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Biohazard specimen collection containers are provided with an external disposable skin, that is stripped away and discarded after the biohazardous specimen is collected, thus reducing or eliminating objectionable or dangerous residues on the outside surfaces of the container. Further, we teach that the sample collection container with external disposable skin may also serve as an integrated microfluidic biosample processing and analytical device, thereby providing a single entry, disposable assay unit, kit and system for "world-to-result" clinical diagnostic testing. These integrated assay devices are provided with synergic, multiple safe-handling features for protecting healthcare workers who handle them. The modified collection containers and analytical devices find application, for example, in PCR detection of infectious organisms or pathogenic markers collected on a swab.
1. A method for collecting a test sample, the method comprising:
a) providing a sample collection device comprising:
i) a body having an external surface, the external surface defining at least one swab receiving orifice with internal hollow volume for receiving a swab, the swab receiving orifice compatible with a sealable closure that may be sealably closed over the swab receiving orifice; and
ii) a removable disposable external skin layer or shell covering at least a portion of the external surface of the body; and
b) providing instructions comprising
i) inserting the swab into the swab receiving orifice and sealably closing the sealable closure over the swab receiving orifice;
ii) handling the sample collection device by contacting the external disposable skin layer or shell prior to or during insertion of the swab into the swab receiving orifice and closure of the sealable closure over the swab receiving orifice;
iii) removing the removable disposable external skin layer or shell from the body with a clean hand after insertion of the swab into the swab receiving orifice and closure of the sealable closure over the swab receiving orifice, thereby exposing the at least a portion of the external surface of the body; and
iv) handling the exposed external surface with clean hands, wherein the method reduces or eliminates contamination with a biohazard during sample collection or analysis.
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This application is a continuation of International PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2008/071810, filed Jul. 31, 2008, now pending, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/953,045, filed Jul. 31, 2007. The foregoing applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
This invention was made with government support under Contract No. U01 AI070801 awarded by National Institutes of Health. The government has certain rights in this invention.
1. Technical Field
The invention relates to medical and veterinary sample collection devices and to medical and veterinary analytical devices of specialized form and function, and to integrated microfluidic devices for both sample collection and analysis. The invention further relates to a method for biohazard sample collection.
2. Description of the Related Art
The art relating to handling of swabs is well established, but remains in need of improvement, both to ensure the integrity of the clinical sample and its protection from contamination, but also to ensure that healthcare professionals are not unnecessarily or inadvertently exposed to biological material on the exterior surfaces of the swab container. Once the external surfaces are contaminated during sample collection, exposure readily occurs when a swab container is passed from hand to hand, and no on-board means is known to refresh or cleanse the outside surfaces of the sample container.
We have reviewed the patent literature, and found little or no teaching that comments on this problem. U.S. Pat. No. 4,803,998 to Kezes relates to a swab retaining vial cap and describes a combination containment vial with cap and with swab mounted inside the cap, the vial containing a medium for preserving a sample on the swab during shipment. The swab is removed from the cap to collect a sample and the swab tip can then be broken off when inserted into the vial so that the swab tip drops to the bottom of the vial without contamination by the user. The cap is then sealed.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,991,898 to O'Connor (Jan. 31, 2006) describes a self-contained diagnostic test device for collection and detection of an analyte in a biological specimen. The device comprises a tubular swab and reagent dispensing cap. The reagent dispensing cap delivers one or more selected reagents to an assay chamber upon the rotation of the reagent chamber.
In U.S. Pat. No. 7,098,040 to Kaylor, a swab-based diagnostic test device is provided. The test device contains a reagent and a rupturable seal for adding the reagent to the sample after the swab is sealed inside the device.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,277,646 to Guirguis provides a device for both collecting and testing a fluid specimen. A fluid specimen is collected and an aliquot is transferred to an isolation chamber, from which a flow path to a test chamber is opened.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,565,808 to Hudak describes a fluid flow actuating device or structure, such as a valve, which separates the sample receiving chamber from the test platform. The test method involves collecting a sample, contacting the sample with the proprietary test device, and detecting the analyte in the sample.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,294 to Nason relates to a self-contained diagnostic test unit for use in the collection and analysis of a biological specimen. The test unit comprises is tubular housing for capturing a swab. A reagent dispenser cap delivers reagents to the specimen chamber and a diagnostic strip assembly is mounted on the housing so a portion of the specimen can flow by wick action through the test strip, producing a visible color change.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,266,266 and 5,879,635 to Nason relate to a reagent dispenser which includes a pair of reagent chambers with selected reagents therein, and a dual nib for hermetically sealing the reagent chambers. A portion of the dispenser is deformable to break or otherwise to displace the nib in a manner permitting the two reagents to flow together and mix within one of the reagent chambers. The deformable portion or the dispenser can then be squeezed to express the mixed reagents for delivery to contact the specimen to be analyzed. In a preferred form, the dispenser is a cap assembly on an open-ended tubular housing configured for receiving a swab.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,890,484 to Bautista relates to in-line test device and describes a swab receiving port integrated into the body of a lateral flow strip. No means for protecting the exterior of the test apparatus is described. Goodfield, in Sampling and Assay Device (WO1997/23596), discloses a swab and swab container with liquid assay reagents accessible by rupture of foil liners, again with no outer disposable protective layer.
All the above devices and methods are deficient for the present purpose in that the operator is exposed to contamination of the external surfaces of the specimen collection container by contact with residues of specimen or unrelated patient-derived bodily material, which may be unhygienic and grossly objectionable. This problem is apparently not considered.
United States Patent Application 2005/0009200 to Guo relates to a sanitary and compact fecal occult blood collector kit. The swab tip in this case is covered "for hygienic purposes". Also disclosed is a package for the swab and the cover. However, on closer study, the purpose of the cover is again to protect the sample, not the handle of the swab contacted by the operator or the external surfaces of the swab collection container, and the exterior of the package cannot be cleaned of contaminating matter that accumulates during sampling. Further, the swab must again be retrieved from the package. Thus while the sample is protected, the user is potentially exposed at multiple levels.
Miniaturizing some of the processes involved in clinical analyses, including nucleic acid, immunological and enzymatic analysis, or combinations thereof, has been achieved using microfluidic devices. Microfluidic techniques known in the art include electrophoretic detectors, for example those designed by ACLARA BIOSCIENCES® Inc., or the LABCHIP®™ by Caliper Technologies Inc, and hybridization detectors such as those manufactured by Nanogen of San Diego. Also indicative of the state of the art are PCT Publication WO1994/05414, U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,498,392, 5,304,487, 5,296,375, 5,856,174, 6,180,372, 5,939,312, 5,939,291, 5,863,502, 6,054,277, 6,261,431, 6,440,725, 5,587,128, 5,955,029, 5,498,392, 5,639,423, 5,786,182, 6,261,431, 6,126,804, 5,958,349, 6,303,343, 6,403,037, 6,429,007, 6,420,143, 6,572,830, 6,541,274, 6,544,734, 6,960,437, 6,762,049, 6,509,186, 6,432,695, 7,018,830, and 2001/0046701, 2003/0138941, and International Pat. Nos. WO 2003/004162, WO2002/18823, WO2001/041931, WO1998/50147, WO1997/27324, all of which describe apparatuses and methods incorporating various microfluidic processing and analytical operations involved in nucleic acid analysis, and are incorporated herein by reference.
Co-assigned to MICRONICS®, Inc of Redmond WA, and also incorporated herein in full by reference, are U.S. Patent No. 6,743,399 ("Pumpless Microfluidics"), U.S. Patent No. 6,488,896 ("Microfluidic Analysis Cartridge"), U.S. Patent No. 5,726,404 ("Valveless Liquid Microswitch"), U.S. Patent No. 5,932,100 ("Microfabricated Differential Extraction Device and Method"), ("Tangential Flow Planar Microfluidic Fluid Filter"), U.S. Patent No. 5,872,710 ("Microfabricated Diffusion-Based Chemical Sensor"), U.S. Patent No. 5,971,158 ("Absorption-Enhancing Differential Extraction Device"), U.S. Patent No. 6,007,775 ("Multiple Analyte Diffusion-Based Chemical Sensor"), U.S. Patent No. 6,581,899 ("Valve for Use in Microfluidic Structures"), U.S. Patent No. 6,431,212 ("Valve for Use in Microfluidic Structures"), U.S. Patent No. 7,223,371 ("Microfluidic Channel Network Device"), U.S. Patent No. 6,541,213 ("Microscale Diffusion Immunoassay"), U.S. Patent No. 7,226,562 ("Liquid Analysis Cartridge"), U.S. Patent No. 5,747,349 ("Fluorescent Reporter Beads for Fluid Analysis"), US Patent Applications 2005/0106066 ("Microfluidic Devices for Fluid Manipulation and Analysis"), 2002/0160518 ("Microfluidic Sedimentation"), 2003/0124619 ("Microscale Diffusion Immunoassay"), 2003/0175990 ("Microfluidic Channel Network Device"), 2005/0013732 ("Method and system for Microfluidic Manipulation, Amplification and Analysis of Fluids"), 2007/0042427, "Microfluidic Laminar Flow Detection Strip", 2005/0129582 (System and Method for Heating, Cooling and Heat Cycling on a Microfluidic Device); and unpublished US Patent documents titled, "Integrated Nucleic Acid Assays," "Microfluidic Cell Capture and Mixing Circuit", "Microfluidic Mixing and Analytical Apparatus," "System and Method for Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases", "Methods and Devices for Microfluidic Point of Care Assays", "Integrated Microfluidic Assay Devices and Methods", and "Microscale Diffusion Immunoassay Utilizing Multivalent Reactants", all of which are hereby incorporated in full by reference. Also representative of microfluidic technologies that are co-assigned to MICRONICS® are PCT Publications WO 2006/076567 and 2007/064635, all incorporated herein in full by reference for what they enable.
