bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Vertical Stratification of Air Temperature in the Center of Athens
Authors: Georgakis C. , Santamouris M. , Kaisarlis G.
Published: January 2010

The intraurban temperature variation in the center of Athens, Greece, was investigated in relation to urban geometry. This paper describes two main tasks: 1) Air temperature was recorded in the center of Athens and at the Meteorological Service Station at the University of Athens. Experimental data were collected through extensive monitoring at four different heights inside five different urban canyons in the center of Athens during the summer period. A measurement uncertainty analysis was carried out to estimate critical threshold values of air temperature below which differences were not significant. 2) The correlation between urban–suburban air temperature differences was assessed, using the geometrical characteristics of each urban street canyon. Urban–rural air temperature differences were considered to be not important if they were below the threshold value of 0.3°C. It was concluded that the major factor controlling urban–suburban air temperature differences was the geometry of the urban area. Other factors were the orientation of the observational sites, the current weather conditions, and the inversion of air masses adjacent to the ground level. An increase in the value of aspect ratios leads to a decrease in the difference between air inside the canyons and at the suburban station. The air temperature profile in an open-space area was the most important defining factor for the stratification of the urban–rural air temperature differences.
Hand-Handhold Coupling: Effect of Handle Shape, Orientation, and Friction on Breakaway Strength
Authors: Young Justin G. , Woolley Charles , Armstrong Thomas J. , Ashton-Miller James A.
Published: January 2010

Objective: The aim was to determine the maximum force that can be exerted on an object before it is pulled or slips from the grasp of the hand (“breakaway strength”) for fixed overhead handholds of varying orientation, shape, and friction. Background: Many studies have quantified hand strength by having participants squeeze, pull on, or create torque on an object or handle, but few studies have measured breakaway strength directly. Method: In two experiments, hand strength was measured as both overhead breakaway strength for handholds typical of fixed industrial ladders and as maximum isometric grip strength measured using a common Jamar grip dynamometer. Results: Breakaway strength was greatest for a fixed horizontal cylinder (“high friction”; 668 ± 40 N and 691 ± 132 N for Experiments 1 and 2, respectively), then for a horizontal cylinder that simulated low surface friction (“low friction”; 552 ± 104 N), then for a vertical cylinder (435 ± 27 N), and finally, for a vertical rectangular-shaped rail (337 ± 24 N). Participants are capable of supporting only their own body weight with one hand when grasping the fixed horizontal cylinder. Breakaway strength for both the high- and low-friction horizontal cylinders was significantly greater than isometric grip strength (1.58 ± 0.25 and 1.26 ± 0.19 times, respectively). Conclusion: Results support the hypothesis that hand-handhold coupling is composed of active (isometric or eccentric finger flexion) and passive (frictional) components. Traditional isometric grip strength alone does not predict the strength of a couple between a hand and a handhold well. Application: This research shows that handhold shape, orientation, and friction are important in the safe design of grab rails or ladders.
Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Tocilizumab in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Frey Nicolas , Grange Susan , Woodworth Thasia
Published: January 2010

Tocilizumab is a humanized anti‐interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) receptor monoclonal antibody that has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A population pharmacokinetic (PK) model was developed using nonlinear mixed effect modeling to describe the PK profile of tocilizumab and used to estimate interindividual variability and assess the influence of covariates on PK parameters. The model was constructed based on data collected from 1793 patients with moderate to severe RA who received tocilizumab (4 or 8 mg/kg), via intravenous infusion every 4 weeks, during 4 phase III clinical trials. Serum concentration‐time profiles of tocilizumab were adequately described by a 2‐compartment disposition model with parallel linear and nonlinear elimination kinetics. The 8‐mg/kg dose of tocilizumab, compared with the 4‐mg/kg dose, resulted in a more pronounced saturation of the nonlinear clearance pathway over the dosing interval, and this nonlinear clearance was representative of target‐mediated elimination due to tocilizumab binding to the IL‐6 receptor.
Evaluation of a New Immunoassay for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Tacrolimus in Adult Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Marubashi Shigeru , Nagano Hiroaki , Kobayashi Shogo , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Takeda Yutaka , Tanemura Masahiro , Umeshita Koji , Monden Morito , Doki Yuichiro , Mori Masaki
Published: January 2010

Therapeutic drug monitoring is necessary when using tacrolimus (FK) due to the associated side effects. The aim of this study was to compare the chemiluminescent assay (CMIA) system with the previously established Abbott IMx Tacrolimus II microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA) in liver transplant recipients and evaluate its accuracy. Between March and June 2008, all blood samples from the liver transplant recipients at the hospital were tested for FK trough level using 2 different methods, CMIA and MEIA. The posttransplant time, hematocrit, and other clinical parameters during the study period were recorded. FK trough level was analyzed in 398 samples from 57 liver transplant recipients by CMIA and MEIA. The correlation in FK level between the 2 methods was excellent (r2 = 0.941). However, the FK level was underestimated in MEIA by more than 23% in samples with an FK level of less than 3.5 ng/mL and by 6.8% in those with an FK level between 3.5 and 5 ng/mL. CMIA is superior to MEIA in measuring low FK level, allowing the FK level to be maintained at less than 5 ng/mL in selected liver transplant recipients. The effects of maintaining low levels of FK should be evaluated in liver transplant recipients.
Pink Rupees or Gay Icons?
Authors: Henniker Charlie
Published: January 2010

