bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of Tissue Factor in Experimental Bovine Pneumonic Pasteurellosis and Endotoxemia
Authors: Rashid Javed , Weiss Douglas J. , Murtaugh Michael P. , Bach Ronald
Published: February 2009

Tissue factor (TF), a cell surface‐associated cofactor and activator of coagulation factor VII, has been implicated in the local and systemic activation of coagulation associated with sepsis. This study describes the pattern of TF expression in experimental bovine pneumonic pasteurellosis and endotoxemia. Immunohistochemical techniques were used to localize TF antigen in tissue sections. Tissue factor expression was not observed in tissues from control animals. In response to Pasteurella haemolytica challenge, TF was expressed within alveolar walls, by mononuclear inflammatory cells within alveoli, and in walls of arteries, arterioles, bronchi, and bronchioles. Tissue factor was not detected in unaffected lung, liver, spleen, lymph node or kidney tissue. Administration of Escherichia coli endotoxin intravenously resulted in tissue factor expression in lung, spleen, and lymph node tissue. Results of this study indicate that TF is expressed locally at sites of inflammation and systemically in endotoxemia. Therefore, TF may be involved in coagulation events associated with pneumonic pasteurellosis.
Serum Fructosamine Concentration in Nondiabetic and Diabetic Cats
Authors: Plier Michelle L. , Grindem Carol B. , MacWilliams Peter S. , Stevens Jerry B.
Published: February 2009

Abstract—Differentiating transient hyperglycemia from diabetic hyperglycemia can be difficult in cats since single blood glucose measurements reflect only momentary glucose concentrations, and values may be elevated because of stress‐induced hyperglycemia. Glycated protein measurements serve as monitors of longer‐term glycemic control in human diabetics. Using an automated nitroblue tetrazolium assay, fructosamine concentration was measured in serum from 24 healthy control cats and 3 groups of hospitalized cats: 32 euglycemic, 19 transiently hyperglycemic, and 12 diabetic cats. Fructosamine concentrations ranged from 2.1–3.8 mmol/L in clinically healthy cats; 1.1–3.5 mmol/L in euglycemic cats; 2.0–4.1 mmol/L in transiently hyperglycemic cats; and 3.4 to > 6.0 mmol/L in diabetic cats. Values for within‐run precision at 2 fructosamine concentrations (2.64 mmol/L and 6.13 mmol/L) were 1.5% and 1.3%, respectively. Between‐run coefficient of variation was 3.8% at a fructosamine concentration of 1.85 mmol/L. The mean fructosamine concentration for the diabetic group differed significantly (P = 0.0001) from the mean concentrations of the other 3 groups. Poorly regulated or newly diagnosed diabetic cats tended to have the highest fructosamine values, whereas well‐regulated or over‐regulated diabetic cats had values approaching the reference range. As a single test for differentiating nondiabetic cats from diabetic cats, fructosamine was very sensitive (92%) and specific (96%), with a positive predictive value of 85% and a negative predictive value of 98%. Serum fructosamine concentration shows promise as an inexpensive, adjunct diagnostic tool for differentiating transiently hyperglycemic cats from poorly controlled diabetic cats. (Vet Clin Pathol 27:34–39, 1998)
The Use of Cytochemistry, Immunophenotyping, Flow Cytometry, and In Vitro Differentiation to Determine the Ontogeny of a Canine Monoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Modiano Jaime F. , III Roger Smith , Wojcieszyn John , Thomas Jennifer S. , Rosenbaum Betty A. , Ball Carrie , Nicholds Elaine A. , Anthony Margaret A. , Barton Claudia L.
Published: February 2009

Abstract—We evaluated the utility of cytochemistry, immunophenotyping, flow cytometry, and in vitro culture with forced differentiation of leukemic cells as diagnostic aids to identify the malignant cell ontogeny in a dog with leukemia. A tentative diagnosis of monoblastic leukemia was established by microscopic examination of Romanowsky‐stained blood smears and bone marrow aspirate smears. This diagnosis also was supported by the light scatter signature that identified the blast cells as large, non‐granular monocytic cells using a CellDyn 3500 automated hematology analyzer; as well as by the detection of N‐butyrate esterase and the lack of chloroacetate esterase or leukocyte peroxidase by cytochemical staining. Subsequently, leukemic cells were isolated from the dog's peripheral blood and placed into tissue culture or cryopreserved. The leukemic cells grew in suspension cultures and proliferated spontaneously for up to 4 days. By day 7, proliferation was negligible. Upon culture with conditioned supernatant using mitogen‐stimulated human T cells as a source of cytokines, an increased proportion of cells entered S phase by day 2 of culture; however, proliferation declined markedly by day 4, at which time the cells had apparently differentiated to adherent, vacuolated macrophages. The cytokine‐stimulated leukemic cells were positive for the monocyte/macrophage specific markers alpha‐1‐antitrypsin, alpha‐1‐antichymotrypsin, lysozyme, CD14, MHC class II, and calprotectin, an antigen found in differentiated macrophages and granulocytes. Despite the strong tendency of the leukemic cells towards monocytic differentiation, our results suggested that they retained some features of a myelomonocytic precursor. These data show that cytochemistry, immunophenotyping, flow cytometry, and in vitro differentiation of canine leukemia cells are useful tools for confirming the lineage of malignant hematopoietic cells. (Vet Clin Pathol 27:40–49, 1998)
Association of Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage with Increased Blood Urea Nitrogen and BUN/Creatinine Ratio in Dogs: A Literature Review and Retrospective Study
Authors: Prause Lauren C. , Grauer Gregory F.
Published: February 2009

