bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the geochemistry of gases and noble gas isotopes (including 222Rn) in deep crustal fluids: the 4000 m KTB‐pilot hole fluid production test 2002–03
Authors: LIPPMANN J. , ERZINGER J. , ZIMMER M. , SCHLOEMER S. , EICHINGER L. , FABER E. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe concentrations of H2, O2, CO2, and concentrations and isotopic composition of the noble gases (including 222Rn), N2, CH4, and higher hydrocarbons dissolved in 4000 m deep‐seated fluids from a 12‐month fluid production test in the KTB pilot hole were analyzed. This determination of the gas geochemistry during the test in combination with the knowledge of the hydraulic data provides relevant information about the fluid hydraulics of the deep system. All gas concentrations and isotopic signatures, except for 222Rn, showed constancy during the course of the test. This, in combination with large fluid flow rates at a moderate water table drawdown, imply an almost infinite fluid reservoir in 4000 m depth. From the change in 222Rn‐activity as a function of pump rate, the contribution of smaller and wider pores to the overall fluid flow in an aquifer can be deduced. This 222Rn‐activity monitoring proved therefore to be a valuable instrument for the qualitative observation of the scavenging of pore and fracture surfaces, a hydraulic feature invisible to standard hydraulic testing tools. The observance of this scavenging effect is due to (i) the continuous on‐line geochemical monitoring, (ii) the durability of the test, (iii) a change in pump rate during the course of the test, and (iv) due to the short half‐life of 222Rn. The fluids have a 5.9% mantle He component, and a δ21Ne excess of 14%, and a noble gas model age of about (5.5–6.2) ± 2.0 Myr. The mean N2/Ar‐ratio of 516 and δ15N‐data of about +1.5‰ indicates sedimentary or metamorphic origin of N2. The hydrocarbons, amounting to 33 vol.% in the gas phase, are derived from thermal decomposition of marine organic matter of low maturity. But a key question, the identification of the potential source region of the fluids and the migration pathway, is still unidentified.
An investigation into the compatibility of consultation and performance comparison in the UK's policy of Best Value
Authors: Higgins Paul , James Philip , Roper Ian 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe policy of Best Value (BV) has been at the centre of the modernization of English and Welsh local government since 1999. At the heart of BV, is a performance management framework aimed at securing continuous improvement in the delivery of local services. This article critically examines the performance comparison – comprising performance indicators, audits and inspections – and consultation elements of this framework from the perspective of how they provide separate avenues to confirm the achievement of continuous improvement in local services. Three key issues are singled out for particular attention and investigated from a conceptual and empirical basis. The first issue relates to the construct validity of the performance comparison and consultation process in terms of the extent to which they are able to identify failing local services. The second issue involves an examination of whether the performance comparison elements of BV are conducted consistently between authorities, auditors and inspectors and thus the extent to which they provide accurate information about the performance of local services. The third issue identifies the impact of the consultation and performance comparison elements of BV on aspects of service delivery not subjected to these two confirmatory processes. Survey findings drawn from the views of 389 BV lead officers across local authorities in the UK reveal that whilst most respondents believe that the performance comparison elements of BV are able to accurately ‘identify failing services’, they strongly dispute the consistency of the performance comparison elements of BV. In addition, the survey findings reveal that more respondents than not believe that the performance comparison processes of BV serve to adversely skew resources away from areas of activity subject to less formal measurement. Detailed case study evidence drawn from three local authorities involved in the completion of the entire BV process offer further insights into the compatibility of the performance comparison and consultation processes of BV.
