bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strongly and co-strongly minimal abelian structures
Authors: Hrushovski Ehud , Loveys James
Published: March 2010

We give several characterizations of weakly minimal abelian structures. In two special cases, dual in a sense to be made explicit below, we give precise structure theorems:

1. when the only finite 0-definable subgroup is {0}, or equivalently 0 is the only algebraic element (the co-strongly minimal case);

2. when the theory of the structure is strongly minimal.

In the first case, we identify the abelian structure as a “near-subspace” A of a vector space V over a division ring D with its induced structure, with possibly some collection of distinguished subgroups of A of finite index in A and (up to acl(∅)) no further structure. In the second, the structure is that of V/A for a vector space and near-subspace as above, with the only further possible structure some collection of distinguished points. Here a near-subspace of V is a subgroup A such that for any nonzero d ∈ D. the index of A ∩ dA, in A is finite. We also show that any weakly minimal abelian structure is a reduct of a weakly minimal module.
The Bernays-Schönfinkel-Ramsey class for set theory: semidecidability
Authors: Omodeo Eugenio , Policriti Alberto
Published: March 2010

As is well-known, the Bernays-Schönfinkel-Ramsey class of all prenex ∃*∀*-sentences which are valid in classical first-order logic is decidable. This paper paves the way to an analogous result which the authors deem to hold when the only available predicate symbols are ∈ and =, no constants or function symbols are present, and one moves inside a (rather generic) Set Theory whose axioms yield the well-foundedness of membership and the existence of infinite sets. Here semi-decidability of the satisfiability problem for the BSR class is proved by following a purely semantic approach, the remaining part of the decidability result being postponed to a forthcoming paper.
Schlanke Körper (Slim fields)
Authors: Junker Markus , Koenigsmann Jochen
Published: March 2010

We examine fields in which model theoretic algebraic closure coincides with relative field theoretic algebraic closure. These are perfect fields with nice model theoretic behaviour. For example they are exactly the fields in which algebraic independence is an abstract independence relation in the sense of Kim and Pillay. Classes of examples are perfect PAC fields, model complete large fields and henselian valued fields of characteristic 0.
Schnorr trivial sets and truth-table reducibility
Authors: Franklin Johanna N. Y. , Stephan Frank
Published: March 2010

We give several characterizations of Schnorr trivial sets, including a new lowness notion for Schnorr triviality based on truth-table reducibility. These characterizations allow us to see not only that some natural classes of sets, including maximal sets, are composed entirely of Schnorr trivials, but also that the Schnorr trivial sets form an ideal in the truth-table degrees but not the weak truth-table degrees. This answers a question of Downey. Griffiths and LaForte.
On quasiminimal excellent classes
Authors: Kirby Jonathan
Published: March 2010

A careful exposition of Zilber's quasiminimal excellent classes and their categoricity is given, leading to two new results: the Lω1ω(Q)-definability assumption may be dropped, and each class is determined by its model of dimension ℵ0.
Effectivity and effective continuity of multifunctions
Authors: Spreen Dieter
Published: March 2010

If one wants to compute with infinite objects like real numbers or data streams, continuity is a necessary requirement: better and better (finite) approximations of the input are transformed into better and better (finite) approximations of the output. In case the objects are constructively generated, they can be represented by a finite description of the generating procedure. By effectively transforming such descriptions for the generation of the input (respectively, their codes) into (the code of) a description for the generation of the output another type of computable operation is obtained. Such operations are also called effective. The relationship of both classes of operations has always been a question of great interest.

In this paper the setting is extended to the case of multifunctions. Various ways of coding (indexing) sets are discussed and their relationship is investigated. Moreover, effective versions of several continuity notions for multifunctions are introduced. For each of these notions an indexing system for sets is exhibited so that the multifunctions that are effective with respect to this indexing system are exactly the multifunction which are effectively continuous with respect to the continuity notion under consideration. Mostly, in addition to being effective the multifunctions need also possess certain witnessing functions. Important special cases are discussed where such witnessing functions always exist.
Pair-splitting, pair-reaping and cardinal invariants ofFσ-ideals
Authors: Hrušák Michael , Meza-Alcántara David , Minami Hiroaki
Published: March 2010

We investigate the pair-splitting numberwhich is a variation of splitting number, pair-reaping numberwhich is a variation of reaping number and cardinal invariants of ideals on ω. We also study cardinal invariants ofFσ ideals and their upper bounds and lower bounds. As an application, we answer a question of S. Solecki by showing that the ideal of finitely chromatic graphs is not locally Katětov-minimal among ideals not satisfying Fatou's lemma.
Espaces vectoriels C-minimaux
Authors: Maalouf Fares
Published: March 2010

