The human brain contains over 100 billion neurons (there are over 100 million in the mouse brain), yet memories are thought to be stored in only small groups of them. Identifying the precise neurons encoding a given memory has been a longstanding challenge. In the past, scientists had deleted an entire brain region in mice to try and erase a memory in the hopes of finding out about how memories are normally stored, but in this study led by Sheena Josselyn, Assistant Professor of Physiology, Canada Research Chair in Molecular and Cellular Cognition and a SickKids scientist, researchers took a more targeted approach and removed only the small portion of neurons thought to be involved in a specific memory.
"Though previous studies have provided important evidence suggesting that specific neurons are involved in a memory, we believe this paper is the first to establish causal links," said Josselyn.
In a previous paper, the research team showed evidence suggesting that in mice, fear memories are stored in specific neurons within a brain structure known as the lateral amygdala (LA) that have a high amount of a specific protein (CREB). This means that CREB levels helps dictate which neurons are involved in storing a memory. In the latest study, the scientists went on to destroy only these LA neurons with high levels of CREB and found that mice no longer remembered the fearful event. More importantly, they illustrated that random removal of a similar number of LA neurons does not impact the fear memory. These findings are the first to definitively show which specific set of neurons store a memory.
"Our experiences, both good and bad, teach us things," said Josselyn. "If we didn't remember that the last time we touched a hot stove we got burned, we would be more likely to do it again. So in this sense, even memories of bad or frightening experiences are useful. However, there are some cases in which fearful memories become maladaptive, such as with post-traumatic stress disorder or severe phobia. Selectively erasing these intrusive memories may improve the lives of afflicted individuals," she said.
"Do our results suggest that someday this might be possible? Our studies suggest that one strategy would be to target interventions to that small subset of neurons actually involved in storing a memory, rather than the entire brain. It sounds like a futuristic film, but our results in mice do provide proof-of-principle that this may one day be possible in humans," added Paul Frankland, SickKids Scientist, Assistant Professor of Physiology, Canada Research Chair in Cognitive Neurobiology and co-investigator of the study.
"Our memories are an essential part of who we are, in fact some believe it is the ongoing connection between our thoughts and memories that constitutes our identity," said Christine Harrison, SickKids Director of Bioethics. "As the research in this area continues to evolve, so do the ethical considerations related to potential future therapies."
via [techno]
With the support of the National Institutes of Health, the Arnolds and their team have been able to take a piece of HIV that is involved with helping the virus enter cells, put it on the surface of a common cold virus, and then immunize animals with it. They found that the animals made antibodies that can stop an unusually diverse set of HIV isolates or varieties.
Some researchers have previously been able to elicit effective antibodies, but usually only against a very limited number of HIV types. With HIV’s known propensity to mutate, antibodies developed against one local strain may not recognize and combat mutant varieties elsewhere. These geographic varieties with different mutations constitute one of the great challenges to finding a broad spectrum vaccine capable of protecting against the vast array of HIV varieties.
Human rhinovirus showing pieces of HIV (red) that stimulate helpful immune responses displayed on the rhinovirus surface, thereby creating a safe mimic of HIV. Credit: Gail Ferstandig Arnold
“The part that we targeted plays a role in the ability of HIV to enter cells, and is common to most HIV varieties,” Gail Ferstandig Arnold said. “That is a mechanism that would not be easy for the virus to reinvent on the fly, so it turns out to be a really helpful target.”
The Arnolds are both members of the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, a joint center of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Also, Gail Ferstandig Arnold is a research professor and Eddy Arnold is a professor, both in Rutgers’ Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology.
“The idea is to trick the immune system into thinking it is acting upon HIV before the virus shows actually shows up on the scene,” said Eddy Arnold.
To actually accomplish this is a big problem in engineering. The goal was to take a small piece of the HIV out of its native context, put it in a completely different system (rhinovirus), and have it look the same and act the same. Eddy Arnold likens this to taking the Rocky Mountains, putting them on India and having them look exactly right.
Using recombinant engineering, the research team developed a method to systematically test millions of varied presentations of the HIV segment with the rhinovirus. They tried millions of different variations on how to graft (or splice) one onto the other, creating what are called combinatorial libraries.
“It’s like the lottery,” Eddy Arnold commented. “The more tickets you buy the better chance you have of winning.”
“The really exciting part is that we were able to find viruses that could elicit antibodies against a huge variety of isolates of HIV. That is an immense step and a very important step,” said Gail Ferstandig Arnold.
“However, we need to be careful to not overstate things because the quantity of response is not huge, but it is significant,” added Eddy Arnold. “This is actually the first demonstration of this particular Achilles heel being presented in way to generate a relevant immune response. It is probably not potent enough by itself to be the vaccine or a vaccine, but it is a proof of principle that what we are trying to do is a very sound idea.”
via [techno]
Car insurance is required by all licensed drivers but many of them don’t know how to find the best rates available. Being complacent and purchasing car insurance without carefully investigating your options or maintaining the same car insurance for the remainder of your life could mean that you are paying too much for your car insurance. Comparison shopping, ensuring that you are receiving all the discounts you qualify for and maintaining a clean driving record are just a few of the money saving tips that can save you a fortune on car insurance.
Comparison shopping for car insurance, even after you are already insured, cannot be underestimated. It is critical that you investigate all of your options before choosing an insurance provider to ensure that you are getting the best possible rate on your car insurance. There are so many factors considered in car insurance policies such as where you live, your driving record, your age and the type of car you drive just to name a few. With all of these factors to consider, it is very possible that you will find that there is a car insurance provider who will offer you a considerably lower rate than other providers.
Even after you have secured insurance for your car, it is wise to periodically check the rates that other providers will offer you. Car insurance as well as your circumstances are perpetually changing and you may find that the provider who is willing to offer you the best car insurance rate varies periodically. Many car insurance providers offer a host of discounts to their clients who qualify for these discounts. These discounts can relate to your driving record, safety features of your car, your age or other factors.
