bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of atypical antipsychotics in bipolar depression and anxiety disorders
Authors: McIntyre Roger , Katzman Martin
Published: December 2003

Abstract: Bipolar disorder is a complex condition that includes symptoms of mania, depression, and often anxiety. Diagnosing and treating bipolar depression is challenging, with the disorder often being diagnosed as unipolar depression. In addition, comorbid anxiety can be a significant detractor to successful outcomes, increasing symptom severity, frequency of episodes and suicide rates, and decreasing response to antidepressant therapy. Anxiety often precedes and hastens the onset of bipolar disorder, and a shared genetic etiology has been suggested. Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of atypical antipsychotics for the acute and maintenance treatment of mania. Evidence from studies in patients with treatment‐resistant major depressive disorder and bipolar depression indicate that these agents may also have antidepressant effects. In open trials in patients with bipolar mania, risperidone therapy has led to significant reductions in depression scores compared with baseline. Reductions in depression scores in patients with bipolar mania have been significantly greater with olanzapine compared with placebo. In patients with bipolar depression, the combination of olanzapine and fluoxetine resulted in significant improvement in depression compared with olanzapine alone or placebo. Although little data are available on the effects of these agents on comorbid anxiety in patients with bipolar disorder, some atypical antipsychotics have demonstrated efficacy in patients with anxiety disorders, including obsessive‐compulsive disorder, post‐traumatic stress disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Thus, atypical antipsychotics represent an important therapeutic option for the treatment of bipolar disorder, providing improvements in manic, depressive, and anxiety symptoms.
Safety and tolerability of atypical antipsychotics in patients with bipolar disorder: prevalence, monitoring and management
Authors: Chue Pierre , Kovacs Christopher S
Published: December 2003

Abstract:  Atypical antipsychotics are associated with fewer movement disorders and a lower risk of tardive dyskinesia than conventional antipsychotics, but are not without side‐effects. Metabolic side‐effects associated with some of the atypical antipsychotics are a concern for both clinicians and patients. Adverse events related to central nervous system effects, weight gain, and alterations in glucose, lipid, and prolactin levels in patients with depression, bipolar, and anxiety disorders have been reported. Balancing the significant benefits of treatment with these agents against the potential risks of metabolic disturbances and other adverse effects is crucial. Emerging data are making it possible to determine the risk–benefit analysis for specific atypical antipsychotics in individual patients and allow for targeted selection of treatment. A new concept of effectiveness is emerging that attempts to balance adverse effects of treatment with patient quality of life. Patients treated with atypical antipsychotics should have their weight, waist circumference, glucose, and lipids monitored on a regular basis. Monitoring of prolactin levels is not suggested; however, a baseline measurement before initiating treatment can be useful, with subsequent assessment only if a patient demonstrates symptoms. Prevention of weight gain is important. Diet and exercise should be considered for prevention and management, with the use of pharmacologic strategies approached with caution in patients with mood disorders. If a patient is at high risk of developing diabetes, certain pharmacologic agents have been shown to delay the onset of overt diabetes. Once diabetes or dyslipidemia are diagnosed, management should proceed in accordance with approved guidelines for these conditions.
Marzouk skin tag two‐stage urethroplasty for the repair of complex cases of hypospadias
Authors: MARZOUK ESSAM
Published: December 2003

Abstract Background:  Cases of hypospadias with severe chordee and deficient skin, as well as those for re‐do hypospadias or fistula repair, are considered complex cases. Depending on the degree of complexity of the defect, a two‐stage procedure may still be advisable. The present paper describes the so‐called Marzouk skin tag urethroplasty as a new two‐stage procedure advisable for use in such difficult cases.

Methods:  The Marzouk skin tag urethroplasty procedure was performed on 16 complex cases. The first stage consists of urethral mobilization plus the double‐buttonhole procedure (designed by the author) to form a midline ventral skin tag proximal to an advanced hypospadiac orifice. This skin tag is fashioned, 6 months later, by the author's special techniques (type I in 12 patients and type II in four patients) to form the neourethral tube and its coverage with minimal dissection.

Results:  The operation resulted in a straight penis with neomeatus at the glans top in all 16 cases without significant complications. Both type I and II procedures give good functional results. The type I procedure has a superior cosmetic result. The follow‐up period ranged from 4 to 8 months.

Conclusions:  The double‐buttonhole modification can solve the problem of deficient skin and simplify a safe second‐stage procedure. The Marzouk skin tag operation (types I and II) can be an additional option to be used when indicated.
Laparoscopic nephropexy: Treatment outcome and quality of life
Authors: MATSUI YOSHIYUKI , MATSUTA YOSUKE , OKUBO KAZUTOSHI , YOSHIMURA KOJI , TERAI AKITO , ARAI YOICHI
Published: December 2003

Abstract Background:  The recent introduction of laparoscopic procedures has markedly altered urological surgery. Laparoscopic nephropexy has attracted the attention of urologists as a treatment for nephroptosis. Herein, we describe our experiences and quality‐of‐life outcome of laparoscopic nephropexy and discuss its indications and surgical techniques.

