cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New Approaches to Reducing and Mitigating Harm to Civilians

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan highlighted the strategic importance of the U.S. commitment to civilian protection. Both wars were eventually fought as a counterinsurgency (COIN) and both revealed how protecting civilians is a central feature of COIN. This chapter examines the importance of civilian casualty mitigation in U.S. counterinsurgency operations, it describes the theoretical and practical lessons learned regarding civilian casualties and situates them in a broader strategic context. The chapter also describes the U.S. military’s newest doctrinal publication aimed specifically at preventing and mitigating harm to civilians. The chapter concludes noting that protecting the population and winning hearts and minds are well known central planks in counterinsurgency theory. However, achieving these goals is oftentimes harder said than done, especially when the reality of modern operations is a transparent conflict environment in which enemy forces will seek to purposefully cause harm to civilians, and exploit such harm for their own ends. Based on America’s experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. military has created the world’s first manual directed at preventing and mitigating harm to civilians in combat. As the discussion in this chapter highlights, the manual is merely the first step in cataloging and sharing lessons learned. Effective civilian casualty mitigation in counterinsurgencies and other operations will require sustained efforts on the part of the military to act in a way that may exceed the baseline requirements of the law of armed conflict. Ample evidence -- ranging from restrictive rules of engagement to a consistent focus on “lessons learned” -- suggests the U.S. military is already exceeding the requirements of the law of armed conflict. Such actions may not placate critics of U.S. operations, but it may go a long way toward laying the foundation for success in counterinsurgency operations.
New issues and direction in the US inertial confinement fusion program

In pursuit of its goal of developing a laboratory microfusion capability for both defense and other applications, the US Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) Program has developed a set of laser and light ion research facilities which, with their supporting components, represent the most advanced set of high energy density physics research capabilities in the world. As an example, ICF implosions can produce plasmas with N/sub e//spl sim/10/sup 24/ cm/sup -3/ and T/sub e//spl sim/1.5 keV.
Abstract T MP16: Impact of Circadian Clock Disruption on Infarct Volume in an Ischemic Stroke Model

Background: At perimenopause, women show increasing incidence of ischemic stroke and poor prognosis for recovery, suggesting that declining ovarian steroid levels alter the risk for neurovascular disease. Peripheral circadian clocks throughout the body may provide integral links between cycling levels of estrogen and neuroprotective responses. Circadian rhythm disruption may be a key factor coupling risk factors (ie, diabetes, obesity) to cardiovascular pathologies. Thus, the present study used an ischemic stroke model to determine whether environmental disruption of circadian rhythms in young adult female rats modulates estrous cyclicity and induces corresponding increases stroke volume and functional deficits similar to that observed in middle-aged females. Methods: Adult (5 mo) female rats were exposed for 8wks to either a fixed or shifted (12hr advance/5d) LD 12:12 cycle and then subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). Pre and post sensorimotor testing was performed to assess functional deficits. Animals were terminated at 5d post MCAo. Brains processed for histological analysis of infarct volume. Before and after experimental manipulations, estrous cyclicity was assessed via vaginal smears in parallel groups of animals. Results: Circadian activity rhythms stably entrained to the fixed LD cycle but were severely disrupted in shifted LD rats. In contrast to the regular estrous cycles (~7d) in fixed LD animals, cyclicity was abolished and persistent estrous was evident in all shifted LD rats. Total infarct volume in shifted LD rats (0.47) was significantly increased (p<0.05) relative to that observed in fixed LD controls (0.27). Sensorimotor testing revealed a similar trend in which MCAo-induced functional deficits in shifted LD animals were greater than those in fixed LD rats. Conclusion: These results suggest that the loss of estrous cyclicity in young females due to circadian disruption exacerbates stroke outcomes, supporting the hypothesis that in females, middle-age may precipitate circadian disturbances that link reproductive aging to pathological changes in neuroprotective responses to injury. Supported by AHA 14GRNT18370013 to DE
Recurring Structural Chromosome Abnormalities in Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes of Patients With Mycosis Fungoides/Sézary Syndrome

Cytogenetic analysis was performed on peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures from 19 patients with mycosis fungoides (MF)/Sezary syndrome (SS) stimulated with either phytohemagglutinin, a conventional mitogen, or a combination of interleukin-2 (IL-2) plus IL-7. The use of both PHA-stimulated and IL-2 plus IL-7-stimulated cultures enhanced the ability to identify clonal abnormalities. Clonal abnormalities were observed in 11 patients (53%) including one with monosomy for the sex chromosome as the sole abnormality. Five of the 11 patients with clonal abnormalities had normal peripheral white blood cell counts, indicating detectability of clones in the absence of frankly leukemic disease. The presence of clonal abnormalities correlated with advanced stage disease and a significantly reduced survival duration from the time of cytogenetic studies. Clonal abnormalities involving chromosomes 1 and 8 were observed in six cases. In five cases with aberrations of chromosome 1, loss of material involved the region between 1p22 and 1p36. In an additional case, a reciprocal translocation involving 1p33 was observed. Clonal abnormalities involving chromosomes 10 and 17 were observed in 5 cases, clonal abnormalities involving chromosome 2 in 4 cases, and clonal abnormalities involving chromosomes 4, 5, 6, 9, 13, 15, 19, and 20 in 3 cases. In 2 cases a der(8)t(8;17)(p11;q11) was observed. Regions of the genome that encode T-cell receptors were not involved in abnormalities. The region between 1p22 and 1p36 is identified as a region of the genome that requires detailed analysis toward the identification of potential gene(s) involved in the process of malignant transformation and/or progression in MF/SS.
On-Line System simulation

The objectives and description of a simulation model in the evaluation of On-Line Systems are discussed. In addition, the design and implementation of the model is considered. Finally, simulation results obtained from the model are presented.
Estate Planning Malpractice: Is Strict Privity Here to Stay?

