Cellulase effect on anaerobic digestion of maize silage under discontinuous operation

ABSTRACT This paper studied the effect of adding an enzyme (ellulose) on anaerobic digestion of maize silage. We compared materials at chopping lengths of 8 mm (MSL), 4mm (MSS) and natural size (Ms) under a mesophilic and discontinuous operation (batch process). Hence, we found the process to be significantly influenced by particle size. Moreover, the ellulose addition did not significantly impact biogas production after a 35-day digestion period. Ms and MSS displayed an improved response to all variables when compared with MSL and MSL+C, with significant differences. Studies on the refractory fraction at infinite time (R0) have demonstrated that the lowest values correspond to Ms and MSS (0.122 and 0.155, respectively). The Kinetic approach and the Ultimate Biodegradability test are useful tools to evaluate the effect of the addition of an enzyme to the anaerobic process.

Treatment of low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia comparing biweekly eight-day Methotrexate with folinic acid versus bolus-dose Actinomycin-D, among Brazilian women

PURPOSE: To compare two single-agent chemotherapy (ChT) regimens evaluating, in first-line treatment, response and side effects and, in final single-agent treatment, the outcomes, among Brazilian patients with low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN), according to International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2002. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of two concurrent cohorts with 194 low-risk GTN patients: from 1992 to 2012, as first-line treatment, 115 patients received 4 intramuscular doses of methotrexate alternated with 4 oral doses of folinic acid (MTX/FA) repetead every 14 days and, since 1996, 79 patients received an endovenous bolus-dose of actinomycin D (Act-D), biweekly. At GTN diagnosis, patient opinion was taken into consideration when defining the initial single-agent ChT regimen, and when there was resistance or toxicity to one regimen, the other drug was used preferentially. This study was approved by the Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre Ethical Committee. RESULTS: Both groups were clinically similar (p>0.05). In first-line treatments, frequency of complete response was similar (75.7% with MTX/FA and 67.1% with bolus Act-D); the number of ChT courses -median 3 (range: 1-10) with MTX/FA and 2 (range: 1-6) with bolus Act-D - and the time to remission -median 9 weeks (range: 2-16) with MTX/FA and 10 weeks (range: 2-16) with bolus Act-D) - were not different between the groups. In both groups, first-line side effects frequency were high but intensity was low; stomatitis was higher with MTX/FA (p<0.01) and nausea and vomit with Act-D (p<0.01). Final single-agent ChT responses were high in both groups (94.8% with MTX/FA and 83.5% with bolus Act-D; p<0.01) and 13% higher in the group initially treated with MTX/FA. Rates of hysterectomy and of GTN recurrence were low and similar. No patient died due to GTN. CONCLUSION: The two regimens had similar first-line ChT response. Final single-agent response rates were high and similar in both groups but the final single-agent remission rate was higher in the MTX/FA group.

Período crítico de interferência das plantas daninhas na cultura do feijoeiro-comum em sistema de semeadura direta

No ano agrícola 1996/97 foi conduzido, na Fazenda-Escola da Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, em Ponta Grossa-PR, um experimento a campo com o objetivo de determinar o período crítico de prevenção da interferência das plantas daninhas sobre a cultura do feijoeiro-comum (Phaseolus vulgaris), em sistema de semeadura direta, associando esse período com a fenologia da planta. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos ao acaso em arranjo fatorial 2 x 8, com quatro repetições. Os 16 tratamentos testados foram resultados da combinação de dois conjuntos de tratamentos de interferência das plantas daninhas: (1) inicialmente em convivência com as plantas daninhas (2) inicialmente sem convivência com as plantas daninhas, em sete estádios fenológicos do feijoeiro - V2, V3, V4, R5, R6, R7 e R8 - e uma testemunha em convivência durante todo o ciclo da cultura. O experimento foi instalado em uma área há oito anos sob plantio direto, com semeadura realizada de acordo com a tecnologia recomendada para a cultura, com adubações no sulco e em cobertura e tratamentos fitossanitários, para que os feijoeiros se desenvolvessem normalmente. O período crítico de prevenção da interferência ocorreu entre os estádios fenológicos V4 e R6, e a interferência das plantas daninhas durante todo o ciclo reduziu em média 71% o rendimento de grãos dos feijoeiros. Com relação à comunidade infestante, as dicotiledôneas representaram 61,3% das plantas daninhas, destacando-se as espécies Bidens pilosa e Richardia brasiliensis, com 30,6 e 16,6%, respectivamente; já as monocotiledôneas representaram 38,7% da comunidade infestante, com destaque para as espécies Digitaria horizontalis e Brachiaria plantaginea, com 23,6 e 14,3%, respectivamente.

