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Icelandic artist Freyja Eilíf graduated from the Iceland Academy of the Arts in 2014, opening the Ekkisens gallery in the basement of her grandparents’ house on Bergstaðastræti soon after. Over three years later, Ekkisens has a monthly exhibition programme, and has become a safe space for the independent art scene in Reykjavík.
Freyja opens the door wearing her bright yellow sunglasses and springs into Ekkisens, where the remnants of her last collaborative exhibition “Computer Spirit” are scattered around the floor. She giggles as she sits down and starts to play the guitar with a light bulb. “In my final work in the Iceland Academy of the Arts I did a piece where I made a colouring book, called ‘Colour and learn about Icelandic Contemporary Art’,” she says. “I made outlines of different pieces made by Icelandic artists, and I guess Ekkisens was an organic development from there.”
Not burning out
Freyja sees herself as a catalyst rather than a traditional curator, taking part in creating shows and pushing ideas forward. The power is in the collaboration. “Around one year ago, I began to focus on not burning out,” she says. “People in this line of work drive themselves down to the bone. I started thinking about what I could do to avoid that.”
To devote more time to her inner life, and get more time and space for herself, Freyja has been exploring different types of meditation. Her latest works come from focused meditations she did to see if she could meet the entities that steer the digital world. “I began to try to find some answers to the computer world that’s creating and taking over our futures,” she says. “The feeling of meeting the spirits was overwhelming. It was physical like having a massage. Or having sex!”
Freyja has long been interested in magic and spirituality. “I have been practicing Chaos magic from a young age,” she says. “I’m finally coming out of the closet with this. People have grown wary of religious traditions, but in religion, people are trying to talk to higher entities to look for answers. Magic is hundreds of years of knowledge that was put into a drawer and hidden away. Of course, it pertains to what is happening right now.”
Freyja says her art utilises these traditions “As technology, to recreate the world. There is an Art God, and people are trying to make a connection to her. I’m curious as to what’s brewing, and how it could be the key to the future. All art is a type of magic—regardless of whether or not the artist realises it.”
The gallery, and her ongoing art practice, have kept Freyja busy ever since her graduation. “I’m completely consumed with it,” she says. “I really didn’t have a plan B. What if this hadn’t worked? It’s been seven years since this journey began—seven years means I’ve come full circle. You have to be a bit like The Fool card in a tarot deck, dancing off the cliff. If you fall off, you might think “oops”—but at least you danced.”
As Ekkisens develops hand in hand with Freyja’s spiritual journey, she says “maybe Ekkisens will become a sort of art temple. When people gather regularly at cultural events, it’s a form of magic. There’s ritual in people meeting and having a drink together—so I suppose it already is a sort of temple.”
Freyja’s solo exhibition on meditation and virtual dimensions opens at Gallery Úthverfa in Ísafjörður on March 31st
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Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014 | 6:11 p.m.
A thunderstorm in the northwest part of the valley produced small hailstones today, according to the National Weather Service.
The brief storm, which began shortly after 5 p.m., left behind strong winds and heavy rains, meteorologist Reid Wolcott said.
Hail was reported in the area near Buffalo Drive and Craig Road.
A flood advisory has been issued for the northern part of the valley until 7:30 p.m. as the storm moves towards Nellis Air Force Base.


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Centre : on the road of the châteaux
The Centre region, the historic birth place of France, reveals its architectural treasures. The main towns are distinguished by their majestic cathedrals and their surrounding by the famous chateaux that mark the way along the Loire. All of them bear witness to a rich past.
History and modernity
The Centre, in between Paris and the Massif Central, flaunts its riches: cereal growing plains, viticulture, chateaux and natural heritage. Today, the region does not renounce its past but has added cutting edge economic sectors, like pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, to its historic riches.
Some of the companies in the region
For more information, consult the Invest in France Agency’s website
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Chartres is one of France's largest cathedrals. This jewel of gothic art was built at the start of the 13th century. It is famous for its 176 stained glass windows and has been listed as a Unesco world heritage site since 1979.
The Chateau of Chambord
Chambord, a symbol of the Renaissance, stands in the heart of a vast forest park. Francois I supervised the work with the help of the no less famous Leonardo da Vinci. Amongst other things, he contributed a superb double helix staircase to the chateau.
The art of gardens
Regional know-how and the favourable climate are demonstrated by the 25 remarkable large gardens. Naturally, there are the gardens and parks of the chateaux but there are also lesser known ones like that of George Sand's estate.
Wines and cheeses
The palates of the most fastidious gourmet's have been conquered by the Centre's goat's cheeses, led by Sainte-Maure, Selles-sur-Cher and crottin de Chavignol. To go with them there are no less than 24 wines. Bourgueil, Chinon, Vouvray and Sancerre are amongst the most famous.
The Printemps de Bourges
Each year, since 1977, Bourges bubbles over with activity in the month of April. Its music festival features around 200 well known artists and talented young musicians. It's a major event on the music scene.

domain: geography


text:
CoolSculpting – Non-Surgical Fat Reduction
Your fat cells hate the cold.
Developed by renowned scientists of Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital, the FDA-cleared procedure known as CoolSculpting uses patented cooling technology to eliminate fat cells, without surgery, and little to no downtime. The reduction in fat cells in the treated area provides noticeable, and lasting results to help you look and feel your very best.
Sometimes, no matter how intense your workout or strict your diet, you can’t seem to ditch stubborn fat. We all have certain trouble areas where flab builds up and doesn’t shed, despite our best efforts. Wouldn’t it be great if you could reduce those problem areas without the traditional methods like diet and exercise?
Now you can. Our medical staff at First Coast Dermatology has mastered the technology to administer a procedure that’s safe and comfortable – and provides you with results that you’ll absolutely love. Within one treatment, you’ll be on your way to achieving the sleek, toned body that you’ve always dreamed about.
The CoolSculpting fat-freezing procedure is the only FDA-cleared,* non-surgical fat-reduction treatment that uses controlled cooling to eliminate stubborn fat that resists all efforts through diet and exercise. The results are proven, noticeable, and lasting—so you’ll look great from every angle.
The CoolSculpting Procedure is a new, non-invasive way to gently and effectively reduce fat in targeted areas of your body, resulting in noticeable, natural-looking fat reduction in the treated areas. What makes the CoolSculpting Procedure different is its advanced cooling technology that targets and eliminates fat cells. Unlike traditional invasive surgical procedures, the CoolSculpting Procedure is non-invasive, with no needles and no incisions.
There is no need for anesthesia and there is no recovery time. The procedure is performed in a medical office, under the supervision of a physician. The CoolSculpting Procedure for non-invasive fat layer reduction is available in 52 countries worldwide and more than 5 million treatments have been performed. The CoolSculpting device is also cleared by the FDA in the United States for non-invasive fat layer reduction.
What areas can we treat with CoolSculpting?
- Love Handles/Flanks
- Under the Neck (Double Chin)
- Back/Bra Area
- Male Chest (Pseudogynecomastia)
- Under Buttocks (Banana Roll)
Q: What does CoolSculpting feel like?
Q: When will I see CoolSculpting results?
Q: What happens if I gain weight down the road?
Q: How many treatments are necessary?
Q: What are the risks of the procedure?
Q: What happens to the frozen fat cells?

domain: medical


text:
by BroGowda, SharonAlbum · 16,193 Plays · 1 Song · 16,193 Plays · 3:49
© 2020 Aananda Audio Video
Ninne Kaadide is a Kannada album released in 2020. There is one song in Ninne Kaadide. The song was composed by talented musicians such as BroGowda and Sharon. Listen to all of Ninne Kaadide online on JioSaavn.

