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LifeProof for Enterprise
It's our business to keep your business connected
Technology is crucial to business success, and successful businesses are quick to jump on board. No longer confined to calendars, clocks and cubicles, smart businesses are making the move to mobile electronics — and staying one step ahead of the competition. And, LifeProof is delivering the safety and security your enterprise needs to keep that mobile investment protected, connected and on the money.
All in a day's work
Tablets and smartphones are taking care of business
Mobile devices are the perfect addition to any retail environment. From point-of-sale and interactive displays to the fast-food drive thru, tablets are transforming customer interaction and boosting bottom lines. And, thanks to thousands of retail-ready apps, mobile electronics are fast replacing cash registers, POP displays and hardwired terminals.
LifeProof protects mobile devices from the rigors of the retail environment - multiple users, shift changes, field sales, product demonstrations and customer interaction.
Commercial pilots are quick to adopt new technology — flight safety depends on it. And thanks to the iPad, cumbersome paper charts have gone the way of the biplane, giving pilots instant, real-time flight information at their fingertips. With hundreds of navigation, training and flight-specific apps, tablets are making the friendly skies a lot smarter.
Taking the worry out of exposing delicate tablets to the turbulence of flight, LifeProof cases and mounting cradles let pilots pull info out of the blue and bring it into the cockpit.
Field work
When your cubicle is the great outdoors, staying connected is job number one. Field techs, delivery drivers and construction workers rely on mobile electronics to stay mobile, productive and in touch. At a fraction of the cost of ruggedized laptops and costly electronics, iPads and iPhones are the technology of choice for field teams on land, sea and air.
When equipped with LifeProof, tablets and smartphones are prepared to handle the hazards of drops, shocks and spills that field workers come face to face with everyday.
Protect and make the most of your organization's mobile assets.Contact Us
The LifeProof Solution
Getting the most from your mobile investment
The Proof is in the Protection
LifeProof keeps your organization's mobile investment protected, connected and on the move. Water and drop proof, our cases are immune to the two biggest device dangers in any working environment. LifeProof keeps your mobile assets safe, so you can keep your business sound.
Four Proof Protection
When it comes to running a business, timing is everything. To make sure your mobile devices keep the pace, protect them with the Four Proofs from LifeProof. Waterproof, dirt proof, snow proof and shockproof, LifeProof lets you deal with the demands of doing business.
Beyond Protection
With LifeProof, it's not just about protection. Our cases are slim, sleek, refined and designed to amplify your smartphone and tablet's potential. Ergonomic to the touch with complete access to every button, control, feature and function, you won't notice it's there — until you're glad it is!
LifeProof in Action
How businesses are using LifeProof right now
Commercial pilot, TR Wright, needs instant access to hundreds of ever-changing charts and maps.
- Paper charts are bulky and awkward
- Navigations materials require frequent updates
- iPad replaces paper but can be easily damaged
LifeProof Solution
LifeProof lets TR Wright bring his iPad on all flights, without fear of it getting damaged or destroyed.
LifeProof cases protected TR's iPad and iPhone during an emergency landing in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Devices survived impact and 3 hours water exposure
- TR documented the survival and rescue with his iPad
- Once rescued, TR used his dry iPhone to call his girlfriend


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Erik Buell Racing has released pricing details on its EBR 1125R DSB, EBR 1125RR, and EBR 1190RR race motorcycles. In addition to these models, Erik Buell Racing also has a few track bikes that are available for sale. Prices after the jump.
When Polaris acquired Brammo's electric motorcycle business, and left the startup to be its electric drivetrain guru, much was talked about what would come to the electric motorcycle manufacturer. Therefore it is perhaps without surprise that today we bring you the Victory Empulse TT, which is basically a rebadged Brammo Empulse R street bike. We won't waste words hyping a motorcycle that has effectively already been on the market for several years, but we will point out two things: 1) Brammo Victory has improved upon an already competent design, and 2) the addition of the cush drive could change our luke-warm opinion of the Empulse R.
Hero MotoCorp Ltd (HMCL) has filed paperwork with the Bombay Stock Exchange stating that its wholly-owned subsidiary, HMCL Americas, has entered into a settlement agreement with Erik Buell Racing, which sees the American arm of the Indian brand acquire "certain consulting project" from EBR for $2.8 million. The filing with the Bombay Stock Exchange reads: ""As part of the settlement agreement, HMCL Americas Inc has agreed to acquire the ownership of certain tangible and intangible assets of EBR Entities, free and clear of all encumbrances, for a consideration of USD 2.8 million." The move is not surprising, since the projects and research in question are unfinished consulting work Erik Buell Racing was doing for Hero MotoCorp as a client.
These images are very likely not of the hopefully-soon-to-be-released Suzuki GSX-R250 & GSX-R1000 sport bikes, as their purveyor, Japanese magazine Young Machine, has a fairly horrible track record with these sort of things…but that doesn't mean that we should ignore them. After all, here we see two very attractive offerings, which we hope the folks at Hamamatsu will take a long look at, as the Suzuki GSX-R1000 rendered here would be an attractive update to a name that was once the superbike to beat.
In Japan, the Suzuka 8-Hour is a huge deal, but for the rest of the world, it ranks on par with the rest of the FIM Endurance World Championship. That's kind of a shame, really, as the Endurance World Championship is the only motorcycle championship where we still see different tire manufacturers competing against each other, the bikes are beautifully technical in their own special way, and in the case of Suzuka, there are often heavy-hitters at play. This year was no different, with Yamaha fielding its "Yamaha Factory Racing Team" with two MotoGP stars, Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith, along with factory test rider and MotoGP podium-finisher Katsuaki Nakasuga.
Attention 2014 KTM 1290 Super Duke R owner, KTM North America is recalling 640 units of "The Beast" for a fuel leak that may occur from the threaded inserts at the rear of the gas tank. Obviously, a fuel tank poses a safety hazard to the rider, not only for its propensity to combust, but its ability to degrade traction to the rear tire. As such, KTM will notify affected owners, and KTM dealers will seal the threaded inserts to prevent future fuel leaks. If the motorcycle shows evidence of an existing fuel leak at the threaded insert, the gas tank will be replaced. Of course, these repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall on the KTM 1290 Super Duke R is expected to begin in August 2015.
Social media and some assorted motorcycle news websites (first here, and now here) are feverishly reporting that Erik Buell Racing has been out-right acquired by Hero MotoCorp, during the company's receivership auction, thus confirming the wet-dream conspiracy theories of Buellistas around the world. The report was first started by the stalwart news source Motorcycle.in.th, and was then elevated quickly into the realm of semi-truthfulness by a bevy of other news outlets. With the journalistic bar now set so low, Asphalt & Rubber feels comfortable reporting that there is indeed a new owner for Erik Buell Racing, but it is not Hero MotoCorp, but instead the Flying Spaghetti Monster — deity to the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
Honda has officially dropped details and photos on its highly anticipated adventure-tourer, the 2016 Honda Africa Twin. A continuation of the legacy by the same name, the new Honda Africa Twin is an off-road focused machine that will go head-to-head with the big ADV bikes already on the market. Built around a 998cc parallel-twin engine, which makes 94hp and 72 lbs•ft of torque, the Africa Twin tips the scales at the curb at 503 lbs (standard model, first photos after the jump) / 534 lbs (DCT/ABS models, shown above). What we think ADV riders will come around to is Honda's off-road built dual-clutch transmission, which will have the benefit of making shifts while out of the saddle much easier, and giving clutch-free operation, much like a Rekluse clutch.
When it comes to helmet brands, Arai Helmet is perhaps one of the best known in the business; and when it comes to the Japanese company's flagship model, the track-focused Corsair reigns supreme. So, it's a big deal when Arai decides to update its ready-to-race helmet offering, creating the Arai Corsair-X in the process. This week, we got to test the new Corsair-X in the flesh, spending a full-day riding at Thunderhill Raceway in Willows, California on Monday — melting away in the 104°F heat — as well as riding around my new hometown of Portland, Oregon. So let's cut the fluff, breakdown what's new with the Corsair-X, and talk about what our impressions are of this top-of-the-line helmet.
Last night we brought you a leaked video of the new Honda Africa Twin, which revealed the off-road oriented adventure bike in all its glory. Today, we get to see the leaked specs of the Honda CRF1000L (the model designation of the Africa Twin), along with what looks like an official high-resolution photo. The spec-sheet for the Africa Twin has long been something of interest for ADV fans, with the obvious questions being 1) how much horsepower will it make? and 2) how much will it weight. The answers are 94hp, and 458 lbs dry (467 lbs with ABS, 489 lbs with DCT).
Honda has been teasing a six-part video series about the Honda Africa Twin, and the final installment has just leaked onto the internet. As you would expect, the video finally gives us the full monty on what the Honda CRF1000L will look like, along with some great action footage. Perhaps even better, the final installment of Honda's video series also features a very interesting discussion with HRC riders, Honda engineers, and stakeholders to the Africa Twin brand. The discussion is very insightful to the development of the 1,000cc adventure bike platform, including off-roading's first dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
Erik Buell Racing has released pricing details on its EBR 1125R DSB, EBR 1125RR, and EBR 1190RR race motorcycles. In addition to these models, Erik Buell Racing also has a few track bikes that are available for sale. Prices after the jump.

