bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlative analysis of Mycosphaerella graminicola pathogenicity and cell wall‐degrading enzymes produced in vitro: the importance of xylanase and polygalacturonase
Authors: Douaiher M.‐N. , Nowak E. , Durand R. , Halama P. , Reignault Ph. 
Published: October 2006

Eight Mycosphaerella graminicola isolates were investigated for correlations between pathogenicity and the in vitro production of cell wall‐degrading enzymes. Isolate pathogenicity was evaluated in terms of lesion and production of pycnidia in wheat leaves. Additionally, the isolates were compared over time for their ability to produce in vitro significant levels of xylanase (EC 3·2·1·8), β‐xylosidase (EC 3·2·1·37), β‐1,3‐glucanase (EC 3·2·1·6), cellulose (EC 3·2·1·4) and polygalacturonase (EC 3·2·1·15) activities when grown in a liquid medium. Correlation tests and principal component analysis revealed a significant correlation between the in vitro production of xylanase and pectinase and pathogenicity components. Xylanase was correlated to necrosis frequency (r = 0·795), β‐xylosidase was correlated to the mean of the lesion length (r = −0·787), whereas polygalacturonase was correlated to the time when 50% of the leaves contained a lesion (r = 0·776), the lesion frequency (r = 0·646) and the time when 50% of the leaves showed pycnidia (r = −0·711). The results suggest that these two groups of cell wall‐degrading enzymes are therefore likely to be key determinants of pathogenicity in M. graminicola.
Interrelations between framework‐building and encrusting skeletal organisms and microbes: more‐refined growth history of Lower Devonian bindstones
Authors: ADACHI NATSUKO , EZAKI YOICHI , PICKETT JOHN W. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe framework‐building stromatoporoid Stachyodes, the encrusting calcimicrobe Rothpletzella and encrusting Graticula‐like red algae are major contributors to red algal–calcimicrobial–stromatoporoid bindstones in the Lower Devonian Elmside Formation of the Yass Basin, New South Wales, Australia. The distribution and accumulation patterns of encrusting organisms within the red algal–calcimicrobial–stromatoporoid bindstones observed by optical microscopy and SEM imply a biotic interrelationship between skeletal organisms and microbes that reflects environmental changes. Rothpletzella is characterized by prostrate filaments with frequent branching and a high angle of bifurcation. Filaments of Graticula‐like red algae exhibit rare branching and a relatively low angle of bifurcation. In addition, they are prostrate at the base before becoming erect. Both Rothpletzella and the red algae successively encrust the surfaces of skeletal frameworks, but exhibit different distributions. Rothpletzella and other calcimicrobes cover both the lower and upper surfaces of frameworks, whereas red algae are limited to the upper surfaces. Their individual distributions are thus significantly influenced by the frameworks formed by the thin, laminar stromatoporoid Stachyodes, which create different microenvironments as by‐products. The limited distribution of the red algae was probably related to light levels or phototropism. Upper framework surfaces are variously encrusted by calcimicrobes and the red algae to form thick crusts with varying accumulation patterns. Micritization around the algal thalli, covering of calcimicrobes such as Wetheredella, and microbial micrites between algal thalli all suggest interruptions of algal growth that correspond to episodes of harsh environmental conditions. Transitions from Graticula‐like red algae to Rothpletzella reflect periods of deteriorating environmental change for skeletal organisms, which resulted in the predominance of microbial growth. In contrast, a resurgence of red algae on calcimicrobes suggests improved environmental change. Repeated accumulation patterns between Graticula‐like red algae and Rothpletzella indicate changing habitat environments and competitive relations within skeletal organisms and microbes. These relationships provide insight into understanding how skeletal organisms and microbes utilized space and how they interrelated with each other to produce Devonian reefal limestones.
Stimulating or conventional perineural catheters after hallux valgus repair: a double‐blind, pharmaco‐economic evaluation
Authors: Casati A. , Fanelli G. , Danelli G. , Baciarello M. , Ghisi D. , Nobili F. , Chelly J. E. 
Published: October 2006

