bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a psychosocial adaptation questionnaire for Chinese patients with visual impairments
Authors: Zhang Xiu‐jie , Wang Ai‐ping
Published: September 2011

Aim.  To develop a psychosocial adaptation questionnaire for Chinese patients with visual impairments and to examine its reliability and validity.

Background.  Psychosocial adaptation with disease has been studied, however, there have been few reports on the impact of visual impairment on psychosocial adaptation. An instrument has not been developed to assess psychosocial adaptation with visual impairment specifically for patients in China.

Methods.  Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used. A questionnaire was developed based on the concept of psychosocial adaptation with visual impairment. Items for the questionnaire were developed by reviewing the literature and carrying out a semi‐structured interview with 12 visually impaired patients. Five ophthalmologists and ten patients evaluated the content validity and face validity of the questionnaire, respectively. The method of convenient sampling was used to select 213 visually impaired patients in the Ophthalmology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University to participate in the study. Discriminative index and item‐total correlation analyses were used to delete items that were lower than a set criterion. Regarding construct validity, factor analysis was performed. The Self‐rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), General Self‐Efficacy Scale (GSES) and Self Acceptance Questionnaire (SAQ) were used to evaluate criterion validity. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used as an index of internal consistency. To evaluate test–retest reliability, 50 patients were re‐evaluated after 24 hours.

Results.  A total of 204 questionnaire items were created. 22 items were deleted by discriminative index and item‐total correlation before factor analysis; 38 items were entered into the model for factor analysis. Seven factors were extracted by using principal factor analysis and varimax rotation, with a cumulative contribution of 59·18%. The correlation coefficients between the psychosocial adaptation questionnaire for visual impairment and the SAS, GSES and SAQ were −0·771, 0·754 and 0·722, respectively (p < 0·01). The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the psychosocial adaptation questionnaire was 0·948. The alpha coefficients of seven sub‐questionnaires ranged from 0·56–0·89. The correlation coefficients for the total questionnaire and seven sub‐questionnaires ranged from 0·97–0·99 (p < 0·01).

Conclusion.  The results of this study confirmed the reliability and validity of the 38‐item psychosocial adaptation questionnaire for the visually impaired in China. It therefore can be used as a measurement tool for widespread, cost‐effective clinical assessment and further research.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The new tool may help nurses and other clinical personnel to evaluate the psychosocial adaptation of visually impaired patients and provide a suitable basis for assisting with adaptation to visual impairment and enhancing quality of life.
Climatic constraints on trait‐based forest assembly
Authors: Laughlin Daniel C. , Fulé Peter Z. , Huffman David W. , Crouse Joseph , Laliberté Etienne
Published: September 2011

1. Climatic constraints on plant distributions are well known, but predicting community composition through knowledge of trait‐based environmental filtering remains an important empirical challenge. Here, we evaluate the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model of trait‐based community assembly using forest communities occurring along a 12 °C gradient of mean annual temperature (MAT).We use independent cross‐validation to evaluate model predictions from sites where trait constraints are predicted from environmental conditions. We also test whether orthogonal axes of trait variation can be used as predictors to improve model parsimony and explore MaxEnt forecasts of species distributions in a warmer climate.

2. Environmental factors explained between 31% and 74% of the community‐weighted mean trait values, indicating moderate‐to‐strong selection of traits along the environmental gradients. A model with 10 traits explained 54% of the variation in observed relative abundances, which approached the upper limit of 57% given the available environmental information. Three orthogonal axes accounted for 81% of the trait variation among species, and environmental factors explained between 47% and 67% of the variation in these axes. However, the axes only explained 18% of the variation in relative abundances, suggesting that minor axes of functional variation may be important or that models with many traits may achieve good predictive capacity through over‐fitting.

3. Trait–environment relationships formed the basis for predicting vegetation change in a future scenario where MAT was increased by 2.5 °C. The results suggested that up to 78% of Pinus ponderosa forest in Arizona may transition to dominance by Juniperus monosperma, but this forecast likely overestimates the rates of species migration.

4. Synthesis. MaxEnt is a mathematical translation of trait‐based environmental filtering of the species pool and performs moderately well in predicting forest community structure using empirical trait–environment relationships. MaxEnt required many traits to achieve good fits, and three orthogonal axes of trait variation performed poorly as predictors of community structure. To be useful predictors, traits must vary strongly among species and community‐weighted mean traits must vary predictably along environmental gradients.
Changes in molar position associated with missing opposed and/or adjacent tooth: a 12‐year study in women
Authors: LINDSKOG‐STOKLAND B. , HANSEN K. , TOMASI C. , HAKEBERG M. , WENNSTRÖM J. L.
Published: September 2011

