Great Britain :: History

Great Britain Great Britain is made up of three countries, England, Scotland and Wales. It is an island off the coast of north ­west of Europe. Britain is part of the United Kingdom of Britain and Northern Ireland. The capital is London. Relief There are many different landscapes in Britain, from high mountains to rolling hill sand valleys. Places like Wales, the Lake District and northwest Scotland have high mountains and steep slopes made out of solid rocks. This landscape was made millions of years ago during the ice ages, when moving glaciers of ice made deep valleys, steep mountain slopes and long lakes. The southern and eastern parts of Britain are made up of smaller rocks that have weathered and become fertile farmland. The highest point is Ben Nevis  ­ 1343 metres above sea level and the lowest point is Holme Fen  ­ 3 metres below sea level. The population is 57,970,200 people, the population density at 239 people per square km. 92% of British people live in urban areas while only 8% live in rural areas. Great Britain is completely surrounded by sea, isolating it from the rest of Europe. No part of Britain is far from the sea, which is an important resource for fishing, tourism and ports. Britain’s rivers provide drinking water for towns, and irrigate farmers’ crops. However rivers can cause floods. England The northern and western portions are mountainous. The highlands - the Pennine Chain, forms the backbone of northern England. Rolling plains occupy most of central and eastern England. The western part of the central region is known as the Midlands. To the east lies The Fens, a marsh area. To the south, an elevated plateau slopes upward. Scotland The terrain of Scotland is mountainous but is divided into three regions, from north to south: the Highlands, the Central Lowlands, and the Southern Uplands. The Highlands occupy more than a half of Scotland, the most rugged region on the island of Great Britain. Wales Wales has an irregular coastline and many bays; the biggest is Cardigan Bay. Except for narrow and low coastal areas, mainly in the south and west, Wales is mostly mountainous. Area England  ­ 130,439km2 Scotland  ­ 78,772km2 Wales  ­ 20,768km2 Total  ­ 229,979km2 Climate Great Britain has quite cool summers and mild winters. The weather changes from day to day. The climate is temperate  ­ the country does not have long periods when it is hot or cold.

Audience Analysis and Reception Essay

Question: You are preparing to write a formal report to be presented to management at your workplace. What are some potential needs for this audience you should be aware of when writing the report? What are the risks of not considering the audience’s needs? As explained in week five (The University of Phoenix, 2014). Writing a Proper Report Writing a formal report to management can be difficult as well as time-consuming. You must know who your audience is and what important topics your management team wants to hear. It is very easy to get off track and present data that is not relevant to the audience that you are directing the report to. You must know your audience. There are several things the author writing the report needs to know, in order to ensure that the management team will understand. The first thing that should be considered is, knowing who your audience is. It is important to know who the managers reading this report are. This makes a difference because you want to capture an audience by the job they have. If the report is a descriptive report about product design, you will not want to write a report about sales revenue. The report must fit the audience. Another important factor the writer should know is, knowing the audiences special interests or prejudices they may have about the information you are going to present. It is important to write the report around the facts and to not try to put in too much feeling. Facts are the only things that should be considered. Let the audience think for themselves and make their minds up based on the data that is being presented. Be prepared and have charts or other supporting documentation ready and available, so that the report can be backed up to support the report. Always pay attention to grammar and watch for any syntax errors in your writing. It is crucial that the audience sees that the report is  credible, properly written and that it flows well so that the audience can understand the report. Formal reports are more detailed and have a lot more detail than a non-formal report. Paragraphing the formal report will be easy for the audience to read. There are a lot of risks involved if these guidelines are not met. The audience has particular needs that they will be looking for, and making certain that these measures are there will lead to success. In conclusion, it is crucial that writers understand who the audience is. A formal report should always have the information in it that fits the audience. You might lose your audience, and the report may be seen as non-credible if the facts are not presented the way they should be. References The University of Phoenix. (2014). Week Five: Audience Analysis and Reception. Retrieved from The University of Phoenix, XBCOM/275 website. Educational Psychologist. (2010). Writing for whom? Cognition, motivation, and a writer’s audience.. Retrieved from Educational Psychologist, XB/COM 275Communication Process Model website.

