text:
Ultrasonic bone-therapy and assessment apparatus and method
Non-invasive therapeutic treatment and/or quantitative evaluation of bone tissue are performed in vivo, by subjecting bone to an ultrasonic acoustic signal pulse of finite duration, and involving a composite sine-wave signal consisting of plural discrete frequencies that are spaced in the ultrasonic region to approximately 2 MHz; the excitation signal is repeated substantially in the range 1 to 1000 Hz.In a quantitative evaluation, the composite sine-wave signal is supplied to one of two transducers on opposite sides of the bone, and the signal received by the other transducer is processed (a) to sequentially average the most recently received given number of successive signals to obtain an averaged per-pulse signal and (b) to produce a Fourier transform of the averaged per-pulse bone-transmitted signal. In a separate operation not involving the bone, the same transducers are subjected to the same excitation, reception and processing, wherein the transducers are exposed to a medium of known acoustic properties and path length, all to the end of producing a reference Fourier transform which is processed with the Fourier transform of the bone-transmitted signal, to yield an evaluation or measurement.In a therapeutic treatment, the transducer supplied by the composite sine-wave signal is thus supplied for a period or periods of time, and with a magnitude, as may be prescribed by the physician for a given patient.
The invention pertains to apparatus and method for non-invasively therapeutically treating and/or quantitatively evaluating bone tissue in vivo, wherein the evaluation is manifested, at a given time, through one or more of the quantities: bone-mineral density, strength, and fracture-risk.
In recent years, various attempts have been made to use ultrasonic energy to assess the condition of bone tissue, in vivo, but these attempts have been essentially ad hoc, with no consistent framework within which to analyze data. A great deal of information is obtainable from ultrasonic experiments, but much of the information has not been used. The signal-processing techniques that have been used have been so simple as to ignore available and useful aspects of the data, and the signal-to-noise ratio of experimental data has been relatively poor.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,847,141 to Hoop discloses a device to measure bone density as a means of monitoring calcium content of the involved bone. A pair of opposed ultrasonic transducers is applied to opposite sides of a patient's finger, such that recurrent pulses transmitted via one transducer are "focused" on the bone, while the receiving response of the other transducer is similarly "focused" to receive pulses that have been transmitted through the bone. The circuitry is arranged such that filtered reception of one pulse triggers the next pulse transmission; the filtering is by way of a bandpass filter, passing components of received signals, only in the 25 to 125 kHz range; and the observed frequency of retriggering is said to be proportional to the calcium content of the bone. Thus, Hoop is not concerned with anything more than what he perceives to be transit time for pulses in the indicated band.
Pratt, Jr. is identified with a number of U.S. Pat. Nos. including 4,361,154, 4,421,119 (divisionally related to the '154 patent, and subsequently reissued, as Re. 32,782), 4,913,157, and 4,941,474, all dealing with establishing, in vivo, the strength of bone in a live being such as a horse. In the first three of his patents, the inventor bases his disclosures on the measurement of transit time from "launch" to "reception" of pulses of 0.5 MHz and 1.0 MHz through the bone and soft tissue, and from measurement of pulse-echo time, to thereby derive a measurement of transit time through bone alone. A data bank enables his evaluation of the meaning of variations in measurements of transit time, which the inventor deduces to be propagation velocity through each measured bone. The inventor's U.S. Pat. No. 4,913,157 operates on the same general principle of transit-time/velocity deduction, using the later preferred frequency of 2.25 MHz as the base frequency of pulsed "launchings", and he purports to derive the bone-transfer function from analysis of an average of received pulses. In his U.S. Pat. No. 4,941,474, the inventor further refines his technique of transit-time/velocity deduction, inter alia, by separately determining the ratio of the velocity of his observed "bone signal" to the velocity of his observed "soft-tissue signal", using the technique of matched filtering/Fourier transform filtering set forth in his U.S. Pat. No. 4,913,157.
Duarte, U.S. Pat. No. 4,530,360 discloses apparatus and a method of using ultrasonic energy for therapeutic treatment of bone tissue in vivo, using a pulsed sine wave at substantially a single frequency within the range 1.3 to 2.0 MHz, and at a pulse repetition rate of 100 to 1000 Hz. This disclosure represents a relatively narrow-band approach and does not take into account significant differences in ultrasonic attenuation between soft tissue and bone, thus substantially limiting the therapeutic effectiveness of Duarte treatments.
Palmer, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,774,959 discloses apparatus for deriving the slope of the relation between ultrasonic frequency and attenuation, for the case of a sequence of tone signals, in the range 200 to 600 kHz, applied to one transducer and received by another transducer, (a) after passage through a heel bone, in comparison with (b) passage between the same two transducers without the intervening presence of the heel. The assumption necessarily is that the frequency/attenuation relation is a straight line, i.e. of constant slope.
Brandenburger, U.S. Pat. No. 4,926,870 discloses another in vivo bone-analysis system which depends upon measuring transit time for an ultrasonic signal along a desired path through a bone. A "Canonical" wave form, determined by previous experience to be on the correct path, is used for comparison against received signals for transmission through the patient's bone, while the patient's bone is reoriented until the received signal indicates that the patient's bone is aligned with the desired path. Again, ultrasonic velocity through the patient's bone is assumed to have been determined from measured transit time.
Rossman, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,490 discloses an ultrasound densitometer for measuring physical properties and integrity of a bone, upon determination of transit time, in vivo, through a given bone, in comparison with transit time through a medium of known acoustic properties; alternatively, the Rossman, et al. device compares absolute attenuation of specific frequency components of ultrasound acoustic signals through the bone with the absolute attenuation of the same frequency components through a medium of known acoustic properties. For attenuation measurements, a "broad-band ultrasonic pulse" is recommended and is illustrated as a single spike "which resonates with a broadband ultrasonic emission". The necessary comparisons are performed by a microprocessor, resulting in a slope of attenuation versus frequency in the broadband of interest. The frequencies or frequency ranges are not disclosed.
The prior art, exemplified by the references that have been briefly discussed, proceed on the assumptions either that transit time is all-important in assessing acoustic velocity or that only one or a few specific ultrasonic frequencies are significant in the determination of the attenuation versus frequency "slope" of a presumably linear relationship. However, the present inventors have found that the attenuation versus frequency relation for bone is non-linear, over the range of ultrasonic frequencies of likely interest, namely, up to approximately 2 MHz, and that potentially significant data exist and have been discarded or overlooked in the prior art through a preoccupation with measuring transit time and/or the velocity of ultrasonic acoustic propagation through bone and soft tissue. Moreover, prior efforts to achieve a broadband analysis have overlooked a need to assure adequate signal above noise throughout a relevant broadband of ultrasonic frequencies.
It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide an improved method and apparatus for non-invasive and quantitative evaluation of bone tissue in vivo.
Another object is to meet the above object, such that bone-mineral density, strength, and fracture risk may be readily and more reliably evaluated than heretofore.
A specific object is to achieve the above objects with a broadband approach wherein ultrasonic signal sufficiently exceeds noise throughout the broadband, to enable evaluation of received signal above noise, throughout the broadband ultrasonic region to about 2 MHz.
A further object is to use the above-noted evaluation signal as a therapeutic source for bone treatment.
It is a general object to achieve the foregoing objects with apparatus components that are commercially available.
Briefly stated, the invention in its presently preferred form achieves the foregoing objects by iteratively subjecting bone to an ultrasonic acoustic excitation signal pulse of finite duration, supplied to one of two transducers on opposite sides of the bone, and involving a composite sine-wave signal consisting of plural discrete frequencies that are spaced in the ultrasonic region to approximately 2 MHz; the excitation signal is repeated substantially in the range 1 to 1000 Hz. Signal-processing of received signal output of the other transducer is operative (a) to sequentially average the most recently received given number of successive signals to obtain an averaged per-pulse signal and (b) to produce a Fourier transform of the averaged per-pulse signal. In a separate operation not involving the bone, the same transducers respond to the transmission and reception of the same excitation signal via a medium of known acoustic properties and path length to establish a reference signal, and this reference signal is processed to produce the Fourier transform of the reference signal. The two Fourier transforms are comparatively evaluated to produce a bone-transfer function, and the bone-transfer function is processed to derive the frequency-dependent specific-attenuation function .mu.(f) and the frequency-dependent group-velocity function v.sub.g (f) associated with the bone-transfer function; specifically, the frequency-dependent group velocity function v.sub.g (f) is related to the derivative of the phase of the bone-transfer function, as a function of frequency. Finally, a neural network, configured to generate an estimate of one or more of the desired bone-related quantities, is connected for response to the specific-attenuation function v.sub.g (f) and to the group-velocity function v.sub.g (f), whereby to generate the indicated estimates of the status of bone that is being analyzed.
The invention will be described in detail for a presently preferred embodiment, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is an electrical-circuit diagram schematically showing the interconnected relation of components of apparatus of the invention;
FIG. 2 is, for a first embodiment, a flow chart of computer-controlled operations in automatically analyzing and quantitatively reporting estimates of relevant bone-related factors; and
FIG. 3 is a flow chart similar to that of FIG. 2, but for another embodiment.
The invention is shown in FIG. 1 in application to interconnected components for constructing apparatus for performing methods of the invention, namely, for non-invasively and quantitatively evaluating the status of bone tissue in vivo, as manifested through one or more of the quantities: bone-mineral density, strength, and fracture risk at a given time. These components are, in general, commercially available from different sources and will be identified before providing detailed description of their total operation.
In FIG. 1, the bone locale 10 to be analyzed in vivo is shown surrounded by soft tissue 11 and to be interposed between two aligned and opposed ultrasonic transducers 12, 13, which may be identically the same, and obtainable from Panametrics, Inc., Waltham, Mass.; suitably, each of transducers 12, 13 may be Panametrics "VIDEOSCAN" part number V318-SU, having a nominal element size of 3/4-inch diameter, and rated for 500 kHz. As shown, transducer 12 is used for signal launching and transducer 13 is the receiver of the launched signals after passage through bone 10, through its surrounding soft tissue 11, and through a coupling medium such as a gel between each transducer face and outer skin of the soft tissue 11.
Basic operation is governed by computer means 14, which may be a PC computer, such as the "25 MHz 386" available from Gateway 2000, Inc., North Sioux City, S.D.; as its designation suggests, this computer contains a 25 MHz clock-pulse generator, and an Intel 80386 processor, with provision for keyboard instruction at 14'.
An arbitrary function-generator card 15 is shown installed in the computer. This card is relied upon to generate an excitation signal which is periodically supplied to the launch transducer 12, via power amplifier means 16. The power amplifier is suitably Model No. 240L, an RF power-amplifier product of EIN, Inc., Rochester, New York. This product provides a 50 dB gain, over the range 20 kHz to 10 MHz.
The excitation signal generated by card 15 is a finite-duration composite sine-wave signal, consisting of plural discrete frequencies that are spaced in the ultrasonic spectral region to approximately 2 MHz, and this excitation signal is repeated substantially in the range 1 to 1000 Hz. Card 15 may suitably be a waveform synthesizer product of Quatech, Inc., Akron, Ohio, identified by Quatech part No. WSB-100. This waveform synthesizer provides generation of analog signals independent of the host computer 14, allowing full processor power to be used for other tasks, including calculation of waveform data; it has the capacity to generate an output signal comprising literally thousands of points in the indicated ultrasonic frequency region.
Another card 17 is also shown installed in the computer for converting signals received at 13 in digital format for further processing in computer 14. Card 17 may suitably be a 100 MHz waveform digitizer, part number "STR*8100", a product available from SONIX, of Springfield, Va. A connection 18 is shown by dashed lines, connecting the signal-generator card 15 to the A/D card 17, for synchronizing purposes and for the purposes of digitizing the excitation signals, to enable computer 14 to perform a suitably compensated, continuously operative updating average of the signals received at 13.
Finally, general signal-processing/display/storage software, for the signal-processing control and operation of the computer is not shown but will be understood to be a floppy disk loaded at 19 into the computer; this software is suitably the MATLAB-386, available from The Math Works, Inc., Natick, Mass. Further software, also not shown but loaded into the computer, is neural-network software, identified as EXPLORENET 3000, a product of HNC, Inc., San Diego, Calif.
In the presently preferred embodiment, involving the described components of FIG. 1, the same components are utilized not only for performing the continuously updated averaging of the latest succession of signals received at 13, but also for establishing and entering into computer storage the Fourier transform of a reference signal that is obtained by removing the body part 10, 11 from the space between transducers 12, 13.
Computer operation on the updated average of the received signals will be referred to as the averaged per-pulse signal, and this averaged per-pulse signal is also signal-processed in the computer into the Fourier transform of the averaged per-pulse signal.
The computer will be understood to be further programmed to comparatively and continuously evaluate the Fourier transform of the currently averaged per-pulse signal, against the Fourier transform of the reference signal, thereby producing a bone-transfer function. Still further, the computer will be understood to be programmed to process the bone-transfer function to derive the frequency-dependent specific-attenuation function .mu.(f) and the frequency-dependent group-velocity function v.sub.g)f) associated with the bone-transfer function. Finally, these two functions, for each of the large plurality of involved frequencies in the composite sine-wave signal are supplied within the computer to the neural network, it being understood that the neural network will first have been trained and configured to generate an estimate of one or more of the above-indicated and currently analyzed bone properties, namely, bone-mineral density, strength, and fracture risk.
In the presently preferred embodiment of the invention and with additional reference to the flow diagram of FIG. 2, data is collected and processed as follows. A bony member (10, 11) is placed between two ultrasound transducers (12, 13). An ultrasound signal is transmitted from transducer (12), passes through the bony member, and is received by the other transducer (13). The transmitted ultrasound signal is generated using a finite-duration composite sine-wave signal. A single repetition of this waveform is described by ##EQU1## where a.sub.i and .phi..sub.i are the amplitude and phase, respectively, associated with frequency f.sub.i, i=1, . . . ,N, and T is chosen to be at least two times longer than the period of the lowest frequency f.sub.1. The frequencies f.sub.i are selected from within the range 25 kHz-2 MHz. In this preferred embodiment, the lowest frequency f.sub.1 =100 kHz, T=20 microseconds, and the frequency range is 100 kHz-800 kHz, with 50 kHz intervals, for a total of N=15 frequencies. The phases .phi..sub.i are pseudo-random numbers distributed uniformly between 0 and 2.pi.. This ensures that peak amplitudes are minimized for fixed signal power. The amplitudes, a.sub.i, are chosen according to the relationship ##EQU2## In this expression, B is the attenuation of an average bony member and .vertline.H.sub.r (f.sub.i).vertline. is the magnitude transfer function of the overall ultrasound measurement system when a medium of negligible attenuation is placed between the two transducers..sup.1 In this preferred embodiment of the invention, B=10 nepers MHz.sup.-1, and .vertline.H.sub.r (f.sub.i).vertline. is the magnitude Fourier transform of the received waveform after it has propagated through water using an impulsive-type input signal. This choice for the amplitudes of the composite sine-wave signal ensures that the received signal has approximately constant signal-to-noise ratio throughout the frequency range.
