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Gambling and gambling are very similar activities, but some differences exist. One of the most important differences between gambling and gambling is that for gambling the outcome is usually achieved by chance while in gambling the outcome is usually dependent on skill. At the same time, luck and skill play their part in games of chance and money.
When it comes to prosperity Finnish online casino industry, use the term gaming or iGaming, which is equally true for all online casino markets. Many video game activities that Finns enjoy include game features, and many game activities include game features, so there is significant overlap between the two movements. An example of a game that has gameplay features is a game containing one or more mini-games that share similarities with online casino games.
Video games may also feature pick-me prizes that players access by spending real money. Loot boxes, as they may be called, are very popular in the gaming industry. An example of an online casino game that is inspired by video gaming is a slot machine game inspired by a popular video game. Either way, the convergence of games and gambling leads to a significantly higher level of participation, which also applies to the Finnish video game and gambling industries. Additionally, we compare statistics for Finnish online casinos with statistics on video games to see which activity is most common among Finns.
Growing popularity of Finnish online casinos among players
When it comes to online casinos in finlandiGaming sites cater to Finnish players even though no remote gaming licenses are issued to internationals online casinos. The best online casinos in Finland are licensed by non-Finnish iGaming regulators. To date, Ray and PAF are the only online casinos in Finland that are recognized by the government. RAY is also a household name in Finland’s land-based casino industry, while PAF has a monopoly in online gambling.
While Finland has strict iGaming laws and regulations, online casinos serve the Finns. To find out more, see this detailed guide on Finnish online casinos. As in all other European countries where online casinos can operate legally, online casinos in finland have grown in popularity in recent years. According to a 2017 report on the Finnish gambling industry, most Finnish online casino players were manual workers, followed by higher and lower level employees. According to the same report, the fewest number of Finnish players are elderly people.
online casinos. At the same time, around 27% of the male population in Finland are online gamers. As mentioned earlier, the gambling business in the country has been monopolized by RAY, PAF and two other companies, Fintoto Oy and Veikkaus Oy. Yet the best online casinos catering to Finns are owned and operated by non-Finnish companies. Although these four entities continue to dominate the industry, best online casinos in finland are likely to be internationally owned gambling sites.
Other Finland Gambling Statistics
According to this DataReportal post, Finland has a population of 5.5 million, as of January 2022 estimates. The country’s population grew by around 0.1% in twelve months. About 78% of the country’s population engages in gambling activities, according to statistics revealed in 2021, and the most popular form of gambling is iGaming or online casinos. A study by Statistics Finland in 2019 suggested that over the past year, gambling prevalence (2018) in Finland was around 78.4%. It should be noted that 3,994 Finns took part in this study.
The same study also revealed that the prevalence of online gambling in the past year (2018) in Finland was around 36.3%. Moreover, the prevalence of problem gambling in Finland in 2018 was around 3%. The same report of Finland Statistics revealed that scratching cards, lottery games and slot machines were the most popular play activities among Finnish in 2018. A Statista report of 2017 showed that 27 % of men and 10% of women engaged in online gambling.
In 2021, Veikkaus Oy, which is the only licensed online gambling operator in Finland, generated gross gaming revenue of approximately €1.1 million. At the same time, Finland’s overseas online gambling market has accounted for around 30% of the country’s gross gambling revenue over the past ten years. The overall Finnish gaming scene is valued at around €780 million, and the vast majority of gross gaming revenue is generated by online casinos and other online gaming companies.
Games market statistics in Finland
At the end of 2020, there were approximately 2.8 million video gamers in the country. Essentially, about half of the total population are video game players. Additionally, it is estimated that in 2020, the country’s growing video game market will generate over $435 million in gross revenue. As revealed by a survey of the most popular gaming options among Finns, around 86% of Finnish gamers play their favorite games on their mobile devices.
The same survey also revealed that around 77% of Finns play video games on their PC devices, and around 76% of them play on game consoles. In most European gaming markets, mobile gaming is the most popular activity, and the same is true for Finland. In Finland’s case, that’s no surprise, given that it’s home to some of the most successful mobile game developers, including Seriously Digital Entertainment, Supercell, and Rovio.
Also, around 93% of female and 81% of male gamers like mobile games. Some 68% of female and 84% of male gamers prefer to play on their PC devices. Console games are popular with 68% of female and around 81% of male gamers in Finland. When it comes to the most popular games, Candy Crush Saga is the leader in the mobile video game market. Minecraft, Grand Theft Auto, and Call of Duty are the most popular games among those who play on PC and consoles.


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This month's news that Germany's crime rate has hit a 25-year low was met with claims of inaccuracy from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Danger, Tamsin Walker writes, is often a matter of perception.
In all my years in Berlin, the worst crime I've experienced firsthand is having my bicycle stolen. Three times. Though, to be fair, I don't always lock it. And, in any case, on two occasions, it was later returned. Whether that says more about my bike, the thieves or the city, I don't know. But I do know that there are days when local papers, digital billboards and email inboxes seem to be conspiring to give the sense that this is a place where danger lurks as much in the shallows as in the shadows.
From warnings of phone-thieving gangs and child-snatching strangers to glaring headlines about stabbings, muggings, beatings, burglaries and murder, it's all there. But is it as bad as it's made out to be? That depends on the nature of the crime, who you ask, and, most significantly, what you want to believe.
Read more Berlin and Beyond
If statistics are your tipple, the capital, like the country, is not looking as bleak as it did this time last year. In 2017, it recorded an overall 8.5 percent fall in criminal activity, which translates to less murder, manslaughter, pickpocketing, burglary, car and bicycle theft.
But in and among that good news, the city witnessed a 16 percent increase in grievous bodily harm on streets and squares - and a 7 percent rise in physical assault on public transport.
Down in the underground
Some stories, such as the one about a Bulgarian man who kicked a woman down the stairs of the underground in 2016, or the group of young refugees who set light to a homeless man sleeping in a station, capture the city's imagination, but most remain well below the broader public radar.
Last week I got a message from a friend of mine. Let's call him Ahmed. A Bahraini human rights activist who was granted political asylum here in Germany four years ago, he'd been on the train with his visiting elderly parents when his mother's bag accidentally bumped a male passenger's leg. Despite her apology, the man shouted at and kicked her. When my friend intervened, the aggressor punched him in the face.
I asked him if he feels unsafe in Berlin, but he said only when he's with his wife or his mother, both of whom wear a hijab.
More Berlin and beyond:
I put the same question to myself. Does this feel like a safe place to me? For the most part, yes, though if I'm really honest, probably less so than it once did. I still don't always lock my bike, but there's a different level of tension these days. Whether that's the result of violence, a cause of it, or both, would be hard to measure. But it's there. On the streets, squares and public transport. And even on my doorstep.
When I came home from a weekend away this month, it was to a line of police vans stretching the length of my street. They'd been brought in to prevent Antifa protesters from disrupting an AfD May Day party in a park next to my building. It was the first Alternative for Germany gathering so close to home, and it rattled me. Forget the shallows and the shadows, this felt like danger in broad daylight.
In Berlin and Beyond, British-born Tamsin Walker takes a closer look at some of the quirks and perks of life in Germany, which has been her home for almost 20 years. She tweets as @TamsinkateW