Abstract— Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine concentrations were recorded from the medical records of 52 dogs with clinical evidence for upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (UGH) at the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital between 1988 and 1995. Eighteen of the dogs had melena, 11 dogs had hematemesis, and 23 dogs had both melena and hematemesis. Compared with age‐matched control dogs, dogs with suspected UGH had a significantly higher BUN concentration (31.0 mg/dL vs. 16.5 mg/dL), creatinine concentration (1.2 mg/dL vs. 1.1 mg/dL) and BUN/creatinine ratio (27.6 vs. 14.4). The increase in BUN/creatinine ratio suggested that the increased BUN concentration in dogs with evidence for UGH primarily was associated with increased gastrointestinal absorption of nitrogenous compounds, and hepatic ureagenesis. (Vet Clin Pathol 27:107–111, 1998)
Hematopathology in Dogs Experimentally Infected with a Swedish GranulocyticEhrlichiaSpecies
Authors: Lilliehöök Inger , Egenvall Agneta , Tvedten Harold W.
Published: February 2009

Abstract—Seven, adult, female beagles were inoculated with a Swedish granulocytic Ehrlichia organism closely related to Ehrlichia equi and E. phagocytophila. Blood and bone marrow changes were evaluated throughout the acute phase of infection. All dogs developed moderate to severe thrombocytopenia during the parasitemic period. The mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width increased, and large platelets were seen on blood smears when platelet numbers were low. In bone marrow, absolute numbers of megakaryocytes and immature megakaryocytes were increased. These results suggested the thrombocytopenia was caused by increased platelet destruction. The dogs also developed mild, normocytic, normochromic anemia, with simultaneous decreases in serum iron concentration and total iron‐binding capacity that resembled the anemia of inflammation. In bone marrow, there was a slight increase in immature erythroid cells and no erythroid hypoplasia; iron stores were normal to increased. Myeloid hyperplasia was seen in all infected dogs, despite neutropenia in peripheral blood. Lymphopenia occurred early in the parasitemic period, but lymphocytes responded strongly and numbers increased above baseline levels by the end of parasitemia. Blast‐transformed lymphocytes (5% to 20%) were seen in peripheral blood for a few days. Experimentally‐induced canine granulocytic ehrlichiosis caused cytopenias of short duration, coincident with the appearance of ehrlichial inclusions in neutrophils. (Vet Clin Pathol 27:116–122, 1998)
Evaluation of Piglet Blood Utilizing the Technicon H*1
Authors: Egeli Ann Kristin , Framstad Tore , Morberg Hanne , Tverdal Aage
Published: February 2009

Abstract— The analytic precision of an automated blood analyzer, the Technicon H*1®, was evaluated utilizing blood samples collected from 20 piglets at 1 and 14 days of age. The effect of storing the blood samples at 4°C for 24 and 48 hours also was determined. Blood samples were analyzed twice on the first day and once on each of the subsequent two days. Within‐sample coefficient of variation was ˜1% for hemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte count, hematocrit, mean cell volume, erythrocyte distribution width and hemoglobin distribution width (HDW); and ˜5% for total leukocyte (WBC), neutrophil and lymphocyte counts. Mean HDW and automated differential WBC counts changed during storage to a degree that could be of clinical importance. Manual determination of differential WBC counts were compared with those obtained from the automated analyzer. Results correlated well for neutrophils (r = 0.92 in 1‐day‐old and r = 0.93 in 14‐day‐old piglets, P < 0.001) and lymphocytes (r = 0.85 in 1‐day‐old and r = 0.93 in 14‐day‐old piglets, P < 0.001). Other WBC values were too low to compare reasonably. (Vet Clin Pathol 27:123–128, 1998)
Automated Analysis of Feline Platelets in Whole Blood, Including Platelet Count, Mean Platelet Volume, and Activation State
Authors: Zelmanovic David , Hetherington Edward J.
Published: February 2009

Abstract— A new whole‐blood flow cytometric method has been developed for counting and sizing platelets in samples from cats, a species in which platelet and red blood cell sizes overlap significantly. The method is a modified version of the two‐angle laser light scattering technology used by Bayer H*System hematology analyzers. The new method provided accurate platelet counts and mean platelet volumes (MPV, fl) for cats. The method also measured mean platelet component concentration (MFC, g/dl), a parameter which was shown to be sensitive to platelet activation state, and which decreased in value as activation progressed.
Semiautomatic and Robotic Methods for Determining Serum Haptoglobin Levels
Authors: Smith Joseph E. , Chavey Patricia S. , Andrews Gordon A.
Published: February 2009

Abstract—The assay of Makimura and Suzuki1for serum haptoglobin has been adapted to use one tube with both semiautomated and robotic methods. The adaptation permits the determination of haptoglobin in several hundred serum samples per day. Both methods were strongly correlated with the original two‐tube method and had within‐assay variability of 4.4% for the semiautomated and 4.8% for the robotic method. Day‐to‐day variability averaged 6.0% for the semiautomated and 5.5% for the robotic method. The y‐intercepts for both assays were higher than that of the original two‐tube method, and thus, reference values are higher than those reported previously.
Immunophenotypic Comparison of Blood and Lymph Node from Dogs with Lymphoma
Authors: Grindem Carol B. , Page Rodney L. , Ammerman B.E. , Breitschwerdt Edward B.
Published: February 2009

