bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic Relationships of Five Species of the Amphipod Genus Gammarus
Authors: KOLDING STEEN , SIMONSEN VIBEKE
Published: August 2006

The phylogenetic relationships of five amphipod species of the genus Gummarus: G. oceanicus, G. locusta, G. salinus, G. zaddachi and G. duebeni are presented based on starch gel electrophoresis of 12 enzymes determined by 17 loci. The five species separate into three groups: G. locusta and G. duebeni each represent a distinct group while G. oceanicus, G. salinus and G. zaddachi together form a third group. This grouping results when the number of diagnostic loci, as well as when genetic distance between species pairs, are considered. The results compare well with morphological and, to some extent, ecological data.
On the Relationship of Pinnipeds to Other Carnivores
Authors: WIIG ØYSTEIN
Published: August 2006

The paper discusses Tedford's (1976) hypothesis concerning a sister‐group relationship of the otariids with the ursids and the phocids with the mustelids, based on a cladistic analysis. It is concluded that because Tedford has used at most branching points in his cladogram the opposite character states as synapomorphies as those used in the sister‐group, his hypothesis is put forward in conflict with the premises of the cladistic method. It must therefore be rejected.
Established diabetic neuropathy seems irreversible despite improvements in metabolic and vascular risk markers—a retrospective case–control study in a hospital patient cohort
Authors: Coppini D. V. , Spruce M. C. , Thomas P. , Masding M. G.
Published: August 2006

Aims  To gain insight into the natural history of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and its risk factors by means of sequential quantitative testing in a hospital patient cohort.

Methods  A retrospective case–control study involving 300 diabetic patients (100 subjects with neuropathy and 200 control subjects) attending Poole Hospital diabetes clinic between 1995 and 2002. All subjects had a detailed annual clinic assessment including vibration perception threshold (VPT) and physical and metabolic assessments and were categorized according to neuropathy status. Established neuropathy was defined as a VPT > 25 V. Cross‐sectional data were analysed by means of a t‐test and longitudinal data by means of anova.

Results  VPTs increased over time in neuropathy patients, with no change in control patients (P < 0.001). Glycaemic control was better over that period in control patients but the rate of improvement in HbA1c over time was similar in both groups. Triglyceride and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels improved in both groups, with significantly greater change in the control group.

Conclusions  Data on reversibility of neuropathy are scarce and our 8‐year series shows a continual deterioration in VPT in patients with a threshold > 25 V despite modest improvements in glycaemic control and lipid parameters. This work also supports a vascular association with neuropathy and identifies neuropathic patients as a high‐risk cardiovascular group in whom, despite little influence on neuropathy itself, the above metabolic factors should be actively addressed.
Predicting isolated postchallenge hyperglycaemia: a new approach; Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS)
Authors: Hosseinpanah F. , Rambod M. , Reza Ghaffari H. R. , Azizi F.
Published: August 2006

Aims  To determine factors predicting isolated postchallenge hyperglycaemia (IPH) defined as fasting plasma glucose (FPG) < 7.0 mmol/l and 2‐h plasma glucose (2‐hPG) ≥ 11.1 mmol/l after an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and factors influencing the value of 2‐hPG in a population‐based study.

Materials and methods  From 15 005 participants in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS), we analysed the results of OGTTs in 5386 individuals (2909 women and 2437 men) aged ≥ 20 years, free of known diabetes and any other disorders influencing glucose metabolism. Logistic and multiple linear regression models were developed to predict IPH and the 2‐hPG, respectively.

Results  The overall prevalence of non‐diabetic subjects, IPH and undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes mellitus (FPG ≥ 7.0 mmol/l) were 94.5% (n = 5088), 2.5% (n = 133) and 3.1% (n = 165), respectively. Of subjects with IPH, 29.3% (n = 39) had FPG levels < 5.6 mmol/l. Factors associated with IPH were FPG (mmol/l) [odds ratio (OR) 11.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.9, 15.4], age ≥ 40 years (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.3, 3.2), abnormal waist circumference (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.4, 3.1) and serum triglycerides ≥ 1.7 mmol/l (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.3, 3.1). In the multiple linear regression model, six explanatory factors (FPG, age, female sex, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, waist circumference) were positively related to 2‐hPG. The model could predict 47.7% of total variance of 2‐hPG.

Conclusions  Based on our results in this Iranian population, OGTT can be recommended in subjects with FPG < 7.0 mmol/l in the presence of abnormal waist circumference and triglycerides, age ≥ 40 years and in particular when FPG is close to 7.0 mmol/l.
Stages of knowledge management technology in the value shop: the case of police investigation performance
Authors: Gottschalk Petter , Holgersson Stefan
Published: August 2006

