Controllable stereoselective synthesis of pyrano[3,2-<Emphasis Type="Italic">c</Emphasis>]quinolines by lanthanide halides catalyzed aza-Diels-Alder reactions

An efficient method for the synthesis of tetrahydroquinoline derivatives via lanthanide halides catalyzed domino reactions of arylamines with dihydropyran is described. Either the cis or the trans isomer can be obtained as the major product in good yield by changing the catalyst and reaction conditions.     

Giulio Racah and theoretical physics in Jerusalem

The present article considers Giulio Racah’s contributions to general physical theory and his establishment of theoretical physics as a discipline in Israel. Racah developed mathematical methods that are based on tensor operators and continuous groups. These methods revolutionized spectroscopy. Currently, these are essential research tools in atomic, nuclear and elementary particle physics. He himself applied them to modernizing theoretical atomic spectroscopy. Racah laid the foundations of theoretical physics in Israel. He educated several generations of Israeli physicists, and put Israel on the world map of physics.     

An organic junction between the vein and membrane of the dragonfly wing

A dragonfly wing consists of membranes and both longitudinal and cross veins. We observed the microstructure cross-section at several locations in the dragonfly wing using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). The organic nature of the junction between the vein and the membrane was clearly identifiable. The membrane was divided into two layers, the upper epidermis and the lower epidermis. These layers extend around the sandwich structure vein, and combine with the adjacent membrane at a symmetrical location along the vein. Thus, we defined this as an organic junction between the vein and the membranes. The organic junction is able to form a tight corrugation angle, which dramatically increases both the warping rigidity and the strength of the wing, but not the torsional rigidity. The torsional deformation is primarily controlled by the microstructure of the longitudinal veins, and is based on the relative rotation angle between the epidermal layer and the inner layer of the vein that forms the zigzag section.     

HCN2 channels in local inhibitory interneurons constrain LTP in the hippocampal direct perforant path

Neuronal hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels are known to modulate spontaneous activity, resting membrane potential, input resistance, afterpotential, rebound activity, and dendritic integration. To evaluate the role of HCN2 for hippocampal synaptic plasticity, we recorded long-term potentiation (LTP) in the direct perforant path (PP) to CA1 pyramidal cells. LTP was enhanced in mice carrying a global deletion of the channel (HCN2^−/−) but not in a pyramidal neuron-restricted knockout. This precludes an influence of HCN2 located in postsynaptic pyramidal neurons. Additionally, the selective HCN blocker zatebradine reduced the activity of oriens-lacunosum moleculare interneurons in wild-type but not HCN2^−/− mice and decreased the frequency of spontaneous inhibitory currents in postsynaptic CA1 pyramidal cells. Finally, we found amplified LTP in the PP of mice carrying an interneuron-specific deletion of HCN2. We conclude that HCN2 channels in inhibitory interneurons modulate synaptic plasticity in the PP by facilitating the GABAergic output onto pyramidal neurons.     

Multiscale Integration in Scale Relativity Theory

We give a “direction for use” of the scale relativity theory and apply it to an example of spontaneous multiscale integration including four embedded levels of organization (intracellular, cell, tissue and organism-like levels). We conclude by an update of our analysis of the arctic sea ice melting.     

SERVICE VALUE NETWORKS： INTO PRACTICE

Modeling a business to match its customer perceived （and customer desired） outcomes, remains an on-going task. This paper considers shows how a service value networks （SVNs） approach may be engaged to model, and deliver, understanding of the front-end business and its direct engagement with its immediate （or front-end） customers. These front-end customers may be either： （1） its off-line, in-store customers - engaging directly with the business sales staff （or representative）, or-（2） its on-line, virtual customers - engaging with the business via internet or remote access. In this situation, both the business, and the customer draw upon their respective viewpoints, and both sides influence the interaction. External to these business and customer influences are additional factors that capture the immediate and broader global effects - termed environmental effects. These three business-customer engagement areas of influence are captured by a SVN SEM approach.
Without a business-customer encounter of some kind the likelihood of a services business, and a prospecting customer, successfully engaging in an exchange process is reduced. This exchange may be a physical, and/or services exchange, and/or an information and/or ideas exchange. To the business, this encounter is, in effect, a trade, and as a result, the business targets acquiring an economic exchange that will ultimately deliver a net positive economic outcome. To the customer, external and internal information feeds, servicing, perceived value, and satisfaction, are key encounter drivers. SVNs offers a new way to understand the business-customer encounter, and to then utilize this acquired knowledge to either： （1） build a strategic management model, or （2） reengineer its business networks, and to then create a re-positioned, more customer-aligned business operation - one that is capable of delivering win - win, competitive business-customer solutions.     

THE PERIODIC CAPACITATED ARC ROUTING PROBLEM LINEAR PROGRAMMING MODEL, METAHEURISTIC AND LOWER BOUNDS

1. Introduction The Capacitated Arc Routing Problem(CARP) is defined on an undirected network inwhich a fleet of identical vehicles with limitedcapacity is based at a depot node. Each edge hasa non-negative traversal cost and can betraversed any number…     

Nova Geminorum 1912 and the origin of the idea of gravitational lensing

Einstein’s early calculations of gravitational lensing, contained in a scratch notebook and dated to the spring of 1912, are reexamined. A hitherto unknown letter by Einstein suggests that he entertained the idea of explaining the phenomenon of new stars by gravitational lensing in the fall of 1915 much more seriously than was previously assumed. A reexamination of the relevant calculations by Einstein shows that, indeed, at least some of them most likely date from early October 1915. But in support of earlier historical interpretation of Einstein’s notes, it is argued that the appearance of Nova Geminorum 1912 (DN Gem) in March 1912 may, in fact, provide a relevant context and motivation for Einstein’s lensing calculations on the occasion of his first meeting with Erwin Freundlich during a visit in Berlin in April 1912. We also comment on the significance of Einstein’s consideration of gravitational lensing in the fall of 1915 for the reconstruction of Einstein’s final steps in his path towards general relativity.