Abstract—Peripheral blood and lymph node tissue from 12 dogs with lymphoma was immunophenotyped. Additionally, the bone marrow was immunophenotyped in 6 dogs. The lymphomas were characterized as B‐cell in 11 dogs and T‐cell in 1 dog. Immunophenotypic patterns in the peripheral blood and bone marrow were variable. The trend in dogs with B‐cell lymphoma was normal to increased percentage of IgG‐positive cells, decreased percentage of pan‐T‐positive cells, decreased percentage of CD4‐positive cells, and decreased CD4/CD8 ratio. Simultaneous immunophenotyping of lymph node, blood and bone marrow cannot be recommended routinely without further studies to document its value as an independent prognostic indicator. However, it is potentially useful for tumor staging and monitoring remission, especially in lymphoma patients with a leukemic phase.
Semiautomated Analysis of Alkaline Phosphatase Isoenzymes in Serum of Normal Cynomolgus Monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Wiedmeyer Charles E. , Morton Daniel G. , Cusick Patrick K. , Wright Thomas , Solter Philip F. , Hoffmann Walter E.
Published: February 2009

Abstract— Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) isoenzyme analysis, using a combination of wheat germ lectin (WGL) precipitation, levamisole inhibition and an automated p‐nitrophenylphosphate assay was validated for use with serum from monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) and used to determine the activities of liver ALP (LALP), bone ALP (BALP) and intestinal ALP (IALP). Based on serial dilution studies and within‐run and between‐run coefficients of variation, each assay had excellent linearity and acceptable precision. In addition, liver and intestinal mucosa extracts for tissue specific alkaline phosphatases were used to confirm assay validations. Gender‐specific differences for total ALP, LALP and BALP activities were present in sera from normal monkeys between 2 and 4 years of age. Males had 1.3‐fold higher total ALP and LALP activities, and 1.5‐fold higher BALP activity compared with females. The majority of ALP activity in normal monkey serum was LALP isoenzyme activity, which ranged from 56.7% to 94.7% of total activity. Serum BALP activity ranged from 5.3%. to 42.8%. There was negligible IALP activity in all serum samples.
Evaluation of an Automated, Homogeneous Enzyme Immunoassay for Serum Thyroxine Measurement in Dog and Cat Serum
Authors: Horney Barbara S. , MacKenzie Allan L. , Burton Shelley A. , Olexson Dennis W. , Mitton Katherine L. , Coty William A. , Rinne Sherrie G.
Published: February 2009

Abstract—A homogeneous enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for measurement of serum thyroxine (T4) concentration was evaluated for use with canine and feline serum. The EIA method was linear from 0 to 150 nmol T4/L for human serum, 0 to 94 nmol T4/L for feline serum and 10 to 60 nmol T4/L for canine serum. Intra‐ and interassay precision studies yielded coefficients of variation ≤ 8% using single point measurements. Method comparison studies gave close agreement between radioimmunoassay (RIA) and EIA results. Correlation coefficients (r values) were 0.88 and 0.97 for canine and feline samples respectively, after application of species‐specific factors to correct the calibrator values assigned for human serum samples. The EIA showed no interference from hemolysis at hemoglobin concentrations ≤ 20 g/L or from moderate lipemia. Highly lipemic specimens could be tested after centrifugation to clarify the sample. The EIA showed less interference from autoantibodies to T4 than the RIA method. The EIA method allows automation of T4 testing in a veterinary hospital or laboratory, and can be integrated with the routine clinical chemistry panel.
Analysis of Transtracheal Aspirates and Pleural Fluid from Clinically Healthy Llamas (Llama glama)
Authors: Gerros Terry C. , Andreasen Claire B.
Published: February 2009

Abstract—Seventeen clinically healthy adult llamas were used to study the characteristics of transtracheal aspirates (TTA) and pleural fluid samples. Results of complete blood counts, fibrinogen determination and thoracic radiographs were within normal limits prior to sampling. Cytologic evaluation of TTA revealed the majority of cells were vacuolated macrophages (60–100%), with 0–40% neutrophils, and fewer lymphocytes (0–1%), eosinophils (0–3%), and ciliated respiratory epithelial cells (0–10%). In TTA from 10 of 17 llamas, neither aerobic nor anaerobic bacteria were isolated. Bacteria isolated in pure culture from TTA were similar to isolates found in clinically healthy animals of other species, and included Acinetobacter sp., Staphylococcus sp. and Bacillus sp. Results (mean ± SD) of pleural fluid analyses were: total nucleated cell count 576 ± 361/μL; specific gravity 1.0133 ± 0.002; glucose concentration 135.1 ± 9.02 mg/dL; and lactate concentration 2.95 ± 1.34 mg/dL. Pleural fluid total protein concentrations determined by refractometry ranged from < 2.5 to 3.5 g/dL. The refractive index ranged from 1.3396 to 0.0013. In pleural fluid, small lymphocytes were the predominant cell type.
Detection of Canine Transitional Cell Carcinoma Using a Bladder Tumor Antigen Urine Dipstick Test
Authors: Borjesson Dori L. , Christopher Mary M. , Ling Gerald V.
Published: February 2009

