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Apr-16-09 DCA Awards Over $69,000 in Shared Services Grant
DCA Awards Over $69,000 in Shared Services Grant
TRENTON - New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Joseph Doria today announced the award of over $69,000 in Sharing Available Resources Efficiently (SHARE) Grants. The grants will benefit municipalities across the state.
"Governor Corzine has stressed the importance of sharing services as a means to create greater efficiencies and reduce property tax burdens on New Jersey residents," said Commissioner Doria. "These municipalities and counties are to be commended for their dedication to driving down costs and increasing government efficiency."
Mount Holly Township will receive a $31,500 Feasibility Study Grant, which will help fund a study to determine the possibility of the Township sharing police services with Hainesport Township.
Salem County will receive a $26,900 Feasibility Study Grant, which will help fund a study to determine the possibility of a shared animal control shelter and animal control services between the County and six municipalities: Alloway Township, Carneys Point Township, Elmer Borough, Pilesgrove Township, Pittsgrove Township and Woodstown Borough.
Sussex County will receive a $11,168 Implementation Grant, which will be used to help offset the transitional costs of providing public works services to Andover Borough.
DCA's SHARE program provides assistance for the study or implementation of any regional service agreement, or for the coordination of programs and services authorized under the Uniform Shared Service and Consolidation Act. DCA has awarded nearly $10 million through 168 SHARE Grants since the program's inception in 2004.
For more information on the SHARE program, call 609-984-7764, or log on to www.nj.gov/dca/lgs/.


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subset: commoncrawl


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Top-ranked Steelers defense lacking in big plays
Every time a pass comes his way, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Keenan Lewis is faced with a choice: the ball or the man?
If Lewis chooses the ball, he knows he better be sure he can get a hand on it. If he chooses the man, Lewis knows he better bring the guy down, or else.
''You don't make that tackle, they score a touchdown on you and you might be coming out,'' Lewis said.
Lewis has proven to be a pretty shrewd decision-maker. His 21 pass breakups lead the NFL and he's rarely been beaten deep while serving as the backbone of a secondary that leads the NFL in fewest yards passing allowed.
The one thing Lewis hasn't done, is actually catch the ball. Then again, neither have the rest of his teammates on the league's top-ranked defense.
For all their responsible tackling, the Steelers (7-7) have lacked a certain menace this season, and it could cost them a playoff spot.
Heading into Sunday's game against Cincinnati (8-6), Pittsburgh ranks 27th in turnovers forced (13) and is tied for 23rd in sacks (27). Not exactly the formula that led the Steelers to three Super Bowl appearances - and two wins - in a six-season span from 2005 to 2010.
While the lengthy absences of safety Troy Polamalu, linebackers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley and cornerback Ike Taylor have played a role in the drop, the Steelers insist there are plays to be made, they're just not making them.
''I've dropped a ball that hit me in my face against Kansas City,'' said safety Ryan Clark, who has three of Pittsburgh's seven interceptions. ''Keenan dropped one against Tennessee. (Larry) Foote's dropped balls. We've had opportunities and that's on us.''
Hall-of-Fame defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau isn't complaining. His job is to design schemes that slow opponents down. Getting the ball is a bonus.
''You can talk about a lot of statistics, but leading the league in yardage yielded is an important one,'' LeBeau said. ''Do we need more interceptions? Sure. We need more turnovers ... but every week we're trying to keep our football team in the game, keep the score in a manageable position.''
Something the Steelers have done as well as anyone in the league. The game-turning plays, however, have been sporadic. Pittsburgh is on pace for its fewest turnovers and sacks since LeBeau returned for a second stint as defensive coordinator in 2004.
Some of it is the byproduct of a defense in transition.
A unit that began the season with seven starters in their 30s now features a secondary with four cornerbacks - Lewis, Cortez Allen, Curtis Brown and Josh Victorian - 26 or younger. It's the same along the defensive line, where 26-year-old nose tackle Steve McLendon is now basically a co-starter with 35-year-old Casey Hampton. Ditto the linebackers, where 24-year-old Jason Worilds leads the team with five sacks.
The youth movement has forced LeBeau to tinker a bit with his game plan. The Steelers spend the early portion of the game letting the youngsters get their feet set before unleashing the complex blitzes that are LeBeau's trademarks.
''With the younger guys back there we hold off a little bit and kind of simplify and so guys can play a little bit faster and they kind of know what they're doing,'' Hampton said. ''At the same time when it's simple there really shouldn't be no big plays or anything like that.''
Big plays haven't killed the Steelers this season, but little ones. The proliferation of short passing attacks give the front seven less time to get to the quarterback and shorter routes mean fewer opportunities for defensive backs to get in front of the ball.
''You look at it we've probably been one of the best teams in the NFL this year taking away the deep ball,'' Lewis said. ''Teams ain't really trying to throw deep like that no more. When you don't have those plays, those short plays is (less) of a risk to make a mistake.''
The Steelers have allowed just 18 passes over 25 yards this season and opponents are averaging just 5.9 yards per pass attempt, the lowest in the league. Yet their inability to create turnovers has forced the offense to deal with long fields almost every time it gets the ball.
Clark pointed to a 34-24 loss to San Diego two weeks ago as proof that the defense needs to be more opportunistic. The Steelers held San Diego to three straight three-and-outs with the ball near midfield in the first half. Each time the Chargers pinned the Pittsburgh offense deep in its own end. Each time the Steelers ended up punting and the Chargers finally capitalized on the great field position.
''We weren't flipping the field because we didn't make a play, special teams didn't make play and the offense didn't make a play,'' Clark said. ''Flipping the field is a huge part of the play ... if you look at the games we lost, that's why we lost.''
Not exactly. The Steelers have committed 27 turnovers this season, seventh-most in the league. Those miscues have often put the defense in difficult situations, even if Clark and company refuse to use it as an excuse.
If Pittsburgh was coasting into the playoffs - as it did last year when it created just 17 turnovers - the lack of takeaways wouldn't be an issue. But the Steelers have dropped four of five and need to win out to play past Dec. 30. The season could come down to one or two tipped passes that turn into interceptions or one fumble that ends up with a guy in a black helmet on top of it.
''We definitely need to get more turnovers and sacks and things like that if we want to be successful,'' Hampton said.
NOTES: Lewis missed practice on Thursday with a hip flexor and is questionable ... Polamalu sat out practice for the second straight day but it was not injury related.
Online: http://pro32.ap.org/poll and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL


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Microfluidic devices and systems
Microfluidic devices and systems, and particularly, microfluidic devices that are easier to handle by the operator, without damaging, contaminating or otherwise fouling, as a result of manual contact with the device. These microfluidic devices and systems include manual handling structures, to allow handling of the small scale devices with minimal potential for fouling as a result of manual contact with the device.
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Microfluidic systems have been previously described for carrying out a number of operations, including, e.g., capillary electrophoresis (Manz et al., J. Chromatog. 593:253-258 (1992)), gas chromatography (Manz et al., Adv. In Chromatog. 33:1-66 (1993)), cell separations (U.S. Pat. No. 5,635,358) and the like. Generally, such devices have been described in the context of proof-of-concept experiments, where they have been used in operations primarily performed by highly skilled technicians. Despite the advancements made with respect to these devices, however, such devices have not been adapted for use by less sophisticated operators.
In particular, the microfluidic devices and systems for controlling and monitoring the devices described to date, have generally included bulky, complex and expensive prototypical systems whose use requires complex series of operations and or a high level of skill on the part of the operator. Further, such systems are generally fabricated in the lab, where time and funding can be at a premium, resulting in little or no attention being given to features of the device that are not specifically directed to the fluidic elements. As such, these devices tend to be extremely sensitive to operator handling, and by implication, operator error. It would therefor be desirable to provide microfluidic devices and/or systems which are more "user friendly," i.e., more resistant to operator error, and particularly, operator handling error. The present invention meets these and other needs.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally provides improved microfluidic devices, apparatus and systems which reduce the potential for errors which arise from operator mishandling of such devices. In particular, the present invention provides microfluidic devices which comprises a substrate having a first surface and at least one edge, at least two intersecting microscale channels disposed in the substrate, and a detection window in the first surface which permits transmission of an optical signal from at least one of the at least two intersecting channels. These devices also comprise a manual handling structure attached to the substrate for handling the microfluidic device substantially without contacting the first surface of the substrate. Also provided are apparatus for utilizing these devices, which apparatus include electrical control systems for applying an electric field across each of the at least first and second intersecting channels within the device, as well as optical detectors disposed adjacent to the detection window within the device for receiving the optical signal.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a microfluidic device incorporating a manual handling structure.
FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an alternate embodiment of a microfluidic device incorporating a manual handling structure.
FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C schematically illustrates a further embodiment of a microfluidic device incorporating a manual handling structure from perspective, top, and bottom views, respectively.
FIG. 4 illustrates an ornamental design for a microfluidic device, which also incorporates a manual handling structure.
FIG. 5 shows a voltage controller coupled to a microfluidic device.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is generally directed to improved microfluidic devices and systems, and particularly, microfluidic devices that are easier to handle by the operator, without damaging, contaminating or otherwise fouling, as a result of manual contact with the device. Specifically, the present invention provides microfluidic devices and systems which include manual handling structures, for allowing easy handling of the small scale devices with minimal potential for fouling as a result of manual contact with the device. As noted above, previously, microfluidic devices have been used mainly in "proof of concept" applications, by highly skilled researchers for extremely low throughput applications, e.g., single sample separations etc. Because of the nature of this use, it has been largely unnecessary to provide microfluidic devices with elements to reduce or prevent operator error or mishandling. Specifically, because such devices were used by highly skilled researchers, the chances of their becoming damaged by operator error or mishandling were reduced. Similarly, because these devices had been used primarily in such "proof-of-concept" research, e.g., involving low throughput or single sample assays, they were generally considered disposable, somewhat obviating the need for significant barriers to mishandling and the like.
The microfluidic devices according to the present invention, on the other hand, are generally intended to be used by the ordinary research and development consumer, e.g., laboratory technicians, physicians in point of care diagnostic applications, in home testing, and the like. As such, the devices must generally be designed to withstand or prevent a certain level of consumer mishandling. Of particular relevance is mishandling due to excessive contact with the microfluidic device by the operator. For example, because microfluidic devices include channels having extremely small cross-sectional dimensions, e.g., regularly in the range of from 1 to 15 .mu.m, these devices are extremely vulnerable to fouling as a result of dirt, dust or other particulate matter which can be deposited in the reservoirs of the device and potentially block one or more of the channels of the device.
Further, in addition to fouling the interior portions of these devices, direct contact by a user with the surface of the microfluidic device can have a number of additional adverse effects. For example, the devices of the present invention typically include a detection window for observing or optically detecting the results of the operation of the device, e.g., assay results. Often such optical detection methods rely upon highly sensitive instruments, detectors and the like. Accordingly, any interference resulting from the collection of dirt or oils on this detection window can adversely effect the amount or quality of the signal that is transmitted by the window and detected by the detector.
Similarly, collection of dirt and oils on the surface of the microfluidic devices can provide surface locations at which moisture may condense during the operation of the device. Such moisture and condensation can provide an avenue for the contamination of the device, or cross contamination among the various fluid access ports or wells of the device. Further, and perhaps more critically, the formation of this condensation on the surface of an microfluidic device which employs an electrokinetic-based material transport and direction system can also lead to electrical shorting between adjacent reservoirs/electrodes used in these systems, e.g., as used in preferred aspects of the present invention. Such shorting can significantly reduce and even destroy the efficacy of these material direction and transport systems.
The problems associated with handling the microfluidic devices are compounded by the small size of these devices. In particular, because the microfluidic devices described herein have relatively small external dimensions, it is substantially more difficult to handle such devices without contacting large portions of the surface of the device. Further, improvements in fluid direction systems, e.g., electroosmotic systems, have permitted a substantial reduction n the size of microfluidic devices. As these devices shrink in size, it becomes more and more difficult to handle them, without contacting a substantial portion of their surfaces, potentially leading to the problems described.
By providing a means of manually handling or holding the device without contacting the surface of the device in which the reservoirs are disposed, one can substantially reduce the probability that dirt or dust might find its way into the reservoirs and channels of the device. Such dust and dirt can readily foul microfluidic channels which typically include at least one cross sectional dimension as small as 0.1 to 10 .mu.m, and typically in the range from about 5 .mu.m to about 100 .mu.m. Further, these manual handling structures, prevent contact by the user or operator with the relevant surfaces of the device, and thereby significantly reduce the probability that any surface contamination of the device will occur, which contamination could potentially lead to shorting and/or interference with the detection window.
As used herein, the term "microfluidic," or the term "microscale" when used to describe a fluidic element, such as a passage, chamber or conduit, generally refers to one or more fluid passages, chambers or conduits which have at least one internal cross-sectional dimension, e.g., depth or width, of between about 0.1 .mu.m and 500 .mu.m. In the devices of the present invention, the microscale channels preferably have at least one cross-sectional dimension between about 0.1 .mu.m and 200 .mu.m, more preferably between about 0.1 .mu.m and 100 .mu.m, and often between about 0.1 .mu.m and 20 .mu.m. Accordingly, the microfluidic devices or systems of the present invention typically include at least one microscale channel, and preferably at least two intersecting microscale channels disposed within a single body structure.
The body structure typically comprises an aggregation of separate parts, e.g., capillaries, joints, chambers, layers, etc., which when appropriately mated or joined together, form the microfluidic device of the invention, e.g., containing the channels and/or chambers described herein. Typically, the microfluidic devices described herein will comprise a top portion, a bottom portion, and an interior portion, wherein the interior portion substantially defines the channels and chambers of the device. In preferred aspects, the bottom portion will comprise a solid substrate that is substantially planar in structure, and which has at least one substantially flat upper surface. A variety of substrate materials may be employed as the bottom portion. Typically, because the devices are microfabricated, substrate materials will generally be selected based upon their compatibility with known microfabrication techniques, e.g., photolithography, wet chemical etching, laser ablation, air abrasion techniques, injection molding, embossing, and other techniques. The substrate materials are also generally selected for their compatibility with the full range of conditions to which the microfluidic devices may be exposed, including extremes of pH, temperature, salt concentration, and application of electric fields. Accordingly, in some preferred aspects, the substrate material may include materials normally associated with the semiconductor industry in which such microfabrication techniques are regularly employed, including, e.g., silica based substrates such as glass, quartz, silicon or polysilicon, as well as other substrate materials, such as gallium arsenide and the like. In the case of semiconductive materials, it will often be desirable to provide an insulating coating or layer, e.g., silicon oxide, over the substrate material, particularly where electric fields are to be applied.
In additional preferred aspects, the substrate materials will comprise polymeric materials, e.g., plastics, such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, polytetrafluoroethylene (TEFLON.TM.), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polysulfone, and the like. Such substrates are readily manufactured from microfabricated masters, using well known molding techniques, such as injection molding, embossing or stamping, or by polymerizing the polymeric precursor material within the mold. Such polymeric substrate materials are preferred for their ease of manufacture, low cost and disposability, as well as their general inertness to most extreme reaction conditions. Again, these polymeric materials may include treated surfaces, e.g., derivatized or coated surfaces, to enhance their utility in the microfluidic system, e.g., provide enhanced fluid direction, e.g., as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/843,212 filed Apr. 14, 1997, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
The channels and/or chambers of the microfluidic devices are typically fabricated into the upper surface of the substrate, or bottom portion, using the above described microfabrication techniques, as microscale grooves or indentations. The lower surface of the top portion of the microfluidic device, which top portion typically comprises a second planar substrate, is then overlaid upon and bonded to the surface of the bottom substrate, sealing the channels and/or chambers (the interior portion) of the device at the interface of these two components. Bonding of the top portion to the bottom portion may be carried out using a variety of known methods, depending upon the nature of the substrate material. For example, in the case of glass substrates, thermal bonding techniques may be used which employ elevated temperatures and pressure to bond the top portion of the device to the bottom portion. Polymeric substrates may be bonded using similar techniques, except that the temperatures used are generally lower to prevent excessive melting of the substrate material. Alternative methods may also be used to bond polymeric parts of the device together, including acoustic welding techniques, or the use of adhesives, e.g., UV curable adhesives, and the like.
In accordance with the present invention, the microfluidic devices and/or systems include a manual handling structure. By "manual handling structure" is meant a structural element that is attached to or an integral part of the microfluidic device or system, which facilitates the manual handling of the device or system, and prevents excess contact between the handler and the microfluidic device, per se. The holding structures may be fabricated as an integrated portion of the microfluidic device, e.g., as an extension of the device's body structure, or alternatively may comprise a separately fabricated structure that is attached to the microfluidic device, either permanently or removably. In the latter instance, the handling structure may be fabricated as a portion of a separate holder assembly, into which the microfluidic device is permanently or removably inserted. In either event, the microfluidic device is securely inserted into the holder assembly. Typically, such holding structures will be fabricated from a polymeric materital, e.g., polystyrene, polypropylene, or the other polymeric materials described herein. These materials are selected, again for their inertness to the various reagents, temperatures or other conditions to which the overall device might be subjected.
By reducing or preventing contact with the device, the manual handling structures described herein, serve to prevent fouling of the device resulting from excess handling of the device. For example, in a first aspect, the manual handling structures prevent the deposition of debris, e.g., dirt, dust or other detritus, on the surface of the device resulting from manual contact with that surface. Such debris can be deposited within the wells or reservoirs of the device, and can potentially clog or otherwise interfere with flow within the channels of the device. This is a particular hazard for devices which include large numbers of ports or reservoirs, providing greater opportunity for debris to find is way into the channel elements. These include those devices intended for the analysis of multiple samples, which devices can include upwards of 8, 12, 16 and even 18 or more reservoirs or ports.
As noted previously, the manual handling structures, as described in terms of the present invention, provide the most significant advantage in microfluidic devices which utilize either or both of electrical material direction/transport systems, and optical detection methods and systems.
In preferred aspects, the devices, methods and systems described herein, employ electrokinetic material transport systems, and preferably, controlled electrokinetic material transport systems. As used herein, "electrokinetic material transport systems" include systems which transport and direct materials within an interconnected channel and/or chamber containing structure, through the application of electrical fields to the materials, thereby causing material movement through and among the channel and/or chambers, i.e., cations will move toward the negative electrode, while anions will move toward the positive electrode.
Such electrokinetic material transport and direction systems include those systems that rely upon the electrophoretic mobility of charged species within the electric field applied to the structure. Such systems are more particularly referred to as electrophoretic material transport systems. Other electrokinetic material direction and transport systems rely upon the electroosmotic flow of fluid and material within a channel or chamber structure which results from the application of an electric field across such structures. In brief, when a fluid is placed into a channel which has a surface bearing charged functional groups, e.g., hydroxyl groups in etched glass channels or glass microcapillaries, those groups can ionize. In the case of hydroxyl functional groups, this ionization, e.g., at neutral pH, results in the release of protons from the surface and into the fluid, creating a concentration of protons at near the fluid/surface interface, or a positively charged sheath surrounding the bulk fluid in the channel. Application of a voltage gradient across the length of the channel, will cause the proton sheath to move in the direction of the voltage drop, i.e., toward the negative electrode. "Controlled electrokinetic material transport and direction," as used herein, refers to electrokinetic systems as described above, which employ active control of the voltages applied at multiple, i.e., more than two, electrodes. Rephrased, such controlled electrokinetic systems concomitantly regulate voltage gradients applied across at least two intersecting channels. Controlled electrokinetic material transport is described in Published PCT Application No. WO 96/04547, to Ramsey, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. To provide such electrokinetic transport, Ramsey describes the system 500 shown in FIG. 5 includes a voltage controller 502 capable of applying selectable voltage levels, including ground. Such a voltage controller can be implemented using multiple voltage dividers and multiple relays to obtain selectable voltage levels. The voltage controller is connected to an electrode positioned in each of the six reservoirs 504-514 by voltage lines V1-V6 in order to apply the desired voltages to the materials in the reservoirs. In particular, the preferred microfluidic devices and systems described herein, include a body structure which includes at least two intersecting channels or fluid conduits, e.g., interconnected, enclosed chambers, which channels include at least three unintersected termini. The intersection of two channels refers to a point at which two or more channels are in fluid communication with each other, and encompasses "T" intersections, cross intersections, "wagon wheel" intersections of multiple channels, or any other channel geometry where two or more channels are in such fluid communication. An unintersected terminus of a channel is a point at which a channel terminates not as a result of that channel's intersection with another channel, e.g., a "T" intersection. In preferred aspects, the devices will include at least three intersecting channels having at least four unintersected termini. In a basic cross channel structure, where a single horizontal channel is intersected and crossed by a single vertical channel, controlled electrokinetic material transport operates to controllably direct material flow through the intersection, by providing constraining flows from the other channels at the intersection. For example, assuming one was desirous of transporting a first material through the horizontal channel, e.g., from left to right, across the intersection with the vertical channel. Simple electrokinetic material flow of this material across the intersection could be accomplished by applying a voltage gradient across the length of the horizontal channel, i.e., applying a first voltage to the left terminus of this channel, and a second, lower voltage to the right terminus of this channel, or by allowing the right terminus to float (applying no voltage). However, this type of material flow through the intersection would result in a substantial amount of diffusion at the intersection, resulting from both the natural diffusive properties of the material being transported in the medium used, as well as convective effects at the intersection.
