bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of genetic diversity and the determination of relationships among western Mediterranean horse breeds using microsatellite markers
Authors: Marletta D. , Tupac‐Yupanqui I. , Bordonaro S. , García D. , Guastella A. M. , Criscione A. , Cañón J. , Dunner S.
Published: September 2006

The distribution of genetic diversity and the genetic relationships among western Mediterranean horse breeds were investigated using microsatellite markers. The examined sample included seven Spanish and three Italian local horse breeds and populations, plus a Spanish Thoroughbred outgroup. The total number of animals examined was 682 (on average 62 animals per breed; range 20–122). The microsatellite marker set analysed provided 128 alleles (10.7 alleles per locus). Within‐breed genetic diversity was always high (>0.70), with breeds contributing about 8% of the total genetic variability. The mean molecular coancestry of the entire population examined was 0.205, Losino being the breed that contributed most. In addition to Nei's standard and Reynolds’ genetic distances, pair‐wise kinship distance and molecular coancestry were estimated. Remarkably similar breed rankings were obtained with all methods. Clustering analysis provided an accurate representation of the current genetic relationships among the breeds. Determining coancestry is useful for analysing genetic diversity distribution between and within breeds and provides a good framework for jointly analysing molecular markers and pedigree information. An integrated analysis was undertaken to obtain information on the population dynamics in western Mediterranean native horse populations, and to better determine conservation priorities.
FISH mapping of 10 canine BAC clones harbouring genes and microsatellites in the arctic fox and the Chinese raccoon dog genomes
Authors: Szczerbal I. , Klukowska‐Roetzler J. , Dolf G. , Schelling C. , Switonski M.
Published: September 2006

Cytogenetic mapping of the arctic fox and the Chinese raccoon dog were performed using a set of canine probes derived from the Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) library. Altogether, 10 BAC clones containing sequences of selected genes (PAX3, HBB, ATP2A2, TECTA, PIT1, ABCA4, ESR2, TPH1, HTR2A, MAOA) and microsatellites were mapped by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) experiments to chromosomes of the canids studied. At present, the cytogenetic map on the arctic fox and Chinese raccoon dog consists of 45 loci each. Chromosomal localization of the BAC clones was in agreement with data obtained by earlier independent comparative chromosome painting. However, two events of telomere‐to‐centromere inversions were tentatively identified while compared with assignments in the dog karyotype.
Detection of novel single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CYP21 gene and association analysis of two SNPs for CYP21 and ESR2 with litter size in a commercial sow population
Authors: Buske B. , Sternstein I. , Reißmann M. , Brockmann G.
Published: September 2006

Altogether 129 F1 sows from a commercial sow farm with at least four litters were genotyped for the oestrogen receptor 2 gene (ESR2) and cytochrome P450 hydroxylase 21 gene (CYP21) and investigated for associations on the litter‐size parameters: total number born and number born alive. Five novel polymorphisms were found in the 3′‐untranslated region for the CYP21 gene. Genotype and allele frequencies for the CYP21 (position 3462G > A) single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) were 0.434 (GG), 0.504 (AG), 0.062 (AA) and 0.69 (G):0.31 (A), respectively. No association was found between this polymorphism and litter‐size parameters. For the ESR2 gene, the SNP in exon 5 associated with an amino acid substitution MET (allele A) > VAL (allele G) was investigated. Only two genotypes were found leading to allele frequencies of 0.34 (A):0.66 (G). Only number born alive piglets were significantly increased for the AG genotype (p = 0.034) with 11.64 piglets per sow and litter in comparison with the GG genotype, leading to only 10.96 piglets per sow and litter. From these data, it can be concluded that the investigated SNP of the ESR2 gene is associated with the number of liveborn piglets in the commercial population considered, and hence could be useful in selection for litter size. Therefore, this gene should be investigated in additional populations.
A new, broad‐spectrum azole antifungal: posaconazole – mechanisms of action and resistance, spectrum of activity
Authors: Hof H.
Published: September 2006

Posaconazole, a new triazole antifungal, exerts principally the same mechanism of action as the other azole derivatives, i.e. it inhibits the ergosterol production by binding and inhibiting the lanosterol‐14α‐demethylase which is present in almost all fungi except Pneumocystis and Pythium. Posaconazole has an exquisitely high affinity to this target. Since posaconazole has a chemical structure different from fluconazole and voriconazole, it can interact with an additional domain of the target so that it may inhibit even mutated strains resistant to fluconazole and voriconazole. In addition posaconazole is a bad substrate for efflux pumps in fungi, so it can stay active when other azoles are already inactive. Furthermore, the spectrum of posaconazole is rather large including also some zygomycetes resistant to other azoles. In conclusion, posaconazole is actually the most potent azole derivative used in medicine. A combination of posaconazole with other groups of antifungals may have a favourable effect. There are several methods to test the in vitro activities of posaconazole including the E‐test, though interpretive breakpoints are still lacking.
Salvage Therapy of Refractory Chronic Disseminated Candidiasis in a Patient with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia and Secondary Prophylaxis During Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Vehreschild Jörg J. , Krüger Karsten , Kurzai Oliver , Wickenhauser Claudia , Behringer Karolin , Töx Ulrich , Cornely Oliver A.
Published: September 2006

