bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Blood Protozoa of Seventeen Species of Sparrows and Other Fringillidae
Authors: MANWELL REGINALD D.
Published: May 2007

SUMMARY. A total of 1037 birds, belonging to 17 species of Fringillidae (order Passeres) and nearly all collected in or near Syracuse, N. Y., were examined for blood parasites. Of the species of avian malaria, Plasmodium cathemerium occurred most frequently, followed by P. hexamerium, P. relictum, P. elongatum, and P. circumflexum. Other species were not seen, although some (e.g. P. nucleophilum, P. polare, P. vaughani) are known to occur in Central New York.

A number of song, chipping, and field sparrows were given experimental inoculations of Plasmodium vaughani‐infected blood and liberated. A few were recaught at varying intervals, but none were infected, suggesting that these species are insusceptible to this type of avian malaria.

Malaria in song sparrows, which were caught in large numbers, is common and probably endemic, not varying greatly in frequency from year to year. But the incidence shows a sharp peak in the spring, most cases apparently being low‐grade relapses, which probably serve to reestablish the infection in the new crop of mosquitoes. There are indications that Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon behave similarly.

Infection with these last two parasites occurred in most of the species examined, but the incidence varied greatly, being especially high in white‐throated and white‐crowned sparrows. Reproductive stages of Haemoproteus were observed in the lungs of song and chipping sparrows.
Notes on the Biology of Trypanosoma ambystomae Lehmann 1954. I. The Cultivation of T. ambystomae
Authors: LEHMANN DONALD L.
Published: May 2007

SUMMARY. Trypanosoma ambystomae has been cultivated in NNN agar for a period of 45 days. The flagellates can be subcultured in NNN agar and in dried beef‐blood nutrient agar; growth in the latter medium is not as prolific as in NNN agar. No growth was obtained by attempted subcultures in dried beef‐blood glucose broth.
A Biometrical Study of the Oocyst of Eimeria brunetti, a Parasite of the Common Fowl*
Authors: BECKER ELERY R. , ZIMMERMANN WILLIAM J. , PATTILLO WALTER
Published: May 2007

SUMMARY. An unsporulated oocyst of Eimeria brunetti encountered at random in a mild infection would probably be 13.8 to 33.7 μ long and 12.4 to 26.2 μ wide. Its shape‐index (length/width) would probably lie between the extremes of 1.0 and 1.6. Its dimensions would probably not change significantly during the sporulation process. If a sample of the oocysts randomly encountered happened to be the progeny of a single inoculation, their mean size would depend, among other things, on the day of the patent period the sample was taken, as well as on certain undetermined factors in the individual host; but their mean length would probably lie between 21.1 μ and 27.1 μ and their mean width between 17.5 μ and 21.7 μ. The mean dimensions would probably be smaller early in the patent period of the infection than later.

By a certain process of reasoning it was deduced that the individual components of an “ideal” sample of oocysts of E. brunetti would range from 18.4 μ to 28.4 μ in length and from 15.2 μ to 23.9 μ in width; their mean dimensions with standard deviations would be about 23.4 ± 2.0 μ by 19.7 ± 1.7 μ, and their shape‐indexes would range from 1.0 to 1.4 and average about 1.19. The lengths, widths, and shape‐indexes of the oocysts would usually describe unimodal frequency distribution curves, most of them near‐symmetrical. The mean size of the matured spores produced inside such oocysts would probably be close to 13.2 by 7.5 μ, and their shape‐index near 1.76. As a matter of fact, such a sample would be encountered only by pure chance, because the size of the oocyst of E. brunetti remains an undetermined quantity until it is translated into a veritable definition that takes account not only of its variability under one set of conditions, but also of its capacity to respond to other conditions, among them the size of the inoculation, the influence of the individual host, and the day of the infection.

It would be hazardous to discriminate between or among species of coccidia on the basis of oocyst measurements, particularly when they lack conspicuous diagnostic morphological or physiological features of another nature. As Cheissin reflected, observations on a single finding of oocysts, particularly when they are sparse in numbers, are not a substitute for repeated observations on oocysts issuing from the host at different times and over a considerable period.
The Development of Megaloschizonts of Leucocytozoon simondi Mathis and Leger.*
Authors: COWAN ARCHIBALD B.
Published: May 2007

SUMMARY. Susceptible ducklings were exposed to natural infection during a limited time, and infections of supposedly known duration were obtained. Slides of tissues from these ducklings were prepared by common histological techniques. Comparative materials were provided by cooperators. On the basis of study of these tissues what seems a logical description of development of megaloschizonts of Leucocytozoon simondi was formulated.

The earliest stage found was the trophozoite. There is no evidence of schizogony in this form; the only internal structure is the nucleus. Prior to any schizogony there is a marked increase in the amount of chromatin in the nucleus, especially on the periphery.

It is hypothesized that as the chromatin increases, buds are evaginated from the margin of what may then be called the central body and are set off to form spherical primary cytomeres. The chromatin of primary cytomeres first diffuses and then proliferates to form peripheral clusters. These clusters of chromatin separate to form secondary cytomeres which continue to multiply in the same manner.

