bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Androgen‐suppression therapy for prostate cancer and the risk of death in men with a history of myocardial infarction or stroke
Authors: Hayes Julia H. , Chen Ming‐Hui , Moran Brian J. , Braccioforte Michelle H. , Dosoretz Daniel E. , Salenius Sharon , Katin Michael J. , Ross Rudi , Choueiri Toni K. , D’Amico Anthony V.
Published: March 2010

Study Type – Prognosis (inception cohort) Level of Evidence 1b

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of short‐course androgen‐suppression therapy (AST) before brachytherapy on all‐cause mortality (ACM) rates, stratified by the presence or absence of a history of myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke. AST is used to reduce prostate size to enable men with favourable‐risk prostate cancer to undergo brachytherapy, but no disease‐specific benefit has been reported for this practice, and AST use has been associated with an increased risk of ACM in some men with pre‐existing cardiovascular disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study comprised 12 792 men with favourable‐risk disease, i.e. a prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level of <20 ng/mL, Gleason score ≤7 and clinical category ≤T2c, treated between 1991 and 2007 at community‐based medical centres with brachytherapy ± neoadjuvant AST. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to assess whether there were significant associations between AST use in men with a history of MI or stroke and the risk of ACM, adjusting for age, treatment year, and known prognostic factors of prostate cancer.

RESULTS

After a median (interquartile range) follow‐up of 3.8 (2.0–5.9) years there were 1557 deaths. The risk of ACM was lower in men with no history of MI or stroke than in those with this history, whether AST was used (adjusted hazard ratio 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.67–0.92; P= 0.003) or not (0.74, 0.65–0.85; P < 0.001). However, men with a history of MI or stroke treated with AST had a greater risk of ACM than those not treated with AST (1.2, 1.05–1.38; P= 0.008).

CONCLUSION

The use of short‐course AST in men with a history of MI or stroke is associated with a greater risk of ACM in men with favourable‐risk prostate cancer.
Nephron‐sparing surgery for pathological stage T3b renal cell carcinoma confined to the renal vein
Authors: Kolla Surendra B. , Ercole Cesar , Spiess Philippe E. , Pow‐Sang Julio M. , Sexton Wade J.
Published: March 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To report the functional and oncological outcome of nephron‐sparing surgery (NSS) for pathological stage pT3bNxMx (2002 Tumour‐Node‐Metastasis staging) renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with tumour thrombus confined to the renal vein.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Of the 305 patients who underwent NSS at our institute from October 2004 to July 2009, seven (2%) were found to have stage T3bNxMx RCC on final pathology. Their charts were reviewed to identify demographic, operative and pathology details of these patients, in addition to obtaining functional and oncological outcome data.

RESULTS

All seven patients had centrally located endophytic tumours. There were absolute indications for NSS in six patients (solitary kidney in five, renal insufficiency in one). The clinical stage was T1a in five and T3b in two patients; in those with cT1a, thrombus was first identified with intraoperative ultrasonography in two and by palpation of the renal vein or during the NSS in the remaining three. Renal surface hypothermia was applied in four cases (mean 77 min) and warm ischaemia in three (mean 38 min). The mean (range) tumour size was 3.9 (2.5–6) cm and all the tumours were clear cell RCC on histology, and all had negative surgical margins. The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decreased by 24% after surgery. One patient developed new‐onset renal failure (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2). Postoperative urine leak occurred in one patient successfully managed with a JJ stent. One patient developed a local recurrence with level III inferior vena caval (IVC) tumour thrombus 9 months after NSS and was managed with radical excision and IVC thrombectomy followed by postoperative dialysis. Six other patients were free of recurrence with no need for dialysis at a mean follow‐up of 30 months.

CONCLUSIONS

In selected patients with pathological stage T3b RCC and tumour thrombus confined to the renal vein, NSS is a feasible treatment option with acceptable oncological and renal functional outcomes.
Perspectives on Regional Change: A Review Essay on Handbook of Regional Growth and Development Theories
Authors: HANINK DEAN M.
Published: March 2010

Handbook of Regional Growth and Development Theories, edited by Roberta Capello and Peter Nijkamp, Cheltenham, UK and Northampton MA, USA: Edward Elgar, 2009 (xi and 529 pp., £135, $250).

This paper reviews the contributions in The Handbook of Regional Growth and Development Theories, edited by Roberta Capello and Peter Nijkamp. The book's coverage is comprehensive in a conventional way. It emphasizes the significance of recent developments in theoretical and empirical regional analysis that have occurred in both neoclassical (convergence) and new economic geography (concentration) contexts. The role of knowledge spillovers in regional growth receives special attention. Given the recent advances in the field, and renewed interest in regional issues, it is time to expand the focus of analysis from relatively narrow production and distribution concerns, to broader ones that incorporate the effects of structural/sectoral, demographic, and environmental change on the future prospects of regional economies. Such an expansion would not only contribute to the theoretical richness of regional growth and development analysis, it would also do much to expand its utility in guiding public policy.
The Mediating Effect of Cognitive Social Capital on Knowledge Acquisition in Clustered Firms
Authors: PARRA‐REQUENA GLORIA , MOLINA‐MORALES FRANCESC XAVIER , GARCÍA‐VILLAVERDE PEDRO MANUEL
Published: March 2010