Summary  The aim of this study was to radiographically analyse long‐term changes in (i) overeruption of unopposed molars and (ii) tipping of molars with a mesial edentulous space, and whether there is an interaction between the two events. A further aim was to analyse if loss of alveolar bone height might influence overeruption and tipping. The sample consisted of panoramic radiographs taken at an interval of 12 years of 292 subjects from a prospective population study of women. The panoramic radiographs were scanned and analysed. Changes in tipping, overeruption and alveolar bone height of molars and control teeth were measured. The results showed that unopposed molars were more commonly found in the upper jaw and that unopposed molars showed 4·9 times higher risk of overeruption of ≥2 mm (95% CI 1·5–15·3) than opposed molars during the 12‐year observation period. The average overeruption for the unopposed molars was 4·5% (s.d. 7·6), which corresponds to approximately 0·9 mm. The degree of overeruption increased with decreased bone support. Molars with a mesial edentulous space were most prevalent in the lower jaw, but neither an edentulous space nor alveolar bone level/bone level change were found to have a significant effect on tipping of the molars. The average mesial tipping was 0·8° (s.d. 5·6). In conclusion, unopposed molars showed a significantly increased risk for overeruption. Molars facing a mesial edentulous space showed a low risk for mesial tipping, but a significant interaction between overeruption and tipping was identified.
Fungal farmers or algal escorts: lichen adaptation from the algal perspective
Authors: PIERCEY‐NORMORE MICHELE D. , DEDUKE CHRISTOPHER
Published: September 2011

Domestication of algae by lichen‐forming fungi describes the symbiotic relationship between the photosynthetic (green alga or cyanobacterium; photobiont) and fungal (mycobiont) partnership in lichen associations (Goward 1992). The algal domestication implies that the mycobiont cultivates the alga as a monoculture within its thallus, analogous to a farmer cultivating a food crop. However, the initial photobiont ‘selection’ by the mycobiont may be predetermined by the habitat rather than by the farmer. When the mycobiont selects a photobiont from the available photobionts within a habitat, the mycobiont may influence photobiont growth and reproduction (Ahmadjian & Jacobs 1981) only after the interaction has been initiated. The theory of ecological guilds (Rikkinen et al. 2002) proposes that habitat limits the variety of photobionts available to the fungal partner. While some studies provide evidence to support the theory of ecological guilds in cyanobacterial lichens (Rikkinen et al. 2002), other studies propose models to explain variation in symbiont combinations in green algal lichens (Ohmura et al. 2006; Piercey‐Normore 2006; Yahr et al. 2006) hypothesizing the existence of such guilds. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Peksa & Škaloud (2011) test the theory of ecological guilds and suggest a relationship between algal habitat requirements and lichen adaptation in green algal lichens of the genus Lepraria. The environmental parameters examined in this study, exposure to rainfall, altitude and substratum type, are integral to lichen biology. Lichens have a poikilohydric nature, relying on the availability of atmospheric moisture for metabolic processes. Having no known active mechanism to preserve metabolic thallus moisture in times of drought, one would expect a strong influence of the environment on symbiont adaptation to specific habitats. Adaptation to changes in substrata and its properties would be expected with the intimate contact between crustose lichens in the genus Lepraria. Altitude has been suggested to influence species distributions in a wide range of taxonomic groups. This is one of the first studies to illustrate an ecological guild, mainly for exposure to rainfall (ombrophiles and ombrophobes), with green algal lichens.
The spatial distribution of acid phosphatase activity in ectomycorrhizal tissues depends on soil fertility and morphotype, and relates to host plant phosphorus uptake
Authors: ALVAREZ MARICEL , HUYGENS DRIES , DÍAZ LEILA MILENA , VILLANUEVA CLAUDIA AÑAZCO , HEYSER WOLFGANG , BOECKX PASCAL
Published: September 2011

Acid phosphatase (ACP) enzymes are involved in the mobilization of soil phosphorus (P) and polyphosphate accumulated in the fungal tissues of ectomycorrhizal roots, thereby influencing the amounts of P that are stored in the fungus and transferred to the host plant. This study evaluated the effects of ectomycorrhizal morphotype and soil fertility on ACP activity in the extraradical mycelium (ACPmyc), the mantle (ACPmantle) and the Hartig net region (ACPHartig) of ectomycorrhizal Nothofagus obliqua seedlings. ACP activity was quantified in vivo using enzyme‐labelled fluorescence‐97 (ELF‐97) substrate, confocal laser microscopy and digital image processing routines. There was a significant effect of ectomycorrhizal morphotype on ACPmyc, ACPmantle and ACPHartig, while soil fertility had a significant effect on ACPmyc and ACPHartig. The relative contribution of the mantle and the Hartig net region to the ACP activity on the ectomycorrhizal root was significantly affected by ectomycorrhizal morphotype and soil fertility. A positive correlation between ACPHartig and the shoot P concentration was found, providing evidence that ACP activity at the fungus:root interface is involved in P transfer from the fungus to the host. It is concluded that the spatial distribution of ACP in ectomycorrhizas varies as a function of soil fertility and colonizing fungus.
Could rapid diameter changes be facilitated by a variable hydraulic conductance?
Authors: STEPPE KATHY , COCHARD HERVÉ , LACOINTE ANDRÉ , AMÉGLIO THIERRY
Published: September 2011

