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Safety Aspects of Cell Culture

nospam@example.com (jacky chan) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:44:12 +0200

Disinfection

Methods designed for the disinfection/decontamination of culture waste, work surfaces and equipment represent important means for minimizing the risk of harm.

The major disinfectants fall into four groups and their relative merits can be summarized as follows:

Hypochlorites (e.g. Chloros, Presept)

Good general purpose disinfectant
Active against viruses
Corrosive against metals and therefore should not be used on metal surfaces e.g. centrifuges
Readily inactivated by organic matter and therefore should be made fresh daily
Should be used at 1000ppm for general use surface disinfection, 2500ppm in discard waste pots for washing pipettes, and 10,000ppm for tissue culture waste and spillage

Phenolics (e.g. Sudol, Hycolin)

Not active against viruses
Remains active in the presence of organic matter

Alcohol (e.g. ethanol, isopropanol)

Effective concentrations 70% for ethanol, 60-70% for isopropanol
Their mode of activity is by dehydration and fixation
Effective against bacteria. Ethanol is effective against most viruses but not nonenveloped viruses
Isopropanol is not effective against viruses

Aldehydes (e.g. glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde)

Aldehydes are irritants and their use should be limited due to problems of sensitization
Glutaraldehyde may be used in situations where the use of hypochlorites is not suitable e.g. cleaning of centrifuge bowls or materials constructed of stainless steel that may be attacked or corroded by using hypochlorite solutions.

Waste Disposal

Any employer has a duty of care to dispose of all biological waste safely in accordance with national legislative requirements. Given below is a list of ways in which tissue culture waste can be decontaminated and disposed of safely(especially the solid waste, such as flasks, centrifuge tubes, contaminated golves etc). One of the most important aspects of the management of all laboratory-generated waste is to dispose of waste regularly and not to allow the amounts to build up. The best approach is little and often. Different forms of waste require different treatment.

Tissue culture waste (culture medium) - Inactivate overnight in a solution of hypochlorite (10,000ppm) prior to disposal to drain with an excess of water
Contaminated pipettes should be placed in hypochlorite solution (2500ppm) overnight before disposal by autoclaving and incineration
Solid waste, such as flasks, centrifuge tubes(such as 15ml Centrifuge Tube, 50ml Centrifuge Tube), contaminated gloves, tissues etc. should be placed inside heavy duty sacks for contaminated waste and autoclaved prior to incineration. These bags are available from Bibby Sterilin and Greiner.
If at all possible waste should be incinerated rather than autoclaved

Source: Sigma-Aldrich

Aseptic Technique and Good Cell Culture Practice

nospam@example.com (jacky chan) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 05:17:24 +0200

Aim To ensure all cell culture procedures are performed to a standard that will prevent contamination from bacteria, fungi and mycoplasma and cross contamination with other cell lines.

Materials

Chloros / Presept solution (2.5g/l)
1% formaldehyde based disinfectant e.g.Virkon,Tegador
70% ethanol in water (Prod. No. R8382)

Equipment

Personal protective equipment (sterile gloves, laboratory coat, safety visor)
Microbiological safety cabinet at appropriate containment level
Cell Culture Plates(6 well plate, 24 well plate, 96 well plate)

Procedure

Sanitize the cabinet using 70% ethanol before commencing work.
Sanitize gloves by washing them in 70% ethanol and allowing to air dry for 30 seconds before commencing work.
Put all materials and equipment into the cabinet prior to starting work after sanitizing the exterior surfaces with 70% ethanol.
Whilst working do not contaminate gloves by touching anything outside the cabinet (especially face and hair). If gloves become contaminated re-sanitize with 70% ethanol as above before proceeding.
Discard gloves after handling contaminated cultures and at the end of all cell culture procedures.
Equipment in the cabinet or that which will be taken into the cabinet during cell culture procedures (media bottles, pipette tip boxes, pipette aids, cell culture plates) should be wiped with tissue soaked with 70% ethanol prior to use.
Movement within and immediately outside the cabinet must not be rapid. Slow movement will allow the air within the cabinet to circulate properly.
Speech, sneezing and coughing must be directed away from the cabinet so as not to disrupt the airflow.
After completing work disinfect all equipment and material before removing from the cabinet. Spray the work surfaces inside the cabinet with 70% ethanol and wipe dry with tissue. Dispose of tissue by autoclaving.
Cell culture discard in chloros (10,000) ppm must be kept in the cabinet for a minimum of two hours (preferably overnight) prior to discarding down the sink with copious amounts of water.
Periodically clean the cabinet surfaces with a disinfectant such as Presept,Tegador or Virkon or fumigate the cabinet according to the manufacturers instructions. However you must ensure that it is safe to fumigate your own laboratory environment due to the generation of gaseous formaldehyde, consult your on-site Health and Safety Advisor.

