Comparing Near-infrared Conventional Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy And Hyperspectral Imaging For Determination Of The Bulk Properties Of Solid Samples By Multivariate Regression: Determination Of Mooney Viscosity And Plasticity Indices Of Natural Rubber.

Conventional reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) and hyperspectral imaging (HI) in the near-infrared region (1000-2500 nm) are evaluated and compared, using, as the case study, the determination of relevant properties related to the quality of natural rubber. Mooney viscosity (MV) and plasticity indices (PI) (PI0 - original plasticity, PI30 - plasticity after accelerated aging, and PRI - the plasticity retention index after accelerated aging) of rubber were determined using multivariate regression models. Two hundred and eighty six samples of rubber were measured using conventional and hyperspectral near-infrared imaging reflectance instruments in the range of 1000-2500 nm. The sample set was split into regression (n = 191) and external validation (n = 95) sub-sets. Three instruments were employed for data acquisition: a line scanning hyperspectral camera and two conventional FT-NIR spectrometers. Sample heterogeneity was evaluated using hyperspectral images obtained with a resolution of 150 × 150 μm and principal component analysis. The probed sample area (5 cm(2); 24,000 pixels) to achieve representativeness was found to be equivalent to the average of 6 spectra for a 1 cm diameter probing circular window of one FT-NIR instrument. The other spectrophotometer can probe the whole sample in only one measurement. The results show that the rubber properties can be determined with very similar accuracy and precision by Partial Least Square (PLS) regression models regardless of whether HI-NIR or conventional FT-NIR produce the spectral datasets. The best Root Mean Square Errors of Prediction (RMSEPs) of external validation for MV, PI0, PI30, and PRI were 4.3, 1.8, 3.4, and 5.3%, respectively. Though the quantitative results provided by the three instruments can be considered equivalent, the hyperspectral imaging instrument presents a number of advantages, being about 6 times faster than conventional bulk spectrometers, producing robust spectral data by ensuring sample representativeness, and minimizing the effect of the presence of contaminants.

Análise cinemática tridimensional do salto em distância de atletas de alto nível em competição

Universidade Estadual de Campinas . Faculdade de Educação Física

Análise do desempenho em testes de triathlon com diferentes intensidades durante a etapa natação = : Analysis of triathlon trials performance using different intensities during swimming phase

Universidade Estadual de Campinas . Faculdade de Educação Física

Bottle feeding, increased overjet and Class 2 primary canine relationship: is there any association?

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between bottle feeding and prevalence rates of increased overjet and Class 2 primary canine relationship. The sample consisted of 911 children (461 boys, 450 girls) aged 3 (13.9%), 4 (40.8%), 5 (34%) and 6 (11.3%) years, with complete primary dentition. Information about nutritive and nonnutritive (pacifier and/or digit) sucking habits was collected through questionnaires. Three calibrated dentists (κ: 0.9-1.0 and Rs > 0.90) performed the clinical assessments. The children were divided into four groups: G1 - not bottle-fed; G2 - exclusively bottle-fed; G3 - breast- and bottle-fed, bottle feeding ceased before 3 years of age; and G4 - breast- and bottle-fed, bottle feeding ceased between 3 and 4 years of age. Associations between nutritive and nonnutritive sucking behaviors and the malocclusions studied were analyzed by multiple binary logistic regression (α= 0.05). The frequencies of increased overjet were: 25.3% (G1), 38.8% (G2), 39.2% (G3) and 47.8% (G4). The percentages of Class 2 canine relationship were: 27.9% (G1), 48.8% (G2), 43.4% (G3) and 43% (G4). No significant effect of bottle feeding was found. The chances of diagnosing increased overjet (O.R. = 4.42, p < 0.001) and Class 2 canine relationship (O.R. = 4.02, p < 0.001) were greater for children with pacifier and/or digit-sucking habits, compared to those without a history of nonnutritive sucking behavior. It may be suggested that bottle feeding alone is not directly associated with higher prevalence rates of increased overjet and Class 2 canine relationship in the primary dentition.

Phase transitions in biodegradable films based on blends of gelatin and poly (vinyl alcohol)

The aim of this work was to study the effect of the hydrolysis degree (HD) and the concentration (C PVA) of two types of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and the effect of the type and the concentration of plasticizers on the phase properties of biodegradable films based on blends of gelatin and PVA, using a response-surface methodology. The films were made by casting and the studied properties were their glass (Tg) and melting (Tm) transition temperatures, which were determined by diferential scanning calorimetry (DSC). For the data obtained on the first scan, the fitting of the linear model was statistically significant and predictive only for the second melting temperature. In this case, the most important effect on the second Tm of the first scan was due to the HD of the PVA. In relation to the second scan, the linear model could be fit to Tg data with only two statistically significant parameters. Both the PVA and plasticizer concentrations had an important effect on Tg. Concerning the second Tm of the second scan, the linear model was fit to data with two statistically significant parameters, namely the HD and the plasticizer concentration. But, the most important effect was provoked by the HD of the PVA.

