bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parity, pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in women treated for hyperprolactinaemia compared with a control group
Authors: Berinder Katarina , Hulting Anna‐Lena , Granath Fredrik , Hirschberg Angelica Lindén , Akre Olof
Published: June 2007

Objective  Infertility is a common problem in women with hyperprolactinaemia. There are limited data on the fertility and pregnancy course among these women. The objective was to study parity, pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in women with hyperprolactinaemia as compared with a control group.

Design  Register study.

Patients  Two hundred and seventy‐one female patients treated for primary hyperprolactinaemia were identified in the hospital record archives between 1974 and 2002. For each patient four comparison subjects, matched by sex, birth year and county of residence were identified in the Register of Population. Data were retrieved from the Swedish medical birth register and were analysed using logistic regression and analysis of variance.

Measurements  Parity, maternal age at first delivery, weeks of gestation, induction of labour, caesarean delivery, multiple birth, Apgar score, birth weight, length, sex, congenital malformations, neonatal care.

Results  One hundred and sixty‐two deliveries in the hyperprolactinaemia group and 1220 deliveries in the control group were analysed. Patients with hyperprolactinaemia were significantly older at their first pregnancy than their controls: 29·0 (± 4·4) and 27·2 (± 4·8) years, respectively (P = 0·0002). Furthermore, parity was inversely associated with hyperprolactinaemia status (P for trend = 0·0009). The odds of having three or more children were threefold lower among the patients (OR 0·31 (95% CI 0·16, 0·60)). There were no differences between patients and controls with respect to pregnancy complications, delivery or neonatal outcome variables.

Conclusions  We found no evidence of increased risk of pregnancy complications or adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with treated hyperprolactinaemia. However, the patients were older at their first pregnancy and had a reduced overall parity.
Proportion of type 1 and type 2 amiodarone‐induced thyrotoxicosis has changed over a 27‐year period in Italy
Authors: Bogazzi Fausto , Bartalena Luigi , Dell’Unto Enrica , Tomisti Luca , Rossi Giuseppe , Pepe Pasquale , Tanda Maria Laura , Grasso Lucia , Macchia Enrico , Aghini‐Lombardi Fabrizio , Pinchera Aldo , Martino Enio
Published: June 2007

Context  Two main forms of amiodarone‐induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) exist. Type 1 AIT is a form of iodine‐induced hyperthyroidism. Its management is complex and includes thionamides, potassium perchlorate and, occasionally, thyroidectomy. Type 2 AIT is a destructive thyroiditis, responds to glucocorticoids, and usually does not require further thyroid treatment once euthyroidism has been restored.

Objective  To assess retrospectively the prevalence and relative proportion of type 1 and type 2 AIT over a 27‐year period at a tertiary referral centre in Italy.

Patients  Consecutive AIT patients (n = 215) seen at the department of endocrinology of the University of Pisa between 1980 and 2006.

Results  Type 1 AIT constituted the most frequent AIT form (60%) during the first years covered by this study. The annual mean number of type 1 AIT patients was 3·6 at the beginning of the study period, and 2·5 during the later years. In contrast, the mean annual number of new cases of type 2 AIT progressively increased from 2·4 to 12·5. Likewise, the proportion of type 2 AIT increased in a significant linear manner (P < 0·0001), currently accounting for 89% of AIT cases. Type 2 AIT patients showed a male preponderance, higher serum FT4/FT3 ratio (P < 0·002), lower 3‐h and 24‐h thyroidal radioactive iodine uptake values (P < 0·0001), and received a higher cumulative dose of amiodarone (P < 0·0001) than type 1 AIT patients.

Conclusions  Over a 27‐year period, the epidemiology of AIT changed, as the prevalence of type 2 AIT progressively increased and that of type 1 remained constant. Thus, under most circumstances, endocrinologists nowadays deal with type 2 AIT, which is a destructive thyroiditis, generally treated successfully with glucocorticoids. Although no additional treatment is usually required after the destructive process subsides, periodic assessment of thyroid function is warranted, because of the occurrence of hypothyroidism (up to 17%) during long‐term follow‐up of these patients.
Role of the endothelin axis in the proliferation of human thyroid cancer cells
Authors: Donckier Julian E. , Mertens‐Strijthagen Jeannine , Flamion Bruno
Published: June 2007

Objective  Endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) may play a role in carcinogenesis. ET‐1 axis is overexpressed in thyroid carcinoma. We investigated the expression and the production of ET‐1 by thyroid cancer cells as well as the effect of ET‐1 receptor antagonism on cell proliferation.

Design  Human papillary and follicular thyroid carcinoma cell lines were cultured.

Measurements  (i) Prepro‐ET‐1, ET‐1 receptors (ETA R and ETB R) and ET‐1 converting enzyme (ECE) by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR); (ii) the presence of ETA R by western blot; (iii) ET‐1 concentrations in medium by an enzyme immunometric assay; (iiii) the proliferation of cells by BrdU and tritiated thymidine incorporation.