Methods:  From May 1998 to February 2002, six female patients, ranging in age from 20 to 64 years (median age 39.8 years), with symptomatic nephroptosis underwent laparoscopic nephropexy. Mean preoperative downward kidney displacement was 2.25 vertebral bodies (range 2–2.5) and all affected kidneys were tilted at orthostasis. One patient underwent nephropexy through the transperitoneal approach and the remaining patients underwent nephropexy through the retroperitoneal approach. To evaluate surgical results, postoperative follow‐up interview (pain visual analog scale and the short‐form 36 (SF‐36) health survey questionnaire) and objective examinations were performed.

Results:  All procedures were accomplished without complication. Postoperative intravenous pyelography correctly confirmed fixed kidney in both supine and erect positions. All patients reported an improvement of symptoms approximately 1 month after nephropexy and no symptoms have recurred during the follow‐up period (range 6.3–50.7 months). On the SF‐36, two domains, including role limitations due to emotional problems (RE) and mental health (MH), exhibited significant improvement postoperatively (P = 0.0405 and P = 0.0351, respectively).

Conclusions:  Laparoscopic, in particular retroperitoneoscopic, nephropexy yields excellent outcomes and greatly improves general health‐related quality of life, particularly mental status, as a minimally invasive treatment for symptomatic nephroptosis.
Lipomatosis of the bladder presenting as bladder cancer
Authors: TULUNAY ÖZDEN , GÖǦÜS ÇAǦATAY , BEDÜK YAŞAR , KAYGUSUZ GÜLŞAH , ORHAN DICLEHAN
Published: December 2003

Abstract A case of bladder lipomatosis in an 81‐year‐old man is presented. The preoperative diagnosis was bladder tumor. A transurethral resection of the bladder was performed and a pathological examination revealed lipomatosis of the bladder. This entity is extremely rare and, to our knowledge, this is the second case reported in the English published works.
Perinephric urinoma secondary to neurogenic bladder with vesicoureteral reflux: Report of an adult case
Authors: FUJITA KAZUTOSHI , SUGAO HIDEKI , TSUJIKAWA KOZO
Published: December 2003

Abstract We report a case of infectious perinephric urinoma in a 73‐year‐old woman who had a neurogenic bladder with vesico‐ureteral reflux. The patient was admitted to our emergency room with right lumbago and high fever. Ultrasounds and computed tomography demonstrated a right large perinephric cystic mass, bilateral hydronephrosis and much residual urine. Percutaneous drainage of the cystic mass was performed with an indwelling urethral catheter. The content of the mass was urine infected with Escherichia coli. Antibiotic therapy was performed successfully and we then examined the cause of the urinoma. A urodynamic study demonstrated a low‐compliance small bladder and detrusor–sphincter dyssynergia. A voiding cystourethrogram revealed right grade III vesicoureteral reflux. The patient was unable to be cleared with intermittent catheterization and had an indwelling urethral catheter inserted. In 1 year, the voiding cystourethrogram showed no vesicoureteral reflux and the patient was well with no evidence of recurrent urinoma without the urethral catheter. There have been only two reported cases of urinoma caused by neurogenic bladder with vesico‐ureteral reflux in children and this is the first case reported in an adult.
Prenatal diagnosis of congenital mesoblastic nephroma associated with renal hypertension in a premature child
Authors: SIEMER STEFAN , LEHMANN JAN , REINHARD HARALD , GRAF NORBERT , LÖFFLER GERHARD , HENDRIK HANS , REMBERGER KLAUS , STÖCKLE MICHAEL
Published: December 2003

Abstract In the present article, we report, for the first time, a prenatal diagnosis of a congenital mesoblastic nephroma in combination with a post‐partum hyperreninemia with hypertension. A newborn was delivered at 35 weeks gestation who had an intrauterine diagnosis of a renal mass as early as 32 weeks gestational age by ultrasound examination. Tumor nephrectomy was performed on day 11 after delivery when an increase in hypertension was observed in the newborn.
Clinically isolated cerebellar metastasis of renal pelvic urothelial cancer
Authors: KOBAYASHI TAKASHI , OGURA KEIJI , NISHIZAWA KOJI , ONO MAKOTO , UENO YASUSHI , MIYAKE HIDENORI , IDE YOSHIHIRO
Published: December 2003

Abstract A 70‐year‐old man who had undergone radical surgery for renal pelvic transitional cell carcinoma 9 months previously developed solitary cerebellar metastasis. Despite neurosurgical removal, the patient died and post‐mortem pathological examination revealed microscopic metastatic lesions within microvessels of the lung. No other lesion, including local residual cancer, was detected.
Alpha‐blocker test: Alternative to pressure–flow study of bladder outlet obstruction and detrusor contractility in patients without an enlarged prostate
Authors: HIRAYAMA AKIHIDE , SAMMA SHOJI , YAMAGUCHI AKIRA , FUKUI YOSHIHISA , MATSUMOTO YOSHIHIRO , FUJIMOTO KIYOHIDE , HIRAO YOSHIHIKO
Published: December 2003

Abstract Objectives:  We investigated whether the cause of urinary disturbance in men with a prostate volume ≤20 mL can be determined by analyzing the efficacy of α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist (alpha‐blocker) treatment.

