bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visual guidance of recovery from lens‐induced myopia in tree shrews (Tupaia glis belangeri)
Authors: Amedo Angela O , Norton Thomas T
Published: October 2011

Citation information: Amedo AO & Norton TT. Visual guidance of recovery from lens‐induced myopia in tree shrews (Tupaia glis belangeri). Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2012, 32, 89–99. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2011.00875.x

Purpose:  To examine, in tree shrews, the visual guidance of recovery from negative lens‐induced myopia by measuring the effect of wearing low‐power negative or positive lenses during recovery. To learn if removing a negative lens for 2 h per day, after compensation has occurred, is sufficient to produce recovery.

Methods:  Starting 16 days after natural eye opening (days of visual experience), juvenile tree shrews wore a monocular −5 D lens for 11 days to produce compensation (age‐appropriate refraction while wearing the lens). Recovery in four groups was started by discontinuing −5 D lens wear, which caused the treated eyes to be refractively myopic, and substituting: no lens (n = 7), a plano lens (n = 8), a −2 D lens (n = 6) or a +2 D lens (n = 10). In a fifth group (n = 6), the −5 D lens was removed for 2 h each day but worn the remainder of the time. Non‐cycloplegic refractive measurements were made daily for the first 10 days and then less frequently. After 31–35 days, the lens‐guided recovery period was ended for most animals; periodic measures were continued to assess post‐lens recovery changes.

Results:  All the eyes responded to the −5 D lens and were myopic (−4.8 ± 0.1 D, mean ± S.E.M.) compared to the untreated fellow control eye. In all groups except the −2 D lens group, some animals exhibited slow or incomplete recovery. During recovery, the treated eye of most animals recovered until its refraction, measured with the recovery‐lens in place, was near to that of the control eye. Measured without the lens, the −2 D group was myopic and the +2 D group was hyperopic. With the lens in place, the plano‐lens, −2 D lens, and +2 D lens groups remained slightly myopic (−1.0 ± 0.3 D, −0.6 ± 0.2 D and −1.3 ± 0.1 D, respectively). The rate of recovery during the first four days was unrelated to the amount of myopia initially experienced by the recovering eyes. Removal of the −5 D lens for 2 h each day produced recovery.

Conclusions:  During recovery, the emmetropization mechanism uses the presence of myopia, but perhaps not the magnitude, to guide eyes toward a refractive state similar to the control eye, regardless of whether the optically‐recovered eye is longer or shorter than the fellow control eye. Wearing a goggle frame containing a lens of any power limits the recovery. The recovery signal can be intermittent, present for only 2 h per day, and still mediate recovery in competition with increasing amounts of hyperopia as recovery progresses.
Mechanism of action of the insecticides, lindane and fipronil, on glycine receptor chloride channels
Authors: Islam Robiul , Lynch Joseph W
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Docking studies predict that the insecticides, lindane and fipronil, block GABAA receptors by binding to 6′ pore‐lining residues. However, this has never been tested at any Cys‐loop receptor. The neurotoxic effects of these insecticides are also thought to be mediated by GABAA receptors, although a recent morphological study suggested glycine receptors mediated fipronil toxicity in zebrafish. Here we investigated whether human α1, α1β, α2 and α3 glycine receptors were sufficiently sensitive to block by either compound as to represent possible neurotoxicity targets. We also investigated the mechanisms by which lindane and fipronil inhibit α1 glycine receptors.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Glycine receptors were recombinantly expressed in HEK293 cells and insecticide effects were studied using patch‐clamp electrophysiology.

KEY RESULTS Both compounds completely inhibited all tested glycine receptor subtypes with IC50 values ranging from 0.2–2 µM, similar to their potencies at vertebrate GABAA receptors. Consistent with molecular docking predictions, both lindane and fipronil interacted with 6′ threonine residues via hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds. In contrast with predictions, we found no evidence for lindane interacting at the 2′ level. We present evidence for fipronil binding in a non‐blocking mode in the anaesthetic binding pocket, and for lindane as an excellent pharmacological tool for identifying the presence of β subunits in αβ heteromeric glycine receptors.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This study implicates glycine receptors as novel vertebrate toxicity targets for fipronil and lindane. Furthermore, lindane interacted with pore‐lining 6′ threonine residues, whereas fipronil may have both pore and non‐pore binding sites.
Intrathecal neurotensin is hypotensive, sympathoinhibitory and enhances the baroreflex in anaesthetized rat
Authors: Zogovic B , Pilowsky PM
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The neuromodulatory effects of the gut‐neuropeptide neurotensin on sympathetic vasomotor tone, central respiratory drive and adaptive reflexes in the spinal cord, are not known.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Neurotensin (0.5 µM–3 mM) was administered into the intrathecal (i.t.) space at the sixth thoracic spinal cord segment in urethane‐anaesthetized, paralysed, vagotomized male Sprague–Dawley rats. Pulsatile arterial pressure, splanchnic sympathetic nerve activity (sSNA), phrenic nerve activity, ECG and end‐tidal CO2 were recorded.

