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|Freya Mavor Quick Info|
|Height||5 ft 9 in|
|Date of Birth||August 13, 1993|
Freya Mavor is a Scottish actress and model who is best known for portraying roles such as Mini McGuinness in Skins, Daria Greenock in Industry, and Margaret in The Keeper. She has also appeared in a variety of other TV shows and films such as Not Another Happy Ending, Sunshine on Leith, The Sense of an Ending, Modern Life Is Rubbish, Dead in a Week or Your Money Back, Balance, Not Symmetry, The White Queen, Twice Upon a Time, The ABC Murders, New Worlds, and many more. Her theatre credits include plays like Boys and Good Canary.
Freya went to Collège Eugène Fromentin in La Rochelle, France and also at Mary Erskine School in Edinburgh, Scotland.
- Father – James Mavor (Playwright)
- Siblings – Hugo Mavor (Brother), Alex Mavor (Brother)
- Others – Ronald Bingo Mavor (Grandfather) (The Scotsman’s Theatre Critic), James Bridie (aka Osborne Mavor) (Great-Grandfather) (Ran the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama)
5 ft 9 in or 175 cm
55 kg or 121 pounds
Race / Ethnicity
She has Irish and Danish ancestry on her mother’s side.
35-24-34 in or 89-61-86 cm
4 (US) or 36 (EU)
As a model, she became the face of Pringle of Scotland in 2011 for its spring/summer campaign.
Best Known For
Playing Mini McGuinness in the E4 teen drama Skins from 2011 to 2012. Freya appeared in a total of 18 episodes.
In 2011, she appeared in the short film Disco for her minor role as ‘Girl in the Queue.’
Freya’s debut feature film appearance was in the romantic comedy film Not Another Happy Ending in which she played the starring role as Nicola Ball in 2013.
First TV Show
From 2011 to 2012, Freya appeared in E4’s teen drama series Skins where she played the role as Minerva “Mini” McGuinness. She was also nominated for best actress award for this.
Freya grew up playing a number of sports activities like rock climbing, swimming, tennis, etc. She wasn’t a gym freak while growing up.
Freya likes such things more which keep her moving and challenges her physically. That is why, she signed for a physical theatre course in Paris, France which involved tough dancing and martial arts.
Freya Mavor Facts
- Freya was born in Glasgow but raised in Inverleith, Edinburgh.
- Freya gives more preference to acting than modeling.
- At the age of 10, she watched The Shining and developed an interest in acting.
- In 2008, she became a member of the National Youth Theatre.
- At the 2011 Scottish Fashion Awards, Mavor was announced as the “Fashion Icon of the Year Award.”
- One Direction’s Niall Horan asked her on a date in 2012, but she turned him down.
- She knows both English and French and can speak them fluently. She is also good at Spanish and knows basic German too.
- She actually auditioned for the teen drama show Skins (2007-2013) after hearing from people on a bus talking about the show.
- She is skilled in various forms of dancing like jazz/contemporary and ballet.
- Mavor also knows a little bit of piano.
- In 2012, she was ranked 78th in FHM‘s “100 World’s Sexiest Women” list.


BDS defuses two mortar bombs in Karachi
KARACHI (92 News) – The Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) has on Thursday defused two mortar shells that were seized from Defence Phase-8 area of Karachi two days ago.
As per details, the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) had seized two mortar bombs from Defence Phase-8 area of Karachi. The BDS successfully defused the mortar bombs.
The BDS officials said that the terrorists didn’t have launcher pad for mortar bombs.
The process of defusing the mortar bombs took a long time due to lack of required equipment. The required equipment was provided by the army to defuse the mortar shells.
The police have also started investigation.


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Daisy Ridley’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens audition tape has just been released online.
In a video set to feature on the upcoming DVD/Blu-ray release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, director JJ Abrams explains how Daisy Ridley came to snatch the part of Rey.
‘What we were looking for was someone new,’ JJ Abrams explains in the clip. ‘This character needed to be vulnerable and tough, sweet and terrified. And to find someone that no one knew could do all these things took a lot of looking.
‘It wasn’t until we found Daisy that we just felt like she was capable of doing all of these things this character required.’
‘When we brought her in, I asked her to do this one scene, a torture scene, and she just blew my mind,’ he added.
The audition pulls from the excellent scene where Kylo Ren attempts to read the Rey character’s mind, but struggles due to her overwhelming untapped strength with the force.
Her performance in the clip doesn’t look too dissimilar compared to the final film, as she absolutely nails piling on the waterworks and a struggling, tortured grimace.
Basically, she’s a bit of a boss. But we knew that already, didn’t we?
Star Wars: The Force Awakens releases on DVD & Blu-ray in the UK on April 18th.

domain: entertainment


Discover the ultimate staple of your wardrobe with our “Remote Work & Remote Waters” t-shirt. This isn’t just a piece of clothing; it’s a statement for the modern nomad who thrives in the balance of professional life and the call of the ocean. Designed for those who find tranquility and inspiration in remote waters while staying connected to the world, this tee celebrates the freedom and fluidity of your lifestyle.
Made with the finest 100% ring-spun cotton, this t-shirt promises both softness and comfort, making it a perfect fit for your everyday adventures, whether on land or at sea. The careful double stitching on the neckline and sleeves ensures durability, making it not just your favorite but also a lasting companion.
Material: Premium 100% ring-spun cotton for an ultra-soft feel. Sport Grey variant is made with 90% ring-spun cotton and 10% polyester, while Dark Heather combines 65% polyester with 35% cotton.
Fabric Weight: A comfortable 4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²), ideal for daily wear.
Thoughtful Construction: Shoulder-to-shoulder taping for better fit and durability.
Smart Design: Quarter-turned to avoid crease down the center, maintaining a sharp, unblemished look.
Global Sourcing: Blank product sourced from Bangladesh, Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Haiti, or Guatemala.
Embrace the spirit of a digital nomad and sailor with a tee that speaks to your unique journey. Our “Remote Work & Remote Waters” t-shirt is not just a garment; it’s a testament to a life of adventure and connectivity.
In our commitment to sustainability and mindful production, each t-shirt is created especially for you when you place an order. This approach allows us to reduce overproduction and support a more sustainable future.
Thank you for choosing a product that represents your passion for the open seas and the digital world. Set sail in style and comfort with your new favorite t-shirt!


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Meet Clay and Tiffany! Just last month I had the pleasure of photographing their engagement session at Riverwalk Park in Clarksville, where they had their first official date. They were married at The Cumberland Room in Clarksville, where my assistant and I went to work on April 1 to photograph their wedding. We were met by Clay in his military uniform, and immediately saw the candy bar set up….with you guessed it….GUMMY BEARS! A definite favorite of both my assistant and mine! Feast your eyes on the gummies, won’t you?
It was a nice warm sunny day, the ceremony was outdoors in the ballroom’s outdoor courtyard, yes we mastered the lighting challenge with the harsh afternoon sun 🙂 The reception was inside the ballroom, where I went around and captured some portraits of the family and guests, as well as some journalistic candid photos of them. Using that fly on the wall approach helps me get real expression when guests are eating or sharing a drink, during the dances, the interaction of the cake cutting, the kids playing, and in this case the grandmother out dancing everyone in attendance! It was a fun day and an exciting day in their lives, thank you for letting me capture your story!

domain: artistic


DescriptionIt seems like only yesterday that we released John Askews "Blackout" to launch Discovers techno / tech trance sister label but less than five years later we have hit our milestone 50th release.
Appropriately, it is down to Gary Maguire to deliver the goods and deliver them he does with this superb 3 track E.P. which also caps an excellent year for the producer having seen him deliver two compilations and a string of singles and remixes that have graced the playlists of DJs across the globe.
Discover Dark has carved a niche all of its own. Across its 50 releases it has been a home for the darker side of the likes of OCallaghan, Tyas, Askew, Activa and of course Maguire to name just a handful.