The production of cytomeres by the central body and by division of primary and secondary cytomeres eventually fills the cytoplasmic area of the megaloschizont. Apparently pressure within the schizont then shapes the course of further development. The central body ceases to function as a primordium and becomes compressed. The multiplying cytomeres become smaller and more granular in appearance, and their chromatin becomes more concentrated. Merozoite‐like bodies are eventually produced. These reproduce until the central body is greatly compressed and the membrane enclosing the megaloschizont is ruptured and releases the merozoites.
The Breeding System and Distribution of Tetrahymena pyriformis.*
Authors: GRUCHY DAVID F.
Published: May 2007

SUMMARY. Seven hundred twenty samples of water from 46 states and the province of Ontario, Canada, were collected and examined for Tetrahymena pyriformis. Thirty‐four hundred clonal cultures of the ciliate were isolated from the 154 (21%) positive samples and grown axenically in peptone medium.

The breeding behavior of strains from these 154, sources was investigated by mixing clonal cultures in various combinations. Eight sources yielded selfing strains and 52 yielded strains capable of mating only in certain combinations. Thirty new mating types in seven new non‐interbreeding varieties were discovered. Ninety of the 154 collections yielded non‐conjugating strains. Fifty of these proved to be amicronucleate.

Distribution of variety 2 organisms was the most widespread; 22 collections from 11 states and Ontario, Canada, were obtained. Variety 3 was collected 14 times from seven states. Other varieties were found less often. The ciliate was found about as often in running as in standing water, but certain varieties were found predominantly in one or the other habitat.
Gregarines Found in the Honey Bee Apis mellifera Linnaeus in Venezuela.
Authors: STEJSKAL METODEJ
Published: May 2007

SUMMARY. Gregarines were found for the first time in the honey bee Apis mellifera L. in Venezuela. The parasites attacked the inner wall of the ventriculus of the adult bees, causing heavy losses in apiculture in October 1954 and June 1955. The disease produced was called gregarina disease of the honey bee (in Spanish “gregarinosis de la abeja”).
A Simple Method for Paraffin and Plastic Embedding of Protozoa
Authors: RUDZINSKA MARIA A.
Published: May 2007

SUMMARY. To avoid multiple centrifugation and considerable losses of material in preparing protozoa for paraffin and plastic embedding a simple method has been worked out, requiring only two centrifugations, one before and one after fixation. During the second centrifugation, which is done at 700 g for 10 minutes, the organisms form a cohesive pellet which may be removed from the centrifuge tube by means of a fine spatula and handled as a piece of tissue through the whole process of dehydration and embedding.
Movement of Chromosomes in Spirotrichonympha to Centrioles Instead of the Ends of Central Spindle
Authors: CLEVELAND L. R.
Published: May 2007

SYNOPSIS. A description is given of the formation of an unusual type of achromatic figure by two very long, narrow centrioles. The unique manner in which this structure functions in chromosomal movement is explained.
Studies on Trichomonads. II. The Metabolism of a Trichomonas batrachorum‐type Flagellate from the Cecum of Swine
Authors: DORAN DAVID J.
Published: May 2007

SYNOPSIS. Certain aspects of the metabolism of a Trichomonas batrachorum‐type flagellate from the cecum of swine were studied. This trichomonad (1) oxidized glucose, mannose, maltose, sucrose, and inulin, (2) was incapable of oxidizing Krebs' cycle intermediates, (3) possessed peroxide‐splitting capabilities, (4) was inhibited by only iodoacetate and arsenite, and (5) formed acid(s) aerobically. Although there was no effect on oxygen uptake, pyruvate and lactate increased the anaerobic evolution of gas(es). In addition to CO2, other gas, not absorbed by KOH, was produced anaerobically.

Compared with other porcine trichomonads, the metabolism of this small trichomonad resembles most closely that of the large cecal trichomonad, T. suis. However, the smaller trichomonad had a generally lower respiratory rate, a slightly lower optimal pH, and failed to oxidize fructose, galactose, lactose, raffinose, and trehalose.
The “Dry” Silver Method and Its Proper Use
Authors: KLEIN BRUNO M.
Published: May 2007

SYNOPSIS. The “dry” silver method is redescribed with special attention to the possible difficulties encountered in its use. This method first revealed the silverline or neuroformative system of the ciliates, and is considered the best method for the demonstration of this structure. The valuable results obtainable with this technique are pointed out and illustrated with appropriate photomicrographs.
Photographs of Fertilization in Trichonympha grandis
Authors: CLEVELAND L. R.
Published: May 2007

SYNOPSIS. The gametes of Trichonympha grandis fuse quite differently from those of all the other species of Trichonympha in Cryptocercus; fusion is partial and temporary instead of complete and permanent as in other species. In this species, as in the others, fusion brings about the disintegration of all the extranuclear organelles of the male gamete, but none of those of the female; these persist to become the organelles of the zygote. Gametic union accomplishes two things: loss of extranuclear organelles of male and fusion of pronuclei. Unlike that of the other species of Trichonympha, the cytoplasm of the male gamete of T. grandis contributes slightly, if at all, to the formation of the zygote.
Observations on Bacterial Feeding by the Rumen Ciliate Isotricha prostoma
Authors: GUTIERREZ JOSE
Published: May 2007

SYNOPSIS. Starvation of Isotricha prostoma for 72–96 hours decreased the cellular amylopectin granules and facilitated the microscopic search for bacterial feeding. I. prostoma selected and ingested only certain rods from among many types of rumen bacteria. In order to isolate the bacteria important as a food source for Isotricha, the starved protozoa were allowed to feed on mixed rumen bacteria, washed, and the crushed protozoan contents quickly cultured for bacteria. Several strains of bacteria were isolated in pure culture. Three of the rod strains isolated were rapidly ingested by I. prostoma when fed to the ciliate. In a monobacterial culture I. prostoma divided once before succumbing.
Some Biological Characteristics of Chlorotic Substrains of Euglena gracilis.*
Authors: GROSS J. A. , JAHN T. L.
Published: May 2007

SYNOPSIS. It has been assumed by others that green euglenas and derived bleached forms are physiologically equivalent except for chlorophyll and plastids. Some workers, however, have remarked upon differences which might depend on the mode of bleaching.

