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3 Greeting Cards Sold! Thanks you for the Support!
6th Place in the FOR THE BIRDS Challenge!
Taken at Sweetwater Wetlands in Tucson, AZ Jan 2010
281 views as of 7-6-10
Leucism is a condition characterized by reduced pigmentation in animals and humans. Unlike albinism, it is caused by a reduction in all types of skin pigment, not just melanin.
Generally seen alone or paired, perches on a low branch to scan for prey. Spotting it, then darting after the flying insects, catching them on the wing. Will also pounce on prey seen on the ground from a low perch. Like a Phoebe, pumps and spreads its tail continuously while perched.
Found near sources of water in arid and semiarid regions. Man-made irrigation zones,small wooded ponds,stream side bushes,etc. Females build a nest of sticks,grass,weeds, and feathers in the fork of a tree.
The male is somewhat similar to the Scarlet Tanager due to the striking red plumage (Though not in this case). Difference? You don't see Scarlet Tanagers where you see Vermilion's. The scarlet tanager does not have the mask across his face here as opposed to the vermilion flycatcher. The scarlet tanager is a larger bird. You wouldn't necessarily find them in North America in the same area, however in their migratory route you will find them in the same area in South America where the tanager winters in the area where the flycatcher lives.
VOICE Song a rolling pi-pi-pi-piprrrrt!, rising then falling; repeated with mechanical regularity, often during slow, butterfly-like display. CALL a sharp, high pseep
such a pretty bird!
wonderful capture Kimberly :o)
Thanks Wendy for the comment and the fav!~☺
– Kimberly Chadwick
Another neat capture of this rarity Kimberly, interesting associated read as well
I am pleased that you like it Larry~☺~ Thank you!
– Kimberly Chadwick
Remarkable – again! The background is perfect.
The rains moved out and I took advantage of a sunny day. Thank you for your support Sheila~☺
– Kimberly Chadwick
Another fantastic shot Kimberly!! Beautifully composed and great information!
Well I had a little birdie tell me about some info….☺……Thank you so much for your comments Blair!
– Kimberly Chadwick
Also for the fav! I appreciate that!
– Kimberly Chadwick
What a lovely capture – - – so pretty!!!
Thank you very much Lorilee for you wonderful comment and the fav! ~☺
– Kimberly Chadwick
Beautiful capture Kimberly!!
Thank you so very much~☺~ I really appreciate you stopping by and leaving a great comment!
– Kimberly Chadwick
Oh my gosh! Thank you so very much, I am honored☺♥
– Kimberly Chadwick
Thank you so very much for saying so! I am pleased as well as proud. Not to mentioned a bit Dumb-struck! Thanks for stopping by!
– Kimberly Chadwick
Wonderful image Kim.
Congratulations on the feature :-)))
Best regards Yani & Renata
I thank you for your great and kind comment! I am thankful for this honor and my supporters!
– Kimberly Chadwick
So sweet, what a wonderful photo :-)
Thanks again Kymie~☺~!
– Kimberly Chadwick


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The Current Situation in the Markets
I have found it useful to think about the current situation by comparing it to an auction of a fine work of art, say a prized painting of the impressionist era. At the auction, savvy buyers will look at the painting and bid on it based on their knowledge of its worth by comparing it to similar works that were recently sold at auction. And they would take into account its condition, the esteem in which the artist is held among connaiseurs in the art world and any other factors that they think is important -- perhaps expectations that such a piece will increase in value because it is rare, etc.
Based on these considerations, the bidders will make offers in the auction, but then things tend often to get out of control. Bidders may want the piece badly and be willing to pay more than they think it is worth, and sometimes a bidding frenzy starts. By the time it's over, the piece has sold for a lot more than experts expected.
This scenario is not at all unusual, and similar thing happens often in the stock market where a lot of money from a lot of investors get put into the stock market (or particular segments of the market) and before you know it, the stock market is "overvalued." People who own "overvalued" stock don't want new investors to know that it is overvalued because then the new investors will not buy it. So the popular overvalued stocks get bidded higher and higher. Eventually, reality sets in the the bubble bursts. That's the way markets work. And you have to be prepared for periodic adjustments by waiting them out. You cannot "time" the market because it is too unpredictable. No one knows when the market will go up or for how long.
But let's get back to the fine painting scenario for a minute. Suppose in the course of the bidding, a rumor starts that the painting is a forgery, or that the artist is not really as highly esteemed as generally believed. Then the "value" of the piece will plummet, and the auction will fail. It may even devolve into a scandal.
That's what has happened in our markets worldwide. This is, in my opinion, not a "garden variety" bubble, but one based on assets in vitally important investment banks that were misrepresented. These banks are vitally important because they grease the wheels of commerce by lending and borrowing among themselves and to businesses large and small all over the country and worldwide. And much of what they do is based on TRUST, trust in their solvency, and confidence in their ability to pay up if/when push comes to shove. Unfortuantely, many if not most banks in the US and outside the US got caught up in "opaque" instruments, instruments whose value is not transparent. And eventually the bubble burst.
I believe this bubble is different for at least 2 reasons: (1) It is based on fraud, pure and simple--misrepresentations of the true value of instruments.
(2) The fraud was driven by an enormous bubble in the housing market. This is different from a bubble in, say, dotcom stocks or other stocks, because these can be sold quickly on the open market. But a housing bubble involves homes that people live in, and they cannot be easily sold. To complicate matters, many homebuyers made imprudent purchases -- they bought at inflated prices with little or no money down and they took adjustable-rate mortgages that obligated them to make much higher monthly payments 1 to 3 years after they signed up. Then, just as the new monthly payment schedule became reality, the value of their house dropped by 20-50% because the bubble in the housing market burst. So these people are stuck owing more money than their house is worth, and often unable to make the new higher monthly payments. Many of course expected that they would sell their homes at a profit before the new payment schedule kicked in, but of course that did not happen.
Now the mortgages of these houses are given a fake inflated value, when they are often practically worthless. Who owns these mortages? No one knows, or if they know, they're not telling. The mortgages were sliced and diced, combined with other securities in such complicated "sophisticated" ways that no one understands them or can track them down. But what we do know is that this fraud became widespread, while people who should have known better looked the other way. So the banks who own these fancy fraudulent instruments cannot sell them, and the whole financial system on which we depend has come close to a grinding halt.
Four months ago, when I saw that this was not a "garden variety" bubble, I reduced my investments in stocks by half. My only regret is that I didn't reduce them by more. So I am sitting tight with a lot of cash, and plan to start making "periodic installments" into the market to sort of dollar cost average some time soon. As a retired person in my 70s, I am in "wealth preservation" mode. Unlike my son, I do not have 25 years to recover from the present downturn. But I know I need stocks because they compensate for inflation, but I'll watch them very closely and invest in them cautiously.
Well there is always lots of "investing" advice. I have a client who was so worried that her money was losing to inflation that she took a recent inheritance and invested it in bonds and stocks that really took a dive. I had suggested she pay off her house, her car and her credit cards before she worried about inflation. Apparently when she went to deposit the money in the bank, she was directed to the "financial planner" at the bank who assured her that my advice was short sighted and lawyers don't know much about investing.
This recession is world wide if you notice what overseas banks & stock markets are doing. Russia, China & India
and even France that doesn't use much credit are moving to prop up or secure their credit markets.
It depends on where you get your news from I guess.
I think the world markets are in an "inflection point" which means they are changing direction. We won't know the nature of the new trajectory for some time. There is reason to predict that this recession (if it has already started) will be a good deal longer than recent ones because they involve a real estate bubble. It stinks.
haus proud - I agree with your analysis of the real estate bubble, and combined with the crude oil price runup this summer really started the current downturn.
It's my opinion however, that the real elephant in the room is in the credit default swap market. Because these financial instruments are totally unregulated and have absolutely no transparency, nobody can know who owns what and how much. I believe that's what is causing the mistrust between the big banks and the reluctance to lend to each other. I don't pretend to know how these things work. I do know there's a huge amount of money involved and a lot of it may be tied up in worthless paper.
The link below is the most current news story I could find on the subject.
Here is a link that might be useful: SEC head asks for reins on credit default swaps
After all the book-cooking, subprime lending,and CEO's who seem to run companies for their own good, one wonders if many investors will just chaulk up the existing state of the stock market as one big Ponsi scheme.
As a life-long investor, I'm tired of being scammed by people who just GET money instead of EARNING it.
If I was in my 70's, I sure wouldn't invest any more money in the stock market. Once it has gone down this far, it will probably take 5 to 10 years before you make up the value of what's been lost. Income is more important to you than growth. I would use that cash to invest in Treasuries and because you are taxed on those, I'd back that up with a muni fund so that you won't owe taxes on any of that monthly interest. Muni rates last month were 3.75%. Muni funds were always a great way for older people to get much needed income. In these times, they also seem like the only thing that is in the black.
