bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of structural retinal nerve fibre layer parameters and functional measures using Heidelberg Retinal Tomography and Spectralis spectral domain optical coherence tomography at different levels of glaucoma severity
Authors: Leaney John , Healey Paul R , Lee Martin , Graham Stuart L
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background:  To compare the structure/function relationship in glaucoma cases at different levels of severity, and with different disc sizes, between the Heidelberg Retinal Tomography and Spectralis spectral domain optical coherence tomography.

Design:  Retrospective study of glaucoma patients attending a Sydney‐based private practice.

Participants:  169 eyes of 169 patients with a clinical diagnosis of glaucoma.

Methods:  Patients were divided on visual field criteria into early (mean deviation > –4 dB), moderate (–4 dB < mean deviation < –10 dB) and severe (mean deviation < –10 dB) disease. Bivariate correlation (Spearman's rho) between mean threshold scores for each area and the corresponding mean retinal nerve fibre layer thickness sectoral measurement were calculated.

Main Outcome Measures:  Correlation, as measured by Spearman's rho, between retinal nerve fibre layer measurements and mean threshold scores. Comparison of correlation strengths between the two scanning modalities with analysis of the effect of disease severity and disc size.

Results:  Both imaging techniques showed only moderate correlations at best. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (global retinal nerve fibre layer Spearman's rho = 0.670, P < 0.01) had higher correlation coefficients compared with Heidelberg Retinal Tomography rim area (Spearman's rho = 0.449, P < 0.01) and retinal nerve fibre layer (Spearman's rho = 0.421, P < 0.01). Disc size did not have a significant influence on the structure/function relationship.

Conclusions:  Spectral domain optical coherence tomography retinal nerve fibre layer measurements demonstrated closer correlations to visual field threshold reductions using a structure/function model in varying stages of glaucoma.
Ocular rigidity: biomechanical role, in vivo measurements and clinical significance
Authors: Detorakis Efstathios T , Pallikaris Ioannis G
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Ocular rigidity (OR) refers to the relationship between pressure and volume changes in the eyeball. Since the description of the differential tonometry method for the calculation of an OR coefficient by Friedenwald, several other methodologies have been proposed to measure OR, including the anterior chamber manometry, axial length (AL) changes, measurement of pulse amplitude and fundus pulse, ultrasound elastography and evaluation of corneal hysteresis. However, most of these methodologies suffer from deficiencies, such as invasive nature, poor accuracy or reproducibility or technical complexity. Nevertheless, it is possible that OR affects the pathogenesis and clinical course of a variety of ocular conditions, including glaucoma, age‐related macular degeneration, presbyopia, corneal changes following refractive surgery as well as the accuracy of IOP measurements by many tonometers. Thus, the future development of non‐invasive and easy‐to‐use methodologies for the accurate measurement of OR in the every‐day practice would be clinically important.
Accuracy of intraocular lens power calculations in eyes with axial length <22.00 mm
Authors: Day Alexander C , Foster Paul J , Stevens Julian D
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background:  To assess the accuracy of Haigis, Holladay 1, Hoffer Q and SRK/T formulae in eyes with axial length of <22.00 mm.

Design:  Retrospective comparative analysis.

Participants:  163 eyes of 97 patients undergoing phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

Methods:  Ocular biometry was performed using IOLMaster laser interferometry. Predicted refractive outcomes before and after lens constant adjustment were compared to actual refractive outcomes.

Main Outcome Measures:  Mean prediction (ME) and mean absolute errors (MAE) with standard deviations (±SD).

Results:  Mean preoperative spherical equivalent was +5.44D ± 1.97D. Mean axial length was 21.20 mm ± 0.60 mm. Using standard IOL constants the MAE for Hoffer Q (0.62D, ±0.52D) and Holladay 1 (0.66D ± 0.52D) were significantly lower than SRK/T (MAE 0.91D ± 0.64D; P = <0.0005 and P = 0.001 respectively), but not Haigis (MAE 0.82D ± 0.83D, P = 0.071 and 0.22 respectively). MAEs for all formulae were significantly reduced by IOL constant adjustment (all P = <0.001). Following this there was no statistically significant difference in MAEs between formulae (range 0.50–0.57D, P = 0.57). Increasing MAE was significantly associated with reducing axial length and increasing IOL power for all formulae. For bilateral cases, prediction errors between eyes were significantly correlated across all formulae (all P = <0.0001) and explained 32–42% of the variance in prediction error between eyes.

Conclusions:  Prediction of postoperative refraction in patients with short axial lengths is challenging and at the limit of current, popular IOL formulae. There is now a clear need for prospective studies to assess latest generation IOL formulae such as Holladay 2 or Olsen in small eyes.
Effect of cediranib, an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase, in a mouse model of choroidal neovascularization
Authors: Kang Seungbum , Park Ki Cheol , Yang Keum‐Jin , Choi Hyun‐Su , Kim So‐Hee , Roh Young‐Jung
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background:  This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of cediranib, an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase, in a mouse model of laser‐induced choroidal neovascularization.

