bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Host-Supplied Connective Tissue as a Guide for Proliferating Tumor Cells in Human Tumor Xenografts
Authors: Köpf-Maier P. , Kestenbach U.
Published: July 2008

The morphologic alterations of 7 human tumors of different origin and various histologic types, heterotransplanted to athymic nude mice, were investigated in the present study. Constant patterns of histologic and ultra-structural changes were observed in all 7 tumors. Following the initial dying of most inoculated tumor cells, host-supplied inflammatory cells invaded the xenografts and phagocytosed necrotic tumor cells. Fibroblasts which vivaciously produced collagenous material invaded the xenografts and built up solid strands of connective tissue which tightly contacted surviving tumor cells. These strands were used as guide-rails for ingrowing blood vessels. Immediately after their immigration, the first mitoses of tumor cells occurred in close proximity to capillary-conducting strands of connective tissue resulting in a revival of tumor cell proliferation near to the fibrous cords and a spreading of newly formed tumor cells along the strands of connective tissue. These results point to the host-supplied connective tissue as playing an important role for tumor proliferation and local tumor expansion.
Intracellular Localization of Tyrosine Hydroxylase Immunoreactivity in the Rat Adrenal Chromaffin and Pheochromocytoma Cells
Authors: Oomori Y. , Okuno S. , Okuno H. , Satoh T. , Ono K.
Published: July 2008

The localization of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity in rat adrenal chromaffin and pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells was investigated by immunoelectron microscopy using monoclonal and polyclonal anti-sera against TH purified from rat adrenal medulla. Strong TH immunoreactivity was found uniformly in the granules of the adrenaline cells; the immunoreactivity was visible mainly within the periphery, but not in the clear space of the granules of the noradrenaline cells. In the PC12 cells, strongTH immunoreactivity was also observed uniformly in the granules. In addition, TH immunoreactivity was seen in the cytoplasm, the ribosomes attached to the endoplasmic reticulum and the free ribosomes of both the rat adrenal chromaffin and PC12 cells. These results suggest thatTH may be localized in the granules, cytoplasm and ribosomes of rat adrenal chromaffin and PC12 cells.
Freeze-Etching Study of Intercellular Junctions in the Rat Developing Neural Tube
Authors: Bergmann M. , Surchev L.
Published: July 2008

The intramembranous organization of the neuroepithelial intercellular junctions in the rat neural tube on days E13 and E15 was studied by using the freeze-etching technique. Tight junctions, frequently altered, are distinguished as the predominant type of intercellular junctions. Relatively rare gap junctions like intramembranous particle aggregations of varying sizes and particle packing occur too. The possible formation or breakdown of these probably temporary cell junction specializations is discussed.
The Vasculature of Xenotransplanted Human Melanomas and Sarcomas on Nude Mice
Authors: Konerding M.A. , Steinberg F. , Streffer C.
Published: July 2008

The vascular system of xenotransplanted human melanomas and sarcomas on nude mice was studied by means of microcorrosion casting. In summary, the vascular system of xenotransplants can be described in termes of a simply structured system, lacking not only a hierarchy with respect to wall formation but also to vascular distribution. Thus, the vasculature clearly differs from that in normal tissues.
Intrahepatic Territory of the Accessory Hepatic Artery in the Human
Authors: Miyaki T. , Sakagami S. , Ito H.
Published: July 2008

The accessory hepatic artery was found in 12 human livers and its intrahepatic territory was investigated. The artery supplies an entire lobe or more without joining the usual hepatic artery in 93% of the cases. The accessory hepatic artery has an important significance for the arterial supply of the liver.
Les aponévroses de l’espace ptérygo-mandibulaire
Authors: Madrid C. , Reynes P.
Published: July 2008

After a rapid description of the pterygomandibular space, the authors describe the anatomy of the interpterygoid fasciae. The interpterygoid fasciae divide the pterygomandibular region into two compartments. The interpterygoid fascia is the most important layer; its limits are defined with precision. The individuality of the pterygotemporomaxillary fascia is less well defined. The authors then report their own study about the functional anatomy of these fasciae by means of frozen sections of color-injected fresh anatomical specimens. The results confirm the importance of the interpterygoid fasciae in guiding the anesthetic solution to the mandibular foramen in mandibular nerve block.
Cytochemical Study of Phosphatases in Globule Leucocytes Isolated from Rat Tracheal Epithelium
Authors: Baert Johan
Published: July 2008

In this cytochemical study, the presence of acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase was investigated in globule leucocytes isolated from rat tracheal epithelium. The isolation and enrichment procedure used yields a cell fraction of apparently undamaged globule leucocytes, exhibiting a cell viability of at least 96% as assessed by trypan blue exclusion, and surviving at least in short-term culture. The cytochemical methods applied demonstrate that isolated tracheal globule leucocytes are positive for acid phosphatase activity, but negative for alkaline phosphatase activity. The acid phosphatase acitivity is fluoride-sensitive, as it is completely inhibited in the presence of 10 mM NaF. Isolated rat peritoneal cells were used as positive control cells for the cytochemical reactions.The possible significance of acid phosphatase in globule leucocytes is discussed in connection with the previously suggested cell functions.
Comparative Study of the Localization of Lipids in Fetal and Adult Human Adrenal Glands
Authors: Jaya Y. , Sulochana S.
Published: July 2008

