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'That '70s Show' Star Charged With Drunk Driving
Lisa Robin Kelly, who played Laurie, Eric Foreman's sister, on 'That '70s Show,' has been charged with drunk driving. She was arrested in North Carolina in August after being pulled over by police on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol. According to TMZ, Kelly has pled guilty to driving while intoxicated. She was sentenced in November to 12 months of unsupervised probation. She was also ordered to pay a fine.
Kelly starred in over 50 episodes of 'That '70s Show.' She was mysteriously let go and replaced after the fifth season and hasn't done anything significant since then, according to her profile page on IMDB.
Kelly's physical appearance has changed dramatically since she was last seen on the show. The former blonde beauty had messy hair and looked bedraggled in her mugshot.
Celebrity Mug Shots
- Filed under:
- TV News -
- Troublemakers -
- Celebrity Scandal
- Tuesday 21 DecemberBy karienjohn
Learn how to form proper sentances, it looks as if a 2nd grader wrote that.
- Tuesday 21 DecemberBy R .
They had 3 months to write this article and they still managed to write it in Chinglish!?
- Tuesday 21 DecemberBy J. Henderson
Do the people who write this crap ever proofread their stories before they publish them? Almost all of them have multiple grammatical errors. It would take less than a minute to reread before they post. Better yet, maybe the monkey sitting next to them could do it.
- Tuesday 21 DecemberBy D Wayne
- Tuesday 21 DecemberBy Tommy
Geez surprise surprise! A star gets pulled over for drunk driving?
Hahahaha get some news we would like to really read.
- Tuesday 21 December
Hey Chuck!? Ya' moron. It's spelled: "grammar" and "graduate". "Did --YOU--gradumarate yer edumucation from da' 2nd grade , you average dimwitted American boob. Get a edumacation, deary! {{lmao}}
- Tuesday 21 DecemberBy ginoHigh Rank Vote downVote upReport this
This is your face on alcohol- any questions?
- Tuesday 21 DecemberBy Dan
She played a blonde bimbo on THAT 70s SHOW and she really is a blonde bimbo in real life. She was right for the character of Laurie!
- Tuesday 21 DecemberBy hi all
This broad had an ugly face even b4 she got busted for dui. Die biatch!
- Tuesday 21 DecemberBy jLjbMw3f
Laurie was such a tramp.. I liked 'Hot Donna' myself! ;D
And furthermore, who the hell even cares about which person misspelled what word, or any of that?! Gah.. Way to go on and on AND ON about something so rediculous. Just another way to amuse you lifeless idiots, in your spare time, I guess. Because I suppose it's safe to say that none of you have EVER made an error in spelling or grammar? I mean, really? Grow up.
- Tuesday 21 DecemberBy JT
Wow she look like she on drugs just can't believe about all those Hollywood stars they have everythings going to for them then they mess it up by drinking or doing drugs. Boy what I would do if I had money like them.
- Tuesday 21 DecemberBy judejaded
she looks like a dude in that mug photo. thought she was sexy as hell in 'That 70s Show', like a lot of the girls on that show. make-up in hollyweird must be charmed by the heavens.
- Tuesday 21 DecemberBy susieq
"She starred in over 50 episodes of 'That '70s Show.' She was mysteriously let go and replaced after the fifth season and hasn't done anything since, according to her profile page on IMDB.I love this , So does My boyfriend .he is almost 11year older than me .i met him via age'lessmate.c'om a nice place for seeking age le ss love.which gives you a chance to make your life better and open opportunities for you to meet the attractive young girls and treat you like a king. Maybe you wanna check it out or tell your friends.."
- Tuesday 21 DecemberBy susieq
This girl looks awful. She needs help in a big way. Where are her family and friends?
- Tuesday 21 DecemberBy belldn3
What happen to her face? She looks horrible. She was so fine on That 70's Show.
- Tuesday 21 DecemberBy Jim
I see very few of you can't see sarcasm when it is right in front of you. Maybe you haven't granulated kindergarten yet.
- Wednesday 22 December
Does not surprise me that the babe who played laurie on that 70's show was charged with drunk driving as I didn't think she looked like a clever person to begin with on the show. She always looked to me like she was on something then. Anyone who can play a scattered bird brain that well must be one to begin with and she probably liked her own way a lot . perhaps that blonde hair dye leaked into her brain.chemicals can wreck havoc with people if they don't watch what they are doing.
- Friday 24 DecemberBy mungee
fun fact:
she was kicked off the show due to a severe cocaine addiction. they tried bringing her back some time later, she fell off the wagon fast and hard again, so was booted again.
Jennifer Aniston
Is it Brad(ley) and Jen take 2? Jen was spotted out on the town with dreamboat ...
Paris Hilton
After Fairly Legal actress, Sarah Shahi, laid into Paris via Twitter for almost...
Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton is officially a princess. She walked the aisle in an Alexander...
Denise Richards
According to Denise, she's not sure that her estranged ex is completely sober....
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Quality Standard
We aim to bring you news on quality - quality of care and quality of life for older Australians in aged care and those receiving home care services.
We feature stories on what we do to promote quality, accreditation and quality review processes, statistics and analysis of industry performance, news on the latest research to help you do your job, and information on our popular education program.
You can read the Quality Standard online or you can download a copy in pdf format. Click on the relevant issue in the menu on the left.
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Opening This Week: R&J, Democracy, Shaolin, Price
Editorial Staff • West End • 8 Sep 2003
OPENING TONIGHT, Monday 8 September 2003 (previews from 3 September), Shakespeare's R&J has a limited season until 18 October 2003 at the West End's Arts Theatre (See News, 23 May 2003).
A modern spin-off of Romeo and Juliet from the New York-based company The Splinter Group and adapted and directed by American Joe Calarco, the play ran for 18 months Off-Broadway, where it won a Lucille Lortel award. It received its UK premiere in March 2003 at the fifth annual Bath Shakespeare Festival at the Theatre Royal in Bath (See News, 3 Mar 2003).
In Shakespeare's R&J, four schoolboys at a rigidly strict Catholic boys' school stumble across a forbidden copy of Shakespeare's text and act it out in secret, discovering a world of beauty and excitement and stirring adolescent sexual passions in a repressed environment.
OPENING TUESDAY, 9 September 2003 (previews from 30 August), is the world premiere of Democracy, the latest play from Michael Frayn (Copenhagen, Benefactors, Noises Off), which continues in repertory at the NT Cottesloe until 30 December 2003 (See News, 30 May 2003). Directed by Michael Blakemore, the production stars Olivier Award winners Roger Allam and Conleth Hill (who also won a Whatsonstage.com Award for Stones in His Pockets).
Democracy is set in West Germany in 1969 where Willy Brandt (Allam) begins his brief but remarkable career as the first left-of-centre Chancellor for nearly 40 years. Always present but rarely noticed is Gunter Guillaume (Hill), Brandt's devoted PA - and no less devoted in his other role, spying on Brandt for the Stasi.
OPENING WEDNESDAY, 10 September 2003 (previews from 8 September), the legendary monks of China's Shaolin Temple return to the Peacock Theatre, Sadler's Wells in the West End, for a limited season to 4 October 2003. Wheel of Life, a pyrotechnic display of martial arts expertise, tells the story of how the monks' loyalty to a corrupt Emperor was betrayed, how they were almost destroyed, and how five young monks survived to continue the 'Wheel of Life'.
OPENING THURSDAY, 11 September 2003 (previews from 9 September), the Tricycle Theatre's acclaimed revival of Arthur Miller's 1968 classic The Price transfers to the West End's Apollo Theatre (See News, 30 Jun 2003). The original cast - Warren Mitchell, Larry Lamb, Des McAleer and Sian Thomas, who won this year's Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers' Choice Award for Best Supporting Actress, jointly for this and for Up for Grabs - reprise their roles under Sean Holmes' direction.
The Price - which finds 90-year-old furniture dealer getting more than he bargained with in the form of two long estranged brothers - was written in 1968 and revived on Broadway in 2000, although prior to the Tricycle run last year, London had not seen a major revival of the play in more than three decades. Considered one of America's foremost playwrights of the 20th century, Miller's many other plays include A View from the Bridge, The Crucible, All My Sons and Death of a Salesman, for which he won the Pulitzer Prize.
- by Terri Paddock
DON'T MISS our Whatsonstage.com Outing to THE PRICE on Wednesday 24 September 2003 - including a FREE drink & an opportunity to meet the cast - all for only £22.50!!
Click here for more info & to BOOK NOW!


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Government Matters - August 3, 2014
August 4, 2014 - 03:40 pm
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On this week's edition of Government Matters:
-Hatzel Vela goes behind the scenes at the National Museum of Natural History and meets team members from the Smithsonian's Digitization Program.
-Ben Gielow, with the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, discusses pending privacy guidelines for UAVs.
-Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) outlines his latest push for whistleblower protections.
-Steve Vito, of Sage Communications, offers commentary on the procurement process for technology services.


