bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial neural network prediction of quantitative structure: Retention relationships of polycyclic aromatic hydocarbons in gas chromatography
Authors: Sremac Snezana , Skrbic Biljana , Onjia Antonije
Published: February 2006

A feed-forward artificial neural network (ANN) model was used to link molecular structures (boiling points, connectivity indices and molecular weights) and retention indices of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in linear temperature- programmed gas chromatography. A randomly taken subset of PAH retention data reported by Lee et al. [Anal. Chem. 51 (1979) 768], containing retention index data for 30 PAHs, was used to make the ANN model. The prediction ability of the trained ANN was tested on unseen data for 18 PAHs from the same article, as well as on the retention data for 7 PAHs experimentally obtained in this work. In addition, two different data sets with known retention indices taken from the literature were analyzed by the same ANN model. It has been shown that the relative accuracy as the degree of agreement between the measured and the predicted retention indices in all testing sets, for most of the studied PAHs, were within the experimental error margins (+-3 %).
A study by non-isothermal thermal methods of spruce wood bark materials after their application for dye removal
Authors: Dulman Viorica , Odochian Lucia , Dumitras Mihai , Man Cucu
Published: February 2006

This paper deals with a study of some materials obtained from spruce bark (Picea abies, Romania), after retention of some dyes frequently used in dyeing processes in the textile industry and waste water treatment. These materials obtained by dye retention exhibit a particular thermal behavior which is different from that of the blank sample (spruce bark). The characteristic temperatures, weight losses, the residue remaining after thermo-oxidative degradation, as well as the activation energies of the significant thermo-destruction stages, estimated from non-isothermal thermogravimetric data, together with the thermal quantities calculated from DTA data support the conclusion presented in a previous study on dye retention from aqueous solution. The obtained results made evident that, under optimal retention conditions, spruce bark shows the highest retention capacity for the Basic Blue dye, followed by Direct Brown 95 and Direct Brown 2.
Inorganic analysis of herbal drugs, Part I: Metal determination in herbal drugs originating from medicinal plants of the family Lamiacae
Authors: Razic Slavica , Djogo Svetlana , Slavkovic Latinka , Popovic Aleksandar
Published: February 2006

Elemental profiles of the total analyte content of major, minor and trace elements (Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, K, Ca, Mg, Al, Ba and B) in 8 herbal drugs, originating from medicinal plants of the family Lamiacae, were determined. Flame atomic absorption/ emission spectroscopy (FAAS/FAES), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) were applied, and the advantages and limitations of these techniques are also discussed. The whole procedure, from sample preparation via dissolution to the actual measurements, was validated by using CRM (NIST 1573a - Tomato leaves). The recovery values obtained were in the range 90.64 - 101.58 %. A high degree of similarity in their elemental profiles was noticed from the results of qualitative analysis, while quantitative analysis shows significant diversity due to the variety of the influencing sources. The medicinal plants investigated in this work contained Cu (5.92- 14.79 mg kg-1), Zn (15.0 - 43.0 mg kg-1), Mn (25 - 111 mg kg-1), Fe (74 - 546 mg kg-1), K (1.80 - 6.24 %), Ca (0.90 - 1.43 %), Mg (0.17 - 0.67 %), Al (49 - 378 mg kg-1), Ba (15.53 - 69.84 mg kg-1) and B (34.7 - 56.5 mg kg-1).
Mass transfer between a fluid and an immersed object in liquid-solid packed and fluidized beds
Authors: Boskovic-Vragolovic Nevenka , Brzic Danica , Grbavcic Zeljko
Published: February 2006

The mass transfer coefficient between fluid and an immersed sphere in liquid packed and fluidized beds of inert spherical particles have been studied experimentally using a column 40 mm in diameter. The mass transfer data were obtained by studying the transfer of benzoic acid from the immersed sphere to flowing water using the dissolution method. In all runs, the mass transfer rates were determined in the presence of inert glass particles 0.50-2.98 mm in diameter. The influence of different parameters, such as: liquid velocity, particles size and bed void age, on the mass transfer in packed and fluidized beds is presented. The obtained experimental data for mass transfer in the packed and particulate fluidized bed were correlated by a single correlation, thus confirming the similarity between the two systems.
Modeling static magnetic field structures in solar corona
Authors: Cadez V.M.
Published: February 2006

We give an overview of procedures to recover and simulate typical coronal static magnetic field topologies from given boundary data on the photosphere. Relatively simple analytical treatments allow for solutions representing magnetic structures that are invariant in one coordinate, and satisfying prescribed boundary conditions. Starting from elementary active regions in a form of localized sources/sinks of magnetic field lines on the photospheric level, we set up various composed boundary conditions which yield complex magnetic structures in the corona above.
Brown dwarf accretion: Nonconventional star formation over very long timescales
Authors: Cirkovic Milan
Published: February 2006

