bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An investigation into the compatibility of consultation and performance comparison in the UK's policy of Best Value
Authors: Higgins Paul , James Philip , Roper Ian
Published: February 2005

The policy of Best Value (BV) has been at the centre of the modernization of English and Welsh local government since 1999. At the heart of BV, is a performance management framework aimed at securing continuous improvement in the delivery of local services. This article critically examines the performance comparison – comprising performance indicators, audits and inspections – and consultation elements of this framework from the perspective of how they provide separate avenues to confirm the achievement of continuous improvement in local services. Three key issues are singled out for particular attention and investigated from a conceptual and empirical basis. The first issue relates to the construct validity of the performance comparison and consultation process in terms of the extent to which they are able to identify failing local services. The second issue involves an examination of whether the performance comparison elements of BV are conducted consistently between authorities, auditors and inspectors and thus the extent to which they provide accurate information about the performance of local services. The third issue identifies the impact of the consultation and performance comparison elements of BV on aspects of service delivery not subjected to these two confirmatory processes. Survey findings drawn from the views of 389 BV lead officers across local authorities in the UK reveal that whilst most respondents believe that the performance comparison elements of BV are able to accurately ‘identify failing services’, they strongly dispute the consistency of the performance comparison elements of BV. In addition, the survey findings reveal that more respondents than not believe that the performance comparison processes of BV serve to adversely skew resources away from areas of activity subject to less formal measurement. Detailed case study evidence drawn from three local authorities involved in the completion of the entire BV process offer further insights into the compatibility of the performance comparison and consultation processes of BV.
The impact of cognitive age on Internet use of the elderly: an introduction to the public policy implications
Authors: Eastman Jacqueline K. , Iyer Rajesh
Published: February 2005

Despite the growth of the Internet, one area that has not really been discussed is the elderly's use of the Internet. Given the rapid growth of this population as well as the potential the Internet holds for them, it is a subject worth consideration. However, seniors cannot be defined simply by their chronological age, but by their cognitive age. This paper discusses the impact of cognitive age of a national random sample of American elderly consumers on their Internet use. The results suggest that those seniors with a younger cognitive age use the Internet more than those seniors with an older cognitive age. Additionally, seniors with a younger cognitive age have more social contact off‐line (but not online) than those seniors with an older cognitive age. Finally, in terms of demographic variables, chronological age is positively associated with cognitive age and women report a younger cognitive age than men. These results suggest that for policy makers interested in increasing the participation of seniors, they can utilize the Internet to reach those who are younger in terms of cognitive age; however, they will not be able to reach all seniors in this manner and they need to utilize the Internet as a complementing media to their traditional communication sources.
Consumer participation in sustainable technology development
Authors: Heiskanen Eva , Kasanen Pirkko , Timonen Päivi
Published: February 2005

The article discussed consumer participation in the assessment and development of sustainable innovations, i.e. new technologies and services that have the potential to radically reduce natural resource use. Needs and contexts for consumer involvement were identified, and three case studies that each adopted a different approach to consumer participation were presented. The discussion included lessons learned from these case studies, and it identified priorities for future research and development.
Young and homeless: an evaluation of a resettlement service on Merseyside
Authors: Hennessy Claire , Grant Diane , Cook Ian , Meadows Mark
Published: February 2005

The concept of resettlement of homeless people has become an important idea among homelessness practitioners. The principles of resettlement involve assisting homeless people to live independently providing appropriate levels of support in order to do this. For young homeless people this type of support is considered particularly important to be able to overcome social exclusion. This paper examines the perceptions and experiences surrounding resettlement of young homeless people, hostel support workers and resettlement staff in a hostel for young people in Merseyside. The paper suggests that while resettlement represents a positive step towards overcoming homelessness, certain working practices are needed to ensure the best outcomes. These include team working between hostel and resettlement staff and offering easy access to services for young people. The paper also suggests that improvements to certain housing and social security legislation may improve the pathway through homelessness as experienced by certain young people.
Constructing markets for temporary labour: employment liberalization and the internationalization of the staffing industry
Authors: PECK JAMIE , THEODORE NIK , WARD KEVIN
Published: February 2005

Abstract Temporary staffing has joined the ranks of the globalizing service industries. The largest agencies have now established a presence in more than sixty nations, where they are placing employees in temporary positions across a range of occupations, from clerical, cleaning and light industrial work through to accountancy, law and IT. The opening up of new occupational and geographical markets around the world has been driven by the imperative to sustain growth in sales volumes, in this business of tight margins and fierce competition. The most lucrative of the staffing industry's ‘emerging markets’ are found in the actively deregulating economies of the global North ‐ including Spain, Germany, Italy and Japan. While exploring how the staffing industry has been active in the construction of these markets, we argue that this fast‐growing business has become an important agent of labour market liberalization.
Blurred discourses: how market isomorphism constrains and enables collective action in civil society
Authors: MONACI MASSIMILIANO , CASELLI MARCO
Published: February 2005

