Plant availability of phosphorus in four superphosphate fertilizers varying in water-insoluble phosphate compounds

There is concern that the use of lower quality phosphate rock can result in elevated amounts of Fe-Al-P water-insoluble compounds in fertilizers and, consequently, low agronomic effectiveness. Therefore, studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of some of these compounds on plant growth. Four commercial superphosphates varying in chemical composition (two single and two triple superphosphates) were selected for the study. Fertilizer impurities were collected as water-insoluble residues by washing each P source with deionized water. A modal analysis, based primarily on elemental chemical analysis and x-ray diffractometry, was used to estimate the chemical composition of each P source. Water-soluble monocalcium phosphate (MCP) and the water-leached fertilizer residues were prepared to give a range of fertilizers in terms of water-soluble phosphorus (WSP) (0-100% of the available P as MCP). The water-leached fractions, MCP, and the mixtures of MCP with water-leached fractions were applied to supply 40 mg available P kg(1) to a thermic Rhodic Kanhapludult with pH values of 5.2 +/- 0.05 (unlimed) and 6.4 +/- 0.08 (limed). Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in a greenhouse for 101 d served as the test crop. The requirement for WSP was source and pH dependent. At a soil pH of 5.2, the fertilizers required 73 to 95% WSP to reach the maximum dry-matter yield, while they required 60 to 86% WSP at pH 6.4. To reach 90% of the maximum yield, all superphosphate fertilizers required <50% WSP. These results show that it is not always necessary to have high water solubility as required by legislation in many countries.

Existence of Multiple Solutions for Second Order Boundary Value Problems

We give conditions on f involving pairs of lower and upper solutions which lead to the existence of at least three solutions of the two point boundary value problem y" + f(x, y, y') = 0, x epsilon [0, 1], y(0) = 0 = y(1). In the special case f(x, y, y') = f(y) greater than or equal to 0 we give growth conditions on f and apply our general result to show the existence of three positive solutions. We give an example showing this latter result is sharp. Our results extend those of Avery and of Lakshmikantham et al.

Cost-benefit analysis of alternative forms of hedgerow intercropping in the Philippine uplands

Considerable resources have been expended promoting hedgerow intercropping with shrub legumes to farmers in the Philippine uplands. Despite the resources committed to research and extension, persistent adoption by farmers has been limited to low cost versions of the technology including natural vegetation and grass strips. In this paper, cost-benefit analysis is used to compare the economic returns from traditional open-field maize farming with returns from intercropping maize between leguminous shrub hedgerows, natural vegetation strips and grass strips. An erosion/productivity model, Soil Changes Under Agroforestry, was used to predict the effect of erosion on maize yields. Key informant surveys with experienced maize farmers were used to derive production budgets for the alternative farming methods. The economic incentives revealed by the cost-benefit analysis help to explain the adoption of maize farming methods in the Philippine uplands. Open-field farming without hedgerows has been by far the most popular method of maize production, often with two or more fields cropped in rotation. There is little persistent adoption of hedgerow intercropping with shrub legumes because sustained maize yields are not realised rapidly enough to compensate farmers for establishment and maintenance costs. Natural vegetation and grass strips are more attractive to farmers because of lower establishment costs, and provide intermediate steps to adoption. Rural finance, commodity pricing and agrarian reform policies influence the incentives for maize farmers in the Philippine uplands to adopt and maintain hedgerow intercropping.

Adsorption of binary hydrocarbon mixtures in carbon slit pores: A density functional theory study

Adsorption of binary hydrocarbon mixtures involving methane in carbon slit pores is theoretically studied here from the viewpoints of separation and of the effect of impurities on methane storage. It is seen that even small amounts of ethane, propane, or butane can significantly reduce the methane capacity of carbons. Optimal pore sizes and pressures, depending on impurity concentration, are noted in the present work, suggesting that careful adsorbent and process design can lead to enhanced separation. These results are consistent with earlier literature studies for the infinite dilution limit. For methane storage applications a carbon micropore width of 11.4 Angstrom (based on distance between centers of carbon atoms on opposing walls) is found to be the most suitable from the point of view of lower impurity uptake during high-pressure adsorption and greater impurity retention during low-pressure delivery. The results also theoretically confirm unusual recently reported observations of enhanced methane adsorption in the presence of a small amount of heavier hydrocarbon impurity.

