bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Space City Revisited: Patterns of Legal Outcomes in Houston Homicide
Authors: Titterington Victoria B. , Abbott Barry P.
Published: October 2005

This study re-examines, and updates, that of Lundsgaarde (1977), who found that among homicide offenders in Houston, Texas, in 1969, less than 50% of those who killed intimates or other family members were ever prosecuted for their lethal acts. The general pattern that emerges from our analysis of a random sample of 428 homicide cases during 1985 to 1994 indicates that killers of intimate partners or relatives are somewhat more likely to be prosecuted as offenders who were friends or strangers to their victims. Also during this 1985 to 1994 time period, the relative percent of defendants who were sentenced to a prison term of 20 years or less was smallest for those who killed intimate partners or other family members compared to those convicted of killing friends/acquaintances or strangers. As for sex-specific legal dispositions in cases of lethal violence against intimates or other relatives, we found that sanctions against women were considerably less severe than those against male offenders, in both time periods.
Experience of Maltreatment as a Child and Acceptance of Violence in Adult Intimate Relationships: Mediating Effects of Distortions in Cognitive Schemas
Authors: Ponce Allison N. , Williams Michelle K. , Allen George J.
Published: October 2005

Links exist between being subjected to maltreatment as a child and tendencies to accept violence as normative in adult relationships. Constructivist Self Development Theory suggests that such relationships may be affected by “cognitive disruptions” in “self” and “other” schemas. Mediating effects of distorted cognitive schemas on the association between history of child maltreatment and the acceptance of violence in intimate interpersonal relationships were investigated among 433 men and women. Outcomes indicated that individuals who reported childhood maltreatment were more likely to display distortions in their cognitive schemas and those individuals with disrupted schemas were more likely to accept relationship violence. Least-square multiple regression analyses revealed that distorted beliefs fully mediated the relationship between reporting childhood maltreatment and acceptance of violence, for both men and women. Subsidiary analyses suggested that this full mediation was replicated for schemas involving the self but not for schemas about others.
Impulsiveness, Impulsive Aggression, Personality Disorder, and Spousal Violence
Authors: Edwards Daniel W. , Scott Charles L. , Yarvis Richard M. , Paizis Cheryl L. , Panizzon Matthew S.
Published: October 2005

Impulsiveness has become a key concept in thinking about the determinants of violence and aggression. In this study of spouse abusers, the relationship between impulsiveness, impulsive aggression, and physical violence is confirmed. Impulsiveness and impulsive aggression have significant correlations with physical aggression. Impulsiveness and impulsive aggression are also correlated with measures of Borderline Personality Disorder and Antisocial Personality Disorder. In addition, the measures of Borderline and Antisocial Personality Disorder (PD) are significantly correlated with physical aggression. The violent and non-violent groups differed on impulsive aggression and on Borderline Personality Disorder. A partial replication of Tweed and Dutton’s findings (1998) revealed sub-groups of high- and low-violence men. The high-violence group was very different from the low-violent and the non-violent groups. The high-violence group had higher pathology scores on all clinical scales, except Mania, of the Personality Assessment Inventory. These findings have implications for violence prediction and for treatment of violent men.
Structural Antecedents of Aggravated Assault: Exploratory Assessment of Female and Male Victimization
Authors: Smith Alisa , Chiricos Ted
Published: October 2005

This article examines whether the social structural factors predicting violence against women are different from those predicting violence against men. Using sex-specific, aggravated assault rates from Florida counties (n= 60), this regression analysis tests three principal explanations of violent victimization: routine activities, social disorganization, and gender inequality. Although initially some difference in the predictive factors for male and female aggravated assault rates emerged, a test of the equality of regression coefficients revealed no “real” significant differences. Despite this finding, it remains important to assess the influence of societal factors on rates of violent victimization. The national trend indicates that male violent victimization is declining and female violent victimization is relatively stable. It is important to understand why this is the case.
Vicarious Traumatization, Secondary Traumatic Stress, and Burnout in Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Agency Staff
Authors: Baird Stephanie , Jenkins Sharon Rae
Published: October 2005

This study investigated three occupational hazards of therapy with trauma victims: vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress (or “compassion fatigue”), which describe therapists’ adverse reactions to clients’ traumatic material, and burnout, a stress response experienced in many emotionally demanding “people work” jobs. Among 101 trauma counselors, client exposure workload and being paid as a staff member (vs. volunteer) were related to burnout sub-scales, but not as expected to overall burnout or vicarious trauma, secondary traumatic stress, or general distress. More educated counselors and those seeing more clients reported less vicarious trauma. Younger counselors and those with more trauma counseling experience reported more emotional exhaustion. Findings have implications for training, treatment, and agency support systems.
The Relative Effects of Intimate Partner Physical and Sexual Violence on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptomatology
Authors: Bennice Jennifer A. , Resick Patricia A. , Mechanic Mindy , Astin Millie
Published: October 2005

