bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indicators of a Major Depressive Episode in Primary Care Patients With a Chief Complaint of Headache
Authors: Maeno Tetsuhiro , Inoue Kazuo , Yamada Kenshi , Maeno Takami , Sato Takeshi
Published: May 2007

Objective.—To identify the indicators of major depressive episode (MDE) in primary care patients with a chief complaint of headache.

Background.—MDE is very frequent among headache patients in primary care. However, primary care physicians often fail to recognize the coexistence of MDE.

Methods.—A total of 177 consecutive new adult patients who visited 19 primary care clinics from January 2002 to December 2002 with a chief complaint of headache were enrolled in the study. All subjects completed a self‐report questionnaire that included questions regarding the duration and severity of their headaches, changes in headache severity, and other symptoms. The questionnaire also identified distressed high utilizers (patients who consulted different doctors for the same episode of an illness, without being referred). MDE was diagnosed using a module of the mini international neuropsychiatric interview (MINI). To identify potential indicators of depression, both univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed.

Results.—Forty‐five of 177 patients (25.4%) fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for MDE. Univariate analysis revealed that severe headache, longer duration of headaches, multiple somatic symptoms, and being a distressed high utilizer were associated with MDE. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with headaches lasting 6 months or longer and those with multiple somatic symptoms were more likely to be suffering from MDE (adjusted odds ratios: 3.1, 95% CI: 1.7–10.6; and 3.9, 95% CI: 1.2‐8.1, respectively).

Conclusions.—MDE is highly prevalent in headache patients visiting a primary care setting. Multiple somatic symptoms and longer duration (≥6 months) of headaches are particularly useful indicators of MDE.
Hypothalamic Activation in Spontaneous Migraine Attacks
Authors: Denuelle Marie , Fabre Nelly , Payoux Pierre , Chollet Francois , Geraud Gilles
Published: May 2007

Background.— Migraine sufferers experience premonitory symptoms which suggest that primary hypothalamic dysfunction is a likely trigger of the attacks. Neuroendocrine and laboratory data also support this hypothesis. To date, positron emission tomography (PET) scans of migraine sufferers have demonstrated activation of brainstem nuclei, but not of the hypothalamus.

Objective.— To record cerebral activations withH2 15OPET during spontaneous migraine without aura attacks.

Methods.— We scanned 7 patients with migraine without aura (6 females and 1 male) in each of 3 situations: within 4 hours of headache onset, after headache relief by sumatriptan injection (between the fourth and the sixth hour after headache onset), and during an attack‐free period.

Results.— During the headache we found not only significant activations in the midbrain and pons, but also in the hypothalamus, all persisting after headache relief by sumatriptan.

Conclusion.— Hypothalamic activity, long suspected by clinical and experimental arguments as a possible trigger for migraine, is demonstrated for the first time during spontaneous attacks.
An Anthropological Study About Headache and Migraine in Native Cultures From Central and South America
Authors: Carod‐Artal Francisco Javier , Vázquez‐Cabrera Carolina
Published: May 2007

Objective.—To describe the ritual and ethnobotanical treatments about migraine performed by shamans from several native cultures.

Methods.—Anthropological field study conducted with Tzeltal Maya (Mexico), Kamayurá (Brazil), and Uru‐Chipaya (Bolivia) American Indians.

Results.—Migraine is calledyaxti‐wanjol chawajby Tzeltal shamans. They wash the head of the patient with an herbal solution to treat headache. The boiled leaves of a shrub calledpayté wamal(Tagetes nelsonii) are used to relieve migraine. Migraine is called monkey's disease by Kamayurá natives. The disease is originated by the revenge of the killed monkey's spirit, striking to Kamayurá hunter on his head. It is treated with an herbal infusion applied in the eyes of the patient. Migraine is calledeskeclamixby Chipaya people, and is treated by drinking thecañahuaplant (Chenopodium palludicale) boiled with water. The patient's head may also be washed with shaman's fermented urine.

Conclusions.—Cultural equivalents of migraine exist in the healing system of isolated American cultures.
24‐Hour Distribution of Migraine Attacks
Authors: Alstadhaug Karl , Salvesen Rolf , Bekkelund Svein
Published: May 2007

Background.— It is a widespread opinion that migraine attacks arise more frequently in the morning and that circadian rhythms may be responsible for the temporal pattern in migraine. However, only one small prospective study has previously been published on this topic.

Objective.— To investigate circadian variation in migraine.

Method.— Eighty‐nine females in fertile age who had participated in a previous questionnaire‐based study volunteered to prospectively record in detail every migraine attack for 12 consecutive months. We reviewed all diary entries covering the period from March 2004 through April 2005, and did time‐series analysis.

Results.— Fifty‐eight patients had complete recordings over the 12 months and 26 completed the diaries for 1–11 months. Three patients were excluded due to missing data and 2 patients were excluded due to chronic migraine or medication‐overuse headache. A total of 2314 attacks were experienced, in average 27.5 per patient (range 1–75). By fitting a sine curve to the data there was a harmonic trend with a peak around 13.40 and the peak/low ratio was 25.6 (95% CI: 8.3–78.6).

