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Renewable energies have gained momentum in energy transition agenda based on the benefit of lower emissions of carbon and its compounds. Many technologies have been developed at different technology readiness levels addressing climate change impact with reduced emissions of greenhouse gases such as CO2. Herein the perspective article, we have reviewed CO2 capture technologies, such as absorption, adsorption, membrane separation, cryogenic separation and separation via hydrate formation, with further focus on the possibility of utilising ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) power to generate green hydrogen and produce low carbon fuels. The potential of OTEC generated hydrogen to produce methanol was explored using a simulation exercise utilising a scenario from a real-life offshore gas production facility. By varying the catalysts and reaction conditions, the findings showed encouraging results of CO2 conversion of ≥50% and product yield of ≥80%. Considering single path reaction with 90%, 95% and 99% of recycling, the highest prediction of methanol production coupled with CO2 hydrogenation process was 276.59 metric tonnes per day (MTPD). In addition, based on the assumption of 13.5 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) of CO2 produced, 204 MW of OTEC power is required to convert approximately 97.82 MTPD of hydrogen for methanol production making it potentially an industrially viable process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the occurrence of bilateral iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome with glaucoma in a young girl with Down′s syndrome. A 16-year-old girl with Down′s syndrome was found to have secondary glaucoma in the right eye with features of progressive iris atrophy in both eyes. She was uncontrolled on maximum tolerable medical therapy for glaucoma. She underwent an uneventful trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C in her right eye. Scanning electron microscopy of the trabecular meshwork obtained in this case is described.

Purpose: To study optic nerve head (ONH) characteristics using scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, Heidelberg retina tomograph (HRT), in an elderly population. Methods: A population-based, cross-sectional study included 1460 eyes of 1460 consecutive, subjects >60 years, in North India. All subjects underwent a detailed ophthalmic evaluation and imaged on HRT. Stereometric parameters, Moorfields regression analysis (MRA) and discriminant function analysis were analyzed. Correlation between ONH parameters and disc area, age, sex, and intraocular pressure was analyzed. Results: Disc size had a normal Gaussian distribution (2.22 ± 0.48 mm2), but all other stereometric parameters showed a wide variation. MRA found 1320 (90.4%) eyes within normal limits, 71 (4.86%), borderline limits, and 69 (4.73%) outside normal limits. Comparison of eyes meeting International Society of Geographical and Epidemiological Ophthalmology criteria for a glaucoma suspect, C:D > 0.7, with those that did not show a statistically significant difference in the cup area, rim area, rim disc ratio, and cup volume (p = 0.02, 0.02, 0.02, 0.03, respectively). An Intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥21 mmHg was seen in 3.01%, and only 12 eyes out of 1460, 0.82%, had an IOP ≥21 mmHg and a cup:disc ratio of more than 0.7. A van Herick estimation of < Grade 3 was seen in 19.4% Conclusions: Stereometric parameter data, MRA, and clinical examination in this population at high risk for glaucoma found that about 10% of individuals over 60 years of age could be classified as glaucoma suspects and would need further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A simple scalable approach to design flexible, ultrathin, and safe supercapacitors to power up the next‐generation of portable electronics and implantable biomedical devices is reported. The main challenge to construct flexible supercapacitors is the development of flexible electrodes that can retain characteristics of high power density, long cycle life, and high efficiency during and after bending. In this work, flexible electrodes based on conducting polymer–biopolymer–ionic liquid–graphite composites that are chemically blended and stable have been prepared. They are used as electrodes in the fabrication of three devices, that is, (i) electrochemical, (ii) electrical double‐layer, and (iii) hybrid supercapacitors. The multifunctional role of ionic liquids as solvent, electrolyte, and plasticizer is exploited to fabricate these innovative supercapacitors. These flexible supercapacitors show specific capacitances of around 5 mF g−1, an operational voltage of about 2.2 V, and an excellent cycle life of >15 000 cycles with