These discounts can result in a tremendous cost savings on your car insurance policy but while many insurance providers offer these discounts, they don’t always advertise them. This means that you may have to do research to determine what type of discounts you may qualify to receive. Carefully, review your car insurance policy to determine which discounts you are already receiving and then contact your car insurance provider to inquire about other discounts that may be available. For example if your driving record is devoid of accidents or tickets, you may qualify for a good driver discount.
Also, if your car has certain safety features such as daytime running lights, you may also qualify for car insurance discounts. Your age can also qualify you for certain car insurance discounts. Some insurance providers also offer discounts to those who insure their house with the same company as they insure their car. Taking advantage of this type of discount can save you money on both your car and home insurance. Being aware of the discounts that are available and ensuring that you are receiving these discounts, can save you a great deal of money on your car insurance.
Finally, maintaining a clean driving record is very important to receiving the best available car insurance rate. While it is true that each car insurance provider is unique in the factors that contribute to lower rates, the one factor that is consistent among all providers of car insurance is that a clean driving record is critical to your rate. Although accidents are sometimes unavoidable, it is imperative that you adhere to all traffic regulations and that you drive safely at all times. This will reduce the number of traffic violations that you incur as well as the number of accidents that you cause. Following these tips will help you to maintain a clean driving record that will keep the cost of your car insurance low.
Many drivers lament paying their monthly car insurance bill because they feel as though the insurance isn’t necessary. Although car insurance is a financial burden that seems superfluous, it does pay off if you are ever in a serious car accident that has significant financial ramifications. For this reason, you should never consider allowing your car insurance to lapse and it is recommended that you search diligently to find the best available rate on your car insurance.
Different companies will apply different factors to the way they finally arrive at a price for your Car Insurance. Generally speaking though the concept is the same. This involves collecting various bits of information from you and feeding it through a computer system which adds or takes away money depending on the answers you give.
The value put on these answers is decided by the individual Car Insurance company.
For example, some Car Insurance companies may believe that having a speeding conviction increases your chance of having a personal injury accident in the future - therefore they may add money to your price if you have such a conviction.
Similarly, some Car Insurance companies may decide that because you have a lot of No Claims Bonus Years then you are less likely to claim - therefore they may discount your price. All in all there are around 30 different factors that may affect your final premium. Now you can see why you get such a difference in the price of your Car Insurance by going to various companies. Each company will have it's own view of what they believe should be assigned to each answer you give. The Car Insurance quote you get through the Accept Direct website will look at lots of different Car Insurance prices from lots of companies.
That way you can get the best possible price for your profile.
via [ezinearticles]
Underwriting and investing
The business model can be reduced to a simple equation: Profit = earned premium + investment income - incurred loss - underwriting expenses.
Insurers make money in two ways: (1) through underwriting, the process by which insurers select the risks to insure and decide how much in premiums to charge for accepting those risks and (2) by investing the premiums they collect from insured parties.
The most complicated aspect of the insurance business is the underwriting of policies. Using a wide assortment of data, insurers predict the likelihood that a claim will be made against their policies and price products accordingly. To this end, insurers use actuarial science to quantify the risks they are willing to assume and the premium they will charge to assume them. Data is analyzed to fairly accurately project the rate of future claims based on a given risk. Actuarial science uses statistics and probability to analyze the risks associated with the range of perils covered, and these scientific principles are used to determine an insurer's overall exposure. Upon termination of a given policy, the amount of premium collected and the investment gains thereon minus the amount paid out in claims is the insurer's underwriting profit on that policy. Of course, from the insurer's perspective, some policies are winners (i.e., the insurer pays out less in claims and expenses than it receives in premiums and investment income) and some are losers (i.e., the insurer pays out more in claims and expenses than it receives in premiums and investment income).
An insurer's underwriting performance is measured in its combined ratio. The loss ratio (incurred losses and loss-adjustment expenses divided by net earned premium) is added to the expense ratio (underwriting expenses divided by net premium written) to determine the company's combined ratio. The combined ratio is a reflection of the company's overall underwriting profitability. A combined ratio of less than 100 percent indicates underwriting profitability, while anything over 100 indicates an underwriting loss.
Insurance companies also earn investment profits on “float”. “Float” or available reserve is the amount of money, at hand at any given moment, that an insurer has collected in insurance premiums but has not been paid out in claims. Insurers start investing insurance premiums as soon as they are collected and continue to earn interest on them until claims are paid out. The Association of British Insurers (gathering 400 insurance companies and 94% of UK insurance services) has almost 20% of the investments in the London Stock Exchange.
In the United States, the underwriting loss of property and casualty insurance companies was $142.3 billion in the five years ending 2003. But overall profit for the same period was $68.4 billion, as the result of float. Some insurance industry insiders, most notably Hank Greenberg, do not believe that it is forever possible to sustain a profit from float without an underwriting profit as well, but this opinion is not universally held. Naturally, the “float” method is difficult to carry out in an economically depressed period. Bear markets do cause insurers to shift away from investments and to toughen up their underwriting standards. So a poor economy generally means high insurance premiums. This tendency to swing between profitable and unprofitable periods over time is commonly known as the "underwriting" or insurance cycle.
Property and casualty insurers currently make the most money from their auto insurance line of business. Generally better statistics are available on auto losses and underwriting on this line of business has benefited greatly from advances in computing. Additionally, property losses in the United States, due to unpredictable natural catastrophes, have exacerbated this trend.
Claims
Finally, claims and loss handling is the materialized utility of insurance; it is the actual "product" paid for, though one hopes it will never need to be used. Claims may be filed by insureds directly with the insurer or through brokers or agents. The insurer may require that the claim be filed on its own proprietary forms, or may accept claims on a standard industry form such as those produced by ACORD.