Abstract Civil society – both national and transnational – is produced through the activities and discourses of a plurality of social actors, including political parties, NGOs and (new) social movements, media organizations, third sector organizations, market firms, and professional and trade associations. To understand the current dynamics of civil society, we need to combine the concept of the plurality with the investigation of a second phenomenon: namely, that in our globalized landscape master ideas and patterns of practices travel and materialize not only across national borders but also across different spheres of institutional life. In opposition to mainstream diffusionist explanations of the travel of ideas, we use Latour and Callon's translation model as a theoretical tool for reading an ‘exemplary’ case study taken from a broader Italian research programme. In particular, our aim is to provide some insights about how the current emphasis on economic performance and managerialization is translated into organizational processes of everyday activity regarding one of the most traditional collective actors of civil society, the third sector organization. The case considered here is a cooperative, whose origins are rooted in an encounter with Africa, and which is now engaged in a fair trade network. Specifically, we depict the complex system of meaning and practices that characterize this field when economic categories and priorities (for example rationalization, calculative action and efficiency) meet and blend with more conventional and expected logics of action (for example solidarity, emancipation and expressive behaviour) that are embedded within it.
Do Insiders Manipulate Earnings When They Sell Their Shares in an Initial Public Offering?
Authors: DARROUGH MASAKO , RANGAN SRINIVASAN
Published: February 2005

In this article we examine whether insider share selling in an initial public offering (IPO) influences R&D expenditures. Insiders (managers and venture capitalists) who sell their pre‐offering shareholdings might try to increase the IPO offer price (1) by overinvesting in R&D to signal the firm's prospects (the signaling hypothesis) or (2) by underinvesting in R&D to increase current reported earnings (the earnings fixation hypothesis). We find that, for a sample of 243 IPOs from 1986 to 1990, change in R&D spending in the year of the IPO is negatively related to managerial selling. Because reductions in R&D spending increase current earnings at the expense of future earnings, our evidence suggests that managers believe that investors place more emphasis on current earnings and less emphasis on R&D and therefore spend less on R&D. We also document a positive association between discretionary current accruals in the offering year and managerial selling, suggesting that selling managers manipulate accruals as well.
The Importance of Business Risk in Setting Audit Fees: Evidence from Cases of Client Misconduct
Authors: LYON JOHN D. , MAHER MICHAEL W.
Published: February 2005

Previous research provides evidence that, for the clients of a large audit firm, audit clients with higher perceived business risk bear the expected costs of this risk with higher audit fees. We extend the literature, which focuses on the relation between litigation risk and audit fees, by examining alleged client misconduct that is not illegal but possibly increases business risk. In particular, we examine the relation between audit fees and business risk for audit clients doing business in developing countries where bribery of top government officials has been an accepted business practice. We hypothesize that bribery‐paying clients are riskier because of both client business risk and audit business risk. Using data collected from Securities and Exchange Commission filings and audit fee data in the 1970s, before the passage of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, we provide evidence that audit fees were higher for clients that disclosed paying bribes. This evidence is consistent with an audit market where auditors assess business risk at the client level, then pass their expected costs to the client in the form of higher audit fees.
Clinical and microbiological effect of scaling and root planing in smoker and non‐smoker chronic and aggressive periodontitis patients
Authors: Darby I. B. , Hodge P. J. , Riggio M. P. , Kinane D. F.
Published: February 2005

Objectives: To compare the effects of scaling and root planing (SRP) on clinical and microbiological parameters at selected sites in smoker and non‐smoker chronic and generalized aggressive periodontitis patients.

Materials and Methods: Clinical parameters including probing depth (PD), relative attachment level (RAL), and bleeding upon probing (BOP), and subgingival plaque samples were taken from four sites in 28 chronic periodontitis (CP) and 17 generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) patients before and after SRP. Polymerase chain reaction assays were used to determine the presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythensis, Prevotella intermedia and Treponema denticola.

Results: Both CP and GAgP non‐smokers had significantly greater reduction in pocket depth (1.0±1.3 mm in CP smokers versus 1.7±1.4 mm in non‐smokers, p=0.007 and 1.3±1.0 in GAgP smokers versus 2.4±1.2 mm in GAgP non‐smokers, p<0.001) than respective non‐smokers, with a significant decrease in Tannerella forsythensis in CP sites (smokers 25% increase and non‐smokers 36.3% decrease, p<0.001) and Prevotella intermedia at GAgP sites (smokers 25% reduction versus 46.9% in non‐smokers, p=0.028).

Conclusion: SRP was effective in reducing clinical parameters in both groups. The inferior improvement in PD following therapy for smokers may reflect the systemic effects of smoking on the host response and the healing process. The lesser reduction in microflora and greater post‐therapy prevalence of organisms may reflect the deeper pockets seen in smokers and poorer clearance of the organisms. These detrimental consequences for smokers appear consistent in both aggressive and CP.
Tissue reactions to sutures in the presence and absence of anti‐infective therapy
Authors: Leknes Knut N. , Selvig Knut A. , Bøe Olav E. , Wikesjö Ulf M. E.
Published: February 2005

Background: In the oral cavity, sutures are placed within tissues of high vascularity in a moist environment with infectious potential. The objective of this study was to evaluate tissue reactions at silk and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sutures in the presence and absence of anti‐infective therapy (AT).

