bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Analysis of Human Platelet Adhesions Under a Small‐Scale Flow Device
Authors: Furukawa Katsuko S. , Nakamura Keigo , Onimura Yuji , Uchida Masaki , Ito Atsuo , Yamane Takashi , Tamaki Tamotsu , Ushida Takashi , Tateishi Tetsuya
Published: April 2010

To realize real‐time evaluation of human platelet adhesions onto material surfaces with small volumes of human platelet suspensions, we developed an apparatus consisting of a modified cone and plate‐type viscometer, combined with an upright epi‐fluorescence microscope. The apparatus allowed real‐time evaluation of platelet–material interactions and the initial event of thrombus formation, using small platelet suspension volumes (7.5 µL) under shear flow conditions. To study the dynamic behavior of platelet–material interaction, we chose five representative opaque and transparent materials: acrylate resin (AC), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvynylchrolide (PVC), glass, and a monolayer of human normal umbilical cord vein endothelial cells (EC) on glass under shear flow conditions. The values of adhesiveness of human platelets to the test materials in descending order were as follows: AC > PTFE > PVC > glass > human EC. Under this new small‐scale flow system, we could obtain highly reproducible data, which were comparable with results from a previously developed large‐scale flow system. Therefore, the newly developed cone and plate‐type rheometer is a useful instrument for testing and screening materials, and allows precise quantitative evaluation of human platelet adhesion.
The Characterization of Contractile and Myoelectric Activities in Paralyzed Tibialis Anterior Post Electrically Elicited Muscle Fatigue
Authors: Yu Nan‐Ying , Chang Shao‐Hsia
Published: April 2010

This study aimed to understand the myoelectric and mechanical characteristics of muscle recovering from electrically elicited fatigue. A modified Burke fatigue protocol was delivered to activate the tibialis anterior of 13 spinal cord injured subjects for 4 min. Before and after the fatigue protocol, a series of pulse trains was delivered to induce three twitches and a fused contraction at 0, 1, 3, and 5 min and then followed every 5 min for 60 min. The recovery processes of the ankle dorsiflexion torque and the evoked electromyography (EMG) parameters were analyzed and characterized by a first‐order exponential equation. The recovery process was found to be faster in regard to tetanic muscle contraction. Factors relating to low‐frequency fatigue, postfatigue potentiation, and the quickly normalized relaxation rate were taken into account for the discussion of this result. During the recovery process, the disassociation was found not only between twitch and tetanic contractions but also between mechanical and myoelectric activities. After the complete normalization of EMG parameters from about 15 min post fatigue, the tetanic force recovered incompletely to an asymptotic level.
Experimental Investigation of Pulsatility Effect on the Deformability and Hemolysis of Blood Cells
Authors: Kang Yang Jun , Kim Myoung Gon , Son Kuk Hui , Lim Choon Hak , Son Ho Sung , Yoon Sang Youl , Kwon Hyuk Sang , Yang Sung
Published: April 2010

In this study, we investigated the differences between pulsatile cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) procedure and nonpulsatile CPB procedure in terms of their effects on hemolysis and deformability of red blood cells (RBCs) under various shear stress conditions. In order to research the effects on hemolysis and deformability, four parameters—free hemoglobin (fHb) concentration, normalized index of hemolysis (NIH), deformability index (DI) of RBCs, and elongation index of RBCs—have been deeply investigated. For these investigations, two randomly assigned adult mongrel dog groups—nonpulsatile group (NP, n = 6) and pulsatile group (P, n = 6)—were examined. According to our results, both types of perfusion did not show any statistical differences in terms of the concentrations of fHb as well as NIH. In addition, there were no significant differences in RBC deformability between perfusion types within an operation time of 3 h. Therefore, our studies suggest that pulsatile perfusion has no significant difference from nonpulsatile perfusion in terms of hemolysis and deformability of RBCs.
“A Transcript of Actual Life”: Headache in the Novels of Jane Austen
Authors: Larner Andrew J.
Published: April 2010

(Headache 2010;50:692‐695)

References to headache in the novels of Jane Austen have been examined. Nine characters, all female, suffer headache at one time or another, often in association with emotionally stressful situations. As an authorial device, headache may have served Jane Austen as a culturally sanctioned form of bodily expression.
Cervicogenic Headache: The Neck Is a Generator: Con
Authors: Vincent Maurice B.
Published: April 2010

Cervicogenic headache (CeH) is a well‐recognized headache syndrome, distinguishable from other primary and secondary headaches. Although in some cases a cervical lesion may be detected in connection with the headache, many CeH patients have no demonstrable lesion. Besides, most of the frequent cervical diseases, such as spondylosis and disc herniations, do not present with headache of the cervicogenic type. This suggests that the neck is not an independent headache generator. CeH may depend in addition on a central predisposition counterpart, leading to the activation of the trigeminovascular system and pain generation.
Post‐Traumatic Headache: Is It for Real? Crossfire Debates on Headache: Pro
Authors: Obermann Mark , Keidel Matthias , Diener Hans‐Christoph
Published: April 2010