The impact of cognitive age on Internet use of the elderly: an introduction to the public policy implications
Authors: Eastman Jacqueline K. , Iyer Rajesh 
Published: February 2005

AbstractDespite the growth of the Internet, one area that has not really been discussed is the elderly's use of the Internet. Given the rapid growth of this population as well as the potential the Internet holds for them, it is a subject worth consideration. However, seniors cannot be defined simply by their chronological age, but by their cognitive age. This paper discusses the impact of cognitive age of a national random sample of American elderly consumers on their Internet use. The results suggest that those seniors with a younger cognitive age use the Internet more than those seniors with an older cognitive age. Additionally, seniors with a younger cognitive age have more social contact off‐line (but not online) than those seniors with an older cognitive age. Finally, in terms of demographic variables, chronological age is positively associated with cognitive age and women report a younger cognitive age than men. These results suggest that for policy makers interested in increasing the participation of seniors, they can utilize the Internet to reach those who are younger in terms of cognitive age; however, they will not be able to reach all seniors in this manner and they need to utilize the Internet as a complementing media to their traditional communication sources.
Consumer participation in sustainable technology development
Authors: Heiskanen Eva , Kasanen Pirkko , Timonen Päivi 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe article discussed consumer participation in the assessment and development of sustainable innovations, i.e. new technologies and services that have the potential to radically reduce natural resource use. Needs and contexts for consumer involvement were identified, and three case studies that each adopted a different approach to consumer participation were presented. The discussion included lessons learned from these case studies, and it identified priorities for future research and development.
Young and homeless: an evaluation of a resettlement service on Merseyside
Authors: Hennessy Claire , Grant Diane , Cook Ian , Meadows Mark 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe concept of resettlement of homeless people has become an important idea among homelessness practitioners. The principles of resettlement involve assisting homeless people to live independently providing appropriate levels of support in order to do this. For young homeless people this type of support is considered particularly important to be able to overcome social exclusion. This paper examines the perceptions and experiences surrounding resettlement of young homeless people, hostel support workers and resettlement staff in a hostel for young people in Merseyside. The paper suggests that while resettlement represents a positive step towards overcoming homelessness, certain working practices are needed to ensure the best outcomes. These include team working between hostel and resettlement staff and offering easy access to services for young people. The paper also suggests that improvements to certain housing and social security legislation may improve the pathway through homelessness as experienced by certain young people.
Do Insiders Manipulate Earnings When They Sell Their Shares in an Initial Public Offering?
Authors: DARROUGH MASAKO , RANGAN SRINIVASAN 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACTIn this article we examine whether insider share selling in an initial public offering (IPO) influences R&D expenditures. Insiders (managers and venture capitalists) who sell their pre‐offering shareholdings might try to increase the IPO offer price (1) by overinvesting in R&D to signal the firm's prospects (the signaling hypothesis) or (2) by underinvesting in R&D to increase current reported earnings (the earnings fixation hypothesis). We find that, for a sample of 243 IPOs from 1986 to 1990, change in R&D spending in the year of the IPO is negatively related to managerial selling. Because reductions in R&D spending increase current earnings at the expense of future earnings, our evidence suggests that managers believe that investors place more emphasis on current earnings and less emphasis on R&D and therefore spend less on R&D. We also document a positive association between discretionary current accruals in the offering year and managerial selling, suggesting that selling managers manipulate accruals as well.
The Importance of Business Risk in Setting Audit Fees: Evidence from Cases of Client Misconduct
Authors: LYON JOHN D. , MAHER MICHAEL W. 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACTPrevious research provides evidence that, for the clients of a large audit firm, audit clients with higher perceived business risk bear the expected costs of this risk with higher audit fees. We extend the literature, which focuses on the relation between litigation risk and audit fees, by examining alleged client misconduct that is not illegal but possibly increases business risk. In particular, we examine the relation between audit fees and business risk for audit clients doing business in developing countries where bribery of top government officials has been an accepted business practice. We hypothesize that bribery‐paying clients are riskier because of both client business risk and audit business risk. Using data collected from Securities and Exchange Commission filings and audit fee data in the 1970s, before the passage of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, we provide evidence that audit fees were higher for clients that disclosed paying bribes. This evidence is consistent with an audit market where auditors assess business risk at the client level, then pass their expected costs to the client in the form of higher audit fees.
