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Three samples of the biopolymer hyaluronic acid (HA) were characterized in the following manner: the molecular weights were obtained via multi-angle laser light scattering; the intrinsic viscosities were calculated through dilute solution viscometry, and the rheology of HA solutions was determined with constant rate rotational viscometry and dynamical mechanical testing. In addition, the highly debated role of hyaluronic acid in wound healing was examined by studying the effect that HA has upon thrombin-catalyzed fibrin clotting. Fibrin, in phosphate-buffered saline, was clotted both alone and after being incubated with HA. It was determined that the presence of hyaluronic acid resulted in a slower clotting process; in effect, HA acts as an anti-coagulant. Based upon the experimental evidence, it is proposed that this anti-coagulant phenomenon arises through a combination of two mechanisms: 1) specific binding between HA and fibrin, which acts to retard fibrin clotting through steric hindrance, and 2) the formation of an HA network which slows fibrin clotting by hindering free diffusion of fibrin and thrombin. Finally, creation of a synthetic replacement for synovial fluid was attempted using xanthan gum and locust bean gum in phosphate-buffered saline. The phenomenon of gum synergism was utilized in an effort to exert some degree of fine-tuning over the final rheological properties of the solution. This also would provide the side benefit of reducing the weight of gum required per unit volume. By mixing the solutions at different temperatures, it was possible to exploit the tendency of xanthan gum to uncoil at higher temperatures and therefore bind more strongly to locust bean gum. However, it was determined that no combination of gum concentrations and processing conditions resulted in a gum solution that adequately mimicked the rheology of a hyaluronan solution.

How does Christ's obedience relate to our salvation? Speaking into current conversations about the nature of salvation, respected New Testament scholar Brandon Crowe argues that we are saved by Christ's perfect obedience, which has implications for understanding the gospel message, Christian hope, and discipleship. Jesus is not only the quintessential model of faithfulness in a fallen world, but his unique work frees us from the burden of perfect obedience.

NOON is a literary annual. According to the New York Times, NOON is "erudite, elegant and stubbornly experimental." This year's features include fiction by Souvankham Thammavongsa, 2020 Giller Prize winner; the first and only published fiction by British psychoanalyst and essayist Adam Phillips; journal entries from Lydia Davis; and other stories by acclaimed and emerging voices.

This volume highlights the sustained focus in Acts on the resurrection of Christ, bringing clarity to the theology of Acts and its purpose. Brandon Crowe explores the historical, theological, and canonical implications of Jesus's resurrection in early Christianity and helps readers more clearly understand the purpose of Acts in the context of the New Testament canon. He also shows how the resurrection is the fulfillment of the Old Testament Scriptures. This is the first major book-length study on the theological significance of Jesus's resurrection in Acts.

Does life end at death? The answer is no! The nearly 2,000 cases of departing visions and visitations from deceased relatives and friends collected by the author prove that there is life after death. At the moment of physical death, departed loved ones return to the dying to ease travel from this life to the next. Friends, family, and healthcare workers also report seeing these loving spiritual travel guides. Such encounters—reported by individuals from a wide variety of cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds—clearly illustrate that the personality, soul, or consciousness does not disappear or “die.” To live our lives to the fullest, we must relieve ourselves of the false notion that death is the end. Departing visions help us do this. Heavenly Hugs will introduce you to both historical and modern-day departing visions, proving: The dying have been reuniting with the departed—for centuries Departed loved ones escort the dying to the other side or next dimension Something has often been seen leaving the physical body at the moment of death Famous people have experienced beautiful departing visions

In this light-hearted novella, Cowboy Quigley, a quixotic roughneck steeped in the mythology of Texas, endeavors to redeem the mediocrity of his life and of the modern world at-large by liberating Mexico from an imaginary arch-villain. Inspired by a comical but recognizably American idealism, Cowboy wills his preconceived notions onto a world that - much to the embarrassment of his reluctant sidekick, Chucho - rarely conforms itself to his delusions. Cowboy had always hoped that when history called on him, he would acquit himself well and take his place in the pantheon of Texas heroes. But Cowboy's crusade soon draws the attention of certain unsavory characters who are not inclined to let a swaggering gringo make himself a "hero" at their expense.