DonJoy Playmaker

The DonJoy Playmaker range is at the low end of the Donjoy ACL braces in terms of strength. Its primary function is to provide functional support for MCL/LCL injuries but the Playmaker range can also provide functional support for mild to moderate ACL/PCL injuries.

The Playmaker is best suited to the mildest of strains and has several variants including material alternatives to neoprene (its standard material). This allows use of the Playmaker by those with neoprene allergies.

The Standard Playmaker

The standard Playmaker is manufactured from neoprene and features DonJoy’s patented 4-point dynamic leverage technology. Variations in the Playmaker generally do not change its application (i.e. it is generally targeted at MCL/LCL instabilities and mild to moderate ACL/PCL instabilities – for example ACL tears as opposed to reconstructions). An additional full circumference strap for the thigh enables use of the Playmaker in CI (combined ACL/PCL instabilities) situations.

The low profile of the standard Playmaker enables use in sporting activities. Certainly for MCL and LCL tears, the Playmaker can enable a return to sports even while the ligament is healing. Jerome Bettis of the Pittsburgh Steelers was one of the most celebrated sportsmen to use the Playmaker when returning to sport following his MCL rupture (and while it was still healing).

The Playmaker is available in five standard sizes which make it suitable for most men and women with thigh circumference (measured 6 inches above the center of the knee joint) being the key sizing metric. As such the Playmaker is custom fit and not custom made and, therefore, care should be taken to ensure that the correct brace is chosen for the specific ligament(s) instability. I hope this website helps with that choice!

Drytex Playmaker

The Drytex Playmaker features a lightweight, breathable alternative to neoprene for those with neoprene allergies. The improved airflow of the material also makes the Drytex Playmaker suitable for use in warmer climates. This brace is not available for PCL instabilities.

Drytex Wraparound Playmaker

The Drytex Wraparound Playmaker brace has all of the features of the Drytex Playmaker with the additional application for PCL and CI (combined ACL/PCL) instabilities. Its wraparound style is suitable for those who would have trouble applying the standard Playmaker sleeve.

Playmaker Wraparound/Wraparound IROM Playmaker

With a polycentric hinge, the Playmaker Wraparound is the neoprene version of the Drytex Wraparound Playmaker. All other features are the same. However, when fitted with the IROM hinge, the Wraparound IROM Playmaker provides additional support for patients who have had meniscal repairs in addition to ACL/PCL reconstructions.

Playmaker with Patella Donut

This version of the Playmaker is designed only for mild ACL, PCL or CI instabilities but where the added complications of patella tendonitis, subluxation or chondromalacia are also present. Patella tendonitis is more commonly known as Jumper’s Knee and is most common amongst basketball and volleyball players. Tendonitis refers to the inflammation and/or irritation of this tendon. Subluxation is the term used to describe the partial dislocation of a joint, in this case the knee joint, and chondromalacia refers to the unusual softening of the cartilage under the kneecap which is often a cause of chronic knee pain.

The Patella donut in the brace can either be open or closed depending on the particular condition being addressed and it is trimmable to further provide the necessary support based on the knee condition.


Nephrology – diagnosis and testing

by Elisakits BioSupply Manufacturer & Supplier

Nephrology is a speciality which is concerned with the study of normal and disease kidney function. There are many diseases which are found to affect the kidney’s, the majority of these are systemic disorders that are not just limited to the organ itself and therefore might require specific treatment. Some common examples include: genetic and congenital conditions (such as polycystic kidney disease), acquired systemic vasculitudes conditions (such as ANCA vasculitis) and many autoimmune diseases (such as lupus). There are many different patients which might be referred to a specialist in nephrology following a urinalysis procedure for example: chronic kidney disease, acute kidney failure, kidney stones, hematuria, disorders of electrolytes and proteinuria.

A physical examination and a check on patient’s history are fundamental during the initial diagnostic workup.

  • Physical examination: Includes the assessment of volume state, lungs, blood pressure, peripheral arteries, heart, abdomen and joints.
  • Patient’s history: Typically include going through and obtaining as much back information about the patient, information such as family history records, general medical history, any current illness or medications/drugs being used, diet and occupation.

Various tests which can be carried out include.

1. Urine test: the examination of the urine sample makes it possible to undertake a direct assessment for any possible kidney problems, things to keep an eye out here include: protein in urine (proteinuria), cancer cells in urine, blood in urine (haematuria) and pus cells in urine (pyuria). Generally, a 24 hour urine sample is collected in order to quantify daily urine output, protein loss, electrolyte handling by renal tubules and creatinine clearance.

2. Blood test: can be useful in detecting the concentration of platelets, haemoglobin, potassium, sodium, creatinine, bicarbonate, calcium, phosphate, magnesium, chloride and urea that could be present in the blood. All of these tests are most likely going to be affected if the patient has kidney problems when compared to the normal levels found in normal patients.

3. Structural abnormalities test: this can be carried out by using imaging test, example include: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed axial tomography (CT), medical ultrasound/ultrasonography and scintigraphy.

In majority of cases when a definitive diagnosis is needed then a biopsy of the kidney might be required. Here a small sample of the kidney is taken and examined under the microscope, this can allow a direct visualisation of any changes which may be taking place within the kidney. Also, in some cases, a biopsy may be used in order to monitor the response to any treatment being carried out and possibly identify any potential relapse.

Useful Further Reading

1. Evidence-based practice in nephrology: systematic reviews. Adv Chronic Kidney Dis. (2012) 19 (1): 34-9. Review. Samuel J. and Samuels J.

2. Nephrology research--the past, present and future. Nat Rev Nephrol. (2015) 11 (11): 677-87. Review. Floege J., et al.

3. Improving the Nephrology Match: the Path Forward. J Am Soc Nephrol. (2015) 26 (11): 2634-9. Review. Hsu C.Y., et al.

4. Onco-nephrology: a decalogue. Nephrol Dial Transplant. (2016) 31 (4): 515-9. Review. Cosmai L., et al.

5. Adding up the evidence: systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Nephron Clin Pract. (2011) 119 (4): c310-6. Noordzij M., et al.

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Evaluación Aplicación de vacuna contra el VPH

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a double-stranded DNA virus that is non-enveloped, mucosal, and cutaneous epithelium. It belongs to the genus Pseudomonas, and it is associated with condyloma acuminata, vulgaris, verrugas planas, ticks, and abalone. Benign lesions such as warm papules are closely related to cervical cancer, anal, vulva, vagina, penis and oropharyngeal malignancies. En el presente, there are about 170 subtypes of HPV identified, which are classified into low-risk types including HPV6, 11,34,40,42,43,44,81 and high-risk HPV16 according to their pathogenic hazards. 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 53, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 69, 73, 82, y similares. High-risk HPV16 and 18 can cause cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer and male penile cancer, while low-risk types such as HPV6 and HPV11 can cause genital warts. Some HPV subtypes also have recurrent respiratory polyps and laryngeal cancer. Have a close relationship. Although HPV has multiple subtypes, its genetic structure is similar. HPV viral DNA consists of three parts: early gene region (mi), late gene region (L), and long control region (LCR). The early gene region encodes early proteins such as E1 and E2, as well as E6 and E7 oncogenes, and the late gene region encodes structural components of the late protein (L1 and L2) viral capsids. Entre ellos, E6 and E7 proteins in the gene region have carcinogenic effects, E6 can regulate the activity of P53 and PDZ domain proteins, and E7 protein acts on pRb and retinoblastoma protein family members, which negatively regulates cell cycle. Abnormal cell proliferation and destruction of DNA damage repair mechanisms lead to abnormal aggregation of damaged DNA in infected cells, which gradually causes canceration. en adición, the cell regulation of the cervix can be out of control through many other mechanisms of action, ultimately leading to malignant lesions. Although there are many gene deletion mutations in the late stage of cervical cancer, E6 and E7 have always played a role in the development of cervical cancer, so they are also the best target for HPV vaccine. En el presente, immunotherapy for HPV infection such as cervical cancer and malignant lesions caused by it is attracting more and more attention. High-efficiency HPV vaccine and specific immunization methods are used to prevent and treat related diseases, and to prevent and treat HPV infection such as cervical cancer. The disease is very important.

1. Types and action mode of HPV vaccine

En años recientes, HPV vaccine research can be divided into two categories, namely, preventive vaccine research and therapeutic vaccine research. Entre ellos, there are many types of therapeutic vaccines, including carrier vaccines, peptide vaccines, protein vaccines, DNA vaccines, and cell vaccines. . sin embargo, due to its complicated mechanism, it is still in the experimental stage. There are three HPV vaccines that have been successfully developed and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), all of which are preventive vaccines, namely the first generation of HPV vaccines: four-valent HPVs launched in June 2006. (6/11/16/18) Vaccine (gardasil) with the second-generation (6/18) vaccine (cervarix) in October 2009 and the second-generation nine-price (listed in February 2015) 18/31/33/45/52/58) Vaccines. Bivalent and gardasils have been listed in the world’s more than 100 countries for many years. These two vaccines have good preventive effects on cervical cancer caused by high-risk HPV16,18. Low-risk HPV6,11 caused by anal genital lesions with good preventive protection. The new listing time of the Gardasil 9 is still short, and the clinical data for evaluating its effect is still insufficient. The HPV gene is composed of two structural proteins, the major capsid protein (L1) and the minor capsid protein (L2). L1 contains the main antigenic epitope that induces neutralizing antibodies, and the L protein capsid is self-assembling, which can form the same virsus like particle (VLP) as the natural recombinant virus. The prophylactic vaccine can pass VLP. Combines with different adjuvants to activate the human immune system, activates CD4+ T cell-mediated humoral immune responses, and produces high-potency protective neutralizing antibodies against HPV capsid proteins L1 and L2, once the same virus invades the body, Specific anti-L1 and L2 neutralizing antibodies can encapsulate the virus and prevent the invasion or reinfection of the HPV virus. Since VLPs contain only viral antigens and do not contain viral DNA, they are not infectious or carcinogenic to those who receive vaccination, and thus have become advantageous conditions for the study of preventive vaccines.

