bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One-step Synthesis of Aluminum Acetylacetonate from [AlO(OH)]n (Boehmite) in Water
Authors: Katakura Ryo , Koide Yoshihiro
Published: September 2005

Aluminum acetylacetonate, Al(acac)3, was prepared in the reaction between the mineral boehmite, [AlO(OH)]n, and acetylacetone (2,4-pentanedione; Hacac) in water. In this one-step synthesis, the pale yellow crystalline product precipitated out of the solution. Characterization of the recrystallized crystal by mass spectrometry, thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), 1H NMR, and the X-ray diffraction (XRD) was consistent with Al(acac)3. This is the first example of the preparation of the six-coordinate aluminum compound from boehmite.
Preparation of an Azacrowned Isoluminol and Its Chemiluminescence Initiated by Alkali-metal Iodides in Acetonitrile
Authors: Okamoto Hideki , Kimura Masaru
Published: September 2005

The novel azacrowned isoluminol has been prepared as the first luminol analogue possessing an azacrown ionophore. The crowned isoluminol displayed flash chemiluminescence upon addition of alkali-metal iodides in acetonitrile containing alkaline hydrogen peroxide and the chemiluminescence intensity varied depending on the metal cations studied; K+ >> Na+ > Li+.
Extraordinary Doping Effects of Chiral Helical Linear Tetrapyrrole–Zn(II) Complexes on Chiral Nematic Induction of MBBA Liquid Crystal
Authors: Hamakubo Katsushi , Hama Shimpei , Yagi Shigeyuki , Nakazumi Hiroyuki , Mizutani Tadashi
Published: September 2005

The nematic liquid crystalline phase of N-(4-methoxybenzylidene)-4-n-butylaniline (MBBA) was effectively transformed into the chiral nematic phase upon addition of zinc(II) complexes of the linear tetrapyrrole bearing chiral auxiliaries at the helix terminal.
Eliciting Informative Feedback: The Peer-Prediction Method
Authors: Miller Nolan , Resnick Paul , Zeckhauser Richard
Published: September 2005

Many recommendation and decision processes depend on eliciting evaluations of opportunities, products, and vendors. A scoring system is devised that induces honest reporting of feedback. Each rater merely reports a signal, and the system applies proper scoring rules to the implied posterior beliefs about another rater’s report. Honest reporting proves to be a Nash equilibrium. The scoring schemes can be scaled to induce appropriate effort by raters and can be extended to handle sequential interaction and continuous signals. We also address a number of practical implementation issues that arise in settings such as academic reviewing and online recommender and reputation systems.
Three New Tests of Independence That Differentiate Models of Risky Decision Making
Authors: Birnbaum Michael H.
Published: September 2005

This paper tests new “independence” properties to compare three models of risky decision making. According to the rank-affected multiplicative (RAM) weights model, all three properties should be satisfied; according to the transfer of attention exchange (TAX) model, two should be satisfied and one can be violated. However, according to cumulative prospect theory (CPT), all three properties will be violated if the probability weighting function is nonlinear. Although CPT is flexible enough to accommodate violations of these properties, its predicted violations based on previously estimated parameters failed to materialize. In 14 choices for which the CPT model disagreed with TAX, CPT correctly predicted the modal choice in only one case and TAX predicted the modal choice in the other 13. New versions of three other paradoxes were also tested and found to refute CPT.
Subjective Probability Assessment in Decision Analysis: Partition Dependence and Bias Toward the Ignorance Prior
Authors: Fox Craig R. , Clemen Robert T.
Published: September 2005

Decision and risk analysts have considerable discretion in designing procedures for eliciting subjective probabilities. One of the most popular approaches is to specify a particular set of exclusive and exhaustive events for which the assessor provides such judgments. We show that assessed probabilities are systematically biased toward a uniform distribution over all events into which the relevant state space happens to be partitioned, so that probabilities are “partition dependent.” We surmise that a typical assessor begins with an “ignorance prior” distribution that assigns equal probabilities to all specified events, then adjusts those probabilities insufficiently to reflect his or her beliefs concerning how the likelihoods of the events differ. In five studies, we demonstrate partition dependence for both discrete events and continuous variables (Studies 1 and 2), show that the bias decreases with increased domain knowledge (Studies 3 and 4), and that top experts in decision analysis are susceptible to this bias (Study 5). We relate our work to previous research on the “pruning bias” in fault-tree assessment (e.g., Fischhoff et al. 1978) and show that previous explanations of pruning bias (enhanced availability of events that are explicitly specified, ambiguity in interpreting event categories, and demand effects) cannot fully account for partition dependence. We conclude by discussing implications for decision analysis practice.
Risky Choices and Correlated Background Risk
Authors: Tsetlin Ilia , Winkler Robert L.
Published: September 2005

