Silicon quantum dots embedded in a SiO2 matrix: From structural study to carrier transport properties

We study the details of electronic transport related to the atomistic structure of silicon quantum dots embedded in a silicon dioxide matrix using ab initio calculations of the density of states. Several structural and composition features of quantum dots (QDs), such as diameter and amorphization level, are studied and correlated with transport under transfer Hamiltonian formalism. The current is strongly dependent on the QD density of states and on the conduction gap, both dependent on the dot diameter. In particular, as size increases, the available states inside the QD increase, while the QD band gap decreases due to relaxation of quantum confinement. Both effects contribute to increasing the current with the dot size. Besides, valence band offset between the band edges of the QD and the silica, and conduction band offset in a minor grade, increases with the QD diameter up to the theoretical value corresponding to planar heterostructures, thus decreasing the tunneling transmission probability and hence the total current. We discuss the influence of these parameters on electron and hole transport, evidencing a correlation between the electron (hole) barrier value and the electron (hole) current, and obtaining a general enhancement of the electron (hole) transport for larger (smaller) QD. Finally, we show that crystalline and amorphous structures exhibit enhanced probability of hole and electron current, respectively.

Analysis of Safety Benefits for Shielding of Bridge Piers, 2009

The highway system in the State of Iowa includes many grade separation structures constructed to provide maximum safety and mobility to road users on intersecting roadways. However, these structures can present possible safety concerns for traffic passing underneath due to close proximity of piers and abutments. Shielding of these potential hazards has been a design consideration for many years. This study examines historical crash experience in the State of Iowa to address the advisability of shielding bridge piers and abutments as well as other structure support elements considering the offset from the traveled way. A survey of nine Midwestern states showed that six states had bridge pier shielding practices consistent with those in Iowa. Data used for the analyses include crash data (2001 to 2007) from the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT), the Iowa DOT’s Geographic Information Management System (GIMS) structure and roadway data (2006) obtained from the Office of Transportation Data, and shielding and offset data for the bridges of interest. Additionally, original crash reports and the Iowa DOT video log were also utilized as needed. Grade-separated structures over high-speed, multilane divided Interstate and primary highways were selected for analysis, including 566 bridges over roadways with a speed limit of at least 45 mph. Bridges that met the criteria for inclusion in the study were identified for further analysis using crash data. The study also included economic analysis for possible shielding improvement.

Disseny d'un sistema de control del consum d'aigua automàtic

Avui en dia s’ha convertit en una necessitat tenir cura del medi ambient i optimitzar els recursos naturals. En el camp per estalviar energia s’han fet grans progressos i disposem d’un gran ventall de dispositius que ens ajuden i ens faciliten l’optimització del consum d’energia. Però és una realitat que en l’estalvi del consum d’aigua el progrés ha estat molt menor i es limita molt a donar consells i repartir dosificadors d’aigua. Qui no ha vist carrers o jardins o cases inundades amb milers de litres d’aigua? Aquesta realitat m’ha portat a dissenyar i desenvolupar un prototip que em permeti tenir un millor control del consum d’aigua. El prototip, a trets principals, consta d’un sensor, una electrovàlvula i una placa Arduino Atmega. El sensor ens permet mesurar els litres consumits durant un cert període de temps. Passat aquest temps de mostreig es compara els litres consumits amb el consum habitual, en aquell període de temps. En cas de sobrepassar el volum programat es tancarà l’electrovàlvula de forma automàtica i rebrem un SMS al telèfon. L’activació de l’alarma es pot ajustar que sigui al igualar-se els dos valors, litres programats i litres consumits. També es pot programar el percentatge que cal sobrepassar de litres consumits per activar l’alarma, com el temps de mostreig. El fet de poder programar tots aquests valors ens permet fer un ajust ideal per a la instal·lació que es vol tenir controlada. A més, el prototip es pot utilitzar per enviar a la companyia d’aigua el valor del comptador de forma automàtica. D’aquesta forma la companyia d’aigua també optimitza recursos estalviant-se el desplaçament de personal a la instal·lació per fer la lectura corresponent. El prototip està basat amb un Arduino Atmega que ens permet el processament de les dades programades i capturades pel sensor. També s’ha incorporat una pantalla TFT Touch 2’8”, que permet visualitzar i programar els valors d’una forma molt més intuïtiva. Per enviar els SMS s’utilitza una placa d’Arduino Cel·lular Shield - SM5100B, a la qual només cal afegir una targeta SIM. A priori, el prototip té un elevat cost al fabricar una sola unitat i pot semblar poc útil. Però ens pot estalviar alguna sorpresa en les factures d’aigua si tenim una fuita i no ens n’adonem fins a veure el rebut de la companyia. Si es fabriqués a grans quantitats es podria abaratir el preu i fer-lo encara més engrescador.