Clinical and microbiological effect of scaling and root planing in smoker and non‐smoker chronic and aggressive periodontitis patients
Authors: Darby I. B. , Hodge P. J. , Riggio M. P. , Kinane D. F. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractObjectives: To compare the effects of scaling and root planing (SRP) on clinical and microbiological parameters at selected sites in smoker and non‐smoker chronic and generalized aggressive periodontitis patients.Materials and Methods: Clinical parameters including probing depth (PD), relative attachment level (RAL), and bleeding upon probing (BOP), and subgingival plaque samples were taken from four sites in 28 chronic periodontitis (CP) and 17 generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) patients before and after SRP. Polymerase chain reaction assays were used to determine the presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythensis, Prevotella intermedia and Treponema denticola.Results: Both CP and GAgP non‐smokers had significantly greater reduction in pocket depth (1.0±1.3 mm in CP smokers versus 1.7±1.4 mm in non‐smokers, p=0.007 and 1.3±1.0 in GAgP smokers versus 2.4±1.2 mm in GAgP non‐smokers, p<0.001) than respective non‐smokers, with a significant decrease in Tannerella forsythensis in CP sites (smokers 25% increase and non‐smokers 36.3% decrease, p<0.001) and Prevotella intermedia at GAgP sites (smokers 25% reduction versus 46.9% in non‐smokers, p=0.028).Conclusion: SRP was effective in reducing clinical parameters in both groups. The inferior improvement in PD following therapy for smokers may reflect the systemic effects of smoking on the host response and the healing process. The lesser reduction in microflora and greater post‐therapy prevalence of organisms may reflect the deeper pockets seen in smokers and poorer clearance of the organisms. These detrimental consequences for smokers appear consistent in both aggressive and CP.
Tissue reactions to sutures in the presence and absence of anti‐infective therapy
Authors: Leknes Knut N. , Selvig Knut A. , Bøe Olav E. , Wikesjö Ulf M. E. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractBackground: In the oral cavity, sutures are placed within tissues of high vascularity in a moist environment with infectious potential. The objective of this study was to evaluate tissue reactions at silk and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sutures in the presence and absence of anti‐infective therapy (AT).Methods: Thirty‐six sutures were placed within the mandibular keratinized gingiva in six Beagle dogs. Each animal received one braided silk (4‐0) and one ePTFE (CV‐5) suture in contra‐lateral jaw quadrants at 14, 7, and 3 days prior to biopsy. Three animals received daily AT including topical 2% chlorhexidine solution and a systemic broad‐spectrum antibiotic. Biopsy specimens allowed histometric analysis of tissue reactions along the central part of the suture loop including the area of perisutural epithelium, ratio inflammatory cells (ICs)/epithelial cells and IC/fibroblasts, and presence/absence of bacterial plaque in the suture track.Results: A perisutural epithelial sheath was forming within 3 days. The cross‐sectional area of the epithelium increased with time for both suture materials (p=0.003) but was particularly pronounced for the silk sutures in the absence of AT. Clusters of IC were present in the perisutural connective tissue and epithelium. Over time, a more prominent increase in IC/fibroblasts was evident for the silk sutures in the absence of AT. The pooled material revealed a significantly higher IC/fibroblast ratio for silk compared with ePTFE sutures (p=0.017). Bacterial plaque influx was detected in 6/9 silk and 0/9 ePTFE suture channels in the presence, and 6/6 and 3/6 suture channels, respectively, in the absence of AT.Conclusions: AT may reduce biofilm formation and inflammation along the suture track. Braided silk, however, elicits more severe tissue reactions than ePTFE regardless of infection control.
