bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taxi Vacancy Rate, Fare, and Subsidy with Maximum Social Willingness-to-Pay under Log-Linear Demand Function
Authors: Chang S. K. Jason , Chu Chun-Hsiao
Published: December 2009

A maximum welfare objective with maximum social willingness-to-pay (MSWTP) under log-linear demand function for a cruising taxi market is proposed to address the common restriction of the conventional log-linear demand function that the price elasticity has to be restricted to be less than -1. The closed forms for optimal vacancy rate, fare, and subsidy are also derived under consideration of MSWTP. The optimization results show that the optimal vacancy and subsidy rate are functions of the price elasticity, waiting time elasticity, MSWTP, and marginal cost. The empirical estimation shows that MSWTP in Taiwan is NT$78.38 (US$2.31 per vehicle kilometer). Additionally, the numerical results show that with consideration of MSWTP, the optimal fare should be equal to the marginal cost, and the optimal vacancy mileage, occupied mileage, and vacancy rate are lower than the results without consideration of MSWTP.
Optimal Zone Design for Feeder Transit Services
Authors: Li Xiugang , Quadrifoglio Luca
Published: December 2009

Feeder transit services generally operate within residential service areas and move customers to and from a transfer point that connects to a major fixed-route transit network. Feeders can operate in a traditional fixed-route or in an emerging demand-responsive fashion. In designing such systems, planners may divide the entire service area into zones independently served by a single feeder line to provide better customer service, lower operating cost, and make management of the operations easier. An analytical model is developed to help decision makers determine the number of zones in a residential service area while balancing customer service quality and vehicle operating costs. For fixed-route and demand-responsive feeder transit, closed-form expressions and numerical procedures are used to derive the optimal number of zones as a function of the main parameters. Analytical expressions are validated by simulation runs.
Measuring Public Transport Connectivity Performance Applied in Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: Ceder Avishai , Le Net Yann , Coriat Caroline
Published: December 2009

Bus and other public transit connectivity issues facilitate an understanding of the importance of transit planning in enhancing existing or new transit services. Improving transit connectivity is a vital task in transit operations planning. Passengers may stop using a transit service because of poor connections. Service design criteria always contain postulates to improve routing and scheduling coordination (intra- and interagency transfer centers or points and synchronized or timed transfers). Ostensibly, the lack of well-defined connectivity measures precludes weighing and quantifying the results of any coordination effort. A methodological framework and concepts are provided for quantifying transit connectivity measures. These new measures are applied in a case study of the Auckland, New Zealand, public transit network for possible revisions and changes.
Decision Support System for Selection of Project Delivery Method in Transit
Authors: Touran Ali , Molenaar Keith R. , Gransberg Douglas D. , Ghavamifar Kamran
Published: December 2009

A decision support system was developed to help transit agencies evaluate and choose the most appropriate project delivery method for their capital projects. The system considers the traditional design–bid–build, construction manager-at-risk, design–build, and design–build–operate–maintain delivery methods. A set of 24 pertinent issues that can affect the choice of project delivery method are identified and described. The described decision support system consists of two distinct tiers. The first tier is a qualitative assessment in which the decision maker evaluates the effectiveness of each delivery method for dealing with the relevant pertinent issues. This tier will help agencies determine if there is a dominant or obvious choice of project delivery method. If at the end of this stage a clear choice is not evident, the user will move to the second tier, where a weighted matrix is used to score competing alternatives. The system will also provide a structure for documenting the project delivery decision in the form of a project delivery decision report. A validation process for the system is described, and a brief example is provided to show the application of the decision support system.
Do Transit Users Just Wait for Buses or Wait with Strategies?
Authors: Fan Wei (David) , Machemehl Randy B.
Published: December 2009

The effects of bus line headway, schedule reliability index, and many other potential predictors on passenger waiting times were investigated. A large amount of waiting time data, including passenger-related attributes and transit system operational characteristics, was collected by direct observation and by videotaping during a 6-month period in the city of Austin, Texas. Various mathematical models were developed, and a preferred model was identified. A linear regression model that uses bus line headway as the only independent variable to predict passenger waiting times was given for transit planning purposes. A great difference between the traditional random model and the study model was examined. With the use of structural breaks on the basis of an econometric analysis approach for the first time, several insights into the numerical results were provided. An 11-min vehicle headway was identified to mark the transition from practically random to less random passenger arrivals, and all transit users can be regarded as coordinated arrivals after 38-min bus headway. The benefits of coordinated arrivals compared with random arrivals were also presented.
Urban Roadside Safety
Authors: Dixon Karen , Liebler Michael , Hunter Michael
Published: December 2009