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Surfcoast Downwinder Paddle
Ultra: 17km Enduro: 8 km
This is a point to point DOWNWIND paddle taking in some of the Surf Coast Shires most iconic landmarks. This course is made to change with the weather, thus still providing the best downwind paddle.
Starting at Fairhaven Beach (if in a small swell) or over at Urquhart’s bluff (if the swell is larger) with both options paddling past the Aireys Inlet lighthouse before heading towards Cape Roadknight and passing the amazing Surf Coast cliffs and stunning beaches
The prevailing wind is south-west at this time of year with swell and wind assisting paddlers towards the end goal of Anglesea Beach. Even if the wind doesn’t show up for the race day it will be an awesome sampling of the coastline, which always looks better from the ocean.
Once you are around Point Roadknight you will either finish on Anglesea Beach or at Point Roadknight Beach (condition dependent). The swells wrap around the point to provide clean swells that beg to be ridding in a Surfski or Outrigger (in fact you should get down and do that whenever you have the chance).

domain: travel


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Palm Springs, CA (PSP-Palm Springs Intl.)6 min drive
Agua Caliente Casino18 min drive
San Jacinto Peak74 min drive
Choose dates to view prices
About this area
Inndulge -- Iconic Gay Men's Resort is located in Palm Springs. The area's natural beauty can be seen at San Jacinto Mountains and Indian Canyon, while Palm Springs Art Museum and Palm Springs Air Museum are cultural highlights. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and Living Desert Zoo and Gardens are also worth visiting.
3.5-star Palm Springs hotel in Warm Sands, near Palm Springs Convention Center
Along with an outdoor pool, this smoke-free hotel has laundry facilities and a computer station. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, a library, multilingual staff, and a garden are onsite. This hotel has 31 rooms.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Property is also known as
Inndulge Iconic Palm Springs
Inndulge Iconic Gay Men's Resort
Inndulge -- Iconic Gay Men's Resort Hotel
Inndulge -- Iconic Gay Men's Resort Palm Springs
Inndulge -- Iconic Gay Men's Resort Hotel Palm Springs
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.
As of Jun 15, 2021, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Inndulge -- Iconic Gay Men's Resort on Jun 21, 2021 start from $168, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
Self parking is free at this property.
Check-in is from 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM.
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Located in Warm Sands, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Baristo Park, Palm Springs Convention Center, and San Jacinto Mountains. Palm Springs Art Museum is 1.6 mi (2.6 km) away.

domain: geography


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Monterey Bay Desalination Project
Slant Well Technology: A Desalination Intake Alternative
To alleviate environmental stresses on the Carmel River, the State Water Resources Control Board required California American Water Company (Cal Am), the utility responsible for providing water to a substantial portion of the Monterey Peninsula, to reduce its reliance on diversions from the Carmel River to serve as its local water supply. To meet this state mandate, Cal Am instituted the process of planning and permitting a seawater desalination project. To help alleviate pressure on the local aquifer and contribute to local water supplies, Geoscience is using slant well technology and is helping institute the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project (MPWSP).
The purpose of the MPWSP is twofold: to remediate pressure on the local municipal water supply aquifer, and to contribute to much needed local water supplies. The project will provide up to 10 mgd of desalinated water supply to northern Monterey County. In addition, the MPWSP will help reduce and remediate seawater intrusion from overdraft conditions, which is an ongoing water quality issue identified as early as the 1930s.
Geoscience has been responsible for providing the hydrogeologic characterization of the area, groundwater modeling to develop the aquifer testing program (which included exploratory drilling and testing program to assess baseline conditions), and refine the test slant well design. The 1,000 ft test slant well has been constructed and is in a long term (18-24 months) pumping test phase to develop feedwater parameters and evaluate potential impacts to sensitive habitat and inland water resources.
Geoscience’s approach and solutions included:
- Slant Well Rehabilitation Study
- Well casing studies
- Geotechnical Input Regarding Slant Well Location and Protection
- Water Modeling & Geochemical Characterization
- Coastal Groundwater Model Development
- Impacts of Slant Well Extraction Scenarios
- Identification & Analysis of Energy Strategies
- An extensive monitoring program has also been designed by Geoscience that will accompany the long-term pilot testing and develop the baseline to compare potential impacts.
Geoscience is using slant well technology to help alleviate pressure on the local aquifer and contribute to local water supplies.
Details at a Glance:
Client: California American Water Company
Contact Brian Villalobos to learn more about this case study.
We are a team of degreed geologists and engineers, developing the best solutions for sustainable groundwater. Contact us for reliable results.
Discover more case studies
Pismo Beach Regional Groundwater Sustainability Project
Client Profile The City of Pismo Beach is a member of the Northern Cities Management Area (NCMA) of the Santa Maria Groundwater Basin in San Luis Obispo County, California. There are three major sources of water that supply the NCMA—Lopez Lake (surface water), the State Water Project Coastal Branch (imported water), and groundwater pumping. Each […]Read more
South Orange Coastal Ocean Desalination Project
Client Profile South Coast Water District (SCWD) provides potable water, recycled water, and wastewater services to 35,000 residents, 1,000 businesses, and 2 million visitors per year in South Orange County, California. Challenge Brackish water occurs in a natural environment that produces a salinity level registering between freshwater and seawater. It occurs in coastal regions where […]Read more
Pure Water Oceanside
Challenge For decades, the City of Oceanside relied on imported water for more than 85% of its supply to its customers, with less than 15% coming from local supplies in the Mission Ground Water Basin and a 0.7-mgd Recycled Water Facility. Since the turn of the century, the City has been seeking ways to reduce […]Read more


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In Quest of the Jewish Mary
in this book, Mary Christine Athans draws on the latest historical research, the fruits of post-Vatican II Jewish-Christian dialogue, the insights of feminist theology, and contemporary spiritual reflection to rediscover the Jewish Mary—a woman of enormous courage, strength, and prayer.
Jesus, as is well known, was born and raised as a Jew in first-century Palestine. A great deal of theological study has focused on the Jewish cultural and religious context of his life and ministry. It is only natural that this attention should lead us to a new approach to his mother, Mary of Nazareth. To some extent, this quest for the Jewish Mary involves excavating beneath centuries of devotional reflection and artistic depictions that have presented a mythologized Mary, detached from history and from her specific Jewish identity.
Published by Orbis Books. Distributed by New City Press.
"Biblically rich and deeply moving, this is a book of rare originality and creativity that will inspire faith and invigorate religious dialogue."
National Catholic Reporter, December 2013
"A key aim of post-Vatican II Jewish-Christian dialogue is to understand Judaism on its own terms and subsequently to plumb the wisdom of the Jewish tradition as a source for greater Christian self-understanding. A.'s work not only achieves this goal, but it is also ultimately an edifying spiritual reflection deeply informed by a life of research, teaching, and implementing ecumenical and interreligious dialogue. It is to be read, A. avers, 'with both the head and the heart'"
Theological Studies, March 2014
"Few works deliver on the promise of their title with such success as Mary Christine Athans’s book. . . . The scholarship is solid, the prose accessible and her personal reflections engaging. The book can also be provocative, since discussions of Mary lead to questions about the contested role of women in the church....”
Dr. Sidney Callahan, in America magazine.
About the Author
Mary Christine Athans, BVM, is a Sister of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, professor emerita at the Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity of the University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) and currently adjunct faculty at Loyola University Chicago and the Catholic Theological Union.
|Publication Date||Dec 31, 2012|
|Author||Mary Christine Athans|
- A Dialogue of Life$14.95
- Our Age$9.95
- Mary in 3-D$9.95

