bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Induction and regulation of a secreted peptidoglycan hydrolase by a membrane Ser/Thr kinase that detects muropeptides
Authors: Shah Ishita M. , Dworkin Jonathan 
Published: January 2010

SummaryHere, we report that the model Gram‐positive organism, Bacillus subtilis, expresses and secretes a muralytic enzyme, YocH, in response to cell wall‐derived muropeptides derived from growing cells but not lysed cells. This induction is dependent on PrkC, a membrane Ser/Thr kinase that binds to peptidoglycan and that belongs to a broadly conserved family including the essential PknB kinase of M. tuberculosis. YocH stimulates its own expression in a PrkC‐dependent manner demonstrating the presence of an autoregulatory loop during growth. Cells lacking YocH display a survival defect in stationary phase but enzymes secreted by other cells in the culture rescue this defect. The essential translation factor EF‐G is an in vivo substrate of PrkC and this phosphorylation occurs in response to muropeptides. Therefore, we hypothesize that YocH is used by the bacterium to digest peptidoglycan released by other bacteria in the milieu and that the presence of these fragments is detected by a membrane kinase that modifies a key regulator of translation as well as to stimulate its own expression.
Reversal Learning and Risk‐Averse Foraging Behavior in the Monarch Butterfly, Danaus plexippus (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)
Authors: Rodrigues Daniela , Goodner Brad W. , Weiss Martha R. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractLearning ability allows insects to respond to a variable environment, and to adjust their behaviors in response to positive or negative experiences. Pollinating insects readily learn to associate floral characteristics, such as color, shape, or pattern, with appetitive stimuli, such as the presence of a nectar reward. However, in nature pollinators may also encounter flowers that contain distasteful or toxic nectar, or offer highly variable nectar volumes, providing opportunities for aversive learning or risk‐averse foraging behavior. Whereas some bees learn to avoid flowers with unpalatable or unreliable nectar rewards, little is known about how Lepidoptera respond to such stimuli. We used a reversal learning paradigm to establish that monarch butterflies learn to discriminate against colored artificial flowers that contain salt solution, decreasing both number of probes and probing time on flowers of a preferred color and altogether avoiding artificial flowers of a non‐preferred color. In addition, when we offered butterflies artificial flowers of two different colors, both of which contained the same mean nectar volume but which differed in variance, the monarchs exhibited risk‐averse foraging: they probed the constant flowers significantly more than the variable ones, regardless of flower color or butterfly sex. Our results add to our understanding of butterfly foraging behavior, as they demonstrate that monarchs can respond to aversive as well as appetitive stimuli, and can also adjust their foraging behavior to avoid floral resources with high variance rewards.
Bayesian structural equation models for inferring relationships between phenotypes: a review of methodology, identifiability, and applications
Authors: Wu Xiao‐Lin , Heringstad Bjørg , Gianola Daniel 
Published: January 2010

AbstractStructural equation models provide a general statistical modelling technique for estimating and testing relationships among variables. Such relationships are often not revealed by standard linear models, but are of importance for understanding mechanisms underlying e.g., production‐related diseases, such as mastitis. This paper gives a review of Bayesian structural equation models concerning methodology and identifiability, focused on animal breeding and genetics modelling. Applications of this type of methods in animal breeding are also reviewed critically, with discussion on advantages and disadvantages of these approaches.
Urethroplasty for urethral strictures: Quality assessment of an in‐home algorithm
Authors: Lumen Nicolaas , Hoebeke Piet , Oosterlinck Willem 
Published: January 2010