Under Maryland case law, a plaintiff in an estate planning malpractice action must be in strict privity with the attorney who drafted the will. To date, Maryland has not extended the third-party beneficiary exception to the estate planning arena.Legatees specifically identified in a will by name or class are generally precluded from bringing a cause of action against the attorney for the attorney's alleged negligence, because in Maryland in order to recover for legal malpractice, a plaintiff must:show: "(1) the attorney's employment; (2) his neglect of a reasonable duty; and (3) loss to the client proximately caused by that neglect of duty." See Noble v. Bruce, 349 Md. 730,739 (citing Flanherty v. Weinberg, 303 Md. 116,128 (1985); see also Bradley Fogel, Attorney v. Client - Privity, Malpractice, and the Lack of Respect for the Primacy of the Attorney-Client Relationship in Estate Planning, 68 Tenn. L. Rev. 261,267 (2001).Maryland is in the minority of states that still adhere to the strict privity rule in the context of estate planning. Most other jurisdictions have relaxed the privity barrier in order to allow a legitimately aggrieved beneficiary to have a means of recourse against an attorney who planned the distribution of the decedent's estate in a negligent manner. Other jurisdictions following strict privity, have carved out the third-party beneficiary exception in the estate-planning context-where the attorney's negligence was "facially demonstrated" on the will itself. See Hamilton v. Needham, 519 A.2d 172 (D.C. 1988).
Quasiperiodic scintillation and data interpretation: Nongeophysical GPS amplitude fluctuations due to intersatellite interference

[1] Spectrograms of high-rate Global Positioning System (GPS) power data at the L1 frequency (1.57542 GHz) commonly show patterns of fluctuation frequency with respect to time that resemble quasiperiodic scintillation observations. These fluctuation patterns have probably not been noted in the past because of the low sampling frequencies and coarse quantization of power measurements in most GPS receivers. We demonstrate that the source of these fluctuations is usually not edge-type diffraction from steep ionospheric gradients, as is often hypothesized for quasiperiodic scintillation, despite some features consistent with ionospheric generation. Instead, in most cases these spectrogram patterns derive from intersatellite signal interference between pairs of coarse/acquisition (C/A) codes broadcast on L1. As evidence of this mechanism, we show that most spectrogram features appear on pairs of satellite tracking channels and that the patterns can be reproduced using a multisatellite GPS simulator. We also model the spectrogram patterns, both with regard to the basic GPS C/A code correlation process and the differential Doppler shift conditions that cause the fluctuations. In this latter respect, the GPS quasiperiodic scintillation observations bear resemblance to a mechanism discussed by L. A. Hajkowicz for traditional satellite beacons. Despite the complex nature of the intersatellite interference phenomenon, we can model when the spectrogram patterns are expected to appear. Thus one can screen out these time-varying interference patterns to find potential occurrences of actual ionospheric edge diffraction in spectrograms. The intersatellite interference phenomenon is also of general interest to GPS radio engineering.
2‐Bromo‐2‐methylpropionyl Bromide

[20769-85-1] C4H6Br2O (MW 229.90) InChI = 1S/C4H6Br2O/c1-4(2,6)3(5)7/h1-2H3 InChIKey = YOCIJWAHRAJQFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N (useful reagent for the preparation of ketenes,1, 2 amides,3, 4 alkynic ketones,5 and macrocyclic amides6, 7) Physical Data: bp 162–164 °C; d 1.860 g cm−3. Solubility: sol polar aprotic and nonpolar solvents; reacts with protic solvents. Form Supplied in: colorless liquid, widely available. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: should be handled in a dry atmosphere. Hydrogen bromide is evolved upon exposure to water and protic solvents. A well-ventilated fume hood should be used when handling this compound. Adequate skin and eye protection should also be worn.
The cellular immunology of multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) resulting in debilitating motor and sensory dysfunction. Its mean age of onset is 30 years and, with the exception of trauma, MS remains the most frequent cause of neurologi- cal disabilities for young adults. The disease is highly variable in its onset and progression. It may not be easily diagnosed, at least in its earliest stages. Significant disability is a hallmark of MS. Indeed, up to 50% of patients require walking aids and 10% are wheelchair-bound at 15 years after an initial diagnosis. Clinical features include deficits in sensory (parasthesias and numbness), motor (diffi- culties with fine movements and gait), balance, bladder, and sexual functions. Although the etiol- ogy for MS is not yet known, it is thought to be related to microbial, genetic, and/or environmental factors. Pathologically, MS is characterized by inflammation. An influx of mononuclear cells oc- curs through a disrupted blood-brain barrier into an immune-privileged central nervous system. The secretion of a variety of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines from glial cells leads to loss of myelin, disruption of oligodendrocyte integrity, and axonal loss. These events, in large measure, affect progressive neural atrophy. How brain inflam- matory activities affect transendothelial migration of leukocytes into the brain and alter the process of myelination are the focal points for MS research activities. J. Leukoc. Biol. 65: 444-452; 1999.
Mutation screening of spastin, atlastin, and REEP1 in hereditary spastic paraplegia

Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) comprises a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous diseases that affect the upper motor neurons and their axonal projections. Over 40 chromosomal loci have been identified for autosomal dominant, recessive, and X-linked HSP. Mutations in the genes atlastin, spastin and REEP1 are estimated to account for up to 50% of autosomal-dominant HSP and currently guide the molecular diagnosis of HSP. Here, we report the mutation screening results of 120 HSP patients from North America for spastin, atlastin, and REEP1, with the latter one partially reported previously. We identified mutations in 36.7% of all tested HSP patients and describe 20 novel changes in spastin and atlastin. Our results add to a growing number of HSP disease-associated variants and confirm the high prevalence of atlastin, spastin, and REEP1 mutations in the HSP patient population.
Oxidative stress mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease-associated neurodegeneration in C. elegans.

Oxidative stress is thought to play a significant role in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Although it is currently considered a hallmark of such processes, the interweaving of a multitude of signaling cascades hinders complete understanding of the direct role of oxidative stress in neurodegeneration. In addition to its extensive use as an aging model, some researchers have turned to the invertebrate model Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) in order to further investigate molecular mediators that either exacerbate or protect against reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated neurodegeneration. Due to their fully characterized genome and short life cycle, rapid generation of C. elegans genetic models can be useful to study upstream markers of oxidative stress within interconnected signaling pathways. This report will focus on the roles of C. elegans homologs for the oxidative stress-associated transcription factor Nrf2, as well as the autosomal recessive, early-onset Parkinson’s disease (PD)-associated proteins Parkin, DJ-1, and PINK1, in neurodegenerative processes.
Traditional and Modern Methods of Learning and Teaching Music in Bulgaria

This ethnographic study of music education in the domain of Bulgarian traditional music examines the relationship between music, music education, and culture and makes some hypotheses about cognitive processes in music learning in aural tradition. It demonstrates how music education was embedded in larger cultural processes in the pre-communist and communist (1944-1989) periods and documents the continuities and discontinuities between traditional and modern methods of learning and teaching. Participant-observation of traditional methods provides the basis for hypotheses about the order in which musical concepts are acquired when they are learned but not taught.
The effect of dietary fermented milk products and lactic acid bacteria on the initiation and promotion stages of mammary carcinogenesis

The effects of spray-dried yogurt powder product (YPP), bifidobacteria, and Lactobacillus acidophilus were studied during the initiation and promotion phases of carcinogenesis using the 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced mouse mammary carcinogenesis model. In two separate studies, Sencar mice were fed a diet consisting of 86%, 43%, or 0% YPP or 0% YPP, but with added cultures of bifidobacteria or L. acidophilus. When the animals were 55-63 days old, DMBA was administered by intragastric gavage at 1 mg/mouse and continued once a week for six weeks. During the initiation study, the test diets were fed for four weeks before and during DMBA administration. One week after the final DMBA treatment, all animals were switched to a basal diet based on the AIN-76 formulation. For the promotion study, the diets were introduced one week after the final dose of DMBA and fed for the remainder of the study. Palpable tumor development was monitored weekly throughout the studies. For the initiation study, mice fed 86%, 43%, or 0% YPP or 0% YPP supplemented with bifidobacteria or L. acidophilus had a histologically verified mammary tumor incidence of 15%, 35%, 19%, 30%, and 20%, respectively. The histologically verified tumor incidence for the promotion study was 48%, 58%, 36%, 59%, and 43% in the mice fed diets consisting of 86%, 43%, or 0% YPP or 0% YPP supplemented with bifidobacteria or L. acidophilus, respectively. The data indicate that neither the initiation nor the promotion phase of carcinogenesis is significantly affected by diets composed of 86% YPP, 43% YPP, 0% YPP, or 0% YPP supplemented with bifidobacteria or L. acidophilus.
Trispyrazolylborate ligands as ancillary ligands in the development of single-site metal alkoxide catalysts for ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters

Abstract The development of a new class of single-site metal alkoxide catalysts employing trispyrazolyl ligands is described where the metal ions are Mg(2+), Zn(2+) and Ca(2+). A particularly promising ligand for the kinetically labile Ca(2+) ion is tris[3(-2-methoxy-1,1-dimethylpyrazolyl)] hydroborate, Tp C∗ . This ligand is capable of being extremely flexible in its coordination modes and its coordination with various group 1 and 2 metal ions is described. The complexes Tp C∗ MI exist as salts [Tp C∗ M] + I − , where M = Mg and Ca, but Tp C∗ ZnI contains a four coordinate Zn(2+) center. The complexes Tp C ∗CaN(SiMe 3 ) 2 and Tp C∗ CaOC 6 H 4 -p-Me contain 5 and 7 coordinate Ca(2+) ions and serve as initiators for the ring-opening polymerization of lactide and e-caprolactone. The compounds [Tp C∗ M] + [Tp C∗ ] − , where M = Mg and Ca, exist as salts in the solid-state and in solution show exchange between coordinated and free Tp C∗ ligands as determined by NMR spectroscopy.
Lattice Vertex Superalgebras, I: Presentation of the Principal Subalgebra