Methods:  Thirty‐five men who were >50 years of age, with an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) ≥8 points, a quality of life (QOL) index ≥2 points and a prostate volume ≤20 mL were enrolled in the non‐enlarged prostate group. Twenty‐six men who met the above conditions but who had a prostate volume >20 mL served as controls. The α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist tamsulosin was administered at a dose of 0.2 mg/day for 4 weeks. Results for the IPSS, QOL index, free flowmetry and pressure–flow studies were obtained before and after tamsulosin administration.

Results:  In both groups, tamsulosin improved the IPSS and QOL index and the bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOI) was lowered without reducing the bladder contractility index (BCI). No parameter showed a significant difference in treatment efficacy between the two groups. In the non‐enlarged prostate group, both the pretreatment BOOI and BCI correlated with the efficacy of treatment in improving maximum flow rate (Qmax). In the enlarged prostate group, BOOI and BCI did not correlate with Qmax. When Qmax was improved by ≥3.5 mL/s, the positive predictive value for both pretreatment BOOI >40 and BCI >100 was 100% in the non‐enlarged prostate group.

Conclusions:  The alpha‐blocker test is one method to assess the presence of bladder outlet obstruction and the state of detrusor contractility in men without an enlarged prostate.
Bulbocavernosus reflex during the micturition cycle in normal male subjects
Authors: KAIHO YASUHIRO , NAMIMA TAKASHIGE , NAKAGAWA HARUO , AIZAWA MASATAKA , UCHI KEIICHIRO , TAKEUCHI YOSHIHIRO IKEDA, AKIRA , ARAI YOICHI
Published: December 2003

Abstract Background:  To investigate normal changes in the bulbocavernosus reflex (BCR) during the micturition cycle, we examined the change in BCR during the micturition cycle using an evoked potential reaction of the BCR (BCR‐EP).

Methods:  Fourteen normal subjects were examined in the study. The BCR‐EP was recorded at empty bladder, filled bladder, during voiding and at empty bladder after voiding. To elicit the BCR‐EP, the dorsal nerve of the penis was stimulated by two ring electrodes and an electromyogram of the external urethral sphincter was recorded. The maximum amplitude was measured to evaluate changes in the BCR.

Results:  The amplitude of the BCR was increased by bladder filling and the ratio of the amplitude at filled bladder/amplitude at empty bladder was 1.32 ± 0.39. The stable BCR‐EP elicited by stimulation at empty bladder disappeared during voluntary voiding in 13 of 14 subjects. However, as stimulation was increased in seven subjects, the BCR‐EP was again seen clearly.

Conclusions:  The BCR varies during the micturition cycle, although in normal subjects this variation occurs within a relatively narrow range. Changes in the BCR out of the normal range (e.g. large acceleration by bladder filling or insufficient inhibition during voiding) could suggest the existence of neurogenic disease.
Detection of circulating MUC7‐positive cells by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction in bladder cancer patients
Authors: KINJO MANAMI , OKEGAWA TAKATSUGU , HORIE SHIGEO , NUTAHARA KIKUO , HIGASHIHARA EIJI
Published: December 2003

Abstract Background:  To determine whether MUC7 gene expression can be used as a bladder cancer marker in peripheral blood.

Methods:  Nested reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was performed on four types of bladder cancer cell lines (RT4, T24, EJ‐1 and TCC) and the peripheral blood of 38 (31 superficial disease and seven invasive disease) bladder cancer patients and 18 subjects with urinary tract infections or other non‐malignant conditions to determine the expression of MUC7.

Results:  No MUC7 gene expression was detected in control subjects. MUC7‐positive cells were detected in all bladder cancer cell lines and in 18 of 38 (47.4%) peripheral blood samples of bladder cancer patients. Based on the tumor stage, MUC7 was detected in 11 of 29 (37.9%) patients with superficial disease (Ta and T1) and in seven of nine (77.7%) invasive disease patients (≥T2). There was a significant difference between superficial and invasive disease (P = 0.042). Based on tumor grade, we could not detect MUC7 in five patients with grade 1, in five of 15 patients (33.3%) with grade 2 and in 13 of 18 patients (72.2%) with grade 3. There was a significant difference between grades 1 and 3 (P = 0.007) and grades 2 and 3 (P = 0.025).

Conclusions:  These results suggest that MUC7 is a highly specific marker for bladder cancer and may be a useful method for the molecular staging and management of bladder cancer.
Foods and beverages in relation to urothelial cancer: Case‐control study in Japan
Authors: WAKAI KENJI , HIROSE KAORU , TAKEZAKI TOSHIRO , HAMAJIMA NOBUYUKI , OGURA YUJI , NAKAMURA SHIGEO , HAYASHI NORIO , TAJIMA KAZUO
Published: December 2003

Abstract Background:  The roles of several foods and beverages in the development of bladder cancer remain unclear.