domain: library


Children’s theatre production draws on African inspiration May 15, 2012 With crocodile villains and superheroes rescuing babies from the depths of the River Nile, the latest production by Murdoch University’s Children’s Theatre group will capture the imagination of adults and children alike. Son of the Nile opens for a limited public season at the University’s Nexus Theatre on Monday, May 28, and is especially suitable to older primary school aged children. “This play was written by internationally acclaimed playwright and poet Afief Ismael, a refugee from Sudan who writes first in his native Arabic,” said Dr David Moody, coordinator of the Children’s Theatre unit at Murdoch University. “We are fortunate to have Afief currently studying theatre at Murdoch University this year and so our playwright will actually play the role of the River Nile in the production.” Son of the Nile is a story narrated by the Nile River itself about the birth of a new son to the village Chief, who is then kidnapped by an evil pair of crocodiles. The crocodiles have been sent by their Queen to avenge the killing of a crocodile by the baby’s father. The Fastest Swimmer in the World, the super-hero Buzagully, is sent to rescue the baby by swimming through the deepest waters of the Nile. But there are two babies stolen – which is the Chief’s son? The play ends with a huge comic battle between crocodiles and humans. “Murdoch University’s Children’s Theatre unit is the only one of its kind in Western Australia and each year the students inspire and entertain hundreds of children,” Dr Moody said. “In particular we are delighted to have the chance to show this play to a group of Sudanese refugee children in early June.” Son of the Nile is being performed as part of a double bill with another original play, Doctor Roo and the Jewel of the Kimberley, written by Murdoch graduate students Andrew Kocsis and Melissa Merchant. This is the hilarious story of a time travelling kangaroo and his emu assistant, who are in a quest to save the Beeliar wetlands. Son of the Nile and The Jewel of the Kimberley public performances will be held from Monday, May 28, at 7.30pm until the following Monday, with matinees at 12:30pm and 2:30pm Saturday and Sunday. For more information or to book tickets contact Laurinne Macqueen. Print This Post Media contact: Pepita Smyth Tel: (08) 9360 1289 | Mobile: 0417 171 551 | Email: firstname.lastname@example.org Categories: General, Events, Domestic students Tags: afief ismael, david moody, jewel of the kimberley, murdoch university children's performance group, nexus theatre, river nile, son of the nile, sudan Leave a comment Name (required) Mail (will not be published) (required) Website You can use these tags :   <acronym title="">
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Smooth Cubic Multivariate Local Interpolations
loci is a shared library for interpolations in up to 4 dimensions. In order to calculate the coefficients of the cubic polynom, only local values are used: The data itself and all combinations of first-order derivatives, i.e. in 2D f_x, f_y and f_xy. This is in contrast to splines, where the coefficients are not calculated using derivatives, but non-local data, which can lead to over-smoothing the result.
The scheme has been developed at the University of Geneva. It is based on Lekien & Marsden 2005, with improvements by Daniel Pfenniger and implemented by Andreas Füglistaler in C, Python and Julia.
The library has been developed using test-driven developement (TDD), i.e. a test case is written before the actual function is implemented. That way, one makes sure every test can fail, and that the actual function passes the test.
The library has been tested with double precision. It is possible to compile with single precision, by defining the variable REAL=float. This has however not been tested yet.
The library can be linked both statically and dynamically. A python-wrapper is available in python/loci, which is only working with double precision at this moment.
Clone a copy of loci to your local computer and make the shared library:
git clone https://github.com/AFueglistaler/loci.git cd loci make
The shared library will be in lib/libloci.so, the header-files in include/, the python module in python/loci.
To test the statically linked test-files, type
To test the dynamically linked python-test-files, type
export LD_LIBRARY_PATH=$LD_LIBRARY_PATH:$(pwd)/lib export PYTHONPATH=$PYTHONPATH:$(pwd)/python make pytest
The C-testfiles in test/ and the python-testfiles in python/test are commented and show the functionality of all functions.
In order to use loci in Python, you first need to set the LD_LIBRARY_PATH and PYTHONPATH variables:
export LD_LIBRARY_PATH=$LD_LIBRARY_PATH:path_to_loci/lib export PYTHONPATH=$PYTHONPATH:path_to_loci/python
The following code shows the basic usage of the library in two dimensions. The usage in other dimensions is identical.
#import numpy and scipy from numpy import * from scipy import * # import classes from loci import Interpolation, Range # Define functions and derivative A=2. B=0.5 def f(x, y): return log(A*x**2 + B*y**2 + 1) def f_x(x, y): return 2*A*x/(A*x**2 + B*y**2 + 1) def f_y(x, y): return 2*B*y/(A*x**2 + B*y**2 + 1) def f_xy(x, y): return -4*A*B*x*y/(A*x**2 + B*y**2 + 1)**2 # Define interpolation ranges rx = Range(1., 0.1, 10) #x0 =1., dx=0.1, lenght=10 ry = Range(-2., 0.5, 20) # Create interpolation ip = Interpolation(rx, ry, f, f_x, f_y, f_xy) # Interpolate at a given point ip.interpolate(rx.x0 + 0.4, ry.x0 + 7.3) # Interpolate derivatives in x and y ip.diff_x(rx.x0 + 0.4, ry.x0 + 7.3) ip.diff_y(rx.x0 + 0.4, ry.x0 + 7.3) # Interpolate 2nd-order x and 3rd-order y derivative ip.diff(2, 3, rx.x0 + 0.4, ry.x0 + 7.3) # Interpolate out of bounds ip.interpolate(rx.x0 - 1, ry.x0 - 1) #returns nan # create random points in ranges rx and ry N = int(1e7) xs = (rx.dx*rx.len)*rand(N) + rx.x0 ys = (ry.dx*ry.len)*rand(N) + ry.x0 # Map interpolation on points ip.map(xs, ys) # Map derivativews in x and y on points ip.map_x(xs, ys) ip.map_y(xs, ys) # Map 2nd-order x and 3rd-order y derivative on points ip.map_diff(2, 3, xs, ys)
There are two jupyter notebooks showing the usage of loci:


Is there a 5 mm gun?
The 5mm Remington Rimfire Magnum or 5mm RFM is a bottlenecked rimfire cartridge introduced by Remington Arms Company in 1969. Remington chambered it in a pair of bolt-action rifles, the Model 591 and Model 592, but the round never became very popular, and the rifles were discontinued in 1974.
How much is a Remington 5 mm rifle worth?
Recently Sold REMINGTON 591M rifle
|$545.00||REMINGTON 591M 5MM REM MAG 24” BBL W/ 500 ROUNDS AMMO AND SCOPE 055748 24 INCH ” BARREL Reno, NV 89511|
|$600.00||REMINGTON 591M 5MM REM GREAT CONDITION! 24 INCH ” BARREL San Antonio, TX 78209|
|$455.00||REMINGTON MODEL 591M – 5MM REM MAG W/ ONE MAGAZINE 591 Reno, NV 89502|
What is the 5mm round?
The 5mm round is an ammunition type found in Fallout, Fallout 2, Fallout 3, Van Buren, Fallout: New Vegas, Fallout 4, and Fallout 76. It is used by various weapons, such as miniguns and assault rifles.
What uses 5mm Ammo?
Certain types of enemies carry huge amounts of 5mm ammo on them, often in excess of 1000 rounds per drop. The most notable examples are Brotherhood of Steel Vertibird door gunners and the experimental sentry bot encountered in the Old Robotics section of the Institute during The Nuclear Option.
What is 5mm ammo used for?
The 5mm round is a small caliber rifle cartridge produced for use by the military, these rounds came in 200 cartridge army green ammo boxes. 5mm rounds were used rather exclusively by the military with their minigun, though Gatling guns can be found in Appalachia modified to fire the modern round.
What uses 5mm ammo?
What is Ultracite ammo?
Most types of ammunition are available as ultracite ammo. These expensive rounds may only be fired from a weapon modified with a prime receiver, but they pack a punch. In addition to increased damage, they deal bonus damage against the Scorched, scorchbeasts and anything affected by the Scorched Plague.
What kind of bullet is a 5mm?
The original 5mm bottlenecked cartridge held a 38 grain Power-Lokt HP bullet with an advertised muzzle velocity of 2100 fps, though chronos have booked it significantly faster. At its prime, the round was blazing fast, and trumped the WMR’s 40 grain bullet at 1910fps in both power and accuracy.
Are there any 5mm Remington Rimfire magnums left?
During the years of 5mm ammunition shortage between Remington’s discontinuation and Aguila’s re-production, a 5mm Craig centerfire conversion was introduced, though the majority of rifles survived conversion. The 1970s run of Remington 591 and 592 rifles are clearly marked for 5mm Remington Rimfire Magnum ammunition.
What makes a good picture of a gun?
That means, make your picture interesting. A lot of you guys, you know, everybody feels compelled to get the entire gun, especially if you’re shooting a rifle, to get the entire gun in the shot, and so you’ll see a lot of pictures of the guy standing over the gun.
Where can I buy 5mm Remington ammo?
In 2008, the Mexican-based Aguila Ammunition commenced 5mm ammunition production, and they continue stocking it today. Aguila 5mm Remington ammo is sold under the Centurion Ordnance name. (Photo: Kristin Alberts) Aguila ammo is imported by and sold under the Texas-based Centurion Ordnance name.


