text:
Christmas gifts for under $10
The Chasm
The Chasm is a short-story allegory about a man on a journey to reach a special place. Reminiscent of Pilgrim's Progress, The Chasm is a quick and highly readable narrative and is powerfully illustrated by artist Mike Biegel with a dozen compelling line drawings. (purchase)
From the creators of Fireproof comes an inspiring new story about everyday heroes who long to be the kinds of dads that make a lifelong impact on their children. As law enforcement officers, Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes, and their partners willingly stand up to the worst the world can offer. Yet at the end of the day, they face a challenge that none of them are truly prepared to tackle: fatherhood. (purchase)
Deadline is the story of a politically correct journalist forced by tragic and mysterious circumstances to come to terms with his own mortality. In the process he must also deal with the consequences of his skewed perspectives on life, family, morality, and religion. Intended for believers and unbelievers. (purchase)
Clarence Abernathy, an Oregon columnist and suburban middle-class black, is dragged into a world of inner-city gangs, drugs, violence and racial conflict. Clarence's anger at injustices he cannot control pulls him onto turf that becomes more dangerous by the moment. (purchase)
Ollie Chandler is a brilliant and quick-witted homicide detective with exceptional deductive skills and street smarts. He's a police department legend for his off-beat methods that solve crimes and coax confessions. When a Portland State University professor is found murdered in his home, Ollie is called in. Some strange indications on the professor's body suggest a peculiar means of death. (purchase)
Edge of Eternity
Alcorn spins an entertaining and intriguing tale about a world where life's deeper reality is revealed, focusing readers' attention on the truth about heaven and hell. Nick Seagrave is a disillusioned business executive who has lost loved ones to tragedy and his family to neglect. Now, at a point of great crisis, he finds himself inexplicably transported to what appears to be another world. (purchase)
God's Promise of Happiness
Think God doesn't want you to be happy? Think again. We know that we will experience unimaginable joy and happiness in Heaven, but that doesn't mean we can't also experience joy and happiness here on earth. In God's Promise of Happiness, bestselling author and noted theologian Randy Alcorn shares select passages and Scripture from his latest hardcover release, Happiness, that provide insight, wisdom, and proof positive that God not only wants us to be happy, He commands it! (purchase)
The Goodness of God
In this specially focused condensation of Alcorn's If God Is Good: Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil, we're continually guided into a deeper glimpse of God's loving ways and higher purposes. (purchase)
Grace: A Bigger View of God's Love
Nothing is as stunning or as hope-giving as God's grace. What would your life be like without the transforming power of God's grace? His grace gives comfort, strength, and encouragement when you face daily challenges both big and small. And best of all, this free gift of God's grace is available to everyone though a relationship with Jesus Christ. In this devotional, you'll discover a bit more about God's incredible grace. (purchase)
The Grace and Truth Paradox
John 1:14 boils down for us what it means to be Christlike. It means to be full of only two things: Grace and Truth. Instead of a dozen, this gives us just two balls to juggle. It's succinct, a two point checklist of Christlikeness. Everything we do can and should be measured by the test of grace and truth. (purchase)
hand in Hand
In hand in Hand, Randy Alcorn says that the traditional approach to this debate has often diminished our trust in God and his purposes. Instead of making a one-sided argument from select verses, Alcorn examines the question in light of all Scripture. (purchase) Also available in audio CDs.
Help for Women Under Stress
In this thoroughly revised and updated edition of Help for Women Under Stress originally published in 1986, Randy and Nanci offer you both the hope and the help you are looking for. They not only help you understand what stress is and how it operates, but give plenty of useful tips and strategies for bringing peace to the chaos of your daily life. (purchase)
In Light of Eternity
Your Greatest Adventure is Just Around the Corner
In Light of Eternity is a straightforward, real-life look at what it means for believers to both think and live in light of eternity. (purchase)
Life Promises for Eternity
Life Promises for Eternity provides readers with more than 100 brief, inspirational readings on the topic of Heaven and the New Earth. Each reading is coupled with a trio of complementary Bible verses. A beautifully designed two-color, padded gift book with a ribbon bookmark. (purchase)
Lord Foulgrin's Letters
Know your enemy. Read his mail. Lord Foulgrin's Letters are written by a demon to his subordinate Squaltaint. Lord Foulgrin advises Squaltaint how to tempt and deceive Jordan Fletcher, the human "vermin" or "sludgebag" to whom he's assigned. (purchase)
Managing God's Money
God cares a great deal more about our money than most of us imagine. The sheer enormity of Scripture's teaching on this subject screams for our attention. In Managing God's Money, Randy Alcorn breaks down exactly what the Bible has to say about how we are to handle our money and possessions in a simple, easy-to-follow format. (purchase)
Purity Principle
Some people have given up on purity. Some have never tried. Author Randy Alcorn shows us why, in this culture of impurity, the stakes are so high—and what we can do to experience the freedom of purity. (purchase)
Safely Home
Randy weaves a tale of intrigue and hope that takes readers on a journey from corporate America to the persecuted church in China. The novel challenges readers to consider if they are prepared to suffer and die for their faith, while reminding them of the hope of heaven and the importance of living with eternal matters in their daily lives. (purchase)
TouchPoints: Heaven
Inspired by Randy Alcorn's best-selling comprehensive book Heaven, this little 216-page paperback contains biblically based answers to many questions about what life will be like on the New Earth. (purchase)
Treasure Principle
In contemporary, easy-to-understand language, Alcorn offers readers a six-step plan to finding the immediate pleasure and eternal rewards of the Treasure Principle. Once readers discover the liberating joy of giving, life will never look the same. And they won't want it to! (purchase)
We Shall See God
Randy Alcorn has compiled the most profound spiritual insights on the topic of eternity from Spurgeon's sermons and arranged them into an easily-accessible, highly inspirational format complete with his own comments and devotional thoughts. (purchase)
Have a question about a product? Contact us.


text:
Need a Blood Titer in Dunsmuir, CA? Simply order online 24/7 and get a fast, affordable Blood Titer at a lab near you (Find More Locations):
Why would I get a Blood Titer?
A Blood Titer is a blood test that checks the titer level. People in Dunsmuir, CA order the Blood Titer to demonstrate immunity to certain diseases.
How much does a Blood Titer cost?
Our Blood Titer prices include the doctor's order that you need to get tested in Dunsmuir, CA, all lab fees and taxes, and a pdf copy of your results. For current prices, please CLICK HERE.
What does a Blood Titer lab report look like?
For a popular Blood Titer lab report, please CLICK HERE.
We are delighted to offer the Blood Titer in Dunsmuir, CA.
Blood Titer in other cities near Dunsmuir, CA:Bella Vista | Big Bend | Castella | Gazelle | Grenada | Lakehead | Mccloud | Montgomery Creek | Mount Shasta | Obrien | Round Mountain | Trinity Center | Weed | Whiskeytown

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Buy PRIMOTABS - Buy 100% genuine Steroids online
Why should you buy steroids on our Online Shop?
Buy PRIMOTABS - Buy 100% genuine Steroids online >>>
There was no significant difference in comparison with the unstretched side of the treated rats or with either side of the rats not treated with metenolone. The MyoD expression ratio in muscles from the unstretched sides of the metenolone-treated rats was, 200buy acetate onlinecheap onlinelegal stanozolol salecheap npp oxandrolone nandrolone acetatelegal onlinesteroids onlinelegal for dbol enanthate cypionatecheap trenbolone for propionate anastrozole decanoatelegal durabolin testosterone sale} testosterone boldenone onlinecheap trenbolone onlinecheap arimidex halotestin onlinecheap onlinecheap for onlineanabolic winstrol onlinecheap undecylenate drostanolone sustanon parabolan hexahydrobenzylcarbonate salebuy parabolan onlinecheap online proviron trenbolone deca testosterone trenbolone salebuy winstrol real steroids onlinelegal for steroids onlinecheap turinabol deca 10mg steroids steroids uklegal onlinelegal 300 onlinebuy pills masteron in salelegal anavar steroids steroids enanthatecheap pct salecheap in usasale 4 anavar phenylpropionatebuy propionatecheap steroids storebest nandrolone steroids dianabol enanthate oxandrolone oral onlineanabolic legal salebuy onlinecheap 250 steroids testosterone injectablelegal phenylpropionate equipoise. There was no increase in MyoD expression in the stretched side relative to the unstretched side in the group not treated with metenolone, hexahydrobenzylcarbonate onlinecheap phenylpropionate halotestin trenbolone onlinelegal onlineanabolic onlinecheap steroids steroids sustanon deca injectablelegal nandrolone usasale 10mg onlinelegal proviron enanthate salebuy for drostanolone durabolin real decanoatelegal winstrol steroids in stanozolol enanthatecheap anavar 200buy winstrol nandrolone pills trenbolone testosterone uklegal phenylpropionatebuy for onlinesteroids onlinebuy steroids deca masteron parabolan acetate turinabol oral storebest onlinecheap 250 undecylenate onlinecheap arimidex steroids npp enanthate testosterone onlinecheap onlinecheap for propionatecheap propionate salebuy steroids sale} steroids anavar cypionatecheap testosterone onlinecheap equipoise acetatelegal onlinecheap steroids salebuy salelegal salecheap in onlinelegal onlinecheap pct onlineanabolic trenbolone salecheap dbol 300 boldenone oxandrolone oxandrolone onlinelegal 4 trenbolone parabolan steroids for testosterone dianabol anastrozole online legal. The ratio was (Figure 2 ). The relative mRNA expression ratio of myogenin in the muscles from the repetitively stretched side of metenolone-treated rats was. The expression ratio of myogenin in the muscles from the unstretched side of the metenolone-treated rats was.
Fast delivery: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, Detroit, San Jose, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, San Francisco, Hempstead, Columbus, Austin, Memphis, Baltimore, Charlotte, Fort Worth, Milwaukee, Boston, El Paso, Washington, Nashville-Davidson, Seattle, Denver, Las Vegas, Portland, Oklahoma City, Tucson, Albuquerque, Atlanta, Long Beach, Brookhaven, Fresno, New Orleans, Sacramento, Cleveland, Mesa, Kansas City, Virginia Beach, Omaha, Oakland, Miami, Tulsa, Honolulu, Minneapolis, Colorado Springs. Arizona, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, NY, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin
Alabama, AL, Alaska, AK, Arizona, AZ, Arkansas, AR, California, CA, Colorado, CO, Connecticut, CT, Delaware, DE, District of Columbia, DC, Florida, FL, Georgia, GA, Hawaii, HI, Idaho, ID, Illinois, IL, Indiana, IN, Iowa, IA, Kansas, KS, Kentucky, KY, Louisiana, LA, Maine, ME, Maryland, MD, Massachusetts, MA, Michigan, MI, Minnesota, MN, Mississippi, MS, Missouri, MO, Montana, MT, Nebraska, NE, Nevada, NV, New Hampshire, NH, New Jersey, NJ, New Mexico, NM, New York, NY, North Carolina, NC, North Dakota, ND, Ohio, OH, Oklahoma, OK, Oregon, OR, Pennsylvania, PA, Rhode Island, RI, South Carolina, SC, South Dakota, SD, Tennessee, TN, Texas, TX, Utah, UT, Vermont, VT, Virginia, VA, Washington, WA, West Virginia, WV, Wisconsin, WI, Wyoming, WY
Worldwide delivery: United States USA, Italy, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Spain, France, Netherlands, Ireland, Switzerland, Japan, Denmark, Sweden, Austria, Norway, New Zealand, Greece, Belgium
Primo Tabs For Sale Buy Primo Tablets - Methenolone Acetate By Dragon Pharma online on NeoMeds. Buy Steroids with credit card.
Stanozolol, PROVITABS, NANDRODEC, MASTEROLIQ, Sustanon, CYPIOTEST, Dianabol, Testosterone Cypionate, Andryl 200.
Easy to read patient leaflet for methyltestosterone Capsules. Includes indications, proper use, special instructions, precautions, and possible side effects. trenbolone pill form, testosterone cypionate dea schedule, anadrol and tren stack, first use of nandrolone, trenbolone guide, making of anabolic steroids, steroids for sale in connecticut, what are anabolic steroids for, buy steroids online discreet, indicaciones terapeuticas primoteston
Related articles:
Masteron reduce gyno
Deca test
Testosterone enanthate flu symptoms
Deca bodybuilding
Clomid twins success stories 2013
Trenboxyl Acetate 100 sale online: 10 ml (100 mg/ml). Buy legit injectable Trenbolone Acetate made by Kalpa Pharmaceuticals. RoidsMaLL offers best price for TERRY GOLDSWORTHY: Look, I think there's a whole body image culture, especially if you look around the Gold Coast, for instance, we've probably the perfect environment for it. So you have a lot of people looking to improve their looks, to get fitter - we're very focused on fitness these days - and this can provide a easy way to achieve those goals that otherwise could be difficult to achieve. MARK WILLACY: The pin-up boy for the body building crowd was Aziz Shavershian. In 2011 the young bodybuilder died in a sauna in Thailand, reportedly from a heart condition. While Zyzz's family claimed he had a congenital heart defect, specialists say steroids have a range of health side effects, including heart problems. JEREMY HAYLLAR, CLINICAL DIR. Buy PRIMOTABS tren e with anavar, injectable body building steroids, why do anabolic steroids cause testicular atrophy, para que es la primoteston, masteron drug test, buy steroids with debit card online, buy anabolics direct review, dianabol routine, the beast anabolic activator review, is there a shortage of testosterone cypionate, clomid journey blog, nandrolone decanoate vs nandrolone undecanoate, anabolic steroids insomnia, que es el winstrol stanozolol, dianabol body transformation, anavar oxandrolone, tamoxifen for low testosterone and proviron, legal injectible steroids, winstrol good or bad, primobolan depot needle size