In controlled electrokinetic material transport, the material being transported across the intersection is constrained by low level flow from the side channels, e.g., the top and bottom channels. This is accomplished by applying a slight voltage gradient along the path of material flow, e.g., from the top or bottom termini of the vertical channel, toward the right terminus. The result is a "pinching" of the material flow at the intersection, which prevents the diffusion of the material into the vertical channel. The pinched volume of material at the intersection may then be injected into the vertical channel by applying a voltage gradient across the length of the vertical channel, i.e., from the top terminus to the bottom terminus. In order to avoid any bleeding over of material from the horizontal channel during this injection, a low level of flow is directed back into the side channels, resulting in a "pull back" of the material from the intersection.
In addition to pinched injection schemes, controlled electrokinetic material transport is readily utilized to create virtual valves which include no mechanical or moving parts. Specifically, with reference to the cross intersection described above, flow of material from one channel segment to another, e.g., the left arm to the right arm of the horizontal channel, can be efficiently regulated, stopped and reinitiated, by a controlled flow from the vertical channel, e.g., from the bottom arm to the top arm of the vertical channel. Specifically, in the `off` mode, the material is transported from the left arm, through the intersection and into the top arm by applying a voltage gradient across the left and top termini. A constraining flow is directed from the bottom arm to the top arm by applying a similar voltage gradient along this path (from the bottom terminus to the top terminus). Metered amounts of material are then dispensed from the left arm into the right arm of the horizontal channel by switching the applied voltage gradient from left to top, to left to right. The amount of time and the voltage gradient applied dictates the amount of material that will be dispensed in this manner.
Although described for the purposes of illustration with respect to a four way, cross intersection, these controlled electrokinetic material transport systems can be readily adapted for more complex interconnected channel networks, e.g., arrays of interconnected parallel channels.
The incorporation of manual handling structures prevents the deposition of fluids, dirt and oils from the operators hands or other handling equipment, which may affect the level of condensation on the surface of the microfluidic device. Such condensation can eliminate the electrical isolation between adjacent wells on the microfluidic device, effectively shorting out the material transport system. Additional measures may also be provided to avoid this condensation, including application of hydrophobic coatings on the surface of the microfluidic device, e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene (TEFLON.TM.), and the like.
Also as noted previously, the microfluidic devices incorporating manual handling structures are particularly advantageous where these microfluidic devices incorporate or are utilized with optical detection systems. Such devices typically include, fabricated into their structure, an optical detection window fabricated across one of the plurality of channels within the device, whereby an analyte traveling within that channel is detected by virtue of an optical characteristic or label. The detection window may comprise a portion of the substrate material, where that material is transparent, e.g., glass, quartz, or transparent polymeric substrates. Alternatively, for opaque substrates, or substrates which have excessive background signals (e.g., fluorescence), detection windows fabricated from an apropriate transparent material, e.g., glass, quartz and the like, may be introduced into the structure of the device, across the channel in question.
In operation, an optical detector is positioned adjacent to the detection window whereby the detector senses the presence or absence of the optical characteristic within the channel. Examples of such optically detectable labels include, e.g., colored labels, colloid labels, fluorescent labels, e.g., fluorescein, rhodamine, etc., and chemiluminescent labels . The optical detector may be any of a variety of optical detection systems, e.g., fluorescent, calorimetric or video detection systems. For example, for fluorescence based analyses, the optical detector will typically include an excitation light source, e.g., a laser or LED, collection optics for collecting fluorescence from the sample and separating that fluorescence from the reflected excitation light, and detectors, such as photodiodes and/or photomultiplier tubes, for detecting, quantifying and/or recording the amount of fluorescence from the channel. Alternate detectors include, e.g., CCDs (charged coupled devices) disposed adjacent the channel and coupled to monitoring/recording equipment, for monitoring and recording the analyte level in the channel.
Because these devices and systems are used in relatively precise analyses, any interference with the optical detection of analytes within the device can have substantial detrimental effect on the results of such analyses. In particular, any dirt, oil or other debris which deposits upon the detection window can interfere with the accurate detection of analyte within the channel. The manual handling structures of the present invention provide a means of handling these devices without contacting the detection window, thereby reducing the probability of any such optical contamination occurring.
In addition to the foregoing, and as noted above, the manual handling structures described herein are also particularly useful in conjunction with very small scale microfluidic devices. For example, in preferred aspects, the handling structures are provided on microfluidic devices that have internal, intersecting channel networks disposed within a planar body structure, where the entire microscale channel network of the device falls, i.e., the layout of intersecting channels, within a very small area of the planar device structure which area is typically less than 6 cm.sup.2, preferably less than 5 cm.sup.2, more preferably less than 4 cm.sup.2, still more preferably less than 3 cm.sup.2, and often, less than 2 cm.sup.2 or even 1 cm.sup.2. Thus, typically, all of the channels of the device are fabricated into the surface of the lower substrate within a region having the area described. In the case of rectangular or square shaped devices, the layout of the intersecting channel structure will typically fall within a region having dimensions less than from about 2.5 cm by about 2.5 cm, preferably less than about 2 cm by about 2 cm, more preferably, less than about 1.5 cm by about 1.5 cm, and in some cases, less than about 1 cm by about 1 cm.sup.2.
One example of a manual handling structure according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. As shown the microfluidic system 100 includes a microfluidic substrate 102, mounted in a holder assembly 104. As shown, the microfluidic device includes within its structure, a plurality of intersecting channels 112 which include at their unintersected termini, a plurality of reservoirs, wells or ports 114 for introduction of fluids into the interior portion of the device, as well as providing electrical contact/access to the fluid within the channels. A detection window 116 is also shown disposed across one f the channels 112, which detection window is capable of transmitting an optical signal from the channel to a detector. The holder assembly shown, comprises a planar structure having a first surface with a cavity disposed therein. The cavity 106 is sized or adapted to fit the substrate in a secure, fixed fashion, e.g., such that the device does not freely fall out of the holder assembly, e.g., when inverted. Typically, an aperture is provided through the holder assembly such that when the substrate/microfluidic device is inserted into the holder, the detection window 112 is placed over the aperture. This allows the free transmission of light through the detection window 116 and the remainder of the device for optical detection. For example, a light source may be placed above the substrate and directed at one of the channels in the device. Light passing through the channel and the device then proceeds through the aperture in the holder assembly and reaches a detector disposed below the device. In some instances, the substrate may be permanently affixed to the holder assembly, e.g., using adhesives, or in the case of polymeric substrates, through the use of solvent bonding, acoustic welding or thermal bonding techniques.
The holder assembly extends in one dimension from an edge of the substrate/microfluidic device, i.e., from the edge of the cavity into which the microfluidic device is inserted, providing a flat planar surface 108, upon which are fabricated a plurality of raised ridges 110. The surface 106 and ridges 108 provide a gripping surface for manually handling the microfluidic device substantially without actually contacting the surface of the substrate/microfluidic device, i.e., contacting less than 25% of the surface, preferably, less than 10% of the surface and often less than 5% of the substrate surface. A variety of other surface textures may similarly or alternatively be provided upon the surface of the handling structure in the place of raised ridges, such as knurling, raised bumps, surface roughing and the like. Similarly, rubber holder assemblies, or rubber handling structures attached to the holder assemblies may also be used to provide a suitable gripping surface, e.g., particularly in wet processes.
Another example of manual handling structure according to the present invention, is shown from a perspective view in FIG. 2. As shown, the planar microfluidic substrate 102 (channels and reservoirs not shown), is again inserted into a holder assembly 204 such that at least its top surface is exposed, e.g., providing access to the ports/reservoirs, for fluid introduction and electrode access. Typically, the bottom surface of the device is also exposed, i.e., not covered by the holder assembly. This permits access to the bottom surface of the device, i.e., optical access for the detector, thermal access for a heating or cooling element or heat sink, e.g., a resistive heater, peltier cooler or the like. The holder assembly includes inwardly tapered or inset edges 206, at opposing edges of the device, for manually holding the overall device without substantially contacting either of the top or bottom surfaces of the microfluidic device. Although not shown, the edges of the device may also include raised ridges to provide an adequate gripping surface for the overall device. In addition, although the substrate portion of the device is shown having a particular shape, e.g., a planar rectangle or square, it will be readily appreciated that a variety of substrate shapes may be used, including disks, i.e., circles, triangles etc. As such, the above description, in referring to a device having two opposite edges, also encompasses those embodiments having edges that are substantially opposite to each other in the planar structure despite the fact that such a device may not include two separate and distinct edges. For example, although a device having a planar, circular shape has but one edge, two portions of that edge may be opposite each other in the planar structure of the device, and would therefor fall within the description provided herein for a structure having at least two opposing or opposite edges.
A similar, related example of a manual handling structure according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 3, from a perspective view (FIG. 3A), a top view (FIG. 3B) and a bottom view (FIG. 3C). Again, as shown, the microfluidic substrate 102 (reservoirs and channels not shown) is inserted into a holder assembly 304, such that the top and bottom surfaces 306 and 308 of the substrate are exposed. As with the holder assembly shown in FIG. 2, the device shown in FIG. 3 also includes beveled or chamfered edges 310 as the manual handling structure. As shown, the beveled or chamfered edges 310 of the holder assembly only extend up a portion of the side edges 312 of the assembly. This permits the added advantage of providing a lip portion of the device which allows one to lift the overall device when it is sitting flatly on a flat surface, or mounted in a further holding structure, e.g., a nesting well in a controller, scanner, or fabrication device. A related design for a microfluidic device housing, including a manual handling structure is shown in FIG. 4. Again, although FIG. 4 illustrates a housing into which a separate device is inserted, it will be readily appreciated that the housing element may be manufactured as an integral part of the device, e.g., as an extended portion of the body structure of the device.
In addition to the manual handling structures described above, the devices of the present invention may also include other structural elements to facilitate their handling and use. For example, the devices may include alignment structures to ensure proper insertion of the device into the instrumentation used in the device's operation, e.g., electrical controllers, detectors, filling systems, sample introduction systems and related instrumentation. Alignment of the microfluidic devices within these instruments is important to ensure the proper alignment of the device for: (1) receiving electrodes, for electrical fluid direction systems; (2) for properly positioning the reservoirs for introduction of fluids and samples, e.g., for receipt of the fluid introduction conduits, i.e., pipette tips; and (3) for proper alignment of the detection window of the device in front of the detector. Such alignment structures may comprise one or more of a number of different structural elements. For example, alignment holes or pins may be provided upon the device such that the holes or pins align with corresponding, complementary pins or holes on the instrumentation. Alternatively, sides or edges of the device may incorporate structural features, e.g., notches, tabs, cropped corners, bevels, ridges and the like, which are complementary to structural features on the instrumentation, e.g., in a nesting well for the controller and/or scanning device.
For those devices which are intended for use with multiple samples, e.g., having multiple sample introduction reservoirs, wells or ports, the devices may also include indexing elements, for identifying the various sample introduction wells. For example, in the case of rectangular or square devices, such indexing elements can include marks, notches, or alphanumeric symbols disposed along one edge of the device (on one axis), e.g., on the device itself or on the holder assembly adjacent to the device, which marks or symbols are aligned with each row of sample reservoirs or wells. A second set of marks or symbols may be provided on a second edge of the device adjacent the first (on the other axis).
By reducing the actual contact the user has with the microfluidic device, as well as ensuring the proper use of the device, all of the above described features cooperate to prevent or reduce the possibility of operator mishandling of the microfluidic devices described herein, and particularly that mishandling which results from excessive contact with the relevant surfaces of the device.
Although the present invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. All publications, patents and patent applications referenced herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes as if each such publication, patent or patent application had been individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
1. A microfluidic apparatus, comprising:
- a microfluidic device comprising a planar substrate having a first surface and at least two edges, at least two intersecting channels disposed in the substrate, a detection window in the first surface which permits transmission of an optical signal from at least one of the at least two intersecting channels;
- a holder assembly having a second surface and a cavity disposed therein, the cavity being configured to fixedly receive the microfluidic device; and
- a manual handling structure integrated with the holder assembly, wherein the manual handling structure is selected from the group consisting of raised ridges disposed on said second surface of the holder assembly and beveled edges positioned on said holder assembly and adjacent to said at least two edges of said substrate of said microfluidic device for gripping said holder assembly without contacting said microfluidic device.
2. The microfluidic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first surface of the microfluidic device comprises a plurality of wells disposed therein, wherein said wells are in fluid communication with at least one of said at least two intersecting channels.
3. The microfluidic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first surface of the microfluidic device is hydrophobic.
4. The microfluidic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the holder assembly comprises a polymeric material.
5. The microfluidic apparatus of claim 2, wherein the plurality of wells are each configured to receive an electrode, wherein said electrode is positioned to be in electrical contact with a fluid disposed in said wells.
6. A microfluidic apparatus, comprising:
- a microfluidic device comprising a substrate having a first surface and at least two edges, at least two intersecting microscale channels disposed in the substrate, a detection window in the first surface which permits transmission of an optical signal from at least one of the at least two intersecting microscale channels;
- a holder assembly attached to the substrate, the holder assembly having a second surface and a cavity disposed therein, the cavity being configured to fixedly receive the microfluidic device; and
- a manual handling structure integrated with the holder assembly, wherein the manual handling structure comprises beveled edges positioned on said holder assembly and adjacent to said at least two edges of said substrate of said microfluidic device for gripping said holder assembly without contacting said microfluidic device.
7. The microfluidic apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first surface of the microfluidic device comprises a plurality of wells disposed therein, wherein said wells are in fluid communication with at least one of said at least two intersecting channels.
8. The microfluidic apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first surface of the microfluidic device is hydrophobic.
9. The microfluidic apparatus of claim 6, wherein the holder assembly comprises a polymeric material.
10. The microfluidic apparatus of claim 7, wherein the plurality of wells are each configured to receive an electrode, wherein said electrode is positioned to be in electrical contact with a fluid disposed in said wells.
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- Manz et al., "Capillory electrophoresis integrated onto a planar microstructure". Analysis, Magazine, 1994, vol. 22 #9, pp. 25-29. Dasgupta, P.K. et al., "Electroosmosis: A Reliable fluid Propulsion System for Flow Injection Analysis," Anal. Chem. 66:1792-1798 (1994). Jacobson, S.C. et al., "Fused Quartz Substrates for Microchip Electrophoresis," Anal. Chem. 67:2059-2063 (1995). Manz, A. et al., "Electroosmotic pumpgin and electrophoretic separations for miniaturized chemical analysis systems," J. Micromech. Microeng. 4:257-265 (1994). Ramsey, J.M. et al., "Microfabricated chemical measurement systems," Nature Med. 1:1093-1096 (1995). Seiler, K. et al., "Planar Glass Chips for Capillary Electrophoresis: Repetitive Sample Injection, Quantitation, and Separation Efficiency," Anal. Chem. 65:1481-1488 (1993). Seiler, K. et al., "Electroosmotic Pumping and Valveless Control of fluid Flow within a Manifold of Capillaries on a Glass Chip," Anal. Chem. 66:3485-3491 (1994). Young, J., "Lab on a chip," Forbes (Sep. 23, 1996).
Type: Grant
Filed: Aug 5, 1997
Date of Patent: Mar 2, 1999
Assignee: Caliper Technologies Corp. (Palo Alto, CA)
Inventor: Colin B. Kennedy (Mill Valley, CA)
Primary Examiner: Arlen Soderquist
Assistant Examiner: S. Carrillo
Attorney: Matthew B. Murphy
Application Number: 8/906,441
International Classification: B01L 300;


