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30 March 2015 (VOL 11 WEEK 14)
Subtitled film in Tralee Omniplex.
The next subtitled film, Suite Française, is to be screened in the Tralee Omniplex on Wednesday 1st April at 8.40 pm.
During the early years of the German occupation of France, romance blooms between Lucile Angellier, a French villager and Bruno von Falk, a German soldier. It stars: Kristin Scott Thomas, Margot Robbie, Michelle Williams and Ruth Wilson.
Equality and human rights for Deaf people.
On Saturday 18th April the Irish Deaf Society (IDS) will host a workshop from 10am-4pm in the Thomas Mahon Building, Deaf Village Ireland, Ratoath Road, Cabra, Dublin 7.
The workshop will be on "Equality and Human Rights for Deaf people". It will cover the following topics: Irish and International Law; supports, provisions and protections; and areas for future progress. All are welcome! Contact deaforward@irishdeafsociety.ie to register.
Deafhood workshops - Dublin.
What is it like to be Deaf in today's society? Why are Deaf peoples' experiences important in understanding their struggles/presence in society? What does being Deaf mean to you and what is Deaf Culture? Can you explain this to people who ask? These are but a few of the questions that will be covered by the Deafhood all day workshops in May 2015. John Bosco Conama will be joined by Alvean Jones to facilitate the workshops.
Choose from the following dates: 9th/10th May and 23rd/24th May.
Admission: €120 non-refundable for both weekends (lunch included)
Deadline: To pay €120 before Wednesday 28th April at 5 pm.
To Book email: deafhoodireland@gmail.com
Payable to: Write, ISL Academy, on the cheque or postal order, or by laser/visa.
Post to: Fiona Noone, Deafhood, ISL Academy, Irish Deaf Society, Deaf Village Ireland, Ratoath Road, Cabra, Dublin 7.
Deaf Sports Ireland (DSI) - membership.
There is good news if you want to join or renew your membership to Deaf Sports Ireland! The annual DSI membership fee has been reduced to just €10. It is their way of becoming a more inclusive organisation and attracting more players to the Inter-Pro. If you have not yet signed up to be a member or renewed your membership in 2015, go to their website www.deafsportsireland.com/get-involved/membership/.
If you have already paid €20 for this year, contact DSI at administrator@deafsportsireland.com to get €10 back, or just tell them that you would like to apply the €10 towards next year's membership. All paid-up members will receive a copy of the beautiful 40th IDSA/DSI Anniversary Book.
Catherine White keynote speaker at Codaland conference.
CODA (Children of Deaf Adults) International have announced that Catherine White originally from Co. Kerry will be this year's Keynote presenter at the upcoming CODALAND conference in July in the UK.
Catherine's keynote is entitled "This is One Quintessential Journey. What is Yours?" If you are a CODA and would like to attend, more information on registration is available www.codaland.co.uk/register.html.
Limerick Council - support Irish Sign Language campaign.
Limerick City Council has become the 40th local authority that has passed a motion calling on the government to recognise ISL. The motion was proposed by Cllr. Maria Byrne (FG) and was assisted by Lorraine Creed, Board Director, Irish Deaf Society. Well done to them for bringing this motion to the Council and highlighting this campaign!
Centre closing for Easter break.
We would like to advise everyone that the Centre will close at 5 pm on Holy Thursday 2nd April and will re-open at 10 am on Tuesday 7th April. On behalf of our staff and Board of Directors, we would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone who celebrates Easter, a very Happy Easter.
Subtitled films every Wednesday in Tralee omniplex.
Just to remind everyone that Tralee Omniplex will now show a subtitled movie every Wednesday evening. This is great news for the Deaf and hard of hearing community in Co. Kerry.
The next subtitled film, Run All Night, will be screening in Tralee Omniplex on Wednesday 25th March at 8.30 pm. It is about an aging hitman who is forced to take on his brutal former boss to protect his estranged son and his family. It stars Joel Kinnaman, Liam Neeson and Genesis Rodriguez.
To get more information about the film and if there is a change to the screening time go to: www.omniplex.ie/cinemas/cinema/1021.
Tesco community fund donation.
We would like to thank Tesco in Manor West, Tralee for donating €269.77 from their Community Fund to our service. Their Community Fund donates money to local community groups who have been nominated to take part. We are very grateful for the donation. This will go towards the ongoing overhead costs in the Centre.
St. Patricks day plunge - for Ethiopia Deaf project.
The Ethiopia Deaf Project would like to thank everyone who took the plunge or came to support the St. Patricks Day Plunge at the 40ft in Sandymount, Dublin.
They would like to thank in particular Ken Heffernan who took the photos of the event. They would also like to thank Ray Watson who posted a video capturing the atmosphere on the day. You can see Rays video and Kens photos at: www.facebook.com/ethiopiadeafprojectambo?fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser.
Funderland Cork 2015.
Funderland is back again this year in Cork. It will host a morning that is open to deaf, hard of hearing (hoh) and hearing kids of Deaf adults (KODA) on Friday 27th March from 11am - 1pm at the old Ford Vehicle Handling Centre, Centre Park Road, Cork (beside the Showgrounds). Places are limited. If you are interested in going, let us know, as we will need to pass your name on to the organisers in advance.
Sign language interpreter access at Cork Gaol.
Cork Deaf Club (CDC) have arranged for an Interpreter to join them on Saturday 28th March 2015 on a visit to the historic Cork Gaol. Admission is €7 and paid to CDC. They will meet outside the gaol at 11.30 am.
This will be a fascinating tour if you are interested in Irish history? Have you ever wanted to see where prisoners were housed in 19th century Ireland? Visitors to the gaol get a fascinating insight into day-to-day prison life at a time when the high walls ensured no escaped. Law abiding citizens were also denied the opportunity to see one of the finest examples of Irelands architectural heritage.
The cells are furnished with amazingly life like wax figures; original graffiti on cell walls tell the innermost feelings of some inmates. An audio-visual tells the social history and contrasting lifestyles of the 19th century Cork. It also shows why some people turned to crime, while others ended up in Australia. For more information about the gaol and its location go to: www.corkcitygaol.com.
Deaf women leadership workshop in Galway.
The Irish Deaf Womens Group (IDWG) is holding a Deaf Women Leadership Workshop in the Galway Deaf Centre on Saturday 18th April from 10am - 4pm. There will be presentations by Sinead Smith and Gaye Regan and admission is free. Places are limited to 12. If you are interested in going please contact smoore@deafwomen.ie or text 086 1719570 with your full name.
Cyber bullying lecture.
Are you interested in the effects on society of cyber bullying? Do you want to find out how to try and prevent it from happening to your children and young adults? What action can be taken to help those affected?
The Deaf Ladies Cuppa are hosting an event with John Willis who will be giving a lecture about cyber bullying on Wednesday 13th May 2015 from 10am - 1pm in Cabragh Hall, Deaf Village Ireland, Ratoath Road, Cabra, Dublin 7. Admission is €3 and tea/coffee and refreshments will be provided in the hub lounge.
Monthly mass in Sign Language.
The next monthly Mass in sign language will be celebrated on Sunday 22nd March at 3 pm in St. John's Pastoral Centre, Tralee. St. Patrick's Day, Easter Sunday and a Month's Mind Mass for Richard Tolan will be celebrated at this Mass. Confessions will also be held on the day. Tea and coffee will be served afterwards.
Members of the Irish Deaf Community RIP.
It has been a sad and reflective time for the Deaf community over the past few weeks. Five members of the Deaf community from different parts of Ireland have passed away.
We would like to express our thoughts and sympathies to the families, friends and carers of Richard Tolan, Linda McLoughlin, Joe Maguire, Bridget Flynn and Kathleen Murray. They will be all sadly missed by all of us that knew them.
Subtitled films in Tralee Omniplex.
Tralee Omniplex has advised us that they will be showing subtitled films EVERY Wednesday night. The next subtitled film will be "Focus" and will be screened on Wednesday 18th March at 8.50 pm. We would like to thank Monica from the Tralee Omniplex for all her great effort in bringing subtitled films to Tralee on a regular basis. We know that the Deaf and hard of hearing community here appreciate it enormously.
To check which movie is subtitled each week, go to www.omniplex.ie/cinemas. Click on "Choose a Cinema" and select Tralee Omniplex. Click on Wednesday's date, then "Filter by screening type" and select subtitled. You will then be shown the subtitled film for Wednesday's screening.
Thank you to sign language interpreter students.
We would like to thank Dawn Kelly, Aine Nally and Robert Ball, 4th year Sign Language Interpreting students from the Centre for Deaf Studies in Trinity College, Dublin, for coming to Kerry for their supervised placement last week.
Both Robert and Dawn come from families with Deaf members and Aine worked in Roslyn Park College, a well-known college for Deaf students in Dublin.
We would also like to thank Willie White for supervising and mentoring the students for the week. Our thanks to our staff and members of the Deaf community for interacting with the students and exposing them to a wide variety of sign language.
ComReg consultation on text relay service.
ComReg, the Irish telecommunications regulator, has just announced a consultation on the Text Relay Service. The consultation has been extended to May 2015. ComReg are proposing that a modernised Text Relay Service would be 'technology neutral', and could be accessed using a minicom (textphone) but also from mobile phones, PCs, tablets, laptops etc.
The Text Relay Service was originally introduced in 1988. Initially it received over a thousand calls per month but with the introduction of text messaging and email and internet access, call dropped to less than 30 calls per week. ComReg are proposing certain quality standards for the new service. For example, 80% of calls to the service should be answered within 20 seconds, with less than 5% of calls 'abandoned'.
Also, the user will have the option of speaking or texting: this means that a person who has lost their hearing in adulthood can speak when contacting the service, and receive responses in text via the operator. ComReg are also proposing that all operators in the telecommunications market must provide access to the proposed text relay service to all their customers.
Detailed information on the Text Relay Services consultation can be found at: www.comreg.ie/_fileupload/publications/ComReg1521a.pdf.
Great news for Finnish Sign Language users.
