bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the responsiveness of measures of oral health‐related quality of life
Authors: Locker David , Jokovic Aleksandra , Clarke Martha 
Published: December 2004

Abstract  – Objectives: This paper illustrates ways of assessing the responsiveness of measures of oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) by examining the sensitivity of the oral health impact profile (OHIP)‐14 to change when used to evaluate a dental care program for the elderly.Methods: One hundred and sixteen elderly patients attending four municipally funded dental clinics completed a copy of the OHIP‐14 prior to treatment and 1 month after the completion of treatment. The post‐treatment questionnaire also included a global transition judgement that assessed subjects' perceptions of change in their oral health following treatment at the clinics. Change scores were calculated by subtracting post‐treatment OHIP‐14 scores from pre‐treatment scores. The longitudinal construct validity of these change scores were assessed by means of their association with the global transition judgements. Measures of responsiveness included effect sizes for the change scores, the minimal important difference, and Guyatt's responsiveness index. An receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to determine the accuracy of the change scores in predicting whether patients had improved or not as a result of the treatment.Results: Based on the global transition judgements, 60.2% of subjects reported improved oral health, 33.6% reported no change, and only 6.2% reported that it was a little worse. These changes are reflected in mean pre‐ and post‐treatment OHIP‐14 scores that declined from 15.8 to 11.5 (P < 0.001). Mean change scores showed a consistent gradient in the expected direction across categories of the global transition judgement, but differences between the groups were not significant. However, paired t‐tests showed no significant differences in the pre‐ and post‐treatment scores of stable subjects, but showed significant declines for subjects who reported improvement. Analysis of data from stable subjects indicated that OHIP‐14 had excellent test–retest reliability with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.84. Effect size based on change scores for all subjects and subgroups of subjects were small to moderate. The ROC analysis indicated that OHIP‐14 change scores were not good ‘diagnostic tests’ of improvement. The minimal important difference for the OHIP‐14 was of 5‐scale points, but detecting this difference would require relatively large sample sizes.Conclusions: OHIP‐14 appeared to be responsive to change. However, the magnitude of change that it detected in the context described here was modest, probably because it was designed primarily as a discriminative measure. The psychometric properties of the global transition judgements that often provide the ‘gold standard’ for responsiveness studies need to be established.
Reliability and validity of the Dental Satisfaction Questionnaire in a population of 23‐year‐olds in Norway
Authors: Skaret Erik , Berg Einar , Raadal Magne , Kvale Gerd 
Published: December 2004

Abstract  – Objective:  The aim of this study was to explore the internal structure, reliability, and construct validity of the Dental Satisfaction Questionnaire (DSQ) in a population of young adults in Norway.Methods:  The DSQ scale was mailed to a representative sample of 968 subjects aged 23 years in two Norwegian counties. The reliability assessment of the instrument was based on internal consistency analysis (Cronbach's alpha). A factor analysis (principal component) was used to confirm the internal structure of the scale. The construct validity of the DSQ was indicated by: (i) its correlation with the patients' beliefs regarding the way dentists deliver care, indexed by the Dental Beliefs Survey (DBS); and (ii) differences in DSQ scores between subjects who had dropped out from dental care at the age of 23 years and regular attenders.Results:  The response rate was 69%. The alpha (Cronbach's) coefficient for the overall construct of DSQ was 0.81 (n = 655), and 0.65 or more for the subscales pain management, quality, and access. The correlation coefficient between the sum‐scores of DSQ and DBS for the entire sample was r = −0.69. Subjects in the dropout group had significantly lower satisfaction with dental care than the rest of the group (P < 0.001).Conclusions:  This study generally confirms the structure of the DSQ instrument and indicates that it is a reliable and valid instrument in cultures other than the one for which it was previously tested.
The association between dental anxiety and oral health‐related quality of life in Britain
Authors: McGrath Colman , Bedi Raman 
Published: December 2004

Abstract  – Objective:  The aim of this study was to identify associations between level of dental anxiety and the impact of oral health on quality of life (OHQOL) in Britain, controlling for sociodemographic and oral health status (self‐reported) factors.Methods:  The basic research design included a cross‐sectional study involving a random probability sample of 3000 UK residents. The outcome measures were: levels of dental anxiety, which were measured on the Corah Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS), and the impact of OHQOL, which was assessed using UK oral health‐related quality of life instrument (OHQoL‐UK (W)©).Results:  DAS was correlated with OHQoL‐UK (W)© scores (P < 0.01). Having controlled for sociodemographic factors (age, gender and social class) and oral health status factors (self‐reported number of teeth possessed and denture status), known confounding factors associated with OHQOL, those with high levels of dental anxiety (DAS ≥ 15) were approximately two times as likely to be among those experiencing the poorest OHQOL (below the population median OHQoL‐UK (W)© score) in Britain (P < 0.001; OR = 1.93; 95% CI 1.41, 2.65).Conclusion:  Dental anxiety is associated with the impact oral health has on life quality. Those experiencing high levels of dental anxiety are among those with the poorest oral health‐related quality of life in Britain.
Productive efficiency and its determinants in the Finnish Public Dental Service
Authors: Widström Eeva , Linna Miika , Niskanen Tapani 
Published: December 2004