Desempenho de tratores agrícolas em tração

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho de tratores agrícolas e implementos em trabalhos de tração. Procurou-se estabelecer e validar modelos de previsão relativos ao esforço de tração requerido pela grade de discos offset de arrasto e relativos ao consumo de combustível do trator. É descrito o sistema de aquisição de dados desenvolvido para utilização em ensaios de campo, em condições reais de trabalho. Os parâmetros medidos foram: o regime do motor, a velocidade teórica e a velocidade real de avanço, o consumo horário de combustível e a força de tração na barra. Também foram realizados testes dos tratores com um freio dinamométrico ligado à tomada de potência. Os resultados de um projeto de pesquisa de três anos foram usados para estabelecer uma equação de previsão do esforço requerido por grades de discos offset, válida para mobilização primária de solos secos, de textura franca. Nas mesmas condições, os resultados validam a relação linear entre a força de tração por unidade de largura de trabalho do implemento e o consumo de combustível por hectare, indicador do dimensionamento do conjunto trator-implemento. Os dados obtidos também evidenciam as vantagens de se selecionarem marchas altas e baixa rotação do motor.

Laboratory Investigation of Concrete Beam-End Treatments, RB08-013, 2015

The ends of prestressed concrete beams under expansion joints are often exposed to moisture and chlorides. Left unprotected, the moisture and chlorides come in contact with the ends of the prestressing strands and/or the mild reinforcing, resulting in corrosion. Once deterioration begins, it progresses unless some process is employed to address it. Deterioration can lead to loss of bearing area and therefore a reduction in bridge capacity. Previous research has looked into the use of concrete coatings (silanes, epoxies, fiber-reinforced polymers, etc.) for protecting prestressed concrete beam ends but found that little to no laboratory research has been done related to the performance of these coatings in this specific type of application. The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) currently specifies coating the ends of exposed prestressed concrete beams with Sikagard 62 (a high-build, protective, solvent-free, epoxy coating) at the precast plant prior to installation on the bridge. However, no physical testing of Sikagard 62 in this application has been completed. In addition, the Iowa DOT continues to see deterioration in the prestressed concrete beam ends, even those treated with Sikagard 62. The goals of this project were to evaluate the performance of the Iowa DOT-specified beam-end coating as well as other concrete coating alternatives based on the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) T259-80 chloride ion penetration test and to test their performance on in-service bridges throughout the duration of the project. In addition, alternative beam-end forming details were developed and evaluated for their potential to mitigate and/or eliminate the deterioration caused by corrosion of the prestressing strands on prestressed concrete beam ends used in bridges with expansion joints. The alternative beam-end details consisted of individual strand blockouts, an individual blockout for a cluster of strands, dual blockouts for two clusters of strands, and drilling out the strands after they are flush cut. The goal of all of the forming alternatives was to offset the ends of the prestressing strands from the end face of the beam and then cover them with a grout/concrete layer, thereby limiting or eliminating their exposure to moisture and chlorides.

Training Diaries during Altitude Training Camp in Two Olympic Champions: An Observational Case Study.

Traditionally, Live High-Train High (LHTH) interventions were adopted when athletes trained and lived at altitude to try maximising the benefits offered by hypoxic exposure and improving sea level performance. Nevertheless, scientific research has proposed that the possible benefits of hypoxia would be offset by the inability to maintain high training intensity at altitude. However, elite athletes have been rarely recruited as an experimental sample, and training intensity has almost never been monitored during altitude research. This case study is an attempt to provide a practical example of successful LHTH interventions in two Olympic gold medal athletes. Training diaries were collected and total training volumes, volumes at different intensities, and sea level performance recorded before, during and after a 3-week LHTH camp. Both athletes successfully completed the LHTH camp (2090 m) maintaining similar absolute training intensity and training volume at high-intensity (> 91% of race pace) compared to sea level. After the LHTH intervention both athletes obtained enhancements in performance and they won an Olympic gold medal. In our opinion, LHTH interventions can be used as a simple, yet effective, method to maintain absolute, and improve relative training intensity in elite endurance athletes. Key PointsElite endurance athletes, with extensive altitude training experience, can maintain similar absolute intensity during LHTH compared to sea level.LHTH may be considered as an effective method to increase relative training intensity while maintaining the same running/walking pace, with possible beneficial effects on sea level performance.Training intensity could be the key factor for successful high-level LHTH camp.