This paper analyzes the role played by the cognitive dimension of social capital on knowledge acquisition in clustered firms. We have applied a structural model to an empirical survey of the Spanish footwear industry. Findings detect a significant indirect effect of the district membership on knowledge acquisition through cognitive social capital development. In contrast with the assumption of direct and free access to common knowledge in territorial agglomerations, findings suggested that knowledge access depends on the capacity of the firms to share visions, goals, values, and culture with other actors in the local neighborhood. The social capital perspective provides a solid base to explain heterogeneity among firm members in the industrial district in order to access common knowledge and capacities. Findings suggested that institutions involved in a district must favour efforts to boost the collective representation as well as common goals and vision.
Accessibility, Diversity, Environmental Quality and the Dynamics of Intra‐Urban Population and Employment Location
Authors: ZHANG SUMEI , GULDMANN JEAN‐MICHEL
Published: March 2010

This paper investigates intra‐urban population and employment shifts over 1980–2000, using the Cincinnati Metropolitan Area as a case study. Population and employment are disaggregated by ethnicity (White, Black, Others) and industry (10 sectors) to better capture different location behaviors. Inter‐industry relationships are considered when constructing accessibility variables. Additional diversity, locational and socio‐economic variables are included. A location‐specific index of air quality is also considered, as a proxy for environmental quality. A structural equation model is specified to account for the dynamic interactions between populations, activities, and air quality. The results reveal strong interactions between ethnic groups, confirm the existence of agglomeration effects, and suggest that diversity has positive effects on both firms and households in both periods (1980–1990 and 1990–2000). For firms, better access to their potential customers and employees is more important than better access to their input–output sectors. Better air quality attracts population, which in turn worsens it. The results reveal changing dynamics, from 1980–1990 to 1990–2000, for different population and activity groups, and suggest that overall, firm location behaviors are more stable than household behaviors.
The Influence of Booms and Busts in the U.S. Economy on the Interstate Migration System
Authors: VIAS ALEXANDER C.
Published: March 2010

Migration flows around the U.S. have shown a great deal of temporal and geographical differentiation over the past few decades. However, the recent downturn in the U.S. economy provides a renewed motivation to explore the relationship between the macro‐economy and interstate migration. To address this issue, in this paper patterns of interstate migration are analyzed using IRS data and several migration efficiency measures for 18 2‐year time periods, 1988–2006. Included in the analysis is an examination of the relationship between system migration and economic change, structural changes in the migration system over time (national and state level), and changes in the geography of state‐level migration efficiency rates. As might be expected, the two full business cycles that occurred over this time period saw significant short‐term changes in migration flows, although the economic downturn of 2001‐02 may indicate more fundamental changes in the migration system.
Examining resistance, accommodation and the pursuit of aspiration in the Indian IT‐BPO space: reflections on two case studies
Authors: Ravishankar M. N. , Cohen Laurie , El‐Sawad Amal
Published: March 2010

This article is based on case studies of two organisations: an India‐based information technology (IT) services company and a financial services company located in the UK and India. Although they operate in different sectors and have some notable contrasts, both can be seen as typifying aspects of India's new economy. Our article explores the lived experience of working in this economy—a perspective that has been relatively neglected in the extant literature. Drawing on Homi Bhabha's notions of ambivalence and mimicry, and V. S. Naipaul's powerful illustrations of these concepts in his fiction and non‐fiction works, we report on how respondents talked about their aspirations within India's emerging economy, and examine their mobilisation of particular discursive resources as forms of accommodation and resistance to the demands they face at work.
Trade unions in a constrained environment: workers' voices from a New Industrial Zone in India
Authors: Hammer Anita
Published: March 2010

Challenges to unions worldwide are often framed in a strategic tension between enterprise unionism on one hand, and mobilisation for unions' continued relevance under neoliberal global capitalism on the other. However, research in a New Industrial Zone (NIZ) in India reveals a complex picture: a variety of unions across firms that are not always explained by existing definitions and models. Alongside political and enterprise unions, a third dimension emerges out of new forms of grassroots community links rooted in the living areas of workers. This paper argues for a socio‐historical institutional analysis of union–worker–firm–state relations under the new political economy of a NIZ, with a focus on workers' experiences and living areas, in order to explain the varied structures and strategies of unions.
What are the best outcome measures for assessing plaque psoriasis severity? A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Puzenat E , Bronsard V , Prey S , Gourraud P‐A , Aractingi S , Bagot M , Cribier B , Joly P , Jullien D , Le Maitre M , Paul C , Richard‐Lallemand M‐A , Ortonne J‐P , Aubin F
Published: March 2010

Background  A wide variety of scoring systems have been proposed to assess severity of psoriasis. Given its importance as a health issue both for patients and health care systems, it is critically important to evaluate the validity and reliability of existing outcome measures.

