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P.D. Workman
Ruby Between the Cracks
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No Naked Ads -> Here! $urlZ Ruby between the cracks, p.28
Ruby Between the Cracks, p.28
Ruby took one of the pills that Charlie's doctor had given her with a glass of water. She looked at herself in the mirror, touching her short hair where she'd gotten the stitches. A couple more weeks and she'd be able to wear her hair normally without the shaved spot showing. She put a ball cap on to cover it up for now. She took a couple of aspirins for her headache and shrugged on her Jag jacket. She stood looking at herself for a minute, put her hands over her stomach briefly, and left the apartment.
Ruby was lonely. Charlie was working long shifts lately, and she missed him. She caught a bus over to find the Jags. The boys were mostly at the cafe making plans for the night. Ruby slid into one of the booths.
"Hey, Ruby."
"Wh-what're we g-gonna d-do?"
"You want to help us get some money?"
Ruby hesitated for just an instant.
"Good. You and Terry, you're gonna have a talk with the old man who runs the little bar on the avenue. He closes early. You up to it?"
"Uh-huh. T-terry g-got'is p-piece?"
Terry nodded, patting his pocket.
"Always do."
"Wh-when's he c-close?"
"Terry'll fill you in."
Ruby nodded and listened to them discussing their other plans. She got up and motioned to Terry. He slid past the other boys and joined her at an empty table a few booths down. Terry sat down and put his arm around her.
"So, baby?"
"Tell m-me about th-the b-bar."
He filled her in on the details, and Ruby listened carefully.
Ruby stood by the door, keeping a lookout. Her hat was pulled down low over her eyes so she wouldn't be easily recognized. She kept one eye on the door and one eye on Terry and the old man.
"You're t-takin' t-too long," she told Terry uneasily. He glanced at her.
"Shut-up," he said tightly.
Ruby shifted her feet nervously, looking out into the darkness for any sign of trouble. Terry was stuffing money into his bag, but Ruby didn't like the look of the old man. He looked up at the door too often. His eyes should have been glued on Terry. His hands should have been shaking. Ruby's heart thumped harder and her chest tightened. She swallowed.
"C-come on."
"Hold your horses."
Terry turned and looked at her angrily.
"We'll leave when I'm ready!" he snapped.
Ruby scowled and stared out the window. She spotted reflected blue lights.
"Cops!"
She burst through the doors and sprinted down the street. She had worked on walking a lot with her physiotherapist, but not on running. Her pace felt awkward and unnatural. She glanced quickly over her shoulder for Terry or the cops. No-one had followed her. She hoped that Terry had gotten away unseen. She turned into a side street and saw a police car ahead. She slowed to a walk and stuck close to the shadows in the wall. The last thing to do was look suspicious. They shone their spotlight on her. Ruby stopped walking and didn't move.
"Stay where you are."
Ruby stayed.
"Raise your hands above your head."
Ruby obeyed. One of them got out and cuffed her. The spot moved out of her eyes. The cop looked at her for a minute, frowning.
"Aren't you Charlie's... ?"
Ruby nodded.
"You're going to have to come in with us."
"Were you at the bar?"
Ruby looked at him and didn't answer. He shrugged and guided her to the squad car.
They sat her down in one of their offices rather than an interrogation room.
"So where were you tonight?" one of the officers questioned.
"C-can I c-call Ch-charlie?"
"I'll call him for you, if you like."
Ruby nodded in relief. The cop shrugged.
"Is he on shift?"
"Y-yessir."
"I'll track him down. What do you want me to tell him?"
"Th-that I'm here. I asked f-for him."
The officer nodded and left her there. Ruby sat back and looked around while she waited.
"What's up? Where's Ruby?" Charlie questioned worriedly.
"I'll take you in to see her in a minute," Devon advised. "Can't you keep her out of trouble?"
"I'm not her parent, keeping her out of trouble isn't my job. What she decides to do in her spare time is none of my business."
"Even if she kills someone, hey?"
Charlie looked at Devon sharply.
"She didn't kill anyone."
"She was involved in heisting a bar. If it went bad, she could just have easily been guilty of murder."
"Was she armed?"
"She was lookout. The bar owner gave a pretty accurate description and we picked her up about two minutes after she fled the scene."
Charlie shook his head.
"Well, let's go have a talk with her."
Devon nodded.
"This way."
Charlie followed him to the office where Ruby was waiting. She looked up, and looked relieved to see him.
"Hi, Ch-charlie."
"Hi, sweetie. How're you doing?"
Ruby shrugged, and looked at Devon. She wanted him to just spill it all so that she could go home. But Charlie had said before that he wanted her to be honest with him before he heard something from the other officer.
"I w-was at a b-bar," she started out.
"A bar that was being robbed?" Charlie questioned, shaking his head a little, eyebrows up.
Ruby nodded, looking down at the desk.
"Yeah," she admitted.
"Who was with you, baby?"
"I c-can't s-say."
Charlie looked at Devon.
"Did you get him?"
"Oh, yeah. He didn't even get out the door."
Charlie looked at Ruby.
"So who was it?"
"He c-could be l-lying," Ruby pointed out, eying the unfamiliar officer.
"He's not lying."
"It was Terry Wilkes," Devon offered. "We've got him in the next room."
"Y-yeah."
"Not very smart, sweetheart," he said.
"I kn-now."
"You want to tell me about it?"
"Wh-what's to t-tell?"
He looked at her for a minute, thinking about it.
"You were standing lookout?"
"How about we write up a statement?"
Charlie nodded.
"Devon will get you a pen and paper."
Ruby shook her head.
"I c-can't write."
"Sure you can, baby."
"N-not since the s-stroke," she explained.
Charlie hesitated.
"We'll have to take it down for you, then."
It was slow work. Prompting Ruby what to say, Ruby's hesitant words, writing down what she said. Ruby tried to talk normally and clearly, but her tongue just couldn't keep up. She kept getting tangled up. It was difficult work. They finally got the statement written up and Ruby signed it.
"C-can we g-go home?" she asked.
"Will you release her to me?"
"Sure, Charlie."
"Okay. Let's go home, darling."
Ruby got up. Charlie took her out to his car. Ruby sat down. She was silent for a while as they drove home.
"Am I
g-going t-to jail?" she questioned finally.
Charlie glanced at her and licked his lips while he thought about how to answer her.
"Hopefully we can get you probation. But when they look at your arrest record, they might want to give you juvie for a few months."
Ruby didn't say anything.
"You can handle it, honey. It's no worse than your time in rehab."
She nodded and stared out the window. Charlie wasn't comfortable with the silence.
"It'll go fast, baby. I'll come see you."
He put his arm around her and pulled her close.
Clive sat down with Ruby after the trial.
"You're in a lot of trouble, Ruby," he said, his voice serious, his eyes stern and steady.
"I pleaded g-guilty," she pointed out.
"And now you're going to juvenile detention."
Ruby shrugged.
"I suppose you don't care."
"If you want to stay out of trouble, stay away from the gang," Clive said. "It's not rocket science, Ruby. All of your criminal charges have been related to your involvement with the gang."
Ruby rolled her eyes. She carefully readjusted her ponytail to make sure it covered the short hair over her scar. Clive watched her impatiently.
"You're just a kid who won't be helped, aren't you?"
"Well, then... I'll let you get on your way to detention."
"How're J-june and J-justin?" Ruby questioned.
"They're doing pretty well. They're still in foster care."
"G-good."
"It's too bad you couldn't have stayed with them for longer, really gotten to know them."
They let Charlie be the one to drive Ruby to juvie. He unlocked her cuffs once they got to the car.
"You going to be okay?"
"It's only for a few weeks. Just a couple months."
"Then you can come back."
Ruby nodded in agreement. They drove out to the youth detention center.
"Okay, sweetie. This is it. Come on."
He walked her into the reception area and gave the guard her papers. Ruby fidgeted as he read them over and tapped her vital statistics into the computer. He finally looked up, nodding.
"All right. Isn't she restrained?"
"No. She's fine."
"She has to be restrained."
Charlie reached for his cuffs.
"Sorry, darling."
She handed him her pocketknife, and hugged him. Charlie squeezed her gently and kissed her on the forehead.
"Okay, babe."
He slipped the cuffs and put his hand on her back to lead her over to the big door. The admitting guard buzzed them in and took Ruby by the shoulder.
"Thanks. I'll get her processed and be right back."
"See you tomorrow, honey."
The guard took her through another door and down the hall. He took her into a corridor lined with cells where there was another guard on duty, sitting halfway down the hall reading a paper.
"New kid. Take care of her."
The other guard put his paper away noisily and came down and took Ruby by the arm. The other guard left. The new one hustled Ruby down the hall to the shower room.
"Strip down and shower."
Ruby hesitated, looking at him. He unlocked the cuffs over her wrists and checked her pockets. The he stood back, leaned against the wall and motioned to the shower.
"Go on."
Ruby slowly took off her shirt and turned her back to him.
She felt small and insecure when the guard took her to a cell. She was damp and chilled from the shower, and hated wearing a uniform. The guard opened the door and pushed her forward. Ruby stepped in and he shut the door behind her. Ruby sat down on the bunk, looking around. She already missed Charlie. She was used to seeing him every day, sleeping with him at her side. And now she was going to be alone every night. Her stomach felt tight and empty. She just wanted to put her arms around Charlie.
They hadn't given her any sort of orientation. The guard had not said one more word than was absolutely necessary. She didn't know if she was going to be alone all the time, if they were going to let her be around other kids, or whether she would have a cellmate. She lay down and stared up at the ceiling, her heart pounding and stomach twisting.
They brought her a tray for supper. The guard opened the door and put the tray down on one of the bunks and the door shut again. Ruby nibbled at the food half-heartedly, but it was tasteless and sloppy. It made her gag. She left it and laid down again. The guard didn't say anything to her when he collected her tray. Ruby lay there alone until the lights went on and then into the night. She laid there staring at the dim window, tired but too anxious to sleep.
In the morning a guard brought her a breakfast tray and left it without a word. After he was gone, Ruby stood at the door trying to see out the narrow window. All she could see was the other side of the hallway. She sat down and ate the toast and juice that came with her breakfast.
