bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Analysis of the Self-Control and Criminal Versatility of Gang and Dating Violence Offenders
Authors: Chapple Constance L. , Hope Trina L.
Published: October 2005

How versatile are gang and dating violence offenders? Current gang research highlights the versatility of gang members, yet the versatility of intimate violence offenders is often unexamined. Gottfredson and Hirschi,A General Theory of Crime(1990), support the idea of versatile rather than specialized offenders and suggests that low self-control is associated with a host of criminal and noncriminal risk-taking activities. Using data from a self-report sample of 1139 youths in grades 9 through 11, we investigated both the versatility of gang and dating violence offenders and theoretical variables associated with each. We find disproportionate offending by dating and gang violence offenders in a variety of crimes, as well as considerable overlap in the independent variables associated with both types of violence. Low levels of self-control and exposure to general and crime-specific criminal opportunities are significantly associated with engaging in dating and gang violence.
Barriers to a trial of atherosclerosis prevention in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Costenbader Karen H. , Karlson Elizabeth W. , Gall Victoria , Pablo Paola de , Finckh Axel , Lynch Marsha , Bermas Bonnie , Schur Peter H. , Liang Matthew H.
Published: October 2005

Objective

The effectiveness of aggressive management of traditional risk factors for accelerated atherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been advocated but not proven. We conducted a pilot, randomized, controlled trial of known prevention medications (pravastatin, ramipril, aspirin, and a combination B vitamin) plus individualized cardiovascular prevention education. We describe our experience in recruiting and retaining patients with SLE in this trial.

Methods

Patients with SLE by American College of Rheumatology criteria who lived within 1 hour of the hospital and had visits within the past 3 years were screened. All eligible patients were contacted by the principal investigator who was not their physician. The reasons for nonparticipation were elicited in a nonjudgmental manner.

Results

A total of 662 patients met the selection criteria for the study. Of these, 295 patients (45%) with contraindications to study medications were excluded. Ninety‐seven (40%) of 244 eligible patients refused to participate. More than 40% of those phoned were unwilling to participate and, among those, 19% felt they were too sick, too well, or taking too many medications already. A total of 41 patients were enrolled in the trial, and 22 dropped out within 4 months.

Conclusion

SLE is a chronic disease, and the development and testing of interventions aimed at the prevention of long‐term sequelae are of paramount importance. Prevention trials in SLE face serious challenges, including the recruitment and retention of participants. Our experience provides insights into the barriers to participation in randomized prevention trials in SLE.
Patient knowledge, beliefs, and behavior concerning the prevention and treatment of glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis
Authors: Blalock Susan J. , Norton Linda L. , Patel Rajul A. , Dooley Mary Anne
Published: October 2005

Objective

To obtain descriptive information concerning the extent to which patients taking oral glucocorticoids recall receiving osteoporosis prevention counseling, and to identify factors associated with the practice of 3 behaviors (i.e., calcium intake, vitamin D intake, and bone mineral density [BMD] testing) recommended for patients receiving glucocorticoid therapy.

Methods

The study assessed cross‐sectional data derived from telephone interviews and mailed questionnaires completed by 227 patients who were currently taking oral prednisone. Questions assessed current calcium and vitamin D intake and history of BMD testing.

Results

Approximately one‐third of participants (36.3%) reported that they had received osteoporosis prevention counseling. Among those who reported receiving counseling, most (73.2%) remembered being told about the importance of obtaining an adequate amount of calcium. Other topics were remembered less frequently. Slightly more than half of study participants (51.1%) were obtaining the recommended amount of calcium. Fewer were obtaining the recommended amount of vitamin D (35.2%) or had received a BMD test within the past year (33.5%). The most consistent predictors of behavior were counseling status and patients' perceptions of the difficulty associated with performing the behavior.

Conclusion

Most patients receiving oral glucocorticoids receive insufficient counseling concerning the prevention of osteoporosis; patients either are not being counseled or they are being counseled in a manner that is not sufficient to promote subsequent recall and behavior change. Research is needed to develop effective strategies to educate patients about the prevention of glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis.
Randomized comparison of a multidisciplinary job‐retention vocational rehabilitation program with usual outpatient care in patients with chronic arthritis at risk for job loss
Authors: de Buck Petronella D. M. , le Cessie Saskia , van den Hout Wilbert B. , Peeters Andreas J. , Ronday Herman K. , Westedt Marie‐Louise , Breedveld Ferdinand C. , Vliet Vlieland Theodora P. M.
Published: October 2005

Objective

Work disability is a major consequence of inflammatory rheumatic conditions. Evidence regarding the effectiveness of interventions aimed at the prevention or reduction of work disability in rheumatic diseases is limited. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary job‐retention vocational rehabilitation (VR) program in patients with a rheumatic condition who were at risk for job loss.

Methods

A total of 140 patients with a chronic rheumatic condition were randomly assigned to either a multidisciplinary job‐retention VR program (n = 74) or usual outpatient care (UC) (n = 66). Patients in the VR group were assessed and guided by a multidisciplinary team, whereas patients in the UC group received care as initiated by their rheumatologist, supplemented with written information. The main outcome measure was the occurrence of job loss (complete work disability or unemployment); additional outcome measures included job satisfaction, pain, functional status, emotional status, and quality of life.

Results

There was no difference between the 2 groups regarding the proportion of patients having lost their job at any time point, with 24% and 23% of the patients in the VR and UC groups, respectively, having lost their job after 24 months. Over the total period of 24 months, patients in the VR group had a significantly greater improvement of the fatigue visual analog scale and of emotional status (all P values < 0.05).

