bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dielectric nonlinear properties of pyridinium tetrafluoroborate single crystal near the ferroelectric phase transition
Authors: Jamiński J. , Czapla Z. , Dacko S. , Cach R.
Published: August 2007

Pyridinium tetrafluoroborate (PyBF4) single crystals have been grown and their dielectric properties around the ferroelectric phase transition at 237.3 K were studied. The electric permittivity was measured as a function of temperature as the dc electric field ranged between 0 and 1100 kV/m. The electric permittivity was also measured at constant temperature as a function of the electric field intensity, which was changed slowly in the range 0–650 kV/m. Detailed measurements of spontaneous polarization were done by means of a Sawyer–Tower circuit and a pyroelectric method. The results of the experimental studies were analyzed in the framework of the classical dielectric state equation and the nonlinearity coefficient B was estimated. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The difficult and ubiquitous problems of multiplicities
Authors: Berry Donald A.
Published: August 2007

Multiplicities are ubiquitous. They threaten every inference in every aspect of life. Despite the focus in statistics on multiplicities, statisticians underestimate their importance. One reason is that the focus is on methodology for known multiplicities. Silent multiplicities are much more important and they are insidious. Both frequentists and Bayesians have important contributions to make regarding problems of multiplicities. But neither group has an inside track. Frequentists and Bayesians working together is a promising way of making inroads into this knotty set of problems. Two experiments with identical results may well lead to very different statistical conclusions. So we will never be able to use a software package with default settings to resolve all problems of multiplicities. Every problem has unique aspects. And all problems require understanding the substantive area of application. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combiningp‐values in large‐scale genomics experiments
Authors: Zaykin Dmitri V. , Zhivotovsky Lev A. , Czika Wendy , Shao Susan , Wolfinger Russell D.
Published: August 2007

In large‐scale genomics experiments involving thousands of statistical tests, such as association scans and microarray expression experiments, a key question is: Which of theLtests represent true associations (TAs)? The traditional way to control false findings is via individual adjustments. In the presence of multiple TAs,p‐value combination methods offer certain advantages. Both Fisher's and Lancaster's combination methods use an inverse gamma transformation. We identify the relation of the shape parameter of that distribution to the implicit threshold value;p‐values below that threshold are favored by the inverse gamma method (GM). We explore this feature to improve power over Fisher's method whenLis large and the number of TAs is moderate. However, the improvement in power provided by combination methods is at the expense of a weaker claim made upon rejection of the null hypothesis – that there are some TAs among theLtests. Thus, GM remains a global test. To allow a stronger claim about a subset ofp‐values that is smaller thanL, we investigate two methods with an explicit truncation: the rank truncated product method (RTP) that combines the firstK‐orderedp‐values, and the truncated product method (TPM) that combinesp‐values that are smaller than a specified threshold. We conclude that TPM allows claims to be made about subsets ofp‐values, while the claim of the RTP is, like GM, more appropriately about allLtests. GM gives somewhat higher power than TPM, RTP, Fisher, and Simes methods across a range of simulations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A unifying approach to non‐inferiority, equivalence and superiority tests via multiple decision processes
Authors: Hirotsu Chihiro
Published: August 2007

Two approaches of multiple decision processes are proposed for unifying the non‐inferiority, equivalence and superiority tests in a comparative clinical trial for a new drug against an active control. One is a method of confidence set with confidence coefficient 0.95 improving the conventional 0.95 confidence interval in the producer's risk and also the consumer's risk in some cases. It requires to include 0 within the region as well as to clear the non‐inferiority margin so that a trial with somewhat large number of subjects and inappropriately large non‐inferiority margin for proving non‐inferiority of a drug that is actually inferior should be unsuccessful. The other is the closed testing procedure which combines the one‐ and two‐sided tests by applying the partitioning principle and justifies the switching procedure by unifying the non‐inferiority, equivalence and superiority tests. In particular regarding the non‐inferiority, the proposed method justifies simultaneously the old Japanese Statistical Guideline (one‐sided 0.05 test) and the International Guideline ICH E9 (one‐sided 0.025 test). The method is particularly attractive, changing the strength of the evidence of relative efficacy of the test drug against a control at five levels according to the achievement of the clinical trial. The meaning of the non‐inferiority test and also the rationale of switching from it to superiority test will be discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Activity against drug resistant‐tuberculosis strains of plants used in Mexican traditional medicine to treat tuberculosis and other respiratory diseases
Authors: Camacho‐Corona María del Rayo , Ramírez‐Cabrera Mónica A. , Santiago Omar González‐ , Garza‐González Elvira , Palacios Isidoro de Paz , Luna‐Herrera Julieta
Published: August 2007