.sup.1 Note that .vertline.H.sub.r (f.sub.i).vertline. includes the magnitude transfer functions of both the transmitting and receiving ultrasound transducers. Of course, when the primary objective is therapeutically treating bone, the magnitude transfer function should include the contribution from a single transducer only, and in this case is denoted by .vertline.H.sub.t (f.sub.i).vertline..
The above waveform is transmitted periodically at a repetition rate of 500 Hz. In the presently preferred embodiment, each received waveform, s.sub.j (t), is averaged a total of 100 times to obtain the averaged per-pulse signal, s(t). Subsequently, the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT), S(f), of s(t) is obtained using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithm.
A reference signal, r(t) is also obtained by averaging 100 ultrasound signals, transmitted through water only, i.e., by removing the bony member and replacing it with water. The same composite sine wave input signal is used for generation of the reference signal, in order that the bone-transfer function be obtained as shown below. The DFT, R(f), of the reference signal is then obtained using the FFT.
The data is further processed to obtain the bone transfer function, H(f), where ##EQU3## H(f) is processed further to obtain the frequency-dependent specific-attenuation function, .mu.(f), and frequency-dependent group-velocity function, v.sub.g (f):
.mu.(f)=-log(.vertline.H(f).vertline..sup.1/L) (4)
and ##EQU4## Here, v.sub.w is the velocity of ultrasound in water, L is the thickness of the bony member, and arg[H(f)] evaluates the phase of the complex bone transfer function, H(f).
The frequency-dependent specific-attenuation, .mu.(f.sub.i), and frequency-dependent group-velocity, v.sub.g (f.sub.i), i=1, . . . ,N, serve as inputs into an appropriately configured neural network to generate an estimate of one or more of the above-indicated and currently analyzed bone properties, namely, bone-mineral density, strength, and fracture risk. In the presently preferred embodiment, the neural network is a feedforward network with 30 inputs, 1 output, and one hidden layer which consists of 300 processing elements. The network is trained with the backpropagation algorithm to estimate bone mineral density.
The above set of inputs was used to evaluate the ability of the neural network to predict bone mineral density. In this connection, a training set of data was established from 27 bovine trabecular bone cubes for which the ultrasound specific-attenuation, ultrasound group-velocity, and bone mineral density had been measured. Using simple linear regression, the average percent errors for predicting density were 25 and 23 percent for specific-attenuation and group-velocity, respectively. In contrast, the neural network provided a 15 percent error in predicting density, representing about a 40 percent improvement in prediction accuracy. The neural network was able to nonlinearly combine additional information from the specific-attenuation and group-velocity functions compared with the univariate regressions. Moreover, this neural network based approach does not require any a priori information on the functional form relating specific-attenuation and group-velocity to density (or strength or fracture-risk). It extracts this information from the data itself.
In a variation of the described procedure, both the frequency-dependent specific-attenuation .mu.(f.sub.i) and frequency-dependent group-velocity v.sub.g (f.sub.i), i=1, . . . ,N, are modelled with polynomials whose coefficients are obtained using linear-least-squares analysis. These coefficients, i.e., .mu..sub.0, .mu..sub.1, . . . .mu..sub.M and v.sub.g0, v.sub.g1, . . . , v.sub.gK serve as inputs to another appropriately configured neural network. In this preferred embodiment, M=2 and K=1, and the neural network is a feedforward network with 5 inputs, 1 output, and one hidden layer consisting of 50 processing elements. The neural network can also be configured to estimate bone strength and/or fracture risk, in addition to bone density. In these cases, different sets of training data are required to specify the neural network.
In another variation of the described procedure, the transmitting transducer is adapted for measuring the reflected ultrasound waveform in order to obtain an estimate of the traversed soft-tissue thickness. Reflection measurements are made with a Panametrics (Waltham, Mass.) Pulser/Receiver Model #500 PR which excites the transmitting transducer with a narrow pulse and subsequently measures the reflected waveform. The arrival time of the reflected signal provides a measure of the round-trip transit time, .pi., for the acoustic pulse to travel from the transducer through the soft-tissue, to the bone surface (where it is partially reflected), and back through the soft tissue. The soft-tissue thickness d.sub.s can then be calculated as
d.sub.s =v.sub.s .tau. (7)
where v.sub.s is the velocity of ultrasound in soft tissue and is given by v.sub.s =1540 ms.sup.-1. Equation (7) includes a factor of two for estimating the soft-tissue thickness on both sides of the bone.
The soft-tissue thickness, d.sub.s, may then be used to correct the specific-attenuation, .mu.(f), and group-velocity, v.sub.g (f). These corrections are given by ##EQU5## where .mu..sub.s (f) is the specific-attenuation of soft-tissue, and .mu..sub.corr (f) and v.sub.g,corr (f) are the soft-tissue corrected frequency-dependent specific-attenuation and soft-tissue corrected frequency-dependent group-velocity, respectively. The soft-tissue specific-attenuation is modelled as a linear function of frequency, namely, .mu..sub.s (f)=2.times.10.sup.-4 f, where f is the frequency in Hz. Application of the above correction equations (8-9) has a relatively small effect on specific-attenuation (about 0.5%-2%) and a larger effect on group-velocity (4%-10%), depending on the relative amount of soft tissue and acoustic properties of the bony member.
In another variation of the process of FIG. 2, the transmitting and receiving transducers can both be adapted for pulse-echo mode, in order to obtain a more accurate estimate of total traversed soft-tissue thickness, d.sub.s. In this embodiment, individual estimates of the soft-tissue thickness on each side of the bone are made in an identical fashion to that described in the above paragraph, and added together to obtain the final estimate. The corrected specific-attenuation and corrected group-velocity are obtained in an identical fashion as in equations (8-9).
In still another variation of the invention, the variance, .sigma..sub.B.sup.2, of the frequency-dependent specific-attenuation, .mu.(f), and the variance, .sigma..sub.v.sup.2, of the frequency-dependent group-velocity, v.sub.g (f), are evaluated on-line. The value of the variance, relative to the mean, can be used to determine the time at which sufficient signal averaging has been achieved. Monitoring of the variance can also be used to indicate lack of precision in the data, and that the experimental conditions must be modified. The expressions for recursively calculating the variances are ##EQU6##
In these expressions, .mu..sub.i and v.sub.gi are the specific-attenuation and group-velocity associated with data-acquisition i, respectively, while the overbar on each represents the current mean value. By comparing the respective variances with the respective mean values (squared), the number of acquisitions (.mu..sub.avg and v.sub.avg) needed to achieve estimates of specific precision can be assessed. For example, in some instances, 1000 acquisitions were required to achieve a relative precision of 0.01 (the ratio of the square root of the variance to mean) in both the specific-attenuation and group-velocity, while in other cases 100 acquisitions were sufficient to attain the same precision.
In the second embodiment of the invention, namely, as indicated in the flow diagram of FIG. 3, direct estimation of the frequency-dependent specific-attenuation and frequency-dependent group-velocity is performed. In this embodiment, an input signal which produces an acoustic pulse with a Gaussian envelope is used. The signal which propagates through the reference medium, r(t), is given by
r(t)=e.sup..sigma..spsp.2.sbsp.t.spsp.2 cos(.OMEGA..sup.2.sub.c t.sup.2 +.omega..sub.c t+.phi..sub.c) (12)
The bone-transfer function is assumed to be reasonably well-modelled by the following second-order polynomial expansion of the phase, .PHI.(f), and attenuation, A(f).sup.2 :
.sup.2 In the variations and embodiments thus far discussed, .mu.(f)=A(f)/L and .beta.(f)=.PHI.(f)/L. Thus, knowledge of A(f) and bony member length L give directly the specific-attenuation function, .mu.(f). Similarly, .beta.(f) may also be used in equation (5) to calculate the group-velocity function, v.sub.g (f).
H(f).apprxeq.e.sup.-[A.sbsp.0.spsp.A.sbsp.1.spsp.2.pi.f+A.sbsp.2.spsp.(2.pi .f).sbsp.2.spsp.] e.sup.-j[.PHI..sbsp.0.spsp.+.PHI..sbsp.1.spsp.2.pi.f+.PHI..sbsp.2.spsp.(2. pi.f).spsp.2.sbsp.] (13)
With the above Gaussian input signal and bone-transfer function approximation, the signal measured at the receiver is
s(t)=e.sup.-a.sbsp.0 e.sup.-.DELTA..spsp.2.sbsp.0.spsp.(t-.tau..sbsp.0.spsp.).spsp.2 cos[.OMEGA..sup.2.sub.0 (t-.tau..sub.0).sup.2 +.omega..sub.o t+.PHI..sub.o ] (14)
The signal parameters in equation (14) can be written as explicit functions of the input signal parameters and the bone-transfer function parameters. One can invert these relationships to obtain: ##EQU7## Each of these equations may be used sequentially to finally obtain the parameter set {A.sub.2,A.sub.1,A.sub.0,.PHI..sub.2,.PHI..sub.1 }. The expression for the phase .PHI..sub.0 is not explicitly shown since it is not used in the calculation of the group-velocity.
Direct evaluation of the specific-attenuation and group-velocity functions is obtained through demodulation of the output signal s(t). To accomplish this, the signal s(t) can be passed through a rectifier and a low-pass filter to obtain the envelope, s.sub.env (t):
s.sub.env (t)=e.sup.-a.sbsp.0 e.sup.-.DELTA..spsp.2.sbsp.0.spsp.(t-.tau..sbsp.0.spsp.).spsp.2 (20)
A peak detector gives e.sup.-a o (at t=.tau..sub.0 ) and the identification of the time at which the maximum occurs gives .tau..sub.0. The time interval between the two half-peak amplitude points gives .DELTA..sub.0.sup.2.
The zeros of s(t) correspond to ##EQU8## where t.sub.n is the time at which the nth zero occurs. Then by identifying three times t.sub.1 <t.sub.2 <t.sub.3, corresponding to three zeros of s(t), respectively, we can identify .omega..sub.0 and .OMEGA..sub.0.sup.2 : ##EQU9##
The foregoing discussion for the variations and embodiments of FIG. 2 has proceeded largely on the basis that digital processing is preferred. In contrast, the discussion for the embodiment of FIG. 3 has proceeded on the basis that analog processing is preferred. It will be understood, however that both respective embodiments and their variations can be implemented through either digital or analog techniques.
It will be seen that the described invention meets all stated objectives as to evaluation of the status of bone tissue in vivo, with specific advantages that include but are not limited to the following:
(1) Improved signal-to-noise ratio over the prior art, which uses pulse-type input signals. In contrast, a finite-duration composite-sine wave signal is used which takes into account the spectral properties of the bony member and of the ultrasound transducers/measurement system. This allows more accurate estimates of the frequency-dependent specific attenuation function, .mu.(f), and frequency-dependent group-velocity function, v.sub.g (f), to be made;
(2) Incorporation of additional information not used by the prior art, which includes: (a) using both the frequency-dependent specific-attenuation, .mu.(f), and frequency-dependent group-velocity, v.sub.g (f), functions; (b) taking into account the frequency dependence of the group-velocity v.sub.g (f) as well as the frequency-dependence of the specific-attenuation .mu.(f); and (c) taking into account the nonlinear frequency-dependence of the specific-attenuation function .mu.(f) and/or the group-velocity function, v.sub.g (f);
(3) Use of an analytic derivation for describing the group-velocity function, v.sub.g (f). This is in contrast to the prior art which uses simple time-of-flight measurements to evaluate ultrasound velocity. Such measurements are not able to characterize the frequency-dependence of the group-velocity, nor are they able to determine at what frequency their pseudo-velocity estimates apply. In contrast, the methods described here are specifically designed to determine the frequency-dependent group-velocity function according to well-characterized mathematical relationships;
(4) Sophisticated analysis of the data, in contrast to the prior art which relies largely on simplistic univariate linear regression. In contrast, the processing described relies on neural network technology, which provides multivariate nonlinear analysis to determine the density, strength, and/or fracture risk of bone. This approach also may be regularly updated and improved, as more data becomes available;
(5) Capability to obtain in real time and with relatively simple and inexpensive analog-based technology the polynomial coefficients of the frequency-dependent specific attenuation, .mu.(f), and the frequency-dependent group-velocity, v.sub.g (f);
(6) Capability to correct both the frequency-dependent specific-attenuation function, .mu.(f), and frequency-dependent group-velocity function, v.sub.g (f), for the effects of soft tissue;
(7) Capability to assess the degree of variance of the frequency-dependent group-velocity, v.sub.g (f), and the frequency-dependent specific-attentuation, .mu.(f). In contrast to the prior art, which makes no attempt to adapt to the measurement conditions, this embodiment of the invention adapts to the data ensuring that high quality estimates are obtained;
(8) The nature of the apparatus as described here serves best the purposes of further experimentation and exploration for better ultrasound bone data that can be correlated for the indicated objectives. The embodiments of the invention as described above can explore a wide range of experimental configurations. Their use is expected to lead to the development of compact and efficient apparatus for obtaining the indicated objectives. For example, an analog implementation can easily be constructed if economy and simplicity are the primary objectives. Other systems which rely on analog-to-digital converters are more expensive, yet can be more flexible in terms of the type of processing which can be performed. Either type of system can either be built as a stand-alone unit or as part of a PC-based system.
Not only does the disclosed apparatus and method meet stated objectives as to bone-tissue evaluation, as noted above, but the same apparatus and method, insofar as they involve signal generation and application to bone tissue, have further useful application to bone-tissue therapy, wherein the exposure time for therapy may extend substantially beyond time required for any given event of bone-tissue evaluation.
1. The method of non-invasively therapeutically treating bone tissue in vivo, using an ultrasonic transducer that is non-invasively adapted for acoustic coupling to nearby skin and for transmission through a bony part of a living body, which method comprises the steps of:
- (a) acoustically coupling said transducer to nearby skin in a direction toward said bony part;
- (b) driving said transducer with a finite-duration composite sine-wave excitation signal meeting the requirements of the following relationship: ##EQU10## where a.sub.i and.phi..sub.i are the amplitude and phase, respectively, associated with frequency f.sub.i, i=1,...,N, and T is chosen to be at least two times longer than the period of the lowest frequency f.sub.i; where said composite sine-wave signal consists of plural discrete frequencies that are spaced in the ultrasonic spectral region to approximately 2 MHz and repeating said excitation signal at a rate in the range 1 to 1000 Hz; and where the amplitudes a.sub.i are chosen according to the relationship: ##EQU11## wherein B is the attenuation of an average bony member and.vertline.H.sub.t (f.sub.i).vertline. is the magnitude transfer function of said ultrasonic transducer, thereby producing a bone-transmitted acoustic signal for bone therapy.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein status of the bone tissue is evaluated concurrently with the therapeutic treatment and said transducer is one of two transducers coupled to nearby skin on opposite sides of said bony part, the other of said transducers being adapted for receiving signals that have propagated through said bony part, said method including the further steps of:
- (c) sequentially processing each electrical-output signal by averaging a succession of signals to obtain an averaged per-pulse signal, each averaging being over a predetermined minimum period of time exceeding substantially one millisecond;
- (d) selectively using said transducers and said excitation signal via a medium of known acoustic properties and path length, said selective use being independent of coupling to the living body, whereby to establish a reference signal;
- (e) separately storing the reference signal; and
- (f) comparatively evaluating the averaged per-pulse signal against the stored reference signal.
Referenced Cited
Patent History
Type: Grant
Filed: Oct 13, 1993
Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
Inventors: Jonathan J. Kaufman (Brooklyn, NY), Alessandro E. Chiabrera (16145 Genoa)
Primary Examiner: Francis Jaworski
Law Firm: Hopgood, Calimafde, Kalil, Blaustein & Judlowe
Application Number: 8/136,571
International Classification: A61N 100;