Conclusion

A job‐retention VR program did not reduce the risk of job loss but improved fatigue and mental health in patients with chronic rheumatic diseases at risk for job loss.
Pain exacerbation as a major source of lost productive time in US workers with arthritis
Authors: Ricci Judith A. , Stewart Walter F. , Chee Elsbeth , Leotta Carol , Foley Kathleen , Hochberg Marc C.
Published: October 2005

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of arthritis and arthritis pain exacerbations in US workers including impact on functioning and lost productive work time (LPT).

Methods

The research was conducted as a nested case‐control study of participants in the Caremark American Productivity Audit, a US national random‐digit‐dial survey of US workers. The sample included 329 workers ages 40–65 years meeting the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey criteria for arthritis, and 91 workers not meeting arthritis inclusion criteria. Participants completed a telephone interview to measure the prevalence of arthritis and pain exacerbations, LPT (in hours and dollars), functional disability using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Australian/Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index, and demographics.

Results

The prevalence of arthritis in US workers ages 40–65 years was 14.7% during the 2‐week period. Pain exacerbation occurred among 38% of participants with arthritis. Workers with pain exacerbations were significantly more likely to have higher WOMAC scores (38.6 versus 29.6; P = 0.0041) and report arthritis‐related LPT (24.4% versus 13.3%; P = 0.0118) than workers without exacerbations. Among those with LPT, average LPT did not differ (4.1 hours per week) between persons with and without exacerbations. The estimated annual LPT cost from arthritis in the US workforce was $7.11 billion, with 65.7% of this cost attributed to the 38% of workers with pain exacerbations.

Conclusion

Workers with arthritis pain exacerbation account for a disproportionate share of the arthritis‐related LPT cost. Stratifying workers for appropriate treatment management based on pain exacerbation status could significantly decrease arthritis‐related LPT and offer employees and employers an effective return on health care use.
Exercise, self‐efficacy, and mobility performance in overweight and obese older adults with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Focht Brian C. , Rejeski W. Jack , Ambrosius Walter T. , Katula Jeffrey A. , Messier Stephen P.
Published: October 2005

Objective

To examine changes in mobility‐related self efficacy following exercise and dietary weight loss interventions in overweight and obese older adults with knee osteoarthritis (OA), and to determine if self efficacy and pain mediate the effects of the interventions on mobility task performance.

Methods

The Arthritis, Diet, and Activity Promotion Trial was an 18‐month, single‐blind, randomized, controlled trial comparing the effects of exercise alone, dietary weight loss alone, a combination of exercise plus dietary weight loss, and a healthy lifestyle control intervention in the treatment of 316 overweight or obese older adults with symptomatic knee OA. Participants completed measures of stair‐climb time and 6‐minute walk distance, self efficacy for completing each mobility task, and self‐reported pain at baseline, 6 months, and 18 months during the trial.

Results

Mixed model analyses of covariance of baseline adjusted change in the outcomes demonstrated that the exercise + dietary weight loss intervention produced greater improvements in mobility‐related self efficacy (P = 0.0035), stair climb (P = 0.0249) and 6‐minute walk performance (P = 0.00031), and pain (P = 0.09) when compared with the healthy lifestyle control intervention. Mediation analyses revealed that self efficacy and pain served as partial mediators of the beneficial effect of exercise + dietary weight loss on stair‐climb time.

Conclusion

Exercise + dietary weight loss results in improved mobility‐related self efficacy; changes in these task‐specific control beliefs and self‐reported pain serve as independent partial mediators of the beneficial effect of exercise + dietary weight loss on stair‐climb performance.
Current use of glucocorticoids in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Germany
Authors: Thiele Katja , Buttgereit Frank , Huscher Doerte , Zink Angela ,   The German Collaborative Arthritis Centres
Published: October 2005

Objective

To describe the current use of glucocorticoids in German patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We analyzed clinical and patient‐derived data from 10,068 outpatients with RA from the national database of the German Collaborative Arthritis Centres for the year 2001 collected by more than 80 rheumatologists in hospitals and private practices.

Results

Systemic glucocorticoid therapy was prescribed for 60% of all patients with RA in rheumatologic care. The proportion of patients receiving systemic glucocorticoids in addition to disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy ranged from 53% to 81% of the patients for the various DMARDs. Glucocorticoid therapy was administered more often in combination with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (81%), cyclosporin A (80%), or leflunomide (77%) than with more traditional DMARDs such as methotrexate (63%) or sulfasalazine (55%). Regarding the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, 63% of patients taking systemic glucocorticoids were also receiving some type of osteoporosis therapy, as opposed to only 26% of those not taking glucocorticoids.