Tuberculosis (TB) kills about 3 million people per year worldwide. Furthermore, TB is an infectious disease associated with HIV patients, and there is a rise in multidrug‐resistant TB (MDR‐TB) cases around the world. There is a need for new anti‐TB agents. The study evaluated the antimycobacterial activity of nine plants used in Mexican traditional medicine to treat tuberculosis and other respiratory diseases. Nasturtium officinale showed the best activity (MIC = 100 µg/mL) against the sensitive Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The following plants were active also but at 200 µg/mL: Citrus sinensis, Citrus aurantifolia, Foeniculum vulgare, Larrea tridentata, Musa acuminata and Olea europaea. Contrary to the above data, activity against drug‐resistant variants of M. tuberculosis was more evident, e.g. N. officinale was the most potent (MIC ≤ 100 µg/mL) against the four mono‐resistant variants tested; F. vulgare and O. europaea were active against all the resistant variants (MICs ≤ 100 µg/mL). The most susceptible variant was the isoniazid resistant, being inhibited by C. aurantifolia, C. sinensis and O. europaea (MIC = 25 µg/mL). These data point to the importance of biological testing of extracts against drug‐resistant M. tuberculosis isolates, and the bioguided assay of these extracts for the identification of lead compounds against MDR‐TB isolates. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiinflammatory activity of Lindera erythrocarpa fruits
Authors: Wang Sheng‐Yang , Lan Xing‐Yu , Xiao Jun‐Hong , Yang Jeng‐Chung , Kao Yi‐Ting , Chang Shang‐Tzen
Published: August 2007

In this study, in vitro and in vivo antiinflammatory activities of fruits from Lindera erythrocarpa Makino were evaluated. The ethyl acetate soluble fraction derived from the ethanol extract of L. erythrocarpa fruits inhibited significantly nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced NO in the murine macrophage cell line (RAW264.7) assay, the EC50 being 16.35 µg/mL. Four compounds, including lucidone (1), cis/trans‐methylludicone (2), methyl linderone (3) and linderone (4) were identified from the active fraction based on the bioactivity‐guided fractionation procedure. Of these lucidone possessed the strongest NO inhibitory activity with an EC50 value of 4.22 µg/mL. Furthermore, results from the protein expression assay demonstrated that lucidone suppressed iNOS and COX‐2 protein expression in a dose‐dependent manner. Lucidone also provided antiinflammatory activity in the croton oil‐induced ear edema assay. When it was applied topically at a dosage of 0.5 and 1 mg per ear, the percent edema reduction in treated mice was 44% and 25%, respectively. The results obtained in this study indicated that lucidone has a good potential to be developed as an antiinflammation agent. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesizing SoS concepts for use in cost modeling
Authors: Lane Jo Ann , Valerdi Ricardo
Published: August 2007

Today's need for more complex, capable systems in a short timeframe is leading many organizations towards the integration of existing systems into network‐centric, knowledge‐based system‐of‐systems (SoS). This presents new acquisition challenges in the area of cost estimation because of the lack of commonly accepted definitions and roles. Software and system cost models to date have focused on the software and system development activities of a single system. When viewing the new SoS architectures, one finds that the cost associated with the design and integration of these SoSs is not handled well, if at all, in current cost models. This paper looks at commonly cited definitions of SoS, then evaluates these definitions to determine if they adequately describe and converge on a set of SoS characteristics in the areas of product, development process, and development personnel that can be used to define boundaries and key parameters for an initial SoS cost model. Sixteen SoS definitions are synthesized to provide reasonable coverage for different properties of SoSs. Two examples are used to illustrate key characteristics relevant to cost modeling. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 10: 297–308, 2007
Modification of the Hydrogen Bonds Network in a Hydroxyl Functionalized Dithiolene Ligand by HgX2 Complexation
Authors: Ndiaye Amadou L. , Guyon Fabrice , Knorr Michael , Huch Volker , Veith Michael
Published: August 2007

Ligand L (4,5‐bis[(2′‐hydroxyethyl)thio]1,3‐dithiole‐2‐thione) which crystallizes in the monoclinic system (P21/n) displays a 1‐D network generated by a succession of intra‐molecular and inter‐molecular hydrogen bonds. Weak π‐π and S···S interactions are also observed in the supramolecular structure. Reaction of L with one equivalent of mercury(II) iodide affords the adduct [HgI2L] (1a). The crystal structure of this complex shows that coordination occurs exclusively via the sulfur atom of the thione function (C=S). The ligation on HgI2 induces a change of the hydrogen bond pattern generated by the hydroxyl substituents: only intermolecular hydrogen bonds are present, organizing the adduct 1a in form of centrosymmetrical dimers in the solid state. The propensity of HgI2 to build‐up chains via μ2‐iodo ligand may be at the origin of the modification of the hydrogen bond network.
New Complexes with a Sterically Hindered Thiourea: Syntheses and Crystal Structures of [Co(dchtu)2Cl2], [Zn(dchtu)2(NCS)2] and [Pb(dchtu)6](SCN)2·2C2H5OH (dchtu = N,N′‐dicyclohexylthiourea)
Authors: Jia Ding‐Xian , Zhu, Ai‐Mei , Deng Jie , Zhang Yong
Published: August 2007

