text:
2015 Millennial Awards
- Business & Professional
- 945 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA, 70130
Guest Speaker Gary Solomon on Starting and Running Your Own Business
Nunez Community College Entrepreneurship Center
Wednesday, June 12, 2013 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM (PDT)
Join the Nunez Community College Entrepreneurship Center for our inaugural event. Gary Solomon will present "Starting and running your own business". This free event is open to the public and is the first of our monthly business-focused workshops centered on the creation and continuation of locally owned small businesses in the Greater New Orleans Area.
Mr. Gary N. Solomon, Sr. serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Crescent Bank & Trust since 1991. Mr. Solomon manages a venture capital group with more than 25 years of diverse entrepreneurial endeavors, including New Orleans Original Daiquiris, Semolina Restaurants, franchise locations of Ruth's Chris Steak House, Movietime Video, PHL Leasing Systems, Unishippers, and numerous real estate developments. The primary business operated by the Solomons
The Nunez Community College Entrepreneurship Center is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor TAACCCT Grant Program. Through this funding the Entrepreneurship Center's mission is to aid students in the creation of small, locally owned businesses in the Greater New Orleans Area with business startup, identifying funding sources, and continuity efforts.
Join millions of people on Eventbrite.
In order to purchase these tickets in installments, you'll need an Eventbrite account. Log in or sign up for a free account to continue.


text:
Bitter Sweet A-Ok! Despicable Me Turquoise T-Shirt
Item # 189994
Buy1 Get1 Free
Stash Points: 0
What is this?This is the number of points you get in The Zumiez Stash for purchasing this item. Stash points are redeemable for exclusive rewards only available to Zumiez Stash members. To redeem your points check out the rewards catalog on thestash.zumiez.com.
The turquoise Despicable Me A-Ok! t-shirt for girls.
|More Details

subset: commoncrawl


text:
to explore
sign up (free!)
Related Pins
It is important to get enough antioxidants in your body because they have many health benefits. This infographic shows you which ones help which part
Always stressed out? Find out what happens to your body and what steps you can take to help manage your stress.
Did you know a sneeze travels over 100 miles per hour? Check out this fun infographic that has 28 weird, little-known facts about our bodies.


text:
A National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
Make an appointment: 800-826-HOPE
Patient Care
Education and Training
About City of Hope
Patient Care
Education and Training
About City of Hope
Breast Cancer Team
Breast Cancer Team
Breast Cancer Team
Breast Cancer Team
Breast Cancer Team
Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Team
Quick Links
Breast Cancer News
Read More
Breast Cancer Videos
We Live to Cure Cancer - Kommah McDowell, breast cancer survivor
Breast Cancer Facts: What You Need to Know
What is Triple Negative Breast Cancer?
Step-by-Step Instructions for Breast Self-Exams with City of Hope's Dr. Laura Kruper.
View other videos
highlighting the City of Hope Breast Cancer Program and other relevant breast cancer information and research.
Get Involved
Join thousands and walk for women's cancers, women's cures, on Nov. 2, 2014 in Los Angeles.
Event details
Join our giving circle and help decide which breast cancer research programs to fund.
Read more »
Reducing Breast Cancer Risk in Hodgkins Lymphoma Survivors
Low-dose Tamoxifen for Radiation-Induced Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Trial
A clinical research study is currently underway to see if low-dose tamoxifen can reduce the risk of breast cancer in childhood, adolescent, and young adulthood cancer survivors.
Read More
Positive Image Center
Positive Image Center
is where licensed cosmetologists support and assist patients with building and maintaining self-confidence in their appearance. Patients can access wig fittings and stylings and discuss cosmetic techniques.
Read More
Cooper Finkel Women's Health Center
Many gynecological cancer and breast cancer services at City of Hope are provided at the
Rita Cooper Finkel and J. William Finkel Women's Health Center.
Here, women receive the highest quality care, whether seeking prevention and screening services or coping with a cancer diagnosis.
Purging pancreatic cancer with bacteria-based immunotherapy
The outlook and length of survival has not changed much in the past 25 years for patients suffering from an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer known as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). These patients still have few options for therapy; currently available therapies are generally toxic and do not incre...
Read More
Our bladder cancer experts give patients more, and better, choices
"With bladder cancer, the majority of patients that I see can be cured," said urologist Kevin Chan, M.D., head of reconstructive urology at City of Hope. "The challenge is to get patients the same quality of life that they had before surgery." To meet this challenge, Chan and the urologic team at City of Hope [...
Read More
New clinical trial harnesses CAR-T immunotherapy to fight brain cancers
Already pioneers in the use of immunotherapy, City of Hope researchers are now testing the bold approach to cancer treatment against one of medicine's biggest challenges: brain cancer. This month, they will launch a clinical trial using patients' own modified T cells to fight advanced brain tumors. One of but a...
Read More
Brain cancer: New advances in research, treatment, technology (w/PODCAST)
Brain cancer may be one of the most-frightening diagnoses people can receive, striking at the very center of who we are as individuals. Further, it often develops over time, causing no symptoms until it's already advanced. Listen to City of Hope Radio as Behnam Badie, M.D., director of the Brain Tumor Pro...
Read More
Community members come together to advise City of Hope
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It takes a village. No man is an island. Choose your aphorism: It's a simple truth that collaboration usually is better than isolation. That's especially true when you're trying to introduce healthful habits and deliver health care to people at risk of disease and...
Read More
Maryland governor's diagnosis puts focus on non-Hodgkin lymphoma
When Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced earlier this week that he has the most common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, he was giving voice to the experience of more than 71,000 Americans each year. The announcement came with Hogan's promise to stay in office while undergoing aggressive treatment for the...
Read More
The facts about spinal tumors (w/PODCAST)
The spine can be affected by many different kinds of tumors. Malignant, or cancerous, tumors can arise within the spine itself. Secondary spinal tumors, which are actually much more common, begin as cancers in another part of the body, such as the breast and prostate, and then spread, or metastasize, to the spi...
Read More
City of Hope nurse receives Oncology Nursing Society's 2015 Cancer Award
Although most cancer occurs in older adults, the bulk of cancer research doesn't focus on this vulnerable and fast-growing population. City of Hope and its Cancer and Aging Research Team aim to change that, and they're getting a significant boost from Professional Practice Leader Peggy Burhenn, R.N....
Read More
Brain tumor patient: 'I am enjoying my life for the first time in years'
Liz Graef-Larcher's first brain tumor was discovered by accident six years ago. The then-48-year-old with a long history of sinus problems and headaches had been sent for an MRI, and the scan found a lesion in her brain called a meningioma – a tumor that arises in the meninges, the layers of tissue that cover a...
Read More
Colon cancer: Why screening absolutely saves lives (w/PODCAST)
The colon and rectum are parts of the body's gastrointestinal system, also called the digestive tract. After food is digested in the stomach and nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine, the remaining material moves down into the lower large intestine (colon) where water and nutrients are absorbed. The low...
Read More
To lower readmissions, City of Hope trains others in postdischarge care
If there is one truism about hospital stays it is that patients want to get out. For many, however, the joy of being discharged is tempered by the unexpected challenges that recovery in a new setting may pose. Even with professional help, the quality of care and treatment that patients receive at City of Hope [...
Read More
Brain tumor expert Jana Portnow: 'I want to help … as much as I can'
Jana Portnow, M.D., associate director of the Brain Tumor Program at City of Hope, didn't expect to specialize in treating brain tumors. But, early in her career, she undertook a year of research on pain management and palliative care and, in that program, got to know many patients with brain tumors. After that...
Read More
New scholarship for nurses pays special tribute to exceptional care
Ask any patient: Nurses are as pivotal in their care as doctors. They answer the call of a patient in the middle of the night, they hold the patient's hand as he or she takes on yet another round of treatment and, in the best-case scenario, they wave goodbye as the patient leaves the hospital, […]
Read More
Mathematical oncology: Where math modeling meets cancer research
Many oncologists, not to mention their patients, might think that there's no place for mathematical analysis in the treatment of cancer. They might think that all treatment decisions are based on unique factors affecting individual patients, with no connection to other patients and their treatment regimen...
Read More
Book excerpt: 'Bald, Fat & Crazy: How I Beat Cancer While Pregnant'
Within three days in 2007, Stephanie Hosford, then 37, learned that she was pregnant with her long-awaited second child – and that she had triple-negative breast cancer. Soon afterward, Hosford discovered that she and her husband, Grant, had been approved to adopt a little girl from China. After encountering m...
Read More
Connect With Us
Patient Care
Our Clinics/Treatments
Find a Doctor
Online Services
Refer a Patient
Pay Your Bill Online
Find a Clinical Trial
Treatment Locations
Discover Employment Opportunities
Research & Education
Beckman Research Institute
Comprehensive Cancer Center
Education and Training
Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences
Graduate Medical Education & Clinical Training
Donate Online
Donate Blood or Platelets
Other Ways to Give
About City of Hope
Community Benefit
Staff Lookup
Sitio web de City of Hope en español
News and Media
Events Calendar
Privacy/Vendor/COI Policies
Contact Us
© 2015 City of Hope and the
City of Hope logo are
registered trademarks
of City of Hope.
City of Hope
1500 East Duarte Road
Duarte, CA 91010
City of Hope strongly supports and values the uniqueness of all individuals and
promotes a work environment where diversity is embraced.


