bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethnic change and diversity in England, 1981–2001
Authors: Rees Phil , Butt Faisal
Published: June 2004

The paper compares ethnic change and diversity across two recent decades using common group and area definitions. Ethnic minority groups are shown to be growing rapidly at 41 per cent between 1981 and 1991 and 39 per cent between 1991 and 2001. Some groups have grown swiftly (Black Africans, Bangladeshis), while others have seen moderate expansion (Indians, Other Asians). The White population has hardly grown and the White British population has probably declined. Black and Ethnic Minority (BEM) populations remain concentrated in metropolitan areas in 2001 as in 1991 and 1981. Whereas between 1981 and 1991, BEM groups were concentrating into metropolitan areas, between 1991 and 2001 deconcentration began for most groups. The London region stands out as highly dominant, housing more than 50 per cent of BEM populations as a whole in 1991 and 2001. However, between 1991 and 2001, BEM groups grew outside their core areas. The consequence of BEM population growth and spread has been a dramatic increase in ethnic diversity in all regions.
Reflections on the “Old” Economy, “New” Economy, and Services
Authors: DANIELS P.W.
Published: June 2004

ABSTRACT  Economic competitiveness now has less to do with new materials than with new ways of producing, utilizing, and combining diverse knowledges. It is branded as symptomatic of a “new” economy and is often juxtaposed against the “old” economy. As accelerating technological change has greatly increased the volume and quality of the information available to organizations, to firms, and to individual employees, it is asserted that the economy has become more “new” than “old.” But this is predicated on the assumption that there is a “new” economy and that it is somehow distinguishable from the “old.” This paper explores the basis for this dichotomy and whether it really adds anything to understanding contemporary economies and their ongoing development. It will be argued that it is more useful and constructive to examine the economy through a lens dominated by service industries that are now the key drivers of change (innovation, competition, employment) and development. The paper is concluded with a discussion of some items that could usefully be part of an agenda for further research by economic geographers on the evolving spatial and structural attributes of service work and organizations and their impact on cities or regions at different scales of analysis.
Waiting for Broadband: Local Competition and the Spatial Distribution of Advanced Telecommunication Services in the United States
Authors: GRUBESIC TONY H. , MURRAY ALAN T.
Published: June 2004

ABSTRACT  With the passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Congress directed the Federal Communications Commission and all fifty U.S. states to encourage the deployment of advanced telecommunication capability in a reasonable and timely manner. Today, with the rollout of advanced data services such as digital subscriber lines (xDSL), cable modems, and fixed wireless technologies, broadband has become an important component of telecommunication service and competition. Unfortunately, the deployment of last‐mile infrastructure enabling high‐speed access has proceeded more slowly than anticipated and competition in many areas is relatively sparse. More importantly, there are significant differences in the availability of broadband services between urban and rural areas. This paper explores aspects of broadband access as a function of market demand and provider competition. Data collected from the Federal Communications Commission is analyzed using a geographic information system and spatial statistical techniques. Results suggest significant spatial variation in broadband Internet access as a function of provider competition in the United States.
Were Growth Rates Higher Under Civilian Governments Than Other Types of Governments in Eleven Latin American Countries During 1982‐1988?: Re‐examining the Data by Alternative Estimators
Authors: FENG YI
Published: June 2004

ABSTRACT  This essay reevaluates “Regime, Polity, and Economic Growth: The Latin American Experience,” published in Growth and Change 26 (1995): 77‐104. Particularly, it reexamines three issues: data, estimation, and research design. Furthermore, it retests the same model with the same data through alternative estimation methods. The new results from the panel corrected standard errors (PCSEs) estimators, which are more rigorous than the Parks estimation, support and confirm the original finding that a civilian government in the eleven Latin American countries during the period of 1982‐1988 was able to generate a higher economic growth rate than their military or military‐civilian counterparts.
Shadowboxing with data: production of the subject in contemporary call centre organisations
Authors: Winiecki Donald J.
Published: June 2004

Tertiary labour is the fastest growing form of work in the West. Additionally, computer and telecommunication mediation of labour is increasingly prevalent. However, little research focuses on subjectivity in technology‐mediated tertiary labour. Taking a Foucaultian orientation, this paper describes how desires of subjects and organisations are rendered into power/knowledge and affect subjectivity in one variant of technology‐mediated tertiary labour.
The Potential of Next‐Generation Microbiological Diagnostics to Improve Bioterrorism Detection Speed
Authors: Casman Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2004

Emerging, rapid, multivalent, microbial diagnostic technologies can produce results in hours, as contrasted to the standard methods that require at least the better part of a week. Used in bioterrorism surveillance in medical settings, the new biodetectors could significantly reduce the time between a covert attack and its detection. By how much is determined by the intensity of sampling. If used to screen all patients reporting flu‐like symptoms to their doctors, this basic level of “front‐line” sampling would reduce life‐threatening medical floundering and missteps and give responders 3–5 days of warning that they otherwise would not have had. Being miniaturized and amenable to mass production, these devices could reduce the cost of screening to a fraction of current costs and so it is tempting to imagine their use in more intensive bioterrorism screening programs aimed at the apparently healthy population, programs that could detect a covert attack even before the victims felt ill. This article examines the tradeoffs between surveillance effort and probability of detection for such programs. Dual‐use deployment, where the biodetector provides some medically useful information in addition to bioterrorism surveillance, is discussed.
Optimal and Acceptable Technical Facilities Involving Risks
Authors: Rackwitz Ruediger
Published: June 2004

