bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current issues in pediatric transplantation
Authors: Kelly D. A.
Published: July 2006

Abstract: Pediatric solid organ transplantation is so successful that >80% of children will survive to become teenagers and adults. Therefore, it is essential that these children maintain a good quality life, free of significant long‐term side effects. While intensive immunosuppressive regimens (containing CsA, tacrolimus, MMF, and steroids) effectively reduce acute or chronic rejection, they can produce long‐term side effects including viral infection, renal dysfunction, hypertension, and stunting. The development of effective methods of diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of CMV means that this is no longer a significant cause of mortality, but morbidity remains high. In contrast, infection rates of EBV remain high in EBV‐negative pre‐transplant patients. However, pre‐emptive reduction of immunosuppression or treatment with rituximab or adoptive T‐cell therapy is effective in preventing/treating post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease. Recent protocols have concentrated on reducing CsA immunosuppression, to prevent unacceptable cosmetic effects, and to reduce the hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and nephrotoxicity. Both CsA and tacrolimus cause a 30% reduction in renal function, with 4–5% of patients developing severe chronic renal failure. The use of IL‐2 inhibitors for induction therapy with low‐dose calcineurin inhibitors, in combination with renal‐sparing drugs such as MMF or sirolimus for maintenance immunosuppression, should prevent significant renal dysfunction in the future. The concept of steroid‐free immunosuppression with IL‐2 inhibitors, tacrolimus, and MMF is an attractive option, which may reduce stunting and renal dysfunction. However, these regimens may be associated with the increased development ofde‐novoautoimmune hepatitis in 2–3% of children. The most important challenge to long‐term survival in transplanted children is the management of non‐adherence and other adolescent issues, particularly when transferring to adult units, as this is the time when many successful transplant survivors lose their grafts.
Characterization of a Phytotoxin from Phoma herbarum for Management of Parthenium hysterophorus L.
Authors: Vikrant P. , Verma K. K. , Rajak R. C. , Pandey A. K.
Published: July 2006

Microbial products offer a non‐chemical alternative to manage noxious weeds with the goal of reducing input into the environment of harmful chemicals that are otherwise used for the same purpose. During the present investigations cell‐free culture filtrate (CFCF) of Phoma herbarum FGCC no. 75 was evaluated for its phytotoxic property against Parthenium hysterophorus L. The results of shoot cut, detached leaf and seedling bioassays revealed the presence of a toxic metabolite in the CFCF that was responsible for the toxicity against the target weed. Further, the toxic metabolite was characterized after the CFCF extraction with butanol, hexane, chloroform, acetone and ethyl acetate. The residues left after solvent evaporation were evaluated separately for their toxicity against the weed. Residue obtained from ethyl acetate fraction showed very distinct toxicity when compared with others. On the basis of analysis by gas chromatography‐ mass spectrometry, the tentative structure of the phytotoxic compound was deduced to be 3‐nitro‐1,2‐benzenedicarboxylic acid (3‐nitrophthalic acid). This is the first report confirming the potential of this particular toxin from Ph. herbarum as a biorational, which can be applied as a phytotoxin against Par. hysterophorus.
A Rapid and Sensitive Method for Direct Detection of Erwinia amylovora in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Plant Tissues by Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Stöger A. , Schaffer J. , Ruppitsch W.
Published: July 2006

Fire blight is a destructive disease of apple and pear trees and other rosaceous plants caused by the Gram‐negative bacterium Erwinia amylovora. Several molecular detection procedures described for this plant pathogen are either too time consuming, too insensitive or impractical when handling a large number of samples routinely. Here, we describe a modified protocol of the REDExtract‐N‐AmpTM Plant polymerase chain reaction kit for the detection of E. amylovorain planta and demonstrate that it provides simplicity, high sensitivity, speed and high throughput potential. A total of 951 samples collected in Austria were tested with the modified protocol and the standard protocol of our laboratory to validate the accuracy of this detection method.
Characterization of Genotype and Mating Type in European Isolates of Plasmopara viticola
Authors: Scherer E. , Gisi U.
Published: July 2006

A total of 54 single sporangiophore isolates of Plasmopara viticola from seven regions in four European countries were examined for mating type and genotypic characteristics, using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and simple sequence repeats (SSR, microsatellites) markers. Grape leaf discs were co‐inoculated with sporangia of randomly selected single sporangiophore isolates. Based on oospore production, four fertile isolates were selected: two were defined as P1 and two as P2 mating types. This procedure was necessary because no reference isolates were available. Among the 54 isolates, 33 belonged to the P1 and 21 to the P2 mating type. AFLP and SSR analyses allocated a distinctive genotype to almost each isolate, thus reflecting a high genetic diversity among the isolates (heterozygosity index He 0.59–0.80). AFLP clustering was observed among isolates collected from the same region, whereas no clustering occurred with SSR. This study provides defined P1 and P2 isolates which will allow future genetic investigations on the inheritance of phenotypic traits in P. viticola such as the sensitivity to fungicides.
Purkinje Cell Apoptosis in Arabian Horses with Cerebellar Abiotrophy
Authors: Blanco A. , Moyano R. , Vivo J. , Flores‐Acuña R. , Molina A. , Blanco C. , Monterde J. G.
Published: July 2006