Attachment of Combination Rails to Concrete Parapets Utilizing Epoxy Adhesive Anchors, RPFP-IOWA-1, 2015

The Iowa Department of Transportation (IaDOT) was interested in investigating the use of epoxy adhesive anchorages for the attachment of posts used in the BR27C combination bridge rail system. Alternative anchorage concepts were developed using a modified version of the ACI 318-11 procedures for embedded anchor design. Four design concepts were developed for review by IaDOT, including: (1) a four-bolt square anchorage, (2) a four-bolt spread anchorage, (3) a twobolt centered anchorage, and (4) a two-bolt offset anchorage. IaDOT representatives selected the four-bolt spread anchorage and the two-bolt offset anchorage as the preferred designs for evaluation. In addition to these two proposed configurations, IaDOT also requested that the researchers evaluate a third option that had been previously installed on the US-20 bridge near Hardin, IA. The proposed alternative anchorages and the original cast-in-place anchorage for the BR27C combination bridge rail were evaluated through dynamic component testing. The test of the original cast-in-place anchorage was used a baseline for comparison with the alternative designs. Test no. IBP-1 of the original cast-in-place anchorage developed a peak load of 22.9 kips (101.9 kN) at a deflection of 1.5 in. (38 mm). All three of the tested alternative anchorages provided greater load capacity than the original cast-in-place design and were deemed acceptable surrogates. Of the three alternative designs, the two-bolt offset design was deemed the best option.

GPS to LRM: Integration of Spatial Point Features with Linear Referencing Methods, 2001

Global positioning systems (GPS) offer a cost-effective and efficient method to input and update transportation data. The spatial location of objects provided by GPS is easily integrated into geographic information systems (GIS). The storage, manipulation, and analysis of spatial data are also relatively simple in a GIS. However, many data storage and reporting methods at transportation agencies rely on linear referencing methods (LRMs); consequently, GPS data must be able to link with linear referencing. Unfortunately, the two systems are fundamentally incompatible in the way data are collected, integrated, and manipulated. In order for the spatial data collected using GPS to be integrated into a linear referencing system or shared among LRMs, a number of issues need to be addressed. This report documents and evaluates several of those issues and offers recommendations. In order to evaluate the issues associated with integrating GPS data with a LRM, a pilot study was created. To perform the pilot study, point features, a linear datum, and a spatial representation of a LRM were created for six test roadway segments that were located within the boundaries of the pilot study conducted by the Iowa Department of Transportation linear referencing system project team. Various issues in integrating point features with a LRM or between LRMs are discussed and recommendations provided. The accuracy of the GPS is discussed, including issues such as point features mapping to the wrong segment. Another topic is the loss of spatial information that occurs when a three-dimensional or two-dimensional spatial point feature is converted to a one-dimensional representation on a LRM. Recommendations such as storing point features as spatial objects if necessary or preserving information such as coordinates and elevation are suggested. The lack of spatial accuracy characteristic of most cartography, on which LRM are often based, is another topic discussed. The associated issues include linear and horizontal offset error. The final topic discussed is some of the issues in transferring point feature data between LRMs.

Produtividade simulada de tubérculos de batata em cenários de mudanças climáticas

The objective of this study was to simulate potato (Solanum tuberosum) tuber yield in different climate change scenarios of increased carbon dioxide concentration [CO2] and air temperature, considering symmetric and asymmetric increases in minimum and maximum daily air temperatures. Spitters model was used to simulate Asterix cultivar tuber yield considering two growing seasons (spring and fall) recommended for Santa Maria, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. In each growing season, five planting dates were evaluated in climate scenarios of a hundred years with no increase in [CO2] and temperature (current scenario), and in scenarios with doubling [CO2] and temperature increases of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6ºC. A symmetric increase of 4ºC and an asymmetric increase of 5ºC in air temperature offset the yield beneficial effect of increasing [CO2] during spring, whereas increase in air temperature does not affect potato tuber yield during fall. Anticipating planting date in spring and delaying it in fall decrease the negative impact of the increasing air temperature on potato tuber yield.

