bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk determinants of periodontal disease – an analysis of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP 0)
Authors: Kocher T. , Schwahn C. , Gesch D. , Bernhardt O. , John U. , Meisel P. , Baelum V.
Published: January 2005

Background: In this study, risk determinants were determined for periodontal disease in the representative population sample (n=3146) of the Study of Health in Pomerania.

Methods: After examining the net random sample (response 69%) and exclusion of edentulous cases and those with missing values, 2595 subjects remained. Using a multivariate, fully adjusted logistic regression, different definitions of “periodontally diseased/healthy” were examined as the dependent variable (extent of attachment loss (AL4 mm, combined AL and tooth loss). The independent variables used were sociodemographic factors (age, gender, income, education), medical factors (systemic diseases, drugs), behavioral factors (regular dental checkup, smoking), and oral factors (presence of supragingival calculus and plaque).

Results: The following risk determinants were found for AL: male gender, presence of supragingival plaque and calculus, smoking, low educational level. For the combination of AL and tooth loss, risk determinants were female gender, supragingival plaque, smoking, and low educational level. Consumption of antiallergic medications and regular dental checkups proved to be protective. Smoking was the most influential risk determinant. These parameters explained approximately 43–55% of the variation.

Conclusion: These results concur with those of the literature. In order to explain disease status further, host‐response and microbiological factors must also be examined.
The effect of a new toothpaste containing potassium nitrate and triclosan on gingival health, plaque formation and dentine hypersensitivity
Authors: Wara‐aswapati Nawarat , Krongnawakul Duangporn , Jiraviboon Duangporn , Adulyanon Supreda , Karimbux Nadeem , Pitiphat Waranuch
Published: January 2005

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a new toothpaste containing an antiplaque and antiinflammatory agent (0.3% triclosan), a desensitizing agent (5% potassium nitrate) and an anticaries agent (0.76% sodium monofluorophosphate (SMFP)) on gingival health, plaque formation and dentine hypersensitivity in a 12‐week home study. The efficacy of the test toothpaste was compared with that of a control toothpaste containing 5% potassium nitrate and 0.76% SMFP and a benchmark product containing only 0.76% SMFP.

Material and Methods: One hundred and two healthy volunteers, who had a minimum of 20 natural permanent teeth with no probing depth >4 mm and at least one sensitive tooth, participated in this study. Following enrollment, the subjects received a dental prophylaxis and instruction in brushing technique. After a 4‐week pre‐experimental phase, baseline gingival bleeding index (GBI), plaque index (PI) and visual analogue scales (VASs) indicating dentine hypersensitivity levels responding to tactile and air stimuli were assessed. The subjects were then randomly given one of the three toothpastes; test, control, or benchmark toothpaste, and a soft‐filamented toothbrush for home use. The GBI, PI and VASs were re‐examined at weeks 4 and 12.

Results: Overall, the GBI scores were significantly reduced compared with baseline in all groups (p<0.01). However, there was no significant difference in GBI score among the three comparison groups. The PI score decreased in the test group and benchmark group from baseline to the end of study, whereas there was no significant change in the control group. Post hoc comparison indicated that the PI score was not statistically different between the three groups. There was a significant difference between the three treatment groups for sensitivity. For both the tactile and air stimuli, the reductions in VAS sensitivity scores for the test group and the control group were significantly greater compared with the benchmark group. Although the sensitivity score for air stimulus decreased more rapidly from baseline to week 4 in the test group, there was no overall difference between the test group and the control group.

Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the new toothpaste was effective in reducing dentine hypersensitivity. More studies are needed to further determine the potential interaction between triclosan and potassium nitrate in dentifrices.
Healing of human intrabony defects following regenerative periodontal therapy with an enamel matrix protein derivative alone or combined with a bioactive glass
Authors: Sculean Anton , Pietruska Malgorzata , Schwarz Frank , Willershausen Britta , Arweiler Nicole B. , Auschill Thorsten M.
Published: January 2005

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to compare clinically the treatment of deep intrabony defects with a combination of an enamel matrix protein derivative (EMD) and a bioactive glass (BG) to EMD alone.

Methods: Thirty patients (16 females and 14 males) suffering from advanced marginal periodontitis were included in this prospective, controlled parallel design multicenter study. In each of the patients, one intrabony defect was randomly treated with either EMD+BG (test) or with EMD alone (control). Clinical measurements were recorded at baseline and at 1 year following therapy.

Results: No differences in any of the investigated parameters were observed at baseline between the two groups. Healing was uneventful in all patients. At 1 year after therapy, the test group showed a reduction in mean probing depth (PD) from 8.5±1.1 to 4.4±1.2 mm (p<0.001) and a change in mean clinical attachment level (CAL) from 10.4±1.5 to 7.1±1.5 mm (p<0.0001). In the control group, the mean PD was reduced from 8.5±1.5 to 4.0±1.6 mm (p<0.001) and the mean CAL changed from 10.2±2.1 to 6.3±2.2 mm (p<0.01). In the test group, 12 sites (80%) gained at least 3 mm or more of CAL, whereas in the control group a CAL gain of 3 mm or more was measured at 13 sites (87%). No statistically significant differences in terms of PD reduction and CAL gain were found between the test and the control treatment.

