bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LOVely enzymes – towards engineering light‐controllable biocatalysts
Authors: Krauss Ulrich , Lee Jeeyeon , Benkovic Stephen J. , Jaeger Karl‐Erich 
Published: August 2009

SummaryLight control over enzyme function represents a novel and exciting field of biocatalysis research. Blue‐light photoreceptors of the Light, Oxygen, Voltage (LOV) family have recently been investigated for their applicability as photoactive switches. We discuss here the primary photochemical events leading to light activation of LOV domains as well as the proposed signal propagation mechanism to the respective effector domain. Furthermore, we describe the construction of LOV fusions to different effector domains, namely a dihydrofolate reductase from Escherichia coli and a lipase from Bacillus subtilis. Both fusion partners retained functionality, and alteration of enzyme activity by light was also demonstrated. Hence, it appears that fusion of LOV photoreceptors to functional enzyme target sites via appropriate linker structures may represent a straightforward strategy to design light controllable biocatalysts.
Caries experience in individuals with cerebral palsy in relation to oromotor dysfunction and dietary consistency
Authors: Santos Maria Teresa Botti Rodrigues , Guare Renata Oliveira , Celiberti Paula , Siqueira Walter Luiz 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to investigate caries experience in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) who have oromotor dysfunction and relate it to age and dietary consistency. Noninstitutionalized individuals with CP (n = 108) aged 4–19 years (mean: 10 years, 1 month ± SD 4 years, 5 months) were recruited for this study. Subjects who were severely impaired (35.2%) had orofacial motor dysfunction most frequently, followed by those who were slightly affected (27.7%), moderately affected (20.4%), and very slightly affected (16.7%). Age was a statistically significant factor for oromotor dysfunction (p= 0.007), with the youngest individuals having the most severe oromotor problems. Dietary consistency and oromotor function were statistically significant influence on the DMF index (p= 0.0352). The highest total DMF values were measured for individuals who were severely impaired and also the youngest, as well as for those receiving liquid diets. Early rehabilitation, intervention, and prevention are important for these individuals.
Eye shape and peripheral visual field recording in high myopia at approximately 54 years of age, as based on ultrasonography and Goldmann kinetic perimetry
Authors: Fledelius Hans C. , Goldschmidt Ernst 
Published: August 2009

Abstract.Purpose:  This study describes the posterior pole contour and visual field (VF) findings in an unselected series of adults (aged approximately 54 years) with high myopia.Methods:  In 1962, 39 14‐year‐old teenagers with myopia of ≥ 6 D, in one or both eyes, were identified in a 1948 Copenhagen birth cohort (n = 9243). At a follow‐up in 2002, 61 eyes (52 with high myopia and nine fellow eyes; n = 31 subjects) were examined by ultrasound B‐scan, to allow: (a) measurement of the axial vitreous length supplementary to the customary axial A‐scan, and (b) assessment of the posterior pole contour of the eye. Further, the large‐object (V, 4e) kinetic Goldmann perimetry isoptre was recorded to outline the ambulatory VF.Results:  An irregular posterior pole contour was observed in 15 eyes, unilaterally in 11 eyes and bilaterally in four (two subjects). Nasal fundus ectasia was suggested in six and other deviations from the sphere in seven subjects. Kinetic Goldmann perimetry showed marginal restriction in 14 eyes (12 subjects). Larger defects were found in four eyes (three subjects); the corresponding axial lengths exceeded 32 mm in the two subjects with unilateral defects, and symmetrical inferior binasal defects, probably unrelated to the myopia, were found in the bilateral subject.Conclusions:  Unselected adult‐age high myopia mainly presented with a regular eye shape that was close to spherical. An irregular shape suggesting posterior staphyloma was seen in 13 of the 32 subjects under study, mainly unilaterally. No subjects were restricted in everyday activities by VF defects. Marginal Goldmann perimetry restrictions were described in 12 and significant defects in three subjects. Generally, longer eyes more often tended to show irregular posterior eye contours and/or VF defects.
Oxidative DNA damage in patients with cataract
Authors: Ates Orhan , Alp Hakan Hamit , Kocer Ibrahim , Baykal Orhan , Salman İlknur A. 
Published: August 2009