Methods: Thirty‐six sutures were placed within the mandibular keratinized gingiva in six Beagle dogs. Each animal received one braided silk (4‐0) and one ePTFE (CV‐5) suture in contra‐lateral jaw quadrants at 14, 7, and 3 days prior to biopsy. Three animals received daily AT including topical 2% chlorhexidine solution and a systemic broad‐spectrum antibiotic. Biopsy specimens allowed histometric analysis of tissue reactions along the central part of the suture loop including the area of perisutural epithelium, ratio inflammatory cells (ICs)/epithelial cells and IC/fibroblasts, and presence/absence of bacterial plaque in the suture track.

Results: A perisutural epithelial sheath was forming within 3 days. The cross‐sectional area of the epithelium increased with time for both suture materials (p=0.003) but was particularly pronounced for the silk sutures in the absence of AT. Clusters of IC were present in the perisutural connective tissue and epithelium. Over time, a more prominent increase in IC/fibroblasts was evident for the silk sutures in the absence of AT. The pooled material revealed a significantly higher IC/fibroblast ratio for silk compared with ePTFE sutures (p=0.017). Bacterial plaque influx was detected in 6/9 silk and 0/9 ePTFE suture channels in the presence, and 6/6 and 3/6 suture channels, respectively, in the absence of AT.

Conclusions: AT may reduce biofilm formation and inflammation along the suture track. Braided silk, however, elicits more severe tissue reactions than ePTFE regardless of infection control.
Removal of root substance with the Vector™‐system compared with conventional debridement in vitro
Authors: Braun Andreas , Krause Felix , Frentzen Matthias , Jepsen Søren
Published: February 2005

Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the removal of root substance with the Vector™‐system depending on different irrigation fluids and to compare the results with conventional methods for root debridement.

Material and Methods: Forty extracted human teeth were treated using four different methods: Vector™‐system with polishing fluid and metal curette (VP), Vector™‐system with abrasive fluid and metal curette (VA), conventional ultrasonic system (U) with insert tip “P” and hand instrument. Treatment of the calculus‐free root surfaces was carried out for a total of 12 min. using an artificial periodontal pocket. At intervals of 120 s, the removal of dental hard tissues was assessed using a three‐dimensional (3D) laser scanning device and the Match 3D software with an accuracy of 0.00001 mm3.

Results: No difference in the removal of root substance with the hand instrument (0.0055 mm3/s) and the Vector™‐system using the abrasive fluid (0.0044 mm3/s) could be observed (p=0.51). Using these two systems, a larger amount of root substance (p<0.05) was removed compared with the other methods (U: 0.0023 mm3/s, VP: 0.0022 mm3/s), which did not differ from each other (p=0.76).

Conclusions: The present study indicates that the Vector™‐system in combination with polishing fluid or conventional ultrasonics might be used for root debridement without extensive root substance removal.
Brushing with and without dentifrice on gingival abrasion
Authors: Versteeg P. A. , Timmerman M. F. , Piscaer M. , Van der Velden U. , Van der Weijden G. A.
Published: February 2005

Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate two factors possibly influencing incidence of gingival abrasion during toothbrushing: (1) the abrasiveness of a dentifrice and (2) the possible influence of feedback of oral sensory perception.

Material and Methods: For this purpose, two separate, single blind, randomized clinical experiments were performed. The two groups of subjects were requested not to brush their teeth 48 h, prior to the experiments. After staining with disclosing solution gingival abrasion sites were recorded as small (5 mm) and large (>5 mm), both before and after brushing. The dentifrice experiment was a split‐mouth design, including 36 subjects, brushing their teeth in two randomly selected contra‐lateral quadrants, either with or without dentifrice, whereas the remaining two quadrants were brushed, using the alternative choice. The sensory perception feedback experiment was a full‐mouth design, including 43 subjects and two separate brushing exercises with use of dentifrice. The first brushing‐exercise was performed by a dental hygienist, excluding the feedback of oral sensory perception of the brusher. After a 4 weeks period of familiarization to the manual toothbrush, subjects brushed themselves in the same random order as the hygienist, using a fresh brush, thus including oral sensory perception.

Results: In the dentifrice experiment, the increment of small abrasion sites was 5.86 for brushing with and 5.75 without dentifrice. There was no statistically significant difference between brushing with and without dentifrice. Both with and without dentifrice, more small abrasions were found vestibular, (3.78 and 4.22, respectively) as compared with lingual (2.22 and 1.42, respectively) (p=0.027, p<0.001). In the sensory perception feedback experiment, the increment in small gingival abrasion sites was larger for the subjects brushing themselves (8.86) as compared with the professional brushing (2.94, p <0.0001). Subjects caused more abrasion on the vestibular surfaces (6.28) as compared with the lingual (0.60, p=0.0001), where the professional did not show this difference (vestibular: 1.88, lingual: 1.30, p=0. 1388).

