bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grandparent Visitation Rights
Authors: Henderson Tammy L.
Published: June 2005

The purpose of the study was to review grandparent visitation cases to determine how justices interpreted the best interests of the child standard. Using grounded theory methods, the author conducted a study on 46 grandparent visitation cases. Based on the critical review of these cases, three themes emerged: parental rights, children’s rights, and child development. These themes help to explain how courts influence the social construction of power within families. The author closes the study with implications and suggestions for future research.
Predictors of Depression Among Low-Income, Nonresidential Fathers
Authors: Anderson Elaine A. , Kohler Julie K. , Letiecq Bethany L.
Published: June 2005

This article investigates the life conditions that contribute to low-income fathers’ depression and that may jeopardize their relationships with their children. This work is based on a cultural-ecological framework that emphasizes the need to understand these fathers within their larger familial and social contexts. The sample consisted of 127 predominantly African American participants in two urban and rural responsible fatherhood programs. Of the fathers, 56% reported depressive symptoms indicating cause for clinical concern. In addition, fathers’ resource challenges (unemployment; inability to pay full amount of child support order; limited access to reliable transportation; lack of permanent housing; problems with alcohol or drugs; health problems or disability; and criminal conviction history), residence (rural vs. urban), and level of social support were all significant predictors of fathers’ depression. The authors discuss how these findings can be used to guide future programmatic and policy initiatives pertaining to low-income, nonresidential fathers.
Older-Aged Parents
Authors: Knodel John , Saengtienchai Chanpen
Published: June 2005

This study examines the role that older-aged parents play in the care and support of adult sons and daughters with HIV or AIDS and of AIDS orphans in Thailand within the context of a limited institutional safety net. The analysis draws on both quantitative and qualitative data from survey and open-ended interviews with the parents and from individual case information provided by key informants. The results show that health and welfare benefits provided to persons with HIV or AIDS in Thailand are significant but that this formal safety net still leaves the bulk of care and support, as well as the fostering of orphans, to the family. Reliance on parents is particularly common, a pattern that likely occurs in other developing countries with serious epidemics. Programs to improve caregiving and to provide support to persons affected by the epidemic need to recognize the crucial role of older-aged parents and to incorporate them in their efforts.
Adult Couples Facing a Planned or an Unplanned Pregnancy
Authors: Bouchard Geneviève
Published: June 2005

This study examined demographic, individual, and relational factors that differentiate adult couples facing an unplanned pregnancy carried to term from those facing a planned pregnancy. One hundred and eighteen couples expecting their first child completed, along with a demographic questionnaire, measures of personality, perceived stress, depression, attachment, and dyadic adjustment during the third trimester of the women’s pregnancy. Results showed that demographic risk factors for unplanned births included age, education level, annual income, length of relationship, and marital status. In addition, high levels of neuroticism, depression, and perceived stress, and low levels of agreeableness and conscientiousness were individual factors associated with unplanned pregnancies among pregnant women. Relational factors associated with unplanned pregnancies included low levels of secure attachment and high levels of anxious-ambivalent and avoidant attachment in men and women. The findings clearly suggest that the psychosocial environment of couples with unplanned pregnancies is problematic.
Cultural and Acculturation Differences in Trajectories of Home Environment Inventory Scores for Latino Children and Families
Authors: Schmitz Mark F.
Published: June 2005

This study examines the influence of social context on the home environment for children aged0 to 14years, testing for differences between Cubans ( n = 47), Mexicans( n = 240), Mexican Americans ( n = 415), and Puerto Ricans ( n = 162). Hierarchical linear models showed significant cultural and acculturation effects on the trajectories of cognitive stimulation and emotional support in the home environment. The home environment of families in which the mother reported more U.S. ancestry showed significant declines in cognitive stimulation, whereas families in which the mother was more likely to use Spanish during the study interview showed significant increases in cognitive stimulation as the child aged. In contrast, no significant acculturation effects were found for the trajectories of emotional support in the home.
Walking a Tightrope
Authors: Jiwani Yasmin
Published: June 2005

This article explores a hidden yet pervasive form of violence that marks the lives of young women from racialized immigrant communities in western Canada. It argues for an intersectional analysis that takes into consideration their heightened vulnerability to systemic and institutional forms of violence. Situated at the intersections of race, class, gender, and age, these young women walk a tightrope between the violence of racism they experience from the host and/or dominant society and the pressures to conform imposed from within their communities. Challenging previous culturalist explanations, the article suggests that racism constitutes a significant form of structural violence experienced by these young women.
Protective Orders in Rural and Urban Areas
Authors: Logan TK , Shannon Lisa , Walker Robert
Published: June 2005

This study is one of the first to examine the protective order process, barriers, and outcomes by combining qualitative and quantitative research in rural and urban areas. State statutes suggest the protective order process should be fair, consistent, and accessible to all women in the state. However, study results suggest that (a) the process of obtaining protective orders varies depending on community context; (b) although there are barriers to obtaining and enforcing protective orders regardless of geographic region, rural women appear to have more barriers; and (c) differences exist in victimization experiences, protective order stipulations, violations, and perceived effectiveness among rural and urban women.
Facile Synthesis of Nanocrystalline Titanium Carbonitride via a Chemical Metathesis Route
Authors: Feng Xin , Shi Li-Yi
Published: June 2005