2. The population of HPV vaccine

Applicable population vaccination method HPV vaccine has been approved for worldwide application. The applicable population is women aged 9 a 45 years old and men aged 9 a 26 años. The main target group is pre-adolescent girls before sexual behavior. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend that men and women between the ages of 11 y 12 be routinely vaccinated and vaccinated as early as 9 years of age. If you are still not vaccinated at the age of 12, you can vaccinate at 13 a 26 years of age. HPV vaccine storage should be refrigerated, the inoculation site is intramuscular injection of deltoid muscle, inoculated into three needles, each 0.5mL injection intramuscular injection, de los cuales, gardasil gardasil and Gardasil 9 (gardasil9) inoculation time For the 0th, 2nd and 6th months. The cervarix vaccination time was 0, 1 y 6 meses.

3. Clinical effects evaluation of three HPV vaccine

In the evaluation of the efficacy of HPV vaccine, the World Health Organization (WHO) vaccine regulatory agency will have cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)/III and adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) for ethical considerations. As an end point of the clinical study of vaccine efficacy trials, invasive cervical cancer was not set as a clinical endpoint. Most HPV infections are transient infections that the body can remove automatically, but if persisted, it may cause related diseases. Por lo tanto, HPV persistent infection can be used as a vaccine efficacy (VE) assessment endpoint and is supported by many studies.

3.1 Gardasil

The gardasil(gardasil) is the first HPV prophylactic vaccine approved for women aged 9 a 45. It is also recommended for men aged 9 a 26, mainly for the prevention of genital warts caused by HPV6,11 infection. And HPV16, type 18 infection caused by cervical cancer, cervix, vulva, vaginal precancerous lesions, atypical lesions.

3.1.1 Study of women who have not had genital warts and no cervical disease

3.1.2 For women who have previously been infected with HPV

In one study, 18 174 patients aged 16 a 26 years old with serologically positive and PCR-negative women were followed up for 3 a 4 años, and the efficacy of the gardasil was analyzed based on serological and HPV DNA (PCR method) conditions. The results showed that women aged 16 a 26 were 100% effective against HPV6/11/16/18-related CIN and genital disease vaccines, but not for current infections, ie serologically negative and PCR-positive women. Found to have a preventive effect. Another study looked at an average of 4 years of follow-up in women with a history of HPV infection between the ages of 24 y 45. The immunization efficacy of at least one dose of Gardasil was 66.9%. Por lo tanto, the gardasil is considered to be present in adult women with previous HPV infection. benefit. FUTUREI/II Study Group introduced 12,000 women aged 15 a 26 years without HPV in a randomized, Doble ciego, multicenter phase III clinical trial. The follow-up of 42 months showed that the gardasil gardasil was used to prevent persistent HPV infection, cervical The effective rate of lesions CIN2, CIN3 and cervical carcinoma in situ is 100%, and the effectiveness of preventing the anal external genital warts caused by the corresponding virus is 99.0%. It is effective in preventing vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia level 1 (VINI) and vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia. The level 1 (VAINI) and VINII/III or VAINII/III are 100% eficaz.

3.2 Cervarix

The cervarixis approved worldwide for use in women aged 9 a 45 years to prevent cervical cancer and cervical precancerous lesions caused by HPV16,18 infection. Cervarix has been approved for use in approximately 100 countries around the world. A phase III study enrolled 18,644 women aged 15 a 25 years to evaluate the effects of HPV cervarixs on the prevention of CINII and III caused by HPV genotypes. Women enrolled in the study were not exposed to HPV 16 o 18 at baseline and had at least 1 dose (normal injections were 3 doses: 0, 1, 6 meses). The study, after an average of 14.8 months of follow-up, concluded that the efficacy of the cervarix against CINII-III induced by HPV16 or HPV18 was 90% (95% CI: 53-99). In an extended phase II study, 776 women aged 15 a 25 years of follow-up were followed for 6.4 años. For women who received at least 1 dose and were not exposed to the relevant HPV genotype at baseline, the cervarix The protective effect against CINII-III caused by HPV16 and HPV18 was 100% (95% CI: 51-100). In a study of cervarix for up to 8.4 años, the effectiveness of cervarixs in preventing HPV16/18 transient infection was 95.1%, and the effectiveness of preventing HPV16/18-related 6 y 12 months of persistent infection was For 100%, the effectiveness of preventing HPV16/18-related CINII+ is also as high as 100%. In a phase III clinical trial of cervarix, which included data from 135 centers in 14 countries, after four years of follow-up, a cervarix was injected on HPV 16/18 subjects with previous infections and no current infections. The effectiveness of prevention of HPV16/18-related 6-month persistent infection, CINII+ was 72.3% y 68.8%, respectivamente, whereas in patients with previous infections and no current HPV16/18 infection, vaccine prevention HPV16/18-related The 6-month persistent infection, the effectiveness of CINII+ was 90.3% y 94.6%, respectivamente; indicating that the vaccine is more potent against previously infected and currently uninfected subjects.

3.3 Gardasil 9

The Gardasil 9(gardasil 9) is currently available for women aged 9 a 26 and men aged 9 a 15 to prevent cervical cancer and anus caused by high-risk HPV16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 y 58 infections. Genital warts caused by cancer and vulvar, vaginal cancer, and low-risk HPV type 6 and type 11 infections. In a randomized clinical trial conducted in Merck, Estados Unidos, 14215 women aged 16 a 26 years were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial. Women who received the Gardasil 9 gardasil 9 were used as the experimental group, and women who received the tetravalent vaccine gardasil as the control group. Two groups of women were sampled for 54 meses. The results of the trial showed that the incidence of cervical cancer, vulva, and vaginal cancer caused by HPV31, 33, 45, 52, y 58 in the experimental group was an average of 0.1 per 1,000 people per year; the control group was 1.6. The disease, the effectiveness of the Gardasil 9 in preventing the above five HPV-type cancers is as high as 96.7% (95% CI: 80.9-99.8). Al mismo tiempo, the Gardasil 9 has the same effect as the tetravalent vaccine in blocking the four HPV types shared by the two vaccines. A phase III, Doble ciego, randomized, clinical trial compared the immunogenicity of gardasil 9 and gar-dasil in 603 girls aged 9 a 15 and found that the serum antibody titers produced by the two vaccines were very close: anti-HPV6 Antibody titers were 1679 mMU/mL and 1565 mMU/m L, anti-HPV11 antibody titers were 1315 mMU/mL and 1417 mMU/mL, and serum anti-HPV16 antibody titers were 6739 mMU /mL and 6887 mMU/mL, respectivamente. Anti-HPV18 antibody titer They were 1956.6 mMU/mL and 1795 mMU/m L, respectivamente, and the anti-HPV16 and 18 antibody titers of girls aged 9-12 were higher than those of 13-15 años. Another clinical study on vaccine immunogenicity divided 3,066 men and women into 9 a 15 year old girls, 9 a 15 year old boys and 16 a 26 year old young women in three experimental groups, at 0, 2 y 6 Three experimental groups were vaccinated with a Gardasil 9 and serum anti-HPV antibodies were monitored on days 1 y 7 of the month. The results showed that the serum antibody was measured at 4 weeks after the third injection, and the number of HPV-type antibodies produced in the three experimental groups was >99%, and the anti-HPV response duration was 2.5 años. The adverse reactions after vaccination mainly occurred at the injection site, and the local adverse reactions of girls and boys aged 9-15 years were less than those of 16-26 años. The adverse reaction rates of the three were 81.9%, 72.8% y 85.4%, respectivamente. Because the safety, protection rate, and immunogenicity of the three experimental groups were similar, it was considered that the results of the 16- to 26-year-old women could be bridged to the 9- to 15-year-old group.

4. Safety of HPV vaccine

As of 2015, the number of HPV vaccines worldwide has exceeded 57 millón. The common adverse reactions reported were dizziness, dolor de cabeza, syncope, nausea, vómitos, fiebre, rash, pain at the injection site, local edema and muscle tension. The three HPV vaccines had a brief pain during the inoculation process, except for a few allergic conditions, no other serious adverse reactions, and no serious complications caused by the use of the vaccine, which currently showed good safety. Both gardasil and cervarix conducted extensive studies to assess the safety of prophylactic HPV vaccines prior to approval. The experimental results showed that the most common adverse events in the vaccine group were: adverse reactions at the inoculation site, fiebre, nausea and dizziness. There were no differences between the vaccine and placebo groups in terms of serious adverse events, new autoimmune and chronic disease rates. The cause of death was not found in the analysis of death cases in clinical trials. Compared with the tetravalent vaccine, subjects with a pentavalent vaccine had a higher incidence of adverse events at the injection site, most commonly pain, hinchazón, erythema and itching; the incidence of systemic adverse events was similar. Clinical trials have shown that HPV vaccines are safe, but it is still unclear whether the vaccine will be effective for life. En el presente, the large-scale post-marketing safety monitoring of preventive vaccines is still underway. It is considered that there are certain adverse effects on pregnant women and their fetuses, such as spontaneous abortion, fetal malformation, and fetal death. Por lo tanto, it is not recommended to vaccinate pregnant women. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology do not recommend testing women for pregnancy before vaccination. sin embargo, it is recommended to use contraception during vaccination. If pregnancy is found, follow-up vaccination should be stopped until vaccination is completed after delivery. Lactation during the HPV vaccine is safe for both mother and child.