Mild traumatic brain injury is very common in Western societies, affecting approximately 1.8 million individuals in the USA. Even though between 30% and 90% of patients develop post‐traumatic headache, post‐traumatic headache remains a very controversial disorder. Particularly when it comes to chronic post‐traumatic headache following mild closed head injury and headache attributed to whiplash injury. Some experts are disputing its existence as a genuine disorder. Indistinct disease classification, unresolved pathophysiological mechanism, and the role of accident‐related legal issues further fuel this controversy. The complex combination of pain and neuropsychological symptoms needs further research in understanding the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms associated with the acute headache following trauma but more so the mechanisms associated with the development of chronic pain in some patients. Investigators should refrain from oversimplifying these complex mechanisms as hysteric exaggeration of everyday complains and from implying greed as motivation for this potentially very disabling disease.
Persistent Post‐Traumatic Headache, Postconcussion Syndrome, and Whiplash Injuries: The Evidence for a Non‐Traumatic Basis With an Historical Review
Authors: Evans Randolph W.
Published: April 2010

There has been intense controversy about postconcussion syndrome since Erichsen's publication in 1866 on railway brain and railway spine. The fascinating history of this debate will be reviewed and then the non‐organic explanations for postconcussion syndrome, headaches after head injury, and chronic whiplash injuries and headaches will be explored including the following: psychogenic, psychosocial, sociocultural, base rate misattribution, chronic pain, compensation and litigation, and malingering.
Cervicogenic Headache: Evidence That the Neck is a Pain Generator
Authors: Becker Werner J.
Published: April 2010

This review was developed as part of a debate, and takes the “pro” stance that abnormalities of structures in the neck can be a significant source of headache. The argument for this is developed from a review of the medical literature, and is made in 5 steps. It is clear that the cervical region contains many pain‐sensitive structures, and that these are prone to injury. The anatomical and physiological mechanisms are in place to allow referral of pain to the head including frontal head regions and even the orbit in patients with pain originating from many of these neck structures. Clinical studies have shown that pain from cervical spine structures can in fact be referred to the head. Finally, clinical treatment trials involving patients with proven painful disorders of upper cervical zygapophysial joints have shown significant headache relief with treatment directed at cervical pain generators. In conclusion, painful disorders of the neck can give rise to headache, and the challenge is to identify these patients and treat them successfully.
A Geostatistically Weighted k‐NN Classifier for Remotely Sensed Imagery. 遥感影像的地统计加权k‐NN分类器研究
Authors: Atkinson Peter M. , Naser David K.
Published: April 2010

This study aims to increase the accuracy with which remotely sensed data can be used to generate thematic maps of land cover classes. It explores the use of geostatistical models to characterize the inherent spatial variation between different land covers (woodland, rough grassland, managed grassland, and built land) and integrates these into a supervised, nonparametric, k‐nearest neighbor (k‐NN) per‐pixel classifier. The study defines three geographical weighting methods, two of which are based on geostatistical functions. These produce a geographical weighting that is incorporated into two pure k‐NN classifiers (inverse distance weighted and difference distance weighted) using a scheme that allows the weights for the information from feature space and geographical space to be varied. The relative merits of the enhanced approach are explored using a spatially and spectrally variable IKONOS subscene. Compared with the original k‐NN classifications, which use only the information in the spectral response of pixels treated independently, a statistically significant increase in the overall accuracy was achieved, particularly for land cover classes with considerable within‐class variation and between‐class confusion.
Communications skills in dental education: a systematic research review
Authors: Carey J. A. , Madill A. , Manogue M.
Published: April 2010

Communication is an essential element of the relationship between patient and dentist. Dental schools are required to ensure that undergraduates are adequately trained in communication skills yet little evidence exists to suggest what constitutes appropriate training and how competency can be assessed. This review aimed to explore the scope and quality of evidence relating to communication skills training for dental students. Eleven papers fitted the inclusion criteria. The review found extensive use amongst studies of didactic learning and clinical role‐play using simulated patients. Reported assessment methods focus mainly on observer evaluation of student interactions at consultation. Patient involvement in training appears to be minimal. This review recommends that several areas of methodology be addressed in future studies, the scope of research extended to include intra‐operative communication, and that the role of real patients in the development of communication skills be active rather than passive.
Clinical teaching in restorative dentistry and the variation between students’ and supervisors’ perceptions of its effectiveness
Authors: Polyzois I. , McLouglin J. , Kelly A. , Claffey N.
Published: April 2010

Objectives:  To investigate if there was an agreement between the students and supervisors on the quality of clinical teaching in Restorative Dentistry in the Dublin Dental School and Hospital and to identify differences on how effective clinical teaching is perceived between three academic years. In addition it aimed to identify the existence of any similarities between students’ and supervisors’ perceptions of specific teaching behaviours that are most and least helpful in learning.

