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What You Need To Know About Professional Teeth Whitening
Could Your Teeth Be Brighter Or Whiter?
If your teeth are discoloured, this could be caused by many factors. Some reasons could include aging, smoking, certain antibiotics, and staining food like red wine, cola, tea, or coffee.
Not to worry – you can still have a pearly white smile. We can restore your smile using one of several simple tooth-whitening procedures. Our dentist will check to ensure you have no underlying diseases, and then select the most appropriate type of whitening for you.
Take-Home Teeth-Whitening Kit
We will provide a bleaching gel and tray, which is similar to a mouth guard. This will be worn overnight in your home. In as little as three days your teeth will be looking whiter.
Zoom! Teeth Whitening
We also administer the Zoom! teeth whitening system. This procedure is performed within our office, and the appointment takes about an hour. During the procedure, the dentist will apply a light-activated agent, which will effectively remove the stains on your teeth without harming them.
Crest® Professional Whitening
Perhaps you have seen Crest's whitening strips sold in stores. This professional system offered at Millrise is just as simple to use, but is up to 80% more effective than those purchased in store.
Contact Us Today
Would like to find out more about the services offered at our office? Please request an appointment online today.


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Dawkins Visits Houston
Quickie review:
The Houston area skeptics, along with a few hundred other guests, were treated to a lecture from renowned evolutionary biologist, Richard Dawkins, Tuesday night.
Dawkins spoke at the fabulous Wortham Center in Houston's Theater District, which is no small venue for a scientist. In fact, it's quite an impressive place for anyone to speak. And being Dawkins' first time to visit the Space City, the Bayou City, the Big Steamy, his presentation was equal to the setting.
Now, I have to admit to having been bored by Dawkins' speeches before. Not the ideas contained therein, but his manner of public address has perhaps caught me after lunch or when I have missed out on a full night sleep for some reason, because I have been perilously close to napping more than once. But on this occasion, there was no such danger. And I have to think it was me all along, because he spoke in the same manner as before, and spoke about the same ideas as before, and I thoroughly enjoyed the talk.
The Houston skeptics, and other followers of science and scientific issues, really found nothing new in the presentation, as Dawkins program was basically a high-level summary of his book, The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution. But even for those old hats, hearing the evidence for evolution laid out in such an eloquent fashion is a value add, to employ a bit of tired corporate vernacular.
We get comfortable with the concept of evolution, and we know all the scientific and rational arguments to refute a denier, but often, unless we work in the field, we don't always consider the specific evidence for it, and just how powerful it is and the levels it covers. Dawkins' book reminds us of that, and his talk reminds us of that.
So if he's coming through your town with this program, get your local group together, have a nice dinner, and then enjoy an evening listening to a pretty bright guy discuss the evidence for one of the most amazing scientific ideas ever.

subset: commoncrawl


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Spot News – SPNW
Coverage of events for which no advance planning was possible. Examples include, but are not limited to, accidents, fires, natural disasters, weather and spot police action. Each entry may consist of multiple images.
General News – GENW
Coverage planned events where advanced planning was possible. Examples include, but are not limited to, courtroom events, funerals, news conferences, mock exercises, and campaigns. Spot news that develops during the course of planned events (such as riots at a protest) should be entered in Spot News. The protest was something you could plan for, the riot was not. Each entry may consist of multiple images.
Sports Action – SPAC
Action photos from a sporting event. Each entry may consist of multiple images, though photo stories focused on sports should be entered in the Photo Story/Essay category, or in Sports Feature depending on the depth and narrative arch of the collection.
Sports Feature – SPFT
Feature photos from a sporting event outside the action of play. Images showing the thrill of victory or agony of defeat or moments from within the bounds of a sporting event otherwise missed outside the action. Also acceptable are short form photo stories focused on sports. Longer form photo stories focused on sports should be entered in the Photo Story/Essay category. As such, each entry may consist of multiple images.
Feature/Single Picture – FTSG
Images and subjects that don't fit in Spot News, General News, Sports or Illustration. Typically found moments or slices of life. Pictorial images – images that show graphic and aesthetic qualities of a subject with strong emphasis on composition – may also be entered here. Single images only.
Photo Story/Essay – PSES
Entries in this category must include multiple images. The category is intended for more in-depth work including photo essays, picture stories, investigative/documentary work, sequences, or series. Images from planned events or sporting events may be entered in this category but ONLY if they possess a narrative arc through the entry. The number of images per entry must be at least three and no more that 15.
Portrait/Illustration – POIL
Controlled/posed portrait of a subject. Uncontrolled entries may also inlcude photos that reveal the essence of a subject's character. Digitally manipulated or staged or constructed photographic illustrations may also be entered here, with proper note on the type of manipulation or set up in the image's caption.


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IRS implements new registration requirements for Section 501(c)(4) organizations.
We previously reported that social welfare organizations had to register under section 506 of the Internal Revenue Code. The IRS has delayed the start date for the new requirement. They have now issued temporary and proposed regulations. They have also issued form 8976 for registration.
Social welfare organizations have 2 options when seeking tax exemption. They can self-declare their tax exempt status under section 501(c)(4) and file 990 or 990-ez for future years. They can also file form 1024 to seek a formal IRS declaration of their tax exempt status.
Under the temporary and proposed regulations, social welfare organizations that were established between December 18, 2015 and July 8, 2016, have not applied for tax exempt status but have filed at least one annual return or notice (form 990 series) do not have to file form 8976.
Organizations that were established before December 18, 2015, but had not applied for a determination of tax exempt status, and had not filed an annual return or report, must file form 8976 within 60 days from the issuance of these regulations. The deadline is therefore September 6, 2016.
The form must be filed electronically. You can get an extension for reasonable cause, which is described in Revenue Procedure 2016-41. There are penalties for late filing.
If you are thinking of forming an organization under section 501(c)(4), this is an important requirement. Call us if you have questions.


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Our aim is to bring you the latest Lisa news and updates on a regular basis.
Don't hesitate to search through the archives for some hidden gems, including interviews, video footage and recordings you may have missed elsewhere. Feel free to add your comments and share via the social media links Twitter and Facebook.
If you have some comments or would like to add an exclusive newsworthy item then hit the button below....
#TBT - 25 years ago SPIN magazine published one of Lisa's first major U.S interviews with a distinctive front cover. Photography in this article by Rocky Schenck who later went on to direct two of Lisa's videos; Never Never Gonna Give You Up (1997) & The Line (1997).
8/8/2015 06:17:06 pm
I adore this woman! Truly one of the greats, and it was such a treat working with her for many years! All good wishes, lady!
16/8/2015 02:47:52 pm
Thanks so much Rocky for your message. Aside from your incredible photography, your collaboration with Lisa on two beautifully shot videos (Never Never Gonna Give You Up & The Line) were pure class. How amazing would it be, to get you both working on a new project together in the future?
Leave a Reply.
October 2023
Copyright © Bev 2012-2023
Lisa's Official website http://lisa-stansfield.com


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Ability is a family-owned business that provides heating, plumbing, and electrical services in areas such as Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells, Crowborough, East Grinstead, Paddock Wood, and all surrounding areas. Our engineers are gas safe registered and gold accredited Worcester Bosch installers. We regularly carry out gas safety checks on rental properties.
Landlords are responsible for the servicing and safety checks on their rental property. There are strict guidelines that they must adhere to and all boilers have to have a minimum of 92% efficiency in accordance with the Boiler Plus legislation.
When boilers are old and start to go wrong they are not always viable for repair. Tenants cannot be left without heating and hot water for long periods of time as this could lead to health implications. There are many makes and models of boilers and going with the cheapest option for a rental property is not always the best option. The Worcester 2000 model from Worcester Bosch offers the same high-quality but without any extras so keeps the costs relatively low. When considering a new boiler it is always important to consider the aftercare. The tenant will also be given the reassurance they have a good quality boiler.
A good quality boiler could also increase the interest in the rental property and in the longterm save the landlord money.
Heating companies are always in high demand in the winter months due to boiler breakdowns. When considering to replace a boiler a big saving can be made if the installation is carried out in the summer months. Therefore if a lot of maintenance is needed on the boiler it's always best to replace the boiler in the summer months before it breaks down completely in the winter especially if you own more than one rental property.
If you would like a free quotation for a boiler installation please do not hesitate to call Ability on 01892 514495 or email firstname.lastname@example.com


