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CPCC Art Galleries play an important role in the region as one of only a few galleries who exhibit work by emerging and mid-career artists living and working nearby. We are proud that our exhibiting artists show creative diversity and are able to connect well with students through educational programming. We also believe in continuing the support of artists who have shown work in our exhibition spaces, which is why we extend a hearty congratulations to those who recently won 2015 Regional Artist Project Grant from the Arts and Science Council!
Heather Freeman – $2,000
Mecklenburg County
To purchase a fifth generation Makerbot Replicator to 3D print stop-motion puppets for a series of animations called "Terra Firma," beginning with the short "Artemis."
Heather showed prints from her multimedia body of work titled, "Denisovan," Pease Gallery, Fall 2014.
Marek Ranis – $2,000
Mecklenburg County
To cover the cost of studio rental to continue work on an Arctic Utopia project.
Marek exhibited photographs and films in "Kunstwissenschaft," Ross Gallery, Winter 2012.
Betsy Birkner – $2,000
Mecklenburg County
To purchase a laptop computer.
Betsy showed ceramic pieces from her "I Should…" series in "Artifice," a two person show with Pamela Winegard, Winter 2014.
Shaun Cassidy – $2,000
York County
To purchase 18 sheets of metal to create a series of new sculptures.
Shaun Cassidy will hold a solo exhibition titled "The Sound of Everything" in Ross Gallery, Spring 2015.
Erika Diamond – $1,600
Mecklenburg County
To purchase a new Bernina 1008 sewing machine.
Erika showed her mixed media and textile works in "Enduring Impermanence," Ross Gallery, Fall 2011.
Allison Luce – $1,351
Iredell County
To purchase a slab roller for a home studio to create larger and more sophisticated work.
Allison showed ceramic works in "The Serpent Tree," Ross Gallery, Fall 2014.


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Yes, it's true, "Arrested Development" is getting a fifth season on Netflix
May 18, 2017 Sam Arrested Development, News, Television
All our wishes have finally come true: Arrested Development is coming back with a whole new fifth season.
Earlier this week, actor Jason Bateman sent the internet into a frenzy when he Tweeted he'd signed on for a new season of the beloved cult hit show:
Look very probable I'm going to put some miles on the Stair Car this summer. Just officially signed on to more ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT today.
— Jason Bateman (@batemanjason) May 12, 2017
Arrested Development had three seasons on FOX, with a fourth season "reboot" on Netflix in 2015.
Since the show's premiere, way back in 2004, its stars have gotten much, much busier – Tony Hale is on Veep, Jeffrey Tambor stars in Transparent, Will Arnett has another Netflix show, Flaked – so the probability of yet another season was up in the air.
But now, we know Bateman wasn't just getting our hopes up: show creator Mitch Hurwitz has confirmed Arrested Development will be heading back to the streaming network, with new episodes streaming in 2018.
Hurwitz joked:
"In talks with Netflix we all felt that that stories about a narcissistic, erratically behaving family in the building business — and their desperate abuses of power — are really underrepresented on TV these days. I am so grateful to them and to 20th TV for making this dream of mine come true in bringing the Bluths, George Sr., Lucille and the kids; Michael, Ivanka, Don Jr., Eric, George-Michael, and who am I forgetting, oh Tiffany. Did I say Tiffany? — back to the glorious stream of life."
It sounds like the entire cast will be back, including Bateman, Tambor, Hale, Arnett, Jessica Walter, David Cross, Alia Shawkat, Portia de Rossi, and Michael Cera. However, some Tweets seem to indicate everything's not quite set for the reunion yet:
Huh….. I haven't signed anything https://t.co/N088ZcaItZ
— Will Arnett™ (@arnettwill) May 17, 2017

subset: commoncrawl


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Octopus walks on land caught on Video at Fitzgerald Marine ReserveBy Alex Jusi Madlangbayan on Nov 24, 2011 in Animals, Science, Weird, World •
Octopus walks on dry land
Image Credit: Social Times
An octopus walking on dry land was caught on video by visitors at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in Moss Beach, California, according to reports by several international news sites on Wednesday, November 23, 2011.
The octopus reportedly crawled out from the water and walk on dry land, which is being noted to be very unusual to see.
Nevertheless, scientists explained that it is common for octopuses to walk on ocean floor using their limbs. Some octopus use only two of their eight limbs to walk while using the other limbs to hide them from predators and pretend themselves as ocean plants.
Below is a YouTube video uploaded by tuantube showing an octopus crawling out of the water and walks along dry land.
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The Beveridge curve and the mismatching of professional skills in the euro area
The Beveridge curve shows the relationship between the unemployment and the job vacancy rates. Movements throughout the curve, when job vacancies and unemployment move in opposite directions, show the impact of cyclical fluctuations in economic activity on these variables. An expansionary phase is therefore characterised by low unemployment and a high job vacancy rate while a recessionary phase is the opposite situation. On the other hand outward movement by the whole curve; i.e. when there is a higher unemployment rate for the same job vacancy rate, points to a possible deterioration in the matching process. This phenomenon, when it is much more difficult to fill a vacancy and therefore a lot of companies believe a labour shortage is limiting their production, is associated with a larger mismatch between the skills required by firms and those available in the labour force.1
The Beveridge curve for the euro area moved outwards during the crisis (see the first graph) and, except for Germany, all countries saw a deterioration in the matching of the labour market to a greater or lesser extent. It is significant that the influence of the improved economic cycle can already be seen on the curve although there has not been, for the moment, any shift inwards or, in other words, more efficient matching.
One way of assessing the effect of skills mismatch on the matching process is provided by the skills mismatch index (SMI) which compares the level of education of the working age population (which would represent the labour supply) with those in employment (similar to the demand).2 This index increases as the gap between the qualifications of these two groups widens, something which occurred in the euro area during the recession when the SMI tripled. Spain was mainly responsible for this growth (see the second graph), which comes as no surprise given the nature of its crisis, closely linked to real estate whose labour force is typically less highly qualified. The case of Ireland is similar because it also experienced a shock in the construction industry, albeit less severe. This index appears to be improving in both countries as the economic environment recovers but it is falling very slowly since a large part of the rise in the SMI was due not only to cyclical factors but also to structural.
In the rest of the countries the crisis was concentrated less in one specific sector so the trend in their SMI should be less dependent on the economic cycle. In fact, the increase observed in France, for example, is gradual, suggesting that the mismatch in the French labour market is gradually increasing and is structural in nature. Once again the notable exception was the German SMI, following a downward trend and helping its labour market to perform well. Lastly other economies such as the Netherlands have a very low level of skills mismatch, something which undoubtedly makes their matching process much more efficient.
To sum up, in most euro area countries the increase in skills mismatch is making the labour market's matching process more difficult. Although part of this change has been cyclical and will therefore reverse with the economic recovery, another significant portion is structural. Hence the need for greater coordination between passive and active policies and to promote training programmes that help to match the human capital of the unemployed with companies' needs.
1. Changes in how labour market institutions operate can also move the Beveridge curve.


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What Is Huffing? Man Found Dead in New York Beside 22 Aerosol Cans and One in His Mouth
A man has been found dead in New York City surrounded by almost two dozen aerosol cans, after he apparently "huffed" compressed air.
A friend discovered the 32-year-old face-down on his couch at his apartment in Manhattan, at around 2:00 pm Eastern time on Sunday, a source from the New York Police Department told the New York Post. First responders pronounced him dead at the scene.
The man was found beside 22 aerosol cans of compressed air and had one in his mouth.
The man's death is the latest to be connected to inhalant abuse, in which individuals breathe products such as compressed air computer dusters in order to achieve a high. Earlier this month, Fox 9 News reported the death of a father from Minnesota who died after inhaling compressed air a few days before Thanksgiving. Dr. Travis Olives, associate medical director of the Minnesota Poison Control System, told the news outlet that he deals with around 300 cases a year.
At least 21 million Americans age 12 and older report having used inhalants at least once in their lives, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Children and young people are the demographic most likely to "huff" or "sniff" inhalants because they typically have less access access to other drugs.
Aerosols, solvents, gases and nitrates prescribed for chest pain are misused as inhalants. These include household items such as spray paints, glues and cleaning fluids, according to the American Addiction Center. Harmful chemicals such as toluene in aerosols and difluoroethane in compressed air cleaners are what cause the high, which lasts for a few minutes.
Users report a sensation of lightheadedness, euphoria and in some cases hallucinations. Inhalants can cause a person to slur their speech and lose coordination of their body. Such substances can cause sudden death by heart failure, suffocation, seizures and choking.
Long-term use can damage the liver and kidneys, cause limb spasms, delay behavioral development and result in brain damage.
If a person becomes addicted to inhalants, withdrawal symptoms can include nausea, tremors, irritability, problems sleeping and mood changes.


