Very Small Number (very + small_number)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Prediction of cardiovascular risk in people with diabetes

DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 7 2003
P. H. Winocour
Abstract People with diabetes are at high risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, especially if they have already developed vascular problems. For patients who are apparently free of vascular complications, risk tables are often used to assess the risk of cardiovascular events in the following years, and to decide on treatment with statins or anti-platelet therapy. These risk prediction tables include estimates of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and are based on populations, some of which only contained a very small number of people with diabetes. Multiple problems can be identified with these tables, and many seriously underestimate cardiovascular risk in people with diabetes. Possible ways of addressing this include using risk estimation tools based solely on diabetic populations, adding in additional traditional variables such as triglycerides or left ventricular hypertrophy, including novel cardiovascular risk factors, or intervening at a lower level of estimated risk in people with diabetes compared with non-diabetic subjects. Alternatively, estimates of individual risk could be abandoned and all people with diabetes could be treated with statins and other effective agents. Diabet. Med. 20, 515,527 (2003) [source]


Hippocampal granule cells opt for early retirement

HIPPOCAMPUS, Issue 10 2010
C.B. Alme
Abstract Increased excitability and plasticity of adult-generated hippocampal granule cells during a critical period suggests that they may "orthogonalize" memories according to time. One version of this "temporal tag" hypothesis suggests that young granule cells are particularly responsive during a specific time period after their genesis, allowing them to play a significant role in sculpting CA3 representations, after which they become much less responsive to any input. An alternative possibility is that the granule cells active during their window of increased plasticity, and excitability become selectively tuned to events that occurred during that time and participate in later reinstatement of those experiences, to the exclusion of other cells. To discriminate between these possibilities, rats were exposed to different environments at different times over many weeks, and cell activation was subsequently assessed during a single session in which all environments were revisited. Dispersing the initial experiences in time did not lead to the increase in total recruitment at reinstatement time predicted by the selective tuning hypothesis. The data indicate that, during a given time frame, only a very small number of granule cells participate in many experiences, with most not participating significantly in any. Based on these and previous data, the small excitable population of granule cells probably correspond to the most recently generated cells. It appears that, rather than contributing to the recollection of long past events, most granule cells, possibly 90,95%, are effectively "retired." If granule cells indeed sculpt CA3 representations (which remains to be shown), then a possible consequence of having a new set of granule cells participate when old memories are reinstated is that new representations of these experiences might be generated in CA3. Whatever the case, the present data may be interpreted to undermine the standard "orthogonalizer" theory of the role of the dentate gyrus in memory. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


An implicit three-dimensional fully non-hydrostatic model for free-surface flows

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN FLUIDS, Issue 7 2004
Hengliang Yuan
Abstract An implicit method is developed for solving the complete three-dimensional (3D) Navier,Stokes equations. The algorithm is based upon a staggered finite difference Crank-Nicholson scheme on a Cartesian grid. A new top-layer pressure treatment and a partial cell bottom treatment are introduced so that the 3D model is fully non-hydrostatic and is free of any hydrostatic assumption. A domain decomposition method is used to segregate the resulting 3D matrix system into a series of two-dimensional vertical plane problems, for each of which a block tri-diagonal system can be directly solved for the unknown horizontal velocity. Numerical tests including linear standing waves, nonlinear sloshing motions, and progressive wave interactions with uneven bottoms are performed. It is found that the model is capable to simulate accurately a range of free-surface flow problems using a very small number of vertical layers (e.g. two,four layers). The developed model is second-order accuracy in time and space and is unconditionally stable; and it can be effectively used to model 3D surface wave motions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Senior house officers' experience of a six month post in a hospice

MEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 1 2002
M Lloyd Williams
Background Hospices provide care for patients with a terminal prognosis , a very small number of hospices employ Senior House Officers. Method A survey was carried out to determine the experiences of SHOs working in hospices and their perceptions of the learning opportunities available. Perceived stress was measured by a Visual Analogue scale and psychological distress by the GHQ 12. Results Of the 38 posts identified 23 SHOs (60%) responded and the majority had qualified during the last five years. Formal teaching was limited, but experiential teaching was very positively described. Many SHOs described their posts as stressful and cited staff conflict and caring for young patients as particularly stressful. Median stress scores as measured on the VAS was 55 mm (range 0,98 mm). Five respondents 22% scored for identifiable psychological distress on the GHQ 12. Conclusion Conclusions include the need to acknowledge the important learning opportunities provided within hospices but also the need for consultant staff to be aware of the sources of stress for SHOs and their need for support. [source]


