Friday, August 21, 2020
3 Essay Anthologies That Arent About Writing
3 Essay Anthologies That Arent About Writing I love reading essays by writers I know and love (and writers Ive never heard of). Its fascinating to get to spend a few pages inside a writers own head, rather than with their characters, or to read the prose of a writer whom I primarily know through their poetry. I also love reading about writing itselfâ"theres something comforting about seeing my own struggles and frustrations with the art reflected on the page, in the words of published authors. But though I love a good anthology of Writers on Writing, its the books with (hypothetical) titles like Writers on Baseball, Writers on Climate Change, or Writers on Their Favorite Childhood Games that really catch my eye. Writers, after all, are whole people, with varied lives and interests. When they offer up their thoughts and opinions on everything from nature to fashion to pop music to cookingâ"in the form of beautiful and thought-provoking essays, I count it as a gift. Here are three incredible essay anthologies Ive enjoyed recently, in which a whopping total of 51 writers share their insight on three very different topics: race, rereading books, and not having kids. Selfish, Shallow Self-Absorbed: Sixteen Writers on the Decision Not to Have Kids, edited by Meghan Daum Essays (and nonfiction books of all kinds) about pregnancy, childbirth, and parenthood are not hard to find. It is hard to find the opposite: books about people who have chosen not to have kids. Being childless by choice, especially for women, is still looked upon with concern, confusion, and sometimes outright hostility. In these brilliant, moving, funny, and thoughtful essays, sixteen writers delve right into that taboo. With honesty and heart, they discuss their reasons for choosing not to have children. What I love most about this collection is the wide diversity of experience these writers represent. Some of them agonized over the decision; some knew since childhood that they did not want to be parents. Some of the essays are deeply personal; others explore the cultural idea that motherhood=womanhood, and how this is damaging for everyone. As someone who has always felt ambivalent toward motherhood, the kinship and familiarity I felt reading these essays was a refreshing change. I could not put this book down. Rereadings: Seventeen Writers Revisit Books They Love, edited by Anne Fadiman I fell in love Ex Libris, Anne Faidmans ode to books, when I first read it in high school. Rereadings, in which an array of adult writers reread books they loved as children or teens, is just as lovely. The essays vary widelyâ"some leaning more toward literary criticism and some toward more personal narrativeâ"but all of them capture the profundity of the impact certain books can have on our lives. Whether discussing Pride and Prejudice or the lyrics on the back of Sgt. Pepper, these essays are all delightful, insightful, and moving in their own way. This is a book about reading, but more than that, its a book about how we change over the course of our lives, using books as lens to track and explore those changes. The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks About Race, edited by Jesmyn Ward With essays from such literary giants as Claudia Rankine and Edwidge Danticat (among many others), this is a must-read anthology for everyone striving to understand Americas past and present. Conceived as a response to Baldwins classic 1963 The Fire Next Time, these moving and powerful essays explore race and racism through the varying perspectives and experiences of their authors. As a whole, the collection speaks both to the trauma caused by American racism and to the possibility of a more hopeful future. I found myself copying down copious passages as I was reading it; its one of those books that Ive come back to again and again. Sign up for True Story to receive nonfiction news, new releases, and must-read forthcoming titles. Thank you for signing up! Keep an eye on your inbox.
Sunday, May 24, 2020
Thegn - Anglo-Saxon Thegn or Thane
In Anglo-Saxon England, a thegn was a lord who held his land directly from the king in return for military service in time of war. Thegns could earn their titles and lands or inherit them. Initially, the thegn ranked below all other Anglo-Saxon nobility; however, with the proliferation of thegns came a subdivision of the class. There were kings thegns, who held certain privileges and answered only to the king, and inferior thegns that served other thegns or bishops. By a law of Ethelred II, the 12 senior thegns of any given hundred acted as a judicial committee that determined whether or not a suspect should be officially accused of a crime. This was evidently a very early precursor to the modern grand jury. The power of thegns declined after the Norman Conquest ââ¬â¹when lords of the new regime took control of most lands in England. The term ââ¬â¹thane persisted in Scotland until the 1400s in reference to a hereditary tenant of the crown who did not serve in the military. Alternate Spellings: thane Example: King Ethylgrihn called on his thegns to help defend against a Viking invasion.