The Finnish Parliament has approved a Sign Language Act giving greater rights to Finnish Sign Language users. This is great news for the Finnish Deaf community but also for the international Deaf community who have been lobbying for legal rights for all Deaf communities worldwide. For more information, go to: http://limpingchicken.com/2015/03/13/maartje-de-meulder-finlands-new-sign-language-act-was-approved-yesterday-heres-what-it-means/.
9 March 2015 (VOL 11 WEEK 11)
Deaf education centre seminar series.
Pol Bond, Educational Psychologist, will be presenting his research "Cognitive Assessment for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children Using ISL" on the 11th March 2015 from 7 pm - 9 pm in Cabragh Hall, Deaf Village Ireland. Entrance is free and English/ISL interpreting will be provided.
Pol Bond was a teacher for 15 years, working in the area of Special Education. He holds two masters degrees in Education and Educational Psychology. He is completing a doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology this year. His specialism is the cognitive assessment of Deaf and hard of hearing (D/hoh) children in Ireland. He currently works as an Educational Psychologist for the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) and is the regional coordinator for supporting D/hoh children in the North Eastern Region which covers Louth, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) have recommended that NEPS carry out assessments through ISL and his research explores how this might be done.
If you are interested in attending this upcoming seminar please email Alyssa Coffman at administrator@deafeducation.ie to reserve your seat. More information and their ISL Video can be found on their website www.deafeducation.ie/blog/pol-bond-upcoming-seminar or their Facebook page www.facebook.com/deafeducation.
Easter camp / Easter Junior and Leaving cert revision course.
Deaf Village Ireland and The Deaf Schools, Cabra are presenting an Easter Camp for Deaf and hard of hearing students, at St Mary's Residence, St Joseph's School, and Deaf Village Ireland, Navan Road, Cabra, Dublin 7, from Tuesday 7th to Thursday 9th April 2015.
The Easter Camp is a residential camp for Deaf and hard of hearing girls and boys aged 10-15. The camp will involve sports, activities and day-trips, and represents a great opportunity to mix with and meet new friends. The camp costs just &euro:50 all-in, and bookings can be made by contacting Mary at mary@cidp.ie, or by calling 087 687 7302.
The Easter Revision course is a non-residential Junior and Leaving Certificate revision course for Deaf and hard of hearing students for the Maths and English syllabus, with specialist teachers, written notes provided and Irish Sign Language (ISL) available. The course is offered at 30 euro per subject, and registration can be made by contacting Mary at mary@cidp.ie or by calling 087 687 7302.
Shamrock Deaf filmmakers's club.
Would you be interested in joining Shamrock Deaf Filmmakers Club? The club is free to join! Every month a group of people who are interested in filmmaking meet up and plan a short film that will be shot over that month.
You will gain the advantage of working with other people as well as a team player. Learning new skills from creating ideas and putting the film together from filming and editing. Do not worry if you have no experience, we are all here to learn together and to make films in a fun and friendly environment. Everyone will get the opportunity to try different things when making their films.
Can anyone join? Yes, this filmmakers' club is open to anyone who has an interest in filmmaking whether you have no experience, want to gain confidence or brush up on your skills then you are more than welcome to join. The club is based in the Irish Deaf Society, Deaf Village Ireland, Ratoath Road, Cabra, Dublin 7. Email shamrockdeaffilms@gmail.com if you are interested and would like more information.
Irish Deaf Society 33RD annual general meeting.
The Irish Deaf Society (IDS) are holding their 33rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, 11th April 2015, at the Boyne Valley Hotel, Drogheda, Co. Louth at 2pm sharp. To view details about the hotel go to: www.boyne-valley-hotel.ie.
The AGM will provide the following: Minutes of the 2014 AGM, Annual Report, Financial Report, Motions and Elections. A social evening will be held afterwards organised by Drogheda Deaf Society. IDS members 2015 and non-members are also welcome to both AGM and social evening. Their website is www.irishdeafsociety.ie.
Sympathies to the family of Richard Tolan RIP.
We would like to extend our sympathies to the family of our Deaf friend Richard Tolan. Richard passed away recently after a short illness. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter Catherine and his extended family.
Breast screening and cervical cancer screening in ISL.
The Public Health Agency of Northern Ireland has produced videos in Irish Sign Language as part of their Cervical Cancer screening and Breast Screening programmes to show what happens when women attend their appointment for a cervical / smear test or a mammogram.
Although it is aimed at women living in Northern Ireland the programmes are very similar here in Ireland. Women living in Ireland aged 50 to 64 are invited to register for a free mammogram on an area-by-area basis every two years and women aged 25 to 44 can register and have a free smear test every three years and aged 45 to 60 every five years.
For information on breast screening in Ireland go to: www.breastcheck.ie For information on Cervical cancer screening in Ireland go to: www.cervicalcheck.ie.
You can view the videos in ISL by going to the following links. Cervical Cancer screening in ISL: www.cancerscreening.hscni.net/2183.htm.
Breast screening in ISL: www.cancerscreening.hscni.net/2174.htm.
Presentation - Deaf victims of the Irish criminal justice system.
Dr Gill Harold's presentation "Exploring the experiences of Deaf victims in the spaces and process of the Irish criminal justice system" will be held on Thursday 26th March in the Maxwell Theatre, Hamilton Building, Trinity College, Dublin from 7 pm - 9 pm. The hosts for the presentation are the Centre for Deaf Studies, Trinity College, Dublin and Interesource Group (Ireland) Limited under the auspices of the JUSTISIGNS Project, funded by the European Commission.
Gill's research, which commenced in October 2013, is funded over two years under the Government of Ireland postdoctoral fellowship. She is based at the Centre for Criminal Justice and Human Rights within the Faculty of Law at University College Cork. Gill's research aims to uncover the perceptions of the Irish legal system from Deaf victims' viewpoints.
The project aims to develop training materials to support best practice delivery of services to Deaf people in police settings. In Ireland, one of their points of focus is capacity building for prospective Deaf Interpreters and the development of good collaborative strategies for working in Deaf-hearing interpreting teams in police settings. Interpreters in English and Irish Sign Language will be available on the night.
Online survey - info parents receive for Deaf children.
Anna Murphy and Mary Finch are conducting a survey for their final year dissertation project. They are both Senior Sophister (4th year) students on the Bachelor in Deaf Studies programme at Trinity College Dublin.
Their study is concerned with what kinds of information is made available to parents of deaf and hard of hearing children, and whether this has changed over time. The survey is online and completely anonymous. It contains thirty-one questions and will take approximately twenty to twenty-five minutes. Completion of the survey is completely voluntary - you can opt to not participate if you so prefer.
While this study will not benefit those participating directly, their input will help them to understand more clearly the kinds of information that parents in Ireland receive/have received / would like to receive. The students will be able to present a snapshot giving an overview of the situation in Ireland today and report on this in publications / in presentations. The only people who will have access to the completed questionnaires are Anna Murphy and Mary Finch and their supervisor, Prof. Lorraine Leeson.
If you have any questions or queries about this research you can e-mail Anna Murphy: atmurphy@tcd.ie or Mary Finch: finchm@tcd.ie. You are also free, to contact. Prof. Lorraine Leeson at leesonl@tcd.ie. A report of the findings can be forwarded to you upon request in summer 2015. Please e-mail Anna or Mary at the above e-mail addresses. Finally, they would like to thank those for participating in their research project and hope that they will be able to report on their findings in autumn 2015 via the Deaf Education Centre and/or the Centre for Deaf Studies.
To complete their survey go to: www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZBWSSX7.
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An implant for stimulating the vagus nerve receives commands over a radio frequency link. The implant disables a voltage convertor used in providing the stimulation signal at periodic intervals to monitor for communications attempts. The implant provides radio frequency marker pulses before providing stimulation signals of certain frequencies. During the providing of stimulation signals the implant monitors the voltage overhead present between the voltage source and the load and adjusts the overhead to a desired level. The implant changes the voltage applied to certain internal components during stimulation periods to allow full power operation during those intervals and reduced power levels at other intervals. The implant is reset by the placing of a magnet in a given location in conjunction with the application of a radio frequency transmission for a given period.
This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 434,985, filed Nov. 13, 1989.
The invention relates to implantable medical stimulators, and more particularly to stimulators which produce an electrical stimulation signal.
Epilepsy and other similar motor disorders are associated with abnormal neural discharge patterns. Several different treatment techniques and methods involving applying an electrical signal to stop or reduce seizures were described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,702,254 to Dr. Jacob Zabara, which patent is hereby incorporated by reference in this specification. One technique involved determining when an epileptic seizure was about to occur, and applying an electrical signal to the vagus nerve. The other technique suggested periodically applying a signal to the vagus nerve even if an aura or other condition was not sensed. Possible treatment periods were suggested. The patent further disclosed a high level block diagram of a circuit for applying electrical signals to the vagus nerve. The signals could be varied between stated limits. The limits were stated as being programmable by use of a reed switch whose openings and closings are controlled by an external programmer and electromagnet.
Conventional implantable medical stimulators such as pacemakers and drug infusion pumps are ordinarily based on custom integrated circuits which are quite complex, and therefore expensive, and use complicated pulse position communications techniques to transfer information between the implant and an external programmer. The custom circuitry is developed because of the need to keep power consumption at a minimum, the allowable size for implantable devices and the complexity of the communications techniques. The expense of the implanted unit and the programmer thus limits both the number of persons who can obtain the units and the number of hospitals, clinics and doctors which can program the units. Therefore it is undesirable to simply port over pacemaker technology for use in epileptic and other nervous system disorder patients.
The present invention relates to a more cost effective, implantable stimulator particularly tailored for use in stimulating the vagus nerve to reduce epileptic seizures. A conventional microprocessor is used in conjunction with other standardly available components to form the stimulator. No custom integrated circuitry is utilized.
