cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interactions between myosin and actin crosslinkers control cytokinesis contractility dynamics and mechanics.

Summary Introduction Contractile networks are fundamental to many cellular functions, particularly cytokinesis and cell motility. Contractile networks depend on myosin-II mechanochemistry to generate sliding force on the actin polymers. However, to be contractile, the networks must also be crosslinked by crosslinking proteins, and to change the shape of the cell, the network must be linked to the plasma membrane. Discerning how this integrated network operates is essential for understanding cytokinesis contractility and shape control. Here, we analyzed the cytoskeletal network that drives furrow ingression in Dictyostelium . Results We establish that the actin polymers are assembled into a meshwork and that myosin-II does not assemble into a discrete ring in the Dictyostelium cleavage furrow of adherent cells. We show that myosin-II generates regional mechanics by increasing cleavage furrow stiffness and slows furrow ingression during late cytokinesis as compared to myoII nulls. Actin crosslinkers dynacortin and fimbrin similarly slow furrow ingression and contribute to cell mechanics in a myosin-II-dependent manner. By using FRAP, we show that the actin crosslinkers have slower kinetics in the cleavage furrow cortex than in the pole, that their kinetics differ between wild-type and myoII null cells, and that the protein dynamics of each crosslinker correlate with its impact on cortical mechanics. Conclusions These observations suggest that myosin-II along with actin crosslinkers establish local cortical tension and elasticity, allowing for contractility independent of a circumferential cytoskeletal array. Furthermore, myosin-II and actin crosslinkers may influence each other as they modulate the dynamics and mechanics of cell-shape change.
Decentralized detection and patching of coverage holes in wireless sensor networks

Detection and patching of coverage holes in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are important measures of Quality of Service (QoS) for security and other applications that emphasize sensor network coverage. In this paper, we model a WSN using simplicial complexes based on its communication graph by which the network can be represented as connections of sensor nodes without knowing exact locations of nodes. Thus, the coverage problem is converted to a connectivity problem under some assumptions presented in the paper. We discuss two major topics in this paper, namely sensor network coverage hole detection and patching. We present a novel, decentralized, coordinate-free, node-based coverage hole detection algorithm. The algorithm can be implemented on a single node with connectivity information gathered from one-hop away neighbors. Thus, the coverage hole detection algorithm can be run on individual nodes and does not require time-consuming, centralized data processing. The hole-patching algorithm is based on the concept of perpendicular bisector line. Every hole-boundary edge has a corresponding perpendicular bisector and new sensor nodes are deployed on hole-boundary bisectors. Deployment of new sensor nodes maintains network connectivity, while reduces coverage holes.
Prenatal ultrasonography frequently fails to diagnose congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Despite increased use of prenatal ultrasonography and well-defined guidelines to aid in the detection of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), approximately half of neonates born with CDH undergo a prenatal scan that does not diagnose the defect. The purpose of this study was to (1) examine the use of prenatal ultrasonography in neonates with CDH, (2) determine possible reasons that contributed to the failure to detect the abnormality, and (3) evaluate the clinical impact of a diagnostic versus a nondiagnostic study. From 1985 to 1995, 136 consecutive neonates with CDH symptomatic within 24 hours of birth were treated at the University of Michigan Medical Center. Medical records and a University of Michigan CDH database were reviewed for prenatal ultrasound status, side of herniation, site of birth, survival, and extracorporeal life support (ECLS) use. Sonograms that did not diagnose CDH were collected and reviewed by a radiologist for possible-reasons why the diagnosis was missed. Over the 10-year period, use of ultrasonography increased from 33% to 100%, but the false-negative rate remained approximatedly 55%. In reviewing 40 nondiagnostic studies in 25 patients, 25% had technical difficulties, 57% failed to follow established guidelines (localization of the stomach and visulization of the heart with all four chambers), and 33% missed findings (intrathoracic stomach and mediastinal shift) consistent with CDH. There was no significant difference in survival or use of ECLS between neonates with a diagnostic versus nondiagnostic study (53% v 77% survival, P = 0.09; 64% v 42% ECLS, P = .29) Careful attention to following established guidelines and an increased appreciation for the abnormalities would be expected to increase the sensitivity of ultrasonography in detecting CDH. Increased prenatal diagnosis will allow for thorough evaluation for associated malformations, detection of chromosomal abnormalities, and early referra with intrauterine transport to a tertiary care center before delivery.
Role of polyunsaturated fatty acids as signal transducers: amplification of signals from growth factor receptors by fatty acids in mammary epithelial cells.