>>If I was in my 70's, I sure wouldn't invest any more money in the stock market.If you were in your 70's, I assume you would have a more conservative mix of stocks/bonds anyway.
I think emerging markets will continue to see some growth, but you need to be aware that both Chinese and Russian governments manipulate their stock markets extensively without any of the (yes, sometimes ineffectual but still extant SEC) transparency we have in the US and Eurozone markets. They are not for amateur investors; if you invest there you need to pay good attention to international business news.
Our CDO problem has spilled over to foreign investors because the Fed encouraged them to buy more US assets back when the dollar was strong. I think we do far more harm to ourselves by not teaching the basics of finance and investing to everyone while still in school, than almost anything else.
IMHO: Is there a crisis? Yes. Is the Fed and Treasury this time (as opposed to 1929) doing the right things? Yes. Will it take time - several quarters, at least - to see the results? Yes.
The "bailout" (I hate that word) hasn't worked because...it hasn't gone into effect yet. The guy proposed to run it still has to be vetted by the Congressional oversight committee. If they don't like him, that delays the whole thing yet again.
The markets panic because they are supposed to look forward, but right now they are frozen in a "day-to-day" mode. The general trend is down because the hedge funds are going to have to sell their holdings for redemptions from spooked investors. Forced selling always creates a lower Dow. It will pass, it always does.
It wasn't pleasant watching our portfolio drop 26% during the years 2000-2001. But it recovered to the point where our 20-yr ROI remains in the 11% range despite the three quarters of 2008. We are still holding six-figure gains compared to what we held at the end of the bear market in Dec 2001.
If you are working and still contributing to a retirement plan, the market noise should not and need not affect you. This is assuming you have a properly diversified portfolio that will give you less risk with reasonable returns over the long-term. All this nervousness is the reason why I was against privatizing Social Security accounts; most people simply do not have any stomach for risk, nor can they see the long-term even though they may not need the money for 10 or 20 years yet.
However, this is a very difficult time for those who are in retirement or planning to retire in the next 24 months. Without a DBP (defined benefit pension), VUL (variable universal life), or annuity policy set up, there aren't many people who can cut their expenses back 30% immediately and survive.
The fact that many stocks and funds are downgraded at this very moment is not helping either. Many large pension funds have rules what kind of stocks (rating wise) they are allowed to hold. This adds another pressure, to sell and prices to fall, to the market :(
Whee! Wasn't this morning an exciting roller-coaster ride? And we have the rest of today to listen to the gears chugging our cars up, up, up a little; then...another DIP...some more chugging... We must be too high in the air to bail now! We're moving too fast in the dips to get off. After this afternoon we'll have until Tuesday to finish fwowing up before we get back on.
DH and I luckily missed much of the dot-com crash pain because we were taking money out of portfolio to build a house. I'm happier paying RE taxes locally than sending bigger gobs to Washington and Springfield, IL. The house feels cozy; more satisfying than sniffing the ink on brokerage statements. Even after the RE bust we are still ahead in that department for now. The portfolio had recovered, too. After this craziness shakes out...who knows?

subset: commoncrawl


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Stories Just Posted
Two Attempted Abductions in STV Prompted Additional PatrolsMarch 26th, 2015
by Staff Reporter or Submitted Item
Pinal County Sheriff's Deputies are increasing patrols in San Tan Valley after responding to two attempted child abduction reports on […]
Local Schools See Spring Action This WeekMarch 24th, 2015
by Andrew Luberda
Poston Butte Poston Butte Baseball – Senior Nick Falck had three hits, two doubles and a triple, in the Broncos' 10-6 win at Casa Grande last Wednesday.
Area players and coach receive NFF honorsMarch 24th, 2015
by Andrew Luberda
Southeast Valley Ledger San Tan Foothills offensive lineman Ryan Wilson and Queen Creek quarterback Bryce Dobbs were among 40 college and high school scholar athletes honored by the Valley of
Copper Basin K-8 students wear PJs to raise moneyMarch 24th, 2015
by Andrew Luberda
Southeast Valley Ledger A month or so ago, Dr. Kelly Smith, the former assistant principal at Copper Basin K-8, called current Principal Joanne Pike, her friend and colleague, to update
Stories Just For You
Good news for movie lovers: Harkins opens new theater in Queen Creek MarketplaceMarch 24th, 2015
by Andrew Luberda
Southeast Valley Ledger Harkins Theatres, founded and based in Arizona since 1933, celebrated the grand opening of its newest movie theatre, Queen Creek 14, last Thursday night.
Mountain View Church to hold a combined car show and shopping experienceMarch 20th, 2015
by Staff Reporter or Submitted Item
Crafts N Cruisers News R San Tan Valley- Mountain View Church will hold its Crafts n' Cruisers Event this Saturday, […]
Families invited to 'Spring Into QC' on March 28March 20th, 2015
by Staff Reporter or Submitted Item
Get ready for a hoppin' good time at Queen Creek's Spring Into QC event, taking place on Saturday, March 28 […]
Queen Creek Mayor presents Town's first digital State of the Town AddressMarch 20th, 2015
by Staff Reporter or Submitted Item
During the March 18 Queen Creek Town Council meeting, Mayor Gail Barney presented the community with the 2015 State of […]
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5280 magazine, the largest local magazine in Colorado, was first published in 1993. Its commitment to high-quality journalism has made it one of the country's most respected regional publications. Since 2005, 5280 has been a finalist for six National Magazine Awards, the industry's highest honor. It has been named one of America's top five city magazines by the City and Regional Magazine Association on three separate occasions. With a total distribution of 85,000, 5280 outsells most national magazines on area newsstands and has higher market penetration than any other city magazine in America. In 2011, 5280 Publishing began expanding its title portfolio, which now includes 5280 Health, 5280 Home, and 5280 Traveler in addition to the monthly publication of 5280 magazine.
No phone calls please.
Account Executive Position
5280 Magazine, a successful Denver-based monthly publication, is seeking an account executive to take over and grow an active account portfolio with unlimited new business potential. Will work with business owners, marketing directors, advertising agencies and advertising decision makers, both locally and nationally. The ideal candidate will have at least two years sales experience. Must be able to sell print, digital and event opportunities while juggling multiple deadlines. We are seeking an individual that is self-motivated, organized, goal oriented, and possesses an outgoing personality and professional demeanor. Must be able to make cold calls and develop new business while maintaining existing accounts.
Basic computer skills required. Macintosh experience a plus. Detail-oriented, and excellent verbal and written communication skills required. You must be able to thrive in an informal, collaborative, and sometimes chaotic environment.
About 5280 Publishing
With a total distribution of 85,000, 5280 magazine is Colorado's largest local magazine, and also outsells most national magazines on area newsstands.
We offer a laidback and humane work environment, a creative downtown workplace, and the chance to do great work with an excellent team. Salary and benefits are competitive. 5280 Publishing is an equal opportunity employer.
Send your resume and salary history to:
Via e-mail: sales[email protected]
Via US Mail:
5280 Publishing, Inc.
1515 Wazee Street Suite 400
Denver, CO 80202
Via fax: 303-832-0470
No phone calls please.
Restaurant Critic
5280 is seeking a restaurant critic who can build upon the success of our established food coverage. This is a freelance position; the critic will report to 5280's food editor, Amanda M. Faison. The ideal candidate must:
• Have excellent reporting and writing skills
• Produce informative, sharp, and entertaining monthly restaurant reviews
• Possess strong, informed, trustworthy opinions
• Have extensive knowledge of food, restaurants, and the local dining scene (A culinary degree and/or professional kitchen experience is a plus, but not required)
• Blog for 5280.com weekly and maintain an active presence on social media (while remaining anonymous)
• Have a schedule that allows time to dine out several times a week and to keep current on local and national trends
Think you're the ideal candidate? E-mail a brief cover letter, resumé, three PDF work clips, and a sample restaurant review to [email protected].
Marketing Internship Program
5280 is looking for a well-organized, creative person with strong writing skills, an outgoing personality and an eagerness to learn.
This person will report directly to the marketing director and work closely with the marketing and sales assistant to create media lists, write press releases, and pitch both local and national media. This person will also help draft sponsorship proposals, assist with the coordination of small events, attend meetings with local community leaders, and learn the ins and outs of branding and marketing.
This internship provides a professional environment that allows interns to work side-by-side with an award-winning editorial and web staff and witness the behind-the-scenes of the magazine publishing business while providing assistance to the marketing director and sales staff.
Details: A commitment of 90 days is preferred. The internship is paid.
To apply: Please email a cover letter and resumé to [email protected] in a PDF format.
Deadline for applications: Summer (February 23), Fall (June 25) Spring (October 25).
Editorial Internship Program
5280 offers editorial internship positions in the summer, fall, and spring. Internships are hands-on and involve a variety of responsibilities as well as the opportunity to regularly interact with the editorial staff.