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Press release from PR Newswire
US Airways Reports First Quarter Financial Results
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
US Airways Reports First Quarter Financial Results08:00 EDT Wednesday, April 25, 2012Highlights of US Airways Group, Inc.'s (the Company) first quarter 2012 results: - First quarter net loss excluding net special credits was $22 million, or ($0.13) per share. This compares favorably to a first quarter 2011 net loss excluding net special charges of $110 million, or ($0.68) per share. - On a GAAP basis, the Company reported a net profit for the first quarter 2012 of $48 million, or $0.28 per diluted share. This compares to the first quarter 2011 net loss of $114 million, or ($0.71) per share. - A 13.2 percent increase in consolidated fuel price significantly impacted the quarter. Had average fuel prices remained at first quarter 2011 levels, the Company's fuel expense would have been approximately $133 million lower. - Record first quarter revenues and outstanding cost discipline allowed the Company to offset the increase in fuel costs. Total passenger revenue per available seat mile (PRASM) increased 8.2 percent year-over-year. - Mainline cost per ASM (CASM) excluding special charges and fuel decreased by 0.6 percent.TEMPE, Ariz., April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- US Airways Group, Inc. (NYSE: LCC) today reported its first quarter 2012 financial results. For the first quarter 2012, net loss excluding net special credits was $22 million, or ($0.13) per share. Net loss excluding net special charges for the first quarter 2011 was $110 million, or ($0.68) per share. On a GAAP basis, the Company reported a net profit of $48 million for its first quarter 2012, or $0.28 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $114 million, or ($0.71) per share, for the same period in 2011.(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120103/LA28814LOGO)See the accompanying notes in the Financial Tables section of this press release for a reconciliation of GAAP financial information to non-GAAP financial information.US Airways Group, Inc. Chairman and CEO Doug Parker stated, "We are pleased to report significantly improved first quarter financial results in spite of record high fuel prices. Consumer demand for our product remains very high, resulting in record high first quarter revenue, load factor, yield and PRASM."Our 32,000 team members continue to run an outstanding airline for our customers. Thanks to their efforts, US Airways achieved our best-ever first quarter in completion factor, on-time arrivals and baggage handling."Looking forward, as we prepare for the busy summer travel period, we continue to be encouraged with the overall strength in passenger demand. That strength, combined with our commitment to industry-leading operating reliability, cost containment and capacity discipline has US Airways strongly positioned for 2012 and beyond," concluded Parker.Revenue and Cost ComparisonsStrong passenger demand and record passenger yields led to improved revenue performance. Total revenues in the first quarter were a record $3.3 billion, up 10.3 percent versus the first quarter 2011 on a 3.0 percent increase in total available seat miles (ASMs). Total revenue per ASM was a record 15.45 cents, up 7.1 percent versus the same period last year, driven by a record first quarter load factor of 79.3 percent, up 1.3 points, and a 6.5 percent increase in passenger yields.Total operating expenses in the first quarter were $3.2 billion, up 6.9 percent over the same period last year due primarily to a $160 million increase in consolidated fuel expense. Mainline cost per available seat mile (CASM) was 13.57 cents, up 3.7 percent on a 4.0 percent increase in mainline ASMs. Excluding special charges and fuel, mainline CASM was 8.71 cents, down 0.6 percent versus the same period last year. Express CASM excluding special charges and fuel was 15.33 cents, up 1.5 percent on a 1.8 percent decrease in Express ASMs. LiquidityAs of March 31, 2012, the Company had $2.54 billion in total cash and investments, of which $347 million was restricted, up from $2.31 billion, of which $365 million was restricted on December 31, 2011.In addition, in April 2012 US Airways entered into a loan agreement, pursuant to which US Airways borrowed an aggregate principal amount of $100 million. The net proceeds after fees were approximately $98 million. The loan is collateralized by certain airport take-off and landing slots.Special CreditsThe Company recognized $70 million of net special credits in the first quarter. Special credits included a $73 million gain associated with the previously announced slot transaction with Delta Air Lines, Inc., offset in part by a $3 million special operating charge. The Company closed the slot transaction in December 2011, which resulted in a $147 million gain that the Company deferred as of December 31, 2011 due to Department of Transportation (DOT) operating restrictions. The Company expects to recognize the remaining $74 million gain in the third quarter of 2012 as the operating restrictions lapse.Notable AccomplishmentsBegan daily non-stop service between Washington, D.C.'s Reagan National Airport (DCA) to Jackson, Miss.; Birmingham, Ala.; Fayetteville, N.C.; Islip, N.Y.; Little Rock, Ark.; Jacksonville, N.C.; Pensacola, Fla.; Tallahassee, Fla. and Ft. Walton Beach, Fla. New service to DCA also began from Memphis, Tenn.; Omaha, Neb. and Ottawa, Ontario and the airline improved service on existing routes between DCA and Savannah, Ga.; Bangor, Maine and Hartford, Conn. Announced the start of new non-stop service to Washington, D.C. from Cincinnati, Ohio and Des Moines, Iowa to begin on May 2 and new, daily non-stop service from San Diego to Washington, D.C. to begin on June 8. Also announced new flights to the nation's capital from Augusta, Ga.; Minneapolis; Fayetteville, Ark.; Montreal, Quebec and Toronto, Ontario beginning July 11. Announced expansion of the airline's Gogo® Wi-Fi inflight Internet service to its fleet of Airbus A319, A320 and Embraer 190 aircraft. With the expansion, US Airways will have 90 percent of its mainline domestic fleet equipped with Wi-Fi Internet access. The airline also announced the service will be expanded to US Airways Express Embraer 170 and 175 aircraft operated by Republic Airlines. In addition to extending inflight Wi-Fi on more flights, the airline announced that it will launch Gogo Vision?, a streaming video product that allows passengers to watch movies and television shows on their own Wi-Fi enabled device. Awarded $12 million to employees in profit sharing, recognizing their contributions to the Company's full-year 2011 net profit of $111 million. Was recipient of the Top 25 Workplaces for Women award by az magazine for creating one of the best workplaces for women in Arizona. The airline was awarded for the percentage of women in leadership positions, programs and practices that demonstrate a commitment to hiring and retaining women and for providing a family-friendly work environment. On March 27, 2012, flight attendants at PSA Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of US Airways, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) Council 75, voted to ratify the new five-year collective bargaining agreement that was previously announced on Feb. 23. The new agreement was ratified by PSA's 268 AFA-represented flight attendants based in Dayton, Ohio; Knoxville, Tenn. and Charlotte, N.C. On April 3, 2012 US Airways received the 2012 MRO of the Year Award for airline maintenance excellence by Aviation Week and Overhaul & Maintenance magazine. This prestigious industry award is given to the world's top MRO and maintenance-related companies that demonstrate outstanding achievement and innovation in the area of technical operations. On April 18, 2012, the Company's Charlotte, N.C.-based line maintenance supervisor James "Red" Leslie received the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) coveted Charles Taylor "Master Mechanic" Award for his 50 years of dedication in aviation maintenance. The award recognizes the lifetime accomplishments of senior aviation mechanics. Tampa, Fla.-based lead mechanic Bill Earnest and San Diego, Calif.-based mechanic Glenn Hobbs will receive the award later this spring. The Company's treasury team was awarded with the Treasury Team of the Year Award for 2011 by Airfinance Journal. The team was also recognized with the North American Deal of the year for 2011.Analyst Conference Call/Webcast DetailsUS Airways will conduct a live audio webcast of its earnings call today at 12:30 p.m. ET, which will be available to the public on a listen-only basis at www.usairways.com under the Company Info >>Investor Relations tab. An archive of the call/webcast will be available in the Investor Relations portion of the Web site through May 25.2012 Investor GuidanceThe Company will also update its investor relations guidance on its Web site (www.usairways.com) immediately following its 12:30 p.m. ET conference call. The Company typically provides guidance related to cost per available seat mile (CASM) excluding special charges, fuel and profit sharing, fuel prices, other revenues and estimated interest expense/income on its investor relations update page on its web site. This update will also include the airline's capacity, fleet plan and estimated capital spending for the remainder of 2012.About US AirwaysUS Airways, along with US Airways Shuttle and US Airways Express, operates more than 3,200 flights per day and serves more than 200 communities in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean, Central and South America. The airline employs more than 32,000 aviation professionals worldwide, operates the world's largest fleet of Airbus aircraft and is a member of the Star Alliance network, which offers its customers more than 21,000 daily flights to 1,290 airports in 189 countries. Together with its US Airways Express partners, the airline serves approximately 80 million passengers each year and operates hubs in Charlotte, N.C., Philadelphia and Phoenix, and a focus city in Washington, D.C. at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Aviation Week and Overhaul & Maintenance magazine presented US Airways with the 2012 Aviation Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) of the Year Award for demonstrating outstanding achievement and innovation in the area of technical operations. US Airways was the only airline included as one of the 50 best companies to work for in the U.S. by LATINA Style magazine's 50 Report for 2010 and 2011. The airline also earned a 100 percent rating on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality index for six consecutive years. The Corporate Equality index is a leading indicator of companies' attitudes and policies toward lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees and customers. For more company information visit usairways.com, follow on Twitter @USAirways or at Facebook.com/USAirways. (LCCF)Forward Looking StatementsCertain of the statements contained or referred to herein are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "plan," "project," "could," "should," "would," "continue" and similar terms used in connection with statements regarding, among others, the outlook, expected fuel costs, revenue and pricing environment, and expected financial performance and liquidity position of the Company. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future financial and operating results, the Company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual results and financial position to differ materially from these statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: the impact of significant operating losses in the future; downturns in economic conditions and their impact on passenger demand, booking practices and related revenues; increased costs of financing, a reduction in the availability of financing and fluctuations in interest rates; the impact of the price and availability of fuel and significant disruptions in the supply of aircraft fuel; the Company's high level of fixed obligations and ability to fund general corporate requirements, obtain additional financing and respond to competitive developments; any failure to comply with the liquidity covenants contained in financing arrangements; provisions in credit card processing and other commercial agreements that may affect the Company's liquidity; the impact of union disputes, employee strikes and other labor-related disruptions; the inability to maintain labor costs at competitive levels; interruptions or disruptions in service at one or more of the Company's hub airports or focus city; regulatory changes affecting the allocation of slots; the Company's reliance on third-party regional operators or third-party service providers; the Company's reliance on and costs, rights and functionality of third-party distribution channels, including those provided by global distribution systems, conventional travel agents and online travel agents; changes in government regulation; the impact of changes to the Company's business model; competitive practices in the industry, including the impact of industry consolidation; the loss of key personnel or inability to attract and retain qualified personnel; the impact of conflicts overseas or terrorist attacks, and the impact of ongoing security concerns; the Company's ability to operate and grow its route network; the impact of environmental regulation; the Company's reliance on technology and automated systems and the impact of any failure or disruption of, or delay in, these technologies or systems; costs of ongoing data security compliance requirements and the impact of any significant data security breach; the impact of any accident involving the Company's aircraft or the aircraft of its regional operators; delays in scheduled aircraft deliveries or other loss of anticipated fleet capacity; the Company's dependence on a limited number of suppliers for aircraft, aircraft engines and parts; the Company's ability to operate profitably out of Philadelphia International Airport; the impact of weather conditions and seasonality of airline travel; the impact of possible future increases in insurance costs or reductions in available insurance coverage; the impact of global events that affect travel behavior, such as an outbreak of a contagious disease; the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; the Company's ability to use NOLs and certain other tax attributes; and other risks and uncertainties listed from time to time in the Company's reports to and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). There may be other factors not identified above of which the Company is not currently aware that may affect matters discussed in the forward-looking statements, and may also cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or supplement any forward-looking statement to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting such estimates other than as required by law. Additional factors that may affect the future results of the Company are set forth in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 and in the Company's other filings with the SEC, which are available at www.usairways.com.US Airways Group, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (In millions, except share and per share amounts)(Unaudited)3 Months Ended March 31,Percent20122011ChangeOperating revenues: Mainline passenger$ 2,117$ 1,90011.4 Express passenger76468511.6 Cargo4043(6.0) Other3453333.6 Total operating revenues3,2662,96110.3Operating expenses: Aircraft fuel and related taxes85973417.0 Salaries and related costs6065735.8 Express expenses: Fuel27724214.1 Other525528(0.5) Aircraft rent162164(1.3) Aircraft maintenance163163(0.2) Other rent and landing fees1401298.5 Selling expenses11110010.9 Special items, net33(11.4) Depreciation and amortization61601.7 Other300304(0.7) Total operating expenses3,2073,0006.9 Operating income (loss)59(39) nm Nonoperating income (expense): Interest income-1(72.6) Interest expense, net(82)(77)6.8 Other, net711 nm Total nonoperating expense, net(11)(75)(86.0)Income (loss) before income taxes48(114) nm Income tax provision--- Net income (loss)$ 48$ (114) nm Earnings (loss) per common share Basic $ 0.30$ (0.71) Diluted$ 0.28$ (0.71)Shares used for computation (in thousands): Basic162,130161,890 Diluted201,814161,890Note: Percent change may not recalculate due to rounding.US Airways Group, Inc.Operating Statistics3 Months Ended March 31,20122011ChangeMainlineRevenue passenger miles (millions)14,30013,5705.4%Available seat miles (ASM) (millions)17,71817,0354.0%Passenger load factor (percent)80.779.71.0ptsYield (cents)14.8014.005.7%Passenger revenue per ASM (cents)11.9511.157.1%Passenger enplanements (thousands)13,28612,5046.3%Departures (thousands)1151122.0%Aircraft at end of period340340-%Block hours (thousands)2992941.8%Average stage length (miles)9549460.9%Average passenger journey (miles)1,6061,5930.8%Fuel consumption (gallons in millions)2642563.2%Average aircraft fuel price including related taxes (dollars per gallon) 3.262.8713.4%Full-time equivalent employees at end of period31,18630,6211.8%Operating cost per ASM (cents)13.5713.093.7%Operating cost per ASM excluding special items (cents)13.5613.073.8%Operating cost per ASM excluding special items and fuel (cents)8.718.76(0.6)%Express*Revenue passenger miles (millions)2,4592,4380.9%Available seat miles (millions)3,4293,492(1.8)%Passenger load factor (percent)71.769.81.9ptsYield (cents)31.0628.0810.6%Passenger revenue per ASM (cents)22.2819.6013.7%Passenger enplanements (thousands)6,5366,3473.0%Aircraft at end of period2882812.5%Fuel consumption (gallons in millions)84831.3%Average aircraft fuel price including related taxes (dollars per gallon) 3.292.9212.7%Operating cost per ASM (cents)23.3922.066.0%Operating cost per ASM excluding special items (cents)23.3922.036.2%Operating cost per ASM excluding special items and fuel (cents)15.3315.101.5%Total Mainline & ExpressRevenue passenger miles (millions)16,75916,0084.7%Available seat miles (millions)21,14720,5273.0%Passenger load factor (percent)79.378.01.3ptsYield (cents)17.1916.146.5%Passenger revenue per ASM (cents)13.6212.598.2%Total revenue per ASM (cents)15.4514.427.1%Passenger enplanements (thousands)19,82218,8515.2%Aircraft at end of period6286211.1%Fuel consumption (gallons in millions)3483392.7%Average aircraft fuel price including related taxes (dollars per gallon) 3.272.8813.2%Operating cost per ASM (cents)15.1714.613.8%Operating cost per ASM excluding special items (cents)15.1614.593.8%Operating cost per ASM excluding special items and fuel (cents)9.789.84(0.5)%* Express includes US Airways Group's wholly owned regional airline subsidiaries,Piedmont Airlines and PSA Airlines, as well as operating and financial results fromcapacity purchase agreements with Republic Airlines, Mesa Airlines, Air WisconsinAirlines, Chautauqua Airlines and SkyWest Airlines.Note: Amounts may not recalculate due to rounding.Reconciliation of GAAP Financial Information to Non-GAAP Financial Information US Airways Group, Inc. (the "Company") is providing disclosure of the reconciliation of reported non-GAAP financial measures to their comparable financial measures on a GAAP basis. The Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures provide investors the ability to measure financial performance excluding special items, which is more indicative of the Company's ongoing performance and is more comparable to measures reported by other major airlines. The Company believes that the presentation of mainline and express CASM excluding fuel is useful to investors as both the cost and availability of fuel are subject to many economic and political factors beyond the Company's control. Management uses mainline and express CASM excluding special items and fuel to evaluate the Company's operating performance.3 Months Ended March 31,20122011Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) Excluding Special Items(In millions, except share and per share amounts)Net income (loss) as reported$ 48$ (114)Special items: Special items, net33 Express operating special items, net-1 Nonoperating special items, net (1)(73)-Net loss as adjusted for special items$ (22)$ (110)3 Months Ended March 31,Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share As20122011Adjusted for Special ItemsNet loss as adjusted for special items$ (22)$ (110)Shares used for computation (in thousands): Basic162,130161,890 Diluted162,130161,890Loss per share as adjusted for special items: Basic$ (0.13)$ (0.68) Diluted$ (0.13)$ (0.68)3 Months Ended March 31,Reconciliation of Operating Income (Loss) Excluding Special Items20122011Operating income (loss) as reported$ 59$ (39)Special items: Special items, net33 Express operating special items, net-1Operating income (loss) as adjusted for special items$ 62$ (35)3 Months Ended March 31,Reconciliation of Operating Cost per ASM Excluding Special20122011Items and Fuel - Mainline onlyTotal operating expenses$ 3,207$ 3,000Less express expenses: Fuel(277)(242) Other(525)(528)Total mainline operating expenses2,4052,230 Special items, net(3)(3)Mainline operating expenses, excluding special items2,4022,227 Aircraft fuel and related taxes (859)(734)Mainline operating expenses, excluding special items and fuel $ 1,543$ 1,493 (In cents) Mainline operating expenses per ASM$ 13.57$ 13.09 Special items, net per ASM(0.01)(0.02)Mainline operating expenses per ASM, excluding special items13.5613.07 Aircraft fuel and related taxes per ASM(4.85)(4.31)Mainline operating expenses per ASM, excluding special itemsand fuel$ 8.71$ 8.76Note: Amounts may not recalculate due to rounding.3 Months Ended March 31,Reconciliation of Operating Cost per ASM Excluding Special20122011Items and Fuel - Express onlyTotal express operating expenses$ 802$ 770 Express operating special items, net-(1)Express operating expenses, excluding special items802769 Aircraft fuel and related taxes(277)(242)Express operating expenses, excluding special items and fuel$ 525$ 527 (In cents) Express operating expenses per ASM$ 23.39$ 22.06 Express operating special items, net per ASM-(0.03)Express operating expenses per ASM, excluding special items23.3922.03 Aircraft fuel and related taxes per ASM(8.06)(6.94)Express operating expenses per ASM, excluding special items and fuel$ 15.33$ 15.10Note: Amounts may not recalculate due to rounding.3 Months Ended March 31,Reconciliation of Operating Cost per ASM Excluding Special 20122011Items and Fuel - Total Mainline and ExpressTotal operating expenses$ 3,207$ 3,000Special items: Special items, net(3)(3) Express operating special items, net-(1)Total operating expenses, excluding special items3,2042,996Fuel: Aircraft fuel and related taxes - mainline(859)(734) Aircraft fuel and related taxes - express(277)(242)Total operating expenses, excluding special items and fuel $ 2,068$ 2,020 (In cents) Total operating expenses per ASM$ 15.17$ 14.61Special items per ASM: Special items, net(0.01)(0.01) Express operating special items, net-(0.01)Total operating expenses per ASM, excluding special items15.1614.59Fuel per ASM: Aircraft fuel and related taxes - mainline(4.06)(3.58) Aircraft fuel and related taxes - express(1.31)(1.18)Total operating expenses per ASM, excluding special itemsand fuel$ 9.78$ 9.84Note: Amounts may not recalculate due to rounding.FOOTNOTES:1)In the first quarter of 2012, the Company recognized a $73 million gain associated with the slot transaction with Delta Air Lines, Inc. The Company closed the slot transaction in December 2011, which resulted in a $147 million gain that the Company fully deferred as of December 31, 2011 due to DOT operating restrictions. The Company expects to recognize the remaining $74 million gain in the third quarter of 2012 as the operating restrictions lapse. US Airways Group, Inc.Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets(In millions)(Unaudited)March 31, 2012December 31, 2011AssetsCurrent assets Cash and cash equivalents$ 2,190$ 1,947 Accounts receivable, net449327 Materials and supplies, net294235 Prepaid expenses and other631540 Total current assets3,5643,049Property and equipment Flight equipment4,6054,591 Ground property and equipment923907 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(1,556)(1,501)3,9723,997 Equipment purchase deposits200153 Total property and equipment4,1724,150Other assets Other intangibles, net539543 Restricted cash347365 Other assets226228 Total other assets1,1121,136 Total assets$ 8,848$ 8,335Liabilities and Stockholders' EquityCurrent liabilities Current maturities of debt and capital leases$ 453$ 436 Accounts payable415386 Air traffic liability1,416910 Accrued compensation and vacation187176 Accrued taxes239163 Other accrued expenses1,0311,089 Total current liabilities3,7413,160Noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits Long-term debt and capital leases, net of current maturities3,9844,130 Deferred gains and credits, net325307 Employee benefit liabilities and other598588 Total noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits4,9075,025Stockholders' equity Common stock22 Additional paid-in capital2,1242,122 Accumulated other comprehensive income22 Accumulated deficit(1,928)(1,976) Total stockholders' equity200150 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$ 8,848$ 8,335SOURCE US AirwaysFor further information: Dan Cravens, +1-480-693-5729


text:
Localizer embodiments (40, 140, 180, 240, 280) suitable for guidance of medical instrument tips (104) to a breast lesion (79) are provided. In one embodiment (40), the breast is closely fitted within a selected one of a plurality of sized MR transparent cups (44) to reduce movement during imaging and localization. A guide bore (60A) is selected from an array of bores and a medical instrument is guided therethrough in accordance with imaged spacings obtained with the aid of an MR visible coordinate system (46). A medical instrument (300) suitable for use with the localizers is also provided.