This study examined the relative effects of intimate partner physical and sexual violence on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptomatology. Severity of physical and sexual violence as well as PTSD severity were assessed in a sample of 62 help-seeking battered women. The results of this study were consistent with prior research, finding significant and positive relationships between physical and sexual violence as well as sexual violence and PTSD symptoms. In order to further clarify these relationships, the unique effects of sexual violence on PTSD were examined after controlling for physical violence severity. Results indicated that sexual violence severity explained a significant proportion of the variance in PTSD severity beyond that which was already accounted for by physical violence severity. These findings have important implications for mental health and social service professionals who work with battered women.
Development of a Screen for Ongoing Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Weiss Steve J. , Ernst Amy A. , Cham Elaine , Nick Todd G.
Published: October 2005

A five-question Ongoing Abuse Screen (OAS) was developed to evaluate ongoing intimate partner violence. Our hypothesis was that the OAS was more accurate and more likely to reflect ongoing intimate partner violence than the AAS when compared to the Index of Spouse Abuse (ISA). The survey included the ISA, the OAS, and the AAS. During the busiest emergency department hours, a sampling of 856 patients completed all aspects of the survey tool. Comparisons were made between the two scales and the ISA. The accuracy, positive predictive value, and positive likelihood ratio were 84%, 58%, and 6.0 for the OAS and 59%, 33%, and 2.0 for the AAS. The OAS was more accurate, had a better positive predictive value, and was three times more likely to detect victims of ongoing intimate partner violence than the AAS. Because the OAS was still not accurate enough, we developed a new screen, based on the ISA, titled the Ongoing Violence Assessment Tool (OVAT).
Stalking and Psychological Abuse: Common Factors and Relationship-Specific Characteristics
Authors: Dye Melanie Livet , Davis Keith E.
Published: October 2005

The purpose of this study was to refine and elaborate models of personality and relationship-specific characteristics in the perpetration of stalking and psychological abuse. Three hundred and forty-two college students who had been in intimate relationships completed a series of questionnaires about their most recent breakup and their former relationship. Our hypotheses were supported, with harsh parental discipline, anxious attachment, and need for control of one’s partner forming a common cluster in the prediction of stalking and psychological abuse. For psychological abuse, relationship dissatisfaction added to the predictive factors; whereas for stalking, the level of anger-jealousy over the breakup was the major added factor. Degree of anger-jealousy was influenced by being the recipient of a breakup and the level of passion.
Gender Differences in Psychological, Physical, and Sexual Aggression Among College Students Using the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales
Authors: Hines Denise A. , Saudino Kimberly J.
Published: October 2005

In response to criticisms of the Conflict Tactics Scales, Straus revised the original scale to include sexual aggression and injury. The purpose of the present study was to use this new scale to replicate and expand existing knowledge of psychological, physical, and sexual aggression in dating relationships. Four-hundred-eighty-one college students completed the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales. As expected, females reported perpetrating more psychological aggression than males; there were no gender differences in reported physical aggression; and psychological and physical aggression tended to co-occur. Contrary to previous research, there were no gender differences in injuries. As expected, males reported perpetrating more sexual coercion than females; however, females also reported perpetrating sexual aggression, and there were no gender differences in reported victimization. For males, sexual coercion perpetration (not victimization) was related to the perpetration and victimization of physical and psychological aggression. For females, both sexual coercion perpetration and victimization were related to the perpetration and victimization of psychological aggression and victimization from physical aggression, but not to physical aggression perpetration.
Co-Occurrence Between Marital Aggression and Parents’ Child Abuse Potential: The Impact of Cumulative Stress
Authors: Margolin Gayla , Gordis Elana B.
Published: October 2005

Evidence suggests that marital aggression and parent-to-child aggression sometimes occur within the same family, but little is known about why certain families are vulnerable to multiple forms of family aggression. According to family systems theory, negative affect in one family relationship can spread to other family relationships. According to family stress theory, aversive circumstances increase families’ vulnerability to disruption and conflict. Based on these theories, the present study tests the hypothesis that cumulative family stresses potentiate the association between marital aggression and parents’ child abuse potential. In a series of additive interactional models, husband-to-wife aggression was linked to husbands’ and wives’ child abuse potential in a context of both high financial stress and high parenting stress but was not linked in a context of low stress. Wife-to-husband aggression was linked to wives’, but not husbands’, child abuse potential in a context of high stress. These results highlight the potential role of contextual factors in the pervasiveness of aggressive exchanges across multiple family subsystems.
Men Who Use Violence: Intimate Violence Versus Non-Intimate Violence Profiles
Authors: Lawson David M. , Weber Deborah , Beckner Helen Minnette , Robinson Lori , Marsh Neal , Cool Angela
Published: October 2005