Removal of root substance with the Vector™‐system compared with conventional debridement in vitro
Authors: Braun Andreas , Krause Felix , Frentzen Matthias , Jepsen Søren 
Published: February 2005

AbstractObjective: The aim of the present study was to assess the removal of root substance with the Vector™‐system depending on different irrigation fluids and to compare the results with conventional methods for root debridement.Material and Methods: Forty extracted human teeth were treated using four different methods: Vector™‐system with polishing fluid and metal curette (VP), Vector™‐system with abrasive fluid and metal curette (VA), conventional ultrasonic system (U) with insert tip “P” and hand instrument. Treatment of the calculus‐free root surfaces was carried out for a total of 12 min. using an artificial periodontal pocket. At intervals of 120 s, the removal of dental hard tissues was assessed using a three‐dimensional (3D) laser scanning device and the Match 3D software with an accuracy of 0.00001 mm3.Results: No difference in the removal of root substance with the hand instrument (0.0055 mm3/s) and the Vector™‐system using the abrasive fluid (0.0044 mm3/s) could be observed (p=0.51). Using these two systems, a larger amount of root substance (p<0.05) was removed compared with the other methods (U: 0.0023 mm3/s, VP: 0.0022 mm3/s), which did not differ from each other (p=0.76).Conclusions: The present study indicates that the Vector™‐system in combination with polishing fluid or conventional ultrasonics might be used for root debridement without extensive root substance removal.
Brushing with and without dentifrice on gingival abrasion
Authors: Versteeg P. A. , Timmerman M. F. , Piscaer M. , Van der Velden U. , Van der Weijden G. A. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractObjectives: This study was designed to evaluate two factors possibly influencing incidence of gingival abrasion during toothbrushing: (1) the abrasiveness of a dentifrice and (2) the possible influence of feedback of oral sensory perception.Material and Methods: For this purpose, two separate, single blind, randomized clinical experiments were performed. The two groups of subjects were requested not to brush their teeth 48 h, prior to the experiments. After staining with disclosing solution gingival abrasion sites were recorded as small (5 mm) and large (>5 mm), both before and after brushing. The dentifrice experiment was a split‐mouth design, including 36 subjects, brushing their teeth in two randomly selected contra‐lateral quadrants, either with or without dentifrice, whereas the remaining two quadrants were brushed, using the alternative choice. The sensory perception feedback experiment was a full‐mouth design, including 43 subjects and two separate brushing exercises with use of dentifrice. The first brushing‐exercise was performed by a dental hygienist, excluding the feedback of oral sensory perception of the brusher. After a 4 weeks period of familiarization to the manual toothbrush, subjects brushed themselves in the same random order as the hygienist, using a fresh brush, thus including oral sensory perception.Results: In the dentifrice experiment, the increment of small abrasion sites was 5.86 for brushing with and 5.75 without dentifrice. There was no statistically significant difference between brushing with and without dentifrice. Both with and without dentifrice, more small abrasions were found vestibular, (3.78 and 4.22, respectively) as compared with lingual (2.22 and 1.42, respectively) (p=0.027, p<0.001). In the sensory perception feedback experiment, the increment in small gingival abrasion sites was larger for the subjects brushing themselves (8.86) as compared with the professional brushing (2.94, p <0.0001). Subjects caused more abrasion on the vestibular surfaces (6.28) as compared with the lingual (0.60, p=0.0001), where the professional did not show this difference (vestibular: 1.88, lingual: 1.30, p=0. 1388).Conclusions: No statistically significant difference in the incidence of gingival abrasion was found between brushing with dentifrice or without dentifrice. Neither did oral sensory perception seem to affect the incidence of gingival abrasion.
Immunosuppression and gingival overgrowth: gene and protein expression profiles of collagen turnover in FK506‐treated human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Gagliano Nicoletta , Moscheni Claudia , Dellavia Claudia , Stabellini Giordano , Ferrario Virgilio F. , Gioia Magda 
Published: February 2005

AbstractAim: FK506 is an immunosuppressive agent that, unlike cyclosporin A (CsA), does not induce gingival overgrowth (GO). CsA‐induced GO is caused by quantitative modifications of the extracellular matrix components, particularly collagen (COL). Up to now, clinical trials have only investigated FK506 in relation with GO, so we aimed at analysing the effect of FK506 on COL turnover using a molecular approach, to evaluate the expression of genes and proteins related to this process.Materials and Methods: Human gingival fibroblasts were incubated with FK506 or its vehicle (VH) for 24, 48 and 72 h. COL type I (COL‐I), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐1 and 2, tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)‐1 and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 mRNA were assayed by Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction; COL‐I protein levels were determined by dot blot, MMP‐1 and MMP‐2 activity by zymography.Results: Fibroblast proliferation decreased 48 and 72 h after treatment. COL‐I gene and protein expression, TGF‐β1 and TIMP‐1 mRNA levels were not significantly affected, whereas MMP‐1 gene and protein expression and MMP‐2 mRNA levels rose significantly in treated fibroblasts compared with VH.Conclusions: These findings suggest that increased MMP‐1 gene and protein expression may be important for regulating COL‐I homeostasis in the gingival connective compartment of FK506‐immunosuppressed subjects.