Results  RT‐PCR detected the presence of mRNA for prepro‐ET‐1, ETA R and ECE in papillary and follicular carcinoma cells. ETB R was only expressed by follicular cells. ETA R was also detected in both cell types by western blot. Measurements of ET‐1 concentrations demonstrated a secretion of active ET‐1 by the cells. ETA R antagonism with atrasentan reduced cell proliferation by 16% in papillary carcinoma cells (P < 0·05) and by 51% in follicular carcinoma cells (P < 0·001).

Conclusions  Papillary and follicular carcinoma cells express all components of the ET‐1 axis. ETA R antagonism exerts antiproliferative effects, which opens up new therapeutic perspectives in thyroid carcinoma.
Modelling magnetic fields due to steel drum accumulations
Authors: Furness Peter
Published: June 2007

Modelling the magnetic fields produced by accumulations of steel drums is a problem that is relevant to the detection and evaluation of disposal sites containing materials that are potentially hazardous to the environment. Accurate modelling is possible with existing integral equation techniques but these are numerically intensive due to the need to solve very large systems of linear equations. Use of an approximate iterative technique for the solution of the equations (system iteration) allows the integral equation technique to be extended to modelling the magnetic effect of substantially large accumulations, comprising up to several hundred drums, on very moderate computing facilities. However, even this process remains time‐consuming and suggests the use of more rapid, if less accurate, modifications. Several are available.

Surprisingly, quite reasonable results can also be achieved with a very basic approximation that represents each drum by a discrete dipole located at its centroid. The dipole moments are found from the magnetic behaviour of single drums exposed to a uniform inducing field, which can be conveniently defined by a dyadic drum apparent susceptibility. The basic discrete dipole model for drum accumulations can be substantially improved by using a first‐order accommodation of the depolarizing effect produced by the shape of the accumulation.

All of the above modelling techniques require details of individual drum locations and orientation. This information is generally unavailable to geophysical practitioners involved in environmental surveys and so prompts the idea of models that represent drum accumulations as a continuous distribution of magnetization. The convenience of neglecting details of drum location and orientation comes at the cost of some loss in accuracy of the modelled responses. However, for accumulations buried sufficiently deep and in which the drums are uniformly distributed, the total field magnetic anomaly is found to be reasonably approximated by the effect of a continuous magnetization, expressible in terms of an effective isotropic susceptibility. Again, the basic model can be improved by the accommodation of demagnetization effects due to the shape of the accumulation.
A novel mutation in the PHF8 gene is associated with X‐linked mental retardation with cleft lip/cleft palate
Authors: Abidi FE , Miano MG , Murray JC , Schwartz CE
Published: June 2007

Recently, two truncating mutations in the PHF8 (plant homeodomain finger protein 8) gene have been found to cause X‐linked mental retardation associated with cleft lip/cleft palate (CL/P). One of the truncating mutations was found in the original family with Siderius–Hamel CL/P syndrome where only two of the three affected individuals had mental retardation (MR) with CL/P and one individual had mild MR. The second mutation was present in a family with four affected men, three of whom had MR and CL/P, while the fourth individual had mild MR without clefting. Here, we report a novel nonsense mutation (p.K177X) in a male patient who has MR associated with CL/P. The mutation results in a truncated PHF8 protein lacking the Jumonji‐like C terminus domain and five nuclear localization signals. Our finding further supports the hypothesis that the PHF8 protein may play an important role in cognitive function and midline formation.
Lung function development in the first 2 yr of life is independent of allergic diseases by 2 yr
Authors: Håland Geir , Carlsen Kai‐Håkon , Devulapalli Chandra Sekhar , Pettersen Morten , Mowinckel Petter , Lødrup Carlsen Karin C.
Published: June 2007

The aim of the study was to assess if lung function at birth predicts lung function at 2 yr and secondly, if lung function development was influenced by the common phenotypes of recurrent bronchial obstruction (rBO) or atopic eczema (AE) by 2 yr. Lung function was assessed at birth (n = 802) and at 2 yr within the prospective birth cohort study ‘the Environment and Childhood Asthma Study’ in Oslo. The 135 children with lung function measured at birth by tidal flow volume (TFV) loops and passive respiratory mechanics, who were included in a nested case–control study were reinvestigated at 2 yr with clinical examination, TFV loops (n = 90) (mean age 26.6 (3.7 s.d.) months), skin prick test and parental interview. Children were categorized into quartiles (lower, middle two, upper) according to time to peak tidal expiratory flow/total expiratory time (tPTEF/tE) at birth as well as clinical phenotype based on the presence of rBO and/or AE (ever) by 2 yr. The observed reduction in mean tPTEF/tE from birth to 2 yr within the quartiles, were not significantly different after controlling for ‘regression to the mean’. tPTEF/tE at birth correlated significantly with tPTEF/tE at 2 yr, (r = 0.475, p < 0.001). Children with both rBO and AE by 2 yr had significantly lower tPTEF/tE at 2 yr (p = 0.002) and at birth (p = 0.027), compared with children with no rBO or AE. Clinical phenotype at 2 yr did not influence the change in tPTEF/tE from birth to 2 yr. This study demonstrates a clear tracking of lung function from birth, not influenced by rBO or AE by 2 yr.
Lessons from the clinical course of IgE‐mediated cow milk allergy in Israel
Authors: Levy Y. , Segal N. , Garty B. , Danon Y. L.
Published: June 2007

