bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optic nerve sheath decompression: A clinical review and proposed pathophysiologic mechanism
Authors: Sergott Robert C. , Savino Peter J. , Bosley Thomas M.
Published: April 2008

Surgical decompression of the intraorbital meningeal sheath of the optic nerve has undergone a recent resurgence of interest. Previously, the procedure had been reserved only for the most desperate cases of severe visual loss associated with chronic papilloedema.

However, recent investigations have dernonstrated the operation's efficacy not only for chronic papilloedema and pseudotumor cerebri, but also for the optic neuropathy associated with the acute retinal necrosis syndrome, traumatic subdural haematomas of the optic nerve and progressive nonarteritic ischaemic optic neuropathy. In this article, we review the previous literature concerning optic nerve sheath decompression, the indication for the procedure, its techniques and results.

Finally, we propose that optic nerve sheath decompression may be effective for what appear to be very different optic neuropathies because the operation may reverse optic nerve ischaemia, a common pathophysiologic feature of all these disorders.
Melanocytic lesions of the iris — A clinocopathological study of 100 cases
Authors: Workman David M.S. , Weiner John W.
Published: April 2008

Between 1958 and 1985 (28 years), 100 melanocytic lesions of the iris were submitted to the Pathology Department of the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (RVEEH). A clinicopathological correlation of these cases was performed. The mean age at presentation was 42.6 years (range 12 to 79 years). The average duration of a visible lesion prior to surgery was 5.7 years (range two weeks to 47 years). Most patients presented with an iris tumour with or without, a recent increase in size. Less frequent presentations were: pupil abnormalities, visual disturbances, raised intraocular pressure, iridocylitis, ‘cyst’ formation and hyphaema.

Angle involvement was noted in 36 patients, either clinically or pathologically. The cases were morphologically classified as melanocytic naevi (9%0), low‐grade malignant melanoma (79%), and highgrade malignant melanoma (1 2%). Detailed followup was obtained for 51 patients. Follow‐up ranged from one to 27 years and was greater than five years in 35 patients. There were six recurrences (1 1.8%) and two patients developed metastases (3.9%). Five of the recurrences were classified as low‐grade malignant melanoma. The two metastases and the other recurrences were from the high‐grade malignant melanoma category.
Cytomegalovirus retinopathy and the immune deficiency syndrome: Results of treatment with ganciclovir
Authors: McCluskey Peter , Wakefield Denis , Morgan Mark , Binneter Ron
Published: April 2008

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the retina is the commonest potentially blinding ocular manifestation of AIDS. Recently the acyclic nucleoside dihydroxypropoxymethyl guanine (DHPG, ganciclovir) has become available to treat sight‐threatening CMV retinopathy. This paper reports the clinical features and results of ganciclovir therapy in 48 patients seen over a four‐year period. Seven patients were excluded from the study due to inadequate followup, leaving 41 patients as the study group. All patients responded clinically to this therapy. Patients were treated initially with high‐dose ganciclovir (1 0 mglkglday) and then continued on lower dose treatment (5 mg/kg/day) indefinitely. Significant bone marrow toxicity developed in 12 patients (29.3%) requiring temporary cessation of therapy. Patients treated with ganciclovir retained vision and had increased survival times when compared to untreated patients. A poor visual outcome occurred when there was involvement of the macula or optic acquired nerve head at presentation or when there was an interruption of ganciclovir therapy.
Symptomatic nocturnal lagophthalmos
Authors: Lyons Christopher J. , McNab Alan A.
Published: April 2008

Nocturnal lagophthalmos producing symptoms of corneal exposure is not uncommon. We diagnosed 40 patients with the condition over a six‐month period. In 12 (30%), alcohol intoxication preceded the symptoms. Other factors included the use of hypnotics, cosmetic blepharoplasty, botulinum toxin injection for blepharospasm, facial palsy, dysthyroid eye disease and cicatrising skin disease of the lids. In the largest group (17 patients, 42%), no cause could be found, but five of these had either firstdegree relatives who slept with their eyes open, or had been observed with nocturnal lagophthalmos. In most patients, symptoms were unilateral. Testing of Bell's phenomenon did not predict eye position during sleep as manifested by distribution of punctate corneal staining. All patients were relieved of their symptoms by simple treatment modalities and none required surgery.
Metastatic cutaneous malignant melanoma of the vitreous and retina
Authors: ChB Stephen J. Best MB , FRCS William Taylor , FRCPA Jonathan P. Allen
Published: April 2008

A case of cutaneous malignant melanoma metastasising to the retina in a 71‐year‐old patient who presented with vitreous opacities is discussed. In view of the increasing incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma in our community the possibility of ocular metastases merits consideration.
Spasm of the near reflex associated with cerebrovascular accident
Authors: Raymond Grant L. , Crompton John L.
Published: April 2008

