bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between pathological distal esophageal acid exposure and ineffective esophageal motility
Authors: de Gomes , da Rosa , Sakae T. , Simic A.P. , Gurski Ricachenevsky
Published: September 2010

Aim:To assess the correlation between esophageal dysmotility, characterized as inefficient esophageal motility (IEM), and the presence of pathological acid reflux due to a structurally defective lower esophageal sphincter (LES), hiatus hernia (HH), or esophagitis in patients with suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Methods: 311 patients referred for GERD diagnostic procedures in a gastroesopahgeal motility laboratory were included in the study. Patients underwent an interview regarding their clinical symptoms, upper endoscopy (UE), stationary esophageal manometry, and 24-h esophageal pH-metry. The following risk factors of patients in the negative pH-metry group were compared to those in the positive pH-metry group: IEM, defective LES, HH, and esophagitis. The association between IEM and positive pH-metry results was first assessed by means of univariate analysis and later determined with multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Out of the total of 311 studied patients, 208 met the inclusion criteria; 88 had normal and 120 had positive pH-metry results. Univariate analysis revealed that the occurrence of IEM, defective LES, and HH was significantly greater in the positive pH-metry group. Following logistic regression analysis, the occurrence of IEM remained significantly greater in the positive pHmetry group. Conclusions: IEM is associated with the presence of abnormal acid reflux, as assessed by 24-h esophageal pH-metry, regardless of the presence of defective LES, HH, or esophagitis.
Thalassemia major: A report of two cases with severe skeletal involvement
Authors: Lesic A. , Bogdanovic A. , Sudjic V. , Suvajdzic-Vukovic N. , Atkinson H.D.E. , Bumbasirevic M.
Published: September 2010

Beta thalassemia major is rare in Serbia. Previously incurable, affected patients now live to adulthood with regular blood transfusions. The improvement in supportive treatment over recent decades has given rise to many more patients suffering from the associated metabolic complications of anemia and iron overload, such as osteopenia and other skeletal changes. We present two patients with severe beta thalassemia major from early childhood, who encountered pathological long-bone fractures during the clinical course of their disease. One suffered a distal femoral diaphyseal fracture, and the second a distal tibia fracture. Both fractures occurred in osteopenic bone and were managed non-operatively due to the patients' general medical condition. Despite intense medical intervention, both patients died from disease progression within one year of their fractures, aged 23 and 24 years. As life expectancy rises it is anticipated that an increased number of beta thalassemia major patients will suffer pathological long-bone and other osteoporotic fractures. These fractures appear to both herald and contribute to a general clinical deterioration of this disease. Advances in stem-cell technology may hold the key for a definitive cure.
Genetic diversity of red clover cultivars (Trifolium pratense L.) based on protein polimorphism
Authors: Nikolic Zorica , Vasiljevic Sanja , Karagic Djura , Vujakovic Milka , Jovicic Dusica , Katic Slobodan , Surlan-Momirovic Gordana
Published: September 2010

Red clover is the second most important perennial forage legume. Based on morphological characters alone, it is difficult to distinguish accessories of red clover from each other because they have overlapping variations in terms of the major delimiting morphological and biological characters. The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic relationships of 32 red clover cultivars collected from European gene banks, as well as created in Serbia, based on seed storage proteins and isozymes. From 8 analyzed enzymic systems, there were no differences in zymograms for six enzymes only two enzymes were polymorphic. Two different allelic variants were found for enzyme shikimate dehydrogenase and three for phosphohexose isomeraze. The seed proteins in the area of higher molecular high weight, 55- 95 kDa, were identified as polimorphic. All the cultivars were placed into three clusters on the basis of Ward's distance range. The cluster pattern showed correlation between genetic diversity and geographic origin. Genetic distance between cultivars based on protein fingerprint could be used as a tool to control and protect intellectual property right over plant breeding material.
Prevalence of S and Z alpha 1-antitrypsin mutations in patients with pancreatic diseases in Serbian population
Authors: Nikolic Aleksandra , Divac Aleksandra , Stankovic Marija , Dinic Jelena , Lukic Snezana , Andjelic-Jelic Marina , Popovic Dragan , Radojkovic Dragica
Published: September 2010

One of the key points in research of pancreatic disease pathology is further elucidation of the role of proteases and antiproteases, since their imbalance can lead to pancreatic injury. Alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) is one of the most important serum inhibitors of proteolytic enzymes, including pancreatic enzymes trypsin, chymotrypsin and elastase. It is speculated that mutations in the AAT gene may influence the onset and the development of pancreatic disease. The presence of the most common AAT mutations Z and S was analyzed in 160 patients with pancreatic diseases (50 patients with pancreatic cancer, 50 patients with chronic pancreatitis and 60 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus) and 129 healthy individuals by PCR-mediated site-directed mutagenesis (PSM) method. One patient with pancreatic cancer was found to be a carrier of Z mutation, as well as one patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus. One patient with chronic pancreatitis was found to be a carrier of S mutation. The common AAT mutations were statistically significantly over-represented in patients with pancreatic diseases (3 of 160 patients, allelic frequency 0.9%) than in the control group (1 of 129 individuals, allelic frequency 0.4%). The results of this study, requiring confirmation, suggest that common AAT mutations Z and S may be associated with a modest increase in susceptibility to the development of pancreatic disease.
Examining self-compatibility in plum (Prunus domestica L.) by fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Nikolic Dragan , Milatovic Dragan
Published: September 2010