We report on the treatment course of a 27‐year‐old male patient with acute myeloid leukaemia M1 and chronic disseminated candidiasis. After induction chemotherapy, the patient developed oesophageal candidiasis while participating in a voriconazole vs. placebo prophylaxis trial. He was then switched to oral fluconazole 400 mg q.i.d. After 6 days of futile fluconazole therapy he was switched to caspofungin 50 mg q.i.d. Caspofungin dose was later increased to 100 mg q.i.d after disseminated candidiasis with involvement of lung, spleen and liver was diagnosed. Following 63 days of caspofungin without resolution of symptoms, i.e. being persistently febrile, and emergence of soft tissue Candida abscesses, he was included into a trial allowing compassionate use of posaconazole as salvage therapy for refractory invasive fungal infections. Symptoms rapidly resolved under posaconazole 200 mg q.i.d. treatment and the patient was able to undergo allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation on secondary prophylaxis with posaconazole.
Infective colitis associated with human intestinal spirochetosis
Authors: Calderaro Adriana , Bommezzadri Simona , Gorrini Chiara , Piccolo Giovanna , Peruzzi Simona , Villanacci Vincenzo , Zambelli Claudia , Dettori Giuseppe , Chezzi Carlo
Published: September 2006

Aim:  Our study reports the detection and identification of intestinal spirochetosis in patients with colonic diseases in a tertiary‐care hospital over a 12‐year period, and includes a description of all cases we diagnosed.

Methods:  Our patients (8323) underwent colonoscopy and histopathological examinations including transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and light microscopy. Specimens from patients suspected of intestinal spirochetosis at histopathology (17 patients) underwent microbiological investigation performed by culture and molecular methods (16S restriction fragment length polymorphism‐polymerase chain reaction [RFLP‐PCR], nox RFLP‐PCR assays).

Results:  Seventeen cases were diagnosed: seven patients were infected by B. aalborgi, one by B. pilosicoli, two by both species and four by Brachyspira spp. diagnosed both histopathology and microbiology (culture and molecular methods: 16S RFLP‐PCR and nox RFLP‐PCR assays). Three cases were referred to as Brachyspira spp. infections using only histopathology, including TEM.

Conclusions:  Our results demonstrated that intestinal spirochetosis, although rarely occurring, might play a role in chronic diarrhea and suggested a pathogenetic mechanism of intestinal spirochetosis based on the destruction of colonic microvilli and colitis histologically documented, providing additional clinical and pathological information on this entity. This study suggests that metronidazole seems to be the drug of choice for the eradication of intestinal spirochetosis.
Intravenous frusemide for transient tachypnoea of the newborn: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Karabayir Nalan , Kavuncuoglu Sultan
Published: September 2006

Aim:  To investigate the effect of intravenous frusemide on the course of transient tachypnoea of the newborn (TTN).

Methods:  Fifty term infant with TTN were randomised at the time of diagnosis to receive either intravenous frusemide 2 mg/kg or saline placebo. Outcomes assessed included duration of supplemental oxygen requirement, the period of tachypnoea, time to discharge from hospital and weight loss in the first 24 h of life and before discharge.

Results:  The two groups were similar with respect to sex, birthweight, mode of delivery and age at presentation. The study group lost significantly more weight in the first 24 h after birth. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the duration of oxygen requirements, the period of tachypnoea and the time to hospital discharge.

Conclusion:  A single dose of intravenous frusemide (2 mg/kg) does not improve the clinical course of TTN. This finding suggests that either frusemide is not effective in promoting resorption of lung fluid or factors other than delayed resorption of this fluid contribute to the pathogenesis of TTN.
Usher syndrome with psychotic symptoms: Two cases in the same family
Authors: WU CHEN‐YING , CHIU CHIH‐CHIANG
Published: September 2006

Abstract  Usher syndrome is a heterogeneous autosomal recessive disorder characterized by hearing and visual sensory impairment. Retinitis pigmentosa is essential for its diagnosis. There are only a few reports describing patients with Usher syndrome presenting with psychotic features and the etiology of its psychiatric manifestation is still unknown. Herein, the authors report variable congenital hearing impairment and progressive visual loss occurring in five of seven family members and two of them meeting the diagnostic criteria of Usher syndrome with psychotic features. Furthermore, the authors compare their psychiatric symptoms with other reports and the possible etiologies of psychotic symptoms are discussed.
Can personality traits help us explain disability in chronic schizophrenia?
Authors: HERRÁN ANDRÉS , SIERRA‐BIDDLE DEIRDRE , CUESTA MARIA JESÚS , SANDOYA MARTA , VÁZQUEZ‐BARQUERO JOSÉ LUIS
Published: September 2006