The localization of lipid globules was studied in the adrenal glands from 35 fetuses and 10 adult humans by histochemistry. The fetal adrenal showed the presence of numerous lipid globules in the zona glomerulosa, whereas in the adult the lipid globules were mainly found in the zona fasciculata. These lipid globules were confirmed as cholesterol in the fetal adrenals.
Bioconstruction of the Extrahepatic Biliary Duct System in Minipigs
Authors: Steiner D. , Henning R. , Lierse W.
Published: July 2008

The extrahepatic biliary duct system is subject to a particular bioconstruction to secure its bile transport function. The dominant structure of the bile duct wall is a network of collagen fibres harboring muscle-fibre bundles. The collagen fibres are virtually inelastic volumes can be changed only by rearranging the network. The ducts show different spatial arrangements of the fibres causing different extents of dilatation during obstruction. Extreme dilatation might cause a rupture of the network, and deficient postoperative retonisation could be the result.
Ultrastructural Features of Presumptive Vasopressinergic Synapses in the Hypothalamic Magnocellular Secretory Nuclei of the Rat
Authors: Choudhury S.R. , Ray P.K.
Published: July 2008

Despite convincing physiological evidences for vasopressin (VP) autoregulation in the supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei, the morphological demonstration of VP synapses has lagged behind. The present work investigates the possible existence of such synapses in the SON and PVN of the rat. Electron microscopy of sections immunostained with VP antibody (1:5,000) and conjugated with avidin-biotin demonstrated presynaptic terminals containing neurosecretory granule (NSG)-like bodies, 80–100 nm in diameter. The terminals formed axodendritic, axosomatic and axoaxonic synapses though the postsynaptic elements remained largely unidentified. Other ultrastructural features of synaptic specialization were evident. The NSG-like bodies exhibited a varying and dynamic relationship to the presynaptic membrane, suggesting their involvement in synaptic mechanisms.
Anomalous Course and Branches of Human Coronary Arteries
Authors: Kumar Keshaw
Published: July 2008

132 hearts obtained from cadavers were dissected in order to study anomalies in the course and branches of human coronary arteries. Only in 1 heart was a deviation of the circumflex branch of the left coronary artery taking a course inferior to the coronary sulcus observed. The right coronary artery travelled the entire length of the coronary sulcus on the back of the heart and gave both a posterior ventricular and a collateral branch. Circumflex branches of the right and left coronary arteries did not anastomose.
Effects of Easily Chewable Diet and Unilateral Extraction of Upper Molars on the Masseter Muscle in Developing Mice
Authors: Maeda Norihiko , Suwa Tsunayoshi , Ichikawa Mitsuru , Masuda Tamuro , Kumegaw Masayoshi
Published: July 2008

The effects of easily chewable diets and unilateral extraction of upper molars on the masseter muscle were studied in developing mice. A liquid diet requiring no mastication suppressed the development of the masseter muscles more than a fine-grained diet, and extraction of unilateral upper molars also caused inhibition of muscle development. Moreover both unilateral extraction of upper molars and a liquid diet had an additive effect on the the suppression of the postnatal development of the masseter muscle and bilateral suppression of the development of the masseter muscle was induced following unilateral extraction of upper molars. These findings suggest that the sensory input from the sensory endings in the periodontal ligament may also play an important role in the postnatal development of the masseter muscle and that there may be some crossing pathways to convey the sensory input coming from the side of the extracted upper molars to the contralateral motor neurons via the interneuronal circuits.
Chronological and Structural Disorder of the Spindle-Shaped Body during Human Spermatid Differentiation
Authors: Breucker H. , Holstein A.F. , Schäfer E. , Schirren C.
Published: July 2008

In a testicular biopsy of an infertile man most of the spermatids revealed a lack of the middle piece because of a malformed or untimely occurring spindle-shaped body. When during spermatid differentiation the spindle-shaped body appeared it contained the typical bundles of tubules but was often reduced in size and arranged only unilaterally to the axoneme. After the disappearance of the incomplete spindle-shaped body, the annulus did not descend, the ribs of the fibrous sheath of the principal piece were found far proximally and the mitochondrial sheath of the middle piece could not be formed. In consequence of this faulty development, the spermatozoa were immotile.
Morphology of the Porcine Myometrium during Parturition
Authors: Thilander G. , Rodriguez-Martinez H.
Published: July 2008

The ultrastructure of the porcine myometrium collected at well-defined stages during parturition was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. The morphology of the parturient myometrium resembled in general that in pregnant and non-pregnant pigs. The diameter of the smooth muscle cells was however about twice that of non-pregnant myometrium. Thick myofilaments were numerous. The number of caveolae seemed to be higher in parturient compared with non-pregnant and pregnant cells. Gap junctions occurred richly and were large, while the intrinsic innervation was very scanty. To conclude, the endocrinological changes in the pig taking place just prior to parturition, are translated into morphological changes by stimulating the formation of uterine gap junctions. This provides low-resistance pathways between the muscle cells and activates the myometrium for the delivery process.
Ultrastructural Aspects of the Production of Extracellular Matrix Components by the Chick Embryonic Notochord in vitro
Authors: Camón J. , Degollada E. , Verdú J.
Published: July 2008

