Tutorials

The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Living

2012-06-10T14:21:00.001-07:00

Carbohydrate restricted diets are commonly practiced but seldom taught. As a result, doctors, dietitians, nutritionists, and nurses may have strong opinions about low carbohydrate dieting, but in many if not most cases, these views are not grounded in science. Now, whether you are a curious healthcare professional or just a connoisseur of diet information, two New York Times best-selling authors provide you with the definitive resource for low carbohydrate living. Doctors Volek and Phinney share over 50 years of clinical experience using low carbohydrate diets, and together they have published more than 200 research papers and chapters on the topic. Particularly in the last decade, much has been learned about the risks associated with insulin resistance (including but not limited to metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and type-2 diabetes), and how this condition is far better controlled by carbohydrate restriction than with drugs. In this book, you will learn why: * Carbohydrate restriction is the proverbial 'silver bullet' for managing insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and type-2 diabetes. * Restricting carbohydrate improves blood glucose and lipids while reducing inflammation, all without drugs. * Dietary saturated fat is not a demon when you are low carb adapted. * Dietary sugars and refined starches are not needed to feed your brain or fuel exercise. * Long-term success involves much more than simply cutting out carbs. * Electrolyte and mineral management are key to avoiding side effects and ensuring success. * Trading up from sugars and starches to a cornucopia of nutrient-rich, satisfying, and healthy foods is empowering. * Studying hunter-gathers' diets provides clues to how best formulate a low carbohydrate diet. This is a great book for health-minded individuals. It is an excellent book for healthcare professionals. Best of all, it is the perfect gift for health-minded individuals to share with their doctors, dietitians, and nutritionists.

Vegan on the Cheap

2012-06-10T14:17:00.002-07:00

This book presents great options for savory soups and stews, satisfying salads, hearty noodle dishes, first-class casseroles, favorites for the slow cooker, and meatless and dairy-free recipes for classics like pizza, burgers, and sandwiches. Plus, there's even a chapter for desserts to satisfy every sweet tooth. Throughout the book, smart tips and creative ideas help you save money by cooking in bulk, prepping meals in advance, and finding tasty ways to reuse leftovers.

The Wild Life of Our Bodies

2012-06-10T14:14:00.000-07:00

A biologist shows the influence of wild species on our well-being and the world and how nature still clings to us—and always will. We evolved in a wilderness of parasites, mutualists, and pathogens, but we no longer see ourselves as being part of nature and the broader community of life. In the name of progress and clean living, we scrub much of nature off our bodies and try to remove whole kinds of life—parasites, bacteria, mutualists, and predators—to allow ourselves to live free of wild danger. Nature, in this new world, is the landscape outside, a kind of living painting that is pleasant to contemplate but nice to have escaped. The truth, though, according to biologist Rob Dunn, is that while "clean living" has benefited us in some ways, it has also made us sicker in others. We are trapped in bodies that evolved to deal with the dependable presence of hundreds of other species. As Dunn reveals, our modern disconnect from the web of life has resulted in unprecedented effects that immunologists, evolutionary biologists, psychologists, and other scientists are only beginning to understand. Diabetes, autism, allergies, many anxiety disorders, autoimmune diseases, and even tooth, jaw, and vision problems are increasingly plaguing bodies that have been removed from the ecological context in which they existed for millennia. In this eye-opening, thoroughly researched, and well-reasoned book, Dunn considers the crossroads at which we find ourselves. Through the stories of visionaries, Dunn argues that we can create a richer nature, one in which we choose to surround ourselves with species that benefit us, not just those that, despite us, survive.

The Internet's Design Flaws

2012-06-03T07:43:00.002-07:00

While there is no doubt the Internet is extremely useful, it is far from perfect. In fact, some of its flaws can be incredibly frustrating and limiting, especially if you work in IT. Whether you are a database developer or involved in web development, knowing how to negotiate the Internet's design quirks can save you a huge amount of time.
Outdated protocols are a particular problem online, as they can inadvertently cause security risks. Cyber attacks can affect everyone on every level, from phishing scams to hacks on government databases; ensuring protocols are up to date is an essential step you can take to improve security.
Bill Hancock, the chief security officer of Savvis, the world's largest web hosting company, stated that the company gets attacked up to 400 times each day. Outdated protocols are one reason Hancock gives for these attacks.
Protocols such as TCPIP were developed at the start of the 1970s and as such are unable to defend against recently developed security threats. The upshot of this is that security attacks will continue until the protocols are improved and brought up to date.
Another problem with the Internet's design is that IP addresses are in short supply. Everything on the Internet requires an IP address, which acts in a similar way to a phone number. But experts are now saying that the existing IP address space is close to reaching its limit.
The reason for this shortage is that the Internet is currently built around the Internet Protocol addressing scheme (IPv4), which has around four billion addresses' worth of space, while its successor, IPv6, has trillions.
As people in IT jobs have discovered, while the existing IPv4 provided an ample enough IPs in the Internet's infancy in the 1970s, today, with the Internet being more ubiquitous and growth exploding in India and China, four billion IP addresses simply aren't enough.
A couple of solutions have been mooted by IT developers to overcome this problem. One is to switch to IPv6, which has a slow uptake at present because businesses do not see it as particularly immediate - this is because it will take a few years to implement properly.
Another option is to change how IP addresses are used, so that each device does not receive its own one. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have also discovered a way to use fewer IP addresses for entry-level Web users - those who just want to browse and use certain services, rather than more advanced features like creating their own websites or sharing files. The issue here is that the Internet would no longer be the democratic area it is now, where everyone can do as much as anyone else.
Flaws in network design are another problem with the Internet, and yet, unlike some others, these can be eradicated by the user. One of the biggest problems is when a company implements their network security but then forget all about it under the assumption that it's been done and that's the end of it.
The fact is, that security threats are constantly changing and updating, so defences have to be maintained pretty much constantly to stand a chance of fending off attack.
While there's no particularly obvious or easy answer to this, if the Internet was to be redesigned in the future, one current flaw to address would be easier ways to deal with security threats.
Network design flaws are particularly dangerous. Although most people are aware of the importance of having anti-virus software on their computers, the fact is that such software will be of no use to protecting a network that has design flaws.
For instance, network designs that predate security problems will be useless against modern attacks. Should the Internet be redesigned at any point, focusing in on network design security should be a prime consideration.
Whether you work in IT or not, it is important to learn about the Internet's shortcomings - a good knowledge of these can help you avoid numerous potential pitfalls.

Small Businesses: Why You Need a Reliable IT Consultant

2012-06-03T07:36:00.001-07:00

These days, most companies rely on computers for something, whether it's to store and organize data or make daily operations more efficient. Unfortunately, when difficulties arise, most entrepreneurs don't have the technological skills required to get their computers up and running again. Big businesses tend to employ several IT professionals, who remain on-call 24 hours a day in case an unforeseen problem occurs. That being said, smaller companies typically don't have the budgets to afford full-time information technology specialists, especially if they have a relatively small amount of computers and employees.
Solutions for smaller businesses
If you operate a small company that uses computers to function, you should have access to trained information technology experts, who can troubleshoot problems and conduct system upgrades. Smaller businesses generally don't make enough money to pay full-time IT employees, especially if the companies only rely on computers for a small portion of their operations. Fortunately, small business owners are able to get the help and expertise they require by working with local network consulting companies.
Why it's important to have a reliable IT person
When businesses build strong, lasting relationships with local computer consultants, they enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing their IT needs will be taken care. Instead of hiring a new computer expert every single time a problem arises, small business owners can sleep better with the knowledge that any potential issues will be addressed by someone with a familiar face. Anytime something goes wrong, the same IT professionals are available to visit the company and fix the issue. This familiarity is important; because it cuts down on costs by eliminating the time it would take for new IT experts to learn the company's systems and practices.
Coping with potentially disastrous problems
If someone in your office inadvertently opens an attachment and infects your network with a virus; your company's whole operation could shut down. To get things up and running as soon as possible, you need a dependable IT consultant. Unfortunately, many businesses don't think about potential IT problems until it's too late. If you call a stranger when your network fails, you may not get good service in a timely manner. On the other hand, if you have already established a strong relationship with trusted local network consultants, you'll know just who to call when potentially catastrophic problems jeopardize your entire operation. Before you go another day without an IT tech, consider what you would do if the worst case scenario came about unexpectedly.

