bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Piloerection induced by replacing fluvoxamine with milnacipran
Authors: Hori Satoko , Matsuo Nobuko , Yamamoto Akiko , Hazui Tomomi , Yagi Hiromi , Nakano Marumi , Suzuki Yuka , Miki Akiko , Ohtani Hisakazu , Sawada Yasufumi
Published: February 2007

Aims

To present a case of piloerection after replacing fluvoxamine maleate with milnacipran hydrochloride, and to analyse this effect based on receptor occupancy theory.

Methods

A 40‐year‐old female with a 3‐year history of panic disorder was prescribed fluvoxamine 50 mg day−1 in addition to clorazepate dipotassium and sulpiride. Depression was not improved and she complained of fatigue, lack of energy and drowsiness. These symptoms worsened within a few days of an increase in the dose of fluvoxamine to 50 mg twice daily. Since an interaction between fluvoxamine and tizanidine, prescribed by another clinic, was suspected, fluvoxamine was replaced with milnacipran 50 mg day−1. Although her drowsiness improved, she complained of piloerection throughout her body. This symptom gradually abated within a week and when the dosage of milnacipran was increased to 100 mg day−1 at 2 months, no further piloerection occurred. We calculated the changes in α1‐adrenoceptor occupancy by endogenous norepinephrine during treatment with the usual doses of milnacipran, fluvoxamine and imipramine by using pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters obtained from the literature.

Results

The ratios of α1‐adrenoceptor occupancy by endogenous norepinephrine during the treatment with milnacipran, fluvoxamine and imipramine to that without drug were estimated to be 7.13, 1.00 and 4.12, respectively. The α1‐adrenoceptor occupancy by endogenous norepinephrine was increased in a dose‐dependent manner by milnacipran, whereas fluvoxamine had essentially no effect.

Conclusions

The piloerection observed after the replacement of fluvoxamine with milnacipran in this patient appears to have been due to an increase in the α1‐adrenoceptor occupancy by endogenous norepinephrine induced by milnacipran.
Population pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic models of remifentanil in healthy volunteers using artificial neural network analysis
Authors: Kang S. H. , Poynton M. R. , Kim K. M. , Lee H. , Kim D. H. , Lee S. H. , Bae K. S. , Linares O. , Kern S. E. , Noh G. J.
Published: February 2007

Aims

An ordinary sigmoidEmaxmodel could not predict overshoot of electroencephalographic approximate entropy (ApEn) during recovery from remifentanil effect in our previous study. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of an artificial neural network (ANN) to predict ApEn overshoot and to evaluate the predictive performance of the pharmacokinetic model, and pharmacodynamic models of ANN with respect to data used.

Methods

Using a reduced number of ApEn instances (n = 1581) to make NONMEM modelling feasible and complete ApEn data (n = 24 509), the presence of overshoot was assessed. A total of 1077 measured remifentanil concentrations and ApEn data, and a total of 24 509 predicted concentrations and ApEn data were used in the pharmacodynamic model A and B of ANN, respectively. The testing subset of model B (n = 7352) was used to evaluate the ability of ANN to predict overshoot of ApEn. Mean squared error (MSE) was calculated to evaluate the predictive performance of the ANN models.

Results

With complete ApEn data, ApEn overshoot was observed in 66.7% of subjects, but only in 37% with a reduced number of ApEn instances. The ANN model B predicted 77.8% of ApEn overshoot. MSE (95% confidence interval) was 57.1 (3.22, 71.03) for the pharmacokinetic model, 0.148 (0.004, 0.007) for model A and 0.0018 (0.0017, 0.0019) for model B.

Conclusions

The reduced ApEn instances interfered with the approximation of true electroencephalographic response. ANN predicted 77.8% of ApEn overshoot. The predictive performance of model B was significantly better than that of model A.
Population pharmacokinetic modelling of NS2330 (tesofensine) and its major metabolite in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Lehr Thorsten , Staab Alexander , Tillmann Christiane , Trommeshauser Dirk , Raschig Andreas , Schaefer Hans Guenter , Kloft Charlotte
Published: February 2007

What is already known about this subject

• Several studies in predominantly healthy subjects have investigated the pharmacokinetics of NS2330 and its major metabolite M1.

• However, its pharmacokinetics have not been characterized in Alzheimer's disease patients, the target population for NS2330.

• In addition, no covariates have previously been found to influence the plasma concentration‐time profiles of NS2330 and/or M1.

What this study adds

• A descriptive and predictive population pharmacokinetic model for NS2330 and its metabolite was successfully developed in a population of patients with Alzheimer's disease.

• A covariate analysis elucidated sex and creatinine clearance as having an influence on the plasma concentration‐time profiles of NS2330 after long‐term treatment.

Aims

To develop a population pharmacokinetic model for NS2330 and its major metabolite M1 based on data from a 14 week proof of concept study in patients with Alzheimer's disease, and to identify covariates that might influence the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the drug and/or its metabolite.

Methods

Plasma data from 320 subjects undergoing multiple oral dosing, and consisting of 1969 NS2330 and 1714 metabolite concentrations were fitted simultaneously using NONMEM.