Abstract:This paper is concerned with relationships between the use of information technology at different stages of the knowledge management technology stage model and the performance of police investigation units. The model consists of four stages: officer‐to‐technology systems, officer‐to‐officer systems, officer‐to‐information systems, and officer‐to‐application systems. The model was applied for information technology business value research, which examines the organizational performance impacts of information technology. In this paper we applied the value configuration of the value shop to describe and measure organizational performance. Based on an empirical study of Norwegian police investigation units, this research found that officer‐to‐technology systems and officer‐to‐information systems are the most important systems to improve police investigations in the value shop.
Fuzzy sliding‐mode control with rule adaptation for nonlinear systems
Authors: Hung Lon‐Chen , Chung Hung‐Yuan
Published: August 2006

Abstract: A fuzzy sliding‐mode control with rule adaptation design approach with decoupling method is proposed. It provides a simple way to achieve asymptotic stability by a decoupling method for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems. The adaptive fuzzy sliding‐mode control system is composed of a fuzzy controller and a compensation controller. The fuzzy controller is the main rule regulation controller, which is used to approximate an ideal computational controller. The compensation controller is designed to compensate for the difference between the ideal computational controller and the adaptive fuzzy controller. Fuzzy regulation is used as an approximator to identify the uncertainty. The simulation results for two cart–pole systems and a ball–beam system are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the method. In addition, the experimental results for a tunnelling robot manipulator are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the system.
RLS patients: who are they?
Authors: Schapira A. H. V.
Published: August 2006

Four essential diagnostic criteria for restless legs syndrome (RLS) have been identified. Patients experience an urge to move the legs, which typically begins or worsens during periods of rest. The symptoms are at least partially relieved by movement, and are typically worse in the evening and night than in the day. All four criteria are necessary to confirm the diagnosis of RLS. In addition, a family history of RLS, the presence of periodic leg movements in sleep, and a positive response to dopaminergic therapy are useful supportive clinical features to confirm the diagnosis. Whilst many cases of RLS are idiopathic, secondary RLS is often observed in pregnant women, patients who have severe renal dysfunction, or in those with iron deficiency. Several other conditions have symptoms similar to those of RLS, but a detailed patient history is usually sufficient to identify these differential diagnoses. The accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of RLS should result in considerable improvements in patients’ quality of life.
Considering the causes of RLS
Authors: Winkelman J. W.
Published: August 2006

The pathophysiology of restless legs syndrome (RLS) is complex and remains to be fully elucidated. The condition is predominantly a disorder of the central rather than the peripheral, nervous system, and dopaminergic dysfunction in subcortical systems appears to play a central role. Conditions associated with secondary RLS, such as pregnancy or end‐stage renal disease, are characterized by iron deficiency, which suggests that disturbed iron homeostasis may also play a role in the development of the condition. Although most patients with RLS have normal serum ferritin levels, concentrations of ferritin and transferrin in the cerebrospinal fluid are reduced, suggesting iron deficiency within the central nervous system. Although iron is necessary for the activity of tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate‐limiting step in dopamine synthesis, it is unclear whether this relationship plays a role in the aetiology of RLS. There also appears to be a genetic component, particularly when the condition develops before the age of 45 years. Candidate genetic loci have been located on chromosomes 9p, 12q and 14q, but the genes involved have yet to be identified. How these three identified aetiological factors, namely dopaminergic dysfunction, impaired iron homeostasis and genetic disposition, are inter‐related in the genesis of RLS remains unclear.
The weight of evidence for ropinirole in restless legs syndrome
Authors: Trenkwalder C.
Published: August 2006

Evidence‐based guidelines consider dopaminergic therapy to be the mainstay of treatment for restless legs syndrome (RLS). l‐dopa has been shown to reduce RLS symptoms, but subsequent augmentation of symptoms occurs in up to 73% of patients during continued treatment. The ergot‐derived dopamine agonist pergolide has been shown to be effective in small, open or placebo‐controlled studies, but there have been reports of pleuropulmonary or cardiac valvular disease with this ergoline agent. Amongst the non‐ergoline dopamine agonists, pramipexole has been reported to reduce RLS symptoms, but robust trial data are limited. By contrast, the RLS clinical trial programme with ropinirole is the largest published to date. This programme includes 12‐week randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled studies and a 36‐week maintenance‐of‐effect study. Data from the placebo‐controlled studies show that ropinirole, 0.25–4.0 mg/day, produces rapid and significant reductions, compared with placebo, in the sensory and motor symptoms of RLS, and that these benefits are associated with significant improvements in sleep and quality of life. In addition, the maintenance study has shown that these benefits are maintained during longer‐term treatment. Furthermore, ropinirole is generally well tolerated. Ropinirole thus represents a potential valuable approach to the management of RLS.
Soil Formation and Vegetation Establishment on the Cliff Face of Abandoned Quarries in the Early Stages of Natural Colonization
Authors: Yuan Jian‐Gang , Fang Wei , Fan Ling , Chen Yan , Wang Dong‐Qing , Yang Zhong‐Yi
Published: August 2006