domain: artistic


text:
When some cool journalists and an author/artist pose together in Northern Canada’s -25 morning! At my right, CBC’s Cheryl Kawaja and left Sandi Coleman.
Sandi’s first interview with me played a great role behind 2016’s Canadian national bhangra trend. The story based on that interview was shared by CBC National and then CTV National News, Buzzfeed, Yahoo Canada, The Huffington Post, and many other media organizations from the world followed it.
Now millions of Canadians watched bhangra which spread instantly coast to coast in just last couple of months!
(Photo by: Arnold Hedstrom/CBC)

domain: news


Ferrari recently debuted the new Roma, the legendary brand’s next front-mid-engine tourer, which follows in the proud steps of the F12, 550 Maranello, and FF, as well as the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso and 250 GT 2+2, from which the car takes its a lot of design inspiration. Ferrari states that it embodies an extremely modern design language which underlines its authentic, refined styling. At the same time, its sleek lines retain the sporty vocation shared by all Ferraris.
Integrated into this modern design language is myriad of new technology, most notably a rear mobile rear spoiler that is integrated into the rear screen. While retracted it maintains the Roma’s formal elegance, and at high speed it deploys for added downforce ensuring excellent aero performance. The rest of the exterior is quite sleek and elegant, with attention paid to minimalism and clever ways of integrating the car’s cooling systems. The LED headlights and taillights are gorgeous; the taillights in particular look like gems set into the sporty rear deck.
The thrill of the brand’s legendary V8 lineage is kept alive with a 3.8-liter twin-turbo unit that stomps out 611 horsepower and 560 lb. feet of torque. The powerplant is quite technology rich, which includes Variable Boost Management for instantaneous throttle response. With the adoption of Gasoline Particulate Filters in Europe, Ferrari spent a lot of time working on the sound of the exhaust system, which has been completely redesigned, removing the silencers and introducing new bypass valves. To nobody’s surprise it will probably sound amazing. Power is sent through a new 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox that’s more compact and 13 lbs. lighter than its 7-speed predecessor. In addition to reducing fuel consumption and emissions, shifts are faster and smoother, which really contributes to open road fun, but is also comfortable in town and in traffic.
The Roma’s chassis benefits from modular technology developed by Ferrari for its new generation models. Both the body and chassis have been re-designed to incorporate the latest weight reduction and advanced production technologies. 70% of its components are entirely new. The front-mid-engine 2+ Ferrari Roma has the best weight/power ratio in its class, to which responsiveness, handling, and even fuel economy benefit.
All of this new technology adds up to a very lightweight 2+ tourer compared to previous models, with a curb weight of just 3,461 lbs. By contrast, the F12 weighs in at 3,593 lbs. and the FF tips the scale at 4,145 lbs.
The Maranello institution always goes above and beyond when designing and engineering the best driving position, and ensure the driver is feels as engaged to the whole experience as possible:
“The Ferrari Styling Center designers developed a new formal approach that involved the creation of two separate cells, one each for driver and passenger, in an evolution of the dual cockpit concept that embraces the entire cabin rather than just the dashboard as was previously the case. The crafting of the interior took its lead from the complete redesign of the HMI. This resulted in a major leap forward, starting with the new steering wheel designed using the “Eyes on the road, hands on the wheel” philosophy with all the car’s main commands actioned by haptic controls, ensuring the driver doesn’t have to move their hands from the wheel.”
No MSRP or dealer availability date has been announced as of yet. Info and photos courtesy of Newspress.Co.UK/Media.Ferrari.com.
The 3rd gen Lexus GX has arrived, marking the first full upgrade for the GX since its introduction in 2010.
The all-new VW Electric ID.Buzz combines the nostalgia of the Microbus with the modern advantages of electric mobility – sign us up!
The partnership with Miba Battery Systems marks a significant milestone for AEHRA as it strives to transform the EV customer experience.
Among the highlights was a tantalizing tease of a new three-row electric SUV, which looks to be similar in size to the Ford Explorer model.
The brand has announced its ambitious plan to launch four new electric Subaru models by the end of 2026, in aim to push electrification.


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Over the course of five and a half months, the U.S. Air Force Weapons School makes its students the very best mission commanders in their particular disciplines, and ultimately they View More ›
All Posts by Scott Wolff
As the F-4G retired from service in 1996, a new aircraft stepped in: the Block 50/52 configuration of the Lockheed-Martin F-16C Fighting Falcon, commonly referred to as the Viper. The delineation View More ›
Great video of Captain Scott WORF Eshelman refueling his F-16C at night off the wing of a KC-135 Stratotanker in a Green Flag-West exercise.
The new Republic F-105F Thunderchiefs and their crews faced a significant challenge, as over 100 North Vietnamese SAM sites were operational by August of 1966. By that time the Weasels View More ›
The U.S. Air Force Weapons School traces its origins back to the Aircraft Gunnery School, which was established at what was then Las Vegas Air Force Base in 1949. The initial cadre View More ›
The Eagle. Eagle Jet. The Mighty Mighty. World’s Greatest Air Superiority Fighter. Now, before all you fans of the Lockheed-Martin F-22A Raptor get offended, that statement is made strictly based View More ›

domain: history


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Twitpic, the photo-sharing service built to be used with and almost completely reliant on Twitter itself, was forced into shutting down back in September, but its archive, full of years of user photos, was on its way to deletion until Twitter stepped in at the last minute. Oddly enough it was actually Twitter that forced Twitpic to close its doors, but at least now the latter’s archive will be preserved as it is.
Here was the situation: Twitter was threatening Twitpic with a trademark dispute and left them with two options; drop its claim to the word “Twitpic,” or lose access to the social network’s API, in turn making it useless. Twitpic was unable to find a new owner, and founder Noah Everett said that the site was scheduled to be shut down on October 25th. A very last-minute deal will see ownership of the Twitpic site and its photos transferred to Twitter.
If Twitpic had shut down, it would mean years of tweets with images attached left empty. Back before Twitter was able to host images itself, Twitpic was almost always the default service that various apps used have photos appear in users’ timelines.
In a blog post, Everett commented that “Twitter shares our goal of protecting our users and this data.” This means that the Twitpic site will now remain in a read-only mode, keeping photos and their links alive, but preventing anything new from being posted. Likewise the Twitpic apps for iOS and Android have been taken down, and users can sign in to Twitpic to export their photos and/or delete their account if they choose.
SOURCE Twitpic Blog


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Village Administrator Chad Ordway updated Edon Village Council at the November 16, 2020 council meeting, on issues and projects he is and will working on through the month. He stated that the CRA (Community Reinvestment Area) is ready to be established and the housing study has been completed. The finance committee met earlier in the year and discussed boundaries and rates for tax abatements for an established CRA. There are steps the village will need to follow to complete and establish the CRA.
Legislation will need to be passed and published along with a completed CRA petition for confirmation and finally submitted to the Ohio Development Services Agency. The plan is to pass legislation in December to move forward.
(According to Ohio.gov, “Community Reinvestment Areas are areas of land in which property owners can receive tax incentives in real property improvements. The CRA program is a direct incentive tax exemption program benefitting property owners who renovate existing or construct new buildings. This program permits municipalities or counties to designate areas where investment has been discouraged as a CRA to encourage revitalization of the existing housing stock and the development of new structures.”)
Dave Loughborough made a motion to proceed with establishing the CRA and having the soliciter prepare the proper ordinance for passage at the next meeting. He also stressed the need to the the word out to the public of the CRA availability. Council present voted unanimously to proceed.
Ordway also reported that Leaf Pickup will finish up this week. There were 3.1 tons of tires picked up and disposed throughout the village and the village crew will be working on cleaning out catch basins to finish out the month. Mayor Duane Thiel commented how well the street sweeper works and makes the streets look great.
In New Business, Council voted to suspend the rules for Ordinance 16-20 and passed it, setting the 2021 wages for the employees and officials of the Village of Edon. A first reading was passed of Ordinance 17 Preliminary Appropriations for 2021.
Discussion was held concerning Christmas dinner and bonuses for Village employees and officials. Council agreed that due to COVID restrictions it would be in the village’s best interest to forego a Christmas Dinner for employees. Lee Lawrence made a motion to give employees a $200 Christmas bonus, but with no second, the motion died. Dan Ankney motioned to give full-time employees and officials $150 bonus and $75 for part time employees. Brook Morris seconded the motion. Those in favor were Brook Morris, Dan Ankney and Dave Loughborough. Those against were Mike Lirot and Lee Lawrence.
Mayor Thiel requested an Executive Session to discuss land acquisition. There was no action taken and with no further business, the meeting adjourned. The next council meeting is scheduled for December 21 at 7 p.m.
Source: The Village Reporter

domain: politics


A group of students and teachers are involved in a class-action lawsuit against Compton Unified School District to improve outcomes for low-income students affected by violence and trauma.
Mark Rosenbaum, an attorney with Public Counsel, which has taken a major role in assisting with filing the lawsuit, draws a link between exposure to trauma and low literacy, dropout rates, withheld grade level advancement, low achievement, and criminal punishment. He says that studies show physical changes in brain structure and chemistry from traumatic experiences, which have long-term impacts and lead to symptoms similar to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.
The suit says that school district’s policies of punishment and discipline disproportionately and unfairly target students with traumatic experiences.
“It’s the type of roadblock to learning that our federal anti-discrimination laws were created to address, so that students in these circumstances are not denied equal opportunity to public education,” Rosenbaum said. “There is no greater enemy to learning than unaddressed trauma.”
Organizations mentioned/involved: Public Counsel


By YANJIE WANG
Capital News Service
LANSING — The state now requires health insurers to provide diagnosis and treatment coverage for people with autism spectrum disorder. And advocacy groups say children with autism have more opportunities to receive treatment. But experts in Grand Rapids, Southfield, and Sault Ste. Marie say families still face major challenges in finding suitable services. The average cost of caring for an individual with autism over his or her lifespan is $3.7 million without insurance coverage.


