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"The NYSE is very pleased to lead all exchanges around the world as the lowest cost provider of transaction services for its listed companies," said NYSE Group CEO, John A. Thain. "We will continue to be responsive to the trading community and find more ways to further strengthen our value proposition to the investors, customers and listed companies that make the NYSE the world's largest and most liquid equities marketplace."
"Elkins/McSherry takes great pride in developing useful and accurate reports that give institutional investors a clear understanding of the total transaction costs across today's global trading venues," said James Bryson, Elkins/McSherry Senior Managing Director. "Our Global Trading Cost Analysis report includes data from over 150 pension funds, investment managers, banks and brokerages with data compiled from over 700 global managers and 1000 brokers worldwide. We are focused on giving our customers valuable global benchmarks for determining their all-in trading costs with respect to a combination of commissions, fees and market impact for securities listed on all major trading venues around the world."
About NYSE Group, Inc.
The NYSE is the world's largest and most liquid cash equities exchange. The NYSE provides a reliable, orderly, liquid and efficient marketplace where investors buy and sell listed companies' common stock and other securities. On September 30, 2006, the operating companies listed on the NYSE represented a total global market capitalization of $23.0 trillion.
NYSE Arca operates NYSE Arca, Inc., the first open, all-electronic stock exchange in the United States, and has a leading position in trading exchange-traded funds and exchange-listed securities. NYSE Arca, Inc. is also an exchange for trading equity options. NYSE Arca's trading platforms provide customers with fast electronic execution and open, direct and anonymous market access.
NYSE Regulation, an independent not-for-profit subsidiary, regulates member organizations through the enforcement of marketplace rules and federal securities laws. NYSE Regulation also ensures that companies listed on the NYSE and NYSE Arca meet their financial and corporate governance listing standards.
For more information on NYSE Group, go to: www.nyse.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements


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The American Dream Extends Beyond Our Borders
When I became chairman of the AICPA Board of Directors a year ago, my first blog post addressed several key issues for the profession. But mainly I talked about the accounting profession as a path to the American Dream. That's my life experience – humble beginnings and following my role-model neighbor who was the first CPA I ever knew. Having represented the United States accounting profession at a Brazilian conference in August, I now fully understand that the American Dream is a universal desire and our profession is a way to achieve it.
Continue reading "The American Dream Extends Beyond Our Borders" »

subset: commoncrawl


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Reach tens of thousands of people instantly by advertising with Ekklesia. Find out more
The mainstream media, not least the BBC, has lapped up Gordon Brown's gaffe over the voter he called bigoted yesterday. But its portrayal of the incident has much more insidiously 'normalised' anti-immigrant prejudice - and that is not being talked about. It should be.
When we are told people are 'concerned about immigration', what this signals is a limited and misleading 'numbers game', says Vaughan Jones. Politicians and the media are missing the real global issues and ignoring the human cost of a failed consensus.
The Mexican authorities must halt the continuing abuse of migrants as public officials collude in kidnappings, rapes and murders, says a news Amnesty International report.
As the election campaign rumbles on, one voice is invariably missing whenever asylum and immigration comes up: the voice of asylum seekers. Anselme Noumbiwa is destined to be deported to Cameroon tomorrow morning. He will be forcibly removed, handcuffed and taken, restrained by the sheer force of at least two immigration officials, on a charter flight to return to mortal danger and torture. You can do something about this.
Progressive Christians in the US have branded a new law on migration a "social and racial sin".
An ippr report shows that claims that the presence of immigrants and ethnic minorities is 'causing' the rise of the BNP are false. Alienation and limited life chances are to blame.
The political parties are being challenged over populist anti-migration policies and rhetoric by business leaders, clergy and human rights campaigners.
In what amounts to a less than subtle clue to the way in which politicians and the media have been constructing the public 'debate' on migration, Labour's new manifesto has a large section entitled: "Crime and Immigration".
As if the two somehow belong together by default.


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EarthDesk 4.4 adds better cloud tracking
updated 10:05 am EDT, Thu September 4, 2008
EarthDesk 4.4 released
Xeric Design says it has posted v4.4 of EarthDesk, its global imaging software. The app replaces wallpaper in Mac OS X with an image of the Earth, depicting current sun or lunar illumination. The software is more critically focused on real-time cloud tracking, which highlights incoming stormfronts such as hurricanes. Multiple map views are supported, as is the option of using the software as a screensaver.
The v4.4 update is said to improve the way satellite cloud images are handled, in part because the app can now detect and ignore incomplete data sent by a satellite receiving station. EarthDesk costs $25, and requires Mac OS X 10.4 or better.


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Marilyn Jacky
Nov. 13, 1932 - June 14, 2012
Marilyn Jacky was born in Seattle on Nov. 13, 1932, the daughter of John Mitchell and Mildred (Crowell) Ekeblad. She moved to Walla Walla in 1948. She was a loving mother and devoted wife.
Survived by husband, Lewis of 58 years; sister, Joyce Van Buren; her son, Kevin; and sons Gary, Mark and Christopher; grandmother of Mitchell, Garrett and Whitney Jacky. Keeper of Miss Kitty.
Marilyn lived a full, inquisitive life. Her favorite pastimes included playing bridge with her girlfriends, touring various wineries and the occasional letter to the editor. She worked for the Walla Walla School District as an education aid. Marilyn can be remembered for her wit, humor and love of life.
There will be a joyous celebration of her life July 14, 2012. For details contact either Chris Jacky, via email at firstname.lastname@example.com or Gary Jacky at sucha702@aol.
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Great tags
posted 7 years ago
I got this collar for my dog a month ago, and it hasn't fallen off yet! It is great to not have to hear the jingle of dog tags on Sunday mornings when I am trying to sleep. Plus, I don't have to worry about it getting snagged on anything. The price is decent too. Worth checking out!
Pros: jingle free
Cons: none
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Both our dogs use these slide-on collar tags
posted 7 years ago
We have ordered several of these for our dogs as we've moved and even for our parents dogs. We are big fans of these collar tags (slide on) as they are guaranteed to not come loose, and look stylish as well!
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Emotional Intelligence for Tax Professionals - July 15, 2014
Tax Executives Institute - Santa Clara Valley Chapter
Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 9:00 AM (PDT)
Who's Going
San Francisco, California
London, United Kingdom
Florence, Italy
Event Details
Emotional Intelligence:
First Step to becoming a Purposeful Tax Leader
Emotional Intelligence uses skills and tools to exceed your goals and achieve your fullest potential. In this ¾ day seminar presented by Vincent Fong, (Adj. Professor, MST Program, SJSU and the former VP of Tax for Levi Strauss, ComputerLand and Atari) you will learn about the core skills – self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management.
You can become at least 10% more effective as a tax professional in 10 weeks using the knowledge and tools from this seminar. The information will help you manage, adapt and strike out ahead of the pack. Participants also will be provided three books to reinforce these concepts and help you gain more productivity and efficiency at work.
This groundbreaking seminar is a leadership topic for career enhancement to the tax community and will be led by a proven tax leader. We expect a significant amount of interest in this seminar. Please sign up early!
When & Where
Biltmore Hotel & Suites - Santa Clara
2151 Laurelwood Road
Santa Clara,
Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 9:00 AM (PDT)
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Falafel sandwich
New York
guides you to the best local dishes & drinks in
125+ cities. See map now
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New York
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It's that time of the year again! There is a slight nip in the air and the smells of autumn fill up mornings. Diwali has just gone by but that really hasn't put a stop to all the festivities. The... Read more
A tribute to New York City's culinary traditions, fine dining when it counts, and 10-plus years of loving food—and each other. Eleven...
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On a recent trip we discovered this wonderful 7th century working water mill in the center of the southern Dutch city of Maastricht that grounded spelt flour and prepared breads using traditio… Read more
The Dutch stroopwafel, or syrup waffle, is a cookie unique to the Netherlands; it's been eaten there for centuries. The history of this delicacy dates back to 1784, when a baker from the town of Gouda baked a waffle using old crumbs and… Read more
We are kind of obsessed with Suriname and its multicultural cuisine. Where else do Dutch, Indonesian, Indian, Chinese, African, and Caribbean influences mix and mingle so freely? From what we've heard, anyway: We have not actually been to… Read more
We're happy to announce we've just released our second destination guide on Kindle! The Amsterdam Food & Travel Guide includes all 24 of the local foods and drinks we scouted out in the Dutch capital, plus a bonus five-day EYW… Read more
The canals, the coffee shops, the appeltaarts—Amsterdam is one heck of a city to visit, and when Scott and I were there in the fall of 2011, we thought, The more the merrier. We rented an apartment with five good friends, we gave them a… Read more
I remember the days of always having one camera, two lenses, and a flash with me on my travels. That's all changed with the iPhone. Last October I (finally) bought one, and happily tossed my old Samsung that could hardly connect to the… Read more
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Download our new Amsterdam Food & Travel Guide to your Kindle, smartphone, or tablet and get the inside scoop on the best Dutch foods in Amsterdam, plus a bonus restaurant guide and 5-day EYW itinerary. $3.99
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Fine Particles, Fine Art, Fine Food
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
On today's show: industrial hygienist Monona Rossol talks about the dangers of dust and how we can protect ourselves! Gabrielle Selz on her new memoir about growing up in the art world with her father, Peter Selz, who was the chief curator of painting and sculpture at MoMA. Bronx-born Salsa icon Willie Colón talks about his career as a singer, trombonist, composer, producer, actor and director, as well as a civil rights, community, political and health activist. Chef and author Rozanne Gold shares her ideas for making the most of summer fruits and vegetables with simple three-ingredient recipes!
The Dangers of Dust
Dust is almost everywhere, and while most household dust isn't hazardous, dust in factories and in the environment can contain toxins and particles that are dangerous to inhale and are even flammable.
Growing Up Among Artists in the Heyday of Abstract Expressionism
Gabrielle Selz, whose father was chief curator of painting and sculpture at MoMA, talks about spending her childhood among art and artists in the heyday of Abstract Expressionism.
Salsa Icon Willie Colón
He's not just a singer, trombonist, composer, producer, actor and director, he's also a civil rights, community, political and health activist.
Simple, Delicious, Three-Ingredient Recipes for Summer Foods
These ideas make the most of fruits and vegetables in season right now.
Recipes: Rozanne Gold's Beetroot Yogurt
A three-ingredient recipe for roasted beets with yogurt.
Recipe: Rozanne Gold's Green Corn
Fresh summer corn with basil and lime.
Recipe: Rozanne Gold's Pan-seared Salmon, Creamy Zucchini Sauce
The simplest salmon recipe, with zucchini flowers.
Recipe: Rozanne Gold's Fresh Peaches with Basil + Schnapps
A mix of fresh peaches and basil.
Recipe: Rozanne Gold's Strawberries, Grappa + Lemon Verbena, Lemon Buttermilk Ice Cream
The simplest ice cream with fresh strawberries.


