Prediction of a single Gaussian shape of spectral line measured with low-dispersion spectrometer by using machine learning.

We have developed a denoising autoencoder based neural network (NN) method to determine a spectral line intensity with an uncertainty lower than the uncertainty determined by fitting the spectral line. The NN method processes the measured raw spectral line shape, providing a single Gaussian shape based on the training dataset, which consists of synthetically prepared Doppler shift and broadening free spectral lines in the present work. It is found that the uncertainty reduction level significantly depends on the training dataset. Limitations originating from the training dataset are also discussed.

Influências da variação sazonal e tipos de secagem nas características da droga vegetal - raízes de Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen (Amaranthaceae) / Influence of seasonal variation and drying on root’s characteristics derived from Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen (Amaranthaceae)

Analisou-se a variação sazonal e a influência de diferentes tipos de secagem (sol, sombra e estufa) no teor de saponinas e nas características físico-químicas da droga vegetal - raízes de Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen (Amaranthaceae). A avaliação sazonal apontou a ocorrência de diferenças significativas nos teores de extrativos (maior no inverno: 61,1 por cento±1,9), saponinas totais (maior no inverno: 17,1±0,2 por cento), e entre cinzas totais (maiores no inverno e primavera: 6,5±0,4 e 6,5±1,0 por cento, respectivamente) e cinzas insolúveis em ácido(maiores no verão e outono: 0,57±0,11 e 0,44±0,18 por cento, repectivamente). Quanto à variação sazonal do teor de saponinas, o valor do lote colhido no inverno foi maior do que nas outras estações, confirmando o conceito geral de maior ocorrência de ativos em órgãos subterrâneos no inverno. Quanto à influência dos métodos de secagem, o lote seco ao sol forneceu maior teor de extrativos (61,2±2,3 por cento) do que os lotes secos na sombra e em estufa, contradizendo a regra geral de que a radiação solar degrada os ativos vegetais. Esse mesmo perfil de dados ocorreu com relação ao teor de saponinas, pois o lote seco ao sol mostrou maior valor(15,4 por cento) do que daqueles secos na sombra ou em estufa (14,4 e 11,6 por cento, respectivamente). Desta forma, verificou-se que, de fato, ocorre variação sazonal nas raízes de P. glomerata, particularmente, no que diz respeito aos teoes de extrativos, cinzas e saponinas totais, sendo que essas variações indicam maior concentração de ativos nos períodos de inverno e primavera. Dentre os métodos de secagem testados, o emprego do sol parece favorecer os teores de saponinas e de extrativos, embora tal conclusão mereça ser melhor investigada.

The seasonal variation and the influence of drying (sun, shadow and hot-house greenhouse) were analysed in relation to the total saponin content and physicochemical characteristics. The seasonal evaluation detected significant differences in the parameters of extractable matter (larger in winter: 61.1 percent±1.9), total saponin content (larger in winter; 17.1±0.2 percent) and between total ash (larger in winter and spring; 6.5±0.4 and 6.5±1.0 percent, respectively) and acid-insoluble ash (larger in summer and autumn; 0.57±0.11 and 0.44±0.18 percent, respectively). In relation to the seasonal variation of total saponin content, the value of the sample collected in winter was larger than in other seasons, confirming the general rule that the largest content of substances in underground organs occurred in winter. In relation to the influence of drying methods, the sample dried at the sun presented a larger value of extractable matter (61.2±2.3 percent) than those dried on shadow and in hot-house greenhouse, contradicting the general rule that the sun radiation would degrade natural substances. The same profile was found in relation to the total saponin content, because the sample dried at the sun showed a larger value (15.4 percent) than those dried on shadow or in hot-house (14.4 and 11.6 percent, respectively). However, these conclusions have to be more investigated.

Avaliação dos efeitos das raízes de Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng) Pedersen sobre o tempo de sono e crescimento bacteriano

Foram realizados testes biológicos com extrato hidroalcoólico liofilizado das raízes de Pfaffia glomerata. O teste de tempo de sono em camundongos envolveu administração de 50 mg/kg de pentobarbital sódico (via i.p.). O extrato foi administrado em várias doses agudamente e após 10 e 30 dias de tratamento oral. No teste antibacteriano, pequena quantidade do extrato de P. glomerata foi misturado com o inóculo de Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillius subtilis e Pseudomonas aeruginosa diluídos 1:10 para a microdiluição em caldo. No teste de tempo de sono, no modelo agudo obteve-se efeitos depressores para as doses de 500 e 1000 mg/kg; nos animais tratados cronicamente, aos 10 dias de tratamento obteve-se efeito depressor com 50 mg/kg e efeito estimulante com 500mg/kg; aos 30 dias de tratamento outro efeito estimulante ocorreu com a dose de 1 mg/kg. No teste antibacteriano não se observou inibição de crescimento de nenhuma das amostras das bactérias na maior concentração de 1000μg/ml do extrato. Conclui-se que o extrato das raízes de P. glomerata não tem efeito antimicrobiano e parece promover alguma interferência sobre o sono de animais de modo bifásico de acordo com as doses e tempos de tratamento.