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How back-of-house dispensers support overall restaurant cleanliness.
By John Goetz
It's no surprise that a restaurant's back-of-house (BOH) procedures, or what's happening in the kitchen, can have a big impact on guest satisfaction in the front-of-house (FOH). For instance, a slow cooking process can increase wait times for hungry patrons while poorly sanitized food preparation surfaces can negatively affect food safety.
Until recently, customers had little visibility into a restaurant's BOH operations. However, the "open kitchen" trend has brought some of the BOH to the FOH to showcase chef talent and the inner workings of restaurants. If a patron's negative experience is shared on a review site, social media platform or with family and friends, this can seriously impact a restaurant's reputation and its bottom line.
Thus, it's important for restaurants to invest equally in FOH and BOH hygiene. Owners and managers should understand the benefits of the latest cleaning technology, like chemical dispensers, and how they can enhance and simplify everyday cleaning tasks.
Cleanliness is Key
If you were to walk into a restaurant and find dirty dishes, sticky tables, smelly drains or overflowing trash receptacles, would you want to eat there? Probably not, and neither would most Americans. According to a 2016 Harris Poll, 97% of U.S. consumers would be influenced to not return to a restaurant if they experienced some type of issue related to the facility, such as dirty surfaces, bad odors and dirty restrooms. So not only does cleanliness keep patrons happy during their visit, it is crucial to a business's long term profitability.
Cleanliness also manages the risk of foodborne illness, which can lead to lost revenue and pose a serious health risk to customers. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 48 million people get sick from foodborne illnesses; 128,000 are hospitalized; and 3,000 die each year. A 2016 survey conducted by TrendSource Inc. found that 56% of respondents were "unlikely" or "very unlikely" to return to a restaurant if someone they know became ill from eating there.
BOH processes, like dishwashing, can also contribute to first impressions of a restaurant. For example, a dirty plate or fork can make a customer question the cleanliness of the entire restaurant. Dishes that are not sanitary can contribute to the spread of disease or foodborne illnesses. There's no shortage of dining establishments in the world, meaning that dissatisfied customers will simply take their business elsewhere if basic cleanliness expectations are not met.
The Uses and Benefits of Chemical Dispensers
Chemical dispensers are ideal for several applications in a commercial kitchen. For example, drains can quickly clog in restaurant settings, especially those serving foods that are high in oil and fat content, such as Italian restaurants, burger joints, etc. Grease buildup can cause undesirable odors and also often provides breeding grounds for flies. Drain flies can spread disease on food or food surfaces, increasing the risk of foodborne illness in humans. Dispensers easily clean dirty drains and grease traps by moving liquid enzymes or probiotic products through quickly and effectively during pre-programmed times, preventing foul odors and backups from occurring.
Restaurant tables and floors can quickly become sticky and dirty from constant use. Chemical dispensers make it easy, accurate and repeatable to fill spray bottles and buckets for cleaning tasks such as wiping surfaces and mopping spills. Dispensers conveniently fill up all types of containers with accurate dilutions while monitoring water pressure and water levels.
Dispensers can also simplify warewashing. Some dishes require manual washing. In this case, dispensing systems distribute the proper amount of detergents and sanitizer into three-compartment sinks to eliminate dilution guesswork for employees. Dispensers can also be programmed to fit and fulfill the needs of commercial kitchens by hooking up to the dishwashing machine. Some dispensing systems come equipped with technology to provide downloadable reports on chemical usage and cost per rack, which ensure dishware and silverware will emerge sparkling and clean.
In addition to versatility for different applications, chemical dispensers offer numerous benefits, including:
- Ease of use: Within the foodservice industry there is a high turnover among hourly employees, limiting the ability to build expertise through training. Fortunately, dispensers are extremely easy to operate, increasing the chances that employees will learn to use the tools properly to maintain BOH and FOH cleanliness.
- Compliance: Many dispensers have features designed to meet compliance criteria and ensure food safety. For instance, some warewash dispensers can notify personnel if the high-temperature dishwasher does not reach the correct sanitation temperature or if the wash tank water needs changing.
- Accuracy: When employees manually measure chemicals, too much or too little product is often used. Dispensers properly dilute cleaning chemicals, reducing wasted product and water, as well as improving cleaning results.
- Safety: Dispensers reduce employee contact with potentially hazardous or irritating chemicals.
- Productivity: With properly diluted chemicals, there is a much higher probability that cleaning is done right the first time. No longer will residues from too much chemical be left on surfaces, or dirt and grime remain because too little chemical was applied. Automating the warewashing process reduces the need for increasingly costly hourly labor for a dedicated dishwasher and speeds up the process of getting clean and sanitary dishes the first time.
- Cost savings: Better control of chemical use helps reduce spend on these products, while easy-to-use dispensers improve productivity of the cleaning process, leading to cost savings.
Finding the Right Dispenser
Dispensing systems come in multiple shapes and sizes and address a number of different needs. Restaurant owners and managers should assess which types of systems they need for their business. Once the applications have been narrowed down, it's important to consider dispensers that:
- Have easy locking buttons to save time when filling large sinks or buckets.
- Use technology to enable perfect dilution rates every time.
- Fulfill their chemical needs, as some can dispense multiple chemicals.
- Automatically regulate water flow or pressure.
- Are designed to save space while being easy to install.
- Are easy to maintain.
Serving up Cleanliness
While the FOH buzzes with eager diners and sizzling entrees, the BOH handles cooking, warewashing and preparation of spray bottles and buckets for use in the kitchen, restrooms and dining areas. If the BOH is a mess, odds are the FOH is as well. By utilizing dispensing technology, restaurant owners and managers invest in a clean brand image that keeps guests returning time and time again.
— John Goetz is a global product manager with Hydro Systems, the world's largest independent manufacturer of chemical injecting, proportioning, dispensing and medicating equipment. He can be reached at [email protected]. For more information, visit www.Hydrosystemsco.com.


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A rare Leica camera fetched a world-record price of € 336,000 ($491,000) for cameras of its type at auction in Vienna today.
The tiny portable black camera dating from 1923 becomes the most expensive small camera in the world and the second most expensive camera ever sold at auction.
It was bought by an anonymous European collector.
The Leica camera was the seventh of a series made in Germany to test the market for portable cameras, and intended for export to New York.
The world's most expensive camera sold at auction was a Daguerrotype early camera made by the Susse brothers dating from 1839 and sold in May for €580,000 ($848,000).
Source: Daily Telegraph


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The Solution That Saves is part of an innovative state pilot to determine the cost benefits of providing Permanent Supportive Housing to high utilizers of crisis services. "High-utilizers" refers to persons experiencing homelessness who have chronic health conditions and frequently cycle through costly publicly funded systems of care. These systems include emergency rooms, shelters, criminal justice, and psychiatric facilities.
Ability Housing was the recipient of a special appropriation of funding through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to fund one of three pilot sites to demonstrate the effectiveness of providing PSH to high utilizers of crisis services who are experiencing housing instability. The pilot sites are located in Duval, Miami-Dade and Pinellas Counties.
A supportive housing work-group was convened, comprised of representatives from The Agency for Health Care Administration, Department of Children and Families, Department of Elder Affairs, Department of Health, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Florida Housing. These work-group members evaluated the pilot proposals and agreed to assist Florida Housing and each pilot site with addressing respective issues regarding the implementation of the pilot and cost-benefit study and/or evaluation.


