Voltammetric platform for detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene based on a molecularly imprinted polymer.

New methods for determination of explosive substances as, for example, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), in a rapid way and at low cost are highly required. An electrochemical platform has been here developed with good characteristics of low dimension, fast response, low cost, and high selectivity. It is based on a commercially available screen printed cell with graphite ink working and auxiliary electrodes and a silver ink quasi-reference electrode.

Breathing training characterization by thermal imaging: a case study.

Specific respiratory muscle training improves athletes' performance particularly at high intensities. This work aims to study the usability of infrared thermography to evaluate two types of breathing, thoracic and diaphragmatic, on the cartographies of the cutaneous temperature of the trunk. IR thermography is a non-invasive technique that visually represents the whole process during and after training.

Ultrastructure of the male chelicerae of Hattena cometis Domrow (Acari: Gamasida: Ameroseiidae) functioning as gonopods.

The ultrastructure and functional adaptations of male chelicerae in Hattena cometis Domrow are discussed. In particular, as in many other gamasid mites, males of Hattena use the chelicerae, modified as gonopods, to transfer the sperm into the female. For such purpose, a slender process extending from the movable digit, the spermatodactyl, is mainly involved.

Pb(II), Cu(II) and Cd(II) removal through untreated rice husk; thermodynamics and kinetics.

The sorption properties of rice husk towards Cu(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) were studied. The sorption isotherms are described by the Langmuir equation, and Pb(II) shows a higher affinity for rice husk compared to Cu(II) and Cd(II) under the same conditions. The kinetics of sorption obeys to a pseudo second-order equation for all metals.

Two women with multiple disabilities communicate with distant partners via a special text messaging system.

This study extended the research on a special text messaging system, which allows persons with multiple disabilities to (a) write and send messages to distant partners and (b) have messages from those partners read out to them. The study involved two women with multiple disabilities (including blindness or minimal residual vision). The system comprised a net-book computer, a mobile communication modem, and an input microswitch, and relied on special keyboards (not used before) to allow the women to write their messages.

Copy number polymorphism of the salivary amylase gene: implications in human nutrition research.

The salivary α-amylase is a calcium-binding enzyme that initiates starch digestion in the oral cavity. The α-amylase genes are located in a cluster on the chromosome that includes salivary amylase genes (AMY1), two pancreatic α-amylase genes (AMY2A and AMY2B) and a related pseudogene. The AMY1 genes show extensive copy number variation which is directly proportional to the salivary α-amylase content in saliva.

Decalcifying effect of different ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid irrigating solutions and tetraclean on root canal dentin.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare in vitro the decalcifying capability on root canal dentin of 4 different irrigating solutions.

Methods: Twenty-five freshly extracted maxillary central incisors were selected. The canals were prepared to obtain a total of 4 samples from each root.

Biomechanics and predicted energetics of sprinting on sand: hints for soccer training.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyse energetic and biomechanical parameters of sprinting on sand surface, aimed at the evaluation of inherent aspects of soccer training programs, injury prevention and recovery processes.

Design: Twenty-nine professional soccer players took part in this study: they performed maximal sprints and maximal shuttle sprints on a 12m distance on natural grass, artificial turf and soft, dry sand.

Methods: Speed, acceleration, deceleration, stride length, stride frequency, flight and contact time, estimated energy cost, metabolic and mechanical power, efficiency and stiffness values, have been calculated through the instrument SPI-Pro (GPSports, Canberra, Australia) supported by two fixed cameras.

Technology-based programs to improve walking behavior of persons with multiple disabilities: two single-case studies.

Purpose: Assessing two technology-based programs for reducing toe walking and breaks during walking of two men with multiple disabilities, respectively.

Method: The men were involved in separate single-case studies, each of which was carried out according to an ABAB design. The technology included a microprocessor with specific software, optic sensors, and visual plus vibrotactile or auditory systems for presenting preferred stimuli.

Two adults with multiple disabilities use a computer-aided telephone system to make phone calls independently.

This study extended the assessment of a newly developed computer-aided telephone system with two participants (adults) who presented with blindness or severe visual impairment and motor or motor and intellectual disabilities. For each participant, the study was carried out according to an ABAB design, in which the A represented baseline phases and the B represented intervention phases, during which the special telephone system was available. The system involved among others a net-book computer provided with specific software, a global system for mobile communication modem, and a microswitch.

A technology-aided stimulus choice program for two adults with multiple disabilities: choice responses and mood.

This study was aimed at replicating and extending early research on technology-aided stimulus choice with two adults with multiple disabilities. The technology-aided program involved (a) a computer-aided system presenting the participants samples of different environmental stimuli and (b) a microswitch device allowing them to choose among those samples and to access the related stimuli for preset periods of time. The system also allowed the participants opportunities to request the continuation/repetition of any stimulus.

A verbal-instruction system to help persons with multiple disabilities perform complex food- and drink-preparation tasks independently.

In a recent single-case study, we showed that a new verbal-instruction system, ensuring the automatic presentation of step instructions, was beneficial for promoting the task performance of a woman with multiple disabilities (including blindness). The present study was aimed at replicating and extending the aforementioned investigation with three adults with multiple disabilities. During Part I of the study, the new instruction system was compared with a system requiring the participants to seek instructions on their own.

