Image-based Detection of Neuro-facial Differences in Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Prenatal exposure to alcohol remains as one of the leading, yet preventable, causes of birth defects and neurodevelopmental disorders in the Western world. Over the past 50 years, since the first documented report on the impact of in utero alcohol exposure, a broad spectrum of associated effects have been recognised. Foetal alcohol spectrum disorders is the collective term encompassing a range of diagnostic classifications that can be identified. At the most severe end of this spectrum are foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), recognisable by a characteristic set of facial features, growth delay, neurocognitive deficit, and behavioural impairments. Criteria for either of these diagnostic categories typically requires at least two ‘cardinal’ facial features: short palpebral fissure length; thin upper lip-vermillion; and, a smooth philtrum. Methods for identifying these features typically rely on subjective observation. This subjectivity means that accuracy of diagnosis is reliant on the skill and experience of the clinician. However, the main clinical challenges arise when an individual presents with confirmed or suspected prenatal alcohol exposure, but without the facial criteria required for FAS diagnoses. These individuals make up the vast majority of the affected population, and clinical recognition can be extremely challenging. Identification and recognition of facial features associated with prenatal alcohol exposure remain a key area of study. This thesis establishes a novel perspective on the issue of subjective clinical assessment and recognition using 3D face and brain shape analysis. We utilise data from 3D facial imaging, MRI brain images and neurocognitive measures to assess subtle facial differences, face-brain associations and the relationships between face, brain and cognition. Development of innovative techniques and methodologies have allowed us to develop a set of analysis tools applicable to craniofacial assessment, and potentially contribute to the analysis of other facially affected conditions in both clinical and research environments

Sheep Updates 2006 -Part 1

This session covers seven papers from different authors: PLENARY 1. Making Dollars from Merinos, David Sackett, Holmes Sackett & Associates Pty Limited, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2. A new variety of sulla (Hedysarun coronarium)for forage production in southern Australia, Kevin Foster, Ron Yates, Phil Nichols, Department of Agriculture and Food, WA and Centre for Legumes in Mediterranean Agriculture, UWA 3. Mating - Short and fast is better, Graeme Martin, John Milton, Faculty of Natural & Agricultural Sciences, The University of Western Australia 4. Breech strike protection in sheep post 2010, Scott Williams, Program Manager Animal Health and Welfare, Australian Wool Innovation Limited 5. How the West can win!, Garry McAlister, Meat & Livestock Australia Limited, New South Wales. 6. The Merino Company (TMC) - Active Marketing and supply chain management, Mark Suttie, General Manager Marketing – The Merino Company (TMC) 7. Driving on-farm productivity: the next 20 years, Peter Fennessy, Jack Cocks, AbacusBio Limited, Dunedin, New Zealan

The use of high frequency microwaves in absolute palaeomagnetic intensity experiments

The Microwave Palaeointensity System at the University of Liverpool has developed, over 30 years, into the current third generation version; a combined 14 GHz microwave resonant cavity and superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer integrated microwave system. The use of microwave energy minimises the bulk temperatures required to demagnetise and remagnetise palaeomagnetic material, thereby limiting the significant problem of thermo-chemical alteration of magnetic minerals. Here we review the microwave palaeointensity approach, including its development, technical details, modern usage and results. We have carried out a comprehensive analysis of 20 palaeointensity studies, published between 2008 and 2022, where data collected using the microwave system may be compared with various other methods at the site level. An assessment of microwave results revealed no statistical bias compared to thermal, and known field data. We also present results from a new controlled experiment which tests the ability of the microwave to accurately recover weak, ancient palaeointensities when strongly overprinted. We conclude that the microwave system can be used for the primary method of determining accurate absolute palaeointensities or as part of a multi-method approach, and is well suited to a wide range of material from archaeomagnetic samples to ancient rocks

Nerve Growth Factor mRNA Expression in the Regenerating Antler Tip of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)

Deer antlers are the only mammalian organs that can fully regenerate each year. During their growth phase, antlers of red deer extend at a rate of approximately 10 mm/day, a growth rate matched by the antler nerves. It was demonstrated in a previous study that extracts from deer velvet antler can promote neurite outgrowth from neural explants, suggesting a possible role for Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in antler innervation. Here we showed using the techniques of Northern blot analysis, denervation, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization that NGF mRNA was expressed in the regenerating antler, principally in the smooth muscle of the arteries and arterioles of the growing antler tip. Regenerating axons followed the route of the major blood vessels, located at the interface between the dermis and the reserve mesenchyme of the antler. Denervation experiments suggested a causal relationship exists between NGF mRNA expression in arterial smooth muscle and sensory axons in the antler tip. We hypothesize that NGF expressed in the smooth muscle of the arteries and arterioles promotes and maintains antler angiogenesis and this role positions NGF ahead of axons during antler growth. As a result, NGF can serve a second role, attracting sensory axons into the antler, and thus it can provide a guidance cue to define the nerve track. This would explain the phenomenon whereby re-innervation of the regenerating antler follows vascular ingrowth. The annual growth of deer antler presents a unique opportunity to better understand the factors involved in rapid nerve regeneration