bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rural Minority Business Development
Authors: Fratoe Frank A.
Published: August 2007

This study is a first attempt to undertake formal research and policy analysis of a heretofore neglected topic, rural minority business development. Data show that only about one-sixth of all minority-owned firms are located in rural (nonmetro) areas with some groups recording even lower percentages. For example, only 11 percent of Hispanic firms were found in rural areas in 1987. However, proportions of nonmetro Hispanic firms reach 20 to 50 percent in some southwestern states and proportions of nonmetro black enterprises reach 30 to 70 percent in some southeastern states. Review of the research literature discloses that rural minority businesses experience critical problems associated with four kinds of capital needed to support any successful enterprise: physical, financial, social and human. Examples are given of programs devoted to rural enterprise development which address problems related to the four forms of capital. Insights gleaned from the examples and additional observations by policy analysts are used to suggest policy directions for expanding rural minority business.
An Analysis of Small, High Performing Minority and Nonminority Banks’ Strategies, 1980–1988
Authors: Holdren Don P. , Alavi Jafar , Heyliger Wilton E.
Published: August 2007

This is a study of high performing, small banks. The study defines a small, high performing bank and, then, compares the performing characteristics between high performing minority and high performing nonminority banks during two distinct time periods: 1980 and 1988. Performance differences between the two groups were greater in 1988 than in 1980. These differences identified the complexity of managing high performing minority banks relative to high performing nonminority banks and suggested the minority banks’ basic banking philosophy and operating strategies may have been a major contributor to their high performing status. All small, high performing banks do not employ the same strategies to achieve high performing status. The markets for the two groups of banks in this study appear to be segmented. Small, minority and nonminority banks employ different strategies to become successful. This report examines those differences.
Equalizing Opportunity through Small Business Development: A South African Perspective
Authors: Phillips Bruce
Published: August 2007

The active development of the small firm sector is thought to present a vehicle highly appropriate to the task of equalizing opportunity in a very unequal society—the developing country of South Africa. This article seeks to evaluate the merits of the above assumption. It calls for a closer understanding of the unique difficulties encountered by a minority business group that has experienced a long history of prejudice and discrimination, namely the black, essentially small business sector of South Africa. The author calls for careful appraisal of available development initiatives in order to effectively serve the interests of this group.
Arthur Lewis Distinguished Lecture What's Left of What's Left? or: What Does it Mean to be a Socialist Today?
Authors: Streeten Paul
Published: August 2007

After a few reminiscences about Arthur Lewis, several questions on what socialism is not about are raised. Neither public ownership, nor welfare services nor central planning are considered essential to it. The view that the distinction capitalism-socialism is obsolete is briefly discussed. It is argued that many important distinctions cut across the divide. The United States is held up as a socialist country. Changes in the socialist creed in the last century are noted. An alternative window of looking at the private-public sector distinction is discussed. And the essence of socialism as the democratization of political and civil society and private firms is advanced. A final plea for pedantic utopianism is made.
Vacancies, Unemployment, and Black and White Wage Earnings: 1956–1983
Authors: Mar Don
Published: August 2007

Utilizing recent developments in the literature on vacancies and unemployment, the effects of changes in the vacancy to unemployment ratio on black and white wage earnings are examined. The primary result argues that black women's wage earnings are less sensitive to changes in the national vacancy to unemployment ratios than white earnings. Another way of interpreting this result is that black women are not experiencing wage gains when new jobs are created. This finding suggests that black women may not experience increases in earnings if the vacancy to unemployment ratio increases in the future.
The Dynamics of Agricultural Contribution to Economic Growth — Comment
Authors: Coppin Addington
Published: August 2007

This note points out several analytical errors in two recent articles by Edward Nissan on the agricultural contribution to economic growth in various economies. Inter alia, Nissan inappropriately employs annual average growth rate data, end-of-period output shares, and geometric “weights” in some of his calculations. In light of these errors, Nissan's results should, where possible, be recalculated.
More on the Dynamics of Agricultural Contribution to Economic Growth — Reply
Authors: Nissan Edward
Published: August 2007

In his note on my recent two articles in this journal, Professor Addington Coppin states that the results obtained for estimating agricultural contribution to economic growth in various economies are sensitive to employing annual average growth rate data, end-of-period output shares, and geometric “weights” in some of the calculations. He suggests that the results would have been more accurate by employing (1) simple percentage changes in the level variables over the entire period of consideration; (2) beginning-of-period data on output shares; and (3) arithmetic weights. This reply addresses the logic and correctness of the approach undertaken in my research that strengthen the confidence in the results offered in my articles.
Black-White Wage Differential: The Relative Importance of Human Capital and Labor Market Structure
Authors: Gyimah-Brempong Kwabena , Fichtenbaum Rudy
Published: August 2007

