Quantidade relativa de fósforo fixado em um solo hidromórfico

Utilizando um solo Hidromórfico, Série Três Municípios, que ocorre na região de Piracicaba, São Paulo, fez-se um estudo sobre o efeito do período de incubação e do teor de fósforo de uma solução adicionada ao solo na quantidade de fósforo fixado. A quantidade relativa de fósforo fixado foi obtida mediante um esquema previamente estabelecido, a partir de 4 períodos de incubação (0 - 2 - 20 e 200 horas) e de 4 concentrações da solução de fosfato monocálcito (0 - 500 - 1.000 e 1.500 ppm de P). Cada tratamento constou de uma quantidade de amostra equivalente a 10 g de TFSE que recebeu 4 ml de uma solução de concentração conhecida. Findo o período de incubação para cada caso, determinou-se o teor de fósforo no extrato obtido com uma solução 0,025 N em H2SO4 e 0,05 N em HCl. Os resultados encontrados revelaram que a quantidade relativa de fósforo fixado, de modo como foi obtida, prestou-se bem para as finalidades deste trabalho. A análise estatística desses dados mostrou que os fatores estudados não atuaram isoladamente e que com cerca de 60% do maior perído de incubação seria alcançada a quantidade máxima de fósforo fixado.

Targeted search engines for children : search user interfaces and information-seeking behaviour

Magdeburg, Univ., Fak. für Informatik, Diss., 2015

Cristalogênese do cloreto de cobre: emprego da cristalização sensitiva na distinção de tipos de leite

O método da cristalização sensitiva é utilizado na distinção de tipos de leite. Foram estudadas três concentrações de cloreto de cobre (0,1; 0,25 e 0,5 g/placa) combinadas a três de leite (0,01, 0,025 e 0,05 g/placa) de três tipos (cru, B e C), com três repetições. Para as 27 combinações possíveis, observou-se nítida influência do leite como modificador do modelo de cristalização do cloreto de cobre. O método mostrou sensibilidade suficiente para distinção de tipos de leite, principalmente nas concentrações 0,05 : 0,5e 0,025 : 0,5.

Controle em pós-colheita das podridões da manga 'bourbon', conservada em câmara fria

Mangas 'Bourbon' foram conservadas em câmara fria, a temperatura de 10º C, tendo recebido previamente os seguintes tratamentos em pós-colheita: 1) controle; 2) imersão por 10' em água a 55 C; 3) imersão por 5' a 50 C em solução de Benomyl a 0,025% de p.a.; 4) imersão por 5' a 50ºC em solução de Benomyl a 0,050%; 5) imersão por 5' a 55ºC em solução de Benomyl a 0,025% de p.a. e 6) imersão por 5' a 55ºC em solução de Benomyl a 0,050% de p.a. Os resultados indicaram que todos os tratamentos, com exceção do controle, foram eficientes no controle da antracnose. Quanto à ocorrência das podridões moles, constatou-se perdas de 44, 36, 20, 20, 4 e 8% do primeiro para o sexto tratamento, respectivamente. Assim ficou evidenciado que os tratamentos à mais alta temperatura, conjugados ao fungicida Benomyl, foram aqueles mais interessantes no tratamento em pós-colheita de manga 'Bourbon' .

Disponibilidade de fósforo e correlações entre formas e quantidades absorvidas pelo feijoeiro (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) em solos do estado de São Paulo

Procurou-se, em casa de vegetação, com o feijoeiro (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) respostas a quatro níveis de fósforo aplicado em cinco solos do Estado de São Paulo, a saber: Areia Quartzosa, ordem Entissol; Podzólico Vermelho Amarelo (2), ordem Ultissol; Latossolo Roxo, ordem Oxissol e Terra Roxa Estruturada, ordem Alfissol. Fizeram-se as correlações pertinentes e as seguintes conclusões foram tiradas: 1. Houve resposta significativa ao fósforo adicionado aos solos; 2. A utilização efetiva do fósforo pela leguminosa foi baixa; 3. As melhores correlações correlações do P solúvel com a matéria vegetal seca (MVA) e o P total na MVS foram obtidas com os extratores H2SO4 0,05 N (método do IAC) e H2SO4 0,025 N + HCl 0,05 N (método de Mehlich (r=0,94**), e 4. Os dois extratores usados para o P orgânico deram correlações similares com a MVS e o P total nesta MVS (r=0,69**).