Discussions of contemporary films and publications now illustrate the problematic terminology of terms like ‘gay’ or ‘camp’ in India, coupled with increasing speculation and reference to homosexuality. This article analyses media representations of Hindi cinema stars and highlights the emergence of some male stars as icons for gay communities within India and in the diaspora. Analysis of the way Bollywood celebrities are represented in India’s press in-dicates that the media has been crucial for this emergence to occur. Focussing on Shah Rukh Khan, Bollywood’s most recognisable and influential star today, the article argues that while a cult of interpretation surrounds Bollywood icons, there is a definite trend of stars confronting and negotiating sexually ambiguous spaces, both on screen and off. Media ‘gossip’ and specific public responses thus serve a variety of commercial as well as socio-cultural and wider political purposes.
Implications for Treatment of Variations in Length of the First Metacarpal in Different Types of Triphalangeal Thumbs
Authors: Zuidam J. M. , Dees E. E. C. , Selles R. W. , Hovius S. E. R.
Published: January 2010

Abnormal function in the triphalangeal thumb is partly due to its extra length, which is due not only to the extra phalanx, but also to differences in the length of the first metacarpal. This study investigated whether the additional length of the first metacarpal is influenced by the growth plate location alone, or also by the type of triphalangeal thumb. Fifty-nine hands in 37 patients with triphalangeal thumbs were examined for thumb type (delta 31, trapezoid nine and full type 19), growth plate location and relative length of the first metacarpal. The first metacarpals in all three types of triphalangeal thumbs were significantly longer than in the normal population. The length of the first metacarpal was related to the site of the growth plate. The type of triphalangeal thumb did not affect the length. These findings suggest that a corrective procedure on the first metacarpal should be considered in all types of triphalangeal thumbs.
Copy number variation in the genomes of twelve natural isolates of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Maydan Jason S , Lorch Adam , Edgley Mark L , Flibotte Stephane , Moerman Donald G
Published: January 2010

Background

Copy number variation is an important component of genetic variation in higher eukaryotes. The extent of natural copy number variation inC. elegansis unknown outside of 2 highly divergent wild isolates and the canonical N2 Bristol strain.

Results

We have used array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) to detect copy number variation in the genomes of 12 natural isolates ofCaenorhabditis elegans. Deletions relative to the canonical N2 strain are more common in these isolates than duplications, and indels are enriched in multigene families on the autosome arms. Among the strains in our study, the Hawaiian and Madeiran strains (CB4856 and JU258) carry the largest number of deletions, followed by the Vancouver strain (KR314). Overall we detected 510 different deletions affecting 1136 genes, or over 5% of the genes in the canonical N2 genome. The indels we identified had a median length of 2.7 kb. Since many deletions are found in multiple isolates, deletion loci were used as markers to derive an unrooted tree to estimate genetic relatedness among the strains.

Conclusion

Copy number variation is extensive inC. elegans, affecting over 5% of the genes in the genome. The deletions we have detected in natural isolates ofC. eleganscontribute significantly to the number of deletion alleles available to researchers. The relationships between strains are complex and different regions of the genome possess different genealogies due to recombination throughout the natural history of the species, which may not be apparent in studies utilizing smaller numbers of genetic markers.
Association of HIV infection with distribution and viral load of HPV types in Kenya: a survey with 820 female sex workers
Authors: Luchters Stanley MF , Broeck Davy Vanden , Chersich Matthew F , Nel Annalene , Delva Wim , Mandaliya Kishor , Depuydt Christophe E , Claeys Patricia , Bogers John-Paul , Temmerman Marleen
Published: January 2010

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) and HIV are each responsible for a considerable burden of disease. Interactions between these infections pose substantial public health challenges, especially where HIV prevalence is high and HPV vaccine coverage low.

Methods

Between July 2005 and January 2006, a cross-sectional community-based survey in Mombasa, Kenya, enrolled female sex workers using snowball sampling. After interview and a gynaecological examination, blood and cervical cytology samples were taken. Quantitative real-time PCR detected HPV types and viral load measures. Prevalence of high-risk HPV was compared between HIV-infected and -uninfected women, and in women with abnormal cervical cytology, measured using conventional Pap smears.

