bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FROM CENTRAL PLACE TO NETWORK MODEL: THEORY AND EVIDENCE OF A PARADIGM CHANGE
Authors: MEIJERS EVERT
Published: March 2007

While the deficiencies of the central place model have often been highlighted, no other paradigm has replaced it. However, recently some researchers have hinted at the development of a new model of spatial organisation, a network model. This model would hold most in polycentric urban regions. This paper discusses the features of this network model in comparison with the central place model. Moreover, it explores whether this model describes spatial reality better, thereby focusing on complementarity, a main feature of the model. The relationships within multi‐location hospitals and universities of professional education (hogescholen), which spread their offer of care and study programmes over multiple, close‐by cities, are analysed for this reason. Within the hospital care sector there is a clear trend towards complementarity, in line with the network model. The hogescholen sector provides a more ambiguous picture. The network model, however, still seems more appropriate than the central place model.
FOREIGN FIRMS AND THE PERCEPTION OF REGIONS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC: A STATISTICAL EXAMINATION
Authors: SPILKOVÁ JANA
Published: March 2007

Foreign investment is of particularly importance in countries undergoing far‐reaching economic transformation. Also the location of foreign investment throughout the country is very important for further regional development. Actual location decisions of investors are influenced by various factors, but it is rather obvious that behind these decisions there is also always a lack of information or a distorted view of potential locations and regions for investment. The aim of this paper is to indicate the image of Czech regions that foreign entrepreneurs construct and to understand the character of spatial perceptions of foreign entrepreneurs from various points of view in order to find out what main factors are influencing location decisions of foreign investors in the country. The paper provides a summary of preliminary results of the survey. It provides current mental maps of foreign entrepreneurs and the most important results of explanatory statistical analyses.
MEASURING WELFARE EFFECTS OF SPATIAL PLANNING
Authors: ROUWENDAL JAN , VAN DER STRAATEN J. WILLEMIJN
Published: March 2007

In a densely populated country such as the Netherlands, a restrictive spatial planning policy is generally believed to be necessary to balance the numerous and often contradictory claims on space of households, industries, infrastructure and agriculture, and other functions. Clearly, such a policy is expected to have beneficial effects. However, it should be equally clear, from its restrictiveness, that there are costs associated with such a policy. In this contribution the appropriateness of social cost benefit analysis is considered as a tool for the evaluation of spatial policy in the Netherlands. The paper starts with a brief overview of a major characteristic of this analysis and discusses its potential importance for the evaluation of spatial planning in the Netherlands. The discussion continues with the possibility of assessing the cost and benefits associated with non‐market goods, which is perhaps the main controversial aspect of SCBA, by focusing on the relevant example of the value of open space in cities.
Serfdom and social capital in Bohemia and Russia1
Authors: DENNISON T. K. , OGILVIE SHEILAGH
Published: March 2007

The ‘horizontal’ social capital generated by networks and communities is widely regarded as inherently antagonistic to ‘vertical’ hierarchies such as serfdom. This article examines this view using evidence from pre‐Emancipation Bohemia and Russia. It finds that serf communes generated a substantial ‘social capital’ of shared norms, common information, and collective sanctions. But communal social capital was manipulated by village elites who collaborated with overlords in taxation, land regulation, and demographic control. This benefited communal oligarchies, but harmed ordinary serfs and the wider economy. Horizontal social capital and vertical hierarchies, the article demonstrates, can as easily collude as conflict.
The State of Gender Equality Law in the European Union
Authors: Masselot Annick
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  This article assesses critically the recent law and policy initiatives in European Union gender equality. As a fundamental right, the principle of gender equality is to apply in all areas of EU law. Its scope has been extended to the access to and supply of goods and services and, according to the European Court of Justice, to the Third Pillar. Despite efforts to render the principle visible and accessible, a number of provisions remain unclear and contradictory. The contribution of external actors in this field is set to help safeguarding and enhancing the Community gender equality acquis.
Home Truths about Care‐less Competitiveness
Authors: JARVIS HELEN
Published: March 2007

The literature on city‐regionalism can be criticized for neglecting the mundane ways that cities and regions are socially reproduced (and contested) through processes of household decision‐making and routine coordination. Moreover, dominant debates on macro‐scale governance and economic competitiveness rarely question the way strategic city‐regional partnerships equate notions of ‘liveability’ with marketability. However ‘smart’, these initiatives persistently fetishize growth, allowing little scope for collective endeavour or an ethic of care — values which Linda McDowell (2004) points out are fundamentally undermined by neoliberalism. This paper challenges the ‘top‐down’ discourse of city‐regionalism both on the grounds of what it examines (economic efficiency and governance) and how this is viewed (partially and globally). The case is made for raising awareness of the structural inequalities which restrict the ‘choice of choices’ actually available to households competing for public services on the basis of uneven resource entitlement. This calls for an understanding of a ‘whole’ economy, recognizing the full value of unpaid care‐giving, volunteering and ‘free’ environmental resources.
Prevalence of Migraine in Noonan Syndrome
Authors: Piovesan EJ , Blood MR Young , Kowacs PA , Mulinari RA , Werneck LC , Sandrini R
Published: March 2007