Predicting composition of leg sections with anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis using magnetic resonance imaging as reference

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate and compare with anthropometry a fundamental bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) method for predicting muscle and adipose tissue composition in the lower limb. Healthy volunteers (eight men and eight women), aged 41 to 62 years, with mean (S.D.) body mass indices of 28.6 (5.4) kg/m(2) and 25.1 (5.4) kg/m(2) respectively, were subjected to MRI leg scans, from which 20-cm sections of thigh and IO-cm sections of lower leg (calf) were analysed for muscle and adipose tissue content, using specifically developed software. Muscle and adipose tissue were also predicted from anthropometric measurements of circumferences and skinfold thicknesses, and by use of fundamental BIA equations involving section impedance at 50 kHz and tissue-specific resistivities. Anthropometric assessments of circumferences, cross-sectional areas and volumes for total constituent tissues matched closely MRI estimates. Muscle volume was substantially overestimated (bias: thigh, -40%; calf, -18%) and adipose tissue underestimated (bias: thigh, 43%; calf, 8%) by anthropometry, in contrast to generally better predictions by the fundamental BIA approach for muscle (bias:thigh, -12%; calf, 5%) and adipose tissue (bias:thigh, 17%; calf, -28%). However, both methods demonstrated considerable individual variability (95% limits of agreement 20-77%). In general, there was similar reproducibility for anthropometric and fundamental BIA methods in the thigh (inter-observer residual coefficient of variation for muscle 3.5% versus 3.8%), but the latter was better in the calf (inter-observer residual coefficient of variation for muscle 8.2% versus 4.5%). This study suggests that the fundamental BIA method has advantages over anthropometry for measuring lower limb tissue composition in healthy individuals.

Contraction of the pelvic floor muscles during abdominal maneuvers

Objective: To determine whether voluntary abdominal muscle contraction is associated with pelvic floor muscle activity. Design: Pelvic floor muscle activity was recorded during contractions of the abdominal muscles at 3 different intensities in supine and standing positions. Setting: Research laboratory. Participants: Six women and 1 man with no histories of lower back pain. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: Electromyographic activity of the pelvic floor muscles was recorded with surface electrodes inserted into the anus and vagina. These recordings were corroborated by measurements of anal and vaginal pressures. Gastric pressure was recorded in 2 subjects. Results: Pelvic floor muscle electromyography increased with contraction of the abdominal muscles. With strong abdominal contraction, pelvic floor muscle activity did not differ from that recorded during a maximal pelvic floor muscle effort. The pressure recordings confirmed these data. The increase in pressure recorded in the anus and vagina preceded the pressure in the abdomen. Conclusions: In healthy subjects, voluntary activity in the abdominal muscles results in increased pelvic floor muscle activity. The increase in pelvic floor pressure before the increase in the abdomen pressure indicates that this response is preprogrammed. Dysfunction of the pelvic floor muscles can result in urinary and fecal incontinence. Abdominal muscle training to rehabilitate those muscles may be useful in treating these conditions.

Reproductive biology of Trichocentrum pumilum: an orchid pollinated by oil-collecting bees

The reproductive biology, reward production and pollination mechanism of Trichocentrum pumilum were studied in a gallery forest in the interior of the State of Sao Paulo, southeast Brazil. The floral visitors and pollination mechanism were recorded, and experimental pollinations were carried out in order to determine the breeding system of this species. Trichocentrum pumilum blooms in spring. Each paniculate inflorescence bears an average of 85 flowers that present a central yellow callus and finger-like trichomes on the lateral lobes of the lip. A lipoidal substance is produced and stored among these trichomes. In the studied population, T. pumilum is exclusively visited and pollinated by two bee species (Tetrapedia diversipes and Lophopedia nigrispinis). Pollinaria are deposited on mouthparts of bees during collection of the lipoidal substance from the lateral lobes of the labellum. Trichocentrum pumilum is self-incompatible and pollinator-limited. Natural fruit set was low (9%, compared to 45% in experimentally cross-pollinated flowers). Potentially viable seed exceed 97% in fruits obtained through cross-pollination and in natural conditions (open pollination).

