bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risks of congenital malformations and perinatal events among infants exposed to antidepressant medications during pregnancy
Authors: Davis Robert L. , Rubanowice David , McPhillips Heather , Raebel Marsha A. , Andrade Susan E. , Smith David , Yood Marianne Ulcickas , Platt Richard
Published: August 2007

Purpose

To evaluate risks for perinatal complications and congenital defects among infants exposed in utero to antidepressants.

Methods

We identified 2201 women who were prescribed an antidepressant during pregnancy and who delivered an infant within one of five large managed care organizations (HMO). Prescription drug dispensings and inpatient and outpatient diagnoses were obtained from automated databases at each HMO. Antidepressants were categorized into tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and medication timing was assessed by trimester. Rates of congenital anomalies or perinatal complications were compared to infants whose mothers were not prescribed antidepressants during pregnancy.

Results

Infants exposed to SSRIs or TCAs during pregnancy had a significant increase in preterm delivery risk. Fullterm infants exposed to SSRIs during the third trimester had an increased risk for respiratory distress syndrome, endocrine and metabolic disturbances, hypoglycemia, temperature regulation disorders, and convulsions. Third‐trimester exposure to TCAs was also associated with an increased risk for respiratory distress syndrome, endocrine and metabolic disturbances, and temperature regulation disorders. There were 182 infants exposed to Paroxetine, and these infants did not have an increased risk of cardiac septal defects.

Conclusions

SSRIs and TCAs did not show a consistent link with congenital anomalies. Paroxetine exposure was not linked with an increased risk for cardiovascular anomalies, although our study power to detect a moderate increase in risk was limited. Infants exposed to antidepressants were at increased risk for preterm delivery. Both SSRIs and TCAs used during the third trimester appeared to increase the risk for perinatal complications and their use should be managed carefully among pregnant women with depression. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tailored surface properties of monodispersed polymer particles with PCL hairy chains synthesized by hydroxyl‐initiated ring‐opening polymerization
Authors: Wang Fang , Hu Jianhua , Yang Wuli , Wang Changchun
Published: August 2007

Polymeric particles with hydrophobic PCL hairy chains were prepared by ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) from hydrophilic core particles, which were prepared by soap‐free emulsion polymerization of styrene, 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and divinylbenzene. Due to the incorporation of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate in the core particles, hydroxyl groups on the surface of core particles could be obtained, and in the following ROP of ε‐caprolactone, the hydroxyl groups on the surface of the particles could effectively initiate the polymerization. Various reaction conditions were evaluated to produce hairy particles with optimal grafting efficiency. The presence of hydrophobic polymeric hairs on the surface of particles led to a dramatic improvement in their dispersibility in oil phase. By controlling the grafting amount of PCL on the surface of hydrophilic core particles, the surface properties of the hairy particles could be well tailored, represented the change of water contact angles from 75.0° to 114.6°. The prepared hairy particles were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transform infrared analysis. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 4552–4563, 2007
Synthesis and characterization of liquid crystalline side‐chain block copolymers containing luminescent 4,4′‐bis(biphenyl)fluorene pendants
Authors: Lee Kuan‐Wei , Lin Hong‐Cheu
Published: August 2007

A series of new liquid crystalline homopolymers, copolymers, and block copolymers were polymerized from styrene‐macroinitiator (SMi) and methacrylates with pendent 4,4′‐bis(biphenyl)fluorene (M1) and biphenyl‐4‐ylfluorene (M2) groups through atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The number‐average molecular weights (Mn) of polymers P1‐P4 were 10,007, 14,852, 6,275, and 10,463 g mol−1 with polydispersity indices values of 1.21, 1.15, 1.31, and 1.22, respectively. All polymers exhibit the nematic phase. The thermal, mesogenic, and photoluminescent properties of all polymers were investigated. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 4564–4572, 2007
Homo‐ and copolymerization of norbornene derivatives with ethene by ansa‐fluorenylamidodimethyltitanium activated with methylaluminoxane
Authors: Hasan Tariqul , Ikeda Tomiki , Shiono Takeshi
Published: August 2007

(t‐BuNSiMe2Flu)TiMe2 (1) activated with Me3Al‐free methylaluminoxane (dried MAO) which conducts vinyl addition polymerization of norbornene (N) with very high activity was applied for homopolymerization of N derivatives (i.e., 5‐vinyl‐2‐norbornene (5V2N), 5‐ethylidene‐2‐norbornene (5E2N), dicyclopentadiene (DCPD)) at 40 °C. The activities for the N derivatives were about two orders of magnitude lower than that for N and decreased in the following order: 5E2N ≫ 5V2N ≫ DCPD. Copolymerization of ethene (E) and 5E2N under an atmospheric pressure of E was then conducted by 1‐dried MAO. The copolymerization proceeded with better activity than the homopolymerization of 5E2N and gave poly(E‐co‐5E2N) with narrow molecular weight distribution. The content of the ethylidene group in poly(E‐co‐5E2N) was controlled by the feed ratio of 5E2N/E. The Tg value of the copolymer changed from 70 °C to 155 °C according to the 5E2N content from 27 mol % to 68 mol %. The addition of N as a third monomer to the E‐5E2N copolymerization improved the activity and raised the Tg values of the terpolymer above 200 °C. The content of 5E2N was controlled by the 5E2N/N ratio with keeping the high Tg values. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 4581–4587, 2007
Zinc–leuprolide complex: preparation, physicochemical characterization and release behaviour from in situ forming implant
Authors: Astaneh Reyhaneh , Nafissi‐Varcheh Nastaran , Erfan Mohammad
Published: August 2007

