bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and aetiology of sudden cardiac death in young athletes: an international perspective
Authors: Borjesson M , Pelliccia A
Published: September 2009

The incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) among young athletes is estimated to be 1–3 per 100 000 person years, and may be underestimated. The risk of SCD in athletes is higher than in non-athletes because of several factors associated with sports activity that increase the risk in people with an underlying cardiovascular abnormality. A clear gender difference in the incidence of SCD exists in young athletes, with the risk in male athletes being up to 9 times higher than in female athletes. The most common causes of SCD in young athletes is underlying inherited/congenital cardiac disease, such as cardiomyopathies, congenital coronary anomalies and ion channelopathies. Blunt chest trauma also may cause ventricular fibrillation in a structurally normal heart, known as commotio cordis. Although geographical differences in the causes of SCD in young athletes have been reported, these disparities are more likely to be related to the type and implementation of pre-participation screening leading to the identification of athletes at risk, rather than reflecting a truly different ethiology. More studies are needed to clarify the role of ethnicity in the prevalence of diseases known to cause SCD in young athletes.
12-lead ECG in the athlete: physiological versus pathological abnormalities
Authors: Corrado D , Biffi A , Basso C , Pelliccia A , Thiene G
Published: September 2009

Participation in sports activity and regular physical training is associated with physiological structural and electrical changes in the heart (athlete’s heart) that enable sustained increases in cardiac output for prolonged periods. Cardiovascular remodelling in the conditioned athlete is often associated with ECG changes. In rare cases, abnormalities of an athlete’s ECG may reflect an underlying heart disease which puts the athlete at risk of arrhythmic cardiac arrest during sport. It is mandatory that ECG abnormalities resulting from intensive physical training and those of a potential cardiac pathology are properly defined. This article provides a modern approach to interpreting 12-lead ECGs of athletes based on recently published new findings. The main objective is to distinguish between physiological adaptive ECG changes and pathological ECG abnormalities. The most important aims are to prevent physiological changes in the athlete being erroneously attributed to heart disease, or signs of life-threatening cardiovascular conditions being dismissed as a normal variant of athlete’s heart. As pathological ECG abnormalities not only cause alarm but also require action with additional testing to exclude (or confirm) the suspicion of a lethal cardiovascular disorder, appropriate interpretation of an athlete’s ECG will prevent unnecessary distress and also result in considerable cost saving in the context of a population-based preparticipation screening programme.
Electrocardiographic screening in athletes: the time is now for universal screening
Authors: Papadakis M , Sharma S
Published: September 2009

Regular physical exercise reduces cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. A small proportion of athletes, however, are at increased risk of exercise-related sudden cardiac death (SCD) as a result of quiescent cardiac anomalies. The preventable nature of such deaths has prompted the medical and sporting governing bodies to recommend preparticipation cardiovascular screening (PPS) in young athletes (⩽35 years) to permit the identification of potentially fatal disorders. Although evidence from the Italian experience suggests that electrocardiographic screening of young athletes has led to a significant reduction in SCD from cardiomyopathies, considerable controversy relating to the efficacy, cost-effectiveness and the impact of false-positive results of PPS still exists. This review presents an appraisal of all the available scientific evidence, attempting to resolve the concerns of the antagonists and examine how PPS compares with the World Health Organization screening criteria, providing compelling justifications for the implementation of universal PPS in young, competitive athletes.
Risk factors for exercise-related acute cardiac events. A case–control study
Authors: van Teeffelen W M , de Beus M F , Mosterd A , Bots M L , Mosterd W L , Pool J , Doevendans P A , Grobbee D E
Published: September 2009

Background:

In spite of the benefits of physical activity, exercise may provoke acute cardiac events in susceptible individuals. Understanding risk factors of exercise-related acute cardiac events may identify opportunities for prevention.

Methods:

A case–control study was conducted to examine determinants of acute cardiac events in athletes. The cases were athletes who suffered an acute cardiac event during or shortly after vigorous exercise. Athletes who visited a hospital because of a minor sports injury were selected as controls. Information on cardiovascular disease, family history of cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular symptoms and other potential risk factors was collected through questionnaires.

Results:

57 cases (mean age 41.8 years, range 11–73) and 57 controls (mean age 40.9 years, range 13–68) were included in the study. Athletes with a history of cardiovascular disease were at a markedly increased risk for cardiac events during exercise (OR = 32; 95% CI 7.4 to 143). Smoking (OR 5.9; 95% CI 1.9 to 18), fatigue (OR = 12; 95% CI 1.2 to 118) and flu-like symptoms (OR 13; 95% CI 1.4 to 131) in the month preceding the event were related to acute cardiac events in athletes.