Dysautonomia rating scales in Parkinson's disease: Sialorrhea, dysphagia, and constipation,Critique and recommendations by movement disorders task force on rating scales for Parkinson's disease,

MOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue 5 2009
Marian L. Evatt MD
Abstract Upper and lower gastrointestinal dysautonomia symptoms (GIDS),sialorrhea, dysphagia, and constipation are common in Parkinson's disease (PD) and often socially as well as physically disabling for patients. Available invasive quantitative measures for assessing these symptoms and their response to therapy are time-consuming, require specialized equipment, can cause patient discomfort and present patients with risk. The Movement Disorders Society commissioned a task force to assess available clinical rating scales, critique their clinimetric properties, and make recommendations regarding their clinical utility. Six clinical researchers and a biostatistician systematically searched the literature for scales of sialorrhea, dysphagia, and constipation, evaluated the scales' previous use, performance parameters, and quality of validation data (if available). A scale was designated "Recommended" if the scale was used in clinical studies beyond the group that developed it, has been specifically used in PD reports, and clinimetric studies have established that it is a valid, reliable, and sensitive. "Suggested" scales met at least part of the above criteria, but fell short of meeting all. Based on the systematic review, scales for individual symptoms of sialorrhea, dysphagia, and constipation were identified along with three global scales that include these symptoms in the context of assessing dysautonomia or nonmotor symptoms. Three sialorrhea scales met criteria for Suggested: Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale (DSFS), Drooling Rating Scale, and Sialorrhea Clinical Scale for PD (SCS-PD). Two dysphagia scales, the Swallowing Disturbance Questionnaire (SDQ) and Dysphagia-Specific Quality of Life (SWAL-QOL), met criteria for Suggested. Although Rome III constipation module is widely accepted in the gastroenterology community, and the earlier version from the Rome II criteria has been used in a single study of PD patients, neither met criteria for Suggested or Recommended. Among the global scales, the Scales for Outcomes in PD-Autonomic (SCOPA-AUT) and Nonmotor Symptoms Questionnaire for PD (NMSQuest) both met criteria for Recommended, and the Nonmotor Symptoms Scale (NMSS) met criteria for Suggested; however, none specifically focuses on the target gastrointestinal symptoms (sialorrhea, dysphagia, and constipation) of this report. A very small number of rating scales have been applied to studies of gastrointestinal-related dysautonomia in PD. Only two scales met "Recommended" criteria and neither focuses specifically on the symptoms of sialorrhea, dysphagia, and constipation. Further scale testing in PD among the scales that focus on these symptoms is warranted, and no new scales are needed until the available scales are fully tested clinimetrically. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society [source]


Physiological and performance effects of glycerol hyperhydration and rehydration

NUTRITION REVIEWS, Issue 12 2009
Simon P Van Rosendal
Studies have shown that beverages containing glycerol can enhance and maintain hydration status and may improve endurance exercise performance by attenuating adverse physiological changes associated with dehydration. Improvements to performance include increased endurance time to exhaustion by up to 24%, or a 5% increase in power or work. However, some studies have found no performance benefits during either prolonged exercise or specific skill and agility tests. In studies that have shown benefits, the improvements have been associated with thermoregulatory and cardiovascular changes. These include increased plasma volume and sweat rates, as well as reduced core temperature and ratings of perceived exertion. In a very small number of subjects, glycerol consumption has been associated with side-effects including nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, dizziness, and headaches. In summary, while glycerol and fluid ingestion results in hyperhydration, the documented benefits to exercise performance remain inconsistent. [source]