1. A magnetic resonance (MR) localizer for use with a medical instrument having a tip, comprising:
at least one cup formed from a substantially MR transparent material to have a contour shaped and dimensioned to receive a breast therein;
an MR visible coordinate system which serves to define points in an imaging space within the coordinate system having x, y, and z coordinate axes markers;
means for positioning said at least one cup substantially within said imaging space; and,
means for guiding the medical instrument to position the tip proximate to any chosen of said points.
2. The localizer of claim 1 wherein said positioning means includes a frame formed from a substantially MR transparent material and each of said markers includes a lumen and an MR signal-producing material within said lumen.
3. The localizer of claim 1 wherein
said positioning means includes a frame formed from a substantially MR transparent material; and,
said guiding means includes a first array of bores, each of said bores positioned in said frame.
4. The localizer of claim 3 wherein said guiding means further includes a second array of bores, each of said bores positioned in said frame and wherein said first and second arrays are spatially interleaved.
5. The localizer of claim 1 wherein said at least one cup has a flange and said positioning means includes a lip to abut said flange.
6. The localizer of claim 1 wherein said at least one cup has a wall including a plurality of apertures.
7. A method for localizing lesions in a breast with the aid of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, comprising the steps of:
arranging an MR visible coordinate system which serves to define points in an imaging space within the coordinate system having x, y, and z coordinate axes markers;
substantially preventing movement of a breast positioned within said imaging space by the steps including fitting a cup formed from a substantially MR transparent material over said breast and holding said breast and said cup substantially fixed relative to said coordinate system;
MR imaging said coordinate system and a lesion within said breast to obtain the spacing therebetween;
selecting, in accordance with said spacing, one of a plurality of guide bores operatively arranged with said coordinate system; and,
inserting a medical instrument through the selected bore to place its tip proximate to said lesion.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein said fitting step includes the step of inserting an adhesive between said cup and said breast to reduce movement therebetween.
9. The method of claim 7 wherein said fitting step includes the step of inserting a medical grade adhesive between a flange of said cup and the chest wall surrounding said breast to reduce movement therebetween.
10. The method of claim 7 wherein said fitting step includes the steps of;
submerging said breast in a liquid to obtain a volumetric measure thereof; and
selecting said cup, in accordance with said volumetric measure, from a plurality of different sized cups.
11. The method of claim 7 wherein said inserting step includes the step of rotating said medical instrument with a drill.
12. A magnetic resonance (MR) localizer in combination with a medical instrument having a tip and an outer diameter, said localizer comprising:
at least one cup formed from a substantially MR transparent material to have a contour shaped and dimensioned to receive a breast therein;
an MR visible coordinate system which serves to define points in an imaging space within the coordinate system having x, y, and z coordinate axes markers;
means for positioning said at least one cup substantially within said imaging space;
means for guiding the medical instrument to position the tip proximate to any chosen of said points;
wherein said positioning means includes a frame formed from a substantially MR transparent material; and,
said guiding means includes a first array of bores, each of said bores positioned in said frame and having a bore axis, bore diameter, and bore length dimensioned to closely receive the outer diameter of the medical instrument in order to minimize the deviation of the tip from the bore axis when the medical instrument is passed through said each bore.
13. The combination of claim 12 wherein said guiding means further includes a second array of bores, each of said bores positioned in said frame and having a bore axis, bore diameter, and bore length dimensioned to closely receive the outer diameter of the medical instrument in order to minimize the deviation of the tip from the bore axis when the medical instrument is passed though said each bore and wherein said first and second arrays are spatially interleaved.
The present invention relates generally to magnetic resonance mammography and more particularly to localizers for use therewith.
Breast cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer among women in the western world and the leading cause of death in general among persons 35 to 55 years of age. Imaging modalities for detection of breast lesions include X-ray mammography, sonography, thermography, computed tomography, angiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The application of MRI to the imaging, localization (guidance to a lesion site) and treatment of breast lesions is copiously described in the literature. MRI literature references include MR Mammography, Kaiser, Werner A., Springer-Verlag, Berlin Heidelberg, 1993; Kaiser, Werner A., MRM promises earlier breast cancer diagnosis, Diagnostic Imaging, September, 1992; Svane, G., Stereotaxic Technique for Preoperative Marking of Non-Palpable Breast Lesions, Acta Radiolagical Diagnosis, 1983; Schnall, M. D., et al., A System for MR Guided Stereotactic Breast Biopsies and Interventions, Proceedings of the Twelfth Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, 1993, 1:163; Liu, Haiying, et al., Fat Suppression with an Optimized Adiabatic Excitation Pulse, Proceedings of the Twelfth Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, 1993, 3:1188; Hajek, Paul, et al., Localization Grid for MR-guided Biopsy, Radiology, 1987; Steger, A. C., et al., Interstitial Laser Hyperthermia, Br Medical Journal, 1989, 299; Castro, Dan, Metastatic Head and Neck Malignancy Treated Using MRI Guided Interstitial Laser Phototherapy, Laryngoscope 102, January, 1992; Ahlstom, K. Hakan, CT-guided Bone Biopsy, Radiology, 1993; Harms, S. E., MR Imaging of the Breast, JMRI, January/February, 1993; Heywang-Kobrunner, Sylvia, Nonmammographic Breast Imaging Techniques, Current Opinion in Radiology, 1992; Cosman, Eric, et al., Combined Use of a New Target-Centered Arc System, Proceedings of the Meeting of the American Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, Montreal 1987; Langlois, S. L., et al., Carbon Localization of Impalpable Mammographic Abnormalities, Australasian Radiology, August, 1991; Harms, S. E., et al., MR Imaging of the Breast with Rotating Delivery of Excitation Off Resonance, Radiology, 1993; Lagois, M. D., et al., The Concept and Implications of Multicentricity in Breast Carcinoma, Pathology Annual, Appleton-Century-Crofts, New York, 1981; Giorgi, C., et al., Three-dimensional Reconstruction of Neuroradiological Data, applied Neurophysiology, 1987; Heywang-Kobrunner, S. H. MRI of Breast Disease, Presented at the Twelfth Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society of Magnetic Imaging in Medicine, 1993; Liu, H., et al., Biplanar Gradient Coil Imaging (abstract), JMRI, 1993; Bown, S. G., Minimally Invasive Therapy in Breast Cancer (abstract), JMRI, 1993; and Derosier, C., MR and Stereotaxis, J. Neuroradiol, 1991. The disclosures of the above cited references are hereby incorporated by reference and liberally drawn from for this background section.
MRI can be realized because atoms with an odd number of protons or neutrons possess an intrinsic rotation or "spin" that, for clarity, may be likened to the spinning of a top. The atomic nucleus also carries an electric charge, and the combination of spin and charge leads to the generation of a magnetic field around the particle. The nucleus, then, represents a magnetic dipole whose axis is directed parallel to the axis of spin.