Objective  The objective of this systematic review was to assess the extent of validation including the validity, reliability, sensitivity to change and ease of use of available outcome measures for psoriasis.

Materials and Methods  We conducted a systematic review of all clinical studies (prospective and retrospective) investigating the severity of psoriasis patients and published between January 1980 and June 2009. The following methodological validation and quality criteria were recorded systematically: construct validity, content validity and internal consistency, intra‐observer variation and inter‐observer variation, sensitivity to change and acceptability/ease of use assessed as time required to perform measurement.

Results  Based on methodological validation and quality criteria, six clinical severity scores were selected and analysed (PASI, BSA, PGA, LS‐PGA, SPI and SAPASI scores). We did not find substantial evidence of construct validity for any of the psoriasis clinical severity scores. Content validity was studied by considering the PASI score as gold standard. The relative content validity was good for the LS‐PGA, PGA, and SPI scores, which correlated strongly with the PASI score. The SAPASI and PASI scores showed moderate correlation. Internal consistency was good for the PASI and LS‐PGA scores. The PASI, BSA, PGA and LS‐PGA scores displayed limited intra‐observer variation. The inter‐observer variation was low for LS‐PGA (ICC < 0.5) and SAPASI, moderate for PASI, SPI and PGA and high for BSA (ICC > 0.8). The PASI score and the SAPASI displayed moderate sensitivity to change.

Discussion  Based on this systematic review, it appears that none of the severity scores used for psoriasis meets all of the validation criteria required for an ideal score. However, we can conclude that the PASI score is the most extensively studied psoriasis clinical severity score and the most thoroughly validated according to methodological validation criteria. Despite certain limitations, use of the PASI score can be recommended for scientific evaluation of the clinical severity of psoriasis.
What are the best outcome measures for assessing quality of life in plaque type psoriasis? A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Bronsard V , Paul C , Prey S , Puzenat E , Gourraud P‐A , Aractingi S , Aubin F , Bagot M , Cribier B , Joly P , Jullien D , Le Maitre M , Richard‐Lallemand M‐A , Ortonne J‐P
Published: March 2010

Background  The assessment of health‐related quality of life (QOL) is important in psoriasis. Despite this, among the wide variety of QOL questionnaires used in psoriasis, there is no consensus as to which is the best.

Objective  The objective of this systematic review was to identify which of these measurements have acceptable evaluation criteria for both monitoring disease and research purposes. We looked at validity, reliability, sensitivity to change (responsiveness) and acceptability, which are common criteria for any score and specific criteria for QOL questionnaire.

Materials and Methods  We performed a systematic review of all clinical studies investigating the QOL of psoriasis patients, published between January 1988 and June 2009.

Results  Twenty‐one QOL questionnaires were identified. Eight of these satisfied most of the validation criteria; they were multidimensional and had been used in clinical research: short form 36 (SF 36), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Skindex 29, Skindex 17, Dermatology Quality of life Scale (DQOLS), Psoriasis Disability Index (PDI) Impact of Psoriasis Questionnaire (IPSO) and Psoriasis Index of Quality of Life (PSORIQOL). Construct validity, content validity and internal consistency were adequately assessed and good performance was achieved for all questionnaires. Reproducibility (undetermined for Skindex 17) and acceptability were good for all questionnaires. Sensitivity to change was determined good for the SF36, DLQI, Skindex 29 and PDI. Item bias, unidimensional structure and cross‐cultural equivalence were poor for all but the Skindex 17 and SF36 questionnaires.

Conclusion  On the basis of this systematic review, we can conclude that the DLQI is easy to use in clinical practice because of its brevity and simplicity. SF36 is widely used in clinical trials. Skindex 29 and Skindex 17, although rarely used, are interesting because of their cross‐cultural validation.
Pre‐operative ultrasound with a 12–15 MHz linear probe reliably differentiates between melanoma thicker and thinner than 1 mm
Authors: Mušič MM , Hertl K , Kadivec M , Pavlović MD , Hočevar M
Published: March 2010

Background  Pre‐operative determination of primary melanoma thickness could be a tool to identify those patients who could be treated with radical primary tumour excision and sentinel lymph node biopsy in a single procedure. An excellent correlation between sonographic and histological measurement of maximal tumour thickness has been achieved using 20‐MHz transducers.

Objective  To show that widely available high resolution ultrasound with 12–15 MHz linear probe could also reliably assess the thickness of primary melanoma.

Methods  Sixty‐nine patients underwent ultrasound evaluation of 70 clinically and dermoscopically suspicious pigmented skin lesions before surgical excision.

Results  The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of ultrasound to detect melanoma > 1 mm were 92%, 92%, 95% and 81% respectively. The correlation between ultrasound and histological tumour thickness was very good [Pearson’s correlating index 0.823 (P < 0.001)]. Mean difference between sonographic and histological measurements was 0.045 mm with limits of agreement estimated at −1.4 and +1.49, and a bias between two methods 45 μm.

