bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zimbabwe's Drought Relief Programme in the 1990s: A Re‐Assessment Using Nationwide Household Survey Data
Authors: Munro Lauchlan T.
Published: August 2006

Zimbabwe's Drought Relief Programme was hailed in the 1980s and 1990s as an effective response to a food crisis in a poor country. International observers in particular credited the Programme with preventing famine and protecting livelihoods. Even before the current political turmoil and the ensuing politicisation of Drought Relief that have afflicted Zimbabwe since 2000, Zimbabwean authors were more sceptical about the effectiveness of Drought Relief. Both sides in the debate, however, failed to substantiate their arguments with national household survey data on who got what kind of assistance from Drought Relief, but rather relied on administrative data, qualitative interviews or sub‐national surveys. Drawing its inspiration from WHO's minimum evaluation procedure, this article uses data from four nationwide household surveys in 1992–1993 and 1995–1996 and various definitions of poverty to ask whether Drought Relief provided poor people with relevant, timely and adequate assistance in the 1990s. The analysis suggests that Drought Relief was effective in supporting drought‐affected smallholders during the 1990s. Drought Relief generally had a slight pro‐poor bias. Unfortunately, Drought Relief since 2000 has a very different character.
Risk Management in Higher Education and Research in the Netherlands
Authors: Helsloot I. , Jong W.
Published: August 2006

This study examines risk in higher education and research on the basis of a classification into three domains. The practical utility of this division into three domains is that it makes it easier to see what risks are unique to higher education (custodianship of knowledge), what risks are dependent on developments in society (microcosm of society) and what risks faced by an educational establishment are no different from those facing any other organization (education as an organization). The results of a survey of the field (through questionnaires, meetings and interviews) show that higher education institutions still do not routinely have an integrated policy on safety, security and crisis management. Within individual institutions, there is little communication between the three. Institutions, staff and students have limited awareness of the range of risks to which they and their environment are exposed. At the same time, establishments tend not to share their experiences in this field with others. Even within individual institutions, there is often little involvement of staff and students in safety and security policy and its implementation.
Evolutionary ecology meets wildlife management: artificial group augmentation in the re‐introduction of endangered African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus)
Authors: Graf J. A. , Gusset M. , Reid C. , Van Rensburg S. Janse , Slotow R. , Somers M. J.
Published: August 2006

As an alternative to kin selection, group augmentation theory provides a framework for evolutionary mechanisms maintaining cooperative breeding when individual fitness is positively related to group size. It is expected that a cooperator group would accept or adopt unrelated foreigners when it is below a critical threshold size and group members could thus benefit from recruiting additional helpers. In re‐introduction attempts, this would allow for a group to be augmented artificially before release, which would enhance its chance to establish itself successfully in the release area. This possibility was tested using endangered African wild dogs Lycaon pictus studied in Hluhluwe‐iMfolozi Park, South Africa. Here, we report on the first successful artificial integration of an unrelated adult female with her three male pups into an existing pack. In addition, post‐release monitoring data are presented, including how a yearling male displaced the dominant male that adopted him as a pup, adding to the controversy over the evolutionary stability of group augmentation as a route to cooperative breeding. This study thus demonstrates how theory from evolutionary ecology can be applied to practical wildlife management, and vice versa.
Incomplete reporting of whale, dolphin and porpoise ‘bycatch’ revealed by molecular monitoring of Korean markets
Authors: Baker C. S. , Lukoschek V. , Lavery S. , Dalebout M. L. , Yong‐un M. , Endo T. , Funahashi N.
Published: August 2006

We report the results of molecular monitoring of ‘whalemeat’ markets in the Republic of (South) Korea based on nine systematic surveys from February 2003 to February 2005. As Korea has no programme of commercial or scientific whaling and there is a closure on the hunting of dolphins and porpoises, the only legal source of these products was assumed to be incidental fisheries mortalities (‘bycatch’) as reported by the government to the International Whaling Commission. Species identification of 357 products using mitochondrial DNA control region or cytochrome b sequences and the web‐based programme DNA‐surveillance revealed three species of baleen whales (North Pacific minke, common form Bryde's and humpback), three species of beaked whales (Cuvier's, Stejneger's and Blainville's), seven species of dolphins (short‐finned pilot, false killer and killer whales; Risso's, bottlenose, common and Pacific white‐sided dolphins) and two species of porpoises (harbour and finless). Comparison of market products with official records revealed a number of discrepancies. Of the eight species identified on the markets in 2003, three were not reported in official records for that year. Of the 11 species identified in 2004, five were not reported as bycatch, although one species, a humpback whale, was reported as ‘stranded’. We also found significant inconsistencies in the expected frequencies of products from most species, including a large over‐representation of finless porpoises and false killer whales. We suggest ways in which market surveys could be improved to provide better information on the magnitude of fisheries bycatch and other illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) exploitation of wildlife.
Activity patterns of Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) in the Central Mountains of Taiwan
Authors: Hwang M.‐H. , Garshelis D. L.
Published: August 2006