We investigate the process of accretion of interstellar gas by the Galactic population of brown dwarfs over very long timescales typical for physical eschatology. In particular, we use the classical Hoyle-Lyttleton-Bondi accretion model to investigate the rate at which brown dwarfs collect enough additional mass to become red dwarfs, accretion-induced changes in the mass function of the low- mass objects, and the corresponding accretion heating of brown dwarfs. In addition, we show how we can make the definition of the final mass function for stellar objects more precise.
Characteristics of the Belgrade Astronomical Observatory's stellar spectrograph
Authors: Vince Istvan , Lalovic A.
Published: February 2006

In this paper the main features of the new SpectraPro-750 spectrograph of Belgrade Astronomical Observatory are described. The instrumental profile of the spectrograph for the 1200 l/mm grating is determined using a fiber optic bundle with fibers arranged in a pseudo-slit pattern. This instrumental profile is compared to the instrumental profiles obtained when the same fiber optic bundle illuminates the entrance slit with different widths. From appropriate instrumental profiles the practical spectral purities and the spectral resolutions for different entrance slit widths are obtained. The variation of the reciprocal linear dispersion with wavelength in the spectral range 350 - 600 nm is determined. A proposal for a link between telescope and the spectrograph is given.
Structural-phase transformation kinetics during sintering of alumina ceramics using metastable nanopowders
Authors: Kaigorodov A.S. , Khrustov V.R. , Ivanov V.V. , Medvedev A.I. , Shtol’ts A.K.
Published: February 2006

The processes taking place during pressureless sintering of nano- metastable Al2O3, compacted up to high densities (0.7 of the theoretical density) using the magnetic pulsed method were studied. The influence of MgO, TiO2 and ZrO2 additives on the kinetics of Al2O3 polymorphous transition, shrinkage and microstructure evolution during annealing at temperatures up to 1450?C has been studied. We have found that the process of annealing is two-staged starting with a polymorphous transition. Doping changes the starting temperature as well as the shrinkage depth at both stages. TiO2 and ZrO2 additives decrease the temperature of the onset of shrinkage, whereas MgO increases it. The best composition contained MgO in the series of examined types of ceramics with an ?-Al2O3 matrix. The positive role of Mg addition in the production of dense and hard Al2O3 ceramics is related to the nature of Mg influence on the activation of diffusion processes in Al2O3, as well as to the way of uniform distribution of MgO dopant in the material. All these factors provide effective damping of diffusion processes and limit ?-Al2O3 crystal growth. Highly dense MgO, ZrO2 and TiO2 doped Al2O3 ceramics with a grain size of 190, 220, and 250 nm and microhardness of 22, 17 and 17 GPa, correspondingly have been obtained.
Synthesis and sintering of ceramic nanocomposites with high mixed conductivity
Authors: Zyryanov V.V. , Sadykov V.A. , Ivanovskaya M.I. , Criado J.M. , Neophytides S.
Published: February 2006

Metastable solid solutions of complex oxides with fluorite and perovskite structures are obtained by mechanosynthesis. Dense ceramics on the base of these metastable phases was obtained by thermal sintering of nanopowders due to kinetic stabilization. Different degrees of a chemical interaction (interdiffusion) are observed during sintering of "perovskite+fluorite" and "perovskite+perovskite" composites. It is shown, that optimization of the composition, mixing conditions of individual phases and their sintering, preparation of ceramic composites with mixed conductivity for use in catalytic membrane reactors is possible. Unusual behavior of complex perovskites and fluorites is discovered during sintering, enabling determination of an optimum sintering temperature and time for which a qualitative explanation is given. It is established that rearrangement of fine crystalline particles as a whole plays a key role in shrinkage.
Mechanochemical synthesis of NaNbO3, KNbO3 and K0.5Na0.5NbO3
Authors: Rojac T. , Kosec M. , Malic B. , Holc J.
Published: February 2006

Mechanochemical synthesis of the K0.5Na0.5NbO3 solid solution (KNN) is studied. In order to explore the mechanochemical interactions between the constituents in the Na2CO3 - K2CO3 - Nb2O5 system, NaNbO3 and KNbO3 as the boundary compositions of the KNN solid solution are also studied. It has been shown that NaNbO3 can be prepared by a single-step mechanochemical synthesis, while in the case of K2CO3 and Nb2O5, and Na2CO3, K2CO3 and Nb2O5 mixtures, only amorphisation occurs even after prolonged milling.
Mechanism of mechanochemical synthesis of complex oxides and the peculiarities of their nano-structurization determining sintering
Authors: Zyryanov V.V.
Published: February 2006