The large number of abandoned quarries in many countries presents challenges for restoration of these extremely degraded habitats. To understand soil and plant development in these extreme habitats at a most critical stage of restoration, we evaluated the edaphic conditions and natural vegetation of three large quarries in southern China 3, 5, and 7 years following abandonment. Although soil fertility (organic matter, and N, P, K concentrations) did not differ significantly over a few years, it was much higher than would be expected from newly weathered soil and was comparable to that of the adjacent garden soil on level ground with no slope. This suggests that soil formation on the steep slopes of quarry cliffs is a secondary migration process rather than a primary weathering process. Vegetation cover increased from 10.6 to 18.6 and 23.4%, and species abundance increased from 8 to 11 and 12 species, and from 3 to 6 and 7 families. Plant species composition changed from predominantly annual and perennial herbaceous species to a more diverse community with drought‐tolerant and heliophilous shrubs. The vegetation cover was highly positively correlated with soil depth and soil volume (p< 0.001), and also significantly correlated with soil organic matter, total N, and available N and P concentrations (p <0.05). This suggests that vegetation succession is more limited by available soil volume than by soil fertility during the early stages of quarry restoration.
“Minimal‐Impact” Restoration Treatments Have Limited Effects on Forest Structure and Fuels at Grand Canyon, USA
Authors: Fulé Peter Z. , Covington W. Wallace , Stoddard Michael T. , Bertolette Don
Published: August 2006

Restoration treatments were tested on the South Rim (ponderosa pine) and North Rim (mixed conifer) of Grand Canyon National Park, never‐harvested forests where the historically frequent surface regime was interrupted in the late 19th century. Treatments were designed for “minimal impact” by limiting the size of trees to be thinned and minimizing mechanical equipment. Treatments included (1) thinning of small trees (diameter ≤ 12.7 cm) and prescribed fire; (2) thinning of small trees located close to large old trees and prescribed fire; (3) prescribed fire only; and (4) control. On the South Rim, density declined by 23–45% but basal area only by 9–14%. On the North Rim, density was reduced 32–68% and basal area declined 18–31%. Declines of 5–8% were observed in these same variables in the controls. Surface fuels were significantly reduced in all burned treatments (70–84% reduction in forest floor, 66–76% reduction in woody debris). However, canopy cover was nearly unchanged, and canopy fuel loads were not significantly reduced, although canopy base heights increased. The experiment accomplished the goal of minimally impacting the forest ecosystem but the effects of small‐tree thinning plus burning were nearly indistinguishable from those of burning alone. All the treated units were left with modest gain in resistance to severe wildfires but in conditions still far removed from prefire‐exclusion conditions.
Identifying Linkages among Conceptual Models of Ecosystem Degradation and Restoration: Towards an Integrative Framework
Authors: King Elizabeth G. , Hobbs Richard J.
Published: August 2006

We present an ecological framework for considering ecosystem degradation and restoration, particularly in rangelands and arid environments. The framework is a synthesis of three conceptual models previously developed by several rangeland and restoration ecologists. We focus first on distinctions and connections between structural and functional components of rangeland ecosystems and then on distinctions and connections between biotic and abiotic components of the ecosystem. We next show that the structural/functional and biotic/abiotic distinctions can be integrated with a stepwise, positive feedback model of degradation to help explain degradation processes and restoration approaches. Finally, we relate those concepts to a threshold model of rangeland degradation. By establishing the conceptual links among these different models, this synthesis provides a broader, more integrated framework for thinking about the dynamics involved in rangeland degradation and restoration. We conclude by presenting some approaches to restoration that are motivated by the suite of concepts that are brought together in the framework.
Wetland Restoration for Amphibians: Should Local Sites Be Designed to Support Metapopulations or Patchy Populations?
Authors: Petranka James W. , Holbrook Carter T.
Published: August 2006

Pond‐breeding amphibians have been characterized as having metapopulation structure, and a goal of many local restoration projects is to establish viable metapopulations. However, recent studies suggest that metapopulation organization is unlikely at the local level because of high dispersal rates between neighboring ponds. Although many amphibians avoid ovipositing in habitats that pose high predation risk to their offspring, the spatial scale of avoidance is poorly resolved for natural systems and could involve wholesale movements between ponds. To determine the scale of avoidance, we monitored annual habitat use by the Wood frog (Rana sylvatica), American toad (Bufo americanus), and Spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) at a restoration site in western North Carolina, U.S.A. Wood frogs consistently used most fish‐free ponds, but rapidly curtailed use following fish invasions. American toads rarely used the same breeding site from year to year, and adults strongly avoided ovipositing in habitats with predatory Wood frog tadpoles. Spotted salamanders exhibited a predator avoidance response to fish that was weaker than the predator avoidance response of anurans. Our data indicate that the spatial scale of predator avoidance by ovipositing amphibians often exceeds that of an individual pond and that the focal species at this site are organized as patchy populations rather than as metapopulations. At local restoration sites, ponds that are placed in spatial arrays to create metapopulations may not accomplish their goal and may limit the extent to which ovipositing adults can express an adaptive antipredator behavior. We discuss an alternative design that is more likely to enhance the long‐term persistence of local populations.
Influences of Habitat Isolation on Invertebrate Colonization of Sporadanthus ferrugineus in a Mined Peat Bog
Authors: Watts Corinne H. , Didham Raphael K.
Published: August 2006

