bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘This is Our Way In’: The Civil Society of Environmental NGOs in South-West China
Authors: Cooper Caroline M. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractA growing number of Chinese environmental groups constitute not only an effective force in tackling environmental issues, but also a genuine civil society that is transforming state-society relations in China. This paper will consider how the environmental movement now taking shape among south-western China's environmental NGOs creates new civic freedoms and deals with existing constraints under the current Chinese political system. While this empowerment of local citizens will have a broadly positive influence on the protection of China's environment, precedent from other transitioning countries shows that environmental movements can be inextricably linked to important new freedoms for the public as well as jarring political change.
Conservation of retinal circadian rhythms during cavefish eye degeneration
Authors: Espinasa Luis , Jeffery William R. 
Published: January 2006

SUMMARYRegressive evolution of morphological features is a common evolutionary event. However, the relationship between structural degeneration and loss of physiological function is often unclear because the ancestral and derived states of a character are usually not available for comparison. Here, we report studies on retinomotor rhythms during development of the blind cavefish Astyanax mexicanus, a single teleost species consisting of a sighted surface‐dwelling form (surface fish) and several blind cave‐dwelling (cavefish) forms. The eyed and blind forms of Astyanax diverged from a common sighted ancestor within the past million years. Despite the absence of functional eyes in cavefish adults, optic primordia are formed in embryos, but then gradually arrest in development, degenerate, and sink into the orbits. Although a layered retina is formed in cavefish embryos, it is deficient in photoreceptor cells, and in some cases the retinal pigment epithelium has lost its pigmentation. We show that the capacity to exhibit light‐entrained retinomotor rhythms has been conserved in the degenerating embryonic eyes of two different Astyanax cavefish populations. The results indicate that loss of circadian retinal function does not precede and is therefore not required for eye degeneration in the blind cavefish.
Functional constraint underlies 60 million year stasis of Dipteran testis‐specific β‐tubulin
Authors: Nielsen Mark G. , Caserta Justin M. , Kidd Sarah J. , Phillips Christopher M. 
Published: January 2006

SUMMARYHow do proteins evolve while maintaining their function? Previous studies find a highly stringent structure/function relationship between the Drosophila melanogaster testis‐specific tubulin β2 and the spermtail axoneme, such that small changes in the β2 protein render it unable to generate a motile axoneme. This raises the question, how does β2 evolve while maintaining its function? To address this question we cloned full‐ and partial‐length β2 sequences from 17 species of Drosophila and Hirtodrosophila flies spanning 60 Myr of evolution. Not a single amino acid difference is coded among them—β2 maintains its function by not evolving. We also performed gene genealogical analyses to determine ortholog/paralog relationships among insect tubulins. We find that the Lepidopteran and Dipteran testis‐specific β‐tubulins are likely orthologs, and surprisingly, despite functioning in the same structure, the Lepidopteran orthologs are evolving rapidly. We argue that differences in tubulin isoform use in the testes cause the Dipteran axoneme to be less evolvable than the Lepidopteran axoneme, which has facilitated the evolution of a unique amino acid synergism in Drosophila and Hirtodrosophilaβ2 that is resistant to change, contributing to its evolutionary stasis.
Conservation and divergence in the AGAMOUS subfamily of MADS‐box genes: evidence of independent sub‐ and neofunctionalization events
Authors: Zahn Laura M. , Leebens‐Mack James H. , Arrington Jennifer M. , Hu Yi , Landherr Lena L. , DePamphilis Claude W. , Becker Annette , Theissen Günter , Ma Hong 
Published: January 2006