How Tech Support Minimizes Cost

2012-06-03T07:31:00.002-07:00

Online tech support allows anyone anywhere to get support from anywhere, anytime. This means your technical issue in the US could be handled by someone living in India. Outsourcing to India could allow the company to pay lower wages than they would have to in the US. This means their savings could be passed down to you and your call may not cost as much as it could.
Online tech support minimizes cost in a variety of ways. One way it does that is by allowing consumers access to a myriad of technicians to match the specific issues they may be facing under one roof. This means you don't have to go to several different technicians to solve your computer problems and potentially pay exponentially more.
There are many free online manuals and "how-to-guides" that allows you to diagnose and sometimes fix the problem yourself. It is easy to find chat rooms of people trying to resolve the same problem you might be experiencing and be able to get cost-saving advice.
Written chats online with a technician eliminate the issue of not being able to understand a technician's accent if the representative resides in another country. Both parties can type out their technical requirements and issues while eliminating any potential misunderstanding that could otherwise arise on the phone.
Live chats allow you to get instant help without having to wait on the phone with long hold times. Sometimes video is used, so you can get even more personal customer service while getting relevant and effective support for your technical requirements. You are able to clearly write out your issues in the chat or even speak directly to the technician via video.
Sometimes companies keep videos of specific issues that have already been resolved that customers can easily access depending on their specific needs. This allows the companies to save money since they do not have to have technicians on hand all the time to provide support. This means technicians are free from repeat calls that take time and money.
Applications that are made simply with trial versions and strong online documentation or tutorials will also reduce online tech support expenses. Doing this addresses technical issues before they can even arise.
You can easily outsource IT support to deal with computer issues. At minimal cost or sometimes for free through your internet service provider, you can get remote assistance for your computer. You allow the technician to have access to your computer so the technician can resolve your computer issues remotely through the internet. Tech support has never been as versatile.

3D Printing For Marketing

2012-06-03T07:26:00.001-07:00

D printing is a very fascinating technology out there in my opinion. It is a form of manufacturing that constructs products in a layer by layer process to form a final product. These final products can be much more intricate than other forms of manufacturing, as 3D printing is geometrically independent in many cases. I want to talk to you about what 3D printing can do to boost marketing efforts.
For something to be 3D printed, it first has to be designed. Anyone can create something for this manufacturing process; if it can be designed on the computer, it can more than likely be manufactured through this technology. Prior to anything, a design has to be created. This design will then be sent to a 3D printer, or the machine that manufactures the product. This 3D printer will then create a product layer by layer until a final piece emerges. The final piece could be created from materials such as ABS plastic, precious metals like gold or silver, polycarbonates or ceramics, or full colored materials. There are over 60 materials to choose from in fact.
Like I mentioned earlier, pretty much anyone can create a design for 3D printing. If someone has a computer, they can gain access to various free 3D softwares out there and then they can create a model for manufacturing! This is ideal for CG artists or designers out there who simply want to see their work come to life. What happens when small businesses or even large corporations utilize this technology?
Objet, one of the leaders in 3D printing technologies, came in contact with a very interesting client. The project I'm going to cover was used as a strong marketing piece. Bungie, developer of the video game series: Halo, approached Objet to manufacture a diorama of a battle scene prior to the launch of Halo 3. Objet constructed dozens of character models of aliens and humans "going at it" in a large scale battle. Tanks, futuristic assault vehicles, space ships, and ogre-like aliens were created in this piece. This scale modeled battle scene was video-recorded, and used as a commercial for the launch of Halo 3. This scene caught my eye a few years ago back when I was in video games, and needless to say - I bought the product, as well as millions of other teenagers. This piece was made through 3D printing, and had a strong effect on the marketing campaign of Halo 3.
Recently, my company has taken an order from a ball-valve company that works in the oil and gas industry here in Houston Texas. Their designers came up with a model for these valves, and we 3D printed replicas of them in full color. These printed pieces were then handed to sales representatives to be used for selling the models. Having a client physically hold a model of the final product can make a huge impact on a sale!
3D printing has also helped product developers present new ideas to investors. The price to manufacture 2-3 prototypes through 3D printing isn't daunting; it can cost less than a few hundred dollars in many cases. Having a physical model of a new toy, gadget, or gizmo to present to investors is a big deal when working with people who would fund the project. This also applies to other industries like architecture. Marketing can truly be enhanced by 3D printing; having physical visuals can really change the game!

Four Types of Malignant Tumors

2012-06-03T07:21:00.003-07:00

Cancer may be malignant or benign. By way of the varieties of cells that form the tumor and by the trait features of those tumors, they are classified as carcinomas, sarcomas, lymphomas and leukemias. Several types of illustrative examinations are there to confirm, which types of disease a patient possesses. We will deal about these four types of tumor types one by one below.
Sarcomas: They will form only mostly in the connective tissues of the human body. Sarcoma has a special characteristic feature of spreading and invading any of the organ in the body. They generally occur in the blood vessels and lymphatic tubes, as they are formed by the connective tissues. Apart from these areas, sarcomas also form in the tissues of muscles, tissues of fibers, bones, bone cartilages, tissues of fat, and so on. The best examples of sarcomas are Ewing's sarcoma and Kaposi's sarcoma. These both types of tumors are of malignant sarcomas and are deadly in nature.
Carcinomas: These types of tumors mostly form in the tissues that contain epithelium. Skin in the body contains epithelium on it and covers the core organs of the body. These types of tumors are deadly and life-threatening neoplasm (new development) in nature. They commonly occur on the outer skin of the penis, urinary organs, around prostate glands, and ureters, core parts of the small intestines, and the interior part of the nose.
Leukemias: These tumors arise in the blood, especially in the white blood cells, and so they are called as leukemias or blood cancer. Blood originates in the bone marrow wherefrom blood passes to the other organs of the body through blood vessels. When leukemia tumor arises in the bone marrow, blood generates more white blood cells, and this abnormality is found when the blood test was done to the patient. These white blood cells are immature in nature.
Lymphomas: These types of tumors are also formed in the blood cells called lymphocytes on the lymph vessels and the glands of the lymphatic system. Lymph system is the autoimmune system of the body. These tumors commonly are life-threatening in nature.
Benign cancers are curable in nature; on the contrary to this malignant cancers are life-threatening and complicated in nature. Early detection and correct regimen of radiation, drugs, chemotherapy or hormonal therapy are essential needs of cancer disease. Many cancer treatments are costly. Cancer treatments are of two types, such as palliative and curative. Palliative treatments are given to the end-stage patients just to give them physical comfort and peace of mind. Curative measures are given to the patients with progressive and initial stages of disease.