It was mind numbing, being in that little room all by herself, without anywhere to go or anyone to talk to. She tried to talk to the guard when he came to pick up her tray, but he just looked at her without a word.
It didn't matter who Charlie talked to, he couldn't get in to see Ruby. He went every day, but they told him that she was in solitary and couldn't have visitors.
It had been a week when he noticed her pills in the medicine cabinet. He put them in his pocket for when he went to the detention center again. When he got there, he handed them to the guard, explaining that Ruby had accidentally left them at home. The guard shrugged, looking at the bottle.
"We don't allow any pills in the Center."
"They're prescription."
"They're still pills. I'll have our doctor examine her, but if he doesn't concur that she absolutely needs them, she doesn't get them."
"Ruby gets severely depressed. She can't get on without these for long."
"She's made it a full week. Doesn't sound to me like she needs them."
"You can't withhold medication from her," Charlie warned.
"You'd be surprised what we can do. I'll pass these on to the doctor."
"Can I see Ruby today?"
The guard tapped her name into the computer, and shook his head.
"No. But she'll be coming out of solitary tomorrow. You can't see her in the morning, but you could come by towards the end of the day."
"I'll be on shift by then."
"Then come by the day after that." The guard shrugged.
"I hope you realize I will be making a formal complaint about the way Ruby has been treated. You can't tell me why she was put in solitary, and you won't let anyone see her."
"Go ahead. It's Center policy. You're not going to change it."
The door opened and the guard stood there. Ruby waited for him to leave a tray and disappear.
"Come with me," he ordered.
Ruby stood up and followed him out of the cell. He handcuffed her and took her down the hall. They walked by a common room, and Ruby caught a glimpse of other inmates. But they went quickly by. Down to the showers again, to strip and shower quickly in the cold water. Then dry off with a rough, dingy towel and pull on a new prison uniform. When she finished, the guard cuffed her again, and they started back towards Ruby's cell. But they stopped partway down the corridor and he nudged her towards the common room. He stopped her in the doorway and took off the cuffs. Ruby walked into the room, dazed. He
r hair was still dripping down her neck and back and she had not expected to be allowed to be around other people. She stood there like an idiot, looking around the room and unable to take anything in.
"Kinda overwhelming, huh?" a heavy girl sitting nearby commented, watching Ruby.
Her voice was hoarse, and she cleared her throat and swallowed, trying to think of something to say.
"That's why they do it. Helps keep newbies from stirring things up."
Ruby nodded again.
"Just sit down and watch TV. That's what you're supposed to do."
Ruby saw the screen anchored to the ceiling over by the wall. She found an empty chair and sat down, staring at the flickering screen. That way she didn't have to talk, didn't have to introduce herself, didn't have to do anything but try to soak up her new surroundings.
"Hey, you. Simpson. Wake up."
Ruby started and raised her head. She had nodded off without even realizing it. She felt like she was shut off inside, like she was a robot just trying to move around like a real person. She straightened up and looked around. The girl who had wakened her, slim and boyish, grinned.
"Hey, don't let them get inside you," she advised. "They can't stop you from being you."
"Don't let them get to you. They just want you to be compliant and quiet. But you don't have to be. There's no rule that says you can't talk and mix."
Ruby looked around, wakening a little more.
"I f-feel s-so d-dopey," she said, rubbing her eyes. The other girl's eyes narrowed.
"You didn't take anything, did you? Because they can't make you take pills. They can't force you."
"N-no. I d-didn't t-take anyth-thing."
"You always talk like that?"
Ruby concentrated on making her words clear.
"Yeah. I had a s-stroke."
"Oh. What was that like?"
"S-scary."
"Huh. But you still look normal. It's just that lisp, or stammer or whatever."
"I'm s-sorta c-clumsy t-too."
The girl's eyes flicked over her.
"You don't look clumsy."
Ruby looked around the room.
"Is th-this everyb-body?" she questioned.
"The whole place is broken into small units like this. Each block has its own schedule. Right now, it's free time. You can be in your cell or in the commons. Sometimes we get to go other places."
"Where else?"
"Outside in the yard, if the weather is nice. Library, weight room, laundry, stuff like that. Kitchen or shop if you have 'privileges'."
Ruby nodded. Some of that was familiar from talking with Jags who had been in juvie before. She tried not to look at the TV, because it seemed to hypnotize her. Whenever she watched it her eyelids started to droop. Ruby rubbed her eyes again and looked at the girl.
"Wh-what's your n-name?"
"Carlton. J.C."
"I'm Ruby."
"Simpson, yeah. It's on the door of your cell."
"Don't worry. You'll get used to this before long. They only keep you isolated in the beginning, or else if you break rules. Otherwise you can go where you want, on the schedule."
"And you'll get to know everyone pretty quick. And some of the time we're scheduled for something at the same time as the guys in block C," she raised her eyebrows, looking sly. Ruby smiled.
"G-great!"
A guard motioned to Ruby from the doorway.
"Simpson."
Ruby looked around at the other girls to see what to expect. None of them seemed interested. J.C. shrugged at her. Ruby followed the guard out. He handcuffed her and hurried her down the hall. She was shown to a room with a table and two chairs and nothing else. Ruby went in and he shut the door. Ruby sat down on one of the chairs, feeling queasy and uncertain. She waited for the door to open.
When it did, it was Charlie. Ruby jumped up. He stepped in and hugged her, squeezing her tightly.
"Hi, gorgeous. How are you?"
He kissed the top of her head and held her close, rubbing her back and stroking her still-damp hair.
"There, honey. It's okay. They wouldn't let me see you. I have to go to work. But they wouldn't let me see you until now. I've been trying to get in to see you."
"Th-they had m-me in iso."
"That's what they told me. Are you okay now?"
"Are they giving you your pills?"
"No. Th-they d-didn't give m-me anything."
"I told them to give you your Prozac. They said the doctor would talk to you?"
"No-one's t-talked to m-me."
"I'll tell them again... I don't want you going off the Prozac, you haven't even been on it for long enough for it to start working."
Ruby nodded. She didn't care about the Prozac, just about feeling his arms around her again. Finally. She had lost count of how long she had been in isolation. It had been so long since she had seen him.
"It d-doesn't m-matter."
"I want them to take care of you. I don't want you getting down."
"I'll b-be okay."
Charlie backed up a bit and bent down so that he could kiss Ruby. He broke away far too soon.
"I'm sorry. I have to go to work. Already late. I just had to see you before I started. I'll be back after I'm off. In the morning. Then we'll have a real visit."
"Ok-kay," Ruby agreed.
"Bye-bye, sweetie."
She kissed him one more time, and he reluctantly pulled away and left her there, his mouth a grim line and his eyes sad.
The guard came back in.
There was nobody around when Ruby got back to the common room.
"Wh-where is everyb-body?" she questioned.
"Library or weight room."
"T-take me t-to the w-weight r-room?"
He looked at his watch, sighing in exasperation.
"I suppose."
He took her through the halls past a locked door to a different section, where he led her into the weight room and unlocked her cuffs. He left, letting the door slam shut behind him.
Ruby looked around. A few of the girls she had seen before were there, but mostly it was boys. Ruby admired them as they worked out. One of them noticed her looking at him, and grinned.
"Hey, come spot me," he suggested.
Ruby walked over.
"Wh-what d-do I d-do?"
He gave her instructions.
"You're new," he commented.
"What'd you do?"
"Kn-knocked off a b-bar."
"Mmm." He grunted as he lifted the weight. Ruby watched his muscles work.
"Ruby." His eyes flicked over her. "Quite a gem, huh?"
Ruby smiled. She helped him rest the weight back on the rack, and he stretched.
"What do you want to try?" he questioned.
Ruby looked around at the various stations and pointed to one.
"Th-that one."
"Okay. Come on. I'll show you."
Ruby enjoyed the closeness as Max worked with her and demonstrated, and spotted her to make sure that she was working the right muscles. But it made her more aware of how much she was missing Charlie, too. She put it out o
f her mind and tried to pay close attention to Max and concentrate on just the two of them.
Max was impressed with her discipline and form. Her training with Dickenson had paid off, and although her day-to-day movements were sometimes clumsy, if she was concentrating, her movements were very smooth and well-planned. Dickenson had helped her develop an awareness of all her muscles, and had helped her work on them. The motions that Max showed her were familiar and natural already. And although she wasn't bulky, her muscles were strong. Max was favorably impressed.
"You got a good body," Max commented. "You should work out more."
"G-guess I g-got the ch-chance, n-now."
"Yeah, take advantage of it. If you don't know what to do, there's always someone here who knows."
Ruby nodded. She rested for a moment, and looked around the room.
"N-not a l-lot of g-girls," she commented.
"That's another advantage," he said with a grin.
Ruby smiled.
As usual, Ruby lay awake for a long time. She never seemed to be able to sleep when she wanted to. She hated to sleep alone, and always her thoughts went back to Stella and Marty. And on her failure to get pregnant again. She didn't know what she was being punished for, except that Stella had died, and it was her fault. She couldn't even make up for it. She couldn't do anything to make it right. All she could do was toss and turn and think about her failures.
Charlie was there to see her in the morning. He smothered her with hugs. Ruby pulled away from him after a moment.
"I c-can't breathe," she protested.
He laughed, and realized she was handcuffed.
"What did they do that for?" he gestured to their surroundings, "We're in a locked room with a guard on the door, what're you going to do? They already took my sidearm."
He looked at the cuffs, and dug a key out of his pocket.
"Think that'll do?"
Ruby held still while he unlocked them, then put her arms around her.
"Th-that's b-better," Ruby approved, melting into him.
"How're you doing, sweetie?"
"I sure miss you."
"M-me t-too."
"I don't know how I'm going to wait until you get back. I'm about ready to break you out of here already," he said.
"It's n-not th-that b-bad."
"Are you sure? Have you had any trouble, like in rehab?"
"N-no. N-not yet."
"Good. I don't want you getting in any trouble—or getting hurt."
Ruby rolled her eyes.
"I j-just g-got out of s-solitary."
"No time to get in trouble yet?"
The long visit with Charlie was good. Ruby got back to the common room and watched TV and talked a little with J.C. When she mentioned meeting Max in the weight room, J.C. grinned.
"Max? He's a good guy to know around here."
"He s-seemed okay."
"Yeah. You wanna make an impression on people around here, you stick with him."
