bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Childbirth and parenthood education classes in Sweden. Women's opinion and possible outcomes
Authors: Fabian Helena M. , Rådestad Ingela J. , Waldenström Ulla
Published: April 2005

Objective.  To investigate first‐time mothers' views about antenatal childbirth and parenthood education and their contact with other class participants after birth, and to compare participants and non‐participants with respect to the use of pain relief, experience of pain, mode of delivery, childbirth overall, duration of breastfeeding, and assessment of parental skills.

Methods.  A national cohort of 1197 Swedish‐speaking women completed three questionnaires: during early pregnancy, 2 months, and 1 year after giving birth.

Results.  Seventy‐four percent of first‐time mothers stated that antenatal education helped prepare them for childbirth, and 40% for early parenthood. One year after giving birth, 58% of the mothers had met with other class participants. These outcomes were associated with the number of class sessions. When controlling for the selection of women into participants and non‐participants, no statistical differences were found concerning memory of labor pain, mode of delivery, overall birth experience, duration of breastfeeding, and assessment of parental skills. However, participants had a higher rate of epidural analgesia. Mothers who were young, single, with low level of education, living in a small city, and smokers were less likely to find the classes helpful.

Conclusion.  Participation in childbirth and parenthood education classes did not seem to affect first‐time mothers' experience of childbirth and assessment of parental skills, but expanded their social network of new parents. The higher epidural rate suggests that participation in classes made women more aware of pain relief techniques available, rather than improving their own coping with pain. More research should focus on current forms of antenatal education, with special focus on women of low socioeconomic status.
Survey of clinical practice: pre‐ and postoperative physiotherapy for pelvic surgery
Authors: Frawley Helena C. , Galea Mary P. , Phillips Bev A.
Published: April 2005

Background.  The objective of this survey was to obtain information about current physiotherapy practice for patients undergoing pelvic surgery. The aims were to evaluate whether differences exist in service provision between women's health physiotherapists (WHPTs) and hospital physiotherapists (HPTs) and in the guidelines used by physiotherapists to direct their service delivery.

Methods.  A questionnaire was posted to the members of the Victorian Continence and Women's Health Physiotherapy Group (n = 130) and physiotherapists working in metropolitan and rural hospitals (n = 90). The questionnaire comprised questions relating to the aspects of treatment, including how referrals are made, funding, interventions provided and how they are delivered, and use of outcome measures. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and Chi‐square analysis of differences between WHPTs and HPTs.

Results.  The response rate was 75.9%. In 67% of cases, service delivery was initiated by surgeon request, and most commonly for gynecologic patients (85%). Individual consultations were used on 96% of occasions and 8% were group sessions. Content of physiotherapy treatment for in‐patients varied, with WHPTs significantly more likely to prescribe pelvic floor muscle exercises (P = 0.003), bowel advice (P = 0.001), avoidance of risk activities (P = 0.002), and awareness of postoperative symptoms (P = 0.001). Conversely, HPTs were significantly more likely to perform respiratory checks (P = 0.002) and mobilization (P = 0.001). Eighty‐seven percent of respondents regarded their service as suboptimal, citing the need for evidence to support the content and best timing of intervention.

Conclusion.  Differences exist in physiotherapy treatment for pelvic surgery patients. Further research is required to establish whether, and which, elements of physiotherapy intervention are effective.
The effect of otolith storage methods on the concentrations of elements detected by laser‐ablation ICPMS
Authors: Milton D. A. , Chenery† S. R.
Published: April 2005

Otoliths of male (1+ year old) Terubok, tropical shad Tenualosa toli from the Lupar River, Sarawak, were treated in different ways to assess the effect of post‐capture storage on element concentrations in the otolith core and edge detected by laser‐ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). Five treatments were compared: rapid removal and dry storage; fish kept 5 h after capture then otoliths removed; rapid removal and stored in alcohol; fish rozen for 24 h then otoliths removed; and storage of intact head in alcohol for several weeks. Seven elements were detected at the core and edge of otoliths (Li, Na, Mg, Mn, Co, Sr, Ba). Of these, Na, Mg, Co and Ba differed among treatments, being highest in treatments where the otolith remained in the head. Variation in element measurements due to treatment effects was similar to within‐otolith variation for the other elements and was least variable in the fresh treatment. The variation in concentration between the core and edge was more significant than other sources of variation (up to 100 times) for some elements. These differences were probably due to physiological factors (ontogenetic) or to yearly changes in water chemistry. The results indicate that the method of otolith storage, especially freezing whole fish, can have a small, but measurable, effect on the concentrations of Na, Mg, Co and Ba.
A re‐evaluation of the effect of shoalmate familiarity on the proliferation of alarm substance cells in ostariophysan fishes
Authors: Wisenden B. D. , Smith R. J. F.
Published: April 2005

A re‐examination of data from Wisenden & SmithJournal of Fish Biology50, 799–808) suggests that fathead minnowsPimephales promelasadjust investment into epidermal alarm substance cells (ASC) facultatively based upon the level of perceived risk. When placed into a container with non‐familiar shoalmates (relatively high risk) ASC production increased. This allows these individuals to attract a secondary predator better. When placed into a container with familiar shoalmates (relatively low risk) ASC production decreased. This may reflect increased effectiveness of a group antipredator response by familiar individuals, and/or the cost to inclusive fitness of attracting additional predators to the vicinity of their kin.
Homing in juvenile salmon in response to imposed and spontaneous displacement: experiments in an artificial stream
Authors: Huntingford F. A. , Braithwaite V. A. , Armstrong J. D. , Aird D. , Joiner P.
Published: April 2005

Displacement of juvenile Atlantic salmonSalmo salarwithin an artificial stream was either spontaneous (fish left areas of shallow water in response to experimental reduction in water level) or imposed (fish were removed by the experimenter from areas of shallow water and placed at a distance from their home site). Prior to displacement, the fish showed a high degree of site fidelity in terms of preferential use of specific areas within the stream, but the extent to which this persisted once they had left/been removed from their preferred sites was variable. Direction of displacement was not a critical factor, but homing was significantly less likely to occur following spontaneous as opposed to imposed displacement. In the case of imposed displacement, fish that were more strongly site attached prior to displacement were more likely to return to their home site after this manipulation.
First record of Kudoa (Myxosporea) in Pomatoschistus microps in the Rhône Delta, France
Authors: Pampoulie C. , Marques A. , Rosecchi E. , Crivelli A. J. , Bouchereau J.‐L.
Published: April 2005

Myxosporidiosis due to Kudoa sp. has been recorded in gobies Pomatoschistus microps, collected from the Etang du Vaccarès (Rhône Delta, France).
Quality of life assessment in laryngectomized individuals: do we need additions to standard questionnaires in specific clinical research projects?
Authors: Op de Coul B.M.R. , Ackerstaff A.H. , Van As C.J. , Van Den Hoogen F.J.A. , Meeuwis C.A. , Manni J.J. , Hilgers F.J.M.
Published: April 2005

Objectives:  To assess, whether the EORTC questionnaires QLQ‐C30 and QLQ‐H&N35 give enough detailed information to study specific quality of life (QoL) related issues in laryngectomized individuals.

Design:  Multicentre, prospective clinical trial; baseline measurement with EORTC questionnaires and an additional questionnaire, focusing on specific postlaryngectomy problems.

Setting:  Head and Neck Department of one Comprehensive Cancer Center and three Academic Medical Hospitals in the Netherlands.

Participants:  Eighty laryngectomized individuals, selected to participate in a prospective clinical trial on hands‐free tracheoesophageal speech.

Main outcomes measures:  Comparison of QoL dimensions, as assessed with the standard EORTC questionnaires, with the information obtained with additional questions, aimed at discovering in more detail, e.g. voice and respiratory problems in laryngectomized individuals.

Results:  Based on the EORTC QoL questionnaires a good overall and voice specific QoL‐level was found. However, the additional questionnaire showed that especially concerning voice and respiration more specific information was obtained. For example, despite an overall satisfaction with many aspects of the voice in more than three‐quarters of the patients, speaking in a noisy environment was reported by 63% of the patients as being a serious problem, and a significant relation could be established between pulmonary and voicing problems (r = 0.28, P < 0.05), something also undetectable with the EORTC questionnaires.

Conclusions:  These findings underline the necessity to develop and use more specific additional questionnaires as an adjunct to the existing EORTC questionnaires, when studying specific symptoms in laryngectomized individuals, especially in order to detect intervention related changes over time.
A multivariate analysis of otological, surgical and patient‐related factors in determining success in myringoplasty
Authors: Onal K. , Uguz M.Z. , Kazikdas K.C. , Gursoy S.T. , Gokce H.
Published: April 2005

Objectives:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of smoking and other prognostic factors on long‐term surgical outcome and hearing results in myringoplasty.

Design:  Retrospective cohort.

Setting:  Tertiary medical centre.

Participants:  Eighty myringoplasty operations were analysed retrospectively from the charts of 74 patients who underwent myringoplasty between January 2000 and November 2002 at the First ENT Clinic of Atatürk Training and Research Hospital, using the chi‐squared test, Fisher's exact test, t‐test and multiple logistic regression statistical analysis.

Main outcome measures:  The effects of prognostic factors and smoking on myringoplasty were investigated by variables noted from patients’ files such as smoking status, operation type, duration of dry period of the diseased ear, peroperative otorrhoea, status of the opposite ear, presence of perforation at admission, place of perforation, size of perforation, status of middle ear mucosa, presence of cholesteatoma and tympanosclerosis, ossicular status, previous and related surgery, experience of the surgeon, presence of anterior overhang, presence of valsalva manoeuvre, postoperative antiobiotic cover and income per day.

Results:  The overall take rate of the myringoplasty graft was 71%. Based on the univariate analysis, smoking status of the patients (P = 0.008), status of the opposite ear (P = 0.01), size of perforation (P = 0.009) and the experience of the surgeon (P = 0.002) were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.01) prognostic factors influencing the success rate of the operations. Multiple logistic regression analysis was subsequently carried out on these prognostic factors and yielded the following classification (95% CI): senior surgeon (OR = 14.3), non‐smoking patient (OR = 11.4), longer duration of dry period of the diseased ear (OR = 5.3), normal opposite ear (OR = 5.0) and small perforation (OR = 4.8).

Conclusions:  A non‐smoking patient, a longer dry ear, a healthy opposite ear, a relatively smaller perforation and a senior surgeon were found to be significant prognostic factors positively influencing the success rate of myringoplasty.
Relative humidity of the external auditory canal in normal and abnormal ears, and its pathogenic effect
Authors: Gray R.F. , Sharma A. , Vowler S.L.
Published: April 2005

Objective:  To find the relative humidity of the normal external ear canal and to demonstrate that the relative humidity of the external auditory canal was higher in abnormal ears, i.e. ears commonly associated with chronic discharge.

Setting:  Secondary health care within the ENT departments of Addenbrooke's and Hinchingbrooke hospitals.

Design:  A clinical observational study.

Participants:  Volunteers seen in ENT outpatients. Inclusion criteria for the normal ear group, was a normal ear with no history of infection or previous ear disease. Inclusion criteria for abnormal ear group commonly associated with chronic discharge. Exclusion criteria were the presence of pus or infection within the ear canal.

Method:  The relative humidity of the external ear canal was measured in normal and abnormal ears. Abnormal ears were grouped as those commonly associated with chronic discharge, mastoid cavities, tympanic perforations, recurrent otitis externa and hearing‐aided ears.

Results: 
The range of relative humidity of normal ears is 40–70%. The humidity in abnormal ears was found to be significantly higher than the humidity in normal ears (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:  The raised relative humidity in the external canal may explain the predisposition of certain abnormal ears to chronic discharge and infection. If the humidity of the canal could be brought down to a normal level, this could offer a new therapeutic treatment.
Soft tissue sarcomas of the head and neck: a single‐centre experience
Authors: Lajer C.B. , Daugaard S. , Hansen H.S. , Kirkegaard J. , Holmgaard S. , Christensen M.E.
Published: April 2005

Objective:  The aim of this study was to report our experience with malignant and borderline soft tissue tumours (STS) of the head and neck region in the period 1977–2000.

Design:  Retrospective case study including new evaluation of histological specimens.

Setting:  Tertiary centre, single centre.

Participants:  Review of patient's records and new evaluation of pathological specimens were made for 66 patients. After evaluation only 36 patients (26 men and 10 women) still met present criteria for a STS in head and neck in adults.

Results:  The original histological diagnosis was changed in 27 (41%) of the 66 patients with a primary diagnosis of sarcoma. After review the most common histological diagnoses were leiomyosarcoma (5) and rhabdomyosarcoma (5). Overall 5‐year survival rate was 60%. Overall 5‐year disease‐free survival rate was 44%. The study showed that both tumour grade and surgical margin had a statistically significant impact on survival. No relation was found between survival and tumour size or age.

Conclusion:  The grave prognosis especially for high‐grade tumours emphasizes the need for improved treatment strategies. Furthermore, conclusions from older studies concerning prognosis may be obsolete as approximately 40% of tumours previously diagnosed as sarcomas may be invalid by present day standards.

Keypoints

• Tumour grade and surgical margins are the most significant impact factors upon survival of patients with soft tissue sarcomas (STS) of the head and neck.

• Based upon our re‐review of histological specimens as much as 40% of tumours previously diagnosed in older studies as sarcomas of the head and neck may be faulty by present standards. Such studies may therefore be obsolete.

• Improved treatment strategies on STS of the head and neck should focus on high‐grade tumours.
Mutational analysis of the yeast multidrug resistance ABC transporter Pdr5p with altered drug specificity
Authors: Tutulan‐Cunita Andreea Cristina , Mikoshi Makoto , Mizunuma Masaki , Hirata Dai , Miyakawa Tokichi
Published: April 2005

Multidrug resistance ABC transporter Pdr5p of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is particularly important due to its ability to export a wide range of unrelated substrates. To clarify its function, we generated Pdr5p mutants by random mutagenesis and screened for mutants with altered drug specificity in vivo by using 5 drug compounds. Nine point mutations that caused significant changes in drug specificity distributed throughout the length of Pdr5p, namely, in the extracellular, transmembrane or cytoplasmic regions of the transporter. We then investigated their effects upon drug resistance, using 36 chemically related or distinct substrates. From this study, overall geometry of the Pdr5p was suggested to contribute in acquiring the enormous range of drug specificity. Based on their ability to inhibit the growth of the mutant strains, the 36 tested drugs were classified into: drugs to which the mutants responded differently (Group 1), drugs to which all the mutants showed sensitivity (Group 2), and drugs to which all the mutants exhibited resistance (Group 3). The ability of the compounds to be partitioned to the plasma membrane seemed an important factor for recognition by Pdr5p.
Fibroblast growth factor 23 reduces expression of type IIa Na+/Pi co‐transporter by signaling through a receptor functionally distinct from the known FGFRs in opossum kidney cells
Authors: Yan Xiaomei , Yokote Hideyuki , Jing Xuefeng , Yao Li , Sawada Takahiro , Zhang Yueqiang , Liang Sitai , Sakaguchi Kazushige
Published: April 2005

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 23 is an important phosphaturic factor that inhibits inorganic phosphate (Pi) reabsorption from the renal proximal tubule. Its overproduction and proteolysis‐resistant mutation such as R179Q cause tumor‐induced osteomalacia and autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets, respectively. To clarify the signaling mechanisms of FGF23 that mediate the reduction of Pi reabsorption, we inhibited the function of the known FGFRs in opossum kidney (OK‐E) cells by expressing a dominant‐negative (DN) form of FGFR. OK‐E cells, which represent the renal proximal tubular cells, expressed all four known FGFRs. FGF23(R179Q) bound to and activated FGFR2, a prominent FGFR expressed in OK‐E cells. The activated receptor transmitted a signal to increase the expression of type IIa Na+/Pi co‐transporter and the Pi uptake. Expression of FGFR2(DN), which suppresses the major FGFR‐mediated signal through the FRS2α‐ERK pathway, reversed the function of FGF23(R179Q). When FGF23(R179Q) was applied to the basolateral side of polarized OK‐E cells, regardless of the FGFR2(DN) expression, the apical Pi uptake decreased significantly. The apical application of FGF23(R179Q) in the polarized cells did not show such decrease but increase. The exogenously expressed FGFR2 was detectable only at the apical membrane. These results suggest that an FGF23 receptor, which is functionally distinct from the known FGFRs, is expressed at the basolateral membrane of OK‐E cells.
Communication with critically ill patients
Authors: Alasad Jafar , Ahmad Muayyad
Published: April 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a study that investigated the experiences of a group of critical care Jordanian nurses concerning verbal communication with critically ill patients.

Background.  There is evidence that communication in critical care settings is not sufficiently implemented in practice. Inadequate nurse–patient communication results in increased levels of stress and anxiety. Verbal communication can help patients preserve their self‐identity and self‐esteem, which in turn will enhance their well‐being and optimism.

Method.  The study was guided by the phenomenological hermeneutics of Heidegger. Data were generated in 2002 from in‐depth interviews and overt participant observation, and analysed qualitatively.

Findings.  Unconscious patients received less verbal communication and interaction than verbally responsive patients.

Conclusion.  Communication with sedated or unconscious patients in intensive care units should not be viewed as only an interactive process. Rather, it should be perceived as the means to give the information and support that such patients need.
Nurse follow‐up of patients with diabetes: randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wong Frances Kam Yuet , Mok Maisy Pik Hung , Chan Tony , Tsang Man Wo
Published: April 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a study comparing the outcomes of diabetic patients undergoing either early discharge or routine care.

Background.  The hospital is not the best place to monitor the glycaemic control of patients with diabetes with no other morbidity or complications. It is an unnatural environment in which diet is planned and the activity level is low. The hospital is also an expensive place in which to treat patients.

Methods.  This randomized controlled trial was conducted in the medical department of a regional hospital in Hong Kong. A total of 101 patients who needed glycaemic monitoring, but who were otherwise fit for discharge, were recruited. The control group continued to receive routine hospital care. The study group was discharged early and received a follow‐up programme which included a weekly or biweekly telephone call from a nurse.

Findings.  When compared with the control group, the study group had a greater decrease in HbA1c at 24 weeks, although the statistical difference was marginal (7·6 vs. 8·1, P = 0·06), a higher blood monitoring adherence score at both 12 weeks (5·4 vs. 3·6, P < 0·001) and 24 weeks (5·3 vs. 3·5, P < 0·001), and a higher exercise adherence score at 12 weeks (5·3 vs. 3·4, P = 0·001) and 24 weeks (5·5 vs. 3·2, P < 0·001). The study group had a shorter hospital stay (2·2 vs. 5·9, P < 0·001), and the net savings were HK$11,888 per patient.

Conclusion.  It is feasible to integrate treatment into the real life environments of patients with diabetes, and nurse‐led transitional care is a practical and cost‐effective model. Nurse follow‐up is effective in maintaining optimal glycaemic control and enhancing adherence to health behaviours. Management of glycaemic control is better done in the community than in the hospital.
Measuring postpartum stress
Authors: Hung Chich‐Hsiu
Published: April 2005

Aims.  This paper reports a study whose purpose was to revalidate the Hung Postpartum Stress Scale by expanding and revising its contexts to reflect the social changes that have occurred in Taiwan over the last two decades.

Background.  Existing measures of general stress, which have also been used to assess postpartum stress, fail to measure women's specific childbearing stressors during the postpartum period. The Hung Postpartum Stress Scale was initially developed 11 years ago by Hung and associates to measure stress in the early postpartum period as it occurred in the Taiwanese social milieu of the time. However, revalidation was needed because of rapid changes in the Taiwanese social system.

Methods.  Employing a non‐experimental, quantitative research design and a proportional stratified quota sampling of hospitals by birth rate, the revised instrument was completed by 861 postpartum women selected from clinics and hospitals in Taiwan.

Results.  An exploratory common factor analysis indicated the structure validity of three dimensions of postpartum stress: concerns about maternity role attainment, concerns about negative body changes, and concerns about lack of social support. With regard to generalizability of the factors across delivery type, education level, and income status subgroups within the population, high coefficients of congruence were shown. Moreover, the internal consistency reliabilities for the total Hung Postpartum Stress Scale and its three dimensions across the full sample and within pertinent sub‐samples showed that it is a reliable tool for measuring postpartum stress.

Conclusions.  A series of analyses supported the validity and reliability of the revised Hung Postpartum Stress Scale. Additional research is recommended using confirmatory factor analysis to determine the stability of the factor structure identified in the present study.
Effects of rotating night shifts: literature review
Authors: Muecke Sandy
Published: April 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a review examining the concept of sleep and its antithesis of fatigue, and considers the evidence on nurses’ ability to cope with the demands of continually changing hours of work, their safety, and the impact any manifestations of sleep disruption may have on the care of their patients. While many aspects of this paper may apply to nursing in general, special consideration is given to nurses in the critical care environment.

Background.  Night duty rotations are common practice in nursing, and particularly in specialist units. It is essential that nurses working in these environments are able to maintain careful and astute observation of their vulnerable patients, and concern arises when they may be unable to do so. Research suggests that fatigue can negatively affect nurses’ health, quality of performance, safety and thus patient care, and that the effects of fatigue may be exacerbated for nurses over 40 years of age.

Method.  The literature was examined for the 10‐year period up to December 2003. The databases searched were Ovid, Proquest, Blackwell Science, EBSCO Online, Australian Health Review and WebSPIRS, using the keywords of, shiftwork, rosters, intensive care, fatigue, sleep deprivation and sleep studies.

Findings.  There is consensus amongst researchers on the adverse psychological and physiological effects of night rotations on nurses when compared with their permanent night duty peers, particularly for those over 40 years of age. Evidence also suggests that the effects of fatigue on nurse performance may negatively affect the quality of patient care.

Conclusions.  The literature reinforces concerns about the adverse relationship between fatigue and performance in the workplace. Optimal standards for patient care may be difficult to achieve for more mature nurses, who may suffer from sleep deprivation and health problems associated with rotational night work and disrupted physiological rhythms.
Search for Neural Substrates Mediating Inhibitory Effects of Oestrogen on Pulsatile Luteinising Hormone‐Releasing Hormone Release In Vivo in Ovariectomized Female Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Mizuno M. , Terasawa E.
Published: April 2005

Neural substrates mediating the negative feedback effects of oestrogen on luteinising hormone‐releasing hormone (LHRH) release were studied using the in vivo push–pull perfusion method in female rhesus monkeys. Twelve long‐term ovariectomized female monkeys were implanted with Silastic capsules containing 17β‐oestradiol 2 weeks before the experiments and, on the day of the experiment, oestradiol benzoate (EB, 50 µg/kg) or oil was subcutaneously injected. Push–pull perfusate samples from the stalk‐median eminence were collected in 10‐min fractions from 4 h before to 18–20 h after EB or oil injection. LHRH and neuropeptide Y (NPY) levels in the same perfusates were measured by radioimmunoassay, and glutamate and GABA in the same perfusates were assessed by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results indicate that EB significantly suppressed LHRH release (P < 0.005) starting within 2 h after EB, and continued for 18 h or until the experiment was terminated. Pulse analysis suggested that oestrogen suppressed the pulse amplitude, but not pulse frequency, of LHRH release. By contrast, EB did not alter any parameters (mean release, pulse amplitude or frequency) of pulsatile NPY release throughout the experiment. HPLC analysis further suggested that neither glutamate nor GABA levels in the stalk‐median eminence were changed with oestrogen‐induced LHRH suppression. Oil treatment did not alter LHRH, NPY, GABA and glutamate levels. It is concluded that oestrogen induces suppression of pulsatile LHRH release within 2 h, but the inhibitory effect of oestrogen on LHRH release does not appear to be mediated by NPY, GABAergic, or glutamatergic neurones.
Influence of light intensity from different curing units upon composite temperature rise
Authors: KNEŽEVIĆ A. , TARLE Z. , MENIGA A. , ŠUTALO J. , PICHLER G.
Published: April 2005

summary  The unavoidable consequence of composite resin photopolymerization is temperature rise in tooth tissue. The temperature rise depends not only on the illumination time, but also on light intensity, distance of light guide tip from composite resin surface, composition and shade of composite resin and composite thickness. The most commonly used units for polymerization today are halogen curing units, which emit a large spectrum of wavelengths. A proportion of the spectrum has no influence on degree of conversion and therefore causes unnecessary temperature rise. Units based on light source – blue light emitting diodes (LED), as an alternative for halogen curing units, have been introduced in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to show the influence of the light intensity of curing units Elipar Trilight, Astralis 7 and Lux‐o‐Max unit on temperature rise in composite resin sample of Tetric Ceram. The temperature was measurement with Metex M‐3850 D multimeter with the tip of temperature probe put into unpolymerized composite resin sample 1 mm depth. The highest temperature rise was recorded with standard curing mode for Elipar Trilight halogen curing unit (13·3 ± 1·21 °C after 40 s illumination), while the lowest temperature rise was recorded for the Lux‐o‐Max unit based on LED technology (5·2 ± 1·92 °C after 40 s illumination).
A 5‐year prospective study on small diameter screw‐shaped oral implants
Authors: COMFORT M. B. , CHU F. C. S. , CHAI J. , WAT P. Y. P. , CHOW T. W.
Published: April 2005

summary  Alveloar ridges of limited dimensions could preclude the placement of dental implants of the regular dimension. Smaller diameter implants – narrow platform (NP) implants were commercially available to address this issue. The aim of the study was to determine the 5‐year clinical performance of 3·3 mm diameter NP implants. Twenty‐three machined screw‐shaped NP implants were placed in nine patients (six males; three females) between 18 and 70 years of age. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed annually for 5 years. Recognized implant success criteria was used. The criteria were based on the mean marginal alveolar bone loss, the placement of prosthesis of satisfactory appearance, and the absence of implant mobility, peri‐implant radiolucency, pain, discomfort or infection. One implant failed at abutment connection. The remaining 22 implants were restored and functioned successfully according to the criteria. The mean marginal alveolar bone loss during the first year was 0·41 ± 0·17 mm. The mean marginal alveolar bone loss between the second and fifth year was 0·03 ± 0·06 mm. The success rate of NP implants according to a well‐established set of criteria was 96%.
An abutment screw loosening study of a Diamond Like Carbon‐coated CP titanium implant
Authors: KIM S. K. , LEE J. B. , KOAK J. Y. , HEO S. J. , LEE K. R. , CHO L. R. , LEE S. S.
Published: April 2005

summary  The aim of this study was to quantify the extent of abutment screw loosening and thus understand the role of frictional and wear factors in abutment screw loosening by using a cyclic loading device to compare Diamond Like Carbon (DLC)‐coated and non‐coated implants. The properties of DLC films, including hardness, wear resistance, chemical stability, and biocompatibility, are similar to those of real diamond materials. In this study, a 1‐μm thick DLC film served to protect and lubricate a layer of commercially‐pure titanium affixed to the top of a dental implant (external hexagon‐shaped implant). A cyclic loading force was then applied to the top of the prosthetic portion of the implants in order to determine the difference in looseness of the titanium abutment screw between ten DLC‐coated implants and ten non‐coated implants. The abutment screw loosening tests were performed with 100 N of force at a frequency of 20 Hz. Data indicate that implants with a DLC coating are more resistant to an applied force (P = 0·002) than are those without the coating. We hope these results will be useful for preventing implant abutment screw loosening.
Sex and the City
Authors: Edlund Lena
Published: April 2005

Throughout the industrialized world, young women outnumber young men in urban areas. This paper proposes that such a pattern may be linked to higher male incomes in urban areas. The argument is that urban areas offer skilled workers better labor markets. Assuming that there are more skilled males than females, this alone would predict a surplus of males. However, the presence of males with high incomes may attract not only skilled females but also unskilled females. Thus, a surplus of women in urban areas may result from a combination of better labor and marriage markets. Swedish municipality data support the results.
The Effect of Life Expectancy on Fertility, Saving, Schooling and Economic Growth: Theory and Evidence*
Authors: Zhang Jie , Zhang Junsen
Published: April 2005

We construct a simple growth model where agents with uncertain survival choose schooling time, life‐cycle consumption and the number of children. We show that rising longevity reduces fertility but raises saving, schooling time and the growth rate at a diminishing rate. Cross‐section analyses using data from 76 countries support these propositions: life expectancy has a significant positive effect on the saving rate, secondary school enrollment and growth but a significant negative effect on fertility. Through sensitivity analyses, the effect on the saving rate is inconclusive, while the effects on the other variables are robust and consistent. These estimated effects are decreasing in life expectancy.
Gender and National Identity Constructions in the Cross‐Border Merger Context
Authors: Tienari Janne , Søderberg Anne‐Marie , Holgersson Charlotte , Vaara Eero
Published: April 2005