Purkinje cerebellar cells were studied in three Arabian horses aged between 6 and 8 months with clinical disorders in their movements, tremors and ataxia; the occurrence of apoptosis in this cell population was investigated by the (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin‐dUTP nick‐end labelling (TUNEL) method. Both optical and electron microscopical images showed a scant number of Purkinje cells, most of them with morphological features of apoptosis such as condensation of the nucleus and cytoplasm as well as segregation and fragmentation of the nucleus into apoptotic bodies. The TUNEL technique revealed a substantial number (65%) of positive immunoreactive Purkinje cells.
A new look into kicking a football: An investigation of muscle activity using MRI
Authors: Baczkowski K , Marks P , Silberstein M , Schneider‐Kolsky ME
Published: July 2006

The kicking action predominantly used in Australian Rules football is considered to be responsible for many lower limb injuries. The aim of this study was to describe a non‐invasive method of identifying the thigh muscles involved in kicking an Australian Rules football, using MRI. Both upper thighs of 10 recreational footballers were examined using a 1.5‐T General Electric MRI scanner before and immediately after carrying out a set kicking exercise protocol. The signal intensity (SI) changes in 14 individual muscles were investigated using a standardized region of interest to determine the levels of muscle activity. Significant SI changes were observed in several muscles of the kicking and stance legs among all participants. In the kicking leg, the greatest SI changes were observed in the adductor longus and tensor fascia latae muscles (49.38% (±8.95) and 45.47% (±7.91), respectively; P < 0.05), whereas in the stance leg, the muscles displaying the highest changes were the semitendinosus and tensor fascia latae muscles (46.48% (±9.97) and 33.68% (±8.36), respectively; P < 0.05). This study has shown that MRI can be useful for observing the activity of individual muscles in the upper thigh during the kicking motion. This non‐invasive approach provides a detailed analysis of anatomy and emphasizes the muscles at high risk of injury.
Development of a clinical chart audit programme
Authors: Zissiadis Y , Harper E , Harper C
Published: July 2006

Radiation oncology charts containing medical information and treatment details are the major methods of communication between the various personnel involved in delivering radiation therapy to the patient. It is paramount to good patient care for this communication to be clear, precise and accurate in detail. A regular chart audit should be a part of the quality assurance programme of every radiation oncology department. The primary aim of this study was to develop and assess an objective and quantitative programme for reviewing radiation oncology charts, thereby improving the quality of communication and hence patient management. A secondary aim was to compare the charts of radically treated patients with those treated palliatively. A pilot study using a new chart review tool, developed at the Perth Radiation Oncology Centre, was carried out over an 8‐month period. A sample of charts, representing 25% of our treatment group, were assessed using the tool on a monthly basis. A total of 156 charts were reviewed during this time period. Fifty‐six per cent were radical treatments and 44% were palliative. The overall mean chart scores significantly improved over the time of this study (P < 0.001). The individual radiation oncologists’ scores were also seen to improve during the study period. The alpha coefficients for intra‐rater and inter‐rater reliability were 0.99 and 0.88, respectively. The chart review programme was found to be an easy‐to‐use and a reliable tool by both medical and non‐medical reviewers. It appeared to have a positive influence on the standard of radiation oncology charts in our department.
Spontaneous coeliac artery dissection
Authors: McGuinness B , Kennedy C , Holden A
Published: July 2006

A patient with spontaneous coeliac artery dissection that presented as upper abdominal pain is reported. This was diagnosed on contrast‐enhanced multislice helical CT. The patient was treated conservatively and follow‐up CT showed mild aneurysmal change of the splenic artery and a small splenic infarct. Isolated dissection of the visceral arteries (and, in particular, the coeliac artery) is extremely rare. With such limited evidence, decisions over best management are difficult, but depend on initial severity and progression at follow up.
Induction of IL‐6 release from human T cells by PAR‐1 and PAR‐2 agonists
Authors: Li Tao , He Shaoheng
Published: July 2006

Proteinase‐activated receptors (PAR) have been recognized as playing an important role in inflammation and immune response. However, little is known of the expression and function of PAR on human T cells. In this study, the expression of PAR on highly purified human T cells was determined and the secretion of IL‐6 from cultured T cells in response to serine proteinases and agonist peptides of PAR was examined. The results showed that T cells express PAR‐1, PAR‐2 and PAR‐3 proteins and genes. Thrombin, trypsin and tryptase, but not elastase, were able to stimulate concentration‐dependent secretion of IL‐6 from T cells following a 16 h incubation period. The specific inhibitors of thrombin, trypsin and tryptase inhibited the actions of these proteinases on T cells, indicating that the enzymatic activity is essential for their actions. Agonist peptides of PAR SFLLR‐NH2, TFLLRN‐NH2and SLIGKV‐NH2, but not TFRGAP‐NH2, GYPGQV‐NH2and AYPGKF‐NH2, are also capable of inducing IL‐6 release from T cells. In conclusion, induction of IL‐6 secretion from T cells by thrombin, trypsin and tryptase is probably through the activation of PAR, suggesting that serine proteinases are involved in the regulation of immune response of the body.
Autopsy case of Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease with Met/Val heterozygosity at codon 129 and type 1 protease‐resistant prion protein presenting some florid‐type plaques and many Kuru plaques in the cerebellum
Authors: Kawauchi Yoko , Kamitani Toshiaki , Yagishita Saburo , Kitamoto Tetsuyuki , Kishida Hitaru
Published: July 2006