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"Get your feet off my coffee table" Table
By Maryline Love On 08/10/2011 · Leave a Comment · In For the home
Architect James Cornetet, a University of Cincinnatti graduate, was driven to create this coffee table by the fact that he does not like it when people put their feet on coffee table, especially his table. And you can't blame him. No one knows where those feet have been. But that is beside the point.
The table has a lower surface that conceal everyday objects like keys, remote control, phones and cups, and vertical ribs that up above the below surface. The vertical rib organize the objects and hide the clutter on the lower surface. This may have just become my favorite coffee table. It resolves many problems (clutter, spilling, organization…) while keeping a good aesthetic.


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Artist Burton Gray's "Animal", introspective paintings of animals by the artist. With introduction by the artist himself.#46801
An American black walnut lamp with a dual faceted base for on/off positions designed by Brendan Keim, RISD MFA candidate.#46800
Ecotricity created this compilation film, Collapsing Cooling Towers, which shows several anthropomorphic towers looking quite surprised at their sudden demise.#46794
Place your bets. Absolut releases the hounds with a galloping soundtrack from Swedish House Mafia.#46791
A Canon 5Dmkii View Camera. Nearly 100 year old folding camera + Canon 5D = haunting images.#46790
A bolt of unexpected bright color offsets light wood in a Swedish summerhouse. The gorgeous summerhouse is a converted farmhouse in the southernmost Swedish region of Skåne by LASC Studio.#46789
Lots of pics from the Flatstock gigposter convention at SXSW! Like physically walking through a tumblr - enough eye candy to give you a stomach ache.#46788
Pete Fowler has directed a new video for UK band The Horrors. The bands website also hosts downloadable masks & screen savers featuring images from the animation.#46782
Accepting one's fate can be liberating. The problem is finding one's path while zigzagging between modern neuroses. We have discovered that observing Tina Vlassopulos' work can help. Here are her pots for 'contemplation'.
Hoerboard is releasing a white aluminum color edition of the Scomber Mix, limited edition of 50 units worldwide.
Rechner, a new gesture based calculator from Boulder design studio Berger & Fohr.#46770
Industrial style desk with angled mahogany wood slats, columns of hex nut spacers, and hidden skateboard wheels from Killstressdesigns.#46767


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Cheap CHR to Nagoya flights
Popular Flights from Chateauroux, France
Top Chateauroux Flights to US Destinations
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CHR to NGO Route Map
Chateauroux to Nagoya Flights, Stats and Airplanes
Route information for flights from Chateauroux Centre to Chubu Centrair Intl..
6,139.64 miles
NGO - Chubu Centrair Intl. Airlines
Browse the most popular airlines servicing the Nagoya (NGO) airport. Visit their flights pages to learn more about the most popular routes these carriers fly.


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Leigh's Syndrome (Leigh's Disease) Center - El Cajon, CA
WebMD Physician Directory
El Cajon, California
Leigh's Disease (Leigh's Syndrome)
What is Leigh's Disease?
Leigh's disease is a rare inherited neurometabolic disorder that affects the central nervous system. This progressive disorder begins in infants between the ages of three months and two years. Rarely, it occurs i...
Other Related Leigh's Syndrome (Leigh's Disease) Articles
Emergency Contact for El Cajon
Nearby El Cajon Hospitals *
Sharp Grossmont Hospital
Alvarado Parkway Institute
Alvarado Hospital Medical Ctr
San Diego Rehabilitation Center
Rady Childrens Hosp San Diego
Promise Hospital Of San Diego
Kaiser Permanente Medical Ctr
Paradise Valley Hospital
Kindred Hospital
Rady Children's Hospital
Sharp Mary Birch Hosp For Women
Sharp Memorial Hospital
Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital
Sharp Vista Pacifica Hospital
Naval Medical Center
San Diego Hospice
Scripps Mercy Hospital
Vibra Hospital Of San Diego
UC San Diego Medical Center
New Vistas
Sharp Chula Vista Medical Ctr
Scripps Mercy Hospital
Sharp Coronado Hospital
Bayview Behavioral Health
San Diego County Psych Hospital
VA San Diego Healthcare
Aurora Behavioral Healthcare
Pomerado Hospital
Thornton Hospital
Scripps Memorial Hospital
Scripps Green Hospital
Palomar Health Downtown Campus
Scripps Memorial Hospital
Tri-City Medical Center
*Provider Directory Terms of Use:
The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval.


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US Yacht 25' - Are they as bad as they say?
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I have a US25 and it's great. There are quite a few threads on this forum with both sides speaking out, but I say to make sure to listen to those that own them and sail them regularly. Very well balanced boat with a good amount of space inside and out for it's size.
As for the tiller issue, I replaced my wine with a shorter one made out of hazelnut wood. I thought it was too long too.
Agreed on the headroom, just a few more inches in height would be nice.
My blog on boat related stuff:
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YongNuo YN-E3-RT
Started Oct 11, 2013 | Discussions thread
New Member • Posts: 2 • Gear list
The saddest thing is the Battery level indicator is not on LCD, and it
You have no idea when the battery is going to die! That is the basic necessity for every battery
operated devices.
If using speedlite, we can tell by the recharging duration,
but not the trigger. Actually I wish
there is a battery bar level for speedlite too.
Reply Reply with quote Complain
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Hi. My name is Pat, and I'm a birdaholic.
I haven't yet blacked out and woken up two days later in a strange place with a pair of binoculars in my hand, but birding has cost me more time and money than I care to think about. I once made a 2,500-mile round trip to Mexico to see a rare jay. I have a long shelf of bird books, and birding Web pages are bookmarked on my computer. Like everyone in my little circle of birding friends, I have a personal "bird name"—I'm the Brown-backed Solitaire, a cute Mexican thrush. And every December for years, the same item has been at the top of my Christmas list: a pair of thousand-dollar Leica binoculars. (I think I know who's going to end up buying them for herself.) Despite this obsession, though, sometimes I get lazy—serious types don't plan to go birding and then change their mind when the alarm goes off at five in the morning, and they take the time to learn their flycatchers and sparrows. Notwithstanding such lapses, I'm hooked. It may sound absurd, but seeing some fantastic bird that I've never seen before gives me, well, a rush.
Texas is a good place to be addicted to birds. It is the number one birding destination in the United States, with more birds than any other state—613 species, in fact; that's more than two thirds of the 912 species in the United States and Canada. Its geographic location in the middle of the central flyway (one of four North American avian highways) brings in birds from the Rockies, the eastern United States, Canada, and Mexico. Depending on the season, you can see dazzling tropical species, gemlike migratory songbirds, and millions of wintering waterfowl and shorebirds, all without crossing a state line or national border. Because of this abundance, birding here can be overwhelming—so many birds, so little time. It can also be oddly repetitious, because the top sites pull you back again and again. When I realized the other day that I had been to the Rio Grande Valley and the Gulf Coast a zillion times but had never really explored the Panhandle or the Piney Woods, I wondered if other birders were in the same rut.
So, with help from the experts whose names are mentioned at the end of this story, I came up with a list of the best publicly accessible birding sites across the state. There are sixty altogether, eight of them must-sees. (Do not die without visiting those listed in boldface type.) My target audience is enthusiastic amateurs, but I hope that even seasoned birders will discover a few places they don't know. For convenience, I've divided the places into eleven two- or three-day birding weekends; each day consists of at least a pair of sites located within reasonable driving distance of each other (less than an hour and a half). Good single sites in the middle of nowhere are usually omitted. Be warned that occasionally there's a long haul (more than two hours) between day 1 and day 2, but that goes with living in Texas.
The equipment you'll need is a pair of binoculars, a field guide for identifying what you see, and a site guide—sort of a birding Baedeker—with maps and directions to tell you where to look and what species to expect. (A copy of Birding Texas is essential for finding the places listed here; see "Selected Books and Resources," page 143.) Whatever you do, even if it's for just one gorgeous early morning, don't let spring go by without getting out into the country. Migration is at its height; the air is filled with the movement of wings. Go forth and bird.
Upper Coast
IF ANY ONE AREA OF TEXAS COULD BE singled out for fantastic birding during spring migration, it would probably be the stretch of coast between Galveston and the Louisiana state line. All the birds that went south for the winter are coming back now along the central flyway. This is the time of year when birders pray for a norther. When the weather turns nasty, they become positively gleeful. Vast migrating flocks of warblers and tanagers and orioles—struggling to make land as they fly nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico—scan the coastal marshes and flatlands for any little clump of trees; when they spot one, they fall into it by the hundreds, even thousands. Almost any greenery or tall object can get such a fallout (offshore oil rigs have occasionally experienced a rain of frazzled warblers), but the motte of live oaks and other trees in the town of High Island is legendary for them; so is the Sabine Woods bird sanctuary. Sometimes the birds are so goofy they don't even bother to hide; you can bird from a lawn chair. Fallouts don't happen every year, but even when the weather is beautiful, birds are everywhere. Whatever the conditions, you might want to keep an eye out for a couple of striking specimens—the wonderfully gaudy male painted bunting with its patchwork of bright red, green, and indigo feathers, and the summer tanager, which is a vibrant rose-red from beak to tail. When you've seen all the songbirds you want to, switch to waterbirds; this part of the coast is great for them too.
Day 1: High Island, Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge
Day 2: Sea Rim State Park, Sabine Woods bird sanctuary, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary (at mid-tide during an incoming tide, if possible)
Central Coast
TO ME, COASTAL BIRDWATCHING IS A viscerally different experience from woodland birdwatching. Finding birds in trees can be like a computer game—quick, intricate, and full of twists and turns. Watching birds on the shore and over the water, however, is deliberate, meditative, almost mesmerizing. On a purely Zen level, I like coastal birding because I love being near the ocean and feeling that spiritual connection to earth, water, and sky. On a practical level, it's great because the birds can't hide in the leaves. Also, there's something going on