The analysis of a risky project should take into account not only uncertainties about the return from that project (“project risk”), but also uncertainties associated with other ongoing projects and with exogenous factors that can impact final wealth (“background risk”). The presence of background risk can change the optimal course of action with respect to a project, and ignoring such risk might lead to a poor decision. Most work on background risk assumes that project risk and background risk are independent and are additive in their impact on wealth. However, independence is often unrealistic, and background risk operates in a multiplicative manner in many situations. We relax the independence assumption and consider a model with both additive and multiplicative background risk. The optimal decisions in the correlated setting can be very different than those that would appear optimal if the correlation were ignored. The impact of correlation differs in the additive and multiplicative cases, with positive correlation being beneficial in some cases and negative correlation in others. The analytical and numerical results indicate that in analyzing decision-making problems, it is very important to understand the direction and degree of dependence between project risk and background risks.
Rotational osteotomies for congenital radioulnar synostosis
Authors: Ramachandran M. , Lau K. , Jones D. H. A.
Published: September 2005

In five children, six forearms with a fixed pronation deformity secondary to congenital radioulnar synostosis were treated by a derotation osteotomy of the distal radius and the midshaft of the ulna.

There were three boys and two girls with a mean age of 4.9 years (3.5 to 8.25) who were followed up for a mean of 29 months (18 to 43). The position of the forearm was improved from a mean pronation deformity of 68° (40° to 80°) to a pre-planned position of 10° of supination in all cases. Bony union was achieved by 6.3 weeks with no loss of correction. There was one major complication involving a distal radial osteotomy which required exploration for a possible compartment syndrome.
Differences in the views of orthopaedic surgeons and referring practitioners on the determinants of outcome after total hip replacement
Authors: Stürmer T. , Dreinhöfer K. , Gröber-Grätz D. , Brenner H. , Dieppe P. , Puhl W. , Günther K.-P.
Published: September 2005

In order to assess current opinions on the long-term outcome after primary total hip replacement, we performed a multicentre, cross-sectional survey in 22 centres from 12 European countries. Different patient characteristics were categorised into ‘decreases chances’, ‘does not affect chances’, and ‘increases chances’ of a favourable long-term outcome, by 304 orthopaedic surgeons and 314 referring practitioners. The latter were less likely to associate age older than 80 years and obesity with a favourable outcome than orthopaedic surgeons (p < 0.001 and p = 0.006, respectively) and more likely to associate age younger than 50 years with a favourable outcome (p = 0.006). Comorbidity, rheumatoid arthritis, and poor bone quality were thought to be associated with a decreased chance of a favourable outcome. We found important differences in the opinions regarding long-term outcome after total hip replacement within and between referring practitioners and orthopaedic surgeons. These are likely to affect access to and the provision of total hip replacement.
Papillary thyroid carcinoma after recombinant GH therapy for Turner syndrome
Authors: Cabanas P , García-Caballero T , Barreiro J , Castro-Feijóo L , Gallego R , Arévalo T , Cañete R , Pombo M
Published: September 2005

Turner syndrome (TS) has been included for several years among the indications for GH treatment, generally with satisfactory outcomes. Nevertheless, the long-term effects of this treatment in non-GH deficient patients are not fully known. The incidence of thyroid carcinoma is rare in patients during childhood, it is unusual to find this neoplasia in children under sixteen years old. This article reports the cases of two Spanish patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma after GH treatment for TS. Recent studies have indicated a possible relationship between the GH–IGF axis and the pathogenesis of neoplasias, questioning the chance association of these two pathologies. In line with this, we detected GH receptor expression in the papillary carcinoma cells. Long-term prospective studies are required to clarify the possible effects of GH treatment on the risk of neoplasia.
Childhood Graves’ ophthalmopathy: results of a European questionnaire study
Authors: Krassas G E , Segni M , Wiersinga W M
Published: September 2005

Objective: Evaluation of the frequency of Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) and its management in children and adolescents up to 18 years old with Graves’ hyperthyroidism.

Study design: This was a questionnaire study (QS) among members of the European Thyroid Association and the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology. Approximately 300 QS were sent to members with electronic addresses and 110 QS were returned from 25 countries: 52 respondents said they had no experience with Graves’ disease in this age group, but 67 respondents (23 paediatric and 44 adult endocrinologists) completed the QS.

Results: Out of 1963 patients with juvenile Graves’ hyperthyroidism seen by respondents in the last 10 years, 641 (33%) had GO; about one-third of GO cases were ≤10 years old, and two-thirds were 11–18 years old. The prevalences of GO among juvenile Graves’ hyperthyroidism were 36.6, 27.3 and 25.9% in countries in which the smoking prevalence among teenagers was ≥25, 20–25 and <20% respectively (P< 0.0001 by χ2test). When confronted with the standard case of a 13-year-old girl with Graves’ hyperthyroidism and moderately severe active GO, the diagnostic approach included on average 4.9 biochemical tests (TSH, free thyroxine (FT4) and TSH.R-Ab, 100-88% of respondents) and 2.4 specific investigations (thyroid ultrasound by 69%, orthopsy/visual fields/visual acuity by 64% and orbital magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography by 63%). Antithyroid drugs were the treatment of choice for 94% of respondents; 70% recommended a wait-and-see policy and 28% corticosteroids for the co-existing GO. In variants of the standard case, a younger age did not affect therapeutic approach very much. Recurrent hyperthyroidism would still be treated with antithyroid drugs by 66%, and with131I by 25%. Worsening of GO or active GO when euthyroid would convince about two-thirds of respondents to initiate treatment of GO, preferably with steroids.