Adequate radial water transport between elastic bark tissue and xylem is crucial in trees, because it smoothens abrupt changes in xylem water potential, greatly reducing the likelihood of suffering dangerous levels of embolism. The radial hydraulic conductance involved is generally thought to be constant. Evidence collected about variable root and leaf hydraulic conductance led us to speculate that radial hydraulic conductance in stem/branches might also be variable and possibly modulated by putative aquaporins. We therefore correlated diameter changes in walnut (Juglans regia L.) with changes in water potential, altered by perfusion of twig samples with d‐mannitol solutions having different osmotic potentials. Temperature and cycloheximide (CHX; a protein synthesis inhibitor) treatments were performed. The temperature response and diameter change inhibition found in CHX‐treated twigs underpinned our hypothesis that radial hydraulic conductance is variable and likely mediated by a putative aquaporin abundance and/or activity. Our data demonstrate that radial water transport in stem/branches can take two routes in parallel: an apoplastic and a cell‐to‐cell route. The contribution of either route depends on the hydraulic demand and is closely linked to a boost of putative aquaporins, causing radial conductance to be variable. This variability should be considered when interpreting and modelling diameter changes.
Temporal comparison of ultrasound vs. auscultation and capnography in verification of endotracheal tube placement
Authors: PFEIFFER P. , RUDOLPH S. S. , BØRGLUM J. , ISBYE D. L.
Published: September 2011

Background

This study compared the time consumption of bilateral lung ultrasound with auscultation and capnography for verifying endotracheal intubation.

Methods

A prospective, paired, and investigator‐blinded study carried out in the operating theatre. Twenty‐five adult patients requiring endotracheal intubation were included. During intubation, transtracheal ultrasound was performed to visualize passage of the endotracheal tube. During bag ventilation, bilateral lung ultrasound was performed for the detection of lung sliding as a sign of ventilation simultaneous with capnography and auscultation of the epigastrium and chest. Primary outcome measure was time difference to confirmed endotracheal intubation between ultrasound and auscultation alone. Secondary outcome measure was time difference between ultrasound and auscultation combined with capnography.

Results

Both methods verified endotracheal tube placement in all patients. In 68% of patients, endotracheal tube placement was visualized by real‐time transtracheal ultrasound. Comparing ultrasound with the combination of auscultation and capnography, there was a significant difference between the two methods. Median time for ultrasound was 40 s [interquartile range (IQR) 35–48 s] vs. 48 s (IQR 45–53 s), P < 0.0001. Mean difference was −7.1 s in favour of ultrasound [95% confidence interval (CI) −9.4–−4.8 s]. No significant difference was found between ultrasound compared with auscultation alone. Median time for auscultation alone was 42 s (IQR 37–47 s), P = 0.6, with a mean difference of −0.88 s in favour of ultrasound (95% CI −4.2–2.5 s).

Conclusions

Verification of endotracheal tube placement with ultrasound is as fast as auscultation alone and faster than the standard method of auscultation and capnography.
Rapid floral senescence following male function and breeding systems of some tropical orchids
Authors: Huda M. K. , Wilcock C. C.
Published: September 2011

No comparative study of floral senescence following male function among a range of tropical orchid genera has previously been undertaken. The timing and pattern of floral senescence and occurrence of fruit formation were studied following self‐, geitonogamous and cross‐pollination in 14 epiphytic and two terrestrial orchid species to determine their breeding system and assess the occurrence of floral abscission following pollinaria removal. Both pollination and pollinaria removal caused rapid floral senescence, and the pattern and timing of the floral changes were the same in all treatments. Six Dendrobium species and Pelatantheria insectifera were self‐incompatible (SI) and eight other species, including one terrestrial species, were self‐compatible (SC). Capsules produced from outcrossing in four SC species, Phalaenopsis cornu‐cervi, Eria pubescens, Cleisostoma appendiculatum and Arundina graminifolia, were larger and heavier than those produced after selfing. Reductions in flower life span following pollinaria removal were positively correlated with flower size and longevity of unpollinated flowers but not with position in the inflorescence or nature of the breeding system. Rapid flower senescence following pollinaria removal reported here suggests that it may be widespread in tropical species. The significant association of the response with size of flowers and inflorescences among the species studied suggests that the cost of flower maintenance outweighs the benefit of remaining open for female function after pollinaria have been removed. Both SC and SI species were found among tropical orchids, but variation in capsule size following self‐ and cross‐pollination indicates that there may be a reduction in seed production following selfing, even in SC species, and that fruit formation alone should not be taken as reliable evidence of full self‐compatibility.
Whole‐genome QTL scan for ultrasound and carcass merit traits in beef cattle using Bayesian shrinkage method
Authors: Nalaila S.M. , Stothard P. , Moore S.S. , Li C. , Wang Z.
Published: September 2011

