BiotechBistro Forums Tag: biotech

BiotechBistro Forums Tag: biotech http://biotechbistro.com/forum/tags/biotech The Business of Biotechnology en-US Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:27:40 +0000 bbpress 1.0-alpha-4 <![CDATA[Search]]> q http://biotechbistro.com/forum/search.php ASHG Human Genetics Society on "American Society of Human Genetics Hosts 12th Int'l. Congress of Human Genetics" http://biotechbistro.com/forum/topic/american-society-of-human-genetics-hosts-12th-intl-congress-of-human-genetics#post-198 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 14:26:05 +0000 ASHG Human Genetics Society 198@http://biotechbistro.com/forum/ Media Contact: Kristen Long <a href="mailto:klong@ashg.org">klong@ashg.org</a> 301-634-7346 AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HUMAN GENETICS TO HOST 12TH INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF HUMAN GENETICS IN MONTREAL World's top genetic scientists to present latest research findings at ICHG/ASHG 2011 Meeting, on October 11-15, in Montreal, Canada BETHESDA, MD – August 30, 2011 – The world's top scientists and clinicians in the human genetics field will gather to present their latest research findings at the 12th International Congress of Human Genetics (ICHG) / 61st Annual Meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG), which will be held on October 11-15, 2011, in Montreal (Quebec), Canada, at the Montreal Convention Center. Founded in 1948, the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) is the primary professional membership organization for human genetics specialists worldwide, representing nearly 8,000 researchers, academicians, clinicians, genetic counselors, nurses and others with a special interest in this area. The Society's Annual Meeting is the world's largest gathering of human genetics professionals and a forum for renowned experts in the field to share their latest research results. The International Congress of Human Genetics (ICHG), which is sponsored by ASHG in partnership with the International Federation of Human Genetics Societies (IFHGS), is the foremost meeting of the worldwide human genetics community and is held every five years. In 2011, the 12th ICHG Meeting will be the major focal point and platform for the world's most exciting research, and attendance at this year's meeting is anticipated to be more than 7,000 delegates from over 60 countries around the world. With more than 300 platform and plenary presentations, 3,500 posters, 24 invited sessions, special symposia and panel debate sessions, as well as onsite press briefing events that will be webcast to the media, the ICHG/ASHG 2011 Meeting will provide journalists with information on the most important and recent developments in human genetics and genomics research. In addition, nearly 250 U.S. and international exhibitors will offer an unprecedented opportunity to view the latest advances in cutting-edge genetics products, services, and technology, many of which have been derived from work presented at previous ASHG meetings. PRESS BRIEFING EVENTS & WEBCASTS: ASHG will be hosting several press briefing events onsite in the Montreal Convention Center during the week of the ICHG/ASHG 2011 Meeting. The Society will also be webcasting this year's press briefings to allow credentialed members of the media who are unable to attend the meeting in-person to view the webcasts online. If you cannot attend the ICHG/ASHG 2011 Meeting in Montreal this October, but still wish to receive embargoed press releases from ASHG and/or register to view online webcasts of the Society's press briefing events, please e-mail your request to Kristen Long at <a href="mailto:klong@ashg.org">klong@ashg.org</a>, and include your press affiliation, title, and contact information. The scientific sessions and press briefings at the ICHG/ASHG 2011 Meeting will feature presentations from prominent experts in the field on a diverse range of the latest topics of interest in human genetics and genomics, including the following: •1000 Genomes Project •Biotechnology •Cancer Genetics •Clinical & Medical Genetics / Translational Research •Ethical, Legal, Social, & Policy Issues •Epigenetics & Genomics •Evolution & Population Genetics •Family Health History •Gene Therapy & Genetic Disease Treatments •Gene Patenting •Genetic Testing •Common & Rare Disease Genetics •Genome Architecture (CNVs & Structural Variation) •Genome Sequencing & Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) •Neurogenetics & Psychiatric Genetics •Pharmacogenetics (Drug Response & Dosage) •Personalized Medicine •Public Health Genomics & Education Initiatives •Stem Cell Research To view the schedule of events and scientific sessions, please visit the ICHG 2011 Meeting Web site at: <a href="http://www.ichg2011.org/pages/scheduleofevents.shtml" rel="nofollow">http://www.ichg2011.org/pages/scheduleofevents.shtml</a>. For general information about the ICHG/ASHG 2011 Meeting program, speakers, and the full schedule of events, visit: <a href="http://www.ichg2011.org" rel="nofollow">http://www.ichg2011.org</a>. PRESS REGISTRATION INFORMATION & GUIDELINES: The ICHG/ASHG 2011 Meeting is open to print, online and broadcast news media, as well as health, medical and science reporters, and freelance writers on a verifiable assignment from an established news source. Complimentary meeting registration will be available to members of the media who provide appropriate press credentials and identification. ASHG offers reporters