New complexes of a sterically hindered thiourea, [M(dchtu)2Cl2] (M = Co 1, Ni 2), [Zn(dchtu)2(NCS)2] (3) and [Pb(dchtu)6](SCN)2·2C2H5OH (4) (dchtu = N,N′‐dicyclohexylthiourea), have been synthesized and characterized. The single crystal structures of 1, 3 and 4 have been determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses. CoII, NiII, and ZnII form 1: 2 compounds with dchtu even if molar excesses of dchtu is used, while PbII forms 1:6 compound under the same conditions. The dchtu acts as a monodenate S‐donor ligand in all the complexes. CoII and ZnII atoms are tetrahedrally coordinated with two dchtu ligands, and two chloride or isothiocyanate ions, respectively. The PbII ion in 4 forms an octahedral coordination sphere with six dchtu ligands. The structures of the complexes are stabilized by a system of intermolecular H‐bonding.
Rich Magnetic Chemistry of Cobalt(II) Complexes with N‐Phosphorylthioureas. Crystal Structure and Solution 1H NMR Spectral Properties
Authors: Safin Damir A. , Mlynarz Piotr , Sokolov Felix D. , Kubiak Maria , Hahn F. Ekkehardt , Babashkina Maria G. , Zabirov Nail G. , Galezowska Joanna , Kozlowski Henryk
Published: August 2007

Structure and magnetic properties of CoII complexes with N‐phosphorylthiourea derivatives {RC(S)NHP(O)(OiPr)2} (HL) [Co{Et2NC(S)NP(O)(OiPr)2}2] (1), [Co{iPrNHC(S)NP(O)(OiPr)2}2] (2), [Co{[tBuNHC(S)NP(O)(OiPr)2}2] (3), [Co{p‐MeOC6H4NHC(S)NP(O)(OiPr)2}2] (4), [Co{p‐BrC6H4NHC(S)NP(O)(OiPr)2}2] (5) were investigated. Paramagnetic shifts in the 1H NMR spectrum were observed for high‐spin CoII complexes with HL, incorporating amidophosphate moiety C(S)NP(O). The thermal dependence of the magnetic susceptibility has shown that the extended materials 2, 3 and 5 show ferromagnetic exchange between distorted tetrahedral metal atoms, while in complex 4 antiferromagnetic behavior takes place. Compound 1 behaves as a spin‐canted ferromagnet, an antiferromagnetic ordering taking place below a critical temperature, Tc = 175 K. Complex 2 was investigated by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The cobalt(II) atom in complex 2 is in distorted tetrahedral CoO2S2 environment formed by the C=S sulfur atoms and the P=O oxygen atoms of two deprotonated ligands.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Two Aluminium Malate Complexes
Authors: Happel Oliver , Harms Klaus , Seubert Andreas
Published: August 2007

The crystalline aluminium‐malate‐complex, (NH4)6[Al4(D‐C4H3O5)3(L‐C4H3O5)3]·6H2O (1), can be isolated from solutions containing a ratio of 1:2 aluminium to DL‐malic acid in a pH‐range of 5–6. Complex 1 crystallizes in space group $P{\bar 1}$, with a = 9.974(1) Å, b = 10.721(1) Å, c = 12.332(1) Å, α = 102.51(1)°, β = 112.16(1)°, γ = 104.44(1)°, V = 1109.5(2) Å3, and Z = 1. A second crystalline aluminium‐malate‐complex, (C3N2H5)2[Al4(L‐C4H3O5)4(OH)2 (H2O)4]·7H2O (2b), is available from solutions with pH 3 containing a ratio of 1:1 aluminium to L‐malic acid. Complex 2b crystallizes in space group P21, with a = 7.7596(5) Å, b = 25.290(1) Å, c = 10.5393(7) Å, β = 104.855(5)°, V = 1999.1(2) Å3, and Z = 2. A third structure with the same complex anion as it was found in complex 2a is available using aqueous ammonia for pH‐adjustment. The presence of pronounced disorder affecting the positions of the nitrate ion and solvent molecules prohibited a complete structure determination in this case. The two new crystallized complex anions can be used as a powerful tool for aluminium speciation with malic acid ligands. The solution chemistry of the dissolved malate complexes is investigated by NMR spectroscopy.
Syntheses, Crystal Structures and Magnetic Properties of Three Low‐Dimensional Materials Constructed from [Cu2(dmpzpo)2]2+ and [M(CN)2/4]–/2– (M = Ag or Ni) Precursors (Hdmpzpo = 1,3‐bis(3,5‐dimethylpyrazol‐1‐yl)propan‐2‐ol)
Authors: Zhang Guo‐Fang , Zhou Qiu‐Ping , Dou Yin‐Li , Wang Yao , Wu Li‐Ping
Published: August 2007

The syntheses, X‐ray structures of three novel low‐dimensional assemblies, the molecules [Cu2(dmpzpo)2][Ag(CN)2]2 (1), [Cu2(dmpzpo)2][Ni(CN)4]·2CH3OH (2·2CH3OH) and [Cu2(dmpzpo)2][Ni(CN)4]·DMF·3H2O (2·DMF·3H2O), are presented. The temperature‐dependent susceptibility of 2·2CH3OH and 2·DMF·3H2O is determined. The structure of compound 1 consists of one dicopper(II) moiety and two Ag(CN)2− units, each being coordinated to different copper atoms of the dicopper(II) moiety with trans arrangement. Compound 1 has an inversion center located the middle of the Cu2O2 plane. The structures of 2·2CH3OH and 2·DMF·3H2O are isostructural, consisting of {Cu2Ni} repeating units connected through Cu‐NC‐Ni‐CN‐Cu linkages to form an one‐dimensional infinite chain. The magnetic studies on the compounds 2·2CH3OH and 2·DMF·3H2O showed that both compounds exhibit an overall antiferromagnetic behavior.
Arylphosphanide Complexes of the Heavy Alkaline Earth Metals Calcium, Strontium and Barium of the Formula (thf)nM[P(R)Aryl]2
Authors: Gärtner Martin , Görls Helmar , Westerhausen Matthias
Published: August 2007