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M Health Fairview is looking for a CT Technologist at Fairview St. John's Hospital in Maplewood, MN. We are known for our award-winning heart, stroke and cancer care. Imaging Technologists provide services to patients and physicians through the creation of high quality diagnostic imaging, provides quality age-appropriate patient care according to established standards of practice, and works collaboratively with all members of the health care team.
This is a temporary position to support potential COVID-19 surge efforts. The role will last 90 days.


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Ganymede is the largest moon in our solar system and the only moon with its own magnetic field. The magnetic field causes auroras, which are ribbons of glowing, electrified gas, in regions circling the moon's north and south poles. Ganymede has large, bright regions of ridges and grooves that slice across older, darker terrains. These grooved regions are a clue that the moon experienced dramatic upheavals in the distant past. Scientists have also found strong evidence of an underground ocean on Ganymede.
Ganymede is named for a boy who was made cupbearer for the ancient Greek gods by Zeus – Jupiter to the Romans
Ganymede has three main layers. A sphere of metallic iron at the center (the core, which generates a magnetic field), a spherical shell of rock (mantle) surrounding the core, and a spherical shell of mostly ice surrounding the rock shell and the core. The ice shell on the outside is very thick, maybe 800 km (497 miles) thick. The surface is the very top of the ice shell. Though it is mostly ice, the ice shell might contain some rock mixed in. Scientists believe there must be a fair amount of rock in the ice near the surface. Ganymede's magnetic field is embedded inside Jupiter's massive magnetosphere.
Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope found evidence of thin oxygen atmosphere on Ganymede in 1996. The atmosphere is far too thin to support life as we know it.
In 2004, scientists discovered irregular lumps beneath the icy surface of Ganymede. The irregular masses may be rock formations, supported by Ganymede's icy shell for billions of years. This tells scientists that the ice is probably strong enough, at least near the surface, to support these possible rock masses from sinking to the bottom of the ice. However, this anomaly could also be caused by piles of rock at the bottom of the ice.
Spacecraft images of Ganymede show the moon has a complex geological history. Ganymede's surface is a mixture of two types of terrain. Forty percent of the surface of Ganymede is covered by highly cratered dark regions, and the remaining sixty percent is covered by a light grooved terrain, which forms intricate patterns across Ganymede. The term "sulcus," meaning a groove or burrow, is often used to describe the grooved features. This grooved terrain is probably formed by tensional faulting or the release of water from beneath the surface. Groove ridges as high as 700 m (2,000 feet) have been observed and the grooves run for thousands of kilometers across Ganymede's surface. The grooves have relatively few craters and probably developed at the expense of the darker crust. The dark regions on Ganymede are old and rough, and the dark cratered terrain is believed to be the original crust of the satellite. Lighter regions are young and smooth (unlike Earth's Moon). The largest area on Ganymede is called Galileo Regio.
The large craters on Ganymede have almost no vertical relief and are quite flat. They lack central depressions common to craters often seen on the rocky surface of the Moon. This is probably due to slow and gradual adjustment to the soft icy surface. These large phantom craters are called palimpsests, a term originally applied to reused ancient writing materials on which older writing was still visible underneath newer writing. Palimpsests range from 50 to 400 km in diameter. Both bright and dark rays of ejecta exist around Ganymede's craters -- rays tend to be bright from craters in the grooved terrain and dark from the dark cratered terrain.
Ganymede was discovered by Galileo Galilei on Jan. 7, 1610. The discovery, along with three other Jovian moons, was the first time a moon was discovered orbiting a planet other than Earth. The discovery of the four Galilean satellites eventually led to the understanding that planets in our solar system orbit the sun, instead of our solar system revolving around Earth.
Simon Marius probably made an independent discovery of the moons at about the same time that Galileo did, and he may have unwittingly sighted them up to a month earlier, but the priority must go to Galileo because he published his discovery first.
How Ganymede Got its Name
Galileo originally called Jupiter's moons the Medicean planets, after the Medici family and referred to the individual moons numerically as I, II, III, and IV. Galileo's naming system would be used for a couple of centuries.
It wouldn't be until the mid-1800's that the names of the Galilean moons, Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto, would be officially adopted, and only after it became apparent that naming moons by number would be very confusing as new additional moons were being discovered.
In mythology, Ganymede ("GAN uh meed") was a beautiful young boy who was carried to Olympus by Zeus (the Greek equivalent of the Roman god Jupiter) disguised as an eagle. Ganymede became the cupbearer of the Olympian gods