Cow milk and milk products are the most common food products consumed in Israel; rates of allergy to cow milk exceed those of peanuts in infants and children. The aim of the present study was to evaluate retrospectively the clinical features and natural course of immunoglobulin (Ig) E‐mediated cow milk allergy (CMA) in Israel. Data of children diagnosed with CMA from 1995 to 2003, were collected regarding age at first and most recent reactions, symptoms and signs, family history of atopy, other allergic diseases, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and treatment. Patients with transient CMA were compared to those with persistent CMA (≥3 yr old). The study group consisted of 105 patients, 43 with transient CMA (age range: 0.48–11 yr). The remaining 62 patients (age range: 3–16.5 yr) did not achieve tolerance to cow milk during the follow‐up period. No differences were found between the groups in mean age and symptoms and signs at the first allergic reaction and family history of atopy. Patients with persistent CMA had a higher rate of asthma than patients with transient CMA (61.2% vs. 18.6%, p < 0.001). Fifty patients with persistent CMA had 137 subsequent allergic reactions after diagnosis, 25% of the reactions were due to oral milk challenge at the clinic and 75% due to accidental exposure, of which 13% required an emergency department visit and 8%, hospitalization. Only 19% of the reactions were treated with epinephrine injection. In conclusion, in our experience, less than half of the children diagnosed with IgE‐mediated CMA during 9 yr, outgrew it. The patients with persistent CMA have a higher prevalence of asthma compared with the general population or to children with transient CMA. The high number of recurrent allergic reactions due to accidental exposure and the low rate of epinephrine usage in these patients point to a need for better education of patients and their families.
Growth of infants with IgE‐mediated cow's milk allergy fed different formulas in the complementary feeding period
Authors: Agostoni Carlo , Fiocchi Alessandro , Riva Enrica , Terracciano Luigi , Sarratud Teresita , Martelli Alberto , Lodi Fabio , D'Auria Enza , Zuccotti GianVincenzo , Giovannini Marcello
Published: June 2007

Observational studies have shown that allergic infants, irrespective of the type of diet, show various degrees of growth depression in the first year of life. We investigated whether the type of milk in the complementary feeding period (6–12 months of age) is associated with differences in the increase of standardized growth indices (weight‐for‐age, WA; length‐for‐age, LA; and weight‐for‐length, WL, z‐scores) in infants with cow's milk allergy (CMA). Infants with immunoglobulin E‐mediated CMA breastfed at least 4 months and progressively weaned in the 5‐ to 6‐month period were randomly assigned to three special formulas, a soy formula (n = 32), a casein hydrolysate (n = 31), and a rice hydrolysate (n = 30). A fourth, non‐randomized group was made up by allergic infants still breastfed up to 12 months (n = 32). Groups were compared for WA, LA, and WL z‐scores at 6, 9 and 12 months of age. All groups showed low WA and LA z‐scores at 6 months of age. Infants fed hydrolyzed products showed a trend toward higher WA z‐score increments in the 6‐ to 12‐month period. The use of casein‐ and rice‐based hydrolyzed formulas resulted in higher changes in WA compared with soy formula. Further research should be aimed at optimizing the dietary needs and feeding regimens for infants with CMA.
Towards a collaborative, global infrastructure for biodiversity assessment
Authors: Guralnick Robert P. , Hill Andrew W. , Lane Meredith
Published: June 2007

Biodiversity data are rapidly becoming available over the Internet in common formats that promote sharing and exchange. Currently, these data are somewhat problematic, primarily with regard to geographic and taxonomic accuracy, for use in ecological research, natural resources management and conservation decision‐making. However, web‐based georeferencing tools that utilize best practices and gazetteer databases can be employed to improve geographic data. Taxonomic data quality can be improved through web‐enabled valid taxon names databases and services, as well as more efficient mechanisms to return systematic research results and taxonomic misidentification rates back to the biodiversity community. Both of these are under construction. A separate but related challenge will be developing web‐based visualization and analysis tools for tracking biodiversity change. Our aim was to discuss how such tools, combined with data of enhanced quality, will help transform today's portals to raw biodiversity data into nexuses of collaborative creation and sharing of biodiversity knowledge.
The underestimated importance of belowground carbon input for forest soil animal food webs
Authors: Pollierer Melanie M. , Langel Reinhard , Körner Christian , Maraun Mark , Scheu Stefan
Published: June 2007

The present study investigated the relative importance of leaf and root carbon input for soil invertebrates. Experimental plots were established at the Swiss Canopy Crane (SCC) site where the forest canopy was enriched with13C depleted CO2at a target CO2concentration ofc. 540 p.p.m. We exchanged litter between labelled and unlabelled areas resulting in four treatments: (i) leaf litter and roots labelled, (ii) only leaf litter labelled, (iii) only roots labelled and (iv) unlabelled controls. In plots with only13C‐labelled roots most of the soil invertebrates studied were significantly depleted in13C, e.g. earthworms, chilopods, gastropods, diplurans, collembolans, mites and isopods, indicating that these taxa predominantly obtain their carbon from belowground input. In plots with only13C‐labelled leaf litter only three taxa, including, e.g. juvenileGlomerisspp. (Diplopoda), were significantly depleted in13C suggesting that the majority of soil invertebrates obtain its carbon from roots. This is in stark contrast to the view that decomposer food webs are based on litter input from aboveground.
A latitudinal gradient in large‐scale beta diversity for vascular plants in North America
Authors: Qian Hong , Ricklefs Robert E.
Published: June 2007