Abstract The growth, morphogenesis and differentiation of milk producing epithelial tissues in the developing mammary glands require interaction with extracellular matrices and stimulation by hormones, growth factors and essential fatty acids. In primary culture, the proliferation of mammary epithelial cells (MEC), induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF), is enhanced and sustained by linoleate and its eicosanoid metabolites. Since a combination of linoleic acid (18:2ω6) and prostaglandin E 2 or cAMP has synergistic effect on EGF-stimulated growth, it is suggested that additional cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PK-A) independent pathways may also contribute to the linoleate effect on EGF action. Possible involvement of Ca2+phospholipid-dependent protein kinase C (PK-C) is explored. Both linoleate and arachidonate can activate Type-II and Type-III protein kinase-C in MEC and a PK-C inhibitor can block growth stimulation by EGF and fatty acids. Like 12-O-Tetradecanoly phorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a PK-C activator which also enhances EGF-stimulated growth of MEC, linoleate can phosphorylate a 40–42 KD protein. EGF itself can stimulate transient phosphorylation of the same protein in MEC cultures but when supplemented with linoleate, which does not influence the ligand binding affinity of EGF-receptors, the transient phosphorylation signal in 40–42 KD protein is sustained. Based on our results and other published reports, it is proposed that although both EGF and essential fatty acid (EFA) evoke multiple pathways in cells, serine/threonine kinase activity of PK-C and PK-A and tyrosine kinase activity of EGF-receptors may converge in the phosphorylation of 40–42 KD type of protein which could be a downstream messenger of EGF and EFA action.
Effect of canopy cover, seeding depth, and soil moisture on emergence of Centaurea maculosa and C. diffusa

Summary: The effects of canopy cover, seeding depth, and soil moisture on emergence of Centaurea maculosa Lam. and C. diffusa Lam. were studied. Canopy cover had no effect on ermergence rate (seedlings/day/100 seeds) of either species. Seeds of both species emerged faster when placed on the soil surface. Emergence rate decreased as seeding depth increased. Both species required more than 55% initial soil moisture to initiate emergence, with 65–70% being optimum. Percentage emergence followed exactly the same trend as emergence rate. C. maculosa had better emergence characteristics over a wider range of conditions than C. diffusa, possibly being some of the reasons for the former having a wider geographical distribution in the United States and Canada. Resume: Influence de la couverture, de la profondeur de semis et de l'humidite du sol sur la levee de Centaurea maculosa et de C. diffusa L'effet de la couverture, de la profondeur de semis et de l'humidite du sol sur la levee de Centaurea maculosa Lam. et de C. diffusa Lam. a eteetudie. La couverture n'a pas d'effet sur la vitesse de levee (nombre de plantules par jour pour 100 semences) de chacune des deux especes. Les semences des deux especes ont leve beaucoup plus vite lorsqu'elles ont ete placees pres de la surface du sol. La vitesse de levee a diminuea mesure que la profondeur de semis augmentait. Chez les deux especes. une teneur en eau initiale du sol superieure a 50% a ete necessaire pour qu'elles commencent a germer, l'optimum se situant entre 65 et 70%. Le pourcentage de levee a suivi exactement la mme tendance que la vitesse de levee. C. maculosa a presente de meilleures caracteristiques de germination sous une grande variete de conditions que C. diffusa, ce qui est probablement l'une des raisons de la repartition geographique plus etendue de la premiere de ces deux especes aux Etats-Unis et au Canada. Zusammenfassung Die Wirkung von Pflanzendecke, Saattiefe und Bodenfeuchtigkeit auf das Auflaufen von Centaurea maculosa und C. diffusa Es wurde die Wirkung der Pflanzendecke, der Saaltiefe und der Bodcnfcuchte auf das Auflaufen von Centaurea maculosa Lam. und C. diffusa Lam. untersucht. Die Pflanzendecke hatte bei keiner der beiden Arten einen Einfluss auf die Auflaufrate (Keimlinge je Tag und 100 Samen). Beide Arten liefen rascher auf, wenn sie auf die Bodenoberflache gelegt wurden. Mit zunehmender Sattiefe nahm die Auflaufrate ab. Um das Auflaufen auszulosen, musste die anfangliche Bodenfeuchte bei beiden Arten uber 55% liegen; das Optimum lag bei 65–70%. Der prozentuale Auflauf und die Auflaufrate entsprachen einander. C. maculosa lief in einem weiteren Bereich von Umweltbedingungen auf als es bei C. diffusa der Fall war, was moglicherweise die grossere geographische Verbreitung der erstgenannten Art in den USA und Kanada erklart.
Hispanic heterogeneity and environmental injustice: intra-ethnic patterns of exposure to cancer risks from traffic-related air pollution in Miami

To explore intra-ethnic diversity in patterns of environmental health injustice in Miami (Florida), we related modeled estimates of cancer risks from on-road pollutants from the 2005 National-scale Air Toxics Assessment with 2005–2009 American Community Survey tract-level sociodemographic data. Neighborhoods with lower incomes and higher proportions of Hispanics were at risk. When disaggregating “Hispanic” based on country of origin, we found that Cuban and Colombian neighborhoods faced significantly increased cancer risk from vehicular air pollution while Mexican neighborhoods faced significantly decreased risk. These divergent patterns of environmental injustice based on Hispanic country-of-origin groupings have been shaped by the differing migration and settlement patterns of Hispanic subgroups in Miami. Our findings highlight the growing need to consider racial/ethnic heterogeneity in future EJ analysis and policy.
The fine structure of identified electrotonic synapses following increased coupling resistance.