Abstract  – Objective:  Our objective was to investigate the cost efficiency of the Public Dental Service (PDS), which, until 2000, was responsible for organising dental care for children and younger adults born in 1956 and later.Methods:  Input and output data and information on various organisational and environmental characteristics were collected from 228 municipal PDS units in Finland. First, non‐parametric data envelopment analysis (DEA) was employed to assess efficiency. In the second stage, econometric Tobit analysis was used to explore various predictors of cost efficiency, technical efficiency and allocative efficiency. As input in the DEA model we used personnel full‐time equivalents and material and other costs expressed in monetary terms, and as output we used the number of treated patients.Results:  The study showed big differences in cost efficiency between the PDS units studied. The average cost inefficiency was 30%. Approximately two‐thirds of the observed cost inefficiency was because of technical inefficiency and one‐third because of allocative inefficiency. High state‐subsidy levels, and a high proportion of young patients predicted inefficiency, and young population and low socioeconomic conditions in the municipality predicted efficiency. The results also indicated that many PDS units could have improved allocative efficiency by increasing the relative numbers of auxiliaries in relation to dentists. On the other hand, some units were too small to employ full‐time dental hygienists efficiently.Conclusions:  In the Finnish PDS, there are uncommitted resources that could be reallocated so as to improve overall efficiency.
Somatic point mutations in RUNX1/CBFA2/AML1 are common in high‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome, but not in myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia
Authors: Steensma David P. , Gibbons Richard J. , Mesa Ruben A. , Tefferi Ayalew , Higgs Douglas R. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract:Objective: Acquired somatic point mutations in RUNX1/CBFA2/AML1 have recently been described in a subset of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Given the importance of core‐binding factor in megakaryocytic differentiation and platelet production, as well as the central role of megakaryocytes in the pathophysiology of myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM), we hypothesised that RUNX1 gene mutations might be common in MMM. In addition, it is unclear whether patients with MDS‐associated acquired alpha thalassaemia (ATMDS), a special subgroup with a very high incidence of point mutations in the ATRX gene, have an especially high incidence of RUNX1 mutations.Methods: We analysed samples from 78 patients for RUNX1 point mutations by denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC): 26 with MMM and 52 with MDS, including 18 with ATMDS.Results:  We found five RUNX1 mutations in MDS patients (9.6%), all of whom had RAEB‐2 or a history of treated AML, but none in MMM patients. ATMDS patients did not have an increased risk of RUNX1 point mutations (2/18, 11.1%) when compared with MDS without thalassaemia (3/34, 8.8%; P = 0.58).Conclusion:  RUNX1 point mutations are common in high‐risk MDS, but not in MMM. DHPLC is a useful technique for high‐throughput analysis of RUNX1 mutation status in myeloid disorders, and may be complementary to screening via other methods.
Chronic treatment with the glutamate receptor antagonist MK‐801 alters periodontal disease susceptibility
Authors: Breivik Torbjørn , Gundersen Yngvar , Osmundsen Harald , Opstad Per Kristian , Fonnum Frode 
Published: December 2004