Methods:  We undertook a hospital‐based case‐control study at Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Japan. Subjects included 124 men and women (bladder cancer cases) with newly diagnosed cancers of the renal pelvis (n = 5), ureter (n = 6) or bladder (n = 113) and 620 age‐ and sex‐matched, cancer‐free outpatients (controls) presenting at the hospital in the period from 1994 to 2000. Smoking‐adjusted odds ratios (OR) were estimated to assess the strength of associations between self‐reported intake of foods or drinks and bladder cancer risk, using conditional logistic models.

Results:  We found a decreased risk in relation to frequent intake of green–yellow vegetables; the OR for the highest intake score compared with the lowest was 0.54 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.29–0.99). The OR for carrot intake of ≥5 times/week compared with ≤1–3 times/month was 0.41 (95% CI 0.16–1.01) and a decreasing risk with increasing consumption of green vegetables was also detected (P for trend = 0.063). Inverse associations between black tea, eggs and meat and risk were also suggested, whereas moderate drinkers of green tea (5–9 cups/day) showed an elevated risk. Coffee and milk consumption did not appear to exert any influence.

Conclusions:  Those with an increased risk of bladder cancer, such as smokers, may benefit from increasing their consumption of green–yellow vegetables.
Lifelong premature ejaculation: from authority‐based to evidence‐based medicine
Authors: Waldinger M.D.
Published: December 2003

Historically, four periods can be distinguished in the approach to and treatment of lifelong premature ejaculation. Although drug treatment has been an option for many decades, psychotherapy prevailed as the first choice of treatment. However, the application of the principles of evidence‐based medicine shows that there is little evidence to support the psychological approach and behavioural treatment. In contrast, controlled trials with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, clomipramine and anaesthetic ointments have repeatedly shown the efficacy of both daily and ‘as‐needed’ drug treatment to delay ejaculation. Currently, an evidence‐based approach is gradually replacing the authority‐based psychological attitude that characterized the view of premature ejaculation. Based on psychopharmacological studies there is evidence that premature ejaculation is related to a diminished serotonergic neurotransmission, and 5‐HT2C or 5‐HT1A receptor disturbances. Moreover, animal studies show the presence of a distinct ejaculation‐related neural circuit in the central nervous system; its role in premature ejaculation remains to be elucidated.
The management of Peyronie's disease
Authors: Ralph D.J. , Minhas S.
Published: December 2003

Peyronie's disease has no known cause; recent understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved and the development of an animal model will aid the medical management of early disease. The medical management of chronic disease is futile as the delicate tunical architecture cannot regenerate. Surgical correction of the penile deformity is required in a minority of patients, and a choice lies between a Nesbit operation and a plaque incision and venous patch in patients who are concerned with penile shortening.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder: pathology, diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Shokeir A.A.
Published: December 2003

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can occur in both nonbilharzial and bilharzial bladders; the two subtypes differ in epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinicopathological features. The nonbilharzial type occurs in Western countries and represents < 5% of all vesical tumours; it occurs most often in the seventh decade with a slight male predominance. The principal predisposing factor is prolonged indwelling urethral catheterization in patients with spinal cord injury and the main symptom is haematuria. Patients are usually diagnosed at an advanced stage and most of the tumours are of moderate and high grades. At cystoscopy tumours are predominantly ulcerative and commonly involve the trigone and lateral walls. Although distant metastasis is infrequent (8–10%) the prognosis is grave and most patients die after failure of locoregional control; radical cystectomy provides the best therapy. To avoid nonbilharzial SCC, patients with spinal cord injury should be free of catheterization if possible. The outcome can be improved by early detection with frequent cytology, cystoscopy and biopsy. Bilharzial SCC occurs commonly in the Middle East, South‐east Asia and South America where schistosomiasis is endemic. In an Egyptian series SCC represented 59% of 1026 cystectomy specimens. The tumour is diagnosed in the fifth decade, and five times more common in men than women. Bladder carcinogenesis is probably related to bacterial and viral infections, commonly associated with bilharzial infestation rather than the parasite itself. The presentation is often with irritative bladder symptoms and haematuria, and many patients present at an advanced stage, although most tumours are of low and moderate grades. At cystoscopy tumours are predominantly nodular and usually arise from the upper vesical hemisphere. Lymph‐node metastasis occurs in ≈ 19% and significantly decreases survival; radical cystectomy remains the main treatment, giving a 5‐year survival rate of 50%. Early detection improves the therapeutic yield and prevention is possible by combining snail control and mass therapy of the infested rural population by oral antibilharzial drugs.
A Recurring Decimal: English in Language Policy and Planning
Authors: Bamgbo Ay
Published: December 2003