The communications circuitry is simplified to reduce the space utilized. The coil and voltage converter used to produce the current supplied to the patient is also used to produce the transmitted signal. The received signal from the programmer can be received by an optimized receiver coil or can be received by the transmitter coil to further save space. To allow the receiver to function without requiring circuitry to cancel or filter any signals produced by the system while supplying current to the patient, which produces a very high interference level environment, the current drive is periodically removed to allow the receiver a clean interval for reception of signals from the programmer. Additionally, during certain treatment periods a marker pulse is transmitted to allow external diagnostic instruments to be synchronized to the implanted circuit. To further improve the radio frequency interface the programmer uses an X-shaped coil pair to allow better coupling between the implanted unit and the programmer.
The output driver used to provide the current to the electrodes coupled to the vagus nerve is programmable for both the current supplied and the voltage applied. An overhead voltage, the difference between the load voltage at the desired current level and the available voltage source level, is raised if the overhead voltage is below a given level. Therefore power consumption is minimized and abrupt voltage changes are reduced.
To further reduce energy consumption the microprocessor controls its own operating voltage and that of other devices so that the microprocessor and the devices use less power during certain intervals and the microprocessor and the devices are activated during more critical operations. Particularly, the voltage provided to the output driver is lowered and the current drive disabled when stimulation is not being provided. When the patient is being stimulated, the voltage to the output driver is increased and the current drive is enabled.
FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A and 4B are flowchart illustrations of operating sequences of the implant of FIG. 1.
Referring now to FIG. 1 the letter I generally represents electronic componentry installed in the implantable portion of a stimulator according to the present invention. The external portion or programming system (FIG. 2) is generally referred to as the letter P and is used to communicate with the implant I.
The main component of the implant I is a processor 20, preferably a CMOS microcomputer such as the 68C05 available from Motorola Semiconductor Products, Inc. The CMOS version is preferable because this reduces the power consumed by the implant I. The processor 20 includes a series of parallel input and output lines, an asynchronuous serial port and a timer which can generate interrupts. A battery 22 having a battery voltage VB, preferably 3.6 volts, is connected to a programmable positive voltage regulator 24. Regulated voltage outputs from the regulator 24 provide the microprocessor 20 and other components in the system with a voltage referred to as the microprocessor voltage Vup. A resister 26 is connected between the voltage output of the regulator 24 and the voltage set input, with a resistor 28 connected between the voltage set input and ground. This is the basic feedback circuit utilized by the regulator 24 to regulate its output voltage. A control resistor 30 is connected between the voltage set input of the regulator 24 and a digital output of the processor 20 to allow the processor 20 to control its own supply voltage Vup. In this manner the supply voltage Vup reduced from 2.8 volts to 1.4 volts during certain operating portions as will be explained to slow down operation of the processor 20 and thereby reduce power consumption. The voltage Vup is increased during other operations of the processor 20 when higher speed operation is appropriate. A crystal 32, capacitor 34 and resistors 36 and 38 are connected to the processor 20 according to instructions from the manufacture to produce the clocking signal for the processor 20. In the preferred embodiment the operating frequency is 76.8 kHz, but other values can be utilized if desired.
An up converter 39 based on a CMOS step up switching regulator 40, such as an MAX630 manufactured by Maxim Integrated Product, is used to develop the voltages necessary to drive the electrodes (not shown) connected to the vagus nerve according to U.S. Pat. No. 4,702,254 and to drive the transmitter portions of the implant I. The switching regulator 40 is connected to the battery voltage VB by means of a transmit/converter coil 42. This transmit/converter coil 42 serves the dual purpose of performing the inductance function in the up converter 39 and serving as the transmitter antenna for the radio frequency transmission portions of the implant I. The transmit/converter coil 42 is connected between the battery voltage VB and the inductance input of the regulator 40. The anode of a diode 44 is connected to the inductance input of the regulator 40, while the cathode of the diode 44 is connected to the supply voltage input of the regulator 40 and to one side of a capacitor 46. The other side of the capacitor 46 is connected to ground. A resistor 48 is connected between the supply voltage input of the regulator 40 and the feedback or voltage sense input. A resistor 50 has one terminal connected to the feedback voltage input of the regulator 40 and has its other terminal connected to the serial output of the processor 20. The resistor 50 is used to set the feedback voltage to the regulator 40 at either high or low levels as necessary to cause the regulator 40 to produce a large signal during a low phase so that a large RF field is emitted from the coil 42 and no signal during a high phase so no RF field is emitted from the coil 42. This emitted RF field is then the transmitted signal from the implant I during communication or marker phases.
Additionally, three resistors 52, 54 and 56 have one terminal connected to the voltage feedback input of the regulator 40 and their other terminals coupled to three outputs of the processor 20. These three resistors 52, 54 and 56 form a resistor divider network used to program the output voltage of the regulator 40. The regulator 40 is designed such that the inductance output is pulsed whenever the voltage at the feedback terminal is less than 1.31 volts. By varying the voltage applied by the processor 20 to the resistors 52, 54 and 56, as well as resistor 50, the effective resistance to ground from the feedback voltage input can be varied, changing the feedback ratio and thus the output voltage.
A capacitor 58 used to set the oscillator frequency of the regulator 40 is connected between ground and the capacitor input on the regulator 40. In the preferred embodiment the oscillation frequency is 40 kHz. Two resistors 60 and 62 are connected in series between the battery voltage VB and ground to form a voltage divider pair. A capacitor 64 is connected in parallel with the resistor 62, which is connected to ground. The connection point between the two resistors 60 and 62 is connected to a battery level sense input of the regulator 40, which provides a low signal on a low battery output if the voltage at the low battery input is below 1.31 volts. The low battery output signal is provided to an input of the processor 20, this signal being pulled up to the microprocessor voltage Vup by a resistor 66. Thus in this manner the processor 20 can determine when the battery voltage is low and set an appropriate flag for communication to the programmer P. An output from the processor 20 is connected to an enable input of the regulator 40, to allow the processor 20 to disable operation of the regulator 40 when desired to reduce power consumption of the circuitry in the implant I. The up converter 39 can be powered down when no radio frequency transmissions are occurring and when no drive is being supplied to the electrode.
A programmable current source C provides the constant current which is supplied to the electrodes coupled to the vagus nerve. The current is provided by an NPN transistor 70, whose emitter is connected to a resistor 72 whose other terminal is connected to a normally closed terminal 73 of a reed switch 74. The contact of the reed switch 74 is connected to ground. The reed switch 74 is used for manually initiating a treatment cycle, for disabling the drive to the electrodes and resetting the processor 20. The base of the transistor 70 is connected to the output of an operational amplifier 76 and to one terminal of a resistor 78 whose other terminal is connected to ground. The emitter of the transistor 70 is also connected to the parallel combination of a resistor 80 and a capacitor 82, which form the feedback components for the current source C. The second terminals of the capacitor 82 and the resistor 80 are connected to the inverting input of the amplifier 76. Also connected to the inverting input of the amplifier 76 are six resistors 84, 86, 88, 90, 92 and 94 which effectively form a binary ladder between six outputs of the microprocessor 20 and the inverting input of the amplifier 76. Thus the six resistors 84-94 perform the digital to analog conversion used in making the current source C programmable.
The non-inverting input of the amplifier 76 is connected to one terminal of a resistor 96 whose other terminal is connected to ground. Preferably the resistor 96 is a selected value to allow precise trimming of the accuracy of the current source C. Also connected to the non-inverting input of the amplifier 76 is a resistor 100 whose other terminal is connected to the cathode of a precision voltage reference drawn for illustration purposes as a Zener diode 102 whose anode is connected to ground. Also connected to the cathode of the Zener diode 102 is a resistor 104 which has its other terminal connected to an output of the processor 20. In this way the processor 20 can define a reference drive voltage to be used by the current source amplifier 76. A zero level voltage applied to the resistor 104 shuts off the current source C. A resistor 106 is connected between the cathode of the Zener diode 102 and the inverting input of the amplifier 76 to allow the lowest desired current setting, 0.25 mA, in the preferred embodiment, to be developed. A desired output for the current source C is established by setting a non-zero level on the inverting input of the amplifier 76 by driving the output connected to the resistor 104 high and then driving the six digital to analog resistors 84-94 as desired to set the proper level. Power to the amplifier 76 is provided by an output of the processor 20, allowing the amplifier 76 to be completely shut off during low power consumption periods.
The drive or stepped up voltage as developed at the cathode of the diode 44, the output of the up converter 39, is provided to a resistor 110 whose other terminal is connected to the implant container. In parallel with the resistor 110 is a capacitor 112. A capacitor 114 is connected between the container and a capacitor 116, whose other terminal is connected to the negative electrode. Also connected to capacitor 114 is the cathode of a Zener diode 118, whose anode is connected to ground to limit the voltage that can be applied on the negative electrode. The anode of a diode 120 is connected to the cathode of the Zener diode 118 and has its anode connected to the collector of the transistor 70. An NPN transistor 122 has its emitter connected to the cathode of the Zener diode 118, its base connected to the cathode of the diode 120 and its collector connected to the positive electrode. A Zener diode 124 has its cathode connected to the positive electrode and its anode connected to ground to provide overvoltage protection. A resistor 126 is connected between the drive voltage and the base of the transistor 122 to bias the transistor 122 for operation. A capacitor 128 is connected in parallel with the resistor 126.
The sufficiency of the voltage present at the collector of the transistor 70, which is used to drive the positive electrode, is fed back to the processor 20 for use in determining the proper output voltage of the regulator 40. This is done by having a resistor 132 connected between the collector of the transistor 70 and the base of a PNP transistor 134. The emitter of the transistor 134 is connected to the microprocessor voltage Vup, while the collector is connected to an input to the processor 20 and the parallel combination of a resistor 136 and a capacitor 138, whose other terminals are connected to ground. In this way if the voltage being supplied to the base of the transistor 134 should go too low, so that the transistor 134 is activated, the processor 20 can sense this point and raise the voltage output of the up converter 39 by appropriately decreasing the effective resistance supplied by the resistors 52, 54 and 56. This increases the available drive voltage so that the programmable current source C is properly driving the desired currents and is not in saturation or limiting.
