Objetivo: Investigar a associação entre artéria umbilical única isolada e restrição do crescimento fetal. Métodos: Estudo caso controle com levantamento retrospectivo de gestações únicas com diagnóstico antenatal de artéria umbilical única isolada (AUUI), avaliadas entre 1998 e 2010. O grupo controle consistiu de gestações únicas acompanhadas prospectivamente e com confirmação anatomopatológica de três vasos no cordão umbilical. Os grupos foram comparados quanto à média do peso ao nascer, frequências de baixo peso ( < 2.500g), muito baixo peso ao nascer ( < 1.500g) e restrição do crescimento fetal abaixo dos percentis 5 e 10. Para as diferenças significativas foram calculadas as razões de riscos e respectivos intervalos de confiança. Análise por regressão logística foi utilizada para investigar a associação de restrição do crescimento fetal com as variáveis independentes significativas. Resultados: A diferença entre a média do peso ao nascer, entre as gestações com AUUI (n=131, 2.840+-701g) e o grupo controle (n=730, 2.983+-671g) foi de 143g (IC95%= 17-269; p=0,04). Peso ao nascer abaixo do percentil 5 foi significativamente mais comum nas gestações com AUUI (21,4% versus 13,6%, p= 0,02, LR= 1,57, IC95%: 1,07-2,25), particularmente, no subgrupo de gestações com antecedentes clínicos e/ou intercorrências obstétricas associadas (28,6% versus 14,1%, p= 0,02, LR= 2,22, IC95%: 1,12-4,25). Não foram observadas diferenças significativas em relação às frequências de peso ao nascer abaixo de 2.500g, abaixo de 1.500g e restrição abaixo do percentil 10. Análise por regressão logística revelou que peso ao nascer inferior ao percentil 5 se relacionou significativamente somente à presença de artéria umbilical única isolada. Conclusão: Gestações únicas com artéria umbilical única isolada apresentaram risco aumentado de 1,6 vezes de restrição do crescimento fetal abaixo do percentil 5. Quando associada a antecedente clínico materno e/ou intercorrência obstétrica o risco aumentou em 2,2 vezes / Objective: To examine the association between isolated single umbilical artery (ISUA) and fetal growth restricion. Methods: Case control study with retrospective review of 131 singleton pregnancies with isolated single umbilical artery diagnosed prenataly between 1998 and 2010. Control group consisted of 730 singleton pregnancies prospectively evaluated with histological confirmation of 3 vessels cord. Mean birthweight and frequency of low birthweight ( < 2,500g), very low birthweigh ( < 1,500g) and fetal growth restriction below the 5th and 10th centiles were compared between groups. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for significant differences. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between fetal growth restriction and significant independent variables. Results: The mean birthweight difference between ISUA (n=131, 2,840+-701g) and control (n=730, 2,983+-671g) pregnancies was 143g (95%CI= 17-269; p= 0.04). Birthweight below the 5th centile was more common in ISUA (21.4% versus 13.6%, p= 0.02, LR= 1.57, 95%CI: 1.07- 2.25); particularly in the subgroup of pregnancies with associated maternal disease or pregnancy complication (28.6% versus 14.1%, p= 0.02, LR= 2.22, 95%CI: 1.12-4.25). No significant differences were observed in low birthweight, very low birthweight or birthweight below the 10th centile. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that birthweight below the 5th centile was significantly associated with ISUA only. Conclusion: Isolated single umbilical artery is associated with 1.6 times increased risk of birthweight below the 5th centile. In pregnancies with associated maternal disease or pregnancy complication, this risk is increased 2.2 times

Numerical models are becoming fundamental tools to predict a range of complex problems faced by geotechnical and geo-environmental engineers. However, to render the model reliable for future predictions, the model input parameters must be determined with consideration of the scale effects. If there is a difference of scales between the observation and the model scales there are two possible ways to consider it: or models are constructed with elements of a size similar to that at which the data were measured, or some upscaling rules must be defined. In this context, this thesis focuses on upscaling of water flow and mass transport in a tropical soil by means of numerical, laboratory and field studies. This thesis is organized in four parts. First, the heterogeneity, correlation and cross-correlation between solute transport parameters (dispersivity, &alpha;, and partition coefficient, Kd) and soil properties are studied