domain: sociology


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Tanghulu Master Mod Apk is about mastering the art of creating the perfect tanghulu – a delightful Chinese street food made of candied fruits. Players navigate through levels, overcoming challenges to craft the most exquisite tanghulu. The game strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and complexity, offering a rewarding experience for both casual and avid gamers.
The gameplay of Tanghulu Master perfectly aligns with the sensory experience of Candy ASMR. Players navigate through levels, encountering the satisfying crunch of candied fruits and the rhythmic sounds of tanghulu preparation. It’s not just a game; it’s a journey of creating edible masterpieces.
What is Tanghulu?
Let’s kick things off by exploring the roots of Tanghulu. Originating as a traditional Chinese snack, Tanghulu has evolved from a skewered fruit treat to a mesmerizing virtual candy-making adventure that awaits you in Tanghulu Master.
Beyond its delicious taste, Tanghulu making is an art form. The process requires precision, creativity, and a touch of flair. Enthusiasts often find joy in experimenting with different fruits, syrup coatings, and artistic designs. The traditional approach involves a certain level of craftsmanship, but with modern innovations, Tanghulu making has become accessible to a broader audience.
Get ready for a sugar-coated experience as Tanghulu Master puts the spotlight on the art of candy making. This game is all about crafting the perfect Tanghulu, offering players a sweet escape into a world of vibrant colors and tasty treats.
Candylicious Graphics and Sound
Navigating through Tanghulu Master Mod Apk is easy, making it accessible to users of all skill levels. The intuitive interface ensures a seamless and enjoyable candy-making experience right from the start.
One cannot talk about Tanghulu Master without mentioning its visually stunning design. The graphics are a feast for the eyes, with vibrant colors and intricate details bringing the tanghulu-making process to life. The design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s an integral part of what makes playing Tanghulu Master so delightful.
In the world of Tanghulu Master, sound is not just an accessory; it’s a crucial element that enhances the overall experience. The crunching of candy, the sizzling of sugar – every sound is carefully designed to create a symphony that resonates with players, adding depth to the gaming adventure.
Creative Tanghulu Recipes
The Tanghulu Master – Candy ASMR opens up a world of possibilities for creative Tanghulu recipes. Enthusiasts can experiment with various flavor combinations, toppings, and coatings to create visually stunning and delicious Tanghulu treats. Whether it’s a classic strawberry Tanghulu or an exotic mango-infused creation, the options are limitless.
Meet the Characters: A Sugary Cast
The game introduces a cast of characters, each with a unique personality and role in the tanghulu-making journey. From the enthusiastic tanghulu apprentice to the wise old master, these characters add depth and a touch of humor to the gaming experience, making it more than just a task of crafting candies.
Competitive Tanghulu: Tournaments and Challenges
Tanghulu Master has transcended casual gameplay, with competitive elements such as tournaments and challenges. Players can test their skills against others, adding a thrilling dimension to the game.
As you progress through Tanghulu Master, each level introduces new challenges and obstacles. From tricky puzzles to time-based missions, the game keeps you on your toes, ensuring that boredom never creeps in. The dynamic level design and cleverly crafted obstacles add layers of complexity, making every level a sweet challenge waiting to be conquered.
Power-Ups and Boosters in Tanghulu Master Mod Apk
What’s a sweet adventure without a few power-ups and boosters? Tanghulu Master Mod Apk doesn’t disappoint in this aspect. Use special candies and boosters that can clear entire rows or unleash a cascade of sugary explosions. Strategically using these power-ups adds a satisfying layer of strategy to the game, allowing you to turn the tables and overcome even the trickiest challenges.
Unleashing Your Creativity
From traditional fruit skewers to exotic combinations, Tanghulu Master Mod Apk Unlimited Money offers a lot of ingredient options. Experiment with flavors to create your signature virtual Tanghulu and surprise yourself with the endless possibilities.
Customize your Tanghulu with artistic tools that let you create intricate designs. Whether you’re a budding artist or just enjoy playing with colors, the app provides the tools to make each creation a unique masterpiece.
Why Play Tanghulu Master Mod Apk?
Immerse yourself in the soothing world of Tanghulu crafting, a perfect way to unwind and de-stress. The calming nature of the app makes it an ideal companion for moments of relaxation and creative expression.
Even if you’ve never tried traditional Tanghulu, the app allows you to experience the joy of crafting this beloved treat in a virtual setting. It’s a delightful way to connect with cultural traditions in a modern and accessible way.
Connecting with Candy Enthusiasts
No candy-making journey is complete without a community to share it with. Tanghulu Master Mod Apk facilitates connections with fellow candy enthusiasts within the app. Explore the creations of others, share your masterpieces, and find inspiration to take your Tanghulu crafting to new heights.
Download Tanghulu Master Mod Apk Unlimited Money
|MOD APK File Size:
|23rd February 2024
You can easily download Tanghulu Master Mod Apk Unlimited Money Mod Menu from the below links and follow the step-by-step guide on how to install the game.
Tanghulu, historically enjoyed in Northern China, is a delectable treat that involves coating fruits—typically hawthorns or strawberries—with a crispy layer of syrup. This unique combination of sweet and tangy flavors has made Tanghulu a popular choice, not only in its place of origin but across the world. Traditional Tanghulu-making involves meticulous steps and recipes passed down through generations.
Even though Tanghulu Master – Candy ASMR has similar game mechanics as Good Pizza Great Pizza (a game about making pizza), here the gameplay as well as the visual and auditory feast transports players into a world of sugary delights. The game’s concept revolves around the popular Chinese snack, tanghulu, creating a charming theme that sets it apart from other mobile games. The vibrant colors, playful animations, and engaging design contribute to the game’s irresistible allure, making it a treat for the senses.
This game brings a new level of convenience and creativity to Tanghulu making. Its user-friendly features and customizable options make it an exciting addition to the world of culinary arts.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Yes, the game has a life system, but players can earn or purchase additional lives to continue their tanghulu-making journey.
Tanghulu Master requires an internet connection for certain features, but basic gameplay is possible offline.
The frequency of updates can vary, but the developers strive to provide a consistent stream of new levels and features to keep players engaged.
Yes, players have the option to adjust sound settings, allowing them to enjoy Tanghulu Master with or without the ASMR experience.
While Candy ASMR is seamlessly woven into the overall gameplay, certain levels may emphasize the sensory experience, creating memorable moments for players.
Yes, players have the flexibility to customize their gaming experience by adjusting sound settings, allowing them to disable specific ASMR features if desired.

domain: game


Sugar Land, TX – September 27, 2023 – Laversab, Inc., a leader in avionics testing solutions, is proud to announce they have received full fleet validation and approval from MHI RJ Aviation Group (MHIRJ) for the ARTS-7000 Avionics Radio Test System. Laversab continues to be the first global manufacturer to design and produce both Avionics RF (Radio Frequency) and Air Data Test Sets.
The ARTS-7000 represents a leap forward in avionics testing technology, offering an all-encompassing test system that comprehensively fulfills radio test system requirements within a single, compact unit. This versatile system covers a wide range of test functions, including Communications, Navigation, ELT, DME, Transponder, UAT, TCAS, GPS, and VSWR testing. It also seamlessly integrates with Laversab’s existing Air Data Test Sets, enabling streamlined altitude testing procedures.
MHIRJ will soon incorporate the Laversab part number into their upcoming Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) release. In the interim, the ARTS-7000-part number is included in the Reference Instruction Letter (RIL) for the following aircraft models:
Interested parties are encouraged to contact their MHIRJ regional representative to verify the inclusion of the ARTS-7000 in their specific AMM. For any inquiries or additional information regarding the ARTS-7000, please contact a Laversab representative.
About Laversab Inc:
Laversab provides reliable and innovative products to the aviation industry. Our line of Automated RVSM Air Data Testers and Avionics RF Test Sets are used worldwide by hundreds of customers. Laversab solutions span across Commercial, Business, Military, and General Aviation sectors for both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft.


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Konzert: BIRDS IN ROW, SHIROKUMA
Datum: 22.07.2015 (Mi.)
Location: Ac17 / Chemnitz (Sachsen)
2015's Edition of our Fluff Warm Up Celebration.
- BIRDS IN ROW - (Laval, FR)
Blues / Punk / Hardcore
again and again and again and again we love those songs. new record is on its way! hard to believe roughly one year after i was sitting down writing some farewell words... deliriously happy that its happening again!
- SHIROKUMA - (Söderhamn, SWE)
Screamo / Punk
after Shirokuma had to cancel their participation on tour with disembarked this february, they'll finally around for this years edition of AC17's own fluff warm up show. we're proud as you might guess. _________________________
vegan food // cool drinks // nice people // loud music
First Beer: 20.00 Uhr / 8 pm
First Band: 21.30 Uhr / 9.30 pm (SHARP!)
Bring a friend along.