The current study examined the differences between three types of violent men based on Holtzworth-Munroe and Stuart’s (1994) tripartite typology and a group of non-intimate violent men. First, a cluster analysis was conducted on a sample of 91 domestically violent men, resulting in three clusters that approximated the tripartite model for psychopathology as measured by the MMPI-2, that is, non-pathological, borderline/dysphoric, and antisocial. Based on the violence variables (i.e., severity of violence, family-only violence, and exposure to family of origin violence) only severity of violence approximated what would be expected across the three clusters, that is, the less the psychopathology, the less severe the violence. The other two violence variables had approximate frequencies/percentages of occurrence that would be expected for individual typologies with some but not all three typologies. In comparing the three intimate violent typologies to the non-intimate violent group, the non-intimate and non-pathological groups were within normal limits and did not differ significantly on any of the MMPI-2 scales. These non-intimate and non-pathological groups differed significantly from the antisocial and borderline/dysphoric groups on all the scales that defined the psychopathology of these two groups. On the violence variables, the non-intimate groups reported significantly less severe violence than the borderline/dysphoric and antisocial groups.
The Relationship Between Exposure to Community Violence and Psychological Distress Among Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wilson W. Cody , Rosenthal Beth Spenciner
Published: October 2005

This article is concerned with the “size of the relationship” between exposure to chronic community violence and psychological symptoms among adolescents. It analyzes all relevant empirical studies in the published literature during the last 20 years; uses quantitative methods to summarize findings; and estimates the effect size using meta-analysis. The 37 independent samples (n= 17,322) were coded on 19 categories, including size and characteristics of sample, and characteristics of the independent and dependent variables. Findings indicate that there is a positive correlation between exposure to community violence and psychological distress; and that the effect size (r= .25) of this relationship is low-medium. The estimated effect size of the relationship points to new issues such as the characteristics of the psychosocial dynamics of resilience in the face of exposure to community violence and how exposure to community violence interacts with other potentially traumatic experiences in the producing of psychological distress.
Determinants of Women’s Perceptions of Risk in Battering Relationships
Authors: Gondolf W. , Heckert D. Alex
Published: October 2005

Two studies have recently identified battered women’s perceptions as a substantial predictor of reassault by their batterers. Only a few exploratory studies examine how women make these useful perceptions. We attempted to identify determinants of battered women’s perceptions of reassault and safety using the 15-month follow-up of a multisite evaluation of batterer intervention. The regression analyses indicate that the perceived likelihood of reassault increased with men who were divorced or separated, heavy drinkers, and severely abusive in the past. The strongest determinant for perceptions of safety was the perceived likelihood of reassault. Also, the women’s professed reasons for their perceptions corresponded to the actual determinants. The women’s perceptions appear, therefore, to be grounded in practical circumstances and correspond to establish predictors of reassault. Further research is needed to identify the additional cues, processes, or intuitions that make women’s perceptions such a strong predictor of reassault.
Male-Initiated Partner Abuse During Marital Separation Prior to Divorce
Authors: Toews Michelle L. , McKenry Patrick C. , Catlett Beth S.
Published: October 2005

The purpose of this study was to assess predictors of male-initiated psychological and physical partner abuse during the separation process prior to divorce among a sample of 80 divorced fathers who reported no physical violence during their marriages. The predictor variables examined were male gender-role identity, female-initiated divorces, dependence on one’s former wife, depression, anxiety, and coparental conflict. Through ordinary least square (OLS) regression techniques, it was found that male gender-role identity was positively related to male-initiated psychological abuse during separation. Logistic regression analyses revealed that male-initiated psychological abuse, anxiety level, coparental conflict, and dependence on one’s former spouse increased the odds of a man engaging in physical abuse. However, depression decreased the odds of separation physical abuse. The models predicting both male-initiated psychological abuse (F= 2.20,p< .05,R2= .15) and physical violence during the separation process were significant (Model χ2= 35.00,df= 7,p< .001).
Violence, Coping, and Mental Health in a Community Sample of Adolescents
Authors: Flannery Daniel J. , Singer Mark I. , Wester Kelly L.
Published: October 2005

The current study examined the coping strategies, exposure to violence and psychological trauma symptoms of violent adolescents compared to less violent and nonviolent adolescents in a community sample. An anonymous self-report questionnaire was administered to students in six public high schools (grades 9–12). The 10% most violent adolescents were identified and compared to their less violent and nonviolent peers. A total of 3724 students represented 68% of adolescents in all targeted schools. Ages ranged from 14 to 19 years; 52% were female; and 35% were African-American, 34% Caucasian and 23% Hispanic. Analyses revealed that violent adolescents compared to their less violent and nonviolent peers employed more maladaptive coping strategies, were exposed to higher levels of violence and reported higher clinical levels of psychological trauma symptoms. Maladaptive coping was also significantly associated with psychological trauma symptoms and violent behavior, even after controlling for the influence of demographic factors. The findings support the importance of appropriate identification, assessment and referral services for adolescents in nonclinical settings, and the role that coping strategies play in contributing to adolescent mental health and well-being.
Nonlethal Intimate Partner Violence: Examining Race, Gender, and Income Patterns
Authors: Rennison Callie , Planty Mike
Published: October 2005