Shifts in activity patterns and time budgets in response to environmental variables may yield insights into key factors affecting animal life histories. Activity data on wild Asiatic black bearsUrsus thibetanusare limited, and non‐existent in tropical portions of their geographic range. During November 1998–November 2000, we monitored the activity (active vs. inactive) of bears within a national park in the tropics of central Taiwan. On the basis of 4630 readings from motion‐sensitive transmitters obtained in 24‐h monitoring sessions, bears were active 54–57% of the time over the course of the year. However, bears were more active during summer (60±15%sd) and fall (60±15%) than in spring (47±13%). They were active mainly during daylight hours in spring and summer, and also during fall when acorns, a principal fall food, were scarce. However, extensive nocturnal activity occurred in fall when acorns were abundant. Increased nocturnal activity in fall is consistent with studies of the related American black bearUrsus americanus, and suggests that this behavior is not necessarily driven by preparation for winter denning or because of disturbance by hunters (as posited in previous studies), as bears in our study did not den (except parturient females) and were not hunted or otherwise disturbed by people.
Reproductive strategies and body shape in the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) from contrasting habitats in Italy
Authors: Zuffi M. A. L. , Celani A. , Foschi E. , Tripepi S.
Published: August 2006

Comparisons within and among populations offer important insights into variation in life‐history traits and possible adaptive patterns to environmental conditions. We present the results of observed differences in body size, body shape and patterns of reproduction in four separate populations of the European pond turtle Emys orbicularis in central and southern Italy – coastal (n=3) and mountainous (n=1) sites and pond (n=2) and canal (n=2) habitats – to determine whether phenotypic plasticity affects reproductive output. Although we did not find any significant latitudinal variation in body size, we observed significant differences in body shape between canal (rounded body shape) and pond (elongated body shape) systems and smaller size with rounded shape in the mountainous population. Reproductive output is similar among populations (median=5 eggs per clutch), whereas reproductive investment (relative clutch mass to maternal body mass) is higher in the mountain population (one clutch per year) than in coastal populations (two clutches per year), suggesting differential trade‐offs between geographic locality, elevation and habitat type. Turtle shell shape and geographic location together affect reproductive output in E. orbicularis in Italy.
Map of dermatology: ‘first‐impression’ user feedback and agenda for further development
Authors: Boulos Maged N. Kamel
Published: August 2006

Background:  Map of Dermatology (http://healthcybermap.org/dermap/) is a free web resource that enables users to search for images of skin conditions by body region and morphology rather than by condition name, which is much more useful and natural in answering questions about unknown clinical presentations/diagnoses, especially for non‐specialists.

Objectives and methods:  This paper presents responses received from twelve users, including specialist dermatologists, non‐specialists (some with interests in health informatics), and lay persons, who provided their ‘first‐impression’ feedback on Map of Dermatology by responding to a very short e‐mail questionnaire covering service usefulness and interface usability. The paper also provides a brief review of the gaps in current online dermatology information service provision in general.

Results:  The overall user feedback received was very positive. An exploratory discussion of the arguments and possibilities for radically improving Map of Dermatology to produce ‘the ultimate web‐based dermatology diagnostic tool’ is also provided, together with some desiderata and preliminary ‘design and feature specifications’ for such a tool based on users’ suggestions, the gaps highlighted in other existing online dermatology tools, and the author's own reflections and experience.

Conclusions:  When successfully developed, the proposed tool is expected to have significant potential for efficiently and effectively addressing many of the currently unmet educational needs of clinicians.
Collection policy management for the Kuopio University and Kuopio University Hospital, Finland: detecting the needs of users and developing high‐quality collections
Authors: Kananen Jukka , Ovaska Tuulevi , Saarti Jarmo
Published: August 2006

Background:  This article discusses the collection policies of a university library in a modern digital environment. A brief description of national collection policy decisions in Finland is provided. The rapid evolution and growth of scientific publication places new demands on building a collection in a health and bioscience orientated university, and it requires an evidence‐based approach to support effective service processes.

Objectives:  The aim of the study was to identify the needs of the university's students and staff.

Methods:  Usage statistics were surveyed and analysed.

Results:  Both usage statistics and user surveys indicate that the library use is divided half‐and‐half between the traditional use of printed material and library premises and the modern use of digital materials via the Web. The former is mainly the way that the students and hospital staff use the library, and the latter can be viewed as the researchers’ way of using the library. Librarians and information specialists act in this as service providers and/or guides and tutors to the end‐users. These results, however, must be validated with a longer timescale data collation and analysis, both of which are an ongoing process within the library.