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The Republican-controlled Congress hadn’t even been in session two days when it landed its first blow in its much-publicized effort to dismantle the ACA. The House passed legislation to redefine a full-time employee eligible for employer-provided health insurance from one who works 30 hours a week to 40 hours. A few hours later, despite the threat of a presidential veto, Senate leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said there was no chance that the Senate would bypass the vote, setting up a showdown with President Obama and a contentious tone for the politics swirling around his signature legislation.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has on its docket King v. Burwell, which challenges the legality of tax credits for people who purchase health insurance in states that didn’t set up their own exchanges but used the federal version instead. If the court upholds this key component of the law, it would be a victory for Obama and the ACA. Efforts to repeal the legislation might still gather steam, but the chances of them succeeding are slim to none. Obama would veto any repeal legislation, and Republicans in the Senate will have a hard time prying away enough Democratic and independent votes to override his veto.
Short of repeal, the parts of the ACA most vulnerable to legislative meddling, besides the redefinition of full-time employment, include risk corridor payments to health plans and the tax on medical devices.
Court to decide fate of tax credits
The defining 2015 event for the ACA is likely to be King v. Burwell. Thirty-six states and the District of Columbia use the federal exchange. The court will hear the case in March with a decision expected by July 4.
This summer could be the make-it or break-it season for the health care law in many ways. Budget reconciliation is one tool Republicans have at their disposal to dismantle key components of ACA. Jeffrey H. Anderson, executive director of Project 2017, a conservative group that has devised a Republican alternative to the ACA, says his sources tell him that anti-ACA legislation through budget reconciliation process won’t be ready until summer. Obviously, the legislative strategy will change dramatically if the Supreme Court finds in favor of the plaintiffs and strikes down the ACA tax credits for people who bought insurance through the federal exchanges.
Supreme Court tea leaves
Prognosticating Supreme Court rulings is a science as precise as predicting who will win the next World Series, but Nicholas Bagley has tried. Bagley is a professor at University of Michigan Law School who writes extensively on health care policy, including a piece on King v. Burwell in the Dec. 24, 2014, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
The challenge to the tax credits turns on language within the ACA that limits tax credits to people who purchase coverage in exchanges established by the state. The ACA, when read as a whole, is best understood to extend tax credits to all states whether they have state-created exchanges or they use the federal backstop, argues Bagley: “The construction of the act that would deny tax credits to federally established exchanges runs counter to a whole lot of statuary clues about what Congress meant the statute to accomplish.”
If insurance tax credits are eliminated in states with federal exchanges, prices on those exchanges would double or even triple, says Nicholas Bagley, a University of Michigan Law School professor.
A high court ruling striking down the federal-exchange subsidies would, obviously, have a far reaching impact. Americans stand to lose $65 billion in tax credits, according to a staff report from House Democrats. The Kaiser Family Foundation has reported more than 13 million people could lose subsidies in 2016.
It’s Bagley’s prediction that if insurance tax credits in states using the federally established exchanges were eliminated, only the very sickest people would retain their insurance because healthy people would flee the market after seeing the price for insurance spike. He foresees the price of premiums on the exchanges doubling or even tripling and large numbers of people leaving the exchange market. A Rand Corp. report calls this scenario a “near death spiral” for the ACA.
A court ruling striking down tax credits on the federal exchanges would raise a host a questions about when those credits would end, notes Anderson of the 2017 Project. Would they be allowed to flow through the rest of the year, or be cut off immediately? More importantly, in Anderson’s view, a court ruling against the tax credits would create a situation in which the heart of the ACA—the exchanges, tax credits, broader insurance coverage—would only be working in 14 states.
In his blog, Commonwealth Fund President David Blumenthal, MD, noted that full repeal of the ACA is unlikely as long as Obama remains in the White House. Look for more targeted attacks—possibly through the budget reconciliation process—to gain some traction, he said. Budget reconciliation requires only 51 Senate votes to advance legislation germane to the federal budget.
A prominent target as far as health insurers are concerned is the funding of risk corridors. The program transfers money from commercial insurers who participate in the exchanges and turn a profit to plans that suffer losses, a scheme Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida has derided as a “bailout.” The Government Accountability Office issued a legal opinion last year that concluded the Department of Health and Human Services would need an additional appropriation in fiscal year 2015 to make payments for the 2014 plan year. The omnibus spending bill passed in December scratched that appropriation from the budget, but HHS still can make allocations in the risk-corridor program in a budget-neutral fashion.
“Real money” is at stake
Not surprisingly, insurers are resisting efforts to dismantle the risk corridors. Getting rid of risk corridors will lead to higher premiums, says Clare Krusing, a spokeswoman for America’s Health Insurance Plans. The focus, she says, should be on changes to the law that will lower costs, like getting rid of the health insurance tax.
The health insurance tax generated about $8 billion in revenue last year, according to AHIP, and would increase to $14.3 billion in 2018. The nonpartisan congressional Joint Committee on Taxation estimated that it would generate $100 billion over 10 years. Two years ago, Rep. Charles Boustany, a Louisiana Democrat, sponsored legislation to delay the tax for two years, but the provision remains in the ACA. (Boustany, incidentally, has sponsored the latest bill to repeal the ACA’s employer mandate.) Whether repeal of the tax gets resurrected in the new Congress remains to be seen.
The 2.3% tax on medical devices had been projected to raise $29.1 billion to help fund the ACA over 10 years, but it has fallen short of its revenue target and has been problematic for the IRS to collect, according to a Treasury Department report. Repeal of the tax on medical devices has bipartisan appeal; liberal Democrats like Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Al Franken of Minnesota, representing states with a strong presence of medical device companies, have joined more conservative colleagues in calling for its repeal. Senate Finance Chairman Orrin G. Hatch told CQ Roll Call he would try to move early on the medical device tax in the new Congress.
All of these maneuvers would have a significant impact on the function and funding of the ACA. Larry Leavitt, a Kaiser Family Foundation executive, has cited Congressional Budget Office estimates that the change in the definition of full-time employment from 30 to 40 hours-a-week would cost the federal budget $53.2 billion over 10 years because fewer penalties would be collected and more Americans would get coverage through Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the health insurance exchanges. When you consider the $65 billion in tax credits in peril in King v. Burwell and the other sums at stake, it makes one think of the late Sen. Everett Dirksen’s observation: “A billion here and a billion there, and pretty soon you’re talking about real money.” Congress may not be able to kill the ACA with one shot, but it can hurt it with a multitude of cuts of a billion here and a billion there.
More like this
- King v. Burwell: What did Congress mean by “an Exchange established by a State.”
- Bush vs. Kerry: Upcoming Election Offers Real Debate on Health Care
- Single-Payer Proposition Gets Close Second Look
- What the Medicaid Expansion Under the ACA Means for All MCOs
- Trouble for Hospitals & Health Plans In States That Nix Medicaid Expansion
Paul Lendner ist ein praktizierender Experte im Bereich Gesundheit, Medizin und Fitness. Er schreibt bereits seit über 5 Jahren für das Managed Care Mag. Mit seinen Artikeln, die einen einzigartigen Expertenstatus nachweisen, liefert er unseren Lesern nicht nur Mehrwert, sondern auch Hilfestellung bei ihren Problemen.