Materials and methods:  An anonymous questionnaire based on the above objectives was distributed to three cohorts of undergraduate students and three cohorts of clinical supervisors. The response rate was 94% for the first, 94% for the second and 63% for the third student cohort. Twenty‐one (21) out of the 36 supervisors returned the questionnaire. Basic analysis of the clinical questionnaire was carried out in order to find the distributions of the variables between the groups. These distributions were compared using a non‐parametric analysis (Kruskal–Wallis). The degree of association was measured by the Pearson’s chi‐square values.

Results:  Students from all 3 years reported to be neither very satisfied nor very dissatisfied with their clinical teaching with a few statistically significant differences across the 3 years. The supervisors on the other hand, replied with a great deal of similarity across the 3 years. Furthermore, supervisors gave a high degree of straight line responses and generally felt very good about the level of clinical teaching. There was a high degree of variability in what the supervisors thought was important but also a high degree of similarity in what they thought wasn’t helpful. It was exactly the opposite for the students.

Conclusions:  There is a limited agreement between students and staff on the effectiveness of clinical teaching and the way effectiveness is perceived between students and clinical supervisors as well as between senior and more junior students. Overall though students and supervisors rated the clinical teaching favourably but indicated several areas of concern.
Comparison of dental education and professional development between mainland China and North America
Authors: Wu Z.Y. , Zhang Z.Y. , Jiang X.Q. , Guo L.
Published: April 2010

Different educational and professional developments within the dental field create different sets of missions, norms, and practices regarding dental diseases and their appropriate treatment. This review has addressed differences in dental education and professional development between mainland China and North America. Many factors influence the choice of model and it is very difficult to predict which model will become predominant. However, there is growing sentiment that the independent faculty model in North America is logical and superior to the model, which ‘integrates’ dental and medical education in mainland China.

Many North America dental schools place a high priority on preclinical and clinical training in the curriculum in order to expose students to patient oral health needs and systemic dental problems much earlier than in mainland China. North America dental schools promote and embrace students self‐learning skills by the use of PBL, CRL, and TRAD education methodologies and new e‐based technologies and approaches whereby students learn rather than are taught. In mainland China, the traditional lecture‐based format is still employed in the majority of dental schools; however, strategies to enhance students self‐learning skills is increasingly utilised in most well‐known Chinese dental schools.

The Chinese dental education model, which treats dentistry as a sub‐specialty of medicine, has brought about fundamental differences, with the dentist functioning essentially as a stomatologist. For example, China has built up a large oral and maxillofacial surgery society, and craniofacial surgery is performed to a much broader extent by Chinese dentists than by most North American counterparts.

In North America, dentists engage in full‐time work, attend continuing training/education programmes, belong to an association, gain legal status, and construct a code of ethics emphasising the quality of care delivered to the public. Currently, continuing dental education in North America is available through a variety of venues involving licensing authorities, universities and private programmes. The concept of professional development in mainland China is relatively new and is still considered primarily in the context of promotion or achieving a higher professional title. Mandatory continuing dental professional education requirements do not guarantee the competence of members of the profession. Today, the Chinese government and society place increasing emphasis upon the accountability of self‐regulating professions.

Rather than attempting to summarise the current scope of dental education and professional development between mainland China and North America, this paper hopes to enhance mutual understanding, and promote greater academic exchanges in dental education.
Attitudes of Irish dental graduates to vocational training
Authors: McKenna G. , Burke F. , O’Sullivan K.
Published: April 2010

Introduction:  Vocational training (VT) is a mandatory 12 month period for UK dental graduates after graduation. Graduates of Irish Dental Schools are eligible to enter the general dental service in Ireland or obtain an NHS performers list number in the UK immediately after qualification. Reports would suggest that some graduates of Irish Dental Schools are choosing to take part in VT in the UK and find the experience beneficial. This study aimed to record the uptake of VT amongst recent graduates from University College Cork and to document their experiences. It was designed to compare the attitudes and experiences of graduates of Irish Dental Schools who undertook VT compared with those who entered the general dental service.

Method:  A self‐completion questionnaire was distributed by e‐mail to dental graduates from University College Cork who had graduated 2001–2007. Responses were returned by e‐mail or post.