Thursday, May 14, 2020
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Vitruvian Man Lab Report - 1868 Words
Research Question: Do we have the ideal proportion? The length of the outspread arms is equal to the height of a man The distance from the elbow to the tip of the hand is a quarter of the height of the man The maximum width of the shoulders is a quarter of the height of a man Data Collection: Raw Data: Table #1: Measure of the Outspread Arm, Height, from Elbow to the Tip of the Fingers, and Width of Shoulders (cm) (per person) Name Outspread arm /cm +/-1 Height /cm +/- 1 From the elbow to the tip of the fingers /cm +/- 1 Width of shoulders /cm +/-1 Silvana Chumaceiro 170 163 43 43 Anna Marrone 165 163 41 42 Sabrina Casilla 158 156 37 54 Alberto Gonzalez 180 174 48 65 Yanuara Ramirez 164 164 41 42â⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦The difference is about to 4 cm, which is an extremely small difference, since the maximum of her shoulders is about 39 cm and the à ¼ of her height is about 43 cm. Evaluation: Due to the fact that the Da Vinciââ¬â¢s Vitruvian man lab demonstrated failure on the past examinations, we can feel free to assume that many errors are shown in this experiment. The first error noticed is the fact that we measured everything with a small measuring tape instead of a big measuring tape, which didnââ¬â¢t help since we were taller and bigger than the measuring tape, so we had to use two measuring tapes added together. Using a small measuring tape to find out these measurements ended being extremely inaccurate. After data collection we were not really sure if the numbers we got were real, and it probably affected a lot on the way the results came out. The lab activity validity started to be questionable now. By the time we were looking for the four measurements needed just one group of people from the class was using a measuring tape, the rest of the class were using two small ones (so they could have the same length). The way it worked was to put one i n the top of the other and then add the numbers, which was hard for
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Elisa and Antibody free essay sample
(1) Direct ELISAs involve attachment of the antigen to the solid phase, followed by an enzyme-labeled antibody. This type of assay generally makes measurement of crude samples difficult, since contaminating proteins compete for plastic binding sites. Indirect ELISA (2) Indirect ELISAs also involve attachment of the antigen to a solid phase, but in this case, the primary antibody is not labeled. An enzyme-conjugated secondary antibody, directed at the first antibody, is then added. This format is used most often to detect specific antibodies in sera. Competitive ELISA (3) The third type of ELISA is the Competition Assay, which involves the simultaneous addition of competing antibodies or proteins. The decrease in signal of samples where the second antibody or protein is added gives a highly specific result. Sandwich ELISA (4) The last type of assay is the sandwich ELISA. Sandwich ELISAs involve attachment of a capture antibody to a solid phase support. Samples containing known or unknown antigen are then added in a matrix or buffer that will minimize attachment to the solid phase. An enzyme-labeled antibody is then added for detection. The ELISA method is a benchmark for quantitation of pathological antigens and there are indeed many variations to this method. ELISAs are adaptable to high-throughput screening because results are rapid, consistent and relatively easy to analyze. The best results have been obtained with the sandwich format, utilizing highly purified, prematched capture and detector antibodies. The resulting signal provides data which is very sensitive and highly specific. Detailed information of specified ELISA types: Indirect ELISA, conventional but efficient Figure of Indirect ELISA Indirect ELISA is a two-step ELISA which involves two binding process of primary antibody and labeled secondary antibody. The primary antibody is incubated with the antigen followed by the incubation with the secondary antibody. However, this may lead to nonspecific signals because of cross-reaction that the secondary antibody may bring about. 1. Micro-well plates are incubated with antigens, washed up and blocked with BSA. 2. Samples with antibodies are added and washed. 3. Enzyme linked secondary antibody are added and washed. 