text:
College Football National Championship biggest betting mismatches
Will experience be an advantage for Nick Saban, Jalen Hurts and the rest of the Alabama Crimson Tide when they face the Georgia Bulldogs on Monday in the national championship game?
The final game of the college football season happens on Monday night in Atlanta when the SEC champions Georgia Bulldogs take on the 4-point favored Alabama Crimson Tide.
We break it down to see where the weak spots are in each team's game that could be exposed in the title game. Here are the biggest mismatches to consider in the game before placing your final wager.
Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts vs. an SEC defense
There's no question the Crimson Tide were more conservative with their attack without Lane Kiffin looking after the offensive play calling. Alabama ran the ball 63.3 percent of the time under new OC Brian Daboll compared to 59 percent last year with Kiffin calling the shots.
Hurts cut his interceptions down drastically in his sophomore season, but not without a cost. He had 136 fewer pass attempts and 720 fewer passing yards in 2017 than in 2016. His numbers this year are pretty respectable but they were inflated a bit against the weaker sisters on Alabama schedule. He completed 70.2 percent of his passes against non-conference foes and just 56.8 percent against SEC opponents.
Georgia gave up the second fewest passing yards per game in the country and the fourth fewest passing first downs per game.
Alabama's experience vs. Georgia's greenness
The Crimson Tide are making their third straight trip to the national title game whereas Georgia entered this season off an 8-5 campaign in 2016. Alabama returns 11 starters from last year's squad that lost to Clemson in the national championship game – including its quarterback and top receiver and leading rusher from a year ago.
Georgia will send out a freshman quarterback who had originally committed to Alabama before changing his mind and deciding on the Bulldogs instead.
Nick Saban vs. Kirby Smart
It's been talked about at great length in the build up to this game but it requires an additional reminder: Nick Saban crushes his former assistant coaches. Just like former New England Patriots assistants struggle against Bill Belichick, Saban schools his former protégés.
Saban is 11-0 straight up and 9-2 against the spread with an average point differential of 28.7 in games against his former assistants. Kirby Smart was Saban's defensive coordinator at Alabama from 2008 to 2015 before becoming Georgia's head coach in 2016.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Dear Santa,
I know Christmas is more than 6 months away but I would do anything to have this handbag in my possession. I know you can make some calls to Phillip Lim. k? Much appreciated!
Please oh PLEASE!
Love forever and always....( and yes, I would like it in pastel)!
(PH: via M'oda O'perandi; Shop Here)