The morphology of extracellular matrix (ECM) components and of the cell organelles, particularly the Golgi complex and its derived structures, implicated in the production of ECM in the chick embryonic notochord have been studied by transmission electron microscopy. Isolated notochordal fragments were cultured in suspension in liquid medium. Native striated collagen fibrils with a period of 540 Å were observed in the perinotochordal sheath. Fine granular and filamentous materials suggestive of proteoglycans have been observed in intercellular spaces and under the basal lamina of the notochordal sheath. Golgi mature vesicles with structures resembling the previously described segment-long-spacing (SLS)-like aggregates and secretory vesicles probably containing proteoglycans or condensed collagen precursors have also been observed.
Morphogenesis of Diabetes-Induced Congenital Cataract in the Rat
Authors: Giavini Erminio , Prati Mariangela
Published: July 2008

The eye development of rat fetuses and pups from normal and streptozotocin-diabetic mothers was studied histologically in order to verify the morphopathogenesis of congenital cataract. The first signs of lens alterations were observed in 17-day-old fetuses from diabetic mothers. The fibres swelled up became hydropic and subsequently degenerated giving rise to large cysts filled with amorphous material.in the middle of the lens. The pathogenic route observed suggests an osmotic disturbance in the physiology of the lens fibres, probably related with an accumulation of some polyols.
Immunohistochemical Detection of an Epithelial Membrane Protein in Rat Embryos at Different Stages of Development
Authors: Tarmann T. , Dohr G. , Schiechl H. , Barth S. , Hartmann M.
Published: July 2008

This study aimed to describe the distribution of a membrane protein called Gz-1-Ag in embryonal rat tissues using monoclonal antibodies. Three monoclonal antibodies recognizing different antigenic determinants of Gz-1-Ag were tested on different stages of rat embryos – fertilized oocytes two-cell stages morulae blastocysts and embryos up to 17.5 days old.The embryos were fixed by different methods; the Tokuyasu method was the most convenient. It yielded very good morphological conservation, good preservation of antigenicity and weak background fluorescence. Gz-1-Ag was detected in practically all early epithelial structures, but the intensity of fluorescence varied. Fluorescence was not associated with the germ layer from which the epithelium derived. The uninterrupted presence of Gz-1-Ag from the fertilized oocyte to all subsequently arising epithelial structures suggests a role of Gz-1-Ag in cell adhesion secretory processes or the intercellular exchange of information or substances.
Microangioarchitecture of Gastric Mucosa in Man: Antrum Ventriculi
Authors: Raschke Michael
Published: July 2008

The blood vessels of the antrum area of human gastric tunica mucosa have been studied by scanning electron microscopy and compared with vertical and horizontal serial sections of perfusion-fixed antrum mucosa. In contrast to previous studies on the oxyntic corpus mucosa, where two superimposed capillary layers could be seen, the antrum mucosa presents only one capillary layer. It extends from the lymphatic follicles above the lamina muscularis mucosae up to the luminal surface. No further arterioles exist in the glandular part of the antrum mucosa. The luminal aspect of the capillaries show thin honeycomb-like capillaries differing from our previous findings in the corpus area. There the capillaries are wide and circulate in a dense, convoluted way. Arteriovenous anastomoses again could not be seen in the examined tissue. The differences in gastric microangioarchitecture might be explained by the extent of the glandular part in both regions. The findings in the antrum area very much resemble the basal capillary layer in the corpus mucosa. The critical height for one capillary layer in the glandular tissue of human gastric mucosa is estimated to be approximately 1 mm. Larger diameters, as in the oxyntic corpus mucosa, might require a second capillary layer.
Development of the Various Glial Cell Types in the Cerebral Cortex of Postnatal Rats
Authors: Kaur C. , Ling E.A. , Wong W.C.
Published: July 2008

The present quantitative study in the postnatal rats showed the rapid growth of the various glial cell types in the cerebral cortex. Among them, the increase of microglia was most dramatic. The increase was about 15 times, covering a period of 15 days extending from 5 days of age to 20 days. The majority of the microglia observed were in the outer third of the cortex. During the same period, the number of oligodendrocytes and astrocytes also showed a steady but moderate increase. The increase of oligodendrocytes was most significant between 5 and 10 days. Their density was greater in the inner third of the cortex. Astrocytes were distributed uniformly throughout. Examination of the cerebral cortex in 1- to 3-day-old rats by electron microscopy showed sporadic ameboid microglia cells and glioblasts. The possibility that they served as the precursor cells of microglia and macroglia (astrocytes and oligodendrocytes) respectively was considered.
Anterior Spinal Arteries
Authors: Rodríguez-Baeza A. , Muset-Lara A. , Rodríguez-Pazos M. , Domenech-Mateu J.M.
Published: July 2008