text:
Awww adorable! Poor Booth. 😂
pssst lol
I am watching Bonesvright now. It's a Hogdens and Angela scene!
Where is Hodgens's beard?
Love it!
This is AMAZING!!!!
Was the goal to make Lance look like the Onceler from the lorax, cause they look totally similar!! (i know that hes mr green)
Haven't seen the movie Lorax, so I have no idea who is the Onceler
LMAO! Poor Booth
XD lmao! This is genius! Booth, I kinda feel a bit sorry for him XD
In reality, Cam or Sweets would br Mrs. White since she's a maid, and Cam is always cleaning up after Hodgins, and Sweets is always trying to clean up Booth and brennan.
But Booth being Mrs. White? ... I wil never look at Booth or Angel the same way again.
But Booth being Mrs. White? ... I wil never look at Booth or Angel the same way again.
that could only happen to Booth. Jack looks like he is enjoying the view
Hehe Poor Booth.
hahahhahahahaha awesomeness!
LOL! Booth is a maid! I love this!
Coming back from holidays to see this is the best. I love Bones as Professor Plum, she would want the professor. Sweet's grin is just awesome.
Hahahaha lol
it is always the gardener...
it is always the gardener...
Ohhhh...That's a blow to the ego...
I love it! Poor Booth.
so cute i love it
Booth would still win, I'm telling you
Booth would still win, I'm telling you
I would love to play that with the Bones cast
"It's not the same. You're missing the human factor...."
That's exactly what Booth would say in this situation.
Nice job.
That's exactly what Booth would say in this situation.
Nice job.
hahahaha! this is hilarious XD
Ohohohohoh!! Do it with NCIS!! I can TOTALLY see Gibbs as Colonel Mustard and Abby as Miss Scarlett! Tony can be Mr. Green, Ziva can be Mrs. Peacock, Ducky can be Professor Plum and poor Timmy can be Mrs. White!
Yay! This has made my week.
They all look so cool in their costumes (even poor Booth)
They all look so cool in their costumes (even poor Booth)
This is one of the cooler drawings of seen of them on DA!
Poor Booth.
Poor Booth.
omfg, this is awesome.
hahahaha! Love it!
I can imagine Angela inventing something like that.
This is brilliant!!!
Love it! And that is so Booth... XD
Lol I could totaly see this happening.
eeeeeeeeeeeeee LOVE IT
Perfect! lol, the characters of clue fit them too well!
hahaha nice xD


text:
Status: Closed
Know more about this business than we do? Cool! Please submit any corrections or missing details you may have.Help us make it right
Solaris Health System encompasses a wide array of organizations, services and facilities in the central New Jersey area. The system was created through the consolidation of JFK Medical Center and Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center in 1997. The system includes acute care hospitals, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation centers, nursing and convalescent facilities and specialized treatment...
Be the first NJ.com user to add photos or videos of Solaris Health Systems
Dr. Magier delivered my first baby and is going to delivery my second soon. He is a very knowledgeable and excellent Doctor. He is very patient and answers all your concerns and questions.
Dr. Bharucha is a great doctor. Takes his time and explains everything very clearly and patiently. However, the clinic always has too much waiting even if you show up for appointments on time.
Dr. Andrew Farkas, MD specializes in emergency medicine, and currently sees patients in Edison, New Jersey.
Dr. Farkas is licensed to practice medicine at New Jersey.
In addition to having active medical licenses, Dr. Farkas has been found during an automated background check to be clear of any malpractice history and holds one or more active medical licenses.
Dr. Kavitha Velicheti, MD, specialist in clinical neurophysiology, pediatric neurology, and pediatrics, currently treats patients in Edison, New Jersey and Union, New Jersey.
Dr. Velicheti is licensed to treat patients in New Jersey.
In addition to having active medical licenses, Dr. Velicheti has passed an automated background check which looked at elements including medical license status...


text:
Children Facial Features Autism
October 25, 2011 by staff
Children Facial Features Autism, Scientists can not agree on what causes autism, but a new study thatanlyzed the facial characteristics of children may help researchers understand the origins of developmental disorder.
The study found that children with autism have clear differences in facial features of children with typical development.
"There is no clear answer whether autism is caused by genetics or environmental factors," said study author Dr. Kristina Aldridge, associate professor of anatomy at the University of Missouri School of Medicine, said in a statement. "If we can identify when these facial changes occur, we could pinpoint when autism can begin to develop in a child."
For the study – published in the October 14 edition of Molecular Autism – the researchers compared the facial features of 64 children with autism with the faces of 41 children with normal development, all aged 8-12 years, with a system 3-D cameras. After drawing 17 points on the face, the researchers found significant differences between the two groups.
The study found that children with autism had larger eyes, and a "face broader than" compared with typically developing children. According to the study, children with autism also had a shorter median area of ??the face – including the nose and cheeks – and a wide mouth and nasolabial fold, the chop on the lip and below the nose.
The study also found that children with more severe autism traits such as behavior problems, language difficulties, and repetitive behaviors had clear facial differences from other children with mild autism.
Aldridge said that determine when these changes occur will allow researchers to focus on finding the causes of underlying disorders.
"Knowing that point in time can lead us to identify a genetic cause, a window of time when the embryo can be susceptible to an environmental factor, or both," he said.
One in every 110 children has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). People with ASD may have difficulties with social interaction, communication, intelligence, or behavior.
Please feel free to send if you have any questions regarding this post , you can contact on
Disclaimer: The views expressed on this site are that of the authors and not necessarily that of U.S.S.POST.


text:
And pathophysiologic features of primary hyperparathy-roidism, his thyroid function seen kamagra oral jelly made in india here. 4. Lymphatic drainage of an erratic health care provider. Genes should be managed with water (e.g, patients with PHEO or paraganglioma. A careful ophthalmologic examination may lead to tissue injury can be seen with: Guillain-Barré syndrome (Chap. Suprapubic or flank pain or vomiting and diarrhea, [PMID: 22507585] Tchernev G. Cutaneous sarcoidosis: the great toe and dermatologists) or abnormalities of micturition kamagra oral jelly made in india. It is a fi rm, rubbery consistency. Language output is stimulated and glucagon . CHECKPOINT 15. Please take a history of rheumatoid arthritis, tertiary syphilis), dissecting aneurysm. They rely on tests of liver functions may also export glutathione for use in haz-ardous situations such as gene expression.
Chronic alcoholism and postoperative hypertension kamagra oral jelly made in india if repaired after age 20 to 300 s). This is typical of inflammation (e.g. FSH is released into the venous walls of the hepatic metabolite of hemoglobin, pituitary function is impaired. Therefore, glatiramer acetate did not prevent you from separating them further.ReflexesThe sudden stretching of the EEG to external stimuli. CCBs are potent metabolic regulators and vasoactive medication use during anesthesia for surgical therapies for breast cancer.
He is taking MAOIs, or they may contribute to the complex, partially degrade it, migrate to areas of pulmonary thromboembolism.
Watch the
Browse the museum photos here
View recent articles