in detail. In this part, it is verified that the hydraulic conductivity (K) and solute transport parameters are highly heterogeneous, while soil properties are not. Spatial correlation of &alpha;, K, and statistically significant variables are studied, and it would probably improve the estimation only in a small-scale study, since the spatial correlation are only observed up to 2.5 m. This study is a first attempt to evaluate the spatial variation in the correlation coefficient of transport parameters of a reactive and a nonreactive solute, indicating the more relevant variables and the one that should be included in future studies. In the second part, scale effect on K, dispersivity and partition coefficient of potassium and chloride are studied experimentally by means of laboratory and field experiments. The purpose is to contribute to the discussion about scale effects on K, &alpha; and Kd and understanding how these parameters behave with the change in the scale of measurement. Results show that K values increases with scale, regardless of the method of measurement, except for the results obtained from double-ring infiltrometer tests. Dispersivity trends to increase exponentially with the sample height. Partition coefficient tends to increase with sample length, diameter and volume. These differences in the parameters according to the scale of measurement must be considered when these observations are later used as input to numerical models, otherwise the responses can be misrepresented. Third, stochastic analysis of three-dimensional hydraulic conductivity upscaling is performed using a simple average and the Laplacian-with-skin methods for a variety of block sizes based on real K measurements. In this part it is demonstrated the errors that can be introduced by using a deterministic upscaling using simple averages of the measured K without accounting for the spatial correlation. Results show that K heterogeneity can be incorporated in the daily practice of the geotechnical modeler. The aspects to consider when performing the upscaling are also discussed. Finally, the dependence of the exponent of the p-norm as a function of the block size is analyzed. In the last part, stochastic upscaling of hydrodynamic dispersion coefficient (D) and retardation factor (R) is performed using real data aiming to reduce the lack in experimental upscaling of reactive solute transport research. The enhanced macrodispersion coefficient approach is used to upscale the local scale hydrodynamic dispersion (D) and, as a novelty, the impact of heterogeneity of local dispersivity is also taken into account. To upscale retardation factor (R), a p-norm is used to compute an equivalent R. Uncertainty analyses are also performed and a good propagation of the uncertainties is achieved after upscaling. Simple upscaling methods can be incorporated to the modeling practice using commercial transport codes and properly reproduce de transport at coarse scale but may require corrections to reduce smoothing of the heterogeneity caused by the upscaling procedure. / Modelos numéricos estão se tornando ferramentas fundamentais para prever uma série de problemas complexos enfrentados por engenheiros geotécnicos e geoambientais. No entanto, para que o modelo seja confiável para previsões futuras, seus parâmetros de entrada devem ser determinados com a consideração do efeito da escala. Se há uma diferença de escalas entre a escala da observação e a escala do modelo, existem duas maneiras possíveis de considerá-la: ou constrói-se modelos com elementos de tamanhos semelhantes àqueles em que os dados foram medidos, ou definem-se algumas regras de mudança de escala. Neste contexto, esta tese enfoca a mudança de escala do fluxo de água e do transporte de massa em um solo tropical, por meio de estudos numéricos, laboratoriais e de campo. Esta tese é organizada em quatro partes. Em primeiro lugar, estudou-se em detalhe a heterogeneidade, a correlação e a correlação cruzada entre os parâmetros de transporte de soluto (dispersividade, &alpha;, e coeficiente de partição, Kd) e as propriedades do solo. Nesta parte, verificou-se que a condutividade hidráulica (K) e os parâmetros de transporte de soluto são altamente heterogêneos, enquanto as propriedades do solo não o são. A correlação espacial de &alpha;, K e das variáveis estatisticamente significativas foi estudada, e, provavelmente, melhoraria a estimativa apenas em um estudo em pequena escala, uma vez que a correlação espacial só foi observada até 2,5 m. Este estudo foi uma primeira tentativa de avaliar a variação espacial no coeficiente de correlação dos parâmetros de transporte