Self-compatibility in 18 European plum cultivars was examined using the method of fluorescence microscopy. According to selfcompatibility, cultivars were divided into two groups: self-compatible and self-incompatible. In self-compatible cultivars the number of pistils, where pollen tubes reached the base of the style varied from 32.00% (Anna Sp?th) to 91.18% (Wangenheims Fr?hzwetsche). Mean number of pollen tubes at the base of style in these cultivars ranged from 0.52 to 3.97. Cultivars were considered self-incompatible if pollen tubes stopped their growth in the style along with forming characteristic swellings at their tips. Of the studied cultivars, 13 were found to be self-compatible: Wangenheims Fr?hzwetsche, Cacanska Lepotica, Valjevka, California Blue, Cacanska Rodna, Italian Prune, Stanley, Pozegaca, Herman, Bluefre, Jelica, Ruth Gerstetter and Anna Sp?th, while 5 were found to be self-incompatible: Cacanska Rana, Zimmers Fr?hzwetsche, Cacanska Najbolja, Pacific and President.
Ultrasonographic differentiation of painful hip in developmental age
Authors: Petkovic Lazar , Maric Dusan , Gajdobranski Djordje
Published: September 2010

Introduction The most common diseases in the group of painful hip are transient synovitis, rheumatoid arthritis, infective (septic) arthritis, Perthes disease and slipping of the upper femoral epiphysis. Methodology: The algorhythm covers the first and control examinations in certain time intervals (after: 3-7, 7-15, 21-30 days; as well as 2-4 months). Results and discussion The most frequent feature of painful hip is transient synovitis with 65%, Perthes disease with 13 %, septic arthritis with 6%, rheumatoid arthritis and slipping of the upper femoral epiphysis with 2.5%.The ratio boys and girls was 2.3:1. The average age in the group of the painful hip was 6.8 years, in the group of TS 6.5years. The most frequent clinical signs were limping in 84.2% and hip pain in 79.6%.Through the follow up period the difference of the anterior capsular distance was established for symptomatic hip: the average value on the first exam was 8.1 mm, and on the final exam 4.7 mm 3.6 mm. In transient synovitis, there was no difference in measured values of the anterior and lateral femoral head distance for both hips. The medial duration of synovial effusion, measured ultrasonographically, was 10.6 days, and the duration of the clinical signs was 8.7 days. The prolongated synovitis was recorded in 17.6%, and Perthes disease in 8.4%. The average value of anterior capsular distalnce in these patients was 5.4mm. In group of Perthes disease the values of anterior capsular distance during control examinations showed increase that implicated the lateralisation or extrusion of the femoral head. The values of anterior distance of the femoral head were without significant difference. Conclusion The ultrasonography should be the method of choice in painful hip differentiation regardless of the age. The ultrasonography can replace radiography safely in the primary diagnostic procedure as well as through the control examination.
Duodenal ulcer during the period of twenty years after discovering of Helicobacter pylori: Experience gained at our centre
Authors: Jovanovic Ivan , Djuric Petar , Alempijevic Tamara , Sokic-Milutinovic Aleksandra , Krstic Miodrag , Milosavljevic Tomica
Published: September 2010

Introduction It is now well established that Helicobacter pylori eradication can significantly modify the natural history of peptic ulcer disease. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of duodenal ulcer among patients endoscopically examined for dyspeptic symptoms and analyse the disease time trend during two ten-year long distinctive retrospective periods (1987-2006). Material and methods Data were obtained through retrospective analysis of outpatients upper endoscopy reports. Full reports were available for 58 515 patients which were analysed for selected clinicopathological features in two clearly defined time periods. The first one, starting from 1987 to 1996 in which Helicobacter pylori infection was not assessed and treated accordingly and the second period from 1997 to 2006 during which the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection in certain diseases was routinely assessed and then treated with PPI based triple therapy. Results Syptoms of dyspepsia appeared to be approximately the same as the indication for endoscopy in both periods (65.1%:63.3%). The frequency of duodenal ulcer disease significantly decreased in the second period of analysis (t=14761; p<0.01). In both periods men had more often duodenal ulcer comparing to women (??= 218.53, p<0.01; ??=21.7, p<0.01). During the second examined period the number of women who had duodenal ulcer significantly increased comparing to the first ten-year period (??=17232; p<0.01). Conclusion The test-and-treat strategy and the implementation of consensus on diagnosis and treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection resulted in a significant decrease in the frequency of duodenal ulcer disease.
Fetal multicystic kidney disease: Outcome and follow up
Authors: Pop-Trajkovic Sonja , Ljubic Aleksandar , Kopitovic Vesna , Antic Vladimir , Milosevic Jelena , Trenkic Milan
Published: September 2010