We report an atypical case of CJD. The clinical course was similar to a classic CJD phenotype, but histopathological study revealed several florid‐type plaques in the amygdale and abundant Kuru plaques in the cerebellum that are atypical of classic CJD. Molecular analysis showed methionine/valine heterozygosity at codon 129 and no pathogenic mutation in the coding region of the prion protein gene. Western immunoblots revealed type 1 protease‐resistant prion protein (PrPres), and a ration analysis of PrPres showed a high ratio of the diglycosylated form and a low ratio of the non‐glycosylated form. Our case could not be precisely classified in any of Parchi’s six variants. It suggests the existence of some factors that determine the phenotypic variability other than the codon 129 genotypes in the PrP gene or the physicochemical properties of PrPres.
Ecology and morphological characterization of gametophyte and ‘Chantransia’ stages ofSirodotia huillensis(Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta) from a stream in central Mexico
Authors: Carmona Javier , Montejano Gustavo , Júnior Orlando Necchi
Published: July 2006

The morphology and phenology ofSirodotia huillensiswas evaluated seasonally in a central Mexican first‐order calcareous stream. Water temperature was constant (24–25°C) and pH circumneutral to alkaline (6.7–7.9), and calcium and sulfates were the dominant ions. The gametophyte stages were characterized by the presence of a distinctive mucilaginous layer, a marked difference in phycocyanin to phycoerythrin ratio between female and male plants, and the presence of a carpogonia with a large trichogyne (>60 µm). Occasionally three capogonia were observed on a single basal cell. The ‘Chantransia’ stages were morphologically similar to those described for the other members of Batrachospermales. A remarkable observation was the formation of dome‐shaped structures, consisting of prostrate filaments that are related with the development of new gametophytes. Chromosome numbers weren = 4 for fascicle cells, cortical filament cells and dome‐shaped cells, and2n = 8 for gonimoblast filament cells and ‘Chantransia’ stage filaments. Gametophytes and ‘Chantransia’ stages occurred in fast current velocities (60–170 cm/s) and shaded (33.1–121 µmol photons/m2/s) stream segments. The population fluctuated throughout the study period in terms of percentage cover and frequency: the ‘Chantransia’ stages were most abundant in the rainy season, whereas gametophytic plants had the highest frequency values during the dry season. These results were most likely a result of fluctuations in rainfall and related changes in current velocity. Some characteristics of this population can be viewed as probable adaptations to high current velocities: the mucilaginous layer around plants that reduces drag; potential increase in fertilization by the elongate and plentiful trichogynes and abundant dome‐shaped structures producing several gametophytes.
Physiological characterization of the sex pheromone protoplast‐release‐inducing protein from the Closterium peracerosum‐strigosum‐littorale complex (Charophyta)
Authors: Akatsuka Satoko , Tsuchikane Yuki , Fukumoto Ryo‐hei , Fujii Tadashi , Sekimoto Hiroyuki
Published: July 2006

In the unicellular charophycean alga Closterium peracerosum‐strigosum‐littorale complex, the protoplast‐release‐inducing protein (PR‐IP), a sex pheromone responsible for gametic protoplast release from mating‐type minus (mt–) cells, was found to stimulate secretion of mucilage from the cells. Induction of sexual cell division by PR‐IP was also confirmed. Bioassays were used to determine the minimum doses required to induce these functions, revealing that 5 · 10−16 M of PR‐IP stimulated mucilage secretion, and that 5 · 10−10 M of PR‐IP were required for protoplast release. Exposure of the cells to 5 · 10−11 M of PR‐IP resulted in the induction of sexual cell division as well as mucilage secretion. These results strongly suggest that PR‐IP is a multifunctional pheromone that independently promotes multiple steps in conjugation at the appropriate times through different induction mechanisms.
Undaria mitochondrial large subunit ribosomal DNA (Phaeophyceae, Alariaceae): Structural properties and use for phylogenetic analysis
Authors: Saitoh Kenji , Muraoka Daisuke
Published: July 2006

