bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptomic Analyses Indicate That Maize Ligule Development Recapitulates Gene Expression Patterns That Occur during Lateral Organ Initiation
Authors: Johnston Robyn , Wang Minghui , Sun Qi , Sylvester Anne W. , Hake Sarah , Scanlon Michael J.
Published: December 2014

Development of multicellular organisms proceeds via the correct interpretation of positional information to establish boundaries that separate developmental fields with distinct identities. The maize (Zea mays) leaf is an ideal system to study plant morphogenesis as it is subdivided into a proximal sheath and a distal blade, each with distinct developmental patterning. Specialized ligule and auricle structures form at the blade-sheath boundary. The auricles act as a hinge, allowing the leaf blade to project at an angle from the stem, while the ligule comprises an epidermally derived fringe. Recessive liguleless1 mutants lack ligules and auricles and have upright leaves. We used laser microdissection and RNA sequencing to identify genes that are differentially expressed in discrete cell/tissue-specific domains along the proximal-distal axis of wild-type leaf primordia undergoing ligule initiation and compared transcript accumulation in wild-type and liguleless1-R mutant leaf primordia. We identified transcripts that are specifically upregulated at the blade-sheath boundary. A surprising number of these “ligule genes” have also been shown to function during leaf initiation or lateral branching and intersect multiple hormonal signaling pathways. We propose that genetic modules utilized in leaf and/or branch initiation are redeployed to regulate ligule outgrowth from leaf primordia.
Word structures of Granada Spanish‐speaking preschoolers with typical versus protracted phonological development
Authors: May Bernhardt B. , Hanson R. , Perez D. , Ávila C. , Lleó C. , Stemberger J. P. , Carballo G. , Mendoza E. , Fresneda D. , Chávez‐Peón M.
Published: December 2014

Background

Research on children's word structure development is limited. Yet, phonological intervention aims to accelerate the acquisition of both speech–sounds and word structure, such as word length, stress or shapes in CV sequences. Until normative studies and meta‐analyses provide in‐depth information on this topic, smaller investigations can provide initial benchmarks for clinical purposes.

Aims

To provide preliminary reference data for word structure development in a variety of Spanish with highly restricted coda use: Granada Spanish (similar to many Hispano‐American varieties). To be clinically applicable, such data would need to show differences by age, developmental typicality and word structure complexity. Thus, older typically developing (TD) children were expected to show higher accuracy than younger children and those with protracted phonological development (PPD). Complex or phonologically marked forms (e.g. multisyllabic words, clusters) were expected to be late developing.

Methods & Procedures

Participants were 59 children aged 3–5 years in Granada, Spain: 30 TD children, and 29 with PPD and no additional language impairments. Single words were digitally recorded by a native Spanish speaker using a 103‐word list and transcribed by native Spanish speakers, with confirmation by a second transcriber team and acoustic analysis. The program Phon 1.5 provided quantitative data.

Outcomes & Results

In accordance with expectations, the TD and older age groups had better‐established word structures than the younger children and those with PPD. Complexity was also relevant: more structural mismatches occurred in multisyllabic words, initial unstressed syllables and clusters. Heterosyllabic consonant sequences were more accurate than syllable‐initial sequences. The most common structural mismatch pattern overall was consonant deletion, with syllable deletion most common in 3‐year‐olds and children with PPD.

Conclusions & Implications

The current study provides preliminary reference data for word structure development in a Spanish variety with restricted coda use, both by age and types of word structures. Between ages 3 and 5 years, global measures (whole word match, word shape match) distinguished children with typical versus protracted phonological development. By age 4, children with typical development showed near‐mastery of word structures, whereas 4‐ and 5‐year‐olds with PPD continued to show syllable deletion and cluster reduction, especially in multisyllabic words. The results underline the relevance of multisyllabic words and words with clusters in Spanish phonological assessment and the utility of word structure data for identification of protracted phonological development.
Mild hypothermia induces incomplete left ventricular relaxation despite spontaneous bradycardia in pigs
Authors: Schwarzl M. , Alogna A. , Zirngast B. , Steendijk P. , Verderber J. , Zweiker D. , Huber S. , Maechler H. , Pieske B. M. , Post H.
Published: December 2014

Aim

Mild hypothermia (MH) decreases left ventricular (LV) end‐diastolic capacitance. We sought to clarify whether this results from incomplete relaxation.

Methods

Ten anaesthetized pigs were cooled from normothermia (NT, 38 °C) to MH (33 °C). LV end‐diastolic pressure (LVPed), volume (LVVed) and pressure–volume relationships (EDPVRs) were determined during stepwise right atrial pacing. LV capacitance (i.e. LVVed at LVPed of 10 mmHg, LV VPed10) was derived from the EDPVR. Pacing‐induced changes of diastolic indices (LVPed, LVVed and LV VPed10) were analysed as a function of (i) heart rate and (ii) the ratio between diastolic time interval (t‐dia) and LV isovolumic relaxation constant τ, which was calculated using a logistic fit (τL) and monoexponential fit with zero asymptote (τZ) and nonzero asymptote (τNZ).