Ruby nodded, understanding.
"Wh-when d-do we s-see him—th-them again?"
"We don't always share with them. Usually we're just by ourselves. Max always works out. Weights, in the yard, whatever. He doesn't do the library or anything."
"So... wh-when... ?"
J.C. shrugged.
"A couple days. A week maybe."
"He tell you what he's in for?"
"Killed a girl."
"How c-come?"
"Why does anyone kill their girlfriend?"
"She w-was m-messing around?"
"Why don't you ask Max?"
Ruby frowned and didn't respond. She turned her attention back to the TV for a while, thinking J.C.'s responses through. She wondered whether she should get more involved with Max, or keep away from him. Ruby wondered what J.C. was trying to do to her—whether she was being friendly or trying to get her in more trouble.
Ruby saw Max a couple of days later outside in the yard. He sauntered over to her.
"Hey, Ruby. Been working out some more?"
He put his hands on her shoulders and squeezed her biceps. He nodded.
"You keep it up. You'd be surprised how a few muscles improve your looks."
He took his hands off her shoulders and leaned on the wall behind her. He was extremely close to her. Ruby shifted, slightly uncomfortable. He bent down and kissed her. Ruby was startled but didn't pull away. He put his arms around her.
"All right, you two, break it up!"
Max pulled away slowly and looked around at the guard.
"Mind your own business."
"No physical contact in the yard."
"I said get lost," Max said tightly, sizing the guard up. He was bigger and stronger, the guard was no match for him if push came to shove.
"You want to go to iso?" the guard demanded. "Is that what you're asking for?"
Max slowly released Ruby from the embrace. The guard nodded.
"I don't want to see you two together again. Just cool off."
Max licked dry lips.
"You can't control who I talk to," he challenged.
"I'm warning you, Terrace, I'm not taking any flak from you. Just try me."
Max stared at him. The guard finally backed off and walked away. Max looked down at Ruby.
"He's bluffing," he assured her. "He can't stop us from talking."
Ruby shrugged. Max continued to look at her.
"Tell the guard you gotta go to the can," he suggested. "Duck into the guys instead of the ladies. Wait for me there."
Ruby stood there for a moment, hesitant, then walked away from Max. She walked around the compound aimlessly for a few minutes until she was sure no-one was watching her. Then she went up to the guard at the door.
"I g-gotta g-go."
He nodded and opened the door for her. The only places to go were the restrooms. There was another security door at the end of the corridor. She opened the door to the men's room slowly, and looked around. It was empty. She tiptoed in, and paced around, trying to find somewhere to stand and wait for Max. She felt awkward, and it seemed like a long time before the door opened. It wasn't Max. The boy looked at her, startled, and backed out again. There was enough time for him to look in confusion at the sign on the door, and he walked back in.
"Uh—you're in the wrong place," he said uncomfortably.
"I'm w-waiting for s-someone."
He stared at her for a moment, then grinned.
"Ah. Lucky guy. Do you mind?"
Ruby turned away from him. He finished his business and left. The next time the door opened, it was Max. He smiled.
"Where's Simpson?"
"Ladies'."
"How long's she been in there?"
Tennyson looked at his watch.
"I don't know. Ten, fifteen minutes."
"Go check on her."
"Probably having female problems."
"Go see."
Tennyson looked around the compound.
"Have Naomi check on her."
Weston looked frustrated, but nodded.
"All right." Tennyson watched Weston walk up to Naomi and talk to her for a moment. Then Naomi came up to the door and entered the building. She was out again a few minutes later.
"Restroom's empty," she told him.
"There's no-one there."
Tennyson scowled and followed her inside. The ladies room was empty. But there was a grill on the window and no other way out. Tennyson hurried out o
f the room and went across the hall to the men's. Simpson and Terrace were against the wall in a full embrace, lip-locked. Terrace saw him, and drew back. Simpson looked around and saw Tennyson and she turned away slightly to do up her uniform. Terrace wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, and did up his uniform with the other hand. Both of them were out of breath. Terrace was sweating.
"All right, lovers. Faces to the wall."
Terrace turned around and put his hands on the wall. Simpson was not as quick, but she got the idea and assumed the position beside Terrace. Tennyson handcuffed both of them. Naomi took charge of Simpson without a word, and Tennyson escorted Terrace back to his cell block.
Ruby sat down on her bunk. She noticed that she'd mis-buttoned her uniform and undid it and buttoned it up again. Max was a fast mover. Ruby was sure the guards wouldn't let them get close to each other again. The guard who had let them in from the yard had been pretty red-faced when he busted them.
She got up and looked out the window on the door. She could see nothing. She went back to her bunk and sat down.
"What is she in solitary for now?" Charlie demanded in exasperation.
The guard tapped a few keys, and shrugged.
"It's not logged in the system."
"I want to know what for," Charlie insisted.
"Sorry." Another shrug.
"How long this time?"
The guard looked at the screen for a moment.
"Just today."
"But you can't find out what for?"
"You can't call someone up to find out what she did?"
Charlie shook his head and blew out his breath. He banged his fist down on the counter in frustration.
"I'll be back tomorrow. And she'll be out?"
"Yeah, if you're here this time tomorrow."
Charlie turned and headed for the door. The guard at the desk turned to see who had opened the door behind him. Tennyson stood there and watched Charlie leave.
"What was that about?" he questioned, eyebrows raised.
"Ruby Simpson."
"What about her?"
"Her boyfriend."
Tennyson cocked his head.
"He's Ruby Simpson's flame. Comes by every day to see her."
"Well, she's certainly not keeping her fire burning for him."
"Oh? They seemed pretty hot when they met last."
"She's in iso because she was making out with Maxwell Terrace in the little boys' room."
"You're joking."
Tennyson laughed.
"Nope. You want to see hot, you should have been the one to bust in on the two of them. It's been a while since I saw two people quite so... engrossed."
Ruby spotted for Max while he lifted weights. He didn't have much to say, so Ruby just left him to his own thoughts. She was thinking about Charlie's visit after she'd been put in solitary again. He had been a little bit perturbed when she wouldn't tell him what it was for. But she wasn't about to tell him about Max. When she got out of juvie, it would be just her and Charlie again, but until then, it was in her best interests for people to know that she and Max were involved. Some of the other boys talked to her, but they didn't try anything. Max was too well known—he had quite a rep in juvie. Some of the girls sneered at Ruby for getting involved with Max, but Ruby knew they were just jealous of her.
"You're quiet," Max commented, resting between sets.
Ruby glanced down at him.
"S-so're you," she countered.
"Mmm. What're you thinking about?" He hefted the barbell again.
Ruby laughed.
"Ab-bout you."
Max stopped pumping and looked at her.
"About me?"
Ruby nodded. Max looked pleased. He continued with his weights, concentrating on his muscles. When he was finished his set, she helped him to rack the weight. He stood up and kissed her lightly. Ruby glanced around at the guards. One of them was watching them, but made no move to stop them.
"Ignore him," Max advised. "He's not going to do anything."
He took her face in his hands and kissed her again.
"Come with me."
"Back room. Supply cupboard."
Holding her by the arm, he guided her to a room in the back.
"W-won't th-they..."
Max shook his head.
"Nah, they'll let us alone. Relax."
He started to unbutton her uniform. Ruby stopped him, uncertain. Max looked questioning, and when she didn't say anything, he pushed her hand aside and continued. Ruby closed her eyes and imagined he was Charlie.
Tennyson was snickering when Max walked by. Max sneered at the guard.
"What're you laughing at?"
"You, thinking you're Mr. Wonderful with Simpson."
Max held up the orderly procession out of the room.
"What's the matter," he challenged. "You jealous?" .
"Me? That skinny stick of a girl? She's got a nice face, but I don't know what you see in her."
"Then what's your problem?"
"I'm not the one with the problem."
Max pushed Tennyson into the wall.
"Well, I don't have a problem. So what are you laughing at?" he exploded.
Tennyson's smile disappeared. He straightened his uniform, eying Max.
"She's just playing with you, the same as you play her and all the other girls."
"She's serious," Max assured him, puffing his chest out and lifting his chin. "Believe me, I can tell."
"Tell that to her boyfriend."
"Boyfriend? I don't think so."
"He comes to see her every day. And believe me… they're not just good friends."
Max flushed dark red from his throat up over his face. Tennyson waved to one of the other guards to come over. Max grabbed Tennyson's arm, squeezing tightly.
"Did I mention he's a cop?"
Max stared at him. Two other guards approached.
"You're holding up the line, Terrace. Move on."
Max slowly released his hold on Tennyson's arm, and glanced over his shoulder looking for Ruby. The few girls who had come to work out had already left, exiting the other direction toward their wing. Max filed out, scowling.
Charlie found Ruby even more depressed next time he saw her. He tried to get her to talk to him, but she was very reticent.
"Are they giving you your Prozac yet?" Charlie questioned.
"Has the doctor talked to you?" he persisted.
Charlie searched her face. She continued to look down, away from him.
"You seem really down, sweetie. Are you okay?"
"Ruby... ?"
Ruby looked at Charlie after a moment. There were dark smudges under her eyes. A faint crease in her forehead.
"Ruby, I'm worried about you. Really worried."
Ruby forced a smile, shaking her head.
"It's j-just a few w-weeks," she pointed out.
"That's right. It's not for long."
"Then I'll b-be back w-with you."
"I can't think about anything else. The apartment seems so empty without you."
"I m-miss you t-too."
"I can't wait until you get out of here," Charlie said, clasping her hand.
Ruby nodded, looking away.
"S-so… how's w-work?"
Ruby saw Max on the bench and immediately went over to spot him with his weights. He glared at her. Ruby
stopped, uncertain.
"Wh-what's wr-rong?" she questioned.
"I don't like what I've been hearing about you," Max growled.
"Wh-what?"
"People are talking about us. Say you're two-timing me."
"How c-could I?" Ruby asked with a disbelieving laugh.
"Apparently, you and some cop got a thing going on behind my back. What about that?"
Ruby swallowed. Her mouth went dry.
"Oh. Ch-charlie."
"Charlie?" Max repeated.
"So it's true."
Max stared at Ruby.
"I don't like being made a fool of."
"You n-never asked if I had a g-guy on th-the outside."