Conclusion.— The main finding in our study is that migraine attacks tend to recur in a harmonic 24‐hour cyclic manner with a peak around the middle of the day and that there is no difference between migraine with aura and migraine without aura regarding this.
Behavioral Sleep Modification May Revert Transformed Migraine to Episodic Migraine
Authors: Calhoun Anne H. , Ford Sutapa
Published: May 2007

Background.—Sleep problems have been linked with headaches for more than a century, but whether the headaches are the cause or the result of the disrupted sleep is unknown.

Objectives.—We previously reported that nonrestorative sleep and poor sleep habits are almost universal in a referral population of women with transformed migraine (TM). Since cognitive behavioral therapy is effective in improving sleep quality in individuals with poor sleep hygiene, we designed a randomized, placebo‐controlled study to assess the impact of such treatment on TM. We hypothesized that behavioral sleep modification (BSM) would be associated with improvement in headache frequency and intensity and with reversion to episodic migraine.

Methods.—Subjects were 43 women with TM referred to an academic headache center. After obtaining informed consent, patients were randomized to receive either behavioral sleep instructions or placebo behavioral instructions in addition to usual medical care. Subjects recorded headaches in standardized diaries. The first postintervention visit was scheduled at 6 weeks. At that visit, the blind was broken and all subjects received BSM instructions. A final visit was scheduled 6 weeks later.

Results.—Compared to the placebo behavioral group, the BSM group reported statistically significant reduction in headache frequency [F (1, 33 = 12.42, P=.001)] and headache intensity [F(1, 33 = 14.39, P= .01)]. They were more likely to revert to episodic migraine χ2 (2, n = 43) = 7.06, P= .029. No member of the control group reverted to episodic migraine by the first postintervention visit. By the final visit, 48.5% of those who had received BSM instructions had reverted to episodic migraine.

Conclusions.—In this pilot study of women with TM, we found that a targeted behavioral sleep invention was associated with improvement in headache frequency, headache index, and with reversion to episodic migraine.
Genetic Correlation Between Innate Alcohol Preference and Fear‐Potentiated Startle in Selected Mouse Lines
Authors: Barrenha Gustavo D. , Chester Julia A.
Published: May 2007

Background:There is a high rate of co‐occurrence between anxiety and alcohol‐use disorders in humans that may arise from the inheritance of common genes that increase the risk for both psychiatric disorders. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a genetic relationship exists between innate alcohol preference and propensity to develop learned fear, using the fear‐potentiated startle (FPS) paradigm, in 2 mouse lines selectively bred for high or low alcohol preference.

Methods:Alcohol‐naïve, male, and female mice from replicate pairs of lines selectively bred for high alcohol preference and low alcohol preference were randomly assigned to a fear‐conditioned or control group. Mice in the fear‐conditioned group received 20 pairings of a light stimulus and footshock; the control group received the same number of exposures to light and footshock, except that these stimuli were explicitly unpaired. During testing for FPS, acoustic stimuli were presented both in the presence and in the absence of the light stimulus.

Results:In both replicate pairs of lines, mice selectively bred for high alcohol preference showed greater FPS than mice selectively bred for low alcohol preference. No sex differences in FPS were found in any line. Control groups did not show FPS.

Conclusion:These findings suggest that common genes mediate both innate alcohol preference and propensity to develop learned fear in these selected mouse lines.
Targeted Nalmefene With Simple Medical Management in the Treatment of Heavy Drinkers: A Randomized Double‐Blind Placebo‐Controlled Multicenter Study
Authors: Karhuvaara Sakari , Simojoki Kaarlo , Virta Antti , Rosberg Markus , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Nurminen Tommi , Kallio Antero , Mäkelä Rauno
Published: May 2007

Background: Clinical studies with opioid antagonists for treatment of problem drinking have mainly been conducted in specialized alcohol treatment centers, included structured psychosocial treatment, and have focused on maintaining abstinence after a period of abstinence from alcohol.

Methods: This multisite, randomized double‐blind study investigated targeted nalmefene in reducing heavy drinking. Specialized alcohol treatment centers and private general practices enrolled 403 subjects (328 men, 75 women). Subjects were instructed to take nalmefene 10 to 40 mg (n=242) or placebo (n=161) when they believed drinking to be imminent. After 28 weeks, 57 subjects from the nalmefene group continued into a 24‐week randomized withdrawal extension. Concomitant psychosocial intervention was minimal and no treatment goals were imposed. Alcohol consumption was recorded using the time‐line follow‐back method. Biochemical indicators of alcohol use were also measured.

Results: The mean monthly number of heavy drinking days (HDDs) during the 12‐week period before inclusion was 15.5 (SD 6.9) in the nalmefene group and 16.2 (SD 6.9) in the placebo group. During treatment, the mean numbers of HDDs were 8.6 to 9.3 in the nalmefene group and 10.6 to 12.0 in the placebo group (p=0.0065). The levels of serum alanine aminotransferase and γ‐glutamyl transferase decreased in the nalmefene group compared with the placebo group (p=0.0088 and 0.0023). During the randomized withdrawal period, subjects randomized to placebo apparently returned to heavier drinking. Subjects receiving nalmefene reported more nausea, insomnia, fatigue, dizziness, and malaise than subjects on placebo.

