bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An approximate likelihood function for panel data with a mixed ARMA(p, q) remainder disturbance model
Authors: Chen Wen‐Den
Published: June 2006

Abstract.  An approximate likelihood function for panel data with an autoregressive moving‐average (ARMA)(p, q) model remainder disturbance is presented and Whittle's approximate maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) is used to yield an asymptotic estimator. Although an asymptotic approach, the power test is quite successful for estimating and testing. In this approach, we do not need to calculate the transformation matrix in exact form. Through the Riemann sum approach, we can construct a simple approximate concentrated likelihood function. In addition, the model is also extended to the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) function, in which the package of Gilmour, Thompson and Cullis [Biometrics (1995) Vol. 51, pp. 1440–1450] is applied without difficulty. In the case study, we implement the model on the characteristic line for the investment analysis of Taiwanese computer motherboard makers.
Bringing“The Gospel of Modernization”to Nigeria: American Nation Builders and Development Planning in the 1960s
Authors: Grubbs Larry
Published: June 2006

Drawing on recent studies of development discourse, this essay explores the impact of two American academics affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology on Nigerian economic planning in the 1960s. Their published and unpublished writings provide a dramatic demonstration of how development discourse skewed American and Nigerian perceptions of reality, contributing to the failure of nation building during the First Republic. American “secular missionaries” promoted a “gospel of modernization,” a vision of Nigeria as a self‐confident, unified nation‐state that would offer Africa a model for development. They predicted the Nigerian National Development Plan of 1962–68, funded by American aid and private investment, would provide a “significant historical demonstration” that American‐led modernization produces development and democracy. Instead, Nigeria's economy remained locked into neocolonial trade patterns, corruption blossomed, and ethnic conflict and political opportunism culminated in a bloody civil war from 1967 to 1970. Nigeria entered the twenty‐first century with a staggering external debt, widespread poverty, and painful dependence on the West.
Girl Power and Gender Mainstreaming: Looking for Peace in New Places Through a European Union Lens
Authors: Mushaben Joyce Marie
Published: June 2006

For most EU members, Old Europe died as a consequence of processes linked to French–German reconciliation, détente with the Warsaw Pact states, the decline of ultranationalism, and the onset of nuclear disarmament. They have embraced a concept of peace implying much more than “the absence of war.” The United States still has much to learn about peace, as illustrated by women‐driven policies in both the European Union and Germany. Adopted at the UN Beijing Conference as well as by the EU in 1995, gender mainstreaming is reshaping “sustainable peace” policies at the supranational and national levels. The author profiles German efforts to operationalize “Beijing norms” under a Red‐Green coalition, driven by a critical mass of female ministers between 1998 and 2002; the activities of Heidi Wieczorek Zeul (Development and Economic Assistance) reveal that the application of gender mainstreaming, officially adopted by the European Union in 1995, creates new opportunities for advancing equality policies at the national level in heretofore impervious domains, for example, in relation to foreign policies, economic development, and immigration policies.
Book Reviews
Authors: Curry Dawne Y. , Genetin‐Pilawa C. Joseph , Epstein Alexandra , Gill Jill K. , Roth Benita , Zins Dan
Published: June 2006

Books reviewed:

Fran Lisa Buntman. Robben Island and Prisoner Resistance to Apartheid. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003.

Carolyn Ross Johnston. Cherokee Women in Crisis: Trail of Tears, Civil War, and Allotment, 1838–1907. Tuscaloosa, AL: University of Alabama Press, 2003.

Kim E. Nielsen. The Radical Lives of Helen Keller. New York: New York University Press, 1994.

John S. Nurser. For All Peoples and All Nations: The Ecumenical Church and Human Rights. Washington, D.C.: Georgetown University Press, 2005.

Kimberly Springer. Living for the Revolution: Black Feminist Organizations, 1968–1980. Durham and London: Duke University Press, 2005.

Andrew J. Bacevich. The New American Militarism: How Americans Are Seduced by War. New York: Oxford University Press, 2005.
Changing Research Perspectives on the Management of Higher Education: Can Research Permeate the Activities of Manager‐Academics?
Authors: Deem Rosemary
Published: June 2006

The paper considers whether, and if so how, research evidence can permeate the world of higher education (HE) management in publicly funded institutions. The paper explores the author's experience of two recent research projects (1998–2000 and 2004) on aspects of managing UK HE institutions and issues arising from the preparation of the HE element of a third study of leadership and public service change agendas in education and health during 2004. Despite the topicality in education and other public services of debates about evidence‐based practice, there is little indication that this debate has permeated HE management qua management. The paper utilises Bourdieu's work on academics and social and cultural capital to explore why manager‐academics may resist taking the findings of research seriously in relation to their own work. It is suggested that, where there is reluctance to learn from research, this may reflect the changing nature of HE, the status of HE research as an academic field and form of academic capital and the relative paucity until recently of training in management for most UK manager‐academics.
The Anatomy and Physiology of the Vertebral Nerve in Relation to Cervical Migraine
Authors: Bogduk Nikolai , Lambert Geoffrey A. , Duckworth John W.
Published: June 2006

The anatomy of the vertebral nerve was investigated in humans and in monkeys. The effect of stimulation of the vertebral nerve and the cervical sympathetic trunk in the monkey was studied. The vertebral nerves in man and monkey represent a series of deep grey rami communicantes which form intersegmental neural arcades around the vertebral artery between C7 and C3. Above C3 the vertebral artery is accompanied by direct branches from the C1–3 ventral rami. Electrical stimulation of either the vertebral nerve or the cervical sympathetic trunk had a minimal effect on vertebral blood flow. In contrast, sympathetic stimulation had pronounced effects on carotid flow and resistance. Anatomically and physiologically there are no grounds to support the hypothesis that irritation of the “vertebral nerve” is the pathogenetic mechanism of cervical migraine.
Local Anesthetic Blocks of the Second Cervical Ganglion: A Technique with Application in Occipital Headache
Authors: Bogduk Nikolai
Published: June 2006

Dissections of five human adult cadavers revealed that the C2 spinal ganglion bears a constant relationship to the dorsal aspect of the lateral atlanto-axial joint. Radiologically, the ganglion lies extradurally opposite the midpoint of the silhouette of the lateral atlanto-axial joint space. Needles can be introduced onto this target point using fluoroscopic control and used to perform selective local anesthetic blocks of the C2 spinal nerve. This technique is applicable in cases where it is difficult to decide on clinical grounds whether occipital headaches are due to an upper cervical abnormality or are a symptom of tension headache or common migraine. In particular the technique anesthetizes the otherwise inaccessible articular branches of the median and lateral atlanto-axial joints which may be an occult source of headache.
Regulation of Pain Sensitivity in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Hole Kjell , Berge Odd-Geir
Published: June 2006

Nociceptive information may be inhibited by stimulation of opiate receptors located presynaptically on primary afferent neurons. Sensory signals entering the spinal chord inhibit nociceptive signals by a non-opioid “gate” mechanism. Descending systems also modulate pain sensitivity at the spinal level. The descending 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) system has a tonic inhibitory function, with diurnal fluctuations in intensity. The strong analgesic effects of electrical stimulation and morphine microinjections in certain brainstem structures is probably mediated by other descending systems. The ascending 5-HT system may influence the results of some complex tests for pain sensitivity by altering e.g. emotionality and habituation rate. Acupuncture analgesia involves opioid systems. In high frequency electroacupuncture and transcutaneous nerve stimulation, a non-opioid “gate” mechanism may predominate. Acute stress may produce analgesia by opioid as well as non-opioid mechanisms. The control of pain sensitivity is influenced by learning (e.g. biofeedback techniques and social factros), and may be affected in depression, mania and schizophrenia.
EEG During Attacks of Common and Classical Migraine
Authors: Lauritzen Martin , Trojaborg Werner , Olesen Jes
Published: June 2006

The Copenhagen acute headache clinic offered an opportunity to record EEG during migraine attacks in eleven patients with common migraine and ten patients with classical migraine. The median duration of the attacks was 9 h in common migraine. Three patients were studied during prodromes of classical migraine and seven in the early headache phase. The EEG was recorded in the resting state, during hyperventilation and during photic stimulation. No abnormalities were encountered in patients with common migraine nor in eight patients with classical migraine. In two patients with classical migraine mild abnormalities were seen during prodromes and in the early headache phase, but they were also present at a control EEG taken outside an attack. The present study indicates that migraine attacks are rarely associated with EEG abnormalities.
Opioid Receptor Impairment—Underlying Mechanism In “Pain Diseases”?
Authors: Sicuteri Federigo
Published: June 2006

The scarce or absent analgesic effect exhibited by morphine on pain from migraine attack and the poor inhibition of the spasmogenic effect of 5-HT (tested on the hand dorsal vein, computerized venotest) suggest the hypothesis of an opioid receptor deficiency in headache sufferers. Since endogenous opioids control the nociception, the sense of well being, and the vegetative balance, an opioid receptoral hypofunction could be the background of the headache and central panalgia, where the trinity pain, anhedonia, and dysautonomia are the characteristic features.
Trigeminal Neuralgia: Time Course of Pain in Relation to Carbamazepine Dosing
Authors: Tomson Torbjörn , Ekbom Karl
Published: June 2006

Eight in-patients with idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (TN) were studied while receiving carbamazepine (CBZ) treatment. The aim was to study diurnal pain distribution, its relation to CBZ dosing and plasma concentration and the effect of decreasing the dose. All pain attacks were registered by the patients at three-hour intervals. CBZ was given b.i.d. in a single blind manner with the patient unaware of dose and dose changes. Plasma concentrations of CBZ were followed every fourth hour during a period of altogether sixteen dosage intervals. The diurnal pain distribution revealed marked intra-individual similarities with pain-free nights and a significant drop in pain during mid-day hours. The latter coincided in time with the peak plasma concentration of CBZ, thus indicating an effect of plasma concentration fluctuations on pain relief. Shorter dosage intervals might therefore be beneficial in problem cases. A significant increase in pain was detected within six to nine hours after a dose reduction, whereas the full effect of the dose change seemed to be established only after one day.
Headache in a Random Sample of 200 Persons: A Clinical Study of a Population in Northern Finland
Authors: Nikiforow Rita
Published: June 2006

