text:
Ortiz authors another victory
Ortiz authors another victory
He was pressed for time. The Red Sox's designated hitter had a book release party to make and, after 3 1/2 hours of baseball resulted in a 7-5 victory against the Bronx Bombers, had little time to make it.
Ortiz, the author of a tidy 10-RBI week and a newly published autobiography entitled "Big Papi: My Story of Big Dreams and Big Hits," had places to be and, uncharacteristically, little patience for talk. But after five years of raking New York pitching -- Ortiz has a .589 career slugging percentage against the Yankees in 336 at-bats, a figure that has ballooned with the years -- what else was there left to say?
"He's Shakespeare. You know?" said second baseman Alex Cora of Ortiz. "He hits home runs, writes books. It's his day."
There was no such cause for celebration for the Yankees' Alex Rodriguez, his home-run swing silenced for the first time in five games.
Rodriguez extended his season-opening hitting streak to 16 with a third-inning double, his 19th extra-base hit this season. But he finished the day in the on-deck circle, his team saddled with a second straight defeat at Fenway.
Ortiz took care to compliment the man whose efforts in the early going of 2007, including two home runs against Curt Schilling on Friday, have wowed even Red Sox fans. Rodriguez, notably, won the 2005 American League MVP over Ortiz. Big Papi finished second.
"I don't know [why] people sometimes complain about his hitting in situations," Ortiz said of Rodriguez. "But, I mean, I'd take A-Rod's numbers any time, any day and any team. You don't get those numbers out there any day."
Yanks gear up for lesser opponents
Chamberlain springs curve on Sox
Notes: Peace of mind for Posada
Bauman: Game mirrors Classic duel
Sox don't take lead for granted
Notes: Matsuzaka pushed back
|Yankees win 10-8
9/15: Red Sox 10,Yankees 1
9/14: Yankees 8, Red Sox 7
2005: Yankees 10, Red Sox 9
2004: Red Sox 11, Yankees 8
On Saturday, Ortiz got the better of his rival. In the first inning, he sent a high, rocketing double beyond the outstretched glove of Yankees right fielder Bobby Abreu, answering two runs by the Yankees with his first two RBIs of the game. Rodriguez struck out looking in the top half of the first.
In the fourth, Ortiz turned on an inside fastball from New York starter Jeff Karstens, arcing a high home run around Pesky's Pole in right. The two-run shot gave the Red Sox and pitchers Josh Beckett, Hideki Okajima, Mike Timlin and Jon Papelbon the chance to cement a 7-4 lead.
"He seems to rise to the occasion," manager Terry Francona said. "And these are big occasions."
It took five innings and more than a few pitching changes, but the Red Sox made themselves winners. Three weeks into the season, Boston sits in first place with a healthy and productive pitching staff, a multi-dimensional offensive attack and a time-honored Yankee slayer.
"We've just got to ride it out with him, because Dave's going to take us a long way," Kevin Youkilis said.
Alex McPhillips is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
Mendoza family line
I am searching for any descendant information regarding the following individuals: Ana Mendoza de Zaldivar daughter of Magdalena Mendoza y Zaldivar back in the 1500s. I want to know what the Mendoza father was. Was there any relationship to the Spanish viceroy, Antonio de Mendoza y Hurtado. Any information is appreciated and I'll be willing to share any I have or through some books I have.
Manuel R. Salazar y Sandoval
More Replies:
Re: Mendoza family line
Laura Chamas-Ortega 6/02/06
Re: Mendoza family line
Jose'-luis Mendoza Jr. 6/03/02
Re: Mendoza family line
elissa mendoza-cisneros 10/10/07
- Re: Mendoza family line

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) announced its latest study suggests that U.S. consumers still prefer to use televisions to watch video.
For more information visit: www.CE.org
Unedited press release follows:
Consumers View Video Via More Platforms, But HDTVs Most Popular, CEA Study Finds
Future Purchases Based on Screen Size, Picture Quality, Innovation
ARLINGTON, Va. — As video consumption increases and viewing devices vary, consumers are still using televisions most often to watch video, according to The Evolving Video Landscape study released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®.
Consumers are watching more video than they have in the past, across a variety of platforms. One-third of U.S. adults online (34 percent) say they watch more video content today than they did a year ago. Viewing of television video programming is up 28 percent, with consumers citing convenience and the appeal/variety of programming as the top factors for increased viewing. Viewing of content on portable devices has also increased, with 40 percent watching more on those devices today than a year ago.
Many consumers (66 percent) who are watching video content on television are simultaneously using other consumer electronics (CE) devices. This behavior is more prevalent among younger consumers, as 85 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds and 70 percent of 25- to 34-year-olds multitask with another device while watching video on a television. U.S. adults online report watching some type of video content an average of 3.2 hours a day, five days per week.
Televisions continue to be the most commonly used device for watching video but other devices are gaining in popularity. HDTVs are the most prevalent devices used for video viewing, used by two-thirds (66 percent) of U.S. adults online. Computers are also commonly used to watch video, with 62 percent using a laptop to watch video and 55 percent using a desktop. One-third (33 percent) of consumers are using their smartphones to watch video content, and 17 percent are using their tablets.
"Consumers are watching more video than they have in years past and they are seeking devices and technologies that deliver a quality video and audio experience," said Shawn DuBravac, CEA's chief economist and director of research. "However, younger consumers accustomed to multitasking are defining new video behaviors as they watch video content across multiple platforms, on their own schedule, all while interacting socially on their devices with their friends."
Televisions have also emerged as a device that can do more than just play video. Among consumers using televisions to watch video content, nearly half (47 percent) also use their sets for other purposes. One in three (34 percent) consumers who use a television to watch video also use their set to listen to music, and one in five (21 percent) uses a television to listen to audio. Usage also varies by age and the type of display owned. Younger consumers, those under age 25, rely on their TVs more for music, social media, going on the Web and communicating. Consumers with Internet-enabled TVs use their displays in a number of ways as well: 47 percent listen to music, 28 percent use social media, 26 percent surf the Web and 23 percent view photos.
Future television purchases will be based on better picture quality and larger screen sizes as consumers will continue to seek the latest innovations in the market. Almost half (48 percent) of consumers planning to purchase a TV in the next 12 months will be replacing an aging, obsolete or broken set. However, half (51 percent) desire improved picture quality in a new display and half (50 percent) want a larger screen size. One in four (24 percent) consumers with intentions to purchase a TV over the next year expect to purchase a 3DTV; 21 percent plan to purchase an OLED display; and a quarter of consumers (25 percent) plan to purchase an Internet-enabled TV. While stated purchase intentions do not always translate to transactions, the study clearly shows many consumers have their eyes fixed on newer TV technologies.
"Easy access to the Web makes TVs more versatile, allowing us to stay connected, informed and entertained," said DuBravac. "In the future, new technologies, like OLED and 3D, will continue to improve the viewer experience, and Internet-enabled sets will fulfill consumers' desires to be connected."
The Evolving Video Landscape Study (April 2012) was conducted between February 22 and March 2, 2012. It was designed and formulated by CEA Market Research, the most comprehensive source of sales data, forecasts, consumer research and historical trends for the consumer electronics industry. Please cite any information to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®. The complete study is available free to CEA member companies at members.CE.org. Non-members may purchase the study at the CEA Store.
About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $195 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES – The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA's industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org, www.DeclareInnovation.com and through social media; https://www.facebook.com/#!/CEAfeed, http://twitter.com/ceafeed, http://blog.ce.org/.


text: So it's time to upgrade from the combo. I have a GK MB115 right now that's in the process of getting repaired, and I intend to use it as a practice/spare amp when I get it back. I know, I know… "Do a search", "Tons of threads on this". etc… I'm going to get more specific in a second. I mostly play funk, rock, "jam band" and some electronic sorta stuff. I'm starting to play with bands more and am looking for something that will suffice in a larger bar-type venue, but with the ability to kick it up a notch if needed. After tone, affordability and reliability are my top deciding factors. First thoughts: GK MB500 w/ 1x15 Neo Cab - I do like the sound of my current GK amp and wouldn't mind keeping the tone. Ampeg PF500 w/ PF115HE Cab Very intrigued, but haven't played it yet. As mentioned, reliability is important. I'm hoping to buy used on the forum, so I don't want to have to worry about inheriting something sketchy that's out of warranty. Seems like no matter what the brand is, there are people on here who have had issues with it. What else would you recommend in addition to what's already listed? Is 500W enough? I figured I could always just get a second cab down the road for the larger gigs.


text:
No charges in Brennan accident
Prosecutors said Wednesday that no charges would be filed against Shakti Stream, the Kailua-Kona woman whose Toyota sport-utility vehicle crossed the center line of Queen Kaahumanu Highway and crashed into a car, critically injuring the other driver, Dr. Theresa Wang.
Also injured in the Nov. 19, 2010 collision was Stream's boyfriend, former University of Hawaii and NFL quarterback Colt Brennan, a passenger in her vehicle.
A written statement from the prosecutor's office said the case won't be prosecuted because of insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the charge of first-degree negligent injury.
Wang has filed a civil suit against Stream in the collision and that case is still pending.
Rules for posting comments
Comments posted below are from readers. In no way do they represent the view of Oahu Publishing Inc. or this newspaper. This is a public forum.
Comments may be monitored for inappropriate content but the newspaper is under no obligation to do so. Comment posters are solely responsible under the Communications Decency Act for comments posted on this Web site. Oahu Publishing Inc. is not liable for messages from third parties.
IP and email addresses of persons who post are not treated as confidential records and will be disclosed in response to valid legal process.
Do not post:
- Potentially libelous statements or damaging innuendo.
- Obscene, explicit, or racist language.
- Copyrighted materials of any sort without the express permission of the copyright holder.
- Personal attacks, insults or threats.
- The use of another person's real name to disguise your identity.
- Comments unrelated to the story.
If you believe that a commenter has not followed these guidelines, please click the FLAG icon below the comment.