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Women are beautiful. Of course you want to put women in your ads, to show off whatever here-today-gone-tomorrow product your selling. But we are beautiful because we are intelligent, compassionate, creative, life-enriching human beings. Why not show us for who we really are? Why use us in such a superficial and derogatory way? I'm just saying, this whole dominated, dead, degrading thing you're trying to sell me - I'm not buying it.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
I'm Not Buying It
Women are beautiful. Of course you want to put women in your ads, to show off whatever here-today-gone-tomorrow product your selling. But we are beautiful because we are intelligent, compassionate, creative, life-enriching human beings. Why not show us for who we really are? Why use us in such a superficial and derogatory way? I'm just saying, this whole dominated, dead, degrading thing you're trying to sell me - I'm not buying it.
8 comments:
- AnonymousJanuary 31, 2013 at 9:45 AM
Thank you for such an important post! Saying no right along with you!ReplyDelete
Thank you for posting this. You are completely right, thank you!ReplyDelete
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Hartford — Unwilling to wait for federal action, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced Thursday the formation of the Sandy Hook Advisory Commission, a panel that will review state gun policy and make recommendations on school safety, mental health and gun violence prevention.
"The commission will look for ways to make sure our gun laws are as tight as they need to be, that our mental health system can reach those who are in need of our help and that our law enforcement agency has the tools that they need to protect public safety, in particular in our schools," Malloy said.
Mayor Scott Jackson of Hamden will lead the commission. He served on the Two Storm Panel that evaluated the state's approach to natural disaster prevention and impact mitigation.
"This is a massive project with short timelines," Jackson said.
School security, including capital expenditure and human resources, has to be examined along with mental health issues and social isolation, Jackson said. On top of that, the panel must address guns and ammunition, he said.
The commission's initial report will be due March 15, in time for consideration during the regular session of the General Assembly, Malloy said.
"I look forward to working with the legislature on this issue," he said. "I have had many conversations with members of both parties. I know there is much we already agree on, and we will work together to make our state a model for the rest of the nation."
Experts in law enforcement, mental health, school safety, public safety and education have been asked to join and are expected to respond in the coming days.
But, Malloy said, Connecticut can not address these issues alone.
"We need Washington to get its act together so that they can put together a reasonable national gun policy that protects the citizens of our state and of our nation," Malloy said. "I am thankful, therefore, that President Obama has gotten this conversation started, and I am committed to doing all that I can to allow this conversation to proceed."
Malloy said he was opposed in 2004 to letting the federal assault weapons ban expire. He said he would support a state ban on magazine clips with a more than 10-round capacity.
"You don't need a 30-round clip to go hunting. You don't need a 30-round clip to honor the Constitution of the United States," Malloy said. "And I think it is time that we have a realistic discussion about the weapons that are used time and time again in these mass casualty situations. I mean it would be stupid not to have that conversation."
Malloy did not pinpoint other gun control measures that he would support, but he said he would like to examine guns that are easily taken from "one-shot capacity to 30-shot capacity," how guns are defined and which guns are registered.
He said, however, that he would be respectful of people using weapons for hunting or other legal uses.
"I think it is clear that we have to be respectful of our constitution in Connecticut and nationally," he said.
From a school security standpoint, Malloy said he hoped there would not be a need for a "guard" outside of every school, but that he would have to see what the commission recommended. There might be a need to "harden" school infrastructure, he said.
Access to mental health and the stigma attached to seeking mental health services also have to be examined, Malloy said.
"All too often we think of treatment for mental issues very differently than we think of a broken arm or a broken leg," he said.
The state has made huge gains since opening the first mental health institution in Hartford, but there is more to be done, he said.
"I think it is an opportunity for Connecticut to lead the way, as it has since the very first founding of a mental institution in the entire continental United States," Malloy said. "That could be some good that comes out of this horrific incident."
Malloy said he knows many people who have the financial resources but cannot move beyond the mental health stigma to get help.
"We have to address it," he said.
Area fire departments battle blaze at Thread Mill building in Pawcatuck
East Lyme man accused of stealing more than $40,000 from his neighbors
The Elms Hotel in Niantic demolished to make way for private homes
H.S. baseball roundup: No. 1 Montville leads advance in ECC quarters
New London police seek public's help to identify shooting suspects
H.S. softball roundup: No. 7 Bears reach the semifinals in ECC tournament
Obama talks about New London, references Hanafin's and The Bulkeley House
Questions surround Andrew Maynard's return to the state Senate
Finizio orders Police Chief Ackley to return to work Tuesday
State jobs up in April, but southeastern Connecticut loses 500


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XP boost packs and rez orbs in the cash store.
XP boost packs and rez orbs in the cash store.
== Alaris & clone ==
Proud Officer of The Order Of Dii [Dii] - join us
You can tell the quality of life of people by what they complain about
Attribute point NPC added to outposts. This NPC will charge a nominal fee in gold(or Balthazar faction) to refund attribute points spent if switching builds is desired. 10gp/attribute point seems reasonable, so 2K total if all attribute points are spent. This has been proven by the development team and the sequel to be a beneficial gameplay model that enhances enjoyment of the game in every respect.
a portal to pre sear, where you can fight all enemies, but cannot gain LDoA (is funny btw, and imo could stay), and the gate should be open already
you also will have allies: alesia, togo and rurik (hey, its an april fools joke, right?)
then shiro shows up, and locks you and the allies you have in the devourer cave, there's zhed who wants answers... but the right ones, if you fail 1 answer, you retuirn to the normal world
if you give the right answers, he'll do meteor on that gate which locks you up
*this is annoying, but thats what most april fools jokes are anyway (IMO)*
Pippi Longstocking hair for the females and clown shoes for the males.
Veritas Invictus ~ The TRUE Guild
Seem's like People have found out what's going to happen has been found out to an extent (Unless of cource the discovered info is an april fools itself)
Don't think anyone would care about being spoiled since it's not likely to be Canon, but i'll spoiler it just incase someone would like to be surprised.
According to the Wiki yesterdays update added 2 new Explorable areas and a new disguise.
- Lakeside Country 1070AE
- Ashford Catacombs 1070AE
So pre-searing time again.
The new Disguise is apparently a Golem disguise.
Totally a reference to Snaff's golem design in Edge of Destiny....only time is involved this...time.Disguise. Your mind is controlling a golem across time. Don't think too hard about how that works.
Concise description
Disguise. You are controlling a golem from the future.
Since Gwen's mother is called Sarah, and this is once again involving time, i'd be dissapointed if Anet didn't take the chance to make at least one reference reference to Final Fantasy 13-2 which also features a "Serah" and time travel. )
I'd lol so much if Gwen's father was revealed to be called Snow or Noel
I wonder why the Catacombs are involved though....wonder if it's going to be a reference to the darkness that's in there in GW2's explorable mode?
So yeah, sounds like it's gonna be an interesting day.
- Tsukasa
the new april fools quest is up and you can still do the one from last year as well...max your ebon vanguard points now!
I love how they make all things reference to the movies, from the rewards to the entire naming of characters!
1984 and 2029
and now 1995 and 2029...
Lady Rhonwyn (sister of Danea, Katlinel, Gwendydd, and the rest)
Guild leader of GWOnline [GWO]
"Kind of a big mouth", "People Know Me, whether they like it or not", "I'm very vocal", "I wrote many leather bound books", "My Guild Hall is the forum", "Goddess posting amongst mere mortals" (courtesy of Cardinal Cyn)


