On the EA-style integrated processing of self-contained mathematical texts

A sound and complete first-order goal-oriented sequent-type calculus is developed with ``large-block'' inference rules. In particular, the calculus contains formal analogues of such natural proof-search techniques as handling definitions and applying auxiliary propositions.

The Effects of Eating Behaviors and Exercise Patterns on the Processing of Food and Exercise Related Stimuli

The effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for eating disorders has established a link between cognitive processes and unhealthy eating behaviors. However, the relationship between individual differences in unhealthy eating behaviors that are not related to clinical eating disorders, such as overeating and restrained eating, and the processing of food related verbal stimuli remains undetermined. Furthermore, the cognitive processes that promote unhealthy and healthy exercise patterns remain virtually unexplored by previous research. The present study compared individual differences in attitudes and behaviors around eating and exercise to responses to food and exercise-related words using a Lexical Decision Task (LDT). Participants were recruited from Colby (n = 61) and the greater Waterville community (n = 16). The results indicate the following trends in the data: Individuals who scored high in “thin ideal” responded faster to food-related words than individuals with low “thin Ideal” scores did. Regarding the exercise-related data, individuals who engage in more “low intensity exercise” responded faster to exercise-related words than individuals who engage in less “low intensity exercise” did. These findings suggest that cognitive schemata about food and exercise might mediate individual’s eating and exercise patterns.

Processing of hierarchical syntactic strusture in music

Hierarchical structure with nested nonlocal dependencies is a key feature of human language and can be identified theoretically in most pieces of tonal music. However, previous studies have argued against the perception of such structures in music. Here, we show processing of nonlocal dependencies in music. We presented chorales by J. S. Bach and modified versions inwhich the hierarchical structure was rendered irregular whereas the local structure was kept intact. Brain electric responses differed between regular and irregular hierarchical structures, in both musicians and nonmusicians. This finding indicates that, when listening to music, humans apply cognitive processes that are capable of dealing with longdistance dependencies resulting from hierarchically organized syntactic structures. Our results reveal that a brain mechanism fundamental for syntactic processing is engaged during the perception of music, indicating that processing of hierarchical structure with nested nonlocal dependencies is not just a key component of human language, but a multidomain capacity of human cognition.

Rapid test for the evaluation of the activity of the prodrug hydroxymethylnitrofurazone in the processing of Trypanosoma cruzi messenger RNAs

No fully effective treatment has been developed since the discovery of Chagas' disease by Carlos Chagas in 1909. Since drug-resistant Trypanosoma cruzi strains are occurring and the current therapy is effectiveness in the acute phase but with various adverse side effects, more studies are needed to characterize the susceptibility of T. cruzi to new drugs. Many natural and/or synthetic substances showing trypanocidal activity have been used, even though they are not likely to be turned into clinically approved drugs. Originally, drug screening was performed using natural products, with only limited knowledge of the molecular mechanism involved in the development of diseases. Trans-splicing, which is unusual RNA processing reaction and occurs in nematodes and trypanosomes, implies the processing of polycistronic transcription units into individual mRNAs; a short transcript spliced leader (SL RNA) is trans-spliced to the acceptor pre-mRNA, giving origin to the mature mRNA. In the present study, permeable cells of T. cruzi epimastigote forms (Y, BOL and NCS strains) were treated to evaluate the interference of two drugs (hydroxymethylnitrofurazone - NFOH-121 and nitrofurazone) in the trans-splicing reaction using silver-stained PAGE analysis. Both drugs induced a significant reduction in RNA processing at concentrations from 5 to 12.5 µM. These data agreed with the biological findings, since the number of parasites decreased, especially with NFOH-121. This proposed methodology allows a rapid and cost-effective screening strategy for detecting drug interference in the trans-splicing mechanism of T. cruzi.

Exploring CBCT-Based DICOM Files. A Systematic Review on the Properties of Images Used to Evaluate Maxillofacial Bone Grafts

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Angiotensin II-derived reactive oxygen species underpinning the processing of the cardiovascular reflexes in the medulla oblongata

The brainstem is a major site in the central nervous system involved in the processing of the cardiovascular reflexes such as the baroreflex and the peripheral chemoreflex. The nucleus tractus solitarius and the rostral ventrolateral medulla are 2 important brainstem nuclei, and they play pivotal roles in autonomic cardiovascular regulation. Angiotensin II is one of the neurotransmitters involved in the processing of the cardiovascular reflexes within the brainstem. It is well-known that one of the mechanisms by which angiotensin II exerts its effect is via the activation of pathways that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the central nervous system, ROS are reported to be involved in several pathological diseases such as hypertension, heart failure and sleep apnea. However, little is known about the role of ROS in the processing of the cardiovascular reflexes within the brainstem. The present review mainly discussed some recent findings documenting a role for ROS in the processing of the baroreflex and the peripheral chemoreflex in the brainstem.