Methods:  Choroidal neovascularization was induced in C57BL/6 mice by rupturing Bruch's membrane using laser photocoagulation. Following laser injury, the mice were divided into three groups and administered either vehicle, 1 mg/kg or 5 mg/kg of cediranib daily by oral gavage for 2 weeks. Two weeks after laser injury, the area of choroidal neovascularization lesions was measured by choroidal flat mounts using fluorescein‐labelled dextran. Immunofluorescence staining with isolectin IB4 was also used to quantify the choroidal neovascularization lesions.

Results:  Choroidal flat mount analysis revealed that orally administered cediranib reduced the extent of choroidal neovascularization. The groups treated with 1 and 5 mg/kg/day showed 57.2 and 66.0% reduction of choroidal neovascularization lesions, respectively, compared with the control group treated with vehicle alone (P = 0.012). The size of the fluorescently labelled choroidal neovascularization complex in cediranib‐treated groups was much smaller than that from vehicle‐treated group (P = 0.035).

Conclusions:  Cediranib inhibited laser‐induced choroidal neovascularization in mice and may have therapeutic potential for patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration.
Keratometry obtained by corneal mapping versus the IOLMaster in the prediction of postoperative refraction in routine cataract surgery
Authors: Dulku Simon , Smith Henry B , Antcliff Richard J
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background:  To establish whether simulated keratometry values obtained by corneal mapping (videokeratography) would provide a superior refractive outcome to those obtained by Zeiss IOLMaster (partial coherence interferometry) in routine cataract surgery.

Design:  Prospective, non‐randomized, single‐surgeon study set at the The Royal United Hospital, Bath, UK, District General Hospital.

Participants:  Thirty‐three patients undergoing routine cataract surgery in the absence of significant ocular comorbidity.

Methods:  Conventional biometry was recorded using the Zeiss IOLMaster. Postoperative refraction was calculated using the SRK/T formula and the most appropriate power of lens implanted. Preoperative keratometry values were also obtained using Humphrey Instruments Atlas Version A6 corneal mapping.

Main Outcome Measures:  Achieved refraction was compared with predicted refraction for the two methods of keratometry after the A‐constants were optimized to obtain a mean arithmetic error of zero dioptres for each device.

Results:  The mean absolute prediction error was 0.39 dioptres (standard deviation 0.29) for IOLMaster and 0.48 dioptres (standard deviation 0.31) for corneal mapping (P = 0.0015). Keratometry readings between the devices were highly correlated by Spearman correlation (0.97). The Bland–Altman plot demonstrated close agreement between keratometers, with a bias of 0.0079 dioptres and 95% limits of agreement of −0.48–0.49 dioptres.

Conclusions:  The IOLMaster was superior to Humphrey Atlas A6 corneal mapping in the prediction of postoperative refraction. This difference could not have been predicted from the keratometry readings alone. When comparing biometry devices, close agreement between readings should not be considered a substitute for actual postoperative refraction data.
Incidence of visual impairment due to cataract, diabetic retinopathy and trachoma in indigenous Australians within central Australia: the Central Australian Ocular Health Study
Authors: Landers John , Henderson Tim , Craig Jamie E
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background:  To estimate the incidence and causes of visual impairment for the purposes of service provision among the indigenous Australian population within central Australia from its most common causes, namely cataract, diabetic retinopathy and trachoma.

Design:  Clinic‐based cohort study.

Participants:  One thousand eight hundred eighty four individuals aged ≥20 years living in one of 30 remote communities within the statistical local area of ‘Central Australia’.

Methods:  From those initially recruited, 608 (32%) participants were reviewed again between 6 months and 3 years (median 2 years). Patients underwent Snellen visual acuity testing and subjective refraction. Following this, an assessment of their anterior and posterior segments was made. Baseline results were compared with those who were reviewed.

Main Outcome Measures:  The annual incidence rates and causes of visual impairment (vision worse than Snellen visual acuity 6/12 in at least one eye).

Results:  The incidence of visual impairment in at least one eye was 6.6%, 1.2% and 0.7% per year for cataract, diabetic retinopathy and trachoma, respectively (7.9%, 1.5% and 0.7% per year for those aged ≥40 years). Advancing age was the main risk factor common to all three.

Conclusion:  It is important to be mindful not only of the prevalence of disease in a community but also of the rate at which new cases are occurring when allocating resources to address the ocular health needs of this region. Compared with historical data, diabetic retinopathy is emerging as a new and increasing threat to vision in this population.
Characterization of lacrimal sac histology: an immunohistochemical study
Authors: Gupta Aanchal , Prabhakaran Venkatesh C , Dodd Tom , Selva Dinesh
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background:  A prospective observational study in a university hospital setting to study the immunohistochemical (IHC) characteristics of non‐neoplastic human lacrimal sac epithelium.

Methods:  Twenty paraffin‐embedded specimens of human lacrimal sac were studied using monospecific monoclonal antibodies to 34 beta E12, cell adhesion molecule (CAM 5.2), epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), cytokeratins (CK) 7 and 20, estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor. The distribution and histologic location of IHC staining were examined qualitatively, and the IHC stains scored as positive (+) or negative (−).