SUMMARYThe MADS‐box gene AGAMOUS (AG) plays a key role in determining floral meristem and organ identities. We identified three AG homologs, EScaAG1, EScaAG2, and EScaAGL11 from the basal eudicot Eschscholzia californica (California poppy). Phylogenetic analyses indicate that EScaAG1 and EScaAG2 are recent paralogs within the AG clade, independent of the duplication in ancestral core eudicots that gave rise to the euAG and PLENA (PLE) orthologs. EScaAGL11 is basal to core eudicot AGL11 orthologs in a clade representing an older duplication event after the divergence of the angiosperm and gymnosperm lineages. Detailed in situ hybridization experiments show that expression of EScaAG1 and EScaAG2 is similar to AG; however, both genes appear to be expressed earlier in floral development than described in the core eudicots. A thorough examination of available expression and functional data in a phylogenetic context for members of the AG and AGL11 clades reveals that gene expression has been quite variable throughout the evolutionary history of the AG subfamily and that ovule‐specific expression might have evolved more than twice. Although sub‐ and neofunctionalization are inferred to have occurred following gene duplication, functional divergence among orthologs is evident, as is convergence, among paralogs sampled from different species. We propose that retention of multiple AG homologs in several paralogous lineages can be explained by the conservation of ancestral protein activity combined with evolutionarily labile regulation of expression in the AG and AGL11 clades such that the collective functions of the AG subfamily in stamen and carpel development are maintained following gene duplication.
Developmental origin of shark electrosensory organs
Authors: Freitas Renata , Zhang GuangJun , Albert James S. , Evans David H. , Cohn Martin J. 
Published: January 2006

SUMMARYVertebrates have evolved electrosensory receptors that detect electrical stimuli on the surface of the skin and transmit them somatotopically to the brain. In chondrichthyans, the electrosensory system is composed of a cephalic network of ampullary organs, known as the ampullae of Lorenzini, that can detect extremely weak electric fields during hunting and navigation. Each ampullary organ consists of a gel‐filled epidermal pit containing sensory hair cells, and synaptic connections with primary afferent neurons at the base of the pit that facilitate detection of voltage gradients over large regions of the body. The developmental origin of electroreceptors and the mechanisms that determine their spatial arrangement in the vertebrate head are not well understood. We have analyzed electroreceptor development in the lesser spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) and show thatSox8and HNK1, two markers of the neural crest lineage, selectively mark sensory cells in ampullary organs. This represents the first evidence that the neural crest gives rise to electrosensory cells. We also show that pathfinding by cephalic mechanosensory and electrosensory axons follows the expression pattern ofEphA4, a well‐known guidance cue for axons and neural crest cells in osteichthyans. Expression ofEphrinB2, which encodes a ligand for EphA4, marks the positions at which ampullary placodes are initiated in the epidermis, andEphA4is expressed in surrounding mesenchyme. These results suggest thatEph–Ephrinsignaling may establish an early molecular map for neural crest migration, axon guidance and placodal morphogenesis during development of the shark electrosensory system.
Pleiotropic mutation, modularity and evolvability
Authors: Griswold Cortland K. 
Published: January 2006

SUMMARYThe relationship between pleiotropy and the rate of evolution of a phenotypic character (evolvability) in a population is explored using computer simulations. I present results that suggest the rate of evolution of a phenotypic character may not decline when that character is pleiotropically associated to an increasing number of other characters, provided that the characters are under pure directional selection such that they are far from their optima relative to the average magnitude of a mutation. These conditions may be relevant during adaptive radiations. Adding pleiotropic associations to a set of characters in which one is under directional selection and the other is under stabilizing selection increases the rate of adaptation of the character under directional selection provided that the new characters that come to be pleiotropically associated are under directional selection. Thus, increasing the number of pleiotropic associations under these conditions increases the rate of adaptation of a character.
Oral Sumatriptan for the Acute Treatment of Probable Migraine: First Randomized, Controlled Study
Authors: Tepper Stewart J. , Cady Roger , Dodick David , Freitag Frederick G. , Hutchinson Susan L. , Twomey Colleen , Kuhn Timothy A. 
Published: January 2006

