bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tourette's syndrome: performance on tests of behavioural inhibition, working memory and gambling
Authors: Crawford Sarah , Channon Shelley , Robertson Mary M.
Published: November 2005

Background:  Tourette's syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with fronto‐striatal dysfunction. There is debate as to the extent to which TS is associated with cognitive impairment. Some authors argue that any impairments seen are attributable to comorbid psychiatric symptomatology, whilst others have suggested that uncomplicated TS is associated with mild deficits limited primarily to inhibitory processes. The present study was designed to examine this issue using carefully screened participants with TS and experimental measures thought to involve different areas of the frontal lobes.

Methods:  Adolescents with TS who were screened for comorbid psychiatric disorder were compared with a healthy control group on a set of executive measures. Two tasks involving behavioural inhibition were used: a Sentence Completion task in which sentences had to be completed first with straightforward and then with nonsensical endings, and a Flanker task in which a central stimulus was surrounded by either compatible or incompatible flankers. Working memory was assessed using an N‐back task, and reward learning was assessed using a Gambling task. Both accuracy and reaction times were measured for each task.

Results:  The TS group differed significantly from the control group on both the Sentence Completion task and on the Flanker task. On the Sentence Completion task, they were slower to make both sensible and nonsensical completions, and they had higher error scores on the nonsensical completions. On the Flanker task, the TS participants were less accurate than the control group, since they were poorer on the incompatible but not the compatible trials. A similar interaction with trial type was found for speed, where the TS participants were slowed more by the incompatible versus compatible trials, although overall their performance tended to be faster than the controls. The TS group did not differ significantly from the control group on measures of working memory or reward learning.

Conclusions:  The findings provide further evidence that uncomplicated TS is not associated with widespread executive impairments. However, it was not clear that any differences between the groups could be attributed solely to selective inhibitory impairment.
Longitudinal improvements in communication and socialization of deaf children with cochlear implants and hearing aids: evidence from parental reports
Authors: Bat‐Chava Yael , Martin Daniela , Kosciw Joseph G.
Published: November 2005

Background:  Research has shown that the cochlear implant may improve deaf children's speech and communication skills. However, little is known about its effect on children's ability to socialize with hearing peers.

Methods:  Using a standardized psychological measure completed by parents and a longitudinal design, this study examined the development of communication, socialization, and daily living skills of children who used hearing aids or cochlear implants for an average of 11 and 6 years, respectively.

Results:  Results show that children with cochlear implants, who were more delayed than children with hearing aids at the outset, made significant progress over time. Children with both devices achieved age‐appropriate development after years of hearing aid or cochlear implant use.

Conclusions:  The pattern of results suggests that cochlear implants may be effective in improving deaf children's communication and social skills.
The developmental association between eating disorders symptoms and symptoms of depression and anxiety in juvenile twin girls
Authors: Silberg Judy L. , Bulik Cynthia M.
Published: November 2005

Objective:  We investigated the role of genetic and environmental factors in the developmental association among symptoms of eating disorders, depression, and anxiety syndromes in 8–13‐year‐old and 14–17‐year‐old twin girls.

Methods:  Multivariate genetic models were fitted to child‐reported longitudinal symptom data gathered from clinical interview on 408 MZ and 198 DZ female twin pairs from the Virginia Twin Study of Adolescent Behavioural Development (VTSABD).

Results:  Model‐fitting revealed distinct etiological patterns underlying the association among symptoms of eating disorders, depression, overanxious disorder (OAD), and separation anxiety disorder (SAD) during the course of development: 1) a common genetic factor influencing liability to all symptoms – of early and later OAD, depression, SAD, and eating symptoms; 2) a distinct genetic factor specifically indexing liability to early eating disorders symptoms; 3) a shared environmental factor specifically influencing early depression and early eating disorders symptoms; and 4) a common environmental factor affecting liability to symptoms of later eating disorders and both early and later separation anxiety.

Conclusions:  These results suggest a pervasive genetic effect that influences liability to symptoms of over‐anxiety, separation anxiety, depression, and eating disorder throughout development, a shared environmental influence on later adolescent eating problems and persistent separation anxiety, genetic influences specific to early eating disorders symptoms, and a shared environmental factor influencing symptoms of early eating and depression.
Insights into the control of attentional set in ADHD using the attentional blink paradigm
Authors: Mason Deanna J. , Humphreys Glyn W. , Kent Lindsey
Published: November 2005

Background:  Previous work on visual selective attention in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has utilised spatial search paradigms. This study compared ADHD to control children on a temporal search task using Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP). In addition, the effects of irrelevant singleton distractors on search performance were examined.

Method:  In each condition, subjects reported the identity of a red letter ‘probe’ in a sequence of white letters which appeared one after the other at a central fixation point. The temporal position of the probe varied from an initial target, which was distinguished by surrounding asterisks. The target was reported in addition to the probe in condition 2, but not in the baseline condition 1. In a third condition, the initial target was not reported, but one of the asterisks appeared as a colour singleton on some trials.