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Keep Yoga Odd
Now Streaming Classes + Yoga Outside
We are excited to have launched our online studio with 95+ classes per week ranging from SWEAT to RESTORE so you can continue to get down with your favorite ODD instructors from home! In addition, we are offering classes outside at our Echo Park location. We love having you as a part of the ODDfam and appreciate your support. Stay connected with us via Instagram and Facebook. We love you tons and look forward to seeing you on the virtual mat.Online Classes
Outdoor Classes
New here?
We look forward to meeting you and sharing lots of laughs and down dogs together! Check out your first online class for just $5!
Are you down?
One Down Dog is a community-driven yoga and fitness studio where all are welcome and everyone knows your name. Our classes are all-levels with a range from kick-ass-feel-good to slow-down-chill-out. We're keeping yoga ODD — One Down Dog at a time!Get to know us
Have a question?
Contact us with the form below and we'll get back to you asap.


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How to Wire a Trailer to Charge the Trailer Batteryby Alan Sembera
You can maintain your trailer battery by charging it while you are towing. You can wire the trailer battery to the same seven-pin outlet on your towing vehicle that powers the brake lights and turn signals on your trailer. This method helps maintain the charge of batteries in travel trailers, horse trailers and other utility trailers. You cannot fully recharge your battery this way except on extended drives, and the method is not recommended for charging dead batteries.
Step 1
Start your vehicle.
Step 2
Use a voltmeter to check for current from the black wire in the seven-pin electrical outlet at the back of your towing vehicle. Use the white-wire connector for your ground. You should get a reading of about 12 volts.
Step 3
Turn off your vehicle.
Step 4
Install the correct fuses in both the vehicle cab and the engine compartment relay box if there is no current from the black wire. Check your vehicle owner's manual to find out the types of fuses to use for the charging/auxiliary power feature of your towing connector.
Step 5
Detach the trailer's electrical plug from the vehicle's seven-pin outlet.
Step 6
Run two wires from the trailer end of the seven-pin connector to the trailer battery. Use two different colors of wire, such as red and black, so you can easily identify positive and negative. You can use standard 10-gauge electrical wire, but thicker wire will carry more current and give a better charge.
Step 7
Connect the end of one wire to the black outlet of the trailer's seven-pin connector. You may be able to take the connector apart and attach the wire inside. Otherwise, use crimp-on wire connectors to attach to existing wire.
Step 8
Connect the other wire to the white outlet of the trailer's seven-pin connector.
Step 9
Use the wire strippers to remove about a half-inch of insulation from the battery ends of the new wires. Attach the large alligator clips to the exposed ends of the wires.
Step 10
Attach the alligator clips to the battery terminals. The wire running from the black wire connection should go on the positive terminal, and the wire running from the white wire connection should go on the negative terminal.
Plug the trailer into the seven-pin connector and start your vehicle to begin charging.
Items you will need
- 2 lengths of 10-gauge or larger electrical wire
- Voltmeter
- Wire strippers
- Crimp-on wire connectors
- Wire crimpers
- 2 large alligator clips
- coach, trailer image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com


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Contact: Anne Perry Moore, 218-302-6605
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) staff invite the public to make comments about the agency's proposed denial of U.S. Steel Minntac's application for a water quality permit variance at its Mountain Iron, Minn. facility.
The hearing is scheduled for Jan. 23, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Mountain Iron Community Center, Iroquois Room, 8586 Enterprise Drive South, Mountain Iron, Minn. MPCA staff will present an overview of the agency's variance review process, site-related permitting options and reasons for the proposed variance denial. An opportunity to ask clarifying questions and/or make verbal comments will follow the presentation.
If extreme weather prevents holding the hearing, a snow date will be set and the comment period extended.
U.S. Steel owns and processes iron ore at its Minntac facility in Mountain Iron. Their proposed water permit variance relates to state water quality standards at the facility's tailings basin.
Written public comments will be accepted at this hearing. All other comments must be emailed or mailed to Erik Smith, MPCA 520 Lafayette Road North, St, Paul, MN 55155 or firstname.lastname@example.com. The public comment period ends at 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 24, 2018. Comments must include: a statement of the writer's interest, the action the writer wishes the agency take, and reasons supporting the writer's position.
Questions related to the Minntac proposal may be directed to Erik Smith, MPCA industrial program hydrologist, at 651-757-2719, 800-657-3864 or email@example.com.
To learn more about the proposed variance denial, search the MPCA website for "Minntac variance."


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Live Your Life Violently in This Animated Trailer for Life is Feudal
Finally, Sean Bean is in something where he doesn't die. Get pumped up for a journey of shoving an axe into some poor guy's face in this sweet trailer for Life is Feudal
Life is Feudal is a medieval sandbox where you and your buddies can build a village and protect it from marauding raiders with your huge broadsword.
Life is Feudal is currently in Early Access on the PC.


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You Can Now Watch Raf Simons' Full 2018 Spring/Summer Show
Relive the Belgian designer's spectacular show.
Raf Simons' 2018 spring/summer show at New York Fashion Week: Men's proved to be a huge success. The Chinatown setting and the collection's references to Bladerunner and new wave/punk won plaudits as the Belgian designer's second show became one of the week's standouts. Even though the event was exclusively for the New York fashion elite, the designer has now released a video allowing anyone who wasn't there a chance to experience it for themselves. Watch out for some of the collection's key items, including the pieces printed with famous British artist Peter Saville's works and the latest stage in Simons' ongoing and hugely successful collaboration with Eastpak.
While you're watching the video, check out our recap of the presentation so you know what to look out for.


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Low Friction, High Durability, & An Iron-Grip
Picks - It's better to have one & not need it, than need it and not have one
Sometimes you want to save your handcrafted pick for a special moment.
Or maybe you want to share a few picks here and there.
Whatever the case, it's always a good idea to have a pick or two on hand.
Here you'll find some fast playing, hard wearing, and trusty picks by the dozen.
These are the latest versions for 2018, featuring the new "Sword & Laurel" logo.
They are made from nylon, which is highly resistant to abrasion & finished in a matte texture for a solid grip.
Available in 12 pick packs:
Black - Heavy 1.2mm
White - Medium .88mm
Red - Light .73mm
Jazz - 1.2mm
Assorted - 3 of Each Pick
Personalize Your Pick With Your Signature TouchMake It A Very Special Pick For You Or...View full product details
Sold Out!
Strike A Chord With Your AudienceA Warm Tone That Rings Through The Ages There's nothing...View full product details
The Re-birth Of A Classic - Revised For 2020Rich, Bold, Expressive - The 1st Pick Of...View full product details


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While my horn gently weeps by Anders Bergcrantz
From the album
Album Title: About Time
Label: Stunt Records/Sundance Music
Released: 2007
Sign in to view listen count
About the Album
From Anders Bergcrantz award winning CD "About Time" Personnel Anders Bergcrantz – Trumpet, Flugelhorn; Vincent Nilsson: Trombone; Jacob Karlzon: Piano; Lasse Lundström: Bass; Lennart Gruvstedt: Drums;
Track Listing
Dedication; Pavo; That's Nice, Don't Stop; Chief Sitting Bull; About Time; While My Horn Gently Weeps; Cochise; Solo-Duo Ad Libitum; Runeberg.
Additional Personnel
Anders Bergcrantz: trumpet, flugelhorn; Vincent Nilsson: trombone, bass trombone; Jacob Karlzon: piano; Lasse Lundstrom: bass; Lennart Gruvstedt: drums.
- About Time by Dr. Jeff Monroe
Date featured
June 7, 2013
This track appears by permission of the contributing artist and/or record company.
It is for personal use only; no other rights are granted or implied.


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AHURI News
Grant for Territory NGOs to attend National Housing Conference
The NHC is an invaluable resource for not-for-profit housing practitioners
Last updated 10 April 2019
The Northern Territory's Department of Local Government, Housing and Community Development has announced a grant program to help eligible organisations attend the National Housing Conference in 2019.
This grant will enable attendance of up to 56 key stakeholders who provide housing and homelessness services in the Territory. NGO and not-for-profit workers from all over Australia make up more than 60% of the NHC's audience each year.
'This support will allow NT practitioners from low-income organisations to participate. The NHC is the only national gathering of the social and affordable housing sector in Australasia and acts as an invaluable resource for anyone working in this space,' says AHURI's Executive Director, Michael Fotheringham.
'We are thrilled to hold this year's conference in Darwin for the first time and highlight the varied and unique perspectives of both housing providers and tenants.'
The grant will be facilitated through NT Shelter – a peak body for affordable housing and homelessness in the Northern Territory. 'This is a wonderful opportunity for representatives across the NGO sector to see some high-profile speakers close to home,' says NT Shelter CEO Peter McMillan.
This support will allow NT practitioners from low-income organisations to participate. The NHC is the only national gathering of the social and affordable housing sector in Australasia and acts as an invaluable resource for anyone working in this space.
The majors for the 2019 program have been announced, with topics ranging from homelessness, through to social and affordable housing, the housing market and Aboriginal housing.
Speakers include Walkley award winning journalist, author and professor of global studies at Griffith University Professor, Stan Grant, who will speak about Indigenous housing and the broader political and social challenges facing the housing sector.
The NHC will shed light on the Territory's diverse and distinctive regions, highlighting needs and opportunities. A program of social and cultural events will also enrich a program a local speakers and provide a unique opportunity to take in the local culture and scenery.
The biennial National Housing Conference is the largest gathering for the social and affordable housing sectors in Australasia. In 2019 the NHC will be held in Darwin for the first time in its history. Registrations are now live with super saver pricing. Review the program snapshot and register now via the NHC website.


