bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perception of tilt following counter‐rotation surgery
Authors: Mehta Jignasa , Farnell Damian JJ , Stappler Theodore , Liazos Efstathios , Wong David 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackground:  Macular translocation surgery (MTS) is one of the treatment options for age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) followed by counter‐rotation surgery (CRS) to correct the resulting tilt. The objective of this paper is to determine the perception of tilt following CRS and identify factors that influence the perception of tilt in the presence of residual cyclorotation following CRS.Methods:  Thirty‐four AMD patients treated with MTS and CRS were investigated; and all measurements were made preoperatively, and after each surgical procedure. Fundus photographs were analysed with computer software to determine the degree of retinal rotation and reliability was assessed by two independent assessors. The degree of perceptual rotation was measured with Maddox rod and the subjective appreciation of tilt was established by direct questioning. Fixation preference was determined by cover test and convergence. Bagolini glasses were used to determine binocular outcome.Results:  Post CRS, 20 of the 34 patients had adapted to tilt. There was a significant difference of 5° ± 7° (95% confidence intervals: 1–8°, t = 2.9, degree of freedom = 19, P = 0.008) between the degree of rotation measured from the fundus photographs and the Maddox rod measurement following CRS. Patients with residual retinal rotation less than or equal to 15° did not appreciate tilt in free space. More importantly, fixation with the operated eye and ignoring the image from the non‐operated eye was significantly associated with being free of tilt in natural viewing conditions (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  Despite the presence of residual cyclorotation of the macula following CRS of up to 27°, a significant proportion (59%) of patients did not perceive the world as tilted in natural viewing conditions. Differences between retinal rotation and perceptual tilt provide evidence of sensory adaptation. It was patients who fixed with their operated eye and ignored the image from the non‐operated eye who did not perceive tilt post CRS.
Role of genetic testing in retinoblastoma management at a tertiary referral centre
Authors: Pradhan Monika A , Ng Yvonne , Strickland Adrienne , George Peter M , Raizis Anthony , Warrington Jenny , Vincent Andrea L 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackground:  Retinoblastoma (MIM +180 200) is a malignant neoplasm affecting embryonal retina, associated with mutations in the RB1 gene. This paper investigates the results of RB1 testing in retinoblastoma management in a tertiary referral centre.Methods:  A retrospective audit of genetic testing for retinoblastoma from 2003 to 2008, to determine epidemiology, rate of mutation detection and spectrum was undertaken. Eligible probands were identified from the department database and hospital records examined. DNA extracted from tumour tissue and/or peripheral blood was analysed. All patients and families underwent genetic counselling.Results:  Twenty patients, including one family, were identified. Eight had bilateral tumours, of whom seven presented before 2 years of age, whereas 10 of 12 unilateral cases presented after 2 years of age. Ten patients (50%) were European, four Maori (20%), three Pacific (15%), two Asian (10%), and one of mixed ancestry (5%). Genetic analysis achieved mutation detection on all affected alleles of all the patients, with tumour tissue available for testing in 19 cases. Ten (40%) had germline mutations (eight bilateral and two unilateral), including one mosaic. 75% of affected Maori had germline mutations compared with 40% Europeans. A wide range of mutations was detected with one novel mutation identified in a familial case.Conclusion:  Advances in gene testing have enabled a high rate of mutation detection, particularly when tumour tissue is genotyped. Genetic analysis is integral to the management of retinoblastoma patients allowing enhanced follow‐up care, avoidance of unnecessary examinations, family screening, counselling and reproductive planning, with early tumour detection in predisposed individuals.