A mechanism of superfast mechanosynthesis reaction for oxide systems is proposed on the base of a dynamics study. The threshold effect and linear dependence of the chemical response on the effective temperature of the reaction zone are established. Major factors are determined: molecular mass of reagents, enthalpy and difference of reagents in Mohs?s hardness, which also influence the composition of the primary product. Primary acts are characterized by a superfast roller mechanism of mass transfer with the formation of a transient dynamic state (D)*. Secondary acts slowly approximate the composition of the product to the composition of the starting mixture by diffusion mass transfer in a deformation mixing regime with a contribution of a rotation (roller) mechanism. The list of structure types for complex oxides derived by mechanosynthesis includes perovskites, fluorites, pyrochlors, sheelites, and some other ones. Powders of crystal products display multilevel structurization. In all studied complex oxides strong disordering of the ?anti-glass? type was observed. The mechanism of sintering was studied in BaTiO3 powders of different origin and in metastable complex oxides derived by mechanosynthesis. The major contribution in shrinkage belongs to rearrangements of crystalline particles as a whole. Structure transformations accompany, as a rule, sintering of inhomogeneous powders derived by mechanosynthesis.
Magnetic properties of hexaferrite nanosized powders produced via mechanoactivation
Authors: Naiden E.P. , Zhuravlyov R.A. , Itin V.I. , Terekhova O.G. , Politov M.V. , Lopushniak Yu.M. , Tcherbakov V.E.
Published: February 2006

A study of the relationship between structural parameters and principal magnetic characteristics of nanosized powders of hexagonal ferrimagnetics produced via mechanoactivation has been carried out. The models describing the influence of the size effects on temperatures of magnetic phase transformations, saturation magnetization and magnetic anisotropy of similar materials are discussed.
Magnetic properties of ND Rich Melt-Spun ND-FE-B alloy
Authors: Grujic Aleksandar , Talijan Nadezda , Maricic Aleksa , Stajic-Trosic Jasna , Cosovic Vladan , Radojevic Vesna
Published: February 2006

As a part of these experimental investigations of melt-spun Nd-Fe-B alloy with Nd rich content in relation to Nd2Fe14B prepared by rapid quenching process for optimally selected cooling rate and heat treatment, the influence of the chosen chemical composition on magnetic properties was observed. The results of X-ray diffraction, M?ssbauer spectroscopy phase analysis and magnetic measurement of investigated melt-spun Nd14.5Fe78.5B7 alloy are presented to bring some new information concerning the relation between their structure and magnetic properties.
Relativism: A demon roaming through science
Authors: Stojnov Dusan
Published: February 2006

The advocates of the so-called "hard science" view relativism as an extreme undesirable standpoint. The ill fame of relativism is most frequently explained by the opinion that relativism is striving, in general, for the position where "everything is possible", thus hindering the progress of science and leading to its destruction in the long run. Those opposing relativism, consider relativistic position, in the best of cases, depressing and solipsistic, and, in the worst of cases, extremely destructive. Regarding the fact that such an attitude most often results from the ignorance (sometimes from profound ignorance) of the basic principles of relativistic doctrine, a more elaborate consideration was given herein to the relativistic doctrine: its definitions, opposing other doctrines and diverse orientations. In short, relativism is founded neither upon a view that everything is possible, nor is its application impossible in science nor are its implications so destructive for science as stated by the opponents of this attitude. In addition, the article considers the issue of harmonizing relativism with multiperspectivism of science. Therefore, the presentation to follow should be taken as an attempt to define relativism more closely and to point out its potentials and the road science can take in the time to come.
Possibilities and importance of using computer games and simulations in educational process
Authors: Danilovic Mirceta
Published: February 2006

The paper discusses if it is possible and appropriate to use simulations (simulation games) and traditional games in the process of education. It is stressed that the terms "game" and "simulation" can and should be taken in a broader sense, although they are chiefly investigated herein as video-computer games and simulations. Any activity combining the properties of game (competition, rules, players) and the properties of simulation (i.e. operational presentation of reality) should be understood as simulation games, where role-play constitutes their essence and basis. In those games the student assumes a new identity, identifies himself with another personality and responds similarly. Game rules are basic and most important conditions for its existence, accomplishment and goal achievement. Games and simulations make possible for a student to acquire experience and practice i.e. to do exercises in nearly similar or identical life situations, to develop cognitive and psycho-motor abilities and skills, to acquire knowledge, to develop, create and change attitudes and value criteria, and to develop perception of other people?s feelings and attitudes. It is obligatory for the teacher to conduct preparations to use and apply simulation games in the process of teaching.
The teacher under stress
Authors: Krnjajic Stevan
Published: February 2006