We sequenced mitochondrial 23S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) from two Undaria species and compared them with homologous sequences from related brown algae. The 23S rDNA sequences from Undaria pinnatifida (Harvey) Suringar were 2707 bp in length, of which 1290–1292 sites were assigned to stem regions and the rest to loop regions in the rRNA secondary structure model. In Undaria undarioides (Yendo) Okamura, the sequences were 2708–2709 bp in length and 1290 sites were assigned to stems. There were three sequence types among the seven U. pinnatifida individuals examined and two among the four U. undarioides individuals. A maximum parsimony analysis of these sequence data with those from related brown algal species resolved a robust monphyly of each of the two Undaria species, suggesting the utilities of 23S rDNA for phylogeny at species or intraspecific level in brown algae. Accounting for variations among sequences parsimoniously, sequence changes were sorted into 423 events, of which 165 were mapped to stems of the secondary structure.
Age‐ and sex‐related differences in the spatial ecology of a dichromatic tropical python (Morelia viridis)
Authors: WILSON DAVID , HEINSOHN ROBERT , LEGGE SARAH
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Despite outnumbering their temperate counterparts, tropical snake species have been poorly studied. Yet, the few tropical species that have been studied show a variety of behavioural traits beyond those described in temperate species. Here we reveal both age and sexual differences in the movements of tropical green pythons (Morelia viridis: Pythonidae). We radio‐tracked 27 individuals (17 females and 10 males) for up to 18 months, locating individuals during both the day and night. The home range size for adult females (mean ± SE of 6.21 ± 1.85 ha) was correlated with snout–vent length. Neither adult males nor juveniles had a stable home range. Adult females had stable home ranges that overlapped considerably with those of other females and yellow individuals. Multiple radio‐tracked adult males passed through the territory of radio‐tracked adult females during the study. Females of all sizes were more likely to change position each day than males. There were no differences between the sexes or size categories in the distances moved in most months, although the variation in movement distances was higher in the dry season than during the wet season. In the wet season (January–March) movement distances increased and these were size‐ and sex‐related. This increased activity may be associated with mate searching. Males of M. viridis may maximize their rate of encountering mature females by roaming rather than maintaining a home range. Juvenile green pythons moved distances equal to adult snakes in most months despite their comparatively small size.
Pediatric cardiac surgery: an historical appreciation
Authors: BAUM VICTOR C.
Published: July 2006

Many of the early, classic pediatric cardiac surgical operations were named after their originators. Some of these continue to be performed in the original form, many in modified form and some are obsolete. The development of many of these important early operations is reviewed and they are placed in the context of their times.
Initial experience with dexmedetomidine for diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization in children
Authors: MUNRO HAMISH M. , TIROTTA CHRISTOPHER F. , FELIX DONALD E. , LAGUERUELA RICHARD G. , MADRIL DANIELLE R. , ZAHN EVAN M. , NYKANEN DAVID G.
Published: July 2006

Background:  Children undergoing diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization require deep sedation or general anesthesia (GA). Dexmedetomidine, a selective alpha‐2 adrenergic agonist, has sedative, analgesic and anxiolytic properties without respiratory depression. These characteristics make it potentially suitable as a sedative agent during diagnostic procedures in children. We report our experience using dexmedetomidine in 20 children aged 3 months to 10 years undergoing cardiac catheterization.

Methods:  Following a midazolam premedication, intravenous access was secured facilitated by the inhalation of sevoflurane in oxygen. A loading dose of 1 μg·kg−1 dexmedetomidine was administered over 10 min followed by an initial infusion rate of 1 μg·kg−1·h−1. Nasal cannulae were applied, allowing endtidal CO2 monitoring with the patients breathing spontaneously. Hemodynamic parameters, Bispectral Index Score (BIS) and sedation score were measured every 5 min. Patient movement or evidence of inadequate sedation were treated with propofol (1 mg·kg−1). The dexmedetomidine infusion rate was titrated to the level of sedation to a maximum of 2 μg·kg−1·h−1 to maintain a sedation score of 4–5 and a BIS value <80.

Results:  Five patients (25%) had some movement on local infiltration or groin vessel access. This did not necessitate restraint or result in difficulty securing vascular access. No patients failed sedation that required the addition of another sedative agent or conversion to GA; eight patients were sedated with dexmedetomidine alone; however, 12 (60%) patients did receive a propofol bolus at some time during the procedure due to movement, increasing BIS value or in anticipation of stimulation. There were no incidences of airway obstruction or respiratory depression. In all cases the heart rate and blood pressure remained within 20% of baseline. No patient required treatment for profound bradycardia or hypotension. The average infusion rate for dexmedetomidine following the loading dose was 1.15 (±0.29)μg·kg−1·h−1 (range 0.6–2.0 μg·kg−1·h−1).

Conclusions:  This initial experience showed dexmedetomidine, with or without the addition of propofol, may be a suitable alternative for sedation in spontaneously breathing patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.
Technology Adoption under Production Uncertainty: Theory and Application to Irrigation Technology
Authors: Koundouri Phoebe , Nauges Céline , Tzouvelekas Vangelis
Published: July 2006

We propose a theoretical framework to analyze the conditions under which a farmer facing production uncertainty (due to a possible water shortage) and incomplete information will adopt a more efficient irrigation technology. A reduced form of this model is empirically estimated using a sample of 265 farms located in Crete, Greece. The empirical results suggest that farmers choose to adopt the new technology in order to hedge against production risk. In addition, we show that the farmer's human capital also plays a significant role in the decision to adopt modern, more efficient irrigation equipment.
Lifestyle Meets Market: Bohemian Entrepreneurs in Creative Industries
Authors: Eikhof Doris Ruth , Haunschild Axel
Published: July 2006