Roadside safety in rural environments has been the focus of considerable study, but direct application of this knowledge to the constrained urban environment has posed many challenges. Restricted right-of-way with a greater demand for functional use of the space adjacent to urban roads makes the maintenance of a wide clear zone impractical. This paper summarizes a corridor roadside crash analysis used to help identify urban roadside safety issues and illuminate possible solutions for attempting to mitigate objects in the roadside that have the potential to increase injury severity if hit. The paper focuses on arterial and collector-type facilities in urban areas with speed limits between 25 and 50 mph. The authors assessed corridors of urban roadside conditions and compared 6 years of historic crash data with roadside features. The goal of this effort was to identify potential configurations that posed a greater risk by the use of cluster-crash analysis. Locations with similar features without these companion crashes provided insight into prospective alternative treatments for roadside safety in urban environments. The higher-risk roadside locations identified by these approaches were referred to as urban control zones. The most commonly observed roadside crashes included locations in close lateral proximity to the curb face or lane edge, lane merge locations, select auxiliary lane treatments, sidewalk buffer configurations with rigid objects in close proximity to the travelway, driveway and intersection locations, high-cluster-crash locations, and other common roadside crash conditions.
Optimal Preliminary Highway Alignment, with Slope Disaster Risk Management, in Himalayan Regions
Authors: Pantha Bhoj Raj , Yatabe Ryuichi , Bhandary Netra Prakash
Published: December 2009

This paper proposes a preliminary highway alignment optimization model incorporating slope disaster risk management. Previous research in highway alignment optimization has not considered detailed slope instability conditions. Various types of natural disaster–-including landslides, slope failure, floods, and earthquakes–-are common in the Himalayan regions because of rugged topography and fragile geology. Construction of highways in the area disturbs naturally formed slopes, resulting in instability on the slope. An inclusive slope failure susceptibility map was prepared by considering various types of landslide-controlling factors including lithology, slope, aspect, land use, drainage density, stream drop, distance to stream, and distance to lineament. In addition to slope failure susceptibility layer, land acquisition cost, slope, land use, and unit cost of earthwork excavation are considered when optimizing highway alignment. The process was done in a geographic information system environment in a case study investigating the influence of the slope failure susceptibility condition in alignment optimization. Preliminary alignments were searched in a cost-weighted distance raster created with and without considering slope failure susceptibility condition, whose influence is noticed distinctly with respect to location and length of alignment. Alignments obtained from preliminary optimization were compared with previously proposed alignments, and newly optimized alignments verify the previous studies. The main limitation of this study–-that it could not consider all cost functions–-will be considered in future work.
Trees, Lighting, and Safety in Context-Sensitive Solutions
Authors: Hasson Patrick , Bradley Scott , Walvatne Paul , Lutkevich Paul , Leone Chris
Published: December 2009

The negative impact of trees on the performance of lighting systems is widely assumed but not particularly quantified. The positive impact of trees with their social, economic, environmental, and experiential benefits is also well known and one of the staples in context-sensitive solutions for transportation projects. This paper looks at the issue of trees and lighting and tries to quantify the possible impacts and to develop tools for planners, administrators, road authorities, and the professionals who design, install, and maintain trees, landscaping, and lighting equipment. Because of conditions at the test site, a focus on the pedestrian environment was chosen for this study, although the results generally apply to the roadway environment. The subject is complex and not simply addressed so this initial work focuses on identifying whether there is really an issue, what variables to consider, and what course to recommend for future investigation.
Control of Highway Stormwater during Event and Interevent Retention in Best Management Practices
Authors: Liu Bo , Berretta Christian , Gnecco Ilaria , Ying Gaoxiang , Sansalone John
Published: December 2009

Volumetric clarification-type best management practices that provide storage through detention–retention are more frequently incorporating adsorptive filters. This study examines the hydraulic and chemical response of a volumetric clarifying filter (VCF) system to 1,088 m2 concrete-paved watershed loadings in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for fully captured events. VCF deployment incorporates aluminum oxide–coated media for phosphorus adsorption after it was demonstrated that common media (perlite and sand) were ineffective for adsorption. While event mean head loss is less than 25 mm, instantaneous values are flow dependent, as are filter surface loading rates. Filter ripening head loss is small but evident for the cumulative volume treated for 19 events. During interevent retention, oxidation–reduction drops to anoxic levels after 48 h, continuing a gradual decrease with interevent time. During storage, nitrate decreased (denitrification) and ammonia nitrogen increased (with an increase in NH3), and phosphorus partitioning remained stable. Results indicate that while interevent runoff retention is a common practice, the coupled hydrochemical behavior and fate of runoff chemicals subject to storage must be integrated into such unit operations. Results indicate that best management practices require more frequent maintenance and sludge removal.
La fiche descriptive d'association: l'exemple de la hêtraie à aspérule | The descriptive index of forest vegetation communities: the beech forest with woodruff for example
Authors: Clot François
Published: December 2009

In the register of vegetation in the Vaud cantonal forestry data bank, the descriptive index of communities, such as the Galio-Fagetum beech forest with sweet woodruff, goes through all the criteria, those floral and those concerning the site, used to define and identify a community, together with possible subassociations or variants. It also defines the position of a community in relationship to neighbouring communities. A bibliographical review takes stock of the specificities of identification of groups in Vaud in correlation with the typologies found in specialized literature.
Répartition altitudinale de la végétation forestière du canton de Vaud: affinage des connaissances | Distribution of the forest vegetation according to altitude in canton Vaud: a more detailed knowledge
Authors: Horisberger Denis , Clot François
Published: December 2009