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Unlike Mr Lim Siong Guan, I am not puzzled by the "disconnect" between how Singaporeans see themselves and how they perceive the larger society ("Anomalies appear in attitudes survey"; last Friday).
It is a common human frailty to distance ourselves and view others with a jaundiced eye, or even adopt a "holier than thou" attitude.
While individuals may think they inherently possess positive values, they tend to attribute external factors, such as the errant behaviour of others in their midst, as a trigger that goads them to react negatively.
That said, it is heartening to know that, based on the findings revealed in the latest National Values Assessment survey, Singaporeans are becoming more compassionate, gracious and optimistic compared with the results of a poll conducted in 2012.
Lest we rejoice too early, we do need to examine more closely the underlying factors that have contributed to this attitudinal shift.
It was mentioned in the news report that recent changes in government policies for healthcare and education have contributed to a more positive outlook among Singaporeans.
Additionally, the fact that it is Singapore's jubilee year could possibly have had some bearing on the results of the survey.
Founding father Lee Kuan Yew's passing in late March had the effect of engendering a shared grief that unified Singaporeans from all walks of life and across generations.
Coupled with celebrations of our 50th year of independence, never has such a rousing sense of gratitude, confidence and pride in nationhood taken root among us before.
All these factors could, thus, have contributed to a more positive outlook and perceptions.
However, it remains to be seen if the positivity can be sustained.
I certainly hope it can.
It behooves us to remind ourselves that we have come a long way.
As we mature as a nation, it is our moral obligation to look out for those less fortunate and ensure no one gets left behind.
Marietta Koh (Mrs)


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The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks sets hero Link on a daring new adventure. The game provides players with a new story, more puzzles and even a new mode of transportation. In this game, Link voyages by train, which offers up new possibilities for problem-solving. The game has the same look and feel established in the hit Nintendo DS game The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass.
If for any reason you are not 100% happy with your purchase, we can provide you with a full refund or exchange if you return it to us within 7 days after you receive the goods. Conditions apply, please see our terms and conditions.


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For electoral purposes, Wellington City is divided into 5 wards. They serve the same function as electorates for Parliamentary elections.
Wards and local boards must comply with the requirements for effective representation of communities of interest and fair representation.
Under the Local Electoral Act 2001 (the Act) local authorities must review their electoral arrangements at least every six years. Wellington City Council (Council) last reviewed its arrangements in 2012 for the 2013 elections, with a minor change to the Tawa Community Board boundary in 2015. This means we were due another review before the 2019 elections.
Last April we sought your views on the proposal to make changes to Wellington's ward boundaries and to make ward names bilingual.
Ensuring a balanced population between the wards is essential to provide fair representation to all residents of Wellington City. These changes align ward boundaries more closely with geographic and suburb boundaries.
Inclusion of Te Reo names is an important first step in realising the Council's new Te Reo Maori policy, and a significant move towards becoming a bilingual city. The submissions were considered by the Council and a final decision made by the Local Government Commission.
And we've got new Te Reo Names, which represent Wellington's history and recognise a prominent feature within their relevant wards.
The proposed names are:
For electoral purposes, Wellington City is divided into 5 wards that elect a total of 14 Councillors.
Find maps showing the boundaries, and suburbs contained within them, of Wellington City's wards and community boards.
Arapaki Manners Library and Service Centre:
12 Manners Street, PO Box 2199,
Wellington 6140, New Zealand
Wellington City Council Head Office:
113 The Terrace, PO Box 2199
Wellington 6140, New Zealand
Receive email notifications with news and website updates.
Sign up to receive enewsletters on a range of council activities.
Give feedback or request repairs to Council property.
RSS feeds are available for ePetitions, news and public input sections.


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Sometimes university websites can become stale in look and feel because of the wide range of audience (faculty/staff, current students, alumni, prospective students, etc). The undergraduate admission site is often where contemporary design is localized on a university website. Most of the 'design-chances' are taken here due to the age of users admissions is catering to.
The concept behind this site was to have a more youthful appearance and utilize video that I asked our production department to create. I had all of the students who were interviewed for this project simply look at the camera for about 30 seconds. Instead of having a static photo on the homepage, it would be a looping video clip. The idea was based on one of the elements from the Harry Potter movies in which all photographs are animated.
The problem I ran into was duration. In the Harry Potter movies, there's a finite time the image is in frame. On a website however, the viewer could have the page open indefinitely; so the video would repeat… and repeat. The video clip looked slightly creepy. I personally liked it.


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November 18, 2014
Pension Cuts Could Hurt Worker Quality
Cuts in public pensions taking place around the country could reduce the ability of state and local governments to recruit and retain top-quality workers, according to new findings by the Center for Retirement Research, which sponsors this blog.
Economists have long argued that pensions and worker quality are related. Pensions, like paychecks, are a form of compensation, one that particularly appeals to workers with the foresight to value financial security in a retirement still decades away. And these are often better, more productive workers.
To examine the effect of pension generosity on worker quality, the Center's researchers first had to find good measures of each. For worker quality, they used U.S. Census Bureau survey data on workers who have moved between the public and private sectors. The data show that private-sector wages paid to those leaving government were consistently higher than the private-sector wages of people leaving the private sector to work in government – about 7 percent higher, on average, between 1980 and 2012. This wage difference represents the "quality gap" among workers.
Each worker was then assigned to a public pension plan and a measure of pension generosity for that plan: the "normal cost." The normal cost for public plans operating in the 50 states is the present value of benefits accrued by employees in a given year as a percent of the total payroll that year.
Using these measures, the researchers then examined whether pension generosity had any effect on reducing the quality gap. They found that as public pensions become more generous, the quality gap shrinks, an effect that's much more pronounced for the most generous pension plans.
The upshot: state or local governments that offer more attractive pension benefits have more success attracting and keeping good workers.


