bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Removal of Nickel-63 Ions from Aqueous Solutions by Chitosan Flakes
Authors: Zamin M. , Shaheen T. , Ahmed M.
Published: March 2005

Radiotracer batch equilibrium experiments were undertaken to check the uptake of nickel-63 from aqueous solutions by a natural polymer, i.e. chitosan obtained from fishery wastes (shrimp, crab and prawn shells). The results of kinetic and equilibrium studies showed significant removal of 63Ni by chitosan with the uptake being pH-dependent. The experimental adsorption data obtained for aqueous solutions containing 63Ni metal ions were found to correlate well with the Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherm equations. The following parameters were obtained: Freundlich: 1/n = 0.57 ± 0.02; A = 0.105 ± 0.003 mmol/g; Langmuir: Q = 0.2 ± 0.14 μmol/g; b = 128.47 ± 0.56 dm3/mol; D-R: β = −0.0043 kJ2/mol2; Cm = 0.16 mmol/g; E = 10.78 ± 0.2 kJ/mol. Thermodynamic parameters, i.e., δG0, δS0 and δH0, were also calculated, with the sorption process being shown to be endothermic.
Physisorption Hysteresis Loops and the Characterization of Nanoporous Materials
Authors: Sing Kenneth S.W. , Williams Ruth T.
Published: March 2005

The classification of adsorption hysteresis loops recommended by the IUPAC in 1984 was based on experimental observations and the application of classical principles of pore filling (notably the use of the Kelvin equation for mesopore analysis). Recent molecular simulation and density functional (DFT) studies of the physisorption of gases by model pore structures have greatly improved our understanding of the mechanisms of hysteresis and it is therefore timely to revisit the IUPAC recommendations. In this review, we conclude that there is no immediate need to change the IUPAC classification of physisorption isotherms and hysteresis loops. However, in the light of recent advances, we are able to offer a revised checklist for the analysis of nitrogen isotherms on nanoporous solids: this includes a carefully regulated application of DFT in place of a classical procedure such as the well-known Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) method.
Modelling and Simulation of Ternary Liquid-Phase Adsorption onto Activated Carbon
Authors: Olafadehan Olaosebikan A. , Susu Alfred A.
Published: March 2005

A computational procedure is presented for solving the set of rigid hyperbolic and parabolic partial differential equations describing the simultaneous adsorption of a ternary system in a column packed with adsorbent particles using the non-linear adsorption isotherms of Fritz and Schluender. The model equations account for the effects of axial diffusion in the fluid and the film and internal diffusional mass-transfer resistances of the particles. Orthogonal collocation and Michelsen's modified third-order semi-implicit Runge-Kutta method combined with a step-size adjustment strategy were used to solve the general form of the resulting 6N coupled ordinary differential equations for the simultaneous adsorption of butan-2-ol, t-amyl alcohol and phenol in fixed beds. The simulated results obtained from this model were compared with experimental data. Excellent agreement between the simulated results and previously published experimental data was obtained. The breakthrough profiles were also indicative of the competitive multi-component adsorption behaviour as well as the formation of multiple adsorption layers upon the primary monomolecular layer.
Prediction of Blast Induced Air Overpressure in Opencast Mine
Authors: Khandelwal Manoj , Singh T. N.
Published: March 2005

Blasting is still considered to be the most economical technique for rock excavation and displacement either on the surface or underground. The explosive energy, which fractures the rockmass is not fully utilized and only 20-30% of the energy is utilized in actual breakage of the rockmass, and the rest of the energy is spread in the form of ground vibration, air blast, flying rock, back break, etc. Air blast is considered to be one of the most detrimental side effects due to generation of noise. A generalized equation has been proposed by many researchers but due to its site specific constants, it cannot be used in other geo-mining conditions.

In the present paper, an attempt has been made to predict the air blast using a neural network (NN) by incorporating the maximum charge per delay and distance between blast face to monitoring point. To investigate the appropriateness of this approach, the predictions by a NN are also compared with generalized equation of air overpressure and conventional statistical relations. For prediction of air overpressure, the data set has been taken from two different limestone mines for training of the network while validation of the network has been done by Magnesite mine data set. The network is trained by 41 datasets with 50 epochs and tested by 15 dataset. The correlation co-efficient determined by a NN was 0.9574 while correlation co-efficient were 0.3811 and 0.5258 by generalized equation and statistical analysis respectively. The Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) for a NN was 2.7437, whereas MAPE for generalized equation and statistical analysis were 8.6957 and 6.9179 respectively.
Still Humming
Authors: Leventhall Geoff
Published: March 2005

The elusive “Hum” continues to create worldwide problems, with complaints from North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and elsewhere. Periodically a Hum focus occurs, giving a concentration of complaints in a relatively small area. Despite multiple investigations, a general noise source has not been located and some sufferers are now grasping at a non acoustic origin, such as electromagnetic radiations.
ReliabilitY Systems Bring Big Savings in Petrochemical Plants
Authors: Roberts Colin , Group SKF
Published: March 2005