Dans [2], Salma et Franz Viktor Kuhlmann définissent plu-sieurs notions d'espace vectoriel valué et démontrent un principe d'Ax-Kochen pour celles de ces structures dans lesquelles la multiplication par un scalaire du corps préserve la valuation. Nous travaillons ici avec des conditions plus faibles. On va définir en premier lieu la notion d'espace vectoriel valué sur un corps K, et associer canoniquement à un tel espace une valuation sur K, notée w, compatible en un sens à préciser avec celle de l'espace vectoriel. Ceci va nous permettre de parler de (K, w)-espaces vectoriels valués pour tout corps valué (K, w) (definition 24). Le cas où (K, w) est trivialement valué correspond exactement à la condition de [2] de préservation de la valuation par la multiplication par un scalaire. On fixe un corps K. Les espaces vectoriels valués sur le corps K vont être traités comme des structures à deux sortes: la sorte de l'espace vectoriel et celle de l'espace des valuations. Le langage LE de la sorte de l'espace vectoriel contient le symbole de la somme, celui de l'élément neutre, et un symbole de fonction unaire pour chaque scalaire de K. Le langage LV de l'espace des valuations contient une relation d'ordre total, un symbole de fonction unaire pour la multiplication par chaque scalaire de K, et pour tout n ∈ ℕ*, un symbole de prédicat Rn contrôlant la cardinalité résiduelle. LV contient aussi un symbole de fonction unaire s qui sera la fonction successeur quand elle est définie et l'identité sinon.
The bounded functional interpretation of the double negation shift
Authors: Patrícia Engrácia , Ferreira Fernando
Published: March 2010

We prove that the (non-intuitionistic) law of the double negation shift has a bounded functional interpretation with bar recursive functional of finite type. As an application, we show that full numerical comprehension is compatible with the uniformities introduced by the characteristic principles of the bounded functional interpretation for the classical case.
A form of feasible interpolation for constant depth Frege systems
Authors: Krajíček Jan
Published: March 2010

Let L be a first-order language and Φ and Ψ two L-sentences that cannot be satisfied simultaneously in any finite L-structure. Then obviously the following principle ChainL,Φ,Ψ(n, m) holds: For any chain of finite L-structures C1, …, Cm with the universe [n] one of the following conditions must fail:

For each fixed L and parameters n, m the principle ChainL,Φ,Ψ(n,m) can be encoded into a propositional DNF formula of size polynomial in n, m.

For any language L containing only constants and unary predicates we show that there is a constant CL such that the following holds: If a constant depth Frege system in DeMorgan language proves ChainL,Φ,Ψ(n, cL . n) by a size s proof then the class of finite L-structures with universe [n] satisfying Φ can be separated from the class of those L-structures on [n] satisfying ψ by a depth 3 formula of size 2log(S)O(1) and with bottom fan-in log(S)O(1).
Methods for the Study of Employment Relations and Health Inequalities in a Global Context
Authors: Benach Joan , Castedo Antía , Solar Orielle , Martínez José Miguel , Vergara Montserrat , Amable Marcelo , Buxó Maria , Demiral Yucel , Muntaner Carles
Published: March 2010

The authors describe the major methods and sources of information used in the EMCONET study for researching global, employment-related health inequalities. A systematic review of the literature provides valuable knowledge for research in this area. However, the limited number of studies, the poor quality of methods used, and a lack of theories or concepts have produced inconsistent results. To minimize bias from these limitations and to reach a comprehensive understanding of the complexity and health effects of global employment conditions, this article outlines key strategies for a synthetic, comprehensive, participatory approach: adapting transdisciplinary knowledge acquisition, building a theoretical model, employing multiple sources for data collection, and using a variety of methods (qualitative/quantitative studies and narrative knowledge). This approach provides solutions to important research and policy needs regarding the global context of key employment relations, social mechanisms, and health inequalities. The strategies are adapted to synthesize input from several disciplines (epidemiology, sociology, and political science), social actors, and institutions. The study's main sources of information are a variety of digital, bibliographic databases; the authors reviewed the scientific literature from 1985 to 2008 and books, reports, and other documents from 2000 to 2008.
A Macro-Level Model of Employment Relations and Health Inequalities
Authors: Muntaner Carles , Chung Haejoo , Solar Orielle , Santana Vilma , Castedo Antía , Benach Joan ,   EMCONET Network
Published: March 2010

The authors develop a macro-social theoretical framework to explain how employment and working conditions affect health inequalities. The theoretical framework represents the social origins and health consequences of various forms of employment conditions. The emphasis is thus on determinants and consequences of employment conditions, not on social determinants of health in general. The framework tries to make sense of the complex link between macro-social power relations among employers, government, and workers' organizations, labor market and social policies, employment and working conditions, and the health of workers. It also suggests further testing of hypothetical causal pathways not covered in the literature. This macro-social theoretical framework might help identify the main “entry points” through which to implement policies and interventions to reduce employment-related health inequalities. The theoretical framework should be approached from a historical perspective.
Case Studies on Employment-Related Health Inequalities in Countries Representing Different Types of Labor Markets
Authors: Kim Il-Ho , Muntaner Carles , Chung Haejoo , Benach Joan ,   EMCONET Network
Published: March 2010

