Three quantitative trati loci (QTL) regions for the restoration of Owen CMS (cytoplasmic male sterility) in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.ssp. vulgaris) were identified through analysis of three populations segregating for genes restoring the fertility of cytoplasmic male sterile plants. Two large populations, A and B, were studied by means of 51 and 42 polymorphic and evenly distributed restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers, respectively. A smaller population, C, was analyzed by use of six RFLP markers. Composite interval mapping in Population A detected a strong signal on linkage group IV that explained 79% of the phenotypic variation. More detailed analysis revealed the presence of two linked QTL on this chromosome. In Population B, a QTL that explained 72% of the phenotypic variation was detected at one end of linkage group III. Single-marker analysis of Population C resulted in significant signals for markers on linkage group IV, explaining 57% of the phenotypic variation. In each of the two large populations, what appeared to be minor alleles were also detected in the QTL regions.

The inheritance of Cercospora leaf spot resistance in sugar beet was investigated by means of quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis of a segregating population of 204 individuals, using 221 AFLP and 46 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers. Five QTL were found through composite interval mapping on linkage groups 1, 2, 3, and 9, respectively, two of which were linked on linkage group 3. The significance of these QTL was tested by permutation analysis. The QTL had mostly additive, but also certain negative dominance effects; all the resistance alleles came from the Cercospora-resistant parent. Each quantitative trait locus accounted for 7-18% of the phenotypic variation, leaving 37% of the variation unexplained. The results are discussed in relation to the potential use of marker-assisted breeding for Cercospora leaf spot resistance in sugar beet.

Epilepsy is considered a disease characterized by an underlying predisposition to seizures as well as neurobiologic, cognitive, psychologic, and social consequences. It is the most frequent chronic neurologic condition of childhood, affecting 0.5%–1% of children worldwide. It comprises a variety of disorders with many different etiologies, consequently affecting management and outcome. Although the great majority of children have epilepsies that are self-limited and have a good prognosis, it is nevertheless very well recognized that epileptic activity (be it seizures or interictal discharges) can be particularly deleterious to the developing brain acting as a disruptor to normal developmental function. Indeed, epilepsy and neurocognitive and behavioral disorders very frequently coexist, and it can be challenging to understand if there is causality or if they are all the reflection of the underlying brain disorder. Hence, accurate phenotypic and etiologic diagnosis is of utmost importance as it will not only guide decision making with regard to choice of treatment but also enable management of expectations concerning outcome. The current chapter aims to provide a general overview of the fast evolving and vast field of childhood epilepsy from its definition and epidemiology, to its diagnostic challenges, management, and outcome.

A high density sugar beet RFLP map with an average distance of 1.5 cM between markers has been constructed. The map covers 621 cM and includes 413 markers distributed over the nine linkage groups of sugar beet. The map is based on two F2populations representing two different pairs of parents. The two sets of data were integrated into a single map using 90 markers that were common to both data sets. The quality of the map was assessed in several ways. The common markers were used to investigate how often the loci had been mapped in the same order in the two F2populations. For closely situated markers (<1.5 cM) the order specified in the map is uncertain, but for markers separated by more than 2 cM the locus order is highly reliable. The error rate of the overall process was estimated at 0.3% by independently repeating the analysis of 41 markers. The map is comparatively short, with a map length corresponding to approximately 1.4 crossovers per bivalent. Another feature of the map is a high degree of clustering of markers along the linkage groups. With the possible exception of linkage group 2, each linkage group shows one major cluster, which in most cases is situated in the centre of the linkage group. Our interpretation is that sugar beet, in comparison with most other species, has an extreme localization of recombination. Key words : sugar beet, linkage, RFLP, clustering.

RFLP and RAPD markers were evaluated and compared for their ability to determine genetic relationships in a set of three B. napus breeding lines. Using a total of 50 RFLP and 92 RAPD markers, the relatedness between the lines was determined. In total, the RFLP and the RAPD analysis revealed more than 500 and 400 bands, respectively. The relative frequencies of loci with allele differences were estimated from the band data. The RFLP and RAPD marker sets detected very similar relationships among the three lines, consistent with known pedigree data. Bootstrap analyses showed that the use of approximately 30 probes or primers would have been sufficient to achieve these relationships. This indicates that RAPD markers have the same resolving power as RFLP markers when used on exactly the same set of B. napus genotypes. Since RAPD markers are easier and quicker to use, these markers may be preferred in applications where the relationships between closely-related breeding lines are of interest. The use of RAPD markers in fingerprinting applications may, however, not be warranted, and this is discussed in relation to the reliability of RAPD markers.