Extração de várias formas de fósforo em alguns solos do estado de São Paulo, utilizando vários métodos químicos

Vários métodos de extração para o P solúvel, o P orgânico e o P total foram comparados em 5 (cinco) solos do Estado de São Paulo, que são: a) areia quartzosa (Entissol); b) podzolisado vermelho amarelo, variação Lara (Ultissol); c) latossol vermelho (Oxissol); d) podzolisado vermelho amarelo, variação Piracicaba (Ultissol); e) terra Roxa Estruturada (Alfissol). De acordo com os dados, as seguintes conclusões foram tiradas: 1. Os melhores extratores para o P solúvel foram H2SO4 0,05 N (método -IAC) e H2SO4 0,025 N + HC1 0,05 N (método Mehlich). 2. Para remover e medir o P orgânico, os extratores foram equivalentes. 3. 0 método químico de Sommers e Nelson e aquele de Jackson foram os melhores para o P total no solo.

3-T direct MR arthrography of the wrist: value of finger trap distraction to assess intrinsic ligament and triangular fibrocartilage complex tears.

PURPOSE: To determine the value of applying finger trap distraction during direct MR arthrography of the wrist to assess intrinsic ligament and triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients were prospectively investigated by three-compartment wrist MR arthrography. Imaging was performed with 3-T scanners using a three-dimensional isotropic (0.4 mm) T1-weighted gradient-recalled echo sequence, with and without finger trap distraction (4 kg). In a blind and independent fashion, two musculoskeletal radiologists measured the width of the scapholunate (SL), lunotriquetral (LT) and ulna-TFC (UTFC) joint spaces. They evaluated the amount of contrast medium within these spaces using a four-point scale, and assessed SL, LT and TFCC tears, as well as the disruption of Gilula's carpal arcs. RESULTS: With finger trap distraction, both readers found a significant increase in width of the SL space (mean Δ = +0.1mm, p ≤ 0.040), and noticed more contrast medium therein (p ≤ 0.035). In contrast, the differences in width of the LT (mean Δ = +0.1 mm, p ≥ 0.057) and UTFC (mean Δ = 0mm, p ≥ 0.728) spaces, as well as the amount of contrast material within these spaces were not statistically significant (p = 0.607 and ≥ 0.157, respectively). Both readers detected more SL (Δ = +1, p = 0.157) and LT (Δ = +2, p = 0.223) tears, although statistical significance was not reached, and Gilula's carpal arcs were more frequently disrupted during finger trap distraction (Δ = +5, p = 0.025). CONCLUSION: The application of finger trap distraction during direct wrist MR arthrography may enhance both detection and characterisation of SL and LT ligament tears by widening the SL space and increasing the amount of contrast within the SL and LT joint spaces.

Sleep disorders in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Aim:  Determine the frequency and predictors of sleep disorders in boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Method:  Cross-sectional study by postal questionnaire. Sleep disturbances were assessed using the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (validated on 1157 healthy children). A total sleep score and six sleep disturbance factors representing the most common sleep disorders were computed. Potential associations between pathological scores and personal, medical and environmental factors were assessed. Results:  Sixteen of 63 boys (25.4%) had a pathological total sleep score compared with 3% in the general population. The most prevalent sleep disorders were disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep (DIMS) 29.7%, sleep-related breathing disorders 15.6% and sleep hyperhydrosis 14.3%. On multivariate analysis, pathological total sleep scores were associated with the need to be moved by a carer (OR = 9.4; 95%CI: 2.2-40.7; p = 0.003) and being the child of a single-parent family (OR = 7.2; 95%CI: 1.5-35.1; p = 0.015) and DIMS with the need to be moved by a carer (OR = 18.0; 95%CI: 2.9-110.6; p = 0.002), steroid treatment (OR = 7.7; 95%CI: 1.4-44.0; p = 0.021) and being the child of a single-parent family (OR = 7.0; 95%CI: 1.3-38.4; p = 0.025). Conclusion:  Sleep disturbances are frequent in boys with DMD and are strongly associated with immobility. Sleep should be systematically assessed in DMD to implement appropriate interventions.