In this article we explore ways in which vertical gender inequality is accomplished in discourse in the context of a recent chain of cross‐border mergers and acquisitions that resulted in the formation of a multinational Nordic company. We analyse social interactions of ‘doing’ gender in interviews with male senior executives from Denmark, Finland and Sweden. We argue that their explanations for the absence of women in the top echelons of the company serve to distance vertical gender inequality. The main contribution of the article is an analysis of how national identities are discursively (re)constructed in such distancing. New insights are offered to studying gender in multinationals with a cross‐cultural team of researchers. Our study sheds light on how gender intersects with nationality in shaping the multinational organization and the identities of male executives in globalizing business.
LESSONS FROM A MIDDLE MARKET LBO: THE CASE OF O.M. SCOTT
Authors: Baker George P. , Wruck Karen H.
Published: April 2005

In 1986 The O.M. Scott & Sons Company, the largest producer of lawn care products in the U.S., was sold by the ITT Corporation in a divisional leveraged buyout. The company was founded in Marysville, Ohio in 1870 by Orlando McLean Scott to sell farm crop seed. In 1900, the company began to sell weedfree lawn seed through the mail. In the 1920s, the company introduced the first home lawn fertilizer, the first lawn spreader, and the first patented bluegrass seed. Today, Scott is the acknowledged leader in the “do‐it‐yourself” lawn care market, with sales of over $300 million and over 1500 employees.

Scott remained closely held until 1971, when it was purchased by ITT. The company then became a part of the consumer products division of the huge conglomerate, and operated as a wholly‐owned subsidiary for 14 years. In 1984, prompted by a decline in financial performance and rumors of takeover and liquidation, ITT began a series of divestitures. Over the next two years, total divestitures exceeded $2 billion and, after years of substandard performance, ITT's stock price significantly outperformed the market.

On November 26, 1986, in the midst of this divestiture activity, ITT announced that the managers of Scott, along with Clayton & Dubilier (C & D), a private firm specializing in leveraged buyouts, had agreed to purchase the stock of Scott and another ITT subsidiary, the W. Atlee Burpee Company. The deal closed on December 30.

Clayton & Dubilier raised roughly $211 million to finance the purchase of the two companies. Of that $211 million, almost $191 milion, or 91% of the total, was debt: bank loans, subordinated notes, and subordinated debentures. The $20 million of new equity was distributed as follows: roughly 62% of the shares were held by a C & D partnership, 21% by Scott's new subordinated debtholders, and 17.5% by Scott management and employees.

After this radical change in financial structure and concentration of equity ownership, Scott's operating performance improved dramatically. Between the end of December 1986 and the end of September 1988, sales were up 25% and earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) increased by 56%. As shown in Table 1, this increase in operating earnings was not achieved by cutting back on marketing and distribution or R & D. In fact, spending on marketing and distribution increased by 21% and R & D spending went up by 7%. Capital spending also increased by 23%.
SOME REFLECTIONS ON RECENT MONETARY TURMOIL IN EASTERN EUROPE
Authors: Miller Merton H.
Published: April 2005

This article makes the case for the use of “currency boards” in dealing with the monetary problems of Russia and other developing economies. The concept of the currency board was developed originally by the British in the 19th century to allow their colonies to maintain their local currencies without having an autonomous money supply or central bank. Currency boards hold out the promise of price stability because the local government gives up all discretionary powers over the money supply and the exchange rate. As the author puts it, “The country's monetary affairs, internal and external, will be running on automatic pilot, not on manual control. For the Russian people, the great advantage of this automatic arrangement, of course, is that the Russian government can no longer finance itself by inflation—that is, by printing money.”

A currency board, to be sure, is not a panacea. It cannot substitute for the massive restructuring of Russian financial and governmental institutions that is so clearly needed. But, as happened in Argentina, a currency board can make that task easier by restoring stability and confidence. The promise of exchange rate stability that a currency board offers is also a major inducement to the foreign capital that is critical to the growth of the Russian as well as most developing economies.
Assessing Bond Market Developments Pot‐Euro
Authors: Codogno Lorenzo
Published: April 2005

As a result of global trends in the financial industry, European financial markets are in the midst of a major transformation, and Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) is acting as a primary catalyst for such change. Over time financial integration will provide European markets with sufficient liquidity and scale to turn them into effective rivals of the U.S. markets.

This paper provides a framework for assessing the likely consequences of EMU for the evolution of European bond markets. First, it discusses broad fundamental shifts in international capital flows and how EMU is expected to affect them. Second, it analyzes in some detail the two most important portfolio shifts expected to accompany Monetary Union: potential changes in currency reserves held by central banks and diversification of international investors' portfolios. Third, it considers the possibility that the asset management industry and households' increased appetite for risk will lead to a major shift on the demand side. On the supply side, it explores the likely effect of Monetary Union on government bond yield spreads and expected changes in the key pricing factors.