Développement de l'interprétation quantitative de la sismique réflexion lacustre : application de l'AVO aux sédiments quaternaires dans le lac Léman

Résumé Des développements antérieurs, au sein de l'Institut de Géophysique de Lausanne, ont permis de développer des techniques d'acquisition sismique et de réaliser l'interprétation des données sismique 2D et 3D pour étudier la géologie de la région et notamment les différentes séquences sédimentaires du Lac Léman. Pour permettre un interprétation quantitative de la sismique en déterminant des paramètres physiques des sédiments la méthode AVO (Amplitude Versus Offset) a été appliquée. Deux campagnes sismiques lacustres, 2D et 3D, ont été acquises afin de tester la méthode AVO dans le Grand Lac sur les deltas des rivières. La géométrie d'acquisition a été repensée afin de pouvoir enregistrer les données à grands déports. Les flûtes sismiques, mises bout à bout, ont permis d'atteindre des angles d'incidence d'environ 40˚ . Des récepteurs GPS spécialement développés à cet effet, et disposés le long de la flûte, ont permis, après post-traitement des données, de déterminer la position de la flûte avec précision (± 0.5 m). L'étalonnage de nos hydrophones, réalisé dans une chambre anéchoïque, a permis de connaître leur réponse en amplitude en fonction de la fréquence. Une variation maximale de 10 dB a été mis en évidence entre les capteurs des flûtes et le signal de référence. Un traitement sismique dont l'amplitude a été conservée a été appliqué sur les données du lac. L'utilisation de l'algorithme en surface en consistante a permis de corriger les variations d'amplitude des tirs du canon à air. Les sections interceptes et gradients obtenues sur les deltas de l'Aubonne et de la Dranse ont permis de produire des cross-plots. Cette représentation permet de classer les anomalies d'amplitude en fonction du type de sédiments et de leur contenu potentiel en gaz. L'un des attributs qui peut être extrait des données 3D, est l'amplitude de la réflectivité d'une interface sismique. Ceci ajoute une composante quantitative à l'interprétation géologique d'une interface. Le fond d'eau sur le delta de l'Aubonne présente des anomalies en amplitude qui caractérisent les chenaux. L'inversion de l'équation de Zoeppritz par l'algorithme de Levenberg-Marquardt a été programmée afin d'extraire les paramètres physiques des sédiments sur ce delta. Une étude statistique des résultats de l'inversion permet de simuler la variation de l'amplitude en fonction du déport. On a obtenu un modèle dont la première couche est l'eau et dont la seconde est une couche pour laquelle V P = 1461 m∕s, ρ = 1182 kg∕m3 et V S = 383 m∕s. Abstract A system to record very high resolution (VHR) seismic data on lakes in 2D and 3D was developed at the Institute of Geophysics, University of Lausanne. Several seismic surveys carried out on Lake Geneva helped us to better understand the geology of the area and to identify sedimentary sequences. However, more sophisticated analysis of the data such as the AVO (Amplitude Versus Offset) method provides means of deciphering the detailed structure of the complex Quaternary sedimentary fill of the Lake Geneva trough. To study the physical parameters we applied the AVO method at some selected places of sediments. These areas are the Aubonne and Dranse River deltas where the configurations of the strata are relatively smooth and the discontinuities between them easy to pick. A specific layout was developed to acquire large incidence angle. 2D and 3D seismic data were acquired with streamers, deployed end to end, providing incidence angle up to 40˚ . One or more GPS antennas attached to the streamer enabled us to calculate individual hydrophone positions with an accuracy of 50 cm after post-processing of the navigation data. To ensure that our system provides correct amplitude information, our streamer sensors were calibrated in an anechoic chamber using a loudspeaker as a source. Amplitude variations between the each hydrophone were of the order of 10 dB. An amplitude correction for each hydrophone was computed and applied before processing. Amplitude preserving processing was then carried out. Intercept vs. gradient cross-plots enable us to determine that both geological discontinuities (lacustrine sediments/moraine and moraine/molasse) have well defined trends. A 3D volume collected on the Aubonne river delta was processed in order ro obtain AVO attributes. Quantitative interpretation using amplitude maps were produced and amplitude maps revealed high reflectivity in channels. Inversion of the water bottom of the Zoeppritz equation using the Levenberg-Marquadt algorithm was carried out to estimate V P , V S and ρ of sediments immediately under the lake bottom. Real-data inversion gave, under the water layer, a mud layer with V P = 1461 m∕s, ρ = 1182 kg∕m3 et V S = 383 m∕s.