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Award winning robotics & automation supplier, Astech Projects, have successfully achieved the recently upgraded TickITplus certification.
The new scheme was launched in December 2011 and encourages organisations to upgrade to the new, accredited TickITplus IT certification scheme or risk losing valuable business.
Developed in the early 1990s TickIT was aimed to help software suppliers, including in-house developers and IT service and system providers, define and implement a quality system that covers all the essential business processes in the product lifecycle, within the framework of the quality management systems standard ISO9001.
The new TickITplus certification helps companies by encouraging and promoting continuous improvements. In addition, it supports process development to meet business needs and embeds good process practices. Director of global
Press Information:ASTECH PROJECTS15 BERKELEY COURT
MANOR PARK,Contact Person:kate BlanchardMarketing ExecutivePhone: 441928571797email: emailWeb: www.astechprojects.co.uk


text:
Property Details
House, 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 7 Sleeps. $2,500. to $3,500. per week.
Book for Summer 2015. June and 2 weeks in Aug. available.
Spring Lake-Water Views, Centrally Located. (Inquire about our 4 bdrm. 4 bath home on the ocean block. $10,000 per week. There is availability.)
You won't be disappointed. This is a very special location with lots of water views, close to ocean and downtown 3rd Avenue shopping
New bath , and gleaming hardwood floors. New living room furniture. Four new beds New dining room chandelier, too. This is a very comfortable and and immaculately clean home. Will be happy to send additional pictures upon request.
Available ....
May 2,500 per week
June 3,500 per week.
July 3,500 per week
Aug. 3,500 per week
Through Labor Day $3,500. per week
Sept. $2,500 per. wk.
Oct., $2,500 per wk.
Entire summer: Memorial Day to Labor Day, $35000.
AVAILABLE: September and October availability--$2,500 per week./$10,000. FOR THE MONTH
Check the calendar for availability.
Immaculate 3 bdrm. cape cod.
Extra large bedrooms sleeps 7, with 1 pull out sofas for extra over night guests. 2 Queen beds, and 3 twin beds.
Exceptionally clean, recently painted. Across from the pond. Lovely unubstructed water views and just 3 blocks to the beach.
Lots of closet space. Very large den and off-street parking for 5 cars. New driveway. (parking is important because Spring Lake prohibits overnight street parking) laundry room with washer and dryer on main floor adjacent to the kitchen, enclosed porch with water views gallore. Central air and private patio completes the setting. It is centrally located to beach, shopping, tennis, parks, fishing, and NYC transportation. We have another larger exceptional home on the ocean block. Please feel free to inquire about that as well.
Brand new kitchen. One refurbished bath and brand new 2d floor bath,
New cabinets, new appliances, very large side by side refrigerater with water and ice maker. New Dishwasher, sink, and counter tops. Must see this clean home.
New heat and central air. New roof. New driveway. NEW DEN, AND LIVING ROOM FURNITURE, FOUR NEW BEDS. Completely new 2d floor bath, and hardwood floors throughout.
Special winter rates are available. Please inquire.
Combine months for a deep discounted rate. Available biweekly, also.
This is a must see house. It is impeccably clean. No pets please.
This is an exceptional house for a variety of reasons.......Also
Beach chairs and beach umbrella are provided.
New Central Air, New Kitchen, Furnished Patio, Gas, BBQ, very well appointed home, 4 televisions, beach chairs and umbrella, unobstructed water views from a lovely corner lot, private side yard, 2 car garage, parking for 4 to 5 cars. (Spring Lake does not allow parking on the street overnight.) Additional cars can be parked on Ocean Ave., or at the train station.
Interested in something more exclusive? Inquire about our Gorgeous French Colonial on the Ocean. $10,000 per week. Spectacular home with ocean views on ocean block.
We take pride in ownership. Our homes are not a typical rental property. They are treated as a primary residence with TLC.
Recent Review
Great Vacation House
About the Owner
I am a retired high school teacher with great attachment to this home. My mom raised my brother and I here after our dad died when we were very young.
I love Spring Lake for the community, beaches, parks, churches and school system. I raised my son in Spring Lake and we continue to reside in the community.
5 Reviews
4.4 based on 5 traveler reviews
Great Vacation House
Great Vacation House
Sweet cottage in Spring Lake
The house fully met our expectations, the location could not have been better for the beach or shopping. The upstairs bedrooms and bathroom were spacious ad bright, the downstairs was large with comfortable rooms for games, dining etc.
The side garden was perfect for grilling on the gas grill as it was enclosed from the street, important with little ones. Convenient having a bedroom on the downstair level. The kitchen was small but manageable and the laundry room very functional. The bathroom on this level was functional but could have been brighter and updated.
A banister for the 3 stairs leading into the house would have been a help for older people visiting.
The owners were very nice in meeting our needs and were always on hand immediately if there were any needs.
We would definitely consider renting this property again.
Very very clean, lawn maintained throughout,
Great Family Vacation!
The best town on the NJ shore in our opinion. We love it here, too.
Jersey Shore House
From the Owner
"This is our family home and has a lot of sentimental value to us. We take pride in our home and the memories it contains. We hope you use our home to make your memorable moments."
Activity and Interests
5 Beach/pool passes with changing and storage locker at the South End Beach and Pavilion.
Season value is $1150.
Please check out the Spring Lake Borough website for a further look at the community.
Beach, swimming,surfing, body boarding, sunbathing, biking, walking, local shopping, outlet shopping nearby, beautiful parks, golf, charter boat or party fishing boats nearby. Jet ski in Belmar, the next town over. Amusemement parks in nearby Point Pleasant to the south.
For the jet set, you can find plenty of places to meet and greet and have fun: The Parker House in Sea Girt; Belmar--DJ's across from the boardwalk, The Boathouse, Bar A (Anticipation) 504 Main, The Columns in Avon, Sunsets in Neptune on the water, The Stone Pony in Asbury Park and so many more. Check out what's happening in Asbury Park.
There is something for everyone in and around Spring Lake.
Rental rates
|Rate Period
|Weekend Night
|Monthly *
Summer High Season
May 22 2015 - Sep 10 2016
3 night minimum stay
My Standard Rate
30 night minimum stay
* Approximate monthly rate. Actual rate will depend on the days of the month you stay.
Payment is usually accepted in the quoted currency (USD) unless the currency and the amount is specifically agreed in advance with the owner / advertiser.
Additional information about rental rates
- Refundable damage deposit $500.00
Weekly Rate: $2000 - $3500
Monthly Rate: $8000 - $14000
Book for 2014. Rented through May 15, 2014.
Check calendar for availability.
May $10,000, June $10,000, July $14,000, August $14,000. September $10,000
Combine months for a SIGNIFICANT discounted rate. Available biweekly, also.
WINTER RENTAL AVAILABLE.---Currently rented through May 15, 2014.
Will rent for winter months, Sept/Oct. 2014through May 15, 2014, for $1,800. per mo. on winter lease. Also yearly rental possible at $3,300. per mo. on a yearly lease.
Check out our calendar on this site. Call or e mail with any questions.
Rent for summer 2014 and/or 2015
- 12
- Available
- 12
- Unavailable
- 12
- Today
From the Owner
"Our home is very centrally located to beach, pool, lakes, churches, shopping and parks. You may not even need your car."
Property Type
- house
- Adventure
- Family
- Romantic
- Air Conditioning
- Internet
- children welcome
- non smoking only
- pets not allowed
Location Type
- Lake View
- Lakefront
- autumn foliage
- churches
- cinemas
- festivals
- live theater
- playground
- pond
- restaurants
Leisure Activities
- antiquing
- beachcombing
- bird watching
- outlet shopping
- photography
- scenic drives
- sight seeing
- walking
Local Services & Businesses
- ATM/bank
- fitness center
- groceries
- hospital
- laundromat
- massage therapist
- medical services
Sports & Adventure Activities
- basketball court
- cycling
- deepsea fishing
- fishing
- freshwater fishing
- golf
- jet skiing
- pier fishing
- scuba diving or snorkeling
- snorkeling
- surf fishing
- surfing
- swimming
- tennis
- water skiing
- water tubing
- wind-surfing
- 2 Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1 - toilet, combination tub/shower, First floor. Linen closet within bathroom.
- Bathroom 2 - toilet, shower, New top to bottom. Linen closet in bathroom.
- 3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 7
- Bedroom 2 - 2 twin/ single, This bedroom has entry to 2d story deck.
- Bedroom 3 - 1 queen, 1 twin/ single, All bdrms. are oversized. This one has 2 large closets
- Bedroom 1 - 1 queen, First floor bdrm. Full bath across the hall.
- Outdoor Grill
- New Central Air, New Kitchen, Furnished Patio, Gas, BBQ, very well appointed home, 4 televisions, beach chairs and umbrella, at least one bicyle, unobstructed water views from a lovely corner lot, private side yard, 2 car garage, parking for 4 to 5 cars. (Spring Lake does not allow parking on the street overnight.) Additional cars can be parked on Ocean Ave., or at the train station. 5 BEACH/POOL PASSES WITH LOCKER WHEN RENTING. A $1,150. value based on the cost for the season. Much higher value when purchasing per diem per person.


