The AXAF technology program: The optical flats tests

The results of a technology program aimed at determining the limits of surface polishing for reflecting X-ray telescopes is presented. This program is part of the major task of developing the Advanced X-ray Astrophysical Facility (AXAF). By studying the optical properties of state-of-the-art polished flat surfaces, conclusions were drawn as to the potential capability of AXAF. Surface microtopography of the flats as well as their figure are studied by X-ray, visual, and mechanical techniques. These techniques and their results are described. The employed polishing techniques are more than adequate for the specifications of the AXAF mirrors

Brazilian Sign Language Dictionaries: Comparative Iconographical And Lexical Study

Brazilian sign language as used by the deaf community in Brazil is a visual spatial modality language; graphic representations of this language usually consist of images in printed and digital dictionaries. In Brazil, the first known sign language dictionary is the Iconographia dos Signaes dos surdos-mudos printed in 1875. After this work, other dictionaries followed and they became part of the reference materials used for teaching sign language. Based on the Libras dictionaries that serve as references, the present study aims to analyze and discuss the historical constitution of this publication genre in Brazil. Characteristics and weaknesses related to the iconography and lexicography of these publications are identified as aspects that may interfere with learning signs in undergraduate courses. Regarding how we have approached the theme, this is a qualitative study, supported by documentary methodology. Five Libras dictionaries were selected, based on the criteria that these publications have been selected as bibliographic references in Libras courses at the undergraduate level. The categories for analysis mainly focus on issues related to the representation of the images (iconography) and to the lexical aspects that make up the signs. We were able to see that the selected works present similar characteristics, regarding their presentation, the constitution of the images and lexical aspects that make up the signs, but the dictionaries challenge professionals that work with this genre of illustration, because reading the images is not always easy to accomplish.401109126Andrade, M.M., (1999) Introdućão à metodologia do trabalho científico, , 4. ed. São Paulo: AtlasBagno, M., Dicionários, variaćão linguística e ensino (2011) Dicionários escolares: políticas, formas e usos., , In: CARVALHO, Orlene L. de SabóiaBAGNO, Marcos. São Paulo: ParábolaBorba, F.S., (2003) Organizaćão de dicionários: uma introdućão à lexicografia, , São Paulo: UNESPDispõe sobre a Língua Brasileira de Sinais-Libras e dá outras providências (2002), BRASIL. Lei n° 10.436, de 24 de abril de 2002. Diário Oficial da União, Brasília, 25 abrRegulamenta a Lei n° 10.436, de 24 de abril de 2002, e o artigo 18 da Lei n° 10.098, de 19 de dezembro de 2000. (2005), BRASIL. Decreto-lei n° 5.626, de 22 de dezembro de 2005., Diário Oficial da União, Brasília, 23 dezBuscato, L., Garcia, M., Pelachin, M., (1998) Como usar um dicionário, , São Paulo: ÁticaCapovilla, F.C., Raphael, W.D., (2001) Dicionário enciclopédico trilíngue: língua de sinais brasileira, 2. , São Paulo: EDUSPCoroa, M.L., Para que serve um dicionário (2011) Dicionários escolares: políticas, formas e usos., , In: CARVALHO, Orlene L. de SabóiaBAGNO, Marcos. São Paulo: ParábolaEnsminger, J., (1987) Comunicando com as mãos, , Piracicaba: ShekinahFelipe, T.A., De Flausino ao grupo de pesquisa da FENEIS-RJ (2000), pp. 87-89. , In: SEMINÁRIO NACIONAL DO INES, 5., Rio de Janeiro, 2000. Anais... Rio de Janeiro: INESFernandes, E., (2003) Linguagem e surdez, , Porto Alegre: ArtmedGama, F.J.C., (1875) Iconographia dos signaes dos surdos-mudos, , Rio de Janeiro: Tipografia Universal de E. & S. LaemmertGesser, A., (2009) Libras? Que língua é essa?: crenćas e preconceitos em torno da língua de sinais e da realidade surda, , São Paulo: ParábolaGhedin, E., Franco, M.A.S., (2008) Questões de método na construćão da pesquisa em educaćão, , São Paulo: CortezGombrich, E.H., (1999) The uses of images: studies in the social function of art and visual communication, , Londres: PhaidonHonora, M., Frizanco, M.L.E., (2009) Livro ilustrado de Língua Brasileira de Sinais: desvendando a comunicaćão usada pelas pessoas com surdez, , São Paulo: Ciranda CulturalJackson, P., A'Court, A., (1996) Origami e artesanato em papel, , Porto Alegre: EDELBRAJoly, M., (1996) Introdućão à análise da imagem, , Campinas: PapirusKojima, C.K., Segala, S.R., Língua de sinais: a imagem do pensamento, , São Paulo: Escala [s.d]Kossoy, B., (2012) Fotografia e história, , 4. ed. Cotia: AteliêOates, E., (1969) Linguagem das mãos, , Aparecida do Norte: SantuárioReily, L., (2004) Escola inclusiva: linguagem e mediaćão, , Campinas: Papirus(1992) SOCIEDADE TORRE DE VIGIA DE BÍBLIAS E TRATADOS, , Linguagem de sinaisSofiato, C.G., Do desenho à litografia: a origem da língua brasileira de sinais (2011), 265 f. Tese (Doutorado)-Instituto de Artes, Universidade de Campinas, Campinas, 2011Turazzi, M.I., Iconografia e patrimônio (2009) o catálogo da exposićão de história do Brasil e a fisionomia da naćão, , Rio de Janeiro: Biblioteca Naciona