Several hitherto undescribed chlorotic substrains of E. gracilis var. bacillaris were examined for pigment alteration, growth under a variety of conditions, and ability to withstand high temperature. These studies indicated physiological variation in the different chlorotic substrains. Although all were apparently chlorophyll‐less and aplastidic, only one seemed completely achromatic. The carotenoid content of others varied. Metabolic changes manifested by altered pigmentation may reflect enzymatic variation caused by the chlorosis‐inducing agents.
Assay of Pteridines with Crithidia fasciculata*
Authors: NATHAN HELENE A. , HUTNER S. H. , LEVIN H. L.
Published: May 2007

SYNOPSIS. Detailed directions are given for the preparation of a simplified assay medium and of natural materials for assay of pteridines with Crithidia fasciculata. Unconjugated pteridines in natural materials which also contain conjugated pteridines (folic and folinic acids) can be assayed by destroying the conjugated pteridines with acid hydrolysis, which does not appreciably alter Crithidia‐active unconjugated pteridines. The widespread occurrence of unconjugated pteridines and their significance in such processes as photoreception are discussed.
Electron Microscopy of Amoeba proteus*†
Authors: GREIDER MARIE H. , KOSTIR WENCEL J. , FRAJOLA WALTER J.
Published: May 2007

SYNOPSIS. Thin sections of Amoeba proteus, fixed in osmium tetroxide and embedded in methacrylate, were examined in the electron microscope. The fine structure of various protoplasmic components is described. The plasmalemma, or cell membrane, varies in thickness and structure. These variations may be due to variations in physiological state, or they may be due to differences in preparation. Along its cytoplasmic edge is always present a definite line approximately 0.01 to 0.02 μ thick. The mitochondria, or beta granules, exhibit a structure similar to that of the mitochondria of several other protozoa and comparable to that of the mitochondria of other animals. In definite association with the membrane of the food vacuole are dense, rounded particles which in size are below the limit of resolution of the light microscope. Such dense particles are much less frequently present in the hyaloplasm and in association with the plasmalemma. A possible relationship to the neutral red granules associated with food vacuoles of Paramecium is suggested. The contractile vacuole possesses a thin membrane surrounded by a much thicker circum‐vacuolar zone of irregular strands which may form a three‐dimensional network around the membrane. This may represent the contractile element of the vacuole. A single layer of mitochondria is closely apposed to the circum‐vacuolar zone. Many small vacuoles and irregular vesicles are present throughout the cytoplasm. At times there occur groups of small, thin‐walled vesicles, which may correspond to an endoplasmic reticulum. The nuclear envelope consists of a thick inner porous layer and a thinner outer layer that is continuous yet is marked by the presence of numerous small annuli, each apparently surrounding a pore. In its structure, this outer layer appears to correspond to the entire nuclear envelope of many other cell forms.
Cultivation at 37°C of a Trypanosome (Trypanosoma theileri) from Cows with Depressed Milk Production.
Authors: RISTIC MIODRAG , TRAGER WILLIAM
Published: May 2007

SYNOPSIS. Cultures of Trypanosoma theileri were obtained at 36° and at 37.5°C. in a blood‐lysate medium inoculated with blood from three dairy cows showing subnormal milk production. The organisms were first seen after 4 days in the first subculture, reached a maximum number of about 500,000 per ml. on the 4th day of the second subculture, and attained about this same number on the 4th day of subsequent transfers. Crithidial forms predominated but trypanosomes of the blood‐stream type were also numerous. Cultures were not obtained from cows with normal milk production. The infected cows, although free from helminth parasites, showed a marked eosinophilia.
Experiments with Stentor coeruleus on the Nature of the Radiation‐Induced Delay in Fission in the Ciliates
Authors: KIMBALL R. F.
Published: May 2007

SYNOPSIS. Irradiation of Stentor coeruleus with Xray doses of 150–300 kr inhibited growth in size and fission. The irradiation also led to the development of structural abnormalities, which appeared about a day after irradiation. The inhibition of growth and fission was independent of the oxygen concentration during irradiation, but the abnormalities were produced at lower doses in nitrogen than in air. Regeneration of parts removed by cutting occurred even at the highest doses at essentially normal rate even during the period when over‐all growth was completely inhibited. The conclusion is drawn that delay in fission by radiation is a secondary consequence of inhibition of growth and not a consequence of blocks in the specific morphogenetic processes required for division.
Paramecium jenningsi, n. sp.
Authors: DILLER WILLIAM F. , EARL PAUL R.
Published: May 2007