Nanocrystalline titanium carbonitride (TiCN) was successfully synthesized at low temperature (450 °C) via a chemical metathesis route using the readily attainable TiCl4, CaC2 and NaN3 as source materials. X-ray powder diffraction indicated that the product was cubic TiCN with a lattice constant a = 4.252 Å. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the crystals were composed of spherical particles with the diameter of 66 nm. X-ray photoemission spectra analysed that the atomic ratio was good agreement with the TiC0.4N0.6 stoichiometry. The possible formation mechanism was investigated.
Low-temperature Fabrication of Nano-porous TiO2 Layers for Dye-sensitized Solar Cells. Fabrication of Ion-diffusion Paths
Authors: Kado Takashi , Kubota Yukihumi , Hayase Shuzi
Published: June 2005

In dye-sensitized solar cells, it is required to build up both of ion paths and electron paths in TiO2 layers for low-temperature fabrication process. In this report, ion paths are focused on. Semiconductive layers are composed of TiO2 nanocrystals (P25) and needle-shape TiO2 crystals (FTL 100). By adding 20% of the needles into P25, photocurrent increased from 5.3 to 7.7 mA/cm2. Pore distributions, surface areas, Cole–Cole plot and currents passing through TiO2 layers were measured. These results suggest that the increase in the photocurrent is associated with the formation of ion paths in TiO2 layers.
Solvation Dynamics at the Water/Mica Interface as Studied by Time-resolved Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Yamashita Tomohisa , Amino Yousuke , Yamaguchi Akira , Teramae Norio
Published: June 2005

Solvation dynamics at the water/mica interface was investigated by time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. Time-resolved fluorescence spectra of a coumarin dye immobilized on the mica surface show dynamic Stokes shifts with several hundreds picosecond time scale. Solvent relaxation time observed at the water/mica interface was remarkably longer than that observed in a bulk solution, suggesting existence of a rigid water layer on the mica surface, that is, hydrogen-bonding network is strongly formed at the mica surface.
The Template Polymerization of 12-Methacryloyloxydodecanoate Ions in LDH Clay
Authors: Itoh Toshio , Yamashita Mineo , Shichi Tetsuya , Yui Tatsuto , Takagi Katsuhiko
Published: June 2005

The LDH clay template polymerization of 12-methacryloyloxydodecanoate (MADA) ions under UV light irradiation resulted in the formation of preferential meso polymer ions through radical propagation in a parallel-oriented MADA hybrid assembly.
Application of Sulfonated Polyimide Membranes to Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
Authors: Song Jung Min , Asano Naoki , Miyatake Kenji , Uchida Hiroyuki , Watanabe Masahiro
Published: June 2005

Sulfonated polyimide (SPI) membrane has been evaluated as an electrolyte membrane for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) in comparison with Nafion®112. The membrane-electrolyte assemblies (MEAs) were made by hot-pressing each membrane, an anode of Pt–Ru dispersed on carbon black (Pt–Ru/CB) and a cathode of Pt/CB with Nafion® ionomer. The cell prepared with SPI membrane exhibited a suppressed methanol crossover to a half of Nafion®112, resulting in the improved cell performance.
Z-Selective or Stereospecific Alkenylation Reaction: A Novel Synthetic Method for α-Fluoro-α,β-unsaturated Esters
Authors: Yoshimatsu Mitsuhiro , Murase Yoshinori , Itoh Akinori , Tanabe Genzoh , Muraoka Osamu
Published: June 2005

The Z-selective formation of α-fluoro-α,β-unsaturated esters was achieved using the deselenenic acid of the syn- and/or anti-3-aryl-2-fluoro-3-hydroxy-2-organoselanylacetates 3 and 4 with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid. In contrast, the 3-alkyl-substituted propanoates 3f and 4b stereospecifically underwent alkenylation to give the (E)- or (Z)-α-fluoro-α,β-unstaurated esters 5f. We were also successful in the one-pot alkenylation reactions.
Analysis of Correlated Expert Judgments from Extended Pairwise Comparisons
Authors: Merrick Jason R. W. , van Dorp J. Rene , Singh Amita
Published: June 2005

We develop a Bayesian multivariate analysis of expert judgment elicited using an extended form of pairwise comparisons. The method can be used to estimate the effect of multiple factors on the probability of an event and can be applied in risk analysis and other decision problems. The model, which parallels Bayesian models for combining expert judgments, provides predictions of the quantity of interest that incorporate dependencies among the various experts. In this form we may learn about the dependencies between the experts from their responses. The analysis is applied to a real data set of expert judgments elicited during the Washington State Ferries Risk Assessment. The effect of the statistical dependence among experts is compared to an analysis assuming independence among them.
From the Editors…Remembering Ward Edwards
Authors: Clemen Robert T. , Kleinmuntz Don N.
Published: June 2005