The correlation between race of victim and intimate partner violence (IPV) is examined. Previous research showing a relationship between Black victims and higher levels of violence were based on uni-variate examinations and often do not consider other important factors. This paper presents national estimates of IPV by victim’s race using the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), 1993–1999. The estimates based only on race are then disaggregated to account for the victim’s gender and household income. Uni-variate findings demonstrate that victim’s race is significantly related to rates of intimate partner violence. However, after controlling for both victim’s gender and annual household income, the victim’s race is no longer significant. The importance of understanding intimate partner violence through a person’s socioeconomic status rather than race is discussed.
The Short- and Long-Term Effects of Adolescent Violent Victimization Experienced Within the Family and Community
Authors: Fagan Abigail A.
Published: October 2005

Adolescents face high rates of victimization, yet little is known regarding the criminal consequences of these experiences. Using data from the National Youth Survey, this investigation compared the relative and combined effects of adolescent violent victimization perpetrated by family and nonfamily members on self-reported criminal offending from adolescence to early adulthood. The results demonstrate that both types of violence have an immediate and sustained impact on criminal involvement, although the effect is somewhat stronger for nonfamily victimization, and for both types, the relationship tends to weaken over time. In addition, those experiencing both types of victimization report a higher frequency of offending compared to those experiencing only one type. The findings indicate the need for prevention programs aimed at decreasing the prevalence of adolescent victimization, as well as intervention efforts to help victims from becoming offenders.
Acute Stress Disorder in Physical Assault Victims Visiting a Danish Emergency Ward
Authors: Elklit Ask , Brink Ole
Published: October 2005

The purpose of this article is to assess the prevalence of Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) following violent assault in victims who come to the emergency ward, and compare the effects with degrees of injury. Two hundred and fourteen victims of violence completed a questionnaire 1 to 2 weeks after the assault. Measures included the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire, the Trauma Symptom Checklist and the Crisis Support Scale. Results: Twenty-four percent met the full ASD diagnosis and 21% a subclinical ASD diagnosis. Childhood sexual and physical abuse and shock due to a traumatic event that happened to someone close increased the likelihood of ASD four to ten times. Feeling of security and ability to express feelings reduced the likelihood of ASD by one-quarter, while feeling let down by others and hopelessness increased the likelihood of ASD respectively 1.4 and 2.6 times.
The “Homogamy” of Road Rage: Understanding the Relationship Between Victimization and Offending Among Aggressive and Violent Motorists
Authors: Asbridge Mark , Smart Reginald G. , Mann Robert E.
Published: October 2005

The issue of “road rage” has received increasing media and scholarly attention in recent years. Using a representative sample of 2610 adults from Ontario, involvement with road rage was surveyed across demographic subgroups. Incidents of road rage were divided into two categories, verbal-gesturing road rage and physical-threats road rage. Drawing upon violence and criminological literature, experiences of road rage victimization and offending were explored, as well as the extent to which individuals were simultaneously the victims and perpetrators of road rage. Results challenge findings from the violence literature that males and young adults have the greatest propensity for violent victimization. Road rage offending was predominantly a male activity, while there were no gender differences in victimization. Moreover, road rage was not isolated among young adults; rather, road rage was prominent across all ages, with the exception of seniors. Consistent with the existing literature, road rage was higher in urban settings.
The Context of Sexual Violence: Situational Predictors of Self-Protective Actions
Authors: Clay-Warner Jody
Published: October 2005

While considerable research has examined the relative effectiveness of different types of self-protective actions in rape avoidance, little research has considered how the situational context of the assault affects women’s choice of self-protective strategy. Through an examination of data from the National Crime Victimization Survey, this article examines the extent to which situational factors are independently related to the use of physical resistance, verbal resistance, as well as to lack of resistance. The results of the multinominal logistic regression analysis indicate that those who used verbal self-protective action were more likely to have been attacked at night, threatened with a weapon, and to be assaulted by a prior or current romantic partner than were those who chose physical resistance. Those attacked by a current or former intimate were also more likely to employ no resistance than they were physical resistance. Victims facing a substance-using assailant, however, were more likely to enact physical self-protection than to employ no resistance.
Does Writing Reduce Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms?
Authors: Deters Pamela B. , Range Lillian M.
Published: October 2005