Conclusion: GO occurs in 33% of patients with juvenile Graves’ hyperthyroidism; its prevalence is higher in countries with a higher prevalence of smoking among teenagers. The diagnostic approach to the standard case of a 13-year-old with Graves’ hyperthyroidism and moderately severe active GO involves on average five biochemical tests; thyroid as well as orbital imaging is done in 84% of cases. Antithyroid drugs remain the treatment of choice for 94% of respondents, and even so in case of recurrences (66%). For GO, 70% recommend a wait-and-see policy; intervention, preferably with steroids, is advocated by two-thirds of respondents in cases of worsening or still-active eye disease despite euthyroidism.
Rosiglitazone for prevention or adjuvant treatment of Nelson’s syndrome after bilateral adrenalectomy
Authors: Andreassen Mikkel , Kristensen Lars Østergaard
Published: September 2005

Objective: To investigate the effect of Rosiglitazone in three patients treated with bilateral adrenalectomy followed by hyperpigmentation and hypersecretion of ACTH.

Patients and methods: One patient had increasing ACTH after previous transsphenoidal surgery for Nelson’s syndrome, and two patients without pituitary adenomas had recurrence of Cushing’s disease after primary and repeated transsphenoidal surgery with need for bilateral adrenalectomy. The patients developed hyperpigmentation and increasing ACTH at nadir 2–4 h after morning hydrocortisone dose. ACTH during Rosiglitazone therapy (4 mg/day for 4 weeks and then 8 mg/day) was measured at regular intervals 24 h after the latest dose of hydrocortisone.

Results: In two patients there was a decrease in ACTH by 40% after 5 months. The first of these patients showed an escape with increasing ACTH to the initial value after 11 months. In the third patient no effect was observed. Tumour development or progression on magnetic resonance imaging was not observed.

Conclusion: Rosiglitazone might represent an adjuvant therapy in patients with ACTH hypersecretion. Larger long-term studies are needed.
Acute adrenal failure as the heralding symptom of primary antiphospholipid syndrome: report of a case and review of the literature
Authors: Presotto Fabio , Fornasini Francesca , Betterle Corrado , Federspil Giovanni , Rossato Marco
Published: September 2005

Acute adrenal failure is a potentially fatal condition if overlooked. Occasionally, acute adrenal insufficiency may ensue from bilateral adrenal haemorrhage in patients with known antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). APS is characterized by recurrent arterial and venous thrombosis, pregnancy complications and detection of autoantibodies to phospholipids. This syndrome may be associated with non-organ specific diseases (e.g. connective tissue disorders) or with malignancies, but it may also appear in isolated form (primary APS). In a very few cases the heralding manifestation is given by adrenal failure. We report here a 63-year-old man presenting with acute adrenal insufficiency as the opening clinical manifestation of an APS. We also carried out a computer-aided search of the literature to identify all cases of primary adrenal failure as the first-recognized expression of a primary APS, a condition that not so infrequently may be tackled by endocrinologists. 20 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The great majority of them were males (75%) with a mean age of 42 years. Abdominal pain was present in 14 patients, followed by fever (13 patients) and hypotension (12 patients). The main morphological findings by computed tomography or magnetic resonance were consistent with bilateral adrenal haemorrhage in 11 patients. Lupus anticoagulant was present in all of the 19 tested patients. Our observations emphasize the importance in the assessment of clotting times, and possibly of antiphospholipid antibodies, in all patients with diagnosis of rapidly progressive adrenal failure and concurrent abdominal pain.
The negative association between total ghrelin levels, body mass and insulin secretion is lost in hypercortisolemic patients with Cushing’s disease
Authors: Giordano Roberta , Picu Andrea , Pagotto Uberto , De Iasio Rosaria , Bonelli Lorenza , Prodam Flavia , Broglio Fabio , Marafetti Lisa , Pasquali Renato , Maccario Mauro , Ghigo Ezio , Arvat Emanuela
Published: September 2005

Objective: Ghrelin exerts a wide spectrum of endocrine and non-endocrine actions. The stomach is the major source of circulating ghrelin levels that are negatively associated with body mass, insulin and glucose levels. The role of glucocorticoids in ghrelin secretion and action is still unclear.