5. Current problems of HPV vaccine

In the past few years, the progress and application of preventive vaccine research are encouraging, but the following problems exist in the three vaccines themselves and in the promotion process: 1 The vaccine immunization program is lengthy and needs to be carried out in relevant medical institutions within 6 meses. Needle injection. 2 vaccine production costs are too high, expensive, are more than 100 US dollars / dose, vaccination three needles need about 300 US dollars or more, so it can only be implemented in economically more developed countries, and the high incidence of cervical cancer in developing countries due to its high price Promotion is limited. The 3HPV vaccine cannot target all types of HPV, and the cross-protection rate is low. Al mismo tiempo, the HPV preventive vaccine has no therapeutic effect on existing infections, intraepithelial neoplasia, cervical cancer, etcétera, while the HPV therapeutic vaccine lacks a corresponding large scale. The results of clinical trials still face many challenges, and many problems remain to be solved. 4 Parents and adolescents lack awareness of the likelihood of HPV infection, the risk of infection, and the preventability of infection.

6. Conclusion of HPV vaccine

En resumen, the safety and efficacy of the prophylactic HPV vaccine as a new development has been clinically recognized, but because of its limited HPV subtype infection, the duration of immune protection has not been clarified, and Applicable people limit the vaccination before women have sex to achieve maximum effectiveness, these problems make the preventive vaccine still have some limitations. Por otra parte, the problems faced in the promotion of vaccines should also actively promote the promotion of vaccines in developing countries by improving vaccination programs, reducing production costs, and increasing vaccine protection rates. Compared with HPV preventive vaccines, HPV therapeutic vaccines have broader clinical application prospects, but the mechanism is more complicated and the corresponding large-scale clinical trial results are still lacking. The research and application still face many problems. Although there are many places that are not perfect enough, the author firmly believes that with the continuous improvement of vaccines, HPV vaccine has a good clinical application prospect and exerts positive influence.

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Home | | The Massage Connection ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY | Anatomic Structure of the Spinal Cord

Chapter: The Massage Connection ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY : Nervous System

Anatomic Structure of the Spinal Cord

Anatomic Structure of the Spinal Cord
The spinal cord in an adult is about 45 cm (18 in) long and 14 mm (0.55 in) wide.

The spinal cord in an adult is about 45 cm (18 in) long and 14 mm (0.55 in) wide. It lies in the spinal canal of the vertebral column, extending inferiorly as far as vertebra L1 and L2 (see Figure 5.14). It is shorter than the vertebral column because its growth does not match that of the vertebral column during growth of the fetus and young child.

The spinal cord has 31 pairs of spinal nerves leaving through the intervertebral foramen located between the vertebrae. Some nerves are large because they sup-ply a larger area of the body. Large nerves are seen in the lower neck region, supplying the arms, forearms, and hands. Such nerves are also seen in the lumbar and sacral regions, supplying the thighs, legs, and feet. The cord is enlarged slightly in the cervical (cervical en-largement) and lumbosacral (lumbosacral enlarge-ment) regions, as it has to accommodate the cell bod-ies of a greater number of neurons. The lower end of the spinal cord becomes conical and tapers into the conus medullaris region. A thin, fibrous tissue ex-tends from its tip to the sacral region, the filum termi-nale. This fibrous tissue gives longitudinal support tothe spinal cord.

segment is the part of the spinal cord that cor-responds to a single pair of spinal nerves. Therefore, there are 31 segments in the spinal cord: 8 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 1 coccygeal.

Specific spinal nerves are denoted with the first letter of the spinal segment and the number. For example, the spinal nerve that is the eighth nerve arising in the cervical region is referred to as C8. Although the spinal cord is much shorter than the vertebral col-umn, ending close to the second lumbar vertebrae, the lower lumbar and sacral segments of the spinal cord exist, although at a more superior location. Be-cause the spinal cord is shorter than the vertebral column, the spinal nerves from the lower lumbar and sacral regions course downward to exit through the correct intervertebral foramen. These nerves com-bined make the lower end of the spinal cord look like a horse's tail and are referred to as the cauda equina.

The spinal nerves are easily indicated in relation to the vertebra. Each nerve caudal to the vertebra takes its name in relation to the vertebra preceding it (i.e., the nerve between thoracic vertebrae 1 and 2 is T1). Because the first spinal nerve exits between the skull and the first cervical vertebrae, cervical spinal nerves are indicated in relation to the vertebrae following it (i.e., the nerve lying between the skull and the first vertebra is C1).

Protection of the Spinal Cord

The vertebral column and its surrounding ligaments, tendons, and muscles separate the spinal cord from the external environment. The spinal cord must also be protected from damaging contact with the bony wall of the vertebral canal. The spinal meninges (Fig-ure 5.16) provide physical stability and, along with the cerebrospinal fluid, help absorb shock. Blood ves-sels that supply the spinal cord pierce through the meninges. Like the meninges around the brain, the spinal meninges have three layers: the pia, arach-noid, and dura mater. The spinal meninges are con- tinuous with the cranial meninges at the foramen magnum.

The dura mater is a tough fibrous sheath that is the outer covering of the spinal cord. Its collagen fibers are oriented longitudinally. At the foramen magnum, it fuses with the periosteum of the occipi-tal bone. Distally, it forms a cord that surrounds the filum terminale to form the coccygeal ligament. This way, it provides longitudinal stability to the spinal cord. Laterally, the dura fuses with the con-nective tissue surrounding the spinal nerves as they exit through the intervertebral foramen. The space between the dura and the vertebral canal is the epidural space, containing loose connective tissue,adipose tissue, and blood vessels.

The arachnoid mater is the membrane lying deep to the dura. A potential space—the subdural space— separates it from the dura. The arachnoid is lined by squamous epithelium. From its inner surface, deli-cate, loose collagen and elastic fibers extend between the epithelium and the inner layer pia. This space, the subarachnoid space, is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The CSF, discussedserves asa shock absorber and a medium that transports dis-solved gases, nutrients, chemical messengers, and waste products.

The pia mater is firmly bound to the spinal cord. Collagen and elastic tissue from this layer extend lat-erally from either side of the spinal cord as the den-ticulate ligament. This ligament, after piercing thearachnoid, becomes attached to the dura, giving the spinal cord lateral stability.

Sectional Anatomy of the Spinal Cord

If a transverse section is made of the spinal cord (see Figure 5.16) and viewed, two areas are noted. Around the center, there is a gray area—the gray mater. Sur-rounding it is a white area known as the white mater. The cell bodies of neurons and short nervefibers are located in the gray mater. The white mater contains neuroglia and fiber tracts. The gray mater appears as if it has many horns. Depending on the lo-cation, the horns are called the posterior or dorsalgray horns, anterior or ventral gray horns,and lat-eral gray horns. The cell bodies of nerves supplyingskeletal muscles (motor neurons) are located in the ventral horn. The lateral horn contains cell bodies of the autonomic nerves, and the dorsal horn has cell bodies of nerves that receive impulses from the spinal nerves. At the center of the gray mater is the centralcanal through which cerebrospinal fluid flows.

Functions of the Gray Materof the Spinal Cord

The gray mater of the spinal cord has two functions. First, synapses relay signals between the periphery and the brain in both directions. It is in the dorsal horns that sensory signals are relayed from the sen-sory roots of the spinal nerves to other parts of the CNS. It is mainly in the ventral and lateral horns that motor signals are relayed from the neurons descend-ing from the brain to the motor nerves and auto-nomic nerves.

Second, the gray mater of the cord integrates some motor activities. For example, if you touch a hot ob-ject with your hand, the hand is withdrawn within a few seconds. This reflex occurs even without the sig-nals reaching the brain.

Other similar reflexes that occur at the level of the cord are contraction of the extensors when standing, stretch reflexes that cause the muscle to contract when stretched and, in lower animals, the scratch reflex.

Function of the White Mater

The white mater surrounding the gray mater is white because of the myelinated fibers. It contains bundles of axons that carry impulses across spinal segments, as well as to and from the brain. The horns of the gray mater divide the white mater into three distinct columns. The two dorsal, or poste-rior white columns, lie between the dorsal grayhorns. The two lateral white columns lie on each side of the cord lateral to the gray mater. Two ven-tral, or anterior white columns, lie anterior to theventral gray horns. Axons from neurons having the same function, conduction speed, diameter, and myelination are bundled together as tracts in these columns. Tracts carrying sensory information to the brain are the ascending tracts, and those from the brain are the descending tracts, conveying com-mands from the brain to the spinal cord.

The spinal cord has two central depressions anteri-orly and posteriorly. The anterior is deep and narrow and is known as the anterior median fissure. The posterior depression is the posterior median sulcus.


Orthopedic Concerns

While Pugs tend to be sturdy little dogs, they can face some serious problems with their bones and legs.  Perhaps the most debilitating diseases currently facing the Pug are orthopedic in nature. While efforts to eradicate these diseases have been on the rise in recent years, Pug breeders still have a long way to go before these problems have been completely eliminated.

This is a condition involving deformed, misshaped vertebrae or bones of the spine. It is commonly seen in short-faced breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs and French Bulldogs. This spinal malformation isn't seen often in pugs, but it's most common in dogs with curved backs and short, twisty, or curly tails, so it's something to be aware of. Some animals will have a few odd vertebrae and be completely normal. Others will start having problems between 4 and 6 months of age. The condition is present at birth and usually becomes apparent at six to twelve months of age, when the misshapen vertebrae begin interfering with the nerves controlling the hindquarters, causing the puppy to trip frequently or even to become paralyzed. The puppy may have a staggering, uncoordinated, weak gait. Some puppies get progressively worse and some actually become paralyzed. Some specialists recommend spine surgery to stabilize the affected area but each case must be carefully evaluated. Some dogs respond well to acupuncture, but others are permanently paralyzed.

There is a study being conducted in England on this condition but right now we don't know much about why some dogs have trouble with this and others don't.