Explains that true joy is found when following the path outlined in the Bible.

Explains that true joy is found when following the path outlined in the Bible. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.119:106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thyrighteous judgments.119:107 I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according untothy word.119:108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, OLORD, and teach me thy judgments.119:109 My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thylaw.119:110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thyprecepts.119:111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: forthey are the rejoicing of my heart.119:112 I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway,even unto the end.To me this section of the Psalm is a call to a lifestyle of worship.Let's consider what the Psalmist has to say and how that applies tous today.George WhitefieldThe first thing this portion of the Psalm declares is that the Bibleis a lamp unto our feet.Read this poem on this though. Is that howyou are living?What is true worship?Scriptures rev eal the superior nature of God, shows us God's graceand then leads us in worship in both spirit and truth. Jesus' wordsto the woman at the well, that we must worship God in spirit andtruth, are coupled together in the words of our text by the Psalmist.How does the church, a pastor, or the Bible lead us in worship?Let's say your great-grandmother, who immigrated from Russia at theturn of the century, recently died. In her will she left you an old,cheap-looking piece of jewelry shaped like an egg. You throw it inyour closet and treat it as some cheap...

Effects of a Preincisional 14 Day Course of Valerian on Natural Killer Cell Activity in Sprague-Dawley Male Rats Undergoing Abdominal Surgery Essay Example