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High above the ground, a barefoot dancer dangles unharnessed from a metal post. Beneath him, two other dancers hover above a small ledge – secured only by a rope as they twist and spin their bodies.
Dramatic music builds to a crescendo, the stage lights flicker blue and red, and the crowd unilaterally seem to transcend breathing as the lead dancer steps ever-closer to the edge of The Giant, a 15 metre-high metal structure that’s hosting performers from Cirque Eloize, one of Quebec’s most famous dance companies.
I feel a raindrop hit my nose.
Plop. Plop. Plop.
The person next to me reaches in her bag for an umbrella, while a dad in front of me puts his young son on the ground and pulls a yellow raincoat from his backpack. The spell is broken and the collective focus of hundreds is no longer on the stage.
As if sensing the mood, the lights on The Giant are turned off, the principal dancer steps back from the edge, as the other performers stop their routines, take an early bow and exit left.
And it’s just in time.
Two minutes later, the heavens open up and a Montreal summer shower cascades gloriously on to the open-air stage, thick raindrops falling fast, sliding down the metal poles of the structure. More umbrellas go up and the crowd disperses, beelining to the shops, bars and restaurants surrounding the Esplanade and Place Ville Marie in the heart of downtown.
The city’s unpredictable weather is one obstacle that organisers of Festival Montreal Completement Cirque, an annual event bringing circus arts to the city’s streets, parks and sidewalks has to contend with.
Part of Montreal's seasonal playground of festivals and al fresco terraces, the daily summer show takes place right in front of The Ring, one of the city's newest public art installations and a striking 30 metre-diameter circular steel hoop suspended high above downtown.
Serving as a window into Montreal's more than 200 years of history, The Ring provides a direct line of sight from the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hotel – where John Lennon and Yoko Ono held their week-long bed-in – to McGill University, often called the Harvard of Canada, and beyond to the imposing humps of Mount Royal.
A city beneath the city
For now, views are not my priority as the rain continues to fall, so I make my way towards a glass pavilion and the entrance to what was the first phase of Montreal’s Underground City. Perfect for escaping the elements, this below street level network began in 1962, when the lower level shopping mall in Place Ville Marie opened.
When the city hosted Expo 67 in 1967, it also launched its metro system and simultaneously expanded this underground pedestrian network. Today, it spans 33km of connecting passageways beneath downtown Montreal and is home to about 2,000 shops, cafes, restaurants and public art installations.
It's used daily by Montrealers and connects across many of the city’s metro and train stations, hotels, office buildings, museums, theatres and universities.
In the winter – when Montreal temperatures can go down to minus 20°C – it’s an easy way to get around and about 500,000 people use it to get around the city. And in summertime, I find that it's the ideal spot for escaping occasional showers, or as a respite from the often blazing midday sun.
I take the network west, in the direction of Le Mille Carre – or the Golden Square Mile. Montreal is the world's second-largest French-speaking city in the world, after Paris, and signs are largely bilingual, with both English and French descriptions.
Emerging from the underground city about 10 minutes later, I’m greeted by Victorian glamour in buildings that date back to the late 18th century. The rain has subsided and the sun is out as I begin to wander in the footsteps of people who could perhaps have been some of my long-lost ancestors. Despite the city’s connections to France, many of its former inhabitants were mostly, like myself, from Scotland.
From McGill University and McTavish Street, to the McCord Stewart Museum that celebrates the city’s past and present, the stone terraced buildings and cobbled pathways evoke a strong sense of familiarity, and almost have me thinking I’m back in my hometown of Glasgow. The feeling is only heightened by the ever-changing weather – only half an hour later, a light drizzle begins to fall.
Stopping by the towering spire of The Church of St Andrews and St Paul, home to Montreal’s largest organ, I step into the church grounds but veer to the right towards the Quiet Garden. This community space sits between the religious institution and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and is open seasonally for anyone in the city to stop for a quiet moment of meditation or reflection. I take a seat on one of the wooden benches and appreciate the tranquillity of such a spot of solace in the very heart of one of Canada's largest urban metropolises.
For a deeper immersion in nature, travellers can head to Mount Royal. Owing its name to French explorer Jacques Cartier who christened the mound in 1553, the 10 sq km heritage site encompasses residential areas, cemeteries, lakes and the 200-hectare Mount Royal Park, which is popular with locals as a spot for cycling, picnicking and boating.
At 233 metres high, the so-called mountain is reaching beyond its status a little – mounds are typically hills until they reach a height of 600 meters above sea level – but the tourists who throng its lookout points for epic views of the city named after the area don’t seem to mind.
Festival-filled summer days
Montreal's event calendar overflows with festivals throughout the year, many of which are free to attend, but it is during the summer when it really comes into its own. There's the multicoloured spectacle that is the Montreal Fireworks Festival, an event where countries compete in a massive fireworks competition over several weeks, and nations put on a 30-minute pyrotechnic display, lighting up the skies above Montreal.
Street art is in the spotlight at the Under Pressure and Mural Art festivals, while music is the focus at Piknic Electronik and the Montreal Jazz Festival, the world’s largest celebration of the genre. In August, the Montreal Highland Games celebrates the city’s Scottish roots while at Lasso Montreal, country music stars turn Jean-Drapeau Park into an open-air party.
Comedy fans can enjoy a giggle at Just for Laughs Montreal every August while Festival Blvd, running until September on Saint-Laurent Boulevard, allows everyone to embrace their inner child with giant games, play areas, treasure hunts and more.
And in the city of poutine, smoked salmon bagels and beaver tails, it’s no surprise that foodies are also well looked after on the festival circuit. The Montreal Street Food festival runs on the first Friday of the month from June until October, bringing together one of the largest gatherings of food trucks in Canada, as well as one of the country’s largest urban ephemeral terraces at Olympic Park Esplanade.
Summertime in Montreal also means waterfront fun and perhaps a visit to the beach. As an island destination, the city has no shortage of coastlines and I while away a few hours at the free to enter Clock Tower Beach in the Old Port, with its bright blue parasols and wooden Adirondack chairs.
Once the bustling hub of Montreal, where immigrants first docked on Canadian shores, the Old Port is also home to the recently opened Port of Montreal Tower, a glassed-in structure towering 65m high that offers great views of the St Lawrence River. Inside, a multimedia exhibition reveals details of the city’s past while a glass-enclosed cage on the top level is where I find some of my favourite photo opportunities.
A short walk from here I come across La Grande Roue, Montreal’s observation wheel. This 60-metre steel Ferris wheel whisks visitors up in the air, offering views of the river, downtown and the surrounding hills. Cabins are thankfully air-conditioned, making my ride around a comfortable one. Back on the ground, it's hard to escape the carnival-like atmosphere with music, families enjoying drinks in the park and stallholders selling everything from maple syrup to handcrafted jewellery, food trucks and candy floss.
From past to present in Old Montreal
Of course, no trip to the city would be complete without a visit to Old Montreal.
A district of contrasts, this part of the city is peppered with cobbled streets, ancient arches and greystone buildings, interspersed with unique boutiques and hip coffee shops and restaurants. Reflecting the city's rich and colourful past, it's the place to wander to take in influences of all of the communities that have over the years called Montreal home and is home to some of the oldest buildings in North America, including the graceful Notre-Dame Basilica and the domed Bonsecours Market.
People-watching in the sloping Place Jacques Cartier square is a delight, as summertime life bubbles over with locals, tourists, artists, musicians and performers colliding in the pedestrianised plaza. From here, it's a short walk to Cafe Olimpico, where I refuel with a cup of authentic Italian coffee, brewed to a recipe brought to Montreal by an Italian immigrant who arrived here back in 1970.
Strolling towards Place d'Armes, I take in the Maisonneuve Monument – an ode to Paul Chomedey de Maisonneuve, Montreal's founder, as well as Jeanne Mance, a French nurse considered by many to be the city's co-founder. Opposite the statue, a queue is building outside the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal.
It's almost 6pm, which means its time for L'experience Aura. Slipping inside the first Gothic revival church in Canada, I wander the basilica's periphery, taking in a series of illuminated stations designed to highlight its architectural details and artworks. The lights dim, and visitors are asked to put their phones away and I slip into a seat in one of the central pews.
Suddenly, the venue bursts into life – filled with the notes from 7,000-pipe Casavant organ and hundreds of colourful lights. L'experience Aura combines light, chorals and storytelling to project a breathtaking show in the nave of the basilica with visuals appearing across the altarpiece, walls, and vaulted ceiling, telling an intricate story in a 23-minute visually enthralling journey that's the most beautiful way to round off my summer stay in the Paris of North America.
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A survey of the most fantastic, whimsical, stop-you-in-your-tracks birdhouses designed by designers and bird lovers all over the world.
Eye candy for the millions of bird watchers and DIYers. Fantastical residences for our feathered friends.