For more information on Hemivertebrae, please visit: http://www.ufaw.org.uk/Hemivertebrae.php

Should any offspring be afflicted by this, the same sire and dam should not be bred together again.

Hip Dysplasia

This condition is primarily thought of as affecting large breeds, but it can occur in smaller dogs as well and is quite common in pugs. Hip dysplasia, or HD, occurs when the head of the femur (thigh bone) doesn't fit properly in the cup (acetabulum) of the hip joint. When the cup is too shallow, the joint is lax, meaning that the bone slips around inside it instead of fitting securely. There are many factors, including genetics, environment and nutrition that contribute to this deformity of the hip joint. Research on larger breeds has shown that switching to adult food early in a puppy's life (12 to 16 weeks), avoiding supplements and keeping the puppy thin as it is growing will minimize its chance of being affected.

Pugs are second only to Bulldogs with the amount of hip dysplasia in the breed. Even though many Pugs are affected, most are able to lead normal, healthy lives even with the problem, unlike some of the large and giant breeds, who require surgery to get around easily. Despite the frequency of hip dysplasia in pugs, many breeders don't test their dogs for it because few pugs that develop HD suffer serious lameness or pain from it.

OFFA Statistics

Between January 2011 & December 2013, a total of 121 Pugs were evaluated for hip dysplasia.  In this time frame 80% were dysplastic with 56% mild, 38% moderate and 6% severe hip dysplasia.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCP) is a disorder of hip joint conformation that occurs in both humans and dogs. In dogs, it is most often seen in the miniature and toy breeds and is usually first noticeable in puppies 4 to 6 months of age…they will start limping and getting muscle atrophy (a decrease in the mass of the muscle) of the leg.

LCP results when the blood supply to the femoral head (the large rear leg bone) is interrupted resulting in avascular necrosis, or the death of the bone cells. Followed by a period of revascularization, the femoral head is subject to remodeling and/or collapse creating an irregular fit in the acetabulum, or socket. This process of bone cells dying and fracturing followed by new bone growth and remodeling of the femoral head and neck, can lead to stiffness and pain.

The surgery to help the puppy involves cutting the diseased head off of the femur so it is no longer attached to the pelvis. Scar tissue comes in and forms a "false joint" and the puppy is usually pain free.

LCP is believed to be an inherited disease, although the mode of inheritance is not known. Because there is a genetic component, it is recommended that dogs affected with LCP not be used in breeding programs.

Patellar Luxation

This involves the stifle or knee joint of many of the toy breeds and even some larger ones. The patella or kneecap usually rides up and down in a groove on the front of the knee. With this condition, the knee-cap slides to the side (usually the inside) and the joint is unstable. When the kneecap is out, the dog may limp and carry the leg. The dog can often stretch his leg back and pop the patella back in himself. Some dogs are normal when young and develop this with age. Many dogs live their lives with this but some require surgery to deepen the groove and reposition the patella so it stays in place. One or both legs may be affected.

Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)

The Mission of the OFA is to promote the health and welfare of companion animals through a reduction in the incidence of genetic disease

The OFA is guided by the following four specific objectives:

For more information on OFA, please visit their website: http://www.offa.org/about.html

or click on the following sticker:


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Light Energy for the Treatment of Skin Conditions

In terms of size, the skin is the largest organ of our body, with a total area of about 25 square feet. The skin has many functions that without them, our life could be much more complicated!

Protection – The skin acts as a continuous layer and covers our whole body. It acts as a physical barrier that protects us from external shocks such as injuries and even infections. It also protects us from the sun’s light and radiation and prevents the moisture retained in our body to evaporate.

Sensation – There are many nerve endings and receptors that reach almost to the top of our skin. This lets us feel everyday objects, feel pain from hot or cold objects and help us stay away from danger.

Regulating body temperature – Due to its structure, the skin also helps us regulate body temperature. When we are hot, the blood vessels close to the external surface, extract and widen. This allows the heat to dissipate through the skin to the environment. On the flip side, when we are cold, the opposite process happens. The blood vessels in our skin contract and this makes it easier to retain the heat and prevent it from escaping.

Synthesis of vitamin D – When exposed to the sun, the skin helps to produce vitamin D which is crucial for the firmness and health of our bones.

Diseases of the skin have traditionally been treated by drugs. However, in recent times, use of light energy has been proven to be highly effective in treating these conditions. Light energy has become an effective and safe first line alternative to drugs.

Skin is composed of 3 layers – the upper layer is the epidermis or the outermost layer of the skin

It's purpose is to act as the body’s major barrier against the environment. It is continually being shed and replaced with new skin about every 28 days. Some diseases such as psoriasis cause the skin to shed much more rapidly which cause skin lesions to develop on the surface of the skin. One of the hallmarks of treatment of psoriasis is light energy. UV energy (which is the same as sunlight) is administered with photosensitising drugs in a regimen called PUVA to help slow and normalise the turnover of skin cells to effectively treat the condition.

The second or middle layer of the skin is the dermis.

The dermis is the middle layer of your skin. It contains the hair follicles and most of the glands such as sweat glands and oil glands. This layer contains nerves which help you judge sensations to the skin such as hot and cold.

This layer contains collagen which provides skin with elasticity, firmness and smoothness. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun is one of the main causes of skin damage as it speeds up the natural ageing process and is the primary cause of wrinkling. Exposure to UV light breaks down skin’s connective tissue — collagen and elastin fibres. Without the supportive connective tissue, skin loses its strength and flexibility and sags and wrinkles prematurely. Use of laser energy has been proven to work to restore the collagen and help to reduce wrinkles.

Two of the most common conditions resulting from diseases of the follicle in this layer, are acne and hair loss. Hair follicles are connected to sebaceous glands which secrete an oily substance known as sebum to lubricate your hair and skin. Acne occurs when the hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. When there is excess oil production, bacteria grows in the hair follicle and clogs it. Use of blue and red light with sensitisers can help to reduce the inflammation and reduce the breakouts by helping to unclog the gland.

The most common cause of hair loss is a condition called male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness. In genetically susceptible people, certain sex hormones trigger a particular pattern of permanent hair loss. A very effective treatment for treating pattern hair loss and stimulating the growth of healthy hair is the use of laser phototherapy as emitted by the HairMax LaserComb®. The HairMax Laser Devices has been proven in major clinical research studies to work safely and effectively with no serious side effects occurring.

Another disorder called hyperhidrosis is a condition caused by abnormally increased perspiration in the sweat glands contained in this layer. Laser energy has recently been found to be effective in helping to shrink the gland to help reduce excess perspiration.

The third layer of the skin is the deepest and is called the subcutaneous layer.

The main function of the subcutaneous layer is to provide a cushion for the structures in the middle layer of the skin. It also functions to insulate the body to help regulate body temperature. As ageing occurs, fat in this layer which gives the skin a plump appearance, starts to decrease. This also contributes to skin becoming loose and saggy which also causes wrinkling of the skin.

How to Get Thicker-Looking Hair if your are thinning!

DermMatch Scalp Concealer is £34.95 and is available here.

If you’re finding dead-skin flakes in your hair or on your shoulders, you might think you have dandruff, a condition also known as seborrheic dermatitis. It’s a common...

| Health


NEMO’S 27th Annual Conference, Tartu

With the goal of ending poverty, protecting the planet and ensuring prosperity for all by 2030, the United Nations adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in September 2015. NEMO has decided to dedicate its 27th European Museum Conference: ‘‘Museums 2030 – How museums can help build a sustainable future’’, to showcase how museums are contributing, and can contribute, to a better future.

You can find more information here.


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topic 44029

Analysis of metals and acids in Electropolishing Baths for stainless steel

Q. I operate a tightly controlled phosphoric sulphuric stainless steel electropolishing bath. Analysis by titration for sulphuric and phosphoric acid percentages becomes inaccurate as metals content increases. Is there a procedure to provide the true sulphuric and phosphoric acid percentages?

Al Sutton
- Canada

A. The presence of hexavalent chromium ion will cause some inaccuracy in titration analysis. In our experience, keeping metal content below 3% via frequent, small decants maintains acid balance, and the inaccuracy of the titration is insignificant. The titration for metal content is usually satisfactory if the bath is not operated as a "full-sludging bath".

Ed Bayha
Metal Coating Process Corporation - Charlotte, North Carolina

Q. Given task of setting up an electropolish with 40% sulfuric V/V and 48% phosphoric V/V: Anyone have a simple titration to determine percentage of each acid by %v/v? Would save me a trip to the library and some method development.

Mike Howcroft
Environmental Safety Engineer/Chemist - Phoenix, Arizona, USA

A. After diluting your sample, you can titrate it with NaOH and watch for two end-points: the first, v1 - when both protons of sulfuric acid and the first proton of phosphoric acid have been neutralized (around pH 4.5); and the second, v2 - when the second proton of phosphoric acid has been neutralized (around pH 9.5). You can then calculate the molarity of phosphoric acid from v2 - v1 and the molarity of sulfuric acid from [v1 - (v2 - v1)]/2 = v1 - v2/2 after accounting for proportionality through the known volumes and NaOH concentration.

The end-points are well separated and can best be detected potentiometrically or thermometrically. If you need to rely on indicators (e.g. bromocresol green for the first end-point and thymolphthalein for the second), you may have to titrate two samples, one for each end-point (unless somebody can think of a combination of indicators that works without mutual interference at these particular pH values).

Emanuel Cooper
- Yorktown Heights, New York

Q. Does anyone know of a simple titration for iron concentration in a sulfuric acid/ Phosphoric acid bath for electro polishing operations? I would like to be able to determine the iron level to establish a tank dump schedule.

mukesh gupta
Chemical engineer - chandigarh, UT, INDIA

A. The iron can be analyzed by AA spectroscopy. No simple titration exists due to multiple cations: Fe+2, Fe+3, Cr+3, Cr+6, Ni+2.