Results

Plasma concentration‐time profiles of NS2330 and M1 were best described by one‐compartment models with first‐order elimination for both compounds. Absorption of NS2330 was best modelled by a first‐order process. Low apparent clearances together with large apparent volumes of distribution resulted in long half‐lives of 234 h (NS2330) and 374 h (M1). The covariate analysis identified weight, sex, CLCR, BMI and age as influencing the pharmacokinetics of NS2330 and/or M1. However, simulations performed revealed that only CLCR and sex had a significant effect on the steady‐state plasma concentration‐time profiles. Females with a creatinine clearance of 35.6 ml min−1 showed a 62% increased exposure compared with males without renal impairment. The robustness and accuracy of the model were demonstrated by the successful predictivity of an external dataset.

Conclusions

A descriptive, robust and predictive model for NS2330 and its M1 metabolite was developed. Important covariates influencing pharmacokinetics were identified, which might guide the further development of NS2330 and optimize its long‐term use in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
A population pharmacokinetic approach to ceftazidime use in burn patients: influence of glomerular filtration, gender and mechanical ventilation
Authors: Conil Jean Marie , Georges Bernard , Lavit Michel , Laguerre Jacky , Samii Kamram , Houin Georges , Saivin Sylvie
Published: February 2007

What is already known about this subject

• There is only one published study of the population pharmacokinetics of ceftazidime in burn patients. Only one covariate (plasma creatinine concentration) was found to contribute to the interindividual variability in the disposition of the drug.

What this study adds

• Three other covariables (creatinine clearance, mechanical ventilation and gender) have been added to a two compartment pharmacokinetic model incorporating multiplicative error, and these are able to explain much of the interindividual variability in ceftazidime disposition in burn patients.

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the disposition of ceftazidime in burn patients using a population pharmacokinetic approach, and to identify the clinical and biological parameters influencing its pharmacokinetics.

Methods

The development of the pharmacokinetic model was based on 237 serum ceftazidime concentrations from 50 burn patients. The determination of the pharmacokinetic parameters and the selection of covariates were performed using a nonlinear mixed‐effect modelling method.

Results

A two‐compartment model with first order elimination incorporating a proportional error model best fitted the data. Ceftazidime clearance (CL, l h−1) was significantly correlated with creatinine clearance (CLCR), and the distribution volume of the peripheral compartment (V2, l) was correlated with gender, mechanical ventilation and the CLCR. The final model was defined by the following equations:

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Ceftazidime clearance was 6.1 and 5.7 l h−1 for mechanically ventilated males and females, respectively, and 7.2 and 6.6 l h−1 for nonventilated patients. The total volume of distribution was 31.6 and 49.4 l for mechanically ventilated males and females, respectively, and 22.8 and 28.1 l h −1for nonventilated patients.

Conclusions We have shown that gender, mechanical ventilation and CLCR significantly influence the disposition of ceftazidime in burn patients. Interindividual variability in the pharmacokinetics of ceftazidime was significant and emphasizes the need for therapeutic monitoring.
No association between CYP2D6 polymorphisms and personality trait in Japanese
Authors: Iwashima Kumiko , Yasui‐Furukori Norio , Kaneda Ayako , Saito Manabu , Nakagami Taku , Sato Yasushi , Kaneko Sunao
Published: February 2007

What is already known about this subject

• CYP2D6 mediates, to some extent, the synthesis of the neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine in the brain. A positive relationship between CYP2D6 activity and personality has been suggested, while other studies have failed to find a relationship.

• Therefore, because of these inconsistent findings, the association between CYP2D6 polymorphism and interindividual variability in personality has not yet been resolved.

What this study adds

• The detailed genotypes for CYP2D6 were identified using DNA tip in a large number of Japanese subjects. However there were no correlations between scores of personality and CYP2D6 genotypes.

• This study demonstrated that there was no significant association between CYP2D6 activity and personality trait in the Japanese population.

Aims

The polymorphic enzyme CYP2D6 is expressed not only in liver but also in brain at low concentrations. CYP2D6 mediates, to some extent, the synthesis of the neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine. We investigated a possible association between the genetic polymorphism of CYP2D6 and individual personality trait.

Methods

Mentally and physically healthy volunteers were recruited (n = 342). Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and CYP2D6 genotyping were performed in all subjects. We detected mutated alleles which were identified using the Amplichip CYP450 DNA chip.

Results

The number of phenotypes, assumed by genotype for ultrarapid metabolizers (UM), extensive metabolizers (EM), intermediate metabolizers (IM) and poor metabolizers (PM) were 4 (1.1%), 262 (76.6%), 75 (21.9%) and 1 (0.3%), respectively. There were no differences in scores for novelty seeking, harm avoidance, reward dependence or persistence among the CYP2D6 phenotypes. The number of mutated alleles for CYP2D6 did not differ for scores of novelty seeking, harm avoidance, reward dependence or persistence. In subitem analyses, only RD3 (attachment) had a significant difference both in the CYP2D6 phenotype (P < 0.05) and genotype (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study did not demonstrate a significant association between CYP2D6 activity and personality trait because of the small interindividual variability in CYP2D6 activity within the Japanese population.
Desloratadine dose selection in children aged 6 months to 2 years: comparison of population pharmacokinetics between children and adults
Authors: Gupta Samir K. , Kantesaria Bhavna , Banfield Christopher , Wang Zaiqi
Published: February 2007

What is already known about this subject

• According to recent literature, the pathophysiologies of allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria are thought to be similar in adults and children. In addition, the response to antihistamine treatment is similar in adults and children, suggesting a similar concentration‐response relationship.