A normally open contact 71 of the reed switch 24 is connected to an input of the processor 20 and is pulled up to the microprocessor voltage Vup by a resistor 142. Also connected to this input of the processor 20 are the base and emitter of an NPN transistor 144. The collector of the transistor 144 is connected to the low true reset input of the processor 20 and to a capacitor which is connected to the microprocessor voltage Vup. Voltage is supplied to the collector of the transistor 144 by means of a resistor 148 connected between the collector of the transistor 144 and the collector of a transistor 150. The transistor 150 is the drive transistor connected to the serial input of the processor 20 which is used to receive an incoming radio frequency transmission.
The collector of the transistor 150 is pulled up to the microprocessor voltage Vup by a resistor 152. The emitter of the transistor 150 is connected to ground. The base of the transistor 150 is connected to two bias resistor 154 and 156, the resistor 154 being connected to ground, and the resistor 156 being connected to the battery voltage VB. Also connected between the base of the transistor 150 and ground is a Zener diode 158, which is used to protect the transistor 150 from any received high level input voltages. A capacitor 160 is connected between the base of the transistor 150 and one terminal of a receive coil 162. The other terminal of the receive coil 162 is connected to ground. Thus the receive coil 162 receives a burst of radio frequency energy from the programmer P which is then filtered by the capacitor 160 and provided to the transistor 150 as the received input. While in the embodiment shown two separate inductors 42 and 162 are used for the functions of transmission, voltage development and reception, one single coil can be used to serve all three purposes to further save on space in the implant I. The sensitivity of the receive coil 162 and the biasing of the transistor 150 are such that when the up converter 34 is operating the radio frequency field emitted by the transmitting/converting coil 42 interferes with reception by the transistor 150. However, when the up converter 39 is disabled the receive circuitry works properly to receive the transmissions from the programmer P.
If the transistor 150 is turned on for a sufficient period of time, due to the presence of an received signal, and the reed switch 74 is activated, the capacitor 146 is charged to have a potential of the microprocessor voltage Vup. When the radio frequency signal is removed and the resistor 148 is connected to the microprocessor voltage Vup through the resistor 152, transistor 150 is deactivated, a low level will momentarily appear on the reset input of the processor 20 until the capacitor 146 discharges through the resistors 148 and 152, thus allowing the processor 20 to be reset only by the combination of having the reed switch 74 activated and a sufficiently long burst of radio frequency energy received. If the reed switch 74 is not activated, the reset input is kept at a high level because the transistor 144 does not allow the reset input to go to a low level. If the transistor 150 receives a signal, the voltage difference appears across the resistor 148 and the capacitor 146 remains generally discharged. If the magnet is removed before the radio frequency signal is removed, then the capacitor 146 is discharged through the base to collector diode of the transistor 144, resulting in resetting of the processor 20 if the radio frequency signal had been provided for a sufficient time. Thus the reset procedure is place the magnet to activate the reed switch 74, activate the programmer P to broadcast a stream of radio frequency energy for a sufficient time and stop the broadcast. Alternately, the magnet can be removed after a sufficient period of broadcasting.
The radio frequency signals transmitted by the implant I are received by a programmer P (FIG. 2), which also generates the signals received by the implant I. A programmed computer such as a personal computer 200, which has a serial interface, has its serial output line 202 connected to a resistor 206 whose other terminal is connected to the anode of a diode 208. The cathode of the diode 208 is connected to the cathode of a second diode 210 whose anode is connected to ground to provide reverse voltage protection. Also connected to the cathode of the diode 208 is a resistor 212 whose other terminal is connected to the base of an NPN transistor 214. Connected between the base and emitter of the transistor 214 is a resistor 216, with the emitter being connected to ground. The collector of the transistor 214 is pulled to a high voltage level by a resistor 216 and is connected to a resistor 218 who has its other terminal connected to the gate of a n-channel enhancement MOSFET transistor 220. The transistor 214 thus serves as a level shifter and inverter between the serial output signals and the MOSFET 220. The source of the MOSFET 220 is connected to ground while the drain is connected to a resistor 216 which is connected to the logic high level voltage. Thus the voltage appearing at the drain of the MOSFET 220 has the same logic state as the signal developed by the computer 200.
The signal developed at the drain of the MOSFET 220 is connected to the reset inputs of a dual multivibrator 224. The first multivibrator 224a in the dual unit 224 is connected for a stable operation, preferably with a frequency of approximately 100 kHz to provide the basic signal which is coupled to the transceiving coils 226 and 228. The output of the first multivibrator 224a is coupled to a push/pull transistor amplifier 230 whose output is connected to the gate of an n-channel enhancement MOSFET transistor 232 whose source is connected to ground and whose drain is connected to one terminal of the parallel combination of the coil 226 and a capacitor 234. The other terminal of the parallel combination of the coil 226 and a capacitor 234 is connected to the battery voltage as supplied by batteries 310 and 312 which power the programmer P. A capacitor 236 is connected between the battery voltage and ground.
The output of the first multivibrator 224a is connected to the trigger input of the second multivibrator 224b of the multivibrator 224 so that the second multivibrator 224b inverts the output of the first multivibrator 224a. These operations can be performed by the multivibrators located on the ICM7556 manufactured by Intersil, Inc. The output of the second multivibrator 224b is connected to a similar push/pull transistor amplifier 238 whose output is similarly connected to the gate of an n-channel enhancement MOSFET 240. The source of the transistor 240 is connected to ground while the drain is connected to the parallel combination of the coil 228 and a capacitor 242 whose other terminals are connected to the battery voltage The two coils 226 and 228 are preferably located to form an X or cross so that the signal that they produce is in two different planes to increase likelihood of proper reception by the implant I and receipt by the coils 226 and 228 of any signals produced by the implant I.
The drain of the MOSFET 232 is connected to a capacitively coupled amplifier circuit 244 whose output is connected to the inverting input of a comparator 246. The amplifier circuit 244 filters out the 40 kHz carrier frequency of the signal produced by the implant I so that the transmitted serial data is recovered. Similarly, the drain of the MOSFET 240 is connected to a similar capacitively coupled amplifier circuit 248 whose output is connected to the inverting input of a comparator 250. The non-inverting inputs of the comparators 246 and 250 are connected to the junction between resistor 252 and potentiometer 254 whose other terminals are respectively connected to high level voltage and ground. The wiper arm of the potentiometer 254 is connected to two resistors 256 and 258 which are connected, respectively, to the inverting inputs of the comparators 246 and 250. Thus should either coil 226 or 228 receive a sufficient signal, the signal is amplified by the appropriate amplifier 244 or 248 and applied to the comparator 246 or 250 so that a low level signal develops at the output of the appropriate comparator 246 or 250. The outputs of the two comparators 246 and 250 are connected together and pulled up to a logic high level by a resistor 260. The output of the comparators 246 and 250 is also applied to a resistor 262, whose other terminal is connected to the base of a PNP transistor 264 and to one terminal of a capacitor 266. The second terminal of the capacitor 266 is tied to a high level voltage for noise filtering. The signal which is applied to the base of the transistor 264 is essentially an inverted form of the signal supplied by the serial output of the processor 20, which is applied to the resistor 50 to control the voltage level output of the regulator 40.
The emitter of the transistor 264 is connected to the junction point of two resistors 268 and 270 whose other terminals are connected to, respectively, voltage high level and ground. The collector of the transistor 264 is connected to the non-inverting input of an operational amplifier 272 and to a resistor 274 whose other terminal is connected to ground. The inverting input of the comparator 272 is connected to the junction point between a resistor divider pair formed by resistors 276 and 278, whose other terminals are respectively connected to ground and a high level voltage to set a reference level. The output of the amplifier 272 is provided through a resistor 280 to the serial input of the computer 200 and through a resistor 284 to the anode of a light emitting diode (LED) 286 whose cathode is connected to ground. Thus the amplifier 272 is the driver to produce the proper levels of the serial signal provided to the computer 200. The LED 286 is used to indicate when a signal is being received from the implant I, which signal is supplied to the computer 200. Thus the computer 200 can communicate with the implant I via its conventional serial link.
Additionally, the output of the operational amplifier 272 is provided to a level shifting inverter 288, which provides a signal to diagnostic equipment 290. The diagnostic equipment 290 can thus receive marker pulses which are produced by the implant I under certain conditions. The marker pulses are provided to allow the diagnostic equipment 290 to synchronize with the implant I to allow easier analysis and diagnosis of the implant's operation and the patient's condition.
To prevent the computer 200 from receiving a false signal when it is transmitting, the cathode of a diode 300 is connected to the collector of the transistor 214. The anode of the diode 300 is connected to one terminal of a capacitor 302, one terminal of a resistor 304 and the gate of a P channel enhancement MOSFET 306. The second terminals of the capacitor 302 and resistor 304 are connected to a high voltage level, as is the source of the MOSFET 306. The drain of the MOSFET 306 is connected to the base of the transistor 264, so that whenever the multivibrator 224 is activated, causing a radio frequency signal to be transmitted to the implant I, the transistor 264 is clamped to a high level voltage so that no signal is provided to the amplifier 272 and thus back to the computer 200.