domain: hobby


With the constant stream of blogs and articles pouring into the chaotic whirlpool of retail news each day, prioritizing what to consume on the reg. can get pretty overwhelming. For that reason, we pulled together a list of top retail industry influencers to follow across social media (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.), whose fresh perspectives have proven useful and insightful time and time again.
Listed in alphabetical order, check out this list of notable retail industry experts you need to follow on social media for unique and quality content on the happenings behind the long, unpredictable retail journey ahead of us:
Oliver Chen is a managing director and senior equity research analyst covering retail and luxury goods for Cowen and Company, LLC, with extensive experience covering a broad spectrum of the U.S. consumer retail landscape (i.e., specialty stores, apparel, footwear & textiles, luxury retail, department stores and broadlines). Oliver has appeared on CNBC, Bloomberg, PBS, Business News Network, Fox, and Monocle and has been quoted in the New York Times, Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, and others.
Here’s a breakdown of his latest retail manifesto released earlier this year, Experiential Retail: The Store Must Do More.
Formerly the SVP of Strategy and Multichannel Marketing for Neiman Marcus, Steve is a retail strategy and innovation advisor, keynote speaker, author and mentor whose views on digital disruption and the reinvention of retail are published and shared across the industry. He’s also a regular retail contributor for Forbes.
With over 27 years of retail industry experience working for brands like Macy’s, Kmart, and VF Corp., Robert is the Research VP of Gartner’s Retail Industry Services team whose findings are often cited in the press (plus a frequent contributor to the Gartner blog). He provides research and analysis on technology market and trends impacting retail, specifically focused within merchandise and planning areas.
Robin Lewis is the founder and CEO of The Robin Report. He is an author, speaker, and consultant for the retail and consumer products industries, with a candid, unbiased voice to both old-world and new-world retailers and brands.
Imagine In the near-future you voice an umbrella order through Siri and within minutes a drone hovers overhead, delivering the umbrella. https://t.co/htjJQzcROH— Robin Lewis (@robinreport) August 9, 2018
This duo knows retail. Experts on generational diversity, consumer trends, and all things retail, Rich and Georganne are founders of retail consulting firm Kizer & Bender and authors of the Retail Adventure blog. As consumer anthropologists (I know – it’s a thing!) they stalk and study the most elusive of mammals: today’s consumer.
As president and CEO of the National Retail Federation, the world’s largest retail trade association, Matthew weighs in on trends within the retail industry and economy as a whole. Matthew was named one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in 2017.
Here’s one article that garnered a lot of attention across social—What experts say about the so-called ‘Retail Apocalypse.’
You can find more of what Matthew has to say here.
Doug Stephens, aka the “Retail Prophet,” is a speaker, retail industry futurist, global advisor, and author of Reengineering Retail and The Retail Revival. Doug is also a syndicated columnist for CBC Radio and regularly contributes to The Business of Fashion.
In my book Reengineering Retail I projected that Magic Leap might be the technology to change how we shop online. Here’s a first, early move in that direction. https://t.co/nB6qgIgD9F— Doug Stephens (@RetailProphet) August 9, 2018
Barbara Thau, a business journalist specializing on retail and consumer trends, covers the latest on “consumer news, social trends, retail developments, and more.” Her customer-centric publication, Minding the Stores, is hosted on Forbes. Her insights have been shared across numerous publications, including CNBC, Retail Dive, Chain Store Age, the Brick & Data Podcast, and more.
Chris has over 20 years of experience within the retail and retail technology industries and is the owner and operator of OmniTalk, a retail news platform meant to share “serious and sometimes comic musings” on the past and future of retail. A regular contributor to Forbes, Retail Dive, and The Robin Report, Chris shares his frank and witty outlook on the state of retail—the good, the bad, and everything in between.
Deborah Weinswig, CEO and Founder of Coresight Research (formerly Fung Global Retail & Technology), is an award-winning global retail analyst and a specialist in retail innovation and technology. She’s frequently quoted in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and Barron’s, and is a regular guest on CNBC. She is also a contributing writer for Forbes, where her articles range from in-depth, data-driven reports to market overviews to daily news flashes to on-the-scene reports from key industry events. Deborah was also named one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in 2017.
Brendan is the Vice President and principal analyst for digital business strategy at Forrester, with expertise across a range of topics including customer engagement, eCommerce, personalization, omnichannel, retail, mobile, and AI.
In addition to keynoting at global industry events and advising executive teams on digital strategy, Brendan is sought after for comments and insights by industry media such as Bloomberg, CNBC, NPR, PBS, The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, Time, and USA Today.
Reporting "the state of retail" and what is really happening. Thanks to @BillGriffeth @SueHerera the rest of the crew at @bizrpt for the great conversation. https://t.co/eWhbiAQbxx pic.twitter.com/H37s8Au9jU— Brendan Witcher (@BrendanWitcher) May 18, 2018
Obviously, this isn't an exhaustive list of retail experts social. However, these are definitely a few of the most notable voices in retail we like to follow.
Looking for other resources to keep up with the latest news and happenings in retail? We've got you covered with The Top 7 Retail Publications You Should Be Reading and The 5 Best Podcasts for Retailers.