text:
Willingham: How 'mind-wandering' affects students
My guest today is cognitive scientist Daniel Willingham, a psychology professor at the University of Virginia and author of "Why Don't Students Like School?"
By Daniel Willingham
It may be a uniquely human ability that we are able to think about things that are not in the here and now. We can reflect on the past, anticipate the future, or fantasize about the impossible.
This cognitive capacity is doubtless critical to humankind's creativity, and is thus crucial to innovations in technology, politics, science, and all human affairs.
As individuals, however, daydreaming incurs an emotional cost.
In a recent study, researchers created an iPhone app that, at random times, would prompt the user to answer a few brief questions: What are you doing right now? Were you thinking about the activity? If not, were you thinking about something happy, sad, or neutral? What sort of mood are you in right now?
The researchers analyzed data collected from 2,250 people in the United States as they went about their daily lives.
So how often were people thinking about something other than what they were doing?
Nearly half the time. Mind-wandering occurred in 46.9% of the samples.
Remarkably, what people were doing at the time had only a modest impact on the likelihood of mind-wandering.
Mind-wandering was about as likely when people were shopping, reading, watching their kids, or commuting, and mind-wandering was observed at least 30% of the time during any of the activities. (There was one notable exception. People's minds did not wander when they were making love.)
A second important finding of the study was that people were less happy when their minds were wandering.
This finding might seem obvious; people's minds wander because they are unhappy. They are looking for something nice to think about.
But the researchers used a technique called time-lag analysis that allowed them to conclude that your mind doesn't wander because you are unhappy. You are unhappy because your mind is wandering.
As the researchers put it: "A human mind is a wandering mind, and a wandering mind is an unhappy mind."
I had always assumed that mind-wandering was a particular problem in the classroom. But these data seem to indicate that our minds wander everywhere, not just at school.
The fact that mind wandering seems "natural" does not, of course, make it desirable or acceptable.
Teachers still need to keep kids' minds on task. As every teacher knows, an effective way to do that is for something in the class to change: if kids have been listening to the teacher, have students discuss something in groups. If they've been completing a written assignment, have them watch a video.
Whenever the teacher switches gears, it brings all the wandering minds back to the teacher, ready for a fresh try.
These data do not help teachers solve the problem of mind-wandering. They might, however, give everyone else a sense of the challenge that teachers face in keeping kids minds on their work.
After all, the rest of us are not so effective in keeping our own minds on what we're doing.
Follow my blog every day by bookmarking washingtonpost.com/answersheet. And for admissions advice, college news and links to campus papers, please check out our Higher Education page at washingtonpost.com/higher-ed Bookmark it!
Valerie Strauss
| November 15, 2010; 12:09 PM ET
Categories: Daniel Willingham, Guest Bloggers | Tags: brain research, cognitive science, daniel willingham, mind-wandering
Save & Share: Previous: China overtakes India as No. 1 source of foreign students in U.S.
Next: Teacher: 'Maybe it is time for me to go'
It is nice of a few researchers at Harvard to do a study of "mind-wandering". It is very important to remind readers that this is only one, very limited study and to not extrapolate any big conclusions from this. That's what the profit-hungry media do to confuse and misinform the public.
We know that many more studies must be done and compared to even begin making useful and worthy conclusions. The human mind is far too complex and variables are far too many to not acknowledge this up front in a report.
Happy is a very subjective term and should not be bandied about. Many will agree that "mind-wandering" is one way of dealing with stress or conflict and happens anytime during any task. It may very well be a healthy way of coping with all the baggage a person constantly carries around, no matter what their age.
Mr Willingham very commendably tries to better inform the public of the complexities and difficulties of what every classroom teacher must deal with every minute on the job. Keep up the good work.
Posted by: 1bnthrdntht | November 15, 2010 1:42 PM | Report abuse
Does this mean that we would actually have to have some sympathy for students and their teachers? If keeping on task for 6-7 hours on end is actually tough for everyone, that might mean that the elimination of recess in favor of more test prep is actually a bad idea. And acknowledging that teachers face extreme challenges might force us to consider that maybe they are not the utter failures that everyone seems to think.
Because I feel like that might put a dent in the incredible momentum that this recent push for reform has gathered.
Posted by: formerDCPSstudent | November 15, 2010 1:43 PM | Report abuse
These researchers used something called "time lag analysis" to conclude that "A human mind is a wandering mind and a wandering mind is an unhappy mind." This is fatuous drivel. It follows, of course, that humans are, then, unhappy. Our own experience should tell us that such conclusions are hardly laws of human nature. When the mind wanders, it can be for many reasons, and it doesn't always or even usually result from unhappiness nor does it cause unhappiness. In my classes, when something like this comes up, my students are encouraged to "call B.S." on the writer.
Posted by: seecee | November 15, 2010 3:28 PM | Report abuse
@seecee: you're right that other data seem to conflict with these; specifically, people are pretty happy. Ask 100 people to rate their happiness from 1 to 10 and the mean will not be 5, but more like 6 or even closer to 7.
In this study, people's whose minds were wandering rated themselves as less happy than those who were engaged in what they were doing. The basic idea of time-lag analysis is this: you see a wandering mind at time N. If the mind wandered because the person was unhappy, you should be likely to see unhappiness at time N-1, and perhaps, happiness at time N +1 (because thinking of something else made you feel better). If the unhappiness was *caused* by mind-wandering, you would expect to see eitehr happiness or unhappiness at time N-1, but you'd def. predict unhappiness at time N + 1.
Posted by: DanielTWillingham | November 16, 2010 4:36 AM | Report abuse
The comments to this entry are closed.