Empirical records consistently point to the fact that the phenomenon of stress is characteristic of service professions, especially of teacher?s. Although stress in teachers is a problem of public interest, it is still a relatively new field of empirical investigations. Data available show that stress in teachers can have negative effects on school as an organization teacher professional achievement, his/her and his/her family psychosocial status. The most frequent symptoms of a prolonged professional stress are anxiety, depression, frustration, unfriendly behavior towards students and colleagues, emotional weariness, and extreme tension. Health and psychological problems cause, most frequently, the reduction of self-esteem job dissatisfaction, job resignation, absenteeism, and wrong decision-making. In an attempt to call professional public attention to negative effects of stress on the outcomes of teacher work, we have analyzed four important aspects of stress teachers experience in their everyday work (a) definition and measurement of stress, (b) distribution and sources of stress (problem behaviors in students, poor working conditions, lack of time, poor school ethos), (c) teacher personality traits (sex, age, work experience, locus of control, job satisfaction, intention to resign absenteeism), (d) strategies for overcoming and reducing negative effects of stress (direct action techniques, palliative techniques).
Administration of punishment in school
Authors: Lalic Natasa
Published: February 2006

Giving consideration to punishment, one of the inevitable elements of school discipline, always reactivates the issue of punishment administration and its effects in school setting. Punishment is administered by a beforehand-determined intention, its general and final goal being the attempt to make a child change his/her behavior so as to more successfully take part in school life. The issue of how much it is justifiable to administer punishment, as a way of directing child?s behavior, is not only raised in professional discussions but occurs as a personal dilemma with parents, teachers and all those involved in child upbringing. The definition of punishment contains certain incompatible elements in attitudes, which is reflected in punishment administration within different social contexts. Based on the analysis of research results, the paper discusses all the elements the teacher should be well acquainted with, influencing the effectiveness of punishment. The effects of punishment administration depend, among other things, on the type of punishment, way in which a person experiences and perceives punishment and the way of administering it. Prior to punishment administration, as a means of directing child?s behavior factors influencing successfulness of punishment should be established consistency in punishment administration, postponement of punishment intensity of punishment, explanation for punishment administration, nature of interrelations between a child and a person punishing him/her.
Active school of Adolphe Ferrière
Authors: Kocic Ljubomir
Published: February 2006

The paper presents views of Adolphe Ferri?re, a Swiss educator and psychologist and a Professor at the "Jean-Jacques Rousseau" Institute, about active school - one of the "new school" movements that emerged in the first half of 20th century as a countermove to traditional school founded on Herbartian conception of education. Condemning old school?s intellectualism and verbalism, active school turns towards a child, his nature, needs and interests, and declares activity, "child?s self-work", the basic principle of education. The paper points out Ferri?re?s contributions to the transformation of "learning school" into "working and activity school". After presenting Ferri?re?s criticism of traditional school as well as a number of "new school" movements, the author provides in more detail essential features of active school. Ferri?re?s argumentation against attempts to identify active school with "handwork school" and against tendencies to make it equal with "active methods" is herein presented. Also, the author elaborates why Ferri?re turns down the objection that active school neglects intellectual education and why he does not accept pragmatic qualifications of active school. Consideration is given to the demands of active school for teacher education i.e. characteristics that a "new school" teacher should possess as required by Ferri?re.
Creativity, knowledge and school achievement
Authors: Maksic Slavica , Djurisic-Bojanovic Mirosava
Published: February 2006

In the process of education the knowledge is acquired which is a necessary base for creativity. The problem of relations between creativity and knowledge in school context is posed as a problem of relations between creativity and academic performance due to the influence it has on personal and professional development of an individual. The paper presents the results of survey on relations between creativity, academic performance and academic preferences. Creativity was measured by the test for creative thinking - drawing production of Urban and Jellen, academic performance by general achievement, and academic preferences by a questionnaire. The sample comprised final primary school graders. Low and statistically significant positive correlation was found between creativity and school achievement in the sub-sample of girls. However, girls have a significantly better school achievement and prefer art as a school subject and the test administered demands visual art expression. Hence, it can not be claimed for sure that the obtained results reflect realistic differences in creativity between boys and girls. It is of vital importance for work in school the data that high creativity can be possessed by students who are failures at school. It has been concluded that initial step in the acquisition of knowledge that will contribute to student creative thinking and behavior is the development of cognitive flexibility.
Multicultural Challenges in Educational Policies within a Non-Conservative Scenario: The Case of the Emerging Reforms in Higher Education in Brazil
Authors: Canen Ana
Published: February 2006

The article discusses the extent to which multiculturalism has had an impact in the emerging reforms in higher education in Brazil, against the backdrop of the rise of a new non-Conservative, Labour-oriented government whose political agenda is marked by a discursive stand against conservatism, neo-liberalism and neocolonialism. Building on a postcolonial critical multicultural approach and on the need to include ideology in discussions concerning educational reform, it argues that educational policies should work towards valuing cultural diversity and challenging discriminatory practices without falling into dichotomies that freeze subject and institutional identities and fail to consider their mobility, hybridization and contingency. It then proposes alternative perspectives to consider future policies in education that take multiculturalism on board in a transformational perspective.
English Rustic in Black Skin: Post-Colonial Education, Cultural Hybridity and Racial Identity in the New Century
Authors: McCarthy Cameron
Published: February 2006