Results

Median age of the 820 participants was 28 years (inter-quartile range [IQR] = 24-36 years). One third of women were HIV infected (283/803; 35.2%) and these women were y more likely to have abnormal cervical cytology than HIV-negative women (27%, 73/269, versus 8%, 42/503; P < 0.001). Of HIV-infected women, 73.3% had high-risk HPV (200/273) and 35.5% had HPV 16 and/or 18 (97/273). Corresponding figures for HIV-negative women were 45.5% (229/503) and 15.7% (79/503). After adjusting for age, number of children and condom use, high-risk HPV was 3.6 fold more common in HIV-infected women (95%CI = 2.6-5.1). Prevalence of all 15 of the high-risk HPV types measured was higher among HIV-infected women, between 1.4 and 5.5 fold. Median total HPV viral load was 881 copies/cell in HIV-infected women (IQR = 33-12,110 copies/cell) and 48 copies/cell in HIV-uninfected women (IQR = 6-756 copies/cell; P < 0.001). HPV 16 and/or HPV 18 were identified in 42.7% of LSIL (32/75) and 42.3% of HSIL (11/26) lesions (P= 0.98). High-risk HPV types other than 16 and 18 were common in LSIL (74.7%; 56/75) and HSIL (84.6%; 22/26); even higher among HIV-infected women.

Conclusions

HIV-infected sex workers had almost four-fold higher prevalence of high-risk HPV, raised viral load and more precancerous lesions. HPV 16 and HPV 18, preventable with current vaccines, were associated with cervical disease, though other high-risk types were commoner. HIV-infected sex workers likely contribute disproportionately to HPV transmission dynamics in the general population. Current efforts to prevent HIV and HPV are inadequate. New interventions are required and improved implementation of existing strategies.
Mapping reservoirs based on resistivity and induced polarization derived from continuous 3D magnetotelluric profiling: Case study from Qaidam basin, China
Authors: He Zhanxiang , Hu Zuzhi , Luo Weifeng , Wang Caifu
Published: January 2010

In Sanfu, Qaidam basin, China, traditional geophysical methods have failed to find subtle hydrocarbon reservoirs. In an attempt to predict and delineate gas reservoirs, we used a type of magnetotelluric (MT) profiling called 3D continuous electromagnetic profiling (CEMP). Electric logs indicate that gas-bearing formations have high resistivity relative to nongas-bearing formations. Obvious resistivity anomalies derived from MT sounding curves are interpreted to come from gas-bearing formations; we observed no such anomalous resistivity away from gas-bearing reservoirs. For CEMP, five electric components were recorded at each station; the inline electric components of all stations were measured using dipoles placed end to end. Becausethe survey area was quite wide, we divided it into three rectangular blocks for data processing and inversion. After noise removal and static corrections, the data from each block were inverted with a 3D nonlinear conjugate-gradient inversion method to obtain the spatial distribution of resistivity. Using this resistivity, we created a 2D model, which we inverted to determine the induced polarization (IP) parameters. We found that a high-resistivity anomaly and high IP anomaly are two key indicators when predicting and delineating the location of gas-bearing reservoirs. In our case study, a known gas-bearing formation had a high-resistivity anomaly and a high IP anomaly. We identified two similar anomalous regions outside the known gas-bearing formations. As a result, two new prospects were determined as targets worth drilling.
Stochastic joint inversion of 2D seismic and seismoelectric signals in linear poroelastic materials: A numerical investigation
Authors: Jardani Abderrahim , Revil André , Slob Evert , Söllner Walter
Published: January 2010

The interpretation of seismoelectrical signals is a difficult task because coseismic and seismoelectric converted signals are recorded simultaneously and the seismoelectric conversions are typically several orders of magnitude smaller than the coseismic electrical signals. The seismic and seismoelectric signals are modeled using a finite-element code with perfectly matched layer boundary conditions assuming a linear poroelastic body. We present a stochastic joint inversion of the seismic and seismoelectrical data based on the adaptive Metropolis algorithm, to obtain the posterior probability density functions of the material properties of each geologic unit. This includes the permeability, porosity, electrical conductivity, bulk modulus of the dry porous frame, bulk modulus of the fluid, bulk modulus of the solid phase, and shear modulus of the formations. A test of this approach is performed with a synthetic model comprising two horizontal layers and a reservoir partially saturated with oil, which is embedded in the second layer. The result of the joint inversion shows that we can invert the permeability of the reservoir and its mechanical properties.
Comprehensive approaches to 3D inversion of magnetic data affected by remanent magnetization
Authors: Li Yaoguo , Shearer Sarah E. , Haney Matthew M. , Dannemiller Neal
Published: January 2010

Three-dimensional (3D) inversion of magnetic data to recover a distribution of magnetic susceptibility has been successfully used for mineral exploration during the last decade. However, the unknown direction of magnetization has limited the use of this technique when significant remanence is present. We have developed a comprehensive methodology for solving this problem by examining two classes of approaches and have formulated a suite of methods of practical utility. The first class focuses on estimating total magnetization direction and then incorporating the resultant direction into an inversion algorithm that assumes a known direction. The second class focuses on direct inversion of the amplitude of the magnetic anomaly vector. Amplitude data depend weakly upon magnetization direction and are amenable to direct inversion for the magnitude of magnetization vector in 3D subsurface. Two sets of high-resolution aeromagnetic data acquired for diamond exploration in the Canadian Arctic are used to illustrate the methods’ usefulness.
Synthesis of a C3 Symmetric Host Molecule for C60 Bearing a Bicyclic Triarylphosphate Framework
Authors: Kobayashi Junji , Domoto Yuya , Kawashima Takayuki
Published: January 2010