Antituberculosis medication as a possible epigenetic factor of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy
Authors: Seo Je Hyun , Hwang Jeong‐Min , Park Sung Sup 
Published: February 2010

AbstractPurpose:  To investigate if antituberculosis medication including ethambutol could be a possible epigenetic factor in visual loss in Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON).Methods:  The authors reviewed the medical records of 46 patients registered at Bundang Seoul National University Hospital from 2002 to 2006, who developed the typical clinical neuro‐ophthalmologic features of LHON and possessed a mtDNA mutation at nucleotide 11778, 14484, 3460 or 4171.Results:  Three of the 46 patients developed visual loss while taking antituberculosis medication. These three patients had the mtDNA 11778 mutation with a mean age of 32.7 years at the onset of visual loss, whereas the mean age of other 43 patients was 21.2 years. One of these three patients was female.Conclusion:  Antituberculosis medication may be an epigenetic factor of LHON in patients with a primary LHON mutation. This risk should be recognized by physicians and LHON carriers.
The diversity of insectivorous bat assemblages among habitats within a subtropical urban landscape
Authors: HOURIGAN C. L. , CATTERALL CARLA P. , JONES DARRYL , RHODES MARTIN 
Published: February 2010

AbstractWe investigated the bat (Microchiroptera) diversity of four major habitat types within a large Australian subtropical city (Brisbane, Australia) to determine whether species richness was affected by habitat changes associated with urbanization, as suggested from studies elsewhere. Forty sites, ten in each habitat type (remnant bushland, parkland, low‐density residential and high‐density residential) were surveyed using acoustic bat detectors on six non‐consecutive occasions. Fourteen bat species were recorded. The species accumulation curve of the entire Brisbane bat assemblage reached a plateau at 14 species. The total numbers of species in bushland, parkland, low‐density residential and high‐density residential habitats were 14, 13, 14 and 11 species, respectively. Asymptotic estimates of species richness for each habitat were close or equal to these totals. Mean asymptotic estimated species richness differed significantly among habitats, being lowest in high‐density residential sites and highest in low‐density residential sites. Evenness profiles were similar across habitats, and were not strongly dominated by a few species. Partitioning of diversity components showed that landscape (γ) diversity was mainly determined by the high species richness of low‐density residential and bushland habitats (α diversity), rather than high beta (β) diversity among habitats. These findings contradict those of other studies on bat diversity in which species richness was highest within ‘natural’ areas of the urban landscape and assemblages were dominated by one or two species. This highlights the need for caution in making generalizations based on existing information, which is dominated by studies in temperate regions.
Spatial variation in the demography and population dynamics of a perennial shrub (Atriplex vesicaria) under sheep grazing in semi‐arid Australian rangelands
Authors: HUNT L. P. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract Atriplex vesicaria Heward ex Benth. (Chenopodiaceae) is a widespread perennial shrub in southern Australia's chenopod rangelands but is sensitive to grazing. A detailed investigation of the demography and population dynamics of A. vesicaria under sheep grazing was conducted over 6.5 years at a range of sites across a typical paddock to assess the long‐term effects of grazing on the species and elucidate the mechanisms of population change under grazing. The effects of rainfall on recruitment and mortality were also examined. Six‐monthly censuses of all A. vesicaria individuals were conducted in permanent grazed and ungrazed plots at sites located across an 1100‐ha paddock. Grazing increased adult shrub mortality close to water and reduced recruitment over a broader area of the paddock, but seedling survival did not appear to be affected by grazing. As a result of these changes, the population declined on grazed plots up to 2200 m from water during the study, but the decline was greatest closer to water. The population was most dynamic at the sites furthest from the water point where it was unaffected by grazing because of the greater recruitment and mortality of young plants, but because these processes balanced out over time, population density was effectively unchanged by the end of the study. Although statistical models indicated that six‐monthly rainfall did not explain temporal variation in recruitment or mortality, rainfall nevertheless has a central role in both processes. In particular, longer periods of favourable rainfall and drought appear to have an important influence on recruitment and mortality, respectively, with heavy grazing during a drought period increasing mortality. Occasional shortages of seed or rains occurring during the warmer months when seed germination is limited possibly explain poor recruitment at sites unaffected by grazing following good rainfall.
