cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Ambidextrous Pictet–Spengler Reaction: Access to the (+)- or (–)-Enantiomers of the Bioactive C-19 Methyl-Substituted Sarpagine/Macroline/Ajmaline Alkaloids from Either d- or l-Tryptophan

Depicted in the following is the proof of concept, which is important to illustrate the full potential of the ambidextrous Pictet–Spengler (P-S) reaction. Previously, both d -tryptophan and l -tryptophan were employed to synthesize the key intermediates toward the natural enantiomers of C-19 methyl-substituted alkaloids. Now the enantiomeric series of the same key intermediates could also be synthesized from both d - or l -tryptophan in high yield and optical purity via this P-S/Dieckmann protocol. One can make either the natural or the unnatural alkaloids from either of the chiral starting amino acid esters, stereo- and enantiospecifically for biological screening.
Re-membering Our Body of Work

This article is adapted from a luncheon address presented to the Society for Pastoral Theology Annual Study Conference in Atlanta, GA. It explores the significance of corporate rituals and the maki...
Cars and Contemporary Communications| Stabilizing/Destabilizing the Driverless City: Speculative Futures and Autonomous Vehicles

This article extends theories about sociotechnical imaginaries by analyzing the case of autonomous vehicles (AVs), which suggest a future when humans may no longer need to drive. Drawing on Jasanoff’s notion of sociotechnical imaginaries, this article analyzes the ways that this techno-determinist future is created through the claims and actions of corporate and government actors, stabilized in physical spaces at engineering test beds and on urban streets, embedded in popular culture through automotive manufacturers’ advertisements, and extended globally as part of the push toward smart cities. However, rather than engaging in merely descriptive or normative discussions of AVs, this project focuses on speculative and generative interventions. Based on a one-year, multidisciplinary project on The Driverless City, this article argues that speculative design interventions offer ways of resisting, disrupting, and destabilizing the normative visions of linear technological progress toward an inevitable autonomous future. This article builds on the growing interest in the field of communications in experimental methodologies for studying the social aspects of emerging technologies.
Supporting pathways to prosperity in forest landscapes – A PRIME framework

Abstract We develop a framework to conceptualize the multiple ways forests contribute to poverty reduction and inform development interventions in forest landscapes. We identify five key strategies for reducing poverty in forest landscapes: a) improvements in productivity (P) of forest land and labor; b) governance reform to strengthen community, household and women’s rights (R) over forests and land; c) investments (I) in institutions, infrastructure and public services that facilitate forest-based entrepreneurship; d) increased access to markets (M) for timber or non-timber forest products; and e) mechanisms that enhance and enable the flow of benefits from forest ecosystem services (E) to the poor. We test the utility of the framework through a review of the forestry portfolio of the World Bank Group, the largest public investor in forestry. Many of these projects include several, but not all, PRIME components. We devote particular attention to forest-related investments in two contrasting countries, Vietnam and Mexico, to examine synergies among the pathways. Results suggest that each strategy in the PRIME framework may play an important role in alleviating poverty, but pronounced impacts may require multiple pathways to be jointly pursued. The PRIME framework can guide research to address knowledge gaps on pathways to prosperity in forest landscapes, serve as an easily remembered checklist for managers, and nudge forest program designers in government and development organizations, who are interested in poverty reduction, to focus on the importance of both a comprehensive framework and synergies across different pathways.
2932 Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: 5 Step Approach for Uteri Larger than 500 Grams

Video Objective To demonstrate a five step approach facilitating successful completion of Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH) in patients with uteri larger than 500 grams. Setting Tertiary health care facility. Two consecutive patients underwent TLH for fibroid uterus, abnormal uterine bleeding and pelvic pain. Interventions Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy, Bilateral Salpingectomy (BS) and Cystourethroscopy. Two consecutive patients with large uteri who failed medical management and desired definitive surgical management were selected. Both patients diagnosed with multiple uterine leiomyomas and underwent pre-operative endometrial biopsy and magnetic resonance imaging to minimize risk of occult malignancy. Patient one had a uterus measuring 22 × 15 × 12 cm and patient two had a uterus measuring 20 × 16 × 13 cm. They both had history of multiple prior abdominal surgeries. The mean total operative time was 78 minutes and EBL was 50 ml in both cases. They were discharged on postoperative day one and had no complications. Conclusion TLH is a feasible option for women with a uterus larger than 500 grams. Despite the uterine size and multiple prior abdominal surgeries, a systematic approach to performing TLH allows safe completion of surgery with relatively short surgical time and minimal blood loss while affording the recognized benefits of minimally invasive surgery.
Online Calibration of a Joint Model of Item Responses and Response Times in Computerized Adaptive Testing

With the widespread use of computers in modern assessment, online calibration has become increasingly popular as a way of replenishing an item pool. The present study discusses online calibration s...
As Close as It Might Get to the Real Lab Experience Live-Streamed Laboratory Activities