Results:  All children displayed an ‘attentional blink’ with probe detection reduced when it appeared at close temporal relations relative to the target. This ‘blink’ reduced over time, and there were no group differences in the recovery of performance, although ADHD children made more errors overall. The ADHD group were also more vulnerable than controls to distraction from irrelevant singletons in condition 3.

Conclusion:  Although the basic mechanisms of selective attention were not impaired in children with ADHD, these children appeared to require more resources to execute the task and were more vulnerable to distraction by irrelevant singletons, indicating deficits in the maintenance of attentional control.
Establishing joint attention in remote talks with the elderly about health: a study of nurses’ conversation with elderly persons in teleconsultations
Authors: Sävenstedt Stefan , Zingmark Karin , Hydén Lars‐Christer , Brulin Christine
Published: November 2005

This study is a contribution to the sparsely studied field of nurses’ teleconsultations with frail elderly people. The aim was to describe how talk and interaction are accomplished and by what means problems are handled that emerge from the fact that the communication is conducted via videoconferencing techniques. Recordings were made of 22 sessions of teleconsultation between nurses and elderly nursing home residents aided by enrolled nurses. The data were analysed with a qualitative method inspired by conversation and discourse analysis. The findings indicate that in order to create a joint attention the participants often had to verbally confirm and reconfirm that contact had been established. The triad of participants played a special part in maintaining the joint attention through compensating for the contextual aspect of the medium's limitations and the demented elderly person's communication problems. ‘Talks about the communication’ and passages of social talk took place when the nurse or the staff member wanted to re‐establish and maintain joint attention. The joint attention seemed connected to a special sort of eye contact and gaze and to the type of camera projection that was used. One conclusion was that to create joint attention in nurses’ teleconsultations with frail elderly people, the limitations in transferring communication cues and the limitations of what the camera can reveal of the general context could, to some extent, be made up for by verbal communication within the triad of participants. Another conclusion was that these limitations in the context of interaction in some situations also seemed to be an advantage for the demented elderly and contributed to increased attention.
Spouses’ satisfaction with caregiver support in stroke rehabilitation
Authors: Visser‐Meily J.M. Anne , Post Marcel W.M. , Schepers Vera P.M. , Ketelaar Marjolyn , van Heugten Caroline M. , Lindeman Eline
Published: November 2005

Objective:  To examine the satisfaction of spouses of stroke patients with the support given to them during clinical rehabilitation and to explore the relationships between satisfaction and characteristics of the support received.

Methods:  Spouses of patients with a first‐ever supratentorial stroke were included (n = 194). Satisfaction was measured on a 0–10 scale. Bivariate and multivariate relationships were studied between overall satisfaction score and characteristics of the support provided (number of full days of attendance, participation in caregiver group, discipline providing most support), the spouses (age, gender, family situation, education and employment) and the patients (activity of daily living (ADL) dependency (Functional Independence Measure), length of stay).

Results:  The median satisfaction score was 7, and 44% of all spouses scored ≥8 (very satisfied) but 23% were dissatisfied. Spouses’ and patients’ characteristics and satisfaction scores were not associated. Of the support characteristics the number of full days of attendance (p = 0.02), participation in a caregiver group (p = 0.006) and support received from a team member (p = 0.000) were related to satisfaction. No differences in spouses’ satisfaction scores were found between the participating rehabilitation centres. Only 39% of the spouses participated in a caregiver group. The most important reason for not participating in such a group was not being aware of the opportunity to take part in a group (49%). Spouses participating in a group showed more depressive symptoms and had a more severely disabled partner. Caregiver support was primarily given by the nurse and the social worker. One in five spouses indicated not to have been supported at all by the rehabilitation team.

Conclusion:  A large proportion of the caregivers were satisfied with the care they had received, although one in four was dissatisfied. Satisfaction was related to support characteristics.
Sensing an atmosphere of ease: a tentative theory of supportive care settings
Authors: Edvardsson J. David , Sandman Per‐Olof , Rasmussen Birgit Holriz
Published: November 2005

Nightingale saw the art of nursing as providing an environment in which patients were offered the best conditions for nature to act upon them. However, we still have limited research‐based understandings of care settings experienced as supportive by patients, significant others and staff. The aim of this study was to construct a theoretical understanding of processes contributing to supportive care settings. The authors used grounded theory design and the constant comparative method to analyse theoretically sampled interview and observational data from three different contexts of care. The tentative theory conceptualizes supportive care settings as sensing an atmosphere of ease, and five categories were recognized: experiencing welcoming; recognizing oneself in the environment; creating and maintaining social relations; experiencing a willingness to serve; and experiencing safety. Having one's expectations of the environment exceeded was a mediating factor in sensing an atmosphere of ease. Sensing an atmosphere of ease facilitated experiences of being able to locate oneself in familiar and safe surroundings; being able to follow one's own rhythm; being seen, acknowledged and cared about; and having possibilities of benefiting from beauty and contacts with others.
EARLY EVOLUTIONARY HISTORY OF DINOFLAGELLATES AND APICOMPLEXANS (ALVEOLATA) AS INFERRED FROM HSP90 AND ACTIN PHYLOGENIES1
Authors: Leander Brian S. , Keeling Patrick J.
Published: November 2005