Abstract—Canine transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) carries a poor prognosis in part due to late disease detection. The measurement of specific tumor markers shed in the urine may aid in sensitive, early disease detection and therefore improved prognosis. A 1‐year prospective clinical trial was designed to assess the efficacy, sensitivity and specificity of the first generation Bard BTA test to diagnose TCC in dogs. This test is a qualitative, rapid, latex agglutination, dipstick test run on voided urine, which measures a glycoprotein antigen complex associated with bladder cancer in human patients. Sixty‐five dogs were entered in the study: 20 TCC confirmed patients, 19 healthy controls and 26 urologic controls with a variety of conditions including urinary tract infection, crystalluria and proteinuria. Overall test sensitivity was 90% and specificity was 78%. False positive test results were noted in the presence of significant glucosuria (4+), proteinuria (4+), and pyuria or hematuria (> 30–40 WBC or RBC per hpf). Urine parameters that had no effect on efficacy included collection method (cystocentesis or free catch), pH, specific gravity, crystalluria, bilirubinuria, bacteriuria and casts. These data indicated that the Bard BTA test was sensitive for the detection of the bladder tumor‐associated antigen complex in canine TCC. As evaluated, this test may serve as a useful adjunct to diagnosis, especially when cytology or biopsy is questionable or impractical. Furthermore, because of the high sensitivity of the test, it may be a practical screening test to rule out TCC in geriatric patients or patients with clinical signs related to the lower urinary tract, particularly before pyuria and hematuria develop which may interfere with test results.
Estimation of Platelet Counts on Feline Blood Smears
Authors: Tasker Séverine , Cripps Peter J. , Mackin Andrew J.
Published: February 2009

Abstract—Blood samples were obtained from 50 cats admitted for hematologic evaluation at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. Manual platelet counts were done using a hemacytometer, and the average number of platelets per oil immersion field (1, 000X magnification) was determined on stained blood smears. A hemacytometer count was not obtained for one sample because of a failure in erythrocyte lysing. In nine samples, obvious platelet clumps in the blood smear prevented accurate determination of the number of platelets per oil immersion field. Hemacytometer counts on these nine samples ranged from 260–587 × 103platelets/μL, suggesting that platelet clumps on a blood smear were usually associated with adequate platelet numbers. Simple regression analysis of hemacytometer counts and the average number of platelets per oil immersion field for the remaining 40 samples yielded correlation coefficients (r) of 0.776 on untransformed data, and 0.892 on log10‐transformed data. Each platelet per oil immersion field represented a circulating platelet count of ˜20 × 103/μL, similar to conversion factors reported for dogs and human beings. It was concluded that estimation of platelet number on stained blood smears is a simple and quick method that appears to be reliable over a wide range of platelet counts in cats.
Evaluation of Analytical Performance Assisted by Total Error Criteria of a Commercial Enzyme Immunometric Assay for Canine Serum Thyrotropin
Authors: Jensen Asger Lundorff , Iversen Lars , Høier Rene
Published: February 2009

Abstract—The aim of the present study was to evaluate analytical performance using total error criteria of a commercial enzyme immunometric assay for the determination of endogenous canine thyrotropin (TSH). The allowable total error for this assay (22.6%) was estimated using previously reported data on biological variation. Inaccuracy and imprecision of the assay (0% and 5.7% for the low control material; 6.8% and 3.0% for the high control material) were estimated by measuring the same lot of control material for 21 consecutive weeks, during which time the assay was considered stable and in control. Analytical performance was assessed using a MEDx chart, a graphical tool for comparing inaccuracy and imprecision, with an analytical quality requirement stated in the form of allowable total error. The results of the present study showed that the canine TSH assay had good to excellent analytical performance.
Myelodysplastic Syndrome with Sideroblastic Differentiation in a Dog
Authors: Weiss Douglas J. , Lulich Jody
Published: February 2009

Abstract—A dog with myelodysplastic syndrome had microcytic hypochromic anemia, with siderocytes, poikilocytosis, hypersegmented neutrophils and giant platelets in peripheral blood. In bone marrow, the erythroid series showed immaturity, asynchronous maturation and sideroblasts. Dysgranulopoiesis and dysthrombopoiesis also were present, and hemosiderin was increased. Serum iron concentration was high, and both iron deficiency and lead toxicity were excluded as the cause of dyscrasia. This case represents a unique variant of myelodysplastic syndrome, best described as sideroblastic myelodysplasia. We propose the terms dyserythropoiesis, sideroblastic dyserythropoiesis, dyserythropoiesis with excess blasts, myelodysplasia and sideroblastic myelodysplasia to describe and categorize myelodysplastic syndromes in dogs.
Comparison between Microscopic and Automated Differential Leukocyte Counts in the Silver Fox (Vulpes vulpes) and the Blue Fox (Alopex lagopus)
Authors: Moe Randi Oppermann , Bakken Morten , Brun‐Hansen Hege , Ådnøy Tormod , Morberg Hanne
Published: February 2009

Abstract— Differential leukocyte (WBC) counts in blood from clinically healthy silver foxes (n=32) and blue foxes (n=37) obtained from an automated hematology analyzer (Technicon H*1 Hematology System) with canine software were compared with microscopic differential WBC counts (M‐diff). There was good agreement between the automated differential cell count (A‐diff) and the M‐difffor neutrophil and lymphocyte percentages. The correlation was lower for monocyte percentages and variable for eosinophil percentages. There was no significant difference between the A‐diff and M‐diff in either fox species. The A‐diff counts were very precise, and may be a good alternative to the traditional M‐diff for screening populations of clinically healthy foxes or for studies on stress and animal welfare. Intercept values, however, indicated a constant bias that must be taken into account before interpreting results based on different methods of analysis.
A Retrospective Study of Canine Pancytopenia
Authors: Weiss Douglas J. , Evanson Oral A. , BVSc Jane Sykes
Published: February 2009