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June 24, 2017
By using our website and services, including submission of a request for travel prices through the Site, by calling our toll free number, initiating a request for us to contact you by telephone, signing up to receive travel deals by providing your email address, or any other means we might make available,you (referred to as Client) are agreeing to comply with the following terms and Conditions.
If you do not agree to these Terms of Use, you are prohibited from using or accessing the Site.
A booking is accepted and becomes legally binding only from the date when Shon Travel LLC(referred to as company) has confirmed and issued a confirmation invoice.
1.0Our Prices
Our pricing method system accesses both live pricing (e.g., Global Distribution System, GDS, hosted by third party) and local tour guide companies. Therefore, prices quoted are subject to change based on our supplier's terms and conditions, which we don't control. It is not uncommon for suppliers (e.g. Airlines, Cruise Liners and Hotels) to sell out, alter or withdraw prices including advertised special rates. We will advise you of any change prior to your booking request and any transaction being processed. If you do not wish to proceed with the booking at the new price, you may cancel the booking request at no cost to you. Once your booking has been confirmed and payment received, any new specials released cannot be applied to existing bookings. Prior to full and final payment being received, we reserve the right to vary prices and rates in the event of changes in exchange rates or price rises made by wholesalers or other suppliers. If the cost of any service increases due to exchange rate fluctuations, price increases, tax changes or any other reason, you are required to pay the increase when notified by us or you may cancel the booking. We are not liable in any way if any increase occurs due to exchange rate fluctuations, taxes or supplier notifications. All prices are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or varied without notice.
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Prior to the payment due date, the balance owing may be paid by credit card (subject to Credit Card fees) or you may transfer into our bank account directly to avoid card fees or pay by check. Travel vouchers and booking confirmations cannot be issued until final payment is received. Any booking not paid in full by the due date is subject to automatic cancellation without further notification. Any deposit paid will be forfeited or, at your request, it may be used as a payment towards an alternative booking. Deposit conditions for certain accommodation and tour products may vary and we will advise you of these conditions and request your consent prior to proceeding with the booking. We highly recommend you to purchase travel insurance when finalizing your booking to cover any cancelation fees.
The Company reserves the right to charge 3% of the total of all monies due in relation to payments made by credit card.
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Shon Travel LLC doesn't impose any cancelation fees for itself; however, we may collect %10 of the total invoice to cover our administrative costs to process the cancelations. You will also be responsible for All Cancelation fees imposed by our third parties (e.g., Airline companies, Hotels, host travel agency and other suppliers), based on their terms and conditions, which will be made known to you prior your final booking.
Flights and Hotels booked on this website are subject to the terms and conditions of the airline carriers and hotel companies.In most cases, airfares are fully non-refundable and non-transferable (therefore, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance).
Cancellations must be in writing and should be communicated by email and by phone during our working hours Monday to Friday 9AM to 5 PM US ET (we also close during USA Government Holidays). Any cancelation requests will be looked at and processed during our hours of operations.
4.0 Reporting of Incidents: Any abnormal incidents including injuries, service problems, cancellation of a service or dissatisfaction must be reported to Shon Travel LLC during the event to allow our agent an opportunity to rectify the situation or provide assistance. Also, as appropriate, you MUST report any incidents to local authorities, including the US Embassy abroad.
5.0 Travel Insurance: we strongly recommend that you purchase Travel Insurance. It is ESSENTIAL that this insurance covers you for involuntary cancellation of your vacation including airfare(s). For information on the policy sold by Shon Travel LLC, please visit our Travel Insurance page and make yourself familiar with the Combined Product Disclosure Statement, Policy Wording and Financial Services Guide prior to purchasing the policy. At the time of entering your credit card details on the booking form you are agreeing that you have read both the Travel Online& Insurance Terms & Conditions.
Shon Travel LLC aim is to operate all tours as advertised but we also understand that there could be incidents that are outside of our control, such as, airline flight delays or local emergency events. By entering into the Contract the Client accepts that it may prove necessary or advisable to vary or modify a tour itinerary or its contents due to reasons outside of Shon LLC control. The Company reserves the right at any time to cancel or change any of the facilities, services or prices described in our brochure or website (including transportation costs, fuel costs, dues, taxes, fees such as landing taxes or embarkation/disembarkation fees at ports/airports and exchange rates) and to substitute alternative arrangements of comparable monetary value or charge a supplement locally if alternative arrangements cannot be made, without compensation to the Client and accepts no liability to the Client whatsoever for costs or loss of enjoyment as a result of these changes. Where a major change is made prior to departure the Client will have the choice of either: a) accepting another tour of equivalent or superior standard; or b) a choice of specified travel arrangements of a lower standard to those previously booked together with a refund of the difference in price; or c) cancelling the vacation, subject to terms and conditions of the third parties (e,g., Airline company, Hotel company) with the understanding that Shon Travel LLC will not be responsible for any charges imposed by the airline company. 'The definition of "major change" is a change that is reasonably required but will depend on the individual tour and circumstances.
Examples of minor changes include alteration of the Client's outward/return flights by less than 12 hours, changes to aircraft/transportation type, re-routing of journeys and a change of accommodation to another commensurate to the standard as advertised within the brochure, for the specific tour as confirmed by the client.
Provided that the major change, prior to departure is because of, but not limited to, war, US State Department Travel ban, natural disasters or other similar events beyond the control of the Company.
In no event shall Shon Travel LLC, or any of our employees and agents be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, consequential, exemplary or punitivedamages arising from, or directly or indirectly related to, the use of, or inability to use, the site and the services offered hereby, or the content, materials and functions related thereto, including, without limitation, loss of revenue, even if advised of possibility of such damage.
8.0 Applicable Laws
The Site and these Terms of Use are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia without giving effect to any principles of conflict of laws. If any provision of these Terms of Use shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. Any dispute arising from your use of this Site shall be brought exclusively in the appropriate state or federal courts of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Persons who choose to access this Site from other locations do so on their own initiative, and are responsible for compliance with local laws, if and to the extent local laws are applicable. Regardless of any statute or law to the contrary, any claim or cause of action arising out of or related to use of the Site or the Terms of Use must be filed within 45 days after such claim or cause of action arose or be forever barred.
To book a tour we will first request a vacation deposit which is required to reserve space for you of a deposit of $200 that is non-refundable, non-transferable, per person. Ask Aladdin accepts PayPal, checks, money orders, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Payment of the deposit indicates you have read and accepted these Terms & Conditions. Your booking is not confirmed until the deposit is processed by AskAalddin and you receive a confirmation invoice.
Once the booking is confirmed – then the balance of all monies due, including any surcharges applicable at that time, must be paid to the Company or their agent not later than 90 days before departure. The Company will not accept responsibility for any monies sent by post. The Company reserves the right to pass on any charges relating to returned cheques and credit card charge backs. Payment can be made by debit cards and all major credit cards. The Company reserves the right to charge 3% of the total of all monies due in relation to payments made by credit card.
The Company will not be responsible for documents mislaid or lost in mail system. Once all payment is done, we will send all trip documents by email. In the case of non-payment of the balance by the due date, the Company will treat the booking as cancelled by the Client and reserves the right to charge the Client a cancellation charge in accordance with the scale set out below. Monies paid to an agent acting on behalf of the Company, for tours operated by the Company, are held by the agent on behalf of the Company.
We emphasize the importance of making a booking at the earliest opportunity, because of the small group nature of our tours.
For bookings received within 6 weeks of the start of your tour, we reserve the right to pass on any extra costs incurred.
For bookings received within 6 weeks of your tour (or at an earlier stage for certain tours), the contract between the Company and the client comes into existence as soon as full payment has been received by the Company.
Any changes to the original booking (for example, hotel, passenger names but not departure dates (see below) after the booking was fully paid and confirmed must be confirmed in writing by the person booking the trip and must be accompanied by an administration fee of $100 USD per booking in addition to any further costs that the Company may incur. Whilst every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate changes and additional requests, their availability cannot be guaranteed. A change of departure date must be requested in writing by the person signing the booking form and must be accompanied by the above administration fee, unless the request is within 45 days of departure in which case cancellation fees will be applied as detailed as below. To reiterate, these charges are in addition to any further charges made by our appointed agent/suppliers, whereby you would incur charges levied by this third party. Changes by the client as detailed above are permissible when booking a holiday at the standard price, not at a sale or promotional price. Should changes be required on a holiday booked at a sale or promotional price after the sale has ended, 100% cancelation fees apply. The client may choose to re-book at the standard price available at the time. If booking a tour at a sale or promotional price full payment must be made at the time of booking, bookings are non-transferrable and non-refundable. If eligible for our Lifetime Deposit as detailed in paragraph four, and requesting changes from the original booking or requesting a change of departure date more than 60 days prior to travel the administration fee will not be charged.
If any number of the Party is prevented from travelling it may be possible to transfer the booking to another suitable person provided that written notice is given at least 45 days prior to departure. A "suitable person" is one who has completed the booking form and Tour Suitability Form, presented travel insurance and obtained approval to travel from the Company. An administration fee of USD 100, will be charged plus any additional costs that are imposed on the Company. Airlines may impose 100% cancellation charges and the cost of a new ticket. Cancellation by the Client: The Client may cancel the booking at any time provided that the cancellation is communicated to the Company in writing. Cancellation charges will be applied as shown below calculated from the day when written notice is received by the Company. The more notice that the Company receives, the less the Company will charge the Client. However, in addition to the charges shown below air tickets also incur cancellation charges as detailed below.
If the clients wish to postpone the trip to a later date, then a written notice should be given at least 30 days prior to departure. An administration fee of USD 100, will be charged plus any additional costs that are imposed on the Company.
Any cancellation by a Client must be made in writing and be acknowledged by the Company in writing. The date on which the request to cancel is received by the Company will determine the cancellation fees applicable. The cancellation charges shown below are those which will apply to ours tours.
1- 60-31 days before tour start date – 50% of the total booking cost
2- 30-15 days before tour start date – 80% of the total booking cost
3- Less than 15 days before tour start date – 100%
Amendment charges and insurance premiums are not refundable in the event of cancellation. It is strongly recommended that comprehensive travel insurance is taken out which includes cover against cancellation charges. Depending on the reason for the cancellation, you may be able to reclaim the cancellation charges (less any applicable excess) under the terms of the insurance policy.
All claims must be made direct to the insurance company. In the event of the cancellation of a booking where the client is liable to pay to the Company cancellation charges in excess of the amount already paid to the Company at the time of cancellation, the client cannot transfer or add these charges to another booking or use any amounts paid to us in relation to the cancelled booking by way of part payment for another booking. Part cancellation of a booking may result in additional costs being payable by the remaining clients.
The Client MUST take out suitable travel insurance in order to take part in a tour organized by the Company. Clients are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance. A suitable insurance policy should provide adequate cover for medical expenses arising through illness or accident prior to or during the holiday and loss of holiday monies through cancellation and curtailment of the holiday for insurable reasons. The Company is able to assist the Client in obtaining a suitable insurance policy. Clients making their own arrangements should ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for the type of activities in their tour. Clients should satisfy themselves that any travel insurance arranged through the Company is what they require and should arrange supplementary insurance if need be.
if you need help with you travel insurance you may contact us here