Three extremely diverse groups of unicellular eukaryotes comprise the Alveolata: ciliates, dinoflagellates, and apicomplexans. The vast phenotypic distances between the three groups along with the enigmatic distribution of plastids and the economic and medical importance of several representative species (e.g. Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, Perkinsus, and Pfiesteria) have stimulated a great deal of speculation on the early evolutionary history of alveolates. A robust phylogenetic framework for alveolate diversity will provide the context necessary for understanding the basic biological properties of the group and for developing appropriate strategies for management. We addressed the earliest stages of alveolate evolution by sequencing heat shock protein 90 (hsp90) genes from several ciliates, apicomplexans, and dinoflagellates, including key species thought to represent early diverging lineages: Oxyrrhis marina, Perkinsus marinus, Cryptosporidium parvum, and the eugregarine Monocystis agilis. Moreover, by sequencing the actin gene from Monocystis, we were able to examine the sister relationship between gregarines and cryptosporidians with a three‐protein concatenated data set (hsp90, actin, and β‐tubulin). Phylogenetic analyses of the hsp90 data set provided a robust topology for alveolate relationships: Alveolates were monophyletic and apicomplexans and dinoflagellates formed sister groups to the exclusion of ciliates. Oxyrrhis formed the earliest diverging sister lineage to the “core” dinoflagellates, and Perkinsus formed the earliest diverging sister lineage to the Oxyrrhis–dinoflagellate clade. This topology was strongly supported inall analyses and by a unique indel shared by Oxyrrhis and dinoflagellates. A sister relationship between Cryptosporidium and Monocystis was weakly supported by the hsp90 data set but strongly supported by the three‐protein concatenated data set.
Hyperhemolysis during the evolution of uncomplicated acute painful episodes in patients with sickle cell anemia
Authors: Ballas Samir K. , Marcolina Mary Jane
Published: November 2005

BACKGROUND: Some patients with sickle cell anemia (SS) experience significant decrease in their hemoglobin (Hb) level and significant increase in reticulocyte count during the progression of uncomplicated acute painful episodes. These changes have been attributed to, but not proven, hyperhemolysis. This study provides evidence of hyperhemolysis in this group of patients.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Hospitalized patients who met the above criteria were identified and followed prospectively, and the measures of red blood cell (RBC) survival were determined. The latter included 1) laboratory measures of hemolysis: Hb level, reticulocyte count, nucleated RBC count, RBC distribution width (RDW), total bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and aspartate transaminase (AST); 2) determination of RBC survival in vivo by the 51Cr method in selected patients; and 3) the determination of the RBC Hb:reticulocyte Hb ratio. Baseline values of these measures were also obtained and compared to the crisis data.

RESULTS: During the evolution of the painful episode in the selected patients, there was a significant increase in total bilirubin, LDH, AST, nucleated RBC count, and RDW that are indicative of hyperhemolysis. There was a significant decrease in RBC Hb:reticulocyte Hb and 51Cr RBC survival, which is diagnostic of hyperhemolysis.

CONCLUSION: Together, the data indicate that hyperhemolysis occurs during uncomplicated acute painful episodes in some patients with SS. The presence of free plasma Hb, consequent to hyperhemolysis, reduces nitric oxide bioavailability, promotes endothelial dysfunction, and contributes to the development of pulmonary hypertension and vasoocclusion.
On Orgasm, Sexual Techniques, and Erotic Perceptions in 18- to 74-Year-Old Swedish Women
Authors: Fugl-Meyer Kerstin S. , Öberg Katarina , Lundberg Per Olov , Lewin Bo , Fugl-Meyer Axel
Published: November 2005

Objectives

To explore, in an age perspective, women's lifetime sexual techniques and the extent to which they had led to orgasm. To relate these techniques and current erotic perceptions to orgasmic function in women sexually active during the last 12 months and to describe the relative impact of orgasmic function/dysfunction on their sexual well-being.

Methods

A nationally representative sample of 18- to 74-year-old women (N = 1,335) participated. Nearly all were heterosexual. Current orgasmic capacity was broadly and subjectively classified into: no, mild, or manifest dysfunction. Sexual techniques and erotic perceptions were recorded together with level of sexual satisfaction.

Results

Generational differences characterized age at first orgasm and intercourse, types and width of sexual repertoire, and also current erotic perceptions, while orgasmic dysfunction and distress caused by it were less age dependent. Likely protectors of good orgasmic function, mainly against manifest dysfunction, were: a relatively early age at first orgasm, a relatively greater repertoire of techniques used—in particular having been caressed manually or orally by partner(s), achievement of orgasm by penile intravaginal movements, attaching importance to sexuality and being relatively easily sexually aroused. In turn, among other aspects of female sexual function women who did not have orgasmic dysfunction or distress were particularly likely to be satisfied with their sexual life.

Conclusion

Besides providing data on matters frequently said to be sensitive this investigation shows that women's generation and with it several long-ranging aspects of women's sexual history and their feelings of being sexual are important indicators of their orgasmic and thereby their overall sexual well-being. When (in clinical practice) establishing treatment strategy for women with orgasmic dysfunction due respect should be given to these factors.
A Qualitative Pilot Study of Islamic Men with Lifelong Premature (Rapid) Ejaculation
Authors: Richardson Daniel , Wood Kate , Goldmeier David
Published: November 2005

Introduction

Premature ejaculation is a common sexual problem in men. Although the etiology is unclear, there is emerging evidence that men from different ethnic backgrounds may be more at risk.