This study experimentally tested the impact of peat bog habitat loss and isolation on the invertebrate community associated with Sporadanthus ferrugineus (Restionaceae), a dominant indigenous plant species in peat bogs. Potted S. ferrugineus plants were exposed to invertebrates at various distances up to 800 m from an intact habitat (the source population) over 18 weeks. Invertebrates rapidly colonized the experimental plants, with all major orders and trophic groups present on S. ferrugineus within 6 weeks. However, with increasing distance away from the undisturbed habitat, there was a significant decrease in total species richness and abundance of invertebrates associated with the potted plants. Of the total taxa captured, only 38% were found on potted S. ferrugineus plants at 800 m compared with 62% found on potted plants 30 m from the intact peat bog. Predator species richness and the predator–prey ratio changed significantly with time available for colonization of potted plants but, more importantly, prey (herbivores and detritivores) and predator (including parasitoids) species richness, as well as the predator–prey ratio, declined significantly with increasing isolation from the peat bog. Thus, the degree of isolation of restoration areas from undisturbed habitat has a major impact on the rate and patterns of recovery in invertebrate community structure. The current recommended practice of restoring the mined area by establishing raised “habitat islands” 30 m apart should result in colonization by most invertebrates associated with S. ferrugineus, but only if the restoration islands are placed as stepping stones outward from existing areas of intact habitat.
Macrophytes in Urban Stream Rehabilitation: Establishment, Ecological Effects, and Public Perception
Authors: Larned Scott T. , Suren Alastair M. , Flanagan Marty , Biggs Barry J. F. , Riis Tenna
Published: August 2006

Efforts to rehabilitate degraded urban streams generally focus on improving physical habitat and rarely include reestablishing biota such as macrophytes. Our objectives in this study were to propagate and transplant native macrophytes into a South Island, New Zealand, urban stream undergoing rehabilitation, assess macrophyte survival and growth, and determine whether native macrophytes suppress non‐native macrophytes and/or enhance stream invertebrate communities. Effects of native macrophytes on invertebrates and non‐native macrophytes were assessed after transplanting patches of native macrophytes into a 230‐m‐long stream section. A 100‐m‐long section upstream was left unplanted for subsequent comparisons. Following the study, a survey was conducted to gauge public opinion about the rehabilitation project and determine whether macrophytes were prominent in perceptions of stream health. In the first growing season, native macrophyte cover in the planted stream section increased from 1.5 to 20%, and then decreased during winter. Regrowth from rhizomes led to rapid aboveground growth during the second year, when cover reached 51%. Non‐native macrophytes colonized the stream the first year, but native macrophytes appeared to limit the spread of non‐natives, which were absent in the planted section by the second spring. Native macrophyte establishment did not enhance invertebrate communities as predicted; few invertebrate metrics differed significantly between the planted and unplanted sections. Pollution‐ and sediment‐tolerant invertebrate taxa were abundant in both sections, suggesting that invertebrate colonization was limited by water quality or sedimentation, not macrophyte composition. Survey respondents considered the stream to be visually and ecologically improved after rehabilitation, and macrophyte establishment was generally considered positive or neutral.
Successfully Recovered Grassland: A Promising Example from Romanian Old‐Fields
Authors: Ruprecht Eszter
Published: August 2006

In this study, I analyzed the natural recovery of grasslands on abandoned agricultural fields in the Transylvanian Lowland (Câmpia Transilvaniei), Romania. I examined fields that were abandoned 1–40 years ago and considered how successful they have been in recovering spontaneously as compared to reference grassland, especially in relation to species composition and dominance structure. Diverse, nondegraded seminatural grasslands from the surroundings were chosen as targets for the recovery. Five such grasslands were analyzed in order to have multiple references that accounted for site heterogeneity and different land use history. This study found that the number of natural and seminatural habitat species increased, whereas the number of weeds and aliens decreased with age. Old‐fields had become very similar in species composition and dominance structure to reference grasslands over a 14‐ to 20‐year time interval, with the only failure being the unsuccessful or slow colonization of a few grassland species. Because spontaneous succession is efficient, human interventions are not needed to restore target communities on the old‐fields. Propagule pressure expressed by the area of potential seed source in a 500‐m‐radius buffer was found to have a strong influence on recovery success of old‐fields. The success of grassland species in colonizing postagricultural fields was not affected by their dispersal mode but by their frequency in the landscape, this being another evidence for the importance of propagule availability in the course of recovery. In order to maintain the potential for recovery of this landscape, we need to protect those close to natural habitats that contain a high amount of native flora.
AIDS and Perceived Change in Sexual Practice: An Analysis of a College Student Sample from California and Iowa1
Authors: Ishii‐Kuntz Masako , Whitbeck Les B. , Simons Ronald L.
Published: August 2006