Abstract  Psychotic features have been considered the main determinant of psychosocial function in schizophrenia. However, other variables are likely to affect dysfunction in these patients. The authors’ hypothesis is that personality traits in outpatients with chronic schizophrenia differ from traits found in the healthy population and may be associated with disability in this disorder. A total of 62 patients with schizophrenia were evaluated with the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) and the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ). Psychotic features were measured with the help of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Disability was assessed with the Disability Assessment Schedule (DAS). A total of 43 healthy subjects were used as controls for personality measurements. Normative data for the study population was also used to evaluate results in patients. Patients with schizophrenia had higher levels of neuroticism (median in percentile 65) and lower levels of extraversion (median in percentile 25) than the healthy population. Results of the TPQ showed higher harm avoidance and lower reward dependence levels compared to the healthy population. After multiple regression tests, negative symptoms were the strongest predictor of disability in patients with schizophrenia. Neuroticism contributed independently to the DAS overall behavior and global judgement subscales scores (more negative symptoms and higher neuroticism resulted in worse functioning), but not to the social role subscale. Outpatients with chronic schizophrenia showed high levels of neuroticism, harm avoidance, and introversion. Neuroticism significantly contributes to the long‐term deficits found in patients with schizophrenia.
Reticulons RTN3 and RTN4‐B/C interact with BACE1 and inhibit its ability to produce amyloid β‐protein
Authors: Murayama Kiyoko S. , Kametani Fuyuki , Saito Shinya , Kume Hideaki , Akiyama Haruhiko , Araki Wataru
Published: September 2006

β‐Secretase β‐site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), is a membrane‐bound aspartyl protease necessary for the generation of amyloid β‐protein (Aβ), which accumulates in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD). To gain insight into the mechanisms by which BACE1 activity is regulated, we used proteomic methods to search for BACE1‐interacting proteins in human neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells, which overexpress BACE1. We identified reticulon 4‐B (RTN4‐B; Nogo‐B) as a BACE1‐associated membrane protein. Co‐immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed a physical association between BACE1 and RTN4‐B, RTN4‐C (the shortest isoform of RTN‐4), and their homologue reticulon 3 (RTN3), both in SH‐SY5Y cells and in transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. Overexpression of these reticulons (RTNs) resulted in a 30–50% reduction in the secretion of both Aβ40 and Aβ42 from HEK293 cells expressing the AD‐associated Swedish mutant amyloid precursor protein (APP), but did not affect Aβ secretion from cells expressing the APP β‐C‐terminal fragment (β‐CTF), indicating that these RTNs can inhibit BACE1 activity. Furthermore, a BACE1 mutant lacking most of the N‐terminal ectodomain also interacted with these RTNs, suggesting that the transmembrane region of BACE1 is critical for the interaction. We also observed a similar interaction between these RTNs and the BACE1 homologue BACE2. Because RTN3 and RTN4‐B/C are substantially expressed in neural tissues, our findings suggest that they play important roles in the regulation of BACE1 function and Aβ production in the brain.
P2Y receptor‐mediated excitation in the posterior hypothalamus
Authors: Sergeeva Olga A. , Klyuch Boris P. , Fleischer Wiebke , Eriksson Krister S. , Korotkova Tatiana M. , Siebler Mario , Haas Helmut L.
Published: September 2006

Histaminergic neurons located in the posterior hypothalamus (tuberomamillary nucleus, TMN) project widely through the whole brain controlling arousal and attention. They are tonically active during wakefulness but cease firing during sleep. As a homeostatic theory of sleep involves ATP depletion and adenosine accumulation in the brain, we investigated the role of ATP and its analogues as well as adenosine on neuronal activity in the TMN. We show increased firing of rat TMN neurons by ATP, ADP, UTP and 2meSATP, indicating activation of receptors belonging to the P2Y family. Adenosine affected neither membrane potential nor firing of these cells. Single‐cell reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction revealed that P2Y1 and P2Y4 are prevailing receptors in TMN neurons. P2Y1 receptor mRNA was detected with a higher frequency in 2‐week‐old than in 4‐week‐old rats; in accordance, 2meSATP was more potent than ATP. Semi‐quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction revealed a developmental downregulation of mRNA levels for P2Y1 and P2Y4 receptors. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated neuronal and glial localization of the P2Y1 receptor protein. Network activity measured with multielectrode arrays in primary cultures made from the posterior hypothalamus was enhanced by UTP and 2meSATP (P2Y4 and P2Y1 agonists, respectively). ATP caused an inhibition of firing, which was reversed in the presence of suramin or gabazine [γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor antagonist], indicating that GABAergic neurons are preferentially activated by ATP in this network. Excitation of the wake‐active TMN neurons by nucleotides and the lack of adenosine action may be important factors in sleep–wake regulation.
A systematic review of the reliability of frequency‐volume charts in urological research and its implications for the optimum chart duration
Authors: Yap Tet L. , Cromwell David C. , Emberton Mark
Published: September 2006

There are four reviews in this section; two of these relate to prostate cancer, one to paediatric urology, and one to bladder function. The prostate cancer mini‐reviews concern two important areas that are talking points in urological oncology. Multidisciplinary team management, which is a very attractive idea to many, remains controversial in the eyes of some. This concept is discussed in detail, as is another controversial idea, the use of high‐intensity focused ultrasound in the treatment of prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To determine how the reliability of frequency‐volume charts (FVCs) vary with their duration when used to assess patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and whether the duration influences patient compliance.

METHODS

Peer‐reviewed studies involving patients with LUTS were searched systematically, with the selected studies assessed for their internal and external validity and statistical quality. Details of the patients and type of FVC used were summarized, and reliability coefficients and levels of compliance were extracted for commonly assessed FVC variables.