Gap junctions exist in the septa between the segments of the lateral giant axons in the ventral nerve cord of the crayfish Procambarus. A large increase in the resistance (uncoupling) of these gap junctions was brought about by mechanical injury to the axonal segments. Both thin sections and freeze-fracture preparations were used to monitor the morphological changes which occurred up to 45 min after injury.
Speech Sound Production in 2-Year-Olds Who Are Hard of Hearing

Purpose The purpose of the study was to (a) compare the speech sound production abilities of 2-year-old children who are hard of hearing (HH) to children with normal hearing (NH), (b) identify sour...
Play observations of three-year old children and their relationship to parental reports of behavior problems and temperament characteristics.

Observations of the coping behaviors of three-year-old children during a one hour, home-based play session were examined and compared to parental reports of behavior problems and temperament characteristics. Poor coping responses in the play situation were positively associated with behavior difficulties, but not with temperament characteristics. It is concluded that brief play sessions are useful for diagnostic purposes, but it is more important to focus observations on the child's ability to adapt and cope with the interpersonal and structural demands of the play situation rather than on the types of constructions produced or interpretations on the symbolic manipulations of toys.
VIDEO MODELING BY EXPERTS WITH VIDEO FEEDBACK TO ENHANCE GYMNASTICS SKILLS

The effects of combining video modeling by experts with video feedback were analyzed with 4 female competitive gymnasts (7 to 10 years old) in a multiple baseline design across behaviors. During the intervention, after the gymnast performed a specific gymnastics skill, she viewed a video segment showing an expert gymnast performing the same skill and then viewed a video replay of her own performance of the skill. The results showed that all gymnasts demonstrated improved performance across three gymnastics skills following exposure to the intervention.
Moral Neuroeducation from Early Life Through the Lifespan

Personality and social development begins before birth in the communication among mother, child and environment, during sensitive periods when the child’s brain and body are plastic and epigenetically co-constructed. Triune ethics theory postulates three evolved, neurobiologically-based ethics fostered by early life experience. The security ethic is self-protective. The engagement ethic is relationally attuned. The imagination ethic can abstract from the present moment and imagine alternatives. Climates and cultures can foster one or another ethic. Ancestral environments were more conducive to moral development. Individuals can adopt self-authorship of their moral character through the development of ethical expertise. Recommendations are made for research and policies that study and support optimal moral development.
VEGETATIVE GROWTH OF ACETABULARIA ACETABULUM (CHLOROPHYTA): STRUCTURAL EVIDENCE FOR JUVENILE AND ADULT PHASES IN DEVELOPMENT1

We characterized vegetative development in two inbred cell lines of Acetabularia acetabulum (L.) Silva. Cell growth occurred at the apex and by elongation of older interwhorls throughout vegetative development. Although cell length and hairs per whorl increased regularly during development, interwhorl length, hair persistence on the stalk, and complexity of each whorl (degree of branching of whorl hairs) showed sharp discontinuities during development in both cell lines. The first (earliest) discontinuity, formation of a short interwhorl, was the sixth interwhorl made in all cells. Even though cell line Aa1055 was twice the height ofAa4010 when mature, cells in both lines were 0.8–1.0 cm tall after formation of the short interwhorl. The second discontinuity, increases in hair persistence on the stalk and complexity of each whorl of hairs, began shortly before cap initiation. We propose the following nomenclature: 1) that slower growth before formation of the short interwhorl be called “juvenile”; 2) that more rapid growth after formation of the short interwhorl be called “adult”; and 3) that adult growth be separated into “early” and “late” phases by the discontinuities in whorl hair characteristics. The proposed developmental phases (juvenile, early adult, and late adult) are temporally sequential and spatially stacked.
Mineralization of labeled N from cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] plant parts at two growth stages in sandy soil

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L). Walp.] has great potential as green manure due to its rapid N accumulation and efficient N2 fixation. The objective of this study was to measure the rate of N mineralization from cowpea plant parts harvested at onset of flowering (5 weeks) and mid pod-fill (7 weeks) under near optimum conditions. Cowpeas were grown in a greenhouse and supplied with 15NH4 15NO3 to isotopically label tissue. Cowpea leaves, stems, and roots were incorporated into a sandy soil (Psammentic Paleustalf) and net N mineralized was measured several times during a 10 week incubation. The amount of N accumulated in 7-week old cowpeas was more than double that in 5-week old cowpeas. The portion of N mineralized after 10 weeks was 24% for 5-week old cowpeas and 27% for 7-week old cowpeas. The rate of N mineralization from leaves and stems increased with plant age, but decreased for roots. The amount of N mineralized from 7-week old cowpeas was more than double (235%) that from 5-week old cowpeas due to greater N accumulation and a more rapid rate of N mineralization of the more mature cowpeas. The greatest amount of N was released from leaves, which amounted to 74 and 65% of total N mineralization from 5- and 7-week old cowpeas, respectively. The percentage of N mineralized by 10 weeks was linearly related to the tissue N concentration of the plant parts and to their C/N ratio. These relationships allow a quick estimation of the amount of N that would mineralize from cowpea residues incorporated into soil based on their N concentration or C/N ratio.
Envisioning Effective Technology Integration: A Scenario for English Education Doctoral Programs