This article uses the decomposition analysis developed by Neumark and the 1987 CPS data to investigate the relative importance of human capital and labor market structure in explaining the observed wage differential between white males and blacks (both male and female). We find that labor market structure, as opposed to differences in human capital, explains a relatively large portion of the wage gap between white males and blacks. In addition to blacks and whites being paid different wages for the same work, they are also given unequal opportunities. This means that narrowing the human capital gap between the races will not be enough to close the wage gap, as argued by human capital theorists. It is equally important to pursue policies that provide access to higher paying jobs and industries for blacks.
Do Black and White Women Hold Different Jobs in the Same Occupation? a Critical Analysis of the Clerical and Service Sectors
Authors: Fosu Augustin Kwasi
Published: August 2007

Employing 1960 and 1981 census data at the three-digit level, the study finds that black and white women were employed at different jobs in the predominantly female clerical and service occupations in both 1960 and 1981. However, there appears to be a slight reduction in black female job dissimilarity with white females between 1960 and 1981 in both occupations. Moreover, while employment of black women, relative to white women, in 1960 was observed to be generally skewed toward the low-paying, low-status jobs in clerical and service occupations, there was little evidence of this trend by 1981. The present results, then, complement previous findings at the more aggregative two-digit level of black female occupational advancement since the mid-1960s.
An Estimate of Black Gross Job Losses Due to Reduced Defense Expenditures
Authors: Williams Roger C.
Published: August 2007

The reduction in defense expenditures, due to the end of the cold war, is estimated to have a disproportionately heavy impact on black gross job losses. Several solutions are discussed with the hope that if they are successful, the negative social behavior that is often associated with increased joblessness can be ameliorated.
Race and Rehiring in the High-Tech Industry
Authors: Mar Don , Ong Paul M.
Published: August 2007

Previous research reveals that economic dislocation generates racial inequality because minorities suffer greater consequences from job displacement—longer unemployment duration and greater downward mobility. These outcomes, however, are conditional on being permanently laid off. This article examines the factors, including race, that influence whether or not a worker becomes displaced. More specifically, the article analyzes the probability of being rehired after an initial layoff using administrative data collected on workers laid off after the severe 1985 sectoral recession in Silicon Valley's semiconductor industry. The results from logit regressions show that, after controlling for observable worker and firm characteristics, black workers are less likely to be rehired than other workers.
Black Immigrants in the U.S. Labor Market: An Earnings Analysis
Authors: Daneshvary Nasser , Schwer R. Keith
Published: August 2007

This article investigates the existence and sources of earnings differentials between black Americans and black immigrants, and between black and nonblack immigrants. Employing the Public Use Sample of the 1980 census, the gross earnings differentials between black immigrants and black Americans are estimated to be 8.7 percent in favor of Americans (i.e., Americans earn 8.7 percent more than immigrants). About 2 percentage points and 6.7 percentage points of the gross differential are, respectively, due to differences in average characteristics and in returns to the characteristics. The gross differential between black and nonblack immigrants is 22.1 percent in favor of nonblack, of which 13.8 percentage points are due to differences in average characteristics and 8.3 are due to differences in returns to characteristics.
Federal Agricultural Policies: Do Black Farm Operators Benefit?
Authors: Jones Hezekiah S.
Published: August 2007

Findings of this study support the contention that benefits from federal agricultural programs accrue primarily to a few very large producers while small producers receive only minimal amounts, and black producers, even less. Not only does this study confirm the belief that, as a whole, black farmers receive only a very thin slice of the “benefit pie” but it makes clear the fact that their individual share is much smaller than their white counterparts'. Although low product volume is an obvious and often cited factor contributing to this inequity, these findings indicate that another very important factor is low program participation. Underparticipation by black farm operators is primarily attributed to racial discrimination against blacks, the negative attitude of many black farm operators toward government programs, failure of some to access available information, and poor decision-making skills of others.
Economic Development in Southern Black Belt Counties: How does it Measure Up?
Authors: Bellamy Donald L. , Parks Alfred L.
Published: August 2007

The effects of racial concentration in shaping patterns of development in the rural South during the 1980s is examined focusing on the southern Black Belt (counties in ten southern states). Black Belt counties gained fewer or lost more manufacturing plants and tended to have more routine manufacturing than non-Black Belt counties during 1980–86. But racial concentration had little direct effect on either employment or per capita income growth. Counties with less educated populations (in both groups) had greater growth in per capita income through the influx of low-wage jobs, underscoring the importance of market forces in influencing patterns of development.
Income Inequities between Black and White Populations in Southern Nonmetropolitan Counties
Authors: Davis Theodore J.
Published: August 2007

This article examines differences in the income status of black and white populations in Southern nonmetropolitan counties and discusses how various labor market, social, and human capital characteristics influence the income status of the respective groups. The data show an inconsistent pattern between black and white populations’ income level in Southern nonmetropolitan counties. The data also show that various structural/institutional (e.g., local labor market and human capital) and social/cultural (e.g., population) factors affect the income of black and white populations differently.
Determinants of Poverty among Workers in Metro and Nonmetro Areas of the South
Authors: Thompson Alton , McDowell Donald R.
Published: August 2007

