NHEJ protects mycobacteria in stationary phase against the harmful effects of desiccation

The physiological role of the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) was examined in Mycobacterium smegmatis using DNA repair mutants (DeltarecA, Deltaku, DeltaligD, Deltaku/ligD, DeltarecA/ku/ligD). Wild-type and mutant strains were exposed to a range of doses of ionizing radiation at specific points in their life-cycle. NHEJ-mutant strains (Deltaku, DeltaligD, Deltaku/ligD) were significantly more sensitive to ionizing radiation (IR) during stationary phase than wild-type M. smegmatis. However, there was little difference in IR sensitivity between NHEJ-mutant and wild-type strains in logarithmic phase. Similarly, NHEJ-mutant strains were more sensitive to prolonged desiccation than wild-type M. smegmatis. A DeltarecA mutant strain was more sensitive to desiccation and IR during both stationary and especially in logarithmic phase, compared to wild-type strain, but it was significantly less sensitive to IR than the DeltarecA/ku/ligD triple mutant during stationary phase. These data suggest that NHEJ and homologous recombination are the preferred DSB repair pathways employed by M. smegmatis during stationary and logarithmic phases, respectively

Serum levels of IL-6 type cytokines and soluble IL-6 receptors in active B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia and in cladribine induced remission.

We have investigated the serum concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and two IL-6 family cytokines-oncostatin M (OSM) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF)-in 63 patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) and 17 healthy controls using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Simultaneously, we measured the serum levels of the soluble forms of two subunits of the IL-6 receptor complex-ligand binding glycoprotein 80 (sIL-6R) and glycoprotein 130 (sgp130). The cytokines and receptors were evaluated in 25 untreated patients and 38 patients treated with cladribine (2-CdA), as well as in 17 healthy controls. We have correlated the serum levels of these proteins with Rai's clinical stage of the disease, the response to 2-CdA treatment and some hematological parameters. We have also evaluated the correlation of the IL-6 serum level with the concentration of OSM and IL-6 soluble receptors. IL-6 was measurable in 62/63 (98.4%), OSM in 20/25 (80%) of untreated and 14/38 (37.8%) of the treated patients. sIL-6R and sgp130 were detectable in all 63 patients and LIF in none of the CLL patients. IL-6 serum level in untreated patients was not significantly different as compared to its concentration in the control group (P>0.05). However, in the patients treated with 2-CdA the IL-6 level was significantly lower (P<0.02), and the lowest concentration was found in the patients with complete remission (CR; median 1.4pg/ml; P<0.02). The concentration of sIL-6R was significantly higher in untreated (median 61.8 ng/ml) and treated (median 50.1 ng/ml) CLL patients when compared to normal persons (median 41.2 ng/ml; P=0.04; P<0.001, respectively). There was no difference between the sIL-6R levels in the patients with CR and the healthy controls. In non-responders sIL-6R concentration was the highest and similar to its level in the untreated patients. OSM level was higher in the untreated patients (median 1.8pg/ml) than in the normal controls (median 0.0pg/ml; P<0.001) and in the CR patients (median 0.0pg/ml; P<0.03). The serum concentration of sgp130 was similar in the untreated (median 480 pg/ml) and treated (median 470 pg/ml) patients, as well as in the healthy persons (median 420 pg/ml; P>0.05). We have found significant positive correlation between the levels of sIL-6R and the lymphocytes count in CLL patients (p=0.423; P<0.001). In addition, sIL-6R and OSM serum concentrations correlated also with CLL Rai stage. In conclusion, the serum level of IL-6, OSM and sIL-6R, but not LIF and sgp130, are useful indicators of CLL activity