Primary duties include fact-checking stories, contributing research to larger stories and feature packages, and writing shorter stories for the front-of-the-book and dining sections. Interns also enter descriptions for the calendar and dining listings sections, and write for 5280.com.
As part of the program, interns will take part in training sessions and mentorship. Training sessions are run by editors and provide an overview of how the magazine works, from pitching to editing to art/design. The mentorship program pairs each intern with two editors, offering interns a chance to gain firsthand knowledge about a career in journalism.
Although a magazine, journalism, or English degree (or working toward a degree) is preferred, it's not required. Published clips or writing samples are required (college newspaper is OK). A commitment of three to four days a week is preferred. The internship is paid.
To apply:
Please email a cover letter, resumé, and three to five published clips to [email protected].
Deadlines for applications: Summer (March 1); Fall (July 1); Spring (November 1).
Digital-Editorial Internship Program
5280 offers an editorial internship program focused on digital and multimedia storytelling. Interns work closely with the editorial staff on projects, which may include (but are not limited to) video production, writing and reporting stories, research, social media, and website maintenance.
As part of the program, interns will take part in training sessions and mentorship. Training sessions are run by editors and provide an overview of how the magazine works, from pitching to editing to art/design. Interns are also paired with an editor to gain firsthand knowledge about a career in journalism.
Although a magazine journalism, or English degree, (or working toward a degree) is preferred, it's not required. Published clips or writing samples are required. Applicants with a background in photography, video (5280 uses Final Cut Pro), HTML coding, or social media are encouraged to apply. A commitment of 20 hours a week is required. The internship is paid.
To apply:
Please email a cover letter, resumé, and three to five published clips (including video or a website, if applicable) to [email protected] with "digital internship" in the subject line.
Deadlines for applications: Summer (April 1); Fall (July 15); Spring (November 15).
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5280 offers a photography/art internship program in the summer, fall, and spring. Internships are hands-on and involve a variety of responsibilities as well as the opportunity to be part of a busy art department.
Primary duties include photography research, photo editing, food photography, and shooting various assignments that will be published online and in print issues. Duties also include assisting on various shoots.
As part of the program, interns will take part in training sessions presented by editors providing an overview of how the magazine works, from pitching to editing to art/design. Interns will learn about photography resources in Denver and beyond.
Although a photography major is preferred, it's not required. A commitment of three to four days a week is preferred. The internship is paid.
Knowledge in:
- Photoshop
- InDesign is a plus but not required
- Image conversion
Required Equipment: DSLR Camera
To apply:
Please email a cover letter, resumé, and links to online portfolios to [email protected].
Deadline for applications: Spring (January-June), November 1; Fall (June-January), April 1.
Design & Production Internship
5280 offers a three-to-six month internship position that works closely with the advertising, marketing, design and production, and digital departments.
The ideal candidate:
- Is currently enrolled or has recently graduated with a degree in graphic design.
- Is thorough and detail-oriented and comfortable handling multiple tasks at once.
- Has strong typography skills with the ability to perform tasks using style sheets.
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- Is motivated and punctual with a good work ethic and passion for design.
- Has reliable transportation to our lower downtown office.
- Has great communication skills and the ability to take direction/criticism when needed and apply that to his/her design.
- Has good working knowledge of Adobe CS5, particularly InDesign.
- Has strong familiarity with Macs.
- Has basic knowledge of HTML and CSS.
- Is available to work a minimum of 28 hours per week.
Internship benefits include:
- Option to participate in 5280 magazine events.
- Ability to network with the magazine's entire staff.
- Inclusion in the magazine's printed masthead.
- Opportunity to add work to your portfolio.
- The internship is paid.
To Apply:
In order to be considered for this position you must email a cover letter, resumé, and no more than 3 design samples in one single PDF file to [email protected]. We are always accepting applications for this position.


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Smaller and lighter than an 18-volt model, this 5 3/8-inch brushless saw is said to be capable of 170 cuts per charge in 2x4 material.
Four full-size models for full-size jobs.
We asked about your brand preferences for of six common hand tools and here's what you told us.
The Shop Pockets vest is modular in the sense that you can use it with their pouches or your own.
From cordless recip saws to portable CNC machines, here are our top picks of the most innovative new tools in 2014.
Milwaukee's patent infringement lawsuits are old news to the companies that have already settled.
If you want an M18 sliding compound miter saw, you'll have to buy it naked in Europe.
The model 2730 is the best performing 6 1/2-inch saw tested to date.
This heavy duty right angle cordless drill is designed with electrical rough-in work in mind.
This is the first model from a company based outside of Europe to offer a system of interchangeable chucks.
Copyright ©
2015 Hanley Wood Media, Inc. All rights reserved.


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what to do with onions?
We just cleaned up our garden and found a bag full of onions. We have just been pulling them as we needed them. Besides chopping them up and putting in the freezer, what can I do with them. I was told to tie them together and hang them...where?
Chop and dehydrate them. They will store indefinitely in a mason jar when dried and have unlimited uses. You can also slice and pickle them (couple of discussions on doing this here right now).
Bundling and hanging in a cool, dry, dark environment will keep them for a while but how long all depends on the variety. In time they will sprout and then rot, sweet varieties within a month, storage varieties within a couple of months.
So if you don't want to dehydrate or pickle them then freezing them chopped and in measured portions is the best option.
If you have a CrockPot / Slow Cooker, I 2nd the caramelizing idea.
We (GF & I) do a few batches every year. They come in really handy for beef dishes, soups, on sandwiches and burgers, canapes etc. etc.
See link below for a recipe. We use the suggestion of one reviewer and sub chicken broth for the butter. They turn out great either way.
Here is a link that might be useful: Caramelized Onions
So, after dehydrating or doing the carmelizing method, how do you freeze them?
I suppose the dehydrated ones could be frozen in a jar to be scooped out as needed, but how do you best freeze the carmelized ones? It seems like they would freeze in a big lump.
Do you freeze them in an ice tray, wrapped in waxed or plastic wrap or what is your best method???? Baggies seem rather wasteful. Nancy
Ditto jxbrown re freezing caramelized onions.
For dried, like spices, you don't have to freeze as long as you store in an air tight jar and store away from heat in a dark location. I have a Mason jar attachment for my FoodSaver so I vacuum seal my dried goods for that extra peace of mind... I'm nuts ;-)


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Are you smoking pot? 'Why, yes, I am, officer' - 0 Comments
SPRINGFIELD — Massachusetts police say a Springfield man blew through a stop sign and also blew a cloud of marijuana smoke when he was pulled over.
An officer enforcing seat belt laws as part of the annual "Click It or Ticket" campaign saw a vehicle drive through a stop sign Tuesday evening. When the driver stopped and rolled down the window, police say, the officer was "covered in a plume of smoke."
Sgt. John Delaney says the officer asked: "Are you smoking marijuana while operating this motor vehicle?"


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Critics' Best Backhanded Compliments of Michael Bay and Transformers: Dark of the Moon
"The funniest, best-executed film in the Earth-protecting robots-that-look-like-cars-and-trucks series ... [is] as head-slappingly stupid as ever."READ MORE »
"The funniest, best-executed film in the Earth-protecting robots-that-look-like-cars-and-trucks series ... [is] as head-slappingly stupid as ever."READ MORE »
It's like Michael Bay is sick of Michael Bay movies.READ MORE »
For example, is she introduced butt-first?READ MORE »
"It's two dudes ready to kill each other ... spit's flying."READ MORE »
"3D was a forethought, not an afterthought."READ MORE »
And so 'Dark of the Moon' opens the Moscow International Film Festival.READ MORE »
She walked. Oh, did she walk.READ MORE »
"She sent me a text three months ago ... I responded, 'Who is this?'"READ MORE »
He demanded that Michael Bay swing the ax, claims Bay.READ MORE »
"This is a girl who was taken from complete obscurity and placed in a sex-driven role in front of the whole world."READ MORE »
He promises that they're not in the new movie and will pay you if you find them.READ MORE »
Michael Bay has found them.READ MORE »
What if the pigs aren't the enemy?READ MORE »
"I was one or two martinis in."READ MORE »
"Cameron was like, 'Mike, directors like you have to do 3D or it is going to die,'" claims the 'Transformers' director.READ MORE »
Plus: Maria Bello gets cast in the adaptation of 'Prime Suspect.'READ MORE »
The most surprisingly intense-sounding board game film of 2012.READ MORE »
And Shia LaBeouf is sure to follow.READ MORE »
Co-starring his 'Transformers 3' muse, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.READ MORE »
"Come into my edit room and I will show you beautiful 3D."READ MORE »
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Emergen-C Raspberry Packets Dietary Supplement - .3 Oz
About this item
With each sip of this great-tasting, naturally flavored and naturally sweetened vitamin drink mix, you can feel the 24 nutrients flow through your body in a wave of Emergen-C rejuvenation.
