A “Clickable” MTX Reagent as a Practical Tool for Profiling Small‐Molecule–Intracellular Target Interactions via MASPIT

We present a scalable synthesis of a versatile MTX reagent with an azide ligation handle that allows rapid γ‐selective conjugation to yield MTX fusion compounds (MFCs) appropriate for MASPIT, a three‐hybrid system that enables the identification of mammalian cytosolic proteins that interact with a small molecule of interest. We selected three structurally diverse pharmacologically active compounds (tamoxifen, reversine, and FK506) as model baits. After acetylene functionalization of these baits, MFCs were synthesized via a CuAAC reaction, demonstrating the general applicability of the MTX reagent. In analytical mode, MASPIT was able to give concentration‐dependent reporter signals for the established target proteins. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the sensitivity obtained with the new MTX reagent was significantly stronger than that of a previously used non‐regiomeric conjugate mixture. Finally, the FK506 MFC was explored in a cellular array screen for targets of FK506. Out of a pilot collection of nearly 2000 full‐length human ORF preys, FKBP12, the established target of FK506, emerged as the prey protein that gave the highest increase in luciferase activity. This indicates that our newly developed synthetic strategy for the straightforward generation of MFCs is a promising asset to uncover new intracellular targets using MASPIT cellular array screening.     

Large-scale investigation of the role of trait activation theory for understanding assessment center convergent and discriminant validity.

This study used trait activation theory as a theoretical framework to conduct a large-scale test of the interactionist explanation of the convergent and discriminant validity findings obtained in assessment centers. Trait activation theory specifies the conditions in which cross-situationally consistent and inconsistent candidate performances are likely to occur. Results obtained by aggregating correlations across 30 multitrait-multimethod matrices supported the propositions of trait activation theory, shedding a more positive light on the construct validity puzzle in assessment centers. Overall, convergence among assessment center ratings was better between exercises that provided an opportunity to observe behavior related to the same trait, and discrimination among ratings within exercises was generally better for dimensions that were not expressions of the same underlying traits. Implications for assessment center research and practice are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Polymerization on heating up of bio‐oil: A model compound study

Understanding of the condensation reactions in bio‐oil is the key for efficient conversion into transportation fuel or value‐added chemicals. In this study, the roles of the typical compounds representing the sugars, sugar derivatives, and aromatics found in bio‐oil were investigated for their contribution to condensation reactions. Glucose played a key role for the polymer formation due to its decomposition to reactive compounds with multiple hydroxyl groups, carbonyl groups or conjugated π bonds. The sugar derivatives, including furfural, hydroxyl aldehyde and hydroxyl acetone, were also found to be reactive toward polymerization. The carboxylic acids were shown to be the catalysts for polymerization and formic acid was much more efficient to catalyze polymerization than acetic acid. The phenolic compounds also promoted the acid‐catalyzed reactions. Vanillin contains reactive a carbonyl group, leading to its high tendency toward polymerization. In methanol, various kinds of methanolysis reactions dominated, which significantly suppressed the decomposition of glucose and the polymerization of other compounds. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 888–900, 2013     

Assessor training strategies and their effects on accuracy, interrater reliability, and discriminant validity.

This study compares the effects of data-driven assessor training with schema-driven assessor training and control training. The sample consisted of 229 industrial and organizational psychology students and 161 managers who were randomly assigned to 1 of these training strategies. Participants observed and rated candidates in an assessment center exercise. The data-driven and schema-driven assessor training approaches outperformed the control training on all 3 dependent variables. The schema-driven assessor training resulted in the largest values of interrater reliability, dimension differentiation, and accuracy. Managers provided significantly more accurate ratings than students but distinguished less between the dimensions. Practical implications regarding the design of assessor trainings and the composition of assessor teams are proposed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