Conclusion

Glucocorticoids play a pivotal role in the management of RA. This is reflected in the extensive use of low‐dose glucocorticoids by German rheumatologists. Even if highly effective DMARDs are prescribed, they are accompanied by glucocorticoids, at least in the initial phase. High‐dose glucocorticoids are prescribed for only a small proportion of the patients. There is increasing awareness of the risk of osteoporosis in long‐term glucocorticoid treatment, demonstrated by the fact that osteoporosis medication is prescribed for a large proportion of patients taking glucocorticoids.
Percutaneous intervention through a Cabrol composite graft
Authors: Coram Rita , George Zachary , Breall, Jeffrey A.
Published: October 2005

Similar to other surgical techniques, ascending thoracic aortic repair has evolved through a series of modifications, each with improvement in longevity, morbidity, and mortality. Until recently, most, if not all, aortic composite graft‐coronary ostial anastamotic complications have been addressed with repeat surgery. Due to this, most interventional cardiologists have little to no experience in approaching postsurgical aortic composite graft‐coronary ostial anastamotic lesions percutaneously when the anatomy is altered by a Cabrol interposition graft. Nevertheless, it is important that operators are aware of the various surgical techniques used to repair the ascending aorta and reimplant the coronary arteries. Furthermore, in the present era of addressing more and more stenotic lesions percutaneously, it is important to have knowledge into which type of lesion lends itself to a percutaneous approach. Our review of the literature reveals that there have been no reported cases of percutaneous interventions of the native coronary arteries through a Cabrol composite graft. We report the first case of percutaneous intervention of an unprotected left main anastamotic stenosis through a Cabrol composite graft. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Percutaneous closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defect associated with a ventricular septal aneurysm using the Amplatzer ductal occluder
Authors: Tan Christopher A. , Levi Daniel S. , Moore John W.
Published: October 2005

Amplatzer ductal occluders were used for percutaneous closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects with associated ventricular septal aneurysm in three patients. The device was well positioned and the ventricular left‐to‐right shunt was significantly decreased in all three patients. The procedure was tolerated well without complications in each case. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Coronary steal syndrome with coil embolization of a large LIMA side branch: Radionuclide evidence for reversible ischemia
Authors: Abdo Nasser , Curran Peter J. , Kumar Vinod , Tobis Jonathan M.
Published: October 2005

This case presents the controversy over coronary artery steal syndrome following bypass surgery when a large branch of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) is not ligated. A discussion of previous attempts to understand the physiology of this anatomy is compared with case reports of objective evidence for ischemia that resolves following occlusion of the LIMA side branch. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interventions in leaks and obstructions of the interatrial baffle late after Mustard and Senning correction for transposition of the great arteries
Authors: Daehnert Ingo , Hennig Bert , Wiener Michael , Rotzsch Claudius
Published: October 2005

The objective of this study was to describe the institutional experience with interventional treatment of atrial sequelae late after atrial correction for transposition of the great arteries (TGA). A retrospective observational study identified 13 long‐term survivors of atrial correction for TGA (median age, 20.5 years; range, 13.8–33.0) with atrial inflow obstruction and/or interatrial defects. Balloon‐expandable stents were used for relief of atrial inflow obstructions and interatrial defects closed with devices. Feasibility, periprocedural complications, residual or new obstructions or leaks at follow‐up were investigated. Fourteen successful procedures were performed in 12 patients; one procedure failed. Five stents were placed for obstruction of the superior caval vein, three for obstruction of the inferior caval vein, and one for obstruction of the pulmonary venous return. Five septal occluders were implanted. Localization of the interatrial defects required atypical implantation techniques and resulted in atypical device positions. No complications occurred with stent or device implantation. There were no residual shunts through or around the septal occluders. None of the patients had new implant‐related obstruction or leakage during a median follow‐up of 21 months (range, 6–45). Stent implantation for obstruction of the pulmonary or systemic venous return in patients after atrial redirection for TGA is safe and effective. Follow‐up suggests excellent maintenance of patency. Interatrial defects can be closed with septal occluders despite atypical defect positions in these patients. Combined use of both devices in adjacent positions is feasible. These interventions help to avoid high‐risk surgery. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Look before you close: Atrial septal defect with undiagnosed partial anomalous pulmonary venous return
Authors: Cragun David T. , Lax Daniela , Butman Samuel M.
Published: October 2005

The growing and continued success of percutaneous closure of atrial defects is related to its high benefit‐to‐risk ratio in appropriately selected patients. The following case illustrates a previously undocumented danger, namely, the potential for incomplete correction. A thorough transesophageal examination performed at the time of the planned atrial defect closure suggested the presence of a partial anomalous pulmonary vein insertion, which was then appropriately documented and the incomplete closure was averted. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neue Verpackungen für Lebensmittel: Gut verpackt?
Authors: Stubenrauch Cosima
Published: October 2005

Neue Verpackungsmaterialien für Lebensmittel zu entwickeln, ist nach wie vor eine große Herausforderung. Zu unterscheiden ist hierbei zwischen (a) der Optimierung von Materialeigenschaften, (b) der Einführung “aktiver und intelligenter Materialien” und (c) neuen Design‐ und Präsentationstechniken. Im ersten Fall werden Struktur‐Eigenschafts‐Beziehungen genutzt, um Stoffe mit passendem Eigenschaftsprofil zu finden. Von besonderer Wichtigkeit sind hier Verbundstoffe, die die typischen mechanischen und physikalischen Eigenschaften ihrer Bestandteile vereinigen. Veranschaulicht wird das am Beispiel der braunen PET‐Flasche für Bier, in welcher die guten mechanischen Eigenschaften des PET mit der geringen Gasdurchlässigkeit von EVOH oder PA kombiniert werden. Nicht vergessen werden darf jedoch, dass bei Verbundstoffen die Möglichkeit zum Recyclen nicht automatisch gegeben ist und die Umweltbilanz neuer Materialien jeweils geprüft werden muss. Dagegen versteht man unter “aktiven Verpackungen” solche, die durch die gezielte Beeinflussung der Atmosphäre in der Packung die Qualität eines Lebensmittels erhalten. So kann es sinnvoll sein, durch Binden von Sauerstoff, Kohlendioxid oder Wasser, durch Ausscheiden von CO2 oder Ethanol sowie durch antimikrobielle Substanzen Reaktionen zu verlangsamen oder zu verhindern. Dass es auch möglich ist, Verpackungen ein “Eigenleben” zu geben, wird im letzten Teil des Beitrags erläutert. Hier handelt es sich um Verpackungen, die erst nach Aktivierung durch den Verbraucher “etwas tun” wie sich z.B. selbst erwärmen oder abkühlen.
Tropon – wider die Fleischnot: “Eiweiss‐Cakes” und Hundekuchen
Authors: Krätz Otto
Published: October 2005