This analysis examines selected factors affecting work and poverty in metro and nonmetro areas of the South, including rates of labor force participation and the demographic, economic, industrial and occupational characteristics of the working poor. The results indicate that being a female head of household is the most important factor in distinguishing poor and nonpoor working persons. The odds of workers in female-headed families being poor was nearly six times higher than for workers in other family types. The number of earners in the family, race, and industry structure are also significant in accounting for the variation in poverty status among employed persons. The implications of these findings for ameliorating the plight of the working poor are explored.
Race, Revenues, and College Basketball
Authors: Brown Robert W. , Jewell R. Todd
Published: August 2007

Customer discrimination may result in racial differences in the marginal revenue products generated by workers. College basketball data allow for direct comparisons of the racial differences in the marginal revenues generated by players. This article compares the revenue generating potential of the top black and white college basketball players. A highly skilled white college player generates over $100,000 in per game revenues as compared to around $30,000 for a black player of equal talent, providing a strong incentive for colleges to discriminate against recruiting black student-athletes.
Race and Employment Dislocation in California's Aerospace Industry
Authors: Ong Paul M. , Lawrence Janette R.
Published: August 2007

This article finds that African American and Latino workers have borne a disproportionate share of employment costs associated with defense cuts in California's aerospace industry. The data for this analysis come from administrative files, which contain demographic and employment-related information for everyone who collects unemployment-insurance benefits. The analysis shows that African Americans suffered higher displacement rates, longer unemployment spells, and poorer outcomes in new jobs than whites. Latinos were disadvantaged in several ways, but not consistently in all categories. Asian Americans, on the other hand, generally fared better than whites. These results show that economic dislocation, in the form of defense cuts, reinforces racial inequality in the labor market.
The Impact of Ecowas on Intraregional Trade Flows: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Deme Mamit
Published: August 2007

There is a scarcity of published statistical analysis that examines the impact of economic integration schemes in Africa. This study fills the gap in the literature. The impact of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on trade flows of its member countries is examined applying an econometric analysis. The parameters of a multivariate trade-flows model are estimated using a panel data of the 1975 to 1991 period. The results suggest that the regional integration scheme has succeeded in increasing trade flows between member countries. The general view in the literature is that African integration schemes have failed to increase trade flows.
Reparations and the Competitive Advantage of Inner Cities
Authors: America Richard F.
Published: August 2007

Michael Porter adds weight to disparate attempts to stimulate and accelerate investment, business development, and job creation in chronically distressed urban areas. But his discussion of the problems and his proposed alternative policy have two important defects. First, the paper fails to appreciate the powerful role of nationalism in promoting economic development as a collective enterprise with overarching goals. Second, it fails to acknowledge the full thrust of economic history in white-black relations. Hence, it misunderstands the fundamental problem that gives rise to the economic stagnation described. That means the paper avoids the issue of reparations. And it shows no grasp of the restitution principle. Without that, public policy on race-related distributive justice issues will continue to stumble.
Racial Discrimination and Long-Term Contracts in Major League Baseball
Authors: Marburger Daniel R.
Published: August 2007

The preponderance of studies on salary determination for major league baseball players suggests that significant pay differences do not exist between races. The possibility exists, however, that salary discrimination may be disguised by a racially biased distribution of long-term contracts. This study suggests that nonwhites are not victimized by long-term contract discrimination, which is consistent with the findings of others on pay discrimination in major league baseball.
Democracy and Growth: The Sub-Saharan African Case, 1960-1992
Authors: Feng Yi
Published: August 2007

This article conducts a cross-national analysis of forty sub-Saharan African countries during the years 1960-1992. It examines the long-run relationship between political democracy and economic growth, taking advantage of the availability of large economic and political data sets. The conclusion from this study is that the economy grows faster under a regime that enjoys a higher level of institutionalized democracy. It is also found that a positive feedback relationship exists between democracy and growth; while democracy promotes growth, growth leads to a higher level of democratization. In addition, it is found that the duration of authoritarian rule decreases economic growth, while growth shortens the tenure of an autocratic government. Other factors that account for growth in sub-Saharan African countries include the initial size of the economy, human capital stocks, domestic investment share, and international trade.
Sentinel lymph node mapping in gynecologic malignancies
Authors: Loar P.V. , Reynolds R.K.
Published: August 2007

Lymph node status is the most important prognostic factor for women with vulvar, cervical and endometrial carcinoma and complete lymph node dissection has historically been an integral part of the surgical treatment of these diseases. Lymphadenectomy can be morbid for patients, who may experience wound breakdown, lymphocyst formation or chronic lymphedema, among other problems. Sentinel lymph node mapping is a newer technology that allows selective removal of the first node draining a tumor thereby allowing a potentially less aggressive procedure to be performed. Sentinel node mapping is well accepted for the management of breast carcinoma and cutaneous melanoma, and has resulted in reduced morbidity without adversely affecting survival. Sentinel node mapping is currently being investigated for treatment of gynecologic cancers. Recent studies show promise for incorporating the sentinel node mapping technique for treatment of several gynecologic malignancies.
Obstetric vesico‐vaginal fistulas at the National Hospital of Niamey, Niger
Authors: Nafiou I. , Idrissa A. , Ghaïchatou A.K. , Roenneburg M.L. , Wheeless C.R. , Genadry R.R.
Published: August 2007

Objective

To determine the epidemiologic and therapeutic characteristics of obstetric vesico‐vaginal fistulas at the National Hospital of Niamey, Niger.