Introduction Congenital fetal anomalies are the great problem and one of the main causes of increased perinatal mortality and morbidity. The aim of this study is to determine the outcome of prenataly detected multicystic dysplastic kidney and to point to the necessity of postnatal diagnostic procedures. Material and methods The retrospective-prospective study encompasses 38 cases of the prenatally diagnosed unilateral fetal multicystic dysplastic kidney. The associated anomalies were revealed either by autopsy findings when the pregnancy was terminated, or when the pregnancy continued, by clinical and operative findings the newborns. Results The autopsy finding revealed bilateral multicystic displastic kidney or unilateral mylticystic displastic kidney and the agenesis of the contralateral kidney. The postnatal evaluation of the newborns with unilateral multicistic disease revealed that 84.3% of them had some concomitant anomaly of the urinary tract, most of them had an anomaly of the contralateral kidney (31.4%). The surgery was performed in 73.6% of children, in 17% of children the kidney function deteriorated after the surgery. Conclusion The findings of bilateral multicystic kidney disease and unilateral multicystic kidney disease and anamnion are the indication to terminate the pregnancy. The finding of an isolated unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney require thorough examination, both prenatally and postnatally. We propose obligatory serial prenatal ultrasound examinations, followed by postnatal ultrasound, isotope scan, and urinary cystourethography.
Detaining the Usual Suspects: Charting the Use of Segregated Settings in New South Wales Government Schools, Australia
Authors: Graham Linda J. , Sweller Naomi , Van Bergen Penny
Published: September 2010

This article examines the increase in segregated placements in the New South Wales government school sector. Using disaggregated enrolment data, it points to the growing over-representation of boys in special schools and classes, particularly those of a certain age in certain support categories. In the discussion that follows, the authors question the role of special education in the development of new and additional forms of being ‘at risk’. In effect, they invert the traditional concept by asking: who is at risk of what? In focusing on the containment of risk, are modern practices of diagnosis and segregation perpetuating risks that already disproportionately affect certain groups of individuals? Do these perceptions of and responses to risk in local schools now place these students at greater personal risk of school failure and a future marked by social exclusion? And, finally, is that risk worth the cost?
Congenic Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy Reverses Hyperglycemia in Experimental Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Jurewicz Mollie , Yang Sunmi , Augello Andrea , Godwin Jonathan G. , Moore Robert F. , Azzi Jamil , Fiorina Paolo , Atkinson Mark , Sayegh Mohamed H. , Abdi Reza
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

A number of clinical trials are underway to test whether mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are effective in treating various diseases, including type 1 diabetes. Although this cell therapy holds great promise, the optimal source of MSCs has yet to be determined with respect to major histocompatibility complex matching. Here, we examine this question by testing the ability of congenic MSCs, obtained from the NOR mouse strain, to reverse recent-onset type 1 diabetes in NOD mice, as well as determine the immunomodulatory effects of NOR MSCs in vivo.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

NOR MSCs were evaluated with regard to their in vitro immunomodulatory function in the context of autoreactive T-cell proliferation and dendritic cell (DC) generation. The in vivo effect of NOR MSC therapy on reversal of recent-onset hyperglycemia and on immunogenic cell subsets in NOD mice was also examined.

RESULTS

NOR MSCs were shown to suppress diabetogenic T-cell proliferation via PD-L1 and to suppress generation of myeloid/inflammatory DCs predominantly through an IL-6-dependent mechanism. NOR MSC treatment of experimental type 1 diabetes resulted in long-term reversal of hyperglycemia, and therapy was shown to alter diabetogenic cytokine profile, to diminish T-cell effector frequency in the pancreatic lymph nodes, to alter antigen-presenting cell frequencies, and to augment the frequency of the plasmacytoid subset of DCs.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies demonstrate the inimitable benefit of congenic MSC therapy in reversing experimental type 1 diabetes. These data should benefit future clinical trials using MSCs as treatment for type 1 diabetes.
Pathophysiology of Neuropathic Pain in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Chao Chi-Chao , Tseng Ming-Tsung , Lin Ya-Ju , Yang Wei-Shiung , Hsieh Song-Chou , Lin Yea-Huey , Chiu Ming-Jang , Chang Yang-Chyuan , Hsieh Sung-Tsang
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

Neuropathic pain due to small-fiber sensory neuropathy in type 2 diabetes can be diagnosed by skin biopsy with quantification of intra-epidermal nerve fiber (IENF) density. There is, however, a lack of noninvasive physiological assessment. Contact heat–evoked potential (CHEP) is a newly developed approach to record cerebral responses of Aδ fiber–mediated thermonociceptive stimuli. We investigated the diagnostic role of CHEP.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

From 2006 to 2009, there were 32 type 2 diabetic patients (20 males and 12 females, aged 51.63 ± 10.93 years) with skin denervation and neuropathic pain. CHEPs were recorded with heat stimulations at the distal leg, where skin biopsy was performed.