Processing behavior of polycarbonate/functionalized-ethylene copolymer blends

POLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 12 2000
Marcos L. Dias
The melt blending of polycarbonate (PC) and ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers (EFC) either in the acid form (EFC-H) or partially neutralized with sodium (EFC-Na) or zinc (EFC-Zn) was investigated. Torque monitoring of the blending showed that the polymers are capable of reacting generating new chemical species that increase the melt viscosity. As general behavior, the torque curves pass by a maximum that takes place before 30 min, the final torque being higher than that of the individual polymers. SEC analyses reveal that PC degradation also occurs and is stronger in the case of blends with EFC-Na that acts to catalyze PC degradation, promoting CO2 formation. FTIR studies on chloroform insoluble fractions of the PC/EFC-Zn blends showed that in addition to a very small number of carbonate groups, feature absorption bands of aromatic ester and hydroxyl groups appear in the new chemical species formed during the reactive processing. [source]


Influence of sexual stimulation on sperm parameters in semen samples collected via masturbation from normozoospermic men or cryptozoospermic men participating in an assisted reproduction programme

ANDROLOGIA, Issue 3 2000
Y. Yamamoto
Summary. To evaluate the influence of sexual stimulation via sexually stimulating videotaped visual images (VIM) on sperm function, two semen samples were collected from each of 19 normozoospermic men via masturbation with VIM. Two additional samples were collected from each man via masturbation without VIM. The volume of seminal plasma, total sperm count, sperm motility, percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa, outcome of hypo-osmotic swelling test and zona-free hamster oocyte sperm penetration assay, and markers of the secretory function of prostate were significantly larger in semen samples collected via masturbation with VIM than masturbation without VIM. The improved sperm parameters in the samples collected via masturbation with VIM may reflect an enhanced prostatic secretory function and increased loading of the vas deferens at that time. In a similar protocol, two semen samples were collected via masturbation with VIM from each of 22 non-obstructed azoospermic men. Semen samples from these men had been occasionally positive in the past for a very small number of spermatozoa (cryptozoospermic men). Two additional samples were collected from each cryptozoospermic man via masturbation without VIM. The volume of seminal plasma, total sperm count, sperm motility, and a marker of the secretory function of prostate were significantly larger in semen samples collected via masturbation with VIM. Fourteen out of the 22 men were negative for spermatozoa in both samples collected via masturbation without VIM. These men demonstrated spermatozoa in both samples collected via masturbation with VIM. Six men with immotile spermatozoa in both samples collected via masturbation without VIM exposed motile spermatozoa in both samples collected via masturbation with VIM. High sexual stimulation during masturbation with VIM results in recovery of spermatozoa of greater fertilizing potential both in normozoospermic and cryptozoospermic men. The appearance of spermatozoa after masturbation with VIM in the vast majority of cryptozoospermic men is of clinical significance in programmes applying intracytoplasmic sperm injections for the management of severe male infertility and obviates the need for testicular biopsy. [source]


Delayed diagnosis of Gorlin's syndrome in a renal transplant recipient

AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2009
Katarzyna A Mackenzie
ABSTRACT A 35-year-old woman was referred to the dedicated dermatology clinic for RTR. She underwent her first renal transplant at 18 years of age due to chronic renal failure following reflux nephropathy of the single right kidney (left kidney agenesis). She has since then had two further transplants. During clinical examination she was noted to have at least 16 basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and there are records in the case notes of 10 BCC having being excised and confirmed histologically in the past. By contrast, she had only had two squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) excised. She was also noted to have distinctive facial features, a kyphoscoliosis and palmar pits, and a diagnosis of Gorlin's (naevoid BCC) syndrome (GS) was made. Although immunosuppression may have contributed to the multiplicity of her BCC, the contrasting very small number of SCC is unusual in an organ transplant recipient and this alerted the authors to the diagnosis of GS. [source]