This study was designed to extend our present knowledge of the origin and distribution of anterior spinal arteries and was carried our using 31 human cadavers with arterial injections of natural latex. The conclusions reached are that there are always one or two anterior spinal arteries (right or left) which proceed from the intracranial segment of the vertebral arteries. These arteries have a descending course, with distribution into the ventral face of the medulla oblongata and the first cervical segments of the medulla spinalis. In cases where there are two anterior spinal arteries, they anastomose with each other to form the common, unpaired and median anterior spinal artery. The different observed locations of the origins of anterior spinal arteries m ay be systematised into three types. Each of these types has differential characteristics: bilateral origin (type I; 77.4%), unilateral origin (type II; 9.7%) and origin in an intervertebral transversal anastomosis (type III; 12.9%). We do however subdivide the bilateral origin group, according to the calibre of the arteries, into the subtypes ‘balanced’ (type la; 22.6%), ‘right dominated’ (type lb; 32.2%) and ‘left dominated’ (type Ic; 22.6%). The collaterals of the anterior spinal arteries which distribute into the ventral face of the medulla oblongata are described.
Ciclosporin Administration during Pregnancy Induces Ultrastructural Changes on Pancreatic Beta-Cells of Newborn Rats
Authors: Papaccio Gianpaolo , Esposito Vincenzo
Published: July 2008

Ciclosporin (CS) is an immunosuppressive agent used in the prevention of graft rejections and in the management of type 1 diabetes. However the drug is not without side effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate eventual cytotoxic phenomena in the pancreas of newborn rats whose mothers had been treated with therapeutic doses of CS. For this purpose, 25 female Wistar rats were used, 20 of which were subjected to daily injections of 10 mg/kg BW/day i.p. of CS dissolved in Intralipid, administered during the whole gestational period. The results obtained indicated that CS did not arrest fetal development even though the number of newborns per mother was reduced when compared to controls. Moreover, mothers and newborn rats were subjected to vacuolation of kidney proximal tubular cells and of the insulin-secreting pancreatic β-cells. This alteration was more evident in the islet β-cells of newborn rats. Therefore, CS is not only toxic to the mothers’ endocrine β-cells but also to those of any eventual offspring.
Uterine Adrenergic and Cholinesterase-Positive Nerves and Myometrial Catecholamine Concentrations during Pregnancy in Sheep
Authors: Renegar R.H. , Rexroad, Jr. C.E.
Published: July 2008

Uterine adrenergic and cholinesterase (AChE)-positive innervation of the sheep uterus during anestrus and at 4 stages of pregnancy were examined by histochemical methods. In addition, uterine and cervical myometrium concentrations of norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. During anestrus, adrenergic and AChE-positive nerve fibers in the uterine myometrium and endometrium were primarily associated with the vasculature. Innervation of myometrial smooth muscle was almost exclusively by adrenergic fibers. In the endometrium, fibers of both types were observed closely associated with endometrial glands, and adrenergic fibers were observed in the connective tissue beneath the luminal epithelium. Density of uterine innervation decreased by day 65 of pregnancy with an additional decrease by day 105. Myometrial NE concentrations were higher in the cervix than the uterus. Uterine NE concentrations generally were not affected by pregnancy. Although cervical NE per gram of tissue decreased during pregnancy, this effect of pregnancy was not detected when NE was expressed per microgram of DNA. Myometrial DA concentrations were higher in uterine segments than in the cervix. DA concentrations decreased during pregnancy in all tissues except the posterior uterine segment. The DA to NE ratio in the uterus was greater than that for the cervix and was not generally affected by the stage of pregnancy. These results demonstrate that cholinergic and adrenergic nerves supply the sheep uterus. Decreasing fiber density durirîg pregnancy suggests that a majority of the innervation to the sheep uterus is supplied by ‘short’ nerve fibers whose activity is regulated by steroids of pregnancy. The possible role of DA as a neurotransmitter in the sheep uterus is discussed.
Morphology of Day 7 Bovine Demi-Embryos during in vitro Reorganization
Authors: Albihn A. , Rodriguez-Martinez H. , Gustafsson H.
Published: July 2008

Non-surgically collected day 7 bovine embryos were microsurgically cleaved and reinserted into surrogate zonae pellucidae. The demi-embryos were fixed immediately after splitting and at various intervals of in vitro incubation at 35 °C in modified Dulbecco’s medium. At the light-microscopical level, the demi-embryos were found to have restored their prebisection morphology within 30 min after splitting. The electron microscopy confirmed these findings by the presence of mitosis, cell polarization, neoformation and reaggregation of mitochondria, increased pinocytosis and cell-to-cell contact between trophoblastic and/or inner cell mass cells. The present observations therefore suggest that day 7 bovine demi-embryos intended for transfer should be cultured for 30 min before being morphologically evaluated.
Ultrastructural Evidence of Remodelling in the Microvasculature of the Normal Rabbit and Human Eye
Authors: Manche Edward E. , Korte Gary E.
Published: July 2008