The utility and breadth of microfluidic assays for nucleic acid assays is further demonstrated in the scientific literature, the teachings of which are incorporated by reference herein. These teachings include, for example, Nakano H et al. 1994. High speed polymerase chain reaction in constant flow. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 58:349-52; Wilding, P et al. 1994. PCR in a silicon microstructure. Clin Chem 40(9):1815-18; Woolley A T et al. 1996. Functional integration of PCR amplification and capillary electrophoresis in a microfabricated DNA analysis device. Anal Chem 68:4081-86; Burke D T et al. 1997. Microfabrication technologies for integrated nucleic acid analysis. Genome Res 7:189-197; Kopp et al. 1998. Chemical amplification: continuous-flow PCR on a chip. Science 280:1046-48; Burns, M A. 1998. An Integrated Nanoliter DNA Analysis Device. Science 282:484-87; Belgrader P et al. 1999. PCR Detection of bacteria in seven minutes. Science 284:449-50; Lagally E T et al. 2001. Fully integrated PCR-capillary electrophoresis microsystem for DNA analysis. Lab Chip 1:102-07; Tudos A J et al. 2001. Trends in miniaturized total analysis systems for point-of-care testing in clinical chemistry. Lab Chip 1:83-95; Belgrader P et al. 2002. A battery-powered notebook thermocycler for rapid multiplex real-time PCR analysis. Anal Chem 73:286-89; Hupert L M et al. 2003. Polymer-Based Microfluidic Devices for Biomedical Applications. In, (H Becker and P Woias, eds) Microfluidics, BioMEMS, and Medical Microsystems, Proc SPIE Vol 4982:52-64; Chartier I et al. 2003. Fabrication of an hybrid plastic-silicon microfluidic device for high-throughput genotyping. In, (H Becker and P Woias, eds) Microfluidics, BioMEMS, and Medical Microsystems, Proc SPIE Vol 4982:208-219; Anderson R C et al. 2000. A miniature integrated device for automated multistep genetic assays. Nucl Acids Res 28(12):[e60, i-vi]; Yang, J et al. 2002. High sensitivity PCR assay in plastic micro reactors. Lab Chip 2:179-87; Giordano B C et al. 2001. Polymerase chain reaction in polymeric microchips: DNA amplification in less than 240 sec. Anal Biochem 291:124-132; Khandurina J et al. 2000. Integrated system for rapid PCR-based DNA analysis in microfluidic devices. Anal Chem 72:2995-3000; Chiou, J et al. 2001. A Closed-Cycle Capillary Polymerase Chain Reaction Machine. Anal Chem 73:2018-21; Yuen, P K et al. 2001. Microchip module for blood sample preparation and nucleic acid amplification reactions. Genome Res 11:405-412; Zhou X, et al. 2004. Determination of SARS-coronavirus by a microfluidic chip system. Electrophoresis. 25(17):3032-9; Liu Y et al. 2002. DNA amplification and hybridization assays in integrated plastic monolithic devices. Anal Chem 74(13):3063-70; Zou, Q et al. 2002. Micro-assembled multi-chamber thermal cycler for low-cost reaction chip thermal multiplexing. Sensors Actuators A 102:224-121; Zhang C et al. 2006. PCR Microfluidic devices for DNA amplification. Biotech Adv 24:243-84, and Zhang, C and Xing D. 2007. Miniaturized PCR chips for nucleic acid amplification and analysis: latest advances and future trends. Nucl Acids Res 35(13):4223-37.
Thus there is a clear and ongoing interest in microfluidic devices for clinical and veterinary diagnostic assays. As these commercial applications increase, the world-to-chip interface is receiving increasing attention, and we note that little has been done in the area of sample collection to both improve the validity of nucleic acid amplifications by preventing cross-sample contamination, and just as importantly, to prevent exposure of those persons handling the specimens to objectionable or potentially infectious materials. As has been noted, (Nelson, D. B. et al. 2003. "Self-Collected Versus Provider-Collected Vaginal Swabs for the Diagnosis of Bacterial Vaginosis: an Assessment of Validity and Reliability," J Clin Epidemiol, 56:862-866), there is an increasing trend toward patient self-collection of samples, often with swabs or cups. Typically the patient is not provided with means to ensure that the external surfaces of the sample collection device does not become contaminated with the sample or related biological fluids during handling. These swabs or cups are typically then processed or handled by ungloved couriers and paraprofessionals and must then be transferred to the analytical device or further handled and processed by nursing and laboratory personnel. The sample collection device thus becomes a fomite potentially capable of spreading infectious disease to numerous persons, and a method or means for eliminating or at least reducing the exposure of health workers to the contaminated exterior of the sample collection vials, bottles, cups, tubes, and so forth, has been a longstanding and unmet need in the healthcare industry.
Furthermore, awareness of the dangers of unsafe handing of biological fluids and specimens has increased dramatically in the last two decades, and single-entry devices are increasingly needed that seamlessly integrate sample preparation, extraction, and analysis without unnecessary operator exposure. A further objective we have identified is the need to fully integrate the device into a disposable format, so that once a sample is collected, either by patient or by a health professional, all remaining steps of the analysis, up to and including display of the result, are performed without further personal exposure to the sample. A critical step in this process is thus the refreshing or disinfecting of the external surface sample collection container (whether it is also the analytical device or not), and to our knowledge, satisfactory solutions to this problem have not been recognized or brought forward prior to our disclosure herein.
Swabs are extremely useful for collecting specimens. Following collection of a specimen on a swab, the swab must be generally protected during subsequent transport and processing for analysis. During initial handling, contamination of the external surfaces of the swab collection container by contact with residues of specimen or unrelated patient-derived bodily material, which may be unhygienic and grossly objectionable, is almost inevitable. Gloves are protective only to the hands on which they are worn, not to the swab collection container. We see a solution to this problem as an unrecognized and unmet need with significant potential benefits, particularly in reduction of nosocomial infections, for example, and more generally in reduction of disease transmission to health care workers, and also in improvement of sample quality, which is mandatory for tests such as PCR, where false positives due to cross-contamination will invalidate any testing system.
Cross-contamination by transmission on the surfaces of fomites is a longstanding problem. We find that this problem can be alleviated or significantly reduced by applying a disposable external skin to the collection device, and by removing the skin after the risk of exposure to further contamination is ended. Contamination risk is most great during the act of specimen collection itself, and decreases greatly after the specimen collection container is removed from the sampling site. Contamination of the external surfaces of an article passed from hand-to-hand, or hand-to-machine, with normal flora and normal squamous epithelial cells, is significantly less likely to result in false diagnostic positives for a pathogenic condition.
We disclose a biohazard swab collection device or container, comprising a body with external surfaces, an internal hollow volume, and a sealable closure for separating said external surfaces from said internal hollow volume, said external surface further comprising a disposable external skin layer, whereby after the biohazardous swab is enclosed and sealed within the internal hollow volume, any biohazardous residues accumulated on the external surfaces are removed by removing and disposing of the disposable external skin layer, and further optionally comprising a valve separating said internal hollow volume into a swab receiving chamber and a microfluidic assay circuit with a microfluidic channel and an on-board liquid reagent.
We further disclose a method wherein the specimen is not limited to a swab and the specimen collection device is not limited to an analytical device. The general method comprises the steps of:
a) providing a sample and a specimen collection container with body and with sample receiving orifice, said body with external surface and internal hollow volume, said external surface with disposable skin or skins, said sample receiving orifice with sealable closure;
b) inserting said sample into said sample receiving orifice;
c) closing said sealable closure said sample receiving orifice; thereby capturing said sample; and,
d) removing said disposable skin or skins from said external surface; thereby renewing said external surface.
The following definitions are provided as an aid in interpreting the claims and specification herein. Where works are cited or incorporated by reference, and any definition contained therein is inconsistent with that supplied here, the definition used therein shall not supersede or limit the definition supplied herein.
Fomite: An inanimate object or substance, such as a doorknob, utensil, soap bar, or specimen container, that is capable of transmitting infectious organisms (broadly bacterial and viral) from one individual to another, typically by hand-to-hand or hand-to-mouth exposure to a biological residue on the surface of the inanimate object or substance.
Test samples: Representative biosamples taken by swab include, for example: gingival, buccal, and mucosal epithelial materials, saliva, wound exudates, pus, surgical specimens, lung and other respiratory secretions, nasal secretions, sinus drainage, sputum, blood, urine, medial and inner ear contents, ocular secretions and mucosa, cyst contents, cerebral spinal fluid, stool, diarrhoeal fluid, tears, mammary secretions, ovarian contents, ascites fluid, mucous, gastric fluid, gastrointestinal contents, urethral discharge, vaginal discharge, vaginal mucosa, synovial fluid, peritoneal fluid, meconium, amniotic fluid, semen, penile discharge, or the like may be presented for testing on a swab. Assay from swabs representative of mucosal secretions and epithelia are acceptable, for example mucosal swabs of the throat, tonsils, gingival, nasal passages, vagina, urethra, rectum, lower colon, and eyes. Besides physiological fluids, samples of water, industrial discharges, food products, milk, air filtrates, and so forth are also likely test specimens. Particularly preferred as samples are biosamples collected on swabs or tampons, where a tampon is essentially a handleless swab that is sometimes worn internally before testing.
Biohazard: A biohazard is a material, either biologically active or inanimate, that poses a risk or threat to health. Also included in this category as biohazards, sensu lato, as defined here, are materials of likely biological origin that are visually, tangibly, or odorously objectionable or repulsive, and those materials which are not in fact a threat, but which potentially are a threat until tested negative. Biohazards include potentially infectious material of any kind, and may contain infectious agents from multiple biological categories, including but limited to, bacteria and viruses, either singly or in one or more combinations thereof, and microbial products such as toxins.
Bioassay Target Molecule: or "analyte of interest", or "target molecule", may include a nucleic acid, a protein, an antigen, an antibody, a carbohydrate, a cell component, a lipid, a receptor ligand, a small molecule such as a drug, and so forth. Target nucleic acids include genes, portions of genes, regulatory sequences of genes, mRNAs, rRNAs, tRNAs, siRNAs, cDNA and may be single stranded, double stranded or triple stranded. Some nucleic acid targets have polymorphisms, deletions and alternate splice sequences. Multiple target domains may exist in a single molecule, for example an immunogen may include multiple antigenic determinants. An antibody includes variable regions, constant regions, and the Fc region, which is of value in immobilizing antibodies. The microfluidic analytical devices of the present invention are configured to detect a bioassay target molecule of these sorts, singly or in combinations.