KEY RESULTS Neurotensin caused a dose‐related hypotension, sympathoinhibition and bradycardia. The maximum effects were observed at 3000 µM, where the decreases in mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and sSNA reached −25 mmHg, −26 beats min−1 and −26% from baseline, respectively. The sympathetic baroreflex was enhanced. Changes in central respiratory drive were characterized by a fall in the amplitude of the phrenic nerve activity. Finally, administration of SR 142948A (5 mM), a potent, selective antagonist at neurotensin receptors, caused a potent hypotension (−35 mmHg), bradycardia (−54 beats min−1) and sympathoinhibition (−44%). A reduction in the amplitude and frequency of the phrenic nerve activity was also observed.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The data demonstrate that neurotensin plays an important role in the regulation of spinal cardiovascular function, affecting both tone and adaptive reflexes.
Endogenous migration modulators as parent compounds for the development of novel cardiovascular and anti‐inflammatory drugs
Authors: Poller Wolfgang , Rother Madlen , Skurk Carsten , Scheibenbogen Carmen
Published: October 2011

Development of novel cell migration modulators for anti‐inflammatory and cardiovascular therapy is a complex task since any modulator will necessarily interfere with a balanced system of physiological regulators directing proper positioning of diverse immune cell types within the body. Whereas this shall serve efficient pathogen elimination, lack of proper control over these processes may result in counterproductive chronic inflammation and progressive tissue injury instead of healing. Prediction of the therapeutic potential or side effects of any migration modulator is not possible based on theoretical considerations alone but needs to be experimentally evaluated in preclinical disease models and by clinical studies. Here, we briefly summarize basic mechanism of cell migration, and groups of synthetic drugs currently in use for migration modulation. We then discuss one fundamental problem encountered with single‐target approaches that arises from the complexity of any inflammation, with multiple interacting and often redundant factors being involved. This issue is likely to arise for any class of therapeutic agent (small molecules, peptides, antibodies, regulatory RNAs) addressing a single gene or protein. Against this background of studies on synthetic migration modulators addressing single targets, we then discuss the potential of endogenous proteins as therapeutic migration modulators, or as parent compounds for the development of mimetic drugs. Regulatory proteins of this type commonly address multiple receptors and signalling pathways and act upon the immune response in a phase‐specific manner. Based on recent evidence, we suggest investigation of such endogenous migration modulators as novel starting points for anti‐inflammatory and cardiovascular drug development.
Managing Salience: The Importance of Intellectual Virtue in Analyses of Biased Scientific Reasoning
Authors: Howes Moira
Published: October 2011

Feminist critiques of science show that systematic biases strongly influence what scientific communities find salient. Features of reality relevant to women, for instance, may be under‐appreciated or disregarded because of bias. Many feminist analyses of values in science identify problems with salience and suggest better epistemologies. But overlooked in such analyses are important discussions about intellectual virtues and the role they play in determining salience. Intellectual virtues influence what we should find salient. They do this in part by managing the emotions, which are cognitively involved in what we actually do find salient. One reason intellectual virtues do not factor more strongly in feminist epistemology is the mistaken assumption that they could not serve as explicit epistemic community standards for scientific inquiry. There are good reasons, however, to think in terms of community intellectual virtue and consequently, to advance explicit public standards of intellectual virtue for scientific research. To show how explicit public standards for intellectual virtue might improve reasoning in biased conditions, I analyze a striking oversight in several evolutionary immunological hypotheses concerning women's reproduction and sexuality. I conclude that feminist epistemology would benefit from greater consideration of intellectual virtues, particularly in connection with social epistemological insights.
An Overview of Maritime Waterway Quantitative Risk Assessment Models
Authors: Li Suyi , Meng Qiang , Qu Xiaobo
Published: October 2011

The safe navigation of ships, especially in narrow shipping waterways, is of the utmost concern to researchers as well as maritime authorities. Many researchers and practitioners have conducted studies on risk assessment for maritime transportation and have proposed risk reduction/control measures accordingly. This article provides a detailed review and assessment of various quantitative risk assessment models for maritime waterways. Eighty‐seven academic papers and/or project reports are summarized and discussed. The review then proceeds to analyze the frequency and consequence estimation models separately. It should be pointed out that we further summarize the advantages and disadvantages of frequency estimation models and provide recommendations for their application. From the overview, we find that the quantification of the impact of human error is of great importance and should be considered in future studies. Possible solutions are also proposed in the discussions.
Ionic and Cellular Mechanisms Underlying the Development of Acquired Brugada Syndrome in Patients Treated with Antidepressants
Authors: MINOURA YOSHINO , DI DIEGO JOSÉ M. , BARAJAS‐MARTÍNEZ HECTOR , ZYGMUNT ANDREW C. , HU DAN , SICOURI SERGE , ANTZELEVITCH CHARLES
Published: October 2011

Antidepressant‐Induced Brugada Syndrome.

