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In 1919 the Animal Breeding Research Department was established in Edinburgh. This Department, later renamed the Institute of Animal Genetics, forged an international reputation, eventually becoming the centrepiece of a cluster of new genetics research units and institutions in Edinburgh after the Second World War. Yet despite its significance for institutionalising animal genetics research in the UK, the origins and development of the Department have not received as much scholarly attention as its importance warrants. This paper sheds new light on Edinburgh’s place in early British genetics by drawing upon recently catalogued archival sources including the papers of James Cossar Ewart, Regius Professor of Natural History at the University of Edinburgh between 1882 and 1927. Although presently a marginal figure in genetics historiography, Ewart established two sites for experimental animal breeding work between 1895 and 1911 and played a central role in the founding of Britain’s first genetics lectureship, also in 1911. These early efforts helped to secure government funding in 1913. However, a combination of the First World War, bureaucratic problems and Ewart’s personal ambitions delayed the creation of the Department and the appointment of its director by another six years. This paper charts the institutionalisation of animal breeding and genetics research in Edinburgh within the wider contexts of British genetics and agriculture in the early twentieth century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While a reasonable amount of work has gone into automatically geoparsing text at the city or higher levels of granularity for different types of texts in different domains, there is relatively little research on geoparsing fine-grained locations such as buildings, green spaces and street names in text. This paper reports on how the Edinburgh Geoparser performs on this task for different types of literary text set in Edinburgh, the first UNESCO City of Literature. The non-copyrighted gold standard datasets created for this purpose are released along with this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of gentrification is often seen as having winners and losers; the debate frequently is centred on the gentrifiers and those being displaced by them. However, the process appears to be more complex, and in many gentrifying neighbourhoods, there are residents who do not fit into these categories. This paper explores the subjective experiences of those who have lived through the process of gentrification. By using interviews with local residents in a gentrifying neighbourhood in Edinburgh, Scotland, a new viewpoint has been uncovered that found residents who were simultaneously embracing of and cautious about the rapid changes taking place in their gentrifying community. This paper examines three elements: housing, amenities and social interactions, and how local residents, who are not incoming gentrifiers, perceive these changes in their neighbourhood. While many residents welcomed some of the changes, there also appeared to be a ‘not for us’ sentiment. This research sheds new light on an important element of the population involved in the process, and suggests that gentrification is more complex and nuanced than often portrayed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information about the 36th Annual International Congress of the European Hernia Society that was held at the Edinburgh International Congress Centre in Edinburgh, Scotland from May 28-31, 2014 is presented. Topics of the event include evidence-based medicine for hernia, high-quality research and modern hernia management. It featured the attendees of the event including Volker Schumpelick, Bruce Tulloh and Salvador Morales-Conde.

Values regarding built heritage have developed historically in response to both international agendas and local circumstances, and have underpinned the creation of World Heritage Sites and regeneration approaches within these. Such regeneration processes are an arena where different interests meet and often confront each other, with concepts and values of built heritage being used to different ends by the actors involved. However, the origins of conservation concepts and approaches are seldom considered. This paper examines the historical development of built heritage awareness and conservation policies from an institutionalist perspective at the international, European and Latin. American levels. It then considers conservation policies in Scotland and Brazil, particularly in the central areas in Edinburgh and Salvador from the 19th century to the 1970s, and the growing awareness of built heritage among certain sections of society and local institutions in these localities. Finally, the paper analyses the reasons behind, and types of, interventions in Edinburgh's Old Town and Salvador's Pelourinho and Maciel neighbourhoods, and the level of awareness of built heritage among the general population in the two cities. The paper draws conclusions on the influence of various factors on the development of approaches to built heritage and on the different ways in which these contributed to a particular awareness of built heritage in Edinburgh and Salvador. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the introduction of a wireless network of personal digital assistants into a specialist unit of a hospital in Edinburgh. All of the technology has been used ‘off-the-shelf’ and ‘out-of-the-box’. While we are able to report that the heterogeneous elements of this implementation have been integrated, work well together and that the users of the system are happy with it, the hospital context itself introduced a number of significant practical issues. Hospitals are understandably very concerned about the security and confidentiality of patient records and with the potential for mutual interference between the wireless PDAs and other sensitive, wireless telemetric medical systems. Having dealt with these ultimately tractable infrastructural issues we also note the importance of identifying the ‘killer application’ of the PDAs in achieving a critical mass of end users, and indicate areas for further work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines whether multiple regression analysis and neural network models can be applied successfully for the indirect prediction of the runoff treatment performance with water quality indicator variables in an experimental storm water detention system rig. Five biologically mature experimental storm water detention systems with different designs treating concentrated gully pot liquor (spiked with dog droppings) were assessed. The systems were located on The King’s Buildings campus at The University of Edinburgh and were monitored for a period of 18 months. Multiple regression analyses indicated a relatively successful prediction of the biochemical oxygen demand and total suspended solids for most systems, but due to a relatively weak correlation between the predictors and both microbial indicators, multiple regression analyses were not applied for the prediction of intestinal enterococci and total coliform colony-forming units. However, artificial neural network models predicted microbial counts relatively well for most detention systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent dry years (combined dry winter and summer months) within the UK (2005 and 2006) have enhanced concerns relating to long term water resources and future water provision in large conurbations. This paper examines the mechanisms responsible for precipitation variability for five different areas in Edinburgh (precipitation regions) using composite historic precipitation records for the period 1861–2005. Trend analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were undertaken to examine precipitation variability over time and space. Annual correlation co-efficients were derived for relationships between precipitation areas, atmospheric–oceanographic variations and geographic parameters. Stepwise regression models were constructed to specify annual precipitation, through atmospheric variations, for each of the precipitation areas. Significant downward trends in precipitation ( p < 0.05) were noted in two out of the five precipitation areas, with one principal component representing precipitation variability over Edinburgh and the Pentland Hills. Precipitation variability is best explained by fluctuations in pressure, altitude and proximity to coast. Precipitation trends cannot be explained by changes in atmospheric circulation patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cost pressures and the need to demonstrate cost-effectiveness of new interventions require consideration of the costs of treating disease. This study presents analyses of resource use data covering 199 postmenopausal women who experienced a breast cancer recurrent event between 1991 and 2004 and were treated at the Western General Hospital, Edinburgh. Aggregate (5-year) treatment costs for alternative recurrent events were estimated, as well as the annual costs incurred by patients experiencing contralateral, locoregional, or distant recurrence, who remained alive without further recurrence for a year. The 95% confidence intervals for the 5-year costs of recurrence ranged from pounds 10,000 to pounds 37,000 for locoregional recurrence, and pounds 14,500- pounds 20,000 for distant recurrence. No evidence of significant variations in these costs across time periods between 1991 and 2004 was identified. Annual costs for patients remaining in the same health state showed high initial costs for contralateral and locoregional recurrence, with low costs in subsequent years, while costs associated with distant recurrence declined at a slower rate and plateaued at 4-5 years post-diagnosis. The cost estimates presented in this paper not only inform the magnitude of the resource consequences of breast cancer recurrences, but they are also better suited to informing cost-effectiveness analyses, which have a far greater role in allocating health-care resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the development of a method used to characterize the two 5S ribosomal RNA genes from Xenopus laevis by Edwin Southern in 1970 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Significance of the study at a time when cloning technologies were not yet widely available and techniques for detecting specific DNA sequences were limited; Sensitivity and specificity of the technique; Success of Southern in developing an alternative strategy that rely on the capillary action of transfer buffer for the upward blotting through of DNA.

Purpose: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of the Edinburgh visual loss algorithm.Methods: This was a prospective study. Patients referred to the Edinburgh Eye Pavilion with visual loss were assessed using the Edinburgh Visual Loss Algorithm by either a medical student, an inexperienced ophthalmology trainee or an optometrist in the Lothian Optometry Treat and Teach clinic. Accuracy of this 'algorithm-assisted' diagnosis was then compared with the 'gold-standard' diagnosis, made by an experienced ophthalmologist. Accuracy of the pre-algorithm diagnosis, made by the referrer, was also compared with the algorithm-assisted diagnosis.Results: All patients referred with visual loss were eligible for inclusion. Seventy patients were assessed; two were excluded. Pre-algorithm accuracy of referral of patients with visual loss was 51% (30/59). Overall, the algorithm-assisted diagnosis was correct 84% (57/68) of the time. The algorithm correctly diagnosed: retina in 71% of cases (5/7), macula in 86% (25/29), peripheral retina in 100% (2/2), optic nerve in 71% (5/7), media opacity in 89% (16/18), post chiasmal in 100% (4/4), and refractive error in 0% (0/1). Accuracy of diagnosis was similar for each algorithm user; medical student 81%, inexperienced ophthalmology trainee 84% and optometrist 92%.Discussion: The baseline diagnostic accuracy of clinicians who are inexperienced in ophthalmology rose from 51 to 84% when patients were assessed using the algorithm. This algorithm significantly improves the diagnostic accuracy of referrals to the hospital eye service, regardless of the user's previous ophthalmic experience. We hope we have demonstrated its potential as a learning tool for inexperienced clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the apparent plagiarism by three physicians from the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh, Scotland. Use of materials from Gunther Eysenbach's article; Use of materials from the `British Medical Journal' Web site without attribution; Retraction of plagiarized article.