A fluorescent host molecule bearing a bicyclic triarylphosphate framework was synthesized. Its inclusion behavior to C60 was revealed by fluorescent titration. Cocrystallization of the host and C60 resulted in the formation of an inclusion complex in the crystalline state.
Identification of a Discrete Peroxide Dianion, O22−, in a Two Sodium–(1,6-Anhydro-β-maltose)2–Peroxide Complex
Authors: Kato Takayuki , Fujimoto Takashi , Tsutsui Ayumi , Tashiro Mitsuru , Mitsutsuka Yoshihiro , Machinami Tomoya
Published: January 2010

A complex formed by two 1,6-anhydro-β-maltoses with peroxide and two sodium ions has been isolated and determined to be [Na2(1,6-anhydro-β-maltose)2(H2O)3]O2 by X-ray crystallography. The O2 moiety, 1.496(2) Å for the O–O distances in the complex was identified as a discrete peroxide dianion, whereas two sodium and two carbohydrate molecules constitute a binuclear complex counter cation.The complex containing the discrete peroxide dianion was proven to be a useful oxidizing agent, which successfully oxidized α,β-unsaturated ketone to epoxyketone.
The fate of activated information in impression formation: Fluency of concept activation moderates the emergence of assimilation versus contrast
Authors: Greifeneder Rainer , Bless Herbert
Published: January 2010

Prior research has shown that activated concepts may influence subsequent interpretation and judgmental processes via priming. Building on this evidence, we suggest that the fluency associated with concept activation may determine whether activated content elicits assimilation or contrast. In two experiments, concept activation in a typical priming experiment was rendered fluent or non‐fluent. Consistent with hypotheses, fluent concept activation led to assimilation, whereas non‐fluent concept activation led to contrast.
Mood volatility with rumination but neither attentional nor interpretation biases in chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Martin Maryanne , Alexeeva Iana
Published: January 2010

Objectives. This study tested whether (1) chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) individuals have a bias in the initial orientation of attention to illness‐related information, which is enhanced by rumination. (2) CFS individuals have an illness interpretation bias (IB) in their early automatic processing of ambiguous information. (3) CFS individuals experience a greater degree of mood fluctuation following rumination and distraction inductions.

Design. Thirty‐three CFS participants who had received a medical practitioner's diagnosis of CFS were compared to 33 healthy matched controls on an exogenous cueing task and a lexical decision task.

Method. All participants underwent either a rumination or distraction induction. They then completed an exogenous cueing task to assess bias to illness and social threat compared with neutral stimuli, as well as a lexical decision task to assess their interpretation of ambiguous words having illness, social threat, or neutral interpretations.

Results. Reaction time data revealed that CFS individuals did not have an attentional bias (AB) in the initial orientation of attention to illness‐related material. Nor was there an IB towards illness in CFS individual's automatic response to ambiguous information. However, as hypothesized, CFS individuals showed a greater degree of mood fluctuation following the rumination/distraction induction.

Conclusion. Rumination and distraction lead to greater mood volatility in CFS individuals than in controls, but not to attentional nor interpretation biases in the early automatic stages of information processing in CFS individuals.
Success through collaboration: a community-based model for pre-service teachers
Authors: Sang Anita Ng Heung
Published: January 2010

This study investigated benefits for pre-service teachers of participating in a community art education project called A Street in Hong Kong. The study was part of a collaborative project involving the Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd), schools and artists between 2007 and 2008.
The data for the study was collected by means of questionnaires, individual and focus group interviews and classroom observation. Feedback was also obtained from the school principals, artists, school art teachers and primary-school pupils. The study found that the pre-service teachers benefited
in several ways: they learned ceramic-making skills from the artists they could teach in primary schools and how to design art lessons through teamwork with peers and about classroom teaching from schoolteachers. They also learned how to find resources for community-based art lessons; and
to help them organize a group exhibition; and were pleased to receive financial support for the project.
Media art remix: a tool for social action
Authors: Song Young Imm Kang
Published: January 2010

This article refers a university course that integrates environmental arts with education and suggests that it serves as a model for educators at all levels using art-making as a tool for social action. Specifically, it describes a media art remix project in which artwork is inspired by an image that an individual responds to strongly, then revises and reflects on the transformation. The project could help any teacher incorporate art into the study of social issues aimed at raising levels of awareness, helping students to think critically, and encouraging responsible action. It utilizes digital tools and educational technology in order to attract broad audiences and extend the social action component. This article describes the steps involved in carrying out the project and suggests methods of raising public awareness and consciousness, such as posting artworks on class blogs and creating art exhibitions for the general public.
The Finite Heine Transformation and Conjugate Durfee Squares
Authors: Rowell Michael , Yee Ae Ja
Published: January 2010

We introduce the idea of a conjugate Durfee square and use it to answer a combinatorial question regarding a finite form of the Heine transformation posed by G. E. Andrews in a recent paper.
Factorization Results with Combinatorial Proofs
Authors: Corrádi Keresztély , Szabó Sándor
Published: January 2010

Two results on factorization of finite abelian groups are proved using combinatorial character free arguments. The first one is a weaker form of Rédei's theorem and presented only to motivate the method. The second one is an extension of Rédei's theorem for elementary 2-groups, which was originally proved by means of characters.
Longitudinal Assessment of Intellectual Achievement in Patients With Classical Galactosemia
Authors: Schadewaldt Peter , Hoffmann Björn , Hammen Hans-Werner , Kamp Gudrun , Schweitzer-Krantz Susanne , Wendel Udo
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVE:

To conduct a longitudinal assessment of long-term cognitive outcome in patients with classical galactosemia.