Limited evidence for ecosystem‐level change on reefs exposed to Haliotis rubra (‘blacklip abalone’) exploitation
Authors: VALENTINE JOSEPH P. , TARBATH DAVID B. , FRUSHER STEWART D. , MUNDY CRAIG N. , BUXTON COLIN D. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIt is increasingly recognized that fisheries must take the broader ecosystem into account for sustainable management of marine systems, requiring an understanding of the interaction between fished species and other organisms. This study uses a correlative approach to investigate potential interactions between benthic organisms and Haliotis rubra, a dominant herbivore that is the subject of a large and valuable commercial fishery in south‐eastern Australia. Specific emphasis was placed on understanding associations between H. rubra and understorey organisms, because particular understorey algae (crustose coralline algae) provide critical habitat for H. rubra larval recruitment and juvenile ecology. Broad‐scale surveys along the 6–8 m depth contour (the depth range where H. rubra fishing activity is intense) were conducted across four regions (separated by 104−105 m), including at least 10 sites (separated by 102−103 m) within each region. Positive correlations between H. rubra and crustose coralline algae were found, while negative correlations were observed between H. rubra and sessile invertebrates and understorey algae. While significant, these associations were weak and H. rubra abundance generally only explained a small proportion of the variability in the abundance of understorey organisms (r2 0.02–0.30). H. rubra abundance also had a minor influence on community‐level understorey patterns in comparison with differences in community structure attributable to regional variation. Patterns of H. rubra abundance and benthic community structure were also examined in relation to depth at a restricted number of sites. At sites where differences in understorey groups were evident, H. rubra abundance also varied significantly, highlighting the issue of confounding when contrasting patterns of understorey abundance using a correlative approach. Further manipulative experiments are required to confirm causal relationships; however, the available correlative evidence suggests limited ecosystem effects of H. rubra depletion at the scale of individual reefs.
Variation in δ13C among species and sexes in the family Restionaceae along a fine‐scale hydrological gradient
Authors: ARAYA YOSEPH N. , SILVERTOWN JONATHAN , GOWING DAVID J. , MCCONWAY KEVIN , LINDER PETER , MIDGLEY GUY 
Published: February 2010

AbstractConsistent, repeatable segregation of plant species along hydrological gradients is an established phenomenon that must in some way reflect a trade‐off between plants' abilities to tolerate the opposing constraints of drought and waterlogging. In C3 species tissue carbon isotope discrimination (δ13C) is known to vary sensitively in response to stomatal behaviour, reflecting stomatal limitation of photosynthesis during the period of active growth. However, this has not been studied at fine‐spatial scale in natural communities. We tested how δ13C varied between species and sexes of individuals in the family Restionaceae growing along a monitored hydrological gradient. Twenty Restionaceae species were investigated using species‐level phylogeny at two sites in the Cape Floristic Region, a biodiversity hotspot. A spatial overlap analysis showed the Restionaceae species segregated significantly (P < 0.001) at both sites. Moreover, there were significant differences in δ13C values among the Restionaceae species (P < 0.001) and between male and female individuals of each species (P < 0.01). However, after accounting for phylogeny, species δ13C values did not show any significant correlation with the hydrological gradient. We suggest that some other variable (e.g. plant phenology) could be responsible for masking a simple response to water availability.