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The NADPH oxidase of myeloid cells, NOX2, generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) to eliminate pathogens and malignant cells. NOX2-derived ROS have also been proposed to dampen functions of natural killer (NK) cells and other antineoplastic lymphocytes in the microenvironment of established tumors. The mechanisms by which NOX2 and ROS influence the process of distant metastasis have only been partially explored. Here, we utilized genetically NOX2-deficient mice and pharmacologic inhibition of NOX2 to elucidate the role of NOX2 for the hematogenous metastasis of melanoma cells. After intravenous inoculation of B16F1 or B16F10 cells, lung metastasis formation was reduced in B6.129S6-Cybbtm1DinK (Nox2-KO) versus Nox2-sufficient wild-type (WT) mice. Systemic treatment with the NOX2-inhibitor histamine dihydrochloride (HDC) reduced melanoma metastasis and enhanced the infiltration of IFNγ-producing NK cells into lungs of WT but not of Nox2-KO mice. IFNγ-deficient B6.129S7-Ifngtm1Ts/J mice were prone to develop melanoma metastases and did not respond to in vivo treatment with HDC. We propose that NOX2-derived ROS facilitate metastasis of melanoma cells by downmodulating NK-cell function and that inhibition of NOX2 may restore IFNγ-dependent, NK cell–mediated clearance of melanoma cells. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(9); 804–11. ©2017 AACR.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are short-lived compounds that arise from electron transfer across biological membranes where the electron acceptor is molecular oxygen and the initial product is superoxide anion (O2−). ROS refer to oxygen radicals such as O2− and the hydroxyl radical (OH.) along with nonradicals, including hydrogen peroxide, that share the oxidizing capacity of oxygen radicals and may be converted into radicals (1). ROS are generated as by-products of mitochondrial ATP generation in the electron transport chain but are also produced in a regulated fashion by the NADPH oxidases (NOX) and the dual oxidases (DUOX). This family of transmembrane proteins comprises NOX1-5 and DUOX1-2, whose only known function is to produce ROS (2).
The NOX proteins are structurally similar and utilize a similar principal mechanism of ROS generation but vary in cellular and subcellular distribution. NOX2 is expressed almost exclusively in cells of the myeloid lineage such as monocyte/macrophages and neutrophilic granulocytes (3, 4). These cells utilize NOX2-derived ROS to eliminate intra- and extracellular microorganisms (5). NOX2 has also been linked to immunosuppression in cancer: when released from myeloid cells into the extracellular space, ROS generated by NOX2 may trigger dysfunction and apoptosis of adjacent antineoplastic lymphocytes, including natural killer (NK) cells (6–9). The strategy to target ROS formation by myeloid cells has been proposed to improve the efficiency of cancer immunotherapy (3, 10–12).
The role of ROS and NOX2 for the growth and metastatic spread of cancer cells is, however, complex and controversial. Thus, although the genetic disruption of Nox2 reduces the subcutaneous growth of murine melanoma and lung carcinoma, it does not affect sarcoma growth or prostate cancer growth in mice (13, 14). Also, the in vivo administration of scavengers of ROS such as N-acetyl-cysteine reduces the tumorigenicity of murine melanoma cells (15) but enhances lymph node metastasis in other melanoma models, accelerates tumor progression in mouse models of B-RAF- and K-RAS-induced lung cancer and accelerates the metastasis of xenografted human melanoma cells in immunodeficient mice (16–18).
The detailed mechanisms of relevance to the discrepant impact of ROS for the growth and spread of cancer cells remain to be elucidated. Further understanding of the role of ROS for cancer progression requires experimental models that address a distinct phase of tumor progression, define the source of ROS, and take mechanisms of immunosurveillance into account. For the present study, we aimed at determining the impact of genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of NOX2 in a murine NK cell–dependent model of melanoma metastasis.
Materials and Methods
Culture of cell lines
B16F1 and B16F10 murine melanoma cells were obtained in 2013 from the Cell Culture Laboratory at the Department of Virology, University of Gothenburg, where cells were authenticated by melanotic morphology and checked for absence of mycoplasma using PCR before freezing aliquots. Each aliquot was thawed and cultured for no more than 1 week for each experiment. Cells were cultured in Iscoves' medium containing 10% FCS (Sigma-Aldrich), 2 mmol/L L-glutamine, 1 mmol/L sodium pyruvate, 100 U/mL penicillin, and 100 mg/mL streptomycin at 37°C, 5% CO2 for 1 week before inoculation into mice.
Induction of lung metastasis in Nox2-KO and Ifng-KO mice
All animal experiments were approved by the Research Animal Ethics Committee in Gothenburg. Mice were maintained under pathogen-free conditions according to guidelines issued by the University of Gothenburg. C57BL/6 mice were obtained from The Charles River Laboratories. B6.129S6-Cybbtm1Din(Nox2−/− or Nox2-KO) mice that lack the myeloid gp91phox subunit NOX2 and, thus, a functional ROS-forming NOX2 were obtained from The Jackson Laboratory. B6.129S7-Ifngtm1Ts/J (Ifng−/− or Ifng-KO) mice that do not produce IFNγ (19) were kindly provided by Prof. Nils Lycke, MIVAC at University of Gothenburg. Naïve C57BL/6, Nox2-KO, and Ifng-KO mice (6—12 weeks of age) were treated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with PBS (control), HDC (Sigma, 1,500 μg/mouse), IL15 (0.04 μg/mouse), alone or combined, on the day before, the day after, and 3 days after intravenous (i.v.) inoculation of B16F10 cells (5 × 104–15 × 104 cells/mouse) or B16F1 cells (20 × 104–30 × 104 cells/mouse). Three weeks after tumor inoculation, mice were euthanized by cervical dislocation followed by harvesting of lungs and spleens. Lung metastasis was determined by counting visible pulmonary metastatic foci under a light microscope. The experimental design is outlined in Fig. 1A.
For assessment of the impact of NOX2 inhibition on immune parameters during the early phase of tumor progression, mice received HDC at 1,500 μg/mouse or PBS (control) 1 day before the inoculation of B16F10 cells followed by dissection of lungs at 30 minutes or 24 hours after tumor cell inoculation as shown in Fig. 2A. In the latter experiments, naïve mice and HDC-treated mice that did not receive melanoma cells were used as additional controls.
Preparation of single-cell suspensions from lungs and spleens
Lung tissues were dissociated into single cells by combining enzymatic degradation of extracellular matrix with mechanical dissociation using gentle MACS Technology (Miltenyi Biotech) based on instructions provided by the manufacturer. Single-cell suspensions of splenocytes were prepared by mashing the spleens through a 70-μm cell strainer followed by depletion of erythrocytes using RBC Lysing buffer (Sigma-Aldrich).
Flow cytometry
The following fluorochrome-labeled antimouse mAbs were purchased from BD Biosciences: anti-CD45 (30-F11), anti-CD11c (HL3), anti-IaIe (2G9), anti-CD3 (145-2311), anti-CD4 (RM4-5), anti-CD8 (53-6.7), anti-NK1.1 (PK136), anti-CD19 (1D3), anti-CD11b (M1/70), anti-Gr1 (RB6-8C5), anti-CD40 (3/23), and anti-Ly6C (AL-21). Anti-CD33 (29A1.4) was from Ebiosciences; anti-F4/80 (BM8) and anti-CD69 (H1.2F3) were from BioLegend. LIVE/DEAD Fixable Yellow Dead Cell Stain Kit or DAPI (both from Invitrogen) were used as cell viability markers in flow cytometry analyses. A minimum of 100,000 gated live cells were collected on a four-laser BD LSRFortessa (405, 488, 532, and 640 nm). Data were analyzed using FACSDiva Version 8.0.1 software (BD Biosciences).
Detection of ROS
Superoxide anion production was determined by use of the isoluminol-electrogenerated chemiluminescence technique as described elsewhere (20). Briefly, single-cell suspensions of lungs were diluted to 107 cells/mL in Krebs-Ringer glucose buffer supplemented with isoluminol (10 mg/mL; Sigma-Aldrich) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP, 4 U/mL, Boehringer) and added to 96-well plates that were incubated at 37°C. Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA, 5 × 10−8 M, Sigma-Aldrich) or the formyl peptide receptor agonist WKYMVm (10−5 M, Tocris Bioscience) were added for induction of ROS production. Light emission was recorded continuously using a FLUOstar Omega plate reader (BMG). In some experiments, HDC (10–1,000 μmol/L, final concentrations) was added 5 minutes prior to the addition of WKYMVm.
Depletion of Gr1+ and NK cells in vivo
Gr1+ cells were depleted by i.p. injections of 400 μg anti-Gr1 antibody (BioXCell, Clone RB6-8C5) 2 days before B16 cell inoculation. This procedure depletes >95% of Gr1+ cells in blood and other tissues (21). NK cells were depleted by i.p. injections of 250 μg anti-NK1.1 antibody (BioXCell, Clone PK136) 4 days and 2 days before B16F10 cell inoculation. NK-cell depletion was confirmed by flow cytometry on lungs and spleen tissue harvested on days 1, 3, and 6 after antibody injection.
NK-cell isolation and adoptive transfer
Spleens were harvested from WT C57BL/6 mice and single-cell suspensions were prepared. Splenocytes were enriched for NK cells by passage through nylon wool columns (Polysciences). NK cells were then negatively selected using an NK-cell isolation kit II (Miltenyi Biotech) according to the manufacturer's instructions to a purity of >70%. Five million enriched NK cells were injected i.v. 12 hours before inoculation of B16F10 cells. WT NK cells in Ifng−/− mice were detected 2 days after adoptive transfer by collecting peripheral blood followed by DNA extraction and PCR. The primer pair used for detection of WT Ifng was 5′AGAAGTAAGTGGAAGGGCCCAGAAG 3′ and 5′AGGGAAACTGGGAGA GGAGAAATAT 3′. For detection of the disrupted IFNγ gene (Ifng−/−) the primer pair 5′TCAGCGCAGGGGCGCCCGGTTCTTT 3′ and 5′ ATCGACAAGACCGGCTTCCATCCGA 3′ was used (19).
Detection of IFNγ
Mice were pretreated with HDC (1,500 μg) or PBS on the day before i.v. inoculation of B16F10 cells. Thirty minutes after tumor cell inoculation mice were sacrificed and single-cell lung cell suspensions were prepared. Lung cells were cocultured overnight with B16 cells (500,000 cells/mL) in flat bottom 96-well plates at effector:target cell ratios of 1:1 to 50:1. Supernatants were collected after 24 hours and the IFNγ content was determined by ELISA (Mouse IFNγ DuoSet ELISA, R&D Systems).
Statistical analysis
Two-tailed paired or unpaired t tests were used for statistical calculations. For multiple comparisons, one-way ANOVA followed by the Holm–Sidak multiple-comparison test was used.
Inhibition of NOX2 reduces hematogenous melanoma metastasis
To elucidate the role of NOX2-derived ROS in murine melanoma metastasis, we utilized genetically modified mice that lack the myeloid gp91phox subunit NOX2 and thus a functional ROS-producing NOX2 in myeloid cells (Nox2-KO mice). Over a range of amounts of i.v. inoculated B16F10 cells, it was observed that the establishment of melanoma metastases was less pronounced in lungs of Nox2-KO mice compared with WT B6 mice (Fig. 1B). We next evaluated effects of HDC, a NOX2-inhibitor (22), on melanoma metastasis in WT and Nox2-KO mice. These experiments were performed using loads of injected B16F10 cells that produced comparable numbers of metastases in WT and Nox2-KO animals; that is, 100,000 B16F10 cells for WT mice and 150,000 cells for Nox2-KO mice. In agreement with a previous report (23), systemic treatment of mice with HDC (1,500 μg/mouse i.p.) during the initial phase of melanoma engraftment (days −1, 1, and 3 after tumor cell inoculation) decreased the number of lung metastases in WT mice. These effects were not observed in Nox2-KO mice (Fig. 1C). The NK cell-activating cytokine IL15 (24; 0.04 μg/mouse on days −1, 1, and 3) exerted antimetastatic activity in vivo in WT and Nox2-KO mice (Fig. 1C). Combined treatment with HDC and IL15 additively reduced B16F10 metastasis in WT mice but not in Nox2-KO mice (Fig. 1C). Experiments using the B16F1 strain of melanoma cells (25) confirmed the reduced level of metastasis in Nox2-KO mice and the NOX2-dependent, antimetastatic effect of HDC in vivo (Fig. 1D).
HDC targets ROS formation in vitro and in vivo
CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid cells express NOX2 and constitute the principal source of extracellular ROS in blood and tissue (26, 27). Accordingly, CD11b+Gr1+ cells isolated from the lungs of naïve WT mice, but not from Nox2-KO mice, produced extracellular ROS upon stimulation, whereas the Gr1− fraction of lung cells produced minute extracellular ROS (Fig. 2A). ROS formation from WT lung cells was dose-dependently suppressed by HDC in vitro (Fig. 2B).