Methods

From December 2003 to February 2005, 111 consecutive patients with vesico‐vaginal fistulas presenting for treatment were included and prospectively followed up. Demographic and clinical data were collected. The patients were re‐evaluated 3 months after surgery.

Results

Among the 104 patients treated surgically 87% were aged between 15 and 36 years; 84% were married before they were 19 years old; 51% were divorced; and 80% did not live with their husbands. The fistula was caused by the first delivery in 43% of the patients; 93% were in labor for more than 24 hours; 35% were delivered at home; and perinatal death was 100%. The overall cure rate was 73%.

Conclusion

These epidemiologic characteristics provide data towards the development of an obstetric fistula prevention program in Niger.
Local anesthesia: An appropriate technology for simple fistula repair
Authors: Ojengbede O.A. , Morhason‐Bello I.O.
Published: August 2007

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of local infiltrative anesthesia with lidocaine hydrochloride in patients undergoing the surgical repair of a simple vesico‐vaginal fistula. Methods: The study was carried out with 21 patients undergoing the repair of a simple midvaginal vesico‐vaginal fistula. The patients’ perception of pain was evaluated intraoperatively. Results: Most patients indicated that the anesthetic agent provided adequate analgesia, and all fistulas were repaired successfully without postoperative complications. Conclusion: Repairing simple vesico‐vaginal fistulas is feasible with a local infiltrative anesthetic.
Where should obstetric vesico‐vaginal fistulas be repaired: At the district general hospital or a specialized fistula center?
Authors: Wall L.L.
Published: August 2007

Expanded surgical capacities are required to treat obstetric fistulas. Achieving a balance between relative ease of access to services and use of the appropriate clinical setting is difficult. This article asks, “Are obstetric fistulas best repaired locally, at the district hospital where more women would have greater access, or is it necessary to provide these services at a tertiary referral or fistula center, where specialized surgical procedures can be conducted? Each possibility has advantages and disadvantages. The author concludes that 3 critical factors are necessary to provide safe and effective fistula repair services: adequate, long‐term funding to cover the costs of all aspects of the care; the presence of a surgeon who is a “fistula champion”; and adequate operating theatre time and supplies. Without external funding, these prerequisites are almost impossible to meet at rural district hospitals.
Morphology and paleoclimatic significance of Pleistocene Lake Bonneville spits
Authors: Jewell Paul W.
Published: August 2007

Pleistocene Lake Bonneville of western Utah contains a variety of spits associated with shorelines and other features that formed between 21,000 and 12,00014C yr BP. Field studies in the low-lying mountain ranges of the central portion of Lake Bonneville identified 17 spits of various types. The spits are connected to small mountain ranges and islands, vary in size from 0.02 to 0.5 km2, and are composed of coarse-grained, well-rounded, poorly-sorted sedimentary material. Sixteen of the 17 spits have a northeasterly to southwesterly orientation implying that winds were from the northwest to northeast, approximately 180° out of phase with modern winds in the eastern Great Basin. Lake Bonneville spit orientation is best explained as the result of persistent northerly winds caused by the high atmospheric pressure cell of the continental ice sheet and passage of low pressure extratropical storms south of the lake. Similar, strong persistent winds are a common feature of modern continental ice sheets and passing low pressure systems. If so, the North American jet stream tracked south of Lake Bonneville as recently as 12,00014C yr BP, well past the height of the last glacial maximum.
The outdoor mobility and leisure activities of older people in five European countries
Authors: GAGLIARDI CRISTINA , SPAZZAFUMO LIANA , MARCELLINI FIORELLA , MOLLENKOPF HEIDRUN , RUOPPILA ISTO , TACKEN MART , SZÉMANN ZSUZSA
Published: August 2007

Many gerontological studies have dealt with the leisure activities of older people and they have generated many important theories. Although outdoor activities and mobility promote good health in old age, both decrease with increasing age as people lose physical and mental functions. This paper examines the outdoor and indoor leisure activities of 3,950 older adults and their variations by personal and environmental characteristics in Germany, Finland, Hungary, The Netherlands and Italy. The main dimensions of activity were established by factor analysis, and in all countries four factors were found: home activities, hobbies, social activities, and sports activities. Both similar and distinctive pursuits characterised each dimension among the five countries. ‘Home activities’ mainly comprised indoor activities, but the other three dimensions involved more physical mobility. The scores of various socio-environmental characteristics on the factors enabled the attributes of the participants to be profiled. Sports activities and hobbies were performed more often by younger men, by those with good physical functioning and by those who drove cars. Social activities were performed more by women and those who used public transport. Home activities were more frequently performed by those with low physical function and women.
Humean Reflections in the Ethics of Bernard Williams
Authors: GRECO LORENZO
Published: August 2007