Power is supplied to the programmer P by two batteries 310 and 312, which are connected in series with each other and in parallel with a diode 314. The diode is connected with the cathode connected to the positive voltage and the anode connected to ground. The positive battery voltage BAT is applied to a capacitor 316, a resistor 318 and the source of a P channel enhancement MOSFET 320. The gate of the MOSFET 320 and the second terminals of the capacitor 316 and the resistor 318 are connected to one terminal of a resistor 322, whose other terminal is connected to ground and to the collector of an NPN transistor 324. The connection to ground is used only when the programmer P is connected to the computer 200, thereby enabling the MOSFET 320 to provide voltage to a voltage regulator 336 which provides the power for the remaining components in the programmer P when the programmer P is connected to the computer 200. The emitter of the transistor 324 is connected to ground, while the base is connected to a resistor 326, whose other terminal is connected to ground, and to a resistor 328. The second terminal of the resistor 328 is connected to one terminal of a resistor 330, whose other terminal is connected to one terminal of a reset switch 332. The other terminal of the reset switch 332 is connected to the battery voltage BAT. The signal present at the junction of the resistors 328 and 330 is provided to the cathode of the diode 208. In this way if the ground is removed from the collector of transistor 324 because the computer 200 is not connected, the reset switch 332 can then be used to provide a signal to the transistor 324, activating the series MOSFET 320 and simultaneously activating the multivibrator 224 to begin a continuous transmission. If the reset switch 332 is held for a sufficient period, 20-25 seconds in the preferred embodiment, the implant I resets, assuming the magnet is in location as described above. Thus the implant I can be reset when the programmer P is not available.
The drain of the series MOSFET 320 is connected to a capacitor 334 connected to ground and to the input terminal of a three terminal voltage regulator 336. The reference leg of the three terminal regulator 336 is tied between two resistors 338 and 340, with the resistor 338 being connected to ground and the resistor 340 being connected to the output of the regulator 336. The output of the regulator 336 is the high logic level voltage used in the programmer P and has a capacitor 342 connected to ground for filtering purposes. The input voltage to the three terminal regulator 336 is also provided to a low battery indication circuit 344 which has an LED 346 to provide a low battery indication.
Thus the programmer P can be used with the computer 200 to provide commands to or receive messages from the implant I or can be used uncoupled from the computer 200 to reset the implant I when used in conjunction with the magnet used to control the reed switch 74.
The operating sequence of the implant I commences at the start sequence 500 (FIG. 3A). In the first step of the start sequence 500, step 502, the processor 20 clears the memory; initializes all programmable values, such as the parameters utilized with the serial port contained in the processor 20; initializes the total treatment time to zero hours; initializes the total operating time at 1 hour; initializes the treatment time per day at 24 hours; initializes default normal and magnet mode stimulation pulse amplitudes and frequencies; sets the stimulation interval at 60 minutes and sets a zero hour delay. In step 502 the processor 20 also increases the voltage supplied by the regulator 24 and programs the up converter 39 and the current source C. Finally in step 502 the processor 20 sets up the internal timer and enables its interrupt. The timer is preferably set to overflow every 6.826 seconds.
Control then proceeds to step 504 to determine if a delay is necessary before treatment is to be started. If there was no delay before starting operation in step 504 control proceeds to step 522 (FIG. 3B). If there is a delay, control proceeds to step 505 where the implant I is placed in standby mode. In standby mode the up converter 39 is disabled, power is removed from the amplifier 72 and the microprocessor voltage Vup is set to the low level. Control then proceeds to step 506 where a determination is made if 6.826 seconds has elapsed by checking the timer overflow bit. This 6.826 second period is the interval between samplings of the serial port to determine if the programmer P is attempting to communicate with the implant I. If the time period has elapsed, control proceeds to step 508 where the total operating time is updated to indicate the passage of the 6.826 second interval and the delay counter is decremented. Control then proceeds to step 510 to determine if a space character with proper parity has been received over the communication interface during a 300 msec window. This is done by shutting off the up converter 39 for approximately 300 msec and monitoring the serial port. Thus the noise generated by the up converter 39 is removed periodically, allowing the receive circuitry to be greatly simplified. If a space character with proper parity has been received, this is an indication that the programmer P is attempting to communicate with the implant I and therefore control proceeds to step 512, a receive parameters sequence. After the parameters have been received in step 512 or if a space was not received during the listening interval, control proceeds to step 514 to check to see if the delay period is over. If not, control proceeds to step 516 to determine if programming occurred in step 512. If so, control returns to step 504 to reinitiate the loop. If no programming occurred, control proceeds to step 518 where the various parameters, such as pulse amplitude, pulse frequency, pulse width, magnet activation pulse width, stimulation burst time, simulation burst interval, treatment time of day, magnet activation amplitude, and magnet activation stimulation burst time, are checked to see if the parameters are valid. If not, valid parameters are loaded. Control then proceeds to step 520 where a monitor reed switch sequence is called to determine if manual activation is desired. There are two exits from the monitor reed switch routine with the first occurring if programming occurred, in which case control proceeds to step 504. If programming of the parameters did not occur during the monitor reed switch routine 700, control proceeds from step 520 to step 506.
If the delay time was over in step 514, control proceeds to step 515, where the implant I is placed in run mode. The microprocessor voltage Vup is increased to the high level, the up convertor 39 is enabled and power is supplied to the amplifier 74. Control then proceeds to step 522 where an internal value referred to as the stimulation counter is set to stimulation on time. In step 524 a flag is set indicating that stimulation is on and a stimulation off flag is cleared. Control proceeds to step 526 to determine if 6.826 seconds have elapsed and it is time to monitor for a communications attempt. If not, control proceeds to step 528 which is a reference to the monitor reed switch sequence. If programming occurs during this operation of the monitor reed switch sequence, control proceeds from step 528 to step 504. If no programming occurred, control proceeds to step 530 to determine if magnet stimulation occurred. If not, control proceeds to step 526. If magnet stimulation did occur, control proceeds to step 532 (FIG. 3C).
If the 6.826 second period has elapsed in step 526, control proceeds to step 534 to update the total treatment time and then to step 536 to see if the implant I is in the process of ramping the pulse amplitude. If so, control proceeds to step 538. If ramping is not in effect, control proceeds from step 536 to step 540 to determine if a space character has been received using the process described in step 510. If not, control proceeds to step 538. If a space has been received control proceeds to the receive parameter sequence in step 542. After completing the receive parameter sequence 600, step 542 transfers control to step 543 where the implant I is placed in run mode. Control then proceeds to step 544 to determine if programming occurred during the receive parameter sequence. If so, control returns to step 504. If not, control proceeds to step 538.
In step 538 the processor 20 determines whether the parameters as indicated above are valid and updates the total operating time to indicate the 6.826 second elapsed time. Control proceeds to step 546 where the total treatment time for the day is monitored. If the total treatment time for the day has been exceeded, then control proceeds to step 548 (FIG. 3D). If the treatment time has not been exceeded, control proceeds to step 550 which decrements the stimulation counter to reduce the remaining stimulation time. Control then proceeds to step 552 to determine if the stimulation counter is zero. If the counter is not zero, indicating that the stimulation period has not ended, control proceeds to step 528. If the stimulation counter is equal to zero, this indicates an end to the stimulation period and control proceeds to step 554. In step 554 the stimulation on flag is cleared. Control proceeds to step 551 where the processor 20 determines if the stimulation pulse frequency is greater than 5 Hz. If so, control proceeds to step 553 to cause the pulse to ramp down. Control proceeds to step 555, which is also where control proceeds if the stimulator pulse frequency is not greater than 5 Hz. In step 555 the stimulation off flag is set. Control then proceeds to step 532.
In step 532 the stimulation counter value is set to that of the stimulation off time and control proceeds to step 556. In step 556 a determination is made as to whether a 6.826 second period has elapsed. If so, control proceeds to step 558 to determine if the pulse amplitude is ramping down. If not, control proceeds to step 559 where standby mode is entered. Control proceeds to step 560 to determine if a space character is received over the communication interface during the listening period. If so, control proceeds to step 562, which calls the receive parameter sequence to proceed with the communication sequence. After completing the communication sequence, control proceeds from step 562 to step 563 where run mode is activated. Control proceeds to step 564 where a determination is made as to whether programming did occur in the receive parameter sequence. If so, control proceeds to step 504. If not, control proceeds to step 566 which is also where control proceeds if the space character has not been received in step 560 or if the pulse amplitude was ramping as determined in step 558.
In step 566 the processor 20 checks for valid parameters and updates the total operating time. Control then proceeds to step 568 where the total treatment time per day is monitored and adjusted. If the total treatment time per day has been exceeded, control proceeds to step 548. If the time has not been exceeded, control proceeds to step 570 where the stimulation counter is decremented to count down the off time. In step 571, which follows step 570, the processor 20 determines if the stimulation counter equals zero. If so, control proceeds to step 504. If the off time has not been completed, control proceeds to step 572 which calls the monitor reed switch sequence. If programming occurred during the operation of the monitor reed switch sequence, control proceeds to step 504. If no programming occurred, control proceeds to step 556 to loop during the off interval. Thus, under general operating conditions the processor 20 will loop between the stimulation off and stimulation on time sequences.
If the treatment time per day has been exceeded in steps 546 or 568, control proceeds to step 548 (FIG. 3D) where a determination is made as to whether the treatment time per day is 24 hours per day. If so, control returns to step 504. If treatment is not enabled all 24 hours of a day control proceeds to step 574, where the treatment time per day delay is loaded into a counter. Control proceeds to step 575 where the processor 20 places the implant I in standby mode. Control proceeds to step 576 to determine if a 6.826 second period has elapsed. If so, control proceeds to step 578 to determine if the pulse amplitude is in a ramp mode. If not, control proceeds to step 579 where the implant I is placed in standby mode. Control proceeds to step 580 to determine if a space character is received during the listening period. If so, control proceeds to step 582 which calls the receive parameter sequence to perform any communications. Control proceeds from step 582 to step 583 where the implant I is placed in run mode. Control proceeds to step 584 to determine if programming had occurred. If so, control returns to step 504. If not, control proceeds to step 586, which is also where control proceeds from step 580 if a space character was not received or from step 578 if the amplitude was ramping.
In step 586 a check is made to determine if the parameters are still valid, the total operating time is updated and the treatment time per day delay is decremented. Control then proceeds to step 588 to determine if the treatment time per day delay is over. If so, control proceeds to step 504 and treatment commences. If not, control proceeds to step 590, which is also where control proceeds if the 6.826 second period has not elapsed in step 576. In step 590 the monitor reed switch sequence is called. If programming occurs during the monitor reed switch sequence, control proceeds to step 504. If no programming occurred, control proceeds from step 590 to step 576 to complete the delay period until the next treatment time.