In experiments designed to assess the dynamics of ROS-producing myeloid cells in lungs after B16F10 cell inoculation (Fig. 2C), we observed a pronounced and transient influx of CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid cells into lungs at 30 minutes after i.v. inoculation of tumor cells (Fig. 2D and E). Systemic treatment with HDC prior to melanoma cell inoculation did not alter the degree of influx of myeloid cells into lungs (Fig. 2E) but reduced the ROS formed ex vivo in lung cell suspensions (Fig. 2F). To further clarify the impact of CD11b+Gr1+ cells on melanoma metastasis, Gr1+ cells were depleted from WT mice before treatment of mice with HDC and i.v. inoculation of B16F10 cells. The extent of lung metastasis was reduced in the absence of Gr1+ cells. Systemic treatment with HDC did not affect metastasis in Gr1+-depleted mice (Fig. 2G).
Role of NK cells for melanoma metastasis in WT and Nox2-KO mice
NK-cell function is reportedly critical to limit lung metastasis in experimental models of murine melanoma (23, 28). To define the role of NK cells in the context of NOX2 inhibition, WT and Nox2-KO mice were depleted of NK cells by anti-NK1.1 antibody treatment prior to melanoma cell inoculation. NK-cell depletion more than doubled metastasis formation in WT and Nox2-KO mice. HDC did not inhibit melanoma metastasis in animals depleted of NK cells (Fig. 3A). In experiments designed to clarify whether the reduced ROS levels in lungs following administration of HDC translated into altered NK-cell function at the site of tumor expansion, it was observed that treatment of mice with HDC entailed increased NK-cell counts in lungs, but not in spleen, at 3 weeks after tumor cell inoculation (Fig. 3B). Unexpectedly, we detected fewer NK cells in lungs and spleens of Nox2-KO mice than in WT animals (Fig. 3B). Also, as shown in Fig. 3A, the degree of metastasis was strikingly enhanced in NK cell–depleted Nox2-KO mice, which may point toward the possibility of increased functionality of NK cells in the absence of NOX2.
NOX2 inhibition enhances the capacity of lung NK cells to produce IFNγ
As the antimetastatic functions of NK cells in the B16 model reportedly rely on the formation of IFNγ (29, 30), we assessed the IFNγ production of pulmonary NK cells from Nox2-KO and WT mice. Lung cells were isolated 30 minutes after B16F10 cell inoculation and IFNγ production was then assessed upon coculture of lung cells with B16F10 cells in vitro. Only minor amounts of IFNγ (<25 pg/mL) were detected when lung cells or B16 cells were cultured alone. Also, minute levels (<10 pg/mL) of IFNγ were produced in cocultures of lung cells and B16 cells after the depletion of NK cells in vivo using anti-NK1.1, thus supporting that the IFNγ produced in these cell cultures was contributed by NK cells (Fig. 3C). It was further observed that lung NK cells from Nox2-KO mice produced significantly higher amount of IFNγ ex vivo at a lung cell to melanoma cell ratio of 50:1 compared with lung NK cells from WT mice (WT vs. Nox2-KO lungs; 297 ± 81 vs. 749 ± 27 pg/mL, respectively; P = 0.004, t test). A similar experimental design was adopted to assess the impact of pharmacologic NOX2 inhibition by HDC on the formation of IFNγ in lungs. Lung cells were isolated from HDC-treated or control WT mice at 30 minutes after B16F10 cell inoculation. When lung cells were cocultured with the B16 cells, higher concentrations of IFNγ were produced ex vivo by lung NK cells isolated from mice treated with HDC in vivo (Fig. 3C).
Role of IFNγ in NOX2-mediated control of melanoma metastasis
We next assessed the capacity of B16F10 cells to form metastases in Ifng-KO versus WT mice. In accordance with earlier studies (29, 30), melanoma metastasis was enhanced in IFNγ-deficient mice (Fig. 4A). Systemic treatment with HDC did not reduce melanoma metastasis in Ifng-KO mice (Fig. 4B). The adoptive transfer of IFNγ-producing WT NK cells, but not the transfer of Ifng-KO NK cells, to Ifng-KO mice significantly restored the antimetastatic efficacy of HDC (Fig. 4B). Presence of cells with Ifng+/+ genotype in blood of Ifng-KO mice was confirmed by PCR at 2 days after the adoptive transfer of WT NK cells (Fig. 4C).
We report that genetic inhibition of NOX2, which mediates oxidative stress by generating ROS from myeloid cells, reduced the capacity of two strains of murine melanoma cells (B16F1 and B16F10) to form lung metastases after i.v. inoculation, apparently by facilitating NK cell–mediated clearance of malignant cells. Also, treatment of mice with the NOX2 inhibitor HDC reduced melanoma metastasis in WT but not in Nox2-KO mice. Our results concur with a study showing that HDC reduces the subcutaneous growth of EL-4 thymoma tumors in WT but not in Nox2-KO mice (31), thus, underscoring that the antineoplastic efficacy of HDC depends on the availability of NOX2.
Our results also show that the establishment of melanoma metastases was associated with a rapid and transient accumulation of ROS-forming CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid cells in the lung parenchyma and that the ROS-forming capacity of infiltrating myeloid cells ex vivo was suppressed by the in vivo administration of HDC. Pharmacologic inhibition of NOX2 also entailed increased numbers of lung NK cells in tumor-bearing mice. In agreement with earlier studies (29, 30), the availability of IFNγ was critical for NK cell–mediated clearance of B16 melanoma cells from lungs. Furthermore, the antimetastatic effect of HDC was absent in Ifng-KO mice but could be reconstituted by the adoptive transfer of Ifng+/+ NK cells. Collectively, these results imply that the antimetastatic properties of HDC rely on the availability of NK cell-derived IFNγ. We observed that despite the more efficient NK cell–mediated clearance of melanoma cells in Nox2-KO, rather than in WT mice, higher counts of NK cells were detected in the lung parenchyma of WT mice. This finding implies that NK cells were more efficient effector cells on a per cell basis in Nox2-KO mice. In agreement with this hypothesis, we observed that pulmonary NK cells from Nox2-KO mice showed enhanced formation of IFNγ ex vivo.
From these results, we hypothesize that NOX2-derived ROS produced by myeloid cells may exert oxidative stress with ensuing reduction of NK cell–mediated clearance of melanoma cells and aggravation of metastasis. In agreement with our findings, the subcutaneous growth of murine melanoma and lung carcinoma was reduced in Nox2-KO mice (13). However, several studies report contradictory effects of ROS on the course of experimental melanoma and other forms of cancer, in particular regarding direct effects of ROS on tumor cells. Cancer cells, thus, display elevated ROS concentrations due to enhanced metabolism and mutations that trigger oxidative processes (32–34). The increased ROS may promote mutagenesis and may also render tumor cells more prone to expand and produce distant metastases (34–37). In agreement, overexpression of the antioxidant SOD3 inhibits murine breast cancer cell metastasis (38), and the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-cysteine reduces the tumorigenicity of murine melanoma cells (15).
High endogenous ROS concentrations in malignant cells may also render these cells more vulnerable to further stresses (34, 39, 40). Hence, anticancer therapies that trigger a further increase in ROS formation may induce cell death in cancer cells compared with their non-malignant counterparts (34, 41, 42). In addition, ROS can limit malignant growth by triggering activation of p53, whereas antioxidants enhanced tumor progression in a p53-dependent manner (17). Antioxidants can enhance lymph node metastasis in a model of genetically related melanoma (16). In immunodeficient NOD-SCID-Il2rg−/− mice, oxidative stress reduces the ability of primary melanoma cells to metastasize, whereas treatment with antioxidants enhanced metastasis (18).
We hypothesize that at least two mechanisms of relevance to melanoma metastasis and ROS-mediated oxidant stress are operable in immunocompetent mice, that is, direct effects of ROS on tumor cells that may either inhibit or enhance melanoma cell expansion, and oxidant-induced immunosuppression that may promote tumor growth and metastasis. The relative significance of these partly opposing mechanisms may relate to the sensitivity of melanoma cells to the growth-promoting or toxic effects of ROS as well as to the sensitivity of melanoma cells to immune-mediated clearance. This view may, at least in part, explain the contradiction that the in vivo administration of ROS-scavenging antioxidants such as N-acetylcysteine promotes as well as prevents murine melanoma metastasis (15–17).
The source of ROS may be critical for its capacity to promote or inhibit tumor progression. In our model, only ROS derived from NOX2-sufficient myeloid cells were targeted. In contrast, ROS scavengers such as N-acetyl-cysteine may also neutralize ROS generated from other sources, including those formed in mitochondria during cell respiration (16). The notion that NOX2+ myeloid cells may facilitate melanoma metastasis is supported by the findings that neutrophil infiltration of human primary melanomas heralds early metastatic spread (43) and that the exposure of murine cutaneous melanomas to UV light or chemical carcinogens triggers neutrophil-dependent inflammation that promotes metastasis (44, 45). Indeed, the adoptive transfer of CD11b+Ly6G+ neutrophilic granulocytes enhances the formation of lung metastases after i.v. inoculation of murine carcinoma cells (46). The effect was secondary to granulocyte-induced inhibition of NK-cell function. Neutrophil secretion of IL1β and matrix metalloproteinases contributed to tumor cell extravasation but the detailed mechanism of NK-cell inhibition was not defined (46).
Although further studies are required to clarify the detailed impact of granulocytes and other NOX+ myeloid cells for the course of cancer, our results imply that the release of NOX2-derived ROS from these cells may constitute a mechanism of NK-cell inhibition during metastasis of relevance to these previous reports, and that strategies to target NOX2-derived ROS may facilitate NK cell–mediated clearance of metastatic cells. This assumption gains further support by the results of the present study showing that the depletion of Gr1+ cells reduced melanoma metastasis, and that NOX2 inhibition using HDC did not affect metastasis in Gr1+-depleted animals. Additionally, the finding that IL15, an NK-cell–activating cytokine, improved the antimetastatic efficacy of pharmacologic NOX2 inhibition in WT animals suggests a combinatorial immunotherapy to reduce metastasis formation.
In summary, our results suggest that NOX2 function affects NK cell–mediated control of murine melanoma metastasis. We propose that pharmacologic inhibition of NOX2, alone or combined with immunostimulatory strategies, should be further evaluated in preventing melanoma metastasis.
Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest
K. Hellstrand and A. Martner are authors of issued or pending patents protecting the use of histamine dihydrochloride in cancer immunotherapy. K. Hellstrand is a consultant/advisory board member for Consultancy Meda Pharma. No potential conflicts of interest were disclosed by the other authors.
Authors' Contributions
Conception and design: E. Aydin, K. Hellstrand, A. Martner
Development of methodology: E. Aydin, F.H. Nazir
Acquisition of data (provided animals, acquired and managed patients, provided facilities, etc.): E. Aydin, J. Johansson, F.H. Nazir
Analysis and interpretation of data (e.g., statistical analysis, biostatistics, computational analysis): E. Aydin, F.H. Nazir, K. Hellstrand
Writing, review, and/or revision of the manuscript: E. Aydin, J. Johansson, F.H. Nazir, K. Hellstrand, A. Martner
Administrative, technical, or material support (i.e., reporting or organizing data, constructing databases): E. Aydin
Study supervision: K. Hellstrand, A. Martner
We are grateful to Prof. Nils Lycke, MIVAC, University of Gothenburg, for providing the B6.129S7-Ifngtm1Ts/J mice.
Grant Support
This work was supported by the Swedish Research Council (2012-2047 to A. Martner; 2012-3205 to K. Hellstrand), the Swedish Society for Medical Research (SSMF to A. Martner), the Swedish Cancer Society (CAN 212/595 to A. Martner; CAN 2015/411 to K. Hellstrand), the Swedish state via the ALF agreement (ALFGBG-436961 to A. Martner), the Erna and Victor Hasselblad Foundation (to A. Martner), the Torsten and Ragnar Söderberg Foundation (to K. Hellstrand), the Assar Gabrielsson Foundation (to E. Aydin), BioCARE—a National Strategic Research Program at University of Gothenburg and the Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg (to A. Martner).
The costs of publication of this article were defrayed in part by the payment of page charges. This article must therefore be hereby marked advertisement in accordance with 18 U.S.C. Section 1734 solely to indicate this fact.