• However, an appropriate dose selection and the pharmacokinetics of desloratadine in children of ≥6 months−≤2 years old have never been addressed in the literature.

What this study adds

• This study demonstrated that desloratadine syrup offers a safe treatment option for allergic conditions in young children.

• A suitable dose for children aged ≥6 months−<1 year is 1.0 mg, while the corresponding predicted dose for children aged ≥1 year−≤2 years is 1.25 mg. These paediatric doses yielded similar systemic desloratadine exposures (AUC) to those seen with a typical adult dose of 5.0 mg.

Aims

The aim of this study was to identify the dose of desloratadine in children aged ≥6 months−≤2 years that would yield a single‐dose target exposure (AUC) comparable with that in adults taking 5 mg desloratadine as syrup.

Methods

In a phase 1, single‐dose, open‐label, pharmacokinetic study in 58 children aged ≥6 months−<1 year and ≥1 year−≤2 years were randomly assigned to desloratadine syrup 0.625 mg (1.25 ml) and 1.25 mg (2.5 ml), respectively. Because the volume of blood that could be collected from individual subjects was limited, a population pharmacokinetic approach was used to estimate the pharmacokinetics of desloratadine. Safety was assessed based on results of screening and postdose physical examinations, laboratory safety tests, vital signs, and adverse events.

Results

The apparent clearance (CL/F) of desloratadine, population estimate (%CV), in children aged ≥6 months−<1 year was 27.8 l h−1 (35) and corresponding values in children ≥1 year−≤2 years was 35.5 l h−1 (51), compared with 137 l h−1 (58) for adults. The CL/F ratios (children to adults) indicated that doses of 1 mg for ≥6 months−<1 year and 1.25 mg for ≥1 year−≤2 years would result in similar systemic exposure to that observed in adults receiving the recommended 5 mg dose. Desloratadine was well tolerated with no safety issues.

Conclusions

Doses of 1.0 and 1.25 mg in children aged ≥6 months−≤2 years should result in an exposure to desloratadine similar to that of adults receiving doses of 5 mg.
Evidence of zolpidem abuse and dependence: results of the French Centre for Evaluation and Information on Pharmacodependence (CEIP) network survey
Authors: Victorri‐Vigneau Caroline , Dailly Eric , Veyrac Gwenaëlle , Jolliet Pascale
Published: February 2007

Aim

To show that the nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic zolpidem has a higher abuse potential than previously documented.

Method

An official enquiry was carried out by the Nantes Centre for Evaluation and Information on Pharmacodependence (CEIP). The authors made a review of literature and analysed French data corresponding to the drug's postmarketing period collected by the CEIP network from 1993 to 2002.

Results

The literature review yielded mixed results concerning the behavioural effects of zolpidem. Data from the CEIP and the 53 literature case reports highlight significant dependence and abuse potential of zolpidem.

Conclusions

This study adds to the growing evidence that zolpidem has the potential for abuse and dependence. As a consequence, the French drug monograph has been modified by the French Health Authorities.
Population pharmacokinetics of melphalan in paediatric blood or marrow transplant recipients
Authors: Nath Christa E. , Shaw Peter J. , Montgomery Kay , Earl John W.
Published: February 2007

What is already known about this subject

• In one of the largest studies in children to date, we have already published a paper that has described the pharmacokinetics of melphalan using a two‐stage approach.

What this study adds

• The current paper is a follow‐up study in which a population pharmacokinetic model for melphalan is developed and validated in children.

• There have been no other population pharmacokinetic analyses published on melphalan given as a short infusion.

• Additionally, a nomogram is produced to guide melphalan dosing.

Aim

To develop a population pharmacokinetic model for melphalan in children with malignant diseases and to evaluate limited sampling strategies for melphalan.

Methods

Melphalan concentration data following a single intravenous dose were collected from 59 children with malignant diseases aged between 0.3 and 18 years. The data were split into two sets: the model development dataset (39 children, 571 concentration observations) and the model validation dataset (20 children, 277 concentration observations). Population pharmacokinetic modelling was performed with the NONMEM software. Stepwise multiple linear regression was used to develop a limited sampling model for melphalan.

Results

A two‐compartment model was fitted to the concentration‐vs.‐time data. The following covariate population pharmacokinetic models were obtained: (i) Clearance (l h−1) = 0.34.WT − 3.17.CPT + 0.0377.GFR, where WT = weight (kg), CPT = prior carboplatin therapy (0 = no, 1 = yes), and GFR = glomerular filtration rate (ml min−1 1.73 m−2); (ii) Volume of distribution (l) = 1.12 + 0.178.WT. Interpatient variability (coefficient of variation) was 27.3% for clearance and 33.8% for volume of distribution. There was insignificant bias and imprecision between observed and model‐predicted melphalan concentrations in the validation dataset. A three‐sample limited sampling model was developed which adequately predicted the area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) in the development and validation datasets.