Leuprolide acetate (LA) has been accepted as treatment for prostatic cancer and is currently also being evaluated in phase II clinical trials for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In this study, the zinc complex of leuprolide was prepared and its structure determined by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), UV, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), atomic absorption spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and compared with these parameters for leuorolide acetate. Also, the in vitro release profile of leuprolide and its complex form in situ forming implant (ISFI) in comparison to a commercial formulation (Eligard) was investigated. These studies indicate that the zinc complex can be effectively synthesized and influenced on tri‐phasic pattern after burst release of LA from the ISFI and shifts this trend to a continuous release profile. Non‐linear regression test confirmed this transformation as a zero‐order release profile as well. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The transfer doping of graphite and graphene
Authors: Sque Stephen J. , Jones Robert , Briddon Patrick R.
Published: August 2007

It has been commonly thought that diamond is unique in its class in that it can undergo p‐type transfer doping when covered by a thin layer of electrolyte. In this study, density‐functional theory has been used to show that the work functions of graphite and graphene are low enough for transfer doping to occur between a graphite or graphene substrate and an aqueous adsorbate layer. The possible electrochemical reactions are the same as those favoured in the case of diamond, e.g. O2 + 2H2O + 4e– → 4OH– where the electrons have been provided by the graphite or graphene substrate. Notably, the extraordinary nature of carrier transport in (single‐layer) graphene renders this non‐disruptive doping method an exciting possibility. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Field emission from surface‐modified heavily phosphorus‐doped homoepitaxial (111) diamond
Authors: Yamada Takatoshi , Nebel Christoph E. , Somu Kumaragurubaran , Uetsuka Hiroshi , Yamaguchi Hisato , Kudo Yuki , Okano Ken , Shikata Shin‐ichi
Published: August 2007

Field emission from heavily phosphorus‐doped homoepitaxial (111) diamonds after surface modifications are discussed. To develop a model for emission, we applied X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to characterize surface properties of H‐plasma treated, oxidized and carbon‐reconstructed surfaces. In addition, reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) is used to evaluate atomic arrangements. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is used to investigate surface morphologies. From AFM, no major difference is observed between H‐terminated, oxidized and carbon reconstructed surfaces. Field emission proper‐ ties of carbon reconstructed surfaces show a lower threshold than hydrogen‐terminated or oxidized surfaces. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Diamond thin film detectors for beam monitoring devices
Authors: Bol Johannes , Müller Steffen , Berdermann Eleni , de Boer Wim , Furgeri Alexander , Pomorski Michal , Sander Christian
Published: August 2007

Diamonds offer radiation hard sensors, which can be used directly in primary beams. Here we report on the use of a polycrystalline CVD diamond strip sensor as beam monitor of heavy ion beams with up to ∼109 lead ions per bunch. The strips allow for a determination of the transverse beam profile to a fraction of the pitch of the strips, while the timing information yields the longitudinal bunch length with a resolution of the order of a few mm. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Deagglomeration and functionalisation of detonation diamond
Authors: Krueger Anke , Ozawa Masaki , Jarre Gerald , Liang Yuejiang , Stegk Jochen , Lu Li
Published: August 2007

In this paper we present our recent results on the production of primary particles of detonation diamond from strongly bound agglomerates using beads milling and the newly developed BASD (bead assisted sonic disintegration) method in various media. Additionally, the surface functionalisation starting from hydroxyl groups is discussed. These groups can be introduced by reductive surface homogenisation using borane. Further functionalisation includes the grafting of silanes and amino acids. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structural, optical, and electronic properties of nanocrystalline and ultrananocrystalline diamond thin films
Authors: Achatz P. , Garrido J. A. , Williams O. A. , Bruno P. , Gruen D. M. , Kromka A. , Steinmüller D. , Stutzmann M.
Published: August 2007

The structural, optical, and electronic properties of nanocrystalline diamond thin films grown from a hydrogen‐rich CH4/H2gas phase via hot filament (HF) CVD and of ultrananocrystalline diamond thin films grown from an argon‐rich sp2gas phase via microwave plasma enhanced (MPE) CVD have been studied. Depending on the growth conditions, these diamond films can have markedly different structural properties, as revealed by atomic force microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Nevertheless, similarities in the electronic band structure can be seen from transport and optical measurements. In the case of nominally undoped films, both types of material show variable range hopping in localized states near the Fermi level in the whole temperaturerange from 300–650 K. Therefore, the overall density of states has to be the same for these two microstructures. Nitrogen incorporation in the ultrananocrystalline diamond films leads to changes in the optical absorption, which has been investigated using photothermal deflection and spectrally resolved photocurrent spectroscopy. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
CNX (Carbon‐Nano‐eXit): a unique carbon‐nano‐structure to be employed for excellent electron‐emitters
Authors: Hiraki H. , Jing N. , Zhang H. , Wang H. X. , Hiraki A.
Published: August 2007