Background:  We prospectively evaluated direct analgesia‐related costs of continuous sciatic nerve block using either a stimulating or conventional catheter after hallux valgus repair.Methods:  The perineural catheter was inserted through a stimulating introducer either blindly (group Conventional, n= 38) or while stimulating via the catheter (group Stimulating, n= 38). Nerve block was induced with 25 ml of mepivacaine 15 mg/ml, and was followed 3 h later by a patient‐controlled infusion of ropivacaine 2 mg/ml (basal infusion: 3 ml/h; incremental dose: 5 ml; lock‐out time: 30 min). Rescue tramadol [100 mg intravenous (i.v.)] was given if required. Local anesthetic consumption, need for rescue tramadol and post‐operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) treatment, and patient’s satisfaction were recorded during first 24‐h infusion. Cost calculations were based on the acquisition cost of drugs and devices.Results:  Both techniques were similarly effective, but local anesthetic consumption and need for rescue analgesics were lower in the Stimulating group [respectively, 120 vs. 153 ml (P= 0.004) and 21% vs. 60% (P= 0.001)]. The analgesia‐related costs for 24 h were similar when 100‐ml bags of ropivacaine 2 mg/ml were used (66 € vs. 67 €; P= 0.26). When 200‐ml bags of ropivacaine were used, the analgesia‐related costs were higher in the Stimulating group than the Conventional group (75 € vs. 55 €; P= 0.0005).Conclusions:  Direct costs of continuous sciatic nerve block ranged from 55 to 75 €. Stimulating catheters reduced local anesthetic consumption and need for rescue analgesics. This was only cost effective when 100‐ml bags of 2 mg/ml ropivacaine were used, while the cheapest combination was the use of conventional catheters and 200‐ml bags of ropivacaine.
Medical emergency teams: a role for expanding intensive care?
Authors: ÅNeman A. , Parr M. 
Published: October 2006

Background:  A high incidence of preventable adverse events and deaths in hospitals has triggered initiatives to improve the quality of care of acutely ill in‐hospital patients. System changes involving the introduction of medical emergency teams, outreach services or rapid response teams are an integral part of these initiatives. The rationale for implementing a designated team is that early recognition and rapid institution of adequate therapy for the deteriorating patient can improve outcome. The concept of bringing intensive care expertise to any acutely ill patient irrespective of location within the hospital is envisioned as “critical care without walls”.Methods:  Studies were identified by a PubMed search and cited references in key publications provided additional material including www‐resources. More than 80 studies were identified and selected for review, however, no formal search strategy for a systematic review or meta‐analysis was attempted. Only studies published in English were considered.Results:  Several non‐randomized, before‐and‐after cohort studies demonstrate that implementation of medical emergency teams and equivalents can reduce the incidence of cardiac arrests, unexpected deaths, and unplanned intensive care admissions. However, one recent randomized, controlled trial of medical emergency teams failed to demonstrate any differences in outcomes.Conclusion:  Several key operational issues need to be addressed before introducing medical emergency response teams based on current evidence. These issues include differences in healthcare systems and performance, patient case‐mix, resources available, composition of the teams and calling criteria, and strategies for education, audit and governance.
Ultrastructure of coccoid viable but non‐culturable Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Chaiyanan Saipin , Chaiyanan Sitthipan , Grim Christopher , Maugel Timothy , Huq Anwar , Colwell Rita R. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryMorphology of viable but non‐culturable Vibrio cholerae was monitored for 2 years by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Morphological changes included very small coccoid forms, after extended incubation at 4°C and room temperature, and sequential transformation from curved rods to irregular (∼1 μm) rods to ∼0.8 μm coccoid cells and, ultimately, to tiny coccoid forms (0.07–0.4 μm). Irregular rod‐shaped and coccoid cells were equally distributed in microcosms during the first 30–60 days of incubation at both temperatures, but only coccoid cells were observed after incubation for 60 days at 4°C. When V. cholerae O1 and O139, maintained for 30–60 days at both temperatures, were heated to 45°C for 60 s, after serial passage through 0.45 μm and 0.1 μm filters, and plating on Luria–Bertania (LB) agar, only cells larger than 1 μm yielded colonies on LB agar. Approximately 0.1% of heat‐treated cultures were culturable. Cell division in the smallest coccoid cells was observed, yielding daughter cells of equal size, whereas other coccoid cells revealed bleb‐like, cell wall evagination, followed by transfer of nuclear material. Coccoid cells of V. cholerae O1 and O139 incubated at 4°C for more than 1 year remained substrate responsive and antigenic.
Persistence in a Putting Task During Perceived Failure: Influence of State‐attributions and Attributional Style
Authors: Foll David Le , Rascle Olivier , Higgins N.C. 
Published: October 2006