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, most universities and colleges have moved all instruction temporarily online, including the instruction of chemistry laboratory courses. Teaching laboratory courses online while keeping students engaged is challenging and often leads to presenting prerecorded lab demonstrations, lab animations, or virtual laboratories. To provide the best possible laboratory experience for students who cannot physically be present in the lab, we decided to offer synchronous-online, live-streamed, real-time demonstrations of the scheduled laboratory experiments. A laboratory instruction team of course instructor, teaching assistant, and cameraperson was utilized to create a most realistic and engaging laboratory experience. During the live-streaming of the laboratory experimentation, students were repeatedly sent to electronic breakout sessions to engage in small-group discussions and resolve tasks such as predicting the outcomes of experiments or calculate numerical data such as molar masses and concentrations for the chemicals used. Examples are presented how live-streaming of laboratory activities can be accomplished, and best-practice guidelines are discussed for the implementation of successful synchronous-online lab instruction.
The inquisitor and the Virgin: a study in personality and circumstance

Juan de Manozca was the grand inquisitor of the American Inquisition. More than seventy years old when he died on 12 December 1650, he had spent forty years in service to the Holy Office, almost al...
Covering systems with odd moduli

The concept of a covering system was first introduced by Erdős in 1950. Since their introduction, a lot of the research regarding covering systems has focused on the existence of covering systems with certain restrictions on the moduli. Arguably, the most famous open question regarding covering systems is the odd covering problem. In this paper, we explore a variation of the odd covering problem, allowing a single odd prime to appear as a modulus in the covering more than once, while all other moduli are distinct, odd, and greater than $1$. We also consider this variation while further requiring the moduli of the covering system to be square-free.
HyDREA: Towards More Robust and Efficient Machine Learning Systems with Hyperdimensional Computing

Today's systems, especially in the age of federated learning, rely on sending all the data to the cloud, and then use complex algorithms, such as Deep Neural Networks, which require billions of parameters and many hours to train a model. In contrast, the human brain can do much of this learning effortlessly. Hyperdimensional (HD) Computing aims to mimic the behavior of the human brain by utilizing high dimensional representations. This leads to various desirable properties that other Machine Learning (ML) algorithms lack such as: robustness to noise in the system and simple, highly parallel operations. In this paper, we propose HyDREA, a HD computing system that is Robust, Efficient, and Accurate. To evaluate the feasibility of HyDREA in a federated learning environment with wireless communication noise, we utilize NS-3, a popular network simulator that models a real world environment with wireless communication noise. We found that HyDREA is 48× more robust to noise than other comparable ML algorithms. We additionally propose a Processing-in-Memory (PIM) architecture that adaptively changes the bitwidth of the model based on the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the incoming sample to maintain the robustness of the HD model while achieving high accuracy and energy efficiency. Our results indicate that our proposed system loses less than 1% classification accuracy, even in scenarios with an SNR of 6.64. Our PIM architecture is also able to achieve 255× better energy efficiency and speed up execution time by 28× compared to the baseline PIM architecture.
Complications Associated with PROPEL Mometasone Furoate Bioabsorbable Drug-eluting Sinus Stents From 2012 to 2020:

BackgroundTill date, there have been no studies that have analyzed a database to examine postmarket adverse events associated with PROPEL mometasone furoate bioabsorbable drug-eluting sinus stents....
Application 2: The Nielsens

Almost everyone watches television and, as a result, has some awareness of the fact that what is available to watch is determined by the Nielsen ratings. A show that does poorly in the Nielsens is not going to be on a major network very long (why?). The attached article shows the final Nielsen ratings for a week in March 1995. Read the explanation in this article before reading the discussion below.
Finding Freedom Abroad: Working with Conservative Christian Students in Study Abroad Programs

Conservative (fundamentalist, evangelical) Christian students present a general theological worldview that often correlates with significant anxiety. In a foreign setting, the anxiety of conservative students, removed from their supportive infrastructure, can be considerably heightened. This structure of thinking and emotion presents distinctive challenges and opportunities. Drawing upon my work as a clinician and as a religion professor who conducted study abroad programs, I make suggestions for working effectively with conservative Christian students in study abroad contexts. Suggestions include predeparture, in-country, and post-trip strategies. Specific examples of conversations with students are provided to illustrate the challenges and strategies. This essay is published alongside of seven other essays, including a response from John Barbour, comprising a special section of the journal (see Teaching Theology and Religion 18:1, January 2015).
Microreactor Flow Synthesis of the Secondary High Explosive 2,6-Diamino-3,5-dinitropyrazine-1-oxide (LLM-105)

The secondary high explosive 2,6-diamino-3,5-dinitropyrazine-1-oxide, or LLM-105, has been synthesized using a commercially available flow microreactor system. Investigations focused on optimizing flow nitration conditions of the cost effective 2,6-diaminopyrazine-1-oxide (DAPO) in order to test the feasibility and viability of flow nitration as a means for the continuous synthesis of LLM-105. The typical benefits of microreactor flow synthesis including safety, tight temperature control, decreased reaction time, and improved product purity all appear to be highly relevant in the synthesis of LLM-105. However, the process does not provide any gains in yield, as the typical 50–60% yields are equivalent to the batch process. A key factor in producing pure LLM-105 lies in the ability to eliminate any acid inclusions in the final crystalline material through both a controlled quench and recrystallization. The optimized flow nitration conditions, multigram scale-up results, analyses of sample purity, and quenching conditions for purity and crystal morphology are reported.
Molecular gas surrounding the galactic center

The Galactic Center is the nearest example of a galactic nucleus. Recent observations of the molecular gas in the vicinity of the Galactic Center suggest possible infall motions. In this paper, we review the observed morphology, kinematics, and the outstanding questions. The importance of these types of studies is obvious. As the nearest example, the details which we can study in the Galactic Center may have implications on understanding the processes which take place in more distant system.
IspH-RPS1 and IspH-UbiA: "Rosetta Stone" Proteins.