Conclusions

A population pharmacokinetic model for melphalan has been developed and validated and may now be used in conjunction with pharmacodynamic data to develop safe and effective dosing guidelines in children with malignant diseases.
Nitroglycerin protects the endothelium from ischaemia and reperfusion: human mechanistic insight
Authors: Gori Tommaso , Di Stolfo Giuseppe , Sicuro Silvia , Dragoni Saverio , Lisi Monica , Forconi Sandro , Parker John D.
Published: February 2007

What is already known about this subject

• The production of oxygen free radicals upon administration of nitroglycerin (GTN) and other organic nitrates has been advocated as one of the causes of nitrate‐induce tolerance and endothelial dysfunction.

• It has been shown that nitrates also cause a protective phenomenon that is similar to ischaemic preconditioning, but the mechanisms of this effect have never been investigated in humans.

What this study adds

• We show, in vivo in humans, that GTN causes endothelial protection against ischaemic damage.

• Furthermore, we show that this effect is mediated by release of oxygen free radicals and by opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore.

Aims

Nitroglycerin (GTN) modulates tissue damage induced by ischaemia and reperfusion (IR) in a mechanism that is similar to ischaemic preconditioning. We set out to study, using a human model of endothelial IR injury, whether GTN‐induced endothelial preconditioning is mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and/or opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores (mPTP).

Methods

In two double‐blind, randomized, parallel studies, a total of 66 volunteers underwent measurement of radial artery endothelium‐dependent, flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) before and after local IR. Subjects were treated, 24 h before IR, with different drugs in order to test the mechanism of GTN‐induced endothelial protection.

Results

Transdermal GTN (0.6 mg h−1 for 2 h, administered 24 h before IR) significantly reduced the impairment of FMD caused by IR (placebo group: FMD after IR, 1.3 ± 0.8%; GTN group: FMD after IR, 5.3 ± 0.9%, P < 0.01 compared with placebo). This protective effect was lost when vitamin C (2 g i.v. at the time of GTN administration) or ciclosporin (an inhibitor of mPTP, 100 mg 2 h prior to GTN administration) were coadministered (FMD after IR: vit C + GTN group, 2.1 ± 1.0%; ciclosporin + GTN group, 1.7 ± 0.8%; both P < 0.05 compared with GTN alone).

Conclusions

We demonstrate that GTN protects the endothelium against IR‐induced endothelial dysfunction, in an effect similar to delayed ischaemic preconditioning. Using a human model, we provide evidence supporting the concept that this protective effect is mediated by ROS release and mPTP opening upon GTN administration.
Relationships between life‐history strategies of European freshwater fish species and their habitat preferences
Authors: BLANCK AURELIE , TEDESCO PABLO A. , LAMOUROUX NICOLAS
Published: February 2007

1. Focusing on the current environmental characteristics, the ‘habitat template’ theory proposes that life‐history strategies summarise how evolution has shaped species to cope with the temporal and spatial variability of their present environment. The hierarchical ‘landscape filters’ concept predicts that the distribution of species reflects their specific traits that allow them to pass through multiple habitat filters. Together, these theories showed the importance of identifying the functional relationships of species to selective habitat forces in order to predict the organisation and response of communities to the environment.

2. We test the relationships between life‐history traits of European freshwater fish species’ and their habitat preferences, to detect the strategies adopted by fish to cope with their current habitat. For this purpose, we use published data on species traits and habitat preferences (microhabitat hydraulics, temperature and oxygen level). We use multivariate analyses to classify fish species’ strategies and test the relationships between strategies and habitat preferences.

3. We identified a continuum of life‐history patterns between two extremes, with opportunistic and periodic species. Our study supports the idea that microhabitat hydraulics plays a more important role as a template for these species ecological strategies than temperature and oxygen level. Indeed, riffle habitats may select opportunistic species whereas weak relationships are found between species strategies and both their temperature and oxygen level preferences. In addition, the ratio between mortality and growth rate (dimensionless trait), reflecting a trade‐off between growth and survival, varied among species according to the use of their hydraulic habitat, with species using deep habitats exhibiting the highest values.

4. These general relationships between hydraulics and traits may be of importance in community ecology to develop predictive models to understand how fish communities change with the hydraulic environment.
Undesirable side‐effects of water hyacinth control in a shallow tropical reservoir
Authors: BICUDO DENISE DE C. , FONSECA BÁRBARA M. , BINI LUIS M. , CROSSETTI LUCIANE O. , BICUDO CARLOS E. DE M. , ARAÚJO‐JESUS TATIANE
Published: February 2007

1. Based on a comprehensive data set collected monthly during 8 years (1997–2004), we evaluated the effects of mechanical removal ofEichhornia crassipeson the limnological characteristics and algal biomass of a polymictic shallow tropical reservoir.