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Temperature- and pH-sensitive wearable materials for monitoring foot ulcers
Received 7 September 2016
Accepted for publication 4 November 2016
Published 31 January 2017 Volume 2017:12 Pages 949—954
Checked for plagiarism Yes
Review by Single anonymous peer review
Peer reviewer comments 3
Editor who approved publication: Dr Thomas J Webster
Pietro Salvo,1,2 Nicola Calisi,1 Bernardo Melai,1 Valentina Dini,3 Clara Paoletti,1 Tommaso Lomonaco,1 Andrea Pucci,1 Fabio Di Francesco,1 Alberto Piaggesi,4 Marco Romanelli3
1Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 2Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Council of Research, 3Wound Healing Research Unit, Department of Dermatology, University of Pisa, 4Diabetic Foot Section, Department of Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
Abstract: Foot ulcers account for 15% of comorbidities associated with diabetes. Presently, no device allows the status of foot ulcers to be continuously monitored when patients are not hospitalized. In this study, we describe a temperature and a pH sensor capable of monitoring diabetic foot and venous leg ulcers developed in the frame of the seventh framework program European Union project SWAN-iCare (smart wearable and autonomous negative pressure device for wound monitoring and therapy). Temperature is measured by exploiting the variations in the electrical resistance of a nanocomposite consisting of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and poly(styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene). The pH sensor used a graphene oxide (GO) layer that changes its electrical potential when pH changes. The temperature sensor has a sensitivity of ~85 Ω/°C in the range 25°C–50°C and a high repeatability (maximum standard deviation of 0.1% over seven repeated measurements). For a GO concentration of 4 mg/mL, the pH sensor has a sensitivity of ~42 mV/pH and high linearity (R2=0.99).
Keywords: diabetic foot ulcer, wearable sensors, wound temperature, wound pH
Diabetes is one of the most common diseases and its incidence is rapidly increasing. According to the 2015 edition of the IDF Diabetes Atlas, yearly published by the International Diabetes Federation, there are 415 million people worldwide with diabetes and this number is expected to grow up to 642 million in 2040, with an estimated 55% increase in 25 years.1 The diffusion of diabetes is not uniform in population. In the wealthiest countries, it mostly affects people >50 years of age, whereas it is more widespread among young people in middle-income countries.2
In 2015, ~5 million deaths of people could be ascribed to diabetes, mostly related to the comorbidities of the disease and its complications.1 Among the chronic complications of diabetes, the diabetic foot (DF), a chronic ulcerative condition, is the most prevalent and severe because it affects 25% of patients at least once in their life with a survival expectation less than that of many forms of cancer.3 DF ulcers are correlated to several risk factors, such as neuropathy (86% of cases), peripheral arterial disease (49% of cases), minor foot trauma, and foot deformity.4 The risk of amputation is not negligible; DF is the major cause of lower extremity amputations (LEAs) with a risk 20-fold higher than that of the general population and a limb amputated every 30 seconds.5
The healing rate of DF ulcers, defined as the rate of ulcers completely re-epithelized, stable for at least 2 weeks varies according to their pathogenesis,6 whereas the incidence is, depending on the reference population, 3%–5% for major amputations and 5%–40% for minor amputations. Another study reported that amputations range from 2.1 to 13.7 per 1,000.7–9 The association of ischemia with infection increases 300% the risk of LEAs in DF ulcer patients, whereas DF ulcers precede LEAs in >85% of the cases.10 The impact of such ulcers on the patients’ quality of life is high, as they impair both personal and work relationships, with heavy psychological consequences.11 In the United States, a substantial burden between $9 billion and $13 billion can be estimated for the health care system, summing the impact on private and public payers.12
Infection in DF ulcers is a major risk factor leading to amputation,10 and for this reason, the monitoring of the foot ulcers’ status may be of a great importance to ensure the effectiveness of therapies and the safety of patients. SWAN-iCare (smart wearable and autonomous negative pressure device for wound monitoring and therapy) is a large-scale integrating European project seventh framework program that tackles the challenge of developing wearable devices and sensors to monitor and manage foot and venous ulcers.13,14 The objective is to deliver a personalized therapy to patients whose ulcer status is remotely monitored so that a prompt action can be put in place in case of infection. The patient does not need to be hospitalized and can continue his/her normal life while a set of wearable sensors transmits the ulcer condition to a database accessible by clinicians. The sensors will monitor parameters such as transepidermal water loss of the perilesional skin, glucose, body temperature, skin and ulcer temperature, SpO2, levels of matrix metalloproteinases and bacteria, and the pH of the ulcer. There is a general consensus that there is a strong relationship between the ulcer temperature and the degradation of the ulcer status.15–19 In fact, an increase in the basal temperature can be a warning of the ulcer onset even 1 week before it starts.20 Besides temperature, an increase of pH at the wound can also be a sign of infection as it is related to the presence of bacteria that proliferate in the ulcer.15,21–25
High precision handheld infrared thermographic scanners and cameras can be used to measure ulcer temperature. However, these devices are expensive and measurements are limited to research purposes. Presently, no wearable device is available to continuously monitor the ulcer temperature. Similar consideration can be made for the measurement of pH as the market only offers handheld pH meters.
This study describes the technologies and principles of the temperature and pH sensors that are under development in the SWAN-iCare project. We report the sensing materials under investigation and their early performances for a future use to fabricate wearable sensors for monitoring DF ulcers.
Materials and methods
A temperature-sensitive nanocomposite material was prepared consisting of a conducting phase of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs, Baytubes C150 P) dispersed in toluene within an insulating phase of a thermoplastic elastomer, poly(styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene) (SEBS, Europrene Sol TH 212). In these kinds of materials, temperature variations lead to changes in the electrical resistance, so that they can be used to fabricate temperature sensors.26–29 A digital multimeter was used for log resistance values (Model 2700, Keithley) and a thermostatic bath (F 32, Julabo) as a reference temperature. A dispersion of MWCNTs–SEBS was obtained as reported in a study by Matzeu et al.26 A volume equal to 10 μL of the dispersion was drop casted onto a pair of gold electrodes (length of 7 mm) and let dry at room temperature to obtain a film (Figure 1). The electrodes were fabricated onto a Kapton® substrate (thickness of 50 μm; CAD Line, Pisa, Italy). Copper tracks were obtained by photolithography and electroplated with nickel and gold to fabricate the electrodes (thickness of copper 35 μm, nickel 3.0 μm, and gold 1.2 μm). The nanocomposite film was annealed at 145°C for 4 hours. This treatment decreases sensitivity but improves stability, that has been identified as a major problem in the previous study,30 resulting in more accurate measurements.31
We exploited the potentiality of graphene oxide (GO, Graphenea) to measure pH because this material changes its potential in water solution when the pH changes.32 Figure 2 shows the substrate used for the tests. A GO layer coated the working electrode (WE) of a screen printed-board (C220BT, 33×10×0.5 mm, Dropsens). This board has gold counter electrode (CE) and WE (diameter 4 mm), whereas the reference electrode (RE) consists of Ag/AgCl. The electrical contacts are in silver. The pH was measured as the change of the open circuit potential between the WE and the RE (Palmsens3, Palmsens). Five microliters of a GO dispersion in water was deposited onto the WE and let dry at room temperature. The sensor was compared with a commercial pH meter (Basic 20 by Crison with Micro P glass electrode by XS Sensor) in Hank’s Balanced Salt Solutions (HBSS; Sigma-Aldrich). Different pH values were obtained adding NaOH and HCl solutions.
Figure 2 Screen-printed board used for the pH measurement.
As SEBS is an insulating thermoplastic elastomer that expands or shrinks with temperature, this effect lead to changes in the topology of the MWCNT network. Temperature affected the electrical resistance of the film due to two main concurrent phenomena. In the first place, MWCNTs change their intrinsic resistance with temperature. Different behaviors were observed in different kinds of carbon nanotubes (eg, zigzag and armchair),33 but the MWCNTs showed a semiconductor behavior with a decrease of resistance at increasing temperatures. In the second place, the electrical resistance changed due to the different thermal expansion coefficients of the insulating phase (polymer matrix) and the conducting phase (MWCNTs), that led to a rearrangement of the topology of the network at different temperatures. SEBS shows a small but significant percentage of crystalline phase that melts just above room temperature,29 reinforcing the rubbery character of the material. The mobility of the MWCNTs is enhanced in a more “fluid” polymer matrix, and this makes it easier for individual nanotubes to connect each other leading to the decrease of the resistance that had been observed within different measurement cycles.26 The relative importance of this contribution has been strongly reduced by the annealing treatment and paying the price of a reduced sensitivity to improve the stability of the films and to obtain more reproducible measurements. Figure 3A shows the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image (CM12, Philips) of MWCNTs–SEBS after a sonication of 5 minutes. SEBS is not visible during TEM analysis; however, Figure 3A allows the good dispersion of MWCNTs in SEBS to be confirmed.
Figure 4 shows the calibration curve for an annealed nanocomposite MWCNTs–SEBS (20% w/w of MWCNTs) obtained over seven repeated measurement cycles, from minimum to maximum temperature and vice versa. The maximum standard deviation was 0.08°C in the interval °C. The sensitivity was ~85 Ω/°C, and the response time was 30 s/°C. The error calculated using this calibration curve was 0.3°C±0.2°C.
Figure 4 Calibration curve of a 20% w/w multiwalled carbon nanotubes– poly(styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene) nanocomposite.
We tested three different GO concentrations to assess the sensitivity to pH. Figure 5 shows the calibration curves for different pH values at GO concentrations of 0.04, 0.4, and 4 mg/mL. Figure 3B shows the scanning electron microscope (SEM) image (XL30, Philips) of a GO film (thickness ~90 nm) for a concentration of 4 mg/mL. In a recent study,34 we reported as the sensor was able to record pH over 3 days in human plasma. The same sensor was used after 20 days from immersion in plasma for another 3-day measurement campaign and observed a difference of only 0.14±0.09 pH units compared with the commercial pH meter (Figure 6).
Figure 5 Calibration curves for three GO pH sensors obtained at three different GO concentrations: (A) 0.04 mg/mL, (B) 0.4 mg/mL, and (C) 4 mg/mL.
Figure 6 Test of the GO pH sensor in human plasma in comparison with a commercial pH meter.
The temperature sensor showed a high linearity (R2=0.999) and sensitivity (~85 Ω/°C) between 25°C and 50°C. The annealing improved both the linearity and the repeatability, thus indicating a stabilization of the nanocomposite microdomains. The size and shape of the Kapton substrate can be adapted to the dimension of the foot ulcer cavity for a smooth insertion. Before testing the sensor on patients, a protection coating should be applied onto the MWCNTs–SEBS nanocomposite. The role of the coating is twofold: it serves as a protection layer to avoid the nanocomposite to be damaged and to guarantee the biocompatibility in contact with the ulcer. For this purpose, a layer of Parylene C could be used because its biocompatibility is already established in the literature, although its effect on the shrinkage/expansion of the nanocomposite should be investigated.34,35
The pH sensor proved to be suitable for pH measurement during laboratory tests. When the concentration of GO was increased up to 4 mg/mL, the sensitivity (~43 mV/pH), linearity (R2=0.99), and repeatability (three measurements per pH value, ±0.2 pH units) improved. These results are sufficient for considering this sensor as a potential candidate for tests on patients. The GO biocompatibility of this sensor has not yet been assessed, but a study suggested that at concentration <20 μg/mL, the GO should not be cytotoxic.36
In this study, we described two temperature- and pH-sensitive materials that may be used to monitor chronic ulcers status over time. The Kapton board is suitable to be used for tests with patients and part of future work will be dedicated to design a Kapton board where both sensors can be fabricated.
The tests performed in laboratory showed promising results, but we are aware that these sensors still need to be clinically validated; however, some pivotal experiences with non-wearable temperature sensors on DF patients in a real clinical setting have already demonstrated how profitable such an information could be in terms of a better understanding of the clinical course of the disease, that encompass both chronic sub-clinical phases and acute phases that are mostly triggered by super-infection of chronic ulcers and of improving the clinical outcomes because of the timely modifications of local and systemic therapies.17–19
Therefore, the possibility of introducing wearable sensors, eventually embedded in dressings or bandaging, for a real-time monitoring of variables such as pH and temperature in DF-ulcerated patients could help clinicians in improving the quality of treatments for such a complex pathology, specially increasing the timeliness of intervention, that has been demonstrated to be directly correlated to its effectiveness, both in terms of reduction of LEAs and healing of the ulceration.37–39 Future work will be to perform a randomized controlled trial, including a sterilization process for the materials; to confirm this hypothesis; and to validate this new technology with clinical evidence.
This work was supported by EU-funded FP7 ICT-317894 SWAN-iCare project.
The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.
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Prompers L, Huijberts M, Apelqvist J, et al. High prevalence of ischaemia, infection and serious comorbidity in patients with diabetic foot disease in Europe. Baseline results from the Eurodiale study. Diabetologia. 2007;50(1):18–25.
Boulton AJ, Vileikyte L, Ragnarson-Tennvall G, Apelqvist J. The global burden of diabetic foot disease. Lancet. 2005;366(9498):1719–1724.
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Lavery LA, Higgins KR, Lanctot DR, et al. Home monitoring of foot skin temperatures to prevent ulceration. Diabetes Care. 2004;27(11):2642–2647.
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Dini D, Salvo P, Janowska A, Di Francesco F, Romanelli M. Correlation between wound temperature obtained with an infrared camera and clinical wound bed score in venous leg ulcers. Wounds. 2015;27(10):274–278.
Houghton VJ, Bower VM, Chant DC. Is an increase in skin temperature predictive of neuropathic foot ulceration in people with diabetes? A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Foot Ankle Res. 2013;6(1):31.
Roback K. An overview of temperature monitoring devices for early detection of diabetic foot disorders. Expert Rev Med Devices. 2010;7(5):711–718.
Salvo P, Melai B, Bianchi S, et al. Non-invasive sensors for wound monitoring and therapy. In: Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC), 37th Annual International Conference of the IEEE; Milan, Italy; 2015.
Salvo P, Smajda R, Dini V, et al. A D-optimal design to model the performances of dressings and devices for negative pressure wound therapy. J Tissue Viability. 2016;25(2):83–90.
McArdle C, Lagan K, Spence S, McDowell D. Diabetic foot ulcer wound fluid: the effects of pH on DFU bacteria and infection. J Foot Ankle Res. 2015;8(Suppl 1):A8.
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domain: health