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You can get FREE cinema tickets of latest released movies from Show Film First. Fill in the form with your details to register with them on the linked page. You will receive invites for preview screenings from time to time.
To get free cinema tickets, register with Show Film First on the linked page. Just fill in the form with your details to register. Time to time you will receive invites to preview screenings for free. There are many locations of these preview screenings, so you may visit your closest preview screening event.
Free films for film lovers!

domain: hobby


text:
Patent application title: Collection Tubes Apparatus, Systems, and Methods
Jane F. Emerson (Irvine, CA, US)
Jane F. Emerson (Irvine, CA, US)
The Regents Of The University Of California (Oakland, CA, US)
The Regents Of The University Of California (Oakland, CA, US)
THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
IPC8 Class: AB01D2126FI
Class name: Imperforate bowl: centrifugal separators process
Publication date: 2013-06-06
Patent application number: 20130143727
Methods of producing collection tubes are presented. The methods include
providing a separator substance that can rapidly polymerize in a short
time to a desired hardness and disposing the separator substance within
the lumen of the tube. The separator substance is formulated to have a
density between an average density of a serum fraction of whole blood and
a cell-containing fraction of whole blood, and to be flowable with whole
blood. Upon centrifugation of a tube having blood, the separator
substance forms a barrier between the whole blood fractions. The barrier
rapidly hardens forming a solid barrier when triggered by a suitable
1. A method of separating blood comprising: providing access to a blood
collecting tube containing a separator substance that polymerizes within
10 minutes to at least 1 on the Shore 00 hardness scale when triggered by
a suitable energy source; disposing whole blood into the blood collection
tube; separating the whole blood into a serum fraction and a cell
containing fraction separated by the separator substance; and exposing
the separator substance after separation to an energy source triggering
polymerization of the separator substance within 10 minutes to at least 1
on the Shore 00 hardness scale.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of separating the whole blood comprises centrifuging the blood collection tube containing the whole blood.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the separator substance comprises sufficient reactive groups to polymerize within 10 minutes.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the separator substance comprises a sufficient amount of at least one promoter to polymerize in 10 minutes.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the separator substance has a cured hardness greater than 10 on the Shore A hardness scale.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the separator substance has a cured hardness greater than 10 on the Shore D hardness scale.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the separator substance hardens within 5 minutes to at least 1 on the Shore 00 hardness scale.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the separator substance hardens within 5 minutes to at least 10 on the Shore A hardness scale.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the separator substance is formulated to have a density between an average density of a serum fraction of whole blood and a cell-containing fraction of whole blood, and that is further formulated to be flowable in whole blood.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the separator substance after polymerization is impermeable to the cell-containing fraction of whole blood.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the separator substance is biocompatible with whole blood.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the energy source comprises UV light.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of exposing the separator substance includes exposing the substance to UV light having wavelengths in a range from 10 nm to 450 nm.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of exposing the separator substance includes exposing the substance to UV light having wavelengths in a range from 250 nm to 400 nm.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of exposing the separator substance includes using the energy source incorporated into a centrifuge.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein the tube changes temperature by no more than 10 degrees Celsius within the 10 minutes during polymerization.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein the amount of the separator substance disposed within the lumen results in a barrier thickness of no more than 5 mm after polymerization.
 This application is a divisional of co-owned pending U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/691569 filed Jan. 21, 2010 which is a divisional
of co-owned, U.S. Pat. No. 7,673,758 issued Mar. 9, 2010 which is a
continuation-in-part of co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 7,674,388 issued Mar. 9,
2010 which claims priority to co-owned U.S. provisional patent
application 60/707299 filed Aug. 10, 2005. These and all other extrinsic
references are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Where
a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is
inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein,
the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of
that term in the reference does not apply.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
 The field of the invention is separation technologies.
 Analysis of blood samples often requires separation of whole blood into a serum fraction and a cell-containing fraction. It is well known in the art that whole blood separation can be carried out through centrifugation by disposing whole blood into a blood collection tube, placing the tube into a centrifuge, and spinning down the blood.
 Unfortunately, once the blood separates, the fractions of the whole blood can remix causing contamination of the fractions through diffusion, agitation, sample extraction, or other undesirable interaction. Ideally, the two fractions should remain isolated to ensure no contamination occurs when accessing the desired fraction.
 Any system that isolates the fractions of whole blood must include a separator substance having a suitable density within the tube. Suitable densities are about 1.04 g/cm3 and are between the density of the heavier cell-containing phase and the density of the lighter serum-containing phase. When whole blood is added to the tube and the tube is centrifuged, the separator substance migrates to between the fractions isolating the two fractions from each other. An example collection tube using a gel as a separator substance and that is flowable with whole blood can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,601 to Fiehler. An example separator substance that is also flowable with whole blood can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,844 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,361,700 to Gates et. al. In those patents the substance is a polyester curable to a desired viscosity.
 Although providing a flowable substance allows for separating the fractions of whole blood, flowable substances have several disadvantages. A flowable substance remains flowable even after centrifugation which results in a risk of contamination of the sample if proper care is not taken to keep the sample suitably still and protected from agitation. For example, it is known to use a thixotropic gel in a blood collection tube before centrifugation.
 U.S. Pat. No. 4,818,418 to Saunders discusses the use of a thixotropic gel in blood collection tubes. The problem with thixotropic gels, however, is they do not form a sufficiently permanent separation barrier between the fractions of whole blood. When a sample is extracted from the tube with a pipette, the substance can contaminate or plug the pipette if it touches the substance due to the flowable nature of the substance. If the substance is formulated or configured with a high viscosity to provide a sufficiently solid or permanent barrier to overcome the previous disadvantages, then the substance is no longer suitably flowable with whole blood resulting in prohibitive centrifuge times. Short centrifuge times are critical in life or death situations where a blood analysis result is required quickly.
 An alternative approach taken by collection tube manufactures is to provide moveable solid barriers. Examples of suitable solid substances include the intermediate density polymers found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,647,070 where polymer spheres form the barrier layer. U.S. Pat. No. 5,266,199 describes a tube-and-ball valve that controls separation of the serum from the cell-containing phase. However, such physical barriers do not provide a sufficient seal between the fractions and are often either incomplete and tend to leak, or impracticable for other various reasons.
 These and other solutions for whole blood separation lack the necessary features to ensure the separated factions of whole blood are effectively protected against contamination due to undesirable sample interactions while supporting short centrifugation times. Thus, there is still a need for liquid separation technologies in which the separation layer is solidified after centrifugation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
 The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods in which a separation layer is solidified after centrifugation.
 In preferred embodiments the separation layer is hardened through polymerization. Suitable separator substances are formulated to have a suitable density intermediate to the fractions of the liquid being separated. Where the liquid being separated is whole blood, for example, the separator substance would be formulated to have a density between an average density of a serum fraction of whole blood and a cell-containing fraction of whole blood, and to be flowable in whole blood.
 Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
 FIG. 1A is a side perspective view of a blood collection tube having a polymerizable separator substance that can harden.
 FIG. 1B is a side perspective view of the blood collection of tube of FIG. 1A after adding whole blood.
 FIG. 1C is a side perspective view of the blood collection tube of FIG. 1B after centrifugation.
 In FIG. 1A blood collection tube 100 generally comprises tube 110, plug 120, and separator substance 150, where tube 110 has lumen 115. Tube 110 is preferably manufactured out of a suitably rigid material to support a vacuum within lumen 115. Example materials include hard plastics, glass, or other similar materials. Lumen 115 is of sufficient volume to hold a desirable sample of whole blood or liquid. Typical volumes range from a few ml to 10 ml or greater. Plug 120 fits sufficiently snug into tube 110 to maintain the vacuum within lumen 115. It is contemplated that plug 120 is manufactured to provide a color code or other indication that separator substance 150 is disposed within lumen 115. An example of an acceptable tube that can be used to produce collection tube 100 includes the Vacutainer® specimen collection products developed by Becton, Dickenson and Company (Franklin Lakes, N.J. USA 07417).
 Although the preferred embodiment includes tube 110, it is contemplated that collection tube 100 could be replaced with other vessels that contain a liquid and optionally support a vacuum. Alternative examples of vessels include flasks, jars, beakers, bottles, or phials. The contemplated alternative vessels have utility when the inventive subject matter is applied to alternative markets beyond blood collection.
 In a preferred embodiment, collection tube 100 is produced by disposing separator substance 150 within lumen 115, and introducing a vacuum within lumen 115 in preparation for sale. It is also preferred that no more than about 1 ml, or about 2 grams, of separator substance 150 is disposed into lumen 115 for a typical 10 ml collection tube. It is contemplated that other amounts, more or no more than 1 ml, could also be used to fit a specific use case. For example a smaller version of tube 110 would require less of separator substance 150, while a larger version might require more to make an adequate sealed barrier.
 The optional vacuum can be introduced by simply decompressing the volume of lumen 115 by using a suitable pump. The term "vacuum" within the context of this document means a partial vacuum having a pressure lower than the pressure external to tube 110.
 It is also contemplated that a user could add one or more separator substances to a collection tube after purchase, as opposed to having a separator substance pre-disposed within the tube.
 FIG. 1B represents an exemplary embodiment of a blood collection tube after introduction of blood 140, and before centrifugation. Although blood 140 is shown on top of separator substance 150, the two might have characteristics in which they are free to flow or mix.