Spasm of the near reflex most often has a functional basis, but may be associated with organic disease. This case report describes a patient with a progressive 11‐year history of spasm of the near reflex associated with cerebrovascular accidents and reviews the differential diagnosis, management and aetiology of this disease.
Simplification of unsharp masking in retinal nerve fibre layer photography
Authors: Barry Christopher J. , Eikelboom Robert H. , Cooper Richard L.
Published: April 2008

Fundus photography is now an established tool for showing early changes in the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL). RNFL defects may precede glaucomatous visual field defects by up to five years and any improvement in photography should aid RNFL defect analysis. We have found that the use of an unsharp mask has helped to visualise the RNFL and by using readily available darkroom materials the process of unsharp mask preparation has been simplified.
Thermoablation treatment for trichiasis using the argon laser
Authors: Campbell D.C.
Published: April 2008

This paper presents a brief review of the literature regarding current treatment modalities for trichiasis and their complications. The technique of Argon laser thermoablation of lashes is described. A total of 12 patients with recurrent trichiasis involving 15 eyelids were treated and the procedur e was found to be effective in 12 eyelids (80%). The follow‐up period was three to six months. The laser settings used were Argon blue‐green wavelength, spot size 50 to 100 microns, exposure time 0.05 to 0.10 seconds and power 1200 to 2000 mW. Advantages of the technique were precise application and selectivity, lack of complications, non‐requirement for infiltrative anaesthesia and ease of performance. Disadvantages were the need for up to three treatments in some patients and the technique only being suitable for treating small numbers (up to six) of lashes.
The dual chamber single plate implant — its use in neovascular glaucoma
Authors: Molteno A.C.B.
Published: April 2008

The insertion of an artificial draining implant consisting of a silicone tube, opening onto the upper surface of a circular episcleral plate, will provide long‐term drainage in cases of neovascular glaucoma. A simple modification of the episcleral plate, the addition of a subsidiary pressure ridge, allows the episcleral tissues to function as a temporary pressure‐sensitive valve which limits the escape of aqueous in the early postoperative period. The surgical technique used with this modified implant is described, together with the results in the first 24 eyes in which it has been used.
Retinal pigment epithelial tears after intravitreal bevacizumab injection for exudative age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Garg Sunir , Brod Roy , Kim David , Lane R Gary , Maguire Joseph , Fischer David
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Purpose:  To determine the incidence of and the risk factors for the development of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) tears after intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) injection for the treatment of exudative age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods:  A retrospective, multicentre, consecutive interventional case series of all patients with subfoveal exudative AMD treated with intravitreal bevacizumab between August 2005 and April 2007. The main outcome measures were pre‐ and post‐RPE tear visual acuity and choroidal neovascular membrane lesion types, incidence of tears and time from first injection until development of the tear.

Results:  A total of 920 eyes with exudative AMD were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab. Fifteen eyes from 15 patients developed a RPE tear for an incidence of 1.6%. The average patient age was 79 years. Fourteen of the fifteen eyes (93%) had an occult subfoveal choroidal neovascular membrane. Forty‐seven per cent (7/15) of the RPE tears occurred within the first 6 weeks of treatment, and all tears occurred within the first 18 weeks of treatment initiation. The mean pre‐injection visual acuity was 20/100 with a mean post‐tear visual acuity of 20/200. In all 10 eyes in which the tear involved the fovea, the final visual acuity was poor. Six of the 15 eyes continued with bevacizumab/ranibizumab (Lucentis) injections after tear development, and four of these six eyes continued to have visual improvement.

Conclusion:  RPE tears occur after intravitreal bevacizumab injections for exudative AMD in approximately 1.6% of eyes and can cause severe vision loss. Maintenance of therapy may help preserve vision after RPE tear development.
Functional presbyopia in a rural Kenyan population: the unmet presbyopic need
Authors: Sherwin Justin C , Keeffe Jill E , Kuper Hannah , Islam FM Amirul , Muller Andreas , Mathenge Wanjiku
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Background:  Presbyopia is the most common reason for requiring spectacles in low‐income regions, although the unmet need for presbyopic spectacles in these regions is very high. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of presbyopia, and the functional impairment and spectacle use among persons with presbyopia in a rural Kenyan population.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was carried out in the Rift Valley, Kenya. Clusters were selected through probability‐proportionate to size sampling, and people aged ≥50 years within the clusters were identified through compact segment sampling. Within the context of this survey, 130 eligible participants were selected for interview and underwent near‐vision testing. Functional presbyopia was defined as requiring at least +1.00 dioptre in order to read the N8 optotype at a distance of 40 cm in the participant's usual visual state. Participants were corrected to the nearest 0.25 dioptre in order to see N8. Unmet and met presbyopic need, and presbyopic correction coverage were calculated.

Results:  Functional presbyopia was found in 111 participants (85.4%). Mean age was lower in those with presbyopia (64.1 years vs. 71.5 years, P = 0.004). Increasing degree of addition required to see N8 was significantly associated with increased difficulty with reading (P = 0.04), sewing (P = 0.03), recognizing small objects (P = 0.02) and harvesting grains (P = 0.05). Among participants with functional presbyopia, 5.4% wore reading glasses and 25.2% had prior contact with an eye care professional. The unmet presbyopic need was 80.0%, met presbyopic need was 5.4% and presbyopic correction coverage was 6.3%. Cost was cited as the main barrier to spectacle use in 62% of participants with presbyopia.