Ward Edwards' contributions to behavioral decision theory and decision analysis are remembered, as are his contributions to the Decision Analysis Society of INFORMS and this journal. The lead article of the issue, by Gregory, Fischhoff, and McDaniels, notes that applications of decision analysis to public-process decision making would benefit from improved linages between psychological and analytical approaches. Other contributions include Bayesian models for combining expert opinions, an empirical study of risk taking in sequential decision making, and applications to environmental management and the sport of curling.
Conservation Genetics of Inland Lake Trout in the Upper Mississippi River Basin: Stocked or Native Ancestry?
Authors: Piller Kyle R. , Wilson Chris C. , Lee Carol Eunmi , Lyons John
Published: June 2005

Although stocking for sport fishery enhancement has been practiced by resource managers for decades, the potential genetic effects of these stocking practices have remained largely unknown. We investigated the genetic contributions of stocking lake trout Salvelinus namaycush in two inland lakes in Wisconsin (Trout and Black Oak lakes in Vilas County), which represent the only known indigenous lake trout populations in the upper Mississippi River basin. Exogenous sources of lake trout (Lake Michigan and Lake Superior strains) have been stocked into each of these lakes for decades, although the long‐term effects of past stocking events on these populations are unknown. We used nine microsatellite loci and polymerase chain reaction– restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of mitochondrial DNA to determine the distinctiveness and genetic ancestry of lake trout in Trout and Black Oak lakes. Measures of allelic variance indicated that Trout and Black Oak lakes were significantly different (P < 0.05) from each other (FST = 0.162) and all other populations evaluated in this study (FST = 0.101 − 0.164). The combined microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA data indicate that upper Mississippi River basin lake trout have been minimally affected by past stocking practices. These populations should be managed as native gene pools, and interlake and interbasin stocking should be avoided.
Biophysical Factors Associated with the Marine Survival of Auke Creek, Alaska, Coho Salmon
Authors: Briscoe Ryan J. , Adkison Milo D. , Wertheimer Alex , Taylor S. G.
Published: June 2005

Correlation analyses and stepwise regression models were run to examine relationships between the marine survival of Auke Creek coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch and a number of physical and biological covariates: Local sea surface temperature, local precipitation, local hatchery releases of pink salmon O. gorbuscha and chum salmon O. keta, regional and state coho and pink salmon catches, and smolt survival of three other regional coho salmon stocks. Auke Creek jack return rates and adult marine survival covaried, indicating that a significant amount of the variation in marine survival is due to conditions encountered in the first 4 to 5 months of marine life. Sea surface temperature was not significantly correlated with adult survival but was significantly associated with jack return rates. Precipitation had no relationship with marine survival. The number of locally released hatchery pink and chum salmon had the strongest correlation with marine survival (r = 0.71). Marine survival trends of coho salmon stocks within 64 km of Auke Creek closely followed Auke Creek marine survival, indicating that the factors affecting the marine survival of coho salmon are similar in localized regions of northern Southeast Alaska. Regional similarities in marine survival with Auke Creek coho salmon also extend to the larger Southeast Alaska region with respect to the analysis of commercial coho salmon catch. The specific mechanisms were not identified, but these results indicate that biological covariates were more associated with Auke Creek coho salmon marine survival than were physical covariates.
Age and Growth of Roundtail Chub in the Upper Verde River, Arizona
Authors: Brouder Mark J.
Published: June 2005

Estimates of the age and growth of roundtail chub Gila robusta were made by analyzing thin cross sections of sagittal otoliths from 280 specimens collected in the upper Verde River, Arizona, from January 1997 to December 1999. Marginal increment analysis indicated that a single annulus completed formation between January and May. The use of otoliths to age roundtail chub was further validated using otoliths of known‐age, hatchery‐reared fish for which (upon examination) the number of annuli agreed 100% of the time with the true age of the fish. In addition, daily increments were observed on sagittal otoliths of age‐0 roundtail chub and, when counted, agreed with the true age of fish 70% of the time; daily ring counts were within 1 and 2 d of the true age 80% and 90% of the time, respectively. Ages assigned to wild‐caught fish by three independent readers resulted in a coefficient of variation (100 × SD/ mean) of 8.2. Ages of roundtail chub varied from 1 to 7, the largest fish being a 427‐mm total length (TL), 836‐g total weight (TW), age‐7 female. The largest male was 413 mm TL, 629 g TW, and age 6. The growth of age‐1–7 roundtail chub (both sexes combined) was greatest during the first year and was best described by the equation Lt = 499.30 [1 − e−0.23(t−0.147)], where Lt is length at time t.
Movement, Swimming Speed, and Oxygen Consumption of Juvenile White Sturgeon in Response to Changing Flow, Water Temperature, and Light Level in the Snake River, Idaho
Authors: Geist David R. , Brown Richard S. , Cullinan Valerie , Brink Steve R. , Lepla Ken , Bates Phil , Chandler James A.
Published: June 2005