Acta Ophthalmol. 2010: 88: 891–895Abstract.Purpose:  This study examines the levels of oxidative damage in patients with cataract.Methods:  Blood samples were collected from 60 patients with cataract and 60 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy individuals to measure 8‐hydroxy 2‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels.Results:  A significant difference was observed in leukocyte 8‐OHdG levels in patients with cataract in comparison with healthy persons (p < 0.001). Similarly, a significant difference was observed in plasma MDA levels in patients with cataract in comparison with healthy persons (p < 0.001). In addition, a significant correlation was found between levels of 8‐OHdG in leukocyte DNA and plasma MDA (r = 0.859, p < 0.001).Conclusion:  This study measured the oxidative DNA damage by measuring the 8‐OHdG in the leukocyte DNA in patients with cataract. In addition, the level of MDA – a marker for lipid peroxidation – was measured to determine lipid peroxidation.
Succinylcholine activation of human horizontal eye muscles
Authors: Lennerstrand Gunnar , Bolzani Roberto , Tian Suna , Benassi Mariagrazia , Fusari Maurizio , Campos Emilio , Schiavi Costantino 
Published: August 2009

Acta Ophthalmol. 2010: 88: 872–876Abstract.Purpose:  Succinylcholine (Sch) can induce contracture in slow, multiply innervated muscle fibres of the extraocular muscles in animals of different species. Slow muscle fibres also exist in human eye muscle but their physiological properties have not been studied.Methods:  Isometric tension development was recorded in the lateral and medial rectus muscles in 12 patients operated under general anaesthesia. A strain gauge probe was attached with 5−0 silk sutures to the muscle tendon. Recordings were made in 12 eye muscles with the tendon attached to the globe and in four muscles detached from the globe. Muscle activation was produced by i.v. injection of Sch at a dose of 0.2–0.3 mg/kg bodyweight.Results:  A single injection of Sch induced slow contractures lasting for several minutes. In the muscles attached to the globe, mean maximal isometric tension was 12.2 g in the lateral rectus and 12.8 g in the medial rectus. Similar tension was shown in the muscles detached from the globe.Conclusions:  The contracture of eye muscles in response to Sch showed characteristics typical of slow muscle fibre activation in amphibian and avian muscle and confirmed the participation of slow fibre systems in ocular motor control.
Clinical evaluation of simultaneous confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy imaging combined with high‐resolution, spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography
Authors: Helb Hans‐Martin , Issa Peter Charbel , Fleckenstein Monika , Schmitz‐Valckenberg Steffen , Scholl Hendrik P. N. , Meyer Carsten H. , Eter Nicole , Holz Frank G. 
Published: August 2009