Introduction:
Tricyclic antidepressants are known to induce cardiac arrhythmias at therapeutic or supratherapeutic doses. The tricyclic antidepressant, amitriptyline, is reported to induce ST segment elevation in the right precordial electrocardiogram (ECG) leads, thus unmasking Brugada syndrome (BrS). The mechanism by which antidepressants induce the BrS phenotype and associated sudden death is not well established.

Methods and Results:
Action potentials (AP) were simultaneously recorded from epicardial and endocardial sites of isolated coronary‐perfused canine right ventricular wedge preparations, together with a transmural pseudo‐ECG. Amitriptyline alone (0.2 μM–1 mM) failed to induce a BrS phenotype. NS5806 (8 μM), a transient outward potassium channel current (Ito) agonist, was used to produce an outward shift of current mimicking a genetic predisposition to BrS. In the presence of NS5806, a therapeutic concentration of amitriptyline (0.2 μM) accentuated the epicardial AP notch leading to ST‐segment elevation of the ECG. All‐or‐none repolarization at some epicardial sites but not others gave rise to phase‐2‐reentry and polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) in 6 of 9 preparations. Isoproterenol (100 nM) or quinidine (10 μM) reversed the effects of amitriptyline aborting phase 2 reentry and VT (4/4). Using voltage‐clamp techniques applied to isolated canine ventricular myocytes, 0.2 μM amitriptyline was shown to produce use‐dependent inhibition of sodium channel current (INa), without significantly affecting Ito (n = 5).

Conclusions:
Our data suggest that amitriptyline‐induced inhibition of INa unmasks the Brugada ECG phenotype and facilitates development of an arrhythmogenic substrate only in the setting of a genetic predisposition by creating repolarization heterogeneities that give rise to phase 2 reentry and VT.
FGF‐23 is associated with cardiac troponin T and mortality in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Holden Rachel M. , Beseau David , Booth Sarah L. , Adams Michael A. , Garland Jocelyn S. , Morton Ross A. , Collier Christine P. , Foley Robert N.
Published: October 2011

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF‐23) is elevated in patients with end‐stage kidney disease and has been linked with mortality, vascular calcification, markers of bone turnover, and left ventricular hypertrophy. In this cohort study, we determined the correlates of FGF‐23 (including cardiac troponin T [cTNT]) and determined its association with mortality over 3.5 years of follow‐up in 103 prevalent hemodialysis patients. Mean age was 61.2 (15.5) and the mean dialysis vintage was 4.19 years (4.6). The median (interquartile range) FGF‐23 was 1259 (491, 2885) RU/mL. Independent predictors (estimate standard error) of log‐transformed FGF‐23 concentrations included phosphorus (0.75 [0.237], P = 0.002) and cardiac troponin T (1.04 [0.41], P = 0.01). There were 57 deaths. In the fully adjusted model, the significant predictors of mortality included age and albumin. The independent association between FGF‐23 and cTNT is a novel finding. Whether this relationship supports the possibility that a downstream effect of dysregulated phosphorous homeostasis may be enhanced cardiac remodeling requires further study.
Large Electric‐Field Induced Strain in BiFeO3 Ceramics
Authors: Rojac Tadej , Kosec Marija , Damjanovic Dragan
Published: October 2011

Large bipolar strain of up to 0.36% (peak‐to‐peak value) was measured in BiFeO3 ceramics at low frequency (0.1 Hz) and large amplitude (140 kV/cm) of the driving field. This strain is comparable to that achievable in highly efficient morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) Pb‐based perovskite ceramics, such as Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 and Pb(Mg,Nb)O3–PbTiO3. The strain showed a strong dependence on the field frequency, and is probably largely associated with domain switching involving predominantly non‐180° domain walls. In addition, application of an electric field of low frequency rearranges the defects, which act as pinning centers for the domain walls. The resulting depinning of the domain walls leads to a more efficient switching and, consequently, to an increased response. The large strain reported here suggests that the domain‐wall motion in BiFeO3 may be as large as in classical lead‐based ferroelectrics. We hope that this finding might further stimulate the search of new lead‐free MPB compositions based on BiFeO3.
On the Topotactic Transformation of Ti2AlC into a Ti–C–O–F Cubic Phase by Heating in Molten Lithium Fluoride in Air
Authors: Naguib Michael , Presser Volker , Tallman Darin , Lu Jun , Hultman Lars , Gogotsi Yury , Barsoum Michel W.
Published: October 2011

Herein we report on the formation of a Ti–C–O–F phase via the topotactic transformation of Ti2AlC by immersion in molten lithium fluoride, LiF, at 900°C in air for 2 h. The Al diffuses out of the structure and reacts with LiF to form Li3AlF6. X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, optical, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, showed the selective etching of Al from the structure and the formation of a cubic, rock‐salt, Ti–C–O–F phase. The transformation is topotaxial, involves de‐twinning of the hexagonal Ti2AlC structure and results in domains that are of the order of 10 nm. The reaction rate is significantly higher when the reaction is carried out in air than when it is carried out in vacuum.
Uscana lariophaga, West‐African egg parasitoid of the cowpea bruchid beetle Callosobruchus maculatus: photoperiod, parasitization and eclosion interactions
Authors: van Huis A. , Appiah S.O.
Published: October 2011