- 30 count
- 24 nutrients with antioxidants and electrolytes
- 7 B vitamins
- Raspberry
Supplement Facts: Serving Size 1 Packet (9.2 G). Servings Per Container 30. Amount Per Serving, % Dv: Calories 25; Total Carbohydrate 6 G, 2%; Sugars 6 G; Vitamin C (As Ascorbic Acid, Zinc Ascorbate, Chromium Ascorbate) 1,000 Mg, 1,667%; Thiamin (As Thiamine Hydrochloride) 0.38 Mg, 25%; Riboflavin (As Riboflavin 5'-Phosphate Sodium) 0.43 Mg, 25%. Niacin 5 Mg, 25%; Vitamin B6 (As Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) 10 Mg, 500%; Folic Acid 12.5 Mcg, 3%; Vitamin B12 (As Cyanocobalamin) 25 Mcg, 417%; Pantothenic Acid (As Calcium Pantothenate) 2.5 Mg, 25%; Calcium (As Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Phosphate, Calcium Pantothenate) 50 Mg, 5%; Phosphorus (As Potassium Phosphate, Calcium Phosphate, Sodium Phosphate) 38 Mg, 4%; Magnesium (As Magnesium Hydroxide, Magnesium Carbonate) 60 Mg, 15%; Zinc (As Zinc Ascorbate) 2 Mg, 13%; Manganese (As Manganese Gluconate) 0.5 Mg, 25%; Chromium (As Chromium Ascorbate) 10 Mcg, 8%; Sodium (As Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Phosphate) 60 Mg, 3%; Potassium (As Potassium Bicarbonate, Potassium Carbonate, Potassium Phosphate) 200 Mg, 6%; Alpha Lipoic Acid 1 Mg+, Quercetin 1 Mg+. Other Ingredients: Fructose, Citric Acid, Raspberry Juice Powder, Malic Acid, Tapioca Maltodextrin, Vegetable Juice Color, Natural Flavor, Tartaric Acid, Silica, Caramel Color, Glycine, Aspartic Acid, And Cysteine Hydrochloride. +Daily Value Not Established.
Directions: As A Dietary Supplement, Take One Packet 2 To 4 Times A Day. Place Contents In A Glass, Add 4-6 Oz Of Water. Store In A Cool, Dry Place.
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DALLAS – 7-Eleven stores is launching its Maple Sausage Breakfast Roller this month. Product is a maple-flavored pancake wrapped around a pork sausage link served hot off the roller grill. Available exclusively at participating 7-Eleven stores, the new offering was developed for the company by Kraft Foods and is priced at $1 each.
The Maple Sausage Breakfast Roller contains 270 calories. Although considered as the most important meal of the day, breakfast is still skipped daily by 10 percent of Americans, according to a recent study. That number is even higher for men ages 18 to 34, 7-Eleven's target demographic, at 28 percent.
Based in Dallas, Texas, 7-Eleven operates more than 8,900 7-Eleven stores in North America. Internationally, there are approximately 43,700 7-Eleven stores in 16 countries. During 2010, 7-Eleven stores worldwide generated total sales close to $63 billion.
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An ophthalmic instrument (for obtaining high resolution, wide field of area multi-spectral retinal images) including a fundus retinal imager, (which includes optics for illuminating and imaging the retina of the eye); apparatus for generating a reference beam coupled to the fundus optics to form a reference area on the retina; a wavefront sensor optically coupled to the fundus optics for measuring the wavefront produced by optical aberrations within the eye and the imager optics; wavefront compensation optics coupled to the fundus optics for correcting large, low order aberrations in the wavefront; a high resolution detector optically coupled to the imager optics and the wavefront compensation optics; and a computer (which is connected to the wavefront sensor, the wavefront compensation optics, and the high resolution camera) including an algorithm for correcting, small, high order aberrations on the wavefront and residual low order aberrations.
1. An ophthalmic instrument comprising:
(a) A retinal imager, said imager including optics for illuminating and imaging the retina of the eye;
(b) means for generating a reference beam, said generating means being optically coupled to said imager optics to form a reference spot on said retina;
(c) a wavefront sensor optically coupled to said imager optics for measuring the wavefront produced by optical aberrations within said eye and said imager optics;
(d) first wavefront compensation means optically coupled to said imager optics for correcting large, low order aberrations in said wavefront;
(e) a high resolution detector optically coupled to said imager optics and said first wavefront compensation means; and
(f) computer means, said computer means connected to
(i) said wavefront sensor,
(ii) said first wavefront compensation means, and
(iii) said high resolution detector,
said computer means including second wavefront compensation means for correcting, small, high order aberrations.
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26. An ophthalmic instrument comprising:
(a) a retinal imager, said retinal imager including optics for illuminating and imaging the retina of the eye;
(b) means for generating a reference beam, said generating means being optically coupled to said imager optics to form a reference area on said retina;
(c) a wavefront sensor coupled to said imager optics for measuring the optical aberrations within said eye and said imager optics;
(d) a high resolution detector optically coupled to said imager optics; and
(e) computer means, said computer means connected to
(i) said wavefront sensor, and
(ii) said high resolution camera,
said computer means including wavefront compensation means.
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35. An adaptive optics device for use in association with a fundus retinal imager, said fundus imager including optics for illuminating and imaging the retina of the eye, said device comprising:
(a) a wavefront sensor optically coupleable to said fundus retinal imager optics, for measuring the wavefront produced by optical aberrations within said eye and said fundus retinal imager optics;
(b) first wavefront compensation means, optically coupleable to said fundus optics, for correcting large, low order aberrations in said wavefront;
(c) a high resolution detector optically coupleable to said fundus optics;
(d) said first wavefront compensation means; and
(e) computer means, said computer means connected to
(i) said wavefront sensor,
(ii) said first wavefront compensation means, and
(iii) said high resolution detector,
said computer means including second wavefront compensation means for correcting small, high order aberrations.
This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/767256 filed Jan. 22, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,331,059.
The present invention is directed to an improved fundus retinal imaging system which provides high resolution multispectral retinal images over a wide field of view to permit early diagnosis of various pathologies such as diabetic retinopathy, ARMD (age related malocular degeneration) and glaucoma. More specifically, the present invention relates to a conventional fundus retinal imager combined with, inter alia, a multispectral source, a dithered reference, a wavefront sensor, a deformable mirror, a high resolution camera and deconvoluting software to produce wide field, high resolution, multispectral images of the retina.
The ability to resolve fine details on retinal images can play a key role in the early diagnosis of vision loss. Certain biochemical and cellular-scale features, which may be present in the early stages of many retinal diseases (e.g., ARMD), cannot be detected today with current funduscopic instruments because of the losses in spatial resolution introduced by the ocular medium of the eye and the lack of selectable spectral data. Additionally, the presence of aberrations within the eye limits the effective input pupil size of a standard fundus retinal imager to about 2 mm. This limit leads to a decrease in the contrast of the small image details due to diffraction effects.
A partial solution to the foregoing problems is to use an adaptive optical system, first for measuring aberrations and then for correcting such aberrations. With such a system, it is possible to increase the system pupil diameter up to 7-8 mm and achieve a resolution on the order of 10 μm. The feasibility of this approach has been demonstrated recently by J. Liang et al., �Supernormal vision and high-resolution retinal imaging through adaptive optics,� J. Opt. Soc. Am. A/Vol. 14, No. 11/November, 1997. They report constructing a fundus retinal imager equipped with adaptive optics that permits the imaging of microscopic structures in living human retinas. The optical system, which is illustrated in FIG. 2 of this reference, includes a deformable mirror for wavefront compensation and a wavefront sensing module including a Hartmann-Shack (also known as a Shack-Hartmann; hereinafter abbreviated �S-H�) wavefront sensor. Collectively, the S-H sensor, (which is used to measure the eye's optical aberrations) and the deformable mirror (which is used to make small corrections of the optical aberrations) is sometimes referred to as an adaptive optics system. The deformable mirror is positioned in a plane which is conjugate with both the eye's pupil plane and the front surface of the lenslet array of the S-H wavefront sensor. The S-H wavefront sensor is described in detail in J. Liang, et al., �Objective measurement of wave aberrations of the human eye with the use of a Hartman-Shack wave-front sensor,� J. Opt. Soc. Am./Vol. 11, No.7/July 1994. The displacement of the image, of each of the lenslets in the S-H wave front sensor, on a CCD gives information required to estimate the local wavefront slope. From the array of slopes, the wavefront is reconstructed via a least squares technique into Zernike modes. In operation, a point source produced on the retina by a laser beam is reflected from the retina and received by the lenslet array of the S-H wavefront sensor such that each of the lenslets forms an image of the retinal point source in the focal plane the CCD detector located adjacent to the lenslet array. The output signal from the CCD detector is acquired by a computer, which processes the signal and produces correction signals which, via a feedback loop, are used to control the deformable mirror.