The notion of altitudinal vegetation zones is studied with the help of species showing distinctive characteristics according to altitude in order to provide a better understanding of the response of plants to climatic differences between, for example, north- and south-facing slopes or between the Jura and the Alps. This study offers explanations for variations in wood productivity, taking into consideration global warming, which is beginning to have an impact on the forest. Tested by repeated analyses, the proposed altitudinal structure often confirms existing knowledge based on observation, but also calls in question some previously established conceptions which where insufficiently validated by systematic inventories. This approach aims to provide forest managers with statistically substantiated ground references and equally to satisfy the expectations of specialists working in applied research.
Le guide des stations forestières du canton de Vaud: synthèse pour les praticiens | The guide to forest stations in canton Vaud: a summary for practioners
Authors: Horisberger Denis , Meylan Micheline
Published: December 2009

The guide to forest stations in canton Vaud is a collection of references and applications intended for forest practitioners. This computer-based instrument constantly incorporates new information. The guide is conceived on transparent bases that can be repeated and thus called in question. It offers a simplified process for determining vegetation groups and evaluating their productivity. It is completed by some suggestions for a choice of species adapted to the station which takes into account their suitability for any given station, climate changes and the present composition of forest stands.
The Brunanburh Campaign: A Reappraisal
Authors: Halloran Kevin
Published: December 2009

Modern accounts of the battle of Brunanburh have generally suggested a location in the Northumbrian-Mercian borderlands east or west of the Pennines, a conclusion based in part on analysis of the aims and strategy of Anlaf Guthfrithson, Viking king of Dublin. This article re-examines the political dynamics of the coalition against Athelstan, taking account of the territorial and political ambitions of the kings of Alba and Strathclyde, and proposes a radically different interpretation of the campaign of 937. It also questions the reliability of the variant form Brunanburh as a guide to the battle's location and concludes that the most likely site was Burnswark in Annandale.
The Scottish Herring Trade, 1470–1600
Authors: Rorke Martin
Published: December 2009

This paper uses customs figures to show that herring exports from the east and west coast lowlands expanded significantly in the last six decades of the sixteenth century. The paper argues that the rise was primarily due to the north-west Highland fisheries being opened up and exploited by east and west coast burghs. These ventures required greater capital supplies and more complex organisation than their local inshore fisheries and they were often interrupted by political hostilities. However, the costs were a fraction of those required to establish a deepwater buss fleet, enabling Scotland to expand production and take advantage of European demand for fish while minimising additional capital costs.
Scottish Missionaries, ‘Protestant Hinduism’ and the Scottish Sense of Empire in Nineteenth- and Early Twentieth-century India
Authors: Constable Philip
Published: December 2009

This article examines the Scottish missionary contribution to a Scottish sense of empire in India in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Initially, the article reviews general historiographical interpretations which have in recent years been developed to explain the Scottish relationship with British imperial development in India. Subsequently the article analyses in detail the religious contributions of Scottish Presbyterian missionaries of the Church of Scotland and the Free Church Missions to a Scottish sense of empire with a focus on their interaction with Hindu socioreligious thought in nineteenth-century western India. Previous missionary historiography has tended to focus substantially on the emergence of Scottish evangelical missionary activity in India in the early nineteenth century and most notably on Alexander Duff (1806–78). Relatively little has been written on Scottish Presbyterian missions in India in the later nineteenth century, and even less on the significance of their missionary thought to a Scottish sense of Indian empire. Through an analysis of Scottish Presbyterian missionary critiques in both vernacular Marathi and English, this article outlines the orientalist engagement of Scottish Presbyterian missionary thought with late nineteenth-century popular Hinduism. In conclusion this article demonstrates how this intellectual engagement contributed to and helped define a Scottish missionary sense of empire in India.
A New 2-(2-Phenylethyl)Chromone from Chinese Eaglewood
Authors: Dai Hao-Fu , Liu Jun , Zeng Yan-Bo , Han Zhuang , Wang Hui , Mei Wen-Li
Published: December 2009

A new 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroxy-2-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-chromen-4-one (1) was isolated from the Chinese eaglewood [Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg]. Its structure was established by detailed MS and NMR spectroscopic analysis, as well as comparison with literature data.
Mitochondrial Medicine and the Neurodegenerative Mitochondriopathies
Authors: Swerdlow Russell  H.
Published: December 2009

Neurodegenerative diseases are a common late-life scourge for which diseasemodifying treatments are sorely needed. Mitochondrial perturbation is commonly observed in these diseases, so pursuing treatment development strategies that target mitochondria or processes affected by mitochondria seems reasonable. This review discusses the rationale underlying past and current efforts to treat neurodegenerative diseases using mitochondrial medicine, and tries to predict how future efforts might proceed.
A Polygon Model for Wireless Sensor Network Deployment with Directional Sensing Areas
Authors: Wu Chun-Hsien , Chung Yeh-Ching
Published: December 2009

