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A microorganism detecting apparatus comprising a fluorescence microscope section which is furnished with a motor-driven xyz stage assembly for placing thereon a slide sample subject to fluorescent staining. An illumination subsystem for projecting excitation light of predetermined wavelength on the sample and a filter assembly for emission, which limits the band of frequencies emitted to a video camera which captures the images of fluorescent stained microorganisms from the sample slide mounted on the xyz stage assembly. A computer reads the output value of the band-limited signal from the video camera and processes the read output. A subsystem device has controllers which drive the xyz stage assembly so as to permit the microorganism sample to be scanned over its whole area. Each image is displayed on a video display monitor and detected microbes in the sample are stored on a hard drive and in an imaging archive system to permit verification or reexamination.
1. An apparatus for detecting and imaging fluorescent substances in a microorganism sample wherein the microorganism sample includes viruses, the apparatus comprising:
a. a stage for placing thereon a microorganism sample subjected to fluorescent staining, and for transporting the sample to permit the same to be scanned;
b. an illuminator for projecting excitation light of a predetermined wavelength onto the sample to fluoresce the sample so that a fluorescent light is emitted from the sample, wherein a predetermined wavelength is selected to fluoresce truly fluorescing microorganisms to distinguish truly fluorescing microorganisms from autofluorescent foreign matter;
c. an emission filter of a predetermined frequency band-width for filtering the fluorescent light from the sample, the frequency bandwidth being selected to include the selected emission frequency of the illuminator;
d. an image subsystem including video camera for sensing the filtered fluorescent light conveying the morphology, size and density which has passed through the filter assembly to obtain an actual image of the sample;
e. a frame grabber assembly for capturing and processing the actual image of the sample to produce a band-limited digitized image signal;
f. a parallel image processor assembly for comparing the band-limited digitized image signal to digitize image signals stored in trained knowledge-based software having an image database of selected images of organisms and artifacts in order to determine if the fluorescing image is that of a selected organism or an artifact; and
g. data storage for maintaining archives of the images and locations of fluorescing microbes in processed samples.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image subsystem includes appropriate optics and digital imaging device for photoelectric conversion of the fluorescent light.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the microorganism sample is a sample in which the microorganisms are caught on a membrane filter and then subjected to the fluorescent staining or are present on opaque growth media film.
4. An apparatus for detecting microorganisms in a microorganism sample subjected to fluorescent staining, comprising:
a. a stage for placing thereon a microorganism sample subjected to fluorescent staining and for transporting the sample to permit the sample to be scanned;
b. an illuminator for projecting excitation light of a predetermined wavelength onto the sample and including a first filter assembly for excitation to select and transmit only light of a predetermined wavelength which flouresces truly fluorescing microorganism to distinguish truly fluorescing microorganisms from autofluorescent foreign matter, wherein a fluorescent light from the truly fluorescing microorganisms is originated from the sample;
c. an optical subsystem through which the fluorescent light from the sample passes, the optical subsystem including an objective lens delivering both an excitation and an emission bandwidth to an optical tube assembly;
d. a second filter assembly for emission placed in the optical tube assembly by which second filter assembly the excitation bandwidth is excluded allowing only the emission bandwidth to pass;
e. an imaging subsystem including a video camera for sensing the filtered fluorescent light conveying the morphology, size and density which has passed through the second filter assembly to obtain the actual image of the sample;
f. a frame grabber assembly means for capturing and processing the actual image of the samples to produce a band-limited digitized image signal;
g. a parallel image processor assembly for comparing the band-limited digitized image signal to digitized image signals stored in trained knowledge-based software having an image data base of selected images of organisms and auto-flourescent foreign matter in order to determine if the image of the sample is a selected organism or an artifact; and
h. data storage for maintaining archives of the images and locations of fluorescing microbes in processed samples.
5. An apparatus for detecting microorganisms according to claim 4, wherein the microorganisms in the sample are caught on a membrane filter and then subjected to the fluorescent staining.
6. The apparatus for detecting microorganisms according to claim 1, where the excitation light laser light.
7. The apparatus for detecting microorganisms according to claim 1, wherein the excitation light is from conventional or LED light sources.
This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 08/767,023, filed Dec. 16, 1996.
The present invention relates to a method of and apparatus for detecting microorganisms. More particularly, it relates to a microorganism detecting method and apparatus for identifying microorganisms contained on a microorganism sample slide, such as a sample in which the microorganisms are contained in a smear of a body fluid on a microscope slide subjected to fluorescent staining.
Heretofore, microbial tests in utilized in quality control in the manufacturing process of food, beverages, pharmaceuticals and other consumables have relied upon the results of cultures requiring various media, ambient conditions, and other assorted growth requirements. Typically the time required for adequate growth of these cultures is from 48-72 hours. The reliance upon the measurable growth in these cultures by definition delays the process of evaluating the safety of the goods in question, which in turn delays getting products to the consumer, and also increases the cost to the manufacturers as a result of having to hold large inventories for extended periods before being able to release the goods to market.
In view of such circumstances, a large number of rapid measurement methods have heretofore been devised (Misao HARUTA, et el. Simplification. Automation and Speed-up of Food-microbiological Tests. p. 11. Science Forum (1985), and Toshiki MORICHI. New Food Industry. 49 (1989)), but satisfactory methods or apparatuses have not been developed yet. There have been developed. for example an ATP measurement method (Molin, O}. Milsson, L. and Ansehn. S. J. Clin. Microbiol., 18.521 (1983)). an impedance method {Brown. D., Wamer. M. Taylor. C. and Warren, R., J. Clin. Pathol. 37. 65-69 (1984)). an enzyme/fluorescence detecting method (Japanese Patent Laid-open Pub. No. 116700/1983), and a DEFT method in which a membrane filter method and a fluorescence microscope method are combined (G. L. PETTIPHER, UBALDINAM and RODRIGUES, J. Appl. Bacterol., 53. 323 (1982)). and apparatuses to which these principles are applied are commercially available. However, problems are still left in points of accuracy and rapidity. More specifically, the rapid measurement methods presently in practical use exhibit, at the utmost, accuracies of 102-104microorganisms/mi. One day is usually required for one microorganism to reach this germ density. Another difficulty is that the running costs of culture grounds, reagents etc. are high.
Recently, an apparatus wherein microorganisms are automatically detected rapidly by a fluorescence detecting method subjecting the microorganisms to fluorescent staining has been proposed (Japanese Patent Laid-open Pub. No. 53447/1988). Studies have been done to put the apparatus into practical use as ones of the more rapid instruments to detect microbes. Microscopic foreign matter, has auto-fluorescence and exist in significant concentration in the natural world. The above mentioned apparatus simultaneously detects both foreign matters and microorganisms. Consequently, in the test of microorganisms contained in a sample to be inspected, such as meat, foul or beverage the problem of accurate assessment of true concentration of microbial contamination cannot be resolved by visual inspection under a fluorescence microscope. Accordingly, the most important issue to resolve in providing an automated method and apparatus for detecting fluorescing microorganisms is the accurate discrimination between microbes and artifacts.
The prior art offered by Niwa et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,480,804 addresses a method of and apparatus for detecting microorganisms. Like the current invention, it too suggest the value of fluorescent staining the microbes, but offers a means of detection that depends on the photoelectric conversion fluorescence of a specified wavelength while filtering out noise ascribable to the autofluorescence of artifacts, and basically automatically maps the signal outputs representing the microbes on the sample, without any reliance on imaging microorganisms.
The closest known prior art is called the Dynamic Microscope Image Processing Scanner (DMIPS), U.S. Pat. No. 4,700,298. This device is classified as an image scanner which relies upon a microscope. Unlike its predecessor, the present invention uses a proprietary integrated optical/electronic system for image acquisition rather than a standard microscope. Unlike it predecessor, the invention uses a computer driven autofocus mechanism using a high precision stepping motor to drive the optical/electronic image sensor in the z axis that is integrated with the x,y plane displacement for scanning provided by the precision motorized stage.
(DMIPS) utilizes an analog-digital converter in its image sensor, rather than a simple digital system with no analog components. Image processing in the prior art (DMIPS) relies upon edge detecting algorithms, whereas the current invention uses filters to eliminate all signals but those produced by the desired objects for analysis. In addition, unlike the prior art, the current invention utilizes a trained knowledge based software engine supplied with a complete image data base of microorganisms as well as artifacts, which permits the current invention to actually quantitate and confirm the numbers and positions of microbes detected within a sample utilizing actual images of the microbes. The prior art does not include a robotic specimen handling mechanism, automated changeable light sources, automated lens changing capability, automated condenser operation or automated excitation and emission filter assemblies, nor automated archiving of results.
Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present invention solve the problems mentioned above. The present invention provides a microorganism detecting apparatus combining a fluorescence microscope and a computerized imaging device automates the scanning of a microorganism and archives the information. The invention automatically scans the microorganism, and simultaneously processes the image's signal values and also verifies the position of the Image of the detected microorganism.
More specifically, the microorganism detecting apparatus, according to a first aspect of the present invention, comprises a fluorescence microscope section which is furnished with a mechanical subsystem comprised of a specimen cassette assembly, a pick and place assembly, and motor-driven xyz stage assembly on which a microorganism sample subjected to fluorescent staining may be placed. The system includes an illumination subsystem with three light sources for projecting excitation light of predetermined wavelength on to the sample and a means for filtering light passing to the sample. An imaging subsystem, with a means for detecting and imaging the fluorescence of specified wavelength from the microorganism sample, has a video camera attached to the optical subsystem. The optical subsystem has means to filter light passing to the camera so that only chosen frequencies ascribable to the emission frequency of a specified fluorochrome from said stained sample pass to the camera. A computer, with image capturing and processing means, reads an output from said detection means and processes the read image. The computer has automatic inspection means for driving said stage to permit the microorganism sample to be scanned over its whole area, and for storing each detected image to permit verification.
Further, the present invention has for its object optical discrimination between fluorescent-stained microorganisms and any auto-fluorescent foreign matter. It is intended to provide a microorganism detecting method and apparatus in a second aspect, accomplishing the object with an intelligent image processing software/image database trained to distinguish between fluorescing microbes and auto-fluorescing foreign matter.
More specifically, the microorganism detecting method, according to a second aspect of the present invention, is a method of detecting microorganisms wherein the microorganisms, contained in a microorganism sample subjected to fluorescent staining, are sensed by a trained intelligent image analysis system.
With the microorganism detecting apparatus in the first aspect of the present invention, the fluorescent-stained microorganism sample is placed on the stage of the fluorescence microscope section, and the light from the light source is projected on the microorganism sample. Then, the fluorescence is radiated from the microorganism sample. After passing through the microscope section, the fluorescent image of the microorganism is imaged by the camera. Then it is presented to the intelligent image processing software. The presentation of the image is based on the reference training and the image data base which defines the parameters of morphology, density and brilliance within the specified wavelength.
Owing to the resolution provided by the optics and the image capturing/processing hardware, and the use of filters, the individual microorganisms are accurately detected, and the radiated fluorescence is reliably detected and imaged, even when it has a low intensity due to a small number of microorganisms contained in the sample.
Based on scanning and image processing algorithms programmed into the system's integrated controllers, the following tasks are accomplished: scanning of the microorganism sample over the whole area; the capturing of fluorescent images from the microorganism sample; the processing of image data, based on reference to a trained knowledge-based system loaded with all pertinent image databases of appropriate microbial morphology; and the verifying of the image detection position.
With the microorganism detecting apparatus in the second aspect of the present invention, the fluorescent-stained microorganisms in a sample are set at the predetermined position of the fluorescence microscope section, and they are irradiated with the excitation light of one wavelength or are successively irradiated with the excitation lights of two or more wavelengths. Then, fluorescences are emitted from the sample of the microorganisms.
The fluorescences of various wavelengths and/or specified wavelengths are sensed and convened into the images by the detection means, including the operation of the entire scanning/image processing algorithm under each wavelength of fluorescence, which is specified by the sequential utilization of specific optical filters corresponding to the expected emission frequencies of selected fluorochromes. Under each emission frequency, operation of the scanning/image processing algorithm assures proper identification of all fluorescing microbes. Further, since each optical filter and illumination frequency is associated with fluorochrome-stained organisms specifically contained within the image data bases and for which the knowledge-based system has been trained, discrimination between microbe and foreign matter is assured.
Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a detecting or measuring apparatus of first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is side view of an example of the fundamental construction of microscope/imaging section included in the detection apparatus of FIG. 1, utilizing a fiber optic conveyance of specific excitation frequency light from either laser or wave length specific LED light source.
10 computer
11 standard peripherals
12 computer monitor and video controller
13 subsystem device controllers
14 frame grabber assembly
15 parallel image assembly
16 hard drive
17 network interface assembly
18 system status controller and display
19 system bus and data path
20 illumination subsystem
21 laser
22 LED array
23 conventional light
24 fiber optics assembly
25 filter assembly for excitation
26 condenser lens assembly
30 imaging subsystem
31 video camera
32 video display monitor
33 film recorder
34 imaging archive system
35 high resolution video display monitor
40 optical subsystem
41 objective lens
42 objective lens turret assembly
43 filter assembly for emission
44 optical tube assembly
50 mechanical subsystem
51 pick and place assembly
52 xyz stage assembly
53 specimen cassette assembly
The detecting apparatus of the present invention constructed as stated below, uses a computer to control the functions of its various subsystem devices, such as its pick and place assembly. The pick and place section picks a specimen slide, film or plate containing fluorescently-stained microorganisms from its specimen cassette assembly and places it on an xyz stage assembly. The subsystem device controllers cause the sample to be illuminated and scanned by the microscope section, which relays the emission of light to the video camera and computer. Light emission, at a specific wavelength, from one of three light sources is directed by a fiber optic assembly through filter assembly for excitation and a condenser lens assembly to a sample slide. The sample emits light at a specific frequency to an objective lens through a filter assembly for emission and an through optical tube assembly to a video camera which captures the fluorescing images from the sample slide and transmits that image to the computer. The computer displays, analyzes and records the image and its coordinates. The sample may include viruses such as the AIDS virus or hepatitis virus.
A microorganism detecting apparatus, according to the first aspect of the present invention, is an automatic inspection apparatus which has the construction as described above. The basic principle of the apparatus is to measure microorganisms in such a way that the means for discriminating between foreign matter and fluorescent-stained microbe is accomplished by an expert-trained system with appropriate image databases of fluorescent microbes and variations of foreign matter. The illumination sources and optical filters assure the delivery and passage of only the light of specified frequency and wavelength. The steps of the microorganism measurement are automatically carried out by an integrated processor. The methods and apparatus of the invention may be employed to detect infectious agents, such as for example, bacteria of all types, animal viruses, plant viruses, prions and bacteriophage. Animal viruses that may be detected include, for example, DNA viruses such as Parvoviruses, Papovaviruses, Adenoviruses, Herpesviruses, Poxviruses, Hepatitus B-like Viruses and RNA viruses such as Picornaviruses, Caliciviruses, Astroviruses, Flaviviruses, Coronaviruses, Paramyxoviruses, Rhabdoviruses, Filoviruses, Influenza Viruses, Arenaviruses, Reoviruses, and Retroviruses. Specifically, viruses that cause disease in animals may be detected using methods of the invention, including, for example, the HIV virus. Plant viruses that may be detected include, but are not limited to, Potyviruses, Luteoviruses, Gemini viruses, Tospoviruses, Criniviruses, Closteroviruses, and Satellite viruses.