Carbon materials including Carbon‐Nano‐Tubes (CNT), Nano‐Diamonds and other Nano‐Carbon‐relatives (such as Carbon‐Nano‐Walls [CNW]) have received intense attention as good candidates for electron‐emitters. The present authors and co‐workers have long been trying to fabricate good electron‐emitters, employing a variety of carbon‐nano‐materials. Until some months ago, we claimed that CNW was the best structure for high emission‐capability among the carbon‐nano‐materials. However, by introduction of a unique structure into the CNW, we have recently succeeded to obviously improve the capability of the emitter while achieving and far shorter fabrication or deposition times.

The unique structure has been named Carbon‐Nano‐eXit (CNX) and patented. The introduction of this CNX into the CNW structure can be done by some modification of plasma parameters during emitter fabrication or deposition by plasma CVD process. Now the emitter has shown a world‐top‐ranking property: very low turn‐on‐voltage (0.5 V/µm to induce 10 µA/cm2) and high emission current at low applied voltage with a gap distance of 1 mm (1 mA/cm2 current at 1.1 V/µm and 100 mA/cm2 at 2 V/µm). The emitter a is wire or pipe type emitter to avoid the so‐called “edge‐effect”. Owing to the presence of CNX which shortens the fabrication time, we are able to fabricate or deposit the emitters totally about 50∼100 km long per month by one CVD‐reactor. Then using these emitters, we are able to fabricate Mercury‐free fluorescence lamps with high efficiency (∼70 lm/watt) and a high brightness of 105 cd/m2 (white‐light). (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Amplitude modulated step scan Fourier transform photocurrent spectroscopy of partly compensated B‐doped CVD diamond thin films
Authors: Remes Z. , Nesladek M. , Bergonzo P. , Barjon J. , Jomard F.
Published: August 2007

We report on the development of amplitude modulated step‐scan Fourier‐transform photocurrent spectroscopy (AMFTPS) as a sensitive tool for detecting shallow and deep electronic states in high resistive semiconductors. We present fundamental aspects of dual beam photoconductivity (DBP) and AMFTPS and apply these methods to detect the defect‐induced localized electronic levels in the energy gap of boron doped epitaxial CVD diamond thin films grown on single crystalline type Ib (111) oriented diamond substrates. The mechanism of acceptor passivation upon oxygen addition during CVD growth in B‐doped films is discussed. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Positron annihilation in modified zeolites LTA and 13X
Authors: Cabral‐Prieto A. , García‐Sosa I. , Jiménez‐Becerril J. , López‐Castañares R. , Olea‐Cardoso O.
Published: August 2007

The pick‐off annihilation lifetimes of o ‐Ps, τpo , in dehydrated Co2+ and Mn2+ exchanged zeolites LTA, in dehydrated Co2+ exchanged zeolite 13X, and in dehydrated Na+ zeolites LTA and 13X, are estimated. Although τpo can be estimated from the lifetime spectra of the cation exchanged zeolites LTA and 13X, this lifetime can not be estimated from those spectra of Na+ zeolite LTA unambiguously. The estimated pick‐off lifetimes due to the annihilation of o ‐Ps in the internal walls of the zeolites are systematically lower than the average lifetime of p ‐Ps and o ‐Ps in vacuum τa = 0.5 ns. Since the pick‐off process of o ‐Ps occurs particularly on the internal cavity walls of dehydrated zeolites, the replacement of \overline {\tau_a} by τpo within the classical model of Tao‐Eldrup to calculate cavity radius should provide more realistic cavity radii of these porous materials than when using \overline {\tau_a}. This suggestion is supported by previous and present results. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Positron annihilation in silica aerogel UV‐irradiated at low temperature
Authors: Ro K. , Saito F. , Saito H. , Hyodo T.
Published: August 2007

Positron lifetime spectra for the silica aerogel heat‐treated at various temperatures (373 K–673 K) have been measured following UV‐irradiation at 30 K. It has been observed that positronium lifetime in the UV‐irradiated silica aerogel depends on the heat‐treatment temperature. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Lipid peroxidation and cyclooxygenase enzyme inhibitory activities of acidic aqueous extracts of some dietary supplements
Authors: Raman Priyadarshini , DeWitt David L. , Nair Muraleedharan G.
Published: August 2007