SYNOPSIS. A new species of Paramecium, P. jenningsi, n. sp., from South India, is described. It is like P. aurelia except that nuclei are larger, the cell size is somewhat larger, and the macronuclear anlagen (“placentae”) have long‐persisting chromatinic centers.
Industrial Quantitative Control of the Pressing Behavior of Spray‐Dried MnZn‐Ferrite Granules
Authors: Holz Dietmar , Van Der Valk Pieter , Kogias George , Eleftheriou Elena , Zaspalis Vassilis
Published: May 2007

In the first stage of a broad factory stabilization program, the compaction properties of spray‐dried granulated powders are investigated. Certain compaction process parameters are identified and include (i) the slide coefficient between powder material and die wall during compaction, which mainly affects the pressing tool life time, (ii) the ratio of the pressure drop over the compact to the axial mechanical strength of the compact, basically related to the chance of chipping and crack occurrence upon ejection, and (iii) the homogeneity of the density profile along the compact, basically related to the chance of crack development and product deformation during sintering. The effect of important factors, such as binder and lubricant content, granulate storage humidity, and compaction temperature, on those parameters is investigated. Based on factory data, specification values for the previously mentioned parameters are derived and used to control the compaction quality of the industrially spray‐dried powders with satisfactory results.
Direct Formation of Mg–Al‐Layered Double‐Hydroxide Films on Glass Substrate by the Sol–Gel Method With Hot Water Treatment
Authors: Yamaguchi Naoko , Ando Daisuke , Tadanaga Kiyoharu , Tatsumisago Masahiro
Published: May 2007

Amorphous Al2O3–MgO thin films with an Mg/Al ratio of unity were prepared on glass substrates by the sol–gel method with a heat treatment at 300°C for 30 min. By immersing the films in water containing sodium hydroxide (pH 10–13) at 100°C, nano‐crystals of Mg–Al‐layered double hydroxide (LDH) with a hexagonal structure, which is called hydrotalcite and the most basic composition of LDH, were precipitated on the amorphous Al2O3–MgO films. The maximum amount of Mg–Al nanocrystals was obtained when the film was immersed in basic solution of pH 12.
Structure Characterization of HSQ Films for Low Dielectrics Uses D4 as Sacrificial Porous Materials
Authors: Yin Guiqin , Ning Zhaoyuan , Yuan Qianghua , Ye Chao , Xin Yu
Published: May 2007

Hydrogensilsesquioxane (HSQ) (low‐k) films were prepared by spin‐on deposition using D4 (octamethyl cyclotetrasiloxane) as a sacrificial porous material. The dielectric constant of silica films significantly changed from 3.0 to 2.2. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to identify the network structure and cage structure of the Si–O–Si bond and other bonds that may appear. We studied the structural and electrical properties of the spin‐coated films prepared by mixing HSQ and D4 films after oxygen plasma exposure for 5 min, and studied the structural recovery of the damage by annealing at 350°C for 1.5 h in a nitrogen (N2) ambient. This structure results in significant lowering of the dielectric constant (k) on annealing at 350°C for 1.5 h in an N2 ambient and improvement in the leakage current density.
Leaf Water Repellency as an Adaptation to Tropical Montane Cloud Forest Environments
Authors: Holder Curtis D.
Published: May 2007

Adaptations that reduce water retention on leaf surfaces may increase photosynthetic capacity of cloud forests because carbon dioxide diffuses slower in water than air. Leaf water repellency was examined in three distinct ecosystems to test the hypothesis that tropical montane cloud forest species have a higher degree of leaf water repellency than species from tropical dry forests and species from temperate foothills‐grassland vegetation. Leaf water repellency was measured by calculating the contact angle of the leaf surface and the line tangent to a water droplet through the point of contact on the adaxial and the abaxial surface. Leaf water repellency was significantly different between the three study areas. The hypothesis that leaf water repellency is higher in cloud forest species than tropical dry forests and temperate foothills‐grassland vegetation was not confirmed in this study. Leaf water repellency was lower for cloud forest species (adaxial surface = 50.8°; abaxial surface = 82.9°) than tropical dry forest species (adaxial surface = 74.5°; abaxial surface = 87.3°) and temperate foothills‐grassland species (adaxial surface = 77.6°; abaxial surface = 95.8°). The low values of leaf water repellency in cloud forest species may be influenced by presence of epiphylls and loss of epicuticular wax on the leaf surfaces.
Predicting River Floodplain and Lateral Channel Migration for Salmon Habitat Conservation1
Authors: Hall Jason E. , Holzer Damon M. , Beechie Timothy J.
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  In this article, we describe a method for predicting floodplain locations and potential lateral channel migration across 82,900 km (491 km2 by bankfull area) of streams in the Columbia River basin. Predictions are based on channel confinement, channel slope, bankfull width, and bankfull depth derived from digital elevation and precipitation data. Half of the 367 km2 (47,900 km by length) of low‐gradient channels (≤ 4% channel slope) were classified as floodplain channels with a high likelihood of lateral channel migration (182 km2, 50%). Classification agreement between modeled and field‐measured floodplain confinement was 85% (κ = 0.46, p < 0.001) with the largest source of error being the misclassification of unconfined channels as confined (55% omission error). Classification agreement between predicted channel migration and lateral migration determined from aerial photographs was 76% (κ = 0.53, p < 0.001) with the largest source of error being the misclassification of laterally migrating channels as non‐migrating (35% omission error). On average, more salmon populations were associated with laterally migrating channels and floodplains than with confined or nonmigrating channels. These data are useful for many river basin planning applications, including identification of land use impacts to floodplain habitats and locations with restoration potential for listed salmonids or other species of concern.
Spatial profile monitoring of etch products of silicon in HBr∕Cl2∕O2∕Ar plasma
Authors: Tanaka Junichi , Miya Go
Published: May 2007