Aim and Objective

The aim of this study was to generate themes and hypotheses around the etiology of premature ejaculation with particular reference to men from Islamic backgrounds.

Methods

This is an explorative qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 10 male volunteers with a clinical diagnosis of premature ejaculation. Interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed. Transcriptions were then hand-coded and analyzed using grounded theory.

Results

Anxious first sexual experience (with subtheme: fear of being discovered and wanting to finish early); sex before marriage; sex outside of marriage; religion; “stress;” exposure to Western images; living in the United Kingdom; and the subsequent feeling of freedom were themes that emerged from the transcripts.

Conclusions

We have identified factors associated with premature ejaculation in patients with Islamic backgrounds attending our unit. This may have useful therapeutic implications when consulting Islamic men with premature ejaculation.
Activity Pattern of the Trawling Phyllostomid Bat, Macrophyllum macrophyllum, in Panamá1
Authors: Weinbeer Moritz , Meyer Christoph F. J. , Kalko Elisabeth K. V.
Published: November 2005

We studied activity patterns of long‐legged bats, Macrophyllum macrophyllum (Phyllostomidae), in the Barro Colorado Nature Monument, Panamá, using radio‐telemetry. Activity of four males and five females equipped with radio‐transmitters were monitored for 4–7 entire nights each between April and July 2002. Bats exhibited maximum activity around dusk and high activity during the night. Males and females foraged for equal amounts of time in continuous flight (mean: 7 min, maximum 1 h) with interspersed resting phases (mean: 15 min, maximum 3 h). Activity of M. macrophyllum was sensitive to several factors. Time of emergence and return to day roost were correlated with time of sunset and sunrise, respectively. Maximum bat activity coincided with high abundance of aerial insects. Finally, heavy rain caused bats to reduce or cease flight activity. Direct observations and field video recordings support the assumption that M. macrophyllum employs two distinct foraging modes: trawling of insects from and capture of aerial insects at low heights above water. Combination of foraging modes gives M. macrophyllum high flexibility and efficiency in prey search. Activity, foraging mode, and morphology, which are similar to trawling bats from other families, distinguish M. macrophyllum from all other phyllostomid species and grant it access to open habitat above water, a habitat no other phyllostomid bat has conquered.
The Advanced Injection Low Pilot Ignited Natural Gas Engine: A Combustion Analysis
Authors: Srinivasan K. K. , Krishnan S. R. , Singh S. , Midkiff K. C. , Bell S. R. , Gong W. , Fiveland S. B. , Willi M.
Published: November 2005

The Advanced (injection) Low Pilot Ignited Natural Gas (ALPING) engine is proposed as an alternative to diesel and conventional dual fuel engines. Experimental results from full load operation at a constant speed of 1700rev∕min are presented in this paper. The potential of the ALPING engine is realized in reduced NOx emissions (to less than 0.2g∕kWh) accompanied by fuel conversion efficiencies comparable to straight diesel operation. Some problems at advanced injection timings are recognized in high unburned hydrocarbon (HC) emissions (25g∕kWh) and poor engine stability reflected by high COVIMEP (about 6%). This paper focuses on the combustion aspects of low pilot ignited natural gas engines with particular emphasis on advanced injection timings (45°–60° BTDC). Ignition phasing at advanced injection timings (∼60° BTDC), and combustion phasing at retarded injection timings (∼15° BTDC) are recognized as important combustion parameters that profoundly impact the combustion process, HC emissions, and the stability of engine operation.
Modeling Oil Flows in Engine Sumps: Drop Dynamics and Wall Impact Simulation
Authors: Weinstock Vladimir D. , Heister Stephen D.
Published: November 2005

A computational preliminary design tool has been developed to help simulate drop-related processes that take place in an oil sump of a gas turbine engine accounting for drop motion, deformation, breakup, and drop∕wall interactions including wall film impact and potential splashing. Aerodynamic interactions with the gas phase are considered using an exact solution of the Navier–Stokes equations to approximate the annular gas flow. Detailed results for the baseline case that attempts to replicate the conditions found in a typical oil sump of a turbofan engine are presented. In addition, the results of more general parametric studies utilizing a simplified geometry that investigated the effects of changing various parameters are discussed.
Performance Enhancement of Microturbine Engines Topped With Wave Rotors
Authors: Akbari Pezhman , Nalim Razi , Müller Norbert
Published: November 2005

Significant performance enhancement of microturbines is predicted by implementing various wave-rotor-topping cycles. Five different advantageous cases are considered for implementation of a four-port wave rotor into two given baseline engines. In these thermodynamic analyses, the compressor and turbine pressure ratios and the turbine inlet temperatures are varied, according to the anticipated design objectives of the cases. Advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Comparison between the theoretic performance of wave-rotor-topped and baseline engines shows a performance enhancement up to 34%. General design maps are generated for the small gas turbines, showing the design space and optima for baseline and topped engines. Also, the impact of ambient temperature on the performance of both baseline and topped engines is investigated. It is shown that the wave-rotor-topped engines are less prone to performance degradation under hot-weather conditions than the baseline engines.
Hot Corrosion of Lanthanum Zirconate and Partially Stabilized Zirconia Thermal Barrier Coatings
Authors: Marple Basil R. , Voyer Joël , Thibodeau Michel , Nagy Douglas R. , Vassen Robert
Published: November 2005