Die 1897 gegründeten Tropon‐Werke nutzten Abfallfleisch aus Schlachthöfen zur Gewinnung von Eiweißprodukten. Dieser günstige Fleischersatz war insbesondere für die Eiweißversorgung der unteren sozialen Schichten von Interesse. Tropon‐Eiweißpräparate wurden noch bis in die 70er Jahre des 20. Jahrhunderts hergestellt, doch wandelte sich die Firma im Laufe der Zeit zu einem rein pharmazeutischen Unternehmen. Die Tropon‐Werke, zeitweilig eine Tochter der Bayer, bestehen noch heute.
Beschichtungen contra Graffiti
Authors: Borchard‐Tuch Claudia
Published: October 2005

Ob Graffiti Kunst oder Vandalismus sind, ist heftig umstritten. Unabhängig davon sind sie für die Betroffenen jedoch zumeist höchst ärgerlich, denn Graffiti zu entfernen ist fast immer kostspielig und aufwändig und gelingt oft nur unvollständig. Mit Schutzsystemen lassen sich Graffiti‐Attacken zwar nicht völlig vereiteln, die Schäden aber stark vermindern.
Jonglierkunst der Röhrenwürmer
Authors: Groß Michael
Published: October 2005

Röhrenwürmer mit ihren bis zu einem Meter hoch aufragenden weißen Gehäusen und den leuchtend roten Kiemen, die oben herausschauen, sind die auffälligsten Bewohner der Tiefseebiotope in der Umgebung heißer Quellen. Sie erhalten ihre Nahrung von chemosynthetischen Bakterien, welche sie in einem speziellen Organ, dem Trophosom beherbergen. Diese Symbiosepartner benötigen ihrerseits Sulfide und Sauerstoff, um Nährstoffe erzeugen zu können.
Gefäßfreundlicher Kunststoff
Authors: Jacoby Petra
Published: October 2005

Dank eines neuartigen Polyurethans können bald vielleicht auch sehr feine Arterien durch synthetische Transplantate ersetzt werden. Der Kunststoff setzt Stickstoffmonoxid (NO) frei und verhindert so, dass sich gefährliche Blutgerinnsel bilden.
Randomized phase II study of weekly docetaxel plus trastuzumab versus weekly paclitaxel plus trastuzumab in patients with previously untreated advanced nonsmall cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Krug Lee M. , Miller Vincent A. , Patel Jyoti , Crapanzano John , Azzoli Christopher G. , Gomez Jorge , Kris Mark G. , Heelan Robert T. , Pizzo Barbara , Tyson Leslie , Sheehan Christine , Ross Jeffrey S. , Venkatraman Ennapadam
Published: October 2005

BACKGROUND

Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody directed against the human epidermal growth factor receptor‐2 (HER‐2). Nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) overexpresses HER‐2 protein in approximately 20% of cases. In the current study, the authors combined trastuzumab with weekly taxanes in an attempt to improve outcomes over standard chemotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC.

METHODS

The primary objective was to determine whether docetaxel plus trastuzumab or paclitaxel plus trastuzumab was the superior regimen based on response and toxicity, and to determine whether either regimen was appropriate for further testing in a randomized Phase III trial. After stratification based on the results of HER‐2 immunohistochemistry, chemotherapy‐naive patients were randomized to receive trastuzumab plus docetaxel or trastuzumab plus paclitaxel. The study was designed so patients with or without HER‐2 overexpression would be distributed equally between the study arms.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemistry for HER‐2 protein expression was attempted for 182 pathologic samples from 169 patients. Twenty‐eight of the 179 evaluable samples (16%) revealed 2+ or 3+ staining. The objective response rate was 23% (7 of 30 patients) in the patients treated with docetaxel plus trastuzumab and 32% (11 of 34 patients) in the patients treated with paclitaxel plus trastuzumab (P=0.76, Wilcoxon test). No difference was noted in the median survival (16 mos vs. 14 mos) or 1‐year survival (57% vs. 55%) (P=0.998). Toxicities were mild in both treatment arms. No difference with regard to response rates or survival was noted between HER‐2–positive (2+ or 3+) and HER‐2–negative (0–1+) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of HER‐2 protein in patients with advanced NSCLC in this study was found to be similar to that reported in previous series. The response rates and toxicities for patients treated with docetaxel and trasuzumab or paclitaxel and trasuzumab were not significantly different, though survival in both arms was better than expected. HER‐2 expression status did not appear to affect outcomes for this uniform group of patients who were treated in a comparable fashion. Because of the infrequency of HER‐2 overexpression, and the absence of improved outcomes in patients with NSCLC who were treated with trastuzumab plus chemotherapy in other studies, neither regimen tested will be advanced to a Phase III trial. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Angiogenesis with pericyte abnormalities in a transgenic model of prostate carcinoma
Authors: Ozawa Michael G. , Yao Virginia J. , Chanthery Yvan H. , Troncoso Patricia , Uemura Akiyoshi , Varner Amanda S. , Kasman Ian M. , Pasqualini Renata , Arap Wadih , McDonald Donald M.
Published: October 2005

BACKGROUND

Previous studies of the TRansgenic Adenocarcinoma of the Mouse Prostate (TRAMP) model vasculature suggest that, as tumors develop, vessels invade the glandular epithelium. However, changes in the vasculature are difficult to study in conventional thin tissue sections. The authors used a new approach to characterize morphologic and architectural changes of blood vessels and pericytes during tumor development in TRAMP mice.