Dans cette étude, on a examiné l’influence de l’état des attributions et le style attributionnel (AS) sur la persistance à court‐terme d’un échec perçu à une tâche de putting. 101 élèves débutants en golf ont participéà cette recherche. Deux épreuves de 8 putts ont été interrompues chacune pendant trois minutes. Durant cette période, on a mesuré la persistance individuelle en comptant le nombre de fois que le sujet essayait de putter. L’analyse des résultats montre que le style attributionnel influence la persistance à court‐terme contrairement à l’état des attributions. Les sujets ayant un AS “fort contrôle personnel” font montre de plus de persistance que ceux ayant un AS “faible contrôle personnel”. Ces résultats confirment ceux obtenus lors de recherches antérieures sur les bénéfices motivationnels d’un style attributionnel “optimiste” dans des situations d’échec lors de la réalisation d’une tâche. Des attributions instables sont particulièrement bénéfiques aux sujets ayant un AS externe/incontrôlable. Ces derniers ont un niveau significativement plus élevé de persistance que les sujets ayant un AS externe/incontrôlable mais qui ont fait des attributions causales stables.This study investigated the influence of state‐attributions and attributional style (AS) on short‐term persistence in a putting task during perceived failure. Participants were 101 novice golf students. Two trials of eight putts each were interrupted by a 3‐minute free period during which individual persistence was measured by calculating the number of putts attempted in the free period. Analyses revealed that attributional style influenced short‐term putting persistence but state‐attributions did not. Participants with a “high personal control” AS showed greater persistence than those with a “low personal control” AS, which supports past research on the positive motivational benefits of a more “optimistic” attributional style in task failure situations. Moreover, unstable attributions were particularly protective for individuals with an external/uncontrollable AS, in that they promoted significantly higher levels of persistence than was shown by external/uncontrollable AS individuals who made stable causal attributions.
Marginal Employment Subsidization: A New Concept and a Reappraisal*
Authors: Knabe Andreas , Schöb Ronnie , Weimann Joachim 
Published: October 2006

SUMMARYIn this paper, we attempt to renew the interest in marginal employment subsidies. Such subsidies are paid only for a firm's additional employment exceeding some reference level and create larger employment stimuli at lower fiscal costs than general wage subsidies for all workers. If the hiring of a new employee also entails subsidizing an incumbent worker (double marginal subsidization), the replacement of regular paid workers by outsourcing employment to newly established firms – a standard critique of marginal employment subsidies – can be avoided. This additional subsidy reduces the incentive to crowd out regular employment and results in even larger employment effects. Applying the subsidy scheme to the low‐skill labor market in Germany, we show that employment can be substantially increased without imposing additional fiscal burden.
The Stability Pact – Rationales, Problems, Alternatives
Authors: Lindbeck Assar , Niepelt Dirk 
Published: October 2006