text:
Maintain the integrity of the EatSleepRIDE community by flagging an image or post that contains private or offensive content. We monitor all flagging. If enough riders deem a post offensive, it may be removed without notice. Offending members may be banned. Do not flag content without good reason.
Wow, there seems to be a lot of buttons on motorcycles these days, the new Triumph Trophy even has 2 of them marked " i " on the same handle grip. To be honest I'm not sure what either of them do...
Related Posts
0 Comments


text:
Tuesday, 19 Jan 2010 05:47 PM
Partial list of winners for the 67th annual Golden Globe Awards, announced Sunday in Beverly Hills, Calif.:
—Director: James Cameron, "Avatar."
—Actress, Musical or Comedy: Meryl Streep, "Julie & Julia."
—Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz, "Inglourious Basterds."
—Supporting Actress: Mo'Nique, "Precious: Based on the Novel `Push' by Sapphire."
—Foreign Language: "The White Ribbon."
—Animated Film: "Up."
—Screenplay: Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner, "Up in the Air."
—Original Score: Michael Giacchino, "Up."
—Original Song: "The Weary Kind" (theme from "Crazy Heart"), (written by Ryan Bingham, T Bone Burnett).
—Series, Drama: "Mad Men," AMC.
—Actor, Drama: Michael C. Hall, "Dexter."
—Actress, Drama: Julianna Margulies, "The Good Wife."
—Series, Musical or Comedy: "Glee," Fox.
—Actor, Musical or Comedy: Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock."
—Actress, Musical or Comedy: Toni Collette, "United States of Tara."
—Miniseries or Movie: "Grey Gardens," HBO.
—Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Kevin Bacon, "Taking Chance."
—Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Drew Barrymore, "Grey Gardens."
—Supporting Actor, Series, Miniseries or Movie: John Lithgow, "Dexter."
—Supporting Actress, Series, Miniseries or Movie: Chloe Sevigny, "Big Love."
Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award: Martin Scorsese.
© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Monday, 11 May 2015 10:17 AM
Iran is a large country in the Middle East but has a very small population of Christians. . . .
Tuesday, 05 May 2015 18:22 PM
Marlon Brando is one of the most memorable actors from 20th-century American cinema. While the actor experienced much su . . .
Wednesday, 29 Apr 2015 13:58 PM
Selecting a firearm is a personal choice based on intended use, budget, and how the weapon feels to you. However, when n . . .
The liberal millennial community has had a pretty run. They can smoke pot, marry...
I dis agree, the darkest day was when Obama, John Boehner and Mitch McConnell...
Everyone in the District of Criminals is responsible for Killing America !...
Clearly the executives at NBC live in a rarified atmosphere if they think NO...
Extremely well spoken words by the Reverend Bill Owens----Kudos to you for your...
Newsmax, Moneynews, Newsmax Health, and Independent. American. are registered trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax TV, and Newsmax World are trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc.


text:
Lemon-Rosemary Sorbet
Total Time:
Level: Moderate
Serves: 8
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
- 1.25 c. sugar
- 0.25 c. light corn syrup
- 2 tbsp. coarsely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1.33 c. lemon juice
- 2 tsp. grated lemon peel
- Rosemary sprigs
- In 2-quart saucepan over high heat, heat sugar, corn syrup, and 4 cups water until sugar dissolves and water boils, stirring occasionally. Remove saucepan from heat; stir in rosemary. Cover pan and let stand for 20 minutes.
- Pour mixture through strainer into bowl; stir in lemon juice and peel.
- Pour lemon mixture into 9" by 9" metal baking pan; cover with foil or plastic wrap. Freeze until partially frozen, about 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- In food processor with knife blade attached, blend lemon mixture until smooth but still frozen. Return mixture to baking pan; cover and freeze until firm, at least 3 hours.
- To serve, let sorbet stand at room temperature 10 minutes. Garnish with rosemary. Makes eight 1/2-cup servings.
What do you think?
How to Make an Uncle Sam Hat Cake
Because America's birthday deserves a little something special.
Wish Bone Recalls Ranch Dressing Due to a Dangerous Mistake
Double-check your dressing, everyone.
General Mills Plans to Remove Artificial Flavors From All Cereals
Although, it may be a while before they fully transition Lucky Charms.
More From Food & Recipes


text:
Upcoming Events
Alumni/Faculty Reception at the AOA Congress
Friday, June 26, 6:00 - 7:30pm
President David A. Heath and the Alumni Executive Board cordially invite you to the SUNY College of Optometry alumni and faculty reception at the AOA Congress.
Sheraton Seattle Hotel
Grand Ballroom A
Seattle, WA
RSVP: Francisco Lomparte, Associate Director of Alumni Affairs, email@example.com or 212.938.5604
Alumni College Tours
Next time you are in New York City, and you would like to visit your alma mater, please contact Francisco Lomparte, Associate Director of Alumni Affairs at email@example.com or call 212-938-5604 to schedule a tour of the building. Since 2010, the College has been undergoing major renovation to enhance the quality of college community life. We are excited and proud of our improvement and would like to share it with you.