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Tractor-trailer-sized waves churned up by Hurricane Lee last week turned several North Carolina beaches into fertile grounds for shell-seekers.
What have shell hunters found?
The ocean spit out huge numbers of shells, including a wide variety of types of whelks, plus smaller shells such as olives and even hard-to-find Scotch bonnets, the official shell of North Carolina.
But as big hurricanes sometimes do, Hurricane Lee also deposited specimens not typically found within hundreds of miles of the N.C. coast.
In some places, collectors said, it was hard to walk on the sand or wade in the surf without hitting a whelk or a piece of driftwood a day or two after the storm had passed.
“Ohhhh,” Laura Castro said, groaning with envy Monday over a Facebook photo she saw over the weekend showing the bed of a pickup truck full of whelks gathered on the Outer Banks, which saw the biggest waves from the storm.
But Castro, who lives on Emerald Isle, managed to expand her own collection, finding an intact lion’s paw scallop shell at Bear Island, part of Hammocks Beach State Park. Those are rarely found on North Carolina beaches because they live in deep dark water, often more than 100 feet down.
What’s the best NC beach for shell hunting?
While thousands of shells have been harvested by collectors, many of whom posted photos of their hauls on social media, several beaches still may yield better-than-average buckets full for the next several days.
No two hurricanes are exactly alike, and beach-excursion guide Ray Stallings of Hatteras Island says the same storm can cover one section of beach in shells while leaving miles of adjacent shoreline wiped completely clean.
▪ Holden Beach, a Brunswick County island where a re-nourishment project delivered tons of fossilized sea biscuits in the spring, was covered again with those, whelks and olive shells following Hurricane Lee.
▪ Cape Point, part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which juts into the Atlantic like an Outer Banks elbow, received maybe the greatest bounty from Hurricane Lee. The beach, accessible by permitted 4-wheel-drive vehicles or by a lengthy walk from Ramps 43 and 44 off N.C. 12, had a profusion of whelks of different sizes and types.
Collectors also have found fossilized whale vertebrae and driftwood along the beach, as well as a number of octopi.
▪ In Buxton, also on Hatteras Island, Melinda Meadows said Monday guests at her Cape Hatteras Motel came in over the weekend with buckets of shells.
▪ Bear Island, accessible by ferry from Hammocks Beach State Park, is a popular destination for shell hunters year-round. Hurricane Lee added to the treasures there, bringing in specimens like the lion’s paw scallop shell Castro found. While some of the shells were on the beach, Castro said her best finds from the storm have been partially buried in the edge of the surf.
▪ Shackleford Banks, a barrier island system off Carteret County and part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore, is always a good place to find big whelks and sand dollars, but the National Park Service said Monday that guests returning from the Banks over the weekend were hauling buckets heavy with fresh finds. The Banks are accessible by private boat or ferry.
Is there another hurricane coming?
Tropical Storm Nigel, which formed in the Atlantic over the weekend, is expected to stay well off the U.S. coast and won’t generate the 10 to 13 foot swells caused by Hurrivane Lee.
But hurricane season lasts through November.


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And in the spirit of the thread, who doesn’t like a bit of Russian Metal with a crazy/hot lead chick??
Loch Lomond, wow. I haven’t listened to him in ages. Thanks for the reminder.
And in the spirit of the thread, who doesn’t like a bit of BabyMetal with three little asian lead chicks??
Ah man their dainty little voices with the hectic beat is messing with my head
I go through extremely weird phases with music. At one point last semester, I was setting squat PRs to “Amazing Grace” by Judy Collins. Today I listened to “Riot” by Three Days Grace and “Bad At Love” by Halsey on repeat during my workout. Rap (old and new), classic rock, country, pop, EDM, alternative… almost everything except classical and jazz. Not that I have anything against those, I just don’t know any good artists or composers
Well, you done made me do it. I HATE bagpipes, I mean I really hate the sound they make. But you got me to click it. So bravo.
But, the good news is I have heard something that I have never heard before, so at least I got exposure.
The drummer is a badass… What’s getting lost in the novelty of this is these guys\ gals are really good musicians. I’ll take them over Taylor Swift any day…
I’ll raise your Japanese metal with some Japanese bluegrass… If you closed your eye’s and listened to this song you’d never guess they were Japanese…awesome.
There are 3 of them? I thought there was just 1.
You wanna see who millions of Japanese and Japanese wannabe Asian chicks would have dropped their panties for in the 90s?
The dude playing the piano:
I did! Both of them. The a cappella piece is beautiful. I always wish I could sing, even just a little bit. @ The Dropkick Murphy’s. Cool. you’re 50 seconds into bagpipes and then they layer on the ROCK. Thanks.
@Irishman92 - I would lift to the Russian metal band, but the cold war is on again and I don’t want to find myself on an FBI list.
Guilty pleasure from my younger days…
I remember taking the bus to the mall and buying the soundtrack from that movie (on tape!)
Honestly the first time a soundtrack actually stuck out to me from a film.
Got turned on to these guys a few years ago.
I’ve always really liked Metallica, but I never heard anything as profoundly sad and resigned to a fate as in this version.
This is a nice one-
My wife made me listen to this chick recently probably because she got tired of me listening to Judas Priest all day. Now she’s upset that I’m a bigger fan than her.
^Some of the lyrics are hilarious when translated directly into English.
Love is like a gust of wind
After it’s done blowing, it leaves
Written by Seth Rogan’s sidekick in The Green Hornet remake.
LOL…yeah I had it on tape also. Fucking loved this from the movie…
Than I came across a cover awhile back ago and it became part of my lifting music…
Sounds like urban legend. Everyone knows they would’ve used the blood of Christian babies if it was actually true.
Except it’s a true story:
Jesus that’s insane!
I was really just looking for an opening for a nice wholesome blood libel joke though.