text:
Lethal Amounts focuses on subversive and counter culture themes throughout history, addressing the social and artistic value of underground movements while highlighting taboo topics. We take an interest in showcasing the extremes of Rock 'n Roll of the past that has crossed over into pop culture fanaticism, street culture influences and cult hero worship. Lethal Amounts features three exhibition rooms and over 2,500 sq. ft. of gallery space. We also have our own clothing line where we work with musicians and artists to release original licensed shirt designs.
Posted by 15 02 2019|
Posted by 15 11 2018|


text:
With the announcement of Rep. Ron Paul this week, and Rep. Tancredo's concurrent visit to Iowa, it seems that the GOP will finally have some real presidential candidates: Ron Paul, Tom Tancredo, and Duncan Hunter.
All three of these men oppose the third-world invasion of America, and all three are skeptical of free trade. In general, any real conservative will oppose the third-world invasion of the United States; and, historically and philosophically, conservatives have wisely opposed free trade. It is destroying our economy and undermining our national sovereignty.
Tom Tancredo is a forerunner in the anti-immigration movement, given a grade of A by Americans for Better Immigration (ABI), and the founding member of the Congressional Immigration Reform Caucus. Tancredo is pro-life, pro-values, and pro-religion. Although previously in favor of free trade, he recently has become more skeptical of it, and has been a harsh critic of the NAFTA superhighway. He has one of the largest grass-roots support networks of any member of Congress.
Duncan Hunter, a California Congressman, was the former chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. He opposes amnesty for illegals and receives a grade of B+ by ABI. He is pro-life, pro-values, and pro-religion. He also is a harsh critic of free trade and our trade deficit, which could be his selling point. He currently has a son, a Lieutenant in the Marines, serving in Iraq.
Ron Paul, a Texas Congressman, is a paleolibertarian (and Libertarian Party presidential nominee in 1998), but also has been classified as a "paleoconservative," "conservative Constitutionalist," or "fusionist," and has general conservative / libertarian appeal. Ron Paul is opposed to amnesty, and receives a grade of B+ by ABI. He is pro-Constitution, pro-small government, pro-states rights, pro-religion, pro-values, pro-life and wants to return to the states the legality of abortion. Paul also has become skeptical of free trade and the NAFTA superhighway. He was famously one of six Republicans to vote against the illegal neocon war in Iraq, and was one of three Representatives to vote against the socialist No Child Left Behind. He also has one of the largest grass-roots support networks of any member of Congress.
We finally have some real candidates, and it is about time. Our country is being invaded on a daily basis, and we need a strong arm at the helm.
John McCain, Rudolph Giuliani, Condoleezza Rice, Sam Brownback, Mike Huckabee, Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney are all unacceptable as candidates. McCain, Giuliani, and Rice are all liberals. Romney is a liberal in disguise. And Huckabee and Brownback are so pro-illegal alien that they should move to Mexico.
Regarding immigration, McCain, Giuliani, Rice, Brownback, Huckabee, Gingrich and Romney all support the third-world invasion of the United States. Although Gingrich and Romney say they are against amnesty, they both supported it only two years ago, and Gingrich was given a grade of D by ABI for his time in Congress. Furthermore, even though Romney and Gingrich may combat illegal immigration on some levels, both support massive increases in legal immigration, which is no solution at all. Legal immigration is as much of a problem as illegal immigration.
If McCain, Giuliani, Rice, Brownback, Huckabee, Gingrich or Romney receives the GOP nomination, then real conservatives will have no choice but to vote third party.
Let's hope, though, that a real conservative does get the nomination. Let's throw our support behind Paul, Tancredo or Hunter.
However, if Paul, Tancredo and Hunter go into the primaries together, they could divide the right-wing vote. Two will have to drop out before the primaries and throw their support behind the one remaining, so the right-wing vote will not be divided. According to some rumors, we could also see possible combinations, such as a Paul / Tancredo ticket or a Hunter / Tancredo ticket. And there is also the possibility that Reps. Virgil Goode, Walter Jones and John Duncan could be considered as running mates.
Spread the word and celebrate; the GOP finally has a few real candidates.
Stop the third-world invasion!
William H. Calhoun is a writer, paleoconservative, poet-warrior in the classical sense, farmer on his ancestral estate, and a graduate of the University of Chicago. He can be reached at email@example.com
© Copyright 2002-2013 by Magic City Morning Star
Top of Page


text:
Lifes not the breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away
On November 14, 2010, we lost Darlene to a tragic incident in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.
Left to mourn our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister, are her husband Bruce, son David (Shantelle), daughter Katie, son Kelly (Melanie), and her beloved grandson Connor.
As well, Darlene is mourned by brothers Eugene (Sheryl), Vern, Wayne (Judy), Barry (Shelley), Patrick (Anna), Kelly (Shirley), and sister Judy (Dave); mother-in-law Annie Ferguson, brothers-in-law John, Graham (Edith), Scott (Linda), James (Barb), and sister-in-law Deborah (Ken), as well as many nieces and nephews.
Darlene was predeceased by her parents Carl and Jean Hoffman; father-in-law John Ferguson; sisters-in-law Patricia and Robyn Hoffman; brother-in-law Neil Ferguson; sister-in-law Linda Ferguson and nephew Wayne Hoffman. Words cannot express the loss we all feel in our hearts. Darlene was everything to her family. Our wife, mother, grandmother and sister truly did take our breath away throughout her life.
Prayers will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Sunday, November 21, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 13 Brower Drive, Sherwood Park on Monday, November 22, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Our Lady Peace Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, or the Stollery Childrens Hospital of Edmonton.