Species turnover, or beta diversity, has been predicted to decrease with increasing latitude, but few studies have tested this relationship. Here, we examined the beta diversity–latitude relationship for vascular plants at a continental scale, based on complete species lists of native vascular plants for entire states or provinces in North America (north of Mexico). We calculated beta diversity as the slope of the relationship between the natural logarithm of the Jaccard index (lnJ ) for families, genera or species, and both geographic distance and climate difference within five latitude zones. We found that beta diversity decreased from south to north; within latitude zones, it decreased from species to genera and families. Geographic and climatic distance explained about the same proportion of the variance in lnJ in zones south of c. 50°N. North of this latitude, nearly all the explained variance in lnJ was attributable to geographic distance. Therefore, decreasing beta diversity from south to north reflects decreasing climate differentiation within more northerly latitude zones, and primarily post‐glacial dispersal limitation north of 50°N.
Stochastic Rangeland Use under Capital Constraints
Authors: Kobayashi Mimako , Howitt Richard E. , Jarvis Lovell S. , Laca Emilio A.
Published: June 2007

The stocking density on Kazakhstan's extensive rangelands is well below traditional levels. To analyze dynamic flock performance, we develop a stochastic dynamic programming model for livestock systems with stochastic forage production. The model contains continuous five state and 12 control variables, allowing improved characterization of the biophysical relationships and economic tradeoffs inherent in such systems. Most Kazakhstan herders have restricted access to capital. The model indicates that the cost of capital strongly affects flock size and productivity. We conclude that capital constraints are important to explaining the current low stocking density. Improving capital markets in rural areas warrants policy attention.
Improving the Cost‐Effectiveness of Ecosystem Management: An Application to Waterfowl Production
Authors: Rashford Benjamin S. , Adams Richard M.
Published: June 2007

Species conservation is an important global policy issue. The design of cost‐effective species conservation programs requires resource managers to choose from a suite of conservation activities and sites. This article determines cost‐effective conservation strategies for waterfowl using a bioeconomic modeling framework, which is developed using a biological simulation model for waterfowl and regression analysis. The model accounts for (a) a broad range of land‐use and direct wildlife conservation activities, (b) the effect of landscape heterogeneity, and (c) interactions between conservation activities. Results indicate that accounting for the three factors listed above can improve the cost‐effectiveness of waterfowl conservation on agricultural land.
Imperfect Price Deflation in Production Systems
Authors: Pope Rulon D. , LaFrance Jeffrey T. , Just Richard E.
Published: June 2007

Numéraire prices that are measured with error create challenges for econometric estimation. A straightforward approach for a model with linear input demands, such as generated from a quadratic normalized profit function, is proposed where the numéraire price is measured with error. Numéraire measurement error is likely because expected output price is measured imperfectly by actual output price. An approach using generalized method of moments is developed to estimate such errors‐in‐variables (EIV) systems that avoids use of extra‐sample data or additional structural specifications. Monte Carlo examination of small sample properties shows promise. Measurement error is statistically significant using aggregate U.S. agricultural data.
Valuing Agricultural Insurance
Authors: Chambers Robert G.
Published: June 2007

This paper proposes a method for estimating a farmer's stochastic discount factor that is independent of his or her risk preferences, and shows that that stochastic discount factor is appropriate for calculating a farmer's willingness to pay for a crop insurance product. An empirical example illustrates how production and price data might be combined with returns data to permit econometric estimation of the stochastic discount factor, and the implications of those illustrative results are briefly discussed.
Being British: A Crisis of Identity?
Authors: BECHHOFER FRANK , McCRONE DAVID
Published: June 2007

An assumed decline in Britishness has rekindled concern over the ‘break up of Britain’. The creation of the Scottish Parliament in 1999 is taken as the cause and the effect of Scots having come to feel more Scottish and less British. Using data on public attitudes from British, and Scottish Social Attitudes surveys, this paper shows that, despite a strengthening sense of Scottishness over the last thirty years, the sense of being British is still widespread and similar in Scotland and in England. Even those who describe themselves as Scottish and not British are not hostile to the idea of Britain. The relatively weak association between national identity, party support and views on constitutional change suggests that being Scottish is more cultural than political. Recent attempts by politicians and others to mobilise Britishness ignore the complexity and diversity of meanings it has both north and south of the border.
What Limits for Government Control? Civil Liberties and Anti‐terror Measures after the Heathrow Bomb Plot
Authors: PARKES RODERICK
Published: June 2007

The threat posed by transnational terrorism has excited debate about how best to calibrate relations between government, the courts and parliament: how can the provision of internal security be facilitated, whilst respecting freedoms and ensuring that policies enjoy broad legitimacy? Attention has focussed primarily on the power of the courts. Sections of the government have mooted a curtailment of judicial competencies; by contrast, a broad range of actors calls for ‐ at the least ‐ the maintenance of current judicial powers as the best means to prevent government from exploiting its already large scope for manoeuvre, as well as to overcome public scepticism. Yet the current debate misses the point that relations between government, courts and parliament have already been altered. Government has gained extra political resources thanks to its participation in forms of international counterterrorist cooperation. This shift of power, and associated problems, were clear during the recent ‘Heathrow bomb plot’.
Britain and its Armed Forces Today
Authors: DORMAN ANDREW
Published: June 2007