RESULTS

CHEP amplitude was reduced in patients compared with age- and sex-matched control subjects (14.8 ± 15.6 vs. 33.7 ± 10.1 μV, P < 0.001). Abnormal CHEP patterns (reduced amplitude or prolonged latency) were noted in 81.3% of these patients. The CHEP amplitude was the most significant parameter correlated with IENF density (P = 0.003) and pain perception to contact heat stimuli (P = 0.019) on multiple linear regression models. An excitability index was derived by calculating the ratio of the CHEP amplitude over the IENF density. This excitability index was higher in diabetic patients than in control subjects (P = 0.023), indicating enhanced brain activities in neuropathic pain. Among different neuropathic pain symptoms, the subgroup with evoked pain had higher CHEP amplitudes than the subgroup without evoked pain (P = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

CHEP offers a noninvasive approach to evaluate the degeneration of thermonociceptive nerves in diabetic neuropathy by providing physiological correlates of skin denervation and neuropathic pain.
The Acute Effect of Clamped Hyperglycemia on the Urinary Excretion of Inflammatory Cytokines/Chemokines in Uncomplicated Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Cherney David Z.I. , Scholey James W. , Sochett Etienne , Bradley Timothy J. , Reich Heather N.
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

Acute glycemic variability contributes to diabetic complications potentially through induction of inflammation. Our objective was to determine whether acute hyperglycemia affects urinary secretion of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines in humans with uncomplicated type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Blood pressure, renal hemodynamics (inulin and paraaminohippurate clearances), and urine samples were obtained after 6 h of clamped euglycemia (4–6 mmol/l) and hyperglycemia (9–11 mmol/l) on two consecutive days in subjects with type 1 diabetes (n = 25). Forty-two urinary cytokines/chemokines were measured using a Luminex platform.

RESULTS

Clamped hyperglycemia produced an expected increase in glomerular filtration rate (131 ± 4 to 148 ± 8 ml/min/1.73 m2). Clamped hyperglycemia was associated with significant increases in urinary eotaxin, fibroblast growth factor-2, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interferon-α 2, interleukin-2 and -12, monocyte chemoattractant protein-3, macrophage-derived chemokine, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, platelet-derived growth factor, tumor necrosis factor-α, and CD40 ligand (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Acute hyperglycemia results in increased urinary excretion of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines in humans with uncomplicated type 1 diabetes, and this may contribute to kidney injury.
Nanophotonic technologies for single-photon devices
Authors: Gerardino A. , Francardi M. , Gaggero A. , Mattioli F. , Leoni R. , Balet L. , Chauvin N. , Marsili F. , Fiore A.
Published: September 2010

The progress in nanofabrication has made possible the realization of optic nanodevices able to handle single photons and to exploit the quantum nature of single-photon states. In particular, quantum cryptography (or more precisely quantum key distribution, QKD) allows unconditionally secure exchange of cryptographic keys by the transmission of optical pulses each containing no more than one photon. Additionally, the coherent control of excitonic and photonic qubits is a major step forward in the field of solid-state cavity quantum electrodynamics, with potential applications in quantum computing. Here, we describe devices for realization of single photon generation and detection based on high resolution technologies and their physical properties. Particular attention will be devoted to the description of single-quantum dot sources based on photonic crystal microcavites optically and electrically driven: the electrically driven devices is an important result towards the realization of single photon source “on demand”. A new class of single photon detectors, based on superconducting nanowires, the superconducting single-photon detectors (SSPDs) are also introduced: the fabrication techniques and the design proposed to obtain large area coverage and photon number-resolving capability are described.
Training-Induced Strength and Functional Adaptations After Hip Fracture
Authors: Host Helen H , Sinacore David R , Bohnert Kathryn L , Steger-May Karen , Brown Marybeth , Binder Ellen F
Published: September 2010

Background and Purpose

At 3 months after hip fracture, most people are discharged from physical therapy despite residual muscle weakness and overall decreased functional capabilities. The purposes of this study were: (1) to determine, in frail elderly adults after hip fracture and repair, whether a supervised 6-month exercise program would result in strength gains in the fractured limb equivalent to the level of strength in the nonfractured limb; (2) to determine whether the principle of specificity of training would apply to this population of adults; and (3) to determine the relationship between progressive resistance exercise training (PRT) intensity and changes in measures of strength and physical function.

Subjects

The study participants were 31 older adults (9 men and 22 women; age [X̄±SD], 79±6 years) who had surgical repair of a hip fracture that was completed less than 16 weeks before study enrollment and who completed at least 30 sessions of a supervised exercise intervention.

Methods

Participants completed 3 months of light resistance and flexibility exercises followed by 3 months of PRT. Tests of strength and function were completed at baseline, before PRT, and after PRT.

Results

After PRT, the subjects increased knee extension and leg press 1-repetition maximum by 72%±56% and 37%±30%, respectively. After 3 and 6 months of training, lower-extremity peak torques all increased. Specificity of training appeared to apply only to the nonfractured limb after PRT. Strong correlations were observed between training intensity and lower-extremity strength gains as well as improvements in measures of physical function.

Discussion and Conclusion

Frail elderly adults after hip fracture can benefit by extending their rehabilitation in a supervised exercise setting, working at high intensities in order to optimize gains in strength and physical function.
Ambulatory Physical Activity Performance in Youth With Cerebral Palsy and Youth Who Are Developing Typically
Authors: Bjornson Kristie F , Belza Basia , Kartin Deborah , Logsdon Rebecca , McLaughlin John F
Published: September 2010

Background and Purpose

Assessment of walking activity in youth with cerebral palsy (CP) has traditionally been “capacity-based.” The purpose of this study was to describe the day-to-day ambulatory activity “performance” of youth with CP compared with youth who were developing typically.