The metathesis reaction of CaI2 with KPPh2 in THF yields (thf)4Ca(PPh2)2 (1). A metallation of HPPh2 with alkaline earth metals succeeds with strontium and barium and gives (thf)4Sr(PPh2)2 (2) and (thf)5Ba(PPh2)2 (3). From crystal structure determinations of 1 and 2 Ca‐P and Sr‐P bond lengths of 298.65(6) and 314.29(9) pm, respectively, were obtained. Extremely large Ba‐P distances of 332.8(2) and 334.5(2) pm were found for 3. In order to investigate the influence of the bulkiness of the phosphanides on the molecular structure, (thf)4Ba[P(Mes)2]2 (4) and (thf)2Ba[P(Et)Ph]2 (5) were prepared in a similar manner. Derivative 4 is monomeric with Ba‐P distances of 318.72(9) pm, whereas 5 crystallizes as a one‐dimensional polymer with bridging ethyl(phenyl)phosphanide groups with Ba‐P bond lengths between 324.8(1) and 336.0(1) pm.
The Electrophilic Character of Bunsen's Cacodyl Disulfide, Me2As(S)‐S‐AsMe2
Authors: Ioannou Panayiotis V. , Vachliotis Dimitris G. , Sideris Theodore D.
Published: August 2007

The behaviour of Bunsen's cacodyl disulfide, Me2As(S)‐S‐AsMe2 towards Lewis bases of group 15 of the Periodic Table was studied mainly by 1H NMR. While Ph3N did not react, 4‐dimethylaminopyridine and triethylamine isomerized the disulfide to Me2AsSSAsMe2. Ph3P, (PhO)3P, (MeO)3P, (EtO)3P and Ph3As desulfurized the disulfide to Me2AsSAsMe2. (PhS)3P also desulfurized the disulfide but Me2As‐S‐SPh was also produced. Me2As‐S‐SPh was the main product with (PhS)3As nucleophile. In most systems, cationic and anionic species were formed. The results are best interpreted by initial attack of the nucleophile on the electrophilic As=S sulfur.
A Pressure Range in the Synthesis of the RuSr2RECu2O8 Family
Authors: Ruiz‐Bustos R. , Dos Santos‐García A. J. , Alario‐Franco M. Á
Published: August 2007

The family of compounds RuSr2RECu2O8 (RE = Yb, Tm, Er, Ho, Dy, Tb, Gd, Eu, Sm, Nd, Pr, Ce and La) has been prepared. At normal pressure, Sm, Eu and Gd seem to be the only RE elements that accept to enter into the structure of RuSr2RECu2O8. High pressures and temperatures are needed in order to obtain the rest of the members. We describe here the search for the optimum synthesis conditions. The variation of the pressure needed to stabilize each compound show a remarkable gaussian correlation with the rare earth ion size and do not follow the classic lanthanide contraction so often observed in the chemistry of those elements.
Copper Complexes with Sulfonamides Derivatives of Natural Amino Acids as Chemical Nucleases
Authors: Macías Benigno , Villa María V. , Sánchez‐Mesonero Laura , Sanz Francisca , Borrás Joaquín , González‐Álvarez Marta
Published: August 2007

Three new coordination compounds have been prepared by reacting copper salts with sulfonamides derived from amino acids. Their molecular structures have been determined with the aid of single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The copper cations are four‐coordinated in all cases and the local environment is almost planar. Compound [Cu(ts‐gly)(NH3)2]·H2O (1) crystallizes in monoclinic space group P21/c (no 14) with Z = 4 and with unit cell parameters a = 6.0490(12) Å, b = 24.719(5) Å, c = 9.159(2) Å, α = γ = 90°, and β = 94.69(3)°. Compound [Cu(ts‐isoleu)(NH3)2] (2) crystallizes in monoclinic space group C2/c (no 8) with Z = 15 and with unit cell parameters a = 30.800(6) Å, b = 6.5510(13) Å, c = 15.830(3) Å, α = γ = 90°, and β = 100.19(3)°. Compound Na[Cu(ts‐gly)(gly)]·2H2O (3) crystallizes in triclinic space group P‐1 (no 2) with Z = 2 and with unit cell parameters a = 5.6220(11) Å, b = 7.775(2) Å, c = 18.704(4) Å, α = 94.61(3)°, β = 98.32(3)°, and γ = 98.29(3)°. The study of nuclease activity with plasmid pUC18 shows that all three compounds act as chemical nucleases, although complex Na[Cu(ts‐gly)(gly)]·2H2O is more efficient in splitting the DNA chains than the other two compounds.
The Myth of the Double-Advantage: Black Female Managers
Authors: Fulbright Karen
Published: August 2007

This article reports on interviews conducted with 25 middle- and senior-level black female managers in private-sector employment. Three hypotheses were examined: (1) the processes that sociologists and psychologists assume influence the nontraditional career choices of white women are not the same as those that influence black women; (2) contrary to popular belief, black women are not being promoted more rapidly than other, better qualified workers as a result of affirmative action; and (3) black female managers are likely to encounter the same limits to their mobility that anyone, regardless of race or gender, might encounter, and they are likely to encounter limits to their mobility on account of their race and sex. Each of these hypotheses received some support from this admittedly narrow database.
Black Women in Employment and Training Programs
Authors: Burbridge Lynn C.
Published: August 2007

