Cell cycle-based mechanism of epigenetic centromere propagation

"The centromere is a chromosomal locus that is responsible for nucleating a structure called the kinetochore during mitosis. This structure serves as a binding platform for microtubules during mitosis, enabling segregation of genetic material to two daughter cells. Although fascinating, the function of the centromere was not the focus of my PhD work. Rather, it was the epigenetic nature of its propagation.(...)

Computer Chess and the Reverse Odyssey of Marx Returns

Članek obravnava šahovsko prispodobo znotraj historične fikcije, opirajoč se na dela Susan Brantly in Glena Roberta Downeya, nato pa poda kratko interpretacijo alternativne fikcije Marx Returns. Na prvi pogled je Barkerjev roman alternativna zgodovina, ki subvertira in dopolnjuje ključne vidike Marxove biografije. Vendar pa filozofska analiza nakazuje, da z vključitvijo Marxovih posmrtnih beležk o diferencialnem računu, Barkerju uspe podati bolj razdelan prikaz historične materialistične metode Marxovega Kapitala.This article considers the chess metaphor in historical fiction with the aid of Susan Brantly and Glen Robert Downey’s respective works before conducting a brief interpretation of Jason Barker’s alt-fiction Marx Returns. At first glance Barker’s novel is an alternative history which subverts and supplements key aspects of Marx’s biography. However, a philosophical analysis suggests that by introducing Marx’s posthumous notes on differential calculus into the narrative Barker achieves an elaborate representation of the historical materialist method of Marx’s Capital

Isolation, Sequencing, and Analysis of a 14-3-3 Brain Protein Homolog from Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Initially identified as acidic, homodimeric proteins abundantly and preferentially present in mammalian brain neurotransmitter complexes, the eukaryotic 14-3-3 homologs appear to be ubiquitous and highly conserved among highly diverse organisms, including Xenopus, Drosophila, and Saccharomyces (Aitken et al., 1992). They have also been isolated, cloned, and sequenced from various plants, such as Arabidopsis (Lu et al., 1992), Oenotkera, Spinacea (Hirsch et al., 1992), Zea (De Vetten et al., 1992), Lycopersicon (Laughner et al., 19941, Hordeum (Brandt et al., 19921, and Oyza (Kidou et al., 1993). Although there are no available sequence data in the GenBank (version 94-5), immunoprecipitation experiments suggest their existence in Pisum (Hirsch et al., 1992)

A New Control Method for Input-Output Harmonic Elimination of the Pwm Boost-Type Rectifier Under Extreme Unbalanced Operating Conditions

Under severe fault conditions in the distribution system, not only input voltages but also input impedances must be considered as unbalanced. This paper presents a new control method for input-output harmonic elimination of the pulsewidth-modulation (PWM) boost-type rectifier under conditions of both unbalanced input voltages and unbalanced input impedances. The range of imbalance in both input voltages and input impedances, for which the proposed method is valid, is analyzed in detail. An analytical approach for complete harmonic elimination shows that PWM boost-type rectifier can operate at unity power factor under extremely unbalanced operating conditions resulting in a smooth (constant) power flow from ac to dc side. Based on the analyses in open-loop configuration, a feedforward control method is proposed. Elimination of harmonics at ac and dc side of the converter affects the cost of dc link capacitor and ac side filter. The proposed method is very useful when the PWM boost-type rectifier is subject to extreme imbalance due to severe fault conditions in the power system. In addition, by using the proposed method, the PWM boost-type rectifier can be operated from the single-phase supply in cases where three-phase source is not available. Simulation results show excellent response and stable operation of the PWM boost-type rectifier under the proposed control algorithm. Experimental and simulation results are in excellent agreemen

Involvement of the Renin‐Angiotensin System in Atherosclerosis

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a well known for its role in the regulation of the blood pressure (BP). Angiotensin II (Ang II), the main mediator of the RAS, may act either, as a systemic molecule or a locally produced factor. Within the vessel wall it has significant proinflammatory role by inducing the oxidative stress, secretion of inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules. Ang II could trigger proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and its migration to the outer layer of the vessel wall. It could induce the release of matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs), from human VSMC and thus increase susceptibility to rupture of atherosclerotic lesions. Binding of Ang II to AT1R/AT2R could have opposing actions in vascular injury. The ACE2/Ang (1-7)/Mas axis of the RAS also opposes the unfavourable actions of ACE/Ang II/ATR1 axis. Inhibition of RAS could reduce inflammation-associated processes in vasculature, independently of lowering BP. RAS is significantly modulated by the genes coding for this system. Certain genetic variants (SNPs) in the RAS genes have been denoted as the functional ones and have been associated with hypertension, cardiovascular phenotypes and atherosclerosis. Also, the genetic components of the RAS interfere with the regulators of gene expression by microRNAs (miRs)

Total quality in laboratory diagnostics: the role of commercial companies

Quality is a key focus for clinical laboratories, since it is viewed as a prerequisite for patient safety. It permeates all three phases of the total testing process (preanalytical, analytical and postanalytical), and relies heavily on the quality of diagnostic products, such as in vitro (IVD) devices (instruments, assays, reagents and specimen collection tubes) and medical devices (blood collection needles and sets). The diagnostic industry has implemented strict criteria to assure that the quality of their products throughout their life cycle meets the needs of their customers. This is accomplished through established processes to develop products that meet customer needs, as well as regulatory requirements needed to assure their safety and efficacy while adhering to good clinical practices and maintaining high level of safety of human subjects that participate in clinical trials. At the same time, the commercial companies follow good manufacturing practices to reduce variability within their manufacturing processes and deliver products that are within established specifications. However, the highest level of quality can only be achieved when instrument/assay manufacturers work closely with specimen containment manufacturers to assure total system performance

A Novel Discrete Dimming Ballast for Linear Fluorescent Lamps

A novel discrete dimming ballast for linear fluorescent lamps is proposed in this paper. A proposed dimming control circuit is combined with a ballast module for multiple lamps to realize control of three discrete lighting levels. Compared with conventional step dimming or ON-OFF control methods, the proposed discrete dimming method has the following advantages: 1) digital signal is generated by the dimming control circuit to control the lamps\u27 turn- ON and -OFF, which makes the system more reliable and integrated; 2) the proposed discrete dimming system replaces relays, which are necessary in conventional lamp ON-OFF control, and therefore decreases the system cost; 3) the proposed dimming ballast can be installed by keeping the original wiring system. This makes the upgrading of a lighting system more effective and efficient; 4) the dimming control circuit also provides a good isolation for operating the low-voltage wall switches by hand safely. Both theoretical, simulation, and experimental results are in good agreement

A Novel Method for Measuring Induction Machine Magnetizing Inductance

This paper presents a novel method for measuring the magnetizing inductance of an induction machine. The approach uses a static DC excitation technique which can be employed whenever the neutral of the machine is accessible. The proposed method measures only the magnetizing inductance and not the self inductance which normally includes the effect of the stator leakage inductance. Because this test uses a DC excitation, the iron losses in the motor are considerably reduced as well and minimally influence the measurement when compared to the traditional 60-Hz no-load test. By using the proposed method for measuring only the magnetizing inductance, the stator leakage inductance can be later individually determined by performing a separate no-load test. Test results using the method are compared with theoretical values and confirm its feasibility