The botanical supplement market is growing at a fast pace with more and more people resorting to them for maintaining good health. Echinacea, garlic, ginkgo, ginseng, Siberian ginseng, grape seed extract, kava kava, saw palmetto and St John's wort are some of the popular supplements used for a variety of health benefits. These supplements are associated with various product claims, which suggest that they possess cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme and lipid s inhibitory activities. COX enzymes are found to be at elevated levels in inflamed and cancerous cells. To test some of the product claims, selected supplements were analysed for their ability to inhibit COX‐1 and ‐2 enzymes and lipid peroxidation in vitro. The supplements were extracted with acidified water (pH 2) at 37 °C to simulate the gastric environment. The supplements tested demonstrated varying degrees of COX enzyme inhibition (5–85% for COX‐1 and 13–28% for COX‐2). Interestingly, extracts of garlic (Meijer), ginkgo (Solaray), ginseng (Nature's Way), Siberian ginseng (GNC, Nutrilite, Solaray, Natrol), kava kava (GNC, Sundown, Solaray) and St John's wort (Nutrilite) selectively inhibited COX‐2 enzyme. These supplements also inhibited lipid peroxidation in vitro (5–99%). The results indicated that the consumption of these botanical supplements studied possess health benefits. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Virtual tool for bilaterally controlled forceps robot‐for minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Abeykoon A. M. Harsha S. , Ohnishi Kouhei
Published: August 2007

Background

Bilateral control enables an operator to be placed away from the working environment. A slave manipulator usually works at a remote site or in a hazardous environment while the master operator senses the environment through the slave manipulator. Bilateral control can be used in surgeries. Usually doctors are very sensitive to the tactile sensation they feel through medical tools. If bilateral control is used in a surgery, ideally the doctor should perceive the sensation of both the body tissue and the reaction force from the specialized tool. Many surgical instruments are essentially similar at the tool tip while showing some structural differences at the gripping end. Therefore, it is advantageous for an expensive tool to be replaced by a virtual tool together with a simple tool. With the virtual tool, the surgeon should be able to perceive the feeling of the actual tool together with the reaction force coming from the body tissue; this may also reduce the time taken for a tool change during the surgery.

Methods

In this study, above ideas were implemented in a bilaterally controlled forceps robot and experiments were carried out to test the applicability of the concept. Bilateral control is used as the method of tactile feedback. Disturbance observer is used for robust control. Reaction force observer is used in place of a force sensor. Virtual model is used in place of the special tool properties.

Results

A virtual spring acting at the end of the forceps, was implemented to a bilateral control system, so that the operator at the master side could perceive the feeling of the spring together with reaction forces from the surgical environment. Operator could feel the vivid sensation of the environment through the master manipulator.

Conclusions

The virtual model adds a load to the system. The master and slave responses are slightly different, but the result is good enough for the application. This novel approach could be used in many master–slave applications. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determinants of invention commercialization: an empirical examination of academically sourced inventions
Authors: Nerkar Atul , Shane Scott
Published: August 2007

We examine the attributes of technological inventions that influence their commercialization. Using a unique dataset of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)‐licensed patents, we show that the likelihood of invention commercialization, which we measure by the achievement of first sale, is positively associated with two characteristics of licensed technological inventions—scope and pioneering nature—and has an inverted U‐shaped relationship with the age of the invention. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sonographic findings of a large vulvar lipoma
Authors: Sherer D. M. , Gorelick C. , Wagreich A. , Lee Y.‐C. , Serur E. , Zigalo A. , Abulafia O.
Published: August 2007

Lipomas of the vulva are rare benign tumors that consist of mature fat cells often interspersed with strands of fibrous connective tissue. They arise from the vulvar fatty pads and present as soft, multilobulated subcutaneous neoplasms. Histological examination reveals a thin capsule surrounding a lobular proliferation of lipocytes. Liposarcomas of the vulva have been described rarely. We present the sonographic findings of a large lipoma of the vulva, and demonstrate the contribution of topical application of a high‐frequency transvaginal transducer in depicting lobular structural features, characteristic of this soft tissue tumor. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality of oil from acid delintered cottonseed
Authors: Clark S. P.
Published: August 2007

Oils were extracted experimentally by direct solvent and prepress solvent processes from saw delintered cottonseed as well as from some of the same seed delintered with dilute sulfuric acid. Oils were refined, bleached and deodorized. Deodorized oils were stored in an air oven at 60 C for 30–35 days. Approximately twice a week, stored samples were analyzed for peroxide value. No significant differences in rate of increase of peroxide value were found among the oils.
Hydrogenation of oils and fats
Authors: Puri Pushpinder S.
Published: August 2007

Hydrogenation is a complex 3‐phase reaction, and the end result depends largely on transport and chemical resistances. Control of these factors is of critical importance to a predictable end product and this control is possible if a fundamental understanding of the process is achieved. The basic transport steps involved to bring the hydrogen and oil together in the presence of catalyst and the effect of different process variables on the course of the chemical reaction will be the major subjects of discussion in this presentation.
Black Women and Labor Force Participation: An Analysis of Sluggish Growth Rates
Authors: Jones Barbara A.P.
Published: August 2007