MPLS Recovery Mechanisms for IP-over-WDM Networks

Due to the fast increase of Internet traffic and the enormous bandwidth potential of all-optical transport networks based on wavelength division multiplexing, an IP-over-WDM network scenario is likely to be widespread in future communication networks. At the same time, IP networks are becoming more and more mission-critical. Hence, it is of paramount importance for IP-over-WDM networks to be able to recover quickly from frequently occurring network failures. This paper explains how multi-protocol label switching (both electrical and optical) recovery mechanisms can be important to reach that goal. Moreover, a novel MPLS recovery mechanism called fast topology-driven constrained-based rerouting is presented. Different MPLS recovery mechanisms are compared to each other. Special attention hereby goes to the additional capacity that is required to recover from frequently occurring failures.     

Recent advances in molecular techniques to study microbial communities in food-associated matrices and processes

In the last two decades major changes have occurred in how microbial ecologists study microbial communities. Limitations associated with traditional culture-based methods have pushed for the development of culture-independent techniques, which are primarily based on the analysis of nucleic acids. These methods are now increasingly applied in food microbiology as well. This review presents an overview of current community profiling techniques with their (potential) applications in food and food-related ecosystems. We critically assessed both the power and limitations of these techniques and present recent advances in the field of food microbiology attained by their application. It is unlikely that a single approach will be universally applicable for analyzing microbial communities in unknown matrices. However, when screening samples for well-defined species or functions, techniques such as DNA arrays and real-time PCR have the potential to overtake current culture-based methods. Most importantly, molecular methods will allow us to surpass our current culturing limitations, thus revealing the extent and importance of the ‘non-culturable’ microbial flora that occurs in food matrices and production.     

Performance Evaluation of Multi-Layer Traffic Engineering Enabled IP-over-ION Networks

Recently, network operators started implementing traffic engineering (TE) techniques in their network. These TE techniques typically involve a single layer (for example, the IP/multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) layer). Although single-layer TE (STE) can improve the network performance (e.g., throughput, quality of service (QoS)), this improvement is bounded by the available capacity in that network layer. The evolution towards intelligent optical networks (IONs) allows further increasing the improvements achievable by the TE techniques, by involving more than one layer in the TE actions. Multi-layer TE (MTE) occupies network resources in a smart way and optimizes the QoS since it dynamically reconfigures the logical topology in the upper layer by properly updating the optical connections in the underlying optical layer. However, the performance of the network is impacted by the configuration scheme adopted by MTE. Therefore, in this paper, we focus on analyzing the influence of the MTE configuration scheme on the MTE behavior, and evaluate the network performance by studying simulation results obtained from a realistic IP-over-ION network.     

Efficient Protection in MPλS Networks Using Backup Trees: Part Two—Simulations

In Part One of this study [1], we presented three approaches for organizing backup tree (BT) protection, where a BT was used to protect a group of working paths (WPs) against single failures. Shared BT protection uses less capacity compared to d edicated (path) protection (DP), while having the same fast recovery. Using shared BT protection is particularly suitable for multi-protocol lambda switching (MPS) networks and can save about 15% capacity resources compared to DP. In this paper, we present a simulation study in which we apply the approaches presented in Part One for several network topologies with different demand scenarios. The effects of network and demand characteristics on the capacity gain obtained with these approaches are analyzed. In addition, the comparison between BTs and 1 : N protection is made.     

Application of workplace correction factors to dosemeter results for the assessment of personal doses at nuclear facilities

Ratios of H(p)(10) and H*(10) were determined with reference instruments in a number of workplace fields within the nuclear industry and used to derive workplace-specific correction factors. When commercial survey meter results together with these factors were applied to the results of the locally used personal dosemeters their results improved and became within 0.7 and 1.7 of the reference values or better depending on the response of the survey meter. A similar result was obtained when a correction was determined with a prototype reference instrument for H(p)(10) after adjustment of its response. Commercially available survey instruments both for photon and neutron H*(10) measurements agreed with the reference instruments in most cases to within 0.5-1.5. Those conclusions are derived from results reported within the EC supported EVIDOS contract.