Source: Sigma-Aldrich

Tiffany Fashion Jewelry Purchase Common Sense

nospam@example.com (jacky chan) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 03:40:57 +0200

Tiffany glow with the design of the exquisite dazzling or calm restrained, so that you can feel the culture of Tiffany brand, so the classification is very particular about brands, we can be grading on the main distinction between them and, according to our own demand to choose Tiffany jewelry.

Grade introduced: the hierarchy generally consists TIFFANY: real goods, Genuine; A+, a level; b level; other.

Real Goods is legitimate tiffany store with the sale of the real goods TIFFANY single laboratory;

Genuine refers to the original manufacturer TIFFANY store Availability production mode, and compared the lack of real goods single laboratory report, which is mainly used to export; and real goods Comparatively speaking, the general lack of laboratory report only single, with silver in 92.5 percent above.

A+ international best-selling refers to the TIFFANY products, the price is not high, but production steps, as well as the appearance of the final product are close to authentic.Not necessarily amount of silver up to standard, for the worship of Silver friends not too high, the proposed buy this. Fact to the high volume of silver really unnecessary and people could not see. Suggest that you buy this just general.

A level: bits is a poor place, with an average volume of silver lower number, such as: Will many of the "bread silver" ornaments (this does not ring for the beautiful, But long-time will not change color), in the process of making requests not stringent enough, such as polishing, laser logo, but it is not enough stringent checks, there defective rate is relatively high, the surface may not be entirely smooth, Cheaper prices.

B level refers to some small factories or workshops own family production of the so-called TIFFANY, of course, due to various reasons, the overall quality and quantity of silver have caught up with the front, and some quality really is not bad, but the majority are very difficult to say. If you are luck ,you can and may buy a similar, but in most cases can only feel a loss:)

Genuine: It is now the international market is the most commodity-like tiffany goods, TIFFANY Genuine can buy only a few major cities where the franchise, if scores can buy authentic pieces are deceptive, because not a few hundred pieces of authentic.

A+ goods: This is the best imitation goods, as Tiffany processing requirements for the silver decoration very high, so do the grading here a total of only 30 companies (That we are selling is the one), even as some businesses real goods sold. With its quality is Commodities without distinction, in full accordance with tiffany shape 1:1 manufacturing, materials identical polishing beautifully TIFFANY Lettering, 925 silver signs Fine.

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The Meaning Of Rings And Fingers

nospam@example.com (jacky chan) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 04:04:36 +0200

Rings are circles. In all cultures the circle is a symbol of unity and eternity, encompassing all. In early cultures, rings were considered magical or sacred through their association with the sun, moon and gods, thus giving protection to the wearer by binding one with power and energy.

Some of the magical mythology of ancient times still influences how and why we wear rings. Kings, priests and healers wore rings on the index finger because that finger was thought to be especially powerful. Medicines were applied to the body with the index finger to give speed and power to their effect. Even today, wearers of healing gemstones wear the rings on the index finger to take the best advantage of the curing energies.

The strongest magical tradition that still holds fast today is the one about the third or ring finger. The ring finger was thought to contain a nerve that went directly to the heart. Wearing a wedding or engagement ring on the ring finger still symbolizes the binding commitment and union of hearts. The Meaning of Fingers When Wearing Rings:

Right Hand vs. Left Hand

In the dual nature of man, the right and left hands are part of his whole being yet represent his twofold conscious and subconscious mind. The left hand (the subconscious) is a reflection of his deeply buried instinct, beliefs and attitudes. The right hand (the conscious) reflects his logic and his awareness. Wearing rings on your left hand could symbolize your unknowing wish to strengthen the powers associated with the finger that wears the ring. Rings on the right hand reflect your desire to control your life and actions.

The Thumb: Will Power

The thumb represents the self. Set apart from other fingers but working in unison with them to give strength to the hand that the others cannot, the thumb symbolized our self in our world. It is associated with logic and will power which govern our actions. Rings on the thumb symbolize freedom and independence of thought and action.

The Index Finger: Authority & Ambition

This finger reflects our need to enhance our ego. The forefinger, throughout history, has represented authority and power. It is associated with leadership and ambition. Kings, priests and healers wore rings on the index finger because that finger was thought to be especially powerful. Nowadays, people wear rings on the index finger as a show of assertiveness.

The Middle Finger: Identity & Materialism

The middle finger is associated with our role in life. Being in the center of the hand, it symbolizes personal identity and those things that are at central to our world. Those wearing rings on the middle fingers are well balanced yet wish to be at the center of attention.

