bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Ring Method of Measuring Restrained Shrinkage in Mortar and Concrete
Authors: Swamy RN , Bandyopadhyay AK , Stavrides H 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
This paper describes an improved steel-ring test method for determining tensile stresses induced by the restrained shrinkage of either mortar or concrete. The method permits measurement of shrinkage stresses at ages as early as five hours after casting. The specimens used were 102-mm (4-in.) thick rings with an outer diameter of 660 mm (26 in.). Graphic data are presented to validate the efficacy of the method. Restrained shrinkage measurements are given for plain mortar, mortar incorporating alkali-resistant glass fibers, and plain concrete (both normal weight, incorporating gravel aggregate, and lightweight, incorporating expanded slate aggregate). Also shown are the effects of heat of hydration associated with special hydraulic cements (aluminous and ultrafine Type I portland).
Judging the Precision and Reliability of Standard Test Methods
Authors: Popovics S 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Results of materials tests are influenced not only by the measured property but also by such distorting factors as random and regular errors in testing or sampling. Knowledge of the magnitude of such factors is useful, since the smaller their contribution to the test results the more reliable the results are. It is argued that the most suitable method of obtaining such knowledge is breaking down the total variation in test results into meaningful components such as testing variance, sampling variance, and material variance. Application of this method is illustrated for the ASTM Test for Slump of Portland Cement Concrete (C 143-74). This illustration also shows that, contrary to general belief, this test is no less reliable than the standard tests for compressive strength, air content, or unit weight determinations of concrete.
Use of Superplasticizers as Water Reducers
Authors: Ghosh RS , Malhotra VM 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
This report describes the performance of superplasticizers used as water-reducing admixtures in concrete. Various dosages of three commercially available superplasticizers were added to air-entrained reference concretes containing ASTM Type I, Type II, and Type V cements (ASTM Standard Specification for Portland Cement [C 150–78a]) to produce a 20% water reduction. The cement content, slump, and air content were kept constant in all mixes. The mechanical and elastic properties of hardened concrete and its freeze-thaw resistance were determined. The test results show that in all cases the strength and modulus of elasticity of the specimens cast from superplasticized concrete exceed those of the reference specimens. For concretes made with Type I cement, the concrete containing superplasticizers shows more shrinkage than the reference concrete, whereas for the other cements the shrinkage of the superplasticized concretes is comparable to or less than that of the reference concrete. The Type I portland cement concrete containing the melamine-based superplasticizer exhibits essentially the same creep as the reference concrete. The freeze-thaw durability of the superplasticized concrete containing either Type I or Type II cements appears to be satisfactory; however, concrete made with Type V cement and incorporating superplasticizers shows relatively poor resistance to freeze-thaw cycling.
Effect of Length/Diameter Ratio on Compressive Strength of Drilled Concrete Core—A Semi-Rational Approach
Authors: Chung HW 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
A concrete core under compression is restrained at the ends by the steel platens of the testing machine. The confining stresses so produced limit the lateral expansion of the core and create a state of triaxial stress in the concrete; thus, the measured compressive strength of the core is increased. The magnitude of the effect is dependent on the length/diameter ratio of the core. A formula for the strength correction factor is derived by a semirational approach. The proposed formula is then checked against the existing test data.
Lost in Transition? Managing paradoxical situations by inventing identities
Authors: Clemens Iris 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
The article focuses on Ashim Ahluwalias documentation John and Jane, which describes the living conditions, life styles and ambitions of six call centre employees in Mumbai at a time when call centres were not yet questioned in Indian society in respect of their working conditions or social implications. One main focus of the documentation therefore is a more general transition of Asian countries. The call centre agents embody almost perfectly this time of transition: Indians during day time who have never been abroad but become well trained Americans at night, their bodies still in India, but their mind overseas. This striking example is taken to analyse the framing of humans in times of globalisation and the related virtuality of constructions, including their own bodies.
Prognostic Factors in Metastatic Melanoma Patients Treated with Biochemotherapy and Maintenance Immunotherapy
Authors: Minor David R. , Moore Dan , Kim Christine , Kashani-Sabet Mohammed , Venna Suraj S. , Wang Wei , Boasberg Peter , O’Day Steven 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background.
With no U.S. Food and Drug Administration–approved standard therapy other than high-dose interleukin-2 and dacarbazine for metastatic melanoma, biochemotherapy has shown promise, with long-term survival in selected patients. We felt that the study of prognostic factors would determine which patients might benefit from this intensive therapy.