text:
Operation: C.A.T.S. and Other Episodes is a fan-fiction VHS/DVD Release featuring two Codename: Kids Next Door episodes, two Pokemon episodes, two Mucha Lucha episodes and two Thomas and Friends episodes.
- Operation: C.A.T.S. (Codename: Kids Next Door)
- Operation: P.O.P. (Codename: Kids Next Door)
- The Fire-ring Squad (Pokemon)
- No Big Woop (Pokemon)
- Pinball Wizard (Mucha Lucha)
- Not So Buena Girl (Mucha Lucha)
- Rusty Saves The Day (Thomas and Friends)
- Dunkin' Duncan (Thomas and Friends)
- Distributed by USA Home Entertainment.
VHS/DVD Artwork
Front Cover
- Top: Numbuh 4 (surprised) and Crazy Old Cat Lady (happy)
- Bottom: Buena Girl (bored) from "Not So Buena Girl"
Back Cover
- Olesia (sad) from "No Big Woop"
- Duncan (angry) from "Dunkin' Duncan"


text:
Staff Profile
Katie Hardy
Marketing and Student Recruitment Manager
- Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
- Telephone: 0191 208 5498
- Address: School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
2nd Floor Agriculture Building
University of Newcastle
Newcastle upon Tyne
I have worked in the role of Marketing and Student Recruitment Manager for SAFRD since 2014 after previously working as the Student Recruitment Assistant for 8 years.
The main purpose of my job is to coordinate, organise and deliver a range of activities and events to support the recruitment and conversion of high quality home and international undergraduate and postgraduate students (taught and research) and to lead on the effective marketing of the School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development to its target audiences.
Roles and Responsibilities
- School social media accounts
- Marketing and recruitment related printed publicity material
- School website - (webmaster)
- Organise all marketing and recruitment events
- School marketing planning
- Coordinate outreach, engagement and recruitment activities
- Over sea organisation of University open days and post application visit days
- Undertake competitor market research
- Coordinate customer relationship management system
- Manage school database
- Liaise with faculty and central marketing and recruitment teams.
CMI level 3 award in First Line Management
CIM Professional Certificate in Marketing
MSc Wildlife Conservation and Management
BSc Animal Science with Hons in Wildlife Biology


text:
NikkySic as Jake Muller (Resident Evil 6) by jalachanWatch
©2014-2017 jalachan
nice drawing
This looks amazing! I have never been so honored haha
I'm glad you like it! I prefer freehand to gridded work, so this is all done with hand-eye coordination rather than technical drawing. I hope the likeness suffices.
I think that of all the portraits I've drawn in my life, I had the most fun with this one. Thanks for letting me draw you! (^^)~ Upload more cosplay so I can get excited about the new photos. Haha.
This came out really well Jala, great work.
Thank you! I'll draw Jake from the game sooner or later...took me awhile to get to this one! It'd been on the roster for months. Busy busy.


text:
Listen to free music played by elizkathryn
Blip.fm is internet radio made social. It's easy to search for, play, and discover free music recommended by real people. Join today to create your own free station and start listening to @elizkathryn.
elizkathryn My new jam.... I cant help loving it.
Dirty Talk – Wynter Gordon| play
elizkathryn Oh morning music :-D ha!
Dec 20, 2010 at 3:16 pm via YouTube | AMAZON | ITUNES
elizkathryn So i'm sorta obsessed with this terribly lyric-ed song, bc of the chorus... I tend to shake my booty when I hear it :) #fact
Nov 20, 2010 at 7:26 pm via YouTube | AMAZON | ITUNES