Conclusions: No statistically significant difference in the incidence of gingival abrasion was found between brushing with dentifrice or without dentifrice. Neither did oral sensory perception seem to affect the incidence of gingival abrasion.
Immunosuppression and gingival overgrowth: gene and protein expression profiles of collagen turnover in FK506‐treated human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Gagliano Nicoletta , Moscheni Claudia , Dellavia Claudia , Stabellini Giordano , Ferrario Virgilio F. , Gioia Magda
Published: February 2005

Aim: FK506 is an immunosuppressive agent that, unlike cyclosporin A (CsA), does not induce gingival overgrowth (GO). CsA‐induced GO is caused by quantitative modifications of the extracellular matrix components, particularly collagen (COL). Up to now, clinical trials have only investigated FK506 in relation with GO, so we aimed at analysing the effect of FK506 on COL turnover using a molecular approach, to evaluate the expression of genes and proteins related to this process.

Materials and Methods: Human gingival fibroblasts were incubated with FK506 or its vehicle (VH) for 24, 48 and 72 h. COL type I (COL‐I), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐1 and 2, tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)‐1 and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 mRNA were assayed by Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction; COL‐I protein levels were determined by dot blot, MMP‐1 and MMP‐2 activity by zymography.

Results: Fibroblast proliferation decreased 48 and 72 h after treatment. COL‐I gene and protein expression, TGF‐β1 and TIMP‐1 mRNA levels were not significantly affected, whereas MMP‐1 gene and protein expression and MMP‐2 mRNA levels rose significantly in treated fibroblasts compared with VH.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that increased MMP‐1 gene and protein expression may be important for regulating COL‐I homeostasis in the gingival connective compartment of FK506‐immunosuppressed subjects.
Analysis of the MMP‐9 (C‐1562 T) and TIMP‐2 (G‐418C) gene promoter polymorphisms in patients with chronic periodontitis
Authors: De Souza A. P. , Trevilatto P. C. , Scarel‐Caminaga R. M. , De Brito R. B. , Barros S. P. , Line S. R. P.
Published: February 2005

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐9 is an important member of the matrix metalloproteinase family. A functional polymorphism has been described in the promoter region of the human MMP‐9 gene. A C‐to‐T base exchange at −1562 creates two different alleles, and the C/T and T/T genotypes promote high activity of the MMP‐9 gene promoter, increasing the risk for inflammatory diseases. The metalloproteinase‐2 tissue inhibitor (TIMP‐2) regulates the activity of MMPs in the extracellular matrix, and a polymorphism at the −418 position of the TIMP‐2 gene promoter has been found in a Sp‐1 binding site. In this study we have investigated the association between the above‐mentioned polymorphisms and chronic periodontitis severity.

Methods: Genomic DNA from oral mucosa of 100 subjects was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and analysed by restriction endonuclease digestion. The significance of the differences in observed frequencies of polymorphisms in moderate and severe disease and healthy groups was assessed by χ2 test (p<0.05).

Results: No association was observed between the polymorphism in the promoter region of MMP‐9 (p=0.6693) and chronic periodontitis. The analysis of TIMP‐2 showed that the G/G genotype was found at a frequency of 99%.

Conclusion: The results show that the polymorphism in the promoter region of MMP‐9 gene is not associated with chronic periodontitis. The high frequency of GG genotype in the TIMP‐2 gene promoter in the population studied did not allow any conclusion regarding its effect on chronic periodontitis.
Enzymes in the acquired enamel pellicle
Authors: Hannig Christian , Hannig Matthias , Attin Thomas
Published: February 2005

The acquired pellicle is a biofilm, free of bacteria, covering oral hard and soft tissues. It is composed of mucins, glycoproteins and proteins, among which are several enzymes. This review summarizes the present state of research on enzymes and their functions in the dental pellicle. Theoretically, all enzymes present in the oral cavity could be incorporated into the pellicle, but apparently enzymes are adsorbed selectively onto dental surfaces. There is clear evidence that enzymes are structural elements of the pellicle. Thereby they exhibit antibacterial properties but also facilitate bacterial colonization of dental hard tissues. Moreover, the immobilized enzymes are involved in modification and in homeostasis of the salivary pellicle. It has been demonstrated that amylase, lysozyme, carbonic anhydrases, glucosyltransferases and fructosyltransferase are immobilized in an active conformation in the pellicle layer formed in vivo. Other enzymes, such as peroxidase or transglutaminase, have been investigated in experimental pellicles. Despite the depicted impact of enzymes on the formation and function of pellicle, broader knowledge on their properties in the in vivo‐formed pellicle is required. This might be beneficial in the development of new preventive and diagnostic strategies.
Temperature rise induced by some light emitting diode and quartz‐tungsten‐halogen curing units
Authors: Asmussen Erik , Peutzfeldt Anne
Published: February 2005