Conclusions:  It is important that requirements and needs of the library's users are monitored regularly and acquisition policies are updated frequently. It also seems that the needs have changed quite dramatically in response to modern ways of disseminating publications, but this supposition will require further study.
Complex alternative splicing of the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein gene is unique to human and non‐human primates
Authors: Delarasse Cécile , Della Gaspera Bruno , Lu Chuan Wei , Lachapelle François , Gelot Antoinette , Rodriguez Diana , Dautigny André , Genain Claude , Pham‐Dinh Danielle
Published: August 2006

Myelin/oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) is a minor integral membrane protein specific to CNS myelin, encoded by a gene located in the major histocompatibility complex. MOG is an highly encephalitogenic autoantigen and a target for autoaggressive immune responses in CNS inflammatory demyelinating diseases. We performed transcriptomic analyses for a gene expressed only in mammalian CNS, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG). Complex splicing patterns were exclusively found in primates and not in mice, unlike patterns found for other myelin protein genes. In addition to those shared with rodents, these multiple MOG isoforms likely support functions unique to the primate order, in particular maintenance of myelin structure, intracellular signaling, and modulation of CNS autoimmunity via exposure of specific MOG determinants. Developmentally, in human brain the splice variants of MOG appear at a late stage compared to the major isoform, coincidental with myelination and myelin maturation, unlike other myelin proteins. These findings are discussed within the framework of a biological basis for phenotype diversity in recent mammalian evolution and for the notoriously variable clinical expression of diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Blockade of PARP activity attenuates poly(ADP‐ribosyl)ation but offers only partial neuroprotection against NMDA‐induced cell death in the rat retina
Authors: Goebel Dennis J. , Winkler Barry S.
Published: August 2006

Recent reports have linked neuronal cell death by necrosis to poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐1 (PARP‐1) hyperactivation. It is believed that under stress, the activity of this enzyme is up‐regulated, resulting in extensive poly(ADP‐ribosyl)ation of nuclear proteins, using NAD+ as its substrate, which, in turn, leads to the depletion of NAD+. In efforts to restore the level of NAD+, depletion of ATP occurs, resulting in the shutdown of ATP‐dependent ionic pumps. This results in cell swelling and eventual loss of membrane selectivity, hallmarks of necrosis. Reports from in vitro and in vivo studies in the brain have shown that NMDA receptor activation stimulates PARP activity and that blockade of the enzyme provides substantial neuroprotection. The present study was undertaken to determine whether PARP activity is regulated by NMDA in the rat retina, and whether blockade of PARP activity provides protection against toxic effects of NMDA. Rat retinas exposed to intravitreal injections containing NMDA, with or without the PARP inhibitor N‐(6‐oxo‐5, 6‐dihydrophenanthridin‐2‐yl)‐(N,‐dimethylamino) acetamide hydrochloride (PJ‐34), were assessed for changes in PARP‐1 activity as evidenced by poly(ADP‐ribosyl)ation (PAR), loss of membrane integrity, morphological indicators of apoptosis and necrosis, and ganglion cell loss. Results showed that: NMDA increased PAR formation in a concentration‐dependent manner and caused a decline in retinal ATP levels; PJ‐34 blockade attenuated the NMDA‐induced formation of PAR and decline in ATP; NMDA induced the loss of membrane selectivity to ethidium bromide (EtBr) in inner retinal neurons, but loss of membrane selectivity was not prevented by blocking PARP activity; cells stained with EtBr, or reacted for TUNEL‐labeling, displayed features characteristic of both apoptosis and necrosis. In the presence of PJ‐34, greater numbers of cells exhibited apoptotic features; PJ‐34 provided partial neuroprotection against NMDA‐induced ganglion cell loss. These findings suggest that although blockade of PARP activity fully attenuates NMDA‐induced PAR formation and loss of retinal ATP content, and improves the survival of select populations of ganglion cells, this approach does not provide full neuroprotection. In contrast, blockade of PARP activity promotes apoptotic‐like cell death in the majority of cells undergoing cell death. Furthermore, these studies show that the loss of membrane selectivity is not dependent upon PAR formation or the resulting decline of ATP, and suggests that an alternative pathway, other than PARP activation, exists to mediate this event.
The role of prohormone convertase‐2 in hypothalamic neuropeptide processing: a quantitative neuropeptidomic study
Authors: Pan Hui , Che Fa‐Yun , Peng Bonnie , Steiner Donald F. , Pintar John E. , Fricker Lloyd D.
Published: August 2006

Prohormone convertase (PC) 1/3 and 2 are involved in the generation of neuropeptides from their precursors. A quantitative peptidomic approach was used to explore the role PC2 plays in the processing of hypothalamic peptides. In this approach, extracts from mice lacking PC2 activity and from wild‐type littermates were labeled with isotopic tags, combined, fractionated on a reverse phase HPLC column, and analyzed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Altogether, 53 neuropeptides or other peptides derived from secretory pathway proteins were identified and sequenced using tandem mass spectrometry. These peptides arise from 21 distinct proteins: proenkephalin, proopiomelanocortin, prodynorphin, protachykinin A and B, procholecystokinin, promelanin‐concentrating hormone, proneurotensin, proneuropeptide Y, provasopressin, pronociceptin/orphanin, prothyrotropin‐releasing hormone, cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript, chromogranin A and B, secretogranin II, prohormone convertase 1 and 2, propeptidyl‐amidating monooxygenase, and proteins designated proSAAS and VGF. Approximately one third of the peptides found in wild‐type mice were not detectable in PC2 knock‐out mice, and another third were present at levels ranging from 25 to 75% of wild‐type levels. Comparison of the cleavage sites suggests that sequences with a Trp, Tyr and/or Pro in the P1′ or P2′ position, or a basic residue in the P3 position, are preferentially cleaved by PC2 and not by other enzymes present in the secretory pathway.
Ultrastructural localisation and differential agonist‐induced regulation of AMPA and kainate receptors present at the presynaptic active zone and postsynaptic density
Authors: Feligioni Marco , Holman David , Haglerod Camilla , Davanger Svend , Henley Jeremy M.
Published: August 2006