text:
Get This and
6 Million Other Stock Images
Construction silhouette
Description : Cranes and construction site silhouette against setting (or rising) sun
Photographer : tommroch
architect, architecture, architecture, blue, build, builder, building, business, construction, copyspace, crane, cranes, creation, economy, engineer, engineering, expansion, flat, girder, girders, growth, high, hoist, housing, industry, industry, office, orange, orange, red, scaffold, scaffolder, scaffolding, shadow, silhouette, silhouette, site, sky, sky, steel, sun, sunrise, sunset, tower, worker, workers, working, workmen, workwomen, yellow
This image has a Royalty Free license. You can use the images an unlimited amount of times for almost any purpose* without having to pay extra. The rights granted are non-transferable and personal to you or your company. For resale you'll need a Pro Plan.
- Advertising
- Apps and games
- Blog
- Books
- Design
- Magazines
- Marketing material
- Presentations
- Product design
- TV and movies
- Web design
- Websites


text:
I never would have predicted it, but from the looks of this year's lineup, Atari is on the road to becoming the House of Licensing. Enter The Matrix made sense, of course, but I'm kinda perplexed by its next high-profile outing. Since timing is everything in the wild world of movie tie-ins, where the heck is Mission Impossible: Operation Surma coming from? There's a third MI flick coming next summer, but that's a long way from now. In the meantime, can this interim insertion featuring agent Ethan Hunt hold its own in the burgeoning field of stealth action?
There aren't many story details available at this point, but the basic plot involves a pervasive computer virus capable of infecting any computer, anywhere. Beginning in the good old U.S. Southwest, the proceedings enliven in short order, and the globetrotting begins. It's clear that super-spy Ethan Hunt is going to be in some dangerous situations, with discretion of utmost importance. Five missions are on display in our playable demo, showing off a variety of settings and objectives. Detection means disavowment, which is like being fired, only worse.
Silence Is the Sincerest Form of Flattery
When you get down to the details, the gameplay in Surma is geared towards stealth, and the mechanics will be very familiar. Operation Surma could emulate Splinter Cell more directly, but that would involve changing a couple of names and potential lawsuits. Clad in black you crawl and sneak by guards and security cameras, with the option to scale pipes, hang from wires, and hide the bodies in your wake. A meter will indicate how well hidden you are while creeping through shadows. No split-kick wall mount, though. Apparently the IMF doesn't teach that.
What it does teach is action. The recent MI flicks have been action films camouflaged by a thin cloak of espionage, and some of that attitude has made its way to Surma. While you really shouldn't go around starting brawls, you're a lot more prepared for hand-to-hand work than Sam Fisher ever was. A few kicks and punches are at your disposal, and the hand-to-hand system is surprisingly satisfying. A couple basic combos will help finish off pesky guards, but it looks like they're still a last-ditch offense. Of course, a silent approach from the rear will allow you to execute a chokehold, from which you may kill or knock out your target.
As you'd expect, there's a healthy dose of gear on hand. Standard issue includes tranquilizer darts and a cable gun like the one that impressed the Joker in the first Batman flick. Lockpicks bypass, um, locks, and electronic darts can be shot at cameras to loop clean security footage, clearing your path. Long-range digital binoculars will also be important, as they can capture sound and imagery with built-in camera and mic. That ability will play into several missions that involve information collection. The demo's first, for example, requires you to use the take snaps of guards and key personnel. From those images masks are made that make your life easier down the line.


text:
TMSQ Trading
> Accepting Cash or Bank Financing
> PHILGEPS Member Supplier of LGU
> AGENTS are Welcome
CDM6150 Lonking Hydraulic Excavator / Backhoe 1/2 Bucket Size
> 0.56m3 Capacity
> 86kW2200rpm Power
> 14 Tons Weight
> 3.34/5.5km/h Speed
> Cummins-4BT Engine
: For Heavy Equipment: 2000 hrs. Or (1) year warranty main parts & (3) months electrical
: For Trucks: warranty of engine, transmission & differential (1) year warranty of 60000
whichever comes first,
: For electrical parts (3) months. OR CR will be available within 45 days after release.
: No warranty for consumable
for inquiries kindly call or txt
anne hazel 09398147056
Tips for Online Transactions
- Avoid scams by acting locally or paying with PayPal, Bank Deposit, LBC, or Pera Padala without the item.
- Never pay with anonymous payment services
- Don't buy or sell outside of your country. Don't accept cheques
- This site is never involved in any transaction, and does not handle payments, shipping, guarantee transactions, provide escrow services, or offer "buyer protection" or "seller certification"


text:
A beautiful feature on Portman Stone, our team and our products grace the pages of House Magazine. With over 100,000 readers, House Magazine is the biggest and best of its kind in Dorset. Portman Stone are delighted with the feature which you can read and see below: Portman Stone History in your home At the young age of 20 years old entrepreneur 'Steve Griffiths' started his first venture, setting up what later became one of the largest joinery firm's in the South of England. As the years have passed, Steve's passion for stunning natural materials and stonemasonry came to the for..
We provide a fully itemised quotation for your consideration based upon the information you provide to us, usually a detailed set of plans are enough but we are able to offer a measuring service if required. We will assist you in selecting your desired material or if you already know the material you would like us to quote for then that's just fine. We are usually able to provide a written quotation within 48 hours or sooner.Portman Stone offer a range of other services upon request, we are able to supply and install a huge range of Fireplaces, extensively from stock there are two prominent ra..
We carefully place the slabs onto our Colban Granite Master Automatic Cutting Bridge Saw, the templates are lined up with a laser and the stone is step cut 10mm at a time, this reduces chipping – resulting in clean crisp cuts, which means your surfaces have aesthetically pleasing joints and edges.The stone is then moved on to our Kolb Top Line processing machine. We place it face down and install GRP reinforcing bars into all sink and hob runs, we do this at no extra charge to ensure total stability is built in to the stone.The underside of the stone is then collaborated, polished and turned a..
Have you ever considered a Kitchen Makeover?It might just be easier and cost effective than you think. We can take care of the whole project for you, from the Project Management to making all the necessary arrangements using Gas Safe plumbers to NICEIC electricians and of course our very own highly skilled Stonemasons.If you would like to discuss how Portman Stone could assist you in transforming your kitchen we would be delighted to hear from you, you can contact us here...
Showing 1 to 4 of 4 (1 Pages)


text:
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Le Kid's album "Oh Alright" on the way
Debut album of world's best Le Kid "Oh Alright" is planned to be released for the 1st of June and if this information is not enough excited for you to mark this post as interesting we already have tracklist of the album and we've got a bad and good news about it. Let's start from bad ones - following this band not first year it's just 2 new tracks we haven't heard before "Seventeen" and "Bigger Than Jesus". But there are really good ones as well - looking at tracklist we realize what a great pop-album it's gonna be and we're sure that for many who've discovered this band just after their participance in Melodifestivalen "Oh Alright" is going to become real pop-heaven.
1. We Are The Drums
2. Mercy Mercy
3. America
4. Oh My God
5. Bigger Than Jesus
6. Kiss Me
7. We Should Go Home Together
8. Seventeen
9. Telephone
10. Escape
11. Mr. Brightside (Bonus Track)
- Ярлыки: America, Bigger Than Jesus, Escape, Kiss Me, Le Kid, Mercy Mercy, Mr. Brightside, Oh Alright, Oh My God, Seventeen, Telephone, We Are The Drums, We Should Go Home Together
- (0) Comments


text:
Vox Luminis
Light and Shadow - Music at the time of Elizabeth I
- Tallis
- O nata lux
- Tallis
- Videte miraculum
- White
- Christe, qui lux es et dies
- Sheppard
- In manus tuas
- Byrd
- Ave verum corpus
- Tomkins
- When David Heard
- Ramsey
- How are the Mighty Fall'n
- Weelkes
- Death hath deprived me
- Tallis
- Hear the voice and prayer
- Sheppard
- In pace
- Morley
- Funeral Sentences: The First dirge Anthem; The Second dirge Anthem; The Third dirge Anthem
- Lionel Meunier
- director
With this programme we have the opportunity to perform some of Lionel Meunier's favourite a cappella works from the Great English Renaissance, arguably, the Golden Age of British Music. 'Light' in the context of this programme is reflected in the themes of birth, new beginning, day and joyfulness. 'Shadow', on the other hand, will see us singing about the more solemn, but no less rich subjects of death, ending and night. We are looking forward to sharing with you some of the most popular works from the reign of Queen Elizabeth I along with some lesser known gems.