subset: commoncrawl


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"Customer service is priority #1 at Rocky Mountain ATV/MC. We value our customers and strive to be the best shopping experience- when you buy from us, you are buying lifetime service."
-Dan Thomas, CEO and Founder
We take pride in offering no hassle returns. In the event of a return, please call, email or chat with us to receive a solution to the problem. For apparel that doesn't fit quite right, Click here to see our Fit Guaranteed Program.
We will stand behind all products we sell with regards to manufacturing defects in workmanship and material. Most products are limited to the manufacturer's warranty. However, we will do everything in our power to take care of the problem.
Live chat: Click here
(Leave email if after hours)
Call us: 1 800 336-5437
7am-7pm Mon-Fri 8am-4pm Sat (Mountain Standard Time)
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Find hotels in Blowing Rock using the list and search tools below. Find cheap and discounted hotel/motel rates in or nearby Blowing Rock, NC for your upcoming individual or group travel. We list the best Blowing Rock North Carolina hotel/motel rooms. Review the Blowing Rock hotel list below to find the perfect lodging. We also have a map of the Blowing Rock hotels. Booking 5+ Rooms? Find Blowing Rock Group Hotel RatesThe Blowing Rock center is approximately 3 miles from Grandfather Mountain and 6 miles from MacRae Meadows.
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American Forum
1071 National Press Building, Washington, DC, 20045
Phone: (202) 638-1431 | Fax: (202) 638-1434
Website: www.mediaforum.org
Principal Staff:
Denice Zeck, Executive Director
Adele Stan, Program Director
Ana Kay Yaghoubian, Media Training Associate
Type of Organization: National Grassroots/Advocacy
Founded: 1984
Mission Statement:
American Forum is a nonprofit media organization that works to encourage more citizen debate on important societal issues. By providing professionally prepared and easily used materials to print, broadcast and new media outlets seeking commentary from a state point of view, the Forum gives prominent and authoritative proponents of progressive measures an audience in their own communities as well as greater access to modern means of communications.
Subject Expertise:
Annual Meetings/Conferences:


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HIlbert Introduces Four New Business Programs
Bachelor's in Business Management, Global Business Management, Small Business Management and Sports Industry Management Are Offered
- Release Date:
- April 17, 2013
- Contact:
- Matt Heidt, firstname.lastname@example.com
- 716-926-8792
HAMBURG, N.Y. – Hilbert College announced that it has restructured its undergraduate business department to introduce four new bachelor degree programs.
Hilbert now offers bachelor's degrees in business management, global business management, small business management and sports industry management to accommodate the diverse field and the interests of incoming students. Hilbert is accepting applications for the Fall 2013 semester. Previously, Hilbert's business department offered only a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Business Management prepares students for today's challenging and highly competitive business environment. The curriculum is based on critical knowledge, marketable skills, and specific competencies critical to successfully managing in the global economy. In addition to helping students build core knowledge in business, the B.S. in Business Management focuses on specific skills and competencies in functional, business, and strategic areas of management.
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Global Business Management (GBM) meets the needs and demands of today's global economy, which is complex, highly integrated, and multifaceted. The GBM curriculum prepares students to meet new challenges in global markets by providing broad-based knowledge and understanding of topics and concepts in global business, as well as specific business skills and competencies for employment with businesses and multinational corporations, non-government organizations (NGOs), multilateral banks, and government agencies.
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Small Business Management (SBM) is designed to meet specific management and human resource needs of small and medium-sized businesses. Given the importance of small businesses to the marketplace and job creation for the U.S. economy, this major prepares students to function successfully in small business environments by helping them gain knowledge and skills necessary to own, operate, and grow a small business. This program is ideal for the young entrepreneur or family member who hopes to carry on and eventually run the family business. The proposed major will help students gain broad-based knowledge and understanding of topics and concepts in business with added emphasis on small business management and entrepreneurship.
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Sports Industry Management is designed to provide students with a practical foundation in business disciplines coupled with the real world experience of internships. In addition to the practical application of business courses, students will complete a core liberal arts curriculum that ensures that Hilbert graduates of the sports industry management program are confident writers, strong public speakers and have the ability to organize, plan and lead in a host of sport related industries.
Hilbert College, located in suburban Hamburg, N.Y., south of Buffalo, is a private four-year college founded in 1957 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition. With nearly 1,100 students, Hilbert is a dynamic Western New York college that offers career-focused majors, including one of the top criminal justice programs in the region, and more than 50 minors and concentrations. The college's engaging, student-centered campus community offers numerous leadership, internship, and service learning opportunities from which students launch successful careers while making positive changes in their communities. The Hilbert Blueprint promotes a well-rounded student experience over four years – starting with the Foundations Seminar in the freshman year, followed by Sophomore Service, Junior Symposium, and culminating with the Senior Capstone. Hilbert has expanded its academic offerings with the college's first graduate programs and new Accelerated Degree Programs geared to adult learners.
Upcoming Events
- First Year Student Orientation
- Aug 14, 2015
- Summer Session A2 Ends
- Aug 21, 2015
- First Year Student Orientation
- Aug 28, 2015


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New Tang Dynasty Television (NTD Television) is an independent, nonprofit television broadcaster established in 2002. Headquartered in New York City, NTD currently has reporters and correspondents in over 70 cities worldwide.
Discover the best in original web series.
© 2014 Blip Networks, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Blip is part of Maker Studios


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Sooo much yes! Everyday I use two monitors and thanks to this refinement, I'll be adding a third.
Improved multiple monitor support in OS X Mavericks; who's going to use it? [Poll]
Multiple monitor support is being improved for OS X Mavericks, but just who is going to make use of it? Currently, OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion will allow you to use multiple monitors, but things get ugly when you go full screen on an app and all you get everywhere else is linen. So, Apple is improving on how OS X handles multiple displays with Mavericks.
The linen effect in Mountain Lion is ugly — unless you like linen — and completely impractical. After all, why wouldn't you want to go full screen on something you're working on? For me, it's one of the main reasons I don't use it currently; I actually have a second Mac hooked up to an external monitor, so I just use that instead. Mavericks promises to fix this with proper full screen support for each display you're working on. There's no longer a master display and a secondary display, wherever you're working you can have a menu bar and the dock, multiple apps on any display, even use AirPlay to your Apple TV to turn your HDTV into another display for your Mac. Sounds great.
But, at the same time, it also sounds a lot like a power user feature. The sort of person who really needs a multiple display set up likely already has one. But, Mavericks could make it easier on them to set up. The thing is though, with this added functionality, will any new, perhaps more casual users start to use it? That's where you guys come in. We want to know how many of you plan on using this enhanced capability in OS X Mavericks when it lands later this year. As ever, drop a vote in the poll up top, and share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Have something to say about this story? Leave a comment! Need help with something else? Ask in our forums!
Reader comments
Improved multiple monitor support in OS X Mavericks; who's going to use it? [Poll]
Oh yeah, I'll use it. That's been my biggest frustration with 10.7 & 10.8, and my only embarrassment while working on the only Mac in a Windows shop (as WinXP/7 really do handle multiple displays so much better & more logically...). It's stunning that Apple could let something that works so bad/inelegantly persist for so long...
What is cool is using the apple tv as an external display. It works surprisingly well.
Wasn't meant like you're thinking it's meant ;-)
It's called Weather for Google, but for some reason it's not in my local Mac App Store any more :S
I am currently using my macbook air in the classroom, and this sounds like it might be useful.
The interactive whiteboard is currently hooked up to my air as a 2nd display. I look forward to being able to run full-screen apps on my air without screwing up the 2nd display, as well as display apps in full-screen on the projector (every bit of real-estate helps).
What i would really want to see with the new desktops is actually ability to have desktop folders - so that each desktop has its OWN set of desktop folders - for instance - you can be working on two different projects - and your working files could be on the desktop when you switch you only see the folders and files related to that space.
apparently it's not really an improvement, from the looks of it with the new Multi-monitor support, you cannot have windows extend across multiple screens. Give and take, I guess
I use my iMac to watch and record shows. My partner likes his big TV with Apple TV connected. We airplay the recorded video from my iMac to his TV, which currently results in me losing the use of my iMac (grey screen) - very frustrating!! I can't wait for Mavericks.
Sent from the iMore App
Hands down, one of the best new features of OS X 10.9!