RESULTS

In all, 13 studies were considered to meet the review criteria; they assessed the reliability of FVCs lasting 1, 2, 3 and 7 days. The reliability coefficients for 3‐ and 7‐day FVCs were generally >0.8; those for shorter charts tended to be lower, but strong conclusions could not be drawn due to study limitations. There was no obvious relationship between the duration of the FVC and the level of compliance.

CONCLUSIONS

Strong recommendations cannot be made about what duration of an FVC should be used to assess or monitor patients with LUTS. The current consensus on using FVCs of ≥ 3 days seems to be the most defensible policy, but more research of high quality is required, especially into the relationship of FVC duration with compliance.
Medium‐term experience of sacral neuromodulation by tined lead implantation
Authors: VAN VOSKUILEN ANCO C. , OERLEMANS DENNIS J.A.J. , WEIL ERNEST H.J. , VAN DEN HOMBERGH UBI , VAN KERREBROECK PHILIP E.V.A.
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVE

To describe patient selection for sacral neuromodulation, also known as Interstim therapy, and the results of tined‐lead implantation in the medium term.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 49 patients, 39 with refractory overactive bladder symptoms and 10 with urinary retention, were implanted with the tined lead under local anaesthesia. The mean (sd) test period was 12.4 (5.8) days. Patients were implanted when they had a ≥ 50% improvement in voiding diary variables during the test period. The mean follow‐up for implanted patients was 15.5 (7.9) months. Changes in voiding variables were compared using a t‐test.

RESULTS

Ten patients had a one‐stage and 39 a two‐stage implant; of the latter group, 31 (80%) had a positive response and eight (21%) did not. In all, 31 patients were included in the follow‐up. At the last follow‐up, 28 (90%) patients had a >50% improvement in diary variables and three (10%) did not. In 21 patients with urgency symptoms the mean (sd) number of voids decreased from 11.7 (8.9)/day at baseline to 7.3 (3.4)/day (P = 0.1); the voided volume increased from 160.2 (70.7) mL to 231.1 (119.5) mL (P = 0.001); and the number of leakages decreased from 9.5 (8.7) to 3.3 (2.2)/day (P = 0.17). In the 10 patients with retention, the number of catheterizations decreased from 5.44 (1.6)/day with a volume of 297.6 (76.8) mL, to 1.2 (1.7)/day and 111.6 (158.1) mL; the mean number of voids increased from 3.7 (3.8)/day with a volume of 123.3 (141.7) mL, to 4.2 (2.4)/day and 248.3 (146.0)mL. There were no significant differences in the variables in the patients with retention. Seven patients had an adverse event. There was one incomplete electrode migration that was treated conservatively.

CONCLUSION

This new minimally invasive approach gives positive results in the medium term. Two‐stage testing with the tined lead seems more reliable than the classic percutaneous nerve evaluation. The lead anchoring method seems sufficient for fixing the electrode in the medium term.
Mixing Family Business with Politics in Thailand*
Authors: Imai Masami
Published: September 2006

This paper uses newly compiled data on Thai family businesses and their direct participation in politics to examine whether the political participation of family business yields private economic payoff. The paper finds that the political participa‐tion of family members is positively associated with the profitability of family businesses. Furthermore, this ‘political benefit’ is found to be particularly large when firms are connected to cabinet members. These results support the crony capitalism view that powerful business groups in Thailand have an incentive to directly hold influential public offices to influence economic policy in their favor.
Vertical Integration, Foreign Multinationals and Stigler's Hypotheses: An Empirical Test Using Malaysian Data*
Authors: Nor Nor Ghani Md. , Abdullah Ahmad Zainuddin , Nor Khalil Md.
Published: September 2006

In this paper the hypotheses on motives for vertical integration as proposed by Stigler are empirically tested using a panel dataset from Malaysian manufacturing under both fixed‐effects and random‐effects specifications. Because the degree of multinational participation is expected to influence the results of the regression estimates, empirical tests are conducted with and without controlling for the effect of foreign firms’ participation. Depending on model specifications, evidence is found in favor of Stigler's hypotheses where vertical integration is positively related to demand growth and industry concentration. This result is generally consistent with those found in other vertical integration studies. Significantly, the coefficient estimates of the growth variable are not significant and biased downwards if there is no control on the effect of foreign multinationals in the estimation process.
Dynamics of Capital Structure: The Case of Korean Listed Manufacturing Companies*
Authors: Kim Hyesung , Heshmati Almas , Aoun Dany
Published: September 2006

In this paper, we develop a model of dynamic capital structure choice based on a sample of Korean manufacturing firms and estimate the unobservable optimal capital structure using a wide range of observable determinants. Unbalanced panel data of Korean listed firms for the period 1985–2002 is used. In addition to identifying and estimating the effects of the determinants of capital structure, we take into consideration some Korea‐specific features, such as the structural break before and after the financial crisis and firms’ affiliation to chaebol business groups. Our results indicate that the optimal capital structure has been affected by the financial crisis. Although the results suggest that chaebol‐affiliated firms have higher optimal level of leverage and adjust their capital structure faster than non‐chaebol firms, firms’ leverage might be associated with factors other than chaebol‐affiliation, such as size, profitability and growth opportunity.
The potential impact of markets for irrigation water in Italy and Spain: a comparison of two study areas*
Authors: Pujol Joan , Raggi Meri , Viaggi Davide
Published: September 2006