Two hundred persons, randomly chosen out of 3,067 who had answered a headache questionnaire modified from Waters, were summoned to an interview and an examination performed by a neurologist. The aim was to obtain prevalence readings for different types of headaches in an unselected population. Simple blood studies and plain skull and cervical spine radiography were performed. The occurrence of headache was 77%, and the prevalence of migraine 9% in men and 28% in women. There was a higher prevalence of headache in women, accounted for solely by their higher frequency of vascular headaches, while the figure for tension headache was 35% for both sexes. Demographic factors did not influence the distribution of the headache types, except for a concentration of vascular headaches in women working in service occupations. A positive family history of migraine was reported significantly more often by persons with migraine than by others. The physical neurological examination, and the laboratory and X-ray investigations performed generally did not contribute to the diagnosis of the headache.
Headache and Hysteria
Authors: Merskey H.
Published: June 2006

The concepts of Hysteria, Hypochondriasis and Hysterical Personality are reviewed and their relationship to pain and headache examined. It is further noted that many patients with supposed “tension headache” do not respond to measures which relieve anxiety. Electromyographic studies indicate that “tension headache” is not associated with the expected amounts of frontalis muscle tension. It is argued that much headache cannot be explained in organic terms or as a result of muscle tension and that hysterical mechanisms are important in causing it.
Illness Beliefs in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Study Involving Affected Adolescents and their Parents
Authors: Richards Jo , Chaplin Robert , Starkey Caroline , Turk Jeremy
Published: June 2006

Background: The aim of the study was too investigate the beliefs of young people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and their parents, about illness causes and management.

Method: Twenty‐one young people with CFS/ME and their parents participated in an open‐ended interview.

Results: Infective causes were identified by the majority of respondents, and psychological ones by a minority. Many highlighted reducing activity and resting in symptom management. Positive and negative experiences of psychiatric and psychological treatments were recorded.

Conclusion: Professionals should carefully explore the illness related beliefs of young people with CFS/ME and parental beliefs in order to agree treatment plans.
Defending national linguistic territories in the European Single Market: towards more transnational geolinguistic analysis
Authors: Wise Mark
Published: June 2006

This paper calls for more analysis of contemporary transnational linguistic movements. Geographers have hitherto focused on linguistic problems within states and paid less attention to issues that arise as languages, notably English, are used internationally across state boundaries. It does this by examining a conflict that arose when forces integrating the supranational European Single Market space came into conflict with a Member State's determination to protect the linguistic ‘integrity’ of its national territory. This conflict would appear to be a precursor of similar ones to come as languages increasingly compete in a linguistic market within an integrating Europe and a globalizing world.
Cognitive and Mobility Profile of Older Social Dancers
Authors: Verghese Joe
Published: June 2006

OBJECTIVES: To define the cognitive and physical attributes of regular social dancing so as to help establish its health benefits and help plan future dance interventions to prevent adverse outcomes in older adults such as falls, slow gait, and dementia.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional survey with two‐group comparison.

SETTING: Bronx County, New York.

PARTICIPANTS: Twenty‐four cognitively normal older social dancers (OSDs) were compared with 84 age‐, sex‐, and education‐matched older nondancers (ONDs) participating in a community‐based study.

MEASUREMENTS: Motor and cognitive performance was assessed using validated clinical and quantitative methods.

RESULTS: There were no differences in the frequency of participation in other cognitive and physical leisure activities, chronic illnesses, or falls between OSDs and ONDs. Cognitive test performance was not different between OSDs and ONDs. OSDs had better balance but not strength than ONDs. OSDs had a longer mean stride±standard deviation than ONDs (117.8±10.5 cm vs 103.4±20.2 cm, P=.008) on quantitative gait assessment, with a more stable pattern during walking with reduced stance time (63.9% vs 65.9%, P=.01), longer swing time (36.1% vs 34.1%, P=.01), and shorter double support time (27.9% vs 30.9%, P=.03).

CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that long‐term social dancing may be associated with better balance and gait in older adults.
Influenza Season Triggers Pneumococcal Vaccination
Authors: Goebel Lynne J. , Mufson Maurice A.
Published: June 2006

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the frequency with which influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are administered alone and together.

DESIGN: Retrospective review.

SETTING: Marshall University internal medicine practice, Huntington, West Virginia.

PARTICIPANTS: All patients aged 65 and older seen in the practice from 1999 through 2005 who received pneumococcal or influenza vaccine.

MEASUREMENTS: Billing records were reviewed for administration of pneumococcal and influenza vaccines to Medicare beneficiaries, and rates of administration of these vaccines given alone and together were calculated.

RESULTS: Nine hundred sixty‐nine doses of pneumococcal vaccine were administered. Of these, 796 (82%) were administered during the fall and winter. Three hundred fifty‐six (45%) pneumococcal vaccinees received it together with influenza vaccine. During 2001 and 2005, when influenza vaccine supply was limited, the rate of pneumococcal vaccine administered together with influenza vaccine declined sharply. Nonetheless, the rate of pneumococcal vaccination remained relatively stable because of an increase in the rate of vaccine administered alone.

CONCLUSION: Four‐fifths of pneumococcal vaccine was administered in the fall and winter, and approximately half was given together with influenza vaccine. When influenza vaccine was in limited supply, physicians continued to vaccinate with pneumococcal vaccine alone. These findings suggest that the imminent influenza season provides the trigger for physicians to prescribe pneumococcal vaccine. Physicians should be reminded that pneumococcal vaccine can be administered any time of year.
Older Adults Discharged from the Hospital with Delirium: 1‐Year Outcomes
Authors: McAvay Gail J. , Van Ness Peter H. , Bogardus Sidney T. , Zhang Ying , Leslie Douglas L. , Leo‐Summers Linda S. , Inouye Sharon K.
Published: June 2006

OBJECTIVES: To compare 1‐year institutionalization and mortality rates of patients who were delirious at discharge, patients whose delirium resolved by discharge, and patients who were never delirious in the hospital.