Fine mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for 16 ultrasound measurements and carcass merit traits that were collected from 418 hybrid steers was conducted using 1207 SNP markers covering the entire genome. These SNP markers were evaluated using a Bayesian shrinkage estimation method and the empirical critical significant thresholds (α = 0.05 and α = 0.01) were determined by permutation based on 3500 permuted datasets for each trait to control the genome‐wide type I error rates. The analyses identified a total of 105 QTLs (p < 0.05) for seven ultrasound measure traits including ultrasound backfat, ultrasound marbling and ultrasound ribeye area and 113 QTLs for seven carcass merit traits of carcass weight, grade fat, average backfat, ribeye area, lean meat yield, marbling and yield grade. Proportion of phenotypic variance accounted for by a single QTL ranged from 0.06% for mean ultrasound backfat to 4.83% for carcass marbling (CMAR) score, while proportion of the phenotypic variance accounted for by all significant (p < 0.05) QTL identified for a single trait ranged from 4.54% for carcass weight to 23.87% for CMAR.
Lack of association between color morphs of the Jellyfish Cassiopea andromeda and zooxanthella clade
Authors: Lampert Kathrin P. , Bürger Patrick , Striewski Sebastian , Tollrian Ralph
Published: September 2011

Understanding the ecology and evolution of the cnidarian‐algal symbiosis is of major scientific interest as it is sensitive to temperature and strong light and may therefore be susceptible to climate change. The stability of this mutualism is often mediated by host color pigments that influence photosynthetic activity in symbiotic dinoflagellates either by providing the photosystem with irradiance of suitable wavelength or by protecting it from much too much and potentially damaging light. Like scleractinian corals, the upside‐down jellyfish, Cassiopea andromeda, relies heavily on the nutrients provided by its symbionts of the dinoflagellate genus Symbiodinium. It occurs in several conspicuously different color morphs and is found in habitats with high levels of irradiation. We tested whether the color morphs of Cassiopea were correlated with the Symbiodinium distribution in the host and whether host color was associated with different clades of Symbiodinium. We found that the presence of color pigment did not correlate with the distribution of Symbiodinium in the host. Symbiodinium was found in both the colored tentacles of the jellyfish and the colorless feeding tentacles. At least six different color morphs co‐occurred in the very shallow waters of the Red Sea, but they all hosted a single Symbiodinium clade (clade A1). Therefore, no correlation of host color morph and Symbiodinium clade could be found. Photoaccumulative or photoprotective functions of host pigments, as proposed for some scleractinian corals, thus seem unlikely in the colored tentacles (vesicles) of the upside‐down jellyfish Cassiopea andromeda.
Inhibitory effect of sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine digluconate in clinical isolates of Sporothrix schenckii
Authors: Madrid Isabel Martins , Mattei Antonella Souza , Santin Rosema , dos Reis Gomes Angelita , Cleff Marlete Brum , Meireles Mário Carlos Araújo
Published: September 2011

The susceptibility of Sporothrix schenckii isolates from clinical cases of canine, feline and human sporotrichosis, and from the environment, was evaluated with 4% sodium hypochlorite and 6.6% chlorhexidine digluconate using the broth microdilution, agar diffusion and direct exposure techniques. The minimal inhibitory concentration was smaller than 0.8% for chlorhexidine digluconate and between 8% and 4% for sodium hypochlorite. Inhibition zones were not found in agar diffusion for sodium hypochlorite, and zones averaging 1.9 mm were found for chlorhexidine digluconate. In the direct exposure test, sodium hypochlorite demonstrated best performance at 20 min of contact, as chlorhexidine digluconate presented little antimicrobial activity.
Ocular infections caused by non‐tuberculous mycobacteria: update on epidemiology and management
Authors: Girgis Dalia O , Karp Carol L , Miller Darlene
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background:  To provide an update on the frequency, distribution, risk factors and in vitro susceptibility of ocular infections caused by non‐tuberculous mycobacteria.

Design:  Retrospective study of university clinic patients.

Participants:  One hundred thirty‐nine patients with culture confirmed non‐tuberculous mycobacteria infections seen at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute from January 1980 to July 2007.

Methods:  Chart review of data collected included patients' demographics, risk factors, microbiological profiles and clinical outcomes.

Main Outcome Measures:  Frequency, distribution, risk factors and in vitro susceptibility of ocular infections caused by non‐tuberculous mycobacteria.

Results:  A total of 183 non‐tuberculous mycobacteria isolates from 142 eyes were identified, with a fourfold increase in the number of eyes infected with non‐tuberculous mycobacteria from 1980–1989 (13.4%) to 2000–2007 (56.3%). Eighty‐three percent of non‐tuberculous mycobacteria isolates were identified as M. abscessus/chelonae. The majority (91%) of isolates were recovered within 10 days. Common diagnoses included keratitis (36.6%), scleral buckle infections (14.8%) and socket/implant infections (14.8%). Identifiable risk factors were presence of biomaterials (63.1%), ocular surgery (24.1%) and steroid exposure (77%). The median time from diagnosis of culture positive non‐tuberculous mycobacteria infection to resolution was 13 to 24 weeks. Combination therapy was used to treat 80% of infected eyes. In vitro susceptibility of non‐tuberculous mycobacteria isolates were: amikacin, 81%; clarithromycin, 93%; and moxifloxacin, 21%.