The introduction of reliability systems into petrochemical plants is transforming traditional operating and maintenance practices. Benefits gained by systems provided by SKF have included large financial savings as well as the prevention of a catastrophic pump failure, detection of a coolant leak and a doubling of meantime between failure for critical process fans.
Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Drivers of All-Terrain Vehicles in Northern Sweden
Authors: Rehn B. , Lundström R. , Nilsson T. , Bergdahl I.A. , Ahlgren C. , From C. , Sundelin G. , Järvholm B.
Published: March 2005

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are a group of machines that do not operate on prepared roads. Off-road use of these fast-moving machines results in the driver being exposed to high magnitudes of vibration and shock. It is estimated that there are up to 20,000 people in Sweden that uses ATVs during their work, such as forest machines, snowmobiles, snowgroomers, motorcycles, and three- and four-wheeled vehicles. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the risk for musculoskeletal symptoms of the neck, shoulders, upper and lower back among professional drivers of ATVs. Data from 215 male drivers of forest machines, 137 drivers of snowmobiles, 79 drivers of snowgroomers and 167 men randomly selected from the general population to act as a control group were collected. All subjects were from the four most northern counties in Sweden. Musculoskeletal symptoms during the previous year were assessed using the standardised Nordic questionnaire. Prevalence rate ratios were adjusted for age, smoking and job strain. Results showed that all driver categories had significantly increased prevalence rate ratios (1.5-2.9) for experiencing symptoms in the neck-shoulder and thoracic regions. Unlike findings from previous epidemiological studies, there was not an increased risk of low back pain among any of the driver categories compared to the control group. The higher prevalence of musculoskeletal problems is thought to be due to long-term exposure to physical factors, such as, whole-body vibration (WBV) and shock, static muscle overload and extreme body postures. The findings in this study highlight the fact that working with ATVs may cause, aggravate or prevent resolution of musculoskeletal symptoms. However, the exact cause of these problems is unclear and the interaction between vibration and body posture is not known. The authors believe however that it is necessary to reduce exposure to WBV and shock to decrease the high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among professional ATV drivers. This may be done by implementing preventative measures, such as selecting the best vehicle model or seat, optimising driving style and minimizing use in rough terrain. Health surveillance seems to be important for people that regularly use ATVs in their work.
The Uncertainty in Absorption Coefficients Measured in Reverberant Chambers: A Case Study
Authors: Ramis J. , Alba J. , Martínez J. , Redondo J.
Published: March 2005

The aim of this work is to study the uncertainties that are present in measurements of the sound absorption coefficients of acoustical materials by means of the determination of the reverberation time (according to ISO 354 [1]). A detailed study of the uncertainty in the measurements of sound absorption coefficients has been performed. As an additional feature we present a representation of the absorption coefficient and its relative uncertainty.
Optimal Determination of the Truncation Point of Room Impulse Responses
Authors: Ćirić Dejan G. , Milošević Miroslava A.
Published: March 2005

A theoretically obtained optimal Truncation Point (TP) in the Room Impulse Response (RIR) is located at the intersection of the main decay slope and the noise floor. Precise determination of this point is difficult in practice. Namely, the deviation of the RIR decay from the exponential decay can lead to discrepancies in the determined TP from the optimal value. In order to increase the accuracy of TP determination, additional terms are incorporated in a simple algorithm. Besides, iterative algorithm for RIR truncation is proposed. These are compared with the existing one, using simulated and measured RIRs. The results confirm the validity of the proposed algorithms, indicating their advantages. In addition, the influences of the response parameters on RIR truncation are investigated.
Technical Note: Remark on the Formal Identity of Two Statistical-Acoustics Models of Coupled Rooms
Authors: Summers Jason E.
Published: March 2005

Confusion can result because the two best-known statistical-acoustics models of energy decay in coupled rooms give variant predictions, despite being derived from identical base assumptions. It is shown here that the model given by Cremer and Müller is formally identical to the model given by Kuttruff and that differences between the models arise only if Cremer and Müller's approximate solution method is followed. An exact formulation of Cremer and Müller's model is given explicitly and its predictions are shown to agree with those of Kuttruff's model.
Data Base Design for Acoustics: The Case of Churches
Authors: Fernández M. D. , Recuero M.
Published: March 2005

This paper reports on an example of a data base for church acoustics. The initial scheme of data base fields is presented, including relationships to store the minimum information possible, to derive the required acoustic parameters automatically. It is demonstrated that if cross-data tools are added to the data base, it may also serve as an investigation platform from which results can be obtained which will allow acoustic patterns to be set depending on the volume and the internal architectural style. This hypothesis has been tested with Baroque churches, and a formula is proposed to predict the reverberation time, depending on the total volume of the room.
Coupled Volumes: Aperture Size and the Double-Sloped Decay of Concert Halls
Authors: Ermann M.
Published: March 2005