The Company's aim is to operate all tours as advertised but by entering into the Contract the Client accepts that it may prove necessary or advisable to vary or modify a tour itinerary or its contents due to prevailing local conditions or any other reason. The Company reserves the right at any time to cancel or change any of the facilities, services or prices described in our brochure or website (including transportation costs, fuel costs, dues, taxes, fees such as landing taxes or embarkation/disembarkation fees at ports/airports and exchange rates) and to substitute alternative arrangements of comparable monetary value or charge a supplement locally if alternative arrangements cannot be made, without compensation to the Client and accepts no liability to the Client whatsoever for costs or loss of enjoyment as a result of these changes. Where a major change is made prior to departure the Client will have the choice of either: (i) accepting another tour of equivalent or superior standard; or (ii) a choice of specified travel arrangements of a lower standard to those previously booked together with a refund of the difference in price; or (iii) cancelling the tour and obtaining a full refund. 'The definition of "major change" is a change that is reasonably required but will depend on the individual tour and circumstances.'
Examples of minor changes include alteration of the Client's outward/return flights by less than 12 hours, changes to aircraft/transportation type, re-routing of journeys and a change of accommodation to another commensurate to the standard as advertised within the brochure, for the specific tour as confirmed by the client.
Provided that the major change, prior to departure is because of "Force Majeure" or "Low Bookings" compensation will be limited to USD 80 per person travelling. "Force Majeure" includes war, threat of war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, technical or maintenance problems with transport, closures or congestion at airports or ports, or other similar events beyond the control of the Company. "Low Bookings" is where the minimum number of passengers to run a package tour or optional tour and make it viable, as set out in the Company's documentation, is not achieved. Please note that the prices detailed in the Company's brochures or online may be subject to change, for reasons beyond the control of the Company.
The Company reserves the right to cancel a tour in any circumstances but will not cancel a tour less than 40 days before departure, except for Force Majeure, Low Bookings or the Client's failure to pay the final balance. Unless the Client fails to pay the final balance, the Company will, upon cancellation, return all monies paid excluding payment for nonrefundable domestic flight. No compensation will be paid to the Client if cancellation is because of Force Majeure or Low Bookings.
The Company reserves the right to increase the tour cost to take account of the following: government action, currency exchange rates, transportation costs (including the cost of fuel), overflying charges, airport charges, local taxes and increase in scheduled air fares. If the surcharge results in an increase of more than 10% of the tour cost excluding insurance premiums & amendment charges, the Company must notify the Client as quickly as possible in order to enable him to take appropriate decisions, and the Client may then cancel the booking within 7 days of being notified of the surcharge and obtain a full refund. If the client decides to cancel, the Company will consider an appropriate refund of insurance premiums paid if the Client can show that he is unable to transfer or re-use his policy. Should he decide to cancel for this reason, he must exercise his right to do so within 14 days from the issue date printed on his final invoice. No surcharge will be imposed within 30 days of departure.
If a client is unable to travel, in circumstances which the Company considers reasonable, the booking or that client's place on the booking may be transferred to another suitable person (introduced by you). However the tour arrangements must remain the same as originally booked. If a transfer can be made, an administration charge of £40 per person together with any costs or charges incurred by us or incurred or imposed by any supplier(s) in making the transfer must be paid before the transfer can be made. Any overdue balance payment must also be received. For flight inclusive bookings, you must pay the charges levied by the airline concerned. As most airlines do not permit name changes after tickets have been issued for any reason, these charges are likely to be the full cost of the flight / an alternative flight.
Travel Insurance is mandatory for all clients whilst on a tour organized by the Company. Clients together with their personal property including baggage are at all times solely at their own risk. Clients are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance. Clients should ensure that their travel insurance doesn't have exclusion clauses limiting or excluding protection for the type of activities included in our tour. Clients should satisfy themselves that all travel insurance purchased meets their particular requirements and should arrange supplementary insurance if need be.
Clients are responsible for arranging, and must be in possession of, a valid, acceptable passport and any visas (if required) and vaccination certificates if required for the whole of their journey and tour. Information about these matters or related items (climate, clothing, baggage, personal gear etc) is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the Company.
Clients agree to accept the authority and decisions of the Company's employees and tour leaders whilst on tour with the Company. If in the opinion of any such person(s) or any other person in a position of authority (such as, for example, an airline pilot or hotel manager), the health, level of fitness or conduct of a client at any time before or during a tour is endangering or appears likely to endanger the health or wellbeing of the client or any third party (including any other clients of the Company) or the safe, comfortable or happy progress of the tour, the client may be excluded from all or part of the tour without refund or recompense. Where a client is excluded, the Company will have no further responsibility towards them (including any return travel arrangements) and we will not meet any expenses or costs incurred as a result of the exclusion. In the case of ill health, the Company may make such arrangements as it sees fit and recover the costs thereof from the client. If a client commits an illegal act (including, for example, causing any damage) the client may be excluded from the tour and the Company shall cease to have responsibility to/for them as above. No refund will be given for any unused services. When you book with us, you accept responsibility for any damage or loss caused by you or any member of your party. Full payment for any such damage or loss (reasonably estimated if not precisely known) must be made direct to the accommodation owner or manager or other supplier or to us as soon as possible. If the actual cost of the loss or damage exceeds the amount paid where estimated, you must pay the difference once known. If the actual cost is less than the amount paid, the difference will be refunded. You will also be responsible for meeting any claims subsequently made against us and all costs incurred by us (including our own and the other party's full legal costs) as a result of your actions. You should ensure you have appropriate travel insurance to protect you if this situation arises.
If you have any medical condition or disability which may affect your active participation in your tour or the tour arrangements of any other person or have any special requirements as a result of any medical condition or disability (including any which affect the booking process), please tell us before you confirm your booking so that we can assist you in considering the suitability of the proposed tour and/or making the booking. In any event, you must give us full details at the time of booking and whenever any change in the condition or disability occurs. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your active participation in your tour or the tour arrangements of any other person develops after your booking has been confirmed.
Please note that if you choose for any reason not to participate in any part of the tour itinerary once on the tour, there will be NO refund for these services, as they are prepaid based on the number participating. If you miss part of the tour due to medical reasons your Insurance should cover this portion if pre-purchased.
The Company reserves the right to cancel a tour in any circumstances but will not cancel a tour less than 8 weeks before the start of the tour except for force majeure or any political disturbances, or the client's failure to make all payments (including the final balance and any surcharge) when due. Please note our tours require a minimum number of participants to enable us to operate them.
If any tour does not have the minimum number of participants required to make it commercially viable, we are entitled to cancel it. We will notify you of cancellation for this reason not less than 8 weeks before the start of your tour.
If we have to cancel, we will tell you as soon as possible. If there is time to do so before departure and the cancellation does not result from your failure to pay, we will offer you the choice of purchasing an alternative tour offered as a result of consolidation or another available tour from the Company (in either case, paying or receiving a refund in respect of any difference in price) or receiving a full refund of all monies paid to us. We regret we cannot meet any visa, vaccination or similar costs in the event of any change or cancellation by us. Similarly, as you are advised only to book fully flexible transport and other arrangements which can be cancelled or changed without charge, we cannot pay any cancellation, amendment or other charges you may incur in relation to any transport or other arrangements which you have to change or cancel as a result of the cancellation of your tour.
We and our tour guides /representatives may provide you with information (before departure and/or when you are on holiday) about optional activities and tours which do not form part of your pre-booked holiday arrangements and which are available in the area you are visiting.
We have no involvement in any such activities or excursions which are not run, supervised or controlled in any way by us. They are provided by local operators or other providers who are entirely independent of us and they may or may not have their own public liability insurance. They do not form any part of your contract with us even where we suggest particular operators / providers and / or assist you in booking such activities or excursions in any way. Where a tour leader collects payment for or otherwise assists in booking any such activity or excursion for you, we and the tour leader act solely as booking agent for the local operator / provider of the activity or excursion with whom you will have a contract. The local operator / provider's terms and conditions will apply. We cannot accept any liability on any basis in relation to such activities or excursions and the acceptance of liability contained in clause of our booking conditions will not apply to them. We do not, however, exclude liability for the negligence of ourselves or our employees resulting in your death or personal injury.
We do not guarantee that any optional activity or excursion mentioned in our brochure, on our website or elsewhere will be available to book during your holiday and / or will operate as advertised as these services do not form part of our contract and are not under our control. They may not be available for various reasons. Any prices given in advance are indicative only. We will not be liable if you cannot, for whatever reason, book any such activity or excursion or if the activity or excursion does not operate as advertised.
The information contained in our brochures, on our website and in our other advertising material is believed correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of printing or publication. However, errors may occasionally occur and information may subsequently change. You must therefore ensure you check all details of your chosen tour (including the price) with us at the time of booking.
Please note that a flight described as "direct" will not necessarily be non-stop. All departure/arrival times are provided by the airline concerned and are estimates only. They may change due to air traffic control restrictions, weather conditions, operational/maintenance requirements and the requirement for passengers to check in on time. The Company is not liable if there is any change to a departure/arrival time previously given to the Client or shown on the Client's ticket. The Company is not responsible for any losses suffered if the Client is delayed and misses any flights – these matters are in the sole discretion of the airline concerned.
We act as an agent for the owners and contractors providing transportation, hotel or other services We make every effort to ensure that all travel arrangements and services, connected with the tour, will be carried out as specified. However, in some instances we do not have direct control over the provision of services by suppliers and we do not accept liability for errors and omissions of such suppliers .
If a client has a complaint about any of his/her tour arrangements, the client must inform the Company at the time. It is only if the Company know about problems that there will be the opportunity to put things right. Failure to complain on the spot may result in the client's ability to claim compensation, if applicable, from the Company being extinguished or at least reduced. If the client's complaint cannot be resolved on tour they should notify the Company in writing within 28 days of their return from tour. Please contact the head office firstname.lastname@example.com or check our contact details in our website.
In order to process your booking, the Company needs to collect certain personal details from you. These details will usually include the names and addresses of party members, or other payment details and special requirements such as those relating to any disability or medical condition that may affect the holiday arrangements. We take full responsibility for ensuring that proper security measures are in place to protect your information.
We must pass some information on to the relevant suppliers of your travel arrangements (airlines, hotels, transport companies etc.). The information may also be provided to security or credit checking companies, public authorities such as customs/immigration if required by them, or as required by law.
Except where expressly permitted by the Data Protection Act 1998, the Company will only deal with the personal details you give to the Company as set out above unless you agree otherwise. We may make contact with you or members of your holiday party by post, e-mail, or telephone for the purposes set out. We will also use your information to inform you of offers in the future or to send you brochures. If you do not wish to receive such approaches in the future then please let us know as soon as possible by telephone, letter or e-mail us at email@example.com If we do contact you by e-mail about our new brochures or special offers, you will also be able to unsubscribe yourself from our database at this time.
Hotel images featured in our brochures and website are used for illustration purposes only. Your specific hotel (where hotel accommodation is included as part of your chosen tour) may differ from the representation provided. Clients agree that any images taken of their likeness whilst a participant on tours provided by the Company or through the supply of image(s) by fellow clients can be used in any form of media for the Company.
Some images on this website are not a property of Ask-Aladdin but for the copyright owners. We respect the intellectual property rights of the owners and if you believe that infringement of your copyrights has occurred by our use of the images and would like to have them altered or removed then please do not hesitate to contact us. We will take whatever action necessary for the removal or alteration of the challenged images on our website.
Emergency Contact Numbers