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2. The German Ball Game
This game which has not yet been described anywhere merits very well a detailed description. It is not my goal to be entertaining in this endeavor – try just to understand these dry explanations, entertainment will be found in practicing.
Mark on a flat lawn the beginning point X and end point Z of the alley, approximately 30-40 steps apart, and the preparation is done; if you want to be more precise, rip the lines A-B and C-D with a pole/stick into the ground, and mark their ends and also the positions 4 and 5 with poles.
This way, also the width of the alley is defined.
Line A-B will be the batting plate (home plate), C-D the catching plate (“rest base”).
Ball: [This is a lengthy explanation how to produce the ball with material of 18th century Germany, giving several alternatives, and with the result of a ball that can jump 25 feet high if thrown down with force and is supposed to be nearly as good as a rubber ball]
Ballstock (Racquette): It is not good to take a broad-shaped piece of wood, as it resists the air and therefore the hitting cannot be as strong as with a completely round stick that gets thinner towards the handle, made from a trunk of a young spruce tree. Only with those you can successfully hit the ball to go up 80 to 100 feet and nearly 100 steps far. [And some other lengthy explanations how to prepare the handle so that it doesn’t easily fall out of the hand.]
Spiel: A team of eight, ten, twelve or more persons, no matter short or tall, gathers on the playground. The two best players will be appointed leaders, and are to arrange the game, arbitrate in case of disagreements etc. Their first duty is to divide the group in two parties rather equal in capacity. This is to be done following rules in the annex 1. Are both parties made, the decision which one is to be the ‘ruling’ (hitting – the “batting team”) and which one the ‘serving’ (catching – the “fielding team”) shall be made by throwing a coin (see annex1). Now the game can start. Both parties continuously fight against the other: the batting team tries to stay in the batting position; the fielding team tries to win the hit. This is the main idea of the game; but I will first develop the procedure of each team separately before explaining the general rules.
1) The fielding team
We suppose six persons for each team. At each start of the game and each time his team has lost the hitting position, the team leader positions his team in the positions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, and the best players are to be put in 1,2,3,6 – because the side positions may be positioned with less able players, but 1 and 2 need to be able throwers, and 3 and 6 able catchers of the ball.
The person in position 1 is called pitcher; he must throw the ball for the batter. To this end he stays two steps in front of the batter who stands in E and throws the ball in the middle between himself and the batter upright in the air, a bit higher than the head. As the ball drops down, the batter has to hit him in the air. All other members of the fielding team in 2,3,4,5,6 have to try to get the ball as soon as possible into the batting plate, and therefore have to run to all sides to catch the ball and throw it to the pitcher. All of this has to be done quickly, therefore everyone should be able to catch and throw well, with right, left and both hands and in all positions, even in a run. The body will become very able, elastic and strong.
While doing this, the main goal of the fielding team is to change their status and switch to the batting position by winning the hit. This happens if a) a fielding team member catches the hit ball out of the air, b) if he throws the ball at a batter who is running from X to Y or back, and he hits him, c) if he can get the ball into the batting plate at a time when not batter is there anymore – the last two cases will be made more clearly in the following.
2) The batting team
They have the privilege to hit the ball, but each hit must be earned by the batter by running from the batting plate X to the resting base X and back.
As the batter cannot run while the ball is in the hands of a person of the fielding team who tries to hit him with the ball, he first has to hit the ball, or, if he fails that, to stay in the batting plate X and wait until one of the follow batters hits the ball and “loosens” him, only then he can run. If he arrives at the resting base Y, and the ball is still not near, he can right away run back to X. In the opposite case he remains behind the resting base Y until a good hit is done which loosens him to get back to the batting plate X.
It happens often that only one of all batters is left in the batting plate, because the others have not hit well or not hit the ball at all, and are therefore still standing in X or Y waiting to run. This last remaining batter is then called the “cleanup hitter”, as he tries to drive home all remaining base runners. He has the right to strike three times, while otherwise only one strike is permitted.
If the „cleanup hitter“ is a bad hitter, he might do his three strikes without hitting the ball; if this happens really without one of the home runners at Y managing by speed and artfulness to get to the batting plate, then the his is lost, because the ball gets to the batting plate without there being a “loosened” batter. The batting team will of course try to prevent that by trying with speed and artfulness to drive one of them into the batting plate, for instance by several of them running at the same time from different sides to the batting plate, and trying to divert the attention of the fielding team. Always try to have the “cleanup hitter” be a good hitter who rarely misses the ball.
At the beginning of the game, when the order of batting is not yet determined, the best batter stays behind and lets everyone else strike before him, so that he can “loosen” his team members. As the game goes on, the order of who will strike next will be defined by which player arrives first from Y to X – therefore the batting team has to make sure that from several players coming back to X the best one enters last, so that he can become “cleanup hitter”. For instance, if a, b, c are bad players and d is a good one, and all four were out at Y, and a strike would “loosen” them to come back to X, then d would have to let the other three get “home” first. Or if a, b, c were at Y and d, e f, as three good players, were still to do their batting in X, then a, b, and c would not be allowed to run “home” once a god hit has been done, but they would need to wait until one of the better three players comes out to Y – this good player has then again to come “home” last, to later become “cleanup hitter”.
The „cleanup hitter“ needs to be sure not to run after he dealt his first hit – other then if he could be sure that the waiting batters could for sure make it back to X from Y before the ball can be brought to the batting plate X. Imagine the “cleanup hitter” ran away after the first little hit, and the fielding party could bring in the ball before the batters come back from Y, the hit would be lost. Now the following rules for the players will be easy to understand.
1. Rules for the fielding team
a) Pitcher: His role is one of the most important, and he needs to be very able. He is the key position in the game, as he has to encourage the fielding team to pass him the ball and to make the batting team not lose time. Doing both, he keeps the game lively. His attention should be focused on
1- the current batter: if the current batter is inclined to send the ball regularly further away than the positions 4 and 5, the pitcher needs to change his position a bit as to prohibit that behavior. The better the pitcher throws the ball for the batters and adapts to their particularities, the more good hits will be done, and the better those hits can be caught by the fielding team.
2- the ball: often, the batter will hit the ball only on the quarter or in its eighth part and sends it only slightly up – these kind of balls the pitcher needs to catch to win the hit.
3- the batters of the batting team in general: he needs to strive to hit with the ball everyone who runs away from X or returns from Y either by himself, or to throw the ball to his team member in position 2, in case this person is nearer to the running batter, so that team member 2 can hit the batter. The pitcher also has to watch the batters standing in X; in case they pass the line A-B with as much as a single foot he has the right to throw the ball at this foot, and even more they trespass the line completely. In case the pitcher hits in such a case, he has won the hit.
4- to himself: he has to step back at least one wide step in the moment where the batter strikes, so as not to be hit by the raquette.
b) The other members of the fielding team have to watch carefully and at all times the ball and the batters. They have to know the habits of each batter – how far, in which directions they drive the ball. In case they predict the ball to come to their position, they have to be even more careful. Each time the ball is hit and gains height, they have to calculate the arch in which it will come down again, and try to quickly reach that spot to catch the ball and either hit one of the runners of the batting team or to pass the ball to a player who is better positioned to hit a runner.
If none of these cases is possible, the players of the fielding team pass the ball to the pitcher, to make the game continue.
Each member of the fielding team also keeps an eye on the lines A-C and B-D to check whether one of the runners of the batting team trespasses them – if this happens, their hit is lost. They should also notice if no “loosened” batter is in the batting plate anymore, because in this case they have to get the ball into the batting plate – this action has to be announced to everyone so that it can quickly be carried out without a batter reaching the batting plate first. Of course, if the ball arrives before the batter, the batting team has lost this hit.
2) Rules for the batting team
None of the batting players should run while the ball is held by one of the nearer players of the fielding team, as the chances are too high he could be hit by the ball and lose the hit. Only then is he allowed to run if there is no good batter in the batting plate anymore who could loosen the other players.
Each player needs to strive to hit the ball well and with strength, because small and week hits will be caught too easily. He has to be able to strike the ball into each direction he wants, and needs to choose the direction in which no good catcher is positioned. Also, he should never drive the ball to Y if his fellowmen are running in this direction, and by all means drive the ball to Y if his fellowmen are running in the opposite direction, towards X the batting plate. In short, he has to take care to drive the ball in such a way that it is far from his teammates, so as to minimizing their risk of being hit by the ball. Of course, if a batter can drive the ball further than the position 6, that would be an ideal solution.
If the ball threatens to hit a batter, the batter must be quick to avoid it – therefore he always looks around him and prefers to go down than to be hit. But the batter must take all the risk to get to the batting plate in the case of the “cleanup hitter” having only one hit left. Of course, the batters also need to make sure they don’t step over the sidelines of the field.
I finish the explanation with a general rule set for this game.
1) Each team has to follow its team leader. If there is a controverse about if a hit has been lost or not, and no agreement can be reached, it will be decided by lot.
2) Who ever goes down loses the hit of his team, if he is a batter. Is he who goes down a fielding team player, his party has to win twice before switching roles and becoming batting party. As punishment, the one who was laying on the ground is not allowed to strike in the next term, but still has to run with the team leader from X to Y and back.
3) If the game changes too often, meaning it is won too often from one, then the other team, one can decide that the fielding team needs to win two or three times in a row before they can become the batting team.
4) No batter is obliged to hit a ball which the pitcher has badly thrown. If no batter is satisfied with the balls a particular pitcher throws, they can ask the fielding team to put a better pitcher in place. If the “cleaning hitter” is about to do his third strike, he is allowed to not strike at all but on purpose let the ball drop, so that the ball is out of the hands of the pitcher for a moment, but he can only do so twice.
5) The series of strikes a team does before they lose the right to strike is called a „Gang“. In order to find out which team has won the game at the end, each team has to count the strikes done aloud and note them after the “Gang” on a blackboard. Small strikes that do not reach higher than a man will not be counted. At the end of the game, when both teams have played the same number of “Gaenge”, all strikes will be added and the team who has the higher number of them has won.
6) A strike gets lost if:
a) If a player of the fielding team catches the ball out of the air. Has the ball already touched the ground, this is not the case – but if the ball has just bounced back from a person or an object, the catch out of the air is still valid.
b) If any player of the batting team gets hit by the ball in between A B C D, no matter under which circumstances. However, the pitcher is not allowed to partake in this throwing if he is inside of the playing field – he has to remain in front of the line A-B, because If he was allowed to partake in hitting the players of the batting team with the ball, he could run after each of them who is slower than he is, catch up with him and hit him, while the other is trying to run from X to Y to get “loosened”.
c) If a player of the fielding team throws the ball into the batting plate while there is no batter present on the batting plate.
d) If a player of the batting team crosses the lines A-C or B-D.
e) If a „cleaning hitter“ has done his three strikes and after the third strike the ball gets quicker into the batting plate than a new batter. This is the same case as c) and happens most often in case the third strike is not hit and the ball falls down in front of the line A-B.
f) If a player of the batting team touches the ball.
g) If a player of the batting team takes the raquette from the batting plate into the playing field on his run from X to Y.
h) If a player of the batting team, after striking, throws away the raquette so quickly and carelessly that one of the other players is hit.
t) If a player of the batting team drops the raquette while striking.
7) If the hit is won by the fielding team, the winner has the right to do the first strike, after him the former pitcher has the right to strike, after this one all of the others no matter in which order. But afterwards, as the game goes on, the order in which the players strike is determined in the order in which they come in from Y. If the case happens that a bad batter is the last one to come in and would normally become “cleaning hitter”, the fielding team is not obliged to accept that this bad batter may strike before to have a better batter become the “cleaning hitter”.
8) The ball is never carried by hand, but has to be thrown from player to player, and then caught out of the air.
From all games for young people, this is one of the best, because it fulfills several goals of physical games. It favors much moving in the open air, and furthers the body’s speed, promptness and strength. Batting and throwing gives ability and strengths to the arm and the running makes flanks and legs quicker. Avoiding to be hit by the ball makes it necessary to be very quick. Also the visual judgment is trained during this game, for instance for hitting the ball the pitcher has thrown, or for hitting a running batter, or for catching the ball out of the air – and this while the ball goes in arches of 70 feet high and 80 steps wide. The game asks for constant attention and brings so much pleasure and interest for young people who are not effete that they will prefer it to any other game, during spring time.
I already said that this game can be played by more and fewer people, even with just 4 persons. This last version which is called “Fourball” is a lot more intense because those four persons have to do just as much as the twelve as described above. Also here, one of the fielding team is the pitcher, the other one stands outside, and one batter becomes the “cleaning hitter” for the other hitter.