Épocas e extensões do período de convivência das plantas daninhas interferindo na produtividade da cultura do milho (Zea mays)

Foi conduzido na Fazenda Experimental Gralha Azul/PUCPR, município de Fazenda Rio Grande, PR, um experimento de campo com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de diferentes épocas e extensões do período de convivência das plantas daninhas interferindo na produtividade da cultura do milho. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 4 x 5 + 2, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram: quatro períodos iniciais de controle (0-0, 0-7, 0-14 e 0-21 DAE) e cinco períodos em que se reiniciou o controle das plantas daninhas, prolongando-se até a colheita: 28, 42, 56, 70 e 84 DAE, e mais duas testemunhas, uma com e outra sem controle das plantas daninhas durante todo o ciclo da cultura. O experimento foi instalado em sistema de plantio direto. Foram avaliados o período anterior à interferência (PAI), a existência do período anterior à interferência subsequente (PAI-S), o início do período crítico de competição (PCC) e a comunidade infestante. Quando o período inicial de controle da comunidade infestante foi de 0-0 dia, o PAI foi de 9 DAE do milho, porém, com períodos iniciais crescentes de controle (0-7, 0-14 e 0-21 DAE), houve aumento no PAI em relação a 0-0 dia de controle inicial, evidenciando assim a existência do PAI-S, que foi de 17, 24 e 28 DAE do milho, respectivamente. Dessa forma, o início do PCC começa a partir do final do PAI e PAI-S, caracterizando-se pelo período durante o qual é imprescindível a realização do controle da comunidade infestante para que não ocorra redução significativa na produtividade de grãos do milho. A convivência com as plantas daninhas durante todo o ciclo da cultura reduziu a sua produtividade em 15%, em relação à testemunha livre de competição. No levantamento da comunidade infestante foram encontradas nove espécies, inseridas em sete famílias botânicas. Verificou-se redução na densidade e massa seca das plantas daninhas que conviveram com o milho, em relação àquelas que cresceram na ausência da cultura, evidenciando assim um efeito supressivo do milho sobre as plantas infestantes.

Alismatales from the upper and middle Araguaia river basin (Brazil)

The present study deals with a survey of the order Alismatales (except Araceae) in the upper and middle Araguaia River region located between the states of Mato Grosso and Goiás, Brazil. Field expeditions were carried out during the rainy and dry seasons. The route covered approximately 2,000 km and 41 aquatic environments were visited. Thirteen taxa, representing the families Alismataceae (nine), Hydrocharitaceae (three) and Najadaceae (one) were identified. Keys for the identification of families and species in field, brief diagnoses, schematic illustrations and relevant comments were elaborated based on field observations as well as on the analysis of the specimens collected.

Morphometric analysis of the Brasiliorchis picta complex (Orchidaceae)

One of the largest genera of Orchidaceae in the Neotropics with about 450 species, Maxillaria presents several taxonomic uncertainties about its generic circumscription and the delimitation of species groups, mainly due to the large variability of some species. The present study aims at verifying the morphological variation and species delimitation in the Brasiliorchis picta complex, a recent new genus derived from Maxillaria, using morphometric multivariate analysis. A total of 340 specimens belonging to six species (B. chrysantha (Barb. Rodr.) R.B. Singer, S. Koehler & Carnevali, B. gracilis (Lodd.) R.B. Singer, S. Koehler & Carnevali, B. marginata (Lindl.) R.B. Singer, S. Koehler & Carnevali, B. picta (Hook.) R. Singer, S. Koehler & Carnevali, B. porphyrostele (Rchb. f.) R.B. Singer, S. Koehler & Carnevali and B. ubatubana (Hoehne) R.B. Singer, S. Koehler & Carnevali) were analyzed using multivariate methods (PCA, CVA, DA, and Cluster Analysis with UPGMA). B. gracilis shows the largest morphological discontinuity, mainly due to its smaller size. The other species tend to form distinct groups, but intermediate characteristics between pairs of species induce overlaps among the individuals of different species and thus confuse the distinction of each one. Hybridization and geographic distribution can be involved in the differentiation of the species and lineages in this complex. Because the species classified a priori in this work cannot be recognized by the quantitative characters measured here, such other tools as geometric morphometry and molecular data should be employed in future works to clarify species relationships in this complex.

Serial blood pressure measurements

The objective of the present investigation was to study the effects of a 60-s interval of venous congestion between two noninvasive measurements of arterial blood pressure (ABP) on the fluctuation of ABP, assessed by the standard deviation of the differences between two readings. ABP was measured in 345 successive patients, at rest, four times each. For 269 participants, one pair of readings was obtained with a 60-s interval and the other pair without an interval. For 76 patients, the first pair was read at the same interval, and the second pair had venous congestion interposed and there was no waiting interval. There was no increased ABP oscillation, either when there was no interval between ABP readings, or when venous congestion was interposed compared to pairs of ABP measurements performed with a 60-s interval. There was no increase in ABP oscillations when successive ABP readings were taken without an interval or even with venous congestion interposed. Contrary to the present belief, there seems to be no loss of reliability when blood pressure recordings are taken immediately one after another, in the clinical setting.