text:
Use the tools below to refine your search by only displaying reviews with a certain number of star ratings or to only show reviews from a certain time period. Eg click on '1 star' to just display the reviews we have which received a 1 star rating click or 'Within the last month' to display just reviews posted over the last month.
Written on: 27/03/2013
SORA BUILDS A NEW MUSICAL WORLD WITH ELEMENTS OF NEW AGE, FOLK, WORLD-FUSION AND CLASSICAL Scorpion Moon is Sora's fourth recording and this extraordinary vocalist and songwriter from Canada just keeps getting better. Her voice soars like an angel, dips and glides, becomes understated for a few seconds and then roars back with a fury. This woman sings with a passion. And she writes that way too. The eleven tunes on this new album are her compositions. Her lyrics often use legends… Read Full Review
As rated by our community of reviewers
" TIMOTHY WENZEL COMPOSES GRAND THEMES ABOUT OUR UNIVERSE " Read More
" Great work " Read More
" DEUTER MIMICS THE HUMAN VOICE WITH INSTRUMENTS ON LATEST CD " Read More
" DAN CHADBURN RELEASES NEW KEYS OF LIGHT PIANO-BASED ALBUM " Read More
" HANS CHRISTIAN CREATES A MUSICAL ODE TO NANDA DEVI " Read More


text:
Think the Big 12 Championship Lacked Pizazz? Think Again
OKLAHOMA CITY—Well, this was a surprise. How many of you had Baylor and Missouri in your Big 12 Tournament Championship game? OK, really, who even filled out a bracket? Ha...
Missouri And Oklahoma State Basketball Is Back
OKLAHOMA CITY—Missouri and Oklahoma State both had reason to celebrate before facing each other in the Big 12 semi-final on Thursday night. They will both be back in the NCAA Tournament...
Pittman's Pitfalls Could Hurt Texas Come Tournament Time
OKLAHOMA CITY— Texas center Dexter Pittman was in trouble Friday night. Foul trouble. Coming into Friday's game against Baylor, Pittman had put together two of his best performances of the year in the Big 12 Tournament...
Kansas State's Frank Martin Tries To Talk His Way into the NCAA Tournament
OKLAHOMA CITY—Kansas State had a great chance to build its NCAA Tournament resume and lose the dreaded "bubble" distinction. A first-round bye in the Big 12 Tournament. A proving-point second-round game against Texas...
Kansas Gets Major Wake-Up Call in Big 12 Tournament
OKLAHOMA CITY -- Kansas Coach Bill Self had the shakes. Shaking his head from the multiple mistakes his team made in the first-half...
Oklahoma State Stops Craig Brackins, Iowa State: Next Up, Blake Griffin
OKLAHOMA CITY—Craig Brackins was hitting long-range jumpers like they were lay-ups. From the fadeaways to the contact-creating shots, they all seemed to sink in the hoop for the Iowa State sophomore...
Baylor Gets Help from Big Men in Big 12 Tournament
OKLAHOMA CITY—Josh Lomers' stat line is about as impressive as Baylor's 5-11 conference record this season. 8.5 minutes, 2.8 points, 1.4 rebounds per game. Yet the big man made the biggest difference in Baylor's 65-49 win over Nebraska..
The Big 12 Championship: Who's Ready and Who Shouldn't Show Up
The eve of the Big 12 Championship in Oklahoma City is upon us. While conference standings provide a barometer of regular season success, the real question is which teams are going ...


text:
Mississippi Studios (map) North
Thu., Feb. 21, 9 p.m. 2013 21+
Nucular Aminals write swirling, multi-dimensional grunge-rock songs. For the past few years, they have been making albums and touring extensively, performing with acts like Ty Segall and White Fence. Their music melds reverb-saturated garage guitar and funeral-parlor organ with expressive drums and low, droning vocals, creating a truly stand-out, aggressive sound. Their most recent full-length, Start from an End, is heavy and heady; the track "Untitled" is a perfect example of how their music steers narrowly into the uneasy and edgy before directing their audience back in a melodic, rockin' direction. They also have a new 7-inch due out on Hovercraft, just in time for their European tour in March. RACHEL MILBAUER
3939 N Mississippi, Portland, OR 97227


text:
As a copywriter, PR professional, and overall Class-A nerd, I love Google.
Why? If you understand the 'Google Zoo' — Penguin, Panda, and Hummingbird — then you would know about the many changes Google has made to the search algorithms. In fact, the Internet guardian has practically declared war on Black Hat hackers and other ne'er-do-wells living in Mom's basement with the latest version of Alienware.
NEWS FLASH: Google is making us better writers. Of course, in the process, they are so angering brands who spam the Internet. Latest on its ess-list is eBay. Not good.
Last week, Google rolled out its thunderous Panda 4.0 update. The update was made to hone in algorithms to detect "low-quality content" from Google search results. Many shopping websites that do moderately well with organic search got nailed badly in terms of paid shopping product listings ads (PLAs).
That left eBay as chum in the Google ocean as Panda 4.0 stripped eBay of more than 80 percent of its search results, according to this Business Insider article quoting Larry Kim, CEO of search marketing company Wordstream. eBay spends truckloads of cash on paid search results; yet, here's Google spanking them to Page 12.
And you know the adage, "The best place to hide a dead body is Page 3 of Google."
Evidently, more than 80 percent of eBay's top-searched items didn't make past the golden area of pages one and two. And then, there's this…
A similar result was found by Peter Meyers who writes for the Moz Blog. eBay's share of top 10 Google rankings across of a range of search results basically just collapsed in the past couple of days:
So, who's to blame? Google for protecting the Webiverse or eBay for using clandestine SEO tactics. Yeah, them.
"eBay's asleep-at-the-switch AdWords management style not only made them look stupid to searchers – those irrelevant ads also cost a brand a ton of money. Their failure to implement even the most basic of paid search best practices, like using negative keywords so you're not appearing in queries for vomit, made their research completely unreliable," Kim says.
And that is called a sound bite, folks. Bad PR for eBay after all.


text:
The case of another celebrity gone wrong. Michigan native, Rima Fakih, was arrested on suspicion of DUI charges a few months ago. And today is when the big question is answer with the case finally going to trial. We wish her lots of luck today, especially since she insists that it's not true! You can see some of the pictures inside!
December 3, Rima was stopped for suspicion of DUI and she faces a trial today. According to MyFoxDetroit.com,
The 26-year-old was stopped Dec. 3. Police say they found an open bottle of champagne behind the driver's seat. Fakih was accused of driving 60 mph in a Jaguar and weaving through traffic without using a signal.
Check out more information, and pictures from the court at MyFoxDetroit.comVodpod videos no longer available.


text:
Alcor is a global cloud advisory and implementation services company serving clients in multiple geographies. Our consultants provide advice to leading businesses on cloud platforms, architecture, enterprise service management, and IT service delivery integration.
Asset Management, ITSM, Performance Analytics, Project Portoflio Suite, Service Mapping, Service Portal, Express.
Certified System Admin: 52
Certified Implementation Specialist: 28
Certified Application Developer: 4
Implementation Partner Customer Satisfaction Score 9.4 out of 10 from 59 Responses
What is this?
The ServiceNow Solutions Partner Program requires our implementation partners to register their services engagement projects. Upon project completion, ServiceNow conducts customer surveys on behalf of our partners with our mutual customers to measure success and gather feedback, which we use to continually improve. This display showcases a rolling 12‑month average score of survey results. Results are refreshed monthly, and eligible partners must maintain a CSAT rating of 8.0 or above from a minimum of 6 respondents.
How is this calculated?
The CSAT scale ranges from 0 to 10 with 10 being the highest possible score. Each partner's CSAT rating is equal to a rolling 12‑month average score of customer responses received across all completed engagements.
ServiceNow Resale Territory
Resale Region: AMS
Resale Countries: US ‑ United States, CA ‑ Canada
ServiceNow Business Territory (Non‑Resale)
Region: AMS
Countries: US ‑ United States, CA ‑ Canada


text:
In The Woods–For his latest photo session, photographer Dario Castillo focuses his lens on New York Model Management model Naleye Junior Dolmans. Sporting a bold wardrobe, embellished by gold jewels, the curly-haired model delivers contemplative poses in a spare nature at fall. / Styling by Chris Pearson.
Dario Castillo Captures Naleye Junior Dolmans in the Woods
Published on


text:
"I fret for the 55- to 65-year-old investor who is investing the bulk of their assets in high-flying multiples, ... They can permanently impair their capital base. They don't have the longevity to earn back the money."
Related quotes
""Old times" never come back and I suppose it's just as well. What comes back is a new morning every day in the year, and that's better."
"The Old Year has gone. Let the dead past bury its own dead. The New Year has taken possession of the clock of time. All hail the duties and possibilities of the coming twelve months!"
Contributed by: Randi
"My pipe is out, my glass is dry; My fire is almost ashes too; But once again, before you go, And I prepare to meet the New : Old Year! a parting word that's true, For we've been comrades, you and I - I thank God for each day of you; There! bless yo"
"A bird sang sweet and strong
In the top of the highest tree,
He said, "I pour out my heart in song
For the summer that soon shall be."
But deep in the shady wood,
Another bird sang, "I pour
My heart on the solemn solitude
For the springs that return no more.""