The authors selected nine case studies, one country from each cluster of their labor market inequalities typology, to outline the macro-political and economic roots of employment relations and their impacts on health. These countries illustrate variations in labor markets and health, categorized into a global empirical typology. The case studies illustrated that workers' health is significantly connected with labor market characteristics and the welfare system. For a core country, the labor market is characterized by a formal sector. The labor institutions of Sweden traditionally have high union density and collective bargaining coverage and a universal health care system, which correlate closely with positive health, in comparison with Spain and the United States. For a semi-periphery country, the labor market is delineated by a growing informal economy. Although South Korea, Venezuela, and El Salvador provide some social welfare benefits, a high proportion of irregular and informal workers are excluded from these benefits and experience hazardous working conditions that adversely affect their health. Lastly, several countries in the global periphery—China, Nigeria, and Haiti—represent informal work and severe labor market insecurity. In the absence of labor market regulations, the majority of their workers toil in the informal sector in unsafe conditions with inadequate health care.
Six Employment Conditions and Health Inequalities: A Descriptive Overview
Authors: Benach Joan , Solar Orielle , Vergara Montserrat , Vanroelen Christophe , Santana Vilma , Castedo Antía , Ramos Javier , Muntaner Carles ,   EMCONET Network
Published: March 2010

Standard full-time permanent employment—providing a minimal degree of stability, income sustainability, workers' empowerment, and social protection—has declined in the high-income countries, while it was never the norm in the rest of the world. Consequently, work is increasingly affecting population health and health inequalities, not only as a consequence of harmful working conditions, but also because of employment conditions. Nevertheless, the health consequences of employment conditions are largely neglected in research. The authors describe five types of employment conditions that deviate from standard full-time permanent employment—precarious employment, unemployment, informal employment, forced employment or slavery, and child labor—and their health consequences, from a worldwide perspective. Despite obvious problems of measurement and international comparability, the findings show that, certainly in the low-income countries, these conditions are largely situated in informality, denying any possible standard of safety, protection, sustainability, and workers' rights. Considerable numbers of the world's working people are affected in geographically and socioeconomically unequal ways. This clearly relates nonstandard employment conditions to health equity consequences. In the future, governments and health agencies should establish more adequate surveillance systems, research programs, and policy awareness regarding the health effects of these nonstandard employment conditions.
Policies and Interventions on Employment Relations and Health Inequalities
Authors: Quinlan Michael , Muntaner Carles , Solar Orielle , Vergara Montserrat , Eijkemans Gerry , Santana Vilma , Chung Haejoo , Castedo Antía , Benach Joan ,   EMCONET Network
Published: March 2010

The association between certain increasingly pervasive employment conditions and serious health inequalities presents a significant policy challenge. A critical starting point is the recognition that these problems have not arisen in a policy vacuum. Rather, policy frameworks implemented by governments over the past 35 years, in conjunction with corporate globalization (itself facilitated by neoliberal policies), have undermined preexisting social protection policies and encouraged the growth of health-damaging forms of work organization. After a brief description of the context in which recent developments should be viewed, this article describes how policies can be reconfigured to address health-damaging employment conditions. A number of key policy objectives and entry points are identified, with a summary of policies for each entry point, relating to particular employment conditions relevant to rich and poor countries. Rather than trying to elaborate these policy interventions in detail, the authors point to several critical issues in relation to these interventions, linking these to illustrative examples.
The Solution Space: Developing Research and Policy Agendas to Eliminate Employment-Related Health Inequalities
Authors: Muntaner Carles , Sridharan Sanjeev , Chung Haejoo , Solar Orielle , Quinlan Michael , Vergara Montserrat , Benach Joan ,   EMCONET Network
Published: March 2010

As in many other areas of social determinants of health, policy recommendations on employment conditions and health inequalities need to be implemented and evaluated. Case studies at the country level can provide a flavor of “what works,” but they remain essentially subjective. Employment conditions research should provide policies that actually reduce health inequalities among workers. Workplace trials showing some desired effect on the intervention group are insufficient for such a broad policy research area. To provide a positive heuristic, the authors propose a set of new policy research priorities, including placing more focus on “solving” and less on “problematizing” the health effects of employment conditions; developing policy-oriented theoretical frameworks to reduce employment-related inequalities in health; developing research on methods to test the effects of labor market policies; generalizing labor market interventions; engaging, reaching out to, and holding onto workers exposed to multiple forms of unhealthy employment conditions; measuring labor market inequalities in health; planning, early on, for sustainability in labor market interventions; studying intersectoral effects across multiple interventions to reduce health inequalities; and looking for evidence in a global context.
Response of the International Monetary Fund to its Critics
Authors: Gupta Sanjeev
Published: March 2010

The International Journal of Health Services recently (Volume 39, No. 4, 2009) published a series of articles by health care academics that made several claims regarding the design and impact of International Monetary Fund–supported programs, especially regarding effects on health spending and health outcomes. The Deputy Director of the IMF's Fiscal Affairs Department identifies and responds to six principal criticisms from these articles, to set the public record straight on what Fund policies actually are rather than what they are perceived to be.
International Monetary Fund Sacrifices Higher Growth, Employment, Spending, and Public Investment in Health Systems in Order to Keep Inflation Unnecessarily Low
Authors: Rowden Rick
Published: March 2010