The protein IspH, (E)-1-hydroxy-2-methyl-but-2-enyl 4-diphosphate (HMPPP) reductase, is an essential 4Fe–4S cluster-containing protein in the methylerythritol phosphate pathway for isoprenoid biosynthesis. Using a sequence similarity network we found that there are >400 IspH proteins that are about twice as large as most of the IspHs studied to date since their IspH domains are fused to either the ribosomal protein S1 (RPS1), or to a UbiA (4-hydroxybenzoate octaprenyltransferase)-like protein. Many of the IspH–RPS1 proteins are present in anaerobes found in the human gut and some, such as Clostridium botulinum, C. tetani and Fusobacterium nucleatum, are pathogens. The IspH–UbiAs are all found in sulfate-reducing anaerobes. The IspH domains in IspH–RPS1 are fused to 4 and in a few cases 6 tandem repeats in RPS1 that, in most organisms, bind to mRNA or form part of the bacterial ribosome. Mutants in which the four RPS1 domains were sequentially eliminated had similar IspH activity as wild-type protein, indicating they are not essential for IspH catalysis. Overall, the results are of interest since they represent the first isolation of a catalytically active IspH–RPS1, as well as the identification of IspH–UbiA hybrids, two “Rosetta stone” proteins that are likely to be functionally related—IspH producing the isoprenoids required for a UbiA-like prenyltransferase; the IspH–RPS1 hybrids, perhaps, being involved in the stringent response or as Fe/O2 sensors.
Fundamental Limits on Squid Technology

In the last few years, the flux noise energy of the dc Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) (Jaklevic et al., 1964) has been lowered by about four orders of magnitude. The most sensitive SQUID yet made is close to the limits set by fundamental quantum processes. The purpose of this article is to review these developments, and, in particular, to discuss at some length the limiting quantum processes in both single junctions and SQUIDs.
Structural requirements for dimerization, glycosylation, secretion, and biological function of VPF/VEGF

Abstract Vascular permeability factor (VPF) also known as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is a dimeric protein that affects endothelial cell (EC) and vascular functions including enhancement of microvascular permeability and stimulation of EC growth. To investigate the structural features of VPF/VEGF necessary for efficient dimerization, secretion, and biological activities, we employed site-directed mutagenesis with a Cos-1 cell expression system. Several cysteine residues essential for VPF dimerization were identified by mutation analysis of the Cys-25, Cys-56, and Cys-67 residues. Mutant VPF isoforms lacking either of these cysteines were secreted as monomers and were completely inactive in both vascular permeability and endothelial cell mitotic assays. VPF Cys-145 mutant protein was efficiently secreted as a glycosyaated, dimeric polypeptide, but had a reduction in biological activities. The site of N-linked glycosylation was directly identified as Asn-74, which, when mutated produced an inefficiently secreted dimeric protein without post-translational glycosylation, yet maintained full vascular permeability activity. Finally, we found that one VPF mutant isoform Cys-101 was not secreted and this mutant functioned as a dominant-negative suppressor of wild-type VPF secretion as demonstrated by co-expression assays in Cos-1 cells.
Intraocular pressure changes following Descemet's stripping with endothelial keratoplasty

To evaluate the postoperative changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) following Descemet’s stripping with endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK). A retrospective chart review of 45 eyes that underwent DSEK for the treatment of corneal edema induced by aphakic or pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (ABK/PBK) and Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy. A mean baseline IOP was obtained at three different preoperative visits using Tono-Pen® XL tonometer. This baseline pressure was compared to IOPs obtained at postoperative months 1, 3, 6 and 12. Intraocular pressure increased from a mean preoperative value of 15.6 ± 4.2 mmHg to 15.9 ± 5.8 mmHg in the first postoperative month; 17.0 ± 5.7 mmHg at 3 months; 18.1 ± 6.2 mmHg at 6 months and 16.8 ± 4.7 mmHg at 1 year. These pressure differences were considered statistically significant, p = 0.0074 (repeated measures ANOVA). Eyes diagnosed with ABK/PBK (n = 20) showed a significant rise in IOP only noted after the 3rd month that peaked at 6 months, p = 0.0001 (repeated measures ANOVA). A subgroup of patients with a diagnosis of Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy (n = 25), showed no statistically significant changes in IOP at 1 year follow-up; p = 0.9103 (repeated measures ANOVA). In a subgroup of eyes with a diagnosis of glaucoma or ocular hypertension (n = 13), a statistically significant increase in IOP was noted after 1 year of follow-up. Mean IOP raised from a preoperative mean value of 16.0 ± 3.7 mHg to 19.0 ± 5.3 mmHg at 1 year; p = 0.0074 (repeated measures ANOVA). DSEK induced statistically significant IOP increases in the early postoperative period with a tendency to higher pressures after the 3rd month of follow-up. Patients with a preoperative diagnosis of Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy did not show a statistically significant increase in IOP compared to a baseline mean preoperative value. The difference between statistically significant and clinically significant IOP increase is yet to be established.
A case-site/control-site study of workplace violent injury