Results:  The response rate was 68.9%. There has been an increase in the numbers of graduates taking part in VT each year since 2004. 92.5% of Vocational Dental Practitioners (VDPs) found their experience beneficial as they received a guaranteed source of income, had a supportive peer network and worked in a positive learning environment. However, some felt that they earned a lower income than their associate colleagues, others found the pace of practice slow and that the duration of the training period was excessive. Eighty‐five per cent of VDPs would choose the same position again after graduation as compared with 61.8% of associates (P < 0.001). Ninety per cent of VDPs would advise current undergraduates to take part in VT as compared with 51% of associates (P < 0.001). A larger proportion of VDPs had taken part in postgraduate studies but there was no significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusions 

Larger proportions of recent graduates are undertaking vocational training

The majority of VDPs and associates find their initial employment position beneficial

VDPs benefit from a guaranteed source of income, a supportive peer network and a positive learning environment

Some associates suffered from a lack of support, feeling isolated and overwhelmed with patients

The majority of previous VDPs and associates would recommend VT to current undergraduates

Almost 40% of associates would now choose to take part in VT if given the opportunity.
Integration of medicine and basic science in dentistry: the role of oral and maxillofacial surgery in the pre‐doctoral dental curriculum
Authors: Dennis Matthew J.
Published: April 2010

It is the premise of this paper that the need for medical and basic science instruction in dentistry will increase over time. However, student and faculty appreciation of the relevance and significance of medicine and basic science to clinical dentistry has been elusive, largely due to difficulties linking biomedical science instruction and clinical dental instruction. The scope of traditional procedure based oral surgery instruction can be expanded in an attempt to bridge the medical science‐clinical gap. Topics such as health status evaluation, medical risk assessment, and a variety of other biomedical issues can be presented to students in a way which imparts specific dental meaning to basic medical science in real‐life clinical situations. Using didactic and chair side instruction in an oral surgery clinical environment, students are confronted with the need to understand these issues and how they relate to the patients they encounter who present for dental care.
Insulin resistance in rheumatoid arthritis: the impact of the anti‐TNF‐α therapy
Authors: Gonzalez‐Gay Miguel A. , Gonzalez‐Juanatey Carlos , Vazquez‐Rodriguez Tomas R. , Miranda‐Filloy Jose A. , Llorca Javier
Published: April 2010

Increased prevalence of insulin resistance has been observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). High‐grade systemic inflammation is implicated in the development of insulin resistance in these patients. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α is a potent proinflammatory cytokine that plays a role in the initiation and progression of inflammation and the mechanisms associated with accelerated atherosclerosis in RA. In assessing data immediately prior to and after intravenous infusion of the anti‐TNF‐α monoclonal antibody‐infliximab in RA patients on period treatment with this drug attributable to disease refractory to conventional disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs, a dramatic improvement of insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity was observed. A long‐term positive effect of TNF‐α antagonists infliximab and etanercept on insulin resistance in RA patients with severe disease was also reported. These results highlight the importance of therapies that act blocking TNF‐α function to reduce the mechanisms implicated in the development of the metabolic syndrome observed in RA.
Deviations in the endocrine system and brain of patients with fibromyalgia: cause or consequence of pain and associated features?
Authors: Geenen Rinie , Bijlsma Johannes W.J.
Published: April 2010

The brain and endocrine system are crucial interfaces responding to pathological and psychological processes. This review discusses whether endocrine deviations and structural and functional changes in the brain are a cause or consequence of fibromyalgia. Studies in patients with fibromyalgia virtually uniformly observed subtle alterations in hypothalamic pituitary adrenal functioning, hyporeactive autonomic nervous system responsiveness to stressors, and structural and functional changes in the brain. Our model proposes that predisposing factors, such as genetic vulnerability and trauma, have led to an alteration of the nociceptive system including several neuroendocrine changes. The resulting pain and associated symptoms, such as sleep disturbance, low fitness, fatigue, stress, and distress, are a cause of new neuroendocrine changes. The model predicts that favorable neuroendocrine changes are to be expected after successful pharmacological or non‐pharmacological interventions that target pain and associated symptoms.
Endomorphins in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and experimental arthritis
Authors: Jessop David S. , Fassold Alexander , Wolff Christine , Hofbauer Rafael , Chover‐Gonzalez Antonio , Richards Louise J. , Straub Rainer H.
Published: April 2010

The opioid tetrapeptides endomorphins (EM)‐1 and EM‐2 are widely expressed in central nervous system and immune tissues of rats and humans. Their analgesic properties are well characterized but they also have anti‐inflammatory properties. EM‐1 significantly attenuated the onset of hindpaw inflammation in adjuvant‐induced arthritis in rats. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated the presence of EMs in T cells, macrophages, and fibroblasts in synovial tissues from patients with osteo‐ or rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In an ex vivo superfusion system, EM‐1 potently inhibited the release of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8 from synovial tissues from patients with osteo‐ or RA. These results demonstrate that EMs are endogenously synthesized within human immune cells and have the potential to act as potent therapeutic agents in the treatment of chronic inflammatory disease. We discuss the clinical potential for EM analogues chemically modified to resist proteolytic degradation and identify modified protease‐resistant analogues with enhanced bioactivity.
Effects of estrogens on extracellular matrix synthesis in cultures of human normal and scleroderma skin fibroblasts
Authors: Soldano Stefano , Montagna Paola , Brizzolara Renata , Sulli Alberto , Parodi Aurora , Seriolo Bruno , Paolino Sabrina , Villaggio Barbara , Cutolo Maurizio
Published: April 2010