This article is written against the backdrop of deepening xenophobia and ethnic absolutism (forms of ‘racial cruelty’) that have come to dominate human relations between individuals and groups worldwide in the new millennium. Cameron McCarthy argues that these tendencies towards ethnic absolutism and ethnic essentialism have their counterparts in schooling, where debates over identity and the curriculum in the educational field have been clouded by ethnic particularism and dogmatism with enormous consequences for contemporary school youth and their teachers. As an alternative frame of reference, McCarthy attempts to theorize his autobiographical journey from his inauguration in postcolonial education in the British Caribbean and his ultimate displacement to the academy in the United States. McCarthy writes about race relationships in education from the viewpoint of radical instabilities that inform our understanding of identity and subjectivity. He uses the term ‘radical instability’ to underline the expiration of old forms of knowledge about race centered on unreflexive, quantitative, behavioral and fixed strands in social science and education. In doing so, he seeks to offer new understandings of race relationships, which are always contextualized and immersed in forms of experience that exceed the more orthodox academic canon and mainstream curriculum organization, experience and interpretation.
Treatment of pain in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: A survey of pediatric rheumatologists
Authors: Kimura Yukiko , Walco Gary A. , Sugarman Etan , Conte Paola M. , Schanberg Laura E.
Published: February 2006

Objective

To assess the opinions and current practice of pediatric rheumatologists regarding treatment of chronic pain in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods

Standardized questionnaires were distributed to pediatric rheumatologists who are members of the Children's Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance. Demographic data, opinions, and attitudes were solicited about pain assessment, current treatment of JIA with residual pain, and actual use of opioids to treat pain in children with JIA.

Results

Of 99 rheumatologists who were contacted, 53 responses were received (53.5%). No significant demographic differences were found in attitudes about pain management and use of opioids. A total of 77.3% of respondents agreed that there are patients who continue to have significant pain despite adequate treatment. However, 59.6% disagreed with the use of opioid analgesics for treatment of those patients. Cross tabulations showed significant relationships between attitudes about opioid use and concerns for side effects, including drowsiness, fatigue, and constipation (χ2 = 1.16, P > 0.05), as well as addiction (χ2 = 5.51, P = 0.019). Thirty percent of those who strongly disagreed with opioid use and 52.4% of those who disagreed had in fact prescribed opioids in the past year. The most commonly prescribed opioids were codeine and oxycodone. Practitioners' perceived knowledge of the drugs significantly affected their likelihood to prescribe them.

Conclusion

Pediatric rheumatologists are divided in their attitudes regarding treatment of residual pain in children with JIA. Concern for side effects appears to be a major factor in the decision to prescribe these analgesics. More data are needed to facilitate clearer cost‐benefit analyses in the decision to prescribe opioids to this clinical population.
Lack of detection of human retrovirus‐5 proviral DNA in synovial tissue and blood specimens from individuals with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis
Authors: Piper Kerryl E. , Hanssen Arlen D. , Lewallen David G. , Matteson Eric L. , Osmon Douglas R. , Duffy Mary C. , Hagan Rochelle A. , Steckelberg James M. , Patel Robin
Published: February 2006

Objective

Prior studies have suggested an association of human retrovirus 5 with rheumatoid arthritis. The purpose of this study was to determine if human retrovirus‐5 proviral DNA is present in synovial tissue and blood specimens from patients with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, or those without joint disease.

Methods

Synovial tissue and whole blood from 75 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 75 patients with osteoarthritis, and 50 patients without a primary arthritis diagnosis were assayed by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers that amplify a 186‐bp fragment of human retrovirus‐5 proviral DNA.

Results

A total of 200 tissue specimens, 200 mononuclear cells, and 196 of 200 granulocyte specimens tested negative for human retrovirus‐5 proviral DNA. No association between human retrovirus 5 and rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis (P = 0.516) was identified. Granulocyte specimens from 4 patients, 2 with rheumatoid arthritis and 2 with osteoarthritis, yielded a low positive human retrovirus‐5 proviral DNA signal (83–1,365 copies of human retrovirus‐5 proviral DNA/ml blood).

Conclusion

Contrary to prior reports, we did not find an association between human retrovirus 5 and rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis using a real‐time PCR assay. Our findings are consistent with the recent finding that human retrovirus 5 is actually rabbit endogenous retrovirus H.
A randomized controlled trial of deep water running: Clinical effectiveness of aquatic exercise to treat fibromyalgia
Authors: Assis Marcos Renato , Silva Luciana Eduardo , Alves Adriana Martins Barros , Pessanha Ana Paula , Valim Valéria , Feldman Daniel , Barros Neto Turíbio Leite de , Natour Jamil
Published: February 2006

Objective

To compare the clinical effectiveness of aerobic exercise in the water with walking/jogging for women with fibromyalgia (FM).