DESIGN: Secondary analysis of prospective cohort data from the Delirium Prevention Trial.

SETTING: General medicine service at Yale New Haven Hospital, March 25, 1995, through March 18, 1998, with follow‐up interviews completed in 2000.

PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred thirty‐three patients aged 70 and older who were not delirious at admission.

MEASUREMENTS: Patients underwent daily assessments of delirium from admission to discharge using the Confusion Assessment Method. Nursing home placement and mortality were determined at 1‐year follow up.

RESULTS: Of the 433 study patients, 24 (5.5%) had delirium at discharge, 31 (7.2%) had delirium that resolved during hospitalization, and 378 (87.3%) were never delirious. After 1 year of follow‐up, 20 of 24 (83.3%) patients discharged with delirium, 21 of 31 (67.7%) patients whose delirium resolved, and 157 of 378 (41.5%) patients who were never delirious were admitted to a nursing home or died. Compared with patients who were never delirious, patients with delirium at discharge had a multivariable adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 2.64 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.60–4.35) for nursing home placement or mortality, whereas resolved cases had a HR of 1.53 (95% CI=0.96–2.43).

CONCLUSION: Delirium at discharge is associated with a high rate of nursing home placement and mortality over a 1‐year follow‐up period. Interventions to increase detection of delirium and improvements in transitional care may help reduce these negative outcomes.
Latency During Left Ventricular Pacing From the Lateral Cardiac Veins: A Cause of Ineffectual Biventricular Pacing
Authors: HERWEG BENGT , ILERCIL ARZU , MADRAMOOTOO CHRIS , KRISHNAN SENDHIL , RINDE‐HOFFMAN DEBBIE , WESTON MARK , CURTIS ANNE B. , BAROLD S. SERGE
Published: June 2006

We report three patients with cardiomyopathy and pronounced stimulus to QRS latency during left ventricular (LV) pacing from an epicardial cardiac vein. Delayed LV activation during simultaneous biventricular pacing produced an electrocardiographic pattern dominated by right ventricular stimulation. Hemodynamic parameters improved immediately after advancing LV stimulation (in one patient) or pacing the LV only (in two patients) coupled with dramatic improvement of heart failure symptoms.
Incidence of Atrial Tachyarrhythmias in Pacemaker Patients: Results from the Balanced Evaluation of Atrial Tachyarrhythmias in Stimulated Patients (BEATS) Study
Authors: ISRAEL CARSTEN W. , NEUBAUER HORST , OLBRICH HANS‐GEORG , HARTUNG WOLFGANG , TREUSCH SVEN , HOHNLOSER STEFAN H. ,   on Behalf of the BEATS Study Investigators
Published: June 2006

Objectives: The prospective Balanced Evaluation of Atrial Tachyarrhythmias in Stimulated patients (BEATS) study compared atrial tachyarrhythmia (AT) detection by means of serial ECG recordings versus device detection.

Background: The annual incidence of AT in patients with dual‐chamber pacemakers may be significantly underestimated based on ECG and Holter recordings.

Methods: A DDD(R) device capable of AT‐triggered dual‐channel electrogram (EGM) storage was implanted in 254 patients (70 ± 11 years, 159 men) with a class I pacing indication. Patients were seen at 6, 26, and 52 weeks after pacemaker implantation. At all visits, symptoms were checked, surface ECGs were recorded including a 24‐hour Holter recording at 6 weeks, and the pacemakers were interrogated. Primary study endpoint was AT documentation by surface ECG/Holter versus stored EGMs. Secondary endpoints consisted of the association between patients' symptoms and AT documentation, and of the AT incidence depending on pacing indication and a history of AT.

Results: ATs were documented by ECG/Holter recordings in 37 patients (15%) and by stored EGMs in 137 patients (54%) (P < 0.0001). Symptoms were absent in 108 of 137 patients (79%) with device‐documented AT but present in 70 of 117 patients (60%) without AT documentation. AT documentation was more frequent in patients with a history of AT but not in patients with sinus node compared to AV node disease.

Conclusion: ATs occur in pacemaker patients significantly more frequently than estimated by ECG/Holter recordings. Only the analysis of device‐stored EGMs allows reliable assessment of the AT burden.
Influence of Menstrual Cycle on QT Interval Dynamics
Authors: NAKAGAWA MIKIKO , OOIE TATSUHIKO , TAKAHASHI NAOHIKO , TANIGUCHI YAYOI , ANAN FUTOSHI , YONEMOCHI HIDETOSHI , SAIKAWA TETSUNORI
Published: June 2006

Objectives:The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the menstrual cycle on QT interval dynamics and the autonomic tone in healthy women.

Methods:Holter ECGs were recorded in 11 healthy women aged 18–32 years during the follicular and luteal phases of their regular menstrual cycle. The interval from QRS onset to the apex (QaT) and to the end of the T‐wave (QeT), the interval between the apex and the end of the T‐wave (Ta‐e), and RR intervals were measured automatically in the course of 24 hours by Holter ECGs. The QeT/RR, QaT/RR, and Ta‐e/RR relationships were evaluated in each subject. The autonomic tone was assessed by the serum catecholamine level at rest and heart rate variability was measured by Holter ECGs.