The International Monetary Fund's response to evidence on the impact of its programs on public health fails to address the fundamental criticisms about its policies. The IMF's demand for borrowers to achieve extremely low inflation targets is founded on very little empirical evidence in the peer-reviewed literature. The low-inflation policies privilege international creditors over domestic debtors and short-term priorities over long-term development goals, and contain high social costs, referred to by economists as a “sacrifice ratio.” For example, governments' raising of interest rates to bring down inflation undermines the ability of domestic firms to expand production and employment and thus “sacrifices” higher economic growth and higher tax revenues and unnecessarily constrains domestic health spending. During financial crisis, most countries seek to lower interest rates to stimulate the economy, the opposite of the IMF's general advice. Perversely, compliance with IMF policies has become a prerequisite for receiving donor aid. Critiques of the IMF express significant concerns that IMF fiscal and monetary policies are unduly restrictive. Health advocates must weigh in on such matters and pressure their finance ministries, particularly in the G7, to take steps at the level of the IMF Executive Board to revisit and modify its policy framework on deficits and inflation. Such reforms are crucial to enable countries to generate more domestic resources while the global health community searches for ways to support strengthening health system capacity.
WIC Eligibility and Participation: The Roles of Changing Policies, Economic Conditions, and Demographics
Authors: Swann Christopher A
Published: March 2010

This paper studies WIC eligibility and participation. These outcomes are related to economic conditions, Medicaid, cash welfare, and WIC policies, and demographic characteristics. The analysis uses state level data from 1983 to 2006, a period that covers significant expansion in the Medicaid program, the transition from AFDC to TANF, and significant changes in economic conditions. The results show that take-up has increased more than eligibility over this time period. Separating eligibility and participation is important because a number of state characteristics have opposite effects on these outcomes. Economic conditions, the Medicaid expansions, and immigration in the post-TANF period are shown to be associated with WIC eligibility and participation.
Long-Run Earnings Inequality and Earnings Instability among Canadian Men Revisited, 1985-2005
Authors: Ostrovsky Yuri
Published: March 2010

I consider two flexible models of earnings dynamics suggested in the recent literature and alternative approaches to the treatment of left-censored observations to examine trends in the permanent and transitory variances of earnings of Canadian male workers from 1985 to 2005. I find that both permanent and transitory variances were higher in the 2000s than in the late 1980s or 1990s. In contrast to the late 1980s and the recession period of the early 1990s, both components of variance grew at a similar pace during the post-recession period, and the share of each component in the total variance remained fairly stable. The results are robust to the choice of a model. The study is based on a large sample from a uniquely rich longitudinal administrative dataset.
Influence of bile acids on the adsorption of lidocaine and verapamil in an in vitro experiment
Authors: Posa Mihalj , Kuhajda Ksenija
Published: March 2010

The work is concerned with the influence of the structure of bile acids (cholic, deoxycholic, chenodeoxycholic, and their keto derivatives) on the in vitro adsorption of lidocaine and verapamil from an aqueous phase to rat's intestine membrane. Transport of lidocaine from an aqueous medium to the rat's intestine membrane was significantly increased (p < 0.05) only by 7-monoketocholic acid, whereas an analogous increase in verapamil transport was produced only by cholic acid. It appeared that, of all the tested bile acids, these two acids form the most stable complexes (by hydrogen bonds) with the respective drug.
The American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Therapists' Consensus Rehabilitation Guideline for Arthroscopic Anterior Capsulolabral Repair of the Shoulder
Authors: Gaunt Bryce W. , Shaffer Michael A. , Sauers Eric L. , Michener Lori A. , McCluskey George M. , Thigpen Chuck A.
Published: March 2010

Synopsis

This manuscript describes the consensus rehabilitation guideline developed by the American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Therapists. The purpose of this guideline is to facilitate clinical decision making during the rehabilitation of patients following arthroscopic anterior capsulolabral repair of the shoulder. This guideline is centered on the principle of the gradual application of stress to the healing capsulolabral repair through appropriate integration of range of motion, strengthening, and shoulder girdle stabilization exercises during rehabilitation and daily activities. Components of this guideline include a 0- to 4-week period of absolute immobilization, a staged recovery of full range of motion over a 3-month period, a strengthening progression beginning at postoperative week 6, and a functional progression for return to athletic or demanding work activities between postoperative months 4 and 6. This document represents the first consensus rehabilitation guideline developed by a multidisciplinary society of international rehabilitation professionals specifically for the postoperative care of patients following arthroscopic anterior capsulolabral repair of the shoulder. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(3):155–168. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.3186
Associations among breastfeeding, smoking relapse, and prenatal factors in a brief postpartum smoking intervention
Authors: DISANTIS KATHERINE ISSELMANN , COLLINS BRADLEY N. , MCCOY ANDREA C.S.
Published: March 2010

