1,733 research outputs found
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Bait preference field study for the California ground squirrel
A bait preference field study of the California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi beecheyi) was performed involving the comparison of the following untreated bait formulations fed ad lib: oat groats, Ramik Green, and ZP Rodent Ag Bait. The study was performed on rangeland at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, from March 11, 1984, to September 15, 1984. Poor bait quality problems occurred in the early period of the study (March 11 to May 17), resulting in poor acceptance of both Ramik and Ag Bait. A descriptive analysis of this period is discussed. The statistical analysis of relative bait consumption (June 3 to September 15) determined a significant difference between the consumption of oat groats versus Ramik and Ag Bait; no significant difference between Ramik and Ag Bait; the acceptance of all three baits was good; and the use of any of the three would result in control of the ground squirrels. There was a strong correlation between overall bait consumption and the ground squirrels observed
Effect of closing facilities on electroconvulsive therapy use in Glasgow
<p>Objectives: To assess the effect of closure of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) centers on ECT use. Electroconvulsive therapy remains a recommended and effective treatment for mental disorders. Declining rates
of ECT use in the United Kingdom have been observed over the last 20 years with anecdotal observations that use has declined as the result of centralization of provision. In Glasgow, there have been site closures in the north with no such rationing taking place in the south.</p>
<p>Methods: A naturalistic retrospective survey of the number of ECT
courses commenced each year in Glasgow, with a comparison made between the north and the south of the city. Data were available from 1996 to 2008.</p>
<p>Results: Our analysis showed no change in the mean number of ECT courses commenced in southern AQ2 Glasgow (period 1, 42.25; period 2, 41.83; period 3, 31; F = 1.369; P = 0.298). There was a signiïŹcant reduction in the mean number of ECT treatments commenced in northern Glasgow (period 1, 91.25; period 2, 51; period 3, 33.33; F = 10.06; P = 0.04).</p>
<p>Conclusions: In northern Glasgow, where there have been 2 site closures since 1996, ECT use has declined. This trend was not replicated in the south of the city. This would suggest that the closure of ECT centers does reduce the use of ECT. However, there may be a number of confounding variables that could not be factored into the analysis because of lack of available data.</p>
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Portable Perimetry Using Eye-Tracking on a Tablet ComputerâA Feasibility Assessment
Purpose: Visual field (VF) examination by standard automated perimetry (SAP) is an important method of clinical assessment. However, the complexity of the test, and its use of bulky, expensive equipment makes it impractical for case-finding. We propose and evaluate a new approach to paracentral VF assessment that combines an inexpensive eye-tracker with a portable tablet computer (âEyecatcherâ).
Methods: Twenty-four eyes from 12 glaucoma patients, and 12 eyes from six age-similar controls were examined. Participants were tested monocularly (once per eye), with both the novel Eyecatcher test and traditional SAP (HFA SITA standard 24-2). For Eyecatcher, the participant's task was to simply to look at a sequence of fixed-luminance dots, presented relative to the current point of fixation. Start and end fixations were used to determine locations where stimuli were seen/unseen, and to build a continuous map of sensitivity loss across a VF of approximately 20°.
Results: Eyecatcher was able to clearly separate patients from controls, and the results were consistent with those from traditional SAP. In particular, mean Eyecatcher scores were strongly correlated with mean deviation scores (r2 = 0.64, P < 0.001), and there was good concordance between corresponding VF locations (âŒ84%). Participants reported that Eyecatcher was more enjoyable, easier to perform, and less tiring than SAP (all P < 0.001).
Conclusions: Portable perimetry using an inexpensive eye-tracker and a tablet computer is feasible, although possible means of improvement are suggested.
Translational Relevance: Such a test could have significant utility as a case finding device
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'You've got dry macular degeneration, end of story': a qualitative study into the experience of living with non-neovascular age-related macular degeneration.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of non-neovascular (dry) age-related macular degeneration (AMD) on the person with respect to diagnosis, vision loss and coping strategies.
SUBJECTS/METHODS: Volunteers with dry AMD with a range of disease severity were given an eye examination and asked to describe aspects of their experience with dry AMD in a semi-structured interview. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and subjected to Framework analysis. Overarching themes were pre-defined, whilst subthemes were derived from the data. RESULTS: Twenty-seven participants (81% female), with early (nâ=â3), intermediate (nâ=â16) and advanced dry AMD (GA; nâ=â8) were interviewed. Median (interquartile range) age (years), logMAR binocular visual acuity and Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity were 76 (71, 80), 0.2 (0.18, 0.40) and 1.65 (1.35, 1.93), respectively. Overarching themes (and subthemes) were: diagnosis (relationship with healthcare professional, psychological impact of diagnosis, and knowledge of AMD, both pre- and post-diagnosis), impact of visual loss (functional and psychological) and coping strategies (help from others and personal strategies). Many participants reported feelings of distress at the time of diagnosis and, particularly noteworthy, several reported a constant fear of their condition worsening.