Activity‐dependent changes in ionotropic glutamate receptors at the postsynaptic membrane are well established and this regulation plays a central role in the expression of synaptic plasticity. However, very little is known about the distributions and regulation of ionotropic receptors at presynaptic sites. To determine if presynaptic receptors are subject to similar regulatory processes we investigated the localisation and modulation of AMPA (GluR1, GluR2, GluR3) and kainate (GluR6/7, KA2) receptor subunits by ultrasynaptic separation and immunoblot analysis of rat brain synaptosomes. All of the subunits were enriched in the postsynaptic fraction but were also present in the presynaptic and non‐synaptic synaptosome fractions. AMPA stimulation resulted in a marked decrease in postsynaptic GluR2 and GluR3 subunits, but an increase in GluR6/7. Conversely, GluR2 and GluR3 increased in the presynaptic fraction whereas GluR6/7 decreased. There were no significant changes in any of the compartments for GluR1. NMDA treatment decreased postsynaptic GluR1, GluR2 and GluR6/7 but increased presynaptic levels of these subunits. NMDA treatment did not evoke changes in GluR3 localisation. Our results demonstrate that presynaptic and postsynaptic subunits are regulated in opposite directions by AMPA and NMDA stimulation.
Polysialic acid limits choline acetyltransferase activity induced by brain‐derived neurotrophic factor
Authors: Burgess Alison , Aubert Isabelle
Published: August 2006

Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), the enzyme synthesizing acetylcholine, is known to be activated by brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). We found that the specific removal of the carbohydrate polysialic acid (PSA) significantly increased BDNF‐induced ChAT‐activity in embryonic septal neurons. Using a p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) function‐blocking antibody and K252a, a‐pan tropomyosin related kinase (Trk) inhibitor, we demonstrate that BDNF‐induced ChAT activity requires the stimulation of p75NTR and TrkB. PSA removal drastically increased radioactive iodinated ([125I])BDNF's maximal binding capacity (Bmax), derived from concentrations of [125I]BDNF ranging from 1 pM to 3.2 nM. In the presence of unlabeled nerve growth factor to prevent the binding of [125I]BDNF to p75NTR sites, the impact of PSA removal on the binding capacity of [125I]BDNF was greatly reduced. In conclusion, PSA limits BDNF‐induced ChAT activity and BDNF–receptor interactions. BDNF‐induced ChAT activity is TrkB and p75NTR dependent, and upon PSA removal the additional binding of BDNF to its receptors, especially p75NTR, likely contributes to the maximal ChAT activity observed. In vivo, the ontogenetic loss of PSA in the postnatal period may allow more interactions between BDNF and its receptors to increase ChAT activity and assure the proper development of the cholinergic septal neurons.
Comparison of the experience sampling method and questionnaires to assess visual activities in pre‐teen and adolescent children*
Authors: Rah Marjorie J. , Walline Jeffrey J. , Lynn Mitchell G. , Zadnik Karla
Published: August 2006

Aim:  A study was conducted to assess the feasibility of the experience sampling method (ESM) to quantify the daily visual tasks of children.

Methods:  Thirty‐one children (9–14 years old, 39% male) were randomly paged after school (four times per day) and on weekends (eight times per day) for seven consecutive days. When paged, the children completed a voicemail survey regarding the nature, duration, working distance and type of visual correction worn during the activity. Responses of the subjects were grouped into 14 categories. Before beginning the paging, each child and one parent also reported, via survey, the number of hours and working distance for several visual activities.

Results:  The usable (complete voicemail responses) response rate was 87.1%. The most commonly reported activity category was watching television (17.8%). Other common responses included distance activities (12.5%), reading/studying (12.2%) and sports/outdoor activities (12.0%). Of the total number of responses, 25% were near work activities (reading/studying, computer use, near hobbies and playing Game Boy). The mean working distance (±S.D.) reported was 40.4 ± 36.9 cm for reading/studying, 232.9 ± 127.1 cm for watching television, 354.7 ± 345.8 cm for distance activities and 438.5 ± 421.0 cm for sports/outdoor activities. When comparing the ESM to surveys, the only significant difference was for the amount of time estimated to be spent in talking/conversation (p < 0.0001). No differences were found for any of the near work activities.