As defence becomes a political football once again this article examines the relationship of the UK's military with the country from which it is drawn and which it serves. It argues that all three elements of the classic Clausewitzian trinity: the state, the people and the military, there are major problems. These are undermining the capabilities of the armed forces and will ultimately place far greater limitations on future government's use of the armed forces in support of British policies overseas. This will have significant implications for Britain in the future if it wishes to continue to “punch above its weight”.
Animals in a Pond
Authors: SHAHANI A. K. , PARSONS P. S. , MEACOCK S. E.
Published: June 2007

Bringing a pond into the classroom can enrich the teaching of statistics as well as biology and bring them together.
Coke or Pepsi?
Authors: Levine Maita , Rolwing Raymond H.
Published: June 2007

A binomial experiment dealing with a volunteer's ability to distinguish Coca‐Cola from Pepsi‐Cola is used to introduce the concepts of hypothesis testing and Type I and Type II errors.
Analysis of the Teaching‐Statistics Mailbase List
Authors: Green David , Fuller Mike
Published: June 2007

This article describes and analyses the membership and uses of the Teaching‐Statistics Mailbase list, based upon a review of all messages since its inception and a recent questionnaire sent to all list members.
A Test for Spectrum Flatness
Authors: Drouiche K.
Published: June 2007

Abstract.  We investigate a new tool for measuring whiteness. We first introduce a quantity which has suitable properties for constructing a test for randomness. We provide the exact asymptotic power of our test. Finally, we experimentally assess the power and usefulness of our test.
Using the HEGY Procedure When Not All Roots Are Present
Authors: Castro Tomas del Barrio
Published: June 2007

Abstract.  Empirical studies have shown little evidence to support the presence of all unit roots present in the Δ4 filter in quarterly seasonal time series. This paper analyses the performance of the Hylleberg, Engle, Granger and Yoo [Journal of Econometrics (1990) Vol. 44, pp. 215–238] (HEGY) procedure when the roots under the null are not all present. We exploit the vector of quarters representation and cointegration relationship between the quarters when factors (1 − L), (1 + L), (1 + L2), (1 − L2) and (1 + L + L2 + L3) are a source of nonstationarity in a process in order to obtain the distribution of tests of the HEGY procedure when the underlying processes have a root at the zero, Nyquist frequency, two complex conjugates of frequency π/2 and two combinations of the previous cases. We show both theoretically and through a Monte Carlo analysis that the t‐ratios t and t and the F‐type tests used in the HEGY procedure have the same distribution as under the null of a seasonal random walk when the root(s) is (are) present, although this is not the case for the t‐ratio tests associated with unit roots at frequency π/2.
Modelling the Dynamic Dependence Structure in Multivariate Financial Time Series
Authors: ŞErban Mihaela , Brockwell Anthony , Lehoczky John , Srivastava Sanjay
Published: June 2007

Abstract.  The dependence structure in multivariate financial time series is of great importance in portfolio management. By studying daily return histories of 17 exchange‐traded index funds, we identify important features of the data, and we propose two new models to capture these features. The first is an extension of the multivariate BEKK (Baba, Engle, Kraft, Kroner) model, which includes a multivariate t‐type error distribution with different degrees of freedom. We demonstrate that this error distribution is able to accommodate different levels of heavy‐tailed behaviour and thus provides a better fit than models based on a multivariate t‐with a common degree of freedom. The second model is copula based, and can be regarded as an extension of the standard and the generalized dynamic conditional correlation model [Engle, Journal of Business and Economics Statistics (2002) Vol. 17, 425–446; Cappiello et al. (2003) Working paper, UCSD] to a Student copula. Model comparison is carried out using criteria including the Akaike information criteria and Bayesian information criteria. We also evaluate the two models from an asset‐allocation perspective using a three‐asset portfolio as an example, constructing optimal portfolios based on the Markowitz theory. Our results indicate that, for our data, the proposed models both outperform the standard BEKK model, with the copula model performing better than the extension of the BEKK model.
Unexpected Accruals and Conditional Accounting Conservatism
Authors: Pae Jinhan
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  This paper examines the impact of management discretion over accruals on conditional accounting conservatism, defined as the tendency of accountants to recognize bad news on a timelier basis than good news. Prior research suggests that conditional accounting conservatism reflected in earnings is mainly due to the accrual component of earnings, not the cash flow component of earnings. After decomposing total accruals into expected and unexpected accruals, I find that (1) conditional accounting conservatism reflected in accruals is mainly due to unexpected accruals; (2) the negative association between unconditional and conditional accounting conservatism is mainly attributable to unexpected accruals; and (3) firms with higher leverage exhibit conditionally more conservative accounting primarily through unexpected accruals. These results are robust to accrual models that take into account the systematic association between accruals and cash flows and their non‐linearity and to the asymmetric persistence of earnings changes specification of conditional accounting conservatism. Taken together, these results suggest that managers exercise their discretion over accruals to expedite the recognition of bad news rather than good news.
Short‐term impact of grassland fire on the endangered pygmy bluetongue lizard
Authors: Fenner A. L. , Bull C. M.
Published: June 2007