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STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (July 18, 2012) - The Kyle Smith Motorsports crew had a disappointing performance at the WKA MKP Nationals in South Bend, a weekend where speed or luck could not be found, Kyle was only able to secure a best finish of 8th. After the weekend races, Smith announced that he would not return to the circuit for at least a year.
"Not the way I wanted to do it, but this weekend I announce that I will be hanging up my helmet for an undisclosed time. A chance of a lifetime to go to school and be an ambassador in Germany awaits me in just one months time. The weekend was far from perfect, but we fought hard for anything we could get, getting one top ten. To mature and get to the level of competition that I have done over my years of karting has been immaculate. I have to thank everyone over these amazing years whether it was Will Tenney of for my first real kart, Eric Jones supporting me through my junior years, or my most recent endeavor with Checkered Motorsports PCR USA and my best friend and teammate Robert Bujdoso. My family made tremendous sacrifices both with time and money. All fully supported me and have helped me become the driver I am today, ranked 12th in the eKartingNews.com TaG standings, an impressive feat I believe. However, as said before the chance of a lifetime to move across the globe for a year takes me away from the sport and paddock that I love. Upon return college and international relations await me. I hope to be back whether in a kart, car, or as a mechanic. I appreciate anyone who has helped, raced, or simply been in the paddock over these years. I sincerely love you all, and thank you all for the best years of my life."
Kyle is currently looking for sponsorship opportunities upon return, and will attempt to run occasional one-off events in the next year. The Checkered Motorsports crew and all sponsors, including GO Designs and Gear Up, wish Smith luck in his great opportunity.
Kyle would like to thank the following people. Everyone at Checkered Motorsports/PCR Distribution and specifically Csaba Budjoso and Doru Stoia, everyone at Comet Kart Sales and Racing Engines, Sean Cook, Jeff Smith, and his family for their support.
For the latest news on Kyle Smith, go to his website:
For more information on Checkered Motorsports, go to their website:
http://www.CheckeredMotorsports.com or call 330-518-6652.
For more information on PCR Distribution, go to their website:
http://www.pcrdistribution.com or call 330-233-3463.
For more information on Comet Kart Sales and Racing Engines, go to their website:
http://www.cometkartsales.com/ or call 317-462-3413.


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This versatile table has a beautiful, clear tempered glass top that tilts from horizontal to 45° for drawing, drafting, or crafting. It's equipped with an adjustable pencil ledge that keeps your supplies close at hand as you work.
The Martin Universal Design
Note — This product is not expected to begin shipping until September 2012.
™ Martin is a trademark.


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Many families in Ashe County live in poverty are struggling to feed their children, so the classic Christmas meal during which the family gathers around a table laden with their favorite holiday foods may be just a fantasy without the help of generous donations.
LifeStore Financial Group invites the public to help bring Christmas to these families by donating food items to help those in need.
When school is in session, school age children receive meals at school through the free and reduced lunch program. Once the Christmas break begins, many of these children will not have such meals, and will only be able to hope they have a meal for the Christmas holiday.
In conjunction with Ashe Outreach Ministries, LifeStore Bank and Insurance is collecting food items so Ashe County families in need can prepare a Christmas dinner. LifeStore asks you to show your support by dropping off non-perishable food items, suitable to serve for a holiday meal, at any LifeStore location between now and Dec. 19.
If you prefer to contribute money to go toward the purchase of needed items, there are collection cans inside LifeStore locations.
Help make a difference for those in need this holiday season. LifeStore and Ashe Outreach Ministries thank you for helping others enjoy this Christmas tradition.
Items like canned vegetables, potatoes or canned meats can go a long way in helping these families prepare a delicious Christmas meal. The following items are suggestions for donations:
• Canned vegetables
• Side dish ingredients (brown sugar, butter, flour)
• Marshmallows
• Canned cranberry sauce or jar of applesauce
• Canned pumpkin and piecrust mix
• Canned milk
• Canned ham
• Biscuit or roll mix
• Package of stuffing
• Prepared rolls (last week only)
• Cake mix and frosting
• Fresh items (apples, tangerines, potatoes, sweet potatoes, nuts)
• Non-perishable items that children can eat while home from school (granola bars, easy mac and cheese, cereal)
• Beverages (apple juice, tea bags with sugar, soda)
For more information, call 336-246-4344.
LifeStore Financial Group, headquartered in West Jefferson, provides banking, investment and insurance services. It is a federally chartered thrift holding company that owns 100 percent of the common stock of LifeStore Bank (Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender) and operates branches in Boone, Jefferson, Warrensville and West Jefferson.
LifeStore Insurance is an independent insurance agency that serves these markets along with Elkin, Lenoir, North Wilkesboro and Sparta.


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Care for our environment plan the best route to reach us on foot, by bicycle, public transports or car-sharing. Disabled access friendly.
In an emergency, always call 999. Don't try to cope on your own.
Date Added:Fri 27 Feb 2015
Non- Medical Personal Assistant
Date Added:Fri 19 Jun 2015
Team Leader – Retail Catering
Date Added:Wed 10 Jun 2015
Cashiers / grillers
Date Added:Thu 23 Apr 2015
Counter Staff
Date Added:Fri 10 Apr 2015
Sorry, there is no page at the address /sport_kit/.
Were you looking for Sport at /sport/?


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These are the bookings recorded for the Doris C. Gravat Detention Center for Dec. 24-25, 2013. Some of the people listed may not have actually spent time in jail if they posted bond and were released. Although those listed have been arrested and charged, that does not mean they have been found guilty. All bookings may be viewed online by visiting www.aikenstandard.com and clicking on the Crime tab.
Patricia Ann Kinsey, 35 simple larceny $1,000 or less, simple possession of marijuana
Charles Allen Tuten, 33 shoplifting $1,000 or less
Dealva Nicole Sheppard, 34 distribution of methamphetamine bondsman off bond, family court/failure to appear
Santonio Maurice Merriweather, 31 trafficking in methamphetamine or cocaine base first offense
Jasnequa Zane Walker, 20 trespassing after notice, malicious injury to animals or property $1,000 or less
Sammie Lee Shelton, 42 family court/failure to appear two counts
Aubrey Nicole Petkas, 26 assault and battery third degree, malicious injury to animals or property $1,000 or less
Stephanie Marie Dillard, 43 criminal domestic violence first offense
James Howard Sampson, 28 shoplifting $1,000 or less
Scott Allen Dabbs, 27 contempt of magistrates court
Rober Lee Hamm Jr., 55 public drunk
Thomas Wesley Cook, 53 driving left of center, open container of beer/wine
Lynwood McDonald Priester, 36 trespassing after notice two counts, disorderly conduct/gross intoxication
Alfonzo Dawkins, 27 no drivers license, possession of marijuana
Aaron Leland Gaines, 22 transporting legal liquor unlawfully, manufacture, possession of other substance in schedule I, II, III
Gregory Eugene Harris, 48 assault and battery third degree
Joshua R. Grandchamp, 28 hold for Fort Lauderdale
Notice about comments:
Aiken Standard is pleased to offer readers the enhanced ability to comment on stories. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. We ask that you refrain from profanity, hate speech, personal comments and remarks that are off point.
We do not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click the X that appears in the upper right corner when you hover over a comment. This will send the comment to Facebook for review. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website. Read our full terms and conditions.


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|Employment Opportunities
SERC is passionate and committed to our vision: "EQUITY, EXCELLENCE and EDUCATION."
Located in Middletown-Connecticut, SERC started its operation in 1969 as a non-profit agency which provides resources, professional development, and a centralized library to educators, families, and community members in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Education and other partners.
SERC employs approximately 100 people and its employees consist of a range of professionals from Educational Consultants, Team Coordinators, Support Specialists, Project Staff to Front Desk Operation Staff. The Center provides a facilitating, team-based environment for its employees and is proud of a diverse workforce.
SERC posts all position openings online. After viewing the posting(s) of interest, we encourage you to create your applicant profile by clicking the "Start an application for employment" button in order to create a username, password, and online employment application. Once a profile is created, you may easily apply online for each position you are interested in. Subsequent to the closing date, resumes will be reviewed and, if mutual interest is established, candidates will be contacted for an interview. Update notifications are sent throughout the recruitment process and final interview candidates will be notified of by mail when the vacancy is filled.
A few other buttons are also available to aid you throughout the application process.
If you are unable to complete and/or submit your application materials through the online system, please email a letter of interest and resume to:
SERC Recruiting Team: firstname.lastname@example.com
Thank you for your interest in State Education Resource Center.
Positions remain open until filled.
SERC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages the application of individuals from racially, culturally, and linguistically diverse backgrounds and from persons with disabilities.