Validation of the IMPACT-III quality of life questionnaire in Swiss children with inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) frequently manifests during childhood and adolescence. For providing and understanding a comprehensive picture of a patients' health status, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instruments are an essential complement to clinical symptoms and functional limitations. Currently, the IMPACT-III questionnaire is one of the most frequently used disease-specific HRQoL instrument among patients with IBD. However, there is a lack of studies examining the validation and reliability of this instrument. METHODS: 146 paediatric IBD patients from the multicenter Swiss IBD paediatric cohort study database were included in the study. Medical and laboratory data were extracted from the hospital records. HRQoL data were assessed by means of standardized questionnaires filled out by the patients in a face-to-face interview. RESULTS: The original six IMPACT-III domain scales could not be replicated in the current sample. A principal component analysis with the extraction of four factor scores revealed the most robust solution. The four factors indicated good internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha=.64-.86), good concurrent validity measured by correlations with the generic KIDSCREEN-27 scales and excellent discriminant validity for the dimension of physical functioning measured by HRQoL differences for active and inactive severity groups (p<.001, d=1.04). CONCLUSIONS: This study with Swiss children with IBD indicates good validity and reliability for the IMPACT-III questionnaire. However, our findings suggest a slightly different factor structure than originally proposed. The IMPACT-III questionnaire can be recommended for its use in clinical practice. The factor structure should be further examined in other samples.

Calculation of the variance in surveys of the economic climate

Public opinion surveys have become progressively incorporated into systems of official statistics. Surveys of the economic climate are usually qualitative because they collect opinions of businesspeople and/or experts about the long-term indicators described by a number of variables. In such cases the responses are expressed in ordinal numbers, that is, the respondents verbally report, for example, whether during a given trimester the sales or the new orders have increased, decreased or remained the same as in the previous trimester. These data allow to calculate the percent of respondents in the total population (results are extrapolated), who select every one of the three options. Data are often presented in the form of an index calculated as the difference between the percent of those who claim that a given variable has improved in value and of those who claim that it has deteriorated. As in any survey conducted on a sample the question of the measurement of the sample error of the results has to be addressed, since the error influences both the reliability of the results and the calculation of the sample size adequate for a desired confidence interval. The results presented here are based on data from the Survey of the Business Climate (Encuesta de Clima Empresarial) developed through the collaboration of the Statistical Institute of Catalonia (Institut d’Estadística de Catalunya) with the Chambers of Commerce (Cámaras de Comercio) of Sabadell and Terrassa.

Representation of motor habit in a sequence of repetitive reach and grasp movements performed by macaque monkeys: evidence for a contribution of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.

In the context of an autologous cell transplantation study, a unilateral biopsy of cortical tissue was surgically performed from the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) in two intact adult macaque monkeys (dlPFC lesioned group), together with the implantation of a chronic chamber providing access to the left motor cortex. Three other monkeys were subjected to the same chronic chamber implantation, but without dlPFC biopsy (control group). All monkeys were initially trained to perform sequential manual dexterity tasks, requiring precision grip. The motor performance and the prehension's sequence (temporal order to grasp pellets from different spatial locations) were analysed for each hand. Following the surgery, transient and moderate deficits of manual dexterity per se occurred in both groups, indicating that they were not due to the dlPFC lesion (most likely related to the recording chamber implantation and/or general anaesthesia/medication). In contrast, changes of motor habit were observed for the sequential order of grasping in the two monkeys with dlPFC lesion only. The changes were more prominent in the monkey subjected to the largest lesion, supporting the notion of a specific effect of the dlPFC lesion on the motor habit of the monkeys. These observations are reminiscent of previous studies using conditional tasks with delay that have proposed a specialization of the dlPFC for visuo-spatial working memory, except that this is in a different context of "free-will", non-conditional manual dexterity task, without a component of working memory.