2. Interrupted time series analyses indicated that the limnological responses to macrophyte removal can be classified as an ‘abrupt permanent impact’ implying that the overall mean of the time‐series shifted promptly after intervention. These analyses indicated a significant increase for pH, total phosphorus, total phytoplankton and cyanobacterial biomass, and a decrease in water transparency and CO2concentrations in the surface water; also, the increase in water stability, increase of bottom soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) and decrease in bottom oxygen levels.

3. Cyclic anoxic periods previously observed during springs and summers were replaced by a persistent period of anoxic conditions in the sediment overlying water. Anoxic conditions were suitable for SRP release from sediments. Heavy cyanobacterial blooms became more persistent, maximum biomass (4229 mm3 L−1) was 30 times larger, the blooms frequently reached 2 m and sometimes the bottom of the reservoir, contrasting to the preremoval period in which it reached at most 1 m deep.

4. The long‐term P dynamics in the system, initially driven by allochthonous nutrient loadings were replaced by internal ecological processes. Water hyacinth removal markedly accelerated the process of eutrophication due to internal feedback mechanisms, leading to a switch to a more turbid state. Biological feedback mechanisms were driven by cyanobacterial blooms by enhancing water stability, oxygen anoxia at the bottom and by increasing suitable conditions for P internal loading. These data support the hypothesis of the role of cyanobacterial blooms as an important factor impairing water quality and driving the ecosystem towards a stable degraded state.

5. These findings have important implications for the restoration of shallow stratifying eutrophic lakes, as the alternative degraded state is most likely to occur when compared with their non‐stratifying counterparts. Moreover, feedback mechanisms in tropical and subtropical shallow lakes seem to be stronger than in temperate ones, as stratification events are more likely to occur over the year, intensifying system resilience to restorative strategies.
Semi‐arid grazing systems and climate change: a survey of present modelling potential and future needs
Authors: TIETJEN BRITTA , JELTSCH FLORIAN
Published: February 2007

Sustainable land use under climate change requires detailed knowledge of the system dynamics. This applies particularly for the management of domestic livestock in semi‐arid and arid grazing systems, where the risk of degradation is high and likely climate change may have a strong impact. A suitable way to assess potential future trends of these complex systems is through the application of simulation models.

We reviewed 41 models published between 1995 and 2005 simulating semi‐arid and arid livestock grazing systems. The models were categorized according to the model aim and type, their temporal and spatial scale, and several indicators of model complexity. Additionally, we developed a list of model requirements for adequately simulating the effects of climate change. Based on these requirements, we evaluated the potential of current models to simulate impacts of climate change and determine important shortcomings.

Three general model types could be distinguished, namely state and transition, difference and differential equation, and rule‐based models. Over time, we found that the number of models aiming to improve management strategies increased, while there were fewer models that aimed to understand system dynamics. This was accompanied by a trend to simplify model descriptions of hydrological relationships.

Important shortcomings of current models included the impact of increased CO2 levels on plant productivity and the ability to resolve changes in intra‐annual precipitation patterns. The consideration of both external drivers is crucial under climate change, hence sustainable long‐term decision making is currently lacking important information.

Synthesis and applications. Sustainable livestock management in semi‐arid and arid systems requires knowledge about effects of future climate change to adjust livestock density adequately. Producers’ experiences from current weather conditions are not necessarily transferable to future conditions, thus models could help to support management. However, an analysis of current models has shown that few existing models are able to assess the impacts of the predicted climate change. Therefore, we call for the development of new dynamic grazing models that provide land managers with the necessary tools to face the threat of future climate changes.
Broad‐ to fine‐scale population genetic patterning in the smallmouth bassMicropterus dolomieuacross the Laurentian Great Lakes and beyond: an interplay of behaviour and geography
Authors: STEPIEN CAROL A. , MURPHY DOUGLAS J. , STRANGE REX MEADE
Published: February 2007

Analysis of population genetic relationships reveals the signatures of current processes such as spawning behaviour and migration, as well as those of historical events including vicariance and climate change. This study examines these signatures through testing broad‐ to fine‐scale genetic patterns among smallmouth bassMicropterus dolomieuspawning populations across their native Great Lakes range and outgroup areas, with fine‐scale concentration in Lake Erie. Our primary hypotheses include whether genetic patterns result from behavioural and/or geographical isolation, specifically: (i) Are spawning groups in interconnected waterways genetically separable? (ii) What is the degree of isolation across and among lakes, basins, and tributaries? (iii) Do genetic divergences correspond to geographical distances? and (iv) Are historical colonization patterns from glacial refugia retained? Variation at eight nuclear microsatellite DNA loci are analysed for 666 smallmouth bass from 28 locations, including 425 individuals in Lake Erie; as well as Lakes Superior, Huron, and Ontario, and outgroups from the Mississippi, Ohio, St. Lawrence, and Hudson River drainages. Results reveal marked genetic differences among lake and river populations, as well as surprisingly high divergences among closely spaced riverine sites. Results do not fit an isolation‐by‐geographical‐distance prediction for fine‐scale genetic patterns, but show weak correspondence across large geographical scales. Genetic relationships thus are consistent with hypotheses regarding divergent origins through vicariance in glacial refugia, followed by colonization pathways establishing modern‐day Great Lakes populations, and maintenance through behavioural site fidelity. Conservation management practices thus should preserve genetic identity and unique characters among smallmouth bass populations.
Urological emergency in neonates with congenital hydronephrosis
Authors: Shimada Kenji , Matsumoto Fumi , Kawagoe Mari , Matsui Futoshi
Published: February 2007

