Graphical interactive generation of gravity and magnetic fields

This paper presents a MATLAB^®- based geopotential field generator called GamField that constructs and visualizes subsurface sources in 3-D space and computes their gravity and magnetic effects. GamField also computes anomaly gradients and remanent magnetization effects. The user inputs Cartesian prisms along with their physical properties to fabricate subsurface sources. Examples illustrating the utility of GamField for synthetic anomaly generation of gravity and magnetic fields are shown. ftp://ftp.ingv.it/pub/alessandro.pignatelli/Pignatelli     

High Load Ratio Fatigue Strength and Mean Stress Evolution of Quenched and Tempered 42CrMo4 Steel

The fatigue strength at a high number of cycles with initial elastic–plastic behavior was experimentally investigated on quenched and tempered 42CrMo4 steel. Fatigue tests on unnotched specimens were performed both under load and strain controls, by imposing various levels of amplitude and with several high load ratios. Different ratcheting and relaxation trends, with significant effects on fatigue, are observed and discussed, and then reported in the Haigh diagram, highlighting a clear correlation with the Smith–Watson–Topper model. High load ratio tests were also conducted on notched specimens with C (blunt) and V (sharp) geometries. A Chaboche model with three parameter couples was proposed by fitting plain specimen cyclic and relaxation tests, and then finite element analyses were performed to simulate the notched specimen test results. A significant stress relaxation at the notch root became clearly evident by reporting the numerical results in the Haigh diagram, thus explaining the low mean stress sensitivity of the notched specimens.     

Clinical effects of online dialysate and infusion fluids

Online hemodiafiltration appears to be the most effective technique of renal replacement therapy in many respects. Removal of small and high-molecular weight substances is enhanced. Modern technology ensures a safe, online production of reinfusion fluids. Nonetheless, stringent maintenance rules are required for the production of sterile and nonpyrogenic-dialysate solutions. In this review, we will critically review the state of the art of the clinical effects derived from the use of ultrapure dialysate and the online production of dialysate fluids in high-flux hemodiafiltration.     

Cellular Association and Assembly of a Multistage Delivery System

The realization that blood‐borne delivery systems must overcome a multiplicity of biological barriers has led to the fabrication of a multistage delivery system (MDS) designed to temporally release successive stages of particles or agents to conquer sequential barriers, with the goal of enhancing delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic agents to the target site. In its simplest form, the MDS comprises stage‐one porous silicon microparticles that function as carriers of second‐stage nanoparticles. Cellular uptake of nontargeted discoidal silicon microparticles by macrophages is confirmed by electron and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) as a model of secondary nanoparticles, successful loading of the porous matrix of silicon microparticles is achieved, and retention of the nanoparticles is enhanced by aminosilylation of the loaded microparticles with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane. The impact of silane concentration and reaction time on the nature of the silane polymer on porous silicon is investigated by AFM and X‐ray photoelectron microscopy. Tissue samples from mice intravenously administered the MDS support co‐localization of silicon microparticles and SPIONs across various tissues with enhanced SPION release in spleen, compared to liver and lungs, and enhanced retention of SPIONs following silane capping of the MDS. Phantom models of the SPION‐loaded MDS display negative contrast in magnetic resonance images. In addition to forming a cap over the silicon pores, the silane polymer provides free amines for antibody conjugation to the microparticles, with both VEGFR‐2‐ and PECAM‐specific antibodies leading to enhanced endothelial association. This study demonstrates the assembly and cellular association of a multiparticle delivery system that is biomolecularly targeted and has potential for applications in biological imaging.     

Stereoregular polyphenylacetylene

Summary Phenylacetylene (PA) has been polymerized using Rh(I) catalysts and the resulting polymers characterized by elemental analysis, GPC ¹H and ¹³C nmr and infrared spectroscopy. Very well resolved spectra have been recorded indicating that these catalysts produce highly stereoregular polymers.     