Was made biological tests with hidroalcoolic extract of Pfaffia glomerata roots. In sleeping time test in mice, the extract was administered in several doses acutely and after 10 and 30 days of oral treatment. In the antibacterial analysis, the effect of the extract was evaluated on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillius subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In the sleeping time, in the acute model it was obtained depressive effects for the doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg; in the chronically treated animals, to the 10 days of treatment it was obtained depressive effect with 50 mg/kg and stimulating effect with 500 mg/kg; to the 30 days of treatment other stimulating effect happened with the dose of 1 mg/kg. In the antibacterial test growth inhibition was not observed of none of the samples of the bacteria in the largest concentration of 1000μg/ml of the extract. It is ended that the extract of the roots of P. glomerata doesn't have antimicrobial effect and it seems to promote interference on the sleep of animals in a two-phase way in agreement with the doses and times of treatment.

Validação da metodologia de quantificação espectrofotométrica das saponinas de Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng) Pedersen - Amaranthaceae

Realizou-se validação analítica espectrofotométrica das saponinas totais das raízes de Pfaffia glomerata. Em testes iniciais utilizou-se saponina Merck em cinco concentrações (0,08-0,28 mg/ml) para obtenção da curva de calibração e verificação da linearidade, repetibilidade e reprodutibilidade. As raízes foram avaliadas em extratos hidroalcoólicos purificados com n-butanol. O reagente cromogênico escolhido foi Cloreto de Cobalto 0,2 por cento em pico experimental em 284nm. O tempo de leitura ideal foi de 10-20 minutos após o início da reação. O método mostrou linearidade para a faixa de concentrações utilizadas (R²= 0,9963). A precisão (coeficientes de variação) situou-se entre 7-12 por cento, indicando boa reprodutibilidade. O limite de quantificação situou-se em 0,08 mg/ml e o limite de detecção em 0,02 mg/ml. A exatidão do procedimento forneceu erro relativo de 6,3; 3,4; 3,5; 1,8 e 0,3 por cento para as concentrações utilizadas. Os dados da curva-padrão foram aplicados em várias amostras de raízes levando ao valor média de 13,5±2,0 por cento. Os dados obtidos permitem a quantificação espectrofotométrica das saponinas totais das raízes de P. glomerata.

Was made standardization for the spectrophotometric quantification method of Pfaffia glomerata roots saponins. The initial tests made use of Merck saponin, prepared in five different concentrations (0.08-0.28 mg/ml) for obtaining the calibration curve and linearity; the tests with the roots were carried out with hydroalcoholic extracts purified with n-butanol. The chromogenic reagent was Cobalt chloride in the concentration of 0.2 percent and the scanning of 200 through 400 nm of wavelength leaded to a maximum absorption peak in 284 nm. The method showed linearity for the concentrations range used (R²= 0.9963). The precision (variance coefficients) was between 7 and 12 percent and the quantification limit was 0.08 mg/ml, and the detection limit 0.02 mg/ml. The accuracy of the proposed procedure presented relative error of 6.3; 3.4; 3.5; 1.8 and 0.3 percent for the concentrations used. The data from the standard curve were applied in some roots samples, leading to the values of total saponins average 13,5±2,0 percent. The data obtained allow the spectrophotometric quantification of Merck saponin and the saponins from the P. glomerata roots.

Smoking policies in manufacturing and assembly workplaces, Wisconsin, 1999.

Although Wisconsin's clean indoor air law prohibits or restricts smoking in certain areas, it specifically exempts manufacturing and assembly workplaces from its provisions. We conducted a mail survey of 1500 randomly selected employers to determine the nature and extent of smoking policies in Wisconsin's blue-collar workforce. Of the 1042 (70%) respondents, 49% prohibit all smoking; 26% allow smoking only in designated areas; 18% allow smoking in all areas except designated non-smoking areas; and 7% allow smoking anywhere. Larger employers were more likely to have smoking policies. Of the 61% of respondents who indicated having a formal smoking policy, the reasons for having the policy were safety (40%), health (38%), or employee request (12%). For those employers without a smoking policy, the main reasons were that few employees smoke (37%), the decision is left to the employee's discretion (32%), or employees may object to having a policy (10%). About half of the employees in manufacturing and assembly workplaces continue to be exposed to environmental tobacco smoke.

[Evaluation for the training and behavior of dental treatment in our special patients center].