Objective:  Previous experiments in rats suggest that hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis over‐responsiveness, which leads to increased secretion of immunoregulatory glucocorticoid hormones, increases periodontal disease susceptibility, whereas HPA axis under‐responsiveness is associated with increased resistance to the disease. The present study was designed to investigate whether MK‐801 (dizocilipine malate), an antagonist of the glutamate receptor N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) in the brain, which has been found to play an important role in the regulation of the HPA axis, would influence the outcome of experimental ligature‐induced periodontal disease in a rat model.Methods:  Experimental periodontal disease was induced in periodontal disease susceptible and HPA axis high‐responding Fischer 344 rats 2 days before chronic treatment with MK‐801(1 mg/kg intraperitoneally). The periodontal breakdown was assessed after the ligatures had been in place for 23 days. Following intraperitoneal Gram‐negative bacterial lipopolysaccharide stimulation (Escherichia coli, 250 µg/kg), concentrations of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) in the hippocampus, and levels of the cytokine tumour necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), as well as the HPA axis‐derived hormone corticosterone, were measured in serum.Results:  Compared to vehicle‐treated controls, MK‐801‐treated rats had significantly increased periodontal tissue destruction (p < 0.01). MK‐801‐treated rats also showed significantly increased expression of GRs in the hippocampus (p < 0.05), elevated levels of corticosterone (p < 0.001) and reduced levels of TNF‐α (p < 0.01) in serum 2 h after lipopolysaccharide stimulation.Conclusion:  These findings may implicate glutamate receptor‐dependent mechanisms in periodontal disease, and support the concept of a bidirectional immune–brain–immune regulatory network with importance for periodontal health and disease.
The responses of black-casqued hornbills to predator vocalisations and primate alarm calls
Authors: Slater Peter , Rainey Hugo , Zuberbühler Klaus 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBlack-casqued hornbills (Ceratogymna atrata) forage in small flocks in the tropical forests of West Africa, often in the vicinity of primate groups, including Diana and Campbell's monkeys (Cercopithecus diana, C. campbelli). Previous work has shown that these monkey species produce acoustically distinct alarm calls to crowned eagles (Stephanoaetus coronatus) and leopards (Panthera pardus), two of their main predators. Black-casqued hornbills are highly vulnerable to crowned eagles, but not leopards, suggesting that individuals may respond differently to these two predators. We analysed the vocal response of these birds to field playbacks conducted on different monkey species in Taï National Park, Ivory Coast. We tested six stimuli, three of which related to the presence of a crowned eagle (eagle shrieks, Diana and Campbell's eagle alarm calls) and three to the presence of a leopard (leopard growls, Diana and Campbell's leopard alarm calls). Results showed that hornbills consistently distinguished between eagle- and leopard-related stimuli, suggesting that birds attended to the predator class associated with the various stimuli. Second, within eagle-related stimuli, hornbills responded more strongly to the actual predator vocalizations than the associated alarm calls. One interpretation of these data is that birds were sensitive to the precision of information concerning the location of the eagle. We discuss these results in light of previous data on hornbill behaviour and cognitive capacities.
Flexibility and context-sensitivity during the vocal exchange of coo calls in wild Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata yakui)
Authors: Koda Hiroki 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThis study investigated the extent to which vocal production in wild Japanese macaques, Macaca fuscata yakui, is flexible. Japanese macaques frequently exchange coo calls with other group members to maintain auditory contact. When a coo call is emitted but no other members respond within a short interval, the same monkey often emits another call repeatedly. This study focused on these two successive coo call sequences. First, the sequences of eleven females in a free-ranging group were recorded and analyzed. Comparisons of the acoustic properties between the initial and repeated coo calls revealed that the repeated call was higher in fundamental frequency and longer in duration than the initial call. Next, playback experiments were conducted to examine the efficiency of the exaggerated acoustic features of these repeated coo calls. Eight pairs of initial and repeated coo calls were prepared from eight female monkeys as the playback stimuli, and played back to the eight subject females. Comparisons of subject responses to the initial and repeated coo call stimuli revealed that the repeated call stimuli elicited more frequent vocal responses. These field observation and playback results suggest that monkeys might be able to modify the acoustic properties of vocalizations according to the preceding context so as to elicit a more effective vocal response from other group members. The pattern of vocal interactions among wild Japanese macaques is therefore likely to be flexible and to some extent context-sensitive.
Variation in the stability of cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) pair relationships: the roles of males, females, and mate compatibility
Authors: Millam James , Spoon Tracey , Owings Donald 
Published: December 2004

AbstractPair relationships and their emergent properties represent potentially significant sources of proximate and ultimate influence on mating systems, but the study of such relational factors has been rare compared to the volume of literature dedicated to individual-level measures of mate quality. This study assessed variation in the stability of pair relationships in cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) and sought sources for that variation in both the behavior of mated individuals and their compatibility. Pair relationships represent an especially salient aspect of the social system of cockatiels, a socially monogamous species with long-term pairing.In a semi-natural, captive setting, this study compared (1) the social interactions between cockatiel mates to those individuals' interactions with opposite-sex non-mates, (2) the roles of males and females in pair relationships, and (3) the various pairs in their displays of intrapair and extrapair interactions. We also assessed the behavioral features underlying pair relationships by examining the interrelationships among social behaviors within pairs and the degree to which emergent properties structure pair relationships. Interactions between mates, as compared to opposite-sex non-mates, were characterized by closer proximity, greater behavioral synchrony, less aggression, more allopreening, and greater sexual behavior. Males and females displayed little dimorphism in many intrapair and extrapair behaviors; however, males approached and courted their mates more than females did, and males but not females exhibited more intersexual aggression to non-mates than to their mates. Social interactions between mates varied significantly among pairs in ways that reflected variation in the degree of behavioral compatibility between mates. In other words, suites of highly correlated behaviors characterized the interactions between mates such that pairs exhibiting greater affiliative or accordant behaviors exhibited less aggressive or discordant behaviors and vice versa. Emergent properties appeared to play an especially important role in compatibility. By examining significant within-species variation in pair relationships, this study complements the increasing knowledge of mating relationships gained from comparative studies and illustrates the importance of emergent, pair-level behavior in the maintenance of long-term monogamous pair-bonds.
Reconsidering Geometries of Development
Authors: Shah Hemant , Wilkins Karin Gwinn 
Published: December 2004