To see if writing about their trauma lessened PTSD and related symptoms, 57 undergraduates, previously screened for traumatic experiences, wrote for 15 minutes on 4 days across 2 weeks about either their trauma or a trivial topic. They reported PTSD, impact, suicide ideas, dissociation, and depression pre-, post-, and at 6-week follow-up testing. Trauma and trivial writers were not different. Surprisingly, at follow-up everyone reported less severe PTSD symptoms, impact, and dissociation, and fewer health visits, but about the same suicidal ideation and depression. On PTSD symptoms and impact, the pattern of improvement was different: Those writing about trauma got worse at posttesting, but improved to better than their initial state by follow-up. Those writing about a trivial topic got better by posttesting, and held that position at follow-up. In this project, writing seemed to reduce PTSD symptoms regardless of whether it concerned the trauma or what they ate for lunch.
Violence Against Women With Physical Disabilities
Authors: Milberger Sharon , Israel Nathaniel , LeRoy Barbara , Martin Angela , Potter Linda , Patchak-Schuster Pam
Published: October 2005

This study explored risk factors for violence among a sample of adult women with physical disabilities. Fifty-six percent (100) of the 177 women participating in the study indicated a positive history of abuse. Of the women who reported abuse, most reported multiple abuse situations and abusers who were typically their male partners. In addition, only a small proportion of women sought and received adequate help. Women who indicated that they did not seek help were asked why this was the case. Their responses included: feeling that they could handle it themselves, having other sources of support available, being unaware of where to go, feeling embarrassed, feeling guilty about being a burden or that it was their fault, fear that abuser would come after them, fear of not being believed, and, to a lesser extent, concern that the shelter would lack appropriate accommodations. These findings highlight the importance of intervention strategies including advocacy activities for women with disabilities, activities with schools, activities to deter and prevent partner and caregiver violence, community awareness activities, and dissemination activities.
Physical Aggression, Forced Sex, and Stalking Victimization by a Dating Partner: An Analysis of the National Violence Against Women Survey
Authors: Slashinski Melody J. , Coker Ann L. , Davis Keith E.
Published: October 2005

This study used the National Violence Against Women Survey (NVAWS) of women and men to estimate noncohabitating dating violence prevalence by type (physical, forced sex, and stalking), associations between dating violence and other types of interpersonal violence across the lifespan, and association of dating violence with longer-term mental health including substance abuse. Among respondents aged 18 to 65, 8.3% of 6,790 women and 2.4% of 7,122 men experienced physical aggression, forced sex, or stalking victimization by a dating partner. Few (20.6% of women and 9.7% of men) reported more than one type of dating violence. Childhood physical aggression by a parent or guardian was strongly associated with subsequent dating violence risk for men and women. Dating violence (physical aggression specifically) was associated with current depressive symptoms, current therapeutic drug use (antidepressants, tranquilizers, or pain medications), and current recreation drug use for women. Implications for parents, survivors, health care, and service providers are discussed.
The Internal Validity of the Index of Spouse Abuse in African American Women
Authors: Cook Sarah L. , Conrad Lori , Bender Marnette , Kaslow Nadine J.
Published: October 2005

This study investigated the internal validity of the Index of Spouse Abuse (ISA) (Hudson & McIntosh, 1981) in a sample of 583 African American women who sought health care at a tertiary care hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. Three models were tested with confirmatory factor techniques: (a) Hudson and McIntosh’s original Index of Spouse Abuse two factor model; (b) Campbell, Campbell, Parker, and Ryan’s three factor model (Campbell, Campbell, King, Parker, & Ryan, 1994); and (c) an alternative model of physical and nonphysical abuse. This alternative model is based in part on Tolman’s conceptualization of psychological abuse as a construct comprised of two related but distinct factors: controlling and emotionally abusive behaviors (Tolman, 1999). Results show that the alternative model fits the data better than the first two models. Findings support the continued use of the ISA, but with proposed modifications.
Exposure to “Low-Level” Aggression in School: Associations With Aggressive Behavior, Future Expectations, and Perceived Safety
Authors: Boxer Paul , Edwards-Leeper Laura , Goldstein Sara E. , Musher-Eizenman Dara , Dubow Eric F.
Published: October 2005

Examined associations with witnessing and being victimized by “low-level” aggressive acts (e.g., pushing, gossip) and three indicators of psychosocial functioning in a sample of 771 elementary school students from one urban and one suburban school district. Results indicated that exposure to low-level aggression appears to relate to psychosocial functioning in ways similar to more severe forms of aggression. Students who were exposed to higher levels of both witnessing and victimization by low-level aggression reported the highest levels of engagement in aggression, the lowest levels of positive expectations for the future, and the lowest levels of perceived safety. Findings are discussed in the context of research on exposure to aggression in general, with suggestions offered for future studies. Implications of the findings for school-based intervention programs are raised.
Simulation of binary mixture adsorption of methane and CO2 at supercritical conditions in carbons
Authors: Kurniawan Yohanes , Bhatia Suresh K. , Rudolph Victor
Published: October 2005