A randomized double-controlled trial involving 22 patients with Noonan syndrome (NS) and 22 normal individuals (control group) was carried out to determine the prevalence of migraine in patients with NS. The NS group consisted of 11 males aged 19.55 ± 6.11 years and 11 females aged 18.81 ± 5.47 years. The control group consisted of 11 males aged 19.55 ± 6.6 years and 11 females aged 18.81 ± 5.47 years. Seven NS-group patients reported migraine without aura (MO), and three reported probable MO (PMO). Taken together, these represent a prevalence of migraine in the NS group of 45.5%. Two control-group patients reported MO, a prevalence of 9.09%. The prevalence of migraine was significantly higher in the NS-group patients than in the controls ( P < 0.005), suggesting a positive association between NS and migraine. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Validation of the Eleven-Point Pain Scale in the Measurement of Migraine Headache Pain
Authors: Kwong WJ , Pathak DS
Published: March 2007

The four-point pain scale (none, mild, moderate, severe) and the 11-point pain scale (0 = no pain, 10 = pain as bad as it could be) have been used in migraine studies to assess treatment efficacy. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the validity and responsiveness of the 11-point pain scale using the four-point pain scale as a benchmark. Using data from 95 migraine patients recruited from headache clinics, this study found that 11-point pain scale scores were highly correlated with four-point pain scores. The correlations between the pain scales were significantly higher than the correlations with quality of life measures such as functional ability and emotional feelings. The 11-point pain scale was 55% more sensitive than the four-point pain scale in detecting clinically important differences. The strong linear relationship between the two pain scales allowed researchers to transform four-point pain scores to 11-point pain scores using regression weights.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in Religious Involvement in a Multi‐Ethnic Cohort of Midlife Women
Authors: FITCHETT GEORGE , MURPHY PATRICIA E. , KRAVITZ HOWARD M. , EVERSON‐ROSE SUSAN A. , KRAUSE NEAL M. , POWELL LYNDA H.
Published: March 2007

We examined racial/ethnic differences in five measures of religious involvement (worship attendance, religious social support, importance of faith, comfort from religion, and frequency of prayer or meditation) among 2,690 women, age 42–52 years, participating in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN). The women reported five racial/ethnic identifications: white, African American, Hispanic, Japanese, and Chinese. A large proportion of the Asian and Hispanic women were born outside the United States (Japanese 48 percent, Chinese 69.5 percent, Hispanic 89.1 percent). African‐American and Hispanic women reported the highest levels of religious involvement. White and Japanese women reported similar levels of involvement for four measures. Compared to the white women, the Chinese women reported similar levels of worship attendance and religious social support, but lower levels for the other three measures. These racial/ethnic differences were not explained by differences in religious preference, acculturation, or sociodemographic factors. With the exception of worship attendance, in adjusted models, measures of acculturation were not significantly associated with religious involvement.
EFFECTS OF SET AND SEX ON THE ELECTRODERMAL ORIENTING RESPONSE
Authors: Korn James , Moyer K. E.
Published: March 2007

This study sought to determine the extent to which brief instructions to “pay attention” would affect the magnitude and rate of habituation of the electrodermal orienting response (OR) and whether sex differences would be obtained. Compared to neutral (relaxation) instructions, it was found that Ss who were told to pay attention: (1) had larger ORs to the first tone in each of 2 sets of 20 tones, (2) showed more irregular habituation over the second set of tones, and (3) exhibited decreases in base conductance during a rest period between sets of tones. Females habituated faster than males over the first set of tones. The results are discussed in terms of preparatory set variables.
A CARDIOTACHOMETER WITH LINEAR INDICATION OF BEAT‐TO‐BEAT FREQUENCY
Authors: Pope Jack M. , Deboo Gordon J. , Smith David B. D.
Published: March 2007

The instrument described has a linear indication of beat‐to‐beat heart rate with an overall accuracy of ±1 beat per minute. A linear output response over the range of 30 to 270 beats per minute is achieved with a square law discharge network. Input clipping and filter circuits permit reliable operation with moderately active subjects. Details of the circuit design and its performance are discussed.
Polymorphic microsatellite loci and PCR multiplexing in the common vole, Microtus arvalis
Authors: GAUFFRE B. , GALAN M. , BRETAGNOLLE V. , COSSON J. F.
Published: March 2007

We isolated and characterized 14 dinucleotide microsatellite loci in the common vole Microtus arvalis (Palas). Two multiplex panels both comprising seven loci were developed. Application to a set of 21 individuals allowed clear and easy characterization of allele sizes except for two loci which were then withdrawn from further analyses. The number of alleles ranged from four to 19 per locus with the observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.55 to 0.95. These sets of microsatellite loci provide high throughput capacity for population genetic studies at a minimum cost.
Isolation and characterization of eight microsatellite loci in two morphotypes of the Southeast Asian army ant, Aenictus laeviceps
Authors: HAMAGUCHI K. , MATSUMOTO T. , MARUYAMA M. , HASHIMOTO Y. , YAMANE S. , ITIOKA T.
Published: March 2007

Eight polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed from morphotype L1 of the Southeast Asian army ant, Aenictus laeviceps in Borneo, and characterized for morphotypes L1 and L2. The number of alleles per locus ranged from nine to 24 (average 15) in morphotype L1 and two to 16 (average 9.8) in L2. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.75 to 0.96 in morphotype L1 and from 0.08 to 0.96 in L2. All loci were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. One pair of loci showed linkage disequilibrium in morphotype L1. All markers successfully amplified in morphotype S, and some markers amplified in other Aenictus species.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in Penstemon rostriflorus (Plantaginaceae) and cross‐species amplification
Authors: KRAMER ANDREA T. , FANT JEREMIE B.
Published: March 2007

Eight novel microsatellite primer pairs are presented for Penstemon rostriflorus, representing the first microsatellite markers available for this genus. Loci were characterized for 20 individuals from two populations in the Great Basin, USA. All loci are polymorphic within P. rostriflorus (seven to 13 alleles per locus; observed heterozygosity between 0.40 and 0.95), and therefore useful for population genetic studies within the species. Cross‐species transferability was tested on 40 additional species of Penstemon, and results indicate that these primers pairs will likely be useful for population genetic studies on many Penstemon species.
On the evolutionary origin of aging
Authors: Ackermann Martin , Chao Lin , Bergstrom Carl T. , Doebeli Michael
Published: March 2007

It is generally believed that the first organisms did not age, and that aging thus evolved at some point in the history of life. When and why this transition occurred is a fundamental question in evolutionary biology. Recent reports of aging in bacteria suggest that aging predates the emergence of eukaryotes and originated in simple unicellular organisms. Here we use simple models to study why such organisms would evolve aging. These models show that the differentiation between an aging parent and a rejuvenated offspring readily evolves as a strategy to cope with damage that accumulates due to vital activities. We use measurements of the age‐specific performance of individual bacteria to test the assumptions of the model, and find evidence that they are fulfilled. The mechanism that leads to aging is expected to operate in a wide range of organisms, suggesting that aging evolved early and repeatedly in the history of life. Aging might thus be a more fundamental aspect of cellular organisms than assumed so far.
Accounting Information, Disclosure, and the Cost of Capital
Authors: LAMBERT RICHARD , LEUZ CHRISTIAN , VERRECCHIA ROBERT E.
Published: March 2007

In this paper we examine whether and how accounting information about a firm manifests in its cost of capital, despite the forces of diversification. We build a model that is consistent with the Capital Asset Pricing Model and explicitly allows for multiple securities whose cash flows are correlated. We demonstrate that the quality of accounting information can influence the cost of capital, both directly and indirectly. The direct effect occurs because higher quality disclosures affect the firm's assessed covariances with other firms' cash flows, which is nondiversifiable. The indirect effect occurs because higher quality disclosures affect a firm's real decisions, which likely changes the firm's ratio of the expected future cash flows to the covariance of these cash flows with the sum of all the cash flows in the market. We show that this effect can go in either direction, but also derive conditions under which an increase in information quality leads to an unambiguous decline in the cost of capital.
What Makes a Stock Risky? Evidence from Sell‐Side Analysts' Risk Ratings
Authors: LUI DAPHNE , MARKOV STANIMIR , TAMAYO ANE
Published: March 2007

We examine the determinants and the informativeness of financial analysts' risk ratings using a large sample of research reports issued by Salomon Smith Barney, now Citigroup, over the period 1997–2003. We find that the cross‐sectional variation in risk ratings is largely explained by variables commonly viewed as measures of risk, such as idiosyncratic risk, size, book‐to‐market, and leverage. In addition, earnings‐based measures of risk, such as earnings quality and accounting losses, also contribute to explaining the cross‐sectional variation in the risk ratings. Finally, we document that the risk ratings can be used to predict future return volatility after controlling for other predictors of future volatility. We conclude that analysts play an important role as providers of information about investment risk.
VASCULAR CALCIFICATION IN PATIENTS WITH KIDNEY DISEASE: Animal Models—What They Can Tell Us about Vascular Calcification in CKD
Authors: Massy Ziad A. , Slama Michel , Tribouilloy Christophe , Drüeke Tilman B.
Published: March 2007

The development of cardiovascular calcifications in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients involves multiple risk factors with additive effects. However, a number of questions concerning cardiovascular calcifications in CKD patients remain unanswered at present due to lack of clinical data or due to the impossibility of conducting clinical trials to investigate these issues. In this review, we discuss how animal models could help us understand better the pathophysiology and management of calcifying cardiovascular complications associated with CKD.
VASCULAR CALCIFICATION IN PATIENTS WITH KIDNEY DISEASE: Vascular Calcification and Disordered Mineral Metabolism in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Kalpakian Mary Alice , Mehrotra Rajnish
Published: March 2007

Vascular calcification is an active, cell‐mediated process that can involve either the intima or media of the blood vessels. The current methods used to clinically measure vascular calcification cannot distinguish between intimal (invariably atherosclerotic) and medial calcification. The high calcification scores seen in patients with end‐stage renal disease likely represent a composite of high calcification burden in both sites. The severity of vascular calcification has been associated with a variety of findings including left ventricular hypertrophy and angiographic vascular stenosis as well as with all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality. There is increasing evidence that disordered mineral metabolism participates in the process of vascular calcification and is one of the mechanisms whereby hyperphosphatemia, hypercalcemia, and hyperparathyroidism enhance cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality of end‐stage renal disease patients. There are no studies showing improved outcomes of ESRD patients with aggressive control of disordered mineral metabolism. However, the preponderance of evidence argues strongly in favor of aggressive management of these abnormalities from starting early in the course of chronic kidney disease in the hope of improving patient outcomes.
830 nm laser irradiation induces varicosity formation, reduces mitochondrial membrane potential and blocks fast axonal flow in small and medium diameter rat dorsal root ganglion neurons: implications for the analgesic effects of 830 nm laser
Authors: Chow Roberta T , David Monique A , Armati Patricia J
Published: March 2007

Abstract  We report the formation of 830 nm (cw) laser‐induced, reversible axonal varicosities, using immunostaining with β‐tubulin, in small and medium diameter, TRPV‐1 positive, cultured rat DRG neurons. Laser also induced a progressive and statistically significant decrease (p < 0.005) in MMP in mitochondria in and between static axonal varicosities. In cell bodies of the neuron, the decrease in MMP was also statistically significant (p < 0.05), but the decrease occurred more slowly. Importantly we also report for the first time that 830 nm (cw) laser blocked fast axonal flow, imaged in real time using confocal laser microscopy and JC‐1 as mitotracker.

Control neurons in parallel cultures remained unaffected with no varicosity formation and no change in MMP. Mitochondrial movement was continuous and measured along the axons at a rate of 0.8 μm/s (range 0.5–2 μm/s), consistent with fast axonal flow. Photoacceptors in the mitochondrial membrane absorb laser and mediate the transduction of laser energy into electrochemical changes, initiating a secondary cascade of intracellular events. In neurons, this results in a decrease in MMP with a concurrent decrease in available ATP required for nerve function, including maintenance of microtubules and molecular motors, dyneins and kinesins, responsible for fast axonal flow. Laser‐induced neural blockade is a consequence of such changes and provide a mechanism for a neural basis of laser‐induced pain relief. The repeated application of laser in a clinical setting modulates nociception and reduces pain. The application of laser therapy for chronic pain may provide a non‐drug alternative for the management of chronic pain.
A Possible Explanation for the Paradox of Hyperexcitability and Epilepsy in “Loss of Function” Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Mutations
Authors: Mathews Gregory C.
Published: March 2007

Reduced Sodium Current in GABAergic Interneurons in a Mouse Model of Severe Myoclonic Epilepsy in Infancy. Yu FH, Mantegazza M, Westenbroek RE, Robbins CA, Kalume F, Burton KA, Spain WJ, McKnight GS, Scheuer T, Catterall WA. Nat Neurosci 2006;9:1142–1149. Voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV) are critical for initiation of action potentials. Heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in NaV1.1 channels cause severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy (SMEI). Homozygous null SCN1A–/– mice developed ataxia and died on postnatal day (P) 15 but could be sustained to P17.5 with manual feeding. Heterozygous SCN1A+/– mice had spontaneous seizures and sporadic deaths beginning after P21, with a notable dependence on genetic background. Loss of NaV1.1 did not change voltage-dependent activation or inactivation of sodium channels in hippocampal neurons. The sodium current density was, however, substantially reduced in inhibitory interneurons of SCN1A+/– and SCN1A–/– mice but not in their excitatory pyramidal neurons. An immunocytochemical survey also showed a specific upregulation of NaV1.3 channels in a subset of hippocampal interneurons. Our results indicate that reduced sodium currents in GABAergic inhibitory interneurons in SCN1A+/– heterozygotes may cause the hyperexcitability that leads to epilepsy in patients with SMEI.
Protecting Critical Assets: The r‐Interdiction Median Problem with Fortification
Authors: Church Richard L. , Scaparra Maria Paola
Published: March 2007

Many systems contain bottlenecks, critical linkages, and key facilities. Such components, when lost due to a man‐made or natural disaster, may imperil a system in performing its intended function. This article focuses on reducing the impact of an intentional strike against a supply system where supply facilities can be fortified in order to prevent such events. It is assumed that fortification resources are limited and must be used in the most efficient manner. In a recent article, Church, Scaparra, and Middleton (2004) introduced the r‐interdiction median problem, which can be used to identify the most important facilities in a supply system. In this article, we extend that model to address the option of fortifying such sites against possible interdiction. We present a new integer‐linear programming model that optimally allocates fortification resources in order to minimize the impact of interdiction. Computational results are presented in using this model for several hypothetical problems. We also discuss the general properties of fortification and demonstrate that the presence of fortification can impact which system elements are considered critical.
A Surface‐Based Approach to Measuring Spatial Segregation
Authors: O'Sullivan David , Wong David W. S.
Published: March 2007

Quantitative indices of residential segregation have been with us for half a century, but suffer significant limitations. While useful for comparison among regions, summary indices fail to reveal spatial aspects of segregation. Such measures generally consider only the population mix within zones, not between them. Zone boundaries are treated as impenetrable barriers to interaction between population subgroups, so that measurement of segregation is constrained by the zoning system, which bears no necessary relation to interaction among population subgroups. A segregation measurement approach less constrained by the chosen zoning system, which enables visualization of segregation levels at the local scale and accounts for the spatial dimension of segregation, is required. We propose a kernel density estimation approach to model spatial aspects of segregation. This provides an explicitly geographical framework for modeling and visualizing local spatial segregation. The density estimation approach lends itself to development of an index of spatial segregation with the advantage of functional compatibility with the most widely used index of segregation (the dissimilarity index D). We provide a short review of the literature on measuring segregation, briefly describe the kernel density estimation method, and illustrate how the method can be used for measuring segregation. Examples using a simulated landscape and two empirical cases in Washington, DC and Philadelphia, PA are presented.
The association between traumatic experience, paranoia and hallucinations: a test of the predictions of psychological models
Authors: Gracie A. , Freeman D. , Green S. , Garety P. A. , Kuipers E. , Hardy A. , Ray K. , Dunn G. , Bebbington P. , Fowler D.
Published: March 2007

Objective:  The current study investigated the relationship between trauma and predisposition to hallucinations and to paranoia in a non‐clinical sample.

Method:  A total of 228 students completed online measures of trauma, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schematic beliefs, perceptual anomalies, and predisposition to hallucinations and paranoia.

Results:  Associations were found between negative schematic beliefs, PTSD and predisposition to both paranoia and hallucinations. PTSD reexperiencing‐symptoms were most strongly associated with a predisposition to hallucinations. Negative beliefs about self and others were most strongly associated with a predisposition to paranoia.

Conclusion:  The results provide support for the prediction that there may be two routes between trauma and predisposition to psychosis. Clear support was found for a link between trauma and psychosis mediated by negative beliefs about self and others. There may also be a direct association between re‐experiencing symptoms and hallucinations.
The association of the composite IL‐1 genotype with periodontitis progression and/or treatment outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Huynh‐Ba G. , Lang N. P. , Tonetti M. S. , Salvi G. E.
Published: March 2007

Background: Genetically transmitted traits such as cytokine gene polymorphisms may accentuate the host inflammatory response to the bacterial challenge and influence susceptibility to periodontitis.

Objective: To systematically review the evidence of an association between the interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) composite genotype, i.e. presence of the allele 2 in the gene clusters IL‐1A‐889 and in IL‐1B +3953, and periodontitis progression and/or treatment outcomes.

Material and Methods: Based on the focused question, a search was conducted for longitudinal clinical trials comparing progression of periodontitis and/or treatment outcomes in IL‐1 genotype‐positive (carrying allele 2) and IL‐1 genotype‐negative (not carrying allele 2) subjects. A search in the National Library of Medicine computerized bibliographic database MEDLINE and a manual search were performed. Selection of publications, extraction of data and validity assessment were made independently by two reviewers.

Results: The search provided 122 titles of which 11 longitudinal publications were included. The heterogeneity of the data prevented the performance of a meta‐analysis. While findings from some publications rejected a possible role of IL‐1 composite genotype on progression of periodontitis after various therapies, other reported a prognostic value for disease progression of the positive IL‐1 genotype status. When assessed on a multivariate risk assessment model, several publications concluded that the assessment of the IL‐1 composite genotype in conjunction with other covariates (e.g. smoking and presence of specific bacteria) may provide additional information on disease progression. The small sample size of the available publications, however, requires caution in the interpretation of the results.