many resources onsite at the meeting, including news releases, press conferences, media interviews with top experts in the field, and a press room with free Internet access and complimentary refreshments. To pre-register to attend the ICHG/ASHG 2011 Meeting as a member of the press, please complete the online press registration application form by October 1, 2011: <a href="http://www.ichg2011.org/pages/press_register.shtml" rel="nofollow">http://www.ichg2011.org/pages/press_register.shtml</a>. Press attendees are strongly encouraged to register online for the meeting in advance, however, credentialed members of the press* can register onsite at the ICHG/ASHG Press Office as well (located in Room 518B, on the fifth floor of the Montreal Convention Center). For more information about ASHG's press policies and guidelines, press registration procedures, as well as details about this year's press briefing sessions, webcasts, speakers, and experts available for interview at the 2011 Meeting, go to: <a href="http://www.ichg2011.org/pages/press.shtml" rel="nofollow">http://www.ichg2011.org/pages/press.shtml</a>. ICHG/ASHG 2011 SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow ICHG/ASHG 2011 Meeting posts on Twitter using the hashtag: #ICHG2011. Be sure to follow the #ICHG2011 hashtag during the week of the meeting to get the inside scoop on the latest genetics research findings presented at the conference from the many attendees who will be tweeting live at the scientific sessions. Also, follow ASHG on Twitter (@GeneticsSociety), Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube to get the latest 2011 Meeting updates and news tips both before and during the week of the conference. ABOUT THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HUMAN GENETICS Founded in 1948, the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) is the primary professional membership organization for human genetics specialists worldwide. The nearly 8,000 members of ASHG include researchers, academicians, clinicians, laboratory practice professionals, genetic counselors, nurses and others with a special interest in human genetics. The Society's mission is to serve research scientists, health professionals and the public by providing forums to: (1) share research results through the ASHG Annual Meeting and in the American Journal of Human Genetics (AJHG); (2) advance genetic research by advocating for research support; (3) educate current and future genetics professionals, health care providers, advocates, policymakers, educators, students, and the public about all aspects of human genetics; and (4) promote genetic services and support responsible social and scientific policies. For more information about ASHG, please visit our Web site at: <a href="http://www.ashg.org" rel="nofollow">http://www.ashg.org</a>. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Please note that all press registrants will be required to provide appropriate media credentials and identification to ASHG Press Office staff before receiving a press badge to access meeting events. Tom Ciesielka on "Women in Bio Event: Building Intellectual Property Assets" http://biotechbistro.com/forum/topic/women-in-bio-event-building-intellectual-property-assets#post-181 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:40:01 +0000 Tom Ciesielka 181@http://biotechbistro.com/forum/ On September 22, Women in Bio is hosting "Building Intellectual Property Assets: Advice from the Trenches." A panel of experienced women from companies and law firms will share their insights on what to consider when building a company's intellectual property assets. When: Thursday, September 22, 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm (5:30-6:30 networking and 6:30-8:00 panel discussion) Where: Illinois Science and Technology Park, 8045 Lamon Avenue, Skokie, Illinois Panelists include: Director of Business Development, Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America (invited moderator) Nabeela Rasheed, Ph.D., Attorney, McAndrews, Held & Malloy Sharon M. Sintich, Ph.D., Attorney, Marshall, Gerstein & Borun Nicole J. Walker, Director, Venture Investments, Abbott Biotech Ventures Amy E. Wilson, Ph.D., Patent Counsel, Baxter Healthcare Corporation Registration is at <a href="https://netforum.avectra.com/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?Site=WIB&WebCode=EventDetail&evt_key=a90de6a6-f371-4484-90de-9a12789d835c" rel="nofollow">https://netforum.avectra.com/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?Site=WIB&WebCode=EventDetail&evt_key=a90de6a6-f371-4484-90de-9a12789d835c</a> Women in Bio Information is at <a href="http://www.womeninbio.org/chapter-chicago.shtml" rel="nofollow">http://www.womeninbio.org/chapter-chicago.shtml</a> pjbosc on "International Stem Cell Corporation Reports First Quarter Revenue..." http://biotechbistro.com/forum/topic/international-stem-cell-corporation-reports-first-quarter-revenue#post-130 Wed, 25 May 2011 13:21:20 +0000 pjbosc 130@http://biotechbistro.com/forum/ International Stem Cell Corporation Reports First Quarter Revenue of $1.5 Million on Strong Initial Sales of Skin Care Products and Strong Growth of Research Product Sales International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO) (ISCO) announces that revenue in the first quarter of 2011 was $1.5 million, compared with revenue of $273,000 in the first quarter of 2010. The increase was primarily due to $1.1 million in sales of Lifeline Skin Care products achieved in