It is usual to maintain sulfuric and phosphoric acid concentrations, and to estimate total dissolved metals by SG (specific gravity).

Ken Vlach [dec.]
- Goleta, California
contributor of the year honored Ken for his countless carefully
researched responses. He passed away May 14, 2015.
Rest in peace, Ken. Thank you for your hard work
which the finishing world continues to benefit from.

A. In order to titrate iron in the solution you need to reduce it quantitatively to Fe(2+). A simple way to do that is to pass the sulfuric acid solution through a bismuth column. This is simply a small liquid chromatography column filled with 25-50 (or better, 50-100) mesh high purity Bi particles. I have used a 0.8 or 1.0 cm I.D., 20-25 cm long filled column. My experience has been with dilute (1-2 M) sulfuric acid. I don't think the phosphoric acid would interfere, at least thermodynamically speaking. If you decide to use this method, be sure to keep all the bismuth submerged in acid at all times, to rinse it well with acid before the analysis, to pass the sample solution through it at no more than about 20 ml/min (use a little vacuum in the receiving flask if gravity is not enough), and to rinse the column after the sample into the receiving flask with an amount of dilute sulfuric acid equal to at least 3 times its estimated intergranular empty volume. The solution in the receiving flask is immediately titrated with calibrated KMnO4 solution (watch for stable faint pink).

This technique is similar to the better known Jones (Zn/Hg) and silver reductors, but the column is much easier to prepare (pour Bi particles in; rinse with acid) and to maintain, and selectivity is quite high. I know that Ni, Co, Ti and Sn(4+) do not interfere, and I am sure the same is true of a few additional metals. If Cr is present, a K2Cr2O7 (dichromate) titration may have to be used instead of permanganate because permanganate can oxidize Cr(3+). Unlike permanganate, dichromate requires an end-point indicator or a potentiometric method. For a typical (not necessarily optimal) dichromate procedure see "Volumetric Analysis of Metal Finishing Solutions" [paid link to info about the book at Amazon] by Andrew McFadyen, Finishing Publications Ltd.--, p. 154.

Emanuel Cooper
- Yorktown Heights, New York

Q. We currently have an electropolishing bath that is about 5000 gallons in volume. How do we determine the phosphoric and sulfuric acid concentrations and therefore adjust and how critical is the ratio between the two acids relative to productivity?

metal finishing - Lake Orion, Michigan

A. The ratio of sulphuric acid to phosphoric acid is not particularly critical, but many electropolishing solutions have other additives in them. I therefore suggest you check the details in the process sheet supplied by your solution's supplier. This will tell you all the analyses you will need to do and what the acceptable ranges will be. Successful electropolishing is dependent on how much metal is dissolved in the solution, its viscosity and operating temperature - detail of these parameters will also be in the process sheet.

trevor crichton
Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK

A. An analytical procedure is in the Metal Finishing Guidebook and Directory; hasn't changed in at least 15 years. "Volumetric Analysis of Metal Finishing Solutions" [paid link to info about the book at Amazon] by Andrew McFadyen has a very similar procedure under 'Aluminum Electropolishing' (p. 210). Both use colored pH indicators; below is a procedure utilizing a pH meter:
Cool a sample of the well-stirred solution to room temperature.
1. Measure the specific gravity using a narrow-range hydrometer.*
2. Pipette** 2 ml of the solution into a 250 ml beaker and dilute to 100 ml using DI water.
3. Titrate with 1 N NaOH to pH = 4.0 and record as 'A' mls.
4. Continue titrating to pH = 8.5 and record the additional mls as 'B.'

H2SO4, wt. % = (A - B) x 2.452/SG
H3PO4, wt. % = B x 4.900/SG

FYI: 'A' is the titration for sulfuric + 1/3 of the phosphoric, 'B' titrates an additional 1/3 of the phosphoric.

*A 1.600-1.800 hydrometer and 300 ml hydrometer (non-graduated) cylinder are usually suitable for measuring SG.

**Use a TC 'to contain' pipet; it permits flushing out the sticky sample aliquot using DI water.

Making acid additions requires algebra, as the concentrated acids include water and the total solution volume increases. Agitate or stir very, very well before re-sampling. Excess water can be removed by evaporation (heating).

Productivity of an unspecified EP composition at unspecified temperature for electropolishing parts of unspecified geometry and metal using unspecified racking?

Some general comments (opinions):
High phosphoric baths cost more and may have ~infinite life but require closer anode-cathode spacing.
High sulfuric baths cost less and have better throwing power but are perhaps prone to etching at low current densities.
The acid-to-water ratio varies with phosphoric-sulfuric ratio and is perhaps more important. Some of Charles Faust's original phosphoric-sulfuric recipes for electropolishing stainless steels are given in US Patent 2,334,698 (1938).

Search this site for more electropolishing info. Also, several vendors offer electropolishing seminars.
Hope this helps.

Ken Vlach [dec.]
- Goleta, California
contributor of the year honored Ken for his countless carefully
researched responses. He passed away May 14, 2015.
Rest in peace, Ken. Thank you for your hard work
which the finishing world continues to benefit from.

February 27, 2013 -- this entry appended to this thread by editor in lieu of spawning a duplicative thread

Q. Hello,

We use a hygroscopic electropolishing solution consisting of sulfuric and phosphoric acid. Over the course of electropolishing, metals (Ni, Cr, Fe, Mo) get released into the solution. The Fe content plays a critical role in electropolishing. We have been able to determine the Fe content by Redox titration, but since it is a very tedious method (takes about an hour) we are exploring other the XRF.

In order to do the measurements by XRF, we first have to develop a calibration standard. Now since the solution is hygroscopic, how will this effect the readings? (the specific gravity of the solution is sometimes manipulated by the additon of more solution or DI water, or a combination of both). If XRF is not the way to go, is there a better technique to determine metal content?

Aarthi Sundaram
- New York, USA

October 16, 2019

Q. Hello everyone in this community!

I would like to know if there exists a titration procedure to determine the amount of the acids - sulphuric acid & phosphoric acid and nickel sulphate in the electropolishing solution.
I used to carry out the titration to determine just the acids in the past, but when the bath gets aged, I believe that the titration results are getting inaccurate due to the formation of Nickel Sulfate.
I Electropolish Stainless steel grade 316 and I use a polishing solution comprising of Sulphuric acid, Phosphoric acid and water.

This was the titration procedure that I have been using to determine the acids:

Determination of phosphoric acid by methyl orange indicator
1. 5mL of the concentrated EP solution was diluted to 500mL.
2. 10mL of this diluted solution was taken in a conical and was further diluted by adding 150mL DI water.
3. Methyl orange indicator solution was added to this solution.
4. This solution was titrated with 0.1 N NaOH solution until the colour changed from pink to yellow ->Value A
Determination of sulphuric acid by phenolphthalein indicator
5. Phenolphthalein indicator solution was added to this solution.
6. This solution was titrated with 0.1 N NaOH solution until the colour changed from colourless to pink ->Value B

And, I used the following formulas to determine the acids:

Volume % of Sulphuric acid = (2A-B) x 2.78
Volume % of Phosphoric acid = (B-A) x 6.22
Remaining % is water.

Now, I would like to see if there is a titration procedure to determine the amount of Nickel Sulfate that could be combined with procedure.
I came across a titration procedure for determining the amount of Nickel sulfate by titrating with EDTA against murexide.

Would it be possible to combine this procedure with my existing titration procedure of determining the acids?

Any sort of help is highly appreciated!

BV Kris
- Montreal, Quebec, Canada

How Google uses data when you visit this site.


G4e vs Pentium 4

Ars Technica has posted Part I of a technical comparison of the G4e and the
Pentium 4.

The article actually aims to describe the P4 and uses
the G4e as a comparison. A technical, and interesting
read... gives you some insight into the different
philosophies behind the design of the processors.


"In the world you will have trouble. But take courage - I have overcome it" John 16.33
"But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved" - Matt 24.13
"Surely the Lord God does nothing unless He reveals His secret council to His servants the prophets" - Amos 3.6-7
If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you - John 15.18
'The righteous shall survive by their faithfulness' Habakkuk 2.4
"You will be hated by all for my name's sake, but the one who endures to the end will be saved" Mark 13.13
End-Time Survivor


Birds Without Wings By Louis de Bernieres

Birds Without WingsLouis de Bernieres paints on a wide canvas. His setting is Turkey from about 1900, amidst the collapse of the old Ottoman Empire, through the horrors of the First World War and the Gallipoli campaign to the founding of Ataturk’s secular, modern state. In Anatolia, a small community mirrors the destructive forces unleashed by this crumbling edifice and the tensions caused by difference and incompatibility.

Prior to the upheavals in their lives, the Anatolian villagers have livedlives of quasi-Edenic tolerance, mixing education, friendship, even love. Yet, like any Eden, this state of affairs cannot last and a serpent enters, trailing clouds of dissension, suspicion, intolerance and violent bigotry with it.

Like de Bernieres’ enormously successful and hugely readable Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, history here is observed through the little people, the victims of the massive forces of grand movements and imperial posturing. We are treated to an ant’s-eye view of history through the priest, the imam, the landlord, the village beauty and the community¹s boys. Observing all is the village seer, Iskander the Potter, with his grasp of philosophy and religion. According to Iskander, “Man is a bird without wings . . . and a bird is a man without sorrows”. So de Bernieres¹ themes are the sorrows of war, nationalism, religion and history and their impact at a personal level.

From this perspective, Birds Without Wings does not disappoint. It is crammed with the product of painstaking research that enlivens these villagers. The book, unlike the birds, soars endearingly with the complex, interwoven tales of the individual villagers’ search for happiness, successor love. It is not hard to envisage the searing heat or the intense cold of the Anatolian mountains, or to smell and hear the village, so detailed is de Bernieres in his description. This detail is at its most impressive linguistically, with de Bernieres in full command of the English, Turkish and Greek that he uses.