Design: In 8 patients with Cushing’s disease (CD, BMI 29.8 ± 1.6 kg/m2), 7 normal (NS) and 6 obese subjects (OB, BMI 32.9 ± 1.1 kg/m2) we studied: a) total ghrelin levels (every 15 min over 3 h) and their correlation with BMI, insulin, glucose, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index, ACTH and cortisol levels; b) GH, ACTH, cortisol, insulin and glucose responses to acylated ghrelin administration (1.0 μg/kg i.v. at 0 min).

Results: CD patients had BMI, insulin and glucose levels as well as HOMA index higher than those in NS (P < 0.05) but similar to those in OB. Despite this, total ghrelin levels in CD were similar to those in NS and both were higher (P < 0.05) than those in OB. No correlation was found among total ghrelin and BMI, insulin, glucose, ACTH and cortisol levels in CD patients. The GH responses to ghrelin in CD and OB were similar and both were lower (P < 0.002) than those in NS. In CD ghrelin induced exaggerated ACTH and cortisol responses clearly higher (P < 0.005) than in OB and NS. Ghrelin administration increased glucose in all groups; insulin levels showed slight decrease that was significant (P < 0.05) in OB only.

Conclusions: Hypercortisolism in humans is associated with impaired ghrelin secretion and action. In fact, total ghrelin secretion in CD is not reduced despite increased BMI, insulin and glucose levels, while the GH and ACTH responses to acylated ghrelin are clearly reduced and enhanced, respectively.
Effects of 3D discrete soil nail inclusion on pull-out, with implications for design
Authors: Tan S. A. , Dasari G. R. , Lee C. H.
Published: September 2005

To reduce computational requirements, soil nail systems are usually modelled in finite elements as plane-strain models in which discrete nails are ‘smeared’ as continuous plates. The interaction of adjacent nails across horizontal spacing is assumed to be perfect. Intuitively, the interaction decreases as the spacing increases. A 3D study using a numerical pull-out model attempts to quantify the effect of various parameters on this effect, and hence provides guidelines for the zones of influence of nails according to finite element analysis. The guidelines provide an insight into the extent to which 2D plane-strain analysis is acceptable. The results are compared with numerical analyses from a single-row soil nail problem, and with case histories, to indicate the validity of the guidelines.

Pour réduire les calculs, les systèmes de cloutage de sol sont généralement modélisés en éléments finis sous forme de modèles plan-déformation dans lesquels des clous discrets sont ‘étalés’ en plaques continues. L'interaction des clous adjacents à travers un espacement horizontal est supposée parfaite. Cependant, de manière intuitive, l'interaction diminue à mesure que l'espacement augmente. Une étude tridimensionnelle utilisant un modèle numérique d'arrachage tente de quantifier l'effet des divers paramè tres sur cet effet et, de là, de donner des lignes directrices pour les zones d'influence des clous selon les analyses d'éléments finis. Les directives donnent un aperçu de la mesure dans laquelle l'analyse bidimensionnelle plan-déformation est acceptable. Nous comparons les résultats avec les analyses numériques effectuées sur un problème de clous de sol àun seul rang ainsi qu'avec des études de cas, pour indiquer la validité de ces directives.
Effect of constrained dilatancy on pull-out resistance of nails in sandy clay
Authors: Chai X. J. , Hayashi S.
Published: September 2005

Soil-nailing technology has been widely used for the support of excavations, and for slope stability. For the design of a soil-nailing system, the pull-out resistance of the individual nails is of paramount importance. In this study, from an objective of strengthening the ground for the preservation of historical kiln sites, a combined technology of chemical grouting and soil nailing called the ‘earth sewing technique’ is presented. Field and laboratory model scale pull-out tests have been conducted to investigate the mobilisation of pull-out force. Triaxial and direct shear tests were performed to investigate and interpret the ultimate bond stress of nails. It has been shown that water content influences the pull-out capacity of nails in unsaturated sandy clay, not only through shear strength parameters, but also through additional normal stress due to constrained dilatancy.

La technologie de cloutage des sols a été largement utilisée pour soutenir les excavations et stabiliser les pentes. Pour la conception d'un système de cloutage de sol, la résistance à l'arrachage des clous individuels a une importance primordiale. Dans cette étude, nous présentons, avec pour objectif de renforcer un sol pour la préservation d'un site historique, une technologie de cimentation chimique et de cloutage combinée appelée ‘technique de couture terrestre’. Des essais d'arrachage sur le terrain et sur modèle de laboratoire à échelle ont été menés pour enquêter sur la mobilisation de la force d'arrachage. Des essais de cisaillement triaxiaux et directs ont été réalisés pour étudier et interpréter la contrainte d'adhérence ultime des clous. Nous avons montré que la teneur en eau influence la capacité d'arrachage des clous dans de l'argile sableuse non saturée non seulement à cause des paramètres de résistance au cisaillement mais aussi à cause de la contrainte normale additionnelle due à la dilatance contrainte.
Evaluation of gravel drains and compacted sand piles in mitigating liquefaction
Authors: Sadrekarimi A. , Ghalandarzadeh A.
Published: September 2005

Liquefaction induced by earthquakes can cause major destruction to foundations and buildings, mainly as a result of excess pore water pressure generation and softening of the subsoil. Several remediation methods are performed that reduce the excess pore pressure, enhance the shear deformability of the soil, and fortify the soil. Two well-known methods—gravel drains and compacted sand piles—are discussed and compared in this paper. Some precisely prepared 1g shaking table tests are performed regarding these methods. Tests are done with and without the presence of an improvement method, and the accelerations, pore water pressures and settlements are monitored during the tests. The outcomes, judged against each other, reveal that compacted sand piles are more efficient than gravel drains in the case of liquefaction resistance and settlement of the subsoil during the shaking period. Nevertheless, after shaking, the efficiency of the gravel drains is ameliorated by the means of excess pore pressure dissipation.