Conclusions:  The ESM provides a feasible way to quantify daily near work tasks in children.
The contribution of accommodation and the ocular surface to the microfluctuations of wavefront aberrations of the eye
Authors: Zhu Mingxia , Collins Michael J. , Robert Iskander D.
Published: August 2006

We have used videokeratoscopy and wavefront sensing to investigate the contribution of the ocular surface and the effect of stimulus vergence on the microfluctuations of the wavefront aberrations of the eye. The fluctuations of the wavefront aberrations were quantified by their variations around the mean and by using power spectrum analysis. Integrated power was determined in two regions: 0.1–0.7 Hz (low frequencies) and 0.8–1.8 Hz (high frequencies). Changes in the ocular surface topography were measured using high‐speed videokeratoscopy and variations in the ocular wavefront aberrations were measured with a wavefront sensor. The microfluctuations of wavefront aberrations of the ocular surface were found to be considerably smaller than the microfluctuations of the wavefront aberrations of the total eye. The fluctuations in defocus while viewing a closer target at 2 or 4 D were found to be significantly greater than fluctuations in defocus when viewing a far target. This increase in defocus fluctuations (p ≤ 0.001) occurred in both the low‐ and high‐frequency regions of the power spectra.
Longitudinal changes in peripheral refraction with age
Authors: Charman W. N. , Jennings J. A. M.
Published: August 2006

The changes in the patterns of refraction (skiagrams) over the central ±35 degrees of the horizontal field of 3 originally near‐emmetropic eyes of 2 subjects were determined over a time interval of 26 years. The subjects were aged 32 and 40 years at the time of the first measurements. The central refractions shifted in the expected hyperopic direction, while the radial and tangential image fields in the periphery became more myopic. These longitudinal results agree with recent transverse studies, provided that allowance is made for the change in central refraction: the reported loss with age in peripheral visual performance does not seem to be attributable to markedly increased peripheral astigmatism.
The Mallett Fixation Disparity Test: influence of test instructions and relationship with symptoms
Authors: Karania Rajula , Evans Bruce J. W.
Published: August 2006

Fixation disparity is a minute ocular misalignment under conditions of binocular single vision and is typically detected in primary eye care practices in the UK using the Mallett Unit Fixation Disparity Test. This instrument creates natural viewing conditions, when the patient's binocular system is fused using both central and peripheral fusion locks. This allows the examiner to determine the minimum prism power that eliminates the fixation disparity: the associated phoria or aligning prism. The spherical power that eliminates the fixation disparity, the aligning sphere, can also be determined. The near Mallett Unit Fixation Disparity Test has been shown to have good sensitivity and specificity for detecting symptomatic heterophoria. Cases of decompensated heterophoria tend to have a fixation disparity and the aligning prism or aligning sphere is a good indicator of the correction that will render the heterophoria compensated. The purpose of this study was, for the first time, to investigate the effect of test instructions on the results of the Mallett Unit Fixation Disparity Test. In study 1, we surveyed and observed practitioners to determine the instructions that are typically used. In study 2, we compared results obtained with this ‘standard’ method of questioning with a more ‘specific’ form of questioning that has been suggested in the literature. The participants for study 2 were 105 patients aged 7–70 years who were randomly selected from those attending a community optometric practice. Significantly different results were obtained with the two sets of instructions. The specific form of questioning revealed more cases of fixation disparity and the results with this method showed a better correlation with symptoms. This only held for near vision: for distance vision, symptoms were not significantly correlated with the presence of fixation disparity. This agrees with previous work with the Mallett unit, which showed a significant relationship with symptoms only at near. We also found that patients with more severe symptoms had greater degrees of aligning prism. Our study supports previous work indicating that the Mallett unit is a useful tool for detecting symptomatic heterophoria at near. However, we found that the testing method is important: patients need to be asked not just whether the nonius strips are aligned but also whether one or both of the strips ever moves. More research is needed to investigate the significance of precise test instructions in other optometric and orthoptic tests.
Cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of six multipurpose soft contact lens disinfecting solutions1
Authors: Santodomingo‐Rubido Jacinto , Mori Osamu , Kawaminami Satoshi
Published: August 2006

Objectives:  To assess and compare the cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of six multipurpose disinfecting contact lens solutions (MPDS).

Method:  Six MPDS were assessed and compared: MeniCare Soft, Complete Moisture Plus, Solo‐Care Aqua, Opti‐Free Express, ReNu MultiPlus and ReNuMoistureLoc. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by means of the colony‐forming assay (ISO 10993‐5) using one cell line. One hundred Chinese hamster's fibroblast V79 cells in 2 mL of medium were inoculated into 6‐well plates and cultured for 24 h. After incubation, the medium was removed and 2 mL of each MPDS was diluted with physiological saline and medium and added individually into wells at 1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10% concentrations. After an additional 6 days of incubation, cells were fixed and stained with Giemsa solution. Subsequently, the number of colonies was counted. Cytotoxicity was expressed in terms of the concentration of the MPDS that suppresses colony formation. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by means of the stand‐alone contact lens disinfection test (ISO 14729).