Economic cost‐benefit optimization of technical facility requires suitable “life saving cost” and/or an appropriate acceptance criterion if human life and limb are at risk. Traditionally, acceptance criteria implicit in codes of practice, standards, or regulations for well‐defined fields of application are calibrated against past and present practice. This is all but satisfying. It is unclear whether present rules are already optimal. Extrapolations into new fields of application are extremely difficult. Direct cost‐benefit analysis is proposed as an alternative. Based on the recently proposed “life quality index” (LQI), a rational acceptance criterion and so‐called life saving cost are derived. The classical life quality index is reviewed, modified, and imbedded in modern economics theory. The results are then applied to technical facilities. The relation between optimization and the LQI‐based acceptance criterion is discussed. The relevant economics literature is reviewed with respect to discount rates applicable for long‐term investments into risk reduction. They should be as low as possible according to a recent mathematical result. Modern economic growth theory decomposes the output growth rate into the rate of time preference of consumption and the rate of economical growth multiplied by the elasticity of marginal utility of consumption. It is found that the rate of time preference of consumption should be a little larger than the long‐term population growth rate. The public benefit rate (output growth rate) on the other hand should be smaller than the sum of the population growth rate and the long‐term growth rate of a national economy, which is around 2% for most industrial countries. Accordingly, the rate of time preference of consumption is about 1%, which is also intergenerationally acceptable from an ethical point of view. Given a certain output growth rate there is a corresponding maximum financial interest rate in order to maintain nonnegativity of the objective function at the optimum. Finally, a simple demonstration example is added.
Explaining Public Resistance to Genetically Modified Corn: An Analysis of the Distribution of Benefits and Risks
Authors: Wu Felicia
Published: June 2004

Genetically modified (GM) crops have met with widespread approval among scientists and policy makers in the United States, but public approval of GM crops, both domestically and abroad, is progressing much more slowly. An underlying cause of public wariness may be that both nations and individual consumers do not perceive significant benefits to themselves from GM crops, while fearing the risks they may incur. In this study, an economic analysis is conducted to determine whether the benefits of one type of GM corn, Bt corn (genetically modified to resist damage from the ECB and Southwestern corn borer), outweigh the potential risks; and who the “winners” and “losers” are among stakeholder groups that may be affected by Bt corn. It is found that Bt corn growers, consumers, and industry all benefit from Bt corn adoption, though the purported health and environmental benefits of reducing chemical pesticide usage through Bt corn are negligible. Though the aggregated public benefit is large, the welfare gain to individual consumers is small and may not make up for perceived risks. While environmental and health risks of Bt corn are unlikely, the potential market risks—impacting both the organic corn market and total U.S. corn exports—are found to be significant. Currently, distributional analysis is not a part of regulatory decision making of Bt corn in the United States; yet it may help to explain why decision makers at both the government and individual‐consumer levels have failed to embrace Bt corn and other GM crops.
Oil price assumptions in macroeconomic forecasts: should we follow futures market expectations?
Authors: Coimbra Carlos , Esteves Paulo Soares
Published: June 2004

In macroeconomic forecasting, in spite of its important role in price and activity developments, oil prices are usually taken as an exogenous variable, for which assumptions have to be made. This paper evaluates the forecasting performance of futures market prices against the other popular technical procedure, the carry‐over assumption. The results suggest that there is almost no difference between opting for futures market prices or using the carry‐over assumption for short‐term forecasting horizons (up to 12 months), while, for longer‐term horizons, they favour the use of futures market prices. However, as futures market prices reflect market expectations for world economic activity, futures oil prices should be adjusted whenever market expectations for world economic growth are different to the values underlying the macroeconomic scenarios, in order to fully ensure the internal consistency of those scenarios.
Cyclical behaviour and shock‐persistence: crude oil prices
Authors: Jalali‐Naini Ahmad R. , Asali Mehdi
Published: June 2004

Oil prices behave differently over different time‐horizons. For the short run, we examine the pattern of movements in crude oil prices over business cycles and test whether price increases influence global output and/or are influenced by economic cycles. For the long run, we focus on whether “shocks” to crude oil prices are persistent or not. Our findings indicate that the price of crude oil exhibits substantial cyclical behaviour, as verified by several tests carried out in this paper. The VAR analysis indicates that the price of oil is a pro‐cyclical variable. Moreover, the results show that, while, during the 1972–2003 period (when OPEC exerted more influence in the oil market), the oil market experienced substantial fluctuations in price, the price cycles were mean‐reverting and not shock‐persistent. This could indicate that OPEC market power can have stabilising effects.
Characteristics of sleep disturbances in Poland – results of the National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Kiejna Andrzej , Rymaszewska Joanna , Wojtyniak Bogdan , Stokwiszewski Jakub
Published: June 2004

Background:

Apart from insomnia, poor quality of sleep, decreased sleep duration, tiredness after awakening and frequency of using sleeping drugs are important indicators of sleep problems.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of indicators of sleep disturbance, such as quality of sleep, sleep duration, feeling of restfulness in the morning and drug utilization in a randomly selected Polish adult population.