As national teacher education and government organizations continue to endorse technology integration in K-12 settings, university doctoral programs in English education face a complex task. They are being called upon to prepare scholars who will contribute meaningfully to the latest corpus of research and also to prepare teacher educators who will be conversant in both traditional academic areas, as well as the cutting edge of the latest technology-enhanced (and frequently media-based) pedagogical and communicative tools. How should doctoral programs prepare students for such complex leadership roles? In answer to this question, this article presents a scenario describing effective technology integration in doctoral English education. It suggests specific ways of integrating technology into the three components of a doctoral English education program: coursework and comprehensive exams, teaching practicum, and research and dissertation.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder subgroups: a symptom-based clustering approach.

Abstract Although obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is often considered a heterogeneous condition, there is no generally accepted subtype typology. Cluster analysis was used to identify definitive symptom-based groupings of 106 OCD patients. A stable cluster solution was achieved and five patient subgroups were identified based on their pattern of symptoms on the Yale-Brown (Y-BOCS) symptom checklist: harming, hoarding, contamination, certainty and obsessionals. The five subgroups were characterized by dominant symptom patterns and significant secondary concerns reflecting the symptom heterorgenaity often seen in the clinical presentation of obsessional patients. Between cluster differences on multiple symptom measures were evaluated and several meaningful differences were identified. Cluster analytic procedures may prove to be a useful tool for identifying a functional taxonomy of OCD subtypes.
STAT1 pathway mediates amplification of metastatic potential and resistance to therapy.

Background Traditionally IFN/STAT1 signaling is connected with an anti-viral response and pro-apoptotic tumor-suppressor functions. Emerging functions of a constitutively activated IFN/STAT1 pathway suggest an association with an aggressive tumor phenotype. We hypothesized that tumor clones that constitutively overexpress this pathway are preferentially selected by the host microenvironment due to a resistance to STAT1-dependent cytotoxicity and demonstrate increased metastatic ability combined with increased resistance to genotoxic stress.
Response to a Steady Poleward Outflow. Part II: Oscillations and Eddies

Abstract A conceptually simple model is presented for predicting the amplitude and periodicity of eddies generated by a steady poleward outflow in a 1½-layer β-plane formulation. The prediction model is rooted in linear quasigeostrophic dynamics but is capable of predicting the amplitude of the β plume generated by outflows in the nonlinear range. Oscillations in the plume amplitude are seen to represent a near-zero group velocity response to an adjustment process that can be traced back to linear dynamics. When the plume-amplitude oscillations become large enough so that the coherent β plume is replaced by a robust eddy field, the eddy amplitude is still constrained by the plume-amplitude prediction model. The eddy periodicity remains close to that of the predictable, near-zero group-velocity linear oscillations. Striking similarities between the patterns of variability in the model and observations south of Indonesia’s Lombok Strait suggest that the processes investigated in this study may play an impor...
Casein kinase 1 enables nucleus accumbens amphetamine‐induced locomotion by regulating AMPA receptor phosphorylation

The closely related δ and e isoforms of the serine/threonine protein kinase casein kinase 1 (Csnk1) have been implicated in the generation of psychostimulant-induced behaviors. In this study, we show that Csnk1δ/e produces its effects on behavior by acting on the Darpp-32-PP1 signaling pathway to regulate AMPA receptor phosphorylation in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc). Inhibiting Csnk1δ/e in the NAcc with the selective inhibitor PF-670462 blocks amphetamine induced locomotion and its ability to increase phosphorylation of Darpp-32 at S137 and T34, decrease PP1 activity and increase phosphorylation of the AMPA receptor subunit at S845. Consistent with these findings, preventing GluR1 phosphorylation with the alanine mutant GluR1(S845A) reduces glutamate-evoked currents in cultured medium spiny neurons and blocks the locomotor activity produced by NAcc amphetamine. Thus, Csnk1 enables the locomotor and likely the incentive motivational effects of amphetamine by regulating Darrp-32-PP1-GlurR1(S845) signaling in the NAcc. As such, Csnk1 may be a critical target for intervention in the treatment of drug use disorders.
‘Can culture excuse crime?’ Evaluating the inability thesis