The viability of irrigated systems in Southern Europe is closely linked to efficient institutional settings and water‐allocation mechanisms. A significant, although not widely used, mechanism for water allocation is an intra‐sectorial water market. The objective of this paper is to evaluate to what extent water markets may contribute to the improvement of the efficiency of water allocation and to the profitability of irrigated agriculture. The related issues of water allocation among farm types and farm specialisation are also addressed. The analysis is based on a basin‐level linear programming model, comparing the situation with and without a market. It includes both fixed and variable transaction costs and estimates their combined effects on market performances. The model is applied in two areas in Southern Italy and Spain, and simulates the behaviour of different farm types, derived from cluster analysis on a sample of farms in each area. The paper confirms that water markets could potentially improve the economic efficiency of water use, in terms of higher profit per hectare, given limited water availability. The potential improvements are associated with a more intense specialisation of farms and are strongly differentiated among farmers, particularly where significant restrictions to water availability occur. This corroborates the expectations of institutional difficulties in implementing water markets. However, the exchanges, and consequently the potential effects of water markets, are heavily affected by the actual level of water availability, as well as the size and the structure (fixed vs. proportional) of transaction costs. The paper calls for a more in‐depth analysis of the connections between market performances and institutional settings, as related to the issue of water‐agriculture policy design and coordination.
Mathematical optimisation of drainage and economic land use for target water and salt yields*
Authors: Nordblom Tom , Hume Iain , Bathgate Andrew , Reynolds Michael
Published: September 2006

Land managers in upper catchments are being asked to make expensive changes in land use, such as by planting trees, to attain environmental service targets, including reduced salt loads in rivers, to meet needs of downstream towns, farms and natural habitats. End‐of‐valley targets for salt loads have sometimes been set without a quantitative model of cause and effect regarding impacts on water yields, economic efficiency or distribution of costs and benefits among stakeholders. This paper presents a method for calculating a ‘menu’ of technically feasible options for changes from current to future mean water yields and salt loads from upstream catchments having local groundwater flow systems, and the land‐use changes to attain each of these options at minimum cost. It sets the economic stage for upstream landholders to negotiate with downstream parties future water‐yield and salt‐load targets, on the basis of what it will cost to supply these ecosystem services.
A RESPONSE TO CARL HELRICH: THE LIMITATIONS AND PROMISE OF QUANTUM THEORY
Authors: Schäfer Lothar
Published: September 2006

Abstract. I respond to Carl Helrich's criticism of my proposition that the emergence of complex order in the universe is from Virtual State Actualization (VSA). The question is discussed as to whether quantum theory is able to afford any kind of quantum ontology or whether it merely allows an epistemological view. I point out that, even though many contradictory interpretations of quantum theory are currently possible, the concept of VSA is based on molecular properties that are so simple and factual that they are beyond interpretation. Helrich's appeal for caution in proceeding from physical reality to Divine Reality is wholeheartedly supported and a detailed discussion is given.
SCIENCE'S CONCEPTION OF HUMAN BEINGS AS A BASIS FOR MORAL THEORY
Authors: Stapp Henry P.
Published: September 2006

Abstract. Niels Bohr stated, and Werner Heisenberg reiterated, that “in the great drama of existence we ourselves are both actors and spectators.” Their emphasis stems from the fact that the entry of human beings into physics as actors constitutes the most fundamental philosophical departure of twentieth‐century basic physics from its eighteenth‐ and nineteenth‐century forerunners. Those earlier theories claimed that our human conscious thoughts are mere witnesses to, or by‐products of, essentially mechanically determined brain processes. In stark contrast, certain conscious decisions that are made by human beings, but that are not determined by any known law, statistical or otherwise, enter irreducibly into orthodox contemporary physical theory. These actions are required to counteract effects of Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle, which ordains that the physically described process of nature, acting alone, produces not a physical world of the kind we experience but rather a continuous smear of potential possible worlds of the kind we know. This contradiction between theory and experience is resolved in orthodox contemporary physical theory by bringing certain effects of our conscious human choices into the dynamics in essentially the way that we intuitively feel that our conscious intentions affect the physical world, namely, via the effects of our intentional efforts on our physically described bodies. The moral implications of this profound change in physics are discussed.
BETWEEN PHYSICALISM AND MENTALISM: PHILIP CLAYTON ON MIND AND EMERGENCE
Authors: Haag James W.
Published: September 2006

Abstract. Philip Clayton's work on emergence is a valuable contribution to the fields of religion, science, and philosophy. I focus on three narrow but extremely important areas of Clayton's work. First, Clayton deems that Terrence Deacon's emergence theory is difficult to accept because it is constructed from thermodynamics, thereby rendering it unable to address phenomenological issues. I examine Deacon's theory and show that development from a physics base is warranted. Furthermore, Clayton does not convincingly demonstrate that such a constructive approach is necessarily incapable of attending to mental phenomena or offer an alternative that explains the causal power of a physically nonconstructible mental realm. Second, I argue that Clayton's notion of emergentist supervenience for comprehending the mental/physical relation is unnecessarily redundant and problematic in relation to causal power. Third, I explore Clayton's alternative use of agent causation to make sense of mental properties having causal power in the world. His effort to resolve emergence difficulties by appealing to phenomenology receives primary attention. Clayton's use of emergence theory is an important contribution to the religion‐and‐science community, and I encourage further dialogue on the exchange that Clayton commences.
CLARIFYING THE CONCEPT OF GENOCIDE
Authors: ABED MOHAMMED
Published: September 2006