There are a number of limitations associated with the above described instrumentation including:
1. Sensitively to speckle modulation within the eye;
2. The deformable mirror can only provide limited correction;
3. It is a panchromatic instrument, not multispectral;
4. It operates with a limited field of view, on the order of 2-5 degrees; and
5. Several renditions of the S-H output are required to estimate the wavefront.
Further, while it is claimed that it is useful in determining aberrations beyond defocus and astigmatism and providing improved imaging inside of the eye, there is no discussion of its use as a clinical instrument to be used in the diagnosis of the major causes of vision loss and blindness. Finally, the Liang et al. instrument is a laboratory device composed of very expensive one-of-a-kind components.
It is an object of the present invention to provide, in association with any commercially available fundus imager, an improved, low bandwidth adaptive optics system and an optimized depth sensitive deconvolution technique to increase retinal imaging resolution and field of view, to thereby enable a clinical device to improve the level of opthmological healthcare.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a deconvolution technique which takes into account the reflectance of difficult colors from the various layers of the retina to provide a high spatial resolution, multi-spectral image over a wide field of view.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a fundus based opthalmic instrument which has resolution at the micron level (i.e., less than the size of a cell).
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a retinal imaging system which uses a scanning (or dithered) reference spot to mitigate the speckle problems associated with the instrumentation disclosed by Liang et al. and which allows wavefront estimates and images of the retina to be taken with one exposure instead of multiple exposures.
It is yet another object of the present invention to correct for large, low order aberrations (e.g., tip, tilt, focus, and astigmatism) using a bimorph adaptive optical element.
It is yet still another object of the present invention to use post image depth sensitive deconvolution techniques to correct for high order aberrations (e.g., coma, trifocal, spherical, and higher terms) and remove residual low order aberrations.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide the foregoing in an affordable attachment to existing fundus retinal imagers.
It is yet another object of the present invention to accomplish the wavefront sensing using a distorted grating based wavefront sensor instead of the S-H sensor.
The foregoing and other objects will be apparent from the disclosure which follows.
An ophthalmic instrument having a wide field of view (up to 20 degrees) including a retinal imager, (which includes optics for illuminating and imaging the retina of the eye); apparatus for generating a reference beam coupled to the imager optics to form a reference area on the retina; a wavefront sensor optically coupled to the imager optics for measuring the wavefront produced by optical aberrations within the eye and the imager optics; wavefront compensation optics coupled to the imager optics for correcting large, low order aberrations in the wavefront; a high resolution detector optically coupled to the imager optics and the wavefront compensation optics; and a computer (which is connected to the wavefront sensor, the wavefront compensation optics, and the high resolution camera) including an algorithm for correcting, small, high order aberrations on the wavefront and residual low order aberrations. The wavefront sensor includes a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor having a lenslet array and a detector positioned in the front surface of the lenslet array for producing a Hartmannogram. Alternately, the wavefront sensor is a distorted grating wavefront sensor, including a distorted grating, an imaging lens, and a detector positioned in the focal plane of the imaging lens. The computer includes means for estimating the wavefront from the Hartmannogram or distorted grating image and sending a correction signal to the wavefront compensation optics to correct large, low order aberrations in the wavefront. Only one Hartmannogram, or one distorted grating image, is required, thereby reducing the exposure of the retina to the spot, and avoiding the need to register successive Hartmannograms or distorted grating images. The wavefront compensation optics includes a deformable mirror, such as a bimoph mirror. The algorithm for correcting small, high order aberrations includes a deconvolution algorithm which utilizes information from both the wavefront sensor and the high resolution detector. The deconvolution algorithm includes an algorithm for estimating the wavefront sensed by the wavefront sensor, means for estimating the Optical Transfer Function of the wavefront, and Weiner Filter Estimation means. The deconvolution algorithm also includes image reconstruction algorithms. The instrument also includes a plurality of filters and the deconvolution algorithm also accounts for the reflectance of various wavelengths of light from different depths within the retina to produce a multispectral deconvoluted image of the retina. The instrument also includes a mechanism for dithering the reference beam, including a rotatable wedge. Because the instrument produces a wide field of view, a large format, high-resolution detector is required. The instrument, less the retinal imager, is an adaptive optics system which can be used in association with a number of commercial imagers, including fundus imagers.
A method of obtaining high resolution, wide field of view, multispectral images of the retina from the apparatus of the present invention.
These and other objects will be evident from the description that follows.
FIG. 1 is a partial block diagram/partial optical schematic of the present invention, including a fundus imager;
FIG. 2 is a side elevation showing a conventional fundus retinal imager in association with, for instance, the housings for the improved adaptive optics and high resolution camera of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the principal software controls and data flow of the present invention;
FIG. 4A is an illustration of the intensity distribution within a pupil plane of the eye produced by an unscanned reference beam;
FIG. 4B is the corresponding Hartmannogram produced by an unscanned reference beam;
FIG. 5A illustrates the intensity distribution within a pupil plane of the eye produced by the dithered reference beam of the present invention;
FIG. 5B is the corresponding Hartmannogram produced by the dithered reference beam of the present invention;
FIG. 6A shows the layers of the retina where various wavelengths of light are reflected;
FIG. 6B is a graph showing the OTF (Optical Transfer Function) of the eye vs. Spatial Frequency for light in the range of, respectively, 650 nm, 560 nm and 450 nm;
FIG. 7 is a sample view from one of the monitors incorporated in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the Hartmannogram and a setting used to operate the wavefront sensor;
FIG. 8 is a view of a sample screen from the other of the monitors incorporated in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the type of imagery used to align the fundus retinal imager and the imagery obtained from the high resolution detector;
FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating the algorithms used for the deconvolution and the image reconstruction of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating the application of the color-depth sensitive deconvolution algorithms for three wavelengths of light to produce color, depth sensitive deconvolution; and
FIG. 11 is a table comparing the features achieved by the present invention with the prior art.
With reference to FIG. 1, improved retinal imaging system 11 includes fundus retinal imager 13, light source 15, filter assembly 17, dithered reference source generator 19, wavefront sensor 21, deformable mirror assembly 23, large format, high resolution detector 25, computer 27 and monitors 29 and 31.
In the present embodiment, fundus retinal imager 13 is a JST ZOMZ, Model KFG3, which provides collimated output 14. However, as those skilled in the art will appreciate other fundus imagers such as the Zeiss FF4 or FF5, the Topcon TRC-50 series or the Canon CF-60 series or CR5-45 can also be used. Light source 15 and filter assembly 17 are connected to fundus retinal imager 13 via fiber optic cable 33 and the standard fiber optic port 35 provided on fundus retinal imager 13. Source 15 includes an illumination lamp such as a tungston, xenon or metal halide lamp (not shown). Filter assembly 17, which is controlled by computer 27 via control line 18, includes up to 10 filters for use in creating multispectral images. Fundus retinal imager 13 includes UV and IR blocking filters (not shown). Filter assembly 17 also includes (a) mechanism(s) (not shown) for selectively positioning a particular filter in the optical path between source 17 and fiber optic cable 33.
Dithered reference source generator 19 (which is controlled by computer 27 by a control line (not shown)) includes a source 41 of collimated laser light having, for example, a wavelength of 670 nm (to form a reference spot on the back of the retina) and a rotating wedge 43 for scanning (or dithering) the beam 45 from source 41. Wedge 43 is a mirrored wedge whose wedge angle is used to set the desired dithered spot area. The speed of rotation, which is adjustable, is determined by the exposure time of wavefront sensor 21 and the power of source 41. Collimated beam 45 is first reflected by beam splitter 47 and then by mirror 46 to wedge 43. Beam 45 is then optically connected to the optical system (not shown) of fundus retinal imager 13 via mirror 48, beam expanding optics 50, and beam splitters 49 and 63. The internal optical system of fundus retinal imager 13 (not shown) focuses beam 45 into the back surface of the retina of the eye being examined.
Wavefront sensor 21, when in the form of a S-H wavefront sensor, includes a S-H lenslet array 51 and a CCD detector 53, the image plane of which is positioned in the focal plane of array 51. Wavefront sensor 21 is connected to computer 27 via control and data cable 55. Detector 53 is a commercially available low noise sensor (e.g. a Hitachi KP-F2A). Alternately, instead of a S-H lenslet array 51 and CCD detector 53, sensor 21 can utilize a distorted grating, imaging lens and detector combination. Such a distorted grating wavefront sensor is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,286,959 issued Sep. 11, 2001 (the '959 Patent�), the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. The sensor in the '959 Patent is particularly disclosed in reference to FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B and 17, and the associated description, including distorted diffraction grating 17, high quality imaging lens 19, and detector 21. Grating 17, lens 19 and detector 21 are sometimes referred to as wavefront sensor 24. Detector 21 of the '959 Patent can be a CCD detector like CCD detector 53.