Postpartum smoking contributes to child health problems and is a barrier to breastfeeding, which promotes child health. There is a risk of postpartum smoking relapse for smokers and they are less likely to breastfeed. Understanding of smoking–breastfeeding associations must be improved. Enhancing smoking cessation advice simultaneously with breastfeeding counseling could increase smoking abstinence and breastfeeding rates. A low income sample of 31 volunteer maternal smokers and ex‐smokers were recruited for this pilot intervention in an urban hospital's postpartum unit. Following pre‐intervention interview, participants received either smoking relapse prevention plus breastfeeding counseling, or smoking relapse prevention only counseling. At one‐month follow‐up, we hypothesized that breastfeeding duration would positively relate to 7‐day point prevalence abstinence rates and days to relapse and explored prenatal care and pregnancy smoking behavior associations with postpartum smoking and breastfeeding. Of the mothers, 75% completed follow‐up. Days to relapse was related to duration of breastfeeding (r = 0.92, p = 0.08); however, counseling group differences in one‐month smoking status were not significant. Earlier prenatal care initiation was associated with smoking abstinences at one month postpartum (χ2 = 4.87, p ≤ 0.05). Early prenatal care and breastfeeding is associated with postpartum smoking abstinence.
Effects of knowledge, education, and experience on acceptance of first trimester screening for chromosomal anomalies
Authors: STEFANSDOTTIR VIGDIS , SKIRTON HEATHER , JONASSON KRISTJAN , HARDARDOTTIR HILDUR , JONSSON JON JOHANNES
Published: March 2010

Objectives. To assess pregnant women's knowledge and understanding of first trimester prenatal screening (nuchal translucency, maternal serum free beta‐human chorionic gonadotrophin and pregnancy‐associated plasma‐protein‐A), to evaluate the impact of a new information booklet and investigate the effects of education and experiential knowledge of congenital disabilities on the perceived likelihood of accepting prenatal screening.Design. A quasi‐experimental quantitative study with a self‐completion questionnaire.Setting.Five different maternity care clinics in Iceland.Population.Expectant mothers in first trimester of pregnancy (n= 379).Material and methods. Expectant mothers were divided into two groups, an intervention and a control group, both receiving traditional care and information. The intervention group additionally received an information booklet about prenatal screening and diagnosis.Main outcome measures.Women's knowledge score of prenatal screening. The correlation between education, knowledge score, experiential knowledge of congenital disabilities, and the likelihood of accepting prenatal screening.Results. More than half of the women (57%) believed they received sufficient information to make an informed decision about screening. Knowledge scores were significantly higher for the intervention group (with mean 4.8 compared with 3.7 on a 0–8 scale,p< 0.0001). Those with higher scores were more likely to accept screening (p< 0.0001). Women with experiential knowledge of congenital anomalies in their own families were more likely to accept prenatal screening (p= 0.017).Conclusions. Various factors, e.g. experiential knowledge, education and information about prenatal screening affect the likelihood of participation in prenatal screening programs. More information results in better knowledge and higher uptake rate.
Macrosomia: mode of delivery and pregnancy outcome
Authors: BJØRSTAD ASTRID R. , IRGENS‐HANSEN KAJA , DALTVEIT ANNE KJERSTI , IRGENS LORENTZ M.
Published: March 2010

Objective. To assess associations between birthweight and selected adverse outcomes in vaginal and cesarean deliveries and to clarify to which extent macrosomic births are delivered by cesarean section or are centralized to larger maternity units. Design. Cohort study. Setting. National study based on the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Population. All births in Norway for the duration 1999–2005 comprising 304,968 vaginal and 47,702 cesarean deliveries. Methods. Rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes by birthweight in vaginal and cesarean deliveries were compared by odds ratios (ORs) obtained in logistic regression analysis with birthweight 2,500–3,999 g as the reference and adjusted for maternal age, birth order and size of maternity unit. Main outcome measures. Analgesia, interventions, complications and neonatal outcomes. Results. For all the adverse outcomes, the ORs increased continuously from the reference group up to ≥5,000 g in which the highest adjusted ORs were observed for shoulder dystocia [64.2 (confidence interval 55.7–74.0)] and plexus injuries [47.7 (confidence interval 35.7–62.4)]. The proportion of adverse outcomes attributable to macrosomia (birthweight ≥4,500 g) ranged from 56.8% of all shoulder dystocia cases to 0.5% of all stillbirths. Macrosomic births were not centralized to larger maternity units and planned cesarean delivery was not more frequent in macrosomic births. Conclusions. Macrosomic births involved excess risks of a series of adverse pregnancy outcomes, the births were not centralized to larger maternity units and planned cesarean section was not more frequent in macrosomic births.
First principles based predictions of the toughness of a metal/oxide interface
Authors: Jiang Yong , Wei Yueguang , Smith John R. , Hutchinson John W. , Evans Anthony G.
Published: March 2010