The flow of the Snake River downstream of Hells Canyon Dam, Idaho, frequently fluctuates as dam operators alter the amount of electrical load generated in response to moment‐to‐moment power needs (termed load‐following). Flow fluctuations due to load‐following have the potential to increase the energy used by juvenile white sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus that move to avoid unfavorable habitat or that alter swimming speed to maintain position over a range of velocities. Following laboratory respirometry experiments, a field study using electromyogram (EMG) and sonic telemetry was conducted to determine whether movement (area and distance), swimming speed, or oxygen consumption of juvenile white sturgeon responded to the operation of Hells Canyon Dam during three study periods when flows were artificially fluctuated to resemble extreme load‐following operation (192–836 m3/s), held high and stable (442–629 m3/s), or held low and stable (275–284 m3/s). Respirometry results confirmed that the oxygen consumption of juvenile white sturgeon increased with swimming speed, was temperature dependent, and when corrected for fish mass, ranged from 140.2 to 306.5 mg O2 · kg−1 · h−1. The telemetry study showed that the distance sturgeon moved and the area used were similar at all flows. However, when flows were held low and stable, swimming speed and oxygen consumption decreased compared with the other study periods. Although the overall trend was for swimming speed and oxygen consumption to be less during the study period when flows were low and stable, the differences between study periods appeared to be due to differences in water temperature and light levels, which changed during the investigation. The results suggest that high flows, even those of relatively short duration such as occur during load‐following operations, restrict the movement of juvenile white sturgeon. However, high flows do not result in an increase of energy expenditure, possibly because of morphological and behavioral adaptations to living in a high‐velocity environment.
The Clinical Effectiveness of 6 mm Diameter Implants
Authors: Anner R. , Better H. , Chaushu G.
Published: June 2005

Background: Five‐ and 6 mm diameter screw‐type endosseous implants have been used for the last decade. While some studies have reported very promising results (94% to 98% success rate), others have demonstrated survival rates below those clinically acceptable (75% to 87%). Moreover, such implants have been associated with increased cervical bone resorption and thread exposure.

Methods: Between June 1999 and July 2003, 43 patients received treatment with 6 mm diameter tapered hydroxyapatite (HA)‐coated implants. A total of 45 implants were placed. All patients were recalled annually after implant exposure. One patient was lost to follow‐up after 1 year. Forty‐four implants were evaluated at the recall examinations. All implants supported a fixed prosthesis; in the majority of patients (35 implants), it was a single‐tooth fixed prosthesis. The mean loading time was 23.4 months (range, 1 to 54 months).

Results: No implants were lost during the loading period. The overall survival rate was 100%. Crestal bone remodeling was examined using periapical radiographs. After a mean of 23.4 months in function, only one implant presented bone loss beyond the first thread.

Conclusions: This study showed that high survival rates can be obtained after prosthetic treatment with 6 mm‐wide tapered HA‐coated implants. Long‐term prospective studies are needed to confirm these results. J Periodontol 2005;76:1013‐1015.
Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Periodontal Applications of a Living Tissue‐Engineered Human Fibroblast‐ Derived Dermal Substitute. II. Comparison to the Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Study
Authors: Wilson Thomas G. , McGuire Michael K. , Nunn Martha E.
Published: June 2005

Background: The subepithelial connective tissue graft, traditionally harvested from the patient's palate, is commonly used for root coverage in periodontal recession defects. This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of a living human fibroblast‐derived dermal substitute (HF‐DDS) compared to a connective tissue graft (CTG) for root coverage in these situations.

Methods: Thirteen patients were selected for this study. Each patient had Miller Class I or II bilateral facial recession defects ≥3 mm on two non‐adjacent teeth. The test tooth received an HF‐DDS graft, while a CTG was placed on the control site. The 10 test surgeries were performed by one operator and three pilot surgeries were performed by another surgeon. Eight of the HF‐DDS sites received a single thickness of material; five received a double thickness. Clinical measurements were taken at baseline; 1 week; and 1, 3, and 6 months following surgery. Parameters measured were plaque index, recession depth, clinical attachment levels, recession width, probing depth, and width of keratinized tissue. All clinical readings were taken by a masked, calibrated examiner.

Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the test and control groups. The amount of root coverage was slightly greater for the control group than for the test group, but statistically the difference was insignificant. The width of the recession defect measured at the cemento‐enamel junction (CEJ) for the test group was slightly smaller than that of the control group at the conclusion of the study. The amount of keratinized tissue was the same in both groups at 6 months. The probing depth was slightly greater in the control group as was the gain in clinical attachment, but neither was statistically significant. The amount of root coverage obtained when one layer of HF‐DDS was used compared to the amount of coverage obtained when two layers were used approached statistical significance, but the small sample size may have been responsible for the difference.

Conclusion: Within the limits of this study, the human fibroblast‐derived dermal substitute may offer potential as a substitute to the connective tissue graft for covering areas of facial Miller Class I or Class II gingival recession in humans. J Periodontol 2005;76:881‐889.
Association of T CD4 Lymphocyte Levels and Chronic Periodontitis in HIV‐Infected Brazilian Patients Undergoing Highly Active Anti‐Retroviral Therapy: Clinical Results
Authors: Gonçalves Lucio de Souza , Ferreira Sônia Maria Soares , Silva Arley , Villoria German Eduardo , Costinha Lúcia Helena , Colombo Ana Paula
Published: June 2005

Background: Controversial data regarding the association between immunosuppression and prevalence/ severity of periodontal diseases in HIV infection have been reported. Thus, the aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that lower T CD4 lymphocyte levels are not related to a higher prevalence of chronic periodontitis in HIV‐infected Brazilians undergoing highly active anti‐retroviral therapy (HAART).