The authors have developed a radical-distribution monitoring system for obtaining the spatial profiles of etching products. This system combines Abel inversion and actinometry to estimate the local densities of radicals. The profiles of Si, SiCl, and SiCl2 in HBr∕Cl2∕O2∕Ar plasma are captured with this monitoring system. From the gradient analysis of silicon-containing etch products, they found that the source of SiCl2 is the wafer surface and Si and SiCl are produced in the plasma. In other words, SiCl2 is produced by the etching reactions on the wafer and diffuses into the plasma to be the source of Si or SiCl through dissociation. In the etcher used for this experiment, etching gases are supplied from a top plate inducing downward flows. At a pressure as low as 0.4Pa, the effect of convection on etch products is also observed. Increasing total gas flow rate intensifies convection and changes the spatial profile of SiCl2. However, on the wafer surface, the convective effect saturated at a total flow rate of 200SCCM (SCCM denotes cubic centimeter per minute at STP). The ratio of the emission intensities of SiCl2 and supplied etching gases was found to be a convenient index for visualizing the effect of gas flow. The shapes of the gas jet from both 170- and 50-mm-diameter gas inlets were drawn in contour plots. The jet from the narrow inlet swept away the etch products in the center of the wafer.
Anabolic androgenic steroids induce micronuclei in buccal mucosa cells of bodybuilders
Authors: Torres-Bugarín O , Covarrubias-Bugarín R , Zamora-Perez A L , Torres-Mendoza B M G , García-Ulloa M , Martínez-Sandoval F G
Published: May 2007

Objective:

To evaluate genotoxicity of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) in male bodybuilders by a micronucleus assay in buccal mucosa cells.

Methods:

11 male bodybuilders volunteered to participate in this study and two groups were formed: group 1 (n = 6), without AAS consumption and group 2 (n = 5), with AAS consumption. A sample of buccal epithelium was taken from each participant once a week for 6 weeks. Samples were fixed, stained and analysed by a light microscope, and 2000 cells were counted from each slide. Results are expressed as micronucleated cells (MNC) per 1000 cells and were analysed by the Mann–Whitney U test and Wilcoxon’s test.

Results:

A marked increased in MNC was seen in bodybuilders with AAS consumption compared with those without AAS consumption (mean (SD) 4.1 (2.4) MNC/1000 cells vs 0.4 (0.4) MNC/1000 cells, respectively; p<0.004). Intragroup comparisons showed no differences in the MNC frequencies during the sampling time in group 1, whereas the MNC frequency in group 2 varied significantly, reaching the highest MNC frequencies in the third and fourth week of sampling (5.9 (2.4) MNC/1000 cells; 5.8 (1.8) MNC/1000 cells, respectively); frequency in the first sampled week was 1.1 (0.1) MNC/1000 cells. Significant differences in all sampled weeks were found between the two groups.

Conclusion:

AAS consumption increased the frequency of MNC from buccal mucosa in bodybuilders.
EXPONENTIAL SYNCHRONIZATION OF NONLINEAR COUPLED DYNAMICAL NETWORKS
Authors: CHEN TIANPING , ZHU ZHIMIAO
Published: May 2007

In this paper, we discuss exponential synchronization of nonlinear coupled dynamical networks. Sufficient conditions for both local and global exponential synchronization are given. These conditions indicate that the left and right eigenvectors corresponding to eigenvalue zero of the coupling matrix play key roles in the stability analysis of the synchronization manifold.
Enhancing the Practitioner's Sense of Time, Place, and Practice: the History of Chinese Medicine for Practitioners Workshop
Authors: Hanson Marta , Pham Andy
Published: May 2007

This article reproduces an exchange between academics and practitioners at the Sixth International Congress on Traditional Asian Medicine (ICTAM VI) meeting in Austin about how the history of Chinese medicine could be more meaningful, interesting, and valuable to clinicians. It provides a brief history of exchanges, the panel proposal, the abstracts of the panelists, an edited transcript of the conversation, and some concluding remarks from the participants. As more and more practitioners of Chinese medicine outside of China spend time in China, learn Chinese, become culturally and linguistically bilingual or multilingual, they seek more knowledge about what they practise than they can get in current publications in English or other European languages. The panel and this article are intended to encourage further exchange, conversations, and cooperation that will lead to new histories of Chinese medicine relevant for practitioners as much as for other academics.
Profile of a Daoyin Tradition: The 'Five Animal Mimes'
Authors: Shumin Wang , Barrett Penelope
Published: May 2007

According to the Lingshu 靈樞 (Numinous Pivot) section of Huangdi neijing 黃 帝內經 (The Inner Canon [of Medicine] of the Yellow Emperor), the Yellow Emperor (said by legend to have reigned c. 2698–2599 BCE) read all the remedy literature, and distilled from it five methods of treating illness. The first of these was Daoyin xingqi 導引行氣 (Guiding and stretching and moving qi). This article traces the history of the daoyin exercise traditions involving animal impersonation from pre-Qin China to the present day. It uncovers a tale of transformation, on the one hand indicative of the therapeutic power invested in animals in early Chinese culture, and on the other of a practice sufficiently plastic to lend itself to unarmed combat and community sports-an emblem at once of self-determination and conformity.
Steppe Foodways and History
Authors: Buell Paul D.
Published: May 2007

Peoples of central Asia have long been a world apart with their own unique way of life and foodways. These have been based primarily upon carefully harboured dairy products, supplemented by occasional meat and whatever else could be obtained from the environment without limiting pastoralism. The paper describes these foodways and the changes that they have undergone over the centuries in response to contacts with the outside world, conquest, and empire. Focus is on the Mongols, whose world empire gave rise to a world cuisine, and Turkic groups such as the Kazakhs. The paper concludes that, due to globalisation and the destruction of traditional pastoralism, steppe foodways are now in rapid decline. The social base that has supported them for centuries has now been all but destroyed.
'From Outcast to Inboard': the Transmission, Professionalisation and Integration of Acupuncture Into British Medical Culture
Authors: Tang Suzanne
Published: May 2007

Early forms of body piercing to move the body's qi have their social and cultural origins over 2,000 years ago in China, thousands of miles away from British soil, where today modern Chinese acupuncture is used by approximately 16 per cent of the public and 37 per cent of primary-care practices. This process of cross-cultural assimilation has taken place over a number of phases, spanning over 400 years; and has been a result of interested individuals and particular historical occurrences. Today, acupuncture is at the forefront of the state regulation of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), which seems to illustrates just how far acupuncture has integrated into British medical culture. However, a closer look at this debate reveals not only serious flaws in the processes of professionalisation and integration of acupuncture, but it also raises significant doubts as to their merits.
The Use of Idd Congenic Mice to Identify Checkpoints of Peripheral Tolerance to Islet Antigen
Authors: HAMILTON‐WILLIAMS EMMA E. , MARTINEZ XAVIER , LYMAN MICHAEL , HUNTER KARA , WICKER LINDA S. , SHERMAN LINDA A.
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Type 1 diabetes (T1D) occurs because of lack of T cell tolerance to islet antigens. We hypothesized that critical genetic susceptibility loci that control progression to T1D, designated as insulin‐dependent diabetes (Idd) loci, would be responsible for preventing CD8 T cell tolerance. To test this hypothesis, we have used two different congenic non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice that are highly protected from the occurrence of T1D because they express protective alleles at Idd3 and Idd5.1, 5.2, 5.3 (Idd3/5 mice), or at Idd9.1, 9.2, and 9.3 (Idd9 mice). By examining the CD8 T response to two different islet‐expressed antigens, we have determined that CD8 T tolerance is restored in both strains of mice. However, tolerance occurs at different checkpoints in each strain. In Idd3/5 mice, islet‐antigen‐specific CD8 T cells are eliminated in the pancreatic lymph nodes, where they are first activated by cross‐presented islet antigens. In contrast, in Idd9 mice autoreactive CD8 T cells accumulate at this site and are not tolerized until after they enter the pancreas. We are currently identifying the cell types and mechanisms that are critical for tolerance induction at each checkpoint.
Autoimmunity and β Cell Regeneration in Mouse and Human Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: ABLAMUNITS VITALY , SHERRY NICOLE A. , KUSHNER JAKE A. , HEROLD KEVAN C.
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Accumulating data from animal models of type 1 diabetes and some findings from clinical studies suggest that autoimmune destruction of islet β cells is associated with enhanced β cell regeneration. Successful immune therapies, aimed at preservation of islet cell mass, result in a remarkable reduction of β cell regeneration. Treated or not, as long as the task of treatment is limited by “making peace” with autoimmunity, the process of β cell loss continues. Additional therapeutic modalities capable of stimulating β cell regeneration in the absence of active autoimmune destruction are urgently needed.
Comparison of a PCR-based diagnostic assay for Mycoplasma pulmonis with traditional detection techniques
Authors: Sanchez S. , Tyler K. , Rozengurt N. , Lida J.
Published: May 2007

Current diagnosis of infection by Mycoplasma pulmonis, an important pathogen of laboratory rodent colonies worlwide, is based on serological, histopathological and culture techniques which can be slow and unreliable. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for M. pulmonis diagnosis was compared to current diagnostic methods. This PCR based technique allows a more specific, sensitive and rapid diagnosis of M. pulmonis from various tissues by comparison with culture and histopathology.
Laboratory caging preferences in golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)
Authors: Arnold Cheryl E. , Estep Daniel Q.
Published: May 2007

Physical aspects of the laboratory environment, such as type of cage or bedding, are often ignored by investigators but may be quite important for the animals. We examined whether golden hamsters preferred living in wire mesh floored, stainless steel cages or solid floored, plastic cages with com-cob litter. Forty hamsters of 2 ages were housed in wire or solid floored cages for 3 weeks. Caging preference was then tested using a choice apparatus in which hamsters could move freely between the 2 cages for 6 days. Scan data were collected on cage occupation and behaviour. Results showed that most hamsters preferred the solid floored cage with litter, but prolonged experience on wire led to a wire floored cage preference in 40% of these animals. Also, wire-housed hamsters showed higher levels of hoarding and lower levels of gnawing behaviour during testing, and spent significantly different amounts of time from litter-housed hamsters performing sleeping, exploring, grooming, gnawing, eating, and hoarding behaviours while on solid floored cages with litter. This study shows that previous housing condition can affect cage preferences and behaviour and supports the assertion that husbandry practices can be better evaluated by asking laboratory animals, rather than only humans, how their living conditions are perceived.
An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of mouse polyomavirus-specific antibodies in laboratory mice
Authors: Broeders H. W. J. , Groen J. , van Steenis G. , Osterhaus A. D. M. E.
Published: May 2007