We describe a first-principles-based strategy to predict the macroscopic toughness of a γ-Ni(Al)/α-Al2O3 interface. Density functional theory calculations are used to ascertain energy changes upon displacing the two materials adjacent to the interface, with relaxation conducted over all atoms located within adjoining rows. Traction/displacement curves are obtained from derivatives of the energy. Calculations are performed in mode I (opening), mode II (shear) and at a phase angle of 45°. The shear calculations are conducted for displacements along <110> and <112> of the Ni lattice. A generalized interface potential function is used to characterize the results. Initial fitting to both the shear and normal stress results is required to calibrate the unknowns. Thereafter, consistency is established by using the potential to predict other traction quantities. The potential is incorporated as a traction/displacement function within a cohesive zone model and used to predict the steady-state toughness of the interface. For this purpose, the plasticity of the Ni alloy must be known, including the plasticity length scale. Measurements obtained for a γ-Ni superalloy are used and the toughness predicted over the full range of mode mixity. Additional results for a range of alloys are used to demonstrate the influences of yield strength and length scale.
Current State of Development of Electricity-Generating Technologies: A Literature Review
Authors: Lenzen Manfred
Published: March 2010

Electricity is perhaps the most versatile energy carrier in modern economies, and it is therefore fundamentally linked to human and economic development. Electricity growth has outpaced that of any other fuel, leading to ever-increasing shares in the overall mix. This trend is expected to continue throughout the following decades, as large—especially rural—segments of the world population in developing countries start to climb the “energy ladder” and become connected to power grids. Electricity therefore deserves particular attention with regard to its contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, which is reflected in the ongoing development of low-carbon technologies for power generation. The focus of this updated review of electricity-generating technologies is twofold: (a) to provide more technical information than is usually found in global assessments on critical technical aspects, such as variability of wind power, and (b) to capture the most recent findings from the international literature. This report covers eight technologies. Seven of these are generating technologies: hydro-, nuclear, wind, photovoltaic, concentrating solar, geothermal and biomass power. The remaining technology is carbon capture and storage. This selection is fairly representative for technologies that are important in terms of their potential capacity to contribute to a low-carbon world economy.
Real or Illusory? Case Studies on the Public Perception of Environmental Health Risks in the North West of England
Authors: Stewart Alex G. , Luria Paolo , Reid John , Lyons Mary , Jarvis Richard
Published: March 2010

Applied research in a public health setting seeks to provide professionals with insights and knowledge into complex environmental issues to guide actions that reduce inequalities and improve health. We describe ten environmental case studies that explore the public perception of health risk. We employed logical analysis of components of each case study and comparative information to generate new evidence. The findings highlight how concerns about environmental issues measurably affect people’s wellbeing and led to the development of new understanding about the benefits of taking an earlier and more inclusive approach to risk communication that can now be tested further.
Can the Blood Alcohol Concentration Be a Predictor for Increased Hospital Complications in Trauma Patients Involved in Motor Vehicle Crashes?
Authors: Kapur Jaime H. , Rajamanickam Victoria , Fleming Michael F.
Published: March 2010

The goal of this report is to assess the relationship of varying levels of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and hospital complications in patients admitted after motor vehicle crashes. Data for the study was collected by a retrospective review of the University of Wisconsin Hospital trauma registry between 1999 and 2007 using the National Trauma Registry of the American College of Surgeons (NTRACS). Of 3729 patients, 2210 (59%) had a negative BAC, 338 (9%) 200 mg/dL. Forty-six percent of patients had one or more hospital related complications. The odds ratio (OR) for the occurrence of alcohol withdrawal in the three alcohol groups compared to the no alcohol group was 12.02 (CI 7.0–20.7), 16.81 (CI 10.4–27.2), and 30.96 (CI 19.5–49.2) as BAC increased with a clear dose response effect. While there were no significant differences in the frequency of the total hospital events following trauma across the four groups, rates of infections, coagulopathies, central nervous system events and renal complications were lower in the high BAC group. Prospective studies are needed to more precisely estimate the frequency of hospital complications in patients with alcohol use disorders and in persons intoxicated at the time of the motor vehicle accident. The study supports the use of routine BAC to predict patients at high risk for alcohol withdrawal and the early initiation of alcohol detoxification.
Proper Distance Metrics for Phylogenetic Analysis Using Complete Genomes without Sequence Alignment
Authors: Yu Zu-Guo , Zhan Xiao-Wen , Han Guo-Sheng , Wang Roger W. , Anh Vo , Chu Ka Hou
Published: March 2010

A shortcoming of most correlation distance methods based on the composition vectors without alignment developed for phylogenetic analysis using complete genomes is that the “distances” are not proper distance metrics in the strict mathematical sense. In this paper we propose two new correlation-related distance metrics to replace the old one in our dynamical language approach. Four genome datasets are employed to evaluate the effects of this replacement from a biological point of view. We find that the two proper distance metrics yield trees with the same or similar topologies as/to those using the old “distance” and agree with the tree of life based on 16S rRNA in a majority of the basic branches. Hence the two proper correlation-related distance metrics proposed here improve our dynamical language approach for phylogenetic analysis.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Inflammatory Processes
Authors: Calder Philip C.
Published: March 2010

