bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Vaccination Mobilizes Innate Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Restraining In Vivo T Cell Priming via IL-1R–Dependent Nitric Oxide Production
Authors: Martino Angelo , Badell Edgar , Abadie Valérie , Balloy Viviane , Chignard Michel , Mistou Michel-Yves , Combadière Béhazine , Combadière Christophe , Winter Nathalie
Published: January 2010

Early immune response to the largely used Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) intradermal vaccine remains ill defined. Three days after BCG inoculation into the mouse ear, in addition to neutrophils infiltrating skin, we observed CD11b+Ly-6CintLy-6G− myeloid cells. Neutrophil depletion markedly enhanced their recruitment. These cells differed from inflammatory monocytes and required MyD88-dependent BCG-specific signals to invade skin, whereas neutrophil influx was MyD88 independent. Upon BCG phagocytosis, CD11b+Ly-6CintLy-6G− cells produced NO, which required the IL-1 receptor. Despite NO production, they were unable to kill BCG or the nonpathogenic Mycobacterium smegmatis. However, they markedly impaired T cell priming in the draining lymph node. Their elimination by all-trans retinoid acid treatment increased the number of IFN-γ–producing CD4 T cells. Thus, BCG vaccination recruits innate myeloid-derived suppressor cells, akin to mouse tumor-infiltrating cells. These propathogenic cells dampen the early T cell response and might facilitate BCG persistence.
High Efficiency Blue Organic LEDs Achieved By an Integrated Fluorescence–Interlayer–Phosphorescence Emission Architecture
Authors: Zheng Tianhang , Choy Wallace C. H.
Published: January 2010

This paper presents a new strategy to develop efficient organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs) by doping fluorescent‐ and phosphorescent‐type emitters individually into two different hosts separated by an interlayer to form a fluorescence–interlayer–phosphorescence (FIP) emission architecture. One blue OLED with FIP emission structure comprising p‐bis(p‐N,N‐diphenylaminostyryl)benzene (DSA‐Ph) and bis[(4,6‐di‐fluorophenyl)‐pyridinate‐N,C2']picolinate (FIrpic) exhibiting a peak luminance efficiency of 15.8 cd A−1 at 1.54 mA cm−2 and a power efficiency of 10.2 lm W−1 at 0.1 mA cm−2 is successfully demonstrated. The results are higher than those of typical phosphorescent OLEDs with a single emission layer by 34% and 28%, respectively. From experimental and theoretical investigations on device performance, and the functions of the used emitters and interlayer, such enhancement should ascribe to the appropriate utilization of the two types of emitters. The fluorescent emitter of DSA‐Ph is used to facilitate the carrier transport, and thus accelerate the generation of excitons, while the phosphorescent emitter of FIrpic could convert the generated excitons into light efficiently. The method proposed here can be applied for developing other types of red, green, and white OLEDs.
Population differences in the testosterone levels of young men are associated with prostate cancer disparities in older men
Authors: Calistro Alvarado Louis
Published: January 2010

Although there is evidence that greater exposure to testosterone is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, a recent analysis of 18 prospective studies found no relationship between levels of endogenous sex hormones and prostate cancer development. However, the reviewed studies were subject to methodological constraints that would obscure any potential relationship between prostate cancer and androgenic hormones. If prostate cancer risk is mediated by lifetime exposure to testosterone, then case‐control studies that concentrate on endogenous sex hormones near the ages that prostate cancer is diagnosed would provide limited information on cumulative testosterone exposure across the lifespan. Alternately, early adulthood has been suggested as the most salient period to evaluate the influence of steroid physiology on prostate carcinogenesis. As such, an exhaustive literature search was completed to obtain testosterone values reported for study samples of younger men, along with prostate cancer incidences for the larger populations from which the study populations were sampled. A novel analytical method was developed to standardize, organize, and examine 12 studies reporting testosterone levels for 28 population samples. Study populations were generally apportioned according to ethnicity and geographic residence: Americans of African, Asian, Caucasian, and Hispanic ancestry from several different regions within the United States as well as men from China, Germany, Japan, Kuwait, New Zealand, South Korea, and Sweden. Population differences in the testosterone levels of young men were significantly associated with population disparities in the prostate cancer incidence of older men (Spearman's rho = 0.634, p = 0.002). Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modeling of freezing step during vial freeze‐drying of pharmaceuticals—influence of nucleation temperature on primary drying rate
Authors: Nakagawa Kyuya , Hottot Aurelie , Vessot Severine , Andrieu Julien
Published: January 2010