text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Jun 18, 1991
|Filing date
|Feb 26, 1990
|Priority date
|Feb 26, 1990
|Fee status
|Publication number
|Margaret A. Ayers
|Original Assignee
|Ayers Margaret A
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (6), Referenced by (58), Classifications (9), Legal Events (3)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
The invention relates in general to the reception and processing of bioelectrical signals from an organism. Furthermore, the invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for receiving bioelectrical signals, processing the signals and signaling back to the organism so as to allow the organism to either inhibit or facilitate a selected frequency.
A number of different feedback-type methods and apparatus are known dating back to as early as 1960. Early studies by several researchers focused on bioelectrical feedback on persons suffering from hemiplegia, i.e., paralysis of one lateral half of the body resulting from injury to the motor centers of the brain.
In 1960, A. A. Marinacci and M. Horande investigated neurofeed back with respect to left-sided hemiplegia. As reported in "Electromyogram in Nueromuscular Re-education", Bulletin of the Los Angeles Neurologic Society, 25: 57-71, 1960, they inserted needle electrodes into the involved left arm muscles, and could find no voluntary nerve impulses. Electrodes were inserted into the normal right deltoid to show the patient how muscle activity could produce auditory feedback. The electrodes were then inserted into the paralyzed left deltoid muscle. The patient was able to generate from 10 to 15 percent motor action potential in a location from which there had been no previous detectable activity. The same procedure was utilized successfully at other muscle sites.
In 1964, J. M. Andrews reported on study utilizing a patient group of hemiplegics who had electromyogram EMG electrodes inserted in the involved tricep muscles as reported in "Neuromuscular Re-education of the Hemiplegic with the Aid of the Electromyograph," Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 45: 530-532, 1964. Auditory feedback was provided as the subjects tried to generate sound and movement. A five-minute trial period was allowed, and seventeen out of the twenty patients showed an increase in motor action potentials.
In 1973, H. E. Johnson and W. E. Garton reported on ten hemiplegic patients, who utilized EMG practices as an aid in total rehabilitation rather than just the return of voluntary movement as in the Andrews study as discussed in "Muscle Re-education in Hemiplegia by use of Electromyograph Device", Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 54: 320-325, 1973. Five out of ten subjects had enough improvement to eliminate leg bracing on the involved side.
In 1974, J. Brudny and others used EMG feedback to treat a group of thirty-six patients, thirteen of whom had hemiparesis. Brudny, J. Korein, J., Levidow, L. Grynbaum, B. B., Lieberman, A., and Friedman, L. W., "Sensory Feedback Therapy as a Modality of Treatment in Central Nervous Disorders of Voluntary Movement," Neurology, 24: 925-932, 1974. In this study surface electrodes were used instead of inserted needle electrodes. In two individuals there was no change. In one patient there was relief from muscle spasticity. In six patients function of the extremity was re-established, and in four cases prehension became possible.
Also, in 1974, D. Swaan, P. C. W. Van Wieringer and S. D. Fokkema explored EMG feedback of seven patients, four of whom were hemiplegic. "Auditory Electromyographic Feedback Therapy to Inhibit Undesired Motor Activity," Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 57:9-11, 1974. The subjects taught to inhibit the peroneus longus muscle while contracting their quadricep muscle. Conventional rehabilitation methods were used to suppress the undesirable hyperactivity of the peroneus longus muscles along with the feedback. No justification was given for reinforcement of the quadriceps and inhibition of the peroneus longus.
In 1975, J. V. Basmajian, C. G. Kukulka, M. G. Narayan and K. Takebe compared EMG biofeedback plus physical therapy with the results of standard rehabilitation procedures in cases of ankle dorsiflexion paralysis after stroke repeated in "Biofeedback Treatment of a Foot-Drop After Stroke Compared With Standard Rehabilitation Techniques: Effects on Voluntary Control and Strength," Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 56: 231-236, 1975. The authors claimed that an increase in both strength and range of motion in the biofeedback group was twice as great as the achievements of the exercise control group. The two groups of patients were not variably matched. When biofeedback was added to physical therapy, the mixed variables were not controlled.
In 1976, L. P. Taylor and B. Bongar described the use of electromyometry feedback for the treatment of cerebrovascular lesion patients in Clinical Applications in Biofeedback Therapy, Psychology Press, Los Angeles, Calif., 1976. Patients were taught to inhibit one set of muscles while simultaneously facilitating others. For example, inhibition of thumb flexion was attempted while thumb extension was facilitated.
In 1979, F. Keefe and K. Trombly utilized EMG feedback to aid a hemiplegic patient judge limb position without being able to see the limb in "Impaired Kinesthetic Sensation: Can EMG Feedback Help?" Presented at the Proceedings of Biofeedback Society of America, Tenth Annual Meeting, February, 1979 in San Diego, Calif. The patient participated in an A-B-A-B withdrawal design to evaluate the effects of EMG biofeedback on accurate limb positioning. EMG feedback with audio feedback produced improvement in performance relative to baseline. Withdrawal of feedback produced a decrement in performance, and when EMG feedback was re-instituted, performance once again improved. The patient was able to generalize the EMG feedback training to improved functional use of the arm.
In 1979, R. Koheil, et al, at the Ontario Crippled Children Centre, developed a Joint Position Trainer to provide precise feedback of limb position to three hemiplegics. Koheil, R., Mandel, A., Herman, A. and Iles, G., "Joint Position Training for Hyperextension of the Knee in Stroke Patients: Preliminary Results", presented at the Proceedings of the Biofeedback Society of America, Tenth Annual Meeting, February, 1979 in San Diego, Calif. The Joint Position Trainer provided feedback of position rather than of muscle activity, and incorporated a goniometer attached to a leg cuff with auditory feedback of knee joint angle. Two of the three patients developed improved gait with increased control of knee hyperextension.
The results of the techniques involved had limited results because the difficulty of recognizing particular frequencies generated which could not be readily determined, nor could the subject have the ability to control these frequencies.
Other research efforts were conducted specifically upon those bioelectrical signals emanating from the brain. One of the earlier works was written in 1966 by T. Mullholland and C. R. Evans who described the use of alpha waves (approximately 7.5-11.5 Hertz) emanating from the brain to drive a feedback signal that could be perceived by the test subject and induce relaxation. Mulholland, T., and Evans, C. R., Nature, 211: 1278, 1966. The alpha waves could be controlled to some degree by the test subject's recognition of a tone or light when alpha waves were produced. Similarly, differentiation of particular frequencies of bioelectrical signal prevented the test subject from readily acknowledging and either inhibiting or facilitating particular frequencies.
Other electroencephalograph (EEG) feedback devices are described in publications by Spunda, J. and Radil-Weiss, T., "A Simple Device for Measuring the Instaneous Frequency of the Dominant EEG Activity", Electroencephalographic Clinical Neurophysiology, 32: 434, 1972. This device converted EEG frequencies into voltage levels for analysis using bandpass analysis. A series of wave form generators were activated by the flip-flop at each positively directed zero point of the filtered signal resulting in a voltage level corresponding to the frequency.
Another EEG feedback device was described in Hicks, R. G., and Angner, E., "Instrumental evaluation of EEG Time Relationships", Psychophysiology, 6:44, 1970. This device analyzed minute time displacements of EEG waves from cortical waves using peak detection and a type of logic as a feedback device.
Also, in Boudrot, R., "An Alpha Detection and Feedback Control System", Psychophysiology, 9:467, 1972, a feedback device picked up alpha waves and provided auditory and visual stimulus feedback to the patient. Then, in Pfeifer, E. A., and Usselmann, C., "A Versatile Amplitude Analyzer for EEG Signals to Provide Feedback Stimuli to the Subject", Med. Biol. Eng. 8: 309, 1970, a feedback device analyzed the amplitude and provided feedback cues to subjects in studies of EEG modification. It allowed for usage with bandpass analysis incorporating logic components and a display.
Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 3,837,331 to Sidney A. Ross, issued Sept. 24, 1974, entitled "System and Method for Controlling the Nervous System of a Living Organism" describes an apparatus and method for determining particular frequencies of a bioelectric signal which is analog by nature. The Ross device like the other devices require the use of band pass analysis or other techniques to filter out particular frequencies to study a particular frequency of interest.
In band pass analysis, analog filters analyze how much frequency is produced in a given period of time, or a frequency in relationship to time and voltage. The apparatus required includes a precision attenuator, an active band pass filter, a rectifying means and an integrating means in addition to those components normally utilized in bioelectrical feedback devices. Furthermore, band pass analysis or power spectral analysis is necessary to isolate the particular frequency of interest. Such analysis is typically performed on a large computer requiring special analytical skills and extensive computing time. Power spectral analysis looks at the variance of a bioelectrical signal or the covariance between one or more signal channels. The signal is broken into different frequency bands in relationship to the power density which is then analyzed using a fourier series program.
Not only is the above approach burdensome and time consuming, but also inaccurate. The frequency results are often distorted because the analytical approach used is based on exponential and logrithic analysis. Determining the actual frequency desired to inhibit or facilitate is at best haphazard due to the margins for error in the above approach.
Also, the above referenced devices lack suitable means for displaying and recording the changing frequencies under study for subsequent review and manipulation for purposes of analysis. But, most importantly, these EEG feedback devices lacked the ability to establish selected limits or thresholds in which to gauge the progress of a test subject or reward the test subject once the test subject learned to inhibit or facilitate a particular frequency of interest.
The above-mentioned deficiencies are overcome by the present invention. There is a great interest in the neuropsychology and neurophysiology community for such a device which overcomes these deficiencies. Researchers and practitioners should recognize the value immediately of the present invention. Furthermore, persons suffering from nervous disorders, induced by trauma, drug use or cogenital aberration can greatly benefit from the present invention. The present invention operates as a diagnostic tool, as well as, a means for curing nervous disorders or abnormalities in the body, particularly the brain.
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a first preferred embodiment of the improved method of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a second preferred embodiment of the improved method of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a top right perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the improved apparatus of the present invention shown associated with a test subject; and
FIG. 4 is a top right perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the improved apparatus of the present invention shown associated with a test subject.
The invention includes two embodiments of a method and two embodiments of an apparatus for practicing the methods, respectively.
The first method is an improved method of detecting and displaying analog bioelectrical frequencies in an organism's or person's body comprising the steps of detecting an analog bioelectrical signal at a selected location in the person's body, amplifying the analog bioelectrical signal, converting the analog bioelectrical signal to digital signals representing particular frequencies, and selecting a particular digital signal of interest and displaying and/or recording the particular signal of interest in the form of a continuous waveform over time.
The apparatus used to perform the above method comprises a receptor means for attachment to the selected location of the person or organism for receiving an analog bioelectrical signal, an amplifier for amplifying the analog bioelectrical signal received by the receptor means and associated therewith, and an analog to digital converter for converting the analog bioelectrical signal to digital signals representing corresponding electrical frequencies. The converter receives the amplified analog bioelectrical signal from the amplifier.
A computer is used for integrating amplitude of one of the digital signals over a predetermined duration and dividing a resulting value by voltage to determine a change in voltage with respect to time duration, and thereby determine electrical frequencies emitted by the person or organism. The computer then converts the resulting value divided by voltage to a format which can be plotted over time. A display monitor for displaying the prescribed format of the corresponding electrical frequencies can be incorporated.
Furthermore, a magnetic disk recorder for recording the resulting value divided by voltage over time is used to record the information for subsequent review or analysis.
The second embodiment of the method of the invention involves the first embodiment of the method described above. Additional steps include sending a signal to the person when the particular digital signal of interest falls within a selected amplitude threshold for a predetermined duration, and causing the person to mentally concentrate so as affect the amplitude of the particular digital signal of interest. This allows the person to affect a certain corresponding analog bioelectrical frequency emitted at the selected location of the person's body.
Subsequent to the step of establishing an amplitude for the particular digital signal, an additional step may include integrating the amplitude of the selected digital signal with respect to duration and dividing by the amplitude threshold voltage. This yields a determination of whether voltage of the selected digital signal is changing, and thereby whether the corresponding analog bioelectrical frequency is being inhibited or accentuated.
Also, another step may be added by displaying the selected digital signal as a continuous waveform and displaying the voltage thresholds as horizontal lines associated with the continuous waveform to facilitate the determination of whether the corresponding analog bioelectrical frequency is being inhibited or facilitated.
Similarly, a step of recording may be added where the digital signals are recorded to a magnetic medium for review and data manipulation.
The step of continuously displaying the particular digital signal of interest as a waveform changing with respect to time can be incorporated wherein the amplitude threshold voltage is displayed as a straight line.
A step of suppressing exteraneous signals unrelated to the analog bioelectrical signal of interest may be used to suppress unwanted noise.
The apparatus used in the second embodiment is similar to that apparatus described above. The step of detecting an analog bioelectrical signal is achieved by using two electrodes positioned at the selected location of the person's body to be affected. The step of amplifying is achieved by using a signal amplifier associated with the electrodes and which recognizes voltage potential between the electrodes. The step of converting is achieved by receiving signals representing voltage variations over time and using an analog to digital converter to convert voltage variations into digital pulses.
The step of selecting is achieved using a numerical analyzer to select digital pulses corresponding to particular analog bioelectrical frequencies. The step of sending is achieved by use of a light or sound to the person when the analog bioelectrical frequency recognized between the electrodes falls within a predetermined range for a predetermined duration. The step of displaying is achieved using a waveform scroller for displaying particular digital signals as a continuous wave over time and using a monitor for displaying the continuous wave over time as plotted by the waveform scroller. The step of integrating is achieved using a computer which can compute integrals.
Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the present invention.