Conclusions:

Prior cardiovascular disease, smoking, and a recent episode of fatigue or flu-like symptoms are associated with an increased risk of exercise-related acute cardiac events. Athletes and physicians should pay careful attention when these factors exist or occur.
Adiaspiromycosis mimicking widespread malignancy in a patient with pulmonary adenocarcinoma
Authors: Denson J L , Keen C E , Froeschle P O , Toy E W , Borman A M
Published: September 2009

Adiaspiromycosis, a mycotic disease of small animals, has rarely been reported in humans. The principle causative organism in Europe isEmmonsia crescens. Inhaled, dust-borne spores ofE crescensfail to germinate in host tissue, instead increasing in size dramatically to become thick-walled, round adiapsores, which induce a granulomatous response. The pathological effects depend on the spore burden and host immunocompetence, and range from asymptomatic infection through to necrogranulomatous pneumonia, respiratory failure and, rarely, death. Diagnosis is principally made through histological examination. This report describes a case of a patient with low-grade, localised pulmonary adenocarcinoma with occult adiaspiromycosis that radiologically mimicked widespread malignancy. It is believed to be the first reported human case of adiaspiromycosis in the UK.
PCR detection ofMycobacterium tuberculosisin necrotising non-granulomatous lymphadenitis using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue: a study in Thai patients
Authors: Nopvichai C , Sanpavat A , Sawatdee R , Assanasen T , Wacharapluesadee S , Thorner P S , Shuangshoti S
Published: September 2009

Background:

Necrotising non-granulomatous lymphadenitis can be observed in several conditions, most notably infection (including tuberculosis, yersiniosis and nocardiasis), Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Aims:

To evaluate the role of PCR in the detection ofMycobacterium tuberculosisin necrotising non-granulomatous lymphadenitis in Thai patients using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue.

Methods:

35 patient samples showing necrotising non-granulomatous lymphadenitis were subjected to PCR for detection of the IS6110sequence ofM tuberculosis. For comparison, sections were visually assessed for acid-fast bacilli using the Ziehl–Neelsen stain.

Results:

Among 35 cases of necrotising non-granulomatous lymphadenitis, a conclusive diagnosis could be reached in 23 cases: 15 cases of Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease, 6 of tuberculosis and 2 of systemic lupus erythematosus. Of the 6 cases of tuberculous lymphadenitis, 4 (66.6%) were detected by PCR in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples. PCR was positive in 6/12 of the remaining cases (50%) in which a definitive diagnosis could not be reached by other methods.

Conclusion:

Using PCR, a significant percentage (28%) of cases of necrotising non-granulomatous lymphadenitis in this study could be attributed toM tuberculosis. PCR for identification of the organism can be extremely helpful in confirming a diagnosis of tuberculosis when Ziehl–Neelsen staining is negative.
Primary lymphoma of bone: extranodal lymphoma with favourable survival independent of germinal centre, post-germinal centre or indeterminate phenotype
Authors: Heyning F H , Hogendoorn P C W , Kramer M H H , Holland C T Q , Dreef E , Jansen P M
Published: September 2009

Aims:

To determine prognostic significance of immunohistochemical markers and investigate possible germinal centre (GC) derivation in primary lymphoma of bone (PLB).

Methods:

Immunohistochemical expression of BCL-6, CD10, BCL-2, p53, CD30, CD44 and MUM-1 was studied in 36 patients with PLB. All cases were clinically staged and cases of secondary bone involvement of primary nodal lymphomas were excluded, prior to immunostaining. Clinical charts were reviewed for clinical symptoms and therapy given; survival post-biopsy was calculated.

Results:

All patients presented with pain and a palpable mass. The majority showed centroblastic-multilobated morphology; half of the cases (19/36) had a GC phenotype (CD10+BCL-6+ or CD10−BCL-6+MUM-1−), whereas 8/36 cases had a non-GC phenotype (CD10−BCL-6− or CD10−BCL-6+MUM-1+). Nine cases were of indeterminate phenotype (CD10−BCL-6+; MUM-1 not available). Eight of 22 evaluated patient samples showed immunoreactivity for MUM-1. Most patients (31/36) received combination therapy in the form of polychemotherapy and radiotherapy. The five-year overall survival was 75%. No significant difference in survival was found between the three different tumour phenotypes, or for the tested antigens individually. Age at presentation and stage of disease had a significant influence on five-year overall survival. Survival rates were 90% for the patients <60 years of age and 40% for those ⩾60 years. Survival rates were 90% for stage I and 41% for stage IV.

Conclusion:

This study illustrates the homogeneity of PLB. The majority of cases are of the GC phenotype which has a favourable prognosis.
Massive localised lymphoedema: a clinicopathological study of 22 cases and review of the literature
Authors: Manduch M , Oliveira A M , Nascimento A G , Folpe A L
Published: September 2009

Background:

Massive localised lymphoedema (MLL) is a rare, relatively recently described pseudosarcoma most often occurring in morbidly obese patients.

Aim:

To perform a retrospective review of all cases diagnosed as MLL.

Methods and Results:

Clinical information was obtained. 22 morbidly obese adults (mean patient weight 186 kg) presented with unilateral, large soft tissue lesions of longstanding duration. Most lesions involved the thigh, but also occurred in the posterior calf and lower leg. Clinically, most lesions were regarded as representing benign processes, including pedunculated lipoma, lymphocoele or recurrent cellulites, although soft tissue sarcoma was also suspected in two cases. Grossly, all masses showed markedly thickened skin with a “cobblestone” appearance, and were ill-defined, unencapsulated, lobulate, and very large (mean size 31 cm, range 15–61.5 cm, mean weight 3386 g, range 1133–10800 g). Histologically, all 22 cases showed striking dermal fibrosis, expansion of the fibrous septa between fat lobules with increased numbers of stromal fibroblasts, lymphatic proliferation and lymphangiectasia. Multinucleated fibroblastic cells, marked vascular proliferation, moderate stromal cellularity and fascicular growth raised concern among referring pathologists for atypical lipomatous tumour/well differentiated liposarcoma, angiosarcoma, and a fibroblastic neoplasm such as fibromatosis in 10, 2 and 1 case, respectively.

