Delay discounting: concepts and measures

Delay discounting, one element which underlies decision-making, can be defined as the depreciation of the value of a reward related to the time that it takes to be released. High rates of delay discounting are found in subjects who are willing to forgo greater rewards available only after some length of time and who show a preference for smaller rewards that are available immediately. Widely used as a measure of impulsiveness, delay discounting can be evaluated using experimental tasks. The present review evaluated tasks of delay discounting, their features, measures of evaluation and anomalies, and some variables that can affect delay discounting results and applications in the study of individual and intra-individual differences.

Análise de grafos aplicada a relatos de sonhos: ferramenta diagnóstica objetiva e diferencial para psicose esquizofrênica e bipolar

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior

Stabilizing a class of time delay systems using the Hermite-Biehler theorem

In this paper we use the Hermite-Biehler theorem to establish results for the design of fixed order controllers for a class of time delay systems. We extend results of the polynomial case to quasipolynomials using the property of interlacing in high frequencies of the class of time delay systems considered. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of PID controllers for a class of time delay systems

In this paper we use the Hermite-Biehler theorem to establish results on the design of proportional plus integral plus derivative (PID) controllers for a class of time delay systems. Using the property of interlacing at high frequencies of the class of systems considered and linear programming we obtain the set of all stabilizing PID controllers. As far as we know, previous results on the synthesis of PID controllers rely on the solution of transcendental equations. This paper also extends previous results on the synthesis of proportional controllers for a class of delay systems of retarded type to a larger class of delay systems. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Aplicação da técnica eletroanalítica de pulso diferencial usando o eletrodo de carbono vítreo modificado com cisteína para monitorar a degradação eletroquímica de ácido oxálico

In this paper, the technique of differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) has been studied for monitoring the concentration of oxalic acid (OA) during their electrochemical oxidation (EO) in acidic medium using platinum anode supported on titanium (Ti / Pt). The DPV was standardized and optimized using a glassy carbon electrode modified with cysteine. The modification with cysteine was developed electrochemically, forming a polymeric film on the surface of the glassy carbon electrode. The formation of the polymer film was confirmed by analysis of scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope, confirming the modification of the electrode. The electrochemical degradation was developed using different current densities 10, 20 30 and 40 mA cm -2 electrode with Ti / Pt observing the degradation of oxalic acid, and monitored using the method of KMnO4 titration. However, the analyzes with DPV showed the same behavior elimination of oxalic acid titration. Compared with the titration method classical observed and DPV could be a good fit, confidence limits of detection and confirming the applicability of the technique electroanalytical for monitoring the degradation of oxalic acid

Aplicação das técnicas eletroanalíticas (voltametria cíclica e de pulso diferencial) usando o eletrodo de diamante dopado com boro para o estudo da isoniazida, etambutol, rifampicina e pirazinamida

In this work a study was done using electrochemical cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry for isoniazida (INH), ethambutol (EMB), rifampicina (RIF) and pyrazinamide (PZA) using the electrode boron-doped diamond (BDD) as working electrode. It also verified the applicability of the technique of differential pulse voltammetry in the quantification of the active compounds used in the treatment of tuberculosis, subsequently applying in samples of pharmaceutical formulation. Among the four active compounds studied, isoniazid showed the best results for the detection and quantification using differential pulse voltammetry. At pH 4 and pH 8, for the calibration curves to INH showed good linearity, with quantification limits of 6.15 mmol L-1 (0,844 ppm) and 4.08 mmol L-1 (0.560 ppm) for the respective pH. The proposed method can be used to determine drug isoniazid, for recovery values were obtained in approximately 100%

Desenvolvimento de metodologia capaz de detectar e quantificar misturas de corantes em sucos artificiais em pó

Foi desenvolvido um método para detectar e quantificar misturas de corantes em sucos artificiais em pó fabricados no Brasil, de diferentes marcas e sabores. Foram estudados 6 corantes artificiais: amarelo tartrazina, amarelo crepúsculo, vermelho ponceau 4R, vermelho bordeaux S, vermelho 40 e azul brilhante presentes de forma unitária ou em misturas nos sucos com sabores laranja, tangerina, maracujá, abacaxi, limão e uva. A identificação dos corantes nas amostras foi feita através da comparação com os espectros dos padrões, utilizando-se a análise por infravermelho médio e pelos respectivos valores de absorção máxima nos comprimentos de onda relativos aos padrões e valores de referência na literatura. Também foram estudados os perfis de decomposição térmica por termogravimetria, termogravimetria derivada e calorimetria diferencial exploratória dos corantes e dos sucos em pó, sendo determinados os teores de umidade, de matéria orgânica e de cinzas. O teor de umidade encontrado não ultrapassou 4% para todas as amostras de suco analisadas. Com relação ao teor de matéria orgânica obteve-se para 57% dos sucos analisados um teor médio de 51,3% e para 43% das outras amostras obteve-se uma média de 67,2 %. Os resultados obtidos para o teor de cinzas indicaram que 29% das amostras apresentaram um teor de 26,7% para esse parâmetro enquanto 71% das amostras apresentaram um teor de cinzas de 46,4%. Os resultados obtidos por análise térmica mostraram-se adequados considerando-se que para obter os resultados pelo método tradicional há um investimento maior de tempo, de pessoal envolvido e de material, além da proteção ao meio ambiente. Para a análise por espectroscopia de absorção molecular foi proposta uma equação simplificada para a determinação de cada corante na mistura utilizando-se a lei de Beer. Para validação, empregou-se a espectroscopia de absorção molecular no visível, onde foi investigada a influência dos interferentes (TiO2 e açúcar) presentes nas amostras de sucos, os testes de fotodegradação e a avaliação do efeito do pH. Para quantificação tomou-se como referência 512 amostras sintéticas contendo um e dois corantes (1,5625 a 25,000 mg L-1) para obtenção das curvas analíticas que foram aplicadas à análise dos sucos em pó. Os resultados indicaram que o teor máximo do amarelo crepúsculo foi encontrado nos sucos com os sabores laranja, tangerina e manga que correspondeu a 25,6% da ingestão diária aceitável (para ser ultrapassada corresponderia a ingestão de 4 copos). O teor máximo encontrado para o amarelo tartrazina nos sucos foi para o sabor maracujá que correspondeu a 8,5% da ingestão diária aceitável, (para ser alcançado corresponderia a ingestão de 12 copos). O método proposto foi testado e validado com sucesso para amostras de sucos em pó sendo de simples execução e de rapidez na obtenção dos resultados