Methods.
One hundred thirty-five consecutive patients with metastatic melanoma treated with decrescendo biochemotherapy followed by maintenance immunotherapy over 5 years were retrospectively studied to determine the most important prognostic factors for both overall survival and progression-free survival.

Results.
The median overall survival (OS) time was 16.6 months, with 1-year and 5-year survival rates of 70% and 28%, respectively. The median progression-free survival (PFS) time was 7.6 months, with 15% of patients progression free at 5 years. PFS curves showed no relapses after 30 months, so remissions were durable. For OS, a performance status score of zero, normal lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, stage M1a, and nonvisceral sites of metastasis were favorable factors. The group with normal LDH levels and skin or nodes as one of their metastatic sites had a relatively good prognosis, with median survival time of 44 months and an estimated 5-year survival rate of 38%. Conversely, patients with an elevated LDH level without any skin or nodal metastases had a poor prognosis, with no long-term survivors.

Conclusions.
Metastatic melanoma patients treated with biochemotherapy and maintenance immunotherapy who have either a normal LDH level or skin or nodes as one of their metastatic sites may have durable remissions of their disease, and this therapy should be studied further in these groups.
Barriers to Competition and Productivity: Evidence from India
Authors: Sivadasan Jagadeesh 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
A number of economic theories suggest that barriers to competition lead to higher levels of inefficiency among incumbents. In this paper, we use a detailed plant-level dataset to study the impact on productivity of two reforms (initiated in 1991) aimed at increasing product market competition in India -- liberalization of foreign direct investment (FDI) and reduction in tariff rates. First, we examine the effect of the liberalization policies on mean plant-level productivity in the targeted industries. We find significant increases in productivity in the FDI and tariff-liberalized industries, particularly in the longer term (1993-94). We check and find our results robust to a range of robustness tests. Next, we examine the role of intensive (within-plant productivity growth) and extensive (reallocation from less to more productive plants) margins in the post-reform productivity improvement, and find a predominant role for the former. Finally, we assess potential channels for within-firm productivity improvement. Consistent with a role for price competition, we find evidence of greater declines in output prices as well as concentration measures in the liberalized sectors.
Application of Factor Analysis in Behavioral Segmentation on the Base of Semiometric Scale
Authors: Mojsiewicz Magdalena , Batóg Barbara , Wawrzyniak Katarzyna 
Published: September 2009

Application of Factor Analysis in Behavioral Segmentation on the Base of Semiometric Scale
The main aim of the paper is to present the methodological basis of market segmentation which uses not only demographic-social attributes and preferences but also variables defining values with important meaning in personal life of customers. The construction of a psychometric test is discussed on the basis of the example of a semiometric scale. This test uses principal components analysis in order to distinguish the main dimensions of cultural dichotomies. The example of measurement on the semiometric scale comes from the examination of preferences in the range of the life and medical insurances.
Directional Preferences of the Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) and the Robin (Erithacus rubecula) on Autumn Migration in the Beskid Niski Mountains (S Poland)
Authors: Adamska Karolina , Filar Monika 
Published: September 2009