text:
Visualization reference devices to aid in non-direct visualization of heart structure. The devices are positionable in the heat structure and visible with a desired imaging modality. The devices being elastically transformable between delivery configurations and deployment configurations. The devices being used to assist a clinician in mapping the heart structure while implanting therapeutic devices therein. An example would be using the devices disclosed herein to map the size, location, orientation and displacement of a mitral valve annulus for catheter based implantation of a valve repair device.
1. A system for aiding in the visualization of heart structure during the implantation of a therapeutic device in side of a heart, the system comprising:
at least one visualization reference device configured for placement within the coronary arteries, coronary sinus, aorta, or a heart chamber for treating valvular disease; and
the at least one device is viewable using radiography, fluoroscopy, ultrasonography, trans-echocardiography cardiac magnetic resonance, or magnetic resonance imaging.
2. The system of
3. The system of
4. The system of
5. The system of
6. The system of
7. The system of
8. The system of
9. The device of
10. A system for aiding in the visualization of heart structure during the implantation of a therapeutic device in side of a heart, the system comprising:
at least one elongated visualization reference wire having a distal end, a proximal end, and a plurality of marker portions evenly spaced along at least a part of the visualization reference wire viewable using radiography, fluoroscopy, ultrasonography, trans-echocardiography cardiac magnetic resonance, or magnetic resonance imaging;
at least one expandable braided visualization reference device viewable using radiography, fluoroscopy, ultrasonography, trans-echocardiography cardiac magnetic resonance, or magnetic resonance imaging; and
at least one catheter for positioning the at least one expandable braided visualization reference device within the structure of a heart.
11. The system of
12. The system of
13. The system of
14. A method for providing visualization references during procedures for heart valve treatment, the method comprising the steps of:
determining heart structure that will be visualized during the procedure;
selecting at least one appropriate visualization reference device for the structure to be visualized;
delivering the at least on visualization reference device to the desired heart structure;
deploying the at least one visualization reference device within the desired heart structure;
viewing the image of the at least one visualization reference device;
delivering and implanting a therapeutic device within the heart; and
removing the at least one visualization reference device from the heart structure.
15. The method of
16. The method of
17. The method of
18. The method of
19. The method of
20. The method of
The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/743,687, filed Mar. 23, 2006 and titled "Reference Devices for Placement in Heart Structures for Visualization During Heart Valve Procedures", the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
This invention relates generally to medical devices and particularly to a device, system, and method for aiding implantation of a heart valve repair device.
Heart valves, such as the mitral and tricuspid valves, are sometimes damaged by diseases or by aging, which can cause problems with the proper function of the valve. The mitral and tricuspid valves consist of leaflets attached to a fibrous ring or annulus. In a healthy heart, the mitral valve leaflets overlap during contraction of the left ventricle, or systole, and prevent blood from flowing back into the left atrium. However, due to various cardiac diseases, the mitral valve annulus may become distended, causing the leaflets to remain partially open during ventricular contraction and thus allowing regurgitation of blood into the left atrium. This results in reduced ejection volume from the left ventricle, causing the left ventricle to compensate with a larger stroke volume. The increased workload eventually results in dilation and hypertrophy of the left ventricle, further enlarging and distorting the shape of the mitral valve. If left untreated, the condition may result in cardiac insufficiency, ventricular failure, and death.
A common repair procedure involves implanting an annuloplasty ring on the superior, or atrial, surface of the mitral valve annulus. The annuloplasty ring is aligned with the valve annulus and then fixedly attached to the valve annulus. The annuloplasty ring generally has a smaller diameter than the distended valve annulus, and when attached to the annulus, the annuloplasty ring draws the annulus into a smaller configuration, bringing the mitral valve leaflets closer together and providing improved valve closure during systole.
Catheter-based repair procedures for implanting devices on the valve annulus require non-direct visualization of, at least, the heart valve and the device during placement on the valve annulus. As used herein, the phrase non-direct visualization refers to viewing an indirect image of body tissues and/or devices within a patient using some method other than direct visualization without the aid of any device. Non-direct visualization of the valve annulus is challenging.
Cardiac tissues do not appear under fluoroscopy, making it very difficult to accurately align the valve repair device prior to its implantation. In many procedures, radiopaque contrast dye is used with x-ray imaging equipment to increase the visualization of the area of interest. However, when treating the mitral valve, repeated injections of contrast dye are not practical because of rapid wash-out in the high-flow area being treated. Additionally, to make the high-volume contrast injections, the annuloplasty catheter system would require more lumens, larger lumens, or an additional catheter, none of which is desirable during catheterization procedures. Furthermore, multiple high-volume contrast injections are not desirable for the patient due to potential complications in the renal system, where the radiopaque contrast medium is filtered from the blood.
Other techniques for viewing images of heart structures include ultrasonography such as trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE), trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE), and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). However, none of the above techniques, used alone or in combination provides adequate visualization and guidance during catheter-based valve repair procedures.
Annuloplasty procedures are further challenged by the structure of the valve annulus and the fact that the annulus can undergo significant movement during procedures performed on a beating heart. In particular, the mitral valve annulus lacks a definable shelf or ledge for conveniently locating an implantable valve repair device. The mitral valve leaflets are little more than flaps or appurtenances attached to the cardiac muscle tissue, creating a pseudo-annulus. During systole, the mitral valve is closed to form a relatively flat floor of the left atrium. However, during diastole, the mitral valve leaflets open towards the ventricular walls such that, in many cases, the valve annulus is not well defined. Since annuloplasty is performed on a beating heart, care must be taken during both systole and diastole when positioning an implantable valve repair device for fixation.
Without the direct optical visualization that is possible during surgery, it is difficult to position an implantable device in abutment with the superior surface of the valve annulus. With non-direct imaging techniques used during a catheter-based procedure, an implantable valve repair device may be inadvertently affixed in a misaligned position below, above or angled across the valve annulus. Affixing the implantable valve repair device in such a misaligned position could have negative consequences for the patient, such as increasing mitral regurgitation and/or triggering ectopic heart beats.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a device, system, and method for aiding implantation of a valve repair device to overcome the aforementioned and other disadvantages.
The present invention provides visualization reference devices for placing in the heart structure to aid in visualization of the heart during therapeutic procedures. An example of such procedures would be repair of cardiac valves. A specific example would be catheter-based or other minimally invasive valve repair device implantation to treat mitral regurgitation. The structures may be temporarily disposed in the heart structure and comprise imageable material to aid non-direct visualization of the valve annulus. The shape and size if the devices are selected based on the location in the heart structure where the device will be implanted. The devices can be elastically recoverable from the heart structure and they can be delivered via catheter in one configuration, assume a second configuration during the procedure, and then be reconfigured for recovery from the heart structure. The visualization reference devices may also include inflatable portions that can be temporarily expanded in the heart structure.
As used throughout this document, the term "visualize" means to make visible on a display device while using some visualization technique that is used for medical procedures. Thus a visualization reference device is a device that will be visible to a treating clinician during a cardiac procedure and provide the clinician with information about the portion of the anatomy where the visualization reference device is located. Additionally, as used herein the terms heart structure means the veins, arteries, chambers, and valves located on, in, or in proximity to a heart.
One object of the current invention is to provide devices that can be used to assist in the non optical visualization of areas of minimal motion in the heart structure, such as the aortic valve. This can be important for catheter based mitral valve annuloplasty because the aortic cusp shares the same wall as the anterior leaflet, but does not experience the motion that the mitral valve does.
Another object of the current invention is to provide devices that can be used to assist in the non optical visualization of the heart structure such that the location of the mitral valve annulus can be identified or predicted. Examples of such structure would be the coronary sinus, the left circumflex artery, and other vessels in the coronary vasculature.
Yet another object of the current invention is to provide methods that can be used to assist in the non optical visualization of the posterior commisure of a mitral valve. For example marking the location of the fossa ovalis would provide assistance in location the posterior commisure, and thus provide assistance in determining the location of the mitral valve annulus.
It is also an object of the current invention to provide devices that can be used to assist in determining the motion of the beating heart. This may be accomplished by placing a catheter in the heart structure such that the distal tip of the catheter rests on the mitral valve annulus. The tip can then be observed from dyastole to systole and measurements can be made to determine movement of the heart structure during the heart beat cycle. Catheters and other devices can also be placed in other heart structure to determine movement.
One aspect of the present invention provides for placing a visualization reference device in the aortic valve. The device can be a wire designed to form a coil inside of the aortic valve area or it can be a woven device designed to expand within the aorta upon expulsion from a delivery catheter.
Another aspect of the invention provides for placing a visualization reference device in the fossa ovalis. Another aspect of the invention provides for placing a visualization reference device, in the form of a catheter, into the left atrium of a heart and resting it on the mitral valve annulus.
Another aspect of the invention provides a wire with markers spaced along the wire at known intervals. The wire can be inserted into the coronary sinus or other coronary vasculature. One aspect of the invention provides for a marker wire placed in the coronary sinus and another wire placed in the intraventricular vein.
The visualization reference devices of the current invention can be made completely or in part from material having a desired degree of visibility when using non-direct visualization technology. Alternately, the devices can be completely or partially coated with materials that are visible when using non-direct visualization, or they can include coils having electro magnetic or electro potential properties. When using a visualization reference device, alone or in a combination with other devices, a clinician can take multiple images of a heart in dyastole and systole. These images can be taken from different angles or the same angle and they can be superimposed upon each other to provide a clinician with a good image of the heart structure and the location of a valve annulus.
Another aspect of the present invention is a system for aiding procedures such as catheter-based or other minimally invasive valve repair device implantation. The system comprises a delivery catheter including a lumen with an exit port, and a visualization reference device having a delivery configuration that is slidably positionable within the lumen. The visualization reference device is deployed through the exit port when the delivery catheter has been navigated to a target site. Upon exiting the catheter, the visualization reference device assumes a pre-formed deployment configuration. A clinician performing a procedure uses the device, alone or in combination with other devices in other locations, to assist in locating the annulus and placing a device for treating heart valve regurgitation.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method of treating a cardiac valve. The method comprises delivering a visualization reference device in a delivery configuration to a location in the heart structure via a delivery catheter, deploying the visualization reference device through an exit port of the delivery catheter, positioning the visualization reference device in the desired location in the heart structure and non-directly viewing at least a marked portion of the positioned reference ring.
The aforementioned and other features and advantages of the invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are not to scale. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the invention rather than limiting, the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
The invention will be describe by reference to the drawing figures, where like numbers refer to like parts. One aspect of the present invention is to provide visualization reference devices that have non-direct visualizable properties, for aiding in placement of an implantable valve repair device in abutment with a heart valve annulus. Documents disclosing devices for valve repair are U.S. Patent Application having the Publication No. 2007/005,1377, entitled "Cardiac Valve Annulus Reduction System," by Douk et al. and U.S. Patent Application having the Publication No. 2007/002,7533, entitled "Cardiac Valve Annulus Restraining Device," by Douk, the contents of these applications is incorporated herein by reference thereto.
The visualization reference devices are designed to be temporarily positioned using intravascular catheterization techniques. Alternatively, surgical or minimally invasive, i.e. endoscopic techniques may be used to place the devices.
The reference devices of the current invention can be viewed using ultrasonography, echocardiography, trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE), trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE), and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Use of the devices with those imaging techniques provides better visualization of the heart structure that use of these techniques without the visualization reference devices.
The terms "distal" and "proximal" are used herein with reference to the treating clinician during deployment of the device; "Distal" indicates an apparatus portion distant from, or a direction away from the clinician and "proximal" indicates an apparatus portion near to, or a direction towards the clinician. The reference devices of the current invention may be made, in whole or in part, from one or more materials that are viewable by radiography, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging visualization techniques. Embodiments of the devices may also be coated with materials that are visible using such visualization methods.
The discussion below relates to placement of visualization reference devices in heart structure for use during mitral valve repair procedures. However, those with skill in the art will recognize that visualization reference devices of the invention may also be deployed at other cardiac valves or other locations in the body and may be used to visualize other openings or other structures within the body.
Referring to
In one embodiment of the invention, the device may be delivered in a delivery catheter having a preset curve, e.g., a pigtail-shaped tip as such curves are known in the catheter art. Pigtail-shaped catheter tips are known to facilitate crossing an aortic valve and to minimize ectopic heartbeats when located within the left ventricle.
The reference wire device 101 has a wire section 102 that is similar in construction to a guidewire used for catheterization procedures. The wire section will extend outside of the body of a patient and be controllable by a clinician who has access to the proximal end of the reference wire. The reference wire 101 includes a plurality of marker portions 106 that are visible using one of the above noted visualization techniques or other non-direct visualization methods known in the art. The marker portions are evenly spaced at a predetermined distance along the reference wire. The marker portions of the device depicted in
The marker portions of the device can be made completely from a material that is visible using a desired visualization technique, or they can be coated by such material. In at least one embodiment, the marker portions
A distal tip portion 124 is located at the end of the reference wire. The distal tip portion may be a tight helically wound. In one embodiment, the reference wire may be made from stainless steal, the marker portions and the tip portion are at least platinum coated, and the reference wire between the marker sections is also helically coiled such that it forms a flexible "spring section."
The reference wires of the current invention can be placed within the vascular structure of a heart, or they can be placed within the hearts chambers. Visualization of the wires will allow a clinician to have some reference points for use when performing catheter based procedures inside of a beating or temporarily stopped heart. Having evenly spaced marker portions where the distance between the portions is know, can allow a clinician to select an appropriately sized device for use in repairing heart valves.
Placing the reference wire in the coronary sinus gives a treating clinician information she or he can use to determine the location and planar orientation of a mitral valve annulus. This is because, in most cases, the coronary sinus runs parallel to the mitral valve annulus for about 75% of the circumference of the valve and it is generally even with the annulus.
Placing a reference wire in the ventricular branch of the coronary artery or the posterior vein of the left ventricle gives a clinician information he or she can use to determine the location of the commissures of the mitral valve and/or the papillary muscles in the left ventricle.
Placing reference wires in both the coronary artery and the coronary sinus will allow a clinician to get a fuller appreciation of the mitral valve location than a single wire in either vessel would allow.
Visualization reference wires of the current invention can be placed just about anywhere in the heart structure where they would provide some advantage in helping to determine the shape and size of a heart. Additionally, adding specifically spaced apart visualization portions allows a clinician to determine the size of the heart and thus the size of a treatment device for addressing valvular disease. For instance, a clinician can tell that a coronary sinus wraps along the valve annulus for a determined number of spaced apart portions and subsequently be able to correlate that distance to a length for the coronary sinus. Knowing the length of the coronary sinus and using that knowledge in combination with information gathered from other visualization reference devices, may enable a clinician to determine an optimum size for a treatment device. The information will also allow a clinician to better visualize a procedure while placing a treatment device in a heart. Once the procedure is completed or the reference wire is no longer needed, it can be withdrawn from the body with relative ease. The reference wire of at least one embodiment of the invention can be visualized while it is still in a catheter, so it does not have to be expelled from a delivery catheter during a heart valve procedure.
Referring now to
The aorta reference/locator device can be made from a tubular braid of material having the desired visualization properties. The aorta reference device can be made to be self expanding, balloon expandable or expandable by some mechanical action. The aorta locator device can be constructed from a biocompatible material having suitable visualization properties to assist a clinician in non-direct visualization of the heart structure. In one embodiment, the device is made from nitinol.
In a delivery configuration, the tubular, braided reference devices have a relatively small outer diameter to allow them to pass through a delivery catheter or other delivery member. Once the tubular, braided reference devices are deployed, they can self expand or be manipulated to assume a deployment configuration where at least a portion of the tubular braid expands radially outward such that the deployed device can be easily viewed using the desired imaging modality. In one embodiment, the aorta visualization reference device can be expanded such that it will brace against the walls of the aorta, where it will be secured until the procedure is completed.
The tubular, braided reference devices can be configured such that they can be collapsed after the procedure is completed, so that the device can be withdrawn into a delivery catheter and then removed from the body. The device can be configured such that it can be collapsed after some mechanical manipulation or the aorta reference device can be self collapsing. The self collapsing devices may require some manipulation to open and remain in the open position, but the device will then collapse once when any opening force is removed.
Also referring to
Referring to
The delivery catheters being used to deliver visualization reference devices to the aortic valve, the left ventricle, or the cardiac arteries can be navigated through a patient's circulatory system to the desired location. This may be accomplished by inserting the devices into and through the femoral artery into the aorta. The catheter can then be inserted into the desired artery, delivered to the aortic valve, or be inserted through the aortic valve and into the left ventricle. Catheters may used to deliver the devices or for the procedures described herein, and those catheters may include radiopaque markers or other markers as is known in the art. For minimally invasive techniques or surgical approaches with an open chest, the delivery catheter may be replaced by an elongate element such as an endoscope, trocar or cannula, which may be inserted directly into the ascending aorta. The elongate element can then follow the same path as the catheter-based procedure to reach the desired location.
For visualization reference devices that are being placed in cardiac veins, the coronary sinus, or into the right side of the heart, the devices can be is inserted into either the jugular vein or the subclavian vein, and passed through the superior vena cava and onto the desired location. Alternatively, the devices may be inserted into the femoral vein and passed through the common iliac vein and the inferior vena cava and then to the desired location. Catheters may used to deliver the devices or for the procedures described herein, and those catheters may include radiopaque markers or other markers as is known in the art. For minimally invasive techniques or surgical approaches with an open chest, the delivery catheter may be replaced by an elongate element such as an endoscope, trocar or cannula, which may be inserted directly into the ascending aorta. The elongate element can then follow the same path as the catheter-based procedure to reach the desired location.
The devices disclosed and discussed herein may be made from a suitable biocompatible material including a suitable biocompatible shape-memory material or a suitable biocompatible super elastic material. Embodiments of the devices disclosed herein may be made from biocompatible polymers, biocompatible metals, biocompatible alloys, or a combination thereof. Examples of biocompatible polymers include, but are not limited to, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyamide, fluoropolymers such as fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or polyether-block amide (PEBA) co-polymer. Examples of biocompatible metals and metal alloys include, but are not limited to a nickel-titanium alloy, a nickel-cobalt alloy, another cobalt alloy, stainless steel, combinations thereof, and the like.
The reference devices of the current invention may be made, in whole or in part, from one or more materials that are viewable by radiography, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging visualization techniques. Embodiments of the devices may also be coated with materials that are visible using such visualization methods. Some embodiments of the devices comprise a combination of materials that allows for viewing an image of the device using two or more of the above-mentioned techniques.
Some embodiments of the visualization reference devices can include materials having a high X-ray attenuation coefficient (radiopaque materials). The devices may be made in whole or in part from the material, or they may be coated in whole or in part by radiopaque materials. Alloys or plastics may include radiopaque components that are integral to the materials. Examples of suitable radiopaque material include, but are not limited to gold, tungsten, silver, iridium, platinum, barium sulfate and bismuth sub-carbonate.
The visualization devices may include materials having electro magnetic properties or electro potential properties. Such devices would require an energy source exterior to the body of a patient that was being treated by methods using the visualization reference device disclosed herein.
One embodiment of the current invention may include devices coated with an echogenic material, such as closed cell foam, microporous, mezoporous or other porous material. In another embodiment, the device may be made from a polymer having a plurality of embedded micro bubbles or a microporous surface structure, such as ECHO-COAT� medical imaging coating by Angiotech BioCoatings, Inc. of Henrietta, N.Y., U.S.A. The micro pores of such materials are readily visualized using ultrasonographic techniques.
Embodiments of the visualization reference devices may contain one or more MRI-visible components such as ferromagnetic, paramagnetic or diamagnetic particles, or compounds found in liquid MRI contrast agents. These agents include, but are not limited to, ultra small super paramagnetic iron oxide (USPIO), e.g. Combidex� positive contrast agent by Advanced Magnetics, Inc. of Cambridge, Mass. U.S.A., or negative contrast agents such as low-molecular-weight gadolinium chelate, gadolinium tetraazacyclododecanetetraacetic acid (Gd-DOTA) or perfluoroctylbromide (PFOB). Alternatively, the visualization devices may encompass helical and ring structures arranged such that an applied electromagnetic field will induce radiation of an electromagnetic field that improves visualization of a medical device under MRI, as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,802,857 entitled MRI Stent.
Referenced by
Legal Events
Original Image