Conclusions:  The incidence of ocular infections caused by non‐tuberculous mycobacteria has increased within the last 8 years, with a high number of biomaterial associated infections among this group. Clinical diagnosis and microbiological confirmation of non‐tuberculous mycobacteria infections remains challenging. Patient outcomes may be improved by early diagnosis, appropriate therapy and removal of biomaterials.
Insulin‐like growth factor‐2 antisense oligonucleotides inhibits myopia by expression blocking of retinal insulin‐like growth factor‐2 in guinea pig
Authors: Tang Ren‐hong , Tan Jia , Deng Zhi‐hong , Zhao Shao‐zhen , Miao Ying‐bin , Zhang Wei‐juan
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Objective:  To clarify the role of IGF‐2 on the development of myopia, the dynamic expression of IGF‐2 was investigated in the FD eyes’ retina, and the effects of intravitreous injection with IGF‐2 ASON was studied on the diopter and axial eye length of FD eyes.

Methods:  64 guinea pigs were divided into 2 groups. In group A (n = 24), the right eyes were covered. On days 7, 14 and 21, the diopter, axial eye length and level of IGF‐2 of both eyes were measured in every 8 guinea pigs. In group B (n = 40), the right eyes were covered. On day 1, the right eyes were received intravitreal injection with 40 µg IGF‐2SON, 10 µg, 20 µg or 40 µg IGF‐2 ASON. The diopter, axial eye length and level of IGF‐2 were measured on day 14.

Results:  FD eyes showed myopic shift, axial length enlongation, and up‐regulation in retinal IGF‐2 from day 7 to day 21. The level of retinal IGF‐2 in FD eyes was higher than that in non‐FD eyes. Compare with FD eyes without injection, the myopia diopter of FD eyes decreased in received intravitreous injection with IGF‐2 ASON, axial length shortened, and down‐regulated with retinal IGF‐2. With the increase dose of IGF‐2 ASON, the change of myopic diopter, axial length, and level of retinal IGF‐2 were showed more and more significant.

Conclusions:  FD is effective to up‐regulate the level of retinal IGF‐2 expression in guinea pig. Intravitreous injection with IGF‐2 ASON can inhibit the development of myopia.
Prevalence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome in indigenous Australians within central Australia: The Central Australian Ocular Health Study
Authors: Landers John , Henderson Tim , Craig Jamie
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background:  Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (XFS) has been found to occur more commonly among indigenous Australians. This paper was designed to determine the prevalence of XFS within the indigenous Australian population living in central Australia.

Design:  Clinic‐based cross‐sectional study.

Participants:  One thousand eight hundred eighty‐four individuals living in one of 30 remote communities within the statistical local area of ‘Central Australia’ were recruited. This equated to 36% of those aged 20 years or older and 67% of those aged 40 years or older within this district.

Methods:  Participants aged 20 years or over were recruited as they presented to the eye clinic at each remote community. Slit‐lamp examination was performed, and the presence of XFS in each eye was recorded and presented.

Main Outcome Measure:  Prevalence and associations of XFS.

Results:  XFS was present in one or both eyes of 4.7% of the individuals recruited into the study. Prevalence increased with age (5.9% of those ≥40 years and 12.7% ≥ 60 years). There was a significant association between the presence of XFS and climatic keratopathy (χ2 = 240.13; P < 0.00001). Notably, none of those with XFS had ocular hypertension or glaucoma.

Conclusion:  XFS was present in a significantly higher proportion of indigenous Australians compared with previously reported prevalence estimates among non‐indigenous Australians. The association found between XFS and climatic keratopathy may represent a common causal link between the two conditions. The lack of association of XFS with ocular hypertension and glaucoma appears to be a unique feature of the indigenous Australian population, and this merits further investigation.
Intrastromal corneal ring segments: visual outcomes from a large case series
Authors: Ferrara Guilherme , Torquetti Leonardo , Ferrara Paulo , Merayo‐Lloves Jesús
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background:  To evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of implanted Ferrara intrastromal corneal ring segments in a large sample of patients with ectatic corneal disease.

Design:  Retrospective, consecutive case series.

Samples:  A total of 1073 eyes of 810 patients consecutively operated from January 2006 to July 2008 were evaluated.

Methods:  Two groups were created according to the type of ring implanted: Group 1 – patients implanted with the 160° of arc ring – and Group 2 – patients implanted with the 210° of arc ring.

Main Outcome Measures:  Uncorrected visual acuity, best‐corrected visual acuity, keratometry, asphericity and pachymetry at the thinnest point of the cornea. All patients were evaluated using a corneal tomography (Pentacam, Oculus, Inc., Lynnwood, WA, USA).

Results:  For Group 1 patients, uncorrected visual acuity increased to 20/80, best‐corrected visual acuity increased to 20/40, asphericity decreased to −0.35, spherical equivalent decreased to −2.26 D and keratometry decreased to 45.72 D (P < 0.001 for each compared with preoperative values). For Group 2 patients, uncorrected visual acuity increased to 20/130, best‐corrected visual acuity increased to 20/60, asphericity decreased to −0.56, spherical equivalent decreased to −4.14 D and keratometry decreased to 48.10 D (P < 0.001 for each compared with preoperative values). The 210° intrastromal corneal ring segments reduced keratometry and asphericity more than the 160° intrastromal corneal ring segments did. The complication rate was 3.82%.