Conclusions: Nalmefene appears to be effective and safe in reducing heavy drinking, even when accompanied by minimal psychosocial support.
Resident Outcomes in Small‐House Nursing Homes: A Longitudinal Evaluation of the Initial Green House Program
Authors: Kane Rosalie A. , Lum Terry Y. , Cutler Lois J. , Degenholtz Howard B. , Yu Tzy‐Chyi
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVES:To determine the effects of a small‐house nursing home model, THE GREEN HOUSE®(GH), on residents' reported outcomes and quality of care.

DESIGN:Two‐year longitudinal quasi‐experimental study comparing GH residents with residents at two comparison sites using data collected at baseline and three follow‐up intervals.

SETTING:Four 10‐person GHs, the sponsoring nursing home for those GHs, and a traditional nursing home with the same owner.

PARTICIPANTS:All residents in the GHs (40 at any time) at baseline and three 6‐month follow‐up intervals, and 40 randomly selected residents in each of the two comparison groups.

INTERVENTION:The GH alters the physical scale environment (small‐scale, private rooms and bathrooms, residential kitchen, dining room, and hearth), the staffing model for professional and certified nursing assistants, and the philosophy of care.

MEASUREMENTS:Scales for 11 domains of resident quality of life, emotional well‐being, satisfaction, self‐reported health, and functional status were derived from interviews at four points in time. Quality of care was measured using indicators derived from Minimum Data Set assessments.

RESULTS:Controlling for baseline characteristics (age, sex, activities of daily living, date of admission, and proxy interview status), statistically significant differences in self‐reported dimensions of quality of life favored the GHs over one or both comparison groups. The quality of care in the GHs at least equaled, and for change in functional status exceeded, the comparison nursing homes.

CONCLUSION:The GH is a promising model to improve quality of life for nursing home residents, with implications for staff development and medical director roles.
Emergence of Rimantadine‐Resistant Virus Within 6 Days of Starting Rimantadine Prophylaxis with Oseltamivir Treatment of Symptomatic Cases
Authors: Drinka Paul J. , Haupt Tom
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVES: To report on the detection of rimantadine resistance within 6 days of starting rimantadine prophylaxis.

DESIGN: Observational prospective study.

SETTING: Fifty‐bed nursing unit during the 2004/05 influenza season.

PARTICIPANTS: All residents.

INTERVENTION: Clinical monitoring for new onset of respiratory illness followed by collection of nasopharyngeal swabs for Directigen AB testing and influenza culture. After outbreak identification, rimantadine was administered as prophylaxis, whereas oseltamivir was used to treat symptomatic cases. Laboratory monitoring for the emergence of rimantadine resistance was reinitiated on the fifth day of rimantadine prophylaxis.

MEASUREMENTS: Tabulation of respiratory illnesses, rapid tests and cultures yielding influenza A, and rimantadine sensitivity determination in five index isolates.

RESULTS: A total of 15 symptomatic cases were identified over 8 days. Amantadine sensitivity was determined in five cases. Three initial cases were sensitive to rimantadine, whereas two cases identified after 6 days of rimantadine prophylaxis were resistant to rimantadine.

CONCLUSION: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 91% of isolates collected early the following season (2005/06) were resistant to rimantadine. Rimantadine treatment is no longer recommended. This experience anticipated the new recommendations. If reemergence of sensitivity follows discontinuation of rimantadine use, using rimantadine as prophylaxis and oseltamivir for treatment of symptomatic cases might be efficacious and economical on a national scale.
Physician Communication with Family Caregivers of Long‐Term Care Residents at the End of Life
Authors: Biola Holly , Sloane Philip D. , Williams Christianna S. , Daaleman Timothy P. , Williams Sharon W. , Zimmerman Sheryl
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVES: To assess family perceptions of communication between physicians and family caregivers of individuals who spent their last month of life in long‐term care (LTC) and to identify associations between characteristics of the family caregiver, LTC resident, facility, and physician care with these perceptions.

DESIGN: Retrospective study of family caregivers of persons who died in LTC.

SETTING: Thirty‐one nursing homes (NHs) and 94 residential care/assisted living (RC/AL) facilities.

PARTICIPANTS: One family caregiver for each of 440 LTC residents who died (response rate 66.0%) was interviewed 6 weeks to 6 months after the death.

MEASUREMENTS: Demographic and facility characteristics and seven items rating the perception of family caregivers regarding physician–family caregiver communication at the end of life, aggregated into a summary scale, Family Perception of Physician‐Family caregiver Communication (FPPFC) (Cronbach alpha=0.96).