Childhood Leukemia - Detecting Leukemia in Your Child

2012-06-03T07:18:00.000-07:00

Speaking of cancer it is human silent killer. It will attack uncontrollably if its number (cell) multiplies rapidly.
Once they form massively it gives negative effect on usual operation of the adjoining tissue. At this point of time there must be action on treating this problem. If this would not be treated well cancer cell would pass-through bloodstream reaching some body parts. This is what we call metastasis which is already very hard to control or to be cured.
We all have cancer cells scattered all over our body parts and no one spared of that silent killer. Young and old people can have it especially if our body immune system got weakens that could lower our resistance. Cancer problem on young generation are far more different than on older generations. The same medical procedures in fighting for it but different form when you look at it under the microscope. The chances are, younger generation responded better than the older one in terms of treatment.
Childhood and Adult Patients
Cancer is common on older people compared to younger people. Most likely mortality rate is higher on older people against younger ones. If we rate the chances of survival, 70% for the younger people and 30% for the elders. Sometimes it would goes up to 90% depends then on different types of cancer.
Reasons of Having Childhood Cancer
Cancer is not transmissible unlike AIDS. Disturbance to a cell's genes is one reason of cancer development.
On older people, one factor that contributed cancer is unhealthy lifestyle coming from different vices, carcinogen intake, too much sun exposure and a lot more. The reason of having childhood cancer is not yet known. There must be some reasons for this kind of cancer on our young generations but scientist never discovered yet what the cause is really.
Different types of Childhood Cancer
Leukemia: most common type of cancer on younger generation. There are more white blood cells than normal blood cells. These abnormal cell or leukemia developed earlier before reaching into maturity.
Different kinds of Leukemia
• Acute Lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL): The most common type victimizing usually children/young people. It would strike on bone morrow - which is our blood manufacturer. One common treatment is by Chemotherapy -a kind of drug that kills cancer cells. Another one is by radiotherapy - a high energy wave, like an x-ray. Survival rate of this kind of medication is greater than 70%.
• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML): Is less most common on younger generations though it can also be treated with chemotherapy and stem cell replacement. Chance of surviving is between 50% and 60%.
• Brain Tumors and Spinal Cord Tumors: This kind is second most common type of leukemia on affecting our younger children. In most cases casualty is greater than surviving from any form of medications because this is very hard to manage and be cured. It needs surgery as the first line of treatment and it depends on where the part of the central nervous system brains tumor grown-up. A series of chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions could inevitable happen as a sort of follow-up medications. There are few who would survive depending on the status of the tumor (stages 1, 2, 3,) and the type of tumor.

What Are Some Of The Blood Cancer Types?

2012-06-03T07:12:00.002-07:00

Unfortunately, there are many people who get cancer each year and have to deal with these types of illnesses. One type of cancer is blood cancer. Many people wonder what are some of the blood cancer types that people become sick with. Find out what some of the blood cancer types are.
One of the first common types of blood cancer is Leukemia. This unfortunately targets parts of your body that help you form your blood. There are a variety of types of Leukemia but all of them hurt your ability to produce healthy white blood cells. Because people with Leukemia lack white blood cells, typically the complications come from an inability to fight infection versus the cancer itself. Unfortunately, this is one of the more common cancers in children.
Lymphoma is another type of cancer that people get. This is a cancer of the lymph system which sometimes is referred to as Hodgkin's lymphoma or Hodgkin's disease. What happens is that the cells within the lymphatic system start to not form correctly. Eventually it's difficult to fight infections making the person very sick. There are also forms of lymphoma that are called non-Hodgkin's lymphoma which effects the while blood cells instead.
A third type of cancer is Multiple Myeloma. This type of cancer is very dangerous simply because it will effect the plasma cells in the blood. Generally the signs of this type of cancer is difficult to spot until someone has already had some serious infections because the body can't fight them off too well.
You need to be aware that there are multiple versions of each type of these cancers. Some are acute as they appear and harm the body quickly while others will not be so severe and gradually build up unless dealt with. If you need more information on a specific type of cancer, you can talk to your doctor getting all the information you need about a very specific type of cancer.
No matter what, the best advice we can give you is to start treating your cancer as soon as possible. The more time you give the cancer in your blood to evolve, the harder it will be to get rid of it in the end. Blood cancer is not a terminal disease per say, but if you do not start treating it immediately, it may very well be!
We wish you the best of luck with treating the cancer in your blood or avoiding same.