Results

Mild hypothermia decreased heart rate (85 ± 4 to 68 ± 3 bpm), increased τL (22 ± 1 to 57 ± 4 ms), τZ (26 ± 2 to 56 ± 5 ms) and τNZ (41 ± 1 to 96 ± 5 ms), decreased t‐dia/τ ratios, and shifted the EDPVR leftwards compared to NT (all P < 0.05). During NT, pacing at ≥140 bpm shifted the EDPVR progressively leftwards. During MH, relationships between diastolic indices and heart rate were shifted towards lower heart rates compared to NT. However, relationships between diastolic indices and t‐dia/τ during NT and MH were superimposable.

Conclusion

We conclude that the loss of LV end‐diastolic capacitance during MH can be explained at least in part by slowed LV relaxation. MH thereby is an example of incomplete LV relaxation at a spontaneous low heart rate. Caution may be advised, when heart rate is increased in patients treated with MH.
Initial therapy, persistence and regimen change in a cohort of newly treated type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Grimes Ronan T. , Bennett Kathleen , Tilson Lesley , Usher Cara , Smith Susan M. , Henman Martin C.
Published: December 2014

Aims

The aim was to describe the utilization of antidiabetic agents, in terms of persistence and regimen change, in the management of a cohort of newly treated type 2 diabetes patients and to investigate associated socio‐demographic and treatment factors.

Methods

A population‐based retrospective cohort study was conducted using the national pharmacy claims database in Ireland. Subjects were analyzed for persistence and regimen change. Cox proportional hazards regression examined associations of socio‐demographic and treatment factors on treatment patterns. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% CIs are presented.

Results

A total of 20947 subjects were identified in the study over a 2 year period. Most were initiated on metformin (76%) or sulphonylureas (22%) and 77% were persistent with therapy 12 months after initiation. The likelihood of non‐persistence was significantly lower in the youngest (40–49 years) age groups (reference 60–69 years) (HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.42, 1.84) and those on sulphonylureas (HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.36, 1.64). The likelihood of receiving a regimen change was significantly lower in the older (80+ years) age groups (HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.56, 0.71), females (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.86, 0.95), and those with pre‐existing CVD (1 vs. 0 CVD medicines) (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.74, 0.90), and higher in those on sulphonylureas (HR 1.83, 95% CI 1.73, 1.94).

Conclusions

Type of treatment, pre‐existing CVD and demographic factors are shown to be associated with the observed treatment patterns. Guideline recommended agents were widely used on treatment initiation though a substantial minority were not initiated on the recommended first line agent. Use of guideline recommended agents was not as evident during treatment progression. Further optimization of initial and subsequent antidiabetic agent prescribing may be possible.
Performance and interpretation of spirometry among Swedish hospitals
Authors: Belfrage Björn , Hansson Anders , Bake Björn
Published: December 2014

Background and Aims

It is unclear to what extent spirometric performance and interpretation is standardized in Sweden. The aim of this study was to find out how spirometry is performed and interpreted in large Swedish hospitals.

Methods

In telephone interviews, technicians and physicians working with lung function measurements at 21 large Swedish hospitals were interviewed about routines for spirometry.

Results

Answers were obtained from 37 of the 42 departments contacted revealing differences in the spirometric routines. Some departments lack a written method description, and three different prediction equations were used among the departments. Different ways of calculating the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/vital capacity (VC) ratio (FEV%) were found and also differences in performance and interpretation of the reversibility test. When diagnosing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, none of the departments reported using an individualized diagnostic limit of FEV1/VC based on age, sex and height.

Conclusion

There is a need for standardization of performance and interpretation of the spirometry test in Sweden and probably also in other countries.
Applying Virtue to Ethics
Authors: Annas Julia
Published: December 2014

Virtue ethics is sometimes taken to be incapable of providing guidance for an individual's actions, as some other ethical theories do. I show how virtue ethics does provide guidance for action, and also meet the objection that, while it may account for what we ought to do, it cannot account for the force of duty and obligation.
Interdisciplinary Care for a Patient with Amelogenesis Imperfecta: A Clinical Report
Authors: Millet Catherine , Duprez Jean‐Pierre , Khoury Christine , Morgon Laurent , Richard Béatrice
Published: December 2014

This manuscript describes an interdisciplinary approach over a period of 8 years combining surgical and prosthodontic treatment of a young patient diagnosed with hypocalcified‐type amelogenesis imperfecta and anterior open bite. The treatment procedures included transitional restorations, orthodontic treatment, and maxillofacial surgery with a one‐piece Le Fort I osteotomy, bilateral mandibular osteotomy, and genioplasty. The definitive prosthetic rehabilitation consisted of 28 zirconia‐based ceramic single crowns restoring both esthetics and function. Photographs and radiographs associated with clinical evaluation were used in the maintenance period. Two‐year follow‐up revealed satisfactory results and no deterioration in the restorations.
Change in wing morphology of the European starling during and after colonization of North America
Authors: Bitton P‐P. , Graham B. A.
Published: December 2014

When exposed to a new area and the potential for range expansion, species may quickly evolve morphological traits that allow them to colonize novel habitat. How quickly these changes occur and how long they subsequently persist in the established population has rarely been documented in birds. The European starling has been introduced in a number of areas around the world, including North America where an initially small population was established in 1890 and 1891. Their prolific expansion westward across the continent occurred at a tremendous rate of up to 90 km/year. We hypothesized that the individuals leading the expansion wave had longer and pointier wings because these characteristics are associated with greater juvenile dispersal distances. Therefore, we predicted that successive generations of range expanding birds would display increasing wing length and pointedness. Using museum specimens collected in North America since their introduction, we tested this hypothesis and examined temporal patterns to determine if wing shape changed following the establishment of local populations after the initial colonizing phase. Contrary to our expectations, wing length and shape did not change during the colonization wave. However, the pointedness of European starling wings decreased across the continent by more than 3.8% over the last 120 years. This was caused by an increase in the length of the secondary feathers, not by a decrease in the length of primary feathers. We discuss these results in the context of increased afforestation and urbanization during that time, and the potential benefit of rounder wings for foraging and predator avoidance.
Pretransplant urinary proteome analysis does not predict development of chronic kidney disease after liver transplantation
Authors: Milongo David , Bascands Jean‐Loup , Huart Antoine , Esposito Laure , Breuil Benjamin , Moulos Panagiotis , Siwy Justyna , Ramírez‐Torres Adela , Ribes David , Lavayssière Laurence , Del Bello Arnaud , Muscari Fabrice , Alric Laurent , Bureau Christophe , Rostaing Lionel , Schanstra Joost P , Kamar Nassim
Published: December 2014

Background & Aims

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common complication after liver transplantation. Kidney biopsies cannot be easily performed before liver transplantation to predict patients at high risk for CKD. The aim of our study was to determine whether pre‐, peri‐ and post‐transplant factors, as well as peptides present in preliver transplant urine samples were associated with loss in kidney function at 6 months post‐transplantation using proteome analysis.

Methods

Eighty patients who underwent a liver transplantation and that had pretransplant glomerular filtration rate (GFR) value of ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m² (MDRD) were included in the study.

Results

GFR decreased significantly after transplantation. At month 6 post‐transplantation, 40 patients displayed a CKD, i.e. eGFR of <60 mL/min/1.73 m², while the other 40 patients did not. Although thousands of peptides were identified, none was significantly associated with the development of CKD at 6 months after liver transplantation. Moreover, using a urinary peptidome classifier to detect preexisting CKD, no difference was found in CKD scores between the 2 groups. After analysis of a large number of pre‐, peri‐ and post‐transplant parameters, viral hepatitis as a cause for liver transplantation was the sole independent predictive factor for CKD. No difference in peptides with differential urinary abundance between patients who received a graft for virus related liver disease vs. all other causes of liver disease was observed.

Conclusion

Urinary peptidome analysis before liver transplantation failed to identify a peptide pattern associated with the development of CKD at 6 months after liver transplantation.
An autopsied case of corticobasal degeneration showing severe cerebral atrophy over a protracted disease course of 16 years
Authors: Kondo Daizo , Hino Hiroaki , Shibuya Katsuhiko , Fujisawa Koshiro , Kosaka Kenji , Hirayasu Yoshio , Yamamoto Ryoko , Kasanuki Koji , Minegishi Michiko , Sato Kiyoshi , Hosokawa Masato , Arai Tetsuaki , Arai Heii , Iseki Eizo
Published: December 2014

The patient was a 72‐year‐old Japanese woman. At the age of 57, she started having difficulty performing daily work and developed agraphia. She also exhibited restlessness and loss of interest, and began to speak less. Thereafter, stereotypical behavior, gait disturbance and dysphagia were noted. CT scan demonstrated left‐dominant frontal and temporal lobe atrophy. She died at the age of 72, about 16 years after the onset of symptoms. Neuropathologically, the brain weighed 867 g, and showed remarkable cerebral atrophy with degeneration of the white matter, predominantly in the left dorsal frontal lobe and anterior temporal lobe. Microscopically, severe neuronal loss and gliosis with rarefaction were found in the cerebral cortex, and severe destruction of myelin and axons was observed in the cerebral white matter. Moderate neuronal loss with gliosis was also found in the pallidum and substantia nigra. Gallyas‐Braak staining and tau immunostaining revealed pretangle neurons, NFTs, ballooned neurons and astrocytic plaques in the cerebral cortex, subcortical nuclei and brainstem, and argyrophilic threads and coiled bodies in the subcortical white matter. Tau isoform‐specific immunostaining revealed that most tau‐immunoreactive structures were positive for 4‐repeat (4R) tau, but some of the NFTs were positive for 3‐repeat (3R) tau in the cerebral neocortex. Immunoblotting demonstrated an accumulation of 4R tau in the cerebral cortex and subcortical white matter. The patient was pathologically diagnosed as having corticobasal degeneration. Her long survival course likely accounts for the severe white matter degeneration and accumulation of 3R tau in NFTs.
Influence of food companies' brand mascots and entertainment companies' cartoon media characters on children's diet and health: a systematic review and research needs
Authors: Kraak V. I. , Story M.
Published: December 2014

Reducing the extent and persuasive power of marketing unhealthy foods to children worldwide are important obesity prevention goals. Research is limited to understand how brand mascots and cartoon media characters influence children's diet. We conducted a systematic review of five electronic databases (2000–2014) to identify experimental studies that measured how food companies' mascots and entertainment companies' media characters influence up to 12 diet‐related cognitive, behavioural and health outcomes for children under 12 years. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies used 21 unique popular media characters, but no brand mascots. Results suggest that cartoon media character branding can positively increase children's fruit or vegetable intake compared with no character branding. However, familiar media character branding is a more powerful influence on children's food preferences, choices and intake, especially for energy‐dense and nutrient‐poor foods (e.g. cookies, candy or chocolate) compared with fruits or vegetables. Future research should use a theoretically grounded conceptual model and larger and more diverse samples across settings to produce stronger findings for mediating and moderating factors. Future research can be used to inform the deliberations of policymakers, practitioners and advocates regarding how media character marketing should be used to support healthy food environments for children.
A successful unrelated peripheral blood stem cell transplantation with reduced intensity‐conditioning regimen in a patient with late‐onset purine nucleoside phosphorylase deficiency
Authors: Celmeli Fatih , Turkkahraman Doga , Uygun Vedat , la Marca Giancarlo , Hershfield Michael , Yesilipek Akif
Published: December 2014

PNP deficiency is a rare combined immunodeficiency with autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. The immunodeficiency is progressive with normal immune functions at birth, but then, T‐cell deficiency with variable B‐cell functions usually presents by the age of two yr. The only curative treatment for PNP deficiency is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Here, we present a 13‐yr‐old girl with late‐onset PNP deficiency. Despite many complications of infections, she was successfully transplanted with a reduced intensity‐conditioning regimen from an HLA‐identical unrelated donor.
Two Forms of Exclusion Mean Two Different Negations
Authors: Silva Marcos
Published: December 2014

Here, the logical behaviour of negation in Wittgenstein's Tractatus (1918) is compared with Demos' account of denial (1917). Even if we hold negation as a pure syntactical device, at least in some context, it brings a handful of complex semantic information – potentially an infinite amount (e.g., in the ascription of degrees to empirical qualities or of colours to visual points). We advocate then the existence of at least two negations due to the existence of two different and non‐reducible types of exclusion. The first negation is a Tractarian and classical one, based on the notion of contradiction, whereas the second is a non‐classical negation, based on the notion of contrariety.
Canine ocular protothecosis: A review of 14 cases
Authors: Shank Alba Maria M. , Dubielzig Richard D. , Teixeira Leandro B. C.
Published: December 2014

Purpose

To examine a series of 14 cases of canine ocular protothecosis from archived cases from the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin (COPLOW), and compare gross and histologic findings.

Methods

Archival records from COPLOW were searched for canine cases of ocular protothecosis. Fourteen cases that contained matching criteria were identified, and gross and histologic findings, and clinical records for each case were tabulated, examined, and compared (2001–2013).

Results

Of the 14 cases identified, six had evidence of systemic disease, as per clinical history. Two of the 14 cases had Prototheca identified via cytology of ocular fluid or retinal exudate; in the remainder of cases, Prototheca identified via cytology of ocular fluid or retinal exudate in the remaining 12 cases, Prototheca was identified upon histologic examination of the submitted globe(s). Presenting ocular clinical signs were variable and nonspecific. Duration of ocular clinical signs varied from days to months. Fundoscopically, white membranes or plaques were identified on or around the retina in five cases. Retinal detachment was identified in 13 of the 14 submitted globes on gross examination following fixation and sectioning. The predominant histologic finding was granulomatous chorioretinitis with retinal detachment, with variable numbers of Prototheca within the inflammatory infiltrate.

Conclusions

Due to the nonspecific nature of the ocular signs, a diagnosis of protothecosis generally is not made until enucleation and histopathologic examination of the globe(s). Retinal detachment and blindness were common. Cytologic sampling of retinal plaques and exudate may provide a rapid way to identify Prototheca.
Phylogenetic relationships of the ubiquitous coral reef crab subfamily Chlorodiellinae (Decapoda, Brachyura, Xanthidae)
Authors: Lasley Robert M. , Klaus Sebastian , Ng Peter K. L.
Published: December 2014

The xanthid subfamily Chlorodiellinae is one of the most ubiquitous coral reef crab taxa in the Indo‐West Pacific region. Many species are common in coral rubble and rocky shores from Hawaii to eastern Africa, often dominating reef cryptofauna in terms of biomass. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial (COX1, 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA) and nuclear (histone H3) gene sequences of 202 specimens indicate that the Chlorodiellinae is polyphyletic as presently defined. Three genera, Pilodius, Cyclodius and Chlorodiella, and two previously undescribed lineages were recovered as a well‐supported clade. In combination with morphological data, the subfamily is redefined and restricted to this clade. Two new genera, Soliella gen. n., and Luniella gen. n., are described based on features of the carapace, male thoracic sternum and male gonopods. The remaining chlorodielline genera and members of the Etisinae, a subfamily with supposedly close morphological affinities to the Chlorodiellinae, were recovered at various positions throughout the xanthid phylogeny, although with relatively low support values. These results reiterate the unresolved status of xanthid subfamilial relationships, but nevertheless provide progress for xanthid systematics.
THE INFLUENCE OF DIET ON THE THYROID GLAND
Authors: Watson Chalmers
Published: December 2014