de um soluto reativo e não-reativo, indicando as variáveis mais relevantes e as que devem ser incluídas em estudos futuros. Na segunda parte, o efeito de escala em K, na dispersividade e no coeficiente de partição de potássio e cloreto é estudado experimentalmente por meio de ensaios laboratoriais e de campo. O objetivo foi contribuir com a discussão sobre os efeitos de escala em K, &alpha; e Kd e entender como esses parâmetros se comportam com a mudança na escala da medição. Os resultados mostram que K aumenta com a escala, independentemente do método de medição. A dispersão tende a aumentar de maneira exponencial com a altura da amostra. O coeficiente de partição tende a aumentar tanto com o comprimento, quanto com o diâmetro e o volume da amostra. Essas diferenças nos parâmetros de acordo com a escala de medida devem ser consideradas quando essas observações são posteriormente usadas como entrada para modelos numéricos, caso contrário, as respostas podem ser mal representadas. Em terceiro lugar, uma análise estocástica tridimensional da mudança de escala da condutividade hidráulica foi realizada usando tanto média simples quanto o método Laplaciano-com-pele para vários tamanhos de blocos usando medidas K reais. Nesta parte, foram demonstrados os erros que podem ser introduzidos ao se usar métodos determinísticos de mudança de escala, usando médias simples das medições de K sem se considerar a correlação espacial. A aplicação das técnicas de mudança de escala mostra que a heterogeneidade de K pode ser incorporada na prática diária do modelador geotécnico. Os aspectos a serem considerados ao realizar a mudança de escala também foram discutidos. Finalmente, analisou-se a dependência do expoente da norma p em função do tamanho do bloco. Na última parte, uma aplicação de mudança de escala estocástica do coeficiente de dispersão hidrodinâmica (D) e do fator de retardo (R) foi realizada usando dados reais visando reduzir a falta pesquisas no tema de mudança de escala do transporte de soluto reativo. A mudança de escala do D foi feito usando o método de macrodispersão. O método da média simples baseado na norma p foi usado para executar a mudança de escala de R. A incerteza foi propagada satisfatoriamente. Métodos simples de mudança de escala podem ser incorporados à prática de modelagem usando programas comerciais, e reproduzir corretamente o transporte em escala grossa, mas podem exigir correções para reduzir o efeito suavizado da heterogeneidade causada pelo procedimento de mudança de escala.

Esta tese tem como objeto de estudo as relações iniciais entre Psicologia e Educação Especial, na área específica da deficiência mental. As primeiras escolas de Educação Especial na área de deficiência mental nasceram, no Brasil, no final do século XIX, anexas aos hospitais psiquiátricos, por iniciativa de médicos que atuavam nesses hospitais. No início do século XX, com as reformas educacionais vinculadas ao avanço da Psicologia como campo de conhecimento científico, as práticas em Educação e Educação Especial, no que tange à deficiência mental, passaram a ser embasadas nessa Psicologia nascente. Com uma abordagem funcionalista, as diferentes teorias psicológicas foram utilizadas para instrumentalizar os professores na prática pedagógica e esses conhecimentos assumiram a primazia do saber educacional especializado. Os testes psicológicos tornaram-se os instrumentos mais utilizados para o reconhecimento da deficiência. Impulsionada pelo movimento escolanovista e da higiene mental, a Psicologia desponta como área de conhecimento necessária à compreensão do educando e ao estabelecimento de critérios de normalidade-patologia-deficiência. O objetivo do presente trabalho é compreender como se deu a inserção da Psicologia como área de estudo e atuação profissional na educação da criança com deficiência mental no Brasil, nas décadas de 1900 a 1930. Para isso, o trabalho foi dividido em três etapas. Na primeira, busca-se construir alguns itinerários históricos de uma Psicologia na Educação Especial e para isso foi utilizada bibliografia específica da história da Educação Especial e da história da Psicologia no Brasil. Essa construção histórica revelou personagens que contribuíram decisivamente para as práticas psicológicas na área, como Helena Antipoff. Dessa forma, na segunda etapa do trabalho são apresentadas as ideias, percursos e propostas de Helena Antipoff na área da deficiência mental, bem como uma pesquisa de campo realizada no Instituto Pestalozzi de Belo Horizonte, instituição fundada pela própria Antipoff, em 1935, e que se revelou como síntese das ideias de uma Psicologia na Educação Especial vigentes no país. Esta pesquisa, de caráter documental, teve por fonte de dados os prontuários de dez crianças, alunos da Instituição durante a década de 1930 (1935-1939), período de sua fundação e quando a própria Antipoff era sua diretora. O procedimento para a coleta de dados foi construído no decorrer da pesquisa e a partir da entrevista com os psicólogos que trabalham atualmente na Instituição, os quais indicaram os documentos que estavam disponíveis sobre o período estudado. Além da análise geral desses prontuários, a pesquisa contém uma análise mais aprofundada de um único prontuário. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi o de compreender como se efetivou a prática psicológica na Educação Especial no período estudado. A terceira etapa apresenta uma análise histórico-crítica do que foram os primeiros passos da Psicologia na Educação Especial. A história revelou que as principais práticas da Psicologia com crianças consideradas deficientes mentais se basearam na psicometria e na psicomotricidade. A psicometria teve a função de reconhecer as crianças com deficiência mental no universo escolar e, por isso, a Educação Especial confundiu-se com políticas para a redução do fracasso escolar, do qual a escola pública era vítima. A psicomotricidade foi amplamente utilizada para o tratamento da criança anormal, uma vez que se considerava que a maturidade física e mental precedia a aprendizagem e o desenvolvimento intelectual. Sendo assim, a Psicologia acabou reproduzindo a ideologia liberal que sustentava o pensamento educacional brasileiro, constituindo práticas que atualmente consideramos como segregadoras e que atingiram amplamente as crianças das classes populares, as quais foram encaminhadas para o atendimento educacional especializado / This thesis aims to study the initial relations between psychology and special education in the specific area of mental retardation. The first special education schools in the area of mental retardation in Brazil began at the end of the 19th century, annexed to psychiatric hospitals as an initiative of doctors who worked in these hospitals. In the beginning of the 20th century, the educational reforms associated with the advance of psychology as a field of scientific knowledge, practices in education and special education, concerning mental retardation, became based on the emergent psychology. With a functionalist approach, different psychological approaches were used to instrumentalize the teachers in the pedagogic practice and this knowledge occupied the primacy of specialized educational knowledge. Psychological tests became the most utilized instruments for identification of retardation. Driven by the escolanovista and mental hygiene movements, psychology appears as an essential area of knowledge in order to comprehend the student and to establish normality-pathology-retardation criteria. The objective of this work is to understand how psychology became included as a study and professional area in educating children with mental retardation in Brazil between 1900 and 1930. Thus, the work was divided into three steps. The first step aims to construct some historical itineraries of psychology in special education and uses specific bibliographical material on the history of special education and psychology in Brazil. This historical construction revealed individuals who decisively contributed to psychological practice in this area, such as Helena Antipoff. In this way, in the second step, Helena Antipoff\'s ideas, trajectories and proposals in the area of mental retardation, as well as a field research conducted at the Pestalozzi Institute in Belo Horizonte, an institution founded by Antipoff in 1935, and which proved to be a synthesis of ideas of inclusion of psychology in special education in the country. This research was documental and the data source were the medical files of ten children who were students at the institute in the 1930s (1935-1940), its foundation period and when Antipoff herself was the director. The data gathering procedure was developed throughout the research and from the interviews with psychologists who currently work at the institute, and who indicated available documents about the studied period. Apart from the general analysis of these medical files, the research contains a more in-depth analysis of a single file. The objective of this research was to understand how psychological practice established itself in special education during the studied period. Finally, the work presents a historical-critical analysis of the initial stages of psychology in special education. History revealed that the main