Because of the risk of thermal damage to the pulp, the temperature rise induced by light‐curing units should not be too high. LED (light emitting diode) curing units have the main part of their irradiation in the blue range and have been reported to generate less heat than QTH (quartz‐tungsten‐halogen) curing units. This study had two aims: first, to measure the temperature rise induced by ten LED and three QTH curing units; and, second, to relate the measured temperature rise to the power density of the curing units. The light‐induced temperature rise was measured by means of a thermocouple embedded in a small cylinder of resin composite. The power density was measured by using a dental radiometer. For LED units, the temperature rise increased with increasing power density, in a statistically significant manner. Two of the three QTH curing units investigated resulted in a higher temperature rise than LED curing units of the same power density. Previous findings, that LED curing units induce less temperature rise than QTH units, does not hold true in general.
Fatigue resistance of dentin/composite interfaces with an additional intermediate elastic layer
Authors: De Munck Jan , Van Landuyt Kirsten L. , Coutinho Eduardo , Poitevin André , Peumans Marleen , Lambrechts Paul , Braem Marc , Van Meerbeek Bart
Published: February 2005

According to the ‘elastic bonding’ concept, a thick intermediate layer of flexible resin has been suggested to absorb part of the polymerization shrinkage stress and to absorb shocks during function. In this study, the effect of an additional intermediate layer of a low‐viscosity resin on the microrotary fatigue resistance (µRFR) of a hybrid composite bonded to dentin was evaluated. The hypotheses tested were that an intermediate layer of a low‐viscosity resin (i) increases the µRFR to dentin, but (ii) has no effect on the static bond strength. Microtensile bond strength (µTBS) samples were loaded until failure or inserted in a microrotary fatigue testing device. Specimens were tested at 4 Hz until failure or until 105 cycles were reached. An additional intermediate elastic layer had no effect on the static µTBS, but significantly lowered the median µRFR from 28.4 MPa to 21.6 MPa. However, the application of an intermediate flexible layer had, no effect on the static µTBS. In conclusion, an additional elastic intermediate layer did decrease significantly the µRFR (rejection of hypothesis i), but did not alter the µTBS (acceptance of hypothesis ii). The decrease in µRFR most likely may be explained by the lower mechanical properties of the intermediary layer.
Relationship of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans serotypes to periodontal condition: prevalence and proportions in subgingival plaque
Authors: Yang Hui‐Wen , Huang Yu‐Feng , Chan You , Chou Ming‐Yung
Published: February 2005

No study available has utilized the new classification scheme (the consensus report of the American Academy of Periodontology 1999) to determine the prevalence of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in different periodontal conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate prevalence and proportions of A. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes in subgingival plaque samples from a young Taiwanese population with aggressive periodontitis, chronic periodontitis and no periodontal disease. A total of 221 subgingival plaque samples from 171 diseased subjects (70 had aggressive periodontitis, and 101 had chronic periodontitis) (mean age 25.0 ± 8.2 yr) and 50 periodontally healthy subjects (mean age 18.4 ± 9.5 yr) were screened for A. actinomycetemcomitans. Serotypes of A. actinomycetemcomitans were determined by an indirect immunofluorescence assay using serotype‐specific polyclonal antisera to A. actinomycetemcomitans strains ATCC 29523 (serotype a), ATCC 43728 (serotype b) and ATCC 33384 (serotype c). Prevalence (% of positive samples) of A. actinomycetemcomitans was 84.3% in aggressive periodontitis, 60.4% in chronic periodontitis, and 64.0% in periodontally healthy subjects. Proportions of A. actinomycetemcomitans (mean percentage per total bacteria) in periodontally healthy subjects were significantly lower than in aggressive periodontitis subjects. The proportion of serotype b in subjects with aggressive periodontitis and subjects with chronic periodontitis were significantly greater than that in periodontally healthy subjects. The proportion of serotype c in periodontally healthy subjects was much higher than that in chronic periodontitis subjects. The results of this study suggest that prevalence and proportions of A. actinomycetemcomitans are significantly greater in patients with aggressive periodontitis than in those with chronic periodontitis. Serotype b is the predominant serotype of A. actinomycetemcomitans in patients with diseased periodontal conditions. Serotype c is a more common serotype detected in periodontally healthy subjects.
Inlay‐fixed partial dentures adhesively retained and reinforced by glass fibers: clinical and scanning electron microscopy analysis after five years
Authors: Göhring Till N. , Roos Malgorzata
Published: February 2005

Fifty‐three posterior glass fibre‐reinforced composite inlay‐fixed partial dentures (IFPDs) in 36 patients were followed for 5 yr. For statistical analysis, one IFPD per patient was randomly selected. The survival rate and influence of discrete predictors (gender, location) and continuous variables (age, abutment surfaces) were determined. Clinical observations were recorded by using modified United States Public Health System (USPHS) criteria. Replicas of 17 randomly selected abutments were analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for marginal adaptation and the results were compared by using a repeated‐measures analysis of variance (anova). The main reason for failure was veneering material delamination from the framework. The cumulative survival rate after 5 yr was 73% (95% confidence interval: 57–89%) for not delaminating and 96% (95% confidence interval: 88–100%) for not debonding. No significant influence of the tested predictors was found. Significant changes between baseline USPHS criteria and counterparts recorded at recall were fractures of the veneering material (chipping), wear, surface texture, and staining. Significant margin changes were only found between baseline and 1 yr. Thereafter, marginal adaptation remained stable. After 5 yr, 90% of the margins were termed as perfect. It was concluded that hard‐tissue saving IFPDs with the current design maintained acceptable retention and marginal integrity. Future studies should aim at reducing delaminations by searching for improved framework designs and materials.
Static immersion and irritation tests of dental metal‐ceramic alloys
Authors: Ardlin Berit I. , Dahl Jon E. , Tibballs John E.
Published: February 2005