Knowledge of the adsorption behavior of coal‐bed gases, mainly under supercritical high‐pressure conditions, is important for optimum design of production processes to recover coal‐bed methane and to sequester CO2 in coal‐beds. Here, we compare the two most rigorous adsorption methods based on the statistical mechanics approach, which are Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation, for single and binary mixtures of methane and carbon dioxide in slit‐shaped pores ranging from around 0.75 to 7.5 nm in width, for pressure up to 300 bar, and temperature range of 308‐348 K, as a preliminary study for the CO2 sequestration problem. For single component adsorption, the isotherms generated by DFT, especially for CO2, do not match well with GCMC calculation, and simulation is subsequently pursued here to investigate the binary mixture adsorption. For binary adsorption, upon increase of pressure, the selectivity of carbon dioxide relative to methane in a binary mixture initially increases to a maximum value, and subsequently drops before attaining a constant value at pressures higher than 300 bar. While the selectivity increases with temperature in the initial pressure‐sensitive region, the constant high‐pressure value is also temperature independent. Optimum selectivity at any temperature is attained at a pressure of 90‐100 bar at low bulk mole fraction of CO2, decreasing to approximately 35 bar at high bulk mole fractions. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Critical dose of lead affecting postural balance in workers
Authors: Iwata Toyoto , Yano Eiji , Karita Kanae , Dakeishi Miwako , Murata Katsuyuki
Published: October 2005

Background

The threshold blood lead (BPb) level for nervous system dysfunction in adults has been estimated to be 30–40 µg/dl. This study was carried out to estimate the critical dose of lead affecting the neuromotor function in workers by introducing the benchmark dose (BMD) approach, as well as to identify the specific postural sway to lead exposure.

Methods

Postural sway parameters with spectral analysis were compared between 121 lead workers with BPb levels of 6–89 (mean 40) µg/dl and 60 unexposed controls.

Results

All sway parameters, except for sagittal sways with eyes open, were significantly larger in the lead workers than in the controls; also, the Romberg quotient for sagittal sway was significantly higher in the lead workers. The BPb level in the lead workers was significantly related to sagittal sways at 1–2 Hz and 2–4 Hz with eyes open, and sagittal and transversal sways at 1–2 Hz and 2–4 Hz with eyes closed. The BMD levels of BPb (i.e., lower 95% confidence limits of BMD) were estimated to be 12.1–17.3 (mean 14.4) µg/dl for postural sway.

Conclusions

Neuromotor dysfunction in lead workers may be initiated at BPbs below the level previously accepted as effectless, and be characterized mainly by an increased sway of high frequency (1–4 Hz) in the sagittal direction with eyes closed (high Romberg quotient). Am. J. Ind. Med. 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Single‐Site Heterogeneous Catalysts
Authors: Thomas John Meurig , Raja Robert , Lewis Dewi W.
Published: October 2005

Intellectually, the advantages that flow from the availability of single‐site heterogeneous catalysts (SSHC) are many. They facilitate the determination of the kinetics and mechanism of catalytic turnover—both experimentally and computationally—and make accessible the energetics of various intermediates (including short‐lived transition states). These facts in turn offer a rational strategic principle for the design of new catalysts and the improvement of existing ones. It is generally possible to prepare soluble molecular fragments that circumscribe the single‐site, thus enabling a direct comparison to be made, experimentally, between the catalytic performance of the same active site when functioning as a heterogeneous (continuous solid) as well as a homogeneous (dispersed molecular) catalyst. This approach also makes it possible to modify the immediate atomic environment as well as the central atomic structure of the active site. From the practical standpoint, SSHC exhibit very high selectivities leading to the production of sharply defined molecular products, just as do their homogeneous analogues. Given that mesoporous silicas with very large internal surface areas are ideal supports for SSHC, and that more than a quarter of the elements of the Periodic Table may be grafted as active sites onto such silicas, there is abundant scope for creating new catalytic opportunities.
Morphomolecular neuronal phenotypes in the neocortex reflect phylogenetic relationships among certain mammalian orders
Authors: Hof Patrick R. , Sherwood Chet C.
Published: October 2005