nearly 100 % efficiency. The design nature of these electrodes, chemical stability, and feasibility to use biocompatible components will enable the construction of task‐specific supercapacitors with excellent device stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury scrubbing from gas streams using a supported 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chlorocuprate(ii) ionic liquid ([C4mim]2[Cu2Cl6]) has been studied using operando EXAFS. Initial oxidative capture as [HgCl3]− anions was confirmed, this was then followed by the unanticipated generation of mercury(i) chloride through comproportionation with additional mercury from the gas stream. Combining these two mechanisms leads to net one electron oxidative extraction of mercury from the gas with increased potential capacity and efficiency for supported ionic liquid mercury scrubbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel method to fabricate chemically linked conducting polymer–biopolymer composites that are intrinsically flexible and conducting for functional electrode applications is presented. Polypyrrole was synthesised in situ during the cellulose regeneration process using the 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ionic liquid as a solvent medium. The obtained polypyrrole–cellulose composite was chemically blended and showed flexible polymer properties while retaining the electronic properties of a conducting polymer. Addition of an ionic liquid such as trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, enhanced the flexibility of the composite. The functional application of these materials in the electrochemically controlled release of a model drug has been demonstrated. This strategy opens up a new design for a wide spectrum of materials for smart electronic device applications wherein the functionality of doping and de-doping of conducting polymers is retained and their processability issue is addressed by exploiting an ionic liquid route. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient scrubbing of mercury vapour from natural gas streams has been demonstrated both in the laboratory and on an industrial scale, using chlorocuprate(ii) ionic liquids impregnated on high surface area porous solid supports, resulting in the effective removal of mercury vapour from natural gas streams. This material has been commercialised for use within the petroleum gas production industry, and has currently been running continuously for three years on a natural gas plant in Malaysia. Here we report on the chemistry underlying this process, and demonstrate the transfer of this technology from gram to ton scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wide range of room temperature ionic liquids based on the 3-methylpiperdinium cation core were produced from 3-methylpiperidine, which is a derivative of DYTEK® A amine. First, reaction with 1-bromoalkanes or 1-bromoalkoxyalkanes generated the corresponding tertiary amines (Rmβpip, R = alkyl or alkoxyalkyl); further quaternisation reactions with the appropriate methylating agents yielded the quaternary [Rmmβpip]X salts (X− = I−, [CF3CO2]− or [OTf]−; Tf = –SO2CF3), and [Rmmβpip][NTf2] were prepared by anion metathesis from the corresponding iodides. All [NTf2]− salts are liquids at room temperature. [Rmmβpip]X (X− = I−, [CF3CO2]− or [OTf]−) are low-melting solids when R = alkyl, but room temperature liquids upon introduction of ether functionalities on R. Neither of the 3-methylpiperdinium ionic liquids showed any signs of crystallisation, even well below 0 °C. Some related non-C-substituted piperidinium and pyrrolidinium analogues were prepared and studied for comparison. Crystal structures of 1-hexyl-1,3-dimethylpiperidinium tetraphenylborate, 1-butyl-3-methylpiperidinium bromide, 1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1-methylpiperidinium chloride and 1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1-methylpyrrolidinium bromide are reported. Extensive structural and physical data are collected and compared to literature data, with special emphasis on the systematic study of the cation ring size and/or asymmetry effects on density, viscosity and ionic conductivity, allowing general trends to be outlined. Cyclic voltammetry shows that 3-methylpiperidinium ionic liquids, similarly to azepanium, piperidinium or pyrrolidinium counterparts, are extremely electrochemically stable; the portfolio of useful alternatives for safe and high-performing electrolytes is thus greatly extended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optically active S-alkyl-N,N′-bis((S)-1-phenylethyl)thiouronium salts, abbreviated as (S)-[Cnpetu]Y (where Y is an anion; n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 or 16), have been prepared and studied by a broad spectrum of analyses. This