The fluorescent-stained microorganism sample for use in the measuring apparatus, according to the present invention, should preferably be one in which microorganisms in an object (for example, a drink, water or air) are caught on a membrane filter having a suitable pore size and then stained with a fluorescent material (for example, fluorescein diacetate (preferred), propidym iodide, fluorescein isothiocyanate, acridine orange, or ethidym bromide). If necessary, the microorganisms are cultured for a short time and then subjected to the staining. Microorganisms can also be detected from a conventional microscope slide as in a smear of body fluid or an histologically-prepared tissue section.
The preferred embodiment of the detection apparatus, according to the present invention, is shown in FIGS. 1-2. The apparatus, displayed in FIGS. 1-2, is comprised of five subsystems: the computer 10, illumination subsystem 20, imaging subsystem 30, optical subsystem 40 and the mechanical subsystem 50. The mechanical subsystem 50 is comprised of a pick and place assembly 51, xyz stage assembly 52, and specimen cassette assembly 53, which are operated by the subsystem device controllers 13. The pick and place assembly 51 operates on an x, y and z plane with two arms. The specimen cassette assembly 53 holds up to 100 standard slides and has ridged sections designed to hold each slide suspended approximately 1/10 inch from each other in a vertical manner. A microorganism sample, subjected to fluorescent staining, is placed on a slide, which is then placed in the specimen cassette assembly 53, which is then placed on a platform. The pick and place assembly 51 is instructed by the subsystem device controllers 13 to pick up the sample slide at the appropriate coordinate in the specimen cassette assembly 53. Commands for the subsystem device controllers 13 can be input manually through the standard peripherals 11 (keyboard, joystick or mouse ) and/or automatically by pre-programed software. The robotic arms, which are flat, slide underneath the sample slide and secure the sample slide by suction onto the flat plate of the arm. The arm of the pick and place assembly 51 then removes the sample slide from the specimen cassette assembly 53 and places the sample slide on the xyz stage assembly 52. The subsystem device controllers 13 automate and synchronize the application of suction to both secure and release the slides at the appropriate time.
The xyz stage assembly 52 is motorized for moving the sample slide underneath the imaging subsystem 30 and above the illumination subsystem 20. A sample is subjected to fluorescent staining, and the illumination subsystem 20 provides a light source means (including laser 21, LED array 22, or conventional light 23 sources depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2) for projecting excitation light of predetermined wavelength on the sample; the fluorescent image of specified wavelength from the microorganism sample is captured by the imaging subsystem 30. The imaging subsystem 30 consists of high resolution video display monitor 35, film recorder 33, and imaging archive system 34 which receives signals from the a video camera 31. The video camera 31 is attached to the optical tube assembly 44 of the optical subsystem 40. The optical subsystem 40 consists of an optical tube assembly 44 that is connected to the motorized objective lens turret assembly 42 containing three objective lens 41 (which are rotated by the motorized objective lens turret assembly 42), and a filter assembly for emission 43 which is attached above the objective lens turret assembly 42. The filter assembly for emission 43 serves as means for limiting the band of frequencies to the selected emission frequencies passed through the optical tube assembly 44 to the video camera 31. The video camera 31, suitable for low level illumination, "sees" the image from the objective lens 41 through the filter assembly for emission 43 and optical tube assembly 44 and transmits that image to the computer 10 subsystem.
The computer subsystem is comprised of a computer 10 (PC) which consists of the standard peripherals 11, computer monitor and video controller 12, subsystem device controllers 13, a frame grabber assembly 14, a parallel image assembly 15, a hard drive 16, a network interface assembly 17, a system status controller and display 18, a system bus and data path 19, and is loaded with software to perform the image capture/image functions for reading and processing the output value of the band-limited signal from the video camera 31. The computer 10 automatically records the coordinates of imaged fluorescent microorganisms, using its subsystem device controllers 13 for each of the moveable components depicted in FIG. 1, which include the pick and place assembly controller, xyz stage assembly controller, light source controller, filter controllers, objective lens controller and frame grabber assembly 14. The computer 10 directs the controllers to scan over the whole surface of each microorganism sample at selected magnifications, using either conventional light 23, laser 21 or LED array 22 as a light source. The computer 10 also automatically stores captured images of the sample and their coordinates, thereby permitting, upon review of the results, the confirmation of the presence or absence of the fluorescent microbes (refer to FIG. 1). The computer also displays the images on a high resolution video display monitor 35 or prints images by film recorder 33 or by transmitting the images to a remote computer monitor and video controller 12 for review of results by the operator, through a network.
The illumination subsystem 20 projects a light source, such as a white light LED array 22, to the motor-driven xyz stage assembly 52 on which the microorganism sample is placed; a filter assembly for excitation 25 selects the excitation wavelength that is passed from the light source through the condenser lens assembly 26 to the sample. The objective lens 41 and the filter assembly for emission 43 are disposed in an optical path extending from the illumination subsystem to the stage, and the filter assembly for emission 43 selects the specified wavelength of the fluorescence that is emitted from the sample by the projection of the excitation light from the illumination subsystem 20 through the sample. The video camera 31, electronically captures the fluorescing image of the microorganism sample which has passed through the filter assembly for emission 43 at the selected frequency.
The apparatus, according to the present invention, uses a video display monitor 32 for observing the real-time display of the imaged microbes which may comprised as shown in FIG. 1. The computer 10 has the automatic fluorescence inspection function and discriminates between artifactual auto- fluorescence and fluorescing microbes.
The operation of the measuring apparatus according to the present invention is as explained in the following: First, a microorganism sample, in which microorganisms have been subjected to fluorescent staining, is removed from the specimen cassette assembly 53 by the robotic pick and place assembly 51, and placed on the xyz stage assembly 52. In this case, the microorganism sample is fixed on a standard slide glass. Conventional light 23, or white light LED array 22 emitted from the illumination subsystem 20 is first passed through the condenser lens assembly 26, then through the filter assembly for excitation 25 which selects the correct entering excitation light wavelength (e.g., 490 nm if the staining agent for the microorganism sample is fluorescein diacetate) to present to the sample. If the laser 21 light source is selected, the light is presented to the sample via the fiber optics assembly 24. The subsystem device controllers 13, controlled by the computer 10, operate the xyz stage assembly 52 in a sliding fashion to allow the whole area of the sample to be scanned.
When the light of the appropriate excitation wavelength passes through the sample, causing the microorganisms in the sample to emit fluorescence, both excitation and emission wavelengths of light convey the image of the sample through the objective lens 41. Next the light passes through the filter assembly for emission 43, which selects the proper emission wavelength for the specific fluorochrome used to stain the sample to be passed to the video camera 31. For example, a filter is selected to exclude all wavelengths except light of 530 nm if the staining agent of the microorganism is fluorescein diacetate.
The reflected or transmitted fluorescent light is sensed and converted into an image by the video camera 31. The image is input to the video frame grabber assembly 14, the video display monitor 32 and is then conveyed high resolution video display monitor 35, while the digitized image of the resulting data is recorded on to hard drive 16 of the computer 10. When the fluorescence from the microorganism sample has been imaged and recorded in this way, the movement position of the xyz stage assembly 52 (a scanned position in the microorganism sample a at this time) is loaded in the hard drive 16 by the subsystem device controllers 13, and the image's position in the microorganism sample is stored in the hard drive 16.
The basic operations as stated above are continuously performed over the whole area of the microorganism sample. Accumulations of image data items (number of positive events) with the images read by the imaging archive system 34 are processed by the computer 10, whereby the total number of the images of fluorescent substances, and the map of the image's positions, are indicated on the video display monitor 32. After the image data items have been output, the function of the computer 10 for vexing the signal positions is actuated, whereby xyz stage assembly 52 stops at the respective positions. Here, the operator of the measuring apparatus verifies the microscopic images of the fluorescent substances with the image display in real-time on the video display monitor 32 to discriminate the microorganisms from the other fluorescent substances. The unnecessary images of the other fluorescent substances can be deleted manually on the computer 10. The measurement image items can be filed and stored on the hard drive 16 or imaging archive system 34, and the file can be drawn out and referred to under the management of the computer 10 at will, as may be needed.
Accordingly, it can be seen that the invention simplifies and adds efficiency to the task of detecting microorganisms by providing an improved method and apparatus described in detail above for identifying and quantitating microorganisms on a sample slide, film or plate. A microorganism sample (such as food, beverage, air, water, etc.), is caught on a membrane filter, smeared on a slide (body fluid), or plated on growth media film (from beef, fowl, or other food and food handling surfaces). The current invention employs, sophisticated integrated subsystems varying illumination sources, filter systems, optical system, electronic image recording, and image processing hardware and software to assure rapid and efficient visual discrimination between truly fluorescing microorganisms and autofluorescent foreign matter. It utilizes trained artificial intelligent software, armed with complete representative image databases of both representative microorganisms and foreign matter, while automating the process of quantifying microbial concentrations in particular sample volumes with real-time direct visual verification of recorded image data.
Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention. Various other embodiments and ramifications are possible within its scope. For example, the format of the current invention is applicable to microbial detection requirements for many industries, including (but not limited to) environmental monitoring of air and water for microbial contaminants; food and beverage quality control; procedures to assure acceptable levels of microbes in products; and medical diagnostic procedures, such as the inspection of samples derived from body fluids and tissue.
Another example is in the case of environmental monitoring systems, where water and/or air samples are continuously passed through filters. In the current invention these filters could be inspected at intervals by the method and apparatus for microbial detection.
In the case of food and beverage quality control, samples obtained from meat, fish, fowl, and dairy products could be plated onto media coated film, incubated and inspected by the method and apparatus of the current invention at designated intervals. Results which are obtainable very early in the growth of the microbes found in these samples could lead to projections of the microbial concentrations of the original sample. This could be accomplished by first creating an image data base characterizing growth curves and microbe population dynamics under standardized conditions. With proper training, the knowledge-based software, by referring to these data bases could, within a few hours of initiating the culture, project the population density expected of the sample from these data bases at 24, 48, and 72 hours by the process of extrapolation. Even though products could be released based on these early projections, cultures would continue to grow and be inspected at intervals as insurance against erroneous projections. With proper tracking of products released to market, immediate recall of released products could still be activated, should an error in projection occur to prevent distribution to consumers.
Conclusions as to the safety of the substance being tested could be reached in a very small fraction of the time currently spent waiting for the cultures to mature sufficiently to reach a final determination by methods and apparatus of prior art. The results of applying the current invention in these circumstances would be to improve the safety to consumers, reduce costs for the producers through inventory reduction, and shorten the holding time before releasing foods to market, thereby actually increasing product availability to the consumer.
In the case of medical diagnostic applications, to date there is no prior art providing a rapid and efficient automated method and/or apparatus to systematically read samples suspected of microbial infection (such as Tuberculosis) derived from body fluid, such as sputum, serous drainage, urine sediment, or from issue sections of biopsy material. The current invention provides the method and apparatus to automate the arduous, time-consuming and subjective task of systematically scanning TB smears and tissue sections that have been stained with fluorescent dyes, such as Auramine/Rhodamine or Acradine orange. High volume hospitals have to process as many as hundreds of smears and tissue sections a day. The current invention provides a rapid means to identify and exclude all negative slides that are devoid of microbes (usually 95% of samples), while identifying, verifying, quantitating and recording the positive samples. These positive samples may have as few as one fluorescent microorganism on the entire slide or, on the other extreme, have so many organisms as to be uncountable under prior art.
Additionally, whereas the prior art forces technicians to perform their analyses, fully attired to operate safely in a Level 3 bio-hazard lab (gloves, gown, mask, cap, etc.), manually handling potentially dangerous material, the remote feature of the current invention permits a one-time manual cassette-loading operation of all slides to be analyzed, and then permits the technician to operate the system from the safety and comfort of another room, not in the bio-hazard laboratory.
Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.
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AMERICA/HONDURAS - It is time to take action! More than 13 thousand children and young Hondurans at the U.S. Border
Tegucigalpa (Agenzia Fides) - "Children should be in every policy decision and in all social action, we cannot destroy them with bad decisions", said the Vicar of St. Michael the Archangel Cathedral in Tegucigalpa, Father Carlos Rubio, during yesterday's celebration, Sunday 22 June.
According to the note sent to Fides from a local source, Father Rubio added that "we must not be indifferent to these problems, we must unite and act!". The reflection proposed by the Vicar of the Cathedral was inspired by the Gospel of the rich man and poor Lazarus: "How many rich people do we have here in Honduras? How many people think only about their own interests and not about the well-being of children?" he asked those present.
Father Rubio mainly focused on the national situation, blaming the authorities for having stolen resources and funds, thus causing the Honduran migration. "Only now they are beginning to do something, because we are on everyone's lips due to the international media", said the priest, who added: "Children and young people flee the country because the authorities do not offer opportunities to this sector of society, children are not the focus of their attention. Our authorities do not see these broken families!" He concluded, however, with a note of hope: "We can still put children at the center of every policy decision in and in all social action, but we must act now!"
Currently, at least 13 000 among Honduran children and adolescents are located in shopping centers or in the barracks of the United States, and for this reason a national committee led by the First Lady of Honduras, Ana Garcia de Hernandez, has organized a trip to the U.S. in order to verify the situation of these children. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 23/06/2014)
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- 2015-03-03 - There are 6000 teachers: one million children do not go to school
- 2015-02-03 - Card. Maradiaga supports the "Plan de la Alianza para la Prosperidad"
- 2015-01-15 - Over 3000 child beggars on the streets of big cities
- 2014-12-29 - Violence continues to affect mainly children and adolescents
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- 2014-10-23 - A new location of the detention center in San Pedro Sula for the sake of prisoners
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The Stanislaskis (Mills & Boon e-Book Collections) (Stanislaskis - Book 1 - 6)By: Nora Roberts (author)eBook
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DescriptionNora Roberts is a No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of over one hundred and ninety novels. A born storyteller, she creates a blend of warmth and humour that speaks to her readers all over the globe; there are 400 MILLION of her books in print worldwide. The Stanislaski Collection contains 6 fantastic linked novels featuring the lively, colourful, passionate Stanislaski family: Taming Natasha, Falling for Rachel, Luring a Lady, Convincing Alex, Waiting for Nick and Considering Kate. Nora Roberts is a publishing phenomenon; this New York Times bestselling author of over 200 novels has more than 450 million of her books in print worldwide. Praise for Nora Roberts 'The most successful novelist on Planet Earth' - Washington Post 'A storyteller of immeasurable diversity and talent' - Publisher's Weekly
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- publication date: 01/01/2014
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text: Are You Ready For The Babies Movie? Irin Carmon and 253 othersEditDelete Invite manuallyPromoteXDismissXUndismissBlock for jezebelHide Babies. They keep humanity (and the Internet) going. But will you watch eighty minutes of them in a globetrotting documentary film that is already predicted to be a massive cultural event? Or at the very least, a massive marketing phenomenon? » 4/16/10 12:30pm 4/16/10 12:30pm