 FIG. 1C represents an exemplary embodiment of a blood collection tube after centrifugation. During centrifugation blood 140 separates into serum fraction 160 and cell-containing fraction 170. When separator substance 150 has a density that is intermediate to that of serum faction 160 and cell-containing fraction 170, it migrates between the two fractions during centrifugation, thereby isolating fractions 160 and 170 from each other. Separator substance 150 can then be rapidly hardened through polymerization when triggered by a suitable energy source.
 Preferably separator substance 150 rapidly hardens during final polymerization to a hardness that is resistant to penetration by a pipette, to decanting, or even to freezing.
 Hardness can be measured using any suitable hardness scale including one of the Shore hardness scales. The Shore 00 hardness scale is used to measure soft substances including gels or foams. The Shore A hardness scale is used to measure substances having an intermediate hardness including rubbers. The Shore D hardness scale is used to measure harder substances including plastics. Although the preceding Shore hardness scales are used for different various substances, the scales all overlap at the low end of their spectrums. Therefore, a value of 10 on the Shore D scale is harder than a value of 10 on the Shore A scale which in turn is harder than a value of 10 on the Shore 00 scale. Separator substance 150 is preferably formulated to harden to at least 1 on the Shore 00 hardness scale. More preferred embodiments of separator substance 150 harden further to at least 10 on the Shore A hardness scale. In yet other embodiments separator substance 150 harden even further to at least 10 on the Shore D hardness scale.
 Within the context of this document, the term "rapidly hardens" means to harden to at least 1 on the Shore 00 hardness scale within at least 10 minutes. One of the aspects of the inventive subject matter is appreciating that a shorter time to harden can be advantageous over a longer timer. Having separator substance that hardens within a few minutes, for example, could be important for a hospital to analyze a sample in a critical life or death situation. In preferred embodiments, the time to harden is no more than 5 minutes, more preferably no more than 1 minute, and most preferably no more than 10 seconds.
 The hardened barrier of preferred separator substances adheres to the walls of lumen 115 substantially sealing the cell-containing fraction and protecting the fractions from contamination due to diffusion, agitation, sample extraction, or other undesirable interaction. In preferred embodiments the final thickness of the barrier is no more than 5 mm.
 Separator substance 150 is preferably a biocompatible organic polymer. Among other things, biocompatibility means that the separator substance 150 does not interfere with or alter any of the characteristics of the substances being tested. In the case of blood, for example, the separator substance 150 should not interfere with pH, pigmentation, any of the enzymes being tested, or with concentrations of proteins, gases, or any other components.
 In yet other embodiments, it is contemplated that the substance could include a component that intentionally reacts with the sample being separated. For example, the separator substance could include a coagulant, blood thinner, or other substance that interacts with whole blood.
 In blood separation tubes, the separator substance 150 should have a density of between about 1.01-1.09 g/cm3, and most preferably about 1.04 g/cm3. Unless the context dictates otherwise, all ranges herein are to be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints.
 An acceptable separator substance can include a polyester backbone similar to those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,361,700 and 6,248,844, both of which are incorporated by reference herein. Polymerization is preferably carried out to achieve the desired density of between about 1.04-1.06 g/cm3. However, and in contrast to the methods and compositions provided in the '700 and '844 patent, polymerization is not run to completion but stopped using a polymerization terminator (e.g., using radical quenchers, catalyst complexing agent, etc.) in a minimum amount effective to stop further polymerization.
 As the sample contacts the incompletely cured polymer (separator substance 150), it is contemplated that the polymerization terminator is diluted to a concentration that allows the polymerization to be re-initiated. Prior to re-initiation, blood 140 is separated in the container by centrifugation, which will leave cell-containing fraction 170 in the bottom portion of tube 110 and serum fraction 160 in the upper portion of tube 110, wherein both fractions are separated by the incompletely cured polymer (separator substance 150). Re-initiation of polymerization may be assisted by irradiating the polymer with UV light or other suitable energy source. Thus, it should be appreciated that the polymeric is additionally cured after the separation is completed and the so separated serum can then be accessed without contamination of a pipette, decanted, or even frozen. Moreover, it should be recognized that the final cured barrier layer is substantially permanent (i.e., stable over several days, or even weeks).
 While it is generally acceptable that collection tube 100 include a polyester polymer as separator substance 150, it should be noted that the exact nature of the polymeric material is not limiting to the inventive subject matter, and that numerous alternative polymers are also suitable. Indeed all known polymers suitable for whole blood separation are deemed appropriate for use herein, including silicon oil, polyamides, olefinic polymers, polyacrylates polyesters and copolymers thereof, polysilanes, and polyisoprenes. To achieve a desired initial density (typically between about 1.03 and 1.05), it is contemplated that the density may be adjusted by virtue of molecular composition, as well as by inclusion of appropriate filler material (e.g., silica, latex, or other inert material). For example, suitable polymeric materials are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,647,070, 3,920,557, or 3,780, 935, or in EP 0 928 301 or 0 705 882, which are incorporated by reference herein. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the serum separators may include additional materials and/or reagents to achieve a desired bio-reactive purpose. For example, the separators presented herein may include EDTA, heparin, citrate, dextrose, etc. It should be noted that the term "serum" is used herein to also include plasma, and other substantially cell free fluids derived from whole blood.
 Depending on the particular material, it is contemplated that the mode and/or mechanism of polymerization to the separator polymer may vary considerably, and all know manners of polymerization are deemed suitable for use herein. For example, contemplated polymerizations include various radical or cationic polymerizations (e.g., using photolabile compounds, radical startes, etc.), condensation polymerizations, esterifications, amide formation, etc. Thus, reactive groups will especially include acid groups (and most preferably mono- and dicarboxylic groups), conjugated diene groups, aromatic vinyl groups, and alkyl(meth)acrylate. Such exemplary reactive groups and reaction conditions are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,989,226, which is incorporated by reference herein. It should furthermore be appreciated that the reactive groups can be coupled to the terminus of a polymer as end groups as described in WO 99/64931, which is incorporated by reference herein, or that the reactive groups may be provided as pendant groups (e.g., as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,336,736, incorporated by reference herein).
 It is generally preferred that polymerization is fully supported by reactive groups on pre-polymer, but additional reagents may also be suitable, including radical starters, including those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,582,954, 4,894,315, and 4,460,675, which are incorporated by reference herein. Additionally contemplated separator substances also include those that provide a crosslinking group to the polymer such that the polymer has reactive groups that react with a bifunctional crosslinker (e.g., ethylenically unsaturated compounds) to thereby form crosslinked polymers. Yet additional contemplated separator substances also include those having promoters that accelerate polymerization.
 An acceptable example of separator substance 150 includes a substance known as "M1L1A1" co-developed by the University of Maryland and University of California Irvine. M1L1A1 is a polymeric separator substance comprising the following: (M1) a monomer Trimethylolpropane propoxylate triacrylate from Sigma-Aldrich Cat. No. 407577, (L1) CYTEC Aliphatic Urethane Acrylate EBECRYL 230 from Cytec Industries, Inc., and (A1) Additol BDK, 2,2-Dimethoxy-1,2-diphenyl-ethan-1-one also from Cytec Industries, Inc. Additionally, M1L1A1 has desirable properties for use with whole blood including an adjustable density by adding fumed silica, it is flowable in whole blood when centrifuged, thixotropic, a hardness greater than 10 on the Shore A hardness scale after polymerization, hardens in no more than 10 seconds under exposure to UV light, biocompatible with whole blood, and forms a hardened seal impermeable to the cell-containing fraction of whole blood and that is resistant to penetration of a pipette. M1L1A1 hardens under a UV light source that radiates light in the wavelengths from 10 nm to 450 nm. A preferred UV light source radiates in the range 250 nm to 400 nm. All suitable energy sources are contemplated for triggering polymerization. It is contemplated that an existing centrifuge having a UV source can be used to polymerize the separator substance, or a centrifuge can incorporate a suitable energy source capable of triggering polymerization.
 Preferably, the temperature of the collection tube contents changes by no more than 10 degrees Celsius during polymerization; more preferably by no more than 5 degrees Celsius. Short exposure times ensures the sample will maintain appropriate pigmentation levels, gas levels, temperatures, protein levels, or other characteristics associated with whole blood.
 Although the preferred embodiment of the inventive subject matter primarily focuses on blood collection tubes, one should recognize that the systems, apparatus, and methods presented herein can be applied to alternative markets beyond blood collection tubes. Similar techniques to those disclosed herein can also be employed to separate nearly any fluid having more than one constituent phase. For example, a separator substance can be provided to separate fluids including urine, water samples, oil, wine, or other multi-phase fluids. For fluids having more than two phases, it is contemplated that a collection tube can contain more than one separator substances which are used to separate at least three phases of the fluid.
 In some applications, a user of a collection tube might require access to the cell containing portion as well as a serum containing portion. In such cases the separator substance can be tuned to have an appropriate lower hardness (no more than about 10 on the Shore 00 hardness scale) to allow decanting the serum portion without disturbing the cell-containing portion. A pipette can then penetrate the separator substance barrier to access the cell-containing portion. Alternatively, the collection tube can be produced to have two opens ends where the "top" and "bottom" of the tube both have plugs. The cell-containing portion can then be accessed through the bottom plug. The bottom plug can be sized and dimensioned to have a rounded shape to fit the shape of a centrifuge holder and to provide support during centrifugation.
 There are numerous advantages of producing a collection tube having a rapidly hardening separator substance for use in whole blood separation. One advantage includes that the fractions of whole blood are effectively isolated from each other permanently with little or no chance of contamination due to diffusion, agitation, sample extraction, or other undesired interaction. In addition, using a separator substance that substantially hardens as a separation layer implies one requires a smaller amount of material than when using a thixotropic gel as a separator substance, for example. Consequently, less time is required for centrifugation to achieve full separation because there is less material to migrate to the separation layer and more volume within the tube is available for a blood sample.
 It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
Patent applications by Jane F. Emerson, Irvine, CA US
Patent applications by The Regents Of The University Of California, Oakland, CA US
Patent applications by THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
Patent applications in class PROCESS
Patent applications in all subclasses PROCESS