Methods: Sixty‐four HIV‐infected patients under HAART were classified as having chronic periodontitis; i.e., ≥three sites with probing depth (PD) and/or clinical attachment level (CAL) ≥5 mm or periodontal healthy (no sites with PD >3 mm and/or CAL >4 mm). All subjects received conventional periodontal therapy. Bleeding on probing, plaque accumulation, PD, and CAL were registered at six sites/tooth at baseline and 4 months after therapy. Epidemiological features and levels of T CD4 lymphocytes were obtained from medical records. Significance of differences in periodontal clinical parameters within and between groups were determined using Wilcoxon signed‐rank and Mann‐Whitney or independent sample t tests. Associations between T CD4 levels and clinical parameters were determined using the chi square test.

Results: Sixty‐one percent of the HIV‐infected patients represented AIDS cases, although 69% of them were periodontally healthy. The overall T CD4 lymphocyte mean levels was 333 ± 254 cells/mm3 and viral load was 12,815 ± 24,607 copies/mm3. Yet the prevalence of chronic periodontitis was relatively low (36%). In addition, patients with periodontitis presented a moderate disease (mean PD = 2.2 ± 0.10; mean CAL = 2.6 ± 0.13) and responded successfully to periodontal therapy. These subjects showed higher levels of T CD4 cells, but lower counts of neutrophils than periodontally healthy patients. Among periodontally healthy and chronic periodontitis patients, 41.7% and 22.9%, respectively, had low levels of T CD4 lymphocytes. No significant differences between periodontal status and epidemiological and immunological parameters were observed.

Conclusion: Based on these results, the hypothesis that lower T CD4 lymphocyte levels are not associated with higher prevalence of chronic periodontitis in HIV‐infected Brazilians under HAART cannot be rejected. J Periodontol 2005;76:915‐922.
Determination of Smoking and Obesity as Periodontitis Risks Using the Classification and Regression Tree Method
Authors: Nishida Nobuko , Tanaka Muneo , Hayashi Naoji , Nagata Hideki , Takeshita Tatsuya , Nakayama Kunio , Morimoto Kanehisa , Shizukuishi Satoshi
Published: June 2005

Background: A model that focuses on personal risk factors associated with poor lifestyle has been proposed for the etiology of generalized periodontitis. Numerous investigations have linked individual lifestyle‐related factors to periodontitis risk; however, a definite relationship among lifestyle‐related factors remains unclear. The objective of this study was to determine which lifestyle‐related factors demonstrated the greater impact on periodontitis risk.

Methods: The association of lifestyle‐related factors, such as smoking status and obesity, with periodontitis was assessed in 372 Japanese workers via a self‐administered questionnaire. Smoking status and obesity were evaluated in terms of packyears and body mass index (BMI), respectively. Clinical periodontal examination included probing depth (PD). The effective impact on periodontitis risk was analyzed by the classification and regression tree (CART) method and multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results: Simple logistic regression analyses revealed that factors such as age, gender, alcohol consumption, smoking status, BMI, and frequency of toothbrushing were associated with periodontitis. CART results demonstrated a significant correlation between periodontitis and pack‐years, BMI, and age; in contrast, alcohol consumption, gender, and toothbrushing frequency were not correlated with periodontitis. The strongest factor for periodontitis risk was pack‐years of smoking. Additionally, both pack‐years and BMI exhibited clear dose‐response relationships with periodontitis. These relationships were maintained despite adjustment for known confounding factors.

Conclusions: Smoking displays the greatest impact on periodontitis among lifestyle‐related factors. Both smoking and obesity are independent risk indicators for periodontitis; moreover, these parameters exhibit a dose‐response relationship with respect to periodontitis risk. J Periodontol 2005;76:923‐928.
Cyclooxygenase‐2‐Dependent Prostaglandin (PG) E2 Downregulates Matrix Metalloproteinase‐3 Production via EP2/EP4 Subtypes of PGE2 Receptors in Human Periodontal Ligament Cells Stimulated With Interleukin‐1α
Authors: Yan Mingming , Noguchi Kazuyuki , Ruwanpura Senarath M.P.M. , Ishikawa Isao
Published: June 2005

Background: Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which exerts its actions via EP receptors (EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4), is a bioactive metabolite produced by cyclooxygenase (COX)‐1 and/or COX‐2 from arachidonic acid. In the present study, we investigated whether COX‐2‐derived PGE2 regulated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐3 production in human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells stimulated with interleukin (IL)‐1α and which EP receptors were involved in PGE2 regulation of IL‐1α‐induced MMP‐3 production.

Methods: Human PDL cells obtained from periodontally healthy subjects were stimulated with vehicle or IL‐1α in the presence or absence of indomethacin (a COX‐1/COX‐2 inhibitor), NS‐398 (a specific COX‐ 2 inhibitor), PGE2, EP receptor agonists, dibutyryl cAMP, and forskolin. PGE2 levels were assayed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). MMP‐3 levels and caseinolytic activities were evaluated by ELISA and casein zymography, respectively.