The modeling of the sensing area of a sensor node is essential for the deployment algorithm of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). In this paper, a polygon model is proposed for the sensor node with directional sensing area. In addition, a WSN deployment algorithm is presented with topology control and scoring mechanisms to maintain network connectivity and improve sensing coverage rate. To evaluate the proposed polygon model and WSN deployment algorithm, a simulation is conducted. The simulation results show that the proposed polygon model outperforms the existed disk model and circular sector model in terms of the maximum sensing coverage rate.
A Neuro-Fuzzy System for Extracting Environment Features Based on Ultrasonic Sensors
Authors: Marichal Graciliano Nicolás , Hernández Angela , Acosta Leopoldo , González Evelio José
Published: December 2009

In this paper, a method to extract features of the environment based on ultrasonic sensors is presented. A 3D model of a set of sonar systems and a workplace has been developed. The target of this approach is to extract in a short time, while the vehicle is moving, features of the environment. Particularly, the approach shown in this paper has been focused on determining walls and corners, which are very common environment features. In order to prove the viability of the devised approach, a 3D simulated environment has been built. A Neuro-Fuzzy strategy has been used in order to extract environment features from this simulated model. Several trials have been carried out, obtaining satisfactory results in this context. After that, some experimental tests have been conducted using a real vehicle with a set of sonar systems. The obtained results reveal the satisfactory generalization properties of the approach in this case.
Chikungunya: an emerging and spreading arthropod-borne viral disease.
Authors: Cavrini Francesca , Gaibani Paolo , Pierro Anna Maria , Rossini Giada , Landini Maria Paola , Sambri Vittorio
Published: December 2009

The infection caused by the virus Chikungunya is known since the last 50 years, but since the disease was mainly diffuse in geographical areas located in developing countries, a few research work have been made available until the appearance of an important epidemiological outbreak in 2005 in the island of La Reunion, that is part of metropolitan France even if located in the Southern Eastern part of the Indian Ocean. In 2007, a smaller outbreak of Chikungunya developed in the Northern Eastern part of Italy, where the local transmission has been made possible by the enormous population of Aedes albopictus and the presence of a viremic patient coming from the Indian Ocean area. Nowadays, Chikungunya is spreading in Southeast Asia countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. This paper reviews different aspects of the disease caused by Chikungunya virus, including: history, epidemiology, biological and pathogenetic aspects, clinical pictures, diagnosis and treatment.
Knowledge and attitudes of tuberculosis management in San Juan de Lurigancho district of Lima, Peru
Authors: Kiefer Elizabeth M. , Shao Theresa , Carrasquillo Olveen , Nabeta Pamela , Seas Carlos
Published: December 2009

Background: Expansion of the health care workforce in Peru to combat tuberculosis (TB) includes both professional health care providers (HCPs) such as doctors and nurses, and non-professional HCPs such as community health workers (CHWs). We describe the knowledge and attitudes of these HCPs, and identify modifiable barriers to appropriate anti-tuberculosis treatment.  Methodology: We surveyed HCPs practicing in 30 clinical settings (hospitals, community health centers, and health posts) in the San Juan de Lurigancho district of Eastern Lima, Peru. Multiple-choice questions were used to assess knowledge of TB. A five-item Likert scale was created to assess attitudes toward the community, patients, and clinics. Linear regression was used to identify predictors of mean knowledge score, and analysis of variance was used to test differences in HCP score.  Results: Of the 73 HCPs surveyed, 15% were professionals (doctors or nurses). The remaining 85% were health technicians, community health workers (CHWs) or students. The mean knowledge score was 10.0 ± 1.9 (maximum 14) with professional HCPs scoring higher than other HCPs (11.7 ± 1.1 vs. 9.7 ± 1.9), p < .01). Knowledge gaps included identification of patients at high risk for TB, assessment of treatment outcomes, and consequences of treatment failure. The most commonly cited modifiable barriers were structural, including laboratory facilities and staffing of TB clinics, with 52.1% and 62.5% of HCPs, respectively, citing these as problematic.  Conclusions: Efforts to improve knowledge of TB HCPs in Peru should focus on the specific gaps we have identified. Further research is needed to evaluate whether these knowledge gaps correlate with TB control.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia in a tertiary care hospital in India: incidence and risk factors
Authors: Joseph Noyal Mariya , Sistla Sujatha , Dutta Tarun Kumar , Badhe Ashok Shankar , Parija Subhash Chandra
Published: December 2009