Conclusion: Based on these findings, (i) there is insufficient evidence to establish if a positive IL‐1 genotype status contributes to progression of periodontitis and/or treatment outcomes. Therefore, (ii) results obtained with commercially available tests should be interpreted with caution.
Estimating the benefits of community water fluoridation using the willingness‐to‐pay technique: results of a pilot study
Authors: Dixon Simon , Shackley Phil
Published: March 2007

Abstract –

Objectives: To estimate the health and non‐health effects of fluoridation on well‐being using the willingness‐to‐pay technique. Methods: A pilot study of 100 people was undertaken in which the willingness‐to‐pay technique was used to estimate the welfare effects of community water fluoridation in the city of Sheffield, in the United Kingdom. In view of the pilot nature of the study, it was decided to use quota sampling based on age and sex rather than random sampling. Reasons for respondents' answers and their previous knowledge of fluoridation were also noted. Results: Sixty‐two percent of respondents were in favour of fluoridation, 31% were opposed, and 7% were unsure. Thirty‐one respondents re‐fused to answer the willingness‐to‐pay questions. The mean willingness to pay for those in favour of fluoridation was less than that for those opposed to fluoridation. The main reasons given for opposing fluoridation were its impact on freedom of choice and the desire for pure water. Nineteen percent of the sample held incorrect information on the effects of fluoridation. Conclusions: The study illustrates how a simple referendum can miss important information regarding the intensity of individuals' preferences. An important aspect of the willingness‐to‐pay technique is its ability to identify ‘losers’ and quantify their welfare loss. This issue has been ignored by all previous economic evaluations of fluoridation. Further investigation is required to replicate this work on a larger sample of individuals, and to develop the willingness‐to‐pay technique.
Deprivation and dental caries status of 5‐year‐old children in Scotland
Authors: Sweeney Patrick C. , Nugent Zoann , Pitts Nigel B.
Published: March 2007

Abstract –

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the dental caries status of 5‐year‐old children in Scotland and deprivation, as assessed by the Carstairs score and its DEPCAT categories, which are composite descriptors of socio‐economic status. Methods: Anonymous records, including postcode sector of residence, from the 1995/96 Scottish Health Board's Dental Epidemiological Programme 5‐year‐old survey were linked though a multi‐stage process to their corresponding Carstairs scores and DEPCAT categories. The data were analysed to investigate the relationship between d3t, mt, ft, d3mft, proportion ‘free’ of caries experience and socio‐economic status for Scotland. Results: When analysed by DEPCAT the mean d3mft ranged from 1.48 for children resident in the most affluent postcode areas (DEPCAT 1) to 4.87 for those in DEPCAT 7. The mean d3mft from the 1995/96 survey of 5‐year‐old children in Scotland was 2.93. For the percentage ‘free’ of caries experience (d3mft=0) the findings in this study ranged from 62.4% (DEPCAT 1) to 19.8% (DEPCAT 7). The d3t and mt components of d3mft and mean d3mft showed a strong positive association with increasing deprivation. The proportion of 5‐year‐olds experiencing decay was also significantly associated with a more deprived Carstairs score. The f component showed no association with deprivation. The Care Index (ft/d3mft×100%) ranged from 10.8% (DEPCAT 1) to 2.9% (DEPCAT 7). Conclusions: There was a striking association between increasing deprivation and increasing caries experience. Children from the most deprived areas had significantly more untreated decay and missing teeth. In a population with low levels of restorative intervention, no association was found between deprivation and the amount of restorative care received by Scottish 5‐year‐old children.
A comparison of the validity of generic‐ and disease‐specific measures in the assessment of oral health‐related quality of life
Authors: Allen P. Finbarr , McMillan Anne S. , Walshaw David , Locker David
Published: March 2007

Abstract– In recent years, a number of instruments have been developed to measure the outcomes of oral disease. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) is the most sophisticated and comprehensive measure developed to date. At present, reports of the use of this measure are confined to descriptive population studies. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the validity of the OHIP with a generic health‐related quality of life measure, the SF36. Methods: Study subjects were in three groups, namely, edentulous patients seeking dental implants (“implant subjects”, n=32), edentulous patients seeking conventional dentures (“edentulous control”, n=35) and dentate patients (“dentate control”, n=21). All subjects completed an OHIP and SF36 prior to receiving any treatment. The edentulous subjects also completed a subjective assessment of satisfaction with their existing conventional dentures. OHIP data were computed using the simple count and weighted scores methods. Results: The median number of negative impacts reported for each group was: 17 (implant subjects), six (conventional control) and one (dentate control). OHIP sub‐scale scores were significantly higher (P < 0.001) for implant subjects than control subjects. There were no significant differences between the SF36 sub‐scale scores. There was a significant correlation (P≦0.01) between aspects of satisfaction with conventional dentures worn by the edentulous subjects and OHIP sub‐scale scores. Correlations between denture satisfaction variables and SF36 scores were not significant. Conclusions: It was concluded that the OHIP shows good discriminant and construct validity properties. As it is oral specific, it will be of greater use in measuring outcomes of oral disorders than generic measures such as SF36. This finding will be relevant when considering the use of health‐related quality of life measures to target resources and measure the outcome of clinical intervention.
Associations between self‐assessed masticatory disability and health of community‐residing elderly people
Authors: Nakanishi Noriyuki , Hino Youichi , Ida Osamu , Fukuda Hideki , Shinsho Fumiaki , Tatara Kozo
Published: March 2007

