About the calculation of exchange coupling constants using density-functional theory: the role of the self-interaction error.

The effect of the correction of the self-interaction error on the calculation of exchange coupling constants with methods based on density-functional theory has been tested in simple model systems. The inclusion of the self-interaction correction cancels the nondynamical correlation energy contributions simulated by the commonly used functionals. Hence, such correction should be important in the accurate determination of exchange coupling constants.

A joint study based on the electron localization function and catastrophe theory of the chameleonic and centauric models for the Cope rearrangement of 1,5-hexadiene and its cyano derivatives.

A novel interpretation of the chameleonic and centauric models for the Cope rearrangements of 1,5-hexadiene (A) and different cyano derivatives (B: 2,5-dicyano, C: 1,3,4,6-tetracyano, and D: 1,3,5-tricyano) is presented by using the topological analysis of the electron localization function (ELF) and Thom's catastrophe theory (CT) on the reaction paths calculated at the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level. The progress of the reaction is monitorized by the changes of the ELF structural stability domains (SSD), each being change controlled by a turning point derived from CT. The reaction mechanism of the parent reaction A is characterized by nine ELF SSDs.

Understanding the molecular mechanism of the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between fulminic acid and acetylene in terms of the electron localization function and catastrophe theory.

The potential-energy profile of the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of fulminic acid and ethyne has been investigated theoretically within the framework provided by the electron localization function (ELF) analysis. This has been achieved by carrying out density functional theory (B3 LYP approach) calculations using the bonding evolution theory. Eight different domains of structural stability have been identified along the reaction path, as well as the bifurcation catastrophes responsible for the changes in the topology of the system.

Female starlings adjust primary sex ratio in response to aromatic plants in the nest.

Adjustment of offspring sex ratios should be favoured by natural selection when parents are capable of facultatively altering brood sex ratios and of recognizing the circumstances that predict the probable fitness benefit of producing sons and daughters. Although experimental studies have shown that female birds may adjust offspring sex ratios in response to changes in their own condition and in the external appearance of their mate, and male attributes other than his external morphology are also thought to act as signals of male quality, it is not known whether females will respond to changes in such signals, in the absence of any change in the appearance of the male himself. Here, we experimentally manipulated a male courtship display, the green plants carried to the nest by male spotless starlings (Sturnus unicolor), without changing any physical attributes of the male himself, and examined whether this influenced female decisions on offspring sex ratio.

Experimentally increased testosterone affects social rank and primary sex ratio in the spotless starling.

It has been suggested that the amount of maternal testosterone allocated into the eggs might be implicated in the process of sex determination. However, recent findings on the effect that female social rank has on the level of egg testosterone suggest that reported associations between male-biased sex ratios and yolk testosterone may represent an indirect hormonal effect mediated by the interdependence among maternal hormones, female social rank, and sex ratio. Here, we report the results of a field experiment in which we manipulated the circulating levels of testosterone in female spotless starlings (Sturnus unicolor) before egg formation.

Protein kinase A is involved in the control of morphology and branching during aerobic growth of Mucor circinelloides.

The cAMP signal transduction pathway controls many processes in fungi. The Mucor circinelloides pkaR and pkaC genes, encoding the regulatory (PKAR) and catalytic (PKAC) subunit of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA), have been cloned recently. Expression analysis during the dimorphic shift and colony morphology suggested a role for PKAR in the control of morphology and branching.

Contact versus peribulbar anaesthesia in trabeculectomy: a prospective randomized clinical study.

Purpose: To compare the pre-, intra- and postoperative pain scores and complication rates in trabeculectomy under contact-topical anaesthesia versus peribulbar injection anaesthesia.

Methods: A total of 100 patients selected to undergo primary trabeculectomy were randomly allocated to receive either contact or peribulbar anaesthesia. Patients were asked to rate their pain levels on a 5-point scale for four periods: during the administration of the anaesthetic agent, during surgery, immediately after surgery and 24 hours postoperatively.

[Benefit of scanning laser ophthalmoscopy for detecting retinal nerve fiber layer defects in patients with intraocular hypertension].

Purpose: To compare the ability to identify RNFL alterations between standard images and SLO images in a group of patients suffering from ocular hypertension.

Methods: We evaluated RNFL in sixty patients with ocular hypertension and with normal perimetry, by using standard photography and SLO. Two different independent observers evaluated the images on two different ocassions.

Glaucomatous damage patterns by short-wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP) in glaucoma suspects.

Purpose: To determine the glaucomatous visual field damage patterns by short-wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP) in glaucoma suspects, and to compare the frequency of diffuse visual field losses and localized defects.

Methods: 157 eyes of 157 ocular hypertensive subjects who met the selection criteria (intraocular pressure greater than 21 mm Hg and normal standard visual fields) were studied. SWAP was done with a modified Humphrey Field Analyzer.

Predictive value of short-wavelength automated perimetry: a 3-year follow-up study.

Purpose: To determine whether structural changes in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and functional abnormalities in short-wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP) can predict the onset of functional losses in standard automated perimetry patients suspected of having glaucoma.

Design: Prospective observational case series.

Participants: A total of 160 eyes of ocular hypertensive subjects (intraocular pressure greater than 21 mmHg and normal standard automated perimetry) were included in the study.

[Neuroretinal rim width in normal, hypertensive and glaucomatous subjects].

Purpose: To determine width and shape of neuro-retinal rim in normal hypertensive subjects and patients with glaucomatous damage.

Material And Method: Patients underwent a perimetry and a photographic retinal nerve fiber evaluation. Patients were divided in three groups: normal subjects (n=34), ocular hypertension subjects (n=38) and glaucoma patients (n=34).

Stillbirth pattern in an isolated mediterranean population: La Alpujarra, Spain.

This study attempted to analyze the effect of several factors on the stillbirth pattern in a relatively isolated rural population, La Alpujarra (Spain), during the first half of the 20th century. The study was a retrospective analysis from a total sample of 2199 births to 525 mothers, allowing for birth year of mother, maternal age, parental inbreeding, family size, birth order, sex, single/twin delivery, and birth interval. Binomial probability distribution of stillbirths provided no evidence for any significantly increased risk in relation to family size.

[Early glaucomatous changes in neuroretinal rim shape].

Purpose: To assess the differences in neuroretinal rim shape in ocular hypertensive patients (normal white-white automated perimetry) with and without perimetric injury in the short wave length automated perimetry (blue-yellow).

Material And Methods: 72 eyes from 72 hypertensive ocular patients with normal achromatic automated perimetry examination were included. Forty eyes had normal short wave length automated perimetries while 32 subjects presented an abnormal condition.

[3-year-survival and quality of life after out-of-hospital heart arrest].

Although the long- and short-term aspects of the outcome of advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation on patients have been studied to evaluate the percentage of survival up to the moment of discharge from hospital, little information has been published concerning the patients' long-term quality of life. In order to verify the efficiency of our group we retrospectively evaluated 468 subjects admitted to the Emergency Room of Rho Hospital (Milan, Italy) for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest that had occurred over a 90-month period. We studied the correlations between some variables: epidemiological (sex and age), objective (time required for advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation and type of arrhythmias in the Emergency Room) and instrumental (left ventricular ejection fraction) and post-discharge survival.

Functional and structural measurements in a multifactorial glaucoma risk model.

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between a multifactorial probability risk model of developing glaucomatous visual field defects and the assessment of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and short-wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP) in glaucoma suspects.

Methods: 157 eyes of 157 glaucoma suspects were included in the study. The risk of developing glaucomatous defects was assessed by applying a multifactorial model that included intraocular pressure, vertical cup-to-disk ratio, age and family history.

Latanoprost versus combined therapy with timolol plus dorzolamide: IOP-lowering effect in open-angle glaucoma.

Purpose: To compare the effect on intraocular pressure of latanoprost versus timolol plus dorzolamide in open-angle glaucoma.

Methods: Thirty-five patients with open-angle glaucoma were randomized, 18 to latanoprost once daily and 17 to timolol plus dorzolamide twice daily. Intraocular pressure and ocular side effects were recorded at baseline, and after 2 weeks and 3 months of treatment.

Optimum criteria for short-wavelength automated perimetry.

Objective: To determine the optimum perimetric criteria for short-wavelength automated perimetry on the basis of probabilistic maps that best discriminate between normal and glaucoma.

Design: Comparative cross-sectional study.

Participants: Ninety-five glaucomatous eyes and 128 normal eyes were included in the study.

[Inhibitory effect of nicardipine on fibroblast proliferation mechanisms].

Purpose: To assess the effect of nicardipine (NCP) on fibroblast migration and proliferation, and its cellular toxicity.

Methods: In vitro wound repair was assessed in confluent fibroblast monolayer. Mechanical round wounds were performed in the monolayers and the cultures were incubated in fresh media plus NCP.

[Inhibitory effect of alpha tocopherol succinate on fibroblast wound healing].

Purpose: To evaluate and compare the effect of acid tocopherol succinate (ATS) on fibroblast migration and proliferation.

Methods: In vitro wound repair was determined in confluent fibroblast monolayer. Conjunctival fibroblasts were incubated with serum-deprived medium for 24 hours.

[Reproducibility of planimetric optic nerve head analysis with scanning laser ophthalmoscope].

Purpose: To determine the variability of disc and cup area measurements in digital images obtained with scanning laser ophthalmoscope.

Methods: 10 sets of images of 4 optic discs (normal, myopic, ocular hypertensive and glaucomatous) were obtained with the Rodenstock scanning laser ophthalmoscope. Images focused at different depths were used by 2 operators (with and without experience in planimetry) to determine the disc and cup areas by means of an image analysis program (Visilog).

Determinants of birth interval in a rural Mediterranean population (La Alpujarra, Spain).

The fertility pattern, in terms of birth intervals, in a rural population not practicing contraception belonging to La Alta Alpujarra Oriental (southeast Spain) is analyzed. During the first half of the 20th century, this population experienced a considerable degree of geographical and cultural isolation. Because of this population's high variability in fertility and therefore in birth intervals, the analysis was limited to a homogenous subsample of 154 families, each with at least five pregnancies.

Short-wavelength automated perimetry and neuroretinal rim area.

Purpose: To determine the correlation between neuroretinal rim area and functional losses detected by short-wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP) in a population of patients with suspected glaucoma.

Methods: Forty-two eyes of 42 ocular hypertensive subjects who met the selection criteria (intraocular pressure greater than 21 mm of Hg and normal conventional visual fields) were studied. A planimetric optic nerve head study was performed, determining the total and sectorized neuroretinal rim areas.

Anatomic results and complications in a long-term follow-up of pneumatic retinopexy cases.

Background: The use of pneumatic retinopexy is controversial because 1) intraocular gas could increase the risk of proliferate vitreoretinopathy and 2) it has been reported to achieve low rates of success after a single procedure.

Methods: A total of 219 consecutive cases of SF6 pneumatic retinopexy were reviewed retrospectively. The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 5 years.

Alpha-tocopherol derivatives and wound healing in an experimental model of filtering surgery.

Objective: To describe the effect of alpha-tocopherol derivatives (acetate and acid-succinate) on the histopathological characteristics of the surgical fistula in an experimental model of filtering surgery.

Materials And Methods: Thirty pigmented rabbits were divided into 3 groups. Twenty-four hours before surgery the animals were injected subconjunctivally with 0.

Status signalling, metabolic rate and body mass in the siskin: the cost of being a subordinate.

The higher metabolic rate of dominant individuals, found in different species, has been interpreted as the cost that prevents subordinates from cheating by adopting large badges of status. However, an alternative prediction for status-signalling species, in which subordinates may recognize dominants, is that subordinates have the higher metabolic rate because of the greater stress of locating and actively avoiding aggressive interactions with them. In this study, the size of the black bib of the siskin, Carduelis spinus, which is a badge of dominance, was negatively correlated with metabolic rate in daylight, even when controlling for the bird's activity level in the respirometer chamber and its body mass.