This is the first in a series of papers in which we study the structure of certain distinguished subspaces of lattice vertex operator superalgebras and their modules, modeled on Feigin-Stoyanovsky principal subspaces [18]. In this part we completely describe their structure in the (super)commutative case.
Advances in electromagnetic brain imaging

Non-invasive and dynamic imaging of brain activity in the sub-millisecond time-scale is enabled by measurements on or near the scalp surface using an array of sensors that measure magnetic fields (magnetoencephalography (MEG)) or electric potentials (electroencephalography (EEG)). Algorithmic reconstruction of brain activity from MEG and EEG data is referred to as electromagnetic brain imaging (EBI). Reconstructing the actual brain response to external events and distinguishing unrelated brain activity has been a challenge for many existing algorithms in this field. Furthermore, even under conditions where there is very little interference, accurately determining the spatial locations and timing of brain sources from MEG and EEG data is challenging problem because it involves solving for unknown brain activity across thousands of voxels from just a few sensors (~300). In recent years, my research group has developed a suite of novel and powerful algorithms for EBI that we have shown to be considerably superior to existing benchmark algorithms. Specifically, these algorithms can solve for many brain sources, including sources located far from the sensors, in the presence of large interference from unrelated brain sources. Our algorithms efficiently model interference contributions to sensors, accurately estimate sparse brain source activity using fast and robust probabilistic inference techniques. Here, we review some of these algorithms and illustrate their performance in simulations and real MEG/EEG data.
Corporate risk tolerance and capital allocation: a practical approach to implementing an exploration risk policy

Petroleum exploration companies are confronted regularly with the issue of allocating scarce capital among a set of available exploration projects, which are generally characterized by a high degree of financial risk and uncertainty. Commonly used methods for evaluating alternative investments consider the amount and timing of the monetary flows associated with a project and ignore the firm`s ability or willingness to assume the business risk of the project. The preference-theory approach combines the traditional means of project valuation, net present value (NPV) analysis, with a decision-science-based approach to risk management. This integrated model provides a means for exploration firms to measure and to manage the financial risks associated with petroleum exploration, consistent with the firm`s desired risk policy.
Analysis of homogeneous populations of anterior pituitary folliculostellate cells by laser capture microdissection and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

Pituitary folliculostellate (FS) cells are usually located between the secretory cells in the anterior pituitary, and they produce many peptides that exert a paracrine effect on hormone-producing pituitary cells. Previous approaches have been unsuccessful in obtaining homogeneous populations of FS cells. We used a combination of immunostaining with S100 protein followed by laser capture microdissection (Immuno-LCM) to obtain purified populations of rat FS cells. These cells were analyzed along with a mouse FS cell line (TtT/GF) by RT-PCR for gene expression. RT-PCR analyses showed that both FS cell populations expressed the mRNAs for glial fibrillary acidic protein, S100 protein, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1), TGFβ receptor, interleukin-6, leptin, leptin receptor, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), and PACAP receptors. Both FS cell populations were negative for PRL, GH, and POMC, supporting the homogeneity of the rat FS cell population. TGFβ1, but not PACAP-38, treatment s...
The effects of the NMR shift-reagents Dy(PPP)2, Dy(TTHA) and Tm(DOTP) on developed pressure in isolated perfused rat hearts. The role of shift-reagent calcium complexes.

Abstract The23Na NMR shift-reagent complexes (Dy(PPP)2, Dy(TTHA), and Tm(DOTP)) bind stoichiometric amounts of Ca2+. Thus, in perfused rat heart systems, a supplementation of Ca2+is required to maintain the requisite extracellular free calcium concentration ([Cao]f) and to approximate a physiological level of contractile function. The amount of reagent-bound Ca2+in a heart perfusate that contains a shift-reagent depends on: (1) Ca2+binding by excess ligand used during the preparation of the shift-reagent; and (2) the Ca2+binding affinity of the shift-reagent. To address point 1), we introduced a1H and31P NMR spectroscopic titration method to quantify directly the concentration of the excess ligand. We also used this method to minimize the amount of excess ligand (L) and thus the amount of Ca·L complex. To address point (2), we determined the stepwise Kd(μ m ) values of the Ca complexes of the three shift-reagents·: Dy(PPP)2, Kd1=0.09, Kd2=7.9; Dy(TTHA),Kd1 =10.66, Kd2=10.12; and Tm(DOTP), Kd1=0.502,Kd2 =4.98. The Kdvalues of the Ca complexes of the phosphonate and triphosphate based shift-reagents, Tm(DOTP) and Dy(PPP)2, respectively, are lower than those of the polyaminocarboxylate-based Dy(TTHA), indicating stronger Ca binding affinities for the former two types of complexes. We have also shown a positive correlation between [Cao]fand left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) in perfused rat hearts. Dy(TTHA) has shown no effect on LVDP v[Cao]f. The LVDP values in the presence of the phosphonate and triphosphate based shift-reagents, however, were significantly higher than expected from the [Cao]flevels alone. Thus a positive inotropic effect, independent of [Cao]f, is evident in the presence of Tm(DOTP) or Dy(PPP)2.
Cryogenic photoemissive electron source

A compact, low‐energy electron source for use at cryogenic temperatures is described. The device uses quartz optical fibers and a discharge lamp to excite photoelectrons from a cold zinc emitter. Picoampere currents are obtained with low heating. The source has been used in studies of surface‐state electrons on liquid helium.
Arylketones and thiomorpholides in the synthesis of 8-substituted-xanthines.