Directional Preferences of the Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) and the Robin (Erithacus rubecula) on Autumn Migration in the Beskid Niski Mountains (S Poland)
Data were collected at the "Akcja Carpatica" ringing station in the southern Poland in 2000-2003. In total 388 Robins and 357 Chiffchaffs were tested with the Busse's method (Busse 1995) for directional preferences during autumn migration. The data were elaborated using a non-standard calculation procedure proposed by Busse and Trocińska (1999) that could be applied to multimodal circular distributions.
Tested birds showed ca 69% (the Chiffchaff) and more than 60% (the Robin) of northern headings that we called "reversed directions" for autumn migration. We applied "reversing procedure", i.e. adding 180° to all northern directions. Such procedure was based on an assumption that birds show axial behaviour in the cage.
The species seasonal catching dynamics was divided into periods reflecting migration waves. Both studied species showed differentiation of directional preferences. In the Robin such directions as: SSE, SSW, ESE and WSW were noted. Most clear migration pattern was observed for the Chiffchaff — SSE and WSW directions dominated.
Although in both species sampling was short and irregular, the Chiffchaff migration pattern was clear and similar in all studied seasons. On the contrary, the Robin showed complicated and difficult to analyse headings' distributions. Robins indicated both intra- and interseasonal differentiation of directional preferences.
Analysis of the Spatial Migration Patterns of Adult Honey Buzzards (Pernis apivorus) During Spring and Autumn in the Central Mediterranean
Authors: Agostini Nicolantonio , Panuccio Michele 
Published: September 2009

Analysis of the Spatial Migration Patterns of Adult Honey Buzzards (Pernis apivorus) During Spring and Autumn in the Central Mediterranean
In this paper we analyse the spatial migration patterns and the water crossing tendency of adult Honey Buzzards during spring and autumn migration in the Central Mediterranean region. In this area, during spring, these long-distance migrants wintering in western-central Equatorial Africa, concentrate crossing the sea between Africa and Europe through the Channel of Sicily, about 150 km wide, at least part of them via the islands of Pantelleria and Marettimo. When they reach western Sicily most of them fly east, along the mountain chain of northern Sicily, towards the Strait of Messina. Nevertheless, thousands of birds use a more direct route to reach the continental mainland undertaking the crossing of the Tyrrhenian Sea via Ustica and the Lipari Islands. During autumn the migration of adult Honey Buzzards is less consistent. They tend to follow the Italian Peninsula and northern Sicily reaching Africa through the Channel of Sicily while very few cross the Tyrrhenian Sea. On the contrary, during their first migration, large numbers of juveniles, moving about two weeks later than adults, cross the Central Mediterranean region on a broader front presumably along NE-SW innate axis. It is supposed that larger numbers of adult Honey Buzzards choose the central Mediterranean route during spring migration to reach earlier their breeding areas in eastcentral Europe. During post-reproductive movements most of them would circumfly the Mediterranean Sea crossing at the Strait of Gibraltar and at the Bosporus. In this picture the discovery of more direct routes between breeding and wintering areas made by juvenile birds during their first migration may have the adaptive value.
Numbers and Seasonal Activity of the Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) on the Kolut Fishpond (NW Serbia)
Authors: Tucakov Marko 
Published: September 2009

Numbers and Seasonal Activity of the Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) on the Kolut Fishpond (NW Serbia)
Breeding numbers, breeding success, migration dynamic and moulting numbers of the Mute Swan were analysed on the Kolut fishpond in NW Serbia. Between 1999 and 2004, 112 excursions to the fishpond have been organized, when entire water surface has been surveyed and all individuals counted. In the study period 2-3 pairs bred on the fishpond, rearing 55 chicks in total (4.3 chicks per breeding pair). Birds have not been observed on the fishpond during January, but typically large flocks appeared immediately after ice melting. After spring peak in the first decade of February, numbers dropped and were low up to the second peak of non-breeding and pre-breeding individuals which occurred in May. During moulting period 3-61 Mute Swans were present. After sharp transition in numbers between moulting period and autumn migration, numbers of swans using study area for stopover site during autumn migration remained low.
EFFECTS OF INTERPHASE AND MATRIX PROPERTIES ON EFFECTIVE TENSILE ELASTIC MODULUS OF CARBON NANOTUBE-BASED COMPOSITE
Authors: Masud AKM , Tahreen Nabila , Abedin Farhana 
Published: September 2009