The expansion of the European Union is bringing new types of metal‐ceramic alloys to the market, i.e. alloys probably unknown in Western‐European dentistry. The aim of this study was to investigate recent developments and ‘classic’ alloy compositions (one iron and two cobalt alloys, unalloyed titanium and an experimental titanium‐zirconium alloy, and one gold alloy containing copper and zinc). The alloys and titanium were subject to static immersion in a 0.1 mol l−1 solution of saline lactic acid before and after oxidation, hence simulating the temperature cycles for the application of ceramic to metal. The greatest amounts of released metal ions were found in the electrolytes of the oxidized gold alloy and of a cobalt alloy not exposed to high‐temperature oxidation. Corrosion of the titanium and alloy surfaces was related to the condition of the specimen. The irritation potentials of some metal ions found in the electrolyte were investigated by performing the hen's egg test‐chorio‐allantoic membrane (HET‐CAM) procedure with 1 mmol l−1 solutions of Ce3+, Co2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+, and Ti4+ ions. The irritation potential of the electrolyte of the oxidized gold alloy with a high concentration of metal elements was also investigated. Of these solutions, only the 1 mmol l−1 Cu2+ solution was graded as slightly irritating.
Scanning microradiographic study on the influence of diffusion in the external liquid on the rate of demineralization in hydroxyapatite aggregates
Authors: Bollet‐Quivogne Frédéric R. G. , Anderson Paul , Dowker Stephanie E. P. , Elliott James C.
Published: February 2005

Subsurface demineralization in enamel caries is known to entail diffusion of reagents and products both within the lesion and within the plaque biofilm external to the lesion. However, development of a predictive mathematical model for subsurface demineralization is hindered by limited quantitative understanding of the effects of these diffusion processes. The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate and understand the effect of external diffusion length on the rate of demineralization in a simple model system. Ten, 500‐µm thick sections cut from a porous hydroxyapatite (HAP) pellet were inserted in scanning microradiography (SMR) cells. The exposed thin edges of the sections were initially separated by columns of water (diffusion lengths) of 0–0.9 cm from a 1‐l reservoir of demineralizing buffer (pH 4). Buffer was found to diffuse from the reservoir through the increasing diffusion lengths to the exposed HAP surface, whilst dissolved product diffused along the reverse path. Rates of HAP loss (from SMR measurements) decreased as the diffusion length increased. Experimental data were fitted to a general diffusion‐reaction model. This showed that the solution near the HAP surface was almost completely saturated with HAP, and that the diffusion of dissolution products, rather than of buffer species, was rate limiting.
Oral and cutaneous myiases caused by Chrysomya bezziana
Authors: Chan Tai‐Leung , Yan Ka‐Lok , Yien Ling‐Chu , Yuen Wai‐Cheung
Published: February 2005

Human myiasis is the invasion or infestation of the human body and tissues by Diptera larvae or maggots. It is an uncommon condition in Hong Kong. The first reported cutaneous myiasis in Hong Kong was in September 2002. We report two more cases of myiasis, one involving the labial mucosa of a lower lip and another involving a venous ulcer on the ankle. Both were caused by the same obligatory parasite, Chrysomya bezziana.
Keloids: An old problem still searching for a solution
Authors: Olabanji J. Kayode , Onayemi Olaniyi , Olasode Olayinka A. , Lawal O. Abdul‐Razzaq
Published: February 2005

An increasing number of patients with keloids present to the plastic surgeon and dermatologist practising in a predominantly black population such as ours. The black and Asian races are more affected than Caucasians. Apart from the aesthetic, psychological and social consequences, keloids may be symptomatic, causing severe itching, pain and tenderness, restriction of chest movement (presternal keloid), sleep disturbances, infection and suppuration. The multiplicity of treatment modalities suggests that there is no satisfactory therapy, with frustration to both the patients and physician. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge of the pathophysiology and the various approaches to treatment. Research efforts are still ongoing to discover more effective therapeutic intervention.
Outcomes of laparoscopic incisional hernia repair: A prospective evaluation
Authors: Lau Hung , Patil Nivritti G. , Yuen Wai‐Key
Published: February 2005

Objective:  Although laparoscopic incisional hernioplasty has been gaining in popularity, the best approach for the repair of incisional hernia remains controversial. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the medium‐term outcomes of laparoscopic incisional hernioplasties utilizing onlay GORE‐TEX DualMesh (GORE‐TEX DualMesh Biomaterial; W.L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, Arizona, TX, USA).

Methodology:  Between June 2000 and July 2004, 42 patients underwent laparoscopic incisional hernioplasties at our institution. Perioperative data and postoperative outcomes were collected prospectively and analyzed.