The timer interrupt 800 (FIG. 8A) is an interrupt routine which operates transparent to or in the background of all of the proceeding sequences. The timer interrupt routine operates whenever the internal timer value has counted to equal the value in a compare register which is loaded by the processor 20. During stimulation this value is set so that the interrupts occur at the stimulation frequency. The timer interrupt routine 800 starts at step 802 where the timer is loaded with the frequency value or time to develop the pulse spacing of the applied pulse. In this manner the timer is actually utilized to control the pulse width of the applied treatment pulses. Control proceeds to step 804 to determine if the ramp down process is occurring. If not, control proceeds to step 806 to determine if the magnet stimulation flag is set. If not, control proceeds to step 808 to determine if the stimulation on flag is set. If the answer was yes in either of steps 806 or 808, control proceeds to step 810 (FIG. 8B) to determine if a ramp up is finished. If the ramp up is not finished, control proceeds to step 811 where a determination is made if the stimulation frequency is 5 Hz or less, which indicates the implant I is in marker mode. If so, control proceeds to step 813 where the output current is set to the desired maximum. Control proceeds to step 814. If not in marker mode, control proceeds to step 812 which increases the pulse output current amplitude by one counter value of the D/A convertor as developed by the resistors 84-94. Control then proceeds to step 814 to determine if the magnet stimulation flag is set. If not, control proceeds to step 816 and the pulse width of the particular output is set to be that of the normal pulse width. If the stimulation flag is set as determined in step 814, control proceeds to step 818 where the pulse width is set to the magnet pulse width as set in the parameters. After step 816 or step 818 control proceeds to step 820, where the treatment pulse is transmitted. The pulse is developed by enabling the appropriate resistors 84-94 to ground, not enabling the other resistors 84-94, providing the voltage reference to the amplifier 74 and activating the up converter 39. The pulse time is developed in a software timing loop. Control proceeds to step 822, which is a return from the timer interrupt routine 800 to the interrupted instruction.
If at step 810 it is determined that a ramp up is finished, control proceeds to step 824 to determine if the magnet stimulation flag is set. If not, control proceeds to step 826 where the pulse width is set to be the normal pulse width. If the magnet stimulation flag is set in step 824, control proceeds to step 828 where the pulse width for the pulse to be developed is set to the magnet pulse width value. Control proceeds from either step 826 or step 828 to step 830, where the treatment pulse is transmitted. Control proceeds to step 832 where a counter used to determine if it is time to try and reduce the value being applied to the up convertor 39 is decremented. It is desireable to set the up convertor voltage at the lowest possible voltage and yet have sufficient margin to insure the desired current is actually being supplied to the patient.
Control proceeds to step 834 to determine if the up convertor count value is equal to zero. If the up convertor count is not equal to zero, this is an indication that it is not appropriate at this point to check the output amplitude value. Control then proceeds to step 822 for a return to the interrupted sequence. If the up convertor count is equal to zero, then control proceeds to step 836 where the count value is reinitiated to ten, so that every ten cycles through the timer interrupt routine 800 the voltage value may be evaluated. Control then proceeds to step 838, where the voltage level of the collector of the transistor 134 is evaluated to determine if the output voltage amplitude is acceptable. If the amplitude is not acceptable, control proceeds from step 838 to step 840 where the up convertor output amplitude is incremented to provide more voltage and a flag is set indicating that the up convertor output value should not be decremented. Control then proceeds to step 822 for a return from the timer interrupt routine 800.
If the output amplitude is acceptable in step 838, control proceeds to step 842 where the processor 20 determines if the up convertor amplitude can be decremented. If not, control proceeds to step 822. If the up convertor amplitude can be decremented, control proceeds to step 844 where the up convertor amplitude is actually decremented. In this manner the voltage supplied by the up convertor 39 is reduced if desireable to conserve energy and to limit the applied voltage. Control proceeds to step 822.
If in step 808 it is determined that the stimulation on flag is not set, control proceeds to step 846 to determine if the treatment time per day delay is active, that is, if stimulation should not occur for a given period. If so, control proceeds to step 848, which is a return to the interrupted sequence. If the treatment time per day delay is not active, control proceeds from step 846 to step 850 to determine if the stimulation off flag is set. If so, control proceeds to step 848. If not, control proceeds to step 852, which is also where control would proceed if it was determined in step 804 that the implant I was ramping down the applied signal. In step 852 the processor 20 determines whether the amplitude of the applied pulse is equal to zero. If it is, control proceeds to step 848. If it is not equal to zero, control proceeds to step 854 where the amplitude of the applied signal is decremented. Control then proceeds to step 848 for a return from the time interrupt routine 800.
Therefore the implant I is operating at full power only during stimulation times and at other periods is operating at reduced power levels to conserve battery life. At all times, even during stimulation intervals, the implant I periodically reduces its radio frequency emissions and monitors a communication channels, increasing the reliability of the receiver circuitry. When the implant I is providing stimulation at below a given frequency marker pulses are developed to allow diagnostic equipment to monitor implant I operation.
The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention are illustrative and explanatory thereof, and various changes in the size, shape, materials, components, circuitry, wiring connections and contacts, as well as in the details of the illustrated circuitry, construction and contacts, as well as in the details of the illustrated circuitry, construction and method of operation may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.
means for directing said microprocessor to set output levels to select the lower power supply output voltage level and to disable production of signals by said current source and said voltage source when the electrical signal is not being provided to the living organism and for directing said microprocessor to set output levels to select the higher power supply output voltage level and to enable production of signals by said current source and said voltage source when the electrical signal is being provided to the living organism.
Medtronic, Inc., "Minix 8240/8341/8342 Technical Manual", 1988, p. 41.


text:
How Kellogg Company* is Protecting Rainforests and Making a Sustainable Palm Oil Supply Chain
Green Century's Lucia von Reusner with Diane Holdorf, Chief Sustainability Officer for Kellogg Company at its annual stockholder meeting in 2014
In 2008, the Kellogg Company announced its first steps in the sustainable palm oil journey with the purchase of GreenPalm certificates. By 2011, the company was covering 100% of its palm oil purchases in this way, and moved in subsequent years to also incorporate Mass Balance and Segregated certified supply in its purchasing.
In early 2014, Kellogg Company announced its ground-breaking pledge to further clean up its palm oil supply chain, becoming one of the first companies to commit to protect Southeast Asian rainforests by only buying palm oil that does not cause deforestation.
Green Century's Leslie Samuelrich and Kate Kroll recently spoke with the Kellogg Company's team, including Chief Sustainability Officer Diane Holdorf, who was instrumental in working with Green Century to inspire adoption of the Kellogg Company's policy.
The company has made swift and significant progress — 92% of its palm oil can now be traced to suppliers following a zero-deforestation policy. Although the company is slightly behind its timeline (100% of its palm oil supply by December 2015), its commitment to achieving the goal may provide reassurance to its investors that it has addressed reputational risks and is meeting the expectations of its customers for a sustainable supply chain.
In addition to this quantifiable progress, Kellogg's recently publicly announced that it was cutting ties with a supplier that had continued to raze rainforests despite its claims to the contrary. The offending company is the Malaysian-based IOI* whose decimation of rainforests for at least the last six years was recently exposed by activists who took aerial photographs of the barren countryside. Kellogg's, along with Unilever* and Mars,* became an early mover on implementation by announcing that it was ending buying agreements with IOI.
While we celebrate the Kellogg Company's progress, we know there is more work to be done to curb climate change through stopping deforestation. A global supply chain for the world's most widely used vegetable oil cannot change overnight. That's why Green Century and other investors are holding implementation dialogues this year with companies that have made zero-deforestation pledges, pushing third party agents to strengthen their standards, and encouraging governments to support industry actions on this issue.
If we succeed, we will also benefit from decreased carbon pollution, protection of habitat for endangered species, and improved air quality for residents and visitors of Southeast Asia.
Green Century Capital Management is the investment advisor to the Green Century Funds and offers two environmentally and socially responsible funds, the Green Century Equity Fund and the Green Century Balanced Fund. Green Century works to curb climate change through fossil fuel free investing, reinvestment in sustainable companies, and advocating with companies to improve their environmental policies and supply chains. Green Century is also the only U.S. mutual fund company owned by environmental non-profits, the Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs).
*As of March 31, 2016, Kellogg Company comprised 0.00% and 0.27%, and Unilever comprised 0.99% and 0.00% of the Green Century Balanced Fund and the Green Century Equity Fund, respectively. Other securities mentioned were not held in the portfolios of the Green Century Funds as of March 31, 2016. References to specific securities, which will change due to the ongoing management of the Funds, should not be construed as a recommendation by the Funds, their administrator, or their distributor.
Stocks will fluctuate in response to factors that may affect a single company, industry, sector, or the market as a whole and may perform worse than the market. Bonds are subject to risks including interest rate, credit, and inflation. The Funds' environmental criteria limit the investments available to the Funds compared to mutual funds that do not use environmental criteria.
You should carefully consider the Funds' investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. To obtain a Prospectus that contains this and other information about the Funds, please click here, email info@greencentury.com, or call 1-800-93-GREEN. Please read the Prospectus before investing.
This information has been prepared from sources believed to be reliable. The views expressed are as of this date of writing and are those of the Advisor to the Green Century Funds.
The Green Century Funds are distributed by UMB Distribution Services, LLC. 6/16
Posted in Commentary

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Q: transactional renaming database files .db and db-journal plus database sharing I want to rename database files. The tasks seems to be easy.
1) I close database 2) rename .db file 3) rename .db-journal file 4) I open database
However what will happen if ex. after the step number 2 and before the step number 3 the system will crash (I know the probabiliby is low, but...)?
I noticed that depending on the Android version sometimes after closing the database .db-journal file has 0 size (ex. android 4.0.4) but sometimes it's quite huge (ex. 50% of .db file size) (ex. android 4.2.2). If size is 0, sure I expect there is no problem (loosing .db-file in the mentionned scenario will probably not cause any missing data). But when the .db-jurnal file is quite huge, does it mean that opening .db file without .db-journal (it will have the old name) will cause any data loss?