text:
Review: Gregory Porter Quintet at the De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill, Wednesday, June 22, 2015
Even the most cursory look at Gregory Porter's tour schedule will tell you that he is a massive star at the moment.
Bexhill's De la Warr Pavilion stands alongside Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles, Rome, Paris and Glastonbury as places where informed music lovers can have their appetites for the very best in cool modern jazz indulged.
And here he was, the sound-made-flesh, filling a packed theatre with his rich, deep, velvet voice.
It says much for the talents of the team behind The Rye International Jazz and Blues Festival that they attracted Gregory Porter to our small part of the world.
But this show was more than a virtuoso performance as the support he enjoyed from his band took the evening to a higher pitch, in fact, Porter sung less on stage than he does on his albums.
Highly skilled musical exponents in their own right, the band members frequently broke out with passages of improvisation which echoed, emphasised and enriched Porter's own vocalisations.
Chip Crawford playing a full range of styles from lush lounge piano to waves of glissando, ostinato and comping (even channelling J S Bach on 'Be Good'), Jahmal Nichols' double bass providing a slapping heartbeat throughout while Emanuel Harrold beat, brushed and buzz-rolled any number of chops on his drums.
But perhaps the feistier improvisations came from the alto sax of Yohsuke Sato, firing off volleys of scales at breathtaking speeds on a range of instruments. Remarkably, Sato is self-taught.
The show opened with the wonderful 'Painted On Canvas' after which we were treated to a sample of Porter's musical stylings - jazz, blues, soul, gospel, and groove all came through the set.
The ballads were sung straight like 'Hey Laura', 'Illusion' and 'Brown Grass' while other material got a restyle, such as '1960 What' 'When Did You Learn' and 'No Love Dying'.
Gregory Porter is a superb singer at the absolute top of his game, a tenor who fits into the top drawer of male soul, jazz and blues singers - Donny Hathaway, Curtis Mayfield, Bill Withers, Marvin Gaye - great names he acknowledges in some of his lyrics.
He is most powerful with his soulful protest songs, becoming what Gil Scott-Heron was destined to be.
This was an evening to be cherished for a very long time.
Credit should also be given to support band The Violet Jive, who kicked the evening off in a Philosopher Kings vibe, playing upbeat Havana meets rockabilly songs.
The Rye International Jazz and Blues Festival runs from August 27 -31 at venues in and around Rye. Tickets can be bought from www.ryejazz.com where there is more information on the festival.


text:
Local Law Firms
Great Law Firms
Best Law Firms
Information About the Best Law Firms
Well having a case in court is something that can make most persons nervous. This is especially true for those on the defense side. But there is something that you can do if you have a case in court and you want to win it. However you need a lot of money in order for you to be able to do this. This means hiring a lawyer from one of the best law firms.
Why is such an action a good move? Well this is because when you hire this kind of lawyer you will be getting an excellent lawyer. The best law firms are known to only keep the best lawyers. They need to protect their reputation of being the best that is why they only have the good lawyers in their roster. How does one know that they are excellent lawyers? Well this is based on the number of won cases they have. A lawyer is deemed as excellent when he or she has no loss or almost no loss in all the cases that he or she handled. That is what makes a lawyer good. A lawyer who has experienced a lot of lost cases will not get accepted in the best
New Orleans veteran disability lawyer
firms. That is because they have a rigorous screening for the lawyers that they accept in their firm. They only want the best for their clients.
It is easy to find out which law firms in your area are considered the best. All you have to do is look for it in the internet. There are lists there that show which law firms at
are the best. Some are independently ranked by law industry experts. Some became known as the best law firms from simple word of mouth. Satisfied clients shared about them to other people until more people know about them and they have built a reputation of being the best in their area.
Now it was already mentioned earlier that there are different kinds of lawyers that you may find in the best law firms. For example if you experienced a car accident then you need to find the best law firm that has car accident lawyers in them that can help you get compensated for what you suffered because of the accident. If you have a disability case then you need to hire a disability lawyer for that as well. Visit
to read more about lawyers.


text:
I used my new Wplus9 set, Magical Moments, to create this simple but pretty card that I'll probably use as a birthday card. I had trouble inking the peacock evenly and this is what happened on the fifth try. The bird is still a bit splotchy but I guess those dark spots add dimension. :Þ Is it me? It's not like I have no experience with stamps! LOL I overlapped the sentiment panel with watermark ink and added one of the flowers from the set on the bottom left corner for balance. I notched the inner corners, adhered the kraft piece to the card, added the rhinestones and it was done. Pretty easy!
Here's a little scene I stamped out with a few of my new Doodle Factory stamps. I let my son pick the ones he wanted to colour.
He's a budding impressionist, don't you think? ;) My son loves the little monsters because he's so into Uglydolls. Of course, he wanted the bike and a kite attached to it, too. Ever since he got a massive helium-filled mylar Thomas balloon on his birthday, he sometimes imagines it's a kite. The little monster on the right is "stomp-stomp-stomp(ing)" ever since he saw my Dad using a garden fork in the garden. LOL The middle monster is rubbing his belly "mmm-yum-yum-yum" and the monster on the right is a "bee". My little guy just cracks me up! I can only imagine what he'll say when he can speak in sentences.
Sources: GinaK 120lb pure luxury white cardstock; SU Kraft cardstock; Wplus9 Magical Moments; SU Taken With Teal ink; Memento Tuxedo Black ink; Versafine Watermark ink; Fiskars Nostalgia corner edger; SU Basic Rhinestones


text:
NOTE: If you want to improve on ALL sections of the ACT (English Math, Reading, Essay), I recommend checking out the All ACT Courses Bundle, which includes this course and other ACT courses at a significant discount.
Check out the All ACT Courses Bundle Here
Or, if you just want the Reading course, you can purchase this single course on this page. Just scroll down!
"Hey Rob,
I just wanted to reach out to you and say THANK YOU for all of your help preparing me to do well on my standardized tests. Before I came to you I was struggling getting my test scores into the upper ranges, but after I completed your video series, got feedback on my essays, and took more tests I got scores in the 99% for both the SAT and ACT.
Ultimately, after the long and stressful college admissions process, I narrowed my two options for college down to Harvard and Yale, and I decided to commit to Yale University. Although I have always been strong in school and extracurriculars, I really feel like your assistance put me over the edge and played a role in my admission into some of the world's best colleges. I have recommended you to many of my friends and teachers at school because I truly believe you are an amazing tutor with so much to offer.
Thanks again so much and I wish you the best of luck in your future!"
- Andrew R., Reason Prep Student
This course covers the ACT Reading test in exhaustive depth - the best ways to tackle the passages and questions, how to manage your time effectively, and the best strategies for beating the test and increasing your score. I also work through five REAL ACT Reading tests in this course so you can see exactly how these strategies are applied to real ACT questions. In this course you will learn
For a full listing of the curriculum and sample videos to view, check out the lecture titles in the syllabus below!
In addition to access to all the course videos and materials, enrolling in this course entitles you to
"Hey Rob, I just got my ACT results back. I received a composite score of 32 (35 E,28 M,34 R, 29 S), which is 5 points higher than my score was before working with you (30 E, 27 M, 28 R, 26 S). I couldn't do it without your unconditional support and videos."
George, Reason Prep Student
I'm Rob, the founder of Reason Prep, creator of these videos, and your test prep tutor.
Also pictured is my beagle, Mr. Pibb. He didn't help with the site that much, but maybe he'll star in one of my videos one day.
I earned a BA in Chemistry (2006) and an MA in Science and Technology Studies (2009) from Cornell University. In 2010 I started tutoring SAT, ACT, math, chemistry, and writing full-time, and Reason Prep followed shortly after!
"Rob is an amazing tutor. I would not have been able to get a 31 on the ACT without his help and guidance. His methods and tips on how to approach each section sets him apart from other tutors. If a particular topic is troublesome for you, he will explain it until you understand it perfectly. In addition to his tutoring , the videos on his website are extremely helpful and full of information. Rob is always willing to help and easily accessible to answer questions when ever he is needed. Whenever someone asks I always recommend Rob as an ACT tutor."
Ellen, Reason Prep Student
In short, I've distilled down all my ACT Reading knowledge into these videos to give you the most comprehensive and effective ACT Reading video course you'll find anywhere. The one-time fee is less than what you would pay for an hour of my time. And you're getting EVERYTHING - all my knowledge, all the tips, tricks, and strategies. I'm not holding anything back.
You've got nothing to lose - and a lot of points to gain - so join today!