Analysis of the MMP‐9 (C‐1562 T) and TIMP‐2 (G‐418C) gene promoter polymorphisms in patients with chronic periodontitis
Authors: De Souza A. P. , Trevilatto P. C. , Scarel‐Caminaga R. M. , De Brito R. B. , Barros S. P. , Line S. R. P. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractBackground: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐9 is an important member of the matrix metalloproteinase family. A functional polymorphism has been described in the promoter region of the human MMP‐9 gene. A C‐to‐T base exchange at −1562 creates two different alleles, and the C/T and T/T genotypes promote high activity of the MMP‐9 gene promoter, increasing the risk for inflammatory diseases. The metalloproteinase‐2 tissue inhibitor (TIMP‐2) regulates the activity of MMPs in the extracellular matrix, and a polymorphism at the −418 position of the TIMP‐2 gene promoter has been found in a Sp‐1 binding site. In this study we have investigated the association between the above‐mentioned polymorphisms and chronic periodontitis severity.Methods: Genomic DNA from oral mucosa of 100 subjects was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and analysed by restriction endonuclease digestion. The significance of the differences in observed frequencies of polymorphisms in moderate and severe disease and healthy groups was assessed by χ2 test (p<0.05).Results: No association was observed between the polymorphism in the promoter region of MMP‐9 (p=0.6693) and chronic periodontitis. The analysis of TIMP‐2 showed that the G/G genotype was found at a frequency of 99%.Conclusion: The results show that the polymorphism in the promoter region of MMP‐9 gene is not associated with chronic periodontitis. The high frequency of GG genotype in the TIMP‐2 gene promoter in the population studied did not allow any conclusion regarding its effect on chronic periodontitis.
Outcomes of laparoscopic incisional hernia repair: A prospective evaluation
Authors: Lau Hung , Patil Nivritti G. , Yuen Wai‐Key 
Published: February 2005

Objective:  Although laparoscopic incisional hernioplasty has been gaining in popularity, the best approach for the repair of incisional hernia remains controversial. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the medium‐term outcomes of laparoscopic incisional hernioplasties utilizing onlay GORE‐TEX DualMesh (GORE‐TEX DualMesh Biomaterial; W.L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, Arizona, TX, USA).Methodology:  Between June 2000 and July 2004, 42 patients underwent laparoscopic incisional hernioplasties at our institution. Perioperative data and postoperative outcomes were collected prospectively and analyzed.Results:  Laparoscopic incisional hernioplasty was successfully performed on 39 (93%) patients. Conversion to open repair was required in three patients. The overall mean operative time was 108 min. Sixteen patients (37%) were found to have more than one hernial defect after reduction of the hernial contents. Postoperative morbidity included seroma (n = 8), urinary retention (n = 3), ileus (n = 1), pneumonia (n = 1), fever (n = 1), wound infection (n = 1), and prolonged suture site pain (n = 1) in 13 patients. All these morbidities resolved spontaneously without intervention. Two‐thirds of the patients were discharged within 2 days after surgery. With a median follow up of 2 years, two clinical recurrences (4.8%) were detected.Conclusion:  Laparoscopic approach was a safe and efficacious technique for the repair of incisional hernia. Medium‐term outcomes were promising with low postoperative morbidity and recurrence rates. This technique allows clear identification of multiple hernial defects and confers the advantages of minimal access surgery.