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NSF Grant Funds Prof's Study of Reverse Brain Drain in U.S.
"National borders are becoming thinner, and we want to expand research on human capital," says Dr. Meghna Sabharwal.
Competitive salaries and research opportunities are strong incentives for foreign-born academics to work in the United States.
But are they enough to keep them here?
Dr. Meghna Sabharwal, assistant professor in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, recently landed a National Science Foundation grant to study these patterns of migration.
"Academic scientists and engineers from other countries tend to be very productive when they come to the U.S., but we are slowly seeing that they are returning to their native countries rather than staying here," she said. "We want to examine this trend of reverse brain drain."
The two-year grant for $197,000 will involve interviews with faculty members in science and engineering disciplines both in India and the U.S.
Historically, few scientists and engineers from developing countries have returned to their countries of birth, she said, whereas scientists and engineers from the U.S. rarely cut ties with their home country.
"We hope this research helps reveal the bonds between the United States and other countries – specifically India – given the contributions of foreign-born academics to the scientific innovation of this country," said Sabharwal, who studies workforce policy as it relates to job satisfaction, productivity, and diversity. "National borders are becoming thinner, and we want to expand research on human capital."
Sabharwal said that little is known about the way skilled migrants formulate their re-migration decisions. Existing data have shed light on why these workers have been highly productive but dissatisfied enough to leave. Cultural and social experiences may indicate whether they choose to stay in the United States, she said.
Such patterns could lead to gaps in the workforce, an issue that academic leaders and policymakers may want to consider as they try to maintain a stable workforce.
Sabharwal says she will begin with detailed interviews of foreign-born scientists and engineers who have attained PhDs in the U.S. and worked in academia for at least five years before returning to India. She will also interview Indian-born academics who continue to work in the U.S. Eventually, the study may expand to include academics from China, South Korea and Taiwan.
"China in particular is making it very appealing for workers to return there," Sabharwal said. "There are many issues we will need to pinpoint."
Work on the study will begin in Spring 2013.
Media Contact: The Office of Media Relations, UT Dallas, (972) 883-2155, [email protected].