The labor force participation rate of black women has not increased as fast as that of white women in spite of the fact that black females have the characteristics economists have found most encourage participation. Also black women at all socioeconomic levels have more positive attitudes towards labor market activity. The explanation for the failure for their work rates to grow as fast as those of white women appears to be inadequate employment opportunities for black women from lower socioeconomic groups. Education in or of itself, however, is not the solution to the problem because education yields lower returns to black women with limited schooling than is true for comparable whites. Any strategy devised to solve these employment inequities must address the low relative demand for these workers.
Public Policy and Health-Care Delivery: A Practitioner's Perspective
Authors: Law Ron
Published: August 2007

Primary health care for inner-city residents is generally provided in institutional settings. This article describes a successful alternate model for health-care delivery: privately owned, for-profit, fee-for-service ambulatory care facilities. The Paul Robeson Health Organization in Harlem is described as an example of such a facility. Most of PRHO's patients are black; 55% are adult females. Some of the special health needs of inner-city women and the range of services available to them at PRHO are described. A conclusion of this article is that the economic and social benefits derived from a health delivery center like PRHO make this model one worth consideration for replication in other communities.
The Demographics of Trade-Affected Services and Manufacturing Workers (1987–1990): A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Armah Bartholomew
Published: August 2007

Using input-output data for 1987 and 1990, this study identifies the demographic characteristics of trade-affected workers in U.S. manufacturing and service industries. Trade-affected workers are defined as employees in industries that experienced a change (positive or negative) in net total (direct and indirect) trade-related employment between 1987 and 1990. For the period 1987–1990, three industry categories were examined: (a) industries that experienced an increase in positive net trade-related employment; (b) industries that experienced a decline in positive net trade-related employment; and (c) industries that suffered net trade-related employment losses in both years yet experienced an improvement over the period. The study finds that, while manufacturing industry workers in the most favorably affected industry group (i.e., group “a”) were more likely to be highly skilled (i.e., scientists & engineers), highly educated (i.e., over four years of college education), unionized, married and white males, corresponding service sector workers were predominantly unskilled (laborers), less educated, non-unionized, young (i.e., aged 16–24) and male (black and white). Furthermore, the service sector was associated with greater mean trade-related employment and output gains and lower mean employment and output losses than was the manufacturing sector.
Racial Differences in Married Female Labor Force Participation Behavior: An Analysis Using Interracial Marriages
Authors: Macpherson David A. , Stewart James B.
Published: August 2007

Based on data from the 1980 census, three major findings emerge from this study. First, the labor force participation rate is higher for women in black-white interracial marriages than women in endogamous marriages. Second, the labor force participation rate of wives in interracial marriages, after adjusting for differences in observed personal characteristics, is approximately halfway between that of women in white homogeneous and black homogeneous marriages. Third, interracial marriages are more likely among women who are younger, Hispanic, foreign-born, more educated, previously married, and reside in the West.
Nea Presidential Address, 1992: Policy Issues in the Postsecondary Education of African Americans
Authors: King Arthur T.
Published: August 2007

Few goods and services are as important to socioeconomic outcomes as education. Participation rates of African Americans in postsecondary education are much lower than those for whites. The disparities in college attendance and graduation rates have potentially grave consequences for African Americans and for the larger society. This article addresses some of the policy influences that determine educational outcomes for this population subgroup and raises some of the issues that should be addressed if proportionate participation rates are to be generated.
Blacks in Rural America: Socioeconomic Status and Policies to Enhance Economic Well-Being
Authors: Allen-Smith Joyce E.
Published: August 2007

This research documents the disadvantaged status of rural blacks. Many indicators of economic well-being reveal that rural blacks lag behind both urban blacks and rural whites. Investments in human capital are critical for improving the economic status of rural blacks; public assistance and equal opportunity policies are also important. Financing alternative policies remains a major constraint to reducing the disparity between the economic well-being of rural blacks and their white counterparts and between blacks in rural and urban communities.
Structural Changes in U.S. Agriculture: Implications for African American Farmers
Authors: Brown Adell , Christy Ralph D. , Gebremedhin Tesfa G.
Published: August 2007

Structural changes in U.S. agriculture, influenced by technological and institutional forces, have altered the economic and social characteristics of rural America, especially that segment of rural America populated by farmers and their families. Changes in the structure of agriculture have greater implications for small scale farmers, many of whom are African American, in that strategic options for their farm-firms are constrained to: increasing their farm size, exiting farming, and obtaining off-farm employment to survive. This article presents a rationale for public support of limited resource farmers, identifies structural trends in U.S. agriculture and their impacts on African American farmers, discusses economic problems unique to these farmers, and recommends needs for specific public policies and development programs.
Residential Location and the Earnings of African American Women
Authors: Hoffnar Emily , Greene Michael
Published: August 2007

In comparing the earnings of African American women to three reference groups—white women, African American men, and white men—three principal findings emerge. First, African American women residing in the suburbs are worse off than any other suburban group. Second, central city African American women are worse off than any other group of central city residents. Third, while central city residence imposes a statistically significant earnings penalty on men of both races, no such penalty is found for African American or white women. Therefore, African American women will enjoy no earnings advantage if they move to the suburbs. This finding underscores the importance of including women in studies of residential location and the socioeconomic status of African Americans. A narrow focus on male data to inform policy is clearly insufficient.
1112 Consecutive Bilateral Neck Explorations for Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Allendorf John , DiGorgi Mary , Spanknebel Kathryn , Inabnet William , Chabot John , LoGerfo Paul
Published: August 2007

Background

Bilateral neck exploration has been the standard approach for patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Improved localization studies and the availability of intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring have challenged the necessity of four‐gland exploration. In this series we report a single surgeon’s experience with bilateral neck exploration for primary hyperparathyroidism in an effort to establish benchmark outcomes from which to evaluate minimally invasive protocols.