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Positron-emission tomography (PET)[1] is a nuclear medicine functional imaging technique that is used to observe metabolic processes in the body as an aid to the diagnosis of disease. The system detects pairs of gamma rays emitted indirectly by a positron-emitting radionuclide (tracer), which is introduced into the body on a biologically active molecule. Three-dimensional images of tracer concentration within the body are then constructed by computer analysis. In modern PET-CT scanners, three-dimensional imaging is often accomplished with the aid of a CT X-ray scan performed on the patient during the same session, in the same machine.
If the biologically active molecule chosen for PET is fludeoxyglucose (FDG), an analogue of glucose, the concentrations of tracer imaged will indicate tissue metabolic activity as it corresponds to the regional glucose uptake. Use of this tracer to explore the possibility of cancer metastasis (i.e., spreading to other sites) is the most common type of PET scan in standard medical care (90% of current scans). Less often, other radioactive tracers are used to image the tissue concentration of other types of molecules of interest. One of the disadvantages of PET scanners is their operating cost.[2]
PET is both a medical and research tool. It is used heavily in clinical oncology (medical imaging of tumours and the search for metastases), and for clinical diagnosis of certain diffuse brain diseases such as those causing various types of dementias. PET is also an important research tool to map normal human brain and heart function, and support drug development.
PET is also used in pre-clinical studies using animals, where it allows repeated investigations into the same subjects. This is particularly valuable in cancer research, as it results in an increase in the statistical quality of the data (subjects can act as their own control) and substantially reduces the numbers of animals required for a given study.
Alternative methods of scanning include x-ray computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), ultrasound and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).
While some imaging scans such as CT and MRI isolate organic anatomic changes in the body, PET and SPECT are capable of detecting areas of molecular biology detail (even prior to anatomic change). PET scanning does this using radiolabelled molecular probes that have different rates of uptake depending on the type and function of tissue involved. Changing of regional blood flow in various anatomic structures (as a measure of the injected positron emitter) can be visualized and relatively quantified with a PET scan.
PET imaging is best performed using a dedicated PET scanner. It is also possible to acquire PET images using a conventional dual-head gamma camera fitted with a coincidence detector. Although the quality of gamma-camera PET is considerably lower and acquisition is slower, this method allows institutions with low demand for PET to provide on-site imaging, instead of referring patients to another centre or relying on a visit by a mobile scanner.
PET scanning with the tracer fluorine-18 (F-18) fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), called FDG-PET, is widely used in clinical oncology. This tracer is a glucose analog that is taken up by glucose-using cells and phosphorylated by hexokinase (whose mitochondrial form is greatly elevated in rapidly growing malignant tumors). A typical dose of FDG used in an oncological scan has an effective radiation dose of 14 mSv.[3] Because the oxygen atom that is replaced by F-18 to generate FDG is required for the next step in glucose metabolism in all cells, no further reactions occur in FDG. Furthermore, most tissues (with the notable exception of liver and kidneys) cannot remove the phosphate added by hexokinase. This means that FDG is trapped in any cell that takes it up until it decays, since phosphorylated sugars, due to their ionic charge, cannot exit from the cell. This results in intense radiolabeling of tissues with high glucose uptake, such as the brain, the liver, and most cancers. As a result, FDG-PET can be used for diagnosis, staging, and monitoring treatment of cancers, particularly in Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and lung cancer.[citation needed]
A few other isotopes and radiotracers are slowly being introduced into oncology for specific purposes. For example, 11C-labelled metomidate (11C-metomidate), has been used to detect tumors of adrenocortical origin.[4][5] Also, FDOPA PET-CT, in centers which offer it, has proven to be a more sensitive alternative to finding, and also localizing, pheochromocytoma than the MIBG scan.[6][7][8]
Cardiology, atherosclerosis and vascular disease study: In clinical cardiology, FDG-PET can identify so-called "hibernating myocardium", but its cost-effectiveness in this role versus SPECT is unclear. FDG-PET imaging of atherosclerosis to detect patients at risk of stroke is also feasible and can help test the efficacy of novel anti-atherosclerosis therapies.[17]
Imaging infections with molecular imaging technologies can improve diagnosis and treatment follow-up. PET has been widely used to image bacterial infections clinically by using fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) to identify the infection-associated inflammatory response.
Three different PET contrast agents have been developed to image bacterial infections in vivo: [18F]maltose,[18] [18F]maltohexaose and [18F]2-fluorodeoxysorbitol (FDS).[19] FDS has also the added benefit of being able to target only Enterobacteriaceae.
Pharmacokinetics: In pre-clinical trials, it is possible to radiolabel a new drug and inject it into animals. Such scans are referred to as biodistribution studies. The uptake of the drug, the tissues in which it concentrates, and its eventual elimination, can be monitored far more quickly and cost effectively than the older technique of killing and dissecting the animals to discover the same information. Much more commonly, drug occupancy at a purported site of action can be inferred indirectly by competition studies between unlabeled drug and radiolabeled compounds known apriori to bind with specificity to the site. A single radioligand can be used this way to test many potential drug candidates for the same target. A related technique involves scanning with radioligands that compete with an endogenous (naturally occurring) substance at a given receptor to demonstrate that a drug causes the release of the natural substance.[citation needed]
PET technology for small animal imaging: A miniature PE tomograph has been constructed that is small enough for a fully conscious and mobile rat to wear on its head while walking around.[20] This RatCAP (Rat Conscious Animal PET) allows animals to be scanned without the confounding effects of anesthesia. PET scanners designed specifically for imaging rodents, often referred to as microPET, as well as scanners for small primates, are marketed for academic and pharmaceutical research. The scanners are apparently based on microminiature scintillators and amplified avalanche photodiodes (APDs) through a new system recently invented uses single chip silicon photomultipliers.
Musculoskeletal imaging: PET has been shown to be a feasible technique for studying skeletal muscles during exercises like walking.[21] One of the main advantages of using PET is that it can also provide muscle activation data about deeper lying muscles such as the vastus intermedialis and the gluteus minimus, as compared to other muscle studying techniques like electromyography, which can be used only on superficial muscles (i.e., directly under the skin). A clear disadvantage is that PET provides no timing information about muscle activation because it has to be measured after the exercise is completed. This is due to the time it takes for FDG to accumulate in the activated muscles.
PET scanning is non-invasive, but it does involve exposure to ionizing radiation.[2]
18F-FDG, which is now the standard radiotracer used for PET neuroimaging and cancer patient management,[22] has an effective radiation dose of 14 mSv.[3]
The amount of radiation in 18F-FDG is similar to the effective dose of spending one year in the American city of Denver, Colorado (12.4 mSv/year).[23] For comparison, radiation dosage for other medical procedures range from 0.02 mSv for a chest x-ray and 6.5–8 mSv for a CT scan of the chest.[24][25] Average civil aircrews are exposed to 3 mSv/year,[26] and the whole body occupational dose limit for nuclear energy workers in the USA is 50mSv/year.[27] For scale, see Orders of magnitude (radiation).
For PET-CT scanning, the radiation exposure may be substantial—around 23–26 mSv (for a 70 kg person—dose is likely to be higher for higher body weights).[28]
Radionuclides used in PET scanning are typically isotopes with short half-lives [2] such as carbon-11 (~20 min), nitrogen-13 (~10 min), oxygen-15 (~2 min), fluorine-18 (~110 min), gallium-68 (~67 min), zirconium-89 (~78.41 hours), or rubidium-82(~1.27 min). These radionuclides are incorporated either into compounds normally used by the body such as glucose (or glucose analogues), water, or ammonia, or into molecules that bind to receptors or other sites of drug action. Such labelled compounds are known as radiotracers. PET technology can be used to trace the biologic pathway of any compound in living humans (and many other species as well), provided it can be radiolabeled with a PET isotope. Thus, the specific processes that can be probed with PET are virtually limitless, and radiotracers for new target molecules and processes are continuing to be synthesized; as of this writing there are already dozens in clinical use and hundreds applied in research. At present,[when?] by far the most commonly used radiotracer in clinical PET scanning is fluorodeoxyglucose (also called FDG or fludeoxyglucose), an analogue of glucose that is labeled with fluorine-18. This radiotracer is used in essentially all scans for oncology and most scans in neurology, and thus makes up the large majority of all of the radiotracer (> 95%) used in PET and PET-CT scanning.
Due to the short half-lives of most positron-emitting radioisotopes, the radiotracers have traditionally been produced using a cyclotron in close proximity to the PET imaging facility. The half-life of fluorine-18 is long enough that radiotracers labeled with fluorine-18 can be manufactured commercially at offsite locations and shipped to imaging centers. Recently rubidium-82 generators have become commercially available.[29] These contain strontium-82, which decays by electron capture to produce positron-emitting rubidium-82.
To conduct the scan, a short-lived radioactive tracer isotope is injected into the living subject (usually into blood circulation). Each tracer atom has been chemically incorporated into a biologically active molecule. There is a waiting period while the active molecule becomes concentrated in tissues of interest; then the subject is placed in the imaging scanner. The molecule most commonly used for this purpose is F-18 labeled fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), a sugar, for which the waiting period is typically an hour. During the scan, a record of tissue concentration is made as the tracer decays.
As the radioisotope undergoes positron emission decay (also known as positive beta decay), it emits a positron, an antiparticle of the electron with opposite charge. The emitted positron travels in tissue for a short distance (typically less than 1 mm, but dependent on the isotope[30]), during which time it loses kinetic energy, until it decelerates to a point where it can interact with an electron.[31] The encounter annihilates both electron and positron, producing a pair of annihilation (gamma) photons moving in approximately opposite directions. These are detected when they reach a scintillator in the scanning device, creating a burst of light which is detected by photomultiplier tubes or silicon avalanche photodiodes (Si APD). The technique depends on simultaneous or coincident detection of the pair of photons moving in approximately opposite directions (they would be exactly opposite in their center of mass frame, but the scanner has no way to know this, and so has a built-in slight direction-error tolerance). Photons that do not arrive in temporal "pairs" (i.e. within a timing-window of a few nanoseconds) are ignored.
The most significant fraction of electron–positron annihilations results in two 511 keV gamma photons being emitted at almost 180 degrees to each other; hence, it is possible to localize their source along a straight line of coincidence (also called the line of response, or LOR). In practice, the LOR has a non-zero width as the emitted photons are not exactly 180 degrees apart. If the resolving time of the detectors is less than 500 picoseconds rather than about 10 nanoseconds, it is possible to localize the event to a segment of a chord, whose length is determined by the detector timing resolution. As the timing resolution improves, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the image will improve, requiring fewer events to achieve the same image quality. This technology is not yet common, but it is available on some new systems.[32]
The raw data collected by a PET scanner are a list of 'coincidence events' representing near-simultaneous detection (typically, within a window of 6 to 12 nanoseconds of each other) of annihilation photons by a pair of detectors. Each coincidence event represents a line in space connecting the two detectors along which the positron emission occurred (i.e., the line of response (LOR)).
Analytical techniques, much like the reconstruction of computed tomography (CT) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) data, are commonly used, although the data set collected in PET is much poorer than CT, so reconstruction techniques are more difficult. Coincidence events can be grouped into projection images, called sinograms. The sinograms are sorted by the angle of each view and tilt (for 3D images). The sinogram images are analogous to the projections captured by computed tomography (CT) scanners, and can be reconstructed in a similar way. The statistics of data thereby obtained are much worse than those obtained through transmission tomography. A normal PET data set has millions of counts for the whole acquisition, while the CT can reach a few billion counts. This contributes to PET images appearing "noisier" than CT. Two major sources of noise in PET are scatter (a detected pair of photons, at least one of which was deflected from its original path by interaction with matter in the field of view, leading to the pair being assigned to an incorrect LOR) and random events (photons originating from two different annihilation events but incorrectly recorded as a coincidence pair because their arrival at their respective detectors occurred within a coincidence timing window).