Such bioassay target molecules may be associated with a pathogenic condition: which is taken as a condition of a mammalian host characterized by the absence of health, i.e., a disease, infirmity, morbidity, or a genetic trait associated with potential morbidity.
Microfluidic cartridge: a "device", "card", or "chip" with fluidic structures and internal channels having microfluidic dimensions. These fluidic structures may include chambers, valves, vents, vias, pumps, inlets, nipples, and detection means, for example. Generally, microfluidic channels are fluid passages having at least one internal cross-sectional dimension that is less than about 500 μm and typically between about 0.1 μm and about 500 μm, but we extend the upper limit of the range to 600 um because the macroscopic character of the bead suspensions sometimes used as analytical aids require it. Therefore, as defined herein, microfluidic channels are fluid passages having at least one internal cross-sectional dimension that is less than 600 um.
Microfluidic cartridges may be fabricated from various materials using techniques such as laser stenciling, embossing, stamping, injection molding, masking, etching, and three-dimensional soft lithography. Laminated microfluidic cartridges are further fabricated with adhesive interlayers or by adhesiveless bonding techniques, such by thermal or pressure treatment of oriented polypropylene or by ultrasonic welding. The microarchitecture of laminated and molded microfluidic cartridges can differ according to the limitations of their fabrication methods.
Microfluidic pumps: include for example, bulbs, bellows, diaphragms, or bubbles intended to force movement of fluids, where the substructures of the pump have a thicknesses or other dimension of less than 1 millimeter. Such pumps include the mechanically actuated recirculating pumps described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,743,399 to Weigl and US 2005/0106066 to Saltsman, commonly assigned to the applicant. Such pumps may be robotically operated or operated by hand. Electroosmotic pumps are also provided. Such pumps can be used in place of external drives to propulse the flow of solubilized reagents and sample in microfluidic device-based assays.
Blister pack: an on-board reagent pack or sachet under a deformable (or elastic) diaphragm. Used to deliver reagents by pressurizing the diaphragm and may appose a "sharp", such as a metal chevron, so that pressure on the diaphragm ruptures the "pillow" (see pillow). These may be used with check valves or closable vents to produce directional fluid flow and reagent delivery. Elastic diaphragms are readily obtained from polyurethane, polysilicone and polybutadiene, and nitrile for example (see elastomer). Deformable, inelastic diaphragms are made with polyethylene terephthalate (PET), MYLAR® (Biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate), polypropylene, polycarbonate, or nylon, for example. Other suitable materials for the deformable film include PARAFILM® (i.e., paraffin film), latex, foil, and polyethylene terephthalate Key factors in selecting a deformable film include the yield point and the deformation relaxation coefficient (elastic modulus).
Use of these devices permits delivery or acceptance of a fluid while isolating the contents of the microfluidic device from the external environment, and protecting the user from exposure to the fluid contents.
Single entry: refers to a microfluidic device, card or cartridge that requires, or permits, only a single introduction of sample, and the assay is then conducted within a self-contained, sealed system. Such devices optionally contain a device for sealing or locking the sample port and an on-board means for disinfecting the contents of the device and any waste following completion of the assay. In one embodiment, the device can be discarded after use without special precautions.
Waste chamber or "pack": is a cavity or chamber that serves as a receptacle for sequestering discharged sample, rinse solution, and waste reagents. Typically also includes a wicking material (see wick). Waste packs may also be sealed under an elastic isolation membrane sealingly attached to the body of the microfluidic device. This inner membrane expands as the bibulous material expands, thus enclosing the waste material. The cavity outside the isolation membrane is vented to atmosphere so that the waste material is contained and isolated. Waste packs may optionally contain dried or liquid sterilants.
Vent: a pore intercommunicating between an internal cavity and the atmosphere. A "sanitary" or "isolation vent" also contains a filter element that is permeable to gas, but is hydrophobic and resists wetting. Optionally these filter elements have pore diameters of 0.45 microns or less. These filters function both in forward and reverse isolation. Filter elements of this type and construction may also be placed internally, for example to isolate a valve or bellows pump from the pneumatic manifold controlling it.
Herein, where a "means for a function" is described, it should be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited to the mode or modes illustrated in the drawings alone, but also encompasses all means for performing the function that are described in this specification, and all other means commonly known in the art at the time of filing. A "prior art means" encompasses all means for performing the function as are known to one skilled in the art at the time of filing, including the cumulative knowledge in the art cited herein by reference to a few examples.
Means for extracting: refers to various cited elements of a device, such as a solid substrate, filter, filter plug, bead bed, frit, or column, for capturing target nucleic acids from a biological sample, and includes the cumulative knowledge in the art cited herein. Extracting further comprises methods of solubilizing, and relates to the resuspension of cells and tissue from the tip of a swab. This includes methods, for example, for dissolution of mucous and protein as described in United States Patent Application 2004/0175695 to Debad. Generally, extraction means include a mechanical pumping component that promotes physical resuspension by turbulent or near turbulent flow. Such flow may be reciprocating flow, and may be pulsatile at varying frequencies to achieve the desired resuspension in a reasonable interval of time. Extraction means also include use of detergent-based buffers, sulfhydryl-reducing agents, proteolytics, chaotropes, passivators, and other solubilizing means.
A means for polymerizing, for example, may refer to various species of molecular machinery described as polymerases and their cofactors and substrates, for example reverse transcriptases and TAQ polymerase, and includes the cumulative knowledge of enzymology cited herein by reference to a few examples.
Means for Amplifying: The grandfather of this art is the "polymerase chain reaction" (referred to as PCR) which is described in detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,683,195, 4,683,202 and 4,800,159, Ausubel et al. Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons, Baltimore, Md. (1989), and in Innis et al., ("PCR Protocols", Academic Press, Inc., San Diego Calif., 1990). Polymerase chain reaction methodologies require thermocycling and are well known in the art. Briefly, in PCR, two primer sequences are prepared that are complementary to regions on opposite complementary strands of a target sequence. An excess of deoxynucleoside triphosphates are added to a reaction mixture along with a DNA polymerase, e.g., Taq polymerase. If the target sequence is present in a sample, the primers will bind to the target and the polymerase will cause the primers to be extended along the marker sequence by adding on nucleotides. By raising and lowering the temperature of the reaction mixture, the extended primers will dissociate from the template to form reaction products, excess primers will bind to the template and to the reaction products and the process is repeated. By adding fluorescent intercalating agents, PCR products can be detected in real time.
Other amplification protocols include LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification of DNA) reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), ligase chain reaction ("LCR"), transcription-based amplification systems (TAS), including nucleic acid sequence based amplification (NASBA), "Rolling Circle", "RACE" and "one-sided PCR".
These various non-PCR amplification protocols have various advantages in diagnostic assays, but PCR remains the workhorse in the molecular biology laboratory and in clinical diagnostics. Embodiments disclosed here for microfluidic PCR should be considered representative and exemplary of a general class of microfluidic devices capable of executing one or various amplification protocols.
Means for detecting: as used herein, refers to an apparatus for displaying an endpoint, i.e., the result of an assay, and may include a detection channel and test pads, and a means for evaluation of a detection endpoint. Detection endpoints are evaluated by an observer visually in a test field, or by a machine equipped with a spectrophotometer, fluorometer, luminometer, photomultiplier tube, photodiode, nephlometer, photon counter, voltmeter, ammeter, pH meter, capacitative sensor, radio-frequency transmitter, magnetoresistometer, or Hall-effect device. Magnetic particles, beads and microspheres haing or impregnated color or having a higher diffraction index may be used to facilitate visual or machine-enhanced detection of an assay endpoint. Magnifying lenses in the cover plate, optical filters, colored fluids and labeling may be used to improve detection and interpretation of assay results. Means for detection of magnetic particles, beads and microspheres may also include embedded or coated "labels" or "tags" such as, but not limited to, dyes such as chromophores and fluorophores; radio frequency tags, plasmon resonance, spintronic, radiolabel, Raman scattering, chemoluminescence, or inductive moment as are known in the prior art. Colloidal particles with unique chromogenic signatures depending on their self-association are also anticipated to provide detectable endpoints. QDots, such as CdSe coated with ZnS, decorated on magnetic beads, or amalgamations of QDots and paramagnetic Fe3O4 microparticles, optionally in a sol gel microparticulate matrix or prepared in a reverse emulsion, are a convenient method of improving the sensitivity of an assay of the present invention, thereby permitting smaller test pads and larger arrays. Fluorescence quenching detection endpoints are also anticipated. A variety of substrate and product chromophores associated with enzyme-linked immunoassays are also well known in the art and provide a means for amplifying a detection signal so as to improve the sensitivity of the assay, for example "up-converting" fluorophores. Detection systems are optionally qualitative, quantitative or semi-quantitative. Visual detection is preferred for its simplicity, however detection means can involve visual detection, machine detection, manual detection or automated detection.
Means for isolation include impermeable cartridge body, gas permeable hydrophobic venting, bibulous padding in waste chamber, disinfectant in waste chamber, elastomeric membrane separating pneumatic actuator from blister pack, valve with elastomeric membrane actuated by suction pressure, suction pressure in said sample entry port, on-board reagent pack, self-locking single-entry sample port, gasketed closure, and disposable external skin or skins. Isolation refers both to the protection of the user from potentially biohazardous specimens, and to the protection of the specimen from contamination by the user or by foreign environmental materials. Closure means, or "means for sealingly closing", include caps, lids, threaded closures, "ziplock" closures, ball valves, gasketed closures, gaskets, seals, snap caps of all sorts, bungs, corks, stoppers, lip seals, press seals, adhesive seals, waterproof seals, single-entry seals, tamper-proof seals, locking seals, track-slidable sealable covers, compression seals, one-way valves, spring-loaded valves, spring-loaded lids, septa, tee-valves, snap-locking closures in general, piston-valves, double-reed valves, diaphragm closures, hinged closures, folding closures, Luer lock closures, and so forth.
Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word "comprise" and variations thereof, such as, "comprises" and "comprising" are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as "including, but not limited to".
"Conventional" is a term designating that which is known in the prior art to which this invention relates.
"About" and "generally" are broadening expressions of inexactitude, describing a condition of being "more or less", "approximately", or "almost" in the sense of "just about", where variation would be insignificant, obvious, or of equivalent utility or function, and further indicating the existence of obvious minor exceptions to a norm, rule or limit.
Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
Turning now to the figures,
The tip may be of various shapes or materials. Preferred swab shapes include a pipe-cleaner shape of bristles, a spade shape with sponge pad, and a "bud" shape with fiber bat. Non-limiting examples of synthetic fiber materials useful in forming swabs include acetate fibers, aramide fibers, polyamide fibers, e.g. nylons, polyester fibers, e.g. polyethylene terephthalate fibers (PET), polyolefin fibers, e.g. polypropylene and polyethylene fibers, polyvinyl alcohol fibers, polyurethane fibers or foams, and mixtures thereof. Further suitable synthetic fibers include bi- or tricomponent fibers such as PE/PET- or PP/PE fibers. These fibers can for example be so-called core-sheath-, side-by-side- or island-in-the-sea type fibers, as may be useful in selected applications. Lyocell fibers are also useful. Non-synthetic materials include woven paper or cotton. Fiber chemistry is generally chosen to be compatible with extraction or analytical chemistries.
Swab fibers may be interlaid, either knitted or randomly entwined. Interlaid webs or fabrics have been formed from many processes, such as, for example, meltblowing processes, spunbonding processes, and bonded carded web processes. In particular embodiments, interlaid swab materials as utilized in the present invention are produced from polymers, such as, for example, polyethylene or polypropylene. The swab fibers optionally may be made from interbonded fibers, for example as of thermoplastic fibers. The term "fibers" as used herein refers to a broad range of thermoplastic members that can be used to form a nonwoven fabric, including members having defined lengths like staple fibers, meltblown fibers that show a beginning and an end, filaments having endless or continuous lengths, and the like. For example, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, thermoplastic polymers such as polyolefins including polyethylene, polypropylene as well as polystyrene can be used as may be polyesters including polyethylene terephthalate, and polyamides including nylons. Also useful are other thermoplastic polymers such as those which are elastomeric including elastomeric polyurethanes and block copolymers. Compatible blends of any of the foregoing may also be used. In addition, additives such as wax, fillers, and the like may be incorporated in amounts consistent with the fiber forming process used to achieve desired results. Other fiber or filament forming materials will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. Bicomponent fibers may be also used. The fibers may also be formed from solution, and examples include viscose. It is only essential that the composition be capable of spinning into filaments or fibers of some form that can be deposited onto a forming surface and thermally formed or interbonded in a manner dependent upon the forming surface. The swab tip may comprise a sponge element.
Sealing closure 34 comprises a gasket or gasket layer 35. In this embodiment, the guide track 8 serves also to force a tight seal between the gasket material and the swab receiving orifice 6, thus forming a fluid-tight seal over swab capture chamber 33. Following capture, the swab is treated by flowing extraction reagent or buffer in and out of the swab receiving chamber. The extraction buffer may include detergents, solvents such as water, and water in combination with DMSO, NMP, DMF, Formamide, THF, and detergents, co-detergents, cosolvents, proteolytics, sulfhydryl-reducing agents such as n-acetyl-cysteine and dithiothreitol, selective nucleases, mucopolysaccharidases, cellulases, proteases, and the like. A discussion of mucolytics is provided in United States Patent Application 2004/0175695 to Debad. Mechanical agitation is important, and may be enhanced by sonication, such as with piezoelectric transducers. For reciprocal flow, air in the chamber can be vented through the waste sequestration chamber or at a secondary vent site. Optionally, the swab receiving chamber may contain active pump elements in tandem pairs, operating in alternation by positive and negative displacement, so that venting is not required. The structure of these paired pump elements consists of elastomeric or flexible diaphragms and the operation requires merely that as the diaphragm of one pump element is compressed, the other diaphragm is distended, so that the fluid is forced back and forth between the two pump elements. The diaphragms may be operated manually, hydraulically, electrostatically, magnetically, or pneumatically as is known in the art.
An important capacity of any such device is the sequestration of medical waste. The device will typically contain buffer and bioactive reagents for sample processing and analysis and all such material is best viewed as biohazardous. Ideally, all such waste is retained in the sealed body of the device and can be disposed of without hazard by autoclaving or incinerating the device itself. Shown here is a waste chamber (36) that would in operation be vented. Such vents as are permeable to air but not to liquid are well known. Added isolation is possible using a flexible diaphragm as described in co-assigned US Patent Document "Integrated Nucleic Acid Assays", where fully operative details of assay systems of this sort are disclosed, and which is herein incorporated in full by reference. Also useful are absorbent bats.
Preferably, the devices are self-contained and contain at least on-board reagent for conducting the analysis. In some cases the reagent is a fluid, for example an extraction buffer or a lysis reagent, but in other cases the reagent is a dried biological, for example a primer mix, an antibody, a polymerase, a divalent cation, or a dried weak acid and its salt. By designing the device to be self-contained, single entry use at the point-of-care is enabled. Liquid reagent storage may be achieved by supplying the reagents in sachets, which are ruptured when needed, by methods known in the art. These methods typically supply a sharp upon which the sachet is compressed so that it ruptures. Compression of the sachet may be by manual means or by pneumatic means.
The theme is repeated in the composite device (70) of
Note that the shape of the blocks forming the outer skin 70 is variable. A clamshell formed of right and left halves is equally suitable, as are more complex interdigitated two part blocks. A single block is useful. The dual block system has the advantage that squeezing pressure applied to the lower block has the effect of holding the device in place while the tear strip and upper lid are removed. The device can then be pulled out of the lower block with clean hands and presents an uncontaminated exterior, the closure having been pulled over the swab receiving orifice from its protected position under the upper lid.
Note that the order of the steps is not strictly followed if the swab handle is broken off and the device sealed after the external skins are removed, and it may be that handling the device in this way is more convenient. However, the preferred method is to capture the swab and seal the device before removing and discarding the external protective skins. As claimed, the invention is not limited by the order of these steps.
In use, the body of the sample collection device 131 is encased in an outer sleeve member (132) and cap member (133). The outer sleeve member is supplied with an endwise swab receiving orifice (134) and internal swab receiving chamber for collecting the swab. A ball valve type closure is used to capture and seal the swab in the device and a knob is provided (135) for rotating the ball valve from open to closed. The control head 136 may also be rotated, and serves to power a spring-driven pressure source for the pumps, and to initiate the assay protocol. Assay status is shown in the leftmost window 137. Assay results are shown in the rightmost window 138.
After the sample is collected, the outside protective sleeve 132 is removed and the sample receiving chamber is closed with the ball valve 135. The cap can then be removed and the apparatus is generally free of external contamination. The sample entry end can be covered. The control head is then rotated and the assay commenced. In a few minutes, the assay result is read in the display window. Status and validity of the assay is displayed in the left panel. Optionally, the device can be inserted into a machine and the assay conducted by machine-aided power and control. The outer sleeve and cap are discarded as contaminated medical waste. At the completion of the assay, the device is also discarded along with its entrained specimen.
Note that the embodiment is illustrative of a general concept, and is not limited by its specificity. The outside protective sleeves are disposable external skins. The sleeves may be replaced by decals as described in
This device is also suitable for collection of tampons, which lack the handle characteristic of swabs. The tampon, however, must be inserted into the swab receiving orifice with tweezers or by other means and the orifice must be dimensioned appropriately. Tampons are useful sample collection devices, and their use is hereby taken within the scope of the invention described herein.
This device is conceived as part of a kit, the kit consisting of a sterile swab, the combination specimen collection device and sheath 130, and a tray. The tray optionally may also contain surgical gloves, instructions, and labeling aids.
A variation of composite device 130 is shown in
The external surfaces of the device are now clean and safely handled without gloves. Objectionable materials deposited on the outside sheath are discarded along with the disposable sheaths, which function as an external protective skin.
In this embodiment, the operator then presses the start button (146); the instrument cycles, its status continuously displayed in status bar 147, and the raw data is read from nucleic acid hybridization array 148. The machine is placed under a modified bar code reader or strip reader and the data is electronically displayed on the reader and transmitted as an electronic medical record to the patient's chart.
These various analytical features are not presently viewed as limitations of the present invention. The present invention relates to methods and devices for collecting specimens and for analyzing specimens in which a pre-formed disposable external skin is removed from the collection device or sample holder after the specimen is deposited in it.
Thus in
Swab collection container (150) is shown in
As supplied, the swab collection container 150 has a swab receiving port (153) formed of disposable funnel (154) and barbed lip (164) of the internal swab receiving channel (156), also termed herein an "internal hollow volume (156)". The temporary shipping cap (160) is first removed and the swab is inserted tip-down into the internal hollow volume (156). Note that the disposable funnel serves to protect the barbed rim (164) of the internal sheathed tube (157) from contamination with specimen residues. Following collection of the swab and placement within the inner tube, the sealing strip, or tear strip (168), is removed and the upper protective skin (155) is lifted up and away from the device, along with the disposable funnel 154, both of which are discarded. This exposes the uppermost bezeled rim 164 of the inner cylinder. Now, as shown in
Note that the removal of the outer shells is a two part process. With a gloved hand, the contaminated outer shell is grasped and the upper shell is removed. A clean hand is then used to install the closure, and the upper part of the inner cylinder is held while the lower shell is removed. The final specimen container is now free of contamination and can be handled without gloves. To later gain access to the swab, fracture lines such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,516,947 may be formed in the internal cylinder, which can be formed generally as described in
If a patient were to collect the sample, we envisage that the patient will place the swab in the device and return it, outer shell intact, to a healthcare professional or laboratory technician. The technician will then complete the steps of removing the upper shell, inserting and sealing the cap, and then removing the lower shell, taking care to avoid contaminating the external surfaces of the inner cylinder during the process. Between steps of the process, the device 150 may be stood on its base, which can be formed with a foot as would be useful for stability.