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The Tippmann 16 Inch Sniper Paintball Barrel is one of the best upgrades you can do for your Tippmann Custom 98 paintball Marker.
Designed for greater distance and accuracy over standard barrels, the Sniper 16-inch Barrel is micro-honed and polished inside and out for ultimate precision and superior performance.
Factory Part# T201013
Punishers Paintball Supply © 2003-
All Rights Reserved.
All photography and text on this site is the original work of Punishers Paintball Supply and manufacturers.
Contents may not be used for any commercial or non-commercial purpose without prior written consent from www.punisherspb.com.
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Keyhole Back Studded Dress
Style # 230276
Fitted and studded. This mini dress features a studded waterfall detail in an arrow print and a keyhole back. Pair with your highest heel for a luxurious look that's just the right length to be ultra sexy!
- 88% Nylon, 12 % spandex
- Hand wash
- Made in USA
- Center back to hem: 31" (79 cm)
- Model is 5'10" and wears a US size S
Rated 4.5 out of 5�by 2 reviewers.
Rated 5 out of 5�by BebeDiva Beautiful Dress Curvy,you will rock this dress. It fits perfect and true to size. If you are a L go for the last one. It is one of the best dresses in my collection. This will definitely get work during the holidays or even out to dinner with my husband. It is beautiful, the material is top quality, the color is as pictured and the price is right. I got the L fits perfect and very flattering. June 29, 2014
Rated 4 out of 5�by Asian Just right What you see from web, you will get. It fits well on my body curve, but unfortunately no chance to wear at thus present moment. The waist line is a bit loose, but it does not affect in other areas of the dress. Good June 13, 2014
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A cable includes an inner conductor, an inner dielectric, and a guard conductor, where the inner dielectric is between the inner conductor and the guard conductor. The cable also includes an outer dielectric, and a shield conductor, where the outer dielectric is between the guard conductor and the shield conductor. The cable further includes an additional layer of material between the outer dielectric and the shield conductor of suitable composition for reducing triboelectric current generation between the outer dielectric and the shield conductor to less than that which would occur were the outer dielectric and the shield conductor to directly adjoin each other.
1. A probe station for probing a device under test comprising:
(a) a support for holding said device under test;
(b) a probing device for testing said device under test while being supported by said support;
(c) a cable connecting said probing device to a test instrument, said cable including:
(i) a first conductor, a first dielectric, and a second conductor, where said first dielectric is between said first conductor and said second conductor;
(ii) a second dielectric, and a third conductor, where said second dielectric is between said second conductor and said third conductor;
(iii) where triboelectric current between said second and third conductors exhibits a decay time between approximately one second and five seconds to decay to 10% of its initial value.
2. The probe station of
3. A probe station for probing a device under test comprising:
(a) a support for holding said device under test;
(b) a probing device for testing said device under test while being supported by said support;
(c) a cable connecting said probing device to a test instrument, said cable including:
(i) a first conductor, a first dielectric, and a second conductor, where said first dielectric is between said first conductor and said second conductor;
(ii) a second dielectric, and a third conductor, where said second dielectric is between said second conductor and said third conductor;
(iii) further including a first layer of material between said second dielectric and said second conductor of suitable composition for causing triboelectric current in said cable to exhibit a decay time between approximately one second and five seconds to decay to 10% of its initial value.
4. The probe station of
5. A cable comprising:
(a) a first conductor, a first dielectric, and a second conductor, where said first dielectric is between said first conductor and said second conductor;
(b) a second dielectric, and a third conductor, where said second dielectric is between said second conductor and said third conductor;
(c) where triboelectric current between said second and third conductors exhibits a decay time between approximately one second and five seconds to decay to 10% of its initial value.
6. The cable of
7. A cable comprising:
(a) a first conductor, a first dielectric, and a second conductor, where said first dielectric is between said first conductor and said second conductor; where
(b) where triboelectric current between said first and second conductors exhibits a decay time between approximately one second and five seconds to decay to 10% of its initial value.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/528,809, filed Sep. 27, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,295,025; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/986,639, filed Nov. 12, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,138,810, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/666,219, filed Sep. 18, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,847,219, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional App. No. 60/424,986, filed Nov. 8, 2002.
The present invention relates to probe stations which are used for probing test devices, such as integrated circuits on a wafer, and, in particular, to probe stations that are suitable for use in measuring ultra-low currents.
Probe stations are designed to measure the characteristics of electrical devices such as silicon wafers. Probe stations typically include a chuck that supports the electrical device while it is being probed by needles or contacts on a membrane situated above the chuck. In order to provide a controlled environment to probe the electrical device, many of today's probe stations surround the chuck with an environmental enclosure so that temperature, humidity, etc. may be held within predetermined limits during testing. Environmental enclosures protect the device from spurious air currents that would otherwise affect measurements, and also facilitate thermal testing of electrical devices at other-than-ambient environmental conditions. Environmental conditions within the enclosure are principally controlled by a dry air ventilation system as well as a temperature element, usually located below the chuck, that heats or cools the electrical device being tested through thermal conduction.
Many probe stations also incorporate guarding and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding structures within or around the environmental enclosures in order to provide an electrically quiet environment, often essential during low noise or current testing where electrical noise from external device's characteristics. Guarding and EMI shielding structures are well known and discussed extensively in technical literature. See, for example, an article by William Knauer entitled "Fixturing for Low Current/Low Voltage Parametric Testing" appearing in Evaluation Engineering, November, 1990, pages 150-153.
Probe stations incorporating EMI shielding structures will usually at least partially surround the test signal with a guard signal that closely approximates the test signal, thus inhibiting electromagnetic current leakage from the test signal path to its immediately surrounding environment. Similarly, EMI shielding structures may include interconnecting a shield potential to the environmental enclosure surrounding much of the perimeter of the probe station. The environmental enclosure is typically connected to earth ground, instrumentation ground, or some other desired potential.
To provide guarding and shielding for systems of the type just described, existing probe stations may include a multistage chuck upon which the electrical device rests when being tested. The top stage of the chuck, which supports the electrical device, typically comprises a solid, electrically conductive metal plate through which the test signal may be routed. A middle stage and a bottom stage of the chuck similarly comprise solid electrically conductive plates through which a guard signal and a shield signal may be routed, respectively. In this fashion, an electrical device resting on such a multistage chuck may be both guarded and shielded from below.
Multiple electrical devices contained on a silicon wafer may be successively positioned below the probe apparatus 16 for testing by moving the combination of the tub enclosure 20 and chuck 12 laterally. A positioner 22, typically located below the tub enclosure 20, may provide vertical, lateral and/or angular adjustments of the chuck 12. Because the chuck 12 does not move laterally with respect to the tub enclosure 20, the size of the tub enclosure 20 may closely surround the chuck 12, facilitating efficient control of the environment immediately surrounding the chuck 12.
To provide a substantially closed environment, the outer shield box 24 includes a sliding plate assembly 28 that defines a portion of the lower perimeter of the shield box 24. The sliding plate assembly 28 comprises a number of overlapping plate members. Each plate member defines a central opening 30 through which the positioner 22 may extend. Each successively higher plate member is smaller in size and also defines a smaller opening 30 through which the positioner 22 extends. As shown in
A probe card for probing the device under test of the probe station typically includes a dielectric board as a base. A plurality of probing devices are mounted in radial arrangement about an opening in the board so that the probing elements of these devices, which may, for example, comprise slender conductive needles, terminate below the opening in a pattern suitable for probing the contact sites of the test device. The probing devices are individually connected to the respective channels of a test instrument by a plurality of interconnecting lines, where the portion of each line that extends between the corresponding probing device and the outer edge of the dielectric board may comprise an interconnecting cable or a conductive trace pattern formed directly on the board. In one conventional type of setup where the test devices are integrated circuits formed on a semiconductive wafer, the probe card is mounted by means of a supporting rig or test head above the wafer, and a support beneath the wafer moves the wafer so that each device thereon is consecutively brought into contact with the needles or probing elements of the probe card.
With particular regard to probe cards that are specially adapted for use in measuring ultra-low currents (down to the femtoamp region or lower), probe card designers have been concerned with developing techniques for eliminating or at least reducing the effects of leakage currents, which are unwanted currents that can flow into a particular cable or channel from surrounding cables or channels so as to distort the current measured in that particular cable or channel. For a given potential difference between two spaced apart conductors, the amount of leakage current that will flow between them will vary depending upon the volume resistivity of the insulating material that separates the conductors, that is, if a relatively lower-resistance insulator is used, this will result in a relatively higher leakage current. Thus, a designer of low-current probe cards will normally avoid the use of rubber-insulated single-core wires on a glass-epoxy board since rubber and glass-epoxy materials are known to be relatively low-resistance insulators through which relatively large leakage currents can flow.
One technique that has been used for suppressing interchannel leakage currents is surrounding the inner core of each lead-in wire with a cylindrical "guard" conductor, which is maintained at nearly the same potential as the inner core by a feedback circuit in the output channel of the test instrument. Because the voltage potentials of the outer guard conductor and the inner conductive core are made to substantially track each other, negligible leakage current will flow across the inner dielectric that separates these conductors regardless of whether the inner dielectric is made of a low- or high-resistivity material. Although leakage current can still flow between the guard conductors of the respective cables, this is typically not a problem because these guard conductors are connected to a low impedance path to ground. By using this guarding technique, significant improvement may be realized in the low-level current measuring capability of certain probe card designs.
To further improve low-current measurement capability, probe cards have been constructed so as to minimize leakage currents between the individual probing devices which mount the probing needles or other elements. With respect to these devices, higher-resistance insulating materials have been substituted for lower-resistance materials and additional conductive surfaces have been arranged about each device in order to perform a guarding function in relation thereto. In one type of assembly, for example, each probing device is constructed using a thin blade of ceramic material, which is a material known to have a relatively high volume resistivity. An elongate conductive trace is provided on one side of the blade to form the signal line and a backplane conductive surface is provided on the other side of the blade for guarding purposes. The probing element of this device is formed by a slender conductive needle, such as of tungsten, which extends in a cantilevered manner away from the signal trace. Such devices are commercially available, for example, from Cerprobe Corporation based in Tempe, Ariz. During assembly of the probe card, the ceramic blades are edge-mounted in radial arrangement about the opening in the card so that the needles terminate within the opening in a pattern suitable for probing the test device. The conductive backplane on each blade is connected to the guard conductor of the corresponding cable and also to corresponding conductive pad or "land" adjacent the opening in the probe card. In this manner each conductive path is guarded by the backplane conductor on the opposite side of the blade and by the conductive land beneath it.
It has been found, however, that even with the use of guarded cables and ceramic probing devices of the type just described, the level of undesired background current is still not sufficiently reduced as to match the capabilities of the latest generation of commercially available test instruments, which instruments are able to monitor currents down to one femtoamp or less.
In the latest generation of probe cards, efforts have been directed toward systematically eliminating low-resistance leakage paths within the probe card and toward designing extensive and elaborate guarding structures to surround the conductors along the signal path. For example, in one newer design, the entire glass-epoxy main board is replaced with a board of ceramic material, which material, as noted above, presents a relatively high resistance to leakage currents. In this same design, the lead-in wires are replaced by conductive signal traces formed directly on the main board, which traces extend from an outer edge of the main board to respective conductive pads that surround the board opening. Each pad, in turn, is connected to the signal path of a corresponding ceramic blade. In addition, a pair of guard traces are formed on either side of each signal trace so as to further isolate each trace against leakage currents.
In yet another of these newer designs, a main board of ceramic material is used having three-active layers to provide three dimensional guarding. Above this main board and connected thereto is a four-quadrant interface board that includes further guard structures. Between these two board assemblies is a third unit including a "pogo carousel." This pogo carousel uses pogo pins to form a plurality of signal lines that interconnect the interface board and the lower main board. It will be recognized that in respect to these pogo pins, the effort to replace lower resistance insulators with higher resistance insulators has been taken to its practical limit, that is, the insulator that would normally surround the inner conductor has been removed altogether.
From the foregoing examples, it will be seen that a basic concern in the art has been the suppression of inter-channel leakage currents. Using these newer designs, it is possible to measure currents down to nearly the femtoamp level. However, the ceramic material used in these newer designs is relatively more expensive than the glass-epoxy material it replaces. Another problem with ceramic materials is that they are relatively susceptible to the absorption of surface contaminants such as can be deposited by the skin during handling of the probe card. These contaminants can decrease the surface resistivity of the ceramic material to a sufficient extent as to produce a substantial increase in leakage current levels. In addition, the more extensive and elaborate guarding structures that are used in these newer designs has contributed to a large increase in design and assembly costs. Based on these developments it may be anticipated that only gradual improvements in the low-current measurement capability of the cards is likely to come about, which improvements, for example, will result from increasingly more elaborate guarding systems or from further research in the area of high resistance insulative materials.
In addition to suppressing leakage currents that flow between the different signal channels, low noise cables that reduce the triboelectric effect have been used on a probe card. In a guarded coaxial cable, triboelectric currents can arise between the guard conductor and the inner dielectric due to friction there between which causes free electrons to rub off the conductor and creates a charge buildup resulting in current flow.
It should also be noted that there are other factors unrelated to design that can influence whether or not the potential of a particular probe card for measuring low-level currents will be fully realized. For example, unless special care is taken in assembling the probe card, it is possible for surface contaminants, such as oils and salts from the skin or residues left by solder flux, to contaminate the surface of the card and to degrade its performance (due to their ionic character, such contaminants can produce undesirable electrochemical effects). Furthermore, even assuming that the card is designed and assembled properly, the card may not be suitably connected to the test instrument or the instrument may not be properly calibrated so as to completely null out, for example, the effects of voltage and current offsets. In addition, the probe card or the interconnecting lines, can serve as pickup sites for ac (alternating current) fields, which ac fields can be rectified by the input circuit of the test instrument so as to cause errors in the indicated dc values. Thus, it is necessary to employ proper shielding procedures in respect to the probe card, the interconnecting lines and the test instrument in order to shield out these field disturbances. Due to these factors and others, when a new probe card design is being tested, it can be extremely difficult to isolate the causes of undesirable background current in the new design due to the numerous and possibly interacting factors that may be responsible.
A chuck typically includes an upper conductive surface in contact with the device under test. One or more additional layers are typically included below the upper conductive surface while being electrically isolated from one another. In this manner, the upper conductive surface may be electrically connected to the signal path, while the remaining layers may be electrically connected to the guard potential and shield potential, if desired. In addition, the chuck may be surrounded laterally with a conductive ring that may likewise be electrically connected to a guard or shield potential. In this manner, the device under test is guarded from below and to the side in order to reduce the electrical noise and leakage current that exists in the measurement of devices. Also, a plate may be suspended above the chuck (normally with an opening therein) and electrically interconnected to a guard or shield potential.