CONCLUSIONS: Dry AMD, for which there is currently no treatment, can have a significant impact on individuals, even in its early stages, before significant functional vision loss is manifest, as well as in its intermediate and advanced stages. Results from this study offer important insight into the experience of living with dry AMD not previously explored. Moreover, the results have the potential to serve as an educational resource for eyecare professionals
Spin correlation measurements in nucleonânucleon scattering at high energies
Recent high energy measurements of spin correlation parametrs are reviewed and discussed in terms of recent theoretical models.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/87675/2/11_1.pd
Civets are Rat Killers
The little spotted skunk- you may know it as the civet cat - is proving itself one of Iowaâs most valuable fur-bearers, not from the fur standpoint, but because of the assistance it may render in the control of rats and mice. This is shown by research we have carried on in an area of southeastern Iowa
Polarimeter working groupâSummary
Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/87527/2/111_1.pd
Measurement of A and ANN in pâ pâ elastic scattering at 18.5 GeV/c
âAs part of a continuing study of spin effects in ppâinteractions, we have measured the analyzing power, A, and the spin correlation parameter, ANN, in pâpâ elastic scattering in the pâ2 range 1.4 to 3.35 (GeV/c)2. The experiment was carried out using a polarized proton beam at the AGS at Brookhaven National Laboratory together with a polarized proton target. The intensity, polarization, and reliability of the polarized proton beam have improved significantly since the first commissioning in 1984. These improvements have allowed a systematic study at a single energy with good precision, rather than the more scattered measurements possible in the earlier runs.â (AIP)Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/87665/2/1163_1.pd
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Improving Visual Field Examination of the Macula Using Structural Information
Purpose: To investigate a novel approach for structure-function modeling in glaucoma to improve visual field testing in the macula.
Methods: We acquired data from the macular region in 20 healthy eyes and 31 with central glaucomatous damage. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans were used to estimate the local macular ganglion cell density. Perimetry was performed with a fundus-tracking device using a 10-2 grid. OCT scans were matched to the retinal image from the fundus perimeter to accurately map the tested locations onto the structural damage. Binary responses from the subjects to all presented stimuli were used to calculate the structure-function model used to generate prior distributions for a ZEST (Zippy Estimation by Sequential Testing) Bayesian strategy. We used simulations based on structural and functional data acquired from an independent dataset of 20 glaucoma patients to compare the performance of this new strategy, structural macular ZEST (MacS-ZEST), with a standard ZEST.
Results: Compared to the standard ZEST, MacS-ZEST reduced the number of presentations by 13% in reliable simulated subjects and 14% with higher rates (â„20%) of false positive or false negative errors. Reduction in mean absolute error was not present for reliable subjects but was gradually more important with unreliable responses (â„10% at 30% error rate).
Conclusions: Binary responses can be modeled to incorporate detailed structural information from macular OCT into visual field testing, improving overall speed and accuracy in poor responders.
Translational Relevance: Structural information can improve speed and reliability for macular testing in glaucoma practice
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The Only Eye Study (OnES): a qualitative study of surgeon experiences of only eye surgery and recommendations for patient safety
OBJECTIVE: Performing surgery on patients with only one seeing-eye, where complications may result in catastrophic vision loss, presents unique challenges for the ophthalmic care team. There is currently no evidence regarding how surgeons augment their care when treating only eye patients and no guidelines for how these patients should be managed in hospital eye services. This study aimed to explore ophthalmic surgeons' experiences of only eye surgery and perceptions of current practice.
DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: Ten ophthalmic surgeons were asked to relate their experiences and views on performing only eye surgery in indepth, semistructured interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis to identify key themes.
SETTING: Hospital eye service.
RESULTS: Five key themes emerged relating to surgeons' experiences and perceptions of only eye surgery: (1) differences in approach to consent, (2) strategies for risk reduction, (3) unmet training needs, (4) value of surgical mentor and (5) emotional impact of unsuccessful outcomes. Recommendations for improving the surgical journey for both the patient and the surgeon related primarily to better recognition and understanding of the complexities inherent with only eye surgery.
CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes of only eye surgery may be improved through a number of methods, including development of purpose-designed training fellowships, adoption of stress-reducing strategies and enhancement of available support services. The findings identify emerging themes unique to only eye surgery and the need for guidelines on the provision of care for these high-stakes surgical patients
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