METHODS:

Inclusion criteria were (1) previous assessment of IQ dating back >10 years with tests being comparable with the recent German tests HAWIK-III and HAWIE-R, (2) absence of illnesses other than galactosemia, (3) absence of foreign language problems, (4) enzymatic-metabolic proof of classical galactosemia, (5) compliance with dietary therapy, and (6) written informed consent. Twenty-three patients who fulfilled these criteria were found. They underwent the first IQ test at a mean age of 11 ± 5 years and the second 13.6 to 15.5 years later at a mean age of 26 ± 5 years. Results were corrected for the obsolescence of test norms (Flynn effect).

RESULTS:

Mean total IQ scores on the first and second tests were 78 ± 14 and 73 ± 15, respectively, and not significantly different. IQ scores in the average range were observed for 7 patients on the first test and for 5 patients on the second test. For 17 patients, the intraindividual IQ scores remained essentially unchanged. Five patients showed a decrease and 1 an increase of the IQ score over time. No consistent pattern of change was found with respect to performance or verbal IQ subscores or in achievements in the individual subtest.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results confirm the presence of reduced cognitive ability in classical galactosemia and present evidence for an absence of substantial galactosemia-induced aggravation of this impairment with increasing age, at least in patients from 4 to 40 years of age. It remains to be clarified whether a reduction of cognitive function in galactosemia may be initiated by an in utero toxicity of endogenously formed galactose and which role such a process may play in the development of intellectual deficiencies that are later maintained throughout life.
Maternal Practices That Influence Hispanic Infants' Health and Cognitive Growth
Authors: Fuller Bruce , Bein Edward , Bridges Margaret , Halfon Neal , Jung Sunyoung , Rabe-Hesketh Sophia , Kuo Alice
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVES:

Infants born to immigrant mothers, including Hispanic mothers, display birth weight and mortality advantages, compared with other disadvantaged groups. We examined prenatal biological factors and maternal practices that account for this advantage. Then we estimated the extent to which healthy birth outcomes, along with maternal and family factors, contribute to the health and cognitive functioning of Hispanic infants.

METHODS:

A representative US sample of 8114 newborns, including 1450 newborns of Hispanic mothers, was drawn randomly in 2001. We compared the mean attributes of infants in subgroups that vary in maternal practices, family attributes, and acculturation levels. We accounted for variations in newborns' gestational age and size for gestational age and their health status and cognitive functioning at 9 months of age.

RESULTS:

Mexican-heritage and less-acculturated mothers were no more likely than white mothers to bear premature or small-for-gestational age infants, despite large social class disparities, which was explained in part by Hispanic women's low level of prenatal tobacco use. Parenting practices and lower class status of Hispanic mothers then began to slow infants' cognitive development, compared with white infants, because of weaker maternal education and cognitive facilitation during interaction tasks and larger family size.

CONCLUSIONS:

These findings extend earlier research, detailing healthy births among most immigrant Hispanic women. Robust birth outcomes contribute to the early health and cognitive growth of Hispanic infants, but risk factors linked to maternal and home practices overtake these early protective factors by late infancy. Robust births and early health indicators displayed by Hispanic infants should not distract pediatricians from attending to uneven cognitive growth.
Effectiveness of the Pentavalent Rotavirus Vaccine in Preventing Gastroenteritis in the United States
Authors: Wang Florence T. , Mast T. Christopher , Glass Roberta J. , Loughlin Jeanne , Seeger John D.
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVE:

In clinical trials, the pentavalent rotavirus vaccine (RV5) was efficacious in preventing severe rotavirus gastroenteritis (RGE) and related health care encounters. We assessed the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of RV5 among US infants during the first 2 rotavirus seasons after vaccine licensure.

METHODS:

Using a large, national, health insurance claim database, we monitored 2 cohorts of infants (infants who received 3 doses of RV5 and a concurrent group of infants who received 3 doses of diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine but did not receive RV5) through the 2007 and 2008 rotavirus seasons (January 1 to May 31), to identify cases of RGE and all-cause acute gastroenteritis (AGE) resulting in medical care encounters. We estimated the VE in reducing hospitalizations, emergency department (ED) and physician office visits, and health care resource utilization, as measured by days and costs of hospitalizations and ED visits.

