Distance Learning Creative Writing Courses You Must Try

Distance Learning Creative Writing Courses You Must Try Distance Learning: Creative Writing Courses You Must Try Distance learning creative writing courses are a study option where all communication with tutors is held remotely via email, Skype and other electronic means. It is not an innovation anymore; many universities offer distance learning programs. Therefore, you can get high quality education regardless of your location. They are designed for students who have to combine studies with work, family, and for people with special needs, and basically follow the same structure as the in-class ones. The best courses in creative writing will teach you how to apply your knowledge to practice. We found some distance education programs for you, where you can develop and practice your writing skills. Some of them are more expensive than others, but all of them are worth checking out. University of Cambridge offers different courses in creative writing, for example, an introduction to writing bibliographies and other types of non-fiction. On a more creative side, there is an introductory course to short story writing. It is a practical course, which also gives you an overview of the genre itself, as well as important information about sub-genres. You will learn the art of writing through practical exercises. Creative Writing Summer Program  is another course from the Cambridge University. It is more suitable for creative writers who want to develop their existing skills. The program covers different genres of writing, such as poetry, fiction and non-fiction. The great thing about this course is that your tutors are already established writers. You will also learn how to critically assess your own work, writing of other students and tutors. The Oxford University Department for Continuing Education offers a course for beginners Getting Started in Creative Writing. If you love reading and the idea of writing your own fiction, this course will help you put your wishes into practice. You will get into writing stage-by-stage, learn different types of creative and critical methods. The course will help you build your confidence and gain practical experience in using key features (e.g., dialogue, point of view). As part of the course, you will also engage in discussions of other students work via a forum. You can get an MA in Creative Writing at Teesside University. Its a 2 year part-time program, that focuses on practical skills and techniques, as well as the understanding of your own work. You will get an opportunity to experiment and develop your interest, whether its prose, poetry or even screen writing. And last, but certainly not least, if you are completely new to writing, we recommend a program from Exeter University The Craft of Creative Writing. You will explore different forms of creative writing, like poetry, short story, novel writing, writing for performance and travel writing. This one will also help you learn how to apply different techniques, edit your writing, develop analytical reading habits and give constructive feedback. This course is also the cheapest one on the list. If writing is your goal in life, dont just dive into it head first. Take some time to learn the basics.

Special Stains Laboratory Report The WritePass Journal

Special Stains Laboratory Report Introduction Special Stains Laboratory Report IntroductionMethodMasson’s TrichromeCongo RedDiscussionReferencesRelated Introduction Staining is a technique that is used to diagnose or study the morphology of abnormal cells such as cancerous cells by highlighting the structural components of a tissue (Bancroft and Gamble, 2008). Staining provides a contrast between different structures in a tissue specimen and allows its examination under a light microscope (Cook, 2006). Haematoxylin and eosin (HE) is a routine stain that is used to microscopically diagnose a vast majority of specimens in which the haematoxylin stains the nuclei, whereas the eosin is used to stain cytoplasm and other extracellular materials (Bancroft and Cook, 1995). According to Slauson and Cooper (2002) special stains are histochemical stains that react with known substances in the tissue. Mohan (2005) explains that special stains are required in various circumstances, where the pathologist needs to demonstrate certain constituent of the cells or the tissue to confirm the diagnosis by etiologic, histogenic and pathogenic components. This techniq ue is called special because they are not a routine stain that is performed on a tissue specimen, instead they are used in addition to HE stained sections (Bancroft and Gamble, 2008). Special stains can identify the presence and abundance of any specific class of molecules in a tissue specimen for example periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) reaction is used to identify carbohydrate substances such as glycogen (Slauson and Cooper, 2002). Other examples include Toluidine blue stain which is used to stain mast cell granules, Perl’s stain demonstrates iron in haemochromatosis, Ziehl-Neelsen stains mycobacteria and Giemsa staining is used to identify Helicobacter Pylori and Giardia organisms (Slauson and Cooper, 2002 and Bass et al., 2005) Masson’s trichrome (MT) and Congo red are the two main special staining methods used in pathology laboratories. Connective tissues consist of cells such as collagen fibres, elastic fibres, and glycosaminoglycans that are scattered within an extracellular matrix (Starr et al., 2011). These cells are distinguished by using a combination of dyes to stain different structures in various different colours (Starr et al., 2011). Masson’s trichrome is used to express collagen in tissues and involves staining with three different sized dyes to stain three diverse tissue densities (Cook, 2006). MT staining produces three distinct colours as the name suggests; nuclei and other basophilic structures are stained black with iron hematoxylin; collagen is stained green or blue depending on aniline light green or aniline blue; and cytoplasm, muscle, erythrocytes and keratin are stained bright red with Biebrich scarlet stain (Young et al., 2006). Since erythrocytes are the densest as the y are packed with haemoglobin, and less porous tissues they are stained with the smallest dye molecule, the intermediate cytoplasm and muscles cells are stained by the intermediate sized dye and the collagen is stained with the biggest dye (Bancroft and Gamble, 2008). However, it has also been suggested that the acid dye which is the Biebrich Scarlet, first stains the tissue as it binds to its acidophilic elements (Carson, 2001). Subsequently, the tissue is treated with phosphomolybdic/phosphotungstic acids so that the less permeable components retain the red colour, whereas it is diffused out of the collagen fibers causing it to bind with the aniline blue or aniline light green (Bancroft and Gamble, 2008). Young et al., (2006) describes that in addition to the use MT stain in assessing the degree of fibrosis, it is also used to evaluate portal tract structures such as the bile ducts, arteries and veins in inflamed liver According to Romhanyi (1971) (cited in Bely, 2006) Congo red is a special stain that is highly specific and a sensitive method for early diagnosis and recognition of amyloidosis.   Cook (2006) states that Congo red is used as the preferred method to identify amyloids in most laboratories on formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tissue of patients with amyloidosis. Kiernan (2007) describes that amyloid is an intercellular material that varies in its composition and is deposited in tissues such as heart, muscle, kidneys, spleen, liver and brain, deposits differ in their composition. Rubin and Strayer (2008) explains that Congo red stain has a linear shaped molecule which helps it to bind to the ÃŽ ² pleated sheet structure of the amyloid through non-polar hydrogen bonds, giving it a red colour. Sen and Basdemir (2003) states that Congo red fluorescence (CRF) is another method that examines the amyloid deposits stained with Congo red under polarized light which shows a red-green birefring ence and according to Rocken and Eriksson (2009) this is the gold standard for diagnosing amyloid. During this experiment special stain techniques were used to analyse specific tissue elements Aims To identify fibroids in uterine tissue section using Masson’s trichrome stain To identify amyloid in spleen tissue section using Congo red stain To discuss advantages of special stains To use special stains to identify important diagnostic features of the tissue To understand the mechanism used by special stains Method Masson’s Trichrome The formalin fixed and paraffin-embedded uterine tissue section was deparaffinized and rehydrated through 100% alcohol, 95% alcohol, and 70% alcohol.   