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A technique for capturing the surface of three-dimensional ("3D") objects using structured lighting. The movement of shadow across the 3D objects is optically recorded. Variation in brightness on the surface provides a cue for triangulation. By analyzing the variation in brightness of a particular point on the surface, the location of that point is determined based on the movement of the shadow. With known locations for a camera and a light source, the coordinates in space of the point is triangulated. By repeating this process, a collection of coordinates is created. Those coordinates are then used to reconstruct the 3D surface.
1. A method for creating a representation of a surface of at least one three-dimensional object above an object plane, comprising:
projecting a light beam;
using an object to create at least one shadow across the surface and the object plane at any of a plurality of different random locations;
optically recording each shadow and the surface; and
calculating coordinates of spatial points by triangulation to represent surface points on the surface.
2. The method of claim 1 where said calculating a coordinate of a spatial point by triangulation to represent a surface point includes:
calculating a shadow plane formed by the source of the projecting and the intersection of a shadow and the object plane; and
calculating an intersection point between the shadow plane and a line extending from the source of the recording through the surface point, where the intersection point is the coordinate of the spatial point.
3. The method of claim 1 where said projecting at least one shadow across the surface includes moving an object with a straight edge between a light source and the surface in a way that a shadow projected by the straight edge passes across the surface.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
optically recording a calibration plane of known geometry;
optically recording a shadow cast by a calibration object of known length; and
calculating coordinates of spatial points by triangulation to represent the locations of the object plane, the source of the projecting, and the source of the recording based upon the optical recordings of the calibration plane and the calibration object.
5. The method of claim 1 where said projecting at least one shadow across the surface includes projecting a sequence of patterns upon the surface where each pattern is a sine wave of brightness.
6. The method of claim 5 where the first pattern in the sequence is offset by an initial constant amount from the last pattern in the sequence, and each remaining pattern in the sequence of patterns is offset by a sequential constant amount from an immediately preceding pattern in the sequence.
7. The method of claim 5 where said calculating by triangulation includes estimating a phase-shift of a local brightness pattern at the surface point relative to the sequence of patterns projected upon the surface.
8. A system for creating a representation of a surface of at least one three-dimensional object, the system comprising:
a flat surface;
a light source for projecting light onto at least one surface;
a shadow object with a straight edge for protecting a shadow across each surface which has light projected thereon by the light source, said shadow object being held at any of a plurality of different random locations at a spot between said light source and said three dimensional object;
a camera for optically recording each shadow and each surface; and
a computer programmed and operated to calculate points in space to represent the surface by triangulation.
9. The system of claim 8 further comprising:
a calibration plane of known geometry for calibrating the camera; and
a calibration object of known length for calibrating the light source.
This application claims the benefit of the U.S. Provisional Applications No. 60/048,098 filed on May 30, 1997, and No. 60/052,738 filed on Jul. 7, 1997, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
The United States Government may have certain rights in this invention pursuant to Grant No. EEC 9402726 awarded by the National Science Foundation.
The present disclosure relates to three-dimensional imaging, and more specifically, to the reconstruction of three dimensional surfaces using structured lighting.
As the processing speed and memory capacity of computers have continued to increase, along with advances in computer graphics software, the interest in imaging both the geometry and surface texture of three-dimensional ("3D") objects has also increased. Numerous applications of such technology which for many years were anticipated have begun to be realized. The use of 3D representations has expanded in many areas, including entertainment, animation, industrial design, engineering, archiving, commercial advertising, catalogs, and "virtual reality" visits to actual places (e.g., cities and museums).
Various techniques have in turn developed to capture this information. Some are mechanical, some are purely based on images. Each system proposes different tradeoffs. The main parameters to be considered include: cost, accuracy, ease of use, and speed of acquisition. So far most commercial 3D scanners have favored accuracy over other parameters. However, while accurate, these systems tend to be very expensive.
One example of a mechanical system uses physical contact with the object to measure its surface. A robot arm "feels" the object and records the variations in dimension. The object may be rotated or otherwise adjusted to allow for multiple measurements. This type of system is typically expensive, bulky and slow.
Another group of systems uses active lighting, such as a laser or LCD projector. Typically these systems also use motorized transport of the object. The object is lit by projected light and rotated to provide views from multiple angles. While such systems are very accurate, they are also typically very expensive and bulky. Another disadvantage of lasers is that they are potentially dangerous to the operator's eyes, reducing the applicability of these systems to consumer use.
Some computer vision researchers have considered taking a different approach, favoring cost and ease of use while sacrificing some accuracy and speed. A number of ways of obtaining information on 3D shapes from more passively acquired images have long been known: stereoscopic disparity, texture, motion parallax, (de)focus, shading and specularities, occluding contours and other surface discontinuities. Unfortunately, the single passive cue that gives reasonable accuracy, stereoscopic disparity, has two major drawbacks: (a) it requires two cameras, and (b) it is typically ineffective on untextured surfaces. Accordingly, such a system is not inexpensive because of multiple cameras. In addition, because the great majority of industrially manufactured objects do not have textured surfaces, stereoscopic disparity is not suitable for a large number of applications.
The inventors have determined that a better technique for representation is found using shadow rather than lasers or multiple cameras. Accordingly they have developed the methods and apparatus for capturing 3D surfaces based on structured lighting described in the present disclosure.
The present disclosure describes methods and apparatus providing techniques for capturing the surface of three-dimensional ("3D") objects using structured lighting. The movement of shadow across the 3D objects is optically recorded. Variation in brightness on the surface provides a cue for triangulation. By analyzing the variation in brightness of a particular point on the surface, the location of that point is determined based on the movement of the shadow. With known locations for a camera and a light source, the coordinates in space of the point is triangulated. By repeating this process, a collection of coordinates is created. Those coordinates are then used to reconstruct the 3D surface.
In accordance with one embodiment of the invention a pencil or other object with a straight edge is moved between a light source and a scene of 3D objects. The pencil casts a shadow across a surface of the scene. A camera located below the moving pencil records the scene and shadow. The deformation of the edge of the shadow caused by the contours of the 3D objects is triangulated with calibration information to determine coordinates in space of points on the surface. Those coordinates are then used to reconstruct the 3D surface.
A second embodiment uses a projection of a grayscale pattern upon a scene. A camera records the scene during the projection. The projection is a sinusoidal pattern of brightness. A sequence of frames is projected, each offset from the last, such that the sinusoidal pattern appears to translate across the scene. Thus each point on the scene receives the entire spectrum of brightness contained in the sine wave of the pattern. Using variation in brightness, coordinates of each point in space are determined by triangulation and so the 3D surface is reconstructed.
These and other features and advantages of the techniques disclosed herein will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and from the claims.
FIG. 1A illustrates a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 1B is a flowchart of a preferred technique of the first preferred embodiment.
FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred technique of camera calibration.
FIG. 3 illustrates a preferred technique of light source calibration.
FIG. 4 illustrates a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a graph of preferred sinusoidal brightness patterns.
FIG. 6 further illustrates the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
The present invention provides a method for capturing the 3D surface of objects using the movement of shadow across the object scene. Variation in brightness on the surface provides a cue for triangulation. By analyzing the variation in brightness of a particular point on the surface, the location of that point is determined based on the movement of the shadow. Based upon known locations of a camera and a light source, depth information for the point is triangulated. That depth information is then used to reconstruct the 3D surface.
A first preferred embodiment uses weak structured lighting, in that an active device such as a laser or LCD projector is preferably not used. The movement of a pencil or other object with a straight edge between a light source and a scene casts a shadow which is recorded by a camera. The deformation of the edge of the shadow cast is triangulated with calibration information to determine the location in space of a point on the surface being scanned. The cumulation of locations in space for all the points on the surface recreates the 3D surface. This embodiment has the advantages of requiring only one camera, minimal human intervention, and minimal extra hardware.
A second preferred embodiment uses a projection of a grayscale pattern upon a scene which is recorded by a camera. The projection is a sinusoidal pattern of varying brightness. A series of frames are projected each offset from the last, such that the sinusoidal pattern appears to translate across the scene. Thus each point on the scene receives the entire spectrum of brightness contained in the sine wave of the projection. Using the variation in brightness, the location of each point in space is determined by triangulation and so the 3D surface is reconstructed. This embodiment is an improvement over previous projection systems in that not as many grayscale patterns need be used compared to earlier binary pattern projections and the effect of a defocussed projector is less detrimental.
FIG. 1A shows an implementation 100 of the first preferred embodiment. A three-dimensional ("3D") object 105 to be rendered is positioned on a flat surface 110 such as a desktop. Alternatively, more than one 3D object may be positioned on or above flat surface 110. Flat surface 110 forms an object plane for reference in triangulation, described below.
A light source 115, such as a desklamp, projects light onto 3D object 105 and flat surface 110. Light source 115 is preferably approximately a point light source. A desklamp is a sufficient approximation. Accordingly, the entire surface of 3D object 105 is not necessarily illuminated and some portion may be in shadow. In addition, when multiple 3D objects are placed on flat surface 110, one or more of the 3D objects may be occluded by another 3D object and not be exposed to light source 115. Objects or portions of objects which are not exposed to light source 115 are not rendered. Additional renderings with light source 115 at different positions may be performed to render 3D objects and portions of 3D objects previously occluded.
A camera 120 optically records an image 122 of the scene. In addition, camera 120 is preferably connected to a desktop computer (not shown). The computer performs the calculations necessary for triangulation to render the coordinates of the surface points of the surface of 3D object 105.
A shadow object 125 which has a straight edge, such as a rod or pencil, is positioned between light source 115 and 3D object 105 such that a vertical shadow 130 is cast across 3D object 105 and flat surface 110. Pencil 125 is preferably held in the operator's hand above camera 120 so as not to obscure 3D object 105 from camera 120. Shadow 130 appears as a generally vertical bar 135 in camera image 122. The operator then moves pencil 125 such that shadow 130 cast by pencil 125 translates across the scene, preferably horizontally from left to right.
Camera 120 records a sequence of images 122 showing the movement of shadow 130 cast by pencil 120. An edge 140 of shadow 130 is deformed by the variations in depth of the surface of 3D object 105. If the scene were merely flat surface 110, and hence a flat plane, shadow edge 140 would be a straight vertical line. Variation in depth, caused by the three-dimensional nature of 3D object 105 in the scene, deforms shadow edge 140. This deformation provides the information used to triangulate the coordinates in space of each point in image 122.
Each image 122 recorded by camera 120 of the scene is divided into pixels xc. Each pixel xc has a corresponding point P in space upon the surface of 3D object 105 for the portion of 3D object 105 shown by that pixel xc. This correlation indicates an optical ray (Oc, xc) for each pixel xc in camera image 122. Each optical ray (Oc, xc) begins at the location Oc of camera 120 in space (approximated based upon the camera calibration described below) and passes through camera image 122 at pixel xc and then through point P.
Using portions of shadow edge 140 which fall across only flat surface 110, not 3D object 105, a shadow plane is found which coincides with shadow edge 140 at point P and light source 110. Point P is at the intersection of optical ray (Oc, xc) and the shadow plane corresponding to point P. This intersection is found by triangulation. By repeating this process for all pixels xc in camera image 122, the surface of 3D object 105 is reconstructed. This process is described in more detail below.
However, preferably before 3D object 105 is placed upon flat surface 110, camera 120 and light source 115 are calibrated. FIG. 2 shows a configuration 200 and technique for calibrating camera 120. This technique is described in detail by R. Y. Tsai in "A Versatile Camera Calibration Technique for High Accuracy 3D Machine Vision Metrology Using Off-the-Shelf TV Camera and Lenses", in IEEE Journal Robotics Automat., RA-3(4):323-344, 1987, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. An object 205 of known geometry such as a checkerboard is placed on flat surface 110 forming a calibration plane. Camera image 122 and the known geometry of checkerboard 205 are compared using known calibration algorithms. Intrinsic parameters of camera 120 and extrinsic parameters attached to the relative position of camera 120 with respect to flat surface 110 are found. Intrinsic parameters of camera 120 include focal length, optical center, and radial distortion factor. Extrinsic parameters so determined include the location Oc of camera 120 and the coordinates of object plane Πd coinciding with flat surface 110.
FIG. 3 illustrates a preferred configuration 300 and technique for calibrating light source 115 to find the coordinates of a point S in space for light source 115. First the operator places (or holds in place) a calibration object 305 of known length on flat surface 110, orthogonal to the plane of flat surface 110. Calibration object 305 may be the same pencil 125 described above with respect to rendering in FIG. 1A. Camera 120 records a shadow 310 cast by pencil 305 upon flat surface 110. Points B and T in space represent a base 315 and a tip 320 of pencil 305. A tip 325 of shadow 310 cast by pencil 305 is represented by point Ts. Points B and Ts are located on plane Πd.
To calculate points B and Ts, the intersections of optical rays extending from camera 120 through points B and Ts with plane Πd are found. Pixels b and ts in camera image 122 correspond to points B and Ts, respectively. Where Oc is the location of camera 120, the coordinates of point Ts are at the intersection of an optical ray (Oc, ts) and the plane Πd. Coordinates for point B are found in the same way. Coordinates for point T representing tip 320 of pencil 305 are then readily calculable because the length of pencil 305 and base coordinates B are now known, and pencil 305 is orthogonal to plane Πd.
Accordingly, point S lies on a line L1 in space with the two points T and Ts because a straight line can always be drawn from a point light source through an edge of an illuminated object to a corresponding edge of a shadow cast by that light source. This process is repeated with pencil 305 at a different location on flat surface 110, indicating a second line L2. The point S is located at an intersection of the two lines L1 and L2. While light source 115 is not necessarily a true point light source, an approximation of light source 115 as a point light source is acceptable.
Repeating this light source calibration process multiple times results in increased accuracy as to an approximation of the point S. By integrating all the lines found in this way in a unique linear estimation problem, such as in a least squares form, the estimation becomes increasingly more stable.
This light source calibration process is very simple and easily repeatable. Thus, the operator may move light source 115 (without moving camera 120 or 3D object 105) and recalibrate light source 115 quite simply. As a result, multiple renderings of 3D object 105 may be made with light source 115 at different locations. Multiple renderings improve the information captured about the surface of 3D object 105 because occluding contours are circumvented.
Returning to FIG. 1A and the rendering process, the process for calculating shadow edge 140 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 1B. FIG. 1B is a flowchart of a preferred technique 150 to find point P. A time for each pixel xc when shadow edge 140 passes through that pixel xc is found in step 155. This time is referred to as the shadow time for that pixel. Thus, each pixel xc has a shadow time ts(xc). Each shadow time ts(xc) has an associated shadow plane Π(ts(xc)) found in step 160. The shadow plane for a shadow time is the plane formed by point S representing light source 115 and points upon object plane Πd where shadow edge 140 lies at that time ts(xc). When a shadow plane has been determined for each shadow time, then each pixel xc has an associated shadow plane Π(ts(xc)) through its associated shadow time ts(xc). Each pixel xc also has an associated optical ray (Oc, xc) which begins at the location Oc of camera 120 and passes through both pixel xc and point P. Optical ray (Oc, xc) is found in step 165. The intersection of optical ray (Oc, xc) and the associated shadow plane Π(ts(xc)) is found by triangulation in step 170. This intersection is the location in space of point P in step 175. The order of steps shown in FIG. 1B is preferred, but may vary in alternative implementations. For example, the shadow planes may be found independently of estimating the shadow times. Similarly, the shadow times for all pixels may be determined before any shadow planes are found. The shadow time for a pixel and the shadow plane for a particular time are used in conjunction to indicate a shadow plane for the pixel. Thus, both the shadow time and the shadow plane are preferably found before the intersection is found.
Hence, the determination of the coordinates in space of the point P depends upon spatial and temporal searching. Spatially, the shadow planes Π(t) for all times t are estimated (step 160). Temporally, the shadow time ts for each pixel xc is estimated (step 155). The two searches are preferably compatible. That is, both result in the same point P for a particular time t and pixel xc. This compatibility is not true for all techniques, such as with an image gradient approach for edge detection like the edge detector described by J. F. Canny in "A Computational Approach to Edge Detection", IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence, 8(6):679-698, 1986. In particular it is desirable to avoid the effects of spatial filtering (e.g., smoothing or gradient computations).
Thus, a unified quantity describing shadow edges in space (i.e., image coordinates) and time is preferred. The preferred technique is a spatio-temporal thresholding and achieves this unified quantity.
In step 160, to determine the shadow plane Π(t) for a time t the location of shadow edge 140 on object plane Πd is used. Two points A and B are found which are on plane Πd and on shadow edge 140 at time t. Hence points A and B are dependent on time as they represent two points on object plane Πd where shadow edge 140 is cast at time t.
Points A and B are found using a spatial shadow boundary search. Assuming 3D object 105 does not occlude flat surface 110 in the extreme top and bottom regions of image 122, two reference rows Rtop and Rbottom are selected in image 122. For each time t, Rtop is searched for a pixel xtop(t) which is on shadow edge 140. xtop(t) is found by comparing the brightness of each pixel in Rtop at time t to the mean of a maximum brightness and minimum brightness, as described in more detail below. xtop(t) is the pixel where the brightness falls below that mean. A similar process is performed for Rbottom to find a pixel xbottom(t). Pixels xtop(t) and xbottom(t) correspond to points A and B, respectively. Thus, points A and B are at the intersection of plane Πd and respective optical rays formed by point Oc representing the location of camera 120 and pixels xtop(t) and xbottom(t) The shadow plane Π(t) is then determined using the three known points A, B, and S representing the location of light source 115. This process is repeated for each unit of time t, where each unit of time t represents an image recorded by camera 120. t ranges from 0 to i−1, where i is the number of images recorded by camera 120. Thus, one shadow plane Π(t) is found for each recorded image forming a list of i shadow planes Π(t).
In step 155, to determine the shadow time ts for a pixel xc, a brightness I of that pixel is analyzed. Each pixel's brightness I varies from a maximum brightness Imax (e.g., no shadow) to a minimum brightness Imin (e.g., in shadow) and back to Imax. The shadow time ts is when the brightness I crosses an arithmetic mean of Imax and Imin. This mean is a brightness Ishadow. Ishadow is potentially different for every pixel. The resulting shadow time ts is not necessarily an integer value because the brightness I may cross the mean brightness Ishadow between frames. Use of the minimum and maximum brightness to determine the shadow time accommodates interflections (i.e., light reflected from other objects in the scene). Each pixel may have a minimum brightness which is not zero due to interflections, and there is not necessarily a uniform minimum brightness throughout the image. Accordingly, the mean Ishadow of Imax and Imin is used. The shadow time ts serves as an index into the list of shadow planes Π(t) found above, described in more detail below.
Accordingly, shadow edge 140 may be found spatially or temporally. Shadow edge 140 is at points where the brightness I(x,y,t) for a pixel at coordinates (x,y) at a given time t equals the mean brightness Ishadow(x,y) for that pixel. By setting the time t as a constant, the search for the shadow edge is in terms of image coordinates x and y, a spatial search. Similarly, by setting x and y to be constant, a temporal search in terms of t can be performed.
Some pixels are occluded and provide no depth information. Reliable information is available primarily for those pixels which have enough "swing" in brightness between minimum and maximum values. A pixel's contrast Icontrast is the difference between the maximum brightness Imax and minimum brightness Imin for that pixel. Accordingly, a threshold value is set where pixels which have a contrast Icontrast below that threshold are not processed.
An alternate "memoryless" procedure can be used where all the image sequences need not be stored. Instead, only the minimum min and maximum Imax brightness values are maintained. As brightness values are processed, a lower value replaces the minimum Imin. Once the brightness at a pixel begins to rise, the last value remains the minimum. Thus, Imin and Imax are available. The mean Ishadow is then computed and the shadow time can be determined when the brightness crosses the mean Ishadow. This would track the left (trailing) edge of the shadow rather than the right (leading) edge (assuming the pencil is moving from left to right).
Once a shadow time ts(xc) has been determined for each pixel xc and a shadow plane Π(t) for each time t, a shadow plane Π(ts(xc)) for each pixel xc is found. If shadow time ts(xc) is an integer value, shadow plane Π(ts(xc)) is a shadow plane Π(t) where t=ts(xc). If shadow time ts(xc) is not an integer value, shadow plane Π(ts(xc)) is a plane between shadow planes Π(to) and Π(t0+1). Two times to and to+1 are found where to is the largest integer smaller than ts(xc) and to+1 is the smallest integer larger than ts(xc), such that to<ts(xc)<to+1. Π(ts(xc)) is found by linear interpolation between shadow planes Π(to) and Π(to+1). Thus, every pixel xc has a corresponding shadow plane Π(ts(xc)).
The location of point P in space is determined by triangulation in step 170. Thus, point P is at the intersection of optical ray (Oc, xc) and shadow plane Π(ts(xc)).
As each point P is generated for each pixel xc, a cloud of points is developed. This cloud of points provides the information which is the reconstruction of the 3D surface of the scene. This embodiment produces a high density of data points because scene depth is calculated for every pixel in the image, leading to an improved reconstruction. A mesh may be generated by connecting neighboring points in triangles, and displayed in a graphics environment. Thus, every vertex in the mesh corresponds to a pixel with a corresponding brightness.
The quality of data recovered depends upon the horizontal speed of the pencil as it is moved across the scene. Thus, the operator is free to move the pencil at any speed. By varying the speed of the pencil movement, the operator selects the level of detail desired in the representation. If the speed is varied during a single pass, e.g., slower over some portions of the scene than other portions, those portions where the pencil was moved more slowly will be more accurately represented in the reconstruction. Thus, the operator may provide a more detailed representation of areas of the scene which are of more interest by moving the pencil more slowly over such areas.
The first embodiment presents significant advantages over the conventional methods of scanning 3D objects. The equipment necessary is very simple and easy to use. As a result, the cost of the system is very low relative to active lighting systems. The ease of use and low cost make this system well suited to a broader range of applications, notably consumer use.
FIG. 4 shows an implementation 400 of the second preferred embodiment. A 3D object 405 is positioned before a camera 410 and a projector 415. As in the first embodiment, more than one 3D object may be rendered at a time. In addition, camera 410 is preferably connected to a desktop computer (not shown). The computer performs the calculations necessary for triangulation to render the coordinates of the surface points of the surface of 3D object 405.
Projector 415 projects a series of grayscale patterns upon 3D object 405 to be recorded by camera 410. Projector 415 is preferably a LCD projector, but alternatively a motorized filter sliding in front of a lamp or a neon lamp appropriately controlled may also be used. Preferably, one image is recorded for each projected pattern. Varying brightness of the patterns upon 3D object 405 provides information useful to triangulate coordinates in space of points on the surface of 3D object 405.
Each grayscale pattern is a pattern of varying brightness such that the brightness varies horizontally preferably in accordance with a sine wave. The fineness of the gradation in the grayscale determines the fineness of the resolution. A coarser gradation renders a less exact representation of 3D object 405. The pattern is uniform vertically. Each pattern is horizontally phase-shifted a constant amount from the previous pattern. The first and last patterns in the sequence are preferably offset by the same amount as the other patterns in the sequence, but not necessarily. In this way, as the patterns are projected in sequence the sinusoidal grayscale pattern appears to translate across 3D object 405. Alternatively, the horizontal and vertical orientations described above may be reversed.
FIG. 5 is a graph 500 of sine wave patterns 505 and 510 of brightness for two patterns. Pattern 510 is offset from pattern 505, but is otherwise the same sinusoidal pattern. In an alternative embodiment, the patterns are not sinusoidal but some other waveform such as a triangular wave.
FIG. 6 illustrates a technique for determining the location of a point on the surface of 3D object 405. Each pixel xc in an image 605 recorded by camera 410 sees a point P on 3D object 405. Each point P is illuminated by a sinusoidal wave of brightness from projector 415. The sine wave for each point is phase-shifted relative to that of the projected patterns because each point on the surface of 3D object 405 is offset some horizontal distance. Accordingly, this phase shift is used to estimate a horizontal coordinate xp of point P in an image 610 of projector 415. A projection plane Π is derived from horizontal coordinate xp and the known projector location Op. Point P lies on an optical ray (Oc, xc) originating at the known location Oc of camera 410 and passing through pixel xc corresponding to point P. Thus, the location in space of point P is at the intersection of plane Π and optical ray (Oc, xc), found by triangulation.
Similar to the first embodiment, camera 410 and projector 415 are calibrated to derive intrinsic and extrinsic parameters. Camera 410 is preferably calibrated in the same manner as described above with reference to the article by Tsai using a grid pattern, such as a checkerboard, placed on a supporting plane. This camera calibration reveals the intrinsic parameters of camera 410 as well as the location of the supporting plane. To calibrate projector 415, the grid pattern is removed without moving the supporting plane. Projector 415 projects a second grid pattern onto the supporting plane and is calibrated based on the image recorded by camera 410 using the same algorithms described by Tsai. This projector calibration reveals the intrinsic parameters of projector 415 as well as the location of projector 415 with respect to the supporting plane. The relative positions of camera 410 and projector 415 are then derived.
More particularly, to derive the phase shift of the brightness waveform, the horizontal point xp in projector image 610 is estimated. Each waveform for each point has a different phase Φ, amplitude A, and offset B. Let I(n) be a function for brightness at pixel xc in camera image 605 and n be the ordinal number of the pattern out of N total patterns (ranging from 0 to N−1) such that:
where the frequency ω0 is given by
Given a single period sinusoidal waveform, there is a linear relationship between the phase Φ and the projector horizontal coordinate xp:
where Np is the width in pixels of the projector image. Accordingly, estimating xp at each pixel xc is equivalent to estimating the phase shift Φ of the associated brightness function I(n).
Equations for horizontal projector coordinate xp and amplitude A are derived for a pixel xc with a particular brightness function I(n) such that:
"<,>" denotes the standard inner product. For example,
Where the amplitude A is low the phase estimation is less reliable. Amplitude A tends to have low values where the point on the surface is in shadow, dark, or nonreflective. By using a threshold value, processing is only done on those pixels which have an amplitude A above that threshold. A series of values for xp are then generated for those pixels xc with sufficiently large amplitude A.
Thus, for each pixel xc a plane Π is generated which corresponds to the vertical band of the projected pattern at xp and the location Op of projector 415. Then by triangulation with optical ray (Oc, xc) and plane Π, the location in space of the point P is found.
As in the first embodiment a cloud of data points are then generated by finding coordinates for each point P corresponding to each pixel xc. The data points may be combined to form a mesh. This mesh then represents the reconstruction of the 3D surface.
The second embodiment described has advantages over prior art techniques which projected binary stripe patterns. The use of grayscale patterns rather than binary stripe patterns produces superior results. Because the edge of a solid area is not being used, the effects of a defocussed projector are limited. Lack of a clear projection will be consistently represented throughout the grayscale patterns and will not affect the calculations of phase shift. In addition, less grayscale patterns are necessary than with conventional binary stripe patterns and so this embodiment generates reconstructions more rapidly. However, in an alternative implementation, a combination of grayscale and binary stripes or waveforms of higher frequencies may be used.
These variations and other modifications are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.
Patent Citations
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My Beseler 45 bellows assembly arrived today and I am already looking at it for any modifications. I don't think I can do the modification that Danny did with his 23 but I will look at it first to see if it is possible. Then I will look at an above the top bellows unit, where the stainless steel slides are, and make an assembly with film holder lamp holder etc..
On another note, I am looking at my Beseler Universal head that is missing a controller unit to make it work. This unit has a single bulb, 83 volt, and the three knobs in front to adjust the light temp. If a person had this head and no controller I believe that the bulb could be run from the power supply, the 83 volt transformer inside, with a relay to a timer. The circuit boards would not be used and the knobs could be calibrated. I have a color analyzer to do it. The knobs could be marked for the VC grade positions 1 to 5.
My other dead head Beseler is the head that has three light bulbs, 83 volt, that are dimmed individually to create the correct color. Each bulb would have to be dimmed and the three together on one relay.