To investigate the effects of 17beta‐estradiol (E2) on extracellular matrix (ECM) protein synthesis (collagen type I, fibronectin, and laminin) using cultures of normal and scleroderma (SSc) skin fibroblasts. Primary fibroblasts cultures, obtained from skin biopsies of six female voluntary subjects and three female SSc patients, were treated for 24 h with E2 (10−10M) alone or in combination with tamoxifene (TAM, 10−7M) as an estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist. ECM protein synthesis was analyzed by immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. E2 induced a significant increase of fibronectin, collagen type I, and laminin synthesis both in normal (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, P < 0.01, respectively) and SSc fibroblasts (P < 0.001, P < 0.05, P < 0.001, respectively) when compared to untreated fibroblasts. TAM induced a significant decrease of ECM protein synthesis when compared to E2‐treated TAM‐untreated fibroblasts. This study seems to support important modulatory effects of E2 in the fibrotic progression of the SSc process via ER interactions.
The role of proinflammatory cytokines in the generation and maintenance of joint pain
Authors: Schaible H‐G. , von Banchet G. Segond , Boettger M.K. , Bräuer R. , Gajda M. , Richter F. , Hensellek S. , Brenn D. , Natura G.
Published: April 2010

The proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) not only promote and maintain inflammation, they also contribute to the generation and maintenance of inflammatory pain by acting at nociceptive nerve cells. A large proportion of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons express TNF receptors and receptor units for stimulation with IL‐6. In the rat model of antigen‐induced arthritis (AIA), neutralization of TNF‐α by etanercept and infliximab reduced inflammation‐evoked mechanical hyperalgesia at the inflamed knee joint. This treatment also attenuated the infiltration of macrophages into the DRGs usually observed during the acute phase of AIA. Intra‐articular application of etanercept reduced the responses of C‐fibers to mechanical stimulation of the inflamed joint but did not influence responses to stimulation of the normal joint. Finally, in cultured DRG neurons TNF‐α increased the proportion of neurons that express the TRPV1 receptor and may thus contribute to the generation of inflammation‐evoked thermal hyperalgesia.
Opioids in rheumatic diseases
Authors: Lang L.J. , Pierer M. , Stein C. , Baerwald C.
Published: April 2010

Opioids are the most potent analgesics available and are well established for the treatment of severe acute, surgical, and cancer pain. However, their use to ameliorate chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) is still controversial because of the side effects, such as tolerance, somnolence, confusion, constipation, addiction, withdrawal, and anxiety about disapproval by regulatory bodies. Chronic rheumatic diseases along with low‐back pain and arthritis are among the leading causes of CNCP. This article will focus on the role of opioids in chronic rheumatic diseases. Furthermore, the peripheral effects of opioids on pain and inflammation in rheumatic diseases will be outlined.
Neuroendocrine immunology of fibromyalgia
Authors: Di Franco Manuela , Iannuccelli Cristina , Valesini Guido
Published: April 2010

The pathophysiology of fibromyalgia (FM) is not completely understood. The disease is characterized by a central sensitization with an amplification of pain perception. A combination of interactions among external stressors, behavioral constructs, neurotransmitters, hormones, immune, and sympathetic nervous systems appears to be involved. It is known that the neuroimmunoendocrine system has a role in the pathogenesis of the disease and multiple abnormalities have been demonstrated in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Bidirectional mechanisms involving peripheral nociceptive input as well as abnormal central pain processing are involved. Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis alterations have also been shown with abnormal response to stress. Recent data highlight the putative role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of FM. The autonomic nervous system is implicated in the maintenance of the physiological homeostasis and sympathetic activity appears increased in FM. Neuropeptide Y and its receptors Y1 and Y2 seem to have a complex role in pain modulation.
Psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Atzeni Fabiola , Straub Rainer H. , Cutolo Maurizio , Sarzi‐Puttini Piercarlo
Published: April 2010

In a chronic inflammatory disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis is altered in three ways: (1) the inflammation‐related spontaneous and stimulated secretion of cortisol is inadequate; (2) the inflammation‐related secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is low; and (3) the levels of adrenal androgens decrease. In patients with RA, long‐term therapy with anti‐TNF therapy sensitizes the pituitary gland and improves adrenal androgen secretion. We have recently found that the mean serum levels of ACTH, cortisol, 17‐hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP), and androstenedione (ASD) in 11 prednisolone‐naïve patients with psoriatic arthritis did not markedly change during 12 weeks of etanercept treatment, nor did the serum cortisol/ACTH ratio. However, the greater increase in serum cortisol in comparison with serum 17OHP or ASD was related to clinical improvement, which indicates that the improvement was more related to the higher cortisol levels.
Cerebral lesions in patients with connective tissue diseases and systemic vasculitides: are there specific patterns?
Authors: Schedel Joerg , Kuchenbuch Sonja , Schoelmerich Juergen , Feuerbach Stefan , Geissler Angela , Mueller‐Ladner Ulf
Published: April 2010