Results: IL‐1α enhanced both MMP‐3 and PGE2 production. Indomethacin and NS‐398 enhanced IL‐1α‐induced MMP‐3 production in PDL cells, to the same extent, although both the agents completely inhibited IL‐1α‐induced PGE2 production. Exogenous PGE2 reduced IL‐1α‐induced MMP‐3 production in a dose‐dependent manner. Butaprost, a selective EP2 agonist, and ONO‐AE1‐329, a selective EP4 agonist, significantly inhibited IL‐1α‐induced MMP‐3 production, although butaprost was less potent than ONO‐AE‐1‐329. Dibutyryl cAMP, a cAMP analog, and forskolin, an adenylate cyclase activator, significantly inhibited IL‐1α‐stimulated MMP‐3 production in PDL cells.

Conclusions: These data suggest that COX‐2‐dependent PGE2 downregulates IL‐1α‐elicited MMP‐3 production by cAMP‐dependent pathways via EP2/EP4 receptors in human PDL cells. cAMP‐elevating agents such as EP2/EP4 receptor activators may regulate the destruction of extracellular matrix components in periodontal tissue. J Periodontol 2005;76:929‐935.
Ability of Examiners to Estimate the Pain Experienced by Patients From Probing During Initial Periodontal Examination
Authors: Al‐Ajmix Mohammed , Bogle Gary , Cole Rick , Rathbun Eugene , Riggs Matt , Egelberg Jan
Published: June 2005

Background: The aims of the present study were to identify the level of pain experienced by patients from probing during periodontal examination, and to determine to what extent the examining periodontist and the dental assistant could estimate the degree of pain experienced by the patients.

Methods: For each of three periodontists, 20 patients referred for periodontal diagnosis and treatment were selected. The periodontist carried out his examination, which included probing at six sites per tooth. Following probing, the patients rated the pain using a visual analog scale (VAS). The periodontist and the dental assistant who helped out during the examination independently rated the pain level they perceived that each patient experienced, also using a VAS.

Results: Most patients showed low pain responses to probing. However, using an arbitrary threshold of VAS ≥40 mm to indicate significant pain, some patients had a painful experience. Differences were observed between the pain levels expressed by the three groups of patients. While two of the three periodontists were able to appraise the pain experienced by their patients, the third was not.

Conclusions: It seems important that the periodontist at the first encounter with the patient should be sensitive to the discomfort the examination may entail. This may influence the patients' decision to accept the required treatment, and may also affect the patients' attitude to and co‐operation with the subsequent treatment. J Periodontol 2005;76:985‐990.
Enhanced Root Planing and Systemic Metronidazole Administration Improve Clinical and Microbiological Outcomes in a Two‐Step Treatment Procedure
Authors: Sigusch Bernd W. , Güntsch Arndt , Pfitzner Anne , Glockmann Eike
Published: June 2005

Background: Recently we described a non‐surgical two‐step treatment concept, in which we distinguished between a first scaling and root planing step (SRP) and an additional second enhanced root planing step (ERP). Until now it is difficult to determine how often a root surface should be instrumented during ERP.

Methods: The aim of the present study was to investigate the outcomes after different root planing intensities during ERP in 37 patients with aggressive periodontitis after SRP. During ERP a full‐mouth root planing was performed. The patients were randomly assigned to one of two root planing regimens (group 1, N = 12 and group 2, N = 11), based on number of curet strokes per root surface (instrumentation frequency, IF) and probing depth. Group 1: PD 1 to 3.5 mm, 4 IF (for group 2, 8 IF); PD 4 to 6 mm, 8 IF (group 2, 14 IF); PD 6.5 to 9 mm, 12 IF (group 2, 20 IF); and PD >9 mm, 16 IF (group 2, 24 IF). Group 3 patients (controls; N = 14) received only the initial SRP. All three groups received the same adjunctive systemic antibiotic treatment.

Results: In all groups, the results showed statistically significant differences in PD and clinical attachment level (CAL) after 6 and 24 months compared to baseline data. Compared with the controls, a significant reduction in PD was observed in groups 1 and 2. The reduction in mean PD was distinctly greater in group 2 (higher IF). Furthermore, Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) were completely suppressed in group 2 after 24 months.

Conclusions: The present results show that the extent of root planing has a distinct influence on treatment outcomes. Patients treated with the highest instrumentation frequency showed the best long‐term results. J Periodontol 2005;76:991‐997.
Epidemiology and clinical picture of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection and the acquired immune deficiency syndrome
Authors: Way Anthony B.
Published: June 2005

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV‐1) infection which causes the terminal Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is one of the major new pandemics of this millenium. This infection is believed to be a zoonosis which achieved sustained transmission among humans because of recent increases in sexual promiscuity and needle‐sharing drug use. Although the HIV‐1 epidemic is of relatively recent onset, its modes of transmission have been clearly defined: sexual relations, blood injection, and childbirth. Other possible transmission methods such as non‐sexual social interaction and insects have been explicitly excluded. Susceptibility is increased by genital ulcers and lack of male circumcision but probably not by genetic factors or female circumcision. Transmissibility is also increased by genital ulcers and, more importantly, by the stage of disease. Progression by stages to fatal diseases will probably occur in most, if not all, infected individuals, usually within a decade. While HIV‐1 has a direct effect on the intestinal track and the central nervous system, its primary effect is suppression of the immune system resulting in overwhelming secondary infections and, less clearly, cancers. Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 infection is incurable and is likely to remain so for the foreseeable future. Although life‐prolonging treatments have been developed, a vaccine will likely not be available in the foreseeable future. Like most previous new epidemic diseases, HIV‐1 infection is being and will continue to be modified by changing human behavior patterns.
Lymphocyte alloantigenic challenge as a potential cofactor in HIV infection and progression to AIDS
Authors: Hoff Charles , Peterson Raymond D. A.
Published: June 2005