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of belief about transmissibility of AIDS and concern about the disease on perceived changes in premarital sexual practices. It was posited that changes in sexual practices are most likely to occur when college students have more certainty about AIDS transmission and greater concern about AIDS. Based on this proposition, dating patterns, premarital sexual permissiveness, attitudes toward homosexuality, sexual orientation, and students' objective perception of AIDS as a problem were used as predictors of concern about AIDS and certainty of sexual transmission. Using a sample of 587 students in the state universities of California and Iowa and focusing on one type of sexual practices (i.e., condom use), it was found that concern about AIDS strongly increases the likelihood of using condoms. Contrary to our prediction, certainty about sexual transmission of AIDS was found to have a marginal effect on students' likelihood of condom use. Furthermore, it was found that monogamous dating, sexual permissiveness, and the degree of perception of AIDS as a problem significantly increase the likelihood of condom use if they are mediated by personal concern about AIDS. The implications are discussed with respect to the usefulness of a theoretical approach and its findings for education on AIDS prevention among college students.
Toward an Understanding of “The Sex Game”: The Effects of Gender and Self‐Monitoring on Perceptions of Sexuality and Likability in Initial Interactions1
Authors: Harnish Richard J. , Abbey Antonia , DeBono Kenneth G.
Published: August 2006

Results of several studies indicate that men attribute more sexual meaning to heterosexual interactions than do women. Based on Abbey's (1982) findings, we hypothesized that males, in comparison to females, would attribute more sexuality to opposite‐sex partners. Based on findings from several self‐monitoring dating studies, we predicted that high self‐monitors would rate their partners and themselves higher on sexuality and likability traits than would low self‐monitors. A laboratory study was conducted in which mixed‐sex pairs of participants discussed their likes and dislikes about college life. Participants then rated themselves and their opposite‐sex partners on a set of sexuality and likability trait adjectives and indicated their interest in getting to know their partner better. Results supported the gender hypotheses, whereas they only partially supported the self‐monitoring predictions. The self‐monitoring effects on self‐ratings of sexuality and partner ratings of likability are used to explain why high self‐monitors are more successful than low self‐monitors in establishing heterosexual relationships.
The Combined Effect of the Severity and the Certainty of Threatened Penalties: Additive or Interactive?
Authors: Friedland Nehemia
Published: August 2006

Research carried out to date has yielded inconsistent results regarding the manner in which the severity and certainty of threatened penalties combine to affect deterrence. While some studies presented evidence showing an interactive combination, others yielded an additive pattern. The present study tested and supported the proposition that the process whereby the two variables combine depends on the type of penalty with which a person is threatened. In the case of penalties the severity of which can be psychologically weighed in interval values, the combined effect is multiplicative or interactive. On the other hand, when the severity of a penalty can be expressed only ordinally, the combined effect is largely additive.
Participatory Research's Contribution to a Conceptualization of Empowerment1
Authors: Yeich Susan , Levine Ralph
Published: August 2006

Empowerment has emerged in recent years as a popular strategy for addressing social issues. A potential intervention approach for applied researchers interested in studying empowerment is participatory research (PR). PR is a theory and intervention approach for involving oppressed people in the study of and solutions to social problems. It is a strategy that works to transform social structure to benefit oppressed people.

This article examines PR's contribution to a conceptualization of empowerment on both a theoretical and applied level. First, PR literature and its conceptualization of empowerment are described. Following this, PR is proposed as an intervention approach for applied researchers interested in studying empowerment. A case study involving the formation of a Homeless Persons Union is provided as an example of applied PR.
The Division of Labor Among Egalitarian and Traditional Women: Differences in Discontent, Social Comparison, and False Consensus
Authors: Buunk Bram P. , Kluwer Esther S. , Schuurman Mieke K. , Siero Frans W.
Published: August 2006

We compared 118 egalitarian women (subscribers to the Dutch feminist magazine Opzij) with 118 traditional women (subscribers to the widely read Dutch women's magazine Margriet). On average, egalitarian women had a more equal division of household labor at home than did traditional women but experienced more discontent about the division of labor in their relationship. Egalitarian women with an unequal division of labor experienced more discontent than did traditional women with an unequal division of labor. Relative to traditional women, egalitarian women more often compared their own contribution to housework with their partner's contribution (relational comparison) and with other women's division of labor (referential comparison). Compared to traditional women, egalitarian women gave higher prevalence estimates of both the percentage of Dutch women doing virtually all housework and the percentage of women unhappy with the division of labor.
Motivational and Volitional Processes in Action Initiation: A Field Study of the Role of Implementation Intentions1
Authors: Orbell Sheina , Sheeran Paschal
Published: August 2006

A field study tested Gollwitzer's (1993) proposition that the formation of implementation intentions specifying action opportunities accounts for the speed with which intentions are translated into action. Motivation to resume functional activity was assessed among a general population sample of patients prior to joint replacement surgery. At 3 months following surgery. people who had formed implementation intentions were found to have initiated 18 out of 32 activities sooner than people who had not formed implementation intentions. This difference could not be attributed to differences in motivation between the 2 groups. Evidence also showed that the formation of implementation intentions mediated the effects of behavioral expectation on speed of action initiation.
Enhancing Procedural Justice in Local Government Budget and Tax Decision Making
Authors: Magner Nace R. , Johnson Gary G. , Sobery Julie S. , Welker Robert B.
Published: August 2006