Conclusions:  Ferrara intrastromal corneal ring segments implantation is safe and effective and has a low complication rate. It can effectively reduce the corneal steepening and improve uncorrected visual acuity and best‐corrected visual acuity in patients with keratoconus.
Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review of polyethylene terephthalate grafts
Authors: Mulford Jonathan Seymour , Chen Dong
Published: September 2011

Background:  The ligament advanced reinforcement system (LARS) ligament is an artificial polyester ligament made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) that is used for primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructive surgery. Recent media attention has resulted in a high awareness of this reconstructive option among patients; however, the outcomes compared with autograft are controversial.

Objectives:  A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to examine the outcomes following LARS and long‐term PET artificial grafts in ACL reconstructive surgery. The ultimate objective was to determine whether the LARS ligament should be incorporated into routine practice.

Methods:  A systematic search strategy from 1970 to June 2010 was used to retrieve relevant studies. Inclusion of articles was established through application of a predetermined protocol, independent assessment by two reviewers and a final consensus decision.

Results:  Twelve articles met the inclusion criteria for the LARS ligament. The methodology of the identified articles was poor. Only short‐term outcomes were available. These results were good with low complication rates. Eleven articles reported on other PET grafts and recorded long‐term follow‐up of more than 4 years. These grafts had poor outcomes and a high rate of complications. No meta‐analysis was possible.

Conclusions:  There are surprisingly few studies reporting on LARS ligament outcomes. The literature has poor methodological quality. Short‐term results for the LARS ligament appear good, with faster recovery times compared with autografts. Final short‐term results are not significantly different from autograft. There is real concern that late failure and iatrogenic osteoarthritis may occur based on the results of other PET grafts.
Stress and strain behaviour modelling of the carotid bifurcation
Authors: Lawrence‐Brown Michael , Stanley Brendan M. , Sun Zhonghua , Semmens James B. , Liffman Kurt
Published: September 2011

Background:  The aim of this study is to investigate the biomechanical stress and strain behaviour within the wall of the artery and its influence on plaque formation and rupture using computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

Methods:  A three‐dimensional finite‐element model of the carotid bifurcation was generated to analyse the wall stress and strain behaviour. Both single‐layer and multilayer models were created and structural analysis was compared between these two types of models. Systolic pressure of 180 mm Hg (∼24 kPa) was applied in the inner boundary of the carotid bifurcation, and CFD analysis was performed to show the wall shear stress and pressure.

Results:  The highest wall stress was found at the carotid bifurcation. When a high blood pressure (280 mm Hg) was applied to the carotid CFD model, the results showed that the stress at the carotid bifurcation may reach the rupture value. The multilayer carotid bifurcation model behaved differently from the equivalent single‐layer model, with peak stress (Von‐Mises) being higher in the multilayer model.

Conclusion:  The peak stress and strain was located at the origins of the internal and external carotid arteries. Significant shearing occurred between the layers in the wall of the artery at the bifurcation. Intramural shear stress in the CFD multilayer model has potential for intramural vascular injury. This may be responsible for plaque formation, plaque rupture and an injury/healing cycle.
Expression of biomineralization‐related ion transport genes in Emiliania huxleyi
Authors: Mackinder Luke , Wheeler Glen , Schroeder Declan , von Dassow Peter , Riebesell Ulf , Brownlee Colin
Published: September 2011

Biomineralization in the marine phytoplankton Emiliania huxleyi is a stringently controlled intracellular process. The molecular basis of coccolith production is still relatively unknown although its importance in global biogeochemical cycles and varying sensitivity to increased pCO2 levels has been well documented. This study looks into the role of several candidate Ca2+, H+ and inorganic carbon transport genes in E. huxleyi, using quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR. Differential gene expression analysis was investigated in two isogenic pairs of calcifying and non‐calcifying strains of E. huxleyi and cultures grown at various Ca2+ concentrations to alter calcite production. We show that calcification correlated to the consistent upregulation of a putative HCO3‐ transporter belonging to the solute carrier 4 (SLC4) family, a Ca2+/H+ exchanger belonging to the CAX family of exchangers and a vacuolar H+‐ATPase. We also show that the coccolith‐associated protein, GPA is downregulated in calcifying cells. The data provide strong evidence that these genes play key roles in E. huxleyi biomineralization. Based on the gene expression data and the current literature a working model for biomineralization‐related ion transport in coccolithophores is presented.
Bullying Allegations from the Accused Bully's Perspective
Authors: Jenkins Moira F. , Zapf Dieter , Winefield Helen , Sarris Aspa
Published: September 2011

Research on workplace bullying to date has relied predominantly on self‐reports from targets and bystanders, largely ignoring the contributions of other stakeholders such as the alleged perpetrator. This study aims to close this gap by focusing on the perspectives of the alleged perpetrator and examining the background of the bullying allegations, the types of behaviours labelled as bullying and the perpetrator's justification of their behaviours. Twenty‐four managers who were accused of workplace bullying were interviewed for this study, and a thematic analysis of the interview transcripts was undertaken. Many participants reported a highly stressful workplace, including ambiguous roles, staff shortages and high levels of conflict, as well as inappropriate social behaviours being carried out by others in addition to themselves. A number of participants viewed themselves as targets of bullying by their staff, and others defended their behaviour as legitimate performance management.
In Praise of Social Democracy
Authors: HATTERSLEY ROY , HICKSON KEVIN
Published: September 2011