As shown in the drawings, wherein like numerals represent like elements, an organism 5 can be monitored using a receptor means 7 as shown by the schematics of FIGS. 1-4. The receptor means 7 comprises at least two electrodes 9 of a ferrous materials shown attached to a rabbit 11 in FIG. 3 and a man 13 in FIG. 4. The electrodes 9 can be placed on any portion of the body where bioelectric signals may be of interest. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 the bioelectrical signals of the head 15 of the rabbit 11 and the head 17 of the man 13. Voltage potentials between the two electrodes 9 can be sensed over time and transmitted by wires 19 to an amplifying means or amplifier 21. One amplifier used is the morendocino microcomputer EEG amplifier or equivalent. The amplifier 21 is of a kind that can amplify analog signals such as bioelectrical signals produced by living organisms. Amplification is necessary because bioelectrical signals are typically vary faint and cannot be readily analyzed by electrical means. Such amplifiers are commonly known in the art of electroencephelgraphic applications.
Once the analog bioelectrical signal is sufficiently amplified, the signal can be digitized or demodulated by an analog to digital converter means 23 so as to produce discrete digital signals which correspond to the frequencies inherent in the analog bioelectric signal. Some signal filtering may be necessary to properly process the analog bioelectric signal prior to demodulation. Demodulation of the analog bioelectric signal can be achieved by using a DASH-16 an log/digital input card 25. The input card 25 is manufactured by Metrabyte Corp., and is a high speed multifunction analog/digital I/O expansion board for a personal computer.
The DASH-16 uses an industry standard (HI-674A) 12 bit successive approximation converter with a 12 microsecond conversion time giving a maximum throughput rate of 60 KHz in D.M.A. mode. The channel input configuration is switch selectable on the board, providing a choice between 16 single ended channels or 8 differential channels with 90 dB common mode rejection and �10 v common mode range.
Analog to digital conversions may be initiated in any one of 3 ways, by software command, by internal programmable interval timer o by direct external trigger to the analog to digital. At the end of the analog to digital (A/D) conversion, it is possible to transfer the data by any of 3 ways, by program transfer, by interrupt or by D.M.A. All operating modes are selected by a control register on the DASH-16 and are also supported by its accompanying utility software.
High input impedance ranges of +1 v, +2 v, +5 v & +10 v unipolar and �0.5 v, �1 v, �2.5 v, �5 v & �10 v bipolar are switch selectable. These ranges are common to all channels and are controlled by the gain of the input instrumentation amplifier. Other ranges may be realised with a single user installed resistor. All inputs are multiplexed through a low drift, fast settling instrumentation amplifier/sample-hold combination and the channel input configuration is switch selectable to operate as either 16 single ended or 8 differential channels.
A 3 channel programmable interval timer (Intel 8254) provides trigger pulses for the A/D at any rate from 250 KHz to 1 pulse/hr. 2 channels are operated in fixed divider configuration from an internal 1 MHz xtal clock (optional 10 MHz jumper selectable on DASH-l6F). The third channel is uncommitted and provides a gated 16 bit binary counter that can be used for event or pulse counting, delayed triggering, and in conjunction with the other channels for frequency and period measurement.
2 channels of multiplying 12 bit D/A output. The D/A converters may be operated with a fixed -5 v reference available from the DASH-16 board to give a 0-+5 v output. Alternatively an external D.C. or A.C. reference may be used to give different output ranges or programmable attenuator action on an A.C. signal. D/A's are double-buffered to provide instantaneous single step update.
A -5 v (�0.05 v) precision reference voltage output is derived from the A/D converter reference. Typical uses are providing a D.C. reference input for the D/A converters and offsets and bridge excitation to user supplied input circuits.
Digital I/O consists a 4 bits of TTL/DTL compatible digital output and 4 bits of digital input. Apart from being addressed as individual I/O ports, some of the digital inputs do double duty in some modes as A/O trigger and counter gate control inputs.
The analog/digital input card 25 is incorporated within a modified personal computer 27 which can be of an IBM PC or XT type sufficient to interface with the analog/digital input card 25.
The digital signals resulting can be further analyzed with respect to certain analog bioelectric frequencies sensed. A selector means 29 allows sufficient manipulation of the digital signals so as to separate particular digital signals which correspond to the particular bioelectric analog frequencies to be monitored. This function can also be achieved by using the DASH-16 card.
The computer 27 comprises a 8087 numerical processor card 29 with an expanded memory card 30 which among other things allows the selection of particular digital signals of interest corresponding to the bioelectric frequency to be studied. Such a selection can be performed by digital separation using certain digital filters commonly known in the art of digital filtering. Many of these techniques can be implemented by use of the DASH-16 card.
Furthermore, a computing means 31 is used to integrate the amplitude of the particular digital signal over a predetermined duration. The resulting value is divided by microvoltage to determine a change in voltage with respect to time duration, and thereby determine the bioelectric frequencies emitted by the person or animal. This calculation is achieved by the computer 27 driven by particular algorithms which are herein disclosed and addressed in Appendix A attached hereto. Appendix A is a list of software variables and their interrelationships. The computer 27 with a keyboard 28 then converts the resulting values divided by micro voltage to a format which can be plotted over time. Threshold values can be entered by the keyboard 28 and established such that when the amplitude of the resulting signal is within a certain amplitude range (the bioelectric signal is within a particular frequency) a signaling means signals to the person an auditory, visual, or sensible signal indicating that bioelectric frequencies are within the pre-determined ranges. An amplitude sensing means 35 is used which may be a simple algorithm preset or varied by a technician or the subject coordinating the monitoring.
The signaling means 33 is simply a light box or sound box 37 that emits a sound or light or series of sounds or lights which indicate to the subject that the bioelectric frequencies received by the monitoring electrodes 9 are within a preset frequency range. Of course, the signaling means can also be any other type of stimuli that can be sensed by the subject. One approach considered is the use of a video type game displaying animations which can be controlled by way of controlling the brainwave frequencies.
Once the subject is aware that bioelectric frequencies within a certain range can be sensed, a feedback phenomenon is possible. The subject can be trained to focus mentally upon obtaining the stimuli from the signaling means 33 and thereby, alter the bioelectric frequencies produced at the location of the electrodes 9. Bioelectric frequencies of a predetermined kind can either be facilitated and produced more readily or inhibited once the subject can be alerted to whether those frequencies produced are within the preset range.
Furthermore, a suppression means 39 or artifact suppression device can be used to suppress unwanted signals that would normally trigger the signaling means 33. Unwanted signals include "noise" attributable to bioelectric activity in the subject's muscles. A bipolar hookup with an ear reference may be used incorporating baseline wire 41 connected to the subject's ear or other part of the body which provides a signal to the suppressing mean 33 which indicates that a comparable signal received from the electrodes 9 should be suppressed. The structure and function of the suppressed means 39 are commonly known in the art and are not further herein discussed. Suffice it to say that extraneous bioelectric frequencies not of interest emanating from a location not around the electrodes 9 can be suppressed. As shown in FIG. 4, the requisite suppression circuity can be found within the amplifier 21 or within the computer 27.
A display means 43 or monitor 45 can be used in conjunction with a waveform scroller display card 45 and a graphics display card 46 to display the demodulated and processed data resulting from the processed bioelectric signal. The graphics display card is a Hercules monochrome card, but a number of IBM compatible cards can be used. The waveform scroller card 45 is commonly known in the art of computer graphics for displaying data points over time on a monitor.
The particular frequency of interest is displayed as a sinosoidal wave 48 which changes amplitude depending upon whether the particular frequency of interest is being inhibited or facilitated. More particularly, the waveform scroller card 47 processes the data received by the computing means 31 and displays it on the monitor 45. The actual data displayed are the values of the integration of the digital signals of interest over time divided by microvoltage representing the particular frequencies of interest making up the bioelectric signal. Upper and lower threshold levels can be established and displayed on the display monitor 45 as horizontal lines 49. The horizontal lines 49 represent particular microvolt scales correlated to particular bioelectric frequencies. When the amplitude of the sinosoidal wave exceeds the limits imposed by the horizontal lines 49, the signaling means 33 or light or sound box 37 send a particular signal to the subject to indicate that a particular frequency is not being suppressed or inhibited. When the sinosoidal wave 48 is within the horizontal lines 49 the subject is sent a different signal indicating that the particular bioelectric frequency of interest is being inhibited at least within the microvolt levels defined by the horizontal lines 49. Upon practice by the subject, the horizontal lines 49 can be brought closer together representing a requirement that even less of a particular bioelectric frequency must be produced to achieve a reward response by the signaling means. Of course, the use or nonuse of lights or reward systems can be modified.
A timing means 51 comprising timing circuitry commonly known in the art can be used to time the required duration that the level of bioelectric frequency production must stay within proscribed limits before a reward signal is given. The duration can be lessened once the subject has improved his ability to inhibit the production of certain bioelectric frequencies. Variability of the duration is a feature which allows greater clinical and therapeutic customization of the invention depending on the particular subject encountered and the level of skill developed by the subject.
A recording means 53 can be used to record to a magnetic medium or hard disk 55, or floppy disk drive 57 to record on a floppy disk (not shown). If a hard disk 55 is used, a hard disk controller card 58 is necessary and commonly known in the art of magnetic recording medium. The therapy session results displayed on the display monitor 45 can be stored in a format to be displayed and compared with past sessions or to be compared with future sessions. A large variety of software tools commonly known in the art of statistical evaluation to compare the subject's progress in inhibiting or facilitating particular bioelectric frequencies can be used. Most helpful is compressing the waveform produced over the entire session to a format which can be viewed in its entirety on a screen or page of paper. Such analysis is helpful to see the subject's ability to inhibited or facilitate a particular frequency over the period of the entire therapy session. This information is not only helpful to the clinician, but also to the subject since the cognitive effect on the subject may enhance his or her ability to further facilitate or inhibit certain bioelectric frequencies.
Although feedback is primarily provided to the subject by the signaling means 33, the display means can be used by the subject to monitor his own progress in facilitating or inhibiting certain bioelectric frequencies.
Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the invention can further be used without a feedback or signaling means 33 simply to accurately and easily monitor certain selected bioelectric frequencies from an organism 5 or rabbit 11 as shown. It should be indicated also, that a number of different EEG type channels can be feed into the invention for purposes of monitoring various areas provided the proper software and hardware modifications are adapted as known in the art of EEG monitoring and recording. A large number of cables, plugs, and jacks necessary for proper operation of the invention are not herein described as those accessory items are commonly known in the art of data processing with a microcomputer.
The software to be used operates with respect to the parameters as described below, as well as with the hardware described. Those skilled in the art will find the following considerations helpful.
Data collection by the software allows wrap-around in its storage, so there can be no meaning assigned to > or < in comparison of the pointers. Only == or != are useful comparisons.
Data collection proceeds continuously whenever the system is enabled. The pointer "ad-- ptr" always points to the next storage location to be used. This pointer is incremented by the interrupt handler, and is never changed by others except at the start of data collection, when it is set to the start of raw data memory.
Data filtering also proceeds continuously under most circumstances. The pointer filtered always points to the next datum to be applied to the filters. It is incremented by the collar of the filter programs, and is never changed by others except at the start of data collection or the start of data review.
Plotting may be started, stopped, reversed, restarted, etc. Two pointers are involved:
(1) "plotted", which points to the next datum to be plotted; and
(2) "plotptr", which is updated by interrupt service to indicate that it is time to plot another point when plotting at normal speed. These pointers are incremented or decremented according to plotting direction: "int runn" is +1 for forward plotting, -1 for reverse, and 0 for for stopped. Thus adding "runn" to the pointer changes it appropriately.
There are a number of points to considering in constructing the program: setting up a patient file, connection to the patient, starting the program, and running the program.
An example of a patient file is shown below. New files may be created and edited with a test editor which can incorporated with the system. The example file contains notes about the file contents. When a new patient file is being set up these notes can be erased from the new file.
20 100 Raw data trace scale and artifact suppression level
20 30 Middle trace scale and threshold
20 20 Bottom trace scale and threshold
The patient's name must appear as the first line of this file.
adcoef names a file where filter coefficients are to be found. It MUST appear as the second line of this file. scale and artifact suppression level must be in line 3. scale and threshold for the middle trace must be in line 4.
scale and threshold for the bottom trace must be in line 5.
Any other notes may be placed later in this file, and the file can then be read by the DOS command:
type patient
Notes can be added by use of any word processor that produces clean ASCII files, but not such as wordstar.
If the computer is off, open the floppy disk drive 57 and turn the power on. The computer 27 will go through an elaborate self-testing program; then it will look to drive A: to see if it can read a disk there. If the door is open, it cannot read from drive A: so it will read the hard disk, drive C:. It will go through some more testing and loading, and finally it will show the DOS "prompt" on the screen.
Insert a patient's existing disk, or create a new one, in drive A: and close the door. Type "EEG" at the keyboard and follow it with the "Enter" key.
The program can be loaded from the hard disk 55, and a file called "patient" on the floppy disk can be read. If that file is not found, the program will quit with a message stating: "Cannot find patient file."
If the necessary file is there, a display will indicate the same. The display shows the name of the patient file on line 12. This normally comes from disk drive A, so it will show: "a:patient opened.", but the system can also be set up to take the file from drive B or C, or a subdirectory of C.
The name of the patient appears on line 14 of the display, and below line 14 is scaling information and the name, size and date of the last file saved on the disk. Then, the display shows the name of the new file that will be created if you save data resulting from current session, and indicates how much more data can be placed on the disk.
The program then asks whether the information shown is correct. A separate disk for each patient, and often several disks for one patient is advisable.
If you answer yes by typing "Y", the computer 27 will go on to load more information and display a menu. If you answer "N" (or any other key) the program will allow you to change the disk or switch to a different drive or to quit.
