Exploiting the Catalytic Diversity of Short‐Chain Dehydrogenases/Reductases: Versatile Enzymes from Plants with Extended Imine Substrate Scope

Numerous short‐chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDRs) have found biocatalytic applications in C=O and C=C (enone) reduction. For NADPH‐dependent C=N reduction, imine reductases (IREDs) have primarily been investigated for extension of the substrate range. Here, we show that SDRs are also suitable for a broad range of imine reductions. The SDR noroxomaritidine reductase (NR) is involved in Amaryllidaceae alkaloid biosynthesis, serving as an enone reductase. We have characterized NR by using a set of typical imine substrates and established that the enzyme is active with all four tested imine compounds (up to 99 % conversion, up to 92 % ee). Remarkably, NR reduced two keto compounds as well, thus highlighting this enzyme family's versatility. Using NR as a template, we have identified an as yet unexplored SDR from the Amaryllidacea Zephyranthes treatiae with imine‐reducing activity (≤95 % ee). Our results encourage the future characterization of SDR family members as a means of discovering new imine‐reducing enzymes.     

Effects of success and failure on cheating behavior.

Studied the relationship between cheating and previous success-failure experiences in 32 college students. Ss were informed that if they performed above average on a free-recall task they would receive bonus credit. Half of them were told their performance on a 1st test was poor and half were told that their initial performance was good. During a subsequent test, half of the words were left "carelessly" exposed so that Ss could copy them if they wished. Significant cheating occurred in the success but not in the failure condition, suggesting that failure following initial success may be more repugnant than failure following initial failure. Cheating elevated the number of recorded exposed words, while attention factors and/or arousal reduced recall of stored unexposed words. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

3-D自由立体显示的性能表征

三维自由立体显示的图像生成和参数显示与一般的二维显示不同,需要其它的方法来校验光学性能。目前工业上缺少标准化的三维显示测试方法,报道过的测量结果可能不具有可比性,因此需要建立标准化的测试方法,而且这个方法的计量和度量必须适用于任何一种特定的立体显示技术。文中探索了对自由立体显示技术进行表征的一些方法。     

A knowledge-based exploratory framework to study quality of Italian mobile telecommunication services

A novel two-step knowledge-based exploratory framework is proposed in this paper for studying quality of Italian mobile telecommunication services (MTSs). Particularly, the Delphi technique is initially considered to finalize an overall quality structure of MTSs features, indicators and drivers, herein described on the basis of a comprehensive review of the fundamental references for the field, and also to select the key elements with reference to the Italian context. At the second step, selected key elements are prioritized via the analytic hierarchical process method according to viewpoints of the fundamental stakeholders for the sector. Furthermore, possible uncertainty and ambiguity of involved experts at this step of the study are addressed via a linguistic comparison scale represented by fuzzy numbers. Results of the first step revealed that the quality structure of Italian MTSs includes 15 key indicators with reference to four key MTSs quality features and seven key drivers. On the other hand, results of the second step pointed out that tangible aspects represents the fundamental key MTSs quality feature, whereas network population coverage, price of data services, and internet network performance represent the crucial key indicators. In addition, technological resources and technological innovation as well as informational resources constitute the most important key quality drivers of Italian MTSs. Obtained results may be of interest for MTSs managers and decision makers as well researchers of the field offering important suggestions as to how to evaluate and improve quality of MTSs.     

Identification of Rare LRP5 Variants in a Cohort of Males with Impaired Bone Mass

Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease characterized by reduced bone mass and increased bone fragility. Genetic contribution is one of the main causes of primary osteoporosis; therefore, both genders are affected by this skeletal disorder. Nonetheless, osteoporosis in men has received little attention, thus being underestimated and undertreated. The aim of this study was to identify novel genetic variants in a cohort of 128 males with idiopathic low bone mass using a next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel including genes whose mutations could result in reduced bone mineral density (BMD). Genetic analysis detected in eleven patients ten rare heterozygous variants within the LRP5 gene, which were categorized as VUS (variant of uncertain significance), likely pathogenic and benign variants according to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines. Protein structural and Bayesian analysis performed on identified LRP5 variants pointed out p.R1036Q and p.R1135C as pathogenic, therefore suggesting the likely association of these two variants with the low bone mass phenotype. In conclusion, this study expands our understanding on the importance of a functional LRP5 protein in bone formation and highlights the necessity to sequence this gene in subjects with idiopathic low BMD.     

The Telemedicine benchmark--a general tool to measure and compare the performance of video conferencing equipment in the telemedicine area.

In this paper, we describe the 'Telemedicine Benchmark' (TMB), which is a set of standard procedures, protocols and measurements to test reliability and levels of performance of data exchange in a telemedicine session. We have put special emphasis on medical imaging, i.e. digital image transfer, joint viewing and editing and 3D manipulation. With the TMB, we can compare the aptitude of different video conferencing software systems for telemedicine issues and the effect of different network technologies (ISDN, xDSL, ATM, Ethernet). The evaluation criteria used are length of delays and functionality. For the application of the TMB, a data set containing radiological images and medical reports was set up. Considering the Benchmark protocol, this data set has to be exchanged between the partners of the session. The Benchmark covers file transfer, whiteboard usage, application sharing and volume data analysis and compression. The TMB has proven to be a useful tool in several evaluation issues.