Results:(1) The follicular and luteal phases did not differ significantly with respect to the slopes of the QeT/RR, QaT/RR, and Ta‐e/RR relationships. However, QeT and QaT intervals were significantly shorter for all RR intervals in the luteal than in the follicular phase (P < 0.0001). (2) The serum progesterone concentration was significantly higher in the luteal than in the follicular phase (P < 0.001). (3) Noradrenaline was significantly higher in the luteal than in the follicular phase (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the follicular and luteal phases with respect to heart rate variability measurements.

Conclusions:Our results suggest that the menstrual cycle affects the QT intervals. The observed shorter QT interval during the luteal than the follicular phase may be attributable to the increase in serum progesterone and sympathetic tone.
Measurement of Patient Fears About Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Shock: An Initial Evaluation of the Florida Shock Anxiety Scale
Authors: KUHL EMILY A. , DIXIT NEHA K. , WALKER ROBYN L. , CONTI JAMIE B. , SEARS SAMUEL F.
Published: June 2006

Background:
Psychological distress is both a precipitant and a consequence of ICD shock. Therefore, the assessment of patient anxiety and concerns related to receiving an ICD shock may prompt appropriate psychological referrals and treatment.

Methods:
The purpose of this study is to assess the initial validity and clinical utility of the Florida Shock Anxiety Scale (FSAS). Seventy‐two ICD recipients completed the FSAS.

Results:
Exploratory factor analysis revealed a two‐factor structure with items loading such that Factor 1 could be conceptualized as a Consequence Factor (e.g., fearing creating a scene if the device were to fire) and Factor 2 as a Trigger Factor (e.g., fearing sexual activity). Alpha coefficients suggest good reliability (Cronbach's α= 0.91, split‐half = 0.92), and FSAS Total Score was moderately correlated (r =−0.65) with total score on the Multidimensional Fear of Death Scale.

Conclusions:
Two subscales, labeled consequence of shock and trigger of shock, were established via factor analysis. Collectively the FSAS demonstrates potential utility to assess shock distress and warrants additional investigation.
Depression and Anxiety Status of Patients with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator and Precipitating Factors
Authors: BILGE AHMET KAYA , OZBEN BESTE , DEMIRCAN SABRI , CINAR MUTLU , YILMAZ ERCUMENT , ADALET KAMIL
Published: June 2006

Background: Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are life‐saving devices in treatment of life‐threatening arrhythmia. We evaluate the emotional status of Turkish patients with ICD and try to explain factors that affect emotional status of the patients.

Methods: Ninety‐one patients with previously implanted ICD were included in the study. Follow‐up periods, presence of ICD shock, shock frequency, time of the recent shock, age, and gender were noted. Depression and anxiety scores were evaluated according to Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) chart.

Results: Mean anxiety and depression scores were found as 9.1 ± 5.3 and 7.2 ± 5.1, respectively. According to HAD charts, 42 patients (46%) had anxiety and 37 patients (41%) had depression. Depression scores indicated significant difference between subgroups divided on the basis of follow‐up periods (P = 0.026) and on the basis of time of recent shock (P = 0.028). There was significant difference in anxiety scores (P = 0.016) between patients with ICD shocks and patients with no shocks. When the patients were divided into subgroups according to shock frequency, both depression (P = 0.024) and anxiety (P = 0.016) scores presented significant difference. In female patients, depression and anxiety scores were found significantly higher compared to male patients (P = 0.046 and P = 0.016, respectively). In multivariate analysis, gender and shock frequency were found as predictors for anxiety scores (P = 0.019 and P = 0.044, respectively). However same analysis revealed no predictive factor for depression score.

Conclusion: Our study indicates presence of depression and anxiety in nearly half of the patients with ICD. Consultation with psychiatry should be a part of the treatment for patients with ICD, especially for those who constitute high‐risk groups.
Fast‐Track Training of Nonelectrophysiologists to Implant Defibrillators: Is It Needed?
Authors: OLSHANSKY BRIAN , KOWEY PETER R. , NACCARELLI GERALD V.
Published: June 2006

Standard training pathways in cardiac electrophysiology are being short‐circuited for a “fast‐track” approach to train nonelectrophysiologists (not necessarily cardiologists) to implant defibrillators in patients. This approach has been undertaken by a professional society (The Heart Rhythm Society), a society that cannot police, or properly credential. They have support from the American College of Cardiology and, perhaps, even the Combined Medicare and Medicaid Services. This issue is particularly disturbing as there are no data to support the approach taken with regard to the safety and benefit for patients. This process disrupts the standard training pathways and will have long‐term implications for the field of clinical cardiac electrophysiology and for the availability of highly trained individuals qualified to implant defibrillators. This issue has broad implications with regard to medical training pathways. We discuss these issues in detail and provide the results of two surveys, including a survey from members of the Heart Rhythm Society, most of whom disagree with the “fast‐track” approach. A survey of cardiologist faculty members of the American College of Cardiology yielded similar results. We are particularly concerned about the disruption of training pathways in medicine and how this can affect patient care and can influence established training pathways in medicine.
Quality of Death: Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators and Proactive Care
Authors: SEARS SAMUEL F. , SOWELL LAUREN VAZQUEZ , KUHL EMILY A. , HANDBERG EILEEN M. , KRON JORDANA , ARANDA JUAN M. , CONTI JAMIE B.
Published: June 2006

Objectives: The purpose of this paper is to discuss quality of death (QOD) among patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and implantable cardioverter defibrillators. We outline recommendations that enhance QOD from the device patient and specialty cardiology perspectives.