From data to a map. Part 2

Podstawą rozważań w tej części artykułu są wprowadzone poprzednio pojęcia metody i formy prezentacji kartograficznej. Autorka omawia kryteria wydzielania poszczególnych metod prezentacji i podejmuje próbę ich klasyfikacji. Wykorzystując zaproponowany w pierwszej części artykułu schemat przejścia od danych do prezentacji autorka wyprowadza z niego poszczególne formy prezentacji kartograficznej.A shift from data through transformation leads to a specific graphic solution (compare Part I). In the article such solutions are referred to as cartographic presentation forms. In cartography, a logical and methodologically correct transformation from data to graphics results in presentation forms, which differ according to the type of data, transformation and visualization, i.e. the applied presentation method. The article discusses criteria and various classifications of cartographic presentation methods which appear in cartographic literature. Potential capabilities of cartographic presentation are the subject of cartographer's interest. In literature there are numerous considerations aiming to establish which method of presentation is appropriate for particular data, or what data can be presented using a particular presentation method. They attempt to link measurement levels, graphic symbols, visual variables and other attributes of presentation. Different combinations of those attributes result in various, more or less reasonable graphic solutions. After discussing more significant of these attempts, the author presents her own views on potentiality of cartographic presentation (fig. 5, 6, 7). From the scheme outlined in the first part of the article she derives particular graphic solutions, evaluates their correctness, estimates popularity and attaches names of specific presentation methods to them. She also attempts to label new solutions, which seem to be methodologically correct, but which have not been named yet. These considerations supplement Polish classification of cartographic presentation methods

From data to a map. Part one

Autorka omawia kolejne etapy przetwarzania i wizualizacji danych, które pokonuje kartograf opracowujący mapę, by dojść do form prezentacji. Rozważania w pierwszej części artykułu są oparte na zaproponowanym przez autorkę schemacie przejścia od danych do prezentacji kartograficznej. W drugiej części - z rozważań tych wyprowadzone zostaną poszczególne formy prezentacji kartograficznej.In contemporary cartography, computer has bacome a basic tool for map elaboration. Cartographic metodology is an important branch of cartography, into which computers have made a dynamic entrance. It lists basic rules of transformation and graphical presentation of data. This article attempts to look at the methods of cartographic presentation through the eyes of the map's editor and establish conditions, which have to be fulfilled to transform a set of data into a properly prepared map. "Cartographic presentation method" - meaning the process is differentiated from "cartographic presentation form" - meaning the result of this process, i.e. the map. The article follows the process of transition from data to cartographic presentation and establishes features, which allow a graphic picture to be called a cartographic presentation form. Data is the starting point of any cartographic presentation. in the process leading from data to presentation (fig.1) there are two separate stages: data preparation (transformation) and data visualization. At the stage of transformation the map editor can, according to the map's purpose, modify source data by changing measurement levels, data reference (point, linear, surface), its character (relative data, absolute data) and way of treating data (continuous, in intervals). Visualization is the next step from data to a cartographic presentation form. At this stage transformed data become a graphic picture. It happens after considering the following presentation elements: -graphical symbol, -visual variables, -graphical rendering, -correctly constructed legend. Correct and logical transfer from data through cartographic presentation method leads to a map. The effects of this transfer are graphic picture, i.e. cartographic presentation forms. Here it should be considered, if every set of data can be freely transformed and visualized and if such procedure would lead directly to a correct and aesy to use cartographic presentation form