Conclusion  Ultrasound examination with a 12–15 MHz linear transducer can reliably differentiate primary melanoma > 1 mm from those ≤ 1 mm.
Guidelines for the laboratory diagnosis of trichomoniasis in East European countries
Authors: Domeika M , Zhurauskaya L , Savicheva A , Frigo N , Sokolovskiy E , Hallén A , Unemo M , Ballard RC ,   EE SRH Network
Published: March 2010

The laboratory diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections in many Eastern European countries remains suboptimal. The main objective of the present evidence‐based guidelines is to provide comprehensive information regarding the laboratory diagnosis of infections caused by Trichomonas vaginalis in East European countries. In particular, the present guidelines recommend: (i) to encourage examination of the wet mounts of vaginal exudates, instead of stained smears, at all clinical settings; (ii) nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) or culture could be employed if no trichomonads are detected on microscopic examination of the wet preparation and there is a strong indication of infection and (iii) the use of NAATs is encouraged in screening, using non‐invasive specimens, or high volume testing situations. In the absence of internationally recognized commercial NAAT systems, tests developed in‐house should be validated using obtainable international standards and quality assured strictly. Individual East European countries may be required to make minor national adjustments to these guidelines as a result of lack of accessibility to some reagents or equipment, or laws in a specific country.
Differential effects of a tertiary individual prevention programme for patients with occupational skin disease depending on diagnosis
Authors: Matterne U , Diepgen TL , Weisshaar E
Published: March 2010

Background  Occupational skin disease (OSD) is common. Tertiary individual prevention programmes (TIP) aim at helping individuals with refractory OSD to remain active in the workforce. Evidence exists that these interventions improve skin protection behaviour related cognitions. However, it is not clear whether these effects generalize to all types of OSD.

Objective  To evaluate whether effects on socio‐cognitive determinants of skin protection behaviour vary between patients with work related atopic dermatitis (AD) and other work related skin diseases.

Methods  A total of 14 inpatients with work related AD and 87 inpatients with other work related skin diseases completed measures on socio‐cognitive determinants of skin protection behaviour before and after a 3‐week inpatient TIP. Mixed model analyses, using maximum‐likelihood estimation tested whether there were differential effects of the intervention on socio‐cognitive determinants of skin protection behaviour.

Results  Although patients with AD reported more favourable cognitions towards skin protection behaviour than patients with other skin diseases at admission, these cognitions deteriorated or remained on the same level. Patients with other forms of OSD on the other hand developed more favourable cognitions during the intervention.

Conclusion  Professionals working in the field of OSD should not cease to assist AD patients in achieving optimal skin protection behaviour. Tertiary individual prevention measures may need to pay more attention to the needs of individuals with an occupationally relevant AD. This may contribute to their being able to remain active in the workforce. The alternative would entail regular sick leave, poorer quality of life and economic hardship for the AD patient.
Skin disorders in chronic psychiatric illness
Authors: Mookhoek EJ , Van De Kerkhof PCM , Hovens JEJM , Brouwers JRBJ , Loonen AJM
Published: March 2010

Background  Chronic psychiatric patients are prone to develop skin diseases. However, epidemiological data are scarce.

Objective  To describe the prevalence of skin complaints and dermatological disorders in residential psychiatric patients.

Methods  Ninety‐one randomly chosen patients of the residential wards of a general psychiatric hospital completed a short, structured interview concerning skin disease and underwent a physical examination of the skin.

Results  Of the examined patients, 69% reported symptoms of skin disease in the month prior to the interview and 77% had skin disorders at physical examination. In 34 (37%) patients, skin disorders were diagnosed, which were not mentioned in the interview. Patients with diabetes had infectious skin disease more often than their fellow patients [odds ratio (OR) 10.9; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.40–49.75]. Moreover, overweight patients had infectious skin disease more often (OR 7.4; 95% CI: 1.38–39.3). Women reported more skin complaints (OR 6.4: 95% CI: 1.67–24.2), and also had skin problems other than infection, tumours or dermatitis more frequently (OR 3.7; 95% CI: 1.34–10.14). Clozapine use was associated with benign neoplasms of the skin. The nature of this association remains unclear and merits further investigation.

Conclusions  Many chronic psychiatric patients have skin problems. Clinical examination of the skin is important to discover these problems. Patients with diabetes mellitus are particularly at risk for skin infections. Because of their relationship with overweight and diabetes mellitus, atypical antipsychotics may be partly responsible for these serious complications. Only a few other relationships between psychiatric medication and specific skin problems were found.
Patch testing in allergic contact dermatitis: is it useful to perform the cosmetic series in addition to the European standard series?
Authors: Ada S , Seçkin D
Published: March 2010

Background  Cosmetics are the causative agents in 8–15% of patients suspected of having allergic contact dermatitis. Patch testing with standard series identifies 70–80% of the responsible allergens in all contact dermatitis; however, many important cosmetic‐related allergens may be missed by using standard series alone.

Objective  The aim of this study was to determine the value of using cosmetic series in addition to the European standard series in patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis.