METHODS

Eighty‐micron cryostat sections of normal prostate and three histopathologic stages of TRAMP tumor sections, classified by epithelial cell E‐cadherin immunoreactivity, were immunostained with vascular endothelial cell and pericyte receptor antibodies and evaluated by confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

In the normal mouse prostate, capillaries were most abundant in the fibromuscular tunica between the epithelium and smooth muscle of the ductules. In the prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) stage, vessels accompanied epithelial cell protrusions into the ductule lumen but remained in the connective tissue at the basal side of the epithelium. Well differentiated tissues had extensive angiogenesis with five times the normal mean vascularity outside ductules. Vessels were of variable diameter, were associated with an increased number of pericytes, and some had endothelial sprouts. Angiogenic blood vessels from poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas were tortuous, variable in caliber, and lacked the normal hierarchy. Pericytes on these vessels had an abnormal phenotype manifested by α‐smooth muscle actin expression and loose association with endothelial cells. Angiogenesis and loss of vascular hierarchy were also found in human prostate carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Vascular abnormalities, which begin at the PIN stage and intensify in well differentiated and poorly differentiated tumors, may be useful readouts for early detection and treatment assessment in prostate carcinoma. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Existence of an asymptotic velocity and implications for the asymptotic behavior in the direction of the singularity in T3‐Gowdy
Authors: Ringström Hans
Published: October 2005

This is the first of two papers that together prove strong cosmic censorship in T3‐Gowdy space‐times. In the end, we prove that there is a set of initial data, open with respect to the C2 × C1 topology and dense with respect to the C∞ topology, such that the corresponding space‐times have the following properties: Given an inextendible causal geodesic, one direction is complete and the other is incomplete; the Kretschmann scalar, i.e., the Riemann tensor contracted with itself, blows up in the incomplete direction. In fact, it is possible to give a very detailed description of the asymptotic behavior in the direction of the singularity for the generic solutions. In this paper, we shall, however, focus on the concept of asymptotic velocity. Under the symmetry assumptions made here, Einstein's equations reduce to a wave map equation with a constraint. The target of the wave map is the hyperbolic plane. There is a natural concept of kinetic and potential energy density; perhaps the most important result of this paper is that the limit of the potential energy as one lets time tend to the singularity for a fixed spatial point is 0 and that the limit exists for the kinetic energy.

We define the asymptotic velocity v∞ to be the nonnegative square root of the limit of the kinetic energy density. The asymptotic velocity has some very important properties. In particular, curvature blowup and the existence of smooth expansions of the solutions close to the singularity can be characterized by the behavior of v∞. It also has properties such that if 0 < v∞(θ0) < 1, then v∞ is smooth in a neighborhood of θ0. Furthermore, if v∞(θ0) > 1 and v∞ is continuous at θ0, then v∞ is smooth in a neighborhood of θ0. Finally, we show that the map from initial data to the asymptotic velocity is continuous under certain circumstances and that what will in the end constitute the generic set of solutions is an open set with respect to C2 × C1 topology on initial data. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hexaazamacrocycle Containing Pyridine and Its Dicopper Complex as Receptors for Dicarboxylate Anions
Authors: Li Feng , Delgado Rita , Félix Vítor
Published: October 2005

The host–guest binding interactions of the hexaazamacrocycle [26]py2N4, in its tetraprotonated form H4[26]py2N44+ as well as in its dicopper(II) complex [Cu2([26]py2N4)(H2O)4]4+, with dicarboxylate anions of different stereoelectronicrequirements, such as oxalate (ox2–), malonate (mal2–), succinate (suc2–), fumarate (fu2–) and maleate (ma2–), were evaluated. The association constants were determined using potentiometric methods in aqueous solution, at 298.0 K and 0.10 mol·dm–3 KCl. These values for the tetraprotonated ditopic receptor with the dicarboxylate anions revealed that the main species in solution corresponds to the formation of {H4[26]py2N4(A)}2+ (pH ≈ 4–9), A being the substrate anion. The values determined are not especially high, but the receptor exhibits selectivity for the malonate anion. The study of the cascade complexes revealed several species in solution, involving mononuclear and dinuclear complexes, mainly protonated and hydrolysed species, as well as the expected complexes [Cu2([26]py2N4)(A)(H2O)x]2+ or [Cu2([26]py2N4)(A)2(H2O)y]. Ox2– and mal2– form cascade complexes with only one anion, which will necessarily bridge the two copper atoms because of the symmetrical arrangement of the dinuclear complex. The two other studied anions, suc2– and ma2–, form species involving two substrate anions, although species with only one suc2– anion were also found. UV/Vis and EPR spectroscopy have shown that the dicopper complex can operate as a sensor to detect and quantitatively determine oxalate spectrophotometrically because of the red shift of the maximum of the visible band observed by addition of ox2– to an aqueous solution of the dinuclear copper complex. However the selectivity of [Cu2([26]py2N4)(H2O)4]4+ as a receptor for ox2– in the studied series is not sufficiently high to detect ox2– spectrophotometrically in the presence of the other anions. Molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the H4[26]py2N44+ receptor provides a large and flexible cavity to accommodate the studied anions. Molecular recognition is based in electrostatic interactions rather than in multiple hydrogen‐bonding interactions acting cooperatively. By contrast, the [Cu2([26]py2N4)]4+ receptor has a well‐shaped cavity with adequate size to uptake these anions as bridging ligands with formation of four Cu–O bonds. The ox2– anion is encapsulated within the cascade complex while the remaining anions are located above the N6 macrocyclic plane, suggesting a selective coordination behaviour of this receptor. In spite of our molecular simulation being carried out in gas phase, the modelling results are consistent with the solution studies. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
MnII/CoII‐Terephthalate Frameworks Containing Dipyridine Coligands: Syntheses, Crystal Structures, Magnetic Behaviors, and Thermal Studies
Authors: Manna Subal Chandra , Konar Sanjit , Zangrando Ennio , Okamoto Ken‐ichi , Ribas Joan , Ray Chaudhuri Nirmalendu
Published: October 2005