The cytoarchitecture of the cerebral cortex in mammals has been traditionally investigated using Nissl, Golgi, or myelin stains and there are few comparative studies on the relationships between neuronal morphology and neurochemical specialization. Most available studies on neuronal subtypes identified by their molecular and morphologic characteristics have been performed in species commonly used in laboratory research such as the rat, mouse, cat, and macaque monkey, as well as in autopsic human brain specimens. A number of cellular markers, such as neurotransmitters, structural proteins, and calcium‐buffering proteins, display a highly specific distribution in distinct classes of neocortical neurons in a large number of mammalian species. In this article, we present an overview of the morphologic characteristics and distribution of three calcium‐binding proteins, parvalbumin, calbindin, and calretinin, and of a component of the neuronal cytoskeleton, nonphosphorylated neurofilament protein in the neocortex of various species, representative of the major subdivisions of mammals. The distribution of these neurochemical markers defined several species‐ and order‐specific patterns that permit assessment of the degree to which neuronal morphomolecular specialization, as well as the regional and laminar distribution of distinct cell types in the neocortex, represents derived or ancestral features. In spite of the remarkable diversity in morphologic and cellular organization that occurred during mammalian neocortical evolution, such patterns identified several associations among taxa that closely match their phylogenetic relationships. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of Some Imidazole‐5‐(4H)one Derivatives
Authors: Saravanan Sampath , Selvan Perumal Senthamil , Gopal Natesan , Gupta Jayanta Kumar , De Biplap
Published: October 2005

In the present study, several substituted oxazolones were synthesized by condensation of benzoylglycine with different aldehydes. From such oxazolones, substituted imidazolones were synthesized by condensation with ethylenediamine, urea and 4‐N,N‐dimethylaminoaniline. All these synthesized compounds produced significant antibacterial activities. Furthermore, compounds containing –CH2CH2NH2, –CONH2 and –C6H4–N(CH3)2 groups as substitutents on the imidazolones were found to be potent antibacterial agents. Thus, among the twelve compounds, 1‐(2‐aminoethyl)‐2‐phen yl‐4‐(4‐(dimethylamino)benzylidene)imidazole‐5‐(4H)one (4d), 1‐carboxamido‐2‐phenyl‐4‐(4‐(dimethylamino)benzylidene)imidazole‐5‐(4H)one (4e) and 1‐(4‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)phenyl)‐2‐phenyl‐4‐(4‐(dimethylamino)benzylidene)imidazole‐5‐(4H)one (4f) were found to have a significant higher antibacterial activity than the other substituted imidazolones. Compound 4e was the most active one in this series.
Specific anion effects on the optical rotation of glucoseand serine
Authors: Nostro Pierandrea Lo , Ninham Barry W. , Milani Silvia , Fratoni Laura , Baglioni Piero
Published: October 2005

Optical activity is directly related to molecular conformation through the anisotropic polarizabilities of molecules and the refractive index of materials. L‐amino acids and D‐sugars are characteristic essential bioactive molecules. Since molecular recognition and enzyme activity are related to the conformation of substrates, the relevance of optical activity to biological processes is evident. Specific ion, or Hofmeister, effects that occur with electrolytes at moderately high concentrations modify the behavior of interfaces, molecular forces between membranes, of bulk solutions, of enzymes, and even of DNA. Such effects are universal. Here we report a study on the change in optical rotation induced by some sodium salts for the enantiomers of serine and glucose in water solution. The optical rotation is shown to depend on the kind of anion and on the salt concentration. To obtain further insights into the mechanism behind the phenomenon, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral studies of serine and glucose solutions in electrolytes were also carried out. The results suggest that it is the differences in interactions of anions at specific chemical sites of the solutes that are responsible for the effects. These forces depend strongly on anion polarizability in water. Such specific ion preferential interactions can affect conformation and internal field, and result in significant changes in optical rotation. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopoly 81: 136–148, 2006

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Alcohol septal ablation for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Indications and technique
Authors: Holmes David R. , Valeti Uma S. , Nishimura Rick A.
Published: October 2005

Alcohol septal ablation for the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has been the subject of great interest, and the number of procedures performed is increasing despite an absence of randomized trial data. Although straightforward in concept, alcohol septal ablation may be considerably more difficult in actual practice. To optimize the results and prevent complications, the anatomy of the septal arcade architecture must be understood and the anatomic relationship between the septal artery and the specific portion of the septum to be ablated must be carefully delineated. For the latter, during the procedure, an echocardiographic contrast medium injection into the septal artery of interest is essential. Selection of the volume and amount of alcohol to be injected varies depending on the size and distribution of the septal artery. Specific complications such as conduction defects, hemodynamic compromise, ventricular arrhythmias, and inadequate gradient reduction can be minimized by specific technical approaches. After ablation, protocols are needed for periprocedural guidelines because some complications may occur late during the next several days. For optimal results, patients need to be selected after catheter assessment and combined echocardiography and angiography, and ablation techniques need to be scientific and rigorous. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reliable atrial septostomy by stenting of the atrial septum
Authors: Danon Saar , Levi Daniel S. , Alejos Juan C. , Moore John W.
Published: October 2005

