1,763 research outputs found
Estimation of effective vaccination rate for pertussis in New Zealand as a case study
In some cases vaccination is unreliable. For example vaccination against pertussis has comparatively high level of primary and secondary failures. To evaluate efficiency of vaccination we introduce the idea of effective vaccination rate and suggest an approach to estimate it. We consider pertussis in New Zealand as a case study. The results indicate that the level of immunity failure for pertussis is considerably higher than was anticipated
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A 4D feature tracking algorithm: a multidimensional view of cyclone systems
An objective 4D algorithm developed to track extratropical relative vorticity anomaly 3D structure over time
is introduced and validated. The STACKER algorithm, structured with the TRACKER single level tracking
algorithm as source of the single-level raw tracks, objectively combines tracks from various levels to
determine the 3D structure of the cyclone (or anticyclone) events throughout their life cycle. Stacker works
progressively, beginning with two initial levels and then adding additional levels to the stack in a bottom-up
and/or top-down approach. This allows an iterative stacking approach, adding one level at a time, resulting in
an optimized 4D determination of relative vorticity anomaly events.
A two-stage validation process is carried out with the ERA-Interim dataset for the 2015 austral winter. First
the overall tracking capability during an austral winter, taking into account a set of climate indicators and
their impacts on Southern Hemisphere circulation, was compared to previous climatologies, in order to
verify the density and distribution of the cyclone events detected by STACKER. Results show the cyclone
density distribution is in very good agreement with previous climatologies, after taking into account potential
differences due to climate variability and different tracking methodologies. The second stage focuses on
three different long-lived events over the Southern Hemisphere, during the winter of 2015 spanning seven
different pressure levels. Both GOES satellite imagery, infrared and water vapour channels, and ERAInterim
cloud cover products are used in order to validate the tracks obtained as well as the algorithmâs
capability and reliability. The observed 3D cyclone structures and their time evolution are consistent with
current understanding of cyclone system development. Thus, the two-stage validation confirms that the
algorithm is suitable to track multilevel events, and can follow and analyse their 3-D life cycle and develop
full 3D climatologies and climate variability studie
Assessment of Sustainable Development
The objective of this paper is to introduce fuzzy set theory and develop fuzzy mathematical models to assess sustainable development based on context-dependent economic, ecological, and societal sustainability indicators. Membership functions are at the core of fuzzy models, and define the degree to which indicators contribute to development. Although a decision-making process regarding sustainable development is subjective, fuzzy set theory links human expectations about development, expressed in linguistic propositions, to numerical data, expressed in measurements of sustainability indicators. In the future, practical implementation of such models will be based on elicitation of expert knowledge to construct a membership function. The fuzzy models developed in this paper provide a novel approach to support decisions regarding sustainable development
Development of visceral and subcutaneous-abdominal adipose tissue in breastfed infants during first year of lactation
This study aimed to investigate relationships between infant abdominal visceral and subcutaneous adiposity and human milk (HM) components and maternal body composition (BC) during first year of lactation. Subcutaneous-abdominal depth (SAD), subcutaneous-abdominal fat area (SFA), visceral depth (VD) and preperitoneal fat area of 20 breastfed infants were assessed at 2, 5, 9 and 12 months using ultrasound. Maternal BC was determined with bioimpedance spectroscopy. HM macronutrients and bioactive components concentrations and infant 24-h milk intake were measured and calculated daily intakes (CDI) determined. Maternal adiposity associated with infant SFA (negatively at 2, 5, 12, positively at 9 months, all overall p < 0.05). 24-h milk intake positively associated with infant SAD (p = 0.007) and VD (p = 0.013). CDI of total protein (p = 0.013), total carbohydrates (p = 0.004) and lactose (p = 0.013) positively associated with SFA. Lactoferrin concentration associated with infant VD (negatively at 2, 12, positively at 5, 9 months, overall p = 0.003). CDI of HM components and maternal adiposity have differential effects on development of infant visceral and subcutaneous abdominal adiposity. Maintaining healthy maternal BC and continuing breastfeeding to 12 months and beyond may facilitate favourable BC development reducing risk of obesity
Using the Mass Media
Patterns of media use in an urban setting are related to media gratification processes, but the relationship of media use to the needs of the media users is a complex one. Television, newspapers, and books are perceived as the most helpful media sources of need gratification, while radio, magazines, and films are perceived as less helpful. Use of the media is, in general, related to their perceived helpfulness. However, use of the media is not clearly related to the expressed needs of the audience members. The media appear to form two groups, books, magazines, and films as contrasted to radio, television, and newspapers. This dichotomy appears to be based not only on content but on availability and accessibility.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/67162/2/10.1177_009365028000700304.pd