Er^3＋-activated silica inverse opals synthesized by the solgel method

We present the details of the sol-gel processing used to realize inverse silica opal,where the silica was activated with 0.3 mol% of Er3 ions. The template(direct opal) was obtained assembling polystyrene spheres of the dimensions of 260 nm by means of a vertical deposition technique. The Er3 -activated silica inverse opal was obtained infiltrating,into the void of the template,the silica sol doped with Er3 ions and subsequently removing the polystyrene spheres by means of calcinations. Scanning electron microscope showed that the inverse opals possess a fcc structure with a air hollows of about 210 nm and a photonic band gap,in the visible range,was observed from reflectance measurements. Spectroscopic properties of Er3 -activated silica inverse opal were investigated by luminescence spectroscopy,where,upon excitation at 514.5 nm,an emission of 4I13/2 → 4I15/2 of Er3 ions transition with a 21 nm bandwidth was observed. Moreover the 4I13/2 level decay curve presents a single-exponential profile,with a measured lifetime of 18 ms,corresponding a high quantum efficiency of the system.     

6-Substituted pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrazoles: an improved class of CDK2 inhibitors

We have recently reported a new class of CDK2/cyclin A inhibitors based on a bicyclic tetrahydropyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrazole scaffold. The introduction of small alkyl or cycloalkyl groups in position 6 of this scaffold allowed variation at the other two diversity points. Conventional and polymer-assisted solution phase chemistry provided a way of generating compounds with improved biochemical and cellular activity. Optimization of the physical properties and pharmacokinetic profile led to a compound which exhibited good efficacy in vivo on A2780 human ovarian carcinoma.     

A crash-prediction model for multilane roads

Considerable research has been carried out in recent years to establish relationships between crashes and traffic flow, geometric infrastructure characteristics and environmental factors for two-lane rural roads. Crash-prediction models focused on multilane rural roads, however, have rarely been investigated. In addition, most research has paid but little attention to the safety effects of variables such as stopping sight distance and pavement surface characteristics. Moreover, the statistical approaches have generally included Poisson and Negative Binomial regression models, whilst Negative Multinomial regression model has been used to a lesser extent. Finally, as far as the authors are aware, prediction models involving all the above-mentioned factors have still not been developed in Italy for multilane roads, such as motorways. Thus, in this paper crash-prediction models for a four-lane median-divided Italian motorway were set up on the basis of accident data observed during a 5-year monitoring period extending between 1999 and 2003. The Poisson, Negative Binomial and Negative Multinomial regression models, applied separately to tangents and curves, were used to model the frequency of accident occurrence. Model parameters were estimated by the Maximum Likelihood Method, and the Generalized Likelihood Ratio Test was applied to detect the significant variables to be included in the model equation. Goodness-of-fit was measured by means of both the explained fraction of total variation and the explained fraction of systematic variation. The Cumulative Residuals Method was also used to test the adequacy of a regression model throughout the range of each variable. The candidate set of explanatory variables was: length (L), curvature (1/R), annual average daily traffic (AADT), sight distance (SD), side friction coefficient (SFC), longitudinal slope (LS) and the presence of a junction (J). Separate prediction models for total crashes and for fatal and injury crashes only were considered. For curves it is shown that significant variables are L, 1/R and AADT, whereas for tangents they are L, AADT and junctions. The effect of rain precipitation was analysed on the basis of hourly rainfall data and assumptions about drying time. It is shown that a wet pavement significantly increases the number of crashes. The models developed in this paper for Italian motorways appear to be useful for many applications such as the detection of critical factors, the estimation of accident reduction due to infrastructure and pavement improvement, and the predictions of accidents counts when comparing different design options. Thus this research may represent a point of reference for engineers in adjusting or designing multilane roads.     

Identification of Structural Features of 2‐Alkylidene‐1,3‐Dicarbonyl Derivatives that Induce Inhibition and/or Activation of Histone Acetyltransferases KAT3B/p300 and KAT2B/PCAF

Dysregulation of the activity of lysine acetyltransferases (KATs) is related to a variety of diseases and/or pathological cellular states; however, their role remains unclear. Therefore, the development of selective modulators of these enzymes is of paramount importance, because these molecules could be invaluable tools for assessing the importance of KATs in several pathologies. We recently found that diethyl pentadecylidenemalonate (SPV106) possesses a previously unobserved inhibitor/activator activity profile against protein acetyltransferases. Herein, we report that manipulation of the carbonyl functions of a series of analogues of SPV106 yielded different activity profiles against KAT2B and KAT3B (pure KAT2B activator, pan‐inhibitor, or mixed KAT2B activator/KAT3B inhibitor). Among the novel compounds, a few derivatives may be useful chemical tools for studying the mechanism of lysine acetylation and its implications in physiological and/or pathological processes.