Conclusion:  In low‐income regions, there is a high prevalence of uncorrected presbyopia, which is associated with near‐vision functional impairment. Provision of spectacles for near vision remains a priority in low‐income regions.
Use of an anterior chamber maintainer in the surgical management of traumatic hyphaemas
Authors: Yu Tao , Dahan Elie , Yin Zheng Qin , Levitz Lewis M
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Surgical intervention in traumatic hyphaemas becomes necessary when high intraocular pressure (IOP) is intractable and there is persistent corneal staining. Anterior chamber (AC) washout and elimination of blood clots have been described previously using one paracentesis. We describe the value of creating two paracenteses. The first one is made in the lower temporal quadrant and accommodates a 20‐gauge anterior chamber maintainer (ACM) that is connected to a bottle of Balanced Salt Solution. The second paracentesis is made in an upper quadrant and serves to evacuate liquefied blood and blood clots. With an ACM in place, the fluctuations of intraoperative IOP are minimized and the AC depth is stabilized throughout the operation. The risk of renewed bleeding is reduced because of the continuous positive intraoperative IOP. The ACM is an important tool in the surgical management of traumatic hyphaemas because it facilitates AC washout and reduces iatrogenic damage to the iris and corneal endothelium.
Prevalence of idiopathic macular hole in adult rural and urban south Indian population
Authors: Sen Parveen , Bhargava Arun , Vijaya Lingam , George Ronnie
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Background:  This study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of idiopathic macular hole in a defined community in Southern India.

Methods:  In all, 7774 of the 9546 enumerated (81.43%) subjects availed themselves for an ophthalmic assessment which included a detailed ophthalmic examination and fundus photography. All data were entered and stored in a secure computerized database and statistical analysis was performed using spss for Windows.

Results:  Thirteen subjects comprising six males and seven females were diagnosed with macular holes equating to a risk of 0.17%. Bilateral macular holes were found in two subjects. The mean age of subjects with a macular hole was 67 years. Increasing age and history of cataract surgery was strongly associated with an increased prevalence of macular holes (P < 0.0001). There was no difference in the prevalence of macular hole between the rural and urban communities. The mean logMAR visual acuity of subjects in the eye with a macular hole was 1.31 ± 0.45 whereas the acuity in the unaffected fellow eye was 0.70 ± 0.51. The mean spherical equivalent in the subjects with macular hole was −0.56 ± 1.92 (−4.25 to +1.00).

Conclusion:  Prevalence rate of idiopathic macular hole in South India appears to be comparable to that seen worldwide.
Risk factors for first presentation of glaucoma with significant visual field loss
Authors: Deva Narme C , Insull Elizabeth , Gamble Greg , Danesh‐Meyer Helen V
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Purpose:  To identify risk factors associated with visual field (VF) loss on first presentation of glaucoma.

Methods:  A case–control study of 107 consecutive newly diagnosed glaucoma patients was performed. Information collected included demographic data, reasons for referral, ophthalmological assessment and VF testing. VF grading was based on Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study (AGIS) scoring and was additionally classified for the presence of a nasal step, paracentral scotoma and/or arcuate scotoma.

Results:  Demographic parameters were: mean age 59 years (standard deviation [SD] 14), mean deviation −4.37 dB (SD 4.5), intraocular pressure 21.4 mmHg (SD 6.6) and cup:disc ratio 0.69 (SD 0.1). Thirty‐seven per cent of all participants had a positive family history of glaucoma. Older age was associated with a VF defect at presentation (mean age of 54 years with no VF defect, compared with 63 years for mild, moderate or severe VF defect, P = 0.0014). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified positive family history (odds ratio [OR] 10.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.67–67.49) and age (OR 1.15; 95% CI 1.06–1.26) as independent risk factors for VF loss at presentation. Fifty‐six per cent had a paracentral VF defect at first diagnosis and 29% of patients showed evidence of substantial VF loss with AGIS score of ≥6 on initial presentation.

Conclusions:  Patients who have a positive family history of glaucoma are 10 times more likely to have a VF defect at the time of glaucoma diagnosis. An increased focus on family history may help identify these patients earlier and prevent significant visual loss at the time of presentation.
The hunt for the secrets of uveal melanoma
Authors: Shields Carol L
Published: April 2008

Abstract

The many secrets of uveal melanoma are being uncovered. Information on host and environmental factors that predispose to uveal melanoma has been published. The most important factors include light eye colour, fair skin, inability to tan and chronic sun exposure. Clinical clues that are visible on ophthalmoscopy have been shown to be significant factors in predicting growth of small borderline tumours and allow for early detection of melanoma. These factors include thickness over 2 mm, subretinal fluid, symptoms, orange pigment overlying the tumour and tumour margin within 3 mm of the disc. Refined methods of cytogenetic analysis have identified several chromosomal mutations associated with uveal melanoma. Currently, the most important mutation proves to be chromosome 3 monosomy, an abnormality associated with greater risk for metastatic disease.
Referral pathways and management of contact lens‐related microbial keratitis in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Keay Lisa , Edwards Katie , Stapleton Fiona
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Background:  We examine the referral pathways and treatment for contact lens‐related microbial keratitis in Australia and New Zealand.