La liquéfaction provoquée par les séismes peut gravement endommager les fondations et les âtiments, principalement à cause d'une pression d'eau de pore excessive et d'un amollissement du sous-sol. Plusieurs remèdes sont employés pour réduire la pression interstitielle excessive, améliorer la déformabilité au cisaillement du sol et fortifier le sol. Nous examinons et é valuons ici deux méthodes bien connues, celle des drains de graviers et celle des piles de sable compacté. Nous effectuons des essais sur table à secousse sur 1g préparé avec précision pour é valuer ces méthodes. Les essais sont menés avec et sans la présence d'une méthode d'amélioration; l'accélération, les pressions d'eau de pore et les tassements sont contrôlés pendant les essais. Les résultats, jugés les uns par rapport aux autres, montrent que les piles de sable compacté sont plus efficaces que les drains de gravier en ce qui concerne la résistance à la liquéfaction et le tassement du sous-sol pendant la période de secousse. Cependant, après les secousses, l'efficacité des drains de gravier est améliorée en raison de la dissipation de la pression interstitielle excessive
Crowd circulation and stadium design: low flow rate systems
Authors: Brocklehurst D. , Bouchlaghem D. , Pitfield D. , Palmer G. , Still K.
Published: September 2005

For the past 30 years, sports stadia design guides have contained generalised optimistic flow rates for the design of crowd evacuation and egress routes. Unfortunately, even though the guides recognise their own limitations and the fact that lower flow rates should be considered in certain situations, human nature, practical needs and a lack of research has lead to widespread use of guidance values that are sometimes inappropriate. It is imperative within risk assessment and circulation design that this phenomenon is better understood in order to limit the potential for underdesign at the risk of unwanted levels of queuing, congestion and potentially unsafe conditions. This is especially important when considering the progressive move from prescriptive guidance to performance based design within the design industry. In recognition of this, the new European Standard for the design of spectator facilities recommends design flow rates significantly lower than those recommended in traditional sports guidance documents. This paper presents a significant contribution to this work by firstly providing supportive evidence for the new European standard values when applied to football and rugby stadia, and secondly stating that the figures within traditional and new guidance should not be generally applied to what amounts to over 15 different stadia types. Case study evidence is provided to show that the new European standard values still remain up to twice those observed in some stadia types. Reasons are given for the occurrence of low-capacity flow rates within these stadia and recommendations are made for future work to ensure that designers are using appropriate design flow rates for each stadium project.
The case for air-entrainment in high-performance concrete
Authors: Bassuoni M. T. , Nehdi M. L.
Published: September 2005

Freezing–thawing cycles are a major cause of degradation of concrete structures in cold climates. The use of air-entraining admixtures to induce an adequate network of closely spaced air bubbles in concrete has been proven to dramatically decrease its susceptibility to frost action. However, with the advent of high-strength high-performance concrete (HPC), the need for air-entrainment in such concrete has become a controversial issue since the 1980s. Some researchers advocate using air-entrainment in HPC, while others argue that this practice is unnecessary owing to the very low porosity and amount of freezable water in HPC. In this paper, an extensive review of the available literature indicates that there is substantial scatter and irreproducibility of data regarding this issue. There is also evidence of vulnerability of HPC to both micro and macrocracking in service and a demonstrated reduction in performance under combined ageing mechanisms. This could make non-air-entrained HPC vulnerable to freezing–thawing degradation even though such vulnerability may not be detected using classical frost durability tests. Moreover, there are practical limitations to the use of very low water/cement ratio concrete in field conditions, which make the production of HPC with negligible freezable water content difficult to achieve in full-scale structures. This paper presents evidence that supports the argument that the use of air-entrainment in HPC is a practice that provides enhanced safety, reliability and serviceability, and is therefore recommended for concrete practitioners.
Development of long-span iron roof structures in Britain
Authors: Swailes T. , Marsh J.
Published: September 2005