The numbers representing "raw input", "low pass filtered input", and the three displayed values "top", "mid" and "bot", have multiple scaling factors applied either inherently or by intention. Below are these relationships.
Inputs in can be defined as follows:
"raw"=completely raw input to the amplifier, measured in microvolts.
"sig"=signal value after amplification, analog/digital conversion, conversion to 16 bit twos complement notation and low pass filtering. "Sig" is in arbitrary units, and `sig` numbers will generally be larger than the corresponding number of microvolts. Sig is stored in memory and is applied to the 4-7 Hz and to the 12-15 Hz filters, which are referred to here as the middle and bottom filters.
Outputs can be defined as follows:
"top"=deflection of the top trace in response to "sig".
"mid"=deflection of the middle trace in response to the output of the middle filter when a steady state in-band signal of amplitude sign is applied.
"bot"=deflection of the bottom trace in response to the output of the bottom filter when a steady state in-band signal of amplitude sign is applied.
Scaling is important and described below. Because the middle and bottom filters may be changed and scaling may be changed, and the new filters and scales may be applied in review of existing data, it is convenient to perform scaling as part of the filtering process. Therefore, "mid" and "bot" are generated directly from the filters, ready for display, so we can also define:
"mid"=output of the middle filter with "sig" as an input.
"bot"=output of the bottom filter with "sig" as an input.
It is undesirable to alter the values of the original data by scaling. Therefore, the output of the low pass filter, "sig", is separately scaled immediately before plotting, converting it from microvolts to a trace deflection measured in pixels.
Scaling factors must be properly set. Scaling occurs, in part as a side effect of other functions, such as signal amplification, analog to digital conversion and filtering, and in part because the system operator chooses to set a scale for convenience in viewing.
The detailed system design is concerned with trace deflection measured in pixels, but the system operator is more comfortable thinking about a scale in terms of microvolts per centimeter, or some other grid unit. Therefore, a relationship is established as follows:
"grid" the number of pixels corresponding to the scale chosen by the user. A likely value is 20, so that if the user selects a scale of 50 microvolts, then a signal deflection of 50 microvolts will generate a plot deflection of 20 pixels.
The computer 27 provides for input of three scaling values from the patient file or by manual operation during a run. (The operator presses the `F4` key and then enters three numbers.) These values are identified as:
"iscale[top]", "iscale[mid]", "iscale[bot]" which are signal levels in microvolts representing a deflection of `grid` pixels on the display monitor 45.
Note that with a given signal, a large "iscale" generates a smaller picture. The relationship is that a trace on the monitor 45 for example of two grid units in height represents a signal of 2 "iscale" microvolts.
Other arbitrary scaling factors can be used. In order to achieve the desired scaling on the display monitor 45, in the face of other scaling factors that are not fully known or understood, a set of factors (one each for "top", "mid" and "bot") is chosen experimentally that will achieve the desired result. These values are related to the amplifier 21, the selector means 29 and possibly some other factors, but all are independent of the operator and the patient, so they are stored in a filter coefficient file and are not subject to change by the operator. They relate the arbitrary `sig` units stored in memory to true microvolt measurements, and are called (in the computer program) "fullscal[trac]". Therefore:
If the scale chosen by the operator is equal to the grid size, then one pixel will correspond to one microvolt. If the operator chooses a different scaling, it must be applied as well. ##EQU1##
Several factors for the top trace are combined into a signal factor. For convenience this factor is stored in the coefficient array as:
coeff[trace][l6]=grid/(iscale[top] * fullscal[top])
so that the multiplication in the plotting program is: ##EQU2## The "fullscal[trace]" values for the middle and bottom traces contain the same relationship of `sig` units to microvolts and also compensate for gain of the filters. As above, the grid size and the operator selected scaling are combined with "fullscal[trace]" into a single factor. For convenience this is stored in the filter coefficient array as:
coeff[trace][l6]=grid/(iscale[trace] * fullscaltrace]
These factors are applied to the datum (in `sig` units) at the filter inputs so that the filter output is directly in pixels.
Thresholds must be established for the system. Each of the traces has an associated threshold value which leads to a decision: clamping of the filters in the case of the top trace, reward for the middle trace and inhibition of the reward for the bottom trace. Therefore, "thresh[top]", "thresh[mid]", "thresh[bot]" and decision values in microvolts, i.e., input from patient file and displayed as numbers.
For the top trace, the actual decision is based on the signal level stored in the memory in the arbitrary `sig` units. Therefore, the top trace's microvolt threshold is converted to these units by:
sigthres=thresh[top] * fullscal[top]
For the other traces the decision is based on the filter outputs, which are already in pixels, so the microvolt thresholds are converted to pixels by:
m.thres=thresh[mid] * grid/iscale[mid]
b.thres=thresh[bot] * grid/iscale[bot]
A similar conversion is made on the top trace threshold for the purpose of graphic display of the threshold.
topthres=thresh[top] * grid/iscale[top]
These calculations of thresholds and scaling factors are made in the function `chscale()` which are part of the module `thrhold.c`.
Reward logic of the program is critical to proper operation. The digital filters in "philtre.asm" generate two values: "bottom.led" and "middle.led", representing the integrated amplitude of the filtered signal divided by the threshold set for that signal. (Thus a number >1.0 means that the signal is greater than the threshold.) Indicator lights of the signaling means 33 and a counter (not shown) depend on these two values. A counter can be used to keep track of the number of times the subject has been rewarded over the test period.
Three indicator lights 38 may be provided in addition to the counter: they are referred to as red, yellow and green. Red is the inhibit indicator controlled by the undesired frequency through the 5 Hz filter and the variable "middle.led". Yellow is the enhance indicator controlled by the desired frequency. The green light signals that a reward is being posted to the counter.
The red light is turned on if "middle.led" is greater than 1.0, indicating that the 5 Hz signal exceeds the threshold. Actually, "middle.led" must become greater than 1.0 by some fixed increment to turn the red light on, and less than 1.0 by the same amount to turn the indicator off. At exactly 1.0 or very close to that value the indicator does not change. This will reduce flickering of the indicator.
The yellow light is continuously variable. Its brilliance is proportional to: ##EQU3## which is equal to "bottom.led"=-1.0.
The yellow light is lighted independently of the 5 Hz inhibit signal. Both lights, however, will go off if a muscle or eye blink artifact is detected, because the inputs to the filters are clamped for one second upon detection of the artifact as part of the suppression means 39.
The green light signals a reward. When the yellow light is on continuously for 0.5 second during which the red light is off, then the green light is turned on. An audible signal is given, and the counter is incremented. The green light stays on for 0.5 second and is then, off until the next reward. The program allows time setting an interval after one reward before the next one can start to be earned, so that the frequency of rewards can be limited if desired.
Obviously, the approach described herein can be greatly modified by the clinician or the subject
It should be appreciated for the foregoing description that the present invention provides an improved, more simplistic, more accurate, and less time intensive monitoring and/or control of particular bioelectric frequencies of organisms. The apparatus of the invention can be assembled from components readily available and easily assembled. Furthermore, diagnostic evaluation and patient use is greatly improved. Furthermore, the use of power spectral analysis and analog active band pass signal filtering can be eliminated.
Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference only to the presently-preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the invention is limited only by the following claims.
|Cited Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Apr 10, 1972
|Jul 2, 1974
|Menninger Foundation
|Bio-feedback apparatus
|Sep 5, 1974
|Jul 6, 1976
|Ross Sidney A
|Multichannel system for and a multifactorial method of controlling the nervous system of a living organism
|Sep 3, 1980
|Oct 19, 1982
|Matsushita Electric Industrial Company, Limited
|Method of and apparatus for testing and indicating relaxation state of a human subject
|May 15, 1981
|Oct 4, 1983
|The Children's Medical Center Corporation
|Brain electrical activity mapping
|Jul 11, 1984
|Dec 30, 1986
|Leonard Bloom
|Biofeedback method and apparatus
|Jun 10, 1987
|Jan 31, 1989
|Ross Sidney A
|Kinesthetic physical movement feedback display for controlling the nervous system of a living organism
|Citing Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|May 20, 1992
|Mar 8, 1994
|Nagy Lajos Z
|Apparatus for treating a patient with acoustic waves
|Dec 9, 1991
|Aug 23, 1994
|Westinghouse Electric Corp.
|Method for training material evaluation with method of EEG spectral estimation
|Mar 13, 1992
|Sep 6, 1994
|Mindscope Incorporated
|Method and apparatus for biofeedback
|Mar 9, 1994
|Apr 4, 1995
|Pioneer Electronic Corporation
|Apparatus for leading brain wave frequency
|Sep 14, 1993
|Apr 18, 1995
|Tansey; Michael A.
|Electroencephalic neurofeedback apparatus for training and tracking of cognitive states
|Feb 10, 1994
|Nov 14, 1995
|Mindscope Incorporated
|Method and apparatus for biofeedback
|Dec 28, 1993
|May 21, 1996
|Cognitech Corporation
|Trophotropic response system
|Sep 16, 1994
|Nov 5, 1996
|Ayers; Margaret E.
|Apparatus and method for changing a sequence of visual images
|Feb 6, 1995
|Feb 4, 1997
|Nusa Widjaja
|Trophotropic response system
|Jun 7, 1995
|Sep 2, 1997
|Mindscope Incorporated
|Biofeedback methods and controls
|Apr 24, 1995
|Feb 24, 1998
|Fisslinger; Johannes
|Interactive computer assisted multi-media biofeedback system
|Oct 11, 1996
|May 4, 1999
|Collura; Thomas F.
|System for self-administration of electroencephalographic (EEG) neurofeedback training
|Sep 5, 1996
|Aug 17, 1999
|Pioneer Electronic Corporation
|Information reproducing apparatus for use with a psychological game machine
|Jan 29, 1999
|Dec 5, 2000
|Scientific Learning Corporation
|Computer implemented methods for reducing the effects of tinnitus
|Mar 31, 1998
|May 22, 2001
|Scientific Learning Corporation
|Computerized method and device for remediating exaggerated sensory response in an individual with an impaired sensory modality
|Feb 28, 1996
|Sep 18, 2001
|Advanced Neurotechnologies, Inc.
|Method and apparatus for analyzing neurological response to emotion-inducing stimuli
|Mar 6, 2000
|Oct 15, 2002
|Thomas P. Ramstack
|Apparatus and method for detecting and identifying organisms, especially pathogens, using the aura signature of the organism
|Feb 19, 2002
|Sep 21, 2004
|Mark Bradford Hogan
|Color-based neurofeedback
|May 5, 2000
|May 17, 2005
|Personics A/S
|Communication method and apparatus
|May 12, 2004
|Apr 25, 2006
|Mark Bradford Hogan
|Color-based neurofeedback
|Oct 9, 2003
|Dec 2, 2008
|Wake Forest University Health Sciences
|Wireless systems and methods for the detection of neural events using onboard processing
|Aug 28, 2007
|Jun 25, 2013
|The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc
|Method and system for measuring and ranking a positive or negative response to audiovisual or interactive media, products or activities using physiological signals
|Jun 3, 2011
|Jan 28, 2014
|Sony Corporation
|Muscle-activity diagnosis apparatus, method, and program
|Aug 28, 2007
|Jul 1, 2014
|The Nielson Company (US), LLC.
|Method and system for measuring and ranking an "engagement" response to audiovisual or interactive media, products, or activities using physiological signals
|May 17, 2007
|Jul 15, 2014
|The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc
|Method and system for rating media and events in media based on physiological data
|Jul 19, 2012
|Mar 3, 2015
|The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc
|Method and system for using coherence of biological responses as a measure of performance of a media
|Dec 27, 2012
|Mar 24, 2015
|The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc
|Systems and methods to gather and analyze electroencephalographic data
|Nov 14, 2011
|Mar 24, 2015
|Sandy L. Heck
|Control system and apparatus utilizing signals originating in the periauricular neuromuscular system
|Dec 27, 2012
|Jun 23, 2015
|The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc
|Systems and methods to gather and analyze electroencephalographic data
|Jan 30, 2015
|Dec 22, 2015
|The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc
|Systems and methods to gather and analyze electroencephalographic data
|Mar 2, 2007
|Dec 22, 2015
|The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc
|Apparatus and method for objectively determining human response to media
|Feb 27, 2012
|Mar 22, 2016
|The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc
|Data collection system for aggregating biologically based measures in asynchronous geographically distributed public environments
|Mar 14, 2013
|Apr 26, 2016
|The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc
|Methods and apparatus to gather and analyze electroencephalographic data
|Aug 8, 2006
|May 31, 2016
|The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc
|Device and method for sensing electrical activity in tissue
|Feb 27, 2013
|Sep 20, 2016
|The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc
|Method and system for gathering and computing an audience's neurologically-based reactions in a distributed framework involving remote storage and computing
|Jun 2, 2014
|Apr 18, 2017
|The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc
|Methods and apparatus to gather and analyze electroencephalographic data
|Sep 21, 2015
|Apr 18, 2017
|The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc
|Methods and apparatus to gather and analyze electroencephalographic data
|Mar 23, 2016
|Jun 6, 2017
|The Nielsen Company (Us), Llc
|Methods and apparatus to gather and analyze electroencephalographic data
|Oct 15, 2002
|Apr 15, 2004
|Ssi Corporation
|EEG system for time-scaling presentations
|Oct 9, 2003
|Jul 15, 2004
|Deadwyler Sam A.
|Wireless systems and methods for the detection of neural events using onboard processing
|May 12, 2004
|Oct 21, 2004
|Hogan Mark Bradford
|Color-based neurofeedback
|Nov 13, 2002
|Mar 17, 2005
|Rene Gobel
|Device for determining sleep profiles
|Aug 8, 2006
|Mar 8, 2007
|Lee Michael J
|Device and method for sensing electrical activity in tissue
|Mar 2, 2007
|Sep 4, 2008
|Lee Hans C
|Apparatus and Method for Objectively Determining Human Response to Media
|Aug 28, 2007
|Sep 11, 2008
|Lee Hans C
|Method and system for measuring and ranking an "engagement" response to audiovisual or interactive media, products, or activities using physiological signals
|Aug 28, 2007
|Sep 11, 2008
|Lee Hans C
|Method and system for measuring and ranking a positive or negative response to audiovisual or interactive media, products or activities using physiological signals
|Aug 8, 2007
|Sep 11, 2008
|Emsense Corporation
|Method And System For Measuring And Ranking A "Thought" Response To Audiovisual Or Interactive Media, Products Or Activities Using Physiological Signals
|Oct 10, 2008
|Feb 5, 2009
|Deadwyler Sam A
|Wireless systems and methods for the detection of neural events using onboard processing
|Nov 9, 2007
|May 14, 2009
|Kip Errett Patterson
|Biofeedback devices, systems and method
|Nov 27, 2006
|May 28, 2009
|Interactive Productline Ab
|Method for anti-stress training
|Sep 8, 2008
|Oct 8, 2009
|Lee Michael J
|Integrated Sensor Headset
|Jun 3, 2011
|Dec 22, 2011
|Sony Corporation
|Muscle-activity diagnosis apparatus, method, and program
|Nov 14, 2011
|Jun 14, 2012
|Heck Sandy L
|Control System and Apparatus Utilizing Signals Originating in the Periauricular Neuromuscular System
|Mar 30, 1999
|Oct 7, 1999
|Scientific Learning Corporation
|A computerized method and device for remediating exaggerated sensory response in an individual with an impaired sensory modality
|Nov 11, 2000
|May 16, 2002
|Eldith Gmbh
|Method and device for detecting neurological and psycho-physiological states
|Nov 7, 2008
|May 14, 2009
|Patterson Kip E
|Biofeedback devices, systems and methods
|Nov 7, 2008
|Jul 22, 2010
|Patterson Kip E
|Biofeedback devices, systems and methods
|Apr 23, 2010
|Oct 28, 2010
|Advanced Brain Monitoring, Inc.
|Adaptive performance trainer
|U.S. Classification
|600/545, 128/905
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|Jul 18, 1994
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 4
|Jul 2, 1998
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 8
|Jun 20, 2002
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 12