In the absence of an applied external magnetic field, the orientations of the proton spin axes are distributed statistically in space, so the magnetic dipoles cancel out in terms of their external effect. When a patient is placed into a magnetic field, the magnetic moments become oriented either parallel or antiparallel to the external field. Each state has a different energy level, the parallel alignment being the more favorable state in terms of energy. To alter these different energy states, the energy difference must either be added to or absorbed from the system from the outside. This can be accomplished by the application of an electromagnetic pulse at the magnetic resonance (MR) frequency or "Larmor frequency". In a magnetic field of 1 Tesla, for example, the Larmor frequency is 42 MHz.
The applied radio frequency pulse tilts the spin axis of the protons out of alignment by an angle that depends on the amplitude and duration of the transmitted electromagnetic pulse. A 90� pulse is one that tilts the magnetization vector from the z axis to the xy plane, while a 180� pulse causes a complete inversion of the magnetization vector.
After the excitation pulse has passed, relaxation commences as the nuclei return to their original states. This realignment process is characterized by a relaxation time T1 and corresponds to the motion of an electric charge in a magnetic field. As a result, the relaxation process causes the emission of an electromagnetic signal (the MR signal) from the nuclei that can be detected with special antennas (coils).
When the resonance frequency is applied to the sample as a 90�pulse, the pulse not only tilts the magnetic moment 90� but also tends to align the spin axes in the direction of the rf pulse. The angle of the spin axes is called the "phase". When the rf pulse ceases, the individual spins immediately begin to go out of phase. This "dephasing" process is called spin-spin relaxation and is characterized by a T2 relaxation time. The spin-lattice or T1 relaxation time describes the return of the magnetic moment to alignment with the external magnetic field. Both processes occur simultaneously in the same nucleus. Characteristic T1 values in biologic tissues range from 0.5 to 2 seconds and T2 values from 10 to 200 milliseconds.
By modifying the amplitude and duration of the applied rf pulses, an investigator can manipulate the alignment of the nuclear spins in varying degrees and for varying lengths of time. Accordingly, the MR signals generated by the tissue relaxation process vary greatly depending on the type of excitation pulses that are applied. The basic pulse sequences in clinical use include spin-echo, inversion recovery, gradient echo and fat suppression. Specialized pulse sequences under these general types include FLASH, FISP, RODEO and SNOMAN.
Image plane selection (slice selection) is accomplished by superimposing a linear gradient field upon a static magnetic field. Because the gradient field increases linearly in one direction, e.g., along the z axis, there is only one site at which the resonance or Larmor frequency condition is met. The bandwidth of an applied rf pulse and the steepness of the gradient determine the thickness of the tissue slice from which MR signals emanate. When two additional gradient fields are applied in the x and y directions, frequency or phase information can be assigned to different points within the selected plane.
A complete pulse sequence yields a raw-data image called a hologram. A 2-dimensional Fourier transform is applied to the raw data to construct the final image. Through the switching of magnetic gradients, sectional images can be constructed on a coronal, axial or sagittal plane or in any oblique orientation desired (coronal, axial and sagittal planes are respectively those dividing the frame into front and back portions, those dividing the frame into right and left portions and those dividing the frame into upper and lower portions).
Components of an MR unit include a primary magnet, shim coils whose current supply is computer controlled to produce the desired field homogeneity, gradient coils to generate linear gradient fields, an rf coil for transmitting the rf pulses and receiving the MR signals ( the signals may be received through the transmitting coil or a separate receiving coil), a computer for control of data acquisition, imaging parameters, and analysis and data storage media.
The rf excitation signal and the MR signal emitted by relaxing nuclear spins are respectively transmitted and received with rf coils types that include surface coils, whole-volume coils (in solenoid, saddle and birdcage configurations), partial-volume coils, intracavitary coils and coil arrays.
Breast coils are typically whole-volume solenoids used both for transmission and receiving. Such coils are especially suited for imaging frame regions that are perpendicular to the magnet aperture, e.g., breasts, fingers. They include square 4 pole resonators that can be inserted over the breast during imaging and Helmholtz pair resonators. Pairs of breast coils are often coupled to allow imaging of both breasts, e.g., see Model QBC-17 Phased Array Breast Coil, MRI Devices Corporation, 1900 Pewaukee Road, Waukesha, Wis.
The MR signal intensity varies exponentially with T1 and T2. Thus, a substance that alters the tissue relaxation times can be a potent image contrast enhancer. Gadolinium-diethylene triamine-pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) is particularly suitable for producing contrast enhancement. Enhancement following injection seems to correlate with the vascularization of the lesion and the intense MR signal enhancement in carcinomas may be due to their increased vascular density.
Dynamic imaging involves repetitive imaging of the same slices before and after injection of Gd-DPTA. Dynamic, contrast-enhanced MR imaging has been found to be especially effective in differentiating benign from malignant lesions. MR signal increases (typically within the first minute after injection) can help differentiate carcinoma from benign breast lesions such as fibroadenoma, proliferative mastopathy, cysts, scars and mastopathies.
Numerous investigations and tests have demonstrated the high sensitivity (proportion of people having a disease that are so identified by a test) and specificity (proportion of people free of a disease that are so identified by a test) of MR imaging and its ability to detect even small cancers, e.g., 3-5 millimeters. However, successful imaging of breast lesions must be accompanied by effective guidance of medical instruments to the lesion site to facilitate diagnosis and treatment.
Accurate guidance is especially difficult in breasts because they lack rigid structure as, for example, in the cranium and can assume numerous configurations. FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are respectively front, top and side views of a breast 20 and illustrate how the location of a breast lesion 21 is typically described in relation to a coordinate system centered on the breast nipple 22. In these views, the lesion 21 exhibits cranial spacing 24, medial spacing 26 and posterior spacing 28 from the nipple 22. However, it is apparent that if the breast 20 were allowed to assume a configuration different from that of FIG. 1, these spacings would no longer accurately describe the lesion location. Thus, imaging and localization procedures are preferably completed without disturbing the breast position therebetween so that the imaging spacings used for localization are not corrupted.
Non-invasive localization or guidance techniques include measurement of the spacing between the lesion and the nipple and between the lesion and the overlying skin surface and transposition of the measurements to the breast surface where the calculated site is marked as a guide for a surgeon. Because of the considerations described above, non-invasive techniques generally permit only approximate guidance.
Invasive localization techniques often include apparatus for reducing breast movement and/or providing an MR visible coordinate. For example, perforated compression plates having rectangular apertures therein and an image visible coordinate system are described in Svane and Schnall in the above incorporated references. Gd-DTPA filled polyethylene tubes arranged in a grid and taped to an abdomen as a localization aid are described in Hajek in the above incorporated references.
Invasive treatment techniques include the insertion of a carbon trail leading to the lesion vicinity with a carbon trail injector as described in Svane and Langlois in the above incorporated references. The carbon trail serves as a marker to guide a surgeon to the lesion. Hook-wires are inserted to the lesion vicinity for the same purpose. They are typically removed during surgery. Introducing a fiber optic to the lesion vicinity for treatment with laser energy is described in Bown and Steger in the above incorporated references (interstitial laser photocoagulation or ILP in Bown; interstitial laser hyperthermia in Steger). In these treatment techniques, the laser fiber is typically passed through a thin needle to the lesion site.
Preferably, laser therapy is performed with the breast in a relaxed position to avoid forcing (as in compression techniques) a lesion proximate to the skin surface or urging separate lesions together thus losing spatial differentiation. In the first case, skin tissues may be destroyed and in the second case, healthy tissue between the lesions may unnecessarily be removed.
Other well known invasive procedures include the introduction of a needle for aspiration biopsy, a rotex screw biopsy needle within a cannula and a trocar within a cannula. In general, the goal of successful localization is the guidance of a medical instrument tip to the lesion site determined by imaging.
Because of the large magnetic fields involved in MR imaging, it is highly desirable that only nonferromagnetic materials be introduced within the magnetic fields. In addition, some materials can produce imaging artifacts (other sources of imaging artifacts include patient movement, heart movements, and chemical shifts due to resonance frequency difference of water and fat protons). Materials that do not exhibit nuclei relaxation will not appear on the MR image. On the other hand, if it is desired that a structure appear on the MR image, the material of that structure should exhibit nuclei relaxation.
Materials that do not cause imaging artifacts nor appear on the MR image shall hereinafter be called MR transparent while materials that are intended to appear on the MR image shall hereinafter be referred to as MR signal-producing. An example of an MR transparent material is polycarbonate. An example of an MR signal-producing material is Gd-DTPA contained in an MR transparent material.
The present invention is directed to a localizer for guidance of the tip of a medical instrument to a breast lesion identified by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The localizer enables breast imaging and medical instrument guidance relative to an MR visible coordinate system.
Apparatus in accordance with the invention are characterized by an MR visible coordinate system representing points within an imaging space, a breast positioning device positioned within that imaging space and at least one array of bores operatively arranged with the coordinate system for guiding the tip of a medical instrument proximate to any point defined within the imaging space by MR imaging.
In a preferred embodiment, the breast positioning device includes a breast shaped cup. In another preferred embodiment, a plurality of breast shaped cups of different sizes is provided. One of the cups may be selected in accordance with the volume of the breast to be imaged. In another preferred embodiment, the breast positioning device includes an inflatable bladder to position the breast within a frame.
In a preferred embodiment, the MR visible coordinate system includes markers having lumens defined within a frame and an MR signal-producing material contained in the lumens.
In accordance with a feature of the invention, bore arrays are spatially interleaved to increase their resolution capability.