Objective:  It is well described that unilateral pelviureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) is a benign condition, because the dilatation resolves spontaneously and the function does not decrease in most of the kidneys. However, there is exceptional PUJO that requires emergent treatment in neonatal periods. The aim of this article is to report the urological emergency and management in neonates with PUJO.

Materials and Methods:  Nine children (seven boys and two girls) with PUJO who underwent neonatal emergent treatment during the last 13 years were reviewed. Renal function was evaluated according to decay curve of serum creatinine (SCr) levels corresponding to gestational age (GA) at delivery. Physical examination, ultrasonographic monitoring, and chest and abdominal plain radiographs were repeated in each neonate.

Results:  Eight patients were detected prenatally. In five patients, multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) was demonstrated on the contralateral side. Three patients underwent percutaneous puncture of fetal hydronephrosis. Decrease of amniotic fluid was evident in three fetuses. Indications for emergent treatment included mass effect from hydronephrosis in three patients, renal dysfunction in five, and severe urinary tract infection in one. During neonatal periods, a percutaneous nephrostomy tube was placed in seven, and open nephrostomy in one with anorectal malformation. Repeated punctures of the dilated renal pelvis were done in one patient. Renal function after pyeloplasty was stable in eight patients, while it was moderately decreased in one who was associated with oligohydramnios in utero.

Conclusion:  Indications for emergent treatment in neonates with PUJO included mass effect from giant hydronephrosis, renal dysfunction and severe urinary tract infection. At birth, respiratory and circulatory conditions must first be stabilized. In neonates with hydronephrosis of the solitary kidney or severe bilateral PUJO, serial SCr should be monitored to evaluate renal function. Decrease of amniotic fluid suggested renal functional compromise that would not recover after urological management.
Can sildenafil treat primary premature ejaculation? A prospective clinical study
Authors: Wang Wei‐Fu , Wang Yang , Minhas Suks , Ralph David J
Published: February 2007

Background:  Recently, sildenafil has been demonstrated to be effective in treating premature ejaculation (PE). However, these studies ignored female factors and could not exclude the probability of drug interaction when combined with paroxetine. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sildenafil alone in the treatment of primary PE, taking female factors into consideration.

Methods:  One hundred and eighty potent men with primary PE were randomly divided into three groups and followed up for 6 months. Group A were treated with 50 mg sildenafil as needed, group B with 20 mg paroxetine daily and group C with squeeze technique daily. Intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT), PE grade, intercourse satisfactory score (ISS), frequency of intercourse, and adverse effects of drugs were recorded before treatment, and 3 and 6 months after treatment.

Results:  Compared with pretreatment, the three groups had significant differences in all the parameters after 3 or 6 months treatment, except the frequency of intercourse in Group C (all P = 0.00). However, there were no significant differences between 3 and 6 months. Compared with paroxetine and squeeze technique, after 3 or 6 months, sildenafil had significant differences in all the parameters (all P = 0.00). After 6 months, 1.7%, 18.3% and 36.7% patients in groups A, B and C, respectively, withdrew from the study and 86.7%, 60.0% and 45.0% patients, respectively, wanted to be treated further with the original administration, and this was statistically significant (both P = 0.00).

Conclusion:  Sildenafil is very effective and safe to treat PE, and has much higher efficacy than paroxetine and squeeze technique.
Veiled Women and the Affect of Religion in Democracy
Authors: Motha Stewart
Published: February 2007

The veiled woman troubles feminism and secularism in much the same way. Both feminism and secularism face a problem of finding a position that respects individual autonomy, and simultaneously sustains a conception of politics freed from heteronomous determination. This article gives an account of what is being resisted and by whom in modes of politics which seek to produce an autonomous subject emancipated from ‘other laws’(heteronomy). It also draws on Jean‐Luc Nancy in order to consider what has been termed the problem of Islam in Europe as a wider juridical and political problem centred on the significance of affect as heteronomy. It thus explores the tension between piety and polity.
Organizational Identity and Employer Image: Towards a Unifying Framework*
Authors: Lievens Filip , Van Hoye Greet , Anseel Frederik
Published: February 2007