This article makes the case for social democracy in the context of difficult national and international economic conditions and changes in domestic politics that see a Conservative‐dominated Coalition government and the Labour party in Opposition for the first time since 1997. It rejects much current thinking in the Labour party and instead argues that traditional social democratic values, such as equality and social justice, are of contemporary relevance and can only be achieved through a strong central state committed to those values.
REPUBLICS AND THEIR LOVES: REREADING CITY OF GOD 191
Authors: LEE GREGORY W.
Published: September 2011

In City of God 19.24, Augustine rejects Cicero's definition of res publica as a society founded on justice for a new definition focused on common objects of love. Robert Markus, Oliver O'Donovan, and a host of Augustinian political theologians have depicted this move as a positive gesture toward secular society. Yet this reading fails to account for why Augustine waited so long to address Cicero's definition, first discussed in Book 2, and for the radical dualism Augustine sets forth between the two cities throughout his text. I argue, in line with Rowan Williams and John Milbank, for a minority reading of Book 19 that draws upon the narrative structure of City of God. In Books 3–5, Augustine recounts the history of the earthly city according to Rome's penchant for violence and idolatry, both a function of love for temporal goods. In Book 18, Augustine traces the history of the earthly city before Rome according to the same themes, completing a narrative argument that humanity has always been divided according to differing loves. Book 19 advances the idea that such idolatry is injustice—a failure to grant God the worship he is due. With the new definition of 19.24, Augustine retains Cicero's emphasis on the importance of virtue in civic society while characteristically shifting the terms of discussion from justice to love. While such a definition means that Rome can be called a res publica, it also prompts a negative judgment upon her history according to her objects of love. Given her violence and idolatry, Rome is no better than Assyria, Babylon, Egypt, and Greece—all subject to withering critique in Book 18. Thus, Augustine's new definition does not retract but extends the polemic of City of God.
Spurious Complexity and Common Standards in Markets for Consumer Goods
Authors: Gaudeul Alexia , Sugden Robert
Published: September 2011

It has been argued that cognitively constrained consumers respond suboptimally to complex decision problems, and that firms can exploit these limitations by introducing spurious complexity into tariff structures, weakening price competition. We model a countervailing force. Restricting one's choices to the most easily comparable options is a psychologically well‐attested heuristic. Consumers who use this heuristic favour firms that follow common conventions about tariff structures. Because a ‘common standard’ promotes price competition, a firm's use of it signals that it offers value for money, validating the heuristic. This allows an equilibrium in which firms use common standards and set competitive prices.
Electroanalytical determination of the sunscreen agent octocrylene in cosmetic products
Authors: Júnior J. B. G. , Araujo T. A. , Trindade M. A. G. , Ferreira V. S.
Published: September 2011

Synopsis

An electroanalytical method was developed to detect and quantify the sunscreen agent octocrylene (OCR) in cosmetic products. The method was based on electrochemical reduction, using voltammetric techniques. OCR was reduced at −0.97 V vs. Ag/AgCl on a glassy carbon electrode using a mixture of Britton–Robinson buffer (0.04 mol L−1) and ethanol (7 : 3, v/v) as the supporting electrolyte solution. Under optimized conditions and square‐wave voltammetry, OCR response was linear from 5.0 × 10−6 to 8.0 × 10−5 mol L−1 (r = 0.9995), with a limit of detection of 2.8 × 10−6 mol L−1. The proposed electroanalytical method proved simple, fast and suitable for detection and quantification of OCR in samples of cosmetic products, with satisfactory results in the recovery test and analytical determination in real samples.
Vicariance and dispersal in the differentiation of vocalization in the Ryukyu Scops OwlOtus elegans
Authors: TAKAGI MASAOKI
Published: September 2011

The distribution of species and species diversity can be affected by vicariance or dispersal. To understand their role in shaping species distribution and population structure these two processes must be estimated within and among populations. I analysed large‐scale variation in the call structure of the Ryukyu Scops OwlOtus elegans. This owl is distributed over a 1200‐km range, and only inhabits islands. Within this range, I studied this species across 22 continental islands of the Ryukyu Archipelago and two oceanic islands. The study aimed to assess whether there is variation in the acoustic structure of Owl hoot calls within islands, among major groups of islands and across a large area comprising a major biogeographical barrier (the Kerama Gap). The acoustic structure of calls was homogeneous within islands and among major island‐groups. Acoustic differentiation, however, increased over longer geographical distances of up to about 1200 km. The acoustic structure of hoots of the Ryukyu Scops Owl populations was clearly divided into two groups, north and south of the Kerama Gap. It is suggested that the Kerama Gap acted as a biogeographical barrier and contributed to the differentiation between the two major island‐groups. It is likely that this difference developed during the fragmentation of a widespread ancestral population by vicariant isolating events. There was also evidence of an effect of dispersal on vocal differentiation in subspecies inhabiting the two oceanic islands.
Sex differences in telomeres and lifespan
Authors: Barrett Emma L. B. , Richardson David S.
Published: September 2011