The aim of this research is to assess the effects of interphase property and matrix property on the tensile elastic modulus (TEM) of the carbon nanotube (CNT) using a 3-D nanoscale representative volume element (RVE) based on continuum mechanics and using the finite element method (FEM). Formulas to extract the effective material constants from solutions for the RVE is derived based on the elasticity theory. Based on the strength of materials theory, an extended rule of mixtures, for estimating the effective Young's modulus, is applied for comparisons with the numerical solutions based on the elasticity theory. Both long and short CNT embedded in matrix at a volume fraction of 2% and 5% respectively is considered for investigating the effects of interphase and matrix property variation. The results demonstrate that in both the cases, matrix property and interphase property significantly influence the TEM of the CNT based composite. These results suggest that a coating of harder polymer on the CNT or a surface treatment can significantly increase the TEM of CNT based composite. Keywords: Carbon nanotube, Nanocomposites, Interphase, Tensile elastic modulus, FEM. doi: 10.3329/jme.v40i1.3471 Journal of Mechanical Engineering, Vol. ME40, No. 1, June 2009 29-38
Low Birth Weight and Early Neonatal Health
Authors: Khanum M , Ullah MA , Bari MI 
Published: September 2009

This was a prospective study conducted in a cohort of live normal full term singleton new-borns delivered in Rajshahi Medical College Hospital with the objective to explore their early neonatal health and as well as the role of low birth weight on it. A total 770 live normal new-borns were included in this study. For data collection APGAR Score Estimating Checklist and one pretested structured questionnaire were used. Simple descriptive as well as analytical techniques including Chi-square and t test were done. The results of this study suggested that low birth weight (LBW) babies were more prone to develop early neonatal morbidity and mortality than normal birth weight (NBW) babies. LBW infants needed more resuscitation and responded less to resuscitative effort than the infants of NBW. Birth asphyxia was the commonest cause of early neonatal morbidity and mortality. doi: 10.3329/taj.v17i1.3480 TAJ 2004; 17(1) : 1-5
Cervical Rib Surgery: A Study of 20 Cases
Authors: Rahman M Lutfor , Mohammod G , Alam I , Ali MS 
Published: September 2009

Cervical ribs give rise to vascular and neurogenic manifestation in the upper limb due to stretching and friction of neurovascular bundle in the base of the neck by numerous mechanisms that includes cervical ribs, anomalous ligament & hypertrophy of the scalenus anticus muscle. Controversy surrounds the diagnosis and management of thoracic outlet syndrome with or without cervical ribs. This is a small study of 20 cases carried out from 1994 to 2003 at RMCH, and some private hospitals. Out of them, 15 patients (75%) were male and 5 patients (25%) were female. The age of the patients was between 15 to 48 years (mean age 33 years) Unilateral cervical ribs were present in 75% cases and the rest 25% had bilateral cervical ribs. Only 3 patients presented with gangrenous upper limb. One of the patient attended to orthopedic surgeon first and amputation was planned. All the patient were treated through supra clavicular approach by excision of cervical ribs together with fibrous band. Only one patient did not respond to this initial surgery as symptoms persist and re-operation done by excision of first-rib and ultimately that patient become symptom free. In this study, authors explained their own experience of various way of presentation of cervical ribs, aetiology, different modalities of the treatment and their out come. doi: 10.3329/taj.v17i1.3482 TAJ 2004; 17(1) : 10-12
Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus
Authors: Abdullah-Al-Amin M , Begum SMK Nahar , Pramanik MAK 
Published: September 2009

This report presents two cases of Lichen Sclerosus et atrophicus. Patients were prepubertal females having itchy white plaques in the vulvar region with on and off burning micturition. No extragenital involvement was seen. Diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology. They were treated with local application of corticosteroid for a variable time period. Both the cases resolved by the age of menarche. These cases are being reported here in the context of its rare occurrence in children and to the best of our knowledge has not yet been reported in children in Bangladesh. The etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment modalities of the disease are reviewed from the literature. doi: 10.3329/taj.v17i1.3490 TAJ 2004; 17(1) : 47-51
Role of Biological Response Modifiers in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis-A Review
Authors: Haque M Azizul , Ekram ARM Saifuddin , Islam Quazi Tarikul 
Published: September 2009