The preparation of 8-aralkyl-theophyllines and related xanthines by reaction of 1,3- dimethyl- 5,6-diaminouracil with appropriate carboxylic acids has been reported This Journal, 43, 152(1954). The extension of this work to include 8-aralkyl- tfaeophyllines substituted in the aralkyl group involved the use of substituted phenylacetic acids, some of which were obtained from arylketones by way of thiomorpholides using the Willgerodt reaction. Both the arylketones and the thiomorpholide intermediates in the Willgerodt reaction have been found to react with l,3-dimethyl-5,6-diaminouracil under the proper conditions to produce the
Different open‐canopy vegetation types affect matrix permeability for a dispersing forest amphibian

Summary Population viability often depends on conserving functional connectivity in fragmented landscapes. For pool-breeding amphibians, population connectivity is largely maintained through juvenile dispersal, often through various vegetation types that may differ as filters or conduits to movement. We quantified the relative permeability of different types of open-canopy vegetation to juvenile wood frogs Lithobates sylvaticus to determine whether this influences functional connectivity during dispersal. We conducted experimental releases of juveniles (n = 561) in ten runways representing five treatments: hayfield, moderate-cover lawn (45–85% cover), open lawn (0% cover), row crop (forage-corn) and recent clear-cut. Runways consisted of 35 × 2·5 m enclosures, located perpendicular to a forest edge and extending into treatment areas with tracking stations at 10, 20 and 30 m. As indices of permeability, we measured the number of animals traversing each station, the proportion changing direction, movement timing and movement rates. Based on an index that compounds four metrics and scales them relative to mature forest as a control, permeability varied between open-canopy cover types in the following order: row crop < hayfield < clear-cut < open lawn < moderate-cover lawn. The highest proportions of individuals changed direction (towards forest) in the hayfield, moderate-cover lawn and clear-cut, suggesting that juveniles may make forays into the open and subsequently assess habitat. Nonetheless, individuals could eventually transit entire runways, indicated by overall recaptures at 30 m (e.g. hayfield, 29%; moderate-cover lawn, 24%; and clear-cut, 20%) at the end of our six-week experiment. Synthesis and applications. We provide quantitative evidence that open-canopy cover types may act as differential ecological filters to ranging movements, and ultimately dispersal. Differences in the willingness of animals to enter treatments, coupled with motility and residency times, support the differing roles of open-canopy vegetation as both filters and conduits to movement. Thus, it may be overly simplistic to estimate matrix permeability as uniformly low in models that predict movement in fragmented landscapes. To promote functional connectivity, modification of vegetation composition and configuration may provide an underutilized tool for conservation practitioners to reduce the effective isolation of habitat patches for post-metamorphic amphibians.
Investigando os riscos ambientais das sementes transgênicas

A legitimacao de politicas publicas que apoiam o cultivo de lavouras transgenicas em larga escala pressupoe, entre outras condicoes, (1) que os dados empiricos garantem nao haver riscos ambientais nao-administraveis e, (2) a nao-existencia de modos melhores de produzir alimentos sem a utilizacao de tecnicas transgenicas. O artigo discute: (a) Os tipos de investigacao cientifica necessarios para um exame adequado da condicao (1), (b) como as investigacoes sobre (1) e (2) se relacionam entre si, e (c) como tais investigacoes se relacionam com valores sociais controvertidos.
Fixed Points and Fermat: A Dynamical Systems Approach to Number Theory

(2000). Fixed Points and Fermat: A Dynamical Systems Approach to Number Theory. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 107, No. 5, pp. 422-428.
Teaching in the Tropics: A Guide for the Displaced Northerner

Every year it happens. As the chill wind of winter fills the air in the teachers' lounge, conversation turns to talk of tropical adventure, warm weather, and, perhaps, leaving the North behind for a professional and personal escape to an ocean island. For most, the fantasy of teaching on a remote island paradise is no more than a passing fancy. Others, those with an adventurous spirit, the will, and the cooperation of their school district, might find a year or two in the tropics on a temporary teaching assignment to be an idyllic situation. This is not to say that teaching is necessarily easy on a tropical island. Consider that the dropout rate in these districts may be as high as 50 percent and that the student reading level may be deplorable. For example, approximately 65 percent of my eighth-grade students on Guam were reading below grade level as measured by the Stanford Diagnostic Reading Test. Educational problems in the tropics are real, serious, and not dissimilar to problems at stateside schools. But oh, that weather! So if a change in scenery is what you need, then a move to the tropics can be inviting, challenging, and adventurous. To plan for a smooth transition, consider the following timely advice.
Science Signaling Podcast: 14 February 2012