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In Windows 7 Essential Training, David Rivers helps users of any level feel comfortable with the improvements and enhancements found in Microsoft's operating system. From simple navigation through the updated graphic user interface, David shows how to install or upgrade and get the most out of Windows 7. He covers using the new Internet Explorer 8 and boosting a computer's memory with the ReadyBoost tool. He also highlights hardware configuration options and explores the advances made connecting a home or work system with Windows Live, the cloud-computing environment made available for Windows 7 users. Exercise files accompany this course.
Backing up important files is not something that everybody does, but it's probably something we should all consider. Anything can happen, computers crash, other kinds of disasters can happen and if you lose your important files that are very crucial to a business for example, or perhaps their memories and photos, you want to have them located somewhere else, such as a CD or a DVD. So we're going to talk about burning files to a disk. I've already inserted a blank DVD into my drive and you can see what happens here, AutoPlay opens up.
You'll also see that this happens to be a DVD Read/Write Drive. So the driver I am using allows me to read DVDs but also burn DVDs. Now down below I've got some options. I can burn files to this disk, which is just copying files, or it can actually burn a DVD video disc, which means I can pop it into a DVD player. Well, I am not going to do either of these. So I am going to close up this window. Now I've got my blank DVD in the drive and I am in Windows Explorer. Now, you'll notice when you're in Windows Explorer, on the toolbar you'll see a Burn button.
So we can select files or whole folders, multiple folders if you will, to be burned or backed up to a drive such as a DVD or a CD drive. I am going to select the Exercise Files and now I am going to find Burn, here it is now over here on the toolbar and when I click Burn, you're going to see the Disc title is going to be created for me using the current date but you can type whatever you want in there. I am going to type 'Backup Exercise' files. That's about as far as I can do.
So I might want to shorten this, 'Ex Files'. There we go and I've got two options down below. I can burn them like files to a USB flash drive, which means I'll be able to copy them off the drive. I'd be able to edit and delete the files on the disc before I actually close up a session or if I prefer, I can choose to Burn files in groups and individual files won't be able to be edited or removed after burning, but I'll be able to put them into a CD or a DVD player.
In this case, I am just backing up the files. I want to have them in another location just in case something happens to my hard drive. So I am going to choose Like a USB flash drive. When I click Next, it's going to format my blank disc. In this case it's a DVD. So you can see it's preparing to format it on my DVD Read/Write Drive. Now the disc I placed in there he is a DVD+R disk. It's got 4.7 gigabytes of space on it. It's not a read/write disc though.
Even though it's in a read/write drive. If you're using a read/write disc, whether it's a CD or a DVD, you'll be able to copy files over but you're also be able to go in there and take out files. You would be able to delete, add additional files. So you can always go back, clear space if you needed to and continue to use that DVD or CD on a regular basis, only if it's a read/write disc. With a read-only disc like this, I'll be able to work with the files. I can move them around and delete them and stuff, but when I close the session I am done.
So now you can see AutoPlay shows up again here for backing up the files. I can open the folder to view the files, now there aren't anything in there. There is nothing to be found. So when I choose this, I can drag files to this folder and add them to the disc. Notice at the top, that's what I am looking at, the contents of my new disc called Backup Ex Files. Now an easier way to burn them instead of dragging them is just to go select them. So I am going to go back to Desktop, click Exercise Files and if that's all I want, I don't have to select anything else but I could if I wanted to, for example, if I wanted to hold down my Ctrl key and also copy this file here, you can see they are both selected and when I click Burn, it's actually going to start copying them to my drive.
So there is the Exercise Files. You can see the number of items in total and the amount of space that's going to be used up for this, and eventually I am going to see my Exercise Files and my Excel file copied to my DVD. Now I haven't closed the session, I haven't ejected the disc at this point. So if I want to manipulate these, maybe I don't want that, I can select it, press Delete on the Keyboard and confirm by clicking Yes, that I want to remove it from the disc. I can go inside the Exercise Files. There is the various chapters.
We go to Chapter 03 for example. I could delete an entire folder if I didn't want it included, go to 03_01 press Delete and confirm that. So you can see, we can manipulate these before we actually eject the disc, so we can get exactly what we need on the disc before we close it up. Now at the top you'll notice Eject, this will close the session as well. It closes the current session and then I can take it to another computer and copy those files if I needed to or just store it away until that event happens where I need to go back and get these files.
When I click Eject though you're going to see it's actually going to close the session, Please wait while the session is closed, so the disc can be used on other computers. So it's going to be busy closing it up and then eventually it's going to eject the disk from my drive and I can take it to another computer. So burning your files using the Burn button on the toolbar is a very simple process. It's choosing the right disk and having the right drive. If you don't have a read/write drive you won't be able to use it to burn files. If you do have a read/write drive and it's a DVD you'll be able to use CDs and DVDs in there, and if you've got discs that also have the RW on the end - standing for Read/Write - then you're going to be able to take that disk and bring it back and forth and remove files, create space, edit those files, copy them and so on.
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about Windows 7 Essential Training .
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The Complete Secrets of Happy Children: A Guide for ParentsPaperback
List price $20.26
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- Publisher: THORSONS
- Format: Paperback | 320 pages
- Dimensions: 160mm x 216mm x 22mm | 560g
- Publication date: 1 December 2003
- Publication City/Country: London
- Illustrations note: (b/w line drawings)
- Sales rank: 2,267
Product description
From the author of the worldwide bestseller Raising Boys, this bind-up of the parenting classics The Secret of Happy Children and More Secrets of Happy Children by parenting expert and child psychologist Steve Biddulph tells parents everything they need to know about raising happy, healthy, confident children from babyhood to teens. This bind-up brings all of Steve's parenting tips and secrets together for the first time. This book shows parents how to be true to themselves while also bringing up secure children who feel loved and respected, with self esteem and responsibility. The book is aimed at a wide age group- from babies and toddlers to older children and teenagers. Authoritative yet accessible, the book is full of case histories and familiar conversations and scenarios, as well as cartoons, that help parents relate to Steve's message. The book covers all the key issues in parenting, including: - how and why negative language affects children - stopping tantrums before they start - curing shyness - 'soft love'- why touch, praise and time are vital- and 'firm love'- disciplining through teaching and being involved, rather than punishment - childcare issues- finding a balance between work and your children's needs - raising sons and raising daughters- their different needs
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Author information
Steve Biddulph is an internationally respected child psychologist and family therapist with an ever-increasing following. A world-renowned parenting author, his books include Manhood (Hawthorn Press, 1998), Raising Boys (1998), The Secret of Happy Children (1997) and More Secrets of Happy Children (1999), which are popular all over the world.
Review quote
'a mix of Billy Connelly and Dr Spock...Steve Biddulph is a publishing phenomenon.' THE TIMES 'Steve's advice is easy to follow- and more importantly, it works.' BBC FAMILY LIFE MAGAZINE 'Biddulph...has a built-in feel good factor. Parenting books too often make one feel inadequate, but Biddulph's left me refreshed and optimistic.' THE EXPRESS