2012-06-03T07:07:00.001-07:00

Another year has gone by, and in a few short weeks, we celebrate National Cancer Survivor's Day. When this day arrives I am always taken back and remember those who never had a chance to celebrate this day.
Having practiced medicine for more than three decades, as physician I was deeply involved with the care of little children. As a hospitalist, I saw my fair share of childhood diseases. I can gladly say I was allowed to save many lives with help from others on the medical teams I worked with, and of course the cutting edge technologies afforded those of us who are privileged to practice medicine in the United States. It is interesting, the things in life which will push a man toward an education and prepare him for the great profession of medicine. One of those things was an event in my childhood in the early 1960s.
When I was a boy, I had many friends in school and outside of school alike. Growing up on a ranch in Nebraska, it was not unusual to have many friends who lived in other towns come to visit. One of my friends outside of school lived in a nearby town, but came over often. David and I were both eight years old. I remember fondly of playing "army" with David in the yard, and board games with him when he would come to visit. I liked him. He was friendly and got along with my sister and little brother too. We were both Cub Scouts but in different troops. You would always hear about how much David loved Scouting.
Soon though, the visits became fewer and fewer. David seemed to look frail and discolored to me as time went by. The color thing really bothered me. I asked Mom, "What's wrong with David?" Mom said, "He's sick, honey. He has cancer of the blood. It's called leukemia". As you can imagine, this was a little difficult for an eight year old to take in, but as time went by, I learned more and more.
David's parents were good friends of my parents, so we saw each other as families often. After he became ill, we saw less and less of them. Very rarely did I get to see my friend. David had an ever advancing condition of weight loss, bruising, sore joints, infections, was easily brought to tears, and I thought his hair looked funny. How does an eight year old process this inevitable plunge? As children, David, his sister, my brother, my sister and I, we were not emotionally mature enough to process this whole thing.
At home we would get the occasional phone call that he was back in the hospital. My parents were great. When we would get these calls, Mom and Dad would sit with us and try their best to explain this thing called leukemia. Understand, this was 1961, and leukemia was known as an unrelenting killer of children. There were no cures. Not even a good treatment. The medical community was desperate for a foothold.
One night we received a phone call from David's father. David had passed away at the young age of eight. I remember, it was really the first time I heard those words, "passed away". It was also the first funeral I went to for a friend. Friends are not supposed to die when you are kids. It caused me to take pause, and realize, that we are mortal. I know, I was just a child. I had seen two grandfathers buried, but I was very quiet and overcome by this intense event. All of these grownups I knew as strong, would breakdown and start to cry. I never the less watched in a surreal world of sadness, my parents' good friends bury my buddy, David.... And that image which is still so clear.... My friend, asleep in his Cub Scout uniform.
All the while I was there, I remember thinking David might come running out from behind that marble stone, but he never did. Why had this happened? I seemed to feel a pull even then, "The Calling", so many of us drawn to "medicine" and trained as healers will occasionally and quietly talk about.
Time went by, but I often thought of David and how unfair it had been for him and his family. The early 1960s saw almost all children die who had leukemia. The five-year survival rates of children then were only one in ten. All families could do, was wait and watch while their babies died in agony. He never had a chance, I often reflected. A sweet kid, taken from his family at such a young age. He never got the chance to do anything after he became sick. Never got to be an Eagle Scout, play baseball, be cool at school, or fall in love. How scared he must have been.
Time marched on and while in high school, I would hear of small advances in the fight against cancer and leukemia. Then, in the early 1970s, when I was in college studying chemistry, we began hearing about a new drug, a drug with great promise in the fight against leukemia. It killed leukemia cancer cells by attacking their ability to process folic acid for DNA synthesis. Called Methotrexate, I remember thinking.... Damn!.... it's a little late, but in less than ten years they came up with a weapon.
I had grown up with kids who had polio, but now, it was gone. Diphtheria was gone. Small pox was all but vanquished. Psychiatric hospitals were giving way to more advanced neuroleptic drugs, allowing former patients to re-enter society and become productive citizens. They had just invented the CAT Scanner. They had started to use lasers in ophthalmology. And, I thought, even William DeBakey is transplanting hearts with Denton Cooley down in Texas of all places! Things were really happening, and I wanted to be on the inside not the outside. It was an epiphany. Already a man of science, I realized then, that I was going to become a physician.
As time went by, more of these antimetabolite drugs became available and we started to see a real dent in childhood mortality from leukemia. Soon after, in the late 1970s, when I was a biochemist and starting my medical career, a drug from a flower called, "The Rosy Periwinkle", which only grows in the rainforests of Madagascar (go figure) gave us a new drug called Vincristine. A drug that could only be brewed in mother nature's kitchen, this was a monumental discovery. Never before had we been able to reach for a drug that could stop mitosis in cancer cells directly by shutting down their ability to pass through telophase. That's right, Vincristine and its sister, Vinblastine, destroy microtubule formation, so cells can't make spindles, resulting in the inability to replicate.
Then, when I was a resident in medicine, we discovered a way to perform bone marrow transplants, exchanging cancerous white cells for fresh, normal white cell precursors. You guessed it. We were now seeing cures and not just remissions. Lives were now being saved in this war.
My friend David had what we call, "Acute Leukemia". There are many types of leukemia, but there are two well-known leukemias that prey on children. They are Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, ALL, the one David had, which generally seeks out kids two to ten years of age, and Acute Myelogenous Leukemia, AML, which generally hunts down our babies under 1 year of age.
The acute leukemias are proliferating bone marrow tumors of cancerous precursor white cells still in the immature blast cell phase. The cells do not work like healthy white cells to combat infection. They multiply wildly, creating havoc in the body, literally consuming the patient to death, a condition we call "cachexia". Patients have intense bone pain, anemia, infections, swollen lymph nodes, enlarged spleens and livers, and, for some, meningitis, strokes, heart attacks, and renal failure. Without treatment, they are dead in a few weeks to a few months.
We still do not have a full grasp on their cause. Most are caused by oncogenes, which are mutated cancer inducing genetic codes for programming carcinogenisis and disrupting programmed cell death we call "apoptosis". What causes this, is the head scratcher. Many of us feel it is radiation exposure, or certain viruses. Perhaps environmental toxins, or even cosmic radioactive bursts. And of course, man-made toxins are obvious suspects.
By the early 1990s we were seeing cure rates in both ALL and AML of fifty percent and remission rates in the eighty percent range. What a leap. In just 3 decades we saw a paradigm shift in the treatment and outcomes of our children with leukemia, moreover, a shift in therapies which utilizes a team approach to protect our children from the acute depression and other collateral illness which accompany these frightening diseases.
Newer drugs like Daunorubicin have accelerated these therapies to even better outcomes. Although this drug is very effective, it is extremely cardio toxic and not generally used in children. However, it should be noted that we are now seeing ninety five percent remission rates and sixty percent cure rates in our children with ALL, and AML, a true shift in mortality that could only be dreamed about just thirty five years ago.
The drug Methotrexate is still at the heart of leukemia therapy, and is used in combination with other drugs. Unfortunately, there has been a recent shortage of this drug due to decreased production, and the drug makers asking for more money and charging outrageous prices. This is an unethical practice, and shameful in my opinion. It has been treated much in the press of late. Hopefully attitudes will shift and our lobbying campaigns to continue cost-effective production will be fruitful.
But now, what treatments are on the horizon for leukemia? There is a new drug. This drug arrived on the cancer chemotherapy shelves about a decade ago, but shows outstanding promise even outside of cancer therapy. Used mainly for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, CML, a leukemia which is seen mostly in older adults, it is highly effective. Rendering oncogenetic codes for cancer cell induction dead in their tracks, it is a target directed drug aimed at a specific chromosome translocation defect which exists in more than 90% of CML patients, called the Philadelphia Chromosome. The drug, Imatinib, was built from a rational drug design based on biochemical research already in place regarding the specific allele the Philadelphia Chromosome codes for, and shuts down the production of a protein called tyrosine kinase which induces cancerous breakdown of normally functioning white cells.
Imatinib has been used as therapy for other leukemias including refractory Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, and Myeloproliferative Disorders (chronic bone marrow cancers generally seen in the elderly) with outstanding success. But what is also very interesting is its experimental applications which are currently being investigated.
Imatinib has been touted as a treatment for pulmonary hypertension, a rapidly fatal form of high blood pressure in the lungs. It has been shown to reduce outcropping we call smooth muscle hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the pulmonary vascular tree. In systemic sclerosis, the drug has been tested for potential use in slowing down pulmonary fibrosis. In addition, current laboratory investigations show promise in stopping the progression of atherosclerotic vascular disease in mice. Yes, a treatment for coronary artery disease and heart attacks.
At Emory University in Atlanta, there are promising studies suggesting that Imatinib could be used as an antiviral against smallpox. Why is this important? Although this disease has been wiped off the face of the earth with the remarkable efforts of the World Health Organization, and no case has been identified in almost thirty years, We continue to believe a weaponized form of small pox launched from a rogue nation is possible.
Studies also suggest that a modified version of Imatinib can bind to the protein which increases the production and accumulation of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease, rendering it inert. Yes, a treatment for Alzheimer's induced dementia.
But with all of this in our doctor bags, there is still a dark and ominous specter. Although great strides have been made, and I was privileged to meet and take care of children with leukemia, and even watch them overcome the illness and move on with their lives, one patient stands out.
I was working the Emergency Department one night in 1995. It had been relatively quiet that evening, when at approximately two in the morning a man walked in carrying his teenage son. We acted quickly and helped him get his son to a gurney in an open bay.
The staff and I immediately recognized the man's son as Eric, a well-known high school football star. The father said he found his son crawling on the floor trying to get to the kitchen to get a drink of water. Eric looked awful. There was that damn color again. Eric was delirious with fever, weak, and poor to respond. We went to work on him immediately. His dad said that he was fine just a month ago, but had developed a sore throat at about that time, and was seeing one of our local doctors who just kept giving him antibiotics. We managed to get young Eric stabilized. Just as we were settling him in and making his father comfortable, I received a call from the laboratory. The lab tech asked me to come down to the lab. I ran to the laboratory. When I got there the tech was shaking her head as if to say, "this is really bad". I looked at the blood count machine's screen. "my God", I said to the tech. "His white count is seventy thousand". I looked in the microscope, "blast cells". I knew right away we were looking at an acute type of leukemia, but couldn't recognize it.
When I dashed back to the Emergency Department, Eric was coming around a little. I spoke with him and reassured him. But the look on my face when I turned to his dad, could not be masked. He knew I didn't have good news. We talked at length, then, I called in Eric's regular doctor. They talked while the team and I continued to work on Eric. I called in the helicopter, spoke with the hematology fellows at the university, returned to Eric and his dad, made sure they knew what we were doing and flew them both to University Hospital. All eyes turned to the Hematology Oncology Service with hope that they could help young Eric.
One week later, while seeing patients in my office, the Hematology service at the university telephoned me to say that Eric had "passed away". You sit by yourself and reach for introspection when these things sting you as a healer. I wondered. How does a robust young athlete get sick with leukemia, fail in health so quickly, and die in one month? As it turned out, Eric contracted a type of AML, called Promyelocytic Leukemia, one of the most deadly forms of AML, one which preys on teenaged children, and takes them away from us with stealth and quickness. So you see, our job is not done. I am reminded as to why we call it a "practice".
Our knowledge of the genome, stem cell technology, oncogenetics, and nanotechnology races onward. Our ability for rational drug design is extraordinary, and the technical savvy to produce these great magic potions has been nothing short of miraculous. In just four decades, we have all but squashed the disease that took my friend, David. But as you can see with Eric, we are not finished. I still think of David fifty years later, and how his death stirred in a young boy, the spark of becoming a physician. If I was educated only to save but one human being, it was all worth it.
We already have at our fingertips two technologies that must be placed into motion. Stem cell research has already given us the ability to crush this killer, and should never be interrupted. And, the science to manipulate the oncogenes so responsible for the fuel that drives these diseases is already available. My hope is that with our new technologies, in the near future, we will not need any drugs for leukemia. We will simply turn off the genetic machinery of bone marrow cancer and not allow leukemia even to exist, and therefore, never threaten our children again.
Dr. Counce

Dr. Charles M. Counce is a physician consultant, college professor, artist and medical illustrator with The Conservatory Of Medical Arts And Sciences. Founded by Dr. Counce in 2006, The Conservatory Of Medical Arts And Sciences is the collegiate medical arm of The Venture 17 Division of Education. The Conservatory is a campus based, and online education consulting professorate specializing in higher academics in the medical arts and sciences. The Conservatory Of Medical Arts And Sciences began as a charitable educational institution and online teaching tool to aid local college students in Colorado. However, The Conservatory has grown rapidly, reaching a large contingent of college students across America, as well as worldwide.
The Doctor is a professor of Human Anatomy and Physiology, Internal Medicine, Microbiology, and Hematology. In addition, he teaches American

How Can Women Avoid the Danger of Cervical Cancer?