By linking lifestyle studies with creative industries research, this article opens a new perspective on creativity and innovation management. We argue that artists in the creative industries have to bridge the gap between artistic work and the economic need for self‐management, and that a bohemian lifestyle essentially supports them in doing so. The bohemian lifestyle, which is characterized by a devotion to art for art’s sake, is an essential source for work motivation of artists and an increasing number of other creative workers. The article draws upon an empirical study into artistic work and employment in German theatres. Enacting a bohemian lifestyle enables actors as ‘bohemian entrepreneurs’ to integrate intensive self‐management and self‐marketing as well as subordination of private life to work into their artistic work life. Analysing the link between lifestyle and creative work is crucial for understanding the way in which creative workers become artists and, at the same time, entrepreneurs of their creative talent.
Does Parental Participation in Schools Empower or Strain Civil Society? The Case of Community‐managed Schools in Central America
Authors: Corrales Javier
Published: July 2006

Among the various educational models in Latin America that seek to increase parental participation in schooling, perhaps the most far‐reaching is the experiment with self‐managed schools. These are publicly funded schools administered by parents. Broad public powers, such as the capacity to decide the budget and make staffing decisions, are given to parents, many of whom have had very limited prior administrative experience. How does this policy innovation impact on civil society? Does parental participation in school administration empower participating citizens or strain civil society? There are various ways of answering these questions. This article looks at some possible ways to conceptualize and assess the relationship between parental participation in self‐managed schools and civil society. The article draws from the experience of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, where these reforms have advanced significantly since the 1990s.
Evolution of stimulus‐induced rhythmic EEG discharges in three patients with encephalopathy
Authors: Sas A. M. G. , Cherian P. J. , Visser G. H.
Published: July 2006

Stimulus‐induced rhythmic EEG discharges (SIRDs) is a recently reported phenomenon in critically ill patients and little is known about their evolution. We found SIRDs in three patients with encephalopathy and followed them with serial EEGs. SIRDs appeared between 4 and 13 days after the onset of illness and persisted for 2–3 days. The discharges were elicited by tactile or nociceptive stimuli and lasted for 20–120 s. They were detected in 2/6, 1/3 and 2/11 EEGs performed between 9 and 32, 2 and 4 and 3 and 15 days, respectively, after the onset of illness. Their morphology varied: blunt triphasic waves, rhythmic delta activity and rhythmic sharp wave complexes. The background EEG activity was slowed or suppressed in all. One patient had acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) with good recovery and the other two had fatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. SIRDs appear to be a transient phenomena occurring in patients with encephalopathy, appearing hours to few days after the onset of illness. This is the first report of SIRDs in ADEM. Serial EEGs and repeated testing of EEG response to tactile and nociceptive stimuli is required for their detection. Larger number of patients with SIRDs need to be studied to assess their prognostic significance.
Identifying fern gametophytes using DNA sequences
Authors: SCHNEIDER HARALD , SCHUETTPELZ ERIC
Published: July 2006

Identification of fern gametophytes is generally hampered by low morphological complexity. Here we explore an alternative: DNA‐based identification. We obtained a plastid rbcL sequence from a sterile gametophyte of unknown origin (cultivated for more than 30 years) and employed blast to determine its affinities. Using this approach, we identified the gametophyte as Osmunda regalis. To evaluate the robustness of this determination, and the usefulness of rbcL in differentiating among species, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis of osmundaceous fern sequences. Based on our results, it is evident that DNA‐based identification has considerable potential in exploring the ecology of fern gametophytes.
Microsatellite loci from the trematode Lecithochirium fusiforme, a parasite of the European conger eel
Authors: VILAS R. , CRISCIONE C. D. , PANIAGUA E. , BLOUIN M. S.
Published: July 2006

Seven polymorphic loci containing dinucleotide repeats and one trinucleotide microsatellite were developed for the hemiurid fluke Lecithochirium fusiforme, a parasite of the European conger eel Conger conger. All parasites that were collected from a single individual host (a total of 54 specimens) were genotyped. The number of alleles ranged from two to eight. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.057 to 0.736 and from 0.091 to 0.794, respectively. Hardy–Weinberg deviations were statistically significant for two loci. These markers will be useful for study of parasite transmission patterns and population genetic structure.
Characterization of eight microsatellite loci in Grant's gazelle (Gazella granti)
Authors: HUEBINGER RYAN M. , DE MAAR THOMAS W. J. , WOODRUFF LAURENCE H. , POMP DANIEL , LOUIS EDWARD E.
Published: July 2006

Eight microsatellite loci were isolated from a genomic DNA library created from Grant's gazelle (Gazella granti). Observed and expected levels of heterozygosity were computed utilizing 20 individuals from a population in Central Kenya. Tests for Hardy–Weinberg equilibria were conducted and found that two of the eight loci deviated from equilibrium in this population. These markers were developed to analyse the genetic effects of culling and isolation on a game preserve in Kenya.
Revival on the Right: Making Sense of the Conservative Moment in Post‐World War II American History
Authors: Dochuk Darren
Published: July 2006