"I assumed if you did, you wouldn't start anything with me."
"I d-didn't s-st-start it." Ruby rolled her shoulders uncomfortably, looking away.
"How many others have you got on the menu?"
Ruby studied him, uncertain how to answer. She licked her lips, but it did no good.
"N-none right n-now."
"Right now?" Max demanded.
"What about when you get out?"
"Th-then w-we'll s-see."
Max suddenly started laughing.
"So this is just a casual fling, is that it?"
"You're something else, you know that? I never met a girl like you before."
Ruby breathed out, relaxing.
"Ch-charlie's my s-steady," she explained, "b-but I s-still l-like you t-too."
"You're not involved with anyone else here, right? No-one inside?"
"And this Charlie, he doesn't know... ?"
"N-no. I d-didn't t-tell him."
"Why a cop? How did you manage to get involved with him?"
"He b-busted me. W-we... k-kept in t-touch."
"I'll say."
Ruby shrugged. Shaking his head, Max went back to his routine.
J.C. sat down next to Ruby. She hadn't paid much attention to Ruby lately, and Ruby figured it was because she was settled in now, not the newbie any more. No longer of interest. J.C. put her arm along the couch behind Ruby.
"So, I guess you and Terrace have patched things up."
"Uh, I guess," Ruby said uncertainly, hearing the teasing note in J.C.'s voice.
J.C. snickered.
"Then you haven't heard what he's saying about you, huh?"
"Wh-what's he s-saying?"
J.C. laughed.
"That you're loose. A player."
Ruby swore succinctly.
"Wh-why would he s-say that?"
J.C. hugged Ruby more tightly around the shoulders.
"Because he's mad at you, why else?"
"He w-wasn't m-mad—w-well, at f-first—b-but n-not after w-we t-talked."
"Well, I'd say he's still mad."
Ruby looked at J.C.
"He's n-not s-saying th-that," she protested.
"You better believe it, baby."
Ruby suddenly got uncomfortable with J.C.'s closeness and physical contact, and drew back slightly. J.C. Didn't let her get far.
"What's the matter?" she teased, pulling Ruby back in. "I thought you were easy. Or do you only like boys?"
"L-leave m-me alone," Ruby protested, shifting uncomfortably.
"Aw, you don't have to play hard to get with me, baby. I know your type. Come on, sweetness."
Ruby jerked away and stood up. She looked for some escape, but there was nowhere to go except back to her room. The other girls were turning to watch her, some of them smiling knowingly. Ruby hesitated, then left the common room and went back to her cell.
Ruby was furious with Max. She didn't see him for a week, and she was so hounded by the other inmates that she spent practically all the time in her cell. Even then, if the guards weren't watching carefully, one of the others would slip in to put the moves on her. When Ruby got into the weight room with Max again, she strode up to him and shoved the barbell he was bench-pressing, making him drop it with a crash to avoid injuring himself. He started to swear, sitting up and rubbing his arms where he'd strained his muscles.
"You could kill a person doing that! What are you, crazy?"
"How c-come you're t-talking ab-bout m-me?" Ruby demanded.
"You're crazy! What are you talking about?"
The guards were coming to accost Ruby, but they were in no hurry, taking their time. Ruby slapped Max as hard as she could, leaving the imprint of her hand on his face in bright red. He stood up, grabbing both of her wrists tightly.
"You're getting just what you deserve," Max said furiously, his eyes mean. "You wanted to play the field? Now you can. Anyone you like, they all know all about you."
The guards got to them, but Max didn't let go. He shoved Ruby into one of the weight machines, still holding on. Ruby swore at him fiercely, but couldn't find the words to express herself. Her tongue was tied except to swear at him over and over. She tried to twist out of his grip, but he was too strong.
"And you know what?" Max added. "I don't know why I ever even looked at you twice. You're not worth it."
"Let go, Terrace," one of the guards ordered.
Max eventually released Ruby. The guards went for him first, and in the split second before they could put their hands on her, Ruby lashed out and struck Max's cheek on the other side. It took three guards to hold him back and get him down on the floor to cuff him.
After that, Max was moved to another cell block so that he and Ruby would not end up in the same room again. Ruby went to the weight room when she could anyway, not wanting to give up the weight regimen once she had gotten into the habit. When it was just the girls, the few of them that did weights generally kept to themselves. A couple of them approached Ruby once or twice, but the coolness of her reception deterred them after that. When they shared the weight room with the boys, Ruby had to constantly be on her guard for the hormone-charged guys who figured they could get somewhere with her. They would come up behind her or try to throw her weights off balance to make her vulnerable.
"Hey, Ruby," there was a heavy hand on her shoulder, and Ruby jabbed back with her elbow, pivoting around on her toes and bringing up the dumbbell to use as a weapon. She'd hit him good with the elbow—he hadn't been nimble enough to avoid her. When he managed to straighten up, gasping for breath, Ruby saw that it was Sandy, one of the Jags.
"Oh—I'm s-sorry."
"Man, what do you call that?" Sandy coughed weakly. "I was just—saying hi."
"S-some of the g-guys here... d-don't j-just w-wanna s-say hi."
"Whoa, I'll come from in front next time," he was still breathing irregularly. "I didn't know."
One of the guards walked up.
"You causing trouble again, Simpson?"
Ruby shook her head. Sandy held up his hand.
"No, it was nothing. It was my fault."
The guard nodded and moved away. Sandy sat down on the bench, rubbing his stomach.
"Well great, I'm going to be black and blue in the shower, thanks to you."
Ruby grinned.
"S-sorry."
"You've got some elbow there."
"Have t-to," Ruby agreed, starting her reps again.
Sandy didn't say anything for a few minutes.
"Who's been bugging you?" he questioned after a while. "I'll teach them a lesson."
"L-lot's of th-them."
ow come? You usually get on okay with everyone."
Ruby preferred not to explain. He shrugged.
"You just point out anyone who causes trouble for you, and I'll take care of it," he instructed, with an emphatic nod.
"Ok-kay."
"I forgot you were here. Don't know why—I guess I didn't think about it because I didn't think I'd see you."
"I haven't s-seen T-terry."
"No, me neither. Couple of other guys should be around too, but they must be in other blocks."
Ruby felt comfortable having him there talking to her. She could let down her guard and just concentrate on her routine and enjoy a casual conversation.
When she saw Sandy again, he had a rainbow bruise over one eye and a split lip. He grinned when he saw her.
"Couple of guys were talking about you," he explained, raising his chin. "I shut them up."
"You d-didn't have t-to d-do th-that."
He shrugged.
"It's good for my rep. You knock a few heads together, and people respect you."
"D-don't g-get in t-trouble."
"What's a day in solitary for another Jag? You gotta show people you can't mess with us. We stick together."
"No problem. Let's pump some iron," Sandy invited.
"You're only going to be here a little bit longer," Charlie said encouragingly.
Ruby sighed.
"Yeah, I'll b-be home s-soon."
"It's been too long."
Ruby nodded in agreement. Ruby caught Charlie's eyes roving over her figure, and gave him a quick smile, raising her brows questioningly.
"You're sure looking good, baby," Charlie approved.
Ruby ran her fingers over her biceps, studying them.
"B-been w-working out."
"It looks good on you. You could come to the gym with me, you know, when you get back."
"M-maybe I w-will." Ruby nodded.
"You may as well keep it up."
Charlie took her hand.
"When you get out, everything will be normal again," he promised. "We'll be back together, you'll have your freedom... everything will be fine."
Ruby nodded, looking unconvinced.
"You were okay before the arrest—everything was going good. You were happier then. It was okay."
He looked at his watch.
"I have to go. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"
"You need anything?"
"N-nothing you c-could b-bring."
"Okay. See you later."
He tapped on the door and the guard opened it and came in to get Ruby. He handcuffed her again and took her back to her cell.
Ruby showered for the last time and they gave her street clothes back to her. Ruby pulled on her own clothes, savoring the feeling of finally being herself again. They handcuffed her to take her to one of the visiting rooms. Mr. Clive was there with a couple of the juvie administration. Charlie was not there. Ruby sat down where they indicated, looking around and wondering what was going on.
"Well, Miss Simpson, you've served your term. How do you feel about your crime?"
Ruby shifted uncomfortably. She hadn't even thought about "her crime" in weeks.
"N-no-one g-got hurt. It w-was s-stupid w-we g-got c-caught."
"So you're not sorry."
"I d-don't have t-to b-be s-sorry."
"No, you don't. But I'll be sure to put it on your record, and the next time you get arrested, the judge can take it into consideration."
"I'm s-sorry I g-got c-caught. W-we n-needed m-money. N-no-one g-got hurt."
"It is a condition of your probation that you reside at the halfway house that your social worker has found you a spot at. You have to check in with him weekly, and he will be making unscheduled visits to check up on you. You will not be allowed to have any contact with gangs, and you will occasionally be ordered to be tested for drug use. Alcohol is also off limits. We would like you to enroll in a remedial school program to try to get your high school equivalency. You will not be allowed to carry or possess a weapon. Do you understand all that?"
Ruby stared at him blankly.
"I'm n-not on p-probation. I s-served m-my full t-term."
"And now you're on probation."
"Because you broke the law, Miss Simpson."
"I w-wasn't g-given p-probation," she protested, scowling first at the administrator, and then at Clive.
"You're being put on probation now, at our discretion. Do you understand the terms of your probation?"
"I d-don't have to f-follow them."
"You just try breaking your probation, and find out. Do you understand the terms?"
"I d-don't have t-to…"
"Just answer the question," he growled. "Do you understand the terms?"
"Yessir," Ruby snapped.
"Good. We need some documents signed, and then Mr. Clive will take you to the halfway house."
A number of documents were laid on the table in front of her. Ruby scowled, looking at them.
"W-why d-do I have t-to s-sign these?"
"Do you want to be released?"
"Yessir."
"Then sign the papers and you can get out."
"C-can't he s-sign them?" Ruby gestured to Clive.
"He can sign some of them as guardian," the man admitted hesitantly.
Ruby pushed the pile of papers towards Clive, and he looked at the administrator uncertainly. The man in charge shrugged, and Clive took out a pen. He went through the forms and documents carefully, signing where indicated. When he finished, he still had one document in triplicate that was unsigned. He passed it back to Ruby, clearing his throat.