A kit for this process may contain, in a tray, the device 150, a swab 20, and a closure, along with any instructions and labeling.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations, combinations of elements, and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.
A swab is provided in a sterile packet, the shaft of the swab being formed with a notch separating the handle from the sampling tip. The swab is rubbed in the gingiva separating the teeth from the gums of a child and inserted into a collection device of the invention. The swab handle is bent vigorously so that it breaks at the notch, releasing the swab tip with specimen into the device. The swab insertion channel is then covered with a sliding closure that rides in tracks in the housing, and sealed irreversibly, the sliding closure having a ratcheted underside which mates and locks over a locking tooth or spur on the body of the device. The professional then removes a protective external skin from the device, taking care not to contaminate the freshly exposed surfaces, and hands the device to an aide for processing.
A swab is provided in a sterile envelope, the shaft of the swab being formed of a material suitable for cutting with a blade. The patient is asked to provide a self-collected specimen of the vaginal mucosa and is given instructions. The patient collects the sample and inserts the soft tip of the swab into the sample collection device that was provided. The patient hands the device to a health professional, who takes it with gloved hands. The health professional closes the cover of the device, cutting free the swab handle and discarding it, and then removes the disposable external skins on the device, taking care not to contaminate the freshly exposed surfaces. After removing the skins, the health professional inserts the device into a semi-automated analytical apparatus and completes the assay. The result is read and the device with sample is then discarded. The analytical apparatus is equipped with networking capability so as to transmit identifying and "smart" electronic data as an electronic medical record to a database on a server.
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Phoebe Legere is a New York-based singer and actress, known for her sensual stage performances while playing the accordion, violin and guitar. Her best-known song is "Marilyn Monroe," which she performs at the beginning of the film Mondo New York. See full bio »
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text: Photo Gallery 2652 NyeMinden, NV 89423 $525,000 Single Family Bed:4 Bath:2 Sqft:2,750 Lot:1.06 acres MLS#: 130009335 TOP OF THE WORLD CUSTOM HOME - Another fantastic floor plan built by Ridgeline Development. For an example of work contact agent or view video tour of other homes built by this builder. Courtesy Of Laura Moline, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates More Featured Properties


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Wilmington House Rental Photos and Description
4 bedroom, 3 bathroom secluded home
The Wilmington Wilderness House is our personal home. We are not property managers. We love our home and the area and want to allow others to experience the beauty of the Adirondacks when we are out RVing. It is by no means perfect, (which is quickly noticed by the wildflowers that grow where many people would have grass) but it is a great place to stay while you enjoy all that the area has to offer. A note to potential winter renters...you will need a four wheel drive vehicle to get up the driveway in the winter.
Outside: There is a brook that borders the property and a walking trail that runs alongside it. Open the windows to hear the brook babbling all year round. Cross the brook to access the Cooper Kiln Trail from our back yard where you can hike or snowshoe to the Pond. The house is located on 5 acres of land, which is mostly wooded and cannot be seen from the road. Enjoy the peace and quiet of total seclusion. It's one of the things we love so much about the property. Sit in the Adirondack chairs around the chimnea for a feeling of camping. There is even a short, lighted seasonal path for walking your dog at night through the property. The 2 stall garage is available to you throughout your stay (no electricity in the garage).
Inside: Most people come to the area to enjoy the outdoor activities it offers. However, the weather doesn't always cooperate. When the snow isn't good, or if the rain ruins your plans, there is much to do in the house. Wireless internet is included. We have chosen not to have a TV. However, we do have a movie room in the basement with a huge VHS movie library for your enjoyment. The playroom includes a bench full of toys for your little ones and a ping pong table. In the basement is a shelf full of puzzles, and board games. Or, feel free to borrow a book from our library loft and sit in a quiet room to read. The house does not have central air. There are air conditioners in three of the bedrooms (not one in the basement bedroom) and in the dining room/living room area to cool you down on a hot summer night. Sit in the jacuzzi tub in the master bedroom and look out the window to see the Jay Mountain Range. We have just completed the 'bouldering loft' where you can practice your bouldering skills.
Bedrooms and Bathrooms: The house has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. On the main floor of the house are two bedrooms. One bedroom includes two sets of bunk beds and the other has a queen log bed with a tempurpedic mattress. There is one bathroom on the main floor. The master suite is located on the second floor of the house. There is a king sized log bed with a tempurpedic mattress. The master bathroom is huge and has a jacuzzi tub. The forth bedroom is in the basement and has a queen bed. Attached to this bedroom is a bathroom with toilet, sink, and shower.
Kitchen: The kitchen is stocked with everything you need including spices, paper products, dishes, silverware, etc. It includes a dishwasher, microwave, and gas stove/oven.
Living Room/Dining Room: The house offers an open floor plan. The dining room and living room can be rearranged so the dining room table can be expanded to seat 12 people. Or, it can be made cozy for 4.
Other: The laundry room has high efficiency washing machine and dryer for your use. Make a fire in the fireplace in the winter to sit by and relax after a long day of outdoor activities.
Pets: Dogs are more than welcome in our home. We have two large breed dogs who travel everywhere with us. We do our best to keep the house clean, but be prepared that you may find dog hair around the house. We also have kennels for the dogs permanently set up in the area between the living room and dining room, which are hidden when not in use.
- Suitability:
- Events Allowed
- Long-term Renters Welcome
- children welcome
- non smoking only
- pets considered
- wheelchair inaccessible
About Bonnie Parent
We moved to Wilmington after living in Colorado. Although we loved Colorado, we wanted to be in the Northeast to be closer to family. The only place that we found that fit into our lifestyle was the Adirondacks. We love to travel. Now, we spend our time between Colorado and Wilmington. Instead of having the house sit empty while we travel, we decided to open it for others to enjoy. We have rented homes all over the country and it seemed like a good way to allow us to travel and still have our house taken care of.
Bonnie Parent purchased this house in 2008
Why Bonnie Parent chose Wilmington
When we decided on the area, we looked for a long time before purchasing this property. We love the quiet that is provided by this house. The brook is a special feature. And, the house is surrounded by 60,000 acres of State land. So, we know that it will always be as secluded as it is today.


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Uncomfortably Numb (Paperback)
|Paperback 200 pages
May be available in some of our shops
'The Wellington of Sharon English's debut collection is a city unmistakably like her hometown of London, Ont. A linked-story exploration of teenage angst and folly, this book would likely make its author the main event at her high-school reunion - if she dared to show. In the tidy suburb of Greenview, Germaine Stevens joins her friend Jackie in a darkened bedroom. Jackie may have "an idiot" for a dad - but a useful one. He's a drug wholesaler with a station wagon full of samples. To the raw tones of Meat Loaf, the girls pop tabs of Probene "for the relief of stress, anxiety and mental agitation." Barely graduated from building snow forts, the two now collaborate on bedroom shrines to flamed-out rock stars. Jimi Hendrix gets a black baby doll mummified in gauze; Jim Morrison sulks from a poster with X's taped over his eyes. Germaine ("Germ" to her dearest) is our jaded guide to a life cursed with two-faced parents, laughable teachers and gag-making, uncool schoolmates - such as Debbie, who whispers in French class with minty breath, "It's freaky...but I really feel Tony's my destiny." She's even got the diamond to prove it.'
Book details
Porcupine's Quill Inc.,Canada
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All KISD schools and offices will be closed for Thanksgiving Nov. 26-28.
The Tivy Antlers are 2014 Class 5A Area Champs and now advance to the Regional Semifinals. The Antlers will play Gregory-Portland Friday, November 28 at 7:30 pm at Judson High School in San Antonio. Tickets are on sale at the Tivy Athletic Office Monday and Tuesday ONLY due to the Thanksgiving holidays. Prices are $7 for adults and $5 for students. All tickets will cost $8 at the gate.
Directions: The game will be at Judson ISD's D.W. Rutledge Stadium located at 900 South Seguin Road, Converse, TX 78109. Click here for a map to the stadium. Tivy is the home team, which is the west side of the stadium. Enter and park in the home lot. Travel I-10 East toward San Antonio. Take 1604 for 20 miles around to FM-78. Turn left on 78. Travel 1.6 miles to FM-1516 and the stadium is right there.
Two Tivy Seniors signed college scholarships Wednesday to continue their athletic careers next year. Kendall Bosse signed on to play Volleyball at Abilene Christian University, and Ray Swyers signed on to play Baseball at the University of Incarnate Word in San Antonio. Congratulations!
Kerrville ISD is now accepting nominations to test students for the district's Gifted and Talented program. The deadline to nominate a kindergarten student for GT Testing is December 12. The deadline to nominate a student in 1st through 11th grade is January 23, 2015. For more information, contact the counselor at your child's school.
Kerrville Independent School District is thrilled to announce that Nimitz Elementary has been named a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan for being an Exemplary High Performing School. Nimitz is one of 337 schools nationwide to receive this award. Only 25 schools out of more than 8,000 in Texas were recognized.
The U.S. Department of Education will honor these schools at a Recognition Ceremony November 10-11 in Washington D.C. In its 32-year history, theNational Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed this coveted award on just under 7,900 of America's schools.
"All of the staff and students of Nimitz Elementary are excited and honored to be named a National Blue Ribbon School," said Wendy Tiemann, Principal. "Nimitz Elementary is an amazing school, and we are honored to be recognized for our success."
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students either achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap. The award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content.
"Being named a Blue Ribbon School is a tremendous honor and accomplishment," said Dan Troxell, Ph.D., Superintendent. "We are proud of the Nimitz students, staff and administration for being named an elite school for our nation."
For the official press release, click here:http://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/2014-final-report/Press_Release_2014_National_Blue_Ribbon_Schools.pdf.


