Letter from Geo[rge] C. Perkins to John Muir, 1906 Apr 17.

FIFTY-NINTH CONGRESS. GEO. C. PERKINS, CHAIRMAN.HENRY CABOT LODGE. STEPHEN B. ELKINS. THOMAS C. PLATT.ROBERT M. LA FOLLETTE. FRED T. DUBOIS. ANSELM J. MC LAURIN. JAMES P. CLARKE. ISIDOR RAYNER.FRANK H. SAWYER, CLEAK,United Stated Senate, COMMITTEE ON CIVIL SERVICE AND RETRENCHMENT, WASHINGTON, D. C,17 April \u2706,Hon. John Muir,Adamana, Arizona,My dear [illegible]I beg to acknowledge receipt of your valued favor of recent date, and note your remarks relative to the pending Yosemite park recession bill.I have been greatly disappointed at the obstacles we have met with in its passage, as I thought it would go through the Senate without any trouble, but Senator Kittredge, and one or two other senators he has enlisted with him have placed a great many stumbling blocks in our way, and while the bill was pending in our committee -- we having had several hearings -- our friends, Congressmen Gillet and Needham stated that the bill would probably pass the House of Representatives last Monday. I stated in that event I was willing to substitute the House bill for the Senate bill; and so the matter went over without a test vote in our committee.Later Mr. Needham and Mr. Gillett ran up against the Speaker, who made some excuse for not recognizing them on the day named, consequently the bill has not yet passed the House of Representatives. If it passes that body, I feel almost sure that Senator Flint and I can pass it through the Senate; notwithstanding the opposition with which we have met.In any event, the delegation are united upon the matter, and we feel deeply chagrined we have encountered this opposition.We trust, however, that everything will come out all right in the end.I remainCordially yours,[illegible]0371

Letter from Geo [rge] C. Perkins to John Muir, 1897 Apr 6.

United States Sanate,WASHINGTON, D. C.,April 6th, 1897John Muir, Esq.,Martinez, California.Dear Sir:-I am in receipt of yours of March 30th, and have forwarded to the President the letter addressed to him. I am in full sympathy with your movement, as I realize what it means and its great importance.Yours very truly,[illigible][02249

Letter from George C. Perkins to John Muir, 1896 Apr 10.

United State Senate,WASHINGTON, D. C., April 10th, 1896.John Muir, Esq.,Martinez, California.My dear Sir:-Your letter of the 3d inst., is at hand. I am in fullsympathy with you in regard to the proposed forestry Commission,and shall gladly do all in my power to secure the aid that is de-sired.Yours truly

Letter from R[obert] U[nderwood] Johnson to John Muir, 1897 Feb 6.

R. W. GILDER, EDITOR.R. U. JOHNSON,ASSOCIATE EDITOR.C. C. BUEL,ASSISTANT EDITOR.February 6th, 1897My dear Muir:-The inclosed letter from Senator Perkins will interest you. Will you please consider it confidential, though it is not marked personal . It seems to me that it is well for the friends of recession to know that the Senator is with us.Yours Faithfully R. U. Johnson,Mr. John MuirMartinex, Cal.02235 United States Senate,WASHINGTON, D. C, Feb 3d. 1897.R.U. Johnson. Esq., Century Magazine, New York City, N. Y.My dear Sir:-I am in receipt of yours of the 1st inst., relating to the transfer of the Yosemite Reservation to the United States, I agree with you perfectly with respect to the advisability of such action, but I am of the opinion that the State Legislature should take action before the matter is brought before Congress. I should not feel at liberty to bring the matter to the notice of the Senate unless authorized by the California Legislature. I therefore suggest that you write to Hon. Warren Olney, 101 Sansome St. San Francisco, who is a lawyer and a member of the Sierra Club, and solicit his aid in securing proper action in California.Yours very truly,Geo [George] C. Perkins0223

A new systems engineering approach to streamlined science and mission operations for the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE)

The Mission Operations and Data Systems Directorate (MO&DSD, Code 500), the Space Sciences Directorate (Code 600), and the Flight Projects Directorate (Code 400) have developed a new approach to combine the science and mission operations for the FUSE mission. FUSE, the last of the Delta-class Explorer missions, will obtain high resolution far ultraviolet spectra (910 - 1220 A) of stellar and extragalactic sources to study the evolution of galaxies and conditions in the early universe. FUSE will be launched in 2000 into a 24-hour highly eccentric orbit. Science operations will be conducted in real time for 16-18 hours per day, in a manner similar to the operations performed today for the International Ultraviolet Explorer. In a radical departure from previous missions, the operations concept combines spacecraft and science operations and data processing functions in a single facility to be housed in the Laboratory for Astronomy and Solar Physics (Code 680). A small missions operations team will provide the spacecraft control, telescope operations and data handling functions in a facility designated as the Science and Mission Operations Center (SMOC). This approach will utilize the Transportable Payload Operations Control Center (TPOCC) architecture for both spacecraft and instrument commanding. Other concepts of integrated operations being developed by the Code 500 Renaissance Project will also be employed for the FUSE SMOC. The primary objective of this approach is to reduce development and mission operations costs. The operations concept, integration of mission and science operations, and extensive use of existing hardware and software tools will decrease both development and operations costs extensively. This paper describes the FUSE operations concept, discusses the systems engineering approach used for its development, and the software, hardware and management tools that will make its implementation feasible