In this article I maintain that the anti-theoretical spirit which pervades Williams's ethics is close to the Humean project of developing and defending an ethics based on sentiments which has its main focus in the virtues. In particular, I argue that there are similar underlying themes which run through the philosophies of Hume and Williams, such as the view that a correct ethical perspective cannot avoid dealing with a broader theory of human nature; the conviction that this inquiry cannot be developed in abstraction from the contingencies which are distinctive of the lives of flesh-and-blood human beings driven by passions; and the belief that the notion of character plays a key role in identifying and morally evaluating such lives. Finally, Williams' account of the psychological mechanism of shame in explaining character formation bears a strong resemblance to Hume's treatment of the passion of humility.
BOÈCE, AVERROÈS ET ABŪ AL-BARAKĀT AL-BAĠĀDĪ, TÉMOINS DES ÉCRITS DE THÉMISTIUS SUR LES TOPIQUES D’ARISTOTE
Authors: HASNAWI AHMAD
Published: August 2007

Aristotle’s Topics, and especially, as far as the subject of this study is concerned, their central books (II-VII), played a role of central importance both in the medieval Latin and in the Arabic logical tradition. This did not occur without transformations, which affected the nature and the function of the loci of which these books set forth the theory. One of the most visible signposts of this tradition of re-elaboration of the Topics is represented by Themistius (ob. c. 388), to whom both Boethius and Averroes refer. Yet no work by Themistius on the Topics has come down to us in Greek. With a view to reconstructing the work(s) of this author, we have here collected and translated the passages that are attributed to him explicitly (with the exception of one of them) in Averroes’ Middle Commentary on the Topics, comparing them, where necessary, to the testimonies collected by Boethius in his De topicis differentiis. In addition – and this is a new element added to the file – we show that the Themistian classification of loci was taken up by Abū al-Barakāt al-Baġādī (ob. after 1164), author of a philosophical summa entitled al-Kitāb al-mu‘tabar (The meditated book). These three testimonies are all the more precious in that they are independent of one another. The study of the chapter in the logical part of al-Kitāb al-mu‘tabar, containing the Themistian classification of loci, of which a corrected text with translation is offered, shows that one finds in it some of the most singular aspects of this classification, as it appears in Boethius. Abū al-Barakāt al-Baġādī thus reveals himself to be closer than Averroes to the testimony of Boethius. This suggests the idea of a double redaction by Themistius of the classification of loci: one, more concentrated, comes from an introduction to the paraphrase of the central books of the Topics, which may have inspired Averroes; the other, more extensive, which will have been part of an original work, and inspired the classifications of Boethius and of Abū al-Barakāt al-Baġādī.
SUBJECT AND BODY IN BAṢRAN MU‘TAZILISM, OR: MU‘TAZILITE KALĀM AND THE FEAR OF TRIVIALITY
Authors: VASALOU SOPHIA
Published: August 2007

In this paper, my aim is to offer some comments on the study of Mu‘tazilite kalām, framed around the study of a particular episode in the Mu‘tazilite dispute about man (‘mā huwa al-insān’) – a question with a deceptively Aristotelian cadence that is not too difficult to dispel. Within this episode, my focus is on one of the major arguments used by the late Baṣrans to hold up their side of the dispute (a side heavily indebted to Abū Hāshim’s ontological innovations), and on the relationship between the mental and the physical (or the subjective and objective) which emerges from it. The most interesting – and most surprising – aspect of this relationship is that the mental and the physical do not seem to be treated as distinct terms, thus creating the space for questions about how the two relate. The first person perspective seems to be identified with the physical body. My interest then is in the response of the reader to this surprising presentation – or rather, in a certain kind of reader response, and thus a certain kind of interpretive mode, whose value and viability it is part of my aim to help clarify.
The scoop on the fly brain: glial engulfment functions in Drosophila
Authors: Logan Mary A. , Freeman Marc R.
Published: August 2007

Glial cells provide support and protection for neurons in the embryonic and adult brain, mediated in part through the phagocytic activity of glia. Glial cells engulf apoptotic cells and pruned neurites from the developing nervous system, and also clear degenerating neuronal debris from the adult brain after neural trauma. Studies indicate that Drosophila melanogaster is an ideal model system to elucidate the mechanisms of engulfment by glia. The recent studies reviewed here show that many features of glial engulfment are conserved across species and argue that work in Drosophila will provide valuable cellular and molecular insight into glial engulfment activity in mammals.
Medikamenten-induzierte mikroskopische Kolitis
Authors: Kummer  , Novakova  , Burkard  , Hammann  , Krähenbühl  , Bodmer
Published: August 2007