While such guarding and shielding reduces the amount of noise in the signal path, designers of such chucks must consider numerous other factors that influence the measurement. For example, thermal chucks (i.e., chucks that provide a range of temperatures) typically include heater circuits which emanate electrical signals into the region of the device under test, and hence the signal path. In addition, thermal chucks may include fluid paths, such as tubular cavities, within the chuck that carry hot or cold fluids that likewise result in noise in the signal path. Furthermore, thermal chucks are constructed of a variety of different materials, such as different conductive materials and different dielectric materials, all of which expand and contract at different rates further exasperating the potential of undesired noise in the test signal. Moreover, different temperatures change the relative humidity in the probe station, which in turn, change the amount of moisture absorbed by the dielectric materials, which in turn, change the impedance of the materials therein, and thus may result in variable leakage currents in the test signal.
With respect to thermal and non-thermal chucks there may be ground currents from the chuck to the test instrument that impact the sensed current in the signal path. During the probing of different parts of the device under test, the capacitive coupling (and magnetic coupling) of different portions of the chuck, and the capacitive coupling (and magnetic coupling) of the chuck relative to the enclosure changes, thereby inducing voltage changes. Furthermore, vibrations of the probe station itself, and thus the chuck located therein, as a result of testing, as a result of the external environment, and as a result of the air flowing within the probe station likewise induces undesirable leakage currents and noise in the signal path.
As it may be observed, due to these and other factors, when a new chuck design is being tested, it can be extremely difficult to isolate the causes of undesirable background current in the new design due to the numerous and possibly interacting factors that may be responsible.
To interconnect the chuck to the test instrumentation a service loop is normally used. The service loop is a flexible support that maintains all the hoses, the power cables, the signal cables, the instrumentation cables, and the sensor wiring, in a compact manner adjacent to one another while the chuck moves within the enclosure. The vibrations of the probe station, the vibrations from air blowing across the cables, the vibrations of the cables after moving the chuck, the vibrations from stepper motors connected to the chuck, the vibrations from flowing coolant in the hoses of the service loops, etc., all potentially results in undesirable currents in the signal path. In addition, magnetic and capacitive coupling between the power and ground conductors to the signal conductor likewise results in undesirable currents in the signal path. Further, the service loop itself is normally constructed of metal or otherwise includes metal bands, which likewise radiates electromagnetic signals that may result in undesirable currents in the signal path. All of these design considerations are in addition to considerations regarding the selection of construction materials and assembly considerations similar to those of probe cards.
As it may be observed, due to these factors, when a service loop design is being tested, it can be extremely difficult to isolate the causes of undesirable background current in the new design due to the numerous and possibly interacting factors that may be responsible.
The enclosure for the chuck, the service loop, the probe card, and the device under test likewise also includes potential sources of undesirable currents in the signal path. As an initial matter, the lid of the enclosure may have vibrational mechanical motion which results in a change in capacitance between the lid and the chuck, and a probe supported by the lid and the chuck, thus causing some undesirable currents in the signal path, in accordance with movement of the lid. In addition, there may be electrical surface charges on interior surfaces of the probe station, and other components contained therein, which also result in potentially undesirable currents in the signal path. Other structures within the enclosure can likewise result in undesirable currents in the signal path, such as for example, sliding plates below the chuck, conductive coated baffles below the chuck, air flow within the enclosure, motors for moving the chuck, position sensors, sensor wires, and dew meters. Furthermore, during testing of the device under test the probes themselves introduce external radiating signals into the probing environment in the vicinity of the device under test. All of these design considerations are in addition to considerations regarding the selection of construction materials and assembly considerations similar to those of probe cards.
In addition to those items contained within the enclosure of the probe station, there are additional sources of potential noise in the signal path located near the enclosure. The stage motors may be located adjacent the enclosure, power supplies may be adjacent the enclosure, stepper motor drivers may be located adjacent to the enclosure, personal computers may be located adjacent to the enclosure, computer monitors may be located adjacent to the enclosure, 60 hertz power sources may be located adjacent to the enclosure, etc., all of which may result in undesirable noise.
As it may be observed, due to these and other factors, when a probe station itself is being tested, it can be extremely difficult to isolate the causes of undesirable background current in the new design due to the numerous and possibly interacting factors that may be responsible.
As it may be observed, due to interrelated factors related to the chuck, the probing device, the probe card, the service loop, and other aspects of the probe station, when the entire probe station itself is being tested, it can be extremely difficult to isolate the causes of undesirable background current in the new design due to the numerous and possibly interacting factors that may be responsible. Accordingly, with each design and with increasingly lower noise requirements, it is exceedingly difficult to determine the primary source of the noise in the signal path.
The foregoing and other objectives, features, and advantages of the invention will be more readily understood upon consideration of the following detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
During the assembly process of probe stations many different aspects related to noise levels of the signals are measured. One of the tests that is performed on the tri-axial cabling is to measure the bulk resistance layer to layer, such as signal to guard and guard to shield. Another test that is performed on the tri-axial cabling is to provide a known voltage, such as 0 volts to 10 volts, and measure any current variations between the signal conductor (force path) and the guard conductor.
Referring to
When testing indicates leakage current problems with any particular tri-axial cable normally the connector to the cable was improperly connected or contaminants in the assembly process occurred. In addition, over time it is believed that the tri-axial cables deteriorate from contaminants from the insulation wrapped around the conductors, including for example, flux and tinning (tin oxide flaking).
Normally the shield material, which it is speculated by the present inventors may result in tinning, is a braided mesh material constructed of thin wires. To reduce the likelihood of tinning the present inventors considered the coverage provided by the shield and determined that a 10-15% gap exists between the wires. After consideration of this previously unconsidered gap in the shield material, the present inventors thought that by reducing the aperture between the wires that this would decrease the likelihood that electromagnetic waves exterior to the cable itself would be able to penetrate between the wires to the guard layer underneath. In addition, the mesh of small long wires tend to have a significant resistance, such as 1 ohm or more. To reduce the resistance of the braid the present inventors further considered using thicker gage wires, which would likely result in large openings that is counter to the goal of decreasing the opening side, or otherwise using one or more large wires to act as low resistance paths, while would likely result in a significantly more expensive cable. In addition, the present inventors considered increasing the distance between the guard and shield conductors to decrease any potential capacitive coupling. To reduce the likelihood that signals will pass through the openings in the mesh, the present inventors added an additional layer of conductive material between the shield material and the adjacent dielectric layer which covers in excess of 95% of the dielectric layer, and covers substantially 100% in combination with the shield material, in profile.
To test the new cable design, the present inventors put the cable in a metal cylinder and imposed a strong radio frequency signal onto the conductive cylinder while measuring any induced noise on the signal conductor. The measurement of the noise levels involves connecting the cable to the test instrumentation and positioning the cable in a desirable location. It would be expected that the noise level would decrease significantly as a result of the additional conductive material, but in utter surprise to the present inventors the noise level in fact did not noticeably change, apart from a decrease in the capacitive coupling because of the increased distance between the shield conductor and the signal conductor. Accordingly, it was initially considered that modification of the cable to include an additional conductive layer adjacent the shield to reduce the potential for electromagnetic signals to pass through was of no perceived value.
While conducting such noise tests the present inventors observed a phenomena not commonly associated with such measurement characteristics, namely, that the settling time of the current signals within the modified cables were reduced in comparison to non-modified cables. In addition, the settling time of the cables is not normally a characterized parameter of the cable so accordingly noticing the difference required an astute, and generally overlooked, observation on the part of the present inventors. Based upon these realizations, the present inventors constructed a further test that involved comparing whether the modified cables were less sensitive to table (surface) vibrations than non-modified cables. The present inventors were surprised to determine that in fact the noise level in the modified cables when laid on the table outside of the conductive tubular member were in fact less than the non-modified cables. After coming to this rather unexpected realization, the present inventors then reconsidered the structure of the modified cables and came to the realization that the vibrational motion of the table, albeit rather small, was a source of the noise levels observed in the cables. With this realization of vibrational motion in the tri-axial cables being identified as a principal source of noise, the present inventors then realized that non-negligible triboelectric currents were in fact being generated between the shield conductive layer and the adjacent dielectric layer, and thereafter impacting signal integrity within the signal conductor.
This unlikely source of noise generation came as an utter astonishment to the present inventors because the guard buffer amplifier within the test instrumentation is driving the potential of the guard conductor to that of the signal conductor, and thus presumably counteracting any external influences. However, apparently the guard amplifier in the test instrumentation has non-ideal characteristics such that small external changes are not effectively eliminated, or otherwise the guard conductor does not have ideal characteristics. In any event, even in a shielded environment it was determined that a significant source of noise is charge that builds up on the layers between the guard conductor and the shield conductor, principally as a result of relative movement of these layers. The capacitive charge buildup, typically referred to as triboelectric currents, couples from the layer or layers external to the guard conductor to the signal conductor, and are observed as noise.
For example, a test of the decay of such triboelectric currents for the non-modified cables illustrates a decay time of approximately 15-30 seconds to 10% of its initial value. In contrast, a test of the decay of such triboelectric currents for the modified cables exhibits a decay time of approximately 1-5 seconds to 10% of its initial value. One way, albeit not the only way or a necessary characteristic, to characterize the difference is that the modified cable has a settling time of at least three times as fast as the non-modified cable.
The low-noise cables include conductive and dielectric layers in coaxial arrangement with each other and further include at least one layer of material between the guard and the shield within each cable adapted for suppressing the triboelectric effect so as to minimize any undesirable currents that would otherwise be generated internally in each cable due to this effect. This layer of material together with certain other structures included in the probe station enables probing using ultra-low currents of less than one femtoamp.
An exemplary cable is illustrated in
It is to be understood that the inner layer 54 may be omitted, if desired. In addition it is to be understood that the cable described herein, with the outer layer, or the combination of the outer layer and the inner layer, may be used for other applications apart from probe stations. For example, such cables may be suitable for medical devices.
In accordance with the previous discussion, the present inventors have discovered that the primary problem, at least at some stage in the design, is not how best to suppress the leakage currents that flow between the different signal channels but rather how best to suppress those currents that internally arise in each cable or signal channel as a result of the triboelectric effect. In a tri-axial cable, triboelectric currents can arise between the shield conductor and the outer dielectric due to friction there between which causes free electrons to rub off the conductor and creates a charge imbalance that causes current to flow. Such triboelectric currents are likewise generated at other interfaces. Once the inventor recognized that this triboelectric effect might be the critical problem, he proceeded to test this insight by testing such "low-noise" cables.
It will be noted that the present inventors do not claim to have discovered a new solution to the problem of the triboelectric effect. A relatively straightforward solution to this problem can be found in the field of cable technology wherein it is known how to construct a "low-noise" cable by using an additional layer of material between a guard conductor and an inner dielectric, which material is of suitable composition for suppressing the triboelectric effect. This layer, in particular, includes a nonmetallic portion that is physically compatible with the inner dielectric so as to be prevented from rubbing excessively against this dielectric and, on the other hand, includes a portion that is sufficiently conductive that it will immediately dissipate any charge imbalance that may be created by free electrons that have rubbed off the outer conductor. It is not claimed by the present inventors that this particular solution to the triboelectric effect problem is his invention. Rather it is the recognition that this specific problem is a major source of performance degradation in the field of low-current design and the recognition of the interfaces where such currents may originate.
In retrospect, one can speculate as to why the significance of the triboelectric effect was not recognized sooner by investigators in the art of probe station design. One possible reason is that verifying the importance of this effect is not merely a matter of replacing cables with low-noise cables. Because of the non-design related factors specified in the background section, one of ordinary skill who assembled and then tested a probe station that included tri-axial low-noise cables would not necessarily detect the superior capability of this cable for low current measurements. For example, surface contaminants deposited during assembly might raise the background level of current to a sufficient extent that the effect of the low-noise cables is concealed. To this it may be added that the direction taken in the art of probe station design, where the focus has been on the problem of suppressing inter-channel leakage currents.
The terms and expressions which have been employed in the foregoing specification are used therein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognized that the scope of the invention is defined and limited only by the claims which follow.
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New additions for the Herbarium's Great Lakes holdings
The past year saw the addtion of several important items to its holdings, including those from the Matthaei Botanical Gardens, the late Edward G. Voss's personnal herbarium and those from Gary J. Pierce's collection.
"Michigan Botanist" Pays Tribute to Ed Voss
The Michigan Botanical Club's peer-reviewed quarterly journal The Michigan Botanist has dedicated its current issue to Ed Voss, the former University of Michigan Professor of Botany and Herbarium Curator of Vascular Plants, who passed away February 13, 2012.
NSF grant for Dick's Amazon biota research is part of a $4 million US-Brazil initiative
Professor Christopher Dick was awarded a $265,000 five-year grant from the National Science Foundation.
Reznicek honored with MBC Lifetime Achievement Award
In recognition of Dr. Tony Reznicek's countless contributions to the understanding of Michigan plants and ecology and the Great Lakes Region, the Michigan Botanical Club has bestowed their Lifetime Achievement Award upon him.
Legend from the world of Michigan botany, Edward G. Voss, dies, leaves the newly released Field Manual of Michigan Flora to extend his legacy
Edward G. Voss, professor emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan, curator emeritus of vascular plants at the University Herbarium, and a legendary teacher at the U-M Biological Station, died on Monday, Feb. 13, 2012, just three days before the release of his latest book.
New species of red algae named after Curator Emeritus, Michael J. Wynne
A new species of red algae was named after Michael J. Wynne, Curator Emeritus (Algae), namely, Beringia wynnei, by Bridgette Clarkston of the University of New Brunswick, now at the University of British Columbia.
NSF grants to digitize biological collections
Professor Timothy James and Rich Rabeler, assistant research scientist, have been awarded grants from the National Science Foundation as part of an initiative to integrate and digitize information for biologists, policy-makers and the general public.
Curator Tony Reznicek appears on Out of the Blue
Curator Tony Reznicek discusses the development of Great Lakes Gardens on a segment of Out of the Blue featuring the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. Click HERE to view it.
Herbarium Featured in the University Record
The Herbarium is featured in the University of Michigan staff and faculity newspaper the University Record Novmeber 2010 in an article written by Kevin Brown.
In Memoriam - Rogers McVaugh - 1909-2009
Rogers McVaugh, Harley Harris Bartlett Professor of Botany and an internationally renowned authority on Compositae, Myrtaceae, Campanulaceae, woody Rosaceae, and the flora of Mexico, died on September 24, 2009. He was Curator of Vascular Plants at the University of Michigan Herbarium from 1946 until 1979 and Herbarium Director from 1972 until 1976. He remained active in retirement as Research Professor of Botany at the University of North Carolina. In collaboration with his former student William R. Anderson, he published the acclaimed series "Flora Novo-Galiciana," the culmination of his many years of study of the flora of western Mexico.