RESULTS:

A total of 33 140 RV5-vaccinated infants and 26 167 infants in the concurrent diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine cohort were included in the analysis. The VE against RGE (hospitalization and ED) was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 87%–100%), whereas the VE against AGE was 59% (95% CI: 47%–68%). In the outpatient setting, the VE against RGE and AGE was 96% (95% CI: 76%–100%) and 28% (95% CI: 22%–33%), respectively. There was a complete (100%) reduction in RGE hospitalization and ED visit days and a 100% reduction in costs. RV5 was associated with a 66% decrease in AGE-related hospitalization and ED visit days and a 74% reduction in costs.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this first nationwide study evaluating VE under conditions of routine use, RV5 was highly effective in preventing RGE and AGE and in reducing health care resource utilization. Further research is needed to assess VE with an incomplete rotavirus vaccination regimen.
The geochemical features of the interfacial transition zone
Authors: Hussin A. , Poole C.
Published: January 2010

The interfacial transition zone (ITZ) is basically a multilayer contact zone on aggregate and is known as the weakest link, influencing both the mechanical properties and durability of concrete. The nature and mechanisms of establishment of the ITZ in concrete have been given great coverage by previous researchers. However, knowledge about the geochemical features of mineral genesis in the ITZ is still inadequate. The purpose of this paper is to document the consequences of aggregate variation on the geochemical features of the ITZ. Additionally, ITZ geochemistry is discussed as a function of the aggregate, including analytical evidence of microchemistry characterisation in the vicinity of the ITZ for normal-strength concrete. The analysis indicates that the granitic and limestone ITZs studied act as dynamic substances that facilitate ionic diffusion during the hydration process. Both types of ITZ show some degree of variation in Si4+ and Ca2+ distribution. The atomic ratio of specific elements in the hydration products also revealed a significant difference between the granitic and limestone ITZs.
Research on the preparation and properties of MgO expansive agent
Authors: Li F.X. , Chen Y.Z. , Long S.Z. , Wang B. , Li G.G.
Published: January 2010

A MgO expansive agent was prepared using different calcination methods. The effect of the calcination method on the hydration of the MgO expansive agent and its linear expansion was studied and the best method identified. The properties of concrete containing the MgO expansive agent that had been prepared by this method were investigated. The results showed that the MgO expansive agent delayed and reduced the expansion and could also compensate for the shrinkage. Delayed autoclave expansion was used to evaluate the soundness of the concrete on the basis of expansion rate or strength changes after autoclaving and was shown to be a better method with which to assess the soundness of concrete containing the MgO expansive agent. The overall pore structure distribution tended to be more homogeneous when the MgO expansive agent had been added.
ICE launches expanded health and safety competence register
Authors: Blackmore Tony
Published: January 2010

All civil engineers need to have competence in safety – and are increasingly required to prove it. ICE has thus re-launched its health and safety register to provide a much broader base. David Lambert of Kier explains.
Ngong Ping 360: Hong Kong’s state-of-the-art cable car
Authors: Tank Suresh , Batchelor John , Smith Calum
Published: January 2010

Cable cars are increasingly being seen as sustainable mass-transit solutions due to minimal emissions, short waits, low costs and rapid construction. One of the most recent examples is the 5·7 km long Ngong Ping 360 ropeway on Lantau Island in Hong Kong, the largest bi-cable circulating detachable cable car system in the world. Completed with the help of mules and helicopters in September 2006, it links Tung Chung new town next to Hong Kong International airport with the popular Ngong Ping tourist village, home of the Tian Tan Buddha. The system has the second highest transport capacity in the world, with 3500 passengers per hour each way.
Eurocodes: the new British standards for structural design
Authors: Wescott Andrew
Published: January 2010

The Eurocodes become Britain's new standards for structural design on 1 April 2010. Haig Gulvanessian, chairman of ICE's Eurocodes expert panel, encourages all civil and structural engineering designers to embrace them fully.
Shear mechanisms and viscoplastic effects during impulsive shearing
Authors: GRELLE G. , GUADAGNO F.M.
Published: January 2010

In clay formations, the co-seismic reactivation of pre-existing landslides involves dynamic shear actions on sliding surfaces characterised by attritive states. Impulsive shear motions were applied, after the attainment of the fully softened and residual conditions, by means of an appropriately modified ring-shear apparatus. The kinematics parameters that characterise shear motions are related to co-seismic displacements of rigid landslide bodies, as defined by Newmark's approach. The results of the tests, performed on clay samples with different index properties, highlight the influence of the initial spatial disposition of particles on the shear mechanisms. In addition, it seems that these mechanisms control both the inviscid and viscous components of the shear stress. For high shear rates, an increase of the viscous strength in the residual condition determines a greater viscoplastic strength than that in the fully softened condition. On this basis, different behaviours in seismically induced reactivation of landslides can be explained.
Is participatory water management effective? Evidence from Cambodia
Authors: Asthana Anand N.
Published: January 2010

Participatory management of water resources presents special problems because the interests of the farmers located at the head and the tail of a canal do not match and government machinery is usually the sole arbiter. This paper attempts to quantify the benefits of participation in irrigation systems in Cambodia through a survey of 50 irrigation projects in the country. We find that participation by stakeholders does improve project performance. We find that even in the absence of a coherent state bureaucracy, state-society synergy can exist and participation can lead to better project outcomes.
Regulation and comparative discretion of publicly and privately owned water companies in The Netherlands, England and Wales
Authors: Schouten Marco , van Dijk Meine Pieter
Published: January 2010