2012-06-03T07:01:00.003-07:00

How can women prevent cervical cancer?
Cervical Cancer is when abnormal cells that are found in the cervix turn into cancer cells. This cancer is mostly caused by the human papillomavirus, or more commonly known as HPV. Women could have HPV for years and not even know it, because sometimes it does not show any symptoms. A few symptoms to watch out for would be bleeding from the vagina that is abnormal, pain during sex, bleeding during sex, and discharge from the vagina that includes blood. Cervical Cancer is more common with women over the age of 30, but it is never to early to start thinking abut getting tested for this disease. Women today may think this test is something they should keep putting off but if you are over the age of 21 or if you have been sexually active for more than three years, you should take some time to get this quick test.
The test is called a Pap Test, or more commonly known as a Pap Smear. A Pap Smear is a quick test taking at the most 5 minutes. The doctor will have you lay on an examining table, and using a speculum will open the vagina to see the cervix. After the cervix is seen, the doctor will use a special brush to collect a few cells and send them off to the lab for testing. Also during the Pap Smear a doctor does a quick pelvic exam to check the uterus and ovaries for any imperfections.
The next step after the Pap Smear would be waiting to hear about your results. If everything is fine, your doctor will usually send out a generic letter saying everything checked out fine and you can come back in a year. The other circumstance is if they find something on your Pap Smear. If this happens the doctor is in contact with you to make you aware that abnormal cells were found on your Pap Smear and that you have to come in for a biopsy, and a colposcopy. A colposcopy is a test used to see a magnified and illuminated view of the cervix to look for the lesions or abnormal cells. To highlight these cells the doctor will use a solution, and any lesion will be illuminated. After viewing this the doctor will take a biopsy, which is the removal of a small piece of tissue, and they will send the tissue off to see if the abnormal cells are at a mild state. If this is so the doctor will recommend more frequent Pap Smears to make sure that the cells stay at the mild state, these tests would range from every 3-6 months, until you get a few normal Pap Smear in a row. If the Biopsy comes back with cells in a higher abnormal state, then your doctor will recommend what treatment plan is best for you to handle this disease.
Women can avoid getting Cervical Cancer, it is all about early detection. The earlier you can catch this cancer, it may be easier to get rid of this disease. If you can keep up with your yearly Pap Smears, the chances of the cancer being caught in an earlier stage are higher so it can be easier to get rid of.

This article was written by Meagan E Lowery.

The Survival Statistics of a Patient Diagnosed With Ovarian Cancer

2012-06-03T06:57:00.001-07:00

In the United States, doctors are required to report all diagnosis made of cancer to a state registry. The federal government oversees registries of 45 states as well as the three territories and the District of Columbia, all though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Program of Cancer Registries.
As far as the remaining five statewide cancer registries are concerned, the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program started by the National Cancer Institute oversees and funds them.
The Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program by NCI provides ovarian cancer statistics on frequent basis that are based on actual data and are age-adjusted. According to the American Cancer Society (2008), in 2011, approximately "21,990 new cases will be diagnosed, out of which 15, 460 will die in the United States."
According to the provided data, there hasn't been seen an improvement in the mortality rates in ovarian cancer statistics in forty years since the Unites States declared the "War on Cancer." Nonetheless, other cancer types have shown substantial reduction in mortality rate because of the availability of early diagnostic technology and improved treatments. Sadly, ovarian cancer is still the most dangerous of all the gynecological cancers, which is why it offers bleak hope as yet.
About 177,578 women were alive in the Unites States who had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, according to the SEER program report on January 1, 2008.
According to the statistics, this type of cancer has been identified as the 5th most common cause of cancer related deaths among females, and in overall rating, it's the 9th most common cancer among females since it accounts for about 3% cancer in women. Another important fact to be mentioned here is that the NCI reports the mortality rates to be slightly higher among Caucasian women as compared to African-American women.
The risk of developing an invasive ovarian cancer in the lifetime of a woman is 1 in 71. The chance or dying from an invasive cancer is approximately 1 in 95. There is no particular age associated with ovarian cancer. NCI statistics show that about 8% women are diagnosed at the age of 85 and above, 18.2% are diagnosed at the ages between 75 and 84, 19.7% women are diagnosed between 65 and 74, 23.1% of women popular is diagnosed between the ages 55 and 64, 19.1% are diagnosed between 65 and 74 and 3.5 % are diagnosed between 20 and 34. The lowest risk is for women under the age of 20 among who only 1.2% are diagnosed.
The survival rate varies depending on the cancer stage. If it's an early stage cancer, there's a higher five-year survival rate than those diagnosed at later stages.