Results:  The haematoxylin–eosin stains were reviewed for tissue morphology. All 20 specimens were positive for 34 beta E12, CAM 5.2, EMA and CK 7 and negative for CK 20, estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor.

Conclusion:  To our knowledge, this is the first study to characterize the IHC properties of human lacrimal sac epithelium. This epithelium appears to possess consistent IHC properties as it stains for 34 beta E12, CAM 5.2, EMA and CK 7 and this information would be potentially useful in differentiating tumours arising in the region of the lacrimal sac.
Vegetal polymer in repair of defects of the orbital floor: an experimental study in rabbits
Authors: Schellini Silvana A , Nunes Elifas L , Pellizzon Claudia H , Hirai Flavio E , C Schellini Ricardo , Padovani Carlos R
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background:  An experimental study was done to assess the ability of the vegetal polymer miniplates and screws to repair defects of the orbital floor.

Methods:  An artificial standard‐sized defect was created in the bony floor of right orbit of 45 albino rabbits. The animals were divided into three experimental groups: control group (G1) involving animals with orbital floor defect and no treatment; titanium group (G2) containing animals with orbital floor defect repaired by titanium miniplates and screws; vegetal polymer group (G3) composed of animals with similar orbital floor defects repaired by vegetal polymer miniplates and screws. Throughout the course of the experiment, the animals were clinically evaluated. At 15, 30 and 60 days after surgery, the animals were killed. They were X‐rayed immediately after the floor defect and at the moment of sacrifice. Histological and morphometric evaluation of inflammatory reaction and bone healing was done. Data were statistically evaluated.

Results:  No implants were extruded. Bone consolidation was similar in G2 and G3 and better than in G1 group animals. Inflammatory reaction was most pronounced in animals of G3 15 days after surgery, and it subsided over time.

Conclusion:  Vegetal polymer miniplates and screws induces small inflammatory reaction and had the ability to stimulate bone growth with good integration in the orbital floor defect allowing to consider the vegetal polymer adequate option to treat orbital floor defects. Future studies involving long‐term follow‐up and biomechanical tests to evaluate material resistance to traction are needed.
Patient satisfaction with topical ocular hypotensives
Authors: Kerr Nathan M , Patel Hussain Y , Chew Shenton SL , Ali Noor Q , Eady Elizabeth K , Danesh‐Meyer Helen V
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background:  The aim of this study is to assess patient satisfaction, convenience of use, ease of administration, side effects and treatment burden of topical ocular hypotensives.

Design:  Prospective, observational cohort.

Participants:  Two thousand five hundred and forty‐one patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Methods:  The Treatment Impact Patient Satisfaction Scale (TIPSS) was administered by mail to all patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension registered with Glaucoma New Zealand during a 3‐month study period. The questionnaire assessed patient demographics; topical ocular hypotensive use including number of medications, frequency of administration, ease of use, class of medication, and presence/severity of side effects; impact on quality of life; and patient satisfaction. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify determinants of patient satisfaction.

Main Outcome Measures:  Patient satisfaction.

Results:  Almost 80% of respondents were either ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with topical ocular hypotensives. Factors that were predictive of patient satisfaction included satisfaction with frequency of eye drop use {odds ratio (OR) 2.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8–3.1); P < 0.001}, subjective convenience (OR 2.6 [95% CI 2.0–3.4]; P < 0.001) and ease of administration (OR 2.5 [95% CI 2.0–3.3]; P < 0.001). Male gender was associated with lower satisfaction (OR 0.6 [95% CI 0.5–0.9]; P = 0.01). Factors that were not predictive of patient satisfaction included age, duration of eye drop use, class of medication and the presence of side effects.

Conclusions:  Patients with glaucoma and ocular hypotension are satisfied with topical ocular hypotensives. Efforts to improve patient satisfaction should focus on convenience and ease of administration.
Computational molecular phenotyping of retinal sheet transplants to rats with retinal degeneration
Authors: Seiler M. J. , Jones B. W. , Aramant R. B. , Yang P. B. , Keirstead H. S. , Marc R. E.
Published: May 2012