Objective.—To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of sumatriptan tablets in adults who meet International Headache Society (IHS) criteria for probable migraine but who do not meet IHS criteria for migraine with or without aura.Background.—Headaches with some but not all of the features of migraine meet criteria for probable migraine, a form of migraine recognized by the IHS. Probable migraine attacks are also prevalent and frequently underdiagnosed.Methods.—This was a randomized, multicenter, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group study. Adults (18 to 65 years) with a 1‐year history of headaches that met 2004 IHS criteria for probable migraine without aura (same operational definition as 1988 IHS migrainous disorder) were eligible for enrollment. All patients were triptan‐ and ergot‐naïve and had never been diagnosed with migraine. Patients were randomized in a 1:1:1:1 fashion to receive sumatriptan 25, 50, or 100 mg conventional tablets or matching placebo and were instructed to treat a single moderate or severe probable migraine attack. A post hoc analysis was conducted to evaluate the population of patients who achieved headache relief sustained throughout the immediate posttreatment period. Patients who reported relief within 2 hours and subsequently lost headache relief within 4 hours were considered nonresponders.Results.—At 2 hours, more patients treated with sumatriptan achieved headache relief, the primary efficacy measure, compared with placebo, but differences only approached statistical significance for 100 mg (P= .053). The 2‐hour headache relief rate in the sumatriptan 25 or 50 mg groups was not significantly different than placebo. The time to use of rescue was significantly shorter in the placebo group compared with the sumatriptan 100 mg group (P= .002). The time to use of rescue in the sumatriptan 25 or 50 mg groups was not significantly different than placebo. More patients treated with placebo (22%) lost headache relief within 4 hours compared with patients treated with sumatriptan 25 mg (17%), 50 mg (14%), or 100 mg (7%). A post hoc analysis demonstrated that at 2 hours, headache relief sustained through 4 hours (S 0–4 hours) was achieved in 44%, 49%, and 57% of patients treated with sumatriptan 25, 50, and 100 mg, respectively, compared with 34% of patients treated with placebo (P < .05 for sumatriptan 50 and 100 mg vs. placebo). All doses of sumatriptan were well tolerated and no serious adverse events were reported.Conclusion.—These results suggest that oral sumatriptan may be effective and is well tolerated for the acute treatment of probable migraine without aura, however, the difference between sumatriptan and placebo was not statistically significant for the a priori defined primary endpoint.
Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome and Their Association With Migraine Headache
Authors: Martin Vincent T. , Wernke Suzanne , Mandell Karen , Ramadan Nabih , Kao Lily , Bean Judy , Liu James , Zoma Willie , Rebar Robert 
Published: January 2006

Objectives.—To determine the association between the severity of premenstrual (PMS) symptoms and headache outcome measures during natural menstrual cycles and after medical oophorectomy.Background.—Premenstrual syndrome may occur in 64% of those with pure menstrual migraine and 33% of those with menstrually related migraine. Few past studies have examined the relationship between the severity of PMS symptoms and migraine headache.Methods.—Data were obtained from a 6.5‐month randomized‐controlled trial examining the role of medical oophorectomy in the prevention of migraine headache and later divided into two data sets for analysis purposes. The menstrual cycle data set was composed of data from three natural menstrual cycles obtained from 21 participants during lead‐in and placebo run‐in phases. Each menstrual cycle was subdivided into seven 3‐day intervals based on urine hormone metabolites. The medical oophorectomy data set included data from a 2‐month treatment period in which a medical oophorectomy was induced by gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) and participants were randomized to transdermal estradiol or a matching placebo (GnRHa/estradiol and GnRHa/placebo groups, respectively). All participants completed a daily diary recording the severity of PMS symptoms and headache outcome measures. The primary outcome measures were the PMS index (mean of the daily PMS severity scores) and the headache index (mean of the headache severity scores). Pearson correlation coefficients were used to assess the degree of association between the outcome measures.Results.—Menstrual Cycle Data Set.—The PMS index was significantly correlated with the headache index during native menstrual cycles (correlation coefficient of 0.47; P < .05) and during all seven intervals of the menstrual cycle (correlation coefficients of 0.39 to 0.65; all P values < .05). Medical Oophorectomy Data Set.—Correlation coefficients between the PMS and headache indices were 0.58 and 0.47 for the GnRHa/estradiol (n = 9) and GnRHa/placebo groups, respectively (P‐values of <.05).Conclusions.—Moderate correlations exist within female migraineurs between the severity of PMS symptoms and headache outcome measures throughout natural menstrual cycles as well as after medical oophorectomy. Our data would suggest that the presence and severity of headache might modulate PMS symptoms in female migraineurs.
Effects of a Website Designed to Improve the Management of Migraines
Authors: Sciamanna Christopher N. , Nicholson Robert A. , Lofland Jennifer H. , Manocchia Michael , Mui Sarah , Hartman Christine W. 
Published: January 2006