Methods  In this prospective study, 93 consecutive patients suspected of having allergic contact dermatitis were patch tested with the European standard series, and simultaneously with cosmetic series. Positive allergic reactions were further interpreted as clinically relevant or irrelevant. The clinically relevant reactions were subsequently stratified into three subgroups: (i) reactions only to allergen/allergens in the European standard series; (ii) reactions only to allergen/allergens in cosmetic series; and (iii) reactions both to allergen/allergens in the European standard and cosmetic series.

Results  A total of 74 positive reactions were observed in 93 patients. However, only 46 (62.2%) of the total positive reactions were found to be clinically relevant. Of all the clinically relevant positive reactions, 27 (58.7%) were caused by the allergens in the European standard series; 19 (41.3%) were caused by the allergens in cosmetic series. Of the 93 patients tested, 44 (47.3%) had at least one positive allergic reaction, 30 (68.2%) of whom had clinically relevance. Of the 30 patients with clinically relevant positive tests, 16 (53.3%) reacted only to allergens in the European standard series; nine (30%) reacted only to cosmetic series allergens; and five (16.7%) reacted both to the European standard and cosmetic series allergens. Among the 45 cosmetic series allergens tested, 15 (33.3%) gave positive reactions of which 14 (93.3%) of those were found to be clinically relevant. The clinically relevant cosmetic series allergens which were found to be over the critical incidence of 1% included methyldibromo glutaronitrile, Euxyl K400, and isopropyl myristate.

Conclusion  Patch testing with cosmetic series in addition to the European standard series increased the capability to detect the relevant allergen/allergens, particularly in patients with a suspicion of cosmetic allergy. However, it is not practical and cost‐effective to test those patients routinely with all 45 allergens in the cosmetic series. As the European baseline series which includes methyldibromo glutaronitrile is now widely used as the guideline minimum set of allergens for routine diagnostic patch test investigations, we additionally recommend Euxyl K400 and isopropyl myristate as the candidates for patch testing.
Behavioural intervention practices for stereotypic and repetitive behaviour in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review
Authors: PATTERSON STEPHANIE Y , SMITH VERONICA , JELEN MICHAELA
Published: March 2010

Aim  The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the quality of conduct of experimental studies contributing to our empirical understanding of function‐based behavioural interventions for stereotypic and repetitive behaviours (SRBs) in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).

Method  Systematic review methodology was used to identify relevant articles, to rate the level of evidence and quality of conduct of the studies, and to extract data systematically.

Results  Ten single case studies examining 17 participants (14 males, 3 females; age 2y 11mo–26y) diagnosed with various ASDs were included. Overall, studies reported decreases in SRBs using behavioural interventions and some collateral increase in desirable behaviours.

Interpretation  Only a small number of intervention studies for SRBs explicitly state the function of the behaviour; therefore, relatively little is known about the efficacy of SRB interventions in relation to the range of possible behavioural functions. Evidence supporting SRB interventions is preliminary in nature, and caution should be used in choosing and implementing SRB intervention practices for individuals with ASDs.
Contributions of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐1 and ‐2 to nuclear translocation of apoptosis‐inducing factor and injury from focal cerebral ischemia
Authors: Li Xiaoling , Klaus Judith A. , Zhang Jian , Xu Zhenfeng , Kibler Kathleen K. , Andrabi Shaida A. , Rao Karthik , Yang Zeng‐Jin , Dawson Ted M. , Dawson Valina L. , Koehler Raymond C.
Published: March 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 1012–1022.

Excessive oxidative damage to DNA leads to activation of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐1 (PARP‐1), accumulation of PAR polymers, translocation of apoptosis‐inducing factor (AIF) from mitochondria to the nucleus, and cell death. In this study, we compared the effect of gene deletion of PARP‐1 and PARP‐2, enzymes activated by DNA oxidative damage, in male mice subjected to 2 h of focal cerebral ischemia. Infarct volume at 3 days of reperfusion was markedly decreased to a similar extent in PARP‐1‐ and PARP‐2‐null mice. The ischemia‐induced increase in nuclear AIF accumulation was largely suppressed in both knockout genotypes. The transient increase in PAR during early reperfusion was nearly blocked in PARP‐1‐null mice, but only moderately decreased at 1‐h reperfusion in PARP‐2‐null mice. Differences in the tissue volume at risk, as assessed by arterial casts and autoradiographic analysis of regional blood flow, did not fully account for the large reductions in AIF translocation and infarct volume in both PARP null mice. Cell death was attenuated in PARP‐2‐null neurons exposed to a submaximal concentration of 100 μM NMDA for 5 min, but not in those exposed to a near‐maximal toxic concentration of 500 μM NMDA. We conclude that PARP‐2 contributes substantially to nuclear translocation of AIF and infarct size after transient focal cerebral ischemia in male mice, but that protection is disproportionate to the attenuation of overall PARP activity.
Beyond scarcity: citizen science programmes as useful tools for conservation biogeography
Authors: Devictor Vincent , Whittaker Robert J. , Beltrame Coralie
Published: March 2010

Aim  We assess whether and how datasets collected by the general public, so‐called citizen science programmes, can improve biogeographical studies and contribute to large‐scale conservation target‐setting.