The coupled-volume concert hall and its signature double-sloped sound decay attempt to reconcile the often-competing qualities of clarity and reverberance. By wrapping a room with another more reverberant room, and allowing for apertures to control the sonic transparency between the two rooms, designers use coupling to provide a sound field that is variable, longer, distinct, and performance-piece-specific. For this study a coupled-volume concert hall (based on an existing hall) is conceived with a fixed geometric volume, form, and materiality. Aperture size is established as variable. The simulated hall undergoes statistical and geometric (ray tracing software) analysis. Results show disparity in the absolute decay patterns projected by the two methods; however, both statistical and geometric relative analyses suggest a highly sensitive relationship between the aperture size exposing the coupled-volume and the double-sloped condition. To test the model, simulations are compared to real-room measurements taken in a coupled volume concert hall.
Comparison of Numerical Schemes for a Realistic Computational Aeroacoustics Benchmark Problem
Authors: Hixon R. , Nallasamy M. , Sawyer S. , Dyson R.
Published: March 2005

In this work, a nonlinear block-structured CAA solver, the NASA Glenn Research Center BASS code, is tested on a realistic CAA benchmark problem in order to ascertain what effect the high-accuracy solution methods used in CAA have on a realistic test problem. In this test, the nonlinear 2-D compressible Euler equations are solved on a fully curvilinear grid from a commercial grid generator. The solutions are obtained using several finite-difference methods on an identical grid to determine the relative performance of these spatial differencing schemes on this benchmark problem.
Coupling of Integral Acoustics Methods with LES for Jet Noise Prediction
Authors: Uzun Ali , Lyrintzis Anastasios S. , Blaisdell Gregory A.
Published: March 2005

This study is focused on developing a Computational Aeroacoustics (CAA) methodology that couples the near field unsteady flow field data computed by a 3-D Large Eddy Simulation (LES) code with various integral acoustic formulations for the far field noise prediction of turbulent jets. The LES code employs state-of-the-art numerical schemes and a localized version of the dynamic Smagorinsky subgrid-scale (SGS) model. The code also has the capability to turn off the SGS model and treat the spatial filter that is needed for numerical stability as an implicit SGS model. Noise computations performed for a Mach 0.9, Reynolds number 400,000 jet using various integral acoustic results are presented and the results are compared against each other as well with those from experiments at similar flow conditions. Our results show that the surface integral acoustics methods (Kirchhoff and Ffowcs Williams – Hawkings) give similar results to the volume integral method (Lighthill's acoustic analogy) at a much lower cost. To the best of our knowledge, Lighthill's acoustic analogy is applied to a Reynolds number 400,000 jet at Mach 0.9 for the first time in this study. The distribution of Lighthill sources that radiate noise in the direction of various observer locations is evaluated. A source decomposition shows significant cancellations among the individual components of the Lighthill source.
Roles for software technologies in advancing research and theory in educational psychology
Authors: Hadwin Allyson F. , Winne Philip H. , Nesbit John C.
Published: March 2005

While reviews abound on theoretical topics in educational psychology, it is rare that we examine our field's instrumentation development, and what effects this has on educational psychology's evolution. To repair this gap, this paper investigates and reveals the implications of software technologies for researching and theorizing about core issues in educational psychology. From a set of approximately 1,500 articles published between 1999 and 2004, we sampled illustrative studies and organized them into four broad themes: (a) innovative ways to operationalize variables, (b) the changing nature of instructional interventions, (c) new fields of research in educational psychology, and (d) new constructs to be examined. In each area, we identify novel uses of these technologies and suggest how they may advance, and, in some instances, reshape theory and methodology. Overall, we demonstrate that software technologies hold significant potential to elaborate research in the field.
Pupils' evaluation and generation of evidence and explanation in argumentation
Authors: Glassner Amnon , Weinstock Michael , Neuman Yair
Published: March 2005

Background. Studies on argument have found that participants tend to prefer explanations to evidence. This apparent bias toward explanation has been qualified recently by research that has found it to diminish with the availability of evidence.

Aim. This study examines the use of explanation versus evidence in the context of argumentation with reference to the goals of particular argument situations.

Sample. Seventy‐nine eighth‐grade pupils at a regular, urban middle school.

Method. The pupils read argumentation scenarios, each having the stated goal of either explaining or proving a claim. The pupils rated the degree to which each of two provided assertions (one a theoretical explanation, and the other evidence‐based) helped achieve the goal of the argument. On a second task, the pupils chose which of the two assertions should be more effective in achieving the argument goal. On the third task, the pupils generated either an explanation or evidence for each of the argumentation scenarios.

Results. Pupils demonstrated sensitivity to the relative epistemic strength of explanation and evidence. They rated explanations as more advantageous in achieving the explanation goal, and evidence as more advantageous in achieving the proof goal. Conversely, however, when asked to generate or recall an explanation or evidence, pupils produced more explanations than evidence independent of the argumentation goal.