This article examines the past experience of women—with a focus on black women—in employment and training programs. In spite of the fact that women have been underrepresented in these programs and often steered toward training in “traditionally female” occupations, they exhibit higher postprogram earnings gains than males. Overall, however, the training provided has at best shifted women into low-wage clerical fields with average annual earnings barely above the poverty level. Therefore, these programs—taken alone—can not be expected to have a major impact on an important problem facing blacks: welfare dependency.
Strategies used by Black Single Mothers against Stress
Authors: Mcadoo Harriette Pipes
Published: August 2007

In a recent study, coping strategies used by 318 black single mothers faced with conflicting role demands and stress were assessed. The women experienced intense stress, but stress levels were lower for women who were living with their extended kin. Conflicts existed between the role of mother and employee and between the women's work and childrearing. For conflicts, women selected the least healthy of the three possible coping strategies. They attempted to meet the demands of their work and family, without trying to change the expectations of either. Stress was highest for women who met demands by restricting their own career or personal choices.
Jamaican Working-Class Women: Producers and Reproducers
Authors: Mason Beverly J.
Published: August 2007

Jamaica's economy is underdeveloped, creating and maintaining relatively few income-generating opportunities for its population. To survive, working-class women who assume primary economic and social responsibilities for their children must be economically active, whether in the retrenching formal sector or in the growing informal sector. The following article examines how their culture and economy merge to define Jamaican women and their roles.
Labor Market Segmentation: African American and Puerto Rican Labor in New York City, 1960–1980
Authors: Torres Andrés
Published: August 2007

This study examines the determinants of wage differences between African Americans and Puerto Ricans in New York City. The empirical analysis, conducted on census data for 1960, 1970, and 1980, highlights two important patterns. Changes in returns to human capital have been more important for Puerto Ricans than for African Americans; and changes in group segmentation structure have had a positive effect for African Americans, a negative effect for Puerto Ricans. The results are suggestive of the notion that the two groups are pursuing different paths of economic mobility.
Look before you Leap: The Franchise Route to Self-Employment
Authors: Bates Timothy , Bradford William
Published: August 2007

Aspiring entrepreneurs choosing to become franchisees certainly expect to improve their chances of survival during the turbulent early years of business startup and operation. This study examines survival patterns among franchise and nonfranchise African American-owned small firms started between 1984 and 1987. Survival through late 1991 was tracked for these firms as well as for comparison groups of white-owned firms. The independent business startups—whether black- or white-owned—were found to have better survival prospects than did the franchises.
A Different Approach to the Measurement of Income Inequality
Authors: Conrad Cecilia A.
Published: August 2007

This article presents Atkinson indices of racial income inequality for 1954–1989. This approach permits the study of racial inequality and inequality in the overall distribution of income in a consistent framework. The Atkinson index shows that progress towards racial equality stopped much earlier than observation of mean income ratios would suggest and that most of the gains have been eroded.
Has Social Mobilization Caused Political Instability in Africa? A Granger-Causality Test
Authors: Umez Bedford N.
Published: August 2007

A Granger-causality test is used to examine whether social mobilization causes political instability. This test allows serious problems encountered in correlation-based analyses to be overcome. Time-series data from seven African countries are used. The empirical results (which vary by country) generally suggest that there is usually a feedback relationship between social mobilization and political instability.
A Regional Analysis of Black Male-White Male Wage Differences
Authors: Cotton Jeremiah
Published: August 2007

This research indicates that labor market outcomes for black males in terms of hourly wages differed markedly from region to region over the 1976 to 1984 period. And although black males faced a substantial amount of discriminatory treatment in all regions, the amounts varied significantly by region.
What do we know about Racial Discrimination in Mortgage Markets?
Authors: Cloud Cathy , Galster George
Published: August 2007

The article summarizes evidence regarding racially discriminatory acts in the mortgage lending market. Various information sources are considered: paired-testing studies, statistical studies of lending patterns and loan rejections, administrative histories, legal suits, case studies, and mortgage underwriting standards. The review demonstrates that, although there remain many unanswered questions about the scope and nature of racial discrimination in mortgage lending, there is sufficient evidence to conclude that the problem still exists.
Racial Differences in Intersegment Mobility
Authors: Waddoups Jeffrey
Published: August 2007

This article is an exploration of racial differences in the intersegment mobility process in a segmented labor market. To this end, a series of qualitative response models describing mobility of prime-age white and nonwhite males through a tripartite segmented labor market is constructed. It is found that demand variables representing labor market conditions, as well as traditional human capital variables are important predictors of intersegment mobility. It is also evident that there are striking racial differences in intersegment mobility patterns.
Aid and Economic Growth in Ldcs: Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Gyimah-Brempong Kwabena
Published: August 2007

This paper uses a disaggregated cross-national time-series aid data and a Least Squares Dummy Variables (LSDV) model to investigate the effects of aid on economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa. We find that, contrary to what some critics of aid argue, aid has a small but positive and significant effect on economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa. A simultaneous equation specification of the model shows that aid affects economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa directly and indirectly through increased domestic savings and investment.
The Effect of Discrimination and Segregation on Black Male Migration
Authors: Larson Tom
Published: August 2007