Workers in retail and service industries are at high risk for workplace violence. While studies have examined the association between environmental and community factors on robbery risk, few have examined risk factors for fatal and nonfatal employee violent injury. A matched case-site/control-site study was conducted among various retail and service establishments in seven California counties. An interview and environmental assessment was performed in each participating business. Over half of the injury events occurring in case-site were robbery-related, and nearly 13% were fatal. Businesses open 24 hours and those having a history of violent events were found to be at increased risk for employee injury.
Importance of hypoxia in the biology and treatment of brain tumors

Abstract The resistance of gliomas to treatment with radiation and antineoplastic drugs may result in part from the effects of the extensive, severe hypoxia that is present in these tumors. It is clear that brain tumors contain extensive regions in which the tumor cells are subjected to unphysiological levels of hypoxia. Hypoxic cells are resistant to radiation. Hypoxia and the perfusion deficits and metabolic changes that accompany hypoxia in vivo also produce resistance to many commonly used anticancer drugs. The resistance of cells that are hypoxic at the time of therapy may influence the efficacy of the treatment of these tumors with radiation, chemotherapy, and combined modality regimens. Moreover, it is becoming increasingly evident from laboratory studies that exposure of cells to adverse microenvironments produces transient changes in gene expression, induces mutations, and selects for cells with altered genotypes, thus driving the evolution of the cell population toward increasing malignancy and increasingly aggressive phenotypes. Hypoxia may therefore be involved in the evolution of cells in low-grade malignancies to the resistant, aggressive phenotype characteristic of glioblastomas. During the past 50 years, many attempts have been made to circumvent the therapeutic resistance induced by hypoxia, by improving tumor oxygenation, by using oxygen-mimetic radiosensitizers, by adjuvant therapy with drugs that are preferentially toxic to hypoxic cells, by using hyperthermia, or by devising radiation sources and regimens that are less affected by hypoxia. Past clinical trials have provided tantalizing suggestions that the outcome of therapy can be improved by many of these approaches, but none has yet produced a significant, reproducible improvement in the therapeutic ratio, which would be needed for any of these approaches to become the standard therapy for these diseases. Several ongoing clinical trials are addressing other, hopefully better regimens; it will be interesting to see the results of these studies.
Altimeter For The Ocean Topography Experiment (TOPEX)

The evolution of satellite altimetry from SKYLAB-1, GEOS-3, and SEASAT-1 to the current U.S. Navy program, GEOSAT-A, has been accompanied by a continuing improvement in measurement precision along with a better understanding of those factors internal and external to the instrument that act to limit precision. The precision goal of 2 centimeters imposed by the TOPEX mission will be realized by incremental enhancements to existing designs whose effectiveness has been demonstrated. The TOPEX altimeter will use a high pulse-rate, burst waveform and dual frequency (13.6/5.3 Ghz) operation to minimize height measurement noise and remove ionospheric bias.
Measurement of Emissions from Air Pollution Sources. 1. C1 through C29 Organic Compounds from Meat Charbroiling

A dilution source sampling system was used to quantify the organic air pollutant emissions from commercial-scale meat charbroiling operations. Emission rates of gas-phase volatile organic compounds, semivolatile organic compounds, and high molecular weight particle-phase organic compounds were simultaneously quantified on a single compound basis. Fine particle mass emission rates and fine particle elemental chemical composition were measured as well. Emission rates of 120 organic compounds, spanning carbon numbers from C1 to C29 were quantified including n-alkanoic acids, n-alkenoic acids, carbonyls, lactones, alkanes, aromatics, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, alkenes, and steroids. Ethylene, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde were found to be the predominant light gas-phase organic compounds emitted from the charbroiling operations. n-Alkanoic acids, n-alkenoic acids, and carbonyls made up a significant fraction of the quantified semivolatile and particle-phase organic compound emissions. Meat charbroilin...
Kinetics of in vitro nitro reduction of 2,4-dinitrophenol by rat liver homogenates

Abstract The in vitro metabolism of [14C]-2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) was examined in rat liver homogenates (300–500 g males). DNP and the metabolites, 4-amino-2-nitrophenol (4A2NP) and 2-amino-4-nitrophenol (2A4NP) were identified and quantified. The Michaelis-Menten constant, Km, and the maximum velocity, Vmax, were determined for the reduction reaction using a Hofstee plot. The Km and Vmax for DNP reduction were, respectively: 1.8 × 10−4 m and 1.13 nmol/mg protein/min. p-Nitrobenzoic acid (PNBA), o-nitrophenol (ONP), p-nitrophenol (PNP) and 2,4-dinitro-6-sec-butylphenol (DNBP) were examined as inhibitors of DNP nitro reduction. PNBA had no effect, but PNP, ONP and DNBP significantly inhibited DNP nitro reduction. ONP was a competitive inhibitor of DNP reduction while PNP and DNBP were noncompetitive. The Kt values calculated from the regression lines, for ONP, PNP and DNBP respectively, were 5.1 × 10−4 m , 7.1 × 10−4 m .
Mechanics of Quantum-Dot Self-Organization by Epitaxial Growth on Small Areas

