hard to compare our data to studies mostly reporting on BOTs in general (regardless of the diagnosis of implants). A constitutive activation of two directly coupled downstream signaling partners in the same pathway is unusual. This is why we assume that coexisting KRAS, BRAF mutations in the same s-BOT may be indicative for a secondary genetic event or may reflect a possible polyclonal origin of s-BOTs and implants.
Extraovarian lesions associated with s-BOTs are referred to as implants, which present as small nodules mostly located on the omentum and peritoneal surfaces. For other neoplasias such a spread beyond the tumor is termed metastasis, assuming that cells initiating it have originally settled there from the primary tumor. Indeed, it is widely unknown whether implants actually rise as metastasis of the primary ovarian neoplasm or whether they rather represent in situ lesions of extraovarian tissue. The latter hypothesis would presume different, distinct genetic changes characterizing implants vs. s-BOTs, indicating that they have developed independently. The current study addressed this question by comparing s-BOTs and corresponding implants regarding genetic alterations associated with initiation of ovarian tumors. Since full penetrance of either KRAS or BRAF aberrations was not observed in any patient, our data suggest that s-BOTs and implants develop independently and possibly do not derive from the same precursor lesion. Most studies undertaken so far used hyper-methylation analysis to determine tumor clonality and agree on the finding that s-BOT and corresponding implants show mono- as well as polyclonal descent [44, 45]. In contrast to IOC [46–48] it has been suggested earlier that s-BOT are of multifocal genesis and that associated extraovarian tumors rise independently [44, 45, 49]. Accordingly, the present study strongly supports multifocal origin of s-BOTs and their associated implants as no fully matching mutation profile among s-BOTs and their corresponding implants were observed. In order to prove this, we employed state of the art mutation analysis and immune profiling. Taking into consideration that clonal descent would imply the presence of a common genetic pattern, our data prove that at least some implants may have risen independently from the ovarian malignancy diagnosed in the same patient. Statistical association of p16 immunoreactivity in implants and the corresponding s-BOT(s) may reflect the fact that p16 is regulated by external triggers like for instance virus mediated oncogenic activation or stimulation of mitogenic pathways [13–15]. These may similarly affect both s-BOTs and implants hence provoking similar secondary events (e.g. compensatory p16 up-regulation) that not necessarily claim to be linked to s-BOT/implant origin. Since studies on the genetic descent of implants only employed small patient numbers, it is imperative to evaluate this topic on a larger scale in order to validate our conclusions.
Malignant transformation of non-invasive implants and hence worsening of clinical presentation is a process depending on time and requires a minimum 10 year follow up [3, 4] period. Due to the fact that the follow up of the cohort studied herein is relatively short, statistical survival analysis has not been performed. Nevertheless our finding that s-BOTs and associated implants are heterogeneous lesions may explain a different clinical presentation of s-BOTs and implants and might encourage to applying more individualized follow up protocols.
By contrasting BRAF/KRAS genotypes and p53/p16 expression profiles of s-BOTs and their corresponding implants this study revealed genetic heterogeneity of the two. When genotypes of BRAF/KRAS mutated s-BOTs and corresponding implants were compared, no patient presented with a fully matching mutation profile of s-BOT and all corresponding implants, hence hypothesizing that s-BOTs and implants are not likely to arise from a common precursor lesion.
The authors thank Simone Fenn for carefully reading the manuscript.
SH significantly contributed to data interpretation, statistical analysis and drafted the manuscript. KG and HH performed the experiments and significantly contributed to data analysis. Design and coordination of the study was done by DM, AB, ML, JE and UJ. DM initiated and supervised the study. All authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript.