bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Housing : The Market Versus the Welfare State Model Revisited
Authors: Nesslein Thomas S.
Published: October 2006

Most housing policy analyses conclude that housing is a commodity that cannot be efficiently and equitably allocated via the market process. Major contentions in this respect are that market allocation will result in suboptimal housing investment and that the market process leads to the creation of slums. Furthermore, the proponents of the welfare housing model argue that welfare state interventions have raised the average level of housing consumption above the level that would have been achieved under a more market-oriented allocative model. However, both theory and evidence fail to support these beliefs.
An Analysis of the Housing Market in the Netherlands
Authors: van Fulpen Hans
Published: October 2006

Housing research in the Netherlands has long been dominated by demographic orientated research. This was quite logical because of the distinctive demographic development of the Netherlands relative to other West-European countries. The rate of increase in population in the period 1960-1981 was among the highest in Western Europe. Economic influences on housing consumption have therefore long been neglected. In the 1980s, a period with declining incomes and a government policy to increase rents, suddenly economic influences came into the picture. Housing demand tends to diminish and the traditional housing shortage since the second world war seems to disappear. Rising rents can even lead to rising vacancy rates because demand diminishes and supply increases because of higher rates of return (the reverse of the consequences of rent control). This article presents a recent econometric analysis of the housing market in the Netherlands and places the results in the context of the broad, and sometimes confusing, international literature on income elasticities of housing consumption.
The State of the Mature Industrial Regions in Western Europe and North America
Authors: Singh Vijai P. , Borzutzky Silvia
Published: October 2006

The paper reports the economic transformation of four major steel-producing areas - Pittsburgh, Nord-Pas de Calais, the Ruhrgebiet and west central Scotland. The relationship between demographic and economic change is examined. In the long run, the scope and impact of policies for economic regeneration are found to be determined by the role and functions of the different levels of government, the pattern of relations which exist between the public and private sectors, labour-management relations and the role of the political parties. The paper further compares economic change in Pittsburgh with twelve other US regions.
The Location Decision and Employment Suburbanization
Authors: Alperovich Gershon , Katz Eliakim
Published: October 2006

The paper develops a theoretical analysis of a profit-maximizing firm's behaviour in determining output and location in order to explain the suburbanisation of employment. This is done by deriving the supply curve of a firm whose locational choice is restricted to two locations, the city centre and the suburbs. The form of this supply curve indicates that at low levels of production the city centre is optimal but above a critical level of production optimality shifts to the suburbs particularly where residential suburbanization of the labour force has also occurred.
A Synoptic View of Regional Growth and Unemployment: II —The Post-Keynesian Theory
Authors: McCombie J.S.L.
Published: October 2006

This paper discusses the post-Keynesian explanation of the causes of disparities in regional growth and unemployment rates. It begins by examining the relationship between the real wage rate, the level of demand and regional unemployment. Next, it shows how regional growth is primarily determined by the rate of growth of exports. A two-region model is outlined which demonstrates how regional growth rates are interrelated through interregional trade flows and the regional balance of payments constraint. The paper concludes with a discussion of the cumulative causation theory of regional growth.
Urban Growth and Productivity: The Case of Greece
Authors: Louri Helen
Published: October 2006

The present paper reports an attempt to estimate the role of urbanisation economies in Greek industry. Using a flexible form of production function obtained from a Taylor-series expansion of a polynomial it is estimated that the labour productivity of the manufacturing sector is five per cent higher with each doubling of urban population. The substantial advantages to urban production seem to be at the heart of the urbanisation process that accompanied industrialisation in Greece. The policy implications are that decentralisation policies may be justifiable on regional equity but not on economic efficiency grounds. Selection and promotion of a few urban centres in each region would be a more successful regional policy.
Evaluation and Understanding in Local Economic Policy
Authors: Turok Ivan
Published: October 2006

Recent evaluative studies of local economic policy have emphasised the measurement of policy impacts and cost-effectiveness above all else. More effort could usefully be made to understand the mechanisms by which policy effects are produced and the circumstances which condition their effectiveness. The paper outlines a simple conceptual framework to help explain in broad terms why local industrial policies are or are not effective at creating employment. The framework is illustrated with examples drawn from an initiative in London. This involved the provision of financial assistance to local firms, but did not prove very successful at creating or securing jobs, partly because circumstances were unfavourable and the problems deep-seated. The implication is that for local policies to be effective in these conditions wider-ranging and more carefully targeted interventions are required.
Segregation by Racial and Demographic Group: Evidence from the San Francisco Bay Area
Authors: Miller Vincent P. , Quigley John M.
Published: October 2006

This paper considers residential segregation by race and by type of household in 1970 and 1980. The paper presents entropy indices of segregation for the San Francisco Bay Area and its five metropolitan areas. The methodology permits an investigation of the effects of group definition upon segregation measures, and an analysis of the degree of independence in the segregation of households by race and demographic group. The results indicate that the levels of segregation by race and by household type have declined modestly during the 1970s, at least in this region. More importantly, however, the results indicate a remarkable independence in the spatial distribution of households by race and demographic group. Only a very small fraction of the observed levels of segregation by race could be 'explained' by the prior partitioning of households by demographic group. The principal results of the analysis are invariant to changes in the definition of racial or household groups.
The Differential Incidence of a Land Tax
Authors: Pasha Hafiz A.
Published: October 2006

The paper analyses the sharing of the burden of a land tax between consumers and owners of land at different points in a 'semi-closed' city. The basic conclusion is that the pattern of differential incidence of the tax depends upon the magnitude of the elasticity of substitution between land and the composite private good in the utility function of residents. The share of the burden on landowners increases (decreases) as the periphery is approached, depending upon whether the elasticity of substitution is greater (less) than unity.
Urbanisation in China
Authors: Xing Quan Zhang
Published: October 2006

The paper describes changes in the rate of Chinese urbanisation since 1945. The urban population has become concentrated into a few very large cities and many small towns, with the highest densities on the east coast where four megalopolises have evolved. The relationship between urban growth and economic growth is examined, although the manner in which workplace and residence data are compiled causes problems. Changes in agricultural technology are now generating labour surpluses in rural areas and many farmer-workers are moving to urban areas where there is considerable cultural conflict between rural migrants and their host urban communities. Government policy has changed, recognising that attempts to restrict the movement of displaced rural workers to adjacent small towns is economically inefficient, and promoting the development of medium-sized cities.
The Financial Performance of the Leeds Engineering Sector
Authors: Dobson Stephen , Gerrard Bill
Published: October 2006

Using ratio analysis the financial performance of a sample of independent single-plant engineering firms in Leeds is examined with regard to structural and locational differences in establishments. A number of determinants of performance are derived and tested against the constructed data base. Inner-city engineering firms perform relatively less well on all indicators of performance compared with outer-city firms. The study illustrates the importance of using different measures of performance since this affects the magnitude and significance of the results. Financial support is necessary to sustain engineering in the inner city in the long run.
The Impact of Spatial-Temporal Interactions on Industrial Land Values
Authors: Kowalski Joseph G. , Paraskevopoulos Christos C.
Published: October 2006

This study examines the impacts of spatial and time-related variables on the price of industrially zoned acreage in a suburban submarket of the Detroit, Michigan, SMSA. First, a variant of the hedonic pricing model (HPM) is estimated which measures spatial and temporal explanatory variables separately. Second, another variant of the HPM is estimated which combines the measurement of one dimension of location and one dimension of time into a single explanatory variable (the ratio of distance to time).
Measuring the Effects of Municipal Zoning Regulations: A Survey
Authors: Pogodzinski J.M. , Sass Tim R.
Published: October 2006

Over the past 25 years a large literature has developed that attempts to measure the impact of zoning regulations on real estate markets. This vast zoning literature is also quite diverse; studies differ significantly in methodology, data and the results obtained. In this paper we systematically survey each of the four general types of zoning studies: externality studies, exogenous land-use zoning studies, studies of characteristics zoning and endogenous zoning studies. Our review is designed to achieve the following objectives: (1) to summarise existing studies and point out methodological problems; (2) to compare different studies to determine what may be causing the differences in results that are obtained; (3) to determine what conclusions can be drawn from the existing body of research; and (4) to suggest how the shortcomings of previous research can be avoided and thereby provide a guide for future research.
Manufacturing Productivity and City Size in Canada, 1975 and 1985: Does Population Matter?
Authors: Soroka Lewis
Published: October 2006

This paper analyses the relationship between manufacturing productivity and city size, based on Canadian data for 1975 and 1985. The results differ in some respects from those of US studies; in particular, in Canada city size appears to have a weaker impact on manufacturing productivity, and an impact which is diminishing over time. These findings may be a consequence of several differences in the characteristics of Canadian and US firms, as well as differences between the two urban systems; urbanisation economies in Canada may also have been weakened by regional development policies. There are, at the same time, some striking similarities in the industries which show positive urbanisation economies in the US and Canada. There is also a tendency in Canada for both industries with smaller firms and industries with higher rates of domestic ownership to exhibit greater urbanisation economies.
Before and After Deregulation: Market Renting in Glasgow and Edinburgh
Authors: Gibb Kenneth
Published: October 2006

In this paper, newspaper adverts are used to investigate the effects of the deregulation of private renting in the UK. The paper contrasts newspaper adverts in 1988 (before deregulation took force) with 1992 for the market furnished sectors of Glasgow and Edinburgh. The methodological issues of using such data are discussed, as well as the partial nature of such an analysis. It turns out that there is some limited evidence of more competitive market conditions and an expansion of supply can be inferred in Glasgow. OLS rental regressions implied significant changes in the implicit prices of the determinants of marginal rents in both cities. The paper concludes on a note of caution emerging from the absence of a sustainable supply subsidy to encourage the further development of commercial rental housing.
Domestic-Level Territorial Disputes: Conflict Management via Secession
Authors: Tir Jaroslav
Published: October 2006

A rarely explored subset of territorial disputes is that of domestic-level territorial disputes. In such a dispute, a substate group disagrees with the country's central government over whether the government should have sovereign control over the entire territory of the state; that is, the dissatisfied group is demanding independence. If the independence-minded group prevails, new boundaries and states are created through a territorial change known as secession. This study explores secession's track record (i.e., how often secessions have been successful in resolving the underlying territorial disputes) and reasons why some secessions are followed by militarized conflict over the new boundary. The results—based on an examination of the aftermath of all twentieth century secessions and the application of more sensitive criteria than those used in prior research—reveal that while most secessions leave unresolved territorial disputes in their wake, these disputes are not particularly prone to escalate into militarized confrontations. Moreover, intangibly (i.e., ethnically) based disagreements over the new boundary play a much greater role in militarized conflict onset than do tangibly (i.e., economically or strategically) based territorial disputes. Finally, contrary to expectations from the ethnic secession literature, peaceful secessions significantly decrease the likelihood that the new boundary will be contested militarily.
800 000 year old mammoth DNA, modern elephant DNA or PCR artefact?
Authors: Binladen Jonas , Gilbert M. Thomas P , Willerslev Eske
Published: October 2006

Poulakakis and colleagues (Poulakakis
et al
. 2006:
Biol
.
Lett
.
2
, 451–454), report the recovery of ‘authentic’ mammoth DNA from an 800 000-year-old fragment of bone excavated on the island of Crete. In light of results from other ancient DNA studies that indicate how DNA survival is unlikely in samples, which are recovered from warm environments and are relatively old (e.g. more than 100 000 years), these findings come as a great surprise. Here, we show that problems exist with the methodological approaches used in the study. First, the nested PCR technique as reported is nonsensical—one of the second round ‘nested’ primers falls outside the amplicon of the first round PCR. More worryingly, the binding region of one of the first round primers (Elcytb320R) falls within the short 43 base pair reported mammoth sequence, specifically covering two of the three reportedly diagnostic
Elephas
polymorphisms. Finally, we demonstrate using a simple
Blast
search in GenBank that the claimed ‘uniquely derived character state’ for mammoths is in fact also found within modern elephants.
VimA is part of the maturation pathway for the major gingipains of Porphyromonas gingivalis W83
Authors: Vanterpool E. , Roy F. , Zhan W. , Sheets S. M. , Sangberg L. , Fletcher H. M.
Published: October 2006

The authors have shown previously that the vimA gene, which is part of the bcp-recA-vimA operon, plays an important role in protease activation in Porphyromonas gingivalis. The gingipain RgpB proenzyme is secreted in the vimA-defective mutant P. gingivalis FLL92. An important question that is raised is whether the vimA gene product could directly interact with the proteases for their activation or regulate a pathway responsible for protease activation. To further study the mechanism(s) of VimA-dependent protease activation, the vimA gene product was further characterized. A 39 kDa protein consistent with the size of the predicted VimA protein was purified. In protein–protein interaction studies, the VimA protein was shown to interact with gingipains RgpA, RgpB and Kgp. Immune sera from mice immunized with P. gingivalis immunoreacted with the purified VimA protein. Taken together, these data suggest an interaction of VimA with the gingipains and further confirm the role of this protein in their regulation or maturation.
The development of a system for supporting the lifelong learner
Authors: De Freitas Sara , Harrison Ian , Magoulas George , Mee Adrian , Mohamad Fitri , Oliver Martin , Papamarkos George , Poulovassilis Alexandra
Published: October 2006

Given the rapidly changing skills needs of ‘post‐industrial economies’, lifelong learning forms an integral part of government policy within the UK and abroad. However, like the UK, most economies are faced with the problem of how to reach those sections of the community that have traditionally not embraced learning and educational opportunities. In this paper, the development and evaluation of a system designed to address this problem is described. The Lifelong Learning in London for All (L4All) project has investigated the concept of ‘trails’ as a way of organising lifelong learning opportunities. The L4All pilot system combines a set of web services to provide the functionality needed to support this central idea. The development process was outlined, and the findings of an empirical study were used to confirm proof of concept.
Collaborative mentor support in a learning context using a ubiquitous discussion forum to facilitate knowledge sharing for lifelong learning
Authors: Wei Fu‐Hsiang , Chen Gwo‐Dong
Published: October 2006

The Internet has recently been identified as a potential enabler of lifelong learning. Web‐based learning systems enable learners easily to access rich resources and actively participate in learning activities without time and distance limits. The main challenge in lifelong learning is providing the opportunity for discussion and collaborative knowledge construction to engage learners in acquiring and applying knowledge in the context of learning, working and collaboration. Moreover, knowledge sharing is a key component in the formation of communities of lifelong learners. Most online collaborative learning communities use Web text‐based discussion forums for knowledge sharing. However, such discussion forums are separated from the context of learning activities. Furthermore, the facilitation of beneficial dialogue through discussion forums, requires the involvement of mentors as facilitators. This study proposes an e‐book interface that enables learners easily to annotate or enter queries in a text in which questions arise, where a query context is transferred to a discussion forum. The subsequent anchors of questions are linked to a discussion forum for actuating sustained participation. A mentor finder recommends a collaborative peer based on learner knowledge level to answer the questions. Learners can also use mobile phones to access this ubiquitous discussion forum using voice/text anytime and anywhere. The experimental results showed a clear increase in the level of discussions, and most learners indicated that they benefited considerably from collaborative mentor support in an e‐book learning context through the provision of a ubiquitous discussion forum.
Attachment Representations and Discipline in Mothers of Young School Children: An Observation Study
Authors: Verschueren Karine , Dossche Dorien , Marcoen Alfons , Mahieu Sara , Bakermans‐Kranenburg Marian
Published: October 2006

Previous research was extended by connecting maternal attachment representations not only to maternal emotional support and task structuring, but also to maternal discipline. A total number of 62 mothers of preschoolers (Mage = 54 months) completed the adult attachment interview and a self‐report measure of dysfunctional discipline. Two years later, a subsample of 38 mother–child dyads was observed during two laboratory interaction tasks in which the mother and child were induced to have divergent goals. In general, the hypothesized connections between maternal attachment representations and discipline were found, at least when discipline was independently observed. Specifically, as compared to autonomous mothers, non‐autonomous mothers showed more overreactivity, more psychological control and less flexibility in their discipline attempts. Also, their children were less compliant. These differences were more pronounced during a story‐eliciting task than during a block task. These findings suggest that parental behaviors in the discipline domain contribute to the explanation of the intergenerational transmission of attachment patterns.
HOT Theories of Meaning: The Link Between Language and Theory of Mind
Authors: REBOUL ANNE
Published: October 2006

Abstract:  Glüer and Pagin (2003) have claimed that autistic speakers are a counterexample to HOT theories of meaning and communication. Through analysis of their argument and a re‐examination of the literature, I show that autistic speakers are not a counterexample to HOT theories, but, conversely, that such theories are necessary to account for their communicative peculiarities.
Strengthening Higher Education Through Gridiron Success? Public Perceptions of the Impact of National Football Championships on Academic Quality*
Authors: Goidel Robert Kirby , Hamilton John Maxwell
Published: October 2006

Objectives. This article examines the extent to which the public connects athletic success with academic quality, whether these connections are stronger during a year in which a state university wins a national championship, the type of respondents most likely to make such connections, and whether these connections make a difference in terms of public evaluations and support for higher education. Embedded within the 2004 survey instrument, we also consider whether respondents primed with specific question wording identifying the national championship are more likely to make the connection than respondents given more generic language referring to success in college athletics.

Methods. Data for the study are based on two statewide, randomly selected samples of Louisiana voting‐age residents, with the first survey conducted in February 2004 in the wake of LSU's BCS National Championship and the second survey conducted in January 2005 in the wake of a 9–3 season.

Results. We find that a substantial proportion of the population believes that athletic success and academic quality are connected, that less‐educated respondents are more likely to make such connections, and that these connections affect evaluations of colleges and universities.

Conclusions. Athletic success may or may not directly affect academic quality, but the public largely believes such a link exists and those beliefs have important implications for higher education.
One‐Year Follow‐up of an Implant with Early Radiographic Signs of Loss of Osseointegration: Case Report
Authors: Akca Kivanc , Iplikciolu Haldun
Published: October 2006

Background: Failures in dental implant treatment are classified as early and late and depend on certain complications. Proposed preventions and treatment modalities for late complications have been comprehensively reviewed in the literature. Since early implant failures are characterized by lack of Osseointegration, generally, removal of the implant is suggested to prevent extensive bone loss that would further complicate implant placements in future.

Purpose: This case report presents the controversy between clinical findings and radiographic examinations in evaluating the nature of contact between an implant surface and the bone during the healing period.

Materials and Methods: In one patient scheduled for implant treatment in both jaws, four maxillary and two mandibular implants showed excellent healing, whereas one mandibular implant showed an extensive radiolucent area indicating early failure after 6 weeks of healing. The latter implant was clinically stable and was not removed.

Results: Radiographic evaluation 1 year later showed no sign of peri‐implant radiolucency of the mandibular Implant as seen after primary healing.

Conclusion: When the bone‐implant interface appears to be compromised radiographically but not clinically, such implants may have a favorable prognosis through a currently unknown biologic host response.
Reconstruction of the Anterior Maxilla with Platelet Gel, Autogenous Bone, and Titanium Mesh: A Case Report
Authors: Thor Andreas
Published: October 2006

Background: Reconstruction of defects in the anterior part of the maxilla to enable implant placement is a challenging treatment. Recent studies have suggested that the use of autogenous platelet gel may contribute to improved healing of bone grafts.

Purpose: A case is presented in which particulated autogenous bone, platelet gel, and a titanium mesh were used for alveolar bone reconstruction of the anterior maxilla prior to implant placement.

Materials and Methods: Corticocancellous bone from the iliac crest was mixed with a preparation of autogenous platelet gel (platelet‐rich plasma, thrombin, and calcium chloride) and placed against a titanium mesh fixed to the bone of the palate in a patient with severe resorption of the anterior maxilla. After 4.5 months of healing the mesh was removed and titanium implants were placed. A prolonged healing period of 8 months was allowed before healing abutments were placed and a fixed dental bridge was fabricated.

Results: Healing was uneventful, and the anterior maxilla had increased in height and width during the initial healing. All implants became integrated and have been supporting a fixed dental bridge for over 3 years with no dramatic dimensional changes of the graft.

Conclusions: This case demonstrates that particulated autogenous bone and platelet gel may be used for reconstruction of the anterior maxilla. Autogenous growth factors in the gel possibly contributed to the positive outcome. Controlled clinical studies are needed to evaluate the effect of using platelet‐rich plasma.
Selecting Nanotechnology‐Based Composites Using Colorimetric and Visual Analysis for the Restoration of Anterior Dentition: A Case Report
Authors: MILNAR FRANK J.
Published: October 2006

Currently it is possible to use direct composites and layering techniques to replicate the complex internal structures, visible shape, color, and surface anatomy of natural teeth. To do so, however, requires dentists to understand the principles of nature and the science of dental materials to determine the most suitable restorative material for a specific indication. By incorporating relatively new technologies—colorimetric analysis, which provides computerized shade guide definitions of a tooth and essential information to verify shade mapping, and a new nanotechnology‐based direct composite—into composite layering techniques, dentists can more predictably replicate the esthetics of natural teeth. This article presents a case in which both technologies, used in combination with a composite layering technique, contributed to the esthetic and functional restoration of the maxillary central incisors.
Accelerated Aging Effects on Color and Translucency of Bleaching‐Shade Composites
Authors: PARAVINA RADE D. , ONTIVEROS JOE C. , POWERS JOHN M.
Published: October 2006

Purpose::

This study was performed to evaluate the influence of accelerated aging on the color and translucency parameter (TP) of bleaching‐shade resin composites.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty‐three bleaching shades and two control conventional shades of microhybrid (MH) and microfill (MF) resin composite specimens (n = 5) were aged in an accelerated aging chamber set to standard CAM 180 cycles. One side of each specimen was evaluated for surface color and TP changes compared with baseline in increments of 150 kJ/m2 for intervals up to 450 kJ/m2 using a spectrophotometer. A ΔE* 3.7 was considered to be a poor match, and the total TP range was divided into three equal parts representing low, medium, and high translucency. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance.

Results:

Compared to the baseline, ΔL*, Δa*, Δb*, and ΔE* ranges at 450 kJ/m2 were ‐0.8 to 5.0, ‐0.6 to 1.2, ‐8.3 to 0.0, and 0.7 to 8.6 for MH and 0.2 to 1.3, 0.1 to 1.3, ‐2.5 to 1.1, and 1.7 to 2.7 for MF composites. Scheffé's S intervals (p < =.05) for comparisons of ΔL*, Δa*, Δb*, and ΔE* values of MH composites between baseline and 450 kJ/m2 were 1.6, 0.6, 1.7, and 1.5, respectively. Corresponding Tukey‐Kramer intervals for MF composites were 0.7, 0.3, 0.6, and 0.6, respectively. TP values at baseline ranged from 0.9 to 4.3 for MH and from 1.4 to 2.2 for MF composites, whereas ΔTP for baseline minus 450 kJ/m2 ranged from ‐1.1 to 1.7 for MH and from ‐0.1 to 0.3 for MF composites. Scheffé's S interval (p < =.05) for comparisons of ΔTP values of MH composites for baseline minus 450 kJ/m2 was 1.0. Corresponding Tukey‐Kramer interval for MF composites was 0.4.

Conclusions: Aging‐dependent color changes at 450 kJ/m2 were above the limit that indicated a poor match for 18/26 MH, while corresponding values for microfills were within acceptable range. Accelerated aging generally caused decreases in L* (specimens became darker) and a* values (specimens became redder), while b* values increased (specimens became more chromatic) for both MH and MF composites. TP was relatively stable during aging for both MH and MF composites.
Growth‐Inhibitory Effect of Antibacterial Self‐Etching Primer on Mutans Streptococci Obtained from Arrested Carious Lesions
Authors: KITASAKO YUICHI , SENPUKU HIDENOBU , FOXTON RICHARD M. , HANADA NOBUHIRO , TAGAMI JUNJI
Published: October 2006

Background:

An antibacterial self‐etching primer has been developed to inhibit bacterial attachment and plaque accumulation on the tooth surfaces. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the growth‐inhibitory effect of an antibacterial self‐etching primer on mutans streptococci obtained from arrested carious lesions.

Materials and Methods:

Softened dentin specimens were obtained from arrested carious lesions with an excavator or a round steel bur. The effect of a commercial antibacterial self‐etching primer and a commercial self‐etching primer on the total streptococci on Mitis‐Salivarius (MS) agar plates and on Streptococcus mutans on MS agar plates containing 0.02 M bacitracin (MSB) was evaluated. Specimens with no primer were used as controls. The number of colonies of both total streptococci and S. mutans were compared statistically with two‐way analysis of variance and Fisher's Protected Least Squares Differences (PLSD) test (p < .05).

Results:

The number of colonies of total streptococci (CFU/mL) for the two methods (excavator and round steel bur) were as follows: for the control, 5.0 × 106 and 5.0 × 106; for the self‐etching primer, 1.0 × 105 and 1.0 × 105; and for the antibacterial self‐etching primer, 0 and 0. The number of colonies of S. mutans for the two methods (excavator and round steel bur) were as follows: for the control, 5.0 × 106 and 1.8 × 105; for the self‐etching primer, 3.5 × 104 and 5.0 × 103; and for the antibacterial self‐etching primer, 0 and 0. Regardless of the method of softened dentin removal, the antibacterial effect was significantly higher for the group that had antibacterial self‐etching primer compared with that of the control group and the group that had commercial self‐etching primer (p < .05).
Hypersensitivity reactions to oxaliplatin: Can patients be rechallenged?
Authors: MOK Kelly W , GOLDSTEIN David
Published: October 2006

Background:  The use of oxaliplatin is increasing in colorectal cancer both in the metastatic and adjuvant setting. There is an increased recognition of hypersensitivity reactions (HSR) to oxaliplatin which is a potential barrier to the continued use of this drug in patients in whom benefits are observed. The aim of this retrospective review is to identify the incidence of HSR and the results of rechallenging patients with oxaliplatin.

Methods and results:  In 97 patients, we identified six patients with HSR (an incidence of 6.2%) There was a spectrum of reported symptoms with most occurring within minutes of infusion after a median of six doses of oxaliplatin. All these patients were rechallenged with oxaliplatin. Success was noted when oxaliplatin was administered over a prolonged rate of 6 h. The use of maximal premedications did not influence the outcome.

Conclusions:  Our experience confirms the need to be vigilant of HSR to oxaliplatin and to recognize idiosyncratic reactions. A feasible method to prevent the recurrence of HSR is to prolong the infusion rate without delaying or stopping effective treatment with oxaliplatin.
Cancer treatment‐induced bone loss: A review
Authors: BARNETT Frances , DE BOER Richard
Published: October 2006

Cancer treatment‐induced bone loss (CTIBL) is the phenomenon of loss of bone mass directly due to the effects of treatment for cancer. There are many causes of CTIBL. This article focuses on CTIBL in the hormone‐dependent cancers (breast and prostate) and reviews the mechanisms, the extent of the problem and the management strategies.
Conflict over Conflicts of Interest: An Analysis of the New NIH Rules
Authors: Gold Jennifer L.
Published: October 2006

Increasing reports of financial entanglements involving scientist and industry have led some to question the neutrality of research results. In December 2003, a story in the Los Angeles Times shocked readers by exposing several cases of NIH scientists embroiled in serious financial conflicts of interest.1 It was revealed, for example, that senior NIH official Stephen Katz was a paid consultant to Schering AG, a German pharmaceutical company with which he was involved in conducting clinical trials. In a similar case, John Gallin, director of the NIH's Clinical Center, was discovered to have co-authored an article on a company's gene-transfer technology, while being paid as a consultant to a subsidiary of the same company. Jeffrey Schlom, director of the National Cancer Institute's Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, helped direct NIH-funded studies examining wider use for a particular cancer drug while serving as a consultant whose highest-paying client was looking to genetically engineer that drug.
Recent Developments in Health Law: FDA and Drug Safety: New Tufts Study Challenges Critics of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act
Authors: Lee Rochelle
Published: October 2006

In the wake of several highly publicized lawsuits over drugs recalled for safety – most notably, Vioxx and Paxil – the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the pharmaceutical industry have faced increasingly intense public scrutiny over the drug testing and approval process. Critics blame the FDA's shorter pre-market approval process that has resulted from the enactment of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA), which effected, among other changes, an increased number of reviewers, a higher review load for each reviewer, and the implementation of “user fees” from companies submitting drugs for review. While many have posited that the lack of safety in some FDA-approved drugs was caused by the enactment of PDUFA, the results of a recent study from the Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development have indicated that there is no statistically significant correlation between the number of drugs recalled for safety and the enactment of PDUFA.
Transition Metal-catalyzed Carbochalcogenation of Alkynes
Authors: Kuniyasu Hitoshi , Kambe Nobuaki
Published: October 2006

The progress of transition metal-catalyzed carbochalcogenation of alkynes, which can be performed by using readily available catalysts, is reviewed. It has been proposed that stereo- and regioselective insertion of alkynes into the metal complexes is involved in the catalytic cycles. These reactions clearly demonstrate the synthetic versatility of organochalcogen compounds in transition metal-catalyzed reactions.
Intermolecular Proton Transfer from Formaldehyde Intermediate to Anisole in Noncatalytic Pyrolysis: Phenol Produced without Hydrolysis
Authors: Tsujino Yasuo , Wakai Chihiro , Matubayasi Nobuyuki , Nakahara Masaru
Published: October 2006