This Podcast features a conversation with authors of a Research Article published in the 7 February 2012 issue of Science Signaling . Marc Peters-Golden discusses his group’s finding that infection of alveolar macrophages with the fungus Candida albicans triggered the production of the lipid mediator prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ), prevented polymerization of the actin cytoskeleton, and inhibited phagocytosis of the pathogen by the macrophages. Dephosphorylation and activation of the actin depolymerizing factor cofilin-1 was necessary for these inhibitory effects of PGE 2 and was mediated by the protein phosphatase activity of PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10). Immunosuppression is associated with increased production of PGE 2 , which may help to explain how antifungal responses are attenuated in immunocompromised individuals.
Mexico and its Diaspora in the United States. Policies Of Emigration Since 1848

Alexandra Delano, MEXICO AND ITS DIASPORA IN THE UNITED STATES. POLICIES OF EMIGRATION SINCE 1848, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2011, 304 pp., £55.00 (hard) Scholars of international migr...
Bacteremias associated with routine hemorrhoidectomies

TRANSIENT low-grade postoperative fever is observed frequently in otherwise healthy patients undergoing elective hemorrhoidectomy. Transient bacteremia sinlilar to that observed following oral, dental and urologic procedures, and recently reported following proctoscopy, was considered a possible cause of fever in posthemorrhoidectomy patients. T o investigate the possibility of bacteremia after hemorrhoidectomy, serial blood cultures and operative wound cultures were obtained in cases of patients undergoing routine, uncomplicated hemorrhoidectolny.
Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction and Gas Chromatography−Olfactometry Dilution Analysis of Young and Aged Chinese “Yanghe Daqu” Liquors

The aroma compounds of young and aged Chinese “Yanghe Daqu” liquor samples were extracted by solid phase microextraction (SPME) and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC)−olfactometry dilution analysis. The original liquor samples were diluted with deionized water to give a final alcohol content of 14% (v/v). The samples were stepwise diluted (1:1) with 14% (by volume) ethanol−water solution and then extracted by headspace SPME. The samples were preequilibrated at 50 °C for 15 min and extracted with stirring at the same temperature for 30 min prior to injection into GC. The aroma compounds were identified by both GC-MS and GC−olfactometry using DB-Wax and DB-5 columns. The results suggested that esters were the major contributors to Yanghe Daqu liquor aroma. Ethyl hexanoate, ethyl butanoate, and ethyl pentanoate had very high flavor dilution values in both young and aged liquors (FD > 8192). Methyl hexanoate, ethyl heptanoate, ethyl benzoate, and butyl hexanoate could also be very important because of their ...
Specific Tryptophan Substitution in Catalytic Sites of Escherichia coli F1-ATPase Allows Differentiation between Bound Substrate ATP and Product ADP in Steady-state Catalysis

Abstract Tryptophan was specifically inserted as the residue immediately preceding the P-loop sequence in F1-ATPase catalytic sites. The mutant enzyme (βF148W) showed normal enzymatic characteristics. The fluorescence responses of β-tryptophan 148 enabled us to differentiate between nucleoside di- and triphosphate bound in catalytic sites; MgADP quenched at 350 nm, whereas MgAMPPNP and MgADP·BeFx complex enhanced the fluorescence at 325 nm. With MgATP, both effects were seen simultaneously. This allowed analysis of bound catalytic site nucleotides directly under steady-state MgATP hydrolysis conditions. At mM concentration of MgATP (Vmax conditions) one of the three catalytic sites was filled with substrate MgATP and the other two sites were filled with product MgADP. A model for F1-ATPase steady-state turnover is presented that encompasses these findings. Given the structural similarity of the P-loop in nucleotide-binding proteins, this approach may prove widely useful.
Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 Can Mediate Cell Attachment by Linking Receptors and Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans on Neighboring Cells

Abstract The myeloid 32D cell line, which grows in suspension and does not express FGF receptors or heparan sulfate proteoglycans, was transfected with the cDNA encoding FGF receptor-1 (32D-flg cells). When co-cultured with glutaraldehyde-fixed Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, the 32D-flg cells remained in suspension in the absence of FGF-2 but attached to the CHO monolayer in the presence of 10 ng/ml FGF-2. In contrast, 32D cells transfected with the vector alone did not attach to the CHO monolayer in the presence of FGF-2. FGF-2-dependent attachment of 32D-flg cells was prevented by inclusion of 10 μg/ml heparin in the incubation medium and was diminished when CHO mutants in glycosaminoglycan synthesis or wild-type CHO cells treated with heparinase were used, indicating that the attachment occurred through FGF-2 interactions with heparan sulfates on the CHO cells. Attachment of 32D-flg cells to wild-type CHO cells was half-maximal at 0.4 ng/ml FGF-2 and was also observed with FGF-1 but not FGF-4. 32D-flg cells also attached to living CHO cells in a FGF-2-dependent manner, but attachment was transient at 37°C. Induction of new proteins was not required for FGF-2-dependent attachment, since attachment occurred when the co-cultures were incubated at 4°C and when the 32D-flg cells were preincubated with cycloheximide. FGF-2-dependent attachment of 32D-flg cells was also observed with Balb/C 3T3, NIH 3T3, and bovine capillary endothelial cells. We conclude that attachment is due to FGF-2 binding simultaneously to receptors on the 32D-flg cells and heparan sulfates on the CHO monolayers; thus, the FGF-2 acts as a bridge between receptorexpressing cells and heparan sulfate-bearing cells. In addition, induction of DNA synthesis in 32D-flg cells in response to FGF-2 was potentiated by the CHO-associated heparan sulfates to the same extent as by soluble heparin, indicating that this interaction has functional significance.
Human papillomavirus in metastatic squamous carcinoma from unknown primaries in the head and neck: a retrospective 7 year study.