One reality of language policy discourse in the world today is that it inevitably gravitates toward English. This is regardless of whether such discourse relates to any of Kachru's categories of Inner, Outer and Expanding Circles. My metaphor for this ubiquitous presence is a recurring decimal. The prominence that a language has in language policy may be due to a number of factors such as population, prestige, status, functionality, nationalism, etc. English shares all these factors in different countries, and may, in fact, have more than one of the factors in the same country. The recurrence of English in language policy is often presented as an outcome of deliberate choice. To maintain this position is to fail to “problematize the notion of choice” (Pennycook, 1994), since it is well known that there are historical, economic and bureaucratic constraints to language decisions. The resulting hegemony of English may be seen as beneficial from the perspective of its communicative and instrumental functions, particularly in the contexts of a “shrinking world,” which globalization represents. However, in Outer Circle countries, where English is largely acquired though formal education, its detrimental effects can be seen in social stratification, exclusion, and problems associated with education and literacy, status of languages other than English, and language rights. These problems inevitably invite attention to the broader issues of English in the context of educational failure and overall language policy.
The World Englishes Paradigm and Contact Linguistics: Refurbishing The Foundations
Authors: Mesthrie Rajend
Published: December 2003

This paper argues for a greater degree of rapprochement between the fields of world Englishes and Contact Linguistics. New Englishes are after all contact varieties, in the broad sense of the term and hold insights for creolistics, just as the latter has much to offer world Englishes research. One of the phases of ‘refurbishing the foundations’ is to pay close attention to the establishment of individual world Englishes. This paper focuses on the ‘input’ to New Englishes from a variety of sources that typically preceded the influence of the classroom. These sources include regional dialects of settlers, sailors' sociolects, soldiers' language and the L2s of many missionaries. The influence of the superstrate is argued to be more influential than previously realised in shaping the grammar of New Englishes.
On Definite Reference in World Englishes
Authors: Kachru Yamuna
Published: December 2003

Deixis, associated with the gestural dimension of language, connects all language use to context of situation. It governs a number of grammatical and epistemological categories, including topicalization, orientational mapping and definite and unique reference. The focus of this paper is on the category mentioned last in the previous sentence: definite and unique reference across world Englishes.

The aim is to explore the uses of definite descriptions (Russell, 1919), i.e., noun phrases with the definite article the, to determine the nature and extent of differences across the varieties. Research on this topic is driven by two observations. The first is recent research findings in corpus linguistics. For example, Poesio and Vieira (1998) suggest that native speakers differ considerably from each other in their judgment of whether a definite noun phrase refers to an antecedent in the text, and if so, which noun phrase is the antecedent. The second is that it seems reasonable to assume that differences in the use of definite descriptions across varieties exist in view of the fact that English is in contact with other languages in different parts of the world. These languages utilize different categories to represent the same reality or imagined reality that are expressed in English by deictic categories. Research has shown that ‘conceptual situation’ and ‘conceptual event’ are largely language‐specifc (see, e.g., Pawley, 1987), and bilinguals and multilinguals transfer their ways of speaking and writing to their use of English. Use of definite descriptions, therefore, is very likely to differ in Englishes used in different parts of the world.

In this paper I utilize insights from earlier theories of definite descriptions (e.g., Christophersen, 1939; Hawkins, 1978; Webber, 1979; Prince, 1981, 1992; Heim, 1982) to analyze data from several world varieties of English. I also discuss the implications of my findings to the teaching of grammar in the EIL context.
Attitudes Towards English in the Basque Autonomous Community
Authors: Lasagabaster David
Published: December 2003

The learning of more than two languages in the school context is becoming very common‐place all over Europe, especially in the many places where a minority language is spoken. The situation of the Basque educational system is a very good case in point, as, apart from Basque and Spanish, English is also learnt at school. This study examines the attitudes of 1,097 university students towards the aforementioned three languages, using Baker's (1992) questionnaire on attitudes as the main instrument of the survey. In a previous study carried out with a smaller sample (133 students) in which the majority were Basque Philology degree students, it was observed that the participants' L1 had a clear impact on their attitudes. In fact, those students who had Basque as their L1 viewed the two international languages (Spanish and English) less favourably. In the case of the present sample, it was expected that students would not show such a negative attitude, as the range of degree courses being followed is much wider. Because the Basque language does not form the central core of the participants' studies, their attitudes towards Spanish and English will be more positive and farther from what Baker calls a bunker attitude.
Knowledge, Use, and Attitudes Towards Americanisms in Nigerian English
Authors: Igboanusi Herbert
Published: December 2003

As a result of British colonization of Nigeria, Nigerian English has its origins in British English and its usage has shown a strong British influence. In recent times, however, Nigerian English usage seems to have shown a growing influence of American English. This study examines the extent of the knowledge and use of American English by Nigerians as well as the attitude of Nigerian speakers of English towards American influence in Nigerian English. Using samples from newspapers and news‐magazines, radio and television, supermarkets and observed conversations, the study shows that although Nigerians like the influx of Americanisms into Nigerian English, they do not actually prefer American English to British English.
Tradition and Faith
Authors: Turner Denys
Published: December 2003

Abstract:  This article explores the relation between tradition and faith, arguing, first, that the issue about reason is an issue about faith and, second, that faith rediscovers itself in the debate with tradition. This debate with tradition ought to be less an appeal to, or an authoritative repetition of tradition, but rather a reworking of tradition in the context of contemporary questions and problems. So the appeal to tradition is not a naive appeal to a source of truth that is not in need of interpretation. Rather, it is the acknowledgement that there is a set of limiting conditions on contemporary theological argument. This position about the role of tradition in theology is illustrated by a discussion of our contemporary problems about language, God and ‘difference’, particularly as dealt with by postmodern philosophers, and the medieval tradition of negative theology.
Tradition as Subversion
Authors: Hanvey James
Published: December 2003