4. A substrate is added, and enzymes on the antibody elicit a chromogenic or fluorescent signal. Ã » Learn more about indirect ELISA protocol Indirect ELISA advantages : High sensitivity: More than one labeled antibody is bound per antigen molecule; Flexible: Different primary detection antibodies can be used with a single labeled secondary antibody; Cost-saving: Fewer labeled antibodies are required. In the indirect ELISA test, the sample antibody is sandwiched between the antigen coated on the plate and an enzyme-labeled, anti-species globulin conjugate. The addition of an enzyme substrate-chromogen reagent causes color to develop. This color is directly proportional to the amount of bound sample antibody. The more antibody present in the sample, the stronger the color development in the test wells. This format of indirect ELISA is suitable for determining total antibody level in samples (Newcastle disease virus, B. abortus, etc. ). Detailed information about indirect ELISA application in the determination of antibody titer and procedures of antibody concentration determination are discussed in the following section of ELISA applications. Direct ELISA, Simple and Time-Saving Initially in a direct ELISA test which is considered to be the simplest type of ELISA the antigen is adsorbed to a plastic plate, then an excess of another protein (normally bovine serum albumin) is added to block all the other binding sites. While an enzyme is linked to an antibody in a separate reaction, the enzyme-antibody complex is applied to adsorb to the antigen. After excess enzyme-antibody complex is washed off, enzyme-antibody bound to antigen is left. By adding in the enzymes substrate, the enzyme is detected illustrating the signal of the antigen. However, in terms of direct ELISA versus indirect ELISA, in an indirect ELISA, the steps are similar, but with important differences and an additional step. After the antigen is adsorbed to the plate (and after the BSA step), the next antibody to be added is the antibody that recognizes the antigen (this antibody does not have the enzyme attached to it). Then, an enzyme-antibody conjugate is prepared, which is added to the plate and detects the antibody that is adsorbed to the antigen (in a direct ELISA, the enzyme-antibody conjugate directly adsorbs to the antigen), then the substrate is added which detects the presence of the enzyme and thus the antigen. So, in the indirect ELISA, the enzyme-antibody conjugate uses an antibody against the type of antibody that is used to detect the antigen, kind of like a sandwich. For instance, if the antigen is HIV-1 gp120, then an anti-HIV antibody (HIV-1 gp120 Antibody) is prepared (lets say from a mouse). Then, in a separate reaction, an enzyme is attached to an anti-mouse antibody. So, in order to detect the HIV in the assay, an anti-mouse antibody is used to detect the antibody attached to the antigen. Direct ELISA SchematicIndirect ELISA Schematic Direct ELISA SchemaIndirect ELISA Schema Direct ELISA, when compared to other forms of ELISA testing, is performed faster because only one antibody is being used and fewer steps are required. This can be used to test specific antibody-to-antigen reactions, and helps to eliminate cross-reactivity between other antibodies. Disadvantages of direct ELISA The primary antibody must be labeled individually, which can be time-consuming and inflexible when performing multiple experiments. Also, the signal is less amplified in direct ELISA, which means a lower sensitivity and could be viewed as a disadvantage to some. Direct ELISA protocol is shown elsewhere. Please click direct ELISA appllication in monoclonal antibody screening to get more information. Competitive ELISA: Basic Principles The central event of competitive ELISA is a competitive binding process executed by original antigen (sample antigen) and add-in antigen. The procedures of competitive ELISA are different in some respects compared with Indirect ELISA, Sandwich ELISA and Direct ELISA. A simplized procedure list is as follow: Primary antibody (unlabeled) is incubated with sample antigen. Antibody-antigen complexes are then added to 96-well plates which are pre-coated with the same antigen. Unbound antibody is removed by washing the plate. (The more antigen in the sample, the less antibody will be able to bind to the antigen in the well, hence competition. ) The secondary antibody that is specific to the primary antibody and conjugated with an enzyme is added. A substrate is added, and remaining enzymes elicit a chromogenic or fluorescent signal. For competitive ELISA, the higher the sample antigen concentration, the weaker the eventual signal. The major advantage of a competitive ELISA is the ability to use crude or impure samples and still selectively bind any antigen that may be present. (Note that some competitive ELISA kits include enzyme-linked antigen rather than