Abstract: This essay develops a detailed account of the features that make a group susceptible to the harm of genocide. If the members of a group consent to a life in common, if the culture of the group is comprehensive, and if the social structure of the group is such that membership cannot easily be renounced, then the flourishing of the group's culture and social ethos will have profound and far‐reaching effects on the well‐being of its individual members. Systematic destruction of cultural and social institutions under these conditions will eventuate in individuals suffering the harms and deprivations peculiar to the crime of genocide. The later sections of the essay illustrate and further defend the thesis that “social death” is the harm that distinguishes genocide from other forms of political violence.
Measuring Marker Information Content by the Ambiguity of Block Boundaries Observed in Dense SNP Data
Authors: Gu C. Charles , Yu Kai , Boerwinkle Eric
Published: September 2006

Recent studies have noted that the boundary of common haplotype blocks in hapmap constructions involve a certain degree of ambiguity, and so do the resulting “tagSNPs”. Here, we report how to address this issue at the level of individual SNP markers. We introduce a measure called the marker ambiguity score (MAS), and evaluate its utility by simulation studies based on a real dataset of 2949 SNPs spanning a region of 56.1M bp. We show that the MAS method can be used to assess the level of boundary ambiguity caused by varying ethnic background, sample sizes for hapmap construction, and disease aggregation. We find a striking difference in overall patterns of block boundary distributions in two ethnic groups (blacks and whites), and subtle changes in block structures that agree with the evolutionary history of the two populations. Our analyses suggest that a sample size of 200 or more subjects is probably needed for “stable” hapmap constructions. In addition, we demonstrate that there are subtle changes in block boundaries in hapmaps constructed in disease populations versus normal controls. This approach can quantify the information content of individual markers in the context of highly dense SNP data, which may have important implications in designing efficient genome‐wide association mapping projects.
Fifteen microsatellite loci characterized in the golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos (Accipitridae, Aves)
Authors: BOURKE BRIAN P. , DAWSON DEBORAH A.
Published: September 2006

Polymorphic microsatellite loci were identified in order to study golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) population fragmentation. Twenty‐six published Aquila and eight published Haliaeetus microsatellite loci were tested for polymorphism in A. chrysaetos. Fifteen loci were polymorphic with between two and six alleles detected per locus. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.15 to 0.77 among 177 unrelated individuals from Scotland. There was no evidence for null alleles. Two pairs of loci (Hal‐10 & Aa15 and Hal‐10 & Aa26) displayed linkage disequilibrium.
Laser removal of pigmented and vascular lesions
Authors: Goldberg David J
Published: September 2006

Twenty years of laser dermatology has resulted in current technology which allows variable spot sizes, different wavelengths, and a variety of effective cooling devices. These developments have made the treatment of cutaneous pigmented and vascular lesions safe and efficacious by targeting selected chromophores while minimizing damage to the surrounding tissue. Vascular lesions are targeted by a variety of wavelength lasers including the KTP (532 nm), pulsed dye (585–595 nm), and the Nd:YAG (1064 nm) laser systems. Pigmented lesions may be treated with a wide variety of lasers due to the broad absorption spectrum of melanin. Intense pulsed light (IPL), with its widely adjustable parameters, has established itself as a useful adjunctive for the treatment of a variety of pigmented and vascular lesions. The purpose of this review article is to present the current treatment options for the common aesthetic complaints of pigmented and vascular lesions.
Clinical experience and safety using phosphatidylcholine injections for the localized reduction of subcutaneous fat: a multicentre, retrospective UK study
Authors: Palmer Mark , Curran John , Bowler Patrick
Published: September 2006

Background  Phosphatidylcholine has been in safe use for over 30 years. Subcutaneous injections of phosphatidylcholine have now become used internationally for localized subcutaneous fat reduction on the face and body, but concerns about the safety of this treatment have arisen.

Aims  To assess retrospectively treatment outcomes and adverse effects associated with subcutaneous phosphatidylcholine use.

Patients and methods  Thirty‐nine UK doctors specifically trained and experienced in this treatment completed questionnaires, focusing on outcome and adverse effects experienced by patients.

Results  Ten thousand five hundred and eighty‐one treatments had been administered over a mean duration of 13.1 months. Localized adverse effects (swelling, erythema, burning/stinging, pain, tenderness and bruising) were described by most patients as “very mild’ (18.4%) or “mild” (39.2%). The total incidence of systemic side‐effects was 3%: diarrhoea, nausea, dizziness/light‐headedness and intermenstrual bleeding were described by most patients as “very mild” (36%) or “mild” (55%). Only 15 (0.14%) “unexpected, unusually severe or prolonged” adverse reactions (commonly pain and/or swelling) were reported. These were all self‐limiting and none were judged as serious. 73.8% of patients were either “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with treatment.

