Technical writing is a very vital part of communication. For using certain goods and services we may face some technical hurdles. Technical communication becomes essential in such cases. Technical assistance is provided by writers who are expert in this field. Technical writing or content cannot be a limited to articles explaining the technical process. These articles need to be supported with diagrams, self-explanatory charts, multimedia guides etc. Hence technical writing services will include writing, providing illustrations, designing, and editing the final piece of information. Technical writing involves making user manuals, administration charts, program and installation guides, and manuals for software applications. Good technical writing is well appreciated only when it presents complex information in clear and concise way.
Such writing is necessary for computer programming , electronic, scientific research and financial industries.
For technical writing, studying the audience to whom the article is targeted is very important. The writer has to have sound knowledge about the product, the customer or the reader and the reason behind developing the technical document for the reader. Another basic feature that has to be kept in mind is the cost involved. The technical writer needs to tailor the content to readers belonging to various background. The writer has to excel here by providing information in such a way that it is useful for all. For instance, a technical writer may be making a instruction guide for installing a software. He has to be cautious not to use any technical jargons and even if he does the meaning should follow in a sub bracket.
The writer needs to be careful about the choice of vocabulary and the style of writing. The articles should be also appropriate in length and include some case studies to make it meaningful. Demonstration is the ideal way to deal with such technical matters. An illustrative manual is always preferred to a page full of words.
Another specialized area of technical writing is financial writing. Financial documents are full of data and figures and all of them together convey some specific meaning. Interpreting them is the task of subject matter expert. These experts are stalwarts in commercial domain and could involve in writing simpler articles to convey the crux of the financial documents along with its implication. They could advise and guide other writers in preparing some lucid articles that makes greater sense to the wider audience. Business writing services are provided by professionals having good knowledge of the industry and the respective companies.
Jenny Stewart hired some people who specialised in technical writing to make manuals and guide books for their products and softwares. These handy manuals helped customers in using the products with greater ease. Reputation of the products have been enhanced.
Updated: Thursday, February 16, 2012 1:39 PM
Posted: Thursday, February 16, 2012 11:57 AM
Photo: Courtesy Biederman Real Estate
Mark Dixon
Biederman Real Estate and Auctioneers in Lexington has announced Mark Dixon recently joined the firm.?
A native of Dublin, Ireland, Dixon is a graduate of the stud farm management program at the Irish National Stud.
In addition to his Thoroughbred industry background, Dixon has been a licensed realtor for more than 11 years.
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Harvard's Wyss Institute develops DNA nanorobot to trigger targeted therapeutic responsesPublic release date: 16-Feb-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: Mary Tolikas mary.tolikas@wyss.harvard.edu Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard
Novel technology could potentially seek out cancer cells and cause them to self-destruct
Researchers at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University have developed a robotic device made from DNA that could potentially seek out specific cell targets within a complex mixture of cell types and deliver important molecular instructions, such as telling cancer cells to self-destruct. Inspired by the mechanics of the body's own immune system, the technology might one day be used to program immune responses to treat various diseases. The research findings appear today in Science.
Using the DNA origami method, in which complex three-dimensional shapes and objects are constructed by folding strands of DNA, Shawn Douglas, Ph.D., a Wyss Technology Development Fellow, and Ido Bachelet, Ph.D., a former Wyss Postdoctoral Fellow who is now an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Life Sciences and the Nano-Center at Bar-Ilan University in Israel, created a nanosized robot in the form of an open barrel whose two halves are connected by a hinge. The DNA barrel, which acts as a container, is held shut by special DNA latches that can recognize and seek out combinations of cell-surface proteins, including disease markers. When the latches find their targets, they reconfigure, causing the two halves of the barrel to swing open and expose its contents, or payload. The container can hold various types of payloads, including specific molecules with encoded instructions that can interact with specific cell surface signaling receptors.
Douglas and Bachelet used this system to deliver instructions, which were encoded in antibody fragments, to two different types of cancer cellsleukemia and lymphoma. In each case, the message to the cell was to activate its "suicide switch"a standard feature that allows aging or abnormal cells to be eliminated. And since leukemia and lymphoma cells speak different languages, the messages were written in different antibody combinations.
This programmable nanotherapeutic approach was modeled on the body's own immune system in which white blood cells patrol the bloodstream for any signs of trouble. These infection fighters are able to hone in on specific cells in distress, bind to them, and transmit comprehensible signals to them to self-destruct. The DNA nanorobot emulates this level of specificity through the use of modular components in which different hinges and molecular messages can be switched in and out of the underlying delivery system, much as different engines and tires can be placed on the same chassis. The programmable power of this type of modularity means the system has the potential to one day be used to treat a variety of diseases.