RESULTS: Almost half of respondents disagreed that they were kept informed (39.9%), received information about what to expect (49.8%), or understood the doctor (43.1%); the mean FPPFC score (1.73 on a scale from 0 to 3) was slightly above neutral. Linear mixed models showed that family caregivers reporting better FPPFC scores were more likely to have met the physician face to face and to have understood that death was imminent. Daughters and daughters‐in‐law tended to report poorer communication than other relatives, as did family caregivers of persons who died in NHs than of those who died in RC/AL facilities.

CONCLUSION: Efforts to improve physician communication with families of LTC residents may be promoted using face‐to‐face meetings between the physician and family caregivers, explanation of the patient's prognosis, and timely conveyance of information about health status changes, especially when a patient is actively dying.
The Routine Electrocardiogram for Cardiovascular Risk Stratification in Old Age: The Leiden 85‐Plus Study
Authors: De Ruijter Wouter , Westendorp Rudi G. J. , Macfarlane Peter W. , Jukema J. Wouter , Assendelft Willem J. J. , Gussekloo Jacobijn
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVES: To explore the prognostic value of signs of prior myocardial infarction (MI) and atrial fibrillation (AF) on routine electrocardiograms (ECGs) at the age of 85 with respect to mortality and changes in functional status.

DESIGN: Observational, prospective cohort study with complete 6‐year follow‐up.

SETTING: General population.

PARTICIPANTS: A population‐based sample of 566 85‐year‐old participants (377 women, 189 men), without exclusion criteria.

MEASUREMENTS: Annual ECG recording and evaluation using automated Minnesota Coding; annual assessment of functional status using validated questionnaires and tests; complete mortality data from civic and national registries.

RESULTS: Participants with prior MI at the age of 85 (prevalence 9%) showed greater all‐cause mortality (relative risk (RR)=1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.2–2.2) and cardiovascular mortality (RR=2.5, 95% CI=1.6–3.8) but no accelerated decline in functional status during follow‐up. Participants with AF at the age of 85 (prevalence 10%) showed greater all‐cause (RR=1.5, 95% CI=1.2–2.0) and cardiovascular (RR=2.0, 95% CI=1.3–3.0) mortality, as well as an accelerated decline in functional status during follow‐up.

CONCLUSION: Very elderly people with prior MI or AF on a routine ECG have markedly greater (cardiovascular) mortality risks. In addition, AF, but not prior MI, is associated with accelerated decline in functional status. These findings suggest that older patients with occasional findings of prior MI or AF on a routine ECG should receive optimal secondary preventive therapy. Furthermore, programmatic ECG recording could be of significant value for cardiovascular risk stratification in old age and needs further exploration.
What Do Economists Talk About? A Linguistic Analysis of Published Writing in Economic Journals
Authors: Goldschmidt Nils , Szmrecsanyi Benedikt
Published: May 2007

Abstract.  The present study aims to add to our knowledge about economic rhetoric by conducting a data‐driven analysis of economic academic discourse, both synchronically in its contemporary form, and diachronically over the past four decades. We find (1) that linguistically, economics is clearly an academic genre of its own, (2) that there are at the same time clear differences in vocabulary and style usage across economic journals, and (3) that there have been major developments in economic prose during the past four decades. We argue that there is some, albeit tentative, evidence that the discipline may face an increasing methodological gap.
Theory, Reality, and Performativity in Markets
Authors: Aspers Patrik
Published: May 2007

Abstract.  The purpose of this article is to analyze the relation between scientific knowledge in the form of theories and the world that such theories are about. The focus is on market theories. I argue that everyday knowledge, conceptualized using the notion of “lifeworld,” is the bedrock of scientific knowledge. I also make two distinctions, one between types of markets and one between principles of order in markets. There are two different types of markets, fixed‐role markets and switch‐role markets, and no existing theory can be used to explain both of them. In fixed‐role markets, such as a producer market of garments, actors are identified as either sellers or buyers. In switch‐role markets, such as the stock exchange market or currency market, actors are not identified with one role. The other distinction is between standard and status markets. In a status market, order is maintained because the identities of actors on both sides of the market are ranked according to status, which is a more entrenched social construction than the commodity traded in the market. In a market characterized by standards, the situation is reversed: the commodity is a more entrenched social construction than the social status of actors in the market. These distinctions are the backdrop of my analysis of the idea that markets are performed. It is concluded that the performativity approach is useful today for analyzing switch‐role markets. A further conclusion is that neoclassical economic theory can be used in understanding switch‐role markets, but not fixed‐role markets.
PAC Congressional Election Campaign Contributions and Other Political or Economic Influences on the Voter Participation Rate
Authors: Cebula Richard J.
Published: May 2007

Abstract.  This study empirically investigates the potential impact of political action committee (PAC) election campaign contributions and other factors on the aggregate voter participation rate in the United States. For the study period 1960–1998, the aggregate voter participation rate appears to have been positively and significantly affected by the opportunity to vote in presidential elections and by the Vietnam War, as well as by “excessive” inflation and slow real GDP growth. The latter two findings of this study appear to be unique to this literature. In addition, the Watergate scandal and increased public dissatisfaction with government appear to have significantly discouraged voter participation. Finally, there appears to be strong evidence that PAC congressional election campaign contributions may have also acted to reduce the voter participation rate over the study period, a finding that also is unique to this study.
The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business Is Selling Less of More by Chris Anderson
Authors: Hart Mark A.
Published: May 2007

Books reviewed in this issue:

The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business Is Selling Less of More

The Toyota Product Development System: Integrating People, Process and Technology

Product Lifecycle Management: Driving the Next Generation of Lean Thinking

Leading Project Teams: An Introduction to the Basics of Project Management and Project Team Leadership
Racial Differences in Networks: Do Neighborhood Conditions Matter?*
Authors: Small Mario Luis
Published: May 2007

Objectives. This study examines which of five neighborhood conditions help account for racial differences in social networks.