New reaction mechanism has been found for the pyrolysis of anisole according to the total product analysis based on the liquid- and gas-phase 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Formaldehyde and benzene are produced in the first rate-determining step by the intramolecular proton transfer, and phenol, methane, and carbon monoxide in equal amounts successively through the fast intermolecular proton and hydride transfers from hot formaldehyde to anisole.
Anchoring of Cyclodextrin Units on TiO2 Thin Layer for Effective Detection of Nitro-aromatics: A Novel Electrochemical Approach for Landmine Detection
Authors: Takahara Naoki , Yang Do-Hyeon , Ju Myung-Jong , Hayashi Kenshi , Toko Kiyoshi , Lee Seung-Woo , Kunitake Toyoki
Published: October 2006

Nitro-aromatic compounds could be sensitively detected by employing cyclic voltammetric experiments in ultrathin TiO2 gel/cyclodextrin (CD) multilayered films that were prepared via the gas-phase surface sol–gel process. Among others, 2,4-DNT showed the highest voltammetric response for the γ-CD immobilized TiO2 film and its detection limit was estimated to be less than nM levels.
Properties of Reaction Products between Cytosine and F4TCNQ in MeOH: Two Hemiprotonated Cytosine Salts with F4TCNQ Radical Anion and Methoxy Adduct Anion
Authors: Murata Tsuyoshi , Saito Gunzi
Published: October 2006

The reaction of cytosine with 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane and MeOH generated two kinds of salts involving a radical anion and a methoxy adduct anion with a hemiprotonated cytosine pair as the cation part. The crystal structure of the methoxy adduct salt showed a two-dimensional layered structure based on the intermolecular hydrogen bonds.
On the Magic of Microwave-assisted Organic Synthesis —1,5-Benzodiazepin-2-one from o-Phenylenediamine and Ethyl Acetoacetate—
Authors: Koizumi Hitoshi , Itoh Yuki , Ichikawa Tsuneki
Published: October 2006

Microwave-assisted synthesis of 4-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepin-2-one by the condensation of 1,2-phenylenediamine and ethyl acetoacetate was examined. The yields were compared with those by classical heating under various conditions. The yield is mainly determined by the temperature of the reaction mixtures, and little affected by the difference in the heating methods. Nonthermal effects in microwave heating have not been observed.
Template Synthesis of Arrays of One-dimensional Gold Nanowires Standing on a Carbon Film
Authors: Chen Yong , Yamaguchi Akira , Atou Toshiyuki , Morita Kotaro , Teramae Norio
Published: October 2006

Arrays of 1D gold nanowires with a diameter of 3–5 nm standing on a carbon film were fabricated on the basis of template-assisted electrodeposition by using an alumina membrane with surfactant-templated silica-nanochannels as the template.
Effects of tracheostomy on human tracheobronchial mucosa: A scanning electron microscopic study
Authors: Roessler Franz , Grossenbacher Rudolph , Walt Heinrich
Published: October 2006

The protective functions missing in the upper airways of tracheostomy patients lead to functional and morphological changes in the lower respiratory tract. To obtain detailed data from the surface of the tracheobronchial mucosa, a scanning electron microscopic study was performed. Mucosal biopsies were taken from different sites of the tracheobronchial tree in 5 healthy control subjects, 5 patients with tracheostomy after laryngectomy, and 5 tracheostomy patients not affected by a history of smoking. Following scanning electron microscopic examination, the specimens were evaluated morphometrically. The percentage ciliary border and the individual mucosal surface changes depended on the biopsy site and the degree of previous damage. Individual structural alterations consisted of squamous metaplasia, giant cilia, compound cilia, and microplicae. Giant cilia represented an impressive form of differentiation in chronic bronchitis recognizable by scanning electron microscopy.
Headshake versus whole‐body rotation testing of the vestibulo‐ocular reflex
Authors: Goebel Joel A. , Fortin Michael , Paige Gary D.
Published: October 2006

The vestibulo‐ocular reflex (VOR) is usually evaluated by whole‐body rotary chair oscillation in darkness, but is limited to ambulatory patients. In order to develop a portable method of VOR assessment, eye movements from 10 normal subjects were studied under three conditions: 1. whole‐body rotary chair oscillation in the dark and in the light with a head mounted blank field, 2. passive head‐on‐body rotation in the light with a blank field, and 3. active head‐on‐body rotation in the light with a blank field. The influence of visual fixation, neck rotation, and volition on VOR gain was to be assessed. Head oscillations were maintained at 0.5 and 1.0 Hz, 50°/s peak velocity.

Mean VOR gains with blank field testing were indistinguishable from those obtained in darkness during whole‐body rotation. In addition, there were no significant differences in the mean gain between whole‐body, passive head rotation or active head rotation. Two vestibulopathic patients (absent calorics bilaterally and oscillopsia) were also studied to illustrate potential clinical utility of the methods. Rotations under all conditions revealed low but variable gains.