To optimize the primary drying step of freeze‐drying processes, it is very important to control morphological parameters of the frozen matrix. A mathematical model that simulates temperature profiles during freezing process of standard pharmaceutical formulations was set up and the ice crystal mean sizes were semi‐empirically estimated from the simulated thermal profiles. Then, water vapor mass transfer kinetics during sublimation step was estimated from ice phase morphological parameters. All these numerical data were compared with experimental data and a quite good agreement was observed, which confirmed the adequacy of the present model calculations. It was confirmed that, for a given formulation, the mass transfer parameters during freeze‐drying were strongly dependent on morphological textural parameters, and consequently, on the nucleation temperatures that fix the ice phase morphology. The influence of freezing rates was also predicted from the simulations, proving that an increase of cooling rates led to slower primary drying rates. Copyright © 2010 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mineral melting behavior of chinese blended coal ash under gasification condition
Authors: Wu Xiaojiang , Zhou Tuo , Chen Yushuang , Zhang Zhongxiao , Piao Guilin , Kobayashi Nobusuke , Mori Shigekatsu , Itaya Yoshinori
Published: January 2010

The fusibility and mineral melting behavior of Chinese blended coal ash under gasification condition were studied by standard ash fusion temperature (AFT) test, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and phase diagram theory. The experimental results show that the trend of blended ash's AFT is not linearly related to the blending ratios, but mirrors by changes in liquidus temperature from ternary phase diagram systems. The AFTs of those blended ashes whose main ash chemical compositions locate near the boundaries between two mineral regions or triple points are lower and change more evident than that of those blended ashes whose main ash chemical compositions are far away from the boundaries or triple points. With increasing mass fraction of low AFT ash in blended coal ash, the location of blended ash in ternary systems is changed from the mullite region to the anorthite region, as well as the dominant crystal mineral at deformation temperature (DT) is also transformed from mullite to anorthite via mullite–mullite and anorthite coexisting–anorthite. The fluxing minerals (anhydrite, wustite, albite, hercynite, augite) in low AFT ash can react with the refractory minerals (mullite, quartz) complicatedly to form new low‐melting minerals (anorthite, hercynite, fayalite, gehlenite) at high temperature (HT) (1273–1403 K). These minerals can also interact to form eutectic mixtures in FeO‐SiO2‐Al2O3 and CaO‐SiO2‐Al2O3 systems and act as the most key factors for lowing melting mechanism of blended ash under gasification condition. Copyright © 2010 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Traffic assignment by trip type using volume restraint and link restraint for application in small urban areas
Authors: Leftwich David Scot , Heimbach Clinton L.
Published: January 2010

This research involved the development of a new traffic assignment model consisting of a set of procedures for an urbanized area with a population of 172,000. Historical, social, and economic data were used as input to conventional trip generation and trip distribution models to produce a trip table for network assignment. This fixed table was divided into three trip types: external‐external trips, external‐internal trips, and internal‐internal trips. The methodology used to develop the new traffic assignment model assigned each of the trip types by varying the diversion of trips from the minimum path. External‐external trips were assigned on a minimum path routing and external‐internal trips were assigned with a slight diversion from the minimum path. Internal‐internal trips were assigned with more diversion than external‐internal trips and adjusted by utilizing iterative volume restraint and incremental link restraint.

A statistical analysis indicated that assigning trips by trip types using trip diversion and volume and link restraint produces a significant improvement in the accuracy of the assigned traffic volumes.
Thermal deformations in typical maglev guideway structures
Authors: Campbell T. I. , Siu S. W.
Published: January 2010

Thermal gradients and related deformations induced in elevated Maglev guideways by temperature variations in their environment have been predicted by a mathematical model. The deflections induced by thermal gradients in typical guideways are found to exceed specified limits for acceptable operation of an electromagnetic suspension system vehicle unless measures are taken to reduce the thermal gradients and related deflections by suitable treatment of the guideway surfaces.
Simulation of fixed route bus travel time
Authors: Seneviratne Prianka N.
Published: January 2010

Travel time on fixed route urban bus route is discussed. Given that the travel time is a function of three basic variables, Monte Carlo procedure is used to simulate trips during a specific time interval. Each variable is assumed to have a specific probability distribution with known or estimatable parameters. It is shown that this micro‐computer simulation model can be used for examining the effects of traffic management schemes, number of stops and passenger demand on travel time, and subsequently fleet size and level of service.
Multicriteria ranking of urban transportation system alternatives
Authors: Gomes Luiz F. A. M.
Published: January 2010

This paper presents the fundamentals of a new method to rank urban transportation system alternatives, taking into consideration multiple criteria. Those criteria can be quantifiable or not. The new method is founded on Utility Theory and it makes use of absolute weighting and pairwise comparisons. It has important practical advantages over other existing methods, the most important among those advantages being its capability to be understood and accepted by professionals and by the public. A numerical example is included in the paper.
A cost optimized steel bridge girder design for aashto ‐ WSD and LFD
Authors: Schelling D. R. , Fu C. C. , Hsu Y. T.
Published: January 2010

A cost optimized design method of steel bridge girders is studied by using the specifications of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation (AASHTO) Working Stress Design (WSD) method and Load Factor Design (LFD) alternates. Here, cost trade‐offs for the steel plate (e.g., the base price plus extras for size, grade, testing and inspection, etc.), stiffeners and splicing are weighed throughout the entire span to minimize the objective function.