Effects of a Preincisional 14 Day Course of Valerian on Natural Killer Cell Activity in Sprague Effects of a Preincisional 14 Day Course of Valerian on Natural Killer Cell Activity in Sprague-Dawley Male Rats Undergoing Abdominal Surgery Essay Effects of a Preincisional 14 Day Course of Valerian on Natural Killer Cell Activity in Sprague-Dawley Male Rats Undergoing Abdominal Surgery Essay Effects of a Preincisional 14 day course of Valerian on Natural Killer Cell Activity in Sprague-Dawley Male Rats Undergoing Abdominal Surgery Authors: COL (ret) Norma Lynn Garrett, CRNA, PhD, USA, AN Fort Sam Houston, Texas LTC (ret) Nathaniel M. Apatov, CRNA, PhD, USA, AN Tripler Army Medical Center, HI CPT Robert Fredregill, SRNA, BSN, USA, AN Tripler Army Medical Center, HI CPT Aaron Johnston, BSN, USA, AN Tripler Army Medical Center, HI CPT John Buen, SRNA, BSN, USA, AN USUHS, Graduate School of Nursing, Nurse Anesthesia Program, Bethesda, Maryland CPT Michael Neill, SRNA, BSN, USA, AN Tripler Army Medical Center, HI Patricia S. Dixon, MS Affiliation: U.S. Army/University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Graduate Program in Anesthesia Nursing, Fort Sam Houston, Texas Introduction: The American Cancer Society estimated that over one million new cancer cases were diagnosed in 2005 and a majority of these patients died from metastatic spread.1 The standard for treating solid tumor cancer is surgical resection. However, it has been suggested that surgical resection may in fact promote metastasis.2 One of the bodyâ„ ¢s natural defenses to combat metastasis is the activity of natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells serve as a vital mediator of detection during the early innate immune response and destruction of aberrant cells. It has been demonstrated that benzodiazepines may ameliorate surgery-induced suppression of natural killer cell activity.3 We examined the effect of a 14-day course of valerian, an herbal anxiolytic, on natural killer cell activity in Sprague-Dawley rats. Methods: Thirty-five rats were assigned to one of three groups: 1) surgical animals administered research grade valerian, 15 mg/kg solubilized in peanut oil 2) surgical animals administered peanut oil (vehicle) and 3) anesthesia only animals administered valerian. One day prior to the 14 day course of valerian, blood was drawn to assay baseline NK cell activity. On experimental day, all animals were administered isoflurane anesthesia. Surgical animals underwent a standard laparotomy whereas anesthesia only rats were anesthetized for the same period of time as the surgical rats. Twenty-four hours post-experiment animals underwent a second blood draw to assay NK cell activity. Results: Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyze NK cell activity (measured in lytic units). Our results suggested that there was no difference (p = 0.9) in suppression within or between groups. Conclusions: Clinical studies with valerian have been published but with small numbers and some ambiguity. Further research regarding valerianâ„ ¢s effectiveness as a modulator of NK cell activity and whether dosage or route of administration is a factor in modulation is still warranted. Keywords:?   Valerian, Natural Killer Cells, Cancer Funding: 59th Medical Wing Clinical Research Squadron, 2200 Bergquist Drive, Bldg 4430, Lackland AFB, TX 78236-5300. OBJECTIVE / HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a presurgical 14-day course of valerian on Natural Killer cells activity in male Sprague-Dawley rats undergoing abdominal surgery. Our research was directed by the following research question: Would a presurgical 14-day course of valerian inhibit 24-hour postoperative surgical suppression of NK cell activity when compared to a 14-day course of vehicle in male Sprague-Dawley rats undergoing abdominal surgery Background: Cancer is ranked as the second leading cause of death in the United States and the majority of cancer related deaths have a metastatic component.4 Currently, the most common treatment for solid tumor carcinoma is surgical resection. Surgical resection results in a release of growth factors that has been suggested to promote metastasis of the remaining cancer cells.5 Surgical insult, postoperative pain, and anxiety may serve as inhibitors to successful surgical treatment by suppressing the endogenous cell mediated immune (CMI) response. CMI limits metastasis of cancerous cells by activating Natural Killer (NK) cells. NK cells are endogenous specialized large granular lymphocytes that detect and destroy aberrant cells.6 Aberrant cells lack or possess a deficit of functional major histocompatibility complex class I (MHCI) surface proteins. NK cells serve as vital mediators of aberrant cellular detection during the early innate immune response.7 Surgically induced suppression of NK cell activity can be attenuated by ameliorating the surgical stress response. In 1999, Ben-Eliyahu and colleagues examined the effects of a postoperative beta-adrenergic antagonist on Fisher 344 rats using a lung tumor retention assay (MADB106). The beta-adrenergic antagonist resulted in the inhibition of lung tumor colonization.8 In 2002, Page and colleagues examined lung tumor susceptibility in Fisher 344 rats and observed that a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) attenuated the suppression of NK cell activity caused by surgical stress. The findings from these studies compellingly suggest that surgery contributes to the suppression of the immune system, specifically, NK cell activity. There exist both physiological and psychological mechanisms responsible for the suppression of NK cell activity in the surgical patient. Physiological and psychological mechanisms related to anxiety are implicated in the modulation of the CMI. Anxiety activates the sympathoadrenomedullary systems and the hypothalamic-pituitary- adrenal axis (HPA). Neurosignals are processed in the hypothalamus, which cause the release of various neurotransmitters (e.g. norepinephrine), neuropeptides (e.g. corticotrophin-releasing factor), neurohormones (e.g. adrenocorticotropin hormone) and adrenal hormones (e.g. catecholamines and corticosteroids). Both catecholamines and corticosteroids are suggested to suppress the immune system and NK cell activity.9 10 Evidence from both animal and human studies suggest that anxiety is a major cause of CMI suppression. Anxiolytic medications may attenuate the negative psychological impact associated with surgical stress.11 Benaroya-Milshtein and colleagues demonstrated an increase in NK cell activity by reducing anxiety in mice.12 A 2001 study by Koga and colleagues demonstrated that anxiety suppressed NK cell activity in 144 human patients scheduled for oral surgery.13 A study by Nunez and colleagues demonstrated that benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, could reverse the adverse effects of stress and