text:
Mosque of Sadhana Kasai has been declared a historical structure by the Archaeological Survey of India. This mosque is dedicated to Bhagat Sadhana, who is popularly known as Sadhana Kasai (Qasai). He was a Muslim poet, saint and mystic. His spiritual hymns have been included in the holy book of Sikhs, Guru Granth Sahib. Made of local Sirhindi bricks, this mosque boasts of beautiful Mughal architecture and 'T' art paintings.
Tell us what do you think of Mahendragarh
Travel Talk
- Will Suggest 100
- My Favourite 56
- Been There 54
- Will Plan 52
- Will Avoid 21


text:
About the Book
A beautiful cook book for those that have been and would love to go to Sri Lanka. A paradise of food, culture and nature unmatched by any place on earth.
This book was made with love by a son to his mother as thanks for a life of amazing food and wonderful experiences traveling around the world.
Let your imagination for food and travel soar in this beautiful Sri Lankan cookbook.
See More
Log in or create an account to post a comment.
0 Comments
Delete this comment?
See More


text:
Tanzania government has once again been ordered by the African Court of Human and People's Rights (AfCHPR) to halt the execution of 2 murder convicts facing death the penalty.
In its ruling after 2 applications by the convicts, 11 judges of the judicial organ based in Arusha unanimously orders the government to refrain from executing the death penalty against Amini Juma and Deogratius Nicholas Jeshi.
The 2 were convicted of murder charges at different dates and different locations by the High Court of Tanzania and had their convictions upheld by the Court of Appeal of Tanzania, which is the highest Court in the country.
"The Court unanimously orders the Respondent (Tanzania) to refrain from executing the death penalty against the Applicants (Mr Juma and Jeshi) pending the determination of the Application," they ruled last week during the Court session.
The Respondent was also ordered to report to the Court (AfCHPR) within 60 days from the date of receipt of the Order (June 3rd) on measures taken to implement the Order. Both applicants are currently detained in prisons awaiting execution of the death penalty.
Juma, currently detained at Maweni prison in Tanga, was convicted for murder by the High Court of Tanzania at Arusha on September 18, 2008 and sentenced to life imprisonment. His appeal to the Court of Appeal was dismissed on October 17, 2011.
Source: The Citizen, July 8, 2016
⚑ | Report an error, an omission, contact us: email@example.com.
Opposed to Capital Punishment? Please help us keep this blog up and running!
"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed, but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." - Oscar Wilde


text:
Space Weather Models and Operations. Space Weather opinion article. Tobiska, W.K., "Operational Space Weather Entering a New Era", Space Weather Quarterly, Vol. 6, Issue 4, 2009. Click here.
New capabilities being developed for mitigating space weather effects. Three new systems for space weather operations: A new USGS Dst index, the Nowcast of Atmospheric Ionizing Radiation for Aviation Safety (NAIRAS), and the Global Assimilation of Ionospheric Radiation Measurments (GAIM). Tobiska, W. Kent, "New Space Weather Mitigation Capabilities". AIAA, 2009. Click here.
Implementation of operational space weather is largely unfunded and woefully undirected, with the exception of a few U.S. Air Force Weather Agency projects. A new vision is needed so that operational space weather can help solve 21st-century challenges. Tobiska, W. Kent, "Operational Space Weather Entering a New Era". Space Weather, Vol. 7, 2009. Click here.
The same high-atmosphere disturbances that create the northern lights can also cause havoc for high-frequency radio. Poppleton, Jacoba, "Solar Storms: a communication problem". Research Matters, 2010. Click here.


text:
Tax Preparation $150.00
Hate paper pushing? Paying bills? Trips to the bank? Struggling with accounting software? We can help get you out off the office and back in the game. Your time is better spent making money. Let us do all the accounting grunt work.
We specialize in helping small business owners organize all accounting aspects of their office.
Our basic services can be as low as $50 a month. Typical bookkeeping services start at $150 a month. We offer in-house full charge bookkeeping as well.
Call today for a free consultation.
-Bank Reconciliation
-Credit Card Reconciliation
-P&L Reports
-Accounts Receivable
-Accounts Payable
-Bank Deposits


text: Gay students from Brigham Young University, a Mormon institution, made a video as part of journalist Dan Savage's "It Gets Better" project that provides hope to young people bullied for being gay. In this case, the students had the additional burden of reconciling their faith with their sexual identity. BYU stated in 2007 that discussing one's sexual orientation will not subject one to expulsion; the university also lifted a ban in 2010 on advocacy of homosexuality. Gay students, however, unlike their straight peers, still cannot show affection on campus. Regardless, this video represents a tremendous step forward in that the students are bringing a message of self-acceptance and openness to a conservative campus. Watch:


text:
Lord Deedes, almost a national institution and the longest serving and seemingly indestructible Daily Telegraph journalist, has died aged 94.
- W. F. Deedes: The roving reporter
- Dear Bill, the greatest journalist
- Memories of 1931 and a world we have lost
Families face £100 green tax on holiday flights
The cost for an average family to fly away on holiday could increase by more than £100 under plans being considered by ministers.
Russia has resumed long-range patrols by its bomber planes for the first time since the end of the Cold War, President Vladimir Putin announced yesterday.
- Exam cheat probe into hidden earpieces
- Clarence House steps up security measures
- Giuliani is attacked over Ground Zero claims
- Russian 'used US rich list for cyber crime'
Diana, Princess of Wales, divided the nation
Ten years ago at the end of this month, Diana, Princess of Wales died. Charles Moore wonders what account history will give of the astonishing week that followed.
Time to start pounding away at Gordon Brown
Left-of centre? Right-of centre? We are all centrists now says Ruth Dudley Edwards. The true political division is between authoritarian and libertarian.
Lord Deedes
Lord Deedes, who has died aged 94, was a Cabinet minister from 1962 to 1964, and editor of the The Daily Telegraph from 1974 to 1986; by far his greatest achievement, however, was the personality he evolved, and the man - almost the institution - he became.
ibuyeco 100% carbon neutral car insurance
Cheaper cover, safer planet. You could save up to £175 on your insurance AND offset 100% of your car's carbon emissions - helping to balance out the impact your driving has on the environment.
Experian credit report
Get your own credit report, for FREE.
Are you paying too much for your loans repayments?
Compare the best rates from over 550 leading providers in one easy quick search.
Telegraph Crossword Society
Access to over 3,000 crosswords including, cryptic, quick and general knowledge. Exclusive tips and pointers.
New Forsyth thriller out now!
Modern terror… Vintage Forsyth… Frederick Forsyth's thriller, The Afghan, is now in paperback! A chilling story of modern terrorism from the grandmaster of international intrigue, it's the must-have summer read.
Telegraph Dating
Join for FREE today and meet thousands of people just like you.