Background: Contemporary treatment of CHF patients routinely includes both pharmacologic therapy and the use of cardiac devices. The implantable cardioverter defibrillator prevents premature death in heart failure patients, though not death itself.

Conclusions: Active discussion and consideration of patient's QOD is indicated in implantable cardioverter defibrillator patients to prevent unnecessary treatment and to increase control over perceived quality of life by patients and family.
Delayed Occurrence of Unheralded Phase IV Complete Heart Block After Ethanol Septal Ablation for Symmetric Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy
Authors: WYKRZYKOWSKA JOANNA J. , KWAKU KEVIN , WYLIE JOHN , MANNING WARREN J. , JOSEPHSON MARK E. , ZIMETBAUM PETER , LAHAM ROGER J.
Published: June 2006

Ethanol septal ablation has emerged as a less invasive alternative to surgical myomectomy for treatment of asymmetric hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (ASH). The procedure has very low mortality, but high‐degree AV conduction block is a frequent complication. Prior studies have documented baseline left bundle branch block and high volume of ethanol injection (greater than 4 mL) as risk factors. Complete heart block is often preceded by postprocedure conduction abnormalities and generally develops within 48 hours after ethanol ablation. We present a unique case of a patient with symmetric hypertensive hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (SHOCM) who developed phase IV complete heart block >96 hours postprocedure without preceding conduction abnormalities or other classic risk factors.

3
VDD Lead‐Lead Interaction and Atrial Oversensing: An Acute Animal Study
Authors: COHEN MITCHELL I. , BRABEC SCOTT , SHINDELDECKER BILL , LASKE TIMOTHY G. , COLES JAMES A.
Published: June 2006

Limited data exist on the utilization of a transvenous A‐sense; V‐pace/sense (VDD)
pacing system with a chronically retained nonfunctioning endocardial V‐sense/pace (VVI)
pacing lead. In an acute canine model, no atrial oversensing was observed with lead‐lead interaction between the VDD lead and the pseudo‐retained VVI lead. Undersensing occurred <10% of all beats observed.
Paroxysmal Atrial Flutter Caused by Cardiac Lymphoma
Authors: LINHART MARKUS , LICKFETT LARS , HAMMERSTINGL CHRISTOPH , TIEMANN KLAUS , NICKENIG GEORG , LEWALTER THORSTEN
Published: June 2006

Atrial flutter is a relatively frequent macro‐reentrant tachycardia that can be caused by a variety of structural and functional atrial changes. Cardiac lymphoma is rare and usually carries a poor prognosis. It preferentially involves the right atrium. This report describes a patient with cardiac follicular B‐cell lymphoma who developed paroxysmal atrial flutter. The large tumor mass created a macroscopic substrate for an area of slow conduction which is essential for atrial flutter. It also caused sinus arrest and intermittent obstruction of the tricuspid valve inlet.
Anatase Titanium Dioxide Crystallization by a Hydrolysis Reaction of Titanium Alkoxide without Annealing
Authors: Funakoshi Kunio , Nonami Toru
Published: June 2006

The crystallization of anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) was achieved by a hydrolysis reaction of titanium alkoxide without annealing. The hydrolysis reaction rates of tetraethyl orthotitanate were indicated by a function of the concentration of acetylacetone added. The degree of crystallinity of the product particles was influenced by the amounts of acetylacetone and seed crystals. Anatase TiO2 was crystallized by restraining the rapid increase in supersaturation of TiO2 and the consequent nucleation of amorphous TiO2. The degree of crystallinity of the product particles also changed with the types of seed crystals used, and was strongly influenced by the specific surface areas of the seed crystals.
Evaluation of Dispersion Methods for Silica‐Based Composite Nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Jun , White William B. , Adair James H.
Published: June 2006

A number of separation methods were applied to wash and disperse SiO2‐coated Ag (Ag/SiO2) nanocomposites in order to establish the best practical protocol for producing stable dispersions. Colloidal stability and degree of aggregation for the resulting nanodispersions were assessed. The results show that high‐performance liquid chromatography is an enabling technique for a well‐dispersed suspension of Ag/SiO2 nanocomposite particulates. The nanoparticle dispersion technique is based on a size‐exclusion chromatography principle that can be extended to other nanoparticles.
The {111}‐Modulated Domains in Tetragonal BaTiO3
Authors: Wu Yu‐Chuan , Lu Hong‐Yang , McCauley Daniel E. , Chu Mike S. H.
Published: June 2006