psychological practices with children considered to be mentally retarded were based on psychometry and psychomotricity. Psychometry had the role of identifying children with mental retardation in the school environment, thus special education was confused for policies to reduce failures in the school, and public schools were victims. Psychomotricity was widely used to treat abnormal children since physical and mental maturity was believed to precede learning and intellectual development. Therefore, psychology ended up reproducing a liberal ideology that supported the Brazilian educational vision, leading to practices that we currently consider to be segregationist and which caught up with children of the popular classes, who were referred for specialized education

Notre but de comprendre les mécanismes constitutifs de la déficience intellectuelle et de la dyspraxie verbale, deux pathologies qui affectent les performances aux tests psychométriques. Nous avons sélectionné plusieurs processus pouvant contribuer à l’explication de ces troubles : la vitesse de traitement de l’information et la mémoire travail pour la déficience intellectuelle ; et l’apprentissage procédural pour la dyspraxie verbale. Dans une première étude, nous avons montré que dans la population « tout venant » d’enfants non déficients, la vitesse de traitement augmente avec l’âge. Notre seconde expérience a montré que des patients déficients intellectuels avaient la même vitesse de traitement que des enfants plus jeunes appariés sur l’âge mental. Par ailleurs, nous avons montré que ce ralentissement est similaire dans le syndrome de l’X-Fragile et dans la Trisomie 21. Inversement, la vitesse de traitement des enfants dyspraxiques verbaux est préservée. Ces résultats viennent discuter les deux modèles théoriques de l’intelligence que nous avons choisis comme référence, le modèle en cascade de Fry & Hale (1996) et le modèle d’Anderson (1992). Dans le second volet de nos recherches, nous avons mis en évidence un apprentissage procédural implicite comparable dans deux groupes d’enfants d’âges chronologiques différents malgré des temps de réaction plus importants chez les plus jeunes. La seconde étude montre une préservation de l’apprentissage procédural implicite dans le syndrome de l’X-Fragile et une altération spécifique dans la Trisomie 21. Cela démontre que ce processus est indépendant du QI et varie selon les syndromes. Notre dernière étude montre un trouble important de l’apprentissage procédural implicite dans la dyspraxie verbale, confortant notre hypothèse de départ. L’ensemble de ces résultats est discuté au regard des travaux antérieurs et des modèles théoriques afin de proposer des ouvertures tant théoriques que cliniques. / Our aim is to understand previous process in mental retardation and childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). There are both neurodevelopmental disorders which affect psychometric assessment. We have selected several processes which could explain these disorders such has speed of information processing, working memory for mental retardation and implicit procedural learning for childhood apraxia of speech. In our first study, we have demonstrated within two groups of typical children without disorders that speed of processing increased with chronological age. In the second study, our results have demonstrated the same speed of processing between a group with mental retardation and with mental age matched control group. Moreover, Down and Fragile X syndrome have the same speed of information processing. On the contrary, in our third study, children with CAS and chronological age matched control group have the same speed as process visual information. All results are important to discuss both theories of intelligence we have chosen: the cascade model (Fry and Hall, 1990) and the minimal cognitive architecture (Anderson, 1992). In the second experimental part, our first results have shown a different reaction time between the two groups of young children but both have learned the sequence in a serial reaction time task (implicit procedural learning test). The second study have demonstrated preserved implicit learning in Fragile X but altered learning in Down syndrome. The difference between to these two genetics syndromes is a proof of implicit sequence learning is independent of IQ. The latest results have shown severe implicit procedural learning impairment in CAS. We conclude that this is the cause of CAS.Our discussion is about all results and links between intelligence and disorders with regard to previous studies. Those results aim for both theorical and clinical openings.