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Tongue in Cheek teases, twists, and ultimately delivers
By Emily Weiss
Where to dine, drink, and snack along the Green Line
By Emily Weiss
The Copper Hen brings country charm to Eat Street
By Emily Weiss
Soberfish brings Thai-Japanese fusion to Seward
By Hannah Sayle
Tiny Diner has big dreams in Minneapolis
By Emily Weiss
Cook St. Paul sprinkles diner standards with Korean spice
By Emily Weiss
Spring 2014's fresh crop of Twin Cities eateries
By Emily Weiss
Kyatchi strikes out and hits some home runs
By Emily Weiss
And now, score a decisive victory for the Europeans, because Pane Vino Dolce has won this round, and will debut a new French restaurant at the corner of 55th and Xerxes, name to be determined. Pane owners David Hahne and Carlos Macy hope to open the spot in mid-February.
819 W. 50th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55419
Category: Restaurant > Fine Dining
Region: Southwest Minneapolis
I fully expect the Europeans throughout the south metro to be popping corks right into the highly polished blades of their impressive remote controlled ceiling fans once word of this new restaurant spreads. Expect country French with an emphasis on the foods of the Rhône Valley and Provence, says David Hahne, with dishes like stuffed mussels, pork rillettes served at the table in a warm crock, chèvre terrines or tarts, and the like. When I spoke to him for this item, Hahne had just gotten back from a tasting journey through France and was enraptured with French wine bars, caves à vin: "There are so many cool, darling little caves à vin with a relaxed atmosphere and people just hanging out, having fun--I don't know. I want it to be as close to what's going on in France, and no pseudo food." (Which, by the way, clinches it: Everyone in south Minneapolis feels under attack from no-brain chains; it's not just you and me.) In fact, Cave à Vin is one of the names Hahne and Macy are toying with, which will go hand-in-glove with what Hahne says will be a notably less costly, French-focused wine list. Inexpensive? Ooh, so maybe the European victory isn't so decisive? "Sometimes we think Pane might be a touch too expensive," admits Hahne, "so we're going to plan this all to be a notch or two less expensive." Other things to make the Pure happy: lots of items to share, including a table-side cheese cart, a printed wine list, and a menu organized around appetizers and salads. And a sign! Above the door, even! Watch for that sign at 5555 Xerxes Ave. S., in Minneapolis. Pane Vino Dolce is at 819 W. 50th St., Minneapolis, 612.825.3201.
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Forget the electric car. The Robo-Squid Hydropower Rescue Car is the best thing on four tentacles.
This beautiful video shows reconnecting with the land isn't strictly an American concept.
A copper tailings pond discharged more than 10 million cubic meters of waste into nearby water, threatening an important salmon spawning ground.
I thought that I heard you laughing, but here's why you should take that bold claim seriously.
Siemens commissioned the windy version of Blue Danube Waltz to celebrate its 448-turbine wind farm.
First up: the great white shark. Or, as Snoop puts it: "Damn, he didn't even chew BLEEEEEP he just swallowed. That's coldblooded, man."
Do not try this at home (adding salt to a beautiful gin & tonic, that is).
Kids hit Earth pinatas and spill oil on the Antarctic in this funny and too-real video.
Does the media have you worried about the coming kalepocalypse? Take a deep breath and gulp of that green juice, and read this.