We find in the above data further evidence of the influence of diet in modifying the histological appearance of the thyroid gland. The difficulties which arise in the interpretation of the results are largely dependent on the absence of definite knowledge as to the significance of the appearances of the thyroid glands in conditions of activity or the reverse. It may, however, I think, safely be concluded from the above facts, that a diet of flour induces a different state of functional activity as regards secretion from that obtained in bread and skimmed milk fed subjects. The data furnish no evidence as to whether this is accounted for, directly or indirectly, by extra protein, fat or salts in the control diet.
THE INFLUENCE OF MUSCULAR RIGIDITY ON THE OXYGEN INTAKE OF DECEREBRATE CATS
Authors: Roaf H. E.
Published: December 2014

During decerebrate rigidity the oxygen intake is only slightly greater than when the muscles are flaccid.
THE PYRAMID TRACT IN THE STRIPED GOPHER (SPERMO‐PHILUS TRIDECEMLINEATUS (MITCHILL))
Authors: Simpson Sutherland
Published: December 2014

In the striped gopher (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus) the course of the pyramid tract is traceable from the motor cortex by the method of secondary degeneration with Marchi staining.

In the mid‐brain, pons, and upper part of the medulla oblongata the tract occupies the usual position in the crusta, pontine bundles, and ventral pyramid, the degeneration being confined to the side of the lesion.

In the lower part of the medulla oblongata the fibres cross to the opposite side and take up a position in the funiculus cuneatus, forming there a well‐defined tract. The decussation appears to be complete, no fibres passing to the same side but all into the dorsal column of the opposite side. In this position the tract runs caudalwards and can be traced as far as the third lumbar segment, where it is represented by a very few scattered fibres. Beyond this level it cannot be followed.

On following the tract downwards through the spinal cord many fibres are found to disappear in the first and second cervical segments, presumably by passing into the grey matter at these levels. Very few fibres reach as far as the lumbar region.
THE INFLUENCE OF CORPUS LUTEUM EXTRACTS UPON PLAIN MUSCLE, ESPECIALLY THAT OF THE UTERUS
Authors: Itagaki M. , Taylor W. W.
Published: December 2014

1. Extract of corpus luteum generally produces a distinct increase of tone in the surviving uterus of the rat, rabbit, cat, dog, and guinea‐pig. Rarely, however, the opposite effect is produced.

2. This difference of effect is not due to the condition of pregnancy or non‐pregnancy, nor to varying strengths of the extract, but apparently to a difference in different samples of corpus luteum. It would appear, therefore, that there are two principles in the corpus luteum having an antagonistic action upon the contractions of the uterus.

3. These principles can sometimes be separated by alcohol, the inhibitory material going into alcoholic solution. But this chalonic substance (17), which is soluble in water, is very small in amount. The hormonic substance, on the other hand, which is generally much larger in amount, is not soluble in alcohol nor in chloroform and ether, but is soluble in water.

4. If we compare the action of corpus luteum extract upon the uterus with its effect upon other forms of plain muscular tissue, we find that it generally produces relaxation of the muscular tissue of the intestine and of the bladder of the rat, but contraction of the whole intestinal tube of the rabbit and kitten; although, when isolated strips of either the longitudinal or circular intestinal muscle of these animals were taken, they showed relaxation. Upon the iris of the frog no change could be observed.

5. Injection of corpus luteum extract into a vein produces but little effect upon the blood‐pressure; if anything, there is a slight fall.

6. A free secretion of milk is caused from the cut nipple of a lactating animal.

7. Urinary secretion is not appreciably affected.

8. I have been unable to obtain any definite proof that the action of corpus luteum upon the uterus is effected through the nerve‐endings either of the sympathetic or of the pelvic nerve.

The expenses of this investigation and of those described in the two succeeding papers have been assisted by grants from the Carnegie and Moray Research Funds.
ON THE ACTION OF VARIOUS EXTRACTS OBTAINED FROM THE COW'S OVARIES UPON THE MUSCULAR TISSUE OF THE UTERUS, INTESTINE, AND BLOOD‐VESSELS
Authors: Itagaki M.
Published: December 2014

1. Extract of hilum ovarii has the opposite effect to extract of corpus luteum upon the movements of the rat's uterus, for it causes inhibition instead of contraction. The uterus of other animals is affected differently, for in the rabbit, cat, and guinea‐pig an extract of the hilum usually has the result of producing an increase of tone.

2. Liquor folliculi produces an increase of tone of the uteriine muscle in the rat, rabbit, and cat, or at any rate an increase in height of the rhythmic contractions.

3. When applied to the whole thickness of the intestinal tube, all the extracts tested—hilum, liquor folliculi, and whole ovary—determine an increase of tone, whereas a strip of the longitudinal coat of the rabbit's intestine is sent into relaxation by extracts of hilum.

4. A fall of blood‐pressure is produced by intravenous injection of all the extracts employed—hilum, liquor folliculi, and whole ovary.
CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM IN RELATION TO THE THYROID GLAND. III. THE EFFECT OF THYROIDECTOMY IN RATS ON THE GASEOUS METABOLISM
Authors: Cramer W. , M' Call R.
Published: December 2014

In rats, removal of the thyroid and the parathyroid glands does not produce any severe disturbance of the metabolism. There is at first a diminution of the total metabolism, which is followed later by a compensatory increase. The curves of the CO2 excretion and O2 intake and of the respiratory quotient do not differ in any essential points from those of a normal animal.