Insurance company claim departments employ a large number of claims adjusters supported by a staff of records management and data entry clerks. Incoming claims are classified based on severity and are assigned to adjusters whose settlement authority varies with their knowledge and experience. The adjuster undertakes a thorough investigation of each claim, usually in close cooperation with the insured, determines its reasonable monetary value, and authorizes payment. Adjusting liability insurance claims is particularly difficult because there is a third party involved (the plaintiff who is suing the insured) who is under no contractual obligation to cooperate with the insurer and in fact may regard the insurer as a deep pocket. The adjuster must obtain legal counsel for the insured (either inside "house" counsel or outside "panel" counsel), monitor litigation that may take years to complete, and appear in person or over the telephone with settlement authority at a mandatory settlement conference when requested by the judge.
In managing the claims handling function, insurers seek to balance the elements of customer satisfaction, administrative handling expenses, and claims overpayment leakages. As part of this balancing act, fraudulent insurance practices are a major business risk that must be managed and overcome. Disputes between insurers and insureds over the validity of claims or claims handling practices occasionally escalate into litigation; see insurance bad faith.
Introduction:
Alabama Rates:
Auto insurance premiums in Alabama averaged $0.00 in Alabama in 2004, representing a change of 0.03 percent from the previous year when rates averaged $0.00. The 2004 figures show that, liability coverage averaged $0.00, collision averaged $0.00, and comprehensive averaged $0.00. There were 38 states that had higher average premiums and 11 that were lower. In 2003 there were 39 states with higher rates than Alabama. Taking a look at a longer trend, premiums for car insurance in Alabama in 2000 averaged $0.00 and in 2001, $0.00. In the year 2000, 34 states had higher premiums.
Factors Affecting Insurance Costs In Alabama:
| Urban Speed Limit | 65 |
| Highway Speed Limit | 65 |
| Blood Alcohol Limit | 0.08 |
| Open Container Law | Both the driver and passenger of vehicles are prohibited from posessing open alcohol |
| Handheld Cell Phones | There is no statewide ban on hand held cell phone use while driving. |
| Cell Usage By Driver | There is no state wide ban on all cell phones by drivers. |
| Suspension on DUI | On a first offense for DUI/DWI drivers license is suspened for 90 days. |
| Restoration On DUI | Driving privileges may not be restored during period of suspension. |
Alabama Auto Insurance Premium Data
| 2004 Average Premium | $0.00 |
| 2003 Average Premium | $0.00 |
| 2003-2004 % Change | 0.03% |
| 2004 Collission Cost | $0.00 |
| 2004 Liability Cost | $0.00 |
| 2004 Comprehensive Cost | $0.00 |
| 2004 Premium Rank | 39 |
Other Resources For Alabama Residents
Discount Car Insurance In Alabama - Where To Get Discount Rates and Quotes.
Auto Insurance Quotes In Alabama - How To Find Great Rates Online.
Low Cost Car Insurance In Alabama - Lower your rates with a free quote today.
Low Rates On Auto Insurance In Alabama - Where To Shop For Low Rates.
Try to do a auto insurance quotes comparison with at least three different companies and possible up to six. You can either compare auto insurance rates with local agents, or you can go online. The advantage of going online to compare auto insurance is that you can get quotes from multiple companies on one screen. Make sure, however, that you're doing an apples-to-apples comparison. When you compare auto insurance, use the same coverages in all applications.
The cheapest isn't the only thing to look for when you compare auto insurance. You have to consider the insurance company themselves. Established insurance companies are your best bet for great service and responsiveness.
You might find some newer insurance companies that low-ball the premiums in order to get your business. Watch out! Companies like these sometime leave people high and dry when it comes time to pay for insurance claims. The money you saved with the premiums will be spent trying to rectify the problems you have with the company. Not only that, your rates might go up the following year, leaving you to re-do auto insurance quotes comparison.
Compare auto insurance rates and compare auto insurance companies.
When you compare auto insurance rates, make sure you do so well before your current policy expires. That way, you'll have plenty of time to compare auto insurance companies. You'll also be able to explore each company and dig for discounts. You'll also have plenty of time to ask questions of insurance agents that you can't ask online.
Once you have auto insurance comparison, you'll know exactly what goes into your premiums and be able to get the discounts that apply in your situation. You'll have a good understanding of the different coverages available, and whether or not you need to have them. Most importantly, you'll have an appreciation for the different companies and their reputations. Insurance company ratings make all the difference between a hands-off insurance experience and a full-blown insurance nightmare.
via [ezinarticles]
Auto insurance premiums vary widely from state to state and even within states. The same person may find swings of as much as $700 on the cost of an annual policy. Insurance agents are not legally bound to tell a perspective customer about discounts which may apply to his/her insurance. There are, however, things the consumer can do which may lower the price paid for auto insurance.
Higher deductibles
The single quickest and easiest way to lower your insurance premium is to raise your premium. Having a $1000 or even a $1500 deductible can lower premiums 15 to 20 percent. If you decide to go this route, consider putting the money saved the first year into an account earmarked to pay the deductible should you have any accident.
Investigate auto records
Your driving record may be unblemished but the record of the car model you own can also have an affect on your premiums. Insurance copies compile extensive reports on the way cars respond in accidents and how popular certain cars are with thieves. Cars with poor crash test ratings and cars that are frequently stolen cost more to insure. When buying a new car use an auto buyer’s guide to compare crash test and theft rankings.
Use the same insurance company
If you have more than one vehicle insure all of them with the same company. Almost all insurance companies offer multi-car discounts. Many companies offer further discounts if you use any other products they offer such as homeowners insurance and life insurance.
Getting many quotes and comparing them is the best way to check pricing, coverage and save money.