text:
Dr. Ibrahim U. Mhaisker.MD(Hom)
Lecturer, Department of Repertory,
Yerala Homoeopathic Medical College, Kharghar, Navi-Mumbai.
E mail: [email protected]
1. Adipsia – Absence of thirst or abnormal avoidance of drinking.
2. Adrenal neuralgia – Pain near or upon the kidney.
3. Angina Faucium – Sore throat from any cause, severe constricting pain.
4. Antrum of Highmore – Maxillary sinus.
5. Arachnitis or Arachnoiditis – Inflammation of arachnoid membrane and its subjacent space.
6. Ardor urinae – Ardor is the old term for hot or burning so hot urination.
7. Balanorrhoea – Balanitis with discharge or Purulent balanitis.
8. Bazin's disease – Erythema induratum
9. Bereavement – Deprivation causing grief and devolation especially due to a death of a loved one. The period of grief and mourning following bereavement resembles clinical depression.
10. Blenorrhagia – Discharge from mucus surfaces.
11. Blepharopthalmia – Gonorrhoeal opthalmia.
12. Bronzed skin – Darkness in Addison's disease.
13. Brow ague – Intermittent supra orbital neuralgia.
14. Catheterism – Passage of a catheter
15. Catheter fever—Urinary fever.
16. Chagre's fever—Virus of Bunyaviridae, an agent causing bunya virus encephalitis.
17. Clairaudience – Hearing illusions of.Able to hear not discernable by ordinary means, a type of extraordinary perception.
18. Clumsiness – Awkwardness.
19. Consumptiveness – Wasting disease especially Tuberculosis.
20. Cynanche cellularis – Sore throat.
21. Decemetitis – Inflammation of Decemet's membrane.
22. Dysmenia – Dysmenorrhoea.
23. Farcy – Cutaneous glanders, the more chronic and constitutional lymphatic form of glanders with thickening of superficial lymph vessels.
24. Fidgets –Restless.
25. Frowning – Wrinkled aspect of brow, expressing disapprobation or severity occasionally of deep thought or perplexity. Habit of expressing disapprobation.
26. Hospital Gangrene – Decubitus ulcer.
27. Innutrition – want of nutrition.
28. Knock- knee—Genu valgum.
29. Levitation – Hallucinatory sensation of floating or rising in air or Support system for severe burn victims, consists of bed in the form of inflatable chamber containing numerous outlets through which humidified warm sterile air is released at pressure sufficient to raise patient so that he is supported in sterile air environment.
30. Lisping – Parasigmatism or Imperfect pronunciation of s and z sounds.
31. Lithaemia – Excess of uric acid or its salts in blood or hyperuricaemia.
32. Melanosis – Disorder caused by disturbance in melanin pigmentation or melanism.
33. Mendacity – Quality of being mendacious or habitual lying, deceiving or falsehood.
34. Mendicity – Practice of begging.
35. Mental Alienation – Alienation refers to the condition with lack of meaningful relationship to others, sometimes resulting in depersonalization and estrangement from others.
36. Metritis – Inflammation of the uterus.
37. Mycosis – Any disease caused by fungus.
38. Panaris – Panaritium , Whitlow, Paronychia.
39. Phlegmon – Acute suppurative inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue.
40. Pining boys – Low spirited boys, lacking boyish go.
41. Psilosis or Sprue – Falling of hair.
42. Reveries –
1. Rejoice, wildness or rage
2. Violent or rude language.
3. Fantastic or fanciful unpractical or purely theoretical notion or idea.
4. Day dreaming or lost in thought.
43. Rhinorrhoea cerebrospinalis – Discharge of cerebrospinal fluid through the nose
44. Rhinoscleroma – Granulomatous disease in mhich hard patchesn or nodules form on nose and nasopharynx due to Kleibsella rhinoscleromatis. Occur in Egypt, Eastern Europe, Central and South America.
45. Rumination – Physiological process in ruminant animals where they chew the cud and material gets regurgitated from their rumen for rechewing. eg: cow, sheep, antelope, deer etc,
Disorder of infancy with repeated regurgitation of foodn with weight loss, failure to thrive which develops after a period of normal functioning.
Periodic reconsideration of the same subject.n
46. Sausage – A preparation of comminuted beef, pork etc or a mixture of these either fresh, salted, pickled, smoked with salt, spices, flour and stuffed into a container made from an intestine or other animal tissue.
47. Scleriasis – Diffuse symmetrical scleroderma.
48. Scurf – Dandruff.
49. Spavin – Disease of tarsal joints of horse.
50. Steatoma – Steato denotes fat.
51. Tic convusif – Facial spasm.
52. Ticklishness – Titillation or peculiar disaggreeable sensation by light stimuli of skin accompanied by laughing.
53. Uric academia – Hyperuricaemia.
54. Vaccinia – Infection primary, local limited to site of inoculation in man by inoculation with small pox.
55. Varioloid – Resembles small pox and it is a mild form of small pox.
56. Veta – Mountain sickness.
57. Xerostomia – Dry mouth from arrest of salivary secretion.


text:
Off to Market Recap: Margarita Glasses
Cinco de Mayo is manana and I plan on celebrating by whipping up a batch of margaritas for my girlfriends. However, the only margarita glasses I own are oversized and more suited for serving dips than sipping tequila. That's why I asked you to help me by searching the Internet for margarita glasses. You looked for festive glasses that I can use through Spring into Summer. You bookmarked your discoveries in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Margarita Glasses. How fabulous are these two-toned glasses? The tropical colors bring to mind the Mexican coast at sunset!
Thank you Bengalspice for finding these delightful dishwasher-safe glasses. For more glasses, browse the collection below.
Geeksugar has put together an article that explains how to bookmark on TeamSugar. Check it out for more details!


text:
Motors and Electronics
Motors and Electronics
Newcastle University has helped develop motors and electronics for a so-called 'eternal plane' that holds the world record for non-stop flight powered only by solar energy.
Sector: Engineering
The Zephyr plane is a project of QinetiQ, which was spun out of the UK Government's Defence Evaluation and Research Agency.
The University's Centre for Advanced Electrical Drives tackled the challenge of designing a motor that would be highly efficient. Professor Barrie Mecrow, head of the Centre, says: "Every watt of lost energy matters and so we had to develop new ideas to produce one of the lowest loss motors ever built."
At the same time the motor needed to be extremely light. Amazingly, the Zephyr weighs just 53kg even though it has a motor and a wingspan of 22.5 metres.
The Zephyr smashed previous endurance records and completed two weeks of non-stop flight powered only by energy from the sun.
On the back of the Zephyr project, Newcastle University is now also involved in work on the 'SolarEagle', a plane that will be able to stay airborne for as long as five years. The project is jointly funded by Boeing and the US Government.
Professor Mecrow says: "We started with one project in the UK and this has led to another project in the USA. Our involvement is a testament to the expertise that we have here at Newcastle University and it's a demonstration of the on-going and rewarding nature of collaboration between the University and industry."


text:
This product is no longer available.
You can try these similar gifts instead.
With All My Heart Sugar Cookie Basket
She's the most beautiful woman he's ever seen, and he's looking for a fun way to tell her that. When she receives this cookie basket, she'll be speechless. It's a lighthearted way to deliver a romantic message.


text:
Nicolas was a delight to talk with. Any conversation that included him flowed seamlessly from personal to professional, between the world of ideas and that of events. Whether we were sharing intimacies about our girlfriends, the joys of fatherhood, or our triumphs and failures at work, the talk was unfailingly imbued with his contagious laugh and his enthusiasm. His zest for life was informed by a keen mind and an insatiable curiosity. He had a way of simplifying things that helped shape my understanding and appreciation of what we came to witness and document together.
"There are maybe 3,500 uncontacted people left in the world, all of them here in the area we're going into," he told me the first day we met in June 2002, as we flew west over the Amazon in a jetliner on our way to join the expedition. "And there are what, five billion, six billion people on the planet? And Sydney Possuelo is the one man who stands between those billions of people and the last uncontacted people on Earth. And we're going with him into this land."
From the beginning, his father, Paul Reynard, told me recently, Nicolas dreamed of being a photographer with National Geographic. By the time he was taken from us, Nicolas was living the life of his dreams, which is undoubtedly why he radiated such warmth and energy. He lived, and ultimately died, doing what he loved to do' discovering the world and sharing his vision of it with the rest of humanity.
He loved his daughter, Lily Fleur, and he spoke of her all the time. For her, his untimely death is a tragedy beyond words. For the rest of us, it is the loss of a great friend and colleague who had so much still to discover, so much still to share, so much still to show us.


text:
In the recent case of Carter v. Canada, the Supreme Court of Canada declared invalid the Criminal Code prohibitions against physician-assisted suicide. Those provisions made it a crime for a person to "consent to have death inflicted on him" (s. 14) and to "aid or abet a person to commit suicide" (s.241(b)). The SCC found… Continue Reading
Category Archives: Public LawSubscribe to Public Law RSS Feed
B.C.'s New Emergency Intervention Disclosure ActPosted in Civil Procedure, Public Law
On March 2, 2013, the Emergency Intervention Disclosure Act, S.B.C. 2012, c. 19, was quietly enacted. This statute had been on the books since 2012 but not in force. The purpose of the Act is to authorize the involuntary sampling of bodily fluids where those samples are not being offered voluntarily. For example, it covers… Continue Reading
B.C. Supreme Court Upholds Anti-Polygamy LawPosted in Miscellaneous, Public Law
On November 23, 2011, Chief Justice Robert Bauman of the British Columbia Supreme Court issued his much anticipated Reasons for Judgment in Reference re Section 293 of the Criminal Code of Canada, 2011 BCSC 1588, the constitutional reference concerning the validity of Canada's anti-polygamy law. Chief Justice Bauman found that the law is consistent with… Continue Reading
You Can't Fight City HallPosted in Commercial, Public Law
For many people, Susan Heyes is something of a folk hero. Ms. Heyes is the proprietor of Hazel & Co., a woman's clothing store formerly located at the corner of 16th Avenue and Cambie Street in Vancouver. Like many other businesses located along the Cambie Street corridor, Ms. Heyes' business was adversely affected by the… Continue Reading
Don't Call Me, I'll Call You – Bell Canada Pays $1.5 Million for Unauthorized Telecommunications PracticesPosted in Public Law
This post was submitted by Lawson Lundell guest author Laura Bevan. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced on December 20, 2010 that Bell Canada has paid a hefty administrative penalty of $1.3 million and will make an additional voluntary payment of $266,000 as a result of unauthorized telemarketing practices. Bell Canada agreed to pay… Continue Reading
Supreme Court of Canada Protects Confidential Sources (sort of)Posted in Public Law
The use of confidential sources by journalists – a topic first sensationalized when Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein broke the Watergate scandal – has remained a vexed issue for courts and legislatures ever since. In R. v. National Post, 2010 SCC 16, the Supreme Court of Canada recently ruled against a constitutional… Continue Reading
Supreme Court of Canada Clarifies (some of) the Limits of the Duty to ConsultPosted in Aboriginal, Public Law
This post was submitted by Lawson Lundell guest author Keith Bergner. On October 28, 2010, the nine justices of Supreme Court of Canada issued a unanimous judgment in Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. and British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority v. Carrier Sekani Tribal Council, 2010 SCC 43. Lawson Lundell LLP (Chris Sanderson, Q.C., Keith Bergner and… Continue Reading
Polygamy Reference Moving ForwardPosted in Public Law
One of the most highly anticipated cases in British Columbia, and likely the country as a whole, is moving towards a hearing in late November 2010. In Reference Re: Criminal Code s. 293 the BC Supreme Court is being asked to determine the constitutional validity of the criminal prohibition against polygamy. The reference case was… Continue Reading
HST Battle Goes to CourtPosted in Public Law
Proponents of the anti-Harmonized Sales Tax ("HST") petition (the "Petition") have described the exercise under the Recall and Initiative Act (the "RIA") as "grass roots democracy" in action. By taking to the streets and shopping malls of the province, former premier Bill Vander Zalm and his team collected over 700,000 signatures in support of the Petition and… Continue Reading


text:
Did you notice the invasion of horrible diet 1996 style advertising campaigns on most leading tech blogs?
I was so influenced by their authority that I had to start a diet myself under heavy pressure. I am so desperate I even started moblogging what I eat at lunch and dinner.
Recession has no effect on this type of advertising. We will always take weight in December and try to get rid of it in January, that is recession proof! In any case this "Flat Stomach" brand must have the wrong message to run such an idiotic advertising message. Fortunately some A-lister friends just do not give a shit.
"1 Flat Stomach Rule: Obey"
"Gain flat stomach fast!"
"fat-off 2009: 10 tools for losing weight or staying in shape"
…because we are not idiots like the coach potatoes watching home shopping TV ads. Or maybe we all are and the advertisers know it. If they put their money on these blogs, they must have good results.