Conclusions. The study refines the definition of argumentation context to include specific goals. Pupils were sensitive to the context of the argumentation situation (e.g. goals, availability of evidence). However, they appeared to have a disposition toward explanation when asked to produce an explanation or evidence‐based justification.
Cognitive skills in mathematical problem solving in Grade 3
Authors: Desoete Annemie , Roeyers Herbert
Published: March 2005

Background. Research on the relationship between cognitive skills and mathematical problem solving is usually conducted on adults or on participants with acquired deficits associated with brain injury (e.g. Cipolotti, 1995; Cohen, Dehaene, & Verstichel, 1994; McCloskey, 1992).

Aims. In these studies we wanted to make a contribution to the field of children's mathematical problem solving. The first aim of this study was to investigate whether mathematical problem solving in children is merely determined by semantic elaboration, as hypothesized in some of the models of adult processing (semantic hypothesis). In addition, we aimed to investigate whether there is a continuum from very good to very poor mathematical problem solving among children with mathematical learning disabilities showing immature cognitive skills (maturational lag hypothesis).

Sample. The participants were 376 third graders and 107 second graders.

Method. The internal structure of the data was analysed with a principal components analysis. In addition, two MANOVA were conducted to compare children with learning disabilities or problems with age‐matched and performance‐matched subjects.

Results. Two components, a semantic and a non‐semantic one, were needed to account for an adequate fit of the dataset. In addition, children with mathematical learning disabilities had less‐developed cognitive skills compared with peers without learning disabilities, but they did not differ from younger children on seven of the nine cognitive skills.

Conclusions. This study highlighted that children's mathematical problem solving is not determined by one general component. The picture is more complex, since two mathematics components were found. In addition, although our findings point in the direction of the maturational lag hypothesis it may be important to assess the different cognitive skills and especially assess the number system knowledge, since it seems below average in children with mathematical learning disabilities, compared with the knowledge of younger children with comparable skills in mathematics.
Activity in children with ADHD during waiting situations in the classroom: A pilot study
Authors: Antrop Inge , Buysse Ann , Roeyers Herbert , Van Oost Paulette
Published: March 2005

Background. According to the optimal stimulation theory and the delay aversion hypothesis, children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience difficulties when they are confronted with low levels of stimulation and delay, respectively.

Aim. This study investigated the activity level of children with ADHD during waiting situations in the classroom. Three series of hypothesis were made: (1) with respect to the comparison between waiting and non‐waiting intervals, (2) with respect to the effects of non‐temporal stimulation, and (3) with respect to the effects of temporal stimulation on behaviour during waiting.

Sample and method. The activity level of 14 children with ADHD and 14 control children between the ages of 6 and 11 years was observed during two non‐waiting class situations and three waiting situations: without any stimulation, in the presence of non‐temporal stimulation and in the presence of temporal stimulation.

Results. Both groups of children obtained higher activity scores for all behavioural dimensions during waiting compared with non‐waiting situations. The results further revealed additive effects of waiting and diagnostic group on behaviour. Additional non‐temporal stimulation during waiting affected the behaviour of all children for most behavioural characteristics. For noisiness, additive effects were also found for diagnostic group and either non‐temporal stimulation or temporal stimulation. For restlessness, a trend for an interaction effect between diagnostic group and non‐temporal stimulation was found.

Conclusion. The findings have clear implications for school observations within an assessment protocol.
Alexithymia: Its prevalence and correlates in a British undergraduate sample
Authors: Mason O. , Tyson M. , Jones C. , Potts S.
Published: March 2005

Introduction. Alexithymia is characterized by a difficulty identifying and describing emotional states, as well as an externally oriented thinking style. This study investigated the prevalence of alexithymia in a British undergraduate sample and assesses its relationship to both parental bonding and dissociation.

Method. The Toronto alexithymia scale (TAS‐20), the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI), and the Dissociative Experience Scale (DES) were administered to a sample of 181 male and 190 female undergraduate students from both arts and science subjects.

Results. Rates of alexithymia were comparable with those observed in some other countries. Contrary to predictions, females were found to have higher rates than males, and the highest presence of alexithymia was in female science students. As in previous studies, alexithymia was linked to both dissociation and perceptions of a lack of maternal care, though the degree of association to the latter was small. Dissociative experiences were predicted by both maternal overprotection and difficulties identifying feelings.

Discussion. Some qualified support was found for the relevance of early maternal bonding to later difficulties processing emotions. The presence of greater alexithymia in females, and female science students in particular, was discussed in reference to similar observations elsewhere. There was also an understandable relationship between ‘difficulty identifying feelings’ (TAS) and both depersonalization/derealization and absorption (DES).
The effect of mood on responses to the Young Schema Questionnaire: Short form
Authors: Stopa Lusia , Waters Anne
Published: March 2005