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Discipline: Computer Sciences & Information Management
Subcategory: STEM Research
Lijun Qian - Prairie View A&M University
Although there have been extensive studies on multiscale modeling of cancer from molecular level to tumor level in the past decade, drug effect modeling has mostly remained at the pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) characterization in modern pharmacotherapy without any multiscale consideration and integration with existing multiscale tumor studies. Thus, there is a need to develop multiscale computational models which cover the divide between organism-level PK/PD model and cell-level biochemical models. In this study, a stochastic hybrid systems model that links the drug efficacy obtained at the cell population level to pathways of interest at the molecular level is proposed and investigated. A simulation study of the proposed model for colon cancer cell line HCT-116 with drug Lapatinib input is carried out and compared with the results from the wet-lab experiments at TGen. The observation is that Lapatinib repressed the cancer cells from proliferating and there exist a slow start for the first 10- 15 hours then a linear segment, and later after 30 hours a saturation in response as equally observed in the experiments at TGen. It is demonstrated the proposed model in silico has potential to aid progress towards integrative personalized medicine, in which we can administer optimal patient-specific nutritional or therapeutic regimen based on the patient's profiles and drug effects.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): NSF HBCU-UP award 1238918
Faculty Advisor: None Listed,


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I have never been a big fish fan, I'm not sure why but it's never really appealed to me. Lent is always a struggle for me to find new ways for me to enjoy fish. This recipe however is one of my go tos. It is so easy and so full of flavor it helps me forget I'm eating fish!
- 4 Tilapia Fillets
- 1/4 C. William Sanoma Chili Lime Rub
- 4 T. Olive Oil
- Juice of 1 Lemon
- Preheat grill (medium-low heat)
- Line a baking sheet with tin foil.
- Combine rub, lemon juice and olive oil in a small bowl and whisk until you make a thick paste.
- Coat fish in paste and lay on foil lined baking sheet.
- Place baking sheet on grill and cover for 3 min.
- Flip fish and cover, cook for an additional 3 min on the other side.
- Serve with steamed or grilled veggies like my Lemon Garlic Asparagus.
Hunkiedorië Founder
Creative Director
Foodie & Craft Pro


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Fusion Guitar Pick Blue
Some folks called and requested a pick that was just like the Chicken Picker except just a bit wider. More thumb grip. So, the V-PICKS Fusion guitar pick was born…
A good buddy of mine named Chris Bernard came up with the F-hole idea and the name.
Jazz III players will especially love this one. This pick is fantastic for all kinds of playing and all kinds of guitars. My Strat, Les Paul, PRS and 335 all sound and play amazing with this pick! It is small enough to tuck away in your knuckle or between your fingers and yet not as small as some of the jazz picks I have played with. It really does surprize me how GOOD this pick feels! The 1.5mm has a lot of snap and bite to the sound. Really a pretty flat EQ comes off this pick. It is an even and consistent sound and yet still has the very full spectrum that V-PICKS are known for. This Fusion guitar pick really is an excellent pick indeed, IMO.
The Sapphire Blue is just a knock out! Please know that V-PICKS are heat treated and then flame buffed. So, with this blue material, if you hold it up in the light, you will be able to see the heat marks from the flame. I like to call them "flame broiled". I consider it to be the mojo in these guitar picks. This treatment, by the way, makes our picks last longer, slip over the string faster as well. It also give the edge a much better surface than a pick that is just cut or buffed on a buffer wheel as all other acrylic picks out there on the market. This is just one thing that makes V-PICKS Guitar Picks the best picks on this planet!