text:
Oculus' Ruthigen Establishes Independent HQ, Expecting IPO in 2013
Oculus Innovative Sciences' (NASDAQ: OCLS) Ruthigen, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on a unique and new drug candidate, RUT58-60, today announced it has established independent offices at a new facility in Santa Rosa, California, in preparation for spinoff and an intended public offering in 2013. RUT58-60 is a drug candidate intended for accelerating patient discharge post surgery, on average 25% faster, as compared to current standards of care. RUT58-60 contributes to prevention and treatment of infections in hospital settings, as well as healing incision sites via promotion of angiogenesis.
Designed to prevent and treat infections, including MRSA and C diff, RUT58-60's addressable market includes 46 million surgical and trauma procedures performed in U.S. hospitals and more than 200 million procedures globally.
Hoji Alimi, founder and CEO of Ruthigen said: "The spinoff of Ruthigen is part of our growth strategy with an eye to providing current Oculus shareholders equity in both companies. I'm proud to have been able to lead a dedicated team that has grown Oculus from a clinically focused biotech during the Wall Street meltdown of 2008 to the successful commercial company it is today—with a revenue run rate of $18 million, 39% average product revenue growth rate over the past three years and EBITDAS losses of only $235,000 for the first six months of the current fiscal year. Oculus is on track for profitability and has a strong cash position of $8.3 million as of the end of September 2012. I plan to focus Ruthigen on development of its unique drug, RUT58-60, to accelerate patient discharge post surgery as demonstrated in a number of clinical investigations and peer-reviewed publications. Finally, I am confident that Jim Schutz is the ideal candidate to take the wheel at Oculus given his experience in licensing, mergers, acquisitions and partnering."
Jim Schutz, newly appointed CEO of Oculus said: "Oculus is well positioned to achieve profitability and sustainable growth over the next few years. In parallel with the Ruthigen spinoff, the Oculus team is focused on accelerating revenue growth by offering new products through current partners, the addition of new partners, and all while expanding our international footprint. We believe the one-two punch of Ruthigen and Oculus will benefit shareholders today and going forward."
Ruthigen Spinoff Preparations
Oculus management is working with securities counsel and bankers on a plan to provide equity in Ruthigen to Oculus shareholders. Oculus expects the spinoff to be a tax-free stock distribution and ultimately anticipates Ruthigen to become an independent NASDAQ-traded company. Oculus has retained bankers and financial advisors for the spinoff, and expects the spinoff to be completed in 2013. Execution of the transaction requires further work relative to structure, governance and other significant matters and risks.
The completion of the proposed spinoff is subject to certain customary conditions, including final approval by Oculus' board of directors, the filing and effectiveness of appropriate filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission including a registration statement on form S-1, and any necessary third-party consents, as well as certain other matters relating to the spinoff, receipt of legal opinions, execution of intercompany agreements, and final approval of the transactions contemplated by the spinoff, as may be required under Delaware law. Oculus notes that there can be no assurance that any separation transaction will ultimately occur, or, if one does occur, its terms or timing.
© 2017 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.


text:
Aerocool Advanced Technologies has begun shipping its Cyborg X mid-tower case in Europe.
Aerocool Advanced Technologies has begun shipping its Cyborg X mid-tower case in Europe.
Measuring 460 x 200 x 540mm, the all-black SECC case has five 5.25″
drive bays, four 3.5" bays, seven expansion slots, pre-drilled holes
for cable management and water-cooling tubes, support for graphic cards
up to 280mm long, and a topside I/O panel with one eSATA, two USB 2.0
ports and audio connectors. The tool-free case also comes pre-installed
with two 120mm fans (front and rear) and can be purchased from major
retailers and distributors at an MSRP of 62.60 Euro.
- High performance "Mid-Tower" for gamers and enthusiast.
- Solidly constructed "ALL BLACK" chassis
- High-end Graphic card Support
- High Expandability
- Ease of Installation
- Easy Access Top I/O ports
- Smart Cable Management
- Dust Protection
- Mesh PCI cover
- Bottom PSU position
- Water-cooling Support


text:
Paul Kardar, 14 and an eighth-grader at Open Door Christian School, won The Chronicle-Telegram's regional spelling bee in April. He's now in Washington, D.C., where he will compete in the 83rd annual Scripps National Spelling Bee. Round 1 of the three-day competition begins tomorrow, but the Kardars have been in D.C. since Sunday. Paul will be updating us with his adventures throughout the week.
Paul has made it through the third round, spelling ipecac correctly. (Ipecac, in case you were wondering, refers to a South American plant, its roots or drugs made from its roots.) Paul earlier made it through the second round by correctly spelling parvitude, which means likeness.
Here's an update from Paul:
Today I took the round 1 test (a computer test composed of 50 questions, with 25 that count toward moving on). I could sound out almost all of the words, and I was familiar with about half of the words. I also went to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, one of two places where U.S. bills are produced. It was interesting to see how the bills we use today are produced. Another interesting place I went to was the National Archives. It was amazing to see the original Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and other old U.S. documents, all written by our founding fathers, in person. The other site I went to was the Old Post Office. This post office has a clock tower that you can go up into and catch a good view; it is the 3rd tallest building in our nation's capital.
So far today, I spelled 1 word in the second round. It was a little bit nerve-racking waiting to find out if you will get a word that you know. I correctly spelled the word parvitude.


text:
We need to admit that 2016 is the year of all big hits movies released such as Batman vs Superman, Captain America: Civil War, Kung Fu Panda 3, and many more. All these movies have their own loyal fandom and of course when the movies came out, many people start to buy those official merchandises from the mug to the t-shirt. We can see that many designs have been offered by print t-shirt stores to follow up the upcoming movies this year. And here we have some selected popular print t-shirt movies in 2016 and maybe you also like to have one.
Most Popular Print T-shirt Movies 2016
Last year we only got a few amazing movies, but this year is the year of many box offices movies coming out. People come watching the movies wearing their printed t-shirt with designs like the movie's logo, movie's characters, and such. That's why here we want to share some of the great and most popular print tshirt movies in 2016, maybe there is one of your favorite movie so you can order one as well:
- Deadpool print tshirt. Okay, so Deadpool is the first in our most popular print t-shirt movies 2016 list since most of people love this crazy Marvel hero. Yes, this year both Marvel and DC compete to take the crown of the best hero movies and Deadpool is just one of the weapons from Marvel to fight for the first place beside Captain America that just coming out last month. For the print tshirt, there are lots of designs which available like the one with full Deadpool picture or small and cute Deadpool on the t-shirt, another like Deadpool eyemask (the logo), etc. Most of Deadpool print t-shirts have red major color since Deadpool himself identical with his red custom just like Spiderman.
- Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice. After Deadpool released in cinema early this year, DC makes a counterattack with Batman vs Superman, they also feeling so confident against Captain America: Civil War which has been released in May. Print tshirt became one of the most popular Batman vs Superman merchandises that day, beside the mug and drink bottle. So, you can also order for Batman vs Superman t-shirt designs like the movie logo with cool Batman plus Superman symbol or Batman and Superman face to face t-shirt design (either only their faces or full body). And oh, since there is a Wonder Woman (spoiler for those who do not watch the movie yet, lol) who appeared in the movie as well, you can also order this beautiful and fabulous character for your print t-shirt design and talking about her, there will be Wonder Woman movie coming soon in summer 2017.
- Captain America: Civil War. So if you do not know Captain America or Iron Man or maybe this movie then you life under the rock. We mean seriously, this movie was slaying other hero's movies that come so far and the tshirt designs are amazing. You can be proud walking on the street while wearing this movie print tshirt. There are not only available in red or blue which become major colors that represent the movies too, but you can purchase white, black, or mixing colors as well. For the designs, you can pick from many characters that come in the movies, not only limited for Iron Man or Captain America as we know the main characters of this movie, but there are also Spiderman (yes! He Appeared), Black Widow, Hawkeye, Black Panther, or even the full characters of Avengers. Even if the Hulk did not appear in this movie, you can still manage to order that favorite character.
- Kung Fu Panda 3. Now, for the last popular print t-shirt which is not only popular for adult, but also kids as well, Kung Fu Panda 3. The movie itself came out several months ago and it's in the top rank of cartoon movie this year. You can order printed tshirt with Poo (the main character) design or Furious Five characters such as Tiger, Mantis, Monkey, Crane, and Snake. Or if you love Master Shifu then so be it!
Most of popular print t-shirt movies 2016 list will certainty becomes longer as the 2016 movies coming for the next month like the new X-men movie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, Suicide Squad, and so on. Do not let yourself missed to buy the print tshirt of those movies!