Methods

Sixty sedentary women with FM, ages 18–60 years, were randomly assigned to either deep water running (DWR) or land‐based exercises (LBE). Patients were trained for 15 weeks at their anaerobic threshold. Visual analog scale of pain, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Beck Depression Inventory, Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF‐36), and a patient's global assessment of response to therapy (PGART) were measured at baseline, week 8, and week 15. Statistical analysis included all patients.

Results

Four patients dropped out from each group. Both groups improved significantly at week 15 compared with baseline, with an average 36% reduction in pain intensity. For PGART, 40% of the DWR group and 30% of the LBE group answered “much better” at posttreatment. FIQ total score and FIQ depression improvements in the DWR group were faster (week 8) than the LBE group and kept improving (week 15; P < 0.05). Only the DWR group showed improvements in SF‐36 role emotional (P = 0.006). No significant between‐group differences were observed for peak oxygen uptake and other outcomes.

Conclusion

DWR is a safe exercise that has been shown to be as effective as LBE regarding pain. However, it has been shown to bring more advantages related to emotional aspects. Aerobic gain was similar for both groups, regardless of symptom improvement. Therefore, DWR could be studied as an exercise option for patients with FM who have problems adapting to LBE or lower limbs limitations.
Illness uncertainty, partner caregiver burden and support, and relationship satisfaction in fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis patients
Authors: Reich John W. , Olmsted Maureen E. , van Puymbroeck Christina M.
Published: February 2006

Objective

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is characterized by uncertainty in diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. This study assessed the role of uncertainty of illness in relationship satisfaction in patients with FMS and osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

A total of 51 patients with FMS responded to self‐report instruments assessing their uncertainty about their illness, functional ability, average pain, and relationship satisfaction. Their partners independently reported on their sense of caregiver burden and their supportiveness toward the patients. Thirty‐two patients with OA and their partners served as a control group.

Results

Patients' functional ability and pain were related to partner caregiver burden. Partner caregiver burden was related to lower levels of partner supportiveness for the FMS dyads, but not for the OA dyads. Relationship satisfaction of patients with FMS was related to their higher levels of uncertainty of illness in interaction with their functional disability and pain and their partners' supportiveness. Under high levels of uncertainty of illness, low levels of partner supportiveness were related to lower patient relationship satisfaction, whereas low levels of uncertainty of illness were significant interacting variables in the OA sample.

Conclusion

The results suggest that uncertainty of illness is a prominent feature affecting patients with FMS in their relationships with their partners. Suggestions for additional research to explore the role of uncertainty of illness in social relationships are presented, and the therapeutic implications for patient/partner relationships are explored.
Determinants of self efficacy for physical tasks in people with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Maly Monica R. , Costigan Patrick A. , Olney Sandra J.
Published: February 2006

Objective

Self efficacy, the confidence an individual has to perform a task, is an important determinant of physical performance in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA). The purpose of this study was to determine what personal, pathophysiologic, and impairment factors relate to self efficacy for physical tasks in community‐dwelling adults with knee OA.

Methods

Fifty‐four persons with radiographically confirmed knee OA (mean ± SD age 68.3 ± 8.7 years, range 50–87 years) participated. The Functional Self‐Efficacy subscale of the Arthritis Self‐Efficacy Scale was the dependent measure. Independent measures included age, education, scores from the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression and State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaires, medial joint space and varus/valgus tibiofemoral angle from radiographs, body mass index, and isokinetic quadriceps and hamstrings strength. Knee pain and stiffness, assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, were independent measures.

Results

Fifty‐one percent of the variance of Functional Self Efficacy was explained by knee stiffness, hamstrings strength, age, and depression scores. Pain, education, anxiety, radiographic joint space, and body weight did not significantly contribute to the variance in Functional Self‐Efficacy scores. Substituting quadriceps strength for hamstrings strength resulted in a regression model that included only stiffness, age, and depression, which explained nearly as much variance as the original model.

Conclusion

Self efficacy for physical tasks is related to the sensation of stiffness, hamstrings strength, age, and level of depressive symptoms in persons with knee OA. Clinicians and researchers could consider these variables when assessing the level of self efficacy for physical tasks in persons with knee OA.
Cleidocranial dysplasia with severe parietal bone dysplasia: C‐terminalRUNX2mutations
Authors: Cunningham Michael L. , Seto Marianne L. , Hing Anne V. , Bull Marilyn J. , Hopkin Robert J. , Leppig Kathleen A.
Published: February 2006

BACKGROUND

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is an autosomal‐dominant skeletal dysplasia syndrome that is characterized by widely patent calvarial sutures, clavicular hypoplasia, supernumerary teeth, and short stature. CCD is caused by mutations in the transcription factorRUNX2, which is known to function as a major regulator of bone differentiation. Despite the characterization of 67 unique mutations in 97 individual cases, and the availability of animal models, no obvious genotype‐phenotype correlation has emerged.