SUMMARYWe analyze economic rationales for, and possible alternatives to, the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP). We identify various cross‐country spillover effects and domestic policy failures as potential rationales. The two sets of problems suggest different corrective measures, and different measures than those applied in the context of the SGP. We contrast the ‘legalistic’ perspective adopted in the Pact with a more incentive‐based approach and discuss how the legalistic perspective gives rise to enforcement problems in connection with the implementation of the SGP's sanctions.
Growth Elasticity of Poverty: Alternative Estimates and a Note of Caution
Authors: Ram Rati 
Published: October 2006

SUMMARYEstimates of the elasticity of headcount poverty with respect to income suggested in many influential studies appear too high and imply a more important role for income‐growth in poverty‐reduction than is appropriate. Direct estimates based on aggregate data for several different periods are much smaller at about −1, which (in absolute terms) is no larger than one‐half of those suggested in the literature. Researchers and policymakers are urged to use the lower estimate for any real‐world application in a global or cross‐country context. In such contexts, when per capita income increases by X percent during any period, decline in headcount poverty during the period should be expected to be of the order of X percent, and not, as most influential studies suggest, 2X percent.
Which Countries are Studied Most by Economists? An Examination of the Regional Distribution of Economic Research
Authors: Robinson Michael D. , Hartley James E. , Schneider Patricia Higino 
Published: October 2006

SUMMARYThis paper examines the distribution of economic research as catalogued in the Journal of Economic Literature across countries of the world and attempts to explain those patterns. We report the number of articles published on each country and estimate a series of regressions to understand this pattern. We find that measures of a country's size (physical and economic), connections with the outside world and data availability explain much of the pattern of research. We also find that tourism receipts, whether English is an official language, and the number of economic research institutions are significantly correlated with the amount of research done on a country. After controlling for all the variables, we find only three regions (all in Africa) with significantly less research published by economists in Journal of Economic Literature cataloged articles than North America.
A Hierarchical Model for Extreme Wind Speeds
Authors: Fawcett Lee , Walshaw David 
Published: October 2006

SummaryA typical extreme value analysis is often carried out on the basis of simplistic inferential procedures, though the data being analysed may be structurally complex. Here we develop a hierarchical model for hourly gust maximum wind speed data, which attempts to identify site and seasonal effects for the marginal densities of hourly maxima, as well as for the serial dependence at each location. A Gaussian model for the random effects exploits the meteorological structure in the data, enabling increased precision for inferences at individual sites and in individual seasons. The Bayesian framework that is adopted is also exploited to obtain predictive return level estimates at each site, which incorporate uncertainty due to model estimation, as well as the randomness that is inherent in the processes that are involved.
A Parametric Approach for Measuring the Effect of the 10th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases
Authors: Park Yousung , Choi Jai Won , Lee Dong-Hee 
Published: October 2006