anxiety on CMI in Sprague-Dawley rats. 14 Finally, Freire-Garabal and colleagues suggested that chronic alprazolam administration caused a dose-dependent reduction in surgically mediated stress-induced suppression of NK cell activity in mice.15 Catacholamine and cortisol levels were reduced and enhanced protection of NK cell activity in the groups receiving pre and post surgical administrat ion of alprazolam was noted. Valerian, an herbal medication with reputed anxiolytic effects, demonstrates a dose-dependant GABAergic effects in in vitro studies of rat brainstem preparations.16 Yuan and colleagues demonstrated the site of action of a known benzodiazepine and valerian to be the GABAA receptor.17 Further, Yuan and colleagues observed both direct and indirect modulation of the GABAA receptor activity but were unable to isolate the active pharmacological agents in valerian preparations. In a related study, Ortiz and colleagues demonstrated the direct and indirect modulation of the GABAA receptor utilizing oral valerian extracts in in-vitro studies of Sprague-Dawley rats.18 Human studies suggest that the effective oral dose for anxiolytic and hypnotic effects range from 400 to 900 mg administered daily.19 20 Additional research suggests that chronic administration of valerian over a minimum period of 2 weeks is necessary to achieve pharmacologically effective serum levels.21 Acute administratio n of valerian has been proposed to provide anxiolytic effects but may be related to a placebo effect. Given that NK cells play an integral role in the suppression of metastatic cancer and that anxiety suppresses NK cell activity, interventions that reduce anxiety may lead to better outcomes in patients undergoing surgical resection of solid tumor carcinomas. If perioperative anxiety can be attenuated with valerian, then surgical suppression of NK cell activity may also be attenuated. Methods A sample of 35 male Sprague-Dawley rats was partitioned into three groups with two rats utilized for model development. The rats were separated into the following groups: Valerian and surgery (11), Vehicle and surgery, the control group (11), and Valerian and anesthesia (11). The anesthesia only group assessed the effects of valerian on NK cell activity under non-surgical conditions compared to surgical conditions. For each of the groups listed above, mature male Sprague-Dawley rats; weighing 225-250 grams were used. Animals were brought in and acclimatized to the vivarium for 3-days prior to habituation and handling. Rats were housed in plastic cages on a 12-hour light/dark cycle. Animals had continuous access to food and water except for the 8-hours prior to the experiments, when only water was available. The rats were partitioned into three equal groups. We randomized the order in which the rats would be tested to ameliorate any effect that a surgeonâ„ ¢s ability might ha ve upon the outcome. For each of the 14 days prior to the experiment, animals were administered either vehicle (peanut oil) or valerian (15mg/kg), depending on the group assignment. The dose was based on a clinical trial by Cropley (2002) whose findings suggested that a 9mg/kg dose of valerian administered over 7 days was effective in reducing stress and on an rodent study suggesting that a single dose at 30 mg/kg significantly prolonged emergence time from anesthesia.22 One day prior to the experiment, animals were briefly anesthetized with isoflurane to withdraw blood via a cardiac puncture for baseline NK cell assay. On the experiment day, surgical animals underwent a standard laparotomy with isoflurane anesthesia; anesthesia only animals received isoflurane at the same time and dose as the surgery animals. Once anesthetized, all animals were injected intramuscularly (IM) with penicillin (25,000 units/kg), and the abdomen of the surgery animals was shaved and prepared with betadine. Surgery consist ed of a 4 cm midline incision through the skin and abdominal muscle wall followed by the externalization of a 10 cm segment of the small intestine for a period of 4-minutes. During the first minute, the intestine was gently rubbed between two pieces of gauze in 4 locations as a standard irritant; this procedure promoted the release of local inflammatory factors. For the remainder of the 4-minute period, the intestine was covered with saline-soaked gauze to maintain the moisture content. The intestines were then returned to abdominal cavity, irrigated with saline, and the muscle and skin layers were stapled. Isoflurane gas was discontinued after stapling was completed. At 24 hours after surgery, all animals were anesthetized for the withdrawal of approximately 2 ml of blood via cardiac puncture for the post surgical NK cell assay. Exactly 1 ml was placed in a heparinized tube (20 U/ml) with 3.0 ml PBS with bovine serum albumin (BSA, 1 gm/L) and centrifuged at 500 g for 10 minutes. The supernatant was then aspirated down to the original blood volume. The blood was washed two times with 3.0 ml medium, using the same centrifugation and aspiration procedure. YAC-1 cells, a standard cell line for the assessment of rodent NK cell activity, are maintained in the above-specified complete medium. To radiolabel the cytoplasm of the YAC-1 cells, approximately 15(106 cells are incubated with 0.2 mCi of 51NaCrO4, 150 (l medium, and 200 (l FCS for 90 minutes. The medium used for this assay is the same as the above-described medium, except that the FCS content is 15% by volume. After incubation, target cells are washed 3 times in medium and their concentra tion adjusted to 8(105 cells per ml (approximately 6:1 leukocytes:YAC-1) for the lowest effector:target (E:T) ratio. Because whole blood is used, it is necessary to serially dilute the target cells to achieve the various E:T ratios. For each E:T ratio, 100 (l of washed blood was aliquoted into a well of a microtiter plate, and 150 (l of 51Cr-labeled YAC-1 target cells in medium was then added on top of the blood. Plates were centrifuged at 500g for 10 minutes, which creates a buffy layer of leukocytes and target cells on top of the red blood cells. Plates were then incubated for 4 hours, centrifuged at 500 g for 10 minutes, and 100 (l supernatant was harvested for determination of 51Cr release in the gamma counter. The spontaneous release and maximum release (incubation of YAC-1 cells in medium and 1 Normal HCl, respectively) was measured for each tumor cell concentration separately, and percent specific lysis was calculated using the formula: [(Experimental Spontaneous) ( (Maximum Spontaneous)] (100. Data Analysis: A total of 6 subjects were omitted from the various groups. Two subjects (one from each surgical study group) were omitted due to post operative wound dehiscence. Four subjects were omitted due to post-feeding pulmonary edema. As expected, all groups had significantly suppressed NK cell activity compared to pre-experimental values (p