Radiopacity evaluation of new root canal filling materials by digitalization of images

The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiopacity of five root canal filling materials (AH Plus, Intrafill, Roeko Seal, Epiphany, and EndoRez). Following the International Organization of Standardization 687612001, five circular specimens (10 X 1 mm) were made from each material. After the material set, radiographs were made using occlusal film and a graduated aluminum step-wedge varying in thickness from 2 to 16 mm. The dental X-ray unit (GE1000) was set at 50 Kvp, 10 mA, 18 pulses/second, and distance of 33.5 cm. The radiographs were digitized, and the radiopacity was compared with the aluminum step-wedge, using WIXWIN-2000 software (Gendex). Data (mm Al) were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey tests. AH Plus and Epiphany were the most radiopaque materials (9.8 and 8.8 mm Al, respectively), followed by EndoRez (7.2 mm Al). Roeko Seal and Intrafill presented the lowest radiopacity values (5.7 and 6.1 mm Al, respectively). Although the materials evaluated demonstrated different radiopacities, all had values above the minimum recommended by the international Organization of Standardization.

Radiopacity evaluation of root-end filling materials by digitization of images

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiopacity of 5 root-end filling materials (white MTA-Angelus, grey MTA-Angelus, IRM, Super EBA and Sealer 26). Five specimens (10 mm diameter X 1 mm thickness) were made from each material and radiographed next to an aluminum stepwedge varying in thickness from 2 to 16 mm. Radiographs were digitized and the radiopacity of the materials was compared to that of the aluminum stepwedge using VIXWIN 2000 software in millimeters of aluminum ( mm Al). Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Tukey's test at 5% significance level. Radiopacity values varied from 3 mm Al to 5.9 mm Al. Sealer 26 and IRM presented the highest radiopacity values (p<0.05), while white/grey MTA and Super EBA presented the lowest radiopacity values (p<0.05). The tested root- end filling materials presented different radiopacities, white/grey MTA and Super EBA being the least radiopaque materials.

Expression and processing of recombinant sarafotoxins precursor in Pichia pastoris

Sarafotoxins are peptides isolated from the Atractaspisw snake venom. with strong constrictor effect on cardiac and smooth muscle. They are structurally and functionally related to endothelins. The sarafotoxins precursor cDNA predicts an unusual structure 'rosary-type', with 12 successive similar stretches of sarafotoxin (SRTX) and spacer, in the present work, the recombinant precursor of SRTXs was sub-cloned and expressed in the yeast Pichia pastoris. and secreted to the culture medium, Characterization by SDS-PAGE, immunoblot, mass spectrometry and biological activity, suggests that intact precursor was expressed but processing into mature toxins also occurred. Furthermore, our results indicate that the correct proportion of sarafotoxin types as contained in the precursor, is obtained in the yeast culture medium. Contractile effects of the expressed toxins, on rat and Bothrops jararaca isolated aorta, were equivalent to 5 X 10(-10) M and 5 x 10(-11) M of sarafotoxin b, respectively. The enzymes responsible for the complete maturation of sarafotoxins precursor are still unknown. Our results strongly suggest that the yeast Pichia pastoris is able to perform such a maturation process. Thus, the yeast Pichia pastoris may offer an alternative to snake venom gland to tentatively identify the molecular process responsible for SRTXs release. (C) 2001 Elsevier B.V. Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sintering of tin oxide and its applications in electronics and processing of high purity optical glasses

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Processing of high performance composites based on peek by aqueous suspension prepregging

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Nanoscale processing of polyaniline and phthalocyanines for sensing applications

Nanostructured polyaniline-modified electrodes were fabricated via the electrostatic layer-by-layer (LbL) technique where polyaniline (PANI) was assembled with one of three tetrasulfonated metallic phthalocyanines, viz. iron (FeTsPc), nickel (NiTsPc) and copper (CuTsPc). The multilayer formation was monitored via UV-vis spectroscopy by measuring the increase in the 800 run absorption band due to PANI. Infrared spectroscopy in the transmission mode suggested specific interactions between PANI and the phthalocyanines, such as those between SO3- groups from the phthalocyanines and the protonated NH group from PANI. The films were employed to detect dopamine (DA) using cyclic voltammetry. In the presence of dopamine the PANI-based LbL films showed additional redox peaks at ca. 230 and 190 mV the oxidation peak increased linearly with the concentration of DA in the electrolytic solution. Films comprising PANI/FeTsPc were able to distinguish between DA and ascorbic acid (AA), which acts as a natural interferent in biological fluids. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reflux synthesis and hydrothermal processing of ZrO2 nanopowders at low temperature

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)