Diagram map and choropleth map in relation to data type - experimental research

Poprawne stosowanie kartograficznych metod prezentacji warunkuje czytelność redagowanej mapy. Wiąże się z tym m. in. wybór odpowiednich danych statystycznych. Często sprawia on autorom map wiele trudności, dlatego stał się powodem niniejszych rozważań. W artykule przedstawiono próbę klasyfikacji danych za względu na ich charakter. Zaprezentowano poglądy kartografów związane ze stosowaniem danych do dwóch metod prezentacji: kartogramu i kartodiagramu. W dalszej części artukułu przedstawiono analizę danych na mapach w atlasach geograficznych oraz badania ankietowe, których celem było skonfrontowanie przedstawionych poglądów z praktyką kartograficzną.Proper application of cartographic methods of presentation is a condition for map's readability. It is related to a choice of appropriate statistical data. The article presents an attempt to classify data by type (fig. 1). Absolute data is represented by absolute numbers. They can be divided into two groups: proper - simple data represented by absolute numbers and transformed, which despite undergoing a transformation (e.g. averaged in time or related to the whole set) are still absolute numbers. Relative data is represented in fraction form, in relation to a particular component. Relative data can be proper, shown as a fraction, and transformed. Data type is of significance when differentiating between two types of cartographic presentation: choropleth map and diagran map. In cartographic literature a lot has been written about the selection of data for choropleth map presentation. The choropleth map method is usually recommended for presentation of ralative data. Data selection for diagram map presentation is much more disputable. Most handbooks recommend absolute data. Unfortunately this recommendation is not supported with any evidence. Some authors allow also relative data, but they do not provide any evidence either. Therefore there is no specific advice as to which type of data should be chosen for diagram map presentation. This research tried to establish the practical solution to the problem of data selection. One of the methods is an analysis of maps published in geographic atlases. 3656 diagram maps from atlases have been analyzed in order to determine the type of data used for them. The results showed absolute data to be the majority (86,4% of analyzed diagram maps). Diagram map presentation of relative data was applied significantly less often (4% of the total number of diagram maps). Another method of establishing a connection between theory and cartographic practice is a survey. Survey questionnaires were distributed twice to geography students at Warsaw University and Higher School of Pedagogics in Kielce. The first survey was to establish the methods of data selection by individuals who had not been acquainted with the rules of cartography. The second survey, conducted after a oneyear cartography course, was to determine the application of theory in practice. There were two types of tasks. The first one was to invent map titles (an open task). In the second part students were given several titles and asked to decide, which of them could be presented on a particular map (a closed task). Maps in the questionnaire had to be perceived similarly by all participants and should not be associated with any real terrain. Therefore fictional maps had been prepared. The first survey included 178 students (100 from Warsaw, 78 from Kielce). It showed that data selection for diagram maps and choropleth maps is not intuitive. The participants asked to suggest map topics handled diagram maps rather well; the results for choropleth maps were worse. Detailed analysis of chosen topics showed that the students had difficulties with both methods. The participants could not differentiate between the two types of maps and often assigned to them the same topics and therefore the same data. The second survey included 158 participants ( 84 from warsaw, 74 from Kielce). In both groups there was an increase of the number of correct answers (fig.11). However the results in both centers were significantly different. In Warsaw there were more correct answers, while in KIelce only a decrease in the number of incorrect answers was evident. The conducted survey showed that data selection for the methods of cartographic presentation is not an easy task. Theoretical instructions quoted in handbooks are not intuitively followed by map users. Choropleth map presentation is usually connected with the application of relative data. Diagram maps usually show absolute data. This rule is respected in practice, alt-hough there are common exceptions. Some of the students, before as well as after the course, had different opinions-in the first survey unconsciously, basing in intuition or coincidence, in the second survey often consciously, claiming that particular data simply fit the map in question. Despite cartographic education not all the students acquired the rules. Different results in Warsaw and Kielce may suggest that cartography lecturers put different stress on this issue. However in both centers there is a visible improvement after the course has been completed. It can be assumed, that the results are more evident where the theory has been stressed more. In both schools, after the course had been completed, there was only a small number of incorrect or illogical answers. This shows that the students acquired presented knowledge. However in cartography some rules are more and some less logical. Presenting forests in green and waters in blue is beyond question. It is logical and obvious. Data selection for the methods of presentation is not as logical, therefore it is not as widely accepted

Effectiveness of cartographic presentation methods applied within small-scale thematic maps in the press and on the Internet