Background: Knowledge of the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and its associated risk factors is imperative for the development and use of more effective preventive measures. Methodology: We performed a prospective study over a period of 15 months to determine the incidence and the risk factors for development of VAP in critically ill adult patients admitted in different intensive care units (ICUs) of Jawaharlal Institute of Post-graduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), a tertiary care hospital in Pondicherry, India. Results: The incidence of VAP was 30.67 and 15.87 per 1,000 ventilator days in the two different ICUs. In our study 58.3% of the cases were late-onset VAP, while 41.7% were early-onset VAP. Univariate analysis indicated that the following were significantly associated with VAP: impaired consciousness, tracheostomy, re-intubation, emergency intubation, and nasogastric tube. Emergency intubation and intravenous sedatives were found to be the specific risk factors for early onset VAP, while tracheostomy and re-intubation were the independent predictors of late-onset VAP by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusions: Knowledge of these risk factors may be useful in implementing simple and effective preventive measures including non-invasive ventilation, precaution during emergency intubation, minimizing the occurrence of reintubation, avoidance of tracheostomy as far as possible, and minimization of sedation.
Antiviral Treatment and Prophylaxis of Influenza Virus in Children
Authors: Nayak Jennifer L. , Treanor John J.
Published: December 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Review the epidemiology and unique clinical features of influenza in children.

2.

Discuss the role of antiviral therapy in the treatment of influenza in children.

3.

Express the challenges posed by novel 2009 H1N1 influenza in deciding on the most appropriate use of antiviral therapy.
Enhancing Quality and Safety Competency Development at the Unit Level: An Initial Evaluation of Student Learning and Clinical Teaching on Dedicated Education Units
Authors: Mulready-Shick JoAnn , Kafel Kathleen W. , Banister Gaurdia , Mylott Laura
Published: December 2009

The need to attend to quality and safety competency development, increase capacity in nursing education programs, address the faculty and nursing shortages, and find new ways to keep step with an everchanging health care environment has brought forth numerous creative curricular responses and collaborative efforts. To tackle these multiple needs and challenges simultaneously, a new academic-service partnership was created to collaboratively develop an innovative clinical education delivery model. The designed dedicated education unit model not only promoted student learning about quality and safety competencies via unit-based projects but also supported quality improvements in nursing care delivery. Following the initial semester of the model's implementation, a pilot study was conducted. The findings generated the evidence required to take this innovation to the next level. Moreover, the education-practice partnership, which was created to implement the clinical education delivery model, was strengthened as a result of this preliminary evaluation.
The El Masnou infralittoral sedimentary environment (Barcelona province, NW Mediterranean Sea): morphology and Holocene seismic stratigraphy
Authors: Ercilla Gemma , Estrada Ferran , Casas David , Durán Ruth , Nuez Marta , Alonso Belén , Farrán Marcel·li
Published: December 2009

A detailed analysis of the morphology and the Holocene seismic and sequence stratigraphy and architecture of the infralittoral sedimentary environment of the El Masnou coast (Catalonia, NW Mediterranean Sea) was carried out using multibeam bathymetry and GeoPulse seismic data. This environment extends down to 26-30 m water depth, and is defined morphologically by two depositional wedges whose seafloor is affected by erosive furrows, slides, fields of large- and small-scale wavy bedforms, and dredging trenches and pits. Erosive terraces are also identified in the transition domain toward the inner continental shelf. The Holocene stratigraphy of the infralittoral environment is defined by two major seismic sequences (lower and upper), each one formed by internal seismic units. The sequences and units are characterised by downlapping surfaces made up of deposits formed by progradation of coastal lithosomes. The stratigraphy and stratal architecture, displaying a retrogradational arrangement with progradational patterns of minor order, were controlled by different sea-level positions. The stratigraphic division represents the coastal response to the last fourth-order transgressive and highstand conditions, modulated by small-scale sea-level oscillations (≈1-2 m) of fith to sixth order. This study also highlights the advantage of an integrated analysis using acoustic/seismic methods for practical assessment of the anthropogenic effects on infralittoral domains based on the association of marine geological observations.
The action of the masticatory muscles and cranial changes in pigs as results of domestication
Authors: Dinu Alexandru
Published: December 2009

The comparative study of wild boar and domestic pig skulls suggests that a change in feeding habits under human control may have been a factor influencing the action of the masticatory and neck muscles in reshaping the cranial region. This paper offers both an anatomical and an osteological comparative morphological argument supporting this hypothesis.
Geo-pedological and climatic impact on the distribution and organization of Neolithic settlements in Eastern Croatia (Western Syrmia)
Authors: Burić Marcel , Težak-Gregl Tihomila
Published: December 2009

This paper analyzes a sampling of settlement patterns in the extreme eastern periphery of Croatia during the prehistoric period. The layout of present-day settlements from Vukovar to Ilok and the local, very specific relief, indicate a degree of mutual interaction. The combination of a series of components such as deep ravines (known locally as surduk) and high loess terraces indicates a unique structure which has been apparent from prehistory to the most recent history.
Climate variations in the Circum-Alpine region and their influence on Neolithic-Bronze Age lacustrine communities displacement and\or cultural adaptation
Authors: Menotti Francesco
Published: December 2009