Conclusions: Within the limits of the present study it can be concluded that: (i) at 1 year after surgery, both therapies resulted in significant PD reductions and CAL gains, and (ii) the combination of EMD+BG does not seem to additionally improve the clinical results.
Anti‐gingivitis efficacy of a stabilized 0.454% stannous fluoride/sodium hexametaphosphate dentifrice
Authors: Mankodi Suru , Bartizek Robert D. , Leslie Winston J. , Biesbrock Aaron R. , McClanahan Stephen F. , He Tao
Published: January 2005

Objective: Stannous fluoride is a broad‐spectrum anti‐microbial agent that has been used in dentistry as a chemical adjunct to prevent dental caries and gingivitis. The objective of this study was to assess the anti‐gingivitis efficacy of a stabilized 0.454% stannous fluoride/sodium hexametaphosphate dentifrice relative to a negative control.

Methods: This was a randomized, 6‐month, double‐blind, parallel‐group gingivitis study conducted according to the guidelines for evaluating chemotherapeutic products for the control of gingivitis outlined by the American Dental Association. A stabilized 0.454% stannous fluoride/sodium hexametaphosphate dentifrice was tested against a commercially available negative control dentifrice. Following baseline measurements, subjects received a dental prophylaxis. Subjects were then instructed to brush twice daily for 60 s using their assigned product. Oral soft‐hard‐tissue examinations and clinical examinations using the Modified Gingival Index, Gingival Bleeding Index, and the Turesky modification of the Quigley–Hein Plaque Index were performed at baseline, 3 and 6 months post‐treatment.

Results: A total of 143 subjects were enrolled and 130 of them completed the 6‐month study. After 6 months of product usage, the experimental group had 21.7% less gingivitis (p<0.001), 57.1% less bleeding (p<0.001), and 6.9% less plaque (p=0.01) on average compared with the negative control group. No adverse oral soft‐hard‐tissue effects or extrinsic tooth staining was observed in the study.

Conclusion: The results demonstrate that use of the stabilized 0.454% stannous fluoride/sodium hexametaphosphate dentifrice over a 6‐month period provided statistically significant reductions in gingivitis, gingival bleeding, and plaque when compared with a negative control dentifrice.
Serum vitamin C–periodontal relationship in community‐dwelling elderly Japanese
Authors: Amarasena N. , Ogawa H. , Yoshihara A. , Hanada N. , Miyazaki H.
Published: January 2005

Objective: To determine the relationship between serum vitamin C and periodontitis as estimated by clinical attachment loss (CAL) in community‐dwelling elderly Japanese.

Material and Methods: This analysis was confined to 413 Niigata citizens aged 70 years in whom the data for serum vitamin C and CAL were available. High‐pressure liquid chromatography method was used to ascertain the serum vitamin C levels while CAL was assessed on six sites of all teeth present including third molars by means of pressure‐sensitive probes. Other variables included gender, smoking, toothbrushing frequency, number of teeth present and random blood sugar levels.

Results: Serum vitamin C concentration was inversely related to CAL (r=−0.23, p<0.00005) at bivariate level. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that CAL was 4% greater in subjects with lower serum vitamin C levels than in subjects with higher serum vitamin C levels notwithstanding smoking, diabetes, oral hygiene, gender or number of teeth present.

Conclusion: The findings suggested that serum vitamin C might have relatively weak but a statistically significant relationship with periodontitis in this elderly population.
The social determinants of oral health: new approaches to conceptualizing and researching complex causal networks
Authors: Newton J. Timothy , Bower Elizabeth J.
Published: January 2005

Abstract –  Oral epidemiological research into the social determinants of oral health has been limited by the absence of a theoretical framework which reflects the complexity of real life social processes and the network of causal pathways between social structure and oral health and disease. In the absence of such a framework, social determinants are treated as isolated risk factors, attributable to the individual, having a direct impact on oral health. There is little sense of how such factors interrelate over time and place and the pathways between the factors and oral health. Features of social life which impact on individuals’ oral health but are not reducible to the individual remain under‐researched. A conceptual framework informing mainstream epidemiological research into the social determinants of health is applied to oral epidemiology. The framework suggests complex causal pathways between social structure and health via interlinking material, psychosocial and behavioural pathways. Methodological implications for oral epidemiological research informed by the framework, such as the use of multilevel modelling, path analysis and structural equation modelling, combining qualitative and quantitative research methods, and collaborative research, are discussed.
Changes over 5 years in utilization of dental care by a Swedish age cohort
Authors: Ståhlnacke Katri , Söderfeldt Björn , Unell Lennart , Halling Arne , Axtelius Björn
Published: January 2005

Abstract –  Objective:  The purpose of this study was to investigate the temporal development of the utilization of dental care, in relation to socio‐economic factors and also considering perceived oral health, attitudes to dental care, dental anxiety, care organisation and changes in the way that dental care is paid for. A conflict model was used as a theoretical framework.