the pilot direct-to-consumer launch. Adding to the revenue growth was a 35% increase over the prior year in sales of human cell culture research products from subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology. ISCO also disclosed that it is delaying the filing of its Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2011 in order to resolve an accounting question as described below. Shortly before the scheduled date for filing the 10-Q, ISCO identified an issue related to whether a technical interpretation of certain accounting guidance found in FASB ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging could require a change in the manner ISCO has historically accounted for the value of warrants originally issued as compensation to brokers working for the placement agent in the Company's 2007 initial public offering. The accounting question is highly technical in nature and would have no impact on cash or revenues, but relates solely to the non-cash accounting for warrants issued several years ago. Rather than publish information that might be subject to further revision, ISCO has elected to delay the filing of its 10-Q until a decision can be made as to whether or not adjustments will need to be made and, if so, exactly what the accounting entries will be. The Company is committed to resolving this question as promptly as possible and will disclose the conclusion in the 10-Q. About International Stem Cell Corporation International Stem Cell Corporation is focused on the therapeutic applications of human parthenogenetic stem cells and the development and commercialization of cell-based research and cosmetic products. ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs). hpSCs avoid ethical issues associated with the use or destruction of viable human embryos. ISCO scientists have created the first parthenogenic, homozygous stem cell line that can be a source of therapeutic cells with minimal immune rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing genders, ages and racial background. This offers the potential to create the first true stem cell bank, UniStemCell™. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology, and cell-based skin care products through its subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care. More information is available at <a href="http://www.internationalstemcell.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.internationalstemcell.com</a>. To subscribe to receive ongoing corporate communications, please click on the following link: <a href="http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0" rel="nofollow">http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0</a>. Forward-looking Statements Statements pertaining to anticipated developments, anticipated resolution of the accounting question, and opportunities for the company and its subsidiaries, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates,") should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products, the application of accounting guidance, regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, application of capital resources among competing uses, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the company's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements. pjbosc on "ISCO Enrolls First Donor in Program to Create New Parthenogenetic Stem Cell Line" http://biotechbistro.com/forum/topic/isco-enrolls-first-donor-in-program-to-create-new-parthenogenetic-stem-cell-line#post-119 Thu, 19 May 2011 11:52:40 +0000 pjbosc 119@http://biotechbistro.com/forum/ ISCO Enrolls First Donor in Program to Create New Parthenogenetic Stem Cell Lines in the US CARLSBAD, Calif. -- (May 19, 2011) -- International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), <a href="http://www.internationalstemcell.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.internationalstemcell.com</a>, has now enrolled the first U.S.-based donor in its program to establish a bank of clinical-grade human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSCs) capable of being immune-matched to millions of patients. Dr. Simon Craw, Vice President of ISCO with primary responsibility for building its UniStemCell Bank, said, “Enrolling our first donor is a key milestone towards our goal of creating a bank of clinical-grade pluripotent human stem cells with the ability to immune-match millions of patients. It is extremely exciting to start this new phase of development, and I look forward to making new clinical-grade hpSC lines available to medical researchers around the world.” ISCO maintains the world’s largest collection of research-grade human parthenogenetic stem cell (hpSC) lines which it uses along with its partners and collaborators to investigate cellular therapies for a number of incurable human diseases. ISCO previously announced it had successfully obtained the necessary regulatory approvals for obtaining human oocytes, including Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval and Stem Cell Research Oversight (SCRO) committee approval. Today’s announcement marks the next phase of development as the Company is now positioned to begin producing new clinical-grade hpSC lines. These new cell lines will be ISCO’s first hpSCs to be produced in the United States in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) specifications. The new cGMP hpSC lines will be uniquely valuable in therapeutic research and clinical development as cells or tissue derived from such cells can be used in human clinical