Abstract– Objective: To examine the relationship between the self‐assessed masticatory disability and the health of community‐residing older people. Methods: Of 1473 randomly selected people aged 65 years and older living in Settsu, Osaka Prefecture, in October 1992, data on general health status, history of health management, psychosocial conditions, and dental conditions were obtained from 1405 people by interviews made during home visits. Follow‐up for 54 months was completed for 1306 subjects (93.0%; 1072 living, 234 deceased). Results: Being over 75 years of age, having poor general health and poor dental status, not using dental health checks, not using general health checks, not participating in social activities, not feeling that life is worth living (no “ikigai”), and feeling anxious about the future were univariately and significantly associated with self‐assessed masticatory disability. Logistic regression analyses indicated that being older than 75 years, having poor general health and poor dental status, not using dental health checks, and not participating in social activities were independently associated with self‐assessed masticatory disability. The Cox proportional hazards model showed that being male, over 75 years of age, and in poor general health, as well as not using general health checks, and not participating in social activities were independently associated with mortality. Self‐assessed masticatory disability was univariately and significantly related to mortality, but by itself was not a significant risk factor for mortality, because of the potential influence of other variables. Conclusions: Certain health and psychosocial factors are closely associated with self‐assessed masticatory disability among older people. Further investigations are needed to determine whether masticatory disability is a significant risk factor for mortality.
Applicability of SWOT analysis for measuring quality of public oral health services as perceived by adult patients in Finland
Authors: Toivanen Tuula , Lahti Satu , Leino‐Kilpi Helena
Published: March 2007

Abstract– Objective: To determine the applicability of SWOT analysis for measuring the quality of public oral health services from the adult client's perspective. Methods: Data were collected using a structured questionnaire developed in an earlier study. The study group consisted of all adult (over 18 years of age) clients (n=256) using public municipal oral health services in Kirkkonummi, Finland, during 2 weeks in 1995. Before treatment, patients filled out a questionnaire that measured the importance of their expectations in different aspects of oral care. After the appointment, they filled out a similar questionnaire that measured the enactment of these expectations in the treatment situation. The response rate was 51%. The difference between subjective importance and enactment of expectations was tested by Wilcoxon's signed rank test. Results were interpreted using both a conventional analysis of “expectation enacted or not” and SWOT analysis, which is used in strategic planning to identify areas of strengths (S), weaknesses (W), opportunities (O) and threats (T) in an organisation. Results: In 28 statements out of 35, the two analyses revealed similar interpretations. In most areas the patient‐perceived quality of the services was good. Weaknesses were found in the following areas: communicating to patients the causes and risk of developing oral diseases, informing them about different treatment possibilities, and including patients in decision‐making when choosing restorative materials. Conclusion: SWOT analysis provided more structured interpretation of the results, and can be more easily transferred to development of services.
Risks in risk denitions
Authors: Alanen Pentti
Published: March 2007

Abstract– Exact denitions of epidemiological concepts are necessary tools for exact studies. The present paper, stimulated by Becks's article in this journal (Com munity Dent Oral Epidemiol 1998; 26: 220–5), includes some further comments on this topic. For detailed risk analyses, one has to know a) whether the subjects are disease free or not at baseline in the groups to be compared, and b) whether the follow‐up period is fair for all the study groups in prevention studies. An epistemological aspect is presented in a discussion of the roles of empirical evidence and theory in identifying evidence for or against some suspected risk factors.
How effective is ART in the management of dental caries?
Authors: Frencken Jo E. , Holmgren Christopher J.
Published: March 2007

Abstract– The ART approach involves excavating cavitated dentine caries with hand instruments, then restoring the cavity and sealing any associated fissures and pits with an adhesive restorative material, resulting in a sealant restoration. Until recently, ART has mainly been used under field conditions, and thus the adhesive restorative material used has been glass ionomer which does not require mixing machines and curing lights. Since the inception of ART, a growing number of studies world‐wide have taken place. A total of four studies have reported 3‐year survival percentages for one‐surface ART restorations. The highest 3‐year survival percentage in permanent teeth was 88%, which is comparable to the 85% survival of one‐surface amalgam restorations placed under the same field conditions after 3 years. The outcomes depend to some extent on the material used, operator experience and presence of caries. The presence of caries as a reason for failure was higher in the early than in the most recent studies. Only one study has reported on the use of ART restorations in the deciduous dentition. It is concluded that: a very large proportion of dentine lesions in the permanent teeth can be treated using the ART approach; the 3‐year survival rate of the more recently placed one‐surface ART restorations in permanent teeth was higher than that of ART restorations placed in the beginning; the survival of one‐surface ART restorations in the permanent dentition with newer glass ionomers is comparable to that of one‐surface conventional restorations placed using amalgam in a comparable setting after 3 years; more studies of longer duration are needed to confirm these findings; ART should be considered a caries treatment modality that benefits people; and educational courses need to be organised before the approach is applied in the clinic.
The tyrosinase enhancer is activated by Sox10 and Mitf in mouse melanocytes
Authors: Murisier Fabien , Guichard Sabrina , Beermann Friedrich
Published: March 2007