Conclusions  This treatment appears to be associated with minimal risks when used by specifically trained and experienced doctors. The possible risks associated with this treatment should be balanced against the risks of other treatment options.
Psychopathology and Epilepsy: Is it the Chicken or the Egg?
Authors: Kanner Andres M.
Published: September 2006

Depression and Attempted Suicide as Risk Factors for Incident Unprovoked Seizures and Epilepsy

Hesdorffer DC, Hauser WA, Olaffson E, Ludvigsson P, Kjartansson O

Ann Neurol 2006;59:35–41.

Major depression has been shown to increase the risk for development of epilepsy, but prior studies have not evaluated whether this is due to specific symptoms of depression. We conducted a population-based case-control study of all newly diagnosed unprovoked seizures among Icelandic children and adults aged 10 years and older to test the hypothesis that major depression is a risk factor for developing unprovoked seizure and epilepsy, and to address whether specific symptoms of depression account for this increased risk. Cases were matched to the next two same sex births from the population registry. Using standardized interviews, we ascertained symptoms of major depression to make a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) diagnosis. A history of major depression was 1.7-fold more common among cases than among controls (95% confidence interval, 1.1–2.7). A history of attempted suicide was 5.1-fold more common among cases than among controls (95% confidence interval, 2.2–11.5). Attempted suicide increased seizure risk even after adjusting for age, sex, cumulative alcohol intake, and major depression or number of symptoms of depression. Major depression and attempted suicide independently increase the risk for unprovoked seizure. These data suggest that depression and suicide attempt may be due to different underlying neurochemical pathways, each of which is important in the development of epilepsy.
Supercalifragilistic Hemosiderosis: A Rare and Unusual Complication that Really Sounds Atrocious …
Authors: Schwartz Theodore H.
Published: September 2006

Anatomical Hemispherectomy for Intractable Seizures: Excellent Seizure Control, Low Morbidity and No Superficial Cerebral Haemosiderosis

O'Brien DF, Basu S, Williams DH, May PL

Childs Nerv Syst 2006;22:489–498.

Objective

This current study was performed to evaluate whether superficial cerebral hemosiderosis (SCH) is still a complication of modern day anatomical hemispherectomy.

Methods

We report a 13-year institutional experience with anatomical hemispherectomy for intractable epilepsy. Seizure control at a mean follow-up interval of 7 years was 83%. Though one patient died post-operatively from a nonneurosurgical complication, mortality was otherwise zero and morbidity minimal. The much-described complication of SCH following anatomical hemispherectomy was nonexistent. We explain the history of SCH as a complication of anatomical hemispherectomy, and the measures that are presently taken to prevent it.

Conclusions

We suggest that the importance of SCH in modern epilepsy surgery is probably over-emphasized.
Surveying the Population with Epilepsy: Ulcers, Allergies, and Other Medical Comorbidities
Authors: Burneo Jorge
Published: September 2006

Somatic Comorbidity of Epilepsy in the General Population in Canada

Téllez-Zenteno JF, Matijevic S, Wiebe S

Epilepsia 2005;46:1955–1962

Purpose

There is a notion that people with epilepsy have substantial and often unrecognized comorbidity of chronic conditions. However, most studies focus on selected patient groups; population-based studies are scarce. We compared the prevalence of chronic somatic conditions in people with epilepsy with that in the general population using Canadian, nationwide, population-based health data.

Method

We examined epilepsy-specific and general population health data obtained through two previously validated, independently performed, door-to-door Canadian health surveys, the National Population Health Survey (NPHS, N = 49,000) and the Community Health Survey (CHS, N = 130,882), which represent 98% of the Canadian population. The prevalence of epilepsy and 19 other chronic conditions was ascertained through direct inquiry from respondents about physician-diagnosed illnesses. Weighted prevalence, prevalence ratios (PR), and 95% confidence intervals were obtained for the entire population and for males and females separately. Multivariate analyses assessed the strength of association of comorbid conditions with epilepsy as compared with the general population.

Results

People with epilepsy had a statistically significant higher prevalence of most chronic conditions than the general population. Conditions with particularly high prevalence in epilepsy (prevalence ratio ≥ 2.0) include stomach/intestinal ulcers (PR, CHS 2.5, NPHS 2.7), stroke (PR, CHS 3.9, NPHS 4.7), urinary incontinence (PR, CHS 3.2, NPHS 4.4), bowel disorders (PR, CHS 2.0, NPHS 3.3), migraine (PR, CHS 2.0, NPHS 2.6), Alzheimer's disease (PR, NPHS 4.3), and chronic fatigue (PR, CHS 4.1). There were no gender-specific differences in prevalence of chronic conditions among people with epilepsy.