Males and females often age at different rates resulting in longevity ‘gender gaps’, where one sex outlives the other. Why the sexes have different lifespans is an age‐old question, still fiercely debated today. One cellular process related to lifespan, which is known to differ according to sex, is the rate at which the protective telomere chromosome caps are lost. In humans, men have shorter lifespans and greater telomere shortening. This has led to speculation in the medical literature that sex‐specific telomere shortening is one cause of sex‐specific mortality. However, telomere shortening may be a cause for and/or a consequence of the processes that govern survival, and to infer general principles from single‐taxon studies may be misleading. Here, we review recent work on telomeres in a variety of animal taxa, including those with reverse sexual lifespan dimorphism (i.e., where males live longer), to establish whether sex‐specific survival is generally associated with sex differences in telomere dynamics. By doing this, we attempt to tease apart the potential underlying causes for sex differences in telomere lengths in humans and highlight targets for future research across all taxa.
Stem cell depletion in Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome
Authors: Rosengardten Ylva , McKenna Tomás , Grochová Diana , Eriksson Maria
Published: September 2011

Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS or progeria) is a very rare genetic disorder with clinical features suggestive of premature aging. Here, we show that induced expression of the most common HGPS mutation (LMNA c.1824C>T, p.G608G) results in a decreased epidermal population of adult stem cells and impaired wound healing in mice. Isolation and growth of primary keratinocytes from these mice demonstrated a reduced proliferative potential and ability to form colonies. Downregulation of the epidermal stem cell maintenance protein p63 with accompanying activation of DNA repair and premature senescence was the probable cause of this loss of adult stem cells. Additionally, upregulation of multiple genes in major inflammatory pathways indicated an activated inflammatory response. This response has also been associated with normal aging, emphasizing the importance of studying progeria to increase the understanding of the normal aging process.
A SENSITIVE METHOD FOR THE ASSAY OF 5‐HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE
Authors: VANE J. R.
Published: September 2011

The movements of a strip of fundus from a rat stomach, suspended in a 5 ml. bath at 37°, are recorded by a spring‐loaded lever. The muscle is stretched for 15 to 30 sec. between contractions. 1 ng. 5‐Hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT), 10 ng. acetylcholine or 2 to 10 μg. of histamine all produce contractions, giving tracings about 4 cm. high. In the presence of hyoscine (10−7) low concentrations of 5‐HT can be assayed directly from mixtures of the three substances. Sympathomimetic amines interfere with the assay, but this can be overcome. The preparation is robust, potentially suitable for use with an automatic assay apparatus and 10 to 100 times more sensitive than the rat uterus.
SOME QUANTITATIVE USES OF DRUG ANTAGONISTS
Authors: ARUNLAKSHANA O. , SCHILD H. O.
Published: September 2011

Various applications of pAx measurements are discussed based on the hypothesis that drugs and drug antagonists compete for receptors according to the mass law. Examples are given illustrating the use of pAx measurements to identify agonists which act on the same receptors and to compare the receptors of different tissues. Tests of competitive and noncompetitive antagonism are considered in relation to the antagonisms acetylcholine‐atropine, histamine‐atropine and acetylcholine‐cinchonidine. A new measure, pAh, is introduced to express the activity of unsurmountable antagonists.
THE ACTIONS OF BRETYLIUM: ADRENERGIC NEURONE BLOCKING AND OTHER EFFECTS
Authors: BOURA A. L. A. , GREEN A. F.
Published: September 2011

Bretylium caused a specific and lasting depression of many excitatory and inhibitory responses evoked by electrical stimulation of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system, probably by impairing conduction of impulses in adrenergic neurones with consequent failure of noradrenaline and adrenaline release. This effect, which will be referred to as the adrenergic neurone blocking action, was preceded by weak sympathomimetic effects. In the presence of bretylium the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline were increased, as after sympathectomy. Concentrations producing blocking of adrenergic neurones did not prevent the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline from the adrenal medulla by splanchnic nerve stimulation or by the injection of dimethylphenylpiperazinium iodide, nor did they cause antiparasympathetic or parasympathomimetic effects. No action on the central nervous system has been detected. Curare‐like neuromuscular block occurred with 10 to 30 times the amount required to block the response to adrenergic nerve stimulation alone and was accompanied by signs of temporary synaptic block in autonomic ganglia. A drenergic. nerve trunks and sensory nerves in the skin were readily blocked for long periods by topical application of bretylium, whereas the phrenic nerve of the rat was not. Bretylium had little effect on gastrointestinal propulsion or on the sensitivity of smooth muscle to acetylcholine, 5‐hydroxytryptamine, adrenaline, or noradrenaline, but moderate amounts depressed the peristaltic reflex and the sensitivity of the guinea‐pig ileum to histamine. Bretylium caused postural hypotension in the cat in doses which had little effect on the supine blood pressure. Experiments on the nictitating membrane indicated that compensation for the effects of bretylium on low rates of stimulation of postganglionic sympathetic nerves could be attained by a small increase in the rate of stimulation, whereas compensation for its effects on high rates required an increase in the rate of stimulation beyond physiological limits.