Methods:  Cases were reported in May 2003–September 2004; data on presentation, referral and treatment collected from practitioners and via patient interview. Severity was graded, 1‐week cure rate estimated, delays in treatment and medications documented. Hospital and private clinic managements were compared.

Results:  A total of 297 eligible cases were reported; detailed information on treatment and referral pathways was available on a subset of these cases. Presentation was to optometrists (81/200, 41%), general practitioners (GPs) (69/200, 34%) or emergency departments (46/200, 23%). Optometrists referred to private ophthalmologists (47/79, 60%) more often than hospitals (27/79, 34%). GPs initiated treatment (39/68, 57%) but also referred to hospitals (22/68, 32%) and to private ophthalmologists (7/68, 10%). Of all cases, 67% (195/297) were managed in hospitals (29% admitted, 87/297). Hospitalized cases were predominantly managed with fortified aminoglycoside/cephalosporin (66/81, 82%) and others fluoroquinolones (168/195, 86%). Steroids were used in 36% (98/276) commencing on day 5 (median, interquartile range = 3–7). One‐week cure rate was 60% (49/82) in private clinics, 72% (62/86) for hospital outpatient cases and 37% (25/67, P < 0.001) for inpatient cases, which were more severe diseases (47%, 52% and 0% mild, respectively). Delays (≥12 h) receiving therapy were experienced by 33% (55/168) because of initial inappropriate treatment (48/55), time delays (7/55) but not remoteness (P = 0.6).

Conclusions:  The majority of treatment is via hospital clinics, but milder disease is managed in private clinics. The referral process via optometrists, GPs and emergency departments is generally efficient; however, one‐third of cases experienced some delays before receiving appropriate therapy highlighting the need for timely diagnosis.
Eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis of the orbit
Authors: Kiratli Hayyam , Önder Sevgen , Yıldız Sibel , Özşeker Havva
Published: April 2008

Abstract

A 30‐year‐old woman complained of right‐sided epiphora for 2 years. She also reported diplopia on certain gaze positions and felt a hard mass behind the right medial inferior orbital rim. Magnetic resonance imaging studies demonstrated a relatively well‐delineated mass in the right inferomedial orbit with minimal ethmoid sinus involvement. Histopathological evaluation following a large incisional biopsy showed massive eosinophilic infiltration and fibrosis with the final diagnosis of eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis. She was then discovered to have significant peripheral eosinophilia and elevated serum IgE levels and clinical findings of allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. She was treated with systemic fluorocortolon and desloratadin for 4 months. She remained stable without recurrence for 32 months. The patient with this exceptionally rare tumour of the orbit benefited from debulking surgery followed by systemic corticosteroids and antihistaminics.
History, chance and adaptation during biological invasion: separating stochastic phenotypic evolution from response to selection
Authors: Keller Stephen R. , Taylor Douglas R.
Published: April 2008

Introduced species often exhibit changes in genetic variation, population structure, selection regime and phenotypic traits as they colonize and expand into new ranges. For these reasons, species invasions are increasingly recognized as promising systems for studying adaptive evolution over contemporary time scales. However, changes in phenotypic traits during invasion occur under non‐equilibrium demographic conditions and may reflect the influences of prior evolutionary history and chance events, as well as selection. We briefly review the evidence for phenotypic evolution and the role of selection during invasion. While there is ample evidence for evolutionary change, it is less clear if selection is the primary mechanism. We then discuss the likelihood that stochastic events shift phenotypic distributions during invasion, and argue that hypotheses of adaptation should be tested against appropriate null models. We suggest two experimental frameworks for separating stochastic evolution from adaptation: statistically accounting for phenotypic variation among putative invasion sources identified by using phylogenetic or assignment methods and by comparing estimates of differentiation within and among ranges for both traits and neutral markers (QST vs. FST). Designs that incorporate a null expectation can reveal the role of history and chance in the evolutionary process, and provide greater insights into evolution during species invasions.
Is Entrepreneurial Success Predictable? An Ex‐Ante Analysis of the Character‐Based Approach
Authors: Caliendo Marco , Kritikos Alexander S.
Published: April 2008

This paper empirically analyzes whether the character‐based approach, which focuses on the personality structure and the human capital of business founders, allows prediction of entrepreneurial success. A unique data set is used consisting of 414 persons whose personal characteristics were analyzed by different methods, namely an one‐day assessment center (AC) and a standardized questionnaire,beforethey launched their business. Results are partly unexpected and weaker than previous ex‐post findings: first, we found correlations between the AC data and the questionnaire in one subgroup only. Second, the predictive power of the AC data is slightly better than that of the questionnaire, but lower than expected in theory. Interestingly, for those subgroups where the AC data have low predictive power, the questionnaire does better. Third, when success is measured in terms of employees hired, the character‐based approach is a poor predictor.
Is the Welfare State Self‐Destructive? A Study of Government Benefit Morale
Authors: Heinemann Friedrich
Published: April 2008