The Ring Finger: Emotion & Creativity

The third finger is associated with affections because it is the one with a direct connection to the heart. It also represents our creativity and artistic self. A wedding or engagement ring on this finger proclaims to the world that the wearer emotions and creative goals are committed to the giver of the ring. If the ring is acquired by the wearer instead of a mate, it symbolizes self worth and a commitment to one personal skills and talents.

Little Finger: Relationships

The little finger is at the opposite end from the thumb. While the thumb symbolizes the inner self, the little finger is associated with others outside of ourselves. It sits on the outside of our hands, facing the world. It is the relationship finger, expressing our attitudes towards other people, sex, and the material world. Rings on the little finger represent confidence and independence in personal and business relationships. Rings here can also express a person attitude about sexuality and how appealing they consider themselves to be.

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How To Choose The Right Bracelet

nospam@example.com (jacky chan) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 04:29:43 +0200

In this article we explain how to choose the right bracelet. Your bracelet could be made in silver or gold, it could be a simple bracelet or be studded with stones and diamonds. Make sure that you know how to evaluate a good bracelet.

Step One

Basic Design: The first thing that you should consider is the basic design of the bracelet. The design should be streamlined without sharp or pointed edges. Sharp edges can not only injure delicate skin, but also get bent or dented easily. The type of mounting used for the diamonds and gemstones in your bracelet will depend on the design. Prongs used to mount gems need to be sturdy and strong. If the gemstones in your bracelet are mounted with thin needle-like prongs, the prongs can get caught in pockets and other places. This causes the prongs to gradually open up, this ofcourse loosens the gemstones which can then drop off. The design dimensions for your bracelet should take the metal weight into consideration. A wide width with low gold or silver weight, will mean that the metal is too thin. This can cause your bracelet to lose shape and get damaged.

Step Two

Metal Weight: The metal weight of the bracelet is another important thing to be checked. Good mounting of the gemstones or diamonds in your bracelet will need sufficient gold or silver weight. There can be no standard weight suitable for all bracelets, much will depend on the design, the number of gems and diamonds, the length and width of the bracelet etc. Looks can be deceptive so pay special attention to the weight of your bracelet. In general you can be sure that, ladies bracelets with a metal weight that is less than 10 grams will not be durable and sturdy. Your jeweller might tell you that, healthy metal weight will make your bracelet appear clumsy and bulky. Stop believing this nonsense, the truth is that the design needs to ensure that the bracelet does not appear bulky. The design for your bracelet should have good metal thickness, this will not be visible from the front of the bracelet. Compromising on the gold or silver weight of your bracelet would also mean that, the links that connect the segments of the bracelet will be weak. This can cause the bracelet to snap, it could then easily fall off your wrist and get lost. So remember that, good metal weight is essential for gold or silver bracelets.

Step Three

Gemstone Options:You should also be given a wide range of gemstone options to select for your bracelet. Many jewellers use whatever few gemstones they have and put a bracelet together. This does not work to your advantage as you are restricted in your choice. You could choose the gemstones in your bracelet based on color, type, birthstone or traditional beliefs. For example, a mother's bracelet could include the birthstone of the mother and all her children. Such family birthstone bracelets can be made only if a wide choice of gems is available. There is ofcourse the issue of budget that you have at your disposal. You might see a gorgeous sapphire bracelet but, the sapphires could drive the bracelet out of your budget. You should be allowed to choose the same bracelet with cheaper gems like, blue topaz, iolite or probably cheaper sapphires. A jeweller with limited access to gems and production facilities will restrict your choice too. There is also the issue of conditions in which your bracelet would be worn. For example, an emerald bracelet needs special care when wearing and storing, this is because of the nature of emeralds. You might pefer the same bracelet design with green tourmaline instead of emeralds. Your jeweller will need to satisfy your requirements and not the other way round.

Step Four

Choose The Metal: The metal for your bracelet will be a component of the price tag, a gold bracelet would add a substantial amount to the price tag. You should therefore have the option to choose gold or silver for your bracelet. Most jewellers are very eager to sell gold bracelets, but will either ignore you are provide you with second grade service if you talk about a silver bracelet. This is sad but true, so look for a jeweller who is willing to make a good quality silver bracelet for you if that is what you want. It is often said and rightly that, a good quality silver bracelet is better than a delicate and light weight gold bracelet. When you choose your silver bracelet remember that, no compromises regarding gemstone choice or craftsmanship need be made. For gold bracelets, you should have the option to select a 14k or 18k bracelet and also choose the gold color. If you are looking for a white gold bracelet, there is no reason why you should be happy with a yellow gold aquamarine bracelet. Jewellers make gold bracelets with low weight, this is done to allow lower price tags. They really don't care what problems these light weight junk will cause you after the payment has been made.