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What he's really getting is a little harder to define.
For years, doctors have relied on compression stockings to improve circulation in diabetic and bed-bound patients, as well as to treat lymph edema and phlebitis, among other conditions. The idea is fairly simple: Increased pressure on muscles accelerates the flow of blood to the heart by accentuating human physiology. Blood is pumped to the extremities via high-pressure arteries, but it trickles through low-pressure veins located just beneath the skin on its way back. With added pressure, the blood in those latter veins speeds up. Sometime in the 1980s, professional athletes got to thinking: If increased blood flow was good for patients with circulation-related maladies, wouldn't it also benefit them? Soon, racers started regularly slipping out of their newfangled spandex shorts (this was the 1980s) and into women's support hose after races.
Thirty years later, compression garments have become a part of our sport, and are popular among runners, triathletes, and other athletes. Some of the greatest benefits are claimed by pro cyclists who often face demanding travel schedules: "I wear compression gear almost every waking hour, except for when I'm on the bike," says American pro Craig Lewis.
CW-X, Skins, and 2XU, three of the most prominent manufacturers of compression garments, all claim that wearing their tights and socks can improve recovery speed, and, if worn during sports, can boost overall performance. Pros such as Lewis say that they can feel the difference. Ever-increasing numbers of amateur racers—presumably without pro-level travel demands—emulate their heroes by wearing compression garments to the bike shop as well as the race venue. But the question remains: Do athletes get the same benefits from tights as bed-bound patients?
It turns out that what cyclists—even pros—say or believe doesn't necessarily jibe with reality. Science has yet to prove a benefit for cyclists using compression garments for recovery. There is more conclusive evidence regarding compression's benefits during athletic competition, but cyclists seem reluctant to trade their kits for nondescript compression wear. Here we take a look at the facts and fictions surrounding one of cycling's most misunderstood fads.
Dubious Physiological Benefits
There's minimal evidence to demonstrate that compression garments have an impact on recovery for cyclists, despite data showing that they can provide real benefits to runners, says Rob Duffield, PhD, an exercise physiologist at Charles Sturt University in Australia. He has published three compression studies and performed several more for companies that manufacture compression gear. None of his research—or studies performed by others, he says—has convinced him that tight hosiery makes cyclists faster or stronger.