Objectives:  To evaluate the outcome of different techniques of urethroplasty and to assess the quality of an in‐home algorithm.Methods:  Two hundred fifty‐two male patients underwent urethroplasty. Mean patient's age was 48 years (range 1–85 years). Data were analyzed for the failure rate of the different techniques of urethroplasty. An additional analysis was done based on an in‐home algorithm.Results:  Median follow up was 37 months (range: 6–92 months). Global failure rate was 14.9%, with an individual failure rate of 11.7%, 16.0%, 20.7% and 20.8% for anastomotic repair, free graft urethroplasty, pedicled flap urethroplasty and combined urethroplasty, respectively. In free graft urethroplasty, results were significantly worse when extrapreputial skin was used. Anastomotic repair was the principle technique for short strictures (83.3%), at the bulbar and posterior urethra (respectively 50.8 and 100%). Free graft urethroplasty was mainly used for 3–10 cm strictures (58.6%). Anastomotic repair and free graft urethroplasty were more used in case of no previous interventions or after urethrotomy/dilation. Pedicled flap urethroplasty was the main technique at the penile urethra (40.7%). Combined urethroplasty was necessary in 41 and 47.1% in the treatment of, respectively, >10 cm or panurethral/multifocal anterior urethral strictures and was the most important technique in these circumstances. Two‐stage urethroplasty or perineostomy were only used in 2% as first‐line treatment but were already used in 14.9% after failed urethroplasty.Conclusion:  Urethroplasty has good results at intermediate follow up. Different types of techniques must be used for different types of strictures.
A randomized trial of propofol consumption and recovery profile with BIS‐guided anesthesia compared to standard practice in children
Authors: BHARDWAJ NEERJA , YADDANAPUDI SANDHYA 
Published: January 2010

SummaryAim:  To evaluate the impact of bispectral index (BIS) monitoring on the consumption of propofol and recovery from anesthesia compared to the standard clinical practice in children.Background:  Titrating propofol administration using BIS reduces its requirement and shortens the recovery from anesthesia in adults. However, there is still mixed evidence for utility of anesthesia depth monitors in reducing anesthesia requirement in children.Methods/Materials:  A prospective randomized study was conducted in 50 ASA I children of 2–12 years, randomly assigned into standard practice (SP) or BIS group. After induction with propofol, anesthesia was maintained with 150 μg·kg−1·min−1 propofol infusion. The propofol infusion rate was altered by 20 μg·kg−1·min−1 to maintain the systolic blood pressure within 20% of the baseline (SP group) or BIS value between 45 and 60 (BIS group). The rate of propofol infusion was reduced by 50% about 15 min before the end of surgery. The amount of propofol used and the times from stopping the propofol infusion to eye opening, extubation, response to commands and attaining Steward score of 6 were recorded.Results:  There was no evidence of a difference in the mean propofol consumption in the two groups (BIS 232.6 ± 136.7 mg, SP 250.8 ± 118.2 mg). The intraoperative hemodynamics and BIS values were similar in the two groups. There was no evidence for a difference between groups in the mean times from termination of anesthetic to eye opening, extubation, response to commands and to achieve a Steward Recovery score of 6.Conclusions:  Our study showed no benefit of BIS‐guided propofol administration on anesthetic consumption or recovery compared to standard anesthetic practice.
Nurse‐controlled analgesia (NCA) following major surgery in 10 000 patients in a children’s hospital
Authors: HOWARD RICHARD F. , LLOYD‐THOMAS ADRIAN , THOMAS MARK , GLYN WILLIAMS D. , SAUL REBECCA , BRUCE ELIZABETH , PETERS JUDY 
Published: January 2010

SummaryBackground and Objectives:  Patients who received NCA with morphine following major surgery between 1996 and 2008 at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK, were prospectively studied in the postoperative period to determine effectiveness, morphine requirements, incidence of common side effects, and serious adverse events.Methods:  The morphine NCA regimen and monitoring was according to standard hospital protocols. Data were collected prospectively and subsequently entered by trained personnel into a secure database. Patient demographics, effectiveness and satisfaction rates, morphine requirements, side effects, and serious complications were recorded.Results:  10 079 patients were included. The average age was 4 years old (range 1 day to 20.5 years, median 2.3 years). There were 510 neonates. The average NCA duration was 43.7 h. 1.8% of morphine NCAs were replaced by other methods because analgesia was unsatisfactory. Satisfaction ratings were ‘good’ or ‘very good’ for 98% of the remainder. Average daily morphine requirement (mcg·kg−1·h−1) was related to age, surgical category, and postoperative time. Side effects included PONV (25%), itching (9.4%), depression of respiration, and sedation (4.5%); incidences varied with age, morphine dose, and type of surgery. Serious, potentially life‐threatening adverse effects (SAE) were 0.4%. There were no deaths. SAE were significantly greater in neonates (2.5%), relative risk 9.4, P < 0.001. Morphine dose in neonates who experienced SAE was not significantly different from other neonates.Conclusion:  NCA with morphine is an acceptable, safe, and effective method of postoperative analgesia for a wide range of ages and types of surgery in our practice. Morphine requirements increase with age, but there was also considerable inter‐individual variation within age groups. PONV, itching, sedation, and respiratory depression are expected side effects. SAE are uncommon but the incidence is greatest in neonates.
Patterns of saproxylic beetle succession in loblolly pine
Authors: Ulyshen Michael D. , Hanula James L. 
Published: January 2010