This study was performed to evaluate whether specific patterns of cerebral lesions can be identified in different rheumatic disease entities. In 132 patients with different connective tissue diseases and vasculitides (systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE], systemic sclerosis [SSc], mixed connective tissue disease [MCTD], Wegener's granulomatosis [WG], immunocomplex vasculitides, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome [APS]), cerebral magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed. Patients were examined clinically, and laboratory parameters including autoantibodies were determined. Distinct distibution patterns could be identified; in WG, most lesions were seen in the cortex, the periventricular region, basal ganglia, and pons. In both SSc and MCTD, highest numbers of lesions could be detected in the corticomedullary junction. In APS, basal ganglia and periventricular white matter were involved predominantly. Generally, the maximum score of cerebral lesions correlated significantly with patients’ age. Pathological values for antinuclear antibodies and increased levels of antiphospholipid antibodies were significantly correlated with the presence of cerebral lesions. WG patients and patients with other vasculitides most frequently showed neurological abnormalities. This study in patients with different rheumatic diseases showed distinct distribution patterns of cerebral lesions, which might help to differentiate between them.
The Development Of Political Economy In Australia
Authors: Pincus J. J.
Published: April 2010

The role of economist in practical matters has generally little to do with economic theory. What they contribute is common‐sense judgment based on a fairly objective and complete appreciation of the facts. It is for appreciation of the facts that the economists are required; otherwise their place might almost as well be filled by classical scholars or natural scientists.
ECONOMIC THEORY AND POLICY: SOME THOUGHTS
Authors: Evans Ted
Published: April 2010

This paper discusses the role of economic theory in economic policy formulation and some of the limitations on the policy applications of economic theory. The author offers some thoughts on the areas where economic theory and policy advice are currently making their biggest contribution today and where they might better do so.
FOREX DEALERS‘ PERSPECTIVES ON EXCHANGE RATE DETERMINATION IN KOREA
Authors: Ahn Changmo , Fane George , Suh And Euy‐Hoon
Published: April 2010

This paper reports on a survey of dealers in the Korean foreign exchange market. The trade balance and foreign portfolio investment are reported to be the two most important variables in determining the exchange rate. Although dealers believe that fundamental factors are important, their decisions, particularly in the short run, are also affected by ‘noise’ factors such as herding behaviour, the use of charts and trends, the advice of opinion leaders, and positions that have already been taken. Speculation is perceived positively as enhancing market efficiency and liquidity. Arbitrage is limited by risk aversion and the unpredictability of future exchange rate changes.
HOW MUCH R&D SHOULD AUSTRALIA UNDERTAKE?
Authors: Brooks Robert , Davidson Sinclair
Published: April 2010

This paper explores the debate on R&D policy in Australia via an analysis that compares the level of R&D in Australia to a cross‐section of countries. Using survey data from the Global Competitiveness Report and economic data we find that R&D levels are consistent with expectations given business attitudes, the property rights regime and economic characteristics.
ARC LINKAGE PROJECTS AND RESEARCH‐INTENSIVE ORGANIZATIONS: ARE RESEARCH‐INTENSIVE ORGANIZATIONS LIKELY TO PARTICIPATE?
Authors: Maldonado Diana , Brooks Robert
Published: April 2010

In the modern knowledge economy the development of collaborative research between industry and universities is critical to success. In Australia one mechanism for encouraging such collaboration is via the ARC Linkage Grant Scheme. Under this Scheme the Government funds collaborative research that also involves a contribution from industry and the universities. An interesting issue is the extent to which research‐intensive organisation—that is organisations with high R&D and high IP assets (patents, designs, trademarks)—participate in the scheme. We analyse this issue using logit and probit models and find R&D to be a significant determinant. By contrast, we find IP assets to be insignificant. There also appear to be industry factors impacting upon the propensity to collaborate.
WOMEN IN ECONOMICS DEPARTMENTS IN AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITIES: IS THERE STILL A GENDER IMBALANCE?
Authors: Hopkins Sandra
Published: April 2010

Women comprise 21 per cent of academics in departments of Economics in Australian universities and their representation declines with seniority. The percentage of female students in Economics courses is 42, which is considerably greater than the percentage of female staff. This paper presents some data on the gender balance in Australian Economics departments. It is found that gender inequity still exists in Economics departments, but there has been an improvement in the number of women at the senior level over the last four years. Reasons for the gender imbalance are discussed.
THE PRICE OF DISCRIMINATION: AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION RULINGS 1985–2000
Authors: Brooks Robert , Davidson Sinclair , Jackson Margaret
Published: April 2010

This paper investigates the price of discrimination and the identity of discriminators in Australia, using data from the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission. To the extent that Becker's (1971) theory is correct, we anticipate greater levels of discrimination in less competitive sectors of the economy. The data do not support that notion. We also investigate whether the price of discrimination varies by identity of discriminator. Overall the price of discrimination is about A$15,000.
INTERGENERATIONAL FISCAL BALANCE IN AUSTRALIA: SHOULD WE USE FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY OR INTERGENERATIONAL EQUITY?
Authors: Coombs Greg , Dollery Brian
Published: April 2010