The method is then applied to a set of over 30 steel bridge structures which collected from various state bridge inventories in order to obtain optimal cost configurations for both WSD and LFD methods. These results are analyzed by a linear regression model to define relationships between cost differences and bridge lengths. From these comparisons, conclusions are drawn to provide the guidelines. It is believed that effective application of these guidelines should lead to more economical designs, especially under the LFD method.
Efficient schedule merging for transit branch routes
Authors: Banks James H.
Published: January 2010

The scheduling of branch routes for urban transit systems poses several special problems, some of which are susceptible to relatively simple mathematical solutions. One of these is the problem of adjusting layovers so as to provide for smooth merging at minimum fleet size on routes with unequal travel times on different branches. This problem is shown to be analogous to a simple deterministic queueing or inventory problem. Minimum fleet size for such routes is shown to be equal to the mean vehicle cycle time divided by the headway on the trunk portion of the route.
Comparing two methods for multicriteria ranking of urban transportation system alternatives
Authors: Gomes Luiz F. A. M.
Published: January 2010

This note shows a numerical comparison of TODIM and ELECTRE II, two alternative methods for multicriteria ranking of projects. Ranks obtained from both methods are compared at a level of significance of 0.01. The results suggest a practical advantage of TODIM over ELECTRE II.
Estimation of flow for evaluating and classifying pedestrian facilities
Authors: Seneviratne P. N. , Morrall J. F.
Published: January 2010

Short term manual counts are used in many pedestrian studies to overcome time, cost, and equipment constraints. Depending on the count period, several techniques are available for expanding short‐term counts with the objective of estimating pedestrian volume over extended periods of time. When flow is highly variable and only a few short‐term counts can be conducted, the expanded values can contain large margins of error. This paper presents the findings of two studies on the development and verification of models for expanding short‐term (five‐, 10‐, 15‐minute) counts. Using data from the Central Business Districts of Calgary and Montreal, it is shown that such models can explain up to 90% of the variation in expected volumes. The paper also presents a methodology based on Bayesian theory for minimizing errors resulting from short‐term counts with large variances. The methodology, which takes into consideration the variance as well as the number of short‐term counts, also enables planners to update the short‐term counts on the basis of subsequent surveys.
Review of Eastern Harbour crossing bus routes
Authors: Lam William H. K.
Published: January 2010

The opening of the Eastern Harbour Crossing provided a new road link crossing the harbour which enabled the two bus companies (i.e. the China Motor Bus Company, CMB and the Kowloon Motor Bus Company, KMB) to develop a new cross harbour network to supplement the existing one. Two new cross harbour bus routes, namely, Route Nos. 601 and 606, were introduced on 22nd September 1989 together with the opening of the Eastern Harbour Crossing. After two months service, it is about the time to review the performance of the two new bus routes and to improve the frequency when demand warrants. In this study, boarding and alighting counts were carried out during the A.M. and P.M. peak periods, together with the bus speed and delay study. Comparison of bus speeds before and after the strike of the CMB staff was also given. In addition, passenger load counts were conducted on the maximum load points so as to evaluate the existing bus services. Finally, some important conclusions and suggestions have been drawn for possible improvements of the above two bus routes.
Modelling interdependencies among urban transportation system alternatives within a multicriteria ranking framework
Authors: Gomes Luiz F. A. M.
Published: January 2010

This paper presents a technique for ranking interrelated urban transportation system alternatives under multiple criteria. The technique allows dealing with alternatives which are interdependent according to at least one major attribute. This feature is virtually nonexistant in the vast majority of multicriteria ranking methods which essentially consider a set of independent alternatives. A numerical example is included in the paper.
A normative framework for assessing the economic impacts of general aviation airports
Authors: Ghobrial Atef , Fleming Kenneth
Published: January 2010

Despite the significant contribution of general aviation airports to the economic development of communities and regions, very little wok has been done to realistically measure the economic benefits of these airports. This paper presents a normative framework to forecast the economic impacts of general aviation airports. It also presents a conceptual design of a management information system to enhance the role of general aviation airports in the future economic development of regions.
The theory of second best in urban mass transit: Management in the public sector as a proforma exercise
Authors: Tomazinis Anthony R.
Published: January 2010

This paper focuses on four issues. The first is the case of one‐sided investments in mass transit in metropolitan areas of developing countries. It is pointed out that in many cases in which the conditions for optimum investment policies (Pareto's Optimum) are not maintained, excessive investments on mass transit, including large annual operating subsidies, usually lead to substantial sub‐optimizations and waste of scarce financial resources. This problem is then reviewed under the light of the “Theory of Second Best” as articulated for all investment options within Welfare Economic Theory.

The second issue examined is the matter of recently discovered importantdiseconomiesof scale of large metro transit systems in developing and developed countries, and the need to retain production of transport services within small‐scale production units that are well coordinated and controlled.