The schema concept has had an important role in both early and more recent accounts of psychopathology. Schemas are underlying cognitive structures that are thought to create vulnerability to disorders, because they act as templates for the perception, encoding, storage, and retrieval of information. Recent approaches to the understanding and treatment of personality disorders give schemas particular prominence, and the concept of early maladaptive schemas forms the cornerstone of Young's (1999) schema‐focused cognitive therapy. The aim of this paper is to examine the effect of mood on responses to the Young Schema Questionnaire – short form (YSQ‐S; Young, 1998). A sample of 50 non‐clinical participants completed the YSQ‐S on three different occasions: in neutral mood, and following happy and depressed mood inductions. The results of 30 participants with full data sets showed that emotional deprivation and defectiveness scores increased after the depressed mood induction, whereas entitlement scores increased after the happy mood induction. The results are discussed in relation to cognitive theories of vulnerability to psychopathology, and future directions for research are suggested.
Protecting the sacred and expressions of rituality: Examining the relationship between extrinsic dimensions of religiosity and unhealthy guilt
Authors: Maltby John
Published: March 2005

The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between extrinsic religiosity and unhealthy guilt by testing two specific hypotheses. Using multidimensional measures of religious orientation and guilt, among 344 (169 male and 175 female) adults, and consistent with predictions; extrinsic‐personal religiosity was found to be related to trait and state guilt, and extrinsic‐social religiosity was found to be related to moral standards guilt. The present findings suggest evidence for a present conceptualization of the relationship between extrinsic religiosity and unhealthy guilt as the result of internal and external conflicts. The findings suggest that, when looking at maladaptive guilt among religious clients in clinical, therapeutic or counselling settings, it may be crucial to distinguish between dimensions of extrinsic religiosity and unhealthy guilt.
A Conversational Model of art therapy
Authors: Eisdell Nicolette
Published: March 2005

This paper illustrates a ‘Conversational Model’ of art therapy. The Conversational Model was jointly created by Robert Hobson and Russell Meares. It is a developmental theory unique in its clinical application. The focus of the paper is two sessions that altered the course of therapy. In these sessions, variations on Donald Winnicott's “squiggle‐game” and Hobson's “party game” were used to engage an isolative, reluctant incarcerated patient. The interventions illustrate the basic tenets of the Conversational Model. The theoretical process – from disruption to repair – is visually recorded in the artwork. The central argument of the paper is that interactive art therapy interventions can be effective, when used appropriately. By engaging the patient in a ‘visual’ conversation, he/she may develop an emotional vocabulary, a prerequisite for a psychotherapeutic conversation. The paper begins with a brief historical overview of the interface between art and psychoanalysis, the context out of which ‘art therapy’ – a distinct body of theory – evolved. Theory interweaves with clinical material in a narrative style.
Studies on the reactivity of fused thiazole toward nucleophilic reagents: Synthesis of new thiazolo‐derivatives of potential antischistosomal activity
Authors: Manhi Fatma M. , Mahmoud Madiha R.
Published: March 2005

Schistosomiasis is considered one of the most important human helminth infection in terms of morbidity and infectivity (Chitsulo et al. Acta Trop 2000, 77, 41; Engles et al. Acta Trop 2002, 82, 139; Shelly et al. Mol Biochem Parasitol 1993, 60, 93). Derivatives of 2‐amino‐5‐nitrothiazoles have shown activity against Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) and Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium), but due to their toxic effect we synthesized new derivatives of a heteroaromatic amine with thiazole moiety. Required thiazole derivatives were prepared via 1 and 2. In this work, two batches of animals were used to test the efficacy of 10 derivatives of thiazole against schistosomiasis. The first batch of Swiss albino mice was infected with S. mansoni and was treated with 5 × 50 mg/kg b.w. The second batch of golden hamsters was infected with S. haematobium and was treated with 5 × 100 mg/kg b.w. Parasitological parameters, biochemical studies, and granuloma diameter were estimated. Results indicated that in the case of S. mansoni infected mice, compounds 2 (2‐amino‐4‐thiazoliniminium chloride) and 20 (2,4‐diamino thiazole) showed moderate efficacy (50% worm reduction). While compounds 18 (4‐dicyanomethylene‐4, 5‐dihydrothiazo‐2‐yl)‐N,N‐dimethylimidoformamide) and 21 2‐(dimethylamino) methylene‐1,3‐thiazol‐4‐yl)‐N,N‐dimethylimidoformamide) showed 83% and 90% worm reduction with some normalization of liver function and significant reduction in hepatic granuloma diameters. In the case of S. haematobium infected hamsters, compound 15 showed reduction of worms by about 50% with improvement in kidney function. The high effect of compounds 18 and 21 compared to 2, 15, and 20 could be attributed to the dimethylimidoformamide moieties combined with the thiazole ring. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 16:121–222, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20072
A chancellor's vision: Establishing an institutional culture of student success
Authors: McLeod Willis B. , Young Jon M.
Published: March 2005

A former chancellor outlines how he successfully transformed the culture of his campus to enhance retention and student success.
Prevention and treatment of amputation neuroma by an atelocollagen tube in rat sciatic nerves
Authors: Sakai Yasuo , Ochi Mitsuo , Uchio Yuji , Ryoke Koji , Yamamoto Soichiro
Published: March 2005