The hot corrosion resistance of lanthanum zirconate and 8wt.% yttria-stabilized zirconia coatings produced by thermal spraying for use as thermal barriers on industrial gas turbines or in aerospace applications was evaluated. The two ceramic oxide coatings were exposed for various periods of time at temperatures up to 1000°C to vanadium- and sulfur-containing compounds, species often produced during the combustion of typical fuels used in these applications. Changes in the coatings were studied using a scanning electron microscope to observe the microstructure and x-ray diffraction techniques to analyze the phase composition. The results showed different behaviors for the two materials: the zirconia-based coating being rapidly degraded by the vanadium compounds and resistant to attack by the sulfur materials while the lanthanum zirconate was less damaged by exposure to vanadia but severely attacked in the presence of sulfur-containing species.
Assessment of the Effectiveness of Gas Path Diagnostic Schemes
Authors: Mathioudakis K. , Kamboukos Ph.
Published: November 2005

A variety of methods can be used for the diagnosis of faults in gas path components of gas turbines. Problems that are common for diagnostic method implementation are the choice of measured quantities, choice of health parameters, and choice of operating conditions for data retrieval. The present paper introduces some general principles for evaluation of the effectiveness of different diagnostic schemes. They encompass criteria proposed in past publications, while they offer additional possibilities for assessment of diagnostic effectiveness in various situations. The method is based on the evaluation of the behavior of linear systems, which are a good approximation of the nonlinear ones for small deviations and employs the concept of system condition number to formulate criteria. The determination of limits for this number for establishing system condition criteria and quantification of observability is examined, on the basis of uncertainty propagation. Sample problems evaluated are: maximizing effectiveness of individual component identification from a multiplicity of available measurements, selection of individual operating points for multipoint applications.
The Effect of Water Injection on Multispool Gas Turbine
Behavior
Authors: Meacock A. J. , White A. J.
Published: November 2005

Background: The injection of water droplets into industrial gas turbines is now commonplace and is central to several proposed advanced cycles. These cycles benefit from the subsequent reduction in compressor work, the increase in turbine work, and (in the case of recuperated cycles) reduction in compressor delivery temperature, which all act to increase the efficiency and power output. An investigation is presented here into the effect such water droplets will have on the operating point and flow characteristics of an aeroderivative gas turbine cycle. Method of Approach: The paper first describes the development of a computer program to study the effects of water injection in multispool industrial gas turbines. The program can operate in two modes: the first uses pre-determined nondimensional wet compressor maps to match the components and is instructive and fast but limited in scope; the second uses the compressor geometries as input and calculates the wet compressor operating conditions as and when required. As a result, it is more computationally demanding, but can cope with a wider range of circumstances. In both cases the compressor characteristics are calculated from a mean-line analysis using suitable loss, deviation and blockage models, coupled with Lagrangian-style droplet evaporation calculations. The program has been applied to a three-spool machine to address issues such as the effects of water injection on power output and overall efficiency, and the off-design nature of the compressor operation. Results: Preliminary results calculated on this basis show similar trends to predictions for single-shaft machines, namely that air mass flow rates and pressure ratios are increased by water injection, and that early stages of the compressor are shifted towards choke and rear stages towards stall. The LP compressor in particular operates at severely off-design conditions. Conclusions: The predicted overall performance of the three-spool machine shows a substantial power boost and a marginal increase in thermal efficiency.
Channel Formation by CarO, the Carbapenem Resistance-Associated Outer Membrane Protein of
Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Siroy Axel , Molle Virginie , Lemaître-Guillier Christelle , Vallenet David , Pestel-Caron Martine , Cozzone Alain J. , Jouenne Thierry , Dé Emmanuelle
Published: November 2005

It has been recently shown that resistance to both imipenem and meropenem in multidrug-resistant clinical strains of
Acinetobacter baumannii
is associated with the loss of a heat-modifiable 25/29-kDa outer membrane protein, called CarO. This study aimed to investigate the channel-forming properties of CarO. Mass spectrometry analyses of this protein band detected another 25-kDa protein (called Omp25), together with CarO. Both proteins presented similar physicochemical parameters (
M
w
and pI). We overproduced and purified the two polypeptides as His-tagged recombinant proteins. Circular dichroism analyses demonstrated that the secondary structure of these proteins was mainly a β-strand conformation with spectra typical of porins. We studied the channel-forming properties of proteins by reconstitution into artificial lipid bilayers. In these conditions, CarO induced ion channels with a conductance value of 110 pS in 1 M KCl, whereas the Omp25 protein did not form any channels, despite its suggested porin function. The pores formed by CarO showed a slight cationic selectivity and no voltage closure. No specific imipenem binding site was found in CarO, and this protein would rather form unspecific monomeric channels.
Interaction of Ritonavir-Boosted Tipranavir with Loperamide Does Not Result in Loperamide-Associated Neurologic Side Effects in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Mukwaya Geoffrey , MacGregor Thomas , Hoelscher David , Heming Thomas , Legg Daniel , Kavanaugh Kelli , Johnson Phillip , Sabo John P. , McCallister Scott
Published: November 2005