Wildfires may be beneficial to overall biodiversity in continuous habitat, but may have more severe impacts on individual species that are confined to small fragments of suitable habitat. The pygmy bluetongue lizard Tiliqua adelaidensis, is now confined to a few isolated fragments of previously extensive native grasslands in South Australia. A grassland fire that burned through the entire area of one population in December 2005 did not kill adult lizards, nor affect the subsequent fecundity of females, but was followed by significant reductions in activity and foraging and a decline in body condition relative to another population in an unburned site. While the study was not, and should not be replicated, our observations suggest that fire has a negative short‐term impact on isolated populations of this species.
Diving behaviour of Elseya albagula from a naturally flowing and hydrologically altered habitat
Authors: Gordos M. A. , Hamann M. , Schauble C. S. , Limpus C. J. , Franklin C. E.
Published: June 2007

This study investigated the diving behaviour and performance of the bimodally respiring turtle Elseya albagula within the Burnett River, central Qld, Australia. Diving parameters were recorded using pressure‐sensitive time‐depth recorders for turtles residing within a free flowing versus regulated reach. Maximum submergence time recorded for El. albagula (greater than 3 hours) is among the longest recorded for a voluntarily diving vertebrate, and is attributed to the turtle's ability to respire aquatically. Median dive times logged for El. albagula within the regulated reach (6.7 min) were threefold longer than values recorded for turtles residing within a naturally flowing creek (1.9 min), with discrepancies in dive duration possibly due to the variable hydrologic flows recorded below the weir. No correlation was observed between dive duration and subsequent surfacing intervals, suggesting that dives remained aerobic throughout the study. Despite considerable differences in the magnitude and daily variation of water flow between the two locations, similar diel activity and surfacing trends were recorded for El. albagula. Turtles undertook deep resting dives (>1.5 m) during the day before moving into shallower habitats (<1.0 m) for the night, while the crepuscular hours were characterized by elevated surfacing frequencies attributed to periods of increased activity possibly associated with foraging.
Genetic evaluation of the captive breeding program of the Persian wild ass
Authors: Nielsen R. K. , Pertoldi C. , Loeschcke V.
Published: June 2007

During the last century, many species have become endangered and conservation in terms of captive breeding has been crucial for their survival. Classical management of captive species is based on recorded genealogies. However, if pedigrees are incomplete or inaccurate, it can bias the interpretation of the results obtained from analyses based on such data. In this investigation, 12 microsatellite loci were investigated to evaluate the studbook information of the critically endangered Persian wild ass, Equus hemionus onager. Relatedness and inbreeding coefficients were calculated in order to compare the same coefficients estimated from the recorded studbook. A significant correlation between coefficients obtained by microsatellites and the studbook validates the recorded studbook as a reasonable tool for future genetic management. Furthermore, a Bayesian‐based method divided the captive onager population into four subgroups that indicate departure from random mating, and thus minor rotation of animals between zoos. Lastly, analyses for inferring past demographic changes revealed a gradual population decline and inbreeding over several generations. This may indicate a low genetic load in captive onagers as a consequence of some degree of purging. Consequently, the risk of inbreeding depression should currently be minimal in the captive breeding program. Therefore, it is recommended to increase the connectivity between the four subgroups of onagers in order to reduce the risk of demographic and genetic stochasticity. This study underlines the importance of using molecular markers to evaluate genetic management of captive breeding programs.
Delayed rectifier outward K+ current mediates the migration of rat cerebellar granule cells stimulated by melatonin
Authors: Liu Lin‐Yun , Hoffman Gloria E. , Fei Xiao‐Wei , Li Zheng , Zhang Zhi‐Hong , Mei Yan‐Ai
Published: June 2007

Melatonin (MT) may work as a neuromodulator through the associated MT receptors in the central nervous system. Previously, our studies have shown that MT increased the IK current via a G protein‐related pathway. In the present study, patch‐clamp whole‐cell recording, transwell migration assays and organotypic cerebellar slice cultures were used to examine the effect of MT on granule cell migration. MT increased the IK current amplitude and migration of granule cells. Meanwhile, TEA, the IK channel blocker, decreased the IK current and slowed the migration of granule cells. Furthermore, the effects of MT on the IK current and cell migration were not abolished by pre‐incubation with P7791, a specific antagonist of MT3R, but were eliminated by the application of the MT2R antagonists K185 and 4‐P‐PDOT. IK current and cell migration were decreased by the application of dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP), which was in contrast to the MT effect on the IK current and cell migration. Incubation with dbcAMP essentially blocked the MT‐induced increasing effect. Moreover, incubation of isolated cell cultures in the MT‐containing medium also decreased the cAMP immunoreactivity in the granule cells. It is concluded, therefore, that IK current, downstream of a cAMP transduction pathway, mediates the migration of rat cerebellar granule cells stimulated by MT.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci to DNA fingerprint the Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua)
Authors: HOGAN FIONA , BURRIDGE CHRISTOPHER , COOKE RAYLENE , NORMAN JANETTE
Published: June 2007