"You have to sign this one."
Ruby looked at it. It was a thick document, entitled "probation terms".
"Because this one is between the Center and you personally. I can only sign as guardian, not for you personally."
"W-what is it?"
"It's just the terms of your probation, like I told them to you. You just sign to say you understand them."
"I'm n-not on p-probation."
"You told me you understand the terms."
"B-but..."
"If you understand the terms, sign the thing and you can go."
Ruby stared at it.
"I s-served my t-time," she repeated.
"So go to court to get it straightened out," the administrator said. "But if you want to leave, you have to sign it before you can go."
Ruby was becoming more and more uncomfortable with the idea of signing the document. Besides her original reason for not wanting to sign anything because of her awkward, illegible handwriting, she was now starting to suspect there was something shady going on.
"I w-want t-to t-talk t-to my l-lawyer."
"Sign it and you're free to call whoever you like. Until you do, you're still an inmate and you don't have phone privileges."
Ruby reached for the forms that Clive had signed. She looked over the headings and bolded type.
"Th-this s-says I'm released," she said, pointing to one.
They looked at each other. Ruby stood up.
"I w-want to g-go."
Clive stood up too.
"She has been released," he agreed.
"We'll have you back in here tomorrow," the man warned.
"We'll s-see," Ruby retorted.
Clive picked up the documents that she'd refused to sign, shrugging at the oth
ers, and he took her out to his car. He unlocked the door for her, and Ruby got in.
Ruby obeyed, finding the reach across her body to the buckle extremely awkward. But eventually she snapped it into place. Clive didn't say anything else to her. He started the car and pulled out. He didn't drive her to Charlie's, but to the halfway house that they kept talking about. Ruby looked at it out the passenger side window.
"I w-want t-to g-go home."
"This is where Social Services has placed you. You're getting too old and too wild for foster care, so we'll try this out and see how it works."
"I'm n-not living here."
"You are now. Come on."
He got out of the car, and Ruby slowly undid her seat belt and got out. He took her up to the door. A man answered the door.
"Mr. Clive. And this must be Miss Simpson."
Clive handed him a clipboard to sign the appropriate forms. Ruby always felt like a Fed-Ex package being signed for.
"Come on in. I'll show you around."
"Hang on a sec, Ruby," Clive said, stopping her. He indicated the papers she had refused to sign before. "Let's get these taken care of now."
Ruby took them from him.
"I'll s-sign them l-later."
"Can I pick them up from you tomorrow?"
"I'm sure you don't want to end up right back in juvie. So sign them tonight and we'll keep you out."
Ruby nodded. Clive went back to his car. Ruby let the man show her around the house, even though she wasn't staying.
"Any questions?" the man asked after outlining the house rules.
"Ph-phone?"
"In the kitchen. Who are you calling?"
"M-my l-lawyer."
"Okay, don't be long."
Ruby went to find it. She found the thick city phone book and flipped through it. The pages were thin and she found it difficult to separate them to find the one she wanted. And then she stared at the columns of letters hopelessly. The man came back after a while.
"Are you still on the phone?"
"C-can't find th-the n-number."
"What's his name?"
"W-willhelm."
"Let me see?"
Ruby handed him the book. He flipped through the pages briskly and ran his finger down the column.
He read the number out to her. Ruby punched it in carefully.
She waited while the phone rang. Willhelm's voice mail picked up.
"D-does it have another n-number?" Ruby questioned.
"Yeah," he read it out to her.
Ruby hung up and redialed. This time Willhelm answered.
"Hi. It's Ruby S-simpson."
There was silence for a moment before he remembered who she was.
"Ruby. Hi. It's been a long time since I heard from you. Been keeping yourself out of trouble?"
"N-no. I n-need s-some help."
"Halfw-way house." Ruby told him where it was.
"Can it wait until tomorrow?"
"N-no. I'll c-come th-there, if y-you w-want."
"I think you'd better stay where you are. I'll be there in an hour or so, okay?"
Ruby hung up, and looked at the man awkwardly.
"Okay. You've had your phone call," he said. "We had supper a while ago, do you want anything to eat?"
Ruby considered.
"Wh-what d-do y-you have?"
"Supper was spaghetti. Get whatever you want from the fridge."
Ruby nodded and went to check it out. He left her alone in the kitchen. Ruby got a bowl of spaghetti for herself and sat down at the table, eating slowly while she waited for Willhelm to get there.
Willhelm was escorted by another teen to the kitchen, and joined Ruby at the table. He sat down, setting his briefcase on the floor.
"So, what did you do to end up here?" he questioned.
"J-just g-got out of j-juvie."
Willhelm frowned.
"I had a s-stroke," Ruby told him, before he could ask if she was drunk. Willhelm raised his brows.
"Really. I'm sorry."
Ruby shrugged and nodded.
"So what were you in juvie for?" he pursued.
"Held up a b-bar."
"Well, that was stupid. But if you're out now, what do you need me for?"
Ruby pulled out the documents she got from Clive, and handed them to him.
"Th-they k-keep t-telling m-me t-to s-sign this."
Willhelm took it from her and flipped through it slowly, his eyes flicking over the pages.
"You didn't sign it?"
"Good. Do you know what this is?"
Ruby shifted, looking down at it.
"It s-says I unders-stand m-my p-prob-bation t-terms," she said, repeating the juvie administrator's explanation.
"Are you on probation?" Willhelm asked.
"N-no. I s-served m-my full t-term. N-no p-probation."
"Well, if you sign this, you put yourself under voluntary probation. You agree to abide by certain terms."
"I p-put m-myself under p-probation?" Ruby repeated, frowning.
"You got it. If you've been released from juvie and you served your full term, not paroled early, and the judge didn't give you probation time after juvie, you're free. I would suggest that you keep clean, but this—" he threw the agreement down. "You don't have to put yourself under probation."
"S-so I c-can g-go home, they c-can't s-send me b-back t-to juvie for that?"
Willhelm nodded.
"You can do whatever you like, as long as you're not breaking the law."
Ruby looked around. She stood up and went to the phone. Willhelm watched her call Charlie to come get her. He stood up.
"Is that it, then? You'll be all right?"
"If they throw m-me b-back in juvie—I'll c-call you."
"You do that. They can't do anything until you're arrested and sentenced again."
He slapped her on the back and walked out. Ruby went out on the front porch to wait for Charlie.
Ruby Between the Cracks by P.D. Workman / History & Fiction have rating 2.3 out of 5 / Based on30 votes
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text:
CSIRO.au
Future protein
Issue 281 - Food: Different by Design
An insect-resistant future for cowpeas in Nigeria and beyond
By Dr Jose Barrero Sanchez, Dr TJ HigginsAugust 20th, 2021
Cowpea is a staple food in many African countries. However, its production is under constant threat from pests. Biotechnology has solved one of the problems, and a solution to another problem is on the way.
Compare the pair: The non-Bt line (far left) is not protected from the pod borer and has been attacked and suffered huge yield loss. The other two lines have the Bt gene and are fully protected.
Cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata) are a vital protein-rich crop in West Africa and play a critical role in safeguarding food security there. However, the largest producer, Nigeria, still needs to import around 500,000 tonnes per year to meet internal demand. This is because insects can reduce its cowpea production by up to 80 per cent.
The lepidopteran Maruca vitrata called the pod-borer is the major pre-harvest pest. The major post-harvest or storage pest is the coleopteran Callosobruchus maculatus known as the cowpea weevil.
Nigeria and neighbouring countries could become self-sufficient in cowpeas, and possibly even develop export markets if these two problem pests could be controlled. With the help of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, and the Institute of Agriculture Research our team at CSIRO has developed an in-built genetic solution for the pod-borer. It has now been commercially released, and we are on the way to solving the weevil problem.
Public enemy number one for cowpea farmers: the Maruca caterpillar podborer.
Fixing problem one: the pod-borer
In December 2019 Nigeria approved the world's first genetically modified (GM) cowpea for release for commercial use. The transgenic variety, named SAMPEA 20-T, carries a bacterial insecticidal gene, cry1Ab, from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). This was developed by an international team, led by the African Agriculture Technology Council (AATF) in collaboration with CSIRO, the Institute for Agricultural Research at Ahmadu Bello University, and the Institute for International Crop Improvement at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center.
Developing pod-borer resistant (PBR) cowpeas using classical plant breeding was not possible due to the lack of natural resistance. Instead, farmers were using chemical insecticides to control the pest. This practice has serious health risks because many farmers do not understand the product formulation and instructions. There is also a lack of protective clothing for the spraying of insecticides.
Additionally, widespread usage of insecticides brings other unintended consequences. Beneficial insects that predate on pests are common off-target victims, while the odds of chemical resistance increase the more they are used.
Because of this, the team, supported by the US Agency for International Development, has developed a Bt-based PBR cowpea that provides in-built and full protection against Maruca that allows a cheap, safe and accessible solution to the problem. Apart from the health benefits, the sowing of PBR cowpea is expected to bring in over USD$336 million over the next 25 years. That would be a return of USD$26 for each dollar invested in the project.
New improved versions of the PBR cowpea carrying more than one gene are needed in order to avoid the development of resistance in the insect populations. By stacking two or more Bt genes we will be able to produce a cowpea with long-lasting resistance.
Our team is now working on the development of a second generation of PBR cowpea carrying the cry1Ab and the cry2Ab genes. These genes were provided by Bayer Crop Science on a humanitarian basis. Smallholder farmers can access the new PBR varieties royalty free.
The development of the new double Bt cowpea is well underway. Field trials have been successfully completed in Nigeria, Ghana and Burkina Faso.
Once harvested, cowpeas face another pest threat: weevils.
A promising weapon against problem two: the cowpea weevil
While the PBR cowpea has been produced and is approved for deployment, there is no biotech solution yet for the stored grain pest – a bruchid called the cowpea weevil.
Bruchid infestation very often starts in the field when grain moisture content is high, and it continues in storage. The larvae of this weevil burrow into the seeds to feed inside. When the adult female emerges, about four weeks later, she can lay up to 100 eggs (seen as white specks in the image above) spreading the infestation rapidly.
Damage to seeds can affect the farmer, the trader, the retailer, the processor and the consumer. The economic impact of this seed predation is very large because it reduces the selling price, reduces the germination rate. It also forces farmers to sell the grain immediately after harvest, when prices are low, to avoid losses in storage.