AbstractWe argue that the dominant geometry of development should be discarded, given the many limitations this model imposes on development policies and programs. Following a description of the dominant geometry of development, we critique this conceptualization based on grounds of morality and validity. Referencing illustrations of Japan as a development donor and the Chipko movement as an engaged community, we argue that new alternative geometries of development consider other structural and social arrangements. Finally, we consider more holistic, alternative perspectives that integrate material welfare with other humanitarian issues that transcend national boundaries.
Reproductive ecology of the slow worm (Anguis fragilis) in the northwest Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Ferreiro Ricardo , Galán Pedro 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
The reproductive characteristics of the slow worm (Anguis fragilis) were studied in A Coruña (Galicia, NW Spain) in 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002. Data were mainly obtained through pregnant females captured in natural populations which subsequently gave birth under controlled conditions in the laboratory and the resulting neonates were examined. Marked individuals in a field population were also monitored. This field study allowed us to gain knowledge of the activity and reproductive cycle of the monitored population. A total of 68 births and 468 neonates were obtained, allowing us to determine the basic reproductive characteristics of the populations studied such as the litter size, offspring weight, offspring size and minimum maturity size for females: 135-150 mm snout vent length (SVL). The relationship between several variables related to offspring and their mothers showed a positive relation between size and mass of the litter and offspring with maternal size. A relationship between maternal tail length and litter mass was not observed. Unlike other studied populations of this species, most of the females of the A Coruña population (88.8%) reproduce annually. We found a probable relationship between female annual reproductive output and latitude, likely related to differences in environmental temperature. The activity cycle for the monitored population (from February to mid-December) is the longest known for the species.
Immunocompetence and testosterone-induced condition traits in male ruffs (Philomachus pugnax)
Authors: Lozano  , Lank  
Published: December 2004

Abstract
The immune system is costly to operate, so we expect allocation to this function to relate to other indices of overall phenotypic condition. In captive male ruffs (Philomachus pugnax), we examine covariation between three seasonal male characteristics induced by testosterone (neck 'ruff', facial wattles, and increases in mass/size) and cell-mediated and humoral immunity. The ruff has two genetically distinct morphs of males, 'independents' and 'satellites', which differ in mating behaviour, somewhat in body size, and possibly life history strategy. Ruff length and wattle number were significantly correlated with each other and with body size, but unrelated to mass/size. Humoral immunity was weakly correlated with size, but not with secondary male traits, or with cell-mediated immunity. We did not detect differences in humoral immunity between morphs. Cell-mediated immunity was weakly correlated with ruff length, but not with wattle number, size, or mass/size. Cell-mediated immunity decreased significantly with age. Controlling for age, independents had higher cell-mediated immunity responses than satellites. The expected relationships between two measures of immune function and other measures of condition were not always present, which suggests we need more data and/or more specific predictions about how the different aspects of immune function relate to each other and to ecological variables.
Evaluating Parameterizations in General Circulation Models: Climate Simulation Meets Weather Prediction
Authors: Phillips Thomas J. , Potter Gerald L. , Williamson David L. , Cederwall Richard T. , Boyle James S. , Fiorino Michael , Hnilo Justin J. , Olson Jerry G. , Xie Shaocheng , Yio J. John 
Published: December 2004

To significantly improve the simulation of climate by general circulation models (GCMs), systematic errors in representations of relevant processes must first be identified, and then reduced. This endeavor demands that the GCM parameterizations of unresolved processes, in particular, should be tested over a wide range of time scales, not just in climate simulations. Thus, a numerical weather prediction (NWP) methodology for evaluating model parameterizations and gaining insights into their behavior may prove useful, provided that suitable adaptations are made for implementation in climate GCMs. This method entails the generation of short-range weather forecasts by a realistically initialized climate GCM, and the application of six hourly NWP analyses and observations of parameterized variables to evaluate these forecasts. The behavior of the parameterizations in such a weather-forecasting framework can provide insights on how these schemes might be improved, and modified parameterizations then can be tested in the same framework.
To further this method for evaluating and analyzing parameterizations in climate GCMs, the U.S. Department of Energy is funding a joint venture of its Climate Change Prediction Program (CCPP) and Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program: the CCPP-ARM Parameterization Testbed (CAPT). This article elaborates the scientific rationale for CAPT, discusses technical aspects of its methodology, and presents examples of its implementation in a representative climate GCM.