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Submit your letter online with our Virtual Newsroom.
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Fighting against domestic violence
October 17, 2014 October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. more »»
Panhandling signs needed
October 17, 2014 I am in favor of the signs prohibiting panhandling. Parkersburg has several organizations willing to help those that have fallen on hard times. more »»
Vote Democrat for good reasons
October 13, 2014 If you are getting a Social Security check, thank the Democrats. Vote for Democrats to save this retirement plan from being privatized. more »»
A record that speaks for itself
October 13, 2014 This letter is in response to the letter to the editor by Tom Fenton critical of Jennifer Garrison for saying Bill Johnson is not supporting veterans. So here are the fact. more »»
Vote for most qualified candidate
October 13, 2014 Mr. more »»
Justice Kennedy for law and order
October 13, 2014 Law and order. That is the type of society we all want. Many things go into the creation of an orderly society. more »»
Cast vote for conservatives
October 12, 2014 One would think that the 80-plus years of one-party rule in West Virginia would be enough. more »»
Another Bill Johnson untruth
October 12, 2014 EVE, Incorporated is the service agency and shelter for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault for Marietta and the surrounding area. more »»
Rick Walters for commissioner
October 12, 2014 Recently, I have been asked several times about the upcoming election of a new county commissioner. Since my term is ending and I am not a candidate for commissioner, I will share my thoughts. more »»
The city's unused bike lane
October 12, 2014 The city has decided to take away parking meters and put a bike trail in its place on Second Street. We have seen very few bikers using this street. more »»
Vandalism of property is sad
October 12, 2014 My sister, my mother and I came to Marietta between 1 October and 4 October, 2014. more »»
VFD appreciates support
October 12, 2014 It is amazing how a community can go about its daily activities and not take much time to think about what goes on each day while we are at work, maybe shopping, or running the kids around. more »»
Angels, heroes walk among us
October 12, 2014 Angels and heroes really do walk among us. I had the awesome experience of meeting one face to face this morning at a local restauran. more »»
Why bother to vote?
October 12, 2014 Is there still a reason to vote? This nation was started by Christians. Our Constitution, government structure and schools were all Christian. more »»
Wasting a vote on abortion
October 12, 2014 I have a few things to say to our dear friend and misguided anti-abortionist Patty Cooper of Vienna. more »»
Highway department helpful
October 12, 2014 Wadesville Road got a real nice visit from the state road department — Candy Caviness, Citizens Request for Assistance Coordinator for District Three. more »»
Return Sharon Kennedy to high court
October 6, 2014 This November, across Ohio we will elect every member of the state's executive branch and some members of the legislative branch. more »»
BrAva's fun day a success
October 6, 2014 The fourth annual BrAva 5K/Family Fun Day is in the books and it was a record-breaking event. And the plans have already begun for the fifth annual. more »»
Vote Dennis for a sensible approach
October 6, 2014 I met Yolan Dennis in 1968 when I entered high school at Waterford. She is still the smiling, smart, sensible country woman that I have remembered for the last 46 years. more »»
Tennant stands with workers
October 5, 2014 On Sept. 29, I read "Tennant's prospects dim" by Mike Myer. more »»


text:
Getting Pregnant
Labor and Delivery
Baby and Beyond
Anyone have one after a pregnancy. It appears that I have one, ugh! It is small, but noticeable (meaning I can feel it, you can't see it). There was a day last week where my belly was tender to the touch, then I could feel a small bump right at my belly button. It only hurt that one day. My midwife said it could go away on its own, just to watch it. It is freaking me out. This could be my intestines pushing out? What? Will probably make an appointment with a doc for next week. Please, please, please ab muscles close. I do NOT need to have surgery at the moment. Icky! I am 2 1/2 weeks PP it goes away if I lay down, not as noticeable when sitting, most noticeable when standing. So anyone here have any experience with this? Thanks!!!!
ETA Baby #11 was born on 11-21-11. Griffin Isaac was 10 days past due, weighed 9#6oz and was 22 1/2 inches!!! Need to update my siggy!
Last edited by zookeeper; 12-08-2011 at 02:07 PM.
Erica, Mommy to: Nathan-17, Tara-15, Alyssa-11, Brandon-10, Sinjin-9, Zoe-8, Calvin-7, Owen-5, Martin-4, Kamie-2, and Griffin Isaac
Pretty sure I had one during my last pregnancy but it went away on its own at some point after I had Finn - really don't remember how long it took, there was so much upheaval and chaos after his birth, I think I forgot about the hernia. Anyway, hope yours goes away on its own.
Congrats on your latest arrival!
Lisa - Mom to:
Kevin 1.10.97
Joey 7.2.02
Annabelle & Daisy 9.22.04
Lilah 10.3.06
Finn 7.7.08
Scarlett 6.23.12
My blogs:
Life As I Know It
Turn the Page
No advice, but congrats on your new baby!
Rachel, momma to 4
dd 9, ds 7, twin boys Dec 09
I nursed my twins for 2years and 2 weeks! A little sad to be all done now.
i have no advice, just wanted to congratulate you on baby griffin!!!
Thanks ladies!
Lisa, I can totally imagine that a stupid hernia would have been the last thing on your mind after Finn's birth. Glad yours went away, I am hoping mine does. Now that I know it's there it is bugging me. It doesn't hurt or anything, I just am a bit freaked after consulting Dr. Google.
Have an appointment with a dr. on Friday, but I may have to change it since DH can't be home soon enough to be with the kids. I hate going to the dr. Homebirth is kind of looked down on around here, so I will have to deal with more questions than I care too, but oh well. I've got to do what needs done so I can take care of my Zoo!
Hi Asha! Congrats on your new little boy too! He is a cutie, as are all of your kids--I think you need to keep going! Yes, another home birth. He was born 15 minutes after my midwife got here. Not a good idea to wait to call her, DH nearly had to catch. I was pushing as she walked in the house!!
Thanks again everyone!
Erica, Mommy to: Nathan-17, Tara-15, Alyssa-11, Brandon-10, Sinjin-9, Zoe-8, Calvin-7, Owen-5, Martin-4, Kamie-2, and Griffin Isaac
I know this is a little late and I'm a lurker, but I had an umbilical hernia after my last lo. It wasn't a problem and I had no idea what it was until I had to go for an unrelated emergency surgery. I actually thought it was just because I had gained weight throughout the pregnancies for my 5 kids. The surgeon told me that he wouldn't have recommended surgery for it on it's own, but because they had to cut near my umbilicus they "fixed" it. Half my umbilicus is gone, I have half an innie, instead of a whole outie like I had before the surgery. It's because of the other surgery though, so I don't know what it would be like to have a hernia repaired on it's own.
Never heard of this... but congrats on your new baby. I never saw you around in the November '11 board?
Krystal & Donovan - 12/2/06
Reagan - 10/2/02
Maximus - 3/10/05
Liberty - 12/11/08
Trystan- 11/22/11
My angel in Heaven 1/7/13
I developed an umbilical hernia after #5, my dr. told me to see a surgeon but i never did and ended up preggo w/#6, I had my tubes tied after she was born and they went through my belly button to do that so they put a couple stitched in my hernia opening.....only thing is they didn't quite get it totally closed. It isn't giving me any trouble, never has but my dr said it's important to get it fixed because yes it is your intestines coming out and if they come out and somehow the hole closes up, it could be bad. That said.....I don't plan on having it fixed unless I start having problems.


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...was today!
Many thanks to the Indian Cottage for a great meal (and a super deal!) and putting up with the racket!
We also managed to decide that we will make a collection for the local foodbank at the next branch meeting.
Saturday, 21 December 2013
The SSP Campsie Curry...
...was today!
Posted by Plot Tracer at 12/21/2013 03:37:00 pm
Labels: Kirkintilloch, Scottish Socialist Party
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Tel: (207)477-2829
Maplestone School is a non-profit school.
We follow Hands-on approach with integrated academics emphasizing equine studies and farm management.
Our mission is to serve individuals in need of special services through providing an environment that encourages and helps to facilitate innovative approaches to education and progressive equine services to individuals with special needs through therapeutic riding, driving and Hippotherapy.
School Overview
|School Type
|Special Education School
|Religious Affiliation
|Grades Offered
|Grades 9 - 12
Student Body
|Total Students
|34 students
|Student Body Type
|% Students of Color
State avg.: 8%
|Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
|Total Classroom Teachers
|8 teachers
|Student : Teacher Ratio
National avg.: 13:1
Nearby Schools:
All Schools | High Schools | Elementary Schools | Preschools | Public Schools
Show me:
- School Location Miles Students Grades
WaterboroKingdom's Treasure's School
730 West Rd
Waterboro, ME, 04087
(207)247-6973(Roman Catholic)7.7 mi | 9 students | Gr. 2-9
RochesterEmmanuel Child Care Center
Po Box 1812
Rochester, NH, 03866
(603)332-5353Daycare / Preschool (Christian)8.3 mi | 4 students | Gr. PK-KG
MiltonMilton Learning Center
Po Box 291
Milton, NH, 03851
(603)652-9337Daycare / Preschool9 mi | 8 students | Gr. K
MiltonShortridge Academy
619 Governors Road
Milton, NH, 03851
(603)755-3096Alternative School10 mi | 40 students | Gr. 9-12
SanfordSt. Thomas Consolidated School
69 North Avenue
Sanford, ME, 04073
(207)324-5832(Roman Catholic)11 mi | 143 students | Gr. PK-6
School Reviews
Area Statistics
Recent Articles
Updated October 26, 2014
What do you do when you are dissatisfied with your local public schools? Homeschool your children? Send them to private school? Let's look at your options.
Your religion matters to you. You want your child to attend a school which will combine academics and religious education. Here is an overview of what is available together with some links to denominational web sites.
Add things up and you'll quickly find the answer- math is crucial both in academics and the real world. By following these strategies and following personal training programs, students can uncover their weaknesses and conquer math.