The concern that generous welfare state institutions may in the long‐run undermine social norms which limit the disincentives of social security systems is as old as the welfare state itself. Already in the 1930s, Franklin D. Roosevelt warned of the ‘moral disintegration’ effect of welfare dependency. This study assesses the empirical validity of this concern. Based on the results of four waves of the World Value Surveys the individual and country‐specific determinants of benefit morale – defined as the reluctance to claim government benefits without legal entitlement – are analysed. The results support the empirical relevance of these worries: In the long‐run an increase of government benefits and unemployment is associated with deteriorating welfare state ethics.
The Impact of Growth Performance and Political Regime Type on Economic Policy Liberalization
Authors: Pitlik Hans
Published: April 2008

While economic policy liberalization is a key to higher overall growth, reforms are often not implemented due to a fierce opposition from politically powerful prospective losers from reforms. In this respect, it is frequently claimed that economic crises can help overcome resistance to policy liberalization. Furthermore, political authorities not constrained by democratic checks and balances are supposed to be more decisive and are thus expected to carry out market‐friendly policy change in times of crises more easily. Rules of democratic participation and checks and balances may however also be good for policy reform, as they can serve as an institutional mechanism for peaceful conflict resolution.

The paper investigates empirically the interaction between economic growth performance and political institutions in producing free‐market reform. We explore whether political regime types shape systematically government policy responses to good or bad growth performance, employing panel econometric techniques and using recently updated data for economic reform and political institutions. Contrary to conventional wisdom we find that a bad growth performance is conducive to reforms in democracies, but not in autocracies. Democracies not only carry out more liberal economic policies in general, but they are also more responsive to economic growth crises. Democratic rule seems to be favorable for policy liberalization, but a very good growth performance weakens liberalization incentives considerably.
Education Policy and Equality of Opportunity
Authors: Schütz Gabriela , Ursprung Heinrich W. , Wößmann Ludger
Published: April 2008

We provide a measure of equality of educational opportunity in 54 countries, estimated as the effect of family background on student performance in two international TIMSS tests. Using cross‐country variation in education policies and its interaction with family background at the student level, we then estimate how equality is related to organizational features of the education system. We find that equality of opportunity is positively related to late tracking into different school types and to longer pre‐school education. Pre‐school enrollment has an inverted U‐shaped relationship with equality. Equality is negatively related to private school financing, but positively to private provision.
Manifested Attitudes: Intricacies of Inter‐Partner Learning in Collaboration
Authors: Huxham Chris , Hibbert Paul
Published: April 2008

abstract This article is concerned with attitudes to learning in inter‐organizational collaboration. Basic attitudes to learning evident in extant research –selfish,sharingandsidelined– are compared with those observed through research‐oriented action research. A conceptualization based on a characterization of the attitudes observed in the research situations is produced. It models attitudes to learning in collaboration as bundles of varied stances relating to taking and giving knowledge from or to a partner, or excluding learning from the agenda altogether. The observations suggest that actual attitudes – which are evident at individual, community or organizational level – are much more varied than the basic attitudes and that they often include elements of all three –sidelined,selfishandsharing– motivations. The model acknowledges differences in perceptions of attitudes, differences of attitudes within partner organizations as well as between them, and differences in partners' attitudes to each other over time.
Spatial and temporal expression of endosperm transfer cell‐specific promoters in transgenic rice and barley
Authors: Li Ming , Singh Rohan , Bazanova Natalia , Milligan Andrew S. , Shirley Neil , Langridge Peter , Lopato Sergiy
Published: April 2008

Two putative endosperm‐specific rice genes, OsPR602 and OsPR9a, were identified from database searches. The promoter regions of these genes were isolated, and transcriptional promoter:β‐glucuronidase (GUS) fusion constructs were stably transformed into rice and barley. The GUS expression patterns revealed that these promoters were active in early grain development in both rice and barley, and showed strongest expression in endosperm transfer cells during the early stages of grain filling. The GUS expression was similar in both rice and barley, but, in barley, expression was exclusively in the endosperm transfer cells and differed in timing of activation relative to rice. In rice, both promoters showed activity not only in the endosperm transfer cells, but also in the transfer cells of maternal tissue and in several floral tissues shortly before pollination. The expression patterns of OsPR602 and OsPR9a in flowers differed. The similarity of expression in both rice and barley suggests that these promoters may be useful to control transgene expression in the transfer cells of cereal grains with the aim of altering nutrient uptake or enhancing the barrier against pathogens at the boundary between maternal tissue and the developing endosperm. However, the expression during floral development should be considered if the promoters are used in rice.
Precision breeding for novel starch variants in potato
Authors: Muth Jost , Hartje Stefanie , Twyman Richard M. , Hofferbert Hans‐Reinhard , Tacke Eckhard , Prüfer Dirk
Published: April 2008