Long chain fatty acids influence inflammation through a variety of mechanisms; many of these are mediated by, or at least associated with, changes in fatty acid composition of cell membranes. Changes in these compositions can modify membrane fluidity, cell signaling leading to altered gene expression, and the pattern of lipid mediator production. Cell involved in the inflammatory response are typically rich in the n-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid, but the contents of arachidonic acid and of the n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can be altered through oral administration of EPA and DHA. Eicosanoids produced from arachidonic acid have roles in inflammation. EPA also gives rise to eicosanoids and these often have differing properties from those of arachidonic acid-derived eicosanoids. EPA and DHA give rise to newly discovered resolvins which are anti-inflammatory and inflammation resolving. Increased membrane content of EPA and DHA (and decreased arachidonic acid content) results in a changed pattern of production of eicosanoids and resolvins. Changing the fatty acid composition of cells involved in the inflammatory response also affects production of peptide mediators of inflammation (adhesion molecules, cytokines etc.). Thus, the fatty acid composition of cells involved in the inflammatory response influences their function; the contents of arachidonic acid, EPA and DHA appear to be especially important. The anti-inflammatory effects of marine n-3 PUFAs suggest that they may be useful as therapeutic agents in disorders with an inflammatory component.
Theophylline
Authors: Barnes Peter J.
Published: March 2010

Theophylline (3-methyxanthine) has been used to treat airway diseases for over 70 years. It was originally used as a bronchodilator but the relatively high doses required are associated with frequent side effects, so its use declined as inhaled β2-agonists became more widely used. More recently it has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in asthma and COPD at lower concentrations. The molecular mechanism of bronchodilatation is inhibition of phosphodiesterase(PDE)3 and PDE4, but the anti-inflammatory effect may be due to histone deacetylase (HDAC) activation, resulting in switching off of activated inflammatory genes. Through this mechanism theophylline also reverses corticosteroid resistance and this may be of particular value in severe asthma and COPD where HDAC2 activity is markedly reduced. Theophylline is given systemically (orally as slow-release preparations for chronic treatment and intravenously for acute exacerbations of asthma) and blood concentrations are determined mainly by hepatic metabolism, which may be increased or decreased in several diseases and by concomitant drug therapy. Theophylline is now usually used as an add-on therapy in asthma patients not well controlled on inhaled corticosteroids and in COPD patients with severe disease not controlled by bronchodilator therapy. Side effects are related to plasma concentrations and include nausea, vomiting and headaches due to PDE inhibition and at higher concentrations to cardiac arrhythmias and seizures due to adenosine A1-receptor antagonism.
A Deployment of Fine-Grained Sensor Network and Empirical Analysis of Urban Temperature
Authors: Thepvilojanapong Niwat , Ono Takahiro , Tobe Yoshito
Published: March 2010

Temperature in an urban area exhibits a complicated pattern due to complexity of infrastructure. Despite geographical proximity, structures of a group of buildings and streets affect changes in temperature. To investigate the pattern of fine-grained distribution of temperature, we installed a densely distributed sensor network called UScan. In this paper, we describe the system architecture of UScan as well as experience learned from installing 200 sensors in downtown Tokyo. The field experiment of UScan system operated for two months to collect long-term urban temperature data. To analyze the collected data in an efficient manner, we propose a lightweight clustering methodology to study the correlation between the pattern of temperature and various environmental factors including the amount of sunshine, the width of streets, and the existence of trees. The analysis reveals meaningful results and asserts the necessity of fine-grained deployment of sensors in an urban area.
Efficiency of Event-Based Sampling According to Error Energy Criterion
Authors: Miskowicz Marek
Published: March 2010

The paper belongs to the studies that deal with the effectiveness of the particular event-based sampling scheme compared to the conventional periodic sampling as a reference. In the present study, the event-based sampling according to a constant energy of sampling error is analyzed. This criterion is suitable for applications where the energy of sampling error should be bounded (i.e., in building automation, or in greenhouse climate monitoring and control). Compared to the integral sampling criteria, the error energy criterion gives more weight to extreme sampling error values. The proposed sampling principle extends a range of event-based sampling schemes and makes the choice of particular sampling criterion more flexible to application requirements. In the paper, it is proved analytically that the proposed event-based sampling criterion is more effective than the periodic sampling by a factor defined by the ratio of the maximum to the mean of the cubic root of the signal time-derivative square in the analyzed time interval. Furthermore, it is shown that the sampling according to energy criterion is less effective than the send-on-delta scheme but more effective than the sampling according to integral criterion. On the other hand, it is indicated that higher effectiveness in sampling according to the selected event-based criterion is obtained at the cost of increasing the total sampling error defined as the sum of errors for all the samples taken.
A Novel System for Identification of Inhibitors of Rift Valley Fever Virus Replication
Authors: Piper Mary E. , Gerrard Sonja R.
Published: March 2010

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a human and livestock pathogen endemic to sub-Saharan Africa. We have developed a T7-dependent system for the efficient production of RVFV-like particles (RVF-VLPs) based on the virulent ZH-501 strain of RVFV. The RVF-VLPs are capable of performing a single round of infection, allowing for the study of viral replication, assembly, and infectivity. We demonstrate that these RVF-VLPs are antigenically indistinguishable from authentic RVFV and respond similarly to a wide array of known and previously unknown chemical inhibitors. This system should be useful for screening for small molecule inhibitors of RVFV replication.
Community Pharmacists' Therapeutic Recommendations for Heavy Flow, Androgen Excess, Fragility Fractures and Night Sweats in Menstruating Women
Authors: Marks Monterrey , Hitchcock Christine L. , Sathi Poornima , Prior Jerilynn C.
Published: March 2010

Background:

Physicians and menstruating women often ask pharmacists for recommendations about menstrual cycle–related problems. Progesterone and medroxyprogesterone may provide physiology-based treatment, but official indications in menstruating women in Canada are minimal.