This article develops and tests a model of black male migration to major standard metropolitan statistical areas (SMSAs). Migration is examined using a dual labor market approach. A statistical model is tested that incorporates measures of discrimination and segregation. The results are consistent with the argument that discriminatory employment practices constrain black male migration and suggest that past practices help explain the labor market problems of young blacks today. The analysis is temporal, but provides insights into previously unstudied determinants of black male migration. Decennial census data is used for fifty SMSAs.
Minority Business Development: Where do we go from Here?
Authors: Chen Gavin M.
Published: August 2007

It is the contention here that the development of secondary markets to add liquidity to minority and small business equity and investors will greatly increase the flow of investment funds to institutions that originate those assets. While that may be true, investment originators can also create derivatives to contain the risk or to speculate in those markets. Also, investment originators can issue bonds or certificates using their minority C&I assets as securities.

It is clear that a number of avenues already exist to enhance liquidity and investment flow to investors in minority and small businesses. Why then are they not being used? The primary reason for the exclusion of such assets from the derivative and secondary markets is the risk perception. It is felt that some form of guaranty or portfolio discount would be necessary to attract investors to these markets. That would mean governmental interference and regulation. However, the government is not willing to add “full faith and credit” to another financial intermediary, especially one where the downside risk is perceptively large.
Progress and Success in the Development of Black-Owned Franchise Units
Authors: Sonfield Matthew C.
Published: August 2007

One path to black entrepreneurship is via the franchise. This article analyzes the basic issues of progress and success in the development of black-owned franchise units, with a focus on the measurement and promotion of such progress and success. Existing measures and promotional efforts are evaluated, and the perspectives of both the franchisor and the franchisee are probed. Secondary sources of data are analyzed, as are a series of in-depth telephone interviews conducted with a sampling of top executives of both large and small franchisor companies and also with a variety of black owners of franchise units. Recommendations and conclusions, for both franchisors and franchisees, are presented.
The Performance of Minority Banks in a Deregulated Banking Environment
Authors: Holdren Don P. , Heyliger Wilton E.
Published: August 2007

This study examined 58 performance ratios for minority banks in 1980 and 1988. Its purpose was to evaluate the impact of deregulation on high and low performance minority banks. The study found that deregulation had a positive impact on those banks in the high performance groups in 1980 and a negative affect on those banks in the low performance groups in 1980. The study also found minority banks, in general, needed to improve management efficiency. Management efficiency of low performance minority banks seemed to have deteriorated in the deregulation period. The authors suggest that low performance minority banks be given closer regulatory supervision and aid in developing efficient management in their organizations.
Gender, Entrepreneurship and Socioeconomic Reparation in South Africa
Authors: Ahwireng-Obeng Fred
Published: August 2007

Entrepreneurship development has become recognized as a functional means of tackling South Africa's socioeconomic challenges of slow growth rate, rapidly increasing unemployment, and racially inequitable distribution of income. However, current policies and programs ignore the potential input of the female gender. Yet, females are proven to be capable of using their peculiar gender dispositions effectively as small and micro entrepreneurs. The article examines the socioeconomic outcomes of South Africa's systemic crisis, gender-specific influences on entrepreneurial supply and alternative women-in-entrepreneurship programs that could be implemented with sensitivity to that country's sociocultural diversity.
Racial Differences in the Feminization of Poverty
Authors: Hoffman Emily P.
Published: August 2007

The feminization of poverty refers to female householders and their children becoming an increasing percentage of the poor population. After examining effects of race on poverty of female-headed households from 1959 to 1989, this study investigates statistical relationships among female poverty, economic and labor market conditions, and transfer payments (specifically AFDC) by means of the Granger causality test over the period from 1966 to 1988. This study reinforces the plausible assumption that policies which would lower the unemployment rate of females and would increase real economic growth could be expected to reduce the number of poor female households.
The Impact of Changes in Local Labor Market Conditions on Estimates of Occupational Segregation
Authors: Schmitz Susanne , Gabriel Paul E.
Published: August 2007

Recent work by labor economists has suggested that differential labor market treatment of minorities (e.g., occupational segregation) may vary across local labor markets. This study assesses whether changing economic conditions in a local labor market affects the degree of occupational segregation by race and gender in the United States. Our empirical analysis finds evidence that the relative occupational structures of white women and black males are systematically related to changes in certain local labor market conditions.
Color or Culture?: Wage Differences among Non-Hispanic Black Males, Hispanic Black Males and Hispanic White Males
Authors: Cotton Jeremiah
Published: August 2007

The analysis of the determinants of wage differences between Hispanic black, Hispanic white and non-Hispanic black males undertaken in this research does not support the contention that cultural differences are more significant than color differences in the generation of racial wage gaps.
Do Lenders who Redline Make More Money than Lenders who Don't?
Authors: Squires Gregory D. , O'Connor Sally
Published: August 2007