Methods:

A stratified scheme of sampling involving two steps was used. A representative Polish population sample of 47 924 non-institutionalized adults was interviewed. Assessments of sleep-related problems were based on six questions. Standardized prevalence ratios (SPRs and their 95% confidence intervals) were calculated.

Results:

Almost one-tenth of Polish inhabitants usually slept badly or very badly, a problem that was more common among women than men. Quality of sleep decreased together with ageing and this process was more rapid in women than in men over 40 years of age. Highly educated respondents had the highest quality of sleep. Up to one-fifth of the general Polish population usually woke up tired in the morning. Mean sleep duration was 7.7 h, with no gender differences. Usage of over-the-counter (OTC) medications was significantly lower than usage of those prescribed by the physician (5 vs. 16%). Women used OTC drugs twice as often as men.

Conclusions:

It would appear to be necessary to introduce educational programmes for the community as well as for general practitioners in order to correct improper attitudes.
Effects of desmopressin (DDAVP) on memory impairment following electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Authors: Abdollahian Ebrahim , Sargolzaee Mohammad R. , Hajzade Moosareza , Mohebbi Mohammad D. , Javanbakht Arash
Published: June 2004

Background:

Memory impairment is a common adverse effect of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Studies on animals and humans suggest that vasopressin improves the cognitive function, and positive effects of desmopressin on memory and learning have been reported. This research was performed for evaluation of the effects of desmopressin in the prevention of memory impairment following ECT.

Methods:

This randomized, double-blind controlled clinical trial with placebo administration was performed on 50 patients with psychiatric disorders who were candidates for ECT. Subjects in the case group received 60 µm of intranasal desmopressin daily (in three doses of 20 µm). For the control group 0.9% saline solution was administered in the same way. Memory function was evaluated using Wechsler's Memory Scale three times a week (the first time before the start of ECT and the second and third times after the third and sixth sessions, respectively). Results were analyzed byt-test and Pairedt-test.

Results:

The mean age of patients was 29 years (range 20–40). During the course of ECT, patients in the control group demonstrated a meaningful decrease in memory scores (from a base score of 80.15–75.45 in the second test and 72.60 in the third test). Despite this, a meaningful increase in memory scores was observed during the treatment with desmopressin in the case group (from a base score of 73.27–75.70 and 79.13 in the second and the third tests, respectively). There was a meaningful difference between the two groups (P< 0.0001).

Conclusion:

This study confirms the protective effect of desmopressin against memory impairment. The results confirm that memory impairment is a common side-effect of ECT and suggest that desmopressin may prevent ECT-induced memory impairment by its effects on memory and the learning process.
The impact of weight gain associated with atypical antipsychotic use in schizophrenia
Authors: Chue Pierre , Cheung Raphael
Published: June 2004

Background:

Atypical antipsychotics offer clear advantages in the management of schizophrenia, compared with conventional neuroleptics, but weight gain is a significant adverse effect with some of these agents.

Objective:

To review the literature on weight gain associated with atypical antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenia.

Methods:

Relevant sources were identified from Medline searches to February 2003 using combinations of keywords including ‘schizophrenia’, ‘antipsychotics’, ‘weight gain’, ‘adverse events’, ‘obesity’, and ‘diabetes’.

Results:

Most atypical antipsychotics induce some weight gain, but the magnitude of the effect varies markedly. The greatest increases are seen with clozapine and olanzapine: risperidone has a slight effect, comparable with that of conventional neuroleptics, while ziprasidone and aripiprazole appear from current data to have little effect. In addition, atypical antipsychotics have been associated with metabolic disturbances, particularly glucose dysregulation and dyslipidemia. These effects tend to be more marked with olanzapine and clozapine than with other agents. Weight gain associated with atypical antipsychotics imposes substantial morbidity, in addition to that associated with schizophrenia itself. Furthermore, weight gain can significantly impair patients' quality of life, and leads to non-adherence with treatment. Effective weight management should include the selection of an appropriate atypical antipsychotic and for effective weight management, as well both diet and exercise, formal weight management programs tailored to the needs of schizophrenic patients may be useful, and some patients may benefit from weight-reducing drugs.

Conclusions:

Weight gain associated with atypical antipsychotics is a common problem that requires effective management. The selection of an agent with a low risk of weight gain, such as risperidone or ziprasidone, is central to such management.
Focus on fillings: a qualitative health study of people medically diagnosed with mercury poisoning, linked to dental amalgam
Authors: Jones Linda Miriam
Published: June 2004

Background:

This paper reports a qualitative investigation of people who have considered removing their dental amalgam fillings following a medical diagnosis of mercury poisoning.