Retinal progenitor sheet transplants have been shown to extend neuronal processes into a degenerating host retina and to restore visual responses in the brain. The aim of this study was to identify cells involved in transplant signals to retinal degenerate hosts using computational molecular phenotyping (CMP). S334ter line 3 rats received fetal retinal sheet transplants at the age of 24–40 days. Donor tissues were incubated with slow‐releasing microspheres containing brain‐derived neurotrophic factor or glial cell‐derived neurotrophic factor. Up to 265 days after surgery, eyes of selected rats were vibratome‐sectioned through the transplant area (some slices stained for donor marker human placental alkaline phosphatase), dehydrated and embedded in Eponate, sectioned into serial ultrathin datasets and probed for rhodopsin, cone opsin, CRALBP (cellular retinaldehyde binding protein), l‐glutamate, l‐glutamine, glutathione, glycine, taurine, γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) and DAPI (4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole). In large transplant areas, photoreceptor outer segments in contact with host retinal pigment epithelium revealed rod and cone opsin immunoreactivity whereas no such staining was found in the degenerate host retina. Transplant photoreceptor layers contained high taurine levels. Glutamate levels in the transplants were higher than in the host retina whereas GABA levels were similar. The transplant inner nuclear layer showed some loss of neurons, but amacrine cells and horizontal cells were not reduced. In many areas, glial hypertrophy between the host and transplant was absent and host and transplant neuropil appeared to intermingle. CMP data indicate that horizontal cells and both glycinergic and GABAergic amacrine cells are involved in a novel circuit between transplant and host, generating alternative signal pathways between transplant and degenerating host retina.
Touching and feeling: differences in pleasant touch processing between glabrous and hairy skin in humans
Authors: McGlone F. , Olausson H. , Boyle J. A. , Jones‐Gotman M. , Dancer C. , Guest S. , Essick G.
Published: May 2012

Previous functional magnetic resonance imaging studies in two rare patients, together with microneurography and psychophysical observations in healthy subjects, have demonstrated a system of mechanosensitive C‐fiber tactile (CT) afferents sensitive to slowly moving stimuli. They project to the posterior insular cortex and signal pleasant aspects of touch. Importantly, CTs have not been found in the glabrous skin of the hand, yet it is commonly observed that glabrous skin touch is also perceived as pleasant. Here we asked if the brain processing of pleasant touch differs between hairy and glabrous skin by stroking the forearm and glabrous skin of the hand during positron emission tomography. The data showed that, when contrasting slow brush stroking on the forearm with slow brush stroking on the palm, there were significant activations of the posterior insular cortex and mid‐anterior orbitofrontal cortex. The opposite contrast showed a significant activation of the somatosensory cortices. Although concurrent psychophysical ratings showed no differences in intensity or pleasantness ratings, a subsequent touch questionnaire in which subjects used a newly developed ‘touch perception task’ showed significant difference for the two body sites. Emotional descriptors received higher ratings on the forearm and sensory descriptors were rated more highly on the palm. The present findings are consistent with the hypothesis that pleasant touch from hairy skin, mediated by CT afferents, is processed in the limbic‐related cortex and represents an innate non‐learned process. In contrast, pleasant touch from glabrous skin, mediated by A‐beta afferents, is processed in the somatosensory cortex and represents an analytical process dependent on previous tactile experiences.
Striatal dopamine modulates song spectral but not temporal features through D1 receptors
Authors: Leblois Arthur , Perkel David J
Published: May 2012

The activity of midbrain dopaminergic neurons and their projection to the basal ganglia (BG) are thought to play a critical role in the acquisition of motor skills through reinforcement learning, as well as in the expression of learned motor behaviors. The precise role of BG dopamine (DA) in mediating and modulating motor performance and learning, however, remains unclear. In songbirds, a specialized portion of the BG is responsible for song learning and plasticity. Previously we found that DA acts on D1 receptors in Area X to modulate the BG output signal and thereby trigger changes in song variability. Here, we investigate the effect of D1 receptor blockade in the BG on song behavior in the zebra finch. We report that this manipulation abolishes social context‐dependent changes in variability not only in harmonic stacks, but also in other types of syllables. However, song timing seems not to be modulated by this BG DA signal. Indeed, injections of a D1 antagonist in the BG altered neither song duration nor the change of song duration with social context. Finally, D1 receptor activation in the BG was not necessary for the modulation of other features of song, such as the number of introductory notes or motif repetitions. Together, our results suggest that activation of D1 receptors in the BG is necessary for the modulation of fine acoustic features of song with social context, while it is not involved in the regulation of song timing and structure at a larger time scale.
Doxycycline treatment in a neonatal rat model of hypoxia–ischemia reduces cerebral tissue and white matter injury: a longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Widerøe Marius , Havnes Marianne B , Morken Tora Sund , Skranes Jon , Goa Pål‐Erik , Brubakk Ann‐Mari
Published: May 2012

Doxycycline may potentially be a neuroprotective treatment for neonatal hypoxic–ischemic brain injury through its anti‐inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to examine any long‐term neuroprotection by doxycycline treatment on cerebral gray and white matter. Hypoxic–ischemic brain injury was induced in 7‐day‐old rats. Pups were treated with either doxycycline (HI+doxy) or saline (HI+vehicle) by intraperitoneal injection at 1 h after hypoxia–ischemia (HI). At 6 h after HI, MnCl2 was injected intraperitoneally for later manganese‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI was performed with diffusion‐weighted imaging on day 1 and T1‐weighted imaging and diffusion tensor imaging at 7, 21 and 42 days after HI. Animals were killed after MRI on day 42 and histological examinations of the brains were performed. There was a tendency towards lower lesion volumes on diffusion maps among HI+doxy than HI+vehicle rats at 1 day after HI. Volumetric MRI showed increasing differences between groups with time after HI, with less cyst formation and less cerebral tissue loss among HI+doxy than HI+vehicle pups. HI+doxy pups had less manganese enhancement on day 7 after HI, indicating reduced inflammation. HI+doxy pups had higher fractional anisotropy on diffusion tensor imaging in major white matter tracts in the injured hemisphere than HI+vehicle pups, indicating less injury to white matter and better myelination. Histological examinations supported the MRI results. Lesion size on early MRI was highly correlated with final injury measures. In conclusion, a single dose of doxycycline reduced long‐term cerebral tissue loss and white matter injury after neonatal HI, with an increasing effect of treatment with time after injury.
Legacy effects of aboveground–belowground interactions
Authors: Kostenko Olga , van de Voorde Tess F. J. , Mulder Patrick P. J. , van der Putten Wim H. , Martijn Bezemer T.
Published: May 2012