Is there any way to rename two files in one "transaction" (either both are renamed either none of them)?
And what if I want to share my database (ex. I want to send it to my friend by e-mail)? Is that a must to send two files .db and .db-journal or only sending .db file is enough?

A: The rollback journal file contains information that is need to roll back a transaction.
If the app crashed while a transaction was active, the database will do the rollback automatically the next time the database is opened.
If you have opened a database (and maybe closed it again), and there is no active transaction, and your app has not crashed and is still running, then you know that the database file is in a consistent state and that you can ignore the journal file.
(If the journal mode is set to DELETE, there will be no -journal file then.)
(Note: in WAL mode, you cannot ignore the -wal file.)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Regardless of how on-trend your decor was when you initially adorned your apartment, it's only a matter of time before you feel like your surroundings are outdated. But when a home makeover isn't really in the budget, you might feel stuck with the interior design you've got. You aren't, though. There are tons of budget-friendly approaches to decorating that can spruce up your apartment. Here are just three of them to get the creative juices flowing.
Upcycle existing embellishments. If your home-decorating instincts take you to Amazon, let your money-saving instincts lead you to Pinterest instead this time. Look for DIY ways that you can revamp that old coffee table or update worn throw pillows. It might be as easy as picking up a can of spray paint or some ribbon and fabric glue.
Frame free pieces of "artwork." You don't have to break the bank on a piece of art in order for it to add something to your room. Prints or photos from magazines and books can have just as great an impact on the aesthetic of your bedroom or living room as expensive artwork. Just find a cheap frame at Target or the thrift store to complement your makeshift work of art.
Break out the sewing machine. If you're handy with a needle and thread, there's a lot you can do in your apartment without spending much money. For example, you can easily create new curtains or pillowcases. These are both simple ways to spiff up your apartment that conserve both time and money.
Use these smart, simple tips for squeezing every inch out of your apartment's floor plan and you'll be amazed at how much extra space you'll find!
Choose multifunctional pieces. Get rid of all of the furniture in your home that doesn't play double-duty as something else. Choose sofas with built-in storage, a bed with hidden drawers, and a television credenza with a bookshelf to minimize the wasted space that comes from having too much furniture.
Arrange… and rearrange. Arrange your furniture as many times as it takes to find a perfect flow. You'll want to be able to comfortably walk from room to room without bumping into things, which takes some trial and error. If something doesn't fit, it likely means that you don't have use for it.
Think vertically, not just horizontally. Many people forget about the horizontal space that they're missing when furnishing a room. Add stacks of shelves on every wall, hanging organizers on the backs of doors, or new, custom storage systems from floor to ceiling in the closet.
Maximize natural light. Finally, replace dark drapes with sheer curtains to allow in as much light as possible and make your space feel brighter.
Your kids' bedrooms should be the most fun rooms in the house when it comes to decorating, and that means that you likely want to keep them as colorful and creative as possible. If you're looking for wall art designed especially for the little one that will add some flair to their bare walls, these are three great places to shop.
This hip wall art retailer has an entire section of its site devoted solely to art for kids. Expect to find minimal prints of cute quotes, personalized designs with your child's name. and watercolor paintings of animals, crayons and other sweet scenes.
The Land of Nod is a favorite amongst stylish parents with a flair for all things mid-century modern, and its selection of kid-friendly art is just as adorable. It includes handmade weavings and tapestries in bright colors and soft neutrals, as well as framed prints, fun maps, Periodic Tables, and other educational prints.
If you're looking for something truly unique, Etsy has a number of sellers who create their own handmade art just for the little ones. Simply search for children's art to discover the best the site has to offer.
Think it takes a decorator's eye to mix patterns? Think again! With a few smart tips and some simple rules to keep in mind, you can mix patterns like the pros in any room in your home.
Choose a color scheme. First, pick a color scheme that you'll stick with throughout the room. Whether it's basic black and white or something brighter, like yellow and blue, this will make your pattern mixing much easier.
Limit the number of patterns. While it may seem overwhelming to mix a dozen different patterns, even the most novice home decorator can work with three or four. Keep things simple, but still incredibly impactful.
Decide where you'll mix your patterns. Adding a variety of different throw pillows on the sofa or the bed is one of the most popular ways to incorporate a few different patterns in a room, but you might also want to add even more fun prints. For even more depth and dimension, try a temporary wallpaper in a big, bold pattern, or use a funky rug with simpler throw pillows and curtains.
Make your own. If you're having a hard time finding pillowcases or curtains in patterns that go together, try creating your own! It's very easy to sew these items at home, and some tutorials don't even involve any sewing at all.
The coffee table may seem like a fairly standard piece of furniture found in any home, but by using a few designer-inspired home decor tips, you can transform yours into a statement piece that ties the whole room together. Try out these DIY decorating ideas made especially for your coffee table.
Add a stack of books. Coffee table books got their name because they were designed for, well, the coffee table, so it only makes sense to use them as such! Place a stack of beautiful books right in the center of your table to provide visual interest and spur conversation.
Place an accent piece on top. Once you stack your books, add something pretty on top, like a great smelling candle or a small figurine. This is also a great place for a lush, green plant.
Add a tray. Next to the stack of books, place an attractive tray to corral small items. Something in clear plastic, natural wood, or chic metallic are all great options.
Place knick-knacks inside. Fill the tray with smaller accent pieces, such as attractive ceramics, a flower vase, or even more candles. This tray can also serve a functional purpose if you use it to store remote controls or hold your keys once you enter the door.
Choose a color scheme. Choose a color scheme such as natural wood and white, or forgo the color scheme for an intentionally mismatched effect.
Adding a green plant to your home's decor is easy; keeping it alive is a whole other story. Even if you aren't blessed with a green thumb, these three tips will help you keep your houseplants happy and thriving.
1. Go easy on the watering.
Over-watering is the number one killer of houseplants. Even if the soil on top looks dry, the plant may, in fact, have plenty of water. To test if your plant really needs a watering, stick your finger about two inches into the dirt. If it emerges dry, then your plant could use a drink. Otherwise, hold off on watering for a few days. After watering, ensure that the plant doesn't having water its tray, as this will cause root rot.
2. Find the right plant for your circumstances.
Before you bring that new plant to your home or office, read its tag to see its light requirement. Plants are divided into three light requirements: low light, medium light, and full sun. If your office doesn't have any windows, then a full sun plant won't work for you. Keep in mind that flowering plants require more light than foliage plants.
3. Ward off the chill.
Plants are typically happiest between 65° to 80° F during the day and 55° to 65° F in the evenings. Keep your plant away from heating/cooling vents, and don't allow its leaves to come in contact with a cold windowpane during the winter.


text:
<?php
// +----------------------------------------------------------------------+
// | PEAR :: I18Nv2 :: DecoartedList :: OceanianCountries                 |
// +----------------------------------------------------------------------+
// | This source file is subject to version 3.0 of the PHP license,       |
// | that is available at http://www.php.net/license/3_0.txt              |
// | If you did not receive a copy of the PHP license and are unable      |
// | to obtain it through the world-wide-web, please send a note to       |
// | license@php.net so we can mail you a copy immediately.               |
// +----------------------------------------------------------------------+
// | Copyright (c) 2004 Michael Wallner <mike@iworks.at>                  |
// +----------------------------------------------------------------------+
//
// $Id: OceanianCountries.php,v 1.1 2005/02/10 18:41:18 mike Exp $

/**
 * I18Nv2::DecoratedList::OceanianCountries
 *
 * @package     I18Nv2
 * @category    Internationalization
 */

require_once 'I18Nv2/DecoratedList/Filter.php';

/**
 * I18Nv2_DecoratedList_OceanianCountries
 *
 * Use only for decorating I18Nv2_Country.
 *
 * @author      Michael Wallner <mike@php.net>
 * @version     $Revision: 1.1 $
 * @package     I18Nv2
 * @access      public
 */
class I18Nv2_DecoratedList_OceanianCountries extends I18Nv2_DecoratedList_Filter
{
    /**
     * Keys for Oceanian countries
     *
     * @var array
     */
    var $elements = array(
        'AU','FJ','KI','MH','FM','NR','NZ','PW','PG','WS','SB','TO','TV','VU'
    );
}
?>

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


A UV photoinduced cross-linking of non-modified commercial poly(disulfide) resins (Thioplast) is reported via the air oxidative photocoupling of terminal thiol functions. Catalyzed by a photogenerated guanidine base (TBD), this step-growth photopolymerization is useful to maximize disulfide functions content. The mechanism proceeds through thiol deprotonation into thiolate anions, further oxidized into thiyl radicals, eventually dimerizing into disulfide cross-links. Starting with a detailed structural characterization of the thiol-terminated resin, photooxidative kinetics are studied under exposure to a polychromatic medium-pressure Hg arc using Raman and infrared spectroscopy. The effects of irradiance, film thickness, photobase concentration, resin molar mass, and content of an additional polythiol monomer (reactive diluent) have been investigated. In an effort of upscaling, irradiation under a 365 nm LED panel has enabled the fast preparation of 1.5 μm thick cross-linked poly(disulfide) coatings in a matter of minutes. Capitalizing on the ability of residual thiol groups to react with silver cations, a post-functionalization has been successfully performed, leading to films exhibiting at their surface stable thiolate-silver bonds as proved by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Despite the well-established biocide action of silver ions, no antibacterial action has been evidenced by confocal fluorescence microscopy because of insufficient release.


NEW ELKO HOURS We understand how difficult it is to schedule appointments around life's hectic schedules. Therefore, we are extending our hours one day a week to 8:00pm. Call today to schedule your appointment. These times will fill up fast! 775-738-9666.
"Katie K. has assisted me the last few times I have called AnyDay Dental. She is the utmost respectful person. She is thorough and truly cares about the patients. She goes out of her way to make things convenient for me." – Jamie F.