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(814) 382-5159
13175 Conneaut Lake Rd
Conneaut Lake, PA 16316-6807
15.3 Miles
(724) 588-8348
Rout 358, Greenville, PA 16125
Services: Complete Auto Repair, Air Conditioning, State Inspections, 4 Wheel Drive, Anti-lock Brakes, Ele...
Latest review: "Not the cheapest place but Gary knows his stuff. I've taken vehicles there that the Ford gar..."
8.5 Miles
(814) 382-6626
3459 Lake Rd, Atlantic, PA 16111
Services: Repairs-tune Ups- Custom Builds
Latest review: "I took my 2001 Kawasaki Prairie to have the rear differential repaired and they had it done ..."
26.9 Miles
(814) 774-4808
11709 W Lake Rd, East Springfield, PA 16411
Products: Campers, Parts
Services: Commercial Services
Latest review: "4/2/2012 As a past camper at Pine Lan - Ask yourself do you want your children swimming i..."
main: (814) 382-5159
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Inspection Estimates, Customer Reviews, Profile Info & More!
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The beautiful, inteligent, classy and fulfilling companion of a man that is wise enough to notice such qualities. Usually despised and hated on by the baby momma.
I found the woman that completes me, now I call her my wife.
B-Realによって 2004年02月02日(月)
extreme hardcore version of a girlfriend
"Dude, your wife battled an ogre to save your favorite t-shirt? That's extremely hardcore."
GarytheSnailLovestoMeowによって 2009年06月04日(木)
A prostitute with a life-long contract to a single client.
Winnie was Adolph's wife.
Killing Kittensによって 2005年03月06日(日)
The person that is there for you whenever you need them, the person that makes you want to be better, the person that you love and cherish forever.
(Hint: getting married to a woman you don't love isn't a good idea, don't do it.)
(Hint: getting married to a woman you don't love isn't a good idea, don't do it.)
I wish I had a wife instead of a woman I have to constantly put up with.
zach0301によって 2010年07月05日(月)


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American Public Works Association President-Elect George R. Crombie was recently awarded honorary membership by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers. Crombie, who has a master's degree in Public Administration, has held a variety of positions in environmental, public works, and infrastructure fields, including public works director for four different cities. Visit www.apwa.net.
An American Public Works Association leadership trainer interviews public works leaders...
The three extraordinary projects provide clean water access to remote rural villages in...
American Academy of...
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Earn 2 professional development hours (PDHs) by completing a post-webinar test.
Third extension since '96 means Stephenville, Texas partnership will span 25 years.
Articles and products focusing on all things Water.
New book by PW blogger Pam Broviak gives advice on setting up and managing a public...
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Magic La Massana
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Lazy day in The Valley
Day 22 - Friday, 26th September, 2014
We had decided on Thursday night that we were going to have a lazy day today. The hotel was arguably the best we had stayed at and it was cheap. So we booked in for another night.
We got up to the best inclusive breakfast of the trip so far, some of it being English style although there were no beans and after this went for ...
Ambling up to Andorra
Day 21 - Thursday, 25th September, 2014
We left Perpignan and started riding due west into the Pyrenees Mountains. Our destination was Andorra.
We soon started to make height. The roads were great motorcycling roads, generally good road surfaces, long sweeping left and right bends. There was a nice view around every corner.
Mid afternoon saw us cross from France into Spain, the 9th country of our trip. ...
Andorra to Barcelona
... reminder of our drive into Italy. As we enter Barcelona our GPS now brings up the airport, but only after we have been far too long amongst some frenetic Spanish driving and seen too much of the motorway system. The contrast between the relaxed driving behaviour of rural Spain and the passion of Barcelona is striking. After about 3 hours from Andorra we deliver the car to the airport depot. We have travelled 4,700km, had some ...
Carcassonne to Andorra
We begin the day by having a final wander around parts of Carcassonne citie and are on the road by 11. We have a new country to visit - Andorra - which is less than 200 Kms away. The first part of the trip is relatively uninteresting, as scenically the area around Carcassonne has little to offer. However once we get beyond Foix the landscape immediately changes as we reach the foothills of the Pyrenees. The road winds sharply and steeply to an altitude,of over 2000 metres. ...
Haut Route Pyrenees Day One
... we'll get to what it feels like in the Tour de France.
The plan was to take it easy today, keep the heart rate and power down and not get carried away with excitement of the race. We're going to need to do that for at least a couple of more days so that we have energy to get us through the week. If we overdo it now, we'll pay later. The plan worked. Dave, Terry, Paul and I rode together ...


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Kazakhstan's sovereign bond has become the first to wholly adopt new model collective action and pari passu clauses
Bangkok Dusit Medical Service's convertible bond has marked a number of firsts in the Thai market
State issuers often include carve outs from their waiver of sovereign immunity. But Clifford Chance's Robert Trefny explains, that it's not clear whether the law supports such protections
After a slow first week, several key changes could improve the performance of the long-awaited Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect
Australia is set to be the next developed country to get permission to use the renminbi qualified foreign institutional investor programme
Short sellers and a number of incidents on IPO information suggest that more thorough pre-deal diligence is needed
The offering proved the depth of Asia's capital markets but its innovative structure has also set a precedent for the rest of the industry
Transparency and private placement may seem strange bedfellows. But reconciling the concepts could spur growth in the pan-European market
The treasurer of KfW has called on investors and intermediaries – including law firms – to accept lower yields and fees on green bonds
China now permits onshore guarantees for bonds intended to expand issuers' offshore operations. But uncertainty surrounds their subordination
The countries are expected to drive Asia's high-yield market, but local regulations may limit offerings to quality issuers
IFLR has been at the IBA's Annual Conference in Tokyo this week, producing its daily newspaper. Here's the full coverage
The past 12 months has seen ferocious covenant negotiation. And it's laid the groundwork for more issuer-investor tussles in 2015
The record number of European companies tapping the market for the first time are hitting hurdles in preparing prospectuses and finding secondary market liquidity
Market participants have queried whether portability provisions in high-yield actually provide the issuer any benefits
It's well-known that the costs of compliance are increasing. But the post-trade area poses several risky – and potentially expensive – areas that market participants cannot ignore
IFLR's Quick Poll this month asks what should be the EC's priority in establishing a capital markets union
Proposed changes to the rules governing UK public takeovers set out a strict new regime that requires bidders to think carefully about the promises they make during a takeover battle
Jack Straw has called for a rethink of the EU's capital markets union to change City eurosceptics' antipathy towards the project
Despite continued guarantees that it will make payments on its sovereign bonds in October, experts say a Venezuela default or restructuring process is inevitable.
Green bonds and social impact investing
Dec 9 2014 4:00 pm
Dodd Frank: recap and what's next?
Jan 6 2015 4:00 pm
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Brunswick Zone has been a trusted name in recreational pin pulverizing for more than a century, providing good times to patrons across the country. Friends and families season afternoons with a pleasant peppering of strikes, spares, and easygoing gutter balls under classic bowling conditions, or take the next bold step in ball-hurling evolution and engage in a round of cosmic bowling, where dancing lights, thumping tunes, and black-lit gear light up the full sensorium. At XL locations, game rooms beckon with nimble joystick workouts on classic and modern arcade games.
The gym owners at Snap Fitness understand that the motivation to train might strike at any time: early morning, late at night, or immediately after having just barely escaped a bear. That's why they keep their gyms open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for a convenient and affordable experience close to home. These four Facilities outside of Chicago feature woodway treadmills, strength training equipment, ellipticals, stairmasters, free weights, and power racks. Certain gyms have individual showering rooms and rowing machines. No matter which gym clients choose, certified personal trainers will conduct a one-on-one fitness consultation to get clients familiar with the equipment and started on a workout plan.
Encompassing an 85'x200' main rink as well as a smaller 80'x60' surface, Franklin Park Ice Arena hosts wintry productions ranging from hockey and figure skating to broomball and birthday parties. When not configured for youth or adult hockey leagues, speed-skating time trials, or test drives of icebreaking jet skis, the rink hosts public skating sessions offered up to six times per week. Meanwhile, Orch's Pro Shop stands at the ready for skaters with equipment by such major brands as Bauer, CCM, and Easton, as well as repairs and skate sharpening.
It can be difficult to attend a seminar with a baby. But Baby Expo Chicago was designed for those with youngsters in tow—between baby-related workshops and presentations, parents can take kids to get their faces painted or play a variety of games. Adults and children can also interact with kid-friendly characters, peruse baby books and toys, and enter grand-prize competitions including the Beautiful Baby Contest, Daddy's Pack 'n Play Race, and Diaper Dash, which is much more exciting than watching professional Diaper Dash athletes on TV.
It's commonly accepted that it's not a good idea to build castles in the air, so the team at Monkey Zone built castles with air inside them instead. At their 40,000-square-foot indoor playground, they supervise tots expending energy as they ricochet off the walls of the Dora the Explorer inflatable and other air-filled fun houses. Good for kids aged 1–10, the Toddler Town bouncy house lets little ones roll about as bigger kids race invisible tractors at the barnyard blow-up. In the game room, kids delve further into their imaginations while playing arcade and crane games and sip soft drinks from the snack bar. Monkey Zone also hosts birthday parties with pizza, pop, and play for up to 50 guests in their fanciful space featuring jungle, circus, and aquatic murals.
Choose from the following locations: Addison, Chicago, Evergreen Park, Melrose Park, and Naperville.


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Fugitive lip biter arrested in California
Nov 6, 2014
Jonathan E. Benedict
Oct 30, 2014
Darrell W. Cook
Oct 2, 2014
Michael Polchies
Sep 25, 2014
Home » News » Crime
Woman attacked in alley near downtown Manchester club
The incident happened about 2 a.m. The woman told police someone stole her wallet while she was at Drynk Nightclub, 20 Old Granite St., and she went outside in search of the thief.
The man choked her with his hands and sexually assaulted her. The woman fought back and during the struggle managed to kick him, causing him to run off.
The assailant is described as a Hispanic or bi-racial man, 20 to 30 years old, with a medium complexion and short Afro-style haircut. He was 5-foot-6 to 5-foot-7 and weighed between 155 and 175 pounds. He wore a red and white hooded sweatshirt.
