Countering terrorism through control of Pakistan's information environment

Pakistan has a peculiar information environment that has not been researched in detail. The dynamics of the information environment have changed in urban areas due to technological advancements; however, the rural areas are still far from the effects of such advancements. This thesis explores the peculiarities of the information environment in Pakistan and draws lessons from the Sri Lankan fight with the LTTE and U.S. efforts to contain terrorism (on U.S. soil) since 9/11. It brings out the root causes of terrorism in Pakistan and the role played by the information environment in strengthening this menace (especially Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan). The thesis is useful in learning the ways and means to optimally utilize the information environment of Pakistan for fighting terrorism. It might also be beneficial in formulating an information policy for Pakistan, for long- and short-term effects.http://archive.org/details/counteringterror1094543983Major, Pakistan ArmyLieutenant Commander, Pakistan NavyApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Computational modeling and functional characterization of a GgChi: A class III chitinase from corms of Gladiolus grandiflorus

The present study describes the predicted model and functional characterization of an endochitinase (30 kDa) from corms of Gladiolus grandiflorus. ESI-QTOF-MS generated peptide showed 96% sequence homology with family 18, Class III acidic endochitinase of Gladiolus gandavensis. Purified G. grandiflorus chitinase (GgChi) hydrolyzed 4-methylumbelliferyl b-DN, N0,N00-triacetylchitotriose substrate showing specific endochitinase activity. Since no structural details of GgChi were available in the Protein Data Bank (PDB), a homology model was predicted using the coordinate information of Crocus vernus chitinase (PDB ID: 3SIM). Ramachandran plot indicated 84.5% in most favored region, 14.8% in additional and 0.6% in generously allowed region while no residue in disallowed region. The predicted structure indicated a highly conserved (b/a)8 (TIM barrel) structure similar to the family 18, class III chitinases. The GgChi also showed sequence and structural homologies with other active chitinases. The GgChi (50 mg/disc) showed no antibacterial activity, but did provide mild growth inhibition of phytopathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum at a concentration of 500 mg/well Similarly, insect toxicity bioassays of GgChi (50 mg) against nymphs of Bemisia tabaci showed 14% reduction in adult emergence and 14% increase in mortality rate in comparison to control values. The GgChi (1.5 mg) protein showed significant reduction in a population of flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) after 35 days, but lower reactivity against rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae). The results of this study provide detai.led insight on functional characterization of a family 18 class III acidic plant endochitinase

Computational modeling and functional characterization of a GgChi: A class III chitinase from corms of Gladiolus grandiflorus

The present study describes the predicted model and functional characterization of an endochitinase (30 kDa) from corms of Gladiolus grandiflorus. ESI-QTOF-MS generated peptide showed 96% sequence homology with family 18, Class III acidic endochitinase of Gladiolus gandavensis. Purified G. grandiflorus chitinase (GgChi) hydrolyzed 4-methylumbelliferyl β-d-N,N′,N′′-triacetylchitotriose substrate showing specific endochitinase activity. Since no structural details of GgChi were available in the Protein Data Bank (PDB), a homology model was predicted using the coordinate information of Crocus vernus chitinase (PDB ID: 3SIM). Ramachandran plot indicated 84.5% in most favored region, 14.8% in additional and 0.6% in generously allowed region while no residue in disallowed region. The predicted structure indicated a highly conserved (β/α)8 (TIM barrel) structure similar to the family 18, class III chitinases. The GgChi also showed sequence and structural homologies with other active chitinases. The GgChi (50 μg/disc) showed no antibacterial activity, but did provide mild growth inhibition of phytopathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum at a concentration of 500 μg/well Similarly, insect toxicity bioassays of GgChi (50 μg) against nymphs of Bemisia tabaci showed 14% reduction in adult emergence and 14% increase in mortality rate in comparison to control values. The GgChi (1.5 mg) protein showed significant reduction in a population of flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) after 35 days, but lower reactivity against rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae). The results of this study provide detai.led insight on functional characterization of a family 18 class III acidic plant endochitinase. Keywords: Gladiolus grandiflorus, Endochitinase, TIM barrel, Antibacterial, Antifunga