text:
The members decide People In Aid's strategy and direction. An Annual General Meeting of members elects a Board of Trustees of up to fifteen individuals, which oversees the organisation on members' behalf. Our present Board members are listed below. Up to five Trustees can be from non-member organisations (listed below as 'Independents') to ensure the necessary diversity of skills, experience and views. Vacancies for Trustees will be advertised here and in selected media, and selection is through competency-based interviews.
Our Memorandum and Articles, updated in 2008, can be found here and members can view minutes of our Board meetings at the bottom of this page.
Helen has 20 years of international development experience. Her specific responsibilities have included: project, programme and strategic planning; proposal development and fundraising; partnership brokering and consortium management; capacity building of partner organisations; project implementation and research; monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment; and staff development and team building. Helen has been based in Nairobi, Kenya since 2000, where she previously worked for Christian Aid (four years) and Farm Africa (eight years) and is currently Director of the Program Development and Quality Unit at Adeso. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Studies from the University of Hertfordshire, an MSc in Land Resource Management from Cranfield University and a PGCert in Cross-sector Partnership from the University of Cambridge.
Jayanta is currently the International Head – Human Resources & Operations, ActionAid International (AAI) and has over 22 years of contextual HR & OD experience across both corporate (Larsen & Toubro, Philips, Airtel) and international development (Plan, Oxfam, CCF) organisations. A Personnel Management & Industrial Relations (MA in PM&IR) alumnus of Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Bombay, Jayanta graduated in Physics (Honours) with a first class first rank. He is also an accredited process facilitator.
In his previous roles, Jayanta held various HR leadership positions, responsible for delivering HR strategy and creating effective organisations. Jayanta's areas of interest lie in OD strategy, change management, HR analytics, digitisation and HR systems, process facilitation, and talent and leadership development. Jayanta is currently based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Nick is an interim management professional with experience to Executive Director level. He has worked for nearly 20 years in International Development with a particular specialisation in Volunteering for Development having worked as Head of Volunteering at VSO International, Director of UK Volunteer Recruitment and Deputy Director of VSO Canada. He also worked in VSO's programme in Eritrea. Before moving into the sector, Nick worked in the Health and Education Management spheres. He holds a degree in Biomedical Sciences from King's College, London where he also studied Dentistry.
Girish heads WaterAid's International Programmes Department which oversees WaterAid's programmes in 23 countries through four regional teams (Asia, West Africa, East Africa and Southern Africa). He joined WaterAid in January 2005 from the Department for International Development (DFID) India, where he worked as a Social Development Adviser for two and a half years. Prior to this, he worked with international NGOs - Plan International and ActionAid for four years and ten years respectively.
Girish is currently WaterAid-UK's representative on the Board of Water and Sanitation for Urban Poor (WSUP), an international alliance of NGOs, private sector and academic institutions.
Lindsey is currently International Services Manager at Tearfund, experienced in corporate project and change management. She oversees the establishment and ongoing support of country offices for Tearfund. She managed a recent change project bringing together the humanitarian and development work into single teams and is currently leading the simplification process to bring the different systems and processes together for all the international work. She undertakes Internal Audit visits to country programmes and oversees the budgeting, financial management and planning for the international work. Prior to this she managed corporate HIV projects including mainstreaming and establishing a fundraising product linking UK supporters to projects overseas. She has previously worked in data analysis for a financial services company, in research for agricultural economics, economic development and in events planning for a sporting body. She has an MSc in Development Management.
Sam has over 20 years' experience in Human Resources, working mainly within the international humanitarian and development sector. She has worked within country teams across the world, with region management teams and at HQ. Sam joined Mines Advisory Group (MAG) as Director of HR in September 2013 and leads the HR team in Manchester, who are responsible for providing support to its field operation teams across the world. She is a member of the CIPD.
Willem is a development economist. He built his experience in various UN agencies and NGOs before turning to consultancy work. Most of his current work is related to programme evaluations, change management and capacity building. Willem is a visiting lecturer at the University in Birmingham. He spends his summers in Bosnia, where he co-owns Green Visions, the Balkans' liveliest adventure tourism company.
Diane has been working with Executive teams in global non-profits for the past ten years, with a focus on organisational effectiveness. During the past three years in her role with WorldFish, a research for development centre headquartered in Malaysia, Diane has been leading a strategy to strengthen global operations through integrated planning and people systems. Previously Diane held the position of VP People and Culture with ChildFund International during which time she strengthened capacity, performance and accountability through a global change management programme. Diane brings experience from many years in international consulting firms as a leader for the human side of change management addressing leadership for growth, mergers and acquisitions and downsizing. Diane is the founding Director of a Cambodian national NGO and has previously served on the People In Aid Board of Trustees.
As a charity we rely on funding from organisations committed to improving organisational effectiveness within the humanitarian and development sector and professionalising the practice of human resources and people management. The charts below show where our income comes from and how we spend it.
Find out more about supporting our work.
We keep our overheads low at 11.4% (2012-13: 12.7%) and run ourselves professionally. The majority of our income is spent in the four main areas prioritised by our Board of Trustees. Also, we have been Verified Compliant with the People In Aid Code, a certification which signals to donors that we are an organisation committed to our staff (2013).
People In Aid is committed to promoting and maintaining the highest level of ethical standards in relation to all of its activities. Its reputation for maintaining lawful business practices is of paramount importance and so People In Aid has a zero tolerance approach to bribery and corruption. It is an offence in the UK, where People In Aid is a legal entity, for an employee or an associated person to bribe another person in the course of doing business intending either to obtain or retain business, or to obtain or retain an advantage in the conduct of business for People In Aid. People In Aid can be liable for this offence where it has failed to prevent such bribery by associated persons.
It is therefore not acceptable to give, promise to give, or offer, a payment, gift or hospitality to any People In Aid employee, volunteer or consultant with the expectation or hope that a business advantage will be received, or to reward a business advantage already given; nor is it acceptable for us to accept a payment, gift or hospitality from a third party that we know or suspect is offered or provided with the expectation that it will obtain a business advantage for them. Our anti-bribery policy specifies that there is absolutely no expectation or implication by People In Aid or by any other party that anyone who is in receipt of any gift, entertainment or hospitality will perform a function or activity other than in good faith, impartially, or in a position of trust and to the standard of what a reasonable person in the UK would expect in relation to the performance of the type of function or activity involved.
People In Aid, its consultants and contractual partners must comply with any anti-bribery and anti-corruption legislation that applies in any jurisdiction in any part of the world in which they might be expected to conduct business on behalf of or in association with People In Aid.
It is recommended good practice for a non-profit to be transparent on how its salaries are decided. People In Aid's practices on remuneration and performance can be summarised as follows:
Each year the Board will consider a pay adjustment applicable to all members of staff. They may also agree a separate pot of money which will be at the discretion of managers, collectively, to distribute as a bonus. Decisions will be based on performance ratings of Not Met, Met and Exceeded Expectations. Every second year the Treasurer manages a job benchmarking process using Croner. New posts will be benchmarked against the sector and comparable existing posts'.
For transparency, the Board wishes to disclose the differential between the highest and lowest paid staff members. For 2015-16 this is 1:3.7
We are not currently recruiting for any Trustees. If you are interested in applying in the future, then please get in touch with Carol Curran, Operations Manager, in the first instance. Thank you for your interest.
A Fruity Solutions website
People In Aid is a registered charity no: 1078768, and a limited company no: 3772652.
Copyright © 2015 | Privacy policy | Cookies