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Candlewick | Jan 05, 2004
| 128 Pages
| 5-1/4 x 9
| Young Adult
| Jan 05, 2004
| 128 Pages
| 5-1/4 x 9
| Young Adult
In a startling, often poignant student journal, acclaimed poet and novelist Ron Koertge creates a suburban high school both familiar and terrifying.The Branston High School Class of 2001 seems familiar enough on the surface: there's the Smart One, the Fat Kid, Social Conscience, Bad Girl, Good Girl, Jock, Anorexic, Dyke, Rich Boy, Sistah, Stud . . . and Boyd, an Angry Young Man who has just made a dangerous new friend. Now he's making a list.The Branston High School Class of 2001. You might think you know them. You might be surprised.Narrated by fifteen teenage characters, this startling, often poignant poetic novel evokes a suburban high school both familiar and terrifying — and provides an ideal opportunity for young adults to discuss violence in schools.
ALA Best Books for Young Adults
Visit other sites in the Penguin Random House Network


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Works great!
Reviewed By Beverly H (Keo, AR) Reviewed for a 2015 Dodge Challenger —5/27/2015 2:27 PM
Fit is good for my Challenger. Quality material. Works great for my German Shepherd! Quick shipping and excellent customer service.
Reviewed By Bryony B (AURORA, CO) Reviewed for a 2006 Acura TL —6/24/2015 7:58 AM
I have purchased a few dog hammocks over the years and by far this is the best one. I think my favorite part is are the metal grommets that hold the straps to the head rests. All of my other hammocks have ripped where the attachement goes around the head rest. I have high hopes that this one will not do that. Thank you Kurgo!