Any water company is subject to regulation, either through bylaws, national or supra-national regulations. In this contribution we assess how these regulatory regimes affect the discretion of privately owned companies in England and Wales and publicly owned water companies in the Netherlands. The issue is studied by comparing the discretion of such companies to pursue strategies of their choice. We look in particular at the constraints and the opportunities posed by the regulatory regime on the provider's discretion in dealing with clients, offering products/services, setting tariffs, organizing themselves and establishing relationships with external actors. Our research shows that the regulatory context invites water providers to differ in their strategies for markets, products and tariff setting. The regulatory context seems not to be a determinant for their strategies with respect to their internal and external organization. The findings of our research are particularly relevant for future research in comparing publicly and privately owned producers. Hence, in future comparative research between companies from different regulatory regimes, it is important to acknowledge the influence regulation may have on the actions and performance of companies, next to demographical and hydrological features.
Determinants of customer decisions to pay utility water bills promptly
Authors: Mugabi Josses , Kayaga Sam , Smout Ian , Njiru Cyrus
Published: January 2010

Cost recovery is a prerequisite for sustainable water service provision. For water utilities, one of the key determinants of overall cost recovery efficiency is the ability to recover payment, within a reasonable timeframe, for all the water bills sent to customers. This study used empirical data, obtained through a cross-sectional survey in eight small urban centres in Uganda, to establish the determinants of customer decisions to pay utility water bills promptly. Regression analysis on the data showed that customer attitude towards prompt payment, perceived ease or difficulty of paying on time (perceived control), as well as social pressure, strongly influence intentions to pay, which in turn directly affects actual prompt bill payment behaviour. The results also show that attitudes towards prompt payment are informed by perceptions of benefits and sacrifices associated with the behaviour, while social pressure is perceived to come from family members, neighbours and the utility itself. Perceived control was found to reflect both internal and external impediments to prompt bill payment, many of which relate to service issues that are within the control of water utility managers.
The impact of domestic water on household enterprises: evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Noel Stacey , Phuong Hoang Thi , Soussan John , Lovett Jon C.
Published: January 2010

A number of rural household-based productive activities, such as kitchen gardens, livestock rearing and micro enterprises, are dependent on adequate supplies of domestic water to operate. This paper examines whether improved access to piped water can facilitate these types of activities, particularly for poor households. Using data from rural Vietnam, we find that most household enterprises use non-metered water and have very small profit margins. Thus, the evidence suggests that these enterprises may be better supported by a household-level water supply infrastructure, such as well pumps and rainwater catchment tanks, rather than by piped systems in rural areas. We also found an unanticipated link between operating small-scale food production businesses and raising livestock: for many households, waste products from food-based micro enterprises were used for rearing pigs, and this enabled business owners to expand their pork production, a significant source of income and prosperity in rural Vietnam.
Real closed fields and models of Peano arithmetic
Authors: D'Aquino P. , Knight J. F. , Starchenko S.
Published: January 2010

Shepherdson [14] showed that for a discrete ordered ring I, I is a model of I Open iff I is an integer part of a real closed ordered field. In this paper, we consider integer parts satisfying PA. We show that if a real closed ordered field R has an integer part I that is a nonstandard model of PA (or even IΣ4), then R must be recursively saturated. In particular, the real closure of I, RC (I), is recursively saturated. We also show that if R is a countable recursively saturated real closed ordered field, then there is an integer part I such that R = RC(I) and I is a nonstandard model of PA.
Recovering the hyperdefinable group action in the group configuration theorem
Authors: Kim Byunghan
Published: January 2010

In this paper, we continue the construction done in [3], so that under model-4-CA or 4-CA, given a bounded quadrangleCinduced from a group configuration, we build a canonical hyperdefinable homogeneous space equivalent toC. WhenCis principal, we can choose the homogeneous space principal as well.
Finitely axiomatizable strongly minimal groups
Authors: Blossier Thomas , Bouscaren Elisabeth
Published: January 2010

We show that ifGis a strongly minimal finitely axiomatizable group, the division ring of quasi-endomorphisms ofGmust be an infinite finitely presented ring.
Limitwise monotonic functions, sets, and degrees on computable domains
Authors: Kach Asher M. , Turetsky Daniel
Published: January 2010

We extend the notion of limitwise monotonic functions to include arbitrary computable domains. We then study which sets and degrees aresupport increasing (support strictly increasing)limitwise monotonic on various computable domains. As applications, we provide a characterization of the setsSwith computableincreasing η-representationsusing support increasing limitwise monotonic sets on ℚ and note relationships between the class oforder-computablesets and the class of support increasing (support strictly increasing) limitwise monotonic sets on certain domains.
Tait's conservative extension theorem revisited
Authors: Akiyoshi Ryota
Published: January 2010

This paper aims to give a correct proof of Tait's conservative extension theorem. Tait's own proof is flawed in the sense that there are some invalid steps in his argument, and there is a counterexample to the main theorem from which the conservative extension theorem is supposed to follow. However, an analysis of Tait's basic idea suggests a correct proof of the conservative extension theorem and a corrected version of the main theorem.
A monotonicity theorem for dp-minimal densely ordered groups
Authors: Goodrick John
Published: January 2010