consists of density, viscosity, and conductivity determination, followed by a discussion of relevant correlations. Unusual trends depending on the S-alkyl chain length were documented for (S)-[Cnpetu][NTf2] series (where [NTf2]− = bis{(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl}amide), including the viscosity decreasing with increasing chain length, and the conductivity showing a maximum between the S-butyl and the S-hexyl derivative. In addition, a hindered rotamerism of the thiouronium cation in dmso-d6 solution was recognised by 1H and 13C NMR techniques. Thorough analysis of NMR spectra confirmed that the main contribution comes from rotation about the partial double C–S bond. For the first time, a neat thiouronium ionic liquid system has been subjected to quantitative analysis of hindered rotamerism by dynamic NMR coalescence studies, with estimated activation energy for rotation of 63.9 ± 0.4 kJ mol−1. Finally, the application of (S)-[Cnpetu]Y salts as chiral discriminating agents for carboxylates by 1H NMR spectroscopy was further investigated, demonstrating the influence of the S-alkyl chain length on chiral recognition; (S)-[C2petu][NTf2] ionic liquid with the mandelate anion gave the best results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amblyopia, with a prevalence of 1%-5% in the general population, is a treatable disorder if detected timely. Results from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in patients with amblyopia have also aided our understanding of amblyopia. Oftalmologia 2012;36:231-6. 6 Firat PG, Ozsoy E, Demirel S, Cumurcu T, Gunduz A. Evaluation of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer, macula and ganglion cell thickness in amblyopia using spectral optical coherence tomography. [Extracted from the article]

Verschiedene Donormoleküle reagieren mit AlCl3 oder GaCl3 zu mobilen Flüssigkeiten mit sehr hohem Metallgehalt in Form statistischer Gleichgewichtsmischungen anionischer, kationischer und neutraler Komplexe. Diese flüssigen Koordinationskomplexe (LCCs) zeigen hohe Leitfähigkeit, einstellbare Lewis ‐ Acidität und niedrigen Dampfdruck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of oligoether-functionalised viologen-based dicationic ionic liquids, their electrochemical properties, solvatochromism, and ability to form charge-transfer complexes, are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate and compare changes in scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, HRT II, and perimetry in adult primary open angle and chronic angle closure glaucoma over at least five years. Design: Prospective non-randomized clinical trial. Methods: 245 eyes of 245 patients, 116 primary open angle glaucoma, POAG eyes and 129 primary angle closure glaucoma, PACG eyes were studied. Standard achromatic perimetry and optic nerve head topography by HRT II were studied serially, at baseline and thereafter every six months. Results: 14 POAG eyes (11.2%) and 20 PACG eyes (15.5%) showed progression on achromatic perimetry. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a survival rate of 71% at 148 months for PACG and 86% at 144 months in POAG eyes. Eyes that progressed had frequent records (median 3.08 visits, range 2-10 visits) of a rise of IOP of >4 mm, over the target IOP, during follow-up. In stable eyes, PACG required >50% reduction in IOP to achieve stability on HRT, while POAG eyes showed improvement of optic nerve head parameters even with an IOP reduction of 25%. Conclusion: Intermittent IOP fluctuations of ≥4 mm Hg over the mean IOP was associated with progression in POAG and CPACG eyes. PACG eyes appeared to progress faster and to a greater extent, and were more resistant to changes in ONH tomography following standard therapy, requiring a larger percentage drop in IOP to manifest improvement in optic nerve head parameters, as compared to POAG eyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seven-member alicyclic secondary amine, azepane, has been used as starting material to synthesise a new family of room temperature ionic liquids. Such useful transformations of this coproduct of diamine production processes, generated in large amounts in the polyamide industry, would mitigate its disposal, which usually involves combustion. Reaction of azepane with 1-bromoalkanes or 1-bromoalkoxyalkanes produced the corresponding tertiary amines with good selectivity; further quaternisation reactions with the appropriate methylating agents yielded quaternary azepanium salts, [Rmazp]X (R = alkyl or alkoxyalkyl; X− = I−, [CF3CO2]− or [OTf]−; Tf = (trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl). Analogous [NTf2]− salts have also been produced by metathetic reactions. Liquid temperature ranges are significantly affected by the nature of the anion and the