A hypothesis is developed that circulatory exposure to alloantigens found on lymphocytes triggers a series of events leading to suppression of the cell‐mediated arm of the immune system and, therefore, that such alloantigenic challenge can be an important cofactor promoting infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and development of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) following infection. The explanatory model that is developed is based in large part on current knowledge of the results of fetal lymphocyte alloantigenic challenge of the maternal immune system. It is our contention that the maternal response which leads to suppression of cell‐mediated immunity is a mechanism promoting survival of the fetal “allograft,” and that this mechanism is an evolutionary adaptation in humans and other placental mammals. We also hypothesize that circulatory exposure to these same alloantigens leads to an immunosuppressive state which enhances survival of HIV in an exposed individual and augments the immunosuppressive action of HIV in promoting progression to clinical AIDS. Findings from studies of individuals who are at risk for exposure to lymphocyte alloantigenic challenge and from HIV infected patients are reviewed and discussed in light of this hypothesis.
High prevalence of human T‐lymphotropic virus type I infection in isolated populations of the Western Pacific region confirmed by Western immunoblot
Authors: Garruto R. M. , Slover M. , Yanagihara R. , Mora C. A. , Alexander S. S. , Asher D. M. , Rodgers‐Johnson P. , Gajdusek D. C.
Published: June 2005

High prevalences of antibodies against human T‐lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV‐I), as confirmed by Western immunoblot, were found in several remote indigenous populations of the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu and in some isolated populations of New Guinea that had no contact with Japanese or Africans and little contact with Caucasians prior to our bleedings. By contrast, zero or very low prevalences of HTLV‐I infection were found in Guamanians and Carolinians, despite more than 30 years of intense contact with the Japanese. A total of 1,601 sera, collected between 1963 and 1981 from 21 population groups in the Western Pacific, was tested by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for IgG antibodies to HTLV‐I. By ELISA, prevalences of antibodies against HTLV‐I ranged from zero to 50%. Seropositivity could be confirmed in only 12.5% of 48 ELISA‐positive sera selected for testing by Western immunoblot. However, the confirmed HTLV‐I seroprevalences in some Melanesian populations were still as high as those found in HTLV‐I‐endemic regions, such as southwestern Japan and the Caribbean basin. HTLV‐I prevalences were similar among males and females, and acquisition of antibodies increased with age. Our data indicate that infections with HTLV‐I or a related retrovirus have been widespread in the southwestern Pacific for over 25 year in populations with minimal outside contact, while some populations which had extensive Japanese contact have no evidence of infection. Furthermore, based on the high frequency of indeterminate Western immunoblots, we conclude that in Melanesia this may represent either incomplete specific reactivity to HTLV‐I or the existence of an antigenic variant of HTLV‐I, distinct from prototype Japanese, American, and European HTLV‐I strains.
Validity of single‐site and multi‐site models for estimating body composition of women using near‐infrared interactance
Authors: Heyward Vivian H. , Jenkins Kathy A. , Cook Kelly L. , Hicks Virginia L. , Quatrochi Joseph A. , Wilson Wendy L. , Going Scott B.
Published: June 2005

The purpose of this study was to develop a multi‐site near‐infrared (NIR) model (Model I) and compare its predictive accuracy to single‐site models (IIA and IIB). In Model I, the sum of two optical density (OD) measures (Σ2OD), age, body weight, height, and physical activity level were used as potential predictors of body density (Db). In Model IIA, the variables used in the manufacturer's NIR equation (biceps OD1 and OD2, body weight, height, gender, and physical activity level) were the potential predictors. This model was modified by including age as an additional potential predictor in Model IIB. We also examined the test‐retest reliability and interrelationships of OD measures taken at 10 anatomical sites, as well as the validity of the manufacturer's NIR equation, for estimating body composition of women. The subjects, 148 women between 20 and 72 years, were hydrostatically weighed to determine criterion Db. The Futrex‐5000 was used to measure OD1 and OD2 at 10 anatomical sites. Only two sites (pectoral OD2 and biceps OD2) contributed significantly to the variance in Db. Thus, the sum of these two ODs (Σ2OD), was used as a potential predictor in the multi‐site model. Test‐retest reliability was high, with intraclass correlation coefficients ≥0.85 for many of the OD measurements. Intercorrelations of ODs ranged from 0.22 to 0.91. In the multi‐site model (I), ΣOD, body weight, age, and height were significant predictors, accounting for 85.7% of the variance in Db. The SEE was 0.0076 g/ml or 3.3% BF. In the manufacturer's model (IIA), biceps OD2, body weight, and height accounted for 76.3% of the variance in Db, and the SEE was 0.0094 g/ml (4.1% BF). When age was included as a predictor (Model IIB), the R2 increased (86.0%) and the SEE (0.0073 g/ml or 3.1% BF) decreased substantially. Cross‐validation of the three equations yielded r2s ranging between 0.688 (Model IIA) and 0.748 (Model I) and slightly larger SEEs (0.0094–0.001048 g/ml). There were no significant differences between average criterion Db and predicted Db for each equation. The manufacturer's equation programmed in the Futrex‐5000 yielded a lower r2 (0.55), higher SEE (5.61% BF), and significantly underestimated criterion % BF by an average of 3% BF. Either the multi‐site (model I) or single‐site (Model IIB) equations is recommended to estimate body composition of this population. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Body fat distribution and job stress in Mexican‐American men of the hispanic health and nutrition examination survey
Authors: Georges Eugenia , Wear Mary L. , Mueller William H.
Published: June 2005