Free Essays on Procastination

PROCRASTINATION Procrastination-the act or habits of putting things off till the end out of laziness†¦ Almost every student knows this dreaded word. They know if picked up, disaster happens with a sharp decline in school marks. But what they don’t realize is that procrastinating can actually benefit you in school. It can make you work harder, faster, and more efficiently on school assignments. Even life skills in the real world can be created from procrastinating. Helps you work harder, faster, and more efficiently, you say? Yes, that’s exactly what I said. It sounds like an impossible thing, however if you’re like me or any other sensible person that wants a fairly good mark on the next assignment, procrastinating can help you. When you are wanting to strive for that better mark and the bad habit hits you hard, you think it’s a bad combination but waste no more time thinking about it. Just let the time pass by. While your friends are working hard on it, go play, and do the things you like but still allow enough time to complete the assignment. When time comes to do it, it should be cramming time to get it done to the best of your ability. It actually helps you, because it gives that need of drive to actually still maintain a good mark on it. And what about efficiency? That’s easy, when you have your daily homework piled on to your assignment, the need to get the assignment done kicks in. You will feel less of a nee d to do other things that you normally do, and cut down on the breaks, including the old rest up and watch TV. one. Also essential life skills in the real world become developed through procrastinating. In the busy world of work, everyone knows that that boss of yours will always set impossible deadlines. And the knowing of having to get it done perfectly and fast is always on the employer’s mind. When already experienced through procrastinating, you will already know the field of trying to cram a lot ... Free Essays on Procastination Free Essays on Procastination PROCRASTINATION Procrastination-the act or habits of putting things off till the end out of laziness†¦ Almost every student knows this dreaded word. They know if picked up, disaster happens with a sharp decline in school marks. But what they don’t realize is that procrastinating can actually benefit you in school. It can make you work harder, faster, and more efficiently on school assignments. Even life skills in the real world can be created from procrastinating. Helps you work harder, faster, and more efficiently, you say? Yes, that’s exactly what I said. It sounds like an impossible thing, however if you’re like me or any other sensible person that wants a fairly good mark on the next assignment, procrastinating can help you. When you are wanting to strive for that better mark and the bad habit hits you hard, you think it’s a bad combination but waste no more time thinking about it. Just let the time pass by. While your friends are working hard on it, go play, and do the things you like but still allow enough time to complete the assignment. When time comes to do it, it should be cramming time to get it done to the best of your ability. It actually helps you, because it gives that need of drive to actually still maintain a good mark on it. And what about efficiency? That’s easy, when you have your daily homework piled on to your assignment, the need to get the assignment done kicks in. You will feel less of a nee d to do other things that you normally do, and cut down on the breaks, including the old rest up and watch TV. one. Also essential life skills in the real world become developed through procrastinating. In the busy world of work, everyone knows that that boss of yours will always set impossible deadlines. And the knowing of having to get it done perfectly and fast is always on the employer’s mind. When already experienced through procrastinating, you will already know the field of trying to cram a lot ...