Methods:  In 1992, a mail questionnaire was sent to all 50‐year‐old persons in two counties in Sweden, Örebro and Östergötland, as part of a cross‐sectional study. This study group numbered 8888 persons. In 1997, the same population was sent a new questionnaire. There were 5363 persons who completed the questionnaire in both 1992 and 1997. Changes in utilization of dental care were analysed.

Results:  An increase in personal expenditure for care was obvious, 42% paid more in 1997 compared with 1992. In the study, 7% had prolonged their time since most recent visit and 12% had less frequent visits. In regression models, education, occupation, place of residence, country of birth, marital status, gender, dental anxiety, having poor perceived oral health and poor general health were associated with utilization. Care organisation factors showed there was a greater probability of having higher utilization and higher cost of care when private practitioners provided the care.

Conclusion:  Small changes in the utilization of dental care occurred during this study time. Inequality in utilization existed and socio‐economic factors affected utilization as well as health perception and dental anxiety. Changes in the cost of care did not affect utilization appreciably, probably because of a selected population with high price elasticity. Having a private care provider compared with one in the public system affected the probability of having higher utilization and higher cost for care.
Psychological well‐being and perceptions of stress amongst Japanese dental students
Authors: Sugiura G. , Shinada K. , Kawaguchi Y.
Published: January 2005

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between Psychological General Well Being (PGWB) and perceived sources of stress amongst dental students in Japan. Second to sixth year dental students of Tokyo Medical and Dental University were invited to participate in the questionnaire survey. The questionnaire collected information on demographic and social background, lifestyle behaviours, the PGWB index and the Dental Environment Stress (DES) questionnaire. A total of 320 students (56% male) participated, with a response rate of 91%. Male students had significantly higher PGWB scores and lower DES scores than female students (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the year of study for DES mean score and PGWB total score. Students whose first choice of admission was dentistry experienced less stress than those whose first choice was another discipline (P < 0.05). Students who regularly exercised showed significantly lower stress levels and higher well‐being status than those students who did not exercise (P < 0.01). Correlational analysis showed an inverse relationship between PGWB and DES scores (r = −0.544, P < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that DES mean score was significantly related to gender, first choice of admission and PGWB total score. It is suggested that perception of stress amongst Japanese dental students is influenced by gender, dentistry as first choice for admission and students’ general well‐being.
Vertical and horizontal integration of knowledge and skills – a working model
Authors: Snyman W. D. , Kroon J.
Published: January 2005

The new integrated outcomes‐based curriculum for dentistry was introduced at the University of Pretoria in 1997. The first participants graduated at the end of 2001. Educational principles that underpin the new innovative dental curriculum include vertical and horizontal integration, problem‐oriented learning, student‐centred learning, a holistic attitude to patient care and the promotion of oral health. The aim of this research project was to develop and assay a model to facilitate vertical integration of knowledge and skills thereby justifying the abovementioned action. The learning methodology proposed for the specific outcome of the Odontology module, namely the diagnosis of dental caries and the design of a primary preventive programme, included problem‐solving as the driving force for the facilitation of vertical and horizontal integration, and an instructional design for the integration of the basic knowledge and clinical skills into a single learning programme. The paper describes the methodology of problem‐oriented learning as applied in this study together with the detail of the programme. The consensus of those teachers who represent the basic and clinical sciences and who participate in this learning programme is that this model is practical and can assist vertical as well as horizontal integration of knowledge.
Predoctoral implant dentistry curriculum survey: European dental schools
Authors: Afsharzand Z. , Lim M. V. C. , Rashedi B. , Petropoulos V. C.
Published: January 2005

Purpose:  In 2002 a survey of European dental schools was conducted. The purpose of the survey was to determine the curricular structure, teaching philosophies and materials used in predoctoral implant dentistry courses.

Materials and methods:  Fifty‐six European dental schools were randomly selected from the Association for Dental Education in Europe representing 33 countries. A questionnaire was mailed to the predoctoral implant dentistry director/chairperson of the selected European dental schools. Of these, 40 schools returned the completed survey, resulting in a response rate of 71%. The mean, median and range of responses were computed where applicable.

Results:  The results from this survey show that 80% of the responding schools required a course in implant dentistry. Between 1997 and 1999 over a third of responding schools (36%) incorporated a predoctoral implant dentistry course into their curriculum. Eighty‐seven per cent of the schools have some prosthodontists teaching the course. Thirty‐seven per cent of schools are offering a laboratory course in conjunction with the implant course. Sixty‐three per cent of the schools are not restoring implant cases at the predoctoral level. However, 68% of schools reported students are required to be present during implant surgery. Ten per cent of schools require that the implant‐related laboratory work be completed by the students.

Conclusions:  Predoctoral implant dentistry educational programmes vary from school to school. Yet a large percentage of schools agree on certain topics, including the importance of including implant education in predoctoral dental programmes.
Evidence for Preferential Genotyping of a Minority Human Immunodeficiency Virus Population Due to Primer-Template Mismatching during PCR-Based Amplification
Authors: Martinez-Picado Javier , Morales-Lopetegi Kristina , Villena Cristina , Gutiérrez Carolina , Izquierdo Nuria , Marfil Silvia , Clotet Bonaventura , Ruiz Lidia
Published: January 2005

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) genotyping assays have come to be widely used for monitoring antiretroviral drug resistance. We report a case in which primer-template mismatches during nested PCR-based amplification biased the composition of the original viral population in the sample, magnifying a distinct minority HIV-1 population. This observation might help to explain some unexpected HIV-1 genotypes.
A role for ERK1/2 in EGF- and ATP-dependent regulation of amiloride-sensitive sodium absorption
Authors: Falin Rebecca , Veizis I. Elias , Cotton Calvin U.
Published: January 2005

Receptor-mediated inhibition of amiloride-sensitive sodium absorption was observed in primary and immortalized murine renal collecting duct cell (mCT12) monolayers. The addition of epidermal growth factor (EGF) to the basolateral bathing solution of polarized monolayers reduced amiloride-sensitive short-circuit current ( Isc) by 15–25%, whereas the addition of ATP to the apical bathing solution decreased Isc by 40–60%. Direct activation of PKC with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and mobilization of intracellular calcium with 2,5-di- tert-butyl-hydroquinone (DBHQ) reduced amiloride-sensitive Isc in mCT12 monolayers by 46 ± 4% ( n = 8) and 22 ± 2% ( n = 8), respectively. Exposure of mCT12 cells to EGF, ATP, PMA, and DBHQ caused an increase in phosphorylation of p42/p44 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase; ERK1/2). Pretreatment of mCT12 monolayers with an ERK kinase inhibitor (PD-98059; 30 μM) prevented phosphorylation of p42/p44 and significantly reduced EGF, ATP, and PMA-induced inhibition of amiloride-sensitive Isc. In contrast, pretreatment of monolayers with a PKC inhibitor (bisindolylmaleimide I; GF109203x; 1 μM) almost completely blocked the PMA-induced decrease in Isc, but did not alter the EGF- or ATP-induced inhibition of Isc. The DBHQ-mediated decrease in Isc was due to inhibition of basolateral Na+-K+-ATPase, but EGF-, ATP-, and PMA-induced inhibition was most likely due to reduced apical sodium entry (epithelial Na+ channel activity). The results of these studies demonstrate that acute inhibition of amiloride-sensitive sodium transport by extracelluar ATP and EGF involves ERK1/2 activation and suggests a role for MAP kinase signaling as a negative regulator of electrogenic sodium absorption in epithelia.
Molecular correlates of altered expression of potassium currents in failing rabbit myocardium
Authors: Rose Jochen , Armoundas Antonis A. , Tian Yanli , DiSilvestre Deborah , Burysek Miroslava , Halperin Victoria , O'Rourke Brian , Kass David A. , Marbán Eduardo , Tomaselli Gordon F.
Published: January 2005

Action potential (AP) prolongation is a hallmark of failing myocardium. Functional downregulation of K currents is a prominent feature of cells isolated from failing ventricles. The detailed changes in K current expression differ depending on the species, the region of the heart, and the mechanism of induction of heart failure. We used complementary approaches to study K current downregulation in pacing tachycardia-induced heart failure in the rabbit. The AP duration (APD) at 90% repolarization was significantly longer in cells isolated from failing hearts compared with controls (539 ± 162 failing vs. 394 ± 114 control, P < 0.05). The major K currents in the rabbit heart, inward rectifier potassium current ( IK1), transient outward ( Ito), and delayed rectifier current ( IK) were functionally downregulated in cells isolated from failing ventricles. The mRNA levels of Kv4.2, Kv1.4, KChIP2, and Kir2.1 were significantly downregulated, whereas the Kv4.3, Erg, KvLQT1, and minK were unaltered in the failing ventricles compared with the control left ventricles. Significant downregulation in the long splice variant of Kv4.3, but not in the total Kv4.3, Kv4.2, and KChIP2 immunoreactive protein, was observed in cells isolated from the failing ventricle with no change in Kv1.4, KvLQT1, and in Kir2.1 immunoreactive protein levels. Multiple cellular and molecular mechanisms underlie the downregulation of K currents in the failing rabbit ventricle.
Regional differences in the force-frequency relation of human left ventricular myocardium in mitral regurgitation: implications for ventricular shape
Authors: Mulieri Louis A. , Tischler Marc D. , Martin Barbara J. , Leavitt Bruce J. , Ittleman Frank P. , Alpert Norman R. , LeWinter Martin M.
Published: January 2005