Subjects

Eighty-one youth with CP, aged 10 to 13 years, who were categorized as being in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I to III and 30 age-matched youth who were developing typically were recruited.

Methods

Using a cross-sectional design, participants wore the StepWatch monitor for 7 days while documenting average daily total step counts, percentage of time they were active, ratio of medium to low activity levels, and percentage of time at high activity levels.

Results

The youth with CP demonstrated significantly lower levels of all outcomes than the comparison group.

Discussion and Conclusion

Daily walking activity and variability decreased as functional walking level (GMFCS level) decreased. Ambulatory activity performance within the context of the daily life for youth with CP appears valid and feasible as an outcome for mobility interventions in CP.
The Social Discount Rate for Canada Based on Future Growth in Consumption
Authors: Boardman Anthony E. , Moore Mark A. , Vining Aidan R.
Published: September 2010

Recent interim guidelines of the Treasury Board Secretariat (2007) recommend a social discount rate (SDR) of 8 percent. This paper argues that this value is based on an inappropriate methodology and is too high. Using a consumption rate of interest and drawing on a growth model, we suggest that if a project is intragenerational (less than 50 years) and there is no crowding out of private investment, then analysts should use an SDR of 3.5 percent. Impacts on investment should first be converted to consumption equivalents using a shadow price of capital of 1.26. If the project has intergenerational impacts (beyond 50 years), such as those affecting climate change, we recommend a schedule of time-declining SDRs.
Per-operative Advantages of Transanal Endorectal Pull Through (TERPT) Over Swensons Procedure in the Surgical Treatment of Rectosigmoid Hirschsprungs Disease (HD)
Authors: Waliullah Abu Saleh Md , Alam Shoheli , Aziz MA , Khan AR
Published: September 2010

Introduction: Popular Swenson's pull through (1948) is still the most commonly practiced 'Gold Standard' of operative treatment for rectosigmoid hirschsprung's disease (HD). But minimally invasive transanal endorectal pull through (TERPT) is now being increasingly practiced worldwide for its treatment in many centers. Here we are describing our comparative experience between TERPT and Swenson's pull through, at Dhaka Shishu Hospital to show the per-operative advantages of the former over the latter. Materials and methods: It is a prospective study at Dhaka Shishu Hospital during January 2000 to December 2001 in 32 (age, body weight and resected Rectosigmoid length matched) biopsy confirmed patients of HD divided into two Groups: Gr. A (na = 16) and Gr. B (nb = 16) patients who underwent TERPT and Swenson's pull through respectively. Unpaired 't' and χ2 (with Yate's correction) tests were used for statistical analysis whereas operative duration, volume of blood loss and transfusion requirements were used as parameters of the study. Results: For study Group A (TERPT) - operative time, volume of blood loss and transfusion requirement were significantly lesser (P < 0.01, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001 respectively) than the control Group B (Swenson's procedure). Conclusions: Through this small comparative study, TERPT was found to be more advantageous than the Swenson's pull through procedure in terms of operative duration, blood loss and transfusion requirement. Key words: TERPT; Swenson's; Compare. DOI: 10.3329/bjch.v31i1.6068 Bangladesh Journal of Child Health 2007; Vol.31(1-3): 12-15
Diamond Blackfan Anemia A Rare Anemia of Infancy
Authors: Sultana Sabina , Ferdous Sarwar , Hossain Nurul , Shah Md Salahuddin , Das Mrinal Kanti , Ferdous Asma
Published: September 2010

DOI: 10.3329/bjch.v31i1.6073 Bangladesh Journal of Child Health 2007; Vol.31(1-3): 40-42
Excavation of an annular drystone structure at Wildshaw Burn, South Lanarkshire, 1990
Authors: LESLIE ALAN , BANKS IAIN
Published: September 2010

The excavation took place in March 1990 at Wildshaw Burn, near Nether Abington, South Lanarkshire, in advance of the upgrading of the A74 to motorway standard. Despite structural similarities between the site and excavated examples of Bronze Age enclosed cremation cemeteries, it proved impossible to assign either a date or a function to the monument with any degree of confidence.
More thoughts on why the Romans failed to conquer Scotland
Authors: WOOLLISCROFT D. J.
Published: September 2010

Although the Flavian withdrawal from Scotland was largely caused by the withdrawal of Legio II Adiutrix and other units, other factors must have seriously exacerbated the effects of these force reductions, making withdrawal more inevitable and later re-occupation less vital. In particular, the relatively low state of native political development must have made the area both more difficult to govern and less of a threat if relinquished.
Excavation of a Medieval moated site in Elderslie, Renfrewshire
Authors: ALEXANDER DEREK , HAGGARTY GEORGE
Published: September 2010