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Business Applications of Emulative Neural Networks
Article excerpt
This paper surveys research on Emulative Neural Network (ENN) models as economic forecasters. ENNs are statistical methods that seek to mimic neural processing. They serve as trainable analytical tools that "learn" autonomously. ENNs are ideal for finding nonlinear relationships and predicting seemingly unrecognized and unstructured behavioral phenomena. As computing power rapidly progresses, these models are increasingly desirable for economists who recognize that people act in dynamic ways with rational expectations. Unlike traditional regressions, ENNs work well with incomplete data and do not require normal distribution assumptions. ENNs can eliminate substantial uncertainty in forecasting, but never enough to completely overcome indeterminacy.
Keywords: Emulative neural networks; Dynamic interrelations; Nonlinear forecasting; Perceptron learning process; Multi-layer perceptron model; Learning; Observational indeterminability; Indeterminacies
This paper surveys the significance of recent work on emulative neural networks (ENNs) by researchers across many disciplines in the light of issues of indeterminacy. Financial and economic forecasters have witnessed the recent development of a number of new forecasting models. Traditionally, popular forecasting techniques include regression analysis, time-series analysis, moving averages and smoothing methods, and numerous judgmental methods. However, all of these have the same drawback because they require assumptions about the form of population distribution. Regression models, for example, assume that the underlying population is normally distributed.
ENNs are members of a family of statistical techniques, as are flexible nonlinear regression models, discriminant models, data reduction models, and nonlinear dynamic systems (Sarle, 1994; Cheng and Tetterington, 1994). They are trainable analytic tools that attempt to mimic information processing patterns in the brain (Krishnaswamy, Gilbert, Pashley, 2000). Because they do not necessarily require assumptions about population distribution, economists, mathematicians and statisticians are increasingly using ENNs for data analysis. Not only do they not require assumptions about the underlying population but are also powerful forecasting tools that draw on the most recent developments in artificial intelligence research.
As Hardin (2002) observes in his essay, "Indeterminacy and Basic Rationality," statistical methods, such as neural networks, were developed partly as the product of the ordinal revolution in economics and choice theory. As he points out, because our choices have social and interactive contexts, it would be extremely difficult to construct a theoretical model that is capable of tracing all of these potential and actual responses and interactions. Such models are bound to exhibit fundamental indeterminacy. These indeterminacies are the inevitable product of strategic interactions among rational individuals who understand that their actions, or inactions, are going to be followed by reactions--those of the other participants in the strategic game and those of the environment. In such circumstances, one may find that responses are not similar, let alone unique.
This is especially true when we add time to the discussion. A player may react in ways very different to what was presupposed in response to an unexpected reaction by his opponent. Such models are inherently dependent upon, and sensitive to, initial conditions, which may not permit accurate predictions even for very near-future states (Brown and Chua, 1998; Smith, 1998; Stone, 1989; Bau and Shachmurove, 2002). As Domotor and Batitsky (2002) point out, a creeping amplification of error will eventually wipe out all predictive accuracy. Even the solar system, reported to be the oldest paradigm of a regular, predictable dynamical system, is unpredictable on the time scale of millions of years. …