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for the detection and quantification of IgM and IgG serum antibodies to mouse polyomavirus (MPV). To evaluate the potential of this ELISA for the screening of laboratory rodents, serum samples from specific pathogen free (SPF) BALB/c RIVM mice, collected after experimental intraperitoneal infection with MPV, were tested by this assay. The results were compared with those obtained from the same sera in an immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and a haemagglutination inhibition assay (HIA). The ELISA proved to be the most sensitive of the 3 assays, allowing the detection of seropositive animals within 7 days post-infection and giving antibody titres that were about 4 to 8 times higher than those found in the IFA and HIA respectively. More than 5000 serum samples from non-infected specific pathogen free laboratory mice and 90 from 10 SPF N:NIH/RIVM mice experimentally infected with K-papovavirus, were negative in this assay, thus confirming the specificity of the ELISA
Airflow measurements in small animals
Authors: Marano Giuseppe
Published: May 2007

Monitoring respiratory airflow is extremely important in pharmacological studies of the respiratory system. However, in mechanically ventilated small animals (e.g. rats and guinea pigs) the use of a commercial pneumotachometer, attached directly to the tracheal cannula, substantially increases the equipment dead space (the volume shared by inspired and expired gases). Since apparatus dead space must be added to the tidal volume (determined on the basis of ventilatory rate and animal body weight) necessary to meet the respiratory needs of the animal, the resulting stroke volume is greatly increased, specially in very small animals. This results in an increase in intrathoracic pressure which is potentially associated with a decrease in venous return, cardiac output, and arterial pressure.

The author investigated the possibility of avoiding the potential problems of the added instrumental dead space by software-summing the separate flows measured on the inflation and deflation limbs of the breathing circuit. This study shows that the summation of the flow signals obtained from separate pneumotachometers on the inspiratory and expiratory arms of the breathing circuit is not dissimilar to the total flow as measured by a pneumotachometer directly attached to the tracheal cannula and that the method here described can be an advantageous alternative to the employment of a single pneumotachometer.
A new testicular feminization mutation found in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Tanaka Shin , Kaneko Tetsuya , Moriyama Toshiro , Matsuzawa Akio
Published: May 2007

A new testicular feminization (Tfm) mutation found in the inbred strain of mice, C57BL/6JJms, was separated from the original line and established as a mutant strain. This line was named C57BL/6JJms- TfmJms. The process of discovery and breeding are described. Body weights were compared among male, normal virgin female and Tfm mice between 5 and 40 weeks of age. Tfrn mice were generally intermediate in weight between male and virgin female mice. This result is different from that previously reported for the Tfm mouse strains and may be of interest in comparison between Tfm mice and their normal litter mates.
Reduction of animal use: experimental design and quality of experiments
Authors: Festing Michael F. W.
Published: May 2007

Poorly designed and analysed experiments can lead to a waste of scientific resources, and may even reach the wrong conclusions. Surveys of published papers by a number of authors have shown that many experiments are poorly analysed statistically, and one survey suggested that about a third of experiments may be unnecessarily large. Few toxicologists attempted to control variability using blocking or covariance analysis.

In this study experimental design and statistical methods in 3 papers published in toxicological journals were used as case studies and were examined in detail. The first used dogs to study the effects of ethanol on blood and hepatic parameters following chronic alcohol consumption in a 2 × 4 factorial experimental design. However, the authors used mongrel dogs of both sexes and different ages with a wide range of body weights without any attempt to control the variation. They had also attempted to analyse a factorial design using Student's t-test rather than the analysis of variance. Means of 2 blood parameters presented with one decimal place had apparently been rounded to the nearest 5 units. It is suggested that this experiment could equally well have been done in 3 blocks using 24 instead of 46 dogs. The second case study was an investigation of the response of 2 strains of mice to a toxic agent causing bladder injury. The first experiment involved 40 treatment combinations (2 strains × 4 doses × 5 days) with 3-6 mice per combination. There was no explanation of how the experiment involving approximately 180 mice had actually been done, but unequal subclass numbers suggest that the experiment may have been done on an ad hoc basis rather than being properly designed. It is suggested that the experiment could have been done as 2 blocks involving 80 instead of about 180 mice.

The third study again involved a factorial design with 4 dose levels of a compound and 2 sexes, with a total of 80 mice. Open field behaviour was examined. The author incorrectly used the t-test to analyse the data, and concluded that there was no dose effect, when a correct analysis showed this to be highly significant.

In all case studies the scientists presented means α standard deviations or standard errors involving only the animals contributing to that mean, rather than the much better estimates that would be obtained with a pooled estimate of error. This is virtually a universal practice. While it is not in itself a serious error, it may lead scientists to design experiments with group sizes of at least 3 animals, which may result in an unnecessarily large experiment if there are many treatment combinations.