The burgeoning of the Australian welfare state in the post‐World War Two era, combined with the projected rise in the dependent‐to‐working population ratio from around 2011, is projected to raise social expenditure substantially, potentially exposing Australia to enormous fiscal pressure. Contemporary measures of budget balance do not take into account the fiscal impact of such long‐term cost determinants. Moreover, there is no agreed conceptual framework for the design of public policies to address this problem. This paper presents two competing models for measuring intergenerational fiscal balance: fiscal sustainability and intergenerational equity. These models are then used to illustrate the implications for the design of public policies to address the fiscal implications of demographic change; in particular, investment in education is used to highlight the application of these models since it is a quintessential example of generational transfer and a potentially effective measure for reducing the real value of debt passed from the current generation to future generations.
GLOBALISATION AND THE FUTURE OF INDIGENOUS FOOTBALL CODES
Authors: FROST LIONEL
Published: April 2010

Much of the debate about the future of indigenous football codes such as Australian Rules and Gaelic football has centred on the possibility that in the future their popularity will be eroded by the increasing power of soccer. Several commentators have envisaged a future in which sports that operate in a global marketplace will ‘crowd out’ sports that have been traditionally popular in certain parts of the world. This article will examine these predictions critically, and will suggest several reasons why in the future, the range of sports that is played, watched, and followed with passion, is likely to continue to vary from nation to nation, and even from region to region. The article will argue that the success of any particular football code is most likely to be affected by the effectiveness of its own organisation and management, rather than whether or not there are ‘global’ competitors to it.
GOVERNANCE AND FINANCIAL FRAGILITY
Authors: Francis Michael
Published: April 2010

Using data from a cross‐sectional sample of 81 countries, this paper provides empirical evidence to support the hypothesis that the quality of governance is an important determinant of financial fragility (as measured by the volatility of investment over time). Not only do the results suggest that better governance reduces investment volatility, but interestingly the results also suggest that governance variables are better able to explain volatility in investment than some standard macroeconomic measure such as inflation.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE MONITORING IN NEW SOUTH WALES: ARE ‘AT RISK’ COUNCILS REALLY AT RISK?
Authors: Murray David , Dollery Brian
Published: April 2010

Performance monitoring is a significant method of establishing accountability in Australian local government. In New South Wales (NSW) councils are assessed by the State Government to either be ‘at risk’ or ‘not at risk’, with this outcome dependent on the analysis of a range of key performance indicators derived from comparative performance tables. This paper seeks to evaluate the process of performance monitoring in NSW and the method of identifying ‘at risk’ councils using a standard econometric model for the fiscal years 2000–2001 and 200120/02 respectively. The results suggest that the selection of ‘at risk’ councils does not accurately identify municipalities that are in fact ‘at risk’.
FIFTY YEARS OF TRADE POLICY REFORM IN AUSTRALIA
Authors: LLOYD PETER
Published: April 2010

The record of trade policy is examined in terms of the statistics of nominal and effective protection available to Australian producers in the manufacturing, agricultural and mining industries. New fifty year series of the average tariffs on all goods and on dutiable goods are compiled. While the progress of reform was uneven, the period saw the triumph of liberal free trade views. Two lessons are drawn from this experience. First, ‘economics matters’. The development of ideas such as effective protection, the Harberger Triangle, and the non‐equivalence of quantity‐based and price‐based interventions greatly advanced the reform agenda. Second, ‘independent advice matters’. The Tariff Board and its successors steadily developed measures and ideas that demonstrated the costs of protectionism. Yet problems of residual protectionism, rampant regionalism, and WTO failure leave much to be done.
A CROSS‐COUNTRY ANALYSIS OF EXPORT PRICES IN OECD COUNTRIES
Authors: VALADKHANI ABBAS , LAYTON ALLAN P.
Published: April 2010

This article distinguishes the extent to which export price variation consists of global versus country‐specific changes for fourteen OECD countries. We find that sharp changes in global export prices are evidently becoming more important for many of the OECD countries over the last twenty‐five years as compared with the previous twenty‐five year period. The article also finds that, by a number of different measures, whilst Australia's export price growth has apparently become more highly associated with world export prices in recent years, it nonetheless continues to have one of the more volatile set of export prices among OECD countries.
FOREIGN BANKS: WHAT DO WE KNOW?
Authors: WILLIAMS BARRY
Published: April 2010

In their twenty years since their entry into Australia, foreign bank performance has been considered a failure. This paper will canvass this and related issues and argue that some of these perceptions may have been based upon inappropriate expectations. It will be argued that the foreign banks have been an important component in the ongoing process of Australian financial system efficiency improvement and globalisation.
SOME LESSONS FROM THE HISTORY OF AUSTRALIAN BANKING
Authors: MERRETT DAVID
Published: April 2010