In practice, considerable pre-processing of the data is required—correction for random coincidences, estimation and subtraction of scattered photons, detector dead-time correction (after the detection of a photon, the detector must "cool down" again) and detector-sensitivity correction (for both inherent detector sensitivity and changes in sensitivity due to angle of incidence).
Filtered back projection (FBP) has been frequently used to reconstruct images from the projections. This algorithm has the advantage of being simple while having a low requirement for computing resources. Disadvantages are that shot noise in the raw data is prominent in the reconstructed images, and areas of high tracer uptake tend to form streaks across the image. Also, FBP treats the data deterministically—it does not account for the inherent randomness associated with PET data, thus requiring all the pre-reconstruction corrections described above.
Statistical, likelihood-based approaches: Statistical, likelihood-based [33] [34] iterative expectation-maximization algorithms such as the Shepp-Vardi algorithm[35] are now the preferred method of reconstruction. These algorithms compute an estimate of the likely distribution of annihilation events that led to the measured data, based on statistical principles. The advantage is a better noise profile and resistance to the streak artifacts common with FBP, but the disadvantage is higher computer resource requirements. A further advantage of statistical image reconstruction techniques is that the physical effects that would need to be pre-corrected for when using an analytical reconstruction algorithm, such as scattered photons, random coincidences, attenuation and detector dead-time, can be incorporated into the likelihood model being used in the reconstruction, allowing for additional noise reduction. Iterative reconstruction has also been shown to result in improvements in the resolution of the reconstructed images, since more sophisticated models of the scanner Physics can be incorporated into the likelihood model than those used by analytical reconstruction methods, allowing for improved quantification of the radioactivity distribution.[36]
Research has shown that Bayesian methods that involve a Poisson likelihood function and an appropriate prior probability (e.g., a smoothing prior leading to total variation regularization or a Laplacian distribution leading to -based regularization in a wavelet or other domain), such as via Ulf Grenander's Sieve estimator[37] [38] or via Bayes penalty methods [39] [40] or via I.J. Good's roughness method [41] ,[42] may yield superior performance to expectation-maximization-based methods which involve a Poisson likelihood function but do not involve such a prior.[43][44][45]
Attenuation correction: Quantitative PET Imaging requires attenuation correction.[46] In these systems attenuation correction is based on a transmission scan using 68Ge rotating rod source.[47]
transmission scans directly measure attenuation values at 511keV.[48] Attenuation occurs when photons emitted by the radiotracer inside the body are absorbed by intervening tissue between the detector and the emission of the photon. As different LORs must traverse different thicknesses of tissue, the photons are attenuated differentially. The result is that structures deep in the body are reconstructed as having falsely low tracer uptake. Contemporary scanners can estimate attenuation using integrated x-ray CT equipment, in place of earlier equipment that offered a crude form of CT using a gamma ray (positron emitting) source and the PET detectors.
While attenuation-corrected images are generally more faithful representations, the correction process is itself susceptible to significant artifacts. As a result, both corrected and uncorrected images are always reconstructed and read together.
2D/3D reconstruction: Early PET scanners had only a single ring of detectors, hence the acquisition of data and subsequent reconstruction was restricted to a single transverse plane. More modern scanners now include multiple rings, essentially forming a cylinder of detectors.
There are two approaches to reconstructing data from such a scanner: 1) treat each ring as a separate entity, so that only coincidences within a ring are detected, the image from each ring can then be reconstructed individually (2D reconstruction), or 2) allow coincidences to be detected between rings as well as within rings, then reconstruct the entire volume together (3D).
3D techniques have better sensitivity (because more coincidences are detected and used) and therefore less noise, but are more sensitive to the effects of scatter and random coincidences, as well as requiring correspondingly greater computer resources. The advent of sub-nanosecond timing resolution detectors affords better random coincidence rejection, thus favoring 3D image reconstruction.
Time-of-flight (TOF) PET: For modern systems with a higher time resolution (roughly 3 nanoseconds) a technique called "Time-of-flight" is used to improve the overall performance. Time-of-flight PET makes use of very fast gamma-ray detectors and data processing system which can more precisely decide the difference in time between the detection of the two photons. Although it is technically impossible to localize the point of origin of the annihilation event exactly (currently within 10 cm) thus image reconstruction is still needed, TOF technique gives a remarkable improvement in image quality, especially signal-to-noise ratio.
PET scans are increasingly read alongside CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, with the combination (called "co-registration") giving both anatomic and metabolic information (i.e., what the structure is, and what it is doing biochemically). Because PET imaging is most useful in combination with anatomical imaging, such as CT, modern PET scanners are now available with integrated high-end multi-detector-row CT scanners (so-called "PET-CT"). Because the two scans can be performed in immediate sequence during the same session, with the patient not changing position between the two types of scans, the two sets of images are more precisely registered, so that areas of abnormality on the PET imaging can be more perfectly correlated with anatomy on the CT images. This is very useful in showing detailed views of moving organs or structures with higher anatomical variation, which is more common outside the brain.
At the Jülich Institute of Neurosciences and Biophysics, the world's largest PET-MRI device began operation in April 2009: a 9.4-tesla magnetic resonance tomograph (MRT) combined with a positron emission tomograph (PET). Presently, only the head and brain can be imaged at these high magnetic field strengths.[49]
For brain imaging, registration of CT, MRI and PET scans may be accomplished without the need for an integrated PET-CT or PET-MRI scanner by using a device known as the N-localizer.[16][50][51][52]
The minimization of radiation dose to the subject is an attractive feature of the use of short-lived radionuclides. Besides its established role as a diagnostic technique, PET has an expanding role as a method to assess the response to therapy, in particular, cancer therapy,[53] where the risk to the patient from lack of knowledge about disease progress is much greater than the risk from the test radiation.
Limitations to the widespread use of PET arise from the high costs of cyclotrons needed to produce the short-lived radionuclides for PET scanning and the need for specially adapted on-site chemical synthesis apparatus to produce the radiopharmaceuticals after radioisotope preparation. Organic radiotracer molecules that will contain a positron-emitting radioisotope cannot be synthesized first and then the radioisotope prepared within them, because bombardment with a cyclotron to prepare the radioisotope destroys any organic carrier for it. Instead, the isotope must be prepared first, then afterward, the chemistry to prepare any organic radiotracer (such as FDG) accomplished very quickly, in the short time before the isotope decays. Few hospitals and universities are capable of maintaining such systems, and most clinical PET is supported by third-party suppliers of radiotracers that can supply many sites simultaneously. This limitation restricts clinical PET primarily to the use of tracers labelled with fluorine-18, which has a half-life of 110 minutes and can be transported a reasonable distance before use, or to rubidium-82 (used as rubidium-82 chloride) with a half-life of 1.27 minutes, which is created in a portable generator and is used for myocardial perfusion studies. Nevertheless, in recent years a few on-site cyclotrons with integrated shielding and "hot labs" (automated chemistry labs that are able to work with radioisotopes) have begun to accompany PET units to remote hospitals. The presence of the small on-site cyclotron promises to expand in the future as the cyclotrons shrink in response to the high cost of isotope transportation to remote PET machines.[54] In recent years the shortage of PET scans has been alleviated in the US, as rollout of radiopharmacies to supply radioisotopes has grown 30%/year.[55]
Because the half-life of fluorine-18 is about two hours, the prepared dose of a radiopharmaceutical bearing this radionuclide will undergo multiple half-lives of decay during the working day. This necessitates frequent recalibration of the remaining dose (determination of activity per unit volume) and careful planning with respect to patient scheduling.
The concept of emission and transmission tomography was introduced by David E. Kuhl, Luke Chapman and Roy Edwards in the late 1950s. Their work later led to the design and construction of several tomographic instruments at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1975 tomographic imaging techniques were further developed by Michel Ter-Pogossian, Michael E. Phelps, Edward J. Hoffman and others at Washington University School of Medicine.[56][57]
Work by Gordon Brownell, Charles Burnham and their associates at the Massachusetts General Hospital beginning in the 1950s contributed significantly to the development of PET technology and included the first demonstration of annihilation radiation for medical imaging.[58] Their innovations, including the use of light pipes and volumetric analysis, have been important in the deployment of PET imaging. In 1961, James Robertson and his associates at Brookhaven National Laboratory built the first single-plane PET scan, nicknamed the "head-shrinker."[59]
One of the factors most responsible for the acceptance of positron imaging was the development of radiopharmaceuticals. In particular, the development of labeled 2-fluorodeoxy-D-glucose (2FDG) by the Brookhaven group under the direction of Al Wolf and Joanna Fowler was a major factor in expanding the scope of PET imaging.[60] The compound was first administered to two normal human volunteers by Abass Alavi in August 1976 at the University of Pennsylvania. Brain images obtained with an ordinary (non-PET) nuclear scanner demonstrated the concentration of FDG in that organ. Later, the substance was used in dedicated positron tomographic scanners, to yield the modern procedure.
The logical extension of positron instrumentation was a design using two 2-dimensional arrays. PC-I was the first instrument using this concept and was designed in 1968, completed in 1969 and reported in 1972. The first applications of PC-I in tomographic mode as distinguished from the computed tomographic mode were reported in 1970.[61] It soon became clear to many of those involved in PET development that a circular or cylindrical array of detectors was the logical next step in PET instrumentation. Although many investigators took this approach, James Robertson[62] and Zang-Hee Cho[63] were the first to propose a ring system that has become the prototype of the current shape of PET.
The PET-CT scanner, attributed to Dr. David Townsend and Dr. Ronald Nutt, was named by TIME Magazine as the medical invention of the year in 2000.[64]
This section needs to be updated.(February 2018)
As of August 2008, Cancer Care Ontario reports that the current average incremental cost to perform a PET scan in the province is Can$1,000–1,200 per scan. This includes the cost of the radiopharmaceutical and a stipend for the physician reading the scan.[65]
In England, the NHS reference cost (2015-2016) for an adult outpatient PET scan is £798, and £242 for direct access services.[66]
The overall performance of PET systems can be evaluated by quality control tools such as the Jaszczak phantom.[67]
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PARISHONERS from a Rugby church put their best foot forward to raise thousands of pounds to build a school for street children in Mozambique.
Ten runners from St Matthew's Church in Lawford Road, Rugby, took part in two half-marathons in Kenilworth and Leicester - raising £3,000 for the school in Beira, Mozambique.
The money raised will be added to a pot of about £60,000 to pay to finish building a new school for the underprivileged youngsters.
Dez Tanser, aged 34, who finished the Kenilworth half-marathon in under two hours, said: "It was a really enjoyable event, brilliantly organised and we were all delighted to take part and happy that we have raised the money for such a good cause."
Phil Helmsley, aged 46, of Dunsmore Avenue, Rugby, completed the Leicester half-marathon in just under two hours.
The married father of two visited Beira with members of St Matthew's in January 2004 where a centre for 45 street children had been set up in two small rooms of a derelict building.
He said: "The rubbish had been cleared out but it was still a very, very run-down building, so we talked about their vision for the future for a bigger centre, bought them a plot of land and now we have got to pay for it."
The Casa Re'om project has already seen builders put up a four-room dormitory, a kitchen and temporary toilets.
They have also connected the school to the electricity supply and plan to install running water in the next few weeks.
When it is completed, the school will be a new home for 50 of some of the poorest children in the world. It will also offer schooling for 100 pupils.
Mr Helmsley said: "The pastor at the school said that before it was built the children would have been sleeping on the streets, scouring rubbish tips for food.
"There are still street kids around there that sleep interlinked in doorways, so that if one gets grabbed they all wake up.
"It offers them some form of protection. But it is very different from living here.
"We are about halfway to our fundraising target and, hopefully, we can raise enough money to help them.
"It would be great if anyone could give donations."
A team of six, including Martin Saxby, the vicar at St Matthew's, has just left Rugby to spend up to a month working on the project.