Cervical Cancer - Symptoms of Cancer of the Cervix

2012-06-03T06:53:00.001-07:00

Cervical cancer is the second most common malignancy in women worldwide, and it remains a leading cause of cancer-related death for women in developing countries. In the United States, it is the fourth most common malignant neoplasm in women, after carcinoma of the breast, colorectum, and endometrium. The incidence of invasive cervical cancer has declined steadily in the United States over the past few decades; however, it continues to rise in many developing countries. The change in the epidemiological trend in the United States has been attributed to mass screening with Papanicolaou tests (Pap smears).
History:
Because women are screened routinely, the most common finding is an abnormal Pap smear result.
Clinically, the first symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding, usually postcoital.
Vaginal discomfort, malodorous discharge, and dysuria are not uncommon.
The tumor grows by extending upward to the endometrial cavity, downward to the vagina, and laterally to the pelvic wall. It can invade the bladder and rectum directly.
Symptoms that can evolve, such as constipation, hematuria, fistula, and ureteral obstruction with or without hydroureter or hydronephrosis, reflect local organ involvement.
The triad of leg edema, pain, and hydronephrosis suggests pelvic wall involvement.
The common sites for distant metastasis include extrapelvic lymph nodes, liver, lung, and bone.
Physical:
In patients with early-stage cervical cancer, physical examination findings can be relatively normal.
As the disease progresses, the cervix may become abnormal in appearance, with gross erosion, ulcer, or mass. These abnormalities can extend to the vagina.
Rectal examination may reveal an external mass or gross blood from tumor erosion.
Bimanual examination findings often reveal pelvic metastasis.
Leg edema suggests lymphatic/vascular obstruction from tumor.
If the disease involves the liver, some patients develop hepatomegaly.
Pulmonary metastasis usually is difficult to detect upon physical examination unless pleural effusion or bronchial obstruction becomes apparent.
Causes:
Early epidemiological data demonstrated a direct causal relationship between cervical cancer and sexual activity. Major risk factors observed include sex at a young age, multiple sexual partners, promiscuous male partners, and history of sexually transmitted diseases. However, the search for a potential sexually transmitted carcinogen had been unsuccessful until the last decade, when a breakthrough in molecular biology enabled scientists to detect viral genome in cervical cells.
Strong evidence now implicates human papillomaviruses (HPVs) as prime suspects. HPV viral DNA has been detected in more than 80% of squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) and invasive cervical cancers compared to a consistently lower percentage in controls. Both animal data and molecular biologic evidence confirm the malignant transformation potential of papilloma virus-induced lesions. SILs are found predominantly in younger women, while invasive cancers are detected more often in women aged 10-15 years older, suggesting slow progression of cancer.
HPV infection occurs in a high percentage of sexually active women. Most of these infections clear spontaneously within months to a few years, and only a small proportion progress to cancer. This means that other crucial factors must be involved in the process of carcinogenesis.
Three main factors have been postulated to influence the progression of low-grade SILs to high-grade SILs. These include the type and duration of viral infection, with high-risk HPV type and persistent infection predicting a higher risk for progression; host conditions that compromise immunity, such as multiparity or poor nutritional status; and environmental factors such as smoking, oral contraceptive use, or vitamin deficiencies. In addition, various gynecologic factors, including age of menarche, age of first intercourse, and number of sexual partners, significantly increase the risk for cervical cancer.
Medical Care:
The treatment of cervical cancer varies with the stage of the disease. For early invasive cancer, surgery is the treatment of choice. In more advanced cases, radiation combined with chemotherapy is the current standard of care. In patients with disseminated disease, chemotherapy or radiation provides symptom palliation. The treatment of choice for stage Ia disease is surgery.
Stage IB or IIA
For patients with stage IB or IIA disease, treatment options are either combined external beam radiation with brachytherapy or radical hysterectomy with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy.
Most retrospective studies have shown equivalent survival rates for both procedures, although such studies usually are flawed due to patient selection bias and other compounding factors. However, a recent randomized study showed identical overall and disease-free survival rates.
Quality-of-life data, particularly in the psychosexual area, is relatively scant.
Postoperative radiation to the pelvis decreases the risk of local recurrence in patients with high-risk factors.
A recent randomized trial showed that patients with parametrial involvement, positive pelvic nodes, or positive surgical margins benefit from a postoperative combination of cisplatin-containing chemotherapy and pelvic radiation.
Stage IIB-IVA
For locally advanced cervical carcinoma (stages IIB, III, and IVA), radiation therapy traditionally has been the treatment of choice.
For treatment with radiation alone, 5-year survival rates reportedly are 65-75%, 35-50%, and 15-20% for stages IIB, III, and IVA, respectively.
Treatment begins with a course of external beam radiation to reduce tumor mass to enable subsequent intracavitary application. Brachytherapy is delivered using afterloading applicators that are placed in the uterine cavity and vagina.
Combined chemotherapy plus radiation therapy for cervical cancer
Recently, the report of 3 well-conducted studies of concurrent chemoradiation has changed the standard of care in this group of patients.
In the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group trial, 403 patients with bulky IB and IIB-IVA cancers were randomized to either radiotherapy to a pelvic and paraaortic field or pelvic radiation with concurrent cisplatin and fluorouracil. Rates of both disease-free survival and overall survival were significantly higher in the group that received combination treatment.
Rose and associates conducted a Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) trial for patients with stage IIB, III, or IVA cancer, comparing the combination of radiation with 3 different chemotherapy regimens (cisplatin alone, cisplatin/5-fluorouracil/hydroxyurea, and hydroxyurea alone). Overall survival rates were significantly higher in the 2 groups that received cisplatin-containing regimens.
In another GOG trial, patients with bulky stage IB disease were randomized to either radiation alone or a combination of weekly cisplatin and radiation. All patients had adjuvant hysterectomy. Both disease-free survival and overall survival rates were significantly higher in the combined-therapy group at 4 years of follow-up.
Based on the aforementioned study results, using cisplatin-based chemotherapy in combination with radiation for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer now is a reasonable option.

Economic and Societal Benefits of Eco-Friendly Computer Disposal Practices

2012-06-02T20:58:00.003-07:00

Redundant IT equipments are a major concern of the business owners around the world. Business owners find it way difficult to dispose of these uncalled-for office equipments. European and international computer disposal rules and regulations have grown stringent like never before. The newer mandates have restricted improper disposal of computer parts and peripherals to a great extent. Unfortunately, the IT disposal practices are largely influenced by these laws only. Not many business owners guesstimate the economic and societal benefits of eco-friendly disposal. Their actions are largely guided and restricted by the existing laws. Here below is a brief summary of other good reasons for eco-friendly electronic and electric equipment disposal.
Economic value
Newer and smarter PCs and Smartphone products are coming up almost every day to replace their elder cousins. Studies have shown that an average user uses a laptop for three years and a mobile phone no more than 24 months. However, most of us forget about the workability of the older machines in the frenzy of buying newer gizmos. The truth is that many of those so-called 'out-of-order' machines can be repaired easily and can be reused as well. There is a huge for-profit market that accepts these used materials and resell these in countries where the production rate of electrical and electronic equipments is comparatively lower than the countries in Europe and North America. There are manufacturers as well who encourage consumers in computer recycling. You can get a hefty price for a product if it hasn't reached its end-of-life. So the economic value cannot be ignored at all.
Conservation of resources
Many computer disposal agencies espouse IT equipment recycling as a process to conserve resources. Some of the equipments contain extremely useful elements such as mercury and lead. These elements can be reused in various industries whereas, on the contrary, if these elements are dumped in landfill areas, soil and groundwater can be contaminated immensely. Computer users around the world lack this awareness which is why regimented and proper e-waste management becomes a difficult task even in the most developed countries. There are e-recycling agencies that have tie-ups with companies from various industries and charitable orgs as well. These agencies simply dismantle these used computers and peripherals and entrust the useful and recyclable elements to various companies. This way, various useful resources are economized. Many children in less developed countries are endowed with these computers.
Security
Both business and personal computer users oftentimes forget that the computers they dispose of with municipal waste contain private and confidential data. An ingenious hacker can easily haul out the data from a used computer and misuse it. This leads to identity theft, bank account hacking and many more consequences. Agencies that religiously follow the WEEE directives and other European IT disposal guidelines always advise their clients to wipe off data completely. Some even offer comprehensive data backup and destruction services.
Many computer users are completely incognizant of these benefits of safe and green disposal practices. They go for eco-friendly methods of disposal under legal browbeating. It is important to understand that the environment-friendly methods are prescribed by the competent authorities not for mere reasons, but for making a planet a safer and greener place to live.

Green is a UK based firm helping businesses and individuals to get rid of redundant IT equipments. However, our policies and actions are not unaccountable. We religiously adhere to the best and disposal practices as prescribed by European Union and other concerned authorities.

Best Trading Computer Compared to a Regular Computer

2012-06-02T20:50:00.002-07:00

The argument always comes to mind when it comes to purchasing a trading computer - choosing between a regular computer and a customized computer for day trading. Hands down, any person who does research will say that obtaining the best day trading computer on the market is no comparison to a regular computer. Any day trader who is serious about stock trading quickly learns that not just any ole' computer is going to do the trick. You're going to need a high quality PC that is packed with high-end components that aren't found in the traditional computers that you'll see on the shelves of electronic stores.
Why Trading Computers Use 4 to 8 Monitor Setups
The best day trading computer always comes with at least four monitor connections. If you're really looking to get more visuals on what's going on in the market, then you can go as high as having eight monitors. You're going to need a graphics card that supports four to eight monitors, which is available through dual and triple graphics cards. The regular computers you find on the market at department stores only allow you to connect up to two monitors. Not to mention, they have low quality graphics card models.
What Components Are in a Day Trading Computer?
There are a variety of components that come inside of a stock trading system that you won't find in regular PCs. You can guarantee that you won't find the Ivy Bridge, aka i7-3770K, inside of any stock computer in local department stores. This is today's top-of-the-line processor and is highly recommended for day traders. Day trader computer systems should also come with lots of memory RAM, solid state drives and high-end graphics cards that support multiple monitors.
Components Customized for Trading
So what other components make stock Trading Computers different from the regular ones? Well for starters, top-notch trading systems are equipped with cooling components, which are either air or liquid systems. Since day traders are using many applications and programs at once, over an extended period of time, the computer quickly heats up. This is why it's important to have a high quality cooling system in your PC. Then there is the overclocking factor. This can be done by anyone, but only a professional should do it. When you overclock your processor, it allows it to operate faster, running at more clock cycles per second. If you're not careful, you could end up with a fried computer, due to the fact that overclocking causes more power consumption, thus generating more heat. When modified by a pro, it will ensure that your trading PC isn't going to blow itself up.