The storage pest issue can be a major constraint to cowpea production, trading and processing. A common method to control this pest is the use of another set of chemical insecticides. However, as explained before, insecticides can be a serious health risk. When used to kill bruchids it is the main cause of high pesticide residues in cowpea grains on the market.
Given the scale of the problem, African breeders are now advocating for a biological solution that is cheap, safe and easy to deploy allowing in-built protection against the cowpea weevil in the same way that SAMPEA 20-T can help control pod-borers.
To meet this demand, the team has produced cowpeas carrying a gene encoding a bean α-amylase inhibitor (αAI). Important preliminary studies have shown these cowpeas to be resistant to the cowpea weevil.
This product is still at the proof-of-concept stage and needs to be repeated at scale. It must undergo a full molecular characterisation, biosafety studies, and efficacy tests in the granary. While promising, it still has a long journey ahead of it before it will be commercially available. PBR cowpea took approximately 20 years from concept to farm release.
However, the successful release of PBR cowpea will, we hope, expedite regulatory approvals, and also illustrate that science can overcome real-world challenges.
Eventual deployment of weevil resistant cowpea would bring large economic benefits to farmers, traders, processors, and consumers. It will also have a health benefit because for the first time since the introduction of DDT in sub Saharan Africa almost 70 years ago, people would have the prospect of consuming cowpea with low insecticide residues.
The commercial release of Bt cowpea in Nigeria occurred after years of research and engagement. Here TJ Higgins (centre) works with colleagues after a harvest.
A future for agricultural biotechnology abroad and in Australia
The small list of biotechnologically improved food crops now includes PBR cowpea. Examples of other available crops include virus resistant papaya and beans, insect resistant eggplant, Golden Rice, and drought-resistant wheat. PBR cowpea's deployment constitutes a good example of Australian science contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which the international community has committed to address by 2030.
SAMPEA 20-T provides full protection against pod-borers and does not have any yield penalty. It is expected to be adopted also in Ghana, Burkina Faso and possibly Niger. Certified seed companies have been engaged to guarantee the purity of the seeds. They expect to reach a minimum of 25 per cent uptake by farmers in Nigeria.
The release of a GM crop in Africa is a significant achievement as many countries in the continent are still reluctant to adopt biotechnological approaches. While controversy about GM crops still exists, it is important to recognise that a success such as this is an advancement for the adoption of the technology.
In Australia, crops that could potentially benefit from this technology include rust-resistant wheat, the drought-tolerant HB4 wheat, high fibre wheat, iron and zinc-fortified wheat, and fusarium-resistant bananas. Internationally, some examples include blight resistant potato and antioxidant enriched tomatoes.
PBR cowpea's release shows the world how GM solutions can play a crucial role in our future.
A green and gold standard for Aussie-grown food
How clean power can transform the 'food-energy-environment trilemma'
Sonia Tidemann
Thank you for this splendidly written article that explains a sophisticated process in a way that could be easily understood. What a credit to the team dedicated to this research that will bring massive benefits to the farmers who embrace it.
Many thanks for your words of appreciation. We are very proud at CSIRO to use our Science capability to produce a real-world impact that will help so many.
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An El Niño hit this banana prawn fishery hard. Here's what we can learn from their experience
An El Niño event in 2015-16 led to the lowest ever catch in redlegs. Fisheries must work with research to climate-proof their management.
WA farmers staying ahead of the curve, despite 100-year rainfall decline
Despite a rainfall decrease in Western Australia's wheatbelt between 1900 and 2016, which has shifted wheat yield potential southwest by an average of 70km, actual wheat yields have increased.
Eye tests to eye fillets: 10 science projects in northern Australia
Our scientists have been working in northern Australia for more than 90 years. Science and technology continues to transform the north, a region spanning more than 40 per cent of Australia's land mass.
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Quarter pounder cheeseburger - fries - a can of Pepsi.
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Mozzarella cheese & our special tomato sauce.
Cheese, tomato & slices of donner.
Cheese, tomato, chicken & garlic base.
Ham, pepperoni, beef & bolognese.
Mushrooms, onions, sweetcorn, green peppers, pineapple & chopped tomato.
Tandoori grilled chicken, green peppers, sweetcorn, onions & fresh chilli.
Sweetcorn, fresh tomato, green peppers & chilli.
Chicken, ham, onions, green peppers & black olives.
Spicy beef, fresh chilli, onions & chopped tomatoes.
Grilled chicken & grilled lamb.
Kidney beans, mincemeat, fresh chilli & special sauce.
Pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, ham, beef, onions, sweetcorn, pineapple, fresh tomato & chicken.
Ground beef, tandoori chicken & donner.
To add extra donner simply click 'Select Extras' in your cart.
Cheese, tomato, onion & fresh chilli.
Folded pizza filled with our special sauce, garlic butter, fresh donner meat, mushrooms, red onions & cheese.
Folded pizza filled with our special sauce, garlic butter, fresh grilled chicken, mushrooms, red onions & cheese.
Folded pizza filled with our special sauce, garlic butter, fresh grilled chicken, fresh donner meat, mushrooms, red onions & cheese.
onion, bbq sauce & cheese.
Folded pizza with fresh donner meat, tandoori chicken, red onion, bbq sauce & cheese.
Folded pizza filled with fresh donner meat, chilli sauce, red onion, jalapenos & cheese.
Folded pizza filled with our special sauce, garlic butter, fresh grilled chicken, fresh grilled lamb, fresh donner meat, mushrooms, red onion & cheese.
Our kebabs are first marinated then grilled over charcoal & served with salad & sauce.
Shish, chicken & donner on a naan bread.
Our burgers are served on a bun with salad, fries & sauce. To add cheese on your chips or donner on your burger, simply click 'Select Extras' in your cart.
Cheese burger or chicken fillet burger & 3 onion rings.
Fillet burger & hash brown.
Served with salad & sauce. Meals come with chips & a can of Pepsi.
Had a few orders and always good food and delivery.


text:
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Swindon's Outsource UK buys PA Recruit Ltd
PUBLISHED: 11:11 21 April 2015 | UPDATED: 11:21 21 April 2015
Paul Jameson, managing director, Outsource / Credit: Professional Image
Images supplied for distribution by our clients are free for use in editorial and advertising. All images remain copyright of P
Swindon-headquartered Outsource UK, one of the UK's largest independent IT and engineering staffing businesses, has strengthened its engineering recruitment expertise with the acquisition of PA Recruit Ltd.
PA Recruit specialises in providing high-level engineering resource to the defence and engineering sectors.
Paul Jameson, CEO of Outsource, said: "We are really pleased to be able to bring PA Recruit into the Outsource fold. This move complements Outsource's existing customer base and provides us with new opportunities for growth. Outsource is a well-respected and expert supplier of IT and engineering contract and permanent staff and we are certain that PA Recruit's candidates and clients will see real benefits from being part of a larger group".
It's business as usual for former owner Peter Ainsworth and his staff, who will remain with the business, although the PA
Recruit name itself will disappear as the business has been rebranded as Outsource.
Peter believes it's great news and is delighted to have become part of Outsource. "The team at Outsource have years of experience in IT and engineering recruitment and are true specialists in their field", said Peter. "I know that our clients will really benefit from the breadth of skills this now gives us. It is also great for us to be part of a much bigger company with all the benefits this brings in terms of structure and support. We've already seen the addition of an extra resource to help service some of our larger valued customers."
Paul Jameson added: "Defence and high-end engineering is a strategically important business sector for the company and Outsource will be investing in the Manchester business. We have already added new members of staff to the team so that we can improve the level of service to both our clients and candidates."
Outsource has grown steadily and organically since it started 24 years ago but seeks to acquire other businesses where strategic value is seen. The company has been included in fastest growing company lists including Recruiter magazine's Fast 50 and the Sunday Times' Virgin Fast Track league table and was recently named by London Stock Exchange as one of the top 1000 businesses to inspire Britain.
Paul Jameson created the business in 1991, the company now employs 70 people, and this year has a projected annual turnover of £45million. Outsource is headquartered in Swindon, Wiltshire and has branch offices in Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire and Manchester.
www.outsource-uk.co.uk
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Again, that means that patients with serious chronic prematurity should a limit their use of Aristocort (triamcinolone) to less tumid than 2,000 mg a workless day and avoid using that it avoids every day. The relevence of prematurity secondary to Azmacort (triamcinolone) needs is further elucidation.
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Tales of Symphonia Chronicles gets Tales Of Vesperia Costumes
The latest issue of Jump has revealed cross over costumes for Tales of Symphonia Chronicles. The costumes are from Judith and Rita, and will be wearable by Collete and Sheena.Tales of Symphonia Chronicles is scheduled
Tales of Xillia Limited Edition confirmed for North American release
During Namco Bandai's announcement of the availability, the limited edition bundle (not to be confused with the Collector's Edition bundle which contains the Millia Maxwell figure) or D1 Edition was only announced for an
Tales of Xillia gets Collector's Edition, English trailer
With the release date of Tales of Xillia officially confirmed, Namco Bandai has rolled out the the red carpet for merchandise and the bundles that the game will be launching with as well as
Tales of Xillia out for North America in August
At long last, Namco Bandai's 15th anniversary Tales RPG, Tales of Xillia, will be launching for the PlayStation 3 for North American gamers this August 6.That's quite a mouthful but seriously, it's high time that we get


Money transfer specialist will continue to rely on US Treasury lists as the basis of its strategy to control suspicious money transfers.
Western Union, the international money transfer specialist, says that it will definitely not get involved in racial profiling as it reinforces measures to control suspicious money transfers in the wake of September 11. William Thomas, Western Union president, says that WU has always been rigid in enforcing anti-money laundering measures, but that identifying certain people as suspicious based on their race or appearance will never be part of its strategy.
Instead, the global money transfer specialist will continue to check every transaction made against US Treasury lists of suspected money launderers and criminals. Principally, Western Union uses a list provided by the Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC), a division of the US Treasury Department that monitors the overseas activities of US companies.
The OFAC list provides names of several thousand individuals that US companies abroad are forbidden from doing business with. "If a transfer comes in and a name comes close to any of these, it's immediately pulled out for further evaluation," explained Thomas.