Loperamide (LOP) is a peripherally acting opioid receptor agonist used for the management of chronic diarrhea through the reduction of gut motility. The lack of central opioid effects is partly due to the efflux activity of the multidrug resistance transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp) at the blood-brain barrier. The protease inhibitors are substrates for P-gp and have the potential to cause increased LOP levels in the brain. Because protease inhibitors, including tipranavir (TPV), are often associated with diarrhea, they are commonly used in combination with LOP. The level of respiratory depression, the level of pupil constriction, the pharmacokinetics, and the safety of LOP alone compared with those of LOP-ritonavir (RTV), LOP-TPV, and LOP-TPV-RTV were evaluated in a randomized, open-label, parallel-group study with 24 healthy human immunodeficiency virus type 1-negative adults. Respiratory depression was assessed by determination of the ventilatory response to carbon dioxide. Tipranavir-containing regimens (LOP-TPV and LOP-TPV-RTV) caused decreases in the area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity for LOP (51% and 63% decreases, respectively) and its metabolite (72% and 77% decreases, respectively), whereas RTV caused increases in the levels of exposure of LOP (121% increase) and its metabolite (44% increase). In vitro and in vivo data suggest that TPV is a substrate for and an inducer of P-gp activity. The respiratory response to LOP in combination with TPV and/or RTV was not different from that to LOP alone. There was no evidence that LOP had opioid effects in the central nervous system, as measured indirectly by CO2response curves and pupillary response in the presence of TPV and/or RTV.
Efficacy of Orally Administered 2-Substituted Quinolines in Experimental Murine Cutaneous and Visceral Leishmaniases
Authors: Nakayama Hector , Loiseau Philippe M. , Bories Christian , Torres de Ortiz Susana , Schinini Alicia , Serna Elsa , Rojas de Arias Antonieta , Fakhfakh Mohamed A. , Franck Xavier , Figadère Bruno , Hocquemiller Reynald , Fournet Alain
Published: November 2005

We report in this study the in vivo efficacy of nine 2-substituted quinolines on the
Leishmania amazonensis
cutaneous infection murine model and on the
Leishmania infantum
and
Leishmania donovani
visceral infection murine models. In the case of the
L. amazonensis
model, quinolines were administered orally at 25 mg/kg twice daily for 15 days. Quinolines 1, 2, 3, and 7 reduced by 80 to 90% the parasite burdens in the lesion, whereas
N
-methylglucamine antimoniate (Glucantime), administered by subcutaneous injections at 100 mg [28 mg Sb(V)] per kg of body weight daily, reduced the parasite burdens by 98%. In visceral leishmaniasis due to
L. infantum
, mice treated orally at 25 mg/kg daily for 10 days with quinolines 1, 4, 5, and 6 showed a significant reduction of parasite burdens in the liver and spleen. These quinolines were significantly more effective than meglumine antimoniate to reduce the parasite burden in both the liver and spleen. Also, the oral in vivo activity of three quinolines (quinolines 4, 5, and 2-
n
-propylquinoline) were determined against
L. donovani
(LV 9) at 12.5 and 25 mg/kg for 10 days. Their activity was compared with that of miltefosine at 7.5 mg/kg. Miltefosine, 2-
n
-propylquinoline, and quinoline 5 at 12.5 mg/kg significantly reduced the parasite burdens in the liver by 72, 66, and 61%, respectively. From the present study, quinoline 5 is the most promising compound against both cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. The double antileishmanial and antiviral activities of these compounds suggest that this series could be a potential treatment for coinfection of
Leishmania
-human immunodeficiency virus.
Interaction of Rifalazil with Oxidant-Generating Systems of Human Polymorphonuclear Neutrophils
Authors: Labro M. T. , Ollivier V. , Babin-Chevaye C.
Published: November 2005

It is well acknowledged that ansamycins display immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in vivo. Rifalazil, a new ansamycin derivative, has not been studied in the context of inflammation. In particular, there are no data on the possible interference of rifalazil with oxidant production by phagocytes. We have compared the antioxidant properties of rifalazil to those of rifampin, a drug well known in this context, by using cellular and acellular oxidant-generating systems. Oxidant production by polymorphonuclear neutrophils was measured in terms of cytochrome
c
reduction, lucigenin-amplified chemiluminescence (Lu-ACL), and the 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate H
2
(DCFDA-H
2
) technique (intracellular oxidant production). Rifalazil impaired O
2
−
production in a concentration-dependent manner, with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC
50
) (concentrations which inhibit 50% of the response) of 5.4 (30 and 60 min of incubation) and 6.4 (30 min) mg/liter, respectively, for phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) stimulation. In agreement with the published fMLP-like activity of rifampin, the inhibitory effect of rifampin was significantly greater for fMLP (IC
50
of 5.6 mg/liter) than for PMA (IC
50
of 58 mg/liter) stimulation. Alteration of intracellular oxidant production was also observed with IC
50
values similar to those obtained by the cytochrome assay. In addition, rifalazil and rifampin (≥25 mg/liter) scavenged O
2
−
, as demonstrated by the acellular (hypoxanthine-xanthine oxidase) system. Interference with light detection systems was evidenced for both drugs by Lu-ACL. The clinical relevance of the antioxidant effect of rifalazil demonstrated in vitro, in particular its potential anti-inflammatory activity, requires further investigation.
Alternative Pathway of Metronidazole Activation inTrichomonas vaginalisHydrogenosomes
Authors: Hrdý Ivan , Cammack Richard , Stopka Pavel , Kulda Jaroslav , Tachezy Jan
Published: November 2005