Several investigators have recently presented ultrastructural evidence for remodelling in the mammalian, including human, choriocapillaris. This evidence consists of cytoplasmic processes off endothelium and pericytes that penetrate the basal lamina of the capillary and enter the pericapillary space and redundant layers of basal lamina interpreted as the result of secretory activity subsequent to cellular movement within the wall of the capillary. This report extends these observations to the remaining microvasculature of the choroid – its arterioles and venules – and to another part of the ocular microvasculature – the pars plana of the ciliary body – of the rabbit and human eye. Cytoplasmic processes and redundant basal laminae were observed in the microvasculature at both sites, most frequently associated with venules and capillaries. Cytoplasmic processes and redundant basal laminae are generally associated with cellular movement and vessel growth during ocular neovascularization. However, their presence in histologically normal eyes suggests that these phenomena occur in the absence of neovascularization i. e. that the microvasculature is remodelled in the normal eye.
Scanning-Electron-Microscopic Studies on the Pathogenesis of Exencephaly and Cranioschisis Induced in the Rat after Neural Tube Closure
Authors: Padmanabhan R.
Published: July 2008

Following a single-dose (15 mg/kg) administration of cyclophosphamide on day 12 of gestation to Wistar rats, fetuses were collected at various intervals of time and studied under the scanning electron microscope. Comparisons were made with age-matched controls. Disorganization of the neuro-epithelium (NE) was characterized by expansion of the intercellular space (ICS), appearance of abundant cellular debris, extravascular red blood cells and formation of haemorrhagic cysts in the subependymal zone. Proliferation of the choroid plexus and its surface modifications parallelled the changes in the NE. The ventricular system dilated progressively. Supra-ependymal elements appeared earlier and in greater abundance in the experimental than in the control embryos. The mesenchymal cells of the cyclophosphamide-treated embryos were scanty, poorly organized, had less numerous cytoplasmic processes than the corresponding controls and failed to develop into the primordium of the skull vault. Degenerative changes in the NE, ventricular dilatation and the absence of a supporting skull vault primordium appeared to underlie the reopening of the closed neural tube.
Substrokturen in der Substantia spongiosa des Caput femoris und des Talus
Authors: Copf F. , Czarnetzki A. , Lierse W.
Published: July 2008

The results of the SEM examination of the zone between the cartilage and the spongeous substances are described precisely. For the first time, W. Lierse examined the ‘tensulae’ of calcium-collagen lamellae by light microscopy. The examination of this zone was initiated by the fact that the hydrodynamic flow can take place in the calcified zone of the cartilage which is filled with synovial fluid and that the calcified zone adheres to the subchondral substantia corticalis. The subchondral corticalis is characterized by funnel-like indentations with a high number of calcium-collagen and chondrocyt ‘tensulae’ which are up to now uncounted. The special aim was to locate the separation of the spaces of adipose and arterial supplies.
Ultrastructure of Interstitial Cells of Cajal at the Gastro-oesophageal Junction of the Monkey (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Wong W.C. , Tan S.H. , Yick T.Y. , Ling E.A.
Published: July 2008

The ultrastructure of the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the oesophagus of the monkey resembled that described in the oesophagus of other mammalian species but differed in their paucity and almost lack of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, caveolae and filaments. The plasmalemma of the ICC was in close contact (20- to 30-nm gaps) with that of smooth muscle cells. This may occasionally take the form of a desmosome, but gap junctions have not been observed. Vesiculated axon profiles, containing large granular or agranular vesicles were in close contact (20- to 30-nm gaps) with the plasmalemma of ICC. In a few vesiculated profiles a presynaptic density could be recognized. The intercalation of the ICC between the vesiculated axon profiles and the smooth muscle cells suggest a role in oesophageal motility. Between 3 and 21 days following bilateral vagotomy some ICC showed regressive changes such as increased electron density and shrinkage of the cytoplasm, crowding of the organelles and dissolution of the nuclear chromatin material. Axon profiles in the vicinity of the affected ICC contained glycogen granules suggesting injury. In late stages, the number of ICC and smooth muscle contacts was reduced. The results suggest that the vagus nerves exert a trophic influence on the ICC and that the intercellular relationships between ICC and smooth muscle cells possess a degree of plasticity. It is tentatively suggested that these vagal effects may be mediated via the oesophageal myenteric ganglia.
Size of the Fibrillar Centres of the Nucleoli in the Supraoptic Nucleus of the Rat Taking the Swiss Cheese Effect into Account
Authors: Andersen Lars , Keiding Niels
Published: July 2008

The size of the fibrillar centres (FC) in nucleoli was investigated taking the Swiss cheese effect into account. Electron microscopy was performed on the neurons of the rat supraoptic nucleus after the secretion of vasopressin had been fully suppressed by water load, after the secretion had been stimulated by water deprival and in normal rats with water ad libitum. When the secretory activity was suppressed from a normal level to approximately no activity, the size of the individual FC was doubled. Moreover, with increasing secretory activity the number of FC per cell increased.
Early Evaluation of Postmenopausal Hormonal Steroid Therapy by Scanning Electron Microscopy of the Uterine Epithelium
Authors: Murphy C.R. , Rogers P.A.W. , Kovacs G. , Hailes J. , Hosie M. , Beaton L.
Published: July 2008

Scanning electron microscopy has been used in a preliminary study to evaluate the value of steroid replacement therapies in restoring uterine epithelium in postmenopausal patients. All therapies resulted in increased epithelium over controls, but one regime was markedly better than others.
Dimensions and Arterial Vascular Supply of the Sesamoid Bones of the Human Hallux
Authors: Pretterklieber M.L.
Published: July 2008