enzyme-linked antibody. The labeled antigen competes for primary antibody binding sites with your sample antigen (unlabeled). The more antigen in the sample the less labeled antigen is retained in the well and the weaker the signal). It is common that the antigen is not first positioned in the well. Competitive ELISA advantages: High specificity, since two antibodies are used the antigen/analyte is specifically captured and detected Suitable for complex samples, since the antigen does not require purification prior to measurement Flexibility and sensitivity, since both direct and indirect detection methods can be used Sandwich ELISA, Highly Sensitive Sandwich ELISA is a less common variant of ELISA, but is highly efficient in sample antigen detection. Moreover, many commercial ELISA pair sets are built on this sanwich ELISA. The sandwich ELISA quantify antigens between two layers of antibodies (i. e. capture and detection antibody). The antigen to be measured must contain at least two antigenic epitope capable of binding to antibody, since at least two antibodies act in the sandwich. Either monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies can be used as the capture and detection antibodies in Sandwich ELISA systems. Monoclonal antibodies recognize a single epitope that allows fine detection and quantification of small differences in antigen. A polyclonal is often used as the capture antibody to pull down as much of the antigen as possible. The advantage of Sandwich ELISA is that the sample does not have to be purified before analysis, and the assay can be very sensitive (up to 2 to 5 times more sensitive than direct or indirect ELISA), but lower than ELISpot. Sandwich ELISA procedures can be difficult to optimize and tested match pair antibodies should be used. This ensures the antibodies are detecting different epitopes on the target protein so they do not interfere with the other antibody binding. The steps are as follows: Prepare a surface to which a known quantity of capture antibody is bound. Block any nonspecific binding sites on the surface. Apply the antigen-containing sample to the plate. Wash the plate, so that unbound antigen is removed. A specific antibody is added, and binds to antigen (hence the sandwich: the Ag is stuck between two antibodies); Apply enzyme-linked secondary antibodies as detection antibodies that also bind specifically to the antibodys Fc region (non-specific). Wash the plate, so that the unbound antibody-enzyme conjugates are removed. Apply a chemical that is converted by the enzyme into a color or fluorescent or electrochemical signal. Measure the absorbency or fluorescence or electrochemical signal (e. g. , current) of the plate wells to determine the presence and quantity of antigen. The image at the bottom includes the use of a secondary antibody conjugated to an enzyme, though, in the technical sense, this is not necessary if the primary antibody is conjugated to an enzyme. However, use of a secondary-antibody conjugate avoids the expensive process of creating enzyme-linked antibodies for every antigen one might want to detect. By using an enzyme-linked antibody that binds the Fc region of other antibodies, this same enzyme-linked antibody can be used in a variety of situations. Without the first layer of capture antibody, any proteins in the sample (including serum proteins) may competitively adsorb to the plate surface, lowering the quantity of antigen immobilized. Use of the purified specific antibody to attach the antigen to the plastic eliminates a need to purify the antigen from complicated mixtures before the measurement, simplifying the assay, and increasing the specificity and the sensitivity of the assay. Sandwich ELISA Sandwich ELISA Schematic Procedure: (1) Plate is coated with a capture antibody; (2) sample is added, and any antigen present binds to capture antibody; (3) detecting antibody is added, and binds to antigen; (4) enzyme-linked secondary antibody is added, and binds to detecting antibody; (5) substrate is added, and is converted by enzyme to detectable form. Sandwich ELISA advantages: High specificity, since two antibodies are used the antigen/analyte is specifically captured and detected Suitable for complex samples, since the antigen does not require purification prior to measurement Flexibility and sensitivity, since both direct and indirect detection methods can be used Sandwich ELISA Protocol is shown in a different section. Sandwich ELISA is a common tool to diagnose Influenza, e. g. H5N1 (Avian Flu) Hemagglutinin ELISA kit. In addition, a description of the application of sandwich ELISA to home pregnancy test can be found here.