Objective.—The aim was to examine the effect of using a Web‐based computer program that provides personalized feedback to migraine patients, on the interactions of patients and providers.Background.—Despite the widespread availability of evidence‐based migraine treatment guidelines, patients often do not receive optimal treatment to reduce migraine pain and disability.Methods.—To address these quality gaps in migraine care, we developed a Web‐based computer program, to be used by migraine patients before doctor visits. The feedback is designed to prompt patients to ask questions that lead to higher quality of care. This study was conducted to examine the effect of using the program on migraine‐specific doctor‐patient communications. Patients were randomized to use the Website before (intervention) or after (control) a visit with their provider. The outcome measures were the migraine‐specific topics discussed during the visit, measured by an exit survey after the visit.Results.—Fifty of 53 subjects randomized completed the postvisit measures (94%). Overall, the mean age was 42.0 years, most patients were female (86.5%), all were white, and 58.5% saw a headache specialist during their visit. Most (75.0%) reported having headaches at least once per week and 48.1% rated their headaches as “severe.” Intervention patients were significantly more likely to “discuss whether you had migraine headaches or some other type of headache?” (89.3% vs 54.5%; P < .01) and to “discuss whether or not there may be a more serious cause of your headaches?” (50.0% vs 13.6%; P < .01). Intervention patients were more likely to report discussing 8 of 12 migraine‐related topics more frequently and a greater overall number of topics (5.5 vs 4.3) than control patients. This difference was not statistically significant.Conclusions.—These results suggest that the Website may have a positive impact on migraine‐specific doctor‐patient communications. A larger study, including important quality of life and utilization outcomes, is warranted.
Zolmitriptan Oral Tablet in Migraine Treatment: High Placebo Responses in Adolescents
Authors: Rothner A. David , Wasiewski Warren , Winner Paul , Lewis Donald , Stankowski Jill 
Published: January 2006

Objective.—The objective of this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the zolmitriptan conventional tablet at three different doses for the treatment of a single migraine attack in adolescents.Background.—Preliminary data from an open‐label study suggested that the zolmitriptan conventional tablet could be effective in the treatment of acute migraine in adolescent patients.Methods.—Migraine patients aged 12 to 17 years (n = 850) were randomized to receive zolmitriptan 2.5, 5, or 10 mg, or placebo for treatment of a single migraine attack. Patients recorded migraine headache intensity before and after treatment using a 4‐point scale.Results.—There was no statistically significant improvement between zolmitriptan 10 mg (2 × 5 mg tablet) and placebo for the primary efficacy variable, headache response at 2 hours, nor any of the secondary variables tested. Two‐hour headache response rates were 54%, 53%, and 57% for zolmitriptan 10, 5, and 2.5 mg, respectively, and 58% for placebo. Two‐hour pain‐free rates were 25%, 19%, and 23% for zolmitriptan 10, 5, and 2.5 mg, respectively, and 20% for placebo. Zolmitriptan was well tolerated, with a tolerability profile similar to the pattern seen in adults.Conclusion.—The similar efficacy between zolmitriptan and placebo appears to be the result of the high placebo response rate. This is a recognized issue in pediatric migraine studies and there is an ongoing debate on ways to address this problem. Since this study was initiated, there has been some debate on the appropriateness of the 2‐hour endpoint for response rates in adolescent studies, given the shorter duration of headache pain in adolescents compared with adults. Furthermore, accurate information regarding the timeliness of treatment and reporting of headache‐related information by adolescents is difficult.
Identification of the Epileptogenic Tuber in Patients with Tuberous Sclerosis: A Comparison of High‐resolution EEG and MEG
Authors: Jansen Floor E. , Huiskamp Geertjan , van Huffelen Alexander C. , Bourez‐Swart Mireille , Boere Elvira , Gebbink Tineke , Vincken Koen L. , van Nieuwenhuizen Onno 
Published: January 2006