Potato can be used as a source of modified starches for culinary and industrial processes, but its allelic diversity and tetraploid genome make the identification of novel alleles a challenge, and breeding such alleles into elite lines is a slow and difficult process. An efficient and reliable strategy has been developed for the rapid introduction and identification of new alleles in elite potato breeding lines, based on the ethylmethanesulphonate mutagenesis of dihaploid seeds. Using the granule‐bound starch synthase I gene (waxy) as a model, a series of point mutations that potentially affect gene expression or enzyme function was identified. The most promising loss‐of‐function allele (waxyE1100) carried a mutation in the 5′‐splice donor site of intron 1 that caused mis‐splicing and protein truncation. This was used to establish elite breeding lineages lacking granule‐bound starch synthase I protein activity and producing high‐amylopectin starch. This is the first report of rapid and efficient mutation analysis in potato, a genetically complex and vegetatively propagated crop.
Are Native and Non‐Native English Speaking Tutors Equally Effective?
Authors: Asano Akihito
Published: April 2008

Many studies find a negative effect of non‐native English speaking instructors on students' performance in universities where the language of instruction is English. However, the negative effect observed in the existing literature is not found in the study by Fleisher, Hashimoto and Weinberg (2002), which uses the sample of instructors who received training in the Ohio State University's PhD programme. In many economics departments in Australia, mainly because their PhD programmes are not large enough, it is unrealistic to have all the tutors trained in the methods recommended in Fleisher, Hashimoto and Weinberg (2002). This gives rise to a potential negative impact of non‐native English speaking tutors on students' performance. Nevertheless, by analysing the panel data drawn from first‐year quantitative methods, microeconomics and macroeconomics courses in an Australian university, we find no statistically significant difference in the effectiveness of small class teaching between native and non‐native English speaking tutors.
Tertiary Performance, Field of Study and Graduate Starting Salaries
Authors: Chia Grace , Miller Paul W.
Published: April 2008

This paper analyses data from the University of Western Australia (UWA) Graduate Destination Survey linked to information from the University's Student Records System to explore the determinants of graduates' starting salaries over the years 2002 to 2004. While the details examined also include age, gender, language spoken at home, country of birth, disability status and high school attended, most emphasis is placed on the impact on starting salaries of students' academic performance and their field of study. The analyses show that the main determinant of graduates' starting salaries is the weighted average mark they achieve at university. The salary differentials associated with higher marks in the Australian labour market appear greater than those reported in similar studies of the US and the UK labour markets. Science graduates are shown to have relatively low starting salaries, casting a shadow over recent suggestions that the supply of this group be increased through lower fee regimes.
An Analysis of FEE‐HELP in the Vocational Education and Training Sector
Authors: Chapman Bruce , Rodrigues Mark , Ryan Chris
Published: April 2008

The public vocational education and training (VET) system is one of the few areas in Australia's tertiary education system where students are required to pay upfront fees without access to loan assistance. These arrangements may lead to sub‐optimal educational outcomes to the extent that prospective students reject a VET education on the basis of short‐term financial constraints. In this paper we analyse some of the important issues related to the adoption of FEE‐HELP (a 2005 federal government financial instrument based on the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS)). It is argued that income contingent loans of this kind are associated with the advantages of both default‐protection and consumption smoothing. Using data from the first three waves of the Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey, we examine various empirical issues associated with the adoption of FEE‐HELP in VET, including the extent of private salary returns to VET qualifications. As well, we explore issues related to the public subsidies inherent in the adoption of FEE‐HELP in VET, and illustrate the time periods involved in loan repayments for various assumptions concerning the size of the charge and the future income of VET graduates. Administrative issues are considered, as are the implications for the Commonwealth government with respect to potential subsidies associated with the design parameters. In the 2007–08 Federal Budget, the former government announced a small extension of the FEE‐HELP system into Australian VET, a reform consistent with improved tertiary funding arrangements.
Dynamic Properties of Income Support Receipt in Australia
Authors: Tseng Yi‐Ping , Vu Ha , Wilkins Roger
Published: April 2008

Using administrative records on Australian income support (welfare) recipients over the period July 1995 to June 2002, we examine dynamic properties of income support receipt and the personal characteristics associated with alternative patterns of receipt. We draw on three concepts: churning–the process of ending a spell on income support and subsequently commencing a new spell; transferring–moving from one payment type to another within a spell on income support; and Total Time On payments (TTO)–the proportion of time on income support in a given period. We find that churning and transferring are significant features of income support receipt in Australia. For example, over half of recipients churn within five years of commencing an income support spell, and one‐fifth make a payment transfer within the same time frame. Examination of the characteristics associated with each of five distinct patterns of receipt reveals substantial differences in patterns by age, family composition, unemployment status, health status, and recent history of income support receipt.
Economic Growth with Foreign Capital
Authors: Thompson Henry
Published: April 2008