To evaluate the potential of the atelocollagen tube as a cap for amputation neuromas, the histological and histochemical characteristics of the neuroma and spinal cord were compared with those following silicone capping. Four weeks after the transection of 18 rat sciatic nerves, the amputated neuroma was resected, and the nerve stump inserted into an atelocollagen or silicone tube. The histological changes in the nerve ends and c‐fos expression in the dorsal horn of the fourth lumbar spinal cord were evaluated at 4 weeks postoperatively. The regenerated nerve structure in the atelocollagen or silicone tube was very thin. In contrast, a typical bulbous neuroma was observed in the control group (the nerve stump was left in place). The atelocollagen and silicone tube groups demonstrated fewer c‐fos–expressed cells in the spinal cord than the controls. These results suggest that capping by an atelocollagen tube, like that by a silicone tube, might successfully prevent an amputated neuroma from forming, and suppress induced pain. The atelocollagen tube may be a promising biomaterial for the prevention or treatment of a painful amputation neuroma. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater
Ultrastructural analysis of guided nerve regeneration using progesterone‐ and pregnenolone‐loaded chitosan prostheses
Authors: Chávez‐Delgado M. E. , Gomez‐Pinedo U. , Feria‐Velasco A. , Huerta‐Viera M. , Castro Castañeda S. , López‐Dellamary Toral F. A. , Parducz A. , Luquín‐De Anda S. , Mora‐Galindo J. , García‐Estrada J.
Published: March 2005

Recently, numerous guide chambers for the treatment of injured nerves made up of different biomaterials have been designed, capable of hosting living cells or carrying neurotrophic or neuroactive substances to be directly released to the injured tissue. In this study, chitosan prostheses containing neurosteroids (progesterone and pregnenolone) were used for bridging a 10‐mm gap in the rabbit facial nerve. Gas chromatography was used to quantify neurosteroid content in the prostheses prior to and after subcutaneous implantation at different periods of up to 60 days. The regeneration of the nerve fibers were evaluated at 15 and 45 days after axotomy by means of ultrastructural morphometric analysis. Different nerve fibers regenerative patterns were seen depending the groups studied and the analyzed stages. At 15 days after axotomy, the newly regenerating tissue revealed Schwann cells holding nonmyelinated nerve fiber bundles in an incipient and organized regenerative pattern. At 45 days, the regenerating tissue showed myelinated nerve fibers of different sizes, shapes, and myelin sheath thickness. Although the regeneration of the nerve fibers under neurosteroid treatment showed statistically significant differences in comparison with vehicle regenerated tissue, progesterone‐loaded chitosan prostheses produced the best guided nerve regeneration response. These findings indicate that chitosan prostheses allowed regeneration of nerve fibers in their lumen, and when containing neurosteroids produced a faster guided nerve regeneration acting as a long‐lasting release delivery vehicle. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater
A randomized crossover trial to examine administration techniques related to the Bristol female lower urinary tract symptom (BFLUTS) questionnaire
Authors: Khan Mohid S. , Chaliha Charlotte , Leskova Lucia , Khullar Vik
Published: March 2005

Aims

To investigate whether two methods of assessing lower urinary tract symptoms, interview‐assisted standardized questionnaires, and self‐completed standardized questionnaires, were comparable.

Methods

Women referred to a tertiary urogynecology urodynamic clinic with lower urinary tract symptoms were recruited. The psychometrically robust Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (BFLUTS) questionnaire was used to assess urinary symptoms. A randomized crossover design for questionnaire completion was used: Group A—an initial interview‐assisted questionnaire at the urodynamic clinic with a follow‐up postal questionnaire; or Group B—an initial pre‐out‐patient postal questionnaire followed up by a second interview‐assisted questionnaire whilst attending a scheduled urodynamic clinic.

Results

A total of 114 women were randomized for initial questionnaire administration method to achieve 72 completed sets (63%). Total scores were higher on self‐completion compared to interview, this difference was not significant [t = −1.951, P > 0.05]. No item had perfect agreement between postal and interview methods and generally, interview‐assisted questions had lower scores, indicating better health status. The items with the worst agreement (slight or moderate) were those concerned with sexual health, with women giving lower scores, exaggerating health on interview. For example bother of vaginal discomfort (κw = 0.09), compared to question assessing frequency (κw = 0.65).

Conclusions

This data suggests women respond differently to the BFLUTS questionnaire when data is collected by self‐completion in the woman's home compared to interviews. No individual question item had perfect agreement between the two methods of administration. Overall, individual question items were scored higher on self‐completion than interview. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acupuncture for nocturnal enuresis in children: A systematic review and exploration of rationale
Authors: Bower Wendy F. , Diao M. , Tang J.L. , Yeung C.K.
Published: March 2005

Objectives

This review identified reports of acupuncture for childhood nocturnal enuresis, with the aim of ascertaining whether acupuncture is efficacious and or better than standard therapy for treating enuresis.

Materials and Methods

Studies of children of either gender <18 years of age who received acupuncture treatment for nocturnal enuresis, were considered. The primary outcome measure was change in the mean number of wet episodes following treatment. Electronic searching was supplemented by hand searching of western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) journals along with English language alternative medicine journals. Trials were assessed for quality and sources of bias. Meta‐analysis was performed and the overall weighted odds ratio (OR) and associated 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed using the fixed effect model; the Forest plot was used to demonstrate results.