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At Ecolab, we believe the best teams are diverse and inclusive – and we are on a journey to create a workplace where every associate can grow and achieve their best. The business leaders who make up our Executive Diversity & Inclusion Council set the strategic framework to ensure progress through teamwork and commit to inspiring action. We are excited about the work we're doing to define a path to our future. Ecolab is a place where you can grow your career, own your future and impact what matters.
Our focus on diversity, equity and inclusion reflects our longstanding values of working together with diverse perspectives to challenge ourselves, reach our goals and do what's right. This is reflected in how we recruit, develop and promote our talented associates, in our commitment to creating respectful and inclusive workplaces and in how we do business with our customers and suppliers.
As a global leader, we believe we also have a responsibility to advance equity – both within our organization and in our communities where we live, work and raise our families. We are working to increase our focus on educating and equipping our teams globally, to build understanding, address inequity and bring our associates together in solidarity to listen, learn and grow together.
Learn more about our diversity goals and how we are holding ourselves accountable.
EMPLOYEE RESOURCE GROUPS (ERGs)
As part of our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, Ecolab proudly supports Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). These employee-initiated and -led groups represent unique cultures, experiences and backgrounds across 72 countries with nearly 5,000 members. Ecolab ERGs provide business insights, solve business problems, build leadership skills and act as "brand ambassadors" in their communities. ERGs are open to all associates. Here is some more information about each individual ERG:
The mission of the Asian Community at Ecolab (ACE) is to strengthen the company's business by fostering active engagement among Asian affiliated associates, the company, our customers and the community. This is accomplished through professional development, cultural linkage, diverse talent recruitment and retention, and customer and community engagement. ACE's goals include:
- Strengthen cultural linkage among Ecolab Asian affiliated employees and its global work force;
- Improve talent recruitment and retention of Asian affiliated employees to increase Ecolab diversity;
- Provide opportunities for professional development of Ecolab Asian affiliated employees; and
- Encourage customer and community engagement for ACE members.
BRIDGES is focused on generational understanding, advocacy and leadership of high-performing teams across generations of Ecolab associates, business partners and community partners. Its mission is to promote generational understanding as it relates to work and management style, rewards/recognition, workplace etiquette, communication style, development needs, recruiting and retention and knowledge transfer. BRIDGES's goals include:
- Improve team building and communication skills across generations;
- Promote knowledge transfer from one generation to the next;
- Provide networking, development and informal mentoring opportunities;
- Support Ecolab's growth and strategic plan; and
- Complement and foster Ecolab's engagement culture and inclusion initiatives.
CONNECT brings together young professionals across business units and functions through networking, career development events and community service projects. CONNECT reaches out to new hires with the goal of easing the transition into Ecolab and helping lay the foundation for a successful and fulfilling career. CONNECT's goals include:
- Build a strong young professionals network through social events and community service activities;
- Provide opportunities for new employees to establish a network outside of their core work group at Ecolab; and
- Host professional development events on topics relevant to individuals early in their careers.
The mission of the Disability Ability Wellness Network (DAWN) is to support Ecolab's growth by creating an inclusive culture for the advancement of associates with differing abilities and in care-taking roles, thereby improving the communities in which we work and live. DAWN's goals include:
- Foster an inclusive environment at Ecolab for all associates of various abilities and their caretakers.
- Raise awareness and educate colleagues about disabilities, available resources and opportunities.
- Shift mindsets to recognize the deep value of various abilities; seeing strengths not weaknesses.
- Support talent destination efforts of attraction, retention, and engagement.
E3 is a global Ecolab leadership development network that serves to foster a community that supports the company's recruitment, development and retention of female talent. The women and men active in E3 help create a positive climate for change and advocate for an inclusive culture for all Ecolab employees. E3's mission is to empower, engage and energize the company to measurably accelerate the advancement of women leaders to help drive business growth. Membership benefits include leadership opportunities, formal mentoring, networking and professional development.
EcoEssence provides thought leadership on issues that are important to all associates, but specifically those of African and African-American descent. This group of progressive leaders is committed to enhancing Ecolab's world class organizational status by positively influencing the recruitment, development and retention of African and African-American associates. EcoEssence's goals include:
- Serve as the company's subject matter experts and go-to resource on matters related to culture, inclusion and other areas of value for associates of African descent;
- Partner with corporate HR on African-American recruiting, placement and retention efforts;
- Serve as a resource for African-American associates regarding career and leadership development at Ecolab; and
- Establish an Ecolab presence in local communities by engaging local organizations through volunteering activities.
EcoMondo provides an inclusive international business and social network open to Ecolab associates with international interests. Its mission is to support Ecolab's growth through the integration and development of global talent and the promotion of cultural diversity and global talent mobility. EcoMondo enhances associate global capabilities through:
- Educational sessions led by Global Ecolab Leaders;
- Foreign language education;
- Social and professional networking events with a global focus; and
- Sharing work experiences with associates throughout the world.
In addition, EcoMondo partners with internationally focused external organizations that provide additional education and networking opportunities for our members.
Hispanics & Advocates Collaborating at Ecolab for Results (HACER) provides advocacy and leadership to encourage the growth and development of all Ecolab associates and business partners, particularly those of Hispanic/Latino descent. HACER supports Ecolab's business growth, particularly within the Hispanic/Latino segment. HACER' s goals include:
- Envision and create meaningful alliances with customers, external Hispanic/Latino Employee Networks and community-based organizations on behalf of Ecolab
- Empower our associates to participate in committees that focus on a variety of potential personal interests, such as, communications, community relations, membership recruitment, event planning, or program development
- Enhance Ecolab's brand and commitment to local Hispanic/Latino communities while being energized through volunteer opportunities
- Execute Ecolab's ability to attract, engage, and develop a diverse and dynamic talent base
- Embody inclusion across Ecolab
The mission the Military Employee Resource Group at Ecolab (MERGE) is to provide awareness, support and leadership within Ecolab for veterans, those currently serving, those impacted by military service and supporters. Our purpose is to foster a military-friendly sense of community and appreciation within Ecolab and our local communities. MERGE's goals include:
- Create a sense of internal community through service, social and recognition events;
- Serve as a resource for active service members and veterans on related Ecolab policies and deployment support;
- Extend the scope and presence of MERGE beyond major office locations;
- Support Ecolab's ability to attract, engage and develop military talent through support of recruitment efforts, professional development and mentorship activities; and
- Promote Ecolab in business and local communities as a military-friendly organization.
PLAN is a group of administrative support professionals within Ecolab, whose mission is to connect administrative and support professionals with quality learning and experiential opportunities to develop the tools, skills and relationships needed to PLAN and succeed! Programs and resources for PLAN members include:
- Professional development and technical training programs which target the specialized needs of members;
- Critical tools, resources and a forum for sharing best practices;
- Internal and external networking events; and
- Professional recognition programs and events.
PRIDE is a formal organization for Ecolab associates who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or allies of the LGBTQ+ community. Its mission is to offer support and visibility within and beyond Ecolab and provide an official point of contact between its members and Ecolab, including external LGBTQ+ organizations. PRIDE's goals include:
- Provide a support network for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people at Ecolab;
- Promote Ecolab in the business and local communities as a diverse and inclusive organization attracting associates and driving brand association;
- Serve as a liaison between the PRIDE membership and Ecolab and other organizations outside of Ecolab;
- Develop a sense of community for LGBTQ+ and allied associates at Ecolab;
- Provide a visible presence within Ecolab, and act as an advocate for inclusion within appropriate channels at Ecolab;
- Serve as a source of information for and about the LGBTQ+ community within Ecolab; and
- Have fun, and foster a sense of pride in Ecolab.
Ecolab shows that it fully supports its employees,
their families, their communities, and the unique
perspective each of them brings.
Tyler Grinstead
Sr. Financial Analyst
Naperville, IL
Senta Riley
Sr. Mechanical Engineer
Eagan, MN
Andrew Liu
Director Marketing
Naperville, IL
Sr. Financial Analyst
Naperville, IL
Sr. Mechanical Engineer
Eagan, MN
Director Marketing
Naperville, IL
Hear From Our Team
About Ecolab
Ecolab is the global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services. Every day, we help make the world cleaner, safer and healthier – protecting people and vital resources.
Ecolab is an Equal Opportunity Employer–minorities, females, veterans, individuals with disabilities, sexual orientation, and gender identity.