An enriched microsatellite library was constructed for the Powerful Owl (Aves; Strigiformes: Ninox strenua) from which 14 polymorphic microsatellite markers were characterized. Forty individuals (32 unrelated and four pairs of siblings) were genotyped to determine the application of these markers for genetic profiling. The mean observed and expected heterozygosity for unrelated individuals was 0.53 and 0.59, respectively. We demonstrate that this suite of markers is sufficient to unequivocally identify individuals and will be beneficial in assessing the population genetics and reproductive ecology of this species.
Idiopathic Epilepsies with Seizures Precipitated by Fever and SCN1A Abnormalities
Authors: Marini Carla , Mei Davide , Temudo Teresa , Ferrari Anna Rita , Buti Daniela , Dravet Charlotte , Dias Ana I. , Moreira Ana , Calado Eulalia , Seri Stefano , Neville Brian , Narbona Juan , Reid Evan , Michelucci Roberto , Sicca Federico , Cross Helen J. , Guerrini Renzo
Published: June 2007

Summary:  Purpose: SCN1A is the most clinically relevant epilepsy gene, most mutations lead to severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy (SMEI) and generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+). We studied 132 patients with epilepsy syndromes with seizures precipitated by fever, and performed phenotype–genotype correlations with SCN1A alterations.

Methods: We included patients with SMEI including borderline SMEI (SMEB), GEFS+, febrile seizures (FS), or other seizure types precipitated by fever. We performed a clinical and genetic study focusing on SCN1A, using dHPLC, gene sequencing, and MLPA to detect genomic deletions/duplications on SMEI/SMEB patients.

Results: We classified patients as: SMEI/SMEB = 55; GEFS+= 26; and other phenotypes = 51. SCN1A analysis by dHPLC/sequencing revealed 40 mutations in 37 SMEI/SMEB (67%) and 3 GEFS+ (11.5%) probands. MLPA showed genomic deletions in 2 of 18 SMEI/SMEB. Most mutations were de novo (82%). SMEB patients carrying mutations (8) were more likely to have missense mutations (62.5%), conversely SMEI patients (31) had more truncating, splice site or genomic alterations (64.5%). SMEI/SMEB with truncating, splice site or genomic alterations had a significantly earlier age of onset of FS compared to those with missense mutations and without mutations (p = 0.00007, ANOVA test). None of the remaining patients with seizures precipitated by fever carried SCN1A mutations.

Conclusion: We obtained a frequency of 71%SCN1A abnormalities in SMEI/SMEB and of 11.5% in GEFS+ probands. MLPA complements DNA sequencing of SCN1A increasing the mutation detection rate. SMEI/SMEB with truncating, splice site or genomic alterations had a significantly earlier age of onset of FS. This study confirms the high sensitivity of SCN1A for SMEI/SMEB phenotypes.
Cognitive Deficits during Status Epilepticus and Time Course of Recovery: A Case Report
Authors: Van Paesschen Wim , Porke Kathleen , Fannes Katrien , Vandenberghe Rik , Palmini Andre , Van Laere Koen , Dupont Patrick
Published: June 2007

Summary:  We describe a young woman with progressive cognitive and neurological deficits during a parietal lobe status epilepticus (SE). Ictal FDG‐PET showed left parietal lobe hypermetabolism and frontal lobe hypometabolism with concomitant EEG slowing. Cognitive and neurological deficits fully reversed more than 1 year after seizure remission, and were associated with normalization of FDG‐PET and EEG. Our findings suggest that ictal hypometabolism and EEG delta activity at a distance from the epileptic focus were seizure‐related phenomena, possibly representing inhibition in seizure propagation pathways, which could be responsible for the epileptic encephalopathy.
Cortical Epileptogenesis—Hughlings Jackson and His Predecessors
Authors: Eadie Mervyn J.
Published: June 2007

Summary:  Aim: To trace the concept that the cerebral cortex is the site of epileptogenesis before Hughlings Jackson published the idea in 1870 in the paper “A study of convulsions” which marks the beginning of modern epileptology.

Method: Perusal of 19th century English language medical literature.

Result: The existence of cortical epileptogenesis was postulated by Richard Bright in 1831 and 1836, touched on by Robert Bentley Todd in 1849, and rediscovered independently by Samuel Wilks in 1866. Wilks's idea probably became known to both John Thompson Dickson and John Hughlings Jackson and was then developed further, particularly by Jackson.