Objective:

To document themes from patients' collective, subjective experience; and explore links between illness and dental amalgam.

Methods:

Seven focus groups involved 35 participants selected by random, criteria sampling from the computerized patient records of one medical practice.

Results:

The participants' experiences represented four scenarios, each with a distinct pattern of presenting illness, and developmental path for health beliefs linking mercury and illness. When discussing health outcomes following their diagnosis of mercury poisoning, 29 of the 32 participants who had begun amalgam removal reported enduring health gains. Participants compared sources of information on mercury poisoning, and explored issues related to medical practice: the focus on symptoms and not aetiology; how symptoms were monitored; the stigma of a psychosomatic label; suicide; and the problematic detoxification process.

Conclusion:

The placebo effect and reduced galvanism as explanations for recovery are considered. A ‘toothless body’ metaphor is proposed as a possible explanation for missed diagnosis of mercury poisoning. Participants reported that the experience was costly both financially and socially, and wanted health professionals to be more open to considering mercury in a causal role for chronic illness.
Hypothalamic digoxin, hemispheric chemical dominance and sarcoidosis
Authors: Ravi Kumar A. , Kurup Parameswara Achutha
Published: June 2004

Background/aims:

The isoprenoid pathway produces three key metabolites: endogenous digoxin (membrane sodium-potassium ATPase inhibitor, immunomodulator and regulator of neurotransmitter/amino acid transport), dolichol (regulates N-glycosylation of proteins) and ubiquinone (free radical scavenger). The role of the isoprenoid pathway in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis in relation to hemispheric dominance was studied.

Methods:

The isoprenoid pathway-related cascade was assessed in patients with systemic sarcoidosis with pulmonary involvement. The pathway was also assessed in patients with right hemispheric, left hemispheric and bihemispheric dominance for comparison to find out the role of hemispheric dominance in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis.

Results:

In patients with sarcoidosis there was elevated digoxin synthesis, increased dolichol and glycoconjugate levels and low ubiquinone and elevated free radical levels. There was also an increase in tryptophan catabolites and a reduction in tyrosine catabolites. There was an increase in the cholesterol:phospholipid ratio and a reduction in the glycoconjugate level of red blood cell (RBC) membrane in this group of patients. The same biochemical patterns were obtained in individuals with right hemispheric dominance. In individuals with left hemispheric dominance the patterns were reversed.

Conclusions:

Endogenous digoxin, by activating the calcineurin signal transduction pathway of T cells, can contribute to immune activation in sarcoidosis. An altered glycoconjugate metabolism can lead to the generation of endogenous self-glycoprotein antigens in the lung as well as other tissues. Increased free radical generation can also lead to immune activation. The role of a dysfunctional isoprenoid pathway and endogenous digoxin in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis in relation to right hemispheric chemical dominance is discussed. All the patients with sarcoidosis were right-handed/left hemispheric dominant according to the dichotic listening test, but their biochemical patterns were suggestive of right hemispheric chemical dominance. Hemispheric chemical dominance has no correlation with handedness or the dichotic listening test.
Financial Liberalisation and Economic Development: An Assessment
Authors: Auerbach Paul , Uddin Siddiki Jalal
Published: June 2004

Abstract.  The financial sector has always played a central role in economic development, but analysis of its precise role has been hampered by the emphasis on ‘real’ factors in the main stream of economic thought and the static nature of financial theory. Empirical studies confirm the importance of finance to economic development, but are indecisive on the efficaciousness of the widely advocated policies associated with financial liberalisation. To be successful, strategies for financial liberalisation must deal with problems generated by asymmetric information and have policies to promote competition, the disclosure of information and the maintenance of governmental integrity.
The Changing Nature of Currency Crises
Authors: Saxena Sweta C.
Published: June 2004

Abstract.  Currency crises that have been observed in recent years are not a new phenomenon, but the main features of the crises in Latin America in the 1970s and early 1980s are quite different from the crisis in Europe in 1992. Theoretical literature has evolved over time to account for the changing nature of these crises. While many theoretical and empirical papers have been written about various episodes of these crises, the change in their mechanism over time has not been demonstrated well. This paper fills the gap in the literature by graphically depicting the main features of these crises. Such a visual analysis should allow the reader to better understand and follow the changes in the mechanisms over time.
HB‐107, a nonbacteriostatic fragment of the antimicrobial peptide cecropin B, accelerates murine wound repair
Authors: Lee Phillip H.A. , Rudisill Jennifer A. , Lin Kenneth H. , Zhang Lijuan , Harris Scott M. , Falla Timothy J. , Gallo Richard L.
Published: June 2004