Methods

The charts of 1112 consecutive patients who underwent neck exploration for primary hyperparathyroidism by a single surgeon over a 17‐year period were reviewed. All patients underwent bilateral neck exploration under either general (n = 264) or local (n = 848) anesthesia.

Results

The overall cure rate was 97.4% with a complication rate of 3.4%. Morbidity included recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (0.2%), postoperative bleeding (0.8%), and transient hypocalcemia (1.8%). There was no mortality. Overall mean operating time was 52.5 ± 30.2 minutes. A single gland was removed in 78.4% of patients, and 22.3% of patients underwent concomitant thyroidectomy. The cure rate was lower for patients undergoing reexploration (89.2% vs. 97.9%, p < 0.05). Choice of anesthetic approach did not affect the cure or complication rate. The overall conversion rate from local to general anesthesia was 1.5%. Patients undergoing general anesthesia were operated on earlier in the series and were less likely to be managed on an ambulatory basis (local 87.5% vs. general 38.4%, p < 0.05). During the last 5 years of the series, more than 90% of patients underwent exploration under local anesthesia.

Conclusion

This large modern series of neck explorations for primary hyperparathyroidism confirms the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of the bilateral approach. It further demonstrates that individual surgeons can achieve outcomes equivalent to those with four‐gland explorations under local anesthesia.
Homocysteine‐induced endothelial cell adhesion is related to adenosine lowering and is not mediated by S‐adenosylhomocysteine
Authors: Cacciapuoti Giovanna , Manna Caterina , Napoli Daniela , Zappia Vincenzo , Porcelli Marina
Published: August 2007

Hyperhomocysteinemia is a cardiovascular risk factor and may contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis by altering endothelial functions. The mechanism of homocysteine‐induced cell adhesion has been here investigated using EA.hy 926 cells. Homocysteine induces a stereospecific, time‐ and dose‐dependent cell adhesion which is prevented by adenosine. The dramatic increase of S‐adenosylhomocysteine induced by adenosine‐2′,3′‐dialdehyde does not cause cell adhesion, indicating that no apparent relationship exists between this process and intracellular S‐adenosylhomocysteine content. Homocysteine‐induced cell adhesion is abolished by pre‐treatment with adenosine‐2′,3′‐dialdehyde, demonstrating that the adenosine depletion caused by reversal of S‐adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase reaction is responsible for homocysteine‐induced cell damage.
Lateral skull base surgery: a complicated pursuit?
Authors: Cousins V C
Published: August 2007

The management of lesions of the lateral skull base is a highly sophisticated branch of surgery generally performed by otolaryngology–head and neck surgeons as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Assessment of patients with diseases affecting the lateral skull base can be complex, as can the application of the various treatment modalities and the management of the expected and unexpected side effects of that treatment.

A wide range of pathological conditions occur in the lateral skull base. Many operations and procedures have been described for dealing with them. There is not necessarily one correct solution to the management of any particular problem in the skull base, with multiple factors to be considered in planning and intervention.

As surgeons, we need to know how our own results and outcomes compare with pooled, published data concerning the implications and complications occurring as a result of intervention, in order to better advise our patients on their management.
Care management and care provision for older relatives amongst employed informal care-givers
Authors: ROSENTHAL CAROLYN J. , MARTIN-MATTHEWS ANNE , KEEFE JANICE M.
Published: August 2007

This paper examines care management, or ‘managerial care’, a type of informal care for older adults that has been relatively neglected by researchers. While previous research has acknowledged that care-giving may involve tasks other than direct ‘hands-on’ care, the conceptualisation of managerial care has often been vague and inconsistent. This study is the first explicitly to investigate managerial care amongst a large sample of carers. In our conceptualisation, care management includes care-related discussions with other family members or the care recipient about the arrangements for formal services and financial matters, doing relevant paperwork, and seeking information. The study examines the prevalence of this type of care, the circumstances under which it occurs, its variations by care-giver characteristics, and its impact on the carers. We drew from the Canadian CARNET ‘Work and Family Survey’ a sub-sample of 1,847 full-time employed individuals who were assisting older relatives. The analysis shows that managerial care is common, distinct from other types of care, a meaningful construct, and that most care-givers provide both managerial and direct care. Care management includes both the orchestration of care and financial and bureaucratic management. Providing managerial care generates stress amongst women and interferes with work amongst men, and the aspect that generates the greatest personal and job costs amongst both men and women is the orchestration of care.
Torture and the Penal Colony
Authors: MARKS SUSAN
Published: August 2007