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If you enjoy the freedom of choice when it comes to food, like the mystery of whether or not your meal will taste good, so-so, or down right disgusting, finding the idea of eating outside and curbside fun, and jive with the motto of "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get", you'll absolutely LOVE the SoMa Food Park.
One of the most popular trucks there is The Chairman Truck hosting some amazing pork buns. The variety of trucks depends on the day you go. There's so many I want to try and can't wait to get back there. San Francisco is where it's at for the best food!
We got here just as the lunch shift was leaving to make room for the dinner trucks, which meant there were almost no other diners and only a few places left to order from. We got lucky—the sangria truck wasn't leaving so our carafe came as we waited for our food from Dusty Buns. On a warm day in SF, this is a great place to cool off in the shade and have a good midday meal without the crush of the crowds you so often find here.

domain: food


text: I bought these chaps at Salute this year, played a demo of the game as well and loved it. Painted them fairly quickly as well, the plan was to take it to my club and start a campaign (which is brilliant by the way). However, life got in the way and my mojo for the hobby waned!!! Anyway back on it, thought I would post up some pictures of how they turned out. In fact I did take it to the club and it was well received, so need to get that ball rolling again. Enjoy!


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Peters chases spring glory with plum pair
Golden Slipper champion Vancouver and Disposition will be owner-breeder Bob Peters’ two entries for the Cox Plate and the Caulfield Cup.
Entries for the $3 million Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 17 and $3 million Cox Plate (2040m), run a week later at Moonee Valley, close today.
He Or She, now with the Victorian training partnership of David Hayes and Tom Dabernig, has been entered in the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate. Boom Time, formerly with Trevor Andrews but now under the care of Peter Moody, has been nominated for the Caulfield Cup.
Disposition was transferred to Anthony Freedman’s rural stable at Pinecliff after Wez Hunter opted to use the on-course facilities at Mornington last month.
Peters is keen for Disposition to be trained in a similar environment to that of his No.1 WA trainer Grant Williams.
The four-year-old will stay at Pinecliff during his campaign and not go to Flemington, where Freedman’s brother and training partner Lee is based.
Disposition is entered along with Ihtsahymn in Saturday’s Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap (1200m) at Flemington, but Peters said it was unlikely he would start.
“I’d say they are just having a look at what weight he will get,” Peters said.
“He is due to trial next week and will probably trial twice before he starts in a stakes race.”
Peters bought a stake in Vancouver along with Coolmore Stud and the China Horse Club a few weeks after the colt won the Golden Slipper (1200m) for Gai Waterhouse.
Vancouver won a 840m trial at Randwick last Friday.
Meanwhile, Peters could bypass the spring carnival at Ascot with Neverland.
“She is tall, but she has not filled out as much as I would like,” Peters said.
“We may give her a preparation up to the trial stage and then put her out.
“It will help build her up and bring her back to race in the autumn.”
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domain: sports


text:
A Little Bit About the World of Jerky Weirdness
Getting dried out meat and fish (making what is in any case called ‘jerky’) is a dependable procedure for preservation. The system is up ’til now used today, since it is so feasible. Getting dried out your fish will give you a wellspring of food that cal last longer than a month at room temperature, mind boggling for fishing and outside excursions. It will in general be eaten without any assurances, with no preservation and worry of contamination.
Regardless, did you consider a segment of the peculiar jerky?
There is truly shellfish jerky out there accessible to be purchased, and truth be told, it tastes very extraordinary. A significant example these days is omega 3’s. As needs be, the jerky makers have endeavored to comprehend what fish they could use to make jerky out of. Over the long haul in the wake of testing out two or three different arrangements it seems like the victor for fish jerky is… salmon.
While picking your fish, recall that the higher the fat substance, the quicker it will destroy. Fish isn’t like most meat, where the fat is bunched in a one area and easy to empty. The fat is flowed evenhandedly in fish, so it can’t for the most part be cleared. It isn’t generally awful to have a high fat substance, basically recollect your jerky won’t prop up as long.
Some fish that are low in fat are Haddock, Cod, Founder, Sea Bass, Halibut, Sea Trout, Sea Herring, Yellow Perch and Snapper.
Some fish that are higher in fat are Salmon, Catfish, Tuna, Shark, Mackerel and Rainbow Trout.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
1) A working kitchen, with a broiler, fridge, and various utensils, etc.
2) 1-2 lb of the fish you should dehydrate
3) Other seasoning you may need
4) Air tight containers or Ziploc sacks
Directions to DO IT:
1) Cut your fish into slight, even strips, ¼ to ½ an inch thick.
2) Mix water and salt in a bowl at a 2:1 extent (2/3 water). Recognize the fish in, and let marinate for thirty minutes.
3) Rinse the fish off and pat dry with a paper towel.
4) Add salt and any extra seasoning you may need to the fish. Put it in a water/air confirmation holder, by then refrigerate until further notice.
5) Put your fish on an oven plate, place in the grill and set to 150 F. Cook for 6-12 hours until arranged. You’ll understand when they’re readied when you can pulverize the fish cuts and they don’t deteriorate.
6) Store the fish in an impenetrable holder or in Ziploc packs. Keep them in a cool, dry spot until you have to use them.
Keep your fish jerky in the cooler to make it last more, or the cooler for long stretch use (more than two or three months). Take the fish with you at whatever point outside, for a straightforward protein source arranged at whatever point.