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Plastic Surgery 101
Botox not age-restrictive
Q: I am 75 years old and am interested in having a Botox treatment. Someone told me that you cannot do Botox if you are over 65.
If you follow FDA guidelines to the letter, that might appear to be true, but in practical terms it's not. The reason that many people hear this is because the original studies had patients aged 65 or younger, so the FDA gave approval up to that age. Treating older patients is done routinely worldwide. Some of my happiest patients are older than 65 and can look better without surgery.
The concept is called treating patients "off label." Essentially, this means using a drug in a way that is not exactly how the FDA approved its use in the original application process. It is estimated that 20 percent of all drugs are used off label. Many times these uses are better than the original use and are modifications that improve the indications of these drugs.
So, my advice to you is go for it. I am sure, if you are like many of my "younger" patients you will love it!


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Bye Bye Daily Wetness~ Hello Everyday Freshness!
Hello Everyone.
Last month, Kotex launches the #HariHariFresh Campaign, and I was invited to participate in this V-zone health awareness event. Thank you so much for inviting me. This is such an eye opening experience, to see how events and product launching became more and more educational.
Discharges are a norm for every woman. I have not met any who claims their V-zone is dry and fresh all day long. But anyway, being asian, we have always run away from discussing the V-zone topic, as it is a taboo to discuss it in public. As a woman myself, I have experienced several embarrassing moments, and did not know who to ask. Hence, now, I'm learning to embrace the truth about a woman's body.
Moist conditions of intimate area, by daily wetness and perspiration, humidity and normal toilet habits, are prefect breeding ground for bacteria and can lead to odour, itchiness and other health issues. It is important to stay dry and clean using liners, and liners MUST BE CHANGED FREQUENTLY!
Most importantly, choose the right liners - make sure that it is able to provide adequate breathability for your V-zone as well! This is where Kotex Liners comes in handy!
Kotex Website
Also, here's 3 mini videos - 1 Fakta, 1 Auta which is very useful for you too!
I'm staying fresh,
so should you!


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Perusing the St. Louis Fed chart updates, I ran across a few recently updated charts that I think are worth sharing. Without further ado and in no particular order…
Take a look at the year over year change in Total Loans and Leases! As you go through these charts, try adding up the billions negative in just the past year:
Retail Money Funds:
Institutional Money Funds:
Commercial Paper Outstanding, down more than a Trillion dollars since late '07:
Asset Backed Commercial Paper, two-thirds of it gone (applause):
Business Loans - change from one year ago, almost $300 Billion:
M2 change from one year ago in billions. Hmmm. Money is debt so say the central banks:
MZM change from one year ago in billions:
I think this Inventory to Sales ratio chart is interesting. Compare the 2000 – 2002 recession to this one. Note that inventory to sales has been overall coming down, meaning less inventory per sales level which means more efficient, right? But then at the beginning of recession, inventories build, sales slow, and the ratio climbs until businesses correct and let the inventory adjust downward. But I may ask the question, are we seeing efficiency, or are we seeing a DEBT related phenomena where companies cannot AFFORD to carry more inventory? Looks efficient, but then again, I'm sure a business selling off inventory just before filing bankruptcy would produce good looking ratios in this arena too? Hmmm.
Finally, the chart of housing starts seems to have stabilized somewhat near the historic lows. No 'v' bottom there, hopefully it will stay down long enough for inventories to adjust. Again, I think there's a ton of shadow inventory still and the pent up demand is not from buyers, its from sellers who would like to escape from underwater mortages:
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Fed Chart Potpourri…
Posted byAmy Jamison at11:55 AM


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Angels and Demons
November 27, 2006
Thursday, October 26, 2006
The Athenian Caratyds, a Roman copy of 4th century BC Greek sculptor Praxitele's Hermes and Dionysos (300 BC), Bernini's (whose patrons included Pope Urban VIII) The Ecstasy of Saint Therese (1647-52), Hermaphrodite Sarrasine's relief (18th century), Anne-Louis Girodet de Roussy-Trioson (1767-1824) Endymion(1791) and his Pygmalion et Galatée(1819), Honoré de Balzac's (1830) Sarrassine, Michel Serre's (1987) Hermaphrodite: Sarrasine Sculpteur Précédé de Balzac Sarrasine and Serres (1982) Hermes: Literature, Science, Philosophy.
I layered these images after reading Michel Serres (1987).
There is something about the inspired playfulness of Dan Brown's characters in Angels and Demons and setting that reminded me of this image. I hope to use free internet tools to connect the dots between layers. Dan Brown's protagonist, the art historian, Renaissance expert and James Bond of the art world, irreverently described the ecstasy of Saint Theresa as sexual and secular not sacred.
Links: Hermes, hermeneutics, East and East, Persian and Greek Empires, Greek and Roman sculpture, Greek and Roman culture and art, Greek and Christian art, Greek, Roman and Renaissance sculpture, originality, copies, derivatives, Western art, western metaphysics, interpretation, contributions of East and West.
These are the free technical tools helping me to map my mind:
wordpress | del.icio.us | gather | swicki | flickr | thinkfree | digg | picasaweb | Carleton |
This is a from an interview with Dan Brown posted on his web page. I have been trying to read Angels and Demons as a way of relaxing before my grandchildren arrive in a few hours. But the book Angels and Demons is exciting not soothing:
In many ways I see science and religion as the same thing. Both are manifestations of man's quest to understand the divine. Religion savors the questions while science savors the quest for answers. Science and religion seem to be two different languages attempting to tell the same story, and yet the battle between them has been raging for centuries and continues today. The war in our schools over whether to teach Creationism or Darwinism is a perfect example. We live in an exciting era, though, because for the first time in human history, the line between science and religion is starting to blur. Particle physicists exploring the subatomic level are suddenly witnessing an interconnectivity of all things and having religious experiences…Buddhist monks are reading physics books and learning about experiments that confirm what they have believed in their hearts for centuries and have been unable to quantify. (I will connect his url. Meanwhile it is on my del.icio.us).