Prior to re-landscaping, an archaeological evaluation was undertaken in August 1998 of the area around the Wallace Memorial in Elderslie, Renfrewshire, which marks the reputed birthplace of Sir William Wallace. In addition to a 16th century structure, known as "Wallace's House", early map evidence suggested that there was a large rectilinear moated enclosure around the site with three rounded corner towers, only one of which now survives at the eastern corner in the garden of Moat House. Excavation across this moat revealed it to be a wide flat-bottomed ditch, with its inner edge faced by a battered and mortared rubble wall. Artefactual evidence and a radiocarbon date suggests that this enclosure was of medieval date. Unfortunately the majority of material recovered from the interior relates to the post-medieval re-use of the site.
No. 39 Arnol: The Excavation of a Lewis Blackhouse
Authors: HOLDEN TIMOTHY , DALLAND MAGNAR , BURGESS CHRIS , WALKER BRUCE , CARTER STEPHEN
Published: September 2010

The detailed recording of No. 39 Arnol was instigated by Historic Scotland prior to its consolidation as part of an extended visitor centre based around the nearby Blockhouse Museum at No. 42.

Although occupied as a dwelling for a relatively short time, probably between the 1880s card 1920s, the building was modified many times. The original structure seems to have been constructed to a typical blackhouse pattern with an adjoining barn, byre/dwelling and fosglan (entrance area). Both the dwelling area and fosglan have been significantly lengthened. The extension in the fosglan proved to be unstable. It collapsed and was blocked off by a partition wall. The eastern end of the dwelling area was extended at some point in the early 20th century and a window inserted as part of ongoing modernisation.

Excavation of the interior of the building revealed different floor surfaces and features such as partitions, loom platforms and hearths. Sections through the floors and walls have provided detailed information regarding the methods used in the construction of this and other similar buildings.
The excavation of a medieval ring-ditch enclosure at Hayknowes Farm, Annan, Dumfries and Galloway
Authors: GREGORY R. A. , HALL D. W. , SHIMWELL D. W.
Published: September 2010

Excavation at a crop-mark site found close to Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, revealed evidence of a ring-ditch containing a number of intriguing internal structures. Initially this was presumed to be a prehistoric monument, but pottery and radiocarbon dating, unexpectedly, indicated that the main structural phase of the site falls between the 11th-13th centuries AD. This suggests that a degree of caution is required when interpreting crop-mark sites on morphological characteristics alone. Moreover this excavation makes clear that morphological interpretation can have a constraining influence on excavation strategy, so caution is required when designing fieldwork programmes.
A Prehistoric Ford near Rough Castle, Falkirk
Authors: HAMILTON JAMIE , CLARKE CIARA , DUNWELL ANDREW , TIPPING RICHARD
Published: September 2010

This report presents the results of the excavation of a stone ford laid across the base of a small stream valley near Rough Castle, Falkirk. It was discovered during an opencast coal mining project. Radiocarbon dates and pollen analysis of deposits overlying the ford combine to indicate a date for its construction no later than the early first millennium cal BC. Interpreting this evidence was not straightforward and the report raises significant issues about site formation processes and the interpretation of radiocarbon and pollen evidence. The importance of these issues extends beyond the rarely investigated features such as fords and deserve a larger place in the archaeological literature.
The Inherited Past of the Broch: On Antiquarian Discourse and Contemporary Archaeology
Authors: BAINES ANDREW
Published: September 2010

In reading archaeological texts, we expect to be engaged in a characteristically archaeological discourse, with a specific and recognisable structure and vocabulary. In evaluating the published work of 19th Century antiquarians, we will inevitably look for points of contact between their academic language and our own; success or failure in the identification of such points of contact may prompt us to recognise a nascent archaeology in some writings, while dismissing others as naïve or absurd. With this point in mind, this paper discusses the written and material legacies of three 19th Century antiquarians in the north of Scotland who worked on a particular monument type, the broch. The paper explores the degree to which each has been admitted as an influence on the development of the broch as a type. It then proceeds to compare this established typology with the author's experiences, in the field, of the sites it describes. In doing so, the paper addresses wider issues concerning the role of earlier forms of archaeological discourse in the development of present day archaeological classifications of, and of the problems of reconciling such classifications with our experiences of material culture.
The Mesolithic in Scotland: East meets West
Authors: FINLAY NYREE , WARREN GRAEME , WICKHAM-JONES CAROLINE
Published: September 2010

This paper reviews recent trends and developments in the study of the Mesolithic period in Scotland and places them in their historical context. The last decade has witnessed a flourishing of research activity, not just in terms of discovery and excavation, but also artefact studies, dating programmes, and other types of research. The contribution of development-led projects is challenging traditional interpretations that have relied heavily on the evidence from the maritime west. These and other major issues such as chronology, subsistence strategies and archaeological signatures are reviewed and some future research priorities are suggested.
A Reassessment of Hackness Gun Battery: the Results of Excavations 1997–2001
Authors: HALLIDAY STUART , MOLONEY COLM , GUY JOHN
Published: September 2010