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease with the potential to cause substantial joint damage and disability. During the past 10 years, improved understanding of the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis has led to several key changes in the approach to therapy. Most important of that is the development of some biological agents interfering with the activity of several important cytokines. Infliximab, etanarcept, and adalimumab are TNF blockers, anakinra is IL-1 receptor antagonist, and rituximab is anti CD-20 monoclonal antibody. These newer agents proved to be useful for alleviating symptoms and slowing the disease progression in the patients with RA who have failed to respond to conventional DMARDs. doi: 10.3329/taj.v17i1.3494 TAJ 2004; 17(1) : 71-76
Bute'sBotanical tables: dictated by Nature
Authors: Lazarus Maureen H. , Pardoe Heather S. 
Published: September 2009

In the final years of his life, after a long and turbulent political career, John Stuart, third Earl of Bute, was at last free to indulge in one of his passions: botany. The publication of Linnaeus's Systema naturae in 1735 threw the botanical world into disarray and academic argument raged throughout Europe. The production of the Botanical tables (1785) was an ambitious project to explain Bute's individual view of Linnaeus's system of taxonomy and was particularly composed for the “Fair Sex”. Twelve volumes were published privately and presented to family, royalty and botanical colleagues across Europe. The Botanical tables were illustrated by the renowned botanical artist, John Miller. The illustrations are both aesthetically pleasing and scientifically correct.In this paper we consider the circumstances of the production of the Botanical tables and explore how the original sets of this publication and original material have been dispersed.
Solid‐State NMR Investigations of the Unusual Effects Resulting from the Nanoconfinement of Water within Amphiphilic Crosslinked Polymer Networks
Authors: Ohashi Ryutaro , Bartels Jeremy W. , Xu Jinqi , Wooley Karen L. , Schaefer Jacob 
Published: September 2009

AbstractTwo types of solid‐state 19F NMR spectroscopy experiments are used to characterize phase‐separated hyperbranched fluoropolymer–poly(ethylene glycol) (HBFP–PEG) crosslinked networks. Mobile (soft) domains are detected in the HBFP phase by a rotor‐synchronized Hahn echo under magic‐angle spinning conditions, and rigid (hard) domains by a solid echo with no magic‐angle spinning. The mobility of chains is detected in the PEG phase by 1H → 13C cross‐polarization transfers with 1H spin‐lock filters with and without magic‐angle spinning. The interface between HBFP and PEG phases is detected by a third experiment, which utilized a 19F → 1H–(spin diffusion)–1H → 13C double transfer with 13C solid‐echo detection. The results of these experiments show that composition‐dependent PEG inclusions in the HBFP glass rigidify on hydration, consistent with an increase in macroscopic tensile strength.
Polymer‐Controlled Crystallization of Unique Mineral Superstructures
Authors: Chen Shao‐Feng , Zhu Jian‐Hua , Jiang Jun , Cai Guo‐Bin , Yu Shu‐Hong 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe origin of complex superstructures of biomaterials in biological systems and the amazing self‐assembly mechanisms of their emergence have attracted a great deal of attention recently. Mimicking nature, diverse kinds of hydrophilic polymers with different functionalities and organic insoluble matrices have been designed for the morphogenesis of inorganic crystals. In this Research News, emerging new strategies for morphogenesis and controlled crystal growth of minerals, that is, selective adsorption and mesoscale transformation for highly ordered superstructures, the combination of a synthetic hydrophilic polymer with an insoluble matrix, a substrate, or the air/solution interface, and controlled crystallization in a mixed solvent are highlighted. It is shown that these new strategies can be even further extended to morphogenesis and controlled crystallization of diverse inorganic or inorganic–organic hybrid materials with structural complexity, structural specialties, and improved functionalities.