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The Frenchman's existing deal is due to expire in 2014, but in recent weeks he has been linked with possible summer switches to Paris Saint Germain and Real Madrid.
But Wenger has always insisted he will not walk away from Arsenal, and his stance remains unchanged.
"I do not know what is said about me," he explained on Canal+.
"I'm focused on the next game and the next season and I'll see what I do at the end of my contract.
"I have always fulfilled my contracts and I can't see why it would change at my age."


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|Amount Per Serving
|% Daily Value
|Calcium (as Calcium Carbonate, Phosphate, Amino Acid Chelate)
|150 mg
|Magnesium (as Magnesium Oxide, Amino Acid Chelate)
|150 mg
|Relax & Sleep Blend
|860 mg
|Valerian Root
|Chamomile Flower
|Hawthorn Berry
|Fennel Seed
|Passion Flower
|Lemon Balm Herb
|Skullcap Leaf
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|Oat Straw Leaf
|Red Clover Herb
|Catnip Leaf
|Spearmint Leaf
|Vanilla Bean
Relax & Sleep may also be used during the day, 1 or 2 tablets at a time. Do not exceed 6 tablets in 24-hours.
|2 Tablets Contains:
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Servings: 30
Serving Price: $0.20
Price Per Tablet: $0.10
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Joseph Joseph has put its imaginative mark on a set of tools that conquer the necessary precision in baking. The adjustable rolling pin can easily adjust to achieve three different thicknesses. The elevate spatula and pastry brush are flexible enough to frost a cake or scrape batter out of a bowl, never making contact with the countertop. And because it's all in the timing, a pie timer features an easily readable face and bell alarm, ensuring that every foray into the kitchen results in nothing less (or more) than piping hot perfection.
Set includes:
Adjustable Rolling Pin: 16.5" long, 2.5" diameter. Three adjustable thicknesses: 2mm, 6mm, 10mm. Discs easily screw on and off to adjust dough thickness. Measurement guide on rolling pin.
Elevate Small Spatula: L 10.25" W 1.5" D 1.25". Heat-resistant up to 270ºC/520ºF.
Elevate Pastry Brush: L 9.84" W 1.38" D 1.18". Heat-resistant up to 270ºC/520ºF.
Pie Kitchen Timer: L 3" W 3" H 1.5". Analog. Times up to 1 hour. Bell alarm sounds when time is up. No batteries required.
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Poultney man denies sugar house theftsJanuary 10,2013Man denies thefts
from sugar houses
A Poultney man charged with stealing thousands of dollars worth of maple sugar making equipment from producers around Rutland County appeared in Rutland criminal court this week for arraignment on six felony charges.
Bryan W. Parker, 29, pleaded innocent to six burglary charges for break-ins at sugar houses in the Rutland area last fall.
Parker, who appeared in court Monday on a citation, was released on conditions including requirements that he stay away from the properties and sugar makers he is charged with stealing from.
If convicted of all six counts, Parker would face a maximum of 75 years in jail.
Vermont State Police arrested Parker last month after receiving help from local maple syrup producers who contacted a syrup-making supply store in New Hampshire where Parker allegedly brought some of the stolen items to exchange for newer parts.MORE IN This Just InThe family of a Connecticut man who was killed in a car accident on Route 4 last Friday night is... Full StoryAssociated Press Full StoryIt seems like I just started to warm up from last winter and I see back-to-school displays. Full Story
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- RICHARD'S POOR ALMANACK: On this day 1739, 'Richard Palmer' identified in prison at York Castle as the notorious outlaw DICK TURPIN; IN 1836, Battle of the Alamo begins near San Antonio de Bexar, Texas; 1896, the Tootsie Roll invented by LEO HIRSCHFELD.
- RICHARD'S POOR ALMANACK: On this day in 1472, Orkney, Shetland islands put up as collateral by Norway to Scotland in lieu of dowry for MARGARET OF DENMARK on her marriage with JAMES III, king of Scotland; 1962, JOHN GLENN first American to orbit Earth.
- TOMORROW'S HEADLINES TODAY: City mayoral candidates debate campaign issues; Hartford, Conn., woman still missing; Neal Goswami reports attempts to legislate suicide; local woman loses 100 pounds through TOPS program.
- RICHARD'S POOR ALMANACK: On this day in 1878, JOHN TUNSTALL murdered near Lincoln, New Mexico, by the outlaw JESSE EVANS; in 1930, ELM FARM OLLIE first cow to fly in aircraft, first to be milked airborne; 1955, nuke test WASP; '79, snow in Sahara.
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- RICHARD'S POOR ALMANACK: On this day in 1249 AD, ANDRE of LONGJUMEAU is dispatched by LOUIS IX of France to meet the KHAGAN, ruler of the Mongol Empire; in 1804, during 1st Barbary War, STEPHEN DECATUR scuttles the pirate-held USS Philadelphia in Tripoli.