The arterial supply of the ossa sesamoidea hallucis was studied in 13 subjects of both sexes by gross anatomical dissection. The majority of the ossa sesamoidea, i.e. 63% of the medial and 58% of the lateral sesamoid bones (SB) were supplied by a single artery. 26% of the medial and 32% of the lateral SB received 2 sesamoid arteries. In left feet only, 3 sesamoid arteries were found to supply 11% of the medial and 10% of the lateral SB. The actual number of sesamoid arteries proved to correspond to the dimensions and compactness (robusticity) of the ossa sesamoidea hallucis as well as to several other parameters, such as anthropometric dimensions, sex and footedness of the individuals.
Reproductive Biology of the Male Bent-Winged Bat, Miniopterus schreibersii (Vespertilionidae) in Southeast South Australia
Authors: Krutzsch P.H. , Crichton E.G.
Published: July 2008

The seasonal chronology of the events of the reproductive cycle, and changes in the structure and function of the primary and accessory organs of the male bent-winged bat Miniopterus schreibersii, were studied at latitude 37° S in temperate southeastern Australia. The testicular cycle commenced in late spring (November), and sperm appeared in the seminiferous tubules and epididymides in early fall (March). The cycle of the accessory sex gland complex generally paralleled the testicular cycle, reaching maximum hypertrophy at the time of insemination in late fall (April/May). Thereafter, the primary and secondary sex glands (except the ampullary gland) involuted as the animals entered winter torpor. However, a cauda epididymidal store of sperm persisted until late spring, and sperm were often observed, as well, in the ampullary gland duct and alveoli throughout winter. This study has confirmed that male Miniopterus differs from other vespertilionids in that accessory gland activity declines following the fall breeding in keeping with the fact that unlike in other vespertilionids insemination ovulation and conception are concurrent events in the fall in this species. The reduced secretory status of the Leydig cells and exceptionally low levels of circulating androgens throughout the year, in combination with the presence of viable epididymidal sperm for most of gestation, are all interesting features of this reproductive cycle.
Histomorphometric Differences between the Lateral Region and Central Region of the Growth Plate in Fifteen-Day-Old Rats
Authors: Miralles-Flores C.M. , Delgado-Baeza E.D.
Published: July 2008

This paper studies the central and lateral regions of the growth plate in 15-day-old rats histomorphometrically. We have established two regions within the growth plate. The central region is limited by the secondary ossification center of the epiphysis and the metaphysis, and the lateral region is placed between the perichondral ring and Hert’s marginal germinative zone. This study shows that the lateral region of the growth plate in 15-day-old rats is higher and has more cells than the central region. The proliferative zone in the central region is the lowest part of the two regions. Knowledge of the quantitative differences between growth plate regions aids in the analysis of growth plate histomorphometry.
Directed and Systematic Differentiation of Cardiovascular Cells From Mouse Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Narazaki Genta , Uosaki Hideki , Teranishi Mizue , Okita Keisuke , Kim Bongju , Matsuoka Satoshi , Yamanaka Shinya , Yamashita Jun K.
Published: July 2008

Background—

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are a novel stem cell population induced from mouse and human adult somatic cells through reprogramming by transduction of defined transcription factors. However, detailed differentiation properties and the directional differentiation system of iPS cells have not been demonstrated.

Methods and Results—

Previously, we established a novel mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell differentiation system that can reproduce the early differentiation processes of cardiovascular cells. We applied our ES cell system to iPS cells and examined directional differentiation of mouse iPS cells to cardiovascular cells. Flk1 (also designated as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2)-expressing mesoderm cells were induced from iPS cells after ≈4-day culture for differentiation. Purified Flk1
+
cells gave rise to endothelial cells and mural cells by addition of vascular endothelial growth factor and serum. Arterial, venous, and lymphatic endothelial cells were also successfully induced. Self-beating cardiomyocytes could be induced from Flk1
+
cells by culture on OP9 stroma cells. Time course and efficiency of the differentiation were comparable to those of mouse ES cells. Occasionally, reexpression of transgene mRNAs, including c-myc, was observed in long-term differentiation cultures.

Conclusions—

Various cardiovascular cells can be systematically induced from iPS cells. The differentiation properties of iPS cells are almost completely identical to those of ES cells. This system would greatly contribute to a novel understanding of iPS cell biology and the development of novel cardiovascular regenerative medicine.
Children and Participation in South Africa: An Overview
Authors: Moses Susan
Published: July 2008

This paper examines the current policy and practice around children's participation in South Africa. By situating the analysis from the perspective of the socio-economic and normative context within South Africa the paper critiques current typologies of children's participation for focusing too narrowly on processes internal to participatory processes. The paper argues that theorisations of children's participation need to take account of the range of activities which are labelled as children's participation and interrogate issues around who gets to participate and why, what the purposes of the participation are and under what conditions it is possible. This requires examining participatory processes and the children involved in them in relation to adult actors within and beyond the process as well as in relation to broader socio-political and economic environments.
Structure and Microbial Synthesis of Sub-10 nm Bi2O3 Nanocrystals
Authors: Uddin Imran , Adyanthaya Suguna , Syed Asad , Selvaraj K. , Ahmad Absar , Poddar Pankaj
Published: July 2008