In growth theory, foreign investment places a small open economy in the international steady state. In applied growth theory, foreign investment is assumed to shift technology. The present growth model separates foreign from domestic capital and develops the steady state where both capital/labor ratios are stationary. A capital scarce country would attract foreign investment and may arrive at a steady state with perpetual foreign investment. Such a steady state foreign investment host is characterized by low saving and high labor growth rates, and source countries the opposite. Incomplete convergence characterizes economic growth with foreign capital.
A Quantile Regression Analysis of Wages in Panama
Authors: Falaris Evangelos M.
Published: April 2008

Differences in the effects of worker characteristics on wages in Panama at different points of the conditional wage distribution are investigated. Public sector employment increases wages relatively more at lower quantiles. Within the public sector, employment in that sector increases wages of the median worker and reduces wage inequality. Presence of a labor union increases relatively more private sector wages at lower quantiles. Unions reduce wage inequality within the union private sector and increase average wages within that sector. In the public sector, the presence of a labor union increases wages of men at lower quantiles at a lower rate than in the private sector. Self‐employment decreases wages at lower quantiles and increases wages at higher quantiles. Urban location affects wages in a U‐shaped pattern as one moves from lower to higher quantiles. Rates of return to experience are higher for men at higher quantiles. Experience increases men's wage inequality.
Marking Time: An Analysis of Youth Hours of Work and Study in Urban Mexico
Authors: Levison Deborah , Moe Karine S. , Knaul Felicia
Published: April 2008

This paper argues that a more complex view of work and schooling is critical to poor countries as they implement policies to increase educational attainment. In this analysis of 12–17‐year‐old girls and boys in urban Mexico, we expand the traditional approach in two dimensions by (1) moving from an analysis of participation to one of hours of participation, and (2) broadening the definition of work to include youth's household responsibilities.
The quality of SEN policies: Time for review?
Authors: TARR JANE , THOMAS GARY
Published: April 2008

Jane Tarr and Gary Thomas report on the findings of a survey on school special educational needs policies commissioned by the Department for Education and Employment and conducted by the Faculty of Education at the University of the West of England. Many schools have had difficulty with constructing such policies and will find this article useful. In particular, special educational needs coordinators and others might want to obtain the full checklist described here and obtainable from Gary Thomas at the University of the West of England.
Teaching in style: Are you making the difference in the classroom?
Authors: BANNER GLORIA , RAYNER STEVE
Published: April 2008

The deployment of appropriate teaching or learning styles is increasingly advanced as a major means of addressing the needs of failing pupils. Gloria Banner and Steve Rayner offer a brief introduction to this topic, indicating how teaching and learning can be successfully adapted in specific situations. They argue that this is now a principal means of maximising the potential of all pupils.
Pupils' views Excluded pupils' views of their educational needs and experiences
Authors: DE PEAR SUSAN
Published: April 2008

Susan de Pear argues that disaffected and excluded pupils are too often blamed for their own difficulties. By interviewing and analysing the responses of such students, she comes to the conclusion that had teaching and learning styles been more sensitively addressed earlier in their careers, most subsequent problems would have been ironed out. This article sits comfortably with the views presented elsewhere in this issue by Banner and Rayner.
Attitudes, skills and structures: Developmental activities for INSET days
Authors: McMANUS MICK
Published: April 2008

Mick McManus describes a range of activities developed by himself for INSET work with teachers in relation to pupils with behavioural difficulties. These range from reflective sessions to case studies, video presentations, examinations of management structures and, finally, responses to hypothetical daily experiences of teachers. McManus has clearly given deep thought to this topic and offers some lively suggestions and advice.
Teaching Confidence Intervals Using Simulation
Authors: Hagtvedt Reidar , Jones Gregory Todd , Jones Kari
Published: April 2008

Confidence intervals are difficult to teach, in part because most students appear to believe they understand how to interpret them intuitively. They rarely do. To help them abandon their misconception and achieve understanding, we have developed a simulation tool that encourages experimentation with multiple confidence intervals derived from the same population.
Another Approach to Generalizing the Mean
Authors: Matejaš J. , Bahovec V.
Published: April 2008

This article presents a new approach to generalizing the definition of means. By this approach we easily obtain generalized means which are quite different from standard arithmetic, geometric and harmonic means.
Pricing Models Using Real Data
Authors: Obremski Tom
Published: April 2008

A practical hands‐on classroom exercise is described and illustrated using the price of an item as dependent variable throughout. The exercise is well‐tested and affords the instructor a variety of approaches and levels.
Paper‐Clip Case: A Practical Activity to Improve Statistical Thinking for Engineering Students
Authors: Viles E.
Published: April 2008

In this article I present an activity introducing statistical concepts to engineering students to help them develop inductive reasoning and problem‐solving skills.
THE EFFECT OF THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING LEVEL ON THE GENDER WAGE GAP: EVIDENCE FROM SPAIN*
Authors: FELGUEROSO FLORENTINO , PÉREZ‐VILLADÓNIGA MARÍA J. , PRIETO‐RODRIGUEZ JUAN
Published: April 2008