Birds Without Wings, however, does represent a major departure from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. History here is not seen solely from the underside. We do not just follow the fortunes of a disparate set of Anatolian peasants. De Bernieres here includes the history-makers as well as its takers. Half the book essentially follows the life and career of Mustafa Kemal, also known as Kemal Ataturk, the victor of Gallipoli and father of modern Turkey. The material is non-fiction and assembled from a number of historic sources. Herein lies a major structural flaw with the book – the tension between fact and fiction and the cross-pollution between the two.

The non-fiction tends to dominate towards the end of the book, at the expense of the fictive characters. In addition, the characterisation of Ataturk himself is thin. He remains an enigma from the pages of history, with no interaction with the fictive characters and without the imaginative life of the villagers, some of whom fight for him. He is only seen from a third person perspective but whose? We are never to know.

The inclusion of historical material begs several questions. Unlike, say, War and Peace with its historical background, here that canvas is centre-stage. To what extent is de Bernieres’ account of the appalling
conditions of Gallipoli subservient to the requirements of his fiction? Whynot research the ramifications of the Versailles Treaty in any decent history of the twentieth century? In the end, the two narrative strands are not woven into one seamless whole and the novel as novel, or the history as history, are the poorer for it.

De Bernieres’ focus is the processes of history, from the global and imperial to the mundane and personal. The book closes with the Epilogue of Karatavuk the Letter-Writer. He returns to the trope of the wingless birds and their relationship to the sweep of history. He writes: “You and I once fancied ourselves as birds, and we were very happy even when we flapped our wings and fell down and bruised ourselves, but the truth is that we were birds without wings . . . For birds without wings nothing changes; they fly where they will and they know nothing about borders and their quarrels are very small. But we are always confined to earth, no matter how much we climb to the high places and flap our arms. Because we cannot fly, we are condemned to do things that do not agree with us.”

The novel allows us an overview of both winged and wingless birds. But despite the high places to which it takes us, these birds will never fly together. This novel is really two books – both immensely enjoyable on their own terms but, nevertheless, separate.…


8006 Uppsatser om Perception management - Sida 1 av 534

Design Perception in Sweden and Turkey: A Comparison of Two Culturally Different Countries

The purpose of current paper is to identify the differences (ifany) between Swedish and Turkish consumers in terms ofproduct design perception and to identify the differences toproduct design in relating the four dimensions / characteristics:1.Aesthetical attractiveness, 2.Functionality, 3.Value and4.Quality.The findings of the study indicate the existence of a universal perception of design. Despite the culturally different countries that are examined the empirical material consistently display similarities between the two countries. Both the quantitative and qualitative data point to a very similar perception in terms of design. The possibilities of global design are discussed for companies as well as managerial implications and future research..

Fair Trade: A Study of Consumers? Perception and Knowledge in a Minor Town in Sweden

The purpose of this thesis is to get a better understanding of consumers? perception and knowledge of Fair Trade and Fair Trade products in Sweden. Literature was reviewed before the empirical research was conducted. A quantitative method, in form of a questionnaire survey, has been used. We have entered different areas related to our topic.

Produktplaceringar - i vilken utsträckning uppmärksammar vi dem och hur upplevs de?

En sammanfattning av uppsatsen på maximalt 8000 tecken..

Managers´ perception of leadership in the 21st Century

We have decided to conduct a case study of German and Swedish mid-level managers within the automobile industry. Primarily we used a qualitative method of investigation and a phenomenographical methodological approach in order to conduct an in depth analysis. We conducted semi-structured interviews with six mid-level managers each in Germany and Sweden. The semi-structured interviews allowed us to conduct flexible interviews which enabled these managers to speak relatively freely about their own view of leadership. Throughout our investigation we have based our results on the empirical findings and at the same time sought explanations to different phenomenon in relevant secondary data, such as management literature, thus used the abductive method of investigation..

Kunders perception av företags image - en fallstudie i imageskapande

Syftet med denna uppsats har varit att öka förståelsen för kunders perception av företags miljödesign och hur detta påverkar deras uppfattning om företags image. Uppsatsen grundar sig på ett fallföretag, SEB i Lund. Den emiriska analysen har sin grund i kalitativa djupintervjuer gjorda med SEB och med SEBs kunder. Att kunder reflekterar över miljödesign är något som framkommer i studien. Studien indikerar att de krav kunderna har på en bank framförallt är helhetskänslan, som skall vara inbjudande och intressant.

Bilden av Kina ? Kinas bild : Kinesiska försök till vilseledning genom media

China has a long tradition of using deception and psychological tactics. During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, China displayed extensive Perception management, aiming at showing a better picture of China. The purpose of this study is to examine if China has continued to display a distorted image since the Olympics and if it could be classified as attempts on deception directed towards a western audience.By combining case studies with descriptive, comparative and a qualitative content analysis method, three cases are researched in order to establish how they are portrayed in the Chinese newspaper China Daily and the BBC News. The differences discovered are matched with the six different kinds of deception presented in Barton Whaley?s general deception theory.In all three cases, numerous examples can be found which indicates that China attempts to deceive their western audience through the media.

Om värld och bevakning : en studie av en företagslednings omvärldsbild och dess samband med omvärldsbevakningen

Background: Increasing globalization makes companies more influenced than before by actors and factors in their environment. For some this has lead to a more dynamic and complicated business context. Therefore it is of strategic importance to understand what is currently going on as well as to have a general idea of what the future brings. Purpose: To contribute to a deeper understanding of how a corporate management can perceive its business environment and how it affects he gathering of business information from a strategic perspective. Realisation: In-depth interviews were conducted with all four members of the management in the studied company, Volvo Competence Center in Skovde, Sweden.

Skrivinlärning : En studie om motorikens betydelse i undervisningen

Motorik och perception är viktigta delar i alla barns utveckling,men hur viktgt är det för banrets skrivinlärning. Syftet med denna uppsats är att ta reda på hur pedagoerna ser på sambandet mellan motorik, perception och skrivinlärning och vad säger forskningen.Vad gör pedagogerna om de ser att barn har problem med motrik, perception eller skrivinlärning för att hjälpa barnet inom dessa områden. Hur påverkar det pedagogernas arbete samt hur påverkar det barnet om denne har sårigheter inom motrik och perception..

Textstorlekens påverkan

Purpose;the purpose of this study is to investigate whether a product ad observer's purchase intention, perception of product quality, brand image perception and price perception is affected depending on the size of the text that was used in the ad to communicate the product price.Methodology;the study was conducted using a quantitative method through a survey. The implementation of the study has been done by using three variants of the same suit ad where the three different variants have been manipulated on the text size on the price information, by reduced / increased the text size. The implementation has also been carried out using two different ad sender, with three ads for each sender.Result and conclusion;the text size on the price of a product ad mainly affects the observer's price and quality perception, where the small text will have a positive effect on quality perception and a negative effect on the quality perception. Even brand image changes depending on the text size where small text will have a positive effect..

En studie om sociala medier och perception

Earlier studies and research on the subject of perception and social media during the working process resulted in a change of the problem. At first the focus of the study was to examine how social media affects the perception of a brand although later on the problem had to be developed to instead examine if social media reflects the perception of a brand. The purpose of this study is to figure out if social media reflects consumer?s perception of a brand. This will contribute to company?s knowledge on how important social media is in their branding and will give pointers on how many resources that is necessary to spend on branding in social media.

Mincing the brand ? A study of the relationship between private labels and retailer brands

Purpose: To contribute to the understanding of the relationship between private labels and the retailer brand in grocery retailing. Methodology: We use structured interviews as a cross-sectional method for quantitative data collection. The existence of the relationship is tested through correlation analysis and regression analysis. Theoretical perspective: Perceived quality of private labels and of retailers are the main theoretical concepts for this thesis. Additionally, we introduce the concept of loyalty to show the benefits of a positive consumer image.

Humorstilar, Emotionell Perception och Kön ? Vem skrattar mest och vem skrattar sist?

The main aim of this research was to investigate four humour styles, affiliative, self-enhancing, aggressive, and self-defeating humour, and compare these with emotional perception. Forty-eight persons took part in the research, 27 women and 21 men living in the southern part of Sweden. Two humour tests were used: the Humour Scale Questionnaire ? HSQ, with 32 items, and a newly composed video test, assembled after pilot testing from 26 video clips, the Humour Video Questionnaire ? HVQ. To measure perception and interpretation of emotion, the revised version of the ?Reading the Mind in the Eyes? Test was used.

Begreppet individ, hos Leibniz och Spinoza, sa?som singula?rt och del i va?rldens ma?ngfald

This thesis deals with the concepts of individual and individuation as defined by Leibniz and Spinoza. I go through the use and definition of the concept of individual in four stages.First I discuss the individual as conceived by Spinoza as a relation formed by a composition of parts and the individual as conceived by Leibniz as a complete notion consisting of all the events in the life of a subject.Next is the roll of perception in Leibniz discussed, likewise individuation through different perception with varying distinctness, and the affinity of perception with affection.The discussions concerning the individual concludes in a section about the essence of the individual as being the desire of the individual. In the last stage, I discuss the multitude as being an own individual..

Rörelsens generativa kraft : Den kroppsliga rörelsen som varseblivningens möjlighetsbetingelse

The standard model concerning the relationship between perception and motility is linear and one-way. It depicts the flow between the two as moving from sensation to perception to representation to computation, and finally, to motility and action. According to this model, animal being is basically a bundle of reflexes. But what can correctly be considered a bundle of reflexes from a natural science point of view, doesn't necessarily have to be true. This conception does not take into consideration the more complex interactions between motility and perception that constitutes, or generates, animal and human beings.