The radiation of the Cape flora, southern Africa

BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS, Issue 4 2003
H. P. LINDER
ABSTRACT The flora of the south-western tip of southern Africa, the Cape flora, with some 9000 species in an area of 90 000 km2 is much more speciose than can be expected from its area or latitude, and is comparable to that expected from the most diverse equatorial areas. The endemism of almost 70%, on the other hand, is comparable to that found on islands. This high endemism is accounted for by the ecological and geographical isolation of the Cape Floristic Region, but explanations for the high species richness are not so easily found. The high species richness is accentuated when its taxonomic distribution is investigated: almost half of the total species richness of the area is accounted for by 33,Cape floral clades'. These are clades which may have initially diversified in the region, and of which at least half the species are still found in the Cape Floristic Region. Such a high contribution by a very small number of clades is typical of island floras, not of mainland floras. The start of the radiation of these clades has been dated by molecular clock techniques to between 18 million years ago (Mya)(Pelargonium) and 8 Mya (Phylica), but only six radiations have been dated to date. The fossil evidence for the dating of the radiation is shown to be largely speculative. The Cenozoic environmental history of southern Africa is reviewed in search of possible triggers for the radiations, climatic changes emerge as the most likely candidate. Due to a very poor fossil record, the climatic history has to be inferred from larger scale patterns, these suggest large-scale fluctuations between summer wet (Palaeocene, Early Miocene)and summer dry climates (Oligocene, Middle Miocene to present). The massive speciation in the Cape flora might be accounted for by the diverse limitations to gene flow (dissected landscapes, pollinator specialisation, long flowering times allowing much phenological specialisation), as well as a richly complex environment providing a diversity of selective forces (geographically variable climate, much altitude variation, different soil types, rocky terrain providing many micro-niches, and regular fires providing both intermediate disturbances, as well as different ways of surviving the fires). However, much of this is based on correlation, and there is a great need for (a)experimental testing of the proposed speciation mechanisms, (b)more molecular clock estimates of the age and pattern of the radiations, and (c)more fossil evidence bearing on the past climates. [source]


3124: Algorithms and instrumentation for quantified retinal oximetry in a snapshot

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010
AR HARVEY
Purpose To develop an instrument and techniques for useful absolute and relative clinical oximetry of the retina. Methods A novel snapshot multispectral imaging system has been optimised for retinal oximetry. Eight monochromatic images of the retina are recorded with a field of view of 24 degrees. Algorithms calculate the absorption of light at each point along delineated blood vessels and for each of the eight wavebands. Data inversion using an analytical model for light propagation enables oximetry at along the blood vessels. Spectral inversion has been refined using ray tracing and Monte Carlo modelling of light propagation using a realistic phantom eye. Results A comparison of Monte Carlo modelling of light propagation in the phantom retina with recorded images for blood of various oxygenations indicates the influence of several unknowns, including scatter from optical surfaces within the ophthalmoscope and eye, the geometry of the blood vessels and eye, the optical constants of the ocular media and the complexity of light propagation in the retinal structure. Relative oximetry within the retina is possible with repeatability of about 1% in the phantom and 5% in a real eye but the influence of various systematic effects can introduce systematic differences between actual and calculated oxygenation that can significantly exceed these values. Conclusion Although oximetry using only a very small number of spectral bands is possible, this is prone to systematic errors that can effect both absolute and relative oximetry. The ability to record eight spectral images in a single snapshot offers promise to provide an enhanced clinically useful and validated oximetry technique. [source]


Determining the skills for child protection practice: emerging from the quagmire!

CHILD ABUSE REVIEW, Issue 5 2009
Marjorie Keys
Abstract This paper, the second in a series of two, presents and analyses the results of an extended literature review undertaken for a Master's dissertation, the purpose of which was to establish the evidence base for the learning and teaching of skills for child protection practice. The review, discussed in the previous paper, was carried out in two stages. An initial search yielded a very small number of studies of direct relevance but they provided the trigger and the key words for a second search. Many potentially useful areas had to be omitted from the second stage because of limited resources, but the two stages in the search generated large amounts of material, much of which was indirectly relevant to child protection practice. The review did not achieve the original aim of determining skills that are identified through research and other evidence as being essential for child protection practice, but it was possible to draw some conclusions. For example, evidence was found of the importance of a range of communication skills, whether these be child focused, carer focused or inter-professional. Skills in managing conflict and challenge were found to be crucial, with the importance of role clarification being acknowledged. There was some evidence of the use of decision-making skills and problem-solving skills, but little research that explored procedural skills. This paper reports on gaps in the literature identified by the review, and indicates where further research would be beneficial. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Genetic knowledge and moral responsibility: ambiguity at the interface of genetic research and clinical practice