The aim of this report was to describe our experience with creating an interatrial communication by stenting the interatrial septum. In many forms of congenital heart disease, the presence of an appropriate interatrial shunt is critical. After the first several weeks of life, balloon atrial septostomy is not effective, and success with other methods is limited. Clinical records, echocardiograms, and catheterization data in patients who had an atrial septal stent placed between 2001 and 2004 at UCLA were reviewed. Changes in atrial pressures and systemic saturations were analyzed. Follow‐up data and explant pathology were reviewed as available. Thirteen patients had stenting of the atrial septum (four restrictive, nine nonrestrictive). In patients with elevated right and left atrial pressures, there was a mean reduction of 2.4 and 7.4 mm Hg in right atrial and left atrial pressures, respectively. In patients with transposition physiology, there was a mean increase in oxygen saturation of 11.3%. Follow‐up echocardiograms revealed patent stents with excellent position relative to the atrial septum. In six cases, the stents were removed during subsequent surgery and appeared endothelialized and patent. Stenting of the atrial septum is safe and effective in selected cases, allowing for a reliable, long‐lasting, restrictive or nonrestrictive interatrial communication. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Heart block and empirical therapy after transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defect
Authors: Yip William C.L. , Zimmerman Frank , Hijazi Ziyad M.
Published: October 2005

Two patients with perimembranous ventricular septal defects (VSDs) and inlet extension have undergone uncomplicated transcatheter device closure using the Amplatzer membranous VSD device. Both patients developed complete heart block 2–4 days from the closure. Both patients responded well to high‐dose intravenous therapy with steroids and high‐dose oral anti‐inflammatory aspirin. Both patients remain in normal sinus rhythm 8 weeks and 10 months, respectively, from the episode. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Triple‐balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty: An advantageous technique for percutaneous repair of pulmonary valve stenosis in the large pediatric and adult patients
Authors: Escalera Robert B. , Chase Thaddeus J. , Owada Carl Y.
Published: October 2005

This report describes a new valvuloplasty procedure for the treatment of pulmonary valve stenosis (PVS) and large pulmonary valve annulus (PVA) diameters using a triple‐balloon valvuloplasty (TBV) technique. We sought to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of this new technique. Percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV) is the preferred treatment for PVS. BPV in older patients with large PVA remains a challenge, even when the double‐balloon valvuloplasty technique is performed. The technique was first attempted in a case where a large single balloon was unsuccessful and double‐balloon valvuloplasty met with technical difficulties. Three subsequent patients underwent the procedure safely and successfully. An algorithm is presented to determine balloon size for TBV. The median PVA diameter was 23.9 mm. Balloon diameters ranged from 12 to 18 mm. The median peak right ventricular‐to‐pulmonary artery systolic pressure gradient was 43.5 mm Hg before valvuloplasty and was reduced to 12 mm Hg following intervention. No major complications were encountered. Percutaneous valvuloplasty using TBV can be performed safely and provides excellent clinical results. This technique offers advantages over single‐balloon and double‐balloon valvuloplasty techniques, especially in treatment of PVS in large pediatric or adult patients. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Angiographic and clinical outcomes at 8 months of cutting balloon angioplasty and β‐brachytherapy for native vessel in‐stent restenosis (BETACUT): Results from a stopped randomized controlled trial
Authors: Schlüter Michael , Tübler Thilo , Lansky Alexandra J. , Kähler Sabine , Berger Jürgen , Mathey Detlef G. , Schofer Joachim
Published: October 2005

The objective of this study was to assess angiographic and clinical outcomes of cutting balloon (CB) angioplasty and concomitant Sr/Y‐90 β‐brachytherapy as a treatment modality for patients with native vessel in‐stent restenosis (ISR). Procedural advantages over the standard balloon (SB) have been claimed for the CB. Intracoronary brachytherapy preceded by SB angioplasty is regarded as the treatment of choice in patients with ISR. In an interim analysis of a prospective randomized trial designed for 652 patients, 100 consecutive patients with ISR were assigned to treatment with SB angioplasty (n = 51) or CB angioplasty (n = 49), followed in either case by Sr/Y‐90 β‐brachytherapy. Quantitative coronary angiography at baseline, postintervention, and at 8 months was performed by an independent central laboratory. More than 90% of target lesions in the overall patient population were diffuse, with 14% of stents totally occluded. Procedural parameters and immediate angiographic outcomes were essentially the same in either study arm. At 8 months, no statistically significant differences were observed in recurrent angiographic restenosis (SB = 26.1%; CB = 29.5%; P = 0.82), target lesion revascularizations (SB = 13.7%; CB = 8.2%; P = 0.53), and major adverse cardiac events (SB = 15.7%; CB = 8.2%; P = 0.36). In this interim analysis, there was no indication of a beneficial effect of CB use over SB use in terms of angiographic or clinical outcomes at 8‐month follow‐up. CB angioplasty appears to be as safe and efficacious as SB angioplasty in β‐radiation treatment of patients with predominantly diffuse native vessel ISR. It was decided to discontinue the trial. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.