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The use of gold nanorods for photoacoustic molecular imaging with simultaneous multiple targeting is reported. Multiple targeting is done by utilizing the tunable optical absorption property of gold nanorods. This technique allows multiple molecular signatures to be obtained by simply switching laser wavelength. HER2 and EGFR were chosen as the primary target molecules for examining two cancer cells, OECM1 and Cal27. Both in vitro and in vivo mouse model imaging experiments were performed, with contrast enhancement of up to 10dB and 3.5dB, respectively. The potential in improving cancer diagnosis is demonstrated.
©2008 Optical Society of America
Molecular imaging refers to remote sensing the characteristics of biological process and interactions at the molecular level . It has a great potential for the early detection and more effective treatment of diseases, because aberrations at the cellular and molecular levels occur much earlier than anatomic changes. In general, specific targeting employs an exogenous nanoprobe that has a high affinity to the molecule (i.e., the biomarker) associated with a specific type of disease, with the targeting of probes tracked using a suitable imaging system. Molecular imaging methods have been developed for various imaging modalities. For example, X. Gau et al. have developed nanoprobes based on semiconductor quantum dots for cancer targeting and fluorescence imaging in living mice . For ultrasound imaging, microbubbles targeted to αvβ3-integrins expressed on the endothelium cells were used for imaging angiogenesis . L. Josephson et al. have shown that peptide-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles can target lymph modes and be used as an MR contrast agent . On the other hand, S. R. Cherry mentioned that several groups have considerable success in small animal imaging by using nuclear imaging system including PET and SPECT with the use of radionuclides-labeled probes .
The goal of targeting cancer cells is to determine the expressions of oncogenic surface molecules, which will aid the prediction of clinical outcomes and treatment responses. For this it is necessary to image cancer lesions and obtain pathogenic information on them at the molecular level. However, most previous researches reported in the literature have employed only a single target. Therefore, the goal of this study was to realize in vivo photoacoustic (PA) imaging with simultaneous multiple selective targeting for cancer diagnosis. We have previously demonstrated in vitro multiple targeting , and the present study further demonstrates the in vivo imaging of small-animal models and extravasation of multiple molecular probes.
PA imaging is a new imaging modality under preclinical development that has been applied to several biomedical applications for obtaining anatomic and functional information, including breast tumor detection , epidermal melanin measurements , blood oxygenation monitoring , and quantitative blood flow estimation . For molecular imaging applications, Chamberland et al. have found that the intrinsic contrast of rat tail joint in photoacoutic tomography can be enhanced by administration of Etanercept-conjugated gold nanorods, which helps to monitor anti-tumor necrosis factor drug delivery . Also, J. A. Copland et al. have used antibody-conjugated gold nanospheres for breast cancer cell targeting . In the current study, cylindrical antibody-conjugated gold nanorods (AuNRs) were used as nanoprobes for PA imaging to achieve multiple selective targeting. The wavelength at which the optical absorption of gold nanorods is maximal increases with their aspect ratio , and AuNRs with different aspect ratios can be conjugated to different antibodies and detected by irradiation with laser pulses at appropriate wavelengths.
To achieve simultaneous multiple targeting, different antibodies and a blocker (PEG) are conjugated to AuNRs with different aspect ratios to form various types of nanoprobes that are injected into blood vessels at the same time. The purpose of attaching blockers is to avoid nonspecific binding such as electrostatic binding and endocytosis. The extravasating nanoprobes can target cancer cells with antigens specific to the conjugated antibody. Consequently, different types of cancer cells can be recognized and multiple characteristics can be obtained with laser irradiation at wavelengths corresponding to the peak absorption wavelengths of the nanoprobes.
This study used oral cancer OECM1 (oral squamous cell carcinoma) cells with HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) overexpressed on the cell surface, and Cal27 (squamous cell carcinoma) cells with EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) overexpressed on the cell surface. These two cell types, each with a specific cell–antibody pair, were adopted to demonstrate multiple selective targeting.
HER2 expression is associated with growth characteristics and sensitivity to Herceptin chemotherapy, and is a member of the HER tyrosine kinase family that regulates cell growth and proliferation. HER2 has been associated with an aggressive phenotype and a poor prognosis, making it an appealing therapeutic target .
EGFR expression is strongly correlated with tumor metastasis. It is overexpressed in several epithelial malignancies, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), with 90% of such tumors exhibiting EGFR overexpression. EGFR plays a critical role in HNSCC growth, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis .
To demonstrate multiple targeting, two types of nanoprobes were prepared: AuNR785-HER2 and AuNR1000-EGFR; where the subscripts represent the peak absorption wavelengths of two types of gold nanorods with mean aspect ratios of 3.7 (785 nm) and 5.9 (1000 nm). Fig. 1 shows the absorption spectra of the two nanorods measured by a spectrophotometer (HP 8453, HP, Palo Alto, CA). The conjugated antibodies on the two gold nanorods were anti-HER2 and anti-EFGR, respectively. Here we first demonstrate the targeting ability of the two nanoprobes to OECM1 and Cal27. Multiple selective targeting with mixed probes (i.e., AuNR785-HER2 and AuNR1000-EGFR) is the focus of the on-going study.
In preparation of the cell culture, OECM1 cells were maintained in 90% RPMI1640 and 10% FBS (fetal bovine serum), and Cal27 cells were cultured in 90% DMEM and 10% FBS. All of the cell lines were maintained in a 37°C incubator with a humidified environment of 5% CO2 in air.
EGFR antibody was purchased from Thermo Fisher Scientific (MA, USA). HER2 antibodies were purified from the A-HER2 hybridoma (CRL-10463) by GlycoNex (Taiwan).
Gold nanorods were synthesized by the electrochemical conversion of an anodic gold material into particles within an electrolytic cosurfactant system, which is a procedure that we have developed previously [16, 17]. The cationic surfactants used were CTABr (hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide) and TDABr (tetradodecylammonium bromide). The particle shape was successfully controlled using cationic cosurfactant micelles that included several other ingredients such as cyclohexane and trace amount of silver ions . The gold nanorods were then well dispersed in aqueous solutions. Multiple-target studies were achieved using two nanorod samples and a gold-nanosphere system exhibiting surface plasmon resonances at approximately 800 and 1000 nm for the subsequent antibody conjugation and cell binding.
In addition to successful and stable conjugation of the recognition unit to the AuNRs through chemical bonding, it was also necessary that the nanoprobes exhibited high dispersity prior to binding to cancer cells. To achieve these goals, we adopted a conjugation protocol involving a 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC-mediated coupling reaction and subsequent attachment of a blocking agent [mPEG-SH, a thiol-terminated methoxypoly (ethyleneglycol)] at nonspecific adsorption sites on the AuNRs [19, 20].
Briefly, using HER2 as an example, the absorbance of a 1-ml aliquot of the AuNR solution was adjusted to 0.8, as measured under a 2-mm optical path length at the resonance. Five milliliters of 0.4 M cysteamine dihydrochloride and 10 ml of 16 mM HNO3 were then added, and the solution was aged for 30 min before being centrifuged at 5500 rpm for 15 min and redispersed into 1 ml of deionized water to remove any excess cysteamine. In a separate vial, an EDC-mediated solution was prepared by adding 0.02 g of EDC to 100 µl of aqueous 1.04 M NHS (N-hydroxysuccinimide) solution and then aging the mixture for 10 min. A 2-ml aliquot of the EDC-mediated solution was mixed with 2 ml of an 8 mg/ml solution of HER2 monoclonal antibody (mAb) in 10 mM PBS in a microcentrifugation tube and then aged for 1 hour at 4 °C. To complete the conjugation process, this modified HER2 mAb solution was then added into the previously prepared cysteamine-modified AuNR solution (1 ml) and aged for 1 hour at 4 °C. This AuNR-HER2 mAb solution was flocculated by centrifugation at 5500 rpm for 15 min and then redispersed into 1 ml of aqueous 1.04 mM mPEG-SH (MW=5000; Nektar) solution. The dispersed solution was then aged for either 1 hour or overnight. The final solution was again centrifuged at 5500 rpm for 15 min to remove any excess mPEG-SH. The flocculates were then redispersed into a 10 mM PBS solution to produce the nanoprobes. The aqueous nanoprobe solutions remained well dispersed for at least 1 month when stored at 4 °C. The absorption spectra of the nanoprobes were measured by the spectrophotometer and showed that there was no apparent absorption peak wavelength shift from the nanorods before conjugation, thus indicating the absorption property of the nanorods does not change before/after the conjugation.
For in vivo studies, the cancer cells were induced on the back of NOD-scid male mice by the subcutaneous injection of 107 cells. The tumors were measured by the PA technique after 10–15 days of growth, and were typically 5 mm in diameter and 2–3 mm thick.
The optical irradiation was delivered by a widely tunable pulsed Ti:sapphire laser (CF-125, SOLAR TII, Minsk, Republic of Belarus) lasing 800 nm laser and an Nd:YAG laser (LS-2132 U, LOTIS TII, Minsk, Belarus) lasing 1064 nm laser, respectively. These wavelengths were chosen according to the peak absorptions of the gold nanoprobes. The pulse repetition rate was 10 Hz. A homemade PA transducer made of lithium niobate (LiNbO3) material with a center frequency of 20 MHz and a focal depth of 9.5 mm was used for signal detection. The transducer had a diameter of 6 mm and a 0.65 mm hole in the center of the transducer surface for insertion of optical fiber that can solved conventional device-placing problem. Thus, the transducer can be integrated with a single fiber (FT-600-UMT, Thorlabs, Newton, NJ) with a diameter of 600 µm through the hole to achieve registered irradiation and detection. The integrated PA transducer was driven by a precision translation stage (HR8, Nanomotion, Yokneam, Israel) to perform one-dimensional cross-sectional scans of the tumor with a step size of 0.2 mm. The received acoustic waveforms were amplified by an ultrasonic receiver (5077PR, Panametrics, Waltham, MA) and then recorded at a sampling rate of 200 Msamples/second by a data acquisition card (CompuScope 14200, Gage, Lachine, QC, Canada).
Mice with tumor cells were anesthetized with halothane vapor using a vaporizer system (Fluosorber, Market Supply, UK), placed on a plate stage, and illuminated with an incandescent bulb to keep the mouse warm. Transparent ultrasonic gel (ECGEL 4000, Hometech, Taiwan) was added between the tumor region and the transducer to improve acoustic wave propagation. For mice with the OECM1 tumor, a 100-µl mixture of AuNR785-HER2 and AuNR785 at a concentration of 30 nM was prepared for injection, and the irradiating wavelength was 800 nm. For Cal27 tumors, a 100-µl mixture of AuNR1000-EGFR and AuNR1000 at a concentration of 30 nM was prepared for injection, and the irradiating wavelength was 1064 nm.
The PA experimental setup for in vivo imaging (Fig. 2) consisted of an optical irradiating system, a precision translation stage, a homemade animal stage, and a data acquisition card. The nanoprobes and gold nanorods (control group) were injected into the tail veins of two mice. In each mouse the targeting process was monitored at multiple time points within 24 hours after nanorod injection. At each measurement time point, the tumor was imaged in three cross sections to calculate the averaged PA intensity within the tumor region. After each PA scanning procedure, an ultrasound image was also acquired in the same region to show anatomic information. Ultrasound images displayed on a grayscale were superimposed with the corresponding PA images displayed in red pseudocolor.
Western blot analysis can detect and indicate the size of specific proteins in a mixture. For multiple-target molecular PA imaging, the cancer cell-line bank has been screened for appropriate model cells. Fig. 3 shows that OECM1 cells overexpressed HER2 and exhibited a relatively low expression of EGFR, while Cal27 cells showed the opposite expression profile.
Before performing in vivo animal experiments, in vitro experiments with cell cultures were performed to verify the targeting ability of the bioconjugated gold nanorods to cancer cells. The cells were collected into a centrifuge tube and adjusted the cell number to 1.2×106 in the ependorff tube. Then PBS containing 10% FBS (fetal bovine serum) plus probes (AuNR785-HER2 or AuNR1000-EGFR) or non-conjugated nanorods were added into the cells for binding reaction. The ependorff tubes were shaken in 4 °C for one hour. After the incubation, those unbinding nanorods were removed by washing in PBS and centrifuging in 2850 rpm for three times. The samples were placed in a phantom made from transparent plastic (Rexolite 1422, San Diego Plastics, CA). The phantom was 4 cm×4 cm×3 cm in size and contained several tubes with an internal diameter of 2.5 mm.
As shown in Fig. 4, for each cell line, the cells on the left, middle, and right in the phantom were reacted with probes of a specific targeting relation (experimental group), with probes of a nonspecific targeting relation (control group), and with pure gold nanorods (control group).
To demonstrate multiple targeting of bioconjugated gold nanorods, the two wavelengths chosen to irradiate the samples for generating PA signals (one close to and the other far from the peak absorption of the specific target probes) were 800 and 1064 nm, corresponding to the peak absorption wavelengths of the AuNR785-HER2 and AuNR1000-EGFR probes. The samples in the phantom were imaged in the cross-sectional view by the same PA imaging system as shown in Fig. 2 with a scan step size of 0.02 mm. The two images obtained at the two wavelengths on the same absolute scale are displayed together in Fig. 5 to compare the absolute intensities of the samples measured at different laser wavelengths. Results showed that the image intensities of the experimental groups were generally about 10 dB higher than those in the control groups. In other words, the targeting ability of specific probes to cancer cells and the wavelength selectivity of PA detection are clearly demonstrated.
The PA images of a Cal27 tumor for injections with AuNR1000 and AuNR1000-EGFR in Fig. 6 demonstrate the specific targeting ability of the AuNR1000-EGFR probe. The contour of the tumor region can be clearly seen in the fusion images of PA and ultrasound images shown in Fig. 6(a) and Fig. 6(c). Also, PA images obtained at different time points post injection were shown in the same scale (25 dB dynamic range). The contrast is higher for the AuNR1000-EGFR data postinjection (7 hours after injection) PA image within the tumor region than for the preinjection image, while there is no apparent difference between the pre- and postinjection images for the AuNR1000 injection (Fig. 6(b) and (d)).
The PA images of OECM1 tumors in Fig. 7(a)–(d) also demonstrate the other specific cell–antibody binding relations. The postinjection images for AuNR785-HER2 exhibited an evident increased PA intensity from 1 hour to 17 hours after injection relative to the preinjection image (Fig. 7(a), (b)). The decrease of the intensity may be due to the washout of the probes. In contrast, The pre- and postinjection images of the control group (i.e., injection of AuNR785) showed no obvious changes in signal intensity (Fig. 7(c), (d)).
The PA signals outside of the tumor region that can be seen in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 may be due to the signals from dermis(near the skin surface) and the fascia (with a layered appearance). The optical absorption of the dermis ranges from 2 to 10 cm-1 and may generate non-negligible PA signals . Likewise, the fascia is between the subcutis and the muscle, the its location as shown in the histology (Fig. 8) correlates well with the PA images
The intensities of three cross-sectional PA images of the tumor region were averaged and normalized relative to the preinjection averaged intensity of the tumor region in order to quantitatively measure the targeting efficacy. As shown in Fig. 9(a), the contrast between the experimental group (AuNR1000-EGFR injection) and the control group (AuNR1000 injection) was maximally about 3.5 dB at 7 hours after the injection, indicating the specific targeting of AuNR1000-EGFR to Cal27 cells. The increased intensities at 1 hour postinjection in both cases might indicate nonspecific binding due to accumulation in the circulation . Fig. 9(b) shows normalized averaged image intensities within the OECM1 tumor regions plotted as a function of the observation time. The intensity contrast between the tumor with AuNR785-HER2 injection (solid line) and the tumor with AuNR785 injection (dashed line) was more than 2 dB at 14 hours.
Atomic absorption (AA) spectroscopy analysis was used to confirm the targeting capability of HER2-probes. After PA imaging, the tumor tissues were surgically harvested from the mouse. The time point was 6 hours post-injection. The tumor tissues were scaled weight, homogenized, and then placed into a centrifuge tube containing 30 ml of nitric acid (12 M) for incubation for 3 days to permit complete dissolution of the tissue. The obtained liquid through was subjected to AA (UNICAM Solaar M6 series) analysis.
Figure 10 illustrates the photoacoustic images of OECM1 tumor before/after AuNR785-HER2 injection and the averaged image intensity within the tumor regions (dashed circles). The results are consistent with Fig. 7(b) and Fig. 9(b). After probe injection, the PA intensity within tumor region increases to 3 dB higher than preinjection level. The AA spectroscopy analysis results indicate that the Au ion within tumor tissues with HER2-probe injection is 9.1 µg au+ per gram tissue weight, while that with AuNR785 (control group) injection is 1.23 µg au+ per gram tissue weight.
Figure 11 illustrates the biodistribution of AuNR800 and AuNR800-HER2 from taken out organs after injection 24 hours by atomic absorption spectroscopy analysis. The volume for each injection was 100 µl and concentration was 5 nM. In the tumor region, the percentages of AuNRs from the probe and AuNR800 injection are 8.88 % and 6.1 %, respectively, thus proving the targeting capability of the probes. The results also indicate that these nanoparticles were mainly accumulated in the spleen and liver.
Utilizing the tunable optical absorption property of AuNRs, PA molecular imaging with multiple selective targeting has been demonstrated on oral cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. The results reveal that information about multiple oncogene surface molecules of cancer cells can be obtained with PA techniques, which will help to improve our understanding of cancer cells better and to develop effective diagnosis tools as well as indications for effective treatments. This is considered as an improvement in molecular imaging compared to previous works on single targeting imaging. Note that multiple selective targeting can also be used to determine heterogeneous population of cancer cells in a lesion. Future work of this study will focus on simultaneous multiple selective targeting utilizing mixed nanoprobes (i.e., AuNR785-HER2 and AuNR1000-EGFR) in the same mouse. Such multiple targeting will help to recognize different cancer cells (e.g., OCEM1 and Cal27) because different cancer cells possess different expressions specific to the corresponding probes. Also, improving the contrast enhancement from the targeted AuNRs is another important task. Furthermore, a three targeting system will also be tested by adding gold nanospheres (absorption at around 520 nm) as the third molecular probe. This can be easily done because the current molecular probes have absorption peaks at around 800 nm and 1064 nm. Finally, safe and effective goldnano-particle-based cancer diagnoses have great potential in the pharmaceutical industry and could also make significant contributions in the biomedical field.
Financial supports from the National Science Council, the National Health Research Institutes, NTU Center for Genomic Medicine, and the NTU Nano Center for Science and Technology are gratefully acknowledged.
References and links
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domain: medical