The terminal differentiation of melanocytes is associated with the transcriptional activation of genes responsible for pigment production such as tyrosinase. Pigment cell‐specific transcription factors, such as Mitf, as well as specific proximal and distal regulatory elements (DRE) are implicated in the tight control of tyrosinase expression during development and adulthood. Proper tyrosinase expression in melanocytes depends upon the presence of a DRE that is located at −15 kb and provides enhancer activity via a central element termed core‐enhancer. In this report, we show that the transcription factors Sox10, Mitf and USF‐1 are able to activate the core‐enhancer in luciferase reporter assays. Comparative sequence analysis identified evolutionarily motifs resembling Sox10 binding sites that were required for full enhancer activity in melanoma cells and in tyrosinase::lacZ transgenic mice. Sox10 was able to bind the DRE in vitro and mutation of the conserved motifs abolished the enhancer transactivation mediated by Sox10. In addition, two highly conserved CAGCTG E‐box motifs were identified that were also required for enhancer activity and for transactivation by Mitf. The results suggest that Sox10 directly, and Mitf, most likely indirectly, activate the tyrosinase enhancer, underlining the contribution of Sox10 to tyrosinase gene regulation in melanocytes.
Cutaneous blood flow in dermatomyositis and its association with disease severity
Authors: Dawn Aerlyn , Thevarajah Suganthi , Cayce Kimberly A. , Carroll Christie L. , Duque Maria L. , Chan Yiong Huak , Jorizzo Joseph L. , Yosipovitch Gil
Published: March 2007

Background: Several studies using nailfold capillary microscopes have demonstrated capillary changes in patients with dermatomyositis (DM); however, no previous study has examined cutaneous blood flow in this disease.

Purpose: To determine cutaneous blood flow in involved and non‐involved skin surfaces of patients with DM and to assess possible correlation with clinical measures of disease severity.

Methods: Using a Laser Doppler perfusion imager, cutaneous blood flow was measured at six targeted sites of involved and apparently non‐involved skin of 13 DM patients and the corresponding non‐involved sites of 13 healthy controls. Overall disease severity of DM patients was determined by physician's global assessment (PGA), creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) levels, medical research council (MRC) scores, and the DM skin severity index (DSSI).

Results: Skin blood flow was significantly elevated in involved vs. non‐involved skin of DM patients at all anatomic sites measured: periungual (P=0.001), knuckle (P=0.001), elbow (P=0.013), periorbital (P=0.015), chest (P=0.028), and back (P=0.001). Blood flow was also higher in apparently non‐involved skin of DM patients vs. skin of healthy controls at all anatomic sites, although statistical significance was not achieved. A significant negative correlation was observed between the DSSI and blood flow in involved skin of the chest (P=0.003), back (P=0.002), and knuckle (P=0.026).

Conclusion: DM is associated with significantly increased cutaneous blood flow, even at sites where no erythema is evident. This suggests significant involvement of the skin vasculature in this disease process.
Fluorescent silica colloids for study and visualization of skin care products
Authors: Iyer Swaminathan , Kievsky Yaroslav , Sokolov Igor
Published: March 2007

Background: The efficacy of skin care products depends on the time and dynamics of their absorbance by the skin, and its spatial distribution on the skin. Regular scrape‐based methods may depend on the operator and are destructive and invasive in nature. Here, we describe a novel method based on non‐contact optical measurements to trace the location and dynamics of skin care products on the skin.

Methods: We use fluorescent silica colloidal particles of micron sizes at a rather small concentration as non‐invasive tracers. As an example of skin care products, we use two base materials: either glycerin or vaseline. A mixture of each product with fluorescent particles is applied on human skin. The amount of fluorescence is monitored by means of a fluorescent spectrometer. The scraping method is used to compare with the spectroscopic measurements.

Results: Fluorescent tracers make the skin care product visible under UV light. This allows obtaining an optical image of the spatial distribution of the product on the skin. The quantitative data of fluorescence are well correlated with the scrape data. Comparison of the difference in the spectral and scraped mass data reveals the details of accumulation of the skin products in skin cracks and crevices.

Conclusion: We described an efficient non‐invasive benign method to quantify dynamics and to perform mapping of emollients and humectants on the skin.