The inability thesis holds that one’s culture determines behavior and can make one unable to comply with the law and therefore less deserving of punishment. Opponents of the thesis reject the view that humans are made physically unable to act in certain ways by their cultural upbringing. The article seeks to help evaluate the inability thesis by pointing to a literature in cultural psychology and anthropology presenting empirical evidence of the influence of culture on behavior, and offering conceptual analysis of the concept of determinism and its connection to moral culpability. Without conceding that culture never determines behavior, the author argues that opponents of the inability thesis err in drawing a moral implication from this premise. What matters in formulating moral judgments about punishment are not the possibility but the reasonability of complying with the law. Cultural influences may make an action reasonable that without similar cultural influences would be unreasonable.
Correlation of Cytokine Gene Expression with Pathology in White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Infected with Mycobacterium bovis

Mycobacterium bovis-infected white-tailed deer (WTD) in northeast Michigan are a reservoir of mycobacteria that pose a threat to both domestic animals and humans. Relatively little work has been done to characterize the immune response of WTD to M. bovis infection; however, an understanding of the immune response to infection and pathogenesis may be critical to the development of an effective vaccine. Immunological responses to infection were characterized by monitoring cytokine gene expression in M. bovis-infected and uninfected deer. Peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) from infected WTD expressed more gamma interferon (IFN-γ), interleukin-12p40 (IL-12p40), granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulating factor, and IL-4 mRNA than did PBL from uninfected deer; however, differences were not detected in expression of IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β mRNA. Infected animals could be divided into two groups based on pathology. Lesions were confined primarily to the lymph nodes of the head in animals with less severe pathology. Animals with more severe pathology had lesions in the lung and associated lymph nodes as well as the lymph nodes of the head. More robust IFN-γ mRNA expression correlated with pathology early in infection. These findings indicate that IFN-γ expression likely plays a role in both protection and pathogenesis.
The Fight Against Obesity: Influences of Self-Efficacy on Exercise Regularity

Given the current social problem of obesity, past and current research efforts have examined consumer choice and decisionmaking regarding food consumption. However, preventative health behaviors such as exercise are also instrumental in combating the obesity epidemic. Limited studies in the marketing literature have explored how internal and psychological characteristics influence physical activity and exercise regularity. Thus, this study seeks to examine how individual self-efficacy impacts exercise behavior. Findings indicate that in order to fully explain the relationship between perceived self-efficacy and exercise regularity, significant mediating factors such as health consciousness, goal progress, attitude toward exercise, and satisfaction with current weight must be included in the decision-making process. Implications for consumers, social marketers, and public policy makers are discussed.
Effect of selective sensory denervation on fracture-healing: an experimental study of rats.

Background: Interactions between the peripheral nervous system and the healing skeleton are poorly understood. Various clinical observations suggest that the nervous system interacts with and promotes fracture-healing. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of selective sensory denervation on fracture-healing. Methods: Fifty-one Sprague-Dawley rats underwent unilateral placement of an intramedullary rod followed by creation of a standardized femoral fracture. One group of these rats underwent sensory denervation by means of a localized capsaicin injection, and the other did not. Subgroups were allocated for analysis of mRNA expression of collagen I and II and osteocalcin at three, seven, and fourteen days after the fracture. Additionally, histological examination was performed at four weeks; micro-computed tomography, at five weeks; and biomechanical testing, at six weeks. Results: The sensory-denervated group had significantly less collagen-I upregulation than the sensory-intact group at three days after the fracture (difference in means, forty-four-fold [95% confidence interval = 22.7 to 65.5-fold]; p < 0.001) and significantly less collagen-II upregulation at seven days after the fracture (difference in means, ninefold [95% confidence interval = 4.3 to 13.8-fold]; p < 0.001). In the sensory-denervated group, the fracture callus had a significantly larger cross-sectional area (difference in means, 15.6 mm2 [95% confidence interval = 0.78 to 30.5 mm2]; p = 0.043) and was less dense. Biomechanical testing revealed that sensory denervation significantly decreased the load to failure (difference in means, 28.7 N [95% confidence interval = 1.2 to 56.2 N]; p = 0.022). Conclusions: Sensory denervation negatively affects fracture-healing. These results offer insight into the nerve-bone interaction following injury. Clinical Relevance: These results are relevant to clinicians and researchers who are seeking to improve fracture-healing in patients with associated peripheral nerve injury or peripheral neuropathy.
Building the basis for user interactive computing in slow transient and dynamic power system studies

The authors address the problem of slow transient and dynamic simulation of power systems on personal computers. An approach is presented for the systematic description and organization of the information and data pertaining to these studies, such as control system configuration and parameters, output selection, simulation scenario description, etc., in order to provide the basis for user interactive analysis programs. The techniques, applied to the EMTDC program, result in an autonomous executable module that permits the user to conduct the simulation studies completely through input data files. This development eliminates the need for coding, compilation, and linking and constitutes the necessary step towards creating user interactive software on personal computers for power system studies. The final product includes the modified EMTDC main module and is linked with the EMTDC libraries MAIN, UTIL, VALG, and SVG plus additional subroutines to facilitate the simulation description process. >
Uric Acid and Total Protein in Serum and Parotid Fluid in Relation to Periodontal Status