As part of a programme of consolidation and presentation by Historic Scotland, Headland Archaeology Ltd undertook a series of archaeological investigations at the site of the Hackness Gun Battery, South Walls, Orkney Islands between 1997 and 2001. The investigations revealed the remains of both the 1815 battery and the 1866 refurbishment and upgrading. The battery, which was supported by two Martello towers, is unique in Scotland and a very striking reminder of a turbulent and unsettled political climate throughout the 19th century. This paper is intended to detail the physical nature of the installation and the political climate that caused it to be constructed in 1815 and strengthened in 1866.
Recent Work at Drumquhassle Roman Fort, Stirlingshire
Authors: MASSER PAUL , ALLASON-JONES LINDSAY , BATESON DONAL , EVANS JEREMY , WILLIS STEVEN
Published: September 2010

Drumquhassle is one of the series of 'glen-blocking' forts positioned along the edge of the Highlands, little investigated but long thought to be associated with the campaigns of Agricola. New evidence for the history of the fort has accumulated in recent years from metal-detecting, field-walking and a watching brief in the adjacent quarry. This confirms the fort as being Flavian in date, with no sign of later reoccupation. Many of the finds recovered were from an annexe outside the fort recognised from cropmarks, and the possible significance of this structure is discussed.
Scottish roundhouses   the early chapters
Authors: RALSTON IAN
Published: September 2010

This paper reviews early engagements with prehistoric roundhouses from the Victorian period to the mid 20th century. Salient perspectives offered by the likes of Robert Munro, Gerhard Bersu and Gordon Childe are considered in relation to the interpretation of circular structures as revealed via excavation. The recognition of negative features was a central process in the interpretation of timber structures. The paper questions the interplay of recovery strategies and archaeological expectations in relation to rectilinear as well as circular prehistoric and specifically Iron Age structures. Other aspects of architectural variability, namely the distinctiveness of brochs and crannogs are also explored.
Excavations at Crookston Castle, Glasgow 1973–75
Authors: LEWIS JOHN
Published: September 2010

Three seasons (1973–75) of excavation were undertaken at several locations around Crookston Castle, which is thought to have begun as a timber and earth fortification in the twelfth century. This was replaced by a stone castle around AD 1400. Trenches were opened across the castle's outer defences, the entrance, the E range and in and around the extant stone tower. There was evidence to suggest that the original counterscarp of the ditch was repaired some time after the stone castle was built and that the gatehouse area was refashioned on more than one occasion. No dating evidence was found to date the construction of the main defensive ditch, which is presumed to have been dug in the 12th century.
AGENT‐BASED PRODUCTION PLANNING SUPPORT SYSTEM / AGENTINĖ GAMYBOS PLANAVIMO PARAMOS SISTEMA
Authors: Parshutin Serge , Borisov Arkady
Published: September 2010

Production planning is the main aspect for a manufacturer affecting the income of a company. Correct production planning policy chosen for the right product at the right moment in the product life cycle (PLC) reduces production, storing and other related costs. This leads to such problems to be solved as defining the present PLC phase of a product and also determining the transition point – a moment of time when the PLC phase changes. The paper presents the Agent‐Based Production Planning Support system meant for supporting a production manager in his/her production planning decisions. The developed system is based on the analysis of historical demand for products and on the information about transitions between phases in life cycles of those products. The system creates a model and uses it to forecast a transition point for a product that only begins its life on the market. The architecture of the developed system is presented and an analysis of testing on real‐world data results is given. Santrauka Gamybos planavimas – pagrindinis aspektas, nuo kurio priklauso bendroves pajamos. Teisingos gamybos planavimo politikos pasirinkimas konkretaus gaminio gyvavimo ciklo (GGC) metu mažina gamybos, sandeliavimo ir kitas išlaidas. Reikia nustatyti esama gaminio gyvavimo ciklo etapą ir perėjimo tašką – laiko momentą, kai pasikeičia gyvavimo ciklo etapas. Pateikiama agentinė gamybos planavimo paramos sistema, skirta gamybos vadovo planavimo sprendimams pagrįsti. Sukurtoji sistema pagrista retrospektyvine produktų paklausos analizę ir informaciją apie tų produktų gyvavimo ciklo fazių pokyčius. Sistema kuria modelį ir taiko jį prognozuojant produkto, kuris tik pradeda savo gyvavima rinkoje, perėjimo tašką. Pateikiama sukurtos sistemos struktūra ir bandymų su realiais duomenimis analizes rezultatai.
FEASIBILITY OF THE LIBERAL ELECTRICITY MARKET UNDER CONDITIONS OF A SMALL AND IMPERFECT MARKET. THE CASE OF LITHUANIA / LIBERALIOS ELEKTROS ENERGIJOS RINKOS TINKAMUMAS MAŽOS NETOBULOS RINKOS SĄLYGOMIS. LIETUVOS ATVEJIS
Authors: Burinskienė Marija , Rudzkis Paulius
Published: September 2010