Three new metal–organic hybrid polymeric networks of CoII and MnII with the molecular formulae [Co(bpp)(tp)(H2O)2] (1), [Mn(bpds)(tp)(H2O)2]·(bpds) (2), and [Mn(4,4′‐bipy)(H2O)4]·(tp) (3) (bpp = 4,4′‐trimethylenedipyridine; bpds = 4,4′‐bipyridyl disulfide; 4,4′‐bipy = 4,4′‐dipyridyl; tp = terephthalate) have been synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies, low temperature (300–2 K) magnetic measurements, and thermal behaviors. The structure determination of complexes 1 and 2 reveals a parallel interpenetrated structure of 2D layers with (4,4) topology, with metal ions at the nodes connected through tp and N,N‐donor coligands. The octahedral N2O4 chromophore surrounding the metal ion results from trans located tp oxygens, two water molecules, and two nitrogen donors of the co‐ligands in the cis position. The presence of uncoordinated bpds between the interpenetrated layers leads to the formation of a wafer‐like structure for 2. In complex 3, however, manganese(II) ions bridged by 4,4′‐bipy and coordinated by four water molecules give rise to a 1D polymeric chain. The adjoining chains encapsulate terephthalate anions (tp) to give a 3D structure through H‐bonding. Low‐temperature magnetic data indicate weak antiferromagnetic coupling in complexes 1 and 2. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Trinuclear CuII Complexes Containing Peripheral Ketonic Oxygen Bridges and a μ3‐OH Core: Syntheses, Crystal Structures, Spectroscopic and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Sinha Ray Mau , Chattopadhyay Shouvik , Drew Michael G. B. , Figuerola Albert , Ribas Joan , Diaz Carmen , Ghosh Ashutosh
Published: October 2005

Four new trinuclear copper(II) complexes, [(CuL1)3(μ3‐OH)](ClO4)2·H2O (1), [(CuL2)3(μ3‐OH)](ClO4)2 (2), [(CuL3)3(μ3‐OH)](ClO4)2·H2O (3), and [(CuL4)3(μ3‐OH)](ClO4)2·H2O (4), where HL1 = 8‐amino‐4,7,7‐trimethyl‐5‐azaoct‐3‐en‐2‐one, HL2 = 7‐amino‐4‐methyl‐5‐azaoct‐3‐en‐2‐one, HL3 = 7‐(ethylamino)‐4‐methyl‐5‐azahept‐3‐en‐2‐one, and HL4 = 4‐methyl‐7‐(methylamino)‐5‐azahept‐3‐en‐2‐one, have been derived from the four tridentate Schiff bases (HL1, HL2, HL3, and HL4) and structurally characterized by X‐ray crystallography. For all compounds, the cationic part is trinuclear with a Cu3OH core held by three carbonyl oxygen bridges between each pair of copper(II) atoms. The copper atoms are five‐coordinate with a distorted square‐pyramidal geometry; the equatorial plane consists of the bridging oxygen atom of the central OH group together with three atoms (N, N, O) from one ligand whereas an oxygen atom of a second ligand occupies the axial position. Magnetic measurements have been performed in the 2–300 K temperature range. The experimental data could be satisfactorily reproduced by using an isotropic exchange model, H = –J(S1S2+S2S3+S1S3) yielding as best‐fit parameters: J = –66.7 and g = 2.19 for 1, J =–36.6 and g = 2.20 for 2, J = –24.5 and g = 2.20 for 3, andJ = –14.9 and g = 2.05 for 4. EPR spectra at low temperature show the existence of spin frustration in complexes 3 and 4, but it has not been possible to carry out calculations of the antisymmetric exchange parameter, G, from magnetic data. In frozen methanolic solution, at 4 K, hyperfine splitting in all complexes and spin frustration in complex 4 seem to be confirmed. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
New Polymeric Manganese Azide Derivatives with Quinazoline
Authors: Abu‐Youssef Morsy A. M. , Escuer Albert , Langer Vratislav
Published: October 2005