Energetic arguments are used to understand the mechanics of Stranski-Krastanow epitaxial systems constrained to grow on a finite area of a substrate. Examples include selective area epitaxy and growth on patterned substrate features as raised mesa and etched pits. Accounting only for strain energy, (isotropic) surface energy, wetting layer potential energy, and geometric constraints, a rich behavior is obtained, whereby equilibrium configurations consist of a single island, multiple islands, or no islands, depending on the size of the growth area. It is shown that island formation is completely suppressed in the case of growth on a sufficiently small area. These behaviors are in stark contrast to growth on an indefinitely large area, where the same model suggests that the minimum free energy configuration of systems beyond the wetting layer transition thickness is a single island atop a wetting layer. The constraint of growing on a finite area can suppress island coarsening and produce minimum energy configurations with multiple self-organized islands of uniform size and shape.
On Moore graphs with diameters 2 and 3

This note treats the existence of connected, undirected graphs homogeneous of degree d and of diameter k, having a number of nodes which is maximal according to a certain definition. For k = 2 unique graphs exist for d = 2, 3, 7 and possibly for d = 57 (which is undecided), but for no other degree. For k = 3 a graph exists only for d = 2. The proof exploits the characteristic roots and vectors of the adjacency matrix (and its principal submatrices) of the graph.
Innovations in Engineering Education using Tablet PCs - Panel Discussion with Four Institutions

This panel discussion will highlight emerging best practices in the use of Tablet PCs to transform learning and teaching in college and university engineering and computer science related courses. Faculty from four institutions will share their experience in redesigning a key course to improve student outcomes, and demonstrate how their innovative use of Tablet PCs has enabled new approaches to collaboration and real-time feedback, improving student achievement and engagement. Through this session, the audience will become participants and experience first-hand how classroom interactions are being redesigned and more learner-centric through the effective use of technology. Presenters will engage the audience by modeling the technology-enabled pedagogy being implemented in their classrooms.
Functionalizing genomic data for personalization of medicine.

The wealth of genomic information available today to researcher and clinician has dramatically changed the way some diseases are defined. At the same time leveraging this information is a major challenge in part because previously established concepts and tools used for research and development need are largely inadequate. Using the example of cancer genomics this Translation focuses on systems biology approaches to inform the development of personalized medicine.
Electronic structure of pure and doped orthorhombic La2CuO4

Abstract The electronic structure of orthorhombic La2CuO4 has been investigated by first principles pseudofunction band calculations and group theoretical analysis. We find that pure as well as doped compounds remain metallic at all finite temperatures as a conseqence of the Cmca (D182h) space group symmetry. The experimentally observed rapid rise in resistivity below 30°K suggests a structural transition to a lower symmetry space group that could be driven electronically or magnetically. One possible candidate is monoclinic C2/m (C32h) which is a subgroup of Cmca and can be obtained by distorting the CuO bonds or rotating the CuO6 octahedra. Implications for superconductivity are discussed.
Characterization of ATPase in sarcoplasmic reticulum from two strains of dystrophic mice.

The ATPase activities and phosphoenzyme levels have been determined in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membranes prepared from two animal models of muscular dystrophy, myodystrophic (myd/myd) and strain 129 dystrophic (129 dy/dy) mice. In both myd/myd and 129 dy/dy SR membranes, the basal ATPase activities are elevated above control levels, while the Ca-dependent ATPase activities are normal. The addition of 0.1% Triton X-100 not only lowers the basal ATPase activity of myodystrophic control SR membranes by 60%, but also lowers the elevated basal ATPase activity of myd/myd SR membranes to a similar level. The Ca-dependent ATPase activities of myodystrophic control and myd/myd SR membranes are increased approximately threefold by the addition of Triton. The addition of 0.1% Triton X-100 lowers the basal ATPase activities of 129 control and 129 dy/dy SR membranes to similar levels, but stimulates the Ca-dependent ATPase activity of 129 dy/dy SR membranes to a level that is only 60% of that of 129 control SR membranes. The level of phosphoenzyme intermediate is decreased approximately 15% in myd/myd SR membranes and approximately 30% in 129 dy/dy SR membranes.
The dangerous myths and dubious promise of COIN