SYNOPSIS IN INTERLINGUA LE CONCENTRATION DE ACIDO URIC E DE PROTEINA TOTAL IN LE SERO E IN LE LIQUIDO PAROTIDIC IN RELATION CON LE STATO PERIODONTAL.—Specimens de sero sanguinee e de liquido parotidic collectionate sin stimulation exogene ab 508 normal juvene adultos mascule esseva analysate con respecto a lor contento de acido uric e de proteina total. Le subjectos esseva classificate in quatro gruppos de indice periodontal, e correlationes biochimic esseva cercate con le constationes clinic.Ni le grado de functionamento del glandulas parotidic ni ulle del variabiles chimic subinvestigation differeva significativemente inter le gruppos con differente indices periodontal.
Verifying Noninterference in a Cyber-Physical System The Advanced Electric Power Grid

The advanced electric power grid is a complex real-time system having both cyber and physical components. While each component may function correctly, independently, their composition may yield incorrectness due to interference. One specific type of interference is in the frequency domain, essentially, violations of the Nyquist rate. The challenge is to encode these signal processing problem characteristics into a form that can be model checked. To verify the correctness of the cyber-physical composition using model-checking techniques requires that a model be constructed that can represent frequency interference. In this paper, RT-PROMELA was used to construct the model, which was checked in RT-SPIN. In order to reduce the state explosion problem, the model was decomposed into multiple sub-models, each with a smaller state space that can be checked individually, and then the proofs checked for noninterference. Cooperation among multiple clock variables due to their lack of notion of urgency and their asynchronous interactions, are also addressed.
The concentration of calcium carbonate in shells of freshwater snails

The range of concentration of calcium carbonate in the shells of various freshwater gastropods was determined using ion chromatography. Individuals of Helisoma trivolvis (wild) were collected from three ponds in Pennsylvania and New Jersey; individuals of Physa sp. were collected from one pond in New Jersey; individuals of H. trivolvis (Colorado strain) and Biomphalaria glabrata (NMRI strain) were raised in the laboratory; and individuals of Pomacea bridgesii were purchased commercially. The concentrations of calcium carbonate (mean % by dry weight) of the shells were as follows: H. trivolvis (wild), 97.0; Physa sp., 97.8; H. trivolvis (CO), 97.6; B. glabrata, 98.8; P. bridgesii, 98.2. Our data support and validate the previous claim that snail shells are comprised of 95–99.9% calcium carbonate.
Toward a Social Psychology of Relationships

The paper examines the structural and socio-psychological factors which have led to the emergence of new types of relationships such as, cross-sex colleagueships and cross-sex friendships, and to a new value placed on intimacy. Because people are now involved in a wide range of relationships, studies of relationships should start from the individuals, map all the relationships in which they are involved and examine the interrelations between the different types of relationships. Such an analysis of individuals' networks of relationships requires a longitudinal design which allows the study of crucial developmental processes. The paper also examines current assumptions concerning intimate relationships such as, exclusivity, permanence, commitment and the role sexuality plays in the establishment of intimacy.
Active ingredients of substance use-focused self-help groups.

Aims and methods This paper provides an overview of some of the probable active ingredients of self-help groups in light of four related theories that identify common social processes that appear to underlie effective psychosocial treatments for and continuing remission from these disorders. Results Social control theory specifies active ingredients such as bonding, goal direction and structure; social learning theory specifies the importance of norms and role models, behavioral economics and behavioral choice theory emphasizes involvement in rewarding activities other than substance use, and stress and coping theory highlights building self-efficacy and effective coping skills. A review of existing studies suggests that the emphasis on these active ingredients probably underlies some aspects of the effectiveness of self-help groups. Conclusions Several issues that need to be addressed to enhance understanding of the active ingredients of action of self-help groups are discussed, including consideration of indices of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) affiliation as active ingredients, identification of personal characteristics that may moderate the influence of active ingredients on substance use outcomes, examination of whether active ingredients of self-help groups, can amplify or compensate for treatment, identification of potential detrimental effects of involvement in self-help groups and focusing on the link between active ingredients of self-help groups and other aspects of the overall recovery milieu, such as the family and social networks.
Seasonal characteristics of ambient nitrogen oxides and ground–level ozone in metropolitan northeastern New Jersey