Artykuł jest poświęcony efektywności prezentacji kartograficznej. Przytoczono poglądy kartografów dotyczące czytelności i sprawności mapy. Przypomniano zasady graficznego projektowania map. Podjęto próbę ich weryfikacji na przykładach małoskalowych map tematycznych. Każda prezentacja graficzna powinna być efektywna, ponieważ jej zadaniem jest uzupełnienie słowa pisanego, przyciągnięcie uwagi odbiorcy, uczytelnienie przekazu tekstowego, wyeksponowanie najważniejszych informacji. Tak ważna rola grafiki sprawia, że prezentacja graficzna (mapa, diagram, wykres) wymaga należytego przygotowania. Użytkownik musi mieć możliwość zrozumienia języka grafiki, aby poprawnie wnioskować o przedstawianych zjawiskach. Istnieją liczne przykłady dobrze i źle zredagowanych małoskalowych map tematycznych. Praktyka kartograficzna pokazuje, że zasady związane z graficznym projektowaniem prezentacji kartograficznych zbyt często nie są respektowane podczas opracowywania małoskalowych map tematycznych zamieszczanych m.in. w prasie i Internecie. Na efektywność prezentacji kartograficznej składają się wiedza i umiejętności redaktora mapy oraz możliwości percepcyjne odbiorcy i jego przygotowanie do czytania i interpretacji map. Mapa ułatwia zrozumienie tekstu, któremu towarzyszy, lepiej niż tekst pokazuje przestrzenne zróżnicowanie zjawisk, przemawia do zmysłów.The author discuss effectiveness of cartographic presentations. The article includes opinions of cartographers regarding effectiveness, readability and efficiency of a map. It reminds the principles of map graphic design in order to verify them using examples of small-scale thematic maps. The following questions have been asked: Is the map effective? Why is the map effective? How do cartographic presentation methods affect effectiveness of the cartographic message? What else can influence effectiveness of a map? Each graphic presentation should be effective, as its purpose is to complete written word, draw the recipients’ attention, make text more readable, expose the most important information. Such a significant role of graphics results in the fact that graphic presentations (maps, diagrams) require proper preparation. Users need to have a chance to understand the graphics language in order to draw correct conclusions about the presented phenomenon. Graphics should demonstrate the most important elements, some tendencies, and directions of changes. It should generalize and present a given subject from a slightly different perspective. There are numerous examples of well-edited and poorly edited small-scale thematic maps. They include maps, which are impossible to interpret correctly. They are burdened with methodological defects and they cannot fulfill their task. Cartography practice indicates that the principles related to graphic design of cartographic presentation are frequently omitted during the process of developing small-scale thematic maps used – among others – in the press and on the Internet. The purpose of such presentations is to quickly interpret them. On such maps editors’ problems with the selection of an appropriate symbol and graphic variable (fig. 1A, 9B) are visible. Sometimes they use symbols which are not sufficiently distinguishable nor demonstrative (fig. 11), it does not increase their readability. Sometime authors try too hard to reflect presented phenomenon and therefore the map becomes more difficult to interpret (fig. 4A,B). The lack of graphic sense resulting in the lack of graphic balance and aesthetics constitutes a weak point of numerous cartographic presentations (fig. 13). Effectiveness of cartographic presentations consists of knowledge and skills of the map editor, as well readiness to read and interpret maps. The qualifications of the map editor should include methodological qualifications supported by the knowledge of the principles for cartographic symbol design, as well as relevant technical qualifications, which allow to properly use the tools to edit a map. Maps facilitate the understanding of texts they accompany and they present relationships between phenomenon better than texts, appealing to the senses

Osanna Triangle as a form of presentation and legend of thematic maps

W artykule przedstawiono różne możliwości zastosowania w kartografii trójkąta Osanna, zwanego również wykresem trójkątnym. Po krótkim zarysowaniu historii tego sposobu prezentacji, szczegółowo omówiono jego właściwości oraz zasady konstrukcji. Pokazano różne sposoby czytania i interpretacji trójkąta, a także kartograficzne przykłady jego zastosowania.Osanna Triangle, also known as a triangular diagram, is a specific method of data presentation, used in statistics and socio-economic cartography to present phenomena of three-fold structure. This type of diagram presents which part of the whole is composed by particular elements, what the proportion of those elements is and how similar elements in two or more various entities compare. It is used as an independent presentation form as well as a legend of thematic maps. The term 'Osanna Triangle' comes from a name of a German mineralogist, Alfred Karl Osanna (1859-1923), who analyzed minerals according to their atomic and particle contents. The chemical classification of rocks, which he prepared, was presented on triangular diagrams. Osanna Triagle is a diagram of relations of three variables placed in a system of three coordinates. The location of each point within the triangle is determined by three coordinates, read at its sides, on heights led from its angles or on lines of the grid (fig. 2). Proper interpretation of the diagram bases on the understanding of significance of points' placement within the triangle. Often the triangle is divided into smaller units (triangles, rectangles) in order to establish areas where points with similar features occur (fig. 4). This diagram can be used to present the structure of a given statistical set and also conclusions about the whole set (fig. 5). Also, it can show the dynamics of a phenomenon through changing value of particular elements of the structure in time (fig. 6). Osanna Triangle is frequently used as an explanation, map legend, most often related to a choropleth presentation. Basing on a triangular diagram one can conclude about the distribution of phenomenon's value and determine choropleth classes. Application of an unorthodox triangular set of coordinates, to which we are not used, makes the perception of Osanna Triangle rather difficult. Perhaps this is why this method of data presentation is not commonly used

The place of the “quantitative signature symbols” in the classification of the cartographic presentation methods

The authors of the article pay their attention to the lack of a generally accepted classification of the cartographic presentation methods. The classification, which was described in the Ratajski’s handbook (1989) in the mostly extensive way, is commonly used in the Polish literature. According to the authors, it would be appropriate to modify one of the types of symbols (quantitative ones) as an independent method of data presentation at the quantitative level, in addition to the method of diagram, choropleth, dot method and isoline one