CLINICAL GENETICS, Issue 3 2006
D. Pullman
Despite a rapidly expanding literature on the issue of duty to warn at-risk relatives in the context of clinical genetic testing, little has been written on parallel issues with regard to the management of genetic research results. Some might view this lack as an indication that there is little to discuss in this regard. That is, standard practice is that data obtained through medical research should not be treated as though they are clinically relevant, and this standard should hold for genetic research as well. This paper challenges this conclusion and its underlying assumptions. We argue that the line between genetic research and clinical practice is often ambiguous. In some cases, research data gathered from a very small number of subjects could have immediate clinical implications. Hence, it is unethical for genetic researchers to absolve themselves of clinical responsibilities for research subjects and/or their families, on the grounds that the data were obtained for research purposes. Indeed, we argue that it could well be unethical to embark on some forms of genetic research unless advance arrangements have been made for genetic counseling and clinical follow-up. Furthermore, in some cases, it might be unethical to enroll subjects in studies if the subjects are unwilling to receive their individual results. [source]


Increase of the apnoea,hypopnoea index after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty: analysis of failure,

CLINICAL OTOLARYNGOLOGY, Issue 6 2004
N.S. Hessel
From 70 patients who had uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) operation and a pre- and postoperative sleep registration, we could retrospectively determine the failures and the correlation between variables such as age, gender, body mass index (BMI), earlier or concomitant tonsillectomy, unilevel (uvula,palate,tonsil) or multilevel (base of tongue as well) obstruction during sleep endoscopy and treatment outcome. From 70 patients, the preoperative sleep registration classified 15 social unacceptable snorers and 55 obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) patients. In this study we focused on the OSAS patients. From the 55 OSAS patients, 32 were classified as successful after UPPP, because they had a decreased apnoea,hypopnoea index (AHI) after surgery (,20). Eight patients had a decreased AHI, but more than 20 apnoeas/hypnoeas per hour. Fifteen patients were identified as UPPP failures with an equal or increased AHI and/or subjective deterioration of snoring. We were unable to find a statistically difference between the two groups with respect to variables such as age, BMI and AHI preoperative (P > 0.56) as between the level of obstruction(s) (P > 0.24). For earlier or concomitant tonsillectomy we found a statistically difference (P > 0.039), but a very small number in the high failure group (n = 8). We conclude that although sleep endoscopy adds to better patient selection and better results, paradoxically, the finding of obstruction on palate,uvula level during sleep endoscopy can still give UPPP failures. [source]


Current Directions in Videoconferencing Tele-Mental Health Research

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY: SCIENCE AND PRACTICE, Issue 3 2009
Lisa K. Richardson
The provision of mental health services via videoconferencing tele-mental health has become an increasingly routine component of mental health service delivery throughout the world. Emphasizing the research literature since 2003, we examine (a) the extent to which the field of tele-mental health has advanced the research agenda previously suggested and (b) implications for tele-mental healthcare delivery for special clinical populations. Previous findings have demonstrated that tele-mental health services are satisfactory to patients, improve outcomes, and are probably cost effective. In the very small number of randomized controlled studies that have been conducted to date, tele-mental health has demonstrated equivalent efficacy compared to face-to-face care in a variety of clinical settings and with specific patient populations. However, methodologically flawed or limited research studies are the norm, and thus the research agenda for tele-mental health has not been fully maximized. Implications for future research and practice are discussed. [source]


Malliavin calculus for the stochastic 2D Navier,Stokes equation

COMMUNICATIONS ON PURE & APPLIED MATHEMATICS, Issue 12 2006
Jonathan C. Mattingly
We consider the incompressible, two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equation with periodic boundary conditions under the effect of an additive, white-in-time, stochastic forcing. Under mild restrictions on the geometry of the scales forced, we show that any finite-dimensional projection of the solution possesses a smooth, strictly positive density with respect to Lebesgue measure. In particular, our conditions are viscosity independent. We are mainly interested in forcing that excites a very small number of modes. All of the results rely on proving the nondegeneracy of the infinite-dimensional Malliavin matrix. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals Inc. [source]