The aim of this paper is to stimulate a wider interest in the built heritage of industrial Britain amongst civil engineers. Britain has a greater number and variety of iron roofs than found anywhere else in the world. From the tentative iron roofs over the attic workrooms of the first iron-framed factories, this paper traces the development of greater spans using arch and truss forms to meet the needs of a diverse range of building types, among which the railway station passenger train shed is most significant. The confused issue of design and construction responsibilities for some of the great roofs of the nineteenth century is partially unravelled. The paper shows how innovations in iron roofing were at first introduced by a handful of structural ironwork contractors, further advances being made by a small group of specialist engineers expert in the analysis, design and detailing of structural works in iron.
The 1894 Thames flood—a reappraisal
Authors: Marsh T. J. , Greenfield B. J. , Hannaford J. A.
Published: September 2005

Outstanding flood events are particularly influential in relation to the development of engineering design procedures and flood mitigation strategies. However, uncertainties concerning the credibility of peak flow assessments associated with many exceptional historical flood events can limit their utility. This paper uses a combination of historical and hydrometric evidence, together with contemporary rainfall–runoff modelling procedures, to examine the highest recorded flow on the River Thames. The evidence strongly suggests that the generally accepted maximum flow for the November 1894 flood is substantially overestimated. A synthesis of the historical evidence, and estimates from two rainfall–runoff models, allows a more realistic estimate of the peak flow to be derived. Its impact on return period assessments is considered within the wider context of the limited precision and availability of extreme flood flow estimates in the UK.
Defects in sewer pipe joints and water tests
Authors: Hau Y. , Clarke B. , Howes C. , Cunningham R. , Matthews M.
Published: September 2005

Defects at sewer joints can contribute significantly to the reduction of the overall performance of the sewerage network. Full-scale laboratory experiments were carried out on standard joint assemblies for small diameter clay pipes. The results showed that the joint assembly failed the UK water test performance specification (BS EN 1610: 1998 and EN 295: 1-1991) for a range of angular displacements and bedding arrangements. The standards do not describe in engineering terms the provisions that should be made to restrain the pipeline, or section of pipelines, when completing the water test. Movement of the complete pipe/joint occurred as a result of static hydraulic pressures and the performance of the pipeline can be further compromised when subjected to angular deflections. In the long term, effects could contribute to the development of latent defects within newly laid joint assemblies and adversely influence the performance of the sewer under operational conditions.
Technical note: Minimal conditions for venturi aeration of water flows
Authors: Bagatur T.
Published: September 2005

Air vacuum processes with venturi, simple in design and easy to operate, have been used in a wide variety of industrial and water/waste water treatment applications in environmental engineering. The air vacuum process occurs when a minimal amount of differential pressure exists between the inlet and outlet regions of a venturi device. This paper introduces an air vacuum process within a venturi device and its relationship with the Reynolds number. In this case study, air vacuum characteristics such as volumetric air flowrate were studied, depending on water flowrate. An empirical correlation for air vacuum with a venturi device is presented to predict the volumetric air flowrate (Qa) as a function of water flowrate (Qw), diameter of throat (d2), diameter of air vent or suction port (dh) and Reynolds number (Re). A minimal Reynolds number for absorption of air is observed in the transition flow region for the inlet of a venturi device (Re ≥ 1900) and in the turbulent flow region for the throat of a venturi (Re ≥ 3900).
Ongoing Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus Infection Among Inmates at a State Correctional Facility
Authors: Khan Amy J. , Simard Edgar P. , Bower William A. , Wurtzel Heather L. , Khristova Marina , Wagner Karla D. , Arnold Kathryn E. , Nainan Omana V. , LaMarre Madeleine , Bell Beth P.
Published: September 2005

Objectives. We sought to determine hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection prevalence, associated exposures, and incidence among male inmates at a state correctional facility.

Methods. A cross-sectional serological survey was conducted in June 2000, and susceptible inmates were retested in June 2001.

Results. At baseline, 230 inmates (20.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI]=18.2%, 22.9%) exhibited evidence of HBV infection, including 11 acute and 11 chronic infections. Inmates with HBV infection were more likely than susceptible inmates to have injected drugs (38.8% vs 18.0%; adjusted prevalence odds ratio [OR]=3.0; 95% CI=1.9, 4.9), to have had more than 25 female sex partners (27.7% vs 17.5%; adjusted prevalence OR=2.0; 95% CI=1.4, 3.0), and to have been incarcerated for more than 14 years (38.4% vs 17.6%; adjusted prevalence OR=1.7; 95% CI=1.1, 2.6). One year later, 18 (3.6%) showed evidence of new HBV infection. Among 19 individuals with infections, molecular analysis identified 2 clusters involving 10 inmates, each with a unique HBV sequence.

Conclusions. We documented ongoing HBV transmission at a state correctional facility. Similar transmission may occur at other US correctional facilities and could be prevented by vaccination of inmates.
Cancer Screening Among Jail Inmates: Frequency, Knowledge, and Willingness
Authors: Binswanger Ingrid A. , White Mary C. , Pérez-Stable Eliseo J. , Goldenson Joe , Tulsky Jacqueline Peterson
Published: September 2005

Objectives. We determined jail inmates’ knowledge of cancer screening tests, their frequency of screening, and their willingness to undergo screening in jail in order to assess preventive health services for jail inmates.

