These days are either the most trying time for encouraging employee engagement or the best we could expect. With so many people working remotely, many businesses need extra ways to communicate with the rank and file, and this might present a prime opportunity to try new things. We make a big deal of engaging the customer, and in most CRM circles engagement outranks simple customer experience.

Speech by Mr Fernando Restoy, Chairman, Financial Stability Institute, Bank for International Settlements, at the ASBA-BID-FELABAN XVI Banking public-private sector regional policy dialogue "Challenges and opportunities in the new financial ecosystem", Washington DC, 16 October 2019.

Speech by Mr Claudio Borio, Head of the Monetary and Economic Department of the BIS, at the SUERF Annual Lecture Conference on "Populism, Economic Policies and Central Banking", SUERF/BAFFI CAREFIN Centre Conference, Milan, 8 November 2019.

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signaling molecule that fulfills diverse functional roles as a neurotransmitter or diffusible second messenger in the developing and adult CNS. Although the impact of NO on different behaviors such as movement, sleep, learning, and memory has been well documented, the identity of its molecular and cellular targets is still an area of ongoing investigation. Here, we identify a novel role for NO in strengthening inhibitory GABA_A receptor-mediated transmission in molecular layer interneurons of the mouse cerebellum. NO levels are elevated by the activity of neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) following Ca²⁺ entry through extrasynaptic NMDA-type ionotropic glutamate receptors (NMDARs). NO activates protein kinase G with the subsequent production of cGMP, which prompts the stimulation of NADPH oxidase and protein kinase C (PKC). The activation of PKC promotes the selective strengthening of α3-containing GABA_ARs synapses through a GABA receptor-associated protein-dependent mechanism. Given the widespread but cell type-specific expression of the NMDAR/nNOS complex in the mammalian brain, our data suggest that NMDARs may uniquely strengthen inhibitory GABAergic transmission in these cells through a novel NO-mediated pathway.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Long-term changes in the efficacy of GABAergic transmission is mediated by multiple presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms. A prominent pathway involves crosstalk between excitatory and inhibitory synapses whereby Ca²⁺-entering through postsynaptic NMDARs promotes the recruitment and strengthening of GABA_A receptor synapses via Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II. Although Ca²⁺ transport by NMDARs is also tightly coupled to nNOS activity and NO production, it has yet to be determined whether this pathway affects inhibitory synapses. Here, we show that activation of NMDARs trigger a NO-dependent pathway that strengthens inhibitory GABAergic synapses of cerebellar molecular layer interneurons. Given the widespread expression of NMDARs and nNOS in the mammalian brain, we speculate that NO control of GABAergic synapse efficacy may be more widespread than has been appreciated.

Dopaminergic neurons innervate extensive areas of the brain and release dopamine (DA) onto a wide range of target neurons. However, DA release is also precisely regulated. In Drosophila melanogaster brain explant preparations, DA is released specifically onto α3/α'3 compartments of mushroom body (MB) neurons that have been coincidentally activated by cholinergic and glutamatergic inputs. The mechanism for this precise release has been unclear. Here we found that coincidentally activated MB neurons generate carbon monoxide (CO), which functions as a retrograde signal evoking local DA release from presynaptic terminals. CO production depends on activity of heme oxygenase in postsynaptic MB neurons, and CO-evoked DA release requires Ca²⁺ efflux through ryanodine receptors in DA terminals. CO is only produced in MB areas receiving coincident activation, and removal of CO using scavengers blocks DA release. We propose that DA neurons use two distinct modes of transmission to produce global and local DA signaling.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Dopamine (DA) is needed for various higher brain functions, including memory formation. However, DA neurons form extensive synaptic connections, while memory formation requires highly specific and localized DA release. Here we identify a mechanism through which DA release from presynaptic terminals is controlled by postsynaptic activity. Postsynaptic neurons activated by cholinergic and glutamatergic inputs generate carbon monoxide, which acts as a retrograde messenger inducing presynaptic DA release. Released DA is required for memory-associated plasticity. Our work identifies a novel mechanism that restricts DA release to the specific postsynaptic sites that require DA during memory formation.

The mission for an end to hunger in the world’s most populous region has received a boost, with member countries responding positively to a call by FAO for a “massive effort” to end hunger in Asia and the Pacific. 1. Asia-Pacific is home to nearly two-thirds of the world’s chronically hungry people. |True|     Asia-Pacific, with over 4.2 billion people, is home [...]

At the Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development in June 2012, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced a new global challenge for world leaders and individuals from all sectors: create a world where no one is hungry. He emphasized that there is enough food in the world to feed our population, so the challenge comes from making sure that everyone has access [...]

Have you ever thought about producing a video on food, nutrition, sustainability or hunger? Whether you’re a food buff, a student, an activist, movie geek or professional filmmaker, we have just the thing for you.Short Food Movie is a global open call for videos inspired by the theme for Expo Milano 2015, “Feeding the Planet. Energy for Life.”  It includes [...]

Water is essential for agricultural production and food security.  It is the lifeblood of ecosystems, including forests, lakes and wetlands, on which the food and nutritional security of present and future generations depends on. Yet, our freshwater resources are dwindling at an alarming rate. Growing water scarcity is now one of the leading challenges for sustainable development.  This challenge will [...]

A review of FAO’s fight against hunger and malnutrition and challenges ahead with the participation of José Graziano da Silva, Director-General of FAO. 

Where: Sheikh Zayed Centre at FAO headquarters 

When: Friday, 26th [...]