And, don’t forget, the best way to lower your car insurance premium is to drive safely.
via [ezinarticles]
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos and the legacy of mesothelioma is a disturbing one. Thousands of people unduly suffer from the effects of asbestos exposure and many more have wrongly died. The hazardous effects of asbestos became know in the 1920s but corporations, who were using asbestos, did not tell their employees of the danger nor did they use alternative materials.
Thousands of persons were unnecessarily exposed to asbestos and as a result many developed mesothelioma in their later years. If you, or anyone you know, have mesothelioma contact a mesothelioma lawyer to help you receive compensation if you were wrongly exposed to asbestos.
If you know someone who died from mesothelioma, it is important that their family contact a mesothelioma lawyer who can recommend whether a mesothelioma lawsuit may result in compensatory benefits.
Mesothelioma attacks what are called mosothelial cells of an organ. The most common organ cells affected by mesothelioma are those in the lungs, heart or abdomen. Pleural mesothelioma is the most predominant type of mesothelioma and it presents as an extremely virulent variety of lung cancer. Pleural mesothelioma is separated into two explicit categories. The first type is called diffuse and malignant (cancerous) and the second type is known as benign (not cancerous).
Malignant mesothelioma is a life-threatening rare condition accounting for almost 75% of all the mesothelioma cases. Malignant mesothelioma must be treated aggressively as it is a malignant type of cancer.
Not only for this reason but, also because more often than not, by the time it is has been diagnosed, the disease has moved into an advanced stage of cancer. The diagnosis of mesothelioma can only be made definitively by taking a biopsy and conducting a pathological analysis.
As the pleural mesothelioma tumor spreads over the pleura, (a thin membrane that covers the outside of the lungs) it produces thickening of this membrane. As the thickening progresses, a restraining type of girdle effect takes place.
As the pleural membrane becomes thicker and more restrictive, the lungs become more restrained and start to diminish and become smaller. The ultimate result of this progression is that the lung(s) are less capable of performing their functions.
One of the first signs someone will begin to experience is shortness of breathe. This will initially be noticeable when they put forth energy or effort in actions such as light exercise, making a bed, and yard work etc.
As the pleural mesothelioma grows and the lung(s) become less functional, the difficulty in breathing expands to occurring when the patient is involved in activities requiring even less exertion than light exercise. Eventually the pleural mesothelioma patient will experience shortness of breath even when lying down, sitting in a chair, and/or resting.
The tumor is constricting the lungs as it moves inward and as it expands outward, to affect nearby tissue of the chest cavity and ribs, it more than likely will create an excessive level of pain.
The second type of mesothelioma mentioned above is referred to as peritoneal. The tumor associated with form of mesothelioma affects the peritoneum membrane that lines several abdominal organs. Peritoneal mesothelioma is not as rare as pleural mesothelioma but it presents more aggressively and as a results in a reduced life expectancy.
As with all cancers, peritoneal mesothelioma can be benign or malignant. Peritoneal mesothelioma takes years to develop and it is generally discovered by sheer chance and prior to symptoms beginning.
Typically the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include: abdominal pain, a generalized weakness, poor appetite with eventual lose of weight, nausea and vomiting, and swelling of the abdomen.
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma progress slowly and as time passes they become more and more severe. As with pleural mesothelioma, there is no cure and the prognosis is affected by the tumor size and stage, the type of tumor cell, and the response to treatment.
Treatment options for both types include: chemotherapy, radiation, surgical intervention, and intra-operative photodynamic therapy; which is the latest drug and light treatment used in the early stages of mesothelioma. If you feel you have been irresponsibly exposed to asbestos, call a mesothelioma attorney today.
via [articlesbase]
What is car insurance? Car insurance is essentially insurance that covers you, your passengers, and your car in case of an accident. Most states require that car owners carry liability coverage in their car insurance policy. Liability insurance covers expenses incurred for damaging another vehicle with your own when you are at fault. This means that if you are in a vehicular accident and your car caused the damage, then the liability piece of your car insurance will cover the damages according to the terms of your policy.
Your car insurance premium (cost) is made up of several different factors. Those include your age, driving record, gender, vehicle type, vehicle age, geographic location, number of miles you put on your vehicle yearly, the deductibles (collision and comprehensive), etc.
What is collision coverage? Collision coverage is the portion of your car insurance that will pay you to repair or replace your vehicle in the case of a covered accident. What is comprehensive coverage? Comprehensive coverage is the portion of your car insurance that helps pay for damages to your vehicle that are incurred as a result of situations such as weather, theft, and vandalism.
As with all insurance, car insurance policies carry a deductible. The deductible amount is the portion of the claim that you as the policy holder are responsible for paying. For example, if you carry a $250 collision deductible and you cause a wreck that requires $1000 worth of repairs to your vehicle, then you will pay the first $250 and the car insurance company will cover the remaining $750. Car insurance costs go up as you lower your deductible. If you are willing to carry a higher deductible, then your car insurance will be less expensive.
Another item to keep in mind is that as your car ages and its value declines your car insurance premium will decrease in price. This assumes that you keep a good driving record and do not get any tickets or get in to any accidents. Also, as you car gets older you can reduce the amount of coverage that you have in your car insurance policy. Many people believe there is no need to carry anything more than liability coverage on a car that is old and not worth much anyway. It is always up to you, but it is definitely something to consider.
Car insurance is typically charged at a six month rate. This allows you and the car insurance company to make adjustments a couple times a year. You can pay the premium of your car insurance once every six months or you can break the payments up in to a schedule that is more suitable to you. Many people make payments once a month. Keep in mind that car insurance companies are willing to let you do monthly payments, but they charge a higher rate on a month-to-month payment than they do for the six month total. For example, your six month rate may be $600, but if you make monthly payments, then you are charged $120 per month.
There are several companies that offer car insurance so you have plenty of choices.
via [ezinearticles]
Are you paying too much for your auto and home insurance? Follow these tips to get cheap auto and home insurance quotes.