Preditores sócio-demográficos, de estilo de vida e gineco-obstétricos das concentrações séricas ou plasmáticas de homocisteína, ácido fólico e vitaminas B12 e B6 em mulheres de baixa renda de São Paulo, Brasil

O presente estudo investigou fatores sócio-demográficos, de estilo de vida e gineco-obstétricos associados às concentrações séricas ou plasmáticas de homocisteína, ácido fólico, vitaminas B12 e B6 em mulheres de baixa renda de São Paulo, Brasil. Concentrações séricas de ácido fólico e vitamina B12 foram analisadas por fluoroimunoensaio; concentrações plasmáticas de homocisteína e vitamina B6, por cromatografia líquida de alta performance em fase reversa. Variáveis independentes foram inicialmente selecionadas segundo pressupostos teóricos, correlação de Pearson ou teste Kruskal-Wallis (p < 0,20). Concentrações alteradas segundo pontos de corte para homocisteína, ácido fólico, vitaminas B12 e B6 foram observadas em 20%, 6%, 11% e 67% das participantes, respectivamente. Idade foi positivamente correlacionada à vitamina B6 e homocisteína plasmáticas (p < 0,001). Índice de massa corporal foi positivamente correlacionado à vitamina B6 plasmática (p < 0,001). Modelos de regressão linear múltiplos explicaram 10,2%, 5,8%, 14,4% e 9,4% das concentrações de ácido fólico, vitamina B12, vitamina B6 e homocisteína, respectivamente. No presente estudo, variáveis sócio-demográficas, de estilo de vida e gineco-obstétricas apresentaram contribuição importante na variação das concentrações dos indicadores bioquímicos avaliados.

Evaluation of Ti(3)Si Phase Stability from Heat-Treated, Rapidly Solidified Ti-Si Alloys

Ti-base alloys containing significant amounts of silicon have been considered for high temperature structural applications. Thus, information concerning phase stability on the Ti-Si system is fundamental and there are not many investigations covering the phase stability of the Ti(3)Si phase, specially its dependence on oxygen/nitrogen contamination. In this work the stability of this phase has been evaluated through heat-treatment of rapidly solidified Ti-rich Ti-Si alloys at 700 A degrees C and 1000 A degrees C. The rapidly solidified splats presented nanometric scale microstructures which facilitated the attainment of equilibrium conditions. The destabilization of Ti(3)Si due to oxygen/nitrogen contamination has been noted.

Isothermal Section of the V-Si-B System at 1600 A degrees C in the V-VSi(2)-VB Region

In recent years, the Me-Si-B (Me-metal) ternary systems have received considerable attention aiming at the development of high-temperature structural materials. Assuming that any real application of these materials will rely on multicomponent alloys, as is the case of Ni-base superalloys, phase equilibria data of these systems become very important. In this work, results are reported on phase equilibria in the V-Si-B system, and are summarized in the form of an isothermal section at 1600 A degrees C for the V-VSi(2)-VB region. Several alloys of different compositions were prepared via arc melting and then heat-treated at 1600 A degrees C under high vacuum. All the materials in both as-cast and heat-treated conditions were characterized through x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and selected alloys via wavelength dispersive spectroscopy. A negligible solubility of B in the V(3)Si, V(5)Si(3) (T(1)), and V(6)Si(5) phases as well as of Si in V(3)B(2) and VB phases was noted. Two ternary phases presenting the structures known as T(2) (Cr(5)B(3)-prototype) and D8(8) (Mn(5)Si(3)-prototype) were observed in both as-cast and heat-treated samples. It is proposed that at 1600 A degrees C the homogeneity range of T(2) extends approximately from 5 at.% to 12 at.% Si at constant vanadium content and the composition of D8(8) phase is close to V(59.5)Si(33)B(7.5) (at.%).