Methods. We performed a cross-sectional interview survey of random samples of county jail inmates (n=133).

Results. Approximately half (53%) the participants were African American, 17% were White, 11% were Latino, and 9% reported multiple ethnicities. Among women aged 18 years and older, 90% had had a Papanicolaou (Pap) test within 3 years, and 94% were willing to be screened in jail. Having ever had a Pap test while incarcerated was significantly associated with being up to date on cervical cancer screening. For women aged 40 years and older, 41% reported having had a mammogram within 2 years, and 88% were willing to have one. Among men (n=51) and women (n=4) aged 50 years and older, 25% had knowledge of colon cancer screening, 31% were up to date, and 69% were willing to be screened. Increased knowledge about colon cancer screening was significantly associated with being White and having insurance. Jail inmates, particularly African Americans, had significantly lower frequency of sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy than the general population.

Conclusions. Jail could be an appropriate venue in which to provide cancer screening for a high-risk population. Inmates were receptive to jail-based screening.
Coming Home From Jail: The Social and Health Consequences of Community Reentry for Women, Male Adolescents, and Their Families and Communities
Authors: Freudenberg Nicholas , Daniels Jessie , Crum Martha , Perkins Tiffany , Richie Beth E.
Published: September 2005

Each year, more than 10 million people enter US jails, most returning home within a few weeks. Because jails concentrate people with infectious and chronic diseases, substance abuse, and mental health problems, and reentry policies often exacerbate these problems, the experiences of people leaving jail may contribute to health inequities in the low-income communities to which they return.

Our study of the experiences in the year after release of 491 adolescent males and 476 adult women returning home from New York City jails shows that both populations have low employment rates and incomes and high rearrest rates. Few received services in jail. However, overall drug use and illegal activity declined significantly in the year after release. Postrelease employment and health insurance were associated with lower rearrest rates and drug use. Public policies on employment, drug treatment, housing, and health care often blocked successful reentry into society from jail, suggesting the need for new policies that support successful reentry into society.
Correlates of Daily Smoking Among Female Arrestees in New York City and Los Angeles, 1997
Authors: Durrah Tracy L.
Published: September 2005

Objectives. I sought to determine correlates of daily smoking among recently arrested women involved in the Drug Use Forecasting Program (DUF), many of whom are illicit drug users. Also, I compared smoking rates among DUF women, who were illicit drug users, with rates among women taking part in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey, who do not have high levels of drug use, to determine if drug use accounts for heavy smoking.

Methods. I compared daily smoking, illicit drug use, and selected demographic characteristics in 2 DUF cities: New York, with the highest rate of smoking among DUF cities in 1997, and Los Angeles, with the lowest. I also compared DUF and BRFSS daily smoking rates.

Results: Although rates of illicit drug use were similar in New York and Los Angeles (69.7% and 61.8%, respectively), the daily smoking rate was higher in New York (90.9% vs 41.7%). DUF smoking rates were higher than BRFSS rates; both rates were higher than the general population (23%).

Conclusions. Illicit drug use does not, in all cases, explain high rates of daily smoking. Future efforts to shape tobacco-related public health policies in New York and elsewhere should involve collaboration with criminal justice transitional health programs.
Revolving Doors: Imprisonment Among the Homeless and Marginally Housed Population
Authors: Kushel Margot B. , Hahn Judith A. , Evans Jennifer L. , Bangsberg David R. , Moss Andrew R.
Published: September 2005

Objectives. We studied a sample of homeless and marginally housed adults to examine whether a history of imprisonment was associated with differences in health status, drug use, and sexual behaviors among the homeless.

Methods. We interviewed 1426 community-based homeless and marginally housed adults. We used multivariate models to analyze factors associated with a history of imprisonment.

Results. Almost one fourth of participants (23.1%) had a history of imprisonment. Models that examined lifetime substance use showed cocaine use (odds ratio [OR]=1.67; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.04, 2.70), heroin use (OR=1.51; 95% CI=1.07, 2.12), mental illness (OR=1.41; 95% CI=1.01, 1.96), HIV infection (OR=1.69; 95% CI=1.07, 2.64), and having had more than 100 sexual partners were associated with a history of imprisonment. Models that examined recent substance use showed past-year heroin use (OR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.14, 2.38) and methamphetamine use (OR=1.49; 95% CI=1.00, 2.21) were associated with lifetime imprisonment. Currently selling drugs also was associated with lifetime imprisonment.