Patterns of insect succession in dead wood remain unclear, particularly beyond the first several years of decay. In the present study, saproxylic beetles were sampled from loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) logs aged between 1 month and 9 years old using both emergence traps attached to logs in the field and rearing bags in the laboratory.
Species richness peaked within the first year as a result of a diverse assemblage of bark beetles, wood‐borers and predators associated with young logs. After the phloem phase, there were no significant differences in species richness among decay classes.
Beetle communities differed significantly among decay classes, with 25 and seven species being significantly associated with young and old logs, respectively.
Modified loose‐seton technique for the treatment of complex anal fistulas
Authors: M George Pinedo , M Gino Caselli , S Gonzalo Urrejola , L Sergio Niklitschek , P María Elena Molina , R Felipe Bellolio , D Álvaro Zúñiga 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAim  The aim of treatment of anal fistula is to remove the track avoiding while ensuring faecal continence. We report the results of a technique that preserves the external anal sphincter in patients with complex anal fistulas.Method  Between 2006 and 2009, 18 patients underwent surgery for a complex anal fistula using this technique. It involved initial identification and partial laying open of the fistulous tract including the internal sphincter distal to the dentate line without transecting the external sphincter. A loose‐seton is placed around the external sphincter and is not removed until the internal orifice has migrated towards the perianal skin.Results  Of the 18 patients [mean age 42 (31–65) years] 11 were female and the median follow‐up was 16 months. The mean time for removal of the seton, after discharge had ceased, was 4 (3–12) months. The preoperative faecal incontinence Wexner score was 0 (0–9) and postoperatively 0 (0–8).Conclusion  The technique shows excellent results in the treatment of complex anal fistulas with conservation of fecal continence.
Anorectal function after long‐term transanal colonic irrigation
Authors: Faaborg P. M. , Christensen P. , Buntzen S. , Laurberg S. , Krogh K. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAim  The increased use of transanal colonic irrigation (TAI) warrants study of its effects on anorectal function after long term use.Method  Anorectal physiology tests were performed in 12 patients with chronic idiopathic constipation (CC) and 10 with idiopathic faecal incontinence (FI) [median 55 years (range 21–70)] before and after a median 68 (range 32–113) months use of TAI.Results  In CC median, urge rectal volume increased from 121 (70–264) to 268 ml (69–484) (P = 0.05) whereas rectal compliance, volume at first sensation, maximum tolerable rectal volume, anal sensory level, median anal resting and squeeze pressures were unaltered. In FI median, urge volume increased from 125 (range 50–221) to 158 ml (range 97–287) (P = 0.033) and maximum tolerable volume increased from 156 (80–321) to 253 ml (162–332) (P = 0.047). Median anal resting pressure decreased from 48 (29–100) to 32 cmH2O (12–79) (P = 0.011) and anal squeeze pressure decreased from 69 (30–107) to 38 cmH2O (30–70) (P = 0.017). Rectal compliance, volume at first sensation and anal sensory level were unaltered.Conclusions  As rectal compliance was unaltered, it is likely that the increased rectal tolerable volume is explained by patients adapting to irrigation rather than by changes in the property of the mechanical rectal wall. As anal sphincter function was deteriorated only in FI, we suggest that this is because of the natural history of FI rather than any effect of long term TAI.
Three‐dimensional endoanal ultrasonography of external anal sphincter defects in patients with faecal incontinence: correlation with symptoms and manometry
Authors: Wasserberg N. , Mazaheri A. , Petrone P. , Tulchinsky H. , Kaufman H. S. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAim  Anal sphincter anatomy on two‐dimensional endoanal ‐ultrasonography (EUS) does not always correlate with the clinical data. The purpose of this study was to determine whether three‐dimensional (3D) measurements yield a better correlation.Method  The study group included consecutive patients who underwent 3D EUS for faecal incontinence over a 2‐year period. The medical charts were reviewed for Cleveland Clinic Foundation Fecal Incontinence (CCF‐FI) score and manometric pressures. Endoanal ultrasonographic images were reviewed for the presence of an external anal sphincter (EAS) defect and its extent, as determined by the radial angle, length in the sagittal plane and percentage volume deficit. Correlational analyses were performed between the clinical and imaging data.Results  Sixty‐one patients of median age 53 years (range 15–82) were evaluated. Thirty‐two patients had either a complete (17) or partial (15) EAS defect, and 29 patients had an intact sphincter. The CCF‐FI scores were similar in patients with and without an EAS defect (12.5 ± 5.6 and 11.4 ± 5.5, respectively). The intact‐sphincter group had a significantly greater EAS length (3 ± 0.4 vs 2 ± 0.62 cm, P = 0.02) and higher mean maximal squeeze pressure (MMSP; 99.7 ± 52.6 vs 66.9 ± 52.9 mmHg, P = 0.009). There were no statistically significant correlations between MMSP, CCF‐FI score and EAS status on 3D EUS. Mean percentage volume of the defect was similar in patients with complete and partial tears (14.5 ± 5.5 and 17.5 ± 7.2%, P = 0.25) and showed no correlation with physiological tests or symptom scores.Conclusion  Improvements in external anal sphincter imaging have not yielded a better association with the clinical findings. The lack of clinical differences between patients with different EAS tears may reflect their similar volumetric defects.
ALTERNATIVE BID VARIABLES AS INSTRUMENTS OF OCS LEASING POLICY
Authors: MEAD WALTER J. , MOSEIDJORD ASBJORN , MURAOKA DENNIS D. 
Published: January 2010

Prior to 1979, a cash bonus was used almost exclusively as the bid variable at outer continental shelf (OCS) lease auctions. Criticisms of the cash bonus as a bid variable led to the OCS Lands Act Amendments of 1978 which stipulated that alternative bid variables be employed on a portion of the leases issued over a five‐year trial period. The alternative bid variables include net profit share, royalty rate, and work commitmentEach of these bid variables is analyzed to determine the extent to which it (a) promotes economic efficiency, (b) returns fair market value to the government, (c) identifies and selects the most efficient firm to operate the lease, (d) promotes optimal risk sharing between the lessee and the government, and (e) minimizes administrative costsThis analysis has led the authors to conclude that while no bid variable is perfect, the traditional cash bonus is preferred
CHANGING ASSET/LIABILITY STRUCTURE OF SAVINGS INSTITUTIONS IN A DEREGULATED ENVIRONMENT
Authors: HUMPHREY JOSEPH F. 
Published: January 2010

This paper examines how savings institutions have reacted to new asset/liability management powers granted under recent enabling legislation and regulation. The paper describes the rapid change in thrift liability composition that began with the money‐market deposit account (MMDA) in December 1982 and the increased interest‐rate risk that accompanied the subsequent shortening of liability maturities. Ironically, after deregulation, thrifts were structured even more into a mismatched position. After the massive thrift balance‐sheet mismatch is measured, strategies useful in reducing thrift interest‐rate risk exposure are evaluated in terms of size and immediacy of impact. Rather than reliance on minor balance‐sheet adjustments which mistakenly are taken for effective asset/liability management, a comprehensive strategic plan is recommendedThe critical point is that the savings institution manager cannot effectively speculate on interest‐rate movements until the firm is fully restructured to eliminate its borrow‐short/lend‐long posture. In contrast to that of other observers, this analysis suggests that immediate and meaningful reductions in interest‐rate risk exposure can be achieved by lengthening liabilities through amount and frequency of liability pricing. Neither technical hedging programs nor alternative mortgage‐loan instruments (AMLs), as now structured, are likely to provide the magnitude or speed of adjustment necessary to correct the existing balance‐sheet mismatch, nor are they appropriate single‐tactic strategic responses
ECONOMIC AND BUDGET ISSUES FOR DEFICIT POLICY
Authors: HOFFMAN RONALD , LEVY MICKEY D. 
Published: January 2010

Much of the controversy about reducing the federal deficit has arisen because policymakers lack a deficit policy that is a consistent part of broader macroeconomic policy. This is not surprising since economists have not reached a consensus about such a policy.This paper sketches the analytical controversy about monetary and fiscal policies and traces it to issues about how the economy works. Although aspects of the deficit question are controversial, there is general concern about the buildup of federal debt implicit in the projection of persistently large deficits. A growing body of research suggests that the increase in the federal debt‐to‐income ratio may impinge dangerously on the credit available to finance private capital formation. Also, the rising federal debt may indirectly generate inflation through monetization.Several criteria and approaches to a deficit policy are identified. The paper suggests that changing the “policy mix” by tightening fiscal policy and loosening monetary policy to reduce interest rates is unlikely to succeed to the extent that expansive monetary policy increases real interest rates by raising inflationary expectations and uncertainty.Since the potential ill effects of the federal debt buildup, are essentially long‐run and bear on capital accumulation, any tax increases should avoid disincentives to saving, investment, and to growth generally. Depending on revenue requirements, fundamental changes in the tax system may be necessary. Further reductions in spending appear to be inevitable if the projected rise in the debt‐to‐GNP ratio is to be halted. Defense, retirement, and medical care programs are most likely candidates for reduction.
BORK'S PARADOX: STATIC VS. DYNAMIC EFFICIENCY IN ANTITRUST ANALYSIS
Authors: HIGH JACK 
Published: January 2010

Judge Robert Bork holds two opposing attitudes towards perfect competition. It is a highly useful economic model for illustrating allocative efficiency, but it is a defective policy model because it deliberately omits productive efficiency. He reconciles these attitudes by combining perfectly competitive allocative efficiency with dynamically competitive productive efficiency in his analysis.However, these two kinds of competition do not readily mix. One is a static equilibrium concept, the other a dynamic disequilibrium concept. One assumes perfect knowledge and the absence of change; the other assumes imperfect knowledge, learning, and continual flux. Each kind of competition is built on assumptions which, if true, would preclude the existence of the other.Bork's policy conclusions require the simultaneous existence of both kinds of competition. If he drops dynamic competition from the analysis, a much more stringent antitrust policy is called for. If he drops static competition, economic theory does not justify even his strictures against mergers and cartels.
WESTERN HEMISPHERE PERSPECTIVES: OIL AND NATURAL GAS
Authors: ADELMAN M. A. 
Published: January 2010

Among nations that are net oil exporters, those that are net importers, and those in balance, there are conflicting interests regarding the price level—which currently is many times the competitive level. However, avoiding too brusque a price change is in the interest of all. A glut was no barrier to price increases after 1973, nor in 1978. And a glut is not an absolute barrier even today.Nations which comprise the oil cartel have short horizons and high discount factors. This increases the likelihood that they will attempt price hikes and makes any equilibrium precarious. Even non‐cartel nations produce less oil and gas than would be profitable because governments, responding to public opinion, try to obtain more rent than there is to take. These governments apparently use unrealistically low discount rates.This paper attempts to point out parallel, common, and conflicting interests among the nations of the Western Hemisphere regarding price and production policy on crude oil and natural gas. In crude oil and oil products, Argentina is in balance, and Canada is practically so. Venezuela and Ecuador, both OPEC members, are net exporters. Mexico, a de facto member of OPEC, has observed a self‐imposed quota more faithfully than some OPEC members. The rest of the nations in the hemisphere are net importers.
WELFARE EFFECTS OF GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION IN EDUCATION
Authors: PSACHAROPOULOS GEORGE 
Published: January 2010

Distortive effects of government intervention, especially in international trade, have received considerable attention. But not much literature exists on similar effects of public policies toward education. This paper provides a review of government intervention in education and its likely effects on economic growth and equity. Although governments may act with good intentions, educational policies often have adverse effects on social welfare. Less government involvement in education might actually lead to greater and more equally distributed real income, especially in developing countries.Section I of this paper identifies and documents the extent of government‐induced distortions directly or indirectly related to education. Section II assesses the likely effect of such distortions on social welfare. The final section discusses the role of government in education.