Counterinsurgency (COIN) has again emerged as a topic of both contemporary and historical interest in the age of what has been called a global counterinsurgency. However, little attention is being paid to the historical lineage of a COIN doctrine that is being rediscovered and promoted by an enthusiastic group of military intellectuals and commanders as the basis for US Army and Marine Corps doctrine. This article argues that historical claims for COIN success, based on courting popular gratitude by improving economic conditions, are at best anchored in selective historical memory, when not fantasy fabrications. The first argument of this article is that COIN does not constitute a distinct form of warfare, but merely a sub-set of minor tactics. Second, ‘hearts and minds’, so-called population-centric warfare, has seldom been a recipe for lasting stability. Rather, historically counterinsurgency succeeded when it has shattered and divided societies by severely disrupting civilian life. In fact, COIN is a n...
Entamoeba histolytica: Localization and characterization of phosphoglucomutase, uridine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase, and glycogen synthase

Abstract Localization and characterization of phosphoglucomutase, (EC 2.7.5.1) uridine diphosphate glucose (UDPglucose) pyrophosphorylase (EC 2.7.7.9), and glycogen synthase (EC 2.4.1.11) were investigated in axenized Entamoeba histolytica. After differential centrifugation of homogenized amoebae, phosphoglucomutase activity was concentrated in the 110,000g supernatant (“soluble”) fraction. UDPglucose pyrophosphorylase was detected in all subcellular fractions; in the absence of exogenous Mg2+, the highest specific activity was in the soluble fraction. All fractions exhibited a low but readily detectable level of glycogen synthase activity. The specific activity of UDPglucose pyrophosphorylase was enhanced by Mg2+ in all particulate but not soluble fractions. The amoebal enzyme thus differs from that of mammalian liver and muscle in its intracellular distribution, being primarily particulate. The 15,000g pellet, which exhibited the highest specific activity, was treated with hydrolytic enzymes and sodium deoxycholate to elucidate the nature of enzyme binding. None of these treatments affected UDPglucose pyrophosphorylase, but trypsin abolished phosphoglucomutase activity. The detailed localization of both enzymes was investigated using fractions obtained by sucrose density centrifugation of the 15,000g pellet. Seven fractions and a pellet were isolated. Phosphoglucomutase was detected only in the lightest fraction which, under the electron microscope, appeared to consist largely of membrane fragments. UDPglucose pyrophosphorylase was detected in all of the density gradient fractions.
Dorsal abdominal glands in adult Reduviidae (Heteroptera, Cimicomorpha)

Dorsal abdominal glands (DAG) in the nymphs are one of the apomorphic characters of Heteroptera. In some taxa of Enicocephalomorpha and Cimicomorpha, and numerous taxa of Pentatomomorpha, these glands are known to persist in the adult. Comparative examination in Reduvioidea (Cimicomorpha) in this study established that ostioles, reservoirs and glandular ductules are present in the majority of adults in Reduviidae, but are absent in Pachynomidae. Number and location of DAGs for 79 species of Reduviidae in 20 subfamilies are summarized here and cuticular modifications surrounding the ostioles of the dorsal abdominal glands are documented. The DAGs are illustrated using light, scanning electron and confocal microscopy, and noteworthy differences between the taxa studied are pointed out. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Abundances and distributions of picoplankton populations in the central equatorial Pacific from 12°N to 12°S, 140°W

Abundances and distributions of picoplankton were studied on two cross-equatorial transect cruises (12°N, 140°W-12°S, 135°W) during February–March (TT007) and August–September 1992 (TT011). Samples were collected in the upper 200 m from early-morning and late-afternoon hydrocasts at 15 stations on each cruise (60 depth profiles, 820 samples). Populations of heterotrophic bacteria, Prochlorococcus, Synechococcus and small autotrophic eukaryotes were enumerated by dual-beam flow cytometry. At the northern end of the transect (7–12°N), abundances and vertical distributions were similar to those reported for the oligotrophic North Pacific gyre, with Prochlorococcus and heterotrophic bacteria dominating in the upper euphotic zone, and Synechococcus and eukaryotes exhibiting peaks in cell abundance at depth. All populations were abundant throughout the euphotic zone close to the equator and at the southern end of the transect. Heterotrophic bacteria and Synechococcus were generally more abundant in late-afternoon hydrocasts. The diel enhancement followed the temporal pattern in beam c and suspended particulates, and was particularly strong in the equatorial upwelling region where it averaged 13.6% of the morning population for heterotrophic bacteria and 22.3% for Synechococcus. Conservative estimates of daily growth rates from these data are 0.25 and 0.40 day−1, respectively, for the two populations. Near-surface maxima in heterotrophic bacteria were symmetrical around the equator, centered around 5°S and 5°N. Prochlorococcus was most abundant during local summer conditions at the respective ends of the transect. A minimum occurred in association with a dense aggregation of buoyant diatoms at the convergent front of a tropical instability wave (2°N, TT011). The ratio of Prochlorococcus to total bacteria was generally in the range of 0.15-0.2 for the upper water column, but varied during TT011 from > 0.3 for the most northern stations to < 0.1 at the 2°N front. At higher latitudes, Synechococcus was more numerous during El Nino conditions (TT007) on both sides of the equator and at southern stations on both cruises. Autographic eukaryotes were more abundant during local winters at the ends of the transect and during the “cold tongue” conditions (TT011) at the equator. Picoplankton account for most of the chlorophyll biomass and primary production in the central equatorial Pacific. Nonetheless, their abundances and distributions are relatively stable and conservative while other populations, such as diatoms, respond more dramatically to environmental forcing.
Expression profile of mRNAs encoding core circadian regulatory proteins in human subcutaneous adipose tissue: correlation with age and body mass index.