The Dutung-Thaktote extensional fault zone and nappe structures documented by illite crystallinity and clay-mineral paragenesis in the Tethys Himalaya between Spiti river and Tso Morari, NW India

Numerous measurements by XRD of the Scherrer width at half-peak height (001 reflection of illite), coupled with analyses of clay-size assemblages, provide evidence for strong variations in the conditions of low temperature metamorphism in the Tethyan Himalaya metasediments between the Spiti river and the Tso Morari. Three sectors can be distinguished along the Spiti river-Tso Morari transect. In the SW, the Takling and Parang La area is characterised by a metamorphism around anchizone-epizone boundary conditions. Further north, in the Dutung area, the metamorphic grade abruptly decreases to weak diagenesis, with the presence of mixed-layered clay phases. At the end of the profile towards the NE, a progressive metamorphic increase up to greenschist facies is recorded, marked by the appearance of biotite and chloritoid. The combination of these data with the structural. observations permits to propose that a nappe stack has been crosscut by the younger Dutung-Thaktote extensional fault zone (DTFZ). The change in metamorphism across this zone helps to assess the displacements which occurred during synorogenic extension. In the SW and NE parts of the studied transect, a burial of 12 km has been estimated, assuming a geothermal gradient of 25 degrees C/km. In the SW part, this burial is due to the juxtaposition of the Shikar Beh and Mata nappes and in the NE part, solely to burial beneath the Mata nappe. In the central part of the profile, the effect of the DTFZ is to bring down diagenetic sediments in-between the two aforesaid metamorphic zones. The offset along the Dutung-Thaktote normal faults is estimated at 16 km.

The evolution of trans-generational altruism: kin selection meets niche construction.

A cornerstone result of sociobiology states that limited dispersal can induce kin competition to offset the kin selected benefits of altruism. Several mechanisms have been proposed to circumvent this dilemma but all assume that actors and recipients of altruism interact during the same time period. Here, this assumption is relaxed and a model is developed where individuals express an altruistic act, which results in posthumously helping relatives living in the future. The analysis of this model suggests that kin selected benefits can then feedback on the evolution of the trait in a way that promotes altruistic helping at high rates under limited dispersal. The decoupling of kin competition and kin selected benefits results from the fact that by helping relatives living in the future, an actor is helping individuals that are not in direct competition with itself. A direct consequence is that behaviours which actors gain by reducing the common good of present and future generations can be opposed by kin selection. The present model integrates niche-constructing traits with kin selection theory and delineates demographic and ecological conditions under which altruism can be selected for; and conditions where the 'tragedy of the commons' can be reduced.

Pölymittausmenetelmien luotettavuuden arviointi ja prosessiolosuhteiden vaikutus pölyävyyteen

Pölyäminen aiheuttaa ongelmia sekä paperin valmistuksessa paperikoneella että asiakkaalla painokoneella. Pölyäminen painokoneella aiheuttaa kumulatiivisia kertymiä painokumeille, -levyille ja kostutusvesijärjestelmään. Pölykertymistä seuraa painojäljen heikkenemistä, pesukertojen lisääntymistä ja tuotantokatkoja. Lisääntynyt painaminen tahmeilla offsetväreillä ja täyteaineiden käyttö paperin raaka-aineena on aiheuttanut paperin pölyämisherkkyyden kasvamista. Paperin pölyävyyteen vaikuttavia tekijöitä valmistuksessa, jälkikäsittelyssä ja jatkojalostuksessa on useita, mikä tekee ilmiöstä monimutkaisen. Paperin painatuksessa esiintyvän pölyävyyden ennakoimiseksi tutkittiin erilaisten pölymittausmenetelmien käytettävyys ja luotettavuus. Työssä käytetyt menetelmät olivatMac Millan Bloedel pölytesteri, R.A. Emerson & Company:n pölymittalaite, Finntesteri, SOLA, Masuga, arkkipainatus sekä IGT ja Prüfbau laboratoriopainatukset. Menetelmien luotettavuus arvioitiin vertaamalla saatuja pölytuloksia testipainatuksesta saatuihin pölytuloksiin ja Gage R&R testiä käyttäen. Lisäksi työssä selvitettiin paperin pölyävyyteen vaikuttavia tekijöitä, ja tutkittiin prosessiolosuhteiden vaikutusta paperin pölyävyyteen. Tutkimus osoitti tuotantoprosessin olosuhteissa tehtyjen muutosten aiheuttavan oleellisia muutoksia paperin pölyävyyteen. Käytettävän massan ominaisuuksilla, tuotantoprosessin kemian hallinnalla sekä paperin ominaisuuksista etenkin lujuus- ja formaatio-ominaisuuksilla on selkeästi yhteyttä paperin pölyävyyteen painatuksessa. Pölymittauksilla paperin valmistuksen yhteydessä voidaan tasollisesti arvioida paperinpölyävyys painatuksessa, mutta absoluuttisten tulosten saaminen on ilmiön monimuotoisuudesta johtuen mahdotonta. Käytetyistä menetelmistä tähän tuotantoprosessiin toimivin pölyävyyden mittamenetelmä on R.A. Emerson & Company:n pölymittalaite. Laite on yksinkertainen ja nopea käyttää, eikä toteutus vaadi suuria investointeja.