Methods. The data set is the Urban Poverty and Family Life Survey, a survey of blacks, whites, Mexicans, and Puerto Ricans clustered in Chicago Census tracts, matched to 1990 Census data. I estimate HGLM models predicting five indicators of social isolation and five indicators of number of social ties as a function of race, controls, and the following neighborhood conditions: neighborhood poverty, proportion black, residential stability, ethnic heterogeneity, and population density.

Results. Although initial estimates confirm the existence of racial differences in network size, most of these differences are not robust to controls for neighborhood conditions. Among the neighborhood variables, only neighborhood poverty is consistently associated with size of social networks.

Conclusions. Findings suggest that while residential segregation has created conditions in which some races are more likely to live in high‐poverty neighborhoods, it is the poverty, not the racial composition, of the neighborhoods that is significantly associated with weaker social ties.
Population Growth in High‐Amenity Rural Areas: Does it Bring Socioeconomic Benefits for Long‐Term Residents?*
Authors: Saint Onge Jarron M. , Hunter Lori M. , Boardman Jason D.
Published: May 2007

Objective.A widely noted concern with amenity‐driven rural population growth is its potential to yield only low‐wage service‐sector employment for long‐term residents, while raising local costs of living. This research examines change in socioeconomic status during the 1990s for long‐term residents of high‐amenity, high‐growth rural counties in the United States.

Methods.Using longitudinal data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, in combination with county‐level information, we estimate growth‐curve models to examine the extent to which the socioeconomic status of long‐term residents is associated with amenity‐related in‐migration.

Results.We find that, on average, residents in high‐growth, amenity‐rich rural areas have higher income growth over time and higher levels of initial occupational prestige compared to those from other rural areas, but that socioeconomic gains are primarily for individuals with low baseline prestige.

Conclusions.The socioeconomic gains made by long‐term residents of high‐growth, amenity‐rich rural areas associated with net in‐migration may be limited to individuals with low initial prestige and growth may be due to low‐skill service‐sector jobs.
Party Fundraising, Descriptive Representation, and the Battle for Majority Control: Shifting Leadership Appointment Strategies in the U.S. House of Representatives, 1990–2002*
Authors: Heberlig Eric S. , Larson Bruce A.
Published: May 2007

Objective.Analyze the long‐term, coalition‐building versus short‐term, fundraising strategies in leadership appointments by party leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Methods.Estimate a logistic regression model of leadership appointments in the U.S. House from 1990 to 2002.

Results.The expensive battle for majority party control that followed the 1994 House elections prompted leaders to balance descriptive representational concerns with fundraising ability in making appointments to the extended leadership organization. This represents a shift from the pre‐1994 period, when—absent an intense battle for control of the House—leaders gave greater weight to descriptive representation in making appointments.

Conclusions.Congressional party leaders make appointments in part in response to the external political environment and their appointment strategies adapt as the environment changes.
Social Capital in Urban China: Attitudinal and Behavioral Effects on Grassroots Self‐Government*
Authors: Chen Jie , Lu Chunlong
Published: May 2007

Objectives. Studies of Western settings, in general, argue that social capital, defined as a set of civic norms and social networks among ordinary citizens, nurtures democratic governance at various levels. Does such a social capital exist in a transitional society such as China? If so, what kind of role does social capital play in affecting individuals' attitudinal and behavioral orientations toward fledging grassroots self‐government in that society? This study is intended to answer these questions, which are crucial for our understanding of China's sociopolitical development as well as for the application of social capital theories in non‐Western societies.

Methods. This study is based on the data collected from a representative survey conducted in an urban area in China in 2004.

Results. The findings from this study indicate that social capital among urban residents was abundant, and it nurtured the grassroots self‐government system through residents' attitudinal and behavioral orientations toward the system.

Conclusions. These findings have strong implications for the future of local democratic governance and applicability of social capital theories in China.
What Shapes Attitudes Toward Paying Taxes? Evidence from Multicultural European Countries*
Authors: Torgler Benno , Schneider Friedrich
Published: May 2007

Objectives.Considerable evidence suggests that enforcement efforts cannot fully explain the high degree of tax compliance. To resolve this puzzle of tax compliance, several researchers have argued that citizens' attitudes toward paying taxes, defined as tax morale, helps to explain the high degree of tax compliance. However, most studies have treated tax morale as a black box, without discussing which factors shape it. Additionally, the tax compliance literature provides little empirical research that investigates attitudes toward paying taxes in Europe.