Abstract Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and ground–level ozone (O3) were measured and meteorological parameters, wind speed, temperature, relative humidity and barometric pressure were monitored, to determine the seasonal variations of gas–phase pollutants in the Meadowlands. O3 and NOx were inversely related; the highest average NOx concentration (29 ppb) occurred in winter while average O3 concentrations peaked in summer up to 36.2 ppb. The seasonal variations of O3 were more distinct than NOx. In multiple linear and principal component regression analysis, ambient levels of NO2 and O3 were influenced primarily by wind speed. In time series and regression analysis, NO2 and O3 displayed an inverse relationship with wind speed but O3 paradoxically increased with wind speed downwind. The seasonality of O3 was amplified mainly by wind speed and temperature, while NOx displayed stronger dependence on diurnal source emissions. Concentrations of NOx and O3 were also influenced by differences in chemical processing through their complex emission–production and consumption mechanisms, making them interdependent. In intense solar radiation, O3 was NOx–dependent but as O3 levels were inhibited by lower temperatures, NOx concentrations increased. Higher O3 on weekends indicated an apparent sensitivity to VOC precursors. This study provides a basis for improved air quality standards primarily in summer and during daily O3 peaks. Additionally, plans for protection against health problems caused by O3 and NOX are feasible in this region.
Dietary Fructose and Glucose Differentially Affect Lipid and Glucose Homeostasis

Absorbed glucose and fructose differ in that glucose largely escapes first-pass removal by the liver, whereas fructose does not, resulting in different metabolic effects of these 2 monosaccharides. In short-term controlled feeding studies, dietary fructose significantly increases postprandial triglyceride (TG) levels and has little effect on serum glucose concentrations, whereas dietary glucose has the opposite effects. When dietary glucose and fructose have been directly compared at approximately 20-25% of energy over a 4- to 6-wk period, dietary fructose caused significant increases in fasting TG and LDL cholesterol concentrations, whereas dietary glucose did not, but dietary glucose did increase serum glucose and insulin concentrations in the postprandial state whereas dietary fructose did not. When fructose at 30-60 g ( approximately 4-12% of energy) was added to the diet in the free-living state, there were no significant effects on lipid or glucose biomarkers. Sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) contain approximately equal amounts of fructose and glucose and no metabolic differences between them have been noted. Controlled feeding studies at more physiologic dietary intakes of fructose and glucose need to be conducted. In our view, to decrease the current high prevalence of obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and diabetes, the focus should be on restricting the intake of excess energy, sucrose, HFCS, and animal and trans fats and increasing exercise and the intake of vegetables, vegetable oils, fish, fruit, whole grains, and fiber.
I-TASSER server for protein 3D structure prediction.

Prediction of 3-dimensional protein structures from amino acid sequences represents one of the most important problems in computational structural biology. The community-wide Critical Assessment of Structure Prediction (CASP) experiments have been designed to obtain an objective assessment of the state-of-the-art of the field, where I-TASSER was ranked as the best method in the server section of the recent 7th CASP experiment. Our laboratory has since then received numerous requests about the public availability of the I-TASSER algorithm and the usage of the I-TASSER predictions. An on-line version of I-TASSER is developed at the KU Center for Bioinformatics which has generated protein structure predictions for thousands of modeling requests from more than 35 countries. A scoring function (C-score) based on the relative clustering structural density and the consensus significance score of multiple threading templates is introduced to estimate the accuracy of the I-TASSER predictions. A large-scale benchmark test demonstrates a strong correlation between the C-score and the TM-score (a structural similarity measurement with values in [0, 1]) of the first models with a correlation coefficient of 0.91. Using a C-score cutoff > -1.5 for the models of correct topology, both false positive and false negative rates are below 0.1. Combining C-score and protein length, the accuracy of the I-TASSER models can be predicted with an average error of 0.08 for TM-score and 2 A for RMSD. The I-TASSER server has been developed to generate automated full-length 3D protein structural predictions where the benchmarked scoring system helps users to obtain quantitative assessments of the I-TASSER models. The output of the I-TASSER server for each query includes up to five full-length models, the confidence score, the estimated TM-score and RMSD, and the standard deviation of the estimations. The I-TASSER server is freely available to the academic community at http://zhang.bioinformatics.ku.edu/I-TASSER .
Measurement of surface state energy levels of one-equivalent absorbates on ZnO

Abstract Surface state energy levels associated with selected one-equivalent chemical redox couples deposited on zinc oxide are determined by two experimental methods. The results are compared with an earlier quasi-theoretical estimation based on the chemical redox potential. The experimental methods include, (1) a previously reported method involving a study of the electron injection rate from such surface states as monitored by a surface potential measurement, and (2) a new method based on control of the intergranular contact resistance in a pressed ZnO pellet by nonvolatile surface states. It is found that all three methods of surface state energy determination lead to the same energy level for ions with known and stable ligand shells, such as iron cyanide (energy ~0.1 eV below the conduction band) and iridium hexachloride (energy ~ 0.7 eV below the conduction band). For ions where a stronger adsorbate/surface interaction can be expected, the methods lead to differing energy values, which can be reconciled in terms of such an interaction. The chromium, manganese, and oxygen species (O 2 − ) are in this category. For these species the energy level of the surface state when occupied (surface potential measurement) is found to be about 1.1, 0.8, and 0.9 eV below the conduction band, respectively. The activation energy for electron injection from O − is about 0.4 eV.
HIV-1 genotypic resistance patterns predict response to saquinavir-ritonavir therapy in patients in whom previous protease inhibitor therapy had failed.