text:
A bigger, brighter, more equal future shimmers on the horizon, yet we seem to be hurtling in the opposite direction. Catherine Mayer, author and Women’s Equality Party co-founder, draws on her experience of journalism and politics in this Funny, Free-weeling Show about soundbite culture in a messy world. Go and see it. For Future’s Sake.
Dates & Times
|Thu 7 Mar||7:45pm||Book Now|

domain: politics


text:
A Georgia homeowner was awarded $21 million in a lawsuit against one of the largest mortgage servicers in the nation. The homeowner, David Brash, a U.S. Army sergeant, claimed that PHH incorrectly reported his account as "seriously delinquent," when payments had been made on time through automatic deductions from his paychecks. The hefty judgment, according to the plaintiff's attorney, was necessary to get the mortgage servicer's attention. Huffington Post Business reporter Yepoka Yeebo has the full story:
A federal jury has awarded a Georgia man more than $21 million in a lawsuit pitting the homeowner against one of the nation's largest mortgage servicers.
U.S. Army sergeant David Brash was awarded the damages in March, after a Columbus, Ga., jury found that PHH Mortgage, the country's eighth largest mortgage servicer, had incorrectly reported Brash to credit score companies as "seriously delinquent" despite the fact that all his mortgage payments had been automatically deducted from his paycheck.

domain: law


text:
Khloe Kardashian has revealed she tested positive for Coronavirus earlier this year.
This was revealed in a recently released clip from Keeping Up With The Kardashians.
She said the symptoms were so bad, that her mum, Kris Jenner had to call every doctor she could think of for help.
The mother of one said she quarantined in her room because the symptoms were “really bad for a couple of days.” She says she was vomiting, shaking and had hot and cold flashes.
She said she also got some terrible headaches and her chest burned from all the coughing.
Khloe has since recovered from the deadly virus as the footage was filmed months ago.