Results:  Laparoscopic incisional hernioplasty was successfully performed on 39 (93%) patients. Conversion to open repair was required in three patients. The overall mean operative time was 108 min. Sixteen patients (37%) were found to have more than one hernial defect after reduction of the hernial contents. Postoperative morbidity included seroma (n = 8), urinary retention (n = 3), ileus (n = 1), pneumonia (n = 1), fever (n = 1), wound infection (n = 1), and prolonged suture site pain (n = 1) in 13 patients. All these morbidities resolved spontaneously without intervention. Two‐thirds of the patients were discharged within 2 days after surgery. With a median follow up of 2 years, two clinical recurrences (4.8%) were detected.

Conclusion:  Laparoscopic approach was a safe and efficacious technique for the repair of incisional hernia. Medium‐term outcomes were promising with low postoperative morbidity and recurrence rates. This technique allows clear identification of multiple hernial defects and confers the advantages of minimal access surgery.
Laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty: The use of a contoured three‐dimensional mesh
Authors: Chiu Philip Wai‐Yan , Hon Sok‐Fei , Lai Paul Bo‐San , Ng Enders Kwok‐Wai
Published: February 2005

Recent literature on laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR) has shown that laparoscopic hernioplasty is associated with reduced postoperative pain and wound infection, and an earlier return to normal daily activities. The technique of LIHR is still evolving. We descibe our technique and experience in performing laparoscopic hernioplasty using a contoured three‐dimensional mesh without the application of endoscopic staples.
Long‐term disability in the local population 2 years after mild head injury: Prospective cohort study
Authors: Chan Ho‐Fung , Chor Chung‐Ming , Ling Wai‐Yip , Wong George Kwok‐Chu , Ng Stephanie Chi‐Ping , Poon Wai‐Sang
Published: February 2005

Introduction:  More than 4000 patients with mild head injury are managed in public hospitals in Hong Kong every year. It is a common belief that mild head injuries do not result in long‐term disabilities. We aim to: (i) investigate the disability after mild head injury using objective assessment tools; and (ii) analyse risk factors that contribute to these disability.

Methods:  Patients with a Glasgow Coma Score of 13–15 admitted between January and March 2002 were recruited for study. Their long‐term clinical outcome (2 years after initial injury) was prospectively documented with the Glasgow outcome scale – extended (GOSE). Glasgow outcome scale – extended is the primary outcome measure. A GOSE score less than 7 was considered failure to restore to previous working capacity.

Results:  One hundred and sixty‐two patients were recruited, of which 101 were successfully contacted. Two years after injury, 28.7% of the patients scored less than 7 (failure to restore working capacity). Injury on duty was shown to be a significant risk factor for predicting long‐term disability (P = 0.03). Radiological abnormality was not a significant predictor in long‐term disabilities.

Conclusion:  Incidence of long‐term disability after mild head injury is common among the local working population in Hong Kong and should not be overlooked. Further research is needed to quantify the disability and to identify possible risk factors.
The density of very massive evolved galaxies to z ≃ 1.7
Authors: Saracco P. , Longhetti M. , Severgnini P. , Della Ceca R. , Braito V. , Mannucci F. , Bender R. , Drory N. , Feulner G. , Hopp U. , Maraston C.
Published: February 2005

We spectroscopically identified seven massive, evolved galaxies with magnitudes 17.8 < K < 18.4 at 1.3 < z < 1.7 over an area of ∼160 arcmin2 of the MUNICS survey. Their rest-frame K-band absolute magnitudes are −26.8 < MK < −26.1 (5L* < LK < 10L*) and the resulting stellar masses are in the range 3–6.5 × 1011 M⊙. The analysis we performed unambiguously shows the early-type nature of their spectra. The seven massive, evolved galaxies account for a comoving density of (5.5 ± 2) × 10−5 Mpc−3 at 〈z〉≃ 1.5, a factor 1.5 lower than the density [(8.4 ± 1) × 10−5 Mpc−3] of early types with comparable masses at z= 0. The incompleteness (∼30 per cent) of our spectroscopic observations accounts for this discrepancy. Thus, our data do not support a decrease of the comoving density of early-type galaxies with masses comparable to the most massive ones in the local Universe up to z≃ 1.7. This suggests that massive evolved galaxies do not play an important role in the evolution of the mass density outlined by recent surveys in this redshift range, evolution which instead has to be ascribed to the accretion of the stellar mass in late-type galaxies. Finally, the presence of such massive evolved galaxies at these redshifts suggests that the assembly of massive spheroids has taken place at z > 2 supporting a high efficiency in the accretion of the stellar mass in massive haloes in the early Universe.
Discovery of a large-scale wall in the direction of Abell 22
Authors: Pimbblet Kevin A. , Edge Alastair C. , Couch Warrick J.
Published: February 2005