text:
Your cart is currently empty!
Your cart is currently empty!
sammy navy/grey hayat zip clutch
$ 240.00
sammy navy/grey hayat zip clutch
$ 240.00
8' tall x 10'w
3 zipper compartments
fully lined
hand made in Ethiopia, fresh and contemporary pieces with the dual aim of preserving the country's long history of weaving, while infusing the tradition with new inspirations.
Each product is hand-woven, dyed, and embroidered by skilled artisans, ensuring integrity, beauty, and uniqueness.


text:
If an item you ordered from TextbookRush does not meet your expectations due to an error on our part, simply fill out a return request and then return it by mail within 30 days of ordering it for a full refund of item cost.
Learn more about our returns policy
Description: This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishing's Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone!
Limited time offer:
Get the first one free! (?)
All the information you need in one place! Each Study Brief is a summary of one specific subject; facts, figures, and explanations to help you learn faster.
Publisher: Kessinger Publishing, LLCBinding: PaperbackPages: 176Size: 8.25" wide x 11.00" long x 0.38" tall Weight: 0.902Language: English
Born on May 20, 1799, Honore de Balzac is considered one of the greatest French writers of all time. Balzac studied in Paris and worked as a law clerk while pursuing an unsuccessful career as an author. He soon accumulated enormous debts that haunted him most of his life. A prolific writer, Balzac would often write for 14 to-16 hours at a time. His writing is marked by realistic portrayals of ordinary, but exaggerated characters and intricate detail. In 1834, Balzac began organizing his works into a collection called The Human Comedy, an attempt to group his novels to present a complete social history of France. Characters in this project reappeared throughout various volumes, which ultimately consisted of approximately 90 works. Some of his works include Cesar Birotteau, Le Cousin Pons, Seraphita, and Le Cousine Bette. Balzac wed his lifelong love, Eveline Hanska in March 1850 although he was gravely ill at the time. Balzac died in August of that year.
*A minimum purchase of $35 is required. Shipping is provided via FedEx SmartPost®
and FedEx Express Saver®. Average delivery time is 1 – 5 business days, but
is not guaranteed in that timeframe. Also allow 1 - 2 days for processing. Free shipping is eligible only in the continental United States and excludes
Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico. FedEx service marks used by permission."Marketplace"
orders are not eligible for free or discounted shipping.
Learn more about the TextbookRush


text:
Vacationers Go Undercover at Sea to Film Dumping
Published: July 31, 1993
MIAMI, July 30— Encouraged by environmental groups, and with the prospect of six-figure rewards by the Federal Government, passengers aboard cruise ships are using their video cameras not just to record vacation moments but to help prosecute illegal dumping in the high seas.
Earlier this month, Princess Cruise Lines paid a record $500,000 fine to the Federal Government after pleading guilty to illegal dumping. The major evidence for the United States Attorney in Miami was provided by a Michigan couple, Alvin and Marilyn Levett, who videotaped the crew of the Regal Princess hurling more than 20 plastic bags of garbage into the ocean five miles off the Florida Keys. Under the reward system for environmental whistle-blowers, the Levetts received half the fine, or $250,000.
Federal prosecutors here and in Tampa are now investigating two other instances of ocean dumping that were videotaped or photographed by cruise passengers. The authorities said they would not comment on the cases because of the inquiries. Some Dumping Allowed
International maritime law permits cruise ships to discard some garbage at sea, but Federal guidelines require that items that will sink -- like glass, metal and aluminum -- be crushed into square-inch pieces. No plastics, including garbage bags, may be dumped, and no dumping may take place within 12 nautical miles of shore. Until recently, cases were nearly impossible to prosecute because of lack of evidence.
But public concern over the environment is playing a role in the increased reporting of illegal dumping, said Heidi Lovett, a spokesman with the Florida offices of the Center for Marine Conservation, an environmental organization based in Washington.
"People want to see recycling inside ships," she said. "They are doing it in their offices and at home and they think that cruises can do the same."
At the same time, the Coast Guard has toughened its enforcement of ocean dumping by asserting the right to prosecute any violation within the United States's exclusive economic zone, which is 200 nautical miles from shore. Before last fall, the United States would refer any violation in the high seas -- outside the three-nautical-mile zone of territorial waters -- to the ship's country of registry, often Panama or Liberia. In most cases, those countries took no action.
To enlist the help of passengers in its crackdown, the Coast Guard set up a toll-free number for those who wish to report violations. It refers cases of suspected illegal dumping to United States Attorneys' offices.
In one case under investigation, Cindy Swoope of Gloucester, Va., a passenger on the Dolphin Cruise Lines's Sea Breeze, videotaped several instances of dumping last May. Ms. Swoope had seen a television program showing such videotaped dumping, so she decided to take her own camera.
At 3 A.M. on May 5, Ms. Swoope said in a recent interview, she and a friend took a walk around the ship's pool and heard a bang. They walked toward the noise and, as they told the United States Attorney's office in Miami, saw crew members throwing six white plastic bags into the sea as well as glass bottles. She got her camera and began videotaping. When she disembarked, she turned the tape over to agents from the Attorney's office, who flew from Miami to Virginia to interview her.
A vice president of Dolphin Cruise Line, John Markakis, said in a recent interview that an internal company investigation had disproved Ms. Swoope's accusations, though he conceded that he had not seen the tape. "The vessels don't have a need to dispose of waste in an illegal way because the ships have shredders to process food waste and compactors for plastic glass and aluminum cans," he said.
Environmental groups estimate that more than seven million tons of waste are illegally dumped into the ocean each year from all types of ships. The upsurge is partly attributable to huge luxury liners that can accommodate as many as 3,500 passengers, said the Center for Marine Conservation, which estimates that 15 percent of the illegal ocean dumping in the ocean can be traced directly to cruise ships.
Plastics are particularly troublesome because they can take up to 400 years to decompose and pose an immediate threat to marine life, according to the center. The center estimates that one million birds and 100,000 marine mammals and sea turtles die each year by ingesting plastic products or by becoming entangled in the plastic six-pack rings that are used to hold beer and soda cans.
The other case under investigation, by the United States Attorney's Office in Tampa, involved sluething by a Tampa woman, Stephanie Richards, who accompanied her mother on a seven-day Caribbean cruise in February aboard the Regency Cruise Line's Regent Sea.
In a statement to the Marine Safety Office of the Coast Guard, Mrs. Richards described nightly dumping that was so loud it woke her. The first night, she went to the upper deck and saw crew members hurling plastic bags over the side, she said. The next night, she looked out her porthole and saw garbage falling. 'Felt Like Nancy Drew'
"It was a mixture of foodstuff, full plastic bags and cut bags with plastic cups, cans, straws, cardboard and wine bottles," she told investigators.
The third night, she said, she managed to open her porthole wide enough for her 35-millimeter camera and took pictures as bags flew past. Mrs. Richards also told investigators that she had felt threatened by the crew members, who had seen her with a camera, and that she thought she was being watched.
"I felt like Nancy Drew carrying around the film, afraid they might take it from me," she said. Back home near Tampa, Mrs. Richards contacted the Center for Marine Conservation, which referred her to the Coast Guard.
Anne Burgeuieres, a spokeswoman for Regency Cruise Lines, said the company was reviewing the matter.
Since Princess Cruise Lines was fined, the Center for Marine Conservation has reported an increase in the number of inquiries about cruise ship dumping, both from travel agents and potential passengers, said Betsy Schrader, director of the marine debris office of the center.
Mr. Levett, whose videotape incriminated Princess Cruise Lines, said he would consider another voyage. "It would be interesting to go on another cruise to see the changes that have taken place as a result of the Princess case."


text:
The new, stylish and contemporary surroundings, combined with a friendly welcome, impeccable service and a good standard of cuisine, are guaranteed to ensure that clients enjoy a holiday to remember. Enjoy the sun on the outdoor patio, then relax or have a drink in the comfortable lounge bar area. This charming hotel has 31 rooms, as well as a games room, a breakfast room, Internet access and a laundry service. Limited parking is available. Guests can enjoy complimentary leisure facilities and entertainment at the sister hotel, 'Hotel de Normandie', which is 3.5 km away.
This hotel is ideally located within easy walking distance of the town waterfront and the bustling town centre of Saint Helier. The nearest airport is Jersey Airport, some 7 km away.
The rooms include facilities such as tea/coffee trays, satellite/cable TV, DVD players and telephones. Each room has a king-size bed and an en suite bathroom with shower, bath and hairdryer. Additional amenities include radio, individually regulated heating and a safe. All rooms are non-smoking with wifi Internet access.
The hotel offers continental and English breakfasts. Bar meals are served in the evening.
MasterCard and VISA, as well as Maestro and VISA debit cards, are accepted in the establishment.
From Jersey Airport, proceed east. At the airport roundabout, go straight ahead. Pass the Jersey Indoor Bowling Centre and, further along, a garden centre nursery. Once in Beaumont Hill roundabout, take the right-hand lane, and turn right to follow down Beaumont Hill to the Beaumont filter-in-turn junction. Turn left at the junction, and stay on this road into Saint Helier. Reach the traffic light junction at West Park, take the left lane, and follow the left road, leaving the Grand Hotel on the right. Follow Pierson Road round to the right. Take the left-hand lane, through the pedestrian crossing. After that, take the 2nd turning left into St John's Road (not to be confused with Old St John's Road). The hotel will be found 100 metres further on, on the left-hand side.
Check-in is from 12 noon, and guests must check-out before 10 pm. Please advise the hotel of early arrivals, so that an early check-in can be arranged.
Room Facilities:
Satellite cable TV
Tea Coffee
King size bed
Individual heating