The image plane of high-resolution detector 25 is placed in the image plane 61 of fundus retinal imager 13. Beam splitters 63 and 49, mirrored, optically couples the two, deformable surface 65 of adaptive optics mirror 67, and imaging lens 69. Adaptive optics mirror 67 is electrically connected to wavefront sensor electronic drivers 71 via power cable 72 and control cable 73. In turn, electronic drivers 71 is connected to computer 27 via cable 75. Deformable mirror assembly 23, including adaptive optics mirror 67 (which is a bimorph mirror) is described in A. Kudryashov et al., �Bimorph Mirrors for Correction and Formation of Laser Beams,� Proceedings of the 2nd International Workshop on Adaptive Optics for Industry and Medicine, World Scientific, pp.193-199. Preferably, detector 25 is a full-frame, large format CCD image sensor such as the Electron CFK-3020 incorporating an FTF 3020-M (Phillips) detector having 3072(H)�2048(V) active pixels. The large format is necessary because the field of view produced by the wavefront sensor 21, adaptive optics 23, and fundus retinal imager 13 are capable of providing up to 20 degrees. W
With reference to FIG. 2, fundus retinal imager 13 includes a base 81, joystick control 83 for aligning the optics (not shown) with the eye of a patient. Fundus retinal imager 13 also includes a chin rest 85 and a forehead rest 87. The adaptive optics of the present invention (i.e., wavefront sensor 21 and deformable mirror assembly 23) and high-resolution detector 25 are supported in housing 89.
The overall operation of the hardware and software of retinal imaging system 11 is best described with reference to FIG. 3. Main program 91 operates a number of subroutines and hardware to control the various functions of the system including frame grabing, the storage (both temporarily and permanently) of data, and the processing of imagery. Data interface 93, which is turned on and run by main program 91, is used to supply live images of the retina to monitor 29 from CCD detector 95 (e.g. a JAI CV-M50 IR), which is running continuously, and which is part of fundus retinal imager 13. Detector 95 is connected to computer 27 by data and control cable 97. Computer 27 is connected to monitor 29 via data cable 99. Subroutine 101 runs the balance of the fundus imager's electronics (e.g. illumination controls, target fixation controls). Subroutine 103, which is controlled by program 91, includes a conventional algorithm for wavefront estimation based on the centroids contained in the Hartmannogram, and a conventional algorithm for converting the physical description of the wavefront to the commands used to control adaptive optics mirror 67 (to alter the slope of deformable surface 65) and estimating the Optical Transfer Function used in the deconvolution calculations discussed below. Detector 53, which is also continuously running, sends Hartmannograms to computer 27 via data and control lines 55 and 104. Alternatively, detector 53 sends distorted grating images (i.e., images of the grating orders) to computer 27 via data and control lines 55 and 104. Subroutine 103 also controls data interface 105, sends wavefront data to memory 107 (for temporary storage) and wavefront data to hard drive 109 (for permanent storage). Main program 91 also sends data, via control and data line 75/111, to electronic drivers 71 for changing the contour of deformable surface 65 using data from memory 107. Finally, program 91 controls high-resolution image subroutine 113, which, in turn, controls data interface 115 (or equivalent), which grabs images off high resolution CCD detector 25 via control and data cable 117. Image data is transferred from detector interface 115 to subroutine 113, which, after processing as explained below, is transferred to memory 107. While the foregoing has referenced data interfaces 93, 105 and 115, those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternate hardware/software combinations, such as a frame graber, can be used to capture the respective images from detectors 25, 53 and 91.
A major problem with the prior art has been the speckle-like reflection of the laser light reference beam from the retina. Without dithering the resulting image of the pupil plane on detector 53 of wavefront sensor 21 is highly scintillated. FIG. 4A illustrates the speckle-like pattern that the human eye creates. FIG. 4B illustrates the corresponding Hartmannogram. As is apparent from this latter figure, the shape of the spots on the Hartmannogram is highly irregular. This, in turn, makes determination of the centroids of the spot's centers difficult which, in turn, greatly reduces the accuracy of the wavefront estimation.
To overcome this problem retinal imaging system 11 incorporates a novel dithered reference source generator 19, which scans reference beam 45 over a small patch of the retina. In the present embodiment the scanning patch is 200-300 μm in diameter. Wedge 43 has a scanning speed of 50-100 Hz. The results achieved are illustrated in FIG. 5A, which is an image of the same human eye used in the generation of the image illustrated in FIG. 4A, but taken with mirrored wedge 43 operating. With the foregoing scanning rate, during the integration time of CCD detector 53 (i.e., 30 ms), the speckle pattern is much improved. Consequently, the intensity modulation within the pupil plane of the wavefront sensor becomes much smaller. The spots on the resulting Hartmannogram, illustrated in FIG. 5B, became more regular (e.g., Gaussian like). This results in an increase in the accuracy of the wavefront estimation of, approximately, 20 times that achieved by the prior art. Additionally, the time necessary to correct the aberrations in the eye is considerably reduced, resulting in less exposure of the retina to the laser reference beam. And, because with instrument 11 only one Hartmannogram is necessary, as opposed to the multiple Hartmannograms required by the prior art adaptive optics, the necessity of registering a series of successive Hartmannogram images (which requires a considerable amount of processing time) and the inaccuracies inherent in such registering is avoided. (Registration is necessary with the prior art because the eye shifts slightly between successive images due to saccades, an involuntary motion of the eye.) Alternatively, a distorted grating wavefront senor can be used which is insensitive to the scintillation.
In operation, after the patient's eye has been dilated, the patient's head is properly positioned by chin rest 85 and brow rest 87 so that the patient's eye is properly aligned with the optical axis (not shown) of fundus retinal imager 13. This is determined by viewing the live, real time video data from CCD 95 on monitor 29. Once proper alignment is achieved, laser 41 is energized through use of a shutter (not shown), so that dithered reference beam 45 is placed on the retina of the eye being examined. Through the use of, inter alia, controls 101, the existing internal optics of the fundus retinal imager 13 are used to focus the dithered reference beam on the retina. The use of a long wavelength visible band laser (e.g., 670 nm) places the focus at the back of the retina, as illustrated in FIG. 6A. The reference beam is reflected off the back of the retina and is reflected by beam splitters 49 and 47 to lenslet array 51 of S-H sensor 21. The resulting Hartmannogram is recorded by CCD detector 53 and transferred to data interface 105 by cable 55. Alternately, if a distorted grating wavefront sensor is utilized, either reference beam 45 or the return illumination from the retina of the beam from the examination lamp (internal to fundus retinal imager 13; not shown) is reflected into the distorted grating and imaging lens and recorded on detector 53. With either type of detector, the image data is then transferred to and processed by subroutine 103, where the wavefront is estimated, including calculation of the optical transfer function (OTF). As is illustrated in FIG. 3, image data is transmitted to both memory 107 (for temporary storage) and hard drive 109 (for permanent storage). In turn, data is transmitted from memory 107 to electronic drivers 71, via control and data line 111, to modify the curvature of surface 65 of bimorph mirror 67, to apply a conjugate wavefront to the image of the retina relayed from fundus retinal imager 13 to high resolution CCD detector 25 (as explained in further detail below). Via main program 91, data interface 105, data line 106, and data line 108 the Hartmannogram may be viewed on the screen of monitor 31, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Alternatively, if employed, the distorted grating imagery may be viewed on monitor 31. Operating parameters for wavefront sensor 21 and data interface 105 are also displayed on monitor 31.
To capture an image of the retina being examined, the retina is illuminated with white or filtered light (from source 15 via filter assembly 17 and fiber optics cable 33), via internal fundus retinal imager optics (not shown). Such illumination is reflected off the various layers of the retina, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, and onto the surface of beam splitter 63. The wavefront from the retina is then directed to deformable surface 65 (where the conjugate wavefront is applied to correct for low order aberrations), reflected back through beam splitter 63, through beam splitter 49 (which has wavelength sensitive coatings to reflect beam 45 and to pass all of the light from source 15), through imaging lens 69 and focused onto focal plane 61 (which is also the image plane of high resolution detector 25). Image data from detector 25 is transferred to computer 27 via data line 117 and data interface 115 which, in this case, includes an IEEE 1394 driver. Image data is transferred to memory 107 via subroutine 113, which reformats the data, adds headers, and synchronizes the simultaneous collection of the Hartmannogram (or alternatively, the image of the grating orders of the distorted grating sensor) and high-resolution detector data. Image data is also sent to monitor 29, via high-resolution image processor 119 and data line 99, for screen display. As illustrated in FIG. 8 an acquisition window displays the most recent high-resolution image 121 from detector 25. This can be displayed along with the alignment window live video image 123 from detector 95. Main program software can also provide a series of previously taken high-resolution images 125 of the retina.