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- angiopoietins (1)
- leptin (1)
- maspin (1)
- midkine (1)
- pleiotropin (1)
- tumor angiogenesis (1)
- Mycophenolate mofetil modulates adhesion receptors of the beta I integrin family on tumor cells: impact on tumor recurrence and malignancy (2005)
- Background: Tumor development remains one of the major obstacles following organ transplantation. Immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus directly contribute to enhanced malignancy, whereas the influence of the novel compound mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) on tumor cell dissemination has not been explored. We therefore investigated the adhesion capacity of colon, pancreas, prostate and kidney carcinoma cell lines to endothelium, as well as their beta1 integrin expression profile before and after MMF treatment. Methods: Tumor cell adhesion to endothelial cell monolayers was evaluated in the presence of 0.1 and 1 μM MMF and compared to unstimulated controls. beta1 integrin analysis included alpha1beta1 (CD49a), alpha2beta1 (CD49b), alpha3beta1 (CD49c), alpha4beta1 (CD49d), alpha5beta1 (CD49e), and alpha6beta1 (CD49f) receptors, and was carried out by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Results: Adhesion of the colon carcinoma cell line HT-29 was strongly reduced in the presence of 0.1 μM MMF. This effect was accompanied by down-regulation of alpha3beta1 and alpha6beta1 surface expression and of alpha3beta1 and alpha6beta1 coding mRNA. Adhesion of the prostate tumor cell line DU-145 was blocked dose-dependently by MMF. In contrast to MMF's effects on HT-29 cells, MMF dose-dependently up-regulated alpha1beta1, alpha2beta1, alpha3beta1, and alpha5beta1 on DU-145 tumor cell membranes. Conclusion: We conclude that MMF possesses distinct anti-tumoral properties, particularly in colon and prostate carcinoma cells. Adhesion blockage of HT-29 cells was due to the loss of alpha3beta1 and alpha6beta1 surface expression, which might contribute to a reduced invasive behaviour of this tumor entity. The enhancement of integrin beta1 subtypes observed in DU-145 cells possibly causes re-differentiation towards a low-invasive phenotype.
- New molecular mediators in tumor angiogenesis (2000)
- Angiogenesis is essential for tumor growth and progression. It has been demonstrated that tumor growth beyond a size 1 to 2 mm3 requires the induction of new vessels. Angiogenesis is regulated by several endogenous stimulators and inhibitors of endothelial cell migration, proliferation and tube formation. Under physiological conditions these mediators of endothelial cell growth are in balance and vessel growth is limited. In fact, within the angiogenic balance endothelial cell turnover is sufficient to maintain a functional vascular wall but does not allow vessel growth. Tumor growth an progression has successfully been correlated to the serum concentration of angiogenic mediators. Furthermore, the vascular density of tumor tissues could be correlated to the clinical course of the disease in several tumor entities. Within the last years several new mediators of endothelial cell growth have been isolated e.g. angiopoietin 1, angiopoietin 2, midkine, pleiotropin, leptin and maspin. In this review we discuss the mechanisms leading to tumor angiogenesis and describe some of the newer mediators of endothelial cell stimulation and inhibition.


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During the height of Russia's energy boom, Vladimir Putin's poll numbers routinely hovered in the stratosphere. In the fall of 2008, with Putin basking in the glow of victory in a short, easy war with Georgia, with oil at $140 a barrel, and with Russia's economy chugging along at 5% growth, roughly 9 in 10 Russians approved of his performance. 9 in 10! Putin was arguably the single most popular politician in the world, and his position appeared completely unassailable.
The sharp recession of 2009, when Russia's economy was clobbered by a sudden credit freeze and GDP fell by 7.5%, chopped about 5 points off of Putin's approval rating, ending a streak of year-over-year increases that had started in 2005. However, it's not as if Putin suddenly became persona non-grata: even the post-recession reduction in his popularity left it at a still eye-watering 79%, a level that would be the envy of virtually any other politician in the world.
Now it's not exactly shocking that a recession of the magnitude of Russia's in 2009 put a dent in Putin's poll numbers. But what is noteworthy is that when Russia's economy began growing again in 2010, Putin's poll numbers began to sink and have continued to do so ever since. While there have been substantial month to month variations, and even periods when the numbers were holding steady, when you look at the data on an annual basis the overall trend is a pretty clear one.
Putin's approval rating at the moment is still north of 60%, which doesn't seem (to me at least) to augur well for any sort of imminent revolution. A majority of Russians still support Putin, albeit with noticeably muted enthusiasm, and none of the opposition figures are able to consistently get approval ratings in double digits.
But looking at the data you're forced to recognize that Putin is in a substantially weaker political position than he was during the height of the boom years, when his excesses seemed to have genuine popular support among Russians. Despite all of the bluster that's been coming from the Kremlin recently, its domestic position is weaker than at any time since Putin first came to office in 2000. Support from the masses has always been an important component of Putinism, and a great deal of the regime's ability to "get things done" rested on Putin's genuinely robust personal approval ratings.
The steady and sustained decrease in Putin's poll numbers is one reason why I find many of the assaults on "the reset" to be so bemusing. Putin hasn't been "bolstered" by Obama's craven appeasement, his popularity has slowly withered and is now lower than it has ever been! Being marginally more cooperative with the Kremlin didn't do anything to improve its credibility among Russian citizens, they're more opposition-minded than ever. Please note that I am not suggesting that the reset has caused Putin's popularity to decrease, domestic Russian political developments explain all of the change, merely noting that they've occurred in the same time-frame.
What should America do? Well, many people think that now is the time to strike: attack the beast while it's wounded! Go after the Kremlin now, because another opportunity like this might not present itself! Personally, I think that such efforts almost always end up backfiring and that an increase in tensions is exactly what the Kremlin would most like to achieve. Without being naive about the immediate prospects for change, which I still think is at least 4-5 years away, I think that we should basically let internal Russian politics play out precisely because those politics seem to be heading in a direction that is ever-more unfavorable for the authorities.
However, regardless of your opinions on what should or shouldn't happen next, or what America should or shoulnd't do, the simple fact of the matter is that Putin's poll numbers are now lower than they have ever been before. 2013 should prove to be a very interesting year