Complications after polymethylmethacrylate injections: Report of 32 cases

Background: During the past 15 years, polymethylmethacrylate has been used as a synthetic permanent filler for soft-tissue augmentation. Methods: This. article reports 32 cases of complications seen at Hospital das Clinicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, for procedures performed elsewhere. Results: The average age of the patients was 43.6 years (range, 22 to 70 years). Twenty-five patients were women. Sixteen injection procedures were performed by certified plastic surgeons, nine by dermatologists, two by urologists, and one by a nonphysician. Complications were classified into five groups according to main presentation as follows: tissue necrosis (five cases), an acute complication that can be related to technical mistakes but that can also be dependent on patient factors or caused by local infection; granuloma (10 cases), which usually presents as a subacute complication 6 to 12 months after the procedure; chronic inflammatory reactions (10 cases), which usually occur years later and can be related to a triggering event, Such as another operation or infection in the area that was injected (these reactions are immunogenic in origin and may have cyclic periods of activation and remission); chronic inflammatory reaction in the lips (six cases), which may be present with severe symptoms, especially with lymphedema, because of mobility of the lip; and infections (one case), which are rare but possible complications after filling procedures. Conclusions: Polymethylmethacrylate filler complications, despite being rare, are often permanent and difficult or even impossible to treat. Safety guidelines should be observed when considering use of polymethylmethacrylate for augmentation.

Bone mineral apparent density in juvenile dermatomyositis: the role of lean body mass and glucocorticoid use

Objective: To analyse bone mineral density (BMD) in juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) and its possible association with body composition, disease activity, duration of disease, glucocorticoid (GC) use, and biochemical bone parameters, including osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor B (RANKL). Methods: Twenty girls with JDM and 20 controls matched for gender and age were selected. Body composition and BMD were analysed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and bone mineral apparent density (BMAD) was calculated. Duration of disease, cumulative GC, and GC pulse therapy use were determined from medical records. Disease activity and muscle strength were measured by the Disease Activity Score (DAS), the Childhood Myositis Assessment Scale (CMAS), and the Manual Muscle Test (MMT). Inflammatory and bone metabolism parameters were also analysed. OPG and RANKL were measured in patients and controls using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: A lower BMAD in the femoral neck (p< 0.001), total femur (p< 0.001), and whole body (p=0.005) was observed in JDM patients compared to controls. Body composition analysis showed a lower lean mass in JDM compared to controls (p=0.015), but no difference was observed with regard to fat mass. A trend of lower serum calcium was observed in JDM (p=0.05), whereas all other parameters analysed, including OPG and RANKL, were similar. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that, in JDM, lean mass (p< 0.01) and GC pulse therapy use (p< 0.05) were independent factors for BMAD in the hip region. Conclusions: This study has identified low lean mass and GC pulse therapy use as the major factors for low hip BMAD in JDM patients.

Preaortic Iliac Confluence (Marsupial Vena Cava): Report of 4 Cases

Congenital anomalies of the inferior vena cava (IVC) call represent a difficult for abdominal surgeries, and the radiologist must be aware even of the less common of these anatomical variations. Preaortic iliac venous confluence, also known as marsupial vena cava, is a rare congenital anomaly of the development of the IVC in which the IVC or the left common iliac vein is located anterior to the aortic bifurcation or the right common iliac artery. We report 4 cases of marsupial vena cava detected on multidetector computed tomography examinations in asymptomatic patients and discuss that this congenital anomaly can be recognized more frequently with the use of this new technique based on thinner images.

Genitoperineal Injuries Associated With the Use of an Orthopedic Table With a Perineal Posttraction

Background: Surgical treatment of lower extremity fractures commonly involves the use of orthopedic table with perineal post for countertraction. However, prolonged application of the perineal post has been associated with significant complications. We describe our experience in the management of genitoperineal cutaneous injuries associated with the use of a traction table. Methods: Six patients with genitoperineal complications attributed to the use of a traction table were treated at our institution over a period of 2 years. The patient`s median age was 25 (range, 2028) years and all had fractures caused by motor vehicle collision. We evaluated the clinical presentation of these perineal injuries, operative time, therapeutic approach, clinical outcomes, and hospitalization time. Results. The mean operative time of the orthopedic surgery was 318 minutes 128 minutes (range, 185-540). All patients developed a partial-thickness necrotic area involving the perineum and scrotum in 2 days to 15 days (mean, 7 +/- 5.4) after the surgery. Three patients developed infection of the necrotic tissue. All patients underwent surgical debridement 16.5 days +/- 6.5 days (range, 13-29) after the orthopedic surgery and only one debridement procedure was nec-sure was possible in one case, and in the other cases the wound healed completely by second intention. The mean hospitalization time was 26.3 days +/- 9.7 days (range, 19-44). conclusion: Genitoperineal skin necrosis induced by perineal traction posttable is a morbid complication that demands surgical debridement and prolonged hospitalization for your treatment. There are many procedures available to reduce the risk of this complication that should be used more liberally by the orthopedic surgeons.