Root herbivory can greatly affect the performance of aboveground insects via changes in plant chemistry. These interactions have been studied extensively in experiments where aboveground and belowground insects were feeding on the same plant. However, little is known about how aboveground and belowground organisms interact when they feed on plant individuals that grow after each other in the same soil. We show that feeding by aboveground and belowground insect herbivores on ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris) plants exert unique soil legacy effects, via herbivore‐induced changes in the composition of soil fungi. These changes in the soil biota induced by aboveground and belowground herbivores of preceding plants greatly influenced the pyrrolizidine alkaloid content, biomass and aboveground multitrophic interactions of succeeding plants. We conclude that plant‐mediated interactions between aboveground and belowground insects are also important when they do not feed simultaneously on the same plant.
System‐based factors influencing intraoperative decision‐making in rectal cancer by surgeons: an international assessment
Authors: Augestad K. M. , Lindsetmo R.‐O. , Stulberg J. J. , Reynolds H. , Champagne B. , Senagore A. J. , Delaney C. P. ,   International Rectal Cancer Study Group (IRCSG)
Published: May 2012

Aim  Sound surgical judgement is the goal of training and experience; however, system‐based factors may also colour selection of options by a surgeon. We analysed potential organizational characteristics that might influence rectal cancer decision‐making by an experienced surgeon.

Method  One hundred and seventy‐three international centres treating rectal cancer were invited to participate in a survey assessment of key treatment options for patients undergoing curative rectal‐cancer surgery. The key organizational characteristics were analysed using multivariate methods for association with intra‐operative surgical decision‐making.

Results  The response rate was 71% (123 centres). Sphincter‐saving surgery was more likely to be performed at university hospitals (OR = 3.63, P = 0.01) and by high‐caseload surgeons (OR = 2.77 P = 0.05). A diverting stoma was performed more frequently in departments with clinical audits (OR = 3.06, P = 0.02), and a diverting stoma with coloanal anastomosis was more likely in European centres (OR = 4.14, P = 0.004). One‐stage surgery was less likely where there was assessment by a multidisciplinary team (OR = 0.24, P = 0.02). Multivariate analysis showed that university hospital, clinical audit, European centre, multidisciplinary team and high caseload significantly impacted on surgical decision‐making.

Conclusion  Treatment variance of rectal cancer surgeons appears to be significantly influenced by organizational characteristics and complex team‐based decision‐making. System‐based factors may need to be considered as a source of outcome variation that may impact on quality metrics.
Phylogeny of mosquitoes of tribe Culicini (Diptera: Culicidae) based on morphological diversity
Authors: Harbach Ralph E. , Kitching Ian J. , Culverwell C. Lorna , Dubois Jacques , Linton Yvonne‐Marie
Published: May 2012

Harbach, R. E., Kitching, I. J., Culverwell, C. L., Dubois, J. & Linton, Y.‐M. (2012). Phylogeny of mosquitoes of tribe Culicini (Diptera: Culicidae) based on morphological diversity. —Zoologica Scripta, 41, 499–514.

Relationships among taxa of the mosquito tribe Culicini are explored using 169 morphological characters from 86 exemplar species representing the four genera and 26 subgenera of Culicini, most species groups and subgroups of subgenus Culex and an outgroup of five species from five other tribes. We analysed the data set, with multistate characters treated as unordered, under implied weights with values of K ranging from 1 to 20, implemented by TNT. Each analysis, except K = 4, produced a single most parsimonious (fittest) cladogram (MPC). The topology of the ingroup was identical for K = 6–11, whereas the MPCs for K = 14–20 differed only in the position of a single species, which occupied the same position in the K = 16 and K = 6–11 topologies. The K = 9 and K = 16 trees were given further consideration. In both these cladograms, Lutzia is sister to a clade comprising genera Culex, Deinocerites and Galindomyia. The two topologies have 13 clades in common, but their arrangements differ primarily because of Culex (Culex) duttoni acting as a ‘rogue’ taxon. We evaluated the effect of removing this species from the K = 9 and K = 16 analyses and chose the refined K = 9 topology as the best hypothesis of relationships within Culicini. Genus Culex is not monophyletic because it includes Deinocerites and Galindomyia as derived members of the New World subgenera. With the exception of subgenera Culex, Eumelanomyia and Neoculex, there is strong support for the monophyly of all genera and subgenera. Subgenus Culex would be monophyletic were four other subgenera included and three other taxa (the Afrotropical Cx. duttoni, Neotropical Cx. apicinus and the Australasian Atriceps Group) excluded.
High‐throughput and parallel SNP discovery in selected candidate genes in Eucalyptus camaldulensis using Illumina NGS platform
Authors: Hendre Prasad S. , Kamalakannan R. , Varghese Mohan
Published: May 2012