"We can finally integrate sensing and logical computing functions via complex, yet predictable, nanostructuressome of the first hybrids of structural DNA, antibodies, aptamers and metal atomic clustersaimed at useful, very specific targeting of human cancers and T-cells," said George Church, Ph.D., a Wyss core faculty member and Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, who is Principal Investigator on the project.
Because DNA is a natural biocompatible and biodegradable material, DNA nanotechnology is widely recognized for its potential as a delivery mechanism for drugs and molecular signals. But there have been significant challenges to its implementation, such as what type of structure to create; how to open, close, and reopen that structure to insert, transport, and deliver a payload; and how to program this type of nanoscale robot.
By combining several novel elements for the first time, the new system represents a significant advance in overcoming these implementation obstacles. For instance, because the barrel-shaped structure has no top or bottom lids, the payloads can be loaded from the side in a single stepwithout having to open the structure first and then reclose it. Also, while other systems use release mechanisms that respond to DNA or RNA, the novel mechanism used here responds to proteins, which are more commonly found on cell surfaces and are largely responsible for transmembrane signaling in cells. Finally, this is the first DNA-origami-based system that uses antibody fragments to convey molecular messagesa feature that offers a controlled and programmable way to replicate an immune response or develop new types of targeted therapies.
"This work represents a major breakthrough in the field of nanobiotechnology as it demonstrates the ability to leverage recent advances in the field of DNA origami pioneered by researchers around the world, including the Wyss Institute's own William Shih, to meet a real-world challenge, namely killing cancer cells with high specificity," said Wyss Institute Founding Director, Donald Ingber, M.D., Ph.D. Ingber is also the Judah Folkman Professor of Vascular Biology at Harvard Medical School and the Vascular Biology Program at Children's Hospital Boston, and Professor of Bioengineering at Harvard's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. "This focus on translating technologies from the laboratory into transformative products and therapies is what the Wyss Institute is all about."
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Harvard's Wyss Institute develops DNA nanorobot to trigger targeted therapeutic responsesPublic release date: 16-Feb-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: Mary Tolikas mary.tolikas@wyss.harvard.edu Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard
Novel technology could potentially seek out cancer cells and cause them to self-destruct
Researchers at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University have developed a robotic device made from DNA that could potentially seek out specific cell targets within a complex mixture of cell types and deliver important molecular instructions, such as telling cancer cells to self-destruct. Inspired by the mechanics of the body's own immune system, the technology might one day be used to program immune responses to treat various diseases. The research findings appear today in Science.
Using the DNA origami method, in which complex three-dimensional shapes and objects are constructed by folding strands of DNA, Shawn Douglas, Ph.D., a Wyss Technology Development Fellow, and Ido Bachelet, Ph.D., a former Wyss Postdoctoral Fellow who is now an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Life Sciences and the Nano-Center at Bar-Ilan University in Israel, created a nanosized robot in the form of an open barrel whose two halves are connected by a hinge. The DNA barrel, which acts as a container, is held shut by special DNA latches that can recognize and seek out combinations of cell-surface proteins, including disease markers. When the latches find their targets, they reconfigure, causing the two halves of the barrel to swing open and expose its contents, or payload. The container can hold various types of payloads, including specific molecules with encoded instructions that can interact with specific cell surface signaling receptors.
Douglas and Bachelet used this system to deliver instructions, which were encoded in antibody fragments, to two different types of cancer cellsleukemia and lymphoma. In each case, the message to the cell was to activate its "suicide switch"a standard feature that allows aging or abnormal cells to be eliminated. And since leukemia and lymphoma cells speak different languages, the messages were written in different antibody combinations.
This programmable nanotherapeutic approach was modeled on the body's own immune system in which white blood cells patrol the bloodstream for any signs of trouble. These infection fighters are able to hone in on specific cells in distress, bind to them, and transmit comprehensible signals to them to self-destruct. The DNA nanorobot emulates this level of specificity through the use of modular components in which different hinges and molecular messages can be switched in and out of the underlying delivery system, much as different engines and tires can be placed on the same chassis. The programmable power of this type of modularity means the system has the potential to one day be used to treat a variety of diseases.
"We can finally integrate sensing and logical computing functions via complex, yet predictable, nanostructuressome of the first hybrids of structural DNA, antibodies, aptamers and metal atomic clustersaimed at useful, very specific targeting of human cancers and T-cells," said George Church, Ph.D., a Wyss core faculty member and Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, who is Principal Investigator on the project.