Sphericalization of the left ventricular (LV) chamber shape in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) contributes to increased LV wall stress and energy consumption. On the basis of previous observations, we hypothesized the existence of regional differences in the force-frequency relation (FFR) within the LV that may contribute to its shape. Accordingly, in the present study, we assessed regional variation in the FFR in patients undergoing surgery for chronic, nonischemic MR with class II–III heart failure symptoms and related our findings to the in vivo LV shape. FFRs (steady-state isometric twitches, 0.2–3.4 Hz, 37°C) were evaluated in MR myocardium from the LV subepicardial free wall (MR-FW) and papillary muscle (MR-PM) and from the subepicardial free wall in coronary artery bypass graft patients with normal LV contraction patterns [nonfailing (NF)]. Ascending slope, optimal stimulation frequency, and maximal twitch tension of the FFR were depressed in MR-FW and MR-PM compared with NF ( P < 0.05). FFR depression was greater in MR-PM than in MR-FW. Between 107 and 134 beats/min, twitch tension became weaker in MR-PM, whereas it increased in MR-FW. Elevation of intracellular cAMP with forskolin eliminated FFR depression in MR-FW but not in MR-PM. MR-PM also had a 35% lower myosin heavy chain content and slowed twitch kinetics. In MR patients, the echocardiographic end-diastolic LV shape (end-diastolic eccentricity index = long axis/short axis) correlated with the ratio of ascending FFR slopes such that the end-diastolic eccentricity index increased 10% per 15% increase in slope ratio ( r = 0.88, P = 0.01). These regional differences in the frequency dependence of contractility between the free wall and papillary myocardium may contribute to changes in LV shape in MR as well as during exercise.
Increased superoxide leads to decreased flow-induced dilation in resistance arteries of Mn-SOD-deficient mice
Authors: Yan Changdong , Huang An , Wu Zhiping , Kaminski Pawel M. , Wolin Michael S. , Hintze Thomas H. , Kaley Gabor , Sun Dong
Published: January 2005

The role of mitochondrial manganese-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) in the maintenance of vascular function has not yet been studied. Thus we examined flow- and agonist-induced dilations in isolated mesenteric arteries (∼90 μm in diameter) of Mn-SOD heterozygous (Mn-SOD+/−) and wild-type (WT) mice. Increases in flow elicited dilations in all vessels, but the magnitude of the dilation was significantly less in vessels of Mn-SOD+/− mice than in those of WT mice (64 vs. 74% of passive diameter). Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester inhibited the dilation in vessels of WT mice but had no effect on vessels of Mn-SOD+/− mice. Tempol or tiron (superoxide scavengers) increased flow-induced dilation in vessels of Mn-SOD+/− mice. Acetylcholine- and sodium nitroprusside-induced, but not adenosine-induced, dilations were also decreased in arteries of Mn-SOD+/− mice. Superoxide levels in the arteries of Mn-SOD+/− mice were significantly increased. Western blot analysis confirmed a 50% reduction of Mn-SOD protein in the vessels of Mn-SOD+/− mice. A 41% reduction in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) protein and a 37% reduction in eNOS activity were also found in the vessels of Mn-SOD+/− mice. Whereas there was no difference in eNOS protein in kidney homogenates of WT and Mn-SOD+/− mice, a significant reduction of nitric oxide synthase activity was found in Mn-SOD+/− mice, which could be restored by the administration of tiron. We conclude that an increased concentration of superoxide due to reduced activity of Mn-SOD, which inactivates nitric oxide and inhibits eNOS activity, contributes to the impaired vasodilator function of isolated mesenteric arteries of Mn-SOD+/− mice. These results suggest that Mn-SOD contributes significantly to the regulation of vascular function.
Superior Colliculus Neurons Use Distinct Operational Modes in the Integration of Multisensory Stimuli
Authors: Perrault Thomas J. , Vaughan J. William , Stein Barry E. , Wallace Mark T.
Published: January 2005

Many neurons in the superior colliculus (SC) integrate sensory information from multiple modalities, giving rise to significant response enhancements. Although enhanced multisensory responses have been shown to depend on the spatial and temporal relationships of the stimuli as well as on their relative effectiveness, these factors alone do not appear sufficient to account for the substantial heterogeneity in the magnitude of the multisensory products that have been observed. Toward this end, the present experiments have revealed that there are substantial differences in the operations used by different multisensory SC neurons to integrate their cross-modal inputs, suggesting that intrinsic differences in these neurons may also play an important deterministic role in multisensory integration. In addition, the integrative operation employed by a given neuron was found to be well correlated with the neuron's dynamic range. In total, four categories of SC neurons were identified based on how their multisensory responses changed relative to the predicted addition of the two unisensory inputs as stimulus effectiveness was altered. Despite the presence of these categories, a general rule was that the most robust multisensory enhancements were seen with combinations of the least effective unisensory stimuli. Together, these results provide a better quantitative picture of the integrative operations performed by multisensory SC neurons and suggest mechanistic differences in the way in which these neurons synthesize cross-modal information.
Regulation of Thrombomodulin Expression in Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells by COX-2–Derived Prostaglandins
Authors: Rabausch Kerstin , Bretschneider Ellen , Sarbia Mario , Meyer-Kirchrath Jutta , Censarek Petra , Pape Robert , Fischer Jens W. , Schrör Karsten , Weber Artur-Aron
Published: January 2005