Next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have revolutionized the pace and scale of genomics‐ and transcriptomics‐based SNP discovery across different plant and animal species. Herein, 72‐base paired‐end Illumina sequencing was employed for high‐throughput, parallel and large‐scale SNP discovery in 41 growth‐related candidate genes in Eucalyptus camaldulensis. Approximately 100 kb of genome from 96 individuals was amplified and sequenced using a hierarchical DNA/PCR pooling strategy and assembled over corresponding E. grandis reference. A total of 1191 SNPs (minimum 5% other allele frequency) were identified with an average frequency of 1 SNP/83.9 bp, whereas in exons and introns, it was 1 SNP/108.4 bp and 1 SNP/65.6 bp, respectively. A total of 75 insertions and 89 deletions were detected of which approximately 15% were exonic. Transitions (Tr) were in excess than transversions (Tv) (Tr/Tv: 1.89), but exceeded in exons (Tr/Tv: 2.73). In exons, synonymous SNPs (Ka) prevailed over the non‐synonymous SNPs (Ks; average Ka/Ks ratio: 0.72, range: 0–3.00 across genes). Many of the exonic SNPs/indels had potential to change amino acid sequence of respective genes. Transcription factors appeared more conserved, whereas enzyme coding genes appeared under relaxed control. Further, 541 SNPs were classified into 196 ‘equal frequency’ (EF) blocks with almost similar minor allele frequencies to facilitate selection of one tag‐SNP/EF‐block. There were 241 (approximately 20%) ‘zero‐SNP’ blocks with absence of SNPs in surrounding ±60 bp windows. The data thus indicated enormous extant and unexplored diversity in E. camaldulensis in the studied genes with potential applications for marker‐trait associations.
Engineering nitrogen use efficient crop plants: the current status
Authors: McAllister Chandra H. , Beatty Perrin H. , Good Allen G.
Published: May 2012

In the last 40 years the amount of synthetic nitrogen (N) applied to crops has risen drastically, resulting in significant increases in yield but with considerable impacts on the environment. A requirement for crops that require decreased N fertilizer levels has been recognized in the call for a ‘Second Green Revolution’ and research in the field of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) has continued to grow. This has prompted a search to identify genes that improve the NUE of crop plants, with candidate NUE genes existing in pathways relating to N uptake, assimilation, amino acid biosynthesis, C/N storage and metabolism, signalling and regulation of N metabolism and translocation, remobilization and senescence. Herein is a review of the approaches taken to determine possible NUE candidate genes, an overview of experimental study of these genes as effectors of NUE in both cereal and non‐cereal plants and the processes of commercialization of enhanced NUE crop plants. Patents issued regarding increased NUE in plants as well as gene pyramiding studies are also discussed as well as future directions of NUE research.
Identification of positive and negative regulators of disease resistance to rice blast fungus using constitutive gene expression patterns
Authors: Grand Xavier , Espinoza Rocio , Michel Corinne , Cros Sandrine , Chalvon Véronique , Jacobs John , Morel Jean‐Benoit
Published: May 2012

Elevated constitutive expression of components of the defence arsenal is associated with quantitative resistance to the rice blast fungus, a phenomenon called preformed defence. While the role of many disease regulators in inducible defence systems has been extensively studied, little attention has been paid so far to genes that regulate preformed defence. In this study, we show by microarray analysis across rice diversity that the preformed defence phenomenon impacts on a large number of defence‐related genes without apparently affecting other biological processes. Using a guilt‐by‐association strategy, we identified two positive regulators that promote constitutive expression of known defence markers and partial resistance to rice blast. The HSF23 gene encodes for a putative member of the heat shock transcription factor family, while CaMBP encodes for a putative Calmodulin‐binding protein. Both HSF23 and CaMBP strongly affect preformed defence and also plant growth. Additionally, we identified the OB‐fold gene as a negative regulator of blast resistance, which could be involved in RNA stabilization. The OB‐fold mutants do not suffer from obvious developmental defects. Taken together, our results prove that our strategy of combining analysis of gene expression diversity with guilt‐by‐association is a powerful way to identify disease resistance regulators in rice.
Regimes of Ethical Value? Landscape, Race and Representation in the Canadian Diamond Industry
Authors: Schlosser Kolson
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  Canadian diamonds are marketed as “ethical” alternatives to notorious “blood diamonds”. This paper analyzes the specific matrices through which ethical consumption as a discourse is being mobilized to sell diamonds. I argue that consumption operates as a system of social signification in which consuming subjects are positioned as moral subjects. Moreover, I argue that historically accumulated symbolic power, in the form of imagined geographies of benevolent colonialism in the Canadian North versus the exploitation of “dark” Africa, pristine, “white” northern landscapes, modernization via commodity production, and national identity, creates the very field of meaning within which the consuming subject is positioned. The ethicalization of Canadian diamonds also has important normative implications both in terms of the cultural politics of ethical consumption and social and environmental justice in the Canadian North.
Leadership Traits and Media Influence in Britain
Authors: Stevens Daniel , Karp Jeffrey A.
Published: May 2012