Results

Two hundred six abstracts were identified, of which 11 studies were eligible for data extraction. All the trials were of low methodological quality. There was some evidence that acupuncture is useful for nocturnal enuresis when used in conjunction with other treatment that may also include a different form of acupuncture (OR 3.98, CI: 2.2–7.2). When one form of acupuncture is compared with another there was marked heterogeneity, implying that some forms of acupuncture are effective.

Conclusion

This review provides tentative evidence for the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of childhood nocturnal enuresis. Due to the low methodological quality of studies, evidence to identify, which parameters of acupuncture work best, is lacking. More rigorous trials are clearly warranted. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact properties, phase structure, compatibility, and fracture morphology of polyamide‐1010/thermoplastic poly(ester urethane) elastomer blends
Authors: Zhang Shu‐Ling , Wang Gui‐Bin , Jiang Zhen‐Hua , Wang Dong , Ma Rong‐Tang , Wu Zhong‐Wen
Published: March 2005

Blends of polyamide‐1010 (PA1010) and a thermoplastic poly(ester urethane) elastomer (TPU) were prepared by melt extrusion. The impact properties, phase structure, compatibility, and fracture morphology under impact were investigated for PA1010/TPU blends. The results indicated that TPU enhanced the impact strength of PA1010, and the best impact modification effect of the blends was obtained with 20 wt % TPU. The phase structure was investigated with scanning electron microscopy, and the compatibility was investigated with dynamic mechanical analysis and small‐angle X‐ray scattering. The study of the fracture morphology of PA1010/TPU blends indicated that the fracture surface of the blends had special features, consisting of many fibrillar elastomer particles and a conglutination–multilayer structure, as well as many small tubers on this structure. These fracture phenomena could not be found on the fracture surface of pure PA1010. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 1177–1185, 2005
Appreciating music: An active approach
Authors: Levin Andrew R. , Pargas Roy P. , Austin Joshua
Published: March 2005

A particularly innovative use of laptops is to enhance the music appreciation experience. Group listening and discussion, in combination with a new Web‐based application, lead to deeper understanding of classical music.
Teaching with laptops for the first time: Lessons from a social science classroom
Authors: Granberg Ellen , Witte James
Published: March 2005

This chapter describes the experience of two faculty members who implemented laptop technology in a lower‐division social science course. The authors focus on the pragmatic issues associated with incorporating this technology into the social science classroom and recommend several strategies and resources.
Incorporating laptop technologies into an animal sciences curriculum
Authors: Birrenkott Glenn , Bertrand Jean A. , Bolt Brian
Published: March 2005

Teaching animal sciences, like most agricultural disciplines, requires giving students hands‐on learning opportunities in remote and often computer‐unfriendly sites such as animal farms. How do faculty integrate laptop use into such an environment?
Self‐organizing maps with multiple input‐output option for modeling the Richards equation and its inverse solution
Authors: Schütze N. , Schmitz G. H. , Petersohn U.
Published: March 2005

Inverse solutions of the Richards equation, either for evaluating soil hydraulic parameters from experimental data or for optimizing irrigation parameters, require considerable numerical effort. We present an alternative methodology based on self‐organizing maps (SOM) which was further developed in order to include multiple input‐output (MIO) relationships. The resulting SOM‐MIO network approximates the Richards equation and its inverse solution with an outstanding accuracy, and both tasks can be performed by the same network. No additional training is required for solving the different tasks, which represents a significant advantage over conventional networks. An application of the SOM‐MIO simulating a laboratory irrigation experiment in a Monte Carlo–based framework shows a much improved computational efficiency compared to the used numerical simulation model. The high consistency of the results predicted by the artificial neural network and by the numerical model demonstrates the excellent suitability of the SOM‐MIO for dealing with such kinds of stochastic simulation or for solving inverse problems.
Anomalous heat conduction and anomalous diffusion in nonlinear lattices, single walled nanotubes, and billiard gas channels
Authors: Li Baowen , Wang Jiao , Wang Lei , Zhang Gang
Published: March 2005

We study anomalous heat conduction and anomalous diffusion in low-dimensional systems ranging from nonlinear lattices, single walled carbon nanotubes, to billiard gas channels. We find that in all discussed systems, the anomalous heat conductivity can be connected with the anomalous diffusion, namely, if energy diffusion is σ2(t)=2Dtα(0<α⩽2), then the thermal conductivity can be expressed in terms of the system size L as κ=cLβ with β=2−2∕α. This result predicts that a normal diffusion (α=1) implies a normal heat conduction obeying the Fourier law (β=0), a superdiffusion (α>1) implies an anomalous heat conduction with a divergent thermal conductivity (β>0), and more interestingly, a subdiffusion (α<1) implies an anomalous heat conduction with a convergent thermal conductivity (β<0), consequently, the system is a thermal insulator in the thermodynamic limit. Existing numerical data support our theoretical prediction.
Analytic model for the spatial and spectral resolution of pixellated semiconducting detectors of high-energy photons
Authors: Kozorezov A. G. , Wigmore J. K. , Owens A. , den Hartog R. , Peacock A.
Published: March 2005

