bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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.
A novel bone scraper for intraoral harvesting: a device for filling small bone defects
Authors: Zaffe Davide , D'Avenia Ferdinando 
Published: May 2007

AbstractAim: 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

AbstractObjectives: 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.
Use of a 3‐D imaging technique for non‐invasive monitoring of the depth of experimentally induced wounds
Authors: Ferraq Y. , Black D. , Lagarde J. M. , Schmitt A. M. , Dahan S. , Grolleau J. L , Mordon S. 
Published: May 2007

Background/purpose: Experimental studies of wound healing lack methods for standardized wounding and in situ depth assessment. Consequently, in this pilot study, an Erbium (Er):YAG laser has been used for wound induction with a non‐invasive 3‐D imaging technique as an alternative to histology.Methods: Erbium:YAG ablation of human skin ex vivo was performed with total fluences of 10, 50 and 200 J/cm2, removing the stratum corneum, epidermis/papillary dermis and deeper dermis, respectively. Wound depth was measured with the 3‐D method and histologically.Results: Wound depth was proportional to fluence for both techniques : 3‐D, 17.7±1.7, 43.9±16 and 245.2±61 μm; histology, 14.6±1.7, 50.6±11.6 and 238±102 μm, respectively.Conclusions: The 3‐D technique compares well with and is an improvement on histological measurement, providing true wound depth measurement, avoiding shape changes inherent with histology. Furthermore, the Er:YAG laser is a highly appropriate means of wound induction due to its rapidity and precision.
Inhibitory Effect of Valproic Acid on Cytochrome P450 2C9 Activity in Epilepsy Patients
Authors: Gunes Arzu , Bilir Erhan , Zengil Hakan , Babaoglu Melih O. , Bozkurt Atila , Yasar Umit 
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Drug interactions constitute a major problem in the treatment of epilepsy because drug combinations are so common. Valproic acid is a widely used anticonvulsant drug with a broad therapeutic spectrum. Case reports suggest interaction between valproic acid and other drugs metabolized mainly by cytochrome P450 isoforms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effect of valproic acid on cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) activity by using losartan oxidation as a probe in epilepsy patients. Patients were prescribed sodium valproate (mean 200 mg/day for the first week and 400 mg/day in the following period) according to their clinical need. A single oral dose of 25 mg losartan was given to patients before and after the first dose, first week and 4 weeks of valproic acid treatment. Losartan and E3174, the CYP2C9‐derived carboxylic acid metabolite of losartan in 8 hr urine were assayed by using high pressure liquid chromatography. Urinary losartan/E3174 ratio did not change significantly on the first day (0.9, 0.3–3.5; median, range), and first week (0.6, 0.2–3.8; median, range), while a significant increase was observed after 4 weeks of valproic acid treatment (1.1, 0.3–5.7; median, range) as compared to that of measured before valproic acid administration (0.6, 0.1–2.1; median, range) (P = 0.039). The degree of inhibition was correlated with the steady‐state plasma concentrations of valproic acid (r2 = 0.70, P = 0.04). The results suggest an inhibitory effect of valproic acid on CYP2C9 enzyme activity in epilepsy patients at steady state. The risk of pharmacokinetic drug–drug interactions should be taken into account during concomitant use of valproic acid and CYP2C9 substrates.
Irinotecan Toxicity to Human Blood Cells in vitro: Relationship between Various Biomarkers
Authors: Kopjar Nevenka , Želježić Davor , Vrdoljak Ana Lucić , Radić Božica , Ramić Snježana , Milić Mirta , Gamulin Marija , Pavlica Vesna , Fučić Aleksandra 