But the scientists still aren’t sure what the birds are saying

The nearly 2,800-mile-long walking route runs all the way around the English coast

We’re really, really sorry

The Archaeological Institute of America launched its Build Your Own Monument challenge early to inspire families quarantining at home

The event was part of the company's week of #LetsBuildTogether challenges

In a nation under quarantine, chronicling a crisis demands careful strategy

<span class="topsy_trackback_comment"><span class="topsy_twitter_username"><span class="topsy_trackback_content">RT @imconair Song Contest: Raab und Engelke sollen Eurovision-Finale moderieren http://bit.ly/fsr6gD #IMCRadio.net: Song Contest: Raa...</span></span>

Successful modification of the bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) after two-step BAC engineering is confirmed in two separate polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). The first reaction (5' co-integrate PCR) uses a forward 5' co-integrate primer (a sequence located upstream of the 5' end of the A-box) and a reverse 3' primer on the vector (175PA+50AT) or within the reporter sequence or mutated region as appropriate. The second reaction (3' co-integrate PCR) uses a forward 5' primer on the recA gene (RecA1300S) and a reverse 3' co-integrate primer (a sequence located downstream from the 3' end of the B-box). Those colonies shown to be positive in PCR analysis are further tested for sensitivity to UV light. After the resolution, colonies that have lost the excised recombination vector including sacB and recA genes become UV light sensitive.

Bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones are rendered electrocompetent and transformed with the recombinant shuttle vector, pLD53SCAB/AB-box. Cointegrates are selected by growth on chloramphenicol and ampicillin to ensure recombination of the shuttle vector into the BAC.

Plasmid DNA is prepared from the recombinant shuttle vector pLD53.SCAB/A-B created by cloning of the A and B homology arms for two-step bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) engineering. To confirm that the A-box and B-box arms have been successfully incorporated into pLD53.SCAB, the pattern of enzyme digestion of the modified plasmid is compared with that of the unmodified pLD53.SCAB. Once the shuttle vector is shown to carry the proper sequences, it is ready for transfer into the BAC host.

This protocol describes the preparation of the shuttle vector before its introduction into bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) host cells for BAC two-step engineering. The homology arm sequences, prepared previously, are introduced by ligation into the digested shuttle vector DNA to provide sites for recombination within the BAC clone. Crude lysates of individual bacterial transformants serve as templates in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis to confirm the presence of the homology arms in the recombinant shuttle vector.

The 700-bp A homology arm (A-box) and the 700-bp B homology arm (B-box) are amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using purified bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) DNA as template for two-step BAC engineering. The resulting A-box PCR product contains an AscI site at its 5' end (the 5' primer incorporates an AscI site, and the 3' primer does not incorporate any restriction sites). The B-box PCR product contains an XmaI site at its 3' end (the 5' primer does not incorporate any restriction sites, and the 3' primer incorporates an XmaI site). The amplification products are then digested with the appropriate restriction endonucleases to render them suitable for cloning into the shuttle vector.

In two-step bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) engineering, a single plasmid is introduced into the BAC-carrying cell lines. The shuttle vector pLD53.SCAB (or pLD53.SCAEB) carries the recA gene and the R6K origin, which requires the protein to replicate. PIR2 cells, expressing , are typically used for the amplification of the vector and maintain about 15 copies/cell of the donor vector, which is relatively stable in this host.

FSI Briefs No 2, April 2020. Guidance issued by financial sector authorities in response to the Covid-19 crisis seems to suggest that international efforts to come up with operational resilience standards should take into account at least the following elements: Critical/essential employees: identifying the critical functions and employees that support important business services, as well as ensuring employees' safety and that they can safely resume their duties (remotely, if necessary); IT infrastructure: ensuring that IT infrastructure can support a sharp increase in usage over an extended period and taking steps to safeguard information security; Third-party service providers: ensuring that external service providers and/or critical suppliers are taking adequate measures and are sufficiently prepared for a scenario in which there will be heavy reliance on their services; Cyber resilience: remaining vigilant in order to identify and protect vulnerable systems, and detect, respond and recover from cyber attacks..

CPMI Press release "How fintech can promote financial inclusion - a new report on the opportunities and challenges", 14 April 2020

Press release "Saudi G20 Presidency and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) Innovation Hub invite global innovators to solve RegTech and SupTech challenges", 27 April 2020

Tissue engineering has a unique set of tools and technologies for developing preventive strategies, diagnostics, and treatments that can play an important role during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Major League Baseball owners will discuss a length for the amateur draft next week and are likely to start the selections on the original date of June 10, a person familiar with the deliberations told The Associated Press.

The fire which destroyed the Bluefin restaurant in Souris, P.E.I. has been tough for the community’s residents, says restaurant owner Amber Jenkins.

On Patriots' Day, we celebrate musician, publisher, and patriot Josiah Flagg (1737-1794), a friend of Paul Revere and major figure in Early American music.

As the NHL, NBA and MLB consider resuming play, the issue of international travel poses another hurdle for Canadian-based teams.

Bengaluru's all-woman music collective Metronome to release a track for Mother's Day  Times of India

In this most unique of drafts, filled with technological concerns and even uncertainty when real football might return, there was one constant Thursday night: Joe Burrow.

Most of the animals at the B.C. Wildlife Park in Kamloops are unfazed by the absence of paying visitors since it closed in March over COVID-19 concerns. But Blue the turkey appears "bummed," staff say.

During special Easter outreaches to women in red light areas, outreach workers go in the knowledge that Jesus is with them and His resurrection power gives hope, strength and life.

McMaster University is planning for fewer international students, more deferred acceptance offers and online teaching for the thousands who are attending as the start of a new school year looms in the near future and in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Staying active and maintaining physical fitness has many benefits to all elements of wellness, including mental and emotional well-being that may be taxed during social distancing. At Penn State Mont Alto, the athletic department has been releasing weekly at-home workout and challenge videos that are accessible on our Facebook and Instagram pages to keep our student-athletes engaged.