text:
Dan In The News
Metra, Other Agencies May Be Fined for Missing Safety System Deadline06/25/2015Committee member Rep. Dan Lipinski, D-Ill., recently introduced legislation that would provide $200 million a year for PTC systems. That bill, however, has stalled in the House.< Read more >
FRA Says It Will Penalize Railroads That Miss Positive Train Control Deadline06/24/2015"We all want to sit up here and fine villains," Rep. Dan Lipinski said. "This situation is very complex. There are not easy answers to this."< Read more >
Lipinski Symposium Underscores Need for Infrastructure Improvements06/23/2015"To get this done politically, you need to continue pushing this as a political issue," Lipinski told the crowd.< Read more >
Fast-Track Bill Revived–but Local Dems Again Vote Against Obama06/19/2015The U.S. House today once again passed a revived version of "fast track" trade negotiation authority< Read more >
Lipinski Opposes 'Fast Track' Bill That He Says Will Cut U.S. Jobs06/12/2015"I think Congress should not give up its authority to amend any trade agreement," said Lipinski.< Read more >
'Transit Clout King' Passes on Purpose, if Not Political Practice, to His Son06/12/2015"My father always saw elected office as a way to help people," Dan Lipinski said. "That is why he originally got into it. He enjoyed that. That is why he wanted to do it. I look at it in the same way."< Read more >
Lipinski Says New App Could Prevent Railcar Fires06/11/2015"This is going to make our communities a lot safer," said Lipinski.< Read more >
Joy in Palos as Cal-Sag Trail Ribbon is Cut06/11/2015Lipinski drew applause from many when he said that trails are more than recreation and are "transportation that connects communities and people to work and anywhere they want to go."< Read more >
What Chicago Democrats Tell Us About President Obama's Problems on Trade06/11/2015"You talk to Ford, who has a big plant on the South Side of Chicago, and they will tell you that the TPP is a bad deal for American manufacturing," Lipinski said at a Wednesday news conference in Capitol Hill. "We cannot let this happen."< Read more >
AskRail App for First Responders Showcased in Chicago06/09/2015Rep. Lipinski joined area first responders and rail industry executives at Corwith to demonstrate AskRail< Read more >
Bicyclists Rejoice as West Portion of Cal-Sag Trail Opens06/07/2015U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski, D-3rd, carried a half as he ran toward Palos Heights from Alsip< Read more >
Talk Resurfaces of Permanent Control Tower at Lewis University Airport in Romeoville06/03/2015Lipinski said he's made it a priority to bring a permanent control tower to Lewis University Airport< Read more >