Because of its delicate balance, the hydrological system of the Alpine region is affected immediately by climatic variations. The most obvious evidence of hydrologic instability is reflected by natural water basins in particular rivers and lakes. Caused by climate change, but catalyzed by a myriad of environmental factors, the water levels of lakes and other natural water reservoirs fluctuate, influencing people who live in their proximity. In some cases, the irregular pattern of human occupation around prehistoric Circum-Alpine lakes shows a remarkable affinity to climatic oscillations. People’s responses to environmental influence are nevertheless unpredictable, and sometimes illogical.
Design, Synthesis, and Amplification of DNA Pools for In Vitro Selection
Authors: Hall Bradley , Micheletti John M. , Satya Pooja , Ogle Krystal , Pollard Jack , Ellington Andrew D.
Published: December 2009

Preparation of a random‐sequence DNA pool is presented. The degree of randomization and the length of the random sequence are discussed, as is synthesis of the pool using a DNA synthesizer or via commercial synthesis companies. Purification of a single‐stranded pool and conversion to a double‐stranded pool are presented as step‐by‐step protocols. Support protocols describe determination of the complexity and skewing of the pool, and optimization of amplification conditions. Curr. Protoc. Nucleic Acid Chem. 39:9.2.1‐9.2.28. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
In Vivo Imaging of Signal Transduction Cascades with Probes Based on Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)
Authors: Nakamura Takeshi , Matsuda Michiyuki
Published: December 2009

Genetically encoded FRET probes enable us to visualize a variety of signaling events such as protein phosphorylation and G‐protein activation in living cells. This unit focuses on FRET probes wherein both the donor and acceptor are fluorescence proteins and incorporated into a single molecule, i.e., a unimolecular probe. Advantages of these probes lie in their easy loading into cells, simple acquisition of FRET images, and clear evaluation of data. We have developed FRET probes for Ras‐superfamily GTPases, designated Ras and interacting protein chimeric unit (Raichu) probes. We hereby describe strategies to develop Raichu‐type FRET probes, procedures for their characterization, and acquisition and processing of images. Although improvements upon FRET probes are still based on trial‐and‐error, we provide practical tips for their optimization and briefly discuss the theory and applications of unimolecular FRET probes. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 45:14.10.1‐14.10.12. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The potential for first‐generation ethanol production from sugarcane
Authors: Goldemberg José , Guardabassi Patricia
Published: December 2009

Ethanol production from sugarcane, mainly in Brazil, on the basis of first‐generation technology (22.5 billion liters, in 2007/2008 season, in 3.4 million hectares) replaces 1% of the gasoline used in the world today and is highly competitive in economic terms with ethanol produced from other crops in the USA and Europe. In this paper we discuss the potential for sugarcane ethanol expansion from two angles: (1) productivity gains which would allow greater production in the same area and (2) geographical expansion to larger areas. The potential of first‐generation technology for the production of ethanol from sugarcane is far from being exhausted. There are gains in productivity of approximately a factor of two from genetically modified varieties and a geographical expansion by a factor of ten of the present level of production in many sugar‐producing countries. The replacement of 10% of the gasoline used in the world by ethanol from sugarcane seems possible before second‐generation technology reaches technological maturity and possibly economic competitiveness. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Selective Metal‐Cation Recognition by [2.2]Ferrocenophanes: The Cases of Zinc‐ and Lithium‐Sensing
Authors: Otón Francisco , Ratera Imma , Espinosa Arturo , Wurtz Klaus , Parella Teodor , Tárraga Alberto , Veciana Jaume , Molina Pedro
Published: December 2009

The synthesis, electrochemical, optical, and cation‐sensing properties of [2.2]ferrocenophanes, in which the two ferrocene subunits are linked through two aldiminic or iminophosphorane moieties, are reported. The new compounds show remarkably selective cation‐sensing properties due to the presence of redox‐active units (ferrocene) and aza‐unsaturated functionalities that are able to act as putative cation‐binding sites. In this structural motif, the aldimine groups act as a highly selective binding site for Zn2+cations, whereas the iminophosphorane bridges display an unusually strong binding affinity towards Li+cations, which could be explained by an additional Li⋅⋅⋅Fe interaction. The X‐ray structure of the complex4⋅Li+as well as detailed NMR spectroscopic studies, both in solution and in the solid state, support this assessment. Experimental data and conclusions about the cation‐sensing capabilities of this family of compounds are supported by DFT calculations.
Synthetic and Structural Studies on Copper 1 H‐[1,10]‐Phenanthrolin‐2‐one Coordination Complexes: Isolation of a Novel Intermediate During 1,10‐Phenanthroline Hydroxylation
Authors: Szpakolski Katherine B. , Latham Kay , Rix Colin J. , White Jonathan M. , Moubaraki Boujemaa , Murray Keith S.
Published: December 2009