Antimicrobial peptides are essential to innate host defense as effectors of pathogen clearance and can modify host cell behaviors to promote wound repair. While these two functions appear interrelated, it is unclear whether the ability to aid in wound repair requires inherent antimicrobial function. We hypothesized that the influence of antimicrobial peptides on wound repair is not dependent on antimicrobial function. To explore this, we analyzed the microbial killing activity of peptide fragments and correlated this with the ability to influence wound repair in mice. HB‐107, a peptide lacking antimicrobial activity and originally derived from the antimicrobial cecropin B, showed up to 64 percent improvement in wound repair compared to scrambled peptide and vehicle controls, an effect comparable to treatment with recombinant human platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (formulated as RegranexTM). Wounds treated with HB‐107 showed keratinocyte hyperplasia and increased leukocyte infiltration. Furthermore, HB‐107 stimulated interleukin‐8 secretion from cultured endothelial cells, an effect that may explain the increase in leukocyte migration. These findings confirm that antimicrobial peptides can function as effectors of cutaneous wound repair. Moreover, this study furthers our understanding of antimicrobial peptides by showing that their wound repair properties can be independent of antimicrobial function.
Controlling wound bioburden with a novel silver‐containing Hydrofiber® dressing
Authors: Jones Samantha A. , Bowler Philip G. , Walker Michael , Parsons David
Published: June 2004

Clinicians now recognize that both aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms have the ability to degrade or damage host tissue at a wound site through the production of a variety of enzymes and toxins. Silver‐containing dressings offer one method for controlling this polymicrobial wound bioburden, and research efforts are currently ongoing to determine their efficacy against aerobic, anaerobic, and antibiotic‐resistant microorganisms. The current study aimed to determine the antimicrobial activity of a new silver‐containing Hydrofiber® dressing (AQUACEL® Ag) on both aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms, using the zone‐of‐inhibition method. This method provides a measure of the ability of the dressing to make available a sufficient concentration of silver to have an antimicrobial effect. To some extent this test mimics the clinical use of the dressing and predicts its microbicidal activity at the wound–dressing interface. The results show that the silver‐containing dressing makes silver available at a dressing–agar interface at a concentration that is effective against a broad range of aerobic, anaerobic, and antibiotic‐resistant microorganisms. In the context of wound healing, the results showing antimicrobial activity against antibiotic‐resistant microorganisms are particularly important, as the control and eradication of these organisms is a major concern within the health care profession.
Plasma concentrations of α‐MSH, AgRP and leptin in lean and obese men and their relationship to differing states of energy balance perturbation
Authors: Hoggard Nigel , Johnstone Alexandra M. , Faber Peter , Gibney Eileen R. , Elia Marinos , Lobley Gerald , Rayner Vernon , Horgan Graham , Hunter Leif , Bashir Shabina , Stubbs R. James
Published: June 2004

objective  A great deal of attention has focused on the central role of alpha melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) and its antagonism at the melanocortin‐4 receptor (MC4R) by agouti related protein (AgRP) in the regulation of energy balance. However, very little is known regarding the function of circulating AgRP and α‐MSH in humans. We aimed to determine whether circulating α‐MSH and AgRP are responsive to long‐term perturbations in energy balance, in a manner consistent with their central putative functions.

design and measurements  Circulating α‐MSH, AgRP and leptin were measured in both lean (n = 11) and obese (n = 18) male volunteers, some of whom (lean n = 11, obese n = 12) were then allocated one of two weight‐loss dietary strategies to achieve about 5% weight loss. This was achieved by either total starvation (for 4–6 days) for rapid weight loss or a very low calorie diet (VLCD, 2·6 MJ/day) (11–12 days) for less rapid weight loss, in both the lean and obese volunteers.

results  At baseline, prior to any weight loss both plasma α‐MSH (15·8 ± 1·2 vs. 5·8 ± 1·0 pmol/l ± SEM; P < 0·001) and AgRP (49·4 ± 2·4 vs. 10·1 ± 0·9 pg/ml ± SEM; P < 0·001) were elevated in obese subjects compared with lean. In both cases this correlated closely with fat mass (P < 0·001), percentage body fat (P < 0·001) and leptin (P < 0·05). Plasma AgRP increased significantly during a 6‐day fast in lean individuals (11·1 ± 1·6 vs. 21·6 ± 3·1 pg/ml ± SEM; P < 0·05) but not in the VLCD subjects or in the obese, while α‐MSH was not affected by any changes in energy balance in either the lean or the obese volunteers.

conclusion  We show a difference in α‐MSH and AgRP in lean and obese subjects that correlates closely with body fat at baseline. We demonstrate an increase in plasma AgRP during a 6‐day fast in lean individuals that is coincident with a decrease in plasma leptin. This increase in AgRP was not due to weight loss per se as there was no change in AgRP as a result of the same weight loss in the VLCD intervention in lean individuals. The source of the increase in plasma AgRP and its physiological function in the periphery remains to be elucidated but we suggest that the dynamics of the change in plasma leptin may determine the elevation in fasting plasma AgRP in lean subjects.
A longitudinal study of bone‐related biochemical changes at the menopause
Authors: Nordin B. E. Christopher , WIshart Judith M. , Clifton Peter M. , McArthur Rosemary , Scopacasa Franca , Need Allan G. , Morris Howard A. , O'Loughlin Peter D. , Horowitz Michael
Published: June 2004

objective  To evaluate the effects of the menopause on bone‐related biochemical variables in a longitudinal study.