Seasonal variation of tadpole spatial niches in permanent streams: The roles of predation risk and microhabitat availability
Authors: ETEROVICK PAULA C. , LAZAROTTI ISABELA , FRANCO BRUNA P. , DIAS CAMILA J. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractPhenotypic plasticity can improve fitness in unstable environments and can be expressed in many traits, such as life history attributes, growth and behavioural features. Microhabitat choice can have important consequences for development and survival of aquatic organisms and is expected to vary in response to stimuli, such as predation risk, food availability and temperature. At seasonal sites, microhabitat availability and associated benefits may change from season to season, which might lead to altered patterns of microhabitat use by tadpoles. We investigated this hypothesis in 17 streams from two localities in south‐eastern Brazil. We tested whether water level drops significantly during the dry season, whether lower water level results in altered microhabitat availability and whether predation risk changes between seasons, based on predator density. We then tested whether tadpoles change their pattern of microhabitat use, their spatial niche breadth (given by diversity of used microhabitats) and spatial niche overlap (in the case of co‐occurring species). We were able to include in our analyses tadpoles of four species of Hylidae, that occurred throughout both seasons. Stream depth decreased in the dry season, but microhabitat availability remained relatively stable in many streams, and predator density did not change significantly. Tadpoles of three out of the four species studied were more abundant during the dry season, which may be an adaptation to adjust time of metamorphosis to the rainy season. Tadpoles changed their patterns of microhabitat use between seasons, although the potential causing factors investigated did not seem to be responsible. Tadpole plasticity in microhabitat use may indicate the existence of selective pressures that vary through time and space and are still not well understood.
Habitat characteristics predict occupancy patterns of the endangered amphibian Litoria raniformis in flow‐regulated flood plain wetlands
Authors: WASSENS SKYE , HALL ANDREW , OSBORNE WILL , WATTS ROBYN J. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIdentification of habitat features that are strongly associated with the occurrence of threatened species is important in terms of predicting impacts of habitat change and identifying key habitats for conservation. In this paper, we apply habitat‐based statistical models to predict occupancy patterns of the endangered southern bell frog (Litoria raniformis) across inland New South Wales (Australia). Litoria raniformis previously occupied a wide range of natural and man‐made waterbodies across a large geographic range, including flood plain wetlands, oxbow lagoons, irrigation canals and rice bays. Alteration of natural flooding regimes has affected a large proportion of habitats within the historical range of Litoria raniformis, but it is not clear how these changes have influenced habitat occupancy patterns. Fifty‐two waterbodies were surveyed for presence/absence of Litoria raniformis in 2001 and 2004. Stepwise logistic regression models were generated to select a subset of variables that best predicted occupancy. Using three predictor variables, vacant and occupied habitats could be predicted with an accuracy of 90% and 70%, respectively. The predictor variables were: the interaction between wetland hydrology and complexity of aquatic vegetation, complexity of fringing vegetation and water temperature. While this study demonstrated that a range of waterbody types were occupied by Litoria raniformis, these habitats shared common hydrological conditions and vegetation characteristics. Altered flooding regimes and reductions in the complexity of aquatic and fringing vegetation are likely to increase the probability of localized extinctions of Litoria raniformis populations.
Appearance of Cxcl10‐expressing cell clusters is common for traumatic brain injury and neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Israelsson Charlotte , Bengtsson Henrik , Lobell Anna , Nilsson Lars N. G. , Kylberg Annika , Isaksson Magnus , Wootz Hanna , Lannfelt Lars , Kullander Klas , Hillered Lars , Ebendal Ted 
Published: February 2010

AbstractTraumatic brain injury (TBI) in the mouse results in the rapid appearance of scattered clusters of cells expressing the chemokine Cxcl10 in cortical and subcortical areas. To extend the observation of this unique pattern, we used neuropathological mouse models using quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction, gene array analysis, in‐situ hybridization and flow cytometry. As for TBI, cell clusters of 150–200 μm expressing Cxcl10 characterize the cerebral cortex of mice carrying a transgene encoding the Swedish mutation of amyloid precursor protein, a model of amyloid Alzheimer pathology. The same pattern was found in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice modelling multiple sclerosis. In contrast, mice carrying a SOD1G93A mutant mimicking amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pathology lacked such cell clusters in the cerebral cortex, whereas clusters appeared in the brainstem and spinal cord. Mice homozygous for a null mutation of the Cxcl10 gene did not show detectable levels of Cxcl10 transcript after TBI, confirming the quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and in‐situ hybridization signals. Moreover, unbiased microarray expression analysis showed that Cxcl10 was among 112 transcripts in the neocortex upregulated at least threefold in both TBI and ageing TgSwe mice, many of them involved in inflammation. The identity of the Cxcl10+ cells remains unclear but flow cytometry showed increased numbers of activated microglia/macrophages as well as myeloid dendritic cells in the TBI and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis models. It is concluded that the Cxcl10+ cells appear in the inflamed central nervous system and may represent a novel population of cells that it may be possible to target pharmacologically in a broad range of neurodegenerative conditions.