The deconvolution of the high-resolution images, via high-resolution image processor 119, from detector 25 and the multispectral application of this technique is illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. Adaptive optics mirror 67 is very good at correcting low order aberrations. However, for higher order aberrations it is less effective. See Table 2 of A. Kudryashov et al., �Bimorph Mirrors for Correction and Formation of Laser Beams,� where the RMS error for cornea and spherical aberrations is considerably higher than that for either defocus or astigmatism. To correct for higher order aberrations a deconvolution algorithm is used. See J. Primot et al., �Deconvolution from wave aberrations of the human eye using a Hartmann Shack wavefront sensor�, JOAS A 7 1598-1608, 1990. The retinal image deconvolution of the present invention to correct for higher order aberrations is based on the simultaneous acquisition of two images of the human eye. One is the high-resolution retinal image 121 taken by high resolution CCD detector 25, partially corrected by bimorph mirror 67 (as explained above). The second image is the Hartmannogram from lenslet array 51 or, alternatively, the distorted grating detector image. As discussed above, laser 41 (which is, for example, a low power semiconductor laser) is used as the reference source for the Hartmannogram or distorted grating images. In addition, as mentioned above, the distorted grating reference can be the reflected light from the examination lamp (in the fundus retinal imager) in which case laser 41 can be left off. Dithered reference source 19 forms a small, diffraction limited spot on the back of the retina, which sport serves as the reference point source for the wavefront measurements. Subroutine 103 reconstructs the information about wavefront distortions based on the analysis of the Hartmannogram or on the distorted grating imagery. This information about the wavefront is presented as a set of Zernike aberration coefficients (36 in this application). From the wavefront shape the Optical Transfer Function (OTF), H(ω), of the eye is calculated. With further reference to FIG. 9, the high-resolution image from CCD detector 25 is expressed as a function of its intensity distribution, I(r). F(I(r)) is the spatial Fourier transformation of I(r), G(ω) is the Fourier spectrum of the high-resolution image, and r and ω are the transversal coordinates in the spatial and frequency domains. From the OTF, H(ω), G(ω) and the signal-to-noise estimation ψ, a Weiner Filter Estimation is performed on the retinal image to correct for the high order aberrations (in an iterative process) and, thus, restore small image details of the retina. In this estimation ψ(ω) is the spectral power of the noise, and Y(ω) is the Wiener Filter Function.
The retina is a complex structure. From the optical point of view it is manifested in different effective reflection depths, depending on the wavelength. FIG. 6A illustrates these layers of the retina and from which layers various wavelengths of light are reflected. The wavelength of the reference source is taken into account in the calculation of the OTF. In addition to the deconvolution of the high-resolution images and image reconstruction (as discussed above), the present invention is able to obtain multispectral images of the retina. This is achieved through the use of filters 17, the selection of which is controlled by computer 27, via control line 18, and the decomposition of the polychromatic OTF into three monochromatic OTFs for pre-selected wavelengths representing the primary RGB colors, as illustrated in FIG. 10. The monochromatic OTFs are determined by high-resolution image processor 119 from the wavefront estimation discussed above, and data related to the retinal layers (i.e., depth and wavelength). Then, for each of the monochromatic OTFs, the correcting factor is calculated depending on the wavelength and effective depth of reflection. Deconvolution for each of the color channels of retinal image is carried out using corresponding OTF G(ω) and a Weiner Filter Estimation. Finally a full RGB image is assembled by superimposing each of the separately corrected images. FIG. 6A illustrates the layers of retina, and FIG. 6B the additional corresponding OTFs. Calculating the OTFs based on the use of the information on the human eye structure (information on depth of the retina layers depending on the reflected light wave-lengths) permits restoring of colored retinal images without any additional optical measurements. The depth sensitive deconvolution, DSD, algorithm as described in �Depth sensitive adaptive deconvolution of retinal Images�, A. Larichev, N. Irochnikov and A. Kudryashov, 158-169, EBiOS200 Conference on Controlling Tissue Optical Properties, SPIE Proceedings 4162, 5-6 July 2000, Technical Program, p.10, consists of three parallel-applied processes, each of them is analogous to the one described above. (See FIG. 14) All three share the information on wave-front aberrations, which in combination with the retina layer data permits carrying out deconvolution for every color subsets of the input picture data. Then three monochrome pictures combine in color one, which has much higher quality than the picture, obtained by the conventional algorithms.
FIG. 11 is a table comparing the features of achieved by the present invention by the present invention with the prior art. In all cases the features of instrument 11 represent an improvement.
Whereas the drawings and accompanying description have shown and described the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in the form of the invention without affecting the scope thereof.
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'Canes end DL Angels' state early
The Detroit Lakes Angels suffered a first round state tournament exit at the hands of the Fergus Falls Hurricanes Thursday night in Chaska by the score of 3-2.
As was the case all season with the Angels, injuries played a big part in the game.
DL was not only without Wade Whitworth, who has a broken toe, but expected starting pitcher Chad Griffin was not able to pitch.
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DECIDUOUS is a security management framework for identifying the "true" sources of network-based intrusions. As in IPv4, normally the source IP address field of an IP packet is untrusted. Therefore, DECIDUOUS utilizes the IPSec security associations as "trapdoors" to derive possible network paths that an attack packet has traveled to reach the target victim. In (Chang et al., 1999), we illustrated the architecture and design of the DECIDUOUS framework. In this paper, we describe our prototype implementation and experimental results


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With gas prices skyrocketing and airfare out of this world, families need to get creative this summer to deal with high costs. While some are advising everyone to stay home this summer, I say if you were really looking forward to a fun filled trip, don't give up just yet. There are still a lot of great deals on the less traveled path. Go to places that aren't popular summer vacation destinations. But if you're intent on hitting my favorite happiest place on earth, Disneyland or Disneyworld, check out Mousesavers.com for awesome discounts. Also, check out Kayak and Farecast for the best airfare deals and Budget Travel for great ideas. Kiplingers has an article on tips for an affordable family vacation. Whatever you do, here's hoping it's lots of fun!
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What causes hearing impairment, seizures and speech difficulty? 5 possible conditions
Viewing 5 of 5 results
See a list of possible causes in order from the most common to the least.
This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required.
A head injury could be an injury to the brain, skull, or scalp. It can vary in severity depending on the cause. In some cases face swelling can be a sign of a head injury.
Brain cancer is an overgrowth of cells in the brain that form masses called tumors. Cancerous (malignant) brain tumors tend to grow very quickly, disrupting body functions. They can be life threatening. However, brai...
A brain tumor is a collection of abnormal cells in the brain, which can increase pressure in the skull. Risk factors for brain tumors include age, race, family history, and exposure to chemicals and radiation.
A brain tumor is the growth of abnormal cells in your brain. Whether the growth is cancerous or not, any brain tumor is serious. Symptoms can include both cognitive and physical control problems.
Reye's syndrome is a rare condition that results in sudden swelling and inflammation of the liver and brain and is often accompanied by a red scaly rash. It is not contagious.
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Chelsea chief Peter Kenyon is confident Joe Cole will soon sign his new contract.
Kenyon said: "Joe is just back in training and we are all delighted to see that.
"We want - and he wants - to remain at Chelsea."
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Thomson Geer partners recognised as Best Lawyers in Australia
Fourteen Thomson Geer partners have been recognised as leaders in their field in the Seventh Edition of Best Lawyers' Australia.
Welcome to Thomson Geer
On 31 March 2014 Thomsons Lawyers and Herbert Geer merged their legal practices to form Thomson Geer.
Superannuation Case Law Update - March 2015
RETIREMENT VILLAGE Alert: March 2015
AUSTRALIAN SUPERANNUATION LAW BULLETIN: The Cbus leak - a tale of "cultural corruption"


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SINGLE FAMILY HOME: 4 bed, 2 full bath, 1 half bath. The home is currently in its Mechanical Rough in stage. The Hudson floorplan by Ball Homes. UpgradeMore info
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⬅ Return to Tuesday Brings Good (Yes, Good) Guantánamo News in Congress
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In GOD we trust!
Nov 18th, 2009 at 9:11am
POW's should not be tried in American court systems and those who believe they should have the right to leave this country!
Nov 18th, 2009 at 9:57am
why in the world do they get so much justice did they give any of the 911 victim's a chance they set out that day to do what they did with no regard for the lives they took and we are to give them a trial holder is wrong and if the truth was known this is all about the hate of bush nothing else he and alot of others like dems are hurting this country and theones who put there lives one the line every day the aclu you are not out for justice not for the ones who died on 911 but for the ones who did it you should be ashame of your selfs
Nov 19th, 2009 at 12:13pm
Why does this organization lie on the website and downplay the roots and driving ideology of the organization. It is a true fabrication and whitewash of the truth and indicative of a organization based on a fraudulent , media driven Freedom first agenda. In reality it is a freedom for the chosen, not all. Remember... Roger Baldwin, the co-founder of the ACLU said: "I am for socialism, disarmament, and ultimately, for abolishing the state itself... I seek social ownership of property, the abolition of the properties class, and sole control of those who produce wealth. Communism is the goal. I don't regret being part of the communist tactic. I knew what I was doing. I was not an innocent liberal. I wanted what the communists wanted, and I traveled the United Front road to get it. Former chairman of the Communist Party USA, William Z. Foster was also an ACLU co-founder. Foster said, "The establishment of an American Soviet government will involve the confiscation of large landed estates in town and country, and also, the whole body of forests, mineral deposits, lakes, rivers, and so on."