Wir berichten über eine 78-jährige Patientin mit chronischer Diarrhoe. Bioptisch wurde die Verdachtsdiagnose einer mikroskopischen Kolitis unklarer Ätiologie gestellt. Als Ursachen der mikroskopischen Kolitis werden in der Literatur neben verschiedenen Autoimmunkrankheiten auch Medikamente, bakterielle Toxine, Gallensäuremalabsorption, Diabetes mellitus sowie eine chronische Darmischämie diskutiert. Bei unserer Patientin bestand eine zeitliche Korrelation zwischen der Einnahme von Lansoprazol und den Beschwerden. Nach Absetzen des Lansoprazols sistierte die Diarrhoe. Entsprechend den Imputabilitätskriterien der Swissmedic beurteilen wir den kausalen Zusammenhang zwischen der Symptomatik und der Lansoprazol-Einnahme, bei guter Evidenz in der Literatur, als wahrscheinlich.
Unilaterale Halsschwellung bei Psoriasis
Authors: Oettl  , Ramseier
Published: August 2007

Bei einer lokalen Entzündung mit systemischen Symptomen wie Fieber, Müdigkeit und Inappetenz muss differenzial-diagnostisch an einen Abszess gedacht werden, auch wenn der Patient noch einen guten Allgemeinzustand aufweist. Die Keimeintrittspforte liegt nicht immer im Bereich des Abszesses, sondern ist auch entlang der Lymphbahnen zu suchen. In diesem Fall war es (retro-)aurikulär aufgrund der Psoriasis zu mehreren tiefen Kratzwunden gekommen.
In situ measurements of trace gases and aerosol optical properties at a rural site in northern China during East Asian Study of Tropospheric Aerosols: An International Regional Experiment 2005
Authors: Li Can , Marufu Lackson T. , Dickerson Russell R. , Li Zhanqing , Wen Tianxue , Wang Yuesi , Wang Pucai , Chen Hongbin , Stehr Jeffrey W.
Published: August 2007

In situ measurements of trace gases and aerosol optical properties were made in March 2005 at Xianghe (39.798°N, 116.958°E, 35 m), a rural site about 70 km southeast, and generally downwind of the Beijing metropolitan area. High pollutant levels were observed during the experiment, with CO (1.09 ± 1.02 ppmv, average ± standard deviation), SO2 (17.8 ± 15.7 ppbv), NOy (26.0 ± 24.0 ppbv), aerosol scattering coefficients (bsp, (468 ± 472) × 10−6 m−1), and aerosol absorption coefficients (bap, (65 ± 75) × 10−6 m−1) all much higher than observed at some rural sites in the United States. O3 (29.1 ± 16.5 ppbv) was relatively low during this study, suggesting inactive photochemical processes. Strong synoptic fluctuations in pollutant levels were detected every 4–5 days during the experiment, as cold fronts passing over the region drastically reduced the ground‐level pollution. Very little precipitation was measured during the whole observational period, implying pollutant uplift and transport by rain‐free cold fronts and dry convection. The single scattering albedo (SSA) observed (0.81 in the morning and 0.85 in the afternoon) indicates strongly absorbing aerosols near surface. The observed CO/SO2 ratio (35.8) is higher than inventory values, but closer to the updated CO inventory of Streets et al. (2006) than to Streets et al. (2003) or Wang et al. (2005). The observed CO/NOy ratio agrees better with inventories. Further analysis suggests that such comparisons may shed some light on the quality of emission inventories, but quantification of any error requires more extensive measurements over longer period and larger areas, as well as direct characterization of emission sources, especially mobile sources and small boilers. Using black carbon (BC)/CO ratio from the experiment, BC emissions from China are estimated at about 1300 Gg (109 g)/yr, but could be as high as 2600 Gg/yr.
Remote sensing of surface pressure on Mars with the Mars Express/OMEGA spectrometer: 2. Meteorological maps
Authors: Spiga Aymeric , Forget François , Dolla Bastien , Vinatier Sandrine , Melchiorri Riccardo , Drossart Pierre , Gendrin Aline , Bibring Jean‐Pierre , Langevin Yves , Gondet Brigitte
Published: August 2007

Surface pressure measurements help to achieve a better understanding of the main dynamical phenomena occurring in the atmosphere of a planet. The use of the Mars Express OMEGA visible and near‐IR imaging spectrometer allows us to tentatively perform an unprecedented remote sensing measurement of Martian surface pressure. OMEGA reflectances in the CO2 absorption band at 2 μm are used to retrieve a hydrostatic estimation of surface pressure (see companion paper by Forget et al. (2007)) with a precision sufficient to draw maps of this field and thus analyze meteorological events in the Martian atmosphere. Prior to any meteorological analysis, OMEGA observations have to pass quality controls on insolation and albedo conditions, atmosphere dust opacity, and occurrence of water ice clouds and frosts. For the selected observations, registration shifts with the MOLA reference are corrected. “Sea‐level” surface pressure reduction is then carried out in order to remove the topographical component of the surface pressure field. Three main phenomena are observed in the resulting OMEGA surface pressure maps: horizontal pressure gradients, atmospheric oscillations, and pressure perturbations in the vicinity of topographical obstacles. The observed pressure oscillations are identified as possible signatures of phenomena such as inertia‐gravity waves or convective rolls. The pressure perturbations detected around the Martian hills and craters may be the signatures of complex interactions between an incoming flow and topographical obstacles. Highly idealized mesoscale simulations using the WRF model enable a preliminary study of these complex interactions, but more realistic mesoscale simulations are necessary. The maps provide valuable insights for future synoptic and mesoscale modeling, which will in turn help in the interpretation of observations.
Remote sensing of surface pressure on Mars with the Mars Express/OMEGA spectrometer: 1. Retrieval method
Authors: Forget François , Spiga Aymeric , Dolla Bastien , Vinatier Sandrine , Melchiorri Riccardo , Drossart Pierre , Gendrin Aline , Bibring Jean‐Pierre , Langevin Yves , Gondet Brigitte
Published: August 2007