Barium titanate (BaTiO3) base‐metal electrode multilayer ceramic capacitors of an X7R‐formulation, sintered at 1200°C under low oxygen partial pressures (of pO2≈10−9 and 10−11 atm, respectively), followed by annealing at 1000°C in an atmosphere containing a higher oxygen partial pressure (of pO2≈10−5–10−6 atm), have been analyzed for crystalline phases using X‐ray diffractometry, for microstructure using transmission electron microscopy, and for microchemistry using energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy. The classical core–shell structure characterized by a core consisting of tetragonal ferroelectric {011) domains and featureless shell (designated type I) was observed only in sample A sintered in pO2≈10−9 atm. For sample B sintered in pO2≈10−11 atm, the core–shell structure is predominantly type II, consisting of a featureless shell similar to type I, but a core of modulated domains. The core of type II contained incommensurately modulated {111} superlattice domains along 〈111〉. The superlattice can be described by a displacive modulation with incommensurate wave vectors k1=0.58a*, k2=0.58b*, and k3=0.58c*. It is due to the ordering of defect associates

, generated extrinsically from sintering in low pO2. Shell thickness was determined by the lattice diffusion of Ca2+ solute cations into BaTiO3 grains during sintering. The core–shell interface became less distinguishable in type II because defect associates

, unlike those in type I, were not completely eliminated by re‐oxidizing in pO2≈10−5–10−6 atm, but became ordered along 〈111〉 and gave rise to structural modulation.
Phase Transition in Ba6−3x(Sm1−yLay)6+2xTi18O54 (x=0.5) Ceramics
Authors: Qin Ni , Liu Xiao Qiang , Chen Xiang Ming
Published: June 2006

The effect of La substitution for Sm was investigated in Ba6−3x(Sm1−yLay)6+2xTi18O54 (x=0.5) ceramics in the entire range of y (0∼1.0). X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated that the phase constitution of the present ceramics was sensitive to y, and an abnormal phase transition from the tungsten bronze‐type to a new Ba16Ce32Ti64O192‐type solid solution was determined at y=0.6–0.9. The crystal structure of the new phase was refined by Rietveld refinement. The stability of the Ba16Ce32Ti64O192‐type structure was discussed with the ordering of cations and the average radius of Ln3+. The Ba16Ce32Ti64O192‐type phase was observed only in the sintered pellets but not in the loose powders in the investigated temperature range of 1200°–1350°C. A differential scanning calorimetric analysis (DSC) was performed for investigating the thermal effect of the phase transition. Discontinuous dielectric properties were observed corresponding to the phase transition. The Ba16Ce32Ti64O192‐type phase has a much higher dielectric constant, a lower quality factor, and a larger positive temperature coefficient of resonant frequency at microwave frequencies in comparison with the tungsten bronze‐type phase. Besides, the dielectric loss of the Ba16Ce32Ti64O192‐type phase is much lower (tan δ∼10−4) at frequencies below 108 Hz, while the dielectric constant is insensitive to the frequency.
Fabrication and Properties of an Anisotropic TiO2Dielectric Composite
Authors: Wing Zachary N. , Halloran John W. , Gong Xun , She Wing Han , Hoppenjans Eric , Chappell William J.
Published: June 2006

Thermoplastic co‐extrusion was employed to fabricate an anisotropic dielectric composite based on titanium dioxide with a microcellular architecture with 50 μm macropore channels aligned to create unidirectional porosity. The resulting channeled structure exhibits artificial anisotropic dielectric properties, with the dielectric relative permittivity being 9.6 transverse to the channels and 90 in the longitudinal direction.
Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor and its potential interactions with elastase and cathepsin B in gingival crevicular fluid and saliva from patients with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Cox S. W. , Rodriguez‐Gonzalez E. M. , Booth V. , Eley B. M.
Published: June 2006

Background and Objective:  Elastase is carried into the oral cavity by gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from periodontal lesions. Our study investigated the regulation of elastase activity by secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) and the possible action of another GCF protease on this protective salivary component.

Material and Methods:  Whole‐mouth saliva (WMS), parotid saliva (PS) and GCF were obtained from 19 patients with periodontitis. The concentrations of active elastase and cathepsin B were determined using peptide substrates. SLPI and α1‐proteinase inhibitor (α1PI) concentrations were determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). The molecular forms of SLPI were examined by immunoblotting.

Results:  The molar concentrations of elastase, cathepsin B and α1PI were higher in GCF than in WMS and especially PS (p < 0.0002). The GCF SLPI concentrations were also higher than the WMS SLPI concentrations (p < 0.05). All WMS components increased with GCF content, significantly for elastase and SLPI (p < 0.002). In GCF, the concentration of α1PI was higher than the concentration of SLPI (p < 0.0002), while there was no significant difference for WMS. SLPI and elastase levels in GCF and WMS were inversely related (p < 0.005). In SLPI immunoblots, PS contained only the intact 14‐kDa molecule of SLPI, while WMS also contained an 8‐kDa fragment. For WMS there was a positive correlation between SLPI degradation and cathepsin B (p < 0.002). Incubation of WMS alone or of PS with GCF in the presence of cysteine proteinase activators caused SLPI immunoreactivity to shift to 8 kDa.