Tvådimensionella rum

We are always surrounded by space, not just only in a room with four walls, but also when we are outdoors.Constantly we move in a flow of space that changes whenever we move. Unaware we are affectedby this threedimensional surrounding of ours, and it reacts with our perception. Many times, we chooseto translate it into something two-dimensional, for example when we take a photo, recording a movie orframing a view with a window. It helps us to catch a moment, a piece of reality and restore it in our ownway. In this project I?ve chosen to explore this process, to interpret and create my own theories about thistranslation from space to a two-dimensional surface.

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Even though pupils chosen A essay that is topic-general framework

Even though pupils chosen A essay that is topic-general framework

They might nevertheless have a time that is hard down seriously to the particular writing because their minds during this period are filled with unconnected some ideas. Consequently, the simplest way of structuring them and so achieving a completely arranged paper is brainstorming. The matter that causes it to be noteworthy would be the fact that you truly learn how to arrange ideas that are essential a way that the audience can realize. Aside from being fully a framework that can help make the paper content get noticed, an essay structure can be a right means of reaching off to your audience.

Many pupils have no idea just what a structure that is proper of essay seems like, and that’s why their writing abilities leave too much to be desired. The problem that is major frequently face relates to having way too much defectively organized information within their documents. Which explains why learning how exactly to shape it will also help them arrange their tips effortlessly and also make their essay very easy to follow. To be able to show up by having a appropriate framework can additionally be a solution to your teacher’s challenging needs.

Paragraph Organization

Almost all pupils know about the alleged ‘five-paragraph framework,’ which can be the very first thing their tutors introduce them to whenever teaching the basic principles of essay writing. The introduction, body, and conclusion though being a basic structure, it is rarely used in colleges or universities where all papers commonly comprise three paragraphs, i.e.

Each student should be aware that the fundamental essay framework is exactly the same for several essay kinds, be it persuasive, narrative or descriptive documents. A poorly organized essay will, consequently, scarcely impress your trainer and you might also wind up losing valuable grades. Good essay check this documents should read such as a remarkable tale and have proper introduction, primary human body and summary. This illustration of a great structure that is standard

  • Introduction ( 1 paragraph).
  • The primary human anatomy ( a variety of paragraphs with respect to the necessary amount of pages, i.e., three or maybe more parts).
  • Conclusion (1 paragraph).

Essay Introduction

Being the paragraph that is first of essay, the introduction allows the audience find out about its subject, plus your standpoint over it. The opening should retain the thesis declaration which is often 2 to 3 sentences long, comprising a directory of the points that are main arguments presented into the essay. How you compose your introduction may help your reader decide whether or not they wish to continue with reading the paper or simply stop there. Therefore, understanding the kind of market you might be composing for is a must because like that you’ll be able to create a compelling thesis statement which will grab their attention instantly.

Body Paragraphs Structure

In the event that pupil chooses to choose the structure that is five-paragraph they should ensure that you will find three human anatomy paragraphs within their paper. When it is an university or college pupil that has been assigned to create an essay containing five or maybe more pages, then your quantity of paragraphs could be correspondingly greater.

The paragraphs between your introduction and summary are what exactly is commonly described as the body that is main of essay. You will be expected to be sure that you divide most of your human anatomy into structural sections, such as for example subheadings and paragraphs so that it will not look therefore clustered and confusing to the audience. To make this happen, you ought to bear in mind a couple of easy guidelines, such as for instance:

  • Each subheading and paragraph should present a point that is new subject, topic, or idea.
  • Your argument should really be sustained by proof, e.g., examples, information, facts, etc.
  • A fast summary requires become drawn.
  • This component should keep your reader interested, so ensure that you usually do not drag one point for too much time and can include quotes anywhere relevant.
  • And don’t forget – you can seek essay make it possible to make sure that your content that is main is precisely and well-presented.

The next paragraph of a essay is when you make a smooth transition from the subject introduced in the 1st human body paragraph, hence making it simpler for your reader to follow along with your key ideas. The seamless change concept is additionally relevant to all the your staying paragraphs; nonetheless, each point or concept should always be supported with proof, e.g., examples, research outcomes or analytical data. Bear in mind it is not only your writing abilities that your particular professor is screening, but alternatively logical reasoning, along with your capacity to produce a significant and persuasive argument that will help draw a definitive summary.

Essay Conclusion Paragraph

The final outcome could be the paragraph that is last of essay, which offers your reader with a directory of the main points presented in your projects. You mustn’t introduce any ideas that are new but instead restate the thesis statement in a way as in order to avoid repetition also to cause monotony in your market. A well-written conclusion will keep your reader with all the most readily useful impression of one’s paper, therefore usually do not try to rush things up as you may find yourself destroying your whole essay. It really is a smart idea to show up having a rough draft associated with final paragraph, that will enable you to iron down any staying inconsistencies and repetitions when you look at the product that is final.

The dwelling of a essay is definitely a way that is effective of utilizing the audience, showing how good the pupil knows this issue and needs regarding the project, along with their capability to improve a quarrel and achieve a summary.

The citation or bibliography can be a essential element of an essay framework which comes after the summary and states most of the product you have actually referenced. Should your paper has quotes that are direct paraphrased quotes or content off their sources, citations are crucial and really should, consequently, never be omitted. Take into account that you can get penalized for plagiarism or even lose grades for submitting a poorly referenced essay unless you add proper citations. If a certain structure is stated in your teacher’s needs, you ought to be sure because failure to do so may entail very unpleasant consequences that you painstakingly adhere to it. Just in case no structure happens to be specified, simply pick any commonly accepted one which you see easy-to-use and format your paper properly.

The method that you structure your essay determines the way in which (or series) where you want the viewers to get information included therein. According to an essay type, the structure for the human body paragraphs may vary; but, the general design stays equivalent always. Please, see below for a essay that is standard (citations included):

  • Introduction
  • Body Paragraphs
  • Summary
  • Bibliography/Citation

Expert writers to your rescue!

Only a few pupils are good at writing, therefore when you’re in a pinch, our expert professionals can constantly visited your rescue. If you do not have sufficient time, lack the abilities and possess no clue just how to proceed with the standard essay framework, you can move to an expert writing service for assistance. Really, getting assistance is completely okay, also it doesn’t mirror adversely on your own abilities or cleverness. The thing is students have to take care of lots of things throughout their scholastic life, which actually leaves these with little if any time at all with regards to their papers. Because of this, they compose their essays in a hurry and end up receiving bad grades.

Therefore, why risk grades that are bad? Simply speak to our expert scholastic service and allow seasoned professionals use the load off your brain! It is possible to be assured you will get an adequately organized and paper that is well-researched towards the greatest academic criteria.

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Low Methionine Key to Antiaging

Reducing consumption of a protein found in fish and meat could slow the ageing process and increase life expectancy, according to the research.

Scientists have long believed that an ultra low calorie diet - aproximately 60 per cent of normal levels - can lead to greater longevity.

But now a team of British researchers have discovered that the key to the effect is a reduction in a specific protein and not the total number of calories.

That means that by reducing foods that contain the protein - such as meat, fish and certain nuts - people should live longer wiuthout the need to cut down on meals.

Dr Matthew Piper, from the Institute of Healthy Ageing at University College London, said that a vegetarian diet could be one way to achieve the effect.

Studies in animals including monkeys have shown that reducing food intake can benefit health and increase lifespan.

Researchers have found that reducing calories by as much as 30 per cent could reduce risks of developing heart disease or cancer by half and increase lifetimes by nearly a third.

The extreme diets - just above malnutrition levels - add an extra 25 years to the average life in Britain with the vast majority of people living to their 100th birthday

But in a series of new experiments on fruit flies, scientists discovered that simply varying the mix of amino acids in the diet affected lifespan.

Further study revealed that one particular amino acid, methionine, made all the difference.

Although flies and people are very different, the researchers believe the effects are likely to be conserved throughout a wide range of different species including humans.

Dr Piper said: "It's not as simple as saying 'eat less nuts' or 'eat more nuts' to live longer - it's about getting the protein balance right, a factor that might be particularly important for high protein diets, such as the Atkins diet or body builders' protein supplements."

Methionine is essential to the formation of all proteins. It is naturally abundant in foods such as fish and meats as well as sesame seeds, Brazil nuts and wheat germ.

Humans have around four times more genes than the fruit fly, but both share many similar genes with basic biological functions.

Therefore, even though the fruit fly does not on the surface resemble humans, many findings about its basic biology can be extrapolated to humans.

"This work was done on flies but similar results have been found in mice," said Dr Piper. "If it turns it has the same effect on humans, then the message is avoid high levels of methionine."


New tools are on-hand to survive on the world of Aberration, while opening up many possibilities for new competitive and cooperative scenarios. Traverse the ARK using cave-climbing picks, gliding wingsuits, and ziplines.

The intense radiation of Aberration has led to incredible genetic mutations, resulting in new creatures with amazing abilities!


Art Is in Her Blood: Provocative Sculptures by Ella Kogan

Art and music were an integral part of Ella Kogan’s real-life world ever since she was a child. Her father was a distinguished Russian painter, a follower of Ilya Repin’s school of realist art, while her son, a budding abstract painter, infuses creativity and originality into the family’s expanding business. Ella sees her art as a form of communication, and she frequently refers to how her sculptures “speak” to different people in different voices. In every one of her works she strives to capture eternal elements of the human condition. Her sculptures seem to exist in an intermediate state between generalized personal vision and the portrayal of realistic, living, breathing beings. Ella Kogan’s sculptural pieces are never still, rigid or stagnant. On the contrary, they are always changing, with the intensity of visual perception depending on the observer’s position, viewpoint and mood. While she tells JustLuxe how her art expresses her, rather than vice versa, Ella never insists on any one interpretation of her work.

When did you first begin sculpting?

I started sculpting when I was in my thirties. Before that, I always thought of myself as a musician first. Music is a major vehicle for all of my creativework. I frequently need to listen to recordings of classical music when I put the final finishing touches on my sculptures.