Conclusions

People with epilepsy in the general population, not only those actively seeking medical care, have a high prevalence of chronic somatic comorbid conditions. The findings are consistent across two independent surveys, which show that people with epilepsy in the general population have a two- to five-fold risk of somatic comorbid conditions, as compared with people without epilepsy. This patient-centered comorbidity profile reflects health aspects that are important to people with epilepsy, and indicate the need for a more integrated approach to people with epilepsy. The impact of epilepsy relative to other comorbid conditions requires further analysis, as does the contribution of comorbidity to epilepsy intractability and to differential health care needs. Similarly, it remains to be determined whether the observed comorbidity patterns are specific to epilepsy or simply reflect a pattern that is common to chronic illnesses in general.
When is Hot Not So Hot? Fever Reduces Brain Inhibition
Authors: Olsen Richard W.
Published: September 2006

Why Does Fever Trigger Febrile Seizures? GABAA Receptor γ2 Subunit Mutations Associated with Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsies Have Temperature-Dependent Trafficking Deficiencies

Kang JQ, Shen W, Macdonald RL

J Neurosci 2006;26:2590–2597

With a worldwide incidence as high as 6.7% of children, febrile seizures are one of the most common reasons for seeking pediatric care, but the mechanisms underlying generation of febrile seizures are poorly understood. Febrile seizures have been suspected to have a genetic basis, and recently, mutations in GABAA receptor and sodium channel genes have been identified that are associated with febrile seizures and generalized seizures with febrile seizures plus pedigrees. Pentameric GABAA receptors mediate the majority of fast synaptic inhibition in the brain and are composed of combinations of α( 1 – 6 ), β( 1 – 3 ), and γ( 1 – 3 ) subunits. In αβγ2 GABAA receptors, the γ2 subunit is critical for receptor trafficking, clustering, and synaptic maintenance, and mutations in the γ2 subunit have been monogenically associated with autosomal dominant transmission of febrile seizures. Here, we report that whereas trafficking of wild-type α1 β2 γ2 receptors was slightly temperature dependent, trafficking of mutant α1 β2 γ2 receptors containing γ2 subunit mutations [ γ2(R43Q), γ2(K289M),and γ2(Q351X)] associated with febrile seizures was highly temperature dependent. In contrast, trafficking of mutant α1 β2 γ2 receptors containing an α1 subunit mutation [ α1(A322D)] not associated with febrile seizures was not highly temperature dependent. Brief increases in temperature from 37 to 40°C rapidly (<10 min) impaired trafficking and/or accelerated endocytosis of heterozygous mutant α1 β2 γ2 receptors containing γ2 subunit mutations associated with febrile seizures but not of wild-type α1 β2 γ2 receptors or heterozygous mutant α1(A322D) β2 γ2 receptors, suggesting that febrile seizures may be produced by a temperature-induced dynamic reduction of susceptible mutant surface GABAA receptors in response to fever.
Does Glutamate Released by Astrocytes Cause Focal Epilepsy?
Authors: D'Ambrosio Raimondo
Published: September 2006

An Astrocytic Basis of Epilepsy

Tian GF, Azmi H, Takano T, Xu Q, Peng W, Lin J, Oberheim N, Lou N, Wang X, Zielke HR, Kang J, Nedergaard M

Nat Med 2005;11:973–981.

Hypersynchronous neuronal firing is a hallmark of epilepsy, but the mechanisms underlying simultaneous activation of multiple neurons remains unknown. Epileptic discharges are in part initiated by a local depolarization shift that drives groups of neurons into synchronous bursting. In an attempt to define the cellular basis for hypersynchronous bursting activity, we studied the occurrence of paroxysmal depolarization shifts after suppressing synaptic activity using tetrodotoxin (TTX) and voltage-gated Ca2+ channel blockers. Here we report that paroxysmal depolarization shifts can be initiated by release of glutamate from extrasynaptic sources or by photolysis of caged Ca2+ in astrocytes. Two-photon imaging of live exposed cortex showed that several antiepileptic agents, including valproate, gabapentin, and phenytoin, reduced the ability of astrocytes to transmit Ca2+ signaling. Our results show an unanticipated key role for astrocytes in seizure activity. As such, these findings identify astrocytes as a proximal target for the treatment of epileptic disorders.
Why do larvae of Utetheisa ornatrix penetrate and feed in pods of Crotalaria species? Larval performance vs. chemical and physical constraints
Authors: Ferro Viviane Gianluppi , Guimarães Paulo Roberto , Trigo José Roberto
Published: September 2006

Larvae of Utetheisa ornatrix (L.)(Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) are found mainly inside unripe pods of several alkaloid‐bearing Crotalaria (Fabaceae) species. Although eggs are laid on the leaves, the larvae are usually found feeding on unripe seeds in the pods. In this work, we investigated the selective pressures that could explain why U. ornatrix larvae feed primarily on unripe pods with seeds and not on leaves. Our results showed that larval survivorship in the laboratory was unaffected by feeding on leaves or unripe seeds, and that larval development up to the pupal stage was better in larvae that fed on unripe seeds, although perforating unripe pods to reach seeds was costly in terms of survivorship. Females were also heavier when fed on unripe seeds, but there was no significant difference in the fecundity of females fed either of the two diets. Feeding on unripe seeds in pods had other benefits for U. ornatrix, including a lower predation rate for larvae that fed inside compared to larvae that fed outside the pods. Similarly, adults derived from larvae that fed on unripe seeds were preyed upon less frequently by the orb‐weaving spider Nephila clavipes than were adults that fed on leaves. The latter benefit may be closely related to the high concentration of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in unripe seeds, which is about five times more than in leaves. These alkaloids are sequestered by the larvae and transferred to adults, which then become chemically protected. However, this chemical defence does not protect the larvae against ants such as Ectatomma quadridens and Camponotus crassus. Pods with unripe seeds that confer physical protection to larvae and pyrrolizidine alkaloids that confer chemical protection to adults limit the use of leaves by U. ornatrix larvae.