trials. ISCO’s scientific discoveries have resulted in the development of a unique new type of pluripotent stem cells that possess a number of distinct advantages over other types of human pluripotent stem cells. ISCO uses unfertilized oocytes to create human “parthenogenetic” stem cells. Like human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), hpSCs are pluripotent, i.e. they have the capacity to become almost any cell type in the body, yet avoid ethical issues associated with use or destruction of viable human embryos. Unlike hESCs, hpSCs can be created in a form such that they can be immunologically matched to millions of individuals. About International Stem Cell Corporation International Stem Cell Corporation is focused on the therapeutic applications of human parthenogenetic stem cells and the development and commercialization of cell-based research and cosmetic products. ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs). hpSCs avoid ethical issues associated with the use or destruction of viable human embryos. ISCO scientists have created the first parthenogenic, homozygous stem cell line that can be a source of therapeutic cells with minimal immune rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing genders, ages and racial background. This offers the potential to create the first true stem cell bank, UniStemCell™. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology, and cell-based skin care products through its subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care. More information is available at <a href="http://www.internationalstemcell.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.internationalstemcell.com</a>. To subscribe to receive ongoing corporate communications, please click on the following link: <a href="http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0" rel="nofollow">http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0</a>. Forward-looking Statements Statements pertaining to anticipated developments, the potential production and benefits of stem cell lines, and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiaries, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates,") should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products and the management of collaborations, regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, application of capital resources among competing uses, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the company's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements. Tom Ciesielka on "Women in Bio Event: Finding Investors" http://biotechbistro.com/forum/topic/women-in-bio-event-finding-investors#post-112 Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:00:22 +0000 Tom Ciesielka 112@http://biotechbistro.com/forum/ On April 11, Women in Bio and Propel are hosting "Finding the Right Investor at the Right Time: Practical Advice from the Investor Viewpoint". The event is for finding ways to get funding for biotech research. Topics include what investors to approach, when and why they should be approached, and the expectations of investors at each stage. When: Monday, April 11, 5 pm to 7:30 pm (5:00-6:00 networking and 6:00-7:30 panel discussion) Where: Chicago Campus of Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior, at the Robert H. Lurie Medical Research Center Panelists include: Kathryn Burrer Hyer, Director of IllinoisVENTURES and Partner of the Illinois Emerging Technologies Fund Nina Nashif, M.H.A., Vice President, Sandbox Industries Caralynn Nowinski Chenoweth, M.D., Vice President, Sikich Investment Banking Nicole J Walker, Director, Venture Investments, Abbott Biotech Ventures Women in Bio Information is at <a href="http://www.womeninbio.org/chapter-chicago.shtml" rel="nofollow">http://www.womeninbio.org/chapter-chicago.shtml</a> Registration is at <a href="https://netforum.avectra.com/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?Site=WIB&WebCode=EventDetail&evt_key=2e6eaac5-35f7-402e-b9c0-b3b62ee669e7" rel="nofollow">https://netforum.avectra.com/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?Site=WIB&WebCode=EventDetail&evt_key=2e6eaac5-35f7-402e-b9c0-b3b62ee669e7</a> elizawalsh on "Barbados Gov't Launches Bold Initiatives to Attract Biotech" http://biotechbistro.com/forum/topic/barbados-govt-launches-bold-initiatives-to-attract-biotech#post-66 Wed, 08 Dec 2010 23:42:46 +0000 elizawalsh 66@http://biotechbistro.com/forum/ Barbados Government Launches Bold Initiatives to Attract Biotech Companies New US $20-million R&D laboratory and national regulatory authority are pillars of strategy Bridgetown Barbados, December 2, 2010—The Government of Barbados today announced two new initiatives to attract leading-edge biotechnology companies to the island nation. The main thrusts of the plan are the creation of a state-of-the-art laboratory for world-class research and development initiatives and the establishment of a regulatory authority to oversee biotech R&D to international standards. “Because of these initiatives, we believe that biotechnology companies will find this country to be an ideal location in which to operate”, said Senator Darcy Boyce, Minister of Energy, Immigration, Telecommunications and Invest Barbados. “They build on the existing reasons why Barbados is widely recognized as a great place for investment, including our highly educated work force, our low-tax environment and extensive tax and investment-protection treaty network, our sophisticated business infrastructure, our