The section was washed in distilled water and then stained in Weigert’s iron hemotoxylin working solution for 10 minutes. It was then rinsed in running warm tap water for 10 minutes and then washed in distilled water. The next step was to stain the uterine tissue section in Biebrich scarlet-acid fuchsin solution for 15 minutes, and then it was washed using distilled water. It was then differentiated in phosphomolybdic – phosphotungstic solution for 15 minutes or until collagen was not red. The tissue section was then transferred directly (without rinsing) to aniline blue solution and stained for 5-10 minutes. Afterwards the tissue section was rinsed briefly in distilled water and differentiated in 1% acetic acid solution for 1 minute. It was then washed in distilled water and dehydrated very quickly through 95% ethyl a lcohol, absolute ethyl alcohol (to wipe off Biebrich scarlet-acid fuschin staining) and then cleared in xylene. The section was then mounted with resinous mounting medium. Finally the slide was examined under the light microscope. Congo Red The spleen tissue section was deparaffinized and hydrated to distilled water. The section was then stained in Congo red working solution for 10 minutes and rinsed in distilled water. It was then quickly differentiated (5-10 dips) in alkaline alcohol solution and rinsed in tap water. The section was then counterstained in Gill’s haematoxylin for 10 seconds and rinsed in tap water for 2 minutes. Following that, the section was dipped in ammonia water (made by adding a few drops of ammonium hydroxide to tap water and mixing it well) for 30 seconds or until the sections had turned blue. It was then rinsed in tap water for another 5 minutes and dehydrated through 95% alcohol, and 100% alcohol. The section was cleared in xylene and mounted with mounting medium. The slide was then examined under a light microscope. Fig 1: Normal uterine tissue stained with Masson’s trichrome viewed under 10 x 10 microscopic magnification Fig 2: Fibroid uterine tissue stained with Masson’s trichrome viewed under 10 x 10 microscopic magnification The microscopic slide (Fig. 1) shows a normal uterus tissue that was stained with Masson’s trichrome, which showed the nuclei stained black, smooth muscle stained red and the collagen fibres stained blue.   Figure 2 shows a uterus tissue specimen stained with Masson’s trichrome that revealed excessive amount of collagen stained in blue, smooth muscle stained red and nuclei stained black.    Fig 3: Spleen tissue stained with Congo red showing amyloid deposits under 1010 microscopic magnification Fig. 4 Spleen tissue stained with Congo red adapted from Stevens and Lowe, (2000) Discussion Norwitz and Schorge   (2006) states that fibroids also referred to as Leiomyomata, are benign tumours of the myometirum of the uterus   that is mainly composed of smooth muscle and extracellular fibrous material such as the collagen, Fibroids do not   invade surrounding tissues or organs and they can occur in different locations within the uterus (Lark, 1996). The symptoms include heavy periods, frequent urination, constipation, bloating and backache (Tulandi, 2003) Masson’s trichrome was used to stain the uterus tissue (Fig. 1) which showed the collagen stained in blue, smooth muscle and erythrocytes stained red and the nuclei appeared black. MT stain revealed that the normal uterus tissue (Fig. 1) had a small amount of collagen present whereas the other uterus tissue (Fig. 2) showed an elevated amount of collagen stained in blue which suggested fibrosis. MT is an advantageous technique in medicine as it allows comparing the degree of fibrosis before and after the treatment biopsies to show if the treatment has been effective and successful. It is a routine stain for kidney and liver biopsies and this can be used on paraffin fixed sections as well as on frozen sections. Kambic et al., (1986) describes that there are different types of collagen and their organization is better shown using Sirius red with polarized light. Sirius red is a hydrophilic dye, in which type I collagen appears orange or red whereas type III collagen appears green (Kumar, 2005). Congo red was used to stain a spleen tissue section where figure 3 showed amyloid deposits in pink and nuclei in blue. Fig. 4 revealed a high amount of amyloid deposits in pink which suggested amyloidosis that is the disorder caused by abnormal deposition of intracellular or extracellular insoluble amyloid which changes the normal tissue function (Stevens and Lowe, 2000). Special stains is an important tool for pathologists   as it allows to the microscopically view and identify cells, tissues and microorganisms, providing an alternative to immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry and various other diagnostic techniques. References Bancroft, J. D. Gamble, M.   (2008).   ‘Theory and practice of histological techniques’.   [Online].   (6th ed).   Philadelphia, PA : Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier.   Available from: http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=Dhn2KispfdQCprintsec=frontcoverdq=Theory+and+practice+of+histological+techniqueshl=enei=ifGETZKEPcWwhAfSvPW_BAsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=1ved=0CC8Q6AEwAA#v=onepageqf=false.   [Accessed 7th March 2011]. Bancroft. J. D. Cook, H. C.   (1995).   ‘Manual of histological techniques and their diagnostic application’.   Edinburgh [u.a.] : Churchill Livingstone. Bass, P., Burroughs, S. Way, C.   (2005).   ‘Systematic pathology : a clinically-orientated core text with self assessment’.   Edinburgh : Elsevier Churchill Livingstone. Bely, M. (2006). Histochemical differential diagnosis and polarization optical analysis of amyloid and amyloidosis TheScientificWorldJournal. 6, p.154-168. Carson, F. L.   (2001).   ‘Histotechnology : a self-instructional text’.   (2nd ed).   Chicago : ASCP Press. Cook, D. J.   (2006).   ‘Cellular pathology : introduction to techniques and applications’.   (2nd ed).   Bloxham: Scion Publishing Limited. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1440-1827.2003.01513.x/abstract Kiernan, J. A.   (2007).   ‘Histological and histochemical methods’.   (4th ed).   Cold Spring Harbor (N.Y.) : Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press. Mohan, H.   (2005).   ‘Essential pathology for dental students’.   [online]. (3rd ed).   New Delhi : Jaypee Brothers.   Available from: http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=HmkTtLyxXF8Cprintsec=frontcoverdq=essential+pathology+for+dental+studentshl=enei=xRCCTaiHMs24hAezp6G8BAsa=Xoi=book_resultct=bookthumbnailresnum=1ved=0CDAQ6wEwAA#v=onepageqf=false. [Accessed: 11th March 2011]. Odze, R. D. Goldblum, J. R.   (2009).   ‘Surgical pathology of the GI tract, liver, biliary tract and pancreas’.   [Online].   (2nd ed).   Philadelphia, PA : Saunders/Elsevier.   Available from: http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=8ITX093f1j0Cpg=PA1143dq=Masson%27s+trichrome+staining+in+liverhl=enei=OB2GTYuVLYuqhAfJ_6m8BAsa=Xoi=book_resultct=book-thumbnailresnum=2ved=0CDgQ6wEwAQ#v=onepageq=Masson%27s%20trichrome%20staining%20in%20liverf=false.   [Assessed 16th March 2011] Rocken, C. Eriksson, M. (2009). Amyloid and amyloidoses Der Pathologe. 30, (3), p.182-192. Rubin, R. Strayer, D. S.   (2008).   ‘Rubin’s Pathology : clinicopathologic foundations of medicine’.   [Online].   (5th ed).   Philadelphia [u.a.] : Lippincott Williams Wilkins.   Available from: http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=kD9VZ267wDECpg=PA990dq=mechanism+of+congo+red+stainhl=enei=ADGFTcSQDZGJhQf-n5iuBAsa=Xoi=book_resultct=book-thumbnailresnum=4ved=0CEUQ6wEwAw#v=onepageq=mechanism%20of%20congo%20red%20stainf=false.   [Assessed 7th March 2011]. Sen, S. Basdemir, G. (2003). Diagnosis of renal amyloidosis using Congo red fluorescence Pathology international. 53, (8), p.534-538. Slauson, D. O.   Cooper, B. J.   (2002).   ‘Mechanisms of disease : a textbook of comparative general pathology’.   [Online].   (3rd ed).   St. Louis, MO. [u.a.] : Mosby.   Available from : http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=vRhtM0UMUh4Cpg=PA5dq=special+stainshl=enei=-vSETaMeqJKEB83RwccEsa=Xoi=book_resultct=book-thumbnailresnum=1ved=0CCoQ6wEwADgK#v=onepageq=special%20stainsf=false.   [Accessed 4th March 2011]. Young B., Lowe, J. S, Stevens, A. Heath, J. W. (2006).   ‘Wheater’s functional histology : a text and colour atlas’.   (5th ed).   Edinburgh : Churchill Livingstone Tulandi, T.   (2003).   ‘Uterine fibroids : embolization and other treatments’.   [Online].   Cambridge : Cambridge University Press.   Available from: http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=fZ8eha5yIfcCprintsec=frontcoverdq=fibroidshl=enei=oyOGTfnfMJGGhQeY_92_BAsa=Xoi=book_resultct=book-thumbnailresnum=7ved=0CGAQ6wEwBg#v=onepageqf=false.   [Assessed 15th March 2011]. Stevens, A. Lowe, J.   (2000).   ‘Pathology’.   (2nd ed).   Edinburgh [u. a.] : Mosby Starr, C., Evers, C. A. Starr, L.   (2011).   ‘Biology : concept and applications’.   [Online].   (8th ed).   United States : Cengage Learning.   Available from: http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=_16xbB2Py_UCpg=PA454dq=connective+tissuehl=enei=zYeITdaEAsywhAf61cm6Dgsa=Xoi=book_resultct=book-thumbnailresnum=10ved=0CFYQ6wEwCTgK#v=onepageq=connective%20tissuef=false.   [Assessed 8th March 2011]. Lark, S. M.   (1996).   ‘Natural treatment of fibroid tumors and endometriosis : effective natural solutions for relieving the heavy bleeding, cramps and infertility that accompany these common female problems’.   New Canaan, Conn : Keats Pub. Norwitz, E. R. Schorge, J. O.   (2006).   ‘Obstetrics and Gynaecology at a glance’.   (2nd ed).   Malden, Massachusetts : Blackwell. Kumar, R. K. (2005). Morphological methods for assessment of fibrosis Methods in Molecular Medicine. 117, p.179-188. Kambic, H. E., Kantrowitz, A. Sung, P.   (1986).   ‘Vacular graft update : safety and performance, a symposium’. [Online].   Philadelphia, PA : ASTM.   Available from: http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=NU0cVwIPk_oCpg=PA162dq=limitations+of+collagen+stainhl=enei=AEKLTcmzMsmYhQe1hJHEDgsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=10ved=0CFsQ6AEwCQ#v=onepageqf=false.   [Assessed 20th March 2011].

