Dear Sir, The “Focus on...” article in the March 2011 issue of EJNMMI [1] omitted one excellent Cerenkov emitter, P, and a classical organ in which to exploit it, namely, the eye. In 1971, I demonstrated Cerenkov radiation from P in a rabbit’s eye following IV injection of the orthophosphate [2]. It was the proof of concept stage of a project to differentially diagnose ocular melanoma. The basic apparatus was to have a binocular system where the unaffected eye tracked a moving spot on a display while the eye under examination was monitored with a light detector, thereby mapping the Cerenkov distribution on the back of that eye. If ocular melanoma still poses a diagnostic dilemma, this simple technique is waiting to be tested.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of zonisamide on ethanol self-administration and subjective effects in risky drinkers using a human laboratory paradigm. Method: We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the effects of zonisamide 100 mg on ethanol self-administration and urge to drink in risky drinkers (N = 10) (1). Result: During the second hour of a 2-hour self-administration session ethanol consumption was 50% lower in the zonisamide group as compared to the placebo group. Urge to drink was also significantly lower under the zonisamide condition. Conclusion: These results indicate that a single dose of zonisamide reduces urge to drink and the quantity of ethanol self-administered by risky drinkers during their second hour of access to alcohol. Scientific Significance: Zonisamide may help individuals drinking at risky levels reduce their intake of alcohol.

Conner Bailey (2) Susan Barro Dennis Becker Thomas Beckley (3) Michael Bell Jenny Bellamy Jill Belsky (2) David Bengston (2) E. Helen Berry Glyn Bissix (2) Dale Blahna (3) Gary Blank John Bliss (3) Annie Booth (3) Lisa Bourke Michael Bowker Peter Boxall Steven Brechin Joan Brehm Alan Bright Perry Brown Phil Brown (2) Ralph Brown Mark Brunson (3) Ralf Buckley Robert Buerger William Burch James Burchfield (3) Philip Burnham Steve Burr Lawrence Busch (2) George Busenberg Diane Mitsch-Bush Fred Buttel

The organization and description of a comprehensive ecosystem model useful to ecosystem management is necessary. In this article, we propose the human ecosystem as an organizing concept for ecosystem management. First, we describe the history of the human ecosystem idea; both biological ecology and mainstream social theories provide useful guidance. Next we present the key elements of a human ecosystem model: critical resources (natural, socioeconomic, and cultural), social institutions, social cycles, and social order (identities, norms, and hierarchies). In each element, we (I) provide a general definition and description, (2) suggest ways that the variable can be measured, and (3) give selected examples of how it may influence other components of the human ecosystem. The article concludes with specific suggestions as to how the human ecosystem model can play an organizing role in ecosystem management.