Because DNA is a natural biocompatible and biodegradable material, DNA nanotechnology is widely recognized for its potential as a delivery mechanism for drugs and molecular signals. But there have been significant challenges to its implementation, such as what type of structure to create; how to open, close, and reopen that structure to insert, transport, and deliver a payload; and how to program this type of nanoscale robot.
By combining several novel elements for the first time, the new system represents a significant advance in overcoming these implementation obstacles. For instance, because the barrel-shaped structure has no top or bottom lids, the payloads can be loaded from the side in a single stepwithout having to open the structure first and then reclose it. Also, while other systems use release mechanisms that respond to DNA or RNA, the novel mechanism used here responds to proteins, which are more commonly found on cell surfaces and are largely responsible for transmembrane signaling in cells. Finally, this is the first DNA-origami-based system that uses antibody fragments to convey molecular messagesa feature that offers a controlled and programmable way to replicate an immune response or develop new types of targeted therapies.
"This work represents a major breakthrough in the field of nanobiotechnology as it demonstrates the ability to leverage recent advances in the field of DNA origami pioneered by researchers around the world, including the Wyss Institute's own William Shih, to meet a real-world challenge, namely killing cancer cells with high specificity," said Wyss Institute Founding Director, Donald Ingber, M.D., Ph.D. Ingber is also the Judah Folkman Professor of Vascular Biology at Harvard Medical School and the Vascular Biology Program at Children's Hospital Boston, and Professor of Bioengineering at Harvard's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. "This focus on translating technologies from the laboratory into transformative products and therapies is what the Wyss Institute is all about."
###
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?
AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.
NEW YORK ? Jason Wu has arrived, and the confidence he's feeling in his emerging success was evident at New York Fashion Week Friday, where his dramatic show featured a collection inspired partly by his Chinese roots.
He has been considered a strong up-and-comer since Michelle Obama wore a gown by the then-barely known designer to the presidential inaugural balls in 2008, and his show has increasingly become a hot ticket during the seasonal previews. Then came a Target deal that put a limited collection in stores earlier this month.
Maybe it's with that confidence that he went all out for his runway show, with studded fortress doors, billowing smoke, a theatrical finale and a highly personal Chinese-influenced collection that captured the yin-yang of tough military dress and in-your-face luxurious embellishment.
Wu grew up in Taiwan, but hadn't visited there in years until a trip about 18 months ago. "I almost went back as a foreigner with fresh eyes," he explained in an interview earlier this week.
He tapped into Chinese military uniforms with Mao jackets, grommets, strong shoulders and capes ? the best of that look being the green coat with attached cape and black lace that opened the show. A different sort of strength, however, is found in the ornate trappings of the Qing Dynasty and the tassels, embroideries and brocades worn by empresses.
Hollywood went through a period in the 1930s and `40s that reinterpreted and further glamorized traditional Chinese dress, and Wu said he was a fan of that, too, especially Marlene Dietrich in the old movie "Shanghai Express."
The common thread among the elements is strength, he added, "and I had to inject myself and my generation, so I did that with sportswear."
The result? Puffy jackets in glitzy brocade.
The lingering look from this collection, though, is likely the finale: a black wool jacket with epaulets and mink trim covered in crystal embroidery paired with a black skirt etched with fabric through a process known as devore.
The ShopAndroid.com Deal of the Day for Feb. 10 is the Motorola Standard Dock for the Droid Bionic. Specifically designed for the Droid Bionic, it serves as a desk clock and alarm system, has a quick-start guide, a 3.5mm audio jack for listening to music and comes with a microUSB charger. And it's available today only for just $23.95 -- that's 40 percent off! Get yours while supplies last.
About 60% of people who regularly snore also have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in which the soft tissues in the throat, including the tongue, collapse and are sucked against the back of the throat. This blocks the upper airway and air flow stops, or is greatly reduced. When the oxygen level in the brain becomes low enough, the sleeper partially awakens, the obstruction in the throat clears and the flow of air starts again, usually with a gasp. Most people are not aware this is occurring. This cycle of apnea ? obstruction and breathing ? can occur many times per hour during sleep and stops people getting into the deeper stages of sleep which are important for feeling refreshed and not tired. People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have low blood oxygen levels and the apnea can lead to elevated blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and excessive daytime sleepiness as well as having a great impact on quality of life. Older, obese men are at higher risk, although as many as 40% of people with obstructive sleep apnea are not obese. Nasal obstruction, a large tongue, a narrow airway and certain shapes of the palate and jaw also increases the risk of sleep apnea. A large neck or collar size is strongly associated with sleep apnea. Ingestion of alcohol or sedatives before sleep may worsen episodes of apnea.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
It is important to emphasize that often the person who has obstructive sleep apnea does not remember the episodes of apnea during the night. The predominant symptoms are usually associated with excessive daytime sleepiness due to poor quality sleep during the night. Sometimes family members, especially spouses, witness the periods of apnea.