Alveolar echinococcosis of the liver: Diffusion-weighted MRI findings and potential role in lesion characterisation

PURPOSE: To report the diffusion-weighted MRI findings in alveolar echinococcosis (AE) of the liver and evaluate the potential role of apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) in the characterisation of lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively included 22 patients with 63 AE liver lesions (≥1cm), examined with 3-T liver MRI, including a free-breathing diffusion-weighted single-shot echo-planar imaging sequence (b-values=50, 300 and 600s/mm(2)). Two radiologists jointly assessed the following lesion features: size, location, presence of cystic and/or solid components (according to Kodama's classification system), relative contrast enhancement, and calcifications (on CT). The ADCtotal, ADCmin and ADCmax were measured in each lesion and the surrounding liver parenchyma. RESULTS: Three type 1, 19 type 2, 17 type 3, three type 4 and 21 type 5 lesions were identified. The mean (±SD) ADCtotal, ADCmin and ADCmax for all lesions were 1.73±0.50, 0.76±0.38 and 2.63±0.76×10(-3)mm(2)/s, respectively. The mean ADCtotal for type 1, type 2, type 3, type 4 and type 5 lesions were 1.97±1.01, 1.76±0.53, 1.73±0.41, 1.15±0.42 and 1.76±0.44×10(-3)mm(2)/s, respectively. No significant differences were found between the five lesion types, except for type 4 (p=0.0363). There was a significant correlation between the presence of a solid component and low ADCmin (r=0.39, p=0.0016), whereas an inverse correlation was found between the relative contrast enhancement and ADCtotal (r=-0.34, p=0.0072). CONCLUSION: The ADCs of AE lesions are relatively low compared to other cystic liver lesions, which may help in the differential diagnosis. Although ADCs are of little use to distinguish between the five lesion types, their low value reflects the underlying solid component.

A toxicokinetic model to assess exposure to folpet fungicide from urinary biomarkers

Folpet is one of the most widely employed fungicides in agriculture. It is typically used in the culture of vegetables, fruits and ornamental plants. Once absorbed in the human body, it has been found to be very reactive, especially in acid conditions. According to various in vitro and in vivo experiments in animals, Folpet is first fractioned at the N-S link when in contact with aqueous solutions and thiol groups. From this non-enzymatic process a phthalimide (PI) molecule is formed, which may be used as a biomarker of exposure, along with the short-lived thiophosgene. We have built a human toxicokinetic model to account for the biotransformation of Folpet into PI and its subsequent excretion while accounting for other non-monitored metabolites. The mathematical parameters of the model were determined accordingly from best-fits to the time courses of PI in blood and urine of five volunteers administered orally 1 mg/kg and dermally 10 mg/kg of Folpet. In both cases, the mean elimination half-life of PI from the body (either through faeces, urine or metabolism) was found to be 31.6 h. The average final fractions of administered dose recovered in urine as PI were 0.025% and 0.002%, for oral and dermal administration, respectively after 96 h. According to the model, when orally administered, PI rapidly hydrolyzes to phthalamic and phthalic acids such that only 0.04% of the PI found in the gastrointestinal tract is absorbed into the blood stream. Likewise, after dermal application, model predicts that only 7.4% of the applied Folpet dose crosses the epidermis. In the model, the PI initial metabolite of Folpet is formed in the dermis and further metabolized prior to reaching systemic circulation, such that only 0.125% of PI formed at the site-of-entry reaches systemic blood. Our mathematical model is in accordance with both measures of blood (R2=0.57 for dermal and R2=0.66 for oral) and urine (R2 =0.98 for dermal and R2=0.99 for oral).

Social norms, morals and self-interest as determinants of pro-environment behaviour.

This paper considers the role which selfish, moral and social incentives and pressures play in explaining the extent to which stated choices over pro-environment behaviours vary across individuals. The empirical context is choices over household waste contracts and recycling actions in Poland. A theoretical model is used to show how cost-based motives and the desire for a positive self- and social image combine to determine the utility from alternative choices of recycling behaviour. We then describe a discrete choice experiment designed to empirically investigate the effects such drivers have on stated choices. Using a latent class model, we distinguish three types of individual who are described as duty-orientated recyclers, budget recyclers and homo oeconomicus. These groups vary in their preferences for how frequently waste is collected, and the number of categories into which household waste must be recycled. Our results have implications for the design of future policies aimed at improving participation in recycling schemes.