Phase transformation and residual stress probed by Raman spectroscopy in diamond-turned single crystal silicon

Single-point diamond turning of monocrystalline semiconductors is an important field of research within brittle materials machining. Monocrystalline silicon samples with a (100) orientation have been diamond turned under different cutting conditions (feed rate and depth of cut). Micro-Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy have been used to assess structural alterations and surface finish of the samples diamond turned under ductile and brittle modes. It was found that silicon undergoes a phase transformation when machined in the ductile mode. This phase transformation is evidenced by the creation of an amorphous surface layer after machining which has been probed by Raman scattering. Compressive residual stresses are estimated for the machined surface and it is observed that they decrease with an increase in the feed rate and depth of cut. This behaviour has been attributed to the formation of subsurface cracks when the feed rate is higher than or equal to 2.5 mu m/rev. The surface roughness was observed to vary with the feed rate and the depth of cut. An increase in the surface roughness was influenced by microcrack formation when the feed rate reached 5.0 mu m/rev. Furthermore, a high-pressure phase transformation induced by the tool/material interaction and responsible for the ductile response of this typical brittle material is discussed based upon the presented Raman spectra. The application of this machining technology finds use for a wide range of high quality components, for example the creation of a micrometre-range channel for microfluidic devices as well as microlenses used in the infrared spectrum range.

FILTERING TECHNIQUES APPLIED ON RAW CARRIER PHASE FOR GPS DETECTING SMALL DYNAMIC DISPLACEMENTS

This work is part of a research under construction since 2000, in which the main objective is to measure small dynamic displacements by using L1 GPS receivers. A very sensible way to detect millimetric periodic displacements is based on the Phase Residual Method (PRM). This method is based on the frequency domain analysis of the phase residuals resulted from the L1 double difference static data processing of two satellites in almost orthogonal elevation angle. In this article, it is proposed to obtain the phase residuals directly from the raw phase observable collected in a short baseline during a limited time span, in lieu of obtaining the residual data file from regular GPS processing programs which not always allow the choice of the aimed satellites. In order to improve the ability to detect millimetric oscillations, two filtering techniques are introduced. One is auto-correlation which reduces the phase noise with random time behavior. The other is the running mean to separate low frequency from the high frequency phase sources. Two trials have been carried out to verify the proposed method and filtering techniques. One simulates a 2.5 millimeter vertical antenna displacement and the second uses the GPS data collected during a bridge load test. The results have shown a good consistency to detect millimetric oscillations.

Subclinical hyperthyroidism and dementia: the Sao Paulo Ageing & Health Study (SPAH)

Background: Several epidemiologic studies have shown a possible association between thyroid function and cognitive decline. Our aim was to evaluate the association of subclinical hyperthyroidism and dementia in a population sample of older people Methods: A cross-sectional study - Sao Paulo Ageing & Health Study (SPAH) - in a population sample of low-income elderly people >= 65 years-old to evaluate presence of subclinical thyroid disease as a risk factor for dementia. Thyroid function was assessed using thyrotropic hormone and free-thyroxine as well as routine use of thyroid hormones or antithyroid medications. Cases of dementia were assessed using a harmonized one-phase dementia diagnostic procedure by the ""10/66 Dementia Research Group"" including Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Logistic regression models were used to test a possible association between subclinical hyperthyroidism and dementia. Results and discussion: Prevalence of dementia and of subclinical hyperthyroidism were respectively of 4.4% and 3.0%. After age adjustment, we found an association of subclinical hyperthyroidism and any type of dementia and vascular dementia (Odds Ratio, 4.1, 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI] 1.3-13.1, and 5.3 95% CI, 1.1-26.4; respectively). Analyzing data by gender, we found an association of subclinical hyperthyroidism with dementia and Alzheimer's disease only for men (OR, 8.0; 95% CI, 1.5-43.4; OR, 12.4; 95% CI, 1.2-128.4; respectively). No women with subclinical hypothyroidism presented Alzheimer's disease in the sample. Conclusion: The results suggest a consistent association among people with subclinical hyperthyroidism and dementia.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase II Study of Vandetanib Plus Docetaxel/Prednisolone in Patients with Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer

Vandetanib (ZACTIMA(TM)) is a once-daily oral anticancer drug that selectively inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor, and rearranged during transfection signaling. This randomized (1: 1), double-blind study evaluated vandetanib (100mg/day) or placebo in combination with docetaxel (D; 75mg/m(2) every 3 weeks) and prednisolone (P; 2 x 5 mg/day) in 86 patients with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer (mHRPC). The primary assessment was prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response (confirmed reduction of >= 50% from baseline) and a greater number of patients showed a PSA response with placebo + DP (67%) versus vandetanib + DP (40%); hazard ratio = 2.23 (one-sided 80% confidence limit = 2.90; one-sided p = 0.99). More patients experienced progression events (disease progression or death from any cause) with vandetanib + DP (65%) versus placebo + DP (60%); hazard ratio = 1.13 (one-sided 80% confidence limit = 1.44; one-sided p = 0.67). The overall incidence of adverse events was similar in both groups, although more patients experienced adverse events, leading to permanent discontinuation with vandetanib + DP (28%) versus placebo + DP (12%). However, the safety and tolerability profile for vandetanib was similar to that previously reported; adverse events that occurred more frequently in the vandetanib + DP arm were hypertension (14% vs. 2%), erythematous rash (14% vs. 2%), and exfoliative rash (12% vs. 2%). In this study of patients with mHRPC, vandetanib + DP did not demonstrate any efficacy benefit, compared with placebo + DP.

Multi-trait and random regression mature weight heritability and breeding value estimates in Nelore cattle

Mature weight breeding values were estimated using a multi-trait animal model (MM) and a random regression animal model (RRM). Data consisted of 82 064 weight records from 8 145 animals, recorded from birth to eight years of age. Weights at standard ages were considered in the MM. All models included contemporary groups as fixed effects, and age of dam (linear and quadratic effects) and animal age as covariates. In the RRM, mean trends were modelled through a cubic regression on orthogonal polynomials of animal age and genetic maternal and direct and maternal permanent environmental effects were also included as random. Legendre polynomials of orders 4, 3, 6 and 3 were used for animal and maternal genetic and permanent environmental effects, respectively, considering five classes of residual variances. Mature weight (five years) direct heritability estimates were 0.35 (MM) and 0.38 (RRM). Rank correlation between sires' breeding values estimated by MM and RRM was 0.82. However, selecting the top 2% (12) or 10% (62) of the young sires based on the MM predicted breeding values, respectively 71% and 80% of the same sires would be selected if RRM estimates were used instead. The RRM modelled the changes in the (co) variances with age adequately and larger breeding value accuracies can be expected using this model.

Predictive factors of non-deterioration of glucose tolerance following a 2-year behavioral intervention

Aim: To identify predictive factors associated with non-deterioration of glucose metabolism following a 2-year behavioral intervention in Japanese-Brazilians. Methods: 295 adults (59.7% women) without diabetes completed 2-year intervention program. Characteristics of those who maintained/improved glucose tolerance status (non-progressors) were compared with those who worsened (progressors) after the intervention. In logistic regression analysis, the condition of non-progressor was used as dependent variable. Results: Baseline characteristics of non-progressors (71.7%) and progressors were similar, except for the former being younger and having higher frequency of disturbed glucose tolerance and lower C-reactive protein (CRP). In logistic regression, non-deterioration of glucose metabolism was associated with disturbed glucose tolerance impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance - (p < 0.001) and CRP levels <= 0.04 mg/dL (p = 0.01), adjusted for age and anthropometric variables. Changes in anthropometry and physical activity and achievement of weight and dietary goals after intervention were similar in subsets that worsened or not the glucose tolerance status. Conclusion: The whole sample presented a homogeneous behavior during the intervention. Lower CRP levels and diagnosis of glucose intolerance at baseline were predictors of non-deterioration of the glucose metabolism after a relatively simple intervention, independent of body adiposity.

Rest energy expenditure is decreased during the acute as compared to the recovery phase of sepsis in newborns

Background: Little is known with respect to the metabolic response and the requirements of infected newborns. Moreover, the nutritional needs and particularly the energy metabolism of newborns with sepsis are controversial matter. In this investigation we aimed to evaluate the rest energy expenditure (REE) of newborns with bacterial sepsis during the acute and the recovery phases. Methods: We studied nineteen neonates (27.3 +/- 17.2 days old) with bacterial sepsis during the acute phase and recovery of their illness. REE was determined by indirect calorimetry and VO(2) and VCO(2) measured by gas chromatography. Results: REE significantly increased from 49.4 +/- 13.1 kcal/kg/day during the acute to 68.3 +/- 10.9 kcal/kg/day during recovery phase of sepsis (P < 0.01). Similarly, VO(2) (7.4 +/- 1.9 vs 10 +/- 1.5 ml/kg/min) and VCO(2) (5.1 +/- 1.7 vs 7.4 +/- 1.5 ml/kg/min) were also increased during the course of the disease (P < 0.01). Conclusion: REE was increased during recovery compared to the sepsis phase. REE of septic newborns should be calculated on individualized basis, bearing in mind their metabolic capabilities.