Take Advantage of Multi-Line Discounts
If you have your auto and home insurance with different companies, you are almost definitely paying too much! Most companies offer discounts if you have both your auto and your home insurance through them. Move your auto and your home insurance to the same company and take advantage of these discounts.
Save With Other Discounts Too
In addition to the auto/home discount, you may qualify for other discounts on both your auto and home insurance. With discounts, you can save money on your premium without having to reduce your coverage. Common discounts for your auto insurance include:
- Good-student discounts
- Defensive-driving course discounts
- Three-year accident free discounts
- Safety features discounts (airbags, anti-lock brakes)
- Anti-theft discounts (burglar alarms, steering wheel locks)
Common discounts for your home insurance include:
- Security device discounts (burglar alarms, dead-bolt locks)
- Safety device discounts (smoke detectors, fire extinguishers)
- Non-smokers discounts
- Construction features discounts
- Senior citizen discounts
The more discounts you get, the cheaper your insurance, so be sure to ask your insurer about any discounts you may qualify for and include them in your policy.
Shop Around
Insurance companies are definitely not all the same. In fact, your premium can vary by hundreds of dollars from one insurance company to another. The only way to make sure you're getting the cheapest rate possible is to shop around for your auto and home insurance.
Think that means spending hours on the phone calling or visiting insurance offices? Maybe ten years ago, but not anymore. Now, you can sit in front of your computer and get insurance quotes quickly and easily.
All you have to do is go to an insurance comparison website and type in your insurance information. Before you know it, quotes from multiple insurance companies will begin to arrive for you to choose from.
On the best insurance comparison websites, you can even talk with insurance professionals and ask about additional other ways to lower you auto and home insurance rates (see link below).
Visit http://www.LowerRateQuotes.com or click on the following link to get auto and home insurance quotes from top-rated companies and see how much you can save. You can get more insurance tips in their Articles section.
Author Brian Stevens and Stacey Schifferdecker.
via [ezinearticles]
Employment is an area that will be affected. If you have a DUI-related felony offense on your record, you will have to disclose that when asked on an employment application or during a job interview. This is not only embarrassing, but it can be a major roadblock to getting a job, especially those jobs requiring either transportation or delivery.
A DUI-related conviction on your record can also affect your life when it comes to family so make sure you have Orange County DWI lawyers undertake the task of defending you in court.
You want very good Orange County DWI lawyers representing you no matter what DUI-related charge you are facing for the obvious fact that you could either actually be innocent of the DUI charges, or even if you were in-fact guilty, good Orange County DWI lawyers could have the DUI charges against you dismissed by finding flaws in police procedure and handling of the evidence, or also by finding contamination in the blood or breath tests taken. There are many factors that can affect the results of a blood or breath test and good Orange County DWI lawyers on your side will give you your best chance at showing reasonable doubt. A good DUI lawyer will also be aware of the many potential defenses, strategies and tactics that can be used in court. Remember, you must be found guilty of the DUI-related offense beyond a reasonable doubt to actually be convicted.
For more resources about DUI lawyer Orange County or even about San Diego drunk driving and especially about Orange County DWI lawyers please review these links.
via [articlesbase]
- Buildings cover - your mortgage company will insist on this
- Contents cover - your own contents should be adequately covered, whilst your guests should cover their own contents and accidental damage to your property.
- Public liability - covers you for civil actions brought by guests who may sustain injury on your property.
- Employee liability - you are likely to employ casual labor in the process of running your small business and this cover is a legal requirement.
- Loss of rental income cover - this can be had for a small percentage of the annual rental income.
- Cancellation insurance - in case guests let you down.
- Personal accident insurance - in case you are incapacitated at critical times.
Most of us attempt for money appear the end of the ages to some extent, and accept to bind our belts a little by acid bottom ward on socializing or added forms of non-essential spending. This is a altogether accustomed (if annoying!) actuality of banking activity for best of us who are active and get paid already a month. Sometimes however, active out of money can be added austere than this if there are capital costs to be paid such as an abrupt bill or adjustment cost.
Many bodies use the defalcation ability of their coffer accounts to accord them a bit of elbowroom back funds are short, but in today's apple abounding bodies are assuredly overdrawn and abreast their limits, so this may not be an option.
An another way of tiding you over until your abutting bacon is to use a acclaim card, both for purchases and banknote withdrawals. There are several problems with this, including the actuality that acclaim cards are an big-ticket anatomy of borrowing, and it's appetizing to body up a ample antithesis which can accept a adverse aftereffect on your continued appellation banking health.
If neither of the antecedent two options are appropriate for you, afresh a payday accommodation may be annual considering. Briefly, these loans are accessible to about anybody with a coffer annual and a debit card, and who is in accustomed employment. Back you booty one out, the lender will alteration the bulk you ask for anon into your coffer account, usually aural 24 hours of your appliance actuality approved. During your appliance you will accept supplied your debit agenda details, and the accommodation aggregation will use these to automatically accord your accommodation on your abutting pay day, forth with their fees.
And therein lies one of the capital problems with payday loans - the fees.
This affectionate of acclaim is belled for actuality expensive, and eye-watering APRs of 1000% or alike abundant college are the norm. These APR abstracts are conceivably a little misleading, as the APR arrangement is advised for acclaim with a best claim than payday loans area the appellation is abstinent rather than years. Nonetheless, these loans are appealing expensive, with a fee of 25% of your accommodation bulk about the activity rate.
The additional above bother is that repaying your accommodation and fee is acceptable to leave you skin afresh at the end of abutting month, and it's accessible to get into an big-ticket abandoned amphitheater of demography out a accommodation every ages - which is back those aerial APR ante will absolutely bite.