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Population- and genome-specific patterns of linkage disequilibrium and SNP variation in spring and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Author affiliations
1 USDA ARS Genotyping Laboratory, Biosciences Research Laboratory, Fargo, ND, USA
2 Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
3 Plant Science Building, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, USA
4 Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
5 WestBred, LLC, Bozeman, MT, USA
6 Department of Plant Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
7 Dept. of Agronomy & Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
8 Genetic Resources and Enhancement Unit, CIMMYT, Mexico, D.F., Mexico
9 Plant Science Department, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
10 University of Idaho Aberdeen Research & Extension Center, Aberdeen ID, USA
11 USDA-ARS Wheat Genetics, Quality, Physiology & Disease Research Unit, Washington State University, Pullman WA, USA
12 Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Bozeman, MT, USA
13 Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Amarillo, TX, USA
14 Soil and Crop Sciences Department, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
15 Oklahoma State University, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Stillwater, OK, USA
16 WestBred, LLC, Haven, KS, USA
17 Plant Breeding and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
18 Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics, RAS, Ufa Russia
Citation and License
BMC Genomics 2010, 11:727 doi:10.1186/1471-2164-11-727Published: 29 December 2010
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are ideally suited for the construction of high-resolution genetic maps, studying population evolutionary history and performing genome-wide association mapping experiments. Here, we used a genome-wide set of 1536 SNPs to study linkage disequilibrium (LD) and population structure in a panel of 478 spring and winter wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum) from 17 populations across the United States and Mexico.
Most of the wheat oligo pool assay (OPA) SNPs that were polymorphic within the complete set of 478 cultivars were also polymorphic in all subpopulations. Higher levels of genetic differentiation were observed among wheat lines within populations than among populations. A total of nine genetically distinct clusters were identified, suggesting that some of the pre-defined populations shared significant proportion of genetic ancestry. Estimates of population structure (FST) at individual loci showed a high level of heterogeneity across the genome. In addition, seven genomic regions with elevated FST were detected between the spring and winter wheat populations. Some of these regions overlapped with previously mapped flowering time QTL. Across all populations, the highest extent of significant LD was observed in the wheat D-genome, followed by lower LD in the A- and B-genomes. The differences in the extent of LD among populations and genomes were mostly driven by differences in long-range LD ( > 10 cM).
Genome- and population-specific patterns of genetic differentiation and LD were discovered in the populations of wheat cultivars from different geographic regions. Our study demonstrated that the estimates of population structure between spring and winter wheat lines can identify genomic regions harboring candidate genes involved in the regulation of growth habit. Variation in LD suggests that breeding and selection had a different impact on each wheat genome both within and among populations. The higher extent of LD in the wheat D-genome versus the A- and B-genomes likely reflects the episodes of recent introgression and population bottleneck accompanying the origin of hexaploid wheat. The assessment of LD and population structure in this assembled panel of diverse lines provides critical information for the development of genetic resources for genome-wide association mapping of agronomically important traits in wheat.


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