The diurnal pattern of parasitization and eclosion of the trichogrammatid Uscana lariophaga Steffan, egg parasitoid of the cowpea bruchid Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) was studied for L12:D12 photoperiods. The wasp parasitized eggs throughout each 24‐h period with about 70% of the parasitization taking place during the first 12 h regardless whether it was the photophase or the scotophase. More female progeny was produced when the first 12‐h period was photophase instead of scotophase. Eclosion of wasps took place over a period of 4 days and occurred during the second half of the scotophase and the first half of the photophase. The number of wasps eclosed during the photophase was similar to that eclosed during the scotophase. Average development time was 8.9 days at 30°C. Male development was completed 6 to 8 h before the females, hence a higher percentage of females emerged in the later eclosion peaks. During scotophases more females eclosed than during photophases. Although the results indicate that the wasp is able to perform under dark storage conditions the effect of permanent low light intensity remains to be studied.
Dosage reduction to improve the selectivity of deltamethrin between aphids and coccinellids in cereals
Authors: Wiles John A. , Jepson Paul C.
Published: October 2011

The toxicity of the pyrethroid insecticide deltamethrin to a cereal aphid and a coccinellid beetle predator was assessed. Deltamethrin gave effective aphid control in winter wheat at dose‐rates of 6.25, 3.13 and 1.56 g a.i./ha. The direct exposure of adult Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to spray drops was estimated at a range of positions in a cereal crop canopy from volumetric analysis of fluorescent tracer deposits. These measurements were used to calculate exposure to deltamethrin at the three experimental dose‐rates. Observations of coccinellid beetle distribution through a cereal crop canopy permitted a realistic range of direct contact doses to be calculated and the toxic effects of these levels of exposure to be predicted from laboratory dose‐response data. Estimated beetle mortalities from direct exposure were 19, 8 and 3% at the three experimental dose‐rates. In situ bioassays with adult C. septempunctata which exposed beetles continuously to deltamethrin residues on flag leaves, resulted in 100, 94 and 39% mortality respectively at these dose‐rates during the 10 days after spray application. Additional in situ bioassays exposed beetles to deltamethrin residues on flag leaves for 24 h and then transferred surviving beetles to the soil under the cereal crop canopy for a further 9 days. This resulted in 89, 69 and 29% beetle mortality respectively at the three dose‐rates. Mortality predictions combining both direct contact and residual exposure were made for the three dose‐rates to determine the maximum impact of summer sprays of deltamethrin on adult coccinellid populations in cereals. These worst case predictions suggested that a reduction in dose‐rate by as much as three quarters of the recommended application rate in UK cereals may be necessary to preserve approximately 60% of adult C. septempunctata in the crop over the 10 days after a deltamethrin spray application. The methodology described may be appropriate for estimating selective dose‐rates for key enemies in a range of crops.
A case of cutaneous Scedosporium infection in an immunocompromised patient
Authors: Harrison Melody K. , Hiatt Kim H. , Smoller Bruce R. , Cheung Wang L.
Published: October 2011

Scedosporium apiospermum, the asexual stage of Pseudoallescheria boydii, is a fungus ubiquitous in soil as well as organically polluted areas, where nitrogen‐containing compounds are abundant. It is an emerging opportunistic pathogen that can range from cutaneous to disseminated infection and can be fatal within months of diagnosis. Here we present a case of disseminated S. apiospermum infection with cutaneous manifestations in a 59‐year‐old woman with myelodysplastic syndrome, in remission from chronic lymphocytic leukemia, presented with pneumonia and deteriorating mental status. An X‐ray computed tomography scan showed three non‐contrast‐enhancing hypodensities affecting the brain. Many erythematous, indurated skin lesions, measuring 3–5 mm in diameter, were noted on her chest, shoulders and arms. Biopsies were submitted for culture and histology. Histopathologic examination revealed superficial and deep perivascular and periadnexal inflammatory infiltrates of lymphocytes and neutrophils. Scattered collections of fungal organisms were noted near the eccrine glands. The periodic acid Schiff with diastase stain showed the presence of variable sized spores and hyphae with some acute angle branching. Both tissue and blood cultures were positive for a single Scedosporium species. Histologically, eccrine or peri‐eccrine involvement by fungi may be an important finding for Scedosporium infection of the skin.