domain: celebrity


text:
Women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations have an elevated risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer, but also of developing second primary breast cancer. BRCA1/2 mutation carriers with breast cancer must choose between breast conservation (BCT) and mastectomy (M) yet data on outcomes are limited. The purpose of this study is to compare long-term outcome following BCT and M in BRCA1/2 carriers. 655 women with BRCA1/2 mutations diagnosed with breast cancer and treated with BCT (n = 302) or M (n = 353) were identified and underwent follow-up to assess local, regional, and systemic recurrence. Local failure as first failure was significantly more likely in those treated with BCT compared to M, with a cumulative estimated risk of 23.5 vs. 5.5%, respectively, at 15 years (P < 0.0001); 15-year estimates in carriers treated with BCT and chemotherapy was 11.9% (P = 0.08 when compared to M). Most events appeared to be second primary cancers rather than failure to control the primary tumor. The risk of contralateral breast cancer was high in all groups, exceeding 40%, but was not statistically significantly different by use of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) or not, suggesting no added risk from scatter RT at 10 and 15 years. There were no differences seen in regional or systemic recurrences between the BCT and M groups, and no difference in overall survival. In conclusion, BRCA1/2 mutation carriers with breast cancer have similar survival whether treated with M or BCT. However, women undergoing BCT have an elevated risk of a second in-breast event that is significantly reduced in the presence of chemotherapy. Contralateral breast cancer events are very common.
Hereditary breast cancer BRCA1/2 Breast conservation Mastectomy Radiotherapy
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This research was supported by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (LJP, SDM); the Colebatch Clinical Research Fellowship of the Cancer Council Victoria (KAP), the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia (#145684, 288704, 454508) and grants from the National Breast Cancer Foundation, the NHMRC and by the Queensland Cancer Fund, the Cancer Councils of New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia, and the Cancer Foundation of Western Australia (kConFab); Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (BGH); Dana Farber/Harvard Cancer Center SPORE in Breast Cancer (JEG); and Cancer Genetics Network (HHSN21620074400C) (SMD). We thank follow-up study investigators, research nurses and staff at kConFab and all study sites, the heads and staff of the Australian and New Zealand Family Cancer Clinics, and the families who contribute to kConFab and to this international collaboration.
Conflict of interest statement
No authors have a conflict of interest with the content of this manuscript.
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domain: literature


A Live Show Review Jessie played a SOFAR Sounds show in Champaign, Illinois, and a local radio station reviewed the show. Here are some clips of Jessie's show review: She seemed to be enjoying herself so much, that I felt a natural inclination to enjoy myself as well. Even in between songs, Jessie’s banter with her husband and with the audience added to the experience and proved that her music is undeniably her, and made it one of the more memorable moments of the night. — http://wpgu.com/sofar-sounds-champaign-review-1-20-18/ Photo cred: Austin Green Check out the full review at the link above. Posted on January 29, 2018 by Jessie Smith.


BEIJING, Jan. 25 (Xinhua) — Chinese stocks closed lower on Tuesday, with the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index down 2.58 percent, at 3,433.06 points. The Shenzhen Component Index closed 2.83 percent lower at 13,683.89 points. The combined turnover of stocks covered by the two indices came in at approximately 936.8 billion yuan (about 147.7 billion U.S. dollars), up from 864.2 billion yuan on the previous trading day. Stocks in the sector of gold and airport were the biggest winners. Stocks related to cloud gaming and digital currency led the losses. The ChiNext Index, tracking China’s NASDAQ-style board of growth enterprises, lost 2.67 percent to close at 2,974.96 points.


Research on the Influence Factors of Cavitating Jet in Jet Pipe Amplifier Nozzle
The cavitation flow characteristics in jet pipe amplifier with different nozzles were simulated using commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. The influence of operating parameters and structural parameters of jet nozzles on cavitation jets are the key objective. These parameters mainly include inlet pressure, outlet pressure, temperature of water, nozzle convergence angle, the length of the nozzle cylindrical section, nozzle diameter and nozzle export chamfer angle. The results provide methods to limit the emergence and development of the nozzle jet internal cavitations.
X. H. Wang et al., "Research on the Influence Factors of Cavitating Jet in Jet Pipe Amplifier Nozzle", Applied Mechanics and Materials, Vols. 229-231, pp. 617-620, 2012


text:
Fall break is just around the corner for most Memphis-area students. If you are lucky enough to get some time off from work, there’s no shortage of autumn activities for family bonding. Here are my three picks:
- “Big Bugs” at Memphis Botanic Garden: Dragonflies, grasshoppers and daddy longlegs are among the insects represented in this exhibit of giant wooden sculptures throughout the gardens.
- Fall Art Break at the Dixon: Drop-in art activities for the whole family. October 10-13.
- Pink Palace Crafts Fair: Three days of outdoor arts and crafts, artist demonstrations and family activities. Oct. 13-15.

domain: artistic


text:
Curved Ufogel Tiny House
Today we will introduce you to the Curved Ufogel Tiny House, suitable for the minimalist life of your dreams.
This magnificent house is located in Debant Australia. It adorns our dreams with its magnificent scenery and extraordinary geometric design. Curved Ufogel Tiny House is a modern building built on legs. It is built on the meadow and offers a magnificent view.
This house offers 485 square meters of living space and has two floors. It is designed in a curved and modern way from larch wood. It offers a romantic atmosphere with its wood stove. You can watch the view of Lienz Dolomites from the panoramic glass in front of the house. The copper-colored chimney on the side of the house adds a different ambiance to the house. The triangular structure where the entrance door is located is made in a different design.
The interior of the house is designed in a very modern way. The interior is completely wooden and light tones are preferred. At the same time, a spacious environment has been created due to the panoramic glass on the front.
There is the main living area on the right at the entrance. Here there is a table that can accommodate eight people. There is a kitchenette with an electric hob, refrigerator, sink. There is a wood stove between these two sections. You can have romantic moments here. On the opposite side there is an area with panoramic view to relax and enjoy the view. This area can also be used as a double bed.
To the left of the entrance is the toilet and bathroom. The bathroom features a glass shower cabin, tiled floor and views of East Tyrol.
You can go upstairs from the main living area with a ladder. This area has a double bedroom and a separate bedroom for children.
Curved Ufogel Tiny House nightly rental starts from 150 €. To learn more, visit the website.
To learn about our other blogs here

domain: travel


text:
The United Auto Workers said it will expand its strikes at the legacy Detroit automakers at noon on Friday if “serious progress” isn’t made in negotiations.
“Either the Big Three get down to business and work with us to make progress in negotiations, or more locals will be called on to stand up and go out on strike,” UAW President Shawn Fain said in a video posted on Facebook. A union representative said earlier that no new offers had come from General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co. or Stellantis NV since the union made its proposals on Sept. 14, right before its strike against the automakers began.
A bargaining update issued Sept. 16 by Stellantis, maker of Jeep and Chrysler models, was described in some media reports as a new offer. But the latest proposal on the table was made by the UAW, according to a person familiar with the contract talks, who asked not to be identified revealing internal discussions.
Stellantis said Monday in an emailed statement that it resumed negotiations and had a “constructive” discussion with union representatives focused on “common ground.” It said it was offering nearly 21% in pay raises and was committed to finding a solution for its idled Belvidere, Illinois, Jeep plant.
Over the weekend, the company’s top negotiator said the Belvidere plant proposal was no longer on the table after the UAW rejected its last offer before the strike deadline.
On Sunday, Fain rejected the Stellantis 21% pay increase offer as a “no-go.”
Citing unnamed sources, CNBC reported that Stellantis’s proposal could lead to the closure of 18 facilities, including parts and distribution centers. The automaker’s North American headquarters and technology center in Detroit could also be affected, it said.
The UAW strikes began Sept. 15, minutes after contracts with the carmakers expired. Nearly 13,000 workers walked off jobs at a Ford plant in Michigan making Bronco SUVs, a GM factory in Missouri that assembles Chevrolet Colorado pickups and a Stellantis plant in Ohio that builds Jeep Wrangler SUVs.
GM and Ford have announced layoffs of non-striking workers, citing what they’ve described as spillover effects of the three-factory walkouts. The UAW will pay those workers the equivalent of $500 a week in strike pay, even though they are not on strike, the person said. The union has about $825 million in its strike fund.
The UAW has declined to detail its latest offer, but the companies have said the union lowered its demand for a pay raise to 36% from 40%. GM and Ford have each countered with offers of a 20% raise, which the union rejected. The latest offer from Stellantis is for a 19.5% raise, which increases to 21% when it is compounded over the life of the deal, the person said.
The union conducted negotiations with Ford on Sept. 16, characterizing them as “reasonably productive.” It had talks with GM Sunday and confirmed talks with Stellantis on Monday, but didn’t say how those discussions went.
First Published Date: 19 Sep 2023, 08:39 AM IST

domain: economics