domain: chemistry


text:
Rooibos Choco Cream Truffle
Lovers of sweet beverages should not overlook this Rooibos with the flavour of chocolate pralines. Few are able to resist the aroma and taste of fine chocolates which melt on the tongue. The aroma of chocolate pieces and other sensual ingredients is accompanied by the delicate, sour-sweet aroma of the African Rooibos bush. The taste of the resulting beverage is thus very delicate, fruity, sour-sweet, lightly spicy, all wrapped in a dominant, creamy chocolate coating.

domain: food


text:
Avengers: Endgame will soon complete a year of its release. The film turned out to be a blockbuster worldwide as it was the last time Marvel fans got to see all the Avengers together in a film. The film also witnessed the deaths of Iron Man (played by Robert Downey Jr) and Black Widow (played by Scarlett Johansson). Our favourite Captain America (played by Chris Evans) will also no longer be a part of this journey ahead after he gave his shield to Falcon.
In Avengers: Endgame, we witnessed a scene when Captain America lifted Thor’s (played by Chris Hemsworth) Mjolnir to attack Thanos during the war in the end. It is considered as on of the best scenes in the film. A few days ago, filmmaker Kevin Smith shared a still of Cap holding the Mjolnir and called it ‘divine inspiration’.
A Twitter user shared the same still and questioned Kevin for calling it ‘Divine Art’. The Twitter user named RS_Benedict pointed out the mistakes in the way this scene was shot. However, Smith responded to this person that he is no one to say anything about the way it’s shot. He called that particular moment ‘divine’.
The person tweeted, “Now let’s look at the image KEVIN SMITH HELD UP AS DIVINE ART. The hammer, which should be the focus, is lost in the muddy, distracting background. My eye is drawn instead to… some shiny clouds far off in the distance. Great job. What story does this composition tell? Nothing.”
To which Kevin Smith replied, “It’s unfair to say I held up this particular image as Divine Art; I said the scene could inspire religions. But more egregiously, using this single frame as an example of Endgame’s shot composition is misleading because it was pulled from the middle frames of a moving dolly shot.”
Check out the tweet below:
It’s unfair to say I held up this particular image as Divine Art; I said the scene could inspire religions. But more egregiously, using this single frame as an example of Endgame’s shot composition is misleading because it was pulled from the middle frames of a moving dolly shot. https://t.co/mM4SHf55Ru
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) February 25, 2020
What do you have to say about this whole matter? Let us know in the comments below!

domain: entertainment


DO you want to earn £300 to £600 a week? Do you like talking to people? Cash? Lies? Well go for an interview with one of Glasgow’s many scumbag marketing companies!
You’ll enjoy head-scratching activities during the interview such as: ‘Trying unsuccessfully to find out how much you’ll be paid.’, ‘Being taught to use the exact same pitch, in the exact same tone of voice, with everyone’, and ‘Having your ego built up so that you think you’ll work your way up the pyramid’.
Sorry. Not pyramid, just the next level.
The formula works like this: the company’s entire salesforce are paid not only for their own sales, but for those of their underlings. You start off going door to door, or selling things on the street, until you’re good enough to work your way up a level, then you have four people under you that earn you money with their work.
Zainab Magzoub, 20 – a student at Glasgow Clyde College – worked her way up to the second tier in one of these companies a few years ago.
She said: “I’d applied for a direct sales role, but was told it was a ‘marketing assistant’. The initial interview was short – around 20 minutes – and consisted of the ‘managing director’ asking boring questions about what I’d been up to and explaining the company without actually explaining it.
She was told she’d be contacted if she was successful – and was, two hours later. She had to be there for 8.30am the next day, and arrived to start her 90 minute wait with six other people.
She said: “A young guy in a suit walked out to speak to us. He explained that we’d be on an ‘observation day’, and would be heading out to Ardrossan.
“And when we got off the train at Ardrossan he sat me in the café and gave me tasks which took 20 minutes to complete - but he left me waiting for two hours.
"While he was away the staff at the café had told me that he was there the day before with another interviewee. He’d left him waiting for five hours till the café closed and the guy didn’t have money to get food or get a train home. He’d to wait outside the café after it closed.”
Obviously, not all commission based jobs are bad. But the problem is, in a post-recession economy, scores of people are applying for the same job at once.
People have been out of work for months when they find their way to the door of these places. They’re often not suited to sales in the first place – it could even be their first job. Their ignorance is exploited; talk of wages is kept vague and waved away with vague assurances.
Luckily when I did this, I was fresh out of a sales role – albeit a much more legitimate one.
I walked around with Tam for a day. He told me stories about all the cash I’d make, and how he was planning on buying a beach house in the Philippines with all the money he was raking in. This job was the polar opposite to my old one.
We got out the car in a suburb somewhere in Paisley, and my 'sensei' excused himself, going over to urinate on a tree. He came back, wiping his hands on – what looked like his dad’s - brown suit, grinning: “Let’s do it!”
He psyched himself up, pumping his fists and practising his winning pitch on me: “Hi-how-you-doing-nothing serious. Did you get the letter we sent you about insulation? No? Definitely-sent a letter.”
Bouncing on the balls of his feet now. “You’ve got the opportunity to have your loft insulated for 40 per cent off the price, due to a government scheme.”
There was no letter. The Scottish Government have however been paying grants towards insulating your home for years. This year alone, they plan to make £65m available to Scotland’s 32 Local Authorities to develop fuel poverty programmes – mainly cavity wall insulation.
These companies tend to piggyback on the tenuous connection, relying on heavily implying their authority, rather than overtly declaring it.
We bothered bored housewives and confused pensioners all day, who were immediately on the back foot because of his weird pitch.
I took a shot of a door, and introduced myself: “Hi, we’re from [Client]; just here to chat to you about a government scheme everyone in this area’s eligible for, that could save you money on your insulation.”
After a polite decline, Tam chided me for giving the name of the company upfront: “You can’t do that! It means if anything goes wrong they know it’s us!”
He nodded and winked sagaciously. Cavity wall insulation was one of the things we were selling and checking the levels of, so Tam carried about a big drill all day. The drill bit was stuck in it, so he had a hole in his bag with the drill bit poking out.
I’m still baffled as to why so many people let this guy drill holes in their walls. He laughed as he explained to me how careful he had to be not to poke unwanted holes in people’s walls, and recounted a few times he had done. I wondered if that’s why we weren’t to name the company…
We got to the kind of client I remembered from my insulation peddling days – an elderly man who’d qualify for the insulation for free. My favourite kind of client; I saw an opportunity to do some good.
But Tam whispered to me as the man left the room: “He could get this for free, but then I get less commission. You’ve got to be economical with the facts.” Another wink.
I was trying to think of an amicable way to quit outright on the spot an hour or so later, when Tam awkwardly interjected my awkward interjection: “So how you finding it man? Is this the career for you? You wanna work your way to the top?”
He started shadowboxing and vaguely pointing upwards to what I assumed was a metaphorical glass ceiling of sorts.
“Come under my wing and we’ll both be millionai-“
I awkwardly interjected for a final time: “No… you’re just going around conning people, really – and you’ve changed the subject every time I’ve asked about pay. This all seems pretty cult-like to me. Could I have my return for the train please?”
He handed over the ticket in disbelief, letting me know I was a fool, and missing out.
Now before you think I’m just overly moral and sensitive – or that I just hate money: I’m not the only person who’s had these experiences. A quick trawl online and you can find dozens who’ve been duped by these companies.
I could relate to the brainwashing tactics; that’s how they’d managed to dupe me on multiple occasions – I’m a sucker for a good brainwash.
The time I’d actually taken on one of those jobs for a few days before leaving with no money, I went to work on a Saturday. This is the scene that greeted me – a small room packed with 60+ 18-20 year olds in what looked like their dad’s suits, along with 20+ sad, defeated looking middle-aged men.
You know the type. Balding, short-sleeved, cheap shirts with ties. Cheesy house music was blaring – it was 8am! – and they all babbled excitedly, practising the same pitch.
I heard ‘Hi-how-you-doing-nothing-serious’ echo about the room in a round, and noticed they all did this weird placating gesture with their hands while they did it.
We sat down to a chat from one of the ‘power-sellers’, who told us how we could all be like him. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be. The arrogance ripped out of him as he gesticulated wildly, talking about chasing your dreams, smashing the glass ceiling, and other such vapid nonsense.
He presented an award to one sales team, who’d been up against another that week. The losers had to bow down before them in some sort of hazing ceremony, proffering gifts to their betters.
These firms pop up in offices across cities all across the world, and seem to have a strange, cult-like hold on their devotees, or employees. More and more people are having to take on jobs with them for want of anything else, in the current climate of austerity.