Effects of cardiotrophin on adipocytes

Cardiotrophin (CT-1) is a naturally occurring protein member of the interleukin (IL)-6 cytokine family and signals through the gp130/leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) heterodimer. The formation of gp130/ LIFR complex triggers the auto/trans-phosphorylation of associated Janus kinases, leading to the activation of Janus kinase/STAT and MAPK (ERK1 and -2) signaling pathways. Since adipocytes express both gp130 and LIFR proteins and are responsive to other IL-6 family cytokines, we examined the effects of CT-1 on 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Our studies have shown that CT-1 administration results in a dose- and time-dependent activation and nuclear translocation of STAT1, -3, -5A, and -5B as well as ERK1 and -2. We also confirmed the ability of CT-1 to induce signaling in fat cells in vivo. Our studies revealed that neither CT-1 nor ciliary neurotrophic factor treatment affected adipocyte differentiation. However, acute CT-1 treatment caused an increase in SOCS-3 mRNA in adipocytes and a transient decrease in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) mRNA that was regulated by the binding of STAT1 to the PPARγ2 promoter. The effects of CT-1 on SOCS-3 and PPARγ mRNA were independent of MAPK activation. Chronic administration of CT-1 to 3T3-L1 adipocytes resulted in a decrease of both fatty acid synthase and insulin receptor substrate-1 protein expression yet did not effect the expression of a variety of other adipocyte proteins. Moreover, chronic CT-1 treatment resulted in the development of insulin resistance as judged by a decrease in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. In summary, CT-1 is a potent regulator of signaling in adipocytes in vitro and in vivo, and our current efforts are focused on determining the role of this cardioprotective cytokine on adipocyte physiology

Cross-talk among gp130 cytokines in adipocytes

The interleukin-6 (IL-6) family of cytokines is a family of structurally and functionally related proteins, including IL-6, IL-11, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), oncostatin M (OSM), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), and cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1). These proteins are also known as gp130 cytokines because they all share gp130 as a common transducer protein within their functional receptor complexes. Several of these cytokines (LIF, OSM, CNTF, and CT-1) also utilize the LIF receptor (LIFR) as a component of their receptor complex. We have shown that all of these cytokines are capable of activating both the JAK/STAT and p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. By performing a variety of preincubation studies and examining the ability of these cytokines to activate STATs, ERKs, and induce transcription of SOCS-3 mRNA, we have also examined the ability of gp130 cytokines to modulate the action of their family members. Our results indicate that a subset of gp130 cytokines, in particular CT-1, LIF, and OSM, has the ability to impair subsequent signaling activity initiated by gp130 cytokines. However, IL-6 and CNTF do not exhibit this cross-talk ability. Moreover, our results indicate that the cross-talk among gp130 cytokines is mediated by the ability of these cytokines to induce ligand-dependent degradation of the LIFR, in a proteasome-independent manner, which coincides with decreased levels of LIFR at the plasma membrane. In summary, our results demonstrate that an inhibitory cross-talk among specific gp130 cytokines in 3T3-L1 adipocytes occurs as a result of specific degradation of LIFR via a lysosome-mediated pathway. © 2005 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc

The solution structure of a cyclic endothelin antagonist, BQ-123, based on 1H1H and 13H1H three bond oupling constants

AbstractA cyclic pentapeptide endothelin antagonist, cyclo(dTrp-dAsp-Pro-dVal-Leu), recently reported (K. Ishikawa et al., 13th Am. Pept. Symp., Cambridge MA, 1991) has been studied by NMR spectroscopy and molecular modeling. A stable structure has been determined without the use of nuclear Overhauser effects and is based primarily on homonuclear and heteronuclear three bond coupling constants. The 13C-edited TOCSY experiment is demonstrated at natural abundance and ∼30 mM peptide concentrations. Three bond 13C1H coupling constants obtained by this method are shown to reduce the ambiguity in φ angle determination which exists when only interproton coupling constants are used. Three out of four φ angles were determined uniquely by this method and the fourth was reduced to two possible values. The proline φ angle was determined to be −78° based on the 3JHzHα and 3JHzHβ coupling constants. Comparison of amide proton temperature dependence, chemical shifts and vicinal proton coupling constants in a 20% acetonitrile/80% water solvent mixture and in (CD3)2SO indicates that the structure is similar in both solvents

Partners in the Parks: Field Guide to an Experiential Program in the National Parks (1st edition)

When Joan Digby first proposed taking collegiate honors students into our national parks, I jumped at the chance. Within minutes of reading her email, I not only responded with an enthusiastic “Yes!” but went so far as to volunteer the resources of the Southern Utah University Honors Program to get things started. Nestled among 5 national parks in southwestern Utah, I felt our campus would be a natural focal point for the kind of program Joan envisioned. Within weeks we had laid the groundwork for a proof-of-concept pilot project at nearby Bryce Canyon National Park. Little did I know at the time, but I was taking the first steps on a nationwide journey that would introduce me to 11 amazing national parks, some 47 park rangers, and over 100 outstanding college students—with the prospect of these numbers growing annually. The aim of Partners in the Parks (PITP) from its inception has been to introduce, or reintroduce, collegiate honors students to this country: not the transformed environment that we have constructed on its surface but the bedrock world upon which it rests. Like de Toqueville, Jefferson, Thoreau, Emerson, and so many others, we recognized that the unique place that is America cannot be separated from the land upon which it was built. One valuable way to study and understand it, then, is to visit places where the bones of America lie exposed, often without the veneer of civilization, cultivation, or modernization: places protected by the people to preserve for this and future generations, original American landscapes, and important historical landmarks that illustrate and define what America was, is, and can be. PITP takes students deep into America’s national parks. PITP is a see-America-first program. While we recognize the importance of a global perspective in an overall honors education, our goal is to help students see and understand America before or in addition to going abroad. Indeed, for students without the desire or resources to leave the country, PITP offers many of the same kinds of personal development that make study abroad so valuable. In the Field Notes to Chapter 2, “Growing from Within,” Bill Atwill and Kathleen King, share their experience in Acadia National Park, observing how their students demonstrated valuable growth in the same four key areas that researchers of study abroad programs have identified in their alumni: personal discovery, academic commitment, cultural development, and career development. The student writings in this volume, such as Andy Grube’s “soul expanding” talk with Juste Gatari on the rocky coast of Mount Desert Island, aptly illustrate this important facet of the PITP experience. (See the Field Notes to Chapter 5, “Sitting There in Silence.”