text:
Friday, March 22, 2013
STORYFEST Celebrates Its Third Annual Festival March 24th
Friday, March 22, 2013 Authors, Bran, Branwen Arts, Literature, stories, Stories Unlimited, StoryFest Events, War Child No comments
Stories help us feel connect and unique all at the same time. They can provide both the questions you want, and the answers you seek. At their very core, they delight and inspire. There's a mushroom or a rustic bench waiting for you! See the schedule at StoryFest SL Events online - All times SLT, and all but one session will be held at the StoryCircle. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bran/78/141/24
This StoryFest benefits War Child North America, and is produced in partnership between Stories Unlimited! and Branwen Arts. StoryFest Events produces four annual festival events on the Second Life (c) grid: StoryFest (March), Bard on the Virtual Beach (August), BOOFest (October), and recently debuted The Dickens Project (December) in the hopes of making it an annual event.
ALL Presentations are Live in Voice, unless otherwise noted.
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
The Temple Gate
To the southwest of the town I lived in there was a Buddhist temple that always caught my attention when I passed it. The side of the road dropped off steeply and about 2 stories down was the temple with a cemetery next to it. The day I took this photo I stopped by with one of my vintage cameras (I can't recall which one, it might have been my Super Ricohflex). While walking around the temple grounds, an old Japanese lady saw me. I politely asked her if it was OK for me to be there and shoot photos? Rather than asking me what country I was from as so many from my rural area impulsively did, the old lady smiled at me and started telling me about the history of the temple.
According to her the temple burnt down a long time ago and was rebuilt. The gate was the only original part that survived. She suggested that I take a picture of the gate, which turned out to make a nice photo:


text:
About Us
Our facility is open Monday through Thursday 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Ujima Cultural Center is an educational center. We work with the school district to identify and connect programs and services with existing curriculum. We redesign curriculum and staff in order to deliver consistently high-quality services. We are a 501 C 3 tax-exempt organization and that we are a Registered Charity with the State of Mississippi.
The center focuses on African American History and Culture. It is our intent to build a strong allegiance with our community by establishing a place where young minds can be nourished towards a positive expression of their own culture as well as the culture of others.
We schedule activities all year around -- highlighting different aspects of African American History and Culture. We make every effort to plan programs for all age groups -- ranging from preschool children to adults.


text:
If you're seeking to promote your individual home, then as soon as you've got came upon how a lot an property agent might cost you might really feel that the cash they'd get is healthier in your pocket! Okay, no. I'm in a shelter right now and I know that it is simply as straightforward to clean and groom your self as it is in your individual house. The Eleventh House is dominated by Aquarius, and is the home of friendship, hopes and needs. My agent didn't even show me the newest home or replace his MLS page until after it went pending. House co-stars Australian actor Jesse Spencer as Dr Robert Chase, Robert Sean Leonard as House's solely friend Dr James Wilson, head of oncology, Omar Epps as Dr Foreman and Jennifer Morrison who performed Dr Allison Cameron till season six. This weekend I went to an Open House the place the house owners had been promoting their selfmade candles. You can shortly and simply create your individual home on the market web site to sell your house your self – the more places you are listed, the more people will find your own home on the market… dashing up your search for a purchaser.
Most of you already know that we have now been in our little house eight now for a couple of weeks and in that time we now have created give up a large number! Just one factor – the shorter the lease, the upper the lease – that's the only disadvantage. Ideal vacationer sights are The Roman Baths and Abbey, the rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa, Jane Austen Centre, Stonehenge, Avebury, Lacock, Longleat Safari & Adventure Park and Castle Combe. Made of chipboard, this dream home might shut up right into a conveniently dealt with play set, in case young women felt the need to deliver all the things to a good friend's house or Grandma's. The was an extention constructed before we moved here 2.5 years ago and there was damp after we moved in. We fixed the guttering and thought that had fastened it however having taking off the wall paper right now I can see an enormous patch of it, half on an exterior wall and half on an inner wall.
Hi. I stay in a small condo which certainly lacks air flow, given it is so cold exterior it isn't very viable to simply have the windows open and as my Landlord (I hire this apartment privately) refuses to pay the costs of operating a dehumidifier (I merely can't afford to do this, and would relatively not anyway since I'd hear it always) I'm not positive what I can do.
This line also passes by means of the purpose in the other way from the zenith where these 4 instructions intersect the ecliptic-the aircraft of the Earth's orbit across the Sun. Female Mason Bees will readily move into the tunnels bored into this little bee house to put their eggs. If you've got somewhat extra to spend, £249,500 will purchase you a spacious indifferent home with good-sized gardens, in one of the higher areas. You write your own house on the market details and take images, you possibly can add up to 10 photographs together with your listing. One of the owners of the home was telling me her brother discovered this piece for her. That and tearing out each final piece of carpet and portray your complete house white.
Worryingly, the bottom line for home prices in this area seems to have slid downwards within the first six months of this year. Sellhousefastusa 4 years in the past from Sell home for cash in ny , brooklyn, queens, lengthy island, bronx & nationwide ! There is not any central heating and the home has been just about deserted for years, meaning that 'ventilation solely comes from the broken windows!!! Thank you for responding and every little thing this member of the family did in the past was small theft like stealing cash from purses however just lately has moved as much as stealing bank playing cards, bank cards and now breaking into my dwelling.


text:
Review on The Dogs
David Ramsden is a well-known player on the Edinburgh restaurant scene, and following the demise of fitz(Henry) and Rogue he set about looking for a possible new gastropub venture. The result is The Dogs - housed in a fine-looking Georgian terraced house that used to be home to the Edinburgh Wine Bar.
Inside, it still boasts wonderfully atmospheric decor, including a grand staircase, lofty ceilings and other historic details. That said, the place now deals in food with a pronounced modern vibe. A daytime snack menu brings the likes of Stornoway black pudding hash with fried duck egg, kedgeree and open tongue sandwiches with homemade pickle, plus a few lively desserts (how about chocolate cake with beetroot jam?).
The full menu celebrates the best of Scottish produce, with some invaders from across the border. Here you might find home-cured sardines with red cabbage slaw, liver and bacon with sweet 'n sour onions, and seared coley with smoked mackerel, leeks and bulgar wheat. There are also some hefty sharing dishes - say crispy pork belly with homemade mustard and butter beans. The wine list includes a few sparklers from English vineyards.
The Dogs is also featured in: Michelin Guide, Good Food GuideRate this Restaurant
British / Scottish
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 12.00 - 2.30pm Mon-Fri (12.00 - 4.00pm Sat & Sun)
Dinner: 6.00 - 10.00pm
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express


text:
This week's mystery movie has been the 1952 MGM picture "The Devil Makes Three," with Gene Kelly, Pier Angeli, Richard Rober, Richard Egan, Claus Clausen, Wilfried Seyferth, Margot Hielscher and Annie Rosar. The screenplay was by Jerry Davis, based on a story ("Autobahn") by Lawrence Bachmann. Photography was by Vaclav Vich, art direction by Fritz Maurischat and Paul Markwitz, musical direction by Rudolph G. Kopp, and songs by Bronislau Kaper and Jupp Schmitz. it was directed by Andrew Marton.
It is available on DVD from Warner Archive for $15.49.
"My Man and I," with Ricardo Montalban and Shelley Winters, which was on the original double bill, is also available from Warner Archive for $15.49.
The Los Angeles Times reported (Dec. 31, 1951) that it was Kelly's first non-musical role since the 1950 film "Black Hand" and said he wanted to take on more dramatic roles. The Times said Kelly delayed "Invitation to the Dance" to shoot "The Devil Makes Three," based on a story titled "Autobahn."
New York Times film critic H.H.T. said (Aug. 30, 1952):
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer has gone to a great deal of trouble to authenticate "The Devil Makes Three," a curiously disappointing melodrama of Occupied Germany and Austria which opened yesterday at the Globe…. the film remains, on the whole, a synthetic, pallid and erratic endeavor. Perhaps the source, a novel by Lawrence Bachmann, was another matter entirely. But Jerry Davis' script is a predictable and rather sluggish account of a tender post-war romance, that of an American Army captain and a young night club "hostess" who is forced to help some Nazi smugglers, which sags tediously in a welter of starry-eyed conversation and adds up to little more than a Continental Western.
The film opened in Los Angeles on Sept. 24, 1952, with "My Man and I" at Loew's State and the Egyptian theaters.
Los Angeles Times film critic Philip K. Scheuer said (Sept. 25, 1952):
"The Devil Makes Three" is essentially a gangster melodrama enacted against postwar Munich, Salzburg and Berchtesgaden. The gangsters are members of an ugly neo-Nazi party, soulful-eyed Miss Angeli is their child dupe and Kelly is the Yank Army captain caught in the toils…. Kelly is ill at ease even beyond the requirements of Jerry Davis' screenplay.
Dec. 24, 1952, "The Devil Makes Three" opens in Los Angeles with "My Man and I."
For Monday, we have a mystery woman.
Update: This is Charlotte Flemming.
For Tuesday, we have a mystery gent.
Update: This is Otto Gebühr.
For Wednesday, we have a rather upset mystery gent.
Update: This is Claus Clausen.
So far, we have stumped the Brain Trust. But Thursday's mystery lady should be a big clue.
Update: This is Pier Angeli, who likes to remind Daily Mirror readers to adjust their clocks when we go on and off of Daylight Saving Time.
For Friday, we have our non-mystery leading man and Thursday's mystery woman.
Update: This is Gene Kelly and Pier Angeli.
Brain Trust roll call: Dewey Webb (Thursday's mystery woman), Mike Hawks (Thursday's mystery woman), Benito (mystery movie and Thursday's mystery woman), Jenny M (mystery movie, Thursday's mystery woman), Howard Mandelbaum (mystery movie, Tuesday's, Wednesday's and Thursday's mystery guests) and Sarah (mystery movie, Thursday's mystery woman).