Disturbed structural connectivity is related to inattention and impulsivity in adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Konrad Andreas , Dielentheis Thomas F. , El Masri Dschamil , Bayerl Martin , Fehr Christoph , Gesierich Thomas , Vucurevic Goran , Stoeter Peter , Winterer Georg 
Published: February 2010

AbstractInattention and impulsivity are the most prominent clinical features of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adulthood. Structural and functional neuroimaging studies of subjects with ADHD have demonstrated abnormalities in several brain areas, including fronto‐striatal and fronto‐cerebellar networks. Mostly, these studies were based on volumetric measurements and have been conducted in children. We investigated white matter (WM) integrity and correlation with measures of attention and impulsivity in adult patients with ADHD adopting diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). N = 37 (21 males) never‐medicated adult patients with ADHD combined subtype and N = 34 (16 males) healthy controls were investigated. ADHD diagnosis (DSM‐IV) was assessed with clinical interviews and rating scales, subjects also underwent a large neuropsychological test battery including tests of attention and impulsivity. DTI was acquired, and group differences of fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) as well as correlation analyses with measures of attentional performance and impulsivity were calculated using voxel‐based analyses. In adult patients with ADHD, we found reduced FA as well as higher MD bilaterally in orbitomedial prefrontal WM and in the right anterior cingulate bundle, while elevated FA was present bilaterally in temporal WM structures. Measures of attention were correlated with DTI parameters in the right superior longitudinal fasciculus, whereas measures of impulsivity were correlated with FA in right orbitofrontal fibre tracts. This is the first DTI study demonstrating disturbed structural connectivity of the frontal‐striatal circuitry in adult patients with ADHD. Moreover, a direct correlation between WM integrity and measures of attention and impulsivity is shown.
Eye position determines audiovestibular integration during whole‐body rotation
Authors: Van Barneveld Denise C. P. B. M. , John Van Opstal A. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractWhen a sound is presented in the free field at a location that remains fixed to the head during whole‐body rotation in darkness, it is heard displaced in the direction opposing the rotation. This phenomenon is known as the audiogyral illusion. Consequently, the subjective auditory median plane (AMP) (the plane where the binaural difference cues for sound localization are perceived to be zero) shifts in the direction of body rotation. Recent experiments, however, have suggested opposite AMP results when using a fixation light that also moves with the head. Although in this condition the eyes remain stationary in the head, an ocular pursuit signal cancels the vestibulo‐ocular reflex, which could induce an additional AMP shift. We tested whether the AMP is influenced by vestibular signals, eye position or eye velocity. We rotated subjects sinusoidally at different velocities, either in darkness or with a head‐fixed fixation light, while they judged the laterality (left vs. right with respect to the midsagittal plane of the head) of broadband sounds presented over headphones. Subjects also performed the same task without vestibular stimulation while tracking a sinusoidally moving visual target, which mimicked the average eye‐movement patterns of the vestibular experiments in darkness. Results show that whole‐body rotation in darkness induces a shift of the AMP in the direction of body rotation. In contrast, we obtained no significant AMP change when a fixation light was used. The pursuit experiments showed a shift of the AMP in the direction of eccentric eye position but not at peak pursuit velocity. We therefore conclude that the vestibular‐induced shift in average eye position underlies both the audiogyral illusion and the AMP shift.