Abstract—To better define the incidence and causes of canine pancytopenia, we retrospectively evaluated the results of complete blood counts submitted to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Teaching Hospital during a 1‐year period. Pancytopenia was defined as packed cell volume < 36%, total leukocyte count < 6, 000/μL or total segmented neutrophil count < 3, 000/μL, and platelet count < 200, 000/μL. Of 4, 560 complete Mood counts, 110 (2.4%) samples from 51 dogs met the criteria for pancytopenia. Eleven different disease processes were identified. These included chemotherapy‐associated pancytopenia (n = 22), parvovirus infection (n = 5), malignant histiocytosis (n = 5), idiopathic aplastic anemia (n = 3), sepsis (n = 3), myelodysplastic syndrome (n = 3), immune‐mediated hematologic disease (n = 3), lymphoblastic leukemia (n = 2), ehrlichiosis (n = 2), estrogen toxicity (n = 2), and multiple myeloma (n = 1). Malignant histiocytosis and idiopathic aplastic anemia occurred more frequently than was expected. Doxorubicin was the chemotherapeutic agent associated with pancytopenia. Hematologic recovery and patient survival time varied with the cause of pancytopenia; therefore, a specific diagnosis was essential for establishing prognosis. Differentiation among causes of pancytopenia requires a systematic approach that includes elimination of infectious and drug‐induced causes, and examination of bone marrow aspiration and core biopsy specimens.
Artifactual Effects of Hypernatremia and Hyponatremia on Red Cell Analytes Measured by the Bayer H*1 Analyzer
Authors: MS Agatha M. Boisvert , DVM Harold W. Tvedten , DVM Michael A. Scott
Published: February 2009

Abstract—Hypernatremia in two cats and hyponatremia in a dog were associated with artifactual changes in red blood cell (RBC) indices and hematocrit (HCT) determined on a Bayer H*1 hematology analyzer. The RBC cytograms and histograms revealed a population shifted towards macrocytic, hypochromic RBC in the hypernatremic cats, and towards microcytic, hyperchromic RBC in the hyponatremic dog. Reference intervals for the difference between manual packed cell volume (PCV) and analyzer‐derived HCT in normonatremic dogs, cats and horses were established. The difference between PCV and HCT was outside the reference values for all three patients. Quality control measures, such as measuring PCV, and reviewing cytograms and histograms, are essential for detecting spurious changes in automated hematology measurements caused by abnormalities in serum sodium concentration and osmolality.
Rapid Staining Techniques in Cytopathology: A Review and Comparison of Modified Protocols for Hematoxylin and Eosin, Papanicolaou and Romanowsky Stains
Authors: Jörundsson Einar , Lumsden John H. , Jacobs Robert M.
Published: February 2009

Abstract— The objective of this study was to review and compare rapid protocols for fixation and staining of cytologic smears. We used fresh surgical specimens from dogs and horses to evaluate and modify, if necessary, previously described rapid staining protocols. Slides were wet‐fixed, rehydrated or air‐dried. Rapid Papanicolaou, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and Romanowsky stains were applied, including modifications of Diff‐Quik stain. The modified rapid staining protocols were simple to use and gave results within 5 minutes that were comparable to those obtained with traditional methods. Advantages of rehydrated vs wet‐fixed smears included consistent preparations, a clean background, and equally good or superior nuclear detail.
Analysis of Feline, Canine and Equine Hemograms Using the QBC VetAutoread
Authors: Papasouliotis Kostas , Graham Simon Cue; Mary , Sparkes Andrew H. , Gruffydd‐Jones Timothy
Published: February 2009

Abstract—Blood samples from 120 consecutive clinical cases (40 cats, 40 dogs and 40 horses) were analyzed on the QBC VetAutoread analyzer and the results compared with those obtained by a Baker 9000 electronic resistance cell counter and a 100‐cell manual differential leukocyte (WBC) count. Packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and platelet, total WBC, granulocyte, and lymphocyte plus monocyte (L+M) counts were determined. Indistinct separation of red blood cell and granulocyte layers on the QBC VetAutoread was observed in samples from five cats (12.5%), two dogs (5%), and one horse. Significantly different (P = 0.002) median values for the two methods were obtained for PCV, Hb concentration, MCHC and platelet count in cats; PCV, MCHC, WBC count and granulocyte count in dogs; and PCV, Hb concentration, MCHC, and WBC, granulocyte and platelet counts in horses. Results from the QBC VetAutoread should not be interpreted using reference ranges established using other equipment. Results were abnormal on a limited number of samples; however, when correlation coefficients were low, marked discrepancy existed between values within as well as outside of reference ranges. Spearman rank correlation coefficients were excellent (r = 0.93) for PCV and Hb concentration in dogs, and Hb concentration and WBC count in horses. Correlation was good (r = 0.80–0.92) for PCV and Hb concentration in cats, WBC count in dogs, and PCV, granulocyte count and platelet count in horses. For remaining parameters, correlation was fair to poor (r = 0.79). Acceptable correlations (r > 0.80) were achieved between the two test systems for all equine values except MCHC and L+M count, but only for PCV and Hb concentration in feline and canine blood samples.
Determination of
Optimized Rectangular Spreader Thickness for Lower Thermal Spreading
Resistance
Authors: Chen Yen-Shu , Chien Kuo-Hsiang , Tseng Yung-Shin , Chan Yea-Kuang
Published: February 2009

This study presents an approximation for determining an optimized thickness of a concentric heated rectangular plate and derives an analytical solution for spreading resistance of a spreader having orthotropic conductivities. The solution for the orthotropic plate is obtained by separation of variables, and the optimized thickness is determined by taking the derivative of the thermal resistance with respect to the spreader thickness. According to the calculated results, an enhanced in-plane spreading effect can reduce the spreading resistance. The spreading resistance dominates the overall resistance of thin plates, whereas the one-dimensional conduction resistance becomes important for thick plates. However, the predicted optimized thickness from the approximation shows a disparity from the analytical results, while the aspect ratio between a spreader and heat source is less than 0.2. Even so, the thermal resistance corresponding to the predicted thickness is still in good agreement with the analytical solution. The proposed approximation will be useful for practical thermal design of heat sinks by predetermining the spreader thickness.
Dosimetric evaluations of the interplay effect in respiratory‐gated intensity‐modulated radiation therapy
Authors: Chen Hungcheng , Wu Andrew , Brandner Edward D. , Heron Dwight E. , Huq M. Saiful , Yue Ning J. , Chen Wen‐Cheng
Published: February 2009

The interplay between a mobile target and a dynamic multileaf collimator can compromise the accuracy of intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Our goal in this study is to investigate the dosimetric effects caused by the respiratory motion during IMRT. A moving phantom was built to simulate the typical breathing motion. Different sizes of the gating windows were selected for gated deliveries. The residual motions during the beam‐on period ranged from 0.5 to 3 cm. An IMRT plan with five treatment fields from different gantry angles were delivered to the moving phantom for three irradiation conditions: Stationary condition, moving with the use of gating system, and moving without the use of gating system. When the residual motion was 3 cm, the results showed significant differences in dose distributions between the stationary condition and the moving phantom without gating beam control. The overdosed or underdosed areas enclosed about 33% of the treatment area. In contrast, the dose distribution on the moving phantom with gating window set to 0.5 cm showed no significant differences from the stationary phantom. With the appropriate setting of the gating window, the deviation of dose from the respiratory motion can be minimized. It appeals that limiting the residual motion to less than 0.5 cm is critical for the treatments of mobile structures.
Coverage‐based treatment planning: Optimizing the IMRT PTV to meet a CTV coverage criterion
Authors: Gordon J. J. , Siebers J. V.
Published: February 2009

This work demonstrates an iterative approach—referred to as coverage‐based treatment planning—designed to produce treatment plans that ensure target coverage for a specified percentage of setup errors. In this approach the clinical target volume to planning target volume (CTV‐to‐PTV) margin is iteratively adjusted until the specified CTV coverage is achieved. The advantage of this approach is that it automatically compensates for the dosimetric margin around the CTV, i.e., the extra margin that is created when the dose distribution extends beyond the PTV. When applied to 27 prostate plans, this approach reduced the average CTV‐to‐PTV margin from 5 to 2.8 mm. This reduction in PTV size produced a corresponding decrease in the volume of normal tissue receiving high dose. The total volume of tissue receiving was reduced on average by 19.3% or about 48 cc. Individual reductions varied from 8.7% to 28.6%. The volume of bladder receiving was reduced on average by 5.6% (reductions for individuals varied from 1.7% to 10.6%), and the volume of periprostatic rectum receiving was reduced on average by 4.9% (reductions for individuals varied from 0.9% to 12.3%). The iterative method proposed here represents a step toward a probabilistic treatment planning algorithm which can generate dose distributions (i.e., treated volumes) that closely approximate a specified level of coverage in the presence of geometric uncertainties. The general principles of coverage‐based treatment planning are applicable to arbitrary treatment sites and delivery techniques. Importantly, observed deviations between coverage implied by specified CTV‐to‐PTV margins and coverage achieved by a given treatment plan imply a generic need to perform coverage probability analysis on a per‐plan basis to ensure that the desired level of coverage is achieved.
An Exercise in Vehicle Kinematics and Energetics
Authors: Fischer Solomon , Gluck Paul
Published: February 2009

We physics teachers are forever in search of real-life applications of the theoretical concepts we teach. In mechanics we often utilize vehicle motion exercises, yet most textbook problems involving these are rather tame and deal with constant acceleration. What often captures the imagination of students is the actual performance of cars they drive: times for accelerating from zero to 100 km/h, top speed, energy consumption, power, and so on. Such data, of major concern to car designers and salesmen, are now readily available on the Internet and in magazines such as Car & Driver and Road & Track for a wide spectrum of vehicles.1 Their use in the classroom has been recommended in several articles that appeared in this journal.2 When reporting acceleration of vehicles, the first (high-acceleration) stage, as the engine “revs up” to its full power, is usually omitted. A glance at a typical velocity-versus-time curve (Fig. 1, for a MINI Cooper S1a; these data are also used in Figs. 3 and 5) shows that as the velocity increases toward the maximum attainable speed in a finite time, the acceleration decreases. Thus, overtaking a car at high speeds takes much longer than the initial acceleration might suggest—this is most unlike a constant acceleration scenario.
Innovative Uses of Video Analysis
Authors: Brown Douglas , Cox Anne J.
Published: February 2009