No added pressure
Hydraulic pressure testing is a critical process used to assess the integrity and performance of hydraulic systems and components. At our depot in Middlesbrough, we offer comprehensive hydraulic pressure testing services to ensure that your hydraulic equipment operates safely and efficiently.
Our experienced technicians carefully monitor the hydraulic system during the pressure testing, making precise adjustments to ensure optimal performance and compliance with industry standards. The data gathered during the testing process enables us to provide accurate evaluations and recommendations for any necessary repairs or improvements.Contact Middlesbrough Depot


text:
Cl-IB-MECA is a selective A3 adenosine receptor agonist, which plays a crucial role in limiting tumor progression. In mice, Cl-IB-MECA administration enhances the anti-tumor T cell-mediated response. However, little is known about the activity of Cl-IB-MECA on CD8+ T cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ex vivo Cl-IB-MECA treatment of CD8+ T cells, adoptively transferred in melanoma-bearing mice. Adoptive transfer of Cl-IB-MECA-treated CD8+ T cells or a single administration of Cl-IB-MECA (20 ng/mouse) inhibited tumor growth compared with the control group and significantly improved mouse survival. This was associated with the release of Th1-type cytokines and a greater influx of mature Langerin+ dendritic cells (LCs) into the tumor microenvironment. CD8+ T cells treated with Cl-IB-MECA released TNF-α which plays a critical role in the therapeutic efficacy of these cells when injected to mice. Indeed, neutralization of TNF-α by a specific monoclonal Ab significantly blocked the anti-tumor activity of Cl-IB-MECA-treated T cells. This was due to the reduction in levels of cytotoxic cytokines and the presence of fewer LCs. In conclusion, these studies reveal that ex vivo treatment with Cl-IB-MECA improves CD8+ T cell adoptive immunotherapy for melanoma in a TNF-α-dependent manner.
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Agricultural and Biological Sciences(all)
- Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)


Aquarium hobbyists rely on the science and outreach conducted by researchers at the University of Florida’s Tropical Aquaculture Lab to supply their favorite species.
Those tropical fish come from fish farmers. Now, the tropical fish industry and its clients will lean on a new director to lead the Ruskin facility.
Matt DiMaggio, an associate professor of fisheries and aquatic sciences in the UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences takes over on April 1 for Craig Watson, who is retiring after more than 25 years leading the lab.
Scott Angle, senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and leader of UF/IFAS, made the announcement.
“DiMaggio’s vision is for TAL to be recognized as the nation’s top academic aquaculture laboratory. He plans to grow TAL— more facilities, more scientists and more aquaculture commodities,” said Angle. “There’s a strong legacy to build on. Watson is an icon. At TAL, DiMaggio has developed into a first-rate scientist with a deep understanding of industry needs and agency partnerships.”
DiMaggio will lead a talented group of four other faculty and a productive team of support staff and graduate students.
“We need to continue to do the things that have made the lab so successful,” said DiMaggio, a faculty member at TAL since 2014 and Florida Sea Grant affiliate researcher. “That means continuing to have that close relationship with the aquaculture industry. Our focus has always been the ornamental fish farmers and we will maintain that focus, but we will also be looking for opportunities to expand the lab and find ways to contribute to other industries – including shellfish, food fish and baitfish. We are committed to helping the Florida aquaculture industry grow and thrive in the years to come.”
DiMaggio will continue to focus on ornamental fish production. That includes things like improving nutrition and optimizing the culture environment. It also includes figuring out how to grow fish here that are new to the industry or may be currently cultivated in other countries.
Also on the faculty are a fish veterinarian, a nonnative species ecologist, a restoration aquaculturist and an Extension scientist.
To meet industry demands and expand into different markets, TAL will need to add space and faculty. New scientists might include a fish nutritionist, a molecular geneticist, an aquaculture engineer and an aquatic ecologist.
Watson has been the director at TAL since its inception – an era that goes back more than a quarter-century.
For eight years prior to TAL’s opening, Watson worked as a UF/IFAS multi-county tropical aquaculture Extension agent based out of Hillsborough County. He was doing his best to teach fish farmers everything he knew. But Watson and other Extension faculty needed more data to share.
In 1996, using a National Weather Service surplus building in Ruskin, an adjacent fish farm and seed funding, UF/IFAS built what is now TAL.
Asked why he wanted the top job, DiMaggio credited his predecessor and the current faculty, staff, students and stakeholders.
“That goes back to Craig’s ability to cultivate the trust, respect and working relationship with the farmers,” DiMaggio said. “He also succeeded in identifying exceptional faculty, staff and students and brought them to the lab. Craig’s motto was always, ‘Solve problems and create opportunities.’”
DiMaggio’s plan is to continue this successful approach.
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
ifas.ufl.edu | @UF_IFAS


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Which of the following is not part of project resource management?
. Duration estimating
. Acquiring resources
. Developing the project team
Managing the project tea
. causes people to participate in an activity for their own enjoyment.
. Intrinsic motivation
. Social motivation
At the bottom of Maslow’s pyramid or hierarchy of needs are needs.

domain: sociology


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SERENO E NUVOLE 2019
BIANCO TOSCANA IGT
VINCI – TUSCANY
Growing season 2018-2019 was atypical. The autumn featured mild temperatures and low rain. Winter started off quite mild as well, then in January came on with temperatures below zero.. Spring began with rising temperatures, but in May these plummeted with lows below 7-8°C accompanied by daily rains. However, grape flowering in the vineyards was regular. From early June, a fairly dry and warm period began, with maximum temperatures often above 35°C, interspersed occasionally by short and intense rains. These latter never led to issues in either the fruit set or the subsequent ripening of the grape clusters. The ripening began regularly at the beginning of August. The harvest then began in the end of August and the grapes were healthy and perfectly ripe.
In stainless steel at controlled temperature of 12°C-16°C ( 53.6°-60.8°F) for 25/30 days.
3 months In stainless steel vats.

domain: agronomy


Weekday programme Morning Brew is a chat and music show. Hosted by Phil Whelan, guests include regular contributors and drop-ins, who span topics from earnest current affairs to cookery to the arts. Catch it live: Monday to Friday 9.30am - 1pm
Manage series 27772
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Politicians and public figures from a range of backgrounds take turns to have their say on important matters of the day in this personal view programme. Catch it live: Sunday 8:15am - 8:25am Podcast: Updated weekly and available after broadcast.