The evaluation of the VOR in the light with a blank visual surround and passive or active head rotation is a potentially useful clinical method of bedside assessment of the VOR.
In search of missing links in otology. II. development of an implantable middle ear drug delivery system: Initial studies of sustained ampicillin release for the treatment of otitis media
Authors: Goycoolea Marcos V. , Muchow David C. , Sirvio Larry M. , Winandy Richard M.
Published: October 2006

The development of a new device that consists of a biodegradable support incorporating a thera‐peutically releasable amount of ampicillin is presented. This device is in an insertable shape that allows placement into the middle ear via a myringot‐omy incision. Once in the middle ear cavity, it expands, contacts the walls, and provides extended release of ampicillin. In vitro studies (3 months) documented the consistent release of therapeutic levels of ampicillin. In vivo efficacy was demonstrated in otitis‐induced chinchillas (bacterial inoculation). The device compared favorably with topical and systemic treatment and prophylaxis of otitis media. The device was also efficient in repeated bacterial challenges. Topical extended middle ear drug delivery can become a significant form of treatment for middle ear disease, and has the potential of being useful as a source for inner ear drug delivery.
Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage in patients with rhinosinusitis
Authors: Gittelman Paul D. , Jacobs Joseph B. , Lebowitz Arthur S. , Tierno Philip M.
Published: October 2006

Toxic shock syndrome has been associated with rhinologic surgery and medical devices, and it has been linked to a circulating exotoxin of a toxogenic strain of Staphylococcus aureus. One hundred forty patients with rhinosinusitis were studied. Nasal cultures were obtained. The microbiological characteristics are described. The carrier rate for Staphylococcus aureus was 35%. Thirty percent of patients selected for surgery were Staphylococcus aureus carriers. Toxin‐capable isolates were identified in 40% of those tested. Users of cocaine, topical decongestants, and steroid sprays had a statistically higher rate of Staphylococcus aureus carriage compared to non‐users. It is hoped that by identifying the population at risk and defining the factors associated with the development of toxic shock syndrome, a cogent policy of prevention can be established.
Osteotomy for medial compartment arthritis of the knee using a closing wedge or an opening wedge controlled by a Puddu plate
Authors: Brouwer R. W. , Bierma-Zeinstra S. M. A. , van Raaij T. M. , Verhaar J. A. N.
Published: October 2006

A prospective, randomised, controlled trial compared two different techniques of high tibial osteotomy with a lateral closing wedge or a medial opening wedge, stabilised by a Puddu plate. The clinical outcome and radiological results were examined at one year.

The primary outcome measure was the achievement of an overcorrection of valgus of 4°. Secondary outcome measures were the severity of pain (visual analogue scale), knee function (Hospital for Special Surgery score), and walking distance.

Between January 2001 and April 2004, 92 patients were randomised to one or other of the techniques. At follow-up at one year the post-operative hip-knee-ankle angle was 3.4° (± 3.6° sd) valgus after a closing wedge and 1.3° (± 4.7° sd) of valgus after an opening wedge. The adjusted mean difference of 2.1° was significant (p = 0.02). The deviation from 4° of valgus alignment was 2.7° (± 2.4° sd) in the closing wedge and 4.0° (± 3.6° sd) in the opening-wedge groups. The adjusted mean difference of 1.67° was also significant (p = 0.01).

The severity of pain, knee score and walking ability improved in both groups, but the difference was not significant.

Because of pain, the staples required removal in 11 (23%) patients in the closing-wedge group and a Puddu plate was removed in 27 (60%) patients in the opening-wedge group. This difference was significant (p < 0.001).

We conclude that closing-wedge osteotomy achieves a more accurate correction with less morbidity, although both techniques had improved the function of the knee at one year after the procedure.
External fixation for displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneum
Authors: Magnan B. , Bortolazzi R. , Marangon A. , Marino M. , Dall’Oca C. , Bartolozzi P.
Published: October 2006

A minimally-invasive procedure using percutaneous reduction and external fixation can be carried out for Sanders’ type II, III and IV fractures of the os calcis. We have treated 54 consecutive closed displaced fractures of the calcaneum involving the articular surface in 52 patients with the Orthofix Calcaneal Mini-Fixator. Patients were followed up for a mean of 49 months (27 to 94) and assessed clinically with the Maryland Foot Score and radiologically with radiographs and CT scans, evaluated according to the Score Analysis of Verona. The clinical results at follow-up were excellent or good in 49 cases (90.7%), fair in two (3.7%) and poor in three (5.6%). The mean pre-operative Böhler’s angle was 6.98° (5.95° to 19.86°), whereas after surgery the mean value was 21.94° (12.58° to 31.30°) (p < 0.01). Excellent results on CT scanning were demonstrated in 24 cases (44.4%), good in 25 (46.3%), fair in three (5.6%) and poor in two (3.7%). Transient local osteoporosis was observed in ten patients (18.5%), superficial pin track infection in three (5.6%), and three patients (5.6%) showed thalamic displacement following unadvised early weight-bearing.

The clinical results appear to be comparable with those obtainable with open reduction and internal fixation, with the advantages of reduced risk using a minimally-invasive technique.