Saturday, April 4, 2020
English 106 4 December 1996 Hamlet Analyzed In Terms Of Aristotles Poe
English 106 4 December 1996 Hamlet Analyzed in Terms of Aristotle's Poetics Aristotle's Poetics is considered the guide to a well written tragedy; his methods have been used for centuries. In Aristotle's opinion, plot is the most important aspect of the tragedy, all other parts such as character, diction, and thought stem from the plot. Aristotle defines a tragedy as an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude; in language embellished with each kind of artistic ornament, the several kinds being found in separate parts of the play; in the form of action, not of narrative; through pity and fear effecting the proper purgation of these emotions?(p. 22). Shakespeare's Hamlet follows this definition for the most part, and even though it is not always in agreement with Aristotle's guidelines, it is still a great and effective tragedy. Aristotle states that tragedy is ?an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude?(p. 22) . Hamlet is an excellent example of this. The play centers around Hamlet's quest to avenge his father's death, this is a serious action. It is also complete in the sense that all the loose ends are tied together in a sensible, believable manner. Hamlet is able to avenge his father's death by killing his uncle. Shakespeare also follows Aristotle's idea of the tragedy being of a certain magnitude. The characters are supposed to be the most perfect people whom the audience can still relate to. Hamlet is a wealthy prince, however he deals with the same problems as the common man. He is confused, paranoid, and angered about the circumstances surrounding his father's death. He is also unsure of himself and how he should handle the situation. The audience can relate to this uncertain feeling and they are able to empathize with Hamlet. Aristotle believes that in order for a tragedy to be effective, it must convey pity and fear. He defines pity as a felling that is aroused by ?unmerited misf ortune? (p. 27). Hamlet undoubtedly suffers this unmerited misfortune. He has done nothing to bring about his father's death. To make the situation even more painful, his mother has married his uncle whom he suspects is responsible for the tragedy. These circumstances illicit pity from the audience. The fear of impending evil is also prevalent in the play. As the plot progresses, it becomes clear that the king is plotting to kill Hamlet and Hamlet is planning to kill the king. Hamlet's plot is what Aristotle considers complex. It is accompanied by Recognition, which is ?a change from ignorance to knowledge, producing love or hate between the persons destined by the poet for good or bad fortune?(p. 26). The Recognition occurs when the play within the play is staged for the king. The play is a reenactment of what Hamlet believes happened to his father. His uncle is so upset and flustered by the play that he runs from the room. This action indicates to Hamlet that his suspicions were correct and his uncle is indeed responsible for King Hamlet's death. Hamlet later finds the king in a church praying and is tempted to kill him there, but decides against it because he will go to heaven since he is praying. From this, the audience is able to infer that Hamlet will attempt to kill his uncle later in the play. Aristotle stresses that diction is important to make the tragedy believable. Shakespeare utilizes diction perfectly and everything his characters say is appropriate for them to be saying. For instance, the king speaks like a king, he always dodges like a true politician. There is an obvious and necessary difference between the way he speaks and the way the gravediggers speak. The gravediggers are common men and therefor, speak as thought they are common men. There are some aspects of Poetics that Shakespeare does not follow. For instance, Aristotle states that in a great tragedy, there should be unity of time, place, and action. By this he means the action of th e play should take place in the amount of time it takes to perform it, it should occur in one setting, and there should be one
Sunday, March 8, 2020
Quotes from Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