Reports that the 15th Biennial Meeting of the International Society for Developmental Neuroscience was held in Edinburgh, Scotland, from August 4 to 7, 2004. Attendance of more than 300 scientists from all over the world; Cell fate determination in the CNS; Progenitor cell migration into embryonic telencephalon; Molecular regulation of neural crest development.

Peat ignition upon exposure to radiant energy was studied experimentally for various kinds typical of bogs of Tomsk Region (Russia) and bogs near the city of Edinburgh (UK). The exposure time and energy density required for ignition of various kinds of peat; the characteristic burning surface temperature; and the range of radiant flux in which the combustion mode changed from flaming to smoldering were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study examines the activity budgets of captive Diana monkeys ( Cercopithecus diana diana) and discusses results in the context of what is known regarding captive and wild-type behaviour in this species and other guenons. The activities of a family group of Diana monkeys (two parents and four offspring) housed at Edinburgh Zoo, UK, were quantified using a 5-min interval scan sampling technique. The 5100 observation points collected showed that the subjects spent the largest proportion of their time observing (approx. 46%), followed by feeding (approx. 15%), playing (approx. 11%), mutual grooming (approx. 8%) and resting (approx. 7%). The daily activity budgets for each of the subjects were tallied and, at the end of the 10-day observation period, used to produce a data matrix consisting of nine behaviour variables per subject. Clear among-individual differences in activity were identified with canonical discriminant function analysis. This multivariate approach illustrated how the combined behaviours of the parent male were distinct from those of the rest of the family group. Within the remainder of the group, the three youngest offspring displayed similar activity budgets, whereas the overall behaviour of the eldest offspring (a female) was between that of its siblings and her mother. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I provide a tour of Edinburgh focusing on famous contributors to the history of physics and related sciences, using them as a way to write about particular parts of Edinburgh. I proceed chronologically, from the seventeenth century to the Scottish Enlightenment of the eighteenth century and on to the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Among the notable individuals I discuss are John Napier (1550–1617), James Gregory (1638–1675), George Sinclair ( ca. 1625–1696), Colin Maclaurin (1698–1746), Joseph Black (1728–1799), James Hutton (1726–1797), John James Waterston (1811–1883), William J. Macquorn Rankine (1820–1872), David Brewster (1781–1868), Peter Guthrie Tait (1831–1901), James Clerk Maxwell (1831–1879), Charles Piazzi Smyth (1819–1900), Charles Glover Barkla (1877–1944), Max Born (1882–1970), Edward Victor Appleton (1892–1965), Charles T.R. Wilson (1869–1959), and Peter Higgs (b. 1929). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the toxicity of the non-aqueous phase liquid, linear alkylbenzene, to the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans in soils from Edinburgh, Scotland. According to the authors, linear alkylbenzene (LAB) is used in the manufacture of the detergent, linear alkylbenzene sulphonate, and also as insulating oil for underground electricity transmission cables. They found a clear increase in mortality with increase in linear alkylbenzene in the soil. They indicate that LAB in was not lethal to earthworms in soils up to 1% concentration.

To: (1) estimate the prevalence of clinically significant emotional distress in patients attending a cancer outpatient department and (2) determine the associations between distress and demographic and clinical variables, we conducted a survey of outpatients attending selected clinics of a regional cancer centre in Edinburgh, UK. Patients completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) on touch-screen computers and the scores were linked to clinical variables on the hospital database. Nearly one quarter of the cancer outpatients 674 out of 3071 (22%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 20-23%) met our criterion for clinically significant emotional distress (total HADS score 15 or more). Univariate analysis identified the following statistically significant associations: age<65, female gender, cancer type and extent of disease. Multivariate analysis indicated that age<65 (odds ratio 1.41; 95% CI 1.18-1.69), female gender (odds ratio 1.58; 95% CI 1.31-1.92) and active disease (odds ratio 1.72; 95% CI 1.43-2.05) but not cancer diagnosis, were the independent predictors of clinically significant emotional distress. Services to treat distress in cancer patients should be organised to target patients by characteristics other than their cancer diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AimAssessment of trabeculectomy in South-East Scotland (SESTS) with comparison to National Survey of Trabeculectomy (NST) and outcomes of consultant and trainee surgery.MethodA retrospective study of 304 consecutive, primary trabeculectomies, in two Scottish centres (Edinburgh and Dunfermline) with two glaucoma specialists and higher surgical trainees, was performed. The study group had primary open angle glaucoma (65.5%), pseudoexfoliation (6.9%), normal tension glaucoma (7.6%), pigment dispersion syndrome (1.6%), and other complicated glaucoma (18.4%). All patients underwent trabeculectomy by the glaucoma specialist (57.6%) and higher surgical trainee (42.4%) with close scrubbed supervision.ResultsCompared to the NST, the waiting time for surgery (<3 months) was significantly less in the SESTS (P<0.001). There was also significantly more use of intraoperative antimetabolites (P<0.01), bleb intervention (P<0.001), and a higher rate of early complications (P<0.025). There was no significant difference in outcome at intraocular pressure (IOP)<2/3 listing IOP (qualified and unqualified) between the SESTS and the NST. Significantly, more patients achieved an unqualified success of IOP<21 mmHg (P<0.01) and an unqualified success of IOP<16 mmHg in the SESTS than the NST (P<0.05). At 1 year post surgery, visual loss of greater than one Snellen line was more common in the NST (P<0.01) as was the use of anti-glaucoma medication (P<0.001). Trainee cases returned to theatre more frequently (P<0.025) and merited more bleb intervention (P<0.01) than consultant cases, but the long-term outcome was similar.ConclusionOur study highlights significant changes in the practice and outcome of trabeculectomy compared to the national survey conducted a decade ago.Eye (2007) 21, 46–51. doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6702118; published online 7 October 2005 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on the programme and research presented at the Inflammopharmacology conference at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh in Scotland on April 22 to 24, 2003. Osteoarthritis: Symptoms and Signs; Cartilage Cell Biology of Osteoarthritis; Regulation of Bone Lysis in Inflammatory Diseases.

By extending the method of Stedman (1998), daily data of atmospheric concentrations of gravimetric PM10, black smoke (BS) and sulphate aerosol (SA) from national networks were analysed to determine the trends in time of the contribution of different sources of particulate matter to total PM10 measured in central Edinburgh. Since BS is an indicator of combustion-related primary sources of particulate matter, the quantity obtained by subtraction of daily BS from daily PM10 is indicative of the contribution to total PM10 from other primary sources and from secondary aerosol. This PM10-BS statistic was regressed on SA, since SA is an indicator of variation in secondary aerosol source. For Edinburgh, SA is a considerably better indicator of PM10-BS during summer than winter (reflecting the much greater photochemical generation of secondary aerosol in summer) and there is evidence that the contribution of other secondary aerosol (presumably nitrate aerosol) has increased relative to SA between 1992 and 1997. The concentration of non-combustion primary particulate material (marine aerosol, suspended dust) to PM10 in Edinburgh has not changed over this period but is about twice that calculated as the U.K. national average. The increasing input to PM10 from secondary aerosol sources at regional rather than urban scale has important implications for ensuring local air quality compliance. The method should have general applicability to other locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the importance of intelligent systems discussed on the 2007 ECSIS Symposium on Bio-inspired Learning and Intelligent Systems for Security in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Edinburgh School‘s theory of natural rationality, enunciated to render symmetrical explanation plausible, thereby providing support for its relativism, is presented and evaluated. I have endeavoured to demonstrate that there are gross misinterpretations of Hesse‘s theory of science, network model, and her conceptions of classification of objects and of universals; that Edinburgh School‘s theory of natural rationality suffers from a considerable area of ignorance concerning its foundation. I have further shown that not only the theory is not descriptive of the actuality of people‘s reasoning, but it in fact is normatively laden. Even if these problems can be overcome, I have shown that it ultimately does not render all beliefs equivalent insofar as rationality status is concerned, and hence symmetrical explanation will still not be possible. Concerning the Edinburgh School‘s interest theory, I have argued that there are some incoherencies in the proposed positions; and that even if these are rectified the resulting theory leads to grotesque absurdities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights the AISB'99 Symposium on Musical Creativity held on April 6 to 9, 1999 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Attendees; Activities and programs; Sponsors of the event; Keynote speakers.

The article discusses the paths around stem cell intellectual property. The author questioned if the new approaches for deriving human stem cells compass existing patents, which dominate embryonic stem cell intellectual property. The work of James Thomson of the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin and the work of Ian Wilmut at Roslin Institute in Edinburgh, Scotland are presented to give light on the matter.