A positive relationship between psychosocial stress and central body fat distribution has been hypothesized. To test this hypothesis, two indices derived from principal components analysis of four skinfold measurements were studied in relation to imputed job stress characteristics (decision latitude, skill discretion, decision authority, and psychological demands) in Mexican‐American men of the U.S. Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (HHANES). The two indices were fatness and central body fat distribution. Fatness was not significantly associated with any of the job stress characteristics before controlling for education. Once education was included in the equations, however, the relationship between fatness and two of the four job stress variables (decision authority and psychological demands) became statistically significant. Thus, for a given level of education, increasing job stress was associated with increasing fatness. Three of the four job stress characteristics were significantly associated with central body fat distribution before controlling for education. However, after education was entered into the regression equations as a proxy for social class, the relationships between central body fat distribution and the job stress variables were no longer significant. It thus appears that aspects of social class other than job stress are of equal or greater importance in predicting body fat distribution. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mandibular rotation and angular remodeling during childhood and adolescence
Authors: Spady M. , Buschang P. H. , Demirjian A. , Lapalme L.
Published: June 2005

Using the structural method of superimposition, childhood and adolescent rates of mandibular rotation and remodeling are described. The results pertain to a longitudinal sample of French‐Canadian children, including 42 females with records at 6, 10, and 14 years of age and 39 males with records at 7, 11, and 15 years of age. There are no sex differences in rates of mandibular rotation and remodeling. Childhood rates of true rotation and angular remodeling are significantly greater than adolescent rates. Children whose first permanent molars had not erupted at the time of the first observation showed significantly greater rates of angular remodeling than children whose molars had already erupted. Over the eight year period, there were approximately 4.8 degrees of forward true rotation, between 5.2 and 6.4 degrees forward angular remodeling, and less than 1 degree of backward apparent rotation. During adolescence and the primary dentition stage, associations are strongest between true and apparent rotation. During the mixed dentition stage, true rotation is most closely correlated with angular remodeling. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Weights of the heart in northwest Indian adults
Authors: Sahni Daisy , Jit Indar , Sanjeev
Published: June 2005

Weights of apparently normal hearts were obtained from 1,344 male and 313 female adults from the Chandigarh region of northwest India, on whom a medicolegal autopsy was performed. The average weight of the heart was 296.7 ± 48.5 gm in males and 238.9 ± 45.1 gm in females. Partial correlations between heart weight and body weight and supine length were significant. The correlation between heart weight and age was, however, not statistically significant. Multiple regression constants with standard errors were generated for estimating the weight of the heart for intervals of body weight and supine length in living subjects. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Is leg muscle mass decisive in reaching a plateau in oxygen uptake during maximal treadmill running? Analysis of data from the Amsterdam growth and health study
Authors: Kemper Han C. G.
Published: June 2005

Within the framework of a longitudinal study, the Amsterdam Growth and Health Study followed a group of males and females from their teens into early adulthood. Directly measured maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was determined five times in 97 males and 103 females between 13 and 21 years of age during a constant speed (8 km/hr) and variable slope treadmill run to exhaustion. A change in oxygen uptake (VO2) of < 150 ml between the second last and final minute of the test was used as the criterion to determine the attainment of a plateau or leveling‐off (LO) in VO2. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between VO2max and the leveling‐off criterion and other factors associated with the plateau phenomenon in this sample with increasing age. The VO2max measurements over the years showed that 44–57% of males and 24–42% of females did not show a plateau. Moreover, subjects who did not reach leveling‐off (no‐LOs) showed slightly higher VO2max values than subjects who reached the leveling‐off criterion (LOs). These differences are significant (P < 0.05) in males from age 14.5 on, and in females only at age 21.5. Males who did not demonstrate a plateau in VO2 had a significantly higher total fat‐free mass and lean leg volume (LLV) than males who demonstrated a plateau, but were not different in stature and weight. However, in females these differences were not significant. The apparent sex difference can be explained by the much smaller increase (25%) in LLV in females than in males. These results can be explained by the limitations of VO2max by central and/or peripheral circulating factors. One possibility could be that during maximal uphill running, relatively less vasoconstriction occurs in the arterioles of larger exercising leg muscles, which permits an upward shift in VO2 and an increased demand on central oxygen transport mediated by increased peripheral metabolism. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.