After the advent of novel chemical and microbial techniques, providing control over grain size and shape of the nanomaterials, several binary-oxide materials have been explored in size less than 10 nm for their tunable physical properties. Bi2O3 nanoparticles have
also redrawn attention due to their excellent properties, mostly as optoelectronic material. Here, we report the room-temperature biosynthesis of Bi2O3 nanoparticles in a size range of 5–8 nm by extra-cellularly challenging the plant pathogenic fungus—Fusarium
oxysporum with the bismuth nitrate as precursor. The assynthesized particle-surfaces are inherently functionalized by a robust layer of proteins which provides them very good stability in the aqueous medium. Structural investigation using selected area electron diffraction, high resolution
transmission electron microscopy and powder XRD shows that particles are almost perfectly single crystalline and primarily crystallize in α-phase with monoclinic structure.
Superparamagnetic Nanocrystalline ZnFe2O4 with a Very High Curie Temperature
Authors: Deka Sasanka , Joy P. A.
Published: July 2008

Studies on the magnetic properties of nanocrystalline ZnFe2O4 synthesized by an autocombustion method are reported. Superparamagnetic behavior is observed for the nanocrystalline materials with particle sizes of 8 nm and 17nm, with superparamagnetic blocking temperatures
of 65 K and 75 K, respectively. Magnetic hysteresis with very large coercivities of 533 Oe and 325 Oe, respectively, are observed at 12 K. Studies on the temperature variation of the magnetization above room temperature indicate that the Curie temperature is as high as ∼800 K when compared
to the paramagnetic nature of bulk zinc ferrite at room temperature.
Carbon Nanotube/Nanofiber Embedded Nanoporous Anodized Aluminium Oxide Surface and Its Tribological Properties
Authors: Kushwaha M. K. , Sil Anjan , Ray S.
Published: July 2008

Nanoporous alumina has been prepared by anodization of pure aluminium using phosphoric acid electrolyte. Carbon nanotubes/nanofibres (CNTs/CNFs) are grown within the pores by chemical vapour deposition technique, using acetylene gas as carbon precursor. Such synthesis of nanostructured
carbonaceous materials within the nanoporous oxide template has high potential for many applications (e.g., electronics, magnetic, etc.) in nanotechnology. Possibility of using such material combination for engineering systems where abrasion resistance coupled with self-lubrication (at comparatively
higher loads) are the key requirements, has been explored through the present work. Pore structure has been characterized by SEM/FE-SEM in this study and CNTs/CNFs have been examined by TEM, FE-SEM and Raman spectroscopy. While the pore diameters are found to lie in the range of 180–220
nm, the CNTs/CNFs diameter are observed to be in the range of 50 to 220 nm. The CNTs/CNFs growing from bottom of the pores are found to replicate the pore diameter, while those grown above the surface are varying significantly in diameter and probably matching the diameter of the catalyst,
which remains adsorbed on the top surface and inner walls of the pores. On comparing friction and wear properties of both materials (viz. anodized alumina and CNTs/CNFs embedded anodized alumina) as determined by pin-on–disc machine using hardened steel disc as counterface, it is found
that wear rate and coefficient of friction of CNTs embedded composite surface is significantly lower which is attributed to formation of transfer layer of hard wear resistant alumina mechanically mixed with graphitic CNTs/CNFs.
Magnetic Nanoparticle–Polyelectrolyte Interaction: A Layered Approach for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Wong John E. , Gaharwar Akhilesh K. , Müller-Schulte Detlef , Bahadur Dhirendra , Richtering Walter
Published: July 2008

This study describes the surface modification of magnetic nanoparticles using two different approaches. The first approach consists of an in situ modification of the surface during the precipitation of the magnetic nanoparticles while the second approach consists of a post-modification
of the surface after the formation of the magnetic nanoparticles. In the latter case, we adopted the Layer-by-Layer assembly of polyelectrolyte multilayers of poly(diallyl-dimethylammonium) chloride and poly(styrenesulfonate) to build a polymeric shell around the magnetic nanoparticle core,
thereby intentionally conferring to this hybrid core–shell the same charge as the charge of the polyelectrolyte deposited in the last layer. Electrophoretic measurements reveal charge reversal indicating successful Layer-by-Layer deposition while magnetization studies show that the superparamagnetic
behavior is not much affected by the presence of polyelectrolytes on the modified magnetic nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared and thermogravimetry analysis results underline that the various polyelectrolytes employed, in both the methodologies adopted, were successfully bound to the
nanoparticles.
keV Ion-Induced Effective Surface Modifications on InP
Authors: Sulania I. , Tripathi A. , Kabiraj D. , Varma S. , Avasthi D. K.
Published: July 2008