The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention will be best understood from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C illustrate medical coordinates relative to a breast;
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a preferred localizer embodiment, in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 3A is an isometric view of the frame in the localizer of FIG. 2;
FIG. 3B is a partial sectional view of an alternative embodiment of FIG. 3A.
FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the localizer of FIG. 2 including removable walls;
FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the cup in the localizer of FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a breast volume measurement method;
FIG. 7A is an MR computer display of an imaged lesion and coordinate system;
FIG. 7B is another MR computer display of an imaged lesion and coordinate system;
FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the localizer of FIG. 2 including removable walls and an inflatable bladder;
FIG. 9 is an isometric view of another preferred localizer embodiment;
FIG. 10 is an isometric view of another preferred localizer embodiment;
FIG. 11 is an isometric view of another preferred localizer embodiment;
FIG. 12A is a side view of a preferred trocar embodiment for use with the preferred localizer embodiments;
FIG. 12B is an end view of the trocar of FIG. 12A;
FIG. 13A is a side view of a preferred cannula embodiment for use with the trocar embodiment of FIG. 12;
FIG. 13B is an end view of the cannula of FIG. 13A;
FIG. 14A is a side view of a the trocar of FIG. 12 received within the cannula of FIG. 13;
FIG. 14B is an end view of the structure of FIG. 14A;
FIG. 15A is a side view of another preferred trocar embodiment;
FIG. 15B is an end view of the trocar of FIG. 15A;
FIG. 16A is a side view of another preferred cannula embodiment for use with the trocar embodiment of FIG. 15; and
FIG. 16B is an end view of the cannula of FIG. 16A.
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a preferred localizer embodiment 40, in accordance with the present invention, having a frame 42 and a cup 44 carried by the frame. FIGS. 3A and 4 are respectively isometric and bottom plan views of the frame 42 and FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the cup 44.
As shown in these views, the frame 42 includes an MR signal-producing Cartesian coordinate system 46 having x, y, and z coordinate axes markers 82, 84, and 80, respectively, and bore arrays 50, 52 and 54 aligned therewith (the array 54 is only partially shown in FIGS. 2, 3A for clarity of illustration). Each of the bore arrays includes a plurality of bores 60 defined by the frame 42. As an operational aid in its use, the localizer includes an MR signal-producing reference axis marker 61 and coordinate axes identifying indicia 62.
As specifically shown in FIG. 5, the cup 44 has an inner surface 63 which is shaped and configured to closely receive a breast therein. In addition, the cup 44 defines a flange 64 extending from the cup rim 66 and a plurality of apertures 68 in the cup wall 69. For clarity of illustration, a limited number of apertures are shown but the apertures 68 may extend over the entire cup wall 69. The cup 44 is formed of a thin nonferromagnetic, MR transparent material (i.e., one that does not produce an MR signal nor an MR artifact as defined in the background section) which is rigid enough to stabilize the breast therein but which permits free transgression of a needle tip at any point, e.g., plastic. In accordance with a feature of the invention, a plurality of cups 44 are provided, each having a different volume defined between the inner surface 63 and the plane of the cup rim 66.
In use of the cups 44, the volume of a breast 70 to be MR imaged within the localizer 40 would be measured by insertion up to the chest wall 71 in a liquid 72 as shown in the schematic view of FIG. 6. The liquid 73 displaced from the container 74 is an accurate measure of volume of the breast 70. A cup 44 would then be selected from the plurality of cups in accordance with the measured breast volume.
The fit between the breast and the selected cup is further enhanced by the contour of the inner surface 63 which is generally breast shaped to define a conforming surface. For example, the inner surface may be formed in accordance with molds of actual breasts or formed to define a parabolic shape.
To further minimize movement of the breast surface relative to the cup wall 69, a surgical grade adhesive 75, e.g., dimethylpolysiloxane, may be applied to both through the apertures 68. For example, the adhesive could be applied by an applicator 76 as illustrated in FIG. 5. Other effective application methods may be used, e.g., spraying through a thin tube. The adhesive can be removed later with medical grade solvents, e.g., trichlorotrifluoroethane.
The breast and cup 44 are then arranged to have the cup 44 carried by the frame 42 as shown in FIG. 2 with, preferably, the medical grade adhesive 75 also applied between the flange 64 and a lip 77 defined by the frame 42 and between the flange 64 and the chest wall surrounding the breast. The localizer 40 and patient are then situated appropriately within an MR unit for imaging of the breast. Typically in this process, the patient lies in a prone position within the MR unit.
MR breast imaging would then be conducted as briefly described above in the background section and as well known to those skilled in the art. This imaging typically includes a fat suppressed 3D contrast-enhanced pulse sequence followed by maximum-intensity-projection (MIP) and rotational reconstruction of lesion coordinates. If the patient has a breast lesion, the imaged lesion 79 would appear on the MR computer display along with the MR visible coordinate system 46 of FIG. 2 which serves to define points in an imaging space within the coordinate system. This is illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B.
FIG. 7A represents a zero degree MIP projection of the contrast enhanced lesion 79 within the MR visible coordinate system (46 of FIG. 2) as viewed from above; the x and y coordinate axes markers 82, 84 are displayed en-face while the reference axis marker 61 and z coordinate axis marker 80 appear as points confirming exact zero degree rotation of the MIP projection. The x and y lesion coordinates 88, 86 are determined by measurement of perpendiculars to the y and x axes respectively.
FIG. 7B represents a 90 degree rotation of the MIP projection of FIG. 7A towards the right, corresponding to a left-lateral view of the coordinate system (46 of FIG. 2). This projection displays the x and z coordinate axes markers 82, 80 and the reference axis marker 61 en-face; the y axis marker 84 appears as a point confirming exact 90 degree rotation. The z lesion coordinate 90 is determined by measurement of a perpendicular to the x axis. For unambiguous identification of coordinate axes, an MR visible marker may be placed proximate to either the x or y axes. The reference axis marker 61, in conjunction with the z axis axis marker 80, defines the position of the lesion on individual coronal images of the contrast-enhanced fat-suppression MR study, and aids the MR technologist in positioning of slices.
With the x, y, z coordinates 88, 86, 90 determined, the nearest corresponding bore 60 can be chosen from any of the bore arrays 50, 52, 54. For example, if bore 60A in the bore array 50 meets this criteria, a medical instrument, schematically indicated by broken line 100, would then be guided through bore 60A until its tip 104 reaches the point represented by the coordinates 88, 86, 90.
Thus, within the resolution limits of the bore spacings of the array 50, the instrument tip 104 has been guided to the lesion site. The localization described above is preferably completed directly after imaging and without movement of the patient and localizer 40. The lesion 79, therefore, has not been moved relative to the coordinate system 46 during imaging and subsequent guidance of the medical instrument tip 104 to the lesion site. The cup wall 69 is preferably formed as thin as possible to allow easy instrument penetration to minimize disturbance of the breast subsequent to establishing lesion spacings. If desired, application of adhesive between the breast and cup wall 69 described above may effectively be restricted to those wall apertures 68 surrounding the bore selected in accordance with the imaged lesion spacings.
Returning attention now to details of the frame 42 as shown in FIGS. 3A and 4, the orthogonal Cartesian coordinate axes markers 80, 82 and 84 (which may be considered to be respectively z, x and y axes) are lumens (with the same reference number) defined by the frame 42 and filled with an MR visible material 85, e.g., Gd - DPTA liquid or other MR signal-producing material (which may be semisolid). The material in the lumens should be one that will produce an MR signal in all anticipated pulse sequences of the MR imaging. For example, mineral oil may produce an MR signal in many pulse sequences but, as opposed to Gd - DPTA, will not produce an MR signal in fat suppression sequences such as RODEO. The lumen of the reference marker 61 is diametrically opposed to (relative to the cup 44) and parallel with the lumen of the x coordinate axis marker 80 to define another coordinate axis as an aid in identifying the cup area on the MR computer display.
In the embodiment 40, the frame 42 is formed of a nonferromagnetic, MR transparent material and defines a recess 112 to receive the cup 44. The bore arrays 50, 52 and 54 are arranged orthogonally and aligned in operative association with the coordinate axes markers 80, 82 and 84. The diameter of the bores 60 is selected to closely receive the instrument therethrough without excessive binding. Bore diameter and bore length are chosen to minimize deviation of the instrument tip 104 from the bore axis as the instrument passes through the bore (it should be apparent that in all embodiment figures, only a few bores of each array have been shown completely for clarity of illustration).
As an aid in selection of an appropriate bore 60 to select in guiding the instrument 100 in accordance with the MR computer display of FIG. 7, array indicia 113 are provided on the frame faces 114, 116 and 118. These indicia indicate spacings of array rows and columns from the coordinate axes markers 80, 82 and 84 compatible with the spacing units used by the computer display.
Although the frame 42 is shown in FIGS. 2-4 to be integral, it preferably has removable lumens so that in cleaning of the localizer, the MR signal-producing material in the lumens is not subjected to excessive temperatures or other cleaning conditions that might degrade its performance. Accordingly, the frame may include removable lumens as shown, for example, in the partial sectional view of FIG. 3B where the frame is relieved along the frame faces 114, 118 and parallel to the lumen of marker 82 to slidingly receive a conformingly shaped strip 119 which defines the lumen of marker 82.