domain: hobby


text:
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- 4Canadian Law
- 1Aboriginal Peoples of Canada
- 1Admissible Evidence
- 1British Columbia
Introduction: On 22 October 1993 Steve Powley and his son, both members of a Metis community near Sault Ste. Marie, were charged with hunting a moose without a licence and with knowingly possessing game hunted in contravention of Ontario's Game and Fish Act. The Powleys were acquitted at trial...
Comment on partners in confederation, a report on self-government by the Royal Commission on Aboriginal peoplesDownload
Introduction: On April 17, 1982, the Aboriginal and treaty rights of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada were recognized and affirmed in the Canadian constitution. In the following years, several First Ministers' conferences were held to address Aboriginal constitutional matters. A recurring topic...
Definition and interpretation of fact in Canadian Aboriginal title litigation: A comment on DelgamuukwDownload
Professors Asch and Bell argue that Aboriginal title litigation presents a unique set of evidentiary problems both for Aboriginal plaintiffs and the courts. The elements of proof of title are themselves imbued with an ethnocentrism which serves to ignore Aboriginal systems of land ownership and...
Justifications and legal considerations for repatriation of First Nations material culture in CanadaDownload
Introduction: The topic of repatriation of cultural items creates some discomfort as it may generate polarized perspectives and bring into focus issues of intercultural understanding, ethics, law, politics, knowledge, power, values, and economics. Questions such as “Who owns culture? Whose...
Legal And Ethical Contexts for Collaborative Research
Research and writing by Canadian academics conducted in collaboration with Indigenous people, or drawing on Indigenous knowledge, is governed by Indigenous laws and Canadian law and policy, including intellectual property law. This presentation addresses some of the challenges working within this...
Introduction: For many aboriginal peoples in Canada the concept of aboriginal rights includes a right to exercise control over cultural property.' To date, the assertion of this right has, in most cases, been limited to extra-judicial negotiation. For example, modern land claims agreements such...
Lois autochtones, loi sur la propriété intellectuelle et politiques muséales: Des diverses méthodes de protection du patrimoine immatériel autochtone / Indigenous law, intellectual property and museum policy: Methods for protecting Aboriginal intangible heritageDownload
Issues around defining respectful relationships, and within those relationships, reconciling laws and values concerning use and control of intangible Indigenous heritage, arise in numerous museum contexts including : repatriation of material culture and associated information ; co-management of...
In this article, the author explores the need for a theory of Aboriginal rights broad enough to include all of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada. She examines recent developments in judicial recognition of the constitutional rights of the Metis people since their inclusion in s. 35(l) of the...
ABSTRACT. As a result of increasedaboriginaldemands, museumsand govemments are reassessing their roles as guardians of various forms of cultural property. However, an underlyingpresumption in thisprocessis thatastrictlegalanalysisofownershipwill notfavour aboriginalownershipof the...
Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 recognizes the aboriginal and treaty rights of the aboriginal peoples. Section 35(2) defines \"the Aboriginal peoples of Canada\" as Indian, Inuit and Metis peoples. Although s. 35 may appear straightforward, the author points out its ambiguity. This...

domain: sociology


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Last week, the United States Mint sold out of the numismatic version of the White Mountain National Park Five Ounce Silver Coin. Meanwhile, the bullion version of the same design had also apparently sold out and other designs for this year are nearing sell out levels.
As a brief recap, the US Mint offers the America the Beautiful Five Ounce Silver Coins in both bullion and numismatic versions. The bullion versions are sold through a network of authorized purchasers who acquire the coins directly from the US Mint based on the market price of silver plus a fixed mark up and distribute them to the broader market. These coins carry a brilliant finish and do not have a mint mark.
The numismatic versions are sold by the US Mint directly to the public at a fixed price, which may be adjusted after a significant movement in precious metals prices. The coins carry an uncirculated finish created through a vapor blasting technique and include the “P” mint mark on the obverse.
The latest sales figures for the bullion versions of the 2013 ATB Five Ounce Silver Coins are shown below. These amounts represent the number of coins sold to authorized purchasers.
According to Dave Harper, the US Mint has set maximum mintages of 35,000 coins each for the White Mountain and Mount Rushmore designs and maximum mintages of 30,000 coins each for the Perry’s Victory, Great Basin, and Fort McHenry designs.
Based on the levels indicated, the White Mountain design has already sold out at the authorized purchaser level. The next three designs are approaching sell out levels. The Mount Rushmore design is scheduled for release on November 4 and may see stronger sales due to the popularity of the site.
The sales levels for this year’s ATB bullion coins represent a step higher compared to the 2012 releases, which marked the lows for the bullion series to date. The Hawaii Volcanoes and Denali designs had mintages of 20,000 pieces each. The remaining three issues had final mintages ranging from 24,000 to 25,4000 pieces each.
Despite the rise for the 2013 bullion issues, in the scheme of things mintages still seem quite low. When the series launched at the end of 2010, mintage levels of 33,000 pieces for each of the designs set off a speculative frenzy, which had forced the US Mint to take some drastic steps to control the distribution of the coins.
The peak bullion mintage for the series reached 126,700 pieces for both the Gettysburg and Glacier National Park issues. For the past two years, mintages have remained well below these levels despite rising silver bullion sales.
Finally, compared to the American Silver Eagle bullion coins, which are on track to sell more than 40 million for this year, the ATB sales are absolutely miniscule.
If mintage levels continue to move higher for future years of the ATB bullion series, this will leave further room for lower mintage earlier issues to be differentiated and command premiums. There are already premiums attached to last year’s lower mintage issues such as the Hawaii Volcanoes and Denali designs.

domain: finance


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Fashion first: Here's a first look at Sania Mirza in her new adidas gear playing at the Hopman Cup. The Indian sensation, who announced her new partnership with the global sports brand this week, took on Meghan Shaughnessy of the US who was filling in for a tardy Serena Williams and lost 6-3 4-6 6-3.
It looks like Sania is continuing her red + white fashion moment from last season's Japan Open, but our favorite is still the stylish green + white Lotto gear she wore during her successful US summer run.
(images via AFP/Tony Ashby)
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
"I am extremely happy to be part of such a distinguished family of players and brand ambassadors. I have been associated with the brand as a junior and I believe adidas` experience and expertise will be a key part of my on-court performance. I am really looking forward to wearing the stylish 3-Stripes for many years to come."
According to A-Rod,
"I have been on the go since Davis Cup. I have played in a bunch of charity events and am convinced that tennis is an amazing sport. You hear so much about pro athletes being spoiled and getting arrested and that sort of thing….unfortunately, the media chooses those stories over the good ones that are out there. So many tennis players use the little off-season they have to raise money for charitable causes of their choice. It’s a really great thing. I wish there was a way to get these kinds of things as much attention as what hot chick is wearing whose jersey at a football game and who’s pissed about it or whatever…."No worries A-Rod, we're up in ALL of your business. We've written about both your charity work and your love life. It's much more fun for us, really.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Maria "Shriek"apova spent part of her pre-holiday celebrations visiting The Ellen Degeneres Show, working the new bangs we wrote about last week. Wow - Maria is a giant next to Ellen (of course the fashionista is wearing about 3" stilletos on her 6' 2" frame) and she can TALK. But in all fairness Maria seemed genuinely nervous and excited. The former Wimbledon champ even took on Ellen in a game of ping pong - we won't say who won. You'll have to see for yourself...
Monday, December 24, 2007
We'll be posting sporadically over the next week as we'll be getting our party on for the holidays. We'll still be monitoring the tennis news so if anything extraordinary happens, we'll be there.
In the meantime, we'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the support over the last 7 months since we started this blog and for believing we actually had something interesting to say about the sport we love - tennis. We look forward to continuing to bring our brand of tennis coverage the best way we know how - Down the Line!
Happy Holidays and all the best in the New Year!


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Investment climate of Kazakhstan attracts foreign businessmen
The favorable investment climate of Kazakhstan attracts foreign businessmen. Every year, there is an increase in foreign capital flows. The greatest interest is in mining and manufacturing industries, trade, finance and transport.
One of the largest Korean corporations intends to invest in development of manufacturing tractors project in Kazakhstan. At the initial stage, the company invests in the development of marketing of the tractors. The corporation also plans to organize an internship for Kazakh employees at its enterprises.
According to Senior Vice President of Corporation, Greg Nam it is an opportunity for Kazakhstan to develop its agricultural sector.
“We plan to manufacture starting with 1,000 tractors per year and expanding production to 10,000. I think that there is a possibility for this to happen,” he said.
The tractor manufacturing plant has been working in the Turkistan region since 2015. In the first two years, nearly 120 units of agricultural machinery were manufactured.
In addition, significant investments will be made in the agricultural sector of Kazakhstan by the World Bank. The financial institute is ready to finance the program for the development of beef cattle, worth US$500 million.
Meantime, Kazakh authorities have met with the US Secretary of Agriculture and the Governor of Nebraska. They discussed the construction of a plant for the production of irrigation facilities.
“We are negotiating with livestock companies and major meat producers who will build a meat processing plant and feedlots,” added Kazakh Agriculture Minister, Saparkhan Omarov.
Experts are confident that attracting foreign capital along with introduction of modern technologies will give a new impetus to development of all sectors of Kazakhstan’s economy.