There is concern that cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors may promote atherothrombosis by inhibiting vascular formation of prostacyclin (PGI
2
) and an increased thrombotic risk of COX-2 inhibitors has been reported. It is widely accepted that the prothrombotic effects of COX-2 inhibitors can be explained by the removal of platelet-inhibitory PGI
2
. Using microarray chip technology, we have previously demonstrated that thrombomodulin (TM) mRNA is upregulated in cultured human coronary artery smooth muscle cells by the stable prostacyclin mimetic iloprost. This study is the first to demonstrate a stimulation of the expression of functionally active thrombomodulin in human smooth muscle cells by prostaglandins, endogenously formed via the COX-2 pathway. Because TM is an important inhibitor of blood coagulation, these findings provide a novel platelet-independent mechanism to explain the prothrombotic effects of COX-2 inhibitors. The full text of this article is available online at http://circres.ahajournals.org.
Illegal Construction in Hanoi and Hanoi's Wards
Authors: Koh David
Published: January 2005

In the drama of negotiation of state boundaries, the role of local administrators as mediators is indispensable. They mediate between state demands for more discipline and societal demands for more liberties. Their ability and willingness to enforce determines the extent of state power. They are a particular type of elites chosen by the state to administer; yet often they have an irrational and morally corrupt relationship with their subjects. The questions that arise then are: When do the local administrators decide to or not to enforce the rules? What considerations do they hold in the face of contradicting demands for their loyalties? This paper seeks answers to the above questions by examining state enforcement of its construction rules in Hanoi after 1975, in which the ward, a level of local administrators in the urban administration landscape, plays an important role in holding up (or letting down) the fences. I will examine the irrationality of the housing regime that led to widespread offences against construction rules, and then show why and how local administrators may or may not enforce rules. This paper comprises two parts. The first part outlines the nature and history of the housing regime in Vietnam and the situation of state provision of housing to the people. These provide the context in which illegal construction arises. Part Two looks at illegal construction in Hanoi chronologically, and focuses on important episodes. The theme that runs through this paper is the role of local administrators in the reality of illegal construction.
The Effect of Soil and Vegetation Parameters in the ECMWF Land Surface Scheme
Authors: Richter H. , Western A. W. , Chiew F. H. S.
Published: January 2005

Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) and climate models are sensitive to evapotranspiration at the land surface. This sensitivity requires the prediction of realistic surface moisture and heat fluxes by land surface models that provide the lower boundary condition for the atmospheric models. This paper compares simulations of a stand-alone version of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) land surface scheme, or the Viterbo and Beljaars scheme (VB95), with various soil and vegetation parameter sets against soil moisture observations across the Murrumbidgee River catchment in southeast Australia. The study is, in part, motivated by the adoption of VB95 as the operational land surface scheme by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology in 1999.

VB95 can model the temporal fluctuations in soil moisture, and therefore the moisture fluxes, fairly realistically. The monthly model latent heat flux is also fairly insensitive to soil or vegetation parameters. The VB95 soil moisture is sensitive to the soil and, to a lesser degree, the vegetation parameters. The model exhibits a significant (generally wet) bias in the absolute soil moisture that varies spatially. The use of the best Australia-wide available soils and vegetation information did not improve VB95 simulations consistently, compared with the original model parameters. Comparisons of model and observed soil moistures revealed that more realistic soil parameters are needed to reduce the model soil moisture bias. Given currently available continent-wide soils parameters, any initialization of soil moisture with observed values would likely result in significant flux errors. The soil moisture bias could be largely eliminated by using soil parameters that were derived directly from the actual soil moisture observations. Such parameters, however, are only available at very few point locations.
Scale Dependence of Radar-Rainfall Rates—An Assessment Based on Raindrop Spectra
Authors: Steiner Matthias , Smith James A.
Published: January 2005

Scale differences may introduce a bias when comparing, merging, or assimilating rainfall measurements because the dynamic range of values representing the underlying physical process strongly depends on the resolution of the data. The present study addresses this issue from the perspective of how well coarser-resolution radar-rainfall observations may be used for evaluation of hydrologic point processes occurring at the land surface, such as rainfall erosion, infiltration, ponding, and runoff. Conceptual and quantitative analyses reveal that scale differences may yield substantial biases. Even for perfect measurements, the overall bias is composed of two contributing factors: one related to a reduction of dynamic range of rain rates and the other related to a dependence of the relationship between observed radar reflectivity factor and retrieved rainfall rate on the scale of observation. The effects of scale differences are evaluated empirically from a perspective of averaging in time based on raindrop spectra observations. Averaging drop spectra over 5 min, on average over a large dataset, resulted in an underestimation of median and maximum rainfall rates of approximately 50% compared to the corresponding 1-min values. Overall, standard deviations of rain rates retrieved from 5-min-averaged radar reflectivity factors may easily be off a corresponding high-resolution (1 min) rainfall rate by a factor 2 or more. This magnitude is larger than the uncertainty resulting from limitations of the radar measurement precision. Scale-difference effects are thus important and should be considered when comparing, merging, or assimilating data from very different spatial and temporal scales. A similar challenge arises for downscaling schemes attempting to recover subgrid-scale features from coarse-resolution information.
Comparison, Validation, and Transferability of Eight Multiyear Global Soil Wetness Products
Authors: Dirmeyer Paul A. , Guo Zhichang , Gao Xiang
Published: January 2005