Circadian mechanisms underlie the physiology of mammals as an adaptation to the earth's rotation on its axis. Highly conserved core circadian regulatory proteins (CCRPs) maintain an oscillatory expression profile in the central and peripheral tissues. The CCRP include both a positive and negative arm, as well as downstream transcriptional regulators. Recent studies in murine models have determined that the mRNAs encoding the CCRP are present in multiple adipose tissue depots and exhibit a robust oscillatory expression profile. This study set out to examine the expression of CCRP mRNAs in human subcutaneous adipose tissues. Retrospective analysis of total RNA isolated from subcutaneous adipose tissue. A total of 150 healthy female and male lean (body mass index (BMI) 30) subjects of varied ethnic backgrounds undergoing elective liposuction or surgical procedures. The expression of the CCRP mRNAs displayed a significant correlation between each other and mRNAs representative of adipogenic biomarkers. Hierarchical cluster analyses of mRNAs isolated from the cohort of female Caucasian subjects (n=116) identified three major clusters based on expression of downstream CCRP mRNAs. The mRNAs encoding D site of albumin promoter-binding protein (DBP), E4 promoter-binding protein 4 (E4BP4), PPARγ coactivator-1β (PGC-1β) and Rev-erbα were negatively correlated with BMI in a lean cluster (n=66), positively correlated with BMI in a younger overweight/obese cluster (n=19), and not significantly correlated with BMI in an older, overweight/obese cluster (n=31). These data confirm and extend findings that link the CCRP and circadian mechanisms to the risk of obesity.
Electrophoretic protein transport in gold nanotube membranes.

Gold nanotube membranes are ideal model systems for exploring how pore size affects the rate and selectivity of protein transport in synthetic membranes. This is because these membranes have cylindrical, monodisperse pores (the nanotubes) with diameters that can be varied at will from tens of nanometers down to less than 1 nm. We report here on the effects of nanotube inside diameter, solution pH, and applied transmembrane potential on the rate and selectivity of protein transport in PEG-thiol-treated gold nanotube membranes. The transport properties of four proteins of differing sizes and pI valueslysozyme, bovine serum albumin, carbonic anhydrase, and bovine hemoglobulinwere investigated. In general, membranes containing larger diameter nanotubes showed higher fluxes and lower selectivities than membranes with smaller diameter nanotubes. Transmembrane electrophoresis can be used to augment the diffusive transport selectivity. For example, for proteins that are oppositely charged, a combination of a larg...
The mechanism of O3‐aldehyde reactions

A new mechanism is proposed for gas-phase O3-aldehyde reactions. Certain aspects of the new mechanism may be applicable also to O3-aldehyde reactions in solution. The proposed mechanism involves initiation by addition of O3 across the aldehydic CO bond. The initiation process and the subsequent chemistry together represent an exact analogue of the Criegee mechanism for O3-alkene reactions.
An efficient synthesis of a potent PPARpan agonist.

An efficient synthesis of 2-{4-[({4-{[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]methyl}-2-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1,3-thiazol-5-yl}methyl)thio]phenoxy}-2-methylpropanoic acid (1), a potent PPARpan agon...
Quick Simulation Of Rare Events In Networks

We study the problem of how to simulate the occurence of rare events on networks of queues; an interesting application is to obtain the expected time until the network buffers fill up. We show that the unique optimal (minimum variance) change of measure (importance sampling) to simulate and event is given by the law of the process conditioned on the event (rare or not). Some theory is needed to circumvent the fact that knowledge of the conditional laws implies knowledge of the solution. We present two ways to handle the problem. Boundary theory of Markov Chains provides the theoretical framework. The method sheds light on the way that rare events happen; this in turn explains why some large deviations ("LD" in what follows) heuristics (Walrand and Parekh) fail for important combinations of parameter values (optimal buffer allocation). A compactness argument and a scale-down version of the model are used to simulate successfully the chances of excessive backlogs for many M/M/1 queues in tandem and for any combination of parameters. Alternatively, we can build on the LD heuristics and, using the notion of convex combination of harmonics, we successfully treat the optimal buffer allocation case.
Five major subfamilies of mariner transposable elements in insects, including the Mediterranean fruit fly, and related arthropods

We have used a PCR assay to screen 404 insects and related arthropods for mariner elements using primers corresponding to amino acids conserved between the mariner elements of Drosophila mauritiana and a moth, Hyalophora cecropia. Potential mariner elements were detected in sixty-three species, representing ten insect orders as well as a centipede and a mite. Phylogenetic analysis of the PCR fragment sequences from thirty species identifies five major subfamilies of mariners. Many species have representatives of multiple subfamilies in their genomes, and the Medfly is an extreme example with representatives of four subfamilies. Two instances of recent horizontal transfer of mariner elements include at least three species each. The widespread but sporadic distribution of mariner elements suggests they are excellent candidates for development as transformation vectors for non-drosophilids.
SU-E-T-286: A Case Study of More Accurate Phase Re-Assignment for 4DCT Images