A solution structure analysis reveals a bent collagen triple helix in the complement activation recognition molecule mannan-binding lectin

Collagen triple helices are critical in the function of mannan-binding lectin (MBL), an oligomeric recognition molecule in complement activation. The MBL collagen regions form complexes with the serine proteases MASP-1 and MASP-2 in order to activate complement, and mutations lead to common immunodeficiencies. To evaluate their structure-function properties, we studied the solution structures of four MBL-like collagen peptides. The thermal stability of the MBL collagen region was much reduced by the presence of a GQG interruption in the typical (X-Y-Gly)n repeat compared to controls. Experimental solution structural data were collected using analytical ultracentrifugation and small angle X-ray and neutron scattering. As controls, we included two standard Pro-Hyp-Gly collagen peptides (POG)10-13, as well as three more peptides with diverse (X-Y-Gly)n sequences that represented other collagen features. These data were quantitatively compared with atomistic linear collagen models derived from crystal structures and 12,000 conformations obtained from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. All four MBL peptides were bent to varying degrees up to 85o in the best-fit MD models. The best-fit benchmark peptides (POG)n were more linear but exhibited a degree of conformational flexibility. The remaining three peptides showed mostly linear solution structures. In conclusion, the collagen helix is not strictly linear, the degree of flexibility in the triple helix depends on its sequence, and the triple helix with the GQG interruption showed a pronounced bend. The bend in MBL GQG peptides resembles the bend in the collagen of complement C1q and may be key for lectin pathway activation

Feasibility of magnetic bead technology for concentration of mycobacteria in sputum prior to fluorescence microscopy

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Direct sputum smear microscopy is the mainstay of TB diagnosis in most low and middle income countries, and is highly specific for <it>Mycobacterium tuberculosis </it>in such settings. However it is limited by low sensitivity, particularly in HIV co-infected patients. Concentration by centrifugation has been reported to be more sensitive than direct smear preparation, but is only suitable for referral laboratories. Simpler concentration methods that could be applied in peripheral laboratories are urgently needed.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We evaluated the feasibility of an early prototype ligand-coated magnetic bead technology to concentrate <it>M. tuberculosis </it>prior to detection by LED-based fluorescence microscopy compared with direct Ziehl-Neelsen microscopy and direct and concentrated fluorescence microscopy in a reference laboratory in Kampala, Uganda. Results were compared with MGIT 960 liquid culture and Lowenstein-Jensen culture.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Compared to culture, concentrated FM had significantly higher sensitivity than direct ZN (74.8% and 51.4%), magnetic bead-FM (65.4%) and direct FM (58.9%). The sensitivity of magnetic bead FM was significantly higher than direct ZN (p < 0.001) but not significantly higher than direct FM (p = 0.210). The specificity of magnetic bead FM and concentrated FM was significantly lower than direct ZN (88.6%, 94.3% and 98.9% respectively) and direct FM (99.4%). There was no significant difference in specificity between magnetic bead FM and concentrated FM. Allowing for blinded resolution of discrepant results, the specificity of magnetic bead FM increased to 93.1%. Direct microscopy was simpler than concentrated FM and Magnetic bead FM which both had a similar number of steps.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The sensitivity of the early prototype magnetic bead FM was lower than concentrated FM, similar to direct FM, and significantly higher than direct ZN. Both magnetic bead and concentration by centrifugation led to reduced specificity compared with the direct smear methods. Some magnetic bead FM false positive results were not easily explained and should be further investigated. The prototype version of the magnetic bead procedure tested here was of similar complexity to concentration by centrifugation. As such, if the sensitivity of the magnetic bead FM could be improved in future versions of the technology, this may offer a viable alternative to centrifugation.</p