SummaryThe World Health Organization revises the international classification of diseases about every 10 years to stay abreast of advances in medical science and to compare international health statistics. However, the new revision (i.e. the 10th revision) introduces discontinuities in mortality trends, making it impossible to compare the mortality statistics before and after the revision directly. The US National Center for Health Statistics published comparability ratios to correct the discontinuities between the two sets of mortality data: one coded by the ninth revision and the other by the 10th revision. We propose a parametric two-stage model to produce new comparability ratios and use these ratios to correct the discontinuities. The asymptotic behaviour of the comparability ratios is investigated. Our model not only measures the extent of discontinuities in trends in mortality but also can be used to forecast future mortality. Comparing with the National Center for Health Statistics’s ratios, our comparability ratios smooth out the discontinuities better for most causes.
The petrosquamosal sinus in humans
Authors: San Millán Ruíz Diego , Gailloud Philippe , Yilmaz Hasan , Perren Fabienne , Rathgeb Jean‐Paul , Rüfenacht Daniel A. , Fasel Jean H. D. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThis article provides a comprehensive description of the morphology of the human petrosquamosal sinus (PSS) derived from original observations made on 13 corrosion casts of the cranial venous system combined with routine clinical imaging studies in two patients. The PSS is not a rare finding in the adult human. In particular, continuous developments in imaging techniques have made radiologists become increasingly aware of this anatomical entity in recent years. The role of the PSS as a major encephalic drainage pathway and its potential implication in pathological conditions such as intracranial venous hypertension are discussed.
Safely treating hypokalaemia in high dependency cardiac surgical patients
Authors: Sladdin Claire , Lee Geraldine 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIn Australia, there were national issues on the use of potassium ampoules (resulting in patient deaths), which led to the removal of the ampoules from clinical areas. A decision was made by the Medication Safety Committee at a metropolitan Melbourne hospital to remove potassium ampoules from ward areas as part of the establishment of a hospital‐wide potassium guideline. As a result, the nurses in the cardiothoracic ward Practice Review Committee identified the need to review the proposed practice of treating hypokalaemia with 30 mmol of potassium chloride (KCL) in 1000 mL over an extended period in postoperative cardiothoracic patients. The challenge was to develop a practice to safely administer intravenous KCL in fluid restricted patients in addition to the hospital guidelines to prevent hypokalaemic‐induced cardiac dysrhythmias. A literature search revealed there were no clear or uniform approaches to guide our practice in addressing this clinical problem. The Practice Review Committee developed a KCL administration guideline based on a review of the available literature. The Practice Review Committee developed a ward‐based guideline that addressed infusion concentration, duration of administration, responsiveness of nurses to severity of hypokalaemia and the evaluation of treatment by measuring serum potassium after replacement. This ward‐based guideline was based on benchmarking from similar institutions and relevant literature. The review process provided an opportunity for the staff to critique their practice to improve patient care and allowed regular evaluation of the implemented practice guideline. The ward‐based guideline required a revision as patients’ renal function was not being taken into consideration prior to potassium infusions being administered. The implementation of the ward‐based guideline into practice has been well received by the staff as it has allowed consistent practice and timely treatment of hypokalaemia.
A process for solvent/detergent treatment of plasma for transfusion at blood centers that use a disposable‐bag system
Authors: Burnouf Thierry , Goubran Hadi Alphonse , Radosevich Miryana , Sayed Makram A. , Gorgy George , El‐Ekiaby Magdy 
Published: October 2006

BACKGROUND: Solvent/detergent (S/D) inactivates enveloped viruses in plasma. The current technology requires a plasma fractionation facility and is applied to large plasma pools, which increases the cost and risks of exposure to S/D‐resistant pathogens and lowers the content of protein S and α2‐antiplasmin. Two S/D treatment procedures for single donations or minipools of plasma have been developed with a single‐use bag system.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Frozen plasma samples were thawed and treated in disposable bags with either 2 percent tri(n‐butyl)phosphate (TnBP) at 37°C or 1 percent TnBP and 1 percent Triton X‐45 at 31°C for 4 hours. Plasma samples were extracted three times with 7.5 percent sterile castor oil to remove TnBP and Triton X‐45. The TnBP‐treated plasma samples were further subjected to a clarifying centrifugation (3800 × g, 30 min). Final plasma samples were dispensed into individual bags and frozen at −30°C. Plasma quality was assessed at each step of the procedures.RESULTS: Both processes yielded greater than 90 percent mean recovery of coagulation factors (clottable fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, and factors VIII, V, VII, IX, X, and XI), anticoagulants (protein C, protein S), protease inhibitors (antithrombin, α2‐antiplasmin), total protein, albumin, and immunoglobulins. Global coagulation tests of the treated plasma samples were normal. Final TnBP and Triton X‐45 content was less than 10 and 50 ppm, respectively.CONCLUSION: S/D treatment of plasma can be performed in a closed‐bag system under conditions that maintain plasma protein quality. The technology is simple, presents advantages over the industrial large‐scale S/D plasma process, and could be performed in blood centers.