Conclusion: The thought of Samuel Wilks probably played a more important role in the origins of modern epileptology than has sometimes been appreciated.
Chronic High‐Frequency Deep Brain Stimulation of the STN/SNr for Progressive Myoclonic Epilepsy
Authors: Vesper Jan , Steinhoff Bernhard , Rona Sabine , Wille Christian , Bilic Sonja , Nikkhah Guido , Ostertag Christoph
Published: June 2007

Summary:  Chronic high‐frequency deep brain stimulation (DBS) may also be effective in patients with refractory epilepsy. A possible benefit has been postulated because of the connections that exist between the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and the superior colliculus. Individual case reports and pilot studies of successful DBS in different types of epilepsy have already been presented. Here, the case of a 39‐year‐old male with progressive myoclonic epilepsy is reported who remained severely impaired despite VNS and combined antiepileptic drug therapy. Bilateral DBS electrodes were implanted into the STN, followed by implantation of a neurostimulation system under general anesthesia. Adjustment and testing of the remaining contacts was done over several months postoperatively. Bilateral monopolar DBS reduced the intensity and frequency of seizures by 50%. The patient has so far been followed for 12 months. This is the first report of positive effects of DBS in progressive myoclonic epilepsy in an adult patient. A subsequent prospective study will have to investigate whether the STN or other target nuclei are most suitable for DBS in these types of epilepsy and which long‐term results can be obtained.
Immunomodulation by costimulation blockade inhibits rejection of nerve allografts
Authors: Kvist Martin , Lemplesis Vasileios , Kanje Martin , Ekberg Henrik , Corbascio Mattias , Dahlin Lars B.
Published: June 2007

Abstract  The aim of this study was to investigate if costimulation blockade could be used to modulate the immune response, to prevent rejection, and to stimulate regeneration into nerve allografts. Nerve allografts from Balb/C mice, and isogenic nerve grafts (isografts) from C57/BL6 mice, were used to bridge a 7‐mm gap of the sciatic nerve in C57/BL6 mice. Allograft recipients were treated with either a triple treatment with anti–lymphocyte function antigen‐1 (anti‐LFA), anti‐CD40 ligand (anti‐CD40L), and cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen 4 immunoglobulin (anti‐CTLA4Ig) or isotype antibodies (placebo) at postoperative days 0, 2, 4, and 6 (intraperitoneal). After 5 or 9 days, the nerve grafts, together with the proximal and the distal nerve segments, were evaluated by histology and immunocytochemistry for inflammatory cells [CD4‐positive (CD4+) and CD8‐positive (CD8+) staining cells] and axonal outgrowth (neurofilaments). The immune response was inhibited by costimulation blockade with less extensive inflammation and a lower number of CD4+ staining cells in triple‐treated allografts at 9 days. The regeneration rate was significantly faster in isografts (0.75 mm/day) compared with allografts with placebo treatment (0.39 mm/day), but not when compared with triple‐treated allografts (0.49 mm/day). At 9 days, the axons were significantly longer in nerve isografts than in nerve allografts, irrespective of treatment. Hence, costimulation blockade neither increased the regeneration rate nor the outgrowth length in triple‐treated allografts. We conclude that costimulation blockade inhibits the immune response in nerve allografts without deterring early axonal outgrowth.
Proximal pain in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: a clinical‐neurophysiological study
Authors: Zanette Giampietro , Marani Silvia , Tamburin Stefano
Published: June 2007

Abstract  Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) usually complain of pain and paresthesia in the hand or wrist, but pain proximally to the wrist has been frequently reported in this condition. This study was aimed at understanding which clinical features are associated with the presence of proximal pain (PP) in the upper limb of CTS patients. We recruited 250 patients with clinical and neurophysiological evidence of CTS. After thorough selection to rule out concomitant upper limb painful conditions, 112 patients (175 hands) were included. PP was defined as the presence of pain in the upper limb proximally to the wrist (neck excluded) in association with sensory complaints in the hand. Patients were asked about the presence and severity of proximal sensory complaints, the distribution of sensory complaints in the hand, and underwent an objective evaluation and neurographic study. Thenar muscle strength was significantly larger, the neurophysiological measures were significantly less severe, and hand paresthesia was significantly greater in patients with PP. The neurographic score and the measures of median nerve damage were inversely correlated with the severity of PP. PP was related to extramedian spread of symptoms in the hand. None of the objective/neurographic variables was related to severity of sensory complaints restricted to the hand. PP may be found in a consistent number of CTS patients. PP may represent a clinical marker of mild median nerve damage. The presence of proximal complaints might be related to peripheral or central nervous system mechanisms.
Evaluation of cutaneous autonomic innervation in idiopathic sensory small‐fiber neuropathy
Authors: Dabby Ron , Vaknine Hananya , Gilad Ronit , Djaldetti Ruth , Sadeh Menachem
Published: June 2007

Abstract  To evaluate the loss of autonomic nerve fibers in patients with clinical pure small‐fiber sensory neuropathy, we performed skin punch biopsies in 17 and 15 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Biopsies were taken 10 cm above the lateral malleolus, and 5‐μm sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and the panaxonal marker protein gene product (PGP) 9.5. Positively stained fibers, represented as dots, innervating the erector pili muscles, arterioles, and sweat glands (SG) were counted. The ratios between the number of nerve fibers and nuclei of each structure were calculated. The autonomic innervation was significantly reduced in the patients’ group compared with controls in all the examined autonomic‐innervated structures: SG (0.27 ± 0.15 vs. 0.66 ± 0.37, p = 0.001), arterioles (0.38 ± 0.32 vs. 0.86 ± 0.45, p = 0.002), and the erector pili muscle (0.58 ± 0.27 vs. 1.23 ± 0.87, p = 0.036). Our results suggest that autonomic involvement occurs in patients with sensory small‐fiber neuropathy and that punch skin biopsy using thin sections is a simple and convenient method to detect these dermal autonomic small‐fiber abnormalities.