Although party leaders are now assumed to play a more important role in parliamentary elections, little is known about how voters form opinions about leaders. In this article, we rely on theories of priming to investigate how media exposure influences leadership evaluations. The analysis is based on a unique examination of the nature and dynamics of leadership evaluations in Britain which combines survey data with media content data to investigate how perceptions of character traits, and media influence on perceptions of character traits, affect leadership evaluations. Our findings show that both the amount and the tone of newspaper media coverage can affect leadership evaluations which could result in a gain or loss in party support.
Spending Time and Money within the Household*
Authors: Browning Martin , Gørtz Mette
Published: May 2012

We consider, both theoretically and empirically, the allocation of time and money within the household. The research question is whether a married person who enjoys more leisure than their partner also receives more consumption (which seems to indicate the outcome of power within the household) or receives less consumption (which seems to indicate differing intrahousehold preferences). We develop a simple parametric structural model with household production that is tested on survey data. We find that relative wages have an impact on power. For leisure, this effect is dominated by a conventional wage effect, in which the partner who has the higher wage takes less leisure.
Heterogeneous Wage Effects of Apprenticeship Training*
Authors: Göggel Kathrin , Zwick Thomas
Published: May 2012

The relatively small average wage effects of employer and occupation changes after apprenticeship training mask large differences between occupation groups and apprentices with different schooling backgrounds. People who change employer and occupation within industrial occupations enjoy large wage advantages, whereas apprentices in commerce and trading occupations, as well as in construction and crafts occupations, face wage losses from an occupation change. The differences between the firms that provide the apprenticeship training are found to be small or insignificant. In this paper, we reconcile the differences between previous findings by comparing and replicating the empirical estimation strategies used. This demonstrates that selectivity in occupations and changes, unobserved heterogeneity between occupations, and sample selection do matter.
Identification of SEN: is consistency a realistic or worthy aim?
Authors: ELLIS SIMON , TOD JANET
Published: May 2012

The SEN Green Paper and OFSTED have raised concerns about both variability in, and apparent over‐identification of, SEN. This article draws on the authors' research into teachers' experiences of identification of SEN. Findings, along with critical exploration of the current 2001 SEN Code of Practice guidance and proposals for reform outlined in the 2011 SEN Green Paper, suggest that an overemphasis on trying to secure consistency is misconstrued as a route to securing improved outcomes for pupils with special educational needs. The identification of SEN in schools requires assessing the dynamic interaction between the pupil's unique learning characteristics, the class group learning environment and the demands of meeting prescribed curricular learning outcomes. Such acknowledgement renders variability in SEN identification rates between schools as an expected consequence of local responsive planning and provision, rather than an anomaly to be eliminated.
Understanding parental confidence in an inclusive high school: a pilot survey
Authors: MOREWOOD GARETH D. , BOND CAROLINE
Published: May 2012

A questionnaire was developed and trialled in an inclusive high school with the aim of understanding factors that contribute to parental confidence in school provision for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Parents of all students at School Action, School Action Plus and those with Statements of special educational needs were surveyed. Although the response rate of 38% was relatively low, responses overall were very positive. The survey findings provide evidence to support the whole school approach and areas for further development are discussed.
Is the ‘inclusive SENCo’ still a possibility? A personal perspective
Authors: MOREWOOD GARETH D.
Published: May 2012

This article examines some of the issues emerging with regard to the SENCo skill set and does so in the context of the current rapidly changing educational climate. The SENCo role has to evolve and adapt in order to meet ever‐changing requirements. This involves a collective effort, in which a strong SENCo network and a collaborative approach have never been more important.
Special educational needs and disability co‐ordination in a changing policy landscape: making sense of policy from a SENCo's perspective
Authors: ROBERTSON CHRISTOPHER
Published: May 2012

In this article, recent legislative changes that have raised the profile of SENCos in English schools are outlined. Key aspects of the current Government's proposals to reform SEND policy, provision and practice and the possible implications of these for SENCos and the schools they work in are discussed. The view that radical reforms outlined in Support and Aspiration, the SEND Green Paper published in 2011, will benefit the majority of children and young people experiencing difficulties in learning who are taught in mainstream schools is questioned. The article also reflects on whether or not SENCos will need to use their purportedly enhanced status to mitigate the effects of policies that could lead to the needs of some pupils being unmet, and others being marginalised through an expansion of separate forms of provision. Perennial concerns of many SENCos are also identified, and it is argued that these too need addressing if they are to fulfil the pivotal strategic role envisaged for them and avoid having to work as SEND ‘firefighters’. It is suggested that these concerns could be addressed through a review of the SENCo regulations.
Building bridges with other schools: educational partnerships in separate settings in England
Authors: ROSE JO
Published: May 2012