This study aims to bridge two research streams that have evolved relatively apart from each other, namely the research streams on organizational identity and on employer branding (employer image). In particular, we posit that it is crucial to examine which factors company outsiders (applicants) as well as company insiders (employees) associate with a given employer. To this end, this study uses the instrumental–symbolic framework to study factors relating to both employer image and organizational identity of the Belgian Army. Two samples are used: a sample of 258 Army applicants and a sample of 179 military employees. Results show that both instrumental and symbolic perceived image dimensions predict applicants' attraction to the Army. Conversely, symbolic perceived identity dimensions best predict employees' identification with the Army. Results further show that employees also attach importance to outsiders' assessment of the organization (construed external image). Theoretical and practical implications for managing organizational identity and image are discussed.
Multiple Identities and Work Motivation: The Role of Perceived Compatibility between Nested Organizational Units*
Authors: Riketta Michael , Nienaber Susanne
Published: February 2007

This study examines the role of perceived compatibility between nested organizational units in identification and work motivation. A survey was conducted in German pharmaceutical stores that had joined a large cooperative network several months before the investigation. Employees judged how compatible the network was with their individual stores on four dimensions (ensuring future, preserving tradition, preserving distinctiveness, and maintaining autonomy). Further, employees indicated their identifications with store and network and their intentions to exert effort on behalf of these units (store motivation and network motivation, respectively). As predicted, perceived compatibility correlated positively with both network identification and network motivation. It also moderated the correlations between store identification and network identification as well as between store motivation and network motivation. Several underlying mechanisms are discussed (e.g. evaluation of store and network, social projection). Overall, perceived compatibility between organizational units appears to be a crucial but under‐researched factor affecting identification and motivation at work.
Emotion Dialogues Between Mothers and Children at 4.5 and 7.5 Years: Relations With Children's Attachment at 1 Year
Authors: Oppenheim David , Koren‐Karie Nina , Sagi‐Schwartz Abraham
Published: February 2007

It was examined whether secure infant–mother attachment contributes to emotionally congruent and organized mother–child dialogues about emotions in later years. The attachment of 99 children was assessed using the Strange Situation at the age of 1 year and their emotion dialogues with their mothers were assessed at the ages of 4.5 and 7.5 years. Dialogues were about past emotional events and separation of a child from parents, and were classified into an emotionally matched group or 1 of 3 non‐emotionally matched groups. Security in infancy was associated with emotionally matched dialogues at the age of 4.5; there was moderate stability in dialogues between 4.5 and 7.5 years; and infant attachment predicted dialogues at 7.5 beyond the prediction offered by age 4.5 dialogues.
Income Is Not Enough: Incorporating Material Hardship Into Models of Income Associations With Parenting and Child Development
Authors: Gershoff Elizabeth T. , Aber J. Lawrence , Raver C. Cybele , Lennon Mary Clare
Published: February 2007

Although research has clearly established that low family income has negative impacts on children's cognitive skills and social–emotional competence, less often is a family's experience of material hardship considered. Using the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998–1999 (N=21,255), this study examined dual components of family income and material hardship along with parent mediators of stress, positive parenting, and investment as predictors of 6‐year‐old children's cognitive skills and social–emotional competence. Support was found for a model that identified unique parent‐mediated paths from income to cognitive skills and from income and material hardship to social–emotional competence. The findings have implications for future study of family income and child development and for identification of promising targets for policy intervention.
Neighborhood and Family Influences on Educational Attainment: Results from the Ontario Child Health Study Follow‐Up 2001
Authors: Boyle Michael H. , Georgiades Katholiki , Racine Yvonne , Mustard Cameron
Published: February 2007

This study uses multilevel models to examine longitudinal associations between contextual influences (neighborhood and family) assessed in 1983 in a cohort of 2,355 children, 4–16 years of age, and educational attainment in 2001. Variation in educational attainment in 2001 attributable to between‐neighborhood and between‐family differences was 8.17% and 36.88%, respectively. The final model explained 33.64% of the variance in educational attainment, with unique variances of 14.53% for neighborhood and family‐level variables combined versus 10.94% for child‐level variables. Among the neighborhood and family‐level variables, indicators of status (5.29%) versus parental capacity/family process (4.03%) made comparable predictions to attainment while children from economically disadvantaged families did not benefit educationally from living in more affluent areas.
Children's Intuitive Mathematics: The Development of Knowledge About Nonlinear Growth
Authors: Ebersbach Mirjam , Wilkening Friedrich
Published: February 2007

This study is concerned with the development of children's intuitive understanding of nonlinear processes. The ability to estimate linear and exponential growth was examined in 7‐, 9‐, 11‐, and 13‐year‐old children and adults (N=160). Whereas linear growth was judged correctly at all ages, estimations of exponential growth were in line with mathematically correct values only in 13‐year‐olds and adults. However, 9‐year‐olds already judged the result of exponential growth as being significantly higher than that of linear growth, and even a remarkable proportion of 7‐year‐olds showed such discrimination between the two types of functions. Results point to the existence of an early intuitive knowledge about the characteristics of nonlinear growth, long before those functions are taught in school.
Stratified Case‐Cohort Analysis of General Cohort Sampling Designs
Authors: SAMUELSEN SVEN OVE , ÅNESTAD HALLVARD , SKRONDAL ANDERS
Published: February 2007