While it is widely recognized that racial minorities and residents of distressed urban communities experience relatively greater difficulty in obtaining mortgage loans, there is little consensus on the causes of such lending patterns. This study examines the relationship between lender profitability and the percentage of their loans and loan dollars that are invested in Milwaukee's central city and to racial minorities throughout the metropolitan area. Findings suggest that to understand broader industry-wide patterns, it is important to focus on the characteristics of lending institutions themselves, particularly those that yield discriminatory lending patterns, and not solely on the income, credit rating, and other socioeconomic characteristics pertaining to the risk and profitability associated with various population groups and community areas. Policy and research implications that will lead to a more comprehensive understanding of, and more effective solutions for, urban credit availability or redlining problems are discussed.
Fiscal Stress in Local Government: A Case Study of the Tri-Cities in the Commonwealth of Virginia
Authors: Badu Yaw Agyeman , Yung Li Sheng
Published: August 2007

Ability to raise sufficient revenue to satisfy expenditure needs is the most important concern in local government financing. Local governments under fiscal stress often need to dig deep into their tax base to generate enough financing because of inflexible revenue resources. This paper examines the factors that determine the level of tax effort, particularly the influences of fiscal stress on the tax effort of three adjacent small cities in Virginia. An ordinary least squared model was formulated for this purpose. Our findings indicate that, together with fiscal stress, retail sales, state aid, the joint effect of unemployment and welfare expenditures are important factors in predicting the tax effort. The difference in response among the cities in question is also established as a result of the analysis.
The Impact of Targeted Partnership Grants on Minority Employment
Authors: Mongkuo Maurice Y. , Pammer William J.
Published: August 2007

This paper assesses the relative impact of the major design components of the Urban Development Action Grant (UDAG) targeted partnership development initiative on minority employment in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area (PMSA). Data are drawn from records obtained from the Department of Housing and Urban Development of completed UDAG projects between 1978 and 1988 for the Pittsburgh PMSA. The results suggest that targeting geographic projects by leveraging private investment in a central city does not yield a significant increase in minority employment. Moreover, the geographic emphasis of UDAG projects do not exhibit an ability to increase minority employment. These findings support the benefit capitalization and ecological fallacy arguments, which propose that the benefits of targeted partnerships (i.e., employment) is shifted away from the original beneficiaries. The paper concludes by discussing the implications of these findings and directions for future research.
Rising Black Unemployment: Changes in Job Stability or in Employability?
Authors: Badgett M. V. Lee
Published: August 2007

This article analyzes the effects of changes in flows into and out of unemployment on the growing gap between black and white unemployment rates in the 1970s and 1980s. Current Population Survey data show that black workers’ unemployment inflows increased, suggesting that job instability increased. Declining employment opportunities were also implicated, as black workers left unemployment for a job less often in 1987 than in 1971. White women's situation improved considerably, with lower inflows and higher employment probabilities. Although the effects of declining federal equal employment opportunity (EEO) pressure cannot be detected, these findings are consistent with increasing racial discrimination.
Survival Strategies of Successful Black Farmers
Authors: McLean-Meyinsse Patricia E. , Brown Adell
Published: August 2007

Structural change in U.S. agriculture has resulted in a decline in farm numbers, increases in farm size, and the dominance of large-scale producers. Although the number of black-operated farms has fallen considerably since the 1950s, a small group of these farmers operate successful farms. A selected group of black farmers in Louisiana was surveyed to determine their strategies for success. The results indicate that success is directly related to (a) good management practices, (b) knowledge and early adoption of new technology, (c) strong work ethics, (d) love of farming, (e) size of operation, (f) participation in government programs, and (g) strong family support.
African Americans in Southern Rural Regions: The Importance of Legacy
Authors: Swanson Louis E. , Harris Rosalind P. , Skees Jerry R. , Williamson Lionel
Published: August 2007

This analysis reassesses the importance of the combined legacies of race, class, and culture by using the concentration of African Americans in a county as a general measure of this phenomenon for thirteen Southern states. Explanatory variables associated with labor force structure, social well-being and region provide evidence that those areas of the South with the highest concentrations of African Americans continue to be the most disadvantaged. These results suggest little change for metropolitan counties with increased concentrations of African Americans. The analyses point toward the need for a focused assessment of the efficacy of existing public and private programs to provide a foundation for overcoming the negative dimensions of the regional legacy.
Employment Hardship and Rural Minorities: Theory, Research, and Policy
Authors: Jensen Leif
Published: August 2007

Rural racial and ethnic minorities are among the poorest of all Americans. This article situates their plight both theoretically and empirically in the context of employment hardship. Defined by access to employment and job quality, employment hardship is more prevalent among nonmetropolitan African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans than it is among either their central city counterparts or non-Hispanic whites. The strengths and limitations of both individual-level frameworks (e.g., human capital) and macro-level theories (e.g., uneven development) in explaining the economic double jeopardy faced by rural minorities are discussed. Policy recommendations designed to ameliorate employment hardship are presented.
Domestic Food Programs, Hunger and Undernutrition in Rural America: How Secure is the Safety Net?
Authors: Davis Carlton G.
Published: August 2007

This article analyzes the efficacy and distributional impacts of domestic food assistance programs as a safety net against hunger and undernutrition in rural America. The framework of analysis emphasizes the interactions among income level, food availability and nutrient consumption levels. The deteriorating real income of poor rural residents in the 1970s and 1980s eroded the effective demand for essential food and nutrient groups. From 1979 to 1983, the number of rural poor who were eligible for but did not receive food stamps increased from 5.67 million to 7.51 million. It is argued that food programs can begin to serve as an effective safety net only when they are synchronized with other transfer programs and programs that increase the effective demand for food and nutrients through increased employment opportunities.
The Theory of Bank Redlining and Discrimination: An Exploration
Authors: Dymski Gary Arthur
Published: August 2007