The third issue discussed is the problem of mismanagement of most public sector transit companies and agencies. The notion that most such systems are simply administered, not managed, is being brought up and the requirements for proper management are amplified.

Finally, the case of public vs. private ownership of mass transit is being discussed with a distinction between public policies ofprovidingmass transit services and the actualproductionprocess of these services.Provisionof services represents a public responsibility that belongs to the public sector. However,productionof service is a techno‐economic process that requires different talents and circumstances.

The paper concludes with a strong suggestion for major reorientation of urban mass transit in the metro areas of developing countries towards more efficiency and higher productivity.
Organization of urban mass transport in developing countries
Authors: Victor David Johnson
Published: January 2010

The supply of mass transport has not kept pace with the demand in cities in developing countries due to rapid urbanization and severe resource constraints. Developing countries would benefit from a study of the experience in developed countries regarding organization of mass transport and may adopt a few of the successful techniques. Examples include: unified transport authority; intermodal transfer facilities; subsidy to public transport; light rail transit; and redevelopment of the area around main rail terminals. Developing countries would be able to implement most of these techniques. The possible contribution of developed countries to developing countries lies mainly in the area of rolling stock and advanced signalling for rail based urban transport and in training highly skilled manpower for operation and management.
Transit scheduling
Authors: Ceder Avishai
Published: January 2010

This paper provides an overview of the transit operational planning process with an emphasis on certain aspects of new methodologies in scheduling. The transit scheduling system usually consists of three interelated components: (1) creation of timetables; (2) scheduling vehicles to trips; and (3) assignment of drivers. These three components are described, but with a focus on the first component because of its importance from the user's perspective. The design of a transit timetable is discussed from both a practical and an analytical viewpoint. A methodology is presented on the construction of alternative computerized public timetables, based on procedures that improve the correspondence of vehicle departure times with passenger demand. The vehicle scheduling procedure is viewed through the minimization of the number of vehicles required to carry out a fixed or variable timetable. Finally, different approaches to the crew assignment component are briefly discussed. The overview and methodologies presented in the paper suggest that most scheduling tasks can be performed automatically or in a conversational man‐computer mode. The adoption of new scheduling procedures will undoubtedly increase the efficiency of each of the three components of the transit scheduling system.
Extension of Newell's dispatching policy to the case of sensitive demand
Authors: Liu Gong , Wirasinghe S. C.
Published: January 2010

This paper has extended Newell's dispatching policy to the case of sensitive demand which is characterized by a linear mode split model with two major factors, wait time and transit fare. Three objective functions both with and without vehicle capacity constraint are analyzed, including profit maximization, maximization of a combination of net user benefit and operator profit, and maximization of net user benefit subject to a deficit constraint. Closed‐form solutions associated with various system parameters are obtained. It is shown that under sensitive demand conditions the optimal dispatching rate is approximately proportional to the square root of the total demand rate, if vehicle size is not binding and it is strictly proportional to the total demand rate, if vehicle size is binding.
A multiobjective hierarchical model for locating public facilities on a transportation network: A goal programming approach
Authors: Zografos Konstantinos G. , Cromley Robert G. , Levinson Herbert S.
Published: January 2010

This paper introduces a Multiobjective Hierarchical Model (MOHLM) for locating public facilities on a transportation network. The proposed model combines the multiobjective nature of the location‐allocation problem with the hierarchical character of some public service systems, such as health care delivery.

The model examines both maximum and total weighted travel time, facility utilization, and total travel time from the master facility to the attached subordinate facilities. An iterative goal programing algorithm is used to solve the problem.

An example related to the location of health care facilities in a rural area of Greece is used to illustrate the application of the proposed model.
Transit system evaluation: Guideway bus vs. light rail transit
Authors: Stone John R. , Allen Jane D. , Moerz Armin , Gardner Brian
Published: January 2010

This paper describes a set of specialized spreadsheets that model the cost and performance of transit system options including light rail transit, guideway bus, express bus, and ride sharing. These spreadsheets are demonstrated by comparing a guideway bus (GWB) transit system and a light rail transit (LRT) system proposed for construction in an active rail corridor. The comparisons for assumed levels of transit ridership include guideway geometry, travel time, headways, vehicle requirements, grade crossing protection, and capital and operating costs.

The planned GWB system runs on an exclusive dual guideway in the rail right‐of‐way, and the alternative LRT system operates on the existing rails with new bridges and track as needed for a dual guideway system. The analysis compares the two options for mode splits between 0.5% and 50%. Results show that while both options have approximately the same travel time, the GWB system costs approximately 30% less than the LRT system. The cost difference results primarily from lower GWB vehicle purchase and operating costs.