Two new polymeric derivatives of the (azido)MnII system with formula [Mn(H2O)(μ‐N3)(N3)(quinaz)2]n (1) and [Mn(μ‐N3)2(quinaz)2]n (2) (quinaz = quinazoline) have been structurally and magnetically characterised. Compound 1 crystallises in the triclinic system, space group P$\bar {1}$, and consists of 1D chains with single end‐to‐end azido bridges. These chains give a two‐dimensional supramolecular arrangement by means of H‐bond interactions. Compound 2 crystallises in the monoclinic system, space group C2/c, and contains a square alternating 2D network bridged by azido ligands in the end‐to‐end coordination mode. Compound 2 exhibits some unusual features, such as the unprecedented linear coordination of the azido bridge. Magnetic analysis reveals moderate antiferromagnetic coupling, with J values in good agreement with the expected range, as a function of the Mn–N–N bond angles. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Lifetime Improvement of Glucose Biosensor by Epoxy‐Enhanced PVC Membrane
Authors: Yu Bazhang , Moussy Yvonne , Moussy Francis
Published: October 2005

A new approach using epoxy resin to enhance the durability and adhesion of a diffusion‐limiting membrane in amperometric biosensors is described. The polymer membrane was mainly composed of commercially available fast epoxy adhesive ATACS 5104, poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and plasticizers such as isopropyl myristate (IMP) and Aliquat 336 (AL). It can be readily deposited on various substrates by using coating and other thin film fabrication methods. The effect of epoxy resin in the membrane composition was investigated using a coil‐type glucose biosensor containing extra enzyme. The ideal membrane was found to include approximately 1/3 epoxy resin, 1/3 plasticizer and 1/3 PVC. Such a membrane was verified to be porous and permeable to small molecules like glucose and can tightly adhere to other beneath layers such as a Nafion membrane, which serves as the interference‐eliminating layer. These epoxy‐based glucose biosensors showed excellent electrochemical response properties including a long lifetime and can be used for microanalysis of solutions and biological fluids. With an additional PU outermost layer, the present glucose biosensors can potentially be used for in vivo measurements.
Biosensing of Aromatic Amines in Reversed Micelles with Self‐Generation of Hydrogen Peroxide at Glucose Oxidase‐Peroxidase Bienzyme Electrodes
Authors: Morales Maria Dolores , González Maria Cristina , Serra Beatriz , Zhang Jinbiao , Reviejo Ángel Julio , Pingarrón José Manuel
Published: October 2005

The amperometric biosensing of aromatic amines using a composite glucose oxidase (GOD)‐peroxidase (HRP) biosensor in reversed micelles is reported. Rigid composite pellets of graphite and Teflon, in which GOD and HRP were coimmobilized by simple physical inclusion, were employed for the biosensor design. This design allows the in situ generation of the H2O2 needed for the enzyme reaction with the aromatic amines, thus preventing the negative effect that the presence of a high H2O2 concentration in solution has on HRP activity. The H2O2 in situ generation is performed by oxidation of glucose catalyzed by GOD. The effect of the composition of the reversed micelles, i.e., the nature of the organic solvent used as the continuous phase, the nature and concentration of the surfactant used as emulsifying agent, the aqueous 0.05 mol L−1 phosphate buffer percentage used as the dispersed phase, and the glucose concentration in the aqueous phase, on the biosensor response was evaluated. Reversed micelles formed with ethyl acetate, a 5% of phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) containing 3.0×10−3 mol L−1 glucose, and 0.1 mol L−1 AOT (sodium dioctylsulfosuccinate), were selected as working medium. Well‐defined and reproducible amperometric signals at 0.00 V were obtained for p‐phenylenediamine, 2‐aminophenol, o‐phenylenediamine, m‐phenylenediamine, 1‐naphthylamine, o‐toluidine and aniline. The useful lifetime of one single biosensor was of 60 days. The trend in sensitivity observed for the aromatic amines is discussed considering the effect of their structure on the stabilization of the radicals formed in the enzyme reaction which are electrochemically reduced. The behavior of the composite bienzyme electrode was also evaluated in a FI (flow injection) system using reversed micelles as the carrier. The suitability of the composite bienzyme electrode for the analysis of real samples was demonstrated by determining aniline in spiked carrots.
Intracellular uptake of CdSe‐ZnS/polystyrene nanobeads
Authors: Zhang Yong , Huang Ning
Published: October 2005

The ideal optical properties of quantum dots (QDs) offer the possibility of using them as fluorescent probes in biological staining and diagnostics. Some techniques have been developed to incorporate QDs into polymer beads, to solve the problems relating to QDs' surface chemistry, such as water solubility, biocompatibility, chemical stability in physiological media, and so on, or to pack different combinations of QDs and produce QD encoded polymer beads. However, the QD encoded polymer beads that have been reported so far are above 100 nm; therefore they are very useful for multiplexed bioassays, but not suitable for staining or labeling of subcellular components or intracellular measurements because of the relatively big size of the beads. There is great need for QD encoded polymer beads smaller than 100 nm. In this work, luminescent CdSe‐ZnS QDs were incorporated into polystyrene (PS) beads grafted with carboxyl groups with the use of an emulsion polymerization method, and separation of nanoscale QD encoded PS beads (30 nm) was performed through centrifugation at high speed in viscous solution. The nanobeads were further surface modified with folic acid and their intracellular delivery into NIH‐3T3 and HT‐29 cell lines was investigated with the use of confocal microscope. The longevity of QDs allows the intracellular delivery of the nanobeads to be tracked over a certain time period. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Multicontrast delayed enhancement provides improved contrast between myocardial infarction and blood pool
Authors: Kellman Peter , Chung Yiu‐Cho , Simonetti Orlando P. , McVeigh Elliot R. , Arai Andrew E.
Published: October 2005

Purpose

To develop and test a delayed‐enhancement imaging method for improving the contrast between myocardial infarction (MI) and blood pool.