With a view to modifying the respective behaviors of patient, protector and operator so that a relationship of reliability can be established among them, we have adopted the training for dental treatment in the medical care system for handicapped children. We took this opportunity to classify the present handling methods at the practice of medical care into 4 groups (A, B-1, B-2, C) and to examine the training effect in each group and its features. [Method] On 145 patients having received treatment in the Dental Center for the Handicapped Children in our Hospital, number of patients by group, average age at the first examination, average training frequencies before and after treatment, average treating frequency, behavior in the training and relationship between each group and the disorder were examined for the card. [Results] 1) About 40% of the subjects for examination became capable of receiving treatment without any controlling appliance before the final treatment. 2) Average training frequency and average treating frequency had higher values of B-1 group than for other groups. 3) Behavioral estimation during the training revealed that A and B-1 groups showed better performance in mouth washing, brushing and cleaning by brushing than B-2 group, but the case was the contrary with oral use of three-way syringe and the vacuum. [Conclusion] Application of various behavior-modifying techniques to the training for dental treatment in children with psychosomatic disorder made its effect and features.

[Research for our special patients center. Relation to the developmental screening table and the first training check list of B-1, B-2 group].

We have adopted a behavior-modifying method in the medical care system for children with psychosomatic disorder, using the developmental screening table and the first training check list to make the method effective. Also in order to know the effect of training, patients were classified into 4 groups (A, B-1, B-2, C). We have recently made a comparative examination of both the developmental screening table and the first training check list between B-1 and B-2 groups out of these 4 groups. [Method] Subject for investigation are 32 patients belonging to B-1 and B-2 groups out of those patients who have received medical examination in the Dental Center for the Handicapped Children in our Hospital. Developmental ages and proportions permitting each behavior were determined from the table for the developmental screening table and the first training check list, respectively. On the basis of the about the developmental screening table and the first training check list, behaviors between at the consultation room and at home were compared for 2 items of greeting and gargling and the condition of applying these items was also examined. [Results] 1) The B-1 group had well-matched 5 items compared with the developmental age for the B-2 group and was easier in communication with the operator because of its high cognitive ability. 2) The B-2 group, whose speaking and sociality were low, was more difficult in communication with the operator in the practice of dental treatment, and was evident from the first training check list. 3) Lack of patient's adaptability and communication with the operator often represented patient's capability of greeting and gargling at home but not at the consultation room. 4) Some need for improvement occurred in non-answering the developmental screening table and non-entering some items of the first training check list.

[Relationship among child, protector and operator at the training-room. The peculiar character of external behavior].

We have studied the external behaviors of the child, protector and operator at the dental care room from the aspects of the child's characteristic features and operator's characteristic features and the protector's degrees of anxiety. The courses from that the child and protector had entered the training-room with the operator till the child began to brush his teeth in the room were divided into four steps, so their external behaviors were investigated at each step. The conclusions were: 1. When compared the protector who had entered the dental care room with the child and had not entered, the former's degrees of anxiety were higher than the latter. 2. The child who had entered the dental care room with the protector had more negative behaviors than the child had entered by himself. 3. The children classified as the 'dependent, standard and independent type' by the characteristic features had equal rates of that their protectors had entered the dental care room. And they had the degrees of negative behavior equally. The protector's degrees of prompt were most in the children classified as the independent type. 4. When the protector had not entered the dental care room, the operator's degrees of prompt during the transfer from the waiting room to the training-room were more than the other steps. 5. When the protector had entered the dental care room, on the operator classified as the standard type by the characteristic features the degrees of prompt during the transfer from the waiting room to the training-room and in the room were more than the other steps. On the other side the operator classified as the stable type had more prompt in the entrance.

[Comparison between children with missing anterior deciduous teeth and posterior deciduous teeth by analysis of speech sounds].

Growing human offsprings are creatures that communicate by language. If rapidly growing children lose their deciduous teeth very early in life, their language and pronunciation functions may be seriously affected. The authors conducted a series of tests to find how the voice changes when deciduous teeth are extracted. The results may be summarized as follows. 1. There was no significant difference in the formants of vowels on "a-gyo", the first line of the Japanese syllabary, but an appreciable difference was recognized between children (four to six years old) with missing anterior teeth and posterior teeth when there were consonants before and after these vowels. 2. In the formants of the vowels, there was a marked difference in the vowel "i" when children were fitted with no appliance. 3. The strength of voice components in each frequency range was compared between children with missing anterior teeth and posterior teeth. It differed widely in "o ka a sa n" (which means "Mother") and "a-gyo", when children were fitted with no appliance. These findings indicate that the pronunciation of "o ka a sa n" and "a-gyo" can be recovered to some extent if the children are provided with an appliance. However, a sound analysis indicates that their pronunciation ability of sounds on "ka-gyo", "sa-gyo" and "ta-gyo" (the second, third and fourth lines of the Japanese syllabary) can hardly be fully recovered.