This article addresses a gap in the economic literature on race and credit markets: the theoretical basis of lending discrimination and redlining. It provides a unified model for exploring why discrimination and redlining exist in credit markets. This model is first used to examine three explanations offered by other authors—bigotry, differential risk, and market segmentation. The article then suggests several new explanations of race effects. These emphasize the interlinkage between labor and credit markets; market spillovers due to housing liquidity, refurbishment, and branch location effects; and strategic interaction among lenders.
The Gift of Chaos: An Opportunity for the Nation's Black Economists
Authors: White-Means Shelley I.
Published: August 2007

This address presents a strategy for black economists, who can serve as catalysts for thoughtful discussions about future directions for our nation. The strategy is posed for two areas: health care and affirmative action policy.
The Impact of the California Civil Rights Initiative (CCRI) on University and Professional School Admissions and the Implications for the California Economy
Authors: Conrad Cecilia A. , Sharpe Rhonda V.
Published: August 2007

Using data from the University of California and results from previously published research on the returns to higher education, this article presents a preliminary evaluation of the impact of ending affirmative action in admissions at a large, publicly funded university. At the undergraduate level, eliminating race as a factor in the admissions process will redistribute African Americans, Mexican Americans, and Native Americans away from the most competitive campuses (UC-Berkeley, UCLA, UC-San Diego) towards the less competitive campuses in the California State University system. This redistribution will lower the returns to schooling for those affected groups and could have a negative impact on the educational environment for all students. Affirmative action will, in the short run, reduce the number of African American, Mexican American, and Native American students admitted and, in the long run, will have an adverse effect on the delivery of legal and health care services to those racial and ethnic groups.
Utilization of a chloroplast membrane sulfolipid as a major internal sulfur source for protein synthesis in the early phase of sulfur starvation in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Sugimoto Koichi , Sato Norihiro , Tsuzuki Mikio
Published: August 2007

Information is limited on sulfur (S)‐sources inside plant cells for synthesis of the proteins for acclimation to S‐starvation. We found that a green alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, when transferred to S‐starved conditions, degrades 85% of a chloroplast membrane lipid, sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol (SQDG), to redistribute its S to a large part of protein fraction as early as by 6 h. Furthermore, the degradation of SQDG preceded that of proteins such as ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, the candidates of internal S‐sources. SQDG was thus demonstrated to yield a major internal S‐source for protein synthesis during the early phase of acclimation process to S‐starvation.
Use of multicellular tumor spheroids to dissect endothelial cell–tumor cell interactions: A role for T‐cadherin in tumor angiogenesis
Authors: Ghosh Sourabh , Joshi Manjunath B. , Ivanov Danila , Feder-Mengus Chantal , Spagnoli Giulio C. , Martin Ivan , Erne Paul , Resink Therese J.
Published: August 2007

This study addresses establishment of an “in vitro” melanoma angiogenesis model using multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS) of differentiated (HBL) or undifferentiated (NA8) melanoma cell lines. DNA microarray assay and qRT‐PCR indicated upregulation of pro‐angiogenic factors IL‐8, VEGF, Ephrin A1 and ANGPTL4 in NA8‐MCTSs (vs. monolayers) whereas these were absent in MCTS and monolayer cultures of HBL. Upon co‐culture with endothelial cell line HMEC‐1 NA8‐MCTS attract, whereas HBL‐MCTS repulse, HMEC‐1. Overexpression of T‐cadherin in HMEC‐1 leads to their increased invasion and network formation within NA8‐MCTS. Given an appropriate angiogenic tumor microenvironment, T‐cadherin upregulation on endothelial cells may potentiate intratumoral angiogenesis.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress during the embryonic development of the central nervous system in the mouse
Authors: Zhang Xiaochu , Szabo Eva , Michalak Marek , Opas Michal
Published: August 2007

In the present study, we have found evidence for ER stress occurring during development of the central nervous system in the mouse. Several ER‐resident stress‐regulated chaperones, such as calreticulin, glucose regulated protein 78, glucose regulated protein 94, ER protein 57 and protein disulfide isomerase, were expressed at higher levels in embryonic brain and retina, compared with adult tissues. In contrast, calnexin, a chaperone that is not regulated by stress was equally abundant in embryonic and adult tissues. We also detected unfolded protein response during embryonic development. Both eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α and its phosphorylated form were more abundant in embryonic brain and retina than in adult tissues. Spliced X‐box binding protein‐1 mRNA was detected in embryonic brain and retina, while it was absent in adult counterparts. Partially glycosylated form of activating transcription factor 6α, another ER stress indicator, was detected predominantly in embryonic brain. Finally, apoptotic pathway components, caspase‐7 and ‐12, were more abundant in embryonic brain than in adult. The pattern of expression of chaperones together with activation of the unfolded protein response factors suggests the presence of ER stress during development of brain and retina. Furthermore, our data suggest that ER stress‐like mechanism may induce apoptosis via activation of the caspases during embryonic development of the central nervous system.