substituents on the azepanium cation core; for example, [CF3CO2]− or [OTf]− salts based on cations with alkyl substitution are solids, whereas those with alkoxyalkyl substitution are liquids at ambient temperature. The crystal structures of [C4mazp][CF3CO2], [C4mazp]I and [C6mazp][NTf2] (C4 = butyl, C6 = hexyl) are reported. The effects of the structural features of cations and anions on density, viscosity and conductivity data are discussed. The presence of ether linkages in the cationic side chains causes a marked decrease in viscosities and an increase in conductivities. Cyclic voltammetry showed that azepanium ionic liquids exhibit extremely wide electrochemical windows, thus becoming promising and safe alternatives to electrolytes based on volatile organic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New ionic liquids based on azepanium and 3-methylpiperidinium cations have been synthesised; they exhibit moderate viscosities and remarkably wide electrochemical windows, thereby showing promise, inter alia, as electrolytes and battery materials, and as synthetic media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A range of chloroindate(iii) ionic liquid systems was prepared by mixing of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride with indium(iii) chloride in various ratios, expressed as the mol fraction of indium(iii) chloride, χInCl3. For χInCl3≤ 0.50, the products were liquids, whereas for χInCl3> 0.50, the products were biphasic (suspensions of a solid in an ionic liquid). Speciation of these chloroindate(iii) systems was carried out using a wide range of techniques: differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarised optical microscopy (POM), liquid-state and solid-state 115In NMR spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). Ionic liquids prepared using an excess of the organic chloride (χInCl3 0.5) contained indium(iii) chloride powder suspended in a neutral tetrachloroindate ionic liquid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation and characterisation of a series of ionic liquids based on S-alkylthiouronium cations prepared from thiourea, 1,3-dimethylthiourea, 1,3-diethylthiourea and 1,3-tetramethylthiourea coupled with bis{(trifluoromethane)sulfonyl}imide, bromide, methylsulfate or ethylsulfate anions are reported. All are liquids at room temperature or solids with melting points close to room temperature, except for the bromide salts, which have melting points below 92 °C. Systematic variation in the N- and S-alkyl substituents demonstrates how the physical properties of these ionic liquids can be readily controlled. The mutual miscibility limits of representative examples with octane, dodecane and toluene have been determined as a function of temperature, and the extraction of dibenzothiophene from dodecane as a model for desulfurisation of diesel has been investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the long-term efficacy of bimatoprost 0.03% monotherapy in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) versus primary chronic angle closure glaucoma (PCACG) eyes. Methods: A total of 55 consecutive primary adult glaucoma patients on bimatoprost monotherapy were prospectively evaluated in this 3-year, open-labeled, uncontrolled study. The primary outcome was the evaluation of a difference in the response to therapy of POAG eyes, as compared to PCACG eyes over a follow-up of 3 years. Results: In the POAG group, the mean intraocular pressure (IOP) at the 36-month followup was found to be increased by 2.10 (±3.90) mmHg (confidence interval [CI], 0.975–4.185), compared to the mean IOP at 1 month ( P = 0.047). In the PCACG group, the mean IOP at the 36-month follow-up was increased by 3.66) (± 3.34) mmHg (CI, 6.241—1.092), compared to the mean IOP at 1 month ( P = 0.011). This upward drift in IOP was higher in the PCACG group, compared to the POAG group, but this was not statistically significant ( P = 0.54). Patients with POAG and PCACG showed a 50% and 40% chance of having an IOP of <18 mmHg with bimatoprost monotherapy ( P = 0.23), respectively, at the 3-year follow-up. Conclusions: This study showed that bimatoprost 0.03% monotherapy significantly lowers IOP in both POAG and PCACG eyes over a period of 3 years, though its efficacy appeared to decrease over time, to a similar extent, in both groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article the authors discuss the involvement of the presynaptic binding of calcium to calmoludin in post-tetanic potentiation. The authors state that upon calcium influx into the presynaptic terminal, a subset of synaptic vesicles undergoes exocytosis. Moreover, they mention that the group of vesicles makes up a readily releasable pool (RRP) of vesicles that is replenished from a bigger reserve pool of vesicles.