Conclusion:

The diagnosis of MLL continues to be challenging, in particular for pathologists. Awareness of this entity, clinical correlation and gross pathological correlation are essential in the separation of this distinctive pseudosarcoma from its various morphological mimics.
Medical mortality in Pakistan: experience at a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Tariq M , Jafri W , Ansari T , Awan S , Ali F , Shah M , Jamil S , Riaz M , Shafqat S
Published: September 2009

Aim

To acquire systematic data on the causes of hospital mortality in Pakistan, a developing country with scant mortality records.

Study design

Retrospective review of death certificates and hospital charts of patients dying on general and specialty medical services at our hospital during one calendar year.

Results

Of a total 10 590 admissions, 657 (6.2%) died in hospital. The deceased included 357 (54.4%) males and 299 (45.6%) females, with a collective median age of 63 years and mean length of stay 6.71 days (median 4 days, range 1–56 days). Primary cause of death was categorised as infectious (21.2%), pulmonary (17.2%), cancer related (15.7%), cardiovascular (12.6%), gastrointestinal and hepatic (10.8%), neurological (11.4%) and miscellaneous (11.1%). Within each category, the most common diagnoses were septicaemia (76.9% of infectious cases), pneumonia (55.7% of pulmonary cases), myocardial infarction (40.9% of cardiovascular), intracranial haemorrhage (37.3% of neurological), and cirrhosis (45.0% of gastrointestinal). There were multiple causes among malignant disorders with no single cause dominating. Patients with cardiovascular and pulmonary deaths tended to be older than the median age (p = 0.001), while patients with gastrointestinal and cancer related deaths tended to be younger than the median age (p = 0.001). Length of stay did not differ significantly among the various subgroups. About a quarter (26.4%) deaths occurred within 24 h of admission.

Conclusions

Infections, including septicaemia and pneumonia, are the leading causes of hospital mortality in our setting, followed by malignancy and cardiovascular causes. The overall mortality rate is comparable to published mortality data from other hospital settings.
Preventing type 2 diabetes: can we make the evidence work?
Authors: Yates T , Davies M , Khunti K
Published: September 2009

Type 2 diabetes is associated with many serious comorbidities and is one of the leading causes of mortality globally. Type 2 diabetes is preceded by a condition called prediabetes, which is characterised by elevated glucose concentrations resulting from peripheral and/or hepatic insulin resistance. Individuals with prediabetes have been the traditional target of diabetes prevention programmes; these have consistently shown that lifestyle modification can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This has led to the implementation of diabetes prevention initiatives in several countries. However, a number of key areas still need to be addressed. For example, important questions remain regarding how best to identify at-risk individuals and whether the findings from resource intensive research projects can be replicated using pragmatic lifestyle interventions tailored to the resources and infrastructure available to usual health care practice. This article highlights findings from diabetes prevention programmes and discusses key issues involved in translating research into practice.
Palaeoproterozoic supercontinents and global evolution: correlations from core to atmosphere
Authors: Reddy S. M. , Evans D. A. D.
Published: September 2009

The Palaeoproterozoic era was a time of profound change in Earth evolution and represented perhaps the first supercontinent cycle, from the amalgamation and dispersal of a possible Neoarchaean supercontinent to the formation of the 1.9–1.8 Ga supercontinent Nuna. This supercontinent cycle, although currently lacking in palaeogeographic detail, can in principle provide a contextual framework to investigate the relationships between deep-Earth and surface processes. In this article, we graphically summarize secular evolution from the Earth's core to its atmosphere, from the Neoarchaean to the Mesoproterozoic eras (specifically 3.0–1.2 Ga), to reveal intriguing temporal relationships across the various ‘spheres’ of the Earth system. At the broadest level our compilation confirms an important deep-Earth event atc. 2.7 Ga that is manifested in an abrupt increase in geodynamo palaeointensity, a peak in the global record of large igneous provinces, and a broad maximum in several mantle-depletion proxies. Temporal coincidence with juvenile continental crust production and orogenic gold, massive-sulphide and porphyry copper deposits, indicate enhanced mantle convection linked to a series of mantle plumes and/or slab avalanches. The subsequent stabilization of cratonic lithosphere, the possible development of Earth's first supercontinent and the emergence of the continents led to a changing surface environment in which voluminous banded iron-formations could accumulate on the continental margins and photosynthetic life could flourish. This in turn led to irreversible atmospheric oxidation at 2.4–2.3 Ga, extreme events in global carbon cycling, and the possible dissipation of a former methane greenhouse atmosphere that resulted in extensive Palaeoproterozoic ice ages. Following the great oxidation event, shallow marine sulphate levels rose, sediment-hosted and iron-oxide-rich metal deposits became abundant, and the transition to sulphide-stratified oceans provided the environment for early eukaryotic evolution. Recent advances in the geochronology of the global stratigraphic record have made these inferences possible. Frontiers for future research include more refined modelling of Earth's thermal and geodynamic evolution, palaeomagnetic studies of geodynamo intensity and continental motions, further geochronology and tectonic syntheses at regional levels, development of new isotopic systems to constrain geochemical cycles, and continued innovation in the search for records of early life in relation to changing palaeoenvironments.
U-Pb and Sm-Nd constraints on the nature of the Campinorte sequence and related Palaeoproterozoic juvenile orthogneisses, Tocantins Province, central Brazil
Authors: Giustina Maria E. S. D. , de Oliveira Claudinei G. , Pimentel Márcio M. , de Melo Luciana V. , Fuck Reinhardt A. , Dantas Elton L. , Buhn Bernhard
Published: September 2009

The Palaeoproterozoic era was the most important stage of crustal accretion in the South American Platform, being responsible for the development of several magmatic arcs, which represent approximately 35% of the present-day continental crust.