<p>The purpose of this paper is to investigate on what basis a child is committed into care according to the law and to see on which grounds the decision about committed child care in law practice are taken when a child is committed to care due to parents who are mentally retarded. To better understand the juridical grounds for these decisions I will also in a short background describe the meaning of the term mentally retarded, how mental retardation and parenthood has changed over time and how different opinions are expressed in the law. Both people with mental retardation and children have in recent years gained their rights and sometimes these rights end up in conflict with one another. In those cases, what is in the best interest of the child, should be decisive. The children who have mentally retarded parents are at risk to not have their physical, psychological, emotional, social and intellectual needs met and are therefore being unfavourable developed. LVU gives possibilities for the right to intervene in the relation between child and parent through committing the child into care against the parent’s will. This law is supposed to be used in those cased when the child is being exposed to bad conditions which implies an obvious risk for the health and development of the child and when care cannot be given voluntarily. In my study it is discovered that the Supreme Court has decided cases where children with parents who are mentally retarded or have similar problems has been committed into care. The retardation in itself is not reason enough for the child to be committed into care, it is the consequences which are determining. The Supreme Court approved the Social service request concerning committing care in three of the eleven cases I have studied and they stated lack in material, social and intellectual areas, and also the immatureness of the parents and the inability to put the child’s need first. In the other cases I have studied the Supreme Court declined the requests from the Social service and motive it different in each case. They referred to the lack of necessary qualifications, that siblings has managed well, that supporting measures in the home should be sufficient etc. In my study I can clearly see that the demand for evidence about lack in care is increased by every instance. My study also show that the Supreme Court to a relatively great extent tend to decide against the Social service, experts and the opinion of public counsels. My opinion is that the perspective of the child is at risk of being put aside if the court lower their demands on good parenthood for parents with mental retardation.</p>

<p>The studies were undertaken to evaluate risk factors and outcomes in small-for-gestational-age (SGA) births, in cohort studies using the population-based Swedish Birth, Twin and Education Registers. A cohort study of pregnant women from Uppsala County evaluated the effect on birthweight by caffeine.</p><p> Maternal anthropometrics influence risks of SGA at all gestational ages. Smoking increases risks of moderately preterm and term SGA, while hypertensive disorders foremost increase the risk of preterm SGA. Monozygotic twin mothers have higher concordance rates in offspring birthweight-for-gestational length than dizygotic twin mothers, indicating genetic effects on fetal growth. Caffeine is not associated with a reduction in birthweight or birthweight-for-gestational age.</p><p> The increased risk of stillbirth in postterm pregnancies is explained by increased rates of SGA in postterm pregnancies. Births with malformations account for a large part of the SGA-related increased risk of infant death. SGA, as defined by an individualised birth-weight standard, is a better predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes than the commonly used population-based birthweight standard. </p><p> Risk factors for SGA, as well as the prognosis for the SGA infant, vary with gestational age. However, the commonly used definition of SGA is probably a poor predictor of intrauterine growth retardation.</p>

The studies were undertaken to evaluate risk factors and outcomes in small-for-gestational-age (SGA) births, in cohort studies using the population-based Swedish Birth, Twin and Education Registers. A cohort study of pregnant women from Uppsala County evaluated the effect on birthweight by caffeine. Maternal anthropometrics influence risks of SGA at all gestational ages. Smoking increases risks of moderately preterm and term SGA, while hypertensive disorders foremost increase the risk of preterm SGA. Monozygotic twin mothers have higher concordance rates in offspring birthweight-for-gestational length than dizygotic twin mothers, indicating genetic effects on fetal growth. Caffeine is not associated with a reduction in birthweight or birthweight-for-gestational age. The increased risk of stillbirth in postterm pregnancies is explained by increased rates of SGA in postterm pregnancies. Births with malformations account for a large part of the SGA-related increased risk of infant death. SGA, as defined by an individualised birth-weight standard, is a better predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes than the commonly used population-based birthweight standard. Risk factors for SGA, as well as the prognosis for the SGA infant, vary with gestational age. However, the commonly used definition of SGA is probably a poor predictor of intrauterine growth retardation.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate on what basis a child is committed into care according to the law and to see on which grounds the decision about committed child care in law practice are taken when a child is committed to care due to parents who are mentally retarded. To better understand the juridical grounds for these decisions I will also in a short background describe the meaning of the term mentally retarded, how mental retardation and parenthood has changed over time and how different opinions are expressed in the law. Both people with mental retardation and children have in recent years gained their rights and sometimes these rights end up in conflict with one another. In those cases, what is in the best interest of the child, should be decisive. The children who have mentally retarded parents are at risk to not have their physical, psychological, emotional, social and intellectual needs met and are therefore being unfavourable developed. LVU gives possibilities for the right to intervene in the relation between child and parent through committing the child into care against the parent’s will. This law is supposed to be used in those cased when the child is being exposed to bad conditions which implies an obvious risk for the health and development of the child and when care cannot be given voluntarily. In my study it is discovered that the Supreme Court has decided cases where children with parents who are mentally retarded or have similar problems has been committed into care. The retardation in itself is not reason enough for the child to be committed into care, it is the consequences which are determining. The Supreme Court approved the Social service request concerning committing care in three of the eleven cases I have studied and they stated lack in material, social and intellectual areas, and also the immatureness of the parents and the inability to put the child’s need first. In the other cases I have studied the Supreme Court declined the requests from the Social service and motive it different in each case. They referred to the lack of necessary qualifications, that siblings has managed well, that supporting measures in the home should be sufficient etc. In my study I can clearly see that the demand for evidence about lack in care is increased by every instance. My study also show that the Supreme Court to a relatively great extent tend to decide against the Social service, experts and the opinion of public counsels. My opinion is that the perspective of the child is at risk of being put aside if the court lower their demands on good parenthood for parents with mental retardation.