Metronidazole and related 5-nitroimidazoles are the only available drugs in the treatment of human urogenital trichomoniasis caused by the protozoan parasiteTrichomonas vaginalis. The drugs are activated to cytotoxic anion radicals by their reduction within the hydrogenosomes. It has been established that electrons required for metronidazole activation are released from pyruvate by the activity of pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase and transferred to the drug by a low-redox-potential carrier, ferredoxin. Here we describe a novel pathway involved in the drug activation within the hydrogenosome. The source of electrons is malate, another major hydrogenosomal substrate, which is oxidatively decarboxylated to pyruvate and CO2by NAD-dependent malic enzyme. The electrons released during this reaction are transferred from NADH to ferredoxin by NADH dehydrogenase homologous to the catalytic module of mitochondrial complex I, which uses ferredoxin as electron acceptor. Trichomonads acquire high-level metronidazole resistance only after both pyruvate- and malate-dependent pathways of metronidazole activation are eliminated from the hydrogenosomes.
Novel Cyclic Lipodepsipeptide from
Pseudomonas syringae
pv. lachrymans Strain 508 and Syringopeptin Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Grgurina Ingeborg , Bensaci Mekki , Pocsfalvi Gabriella , Mannina Luisa , Cruciani Oscar , Fiore Alberto , Fogliano Vincenzo , Sorensen Kevin N. , Takemoto Jon Y.
Published: November 2005

The syringopeptins are a group of antimicrobial cyclic lipodepsipeptides produced by several plant-associated pseudomonads. A novel syringopeptin, SP508, was shown to be produced as two homologs (A and B) by
Pseudomonas syringae
pv. lachrymans strain 508 from apple and to structurally resemble syringopeptin SP22. SP508 differed from SP22 and other syringopeptins by having three instead of four α,β-unsaturated amino acids and a longer β-hydroxy acyl chain. Both SP508 and SP22 displayed growth-inhibitory activities against
Mycobacterium smegmatis
, other gram-positive bacteria, and yeasts but not against gram-negative bacteria. Structure-activity analyses of the SP508 and SP22 homologs indicated chemical structural features that lead to enhanced antimycobacterial activity by these pseudomonad cyclic lipodepsipeptides.
Analysis of the Contribution of Individual Substituents in 4,6-Aminoglycoside-Ribosome Interaction
Authors: Hobbie Sven N. , Pfister Peter , Brüll Christian , Westhof Eric , Böttger Erik C.
Published: November 2005

The 4,6-disubstituted 2-deoxystreptamines interfere with protein biosynthesis by specifically targeting the ribosomal A site. These drugs show subtle variations in the chemical groups of rings I, II, and III. In the present study we used site-directed mutagenesis to generate mutant strains of
Mycobacterium smegmatis
mc
2
155 SMR5 Δ
rrnB
with mutations in its single rRNA allele,
rrnA
. This genetic procedure gives rise to strains carrying homogeneous populations of mutant ribosomes and was used to study the contribution of individual chemical substituents to the binding of 4,6-disubstituted aminoglycosides. X-ray crystal structures of geneticin and tobramycin complexed to oligonucleotides containing the minimal bacterial ribosomal A site were used for interpretation of MICs determined for a panel of 4,6-aminoglycosides, including tobramycin, kanamycin A, kanamycin B, amikacin, gentamicin, and geneticin. Surprisingly, the considerable differences present within ring III did not seem to alter the interaction of the drug with the ribosome, as determined by site-directed mutagenesis of the A site. In contrast, subtle variations in ring I significantly influenced binding: (i) a 4′-hydroxyl moiety participates in the proper drug target interaction; and (ii) a 2′-amino group contributes an additional positive charge to ring I, making the drug less susceptible to any kind of sequence alteration within the decoding site, most notably, to conformational changes induced by transversion of U1495 to 1495A. The 4-amino-2-hydroxyl-1-oxobutyl extension at position 1 of ring II of amikacin provides an additional anchor and renders amikacin less dependent on the structural conformation of nucleotide U1406 compared to the dependencies of other kanamycins. Overall, the set of interactions forming the complex between drug substituents and nucleotides of the A site constitutes a network in which the interactions can partly compensate for each other when they are disrupted.
Type V Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome
mec
in Community Staphylococci from Australia
Authors: O'Brien F. G. , Coombs G. W. , Pearson J. C. , Christiansen K. J. , Grubb W. B.
Published: November 2005