Location  Worldwide.

Methods  We first set a general framework highlighting the prerequisites of a relevant dataset for conservation biogeography. We then illustrate how many different citizen science programmes currently running in different countries can be placed within this framework.

Results  We highlight that citizen science is particularly useful to address issues spanning large temporal and spatial extents. We then show how datasets based on citizen science can be used to investigate major aspects of global change impacts on biodiversity. We further highlight why these programmes are also particularly valuable in developing the preventative and educational component of conservation biogeography.

Main conclusions  Conservation biogeography requires considerable amounts of data collected over large spatial and/or temporal extents. Beyond increasing technical advances to collect and analyse these data, citizen science seems to be a highly valuable tool in many aspects. However, while citizen science programmes are now popular and increasingly used in several countries, they are lacking in many others. We argue that the development of citizen science programmes should be encouraged as they can both be highly valuable for conservation biogeography and promote the reconnection between people and nature and more generally between people and science.
Transfer of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchored 5′‐nucleotidase CD73 from adiposomes into rat adipocytes stimulates lipid synthesis
Authors: Müller G , Jung C , Wied S , Biemer‐Daub G , Frick W
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose:  In addition to predominant localization at detergent‐insoluble, glycolipid‐enriched plasma membrane microdomains (DIGs), glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐anchored proteins (GPI‐proteins) have been found associated with lipid droplets (LDs) and adiposomes. Adiposomes are vesicles that are released from adipocytes in response to anti‐lipolytic and lipogenic signals, such as H2O2, palmitate and the antidiabetic sulfonylurea drug, glimepiride, and harbour (c)AMP‐degrading GPI‐proteins, among them the 5‐nucleotidase CD73. Here the role of adiposomes in GPI‐protein‐mediated information transfer was studied.

Experimental approach:  Adiposomes were incubated with isolated rat adipocytes under various conditions. Trafficking of CD73 and lipid synthesis were analysed.

Key results:  Upon blockade of GPI‐protein trafficking, CD73 specifically associated with DIGs of small, and to a lower degree, large, adipocytes. On reversal of the blockade, CD73 appeared at cytosolic LD in time‐ adiposome concentration‐ and signal (H2O2 > glimepiride > palmitate)‐dependent fashion. The salt‐ and carbonate‐resistant association of CD73 with structurally intact DIGs and LD was dependent on its intact GPI anchor. Upon incubation with small and to a lower degree, large adipocytes, adiposomes increased lipid synthesis in the absence or presence of H2O2, glimepiride and palmitate and improved the sensitivity toward these signals. Upregulation of lipid synthesis by adiposomes was dependent on the translocation of CD73 with intact GPI anchors from DIGs to LD.

Conclusions:  The signal‐induced transfer of GPI‐anchored CD73 from adiposomes via DIGs to LD of adipocytes mediates paracrine upregulation of lipid synthesis within the adipose tissue.
Early Carboniferous blueschist facies metamorphism in metapelites of the West Sudetes (Northern Saxothuringian Domain, Bohemian Massif)
Authors: ŽÁČKOVÁ E. , KONOPÁSEK J. , JEŘÁBEK P. , FINGER F. , KOŠLER J.
Published: March 2010

The metamorphic evolution of micaschists in the north‐eastern part of the Saxothuringian Domain in the Central European Variscides is characterized by the early high‐pressure M1 assemblage with chloritoid in cores of large garnet porphyroblasts and a Grt–Chl–Phe–Qtz ± Pg M2 assemblage in the matrix. Minerals of the M1–M2 stage were overprinted by the low‐pressure M3 assemblage Ab–Chl–Ms–Qtz ± Ep. Samples with the best‐preserved M1–M2 mineralogy mostly appear in domains dominated by the earlier D1 deformation phase and are only weakly affected by subsequent D2 overprint. Thermodynamic modelling suggests that mineral assemblages record peak‐pressure conditions of ≥18–19 kbar at 460–520 °C (M1) followed by isothermal decompression 10.5–13.5 kbar (M2) and final decompression to <8.5 kbar and <480 °C (M3). The calculated peak P–T conditions indicate a high‐pressure/low‐temperature apparent thermal gradient of ∼7–7.5 °C km−1. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry isotopic dating and electron microprobe chemical dating of monazite from the M1–M2 mineral assemblages give ages of 330 ± 10 and 328 ± 6 Ma, respectively, which are interpreted as the timing of a peak pressure to early decompression stage. The observed metamorphic record and timing of metamorphism in the studied metapelites show striking similarities with the evolution of the central and south‐western parts of the Saxothuringian Domain and suggest a common tectonic evolution along the entire eastern flank of the Saxothuringian Domain during the Devonian–Carboniferous periods.
Cold subduction and the formation of lawsonite eclogite – constraints from prograde evolution of eclogitized pillow lava from Corsica
Authors: RAVNA E. J. K. , ANDERSEN T. B. , JOLIVET L. , De CAPITANI C.
Published: March 2010