The study of the respiratory quotient and of the urine shows that remnoval of the thyroid gland does not impair the power of the cells of the organism to oxidise carbohydrates. From this it can be inferred that the condition of the carbohydrate metabolism in experimental hyperthyroidism is not due to a direct stimulating effect of the thyroid hormone on the oxidation of carbohydrates. This inference, as has been pointed out in our previous paper, is in agreement with other observations on experimental and pathological hyperthyroidism.

These conclusions confirm the conception of the carbohydrate metabolism presented in our previous paper, according to which the mobilisation of the liver glycogen is followed by an increased oxidation of carbohydrates.

The mechanism through which the thyroid gland exercises its action on carbohydrate metabolism, and the inter‐relationship of the thyroid and suprarenal glands, are discussed.

Part of the expense of this, as of previous investigations of this series, has been defrayed by grants from the Moray Fund of the University of Edinburgh.
THE EFFECT OF ADMINISTRATION OF SMALL AMOUNTS OF THYROID GLAND ON THE SIZE AND WEIGHT OF CERTAIN ORGANS IN THE MALE WHITE RAT
Authors: Hewitt James Arthur
Published: December 2014

An alteration in the size of various internal organs, produced by administration of small amounts of fresh thyroid, was determined by direct weighing and comparison with the weights of normal organs in rats of the same length.

The results obtained have been compared with those of Herring and of Hoskins, and the points of resemblance and of difference noted as follows:—

The observations of the former are confirmed except in the case of the pituitary. In the experiments now recorded a hypertrophy of the gland was noted in the majority of animals examined, while Herring found a decrease in size under similar conditions when investigating this point in male rats.

Hoskins arrives at no conclusions as to the effect of thyroid exhibition on the size of the animal's own thyroid. The results brought forward in the present communication show a conspicuous diminution in the weight of this gland. The other conclusions of Hoskins are confirmed.

The quantitative alterations in size of the internal organs produced by thyroid administration have been considered at varying intervals after resumption of normal diet, and it is argued that a tendency is shown for this abnormal condition to be temporary, and that a return, perhaps incomplete, to normal proportions is indicated after cessation of thyroid feeding.

It was further noted in one case that a gradation in alteration in size is seen when the percentage increases or decreases are arranged in order according to the time elapsed after administration of thyroid. In the other series this gradation is not so well marked, and possibly may, in part, be due to the fact that these animals were in the habit of spilling quantities of food at various times, and there is thus no guarantee that the full dose of 0·1. grm gland was in all cases consumed each day.
STUDIES ON THE PITUITARY. II. THE INFLUENCE OF HYPOPHYSECTOMY ON THE RATE OF CARBON‐DIOXIDE PRODUCTION IN FROGS
Authors: Winton Frank. R. , Hogben Lancelot T
Published: December 2014

1. — A method is described by which the rate of exhalation of carbondioxide may be determined in ten or more individual frogs at the same time.

2. — Frogs whose whole pituitary gland has been removed produce less carbon‐dioxide in a given time than do normal animals. A high degree of probability is shown to attach to this conclusion despite great individual variation.

3. — Preliminary experiments on frogs whose anterior lobes only have been removed indicate a probable diminution in the rate of their carbondioxide production of the same order.

4. — This series of observations does not suffice to exclude the possibility that these effects may be attributable to indirect concomitants of the extirpation such as changes in tone of the musculature.
AN IMPROVED METHOD FOR INVESTIGATING THE SECRETORY FUNCTION OF THE STOMACH AND DUODENUM IN THE HUMAN SUBJECT
Authors: Lim R. K. S. , Matheson Alister R. , Schlapp W.
Published: December 2014

(1) A method is described for investigating the secretory function of the stomach and duodenum in man. It consists essentially of applying continuous suction to theses organs simultaneously by means of two separate tubes.

(2) The method of employing histamine as a gastric secretory test is outlined.

The expenses of this work have been defrayed by grants from the Carnegie Trust and from the Earl of Moray Fund for the Promotion of Research in the University of Edinburgh.
STUDIES ON THE PITUITARY.—III. THE VASOMOTOR ACTIVITY OF PITUITARY EXTRACTS THROUGHOUT THE VERTEBRATE SERIES
Authors: Hogben Lancelot T. , Schlapp Walter
Published: December 2014

In this communication an attempt has been made to explore the possible existence of independent components of the vasomotor activity of pituitary extracts by studying their effects in terrestrial vertebrates other than mammals. A comparison of histamine and other reagents with that of commercial pituitary preparations and laboratory pituitary products free from the substances producing a depressor response in the mammal has been made in the bird (duck and fowl), reptile (tortoise), and amphibian (frog). Pituitary extracts do not produce perceptible effects on the blood‐pressure of the reptile and amphibian, when administered in quantities which are of an order of magnitude to which physiological significance could be justifiably attached. Whereas adrenaline produces a rise in arterial blood‐pressure in all four classes of air breathing vertebrates, pituitary extracts which had no depressor action in the mammal consistently evoke depression in bird and reptile : and there seems to be a strong presumption in favour of the conclusion that the pronounced depressor action of small doses of pituitary extract on the a vine circulation is not due to the substance or substances responsible for the lowering of blood‐pressure in the mammal. It has been necessary to reinvestigate the depressor response in the mammal, and the results obtained demonstrate the part played by initial pressure in determining the character of the response to successive doses of pituitary extract and to histamine. Emphasis is laid on the misleading nature of comparisons indiscriminately based on testing with etherised and decerebrate animals in previous biochemical investigation into the nature of the pressor activity of pituitary extract.