text:
Level 3 Certification
Length: 3.25 days. Course includes a classroom portion, field practice, skills analysis, strategies and methods to foster high-quality, reputable instructors.
Cost: $697 USD for current IMBA members. $775 USD for non-IMBA members. Join or renew
The IMBA ICP Level 3 course offers hands-on training to prepare the students for conducting advanced level instruction. Completion of the course, in addition to passing a practical exam and written test, will qualify an individual to:
- Provide instruction on basic and advanced mountain bike handling skills
- Provide private instruction for all levels of riding through clinics/camps/events
- Support IMBA-ICP Instructor Trainers at clinics/camps/events
Level 3 Pre-requisites:
- IMBA ICP Level 2 certification
- 100+ hours of instructional experience after Level 2 certification
- Current First Aid and CPR certification
- Six or more years of mountain biking experience
- Personable individual with good communication skills and a desire to help others
Level 3 Course Skills:
- Quarter Punch Front Wheel Lift
- North Shore Dismount
- High Speed Cornering (advanced progressions)
- Trackstand
- Steep Descending
- Level Lift to the Side
- Manual Front Wheel Lift
- Rear Wheel Lift to the Side (rolling)
- Bunny Hop
- Drops


text:
Unemployment Insurance:
Role as Safety Net for Low-Wage Workers Is Limited
GAO-01-181: Published: Dec 29, 2000. Publicly Released: Jan 29, 2001.
Additional Materials:
- Full Report:
(202) 512-7003
Office of Public Affairs
(202) 512-4800
The welfare and unemployment insurance (UI) programs have been part of the nation's social safety net since 1935. The welfare program provides cash assistance to needy families without means of support, while UI provides cash assistance to people temporarily unemployed. In 1996, welfare reform put time limits on how long most people can receive cash assistance and generally required recipients to engage in work activities to qualify for income support. Since then, the welfare rolls have dropped dramatically as large numbers of welfare recipients have started working, many in low-income jobs. With this shift, the UI program has become a more significant part of the social security net. GAO examined the use of the UI program by low-wage and unemployed workers. GAO found that low-wage workers are less likely to receive UI benefits than are other unemployed workers even though they are twice as likely to be unemployed. Low-wage workers are less likely to receive UI benefits because of (1) their tendency to quit work voluntarily, (2) restrictive state eligibility requirements, and (3) their lack of union memberships. Several UI reform proposals to expand the availability of UI benefits to these workers are being discussed by the Advisory Council on Unemployment Compensation.
Jun 16, 2015
Disability Insurance:Preliminary Observations on Overpayments and Beneficiary Work ReportingGAO-15-673T: Published: Jun 16, 2015. Publicly Released: Jun 16, 2015.
May 20, 2015
Federal Employees' Compensation Act:Analysis of Benefits Associated with Proposed Program ChangesGAO-15-604T: Published: May 20, 2015. Publicly Released: May 20, 2015.
Contingent Workforce:Size, Characteristics, Earnings, and BenefitsGAO-15-168R: Published: Apr 20, 2015. Publicly Released: May 20, 2015.
Mar 6, 2015
H-2A and H-2B Visa Programs:Increased Protections Needed for Foreign WorkersGAO-15-154: Published: Mar 6, 2015. Publicly Released: Mar 6, 2015.
Jan 22, 2015
Job Corps:Assessment of Internal Guidance Could Improve Communications with ContractorsGAO-15-93: Published: Jan 22, 2015. Publicly Released: Jan 22, 2015.
Jan 5, 2015
Human Capital:OPM Needs to Better Analyze and Manage Dual Compensation Waiver DataGAO-15-252: Published: Dec 29, 2014. Publicly Released: Jan 5, 2015.
Dec 17, 2014
Fair Labor Standards Act:Extending Protections to Home Care WorkersGAO-15-12: Published: Dec 17, 2014. Publicly Released: Dec 17, 2014.
Nov 13, 2014
U.S. Postal Service:Status of Workforce Reductions and Related Planning EffortsGAO-15-43: Published: Nov 13, 2014. Publicly Released: Nov 13, 2014.
Jul 23, 2014
Fair Labor Standards Act:Department of Labor Needs a More Systematic Approach to Developing Its GuidanceGAO-14-629T: Published: Jul 23, 2014. Publicly Released: Jul 23, 2014.
May 15, 2014
International Labor Grants:Labor Should Improve Management of Key Award DocumentationGAO-14-493: Published: May 15, 2014. Publicly Released: May 15, 2014.
Looking for more? Browse all our products here


text:
Thanks for redeeming.{{else}}
Success! Thanks for repurchasing.{{/if}} {{else}} {{#if Expired}}
Increase my visibility!{{else}} {{#if IsMultiPack}}
{{#if HasMultiPack}} You have {{MultiPackCount}} top spot(s) left. Now loading you into the search listings... {{else}} You have used all top spots. Now loading you into the search listings... {{/if}}{{else}}
We are loading you into the search listing pages...{{/if}} {{/if}} {{/if}} {{/if}}
{{Current}} just saw you!{{/if}} {{#if LastTopSpotPurchaseIsMulti }} {{#if HasAnyTopSpot}}
{{#if HasFreeTopSpot }} {{ UnclaimedTopSpotFree }} Free {{/if}} {{#if HasPaidTopSpot }} {{#if HasFreeTopSpot }} & {{/if}} {{ MultiPackCount }} {{/if}} Top Spot{{#if Plural}}s{{/if}} Left{{else}}
0 Top Spot{{#if Plural}}s{{/if}} Left{{/if}} {{else}} {{#if HasFreeTopSpot }}
{{ UnclaimedTopSpotFree }} Top Spot{{#if Plural}}s{{/if}} Left{{/if}} {{/if}} {{else}} {{#if HasResults}}
{{Current}} see you now!{{else}} {{/if}} {{/if}}
You can now invite anyone to meet at your favorite Starbucks.
Limited-time feature
31 year old man | Oakley, CA, USA | Seeking women 23-35 within 50 miles
Hi there.
I don't know where to start. I guess I am on here because I am over going to bars and trying to meet people there. I'm not really into that stuff anymore. The best way I can describe myself is that I am an easy going and an understanding person. If some one needs a hand with something I always try to help out. I am a simple man who doesn't need alot to be happy. I have been raised to be able to take of myself. I love to cook and try new things. Even though it doesn't always come out the way I want, but its fun. I am an active person. I am usually working on something around the house or helping a friend with something. I am looking for someone to share my life with. I'm looking for someone with a good sense of humor, an understanding girl, and has determination in life. She would have to like camping and getting away on the weekend. And as much as I like to go places I don't mind just kicking back at home and watching a movie on Saturday night. I don't believe in wasting time and I don't want to play games with anyone. I just want to meet someone that wants to share a life together.
Camping , Coffee and conversation , Cooking , Dining out , Fishing/Hunting , Gardening/Landscaping , Movies/Videos , Museums and art , Music and concerts , Exploring new areas , Nightclubs/Dancing , Playing cards , Playing sports , Travel/Sightseeing , Video games , Watching sports , Wine tasting
Auto racing / Motorcross, Baseball, Billiards / Pool, Bowling, Cycling, Dancing, Football, Running, Skiing, Swimming, Walking / Hiking
I exercise 3-4 times per week.
I have Dogs
Middle of the Road
My most recent favorite place would have to be Yosemite. There is always something interesting to do and its not to far away. I also just got back from hawaii and if i could more often then that would be close number one.
I would have to say that i perfer country music over any other type with rock coming in second. But I do like all types of music. My favorite tv would have to be Sons of Anarchy and I just caught Southland and that was pretty good.
I like to take my dog on walks, go fishing, take a hike, just about anything outdoors. But I don't mind just relaxing and watching a movie.
Well to be honest the last thing I read was How to rebuild the big block chevy. What can i say it was the last thing. But most of my reading is done for work.
Z{{Cta}} {{#if HasMoreInfo}} ?{{CtaSecondary}} {{/if}}
|What he is looking for
|6'0" (182cms)
|5'0" (152cms) to 5'10" (177cms)
|Body type:
|About average
|Slender, About average, Curvy, Athletic and toned, A few extra pounds
|No preference
|Light brown
|No preference
|No Way
|No Way, Occasionally
|Social Drinker
|Social Drinker
|Technical / Science / Computers / Engineering
|No preference
I work in the commercial HVAC trade. Its a good career with a good company. I get challenged on a daily basis and it makes for a good life.
|$100,001 to $150,000
|No preference
|Never Married
|No preference
|Have kids:
|No preference
|Wants kids:
|Definitely, Someday, Not sure
|White / Caucasian
|No preference
|Christian / Protestant
|No preference
|No preference
|Associates degree
|No preference