The recently mapped Campinorte volcano-sedimentary sequence and associated plutonic rocks represent this Palaeoproterozoic history in the northern Brasilia Belt, central Brazil. The sequence consists of metapsammites and metapelites, with interbedded lenses of gondites and metacherts, as well as rhyolite and pyroclastic deposits. Tonalite, granodiorite and granite crystallized between
c
. 2.18 and 2.16 Ga, as indicated by U–Pb zircon analyses. Sm–Nd T
DM
model ages range between
c
. 2.1 and 2.7 Ga, with
ε
Nd
values ranging from −2.14 to +3.36, indicating the dominantly juvenile nature of the original magmas. A LA-ICPMS provenance study of zircon grains from a quartzite sample reveals a single sediment source with Palaeoproterozoic age. The data presented here provide new information on the Palaeoproterozoic juvenile crust of central Brazil and suggest correlation with other Palaeoproterozoic provinces, especially the Birimian Belt in West African Craton and those of the Guiana Shield, thus contributing to reconstruction of the Columbia supercontinent.
Correlations and reconstruction models for the 2500-1500 Ma evolution of the Mawson Continent
Authors: Payne Justin L. , Hand Martin , Barovich Karin M. , Reid Anthony , Evans David A. D.
Published: September 2009

Continental lithosphere formed and reworked during the Palaeoproterozoic era is a major component of pre-1070 Ma Australia and the East Antarctic Shield. Within this lithosphere, the Mawson Continent encompasses the Gawler–Adélie Craton in southern Australia and Antarctica, and crust of the Miller Range, Transantarctic Mountains, which are interpreted to have assembled duringc. 1730–1690 Ma tectonism of the Kimban–Nimrod–Strangways orogenies. Recent geochronology has strengthened correlations between the Mawson Continent and Shackleton Range (Antarctica), but the potential for Meso- to Neoproterozoic rifting and/or accretion events prevent any confident extension of the Mawson Continent to include the Shackleton Range. Proposed later addition (c. 1600–1550 Ma) of the Coompana Block and its Antarctic extension provides the final component of the Mawson Continent. A new model proposed for the late Archaean to early Mesoproterozoic evolution of the Mawson Continent highlights important timelines in the tectonic evolution of the Australian lithosphere. The Gawler–Adélie Craton and adjacent Curnamona Province are interpreted to share correlatable timelines with the North Australian Craton atc. 2500–2430 Ma,c. 2000 Ma, 1865–1850 Ma, 1730–1690 Ma and 1600–1550 Ma. These common timelines are used to suggest the Gawler–Adélie Craton and North Australian Craton formed a contiguous continental terrain during the entirety of the Palaeoproterozoic. Revised palaeomagnetic constraints for global correlation of proto-Australia highlight an apparently static relationship with northwestern Laurentia during thec. 1730–1590 Ma time period. These data have important implications for many previously proposed reconstruction models and are used as a primary constraint in the configuration of the reconstruction model proposed herein. This palaeomagnetic link strengthens previous correlations between the Wernecke region of northwestern Laurentia and terrains in the eastern margin of proto-Australia.
Palaeoproterozoic to Eoarchaean crustal growth in southern Siberia: a Nd-isotope synthesis
Authors: Gladkochub Dmitry P. , Donskaya Tatiana V. , Reddy Steven M. , Poller Ulrike , Bayanova Tamara B. , Mazukabzov Anatoliy M. , Dril Sergei , Todt Wolfgang , Pisarevsky Sergei A.
Published: September 2009

Nd-isotope analyses from 114 rock samples are reported from the southern part of the Siberian craton to establish a first-order crustal formation scheme for the region. The Nd-isotope data show considerable variability within and among different cratonic units. In many cases this variability reflects differing degrees of mixing between juvenile and older (up to Eoarchaean) crustal components. The fragments of Palaeoproterozoic juvenile crust within the studied segment of the Siberian craton margin have Nd-model ages of
c
. 2.0–2.3 Ga. Voluminous Palaeoproterozoic granites (
c
. 1.85 Ga) were intruded into cratonic fragments and suture zones. These granites mark the stabilization of the southern Siberian craton. The complexity in the Nd data indicate a long history of crustal development, extending from the Eoarchaean to the Palaeoproterozoic eras, which is interpreted to reflect the amalgamation of distinct Archaean crustal fragments, with differing histories, during Palaeoproterozoic accretion at 1.9–2.0 Ga and subsequent cratonic stabilization at 1.85 Ga. Such a model temporally coincides with important orogenic events on nearly every continent and suggests that the Siberian craton participated in the formation of a Palaeoproterozoic supercontinent at around 1.9 Ga.
Timing and duration of Palaeoproterozoic events producing ore-bearing layered intrusions of the Baltic Shield: metallogenic, petrological and geodynamic implications
Authors: Bayanova T. , Ludden J. , Mitrofanov F.
Published: September 2009