The spreadsheets are available through the McTrans Center at the University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
A GIS‐Based approach for estimating truck flow patterns in urban settings
Authors: List George F. , Turnquist Mark A.
Published: January 2010

This paper describes how a Geographic Information System (GIS) is being used to help estimate multi‐class truck flows in an urban setting. Emphasis is placed on the reasons why this approach is valuable, the specific GIS tools and techniques employed, the value added by employing a GIS‐based approach, and the results being obtained. These findings are generalized to describe the benefits that might be expected in other situations where a similar modeling approach is used.
Measuring network reliability: A game theoretic approach
Authors: Bell Michael G H
Published: January 2010

Despite the importance of assessing the reliability of transport networks in general there is a paucity of suitable techniques. In part this is due to the fact that network performance depends both on the state of the infrastructure and on the behaviour of network users, where user behaviour is governed by expectations about the state of the network. An approach based on game theory is proposed whereby the performance of the network is estimated for the case where network users are extremely pessimistic about the state of the network. Where the routes are prespecified and route utilities depend only on exogenously given scenarios, the estimation problem may be formulated as a linear program. A reformulation of the problem as a non‐linear program allows the impact of the degree of user pessimism on expected network utility to be studied. The problems of implementing the method for large networks with multiple origins and destinations is discussed and an algorithm is proposed.
A simulation‐based reliability assessment approach for congested transit network
Authors: Yin Yafeng , Lam William H. K. , Miller Mark A.
Published: January 2010

This paper is an attempt to develop a generic simulation‐based approach to assess transit service reliability, taking into account interaction between network performance and passengers' route choice behaviour. Three types of reliability, say, system wide travel time reliability, schedule reliability and direct boarding waiting‐time reliability are defined from perspectives of the community or transit administration, the operator and passengers. A Monte Carlo simulation approach with a stochastic user equilibrium transit assignment model embedded is proposed to quantify these three reliability measures of transit service. A simple transit network with a bus rapid transit (BRT) corridor is analysed as a case study where the impacts of BRT components on transit service reliability are evaluated preliminarily.
Regulation of gene expression in osteoblasts
Authors: Jensen Eric D. , Gopalakrishnan Rajaram , Westendorf Jennifer J.
Published: January 2010

In recent years, much progress has been made in understanding the factors that regulate the gene expression program that underlies the induction, proliferation, differentiation, and maturation of osteoblasts. A large and growing number of transcription factors make important contributions to the precise control of osteoblast formation and function. It has become increasingly clear that these diverse transcription factors and the signals that regulate their activity cannot be viewed as discrete, separate signaling pathways. Rather, they form a highly interconnected, cooperative network that permits gene expression to be closely regulated. There has also been a substantial increase in our understanding of the mechanistic control of gene expression by cofactors such as acetyltransferases and histone deacetylases. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent progress in understanding the major transcription factors and epigenetic coregulators, including histone deacetylases and microRNAs, involved in osteoblastogenesis and the mechanisms that determine their functions as regulators of gene expression.
Soybean and sunflower oil‐induced insulin resistance correlates with impaired GLUT4 protein expression and translocation specifically in white adipose tissue
Authors: Poletto Ana Cláudia , Anhê Gabriel Forato , Eichler Paula , Takahashi Hilton Kenji , Furuya Daniela Tomie , Okamoto Maristela Mitiko , Curi Rui , Machado Ubiratan Fabres
Published: January 2010

Free fatty acids are known for playing a crucial role in the development of insulin resistance. High fat intake is known for impairing insulin sensitivity; however, the effect of vegetable‐oil injections have never been investigated. The present study investigated the effects of daily subcutaneous injections (100 µL) of soybean (SB) and sunflower (SF) oils, during 7 days. Both treated groups developed insulin resistance as assessed by insulin tolerance test. The mechanism underlying the SB‐ and SF‐induced insulin resistance was shown to involve GLUT4. In SB‐ and SF‐treated animals, the GLUT4 protein expression was reduced ∼20% and 10 min after an acute in vivo stimulus with insulin, the plasma membrane GLUT4 content was ∼60% lower in white adipose tissue (WAT). No effects were observed in skeletal muscle. Additionally, both oil treatments increased mainly the content of palmitic acid (∼150%) in WAT, which can contribute to explain the GLUT4 regulations. Altogether, the present study collects evidence that those oil treatments might generate insulin resistance by targeting GLUT4 expression and translocation specifically in WAT. These alterations are likely to be caused due to the specific local increase in saturated fatty acids that occurred as a consequence of oil daily injections. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Different neuronal Na+/K+‐ATPase isoforms are involved in diverse signaling pathways
Authors: Karpova Larisa V. , Bulygina Elena R. , Boldyrev Alexander A.
Published: January 2010