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The Trimble County Hymn Sing will be held Thursday, June 4, at Pleasant View Baptist Church is Wises Landing at 7 p.m. Bro. Gregg Fisher will be in charge of the service.
All area singers, musicians and ensembles are encouraged to come participate. Everyone is incited to come enjoy the musical worship experience.
The Phoenix Animal Clinic, in conjunction with the Trimble County Health Department Environmental Services, will be hosting a rabies clinic in June. Dr. Mary Zink will be administering shots on Saturday, June 6, between the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Trimble County Park under the shelter by the ball fields.
By JENNIFER GOODIN
Special to The Trimble Banner
On Friday, May 8th, the Trimble County Work Ready Community members hosted a job fair at the Trimble County Public Library. Fourteen companies attended to give participants information about how to apply and what the jobs they offered required. Other companies, such as KIPDA and Trimble County Adult Education, set up tables to give information on the services offered to the Trimble County Community.
By DAVE TAYLOR
The Trimble Banner
Longtime Trimble County Road Crew Supervisor Kenny Tindle will be resigning later this month to take another position in another county. Tindle shared the news during Monday's meeting of the Trimble County Fiscal Court.
The Trimble County High School Class of 1965 will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their high school graduation with a reunion on Saturday, July 18, 2015. The reunion will be held starting at 5:30 p.m. at the General Butler State Resort Park Conference Center. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. The price per person is $29. Casual dress is recommended. RSVP by sending payment to Jerry Powell, 185 Locust Lane, Bedford KY 40006. The deadline to RSVP is June 1, 2015. If you have questions call 502-255-3928.
A Registration Fair is scheduled for Friday, May 8, 2015, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Head Start building, located next to Trimble County Middle School. Trimble County Head Start/Preschool serves 3 and 4 year old income eligible children who live in Trimble County. A limited number of tuition-based slots for children who are four-years old by the public school cutoff date (Aug. 1, 2015) may be available for families who do not meet income guidelines. Please call (502) 255-3620 to schedule an appointment for your child for the Registration Fair.
Copyright © 2015
The Trimble Banner is your source for local news, sports, events, and information in Trimble County, KY and the surrounding area.


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Anorexia Nervosa and It's Effects on Physical Intimacy
When a woman or man struggles with anorexia nervosa it can have a wide-range of effects on their romantic relationships. Many individuals diagnosed with anorexia are already in relationships, others might have the desire to start new relationships. But without proper treatment, an individual's anorexia can make it difficult to establish intimacy.


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35 year old woman | Zionsville, IN, USA | Seeking men 27-42 within 500 miles
Active within 24 hours
Dance like no one is watching, sing like no one is listening and love like you have never been hurt.
A few important things in my life are my family, friends and exercise. One of my favorite things to do is travel and visit different places. I love to smile, laugh and have good conversation. If you are interested in learning more about me and what I am looking for, please send me an email.
Coffee and conversation , Business networking , Cooking , Dining out , Movies/Videos , Museums and art , Music and concerts , Exploring new areas , Nightclubs/Dancing , Playing cards , Playing sports , Shopping/Antiques , Travel/Sightseeing , Video games , Volunteering , Watching sports , Wine tasting
Aerobics, Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cycling, Dancing, Football, Other types of exercise, Running, Skiing, Soccer, Swimming, VolleyBall, Walking / Hiking, Weights / Machines
I exercise 5 or more times per week.
I have Dogs
Middle of the Road
Anywhere I can have fun and enjoy life.
My favorite foods are pizza, grilled cheese and a filet with grilled aspargus. My favorite color is blue. My favorite flowers are Gerber Daisy's and Lillys.
I enjoy traveling (especially to warm the beach and clear blue water), working out, spending time with friends and family, going out to nice dinners and having good conversation.
Z{{Cta}} {{#if HasMoreInfo}} ?{{CtaSecondary}} {{/if}}
|What she is looking for
|5'4" (162cms)
|5'10" (177cms) to 8'0" (243cms)
|Body type:
|Athletic and toned
|Slender, About average, Athletic and toned
|No preference
|Light brown
|No preference
|No Way
|No Way, Cigar aficionado
|Social Drinker
|Never, Social Drinker
|Medical / Dental / Veterinary / Fitness
|No preference
|I'll tell you later
|No preference
|Never Married
|Never Married, Widow / Widower, Divorced
|Have kids:
|No preference
|Wants kids:
|Definitely, Someday
|White / Caucasian
|Black / African descent, White / Caucasian
|Christian / Other
|No preference
|Bachelors degree
|No preference
I have a Bachelor degree in business and nursing


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Phoenix Suns
Updated Dec 27, 2012 - 9:21 am
Suns' Dragic leaves game vs. Knicks with injury
Goran Dragic was injured with 22.1 seconds left in the second quarter of the Phoenix Suns game against the New York Knicks Wednesday on a dangerous play.
Dragic was attempting a transition lay-up when J.R. Smith undercut him on a breakaway causing him to take a bad fall. Smith was charged with a flagrant foul one but was allowed to stay in the game. He could still face further discipline from the league.
The Suns' point guard did not return in the second half after suffering hip, wrist and back contusions.
Dragic finished the game with just four points and three assists on 2-6 shooting. He turned the ball over one time.
For the season, the point guard is averaging 14.1 points and 6.2 assists for the Suns this season.
Most Popular
Suns Audio
- Paul Coro, AZCentral Sports Suns beat writerPaul Coro discusses the Suns signing Tyson Chandler and if they are in the running for LaMarcus Aldr
- Yay or Nay?Will Eric Bledsoe be a Sun next season? Was Chandler the best "Friend"? and more questions
- Ric Bucher, Bleacher Report NBA writerDo the Suns have a shot at LaMarcus Aldridge and more free agency talk
- Top 5: Career ComebacksWho had the best career comeback? Was it Jordan, Travolta, Warner, or someone else?
- Israel Gutierrez, ESPN NBA writerWhere will LaMarcus Aldridge go and what will the Suns do in free agency?