Since 1990 historians have made a concerted effort to utilize new methodologies and highlight different themes and dimensions of political history in a quest to understand better the post‐World War II American Right. The result of this shift in American historiography has been a more intense, creative, and fruitful discussion about the origins and development of modern conservatism. As this article demonstrates, among the many historians now concerned with this subject are those who seek to employ a socio‐cultural approach in order to uncover conservative political activism at the grassroots level. Their scholarship has led to a heightened appreciation of how longstanding local and regional political battles over issues of race, space, and place galvanized a national movement which, by the early 1970s, identified itself as the New Right and aligned itself with the Republican Party.
The Impact of Increased Environmental Stochasticity Due to Climate Change on the Dynamics of Asiatic Wild Ass
Authors: SALTZ DAVID , RUBENSTEIN DANIEL I. , WHITE GARY C.
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Theory proposes that increased environmental stochasticity negatively impacts population viability. Thus, in addition to the directional changes predicted for weather parameters under global climate change (GCC), the increase in variance of these parameters may also have a negative effect on biodiversity. As a case study, we assessed the impact of interannual variance in precipitation on the viability of an Asiatic wild ass (Equus hemionus) population reintroduced in Makhtesh Ramon Nature Reserve, Israel. We monitored the population from 1985 to 1999 to determine what environmental factors affect reproductive success. Annual precipitation during the year before conception, drought conditions during gestation, and population size determined reproductive success. We used the parameters derived from this model to assess population performance under various scenarios in a Leslie matrix type model with demographic and environmental stochasticity. Specifically, we used a change in the precipitation regime in our study area to formulate a GCC scenario and compared the simulated dynamics of the population with a no‐change scenario. The coefficient of variation in population size under the global change scenario was 30% higher than under the no‐change scenario. Minor die‐offs (≥15%) following droughts increased extinction probability nearly 10‐fold. Our results support the idea that an increase in environmental stochasticity due to GCC may, in itself, pose a significant threat to biodiversity.
Patch Mosaic Burning for Biodiversity Conservation: a Critique of the Pyrodiversity Paradigm
Authors: PARR CATHERINE L. , ANDERSEN ALAN N.
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Fire management is increasingly focusing on introducing heterogeneity in burning patterns under the assumption that “pyrodiversity begets biodiversity.” This concept has been formalized as patch mosaic burning (PMB), in which fire is manipulated to create a mosaic of patches representative of a range of fire histories to generate heterogeneity across space and time. Although PMB is an intuitively appealing concept, it has received little critical analysis. Thus we examined ecosystems where PMB has received the most attention and has been the most extensively implemented: tropical and subtropical savannas of Australia and Africa. We identified serious shortcomings of PMB: the ecological significance of different burning patterns remains unknown and details of desired fire mosaics remain unspecified. This has led to fire‐management plans based on pyrodiversity rhetoric that lacks substance in terms of operational guidelines and capacity for meaningful evaluation. We also suggest that not all fire patterns are ecologically meaningful: this seems particularly true for the highly fire‐prone savannas of Australia and South Africa. We argue that biodiversity‐needs‐pyrodiversity advocacy needs to be replaced with a more critical consideration of the levels of pyrodiversity needed for biodiversity and greater attention to operational guidelines for its implementation.
Transcallosal Resection of Hypothalamic Hamartoma for Intractable Epilepsy
Authors: Ng Yu‐tze , Rekate Harold L. , Prenger Erin C. , Chung Steve S. , Feiz‐Erfan Iman , Wang Norman C. , Varland Maggie R. , Kerrigan John F.
Published: July 2006

Summary: Purpose:To present the results of transcallosal surgical resection of hypothalamic hamartoma (HH) in 26 patients with refractory epilepsy in a prospective outcome study.

Methods:Patients with refractory epilepsy symptomatic to HH were referred for surgical resection of their HH (mean age, 10.0 years; range, 2.1–24.2 years). A transcallosal, interforniceal approach was used to remove and/or disconnect the hamartoma. Volumetry was obtained on pre‐ and postoperative brain MRI scans to determine percentage of resection. Outcome assessment included determination of postoperative seizure frequencies in comparison to baseline and the incidence of postoperative complications. Postoperative changes in cognitive and behavioral functioning, in comparison to baseline, were elicited by parental report.

Results:The average postoperative follow‐up interval was 20.3 months (range, 13–28 months). Fourteen (54%) patients were completely seizure free, and nine (35%) had at least a 90% improvement in total seizure frequency. Parents reported postoperative improvement in behavior in 23 (88%) patients and in cognition in 17 (65%) patients. Transient postoperative memory disturbance was seen in 15 (58%) patients, but persisted in only two (8%). Two (8%) patients had persisting endocrine disturbance requiring hormone replacement therapy (diabetes insipidus and hypothyroidism in one each). With univariate analysis, the likelihood of a seizure‐free outcome correlated with younger age, shorter lifetime duration of epilepsy, smaller preoperative HH volume, and 100% HH resection.

Conclusions:Refractory epilepsy associated with HH can be safely and effectively treated with surgical resection by a transcallosal, interforniceal approach. Short‐term memory deficits appear to be transient for most patients, and family perception of the impact of surgery on cognitive and behavioral domains is favorable. Complete resection yields the best result.
Deep Brain Stimulation of the Subthalamic Nucleus as Adjunct Treatment for Refractory Epilepsy
Authors: Handforth Adrian , DeSalles Antonio A. F. , Krahl Scott E.
Published: July 2006

Summary:  Purpose: We studied the efficacy and safety of bilateral subthalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) for refractory partial‐onset epilepsy in two cases.