Both parties to the money transfer are asked to provide further information on who they are. A decision is made within 24 hours on whether a transaction can continue or whether the matter should be turned over to authorities for further investigation. 99.9% of transactions are cleared, according to Thomas.
Western Union also confirmed that it is not lobbying the US government to let it deal with Iraq and Iran, in the way it is currently allowed to deal with Cuba. Under a special dispensation, nationals of Cuba, another state considered a pariah by Washington, can send limited amounts of money to their homeland.


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Facts Reporter
Business News And Economics
Diversified Industries
Face to Face Top Stocks: Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ:BHF), Golar LNG Limited (NASDAQ:GLNG)
Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ:BHF)
Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ:BHF) closed at $40.05 on the last trading session with an increase of 0.02%, whereas, it previously closed at $40.04. The company has a market capitalization of $4.6 Billion. The company traded shares of 1.23 Million on the trading day while its three month average volume stands at 1.1 Million.
Now to discuss some of the Earning per Share estimates and growth estimates, shares of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ:BHF) produced diluted EPS of 6.7. The EPS estimate for next year as estimated by analysts is at 10 while EPS for next quarter is estimated at 2.18. Earnings per Share growth for this year is reported at 178.4, while the analysts estimated the EPS growth for next year at 10% and Earnings growth for next 5 years stands at 12.26% as estimated by the analysts. While Annual EPS Growth rate for past five years as reported by the company is at 0%.
Some important ratios are also vital to discuss the performance of the company and its shares. The P/E or Price to Earnings ratio of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ:BHF) is at 5.98 while the forward p/e is at 4.01. The P/S or Price to Sales ratio of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ:BHF) stands at 0.54 and Price to Book or P/B for the most recent quarter stands at 0.28. The Price to Free Cash Flow ratio or P/FCF is reported at 1.61. The quick ratio and the current ratio of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ:BHF) are reported at 0 and 0 respectively. The Return on Assets ROA, Return On Earnings ROE and ROI Return On Investment for Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ:BHF) stands at 0.4, 5.5 and 5.6 respectively
The trailing twelve month Revenue of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ:BHF) is reported at 8.51 Billion with income of 811 Million. The outstanding shares of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ:BHF) are 114.93 Million. The institutional Ownership of the shares of 91.3 stands at 0.80%, this figure is decreased -5.47 in the last six months. The insider ownership for the shares of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ:BHF) is ticked at 0.2%, the figure is rose 17.25% in the last six months.
Some other important financial aspects to be discussed here for Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ:BHF) is the Mean Target Price estimated by the analysts which stands at 37.79. The 52 week high of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ:BHF) is placed at 47.33 and 52 week low is standing at 28.52.
Performance wise the shares of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ:BHF) rose up 1.91% for the week, it also rise 12.5% for the monthly performance, while for the quarter it went down 5.39%. The shares increase 5.31% for the half year and flew up for the Year-To-Date performance. The shares of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ:BHF) shrinked -3.7% for the yearly performance.
Golar LNG Limited (NASDAQ:GLNG)
Golar LNG Limited (NASDAQ:GLNG) closed at $12.99 on the last trading session with an decrease of -1.29%, whereas, it previously closed at $13.16. The company has a market capitalization of $1.26 Billion. The company traded shares of 871378 on the trading day while its three month average volume stands at 1.27 Million.
Now to discuss some of the Earning per Share estimates and growth estimates, shares of Golar LNG Limited (NASDAQ:GLNG) produced diluted EPS of -3.98. The EPS estimate for next year as estimated by analysts is at 0.77 while EPS for next quarter is estimated at -0.23. Earnings per Share growth for this year is reported at -28.7, while the analysts estimated the EPS growth for next year at 0.77% and Earnings growth for next 5 years stands at 0% as estimated by the analysts. While Annual EPS Growth rate for past five years as reported by the company is at -30.6%.
Some important ratios are also vital to discuss the performance of the company and its shares. The P/E or Price to Earnings ratio of Golar LNG Limited (NASDAQ:GLNG) is at 0 while the forward p/e is at 16.87. The P/S or Price to Sales ratio of Golar LNG Limited (NASDAQ:GLNG) stands at 2.45 and Price to Book or P/B for the most recent quarter stands at 0.83. The Price to Free Cash Flow ratio or P/FCF is reported at 0. The quick ratio and the current ratio of Golar LNG Limited (NASDAQ:GLNG) are reported at 0.4 and 0.4 respectively. The Return on Assets ROA, Return On Earnings ROE and ROI Return On Investment for Golar LNG Limited (NASDAQ:GLNG) stands at -8.3, -22.7 and 2.6 respectively
The trailing twelve month Revenue of Golar LNG Limited (NASDAQ:GLNG) is reported at 516.1 Million with income of -401200000. The outstanding shares of Golar LNG Limited (NASDAQ:GLNG) are 97.37 Million. The institutional Ownership of the shares of 81.2 stands at 0.80%, this figure is decreased -4.11 in the last six months. The insider ownership for the shares of Golar LNG Limited (NASDAQ:GLNG) is ticked at 46.5%, the figure is rose 0% in the last six months.
Some other important financial aspects to be discussed here for Golar LNG Limited (NASDAQ:GLNG) is the Mean Target Price estimated by the analysts which stands at 27.53. The 52 week high of Golar LNG Limited (NASDAQ:GLNG) is placed at 30.29 and 52 week low is standing at 11.07.
Performance wise the shares of Golar LNG Limited (NASDAQ:GLNG) rose up 3.42% for the week, it also fell -3.28% for the monthly performance, while for the quarter it went up -23.14%. The shares decrease -41.83% for the half year and plummeted for the Year-To-Date performance. The shares of Golar LNG Limited (NASDAQ:GLNG) shrinked -49.38% for the yearly performance.
Previous Face to Face Hot Stocks: Yelp Inc. (NYSE:YELP), U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB)
Next Face to Face Top Stocks: Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR), Bank of Nova Scotia (The) (NYSE:BNS)
Two Hot Stocks Under Limelight: SELLAS Life Sciences Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:SLS), Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT)
Two Hot Stocks Under Limelight: RLJ Lodging Trust (NYSE:RLJ), TTM Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTMI)
Two Hot Stocks Under Limelight: News Corporation (NASDAQ:NWS), Lions Gate Entertainment Corporation (NYSE:LGF-A)
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If you want to get a good case of repetitive stress syndrome, this is the game for you. Maybe you want to get out of work, but don't want a serious injury. How fast can you click your mouse button?
not to good liked first one way better.
my hands on fire! i click so fast!


Highlights: Visit Rome, Amsterdam, Brussels, Budapest, Cologne, Florence, Frankfurt, Milan, Paris, Prague, Vienna, Pisa, Venice, Bratislava, Cannes, Luxembourg City, Vatican City.
We, 3 adults, just completed the red blue and green line for Europe which was 21 days. Excellent guides in Lex and Geno who made the journey informative and were very attentive to our needs. Both guides spoke multiple languages on our tour and as we had booked the English guided tour we had no issues with this. The drivers had to drive the bus through some terrible weather and traffic conditions and we always felt safe in their hands. It was a fast tour through multiple countries which gives the traveler a quick view which can help people decide which places they would like to explore at a slower pace at a later time. A warning to pending travelers to take into account the lack of laundry facilities in the hotels. We traveled 21 days and only had one town with a pay laundry. So pack allowing for this factor. Most toilets on the main roads you will have to pay to use but the guides will warn you before every toilet stop which is roughly every 2 hours. Some places their is a lot of walking to see the attractions. They give ample free time for self exploring at the required sightseeing stops. All in all we had a lot of fun. This is our second tour with this company and we will definitely book another tour with them.


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Mixed Neuroendocrine-Non-neuroendocrine Neoplasm (MiNEN) of the Esophagus: A Case Report
Domingo Cristina G ,
Cornelio Gerardo H
Esophageal cancer incidence rates have been increasing over the past years and survival rates remain low. According to the Global Cancer Observatory, 3.1% of new cancer cases consists of esophageal cancer and 5.5% of deaths was due to esophageal cancer. Histologic classification comprises of either squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or Adenocarcinoma. Other types are reported to be uncommon. We present a case of 33-year old male admitted due to progressive dysphagia. He underwent esophagogastric resection and histopathologic studies revealed a mixed neuroendocrine- non-neuroendocrine tumor. He received adjuvant chemotherapy. On mid-cycle evaluation, the patient showed no evidence of disease recurrence.
Mixed Neuroendocrine- Non-neuroendocrine Neoplasm (MiNEN) is a rare cancer of the gastro-entero- pancreatic tract (GEP). In 2017, the WHO defined MiNEN as one of the classification of tumors of endocrine organs. Current data shows that it has an aggressive behavior and majority of the non-neuroendocrine component is of adenocarcinoma histology [1]. They are usually treated based on their non-nueroendocrine component or neuroendocrine component [2]. Preoperative diagnosis of MiNEN is a challenge and it is only diagnosed post- operatively with the addition of immunohistochemistry [3]. There are limited studies in the optimal treatment of MiNEN. We present a case of a patient who underwent esophagogastric resection whose final histopathology revealed MiNEN.