A new discovery of lawsonite eclogite is presented from the Lancône glaucophanites within the Schistes Lustrés nappe at Défilé du Lancône in Alpine Corsica. The fine‐grained eclogitized pillow lava and inter‐pillow matrix are extremely fresh, showing very little evidence of retrograde alteration. Peak assemblages in both the massive pillows and weakly foliated inter‐pillow matrix consist of zoned idiomorphic Mg‐poor (<0.8 wt% MgO) garnet + omphacite + lawsonite + chlorite + titanite. A local overprint by the lower grade assemblage glaucophane + albite with partial resorption of omphacite and garnet is locally observed. Garnet porphyroblasts in the massive pillows are Mn rich, and show a regular prograde growth‐type zoning with a Mn‐rich core. In the inter‐pillow matrix garnet is less manganiferous, and shows a mutual variation in Ca and Fe with Fe enrichment toward the rim. Some garnet from this rock type shows complex zoning patterns indicating a coalescence of several smaller crystallites. Matrix omphacite in both rock types is zoned with a rimward increase in XJd, locally with cores of relict augite. Numerous inclusions of clinopyroxene, lawsonite, chlorite and titanite are encapsulated within garnet in both rock types, and albite, quartz and hornblende are also found included in garnet from the inter‐pillow matrix. Inclusions of clinopyroxene commonly have augitic cores and omphacitic rims. The inter‐pillow matrix contains cross‐cutting omphacite‐rich veinlets with zoned omphacite, Si‐rich phengite (Si = 3.54 apfu), ferroglaucophane, actinolite and hematite. These veinlets are seen fracturing idiomorphic garnet, apparently without any secondary effects. Pseudosections of matrix compositions for the massive pillows, the inter‐pillow matrix and the cross‐cutting veinlets indicate similar P–T conditions with maximum pressures of 1.9–2.6 GPa at temperatures of 335–420 °C. The inclusion suite found in garnet from the inter‐pillow matrix apparently formed at pressures below 0.6–0.7 GPa. Retrogression during initial decompression of the studied rocks is only very local. Late veinlets of albite + glaucophane, without breakdown of lawsonite, indicate that the rocks remained in a cold environment during exhumation, resulting in a hairpin‐shaped P–T path.
Using the Lashof Accounting Methodology to Assess Carbon Mitigation Projects With Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Courchesne Alexandre , Bécaert Valérie , Rosenbaum Ralph K. , Deschênes Louise , Samson Réjean
Published: March 2010

As governments elaborate strategies to counter climate change, there is a need to compare the different options available on an environmental basis. This study proposes a life cycle assessment framework integrating the Lashof accounting methodology, which enables the assessment and comparison of different carbon mitigation projects (e.g., biofuel use, a sequestering plant, an afforestation project). The Lashof accounting methodology is chosen amid other methods of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission characterization for its relative simplicity and capability to characterize all types of carbon mitigation projects. Using the unit of megagram‐year (Mg‐year), which accounts for the mass of GHGs in the atmosphere multiplied by the time it stays there, the methodology calculates the cumulative radiative forcing caused by GHG emission within a predetermined time frame. Basically, the developed framework uses the Mg‐year as a functional unit and isolates impacts related to the climate mitigation function with system expansion. The proposed framework is demonstrated with a case study of tree ethanol pathways (maize, sugarcane, and willow). The study shows that carbon mitigation assessment through life cycle assessment is possible and that it could be a useful tool for decision makers, as it can compare different projects regardless of their original context. The case study reveals that system expansion, as well as each carbon mitigation project's efficiency at reducing carbon emissions, are critical factors that have a significant impact on the results. Also, the framework proves to be useful for treating land‐use change emissions, as they are considered through the functional unit.
Initiating a Caregiving Relationship: Pregnancy and Childbirth Factors as Predictors of Maternal Sensitivity
Authors: Bernier Annie , Jarry‐Boileau Véronique , Tarabulsy George M. , Miljkovitch Raphaële
Published: March 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate the relations between pregnancy and childbirth factors and subsequent quality of maternal interactive behavior in a sample of 116 full‐term infants and their mothers. Mothers reported on the conditions of childbirth when infants were 6–8 months of age, and their interactive behavior was observed during a home visit at 12 months. Results showed that mothers who did not report health problems during pregnancy and who had longer pregnancies, shorter hospital stays, natural deliveries, and infants with greater birthweight were found to be more sensitive during interactions with infants at 12 months. All these relations held after accounting for socio‐economic factors and maternal psychological distress, except for the effect of type of delivery. This pattern of results, however, was almost exclusively due to mothers who already had at least one other child. Very few such relations were found among primiparous mothers.
Language Experience Shapes the Development of the Mutual Exclusivity Bias
Authors: Houston‐Price Carmel , Caloghiris Zoe , Raviglione Eleonora
Published: March 2010