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|Cast overview, first billed only:
|Chris Evans
|Steve Rogers / Captain America
|Samuel L. Jackson
|Nick Fury
|Scarlett Johansson
|Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow
|Robert Redford
|Alexander Pierce
|Sebastian Stan
|Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier
|Anthony Mackie
|Sam Wilson / Falcon
|Cobie Smulders
|Maria Hill
|Frank Grillo
|Brock Rumlow
|Maximiliano Hernández
|Jasper Sitwell (as Maximiliano Hernandez)
|Emily VanCamp
|Kate / Agent 13
|Hayley Atwell
|Peggy Carter
|Toby Jones
|Dr. Arnim Zola
|Stan Lee
|Smithsonian Guard
|Callan Mulvey
|Jack Rollins
|Jenny Agutter
|Councilwoman Hawley
See how Avengers: Infinity War's opening weekend stacks up at the box office against other movies in the MCU. Plus, check out how IMDb users have ranked the 19 MCU films to date.
For Steve Rogers, awakening after decades of suspended animation involves more than catching up on pop culture; it also means that this old school idealist must face a world of subtler threats and difficult moral complexities. That becomes clear when Director Nick Fury is killed by the mysterious assassin, the Winter Soldier, but not before warning Rogers that SHIELD has been subverted by its enemies. When Rogers acts on Fury's warning to trust no one there, he is branded as a traitor by the organization. Now a fugitive, Captain America must get to the bottom of this deadly mystery with the help of the Black Widow and his new friend, The Falcon. However, the battle will be costly for the Sentinel of Liberty, with Rogers finding enemies where he least expects them while learning that the Winter Soldier looks disturbingly familiar. Written by Kenneth Chisholm (firstname.lastname@example.com)
Prime Video has you covered this holiday season with movies for the family. Here are some of our picks to get you in the spirit.


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Teixeira plans to return before May ends
NEW YORK -- Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira is pleased by his progress as he works his way back from a torn tendon sheath in his right wrist, and he hopes to rejoin the big league squad by the end of the month.
"It's great -- I couldn't be happier with my rehab," Teixeira said. "I'm looking at the end of May, sometime around the 30th or 31st maybe, to get back out there playing with the Yankees. I'm feeling great."
Teixeira has been working out at the Yankees' training complex in Tampa, Fla., and has been taking batting practice on the fields.
"I would say the next step would be some live BP; we're not there yet," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "Then maybe some sim games, hopefully, then some rehab games. That's the progression, but we're still in the BP phase."
Girardi said that he did not want to put a timetable on Teixeira's return to the big league lineup.
"When he feels that he's ready," Girardi said. "Sometimes you worry about switch-hitters a little bit more because they may not be able to get 25 and 25 [swings], or whatever it is. The one thing about a simulated game is you can use your pitchers and give him swings from both sides. You may see him do a few more of those, as opposed to regular games."


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Goodman picks right time for first TD
It was a big moment for the Chargers. The Oakland Raiders had just kicked a field goal in the second quarter Sunday to cut their deficit to 14-10. A sold-out O.Co Coliseum was rocking as Sebastian Janikowski boomed his kickoff deep into the end zone.
It was the moment the Chargers and Richard Goodman had been waiting for. Goodman took the ball five yards deep, and didn't hesitate to bring it out. His blockers created a seam on the left side, allowing Goodman to pass through traffic untouched before turning on the afterburners and sprinting to the right sideline. The 105-yard touchdown return gave San Diego a cushion that it maintained the rest of the afternoon in a 38-26 victory.
It was the longest kickoff return in Chargers history, and the first NFL touchdown for the man with the teardrop tattoo.
"That was great," quarterback Philip Rivers said. "Everybody was excited for Richard. He works at it as hard as you can work at it. We keep saying, 'We're close, we're close, we're gonna pop one, we're gonna pop one.' So it was nice to see him pop one."
Still, the not-quite-as-fleet Rivers couldn't resist teasing Goodman about his deceleration near the end of the run.
"I gave him a hard time about his last 30 yards," Rivers said. "I told him, 'I don't know if I like you in the 100-yard dash.' (He looked like) a monkey jumped on his back."
It was the first Chargers kickoff return for a touchdown since Darren Sproles broke one against Denver on Sept. 14, 2008.
Goodman said it was a team accomplishment and that everybody did their job. He added that head coach Norv Turner met with the special teams this week to talk about how the group has been close to breaking a long one. The Chargers then went to work studying the film.
"Every team has holes," Goodman said of the Raiders coverage unit.
Goodman, who spent most of last season on the practice squad (he appeared in three games), entered the week eighth in the NFL in average yards per kickoff return at 25.8. While most return men might be thought of as finesse guys, the 6-foot, 192-pound Goodman certainly isn't. He has been playing as a gunner on punts as well. In fact, he plays on all four special teams, something that impresses special teams captain Jacob Hester.
"You don't see that a lot," Hester said. "He returned one 105 and then he was on the next kickoff trying to tackle a guy. He's a special guy."
As if to prove the point, Goodman showed his physical ability in the fourth quarter when he took a pop fly kickoff from Janikowski (because of a penalty, the Raiders kicked off from midfield) at the 1, then found himself in the end zone with Mike Mitchell and Quentin Groves ready to smother him for a safety. Goodman got low and bulled his way out to the half-yard line. It was close enough that the officials spent a minute deciding if Goodman got out.
Goodman shrugged off the play, saying only, "If I had it to do over again, I would have fallen on the ball" in the first place. Hester disagreed.
"I was right there and that was maybe more impressive than the kickoff return (for a touchdown) because there were four guys and he was in the end zone and he lowered his shoulder and got physical with them and got to the 1-yard line," Hester said. "That's a huge play. They had some momentum. Get 'em a safety there, they get the ball back, who knows what happens. I think that was probably the biggest play in the game."


