Crosslinking-mediated activation of the FcεRI: Does it need antigen for success?

Mast cells (MCs), hematopoietic cells of the myeloid lineage, are well-known for their pro-inflammatory nature contributing to the development of various allergic and autoimmune diseases. One of the characteristic receptors on MCs, the high-affinity receptor for IgE (FcεRI), is activated in its IgE-bound state via binding and crosslinking by polyvalent antigen. This results in its phosphorylation by the SRC family kinase LYN, initiating differential signaling pathways, eventually triggering immunological effector functions, such as degranulation and cytokine production. Few publications have reported on FcεRI-dependent but antigen-independent MC activation by antibody-mediated crosslinking of membrane molecules (e.g., transmembrane proteins and glycosphingolipids) that are both localized in membrane rafts and in close vicinity to the FcεRI. In this Viewpoint we will briefly introduce FcεRI-mediated MC stimulation, cite examples of FcεRI-proximal molecules, the crosslinking of which can cause FcεRI-dependent MC activation, and discuss the potential of certain viruses as well as auto-antibodies to act as indirect FcεRI-crosslinking agents. In latter cases, antigen-independent FcεRI-mediated pro-inflammatory MC activation could contribute to the development of detrimental cytokine storms.     

Tectonic Gardens

The Tectonic Gardens initiative focuses on small, unremarkable, and often forgotten places adjacent to the lives of underserved people. Located in the boundary between architecture and landscape, these projects seek to create experiential delight out of small-scale design opportunities. Through the adaptive reuse and recycling of leftover urban space, Tectonic Gardens augment and enhance existing building infrastructures with new, primarily outdoor spaces that provide pragmatic functions, promote play, and exhibit a social and environmental conscience.     

Phosphorus detection in vitrified bacteria by cryo‐STEM annular dark‐field analysis

Bacterial cells often contain dense granules. Among these, polyphosphate bodies (PPBs) store inorganic phosphate for a variety of essential functions. Identification of PPBs has until now been accomplished by analytical methods that required drying or chemically fixing the cells. These methods entail large electron doses that are incompatible with low‐dose imaging of cryogenic specimens. We show here that Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) of fully hydrated, intact, vitrified bacteria provides a simple means for mapping of phosphorus‐containing dense granules based on quantitative sensitivity of the electron scattering to atomic number. A coarse resolution of the scattering angles distinguishes phosphorus from the abundant lighter atoms: carbon, nitrogen and oxygen. The theoretical basis is similar to Z contrast of materials science. EDX provides a positive identification of phosphorus, but importantly, the method need not involve a more severe electron dose than that required for imaging. The approach should prove useful in general for mapping of heavy elements in cryopreserved specimens when the element identity is known from the biological context.     

三角铣头强化了5轴加工中心的通用性

大、重型零件,例如透平轮毂、风力发电机或重型机械的齿轮,泵体、工业及船用发动机缸体、冲压成型模具的模板等等,主要是单件或小批量生产.这类零件大部分是由分包制造商和维修公司制造的.因此,这类工件不能使用专用夹具装夹.而且,在大型车床或加工中心上加工此类工件时,找正工作非常耗时耗力.     

THE RESPONSE OF UNSYMMETRIC LAMINATES TO SIMPLE APPLIED FORCES

SUMMARY

The snap-through behaviour from one cylindrical configuration to another of an unsymmetric (O₂/90₂)T cross-ply laminate is modelled using a simple Rayleigh-Ritz approach. Snap-through is caused by two opposing moments which are produced by opposing forces acting through known moment arms. The snap-through force is predicted, and the predictions are compared with experimental measurements. Correlation is good. The experimental set-up used to measure the force is described, as are the details of the Rayleigh-Ritz approach.     

WEAKENING STRONG BLACK POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT: IMPLICATIONS FROM ATLANTA'S 2009 MAYORAL ELECTION

Atlanta is perhaps the city with the greatest degree of black political empowerment (BPE) in the United States. Yet in 2009 a relatively weak white mayoral candidate nearly won the general and runoff elections over a field of stronger black candidates. Why? Treating Atlanta as a prototypical case, the article examines factors that undermine the capacity of blacks to retain control of mayoralties in strong BPE cities, with an emphasis on disruptions to black electorates, discontent among black citizens, and reinvestment in electoral politics by whites at the local level.     

Research on system zeros: a survey

This report provides a review of notable publications regarding the topic of zeros of multivariable systems in the period from 1970 into 1989. Particular attention is paid to relationships between definitions of such zeros and their theoretical development. Transmission, invariant, system, module, infinite and finite zeros are addressed, the latter subdivided into a hierarchical structure with respect to information considered in the definition process.     

On quantization of the field in dielectrics

The precepts behind the macroscopic and microscopic quantizations of the electromagnetic field in a dielectric are discussed. Using the correspondence principle, it is demonstrated that the macroscopic quantization procedure leads to incorrect equations of motion of embedded two-level atoms. The fundamental nature of the Lorentz viewpoint of electrodynamics is discussed.