design  Recruitment by advertisement of premenopausal women over the age of 44 for measurement of selected variables and collection of blood and urine samples for deep freezing, followed by annual check of menopausal status and repeat collection of blood and urine samples for deep freezing after the menopausal transition.

patients  A total of 104 women with confirmed premenopausal status and on no treatment likely to affect calcium or bone metabolism were admitted to the study over a period of 2 years. After 8 years, 43 of the volunteers had passed through the menopause and the study was closed.

measurements  Radiocalcium absorption was measured at the first attendance and again after the menopausal transition. Calcium and other relevant variables were measured consecutively on paired thawed‐out samples of blood and urine.

results  The data were complete in 34 subjects. In these women, there were highly significant correlations between the first and second measurements of most variables – serum calcium and fractions, radiocalcium absorption, vitamin D metabolites, PTH and others – indicating significant ‘tracking’ of these variables across the menopause. Within that framework there were significant rises in serum total and calculated ionized calcium (both P < 0·001) without change in mean serum parathyroid hormone (PTH). Radiocalcium absorption fell (P < 0·001) without change in serum 1,25D. There was a rise in fasting urinary calcium (P < 0·001) which could not be explained by the rise in filtered load and therefore represented a fall in TmCa (P < 0·001). There were significant rises in urinary bone resorption markers, pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline (P < 0·001).

conclusions  We conclude that the menopausal rise in calculated serum ionized calcium without fall in PTH, indicates a change in PTH set‐point, and that the falls in gastrointestinal absorption and renal tubular reabsorption of calcium reflect the loss of an oestrogen action at these two sites. Although these changes are sufficient to explain the rise in calcium requirement at the menopause, the association of high bone resorption with normal serum PTH suggests also an increased sensitivity of bone to the action of parathyroid hormone. There is significant ‘tracking’ of many variables across the menopause despite very significant changes in their absolute values.
Usage and evaluation of Supply Chain Management Software – results of an empirical study in the European automotive industry
Authors: Buxmann Peter , Ahsen Anette von , Díaz Luis Martín , Wolf Kristina
Published: June 2004

Abstract.  This paper presents an evaluation of Supply Chain Management Software. For this purpose, we conducted an empirical study in the European automotive industry among car manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and logistic service providers from 25 countries. In particular, we analysed the objectives these companies are trying to achieve by using Supply Chain Management Software and evaluated to what extent these objectives have been accomplished. Our results show that the companies have been able to reduce both their costs and lead times and to improve their service levels. The survey also reveals, however, that until now, the cooperative potential of Supply Chain Management Software has not been utilized effectively.
Contribution of Ca2+‐Activated K+ Channels to Hyperpolarizing After‐Potentials and Discharge Pattern in Rat Supraoptic Neurones
Authors: Greffrath W. , Magerl W. , Disque‐Kaiser U. , Martin E. , Reuss S. , Boehmer G.
Published: June 2004

The contribution of Ca2+‐activated K+ channels to hyperpolarizing after‐potentials (HAP) of action potentials, to spike‐frequency adaptation and thus to the shaping of discharge pattern, was examined in rat supraoptic magnocellular neurosecretory cells. In addition, the expression of BK channels and SK3 subunits of SK channels was studied using double immunofluorescence detection. The presence of BK channels and SK3 subunits was detected in many supraoptic neurones containing either vasopressin or oxytocin. Current‐clamp recordings of current‐induced spike trains revealed that HAPs comprise a fast and a slow HAP (fHAP and sHAP). Correlation analyses revealed that the increase of the fHAP in amplitude and spike broadening were correlated to a moderate gradual increase of the interspike interval and thus to weak spike‐frequency adaptation. By contrast, marked prolongation of the interspike interval and strong spike‐frequency adaptation depended on the appearance and on the amplitude of the sHAP. The sHAP and spike‐frequency adaptation were blocked by cadmium, as well as by the SK channel antagonist apamin. The fHAP was attenuated by the BK channel antagonist iberiotoxin (IbTX), by the BK/IK channel antagonist charybdotoxin (ChTX) and by apamin. ChTX attenuated fHAPs throughout the entire spike train. By contrast, the IbTX‐induced attenuation of the fHAP was restricted to the initial part of the spike train, while the apamin‐induced attenuation slowly increased with the progression of the spike train. These results suggest that strong spike‐frequency adaptation in supraoptic neurones essentially depends on the generation of the sHAP by activation of SK channels. Comparison of effects of IbTX, ChTX and apamin suggests a complementary contribution of SK‐, BK‐ and IK‐channels to fHAPs.
Differential Effects of Repeated Restraint Stress on Pulsatile Lutenizing Hormone Secretion in Female Fischer, Lewis and Wistar Rats
Authors: Li X. F. , Edward J. , Mitchell J. C. , Shao B. , Bowes J. E. , Coen C. W. , Lightman S. L. , O'Byrne K. T.
Published: June 2004