text:
Ethan Carter cuts promo
A post on YouTube where Ethan Carter cuts a very passionate and heartfelt promo after winning the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. He actually takes quite a few jabs at WWE and uses a good amount of profanity to emphasize his point.
July 2, 2015
Youngest WWE champions
A post on YouTube where WWE lists off the five performers that won championships in the company before they even turned 22 years of age. Sean Waltman is among the group.
June 25, 2015
Sheamus winning WWE title
It appears that WWE is going back to the well again with Sheamus. After previously not being able to keep him in the main event scene, management is set to pull the trigger and make him the top star once more. As of right now, the plan is for the Celtic Warrior to win the heavyweight championship sometimes within the next twelve months.
June 20, 2015
Chicago Blackhawks championship belt
A post on Twitter where members of the Chicago Blackhawks are posing with their championship trophies and a replica WWE championship belt, which was sent to them by Vince McMahon personally. In case you didn't know, this is the team that CM Punk religiously supports.
June 17, 2015
Prime Time Players winning
If you're curious as to why WWE took the tag team championships off of New Day despite being one of the most over acts in the entire company, it is a business decision. Right now, the Prime Time Players are appealing to the mainstream media because one of them is gay and the other was voted as the best celebrity father.
June 15, 2015
Rollins vs Ambrose at MITB
Yet again, Seth Rollins manages to retain the world heavyweight championship by the skin of his teeth. WWE came up with a clever way to make it as close as possible. Dean Ambrose and Rollins both had their hands on the belt at the top of the ladder. As they came crashing down to the mat, the impact caused Ambrose to lose his grip, thus enabling Rollins to keep the belt.
June 14, 2015
Prime Time Players win title
The tag team championship match at Money in the Bank was a bit overlooked by fans, but it turned out to be quite the surprise. The Prime Time Players managed to defeat New Day and become champions in WWE for the very first time. The feud will more than likely be extended another month.
June 14, 2015
Ryback vs Big Show
During the third match of Money in the Bank, Big Show managed to get the victory over Ryback, but it was via disqualification because Miz interfered, so the Intercontinental Championship remains in tact. WWE is more than likely setting up a triple threat match next month between these guys.
June 14, 2015
Nikki Bella breaking record
Now that Nikki Bella has carried the Divas Championship for more than 200 days, there are now talks coming out of WWE that management could have her holding the belt for another three months or so. Doing that would enable them to take the record away from AJ Lee, who walked away from the company earlier this year.
June 12, 2015
Dean Ambrose hitchhiking
A post on Instagram of Dean Ambrose hitchhiking in New Orleans, so that he can get back to the Superdome in time to watch Seth Rollins taking on Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury in the main event of Monday Night Raw. Ambrose has been running around all over town with the WWE Heavyweight Championship.
June 8, 2015


text:
Click to expand
What do you think? Give us your opinion. Anonymous comments allowed.
Reply0#24 - SendoTenshi (05/03/2013) [-]
I kind of miss when yahoo was orange/yellow and white. Its just weird how they suddenly switched to that royal purple, like somebody BOUGHT the color yellow from under them or something...


text:
Brownsville's best Jewish online dating and relationship service. PerfectMatch offers what other Jewish dating sites can't - our Jewish dating service offers highly compatible matches based on your personality, values, faith, lifestyle AND we provide you with powerful search tools; working with you to find the right person for you. Sign up today to browse Brownsville Jewish singles and pics FREE. Start dating Brownsville Jewish singles today!
I'm a 26 year old sensitive, caring, empathetic, compassionate guy who is interested in Computer Repair and the IT industry.
I am passionate abou…
I am a fun loving person, who likes to laugh and live life without any limits.
I am honest, loyal... really loyal, and loving.
I believe in fa…
I am not sure how I feel about online dating yet...but thought I would check it out.


text:
11th Grade Literature: 11th grade literature offers students an open door to a whole new world just waiting to be discovered. To help them do that, we offer a great selection of classic fiction books with test books and answer keys available to help teachers assess reading comprehension. Complete curriculum resources are also available for on-level and struggling, below-level readers. Cliff Notes provides helpful summaries of popular literature titles. We also have classroom posters to make literature selections more impactful.
11th Grade Literature Curriculum