Harrison MK, Hiatt KH, Smoller BR, Cheung WL. A case of cutaneous Scedosporium infection in an immunocompromised patient.
Hip strength assessment using handheld dynamometry is subject to intertester bias when testers are of different sex and strength
Authors: Thorborg K. , Bandholm T. , Schick M. , Jensen J. , Hölmich P.
Published: October 2011

Handheld dynamometry (HHD) is a promising tool for obtaining reliable hip strength measurements in the clinical setting, but intertester reliability has been questioned, especially in situations where testers exhibit differences in upper‐extremity muscle strength (male vs female). The purpose of this study was to examine the intertester reliability concerning strength assessments of hip abduction, adduction, external and internal rotation, flexion and extension using HHD, and to test whether systematic differences in test values exist between testers of different upper‐extremity strength. Fifty healthy individuals (29 women), aged 25 ± 5 years were included. Two physiotherapist students (one female, one male) of different upper‐extremity strength performed the measurements. The tester order and strength test order were randomized. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to quantify reliability, and ranged from 0.82 to 0.91 for the six strength test. The female tester systematically measured lower strength values for all isometric strength tests (P < 0.05). In hip strength assessments using HHD, systematic bias exists between testers of different sex, which is likely explained by differences in upper‐extremity strength. Hence, to improve intertester reliability, the dynamometer likely needs external fixation, as this will eliminate the influence of differences in upper‐extremity strength between testers.
Where's the naevus? Inter‐operator variability in the localization of melanocytic lesion border
Authors: Fortina Anna Belloni , Peserico Enoch , Silletti Alberto , Zattra Edoardo
Published: October 2011

Background: 

The first step in the analysis of a dermatoscopically imaged melanocytic lesion is segmentation – informally, isolating those points in the image belonging to the lesion from those belonging to the surrounding non‐lesional skin. Although typically studied in the context of automated analysis, segmentation is a necessary step even for human operators who plan to evaluate quantitative features of a lesion (such as diameter or asymmetry).

Methods: 

In a double blind evaluation of the segmentation of 77 digital dermatoscopic images, we observed a significant inter‐operator variability.

Results: 

The area of the disagreement region was on average 15.28% of the area of the lesion itself, and in 10% of the cases it was more than 28%. More experienced dermatologists showed greater agreement among themselves than with less experienced dermatologists, and a slight tendency toward ‘tighter’ segmentations.

Conclusion: 

The evaluation methodology addresses a number of crucial difficulties encountered in previous studies and may be of independent interest. Our results underscore the necessity of taking into account inter‐operator variability in large epidemiological studies, in particular those involving less experienced dermatologists, and of striving toward techniques allowing greater standardization and replicability in the evaluation of the fundamental visual parameters of lesions.
Shifts in plant community structure of a threatened sandy grassland over a 9‐yr period under experimentally induced nutrient regimes: is there a lag phase?
Authors: Faust Christopher , Storm Christian , Schwabe Angelika
Published: October 2011

Questions

Does nutrient addition to nutrient‐poor pioneer grassland lead to altered successional pathways after a lag phase? Are there shifts in plant functional types with time after nutrient addition? Is phytodiversity negatively affected by a 9‐yr nutrient addition? Is succession affected by local seed availability?

Location

Upper Rhine valley, Germany.

Methods

A five‐fold replicated randomized block design was used for addition of phosphorus, organic carbon, nitrogen (low and high dose) or combined applications of high‐dose N with P (NP), potassium (NPK) or other essential nutrients (NPKM) for 9 yr. Seed limitation was assessed as local seed rain. Data were analysed by ordination (DCA) and linear mixed models.

Results

DCA revealed two successional pathways: one typical for sandy grassland, and another on plots with high‐dose N, which was accelerated and clearly separated from the typical one after a distinct ‘lag phase’ of about 5 yr. As a general trend, phytodiversity diminished on all plots during succession, but the decrease was significantly stronger on plots with high‐dose N, which had higher turnover ratios. Habitat‐typical species from pioneer stages (‘stress tolerators’ and ‘ruderals’) and Red Data species decreased with nutrient addition. There was an increase in cover of tall plants, geophytes and hemicryptophytes, ‘competitor/stress tolerator/ruderal’ strategists and competitive graminoids on plots with high‐dose N. Above‐ground phytomass production of phanerogams increased three‐fold, but was significantly lower for cryptogams. Litter accumulation increased five‐fold on high‐dose N plots. In contrast, low‐dose N and P plots only showed responses for legumes, predominantly facilitated by P. Seed rain consisted of autochthonous and allochthonous species, but most abundant species were non‐target species.

Conclusions

Community structure, plant strategies and general successional trajectories of the studied system changed on plots with high‐dose N after 5 yr. A threatened vegetation type was gradually replaced by one with competitive drivers of succession. These findings emphasize the importance of long‐term observations for studying nutrient effects.
Did historical tree removal promote woody plant encroachment in Australian woodlands?
Authors: Ross Karen A. , Lunt Ian D. , Bradstock Ross A. , Bedward Michael , Ellis Murray V.
Published: October 2011

Question

Woody plants have increased in density in many ecosystems, but the factors promoting encroachment are often debated. Since European colonization,Callitris glaucophyllahas recruited abundantly in manyEucalyptus–Callitriswoodlands in eastern Australia following changes to disturbance regimes analogous to changes in many other ecosystems globally. We used a dynamic stand model to disentangle effects of disturbances on Callitris encroachment and asked, to what extent wasCallitrisencroachment enhanced by historical removal of pre‐settlement trees and subsequent thinning of regrowth?

Location

Woodlands dominated byEucalyptussp. andC. glaucophylla, which originally occupied ca. 100 000 km2in easternAustralia.