There are two 300–500 km long belts of Palaeoproterozoic layered intrusions in the Baltic (Fennoscandian) Shield; the Northern (Kola) Belt and the Southern (Fenno-Karelian) Belt. New U–Pb (TIMS) ages and radiogenic isotopic (Nd–Sr–He) data have been determined for mafic-ultramafic Cu–Ni–Ti–Cr and PGE-bearing layered intrusions of the Kola Belt. U–Pb zircon and baddeleyite data from gabbronorite and anorthosite bodies of the Fedorovo-Pansky, Monchepluton, Main Ridge (Monchetundra and Chunatundra) and Mt Generalskaya intrusions, and from gabbronorite intrusions and dykes associated with the Imandra lopolith, yield ages from
c
. 2.52–2.39 Ga. The age range of 130 Ma recorded in the Kola Belt samples, associated with at least four intrusive phases (three PGE-bearing and one barren), is significantly greater than that for intrusions of the Southern (Fenno-Karelian) Belt which clusters at 2.44 Ga. Nd isotopic values for the Kola Belt range from −1.1 to −2.4 and indicate an enriched mantle ‘EM-1 type’ reservoir for these layered intrusions. Initial Sr isotopic data for the Kola intrusions are radiogenic relative to bulk mantle, with I
Sr
values from 0.703 to 0.704, but geochemical data and
4
He/
3
He isotopic ratios of various minerals record a significant contribution from a mantle source rather than simply crustal melting. The geological and geochronological data indicate that in the eastern part of the Baltic Shield, mafic‐ultramafic intrusive magmatism was active over a protracted period and was related to plume magmatism associated with continental breakup that also involved the Superior and Wyoming provinces.
The Economics of Agricultural R&D
Authors: Alston Julian M. , Pardey Philip G. , James Jennifer S. , Andersen Matthew A.
Published: September 2009

Agricultural research has transformed agriculture and in doing so contributed to the transformation of economies. Economic issues arise because agricultural research is subject to various market failures, because the resulting innovations and technological changes have important economic consequences for net income and its distribution, and because the consequences are difficult to discern and attribute. Economists have developed models and measures of the economic consequences of agricultural R&D and related policies in contributions that relate to a very broad literature ranging across production economics, development economics, industrial organization, economic history, welfare economics, political economy, econometrics, and so on. A key general finding is that the social rate of return to investments in agricultural R&D has been generally high. Specific findings differ depending on methods and modeling assumptions, particularly assumptions concerning the research lag distribution, the nature of the research-induced technological change, and the nature of the markets for the affected commodities.
Fuel Versus Food
Authors: Chakravorty Ujjayant , Hubert Marie-Hélène , Nøstbakken Linda
Published: September 2009

Many countries have actively encouraged the production of biofuels as a low-carbon alternative to the use of fossil fuels in transportation. To what extent do these trends imply a reallocation of scarce land away from food to fuel production? This paper critically reviews the small but growing literature in this area. We find that an increase in biofuel production may have a significant effect on food prices and, in certain parts of the world, in speeding up deforestation through land conversion. However, more research needs to be done to examine the effect of newer generation biofuel technologies that are less land intensive as well as the effect of environmental regulation and trade policies on land-use patterns.
Rent Taxation for Nonrenewable Resources
Authors: Lund Diderik
Published: September 2009

The literature on taxation of rents from nonrenewable resources uses different theoretical assumptions and methods and a variety of empirical observations to arrive at widely diverging conclusions. Many studies use models and methods that disregard uncertainty, investigating distortionary effects of different taxes on whether, when, and how to explore for, develop, and operate resource deposits. Introducing uncertainty into the analysis opens a range of challenges and leads to results that cast doubt on the relevance of studies that neglect uncertainty. There are, however, several ways to analyze uncertainty regarding companies' behavior, resource price processes, and diversification opportunities, all with different implications for taxation. Methods developed in financial economics since the 1980s, though promising, are still not in widespread use. Additional topics covered in this review are optimal risk sharing between companies and governments, time consistency and fiscal stability, the relationship between taxes and discount rates, tax competition, and transfer pricing.
An Amateur Among Professionals
Authors: Solow Robert M.
Published: September 2009

This brief retrospective note describes the author’s occasional contributions to the economics of natural resources. It emphasizes the role and interpretation of the Hotelling condition and discusses the reasons why that result plays so small a role empirically. The concept of sustainability is introduced in the simplest possible content, that of directly consuming a finite stock over infinite time. When the resources flow is an input into production along with capital that can be accumulated, the nature of sustainability changes and becomes more interesting. It is suggested, however, that to consider instead the eventual availability of a resource-free backstop technology may be just as interesting and more relevant. That concept is illustrated in the direct-consumption context but awaits further development in production economies.
Energy Efficiency Economics and Policy
Authors: Gillingham Kenneth , Newell Richard G. , Palmer Karen
Published: September 2009

Energy efficiency and conservation are considered key means for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving other energy policy goals, but associated market behavior and policy responses have engendered debates in the economic literature. We review economic concepts underlying consumer decision making in energy efficiency and conservation and examine related empirical literature. In particular, we provide an economic perspective on the range of market barriers, market failures, and behavioral failures that have been cited in the energy efficiency context. We assess the extent to which these conditions provide a motivation for policy intervention in energy-using product markets, including an examination of the evidence on policy effectiveness and cost. Although theory and empirical evidence suggests there is potential for welfare-enhancing energy efficiency policies, many open questions remain, particularly relating to the extent of some key market and behavioral failures.
Sex differences in response to cognitive stress during a fatiguing contraction
Authors: Yoon Tejin , Keller Manda L. , De-Lap Bonnie Schlinder , Harkins April , Lepers Romuald , Hunter Sandra K.
Published: September 2009