I wouldn't doubt that this organization is all in a huff about Lynn Stewart today. Good, I hope you fail.
Nov 22nd, 2009 at 12:17pm
Let's summarize all the advantages for trying the gitmo detainees in NY:
possibly thrown out of court, no miranda, and waterboarding
over one billion in cost to house and protect
making further martyrs out of these terrorists
by law, if they defend themselves, the terrorists are entitled to discovery...secret info, classified info
only a fool (eric holder) would allow this...if anyone can give me a solid reason why we should risk this foolish venture and spend this money we don't have besides the usual double speak of how we "want to show the world," etc. then please speak!!!!
Nov 22nd, 2009 at 6:48pm
A news article written by Karen Matthews, AP. 11/22/09
"9/11 defendants want platform for views"
"Scott Fenstermaker, the lawyer for accused terrorist Ali Abd al-Aziz Ali, said the men would not deny their role in the 2001 attacks but "would explain what happened and why they did it."
This sounds like a long, long, long and costly trial.
Charles Sheaff
Nov 30th, 2009 at 7:14pm
The Guantanamo issue really addresses the fundamental policy in our country to treat people as innocent until proven guilty and give everyone a day in court. With Gauantanamo, we have chosen to treat all detainees as guilty with no chance to prove innocence, by holding them for 8 years without access to the legal system. When terror drove us to abandon our ideals, terror won a victory. Closing Guatanamo and letting the detainees have a day in court and access to legal representation is a return to our ideals and our constitution.
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The first edition of Southeast Asia: An introductory history was published in 1979 and immediately filled a need for travellers and students interested in a tantalisingly different part of the world. Subsequent editions (translated into Japanese, Khmer, Korean and Thai) have continued to document with great perception the enormous changes and dramatic growth experienced in the region.Dr Milton
Turbulent Past, Uncertain FutureA compelling, lively narrative history of the peoples and cultures of the great river of Southeast Asia, The Mekong spans two thousand years--from the dawn of civilization on the Mekong Delta to the political and environmental challenges the region faces today. Beginning with the rise of ancient seafaring civilizations at Oc Eco and moving on to the glory of the Cambodian empire in the first
The Search for the Source of the Mekong, 1866-73In 1866, six Frenchmen set out on a dangerous mission to seek a trade route up the Mekong. During the two years that followed, they would journey through more than four thousand miles of unmapped territory, from the tropical heat of the swamps of Vietnam and Cambodia to the bitter cold of the mountain ranges of southwestern China. Their historic expedition is the dramatic subject of River Road to
The Mekong is one of the world's great rivers, and by far the largest in Southeast Asia. Flowing through or beside no less than six countries - China, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam - the Mekong River has a rich and often turbulent history and has played a vital, if changing, role in the politics and economies of these countries.; The Mekong is one of the world's great rivers, and by
Environmental Development and PlanningThe author has been conscious for several years of the problems of flooding, erosion, and other natural constraints in the Delta. These are his experiences, his knowledge of the coastal Niger Delta region. His MPhil and PhD research were on these problems. Above all, he was born and grew up in the delta, which gave him the determination to find solutions to the problems that have been giving the
During his reign, Taksin fought various wars. The new Burmese invasions were successfully repelled by his forces. He subjugated the northern Thai kingdom of Lanna, and he defeated the Laotian principalities. In those days, Cambodia was a threat to his country, so consequently he successfully subjugated Cambodia. Taksin the Great Copyright Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: Early Years and
Singapore and Asia - Celebrating Globalisation and an Emerging Post-Modern Asian CivilisationSingapore and Asia- Celebrating Globalisation and an Emerging Post-modern Asian Civilisation TK Ti and Edward SE TiThis book examines the history of the global economy and how cultural values have empowered the rapid emergence of Singapore and East Asia. A review of the major world civilizations recounts Western hegemony since the 16th century. With legacies from Classical Mediterranean, Islamic
Law and the Chinese in Southeast AsiaThis collection of essays focuses on law and the diaspora Chinese. They show us a variety of answers to such questions as: what are the laws of China outside China; what are the laws of the Chinese in Southeast Asia; what were/are the laws for the Chinese in Southeast Asia; and is there a "Confucian Chinese"? The answers in some cases are reasonably certain but in others they are tentative and
Since the Bali bombings of 2002 and the rise of political Islam, Indonesia has frequently occupied media headlines. Nevertheless, the history of the fourth largest country on earth remains relatively unknown. Adrian Vickers' book, first published in 2005, traces the history of an island country, comprising some 240 million people, from the colonial period through revolution and independence to the
Connecting and Distancing: Southeast Asia and ChinaConnecting and "distancing" have been two prominent themes permeating the writings on the historical and contemporary developments of the relationship between Southeast Asia and China. As neighbours, the nation-states in Southeast Asia and the giant political entity in the north communicated with each other through a variety of diplomatic overtures, political agitations, and cultural nuances. In
The history of Vietnam prior to the nineteenth century is rarely examined in any detail. In this groundbreaking work, K. W. Taylor takes up this challenge, addressing a wide array of topics from the earliest times to the present day - including language, literature, religion, and warfare - and themes - including Sino-Vietnamese relations, the interactions of the peoples of different regions within
The people of Siam (now Thailand) were insulted when English governess Anna Leonowens, after spending five years as a royal tutor to his children, wrote two books depicting their beloved King Mongkut as a tyrant. Insult turned to outrage when Broadway and then Hollywood adapted her story as the musical The King and I.In fact, King Mongkut was Siam's greatest ruler. Inheriting a country rife with


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I am morally defective, independent, and really not good at self promotion. I would rather talk with someone, and let them get to know me, rather than a full on PR presentation. I am analytical, curious about the how and why of things. I can be a little geeky from time to time but try not to be.
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The following are the broad contours of the accord reached by the United States, China, India, Brazil, South Africa and several other countries at the U.N. climate talks — along with current elements in place earlier:
The deal does not commit any nation to emission cuts beyond a general acknowledgment that global temperatures should be held along the lines agreed to by leading nations in July. There are no overall emissions targets for rich countries.
The already agreed-upon emission cuts fall far short of action needed to avoid potentially dangerous effects of climate change. These cuts are to be made by 2020:
U.S.- a 17 per cent reduction from 2005 levels (or 3-4 per cent from 1990 levels).
China- a cut of 40 to 45 per cent below "business as usual," that is, judged against 2005 figures for energy used versus economic output.
India- 20 to 25 per cent cut from 2005 levels.
European Union-20 per cent cut from 1990, and possibly 30 per cent.
Japan- 25 per cent cut from 1990.
Countries are to list actions taken to cut global warming pollution by specific amounts.
Method is agreed upon for verifying reductions.
Developed nations already covered by the 1997 Kyoto Protocol (the U.S. is not included) will have their emissions cuts monitored and will face possible sanctions if they fail to meet them.
Wealthy nations will raise $100 billion a year by 2020 to help poorer nations cope with the effects of climate change, such as droughts and floods. This is contingent on a broader agreement, including some kind of oversight to verify China's emissions of greenhouse gases.
Short-term funding of roughly $30 billion over three years beginning in 2010 to help developing countries adapt to climate change and shift to clean energy.
Keywords: Copenhagen accord, U.N. climate talks, United States, China, India, Brazil, South Africa, emission cuts, global warming, greenhouse gases


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This package installs the software (AMD AHCI Controller driver) to enable following device.
This package is for a retail version of the Windows XP installation. If your system has Windows XP preloaded, you have no need to install this package. Installing this package needs a USB floppy drive during Windows XP installation.
If this package has been installed, updating (overwrite-installing) this package will fix problems, add new functions, or expand functions as noted below.
|Supported ThinkPad Systems
|Supported Operating System
|Summary of Changes
|Installation Instructions
|Uninstallation Instructions
|Determining which Version is Installed
|Supported ThinkPad Systems
|Supported Operating System
|Summary of Changes
Version 3.3.0250.41
Version 3.3.1540.33
|Installation Instructions
|Manual Install
This section assumes to use Internet Explorer and Windows Explorer.
[Downloading files]
[Extracting files]
Delete the file saved in the step 4.
[Installing files]
[Update Install]
|Determining which version is installed
|Uninstallation Instructions
Not Support any uninstall operation for AMD AHCI Controller Device Driver.