Methods.Thus, this article is unique in its examination of citizen tax morale within three multicultural European countries, Switzerland, Belgium, and Spain, a choice that allows far more detailed examination of the impact of culture and institutions using data sets from the World Values Survey and the European Values Survey.

Results.The results indicate the tendency that cultural and regional differences affect tax morale.

Conclusion.The findings suggest that higher legitimacy for political institutions leads to higher tax morale.
Validating a Comprehensive Model of Environmental Concern Cross‐Nationally: A U.S.‐Canadian Comparison*
Authors: Xiao Chenyang , Dunlap Riley E.
Published: May 2007

Objective. The dimensionality of “environmental concern” remains ambiguous despite decades of research on environmental attitudes and beliefs. We attempt to provide insight into this issue by using the belief systems perspective and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to test a comprehensive conceptualization of environmental concern.

Methods. The study employs a comparative design by using national probability samples of citizens from Canada and the United States, and a comprehensive conceptualization model to maximize content validity. We utilize CFA and structural equation modeling techniques to avoid well‐known measurement error problems in survey research.

Results. Eight key facets of environmental concern have moderate to high factor loadings on one underlying construct, and all but perception of community problems and national problems have high loadings. Further analyses provide construct validation for our measurement model.

Conclusion. Our results suggest that even among the general public, attitudes toward environmental issues are relatively well organized into a broad and coherent sense of “concern for the environment.” The similarity in the U.S. and Canadian results increases our faith in the validity of our comprehensive conceptualization of environmental concern, as well as the utility of the belief systems perspective and CFA modeling for future studies of environmental attitudes and beliefs.
Gene Therapy for Cardiac Arrhythmias: A Dream Soon to Come True?
Authors: DONAHUE J. KEVIN
Published: May 2007

Alternatively, excitement and frustration have been generated from the literature reports of gene therapy for treatment and potential cure of cardiac diseases. The time since the first literature report of in vivo myocardial gene transfer is more than 15 years, and the time since the first report of gene therapy for a cardiac arrhythmia is six years. Clinical trials, let alone clinical usage, of these promising therapies have not yet started. This article reviews the current state of the art for arrhythmia gene therapy, including the literature reports of antiarrhythmic studies and of problems within the field. Gene transfer continues to be a promising technology, but patience is required as these problems are solved and the therapies make their way through the preclinical and clinical testing process.
Isovolumic Acceleration Measured by Tissue Doppler Echocardiography Is Preload Independent in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Dalsgaard Morten , Snyder Eric M. , Kjaergaard Jesper , Johnson Bruce D. , Hassager Christian , Oh Jae K.
Published: May 2007