The expenses of this research were defrayed in part by a grant from the Earl of Moray Fund.
ON SEDIMENTATION AND ROULEAUX FORMATION—II
Authors: Ponder Eric
Published: December 2014

From this short study of rouleaux formation several points have emerged.

The first condition for rouleaux formation, and one which is fulfilled under all but unique circumstances, is that there shall be collisions among the cells. The frequency of these collisions plainly depends on such factors as the movements in the fluid, the number of cells present per unit volume, the viscosity of the fluid, and the size of the cells. The second condition is that the collisions shall result in permanent cohesions. Such cohesions will not occur if the surfaces of the cells are not sticky, if the repulsive forces between the cells are very great, or if the cells collide with one another so that the surfaces which come into contact are small. If, on the other hand, the collisions bring large surfaces into contact, permanent cohesions are likely to occur, for not only are there large surfaces over which the cohesive forces between the cells can act, but separation of these surfaces entails a considerable amount of work.

The consideration of these points indicates why cells collect in rouleaux, and not in aggregates of roughly spherical form, for all contacts except those which occur at the ends of the shorter rouleaux are not permanent, whereas all contacts in which the cells are broadside on result in lasting cohesions. To this must be added the fact that discoid cells moved by a fluid orient themselves broadside on, and therefore collisions in this position are encouraged.

From the mass of work on the potential difference between the red cells and the suspending fluid, it appears that, if the potential difference be reduced below a certain point, agglutination of the cells occurs, all contacts being permanent, in whatever position they occur. From this may be drawn the deduction that the repulsive forces accompanying this potential difference are sufficient to prevent the permanence of all contacts except those which involve a large extent of surface in connection with which considerable surface and cohesive forces are called into play. Before this explanation is regarded as the correct one, however, it must be shown that those electrolytes, and other substances which reduce the potential difference, do not also increase the stickiness of the cell surfaces. The cases of CaCl2 and MgCl2, which reduce the potential difference and yet do not cause agglutination, and the instance of heated plasma, which increases rouleaux formation without decreasing the potential difference, show how necessary it is to take account of this latter possibility, the importance of which has been clearly recognised by such investigators as
Oliver and
Barnard and
Northrop.

As regards the kinetics of rouleaux formation, we have found that a simple equation containing one easily evaluated constant is sufficient to describe the course of the phenomenon under such conditions as are extremely suitable for experimental purposes.

This research was carried out under a grant from the Royal Society.
THE EFFECT ON THE STOMACH OF SECTION OF THE VAGI NERVES
Authors: M'Crea E. D. , M'Swiney B. A. , Stopford J. S. B.
Published: December 2014

1. The motor activity of the stomach is unaffected by unilateral vagotomy.

2. The motor activity of the stomach, save for the “initial emptying time,” is not markedly influenced by double vagotomy.

3. A decrease in the initial emptying time is the only pronounced and constant result of double vagotomy.

4. Initial emptying time is reduced by hepatic vagotomy.

The expenses of this investigation have been defrayed by a grant from the Government Grant Committee of the Royal Society.
THE RELATION OF WAVE‐LENGTH AND LIGHT INTENSITY TO COLOUR DISCRIMINATION IN NORMAL AND HYPOCHROMATIC (COLOUR BLIND) INDIVIDUALS
Authors: Roaf H. E.
Published: December 2014

1. Normal colour vision is characterised by the existence of two critical regions about the wave‐lengths of 5800 Å and 4900 Å respectively. These two regions are indicated by maxima of discriminating power and by a uniform colour with differences in brightness.

2. The well‐marked cases of hypochromatism that have been examined lack the power of discriminating between the colours bordering on the yellow, but they are extremely sensitive to differences in wavelength at about 4900 Å. There is no maximum in the region about 5800 A, and mistakes may be made over a range extending from at least 6500 A to 5500 Å.

3. In order to compensate for lack of discrimination of the longer wave‐lengths, hypochromats make use of differences in brightness. It is probable that another factor is necessary to explain how they distinguish between red and green, and it is suggested that the power of discrimination between blue and the rest of the spectrum may help in such colour judgments.

4. A comparison has been made between the various parts of the spectrum and the colours produced by recombining the remainder after progressive cutting off of the red and violet ends respectively of the spectrum.

The expenses of this research were defrayed by a grant from the London Hospital AMedical College Research Fund.
STUDIES ON THE ARNETH COUNT.—VI. THE EFFECT OF VARIOUS DRUGS AND EXTRACTS
Authors: Ponder Eric , Flint K. Newstead
Published: December 2014

The results recorded in this paper show that many substances besides thyroid extract and thyroxin deflect the Arneth count in the rabbit. Each one of these substances produces at the same time a polymorph leucocytosis, and we may conclude that the substances which deflect the count do so by stimulating the bone marrow and thus causing an outpouring of the younger forms of polymorph, which have simple nuclear configuration.

Although representative experiments only are given, the results have been arrived at by the consideration of the effects on from three to six animals in the case of each drug.
THE INFLUENCE OF COLOURED LIGHTS ON THE SENSITIVITY OF THE EYE TO VARIOUS REGIONS OF THE SPECTRUM: A STUDY IN RELATION TO THEORIES OF COLOUR VISION
Authors: Roaf H. E.
Published: December 2014

1. The threshold value for light has been used as a measure of the sensitivity of the eye.

2. When any light shines on the retina the sensitivity, even of another part, is decreased considerably to short, but much less to long, wave‐lengths. This is the familiar adaptation phenomenon.