Step Five

Good Craftsmanship: Insist on good craftsmanship for your bracelet, this should be the case for gold or silver bracelets. Bad craftsmanship could also mean loose gemstones and badly connected links. It is true that mass produced bracelets cannot be given individual attention. This is the reason why a custom bracelet could be best for you. Good craftsmanship is essential for ladies and men's bracelets, make sure that your bracelet is well crafted. Good craftsmanship provides more than just good appearance for your bracelet, this will clearly work to your advantage in the longterm.

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Don't Buy Tiffany On eBay Until You've Seen This!

nospam@example.com (jacky chan) — Fri, 09 May 2008 04:31:23 +0200

I won an auction for a Tiffany bracelet. But before I even bid, I emailed the seller, asking her if this was authentic, even though in the auction details, she stated that it was.

I know there are A LOT of fakes on eBay, but with 100% feedback from 65 people, I thought they were legitimate. I was wrong.

Anyone who's bought/received Tiffany's jewelry from Tiffany's website KNOWS what to expect in the mail. A heavy polishing cloth/carrying case, a turquoise box, and an authentic piece.

I knew IMMEDIATELY when I opened the box that I had been duped. The lime green box had Tiffany & Co. smudged on top. The polishing cloth/carrying case was hollow inside and made of some hardened material. Again, the logo was printed and smudged. To make it worse, the bracelet didn't even say Tiffany & Co.

I contacted the seller, and she denied it was a fake. Owning several rings and bracelets, I know what tiffany jewelry is supposed to look like. She refused a refund, and I was out $80.00!!!

Apparently this seller bought a fake box (lime green!)and cleaning cloth/carrying case off of eBay - and was passing off a fake bracelet as authentic.

I contacted PayPal - they asked that I return the package to her so that my refund was processed. I did exactly that, and added delivery confirmation to "cover myself". She then tells PayPal the package was empty, and no ring was shipped back. I contacted eBay, and thought they would cancel the auction, absolving me from responsibility. I was wrong again. I had already paid and received the bracelet so I was basically stuck with a fake bracelet and nothing else.

I was out $80.00 PLUS $4.00 to ship the item back. The seller received the bracelet & my money.

Be sure to read all of the fine print of a auction. She stated at the bottom of the auction that the buyer had to pay for shipping it back!! I buy something I think is authentic, and when I find out it's not, I'm out the return shipping charges!!!

As Buyer, you must protect yourself.

While there are some people selling their Tiffany & Co. jewelry (tiffany necklaces, tiffany pendants, tiffany bracelets, tiffany earrings, tiffany rings), be careful. You could end up with a fake peice like I did, and have to pay to ship it back, and STILL not get refunded.

Tiffany Mall is discount tiffany jewelry online store. We have added about 200 Tiffany & Co Sliver Jewelry and Diamonds to the site for our customers. Our mission is to provide the best products and service to our customers at the lowest prices possible.

Tiffany Diamond History

nospam@example.com (jacky chan) — Tue, 06 May 2008 03:34:17 +0200

It was Tiffany & Co. that introduced the engagement ring as we know it today. The celebrated six-prong Tiffany® Setting lifts the diamond above the band and into the light. The result is a ring whose beauty has never been equaled.

In 1848 the New York City newspapers dubbed Charles Lewis Tiffany, The King of Diamonds. And with good reason. The quality of Tiffany diamonds was then, and remains, exemplary. In the spring of 1887, Tiffany shocked the world by purchasing the French Crown Jewels. From this time on, Tiffany became the worlds authority on the finest diamonds.

Soon Tiffany designers were creating brilliance of their own. From the glittering 1890s on, timeless Tiffany designs graced women from the finest families: the Astors, the Vanderbilts, the Morgans. Celebrities from the theater, sports, and ultimately European royalty and Hollywood stars began to prize Tiffany diamond designs.

Around the world, museums treasure the Tiffany design aesthetic, from the Art Nouveau period to Art Deco to todays modern classics. Year in, year out, the passion for Tiffany diamonds is clearly demonstrated in the worlds auction houses.

Today, the world-famous 128.54-carat Tiffany Diamond is on permanent display in the New York flagship storeproof positive of Tiffanys diamond legacy.

List of Tiffany & Co. products:

But nowhere is a Tiffany diamond more beautiful or more treasured than in its place of honor, on the hand of a woman.

You can get more infomation from www.tiffany.com.

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