So, is there any point to a payday loan? Yes, but alone absolutely for a 18-carat emergency area there isn't an alternative. If you're application these loans to accounts your day to day life, afresh it would be more good to appraise your affairs and see area you can economize, or to restructure your debt application a alliance accommodation to charge less up some added banknote every month.
via [best-loan-guide]
So what are you looking for? Well, let’s get technical. The insurance company protects you against “perils” except where there are “exclusions” telling you that there may be limitations on that cover. Often, those exclusions are the smaller print coming near the end of the policy when the insurer hopes you’re attention is wandering. Check out exactly what is covered. If it’s not clear, ask someone before you buy. The first part of the home insurance policy usually deals with “property protection”. So that covers the structure of the place you call home together with everything permanently attached like the plumbing, the electrical wiring and all the other “stuff” (sorry another technical term including your air-conditioning, heating system, and so on). All the other buildings and structures on the land will be included so long as they’re all used for domestic purposes. That covers the garage, shed, patio and fences/walls. Pay special attention to any “loss of use” provisions — that should cover your out-of-pocket expenses if you cannot live in your home while it’s being repaired.
Then we get into the everyday personal property (usually called the “contents”) owned by you and the family who live with you on a permanent basis. Depending on the wording, you may be covered for the cash value or replacement cost. But watch out. If you have anything unusual that’s more expensive or difficult to replace, that’s got to be specially endorsed on the policy. Some things may be excluded like a firearm, the car covered under your auto insurance policy, and so on. Other things may be included like the charges the local fire department may claim if it is called out, the cost of removing fallen trees or other debris after a storm, and so on. Everything else will have to be separately negotiated and added on to the policy as an endorsement
1. Fully Comprehensive Auto Insurance Policy Types- though this policy is the most expensive one yet it is the most widely adopted type of auto insurance. This is so because the insurance provides compensation or covers all sorts of cases such as theft, accident, wear and tear etc. If unfortunately an accident occurs where you were not at fault while the other driver who did the accident does not disclose his and his insurance details; you ought not to worry. For being a policyholder of the fully comprehensive program, you can register an insurance claim against your insurance company. But while taking this policy one essential thing should be borne in mind. There are a few auto insurance companies that do not insure your vehicle 100% of its value but of 80% or so. Even though many companies defend their policy as a measure to prevent themselves from fraud cases etc. yet try your bets to find the agency that insures your vehicle 100%.
2. Third Party, Fire and Theft- this type of insurance is basically meant for those car owners who have had finished their car loans but still admire, cherish their car and have great sentiments attached to it. This policy is somewhat akin to the fully comprehensive one but not identical to it. For like the latter the former covers cases of theft, accident, fire etc. but in case of an accident you can receive compensation only when you were at fault and had hit another car. So if any other car hits yours or you by mistake bang t in the garage, the insurance company will not come to your financial aid.
3. Third Party Insurance- it is the insurance that is the cheapest of all and covers only cases of accident where you were at fault and hit a third party. The insurance company is not to be contacted in case of any other mishappening with your vehicle. This insurance policy is generally preferred by those who own an old and less pricey car or any other vehicle.
4. Specialized Car Insurance- is basically for cars categorized as classic, those that are 25 years old. These cars are insured as classic and so accordingly they have their requirements and services. The classic car insurane policy can be said to be as good as the comprehensive one but the only drawback associated with it is that it limits the policy taker to a limited number of road miles he can drive in any given year.
Ultimately it is at the discretion of every individual which policy he desires to take. It is advisable to sort out one’s requirements and budget and also make a survey of the auto insurance policies in the market before actually grabbing a policy.
via [insurancewiz]
For example: Mr. X and Mr. Y both took a mortgage loan worth $400,000. After 4 years, both of them paid off $200,000. Mr. X then took another home loan worth $200,000 in order to repay the existing balance on the loan. On the other hand, Mr. Y opted for a second home loan worth $300,000 in order to repay the unpaid loan balance which is $200,000. Mr. Y could use the remaining balance in order to fulfill other financial obligations.
The first scenario is regarded as mortgage refinancing and the second scenario where the new loan amount is higher than that of the existing loan balance is cash-out refinancing.
Best Mortgage Refinance Rates is need if you’re in the market for a new home loans you’re probably searching into the Internet (Mortgage Refinance).
Couple things should be know about the rate quotes when you find on the Internet that could hurt you when refinancing. Did you know that 98% of all mortgage quotes you find online have someone’s commission built into them? These quotes could wind up costing you thousands of dollars unnecessarily without you even knowing it.
Car Insurence, Car Insureance, Car Insurace & Other Common Misspellings is the most using word for online shopping for any car. Its a great way to save time & money. But Misspelling your search query can affect the quality of the sites returned in your results. Here are the top ten most common misspellings made by people searching for car insurance:
Car insurenceCar insureance
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Car insuranc
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Mesothelioma is an uncommon form of cancer, usually associated with previous exposure to asbestos, which affects the pleura, a sac which surrounds the lungs, the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity, or the pericardium, a sac that surrounds the heart. In this disease, malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body's internal organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where
they inhaled asbestos particles, or have been exposed to asbestos dust and fiber in other ways, such as by washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos, or by home renovation using asbestos cement products.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma.
Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions. It is important to see a doctor about any of these symptoms. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.
Diagnosis of Mesothelioma.
Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful. A CT scan is a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. In an MRI, a powerful magnet linked to a computer is used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed.
A biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. In a biopsy, a surgeon or a medical oncologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer) removes a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy may be done in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located. If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor may perform a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut through the chest wall and puts a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples. If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a peritoneoscopy. To obtain tissue for examination, the doctor makes a small opening in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument called a peritoneoscope into the abdominal cavity. If these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.
If the diagnosis is mesothelioma, the doctor will want to learn the stage (or extent) of the disease. Staging involves more tests in a careful attempt to find out whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to which parts of the body. Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor plan treatment.
Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer is found only on the membrane surface where it originated. It is classified as advanced if it has spread beyond the original membrane surface to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.
via [yourequaljustice]
by Enrique Anton, MD, PhD
To the Editor:
Pistolesi et al (October 2004)1 state that “diagnosis and management of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) are major challenges that often frustrate both patient and clinician.” I would like to make the following comments.
Generally, malignant mesothelioma equates with a diffuse malignant mesothelioma, a rare and fatal tumor related frequently to asbestos exposure, which could arise from the surface of all serosas. The most frequent location is the pleura (> 90%), followed by the peritoneum (6 to 10%).2 Although the majority of cases are unicavitary, sometimes simultaneous involvement of the pleura and peritoneum can occur.3
Unilateral pleural effusion, an early manifestation of MPM, is the most frequent radiographic finding in MPM,1 and may be present in up to 95% of patients during clinical evolution.4 However, physicians should remember that the absence of pleural effusion is rare but possible,3 and pleural thickening and/or calcification could be the only finding.4
Pleural effusion is usually insufficient for diagnosing mesothelioma based on cytologic analysis alone.1 However, when peritoneal involvement occurs and ascites are present, cytology could be a useful tool, helping in the diagnosis of mesothelioma.3
Currently, the outcome of MPM is unavoidably fatal; although the “median” survival is approximately 9 to 12 months,1 occasionally an individual patient with mesothelioma could have a very poor outcome.3 Prognostic score systems have been developed in recent years1 with the aim of being able to help in clinical trials. However, these systems applied to an individual patient could sometimes not be very reliable. If the five prognostic factors of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer5 were applied to the patient referred above,3 the patient would be classified in the good prognostic group (only two poor prognostic factors). In fact, he only lived 1 month after diagnosis.
In our daily clinical practice, physicians have to attend not to a “series” of patients with “mean” features but individual patients sometimes significantly different from classical descriptions. In addition to useful information provided in updates and reviews, we have to take into account other less-frequent features usually absent in these reports but with obvious usefulness for diagnosis and management of our real patients.
References
A conference call is a telephone call in which the calling party wishes to have more than one called party listen in to the audio portion of the call. The conference calls may be designed to allow the called party to participate during the call, or the call may be set up so that the called party merely listens into the call and cannot speak. It is often referred to as an ATC (Audio Tele-Conference).
Conference calls can be designed so that the calling party calls the other participants and adds them to the call. In most cases, the participants are able call into the conference call themselves, by dialing into a special telephone number that connects to a "conference bridge" (a specialized type of equipment that links telephone lines).
Usually, most companies use a specialized service provider who maintains the conference bridge, or who provides the phone numbers and PIN codes that participants dial to access the meeting or conference call.
Three-way calling is available (usually at an extra charge) for most customers on their home or office phone line. To three way call, the first person one wishes to talk to is dialed. Then the Hook flash button is pressed and the other person's phone number is dialed. While it is ringing, flash is pressed again. This will put the three people together. This option allows callers to add a second outgoing call to an already connected call.
via [encyclopedia]
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| There are several mesothelioma treatment options including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. |
Most of these treatments are not used in isolation. In many cases, treatment may consist of a combination of therapies. For example, surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible may be followed by radiotherapy or chemotherapy to remove residual cancer cells. This is one of the most common treatment options for mesothelioma among those who are candidates for surgery.
A number of alternative therapies can also be combined with traditional treatment options. Many patients choose to add alternative therapies such as massage, acupuncture, or TENS therapy to their conventional treatment approach in an effort to enhance or compliment the treatment process. A variety of alternative therapies, including aromatherapy, meditation, or yoga, are often added to a treatment regimen to provide pain relief and foster relaxation.
Aside from standard and alternative therapies, many forms of support are available to mesothelioma patients. By filling out the form on the right, those affected by mesothelioma can receive a free copy of the cancer support book "Lean On Me," by Lorraine Kember. Kember served as a caregiver to her husband as he fought mesothelioma, and the supportive book offers valuable insight on how to cope with a mesothelioma diagnosis.
via [asbestos]
There are certain occupations that increase one's risk of asbestos exposure. Shipyard workers who served between World War II and the Korean War were very likely exposed to asbestos. The material was ideal for use in shipbuilding because of its ability to resist corrosion and high temperatures. It has been used as insulation for boilers, incinerators, hot water pipes and steam pipes. The asbestos dust tended to build up around these areas and other inadequately ventilated parts of the ship, which led to human exposure aboard vessels. For more information on where asbestos could be found on ships, please fill out the form on the right to receive an informative packet.
Not only the shipbuilders, but the crews of those ships and the longshoreman (those who load the ships) were heavily exposed to asbestos as well. In fact, before the 1980s, many longshoremen probably even loaded bundles of asbestos onto ships. Before that time, the health risk associated with asbestos was not known by these workers and no special precautions were taken to prevent inhalation. Because of this, many shipyard workers run an increased risk of developing mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses.
A study conducted at the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine found that 86 percent of shipyard workers with 20 or more years of experience developed asbestos-related lung disease or lung cancer. If you have ever worked in a shipyard or on an old ship and feel you may have been exposed to asbestos, it is important that you discuss it with your physician. As with any type of cancer, mesothelioma is most easily treated when it is caught as early as possible. Once you have taken care of your health, you should contact a lawyer about seeking compensation for your exposure.
The encompassing resources at Asbestos.com offer exceptional referrals for some of the most experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in the nation. Please direct all email inquiries to assistance@asbestos.com . For more information about veterans' rights or how to file an asbestos-related VA claim, please call 1-800-ASBESTOS (1-800-272-3786) or fill out the form on the right to receive a comprehensive information packet on all issues surrounding asbestos exposure and resulting diseases.
via [asbestos]
A home equity loan (sometimes abbreviated HEL) is a type of loan in which the borrower uses the equity in their home as collateral. These loans are sometimes useful to help finance major home repairs, medical bills or college education. A home equity loan creates a lien against the borrower's house, and reduces actual home equity.