Trabeculectomy for treatment of glaucoma associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome has a poor success rate. We report the presence of anomalous vessels over the trabeculectomy bleb in a patient with Sturge-Weber syndrome after trabeculectomy combined with mitomycin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury scrubbing from gas streams using a supported 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chlorocuprate(ii) ionic liquid ([C 4 mim] 2 [Cu 2 Cl 6 ]) has been studied using operando EXAFS. Initial oxidative capture as [HgCl 3 ] - anions was confirmed, this was then followed by the unanticipated generation of mercury(i) chloride through comproportionation with additional mercury from the gas stream. Combining these two mechanisms leads to net one electron oxidative extraction of mercury from the gas with increased potential capacity and efficiency for supported ionic liquid mercury scrubbers.

Efficient scrubbing of mercury vapour from natural gas streams has been demonstrated both in the laboratory and on an industrial scale, using chlorocuprate(II) ionic liquids impregnated on high surface area porous solid supports, resulting in the effective removal of mercury vapour from natural gas streams. This material has been commercialised for use within the petroleum gas production industry, and has currently been running continuously for three years on a natural gas plant in Malaysia. Here we report on the chemistry underlying this process, and demonstrate the transfer of this technology from gram to ton scale.

Buffering of Lewis acidic chlorometallate ionic liquids is a useful tool to modify their properties for electrochemical and catalytic applications. Lewis acidic chlorogallate(iii) ionic liquids containing the 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium cation, buffered with sodium chloride, were studied using (71)Ga NMR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. All the studied Lewis acidic compositions (0.50 < χGaCl3 ≤ 0.75) could be buffered to mild or moderate acidity, but not to neutrality. Electrodeposition of gallium from such buffered systems was possible, yielding deposits of improved morphology over the unbuffered ionic liquids, due to the constant melt composition maintained by the buffer. These findings were in a stark contrast with older studies on chloroaluminate(iii) ionic liquids buffered with sodium chloride.

A range of chloroindate(iii) ionic liquid systems was prepared by mixing of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride with indium(iii) chloride in various ratios, expressed as the mol fraction of indium(iii) chloride, chi(InCl(3)). For chi(InCl(3)) 0.50, the products were biphasic (suspensions of a solid in an ionic liquid). Speciation of these chloroindate(iii) systems was carried out using a wide range of techniques: differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarised optical microscopy (POM), liquid-state and solid-state (115)In NMR spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). Ionic liquids prepared using an excess of the organic chloride (chi(InCl(3)) < 0.5) contained [InCl(6)](3-), [InCl(5)](2-) and [InCl(4)](-) anions, in proportions dependent on the chi(InCl(3)) value. Equimolar mixtures yielded single compounds: 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrachloroindates(iii). Systems containing an excess of indium(iii) chloride (chi(InCl(3)) > 0.5) contained indium(iii) chloride powder suspended in a neutral tetrachloroindate ionic liquid.

Background: Little is known about survival on peritoneal dialysis (PD) in Indian patients since the initiation of continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) in India in 1991. Survival data from single centers with small numbers have been published., Objective: A retrospective 4-center analysis for predictors of survival >3 years in south Indian chronic PD patients., Methods: A total of 309 patients were trained during the observation period (from 1999 to 2004) and were analyzed in a multicenter study (4 centers), including 150 patients (male:female 109:41) that survived > or = 3 years and 59 patients that did not survive > or = 3 years (nonsurvivors; male: female 43:16) that were taken as controls. The patients were on chronic PD, predominantly CAPD, using double-bag disconnect systems. They were supervised by 4 nephrologists. Mean age in the nonsurvival group was 56.6 +/- 10.6 years. In the survival group, mean age was 50.9 +/- 14.9 years; there were 92 (62%) nondiabetics and 58 (38%) diabetics; the majority were nonvegetarians; 148 patients were doing 6 - 8 L exchanges and 2 were doing >8 L exchanges daily; 93 of 102 patients were average transporters based on peritoneal equilibration testing. At the beginning, mean combined Kt/V was 2.31 and weekly creatinine clearance was 73 