Results:  Cytotoxicity–MeniCare Soft and Complete Moisture Plus were not cytotoxic at any of the concentrations tested. The cytotoxicity ranking of the other MPDS was as follows: Solo‐Care Aqua≈Opti‐Free Express < ReNu MultiPlus < ReNu MoistureLoc. Antimicrobial activity– All MPDS met the primary criteria of the stand‐alone test for bacterial species. ReNu MoistureLoc showed borderline values for Serratia marcescens and Staphylococcus aureus. Complete Moisture Plus failed to meet the stand‐alone test criteria for Fusarium solani.

Conclusions:  Large differences in cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity were found among the MPDS under investigation. Multipurpose disinfecting contact lens solutions with identical concentrations of polyhexamethylene biguanide can behave differently depending on solution formulation. The new MeniCare Soft showed effective antimicrobial activity and minimal cytotoxicity.
Case report: pseudophakic dysphotopsia simulating Bagolini glasses
Authors: Guerin Eoin , Armstrong Stewart
Published: August 2006

A case is reported of a 68‐year‐old patient who had undergone uneventful cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation. She reported the perception of a binocular cross simulating that seen with Bagolini striated glasses, especially with streetlights at night. It is suggested that this phenomenon was caused by posterior capsular folds.
Effects of retinal image degradation on pre‐attentive visual search (PAVS) efficiency for flicker, movement and orientation stimuli
Authors: Davison Peter , Loughman James
Published: August 2006

Background:  Previous research has shown that several clinical conditions cause increased pre‐attentive visual search (PAVS) times, implying reduced parallel search capabilities in glaucoma and DLB dementia. The purpose of the research reported here was to examine for the first time the resistance of PAVS to dioptric blur using targets differing from the background in terms of flicker, vertical displacement, and orientation. Resistance would enhance the applicability of PAVS as a screening method for glaucoma and other clinical conditions affecting performance of a substantial area of the retina.

Method:  Computer generated flicker, orientation and vertical displacement targets were used to assess PAVS efficiency. The subject's task was to locate a small single target subtending 0.92° as quickly as possible (embedded in a field of 119 distractors) on either the left‐ or right‐hand side of a computer monitor. Average PAVS response times were calculated for 40 presentations of each target type presented randomly in any one of 120 positions within ±15° of fixation. Subjects performed the test using their distance spectacles (unless emmetropic), then three tests using positive lenses simulating myopia of up to −3 D, and finally using optimum correction again.

Results:  anova revealed that blur of up to 3 D had no statistically significant effect on response times to the flicker target. Blur of over 2.0 D however resulted in increased response times for the displacement target, but only for eyes which were not cyclopleged. The orientation target became significantly more difficult to locate, response times becoming progressively slower with increasing levels of blur (p < 0.05%).

Conclusions:  The present flicker and displacement targets are relatively resistant to the effects of reduced acuity, while the orientation target is only suitable for testing subjects with good visual acuity.
Efficacy of multipurpose solutions for rigid gas permeable lenses
Authors: Boost Maureen , Cho Pauline , Lai Sindy
Published: August 2006

The use of multipurpose solutions for cleaning and disinfecting rigid gas permeable lenses has replaced single purpose solutions, but there are no reports of the efficacy of these multipurpose solutions, or of the effects of storage conditions on their disinfecting capacities. This study investigated activity against four bacterial and two fungal species, and the effects of storage in a refrigerator, at room temperature, at elevated temperature in both dry and humid conditions and with exposure to sunlight. The disinfecting solutions were challenged with the micro‐organisms initially upon opening and then at 2‐weekly intervals up to 12 weeks after being stored under the different conditions. Solutions were opened daily to simulate use. One solution failed to meet Food and Drug Administration (FDA) criteria to reduce numbers of bacteria by three log dilutions and of fungi by one log dilution. Storage reduced activity of all solutions over the 12‐week period, but not below the requirements of the FDA. Storage in the refrigerator tended to reduce disinfecting capacity more quickly. Multipurpose solutions for rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses lose activity over the 3 months recommended time of use but remain satisfactory for use over this time in the conditions tested. Practitioners need to remind patients to replace their solutions regularly and should advise against storage in the refrigerator. Multipurpose solutions for RGP lenses have simplified cleaning and disinfecting processes and the current formulations have improved disinfecting capacity compared to former disinfecting solutions, which is particularly important for wearers of orthokeratology lenses.
Optometrist referrals for cataract and ‘Action on Cataracts’ guidelines: are optometrists following them and are they effective?
Authors: Lash S. C. , Prendiville C. P. , Samson A. , Lewis K. , Munneke R. , Parkin B. T.
Published: August 2006

Purpose:  To assess the information included in optometrist referrals for cataract to the Hospital Eye Service with reference to the recommendations made by the Department of Health in ‘Action on Cataracts’ and the resultant surgical listing rates.

Methods:  We prospectively collected and analysed the information included in three different types of optometrist referrals for cataract over 8 weeks. Referrals containing ‘full information’ as recommended in ‘Action on Cataracts’ confirmed cataract as the cause of visual loss with a detrimental effect on the patient's lifestyle, and a willingness for surgery. The referral outcomes were assessed in terms of listing rate and the reasons for not listing, for each type of referral form.