An analysis of the electrocardiogram QT interval

No reports testing the efficacy of the use of the QT/RR ratio <1/2 for detecting a normal QTc interval were found in the literature. The objective of the present study was to determine if a QT/RR ratio <=1/2 can be considered to be equal to the normal QTc and to compare the QT and QTc measured and calculated clinically and by a computerized electrocardiograph. Ratios (140 QT/RR) of 28 successive electrocardiograms obtained from 28 consecutive patients in a tertiary level teaching hospital were analyzed clinically by 5 independent observers and by a computerized electrocardiograph. The QT/RR ratio provided 56% sensitivity and 78% specificity, with an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 75.8% (95%CI: 0.68 to 0.84). The divergence in QT and QTc interval measurements between clinical and computerized evaluation were 0.01 ± 0.03 s (95%CI: 0.04-0.02) and 0.01 ± 0.04 s (95%CI: -0.05-0.03), respectively. The QT and QTc values measured clinically and by a computerized electrocardiograph were similar. The QT/RR ratio <=1/2 was not a satisfactory index for QTc evaluation because it could not predict a normal QTc value.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in lung cancer: preclinical and clinical data

Lung cancer leads cancer-related mortality worldwide. Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most prevalent subtype of this recalcitrant cancer, is usually diagnosed at advanced stages, and available systemic therapies are mostly palliative. The probing of the NSCLC kinome has identified numerous nonoverlapping driver genomic events, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations. This review provides a synopsis of preclinical and clinical data on EGFR mutated NSCLC and EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Classic somatic EGFR kinase domain mutations (such as L858R and exon 19 deletions) make tumors addicted to their signaling cascades and generate a therapeutic window for the use of ATP-mimetic EGFR TKIs. The latter inhibit these kinases and their downstream effectors, and induce apoptosis in preclinical models. The aforementioned EGFR mutations are stout predictors of response and augmentation of progression-free survival when gefitinib, erlotinib, and afatinib are used for patients with advanced NSCLC. The benefits associated with these EGFR TKIs are limited by the mechanisms of tumor resistance, such as the gatekeeper EGFR-T790M mutation, and bypass activation of signaling cascades. Ongoing preclinical efforts for treating resistance have started to translate into patient care (including clinical trials of the covalent EGFR-T790M TKIs AZD9291 and CO-1686) and hold promise to further boost the median survival of patients with EGFR mutated NSCLC.

Alberta Price List No. 3., January 1st, 1925

A price list form for the Alberta Liquor Control Board from 1 January 1925. The price list includes "General Information" in regards to permits for individuals and special permits. The alcohol is then listed by category for pricing: Scotch Whisky, Irish Whisky, Rye Whisky, Bourbon Whisky, Rum, Gin, Brandy, Port, Native Wine, Italian (Type) Wines, Sherry, Claret, Burgundy, White Wine, Sparkling Wine, Vermouth, Cocktails, Liqueurs, Champagne, Bitters, Ale and Stout, Chinese Liquors.

Robustesse du modèle de Rasch unidimensionnel à la violation de l’hypothèse d’unidimensionnalité.

Le logiciel de simulation des données et d'analyse est Conquest V.3

Summary of Inventory Pilot Project March 1993 - December 1994

The Lean Aircraft Initiative began in the summer of 1992 as a “quick look” into the feasibility of applying manufacturing principles that had been pioneered in the automobile industry, most notably the Toyota Production System, to the U.S. defense aircraft industry. Once it was established that “lean principles” (the term coined to describe the new paradigm in automobile manufacturing) were indeed applicable to aircraft manufacturing as well, the Initiative was broadened to include other segments of the defense aerospace industry. These consisted of electronics/avionics, engines, electro-mechanical systems, missiles, and space systems manufacturers. In early 1993, a formal framework was established in which 21 defense firms and the Air Force formed a consortium to support and participate in the Initiative at M.I.T.

Efecto de la instrucci??n sobre la dimensionalidad del test

Resumen en ingl??s y castellano

Aporte a la toma de decisiones Del Instituto de Ortopedia Infantil Roosevelt a partir del análisis estructural del sector estratégico de hospitales universitarios

El concepto de hospitales universitarios ha ido evolucionando en el mundo, siendo cada vez más estricta la legislación que los regula y los mecanismos de evaluación para asegurar la calidad de la educación a los estudiantes que realizan prácticas en ambientes hospitalarios. El direccionamiento estratégico de los hospitales universitarios requiere en primer lugar de un análisis específico del sector, mediante pruebas como el análisis de hacinamiento, levantamiento del panorama competitivo, el análisis estructural de las fuerzas de mercado y un estudio de competidores que permitan el diagnóstico del sector estratégico. Por otro lado la realización de un modelo matricial aportará a la planificación estratégica mediante la integración del análisis cuantitativo y cualitativo. La presente investigación busca analizar el sector estratégico de hospitales universitarios y de manera particular la situación del Instituto de Ortopedia Infantil Roosevelt como integrante del sector. En primer lugar se realizó una investigación del concepto de hospitales universitarios en el tiempo, tanto a nivel nacional como internacional y de la legislación existente. Posteriormente se identificaron las instituciones que constituyen el sector estratégico y se realizó el análisis del medioambiente empresarial para la identificación de la situación real del sector y un análisis particular del área de educación e investigación del Instituto de Ortopedia Infantil Roosevelt, para construir las estrategias y el horizonte institucional.