Methods: This was an open treatment pilot study for subjects who had failed numerous medications and had seizure injuries. Seizure counts and adverse events were collected during a 3‐4 month baseline, and for 26‐32 months after DBS surgery, with AEDs held constant.

Results: Case 1, age 45, with bitemporal seizures, had about half the seizure frequency but still fell with injuries. Case 2, age 46, with left frontal encephalomalacia, had a frequency reduction of about one‐third, but a more meaningful reduction of seizure severity and injuries.

Conclusions: Subthalamic DBS partly reduced partial‐onset seizures, but the quality of life was more affected by seizure‐related injuries.
Neocortical Hyperexcitability in a Genetic Model of Absence Seizures and Its Reduction by Levetiracetam
Authors: D'Arcangelo Giovanna , D'Antuono Margherita , Tancredi Virginia , Avoli Massimo
Published: July 2006

Summary:  Purpose: To study the effect of the antiepileptic drug levetiracetam (LEV) on the patterns of intrinsic optical signals (IOSs) generated by slices of the somatosensory cortex obtained from 3‐ and 6‐month‐old WAG/Rij and age‐matched, nonepileptic control (NEC) rats.

Methods: WAG/Rij and NEC animals were anesthetized with enfluorane and decapitated. Brains were quickly removed, and neocortical slices were cut coronally with a vibratome, transferred to a submerged tissue chamber, and superfused with oxygenated artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF). Slices were illuminated with a dark‐field condensor and examined with a ×2.5 objective; images were processed with a real time digital video image‐enhancement system. Images were acquired before (background) and during electrical stimulation with a temporal resolution of 10 images/s and were displayed in pseudocolors. Extracellular stimuli (200 μs; <4 V) were delivered through bipolar stainless steel electrodes placed in the white matter.

Results: IOSs recorded in NEC slices bathed in control aCSF became less intense and of reduced size with age (p < 0.05); this trend was not seen in WAG/Rij slices. Age‐dependent decreases in IOS intensity and area size were also seen in NEC slices superfused with aCSF containing the convulsant 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP, 5 μM); in contrast, significant increases in both parameters occurred with age in 4‐AP–treated WAG/Rij slices (p < 0.05). Under any of these conditions, the IOS intensity and area size slices were larger in WAG/Rij than in NEC slices. LEV (50–500 μM) application to WAG/Rij slices caused dose‐dependent IOS reductions that were evident both in control and in 4‐AP–containing aCSF and were more pronounced in 6‐month‐old tissue.

Conclusions: These data demonstrate age‐dependent IOS modifications in NEC and WAG/Rij rat slices and identify a clear pattern of hyperexcitability that occurs in 6‐month‐old WAG/Rij neocortical tissue, an age when absence seizures occur in all animals. The ability of LEV to reduce these patterns of network hyperexcitability supports the potential use of this new antiepileptic drug in primary generalized epileptic disorders.
Inactivation of Caspase‐1 in Rodent Brain: A Novel Anticonvulsive Strategy
Authors: Ravizza Teresa , Lucas Sian‐Marie , Balosso Silvia , Bernardino Liliana , Ku George , Noé Francesco , Malva Joao , Randle John C. R. , Allan Stuart , Vezzani Annamaria
Published: July 2006

Summary:  Purpose: Cytokines and related inflammatory mediators are rapidly synthesized in the brain during seizures. We previously found that intracerebral administration of interleukin‐1 (IL‐1)‐β has proconvulsant effects, whereas its endogenous receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra) mediates potent anticonvulsant actions in various models of limbic seizures. In this study, we investigated whether seizures can be effectively inhibited by blocking the brain production of IL‐1β, by using selective inhibitors of interleukin‐converting enzyme (ICE/caspase‐1) or through caspase‐1 gene deletion.

Methods: Caspase‐1 was selectively blocked by using pralnacasan or VX‐765. IL‐1β release was induced in mouse organotypic hippocampal slice cultures by proinflammatory stimuli [lipopolysaccaride (LPS) + adenosine triphosphate (ATP)] and measured with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IL‐1β production during seizures was measured in the rat hippocampus by Western blot. Seizures were induced in freely moving mice and rats by intrahippocampal injection of kainic acid and recorded by EEG analysis.

Results: Caspase‐1 inhibition reduced the release of IL‐1β in organotypic slices exposed to LPS+ATP. Administration of pralnacasan (intracerebroventricular, 50 μg) or VX‐765 (intraperitoneal, 25–200 mg/kg) to rats blocked seizure‐induced production of IL‐1β in the hippocampus, and resulted in a twofold delay in seizure onset and 50% reduction in seizure duration. Mice with caspase‐1 gene deletion showed a 70% reduction in seizures and an approximate fourfold delay in their onset.