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This is the personal Blog of Todd Cochrane CEO of RawVoice and Podcast Connect. Who is the Host of the Geek News Central Podcast and Lead Blogger
Todd resides in Honolulu Hawaii with his family and is heavily involved in Podcasting space.
I was informed this morning that my father died in an automobile accident. My family and I am leaving Honolulu for Michigan this afternoon. My connectivity will be spotty at best and I will likely be very consumed over the next week with the details. One of my Niece's was with him and she is not doing well either so prayers for her are appreciated. Regardless my cell will be best way to contact me at 808-741-4923
My dad was a hard worker and great father he would not want me to halt everything so I will connect when I can
[Open letter to veterans signed by twenty-one Medal of Honor recipients]
Dear fellow veterans:
We have listened to Senator Kerry falsely attack President Bush for months over funding for veterans, and it's time to set the record straight. The truth is President Bush has led the way on improving veterans' benefits, supporting our troops and restoring honor and dignity to the White House.
Since 2001, President Bush has increased veterans funding by over $20 billion, and funding for veterans' health care has increased by 40 percent since he took office. Funding for veterans has gone up twice as fast under President Bush as it did under President Clinton, and those who accuse the President of cutting funding are simply not being honest with veterans.
Meanwhile, John Kerry voted against a $1.3 billion increase in veterans health care, skipped votes on concurrent receipt and voted against funding for our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. And while he talks a good game, Kerry's record shows he is out of the mainstream. The American Flag symbolizes our ideals, our history and our values. President Bush shares this belief and supports a Constitutional Amendment banning desecration of the Flag. John Kerry believes this is "an attack on free speech."
We are disturbed that John Kerry would try to scare veterans with his false accusations, and we are disappointed in his lack of support for today's troops. Please join us in setting the record straight and showing your support for President Bush — a leader who has proven his support for those who have served, backs our troops defending our nation and shares our values.
*The signatures on this letter of Medal of Honor recipients does not denote the support or endorsement of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society


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This site is entirely user-supported. See how you can help.
We don't have any photos of this monument yet. Why don't you be the first to send us one?
If Google Street View is available, the image is from the best available vantage point looking, if possible, towards the location of the monument. Where it is not available, the satellite view is shown instead.
Latitude: 50.7305 / 50°43'49"N
Longitude: -1.1997 / 1°11'58"W
OS Eastings: 456581.434617
OS Northings: 92623.939844
OS Grid: SZ565926
Mapcode National: GBR 9CL.3J0
Mapcode Global: FRA 87C4.Y5L
Entry Name: Quarr Abbey
Scheduled Date: 4 February 1953
Last Amended: 11 January 1996
Source: Historic England
Source ID: 1012714
English Heritage Legacy ID: 22034
County: Isle of Wight
Civil Parish: Fishbourne
Traditional County: Hampshire
Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Isle of Wight
Church of England Parish: Binstead Holy Cross
Church of England Diocese: Portsmouth
The monument includes the upstanding and buried remains of a Cistercian
monastery on the north east coast of the Isle of Wight. The remains are Listed
Grade II and largely contained within the original precinct boundary which can
be traced for most of its course. Some extra-mural features have been recorded
beyond the precinct boundary.
The buildings generally associated with a Cistercian house were present at
Quarr and largely conformed to the usual ground plan, except that all the
buildings are to the north of the church. The upstanding remains of buildings
which can be identified are the cellarium, parts of the kitchen and refectory
or frater, a wood house, the warming room and parts of the undercroft of the
monks dorter and infirmary chapel. The remains of the other buildings within
the precinct exist as buried features. The complex has an extant Listed Grade
II precinct wall on the east and north sides. The remainder can be traced on
aerial photographs. The church of the house lay along the axis and partially
beneath the trackway which crosses the monument in an east-west direction. The
archway which crosses this track lies on the line of a connection between the
cellarium and the west front of the church. No remains of the church can be
identified on the ground. The cloister lay to the north of the church. The
existing barn represents the range of buildings to the west of the cloister,
and its entrance to the north has a group of 13th century lancet windows which
have been reset. This west range of buildings consisted of the cellarium or
food store for the monastery, and is high enough to have had a dorter or
dormitory for the lay brothers above. Extant parts of the range of buildings
to the north of the cloister include part of the kitchen and vestiges of its
interior including a hatch between the kitchen and the south end of the
refectory or frater. There is also the boundary between the frater and the
warming room on its east side. To the east of the warming room some walls of
the undercroft of the monks dorter survive. Next to the door in the refectory
is a recess, reputedly for a cupboard. To the north east of the refectory is a
section of wall and an arch, which is thought to be a wood store or part of
the abbot's lodging. The buildings to the east of the cloister survive as
buried features, and beyond these further to the east is a fragment of wall
and part of a fireplace with square head and panelled sides of 14th century
date together with a round headed north window. This was the infirmary chapel.
Much of the extant precint wall remains to its original height of c.3m. In the
north west corner of the circuit there are the blocked remains of a gateway.
Set into the north precinct wall are two gunports of medieval type.
To the south and west of the precinct wall, aerial photography has identified
further evidence of occupation, some features being confirmed as earthworks on
the ground. To the east of the precinct wall is a leet which links the
fishponds of the abbey at one end and enters the abbey precinct in the
vicinity of the infirmary chapel. The fishponds are the subject of a separate
The abbey was founded in 1131 under Benedictine rule by Baldwin de Redvers,
Lord of the Island, as a daughter house of Savigny. Savigny with its daughter
houses joined the order of Citeaux in 1147 with the result that Quarr changed
to the Cistercian order. Threat of attack by the French in the late 14th
century led the Abbot of Quarr to obtain a licence to crenellate in 1365, and
the work had begun the following year. An approximately square area of 800ft
was enclosed with a wall of Quarr stone and Bembridge limestone rubble. There
is no subsequent record of the abbey being attacked. Though not the oldest of
the Anglo-Norman foundations on the island, it was certainly the largest and
most important. Nevertheless at the time of the Dissolution, Quarr, with an
income of less than 200 pounds a year, was reckoned a lesser house and was
closed by order of the King's Commissioners on 22 July 1536.
In 1891 Mr P G Stone partly excavated the site and recorded the ground plan of
the abbey. In addition, there are documentary references of 1535 to a mill to
the east or south east of the south gate, while the marshy area to the south
of the abbey church is reputed to be the location of a fishpond inside the
precinct wall.
The house which fronts onto the north side of the track and lying on the south
end of the west side of the cloister is excluded from the scheduling, as are
the houses known as Quarr Abbey Lodge and Farway, the northern range of
buildings and lean-to structures of Quarr Abbey Farm, the building on the west
side which abuts the lean-to, the free-standing barn to the west of Quarr
Abbey Farm and to the north of Quarr Abbey Lodge, all post and wire fences and
the water trough, although the ground beneath all of these features is
The site of the monument is shown on the attached map extract.
Source: Historic England
From the time of St Augustine's mission to re-establish Christianity in AD 597
to the reign of Henry VIII, monasticism formed an important facet of both
religious and secular life in the British Isles. Settlements of religious
communities, including monasteries, were built to house communities of monks,
canons (priests), and sometimes lay-brothers, living a common life of
religious observance under some form of systematic discipline. It is estimated
from documentary evidence that over 700 monasteries were founded in England.
These ranged in size from major communities with several hundred members to
tiny establishments with a handful of brethren. They belonged to a wide
variety of different religious orders, each with its own philosophy. As a
result, they vary considerably in the detail of their appearance and layout,
although all possess the basic elements of church, domestic accommodation for
the community, and work buildings. Monasteries were inextricably woven into
the fabric of medieval society, acting not only as centres of worship,
learning and charity, but also, because of the vast landholdings of some
orders, as centres of immense wealth and political influence. They were
established in all parts of England, some in towns and others in the remotest
of areas. Many monasteries acted as the foci of wide networks including parish
churches, almshouses, hospitals, farming estates and tenant villages. Some 75
of these religious houses belonged to the Cistercian order founded by St
Bernard of Clairvaux in the 12th century. The Cistercians - or "white monks",
on account of their undyed habits - led a harsher life than earlier monastic
orders, believing in the virtue of a life of austerity, prayer and manual
labour. Seeking seclusion, they founded their houses in wild and remote areas
where they undertook major land improvement projects. Their communities were
often very large and included many lay brethren who acted as ploughmen,
dairymen, shepherds, carpenters and masons. The Cistercians' skills as farmers
eventually made the order one of the richest and most influential. They were
especially successful in the rural north of England where they concentrated on
sheep farming. The Cistercians made a major contribution to many facets of
medieval life and all of their monasteries which exhibit significant surviving
archaeological remains are worthy of protection.
The Cistercian abbey of Quarr is known from partial excavation and survey to
contain archaeological information and environmental evidence relating to the
abbey and the economy of its inhabitants. Quarr Abbey is well documented as
the largest and most important Anglo-Norman foundation on the Isle of Wight.
It is central to a variety of contemporary features, including fishponds and a
leet, in addition to other associated settlement remains on the island which
were granges of the abbey. The precinct wall contains two of the earliest
gunports recorded in Britain.
Source: Historic England
Books and journals
Hockey, S F, Quarr Abbey and its Lands 1132-1631, (1970), 50
Ed Hockey, D S F, 'Isle of Wight Records Series' in The Charters of Quarr Abbey, , Vol. 3, (), intro
Renn, D F, 'Archaeological Journal' in The Earliest Gunports in Britain?, , Vol. 125, (1968), 301-303
Stone, P G, 'The Architectural Antiquities of the Isle of Wight' in The Architectural Antiquities of the Isle of Wight, , Vol. 1, (1891)
Bailey, J. and Basford, F., 117/5/86 and 31-8-90,
Source: Historic England
Other nearby scheduled monuments