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For rent: brand new one-bedroom apartments in the shadow of downtown Dallas, a short walk from one of the city’s trendiest areas. On-site concierge. Successful applicants will be homeless, mentally ill and possess criminal records.
These are strange-sounding tenant requirements, but The Cottages at Hickory Crossing is an unusual kind of project. It is a “housing first” strategy: find the homeless a permanent place of their own before trying to solve their problems, rather than the other way around.
The fifty 400sq ft units are set to open in April in north Texas. Despite its bucolic name, Hickory Crossing is wedged between freeways a mile from the city’s high-rises, with railroad tracks, warehouses and the nightlife of the Deep Ellum district close by. One of the nonprofits that has raised the funds for the multimillion dollar project, CitySquare, has an Opportunity Center across the road offering a variety of services for low-income Dallas residents.
“In order to live across the street you have to be chronically homeless, disabled, with some presenting mental health issue, typically drugs or alcohol, and you have to have a criminal background. If you haven’t been in jail you can’t stay in our houses,” says Larry James, CitySquare’s CEO.
The process of selecting tenants is under way. It began by identifying the 300 most expensive homeless people in the county, based on their cost to city services such as the health and prison systems.
The Cottages at Hickory Crossing
“We will have 50 of the most expensive homeless persons. The average cost per person on this list of 300 to the county alone, not counting the city or nonprofit organisations, is over $40,000 a year to stay outside. We’re going to provide a gated community with security, seven day a week mental health services, really good housing – platinum LEED certified – every house has a bedroom scaled to queen-sized furniture, a living room, kitchen and a bath, a nice front porch. Less than $15,000 a year is what it costs to provide that kind of housing,” James says.
All for a rent of 30% of the tenant’s monthly income – whether it is $1,000 or $10. The only requirement? “Be a good tenant,” James says. That means no criminal or disruptive behaviour; but no pressure on residents to immediately go sober if they are addicted to alcohol, for example. Help will be on hand when they are ready.
“I’ve heard stories of people getting ‘housing first’ and sleeping with the door open because it’s such a massive shift, it took months or even a year for them to be able to shut and lock the door,” says Jonathan Grace, a pastor who works with the homeless in Dallas.
Other models for housing that focus on mental illness and alcoholism have been credited with reducing chronic homelessness in Utah by 91% and have been tried in cities including Seattle, Los Angeles and New York.
[. . .]
Some 40% of homeless adults in Dallas are severely mentally ill.
[. . .]
The sprawling homeless encampment beneath a freeway overpass grew to be so large that it encompassed hundreds of tents and distinct neighbourhoods: the alcoholics, the drug users, the young people, clustered on a dusty patch of wasteland close to the shimmering glass skyscrapers of downtown and a giant billboard advertising a banana-yellow Ford Mustang. Clothes hung on a metal fence, pigeons pecked at the ground and portable toilets stood in a corner near a truck providing medical services.
[. . .]
James believes the cottages could promote a more enlightened approach to homelessness in Texas, one that emphasizes trust, time and collaboration. “People given resources and opportunities typically work hard to solve their own problems. We just don’t respect that enough,” he says.
'Housing first': Dallas's new strategy for the city's most costly homeless people
Selection process for tenants is under way as project seeks to provide permanent place to live before solving issues such as mental health, drugs or alcohol
Tom Dart in Dallas, Texas
Sunday 20 March 2016 08.00 EDT


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Black, white and chic from head to hem. Our Sinclair dress is the epitome of sophistication. Its fitted, crepe design hugs your curves in all the right places. This career piece is complete with a neck tie detail and midi length skirt.

domain: design


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If it was a shock to everyone that Jeffree Star and Kanye West were dating, it was an even bigger shock to YouTube makeup artist, Jeffree Star.
The 35-year-old woke up to his phone blowing up with “a million” texts, phone calls and enquiries from news outlets on 6th January. He told his cameraman that he didn’t know what was going on. “I’m living in this beautiful state. I’m loving life,” he said.
The rumour began on TikTok when a user claimed that West was hooking up with “a big male beauty influencer”. At that point, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s marriage was reported to be “on the brink of divorce”.
Star posted on Twitter about being “ready for Sunday Service”, which is a reference to West’s famous musical church services. This caused uncertainty as to whether the rumour was true.
However, the cosmetics founder was quick to shut down the allegation in a video he released yesterday on YouTube. He claims to be single and is not sleeping with anyone. “I like very tall men,” he added. “Me and Kanye have never hung out, and this whole thing is really funny.”
TikTok user @pattypopculture alleged that Star had moved to Wyoming this summer – where the Grammy-winning artist is currently residing. Online detectives were also trying to determine if the mysterious man was West in the reflection of his sunglasses.
The makeup star clarified that the rumour started by the user on TikTok was a lie. He also stated that he found the entire situation “very weird”. However, Star suspected Kris Jenner of “orchestrating this whole thing” and wished her “Happy New Year sweetie girl,” in his video.
We don’t know if that is true or not, but either way, there is clearly nothing between Jeffree Star and Kanye West.


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When it comes to interior design, people usually tend to focus more on shared areas of their home and seem to forget about those basically only they will see. That’s why the master bedroom usually gets all the way down on the list of decorating priorities as people often tend to forget the importance of this room. Even though not all of your friends will get to see the room and admire its glory, that doesn’t mean that this room doesn’t deserve some love. Au contraire!
The master bedroom is the place where you’re – arguably – at your most vulnerable. That’s where you retreat after every hectic day and lay to rest until the next morning. It is definitely one of the most important rooms in your home as it needs to be set up in such a way that it promotes relaxation and healthy sleeping habits. So, unless it already does so, roll up your sleeves and get down to some serious decorating.
1. Bow down to the king!
The most important element in any bedroom is certainly the bed. While there are many options you can choose from when it comes to this piece of furniture, do know that a king-size bed is usually the best way to go. It offers plenty of room to you and your partner and if you’re single, you’ll get to enjoy all the sleeping space by yourself! Therefore, make sure you carefully choose the style of the bed you want to incorporate into your design.
If, on the other hand, you already have a bed you’re entirely satisfied with size and comfort-wise, but you’re not quite sure about the style and design, there are still some things you can do about it. For starters, do know that changing the headboard can sometimes entirely change the look of your bed. Additionally, if you invest in some stylish bed covers and obtain just a few interesting throw pillows, you will turn your one boring bed into a luxurious statement piece.
2. Go for meaningful additions
Furthermore, when decorating your master bedroom, don’t go too crazy with the design and certainly avoid overstuffing the space. After all, this is your BEDROOM and it should promote relaxation, not encourage activity and engagement. That’s why, when choosing other things you want to include in your bedroom try to focus solely on the things that make sense. For instance, you can benefit a lot form implementing nightstands on either side of the bed and adding an area rug that will be just somewhat bigger than your bed.
This way, you will beautifully anchor this area of the room and visually separate it from the rest of the design. Moreover, create a reading nook in your bedroom and make it as comfortable and relaxing as possible. Aside from a good floor lamp, you should also invest in comfortable seating furniture, such as this adorable egg chair to ensure that you’re supported properly during your reading sessions. Finally, you can even add bedding storage at the foot of your bed that can double as seating so that you have a place to store all of your covers without creating visual clutter in the room.
3. Indulge your senses
Finally, one can only truly relax once all of their senses are happy, so that’s another thing you need to try to achieve in your master bedroom. When setting the space up, don’t just focus your efforts on trying to make it look good. Also, focus on trying to make it smell and feel good. So, get yourself some nice bed sheets – even invest in luxurious pieces if you feel like it. Furthermore, add a small, soft area rug in your little reading nook to boost the comfort.
Additionally, research air humidifiers and see if using one will improve your sleep. Spoiler alert, it should – significantly. On the same note, add some gorgeous plants, essential oil dispenser or scented candles to your bedroom and use them not only to make the space smell absolutely amazing but to also set up the mood every time you need some extra help. In the end, make sure you install lighting dimmers or even remotely-controlled lighting fixtures to avoid having to get out of super cozy bed in order to turn off the lights.
These were just some fun little tips you can try out when assembling your dream master bedroom. Keep in mind that even though not a lot of people will get to see this very special place, it still needs to look good and feel good so that you can enjoy spending time in it the way you’re meant to.
Author Bio: Chloe is a journalist from Adelaide and a regular contributor to Smooth Decorator. She loves everything related to decor, aesthetic and lifestyle topics. She is also passionate about photography. Her biggest dream is to travel the whole world and take some stunning photographs of beautiful places. Beside all this, she enjoys drinking coffee and reading a beautiful book from time to time.