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Toxic effects of the antineoplastic drug irinotecan on human blood cells at concentrations of 9.0 µg/ml and 4.6 µg/ml were evaluated in vitro. Using the alkaline and neutral comet assay significantly increased levels of primary DNA damage in lymphocytes were detected. The induction of apoptosis/necrosis, as determined by a fluorescent assay, was also notably increased. Cytogenetic outcomes of the treatment were assessed by the analysis of structural chromosome aberrations and fluorescence in situ hybridization. A significantly higher incidence of chromatid breaks and complex quadriradials was observed. Painted chromosomes 1, 2 and 4 were equally involved in translocations, but only the chromosome 1 was involved in the formation of quadriradials. Sister chromatid exchange analysis was performed in parallel with the analysis of lymphocyte proliferation kinetics. The higher concentration of irinotecan caused almost seven‐time increase, while the lower one caused a five‐time increase of the basal sister chromatid exchange frequency, accompanied with significant lowering of the lymphocyte proliferation index. Using the cytokinesis‐block micronucleus assay, a dose‐dependent increase in micronucleus frequency along with the formation of nuclear buds and nucleoplasmic bridges was noticed. Inhibitory effects of irinotecan on enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were studied in erythrocytes. An IC50 value of 5.0 × 10−7 was established. Irinotecan was found to be strong inhibitor of the acetylcholine hydrolysis and to cause a continuous decrease of catalytic activity of AChE. The results obtained on a single donor may contribute to the understanding of irinotecan toxicity, but further in vitro and in vivo studies are essential in order to clarify remaining issues, especially on possible inter‐individual variability in genotoxic responses to the drug.
Silymarin Protection against Major Reactive Oxygen Species Released by Environmental Toxins: Exogenous H2O2 Exposure in Erythrocytes
Authors: Kiruthiga P. V. , Shafreen R. Beema , Pandian S. Karutha , Devi K. Pandima 
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Silymarin is a polyphenolic plant flavonoid (a mixture of flavonoid isomers such as silibinin, isosilibinin, silidianin and silichristin) derived from Silymarin marianum that has anti‐inflammatory, hepatoprotective and anticarcinogenic effects. Our earlier studies have shown that silymarin plays a protective role against the oxidative damage induced by environmental contaminants like benzo(a)pyrene in erythrocyte haemolysates. During the detoxification of these environmental contaminants, the major reactive oxygen species generated is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Because H2O2 can easily penetrate into the cell and cause damage to biomolecules, the protective role of silymarin was further assessed against this cytotoxic agent in vitro in erythrocyte haemolysates. The protective effect was monitored by assessing the levels of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione‐s‐transferase, glutathione peroxidase and malondialdehyde (LPO) in three groups: vehicle control, H2O2‐exposed groups and drug co‐incubation group (H2O2 + silymarin). The protective effect of silymarin on the non‐enzymic antioxidant glutathione and haemolysis, methaemoglobin content and protein carbonyl content were also assessed. It was observed that the activities of antioxidant enzymes and glutathione were reduced and the malondialdehyde levels were elevated after H2O2 exposure. There were also alterations in haemolysis, methaemoglobin content and protein carbonyl content, whereas after the administration of silymarin, the antioxidant enzyme activities reversed to near normal with reduced malondialdehyde content and normalized haemolysis, methaemoglobin content and protein carbonyl content. The results suggest that silymarin possesses substantial protective effect and free radical scavenging mechanism against exogenous H2O2‐induced oxidative stress damages, hence, can be used as a protective drug against toxicity induced by environmental contaminants.
Sexual Function in Female Patients with Unstable Angina or Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Eyada Moustafa , Atwa Mona 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death and disability for both women and men. The psychological impact of acute myocardial infarction, as well as the physiological effects of the illness and its medications, can have a major effect on a patient's ability to resume sexual activity.