METHODS

We describe 3 new cases that were ascertained on the basis of a severe calvarial phenotype, that were associated with 3 novel mutations in the C‐terminal region ofRUNX2distal to the DNA‐binding runt domain. In addition, a review of all previously described cases was undertaken in an effort to standardize mutation nomenclature, characterize the position of known mutations relative to the runt domain, and explore the hypothesis that C‐terminal mutations that preserve the runt domain may lead to more‐severe craniofacial phenotypes.

RESULTS

Upon mutational analysis ofRUNX2, we identified either frameshift or splice‐site mutations that affect the C‐terminal region of the resultant protein distal to the runt domain.

CONCLUSIONS

In the context of previously described mutations, these cases suggest that C‐terminal mutations that preserve the DNA‐binding runt domain while disrupting the SMAD 1,2,3,5 binding domain and the nuclear matrix targeting signal may be responsible for the severe phenotype observed.Birth Defects Research (Part A)Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential teratogenesis of all‐trans‐retinoic acid administered on gestational day 9.5 to SWV and C57BL/6N mice: Emphasis on limb dysmorphology
Authors: Collins M.D. , Eckhoff C. , Weiss R. , Resnick E. , Nau H. , Scott W.J.
Published: February 2006

BACKGROUND

Mouse strain differences in teratologic response are well documented. However, because retinoids cause similar malformation syndromes across many species, the strain differences may be predicted to be minimal. The goals of this study were to characterize and explain the differences between the C57BL/6N and SWV mouse strains in terms of all‐trans‐retinoic acid (RA)–induced teratologic effects at the time of gestation that cause postaxial forelimb ectrodactyly.

METHODS

Visceral and skeletal malformations were determined by Wilson's sectioning and double‐staining techniques, respectively; developmental staging was performed according to the somite count; and retinoid concentrations were assessed by HPLC.

RESULTS

C57BL/6N mice were more susceptible than SWV mice to induction of embryolethality, cardiovascular defects, and forelimb ectrodactyly, whereas the opposite was true for the induction of ear, thymus, and tail agenesis, and cleft palate, gastroschisis, and anal atresia. As determined by somite counts, 1 strain intercross was developmentally advanced compared to the parental strains and the reciprocal cross. Retinoid susceptibility was equivalent between the reciprocal crosses for some malformations and determined by the maternal genotype for others. Toxicokinetic experiments showed that whole‐embryo peak retinoid concentrations did not differ between the strains, but the area under the curve (AUC) for all‐trans‐RA was 1.3 times higher in C57BL/6N than in SWV embryos.

CONCLUSIONS

The malformation spectrum induced by RA was strain‐specific, and the strain sensitivity for forelimb ectrodactyly was consistent with all previously tested teratogenic agents (i.e., C57BL/6N was more sensitive than SWV). The strain differences in teratologic effects were not explained by developmental timing differences or toxicokinetic differences at the whole‐embryo level. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The verified software repository: a step towards the verifying compiler
Authors: Bicarregui J.C. , Hoare C.A.R. , Woodcock J.C.P.
Published: February 2006

The verified software repository is dedicated to a long-term vision of a future in which all computer systems justify the trust that society increasingly places in them. This would be accompanied by a substantial reduction in the current high costs of programming error, incurred during the design, development, testing, installation, maintenance, evolution, and retirement of computer software. An important technical contribution to this vision will be a
verifying compiler:
a tool-set that automatically proves that a program will always meet its specification, insofar as this has been formalised, without even needing to run it. This has been a challenge for computing research for over 30 years, but the current state of the art now gives grounds for hope that it may be implemented in the foreseeable future. Achievement of the overall vision will depend also on continued progress of research into dependability and software evolution, as envisaged by the UKCRC Grand Challenge project in
dependable systems evolution
. The verified software repository is a first step towards the realisation of this long-term vision. It will maintain and develop an evolving collection of state-of-the-art tools, together with a representative portfolio of real programs and specifications on which to test, evaluate, and develop the tools. It will contribute initially to the inter-working of tools, and eventually to their integration. It will promote transfer of the relevant technology to industrial tools and into software engineering practice. It will build on the recognised achievements of practical formal development of safety-critical computer applications, and contribute to an international initiative in verified software, covering theory, tools, and experimental validation.
Osteoporosis and Skeletal Fractures
Authors: Gardner Michael J. , Demetrakopoulos Demetris , Shindle Michael K. , Griffith Matthew H. , Lane Joseph M.
Published: February 2006