Inhibition of rat neuronal Na+/K+‐ATPase α3 isoform at low (100 nM) ouabain concentration led to activation of MAP kinase cascade via PKC and PIP3 kinase. In contrast to ouabain‐sensitive α3 isoform of Na+/K+‐ATPase, an ouabain‐resistant α1 isoform (inhibition with 1 mM of ouabain) of Na+/K+‐ATPase regulates MAP kinase via Src kinase dependent reactions. Using of Annexin V‐FITC apoptotic test to determine the cells with early apoptotic features allows to conclude that α3 isoform stimulates and α1 suppresses apoptotic process in cerebellum neurons. These data are the first demonstration showing participation of ouabain‐resistant (α1) and ouabain‐sensitive (α3) Na+/K+‐ATPase isoforms in diverse signaling pathways in neuronal cells. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of Superacid‐Functionalized Mesoporous Nanocages with Tunable Pore Diameters and Their Application in the Synthesis of Coumarins
Authors: Kalita Pranjal , Sathyaseelan B. , Mano Ajayan , Zaidi S. M. Javaid , Chari Murugulla A. , Vinu Ajayan
Published: January 2010

Here we demonstrate for the first time the preparation of a triflic acid (TFA)‐functionalized mesoporous nanocage with tunable pore diameters by the wet impregnation method. The obtained materials have been unambiguously characterized by XRD, N2 adsorption, FTIR spectroscopy, and NH3 temperature‐programmed desorption (TPD). From the characterization results, it has been found that the TFA molecules are firmly anchored on the surface of the mesoporous supports without affecting their acidity. We also demonstrate the effect of the pore and cage diameter of the KIT‐5 supports on the loading of TFA molecules inside the pore channels. It has been found that the total acidity of the materials increases with an increase in the TFA loading on the support, whereas the acidity of the materials decreases with an increase in the pore diameter of the support. The acidity of the TFA‐functionalized mesoporous nanocages is much higher than that of the zeolites and metal‐substituted mesoporous acidic catalysts. The TFA‐functionalized materials have also been employed as the catalysts for the synthesis of 7‐hydroxy‐4‐methylcoumarin by means of the Pechmann reaction under solvent‐free conditions. It has been found that the catalytic activity of the TFA‐functionalized KIT‐5 is much higher than that of zeolites and metal‐substituted mesoporous catalytic materials in the synthesis of coumarin derivatives. The stability of the catalyst is extremely good and can be reused several times without much loss of activity in the above reaction.
Targeting the Hsp90 Chaperone: Synthesis of Novel Resorcylic Acid Macrolactone Inhibitors of Hsp90
Authors: Day James E. H. , Sharp Swee Y. , Rowlands Martin G. , Aherne Wynne , Workman Paul , Moody Christopher J.
Published: January 2010

A series of benzo‐macrolactones has been prepared by chemical synthesis, and evaluated as inhibitors of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), an emerging attractive target for novel cancer therapeutic agents. A new synthesis of these resorcylic acid macrolactone analogues of the natural product radicicol is described in which the key steps are the acylation and ring opening of a homophthalic anhydride to give an isocoumarin, followed by a ring‐closing metathesis to form the macrocycle. The methodology has been extended to a novel series of macrolactones incorporating a 1,2,3‐triazole ring.
Intermolecular Photocyclizations of N‐(ω‐Hydroxyalkyl)tetrachlorophthalimide with Alkenes Leading to Medium‐ and Large‐Ring Heterocycles—Reaction Modes and Regio‐ and Stereoselectivity of the 1,n‐Biradicals
Authors: Shen Yong‐Miao , Yang Xiao‐Liang , Chen Da‐Qing , Xue Jie , Zhu Liang , Fun Hoong‐Kun , Hu Hong‐Wen , Xu Jian‐Hua
Published: January 2010

A new photocyclization strategy by using intermolecular tandem reactions between N‐(ω‐hydroxyalkyl)‐4,5,6,7‐tetrachlorophthalimides (1, 2, and 3) and a series of acyclic and cyclic alkenes is reported. Electron transfer of the triplet‐excited phthalimide with the alkene and regioselective trapping of the alkene cation radical by the hydroxyl group at the phthalimide side chain gives a triplet 1,n‐biradical, which after intersystem crossing (ISC) leads to regio‐ and diastereoselective synthesis of polycyclic heterocycles with an N,O‐containing medium to large ring. Regio‐ and diastereoselectivity in the cyclizations are clarified by unambiguous steric structure assignments of the products by X‐ray diffraction or extensive 2D NMR measurements. The diastereoselectivity is decided by the stereochemical course of the ISC process of the triplet 1,n‐biradicals. These intermolecular photoreactions also furnish a new strategy to generate triplet 1,n‐biradicals. Therefore, in photoreactions of 1 and 2 with phenylcyclohexene, the unprecedented stereoselective formation of products by intramolecular hydrogen‐atom transfer in the 1,n‐biradical intermediate was found (9 and 23). These facts provide direct verification to the reaction pathways of the 1,n‐biradicals and give a new insight into the factors deciding reaction‐pathway partitioning and stereoselectivity.
High glucose‐mediated loss of cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan impairs the endothelial shear stress response
Authors: Brower Jeremy B. , Targovnik Jerome H. , Caplan Michael R. , Massia Stephen P.
Published: January 2010

