Visual 3D illusion: a systems-theoretical approach to psychosis

Binocular depth inversion represents an illusion of visual perception. Such an inversion does not occur in all cases, especially when objects with a higher degree of familiarity (e.g. photographs of faces) are displayed. Cognitive factors are assumed to override the binocular disparity cues of stereopsis. We tested the hypothesis that during psychotic and similar states the human CNS is unable to correct the implausible perceptual hypothesis. Measurements of binocular depth inversion in perception of 3D objects were performed in schizophrenic patients (n = 13), in patients with alcohol withdrawal (n = 10), in sleep-deprived medical staff (n = 10) and in healthy volunteers (n = 41). The binocular depth inversion scores were highly elevated in the patient group and in the sleep-deprivated medical staff in comparison with healthy volunteers. The data demonstrate that impairment of binocular depth inversion reflects a common final pathway, characterized by an impairment of adaptive systems regulating perception.     

Prediction and evaluation of side-chain conformations for protein backbone structures

A common approach to protein modeling is to propose a backbone structure based on homology or threading and then to attempt to build side chains onto this backbone. A fast algorithm using the simple criteria of atomic overlap and overall rotamer probability is proposed for this purpose. The method was first tested in the context of exhaustive searches of side chain configuration space in protein cores and was then applied to all side chains in 49 proteins of known structure, using simulated annealing to sample space. The latter procedure obtains the correct rotamer for 57% and the correct chi 1 value for 74% of the 6751 residues in the sample. When low-temperature Monte-Carlo simulations are initiated from the results of the simulated-annealing processes, consensus configurations are obtained which exhibit slightly more accurate predictions. The Monte-Carlo procedure also allows converged side chain entropies to be calculated for all residues. These prove to be accurate indicators of prediction reliability. For example, the correct rotamer is obtained for 79% and the correct chi 1 value is obtained for 84% of the half of the sample residues exhibiting the lowest entropies. Side chain entropy and predictability are nearly completely uncorrelated with solvent-accessible area. Some precedents for and implications of this observation are discussed.     

Role of leuX in Escherichia coli colonization of the streptomycin-treated mouse large intestine

Escherichia coli F-18, a normal human fecal isolate, is an excellent colonizer of the streptomycin-treated mouse large intestine. E. coli F-18 Col-, a derivative of E. coli F-18 that no longer makes the E. coli F-18 colicin, colonizes the mouse large intestine as well as E. coli F-18 when fed alone, but is eliminated when fed together with E. coli F-18. Recently, a random bank of E. coli F-18 DNA was transformed into E. coli F-18 Col-, the resultant population was fed to streptomycin-treated mice, and the intestine was used to select the best colonizer. In this fashion, a 6.5 kb E. coli F-18 DNA fragment was isolated. This fragment was shown to enhance E. coli F-18 Col- mouse large intestinal colonizing ability and survival during stationary phase in intestinal mucus in vitro, as well as stimulate the synthesis of type-1 fimbriae. Here, we present evidence that the gene responsible for the enhanced E. coli F-18 Col- colonizing ability and survival during stationary phase in vitro is leuX. This gene encodes a rare leucine tRNA specific for the UUG codon. In addition, we show that the presence of a functional leuX gene is necessary for E. coli K-12 intestinal colonization and for survival in stationary phase.     

In vitro permeability evaluation and colonization of membranes for periodontal regeneration by Porphyromonas gingivalis

The use of membranes for periodontal regeneration is well established. In clinical use, the exposure of membranes to the oral microflora may result in a pathway for periodontal infections. An important role in this process is played by Porphyromonas gingivalis. The purpose of the present study was to examine the colonization of 6 different bioresorbable and nonresorbable membranes for periodontal regeneration by the strain DSM 20709 of P. gingivalis and to determine the time needed by this microorganism to pass through the membranes. A device consisting of a tube sealed with the membranes and filled with a medium suitable for the growth of P. gingivalis was incubated in a bigger tube containing the same medium to study the process of colonization and the crossing of membranes. The outer tube was inoculated with 10(4) cells of P. gingivalis DSM 20709. The passage of bacteria through the membranes was monitored at 6, 24, and 48 hours by counting the number of cells in the inner tube. The colonized membranes were observed using a scanning electron microscope. Differences in the behavior of the 6 membranes analyzed were demonstrated.     

Modell zum turbulenten Wärmeübergang in Rohren auf der Basis radialer und axialer Turbulenzintensitäten für Newtonsche Fluide

Zusammenfassung Ausgehend von vereinfachenden Annahmen zum Verlauf der radialen und axialen Geschwindigkeitsschwankungen in einem turbulent durchstr?mten Rohr wird eine den W?rmetransport beschreibende Differentialgleichung aufgestellt und numerisch gel?st. Es zeigt sich für den Fall der thermisch ausgebildeten Str?mung bei konstanter Wandtemperatur, da? bei Newtonschen Fluiden die über dem Rohrquerschnitt vorliegende Mitteltemperatur („Mischtemperatur”) stets in einem Wandabstand von ca. 0,3·Rohrradius im radialen Temperaturprofil auftritt. Aufgrund dieses Sachverhalts kann mit Hilfe eines einfachen Widerstandsmodells ein Parameter R_T relativ schnell an experimentelle Werte bzw. entsprechende Gebrauchsformeln angepa?t werden. Eine überprüfung mit dem in der Literatur h?ufig angewendeten Ansatz, bei dem ein turbulenter W?rmeaustauschkoeffizient ε _q (eddy diffusity of heat) definiert wird, zeigt die Gültigkeit der durchgeführten Vereinfachungen. Mit der Modellvorstellung kann auch der W?rmeübergang nicht-Newtonscher Flüssigkeiten (z.B. reibungsmindernde Polymerl?sungen) beschrieben werden, wenn deren Turbulenzintensit?ten durch Messungen gegeben sind.