Osteoporosis affects millions of individuals worldwide, rendering them susceptible to fragility fractures of the spine, hip, and wrist and leading to significant morbidity, mortality, and economic cost. Given the substantial impact of osteoporosis on both patients and the medical community, it is imperative that physicians improve awareness and knowledge of osteoporosis in the setting of low-energy fractures. In this review, we provide information on effective means of preventing fragility fractures and introduce clinicians to issues pertinent to the patient who suffers an osteoporotic fracture. Prevention of fragility fractures centers around adequate mineral nutrition, including daily calcium and vitamin D supplementation, as well as prescription antiresorptive medications such as bisphosphonates or teriparatide therapy in severe cases, both of which have been shown to decrease future fracture risk. Balance and strength training also play important roles in the management of the osteoporotic patient, particularly following a low-energy fracture, and external hip protectors may be useful for certain patients. Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are two minimally invasive techniques that show great promise in the treatment of vertebral compression fractures, although questions regarding long-term biomechanical effects still exist. Traditionally, osteoporosis has been underdiagnosed and undertreated following a low-energy fracture in an elderly patient. Although treatment rates may be improving through public health initiatives, the majority of patients with osteoporosis remain inadequately treated. Perioperative intervention programs that focus on patient education about osteoporosis and treatment options lead to significant increases in intervention and treatment. Reducing the risk of skeletal fractures in patients susceptible to osteoporosis involves improved physician education on the risk factors and management of osteoporosis, as well as informing patients on the significance of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry testing and medical treatment so that they may serve as their own healthcare advocates in this often-undertreated disease.
The Thrower's Elbow: Arthroscopic Treatment of Valgus Extension Overload Syndrome
Authors: O'Holleran James D. , Altchek David W.
Published: February 2006

Injury to the medial collateral ligament of the elbow (MCL) can be a career-threatening injury for an overhead athlete without appropriate diagnosis and treatment. It has been considered separately from other athletic injuries due to the unique constellation of pathology that results from repetitive overhead throwing. The past decade has witnessed tremendous gains in understanding of the complex interplay between the dynamic and static stabilizers of the athlete's elbow. Likewise, the necessity to treat these problems in a minimally invasive manner has driven the development of sophisticated techniques and instrumentation for elbow arthroscopy.

MCL injuries, ulnar neuritis, valgus extension overload with osteophyte formation and posteromedial impingement, flexor pronator strain, medial epicondyle pathology, and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum have all been described as sequelae of the overhead throwing motion. In addition, loose body formation, bony spur formation, and capsular contracture can all be present in conjunction with these problems or as isolated entities. Not all pathology in the thrower's elbow is amenable to arthroscopic treatment; however, the clinician must be familiar with all of these problems in order to form a comprehensive differential diagnosis for an athlete presenting with elbow pain, and he or she must be comfortable with the variety of open and arthroscopic treatments available to best serve the patient.

An understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics of the thrower's elbow is critical to the care of this population. The preoperative evaluation should focus on a thorough history and physical examination, as wellas on specific diagnostic imaging modalities. Arthroscopic setup, including anesthesia, patient positioning, and portal choices will be discussed. Operative techniques in the anterior and posterior compartments will bereviewed, as well as postoperative rehabilitationandsurgical results. Lastly, complications will be reviewed.
The bullet that hit a nerve: the history of Lucja Frey and her syndrome
Authors: Jacobsen Nicola , Hopkins Claire
Published: February 2006

Duphenix first described gustatory sweating in 1757. The underlying pathogenesis was not appreciated until 1923, when Lucja Frey, a Polish neurologist, observed the phenomenon in a Polish soldier with an infected bullet wound in the parotid gland and suggested that the auriculo-temporal nerve played a role.

Lucja Frey was born in Lwów, Poland, in 1889 and began her medical studies in Lwów before moving to Warsaw to work as a neurologist. She amassed a total of 43 publications on various neurological topics over her career. Unfortunately, during the Second World War she was enlisted into the Lwów ghetto, where she worked until her death in 1943.

We present the history of Frey's syndrome, particularly the life of Lucja Frey and the syndrome she described.
Septate fungal invasion in masked mastoiditis: a diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Kuruvilla G , Job A , Mathew J , Ayyappan A P , Jacob M
Published: February 2006

Invasive fungal mastoiditis is a rare entity, seen almost entirely in immunocompromized patients. It has been reported primarily in patients with leukaemia and more recently with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. A literature search revealed only a few reports in diabetic patients, in whom the invasive fungus was identified as mucormycosis in all cases. We report the first case in the English literature of invasive septate fungal mastoiditis in a diabetic patient with intact tympanic membranes.
Recognizing life in the Solar System: guidance from meteoritic organic matter
Authors: Sephton Mark A. , Botta Oliver
Published: February 2006

In the next decade, numerous space missions will attempt to detect organic matter on planets and other objects in the Solar System. Recognizing carbon-based life or its remains will be a fundamental goal of future missions. In preparation, studies of organic matter in meteorites are enabling scientists how to discriminate between biogenic and abiogenic materials.