Kafka's short story In the Penal Colony depicts the visit of a European traveller to a cruel penal colony. The author uses the story to explore current issues concerning torture. Her particular focus is on the interrelation between torture and empire, and on the limits of humanitarian reform. Kafka is instructive in puncturing the pretensions of humanitarianism, and in pointing up the inescapable uncertainties, absurdities, and complicities associated with it.
The Right to Food and the International Economic System: An Assessment of the Rights-Based Approach to the Problem of World Hunger
Authors: MOWBRAY JACQUELINE
Published: August 2007

This article considers the effectiveness of rights-based approaches to the problem of world hunger. Given that inadequate food supply may be the result of complex, structural problems outside the control of particular staes and authorities, can advocacy based on the right to food significantly improve world food security? To answer this question, this article considers one particular structural factor which contributes to world hunger, namely the operation of the international economic system. It concludes that, at both a theoretical and a practical level, human rights discourse is ill-suited to achieve the fundamental structural change to this system necessary t improve food security. This represents a significant limitation on the effectiveness of the right to food. As a result, an alternative legal approach is suggested, namely using a legal principle of ‘food sovereignty’ to ensure that the international system as a whole operates to support the food needs of its population.
Jus Post Bellum: The Perspective of a Just-War Theorist
Authors: OREND BRIAN
Published: August 2007

The introduction explains how this essay articulates the issue of ‘justice after war’ from the point of view of just-war theory, and how such a view can and ought to impact upon international law, for instance by inspiring the eventual development of a new treaty, or Geneva Convention, exclusively concerned with issues of postwar justice. In the body of the essay, attention is first given to explaining why just-war theory has traditionally ignored, or even rejected, jus post bellum. Second, argument is made as to why this ignorance and rejection must be overcome, and replaced with information and inclusion. Third, principles drawing on traditional just-war theory are constructed and defended, for jus post bellum in general and for forcible postwar regime change in particular. Finally, several remaining challenges are addressed, seeking to dissolve doubts and strengthen resolve towards working for progress on this vital and topical issue of jus post bellum.
The International Court of Justice as a Guardian of the Unity of Humanitarian Law
Authors: RAIMONDO FABIÁN O.
Published: August 2007

This article seeks to examine whether the International Court of Justicehas developed jurisprudence on international humanitarian law and whether this has exerted any influence on the decisions adopted by other international courts and tribunals. In so doing, it revisits the issue of the value ofjudicial decisions under international law. Finally, it reveals that despite the non-operation of the rule of stare decisis in international law, the Court's jurisprudence on international humanitarian law has been a persuasive precedent for other international courts and tribunals.
Regulating Statehood: The Kosovo Status Settlement
Authors: D'ASPREMONT JEAN
Published: August 2007

On 2 February 2007 the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General unveiled a comprehensive proposal for a supervised independence of Kosovo with a view of clinching the last chapter of the dismemberment of Yugoslavia. This proposal constitutes a further attempt by the international community of states to bridle the volatile and unpredictable phenomenon of statehood. The state of Kosovo that is envisaged by the Status Settlement is to be endowedwith all the features that are nowadays seen as indispensable for the establishment of a modern government apparatus, a tendency that had already beenobserved in the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina or East Timor. The proposed regulation of statehood in this case, however, proves to be of an unprecedented extent. Against that backdrop, the article grapples with the legal questions revolving around the independence of Kosovo, including secession, recognition, succession, international supervision, self-determination, and membership of international organizations.
Human Rights in African Political Institutions: Between Rhetoric, Practice, and the Struggle for International Visibility
Authors: NDAHINDA FELIX MUKWIZA
Published: August 2007

Rachel Murray, Human Rights in Africa: From the OAU to the African Union, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2004, ISBN-13: 9780521839174, ISBN-10: 0521839173, 349 pp., £50.00 (hb).

M. Mubiala, Le Système régional Africain de Protection des Droits de l'Homme, Brussels, Bruylant, 2005, ISBN 280272021X, 299 pp., €65.00.
Reply to Elinor Mason and Alastair Norcross
Authors: FELDMAN FRED
Published: August 2007

In comments originally presented at the ISUS conference at Dartmouth College in 2005, Elinor Mason and Alastair Norcross raised a number of objections to various things I said in Pleasure and the Good Life. One especially interesting objection concerns one of my central claims about the nature of pleasure. I distinguished between sensory pleasure and attitudinal pleasure. I said that a feeling counts as a sensory pleasure if the one who feels it takes intrinsic attitudinal pleasure in the fact that he is then feeling it. I also said that attitudinal pleasure is a propositional attitude that does not intrinsically involve any particular ‘feelings’. On my view, a person can take attitudinal pleasure in things at a time even though he does not feel any pleasurable feelings at that time. In their comments, Mason and Norcross expressed doubts about my account of attitudinal pleasure. In my reply, I try to answer those doubts.
Coeliac disease in the older patient
Authors: Quinn CJ , Cotter PE , Stevens FM , O'Keeffe ST
Published: August 2007