The synthesis and crystal structure elucidation of a novel dinuclear heteroleptic copper(II) complex has led to an alternative mechanism in the formation of covalent hydrates. During further studies on the synthesis and properties of [Cu2(ophen)2] (1), a dinuclear complex of copper(I) with 1 H‐[1,10]‐phenanthrolin‐2‐one (Hophen), two intermediates/alternative products 2 and 3 were isolated. The dinuclear, antiferromagnetic complex [Cu2(ophen)2(phen)2]⋅(NO3)2⋅9H2O (3, phen=1,10‐phenanthroline) contains two five‐coordinate copper(II) ions, both with trigonal‐bipyramidal coordination, which are bridged together through deprotonated hydroxyl groups with a CuCu non‐bonding distance of 3.100 Å. Complex [Cu(phen)2(H2O)]⋅(NO3)2 (2) is a polymorph of a previously reported material. The occurrence of 2 and 3 has led us to propose a variation to the Gillard mechanism for the formation of covalent hydrates in bidentate N‐heterocycles in which the attacking nucleophile may be the deprotonated form of 2, [Cu(phen)2(OH)]−, rather than free OH−.
Secondary Interactions or Ligand Scrambling? Subtle Steric Effects Govern the Iridium(I) Coordination Chemistry of Phosphoramidite Ligands
Authors: Osswald Tina , Rüegger Heinz , Mezzetti Antonio
Published: December 2009

The like and unlike isomers of phosphoramidite (P*) ligands are found to react differently with iridium(I), which is a key to explaining the apparently inconsistent results obtained by us and other research groups in a variety of catalytic reactions. Thus, the unlike diastereoisomer (aR,S,S)‐[IrCl(cod)(1 a)] (2 a; cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene, 1 a=(aR,S,S)‐(1,1′‐binaphthalene)‐2,2′‐diyl bis(1‐phenylethyl)phosphoramidite) forms, upon chloride abstraction, the monosubstituted complex (aR,S,S)‐[Ir(cod)(1,2‐η‐1 a,κP)]+ (3 a), which contains a chelating P* ligand that features an η2 interaction between a dangling phenyl group and iridium. Under analogous conditions, the like analogue (aR,R,R)‐1 a′ gives the disubstituted species (aR,R,R)‐[Ir(cod)(1 a′,κP)2]+ (4 a′) with monodentate P* ligands. The structure of 3 a was assessed by a combination of X‐ray and NMR spectroscopic studies, which indicate that it is the configuration of the binaphthol moiety (and not that of the dangling benzyl N groups) that determines the configuration of the complex. The effect of the relative configuration of the P* ligand on its iridium(I) coordination chemistry is discussed in the context of our preliminary catalytic results and of apparently random results obtained by other groups in the iridium(I)‐catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation of allylic acetates and in rhodium(I)‐catalyzed asymmetric cycloaddition reactions. Further studies with the unlike ligand (aS,R,R)‐(1,1′‐binaphthalene)‐2,2′‐diyl bis{[1‐(1‐naphthalene‐1‐yl)ethyl]phosphoramidite} (1 b) showed a yet different coordination mode, that is, the η4‐arene–metal interaction in (aS,R,R)‐[Ir(cod)(1,2,3,4‐η‐1 b,κP)]+ (3 b).
Catalytic Double Stereoinduction in Asymmetric Allylic Alkylation of Oxindoles
Authors: Trost Barry M. , Zhang Yong
Published: December 2009

A highly regio‐, diastereo‐, and enantioselective allylic alkylation reaction of 3‐monosubstituted oxindoles catalyzed by molybdenum is described. The reaction is affected by the electronic and steric variations of the nucleophile. The use of appropriate N‐protecting group is particularly important for achieving high regio‐ and diastereoselectivity. Products from this reaction, containing vicinal quaternary‐tertiary stereogenic centers, are valuable synthetic intermediates and should find utility in alkaloid synthesis.
Optimierung einer rekombinanten mikrobiellen Transglutaminase
Authors: Büttner K. , Marx C. K. , Hertel T. C. , Pietzsch M.
Published: December 2009

Die mikrobielle Transglutaminase aus Streptomyces mobaraensis wird bisher überwiegend in der Lebensmitteltechnologie angewendet, da durch die Vernetzung von Proteinen die Textureigenschaften z. B. von Wurstprodukten verändert werden können. Um das Enzym auch für andere Anwendungen und eine Optimierung verfügbar zu machen, wurde eine mikrobielle Transglutaminase aus S. mobaraensis kloniert und erstmals in löslicher Form in Escherichia coli exprimiert. Dies war die Voraussetzung, um das Enzym mittels Random Mutagenese optimieren zu können. Im mikrotiterplattenbasierenden Hochdurchsatz‐Screeningverfahren wurde nach thermostabilen Varianten gesucht. Unter 5500 Klonen wurden sechs thermostabile Mutanten identifiziert. Diese Enzymvarianten wurden bezüglich ihrer Thermostabilität und spezifischen Aktivität in Abhängigkeit von der Temperatur charakterisiert. Die beste thermostabile Variante besitzt eine einzige Mutation (S2P) und weist eine um 270 % erhöhte Halbwertszeit bei 60 °C auf und hat außerdem bei allen Temperaturen eine doppelt so hohe spezifische Aktivität als das rekombinante Wildtyp‐Enzym. Die Steigerung der spezifischen Aktivität ist vorteilhaft, da sich so mit der gleichen Enzymmenge die Reaktion in kürzerer Zeit durchführen lässt, bzw. die Enzymmenge reduziert werden kann.
Working Alliance Inventory‐Short Revised (WAI‐SR): psychometric properties in outpatients and inpatients
Authors: Munder Thomas , Wilmers Fabian , Leonhart Rainer , Linster Hans Wolfgang , Barth Jürgen
Published: December 2009