Methods

We used a process‐driven stand simulation model to simulate tree demography, with growth, survival and recruitment mediated by annual rainfall, competition and disturbance. Following parameter calibration and model testing, we orthogonally manipulated historical removal of pre‐settlement trees and thinning of regrowth to identify how both processes may have influenced structural changes over 120 yr ofEuropean settlement.

Results

Removal of pre‐settlement trees had little effect on modelled encroachment, as trees increased to comparable densities whether pre‐settlement trees were retained or removed. In unthinned scenarios,Callitrisregeneration formed ‘locked’ stands of high density but low basal area. Thinning promoted growth of retainedCallitris, increased total stand basal area, and together with direct removal of large pre‐settlementEucalyptusand thinning ofEucalyptusregrowth, transformed stands fromEucalyptustoCallitrisdominance.

Conclusions

Removal of pre‐settlement trees does not appear to have been a necessary precursor to modelled encroachment inEucalyptus–Callitriswoodlands in easternAustralia, perhaps because initial tree cover was low andCallitriscan regenerate beneath isolated trees. Manual thinning was required to effect major structural change becauseCallitrisself‐thins extremely slowly; thinning will be less important in other ecosystems that self‐thin more rapidly. The impact of historical tree removal on encroachment is likely to vary according to initial tree cover, with greatest impacts in dense ecosystems with high tree cover. These results highlight the value of simulation models for disentangling the effects of multiple disturbances on tree encroachment and other ecosystem dynamics.
The Price Effects of Event‐Risk Protection: The Results from a Natural Experiment
Authors: Okamoto Karl , Pedersen David , Pedersen Natalie
Published: October 2011

Prior studies conclude that bond prices reflect both an issuer's event risk and a bond's contractual protections from event risk. Therefore, it is assumed that the market requires a higher return for unprotected bonds than for comparable protected bonds. These prior studies, however, struggle with the problem of isolating the pricing effect by controlling for comparability. Issuers will differ from each other on a number of other attributes that could affect their bond prices. The issue of comparability eludes a simple modeling solution given the indefiniteness and multiplicity of variables that could cause the market to distinguish one issuer from another. Recent court decisions regarding the buyout of Bell Canada Enterprises provide a natural experiment for evaluating the pricing effect of event‐risk protection that mitigates this comparability problem. Based on this experiment, we find support for the prior conclusions that an exogenous shift in event‐risk protection is priced by the market.
Framing literacy policy: power and policy drivers in primary schools
Authors: Mills Colin
Published: October 2011

This article is linked to the theme of the special issue through its focus on micropolitical analysis of the changing role of ‘policy drivers’, mediating national policy through interactions with primary school heads and teachers. The central arguments draw on case studies undertaken in two primary schools where changes related to literacy teaching were being enacted at a particular historical moment (in 2008–2009). Conceptual tools are drawn from the work of Goffman on frame analysis to examine how an increasingly diverse range of drivers, representing new forms of marketisation (Local Authority (LA) consultants; a regional director responsible for the travel of literacy policy; one ‘bought in’ from a private company) interacted with practitioners. Differences in the framing of policy between heads, teachers and policy drivers are identified and analysed as significant features of new kinds of ‘assemblages’ in public policy. Insights from the analysis are drawn on to propose a research agenda for policy research in the literacy field in a shifting political era in England (and the rest of the United Kingdom). This agenda incorporates critical perspectives, giving voice to practitioners, and building on international work, as well as work on policy drivers in other educational areas, and from other disciplines.
Policy and the search for explanations for the gender gap in literacy attainment
Authors: Moss Gemma
Published: October 2011

This paper considers how policy‐led processes of education reform have reshaped the space in which to think about gender and literacy, both in England and elsewhere. In many jurisdictions, the discourse on quality in education now focuses almost exclusively on numerical outcomes, whether they derive from the school, and/or at local or national level. A heightened focus on performance data has brought new attention to the contrasts in the relative patterns of girls’ and boys’ attainment in literacy, whilst also changing expectations about what should be done about them. This paper highlights the politics that ensue as these data enter public discourse using examples of policy texts published in England, Ontario and Wales. It examines how these documents mobilise different explanations for the gender gap in the performance data that are then used to guide future action. What kinds of explanations for gender differences in literacy attainment have most purchase in different policy contexts? Which are most useful from a feminist perspective? These issues are considered in relation to the changing policy context in England, which is rapidly moving from a highly centralised system of directed support for school improvement to much more fragmented provision. This creates new conditions in which to act.
Measuring quality, framing what we know: a critical discourse analysis of the Common Inspection Framework
Authors: Dennis Carol
Published: October 2011