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Sawtooth National Forest
Contact Information
2647 Kimberly Road East
Twin Falls, ID 83301-7976
Fax: 208-737-3236
Contact Us
Chemeketan is a marvelously secluded group area located in a lodgepole pine understory. Visitors can enjoy fishing for trout and steelhead in the Salmon River, exploring on the Idaho Centennial Trail or admiring the marvelous views. When not reserved for a group event, Chemeketan is available for use by individual campers.
From Ketchum, go north 34 miles on ID 75 to Galena Summit. Stop and admire the view. Turn south on Forest Road #215 and go about 3 miles.
Map showing recreational areas.
Map Information
Related Information
Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov
Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality


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Leadership Development Rotation Program
Pursue your calling and make an impact.
Do you consider yourself a leader? Are you interested in exploring many areas of business? Do you want to work for a company that encourages you to have a career, not just a job? Read on to learn about the unique opportunities available through the Leadership Development Rotational Program (LDP) with The Principal.
The LDP is a three-year program designed to give high-performing candidates an opportunity to work in multiple areas of the company before committing to a path. The rotational path of each participant is customized to develop strengths and stretch the individual's skill sets, giving them prime opportunities for growth and new experiences.
Those who are part of the LDP program benefit from:
- Mentorships with senior managers
- Participation in quarterly earnings call debriefs
- Leadership skills assessments and development plans
- Active engagement in learning projects with other LDP participants
- Personal interaction with analysts, investors and Principal team members
- Full-time pay and benefits
If you have demonstrated leadership skills, a proven track record of academic excellence and an appetite for challenge, the LDP may be a great fit for you.
Forward-thinking individuals can apply to participate in our rotational Leadership Development Program by completing an online application. Applications are accepted and interviews will be conducted from April through September.
Create your profile and upload your resume.


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Tag: Doctor-Patient Relationship
When you talk about end-of-life issues, according to Gundersen Lutheran Health System's director of clinical ethics, "you're really talking about the meaning of life, about your religious beliefs and faith, and ultimately about who you are." More
Doctors who pray with patients and family members "puts a sense of comfort in you," says Chris Barkley. "Normally, doctors don't do that, and it makes people feel closer to the doctor. You want them to care just as much as you do." More


text: I have found someplace that will process the Rollei IR 400 (infrared) film, so long as it's clearly marked on the envelope that it's an IR film. A representative from the St. Louis, MO based chain of camera stores, Creve Coeur Camera, has informed me that they can develop it, so long as they know what it is. So I will be getting the things I need to shoot IR film over the winter and trying out the IR film in the spring. I have to wait because I just spent $50 on film from B&H and the wife will kill me if I send out another big order of photography stuff this close to the last order.


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Standing on the stage at this month's TPM Conference, Matthew Shay delivered a pointed message to those responsible for months-worth of delays, millions of dollars in lost retail sales, and the loss of jobs and export opportunities: "Enough is enough! The interest of thousands" can no longer threaten the livelihood of millions.
Terminal Operators
Terminal Operators
Read the latest news about terminal operators and ongoing projects and upcoming plans.
News & Analysis
07 Jul 2015
Trucker turn times in Los Angeles-Long Beach are back to where they were in the spring of 2014 before the ports were crippled by labor slowdowns, but industry analyst Val Noronha is giving terminal operators in the largest U.S. port complex a grade of only D-.
07 Jul 2015
HHLA, Hamburg's largest container stevedore, forecast a "moderate" decline in traffic in 2015 but stuck to its earnings forecast thanks to increased intermodal volumes.
06 Jul 2015
APM Terminals has ceased its operations at the Port of Jacksonville, and SSA Marine will provide stevedoring for the 2M Alliance's recently launched TP10/New Everglades service.
27 Jun 2015
U.S. agriculture shouldn't expect dramatic improvements in cargo-handling productivity to come out of the new West Coast longshore contract, said Ed DeNike, chief operating officer at SSA Marine, said the contract itself will not deliver productivity.
16 Jun 2015
The Port of Rotterdam continues to position itself as a pre-eminent European port of call for mega-ships with the arrival of three new cranes at the ECT Delta Terminal at Maasvlakte.
12 Jun 2015
In its most aggressive move in the African market in years, APM Terminals has begun construction on a new container terminal at Ghana's largest container gateway and plans to invest heavily on inland connections to allow growing volume to move more efficiently to and from the hinterland.
11 Jun 2015
The Port of Prince Rupert had another big month in May with total container volume increasing 45.6 percent over May 2014.
11 Jun 2015
The chief executive of the port of Piraeus is resigning as the Greek government proceeds with the controversial privatization of the leading Mediterranean container hub.
10 Jun 2015
APM Terminals estimates it will take 7 to 10 days for operations to return to normal after striking stevedores returned to work Friday at the company's general cargo terminal in Callao, Peru.
08 Jun 2015
Port of Hamburg terminal operator Hamburger Hafen und Logisitik AG has ordered two new container gantry cranes for its Container Terminal Tollerort in preparation for the next generation of mega-ships.


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The risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients treated with hemodialysis: a population-based cohort study
1 Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang-Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
2 Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yuan's General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
3 Department of Public Health, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st RD, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
4 Division of Environmental Health and Occupational Medicine, National Health Research Institute, Miaoli, Taiwan
BMC Nephrology 2013, 14:15 doi:10.1186/1471-2369-14-15Published: 16 January 2013
There are no prior studies that have estimated the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) among the dialysis population relative to the general population. The aim of this study was to examine the risk of UGIB among end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients during a 6-year period following their initiation of hemodialysis (HD) therapy in Taiwan- a country with the highest incidence of ESRD in the world, using general population as an external comparison group.
Data were obtained from the Taiwan National health Insurance Research Database. In total, 796 patients who were beginning HD between 1999 and 2003 were recruited as the study cohort and 3,184 patients matched for age and sex were included as comparison cohort. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to adjust for confounding and to compare the 6-year UGIB-free survival rate between these two cohorts.
The incidence rate of UGIB (42.01 per 1000 person-year) was significantly higher in the HD cohort than in the control cohort (27.39 per 1000 person-years). After adjusting for potential confounders, the adjusted hazard ratios for UGIB during the 6-year follow-up periods for HD patients was 1.27 (95% CI=1.03-1.57) compared to patients in the comparison cohort.
We conclude that HD patients were at an increased risk for UGIB compared with the general population.


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John Lewis Colosseum FSC Bookcase
Product information
Colosseum is designed with an angled shape that leans against the wall for a minimalist look with eyecatching charm. It's made from sturdy oak solids and veneers and features five shelves for your books, DVDs and ornaments.
Please note: Not all of our ranges are on display in our furniture departments. Please call your nearest John Lewis to check before you visit.
Interest Free Credit: If you buy this product in our shops, it's eligible for Interest Free Credit, which is available when you spend £1000 or more on selected home products. Terms and conditions apply: find out more
The Forest Stewardship Council
The Forest Stewardship Council works to safeguard the world's forests. FSC certification provides a credible link between responsible forest management and the consumption of forest products, enabling you to make purchasing decisions that benefit people and the environment.
- Assembly Required
- Self Assembly
- Brand
John Lewis
- Care instructions
- Use Dry Cloth
- Country of Origin
- Slovenia
- Dimensions
- H200 x W70 x D38cm
- Eligible for International Delivery
- FSC Certified
- Furniture Range
- Colosseum
- Material
- Oak veneer
- Number of Shelves
- 5
- Weight Information Unpackaged weight
- 18kg
Editor's Notes
Please note: Not all of our Furniture ranges are on display at every branch. Please phone your nearest branch to check before you visit.
UK mainland delivery within 7 working days; may be longer for N Ireland, island and rural postcodes
- Free
International delivery not available
We want you to be happy with your purchase. If you're not, depending on the type of product, you can make free returns in the UK via John Lewis shops, Royal Mail, Collect+, or MyHermes. If you need to arrange collection of large or heavy items, call us on 03456 049 049. For international returns queries, call us on +44 1698 545 454. Find out more about returns.
You'll find returns information on your delivery note. Unless faulty, we'd like you to make your return within 90 days of purchase. Exceptions apply to certain products - find out more about our refund policy.
Q & As
UK delivery:
Free UK mainland delivery within 7 working days; may be longer for N Ireland, island and rural postcodes
International delivery not available:


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34 year old man | Rockford, IL, USA | Seeking women 25-35 within 50 miles
Loving Life
I'm an outgoing, thoughtful guy with a fun personality. I have a serious side, but most of the time Im a fun-loving guy up for something new. My curiosity in life takes me to places most people don't see and has me trying things a lot of others would not. I work hard and believe in taking full advantage of life's opportunities. Education and drive are very attractive to me. I'm a bit of an entrepreneur and enjoy owning/running businesses. I am currently partners in a construction company and run a smaller production company on the side. The Bears, Hawks, Bulls and Sox are my Chi sports teams. My main baseball team will always be the Cardinals (it's a family thing). I love being around anything sport or fitness related. CrossFit currently has my attention. I am training for a half marathon with my brother (pretty excited). I recently moved back to Rockford from Chicago, and visit the City when I can. I love what this city has to offer, especially in the summer! I'm over my college years, but still love to go out to the bars and have fun once in a while. I'm looking for someone who has fun living life and loves to try new things. A health conscience person is a plus! If you can keep me on my toes, we might be a match!
Coffee and conversation , Cooking , Dining out , Music and concerts , Exploring new areas , Playing sports , Political interests , Religion/Spiritual , Travel/Sightseeing , Volunteering , Watching sports
Baseball, Basketball, Billiards / Pool, Bowling, Cycling, Dancing, Football, Golf, Hockey, Other types of exercise, Running, Skiing, Soccer, Tennis / Racquet sports, VolleyBall, Walking / Hiking, Weights / Machines
I exercise 3-4 times per week.
I like Dogs
Middle of the Road
Coffee shops, social gatherings, the gym, on google, the beach in the summer, bike path, Chipotle, Kanela Breakfast Club, Bourgeois Pig (amazing espresso), Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba, watching Chicago Sports, Davis Theatre
Illinois State University, Normal, IL
Coffee,CrossFit, reading, teaching, western omelettes, public speaking, running shoes, team work, conversation, sports, my Fam, peanut butter and chocolate combo
LIke most people, I like trying new restaurants, and being with friends and family. Good conversation, coffee, exploring new areas in Chi, Chi Sports, the lake, North Ave Beach, Bike Path, soccer, CrossFit, and cooking to name a few...
The 4-Hour Workweek (all about efficiency in life), also diving back into Old Man and the Sea. I'm constantly reading articles on things I want to learn at the time.
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|What he is looking for
|5'10" (177cms)
|5'0" (152cms) to 5'9" (175cms)
|Body type:
|Athletic and toned
|Slender, About average, Athletic and toned
|Black, Blue, Brown, Grey, Green, Hazel
|Dark brown
|Auburn / Red, Black, Light brown, Dark brown, Blonde, Dark blonde, Platinum
|No Way
|No Way
|Social Drinker
|Never, Social Drinker
|Self-Employed / Entrepreneur
|No preference
My business outside of teaching is a production company. Sound, Lighting etc. It allows me to do one of my favorite things which is public speaking.
|I'll tell you later
|$35,001 to $50,000, $50,001 to $75,000, $75,001 to $100,000, $100,001 to $150,000, $150,001+
|Never Married
|Never Married, Widow / Widower, Divorced
|Have kids:
|Yes, and they sometimes live at home, No, Yes, and they live away from home, Yes, and they live at home
|Wants kids:
|Definitely, Someday
|White / Caucasian
|No preference
I'm Irish, German and English. I'm a bit of a mix I guess...
|Christian / Protestant
|No preference
I'm spiritual but not religious.
|Graduate degree
|Associates degree, Bachelors degree, Graduate degree, PhD / Post Doctoral


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It's hard to summarize something that is constantly evolving. I tend to flow with life as best as I can and it always seems to be quite an adventure.
I love to laugh. I am on a constant prowl for an excuse to laugh. I love laughing with people. Moments of pure joy shared with all beings - loved ones, little critter friends, or those I might be encountering briefly for the first time in this life - are dearer to me than anything of material value.
I love to play. Whether creating and moving with sound; exploring the wonders of intimate love with a partner; being immersed in the unbridled excitement of relating to a child; or chasing a little yellow ball with great enthusiasm and calling it Tennis, life is always playtime.
I am passionate about truth, about being an expression of my truth in every moment. My current dream sojourn as an earthly wanderer seems such a wonderful opportunity for loving and being, at times so brief, at times so infinite.
I love women. Whether as a mother, as friends, or as lovers, the incredible role women have played in my life and my development as a person, continues to be absolutely humbling.


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Thought of the Day
Biography lends to death a new terror.
Yesterday's Thought Was
It is inaccurate to say that I hate everything. I am strongly in favor of common sense, common honesty, and common decency. This makes me forever ineligible for public office.
By H. L. Mencken 1880 - 1956
American editor.


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So Zack and I just finished preparing the audiobook version of "The 4 Elements of Game." After we released the book, I'd receive a few emails a week from guys who'd ask about an audio version of the book, for 1 of 2 reasons:
1. They wanted to listen to the book, over and over, until the mindsets fully sank in
2. They hate reading.
I can appreciate where these guys are coming from, so Zack and I decided to create a full, unabridged version of the audiobook…
Let's get down to business with some hot tips for how to text a girl. And there's no better way to do that then we with some text tips, a.k.a. The 10 Best Texts to Send Hot Girls…OF ALL TIME!
Today I want to give you my 10 best texts…right out of my iPhone.
Here are my top 10 text messages…of ALL TIME. Get thumbs your ready!


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Elon Career Services supports the mission, academic programs, and advancement of Elon University. Elon Career Services assists students and alumni in understanding their career-related interests, individual preferences, strengths and values. In addition we assist students in understanding how to conduct an effective job search, for the ultimate purpose of pursuing meaningful careers over a lifetime.
As a premier operation, Elon Career Services seeks:


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2 bed, 1 full bath, 1 half bath. Close to Riverdale & Ingleside; great location and super chance to live in great area of North MacoMore info
3 bed, 2 full bath. 3Br/2Ba with den/playroom in Taylor & Howard school districts. Spacious living areas with lots of nMore info
3 bed, 2 full bath. Extremely well cared-for.! Metal roof. Heat and air systems are four years old. All brick, spaciousMore info
4 bed, 1 full bath, 1 half bath. 5 Bedrooms, 3. 5 Bath, waterfront with boat dock! Great for entertaining! Master downstairs, secondMore info
4 bed, 2 full bath, 1 half bath. Beautiful private setting in Wesleyan Woods. New hardwood floors, granite countertops, roof, waterMore info
2 bed, 1 full bath. Coming home is nicer when you have this great property waiting for you at the end of a busy day. WeMore info
3 bed, 1 full bath. This property needs some tender loving care. It will make a great Rental Property investment or eveMore info
4 bed, 3 full bath, 1 half bath. Incredible opportunity to live in one of Macon's finest neighborhoods. Classic home located on a prMore info
4 bed, 2 full bath. Convenient to both Ingleside and Riverside. Perfect opportunity for first time homebuyer, young proMore info
3 bed, 2 full bath. Nice 3br/2ba ranch home, combination living and dining room, separate family room, enclosed garageMore info


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Originally written on Fox Sports North | Last updated 12/16/12
The Minnesota Vikings talked about the importance of winning Sunday at St. Louis, and the reality of the situation was realized after wins elsewhere Sunday. A 33-26 win for Minnesota against St. Louis, combined with wins by the Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys and losses by the Chicago Bears and New York Giants, means the Vikings own the final Wild Card playoff spot with two weeks left because of tiebreakers. Minnesota (8-6) will need to keep its strong play going next week on the road at 12-2 Houston and at home against the Green Bay Packers in the regular-season finale. Here's how the Vikings scored one of their most impressive all-around efforts on Sunday: Pass offense: C Minnesota's game plan again revolved around the running game, understandably. A big early lead also played right into the Vikings' hands and allowed them to stick with the plan. Quarterback Christian Ponder nearly had at least one pass intercepted when it went through the defensive backs' hands. But ov...
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23 Fabulous Picnic Craft Ideas + Restaurant Copycat Recipes
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How to Fold a Paper Airplane
By: Chris Pickup of pickupsomecreativity.blogspot.com
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Learn how to fold a paper airplane with this origami tutorial from Chris Pickup. She recommends having a paper airplane flying contest with the kids for a fun outdoor activity.
To make these airplanes, you use a rectangle shaped paper. (Typically you have to cut off a quarter of a square shaped Origami paper.) Fold in half. Fold the top corners into the center line.
Now fold that triangle down about 2/3 of the way.
Now fold the corners in again, as indicated.
Here's the trick that really gives this plane "flyability" (to coin a phrase). Fold the little bit of the first point over the new points for stability.
Now fold the plane in half so that the colored parts are together.
All you have left to do now, is fold your wings in on each side along the dotted line.
Congratulations, you've made an awesome paper airplane that flies well. Enjoy some fun times with your kiddos.
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This final of three posts, covers Times and Seasons reader Last Lemming's suggestions for Mormon of the Year for the years 1990 through 2007. We already posted on Monday his picks for 1950 through 1969 and on Wednesday 1970 through 1989. I suspect as these posts get into more familiar and more recent territory, more of you will have comments and suggestions about who Last Lemming suggested and who should have been suggested instead. Read more »
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New and Published Books
1-2 of 2 results in Drought and Water Crises
- Page:
- 1
Drought, Risk Management, and Policy
Decision-Making Under Uncertainty
Series: Drought and Water Crises
Australia and the United States face very similar challenges in dealing with drought. Both countries cover a range of biophysical conditions, both are federations that provide considerable responsibility to state governments for water and land management, and both face the challenges in balancing...
Published January 28th 2013 by CRC Press
Remote Sensing of Drought
Innovative Monitoring Approaches
Series: Drought and Water Crises
Remote Sensing of Drought: Innovative Monitoring Approaches presents emerging remote sensing-based tools and techniques that can be applied to operational drought monitoring and early warning around the world. The first book to focus on remote sensing and drought monitoring, it brings together a...
Published April 24th 2012 by CRC Press
- Page:
- 1
Forthcoming Books
Natural Decadal Climate Variability: Societal Impacts and Predictability
To Be Published January 26th 2016
Water Policy and Planning in a Variable Changing Climate
To Be Published March 15th 2016