The value of video analysis in physics education is well established,1,2 and both commercial and free educational video analysis programs are readily available.3 The video format is familiar to students, contains a wealth of spatial and temporal data, and provides a bridge between direct observations and abstract representations of physical phenomena. This has made video analysis attractive for many 2D (and sometimes 3D) motion experiments including projectiles, oscillations, collisions, rotations, and even Brownian motion.4 This paper describes the use of Tracker,5 a free Java video analysis tool developed by the Open Source Physics Project,6 to extend video analysis beyond these traditional applications. Specifically, we discuss the following introductory physics video experiments, all of which are available for download from comPADRE or the BQ Learning database:71). 2D collisions in a center-of-mass reference frame. 2). Modeling the air resistance force on falling cupcake cups. 3). Thermal expansion using single-slit diffraction. 4). Nonthermal emission spectra of lasers, gases, fluorescent dyes, and fluorescent lamps.
Laser-Based Identification of Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Rehse Steven J.
Published: February 2009

Bacteria are ubiquitous in our world. From our homes, to our work environment, to our own bodies, bacteria are the omnipresent although often unobserved companions to human life. Physicists are typically untroubled professionally by the presence of these bacteria, as their study usually falls safely outside the realm of our typical domain. In the last 10 years, however, several events have occurred that demand the attention of the general populace — including the ranks of physicists among them.
Choose Wisely: Static or Kinetic Friction—The Power of Dimensionless Plots
Authors: Ludwigsen Daniel , Svinarich Kathryn
Published: February 2009

Consider a problem of sliding blocks, one stacked atop the other, resting on a frictionless table. If the bottom block is pulled horizontally, nature makes a choice: if the applied force is small, static friction between the blocks accelerates the blocks together, but with a large force the blocks slide apart. In that case, kinetic friction still forces the upper block forward but with less acceleration than the lower block. The choice, then, lies in the relative terms—what is meant by small and large? After a confusing experience during a recent exam, we've found a demonstration and graphical presentation that can help clarify the distinction between static and kinetic friction.
Detecting Gender Bias Through Test Item Analysis
Authors: González-Espada Wilson J.
Published: February 2009

Many physical science and physics instructors might not be trained in pedagogically appropriate test construction methods. This could lead to test items that do not measure what they are intended to measure. A subgroup of these items might show bias against some groups of students. This paper describes how the author became aware of potentially biased items against females in his examinations, which led to the exploration of fundamental issues related to item validity, gender bias, and differential item functioning, or DIF. A brief discussion of DIF in the context of university courses, as well as practical suggestions to detect possible gender-biased items, follows.
A Simple Implementation of an Electromagnetic Coilgun Using a Camera Flash Circuit
Authors: Fullem Travis Z. , Benedict Michael S.
Published: February 2009

We present here a simple and inexpensive implementation of an electromagnetic coilgun. This device can launch small projectiles (∼200 g) over a distance of one or two meters. This project will provide students with experience in building simple circuits, a tangible demonstration of electromagnetic fields and can lead into a discussion of magnetic properties of materials.
In vitro plantlet formation from shoot-tip expiants of Fuchsia hybrida cv. Swingtime
Authors: Stevenson John H. , Harris Robert E.
Published: February 2009

A 50-fold increase in Fuchsia hybrida cv. Swingtime was obtained every 4 weeks on B5 medium with either N6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) or N6-(Δ2-isopentenyl)adenine (2iP). The shoot tips were established and grown on B5 agar for 2 weeks and then proliferated for 4 weeks on B5 liquid medium with BAP or 2iP. The dose-response relationship for both compounds was expressed by a quadratic curve and on the average the rate of proliferation was greatest with BAP at a concentration of 3 mg/L(1.3 × 10−5 M). The proliferated shoots elongated when the cytokinin was eliminated and rooted readily on B5 medium solidified with agar.
BIOLOGICAL AND MEDICAL APPLICATIONS OF PIXE
Authors: PINHEIRO TERESA
Published: February 2009

This paper reviews the work carried out in a wide variety of scientific programmes with particular reference to broad beam PIXE and elemental mapping. The paper is illustrated with results from studies in Biomonitoring, Environmental Health and Human Diseases. In mammals and especially in humans, pollutants can be inhaled, ingested or contact mucosa and skin and be internalized, eventually entering the circulation and accumulating in tissues. Persistent exposure to environmental contaminants is known to cause pathologies that become chronic and debilitating. Human diseases often influence the amount of essential trace element in tissues and organs. Thus, organic fluids, organs and tissues, when accessible, may give significant data on the individual physiological status. Relating clinical, functional and morphological changes with variations in the elemental contents and other biochemical indicators, can significantly contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms of disease and toxicity risks of certain pollutants.
PIXE ANALYSES OF THE SOLUBLE AND MEMBRANE SE-CONTAINING PROTEINS EXTRACTED FROMCUPRIAVIDUS METALLIDURANSCH34 AFTER SELENIUM OXIDES CHALLENGE
Authors: AVOSCAN L. , KHODJA H. , CARRIÈRE M. , COVÈS J. , GOUGET B.
Published: February 2009

The soil bacterium Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34 resist selenite by reducing it into the insoluble and less toxic elemental selenium. Two mechanisms of reduction of selenium oxides in C. metallidurans CH34 were highlighted: assimilation leading to organic species and detoxification leading to precipitation of selenite in nanoparticules of elemental selenium. The alkyl selenide detected as an intermediate product during assimilation of selenite or as the major accumulated chemical form during assimilation of selenate was identified as selenomethionine.