Observing and analyzing the variations of pressure on the surface of a planet is essential to understand the dynamics of its atmosphere. On Mars the absorption by atmospheric CO2 of the solar light reflected on the surface allows us to measure the surface pressure by remote sensing. We use the imaging spectrometer OMEGA aboard Mars Express, which provides an excellent signal to noise ratio and the ability to produce maps of surface pressure with a resolution ranging from 400 m to a few kilometers. Surface pressure is measured by fitting spectra of the CO2 absorption band centered at 2 μm. To process the hundreds of thousands of pixels present in each OMEGA image, we have developed a fast and accurate algorithm based on a line‐by‐line radiative transfer model which includes scattering and absorption by dust aerosols. In each pixel the temperature profile, the dust opacity, and the surface spectrum are carefully determined from the OMEGA data set or from other sources to maximize the accuracy of the retrieval. We estimate the 1‐σ relative error to be around 7 Pa in bright regions and about 10 Pa in darker regions, with a possible systematic bias on the absolute pressure lower than 30 Pa (4%). The method is first tested by comparing an OMEGA pressure retrieval obtained over the Viking Lander 1 (VL1) landing site with in situ measurements recorded 30 years ago by the VL1 barometer. The retrievals are further validated using a surface pressure predictor which combines the VL1 pressure records with the MOLA topography and meteorological pressure gradients simulated with a General Circulation Model. A good agreement is obtained. In particular, OMEGA is able to monitor the seasonal variations of the surface pressure in Isidis Planitia. Such a tool can be applied to detect meteorological phenomena, as described by Spiga et al. (2007).
New‐particle formation in connection with a nocturnal low‐level jet: Observations and modeling results
Authors: Siebert H. , Wehner B. , Hellmuth O. , Stratmann F. , Boy M. , Kulmala M.
Published: August 2007

Tethered‐balloon borne observations show a correlation between a significant peak of ultrafine particle concentration and increased SO2 advected by a nocturnal low‐level jet. The maximum of ultrafine particles is found at the lower edge of the jet in a region where the advected SO2 is mixed with colder and more humid air masses from below the jet. Model results corroborate that kinetic nucleation is the key mechanism for this nucleation event.
Double seismic discontinuities at the base of the mantle transition zone near the Mariana slab
Authors: Tibi Rigobert , Wiens Douglas A. , Shiobara Hajime , Sugioka Hiroko , Yuan Xiaohui
Published: August 2007

We use P‐to‐S converted phases from teleseimic data recorded at island and ocean bottom stations in Mariana to investigate the upper mantle structure in the region. We find evidence for double seismic discontinuities at the base of the transition zone near the Mariana slab. A shallower discontinuity is imaged at depths of ∼650–715 km and a deeper interface lies at ∼740–770 km depth. The large lateral extent at near constant depths for both features is consistent with horizontal interfaces rather than small‐scale scatterers. The amplitude ratios of the seismic signals suggest that the shear velocity contrast across the two interfaces is comparable. These characteristics support the notion that the discontinuities are the results of phase transformations in olivine (ringwoodite to post‐spinel) and non‐olivine component (ilminite to perovskite), respectively, for the pyrolite model of mantle composition.
Foliar δ15N patterns along successional gradients at plant community and species levels
Authors: Wang Lixin , Shaner Pei‐Jen Lee , Macko Stephen
Published: August 2007

Relationships to 15N abundances have been found in aridity, rainfall, soil age and latitudinal gradients across large spatial and temporal scales and patterns at intermediate spatial and temporal scale remain unclear. An investigation on 15N abundances at intermediate spatial and temporal scale was conducted in a series of successional fields (Blandy Experimental Farm) in northern Virginia. Foliar and soil samples were collected from these fields in mid‐summer 2004 and 2005. The results showed that foliar δ15N signatures decreased as successional age increased at both the plant community and species levels. There were also significant decreases in soil δ15N as succession proceeded. These results provide a clear example that δ15N signatures in certain ecosystems, like an early successional field, could change significantly at time scales within human lifespans and such dynamics should be considered when modeling δ15N spatial patterns.
Intracerebral Hemorrhage Models in Rat: Comparing Collagenase to Blood Infusion
Authors: MacLellan Crystal L , Silasi Gergely , Poon Candice C , Edmundson Carmen L , Buist Richard , Peeling James , Colbourne Frederick
Published: August 2007