Abstract:  This article examines two ways in which the theology of tradition might become subversive. First, tradition can become ideology when the hermeneutics of power within a community determines our understanding of tradition. Because of possible tensions between revelation, reason and the community of faith in the ‘official’ narrative of tradition, there can develop ‘hermeneutical distortions’. Second, tradition, can, as ‘generative subversion’, also resist an ideology, its totalizing discourses and its power claims. It then expresses a community's orientation towards transcendence and its historical consciousness without necessarily lapsing into a destructive historicism. This concept of tradition finds its centre in Christ and in the understanding, and at the same time not fully comprehending, memory of him.
Christ as Culture 2: Christ as Art
Authors: Jenson Robert W.
Published: December 2003

Abstract:  Art can be understood as experimenting with possible worlds. There is, however, a real world underlying the possible worlds – the world created by God. We do not have unmediated access to this world, and so must, and can, continue to be artists, and a loss of faith in the existence of the real world leads to a loss of the possibility of art. If Christ is to be understood as art, then the Father is the artist who experiments with a possible world, which is thus defined as the real world, through his Son, the Logos.
Neo‐Classical Neo‐Populism 25 Years On: Déjà Vu and Déjà Passé. Towards a Critique
Authors: Byres Terence J.
Published: December 2003

The Griffin, Khan and Ickowitz argument in favour of redistributive land reform, as a means of eradicating rural poverty, is an updated version of a case made by Griffin 30 years ago, and is here seen as a variant of neo‐classical neo‐populism. The essential logic presented by GKI is considered and it is argued that the approach is defective in its lack of historical perspective and its deployment of a static approach in a dynamic context: these defects manifested in its ignoring of the processes associated with capitalist transformation. It is further argued that its logical foundation is the neo‐classical construct of perfect competition, which is without historical basis; its empirical justification is a postulated inverse relationship between land productivity and size of holding, supposedly true of all places and all times, but which is swept away by the development of capitalism in agriculture; and its social specification, in failing to capture the existence of differentiated peasantries, ignores the actual class structure of the countryside.
Redistributive Land Reform: No April Rose. The Poverty of Berry and Cline and GKI on the Inverse Relationship
Authors: Dyer Graham
Published: December 2003

At the theoretical heart of the Griffin, Khan and Ickowitz (GKI) case for redistributive land reform (‘a many‐splendoured thing’) lies the highly influential study by Albert Berry and William Cline, Agrarian Structure and Productivity in Developing Countries, published for the ILO in 1979. That study is regarded by many as the definitive work on the inverse relationship between farm size and land productivity. This paper subjects Berry and Cline, and by extension GKI, to critical scrutiny with respect to their policy implications, theoretical framework and empirical evidence. It also provides an alternative class‐theoretic approach to understanding the inverse relationship which undermines the use of the latter as the central rationale for redistributive land reform. If the approach of Berry and Cline can be shown to be theoretically, methodologically and empirically flawed, then perforce the argument and policy recommendations of GKI, who replicate that approach, can be shown to be fundamentally defective.
Power, Property Rights and the Issue of Land Reform: A General Case Illustrated with Reference to Bangladesh
Authors: Khan Mushtaq Husain
Published: December 2003

The argument for land reform is most persuasive when the proposed land reform promises not only to improve distribution but also to increase growth and efficiency. Such is the promise in the GKI advocacy of radical redistributive land reform. In this paper, first (a) the Griffin, Khan and Ickowitz (GKI) and (b) World Bank positions on land reform are compared, and their points of agreement and disagreement identified. Secondly, the political economy of Bangladesh is examined to evaluate the appropriateness of these two competing neoclassical approaches for understanding the constraints in the agrarian sector. Thirdly, it is argued that the anomalous evidence on land transactions and productivity in Bangladesh cannot be easily accommodated within purely economic models of markets in the way that the neoclassical approach attempts. Paradoxically, both the World Bank's focus on institutional reform and GKI's focus on radical land reform are derived from such attempts and both suffer from similar empirical and theoretical problems. There is a strong case for going back to Brenner‐type political economy approaches for understanding the dynamism and constraints facing agrarian transitions. Such an approach puts the analysis of class and power at the centre stage of an analysis of structure and change in the agrarian economy, and focuses on the distribution of power that prevents primitive accumulation in some countries leading to a capitalist transformation.
Searching for a Weapon of Mass Production in Rural Africa: Unconvincing Arguments for Land Reform
Authors: Sender John , Johnston Deborah
Published: December 2003

Many recent arguments for land reform share a central proposition concerning the relative efficiency of small farm production. This article argues that the theoretical reasoning underlying this proposition is not coherent, and furthermore the empirical support for this size–efficiency relationship in Africa is astonishingly weak. Given the evidence, the continued focus on the efficient, egalitarian family farm can only be ideologically driven. The poorest rural people are unlikely to benefit and will probably be harmed by the policies based on these arguments for land reform. To illustrate this point, the article considers data from land redistribution programmes, particularly in South Africa, that suggest not only that the poorest did not acquire land, but also that they suffered declines in rural wage earning opportunities that are crucial for their survival.
A Note on Former Soviet Bloc Countries
Authors: Kitching Gavin
Published: December 2003