Dp-minimality is a common generalization of weak minimality and weak o-minimality. IfTis a weakly o-minimal theory then it is dp-minimal (Fact 2.2), but there are dp-minimal densely ordered groups that are not weakly o-minimal. We introduce the even more general notion of inp-minimality and prove that in an inp-minimal densely ordered group, every definable unary function is a union of finitely many continuous locally monotonic functions (Theorem 3.2).
Normal triangulations in o-minimal structures
Authors: Baro Elías
Published: January 2010

Let be an o-minimal structure over a real closed field R. Given a simplicial complex K and some definable subsets S1, …, Sl of its realization ∣K∣ in R we prove that there exist a subdivision K′ of K and a definable triangulation φ′: ∣K′∣ → ∣K∣ of ∣K∣ partitioning S1, …, Sl with φ′ definably homotopic to id∣K∣. As an application of this result we obtain the semialgebraic Hauptvermutung.
Groups of small Cantor rank
Authors: Poizat Bruno
Published: January 2010

Les groupes de rang de Morley fini satisfont des conditions extraordinairement favorables d'additivité et de définissabilité du rang, ainsi que des propriétés de généricité optimales, et pourtant leur étude pose des problèmes sérieux dès le rang trois, comme il a été montré dans un célèbre article de Gregory Cherlin [Cherlin, 1979]. Nous allons ici étendre les résultats de Cherlin au contexte plus acrobatique du rang de Cantor; il nous faudra remplacer les arguments reposant sur des propriétés générales du rang de Morley par des considérations ad hoc, qui ne fonctionnent que parce que les petits rangs ne laissent pas beaucoup de place, et les arguments de généricité, qui reposent en dernière analyse sur la symétrie de la déviation, par des propriétés de symétrie spécifiques aux ensembles auxquels ils sont appliqués. Nous invitons notre lecteur à considérer cet article, qui ne fait que démontrer péniblement des résultats d'intérêt anecdotique, comme une méditation sur la force cachée des axiomes introduits dans la préface de [Poizat, 1987].
Fields interpretable in superrosy groups with NIP (the non-solvable case)
Authors: Krupiński Krzysztof
Published: January 2010

LetGbe a group definable in a monster modelof a rosy theory satisfying NIP. Assume thatGhas hereditarily finitely satisfiable generics and 1 <Ub(G) < ∞. We prove that ifGacts definably on a definable set ofUр-rank 1, then, under some general assumption about this action, there is an infinite field interpretable in. We conclude that ifGis not solvable-by-finite and it acts faithfully and definably on a definable set ofUр-rank 1, then there is an infinite field interpretable in. As an immediate consequence, we get that ifGhas a definable subgroupHsuch thatUр(G) =Uр(H) + 1 andG/⋂g∈GHgis not solvable-by-finite, then an infinite field interpretable inalso exists.
Regeneration and In Vitro Flowering in Brassica Campestris (L.) Var. Bhavani
Authors: Verma Rinki , Singh RR
Published: January 2010

Multiple shoot formation and in vitro flowering was found in Brassica campestris (L.) var. Bhavani. Maximum numbers of shoots were produced in both cotyledonary node and shoot apex explants on MS-media supplemented with BA (2.5 mg/l) + IAA (1.0 mg/l) + Kn (0.5 mg/l). Maximum flowering (50%) was noted at IBA (1.5 mg/l) + IAA (1.0 mg/l) + Kn (0.5 mg/l) in the shoots from cotyledonary nodes. In vitro flowering may contribute in many ways to Brassica Improvement Programs. The shoots rooted well in the half and full strength media each with IBA (1.0 mg/l) and NAA (1.0 mg/l) and the plantlets have been maintained. Keywords: Brassica campestris, In vitro flowering, Regeneration.doi:10.3126/on.v5i1.793Our Nature (2007)5:21-24
Predatory Efficiency of Diplonychus annulatum (Fabr.) (Hemiptera:Belostomatidae) on Developmental Stages of a Major Carp Catla catla (Ham.)
Authors: Ramanand R. , Roy S.P.
Published: January 2010

The paper deals with the result of predatory efficiency of fed and starved (5, 7 and 9 days) groups of water bug Diplonychus annulatum (Fabr.) On spawn and fry stages of Catla catla (Ham.), a major carp of freshwater system in laboratory. The highest predation capacity (N/hr) on maximum spawn (25) densities were recorded as 8.40 ± 1.13, 7.80 ± 1.17, 6.10 ± 0.99, 5.60 ± 0.87 for fed and 5, 7 and 9 days starved predatory aquatic bug respectively. The predation was highest on maximum prey density (25) while it was minimized as the size of prey increased. It was also found that the rate of predatory efficiency was found more in natural feeding hour than the starved condition of this aquatic bug.Keywords: Predatory efficiency, Diplonychus annulatum (Fabr.), Spawn, Fry, Catla catla (Ham.)doi: 10.3126/on.v6i1.1649Our Nature (2008)6:15-18