In “Measuring quality: framing what we know” I offer a critique of Success in Adult Literacy, Numeracy and ESOL provision (Success in ALNE) – a contextualised reworking of the common inspection framework. This document offers a government‐sponsored account of what quality means when applied to the teaching of adult language, literacy and numeracy. The paper draws on critical discourse analysis to argue that the writers of Success in ALNE imagine an ideal reader, inviting the actual reader to fall in with the characteristics ascribed to this positioning. I argue that Success in ALNE adopts a series of positionings regarding quality, practitioners, learners and learning, each of which require the actual reader to adopt a relational stance. Central to the argument developed is that government‐sponsored discourses around quality in adult literacy have effectively marginalised or silenced other discourses. The artefacts associated with quality – the individual learning plan – are argued to exert an agentic power; they are invested with the capacity, indeed they are required, to redefine literacy learning. Compliant with the requirements of the quality regime, they co‐opt practitioners in an act of translation and an act of betrayal in which the actuality of literacy learning is fitted to prescribed lexical categories until it coheres with the abstractions of what quality requires.
Critical and social literacy practices from the Scottish adult literacy experience: resisting deficit approaches to learning
Authors: Crowther Jim , Tett Lyn
Published: October 2011

Scotland provides an interesting context for studying adult literacy in that it is one of the few countries that explicitly acknowledge the idea of literacy as a social practice. By drawing on two initiatives we illustrate literacy learning derived from a mixture of social practice and critical literacy perspectives. Together they provide insights into how literacy may develop to challenge relationships of inequality and oppression. The role of the literacy tutor is critical to this process and needs to begin from a position which challenges the idea of literacy as a decontextualised, skill. To help learners question what it means to be literate, and to create genuinely empowering experiences, it is important to locate literacy in the wider social and political relations in which it is embedded.
Globalising literacy: the challenge of ethnolinguistic diversity in New Zealand
Authors: Haworth Penny
Published: October 2011

This paper positions local literacy issues against a backdrop of increasing global ethnolinguistic diversity. National language choices are generally influenced by wider debates on the politics of location, so decisions about language(s) associated with teaching literacy in schools tend to occur at the intersection of national and international interests. The tensions that exist at this intersection may underlie the fact that, while schools in New Zealand have been keen to embrace the multimodal literacy opportunities offered by new technologies and greater global connectivity, increased ethnolinguistic diversity has been slower to impact on literacy pedagogy. As a result, New Zealand's educational policies have tended to reinforce literacy practices that are largely English dominant, and New Zealand teachers are often found to be negotiating literacy‐related pedagogy within intercultural classrooms by trial and error. This paper provides insights into this situation and presents three literacy scenarios involving young English language learners to illuminate some of the critical literacy challenges that face New Zealand education. Ultimately, it is argued that more emphasis on transliteracy experiences will be required to meet the educational aim of greater participation in future global contexts.
Ageing well: Improving the management of patients with multiple chronic health problems
Authors: Gilbert Andrew L , Caughey Gillian E , Vitry Agnes I , Clark Alice , Ryan Philip , McDermott Robyn A , Shakib Sepehr , Luszcz Mary A , Esterman Adrian , Roughead Elizabeth E
Published: October 2011

Aim:  To identify and evaluate the management and care of older people with multiple chronic health problems (MCHP).

Methods:  Administrative health data from the Department of Veterans' Affairs and bio‐social data from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Ageing are used to determine prevalence of MCHP, treatment patterns and patient outcomes. Focus groups and semistructured interviews are used to gain patient and health practitioner perspectives.

Results:  The prevalence of MCHP in older people is high (65%) and is associated with increased use of health services, mortality and poorer self‐rated health. Australian disease‐specific guidelines fail to address MCHP, and treatment conflicts with the potential to cause harm, were common.

Conclusion:  Improvements in the care and management of older people with MCHP requires: a multifaceted approach, across the health‐care system; better coordination of holistic, patient‐centred multidisciplinary care; and effective communication and education of all stakeholders. The Health reform agenda in Australia provides an opportunity for change.
Oxidative species and S‐glutathionyl conjugates in the apoptosis induction by allyl thiosulfate
Authors: Nepravishta Ridvan , Sabelli Renato , Iorio Egidio , Micheli Laura , Paci Maurizio , Melino Sonia
Published: October 2011

Natural allyl sulfur compounds show antiproliferative effects on tumor cells, but the biochemical mechanisms underlying the antitumorigenic properties of the organ sulfur compounds are not yet fully understood. Sodium 2‐propenyl‐thiosulfate is a garlic water‐soluble organo‐sulfane sulfur compound able to promote apoptosis in cancer cells, affecting the ‘managing’ of the redox state in the cell. Our studies show that sodium 2‐propenyl‐thiosulfate reacts spontaneously with reduced glutathione at physiological pH, leading to the formation of S‐allyl‐mercapto‐glutathione, radicals and peroxyl species, which are able to induce inhibition of enzymes with cysteine in the catalytic site, such as sulfurtransferases. S‐Allyl‐mercapto‐glutathione was purified and characterized by NMR and MS, and its cytotoxic effect at 500 μm on HuT 78 cells was analyzed, showing activation of the p38–MAPK pathway. Many allyl sulfur compounds are also able to promote chemoprevention by induction of xenobiotic‐metabolizing enzymes, inducing down‐activation or detoxification of the carcinogens. Thus, the effects of the S‐allyl‐mercapto‐glutathione on proteins involved in the cellular detoxification system, such as glutathione S‐transferase, have been evaluated both in vitro and in HuT 78 cells. Although the antitumor properties of water‐soluble sulfur compounds may arise from several mechanisms and it is likely that more cellular events occur simultaneously, a relevant role is played by the formation of both reduced glutathione conjugates and radical species that affect the activity of the thiol‐proteins involved in fundamental cellular processes.
Pattern of presentation of pressure ulcers in traumatic spinal cord injured patients in University College Hospital, Ibadan
Authors: Iyun Ayodele O , Malomo Adefolarin O , Oluwatosin Odunayo M , Ademola Samuel Adesina , Shokunbi Matthew T
Published: October 2011