This study compared the time to task failure for a submaximal fatiguing contraction in the presence and absence of a cognitive stressor in men and women. In study 1, 10 men and 10 women (22 ± 3 yr of age) performed an isometric fatiguing contraction at 20% maximal voluntary contraction force until task failure with the elbow flexor muscles during two separate sessions. Subjects performed a mental-math task during one of the fatiguing contractions that aimed to increase anxiety and stress (stressor session). Salivary cortisol and reported levels of arousal (visual analog scale for anxiety, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores) were elevated during the stressor session compared with a control session for both sexes ( P < 0.05). Time to task failure, however, was briefer during the stressor session compared with control ( P = 0.005) but more so for the women (27.3 ± 20.1%) than the men (8.6 ± 23.1%) ( P = 0.03). The briefer time to task failure was associated with target force ( r2 = 0.21) and accompanied by a higher mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and rate-pressure product during the fatiguing contraction in the stressor session compared with control in women. In study 2 (11 men and 8 women, 20 ± 3 yr of age), time to task failure was similar for a fatiguing contraction with simple mental-math that did not increase stress (mental-attentiveness session) and control for both men and women. The greater change in fatigability of women than men with performance of a cognitive stressor involved initial strength and increases in indexes of sympathetic neural activity and cardiac work compared with control conditions.
Discerning aortic waves during intra-aortic balloon pumping and their relation to benefits of counterpulsation in humans
Authors: Kolyva Christina , Pantalos George M. , Giridharan Guruprasad A. , Pepper John R. , Khir Ashraf W.
Published: September 2009

An explanation of the mechanisms leading to the beneficial hemodynamic effects of the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is lacking. We hypothesized that inflation and deflation of the balloon would generate a compression (BCW) and an expansion (BEW) wave, respectively, which, when analyzed with wave intensity analysis, could be used to explain the hemodynamic benefits of IABP support. Simultaneous ascending aortic pressure (Pao) and flow rate (Qao) were recorded in 25 patients during control conditions and with IABP support of 1:1 and 1:2. Diastolic aortic pressure augmentation (Paug) and end-diastolic aortic pressure (ED Pao) reduction were calculated from Pao. Energies of the BCW and BEW were obtained by integrating the wave intensity contour over time. Paug was 19.1 mmHg (SD 13.6) during 1:2 support. During 1:1 support significantly higher Paug of 21.1 mmHg (SD 13.4) was achieved ( P < 0.001). ED Pao decreased from 50.9 mmHg (SD 15.1) to 43.9 mmHg (SD 15.7) ( P < 0.0001) during 1:1 assistance and the decrease was not statistically different with 1:2. During 1:1 support the energy of BCW was correlated positively to Paug ( r = 0.83, P < 0.0001) and energy of the BEW correlated negatively to ED Pao ( r = 0.78, P < 0.005); these relationships were not statistically different during 1:2. In conclusion, the energies of the BCW and BEW are directly related to Paug and ED Pao, which are the conventional hemodynamic parameters indicating IABP benefits. These findings imply a cause and effect mechanism between the energies of BCW and BEW, and IABP hemodynamic effects.
Prenatal nicotine-exposure alters fetal autonomic activity and medullary neurotransmitter receptors: implications for sudden infant death syndrome
Authors: Duncan Jhodie R. , Garland Marianne , Myers Michael M. , Fifer William P. , Yang May , Kinney Hannah C. , Stark Raymond I.
Published: September 2009

During pregnancy, exposure to nicotine and other compounds in cigarette smoke increases the risk of the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) two- to fivefold. Serotonergic (5-HT) abnormalities are found, in infants who die of SIDS, in regions of the medulla oblongata known to modulate cardiorespiratory function. Using a baboon model, we tested the hypothesis that prenatal exposure to nicotine alters 5-HT receptor and/or transporter binding in the fetal medullary 5-HT system in association with cardiorespiratory dysfunction. At 87 (mean) days gestation (dg), mothers were continuously infused with saline ( n = 5) or nicotine ( n = 5) at 0.5 mg/h. Fetuses were surgically instrumented at 129 dg for cardiorespiratory monitoring. Cesarean section delivery and retrieval of fetal medulla were performed at 161 (mean) dg for autoradiographic analyses of nicotinic and 5-HT receptor and transporter binding. In nicotine-exposed fetuses, high-frequency heart rate variability was increased 55%, possibly reflecting increases in the parasympathetic control of heart rate. This effect was more pronounced with greater levels of fetal breathing and age. These changes in heart rate variability were associated with increased 5-HT1Areceptor binding in the raphé obscurus ( P = 0.04) and increased nicotinic receptor binding in the raphé obscurus and vagal complex ( P < 0.05) in the nicotine-exposed animals compared with controls ( n = 6). The shift in autonomic balance in the fetal primate toward parasympathetic predominance with chronic exposure to nicotine may be related, in part, to abnormal 5-HT-nicotine alterations in the raphé obscurus. Thus increased risk for SIDS due to maternal smoking may be partly related to the effects of nicotine on 5-HT and/or nicotinic receptors.
An Evolutionary Interpretation of Teleostean Forebrain Anatomy
Authors: Mueller Thomas , Wullimann Mario F.
Published: September 2009