In the present study, we have analyzed the changes in surface morphology leading to formation of periodic structures known as ripples which arise due to an interplay between sputtering and surface diffusion. The 1.5 keV Ar atoms with a flux of 14.8 mA/cm2 are used in the
present study. The InP(100) samples were bombarded at an incidence angle of 45° to the normal at a base pressure of 1 × 10−6 Torr at room temperature with fluences varying from 4 × 1016 to 3.2 × 1017 atoms/cm2. The rippled
InP(100) surface was characterized with AFM. An increase in the ripple wavelengths, from 60 nm to 150 nm with the fluence has been observed. The width of the ripples varies from 38 nm to 128 nm and ripple amplitude varies from 0.8 nm to 16 nm with increasing fluence. One can control the dimension
of the ripples in nano scale by controlling the fluence. Scaling studies have been performed to understand the mechanism responsible for such kind of surface evolution. The roughness parameter, α was found to be between 0.65 to 0.75 and the growth parameter, β, as
1.14±0.12. The XPS characterization has also been employed to study the changes in the behavior of the InP with varying fluence.
Influence of Mn Doping on Structural and Vibrational Properties of Self-Assembled Mn Doped ZnO Nanocrystals
Authors: Barick K. C. , Bahadur D.
Published: July 2008

Nanocrystallites (15–25 nm) of Mn doped ZnO prepared by refluxing their acetate precursors in the presence of diethylene glycol, self-assemble into polydisperse spheres of broad size distributation (100–400 nm). The center of X-ray diffraction peaks shifts towards lower
angle and the line gets broadened on increasing Mn concentration. Compared to the vibration modes of wurtzite ZnO, one additional vibration mode is observed in the range of 522–518 cm−1 in Raman spectra of Mn doped ZnO whose intensity increases on increasing the Mn concentration.
The origin of this peak could be related to the incorporation of Mn2+ in Zn2+ lattice site. Further, on increasing Mn concentration, infrared band red shifted and surface phonon mode absorption get pronounced due to the incorporation of Mn2+ in Zn2+
lattice site resulting changes in the local structure parameters (effective mass, force constant, bond length).
Fabrication of GaN Doped ZnO Nanocrystallines by Laser Ablation
Authors: Gopalakrishnan N. , Shin B. C. , Bhuvana K. P. , Elanchezhiyan J. , Balasubramanian T.
Published: July 2008

Here, we present the fabrication of pure and GaN doped ZnO nanocrystallines on Si(111) substrates by KrF excimer laser. The targets for the ablation have been prepared by conventional ceramic method. The fabricated nanocrystallines have been investigated by X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence
and atomic force microscopy. The X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the crystalline size of pure ZnO is 36 nmand it is 41 nmwhile doped with 0.8 mol% of GaN due to best stoichiometry between Zn and O. Photoluminescence studies reveal that intense deep level emissions have been observed
for pure ZnO and it has been suppressed for the GaN doped ZnO structures. The images of atomic force microscope show that the rms surface roughness is 27 nm for pure ZnO and the morphology is improved with decrease in rms roughness, 18 nm with fine crystallines while doped with 1 mol% GaN.
The improved structural, optical and morphological properties of ZnO nanocrystalline due to GaN dopant have been discussed in detail.
Preparation of Template Free Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Sol–Gel Chemistry
Authors: Raja Mohan , Shanmugaraj A. M. , Ryu Sung Hun
Published: July 2008

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle has been synthesized via sol–gel chemistry using zinc acetate as a precursor with sodium hydroxide solution through microemulsion technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies reveal that the resultant zinc
oxide nanoparticles are wurtzite type with the controlled morphology of nano triangular and half ellipsoid structures. Room temperature photoluminescence measurement of zinc oxide nanoparticles exhibits a strong green band at around 375 nm with excitation energy of 3.30 eV indicating oxygen
vacancies on the surface of the nanoparticles.
Synthesis of Nanodimensional TiO2 Thin Films
Authors: Thakurdesai Madhavi , Mohanty T. , John J. , Gundu Rao T. K. , Raychaudhuri Pratap , Bhattacharyya V. , Kanjilal D.
Published: July 2008

Nanodimensional TiO2 has wide application in the field of photocatalysis, photovoltaic and photochromic devices. In present investigation TiO2 thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition method are irradiated by 100 MeV Ag ion beam to achieve growth of nanophases.
The nanostructure evolution is characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The phases of TiO2 formed after irradiation are identified by glancing angle X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The particle radius estimated by AFM varies from 10–13 nm. Anatase phase of
TiO2 is formed after irradiation. The blue shift observed in UV-VIS absorption spectra indicates the nanostructure formation. The shape and size of nanoparticles formed due to high electronic excitation depend upon thickness of the film.
Structure, Morphology and Magnetization of Fe-Pd Thin Films
Authors: Rout S. , Senthil Kumar M.
Published: July 2008

Several Fe100−xPdx thin films with x = 24–35 have been investigated to understand their structural, morphological and magnetic properties. The lattice spacing d111 obtained from the X-ray diffraction peaks shows
a gradual increase with increasing x and this behaviour is attributed to the increasing substitution of Pd with larger atomic radius. While the atomic force microscopy images on selected samples showed surface roughness in the range 2–4 nm the scanning electron microscopy image
of a Fe71Pd29 sample showed slightly dark and bright regions due to the large undulations of the surface of the films. We presume that these undulations are due to shape memory twin variants. In-plane magnetization measurements were carried out on selected films in applied
magnetic fields up to 30 kOe. For three samples, the saturation magnetization is about 1300 emu/cc whereas for the Fe71Pd29 film it is about 950 emu/cc. The remanence ratio of the films is approximately in the range 50–70%. The behaviour of coercivity of our samples
is believed to be due to grain size effect that generally plays a predominant role in thin films with nanometer size grains.