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Friday, July 15, 2011
© Copyright 2015 Gwinnett Daily Post
LAWRENCEVILLE -- Kids crowded around three horseshoe-positioned tables with smiles pasted on their faces, decked out in matching cowboy hats and white bandannas, to begin a new Wild West themed craft on Thursday put on by Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation and held at the Lawrenceville Female Seminary.
When the campers discovered they were learning how to make leather rattlesnakes, the noise level drastically escalated with excitement.
"Do all of y'all know how to braid?" shouted Connor Malcolm, 18-year-old camp director, over the noise.
"No!" yelled back giggling Matthew Woolston, 11, of Grayson, yet he had his leather rattlesnake braided in his lap before Malcom was able to give instructions.
The Wild West camp is one of several themed camps provided by the county throughout the summer to teach and entertain its campers.
"We've had camps for many, many years, and the particular curriculum has changed over time with what people are interested in, but we've always had the idea that we wanted to teach (the campers) something in addition to coming up with fun activities," said Kim Elmore, program leader. "So the Wild West camp is something that is new this year because we surveyed some of our parents and kids last year and they said, 'Let's do wild west camp next year.'"
The campers have participated in many activities this week, including creating teepees and canoes, panning for gold and playing with cork guns.
They also played games and relays such as a cow corral, where campers try to herd black and white colored balloons into their designated pens for a prize.
Kyle Fromme, 11, of Grayson said he enjoyed the week's camp theme and likes playing outside with his friends, pretending to lasso them like a cowboy.
"Panning for gold was a lot of fun, course we didn't get real gold, but it was really fun," Fromme said. "It was probably my favorite part."
Likewise, Shirley Herandez, 8, of Lawrenceville has enjoyed the camp theme. She said her favorite part, aside from panning for gold, was the crafts because "we usually get dirty and then wash our hands, and I like art a lot."
Elmore said she is surprised by some of the odd facts campers are able to retain, and she wasn't let down this year.
"All the interesting stuff is about the Indians, like how, disgustingly, they soaked the leather in sheep brain," Fromme said.
"Wild West" camp has been fun for the staff as well as the campers.
Malcolm said he loves working with the campers and it's easy to lose track of your age. He gets to revert back to his inner-child.
"You kind of catch yourself being a kid again, you know, acting on an impulse, just running around and having fun," Malcolm said. "So there is a part of me that still feels like a kid when I work here ... It also helps when you have that kid feeling, it helps you connect better with the kids."
The connection between staff and campers, along with interesting activities and imagination will keep at least Herandez wanting to come back.
"It's like history in here, but its history you can't see," Herandez said.
More like this story
- Girl Scouts experience thrills of the Wild West ( June 6, 2009 )
- Great adventures: Camp helps kids, adults with disabilities ( April 6, 2010 )
- Tiny treasure hunters: Camp helps kids explore archaeology ( July 30, 2011 )
- Girl Scouts hold annual Lilburn Day Camp ( June 4, 2014 )
- Camp teaches social skills, independence to children with autism ( July 1, 2010 )


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The National Constitution's "We the People" podcast will join the Huffington Post, New York Magazine and others for a new podcast network by Slate.
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Dikembe Mutombo joined the CDC Foundation's board of directors.
The teenager shot by the Taliban for spreading the word about the importance of education, spoke at the Forbes Under 30 Summit before receiving the 2014 Liberty Medal.
The teenager shot by the Taliban for spreading the word about the importance of education, spoke at the Forbes Under 30 Summit before receiving the 2014 Liberty Medal.
With so many of Philadelphia's arts and cultural institutions ailing, fundraising needs to get creative.
The Democratic National Committee has been treated to some of the city's iconic landmarks, but the key to winning the bid lies in its history, hotels and young voters.
Philadelphia rolls out the red carpet for the Democratic National Committee in hopes of winning the 2016 convention.
The well-regarded chef's new place will feature a natural stone and brick-accented interior.
A PBJ reporter travels around Philadelphia as a tourist.
Jefferson to rename medical school in honor of Sidney Kimmel following $110M donation.
Philly Cycling Classic gets new events, including an event for amateur bike riders.
Lawyers who were involved in the case against Proposition 8 will speak at the National Constitution Center.
When asked to describe the event in five words, Nicole Cohen, founder of New York startup Bon Voyaging and a first-time We Own It summit attendee, said, "Intelligent women creating positive change."
You may have noticed a few more women than usual, dressed in suits and heels, wandering Philadelphia's Old City last week.


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EVs a Quadruple Win for Utility Companies
August 2nd, 2014 | by Guest Contributor
A new white paper from the Edison Electric Institute makes the case that utility companies can get a "quadruple win" by converting their fleets to electric
August 2nd, 2014 | by Guest Contributor
A new white paper from the Edison Electric Institute makes the case that utility companies can get a "quadruple win" by converting their fleets to electric
July 13th, 2014 | by Steve Hanley
Volvo's heavy truck division recently revealed a new dual-clutch transmission designed to smooth up shifts and reduce wear and tear on HD commercial trucks
June 6th, 2014 | by Jo Borrás
Surprise, surprise - XL Hybrids is still around, and they're doing great, picking up big name clients like FedEx, Coca-Cola, and Pepsi and getting more MPG!
November 16th, 2013 | by Guest Contributor
Via Motors EV Truck Manufacturing Plant Opened In Mexico (via EV Obsession) VIA Motors, makers of the VTRUX brand of
July 3rd, 2013 | by Jo Borrás
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has approved AMP's Workhorse E-100 commercial electric van for rebates and incentives of up to $60,000. Per van
June 4th, 2013 | by Jo Borrás
Even with strong marketing and gov't incentives combined with the promise of zero-emissions and international media support for companies to switch to electric vans, "the demand is virtually nonexistent," according to Mercedes-Benz
February 2nd, 2013 | by Jo Borrás
Big rig trucks rule America's highways, and their big diesel engines – and their accompanying smoke stacks – are some
November 10th, 2012 | by Jo Borrás
After showing off a CNG-powered Chevy van at auto shows for the last few years (the same CNG-powered Chevy van),
September 23rd, 2012 | by Jo Borrás
Goodyear has announced a new line of self-inflating tires for commercial vehicles. The company's innovative new tires make use of a new system that Goodyear calls "Air Maintenance Technology" (AMT), which automatically keeps tires inflated to their optimum pressure.
May 5th, 2012 | by Jo Borrás
Vespa's APE three-wheeler is a 3rd-world workhorse of the first order, combining low cost, easy maintenance, high utility, and globally
March 3rd, 2012 | by Jo Borrás
Last week, over-the-road truck manufacturer Peterbilt showed off its new line of natural-gas-powered trucks to a select group of its
February 29th, 2012 | by Jo Borrás
This past Thursday, telecom giant AT&T re-committed to its stated goal of putting 15,000 CNG-powered vehicles into operation by 2018,
February 27th, 2012 | by Jo Borrás
Andersen Windows' delivery trucks have hit the highways, and they're being fueled by compressed natural gas that, the company believes,
February 9th, 2012 | by Jo Borrás
Before we get on into what's new at Chicago, let's take a few minutes to talk about what's not new.
December 4th, 2011 | by Jo Borrás
Thinking about a DIY conversion to get your guzzler of petroleum and on to CNG? You'll need a tank to
November 6th, 2011 | by Charis Michelsen
Most electric vehicles don't go quite as far on a single charge as a standard car goes on a tank
September 25th, 2011 | by Charis Michelsen
Truck owners represent a huge chunk of all vehicle traffic, and – when it comes to gas prices – they're
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Delivery and courier services are some of the cornerstones of our civilization – whether it's the pony express, snail mail,