During the past few years, our investigations of the forebrain in the zebrafish (a teleost fish) have shown that its molecular anatomy and expression patterns of genes involved in the regulation of neuronal transmitter phenotypes, such as γ-aminobutyric acid- (GABA-)ergic neurons, are very similar to those seen in mammalian model organisms such as mouse and rat. For example, we have been able to identify previously undiscovered homologies, such as subpallial regions in the zebrafish that are homologous to the medial and lateral ganglionic eminences in mammals, as well as regions homologous to the larval eminentia thalami and its adult derivative, the bed nucleus of the stria medullaris. Furthermore, in what we term the partial eversion model of the telencephalon in teleosts, we propose homologies to all four mammalian pallial areas and conclude that the posterior zone of the dorsal telencephalic area in teleosts is homologous to the piriform cortex and is formed by a migratory stream of cells originating in a dorsomedial zone of the pallium (the primordial medial zone of area dorsalis telencephali). In this review we critically discuss and justify these findings in the context of forebrain evolution in fishes.
Frequency of Chromosome Healing and Interstitial Telomeres in 40 Cases of Constitutional Abnormalities
Authors: Fortin F. , Beaulieu Bergeron M. , Fetni R. , Lemieux N.
Published: September 2009

Human telomeres play a major role in stabilizing chromosome ends and preventing fusions. Chromosomes bearing a broken end are rescued by the acquisition of a new telomeric cap without any subtelomeric sequences being present at the breakpoint, a process referred to as chromosome healing. Conversely, a loss of telomeric function or integrity can lead to the presence of interstitial telomeres at the junction site in translocations or ring chromosomes. In order to determine the frequency at which interstitial telomeres or chromosome healing events are observed in target chromosome abnormalities, we conducted a retrospective FISH study using pan-telomeric and chromosome-specific subtelomeric probes on archival material from 40 cases of terminal deletions, translocations or ring chromosomes. Of the 19 terminal deletions investigated, 17 were negative for the subtelomeric probe specific to the deleted arm despite being positive for the pan-telomeric probe. These 17 cases were thus considered as having been rescued through chromosome healing, suggesting that this process is frequent in terminal deletions. In addition, as 2 of these cases were inherited from a parent bearing the same deletion, chromosomes healed by this process are thus stable through mitosis and meiosis. Regarding the 13 cases of translocations and 8 ring chromosomes, 4 and 2 cases respectively demonstrated pan-telomeric sequences at the interstitial junction point. Furthermore, 2 cases of translocations and 1 ring chromosome had both interstitial pan-telomeres and subtelomeres, whereas 2 other cases of ring chromosomes and 1 case of translocation only showed interstitial subtelomeres. Therefore, interstitial (sub)telomeric sequences in translocations and ring chromosomes are more common than previously thought, as we found a frequency of 43% in this study. Moreover, our results illustrate the necessity of performing FISH with both subtelomeric and pan-telomeric probes when investigating these rearrangements, as the breakpoints can be either in the distal part of the pan-telomeres, or in between the 2 types of sequences.
Targeted Disruption of the Mouse Npal3 Gene Leads to Deficits in Behavior, Increased IgE Levels, and Impaired Lung Function
Authors: Grzmil P. , Konietzko J. , Boehm D. , Hoelter S.M. , Aguilar A. , Javaheri A. , Kalaydjiev S. , Adler T. , Bolle I. , Adham I. , Dixkens C. , Wolf S. , Fuchs H. , Gailus-Durne V. , Wurst W. , Ollert M. , Busch D. , Schulz H. , Hrabe de Angelis M. , Burfeind P.
Published: September 2009

The non-imprinted in Prader-Willi/Angelman syndrome (NIPA) proteins are highly conserved receptors or transporters. Translocation of NIPA genes were found in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome, and loss-of-function of the NIPA1 gene was identified in hereditary spastic paraplegia. The family of NIPA-like domain containing (NPAL) proteins is closely related to the NIPA proteins, but to date nothing is known about their function. Here, we could demonstrate that both human NPAL3 and mouse Npal3 are ubiquitously expressed and encode highly conserved proteins. To further elucidate the function of the Npal3 gene, knockout (Npal3–/–) mice were generated. Intensive phenotypic analyses revealed that disruption of the Npal3 gene results in a pleiotropic phenotype. The function of the nervous system was impaired in both mutant males and females which could be demonstrated in behavioral tests. In addition, in Npal3 mutants the number of NK cells was decreased and changes in IgM, IgG2, and IgA were observed, indicating that the immune system is also affected. Interestingly, increased IgE levels as well as impaired lung functions were observed in mutant males but not in mutant females. It should be noted that the human NPAL3 gene is located at 1p36.12→p35.1, and atopic diseases were previously linked to this genomic region. Thus, the Npal3–/– mice could serve as a valuable model system for studying atopic diseases.
The Chromosomal Constitution of Postmitotic Neurons, Assessed by Neuronal Nuclear Transfer into Oocytes and in ES Cell Lines Derived from Them
Authors: Osada T. , Kakazu N. , Watanabe M. , Yamane H. , Yagi T.
Published: September 2009