text:
Edit Article
wikiHow to Make Building Toys from Styrofoam Trays
Here's an easy building toy to make... and the fact that you're recycling makes it even sweeter! Try this with your kids. They'll have twice the fun... while making the building blocks and when playing with them once they are finished.
1Wash the styrofoam trays carefully with an antibacterial soap.
2Allow the trays to dry thoroughly.
3Determine the shape(s) you want your building block toys to be. Circles, Squares, Rectangles, etc all work well. Note: Keep the number of shapes to around 3-5 total.
4Find templates for your shapes. Jar lids work well for circles, and small boxes or books work well for squares and rectangles. You can also create your own template from stiff cardboard if you like.
5Trace the templates onto the styrofoam.
6Cut the shapes out with scissors.
7Cut half inch slits in the edges of your styrofoam shapes to serve as attachment points. (Shapes are attached to each other by sliding two slits onto each other)
Community Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters leftSubmit
- You will need 15-20 shapes to be able to build much.
- Scissors are edged tools. Handle with appropriate care.
Things You'll Need
- Cleaned styrofoam trays of the sort used to package meats and fresh veggies in the grocery store.
- Scissors
- Shapes to cut and/or materials to create your own templates.
Made Recently
Did you try these steps?
Upload a picture for other readers to see.
Upload a picture for other readers to see.
Upload error
Awesome picture! Tell us more about it? Click here to share your story.
Article Info
Categories: Recyclable Crafts for Kids | Foam and Sponge Projects
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 8,346 times.
Did this article help you?


text:
Click on an expert's name to see his or her full details. Click on a keyword to see experts in related fields.
|Professor Ann Millar
|Emeritus Professor, Bristol Medical School (THS)
|Areas of expertise:
|My research and clinical interest lies in mechanisms of lung repair, particularly related to the development of fibrosis...
|respiratory medicine | interstitial lung disease
University of Bristol
| Feedback
Senate House, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TH, UK. Tel: +44 (0)117 928 9000


text:
'New Girl' Season 3 Spoilers: Schmidt and CeCe
Hit Fox comedy "New Girl" has a strong cast of characters who go through their share of romantic troubles. Perhaps one of the sadder plot points of the show has been Schmidt's break up with CeCe. How will he bounce back? For spoilers from Max Green Field, the actor who play Schmidt, read on.
Greenfield recently sat down for an interview with TV Guide where the actor discussed his character. He spoke about how Schmidt is handling his break up.
"He seems a little lost right now. It's almost as if you see him making attempts to reenter society or trying to find himself -- or the old version of himself -- but nothing seems to be sticking," the actor said.
Greenfield went on to tease that there is a light at the end of the tunnel for Schmidt, and he revealed what he hopes is in store for his character.
"I think it'll be very rewarding when he does get it back. You hope that he finds somebody or something that redeems him in some sort of sense," he said.
In other "New Girl" News, the show has come into a bit of legal trouble. According to two writers, Stephanie Counts and Shari Gold, the show is plagiarized from a pilot script they wrote for a show they titled "Square One." The two writers are suing the Fox network.
The lawsuit was obtained by The Hollywood Reporter explains why the two writers are suing Fox.
"Any differences between the Square One scripts and New Girl are so small and insignificant that they cannot be afforded copyright protection, and are, in fact, nothing more than transparent attempts to hide Defendants' blatant plagiarism. These differences are more akin to eraser marks or ink blots on Stephanie and Shari's creation and cannot be treated as original expression," the lawsuit said.


text:
In a fortuitous coincidence, a number of corks popped off of bottles in my section of the Bowl as Ms. Wright took the stage with her version of Chick Corea's "Open Your Eyes, You Can Fly." This seemed appropriate as her singing immediately revealed itself to possess the qualities of a good, young red Bourdeaux. The first thing you noticed as she began to sing was how big her voice was; as the song opened up, you became aware of the richness and depth of her vocals and how much complexity there was in the way she finished her lines. As the show continued you could hear intriguing traces of other singers-the suggestion of a stronger-voiced Tracy Chapman in "Lead the Way," for example-but the overwhelming impression was of the uniqueness of her sound.
Lizz Wright seemed entirely at home on stage, particularly given that this had to have been one of the most important performances of her career. True, she had performed at the Bowl last year to much acclaim during a tribute to Billie Holiday, but the Playboy Jazz Festival is by nature an international event. She radiated poise as she delivered nine songs from her Verve debut Salt, using hand gestures to emphasize certain lines-at times appearing to shape them as one would waves from a Theremin-but never did so in a manner that overshadowed what she was singing. Ms. Wright was ably backed by an accomplished and sympathetic group of musicians that included drummer E.J. Strickland, bassist Doug Weiss, keyboardist Jon Cowherd and percussionist Jeff Hayes.
The second song of her set was "Soon as I Get Home" from The Wiz. That she was portraying the part of Dorothy and not the experience of every one of us wasn't evident until she got to the lines about the Wiz himself. This, of course, is exactly as it should be. The afternoon's rendition opened with a brief a cappella passage that really seemed to draw in the crowd, and the overall success of the piece itself is perhaps best illustrated by the fact that it prompted emcee Bill Cosby back onstage to enthusiastically lead the crowd in applause. "Lead the Way" was next, a soulful number written by Salt co-producer Brian Blade. With its inspirational lyrics and a groove that harkens back to the days when R&B represented a true symbiosis of both rhythm and blues rather than being so-called more on account of historical convention, this song was a hit with the crowd and deserves to be one with a wider audience as well.
Next came the group's languid reading of Mongo Santamaria's "Afro Blue," their arrangement of the verse and chorus reminiscent of Free Will-era Gil Scott-Heron in its use of off-beats and distinguished the excellent interplay between Cowherd's piano and Hayes on congas during the instrumental break. One of the best numbers on the day, though, didn't feature the band at all-Wright wowed the audience with a gorgeous a cappella reading of her original "Silence." On the record, backed by the guitars of Mr. Blade & Adam Rogers, the song carries a distinct element of the folk blues, that notorious province of the Devil. Here, shorn of instrumental accompaniment, the song was transformed into a spiritual. The lyrics of the song themselves, however, seem to provide a clever commentary on the relationship between silence and musical sound, able to exist comfortably at either pole. Wright and band followed this with "Salt," Cowherd's sanctified piano and the gospel rhythms extending the feeling created by "Silence." This number found Ms. Wright extending her vocal range to the highest points she had reached all day, much to the delight of all assembled. This was meant to be the last number of the set, but Mr. Cosby would have none of it. The beloved and veteran entertainer, with the aid of what could now fairly be termed her fans, coaxed from her an encore, rare on the day: the group's funky arrangement of the traditional "Walk With Me, Lord."
A fine wine is impressive when young, but its hallmark, of course, is that it improves with age. Lizz Wright is an impressive talent now and stands only to get better as her music progresses. Enjoy her music now and in the years to come.


text:
Supervalu Loss Widens
Losses widened sharply at Supervalu Inc. in the fiscal fourth quarter, reflecting discontinued operations and a further drop in revenue.
Supervalu has experienced declining sales for more than three years amid increased competition from dollar stores, drugstores and mass-market retailers such as Wal-Mart Stores Inc., which are expanding their grocery departments.
Last month Supervalu completed a deal with a group of investors...


text:
Energy efficiency, Smart Grid technology shared among U.S., Russia
The United States and Russia are cooperating on energy efficiency and the Smart Grid, sharing best practices.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), working with the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE) to cooperate with Russia on energy efficiency and smart grids, is supporting efforts to share experience and best practices among U.S. and Russian municipalities and utilities. In May, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in San Diego and Belgorod, Russia, building on an earlier exchange involving utilities and regulators in Texas and federal and utility officials in Kaluga, Russia.
At the G8 Summit in Deauville, France, Presidents Obama and Medvedev highlighted the mutual interest of their countries in energy efficiency, sustainable energy development, and the progress that has been made since the announcement of this initiative at the Summit on June 24, 2010. Under the Energy Working Group of the Presidential Binational Commission, the USAID in cooperation with the DOE and the U.S. Energy Association (USEA), have developed and begun implementation of a smart grid partnership program.
A visit by Russian industry, technical, and government officials to Texas and Washington D.C in December 2010 provided an opportunity to see first-hand the activities of CenterPoint Energy and Austin Energy utilities in this field and their interactions with consumers, vendors and regulators. A seminar in Washington provided an overview of U.S. policy, programs and technologies that are being supported by the DOE and the private sector. A work-plan for a two-year effort was developed that included utility partnership exchanges, business roundtables, and a joint assessment of regulatory and other barriers to the introduction of smart grid technologies and systems. A return visit by CenterPoint Energy and Austin officials to Russia in the Spring of this year exposed these U.S. utilities and technology companies to the challenges that Russian utilities face in modernizing their systems and moving to smart-grid applications.
- Edited by Amanda McLeman, Consulting-Specifying Engineer, www.csemag.com
Log in or create an account to submit your comment for this article.
- Events & Awards
- Magazine Archives
- Oil & Gas Engineering
- Supplements
- Salary Survey
- Blogs
- Digital Reports
- Survey Prize Winners
- CFE Edu
Annual Salary Survey
Before the calendar turned, 2016 already had the makings of a pivotal year for manufacturing, and for the world.
There were the big events for the year, including the United States as Partner Country at Hannover Messe in April and the 2016 International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago in September. There's also the matter of the U.S. presidential elections in November, which promise to shape policy in manufacturing for years to come.
But the year started with global economic turmoil, as a slowdown in Chinese manufacturing triggered a worldwide stock hiccup that sent values plummeting. The continued plunge in world oil prices has resulted in a slowdown in exploration and, by extension, the manufacture of exploration equipment.
Read more: 2015 Salary Survey