The neurosurgery division in University College Hospital (U.C.H.) admits approximately one traumatic spinal cord injured (SCI) patient per week, most of whom stay a minimum of 42 days on admission. A common complication in these patients is the development of pressure ulcers, which contributes to a longer hospital stay and increased hospital expenses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the pattern of presentation of pressure ulcers in patients on admission and to propose policies or protocols to reduce the incidence. It is a prospective study of traumatic SCI patients managed on the neurosurgery ward from January 2003 to June 2004. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Sixty‐seven patients were studied. The average hospital stay was 73 days. Thirteen (20%) of the patients were admitted with pressure ulcers, 32 (47·7%) developed it after admission. As much as 87·5% of pressure ulcers seen in the course of this study which occurred on admission in U.C.H. was in the first week of admission, 6·25% in the second week and the remaining 6·25% in the third week. Pressure ulcers were distributed as follows; 69% (42) in the sacral region, 18% (11) trochanteric, 5% (3) scalp, 1·5% (1) ankle, 1·5% (1) ischial tuberosity, the remaining 5% in other sites. Preventive measures for pressure ulcers consisted of basic skin care, pressure dispersion using fenestrated foams and alternating weight‐bearing sites by regular turning. Pressure ulcers are commonest in the sacral and gluteal regions and tend to occur within the first week of admission in the neurosurgical wards.
Fates beyond traits: ecological consequences of human‐induced trait change
Authors: Palkovacs Eric P. , Kinnison Michael T. , Correa Cristian , Dalton Christopher M. , Hendry Andrew P.
Published: October 2011

Human‐induced trait change has been documented in freshwater, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems worldwide. These trait changes are driven by phenotypic plasticity and contemporary evolution. While efforts to manage human‐induced trait change are beginning to receive some attention, managing its ecological consequences has received virtually none. Recent work suggests that contemporary trait change can have important effects on the dynamics of populations, communities, and ecosystems. Therefore, trait changes caused by human activity may be shaping ecological dynamics on a global scale. We present evidence for important ecological effects associated with human‐induced trait change in a variety of study systems. These effects can occur over large spatial scales and impact system‐wide processes such as trophic cascades. Importantly, the magnitude of these effects can be on par with those of traditional ecological drivers such as species presence. However, phenotypic change is not always an agent of ecological change; it can also buffer ecosystems against change. Determining the conditions under which phenotypic change may promote vs prevent ecological change should be a top research priority.
BEING A PARENT ON DIALYSIS: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Wadd Kaylene , King Lindy , Bennett Paul , Grant Julian
Published: October 2011

Aim: This literature review explored the extant literature to further our understanding of the experience of being a parent on dialysis.

Methods: Keywords used to search the literature were haemodialysis, hemodialysis, chronic kidney disease, end stage renal disease, parent and experience. Databases searched included CINAHL, Medline, Wiley/Blackwell, EBSCOHost, Web of Science, Pubmed and ProQuest. Years included were 1999–2009. Seventeen primary research articles (sixteen qualitative, one mixed methods) met the search criteria with only one on parents undergoing dialysis.

Findings: The experience of the parent on dialysis has rarely been explored in the literature. Related research has indicated important themes including: restricted lives; relationships; adjustment; consequences and future outlook.

Conclusions: More should be known about challenges that face parents who receive dialysis. This review established an urgent need for further research to determine the experiences and needs of this population to provide empirical, person‐centred nursing care.
THE LIVED EXPERIENCE OF THE PERSON DEPENDENT ON HAEMODIALYSIS
Authors: Calvey Dympna , Mee Lorraine
Published: October 2011

The phenomenon of experiencing life dependent on haemodialysis is infinitely multi‐faceted. It effects all aspects of people's lives, and not only their lives, but those of the people around them. Busy dialysis units often do not have time to explore these effects on the lives of their patients outside the clinical setting.

Aims: The aim of this qualitative study was to step into the lives of seven patients once they were outside the dialysis unit.

Method: Seven chronic haemodialysis patients were selected and interviewed using an in‐depth semi‐structured approach, following the philosophy of Heidegger. Data was analysed using Colaizzi's seven‐stage process.

Results: The strongest common theme emerged through descriptions of the patient's ‘Sense of Self’, within which emerged sub‐themes; The Future Self, The Living Self, The Mortal/Fragile Self and The Growing/Learning Self. These were further explored and related back to importance of awareness of such findings within the renal haemodialysis practice setting.