Psychosocial interventions for non-professional carers of people with Parkinson's disease: a systematic scoping review

JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 3 2008
Susanne Hempel
Abstract Title.,Psychosocial interventions for non-professional carers of people with Parkinson's disease: a systematic scoping review. Aim., This paper is a report of a scoping review to systematically identify and collate the evidence on psychosocial interventions for non-professional carers of people with Parkinson's disease. Background., Carers are critical to people with Parkinson's disease maintaining independent living and quality of life. Parkinson's disease imposes a challenging constellation of symptoms and no summary of effective interventions for carers and their unique support needs exists. Data sources., Thirty electronic databases were searched from their inception to July 2006, and bibliographies and specific internet sites were scanned. Methods., Eligible studies were categorized according to design, type of economic evaluation where applicable, number of participants, country of evaluation, intervention, orientation, provider, setting, method of delivery, carer population, patient population, carer outcomes, patient outcomes and authors' conclusions. Data were extracted by one reviewer and checked by another reviewer; discrepancies were resolved through discussion or arbitration by a third reviewer. Findings., Thirty studies met the inclusion criteria. Most investigated relatively unique interventions involving multiple elements; the majority were not aimed primarily at carers but were embedded in patient treatment programmes. Many were pilot studies, employing weak research designs and involving very small numbers of participants and most were not designed to assess the clinical or cost effectiveness of the intervention for the carers. Conclusion., Several interventions merit further investigation but there is currently little evidence to show which approaches are effective and cost effective in supporting carers. Future studies need to employ appropriate and rigorous research designs with adequate samples and outcome measures, and with more focus on the carer. [source]


Languages Treat 1-4 Specially

MIND & LANGUAGE, Issue 1 2001
James R. Hurford
This commentary is in two sections. The first presents some specifically linguistic evidence regarding Dehaene's statement that, in animals and prelinguistic humans, only very small numbers (up to about 3) can be represented accurately 1. The second section contains some more general reflections on Dehaene's work. [source]


Perinatal outcome in fetuses with extremely large nuchal translucency measurement

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 3 2009
Fergus SCOTT
Background: Studies have suggested that an entirely normal outcome is likely when the nuchal translucency (NT) measurement is very large and the karyotype, morphology and echocardiography scans are normal. Recently this has been questioned as it is based on very small numbers. Aim: Assess the outcome of pregnancies with an NT measurement of 6.5 mm or greater. Methods: Audit of a large first trimester screening program. Results: Over the ten years to 2006, 76 813 patients underwent first trimester screening, with 120 having an extremely large NT. Thirty-one cases had normal karyotypes, of which there were four sets of twins that demised. Six cases miscarried and ten were terminated, some with morphological abnormalities. Eight cases were still alive for the morphology scan, with the only abnormality being mild pyelectasis in one case. At birth, three cases were normal and another three cases had a good outcome. Two cases had coarctation of the aorta and a good outcome. One case had Noonan's syndrome, another had cerebral palsy and the case with pyelectasis had hydronephrosis, dilated ureters and some contractures. Conclusions: When the karyotype and morphology scan are normal, the outcome is often good in spite of an extremely large NT. However, even a subtle ultrasound anomaly can indicate a genetic syndrome and echocardiography cannot exclude mild cardiac abnormalities. [source]


Estimation of Breeding Values Using Selected Pedigree Records

BIOMETRICS, Issue 2 2005
Richard Morton
Summary Fish bred in tanks or ponds cannot be easily tagged individually. The parentage of any individual may be determined by DNA fingerprinting, but is sufficiently expensive that large numbers cannot be so fingerprinted. The measurement of the objective trait can be made on a much larger sample relatively cheaply. This article deals with experimental designs for selecting individuals to be fingerprinted and for the estimation of the individual and family breeding values. The general setup provides estimates for both genetic effects regarded as fixed or random and for fixed effects due to known regressors. The family effects can be well estimated when even very small numbers are fingerprinted, provided that they are the individuals with the most extreme phenotypes. [source]