The paper concludes with an overview of the considerable growth prospects for the European corporate bond market. In the Euromarket, which has traditionally been the preserve of borrowers of high credit standing, there have already been signs of increased interest in corporate issues, particularly lower‐rated ones. The search for higher yields by investors, greater expertise in analyzing credit risks by institutional investors, and reduced issuance in European government bond markets will combine to spur growth in the European corporate bond market. As a consequence, the traditional bank‐oriented relations will clearly weaken, and more companies will find opportunities to raise capital and obtain financing at lower cost.
HOW TO USE EVA IN THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY
Authors: McCormack John L. , Vytheeswaran Jawanth
Published: April 2005

The use of EVA in the oil industry has lagged behind that in most other industries because the accounting information reported by oil and gas concerns does such a poor job of representing management's effectiveness in adding value for shareholders. The essence of the problem is that the exploration activities of oil companies create assets whose changes in value are recognized by the stock market long before they are reflected on income statements or balance sheets. As a result, all accountingbased performance measures, including generic measures of EVA (which are derived from accounting information), fail to provide meaningful goals, decision tools, or compensation benchmarks.

This article provides a new, EVAbased framework for performance measurement and incentive compensation for oil and gas firms—and for companies in extractive industries in general. The authors show that, when adjusted by a publicly available measure of hydrocarbon reserve value known as “SEC‐10,” EVA's ability to explain annual stock returns rises from under 10% to almost 50%. Moreover, because SEC‐10 has several important limitations as a measure of reserve value, there is considerable additional room for improving EVA's explanatory power. And the actual implementation of an EVA financial management system for an individual oil company can and should be based on more precise estimates of reserve value than those provided by SEC‐10.

To this end, the authors provide an approach to hydrocarbon reserve valuation that captures the “real option” value of undeveloped reserves. By incorporating real option values, this new EVA financial management system for oil companies aligns management's incentives with the goal of creating shareholder wealth by rewarding managers for creating real option value as well as current cash flow—and by forcing managers to consider the optimal “exercise” of such strategic options.
TAKEOVERS, MANAGEMENT REPLACEMENT, AND POST‐ACQUISITION OPERATING PERFORMANCE: SOME EVIDENCE FROM THE 1980s
Authors: Parrino James D. , Harris Robert S.
Published: April 2005

In their study of 197 U.S. takeovers from the 1980s, the authors find that the most important determinant of superior post‐merger operating performance is whether the target company's management is replaced or retained. When the target CEO is replaced, the post‐merger firm's annual cash flow returns outpace industry standards by 2 to 3%. In contrast, when target top management remains after the merger, operating returns do not exceed industry averages.

The effect of management replacement is even more pronounced in those cases where the industry is consolidating. But, for those takeovers that are followed by significant investment (and thus presumably in growth industries), management replacement does not make a significant difference in post‐acquisition performance.
GLOBAL EVIDENCE ON THE EQUITY RISK PREMIUM
Authors: Dimson Elroy , Marsh Paul , Staunton Mike
Published: April 2005

The size of the equity risk premium—the incremental return that shareholders require to hold risky equities rather than risk‐free securities—is a key issue in corporate finance. Financial economists generally measure the equity premium over long periods of time in order to obtain reliable estimates. These estimates are widely used by investors, finance professionals, corporate executives, regulators, lawyers, and consultants. But because the 20th century proved to be a period of such remarkable growth in the U.S. economy, estimates of the risk premium that rely on past market performance may be too high to serve as a reliable guide to the future.

The authors analyze a 103‐year history of risk premiums in 16 countries and conclude that the U.S. risk premium relative to Treasury bills was 5.3% for that period—lower than previous studies suggest—as compared to 4.2% for the U.K. and 4.5% for a world index. But the article goes on to observe that the historical record may still overstate expectations of the future risk premium, partly because market volatility in the future may be lower than in the past, and partly because of a general decline in risk resulting from new technological advances and increased diversification opportunities for investors. After adjusting for the expected impact of these factors, the authors calculate forward‐looking equity risk premiums of 4.3% for the U.S., 3.9% for the U.K., and 3.5% for the world index. At the same time, however, they caution that the risk premium can fluctuate over time and that managers should make appropriate adjustments when there are compelling economic reasons to think that expected premiums are unusually high or low.
OUTSIDE UPSIDE: FINDINGS FOCUS THROUGH FINANCE OUTSOURCING
Authors: Clements Stewart
Published: April 2005

More and more companies are outsourcing aspects of the finance and accounting function to cut costs and increase process efficiency. This article draws on survey results and numerous real‐world examples to make the case for outsourcing finance and accounting functions, either outright or through shared service centers. As expected, cost and efficiency gains can be dramatic. But there are also important strategic benefits, including the freedom to focus on core businesses, greater access to specialist knowledge, standardization of processes across business units, and the ability to launch operations quickly without staffing back offices.

Maximizing the benefits of outsourcing requires careful planning and execution. Executives who have successfully navigated the process recommend allowing adequate time to ensure buy‐in and consensus building, incorporating the appropriate performance‐based incentives, taking steps to build morale during the transition, ensuring proper oversight, and building a strong partnership with the provider. When properly implemented, outsourcing is a powerful ally in the corporate struggle to cut costs—and it can be a vital complement to strategy as well.