text:
Local player shares thoughts on lockout
ERROL McGIHON QMI Agency Shane O'Brien, left, in action for the Colorado Avalanche against the Senators last season.
Port Hope native Shane O'Brien is experiencing his first National Hockey League lockout.
O'Brien was playing professional hockey in 2004/2005 — when a full NHL season was washed away — but he was with Cincinnati of the American Hockey League as a prospect of the Anaheim Ducks at the time.
"Being a young kid I didn't really care about the lockout because I was in the American league and there were a lot of good players that would have been in the NHL, but came down and made the (AHL) a better league," O'Brien said over the phone from Newport Beach, California on Tuesday.
"It's my first taste of this. It's a crappy feeling to realize that it's a just a big business. When they take the game that you love to play away from you, you realize you're just a number in this big puzzle that they're trying to figure out. It's sort of a humbling feeling and kind of a scary one at the same time."
O'Brien, coming off a one-year deal, re-signed with the Colorado Avalanche earlier this summer for an additional three years. The 29-year-old, who has played 455 regular season games and 40 playoff games has also spent time with Anaheim, Tampa Bay, Vancouver and Nashville.
Having played in some of them, O'Brien knows the effect the lockout could have on some of the non-traditional hockey markets.
"All summer long we were hoping that this wouldn't happen. Seven years ago we lost a whole season and it seems like we're back, hopefully not, in the same predicament, but it's not looking very good," he said. "Hopefully they can start talking again and get it moving quickly. As players, it sucks but most importantly we just feel bad for the fans because our game has grown so much in the last seven years. The fans, obviously in Canada they'll always be there, but down here in the States, especially in the southern states, hockey has grown so much. We just hope that it can get resolved, not just for us but for the fans especially."
People are talking hockey a lot in California now, especially after watching the Kings win the Stanley Cup last season, O'Brien said. He's hoping that momentum will continue.
"Unfortunately it's a bad situation. Labour disputes are never fun, but as players we just want to play for something that we feel is fair," O'Brien said. "A couple proposals we've made, we're willing to give up a little bit more to help the league and for whatever reason the owners are settled on what they think. Right now it's a very unfortunate situation. As a player it sucks because you miss being around the guys, you miss playing and right now is usually the time of year when you're getting geared up to start the season."
His plans are to just keep skating and working out.
"Right now we're all being very optimistic and hoping that it gets done sooner than later, but as for now I'm just skating down here with a few of the guys that spend their off-season down here," O'Brien said. "We're just trying to keep ourselves in shape and just to be ready in case something does happen."
Messages left for Cobourg native Justin Williams of the Los Angeles Kings were not returned by press time Wednesday.
Williams has played in 707 NHL regular season games and 71 playoff contests with the Philadelphia Flyers, Carolina Hurricanes and the Kings. He's a two-time Stanley Cup winner; with the Kings this past season and the Hurricanes in 2006.
During the 2004/2005 lockout, Williams played for Lulea of the Swedish Elite League. A lot has changed since then, though, as Williams now has a wife and two children.
Williams spent his day with the Stanley Cup this summer with family at his off-season home in Ventnor, New Jersey.


text:
WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- Republicans say Congress continues to lurch along on the wrong course despite the voters' desire to immediately put the brakes on government spending.
In the GOP's radio and Internet response to President Obama's weekly address, Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., called on the Democratic leaders of the lame-duck Congress to stand down from any new initiatives on taxes.
"These leaders should not raise taxes and risk another recession," Kirk said, who was elected to the Senate seat once held by the president. "Congress should reduce spending and prevent another tax hike on American taxpayers."
Kirk said the business community was in a quandary over the future direction of taxes and would not add jobs until certain taxes would not go up. "Congress should set its highest priority on preventing the massive tax hike currently scheduled to hit our economy on January 1."
Kirk did not specify any particular spending programs that should be reduced.


text:
The man picked to replace a Bladen County Commissioner who died last month was killed in a car crash this morning. Stanley Richardson and his mother Beulah died in a crash around 8:30 a.m. It happened at the intersection of NC 87 and Cromartie Road in Elizabethtown.
According to Highway Patrol Richardson pulled into the path of an 18-wheeler just a few hundred yards from his home.
Richardson was an administrator at the Bladen County Board of Education, a pastor and had just been appointed to the County Commission. He would have filled the seat previously held by Margaret Lewis-Moore, who died of pneumonia last month.


text:
Product Overview
This is a discontinued product. When sold out, it is permanently out of stock.
Charms dangle from french hooks featuring colorful skulls in cowboy hats in the style of the Mexican Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration.
Warranty :
Online pricing is exclusive to montanasilversmiths.com - store locations may be priced differently. All sales final on sale items.
Care & Storage Message :
You can maintain your jewelry with an occasional wipe of a damp cloth. DO NOT use chemical or abrasive cleaners.
Customer Reviews ( 0 )
Write Your Own Review


text:
So, it's January 23, basketball season is hitting the home stretch on the high school level and is deep into Big 12 play on the college side, and a cold blast of air is sweeping through the South Plains.
Yep, you guessed it, time for baseball.
The Red Raiders, like every other Divison I team, will open practice for the 2014 season on Friday afternoon at Rip Griffin Park. Throughout the preseason we'll examine some of the storylines for this year's group which, in my outside opinion, will have an outside chance to compete for a regional berth but may be still about a year away from that or from vying for the Big 12 title.
In that spirit, however, it occurred to me that to compete for the Big 12 championship, you need to get off to a good start in league play, and that's something that Tech has rarely done the last decade or so. So, I started to look at why.
Then I saw why.
And it may prevent them from having a chance this season even if this team is markedly improved.
The schedule is stacked against them
With just nine teams in the league, Big 12 teams now play just eight series. Four at home, four on the road. Yet, how those first four series fall will determine if Tech will even sniff a shot of the league crown through the second four.
See, the Red Raiders play three of their first four conference series on the road. Not only that, they are the ONLY team that has to play such a road-heavy schedule the first four weeks.
No other team -- let me repeat that -- no other team has to play three of their first four on the road. In fact, every team except Texas Tech, Kansas and defending league champion Kansas State, will play two of their first three at home.
I guess that makes Texas Tech a "northern" school, huh?
Baylor starts with two straight at home. Texas, TCU, Oklahoma and West Virginia go home-road-home. Oklahoma State starts on the road then has two straight at home. Even West Virginia, where it doesn't warm up until June, starts conference play at home. Trust me, I was there last year in late March. Cold as I've ever been in Texas.
Oh, and by the way, those first four series for Tech are at Baylor, at TCU, home vs. Texas, at Oklahoma State. Three of those four are ranked in the top 20 in Collegiate Baseball's preseason poll.
So it looks like the Red Raiders will be behind the 8-ball from the start.
Thing is, this isn't unusual.
For some reason, the Big 12 has regularly scheduled the Red Raiders for this kind of gauntlet. I went back and looked.
This will mark the third time in the last four seasons and fourth time since 2009 that Tech has started conference play with three of four series on the road. This will be the sixth time it's happened since the conference began play in 1997. Only once, in 2002, did Tech make an NCAA regional in those six tries.
Also, this will be the sixth straight year and 13th time in the last 15 seasons that Tech will open with two of its first three series on the road. The Red Raiders have opened Big 12 play at home just five times in the 17 seasons the league has been in existence.
So, if you ever wonder why it seems Tech is out of the Big 12 race before it ever really gets started, there's your answer.
We'll see if this year's team can buck the trend.
Until Friday,
See ya at the yard, meat.


text:
I didn't search the forum so I don't know if this topic has been discussed before but am I the only one whose books are falling apart? Okay, so I do use them A LOT but I've never had my cookbooks fall to pieces as quickly as Rose's books do. Particularly the sections with the heavy photo paper. In the Cake Bible, it is mostly the first section (where all the photos are) but the Christmas Cookie book has to be held together with a rubber band. I think Rose needs BOTH a new editor (or proofreader) and a new bookbinding company.
I will need to buy new copies very soon!


text:
Simple steps to gorgeous hair:
- Shake well
- Spray evently onto dry hair
- Brush through to remove any excess
*Top stylist tip: delivers best results on hair that's not freshly shampooed.
FREE Standard UK delivery available on orders over £20.
Rush Shop ships internationally, as well as to the UK and Ireland. Services include:
- Standard UK Delivery: £3.00
Royal Mail Standard Delivery service: 2 - 5 working days
- Next Day UK Delivery: £3.99
Interlink Express Tracked Courier service: next working day
- Standard EU Delivery: £6.99
Royal Mail Standard Delivery service: 2 - 10 working days
- Standard International Delivery: £9.99
Royal Mail International Delivery Network: 5 - 21 working days
Please read our Delivery Policy for more information on International and UK delivery times before completing purchase.