Symptoms that may be observed can include Loud snoring, Periods of not breathing (apnea), Awakening not rested in the morning, Abnormal daytime sleepiness, including falling asleep at inappropriate times, Morning headaches, Recent weight gain, Limited attention, Memory loss, Poor judgment, Personality changes and Lethargy. If your partner shows any of the above symptoms you should encourage them to have a full assessment. Proper treatment will provide a significant improvement in your partner?s health and wellbeing and will no doubt improve your night?s sleep too.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
The good news is that sleep apnea and upper airway resistance syndrome can be treated easily and effectively with either a dental sleep appliance or a CPAP machine. Fortunately the problems relating to sleep apnea can be reversed quickly and effectively with proper treatment. Don?t wait to fall asleep at the wheel before seeking treatment.
Sleepwise Clinic is the only sleep apnea clinic in Melbourne, Australia that can easily identifies the sleep apnea symptoms, provides services and new treatment solutions for sleep apnea in Melbourne, Australia at the best possible prices. Sleepwise provides a complete range of new generation dental sleep appliances. SleepWise Clinic is comprised of dentists working in association with sleep specialists to provide state-of-the-art services for the management of snoring and sleep apnea. If you want to go for the best treatment for sleep apnea in Melbourne, visit the site http://www.sleepwise.com.au.
WASHINGTON ? Facing domestic political pressures, the Bush and Obama administrations released or transferred 600 terror suspects deemed an acceptable threat from the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, only to face the challenge that 27 percent re-engaged in terrorist or insurgent activities, according to a report by Republicans on a House Armed Services subcommittee.
The report, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, provides the GOP perspective on an issue that has divided Washington since the start of the Afghanistan war and the use of the Navy prison for those captured. And it split the White House and Congress last year over how to write rules on handling detainees.
The report comes as the Obama administration officials have acknowledged that they are considering whether to release several Afghan Taliban prisoners from Guantanamo and send them to a third country as an incentive to bring the Taliban to peace talks. The step is certain to create an uproar on Capitol Hill, especially among Republicans. The 93-page study is likely to be part of the GOP effort to influence the ongoing debate.
In a rare break on a committee that typically is bipartisan on defense issues, Democrats dissented from the report despite efforts to reconcile their differences.
The report from the Armed Services investigations panel cites testimony before the committee last year that 27 percent of former detainees "were confirmed or suspected to have been re-engaged in terrorist or insurgent activities," up from 25 percent the previous year. Intelligence officials had indicated that the number would increase.
"The Bush and Obama administrations, reacting to domestic political pressures and a desire to earn goodwill abroad, sought to reduce the Guantanamo population by sending detainees elsewhere," the report said. "Both administrations faced the persistent challenge of ensuring that the potential threat posed by each detainee had been aptly assessed before transfer or release, and that the countries that received the detainees had the capacity and willingness to handle them in a way that sufficiently recognized the dangers involved.
"Despite earnest and well-meaning efforts by officials in both administrations, the re-engagement rate suggests failures in one or both aspects of the process," the report concluded.
The report recommended that the Defense Department, CIA and other intelligence agencies report to Congress on the factors that contribute to a former detainee re-engaging in terrorist activities. The committee also is seeking reports on the effectiveness of agreements with other countries.
As of Jan. 1, 779 individuals have been held at Guantanamo, 600 have left the installation, eight died there and 171 remain, the report said, citing the Defense Department.
The report noted that former Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld held the view that the military should not be a jailer and there was a plan to get detainees out. President Barack Obama also had vowed to close Guantanamo, though he has met strong resistance in Congress.
Lawmakers repeatedly have added provisions to various bills blocking the government from transferring detainees from Guantanamo to the United States, or barring the construction of facilities domestically to house terror suspects.
Rep. Adam Smith of Washington state, the ranking Democrat on the committee, said the report failed to take into account "the national security gains of shutting down the facility at Guantanamo. That is a goal that the Bush administration sought to achieve, and it is rightly a goal of the Obama administration. I continue to believe that the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, is a black eye for our nation abroad, serving as a powerful recruiting tool for terrorists. We have the ability to close the facility, and we should be working towards that end."
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Public release date: 16-Feb-2012
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