Results:  A total of 412 referrals were analysed. Of these, 50% (208) were ‘conventional’ referrals via the general practitioner (GP) [39% (n = 162) using the General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) 18 referral form and 11% (n = 46) an optometrist's custom letter]; 35% (n = 143) were direct referrals and 15% (n = 61) were GP referrals with no optometrist information (these results were excluded from further analysis). The listing rates for optometric referrals were 78% (n = 272) overall, 83% (n = 119) for direct and 74% (n = 153) for conventional referrals. ‘Full information’ was included in 17% (n = 8) of letter referrals and 10% (n = 16) of GOS 18 referrals. The listing rates were 83% for referrals with full information and 73% for referrals specifying only that cataracts were the cause of visual loss. The listing rates for referrals with partial information were 78% for ‘cataract’ plus ‘effect on lifestyle’ and 67% for ‘cataract’ plus ‘willingness for surgery’. The most common reason for not listing a patient for surgery was ‘no effect on lifestyle’, accounting for 42% (n = 32).

Conclusion:  We recommend that all referrals for cataract should confirm a detrimental effect on lifestyle and the patient’s willingness for surgery, in addition to confirming cataract as the main cause of visual loss.
Islam, Slavery and Jihad in West Africa
Authors: Searing James
Published: August 2006

Modernist readings of Islam exist in different forms, from the Orientalist to the Islamist, but they agree in defining Islam by looking back to the founding period of the Prophet and his immediate successors. Muslim reformers undertook this step to cut out centuries of commentary and precedent that they blamed for the stagnation of the Muslim world, but their influence is now so pervasive that it distorts historical interpretations of Muslim thought by imposing modernist interpretations that erase past debates about contentious issues such as jihad and slavery. This article challenges the assumptions of this modernist consensus by exploring past debates about slavery and jihad in West Africa from 1600 to 1900, and exploring the diversity of positions defended by West African Muslims. For heuristic purposes, these are defined as those of the revolutionary, the jurist, and the mystic.
Slavery and the Founding
Authors: Mason Matthew
Published: August 2006

One of the oldest but hottest debates over the U.S. Constitution has concerned its relationship to slavery, a dispute that goes right to the heart of the meaning of the founding of the republic. Some observers have portrayed slavery as a – even the – vital problem of the Founding, and denounced the Constitution as a proslavery document. Other scholars contend that this picture unduly elevates the importance of slavery in the contest over the Constitution and distorts the intent of the Founders. This essay reviews recent entries in this debate to frame its argument that slavery figured largely as a weapon that Federalists and Antifederalists wielded to press their more primary points. It examines the debates over – and using – the various slavery clauses in the document to conclude that slavery was a versatile tool in rather than a core concern of the Constitutional Convention and ratification debates.
Demo-Skepticism and Genocide
Authors: Conversi Daniele
Published: August 2006

Genocide studies have expanded rapidly over the last twenty years, impelled by events such as the Bosnian and Rwandan tragedies and aided by the interdisciplinary confluence between comparative politics, history, anthropology and other social sciences. The challenge from historical sociology is particularly meaningful and few scholars are better equipped to achieve this task than Michael Mann. His explanation, linking genocide to ‘democracy‘, is a relatively novel one. However, while scholars from various disciplines broadly agree on the link between genocide and modernity, the description of ethnic cleansing as the ‘dark side of democracy’ is more controversial. This article assesses Mann's claim, contrasting it with recent research in the field: after situating Mann's contribution within the structure–agency debate, I question whether causality and human responsibility are lost. I then explore the broader, recent trend of ‘demo-skepticism’ to which the book belongs. Its main weakness is a contraction of the concept of democracy into that of ‘majority rule’. This is accompanied by an intermittent overlap between the concepts of democracy, liberalism and neoliberalism, under the umbrella term ‘liberal democracy’.
Six Ways of Salvation: How Does Jesus Save?
Authors: Peters Ted
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  Using the model method for comparative analysis of theological theories, this article compares and contrasts six models of atonement: (1) Jesus as teacher of true knowledge; (2) Jesus as moral example and influence; (3) Jesus as the victorious champion and liberator; (4) Jesus as our satisfaction; (5) Jesus as the happy exchange; and (6) Jesus as the final scapegoat.
Luther and Shankara: Two Ways of Salvation in the Indian Context
Authors: Penumaka Moses P.P.
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  This article compares and contrasts the soteriology of Reformer Martin Luther with Advaita philosopher Shankara. Luther's emphasis on the communication of attributes (communicatio idiomatum) in the two natures of Christ gets doubled in faith, where the indwelling Christ takes on our human nature while giving the believer the fruits of his divine nature, such as eternal life. Conversely, our human finite history replete with suffering is taken up into the divine life, dignifying what is mundanely human. In the Indian tradition of the Upanishads and nonduality in philosophy, Shankara seeks the union of the Self (atman) with the highest reality, the Absolute (Brahman). The realization of the oneness of Self with Brahman requires the shedding of all historical or personal attributes. The result is that the suffering of oppressed untouchables and other lower castes is dubbed unreal. A healthy soteriology in the context of Indian spirituality—a Dalit soteriology—could benefit from Luther's exchange of attributes, because the mundane sufferings of humble people are dignitifed by receiving a place in God's reality.
Salvation and Suicide: What Does Islamic Theology Say?
Authors: Anees Munawar A.
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  The Islamic soteriological doctrine advocates good deeds and God's mercy as the pre‐requisites for human salvation. This article introduces these two important dimensions of the Muslim belief of salvation. In contemporary settings it addresses some of the motives behind the spate of suicide bombings by Muslims and argues that taking one's own life is totally forbidden in Islam. The moving notion that suicide bombing is an open door to salvation is, therefore, untenable. Whatever the mitigating factors, there is no legitimacy in Islamic Law (shariah) to the crime of suicide or the derived terrorism.
Experiences of the Risen Jesus: The Foundational Historical Issue in the Early Proclamation of the Resurrection
Authors: Habermas Gary R.
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  That Jesus' disciples experienced what they believed were appearances of the risen Jesus after his death is generally conceded by the critical scholarly community. The nature of these experiences is the key component in recent historical discussions. Drawn from a survey of recent scholarly resurrection studies, and building upon agreed data, various reasons are given to establish the reality of the disciples' experiences. Three major responses to the cause of these experiences are also outlined. The chief goal of this essay is not to decide between these three positions, but to narrow the focus of the current discussion.
Biological and biochemical differences between in vitro‐ and in vivo‐reared Exorista larvarum
Authors: Dindo Maria Luisa , Grenier Simon , Sighinolfi Luca , Baronio Piero
Published: August 2006