Soluble and membrane proteins were extracted from C. metallidurans CH34 submitted to selenium oxides challenge. After separation by SDS-PAGE, µPIXE analyses were used for Se identification and quantification at a micrometer scale. The profiles of Se distribution in the different samples suggest a non-specific incorporation of selenium probably reflecting the incorporation of selenomethionin in place of the naturally occurring methionin.
TRACE ELEMENTS IN BLOOD SERUM OF SÃO PAULO YOUTHS MEASURED BY PIXE
Authors: BERNARDES S. , TABACNIKS M. H. , ADDED N. , RIZZUTTO M. A. , BARBOSA M. D. L. , MARTINEZ M. , MACHADO J.
Published: February 2009

The level and change in concentration of trace elements in the fluids of a body may be the result and an evidence of alterations in life functions. In the search for trace element alterations in the human body it is necessary to know referenced values for as many elements as possible. In this work, Proton Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) was used to study elemental concentrations in human blood serum of 30 healthy donors. The serum samples were obtained by centrifugation and were micro-pipetted on 10µm thick Nuclepore film for PIXE analysis. The elemental concentrations were calculated relative to an internal yttrium standard added during sample preparation. A total of 9 elements were measured (P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn and Br) in good agreement with literature data. The accuracy of the method was verified analysing reference serum samples from the NIPH-Québec (ICP04S-06 and ICP02S-05). A preliminary statistical analysis indicated a log-normal distribution only for Fe and Cu, while concentration data for the other elements followed the normal distributions. This result indicates the need for stronger statistical data set since the distribution of the elemental concentrations may be a criterion to access their role in biological functions.
IMPROVEMENT IN THE DETERMINATION OF ELEMENTAL CONCENTRATIONS IN PIXE ANALYSES USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL SYSTEM
Authors: CORREA R. , DINATOR M. I. , MORALES J. R. , MIRANDA P. A. , CANCINO S. A. , VILA I. , REQUENA I.
Published: February 2009

An Artificial Neural System, ANS, has been designed to operate in the analysis of spectra obtained from a PIXE (Proton Induced X-ray Emissions) application. The special designed ANS was used in the calculation of the concentrations of the major elements in the samples. Neural systems using several feed-forward ANN of similar topology working in parallel were trained with error back propagation algorithm using sets of spectra of known elemental concentrations. Following the training phase of the neural networks, other PIXE spectra were analyzed with this methodology providing unknown elemental concentrations. ANS results were compared with results obtained by traditional computer codes like AXIL and GUPIX, obtaining correlations factors close to one. The rather short time required to process each spectrum, of the order of microseconds, allows fast analysis of a large number of samples. Here we present applications of ANS in the PIXE analyses of samples of organic nature like liver, gills and muscle from fishes. ANS results were compared with elemental concentrations obtained in a previous application where a single ANN was used for each analyzed element. PIXE analyses were performed at the Nuclear Physics Laboratory of the University of Chile, using 2.2 MeV proton beams provided by a Van de Graaff accelerator.
DATA MINING ANALYSIS OF SERUM TRACE ELEMENTS IN HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS SUPPORTED BY NUTRITION SUPPORT TEAM
Authors: MIURA YOSHINORI , SUWABE AKIRA , ENDO RYUJIN , TOMISAWA YUKI , IKEDA KENICHIRO , SERA KOICHIRO , YOKOYAMA SHIGEKI
Published: February 2009

Recently, Nutrition Support Teams (NSTs) has been spreading throughout Japan. Nutritional assessment is important as an initial step among NST activities, since the patients can be identified based on this assessment whether they needs supports by NST or not. Serum trace element is one of the most useful and convenient nutritional indices. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationships between serum trace element values and clinical backgrounds in NST patients by data mining. The subjects of this study consisted of 29 NST patients who were admitted to our hospital between January 2005 and October 2006. Serum trace elements in patients were analyzed by PIXE method. The data were analyzed by a data mining software, i.e. "ICONS Miner" (Koden Industry Co., Ltd.). The significant "if-then rules" were extracted from the decision trees. The target variable of the decision trees is whether nutritional conditions of the patients are improved or not (Yes/No). The explanatory variables of the decision trees are the values in serum trace elements (Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Mn) and TTR (transthyretin). The analyses demonstrated that the first node of the decision tree was Zn. Therefore, serum Zn value might be the most significant factor among these trace elements in estimating the improvement of nutritional conditions of the patients. In the decision, the second branch was the Fe value, and the Cu the third. The following significant "If-then rules" were extracted from the decision trees.

If-then rule 1: If serum Zn value >758.6 µg/l, then improvement of nutritional condition = Y. (1.00 = 9/9)

If-then rule 2: If serum Zn value ≤758.6 µg/l and Fe ≤653.2 µg/l and Cu ≤682.5 µg/l, then improvement of nutritional condition = Y. (1.00 = 5/5)

If-then rule 3: If serum Zn value ≤758.6 µg/l and Fe ≤653.2 µg/l and Cu >682.5 µg/l and Se >119.8 µg/l, then improvement of nutritional condition = Y. (1.00 = 3/3)

In conclusion, data mining analysis of serum trace elements was found to be an effective method in assessing the nutritional conditions in NST patients.
µ-CT IMAGES OF THE EGG OF DROSOPHILA
Authors: OKURA S. , ISHII K. , MATSUYAMA S. , YAMAZAKI H. , TERAKAWA A. , KIKUCHI Y. , FUJIWARA M. , KAWAMURA Y. , TSUBOI S. , YAMANAKA K. , WATANABE M. , FUJIKAWA M.
Published: February 2009

We are developing a µ-CT (micro computed tomography) which enables to observe the interior of living small insects. In this study, we applied the µ-CT to get CT images of the egg of drosophila, since the drosophila is applied to various basic studies, such as gene research. The interior of the living egg was observed and it was uniform. In the case of the dried egg, the shell and the interior structure were confirmed. This result comes from the growth of the living egg.