Three Warning Signs That Your Computer Could Have A Virus

2012-06-02T15:08:00.001-07:00

A computer virus is a classic example of one of those things in life that we hear about all the time but don't think it will happen to us. Because of this we tend to dismiss taking any preventative action and then become overtaken by regret and profusely wish we had when we become affected.
For the majority of us, a computer is a daily essential in our lives. Many of us rely on a PC all day at work and then store some of our most precious documents such as photographs of our loved ones and important documentation on our home computers. The effect of having such fundamental features of our lives eaten away or corrupted by a virus can be devastating so why do so many people fail to protect themselves and ignore the signs?
Unfortunately, ridding your computer of a virus can often be a complex procedure. This can often become even more extensive the longer the virus infects your computer. Just like you protect your own health, you should not ignore the symptoms that your computer has been infected because the sooner you detect a potential virus, the more chance you could have of saving your computer's life.
1) The performance crash
We've all been there - the loading cursor whirling round and round taunting you with its lack of urgency. A sluggish computer can make even the most simple of tasks difficult and extremely frustrating. This is not to suggest that a slow-performing computer means that you have definitely got a virus as there are a number of reasons which can cause computers to slow down however it should definitely be a trigger sign that you need to investigate.
A virus can drain a computer of its CPU resources. The central processing unit (CPU) is the 'brains' of a computer - the area where all processes are executed. Therefore by tying up vital resources, viruses can cause your computer to work significantly slower than normal. Although it can take around 6 months for an unidentified virus to completely shut a computer down, the effects are normally visible from around 3 weeks of infection. The first signs can often be web pages loading slowly but over time, you may find applications such as word processors responding more slowly.
You can check your CPU usage in task manager - if it is of a high or full percentage, you should look at the individual processes that are taking up the most resources. If there is a file name which you do not recognise, this could be a cause for concern. You may also start to notice web pages or browsers start to crash altogether or you are directed to a new homepage.
2) The curse of the start-up
That painful frustration when your computer takes so long to start up that by the time it has you've forgotten why you even turned it on in the first place.There can be a number of reasons that a computer takes its time to load as often a number of applications are programmed to automatically load on start up of your computer. However if you do not have any applications set to load, the slothery may be a sign that the harmful malware starting up.
In order to check the applications set to start up automatically, run Start > Run > "Msconfig">Startup - if you notice any applications listed which you did not configure to start up, you should investigate these further. However it may not be wise to make any rash delete until you are certain as they could just be a third party application working on behalf of a trusted system.
3) Access denied
In order to corrupt your computer system to their fullest ability, viruses often implement processes in order to disable certain functions to stop you being able to control your system. This makes it extremely difficult for people to attempt to resurrect the effects of the virus when they start to realise something is not right.
Often the first thing that may become inaccessible is your Task Manager. Viruses often do this to try and make it difficult for users to identify and stop the running process. A number of important files and folders may also be prevented from your access - often viruses make these read-only or hidden so you can not easily access or change them. You should look out for any unidentifiable files ending in '.exe' and consider their origin.
Windows Registry Editor often also becomes affected by the virus. This is the 'headquarters' of your computer system and the place that application and operating system preferences are controlled. This is a fundamental tool for the administration of your computer as operations like 'System Restore' which allows you to revive your computer system to previous points are carried out from here. Viruses often deactivate the Windows Registry Editor to prevent this.
If you suddenly become unable to access areas of your computer system that you previously had access to, you could potentially have contracted a virus.
If you are experiencing one or more of the listed symptoms...
You should seek professional help immediately - do not leave it too late as often the sooner a virus is detected, the better it can be for your computer. This does not necessarily mean that your computer has a virus but a full health check could help to diagnose the problem.
If you are not experiencing any of the symptoms...
You should ensure that you have a good active anti-virus package which is kept regularly updated. These are almost always significantly cheaper to buy than the cost of fixing a computer which has been affected by a virus. If your computer does contract a virus, you could lose everything including photographs and files which may be irreplaceable.
Businesses should be especially vigilant about anti-virus protection as a virus may not only corrupt one computer but all computers on your networking putting your important files at risk. An IT Support company will be able to provide you with full anti-virus guidance and support and a regularly updated and well-maintained system to protect your company's technology.

What Is Infrared Technology?

2012-06-01T16:04:00.001-07:00

Infrared technology is increasingly present in mainstream industrial applications. Before asking 'what is infrared technology?' - we need to clarify our understanding of infrared radiation. Visible 'light' accounts for a tiny amount of the radiation that exists around us, our eyes are only capable of seeing a narrow region of the electromagnetic spectrum, and we need specialist technology to see what lies beyond. Microwaves, radio waves, ultraviolet rays, and infrared are all forms of radiation that's invisible to us, but their presence is felt nevertheless, largely through radiated heat. We use protective cream for example, to protect us against the sun's harmful UV rays, and x-rays (a high energy, short wavelength radiation) are used extensively to penetrate our skin and reveal fractures in bone in a way that's not possible by visible light.
Infrared, or ir, meaning 'below red', is radiation similar to visible light, but with a slightly longer wavelength. It has less energy than red light - which is the lowest energy light the human eye can perceive. Whilst visible light is emitted by objects at a very high temperature, infrared energy is emitted by all objects at room temperature and below. Now, all objects have the ability to absorb and emit radiated heat, but at different values. Dull and dark objects such as concrete and rubber, for example, will retain and emit more heat under identical conditions than reflective objects like steel. But generally, the hotter the object, the greater the amount of infrared energy is emitted. The human body emits a vast amount of heat that's difficult to perceive without specialist infrared technology.
Let's consider measuring this emitted heat…
By using sophisticated technology, we can detect emitted infrared energy. Taking the human body as an example, infrared thermal image cameras can detect our infrared heat signature in total darkness. You may have seen an image taken by a police helicopter camera of suspects on the run at night, showing the hottest areas as bright white, typically being car tyres, street lighting, or human skin. Thermal imaging systems not only let you see in the dark, but they also enhance your ability to detect excessive or inadequate temperatures of critical objects, assess energy loss and protect the environment, and evaluate building diagnostics. They are an invaluable, affordable tool for businesses specialising in transportation, construction, environmental monitoring, electrical installation, and security.
An alternative to the infrared thermal image camera is the infrared thermometer. These thermometers use sophisticated optics to measure radiated heat. Often being equipped with a laser, they are designed for instant non-contact temperature measurements of inaccessible, hygienic, or hard-to-reach flat surface areas, such as air conditioning systems, industrial machinery, automotive spot checks, and food preparation surfaces.
When it comes to using an infrared thermometer, most suppliers would have you believe it's simply a question of pointing the laser; pulling the trigger, and reading the temperature measurement. It's really not that simple to achieve an accurate measurement. Important factors to consider before measuring are laser spot-size, and the emissivity value of the surface being measured. The error in the accuracy of a measured value can be as much as 30% of the reading just based on emissivity.
Calibrating your instrument…
If you can choose the infrared technology best suited to your intended application, AND provide traceable instrument calibration to an auditor, you can always be assured of your measurement's creditability. If you're unsure of an instrument's suitability, always consult the help of a professional body.