Two studies examined criteria for procedural justice in the related contexts of local government budgeting (Study 1) and taxation (Study 2). Questionnaire data were gathered from 272 municipal police chiefs in Study 1 and 81 municipal property owners in Study 2, Regression analysis indicated that ethicality. accuracy, and bias suppression were signiticant (p < 0.05) predictors of procedural justice in both studies. Other significant predictors of procedural justice in Study I were correctability and justification. However. the relationship between justification and procedural justice in Study I was negative. which is contrary to theory. The results suggest strategies that local government officials can use to enhance the perceived fairness of budget and tax decision‐making procedures.
Human Cytomegalovirus DNA Polymerase Catalytic Subunit pUL54 Possesses Independently Acting Nuclear Localization and ppUL44 Binding Motifs
Authors: Alvisi Gualtiero , Ripalti Alessandro , Ngankeu Apollinaire , Giannandrea Maila , Caraffi Stefano G. , Dias Manisha M. , Jans David A.
Published: August 2006

The catalytic subunit of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) DNA polymerase pUL54 is a 1242‐amino‐acid protein, whose function, stimulated by the processivity factor, phosphoprotein UL44 (ppUL44), is essential for viral replication. The C‐terminal residues (amino acids 1220–1242) of pUL54 have been reported to be sufficient for ppUL44 binding in vitro. Although believed to be important for functioning in the nuclei of infected cells, no data are available on either the interaction of pUL54 with ppUL44 in living mammalian cells or the mechanism of pUL54 nuclear transport and its relationship with that of ppUL44. The present study examines for the first time the nuclear import pathway of pUL54 and its interaction with ppUL44 using dual color, quantitative confocal laser scanning microscopy on live transfected cells and quantitative gel mobility shift assays. We showed that of two nuclear localization signals (NLSs) located at amino acids 1153–1159 (NLSA) and 1222–1227 (NLSB), NLSA is sufficient to confer nuclear localization on green fluorescent protein (GFP) by mediating interaction with importin α/β. We also showed that pUL54 residues 1213–1242 are sufficient to confer ppUL44 binding abilities on GFP and that pUL54 and ppUL44 can be transported to the nucleus as a complex. Our work thus identified distinct sites within the HCMV DNA polymerase, which represent potential therapeutic targets and establishes the molecular basis of UL54 nuclear import.
US2 Drug related oro‐facial disease
Authors: Alajbeg I , Hodgson TA
Published: August 2006

Drugs may be defined as substances used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease or as a component of a medication or alternatively as chemical substances, such as a narcotic or hallucinogen, affecting the central nervous system, causing changes in behavior and often addiction. Orofacial drug‐related adverse reactions may present initially to the dental surgeon or doctor and require specialist opinion. Due to the complexity of clinical presentation including symptoms (pain, dysgeusia, xerostomia and dysaesthesia) and signs (mucosal and bone pathology) diagnostic problems are common and a detailed prescribed and non‐prescribed medication history invalid. New therapeutic interventions are continually introduced across Europe and health care practitioners should be vigilant for unreported oro‐facial adverse reactions and be able to access the local reporting mechanism. The benefits of the drug prescribed weighed against the risk from the oro‐facial adverse reaction will determine if drug cessation is appropriate. This paper aims to update practitioners on the spectrum of drug‐related oro‐facial disease, review factors to be elicited from the drug history, focus on newly introduced drugs and their, in some cases devastating, oro‐facial adverse effects and discuss management options.
US4 Pharmacotherapy complicating dental surgery
Authors: Vučićević Boras V , Lodi G
Published: August 2006

Planning dental treatments for patients taking antithrombotic can be difficult for the general dental practitioner, particularly when surgical interventions are needed. The drugs employed in the long‐term treatment of such patients include platelet aggregation inhibitors and oral anticoagulants. Platelet aggregation inhibitors do not represent a contraindication to oral surgery. The activity of oral anticoagulants can be affected by many substances, for this reason it is necessary to monitor by INR the patients taking those drugs. When INR is within therapeutic limits for the more common conditions, most of the oral surgery interventions do not need any special precaution. Evidence indicates that suspending antithrombotic drugs is not indicate, as complications following a thrombotic accident are more frequent and serious than bleedings following oral surgery. It is well known that systemic corticosteroid therapy due to the effect on adrenal suppression can interfere with dental surgical procedures. However, that is largely dependent on the type and dose of corticosteroid that patient is currently taking, or has been taking in the last 12 months and on the type and extent of surgical procedure which is to be performed. Surgical management of dental patients with history of systemic corticosteroid therapy is proposed from the existing literature.
US7 Oral mucosal ulcerations
Authors: Campisi G , Mravak‐Stipetić M
Published: August 2006