What made you pick sculpting as your art form?  What is it about sculpting that called out to you?

The way I see it, sculpting chose me. I did not consciously select sculpting as my art form. I feel the clay and I trust the clay. This trust is reciprocal;it is an important and mutual partnership. For me, malleable and moldable clay is a perfect material for implementing the “mind to finger” process.

Carly Zinderman

Carly Zinderman is a Senior Staff Writer for JustLuxe, based just outside of Los Angeles, CA. Since graduating from Occidental College with a degree in English and Comparative Literary Studies, she has written on a variety of topics for books, magazines and online publications, but loves fashion and style best. In her spare time, when she?s not writing, Carly enjoys watching old movies, reading an...(Read More)

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About us

OUR Story

Beyond Able was inspired by the strength and love that we have witnessed from children and families who have faced great adversity and their fight to lead a wholehearted life and be a part of their community. We are committed to help children and families walk their journeys with a sense of hope and purpose. Help them see their journeys, understand their journey, love their journey, walk their journey. Help people come together and walk their journeys together. Able or disabled; we are all imperfect and worthy of love and belonging. Who we are goes beyond what we are able or not able to do.

 We have witnessed children physical and mental health deteriorate because they didn’t have the appropriate treatment, equipment, or support. We have heard parents grapple with not knowing or not understanding their child’s diagnosis. We have been those health care professionals and educators desperate to help a child and not knowing what to do, and other times knowing but being unable to do it due to organizational barriers.  We have seen a child wanting to color with her brother, but unable to do so because she doesn’t have the adaptive equipment.

We have seen parents frustrated because their child needs a service, it has been deemed medically necessary, but denied by insurance. Parents looking for the services that have been recommended, but not finding any providers in their area or finding the providers and not being able to afford them. It is sad, frustrating, infuriating, heart-breaking. It is also solvable. By creating Beyond Able we have decided to become part of the solution; to be the change we want to see in the world.

 Every child can live a wholehearted life within and beyond their physical and cognitive abilities.

Provide services to eliminate barriers that contribute to disability and build brave communities that choose compassion and connection.


Common Q & A

Note that the answers below are the impressions of one person on the Buddhist path, and may differ from views held by other practising Buddhists. If you seek with love and compassion, it is always within your own heart that the truth will be found.

Q1: Could you recommend some books about Buddhism, and where I might learn more?

A1: There are many good books available, three that I would recommend for beginners are:

Most local libraries have information on Buddhism and a range of Buddhist books - or have look at the books listed in our Shop.

Q2: Where can I find out more about Buddhism on the interet?

A2. Some of the websites that I find most useful are:

Q3: I understand there are two main schools of Buddhism, Mahayana and Theravada. So, is it possible for you to tell me the characteristics of the two ways, and in your opinion, the pros and cons of both, too. However, I have found out that Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism are actually quite different, so I do not know which one to follow currently.

A3: Your questions show that you are deeply seeking the right path to follow. In terms of the Theravada way or Mahayana way, perhaps the following thoughts will be of use to you.

Originally, the teaching of the Buddha was done by the monks, and some hundreds of years after the death of the Buddha, a split occurred when several groups wanted to open more of the teaching up to the lay people. Out of this, a new group called Mahayana was formed, and the original way became known as Theravada. At a later point, Vajrayana Buddhism also developed; it is based on much study and deep insight.

As I see it, Theravada, in its strict sense, is the "protector" of the dhamma, of the original teaching and, as such, resists all efforts to change anything. This may result in a reasonably accurate transmission of the dhamma, but also to a rigidity to change. The Mahayana way is more of a "seeking" way and allows flexibility, but perhaps can also lead to some answers which are have been adapted to meet the need of a particular place and time. There is an evolving new way and many in the West, who are exposed to both ways, are struggling with a more fundamental Buddhism, which embraces the original texts but also allows for adaptation to a more modern way of Buddhist practice. There are authors you may want to read, such as Stephen Batchelor's "Buddhism Without Beliefs" , and Lama Surya Das' "Awakening the Buddha Within" , and a few others. This movement also had a lot of input from the Zen monk, Thich Nhat Hanh, who has written many books translating the ideas of Buddhism into the modern world.

Until recently, it would have only been possible to learn one way, depending on where you lived. Today, we are able to find details on all the different styles, at times resulting in an overload of information. Ultimately, it will be a combination of access to a good teacher and others who practice with you, and how comfortable you feel with that group, and on your practice of meditation. No one way is better than another, as the Buddha said, "the ways to enlightenment are as many as the peoples on earth".

Q4: What do Buddhists think of euthanasia

A4: While I can not speak for all Buddhists, my understanding is that the Dharma (the teaching of the Buddha) encourages us to protect and respect all life forms, and particularly, all sentient beings. There are no absolute rules; each must make their own decision. Most following the dharma would not harm life, at its beginning or its end, but would seek to assist the person with compassion and with all the resources of the medical world. Some passages into and out of life are more difficult, but are part of the karma for that person, perhaps a significant part of their path to reach enlightenment.

The dharma teaches also that everyone walks their own path, so no-one can make a decision for another, and that decision must be respected, whether that is for or against euthanasia. Each situation is unique and a "right" answer is always the one which is there, and must be found.

Q5: I am working on a school paper and need to know Buddha's theory on detachment.

A5: In terms of detachment, it really is a fundamental concepts of Buddhism, and is part of the Four Noble Truths, where the Second Noble Truth tells us that our attachment to desire causes great suffering. The Third Noble Truth says that if we reduce attachment (i.e. become more detached) from our desires, then we will become happier. The point being that we constantly strive for what we "believe" is our right: money, relationships, power, prestige, material gain. If we see these differently, become detached from our need to have them, then our lives take on new meaning. At the same time, we still can live a normal life and have material possessions, but not be owned by those possessions or by the desire to have them.

Q6:I am a 14yr old with an assignment. The following are the questions that I need to cover.

Q6: The teachings of both Christianity and Buddhism encourage compassion, wisdom and respect for others. Christians and Buddhists alike strive for peace and seek for truth and meaning in everyday life. Both Buddhists and Christians support charitable actions and condemn theft and murder. However, in my understanding, there are differences in the way to reach salvation / enlightenment and some of these are:

Christianity Teaches Buddhism Teaches
There is a personal God There is no personal god
Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God The Buddha never claimed divinity
Salvation may be attained through Christ You must seek your own salvation with diligence
Through Christ, sins may be forgiven Our past and current actions determine the future
Pray to God for salvation Meditate to reach enlightenment

Q7 : I'm working on a school paper and would like to understand how the cycle of rebirth (samsara) can exist when there is no soul (anita).  I have discovered that there is the belief that existence is based on the five aggregates but, in that case, what is it that continues in samsara (besides karma - moral energy)?

A7: It should first be noted that the Buddha observed that involvement in this life is much more important than speculation about the future. Nevertheless, your question is very perceptive; it does seem to be a paradox. If the five aggregates, which is what we are made up of, do not continue, what is it that continues in the cycle of lives? Certainly, this is one question that has been discussed by deep thinkers over the past 2,500 years, and my answer is my view only and not representative of the different schools of thought.

Let’s imagine that all life is part of a web of energy and that by living we put impressions on that energy, in the same way that a river flows and makes some impact on the surrounding land, or the wind changes the land; in the same way, life, as it moves, makes an impact on energy. In rebirth, we do not again have the same five aggregates but there may be some connection to the life energy of previous existence and certainly also to our karma. Good actions can energise the next existence and also provide some of the strong impressions which sometimes give us the feelings that we have encountered situations or people before. So the "soul" does not move from us to a new us, we make an imprint on the life energy, and can sometimes access that previous imprint, just like we might see a photo in an album of us when we were younger.

This is my way of understanding, perhaps it will help in finding your own understanding of this intriguing idea. Be Happy in that search.

(photo by Mary Hendriks)


Functional Determinant

Also found in: Wikipedia.

Functional Determinant

a determinant whose elements are functions of one or more variables.

The most important examples of functional determinants are the Wronskian, which plays an important role in the theory of linear differential equations of higher order, the Hessian, which is used in the theory of algebraic curves, and the Jacobian, which is used in transforming multiple integrals, in establishing the independence of a system of functions, and in other problems of the theory of functions of several variables.

The derivative of a functional determinant D(x) = |aik(x)| of order n is the sum of the h functional determinants whose matrices are obtained from the matrix ‖aik(x)‖ by differentiation of the elements of the first, second, . . ., nth column. For example, if

The term “functional determinant” is sometimes used to refer to the Jacobian.

References in periodicals archive ?
In terms of elementary linear algebra, the existence of the coefficients [a.sub.l,m] and [b.sub.l,m] is equivalent to finding the zeros of the following functional determinant:
In general, the solution [y.sub.l](r; k) depends on the scattered direction x whenever entering the perturbation, so we denote the extended solution of (13) as [[??].sub.l](r; k) and accordingly the functional determinant as [[??].sub.l](k; [r.sub.1]).
More importantly, the functional determinant [MATHEMATICAL EXPRESSION NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII] is an algebraic condition that filters out a discrete set of eigenvalues from C for the problem
The functional determinant [[??].sub.l](k; r) is of order one and of type [MATHEMATICAL EXPRESSION NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII].
To study the functional determinants [[??].sub.l](k; r), we collect the following asymptotic behaviors of [[??].sub.l](r; k) and [[??]'.sub.l][(r; k).
Multiplying the argument of the [delta]-function by N leads to a functional determinant that is discussed in detail in the next paragraph:
Functional Determinant. A straightforward way of writing the functional determinant is by using anticommuting ghost fields
Developing approaches to rational design of potential peptide inhibitors of structural functional determinants of proteins can potentially expand the range of therapeutic medications based on peptides [1].

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