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One tree. Every day. For one year. This is an homage. This is a celebration. This is a hope
for raising awareness, and reverence. Symbiotic: to our very roots, and our branches ~
Saturday, March 19, 2011
day 68 ~ dreaming
10 comments:
Thanks for such soothing words. I had a video chat with my son and both my husband and I have some peace of mind.ReplyDelete
Sometimes I wonder if I am dreaming specially when I acheive good results. Also when I lost my cousins to an auto accident, man--- did I wish that, that was only a nightmere.
The roots and trunk of the tree remind me of a dragon. <3ReplyDelete
Munir, so glad to hear that you have found some peace of mind. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.ReplyDelete
It's a very realistic dream, perhaps. I'm sorry about your cousins. I know exactly what you mean, that having to remember grief each morning upon waking.
I didn't see the dragon until you pointed it out, Heather. Very nice. :)ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 20, 2011 at 12:16 PM
It's very pretty. It looks like a kimono pattern.ReplyDelete
Another treat from Krohn Conservatory gone digital. They have a beautiful Bonsai Room there.ReplyDelete
Oh, I love Krohn's!ReplyDelete
Aunt Jo!ReplyDelete
Me too :)
- AnonymousMarch 26, 2011 at 11:35 AM
Fabulous weaving to create this visual. I love Bonsai trees; there is a gorgeous large version in Victoria's Chinatown that blew me away. I have the photo in Flickr somewhere and this reminds me to seek it out.ReplyDelete
Looking forward to seeing it, Rick!ReplyDelete


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Pretty much everyone in America has something in their home that wasn't made here. Often, we go for products that were made elsewhere because they are cheaper, but they don't always hold up to the standards we have in America. Because of this, we end up having to replace the items more often and spend more money in the long run. The same is true for manufacturing parts, which is why I.B. Moore is here to tell you about the benefits of using American-made parts.
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Copa Condominiums, Calgary, AB
This 18-unit condominium project is located in Calgary, Alberta. It has a total finished area of 30,000 square feet with an underground concrete parkade. Construction was completed using a pre-fabricated wall panel system assembled in a controlled environment and then erected by cranes directly from flat deck trucks.


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5 Fun Facts About Your Teeth
Did you know that George Washington lost most of his adult teeth before he turned 21 years old? He had to wear dentures made out of bone, brass, gold, and even used different animal's teeth as his own. While George was not a shining example of good oral hygiene, you still can be by brushing and flossing twice a day. Click below to learn a few more fun facts about your teeth.
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