The spectrum of autoantibodies in IPEX syndrome is broad and includes anti-mitochondrial autoantibodies

IPEX syndrome is a congenital disorder of immune regulation caused by mutations in the FOXP3 gene, which is required for the suppressive function of naturally arising CD4 + CD25 + regulatory T cells. In this case series we evaluated serum samples from 12 patients with IPEX syndrome for the presence of common autoantibodies associated with a broad range of autoimmune disorders. We note that 75% of patients (9/12) had 1 or more autoantibodies, an incidence far above the cumulative rate observed in the general population. The range of autoantibodies differed between patients and there was no predominant autoantibody or pattern of autoantibodies present in this cohort. Surprisingly, one patient had high-titer anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMA) typically associated with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) although the patient had no signs of cholestasis. PBC is a well-characterized autoimmune disease that occurs primarily in women and includes the serological hallmarks of serum AMA and elevated IgM which were both present in this patient. PBC is virtually absent in children with the exception of one reported child with interleukin 2 receptor a (CD25) deficiency which is associated with an IPEX-like regulatory T cell dysfunction. Based on the present data and the available literature we suggest a direct role for CD4 + CD25 + regulatory T cells in restraining B cell autoantibody production and that defects in regulatory T cells may be crucial to the development of PBC. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Malformations of the index nails

We report a 52-year-old woman with micronychia of the index fingers. Radiographic examination revealed a Y-shaped bifurcation of the distal phalanx of both index fingers. She was diagnosed with congenital onychodysplasia of the index fingers (COIF) or Iso-Kikuchi syndrome. COIF is a rare condition characterized by a variety of nail dysplasia of the index fingers. Five criteria characterize COIF: congenital occurrence, unilateral or bilateral index finger involvement, variability in nail appearance, hereditary involvement and frequently associated bone abnormalities. Micronychia, polyonychia, anonychia, hemionychrogryphosis and malalignment are the observed index finger defects. Most cases have been described in Japan, and to our knowledge, this is the first case of COIF reported in South America.

A method for better positioning bipolar electrodes for lower limb EMG recordings during dynamic contractions

To obtain a high quality EMG acquisition, the signal must be recorded as far away as possible from muscle innervations and tendon zones, which are known to shift during dynamic contractions. This study describes a methodology, using commercial bipolar electrodes, to identify better electrode positions for superficial EMG of lower limb muscles during dynamic contractions. Eight female volunteers participated in this study. Myoelectric signals of the vastus lateralis, gastrocnemius medialis, peroneus longus and tibialis anterior muscles were acquired during maximum isometric contractions using bipolar electrodes. The electrode positions of each muscle were selected assessing SENIAM and then, other positions were located along the length of muscle up and down the SENIAM site. The raw signal (density), the linear envelopes, the RMS value, the motor point site, the position of the IZ and its shift during dynamic contractions were taken into account to select and compare electrode positions. For vastus lateralis and peroneus longus, the best sites were 66% and 25% of muscle length, respectively (similar to SENIAM location). The position of the tibialis anterior electrodes presented the best signal at 47.5% of its length (different from SENIAM location). The position of the gastrocnemius medialis electrodes was at 38% of its length and SENIAM does not specify a precise location for signal acquisition. The proposed method should be considered as another methodological step in every EMG study to guarantee the quality of the signal and subsequent human movement interpretations. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of progressive resistance strength training on knee biomechanics during single leg step-up in persons with mild knee osteoarthritis

Background: The goal of this study was to determine if increasing strength in primary knee extensors and flexors would directly affect net knee joint moments during a common functional task in persons with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: An exploratory single sample clinical trial with pre-post treatment measures was used to study volunteers with clinical diagnosis of mild knee osteoarthritis (OA) in one knee. Subjects participated in an individually supervised training program 3 times a week for eight weeks consisting of progressive resistive exercises for knee extensors and knee flexors. Pre and post training outcome assessments included: 1. Net internal knee joint moments, 2. Electromyography of primary knee extensors and flexors, and 3. Self-report measures of knee pain and function. The distribution of lower extremity joint moments as a percent of the total support moment was also investigated. Findings: Pain, symptoms, activities of daily life, quality of life, stiffness, and function scores showed significant improvement following strength training. Knee internal valgus and hip internal rotation moments showed increasing but non-statistically significant changes post-training. There were no significant differences in muscle co-contraction activation of the Quadriceps and Hamstrings. Interpretation: While exercise continues to be an important element of OA management, the results of this study suggest improvements in function, pain, and other symptoms, as a result of strength training may not be causally related to specific biomechanical changes in net joint moments. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.