Coeliac disease (CD) is a chronic enteropathy caused by intolerance to gluten in genetically susceptible people. The first description of the coeliac lesion was provided in 1954 by Paulley et al, who examined full-thickness biopsy specimens taken at laparotomy from a patient with CD. They referred to broad flat villi and a dense chronic inflammatory cell infiltrate in the small intestinal mucosa. Following this, the use of unguided suction biopsy devices, such as the Crosby capsule, allowed the study of patients with malabsorption. The advent of fibreoptic endoscopy as a diagnostic tool has led to extensive study of the duodenal mucosa in less florid forms of CD.
Suicide Prevention in New South Wales Correctional Centres
Authors: Eyland Simon , Corben Simon , Barton Jenny
Published: August 2007

The New South Wales Department of Corrective Services has introduced a number of suicide prevention measures in order to deal with the problem of inmate suicides. This article describes the measures. The article also shows that the characteristics of the incarcerated population differ greatly from those in the community. Findings from the self-harm database 1991-1995 show that, nevertheless, there are some unique characteristics of the group of self-harmers and fatal self-harmers. These findings are discussed in relation to the preventive measures that are introduced in the NSW correctional centers.
Prison Suicide— Politics and Prevention: A View from Ireland
Authors: Dooley Enda
Published: August 2007

The pattern of suicide in Ireland broadly matches that in various neighbouring countries, with the prevalence among males being significantly greater than among women. Over recent years there has been a significant increase in suicide among young men. Similarly, prison suicide patterns mirror those in neighbouring jurisdictions, with a marked increase in prison suicides occurring over the last 10 years. Media interest in prison suicide is grossly disproportionate to its frequency. Existing prevention policies based on the identification of individuals at risk would appear to have failed, and it is argued that it would be more productive—albeit with significant difficulty—to re-orient prevention strategies towards identifying and remedying risk factors in the overall prison environment as opposed to identifying particular individuals.
Estimation of aerosol effects on surface irradiance based on measurements and radiative transfer model simulations in northern China
Authors: Xia X. , Li Z. , Wang P. , Chen H. , Cribb M.
Published: August 2007

Using 15 months' worth of ground‐based broadband and spectral radiation data at Xianghe, a suburban site in northern China, aerosol effects on surface irradiance are explored in this study. Collocated aerosol optical depth (AOD) and surface irradiance measurements made under cloudless sky conditions are first binned according to solar zenith angle. Empirical equations are then developed to describe the relationships between AOD and surface shortwave radiation (SWR) and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). The equations are finally used to derive quantitative estimates of aerosol effects on surface SWR and PAR. The annual mean aerosol direct radiative forcing (ADRF) values for SWR and PAR derived from measurements are −32.8 and −16.6 W m−2, respectively, which are in good agreement with those derived from radiative transfer model simulations. Variations in aerosol concentration not only change the amount of global solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface but also alter the relative proportions of diffuse and direct solar radiation. The annual mean changes in direct and diffuse SWR induced by aerosols are −89.6 and 51.0 W m−2, respectively, and the annual mean changes in direct and diffuse PAR induced by aerosols are −51.0 and 29.6 W m−2, respectively. The effects of regional haze in China on climate and crop production should be further studied.
Forecasting the duration of active and break spells in intrinsic mode functions of Indian monsoon intraseasonal oscillations
Authors: Dwivedi Suneet , Mittal Ashok Kumar
Published: August 2007

Several indices of the observed Indian summer monsoon intraseasonal oscillations (ISO) are decomposed into their respective intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). For each ISO index, it is shown that for most of the dominant IMFs, the peak in the active (break) regime may be used as a predictor for the duration of the subsequent break (active) regime. Similar results are also obtained for a Stochastic Forced Lorenz model proposed earlier as a paradigm model for ISO.
Northern Hemisphere winter climate variability: Response to North American snow cover anomalies and orography
Authors: Sobolowski Stefan , Gong Gavin , Ting Mingfang
Published: August 2007

Links between autumn‐winter snow anomalies over North America and winter climate parameters throughout the Northern Hemisphere are examined. GCM integrations are performed from September through February, with prescribed snow forcings over North America (NA) reflecting realistic, observed high/low autumn snow conditions. Forty‐member ensemble differences reveal robust responses in surface air temperature and sea level pressure (SLP) fields. Over NA a negative temperature/positive SLP response occurs while over Europe a positive temperature/negative SLP response emerges. Additionally, a dynamic wave response occurs in the troposphere, across NA and extending downgradient into Eurasia. The contribution of North American (NA) orography is evaluated via an additional pair of experiments in which mountains are removed. The resulting climatic response is mitigated considerably, which suggests a nonlinear coupling of thermal and mechanical forcings. Finally, possible physical pathways for the remote response are hypothesized, involving dynamical mechanisms consistent with previous studies.