text:
Data Cuisine is an experimental workshop investigating the creative possibilities at the intersection between food and data: "exploring food as a medium for data expression". Between 10th and 13th of June, Moritz Stefaner, a man who needs no introduction, along with Dr Susanne Jaschko and chef Sebastian Velilla ran the second edition of the workshop in Barcelona (the first was in Helsinki in 2012) part of the Big Bang Data exhibition at CCCB, and in coordination with Sónar.
The focus of the experiment is to research creative ways to represent local open data in through the inherent qualities of food like color, form, texture, smell, taste, nutrition, origin etc. It is a truly multi-sensory approach to encoding data, something that I've highlighted previously as been a really interesting branch of the visualisation field.
The workshop is a collaborative research experience, blurring the boundaries between teachers and participants, data and food. At its end, an local data menu is created and publicly tasted.
Moritz and Susanne have just finished writing up details and publishing photos of the dishes made during this Barcelona workshop. Probably a good idea to not visit the site with an empty stomach.
Visits is a new visualisation tool by Alice Thudt, Sheelagh Carpendale and Dominikus Baur that lets you browse your location histories and explore your trips and travels. The tool is based on a research project from the University of Calgary. You can find the corresponding publication here: A. Thudt, D. Baur, S. Carpendale – Visits: A Spatiotemporal Visualization of Location Histories, EuroVis 2013.
Based on an innovative interactive map-timeline the visualisation elegantly comprises a main map element that shows the bigger-picture view of the places you have visited with a series of sequenced circular map snippets that encode when and how long you have stayed in each location. You also then have the option to upload photos from Flickr to supplement the map-timeline with a visual slideshow story of your journey that can be shared with friends and family – and even complete strangers, should you wish.
You can learn more about the project here and, of course, the authors are keen to invite anyone to create their own 'visit' story.
There is a flurry of new projects hitting the airwaves right now. Another interesting work comes from the team at Graphicacy who have been working with the The Center for American Progress to develop a videographic and interactive package to help bring visibility to the issue of the future of immigration in America and it's impact on the economy. The project is titled 'Our Future, Together'.
The work commences with a short video graphic introducing the subject and framing the issue of the workers leaving the economy, those arriving and the influence immigrants and their future off-spring will have on helping to grow the economy.
Then, as you move down through the different sections, you learn more about that demographics of the current and future workforce. I really like this statement:
Just as explorers use a compass and architects a blueprint, demographers use pyramid charts to read the tea leaves: What groups are ageing or booming with youth, and what do these shapes tell us about the changing American workforce?
After the pyramid shapes of the current and future demographics, we have a tree map to compare and contrast the proportions of different ethnic groups.
Finally, we have two different portrayals of the data over time, looking at the emerging and likely trends of different generations of immigrants in the workforce and explore the ebb and flow of legal immigration via a stream graph.
As a side note, and taking a bigger picture view of the field, I wonder if this work and the Selfiecity project are representative of a developing theme of long-form visualisations. We've seen the boom of digital storytelling/long-form multimedia journalism (has anyone nailed a classification yet?) projects over the past 18 months (since Snow Fall) and I feel we are now seeing the influence on these multi-faceted, but specifically, visualisation projects. Time will tell I guess.
Anyway, you can learn more about this project here and for those nearby or attending, Jeff Osbourn (Creative Director) and Angeline Vuong (from CAP) will be giving a presentation about the project at the upcoming DC Interactive Documentary Summit.
Selfiecity is a newly launched project, co-ordinated by Lev Manovich and creatively directed by Moritz Stefaner alongside an ultra-talented team, investigating the style of 3200 'selfies' (photgraphed self-portraits) across five cities across the world. The project was previewed at Visualized conference but has now been let loose in the wild.
The project takes on the investigation of this contemporary phenomena by exploring a variety of attributes of the subjects, the poses and the expressions.
Up first, you can explore and view the images themselves via the ImagePlots panel, filtering by city and picking different cropping/positioning techniques. Alongside this we some demographic findings from the analysis of each and every photograph.
To gather data about the characteristics of age and gender for each person in each photograph (in supplement to 'rudimentary automatic face analysis with human judgment') the photos were inspected by Mechanical Turk workers. You can read more about the thorough data gathering and preparation process, including the process of refining an initial 120,000 photos down to the final 3,200 used in the study.
Next up, we have the Selfiexploratory, a separate interface where you can perform custom dives into the photos based on your own filters and parameters. For those of a certain age it feels like a digital take on classic 'Guess Who' board game…
Finally, we have the summary findings, providing insights such as the proportion of selfies out of the original Instagram image bank, the gender analysis by city, perceived smiliness (cheer up Moscow!) and the index of head-tiltiness (careful with those necks, Sao Paolo).
There are many things to praise in this project, which takes what would appear on the surface to be a relatively thin and superficial subject matter and successfully rummages and dissects its potential insights to the maximum.
I love the little green call-outs. The simple act of placing a revealable insight at different points throughout the site is a super device. The project is driven by curiosity ("Is it just me, or do Sao Paulo women actually tilt their heads more? Do New Yorkers or Berliners look older?"), not just opportunity ("We've got all these images, what shall we do with them"). It is also not just an explore-and-find project: it also incorporates explain-and-show. The creators have taken the responsibility to unearth and share their findings taking the experiment even to the realm of theory and reflection.
It is not just the British or Seattle-ites (I understand) who have a keen interest in the Weather. Weather Radials is the latest weather-based data visualisation project from Timm Kekeritz and the team at Raureif – one of my absolute favourite agencies and creators of the excellent Partly Cloudy app.
The poster is based on a small multiples layout showing the story of four seasons of weather during 2013 across 35 cities around the globe. Each city is presented as a unique radial visualisation illustrating the weather readings and climatical characteristics across the year.
Each radial consists of 365 temperature lines with January 1 in the 12 o'clock position and the days sequencing clockwise. The closer a temperature line is positioned to the centre of a circle, the colder the minimum temperature of the day. The further out, the warmer the daily maximum temperature. The colour represents the daily mean temperature. Rainfall or snowfall is shown as a blue circle, centred on the day's temperature line and sized according to the amount of precipitation.
The project combines quantitative data with qualitative insights: to highlight the stories behind the raw weather data, the team hand-picked nearly a hundred weather events: extreme weather conditions, temperature records, and other meteorological anecdotes of 2013. As Timm points out these include, for example, the unusually wet spring in Berlin, the prolonged heat wave in Washington, the record temperatures in Sydney and the monsoon season in Mumbai.
The data used for the visualization was collected from the Open Weather Map project, the Norwegian Meteorological Institute and Weather Underground.
Beautiful A1-posters of Weather Radials are available to order through the website. Mr Stay Puft not included.
The Music Timeline is a new project from the Big Picture and Music Intelligence research groups at Google. The Big Picture group includes star names such as Fernanda Viégas and Martin Wattenberg. The Timeline is updated weekly and let's you see how different musical genres grow or shrink in popularity through the years from a starting point of 1950. It also let's users discover artists' libraries from within each genre.
The visualisation exists, in the first instance, as an interactive stacked area chart, with the thickness of each genre determining its popularity over time and the colours used to differentiate between genres at the top level and the sub-genres beneath. The popularity data comes from Google Play Music and is based on the number of users who have an artist or album in their library. In the 'About' description we see this explained: "The jazz stripe is thick in the 1950s since many users' libraries contain jazz albums released in the 1950s'.
When you click on a certain genre, you are then taken to an interactive stream graph including more detailed sub-genre streams within the overall shape. Beneath the main graphic you have a selection of seven prominent albums/artists from down the years, though it is unclear on what basis these are selected (possibly top seven sales figures on Google Music?). Clicking on an album will take you through to the artist/album's library.
Read more about the project including some of the key acknowledgements about the depth and state of the data.
Really like this work from Damien Demaj to visualise a key facet of Rafael Nadal's incredible 2013 season on the tennis tour. Damien runs GameSetMap, a blog that presents new ways of looking at tennis analytics and tennis spatial data in particular. Damien's recent work explores Nadal's historic season via an interactive Game Tree.
Nadal's Game Tree allows you to explore how his 600+ service games played out in the Grand Slams, Masters 1000 and World Tour Finals. As Damien describes:
The challenge was to come up with a visualization that better reflects game momentum, and therefore shows how easily, or not a player wins their service game. Each point in Nadal's Game Tree is colour coded to reflect the momentum in each game. Blue representing positive momentum, and red negative momentum. The spine of the game tree is coloured white indicating neutral territory for Nadal.
If it was available, I'd love to see a similar approach applied to all players on the tour, would be fascinating to see the shapes of players throughout the rankings and between genders, see how their games match up to the ideal of that right hand side path on the tree. Maybe you could compare players across small multiples of their basic tree shape? Maybe compare players in different eras?
Anyway, that's just a personal wishlist, nice work Damien. Check out the rest of his analysis on GameSetMap.
Just been looking in detail at the latest great project from the NYT's 'BosCarQue' triumvirate, visualising the history of college athletics in the US.
One of the elements that really grabbed me was the integration of a mini bar chart (sparkbars?) within the introduction text.
The idea of creating and embedding word-sized graphics into text is not new. Sparklines, as described below, are one of the most enduring ideas from Tufte's heyday:
A sparkline is a small intense, simple, word-sized graphic with typographic resolution. Sparklines mean that graphics are no longer cartoonish special occasions with captions and boxes, but rather sparkline graphic can be everywhere a word or number can be: embedded in a sentence, table, headline, map, spreadsheet, graphic. From Edward Tufte's book Beautiful Evidence.
However, this is the first time I recall seeing it being used 'in the wild' (ie. not from Tufte's texts) and done in a way that seemed so natural, so obvious and so seamlessly, as if a bar chart was just another component of our written vocabulary.
Last week I shared details of a treemap data art project, now here's another way to transform your data into something more than just a form of communication. The latest release of DataAppeal enables users to import their generated 3D data-maps into other 3D modelling and vector-based software programmes creating the potential for physical 3D prints being made of their data. Here are some examples of the potential outputs, sent to me by founder, Nadia Amoroso.
In this sequence of examples we see a data representation of GTA Transit volume across thousands of districts in Toronto and surrounding across over a 24 hour period.
The output of the initial 3D mapping from DataAppeal is then compatible with software including AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino and 3ds Max.
From there, why not go a stage further and get physical!
Details of a Treemap Art Project have come to my attention, showcasing data-generated artwork from one of the most influential names in data visualisation, Ben Shneiderman. The project has the compelling strapline 'Every AlgoRiThm has ART in it'.
Ben has had a hugely distinguished career and is responsible for a host of notable achievements in this field, along with Human Computer Interaction. His 'Eight Golden Rules of Interface Design' and 'Visual Information-Seeking Mantra' are but two of his most enduring footprints on these subjects. However, I'm sure it would be the case that many people most associate him as the pioneer of the treemap visualisation technique.
He has been working on a summer project to create a set of artworks based on his treemap technique, which has now come to fruition with the hanging of 12 framed images (24 x 36 inches) on the walls in the University of Maryland Computer Science Instructional Center.
Whilst the noise has died down somewhat recently, the negative reaction many purists have to data art as a concept is often misplaced. Data art should be judged through a different lens to data visualisation. The latter is generally concerned with discoveries from or communication of data, whereas data art is more about self-expression or an exhibition using data. Sure, there may some consequential discovery or enhanced cognition about the underlying subject through the resulting patterns, but that is not the goal.
Although I conceived treemaps for purely functional purposes (understanding the allocation of space on a hard drive), I was always aware that there were aesthetic choices in making appealing treemaps, such as the layout, color palette, and, aspect ratio of the entire image. Also certain treemaps were inherently interesting because of the data displayed or patterns revealed.
Ben goes onto explains his belief that there are at least four aesthetic aspects of treemaps:
The dedicated website tells the story, shows sets of draft designs, and full size PDFs for the 12 images. There is also a flyer for those who want a 2-page summary with all 12 thumbnails and some pictures of the installation.
Ben explains that the prints will be up for at least two months…
then we'll see what happens… I've been getting increasingly enthusiastic feedback as we refined the designs. Now dealing with requests for prints, which is a good sign. It's been very interesting to shift my thinking to the aesthetic side and commit to making artistic choices.


text:
Reuters Market Eye - Has the liquidity-driven outperformance of Indian shares among BRIC markets this year run its course? Some market participants argue that the reform optimism-led buying may give way to a technical correction.
The BSE Sensex rose 26.1 percent in 2012 as of Thursday's close, outperforming all its peers among the BRIC nations.
For graphic, click link.reuters.com/quj54t
Optimism around reform measures by the Indian government has been rewarded by foreign portfolio flows of $20.51 billion this year, but on the flip side, equities have now started looking overbought to some based on technical analysis indicators, dealers say.
The Sensex is trading in the "overbought" territory, with its 14-day relative strength index above 70 for the sixth day.
Trending On Reuters
Greece Crisis
Greek finance minister quits to smooth talks after thunderous 'No'
Greece's combative finance minister resigned on Monday, removing one major obstacle to any deal to keep Athens in the euro zone after Greeks voted resoundingly to back the government in rejecting the austerity terms of a bailout. Full Article | Greece a flashpoint for Europe?
RIL Stake
Reliance to sell $32 million stake in unit Network18 Full Article
China Markets
Global funds not exposed to China rout, but broader risks loom Full Article
Security Bloc
Rivals Pakistan, India to start process of joining China security bloc Full Article
RBS Stake Sale
Exclusive - UK targets sale of half its RBS stake in 2 years: sources Full Article
Wealth Donation
Buffett donates record $2.84 billion to Gates, family charities Full Article
Job Cuts
Technip to cut 6,000 jobs in face of industry downturn Full Article
Android App for India
Download the Reuters app from Google Play and select the India edition for breaking news, analysis and market updates. Install | Also on Amazon