Background: Isovolumic acceleration (IVA) as assessed by Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) has been proposed as a measure of left ventricular (LV) contractility. IVA is believed to be less dependent on preload than previously proposed estimates. IVA has been measured at different locations, and studies have shown conflicting results. Objectives: We investigated the impact of increased preload on modern echocardiographic estimates of contractility, including IVA performed at different locations, in healthy volunteers. Methods: Seventeen young healthy individuals (male 13, age 31(± 9) years) with no prior history of cardiovascular or metabolic diseases had a Doppler and Tissue Doppler echocardiographic study performed at baseline and after a rapid infusion of 30ml/kg of bodyweight of isotonic saline. Results are given as mean ± standard deviation (SD), differences tested by paired t‐test. Results: Echocardiographic parameters used to determine changes in preload, altered significantly. E/e′ increased both at the lateral (5 ± 1 vs 7 ± 1 P < 0.01) and at the septal side of the annulus (7 ± 2 vs 9 ± 2, P < 0.01). Afterload remained unchanged. IVA was unchanged regardless of the measurement location: in the basal free wall (1.21 ± 0.58 vs 0.98 ± 0.41, not significant (NS)) or in the mitral annulus (1.18 ± 0.56 vs 1.15 ± 0.33, NS). Peak systolic strain, measured at the basal segment of LV septum, increased significantly (15.4 ± 5.0 vs 20.7 ± 5, P < 0.05), while all other measurements for strain or strain rate (SR) remained unchanged. Conclusion: IVA is unchanged following significant increases in preload in healthy subjects, and thus is a potentially useful measure of global LV contractility.
Forensic Mitochondrial DNA Analysis of 116 Casework Skeletal Samples*
Authors: Nelson Kimberlyn , Melton Terry
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT: Between February 1999 and May 2005, 116 DNA extractions were completed on skeletal remains from routine casework. Overall, at least a partial mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) profile was obtained on 83.6% of samples. Skeletal remains fell into two general categories: (1) samples for body identifications submitted by law enforcement and (2) samples submitted to answer historical or family identity questions. Body identification cases were more likely to yield full mtDNA profiles, whereas historical cases were more likely to result in partial profiles. Overall, the ability to obtain a full or partial profile primarily reflects the difference in the average age and condition of the samples in these two categories and thus, difference in the quantity and quality of the DNA. Cremated remains were uniformly unsuccessful, whereas infant/fetal remains were uniformly successful. Heteroplasmy in skeletal remains was observed at a rate similar to that in hair (∼10%). For body identification cases, skeletal remains had the same mtDNA profile as the accompanying reference sample in 50% of cases.
Analysis of Condom Lubricants for Forensic Casework*
Authors: Campbell Gareth P. , Gordon Amanda L.
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT:The detection of DNA is inhibited in cases of sexual assault involving condom use. Trace evidence, including condom lubricant residues, provides crucial associative evidence in such cases. The existing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) methods for lubricant analysis and detection are limited with regard to sensitivity and discrimination. The aim of this research was to establish a new method as an alternative to FTIR for the analysis of condom lubricant residues. Pyrolysis gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (PyGC‐MS) and GC‐MS are highly sensitive methods of analysis for a wide range of chemical substances. PyGC‐MS and GC‐MS were used to analyze condom lubricants in standard solution, from clean swabs and from postcoital swabs. Pyrolysis of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) lubricant forms cyclic products known as cyclic dimethyl siloxanes (DMS), which are separated and detected by the GC‐MS. The polyethylene glycol (PEG) lubricant can be analyzed by GC‐MS directly from solution. The methods of extraction and analysis presented in this paper were shown to be significantly more sensitive than FTIR for the analysis of PDMS and PEG condom lubricants. PDMS was detected as low as 1 μg in standard solution and from clean swabs using the PyGC‐MS method. PEG was detected as low as 0.5 μg from standard solution and 50 μg from clean swabs using the GC‐MS method. Unfortunately, we were unable to provide further discrimination between condom brands and subbrands. The methods established throughout the research were used successfully to detect condom lubricants from donated postcoital swabs. Lubricants were detected in abundance on swabs 12 h postcoitus. Recommendations are made regarding implementation of new methods for routine analysis of casework samples along with strict pyrolysis interpretation criteria to minimize the possibility of misinterpretation of false positives.
Development and Validation of a Human Bitemark Severity and Significance Scale
Authors: Pretty Iain A.
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT: Numerous efforts have been made to develop a consistent manner to describe bite injuries. Some have been related to the type of injury, others to the manner in which it was caused or simply its anatomical location. Bitemark severity is related to forensic significance and hence the ability to use a common means of injury description would be of benefit to odontologists and those who commission their services. A novel index, relating severity to forensic significance, was developed. A text version and accompanying visual index were produced and distributed (via the web) to three groups: odontologists, forensic pathologists, and police officers. A total of 35 bitemarks were assessed and rated using the new index. Weighted κ analyses were used to determine the agreement data both between and within groups and individuals. κ demonstrated a high level of intraoperator and interoperator reliability, particularly in the police officer group. The index shows promise as a universal means of describing bite injuries between professionals concerned with their detection and analysis.
An Anthropological Analysis of Gunshot Wounds to the Chest*
Authors: Langley Natalie R.
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT:This analysis of gunshot trauma to the bony thorax examines 87 handgun and rifle wounds from documented cases in an effort to corroborate an earlier report and to provide the forensic community with additional literature in this area. Specifically, this study tests whether the trauma signatures associated with gunshot wounds in the bony thorax are useful in determining the direction of fire. Because the ribs occupy a significant portion of the bony thorax, they are struck more frequently than other bones and, consequently, they are the focus of this report. This study confirmed that bullets can leave distinctive markers on ribs that indicate the direction of fire, including depressed fractures, bone fragments displaced in the direction of the bullet's path, and beveling. Although forensic anthropologists can determine the direction that a bullet was traveling when it struck a given rib, they cannot give adefinitivestatement about the number or sequence of gunshots without supporting soft tissue evidence.
Enhancement of Ninhydrin‐ or DFO‐Treated Latent Fingerprints on Thermal Paper
Authors: Schwarz Lothar , Klenke Inga
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT: A new method for enhancement of ninhydrin or 1,8‐diazafluoren‐9‐one (DFO)‐treated latent fingerprints on thermal paper will be described. Most thermosensitive surfaces of thermal paper become dark when treated with DFO or ninhydrin petroleum ether (NPB) solution. This effect minimizes contrast between the developed fingerprints and the background. The new method described reduces this dark staining without removing the thermosensitive layer and parts of the developed fingerprints, as occurs with acetone washing. Through the new method, the developed fingerprints appear in sharp lines and high contrast. Extensive tests were performed, leading to an optimized working solution, which charges the paper with a minimum of chemicals, is cheap, and enables a large quantity of papers to be treated in a short time. The working solution contains commercially available, nonvolatile, nitrogenous organic compounds and can be used like the application of NPB solution by dipping.
Defending the Scientific Foundations of the Firearms and Tool Mark Identification Discipline: Responding to Recent Challenges
Authors: Nichols Ronald G.
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT:Recent challenges have brought the discipline of firearms and tool mark identification to the forefront in recent court cases. This article reviews those challenges and offers substantial support for the scientific foundations of the firearms and tool mark identification discipline. A careful review of the available literature has revealed that firearms and tool mark identification is rooted in firm scientific foundations, critically studied according to the precepts of the scientific method culminating in the Association of Firearms and Toolmark Examiners' Theory of Identification. Firearms and tool mark identification has been validated in a manner appropriate for evidence of the kind to be expected in firearms and tool mark examinations. Proficiency tests and error rates have been studied and can provide consumers of the disciple with a useful guide as to the frequency with which misidentifications are reported in the community using appropriate methodologies and controls. As a result, the primary issues in recent challenges do not invalidate the firearms and tool mark discipline as a science nor should it detract it from its admissibility in a court of law.
Performance Testing of Commercial Containers for Collection and Storage of Fire Debris Evidence
Authors: Williams Mary R. , Sigman Michael
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT: Fire debris evidence may contain ignitable liquid residues valuable in the investigation of a potential arson scene. The ability to obtain evidence containers that are contaminant‐free and vapor‐tight is essential to the analysis and storage of fire debris evidence. Commercial containers such as metal “paint” cans, glass mason jars, and polymer bags are often employed as fire debris evidence containers. The purpose of this research was to determine which of these three types of containers provided the most vapor‐tight seal for the prevention of ignitable liquid vapor loss and to assess the potential for cross‐contamination. Leak rates for each type of container were measured under controlled conditions. Simple mixtures of hydrocarbons were utilized in these experiments. Leak rates were determined based on the amounts of hydrocarbon recovered from activated charcoal located outside the test container and within a secondary container. Quantitation of the hydrocarbons recovered from activated charcoal was calculated using external standard calibration curves following analysis by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The results demonstrated that glass jars had the fastest leak rate followed by metal paint cans and properly heat‐sealed polymer bags with the slowest leak rate. Each container exhibited a different leak mechanism, which resulted in an observable effect on the composition of hydrocarbons lost from the container. Hydrocarbon transfer from one container to another is also demonstrated. This study presents results that reveal the most vapor‐tight container to be a properly heat‐sealed copolymer bag.
A novel bone scraper for intraoral harvesting: a device for filling small bone defects
Authors: Zaffe Davide , D'Avenia Ferdinando
Published: May 2007