Abstract Goal : Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is found to be increasingly implicated in head and neck cancers. The objective of this study was to determine the primary site of origin of HPV positive squamous carcinomas metastatic to lymph nodes of the neck. Methods : Surgical pathology records from January 1, 2000 to July 31, 2007 were used to identify surgically removed neck lymph nodes with the diagnosis of metastatic squamous carcinoma. Specimens in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded blocks were examined for HPV (+) by analyzing sequencing data generated by PCR and immunostaining for the expression of the p16INK biomarker, which is overexpressed if Rb is not present. H & E stained slides were also reviewed for histological classification. The available retrospective demographics were extracted from the charts to determine trends of confounding factors. Results : Of the 43 patient samples, 41 contained adequate DNA to test for HPV. The mean age of the 41 patients was 62 years. All of the patients smoked and 39/41 patients consumed alcohol. The overall HPV (+) incident rate was 27% (11/41) by PCR with strongly diffuse or strong focal p16 staining. 9 of the 34 males and 2 of the 7 females had HPV (+) carcinomas. The average age of the 2 HPV (+) females was 44, compared to the HPV (−) females who averaged 70. The average age of the HPV (+) males was 56 compared with the average age 55 of the HPV (−) males. HPV (+) carcinomas appeared to arise from multiple sites in the oropharynx, particularly the tonsils and tongues, including unknown primaries. By histological exam, most metastatic HPV(+) squamous carcinomas were poorly differentiated (basaloid) microscopically and grossly cystic. Conclusion : The 27% HPV (+) squamous cancers metastatic to neck lymph node originated from multiple sites in the oropharynx. The HPV (+) female population, although a total of only 2, tended to be much younger than the HPV (−) ones, whereas the HPV (+) male population was similar in age to the HPV (−) male population.
Preparation of site-specifically labeled fluorinated proteins for 19F-NMR structural characterization

A straightforward protocol for the site-specific incorporation of a 19F label into any protein in vivo is described. This is done using a plasmid containing an orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase/tRNA(CUA) that incorporates L-4-trifluoromethylphenylalanine in response to the amber codon UAG. This method improves on other in vivo methods because the 19F label is incorporated into only one location on the protein of interest and that protein can easily be produced in large quantities at low cost. The protocol for producing 19F-labeled protein is similar to expressing protein in Escherichia coli and takes 4 d to obtain pure protein starting from the appropriate vectors.
Pituitary Tumors and Transsphenoidal Surgery

ituitary adenomas are among the most common brain tumors, with an stimated prevalence of 16% on autopsy studies. The patient advocacy rganization, Pituitary Network, recently conducted a “1 in 5” campaign, o increase public awareness of this common entity. While many patients arbor these adenomas, the lesions are nearly always benign and often symptomatic. Pituitary adenomas are classified according to size, with hose less than 10 mm considered microadenomas and those reaching 10 m or greater in size considered macroadenomas. The vast majority of atients with macroadenomas will have headaches. The most common resenting symptom for large tumors is visual field loss, because of levation and compression of the optic nerve(s) and chiasm from the umor as it grows upward from the sella turcica. Diplopia may occur, ecause of cavernous sinus invasion, with compression or encasement of ranial nerves III, IV, and VI. Pituitary tumors are divided physiologically nto secretory and nonsecretory tumors. The most common secretory umors are prolactinomas, followed by growth hormone-secreting tumors acromegaly) and adrenocorticotropin-producing tumors (Cushing’s synrome). Other hormonally active tumors, including gonadotropin—and hyroid-stimulating hormone-producing tumors, are less common.
Interference Phenomena in the EXAFS Spectra of Pt−Sn Bimetallic Catalysts

A detailed structural analysis of a bimetallic Pt−Sn/SiO2 catalyst has been obtained. The uncorrected Fourier transform (FT) of the EXAFS spectrum of the reduced sample shows a short-distance peak at 2.15 A and a second peak at 2.75 A. XANES studies eliminate the possibility of the existence of oxidized species and/or Pt species coordinated to Cl that could be responsible for the short-distance peak. A theoretical analysis of the structure of Pt clusters and Pt−Sn alloys has been conducted. When the EXAFS functions of pure Pt and PtSn alloy were combined, the resulting FT exhibited two main peaks at 2.18 and 2.78 A, in good correspondence with the experimental FT. Using theoretical references, it has been demonstrated that this short-distance peak arises from an interference phenomenon in the EXAFS spectra, resulting from the coexistence of pure Pt clusters and PtSn alloy. The presence of this peak is not only a fingerprint for Pt−Sn interaction but also evidence for the existence of unalloyed Pt. Adding ...
Preliminary crystallographic study of glutathione S-transferase fused with the nuclear matrix targeting signal of the transcription factor AML-1/CBF-alpha2.