Aplicabilidade da voltametria de pulso diferencial na quantificação de ácido fólico e ácido oxálico: um método comparativo

The development of more selective and sensitive analytical methods is of great importance in different areas of knowledge, covering, for example, food, biotechnological, environmental and pharmaceutical sectors. The study aimed to employ the technique electroanalytical differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) as an innovative and promising alternative for identification and quantification of organic compounds. The organic compounds were investigated in this study oxalic acid (OA) and folic acid (FA). The electrochemical oxidation of oxalic acid has been extensively studied as a model reaction in the boundary between the organic and inorganic electrochemistry. Since the AF, an essential vitamin for cell multiplication in all tissues, which is essential for DNA synthesis. The AF has been investigated using analytical techniques, liquid chromatography and molecular absorption spectrophotometry. The results obtained during the experimental procedure indicated that the process of electrochemical oxidation of oxalic acid is strongly dependent on the nature of the anode material and the oxidation mechanism, which affects their detection. Efficient removal was observed in Ti/PbO2 anodes, graphite, BDD and Pt 90, 85, 80 and 78% respectively. It was also shown that the DPV employing glassy carbon electrode offers a fast, simple, reliable and economical way to determine the AO during the process of electrochemical oxidation. Furthermore, electroanalytical methods are more expensive than commonly used chromatographic analysis and other instrumental methods involving toxic reagents and higher cost. Compared with the classical method of titration and DPV could be a good fit, confidence intervals and detection limits confirming the applicability of electroanalytical technique for monitoring the degradation of oxalic acid. For the study of AF was investigated the electrocatalytic activity of the carbon paste electrode for identification and quantification in pharmaceutical formulations by applying the DPV. The results obtained during the experimental procedure showed an irreversible oxidation peak at 9.1 V characteristic of FA. The carbon paste sensor showed low detection limit of 5.683×10−8 mol L-1 reducing matrix effects. The spectrophotometric analysis showed lower concentrations of HF compared with those obtained by HPLC and DPV. The levels of AF were obtained according to the methodology proposed by the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia. The electroanalytical method (DPV) proposed is cheaper than GC analysis commonly used by the pharmaceutical industry. The results demonstrated the potential of these electroanalytical techniques for future applications in environmental, chemical and biological sensors

Sliding mode for detection and accommodation of computation time delay fault

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

Possible New Syndrome: Left Ventricular Noncompaction, Partial Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum, and Developmental Delay in a Brazilian Child

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Delay from fracture to hospital admission: a new risk factor for hip fracture mortality?

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Diagnóstico diferencial do transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has clinical features that overlap in various degrees with many other mental disorders. As a result, the differential diagnosis sometimes can be difficult. This review briefly summarizes the phenomenologic similarities and differences between OCD and the following disorders: depression, phobias, hypochondriasis and body dysmorphic disorder, Tourette syndrome and tic disorder, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, impulse control and eating disorders, generalized anxiety, panic and post-traumatic stress disorders, and delusional and schizophrenic disorders. The accurate diagnosis is essential for adequate treatment planning and management.

Oropharyngeal dysphagia and language delay in partial trisomy 9p: case report

The phenotype of partial trisomy 9p includes global developmental delay, microcephaly, bulbous nose, downturned oral commissures, malformed ears, hypotonia, and severe cognitive and language disorders. We present a case report and a comparative review of clinical findings on this condition, focusing on speech-language development, cognitive abilities and swallowing evaluation. We suggest that oropharyngeal dysphagia should be further investigated, considering that pulmonary and nutritional disorders affect the survival and quality of life of the patient. As far as we know, this is the first study of a patient with partial trisomy 9p described with oropharyngeal dysphagia.

Salivary alpha amylase and cortisol levels in children with global developmental delay and their relation with the expectation of dental care and behavior during the intervention

The purpose of this study was to analyze the alpha-amylase (sAA) and cortisol levels in children with Global developmental delay (GDD) before and after dental treatment and its association with the children's behavior during treatment. The morning salivary cortisol levels and activity of sAA of 33 children with GDD were evaluated before and after dental treatment and were compared to 19 healthy children. The behavior of children with GDD during dental care was assessed by the Frankl scale. Children with GDD showed lower levels of sAA activity than healthy children, but this result was not significant. The salivary cortisol levels were similar between GOD and healthy children. GDD children showed increased levels of sAA (but not cortisol) prior to the dental treatment as compared to the post-treatment phase. GOD children who showed less favorable behavior during dental care had higher levels of sAA and salivary cortisol than GOD children with more favorable behavior, but only the sAA results were significant. In conclusion, GOD children show hyperactivity of the SNS-axis in anticipation of dental treatment which indicates the need for strategies to reduce their anxiety levels before and during dental care. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Expressão diferencial dos genes VuUCP1a e VuUCP1b em caupi sob estresse salino

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)