It is argued that while it is difficult to be critical of GKI, because the picture painted of the former Soviet bloc countries is so broad, the treatment is not sufficiently detailed to be analytically illuminating. Four important weaknesses are identified. The first is the problematic analogy of private plot agriculture on the former state and collective farms with minifundia in Latin America, and the consequent analogy of collective farms with latifundia. The second is the argument that private plot farming was involuting in a Geertzian sense. Thirdly, the GKI redistributive land reform agenda for Russia is questioned and a case is made for privately owned and managed large farms. Finally, GKI are criticized for failing to take account of the limited rural labour supply in Russia.
‘Urban Bias’, Intersectoral Resource Flows and the Macroeconomic Implications of Agrarian Relations: The Historical Experience of Japan and Taiwan
Authors: Karshenas Massoud
Published: December 2003

It is argued that agrarian relations play a critical role in the pattern of intersectoral resource flows and the way in which the agricultural sector shapes the macroeconomy in developing countries. The notion of ‘urban bias’ used by GKI is defective in its abstracting from the pre‐existing agrarian system and from the prevailing institutions and in focussing on one simple set of influences outside the agricultural sector itself, i.e. government policy bias. This is illustrated with reference to the historical experience of two countries regarded as exemplary by GKI: Japan and Taiwan. Their experience shows that high rates of taxation and surplus extraction from agriculture are not incompatible with maintaining profitability and production incentives in agriculture, as long as agrarian relations and other enabling conditions can ensure a fast enough rate of technological progress and productivity growth in the sector. The macroeconomic implications of different agrarian relations are much more complex than the urban bias story told by GKI would suggest.
‘Changing Before Our Very Eyes’: Agrarian Questions and the Politics of Land in Capitalism Today
Authors: Bernstein Henry
Published: December 2003

This paper endorses the criticisms of neo‐classical populism and its advocacy of redistributive land reform provided by other contributions to this special issue of the Journal, to which it adds several further points. If GKI propose a version of an agrarian question of ‘small’ or ‘family’ farming, and its resolution through a familiar (Chayanovian) path of development, much of the critique rests, in one way or another, on the ‘classic’ agrarian question in capitalist transition, in effect the agrarian question of capital in which the agrarian question of labour was once subsumed. Here the question is posed whether, in the conditions of contemporary ‘globalization’ and its tendency to the ‘fragmentation’ of labour, there might be a new agrarian question of labour, now detached from that of capital, and which generates a new politics of struggles over land (and its distribution). Even to conceive of this question is beyond the analytical and political field of vision of neo‐classical populism. Some of the dimensions of an agrarian question of labour are illustrated in a brief consideration of recent, and highly contradictory, events in Zimbabwe: a unique case of comprehensive, regime‐sanctioned, confiscatory land redistribution in the world today.
Response Surface Modeling for Nonlinear Packaging Stresses
Authors: van Driel W. D. , Zhang G. Q. , Janssen J. H. J. , Ernst L. J.
Published: December 2003

The present study focuses on the development of reliable response surface models (RSM’s) for the major packaging processes of a typical electronic package. The major objective is to optimize the product/process designs against the possible failure mode of vertical die cracks. First, the finite element mode (FEM)-based physics of failure models are developed and the reliability of the predicted stress levels was verified by experiments. In the development of reliable thermo-mechanical simulation models, both the process (time and temperature) dependent material nonlinearity and geometric nonlinearity are taken into account. Afterwards, RSM’s covering the whole specified geometric design spaces are constructed. Finally, these RSM’s are used to predict, evaluate, optimize, and eventually qualify the thermo-mechanical behavior of this electronic package against the actual design requirements prior to major physical prototyping and manufacturing investments.
Residual Stresses in Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors: Measurement and Computation
Authors: den Toonder Jaap M. J. , Rademaker Christian W. , Hu Ching-Li
Published: December 2003

In this paper, we present a combined experimental and computational study of the thermomechanical reliability of multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCC’s). We focus on residual stresses introduced into the components during the cooling down step of the sintering process. The technique of microindentation turned out to be a useful method to measure the stresses locally. The computations were done with three-dimensional finite element simulations. We find that the cooling step introduces compressive in-plane stresses in the ceramic layers. There is reasonably good overall agreement between the residual stresses obtained from the indentation experiments and the numerical simulations. Some discrepancies do exist, though, for measurements on cross-sectioned MLCC’s. Possible reasons for the differences are discussed.
Modeling the Thermal Actuation in a Thermo-Pneumatic Micropump
Authors: Carmona M. , Marco S. , Samitier J. , Acero M. C. , Plaza J. A. , Esteve J.
Published: December 2003