At the end of the 20th century most governments of the world started adopting guidelines on the electricity market liberalization, and the liberal electricity market already operates in USA, Scandinavia and some EU Member States. In most cases the deregulated market has lived up to expectations but there were situations when priority was again given to the regulated market. The aim of this article is to assess whether the deregulated electricity market is a good choice for the countries with a small and imperfect market. Electricity is completely homogenous and it might not be warehoused and its price depends on the fuel used, so the examples of other economic sectors (natural gas, water, telecommunications, etc.) sometimes cannot be applied for this market. This paper analyses the advantages and disadvantages and the potential threats of the deregulated electricity market; moreover, the paper presents the main principles lying behind the electricity price setting and analyses whether the deregulated electricity market fits for Lithuania. Santrauka XX a. pabaigoje daugelis pasaulio valstybių pradėjo priiminėti gaires dėl elektros energijos rinkos liberalizavo. Liberali elektros energijos rinka jau veikia JAV, Skandinavijoje ir kai kuriose ES valstybėse. Daugeliu atveju nereguliuojama rinka atitiko lūkesčius, tačiau pasitaike situaciju, kai buvo grižta prie reguliuojamos rinkos. Šio straipsnio tikslas – įvertinti, ar nereguliuojama elektros energijos rinka yra tinkama valstybėms su maža netobula rinka. Elektros energija yra visiškai homogeniška ir negali būti sandeliuojama, jos kaina priklauso nuo vartojamo kuro, todel šiai rinkai ne visada gali būti taikomi kitu ūkio sektoriu (gamtinės dujos, vanduo, telekomunikacijos ir kt.) rinku dereguliavimo pavyzdžiai. Šiame darbe analizuojami nereguliuojamos elektros energijos rinkos privalumai ir trūkumai bei galimos grėsmes, pateikiami pagrindiniai elektros kainos formavimosi principai, analizuojamas nereguliuojamos rinkos tinkamumas Lietuvos elektros energijos rinkai.
Discordance between Patient and Physician Assessments of Disease Severity in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: HUDSON MARIE , IMPENS ANN , BARON MURRAY , SEIBOLD JAMES R. , THOMBS BRETT D. , WALKER JENNIFER G. ,   the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group, STEELE RUSSELL
Published: September 2010

Objective.

To describe the magnitude and correlates of discordance between patient and physician assessments of disease severity in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods.

Subjects were patients enrolled in the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group Registry. The outcomes of interest were patient and physician global assessments of disease severity (scales ranging from 0–10). Predictors of disease severity represented the spectrum of disease in SSc (skin involvement, severity of Raynaud’s phenomenon, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal symptoms and pain, number of fingertip ulcers, tender and swollen joints, creatinine, and fatigue). The results of the analysis were validated in an independent sample of patients with SSc from the United States.

Results.

Patients perceived greater disease severity than physicians (mean difference 0.78 ± 2.65). The agreement between patient and physician assessments of disease severity was, at best, modest (intraclass correlation 0.3774; weighted κ 0.3771). Although both patients and physicians were influenced by skin scores, breathlessness, and pain, the relative importance of these predictors differed. Patients were also influenced by other subjective symptoms, while physicians were also influenced by disease duration and creatinine. The predictors explained 56% of the deviance in the patient global assessments and 29% in the physician assessments. These findings were confirmed in the US dataset.

Conclusion.

Patients and physicians rate SSc disease severity differently in magnitude and are influenced by different factors. Patient-assessed and physician-assessed measures of severity should be considered as complementary and used together in future studies of SSc.
A feasibility study of a quantitative microwave tomography technique for structural monitoring
Authors: Catapano I. , Crocco L. , Isernia T.
Published: September 2010

Quantitative microwave tomography is an imaging method based on the solution of a non‐linear inverse scattering problem, which is able to provide an objective assessment of a region under test. Such a capability is relevant in the framework of non‐destructive structural monitoring, where it allows to process ground‐penetrating radar data so to achieve accurate information on the inner status of the probed structure. In this paper, we propose a two‐step quantitative microwave tomography approach in which the morphological characterization of the targets is first pursued and then their electric contrast is determined by exploiting the information previously gained. A feasibility assessment of the proposed strategy is given against synthetic data concerning the imaging of a leaking pipeline embedded in a wall.
GPR application to the structural control of historical buildings: two case studies in Rome, Italy
Authors: Barone P.M. , Di Matteo A. , Graziano F. , Mattei E. , Pettinelli E.
Published: September 2010

Preservation of historical buildings requires particular care, as any intervention must not alter or damage the style, structure or contents of the edifice. In order to properly plan the restoration of a building, non‐destructive techniques can be used extensively to detect structural elements and weaknesses. Ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) is particularly well adapted to this type of work, as the method is non‐invasive, rapid and provides high‐resolution images of contrasting subsurface materials.

In the present work we show the successful application of the GPR technique to the investigation of two historical buildings that differ in age, structure and geometry.

The first case is the GPR detection of fractures and internal lesions in the architrave of the Porticus Octaviae, a partially restored Roman building. The second case uses GPR in the important Zuccari Palace to determine the internal structure above vaulted ceilings that host a series of 16thcentury frescos. Both buildings are located in downtown Rome, Italy.

These examples show that GPR can give detailed, non‐invasive data that describe the state of conservation of historical buildings. In particular, this technique can produce fundamental information for the restorers (e.g., location, dimension and geometry of the structural lesions) that will help them develop the best possible protection plan, retrieving quantitative information about the location and the dimension of the lesions as well as the thickness of the different layers.