This paper reviews three major episodes in Australian banking history and argues that in banks have often ‘misread’ the deeper issues and needs for the industry, concentrating on operational issues rather than understanding the bigger picture. Banks have, historically, not appreciated changing requirements for system stability and industry prudential regulation and opposed many significant policy changes.
TECHNOLOGY TRENDS AND THEIR POSSIBLE IMPLICATIONS ON THE FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRY*
Authors: VON KÄNEL JÜRG
Published: April 2010

This paper examines how trends in computer technology may affect banks in the coming years. It identifies massive increases in data collection and analysis capabilities as one of the key issues likely to affect banking business strategies.
ARGUING OVER [THE] REMOTE CONTROL: WHY INDIGENOUS POLICY NEEDS TO BE BASED ON EVIDENCE AND NOT HYPERBOLE
Authors: HUNTER BOYD H.
Published: April 2010

Recent public debate on Indigenous issues has been provoked, inter alia, by a 2005 Centre for Independent Studies paper by Helen Hughes and Jenness Warin, who focused on the extent to which policies have been effective in improving the living conditions of Indigenous Australians since the era of self‐determination commenced. Unfortunately, the quality of historical data is questionable, and hence we need an appreciation of the reliability of estimates. The 2002 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey allows a detailed interrogation of the reliability of estimates. This paper critically analyses socioeconomic changes between 1994 and 2002 for remote and other areas by comparing the recent data with analogous data collected in 1994. Changes in health status and a range of socio‐economic indicators are documented to provide a more balanced assessment of the level of economic and social development in the respective areas.
WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE A KIND DAUGHTER‐IN‐LAW IN JAPAN: LONG‐TERM CARE FOR THE ELDERLY IN JAPAN AND AUSTRALIA
Authors: KEIKO SHIMONO
Published: April 2010

This research examines the reasons for delay in the development of a universal public long‐term caring system and public insurance system for the frail and elderly in Japan, up to April 2000. Japan is one of the richest countries in the world but is also a relatively aged society. However, it lags behind other OECD countries in the development and provision of long‐term care services. In Japan, over half of women are not in paid employment and a quarter work in unstable and low‐paid jobs, mostly due to the scarcity of permanent positions for married women and strong social expectations relating to the role of Japanese women. Most Japanese people believe that married women will be the primary carers for both young and old members of the family. As a result of this expectation, the introduction of long‐term care insurance for the frail elderly was delayed until April 2000. Long‐term care insurance has lightened the burden of caring for the frail elderly. However, it still requires women at home to provide primary care.
CHANGING PATTERN OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND FINANCING IN THE KOREAN CHAEBOLS
Authors: MIN BYUNG S.
Published: April 2010

The de jure financial system in Korea has moved from mainly R (relationship)‐mode financial contracts towards M (market)‐mode contracts since the 1997 financial crisis, due largely to reforms introducing Anglo‐American style corporate governance and the disintermediation of the larger business groups in corporate financing. Analysis shows that the effectiveness of this change in improving firms' performances has yet to be demonstrated. Unlike the disintermediation of the big‐name firms, the affiliates of small and medium business groups and small and medium‐sized independent firms have relied heavily on bank loans and internal finance. The impact of a more concentrated banking system and intensified competition on the type of corporate investment has yet to be analysed.
FINANCIAL DEEPENING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN MALAYSIA
Authors: ANG JAMES B.
Published: April 2010

This paper examines the extent to which financial development contributes to output expansion in Malaysia, during the period 1960–2003. An augmented neoclassical growth framework is adopted to provide an evaluation of the impact of financial sector development on economic development. Using the recently developed ARDL bounds procedure, the results show that aggregate output and its determinants are cointegrated in the long run. The results suggest that financial development, private capital stocks and the labour force exert a positive impact on economic development whereas the accumulation of public capital appears to curtail output expansion in the long run.
PLANNING FOR THE END OF THE CONSTRUCTION BOOM IN TSUNAMI‐STRICKEN ACEH AND TRANSITION TO A RAPIDLY GROWING SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY
Authors: RICE ROBERT
Published: April 2010

Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, on the northern end of Sumatra, Indonesia, was the region that was most damaged by the Boxing Day tsunami of 2004. Rehabilitation and reconstruction are well underway. This paper discusses likely threats to the economy of Aceh with the end of the construction boom in 2009 and the policy actions that need to be adopted to facilitate a smooth transition from the boom to a normal, rapidly‐growing, sustainable economy. Key recommendations are that the forces causing a high‐cost economy must be kept under control by capping provincial minimum wage rates and by more effectively utilising the aid funds. Immediate action is needed in the areas of Aceh that were little damaged by the tsunami and are therefore receiving little assistance. Appropriate policies affecting the supply of labour for construction, both from inside and outside of the province, are needed.