> AnyDay Dental wants to wish everyone a safe and happy school year! Remember, we offer convenient weekend appointments!
Brushing your teeth without flossing is like only washing 70% of your body.


Sunrise Curve 4 really sings. I like shots like this that create a feeling of anticipation and promise. The road (or in this case rails) are there, but with nothing on them the scene invites me to put myself into the shot. Thanks for shooting what you were given rather than being upset about what you weren't.


text:
Q&A: Eliminated Bachelor Canada contestant April on the sting of rejection and finding love after the show
Every week, we interview one of the rose-less women booted off The Bachelor Canada. This week, Vancouver businesswoman April
By Courtney Shea | October 26, 2017
By Courtney Shea | 10/26/2017
Name: April Phan
Hometown: Vancouver
Profession: Business analyst
Fun fact: She's a Britney Spears diehard
At the end of last night's episode, you said you needed time to process everything that happened. Now that you've have had that time, how do you feel?
I feel great. At the time, it was a huge shock and rejection not to get a rose. You're in front of all the other girls, and it's on TV, so it's different from just being rejected on a date. Now I can see it was a great experience and everything happens for a reason.
You and Chris didn't appear to have much of a spark. Did you feel like you did?
Chris is great, but no, we didn't have that connection. I didn't get a lot of time with him, and the time we did get together was always cut short.
And yet you went into the rose ceremony feeling pretty confident.
I guess there were other girls there who I thought weren't really ready for the next step, so I thought my chances were better.
I think what you're saying is, "OMG, Squirrel Girl got a rose and I didn't."
No, no. I just thought I would have had a better chance than some of the girls.
How did your preconceived notions about being on the Bachelor compare to the actual experience?
I thought there would be a lot of cattiness, but I met a lot of quality girls. We mostly got along very well. The tension comes from spending so much time together. We wanted to be friends, but we also had to go behind each other's backs a bit.
This seems like a good time to discuss Episode 3's biggest scandal. You told the camera that you thought Brittany M. was secretly adding sugar to the food she was making as a way to fatten other girls up. Was that really happening?
I was kind of joking, but she did have an agenda of some sort. She added some sort of syrupy jam to everything—coffee, protein bars. Initially, I thought she was making food for everyone to be friendly and nice, but as the days went by, I thought that maybe this was her way to make us feel that we owed her. I didn't trust her from day one. I felt like she was acting.
Okay, so Brittany M. is not there for the right reasons. Who is?
I would say Lindsey. As young as she is—she's 23—she is very mature. I'm 35, but I looked up to her. She stood out to me; she seemed ready to take her relationship to the next level.
You went on a group date where you had to ride a mechanical bull. Where does that rank on your fantasy scale?
I liked it. It's not about the mechanical bull. It's more doing something that is fun where you can laugh together and have a good time. What was kind of unfair is that the girls who lasted on the bull for the longest got to spend extra time with Chris, but some of them cheated by holding on with both hands. We were told one hand only. I guess when you're fighting for someone, you've gotta break the rules a bit.
Speaking of which, Mikaela pulled Chris aside during the pre-rose-ceremony cocktail party, even though she already had a rose. Isn't that a cardinal sin?
I don't know if it's a cardinal sin, but I didn't like it. A lot of the girls didn't like it. I guess from Mikaela's perspective, she wanted to spend more time with Chris. I wouldn't have had the balls to do that knowing that people would look down on me, but I don't blame her. Good for her.
Watching the show last night, which moments were hardest to watch?
Well, my exit. Watching myself tear up was kind of hard to watch. And of course, the editors didn't include the part where I was keeping it together.
Any regrets?
Not at all. After the Bachelor, I travelled for a couple of months. This past year has been the best year of my life. I met a guy who I can see myself spending the rest of my life with. Maybe that wouldn't have happened if I hadn't been on the show.
Topics: April Bachelor Canada Q&A
More Bachelor
Q&A: Eliminated Bachelor Canada contestant Pricilla on the season premiere and jumping out of a giant cake
Q&A: New Bachelor Canada Chris Leroux on his televised search for a soulmate
Inside the kitchen of The Bachelor Canada and Carnival Eats host Noah Cappe


Procter & Gamble's Align® is Helping Consumers Get Gutsy.
P&G Announcement Wednesday, December 11, 2013 9:00 am EST.
CINCINNATI--Life is made up of moments, both big and small, that take courage to accomplish or seem too daring to take on. Procter & Gamble's Align® is helping give people the confidence to experience one of those gutsy moments with the launch of its "Get Gutsy" challenge.
To help set an example and encourage people everywhere to live gutsier, Align is teaming up with actress, comedienne and Emmy award winning co-host of "The View," Sherri Shepherd. As a live entertainer, Shepherd knows about conquering nerves and facing fears.
People can log onto GetGutsyAlign.com now through January 2, 2014, to submit an entry describing the adventure they want to experience. Two winners will be announced in March 2014 and be awarded $5,000 to put towards accomplishing their goal.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to residents of the 50 US/DC, 21 or older as of the last day of the month prior to the date of entry. Void where prohibited. Entry begins 12:00:00 AM (start of day) ET on 11/7/13; ends 11:59:59 PM (ET) on 1/2/14. For details, see Official Rules (by which all entrants are bound) at www.getgutsyalign.com.
Align contains a patented probiotic bacteria and is a daily dietary supplement that comes in an easy-to-swallow capsule. With just 1 capsule a day, every day, Align fortifies your digestive system with healthy bacteria 24/7*§ and can help promote overall digestive health.* Align does not need to be refrigerated.
To learn more about how to naturally help maintain and fortify your digestive health* with probiotics like Align, visit www.AlignGI.com.
Bifantis is the natural probiotic ingredient in Align. The specific and pure strain of Bifantis found in Align is Bifidobacterium infantis 35624, which helps build and support a healthy digestive system.* Align is the only probiotic supplement that contains Bifantis.
P&G serves approximately 4.8 billion people around the world with its brands. The Company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Ace®, Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Duracell®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Fusion®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Iams®, Lenor®, Mach3®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, Prestobarba®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, Wella®, and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.


text:
Junior Player Spotlight: Zavier Augustin, Advantage Tennis Clubs
Photo courtesy of the Augustin family
Like a lot of young tennis players, Zavier Augustin's introduction to tennis began through watching his siblings. In Augustin's case, it was his older sister, Karah whom he would watch take tennis lessons on the weekends on a court in Bayside, Queens.
Each time, after watching his sister's lessons, he would tell her the same thing:
"You know I can beat you if I play you," the young Zavier would say.
That daily challenge was all the inspiration his parents needed to see to know that young Zavier wanted to be a tennis player.
"I was always pretty competitive as a kid, and was always active and looking for a sport to play," said Augustin. "I would be at her lessons all the time, so when she was practicing I would go on the court sometimes, and that's the first time I picked up a racket. I began taking more lessons and taking the sport more seriously, and it all started on those courts with my sister. I really looked up to her, and still do; she's the reason I got into tennis and developed a passion for it."
By the time he was five-years-old, he was enrolled in his own tennis lessons with coach Evan Vrsaljko, and when Vrsaljko joined Advantage Tennis Clubs in New York City, which operates the Roosevelt Island Racquet Club, Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club and New York Tennis Club, Augustin followed him and the two have been training together there ever since. Being a high-performance player, Augustin trains on both hard and clay courts. To complement his clay court training with coach Evan, Augustin also trains with Jay Devashetty. Basically, Augustin splits his training time among these two coaches.
Fast-forward to present day and Augustin has become one of the top-ranked juniors in the country in his age division, reaching as high as No. 10 in the Boys 14s division, and currently sitting inside the top 20 of the rankings.
"I go there about two to three times a week to train, and it's been so good for my game," he said. "I love playing there; the courts are excellent and it's a nice atmosphere. I think it's definitely a great setting for high performance players to work on their games."
One of the strengths of Augustin's game is his sheer desire to constantly improve, and be the hardest working person on the practice court and during matches.
Throughout the years, I've learned so much from my coaches," said Augustin. "Whenever I am playing a match, I can replay the words Evan tells me, 'no free points; you must earn every shot, every point'. It's these words of encouragement that keep me going. He really helped me develop an identity for my game and established a confidence in me."
That unrelenting work ethic originated from his parents, whom Augustin credits for instilling that character trait in him, and something he carries with him every time he steps on the court or in the gym.
"I get that work ethic from both my parents. They always told me, no matter what I do that I should put my all into it," he said. "I'm always looking to get better, and I go by the quote, 'practice makes progress.' Practice doesn't necessarily make perfect, but you can get better every day. I put my all into my practices and try to push myself as much as I can. If I can make things uncomfortable for myself during practice and training, then I'll be prepared for uncomfortable situations in tournaments. I am always looking to test my mind and body."
Augustin is a big kid with powerful weapons on court, something he uses to his advantage. He has a huge forehand and that he is able to use effectively to win points, and he possesses a big serve as well.
These are the strengths of his game, and Augustin is always working to add more weapons to his arsenal and become a more well-rounded player.
"I can trust my forehand, and I really emphasize the serve-plus-one shot pattern. I work on that a lot in practices," said Augustin. "I want to focus on other technical aspects of the game to complement my aggressiveness."
For the last several months, Augustin has been playing in the Boys 16s divisions of tournaments as he gets ready to age out of the Boys 14s divisions, and that's where his size and strength can play a critical factor in him making that transition smoothly.
His goals in the short term are to continue improving, and in 2023 play more ITF events as well, as he aims to not only raise his ranking there, but compete against the best of the best on the junior circuit.
"A goal I have for myself is to try and reach the Top 1,000 internationally, and I'm excited about what 2023 has in store for me," he said. "Long term, I want to play for a Division I, Power 5 school, that's a main goal I have. And just continue progressing from there, and see where it leads me. I would love to play professionally and of course that's the ultimate goal. I have to work on myself now, and continue to put the work in, and set myself up for success down the road."