Abstract A glutathione S -transferase fused with the nuclear matrix targeting signal (GST–NMTS) of AML-1/CBF-α2 has been crystallized by the vapor diffusion method using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the precipitant. The NMTS is a 31-amino-acid signal peptide that can target the AML-1/CBF-α2 protein to the nuclear matrix. The crystal belongs to tetragonal space group P 4 3 2 1 2 with unit cell dimensions a = b = 93.4 A, c = 57.6 A. There is one GST-fusion protein per asymmetric unit. Crystals diffracted to at least 2.7 A and are appropriate for structure determination.
The Policy Communication Index: a theoretically-based measure of organizational policy communication practices

Despite recent scholarly contributions regarding policy communication, much remains to be known about policy communication processes. This article reports two studies that resulted in a survey inst...
Effects of acclimation temperature on brown adipose tissue in the red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus).

Abstract 1. 1. The effects of temperature on three fat pads in the red squirrel, Tamiasciurus hudsonicus in captivity were studied. 2. 2. Acclimation temperatures of 10, 5 and −10°C resulted in a decrease in total fat pad weight when compared to a normal ambient temperature of 24°C. 3. 3. The interscapular fat body exhibited the largest change in weight. 4. 4. Concomitant with the decrease in weight in the interscapular fat body, the predominant cell type changed from unilocular to a multilocular type. 5. 5. The existence of the multilocular cell type in all three fat pads established the existance of brown adipose tissue in this species.
Regeneration of transgenic peanut plants from stably transformed embryogenic callus

Abstract Embryogenic tissue cultures of Arachis hypogaea L. (peanut or groundnut), have been transformed via microprojectile bombardment. We introduced a gene ( hph ) conferring resistance to the antibiotic hygromycin under the control of the CaMV 35S promoter. Selection for resistant callus was initiated 4–5 weeks post-bombardment on medium containing 10–20 mg/l hygromycin. Twelve percent of the bombardments resulted in recovery of a transgenic cell line. An average of two transgenic embryogenic cell lines was isolated per bombardment experiment over 4–6 months of continuous selection. Each bombardment experiment consisted of 11–19 plates, and each plate contained approximately fourteen 25 mm 2 embryogenic callus pieces. Thus, nearly 1% of the bombarded callus pieces produced a stably transformed cell line. Over 100 plants have been regenerated collectively from all of the transformed cell lines. The presence and integration of foreign DNA in hygromycin-resistant callus lines and regenerated plants has been confirmed by polymerase chain reaction amplification of a defined portion of the chimeric gene and by Southern hybridization analysis. Hygromycin resistance was expressed in leaflets from transformed plants which remained green when cultured on basal medium containing hygromycin. Leaflets from control, non-transformed plants turned brown within 3 weeks on the hygromycin-containing medium.
In vitro degradation and release characteristics of spin coated thin films of PLGA with a “breath figure” morphology

Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) coatings on implant materials are widely used in controlled drug delivery applications. Typically, such coatings are made with non-porous films. Here, we have synthesized a thin PLGA film coating with a highly ordered microporous structure using a simple and inexpensive water templating “breath figure” technique. A single stage process combining spin coating and breath figure process was used to obtain drug incorporated porous thin films. The films were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) to observe the surface and bulk features of porosity and also, degradation pattern of the films. Moreover, the effect of addition of small amount of poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) into PLGA was characterized. SEM analysis revealed an ordered array of ~2 µm sized pores on the surface with the average film thickness measured to be 20 µm. The incorporation of hydrophilic poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) enhances pore structure uniformity and facilitates ingress of water into t...
Enzyme mechanisms for sterol C-methylations.

The mechanisms by which sterol methyl transferases (SMT) transform olefins into structurally different C-methylated products are complex, prompting over 50 years of intense research. Recent enzymological studies, together with the latest discoveries in the fossil record, functional analyses and gene cloning, establish new insights into the enzymatic mechanisms of sterol C-methylation and form a basis for understanding regulation and evolution of the sterol pathway. These studies suggest that SMTs, originated shortly after life appeared on planet earth. SMTs, including those which ultimately give rise to 24α- and 24β-alkyl sterols, align the si(β)-face π-electrons of the Δ24-double bond with the S-methyl group of AdoMet relative to a set of deprotonation bases in the active site. From the orientation of the conformationally flexible side chain in the SMT Michaelis complex, it has been found that either a single product is formed or cationic intermediates are partitioned into multiple olefins. The product structure and stereochemistry of SMT action is phylogenetically distinct and physiologically significant. SMTs control phytosterol homeostasis and their activity is subject to feedback regulation by specific sterol inserts in the membrane. A unified conceptual framework has been formulated in the steric-electric plug model that posits SMT substrate acceptability on the generation of single or double 24-alkylated side chains, which is the basis for binding order, stereospecificity and product diversity in this class of AdoMet-dependent methyl transferase enzymes. The focus of this review is the mechanism of the C-methylation process which, as discussed, can be altered by point mutations in the enzyme to direct the shape of sterol structure to optimize function.
Developmental change of mu opioid receptors in neonatal guinea pig brain stem

Abstract Opioid receptor binding of morphine-6-β- d -glucuronide (M6G), morphine and [3H][D-Ala2, N-methylPhe4-Glyol5] enkephalin (DAMGO) were determined in neonatal guinea pigs. Pontomedullary membranes specifically bound [3H]DAMGO, which was displaced by M6G and morphine. The KI for M6G and morphine were 15.1 nM and 5.0 nM, respectively, and did not change between day 3 and day 7 after birth. KD for [3H]DAMGO binding was constant (1.1nM), however Bmax increased from 62.2 to 88.3 fmol/mg protein between days 3 and 7 (P