This article considers the ways in which special schools work in partnership with other organisations in order to meet the support needs of their pupils and enhance their educational provision. Data are taken from interviews in 2009 and 2010 with staff, pupils and governors at four different special schools in England. Schools appeared proactive and creative in seeking opportunities for partnership and collaborative activity with other organisations and with individuals. Partnerships with support services from different agencies were often well established. All faced challenges, however, in engaging mainstream schools in collaborative work beyond sharing facilities. The article highlights the different challenges faced by special and mainstream schools regarding partnership work to support pupils with special educational needs.
SENCos supporting each other: the SENCo Forum
Authors: WEDELL KLAUS
Published: May 2012

The aim of this article is to give an account of a self‐help ‘bottom‐up’ continuing professional development (CPD) facility for SENCos which has been built up over the last 16 years. This CPD was originally intended to supplement any substantive training that might have been provided by local authorities (LAs) and by further and higher education courses. In the context of the current obligatory SENCo qualification requirements, the role of the SENCo Forum remains very much an ongoing informal CPD, and this article aims to describe the SENCo Forum, how it works and what its significance has been – and is – for SENCos.
Factors related to respiration influencing survival and respiratory function in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a retrospective study
Authors: Leonardis L. , Dolenc Grošelj L. , Vidmar G.
Published: May 2012

Background

Various breathing abnormalities (Neurology 2009; 73: 1218) have been proposed as indicators for the introduction of non‐invasive positive‐pressure ventilation (NIV) in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We were interested in the usefulness of symptoms of respiratory insufficiency and abnormal results of daytime arterial gas analyses (AGA) as predictors of survival and the effect of NIV on respiratory volumes and pressures.

Methods

Reported symptoms, respiratory subscore of the ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS‐r), Norris scale (Norris‐r), and AGA were retrospectively analyzed in 189 ALS patients. Longitudinal follow‐up of forced vital capacity (FVC), maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure (MIP, MEP), and sniff nasal pressure (SNP) were analyzed with regard to the introduction of NIV.

Results

Respiratory symptoms were a bad prognostic sign (P = 0.007). Abnormalities in Norris‐r, ALSFRS‐r, pO2, pCO2, and oxygen saturation tended to be associated with a shorter survival, although they were not statistically significant. NIV prolonged survival and reduced the decline in FVC (P = 0.007), MIP, MEP, and SNP (the last three were not statistically significant). Symptoms, abnormal FVC, and AGA do not always coincide, and they can appear in a different sequence.

Conclusions

Any respiratory abnormality should prompt the clinician to start discussing NIV with the patient. NIV prolongs survival and improves respiratory function.
Quantification of skin penetration of antioxidants of varying lipophilicity
Authors: Abla M. J. , Banga A. K.
Published: May 2012

Synopsis

Antioxidants play a vital role in protecting the skin from environmental distress. As the skin is constantly exposed to harmful UV radiation, endogenous antioxidants present in the superficial layers of the skin neutralize reactive oxygen species. Over time, antioxidants become depleted and loss their protective effect on the skin. Therefore, supplementing skin with topical antioxidant can help replenish this loss and fight the oxidative stress. The objective of this study was to deliver antioxidants topically and quantify the amount permeated in the stratum corneum and underlying skin. Polyphenols (catechin, resveratrol and curcumin) and vitamin (retinol) with various lipophilic properties were delivered via porcine ear skin, using propylene glycol as a vehicle. The amount in the stratum corneum and underlying skin was quantified using tape stripping and skin extraction methods, respectively, and samples were analysed via HPLC. All four antioxidants permeated into the skin from the propylene glycol vehicle. The order of the amount of antioxidant in the stratum corneum was catechin > resveratrol~ retinol> curcumin, whereas that in the underlying skin was retinol > catechin~ resveratrol~ curcumin. Of the total amount of polyphenols in the skin, approximately 90% was retained in the stratum corneum whereas 10% was quantified in the underlying skin. In contrast, 10% of retinol was retained in the stratum corneum whereas 90% permeated in the underlying skin. Polyphenols (catechin, resveratrol and curcumin) showed high concentration in the stratum corneum whereas retinol showed high accumulation in the underlying layers of the skin.
Physicochemical differences between Croatian cheese matured in a lamb skin sack (Sir iz misine) and cheese matured in a rind throughout ripening
Authors: KALIT MILNA T , KALIT SAMIR , KELAVA NIKOLINA , HAVRANEK JASMINA
Published: May 2012

The aim of this study was to research differences in physicochemical parameters between Croatian cheese in a lamb skin sack (Sir iz misine) and cheese in a rind throughout ripening. Cheese in a sack had significantly (P < 0.05) lower content of total solids, fat, proteins and salt which showed the ‘protective’ effect of skin sack and higher permeability of natural rind. The water‐soluble nitrogen in the total nitrogen (%TN) and 12% trichloroacetic acid‐soluble nitrogen (%TN) at the end of ripening was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in cheese in a sack than in cheese in a rind which indicates intensive proteolysis in cheese in a sack.