- Nashua man charged as drug enterprise leader; three others also arrested - 0
- More details, photos emerge on man accused of murdering parents and burning down their home - 0
- Police say alleged bank robber tried to take gun from officer in hospital - 0
- Police identify Manchester man wanted in bank robbery - 0
- 2 Vermont women face drug and other charges following arrest in Lebanon - 0
- State: Women struck in Hampton not interested in apology, meeting with driver - 0
- Jury gets a verbal text messaging lesson in trial of man who struck, killed former Amherst fire chief - 0
- Appeals underway for men in Canada accused of Nashua murders - 0
- County attorney defends plea deal for Hampton woman who fatally struck pedestrian - 2
Plaistow town planner arrested on forgery, fraud chargesREADER COMMENTS: 0
- Unlicensed employees cost Concord financial firm $100,000 - 0
- Woman killed in Nashua crash - 0
- Wednesday night Derry blaze under investigation - 0
- Weare residents turn out to discuss police department concerns - 0
- Manchester, Uber headed for a collision over taxi regulations? - 14
- Dave D'Onofrio's Patriots Notebook: Defense is Lions' weapon - 0
- UNH Notebook: Outright league title on UNH's agenda - 1
- NHIAA D-III Football Championship: Back to school in Newport - 0
- Pope to visit U.S. next year - 0
Claremont police investigate false report that locked down elementary schoolREADER COMMENTS: 0
Former mayor makes pitch for commuter rail
Shaheen, Ayotte split on Keystone vote
Premiums drop, so do subsidies for Obamacare
More details, photos emerge on man accused of murdering parents and burning down their home
VA wait times: They are still bad
Shaheen, Ayotte split on Keystone vote
King Obama: Creating a constitutional crisis
Premiums drop, so do subsidies for Obamacare
Former mayor makes pitch for commuter rail
VA wait times: They are still bad
- Whom do you think bears the brunt of the blame for the mayhem this weekend in Keene?
- KSC students
- 37%
- KSC administration
- 2%
- Police
- 6%
- Visitors from out of town
- 18%
- A combination of any/all of the above
- 37%
- Total Votes: 2483


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Aledo Bearcats vs. Birdville, B 6 p.m., A 4:30 p.m., JV 6 p.m. and Varsity 7:30 p.m.
The Community News • P.O. Box 1031 • 203 Pecan Dr. • Aledo, TX 76008 • 817-441-7661 • FAX: 817-441-5419
"Press release May 10, 2012
Bush Legacy Republican Women of Weatherford
Zan Prince, Chair, Parker County Republican Party, is our guest speaker for the BLRWW monthly luncheon on Thursday, May 17, 2012, 11:30am – 1:00pm at the Doss Heritage and Culture Center, 1400 Texas Drive, Weatherford, Texas. Zan will be speaking on the differences between Republican principles and those of the other parties.
Zan Prince has been the Parker County Republican Chair since 2004. She has served as a precinct chair, election judge, election worker, grassroots activist, and officer of the Republican Women's Club. She is a past President of the Parker County Republican Women and a Charter Member of the Bush Legacy Republican Women.
She has brought the Party together to register voters at community events all over the county, educate voters, and to turn out voters in record numbers for the Republican ticket.
Zan serves on the boards of five community banks including First National Bank of Weatherford. She has been an agent and registered representative for New York Life since 1988.
Zan Prince has served in many service capacities in organizations such as the local church, Cub Scouts, Denison Education Fund, Denison Downtown Association, Independent Bankers Association of Texas, Texas Bankers Association, the Future Gen Project, 4-H, Civic Development, The Parker County Health Foundation, Business and Professional Women, Zonta Clubs and the Chambers of Commerce. Zan Prince was named the East Parker County "Woman of the Year 2012". Zan is married to Mike Prince, has two sons and two grandsons.
Reservations are required as a courtesy to our caterer. Please RSVP to Lori Gross email@example.com or 817-613-1098."
Aledo Bearcats vs. Birdville, B 6 p.m., A 4:30 p.m., JV 6 p.m. and Varsity 7:30 p.m.
Aledo Ladycats at Springtown, Freshmen 5:30 p.m., JV 5:30 p.m. and Varsity 7 p.m.
Aledo Ladycats Freshmen and JV at Mineral Wells Invitational
Aledo Bearcats B, A, JV and Varsity at Weatherford New Car Dealers Tournament
Aledo Ladycats Varsity at Fort Worth Cowtown Classic
Aledo Bearcats vs. Stephenville at Aledo High School, B 6 p.m., A 4:30 p.m., JV 6 p.m. and Varsity 7:30 p.m.
Aledo Ladycats at Granbury, Freshmen 5 p.m., JV 5 p.m. and Varsity 6:30 p.m., *District Game
Aledo Bearcats B, A, JV and Varsity at Decatur Tournament
Aledo Bearcats vs. Southwest at Aledo High School, B 5 p.m., A 5 p.m. and JV 6:30 p.m.
Aledo Ladycats vs. Cleburne at Aledo High School, Freshmen 5 p.m., JV 5 p.m. and Varsity 6:30 p.m., *District Game
Aledo Bearcats vs. Joshua at Aledo High School, A 8 p.m., JV 5 p.m. and Varsity 6:30 p.m., *District Game
Aledo Ladycats vs. Joshua at Aledo High School, Freshmen 6:30 p.m., JV 5 p.m. and Varsity 8 p.m., *District Game
Aledo Bearcats Varsity at Moritz Auto Group Holiday Classic, Aledo
Aledo Ladycats Varsity at Fibermax Caprock Classic, Lubbock


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Yes, our responsible about family and society must included the nature of the world. A little bit from each one exactly can heal the world.
Think about if we live without clean water, oxygen, green trees, humidity soil etc what will be happen?
Beautiful image and sentiment!
Thank you dear Ray:)
– Kornrawiee
Very prettily composed and photographed :-)
Thank you my friend:)
– Kornrawiee
beautiful shot
Thank you dear JUSTART:)
– Kornrawiee
This is just gorgeous
beautiful work!!
Thank you dear Kymie and dear Charmiene:)
Excellent capture!
Beautiful work!
Beautiful,Sunny,i guess the answers in our hands!
You are a great photographer Sunny!!
Wonderful image and very important message.
Everything in our hands … that's for sure!!Haya


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Been debating whether to invest in a private jet or settle for a new vacation home? Then Juvenile's latest cut ain't for you. This freshly-released promo single, the artist's first solo feature since September 2012's Picture Perfect, is dedicated to those putting in overtime just to keep a roof over their heads. As the New Orleans mainstay puts it on the hook, "My n**gas hustle hard just to Pay the Rent." Juvie ain't the only emcee who knows the value of a dollar; joining the headliner over Sinister's sizzling street instrumental, renowned trappers Yo Gotti and Young Jeezy offer listeners a glimpse at their respective balance sheets on the second and third verses. Pay the Rent isn't attached to a larger project, but those feeling it can, of course, keep it locked for more fresh material from all involved.
JuvenileJeezyYo Gotti DownloadsHitmakerIndieStreet Banger
Written by richard on 08/7/13
Submit your Rating
First DJ Booth Appearance:
"Way I Be Leanin" (2006)
Total DJ Booth Features:
24 Songs
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Thank you for your pointers TIm. What you have relayed to me has clearly put the oral family history to question. I will certainly pursue...with calls to these agencies if I can't find routes online. It's clear there's more research at hand.
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Unless otherwise noted, all talks are in 120 Hanes Hall, at 4:00 PM on Mondays and Wednesdays. Prior to the talk, from 3:30-4:00 PM, the audience is invited for refreshments in the lounge on the 3rd floor of Hanes Hall. If you would like to suggest a speaker, or get on our mailing list, please send an email to Dr. Gabor Pataki at firstname.lastname@example.com, Dr. Yin Xia at email@example.com and Dr. Kai Zhang at email@example.com.
For talks given in past semesters, click here.
Fall 2014 STOR ColloquiaColloquia Speakers:
Monday, September 8: Ross Leadbetter (UNC-Chapel Hill)
Monday, September 15: Ziheng Yang (University College, London)
Monday, September 22: Paul Brooks (Virginia Commonwealth University)
Monday, October 6: Sayan Mukherjee (Duke University)
Monday, October 13: Ming Yuan (University of Wisconsin-Madison)
Monday, October 20: Sahand Negahban (Yale University)
Monday, November 3: David W. Scott (Rice University)
Monday, November 24: Jotun Hein (Oxford University)
Monday, December 1: David Papp (North Carolina State University)
Wednesday, September 3: James Wilson (UNC-Chapel Hill)
Wednesday, September 10: Minghui Liu (UNC-Chapel Hill)
Wednesday, September 17: Richard Smith (UNC-Chapel Hill)
Wednesday, September 24: Stefanos Kechagias (UNC-Chapel Hill)
Wednesday, October 1: Guan Yu (UNC-Chapel Hill)
Wednesday, October 8: Abhishek Pal Majumder (UNC-Chapel Hill)
Wednesday, October 15: Huiyin Ouyang (UNC-Chapel Hill)
Wednesday, October 22: Patrick Kimes and James Wilson (UNC-Chapel Hill)
Wednesday, October 29: Jan Hannig (UNC-Chapel Hill)
Wednesday, November 5: Internship Student Panel (UNC-Chapel Hill)
Wednesday, November 12: Shu Lu (UNC-Chapel Hill)
Wednesday, November 19: Ming-Yen Cheng (National Taiwan University)
Wednesday, December 3: Marc Niethammer (Dept. of Computer Science, UNC-CH)
Probability Seminars:
Thursday, September 25: Firas Rassoul-Agha (University of Utah)
Thursday, October 9: Leonid Koralov (University of Maryland)
Thursday, October 23: Jonathan Peterson (Purdue University)
Thursday, October 30: Mokshay Madiman (University of Delaware)
Thursday, November 20: Jason Swanson (University of Central Florida)