Quantitative and qualitative parameters of Exorista larvarum (L.) (Diptera: Tachinidae) reared on two insect‐material‐free artificial media and in the factitious host Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) were compared. Significantly higher puparial yields and weights were obtained in both a milk‐based and a veal homogenate‐based medium than in the factitious host. Longevity and parasitization rates were not different between the in vitro‐ and in vivo‐reared flies. Despite the greater puparial weight of the veal medium‐reared E. larvarum females, the number of eggs laid by these females on host larvae was not higher than that of females reared under the other two rearing conditions. Moreover, in a complementary experiment, with homogeneous puparial weights of milk medium‐ and host‐reared females, the former oviposited fewer eggs. Hence, puparial weight alone is not a reliable quality parameter for E. larvarum reared on artificial media. Lower amino acid content, with a deficiency in aromatic amino acids and an excess in proline, was found for in vitro third instar parasitoid larvae reared on both media compared to the in vivo‐reared ones. These results suggest a correlation between the amino acid deficiency and imbalance of medium‐reared larvae and the lower number of eggs laid by the females obtained.
Haldane's rule in Carabus: interspecific mating between Carabus punctatoauratus and Carabus splendens using experimental tests and molecular markers
Authors: Brouat Carine , Meusnier Serge , Veyrier Renaud , Streiff Réjane
Published: August 2006

Carabus splendens Olivier and Carabus punctatoauratus Germar (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Carabini) are ground beetles found in sympatry in forests in the eastern Pyrénées. We investigated potential interspecific mating using crossing experiments under controlled laboratory conditions and paternity analyses based on microsatellite markers. We show that under laboratory conditions, interspecific mating produces viable and fertile offspring. Although hybrid males were sterile, females were fertile and thus reproductive isolation between the two species is far from complete. We discuss the results in relation to species integrity due to pre‐ or post‐zygotic barriers, and compare them to a previous study quantifying hybridization between the two species in natural populations.
Manipulating fertilization: a management tactic against Frankliniella occidentalis on potted chrysanthemum
Authors: Chau Amanda , Heinz Kevin M.
Published: August 2006

Fertilization during production of greenhouse chrysanthemum, Dendranthema grandiflora (Tzvelev), will influence Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) populations as well as plant productivity and postproduction longevity. It is essential to include fertilization effects in the development of crop management practices that reduce thrips populations and maintain plant marketability. In this study, we lowered fertilization to reduce thrips population abundance while maintaining plant productivity. We tested fertilization levels below and above the recommended level (375 p.p.m. N) for commercial production. We reduced mean rate of change in F. occidentalis abundance from 0.05 to 0.03 (day−1) and mean number of thrips per plant by 44% by fertilizing with either 188 p.p.m. N (50% of the recommended level) or 568 p.p.m. N (150%) and higher. Fertilization influenced not only the rate of change in thrips abundance but also the production time (from transplanting to flower opening). Lowering fertilization to 50% of the recommended level lengthened mean production time from 84 to 88 days. Plant height, flower size, and flower number were not adversely affected when fertilization was reduced to 50% of the recommended level. Mean postproduction longevity was shortened from 26 to 24 days when plants were fertilized with 50% of the recommended level. Two important advantages of lowering fertilization to 50% of the recommended level were (1) a 44% reduction in mean F. occidentalis abundance and (2) a significant reduction in fertilizer input for the production system. Manipulation of fertilization can be a useful management tactic against F. occidentalis.