Normal endothelial cells respond to shear stress by elongating and aligning in the direction of fluid flow. Elevated glucose concentrations have been shown to impair this response, though the precise mechanism of damage is not clear. Using an in vitro model of hyperglycemia, we tested the hypothesis that high glucose (HG) impairs the endothelial shear stress response by damaging the glycocalyx. 50 mU/mL heparinase III enzyme removes similar proportions of cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) as HG conditions and results in similar impairment of the elongation and alignment response to flow. Doubling the shear stress overcomes the inhibited flow response in HG cells, but not in enzyme treated cells. These findings may be explained by HG leading to decreased expression of full‐length HSPG; whereas, heparinase results in a normal density of HSPG of shorter length. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long‐term outcomes of childhood cancer survivors in Sweden: A population‐based study of education, employment, and income
Authors: Boman Krister K. , Lindblad Frank , Hjern Anders
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND:

Studies of different national populations were indispensable for estimating the impact of illness‐related disability on social outcomes in adult childhood cancer survivors. The effects of childhood cancer on educational attainment, employment, and income in adulthood in a Swedish setting were studied.

METHODS:

The study population was a national cohort of 1.46 million Swedish residents, including 1716 survivors of childhood cancer diagnosed before their 16th birthday, followed up in 2002 in registries at >25 years of age. Main outcomes were educational attainment, employment, and net income. Markers of persistent disability were considered, and outcomes were analyzed with multivariate linear and logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, and socioeconomic indicators of the childhood households.

RESULTS:

Non‐central nervous system (CNS) cancer survivors had similar education, employment, and income as the general population in adjusted models, whereas survivors of CNS tumors more often had no more than basic (≤9 years) education (relative risk [RR], 1.80 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.45‐2.23]), less often attained education beyond secondary school (RR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.58‐0.81]), and less often were employed (RR, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.77‐0.94]). Predicted net income from work was lower in CNS tumor survivors (P <.001) than in the general population, even after the exclusion of individuals who received economic disability compensation.

CONCLUSIONS:

CNS tumor survivors had poorer social outcomes compared with the general population, whereas outcomes for survivors of other childhood cancers were similar to the general population. Established late effects highlighted the importance of improved, safer pediatric CNS tumor treatment protocols and surveillance that identified individual needs for preventive and remedial measures. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Molecular diagnostics on thyroid fine‐needle aspirations
Authors: Clark Douglas P.
Published: January 2010

Molecular diagnostic tests performed on thyroid fine‐needle aspiration may help refine the risk of malignancy in select cases. This editorial will review the steps required to bring such molecular testing from early exploratory studies to widespread implementation.
Correlation Analysis of Fluorescence Intensity and Fluorescence Anisotropy Fluctuations in Single‐Molecule Spectroscopy of Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Thomsson Daniel , Lin Hongzhen , Scheblykin Ivan G.
Published: January 2010

Single‐molecule spectroscopy techniques are used to investigate time fluctuations of the fluorescence properties of two different types of conjugated polymer, a polythiophene derivative (PDOPT) and a phenylene vinylene derivative (MEH‐PPV), at 100 and 293 K. Linear correlation coefficients between fluorescence intensity and polarization are used to characterize fluctuations. We are able to distinguish between different blinking and bleaching effects on the polarization. Furthermore, the polarization data reveal clear differences in the topology of these two polymers, which is related to the ordered conformation of the MEH‐PPV. Plots of correlation coefficients appear to be very different for the two polymers and are also very sensitive to temperature. These observations prove that correlation analysis is a useful tool to understand fluorescence fluctuations in multi‐chromophoric systems.
Aerial photosieving of exposed gravel bars for the rapid calibration of airborne grain size maps
Authors: Dugdale Stephen J. , Carbonneau Patrice E. , Campbell David
Published: January 2010

In recent years, fluvial remote sensing has seen considerable progress in terms of methods capable of system scale characterisation of river catchments. One key development is automated grain size mapping. It has been shown that high resolution aerial photography can be used to automatically produce grain size maps over entire rivers. However, current aerial grain size mapping procedures all require field calibration data. The collection of such data can be costly and problematic in the case of remote areas. This paper presents a method developed to remove the need for field based calibration data. Called ‘aerial photosieving’, this method consists of using the same very high resolution aerial imagery intended for grain size map production to visually measure particle sizes on‐screen in order to provide calibration data. The paper presents a rigorous comparison of field‐based photosieving calibration data and aerial photosieving calibration data. Statistical tests are used to demonstrate that aerial photosieving gives similar results when compared with field‐based data with only a slight systematic overprediction. The new aerial photosieving method therefore simplifies the overall procedure required for the production of grain size maps and thus improves the cost‐effectiveness and potential availability of this new fluvial remote sensing technology. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley &Sons, Ltd.
Debris entrainment by basal freeze‐on and thrusting during the 1995–1998 surge of Kuannersuit Glacier on Disko Island, west Greenland
Authors: Larsen Nicolaj K. , Kronborg Christian , Yde Jacob C. , Knudsen Niels Tvis
Published: January 2010