Twenty Australian community staphylococci harboring the type V staphylococcal cassette chromosome
mec
(SCC
mec
) were found to belong to eight multilocus sequence types. Five were previously unreported novel type V SCC
mec
elements. The
mec
complexes were of two types, based on the polymorphisms in the IS
431
transposase genes. Five isolates were multiresistant.
In Vitro Activity of Ravuconazole against 923 Clinical Isolates of Nondermatophyte Filamentous Fungi
Authors: Cuenca-Estrella Manuel , Gomez-Lopez Alicia , Mellado Emilia , Garcia-Effron Guillermo , Monzon Araceli , Rodriguez-Tudela Juan Luis
Published: November 2005

The in vitro activities of ravuconazole against 575 clinical strains of
Aspergillus
spp. and 348 nondermatophyte non-
Aspergillus
spp. were analyzed. Ravuconazole was active against
Aspergillus
spp., other hyaline filamentous fungi, black molds, and some
Mucorales
. Species such as
Scedosporium prolificans
,
Fusarium
spp., and
Scopulariopsis
spp. were resistant to the triazole.
Caspofungin and Liposomal Amphotericin B Therapy of Experimental Murine Scedosporiosis
Authors: Bocanegra Rosie , Najvar Laura K. , Hernandez Steve , McCarthy Dora I. , Graybill John R.
Published: November 2005

Immunosuppressed mice were infected intravenously with conidia of
Scedosporium prolificans
. Treatment was begun 1 day later with liposomal amphotericin B, caspofungin, or both drugs initiated concurrently. Amphotericin B and caspofungin were each effective, but combined therapy did not appear to offer advantages over liposomal amphotericin B alone.
ASYMPTOTIC STABILITY OF NONLINEAR SCHRÖDINGER EQUATIONS WITH POTENTIAL
Authors: GANG ZHOU , SIGAL I. M.
Published: November 2005

We prove asymptotic stability of trapped solitons in the generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation with a potential in dimension 1 and for even potential and even initial conditions.
Q-BALLS CONSTRUCTED OF SPINORS IN LAGRANGIANS WITH SU(2) SYMMETRY
Authors: PRIKAS ATHANASIOS
Published: November 2005

In the present work we investigate the existence and stability properties of q-balls which consist of a couple of scalar fields, forming an SU (2) doublet in a Lagrangian with a global SU (2) symmetry. We find that these spinors can form a localized and stable field configuration, if they rotate in their internal SU (2) space. We find the energy and charge of the soliton in both thin and thick-wall approximation and we prove its stability against decaying to free particles. We also find the asymptotic forms of the scalar and gauge field and the energy and charge of the configuration when the SU (2) symmetry is local. The only assumption is the smallness of the coupling constant g. Using numerical methods we prove the stability of the q-ball in the local case.
ON THE MONGE–AMPÈRE EQUATION IN INFINITE DIMENSIONS
Authors: BOGACHEV VLADIMIR I. , KOLESNIKOV ALEXANDER V.
Published: November 2005

We prove that the optimal transportation mapping that takes a Gaussian measure γ on an infinite dimensional space to an equivalent probability measure g·γ satisfies the Monge–Ampère equation provided that log g∈L1(γ) and g log g∈L1(γ).
A NEWLY MODIFIED ALGORITHM OF HOUGH TRANSFORM FOR LINE DETECTION
Authors: WANG QIANG , CHEN HONGBO , XU XIAORONG , LIU HAIYAN
Published: November 2005

The heavy burden of computational complexity and massive storage requirement is the drawback of the standard Hough transform (SHT). To overcome the weakness of SHT, many modified approaches, for example, the probabilistic Hough transform (PHT), have been presented. However, a very important fact, which is that a line has its own width in a real digital image and the width of the line is uniform, was ignored by all of these modified algorithms of Hough transform. This phenomenon influenced the result of line detection. In this paper a new modified algorithm of Hough transform for line detection is proposed. In our algorithm, the fact mentioned above is fully considered and a strip-shaped area corresponding to the accumulate cells of HT is proposed. Experimental results have shown that our approach is efficient and promising, and the effect of detection is far better than the popular modified approaches.
MULTIRESOLUTION SHAPE MODELING AND EDITING IN REVERSE ENGINEERING
Authors: LIU YONG-JIN , TANG KAI , JONEJA AJAY , YUEN MATTHEW MING-FAI
Published: November 2005

In this paper we propose a multiresolution framework in reverse engineering for complex free-form object modeling and editing. The proposed framework starts with dense point data scanned from the surface of a physical prototype and produces CAD models ready for downstream applications. Targeting on achieving maximum efficiency in the whole reverse engineering process, the proposed framework adopt a hierarchy of shape representations in a special order, i.e. implicit, piecewise linear and parametric surfaces. Based on the proposed hierarchical shape structure, a set of shape editing operators such as Boolean operators, blending, offset, morphing, free-form deformation and texture mapping, is efficiently integrated into the framework. A great diversity of free-form shape models with various modeling operations is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed multiresolution framework.