Conclusions: Inhibition of caspase‐1 represents an effective and novel anticonvulsive strategy, which acts by selectively reducing the brain availability of IL‐1β.
Paradoxes of Online Investing: Testing the Influence of Technology on User Expectancies*
Authors: Looney Clayton Arlen , Valacich Joseph S. , Todd Peter A. , Morris Michael G.
Published: July 2006

At an increasing rate, individual investors are taking personal control over their financial destinies by investing their money online. Compared to offline do‐it‐yourself approaches, evidence suggests that investors exhibit lofty expectations and perform significantly worse after going online. However, little is understood about the mechanisms fueling expectancies, the role technologies play in their formation, or how technologies shape investment decisions. Therefore, this article explores the paradoxical nature of online investing technologies, which can give rise to a heightened state of conviction in one's capability to invest successfully. Drawing on Social Cognitive Theory, the concepts of encapsulation and combination are introduced to develop a research model describing how functional and technical self‐efficacy judgments independently and collectively shape and influence outcome expectancies. The results suggest that perceptions about what one can accomplish through online investing technologies can lead investors to exaggerate their capabilities, which, in turn, produces elevated expectancies of financial payoffs and nonmonetary rewards. These findings carry important implications. In tasks requiring both computing and functional skills, the principals of encapsulation and combination highlight the importance of comprehensively capturing self‐efficacy beliefs across skill domain boundaries. Moreover, online investing represents a paradoxical case that challenges the traditional assumption that fostering a robust sense of efficacy represents a purely noble enterprise. In fact, strong self‐efficacy beliefs can prove counterproductive, leading to severe, irreversible, and unintended consequences. Going forward, these discoveries provide a solid foundation to enhance systems designs and facilitate a deeper understanding of user psychology.
Data‐Driven Classification Using Boundary Observations
Authors: Zobel Christopher W. , Cook Deborah F. , Ragsdale Cliff T.
Published: July 2006

Classification is often a critical task for business managers in their decision‐making processes. It is generally more difficult for a classification scheme to produce accurate results when the input domains of the various output classes coincide, to some degree, with one another. In an attempt to address this issue, this article discusses a data‐driven algorithm that identifies the region of coincidence, or overlap, for two‐group classification problems by empirically determining the convex boundary for each group. The results are extendable to multigroup classification. The class membership of a new observation is then determined by its relative position with respect to each of these boundaries. Due to minimal data storage requirements, this boundary‐point classification technique can adapt to changing conditions far more easily than other approaches. Test results demonstrate that the new classification technique has similar performance to a back‐propagation neural network under static conditions and significantly outperforms a back‐propagation neural network under dynamic conditions.
Disseminated intravascular coagulation in acute leukemia: clinical and laboratory features at presentation
Authors: Yanada Masamitsu , Matsushita Tadashi , Suzuki Momoko , Kiyoi Hitoshi , Yamamoto Koji , Kinoshita Tomohiro , Kojima Tetsuhito , Saito Hidehiko , Naoe Tomoki
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Background: Although there are two major scoring systems for the clinical diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), the validity of these systems for leukemia‐associated DIC remains to be confirmed. Methods: By analyzing 125 newly diagnosed acute leukemia patients, we investigated clinical and laboratory features of leukemia‐associated DIC, and determined the validity of the two established criteria. Results: A total of 36 patients (29%) were diagnosed with DIC according to expert opinion, a method regarded as the de facto gold standard. Leukemia‐associated DIC is characterized by rare manifestation of organ failure because of thrombosis and no relevance of the platelet count for the diagnosis. The results of receiver operating characteristics analysis favored fibrin degradation product (FDP) rather than D‐dimer as the fibrin‐related marker test. Although prothrombin time, plasma fibrinogen, and serum FDP levels were significantly different for patients with and without DIC, multivariate analysis identified FDP levels to be the only factor associated with DIC diagnosis. The cut‐off level of 15 μg/mL for FDP was found to be the most effective to differentiate DIC from non‐DIC, resulting in diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 92% and 96%, respectively. The diagnostic results for our patients produced with this FDP‐based system were at least comparable with or superior to those obtained with the two currently available scoring systems. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that an FDP‐based criterion may be applicable for the diagnosis of leukemia‐associated DIC. Although it appears to be simple and practicable enough for clinical use, prospective validation of this criterion is needed.
Pilocarpine treatment in a mixed cohort of xerostomic patients
Authors: Aframian DJ , Helcer M , Livni D , Robinson SDM , Markitziu A , Nadler C
Published: July 2006

Objective:  To compare the effect of a single 5‐mg dose of pilocarpine hydrochloride on the salivary flow rate in three groups of xerostomic patients.

Subjects and methods:  Forty‐five patients were divided into three groups according to the etiology of their xerostomia: (i) radiotherapy; (ii) Sjögren's syndrome; and (iii) sialosis and xerogenic medications. Following the oral administration of a 5‐mg pilocarpine hydrochloride tablet blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature and saliva secretion rates were monitored hourly for 3 h and adverse events were reported.

Results:  The most significant and persistent elevation of salivary flow rate was observed in the sialosis/drug‐induced group followed by the Sjögren's syndrome group. The radiotherapy group presented a significant elevation of salivary secretion rate after 1 and 2 h, but returned to baseline at 3 h. No significant changes in vital signs were reported, except for low diastolic pressure measured at 1 h in the radiotherapy group. Several adverse events were recorded throughout the trial; however, only one patient withdrew from the study.

Conclusion:  Treatment with pilocarpine hydrochloride tablets may improve saliva secretion in patients taking xerogenic medications and/or suffering from metabolic sialosis expanding the beneficial potential of this sialogogue.