To increase the resolution capability of available guide bores, the spacing between the bores 60 in each array is selected to be as narrow as is practicable with the material and fabrication technique available. In accordance with a feature of the invention, after this spacing has been narrowed as far as is practicable, the arrays 50, 52 and 54 are arranged to be spatially interleaved, e.g., to each have elements such as rows and columns spatially interleaved with elements of other arrays. For example, as seen in FIG. 4, row 120 of the array 54 is interleaved between columns 122 and 124 of the array 50 and column 126 is interleaved between columns 128 and 130 of the array 52. Similarly, row 132 of array 52 is interleaved with rows 134, 136 of the array 50 as shown in FIG. 2.
The imaging displays shown in FIG. 7 may provide lesion spacings from all marker of coordinates, i.e., from marker 80, 82, pair 80, 84 and markers 82, 84. An appropriate set of these spacings that most closely guides the instrument tip 104 to the lesion site can be selected. The array interleaving described above presents a greater resolution to this selection than would be otherwise be available.
With many medical instruments, e.g., a biopsy needle, the instrument can be withdrawn from the breast through the selected bore 60. However, some instruments can not, e.g., a hook-wire. Accordingly, FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment variation in which the frame walls 137, 138 that respectively oppose the faces 114, 116 are separate and removable from the remainder of the frame. Thus after localization, the breast and attached hook-wire may be moved away from the faces 114, 116 so that the free end of the hook-wire can be withdrawn from its enclosing bore. The walls 137, 138 may be attached to the remainder of the frame 42 with conventional fasteners, e.g., screws 139, or with any well known quick-disconnect fastener of suitable nonferromagnetic and MR transparent material.
The top plan view of FIG. 8 illustrates another preferred localizer embodiment 140. The localizer 140 is similar to the localizer 40 of FIG. 2 but replaces the selected cup 44 with a combination of the interior frame faces 142, 144 that form the recess 112 and an inflatable bladder 150 disposed adjacent the respectively opposite interior faces 152, 154. By use of a resilient ball 156 and connecting tube 158, an operator can expand the bladder 150 as shown by the phantom line 160 to enclose and support the breast between the bladder 150 and the interior faces 142, 144. Of course, all materials of the bladder and associated structure preferably are nonferromagnetic and MR transparent. The embodiment 180 shows removable walls 162, 164 similar to the removable walls of FIG. 4.
Another preferred localizer embodiment 180 is illustrated in the isometric view of FIG. 9. The localizer 180 is similar to the localizer 40 but replaces the selected cup 44 with an interior breast receiving surface 182 defined by the frame 184. Thus all bores 186 are from the faces 190, 192 and 194 to the interior surface 182. The embodiment 180 permits the use of a simple frame to perform localization.
The teachings of the invention can be extended to another preferred localizer embodiment 240 illustrated in FIG. 10. The embodiment 240 includes a housing 242 configured to present an inclined surface 244 against which a patient may comfortably be supported in a prone position within the MR unit. The housing 242 is configured to receive a pair of spaced localizers 40 (as shown in FIG. 2) so as to present them along the plane of the inclined surface 244. In use, the patient's breasts are received in the localizers 40 as described above. Imaging and guidance of medical instruments is then conducted as described above relative to other embodiments.
Another preferred localizer embodiment 280 is shown in FIG. 11. The embodiment 280 is similar to the embodiment 240 but its housing 282 incorporates the localizers 40 of the embodiment 240 into a single unit, i.e., the localizers are not removable. The housing 282 also indicates exemplary reliefs 284 that may be designed thereinto by those skilled in the imaging art to accommodate breast imaging coils.
As mentioned above, it is desirable to minimize movement of either the breast or its supporting structure, e.g., the cup 44 of FIG. 2, during imaging and localization. In particular, such movement is preferably minimized during insertion of medical instruments for guidance to lesion sites. Accordingly, a preferred trocar/cannula embodiment 300, for use with the localizers disclosed herein, is shown in FIGS. 14A, 14B to have a trocar 302 and a cannula 302. In particular, the trocar 302 is shown in the side and end views respectively of FIGS. 12A, 12B. The trocar 302 has a cylindrical stem 304 that enlarges proximate a driving end 306 to an enlarged portion 303 which defines a stop 308 and, within the stop, a notch 310. The end 312 of the trocar terminates in a tip 332 which is preferably coaxial with the stem 304. It may be shaped with axially symmetric facets to minimize cutting forces that would force the trocar away from a penetration axis such as the axis of the bores of the localizer. For example, the embodiment 302 defines three cutting facets 314.
The embodiment 300 also includes a cannula 320 shown in the side and end views respectively of FIGS. 13A, 13B to have a passage 322 dimensioned to closely receive the trocar 302 for rotation therein. On a driven end 324, the cannula defines a tab 326 which is dimensioned to be received in the notch 310 of the trocar 302. On a leading end 328, the cannula defines an annular bevel 330 to minimize penetration resistance. Both trocar and cannula are formed from a nonferromagnetic and non artifact-producing material, e.g., titanium or stainless steel with a high nickel content, to be substantially MR transparent.
When the trocar 302 is received in the cannula 320 to form the embodiment 300 of FIG. 14, the enlarged portion 303 and cannula driven end 324 can be received together in the chuck of a driving apparatus, e.g., an MR-compatible compressed air drill. Engagement between the tab 326 and notch 310 further insures rotation of the trocar and cannula as one unit. The trocar/cannula 300 is suitable for guidance through localizer bores (60 in FIG. 2) to breast lesion sites because its axially symmetric facets, preferably rotated at high speed, e.g., 20-30,000 rpm, to enhance penetration, will minimize axial movement of surrounding tissue and structure, e.g., the cup 44, as it passes therethrough and minimize forces that would urge it from the bore axis as compared, for example, to a beveled needle that tends to be urged away from its bevel face as it passes through tissue.
The trocar/cannula 300 outer diameter is selected to be closely and rotatably received within the localizer bores (60 in FIG. 2). Indicia marks 338 may be added along the cannula to serve as indications of insertion depth within the localizer bores. These marks may also include numbers to indicate, for example, millimeter distances from the tip 332. To decrease penetration resistance, it may be preferable to create cutting edges by scooping the trocar facets 314. The enlarged portion 303 and cannula driven end 324 may define other shapes well known in the art for maximizing torque transfer thereto from the drill chuck, e.g., it could define a square cross section.
Once the tip 332 of the trocar has been positioned proximate to the lesion site, the trocar can be removed and the cannula 320 is suitably positioned for insertion of other instruments, e.g., a biopsy needle, a hook-wire or a laser fiber. In accordance with a feature of the trocar/cannula 300, the passage 322 of the positioned cannula is then substantially free of obstructing tissue.
Various equivalent structures can be used to lock the trocar and cannula together for penetration and yet allow subsequent withdrawal of the cannula. For example, in FIG. 15 another trocar embodiment 350 has a constant diameter and defines a tab 352 which is dimensioned to be received in a notch 354 defined in the driven end 356 of the cannula 360 of FIG. 16.
A prototype localizer has been fabricated in accordance with preferred embodiment 140 of FIG. 8 but without the bladder 150. The frame was formed of lucite with 2 millimeter diameter mineral oil filled lumens (mineral oil was used because no fat suppression sequences were anticipated). The array bores were 0.040 inch in diameter and spaced 5 millimeters apart. A phantom target cube of adiopose tissue having 5 millimeter sides was held within a larger (11�11�6 cm) foam phantom disposed within the frame.
The prototype was imaged within the head coil of a 1.5 Tesla system (Signa; GE Medical Systems, Milwaukee, Wis.) and spacings from the coordinate system rounded to the nearest 5 millimeters. Using these coordinates, a 19.5 gauge core-biopsy gun (Argon Medical, Athens, Tex.) was guided through bores selected in accordance with the imaged spacings and to a depth in accordance with the imaged spacings. One bore was selected in each of two different arrays. In each case, the needle tip was placed within the target and the biopsy gun fired to yield a small core.
From the foregoing, it should now be recognized that localizer embodiments have been disclosed herein especially suited for guidance of medical instrument tips to a breast lesion site in accordance with MR imaged spacings derived with the aid of MR visible coordinate systems. Additionally, trocar/cannula embodiments suitable for use with the localizer embodiments have been disclosed.
Embodiments in accordance with the invention offer several potential advantages. As particularly shown in embodiment 40 of FIG. 2, the cup 44 is selected to closely receive and support the patient's breast during both imaging and instrument guidance. Thus, the breast is not subjected to discomfort resulting from pressure or distortion as in some present stabilization techniques, e.g., compression between plates. Possible rupture or other damage to a breast implant is also avoided.
Because the breast is supported while in the localizer, the breast tissue is presented without compression to minimize interference with contrast dynamics and subsequent diagnostic interpretation. Also, relative movement between the breast and inserted markers (e.g., hook-wires, carbon trails) upon removal from the localizer should be reduced compared to compression techniques.
Again, because the breast is not subjected to pressure or distortion, normal spacing between multiple lesions is maintained. This may allow improved spatial selectivity of lesion treatments. For example, laser fibers can be directed specifically to each of two spaced lesions whereas, under breast compression, the lesions may be so close together that healthy tissue is also subjected to laser energy.
With embodiments of the invention, access to breast lesions may be obtained through each bore array. In addition to providing increased resolution of instrument placement and alternate routes to a lesion to avoid, for example, another proximate lesion, this feature also offers instrument guidance perpendicular to the chest wall, e.g., through bore array 54 of FIG. 2, which may be advantageous in reaching lesions near the chest wall.