Lack of Effect of SU1498, an Inhibitor of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2, in a Transgenic Murine Model of Retinoblastoma
SU1498, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2), has activity against retinal neovascular diseases. To determine if this drug might have clinical utility against retinoblastoma, we evaluated the effects of SU1498, as well as the expression of VEGFR-2, in a transgenic animal model of retinoblastoma. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was evaluated as a technology to measure retinal tumors in vivo, in response to treatment. Immunofluorescence analysis was performed to evaluate the distribution and expression of VEGFR-2 in enucleated eyes from LHÎČTag transgenic mice and controls at 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. VEGFR-2 and phosphorylated (p)VEGFR-2 levels were quantitated by Western blot. OCT was used to pair 10-week-old animals based on tumor volume (n=10), and these animals were treated with 6 periocular injections of SU1498 (50mg/kg, given twice weekly) or vehicle for 3 weeks. Tumor burden was determined by histology and in vivo imaging by OCT. VEGFR-2 and pVEGFR-2 expression levels were upregulated during tumorigenesis. However, SU1498 did not significantly reduce tumor burden compared to vehicle (p=0.29). OCT imaging of one matched pair demonstrated equivalent, linear tumor growth despite treatment with SU1498. Retinal tumors can be followed non-invasively and quantitatively measured with OCT. VEGFR-2 is strongly upregulated during tumorigenesis in transgenic retinoblastoma; however, SU1498 does not decrease tumor volume in transgenic murine RB at the studied dose and route of administration
Elastic and scattering at LHC
We discuss the possibility of measuring leading neutron production at the
LHC. These data could be used to extract from it and
cross-sections. In this note we give some estimates for the case of elastic
cross-sections and discuss related problems and prospects.Comment: 26 pages, 25 figures, to be published, minor text correction
Two-Proton Correlations near Midrapidity in p+Pb and S+Pb Collisions at the CERN SPS
Correlations of two protons emitted near midrapidity in p+Pb collisions at
450 GeV/c and S+Pb collisions at 200A GeV/c are presented, as measured by the
NA44 Experiment. The correlation effect, which arises as a result of final
state interactions and Fermi-Dirac statistics, is related to the space-time
characteristics of proton emission. The measured source sizes are smaller than
the size of the target lead nucleus but larger than the sizes of the
projectiles. A dependence on the collision centrality is observed; the source
size increases with decreasing impact parameter. Proton source sizes near
midrapidity appear to be smaller than those of pions in the same interactions.
Quantitative agreement with the results of RQMD (v1.08) simulations is found
for p+Pb collisions. For S+Pb collisions the measured correlation effect is
somewhat weaker than that predicted by the model simulations, implying either a
larger source size or larger contribution of protons from long-lived particle
decays.Comment: 10 pages (LaTeX) text, 4 (EPS) figures; accepted for publication in
Phys. Lett.
Strange Meson Enhancement in PbPb Collisions
The NA44 Collaboration has measured yields and differential distributions of
K+, K-, pi+, pi- in transverse kinetic energy and rapidity, around the
center-of-mass rapidity in 158 A GeV/c Pb+Pb collisions at the CERN SPS. A
considerable enhancement of K+ production per pi is observed, as compared to
p+p collisions at this energy. To illustrate the importance of secondary hadron
rescattering as an enhancement mechanism, we compare strangeness production at
the SPS and AGS with predictions of the transport model RQMD.Comment: 11 pages, including 4 figures, LATE
The âspirit of sportâ, WADAs code review, and the search for an overlapping consensus
In this paper, we argue for the recognition that anti-doping is in itself first and foremost an ethical position. The current World Anti-doping Code formulation of âthe spirit of sportâ is an acknowledgement of this point and a counterweight against scientific and technicist understandings of the nature of anti-doping itself. We critically review the Code formulations on âthe spirit of sportâ. Based on a theoretical background of various approaches to normative agreement and consensus in a setting of diversity of âcomprehensive viewsâ, we argue for revision of the Code. Specifically, we argue for a re-formulation of âthe spirit of sportâ in terms of athlete protection and the preservation of the integrity of sporting competition that could meet requirements on an overlapping consensus among all WADA stakeholders. This is not just a matter of formality and Code acceptance. An overlapping consensus is not a mere modus vivendi but a normative consensus based on fair, honest, and transparent discourse in which participants deliberate in a setting of mutual respect and trust, and of âdecencyâ, which is a basis for a consensus that cultivates authentic stakeholder commitment
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