Objectives:

To describe pharmacists' responses to vignette-based questions about the treatment of common clinical problems in menstruating women and review evidence-based therapies.

Methods:

A pharmacist interviewer administered an 11-item questionnaire to a random sample of community pharmacists. Questions were based on clinical vignettes in adolescent, pre- and perimenopausal women and related to heavy flow, polycystic ovary syndrome, premenopausal osteoporosis, perimenopausal night sweats and side effects/contraindications for estrogens and progesterone/progestins.

Results:

The participation rate was 58%, including equal numbers of male and female pharmacists. Seventy-two percent indicated that they would treat menorrhagia in an anemic 13-year-old with oral contraceptives — 21% would recommend ibuprofen and 86% iron. Half recommended that a 35-year-old smoker with heavy flow and acne stop oral contraceptives, but the other 50% recommended a switch to an oral contraceptive with cyproterone. For premenopausal osteoporosis, the majority recommended calcium and vitamin D, but 53% endorsed oral contraceptives — only 7% suggested cyclic medroxyprogesterone. For night sweats, the majority recommended progesterone/progestin in a regularly menstruating 42-year-old woman. Estrogens are contraindicated with past thrombosis and/or breast cancer family history, and they could cause nausea; 50% of pharmacists also attributed these adverse effects to progesterone/progestins.

Conclusions:

Community pharmacists vary widely in their treatment choices for common pre- and perimenopausal women's menstrual cycle–related problems. The evidence in support of most recommendations is minimal or lacking.
Politique commerciale et recours au mécanisme de règlement des différends de l'OMC.
Authors: Charlier Christophe , Rainelli Michel
Published: March 2010

À partir des différends commerciaux signifiés à l’Organe de règlement des différends de l’OMC entre 1995 et 2004, l’objectif est de proposer une analyse de la politique commerciale des États-Unis. La démarche repose sur un examen des différends impliquant les États-Unis comme plaignant et comme défendeur, en distinguant les Membres de l’OMC en conflit avec ce pays ainsi que les types de différends commerciaux. Les principaux résultats montrent qu’il existe une différence significative dans la nature des différends, selon que les États-Unis sont plaignants ou défendeurs ; contrairement à une opinion répandue, les décisions de l’ORD sont globalement plus favorables pour les Membres de l’OMC accusant les États-Unis que celles rendues lorsque les États-Unis sont plaignants.
Lutte anti-contrefaçon et transferts de technologies nord-sud : un véritable enjeu
Authors: Remiche Bernard , Cassiers Vincent
Published: March 2010

La tendance largement généralisée qui conduit depuis un demi-siècle au renforcement croissant des droits de propriété intellectuelle, doublé de moyens de plus en plus rigoureux destinés à la lutte anti-contrefaçon, est légitimée par un discours inadéquat sur la contrefaçon et sur ses prétendus effets. Ce discours vise à faire passer la protection d’intérêts purement privés pour une question d’intérêt général en relayant des chiffres exagérés sur la contrefaçon et en stigmatisant certains de ses effets. Il convient au contraire d’analyser le phénomène de la contrefaçon avec davantage de nuances et de rigueur. En outre, les mesures anti-contrefaçon récemment adoptées ou en projet en droit communautaire et en droit international portent atteinte aux libertés publiques et entravent le commerce légitime d’une manière disproportionnée en regard de l’impact réel du phénomène et de ses effets. Lutter contre la contrefaçon en contraignant les pays en développement à y renoncer par la multiplication de régimes juridiques très sévères est une stratégie vouée à l’échec aussi longtemps que l’on ne convaincra pas ces pays de l’intérêt de respecter la propriété intellectuelle en mettant réellement en œuvre des politiques de transfert de technologie donnant lieu à des résultats concrets et tangibles.
Le poids des coauteurs
Authors: Deschamps Marc
Published: March 2010

Le premier concours national d’agrégation de l’enseignement supérieur pour le recrutement de professeurs des universités en sciences économiques joue un rôle pivot en France. L’objet de notre article vise à revenir sur la façon dont le jury de l’année 2007-2008 a déflaté le score des candidats en fonction du nombre d’auteurs par article. Nous démontrerons qu’il n’existe en ce domaine aucune méthode naturelle et qu’en conséquence, soit il faut abandonner l’idée de déflater, soit il faut que la méthode soit choisie par consensus de la communauté des économistes.