The characteristics of eight global soil wetness products, three produced by land surface model calculations, three from coupled land–atmosphere model reanalyses, and two from microwave remote sensing estimates, have been examined. The goal of this study is to determine whether there exists an optimal dataset for the initialization of the land surface component of global weather and climate forecast models. Their abilities to simulate the phasing of the annual cycle and to accurately represent interannual variability in soil wetness by comparing to available in situ measurements are validated. Because soil wetness climatologies vary greatly among land surface models, and models have different operating ranges for soil wetness (i.e., very different mean values, variances, and hydrologically critical thresholds such as the point where evaporation occurs at the potential rate or where surface runoff begins), one cannot simply take the soil wetness field from one product and apply it to an arbitrary land surface scheme (LSS) as an initial condition without experiencing some sort of initialization shock. A means of renormalizing soil wetness is proposed based on the local statistical properties of this field in the source and target models, to allow a large number of climate models to apply the same initialization in multimodel studies or intercomparisons. As a test of feasibility, renormalization among the model-derived products is applied to see how it alters the character of the soil wetness climatologies.
Updating a Land Surface Model with MODIS-Derived Snow Cover
Authors: Rodell M. , Houser P. R.
Published: January 2005

A simple scheme for updating snow-water storage in a land surface model using snow cover observations is presented. The scheme makes use of snow cover observations retrieved from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites. Simulated snow-water equivalent is adjusted when and where the model and MODIS observation differ, following an internal accounting of the observation quality, by either removing the simulated snow or adding a thin layer. The scheme is tested in a 101-day global simulation of the Mosaic land surface model driven by the NASA/NOAA Global Land Data Assimilation System. Output from this simulation is compared to that from a control (not updated) simulation, and both are assessed using a conventional snow cover product and data from ground-based observation networks over the continental United States. In general, output from the updated simulation displays more accurate snow coverage and compares more favorably with in situ snow time series. Both the control and updated simulations have serious deficiencies on occasion and in certain areas when and where the precipitation and/or surface air temperature forcing inputs are unrealistic, particularly in mountainous regions. Suggestions for developing a more sophisticated updating scheme are presented.
Singularities and Undefinitions in the Calibration Functions of Sonic Anemometers
Authors: Cuerva Alvaro , Sanz-Andrés Angel , López Oscar
Published: January 2005

A mathematical model of the process employed by a sonic anemometer to build up the measured wind vector in a steady flow is presented to illustrate the way the geometry of these sensors as well as the characteristics of aerodynamic disturbance on the acoustic path can lead to singularities in the transformation function that relates the measured (disturbed) wind vector with the real (corrected) wind vector, impeding the application of correction/calibration functions for some wind conditions. An implicit function theorem allows for the identification of those combinations of real wind conditions and design parameters that lead to undefined correction/ calibration functions. In general, orthogonal path sensors do not show problematic combination of parameters. However, some geometric sonic sensor designs, available in the market, with paths forming smaller angles could lead to undefined correction functions for some levels of aerodynamic disturbances and for certain wind directions. The parameters studied have a strong influence on the existence and number of singularities in the correction/ calibration function as well as on the number of singularities for some combination of parameters. Some conclusions concerning good design practices are included.
Shifting from Developmental to Postmodern Practices in Early Childhood Teacher Education
Authors: Ryan Sharon , Grieshaber Susan
Published: January 2005

Changing times and postmodern perspectives have disrupted the taken-for-granted relationship between child development knowledge and the preparation of early childhood teachers. Despite ongoing exchanges about how best to respond to the critique of the developmental knowledge base, few descriptions of how particular teacher educators have gone about reconceptualizing their curriculum exist. Employing postmodern views of knowledge, power, and subjectivity, this article describes three pedagogies employed by the authors to enact a postmodern teacher education. After describing each of these pedagogies—situating knowledge, multiple readings, and engaging with images—an example from classroom practice is given to illustrate how these strategies come together to assist students to understand how teaching enacts power relations. The article concludes with a discussion of some of the challenges involved in trying to shift from developmental to postmodern practices in the preparation of early childhood educators.
In MINT Condition? The Politics of Alternative Certification and Pay Incentives for Teachers in Massachusetts
Authors: McDermott Kathryn A.
Published: January 2005