L. Patients making one lifetime payment were 46% and 21% belonged to the full reimbursement group., Results: Body mass index (BMI) was normal in 114 patients (76%). Ultrafiltration volume was 1377 +/- 452 at the start and 1400 +/- 461 mL/day after 3 years. Anuric patients at the start were 12% and after 3 years 44%; urine output decreased from 527 +/- 26 to 253 +/- 14 mL/day from the start to after 3 years. Peritonitis rate was 1 episode/75 patient-months at the beginning and after 3 years it was 1 episode/30 patient-months. Exit-site care was done daily by 88% and 3 times weekly by 12%. Nonsmokers were 92% and smokers were 8%. Those that lived in the city were 62% and rural areas were 38%. Mean blood pressure was 143 +/- 16/88 +/- 10 and 136 +/- 18/85 +/- 9 mmHg, calcium x phosphorus product 44.6 +/- 15.6 and 45.9 +/- 15.7 mg(2)/dL(2), albumin 3.33 +/- 0.5 and 3.25 +/- 0.4 g/dL, hemoglobin 9.18 +/- 2 and 9.48 +/- 1.8 g/dL at the beginning and after 3 years, respectively. Statistical analysis showed a significant fall in both systolic (p < or = 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (p < or = 0.05), an increase in BMI (p < or = 0.01), and a decrease in blood urea (p < or = 0.001) in the survival group. Those with Hb > or = 11 g/dL survived longer (p < or= 0.001), those with serum albumin > or = 3 g/dL had better survival (p = 0.001), and anuric patients survived longer (p = 0.001)., Conclusion: This multicenter cohort study of prevalent continuous PD patients in south India showed nondiabetics, average transporters, nonsmokers with reasonable nutritional status, with Hb 11 g/dL, with low peritonitis rate, with over 1 L ultrafiltration volume per day, the great majority that joined the once per lifetime payment scheme, and the reimbursement group survived for 3 years or longer.

New, potentially green, and efficient synthetic routes for the remediation and/or re-use of perchlorate-based energetic materials have been developed. Four simple organic imidazolium- and phosphonium-based perchlorate salts/ionic liquids have been synthesized by simple, inexpensive, and nonhazardous methods, using ammonium perchlorate as the perchlorate source. By appropriate choice of the cation, perchlorate can be incorporated into an ionic liquid which serves as its own electrolyte for the electrochemical reduction of the perchlorate anion, allowing for the regeneration of the chloride-based parent ionic liquid. The electrochemical degradation of the hazardous perchlorate ion and its conversion to harmless chloride during electrolysis was studied using IR and (35)Cl NMR spectroscopies.

Synaptic strength is determined by release probability and the size of the readily releasable pool of docked vesicles. Here we describe the effects of blocking myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), a cytoskeletal regulatory protein thought to be involved in myosin-mediated vesicle transport, on synaptic transmission at the mouse calyx of Held synapse. Application of three different MLCK inhibitors increased the amplitude of the early excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in a stimulus train, without affecting the late steady-state EPSCs. A presynaptic locus of action for MLCK inhibitors was confirmed by an increase in the frequency of miniature EPSCs that left their average amplitude unchanged. MLCK inhibition did not affect presynaptic Ca(2+) currents or action potential waveform. Moreover, Ca(2+) imaging experiments showed that [Ca(2+)](i) transients elicited by 100-Hz stimulus trains were not altered by MLCK inhibition. Studies using high-frequency stimulus trains indicated that MLCK inhibitors increase vesicle pool size, but do not significantly alter release probability. Accordingly, when AMPA-receptor desensitization was minimized, EPSC paired-pulse ratios were unaltered by MLCK inhibition, suggesting that release probability remains unaltered. MLCK inhibition potentiated EPSCs even when presynaptic Ca(2+) buffering was greatly enhanced by treating slices with EGTA-AM. In addition, MLCK inhibition did not affect the rate of recovery from short-term depression. Finally, developmental studies revealed that EPSC potentiation by MLCK inhibition starts at postnatal day 5 (P5) and remains strong during synaptic maturation up to P18. Overall, our data suggest that MLCK plays a crucial role in determining the size of the pool of synaptic vesicles that undergo fast release at a CNS synapse.

Case Report: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) confirms increased optic nerve head dimensions in morning glory anomaly, and provides evidence of increased retinal nerve fibre layer thickness and reduced macular thickness., Comments: This first report of quantitative data from OCT may provide more useful information to corroborate clinical diagnosis of this rare congenital disorder.