Stress activates the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenocortical (HPA) axis and can suppress pulsatile luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion, resulting in reproductive dysfunction. The histocompatible inbred Fischer and Lewis rat strains exhibit marked phenotypic differences in the activity of the HPA axis, the former being more reactive. Using Fischer, Lewis and Wistar rats, we assessed effects of repeated restraint stress on pulsatile LH secretion. Adult rats were ovariectomized and fitted with cardiac catheters. Blood samples were collected at 5‐min intervals for 3–5 h for detection of LH. Less frequent samples were collected for corticosterone measurement. After 2 h, rats were restrained for 60 min. The same regimen was repeated four times at 6‐day intervals. The mean peak corticosterone levels achieved during the first restraint in Fischer rats were significantly higher than those in Lewis and Wistar rats. By the time of the fourth episode of restraint, there had been some adaptation of the corticosterone response in the Fischer, but not in the Lewis or Wistar rats. LH pulses were interrupted during the 1st restraint in all experimental groups, although only Fischer rats showed suppression of LH pulses during the subsequent 2‐h postrestraint period. During the fourth restraint, LH pulse frequency was still reduced in Wistar, but not in Fischer and Lewis rats, both of which showed a complete habituation. These results suggest that differential control mechanisms underlie the response of the HPA and HPG axes to repeated restraint stress.
Antidepressants Blunt the Effects of Inescapable Stress on Male Mating Behaviour and Decrease Corticotropin‐Releasing Hormone mRNA Expression in the Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus of the Syrian Hamster (Mesocricetus auratus)
Authors: Cordner A. P. , Herwood M. B. , Helmreich D. L. , Parfitt D. B.
Published: June 2004

Stress decreases sexual activity. However, emerging research suggests that the psychological aspect of control prevents the detrimental effects of stress on male mating behaviour. The present study examined the effects of chronic escapable/inescapable stress on mating behaviour in the male Syrian hamster. Additionally, the ability of the antidepressant clomipramine to prevent the adverse effects of stress on mating behaviour was explored. In this paradigm, two groups received the same electric footshock stress, but differed in the psychological aspect of control. Cohorts were divided into two groups. One group received clomipramine via a sugar water solution while the other received plain sugar water. Mating behaviour was quantified before and after 12 consecutive days of stress. The morning following the final stress and behaviour session, trunk blood and brains were collected to assess: (i) plasma concentrations of testosterone and glucocorticoids and (ii) corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) mRNA expression within the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). In the drug‐free groups, several aspects of mating behaviour were disrupted by inescapable but not escapable stress, including anogenital investigation before the first ejaculation and time of first ejaculation. Additionally, both escapable and inescapable stress caused a decrease in total hit rate compared to the no‐stress control group. Unlike the sugar‐water treated animals, hamsters in either stress condition receiving clomipramine showed no differences in anogenital investigation, time of first ejaculation, hit rate, or any other aspect of mating behaviour measured, compared to the clomipramine no‐stress control males. The stress‐induced inhibition of mating behaviour could not be explained by changes in baseline plasma concentrations of testosterone or total glucocorticoids; these values did not vary between any of the six treatment groups. It was found that clomipramine lowers CRH mRNA expression in the PVN by 74%, regardless of stressor conditions. The results of the present study have broad implications for understanding the relationships between stress, depression and reproduction, and for the treatment of people and animals suffering from the adverse effects of stress.
The effect of formocresol on bond strength of adhesive materials to primary dentine
Authors: Sari Ş. , Özalp N. , Özer L.
Published: June 2004

summary The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of formalin cresol on bonding of two compomers (Prime & Bond®and Dyract®, Futurabond®and Glasiosite®) to primary dentine. Eighteen non‐carious primary mandibular molar teeth were used. The two materials were placed onto the tooth surfaces before being sheared with a knife‐edged blade with a crosshead speed of 1 mm min−1. Two randomly selected teeth from each group were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The statistical analysis (pairedt‐test and Student'st‐test) revealed that shear bond strength was significantly higher in the formocresol‐applied group than in the group that was not applied formocresol (P < 0·05), but there was no significant difference between the restorative materials. SEM analyses also supported the results obtained. In conclusion, if compomers are used after endodontic processes which require the application of formocresol in primary teeth, dentinal bonding would not be decreased, but on the contrary, increase.
Eating disorder‐induced dental complications: a case report
Authors: De Moor R. J. G.
Published: June 2004

summary  Eating disorders are potentially life threatening and have not lost their relatively poor prognosis in the last decades. Whereas the increase in incidence and prevalence rates of anorexia nervosa over time are questionable, an increasing trend in incidence and prevalence of bulimia nervosa has been reported. Dentists are often involved in treating teeth of patients with both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa because the teeth of these patients are regularly affected by erosion and caries. Without identification of the underlying evidence of psychological problems and consequent treatment, a patient's medical and dental health will deteriorate as the eating disorder progresses. The dentition of the patient with an eating disorder may offer specific signs and characteristics to alert the dentist.
Comparison of condylar positions at intercuspal and reference positions in patients with condylar bone change
Authors: Tsuruta A. , Yamada K. , Hanada K. , Koyama J.‐I. , Hayashi T. , Hosogai A. , Kohno S.
Published: June 2004