Converting Text to Numbers Using VBA in Excel

Converting Text to Numbers Using VBA in Excel Question: How do I convert cells filled with character numbers to numeric values so I can use the values in Excel math formulas. I recently had to add a column of numbers in Excel that were copied and pasted from a table in a web page. Because the numbers are represented by text in the web page (that is, the number 10 is actually Hex 3130), a Sum function for the column simply results in a zero value. You can find a lot of web pages (including Microsoft pages) that simply give you advice that doesnt work. For example, this page ... http://support.microsoft.com/kb/291047 ... gives you seven methods. The only one that actually works is to retype the value manually. (Gee, thanks, Microsoft. I never would have thought of that.) The most common solution I found on other pages is to Copy the cells and then use Paste Special to paste the Value. That doesnt work either. (Tested on Excel 2003 and Excel 2007.) The Microsoft page provides a VBA Macro to do the job (Method 6): Sub Enter_Values()   Ã‚  Ã‚  For Each xCell In Selection   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  xCell.Value xCell.Value   Ã‚  Ã‚  Next xCell End Sub It doesnt work either, but all you have to do is make one change and it does work: For Each xCell In Selection   Ã‚  Ã‚  xCell.Value CDec(xCell.Value) Next xCell Its not rocket science. I cant understand why so many pages have it wrong.

Philosophy and the Next Generation Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Philosophy and the Next Generation - Term Paper Example This is not a perfect situation for them to have faith in something or to follow the philosophies of religions. We have seen that when things are related to religions there is a big clash of opinions. The next generation will have a very promising life if they atheists. They can live in harmony even without religions. Religions hold a certain group of people together not everyone. This will avoid a lot of problems. Atheism will force the next generation to love people irrespective of religion. Religion is a very emotional thing. Religions were created for the purpose of keeping people united. For example a Christian might say, "I know Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. By following his teachings, I will live in heaven when I die." This is the same thing a Muslim would say. But the teachings in both the religions are almost the same. Both the religions ask people to live in love, harmony and peace. So why should the next generation be guided in terms of religions even after knowing t he basic motive of the religions. They have the support of technology, knowledge, education everything to live their life in a very effective way. Religions are here a big cause for fights and troubles. I personally believe that there is no need of a religion to do good things. Anyone can do it. Especially, when a person is not locked by religious beliefs his potential to do good things is really high. I want my children to grow up without being blinded by religions. Nobody will ever say, that a person was a good Christian or a good Muslim, they always say he or she was a good human being. So what is the significance of religion here. And also a lot of people are killing each other in the name of religions. They were created to educate people about living in harmony and peace. When that itself is creating a big problem, what is the use of being religious. Nobody will judge you on the basis of religion you belong to but they will definitely judge you on what you are and how you are w ith your life. Absolute truth is one main philosophy, which has been talked a lot about. An absolute truth, sometimes called a universal truth, is an unalterable and permanent fact. The concept of absolute truths - what they are and whether they exist - has been debated among many different groups of people. Philosophers have waded in the muck of defining absolute truth for millennia. For example, Plato believed that absolute truth existed, but that truth on earth was merely a shadow of great forms of absolute truth existing in the universe. Alternatively, many believe in relative truths, where facts may vary depending on the circumstances. People often look to science to determine whether something constitutes an absolute truth, but science tends to avoid absolutism. Even when scientists reasonably believe an explanation, it is often couched as theory or proofs. However, as we advance in science, we often find ourselves disproving proofs. Yet a great deal of proof on a subject makes it more likely , but does not make it absolute truth. Many religions contain absolute truths. This is something which is very subjective. There are lots of arguments about it. For example, to the Christian the absolute truth is Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior. Imposing this statement, which is an absolute truth according the Christians, will pave way for a big argument because Jesus Christ is not everyone's lord. When a person's absolute truth is