A case-control study was performed to evaluate the Swedish population-based symphysis fundus (SF) reference curves. The study included 242 small for gestational age (SGA) neonates (169 term and 73 preterm infants) as cases and 296 non-SGA infants as controls. Two Swedish SF curves were evaluated. In term pregnancies they showed a sensitivity of 32 % and 51 % and a specificity of 90 % and 83 %, respectively, at a cut-off level of &lt; - 2 SD from the mean according to the SF reference curve. The sensitivity for SGA was higher in preterm pregnancies (49 % and 58 %, respectively) and the first alarm below – 2 SD was noted before 32 weeks in 37 % and 43 % of the preterm pregnancies, respectively. (Study I) A study of self-administered SF measurements was designed to achieve more regular and frequent SF measurements. Thirty-three women with singleton, ultrasound dated pregnancies performed SF measurements on average 14 weeks from gestational week 20 to 25 until delivery. Self-administered SF measurements were higher and had higher variance than midwives’ measurements. Four consecutive SF measurements on each occasion can compensate for higher variance. Reliable self-administered SF measurements can be obtained. (Study II) Self-administered SF measurements from 191 women were used to construct absolute and relative SF growth references. The influence of fetal sex, maternal obesity and parity was assessed in regression models. The lnSF growth was statistically influenced by maternal obesity, and a borderline significance was recorded for fetal sex and parity. Statistical analysis and graphical displays show no evidence that the relative lnSF growth should be dependent on these variables. (Study III) To improve detection of infants with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) rather than SGA a new statistical model (the SR method) was used. The SR method was evaluated with SF measurements from 1122 pregnant women. The sensitivity for neonatal morbidity and SGA was low, between 6 and 36 % for SGA (&lt; -2SD). Neonates classified as SGA (&lt; -2SD and &lt; 10th percentile) had increased morbidity compared with the total study group. Neonates suspected to be SGA before delivery by the population-based SF measurement method had lower morbidity than those not suspected. The SR method was found not to improve detection of fetuses with increased morbidity or SGA neonates in this study. Better screening methods to detect IUGR and SGA prior to delivery are needed. (Study IV)

A study was done to determine the temperature and load interaction effects on the fatigue crack growth rate of polycrystalline superalloy IN100. Temperature interaction testing was performed by cycling between 316°C and 649°C in blocks of 1, 10 and 100 cycles. Load interaction testing in the form of single overloads was performed at 316°C and 649°C. After compiling a database of constant temperature, constant amplitude FCGR data for IN100, fatigue crack growth predictions assuming no load or temperature interactions were made. Experimental fatigue crack propagation data was then compared and contrasted with these predictions. Through the aid of scanning electron microscopy the fracture mechanisms observed during interaction testing were compared with the mechanisms present during constant temperature, constant amplitude testing. One block alternating temperature interaction testing grew significantly faster than the non-interaction prediction, while ten block alternating temperature interaction testing also grew faster but not to the same extent. One hundred block alternating testing grew slower than non-interaction predictions. It was found that as the number of alternating temperature cycles increased, changes in the gamma prime morphology (and hence deformation mode) caused changes in the environmental interactions thus demonstrating the sensitivity of the environmental interaction on the details of the deformation mode. SEM fractography was used to show that at low alternating cycles, 316°C crack growth was accelerated due to crack tip embrittlement caused by 649°C cycling. At higher alternating cycles the 316°C cycling quickly grew through the embrittled crack tip but then grew slower than expected due to the possible formation of Kear-Wilsdorf locks at 649°C. Overload interaction testing led to full crack retardation at 2.0x overloads for both 316°C and 649°C testing. 1.6x overloading at both temperatures led to retarded crack growth whereas 1.3x overloads at 649°C created accelerated crack growth and at 316°C the crack growth was retarded.