Halberda (2003) demonstrated that 17‐month‐old infants, but not 14‐ or 16‐month‐olds, use a strategy known as mutual exclusivity (ME) to identify the meanings of new words. When 17‐month‐olds were presented with a novel word in an intermodal preferential looking task, they preferentially fixated a novel object over an object for which they already had a name. We explored whether the development of this word‐learning strategy is driven by children’s experience of hearing only one name for each referent in their environment by comparing the behavior of infants from monolingual and bilingual homes. Monolingual infants aged 17–22 months showed clear evidence of using an ME strategy, in that they preferentially fixated the novel object when they were asked to “look at the dax.” Bilingual infants of the same age and vocabulary size failed to show a similar pattern of behavior. We suggest that children who are raised with more than one language fail to develop an ME strategy in parallel with monolingual infants because development of the bias is a consequence of the monolingual child’s everyday experiences with words.
Television Viewing Patterns in 6‐ to 18‐Month‐Olds: The Role of Caregiver–Infant Interactional Quality
Authors: Fidler Ashley E. , Zack Elizabeth , Barr Rachel
Published: March 2010

The present study examines coviewing of Baby Mozart by 6‐ to 18‐month‐old infants and their caregivers under naturalistic conditions. We had two questions. First, extending the method of Barr, Zack, Garcia, and Muentener (Infancy, 13 [2008], 30–56) to a younger population, we asked if age, prior exposure, and caregiver verbal input would predict infant looking to a Baby Mozart video from 6 to 18 months. Second, we asked if caregiver–infant interactional quality, defined as the amount of shared focus and turn taking between infant and caregiver, would be associated with infant looking time. We found that, in addition to the anticipated effect of prior exposure and caregiver verbal input, interactional quality measures were related to infant media‐directed looking. Infants who engaged in more shared focus and turn taking looked more to the program than infants who interacted less with their caregivers. These results are discussed in terms of social mediation of coviewing during early infancy.
Reliability and Reproducibility of QRS Duration in the Selection of Candidates for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: DE GUILLEBON MAXIME , THAMBO JEAN‐BENOIT , PLOUX SYLVAIN , DEPLAGNE ANTOINE , SACHER FREDERIC , JAIS PIERRE , HAISSAGUERRE MICHEL , RITTER PHILIPPE , CLEMENTY JACQUES , BORDACHAR PIERRE
Published: March 2010

Reliability and Reproducibility of QRS Duration. Background: A QRS >120 ms remains the recommended criterion for the selection of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) candidates. However, the reproducibility of this measurement has not been studied thoroughly.

Methods:
QRS duration was measured by 3 experienced cardiologists and by automatic measurement on 228 electrocardiograms (ECGs) randomly collected from 188 subjects, including neonates, healthy adults, patients with complete and incomplete bundle branch block, and CRT candidates. All ECGs were recorded at a 25 mm/s sweep speed. Forty recordings were duplicated and 50 ECGs were recorded at both 25 and 50 mm/s.

Results:
Significant interobserver differences (P < 0.001) were found between each combination of paired observers, with an up to 50‐ms absolute variability between cardiologists and low concordance with computerized measurements. Intraobserver absolute variability was also significant (P < 0.01) for the 3 observers. These significant differences persisted (P < 0.01) when focusing our interest on the ECGs in the 100–140 ms range (defined as at least one out of the 4 measures in this range). Considering the 120 ms limit, 22 (27.5%) ECGs were differently classified by at least one of the cardiologists. We observed similar interobserver differences between each combination of paired observers with a 50 mm/s sweep speed.

Conclusion:
Manual QRS duration measurements were associated with significant inter‐ and intraobserver variability and low concordance with computerized measurements. The measurement of QRS is, therefore, operator‐dependent and a reevaluation of the measurement methods may be essential to develop clinical and investigative standards. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 890‐892, August 2010)
Research in the spatial sciences: how are Canadian geographers contributing?
Authors: REMMEL TARMO K. , FORTIN MARIE‐JOSÉE
Published: March 2010

Geographic data collection, manipulation, analysis and visualization options have experienced substantial improvements during the past several decades, largely spurred by advancements in computing capabilities. While geographers are often credited with identifying and expanding many of the emerging application areas and innovations for the analysis of spatially (and sometimes temporally) referenced data, we are specifically interested in the role of Canadian geographers in the rapidly evolving domain of spatial science. We pose the following provocative question with the intent of not only summarizing the Canadian literature, but also to stimulate an informed discussion: ‘are Canadian geographers developers or users of spatial analytical methods?’ We review the refereed literature from 1980 to 2008 to describe the nature of contributions by Canadian geographers, beginning at about the time of widely accessible computing (1980s). Our summary broadly classifies subdisciplinary contribution areas as being best described as GIS, remote sensing, or spatial statistics, while each contribution area may take the type of algorithm development, advancement and synthesis of theory, or the application of existing methods. We paint a picture of the current contribution landscape and reflect on significant achievements while commenting on some potential weakness that with increased resources and focus might become future realms of advancement.