fiscal incentives for investment, and, of course, our quality of life and friendly people.” Dr. David Estwick, M.P., Minister of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries, Industry and Small Business Development, added : "We have recognized that start-up biotech companies often face two major problems when establishing themselves: first, the large capital investment required to secure laboratory space and equipment; and second, the delays caused by the lengthy R&D approval processes imposed by the regulatory agencies of developed countries, which are often exacerbated by backlogs and cross-agency bureaucracy”. “We believe that a national regulatory authority invigilated by the Barbados Government that operates to the same rigorous international standards as the FDA and other regulators--but with no significant backlog or difficult bureaucratic hurdles to overcome--will enable biotech companies to cut more than a year off the R&D approval process,” said Minister Estwick. “And, as we all know, in the business world, now more than ever, time is money”. “Similarly, by providing Government-owned land for the creation of a state-of-the-art biotech R&D centre in a US $ 20-million joint venture arrangement with the private sector, we will provide rental space for entrepreneurs seeking to develop new biotech products to pursue their visions. Within this laboratory, researchers will have access to the special facilities and diagnostic equipment needed to conduct world-class research and product development. Moreover, their efforts to grow and prosper in world markets will be protected by the strong intellectual property legislation Barbados already has in place, as well as our tax-efficient international business legislation.” Wayne Kirton, CEO of Invest Barbados, the government's investment promotion agency, explained: “The concept is to lease the space at a subsidized rate, but with the joint venture taking a negotiated share of the intellectual property rights involved. The size of that share will be influenced by the stage of IP development that had been reached prior to undertaking R&D work in Barbados. “We intend to make Barbados the destination of choice for innovative biotech companies that are prepared to submit to a stringent regulatory process but also want to bring their ideas to the marketplace as quickly and cost effectively as possible,” Kirton concluded. -30- About Invest Barbados Invest Barbados (IB) is an economic development agency of the government of Barbados. IB is responsible for attracting, winning and sustaining international investment in Barbados. The corporation is also responsible for promoting the export of indigenous services and helping to develop and manage the Barbados Business brand. UBIFRANCESF on "French Biotech Tour coming to New Jersey!" http://biotechbistro.com/forum/topic/french-biotech-tour-coming-to-new-jersey#post-48 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:23:05 +0000 UBIFRANCESF 48@http://biotechbistro.com/forum/ Find R&D collaborators, learn about new business opportunities and increase your international network right here in the U.S. at the French Biotech Tour! Join us in New Jersey on September 13th, 2010 to meet your new partners. Small, medium and large enterprises are all invited! This free event includes a full day of the following: • One-on-one meetings – which company would you like to partner with? • Company presentations – how about yours! • Networking – mix and mingle with companies that you don’t usually get a chance to meet at the wine reception ********Registration will open in May!******* Please contact Isabelle Tanneau of the U.S. UBIFRANCE Biotech office for more information or to pre-register: <a href="mailto:Isabelle.tanneau@ubifrance.fr">Isabelle.tanneau@ubifrance.fr</a> See our last successful event on YouTube: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrUDyUMH040" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrUDyUMH040</a> *****NOTE: This event is intended for business development and R&D collaboration - service providers will be considered on a case-by-case basis***** UBIFRANCESF on "French Biotech Tour - CNS - Free Event In New Jersey" http://biotechbistro.com/forum/topic/french-biotech-tour-cns-free-event-in-new-jersey#post-47 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:21:15 +0000 UBIFRANCESF 47@http://biotechbistro.com/forum/ Find R&D collaborators, learn about new business opportunities and increase your international network right here in the U.S. at the French Biotech Tour! Join us in New Jersey on September 13th, 2010 to meet your new partners. Small, medium and large enterprises are all invited! This free event includes a full day of the following: • One-on-one meetings – which company would you like to partner with? • Company presentations – how about yours! • Networking – mix and mingle with companies that you don’t usually get a chance to meet at the wine reception ********Registration will open in May!******* Please contact Isabelle Tanneau of the U.S. UBIFRANCE Biotech office for more information or to pre-register: <a href="mailto:Isabelle.tanneau@ubifrance.fr">Isabelle.tanneau@ubifrance.fr</a> See our last successful event on YouTube: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrUDyUMH040" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrUDyUMH040</a> *****NOTE: This event is intended for business development and R&D collaboration - service providers will be considered on a case-by-case basis*****