A hybrid macroscopic-based model for traffic flow in road networks

Recently, the unquestionable growth of interest to increase the operational efficiency and capability of transportation systems led to the development of a large number of traffic modeling theories. One of the major operational issues when developing a transportation system management model lies in the selection of the appropriate methodological approach with respect to several decisions, such as the selection of the type of input and output data as well as the qualitative representation and the computational power of the model. Despite the considerable effort in the area, there is still not an approach which per se models effectively the various dynamically evolving features of traffic in road networks. The present paper addresses this issue by introducing a new hybrid approach which combines the complementary features and capabilities of both continuum mathematical models e.g. 1, 6, 23 and 26 and knowledge-based models e.g. 7, 22 and 28 in order to describe effectively traffic flow in road networks.     

Offshore outsourcing decision making: A policy-maker’s perspective

This research aims at finding the best governing policy for offshore outsourcing of business activities. We use Analytical Network Process, a multicriteria decision making methodology, to create the evaluation framework. From the perspective of decision makers, stakeholders, and influence groups, four policy options are evaluated with respect to approximately 50 economic, political, technological and other factors. The model provides both long-term and short-term views of the outsourcing issue concerned to all parties. The all-inclusive approach helps policy makers to decide on the best policy and has the potential to ease tension between proponents and opponents of offshore outsourcing.     

Gold(I)-catalyzed intramolecular tandem addition/Friedel-Crafts reactions between acyclic enamides and 1-arylalkynes

Electron-deficient acyclic enamine derivatives react with electron-rich 1-arylalkynes using cationic gold(I) species as catalysts in an intramolecular process to form annulated 1-amido-substituted indene derivatives as the major products. Yields for this process range between 21% and 98%. In some cases, a two-step process that includes a subsequent alkene isomerization is needed.     

Enantioselective synthesis of α-fluoro-β(3)-amino esters: synthesis of enantiopure, orthogonally protected α-fluoro-β(3)-lysine

The scope of a tandem conjugate addition-fluorination sequence performed on α,β-unsaturated esters using the enantiopure lithium amide derived from (S)-N-benzyl-N-(α-methylbenzyl)amine, and the electrophilic fluorinating agent N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide has been investigated. Using this method, α-fluoro-β(3)-amino esters can be obtained in up to quantitative yield and 80:20 to >99:1 dr. This simple methodology does not rely on the use of α-amino acids from the chiral pool and thus provides the potential for the preparation of enantiopure α-fluoro-β(3)-amino acids with a wide variety of side chains. Its utility was demonstrated through the synthesis of orthogonally protected (2S,3S)-α-fluoro-β(3)-lysine.     

One-pot synthesis of highly substituted indolines

A general and convenient one-pot synthesis of highly substituted indolines from arylhydrazines and aldehydes is reported. This synthesis allows introduction of substitution at essentially all positions of the indoline nucleus to achieve significant diversity in this biologically important template.     

Applications of NHC-mediated O- to C-carboxyl transfer: synthesis of (±)-N-benzyl-coerulescine and (±)-horsfiline

NHC-promoted O- to C-carboxyl transfer of 3-allyl indolyl phenyl carbonates generates 3-allyl-3-phenoxycarbonyl-oxindoles with good catalytic efficiency, which are readily converted into (±)-N-benzyl-coerulescine and (±)-horsfiline.     

Thioctic acid modification of oligonucleotides using an H-phosphonate

The H-phosphonate of a derivative of thioctic acid (TA) was synthesised and used to introduce a disulfide moiety at the 5′-end of oligonucleotides. This method overcomes the difficulties experienced with the phosphoramidite approach when employing a cyclic disulfide in the starting alcohol. The disulfide-modified oligonucleotides are subsequently used in metallic nanoparticle (Au and Ag) and surface functionalisation for sensitive, sequence specific analytical detection strategies.     

Tandem facial amphiphiles for membrane protein stabilization

We describe a new type of synthetic amphiphile that is intended to support biochemical characterization of intrinsic membrane proteins. Members of this new family displayed favorable behavior with four of five membrane proteins tested, and these amphiphiles formed relatively small micelles.     

Assembly of modular asymmetric organic-inorganic polyoxometalate hybrids into anisotropic nanostructures

Three organic-inorganic hybrid Mn-Anderson polyoxometalates (POMs), with both symmetrical and asymmetrical appended groups, have been synthesized, identified using electrospray mass spectrometry, and isolated using an approach that allows the three AA, BB, and AB compounds to be structurally characterized. Investigation of the self-assembly of the hybrids on hydrophilic surfaces reveals the formation of nanofibres with characteristics that reflect the nature of the substitution of the POM yielding a route to the programmed assembly of anisotropic hybrid nanostructures.     

Structural characterization of intact antibodies by high‐resolution LTQ Orbitrap mass spectrometry

Recombinant monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) can be heterogeneous due to modifications that can occur during expression, purification or during storage. These large multichain proteins (～150 kDa) are structurally challenging for detailed characterization to identify the sites of modifications. We report the use of LTQ Orbitrap mass spectrometry to accurately measure the average masses of individual glycoforms by direct infusion of an intact antibody. To identify the site‐specific modification of methionines in the antibody caused by forced oxidation, we used a ‘middle‐down’ approach. The antibody was subjected to limited digestion using the endoproteinase Lys‐C and reduced to generate Fab heavy chain, single chain Fc and light chain fragments (～25 kDa each). These species were subjected to on‐line liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) analysis using an LTQ Orbitrap, where these large precursors were dissociated by higher‐energy collisions in the C‐trap. High resolution and accuracy achieved for resulting fragments allowed us to show in a site‐specific manner that only the methionines in the Fc heavy chain were oxidized under the studied conditions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.