Assigment 2 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Assigment 2 - Assignment Example Most of the information on the internet was in the form of advertisement luring people to some clinic or mother-baby care program. She wanted to join one but she did not have the money for that. Her primary source of information was the doctor she was visiting, magazines and the internet. She said that the first time she realized that she might be pregnant was when she felt like throwing up. She ignored it first thinking that pregnancy does not effect that early but the nausea was frequent. She went to the doctor to confirm it. After a few days she also had morning sickness and experienced wild mood swings. The weight gain followed soon. She was not bothered by it much she was expecting such symptoms. On the contrary she was relieved that there was no psychosis or any serious allergies. She also faced the opposite of departing from her relationship with her spouse; her husband turned out to be very caring. They had a few arguments every now and then but that was part of their normal life. They had arguments before the pregnancy so the new ones did not make any difference. They decided to get the baby delivered at the nearest hospital. The couple even agreed to get an appointment from the doctor that was taking care of the mother during pregnancy. Overall, the reality was much easier than the shocking expectations that the media usually portrays. She did talk about the pain during child birth (at the hospital, a normal delivery case) but she soon forgot about it when she rocked her first baby to sleep for the first time. The second mother vividly remembered what she was told about pregnancy. Most of the information came from friends and her mother. Her own mother was helping her all the way as she knew what to exactly expect. She was told that there can be complications but she needs to take care of herself. Her mom was strict about her diet and told her that if she eats right she will give birth to a healthy baby. She

Generation Like Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Generation Like - Essay Example One of these methods is clearly turning dedicated fans into designated but minor marketing agents (PBS 2014). Generation Like is an interesting means of investigating a world of social media endorsements like tweets and Facebook likes and the way they slowly turn into currency for social media interactions. In the process, such endorsements create a new breed of advisers that unapologetically seeks to form a risk-free public view. The fact that modern youths have developed a strong relationship with technology is not new. This relationship ostensibly has fewer roles with computers when it comes to privacy. In Generation Like, Douglas Rushkoff resumes his decade-old view of the human-relationship with technology to come up with new intriguing facts (PBS 2014). For instance, the celebrity craze in social media amongst youths and methods used by promoters to crunch information in an effort to convert enthusiastic adolescents and young grownups into brand disciplines are evident. Rushkoff says, â€Å"You are what you like,† which sums up the abundant quantitate of data present in social media today. The readiness of adolescents to endorse something popular box office hits like â€Å"The Hunger Games† expresses their intense desires to encounter the film in any form. This way, it becomes simpler for such Hollywood firms to trace and take advantage of each move. I agree with Rushkoff that internet personalities can produce the same viral impact as socialites. Internet personalities achieve this impact by using their fan bases for interrelated purposes. This way, the act of popularization turns into a marketable outcome on its own. Actors use the same reasoning and Generation Like does not fully tackle this point despite its impact and relevance in social media (PBS 2014). For instance, Ian Somerhalder from the Television series Vampire Diaries meets with a consultant in the documentary. In the process, Somerhalder is blown away at how the number of followers on his

The Brain and Consciousness Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Brain and Consciousness - Essay Example Many of the experiments discussed on class regarding blind-sight, and the responsiveness of the body to stimuli which affect the body through a visual blind spot could well be explained by the autonomic functions of the brain stem. (Corey, et al. 1995) This portion of the brain is responsible for many autonomic function of the body, such as respiration, heart beating, etc. Advanced training, what is often referred to as subconscious responses to external stimuli, could well be the part of neural learning which happens in the brain stem. The received stimulus does not have to transmit as far as the brain cerebral hemisphere for the body to 'know' how to respond. Thus, learned behaviors become more of a subconscious, autonomic function because of brain stem responses. The visual cortex composes approximately 1/3 of the brain surface area, and if primarily responsible for receiving and processing visual input. The visual cortex is highly pattern recognitive, therefore it processed patterns in order to break down the input signals and make connections for the mind to understand. Visual understanding is an important part of thought and understanding. The proof of which is the importance and presence of dreams. Regardless of the dream theory one ascribes to, each theorist and their theories lead in the same direction.