Conclusions. Despite high levels of health risks among all homeless and marginally housed people, the levels among homeless former prisoners were even higher. Efforts to eradicate homelessness also must include the unmet needs of inmates who are released from prison.
Conceptual modelling of sand bars morphodynamics for a microtidal beach (Sète, France)
Authors: Certain Raphaël , Barusseau Jean-Paul
Published: September 2005

The sandy littoral of Sète, with its barred shoreface, is one of the three studied sites of the thematic action “Morphodynamics of sandy beaches” of the French Programme National d’Environnement Côtier (PNEC), selected because of its microtidal wave-dominated characteristics and of the long time series of available data. During the PNEC program, the principal results obtained show that the morphological evolution of the sedimentary bars can be synthesized according to two conceptual models, in reaction to hydrodynamic variability. (1) The model of “oscillation around a position of equilibrium” (O.P.E) defines the usual mode of behaviour of the bars, with an alternation of shoreward and seaward movements. The bars migrate seaward during storms and shoreward when the energy conditions decrease. This oscillation is expressed with several rhythms. (i) During the main phases of the bar evolution, which are long periods during which the bars present the same geometrical characters. The passage from one phase to the other occurs when a 4 m significant height storm happens. (ii) At the seasonal scale, which is well illustrated by the behaviour of the inner bar: during summer, when the conditions of agitation are weak, the bar aggregates punctually with the shore; when the conditions of agitation increase in autumn the inner bar is reformed and moved seaward. (2) The model of “Net Offshore Migration” (N.O.M) points to the tendency of the bars to retreat under the effect of paroxysmal events (storms with a 20 to 50 yrs return time) being a prelude to their degeneration. From the former position of equilibrium, the outer bar strongly moves seaward and drops following heavy swell. Instead of moving to the coast according to the O.P.E model, the outer bar loses material that is recovered by the inner bar and degenerates. The inner bar, exposed to the swell, then moves seaward to replace the initial outer bar, a new inner bar being created at the coast. A few years after, the standard pattern is restored. These results are compared with those described in the literature.
Microbially mediated phosphatization in the Neoproterozoic Doushantuo Lagerstätte, South China
Authors: Hubert Benoìt , Álvaro J. Javier , Chen Jun-Yuan
Published: September 2005

Detailed petrographic and geochemical studies of pore-filling cements and replaced (epigenic) membranes of some organic-walled microorganisms preserved in the Neoproterozoic Doushantuo Lagerstätte (China) are based on an energy dispersive system (EDS) of elemental mapping attached to backscattered MEB. Their microcrystalline apatite (collophane) occurs predominantly as phosphatized microbial pseudomorphs: phosphatic crusts of chasmolithic bio-films (or microstromatolites) and globular clusters occur lining intraparticular porosities. Three major pre-compactional cement types are identified on algal thalli, embryos and vase-shaped microfossils: epigenic collophane (by replacement of membranes), polyphasic filling of collophane and crystalline apatite and fluorapatite within intraparticular porosities (some of them microbially mediated), and latest carbonate precipitation filling the remaining intraparticular porosities (preserved at present as dedolomitized calcite). P2O5 concentration has a clear peak in the microbial pseudomorphs and uniformly low concentrations elsewhere, whereas MgO, Na2O, K2O and SiO2 show a slight increase in concentration through successive cements. These geochemical trends evidence a slight change of pore fluids accompanied by a final rise in pH, presumably following the main interval of decay, which favoured precipitation of CaCO3 postdating that of apatite.
Sociolinguistic Transfer
Authors: Amouzadeh Mohammad , Tavangar Manoochehr
Published: September 2005

This paper focuses on the ways in which misunderstanding occurs between two interlocutors with different cultural backgrounds. As such, its main concern is with sociolinguistic transfer (Chick, 1996). Based on a cross-cultural model, it aims to investigate certain socio-pragmatic issues, (i.e. terms of address, offers and request types) affecting Iranian and Australian interlocutors. The issues in question will be compared and contrasted to ascertain what types of culturally communicative transfers might be invoked in the interaction between the interlocutors from these two different sociolinguistic milieus. The analysis of data will be based mainly on ethnographical introspection. By providing a systematic analysis of the transfer types involved, the paper will also suggest some socio-pragmatic explanations regarding their possible sources. Moreover, it will be argued that understanding the miscommunication arising from such interactions will sheds some light on the process of potential negative stereotypes. All in all, the present study can be said to make some contribution in the areas of language teaching, crosscultural translation, and intercultural communication.
Novel type of two‐impinging‐jets reactor for solid–liquid enzyme reactions
Authors: Dehkordi Asghar Molaei
Published: September 2005

The isomerization of D‐glucose to D‐fructose using the immobilized glucose isomerase, as a typical model system of solid–liquid enzyme reactions has been carried out in a novel type of two‐impinging‐jets reactor (TIJR), which is characterized by a rotating inner cylinder in a stationary one. Because of the impinging process, turbulence, and complex trajectory of the solid particles within the reactor, the fractional conversion of glucose obtained in the TIJR increased dramatically compared to that obtained by conventional reaction systems. A compartment model was considered to describe the pattern of flow [residence time distribution (RTD) of solid particles] within the TIJR. Considering such a flow pattern, a stochastic model for the RTD of the solid particles was developed using Markov chains models. The latter was correlated with the experimental RTD data, obtained by using a tracer analysis technique. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006