Oral mucosal ulcer represents a localized loss of the lining epithelium and sometimes also of the subjacent connective tissue. It could be persistent or recurrent and also single or multiple. As regards those persistent a large variety of etiologic factors have been suggested: this kind of ulcers could be a sign of a localised direct reaction to any physical/chemical injury or due to a drug‐related reaction (e.g. by chemotherapy). Mucosal ulceration could also occur in a multiplicity of diseases such as neoplasia, infection, immune‐mediated disease or as sign of systemic diseases (e.g. of blood, skin or gastrointestinal tract). A correct diagnosis needs to collect as carefully as possible symptoms, clinical stigmata; in certain cases it may be useful to perform a biopsy. As regards the recurrent oral ulcers (RAU), they are among the most common oral diseases and problems of oral medicine practice. RAU are characterized by recurring ulcers, classified as minor, major and herpetiform, confined to the oral mucosa without other signs of the disease. Due to numerous etiologic factors that are implicated in the etiology of RAU current concept consider RAU not as single disease but rather a clinical syndrome. The disease is essentially diagnosed by exclusion of other diseases, primarily based on detailed history, clinical examination and laboratory findings. Treatment includes variety of medications for local and systemic use that decreases symptoms but not the onset of new lesions and their recurrence. The recognition of differential diagnosis of RAU and adverse effects of medications is mandatory for the effective treatment.
US8 Xerostomia
Authors: Porter SR
Published: August 2006

The management of patients with xerostomia remains a challenge for all specialists of Oral Medicine in Europe. Xerostomia is a common symptom of patients who attend specialist clinics in Oral Medicine in Europe, and throughout the world. Longstanding xerostomia can often be an adverse side effect of many drug therapies, however, Sjogren's syndrome (the second most common connective tissue disorder) remains one of the most likely non‐iatrogenic causes of longstanding salivary dysfunction. It is also now recognized that HCV sialadenitis and HIV salivary gland disease commonly give rise to xerostomia, and a range of other disorders that cause parenchymal damage (e.g. sarcoidosis) and neural damage (e.g. cholinergic autonomic neuropathy) may rarely cause xerostomia. Long standing oral dryness gives rise to a spectrum of symptoms and signs, and can adversely affect the hard and soft tissues of the mouth. In addition the quality of life of affected persons can be adversely affected. As a consequence of the varied aetiology the investigation of longstanding xerostomia now includes a wide range of clinical, serological and radiological investigations. Despite enhanced understanding of the many causes of salivary gland dysfunction, the treatment of xerostomia remains a significant clinical challenge. In particular new immunologically active therapies do not lessen the severity of disease, and the outcomes of interferon and/or ribavirin upon HCV sialadenitis are unclear. Cholinergic agents may be of some benefit in the treatment of longstanding oral dryness, but the associated adverse side effects of these may limit their clinical application. New therapeutic strategies such as gene therapy may ultimately prove to be beneficial, however, these are unlikely to be available in the near future.
PL2 Subepithelial bullous diseases – dermatoimmunological and molecular basis
Authors: Marinkovich PM
Published: August 2006

Significant advances have recently taken place in our understanding of inherited and acquired subepithelia bullous diseases. Inherited disorders are collectively termed epidermolysis bullosa and include simplex, junctional and dystrophic categories. Elucidation of the structure and function of the basement membrane underlying stratified squamous epithelial tissues has provided a foundation of knowledge, which has permitted application to clinical diseases. Advances in our understanding of the physiological basis for mucosal cohesion and molecular diagnosis of inherited diseases have resulted in the elucidation of DNA mutations, which correlate with the molecular pathology. Current preclinical efforts in this field are largely directed at development of a specific and effective molecular therapy and several approaches will be discussed. The molecular etiology of the development of squamous cell carcinoma in a subset of dystrophic EB patients has also been recently elucidated and will be discussed. Acquired subepithelial bullous disorders are becoming better understood as well, through the development of several preclinical animal models, including models for bullous pemphigoid and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. Autoantibodies in each of these diseases appear to require complement and other local immune components, in contrast to pemphigus antibodies, which appear to be pathogenic themselves. In particular, bullous pemphigoid blister formation shows reliance on metaloproteinase expressed by immune cells, suggesting new targets for molecular therapy.
PL6 Sub‐epithelial vesiculobullous disorders: treatment now and on the horizon
Authors: Scully CBE C
Published: August 2006

Sub‐epithelial vesiculobullous disorders are mainly chronic autoimmune disorders arising from reactions against components of hemidesmosomes or basement membranes of the basement membrane zone of stratified squamous epithelia. Non‐immune disorders involving these components typically have a genetic basis: the prime example is epidermolysis bullosa. The term immune‐mediated sub‐epithelial blistering diseases (IMSEBD) have been used for the acquired forms. Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is the most common IMSEBD but a number of variants exist. All sub‐epithelial vesiculobullous disorders produce clinical pictures of blistering and erosions. Therefore the diagnosis must be confirmed by perilesional biopsy with immunostaining, sometimes with other investigations. No single treatment regimen reliably controls all disorders. The main treatments available are anti‐inflammatory and/or immunosuppressive. There is only a weak evidence base: clinical trials of treatments are few, most include patients with heterogeneous entities, few include more than a limited number of patients, and thus reliable data from randomized controlled trials are unavailable. Currently, apart from improving oral hygiene, immunomodulatory therapy is typically used to control the oral lesions of MMP. The immunological differences within the disorders might account for significant differences in responses to therapy. It is not known if the specific subsets of MMP respond to different agents.
PL8 The causal role of genital human papillomavirus (hpv) infections in cervical carcinogenesis
Authors: Syrjänen K
Published: August 2006