Like many other states, Massachusetts enacted numerous changes to teacher certification policy during the 1980s and 1990s. During the summer of 1998, the state legislature and Department of Education made two especially significant changes: a signing bonus of U.S. $20,000 for an elite group of new teachers, and a state-funded alternative certification program. Alternative certification had been part of state policy for years prior to 1998 but had never been widely implemented. The signing bonus was a new idea. Drawing on the literature on policy formation, implementation, and termination, this article analyzes the process by which the signing bonus was enacted, and how it contributed to creation of the state alternative certification program. Ironically, although alternative certification was not widely implemented until it was coupled with the signing bonus, the alternative certification program survived a state budget crisis that led to termination of the signing bonus.
An Innovative Look, a Recalcitrant Reality: The Politics of Principal Preparation Reform
Authors: Hess Frederick M. , Kelly Andrew P.
Published: January 2005

Concerns about the effectiveness of traditional preparation programs have yielded a wide-ranging debate about new approaches to recruiting and preparing leaders. The resulting policy debate features two general camps: those who wish to refine and bolster the existing system of preparation and licensure and those who advocate a move away from licensure and the attendant notions of leadership that hold sway today. The proponents of conventional preparation have shown a remarkable willingness to compromise, giving rise to modified training programs and blunting the political appetite for rethinking the gate keeping arrangements that regulate who can become, approve, or train future school leaders. Ultimately, both innovative programs and for-profit providers will acclimate themselves to the institutional arrangements in place, so the degree of real change depends more on statutory and regulatory change than the emergence of particular new programs.
Decertifying the Principalship: The Politics of Administrator Preparation in Florida
Authors: Herrington Carolyn D. , Wills Barbara K.
Published: January 2005

Although some factors seem to be moving to allow greater decertification of the school principal profession, other factors, moving in the opposite direction, call for greater oversight by government. Four factors—perceived shortage of principals, accountability and the changing role of principals, growing influence of the state over school administration, and new conceptualization of good public management—have created a set of challenges to certification that have propelled a renewed analysis of certification and licensure. This article focuses on alternative certification and licensure of principals—looking at the historical factors leading up to the introduction of alternative licensure for principals—the challenges to alternative licensure programs, and provides a case study of one district’s and one state’s (Florida) current experimentation.
Federal Role in Teacher Quality: “Redefinition” or Policy Alignment?
Authors: Cohen-Vogel Lora
Published: January 2005

Although state attention to teacher preparation and professional development began more than 150 years ago with the provision of teacher education in Massachusetts, the federal government did not get involved in teacher preparation and development until the late 1950s. Even then, Washington lawmakers generally restricted their activities to financial assistance for in-service training and college aid for teachers. Over time, the federal approach to teacher education has expanded in shape and scope, even as some continued to characterize it as peripheral to core issues of instruction. Today, with the passage of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, the federal government claims to have redefined its role. By tracing the evolution of federal involvement in teacher education over time, this study finds that the act’s provisions may reflect an ongoing attempt beginning in the 1990s to align teacher preparation and professional development activities with K-12 educational reform efforts.
Introduction: Teacher and Leadership Preparation and Development: No Strangers to Politics
Authors: Cohen-Vogel Lora , Herrington Carolyn D.
Published: January 2005

Debates over the quality of the nation’s teaching force extend at least as far back as the early 1900s. Today, teacher quality is again at the top of the reform agenda for America’s public schools. Consensus over the substance of reform, however, has not yet been achieved. Before introducing the articles in this double issue and discussing their individual and combined value for the study of educational politics, this article provides a brief history of the politics surrounding teacher and administrator preparation, unpacks the arguments behind the two national reform agendas for America’s teachers (professionalization and deregulation), and parses out a quality problem within a political discourse that stresses teacher shortages.
Skin Care Resource Teams: Successful Strategies to Implement Evidence-Based Practice
Authors: Dailey Maureen
Published: January 2005

Quality, cost, and patient access are critical to a home health care agency’s success in a competitive market. Creating a learning environment is key to both staff satisfaction and positive patient care outcomes. Preventing adverse events and providing evidence-based care management for high-volume populations are key to an agency’s reputation for quality, cost-efficient care. This article describes the implementation of evidence-based guidelines for pressure ulcer prevention and wound care utilizing the continuous quality improvement process in performance improvement (PI) via Skin Care Resource Team (SCRT) implementation. Factors addressed are clinical quality, cost, staff motivation, productivity, and documentation burden. Effective and efficient strategies described in PI are SCRT support and rollout and integration of consistent appropriate wound, ostomy, and continence nurse consults via telehealth. The importance of linking evidence-based practice with the agency’s vision, goals, resources, and employee incentives is discussed.
The Home Health Care Team: What Can We Learn From the Hospice Experience?
Authors: Dyeson Timothy B.
Published: January 2005

This article briefly describes the history of the development of hospice and home health care and compares and contrasts the policies that govern these two health care delivery systems. The article articulates how these policies affect the nature of interprofessional collaboration within each milieu. The author makes suggestions for what home health care can glean from hospice care to improve service delivery.