Materials and Methods

The T2 of blood is significantly longer than that of acute or chronic MI. The proposed multicontrast delayed‐enhancement (MCODE) imaging method produces a series of images with both T1 and T2 weightings, which provides both excellent contrast between normal and infarcted myocardium, and between blood and MI.

Results

The subendocardial border between MI and blood pool was easily discriminated in the T2‐weighted image. The measured MI‐to‐blood contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) was better in the T2‐weighted image than in the T1‐weighted image (22.5 ± 8.7 vs. 2.9 ± 3.1, mean ± SD, N = 11, P < 0.001, for TrueFISP, and 19.4 ± 10.8 vs. 3.9 ± 2.3, N = 11, P < 0.001, for TurboFLASH).

Conclusion

The MCODE method provides a significant improvement in the ability to easily discriminate subendocardial MI by providing a T2‐weighted image with high contrast between blood and MI. MCODE should improve both the detection and accurate sizing of MI. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2005. Published by Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Flow experiences at work: for high need achievers alone?
Authors: Eisenberger Robert , Jones Jason R. , Stinglhamber Florence , Shanock Linda , Randall Amanda T.
Published: October 2005

Applying Csikszentmihalyi's (1990) flow theory of optimal experience to the workplace, two studies examined the relationships of employees' perceived skill and challenge at work and need for achievement with their positive mood, intrinsic task interest, and extra‐role performance. Among achievement‐oriented employees only, high skill and challenge was associated with greater positive mood, task interest, and performance than other skill/challenge combinations. Additionally, positive mood mediated the interactive relationship of skill/challenge and need for achievement with performance. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linking the Big Five‐Factors of personality to charismatic and transactional leadership; perceived dynamic work environment as a moderator
Authors: De Hoogh Annebel H. B. , Den Hartog Deanne N. , Koopman Paul L.
Published: October 2005

In this multi‐source study we investigated the relationships between the Big Five personality traits and both charismatic and transactional leadership behavior, and whether dynamism (the degree that the work environment is deemed dynamic) moderates these relationships. We also tested whether dynamism moderates the relationship between leadership behavior and effectiveness. Personality was measured through self ratings using the NEO‐PI‐R. Subordinates rated their leaders' behavior, and peers and superiors provided ratings of effectiveness. Consistent with trait activation theory, results showed that perceived dynamic work environment moderated the relationships of four of the Big Five‐Factors with both charismatic and transactional leadership. Also, charismatic leadership was positively related to perceived effectiveness, but only in dynamic contexts. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enantioseparation of baclofen with highly sulfated β‐cyclodextrin by capillary electrophoresis with laser‐induced fluorescence detection
Authors: Kavran‐Belin Gamze , Rudaz Serge , Veuthey Jean‐Luc
Published: October 2005

The enantioseparation of baclofen (4‐amino‐3‐p‐chlorophenylbutyric acid) was achieved by CE‐LIF with highly sulfated β‐CD (HS‐β‐CD) as chiral selector. Naphthalene‐2,3‐dicarboxaldehyde was used for the derivatization of nonfluorescent baclofen. HS‐β‐CD (2%) containing 50 mM borate buffer at pH 9.5 was chosen as the optimal running electrolyte and applied to the analysis of baclofen enantiomers in human plasma. The linearity of calibration curves (R 2 ⪈ 0.998) for R‐(–) and S‐(+)‐baclofen was in the 0.1–2.0 μM concentration range. After a simple ACN‐protein precipitation, the LOD of baclofen in plasma sample was found as low as 50 nM.
Supercritical fluid extraction and HPLC determination of relevant polyphenolic compounds in grape skin
Authors: Chafer Amparo , Pascual‐Martí M. Carmen , Salvador Amparo , Berna Angel
Published: October 2005

The polyphenols determined are: (+)‐catechin, (–)‐epicatechin, rutin, quercetin and trans‐resveratrol. Suitable conditions of supercritical fluid extraction were established using ethanol as a modifier of the polarity solvent (supercritical carbon dioxide). Final extraction conditions were: 20% v/v ethanol, 60°C, 250 bars and flow rate 2 mL/min. Static step time and dynamic step time were established using a selected grape skin sample. The extract was collected in water; the more polar polyphenols ((+)‐catechin and (–)‐epicatechin) remain in solution but rutin, quercetin and trans‐resveratrol precipitate in this medium, thereby the solution of the extracted polyphenols was filtered. (+)‐Catechin and (–)‐epicatechin were determined in the liquid fraction, while the solid fraction, containing rutin, quercetin and trans‐resveratrol, was solved with ethanol/H2O (40:60). HPLC determination was carried out at C18 stationary phase, with ethanol/water/acetic acid as mobile phases and UV‐visible diode array detection. Due to the significant differences between the polarity of the polyphenols, two different mobile phases were used. An ethanol/water/acetic acid (5:93:2) mobile phase was used to determine (+)‐catechin (280 nm) and (–)‐epicatechin (280 nm). On the other hand, rutin (254 nm), quercetin (254 nm) and trans‐resveratrol (306 nm) were resolved using ethanol/water/acetic acid (40:58:2) as mobile phase. Instrumental parameters were optimised and analytical parameters obtained. The analytical method was validated and applied to five different varieties of Vitis vinifera from the geographical area of Valencia.