We report on the discovery of a large-scale wall in the direction of Abell 22. Using photometric and spectroscopic data from the Las Campanas Observatory and Anglo-Australian Telescope Rich Cluster Survey, Abell 22 is found to exhibit a highly unusual and striking redshift distribution. We show, by examining the galaxy distributions both in redshift space and on the colour—magnitude plane, that Abell 22 exhibits a foreground wall-like structure. A search for other galaxies and clusters in the nearby region using the 2dF Galaxy Redshift Survey data base suggests that the wall-like structure is a significant large-scale, non-virialized filament which runs between two other Abell clusters either side of Abell 22. The filament stretches over at least > 40 h−1 Mpc in length and 10 h−1 Mpc in width at the redshift of Abell 22.
The dependence of differential rotation on temperature and rotation
Authors: Barnes J. R. , Cameron A. Collier , Donati J.-F. , James D. J. , Marsden S. C. , Petit P.
Published: February 2005

We use Doppler imaging techniques to determine the dependence of starspot rotation rates on latitude in an homogeneous sample of young, rapidly rotating solar analogues. A solar-like differential rotation law is used, where the rotation depends on sin2θ, where θ is the stellar latitude. By including this term in the image reconstruction process, using starspots as tracers, we are able to determine the magnitude of the shear over more than one rotation cycle. We also consider results from matched filter starspot tracking techniques, where individual starspot rotation rates are determined. In addition we have re-analysed published results and present a new measurement for the K3 dwarf Speedy Mic.

A total of 10 stars of spectral type G2—M2 are considered. We find a trend towards decreasing surface differential rotation with decreasing effective temperature. The implied approach to solid body rotation with increasing relative convection zone depth implies that the dynamo mechanism operating in low-mass stars may be substantially different from that in the Sun.
Discovery of hard X-ray features around the hotspots of Cygnus A
Authors: Bałucińska-Church M. , Ostrowski M. , Stawarz Ł. , Church M. J.
Published: February 2005

We present results of analysis of a Chandra observation of Cygnus A in which the X-ray hotspots at the ends of the jets are mapped in detail. A hardness map reveals previously unknown structure in the form of outer and inner hard arcs around the hotspots, with hardness significantly enhanced compared with the hotspot central regions. The outer hard arcs may constitute the first detection of the bow shock; the inner hard arcs may reveal where the jets impact on the hotspots. We argue that these features cannot result from electrons radiating by the synchrotron self-Compton process. Instead we consider two possible sources of the hard emission: the outer arcs may be due to thermal radiation of hot intracluster gas compressed at the bow shock. Alternatively, both outer and inner arcs may be due to synchrotron radiation of electrons accelerated in turbulent regions highly perturbed by shocks and shear flows. Comparison of measured hardness ratios with simulations of the hardness ratios resulting from these processes show that it is more difficult to explain the observations with a thermal model. Although we cannot rule out a thermal model, we argue in favour of the non-thermal explanation. The hard regions in the secondary hotspots suggest that jet activity is still powering these hotspots.
Massive H i clouds with no optical counterparts as high-density regions of intragroup H i rings and arcs
Authors: Bekki K. , Koribalski B. S. , Ryder S. D. , Couch W. J.
Published: February 2005

We present a new scenario in which massive intragroup H i clouds are the high-density parts of large H i rings/arcs formed by dynamical interaction between galaxy groups and gas-rich, low surface brightness (LSB) galaxies with extended gas discs. Our hydrodynamical simulations demonstrate that the group tidal field is very efficient at stripping the outer H i gas of the disc if the gaseous disc of the LSB galaxy extends 2–5 times further than the stellar disc. We find that a massive, extended ‘leading stream’ orbiting the centre of the group can form out of the stripped outer H i envelope, while the severely shrunken LSB galaxy, whose stellar disc remains unaffected, continues on its path. The result is a relatively isolated, massive H i cloud with a ring- or arc-like shape, a very inhomogeneous density distribution (NH i∼ 1.0 × 1017–1.1 × 1020 atom cm−2), and, initially, no stellar content. Only the high-density peaks of the simulated intragroup H i ring/arc can be detected in many current H i observations. These will appear as relatively isolated ‘H i islands’ near the group centre. We also find that star formation can occur within the ring/arc, if the total gas mass within the intragroup ring/arc is very large (∼4 × 109 M⊙). We discuss these results in terms of existing observations of intragroup gas (e.g. the Leo Ring and HIPASS J0731–69) and intergalactic H ii regions.
Adaptive optics for high-contrast imaging: pyramid sensor versus spatially filtered Shack—Hartmann sensor
Authors: Vérinaud C. , Le Louarn M. , Korkiakoski V. , Carbillet M.
Published: February 2005

A comparison between pyramid-based and spatially filtered Shack—Hartmann-based high-order adaptive optics (AO) is presented in the framework of 8-m-class and extremely large telescopes (ELTs). We first show, with end-to-end simulations of an 8-m AO assisted telescope, how each sensor deals with the aliasing error, which may be the dominant error source at high flux. Then, focusing on photon noise error propagation, we study the field dependence of the sensitivity gain provided by the pyramid sensor with respect to the Shack—Hartmann sensor. From this analysis, we investigate, with an analytical model, visible correction on ELTs for detection of Earth-like exoplanets.