Developmental Neurotoxicity of Pyrethroid Insecticides: Critical Review and Future Research Needs

Pyrethroid insecticides have been used for more than 40 years and account for 25% of the worldwide insecticide market. Although their acute neurotoxicity to adults has been well characterized, information regarding the potential developmental neurotoxicity of this class of compounds is limited. There is a large age dependence to the acute toxicity of pyrethroids in which neonatal rats are at least an order of magnitude more sensitive than adults to two pyrethroids. There is no information on age-dependent toxicity for most pyrethroids. In the present review we examine the scientific data related to potential for age-dependent and developmental neurotoxicity of pyrethroids. As a basis for understanding this neurotoxicity, we discuss the heterogeneity and ontogeny of voltage-sensitive sodium channels, a primary neuronal target of pyrethroids. We also summarize 22 studies of the developmental neurotoxicity of pyrethroids and review the strengths and limitations of these studies. These studies examined numerous end points, with changes in motor activity and muscarinic acetylcholine receptor density the most common. Many of the developmental neurotoxicity studies suffer from inadequate study design, problematic statistical analyses, use of formulated products, and/or inadequate controls. These factors confound interpretation of results. To better understand the potential for developmental exposure to pyrethroids to cause neurotoxicity, additional, well-designed and well-executed developmental neurotoxicity studies are needed. These studies should employ state-of-the-science methods to promote a greater understanding of the mode of action of pyrethroids in the developing nervous system

American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline Update on Chemotherapy for Stage IV Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer

The purpose of this article is to provide updated recommendations for the treatment of patients with stage IV non–small-cell lung cancer. A literature search identified relevant randomized trials published since 2002. The scope of the guideline was narrowed to chemotherapy and biologic therapy. An Update Committee reviewed the literature and made updated recommendations. One hundred sixty-two publications met the inclusion criteria. Recommendations were based on treatment strategies that improve overall survival. Treatments that improve only progression-free survival prompted scrutiny of toxicity and quality of life. For first-line therapy in patients with performance status of 0 or 1, a platinum-based two-drug combination of cytotoxic drugs is recommended. Nonplatinum cytotoxic doublets are acceptable for patients with contraindications to platinum therapy. For patients with performance status of 2, a single cytotoxic drug is sufficient. Stop first-line cytotoxic chemotherapy at disease progression or after four cycles in patients who are not responding to treatment. Stop two-drug cytotoxic chemotherapy at six cycles even in patients who are responding to therapy. The first-line use of gefitinib may be recommended for patients with known epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation; for negative or unknown EGFR mutation status, cytotoxic chemotherapy is preferred. Bevacizumab is recommended with carboplatin-paclitaxel, except for patients with certain clinical characteristics. Cetuximab is recommended with cisplatin-vinorelbine for patients with EGFR-positive tumors by immunohistochemistry. Docetaxel, erlotinib, gefitinib, or pemetrexed is recommended as second-line therapy. Erlotinib is recommended as third-line therapy for patients who have not received prior erlotinib or gefitinib. Data are insufficient to recommend the routine third-line use of cytotoxic drugs. Data are insufficient to recommend routine use of molecular markers to select chemotherapy

Probabilistic Interaction Network of Evidence Algorithm and its Application to Complete Labeling of Peak Lists from Protein NMR Spectroscopy

The process of assigning a finite set of tags or labels to a collection of observations, subject to side conditions, is notable for its computational complexity. This labeling paradigm is of theoretical and practical relevance to a wide range of biological applications, including the analysis of data from DNA microarrays, metabolomics experiments, and biomolecular nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. We present a novel algorithm, called Probabilistic Interaction Network of Evidence (PINE), that achieves robust, unsupervised probabilistic labeling of data. The computational core of PINE uses estimates of evidence derived from empirical distributions of previously observed data, along with consistency measures, to drive a fictitious system M with Hamiltonian H to a quasi-stationary state that produces probabilistic label assignments for relevant subsets of the data. We demonstrate the successful application of PINE to a key task in protein NMR spectroscopy: that of converting peak lists extracted from various NMR experiments into assignments associated with probabilities for their correctness. This application, called PINE-NMR, is available from a freely accessible computer server (http://pine.nmrfam.wisc.edu). The PINE-NMR server accepts as input the sequence of the protein plus user-specified combinations of data corresponding to an extensive list of NMR experiments; it provides as output a probabilistic assignment of NMR signals (chemical shifts) to sequence-specific backbone and aliphatic side chain atoms plus a probabilistic determination of the protein secondary structure. PINE-NMR can accommodate prior information about assignments or stable isotope labeling schemes. As part of the analysis, PINE-NMR identifies, verifies, and rectifies problems related to chemical shift referencing or erroneous input data. PINE-NMR achieves robust and consistent results that have been shown to be effective in subsequent steps of NMR structure determination