We report the development of a general analytic method for describing the responsivity and resolution for a pixellated semiconductor detector structure in terms of device and material properties. The method allows both drift and diffusive transport to be modelled, for which previously only Monte Carlo techniques have been available. We obtain a general solution, and show specific results for an array of square pixels, illustrating the device constraints required to optimize spatial and spectral resolution.
Compact and almost compact breathers: A bridge between an anharmonic lattice and its continuum limit
Authors: Rosenau Philip , Schochet Steven
Published: March 2005

We demonstrate that certain strictly anharmonic one-dimensional FPU lattices with a suitable quartic site potential appended support almost-compact discrete breathers over a macroscopic localized domain that is essentially fixed independently of the sparseness of the lattice. Beyond that domain the discrete breather tails decay at a double-exponential rate in the lattice-cell index, becoming truly compact in the continuum limit. Furthermore, the discrete breather is stable for amplitudes below a sharp threshold that depends on the sparseness of the lattice. For the two-dimensional version of the problem, the continuum limit of a planar hexagonal lattice with a purely quartic interaction potential begets an isotropic multidimensional nonlinear wave equation. When a quartic site potential of the appropriate sign is appended, the continuum equation has a compactly supported radial breather solution.
The Fermi–Pasta–Ulam problem as a challenge for the foundations of physics
Authors: Carati A. , Galgani L. , Giorgilli A.
Published: March 2005

The Fermi–Pasta–Ulam (FPU) problem is discussed in connection with its physical relevance, and it is shown how apparently there exist only two possibilities: either the FPU problem is just a curiosity, or it has a fundamental role for the foundations of physics, casting a new light on the relations between classical and quantum mechanics. To this end, a short review is given of the main conceptual proposals that have been advanced. Particular emphasis is given to the perspective of a metaequilibrium scenario, which appears to be the only possible one for the FPU paradox to survive in the physically relevant case of infinitely many particles.
A generalized Born formalism for heterogeneous dielectric environments: Application to the implicit modeling of biological membranes
Authors: Tanizaki Seiichiro , Feig Michael
Published: March 2005

Reliable computer simulations of complex biological environments such as integral membrane proteins with explicit water and lipid molecules remain a challenging task. We propose a modification of the standard generalized Born theory of homogeneous solvent for modeling the heterogeneous dielectric environments such as lipid/water interfaces. Our model allows the representation of biological membranes in the form of multiple layered dielectric regions with dielectric constants that are different from the solute cavity. The proposed new formalism is shown to predict the electrostatic component of solvation free energy with a relative error of 0.17% compared to exact finite-difference solutions of the Poisson equation for a transmembrane helix test system. Molecular dynamics simulations of melittin and bacteriorhodopsin are carried out and performed over 10ns and 7ns of simulation time, respectively. The center of melittin along the membrane normal in these stable simulations is in excellent agreement with the relevant experimental data. Simulations of bacteriorhodopsin started from the experimental structure remained stable and in close agreement with experiment. We also examined the free energy profiles of water and amino acid side chain analogs upon membrane insertion. The results with our implicit membrane model agree well with the experimental transfer free energy data from cyclohexane to water as well as explicit solvent simulations of water and selected side chain analogs.
Detection of OH radical in laser induced photodissociation of tetrahydrofuran at 193nm
Authors: SenGupta Sumana , Upadhyaya Hari P. , Kumar Awadhesh , Naik Prakash D. , Bajaj Paramanand
Published: March 2005

On excitation at 193nm, tetrahydrofuran (THF) generates OH as one of the photodissociation products. The nascent energy state distribution of the OH radical was measured employing laser induced fluorescence technique. It is observed that the OH radical is formed mostly in the ground vibrational level, with low rotational excitation (∼3%). The rotational distribution of OH (v″=0,J) is characterized by rotational temperature of 1250±140K. Two spin-orbit states, Π3∕22 and Π1∕22 of OH are populated statistically. But, there is a preferential population in Λ doublet levels. For all rotational numbers, the Π+2(A′) levels are preferred to the Π−2(A″) levels. The relative translational energy associated with the photoproducts in the OH channel is calculated to be 17.4±2.2kcalmol−1, giving an fT value of ∼36%, and the remaining 61% of the available energy is distributed in the internal modes of the other photofragment, i.e., C4H7. The observed distribution of the available energy agrees well with a hybrid model of energy partitioning, predicting an exit barrier of ≈16kcalmol−1. Based on both ab initio molecular orbital calculations and experimental results, a plausible mechanism for OH formation is proposed. The mechanism involves three steps, the C–O bond cleavage of the ring, H atom migration to the O atom, and the C–OH bond scission, in sequence, to generate OH from the ground electronic state of THF. Besides this high energy reaction channel, other photodissociation channels of THF have been identified by detecting the stable products, using Fourier transform infrared and gas chromatography.