Abstract. It is shown that variance estimates for regression coefficients in exposure‐stratified case‐cohort studies (Borganet al.,Lifetime Data Anal.,6, 2000, 39–58) can easily be obtained from influence terms routinely calculated in the standard software for Cox regression. By allowing for post‐stratification on outcome we also place the estimators proposed by Chen (J. R. Statist. Soc. Ser. B, 63, 2001, 791–809) for a general class of cohort sampling designs within the Borganet al.’s framework, facilitating simple variance estimation for these designs. Finally, the Chen approach is extended to accommodate stratified designs with surrogate variables available for all cohort members, such as stratified case‐cohort and counter‐matching designs.
Are women reservoirs of traditional plant knowledge? Gender, ethnobotany and globalization in northeast Brazil
Authors: Voeks Robert A.
Published: February 2007

This study examines the degree to which knowledge of traditional plant medicine is gendered among communities settled near Chapada Diamantina National Park in eastern Bahia state, northeast Brazil. Employing a quantitative analysis of a sample plant pharmacopoeia, I focus on the relationship between gender, age and the socioeconomic impacts of globalization in this tropical region. Results indicate that women are more familiar with both the field identities and the medicinal values of the local flora than are men. This division is pronounced among older participants (30–80 years) who represent a reservoir of medicinal plant knowledge that is in danger of disappearing. I suggest that this heightened understanding among women is due to historical gender divisions of space and labour; the inherently high potential for medicinal plant identification and collection in anthropogenic habitats; and the role of women as primary healthcare givers for the family.
Macro Determinants of FDI Inflows to Japan: An Analysis of Source Country Characteristics
Authors: Kimino Satomi , Saal David S. , Driffield Nigel
Published: February 2007

This paper examines the source country determinants of FDI into Japan. The paper highlights certain methodological and theoretical weaknesses in the previous literature and offers some explanations for hitherto ambiguous results. Specifically, the paper highlights the importance of panel data analysis, and the identification of fixed effects in the analysis rather than simply pooling the data. Indeed, we argue that many of the results reported elsewhere are a feature of this mis‐specification. To this end, pooled, fixed effects and random effects estimates are compared. The results suggest that FDI into Japan is inversely related to trade flows, such that trade and FDI are substitutes. Moreover, the results also suggest that FDI increases with home country political and economic stability. The paper also shows that previously reported results, regarding the importance of exchange rates, relative borrowing costs and labour costs in explaining FDI flows, are sensitive to the econometric specification and estimation approach. The paper also discusses the importance of these results within a policy context. In recent years Japan has sought to attract FDI, though many firms still complain of barriers to inward investment penetration in Japan. The results show that cultural and geographic distance are only of marginal importance in explaining FDI, and that the results are consistent with the market‐seeking explanation of FDI. As such, the attitude to risk in the source country is strongly related to the size of FDI flows to Japan.
The writer as an outsider*
Authors: HAU'OFA EPELI
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT: Tracing the path that led to his becoming a creative writer, the author of this reflective essay points out how he came to adopt an anti‐Establishment stance, when, with his writings attracting critical attention, he came to be co‐opted by the Establishment itself as one belonging to the Clite group that is supposed to be contributing to the emergence of new literature in the Pacific. Making a case for a writer to be an outsider, the author convincingly explains how the outsider's viewpoint offers a sense of detachment which facilitates the observation and recording of the sense of hollowness and futility that tie behind the seriousness of our day‐to‐day activities. He concludes by emphasising the importance of auditory qualities in speech in the Pacific and its impact on his own style of writing.
RESPECTING HUMAN EMBRYOS WITHIN STEM CELL RESEARCH: SEEKING HARMONY
Authors: MANNINEN BERTHA ALVAREZ
Published: February 2007

Abstract:Many medical‐ethics advisory boards have concluded that human embryonic stem cell research can be conducted in an ethical manner. Yet, almost all the recommendations of the ethics advisory boards have included a rather obscure requirement: the embryos that are to be destroyed for stem cell research must be treated with profound respect. In none of these recommendations, however, do we see an adequate explanation of what proper respect for human embryos actually entails. In this essay I argue that showing proper respect for human embryos, on the one hand, and simultaneously destroying them for stem cell research, on the other hand, are not mutually exclusive. In addition, I maintain that given current U.S. in vitro fertilization practices, which deliberately produce more embryos than will be implanted, proper respect for surplus embryos requires their use in embryonic stem cell research.
HOW IS THE ETHICS OF STEM CELL RESEARCH DIFFERENT FROM THE ETHICS OF ABORTION?
Authors: HARMAN ELIZABETH
Published: February 2007

Abstract: It seems that if abortion is permissible, then stem cell research must be as well: it involves the death of a less significant thing (an embryo rather than a fetus) for a greater good (lives saved rather than nine months of physical imposition avoided). However, I argue in this essay that this natural thought is mistaken. In particular, on the assumption that embryos and fetuses have the full moral status of persons, abortion is permissible but one form of stem cell research is not—the practice of creating embryos and then destroying them to extract cell material. Furthermore, I argue that the same is true on the assumption that embryos and fetuses have at least some moral status. I conclude that this form of stem cell research is permissible only if the embryos in question lack moral status. I then present and briefly defend a view on which these embryos lack moral status.