The Working Alliance Inventory‐Short Revised (WAI‐SR) is a recently refined measure of the therapeutic alliance that assesses three key aspects of the therapeutic alliance: (a) agreement on the tasks of therapy, (b) agreement on the goals of therapy and (c) development of an affective bond. The WAI‐SR demonstrated good psychometric properties in an initial validation in psychotherapy outpatients in the USA. The generalizability of these findings is limited because in some countries a substantial portion of individual psychotherapy is delivered in inpatient settings. This study investigated and compared the psychometric properties of the WAI‐SR in German outpatients (N = 88) and inpatients (N = 243). In both samples reliability (? ? 0.80) and convergent validity with the Helping Alliance Questionnaire were good (r > 0.64). Confirmatory factor analysis showed acceptable to good model fit for the proposed Bond‐Task‐Goal model in both samples. Multi‐group analysis demonstrated that the same constructs were measured across settings. Alliance ratings of outpatients and inpatients differed regarding the overlap of alliance components and the magnitude of the alliance ratings: The differentiation of the alliance components was poorer in inpatients and they reported lower alliances. Unique aspects of the alliance in inpatient treatment are discussed and a need for further research on the alliance in inpatient settings is pointed out. Overall, the WAI‐SR can be recommended for alliance assessment in both settings. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

The Working Alliance Inventory‐Short Revised (WAI‐SR) is a 12‐item measure for the assessment of the therapeutic alliance.

The WAI‐SR is pantheoretic and captures three key alliance aspects: (a) agreement on the tasks of therapy, (b) agreement on the goals of therapy and (c) development of an affective bond.

This study demonstrates good psychometric properties of the WAI‐SR in outpatients and inpatients.

The WAI‐SR is ready to be used by psychotherapists interested in the therapeutic alliance, for supervision and process research.
Exploring therapeutic alliance in brief inpatient psychotherapy: a preliminary study
Authors: Blais Mark A. , Jacobo Michelle C. , Smith Steven R.
Published: December 2009

Background: Therapeutic alliance is one of the most widely investigated variables in psychotherapy research but few studies have explored its role in inpatient psychotherapy. Many factors likely contribute to the lack of inpatient alliance research including the short length of hospital stays, complexity of patient psychopathology and the burdensome quality of most alliance scales. This paper reports on the development and initial application of two comparable brief scales designed to capture patient and therapist alliance ratings. Method: Participants were 20 patients receiving supportive–expressive inpatient psychotherapy. The patients were predominantly depressed women. Baseline measures of distress, symptom severity and functioning were obtained at the first and third sessions. Measures of alliance were obtained at the second session. Results: The brief alliance scales demonstrated adequate internal consistency and the individual items had good adjusted item‐to‐scale correlations. Consistent with the broad alliance literature, we found that patients rated alliance higher than therapists, patient and therapist alliance ratings were not significantly correlated, and level of functioning was significantly associated with both patients and therapists' alliance ratings. The perceived depth of psychotherapy was also significantly associated with alliance. Unexpectedly, alliance ratings were also negatively associated with improvement during hospitalization. Conclusions: Overall, the study demonstrates both the feasibility and potential benefit of conducting inpatient psychotherapy research. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message:

This paper shows that inpatient psychotherapy can be studied and potentially improved through the application of brief targeted instruments.
Attachment and symptoms of psychopathology: early maladaptive schemas as a cognitive link?
Authors: Bosmans Guy , Braet Caroline , Van Vlierberghe Leen
Published: December 2009

This study investigated whether early maladaptive schemas can explain the relation between attachment anxiety and avoidance dimensions and symptoms of psychopathology. For this purpose, 289 Flemish, Dutch‐speaking, late adolescents participated on a questionnaire study. Using a non‐parametric re‐sampling approach, we investigated whether the association between attachment and psychopathology was mediated by early maladaptive schemas. Results indicate that the association between attachment anxiety and psychopathology is fully mediated by cognitions regarding rejection and disconnection and other‐directedness. The association between attachment avoidance and psychopathology is partly mediated by cognitions regarding rejection and disconnection. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message:

Our findings suggest that cognitive therapy might be useful in the treatment of attachment‐related psychopathology.

Our findings suggest that therapists should be wary for attachment‐related relapse.

Especially the cognitive schemas regarding expectations to be rejected or disconnected mediated the association between attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance dimensions and psychopathology.