Conclusion:  For GCF, serum‐derived α1PI is the major elastase inhibitor, but in WMS SLPI probably reduces activity. The inflamed gingivae can be an additional source of SLPI in the oral cavity, but here the molecule is apparently cleaved by GCF cysteine proteinases, such as cathepsin B.
Validating Neonatal Mortality and Use of NGO Reproductive Health Outreach Services in Rural Bangladesh
Authors: Mercer Alex , Uddin Nowsher , Huq Nafisa Lira , Haseen Fariha , Khan Mobarak Hossain , Larson Charles P.
Published: June 2006

Although the neonatal mortality rate (NMR) in Bangladesh remained steady between 1995‐99 and 1999‐2003 (41‐42 deaths per 1,000 live births), evidence from the management information system (MIS) of a large nongovernmental organization (NGO) program indicates that the NMR declined by about 50 percent between 1996 and 2002 in the area served. This study aims to validate the recording of neonatal deaths among the cohort of children registered as born in 2003 and to assess the evidence of a decline in the NMR. It also measures the coverage of reproductive health outreach services, focusing on 12 of the 27 NGOs that have provided services in the same areas since 1996. Field‐workers' registers, verbal autopsy reports, and immunization records were checked to confirm infants' survival. Interviews were conducted with 142 mothers of children who died within 28 days postpartum and with a random sample of 109 women with registered stillbirths. Out of 11,253 registered live births in 2003, 210 neonatal deaths were found, compared with 194 deaths that were reported in the MIS for 2003. The corrected NMR was 19 deaths per 1,000 live births, and it was in the range of 15‐29 deaths per 1,000 live births in 11 of the NGO areas. Because underreporting of neonatal deaths was probably higher in 1996 when the MIS‐reported NMR was 39 deaths per 1,000 live births, the decline in the NMR is likely to have been genuine.
A Culturally Informed Model of Academic Well‐Being for Latino Youth: The Importance of Discriminatory Experiences and Social Support*
Authors: DeGarmo David S. , Martinez Charles R.
Published: June 2006

Abstract: This study tested a culturally informed model of academic well‐being for 278 Latino youth. We examined detrimental effects of discriminatory experiences and protective effects of social support on self‐reported academic outcomes. Models specified main and buffering effects of social support and compared contributions of support provided by parents, school, and peers. Data indicated that discrimination was associated with lower academic well‐being, social support buffered effects of discrimination on academic well‐being, and parental support was most predictive of greater academic well‐being. Combined sources of social support were more important than any one source alone. Implications for culturally specified research, preventive interventions, and practitioners are discussed.
The Influence of Academic Support on Latino Adolescents’ Academic Motivation
Authors: Alfaro Edna C. , Umaña‐Taylor Adriana J. , Bámaca Mayra Y.
Published: June 2006

Abstract: The current study examined the extent to which mothers, fathers, teachers, and teenage friends influenced Latino adolescents’ academic motivation. Using path analysis, separate models were tested for 154 Latino boys and 156 Latina girls. Findings indicated that mothers’ and teachers’ academic support were positively related to adolescent girls’ academic motivation, and fathers’ and teachers’ academic support were positively related to adolescent boys’ academic motivation. The salience of teachers’ support, possible reasons for gender differences, and implications for future research are discussed.
Effects of Differential Family Acculturation on Latino Adolescent Substance Use*
Authors: Martinez Charles R.
Published: June 2006

Abstract:This study examined links between parent‐youth differential acculturation and youth substance‐use likelihood in a sample of 73 recently immigrated Latino families with middle‐school‐aged youth. Multiple agents were utilized to assess family functioning and youth outcomes. Findings suggested that a greater level of differential acculturation between parents and youth was associated with greater likelihood of future youth substance use. However, the relationship between differential acculturation and youth substance use was mediated by family stress processes and effective parenting practices. Differential acculturation was related to increases in family stress and decreases in effective parenting practices, and each of these, in turn, was related to increases in future substance‐use likelihood among Latino youth. Findings implicate the need for advancing policies and practices that address acculturation as a family process, rather than as merely an individual psychological phenomenon.
Practitioners’ Perspectives on Cultural Sensitivity in Latina/o Teen Pregnancy Prevention*
Authors: Wilkinson‐Lee Ada M. , Russell Stephen T. , Lee Faye C. H. ,   Latina/o Teen Pregnancy Prevention Workgroup
Published: June 2006

Abstract: This study examined practitioners’ understandings of cultural sensitivity in the context of pregnancy prevention programs for Latina teens. Fifty‐eight practitioners from teen pregnancy prevention programs in California were interviewed in a guided conversation format. Three themes emerged in our analysis. First, practitioners’ definitions of cultural sensitivity were consistent with existing models in the published research literature and focused largely on reinforcing the cultural strengths of Latino youth and families. Second, strategies for cultural sensitivity were complicated by tension between traditional Latino culture and the culture of pregnancy prevention programs. Third, practitioners identified a blend of personal and professional characteristics associated with cultural sensitivity among staff. We discussed policy and practice implications for Latino pregnancy prevention.
Beyond Gateway Cities: Economic Restructuring and Poverty Among Mexican Immigrant Families and Children*
Authors: Crowley Martha , Lichter Daniel T. , Qian Zhenchao
Published: June 2006

Abstract: We used data from the Integrated Public Use Microdata Samples to document poverty rates among native‐born and foreign‐born Mexicans living in the southwest and in new regions where many Mexican families have resettled. Our analysis focused on how changing patterns of employment have altered the risk of poverty among Mexican families and children. We demonstrate that the Mexican population dispersed widely throughout the United States during the 1990s and that Mexican workers, especially immigrants, residing outside the southwest had much lower rates of poverty. Yet, a rapid influx of Mexican immigrants is putting strain on communities struggling to meet their needs. We offer suggestions for family practitioners serving Mexican newcomers, whose circumstances differ greatly from those of local populations.