Psychology and Religion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Psychology and Religion - Essay Example The limited death I am sensing could be opened up by the psychologists for me to understand the current position but I have already decided that this is not bad news but just an interim challenge which could hold me up for a better or a worse day. It is my intention to make this a better day not just for me but also the kids that have been given to me and society which I want to serve. A good way for me to begin this unraveling of my thoughts through the following pages is to begin with an anecdote involving two of the esteemed psychologists who have impacted the class. As an emerging psychologist Gordon Allport was desperate to meet with Sigmund Freud. When Allport arrived for the all-important meeting which has been pre arranged, Freud was seated and remained quietly seated for Gordon to begin. Having grown impatient after some time Gordon blurted out an event, which had occurred on the way. Apparently a little boy had been very upset as he was seated next to a very dirty old man. Gordon remarked that it possibly was something the little boy had learnt from his mother, who on another seat remained stoic, the picture of neatness and domination. Without considering this a passing observation, Freud understood as a deep thought process consciously or unconsciously working within Gordon, and remarked â€Å"And was that little boy you?† (Boeree) If that boy on the bus were a girl it would have been me. I felt that very restriction deep within me. It was not prohibitive when I was growing up. However when I faced with the situations of life where I felt I did not have any options, I certainly felt like a good girl seated next to dirty man, with a mother looming over. As a good catholic I believed in the seven sacraments and adhered to them as religiously as possible. My morality was also pile driven into the catholic belief of seven deadly sins in

Greek Mythology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Greek Mythology - Essay Example The inhabitants of Olympus are not ideal characters. They are vain, mercenary, passionate. The most striking feature of Greek Gods is their envy. Gods envy plain people, and a man, who gained a success, is the first to be afraid of the Gods’ rage. Maybe, it was a way to explain the exchange of good and bad periods of life. â€Å"In general, the ancient Greeks would consider something bad in their lives as a punishment for gods. If they had a disease, they would pray to the gods to forgive his sins. If a floud would occur and destroy their city, they would make a sacrifice to calm down the gods. From this, it can be seen that there was a sense of respect and fear between people and the gods and that people didnt feel free to live their lives, but thought that everything would come or be taken away from them†(Greek Mythology). Gods are depicted as strong, dangerous creatures one should be careful with. And their human traits reflected the attitude of Greeks and Romans tow ards the world. The right way to make them pleased was to make sacrifices. However, there were people and heroes, who struggled against gods. Prometheus is a well-known who gave fire to men and went against Gods. The popularity of this myth can be explained by a fascinating plot, dynamics of events and deep ideas rooted inside the myth. A classical Greek myth about this outstanding character discusses the struggle for freedom (Price and Kearns, 2003). Another example is Odysseus, who could deceive anyone including divine creatures. He represents one of the greatest humans who is the master of his own life and is not afraid of gods. Greek gods do not appear on their own, they were born by their parents, they need to eat and drink, they get tired and go to sleep, they can’t be killed, but can be injured. At the same time the Gods are not all-powerful, they also depend on destiny like people and heroes. In Greek mythology destiny is