Several studies have found a negative relationship between the level of collective bargaining centralization and the degree of wage inequality. So, more centralized bargaining seems to lead to lower wage gaps. On the other hand, there is evidence that the gender wage gap increases as we move upwards along the wage distribution, illustrating the glass ceiling hypothesis. In this paper we study how the wage gap changes throughout the distribution of wages, as a function of the level of collective bargaining by which workers are covered, using data from the Spanish Wage Structure Survey of 2002.
ASYMMETRIC INFORMATION AND RETURNS TO REPUTATION IN ONLINE AUCTIONS*
Authors: SUN CHIA‐HUNG
Published: April 2008

In this paper, we explore whether seller reputation can help alleviate asymmetric information in Internet online auctions, using Taiwanese data. This study reveals that the influence of seller reputations on prices is statistically significant, indicating little cultural difference in online auction behaviors, especially the attitude towards seller reputation. Although negative scores do not affect auction prices in full sample regressions, the impact of negative scores becomes statistically significant in the separated sample (low‐reputation auctions). Bidders are cautious about sellers who have not built enough reputation.
Reconstructing the Genealogy of a BRCA1 Founder Mutation by Phylogenetic Analysis
Authors: Marroni F. , Cipollini G. , Peissel B. , D'Andrea E. , Pensabene M. , Radice P. , Caligo M. A. , Presciuttini S. , Bevilacqua G.
Published: April 2008

Estimating the age of founder mutations may contribute to improve our knowledge of population genetics and evolutionary history of diseases. Previous haplotype analysis suggested that the BRCA1*1499insA mutation was a founder allele, probably originated in Tuscany (Italy). Here, we collected additional pedigrees carrying this mutation, and applied a phylogenetic method for estimating mutation age. A chromosome segment of about 25 cM, including 37 short tandem repeats (STRs) on both sides of the BRCA1 gene (DeCode map), was typed in 50 subjects (28 mutation carriers) from 14 unrelated families. The time to the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of the mutation carriers was estimated by the length of the shared haplotype between all possible pairs of individuals. A function relating the length of the shared haplotype to the time to the MRCA was obtained by a computer simulation. This approach gives results comparable with those of other existing mutation‐dating methods, but does not depend explicitly on population‐specific parameters such as allele frequencies, provides narrower confidence intervals (CI), and allows one to build an extended genealogical tree of all mutation carriers. The 1499insA mutation shared by the investigated subjects was estimated to be present in an individual living about 30 generations ago (95% CL 22‐56), or 750 years (95% CL 550‐1,400).
The Power and Robustness of Maximum LOD Score Statistics
Authors: Yoo Y. J. , Mendell N. R.
Published: April 2008

The maximum LOD score statistic is extremely powerful for gene mapping when calculated using the correct genetic parameter value. When the mode of genetic transmission is unknown, the maximum of the LOD scores obtained using several genetic parameter values is reported. This latter statistic requires higher critical value than the maximum LOD score statistic calculated from a single genetic parameter value.

In this paper, we compare the power of maximum LOD scores based on three fixed sets of genetic parameter values with the power of the LOD score obtained after maximizing over the entire range of genetic parameter values. We simulate family data under nine generating models. For generating models with non‐zero phenocopy rates, LOD scores maximized over the entire range of genetic parameters yielded greater power than maximum LOD scores for fixed sets of parameter values with zero phenocopy rates. No maximum LOD score was consistently more powerful than the others for generating models with a zero phenocopy rate. The power loss of the LOD score maximized over the entire range of genetic parameters, relative to the maximum LOD score calculated using the correct genetic parameter value, appeared to be robust to the generating models.
Bioenergy from plants and the sustainable yield challenge
Authors: Karp Angela , Shield Ian
Published: April 2008

Bioenergy from plants, particularly from perennial grasses and trees, could make a substantial contribution to alleviation of global problems in climate change and energy security if high yields can be sustained. Here, yield traits in a range of key bioenergy crops are reviewed, from which several targets for future improvement can be identified. Some are already the focus of genetically modified (GM) and non‐GM approaches. However, the efficient growth strategies of perennial bioenergy crops rely on newly assimilated and recycled carbon and remobilized nitrogen in a continually shifting balance between sources and sinks. This balance is affected by biotic (e.g. pest, disease) and abiotic (e.g. drought) stresses. Future research should focus on three main challenges: changing (photo)thermal time sensitivity to lengthen the growing season without risking frost damage or limiting remobilization of nutritional elements following senescence; increasing aboveground biomass without depleting belowground reserves required for next year's growth and thus without increasing the requirement for nutrient applications; and increasing aboveground biomass without increasing water use.

ContentsSummary1I.Introduction1II.Bioenergy, biomass and biofuel crops2III.  Bioenergy yield traits2IV.Bioenergy composition traits8V.Sustainable bioenergy production from crops9VI.  Increasing bioenergy yields in a sustainable way10VII.Conclusions and perspectives12Acknowledgements13References13