In patients with failure of antiretroviral therapy that contains protease inhibitors, HIV-1 genotype is predictive of virologic response to subsequent therapy. This predictive capacity adds to that...
Peano scanning partial distance search for vector quantization

This letter presents a novel application of Peano scanning (PS) to expedite the partial distance search (PDS) when coding image blocks using vector quantization (VQ). It computes and stores a set of sorted tables of PS values of selected feature vectors associated with the codevectors. A PS acts as a transform from a higher dimension to a single dimension while preserving neighborhood adjacency. Coding of an input block is accomplished by finding the closest PS value to that of the input and its corresponding table. PDS proceeds from the codevector of this PS value. Computational complexity is greatly reduced with the PS value easily obtained in hardware and real time. >
Intelligent robotic systems in service of the disabled

The authors argue that intelligence is necessary in robots used for rehabilitation in order to reduce the amount of mental activity needed by the user of these robots. With this in mind, the areas of research relevant to imparting robotic systems with the capability of assuming a more intelligent role are identified. The authors describe their implementation of functionalities such as fuzzy command interpretation, object recognition, face tracking, and task planning and learning, which are part of the ISAC, an intelligent system designed to feed individuals with physical disabilities. >
STATE REVENUE ELASTICITY AND EXPENDITURE GROWTH

Recent analyses and theories of public choice suggest faster public sector expansion in states with highly elastic revenue structures. This paper estimates the contribution of elasticity of tax revenues to the growth of expenditures in the 50 American states since 1960, based on elasticity measures for state revenue sources compiled by the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, an index of state tax structural change, and controls for federal aid to states, population increase, and per capita growth in real income. Results for 1960-1970 show a small positive relationship between revenue elasticity and expenditure growth, but this becomes weak and negative for 1970-1976. Spending has increased most in states with the least elastic revenue sources; these states have made considerable changes in tax laws, while states with elastic revenue sources have been more likely to cut taxes than to increase spending. Federal aid, rather than tax elasticity, is the best predictor of state expenditure growth, while legislative changes in tax structure have enabled states to keep pace with rising demand for revenue due to growth in population and real income.
Nutrient and sediment concentrations in three agriculturally impacted streams over a 15-year period

Concentrations of nutrients and sediments in streams reflect land use and climate patterns in the watersheds they drain and also have implications for downstream ecosystems. Here we present 15 years of high-resolution data on the concentrations of nutrients (ammonium, nitrate, and soluble reactive phosphorus) and suspended sediments in three streams that drain watersheds in Ohio, USA, dominated by row crop agriculture (mostly maize and soy). In addition, we present daily precipitation and stream discharge data over this 15-year period. Agricultural practices in these watersheds have changed over this period, including a pronounced increase in conservation tillage, a reduction in fertilizers, a reduction in the number of hogs, and improved manure management. The data set consists of over >42 000 nutrient and sediment concentrations (3198–3898 samples from each of three streams for four nutrient and sediment constituents). The data set is unique in terms of its combination of length and resolution (sampling frequency 6–8 hours during storms) as well as its utility in assessing how changes in agricultural practices affect the concentrations and export rates of nutrients and sediments. Data presented here have been used in several papers quantifying nutrient export from streams, nutrient loading to a downstream reservoir (Acton Lake), and how nutrient inputs modulate ecosystem function and food web dynamics in Acton Lake.
State of the World 1986: A Worldwatch Institute Report on Progress Toward a Sustainable Society

In the first 2 annual assessments in this series "State of the World-1984" (SOTW-84) and SOTW-85 focus was on the relationship between the economy and its environmental support systems. Specifically how the economic demands of a world population approaching 5 billion were affecting the earths natural systems and resources were examined. The effect of a deteriorating resource base on the economic system was analyzed. In SOTW-86 this analytical framework is maintained but is expanded to embrace threats to security as well. The volumes 11 chapters cover the following: a generation of deficits (selected debtor countries where interest payments on external debt exceed 20% of export earnings; change in gross domestic product per capita from 1980-81 peak to 1985 in 10 major debtor countries; resource depletion that is adversely affecting global economy; annual growth in world grain production; the changing pattern of world grain trade; and basic economic and social indicators for industrial world China and rest of 3rd world); assessing ecological decline; inreasing water efficiency; managing rangelands; moving beyond oil; reforming the electric power industry; decommissioning nuclear power plants; banishing tobacco; investing in children; reversing Africas decline; and redefining national securiy.