Physician Perspectives on Telemedicine in Radiation Oncology

PURPOSE: Telemedicine enthusiasm and uptake in radiation oncology rapidly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is unclear if and how telemedicine should be used after the COVID-19 public health emergency ends is unclear. Herein, we report on our institution\u27s provider experience after the mature adoption of telemedicine. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We distributed a survey to all radiation oncology attending physicians at our institution in October 2021 to assess satisfaction, facilitators, and barriers to telemedicine implementation. We performed quantitative and qualitative analyses to characterize satisfaction and identify influencing factors whether telemedicine is employed. We calculated the average proportion of visits that providers expected to be appropriately performed with telemedicine for each disease site and visit type. RESULTS: A total of 60 of the 82 eligible radiation oncologists (73%) responded to the survey, of whom 78% were satisfied with telemedicine in the radiation oncology department and 83% wished to continue offering video visits after the COVID-19 public health emergency ends. Common patient factors influencing whether physicians offer telemedicine include the patient\u27s travel burden, patient preferences, and whether a physical examination is required. Approximately 20% of new consultations and 50% of weekly management visits were estimated to be appropriate for telemedicine. The central nervous system/pediatrics and thoracic faculty considered telemedicine appropriate for the greatest proportion of new consultations, and 93% of respondents felt comfortable determining whether telemedicine was appropriate. CONCLUSIONS: Surveyed radiation oncologists were satisfied with telemedicine in their practice, and wished to continue offering video visits in the future. Our data suggest that payers should continue to support this patient-centered technology

2003 AAPP Monograph Series

It is significant that the African American Professors Program (AAPP) at the University of South Carolina is producing the third edition of its annual monograph series at this time-the fifth anniversary of AAPP. The program graciously accepts the challenge of putting into place a requirement for the scholars to produce quality research papers worthy of publication. This provides widespread visibility for them and enhances their curriculum vitae concurrently. Scholars who have contributed manuscripts for this monograph are to be commended for adding this additional responsibility to their academic workload. Writing across disciplines adds to the intellectual diversity of these papers. From neophytes, relatively speaking, to an array of very experienced individuals, the chapters have been researched and comprehensively written. Founded in 1997 through the Department of Educational Leadership and Policies in the College of Education, AAPP was designed to address the underrepresentation of African American professors on college and university campuses. Its mission is to expand the pool of these professors in critical academic and research areas. Sponsored by the University of South Carolina, the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, and the South Carolina General Assembly, the program recruits students with bachelor\u27s, master\u27s, and doctoral degrees for disciplines in which African Americans currently are underrepresented. An important component of the program is the mentoring experience that is provided. Each student is assigned to a mentor/professor who guides the student through a selected academic program and provides various learning experiences. When possible, the mentor serves as chair of the student\u27s doctoral committee. The mentor also provides opportunities for the student to team teach, conduct research, and co-author publications. Students have the advantage of attending committee, faculty, and professional meetings, as well as engaging in a range of activities that characterize professional life in academia. Scholars enrolled in the program also are involved in programmatic and institutional workshops, independent research, and program development. The continuation of this monograph series is seen as responding to a window of opportunity to be sensitive to an academic expectation of graduates as they pursue career placement and, at the same time, one that allows for the dissemination of AAPP products to a broader community. The importance of this monograph series has been voiced by one of our 2002 AAPP graduates, Dr. Shundelle LaTjuan Dogan, a recent Harvard Administrative Fellow at Harvard University and now Program Officer for the Southern Education Foundation, Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Dogan wrote: One thing in particular that I want to thank you for is having the African American Professors Program scholars publish articles for the monograph. I have to admit that writing the articles seemed like extra work at the time. However, in my recent interview process, organizations have asked me for samples of my writing. Including an article from a published monograph helped to make my portfolio much more impressive. You were right on target in having us do the monograph series. We hope that you will read this monograph of the African American Professors Program with enthusiasm or enlightenment. John McFadden, Ph.D. The Benjamin Elijah Mays Professor Director, African American Professors Program University of South Carolinahttps://scholarcommons.sc.edu/mcfadden_monographs/1006/thumbnail.jp

Unlocking Community Capabilities Across Health Systems in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Lessons Learned from Research and Reflective Practice

The right and responsibility of communities to participate in health service delivery was enshrined in the 1978 Alma Ata declaration and continues to feature centrally in health systems debates today. Communities are a vital part of people-centred health systems and their engagement is critical to realizing the diverse health targets prioritised by the Sustainable Development Goals and the commitments made to Universal Health Coverage. Community members' intimate knowledge of local needs and adaptive capacities are essential in constructively harnessing global transformations related to epidemiological and demographic transitions, urbanization, migration, technological innovation and climate change. Effective community partnerships and governance processes that underpin community capability also strengthen local resilience, enabling communities to better manage shocks, sustain gains, and advocate for their needs through linkages to authorities and services. This is particularly important given how power relations mark broader contexts of resource scarcity and concentration, struggles related to social liberties and other types of ongoing conflicts.IS