Using an iPad Like a Pro

2012-06-01T15:51:00.002-07:00

There are quite a lot of people who have iPads that do not exactly want to be seen as greenhorns when using their gadget. The truth is there are some people who obviously buy Apple implements just for the prestige factor, but when it comes to using them, look like they're out to embarrass themselves.
Though no one can really claim to be experts in the matter of using iPads other than those who design and made them, there are actually some 'best practices' that people have come to accept when it comes to using the device. Feel free to sell used iPads and get a new one so that you can apply these iPad tips and techniques.
1. Preview more of your emails
Sometimes, it's not enough to see just a few of your emails in the first glance of your inbox. You can actually increase the number of emails you can preview.
FACT: The iPad's Mail app defaults to previewing two lines of each email before you tap on it. So if you want things to be handier, there really is a way to do it. Be able to see more of an email before loading the whole thing even when you have an annoyingly slow internet connection.
Do this by simply opening the Settings app, then tapping on Mail, Contacts, Calendars and changing the Preview option to add more lines.
2. Turn off iPad email alert chimes
Do you ever get tired of the sounds produced by your iPad whenever there are new things that have happened on it? Well, you can change it, and you can actually turn them off too.
If you choose to be silent and you want your iPad to do the same too, you can easily turn off the chime for new notifications or emails. Just tap your way to Settings, and then go to General. Right there, you can go to Sounds and turn off the New Mail sound. You can correspondingly adjust the sound levels here too.
3. Turn off iPad push mail
Push emails is a feature that is useful. Most email accounts default to Push as a delivery mechanism, if accessible. This automatically 'pushes' any new emails your way as soon as they are received by your email directly to your smartphone.
Though, it can really eat a lot of your battery charge when you do not need it at the moment.
If you find this annoying or distracting you can set your Mail accounts to check for new messages at intervals, or manually so they only check for new messages when you tap the Refresh button. To turn off Push, select the Settings app and Mail, Contacts, Calendars and choose Fetch New Data, then turn Push on or off.
Now that you know how to use your iPad like a pro and not look like some naive poser, you can definitely sell used iPads to get that new iPad everybody's raving about and look credible while using it. Sell used iPads like a pro!

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Crucial Tips to Finding Your Perfect Computer

2012-06-01T15:36:00.002-07:00

With enough choices on the market to make the average consumer's head spin, it can be extremely tough to figure out which computer will best fit a particular person's needs. Even the simplest choice, like whether to get a desktop or a laptop, can seem daunting if not prepared and armed with the right questions. Employees at the local computer store or electronics retailer only help to confound the issue by throwing technical jargon around and making the process seemingly harder than necessary. These tips should get you well on your way to having the perfect computer to fit all your needs.
First, decide the primary use of the computer. This can be as simple as determining whether the computer will be used at home or if portability is a key factor. Even if the computer will be primarily used at home, there may be a chance a laptop would be the best option. For example, people who like to be on their laptop to check stats while watching sports may want a laptop. Also, thinking about whether this computer will be used primarily for work or entertainment can be important for determining the power necessary.
Next, think about computing power needed. This is where the average user starts to get slightly confused when GHz and RAM start getting thrown around. The secret is to take what you learned in the first tip to figure out what programs you will be using the most. If all you are doing is surfing the web and checking your fantasy baseball team, it may not be necessary to get the strongest and fastest computer out there. If there are particular programs being utilized, check the recommended specs for those programs and go just a little above those specs.
Thirdly, assess how much space you will need. If you plan on storing a ton of large files like movies and music on the machine, you will obviously need a lot of space. With the price of memory dropping lower each year, it is very easy to get a computer with enough space to hold whatever you may want. Also, memory is something that is expandable in the device or by an external hard drive, so don't worry if you run out of space. The general rule of thumb these days is a 500GB hard drive to start. A 500GB hard drive will hold a lot of information including plenty of music and movie (or spreadsheets). If you know that you will be holding a lot more media, then it is advisable to get a 1TB (which stands for terabyte and is 1,000 GB).
Additionally, something that many people consider nowadays is whether to buy Apple or Windows. This can be tricky and both companies have some pros and cons when considering a new computer. Generally, an Apple computer will cost your more but people who love them are dedicated to them with a passion and fury. Windows users tend to be less passionate, but usually have no desire to switch to an Apple computer. Apple tends to be more user-friendly for the type of person who may not be the most computer-savvy individual. Windows are much more customizable and have a variety of manufacturers that can provide the computer. It is recommended to go to a computer store and just get your hands on both and play around a little bit.
With these tips, finding that perfect computer should be much easier and less of a headache. Remember to research what you need in a computer and then take a little time to research models of computers. Following this advice, the perfect computer can be found without anymore headaches.

Evolution of Digital Cameras

2012-05-31T16:53:00.004-07:00

The concept of capturing still images evolved from the basic ideas of the camera, with its roots found deep into the historical time frame of the early Chinese as well as Greeks. The first attempt at photography was achieved with the idea of viewing images through the idea of the pin-hole device. This idea of this device was thought of as theologically conceived, based on the earlier concept of a Divine power. The digital camera known today is descended from a long lineage of cameras.
The technology behind the pin-hole camera enabled creative minds to conceive of the idea of capturing still images, which led to an earlier version of the camera. The first recorded knowledge of the device implemented with the capacity to capture images reveals the idea that transportability was not taken into account when establishing this device. It was large enough to accommodate individuals.
The image capturing processes of this version of the camera was enabled through the available elements of nature, which provided the lighting that was captured through the pin hole. This then enabled the image of the individual inside to be displayed on a screen. The displayed image was then manually copied onto available materials.
This camera was solely intended to entertain. This version of the camera developed in to the later version which enabled more convenient portability. This was due to the improvements made by certain inventors of the time, using the properties of certain versions of darkening chemicals at the time. The darkening aspects of the chemicals revealed themselves under the needed light to see the images. Due to this, the images did not last.
A more successful attempt using a different substance at the time resulted in a lasting captured image. A gelatinous plating devised by a later scientist enabled higher speed image capturing, with improved standards of image result. The quality of speed required a capturing system to meet the newer standards, which resulted in a shutter that observed a mechanical response when triggered.
After the invention of the first form of film, the first recognizable form of the device known as the camera was established. The version of the nineteenth century was black block shaped device, with the same capturing technologically advanced capabilities known to later cameras. While the cameras evolved, different types became more readily available, with the latest improvement being the digital cameras known today. The latest choices offer features such as video capture and photographic upload into a storage medium, such as computers before being shared.

Power Yoga - Ursula Karven

2012-05-31T13:49:00.003-07:00

"Power Yoga mit Ursula Karven" combines eastern wisdom with the dynamics of life in Western countries. Ursula Karven and a group of other students under the guidance of yoga instructor Mark Stephens demonstrates a lesson for the design of something very like Shiva Rea lessons and Rodney Yee ... At the heart of the lesson are the elements of classical hatha yoga. Regular practice will not only give the opportunity to keep your body in shape, but also helps you find the path to inner peace. It does not matter how old you are and what your fitness level! Alternative to complex exercises, which are shown in the picture, and beginners can join the practice.

Billy Blanks - Tae Bo Express (2012)

2012-05-31T13:33:00.002-07:00

Billy Blanks - Tae Bo Express (2012)English | Duration: 1h 35m | MPEG4 | 688x384 | 23.98fps 2037kbps | MP3 128kbps 48.0KHz | 1.36GB
Genre: eLearning

Now there's always time for Tae Bo! These 10-minute workouts use all of the best Tae Bor techniques in an Express format that gives you a serious workout in the shortest amount of time possible. Fast paced and energizing, each minute packs a real punch and will challenge you to push harder--maximizing your time. You can slim down, and tone up in as little as ten minutes. Or you can mix & match your favorite express workouts to get a custom routine tailored to your schedule and training goals. No matter how busy your schedule, these powerful express segments will work to get you Tae Bo fit!