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We study the dispersion of absolute price levels for US cities since 1918. By absolute price levels, we mean price indices that measure the cost of a given consumption basket at each point in time. We find strong evidence that city price levels converge over time and that the dispersion of price levels is lower for US cities than between OECD countries. We argue that price level convergence for US cities will produce bilateral real exchange rate nonstationarity. In this case, however, nonstationarity is not evidence against Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), rather it is the consequence of improved market integration. JEL classification: F31; F41 Keywords: Purchasing power parity; Real exchange rates

The nature of work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the neck and upper limbs is reviewed using both scientific data and the consensus view of experts, union bodies and government agencies across the European Union. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders describe a wide range of inflammatory and degenerative diseases and disorders. These conditions result in pain and functional impairment and may affect, besides others, the neck, shoulders, elbows, forearms, wrists and hands. They are work-related when the work activities and work conditions significantly contribute to their development or exacerbation but are not necessarily the sole determinant of causation. The classification and the need for standardised diagnostic methods for assessment of neck and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders are reviewed. These disorders are a significant problem within the European Union with respect to ill health, productivity and associated costs. The pathomechanisms of musculoskeletal disorders affecting tendons, ligaments, nerves, muscle, circulation and pain perception are reviewed and conceptual models for the pathogenesis of musculoskeletal disorders affecting the neck and upper limbs are presented. The epidemiological evidence on the work-relatedness of these disorders is discussed. A relationship between the performance of work and the occurrence of neck and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders is evident. Intervention strategies in the workplace for the reduction of both exposure and effect should focus upon factors within the work organisation as well as actively involving the individual worker. The current knowledge is sufficient to enable informed decisions to be made on future research needs and prevention strategies at the societal, organisational and individual level. Keywords: Work related upper limb disorders; Pathogenic model; Biomechanical exposure; Psychosocial exposure; Regulation

An article recently published in the Tort Law Review argues that separate torts of trespass to the person are no longer necessary, given the growth and development of the law of negligence. This article argues that there is a continuing role for trespass to the person, and that the interests protected by the tort of trespass are not adequately subsumed within negligence. This article agrees with the previously published views as to the historical development of the tort of trespass, but suggests that, whatever convergence is happening between the torts of trespass and negligence, there continue to be distinct elements of trespass unknown to negligence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the Australian court case Airedale NHS Trust v. Bland, which dealt with the withdrawal of life sustaining treatment from a patient. Topics include the definition of the term 'best interests,' the extension of rights of patients in non-persistent vegetative states (PVS), and wrongful death.

The article focuses on the Australian Civil Liability Act and the utility of the 'battery action,' in which a patient cannot bring a cause of action if they gave consent to medical treatment. Topics include causes of action for negligence, case law regarding battery, and the difference between direct and intentional battery.

The article discusses the main area of criminal law in which Australian High Court Justice Ian Callinan has made a substantial and enduring contribution, namely defining the operation of and limits upon the constitutional imperatives on the conduct of federal criminal trials in Australia. The article discusses the main Commonwealth Constitutional provisions which define the role and responsibility of the High Court, and the conduct of federal criminal trials. It also examines Callinan's contribution to the development of the jurisprudence related to section 80 of the Constitution.

Background: Comprehensive medical assessments in the majority of patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) have failed to assess working capacity. Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) has become increasingly popular in the evaluation of working capacity in CLBP patients. This study investigates the influence of functional testing on decision making concerning medical fitness assessments for work. Methods: A randomized clinical trial comparing the effect of a function-centred (FCT) versus a pain-centred treatment (PCT) in patients with CLBP was performed. According to the legal requirements physicians issued Fitness for Work Certificates (FWCs) after rehabilitation. In the FCT group physicians were in possession of the results of FCE while this was not the case in the PCT group. Three experts assessed the FWCs and rated the quality and the information provided regarding working capacity in the previous work. Results: Rating of the issued FWCs proved reliable (ICC=0.77-0.92). Quality of FWCs and information regarding working capacity in the previous work differed significantly between the two groups (chi-square, p=0.03, resp. =0.008). There was a trend towards a higher attested work capacity in the FCT group (Mann-Whitney, p=0.071). Conclusions: Functional Capacity Evaluation positively influences quality and information regarding working capacity of medical Fitness for Work Certificates in patients with chronic low back pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the law and ethics of substitute decision-making in health care. Principles of bioethics; Difference between autonomy and beneficence; Discussion of guardianship in Australia.

The objective of this study was to compare the performance of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) with the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) as a screening instrument for the detection of psychiatric disorders in a palliative care inpatient setting. The results from the HADS and GHQ were compared to diagnoses generated from a semistructured psychiatric interview (Revised Clinical Interview Schedule) using standard receiver operating characteristic analysis. The study was conducted at the Marie Curie Centre, Edinburgh, a 37-bedded palliative care inpatient facility. Out of a total of 282 admissions during the study period, 79 took part in the study. The remainder of patients either refused (69) or were too unwell to participate (134). The HADS was found to be an effective screening tool for identifying depression, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.92. A suggested cut-off of 20 would have a sensitivity of 0.77, a specificity of 0.85 and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.48. There was no significant difference between the two subscales in their ability to detect depressive illnesses, although there was a trend for the anxiety subscale to perform better (P < 0.15). The GHQ did not perform as well as the HADS in this type of population. In view of this, it can be concluded that the HADS is a valid screening tool for psychiatric disorders, particularly depression, in a palliative care setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented which discusses the legal imperatives in treating severe stroke.