Objective To assess the treatment needs of patients undergoing pre-haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) dental assessment, to collate the examination findings and treatment provided and to define the management issues impacting on care.Design Single centre retrospective analysis.Setting Salaried Primary Care Dental Service, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK.Subjects and methods One hundred and sixteen available charts of patients who attended for pre-transplant dental assessment during April 2004-June 2007 were examined.Results Ninety-four patients, 52 men (55.3%) and 42 women (43.6%), were included. Patients were referred a mean of 31.5 (SD 18.82) days before admission for transplant. Dental assessment occurred, on average, 7.88 days (SD 6.78) following referral. Eighty-eight (93.6%) patients were dentate, while six (6.3%) were edentulous. Eighty-eight (93.6%) patients presented with oral disease; 89 (94.7%) patients received dental care. Issues impacting on care were medical (n = 88, 93.6%), time constraints (n = 73, 77.7%), no GDP (n = 25, 26.7%), dental complexity (n = 5, 5.3%) and anxiety management (n = 1, 1.1%).Conclusion The majority of patients required dental care, most of which, for healthy adults, would normally be completed within a primary care setting. However, the issues surrounding the care of patients destined for HSCT indicate that there is a place for a dedicated dental service as part of the multidisciplinary team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on the topics discussed at the International Conference on Inflammopharmacology with the 8th Symposium on Side Effects and Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, which was held at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh in Scotland on April 22 to 24, 2003.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate gender differences in attitudes to obesity in pre-school children. DESIGN: Evaluation of gender differences in judgements of stimulus figures varying in body shape and gender. SUBJECTS: Twenty-five children aged 2-5 y, 12 boys and 13 girls. MEASURES: Forced-choice ascriptions of personal, social and behavioural traits to normal and obese male and female dolls. RESULTS: Children ascribed more negative characteristics than positive ones to fat figures than to normal figures, and more to fat female than to fat male figures. CONCLUSION: Children can demonstrate prejudiced behaviour towards obesity at earlier ages than previously thought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A photograph is presented of the Edinburgh Dental Institute in Scotland.

A calendar of events in various areas from October to November 2009 is presented including the American Society of Human Genetics: Society of Craniofacial Genetics 32nd Annual Meeting and Symposium on October 20 in Honolulu, Hawaii, the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry 6th Annual Conference on November 19-21 in Edinburgh, Scotland and the Premier Symposium 2009 on November 28 at the Kings College in London, England.

The article offers information on the Diploma earned by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh as it completed an implant dentistry examination for October 2009. This qualification permits self-directed study, wide assessment of learnings, skills and competence in both clinical and theoritical factors essential for implant dentistry practice. In this context, information about further rules and instructions of the examination is provided.

Objective To assess the treatment needs of patients undergoing pre-haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) dental assessment, to collate the examination findings and treatment provided and to define the management issues impacting on care.Design Single centre retrospective analysis.Setting Salaried Primary Care Dental Service, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK.Subjects and methods One hundred and sixteen available charts of patients who attended for pre-transplant dental assessment during April 2004-June 2007 were examined.Results Ninety-four patients, 52 men (55.3%) and 42 women (43.6%), were included. Patients were referred a mean of 31.5 (SD 18.82) days before admission for transplant. Dental assessment occurred, on average, 7.88 days (SD 6.78) following referral. Eighty-eight (93.6%) patients were dentate, while six (6.3%) were edentulous. Eighty-eight (93.6%) patients presented with oral disease; 89 (94.7%) patients received dental care. Issues impacting on care were medical (n = 88, 93.6%), time constraints (n = 73, 77.7%), no GDP (n = 25, 26.7%), dental complexity (n = 5, 5.3%) and anxiety management (n = 1, 1.1%).Conclusion The majority of patients required dental care, most of which, for healthy adults, would normally be completed within a primary care setting. However, the issues surrounding the care of patients destined for HSCT indicate that there is a place for a dedicated dental service as part of the multidisciplinary team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the inclusion of the four professors from the University of Dundee to the Royal Society of Edinburgh in Scotland. These professors are Irene Leigh, Tom Owen-Hughes, Tracy Palmer, and Tomoyuki Tanaka. Every new fellow of the RSE is recognised within his or her peer group as having achieved excellence within their profession. They are encouraged to contribute to the goals of the organization, which includes the provision of expert policy advice to government and parliament.

The article reports that the faculty of Dental Surgery of the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh, Scotland visited Cambridge, England to provide a study day for 57 clinicians working across England. The study day was organized to outline the forthcoming changes in its membership for Special Needs Dentistry. The course was hosted by the regional adviser, Rob Chate, with the Dean Professor Jonathon Cowpe.