Quotes from Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka Metamorphosis is a famous novella by Franz Kafka. The work centers around a traveling salesman, Gregor Samsa who wakes up one morning to realize hes turned into a bug. The absurdist story was considered to be part of the Dada art movement. Metamorphosis Quotes When Gregor Samsa woke up one morning from unsettling dreams, he found himself changed in his bed into a monstrous vermin. He was lying on his back as hard as armor plate, and when he lifted his head a little, he saw his vaulted brown belly, sectioned by arch-shaped ribs, to whose dome the cover, about to slide off completely, could barely cling. His many legs, pitifully thin compared with the size of the rest of him, were waving helplessly before his eyes.- The Metamorphosis, Ch. 1 Why was only Gregor condemned to work for a firm where at the slightest omission they immediately suspected the worst? Were all employees louts without exception, wasnt there a single loyal, dedicated worker among them who, when he had not fully utilized a few hours of the morning for the firm, was driven half-mad by pangs of conscience and was actually unable to get out of bed? - The Metamorphosis, Ch. 1 And now he could see him, standing closest to the door, his hand pressed over his open mouth, slowly backing away as if repulsed by an invisible, unrelenting force. His mother - in spite of the managers presence she stood with her hair still unbraided from the night, sticking out in all directions - first looked at his father with her hands clasped, then took two steps towards Gregor, and sank down in the midst of her skirt spreading out around her, her face completely hidden on her breast. With a hostile expression, his father clenched his fist, as if to drive Gregor back into his room, then looked uncertainly around the living room, shielded his eyes with his hands, and sobbed with heaves of his powerful chest. - The Metamorphosis, Ch. 1 Those had been wonderful times, and they had never returned, at least not with the same glory, although later on Gregor earned enough money to meet the expenses of the entire family and actually did so. They had just gotten used to it, the family as well as Gregor, the money was received with thanks and given with pleasure. - The Metamorphosis, Ch. 2 Hardly she entered the room than she would run straight to the window without taking time to close the door - though she was usually so careful to spare everyone the sight of Gregors room - then tear open the casements with eager hands, almost as if she were suffocating, and remain for a little while at the window even in the coldest weather, breathing deeply. With this racing and crashing, she frightened Gregor twice a day; the whole time he cowered under the couch, and yet he knew very well that she would certainly have spared him this if only she had found it possible to stand being in a room with him with the window closed.- The Metamorphosis, Ch. 2 Into a room in which Gregor ruled the bare walls all alone, no human being beside Grete was ever likely to set foot.- The Metamorphosis, Ch. 2 Gregors serious wound, from which he suffered for over a month - the apple remained imbedded in his flesh as a visible souvenir since no one dared to remove it - seemed to have reminded even his father that Gregor was a member of the family, in spite of his present pathetic and repulsive shape, who could not be treated as an enemy; that on the contrary, it was the commandment of family duty to swallow their disgust and endure him, endure him and nothing more.- The Metamorphosis, Ch. 3 What the world demands of poor people they did to the utmost of their ability; his father brought breakfast for the minor officials at the bank, his mother sacrificed herself to the underwear of strangers, his sister ran back and forth behind the counter at the request of the customers; but for anything more than this they did not have the strength.- The Metamorphosis, Ch. 3 I wont pronounce the name of my brother in front of this monster, and so all I say is: we have to try and get rid of it. Weve done everything humanly possible to take care of it and to put up with it; I dont think anyone can blame us in the least.- The Metamorphosis, Ch. 3, pg. 51 Growing quieter and communicating almost unconsciously through glances, they thought that it would soon be time, too, to find her a good husband. And it was like a confirmation of their new dreams and good intentions when at the end of the ride their daughter got up first and stretched her young body.- The Metamorphosis, Ch. 3
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