In conclusion, all 3 papers could have been substantially improved, with higher precision and the use of fewer animals if more attention had been paid to better experimental design.
Oxalate nephrosis in Macaca fascicularis
Authors: Skelton-Stroud P. N. , Glaister J. R.
Published: May 2007

Crystals within the renal proximal convoluted tubules of several cynomolgus monkeys ( Macaca fasciculata) were investigated by light and scanning electron microscopy together with histochemistry and X-ray microanalysis techniques. The crystals were shown to have the physical structure and staining characteristics of calcium oxalate monohydrate. The incidence varied between different batches of animals and no definite cause was established.
Replacement of animal procedures: alternatives in research, education and testing
Authors: Balls Michael
Published: May 2007

The origins of the concept of replacement alternatives in the 1950s, and the impact of societal changes in the 1960s and 1970s, resulting in stricter controls on animal experimentation from the 1980s, based on the Three Rs of Russell and Burch ( reduction, refinement and replacement), are reviewed. The range of replacement alternative methods, and some of the ethical issues they raise, and progress toward their incorporation into fundamental and applied research, education, and, in particular, toxicity testing, are discussed. It is concluded that much greater effort should be put into overcoming the barriers to the acceptance of replacement alternatives, which currently limit the contributions they have to make toward greater humanity and better biomedical science. Particular emphasis is placed on the need to ensure that the validation of non-animal tests (for their reliability and relevance for specific purposes) is conducted fairly and objectively, and that greater heed is paid to the warning of Russell and Burch about the high fidelity fallacy and the questionable relevance of data provided by animal models for human hazard and risk assessment. Finally, the role of ECVAM in the promotion of valid replacement alternatives, and the opportunities afforded by the Sixth Amendment to the EC Cosmetics Directive, are discussed.
Increased plasma glucose levels after Hypnorm® anaesthesia, but not after Pentobarbital® anaesthesia in rats
Authors: Johansen Oddmund , Vaaler Stein , Jorde Rolf , Reikerås Olav
Published: May 2007

The effects of the fentanyl fluanisone combination (Hypnorm®) and pentobarbitone sodium (Pentobarbital®) anaesthesia on blood glucose, insulin and glucagon were tested in rats in the fed and fasted state. Blood glucose was measured before and at 10, 20 and 30 min after injection of the anaesthetic agents. At 30 min the rats were sacrificed, and blood was drawn for measurement of glucagon and insulin. Pre-anaesthetic values for insulin and glucagon were established in separate groups of fasted and fed rats.

In fasting rats given Hypnorm®, blood glucose and plasma insulin were unchanged while there was a non-significant increase in plasma glucagon. The fasted rats given Pentobarbital® had unchanged blood glucose and plasma insulin and a non-significant depression of glucagon.

The fed rats given Hypnorm® had a significant increase in blood glucose at 10 min and nearly a doubling of glucose values at 20 and 30 min ( P<0.001). Glucagon increased far less than in the fasted group, whereas insulin was doubled from preanaesthetic values ( P<0.05). The fed rats given Pentobarbital®, had unchanged blood glucose, a slight nonsignificant depression of glucagon and a significant increase in insulin ( P<0.01).

Thus Hypnorm® induced hyperglycaemia in fed but not in fasted rats, probably because more glucose was available in the fed state. Fed animals are a modification of the standard fasted animal model, and may be preferable when exploring hyperglycaemic or other reactions to anaesthetic agents.
Reproductive performance and changes in blood lipids in breeding females and in growing Watanabe Heritable Hyperlipidaemic and New Zealand White rabbits
Authors: Mortensen A. , Frandsen H.
Published: May 2007

The aim of the study was to compare the reproductive performance of homozygous and heterozygous WHHL and NZW females, to record the changes in blood lipids due to gestation and lactation in the heterozygous WHHL and NZW females, and to investigate the changes in blood lipids from 4 to 11 weeks of age in homozygous and heterozygous WHHL and NZW rabbits. The conception rate of homozygous WHHL females was 14% lower than that of NZW and heterozygous WHHL females. The litter size and the weaning rate of homozygous WHHL females were significantly lower than in NZW and heterozygous WHHL females. In heterozygous WHHL and NZW females the total cholesterol was lower during the gestation and lactation while the triglycerides were higher during the gestation and were the lowest during lactation when compared to the levels at mating. In growing homozygous WHHLs of both sexes the total cholesterol did not change from 4 to 11 weeks of age. The triglycerides remained unchanged in males but decreased in females at 11 weeks of age. At this age the triglycerides were significantly lower in females than in males. In growing heterozygous WHHLs of both sexes the total cholesterol and triglycerides decreased with age. At 11 weeks of age the blood lipids were significantly higher in females than in males. The triglyceride levels in homozygous and heterozygous WHHL males and females were comparable at 4 and 6 weeks of age but significantly lower in heterozygous WHHLs at 11 weeks of age. In growing NZW rabbits of both sexes the blood lipids decreased significantly with age but no sex difference was recorded. The blood lipids in the heterozygous WHHLs of both sexes were higher than in NZWs during weaning. At 11 weeks of age the blood lipids of the males and triglycerides of the females of both strains were comparable. Only the total cholesterol remained higher in heterozygous WHHL females. The decrease with age in blood lipids in growing rabbits should be kept in mind when designing experiments beginning in animals younger than 3 months of age.