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Here is another photo from a previous trip that Joax made to the UK to paint and bless us here. This piece was painted in Leake Street, under Waterloo station in London.
– James
Here is another photo from a previous trip that Joax made to the UK to paint and bless us here. This piece was painted in Leake Street, under Waterloo station in London.
– James
A couple of months ago I had the privilege of painting with Joax and Bams of the Gospel Graffiti Crew, as well as my good friend Daniel. Here is the result of our main day of painting, which was a really blessed time on a sunny autumn day by the Thames.
I think that Gospel Graffiti and other Christian graffiti crews are doing a really awesome and valuable job and the quality of some of the stuff that is coming out of these guys is just fantastic.
Keep praying for these guys, especially for doors to be opened.
– James
A lot of you guys have been asking about getting hold of the "I did not come to condemn…." stickers that we featured on the site recently.
I am pleased to announce that they are now avaliable at www.jesuspropaganda.com.
– James
You may have noticed that the Artists for Christ blog has been a little quiet recently.
The main reason for this is that we have been preparing to go on mission, and we are leaving tonight!
The team is made up from guys all over Europe and we are heading to Berlin to share the gospel through an art exhibition, live painting on the streets, prayer for healing, and other exciting stuff!
We really need your prayer support so please sign up to our Berlin prayer newsletter.
We are extremely excited about this trip and seeing our awesome God touch people's lives. Watch this space for news!
May the Lord bless you all,
– James
llustration by Tanya Nichols
Illustration by David Wierzbicki
Illustration by Adam "Lurch Kimded" Howie
Illustration by Keni
Proverbs 6
Warnings Against Folly
1 My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor,
if you have struck hands in pledge for another,
2 if you have been trapped by what you said,
ensnared by the words of your mouth,
3 then do this, my son, to free yourself,
since you have fallen into your neighbor's hands:
Go and humble yourself;
press your plea with your neighbor!
4 Allow no sleep to your eyes,
no slumber to your eyelids.
5 Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,
like a bird from the snare of the fowler.
6 Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!
7 It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,
8 yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
When will you get up from your sleep?
10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest-
11 and poverty will come on you like a bandit
and scarcity like an armed man. [a]
12 A scoundrel and villain,
who goes about with a corrupt mouth,
13 who winks with his eye,
signals with his feet
and motions with his fingers,
14 who plots evil with deceit in his heart-
he always stirs up dissension.
15 Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant;
he will suddenly be destroyed-without remedy.
16 There are six things the LORD hates,
seven that are detestable to him:
17 haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
19 a false witness who pours out lies
and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.
Warning Against Adultery
20 My son, keep your father's commands
and do not forsake your mother's teaching.
21 Bind them upon your heart forever;
fasten them around your neck.
22 When you walk, they will guide you;
when you sleep, they will watch over you;
when you awake, they will speak to you.
23 For these commands are a lamp,
this teaching is a light,
and the corrections of discipline
are the way to life,
24 keeping you from the immoral woman,
from the smooth tongue of the wayward wife.
25 Do not lust in your heart after her beauty
or let her captivate you with her eyes,
26 for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread,
and the adulteress preys upon your very life.
27 Can a man scoop fire into his lap
without his clothes being burned?
28 Can a man walk on hot coals
without his feet being scorched?
29 So is he who sleeps with another man's wife;
no one who touches her will go unpunished.
30 Men do not despise a thief if he steals
to satisfy his hunger when he is starving.
31 Yet if he is caught, he must pay sevenfold,
though it costs him all the wealth of his house.
32 But a man who commits adultery lacks judgment;
whoever does so destroys himself.
33 Blows and disgrace are his lot,
and his shame will never be wiped away;
34 for jealousy arouses a husband's fury,
and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.
35 He will not accept any compensation;
he will refuse the bribe, however great it is.


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Brain Cancer Awareness Ribbon Charm
Take a moment to think of those affected by this disease, then wear this Brain Cancer Awareness Ribbon Charm to show you always have them in the back of your mind. Make a meaningful statement in your Living Locket® by including the Hope Charm too.
- Force For Good®: 100% of the profits from this Charm goes directly toward a charity/organization that supports brain cancer awareness.
- Material: Zinc Alloy
- Metal Finish: Polished Silver
- Hand Painted Enamel
- Approx. Size: 5mm x 8mm


text:
Valve's PC-for-your-living-room Steam Box may be moving closer to release, as evidenced by the appearance of new software packages on the SteamPowered.com Web server. Ever since the news first broke of Valve's intent to release its own console, the company has clearly stated that the box would run some flavor of Linux; the nature of these new packages strongly points to a Debian-style Linux distro like Ubuntu.
Linux enthusiast site Phoronix is carrying the news of the packages' emergence, noting that the contents of the new
hometest repository differ significantly from the previous
steam repo. The older public repo merely contains packages to install Steam and its launcher on Debian-based Linux distributions, but the new
hometest repo has far richer contents. According to Phoronix, the repo holds "experimental NVIDIA Linux graphics drivers, a Plymouth boot splash screen for Steam, and Valve wallpapers," along with a simple "autoupdate" package to keep the system up to date. It also contains the same Steam Linux binaries already available in the older repo.
Phoronix speculates that the Steam Box, when it eventually appears, will be based on an LTS Ubuntu release, though it's too early to rule out potential plans for a "Steam Linux" distro. It wouldn't take a tremendous amount of work for Valve to repackage Ubuntu in such a way—Linux Mint is already just such a repackaging, relying on Canonical for most of its packages while substituting in several alternatives (and different default GUIs).
Valve's willingness to keep its additions transparent and available also means you might not necessarily need to go buy a Steam Box (whatever form it ends up taking) to get the authentic Steam experience in your living room—as long as Valve continues to keep things open, any Debian-ish Linux box that meets the minimum hardware requirements will do.


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Defending champion Kings visit Blues for Game 1
The Los Angeles Kings will begin the defense of their Stanley Cup title on Tuesday, as they visit the St. Louis Blues at Scottrade Center for Game 1 of the best-of-seven Western Conference quarterfinals.
The Kings enter this postseason as the fifth seed in the West after winning it all as a No. 8 seed last spring. Although Los Angeles barely qualified for the playoffs in 2012, it went 16-4 in the postseason in a dominating run to the franchise's first championship. This spring, the Kings will try to become the first NHL team to win consecutive championships since Detroit pulled off the feat in 1997 and '98.
St. Louis, this year's fourth seed in the West, was one of the Kings' victims in the 2012 playoffs, as L.A. outscored the Blues by a combined 15-6 margin during a four-game sweep in the conference semifinals. The Blues did little to erase the memory of that sweep during this season's series, as L.A. doubled up St. Louis by a 14-7 margin en route to winning all three meetings during the regular season.
Although this season the Kings have not quite resembled last year's playoff juggernaut, all the same pieces that made up the 2012 squad are still in place, including reigning Conn Smythe winner Jonathan Quick.
Quick's play in net last spring was a performance for the ages, as he went 16-4 with a 1.41 GAA, .946 save percentage and three shutouts to blaze a path to the championship. However, regaining that form has been a season-long struggle for the 27-year-old American, as Quick was outplayed by backup Jonathan Bernier for most of the lockout-shortened campaign.
Quick wound up with an 18-13-4 record in 37 games this season and recorded a 2.45 GAA and .902 save percentage. Bernier, meanwhile, went 9-3-1 with a 1.88 GAA, but head coach Darryl Sutter is staying with Quick at the start of this postseason.
Despite Quick's down season, L.A. still managed to play a balanced game in 2013, as the club ranked seventh in team defense (2.38 goals allowed per game) and 10th in offense with 2.73 goals per contest. The team's offensive numbers were a big improvement from 2011-12, when L.A. was 29th in the NHL with just 2.29 goals per game.
St. Louis head coach Ken Hitchcock likely will need a superb performance from starting goaltender Brian Elliott if the Blues are to turn the tide against the Kings this spring.
Elliott and Jaroslav Halak combined to form the league's best goaltending tandem in 2011-12. Halak started last year's playoffs as the No. 1 netminder before being injured two games into the postseason. This season, a injury to Halak on April 1 allowed Elliott to grab the reins and all he did was set a St. Louis team record with 11 April wins.
Elliott went 11-2-0 with a 1.28 goals against average and a .948 save percentage over his final 13 outings. Even with Halak back healthy, Hitchcock has placed his faith in Elliott heading into the playoffs.
"He's back playing the way he did all of last year," Hitchcock recently told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "He was very good when Jaro (Halak) got hurt in the playoffs and then he had the inner-ear infection and didn't really play up to par until the last game when he was healthy. I just like his frame of mind. I like his disposition. He's a confident guy right now and we're going to need him."
The Blues will need Elliott to be at the top of his game, considering the club struggled to score all season long and finished 17th in the NHL with 2.58 goals per game.
Six players totaled four points for the Kings during the season series with the Blues and Jeff Carter led the way with three goals and one assist. Alex Pietrangelo and David Perron each had a goal and two assists for St. Louis, while rookie Vladimir Tarasenko notched a pair of goals.
Quick went 2-0 with a 1.81 GAA in two games versus the Blues, while neither St. Louis goaltender fared well in the season series. Elliott was 0-1 with a 4.10 GAA in two appearances against the Kings.
The second game of this series is scheduled for Thursday in St. Louis before it shifts to L.A. for Games 3 and 4.
The Blues were 15-8-1 as the host during the regular season, while L.A. had a poor 8-12-4 mark on the road.