Acta Ophthalmol. 2010: 88: 842–849Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate the clinical relevance of a new diagnostic modality, simultaneous confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (cSLO) and high‐speed, high‐resolution, spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), for the visualization of macular pathologies.Methods:  OCT images and simultaneous recording of fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green (ICG) angiography, infrared, and blue reflectance (‘red‐free’) or fundus autofluorecence (FAF) images were obtained with a novel imaging device (Spectralis HRA + OCT; Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). An optically pumped solid‐state laser generated the excitation wavelength (488 nm) required for blue reflectance, FAF and fluorescein angiography images. For ICG angiography and infrared imaging, diode laser sources at 790 and 815 nm were used. For OCT, 40 000 A‐scans per second were acquired with 7 μm axial and 14 μm lateral optical resolution. The B‐scans covering a transversal range of 30° had a scan width up to 1.536 A‐scans with a digital lateral resolution of 5 μm/pixel, a scan depth of 1.8 mm with 3.5 μm/pixel digital axial resolution and a scan rate of up to 48 B‐scans/second. In addition, volume scans could be obtained at 15, 20 and 30° fields of view. An integrated eye tracking allowed for live averaging of cSLO images as well as OCT B‐scans.Results:  Early, neovascular and atrophic age‐related macular degeneration, macular telangiectasia, retinal arterial, branch vein occlusion and other pathologies were imaged, and cSLO and OCT frames correlated. Fluorescein and ICG angiographic phenomena recorded in cSLO images could be analysed accurately in corresponding OCT cross‐sections. Abnormal FAF signals were correlated to alterations at the outer retinal/retinal pigment epithelial cell layer in high‐resolution OCT scans. Three‐dimensional OCT enabled comprehensive retinal coverage. The imaging software tracked eye movements accurately. Averaging of live B‐scans enhanced image quality considerably.Conclusion:  The combined cSLO/OCT system allowed for simultaneous recordings of topographic and tomographic images with accurate correlation between the confocal angiograms, FAF images as well as other imaging modes with the OCT scans. The instrument thus provides simultaneous multi‐modal imaging of retinal pathologies and disease.
Constructal
Design of Particle Volume Fraction in
Nanofluids
Authors: Bai Chao , Wang Liqiu 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
We perform a constructal design of particle volume fraction of four types of nanofluids used for heat conduction in four systems: a circular disk, a sphere, a plane slab, and a circular annulus. The constructal volume fraction is obtained to minimize system overall temperature difference and overall thermal resistance. Also included are the features of the constructal volume fraction and the corresponding constructal thermal resistance, which is the minimal overall resistance to the heat flow. The constructal nanofluids that maximize the system performance are not necessarily the ones with uniformly dispersed particles in base fluids. Nanofluids research and development should thus focus on not only nanofluids but also systems that use them. The march toward micro- and nanoscales must also be with the sobering reminder that useful devices are always macroscopic, and that larger and larger numbers of small-scale components must be assembled and connected by flows that keep them alive.
In Vitro Activity of Colistin (Polymyxin E) against 3,480 Isolates of Gram-Negative Bacilli Obtained from Patients in Canadian Hospitals in the CANWARD Study, 2007-2008
Authors: Walkty A. , DeCorby M. , Nichol K. , Karlowsky J. A. , Hoban D. J. , Zhanel G. G. 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT

The in vitro activity of colistin was evaluated versus 3,480 isolates of gram-negative bacilli using CLSI broth microdilution methods. The MIC
90
of colistin was ≤2 μg/ml against a variety of clinically important gram-negative bacilli, including
Escherichia coli
,
Klebsiella
spp.,
Enterobacter
spp.,
Acinetobacter baumannii
, and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. All multidrug-resistant (
n
= 76)
P. aeruginosa
isolates were susceptible to colistin (MIC, ≤2 μg/ml). These data support a role for colistin in the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant
P. aeruginosa
.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Recombinant Reverse Transcriptase Enzymes Containing the G190A and Y181C Resistance Mutations Remain Sensitive to Etravirine
Authors: Xu Hongtao , Quan Yudong , Brenner Bluma G. , Bar-Magen Tamara , Oliveira Maureen , Schader Susan M. , Wainberg Mark A. 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT
Etravirine (ETR) is a second-generation nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitor (NNRTI) active against common human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) drug-resistant strains. This study was designed to determine the extent to which each of the Y181C or G190A mutations in RT might confer resistance to ETR and other members of the NNRTI family of drugs. Recombinant HIV-1 RT enzymes containing either the Y181C or the G190A mutation, or both mutations in tandem, were purified. Both RNA- and DNA-dependent DNA polymerase assays were performed in order to determine the extent to which each of these mutations might confer resistance in cell-free biochemical assays against each of ETR, efavirenz, and nevirapine. Both the biochemical and the cell-based phenotypic assays confirmed the susceptibility of G190A-containing enzymes and viruses to ETR. The results of this study indicate that the G190A mutation is not associated with resistance to ETR.
Identification of a Conserved Chromosomal Region Encoding
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Type 1 and Type 3 Fimbriae and Assessment of the Role of Fimbriae in Pathogenicity
Authors: Struve Carsten , Bojer Martin , Krogfelt Karen Angeliki 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT

Type 3 fimbriae are expressed by most clinical
Klebsiella pneumoniae
isolates and mediate adhesion to host structures in vitro. However, the role of type 3 fimbriae in
K. pneumoniae
virulence has not been evaluated by use of in vivo infection models. In this study, the type 3 fimbrial gene cluster (
mrk
) of the clinical isolate C3091 is described in detail. The
mrk
gene cluster was revealed to be localized in close proximity to the type 1 fimbrial gene cluster. Thus, a 20.4-kb fimbria-encoding region was identified and found to be highly conserved among different
K. pneumoniae
isolates. Interestingly, a homologue to PecS, known as a global regulator of virulence in
Erwinia chrysanthemi
, was identified in the fimbria-encoding region. Comparison to the previously characterized plasmid encoded
mrk
gene cluster revealed significant differences, and it is established here that the putative regulatory gene
mrkE
is not a part of the chromosomally encoded type 3 fimbrial gene cluster. To evaluate the role of type 3 fimbriae in virulence, a type 3 fimbria mutant and a type 1 and type 3 fimbria double mutant was constructed. Type 3 fimbria expression was found to strongly promote biofilm formation. However, the fimbria mutants were as effective at colonizing the intestine as the wild type, and their virulence was not attenuated in a lung infection model. Also, in a urinary tract infection model, type 3 fimbriae did not influence the virulence, whereas type 1 fimbriae were verified as an essential virulence factor. Thus, type 3 fimbriae were established not to be a virulence factor in uncomplicated
K. pneumoniae
infections. However, since type 3 fimbriae promote biofilm formation, their role in development of infections in catheterized patients needs to be elucidated.
Branched-Chain Amino Acids Are Required for the Survival and Virulence ofActinobacillus pleuropneumoniaein Swine
Authors: Subashchandrabose Sargurunathan , LeVeque Rhiannon M. , Wagner Trevor K. , Kirkwood Roy N. , Kiupel Matti , Mulks Martha H. 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTInActinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, which causes porcine pleuropneumonia,ilvIwas identified as an in vivo-induced (ivi) gene and encodes the enzyme acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) required for branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) biosynthesis.ilvIand 7 of 32 additionalivipromoters were upregulated in vitro when grown in chemically defined medium (CDM) lacking BCAA. Based on these observations, we hypothesized that BCAA would be found at limiting concentrations in pulmonary secretions and thatA. pleuropneumoniaemutants unable to synthesize BCAA would be attenuated in a porcine infection model. Quantitation of free amino acids in porcine pulmonary epithelial lining fluid showed concentrations of BCAA ranging from 8 to 30 μmol/liter, which is 10 to 17% of the concentration in plasma. The expression of bothilvIandlrp, a global regulator that is required forilvIexpression, was strongly upregulated in CDM containing concentrations of BCAA similar to those found in pulmonary secretions. Deletion-disruption mutants ofilvIandlrpwere both auxotrophic for BCAA in CDM and attenuated compared to wild-typeA. pleuropneumoniaein competitive index experiments in a pig infection model. Wild-typeA. pleuropneumoniaegrew in CDM+BCAA but not in CDM−BCAA in the presence of sulfonylurea AHAS inhibitors. These results clearly demonstrate that BCAA availability is limited in the lungs and support the hypothesis thatA. pleuropneumoniae, and potentially other pulmonary pathogens, uses limitation of BCAA as a cue to regulate the expression of genes required for survival and virulence. These results further suggest a potential role for AHAS inhibitors as antimicrobial agents against pulmonary pathogens.
Secondhand tobacco smoke concentrations in motor vehicles: a pilot study
Authors: Jones M R , Navas-Acien A , Yuan J , Breysse P N 
Published: August 2009