text:
Recent studies have demonstrated that adipose-derived mesenchymal cells (AMCs) offer great promise for cell-based therapies because of their ability to differentiate toward bone, cartilage, and fat. Given that cartilage is an avascular tissue and that mesenchymal cells experience hypoxia during prechondrogenic condensation in endochondral ossification, the goal of this study was to understand the influence of oxygen tension on AMC differentiation into bone and cartilage. In vitro chondrogenesis was induced using a three-dimensional micromass culture model supplemented with TGF-β1. Collagen II production and extracellular matrix proteoglycans were assessed with immunohistochemistry and Alcian blue staining, respectively. Strikingly, micromasses differentiated in reduced oxygen tension (2% O2) showed markedly decreased chondrogenesis. Osteogenesis was induced using osteogenic medium supplemented with retinoic acid or vitamin D and was assessed with alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization. AMCs differentiated in both 21 and 2% O2 environments. However, osteogenesis was severely diminished in a low-oxygen environment. These data demonstrated that hypoxia strongly inhibits in vitro chondrogenesis and osteogenesis in AMCs.
- cartilage
- bone
chondrocytes are continuously challenged by a hypoxic cellular microenvironment as low as 1% oxygen during the process of endochondral ossification (2, 3, 17). Permanent cartilage, which has no blood supply, derives nutrients from the surrounding synovial fluid (15, 22, 24). A recent study has shown that chondrocytes are uniquely adapted to the low-oxygen environment and tend to dedifferentiate in a normoxic environment and redifferentiate in a hypoxic one in vitro (8).
Because of the low capacity of cartilage for repair and the increasing prevalence of cartilage diseases (arthritis), tissue engineering of cartilage has become an important area of research (6, 16). Currently, autologous chondrocyte transplantation is the only cell-based therapy for cartilage pathology. This treatment is relatively ineffective to date, however, because of high donor site morbidity and poor chondrocyte proliferation in culture (4). Adipose-derived mesenchymal cells (AMCs) have been developed and used as alternative sources for cell-based therapies (10). These cells have been shown to differentiate into a variety of lineages, including bone, muscle, cartilage, and fat (9–12, 37). For application of these cells to cartilage regeneration, an understanding of the physiological response of these cells to the cellular environment of a native chondrocyte (hypoxia) is warranted. To date, studies have focused on chondrocyte and mesenchymal cell (MSC) responses to hypoxia have been inconclusive (5, 19, 20, 22).
Osteogenesis, a closely related differentiation pathway, has been shown to be affected by ambient oxygen levels (31). Clinically, after severe bony injury, the vascular supply is disrupted and results in a hypoxic gradient within the wound microenvironment. Poor blood supply can affect the activity of mesenchymal osteoblast precursors during osteogenic repair following injury, including inflammatory cell recruitment and matrix processing, resulting in delayed fracture healing (25). Thus, it is important to understand the response of osteoprogenitors to a hypoxic microenvironment. Osteocytes in vivo, although not experiencing the levels of hypoxia that chondrocytes do, are physiologically exposed to a level of ambient oxygen (4–7%) lower than that of normal atmospheric oxygen (21%) (13, 18, 34). A previous study from our laboratory (31) demonstrated that brief (12 h) exposure to anoxia (0.02% oxygen) inhibited osteogenesis in osteoblasts and human MSCs; however, a similar period of exposure to 2% oxygen did not result in significant changes in osteogenesis. Lennon et al. (19) reported that rat bone marrow MSCs, differentiated in 5% oxygen, exhibited enhanced osteogenesis in ceramic cubes.
The goal of this study was to understand the effect of relatively long-term, low oxygen tension on osteochondrogenic differentiation of AMCs. Our results revealed that both osteogenesis and chondrogenesis of AMCs were significantly inhibited by hypoxic culture conditions, demonstrating that the oxygen microenvironment plays a profound role in AMC differentiation.
Chemicals and media.
Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) was purchased from Mediatech (catalog no. 10-017-CV; Herndon, VA). Fetal bovine serum (FBS) was purchased from Gemini Bioproducts (Woodland, CA). Other chemicals were obtained from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, MO).
Cell harvest.
All experiments were performed using protocols approved by Stanford University Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) guidelines. The IACUC Eprotocol/Prism number for our studies is 9999/7373. Three-week-old adult male FVB mice (Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington, MA) were euthanized with CO2. The inguinal fat pads were carefully dissected and washed sequentially in a betadine- and phosphate-buffered saline solution (Fisher Scientific, Fair Lawn, NJ). The fat pads were finely minced and digested with 0.075% collagenase A (Sigma-Aldrich) with vigorous shaking in a 37°C water bath for 30 min. The collagenase A was neutralized with an equal volume of growth medium containing DMEM, 10% FBS, and 1% penicillin-streptomycin. The tissue mixture was passed through a cell strainer (100 μm Falcon) to remove the large, undigested tissue fragments. Subsequently, the cell suspension was centrifuged at 1,000 rpm for 5 min, and the supernatant was discarded. The cell pellet was resuspended in fresh growth medium and plated in tissue culture dishes (∼1 dish per cells from 2 animals). Initially, cells were cultured and expanded in growth medium. Passage 2 cells were used for further experiments.
In vitro chondrogenic differentiation.
The micromass technique was modified from the one described by Ahrens et al. (1). Briefly, passage 2 cells were harvested and resuspended in growth medium at 1 × 107 cells/ml concentration. Droplets (10 μl) were placed in culture dishes and allowed to adhere to each other and the substratum at 37°C for 2 h. Chondrogenic medium was then carefully added around the cell aggregates. Chondrogenic medium consisted of DMEM, 1% FBS, 1% penicillin-streptomycin, 37.5 μg/ml ascorbate-2-phophate, ITS premix (BD Biosciences, Bedford, MA), and 10 ng/ml TGF-β1 (Research Diagnostics, Flanders, NJ). The cells were differentiated in either 21% ambient oxygen or 2% ambient oxygen. By 24 h, the aggregates coalesced and became spherical. The chondrogenic medium was changed every 3 days. For 2% oxygen experiments, fresh chondrogenic medium was preequilibrated to 2% oxygen before each medium change to ensure that micromasses were differentiated in consistent oxygen conditions. Micromasses were harvested for histology and sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) assay at various time points.
Micromass histology.
Micromasses differentiated in 21 and 2% ambient oxygen were harvested at days 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15. After a brief wash with phosphate-buffered saline, micromasses were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde with 4% sucrose for 15 min. Micromass diameters were measured using a Zeiss microscope. At days 3, 6, and 12, micromasses were embedded with optimal cutting temperature compound. Cryosections (10 μm) were mounted onto slides and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Alcian blue. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess collagen II expression.
Micromass DNA quantification.
Micromasses at different time points were harvested and digested in a 0.1% papain solution at pH 7. After 3 h of incubation at 65°C, cell pellets were centrifuged and the supernatant was used to perform the sGAG assay. The pellets were resuspended and sonicated, and the DNA content of micromasses was measured using a Quant-iT DNA assay kit (Molecular Probes, Eugene, OR) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Assays were performed in duplicate, and the average DNA quantities from micromasses at days 3, 6, and 12 were calculated.
Alcian blue staining.
The sections were rinsed in 0.1 N HCl (pH 1) for 5 min to equilibrate the pH. To assess proteoglycan content, we placed the sections in a 1% solution of Alcian blue 8-GX (Sigma-Aldrich) in 0.1 N HCl for 30 min and then washed them twice in 0.1 N HCl to remove nonspecific staining. Slides were counterstained with nuclear fast red (Biomeda, Foster City, CA). Photographs were taken with a Zeiss microscope.
Sections were blocked at room temperature for 30 min and incubated with primary antibody at 4°C overnight (anti-collagen II; Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Santa Cruz, CA). After a secondary antibody (Vector Labs, Burlingame, CA) incubation, sections were labeled with ABC reagent (Vector Labs) for 10 min at room temperature. Diaminobenzidine (Vector Labs) was applied to each section, and hematoxylin was used for counterstaining. The negative control was performed by staining with the secondary antibody alone.
Glycosaminoglycan quantification.
Twenty-four micromasses per time point were harvested (12 per replicate). Each replicate was separately digested using a 0.1% papain solution at pH 7. The sGAG quantification was performed on each replicate with a sGAG assay kit (Kamiya Biomedical, Seattle, WA) according to the manufacturer's protocol. All sGAG quantities were normalized by DNA content. Significance (P ≤ 0.05) was assessed using Student's t-test.
In vitro osteogenic differentiation.
After culture expansion, the cells were trypsinized and replated in 12-well culture dishes at a density of 10,000 cells/well. After overnight attachment, the cells were treated with basic osteogenic differentiation medium (ODM: DMEM, 10% FBS, 100 μg/ml ascorbic acid, 10 mM β-glycerophosphate, and 1% penicillin-streptomycin) alone or supplemented with 1 μM retinoic acid or 50 nM vitamin D, each of which has been shown to enhance osteogenic differentiation in AMCs (7, 29, 33). The osteogenic differentiation experiments were performed under 2 and 21% oxygen environments. The osteogenic medium was replenished every 3 days. The osteogenic medium used for 2% oxygen tension was preequilibrated before each medium change to ensure the consistent oxygen gradient. Alkaline phosphatase staining and quantification were assessed at 1 wk. Alizarin red staining and quantification were performed at 3 wk.
Alkaline phosphatase staining.
Medium was removed, and the cells were washed twice with phosphate-buffered saline. The cells were fixed with a 60% acetone-40% citrate working solution for 30 s. Subsequently, the cells were washed with deionized water for 45 s and stained for 30 min with a diazonium salt solution composed of fast violet B (0.024%) and 4% naphthol AS-MX phosphate alkaline solution (Sigma). Afterward, the cells were rinsed with deionized water. Cells positive for alkaline phosphatase were stained red.
Quantitative alkaline phosphatase activity measurement.
Alkaline phosphatase activity also was determined using a biochemical colorimetric assay with the Sigma kit (Document 104) as described by the manufacturer. Briefly, the cells were washed with cold phosphate-buffered saline. The cells were scraped into a radioimmunoprecipitation assay buffer (containing 50 mM Tris·HCl, pH 7.5, 150 mM NaCl, 5% glycerol, 1 mM EDTA, 1% Nonidet P-40, 0.1% SDS, and 0.25% sodium deoxycholate) and centrifuged. The enzymatic alkaline phosphatase activity in the supernatant of the cell lysate was assayed by measuring the p-nitrophenol formed from the enzymatic hydrolysis of p-nitrophenylphosphate, used as the substrate, at 405 nm. Experiments were performed in triplicate wells, and results were calculated as means and standard deviations. Student's t-test was used to assess significance (P ≤ 0.05).
Alizarin red S staining.
At late osteogenic differentiation, calcium deposition also was quantified using Alizarin red S staining. Briefly, cultured cells were washed with cold phosphate-buffered saline, fixed for 15 min in 100% ethanol, and stained with 0.2% Alizarin red S solution (Sigma) for 30 min. Stained cells were washed extensively with deionized water to remove the nonspecific precipitation. Positive red staining represents calcium deposits on the differentiated cells. Photographs were obtained and presented for analysis of late-stage osteogenic differentiation. Matrix mineralization was quantified by extracting the Alizarin red S staining with 100 mM cetypyridinium chloride (Sigma) at room temperature for 3 h. The absorbance of the extracted Alizarin red S stain was measured at 570 nm. Experiments were performed in duplicated wells. Student's t-test was performed to assess statistical significance (P ≤ 0.05).
Low oxygen tension inhibits chondrogenesis of AMCs.