Spectral karyotyping (SKY) was used to assess the chromosomal constitution of embryos generated by nuclear transfer (NT) of neuronal nuclei (N-NT) or cumulus cell nuclei (C-NT) into oocytes and of their embryonic stem cell derivatives (ntES cells). We detected chromosomal changes during the first mitotic cleavage and in the condensed chromatids of NT embryos. We also found clonal translocations in the ntES cells that were derived from NT embryos cloned from neuronal nuclei. The differentiation potentials of the ntES cells showing chromosomal rearrangements were partly restricted. Our findings indicate that balanced or unbalanced chromosomal translocations can occur in early NT embryogenesis, suggesting that a DNA repair system is activated during both NT embryogenesis and ntES cell establishment. We observed a higher incidence of chromosomal changes in N-NT than in C-NT embryos, which may reflect a higher frequency of double-stranded (ds) DNA breaks in the neuronal genome.
Effects of Budesonide Inhalation on Energy Expenditure, Somatic Growth and Salivary Cortisol Levels in Preterm Infants with Chronic Lung Disease
Authors: Bauer Jacqueline , Teufel Ulrike , Maser-Gluth Christiane , Doege Corinna
Published: September 2009

Background: We hypothesized that the use of inhaled budesonide (BUD) would alter somatic growth by increasing energy expenditure (EE) in premature infants with chronic lung disease (CLD). Methods: A prospective study was conducted of the effect of BUD on EE, growth and salivary cortisol excretion in infants with CLD who required supplemental oxygen and were treated with inhaled BUD for 4 weeks according the severity of their CLD, or without BUD treatment. Infants were compared with a healthy control group matched for gestational age. EE, anthropometric measures and salivary cortisol levels were examined before, during and after BUD treatment. Results: A total of 30 spontaneously breathing premature infants were enrolled in the study. EE in CLD (BUD) and CLD (no BUD) patients were greater than EE in healthy preterm infants (p < 0.01) at the study time points. Growth did not differ between the groups. Salivary cortisol levels of treated infants were significantly lower when compared with the levels of nontreated infants. Conclusion: The administration of inhaled BUD in preterm infants with CLD was associated with an increase in EE, a suppression of endogenous cortisol production and with no effect on duration of supplemental oxygen, but did not compromise their somatic growth.
Stimulant Medication Use and Response to Growth Hormone Therapy: An NCGS Database Analysis
Authors: Frindik J. Paul , Morales Alba , Fowlkes John , Kemp Stephen , Thrailkill Kathryn , Lippe Barbara , Dana Ken
Published: September 2009

Background/Aims: Determine (1) frequency of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment and (2) growth responses in growth hormone (GH)-treated children who are receiving ADHD medication versus GH alone. Methods: Prepubertal children with idiopathic short stature (ISS) or GH deficiency (IGHD) enrolled in Genentech’s National Cooperative Growth Study. ADHD treatment was determined by documentation of psycho-stimulant medication use at enrollment. Results: ADHD medication use increased from 0.8% (7/850) in 1985 to 5.8% (752/12,113) in 2005. First-year GH treatment response for ADHD + IGHD versus IGHD: 8.5 ± 2.0 vs. 9.4 ± 2.6 cm/year, but when adjusted for age, sex, and enrollment body mass index, the difference is clinically insignificant (–0.4 cm/year). First-year growth was similar in all ISS: 8.1 ± 1.9 versus 8.6 ± 2.1 cm/year (ADHD + ISS vs. ISS, an adjusted –0.2-cm/year difference). Conclusion: Increasing numbers of GH-treated children are taking ADHD medications and their growth responses during the first year of GH therapy are similar to those not taking ADHD medications.
Positron Emission Tomography in the Diagnosis and Management of Intracranial Germ Cell Tumours
Authors: Kelly Philip A. , Metcalfe Karl , Evanson Jane , Sabin Ian , Plowman P. Nicholas , Monson John P.
Published: September 2009

Positron emission tomography (PET) with 18F-fluorodeoxy-glucose indicates metabolically active tissue. When investigating enhancing intracranial tumours, we have suggested that PET positivity might suggest an intracranial germ cell tumour (IGCT). Here, we present a case with dicentric IGCT where PET was initially discordant between the lesions and where PET then became negative despite clearly aggressive clinical behaviour. A cautionary note is introduced with respect to the interpretation of negative 18F-FDG PET when investigating enhancing intracranial lesions.
Attenuation of Antigen-Induced Bronchoconstriction in Guinea Pigs by a New Xanthine Derivative (HW A448)
Authors: Sugiyama Haruhito , Gang Wu , Bergren Virginia A. , Eda Ryosuke , Bergren Dale R. , Hopp Russell J. , Bewtra Againdra K. , Townley Robert G.
Published: September 2009

We examined the effect of a new xanthine derivative, HWA448, on antigen-induced bronchoconstriction in actively sensitized guinea pigs. Guinea pigs were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on two occasions, separated by 10 days. Two weeks after the second injection, the animal was placed in a two-chambered whole body plethysmograph and specific airway resistance (SRaw) was monitored for 10 min after an aerosol inhalation of BSA. HWA448 prevented the increase in SRaw after challenge (at 5 and 20 mg/kg i.p.). Aminophylline also prevented the increase in SRaw at 20 mg/kg, but not at a 5-mg/kg dose. The concentration of HWA448, which produced 50% relaxation of the tracheal rings constricted with 0.1 mM of histamine, was 49.9 μM as compared with 18.2 μM in aminophylline. HWA448 has a protective effect on antigen-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs and may be a useful agent in the therapy of bronchial asthma.