Genetic polymorphisms of the enzymes involved in DNA methylation and synthesis in elite athletes.

Physical exercise induces adaptive changes leading to a muscle phenotype with enhanced performance. We first investigated whether genetic polymorphisms altering enzymes involved in DNA methylation, probably responsible of DNA methylation deficiency, are present in athletes' DNA. We determined the polymorphic variants C667T/A1298C of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), A2756G of methionine synthase (MTR), A66G of methionine synthase reductase (MTRR), G742A of betaine:homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT), and 68-bp ins of cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) genes in 77 athletes and 54 control subjects.

Fine structure of the gnathosoma of archegozetes longisetosus [corrected] aoki (acari: oribatida, trhypochthoniidae).

Oribatida are one of the main groups of Acari comprising mostly important decomposers in soils. Most species are particle feeders, an exceptional mode of nutrition in Arachnida. Hence, their feeding organs, the gnathosoma, are of special functional interest.

Promoting mouth drying to reduce the effects of drooling in a woman with multiple disabilities: a new evaluation of microswitch-programme conditions.

Objective: Extending the use of microswitch-based programmes to (a) establish mouth-drying responses and reduce the effects of drooling, (b) assess the possibility of widening inter-response intervals and (c) determine whether different microswitch solutions would impact the accuracy/effectiveness of mouth drying.

Method: During the intervention phases of the study, the participant (woman) performed mouth-drying responses via a special napkin. Such napkin contained two pressure sensors/microswitches, a microprocessor and an MP3 serving to monitor responses and ensure stimulation contingent on them.

Post-coma persons with extensive multiple disabilities use microswitch technology to access selected stimulus events or operate a radio device.

The present two studies extended research evidence on the use of microswitch technology by post-coma persons with multiple disabilities. Specifically, Study I examined whether three adults with a diagnosis of minimally conscious state and multiple disabilities could use microswitches as tools to access brief, selected stimulus events. Study II assessed whether an adult, who had emerged from a minimally conscious state but was affected by multiple disabilities, could manage the use of a radio device via a microswitch-aided program.

Post-stroke case fatality within an incident population in rural Tanzania.

Background And Purpose: To establish post-stroke case fatality rates within a community based incident stroke population in rural Tanzania.

Methods: Incident stroke cases were identified by the Tanzanian Stroke Incidence Project and followed-up over the next 3-6 years. In order to provide a more complete picture, verbal autopsy (VA) was also used to identify all stroke deaths occurring within the same community and time period, and a date of stroke was identified by interview with a relative or friend.

Gross morphology, histology, and ultrastructure of the alimentary system of Ricinulei (Arachnida) with emphasis on functional and phylogenetic implications.

Ricinuleid functional mouthparts are the cucullus, the chelicerae, the pedipalps, and the labrum. These structures are movably jointed to the rest of the prosoma, most likely protruded upon hydrostatic hemolymph pressure and retracted by prosomal muscles. Seta-like protrusions from the labrum and the pedipalpal coxae form a sieve-like filter inside the preoral cavity and the mouth.

Adapting a computer-assisted program to help a post-coma man with extensive multiple disabilities choose stimulus events.

Objective: To adapt an existing computer-assisted program to help a post-coma man with extensive multiple disabilities choose between stimulus events.

Method: An adapted version of the program assessed in this study presented the man with 7-second samples of preferred and non-preferred stimuli, without questions, and allowed him to choose any of them through a vocalization response. The man's use of this response to choose a stimulus sample led the computer to present the matching stimulus for 20 seconds.

A special messaging technology for two persons with acquired brain injury and multiple disabilities.

Objective: To enable two persons with acquired brain injury and multiple (e.g. motor and visual) disabilities to communicate with distant partners through a special messaging technology, which served to send out text messages and read (listen to) incoming messages.

Nickel release from new conventional stainless steel, recycled, and nickel-free orthodontic brackets: An in vitro study.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the nickel released from 3 kinds of orthodontic brackets: new conventional stainless steel, recycled stainless steel, and nickel-free brackets.

Methods: This in-vitro study was performed by using a classic batch procedure. Samples were immersed in artificial saliva at various acidities (pH 4.

Use of microswitch technology and a keyboard emulator to support literacy performance of persons with extensive neuro-motor disabilities.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness and acceptability of microswitch technology and a keyboard emulator to enable three participants with extensive neuro-motor disabilities to write words.

Method: In Study I, two participants triggered an automatic scanning keyboard and selected/wrote letters via a small sliding movement of their hand(s) activating a touch/pressure panel (microswitch). In Study II, a third participant used the sliding movement and panel and a vocalization response with a voice-detecting microswitch.

Stroke incidence in rural and urban Tanzania: a prospective, community-based study.

Background: There are no methodologically rigorous studies of the incidence of stroke in sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to provide reliable data on the incidence of stroke in rural and urban Tanzania.

Methods: The Tanzania Stroke Incidence Project (TSIP) recorded stroke incidence in two well defined demographic surveillance sites (DSS) over a 3-year period from June, 2003.