Kuannersuit Glacier, a valley glacier on Disko Island in west Greenland, experienced a major surge from 1995 to 1998 where the glacier advanced 10·5 km and produced a ∼65 m thick stacked sequence of debris‐rich basal ice and meteoric glacier ice. The aim of this study is to describe the tectonic evolution of large englacial thrusts and the processes of basal ice formation using a multiproxy approach including structural glaciology, stable isotope composition (δ18O and δD), sedimentology and ground‐penetrating radar. We argue that the major debris layers that can be traced in the terminal zone represent englacial thrusts that were formed early during the surge. Thrust overthrow was at least 200–300 m and this lead to a 30 m thick repetition of basal ice at the ice margin. It is assumed that the englacial thrusting was initiated at the transition between warm ice from the interior and the cold snout. The basal debris‐rich ice was mainly formed after the thrusting phase. Two sub‐facies of stratified basal ice have been identified; a lower massive ice facies (SM) composed of frozen diamict enriched with heavy stable isotopes overlain by laminated ice facies (SL) consisting of millimetre thick lamina of alternating debris‐poor and debris‐rich ice. We interpret the stratified basal ice as a continuum formed mainly by freeze‐on processes and localized regelation. First laminated basal ice is formed and as meltwater is depleted more sediment is entrained and finally the glacier freezes to the base and massive diamict is frozen‐on. The increased ability to entrain sediments may partly be associated with higher basal freezing rates enhanced by loss of frictional heat from cessation of fast flow and conductive cooling through a thin heavily crevassed ice during the final phase of the glacier surge. The dispersed basal ice facies (D) was mainly formed by secondary processes where fine‐grained sediment is mobilized in the vein system of ice. Our results have important implications for understanding the significance of basal ice formation and englacial thrusting beneath fast‐flowing glaciers and it provides new information about the development of landforms during a glacier surge. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Whole chromosome loss is promoted by telomere dysfunction in primary cells
Authors: Pampalona Judit , Soler David , Genescà Anna , Tusell Laura
Published: January 2010

Errors in chromosome segregation during mitosis result in aneuploidy, which in humans may play a role in the onset of neoplasia by changing gene dosage. Nearly all solid tumors exhibit genomic instability at the chromosomal level, showing both structural and numerical chromosome abnormalities. Chromosomal instability occurs early in the development of cancer and may represent an important step in the initiation and/or progression of the disease. Telomere integrity appears to be a critical element in the genesis of structural chromosome imbalances, but it is still not clear whether it can also generate numerical chromosome aberrations. We investigated the possible relationship between telomere shortening and aneuploidy formation in human mammary epithelial cells using the cytokinesis‐block micronucleus assay combined with fluorescent DNA probes. In this cell system, uncapped chromosomes fuse with each other resulting in dicentric chromosomes, which are known to be a source of new structural chromosome rearrangements. Here, we show that in primary epithelial cells, the chromosomes with short telomeres are more frequently involved in missegregation events than chromosomes of normal telomere length. Whole chromosome aneuploidy occurs through both nondisjunction and anaphase lagging of dicentric chromatids, which suggests that pulling anaphase bridges toward opposite poles can generate the necessary force for detaching a chromosome from the microtubules of one or both spindle poles. Therefore, telomere‐driven instability can promote not only the appearance of chromosomal rearrangements but also the appearance of numerical chromosome aberrations that could favor cell immortalization and the acquisition of a tumor phenotype. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A geometric and kinematic model for double‐edge propagating thrusts involving hangingwall and footwall folding. An example from the Jaca–Pamplona Basin (Southern Pyrenees)
Authors: Uzkeda Hodei , Poblet Josep , Bulnes Mayte
Published: January 2010

A new geometric and kinematic model is proposed for a particular type of fault‐related folding based on the study of a natural example developed in Palaeogene carbonate rocks from the Jaca–Pamplona Basin (Southern Pyrenees). The example consists of a hangingwall anticline related to a reverse fault with variable displacement and a gentle footwall syncline. A detailed structural analysis of the structure and a cross‐section, perpendicular to its axis and parallel to the transport direction, reveals that none of the previous published models of fault‐related folds is able to simulate its main characteristics and reproduce its geometry. The main features of the new model are: double‐edge propagating fault and folding developed in both the hangingwall and the footwall. A MATLAB‐based program was created to calculate structural parameters such as shortening, structural relief and fault slip; obtain graphs of different parameters such as shortening versus slip along the fault, shortening versus fault length, and produce sections across forward models showing the different stages of fold growth. The model presented here gives an acceptable geometrical fit to the studied natural structure and provides a reasonable evolutionary history. In addition, the results obtained using the model are similar to those measured on the cross‐section. As a final step the subsurface portion of the natural fold was completed following the constraints imposed by the model. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.