A time series analysis of wages in deregulated industries: A study of motor carriage and rail

Using time series techniques, we contrast the impact of deregulation in trucking and rail labor markets. During regulation both labor markets were characterized by wages considerab y higher than manufacturing wages. In fact, trucking and rail wages had a stable, deterministic relationship prior to deregulation. After deregulation, however, the mean trucking wages fell considerably, approaching manufacturing wages, while rail wages remained relatively constant. We also find that deregulation’s negative impact on trucking wages was nondiscrete and occurred primarily between 1980 and 1984.deregulation, trucking, rail

Comparative results of open lower extremity revascularization in nonagenarians

IntroductionThe average lifespan in the United States continues to lengthen. We have observed a similar trend in our patients, with an increased number of nonagenarians presenting for evaluation of vascular disease. This study evaluated outcomes of lower extremity revascularization in patients aged ≥90 years.MethodsThe vascular registry at Albany Medical College was retrospectively reviewed for all lower extremity bypasses performed between 1996 and 2006. We evaluated patient demographics, indications, procedure, patency rates, and complications. Patients were divided into groups based on age ≥90 years (≥90 group) and <90 years (<90 group). Variables were evaluated by χ2 analysis. Outcomes were prepared using life-table methods and compared with log-rank analysis.ResultsDuring the last 10 years, 5443 lower extremity bypasses were performed on patients aged <90 years and 150 on patients aged ≥90 years. The <90 group had significantly more men (61.4% vs 29.3%) and was obviously younger, at 68 years (range 7-89 years) vs 92 years (range, 90-101 years). The <90 group had more comorbidities in terms of diabetes, active tobacco use, and hypercholesterolemia. No significant difference was noted in coronary artery disease or chronic renal insufficiency between the groups. Critical limb ischemia as an indication was significantly higher in the ≥90 group (149 [99%] vs 4472 [82%]; P < .0.5). Strikingly, the primary patency was significantly higher in the ≥90 group at 4 years (77% vs 62%; P < .05). Complication and amputation rates did not differ between the groups. Perioperative (15% vs 3%; P < .05) and 1-year (45% vs 11%; P < .05) mortality rates were significantly higher in the ≥90 group.ConclusionLower extremity bypass for nonagenarians offers acceptable patency and limb salvage but at a significantly higher mortality rate

Judicial Review, Irrationality, and the Legitimacy of Merits-Review

The definition of the irrationality ground of judicial review recognises the constitutional principle of the separation of powers, in allowing for judicial control of the executive only very rarely. The author in a previous article in this study found that the courts, on occasions, had intervened in circumstances where administrative decisions arguably were not irrational. To this end, the purpose of this article is to assess the constitutionality of these seemingly low standards of irrationality. The author does so by reference either to the manner of review employed—the use of the proportionality principle, for example—or the context of the administrative decision under scrutiny, such as the infringement of the applicant’s fundamental rights. The author finds that the cases from the previous article where low standards of irrationality were arguably adopted were, in fact, legitimate according to these chosen methods of evaluation. However, this is an interim conclusion because, for reasons of word length, the author is unable to complete a full assessment here. It is therefore proposed that a subsequent article will continue to examine the constitutionality of these cases. Furthermore, the author will also try and establish a zone of executive decision-making, for reasons of democracy, where the courts are excluded from irrationality review. If the author is unsuccessful in this regard, the final conclusion of this study will inevitably be that low standards of judicial intervention exist without limit—a clear assault on the constitutional principle stated above

Strategies to improve spinal cord ischemia in endovascular thoracic aortic repair: Outcomes of a prospective cerebrospinal fluid drainage protocol

PurposeAlthough endovascular repair of thoracic aortic aneurysm has been shown to reduce the morbidity and mortality rates, spinal cord ischemia remains a persistent problem. We evaluated our experience with spinal cord protective measures using a standardized cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage protocol in patients undergoing endovascular thoracic aortic repair.MethodsFrom 2004 to 2006, 121 patients underwent elective (n = 52, 43%) and emergent (n = 69, 57%) endovascular thoracic aortic stent graft placement for thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) (n = 94, 78%), symptomatic penetrating ulceration (n = 11, 9%), pseudoaneurysms (n = 5, 4%) and traumatic aortic transactions (n = 11, 9%). In 2005, routine use of a CSF drainage protocol was established to minimize the risks of spinal cord ischemia. The CSF was actively drained to maintain pressures <15 mm Hg and the mean arterial blood pressures were maintained at ≥90 mm Hg. Data was prospectively collected in our vascular registry for elective and emergent endovascular thoracic aortic repair and the patients were divided into 2 groups (+CSF drainage protocol, −CSF drainage protocol). A χ2 statistical analysis was performed and significance was assumed for P < .05.ResultsOf the 121 patients with thoracic stent graft placement, the mean age was 72 years, 62 (51%) were male, and 56 (46%) underwent preoperative placement of a CSF drain, while 65 (54%) did not. Both groups had similar comorbidities of coronary artery disease (24 [43%] vs 27 [41%]), hypertension (44 [79%] vs 50 [77%]), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (18 [32%] vs 22 [34%]), and chronic renal insufficiency (10 [17%] vs 12 [18%]). None of the patients with CSF drainage developed spinal cord ischemia (SCI), and 5 (8%) of the patients without CSF drainage developed SCI within 24 hours of endovascular repair (P< .05). All patients with clinical symptoms of SCI had CSF drain placement and augmentation of systemic blood pressures to ≥90 mm Hg, and 60% (3 of 5 patients) demonstrated marked clinical improvement.ConclusionPerioperative CSF drainage with augmentation of systemic blood pressures may have a beneficial role in reducing the risk of paraplegia in patients undergoing endovascular thoracic aortic stent graft placement. However, selective CSF drainage may offer the same benefit as mandatory drainage