Summary:  Purpose: We compared epileptiform activity recorded with EEG and magnetoencephalography (MEG) in 19 patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and epilepsy. Methods: High‐resolution (HR) EEG, HR‐MEG, and 1.5‐T MRI scans were performed. Epileptiform spikes were identified in EEG and MEG recordings offline by three observers. Spikes for which the interobserver agreement (spike consensus) was >0.40 were used for source localization with CURRYV 3.0 software. MUSIC analysis was performed. The distance between the source determined from EEG and MEG recordings and the border of the closest tuber was calculated and compared. Results: Consensus spikes (kappa >0.4) were identified in 12 patients in the EEG recording and in 14 patients in the MEG recording. MEG sources were closer to tubers in all but one patient. Three patients underwent epilepsy surgery, two of whom are seizure free after complete resection of the tuber. Conclusions: In patients with TSC, epileptogenic sources identified on MEG are closer to the presumed epileptogenic tuber than are similar sources identified on EEG. Moreover, spike consensus is greater with MEG. Clear identification of the epileptogenic zone may offer opportunities for surgery in patients with TSC with intractable epilepsy.
Periventricular Nodular Heterotopia: Classification, Epileptic History, and Genesis of Epileptic Discharges
Authors: Battaglia Giorgio , Chiapparini Luisa , Franceschetti Silvana , Freri Elena , Tassi Laura , Bassanini Stefania , Villani Flavio , Spreafico Roberto , D'Incerti Ludovico , Granata Tiziana 
Published: January 2006

Summary:  Purpose. Periventricular nodular heterotopia (PNH) is among the most common malformations of cortical development, and affected patients are frequently characterized by focal drug‐resistant epilepsy. Here we analyzed clinical, MRI, and electrophysiologic findings in 54 PNH patients to reevaluate the classification of PNH, relate the anatomic features to epileptic outcome, and ascertain the contribution of PNH nodules to the onset of epileptic discharges. Methods: The patients were followed up for a prolonged period at the Epilepsy Center of our Institute. In all cases, we related MRI findings to clinical and epileptic outcome and analyzed interictal and ictal EEG abnormalities. In one patient, EEG and stereo‐EEG (SEEG) recordings of seizures were compared. Results: We included cases with periventricular nodules, also extending to white matter and cortex, provided that anatomic continuity was present between nodules and malformed cortex. Based on imaging and clinical data, patients were subdivided into five PNH groups: (a) bilateral and symmetrical; (b) bilateral single‐noduled; (c) bilateral and asymmetrical; (d) unilateral; and (e) unilateral with extension to neocortex. The latter three groups were characterized by worse epileptic outcome. No differences in outcome were found between unilateral PNH patients regardless the presence of cortical involvement. Interictal as well as ictal EEG abnormalities were always related to PNH location. Conclusions: The distinctive clinical features and epileptic outcomes in each group of patients confirm the reliability of the proposed classification. Ictal EEG and SEEG recordings suggest that seizures are generated by abnormal anatomic circuitries including the heterotopic nodules and adjacent cortical areas.