Well over 150 different human papillomavirus (HPV) types are currently recognised, divided according to their preferential targets into (i) cutaneous and (ii) mucosal HPV types. The latter are further classified as low‐risk (HPV 6, 11, 40, 42, 43, 44, 54, 61, 70, 72, 81, and CP6108), intermediate risk (HPV 26, 53, and 66) and high‐risk (HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 68, 73, and 82) types, according to their association with malignant lesions at genital‐ and extra‐genital mucosal sites. Since the recognition of their close association with cervical cancer precursor (CIN) lesions in 1976, HPVs have emerged as the most important human tumour viruses. Beyond any doubt, oncogenic HPV types are the single most important etiological agents of cervical cancer (CC) and CIN lesions, whereas low‐risk HPV types are associated with benign mucosal squamous cell lesions (papillomas and condylomas). Apart from extensive epidemiological documentation, the link between HPV and CC has been confirmed by molecular biological research and prospective cohort studies disclosing the natural history of HPV infections and the true precancer nature of high‐grade CIN lesions. The latter develop as a result of persistent oncogenic HPV infections, known to predispose the women to significantly increased risk of CC. Factors predicting both the disease outcome (persistence, progression, regression) and the viral events (incident infections, HPV persistence, virus clearance) are emerging only recently. In addition to testing the feasibility of various optional screening tools in early detection of CC precursors, as well as to ongoing clinical trials with prophylactic HPV vaccines, another major focus of current HPV research includes the intense screening of new biomarkers as potential predictors of disease progression and outcome of oncogenic HPV infections.
OC1 Bilateral central giant cell granuloma of the mandible: a case report
Authors: Ofluoglu D , Ertas B , Basarer N , Ergun S , Bilgic B , Tanyeri H
Published: August 2006

Central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) is a benign lesion of unknown etiology that especially affects the jaws, usually appears in patients younger than 30 years and is more common in females than in males. Lesions generally occur in the anterior portion of the jaws and mandibular lesions frequently cross the midline. The conventional treatment of CGCG is surgical removal. According to clinical and radiological features, the extent of tissue removal ranges from simple curettage to an en bloc resection. We present an 8‐year‐old male patient, lack of any systemic disease or syndrome, complaining from painless swelling of the left posterior part of the mandible. In intraoral examination, a firm, expansive swelling with overlying intact mucosa, extending from mandibular primary canine to the distal portion of the left permanent first molar, was detected. A panoramic radiograph exhibited an ill‐defined radiolucent lesion of 1.5 x 2 cm, extending from left permanent first molar to angulus mandibula and a well‐defined, unilocular radiolucent lesion of 1 x 2 cm, extending from angulus to ramus mandibula on the asymptomatic right side. After the assessment of MRI, surgical removal was planned with the otorhinolaryngology department and lesions were totally removed under general anesthesia in two consecutive operation. Histopathologic examination revealed typical giant cell granuloma containing numerous multinucleated giant cells embedded in a fibrous stroma. In presenting this case we aimed to share occurrence of bilateral central giant cell granulomas of the mandible in the absence of hyperparathyroidism and associated syndromes, which is very rare in the literature.
OC3 Burkitt's lymphoma: a rare sporadic case
Authors: Ozer N , Alpkilic E , Hayirlioglu A , Ak G
Published: August 2006

Burkitt's Lymphoma (BL) is a malignancy of B‐lymphocyte origin that was initially described among African children. The tumor typically involves extralymphoid sites, showing a predilection for jaws and viscera, particularly ovaries; has endemic and sporadic types. BL grows rapidly and has often‐massive size, producing gross facialdisfigurement. Radiographs disclose lesions undergoing osseous resorption with irregular margins and reactive bone occurring in the molar and premolar regions. Over 95% of cases respond to chemotherapy and, in spite of a high relapse rate; the overall survival rate is approximately 50%. Unlike other lymphomas, there is little or no response to radiotherapy. In this article, we will report a 9‐year‐old boy who had multilocular lesions in both of his jaws. He was normal in extraoral examination. Intraoral examination revealed remarkable gingival lesions with fixed swellings on the left and right parts of both maxilla and mandible. Radiographic examination included panaromic radiograph shows a diffuse radiolucency in the region of lesions. Incisional biopsy of the gingival mass was performed and histopathologic examination disclosed BL, which is sensitive to chemotherapy. The treatment could not be completed due to the disagreement of his parents who are low educated and have a low socioeconomic status. The patient died in 8 months after the diagnosis. In conclusion we aimed to present a rare sporadic case of BL with 4‐jaw‐quadrant involvement, which is usually seen, in endemic type of BL. We also aimed to show the importance of the cooperation between physicians and patients.