3. When two lights shine on the same part of the retina there is a further decrease in sensitivity which has a peculiar spectral distribution; namely, that long wave‐lengths decrease the sensitivity to all shorter ones, whilst short wave‐lengths have comparatively little effect on longer ones.

4. A region of the retina about 30° to the nasal side of the right eye differs from the fovea (a) in the greater degree of light adaptation, so that even the long wave‐lengths are noticeably affected; (b) in the sensitivity to longer wave‐lengths being somewhat more affected by short ones, when the two shine on the same region of the retina.

5. The bearing of the above results is discussed in relation to theories of colour vision. It is suggested that the most probable explanation is that colour discrimination is due to colour screens in front of certain of the receptors.

6. The results show why a blue screen is the best to protect the eyes from excessively bright lights. It would be interesting to know to what extent “glare” is particularly due to the longer wave‐lengths. A blue filter on the wind‐screen of a motor‐car will protect the eyes from the direct rays of bright head‐lights, whilst allowing one to see the road past the edge of the filter; thus use may be made of the sensitivity to the light of longer wave‐lengths, which these experiments show are not much affected by exposure to short wave‐lengths.
THE NATURE OF THE ANŒSTROUS CONDITION RESULTING FROM VITAMIN B DEFICIENCY
Authors: Parkes A. S.
Published: December 2014

1. A deficiency of vitamin B, represented by 1 per cent. or less of yeast extract added to a basal diet, brings about an abrupt cessation of the cestrous cycle in rats in about four weeks.

2. The ancestrus so produced, which begins just before the characteristic decline in weight appears, applies both to ovarian and extraovarian phenomena of cestrus, and is terminated at any time up to two months later by the death of the animal.

3. Injection of cestrin (10 m. u.) during the ancestrous state results in the induction of cestrous symptoms in the accessory organs, without, however, causing the ovary, now much atrophied, to ovulate.

4. It is concluded that ancestrus due to this deficiency results not from inability of the animal to respond to the cestrus‐producing stimulus, but from failure to produce cestrin.
THE MEASUREMENT OF THE DIAMIETER OF ERYTHROCYTES. VI.—The Diurnal Variation, and the Effect of Exercise
Authors: Ponder Eric , Saslow George
Published: December 2014

We have been unable to obtain evidence of a “diurnal variation” or of an increase in diameter after exercise, in the case of dried human red cells. All differences which have been observed are such as might arise by chance from differences in drying, etc., and are not reproducible under controlled conditions.
ON THE PARASYMPATHETIC (SPINAL PARASYMPATHETIC) FIBRES IN THE DORSAL ROOTS AND THEIR CELLS OF ORIGIN IN THE SPINAL CORD
Authors: Kuré Ken , SaéGusa Gen‐Ichi , Kawaguchi Ken , Shiraishi Kensaku
Published: December 2014

1. Every spinal segment has parasympathetic fibres in its dorsal roots, their cells of origin (nuclei) lying between the ventral horn and the substantia gelatinosa of the dorsal horn. We designate this system of autonomic fibres “the spinal parasympathetic.”

2. The spinal parasympathetic fibre, s consist chiefly of fine medullated fibres, 3 microns or less in diameter.

3. Any fine medullated fibres in the dorsal roots, with the exception of those in the sacral region (from the IInd sacral down), belong for the most part to the spinal parasympathetic system.

4. The number of the parasympathetic fibres is about 40 per cent. of the total fibres in a dorsal root.

5. From the IInd sacral segment downwards the dorsal roots contain a fair number of fine medullated sensory fibres.

6. The spinal parasympathetic fibres comprise vasodilators (some destined for the intestines), secretory fibres (for sweat glands), and trophic fibres (for voluntary muscles, for skin, and for joints and bones).
THE LACTATION INTERVAL IN THE MOUSE
Authors: Crew F. A. E. , Mirskaia L.
Published: December 2014

The length of the lactation interval in the mice in these experiments is from 20 to 25 days. It is not affected by an artificially induced prolongation of lactation. Removal of the litter at birth, on the 7th day, 14th day, or 21st day of lactation is followed within 2 to 4 days by œstrus in all cases. From a comparative survey of the states of pregnancy, pseudopregnancy, and lactation, it is argued that in all the same hormonal conditions prevail.
ON THE ENDOCRINE BASIS OF MATING IN THE MOUSE
Authors: Wiesner B. P. , Mirskaia L.
Published: December 2014

1. No mating was observed in untreated ovariotomised mice.

2. Mating was induced in ovariotomised mice by injections of follicular juice; but injections of aqueous extracts from this material did not induce mating.

3. Mating was induced in eleven out of twenty ovariotomised mice by injections of cornifying extracts prepared from pregnancy urine.

5. Mating is assumed to be an effect of the cornifying a‐factor conditioned by a higher threshold than cornification.

5. The relation of the thresholds is discussed with reference to its possible variation.

6. Questions of terminology are discussed and the term a‐factor or ALLEN‐DOISY factor is adopted.