Because chondrocytes proliferate and differentiate in a hypoxic environment and because studies have been mixed regarding hypoxia's effect on in vitro chondrogenesis, we were interested in studying the effects of a low-oxygen environment on chondrogenic differentiation of murine AMCs to manipulate this environment for tissue engineering applications. A three-dimensional (3D) micromass technique with medium supplemented with TGF-β1 was utilized to study in vitro chondrogenic differentiation. After 24 h of culture, the cell aggregates became spheroid micromasses in chondrogenic medium. Concurrently with chondrogenic differentiation, the micromasses accumulated chondrogenic matrix components in the center, causing a reduction of micromass size. To evaluate proliferation and differentiation of micromasses, we calculated average micromass diameter and DNA content at each time point under different oxygen tensions. The sGAG content in the extracellular matrix was stained with Alcian blue in micromass sections at days 3, 6, and 12 of differentiation, and sGAG quantification of whole micromasses was evaluated at days 3, 6, and 12. The presence of collagen II, a specific extracellular matrix component for chondrogenesis, was assessed using immunohistochemistry at day 12 of differentiation.
First, we observed that the micromasses differentiated in 2% oxygen were grossly different in size from those differentiated in 21% oxygen. During the first 3 days, the micromasses differentiated in 2% oxygen condensed similarly to the ones differentiated in 21% oxygen. Subsequently, however, the normoxic micromasses showed progressive reduction in size, whereas the hypoxic micromasses showed less drastic changes. At days 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15, we measured the diameters of the micromasses differentiated in 2 and 21% oxygen environments. All micromass diameters were normalized relative to day 1 micromasses in hypoxia. Results showed that micromasses differentiated in 2% oxygen after day 3 were significantly larger (P ≤ 0.05) than those differentiated in 21% oxygen (Fig. 1A). To assess the proliferation of micromasses at different oxygen tensions, we quantitatively measured the DNA content of micromasses at days 3, 6, and 12. Results showed that the average total DNA quantities were higher in the micromasses grown in 2% oxygen compared with those grown in 21% oxygen, and this difference was statistically significant at 6 days (P ≤ 0.05). During the time of micromass differentiation, results showed that the total DNA quantity decreased as a function of time. These results suggested that the apoptosis occurred within the 3D micromasses while chondrogenesis progressed (Fig. 1B).
Upon sectioning, we observed the morphologies of AMCs in the micromasses differentiated in 2% oxygen: the cells were smaller in size, were more abundant in the center, and had less dense matrix formation (data not shown). In contrast, the extracellular matrix of the micromasses differentiated in 21% oxygen showed progressively more intense Alcian blue staining on days 3, 6, and 12 than those differentiated in 2% oxygen. Hip cartilage and native fat tissue isolated from mice were stained as positive and negative controls, respectively (Fig. 2).
Furthermore, cartilage-specific extracellular matrix protein, type II collagen, was examined using immunohistochemistry to confirm chondrogenesis within the 3D micromass. As expected, at day 12 of differentiation, type II collagen was substantially more abundant in 21% oxygen compared with 2% oxygen (Fig. 3). Control sections incubated with secondary antibody alone showed negative staining microscopically (data not shown). Accordingly, the quantity of sGAG in the whole micromass at days 3, 6, and 12 was measured and normalized by DNA content. Results demonstrated a significant decrease in sGAG content in the micromasses differentiated in 2% oxygen compared with those differentiated in 21% oxygen (P ≤ 0.05) at all time points measured. These data correlated with our Alcian blue staining results (Fig. 4).
Low oxygen tension inhibits osteogenesis of AMCs.
In light of our results regarding chondrogenic differentiation, investigating AMC osteogenic capacity in a lower oxygen environment became more relevant. AMCs were differentiated using three differentiation conditions: a basic osteogenic medium (ODM), ODM plus retinoic acid supplementation, and ODM plus vitamin D acid supplementation. Previous studies demonstrated that ODM supplemented with retinoic acid or vitamin D enhanced osteogenic differentiation of AMCs in vitro (7, 33). Differences in early alkaline phosphatase activity staining and quantification were examined, and late extracellular matrix formation and calcium mineralization were stained with Alizarin red S, an end-point measure of in vitro osteogenic differentiation.
After 1 wk of differentiation, the AMCs differentiated in 21% oxygen showed minimal alkaline phosphatase activity staining in ODM and increased staining with vitamin D or retinoic acid supplementation. AMCs differentiated in 2% oxygen exhibited diminished alkaline phosphatase activity staining compared with cells differentiated in 21% oxygen, regardless of the osteogenic medium used (Fig. 5A). Quantification of alkaline phosphatase activity, which demonstrated the absolute enzymatic quantity per cell, was consistent with the staining results (Fig. 5B).
After 3 wk of differentiation, the AMCs differentiated in 21% oxygen with treatment of ODM showed minimal Alizarin red S staining, whereas a moderate amount of mineralization was seen with vitamin D supplement in ODM. AMCs differentiated with retinoic acid supplement in ODM demonstrated robust mineralization. Data show that 2% oxygen stress significantly impaired the ability of AMCs to undergo terminal osteogenic differentiation with or without vitamin D or retinoic acid (Fig. 6A). Quantitative measurements of Alizarin red S absorbance showed significant differences in mineralization between 2 and 21% oxygen environments in response to retinoic acid or vitamin D. The quantitative analysis correlated with the staining results (Fig. 6B).
The importance of tissue environmental factors in the induction of MSC differentiation has been recently emphasized (14, 30). Among all the nongenetic and environmental factors, perhaps the most important is oxygen tension (30). In particular, the influence of hypoxia in chondrogenesis is a topic of great interest, because chondrocytes grow in a low-oxygen environment (28). AMCs, as an alternative source for cartilage or bone repair, have demonstrated great potential for use in cell-based therapy (9). As an initial step to better understand the functional characteristic of AMCs, we studied the responsiveness of the AMC population to low oxygen tension.
Only a few studies have described the effect of hypoxia on MSCs. Robins et al. (28) described how 1% oxygen upregulated Sox9, the master regulator of chondrogenesis, in monolayer human MSC lines. They described increased Alcian blue staining of monolayer cells, but no specific collagen II assays were performed. Wang et al. (36) reported that adult human bone marrow-derived MSCs encapsulated in alginate beads grown in 5% oxygen had enhanced chondrogenesis and decreased proliferation. Scherer et al. (32) described how 5% oxygen in combination with intermittent hydrostatic pressure promoted chondrogenic gene expression in cells, although no downstream protein assays were examined. In addition to the studies on MSCs, investigations using chondrocytes in hypoxia also reported mixed results regarding proliferation and differentiation (19–22). Most recently, Wang et al. (35) reported that human AMCs cultured in a 5% oxygen environment suspended in alginate beads demonstrated a decrease in growth and an increase of chondrogenic differentiation. The contradictory data can be explained by the variety of species involved, the cell lines versus primary cells used, the ambient oxygen level chosen, the type of culture design (alginate, scaffold, micromass, and monolayer, which would change the type of oxygen gradients to which the cells were exposed), the method of differentiation applied, and the time points evaluated. In our laboratory, the biomaterials used in vitro to aid chondrogenesis, such as alginate beads, might affect AMC differentiation; therefore, we propose that our 3D micromass system not involving biomaterials could account for the differences observed.
Chondrogenesis is a well-orchestrated process driven by chondrogenic progenitors that undergo mesenchymal condensation, proliferation, and chondrocyte differentiation (25). AMCs contain large amounts of MSCs, including chondroprogenitors in different stages of differentiation (38). Certain stimuli by specific factors program progenitor cells to undergo specific lineage differentiation (37). Especially in chondrogenesis, the growth plate and mesenchymal condensation are essential for further chondrocyte differentiation (2). Our results indicated that 3D micromasses differentiated in a low-oxygen environment were larger in diameter than those differentiated at a normal oxygen tension. This result is not necessarily surprising, given the fact that native fat tissue is adapted to much lower oxygen tensions in vivo, and an environment of 2% oxygen may be consistent with physiological conditions (27). However, in addition to the ambient oxygen (normoxia vs. hypoxia), our micromass culture developed hypoxic oxygen and nutrient gradients from the periphery toward the center of the micromass. This gradient is reflected in decreased chondrogenic differentiation of Alcian blue in the center (unpublished data). In addition, our data showing decreased micromass DNA content in 2% oxygen suggested possible apoptosis within the long-term 3D differentiated micromasses. Thus, the long-term 2% oxygen stress may have caused the severe oxygen reduction in the center of hypoxic micromasses.
In addition to chondrogenesis, we also assessed the osteogenic capacity of AMCs under reduced oxygen tension. Unlike human AMCs, murine AMCs do not mineralize to a significant degree in osteogenic medium without retinoic acid or vitamin D supplement (23). Therefore, we assessed the osteogenic potential of AMCs treated with these osteogenic inducers under hypoxia and normoxia. In summary, we observed that oxygen tension strongly affected osteoprogenitor differentiation in AMCs at various conditions. Two percent oxygen tension profoundly influenced osteogenic capacity and mineralization, suggesting that the differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells was inhibited in lower ambient oxygen. In a recent study, transcriptional profiling has revealed that after transient oxygen reduction, Runx2, a critical transcription factor determining bone formation, was downregulated in primary calvarial osteoblasts. Subsequently, hypoxic exposure inhibited bone mineralization in osteoblasts (31). This current study is a first step toward understanding osteoprogenitor behavior in a reduced oxygen microenvironment throughout differentiation. In particular, a growing body of literature demonstrates that hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α is induced after low-oxygen insult in certain types of cells (26). Therefore, direct association between the elevation of HIF-1α protein and chondro- and osteogenesis in multipotent MSCs will be of great interest. Given that osteoprogenitors are exposed to a hypoxic postinjury milieu and that mesenchymal precursors are the key component of the cascade in bone repair, it is important to elucidate the pathways involved in hypoxic processes for MSCs (20). In addition, the influences of hypoxia in specific lineage transitions within primary culture heterogeneous AMCs must be characterized in future experiments. New insights into the osteoblastic response to hypoxia will further benefit therapeutic applications for wound healing and bone regeneration.
Strategies for efficiently directing multipotent MSCs into their specific lineage progenitor cells have not yet been defined. Nongenetic approaches are attractive because microenvironmental factors, such as oxygen tension, are easier to manipulate. For example, the 21% oxygen tension used as the normoxic condition exceeds the partial pressure of oxygen in most mammalian tissues; it would be interesting to study the effect of other oxygen conditions on AMC lineage commitment. In this study, we found that consistent exposure of a heterogeneous population of AMCs to a reduced oxygen environment inhibited both osteo- and chondroprogenitor lineage differentiation. However, the influence of transient/short exposure to hypoxic environment in AMCs has yet to be elucidated. The proliferative effect of AMCs under lower oxygen tension suggests that the relative physiological environment may provide a suitable condition for MSC proliferation. We hypothesize that transient exposure to reduced oxygen tension on the heterogeneous population of AMCs may inhibit osteoprogenitor cells and may actually promote or enrich other lineage progenitors such as prechondrocytes. Further investigations into the possible effects of hypoxia on the lineage commitment of the heterogeneous AMCs are required.
In conclusion, chondrogenesis and osteogenesis are highly influenced by the oxygen microenvironment of AMCs. Specifically, the in vitro chondrogenesis and osteogenesis models utilizing AMCs will allow us to dissect the multiple functional steps of mesenchymal differentiation during chondro- and osteogenesis.
This study was supported by National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research Grants DE-14526 and DE-13194 and an Oak Foundation Grant (to M. T. Longaker).
We greatly thank Asavari Gupte for carefully reading the manuscript.
↵* P. Malladi and Y. Xu contributed equally to this work.
The costs of publication of this article were defrayed in part by the payment of page charges. The article must therefore be hereby marked "advertisement" in accordance with 18 U.S.C. Section 1734 solely to indicate this fact.
- Copyright © 2006 the American Physiological Society