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February 21, 2005
If George W. Bush finishes a second term and avoids adjusting the federal minimum wage, we will have completed an 11-year record stretch without any adjustment. The previous record of nine years was brought to us by Ronald Reagan. The current federal minimum wage of $5.15 per hour is over 40 percent below the 1968 level adjusted for inflation. A fulltime worker taking no vacation or holidays and earning the federal minimum wage earns 55 percent of the federal poverty line for a family of four and a much smaller percentage of what it takes to actually pay the rent and basic living expenses in most parts of the country. Such a worker qualifies for much of what remains of public support and assistance, placing the burden on taxpayers to pick up where employers fail to pay a living wage.
The states aren’t taking this attack on their citizens’ living standards lying down. The living wage movement is moving to the state level. After winning living wage laws in 123 cities and counties (laws that mandate higher minimums for certain categories of workers) and city-wide minimum wage hikes covering all workers in four cities (D.C., Santa Fe, San Francisco, and Madison), the campaign for decent wage standards has shifted the battleground to the state level.
Thirty-one of the 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, have either set a minimum wage higher than the federal level of $5.15 per hour, or have had bills introduced in their legislatures this year that would do so.
Fourteen of these, plus D.C., have already created minimum wage levels higher than the federal, or – in the case of Florida – have put the law on the books though it has yet to take effect. Three of these 14 (WA, OR, FL) have indexed their minimum wage levels to automatically increase each year with the cost of living, thus eliminating the need for an annual campaign to prevent the minimum wage from losing value. Five of the fourteen (MA, CA, CT, HI, VT) also have bills in their legislatures that would further increase their minimum wages.
Of the 17 states that do not yet have higher minimum wages but have had bills introduced this year, two (WY, ND) have already seen those bills defeated. Bills in some other states have a good chance of succeeding. Three that are almost certain to fail (AZ, OH, MI) are in states where activist campaigns led by the community group ACORN along with labor and other allies, are fully committed to gathering the signatures needed to force the issue onto a ballot initiative in 2006. The voters in Nevada, like those in Florida, passed a minimum wage increase by ballot initiative last November which included indexing to the cost of living, but initiatives in Nevada must be passed twice. The second vote, which is expected to succeed, will come in 2006.
The movement for a fair wage has moved to the state level in part because no one expects action out of Washington as long as Republicans control the Congress and the White House. Another factor is the success of living wage efforts at the local level. There aren’t very many big cities left to win a living wage ordinance in. Only four passed them in 2004, bringing the total to 123. But at least as big a factor as these is the approach that the opposition has taken. As a result chiefly of lobbying and campaign contributions from hotels and restaurants, and the “think tanks” they fund, eight states have banned city-level minimum wage laws. It’s nine if we include Missouri, which is in dispute. The other eight are Arizona, Louisiana, Colorado, and Texas, plus two that also ban local living wage laws (UT, SC) and two that at least have state-level laws, making the ban on local laws less damaging, (OR, FL).
Before focusing so heavily on the state level, the living wage movement took the step three years ago of campaigning for city-wide minimums. After a campaign led by ACORN and SEIU Local 100 passed an initiative to create a minimum wage for New Orleans, the Louisiana Supreme Court threw it out. So the living wage coalition there began working on state legislation. But other cities picked up where New Orleans had shown the way. An ACORN-led campaign in San Francisco has just created a minimum wage there, and activists are now pushing for the same in Berkeley, Oakland, and Emeryville. Coalitions in Madison, Wis., and Santa Fe, N.M., have also won city-wide minimums. The opposition in New Mexico is attempting to eliminate the Santa Fe ordinance at the state level by banning all local minimum wage laws. Labor and community groups, including ACORN, are fighting that effort at the state level while simultaneously campaigning for a citywide minimum in Albuquerque.
The new focus on the state level includes an effort to make state minimum wages as lasting as most living wage ordinances, by indexing them to the cost of living. Indexing is a goal of state campaigns in New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Maryland, among other states, according to Jen Kern, Director of ACORN’s Living Wage Resource Center.
The state-level fight also allows the expansion of decent wage levels to more “red states.” Nevada voters last November chose both the most anti-labor president ever to occupy the White House and an increase in the state minimum wage. The map that accompanies this article is more encouraging than the typical “blue state” map, in that it includes states with strong economic liberalism even if they may be afflicted with cultural conservatism.
There are signs that leaders in the Democratic Party are noticing. Senator Edward Kennedy, who has introduced a bill that would raise the federal minimum to $7.25 by 2007, will speak at ACORN’s upcoming annual legislative conference about the need to win higher minimum wages at the state level. And former Senator John Edwards recently met with ACORN and committed to working to support these state campaigns. If these efforts result in a distinct message for the Democratic Party as the party that can see beyond the selfish interests of robber barons, the living wage movement might just jump to the national level. And so might the Democratic Party.
Sources of Information on Minimum Wage and Living Wage:
Economic Policy Institute
Statement by Hundreds of Economists
Political Economy Research Institute
Coalition on Human Needs
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
David Swanson was communications coordinator for ACORN from 2000 to 2003 and is now media coordinator for the International Labor Communications Association.

domain: law


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This study looks into issues of childhood pedestrian injuries, in Oakland and its neighborhoods. It seeks to unveil the causes of childhood pedestrian injuries and provide a remedy to the problem. It begins from the premise that massive traffic in Oakland state and the high population within its neighborhoods account for the majority of the causes of the injuries (Rivera, 2000). Another pertinent issue that the study seeks to address is the lack of remarkable initiatives from public health institutions, in solving the problem. Poverty, which is a global concern, is another cause of the problem addressed in this study. There are several speed bumps in the state to control the speed of motorists, but this has not done much to solve the menace of childhood pedestrian injuries. This has prompted the researcher to declare the problem as a public health issue that requires immediate attention and action.
The study begins with a background overview of the problem, and then the investigator proceeds to the purpose of the study. Thereafter, the significance is addressed, and this is through the aims and objectives of the research, where the investigator seeks to provide solutions to childhood pedestrian injuries. Study questions give an overview of the specific issues the investigator will uncover, in a bid to solve the problem. What follows is the study hypothesis which shows the research assumptions of the causes of the public health concern, key among them the high population in Oakland. Afterward, the literature review uncovers the existence of the problem for a period and measures that have been taken to address it. The investigator proceeds to the case study area, Oakland, California, and collects data which is analyzed to prove that the issue is indeed existent and is a paramount concern for people living in the area. The researcher then provides the final insights into the problem and asserts that it demands immediate attention to save the lives of young innocent children.
The research will impact society and social activities in different ways. It will encourage the California state government to put in place measures, to reduce poverty and mitigate its effects in Oakland and its neighborhoods. This study compels the Federal Highway Administration and the Institute of Transport Engineers to look beyond the rate of accidents resulting from automobile collisions (Baker, Robertson & O’Neill, 2000). This will steer the two sectors to aim at reducing automobile collisions, not just to reduce accidents, but also to curb the problem of childhood pedestrian injuries.
The study will enhance public awareness of the problem and will advise medical practitioners to contribute towards curbing this problem. The health sector will be more informed on the population largely affected by the problem and will instigate measures to deal with it. They will work for hand in hand with the transport sector, and once the problem becomes a serious concern to the health and transport sector, then it will be easy to handle. The study will help these two sectors to develop and implement vibrant public policies that will gear towards solving this problem. Parents will have to change their high expectations on children, and understand that all children are not mature to go along the roads alone (Dunne, Asher & Rivera, 2002). Furthermore, the study urges schools to provide children with better means of transport rather than walking to and from school. This move will be made by parents, once they pay for transport costs at the various schools in Oakland and its neighborhoods.
Baker, S. P., Robertson, L. S., & O’Neill, B. (2000). Fatal pedestrian collisions: driver negligence. Am J Public Health, 64, 318–25.
Dunne, R. G., Asher, K. N., &Rivera, F. P. (2002). Behavior and parental expectations of child pedestrians. Pediatrics, 89, 486–90.
Rivera, F. P. (2000).Child pedestrian injuries in the United States: current status of problem, potential interventions, and future research needs. Am J Dis Child, 144, 692–6.


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8. Jingle All The Way
Released in 1996, this is a story about a workaholic dad who promises to get his often-let-down son the hottest toy of the season - even though it's already Christmas Eve. The story follows his misadventures on trying to make it happen.
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Handcrafted Perforated Dome Pendant / 3 Sizes
Impressive hand-turned pendant featuring a delicately patterned perforated dome. A unique take on industrial-style that would work well in any interior. Would look great as an overhead feature in your dining room or hung in a row over a kitchen island. Handmade and crafted in a Nickel finish and available in small, medium and large.
Exceptional quality that are all one-of-a-kind (with minor handmade variations occurring during crafting).
Finish: Antique Brass, Nickel
Globe: E27 1 x 60W
Small: Ø 200mm x H 280mm
Medium: Ø 250mm x H 370mm
Large: Ø 305mm x H 475mm
Product Code: CEOL-10
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