text: Recipe# 204923 Sep 23 Petha by Tarla Dalal 20 reviews petha recipe | petha sweet | Agra petha | dry petha - Indian sweet | with step by step images. petha is a special north Indian mithai that is especially famous in .... Add to Cookbook Add to Shopping List Upload a Photo View Reviews Received Recipe #2049 Petha You are not signed in. To add recipes to your cookbooks requires you to Sign In to your account Select the cookbook to add this recipe to Not signed in My Page My Recipes My Photos My Cookbooks My Reviews My Reviews Received


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Lozano-Sufrategui L, Pringle A, Carless D, et al. 'It brings the lads together': a critical exploration of older men's experiences of a weight management programme delivered through a Healthy Stadia project. Sport in Society 2017;20(2):303-315. DOI: 10.1080/17430437.2016.1173912.
Blunt W, Gill DP, Sibbald SL, et al. Optimization of the Hockey Fans in Training (Hockey FIT) weight loss and healthy lifestyle program for male hockey fans. BMC Public Health 2017;17(916). DOI: 10.1186/s12889-017-4926-z.
Budden T, Dimmock JA, Smith B, et al. Overweight and obese men's experiences in a sport-based weight loss intervention for men. Psychology of sport and exercise 2020;50:101750. DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2020.101750.
Hunt K, Wyke S, Gray CM, et al. A gender-sensitised weight loss and healthy living programme for overweight and obese men delivered by Scottish Premier League football clubs (FFIT): a pragmatic randomised controlled trial. The Lancet 2014;383(9924):1211-1221. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(13)62420-4.
Pringle A, Zwolinsky S, McKenna J, et al. Effect of a national programme of men's health delivered in English Premier League football clubs. Public Health 2013;127(1):18-26. DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2012.10.012.
Spandler H, Roy A, Mckeown M. Using Football Metaphor to Engage Men in Therapeutic Support. Journal of Social Work Practice 2014;28(2):229-245, DOI: 10.1080/02650533.2013.853286.
Vella SA, Swann C, Batterham M, et al. An Intervention for Mental Health Literacy and Resilience in Organized Sports. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 2021;53(1):139-149. DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000002433.


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To become a Student Member, nominations from Fellows or Members are considered and are recommended to the Student Members' Committee. Membership in this class is open to representatives of all professional disciplines in the field of learning disabilities.
The Nominee for Student
The Nominee's submission and all supporting documentation should be made in English.
Nominees should:
- Ask a professor who knows you well (preferably an IARLD Fellow or Member) to nominate you.
- Write a cover letter providing some background on your research accomplishments and interests and some thoughts on why you'd like to join IARLD. Make an electronic copy of your cover letter.
- Download the Personal Data Form for Student Member, complete the form and save it.
- Have an electronic copy of your CV available
- If relevant, have available electronic copies of any publications (peer-reviewed) ready.
In completing the Personal Data Form for Student Member the Nominee should provide comprehensive information and evidence so that the Students' Membership Committee can make a judgement about the nomination based on the following required criteria:
- Is a graduate or doctoral student in the scientific study of learning disabilities, and
- Has evidence of interest in and capacity to perform research in learning disabilities attested to by a faculty member of the student's college or university.
The Nominator for Student
The Nominator should send an email and/or attach a letter of nomination about the nominee to an email and send it to the Vice President/Chair of the Students' Membership Committee listed below.
A sample of content of the nomination letter for a Student Member has been provided. See Sample of Nominator's Letter. In their Nominator's letter, the Nominator should comment on how the Nominee meets the criteria for a Student. Nominators also need to provide information that can support the nomination. This could include judgement about:
- Caliber/quality of the student's work in her/his doctoral programme
- Passion for the field
- Interests in research and scholarly contributions to the field.
The Nominator and the Nominee should each email their nomination materials for Student to:
Henry B. Reiff, PhD
Vice President for Student Members
Dean of Student Academic Life
McDaniel College
2 College Hill
Westminster, MD 21157-4390


text:
I have 2 scenes, 1 with dom hotspots, other one without. When i changing scene console says "Cannot read property 'onOver' of null" and in scene which is without hotspots they staying. Tryed to hide with css
Code: Select all
var activeScene = this.viewer.story.scenes.filter(x => x.uid === this.viewer.story.sceneUid)[0];
activeScene.config.hotspots.forEach(function(eachObj) {
It works but anyway console spamming errors.
Example pen: https://codepen.io/BayramovNicat/pen/RLNYme
Can you help me with that?


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The operators of Mississippi's sole abortion clinic appeared in federal court Monday to fight a 2012 state law that would force its closure—which would make Mississippi the first state in the 41 years since Roe v. Wade to not have an abortion provider.
Jackson Women's Health Organization is challenging HB 1390, which stipulates that all physicians in the state who perform abortions have admitting privileges at hospitals. Although doctors at the bright-pink colored clinic have repeatedly applied for privileges, they have been denied for reasons ranging from religion to desire to avoid controversy.
"Some we received no response from, but the ones that we did, they made reference to the fact that because the care we provide is related to abortion, they felt it might be disruptive to the internal politics, as well as the external politics, for the hospital," Dr. Willie Parker, a plaintiff in the case, told NPR. Parker files to Jackson from Chicago every week to be one of two doctors to perform the abortions.
A different three-judge panel in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a similar law in Texas last year, causing one-third of its clinics to close.
Lawyers on both sides have been arguing about the constitutionality of the law.
"Women across the state will be plunged back into the dark days of back-alley procedures that Roe was supposed to end," Julie Rikelmann, an attorney with the Center for Reproductive Rights fighting on behalf of the clinic, said in a statement. "This is a blatant violation of women's constitutional rights and an imminent danger to their health and well-being."
"It seems to me you've got a steep hill to climb when you say the only clinic in the state is closing," Judge E. Grady Jolly told attorney Paul Barnes of the Mississippi Attorney General's Office, the Associated Press reports. But Barnes told the three-judge panel that while the Supreme Court says the constitution allows for the right to an abortion, it doesn't allow for the right on an unsafe one.
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Published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing PlatformSeries: Perfect #1
Date Published: 1 August, 2013
Pages: 420
Genres: Romance
Format: eBook, Paperback
Source: Purchased
Purchase: Amazon
Add To Goodreads
I've been unsure about many things in my life except for one thing, that I have always loved him. Every single minute of every single day that I have been on this earth, my heart has belonged to him. It has never been a question, never a doubt. The love had taken on many different forms over the years, but it had always been a constant.
Everyone has their definition of love. There have been countless songs sung about it. A gazillion books, articles, and poems written about it. There are experts on love who will tell you how to get it, keep it, and get over it.
We're led to believe love is complicated. It's not the love that's complicated. It's all the crap that we attach to it and put in front of it that makes it difficult. If you're smart, you'll realize this before it's too late and simplify.
Amanda Kelly spent her entire life trying to control every aspect of it, while striving for perfection. Her obsession with being perfect, along with her feelings of worthlessness, consumed her. The one thing she thought was perfect in her life was the bond she shared with her best friend, Noah.
Everything was going according to her life plan until she woke up one day and realized she had fallen in love with him. The one thing she couldn't control was the affect he had on her. Noah had the power to give her one hundred lifetimes of happiness, which also gave him the power to completely devastate her. He was the one thing in her life that was perfect, but she couldn't allow herself to have him.
Her life begins to unravel. Events take over and force her to let go of her dreams and desires. She needs to realize that a person cannot control the events in their life, only their reaction to them...but will it be too late for her to save her relationship with her best friend?
Present Perfect is a story of how past events have present consequences and how perfect your present could be if you stopped fighting and just allowed it to happen.