Aim: To evaluate histologically the morphology and characteristics of bone chips harvested intraorally by Safescraper®, a specially designed cortical bone collector.

Material and methods: Bone chips harvested near a bone defect or in other intraoral sites were grafted into a post‐extractive socket or applied in procedures for maxillary sinus floor augmentation or guided bone regeneration. Core biopsies were performed at implant insertion. Undecalcified specimens embedded in PMMA were studied by histology, histochemistry and SEM.

Results: Intraoral harvesting by Safescraper® provided a simple, clinically effective regenerative procedure with low morbidity for collecting cortical bone chips (0.9–1.7 mm in length, roughly 100 μm thick). Chips had an oblong or quadrangular shape and contained live osteocytes (mean viability: 45–72%). Bone chip grafting produced newly formed bone tissue suitable for implant insertion. Trabecular bone volume measured on biopsies decreased with time (from 45–55% to 23%). Grafted chips made up 50% or less of the calcified tissue in biopsies. Biopsies presented remodeling activities, new bone formation by apposition and live osteocytes (35% or higher).

Discussion and conclusions: In conclusion, Safescraper® is capable of collecting adequate amounts of cortical bone chips from different intraoral sites. The procedure is effective for treating alveolar defects for endosseous implant insertion and provides good healing of small bone defects after grafting with bone chips. The study indicates that Safescraper® is a very useful device for in‐office bone harvesting procedures in routine peri‐implant bone regeneration.
Influence of low‐level laser treatment on bone regeneration and osseointegration of dental implants following sinus augmentation: An experimental study on sheep
Authors: Jakse Norbert , Payer Michael , Tangl Stefan , Berghold Andrea , Kirmeier Robert , Lorenzoni Martin
Published: May 2007

Objectives: The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate if low‐level laser treatment (LLLT) enhances bone regeneration and osseointegration of dental implants in a sinus graft model.

Material and methods: Twelve sheep underwent a bilateral sinus floor elevation procedure with cancellous bone from the iliac crest. Implant insertion followed 4 weeks (six sheep) and 12 weeks (six sheep) later. Sixteen weeks after second‐stage surgery, animals were sacrificed. Unilaterally, the grafted sinus and during the second‐stage surgery the implant sites were irradiated intraoperatively and three times during the first postoperative week with a diode laser (75 mW, 680 nm). The overall energy density per irradiation was 3–4 J/cm2. Biopsies of the augmented area were obtained during implant insertion and after scarification.

Results: Bone regeneration within the grafted sinus histomorphometric analysis hardly differed between control and test side both 4 and 12 weeks after sinus grafting. Osseointegration measurements resulted in a significantly higher bone/implant contact (BIC) on the test side (P=0.045). Further evaluation of peri‐implant bone tends to amount in significant higher percentage on the laser side (P=0.053).

Conclusion: The presented experimental study on sheep did not confirm a positive LLLT effect on bone regeneration within a cancellous sinus graft. Nevertheless, LLLT possibly has a positive effect on osseointegration of dental implants inserted after sinus augmentation.