Purpose: We present a case study of an improved phase re‐assignment approach for a challenging 4DCT image data set on a commercial system.Methods: The Varian RPM system was used to produce the respiratory traces for phase binning the raw 4DCT images acquired from a GE LightSpeedRT CT scanner. The RPM system uses a predictive approach to generate a *.vxp file containing details of the respiratory signal for correlation with the raw 4DCT images. The *.vxp file was read in using a program written in C++, and respiratory phases were re‐assigned using an approach which retrospectively detects individual max and min of the respiratory signal. The re‐binned file was used to reprocess the raw 4DCT data and generate a set of new phase binned images, which were compared with those from the original *.vxp files.Results: For one challenging clinical case, we demonstrate how the current predictive method can inadvertently assign a grossly incorrect phase after a highly irregular breathing cycle has occurred. The new image sets were seen to be significantly more accurate in representation of particular smooth internal structures. Seven additional patients were retrospectively studied using the same re‐binning approach, with none of these patients demonstrating significant image quality improvement. This suggests that the vendor's currently employed phase assignment method produces reasonable results for the majority of scenarios, but may suffer significantly for unusual cases where extreme breathing anomalies occur. Conclusions: The vendor's standard phase assignment method which uses a predictive breathing cycle algorithm can be challenged in instances where highly anomalous breathing cycles of much longer period are encountered. This can introduce a rippling, or ‘piano key’, effect on subsequent images. We presented a simple retrospective method for improving the accuracy of phase binning in these circumstances and demonstrated improved image fidelity on one challenging clinical case.
Trochleitis with Superior Oblique Myositis

Thirteen patients complained of recent fluctuating aching of one orbit, punctuated by stabbing pains. All had exquisite point tenderness over the trochlea and in half of the patients the pain was aggravated by eye movement. Standardized A-scan echography demonstrated swelling of the peritrochlear tissue and thickening of the superior oblique muscle with low internal acoustic reflectivity, typical of myositis. CT scan showed a soft tissue density in the region of the trochlea. Biopsy, performed on two patients, revealed peri-trochlear inflammation. In all patients the symptoms resolved within a period of weeks or months: indomethacin or naproxen were not effective, but oral or locally injected corticosteroids shortened the course compared to no treatment. None of the patients had ptosis, proptosis, Brown's syndrome, or a click, nor did they have echographic or radiographic signs of sinusitis or inflammation away from the trochlea. This probably represents a highly localized subtype of idiopathic orbital inflammation ("pseudotumor").
The Virtual Individual Education Plan IEP Team: Using Online Collaboration to Develop a Behavior Intervention Plan

A team of professional educators in a private school for children with disabilities a Virtual IEP Team used an online platform to collaborate and produce a behavior intervention plan for a student. The collaboration was effective and efficient; the plan was produced in 9 days, rather than the customary 3-6 weeks. Qualitative data yielded four major themes: beneficial augmentation, reflective practice, barriers to change, and improved interactions. Quantitative results showed that although end user satisfaction was moderate, they produced a successful behavior intervention plan that showed positive changes in both the teacher and student behavior. An increase of in-person staff discussion as a result of online dialogue was a unique finding in this study warranting further investigation. Now that federal U.S. education law has changed to allow technologically mediated IEP meetings, the Virtual IEP Team may serve as a model for more efficient use of education professionals' time.
Optical Analysis Of Segmented Aperture Averager

High energy lasers with a non-uniform beam distribution are used to study materials properties. When it is required that the beam intensity distribution be uniform, beam averaging schemes have to be used, such as a segmented aperture averager. It consists of a set of small mirrors located on the surface described by an equation of second order. In order to determine the optical performance of the segmented aperture averager, a unit amplitude wave is assumed in the analysis. The averaging is accomplished because the beam is spatially multiplexed, resulting in the superposition of beam segments originally at different locations. Two phenomena con-tribute to the final intensity distribution: diffraction and interference. The uniform plane is located in the Fresnel zone, producing a Fresnel diffraction pattern with the intensity distribution dependent primarily on the Fresnel number. Due to the spatial superposition of beam segments, multiple beam interference pattern results because of the interference of light directed from each segment. Multiple beam interference pattern is characterized by high spikes separated by areas of low intensity with many points of zero intensity. The intensity pattern due to the segmented aperture averager is a multiplication of these two effects. The envelope of the intensity distribution is provided by the Fresnel diffraction pattern, while the spike distribution is specified by the interference parameters. The beam uniformity is achieved as an average over the area of several intensity spikes. This beam averaging procedure can only be used if a finite resolution area for intensity uniformity is required.© (1981) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Olfactory receptor cell staining using horseradish peroxidase

Iontophoretic injection of horseradish peroxidase into severed olfactory nerve fascicles has been used to stain salamander olfactory receptor cell somata, their associated nerves, and their axonal terminations in the glomerular layer of the olfactory bulb. This technique gives homogeneous, Golgi-like staining of individually identifiable receptor cells and has permitted preliminary mapping of the topographical relationship between the loci of receptors in the olfactory mucosa and sites of their termination in the glomerular layer in the olfactory bulb.