Many therapies have shown promise in preclinical stroke studies, but few benefit patients. A greater understanding of stroke pathophysiology is needed to successfully develop therapies, and this depends on appropriate animal models. The collagenase and blood infusion models of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are widely used; yet, investigators often prefer using one model for a variety of reasons. Thus, we directly compared these to highlight advantages and limitations of each as well as the assessment approach. An ICH was created by infusing blood or bacterial collagenase into the rats' striatum. We matched initial hematoma volume in each model (Experiment 1) and assessed the time course of bleeding (Experiment 2). Functional deficits and the progression of injury were tracked over 6 weeks using behavior, magnetic resonance imaging, and histology (Experiment 3). Despite similar initial hematoma volumes, collagenase-induced ICH resulted in a greater blood—brain barrier breakdown and more damage to the striatum, substantia nigra, white matter, and cortex. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed faster hematoma resolution in the blood model, and little increase in the volume of tissue lost from 1 to 6 weeks. In contrast, tissue loss continued over 4 weeks in the collagenase model. Finally, functional deficits recovered more quickly and completely in the blood model. This study highlights key differences between these models and that neither closely replicates the human condition. Thus, both should be used whenever possible taking into account the significant differences between these models and their limitations. Furthermore, this work illustrates significant weaknesses with several outcome measures.
Novel mechanism of inhibition of rat kidney-type glutaminase by bis-2-(5-phenylacetamido-1,2,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)ethyl sulfide (BPTES)
Authors: Robinson Mary M. , Mcbryant Steven J. , Tsukamoto Takashi , Rojas Camilo , Ferraris Dana V. , Hamilton Sean K. , Hansen Jeffrey C. , Curthoys Norman P.
Published: August 2007

The release of GA (mitochondrial glutaminase) from neurons following acute ischaemia or during chronic neurodegenerative diseases may contribute to the propagation of glutamate excitotoxicity. Thus an inhibitor that selectively inactivates the released GA may limit the accumulation of excess glutamate and minimize the loss of neurological function that accompanies brain injury. The present study examines the mechanism of inactivation of rat KGA (kidney GA isoform) by the small-molecule inhibitor BPTES [bis-2-(5-phenylacetamido-1,2,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)ethyl sulfide]. BPTES is a potent inhibitor of KGA, but not of the liver GA isoform, glutamate dehydrogenase or γ-glutamyl transpeptidase. Kinetic studies indicate that, with respect to glutamine, BPTES has a Ki of approx. 3 μM. Moreover, these studies suggest that BPTES inhibits the allosteric activation caused by phosphate binding and promotes the formation of an inactive complex. Gel-filtration chromatography and sedimentation-velocity analysis were used to examine the effect of BPTES on the phosphate-dependent oligomerization of KGA. This established that BPTES prevents the formation of large phosphate-induced oligomers and instead promotes the formation of a single oligomeric species with distinct physical properties. Sedimentation-equilibrium studies determined that the oligomer produced by BPTES is a stable tetramer. Taken together, the present work indicates that BPTES is a unique and potent inhibitor of rat KGA and elucidates a novel mechanism of inactivation.
Coincident regulation of PKCδ in human platelets by phosphorylation of Tyr311 and Tyr565 and phospholipase C signalling
Authors: Hall Kellie J. , Jones Matthew L. , Poole Alastair W.
Published: August 2007

PKC (protein kinase C)δ plays a complex role in platelets, having effects on both positive and negative signalling functions. It is phosphorylated on tyrosine residues in response to thrombin and collagen, and it has recently been shown that Tyr311 is phosphorylated in response to PAR (protease-activated receptor) 1 and PAR4 receptor activation. In the present study, we show that Tyr311 and Tyr565 are phosphorylated in response to thrombin, and have examined the interplay between phosphorylation and the classical lipid-mediated activation of PKCδ. Phosphorylation of both Tyr311 and Tyr565 is dependent on Src kinase and PLC (phospholipase C) activity in response to thrombin. Importantly, direct allosteric activation of PKCδ with PMA also induced phosphorylation of Tyr311 and Tyr565, and this was dependent on the activity of Src kinases, but not PLC. Membrane recruitment of PKCδ is essential for phosphorylation of this tyrosine residue, but tyrosine phosphorylation is not required for membrane recruitment of PKCδ. Both thrombin and PMA induce recruitment of PKCδ to the membrane, and for thrombin, this recruitment is a PLC-dependent process. In order to address the functional role of tyrosine residue phosphorylation of PKCδ, we demonstrate that phosphorylation can potentiate the activity of the kinase, although phosphorylation does not play a role in membrane recruitment of the kinase. PKCδ is therefore regulated in a coincident fashion, PLC-dependent signals recruiting it to the plasma membrane and by phosphorylation on tyrosine residues, potentiating its activity.