summary  The purpose of this study was to investigate the condylar displacement from intercuspal position (IP) to reference position (RP), using a jaw movement measuring system with 6 d.f. and helical computed tomography (CT). The 19 patients included in the present study were divided into a group with bilateral condylar bone change (10 subjects, including the sub‐groups with flattening and osteophyte formation) and a group with no condylar bone change (9 subjects). The results showed that the bone change group had significantly more superior, posterior and absolute horizontal IP to RP slides than the no bone change group. There was also a significant difference in the amount of antero‐posterior and supero‐inferior condylar IP–RP displacements related to the type of condylar bone change within the bone change group. The osteophyte sub‐group showed the largest posterior displacement, and the flattening sub‐group showed the largest superior displacement. These results suggested that this large IP–RP difference in the bone change group might be related to their temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pathology, and it might therefore be useful to keep this difference in mind as one of the clinical indices suggesting the presence of TMJ osteoarthritis (OA).
In vitro fracture resistance and marginal adaptation of metallic and tooth‐coloured post systems
Authors: Rosentritt M. , Sikora M. , Behr M. , Handel G.
Published: June 2004

summary  The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the fracture resistance and marginal adaptation of all‐ceramic incisor crowns with all‐ceramic posts, glass–fibre‐reinforced posts and titanium posts as well as a control without any post. Three groups of eight maxillary incisors were restored with an all‐ceramic post, a fibre‐reinforced composite (FRC) post, a titanium post and a further group was restored without posts. Composite cores were provided and all‐ceramic crowns were adhesively luted. After artificial ageing, the fracture resistance of the restored teeth was determined. The marginal adaptation of the restorations at the interfaces between cement‐tooth and cement‐crown was evaluated with scanning electron microscopy using replica specimen before and after ageing. The restored teeth without posts [270N (235/335)] showed no significantly different fracture strength compared with teeth with the titanium system [340N (310/445)]. The all‐ceramic posts [580N (425/820)] and the FRC posts [505N (500/610)] both provided a significant higher fracture resistance than the teeth without posts. Prior to ageing, all materials showed <5% separation at the margins cement‐tooth or cement‐crown (‘marginal gap’). After ageing, the interfaces of all systems deteriorated to values between 6 and 14% marginal gap. The greatest marginal gap was found with the titanium system (14%) at the interface cement‐crown and with the all‐ceramic posts (12%) at the transition between cement‐tooth. Regarding fracture resistance and the marginal adaptation, the all‐ceramic and FRC posts may be considered as an alternative to the commonly used titanium post restorations.
Measurement of the setting expansion of phosphate‐bonded investment materials: Part I – Development of the Casting‐Ring Test
Authors: Lloyd C. H. , Yearn J. A. , Cowper G. A. , Blavier J. , Vanderdonckt M.
Published: June 2004

summary  The setting expansion is an important property for a phosphate‐bonded investment material. This research was undertaken to investigate a test that might be suitable for its measurement when used in a Standard. In the ‘Casting‐Ring Test’, the investment sample is contained in a steel ring and expands to displace a precisely positioned pin. Variables with the potential to alter routine reproduction of the value were investigated. The vacuum‐mixer model is a production laboratory variable that must not be ignored and for this reason, experiments were repeated using a different vacuum‐mixer located at a second test site. Restraint by the rigid ring material increased expansion, while force on the pin reduced it. Expansion was specific to the lining selected. Increased environmental temperature decreased the final value. Expansion was still taking place at a time at which its value might be measured. However, when these factors are set, the reproducibility of values for setting expansion was good at both test sites (coefficient of variation 14%, at most). The results revealed that with the control that is available reliable routine measurement is possible in a Standard test. The inter‐laboratory variable, vacuum‐mixer model, produced significant differences and it should be the subject of further investigation.
Plasminogen interaction and activation on Streptococcus mutans surface
Authors: Urdaneta L. , Vanegas G. , Premoli G. , Avilan L.
Published: June 2004

A number of pathogenic microorganisms have been previously shown to bind plasminogen. The subsequent activation of plasminogen into plasmin can contribute to their virulence. In this study, we have shown that Streptococcus mutans is able to bind both human plasminogen and plasmin. Binding of plasminogen to S. mutans was inhibited by l‐lysine and ε‐aminocaproic acid, indicating that binding is mediated via lysine‐binding sites of plasminogen. S. mutans enhanced the activation of plasminogen by tissue plasminogen activator but not by urokinase. This enhancement turned out to be dependent on cell concentration. Zymogram analysis showed that the plasmin activity acquired after plasminogen binding and activation is the most important proteolytic activity in the strain tested. These results suggest a mechanism involving acquisition of a host protease that might contribute to the infective process of this microorganism.