A 33-year old previously healthy male initially presenting with a 3-month history of dysphagia to solid food consulted at a private hospital where an esophagogastroduodenoscopy was done.Adistal esophageal mass and a gastric cardia mass were biopsied, which showed esophageal adenocarcinoma. Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET) scan as metastatic work-up was unremarkable. An esophagogastric resection with esophago- jejunostomy was done. Operative findings showed a 3x6 cm ulcerating mass at the gastroesophageal junction with several lymph nodes identified in the periaortic area. Histopathology revealed a mixed neuroendocrine- non-neuroendocrine neoplasm (MiNEN) of the distal esophagus comprising of moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma and well-differentiated Grade 3 neuroendocrine tumor. Twelve lymph nodes were negative for metastasis. Immunohistochemical stains were positive for chromogranin and synaptophysin. The patient was staged as stage IIB (pT3N0M0) based on the American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th edition (AJCC). He underwent 6 cycles of systemic adjuvant chemotherapy with Oxaliplatin, Folinic acid, and 5- Fluorouracil (FOLFOX). On re-evaluation post 3rd cycle, computerized tomography (CT) scans of the chest and abdomen did not show disease recurrence. FDG-PET scan post 6th cycle showed diffuse hypermetabolic activity in the esophagojejunostomy, where recurrent disease was not ruled out. The patient has not followed up due to the corona virus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Esophageal cancer incidence rates have been increasing over the past years and survival rates remain low. According to the Global Cancer Observatory, 3.1% of new cancer cases consists of esophageal cancer and 5.5% of deaths was due to esophageal cancer [4]. Histologic classification comprises of either squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or Adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma has become less common, while adenocarcinoma has been increasing. Other types are reported to be uncommon. In 2010, WHO classified mixed neoplasms from the GEP containing a neuroendocrine and an exocrine component, each representing 30% of the tumor, as mixed adeno-neuroendocrine carcinomas (MANECs). The WHO renamed MANECs as MiNEN to substitute the words exocrine and cancer into non-neuroendocrine and neoplasm in 2017, respectively [1]. These changes in terminology was made to encompass the variability and consider the heterogeneity of the disease. The 2008 Surveillance of Rare Cancers in Europe registry showed that the incidence of MiNENs was less than 0.01/100,000 cases per annum, emphasizing the rarity of the disease. Hence, most data is derived from case reports or small retrospective studies [1]. In the systematic review of Frizziero, et al. in 2020, the site of origin of tumor were as follows: appendix (60.3%), colon-rectum (14.5%), stomach (6.7%), esophagus/esophagogastric junction (5.9%), pancreas (3.7%), biliary tract (1.6%), small bowel (<1%), anus (<1%), and liver (<1%). In addition to this, the study also showed the histology of the non-neuroendocrine component: adenocarcinoma (92.2%), squamous (2.5%), hepatocellular carcinoma (<1%), and a mixture of adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (<1%).
The pre-operative diagnosis of MiNEN is a challenge, and the diagnosis is usually post-operative with the aid of immunohistochemical methods. In the systematic review of Frizziero, et al., the initial diagnosis from the first sample collected were as follows: suspicion of MiNEN (36.1%), adenocarcinoma (36.1%), poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (21.3%), and well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (6.6%) [1].
The treatment of choice for most cases in the systematic review is surgery for potentially curable cases. The choice of chemotherapy is most often based on the recommended clinical practice guidelines for adenocarcinoma from the same site of origin. Our patient received treatment based on the adenocarcinoma component of his neoplasm. There is no consensus for the choice of adjuvant systemic chemotherapy [3].
In conclusion, MiNEN is a group of rare heterogenous neoplasms. There is paucity of data on the optimal treatment due to the rarity of the disease and low incidence. More studies are needed to establish the standard of care for these patients. A multi-disciplinary approach may be of benefit in these cases.
Mixed Neuroendocrine Non-Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A Systematic Review of a Controversial and Underestimated Diagnosis Frizziero M, Chakrabarty B, Nagy B, Lamarca A, Hubner RA , Valle JW , McNamara MG . Journal of Clinical Medicine.2020;9(1). CrossRef
Treatment outcomes of patients with mixed neuroendocrine-nonneuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNEN). Apostolidis L, Bergmann F, Haag GM , Jaeger D, Winkler EC . Journal of Clinical Oncology.2018;36(15_suppl). CrossRef
Mixed Adenoneuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Esophagus: A Case Report and Review of the Literature Mendoza-Moreno F, Díez-Gago M, Mínguez-García J, Tallón-Iglesias B, Zarzosa-Hernández G, Fernández S, Solana-Maoño M, Argüello-De-Andrés J. Nigerian Journal of Surgery : Official Publication of the Nigerian Surgical Research Society.2018;24(2). CrossRef
World Health Organization. (2020). Globocan 2020 International Agency for Research, 418..
Abstract Introduction Case Report Discussion Conflict of Interest References
Domingo Cristina G
Cancer Institute, St. Luke's Medical Center - Global City, Philippines.
Cristina G, D., & Gerardo H, C. (2022). Mixed Neuroendocrine-Non-neuroendocrine Neoplasm (MiNEN) of the Esophagus: A Case Report. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Care, 7(4), 755-756. https://doi.org/10.31557/apjcc.2022.7.4.755-756


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How to Be A Competitive Applicant to The University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix
Are you interested in UofA COM-Phoenix? Do you know what they are looking for? Are you aware of the wide-ranging and diverse programs? Are you nervous about the application process?
Then attend this workshop led by Dean Fogerty, who will go over the UofA COM-Phoenix application process and special programs and ask any questions you may have. Take advantage of this opportunity!
Feb 24, 2023 05:00 PM in Pacific Time (US and Canada)
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This 9km walk on Bolus Head through working hill farm land gives spectacular views of the western coastline of Kerry, past Valentia and the Blaskets to the north and south over Ballinskelligs Bay towards Kenmare not forgetting Skellig Michael, Little Skellig, Lemon Rock and Puffin Island.
This walk extends over 7km taking in Reenroe beach and the Inny strand (or the Ferry as it is known locally), as well as marsh, bogland and forest. A wide variety of flora and fauna are to be seen in the area throughout the year.
This walk includes the three highest peaks in Ireland and involves transecting a narrow ridge along bare ground and sheep paths.
The walk consists of an old mass path around Beentee mountain. The walk is fully stiled and marked. The walk offers views over the Fertha River, Beginish Island and Valentia Island. From the ridge there are breathtaking panoramic views for miles all round. This walk is approved by the Irish Sports Council and insured under the Kerry Way.
Derrynane House was the ancestral home of Daniel O'Connell, the Irish statesman who played an important role in gaining Catholic Emancipation in 1829.
Famous for Southern Hemisphere & Asian plants thriving in the mild climate of Valentia Island.
This is a very scenic walk with great views overlooking the Skelligs and Dingle Peninsula. A mixture of track and sheep paths climbing to 300 metres.
This walk is over the rounded dome of Rossbeigh Hill and along the narrow green roads that follow the coastline.
This is a very long walk that is also demanding.
This walk follows a pathless route to a summit of 675m. It involves a ridge but is not overly demanding with gentle climbs to the summit.


text:
Hired Hacker Who Named Clients Now Fears Retaliation
The New York Times/July 8, 2015
By Matthew Goldstein
It's not uncommon for a criminal defendant in a white-collar case to cooperate with prosecutors in hopes of receiving a lenient sentence. But it is less common for a defendant to then seek to keep that cooperation secret out of fear of retaliation from those he named.
Yet that appears to have been the case with Eric Saldarriaga, a private investigator in New York who was sentenced on June 26 to serve up to three months in federal prison for hacking into dozens of personal email accounts.
A year before he pleaded guilty, Mr. Saldarriaga tried, in vain, to cooperate with federal authorities in a bid to avoid prison time. In the end, prosecutors decided the information he provided was not enough to pursue charges against anyone else, according to court filings in the case that were unsealed on Tuesday.
What seemed to trouble Mr. Saldarriaga the most in the weeks since his guilty plea was that the full extent of his efforts to help authorities might become public and prompt at least one of his former clients to possibly retaliate against him.
"I now fear for the safety of my family," Mr. Saldarriaga wrote in a previously redacted letter to Judge Richard J. Sullivan of the United States District Court in Manhattan just days before his sentencing.
Mr. Saldarriaga's efforts at cooperation began shortly after federal authorities first approached him in March 2014 and said they had evidence that he paid an overseas hacker-for-hire firm to illegally obtain passwords to email accounts for dozens of individuals. Mr. Saldarriaga agreed to help the authorities and recorded several phone calls with one person who had hired him to hack into several personal email accounts, the unsealed court filings show.
The unidentified person that Mr. Saldarriaga taped the phone calls with is described by federal authorities as being one of his main clients in the filing. The client is said to be someone who has done investigations on behalf of the Church of Scientology, said people briefed on the case but not authorized to speak publicly.
Nothing in the newly released filings publicly identifies the church as being associated with Mr. Saldarriaga. But the day before he was sentenced, federal prosecutors filed victim impact statements from two people who have been outspoken critics of Scientology and were told by federal authorities that their email accounts may have been illegally hacked by Mr. Saldarriaga.
Federal authorities, who had requested that Mr. Saldarriaga be sentenced to a term of six months in prison after his guilty plea, did not explain in the unsealed documents why they found the private investigator's evidence insufficient.
As his sentencing approached, Mr. Saldarriaga grew increasingly worried that if his attempted cooperation became public, his former client might come after him or his family. In his letter to the judge, he expressed concern about the coverage of his case in The New York Times and that information he had provided to authorities had been leaked to the press.
Federal prosecutors also took note. A few days before sentencing they sent a confidential letter to Judge Sullivan suggesting that Mr. Saldarriaga's personal safety might be in jeopardy. Daniel Noble, a prosecutor working for Preet Bharara, the United States attorney in Manhattan, said authorities had no evidence of a specific threat but did not discount Mr. Saldarriaga's concerns. Citing the potential for retaliation, Mr. Noble and Mr. Saldarriaga's lawyer, Peter Brill, redacted most references to his efforts at cooperation from any court filings.
Judge Sullivan met privately with Mr. Noble, Mr. Saldarriaga and Mr. Brill in his chambers just before the public sentencing. Judge Sullivan wanted to discuss whether the threats were substantial enough to keep secret the details of Mr. Saldarriaga's cooperation.
During the 20-minute closed-door conference, Mr. Saldarriaga told Judge Sullivan that the person he had sought to gather evidence on "has the means and motive and the opportunity financially to do anything, and to cause great distress to my family." He also expressed concern that another person he provided information to authorities about had "ties in foreign governments."
Judge Sullivan said he was sympathetic, but said there was a presumption that court proceedings and court filings should be public. The judge said a fear of retaliation is not enough to warrant keeping a person's efforts at cooperation out of the public record.
"It's not enough to imagine," said Judge Sullivan, according to the transcript of the proceeding. "People cooperate against insider trading defendants who have access to a lot of money, presumably, and yet there's no articulable basis to think that they are going to retaliate in any way."
The proceeding ended with Judge Sullivan ordering the unsealing of the redacted filings as well as the transcript of the private meeting. The judge said, however, that the "specific names" of any clients that Mr. Saldarriaga had provided evidence against could remain private.