Context:Motor vehicles represent important microenvironments for exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS). While some countries and cities have banned smoking in cars with children present, more data are needed to develop the evidence base on SHS exposure levels in motor vehicles to inform policy and education practices aimed at supporting smoke-free motor vehicles when passengers are present.Objective:To assess exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke in motor vehicles using passive airborne nicotine samplers.Methods:17 smokers and five non-smokers who commute to and from work in their own vehicle participated. Two passive airborne nicotine samplers were placed in each vehicle for a 24-hour period, one at the front passenger seat headrest and the other in the back seat behind the driver. At the end of the sampling period, airborne nicotine was analysed by gas chromatography.Results:Median (IQR) air nicotine concentrations in smokers’ vehicles were 9.6 μg/m3(5.3–25.5) compared to non-detectable concentrations in non-smokers’ vehicles. After adjustment for vehicle size, window opening, air conditioning and sampling time, there was a 1.96-fold increase (95% CI 1.43 to 2.67) in air nicotine concentrations per cigarette smoked.Conclusions:Air nicotine concentrations in motor vehicles were much higher than air nicotine concentrations generally measured in public or private indoor places, and even higher than concentrations measured in restaurants and bars. These high levels of exposure to SHS support the need for education measures and legislation that regulate smoking in motor vehicles when passengers, especially children, are present.
NEW METHOD OF NEURON DESIGN BASED ON DISCRETE Z-FUNCTION TO ADAPT THE CHANGE OF INTEGRATED VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL ORDER
Authors: HARLY M. , SUTANTRA I. N. , MAURIDHI H. P. 
Published: August 2009

Fixed order neural networks (FONN), such as high order neural network (HONN), in which its architecture is developed from zero order of activation function and joint weight, regulates only the number of weight and their value. As a result, this network only produces a fixed order model or control level. These obstacles, which affect preceeding architectures, have been performing finite ability to adapt uncertainty character of real world plant, such as driving dynamics and its desired control performance. This paper introduces a new concept of neural network neuron. In this matter, exploiting discrete z-function builds new neuron activation. Instead of zero order joint weight matrices, the discrete z-function weight matrix will be provided to realize uncertainty or undetermined real word plant and desired adaptive control system that their order has probably been changing. Instead of using bias, an initial condition value is developed. Neural networks using new neurons is called Varied Order Neural Network (VONN). For optimization process, updating order, coefficient and initial value of node activation function uses GA; while updating joint weight, it applies both back propagation (combined LSE-gauss Newton) and NPSO. To estimate the number of hidden layer, constructive back propagation (CBP) was also applied. Thorough simulation was conducted to compare the control performance between FONN and MONN. In order to control, vehicle stability was equipped by electronics stability program (ESP), electronics four wheel steering (4-EWS), and active suspension (AS). 2000, 4000, 6000, 8000 data that are from TODS, a hidden layer, 3 input nodes, 3 output nodes were provided to train and test the network of both the uncertainty model and its adaptive control system. The result of simulation, therefore, shows that stability parameter such as yaw rate error, vehicle side slip error, and rolling angle error produces better performance control in the form of smaller performance index using FDNN than those using MONN.
Examining user involvement in continuous software development
Authors: Muthitacharoen Achita (Mi) , Saeed Khawaja A. 
Published: August 2009

Ms. Perez was giving a powerpoint presentation to her potential clients in the hope of landing a big contract. She was presenting a new advertising campaign for a mutual fund company and had spent three months with her team on perfecting the proposal. Everything seemed to be going well when suddenly a small window screen popped up informing her that an error had occurred and asked if she would wish to send an error report. She clicked the send button and the application on her laptop shut down, disrupting the flow of her presentation and making her look unprofessional.
This story entails an example of a user's experience and response to a new method for collecting information on software application errors. To maintain a certain level of quality and ensure customer satisfaction, software firms spend approximately 50% to 75% of the total software development cost on debugging, testing, and verification activities. Despite such efforts, it is not uncommon for a software application to contain errors after the final version is released. To better manage the software development process in the long run firms are involving the users in software improvement initiatives by soliciting error information, while they are using the software application. The information collected through an error reporting system (ERS) plays an important role in uncovering bugs and prioritizing future development work. Considering that about 20% of bugs cause 80% of the errors, gathering information on application errors can substantially improve software firms' productivity and improve the quality of their products. High quality software applications can benefit the software users individually and also help improve the image of the software community as a whole. Thus, understanding the emerging error reporting systems (ERS) and why users adopt them are important issues that require examination. Such an analysis can help the software companies in learning how to design better ERS and educate the users about ERS and its utilities.