Although embodiment lumens have generally been shown to be elongated, it should be understood that the teachings of the invention (and the definition herein of the term lumen) extend to lumens of other shapes and sizes that define a coordinate system, e.g., an elongated lumen between two end points could equivalently be replaced with small cylindrical lumens defining only the end points. It should also be understood that the term frame as used herein refers to an integral frame that defines elements such as lumens and bores as well as frames made up of a plurality of parts, some of which define these same elements.
The preferred embodiments have shown Cartesian coordinate systems with orthogonal bore arrays arranged orthogonally with these systems. It should be apparent, however, that the teachings of the invention extend to any coordinate system, e.g., polar, and any bore arrays that are arranged in operative association therewith, i.e., arranged to guide instrument tips proximate to points in a space defined by the coordinate system. Preferably, the bore arrays are arranged to make it easy for operators to use the imaging determined lesion spacings in selecting appropriate guide bores.
The preferred embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, dimensional variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve an equivalent result, all of which are intended to be embraced within the scope of the appended claims.
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Carroll University Greene Field Station (GFS)
Carroll University has received $244,055 from the National Science Foundation Improvements in Facilities, Communications, and Equipment at Biological Field Stations and Marine Laboratories (FSML) program to create a research and education center at the Carroll University Greene Field Station (GFS). Despite the lack of on-site facilities for research and appropriate infrastructure to support data acquisition, management, and dissemination, Carroll faculty and students have conducted research at the GFS outdoor laboratory since the 1970s. The renovation of an existing building into a research facility will expand research agendas, provide infrastructure needed for outside collaboration and community use, and offer space for the university to introduce the experimenting across the curriculum initiative, a groundbreaking project that will integrate research and education, educating all students in scientific literacy. The research and education center will also provide the foundation needed for Carroll faculty to conduct ongoing projects both in ecological and pedagogical research.
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On September 1, 2012 Carroll University began a five-year, $446,123 project funded by the National Science Foundation intended to increase the number of students pursuing careers in engineering, especially women. The project builds on Carroll's partnerships with UW-Platteville and UW-Milwaukee and supports new collaborations with local high schools and industry. High school and undergraduate students have the opportunity to participate in hands on, real-world projects supplied by industry partners. The award also supports the development of mentoring programs, leadership training, and a living-learning community for future engineers.
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In 2014, Carroll University was awarded a three-year, $762,535 Nursing Workforce Diversity Grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA). The grant will fund the creation of the Carroll University Academic Success Program in Nursing (ASPIN). The program will create a pipeline of K-12 students from medically underserved areas, who will participate in pre-entry activities and programs that promote health education and career opportunities. Additionally, the program will provide scholarship and academic support services to underrepresented students enrolled in Carroll's nursing program.
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In 2010, Carroll University was awarded a five-year $967,687 grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The award supports the design, implementation and assessment of a new cultural competency component of the curriculum, which focuses on developing students' abilities to provide effective treatment to minority populations.
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The Title III program funded Carroll University's $1.9 million five-year project that began in 2009. The Pathways to Success project supports three initiatives: 1) faculty training in engaging pedagogies; 2) advisor training and development; and 3) student success and retention monitoring.
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In 2014, Carroll University received a five-year $50,000 State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG) - Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Focus on PLC's mini grant award; one of only nine awarded. The grant will help fund the project titled: Teacher Residency PLC: Preparing Elementary Dual Certification Candidates. If Carroll's projected performance meets achievement measures, there is potential for an additional one to two years of funding.
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In 2013, Carroll University received a two-year, $39,000 award from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for 45 disadvantaged students in grades 9-12 to gain an increased awareness of the value of college education and the financial resources available to support college attendance. This one-week summer program combines classroom instruction and experiential learning that is designed to strengthen academic skills, develop motivation and self-esteem, and initiate mentoring relationships with college students.
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For Winnipeg and the surrounding area!
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Sorry folks, but I was feeling very sad that I would not be able to get out for my first ride of the year much before the beginning of May ... I figured everyone would have the jump on me by at least two weeks...
I am delighted that the snow is going to hold some folks back a few days - and I am thinking I might just be ready to ride before month's end...weather permitting...
The much dreaded surgery has come out well - I can still smile, open and close my eyes, puff out both cheeks, blow kisses and cusses and smoke rings (as if ... I quit that nonsense almost 12 years ago)...I will admit to being a bit cranky at times, however - when the pain meds wear off...
Anyway, let's say my sense of humour remains fully intact, and so is my determination to ride sooner rather than later...
Thanks to all for the good wishes...
Thats great to hear. Without good health, everything else hasnt much importance. have a speedy recovery but dont rush things.
Great to see all the bikes getting out for the 1st initial runs also.
I started a motor today but didnt ride.
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During a special board meeting, the Harrison County Board of Education voted to use stimulus money to hire an additional middle school teacher and an additional high school teacher.
According to assistant superintendent DeeGee Fischer on Tuesday afternoon, the teaching position at the middle school will be for an eighth grade social studies teacher. The position at the high school will be for a special education teacher.
Board members also voted to fund elementary academic coaches and add parking spots across from the middle school for the new athletic facility.
While some artists turn to canvases to display their art work, Renee Riddle takes to sidewalks.
"It's such a different textural medium to work on," said Riddle about the concrete pavements.
As part of the Cynthiana Art Walk, Riddle will transform a 4 foot by 8 foot section of the Main Street sidewalk into a piece of art.
An art teacher at Ryle High School in Union, Ky., Riddle recently competed and placed at the first Sidewalk Chalk Festival in Burlington, Ky.
"I felt like Michelangelo," Riddle said about the experience.
Cynthiana residents will have an opportunity to explore "Kentucky's Abraham Lincoln" when they visit the HistoryMobile at the Cynthiana-Harrison County Museum on Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. An experience provided by the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS), the HistoryMobile will be in Cynthiana as part of the Cynthiana-Harrison County Museum's 15th anniversary celebration and first annual Community Art Walk.
When he was 13 years old, Brad Burden wrote his first song.
"It was the only thing I thought I was really good at," he said, laughing.
Fifteen years later, Brad's written over 20 songs, some of which he will perform Friday night during the Cynthiana Art Walk's Songwriters' Event.
"It takes it to a different realm when people are singing their own stuff," said Nell Anne Gossett, a member of the Cynthiana Arts Council and coordinator of the event.
Wedco Health District has teamed with Calvary Church to help students and their families prepare for the upcoming school year with Kids' Fest 2009. It will be held Saturday, Aug. 1, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Calvary Church, 325 Webster Ave.
The day will include activities, nutritional snacks, safety information and the Amber Alert child identification kit.
For more information, call 234-4646.
Harrison Memorial Hospital administration announces that Shae Bishop has joined the staff as a massage therapist. Shae is a graduate of the Utah College of Massage Therapy and recently relocated to the area.
The types of massages available at HMH are the following:
•Swedish/classic massage is a form of full-body massage relaxes the body, improves muscle tone and circulation.
The Harrison County Fair began in full swing this weekend with livestock shows beginning Thursday morning.
This was the first year livestock shows were held prior to other fair and carnival events.
"This trial year of having the livestock shows for three consecutive days before the other fair events began has been a great success," said 4H County Extension Agent Bill Roberts. "It's just gone extremely smoothly... and we were very, very pleased with the gate receipts we took in."
The Cynthiana-Harrison County-Berry Joint Planning Commission will be considering two zone change options that could bring business to the community.
One request is for property at the new Business Park off U.S. 62 West.
Frazer LeBus III, vice chairman of the Economic Development Authority for Cynthiana and Harrison County, said United Propane Gas Inc. is looking at property on the north end of Sea Biscuit Way. However, he stressed that negotiations are incomplete.
Late Monday afternoon, The Cynthiana Democrat was made aware of an attempted phone scam targeting the newspaper's classified advertising customers. As of noon Tuesday, two classified customers reported being contacted by telephone by individuals falsely identifying themselves as employees of the advertising department. Customers were informed by the callers that a payment problem had occurred with their advertisement appearing in the newspaper. The callers then asked for the customers' credit card number or checking account transaction routing number.
School begins Tuesday, Aug. 11, for Harrison County students.
This week's print edition of The Cynthiana Democrat will include a section detailing school bus routes as well as class assignments for each of the six public schools in Harrison County and St. Edward Catholic School.
See this week's Cynthiana Democrat, available at newsstands throughout Cynthiana on Wednesday evening.
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Originally written on Pro Sports Daily | Last updated 1/13/13
PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 22: Chris Pronger #20 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates against the Detroit Red Wings during preseason action at the Wachovia Center on September 22, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Flyers defeated the Red Wings 5-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Flyers aren't expecting captain Chris Pronger to return in the near future. Concussion symptoms have sidelined Pronger since November 2011. And though he reported for the first day of training camp on Sunday, Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said Pronger was scheduled to see his doctor. When does Holmgren expect Pronger to be able to play again? "Down the road? I guess you could say slight chance," Holmgren said in an NHL.com report. "But I'd probably classify it as highly unlikely. Nothing's changed."
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BrightonandHoveJobs.com are currently Sussex's naming rights partner for The BrightonandHoveJobs.com County Ground.
BrightonandHoveJobs.com has rapidly become the local hub for all of the city's best jobs and employment challenges.
Representing the city of Brighton & Hove and all of its commutable areas, BrightonandHoveJobs.com has been created to become the city's one stop shop for all local job opportunities, employment, volunteering and training information.
The Sussex Cricket Board are hoping to cut the defecit of some of the action lost in the early part of the summer due to rain with an extra competi..read more »
Sussex strengthened their challenge for LV= County Championship honours by completing an eight-wicket win over Middlesex with four sessions to spar..read more »


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