Aim
To assess sexual activity in female patients with unstable angina or non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and to study the impact of cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR) on resumption of sexual activity.

Main Outcome Measures
Doppler-echocardiographic study, exercise tolerance test (ETT), and assessment of sexual activity.

Methods
This study was conducted in the Riyadh National Hospital and included 35 female patients admitted to the intensive care unit for management of unstable angina or NSTEMI. All patients were enrolled into a CR program. All of them were interviewed for assessment of sexual activity, 12 weeks post discharge. The Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) was used for the assessment of the severity of sexual dysfunction for patients who resumed their sexual activity.

Results
Results indicate that 48.57% of the patients resumed their sexual activity at the time of the interview. However, most of them were either not satisfied at all with their sexual activity or mostly dissatisfied. The remaining patients (51.43%) had not resumed sex yet. CR was completed by 70.59% of those resuming sex, and 38.89% of those not resuming sex. We estimated that rehabilitated patients were 3.77 times more likely to resume sexual activity than those who did not receive rehabilitation. ASEX score ranged from 19 to 30, with a mean of 24.118 ± 3.42.

Conclusions
Unstable angina and NSTEMI have a negative impact on frequency of, and satisfaction with, sexual activity, and lead to sexual dysfunction within a large number of female patients. Accurate and complete sexual instructions for both partners with specific attention paid to the woman's concerns and needs should be part of CR programs.
Role of Postcircumcision Mucosal Cuff Length in Lifelong Premature Ejaculation: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Reza , Khazaeli Mahziar H. , Atharikia Davood 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Premature ejaculation (PE) is the most prevalent sexual dysfunction among men. Several theories about its etiology have been made. One of the conflicting factors is the effect of circumcision on ejaculation, and there are some concerns about leaving so much mucosa during circumcision.

Aim
In our study the relationship between mucosal cuff length and PE was investigated.

Methods
Eighty-four circumcised men were studied, including 42 men with PE and 42 men without. The following data and measurements were investigated: age, education, smoking, intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT), circumcision timing, stretched penile, penile skin, and mucosal cuff lengths.

Main Outcome Measure
Penile, mucosal cuff, and penile skin lengths, the IELT.

Results
The mean penile, mucosal cuff, and penile skin lengths were 121.1 ± 12.8, 15.4 ± 4.8, and 80.8 ± 21.0 mm in PE men, respectively, and were 130.1 ± 10.4, 14.7 ± 3.4, and 88.7 ± 12.2 mm in the control group, respectively. No statistically significant differences were seen regarding the length of the penis (P  = 0.80), mucosal cuff (P  = 0.84), and penile skin (P  = 0.99). The two groups were not different regarding education (P  = 0.90), smoking (P  = 0.70), and circumcision timing (P  = 0.65).

Conclusion
Postcircumcision mucosal cuff length is not a risk factor for PE.
Does Mode of Delivery Affect Sexual Functioning of the Man Partner?
Authors: Gungor Sadettin , Baser Iskender , Ceyhan Temel , Karasahin Emre , Kilic Selim 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Recent surveys showed that the major reasons for avoiding vaginal delivery were the fear of childbirth and the concern for postpartum sexual health. Although sexual dysfunction is a disorder that affects a couple rather than an individual, all studies investigating the relationship between the mode of delivery and sexual problems have been conducted only in cohorts of women.

Aim
To determine the effect of mode of delivery on quality of sexual relations and sexual functioning of men by using the Golombock–Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS).

Main Outcome Measure
Mean score of sexual function and prevalence of sexual dysfunction in overall and specific areas of the GRISS were compared among the three groups.

Methods
A total of 107 men accompanying their wives in outpatient clinics of obstetrics and gynecology met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Three groups of men were defined; men whose partners had: (i) “elective cesarean delivery” (N=21; mean age 32.2 ± 3.8 years); (ii) “vaginal delivery with mediolateral episiotomy” (N=36; mean age 31.4 ± 4.5 years); and (iii) “not given birth” (N=50; mean age 28.8 ± 4.0 years).

Results
Mean overall sexual function score (normal value&lt;25 points) was 20.5 ± 8.2 in the elective caesarean group, 19.3 ± 6.5 in the vaginal delivery group, and 18.8 ± 9.3 in the nulliparae group (P  = 0.731). Prevalence of sexual dysfunction in men was 28.6% in the elective caesarean group, 19.4% in the vaginal delivery group, and 30.0% in the nulliparae group (P  = 0.526).

Conclusion
Overall sexual function of men was not affected by their partner's parity and mode of delivery. An elective cesarean section simply because of concerns about sexual function would not provide additional benefit to men, and could deny women a possible vaginal delivery, which is generally assumed to be safer than cesarean section.