Pupil responses derived from outer and inner retinal photoreception are normal in patients with hereditary optic neuropathy.

We compared the pupil responses originating from outer versus inner retinal photoreception between patients with isolated hereditary optic neuropathy (HON, n = 8) and healthy controls (n = 8). Three different testing protocols were used. For the first two protocols, a response function of the maximal pupil contraction versus stimulus light intensity was generated and the intensity at which half of the maximal pupil contraction, the half-max intensity, was determined. For the third protocol, the pupil size after light offset, the re-dilation rate and re-dilation amplitude were calculated to assess the post-light stimulus response. Patients with HON had bilateral, symmetric optic atrophy and significant reduction of visual acuity and visual field compared to controls. There were no significant mean differences in the response curve and pupil response parameters that reflect mainly rod, cone or melanopsin activity between patients and controls. In patients, there was a significant correlation between the half-max intensity of the red light sequence and visual field loss. In conclusion, pupil responses derived from outer or inner retinal photoreception in HON patients having mild-to moderate visual dysfunction are not quantitatively different from age-matched controls. However, an association between the degree of visual field loss and the half-max intensity of the cone response suggests that more advanced stages of disease may lead to impaired pupil light reflexes.

Cost-effectiveness of a new combined immunosuppressive and anti-infectious regimen in kidney transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to assess the 1-year cost-effectiveness of a new combined immunosuppressive and anti-infectious regimen in kidney transplantation to prevent both rejection and infectious complications. METHODS: Patients (pts) transplanted from January 2000 to March 2003 (Group A) and treated with a conventional protocol were compared with pts submitted to a combined regimen including universal cytomegalovirus (CMV) prophylaxis between April 2003 and July 2005 (Group B). Costs were computed from the hospital accounting system for hospital stays, and official tariffs for outpatient visits. Patients with incomplete costs data were excluded from analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients were analyzed in Group A, and 60 in Group B. Baseline characteristics including CMV serostatus were not significantly different between the two groups. Over 12 months after transplantation, acute rejections decreased from 41.5 percent in Group A to 6.7 percent in Group B (p < .001), and CMV infections from 47 percent to 15 percent (p < .001). Overall, readmissions decreased from 68 percent to 55 percent (p = .160), and average hospital days from 28 +/- 19 to 20 +/- 11 days (p < .007). The average number of outpatient visits decreased from 49 +/- 10 to 39 +/- 8 (p < .001). Average 1-year immunosuppressive and CMV prophylaxis costs (per patient) increased from CHF20,402 +/- 7,273 to 27,375 +/- 6,063 (p < .001), graft rejection costs decreased from CHF4,595 +/- 10,182 to 650 +/- 3,167 (p = .005), CMV treatment costs from CHF2,270 +/- 6,161 to 101 +/- 326 (p = .008), and outpatient visits costs from CHF8,466 +/- 1'721 to 6,749 +/- 1,159 (p < .001). Altogether, 1-year treatment costs decreased from CHF39'957 +/- 16,573 to 36,204 +/- 6,901 (p = .115). CONCLUSIONS: The new combined regimen administered in Group B was significantly more effective, and its additional costs were more than offset by savings associated with complications avoidance.