The analysis of a thermo-pneumatic actuation unit for its use in a micropump has been carried out. Coupled thermo-mechanical simulations by finite element method (FEM) (with ANSYS software) were required because of the complexity of the device. The simulation results were validated by thermal and mechanical experimental results, showing a good agreement. FEM results have been used to extract a high level model of the actuation unit that can be used to estimate the maximum performance of the micropump operation with this actuation unit. In order to identify the best frequency of operation for the pump, a quality parameter has been defined based on the thermal dynamics of the actuation unit.
Characterization of Lead-Free Solders in Flip Chip Joints
Authors: Wiese S. , Meusel E.
Published: December 2003

The creep and crack propagation behavior of SnAg3.5, SnAg4Cu0.5, and SnPb37 (as reference) was investigated on flip chip solder joints V=1×10−12 m3. The test specimen consisted of two silicon chips (3.3×3.3 mm), bonded to each other by four flip chip joints (one on each corner). The steady-state creep rate was determined by reversible constant load shear tests. The stress exponents were n=11 for Sn96.5Ag3.5, n=18 for Sn95.5Ag4Cu0.5, and n=2 for Sn63Pb37. The apparent activation energies were Q=79.8 kJ/mol for Sn96.5Ag3.5, Q=83.1 kJ/mol for Sn95.5Ag4Cu0.5, and Q=44.9 kJ/mol for Sn63Pb37. Microstructural analyses indicated that small precipitates of Ag3Sn and η-Cu6Sn5 intermetallics are responsible for the high values for n and Q that were found for the Sn96.5Ag3.5 and Sn95.5Ag4Cu0.5. The crack growth rate was determined by isothermal fatigue experiments on Sn63Pb37 and Sn95.5Ag4Cu0.5 flip chip solder joints. The flip chip solder joints were loaded with strain amplitudes ranging from Δε=0.3–4% and test frequencies f=0.0001-100 Hz at a temperature of T=300 K.
Time- and Temperature-Dependent Thermo-Mechanical Modeling of a Packaging Molding Compound and its Effect on Packaging Process Stresses
Authors: Ernst L. J. , Zhang G. Q. , Jansen K. M. B. , Bressers H. J. L.
Published: December 2003

For reliable virtual thermo-mechanical prototyping of electronic packages appropriate descriptions of the mechanical behavior of the constituent materials are essential. In many packages molding compounds are used for encapsulation and underfill to provide environmental protection and/or to improve the package thermal mechanical reliability. Therefore, among others, the availability of appropriate constitutive models for various epoxy-molding compounds is one of the requirements for computational prototyping. As there is a large variability of available molding compounds, it is essential to be able to experimentally establish the model parameters in an efficient manner. Because of the implied simplicity, linear visco-elastic models combined with the time-temperature superposition theory are mostly used in thermo-mechanical simulations. Among the various experimental possibilities to efficiently establish the model parameter functions, in the present paper the use of unidirectional creep testing is worked out for a chosen molding compound. Here isothermal one-day creep experiments at different temperatures (ranging below and above the glass transition temperature of the compound) are performed. The tensile creep compliance and the time-dependent Poisson’s ratio of the material at different temperatures are successfully used to construct visco-elastic master curves. As the Poisson’s ratio shows a significant change during a creep or relaxation test, its effect in partly constraint situations (as in packages) will be evident. Therefore it is not reliable to approximate this variable using a constant value. Further, the visco-elastic model of the material is implemented in a finite element program and verified by means of a shear stress relaxation experiment and a creep experiment both under nonisothermal conditions. Moreover, the effect of the creep behavior of the molding compound on the packaging process stress field and its evolution is investigated. Substantial cost saving was realized by package design optimization based on the reliable prediction of the packaging process stresses.
Finite Element Modelling of Flip Chip Gold-Gold Thermocompression Bonding
Authors: Puigcorbe´ J. , Marco S. , Leseduarte S. , Carmona M. , Vendier O. , Devron C. , Delage S. L. , Floriot D. , Blanck H.
Published: December 2003

The gold-gold thermocompression process for power heterostructure bipolar transistor (HBT) flip chip has been modelled and simulated by finite element method. A model for plated gold creep has been determined on the basis of empirical data and model comparison. This model seems suited for gold-gold thermocompression process optimization.
Micro to Macro Thermo-Mechanical Simulation of Wafer Level Packaging
Authors: Yuan Chang-An , Chiang Kou-Ning
Published: December 2003

Due to the CPU limitation of the computer hardware currently available, the three-dimensional full-scaled finite element model of wafer level packaging is impractical for the reliability analysis and fatigue life prediction. In order to significantly reduce the simulation CPU time, an equivalent beam method based on the micro-macro technique with multi-point constraint method is proposed in the present study. The proposed novel equivalent beam consists of three/five sections to simulate the three-dimensional solder joint with different upper/lower pad size. Moreover, the total length of the proposed equivalent beam equals to the stand-of-height of the realistic solder joint. To compare the results of equivalent beam and full-scaled model, a wafer level packaging with 48 I/O is selected as a benchmark model in this study. The result shows that the equivalent beam model can reduce approximately 80 percent CPU time, and good agreement between the equivalent beam model and the full-scaled model are achieved.