Home equity loans are most commonly second position liens (second trust deed), although they can be held in first or, less commonly, third position. Most home equity loans require good to excellent credit history, and reasonable loan-to-value and combined loan-to-value ratios. Home equity loans come in two types, closed end and open end.
Both are usually referred to as second mortgages, because they are secured against the value of the property, just like a traditional mortgage. Home equity loans and lines of credit are usually, but not always, for a shorter term than first mortgages. In the United States, it is sometimes possible to deduct home equity loan interest on one's personal income taxes.
There is a specific difference between a home equity loan and a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). A HELOC is a line of revolving credit with an adjustable interest rate whereas a home equity loan is a one time lump-sum loan, often with a fixed interest rate.
via [encyclopedia]
The term cloning is used by scientists to describe many different processes that involve making duplicates of biological material. In most cases, isolated genes or cells are duplicated for scientific study, and no new animal results. The experiment that led to the cloning of Dolly the sheep in 1997 was different: It used a cloning technique called somatic cell nuclear transfer and resulted in an animal that was a genetic twin -- although delayed in time -- of an adult sheep. This technique can also be used to produce an embryo from which cells called embryonic stem (ES) cells could be extracted to use in research into potential therapies for a wide variety of diseases.
Thus, in the past five years, much of the scientific and ethical debate about somatic cell nuclear transfer has focused on its two potential applications: 1) for reproductive purposes, i.e., to produce a child, or 2) for producing a source of ES cells for research.
Cloning for Reproductive Purposes
The technique of transferring a nucleus from a somatic cell into an egg that produced Dolly was an extension of experiments that had been ongoing for over 40 years. In the simplest terms, the technique used to produce Dolly the sheep - somatic cell nuclear transplantation cloning - involves removing the nucleus of an egg and replacing it with the diploid nucleus of a somatic cell. Unlike sexual reproduction, during which a new organism is formed when the genetic material of the egg and sperm fuse, in nuclear transplantation cloning there is a single genetic "parent." This technique also differs from previous cloning techniques because it does not involve an existing embryo. Dolly is different because she is not genetically unique; when born she was genetically identical to an existing six-year-old ewe. Although the birth of Dolly was lauded as a success, in fact, the procedure has not been perfected and it is not yet clear whether Dolly will remain healthy or whether she is already experiencing subtle problems that might lead to serious diseases. Thus, the prospect of applying this technique in humans is troubling for scientific and safety reasons in addition to a variety of ethical reasons related to our ideas about the natural ordering of family and successive generations.
Scientific Uncertainties
Several important concerns remain about the science and safety of nuclear transfer cloning using adult cells as the source of nuclei. To date, five mammalian species -- sheep, cattle, pigs, goats, and mice -- have been used extensively in reproductive cloning studies. Data from these experiments illustrate the problems involved. Typically, very few cloning attempts are successful. Many cloned animals die in utero, even at late stages or soon after birth, and those that survive frequently exhibit severe birth defects. In addition, female animals carrying cloned fetuses may face serious risks, including death from cloning-related complications.
An additional concern focuses on whether cellular aging will affect the ability of somatic cell nuclei to program normal development. As somatic cells divide they progressively age, and there is normally a defined number of cell divisions that can occur before senescence. Thus, the health effects for the resulting liveborn, having been created with an "aged" nucleus, are unknown. Recently it was reported that Dolly has arthritis, although it is not yet clear whether the five-and-a-half-year-old sheep is suffering from the condition as a result of the cloning process. And, scientists in Tokyo have shown that cloned mice die significantly earlier than those that are naturally conceived, raising an additional concern that the mutations that accumulate in somatic cells might affect nuclear transfer efficiency and lead to cancer and other diseases in offspring. Researchers working with clones of a Holstein cow say genetic programming errors may explain why so many cloned animals die, either as fetuses or newborns.
Ethical Concerns
The announcement of Dolly sparked widespread speculation about a human child being created using somatic cell nuclear transfer. Much of the perceived fear that greeted this announcement centered on the misperception that a child or many children could be produced who would be identical to an already existing person. This fear is based on the idea of "genetic determinism" -- that genes alone determine all aspects of an individual -- and reflects the belief that a person's genes bear a simple relationship to the physical and psychological traits that compose that individual. Although genes play an essential role in the formation of physical and behavioral characteristics, each individual is, in fact, the result of a complex interaction between his or her genes and the environment within which he or she develops. Nonetheless, many of the concerns about cloning have focused on issues related to "playing God," interfering with the natural order of life, and somehow robbing a future individual of the right to a unique identity.
Policy and Regulation
Several groups have concluded that reproductive cloning of human beings creates ethical and scientific risks that society should not tolerate. In 1997, the National Bioethics Advisory Commission recommended that it was morally unacceptable to attempt to create a child using somatic cell nuclear transfer cloning and suggested that a moratorium be imposed until safety of this technique could be assessed. The commission also cautioned against preempting the use of cloning technology for purposes unrelated to producing a liveborn child.
Similarly, in 2001 the National Academy of Sciences issued a report stating that the United States should ban human reproductive cloning aimed at creating a child because experience with reproductive cloning in animals suggests that the process would be dangerous for the woman, the fetus, and the newborn, and would likely fail. The report recommended that the proposed ban on human cloning should be reviewed within five years, but that it should be reconsidered "only if a new scientific review indicates that the procedures are likely to be safe and effective, and if a broad national dialogue on societal, religious and ethical issues suggests that reconsideration is warranted." The panel concluded that the scientific and medical considerations that justify a ban on human reproductive cloning at this time do not apply to nuclear transplantation to produce stem cells. Several other scientific and medical groups also have stated their opposition to the use of cloning for the purpose of producing a child.
via [genome]