bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seed size and response to rainfall patterns in annual grasslands: 16 years of permanent plot data
Authors: Peco B. , Rico L. , Azcárate F.M
Published: February 2009

Question: Are seed size and plant size linked to species responses to inter‐annual variations in rainfall and rainfall distribution during the growing season in annual grasslands?

Location: A 16‐year data set on species abundance in permanent plots 15 km north of Madrid in a Quercus ilex subsp. ballota dehesa.

Methods: At species level, a GLM was used to analyse the effects of various rainfall indices (total autumn rainfall, early autumn rainfall and spring drought) on species abundance residuals with respect to time and topography. We also assessed the importance of seed size and plant size in the species responses at community level using species as data points. Seed mass and maximum stem length were used as surrogates for seed size and plant size, respectively.

Results: Seed mass and plant size may explain some of the fluctuations in the floristic composition of annual species associated with autumn rainfall patterns. Species that are more abundant in dry autumns have greater seed mass than those species that are more abundant in wet autumns. Early autumn rainfall seems to favour larger plants.

Conclusions: Our empirical results support the hypothesis that autumn rainfall patterns affect the relative establishment capacity of small and large seedlings in annual species.
Extinction debt in fragmented grasslands: paid or not?
Authors: Cousins Sara A.O.
Published: February 2009

Fragmentation of grasslands and forests is considered a major threat to biodiversity. In the case of plants, the effect of fragmentation or landscape context is still unclear and published results are divergent. One explanation for this divergence is the slow response of long‐lived plants, creating an extinction debt. However, this has not been empirically confirmed. In this study, data were compiled from broad‐scale studies of grasslands from throughout the world that relate plant diversity to fragmentation effects. Only seven studies from northern Europe, out of a total 61, gave any information on actual habitat fragmentation in time and space. In landscapes with >10% grassland remaining, present‐day species richness was related to past landscape or habitat pattern. In landscapes with <10% grassland remaining, in contrast, plant species richness was more related to contemporary landscape or habitat pattern. Studies from landscapes with >10% grassland remaining supported the concept of an extinction debt, while studies from more fragmented landscapes did not provide any evidence of an extinction debt. In order to make generalisations about historical legacies on species diversity in grasslands it is important to consider a range of highly transformed landscapes, and not only landscapes with a high amount of grassland remaining.
Compartmentalized signalling: spatial regulation of cAMP by the action of compartmentalized phosphodiesterases
Authors: Baillie George S.
Published: February 2009

cAMP is the original second messenger that is synthesized in response to a number of extracellular stimuli. Recent advances in cAMP reporter technology have given an insight into how cAMP signals retain their specificity. Spatial and temporal cAMP dynamics are regulated by discretely positioned phosphodiesterases that act as sinks to create simultaneous, multiple cAMP gradients in many cellular locations. Such gradients are sampled within microdomains that contain anchored cAMP effector proteins. Compartmentalization of proteins that produce, degrade and are activated by cAMP is crucial for the specificity of action required for normal cell function.
Compartmentalized signalling: Ca2+ compartments, microdomains and the many facets of Ca2+ signalling
Authors: Laude Alex J. , Simpson Alec W. M.
Published: February 2009

Ca2+ regulates a multitude of cellular processes and does so by partitioning its actions in space and time. In this review, we discuss how Ca2+ responses are constructed from small quantal (elementary) events that have the potential to propagate to produce large pan‐cellular responses. We review how Ca2+ is compartmentalized both physically and functionally, and describe how each organelle has its own distinct Ca2+‐handling properties. We explain how coordination of the movement of Ca2+ between organelles is used to shape and hone Ca2+ signals. Finally, we provide a number of specific examples of where compartmentation and localization of Ca2+ are crucial to cell function.
Microstructure Control of Sintered Porous Yttria‐Stabilized Zirconia as a Durable Thermal Shielding Material
Authors: Sasaki Kazuya , Terai Takayuki , Suzuki Akihiro
Published: February 2009

The microstructure of a thermal shielding material affects its thermal conductivity and mechanical property. In this study, the effects of the sintering temperature and the polymethyl methacrylate powder as a pore‐former on the microstructure of a sintered porous yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ), which is used as a durable thermal shielding material, were investigated. It became clear that the microstructure of the sintered YSZ could be controlled by the particle size and the amount of the pore‐former and the sintering temperature. The effect of the yttria amount in the YSZ on the microstructure was also clarified.
Characterization of Electron Beam Physical Vapor‐Deposited Thermal Barrier Coatings Using Diffuse Optical Reflectance
Authors: Limarga Andi M. , Clarke David R.
Published: February 2009

The use of diffuse optical spectral reflectance as a nondestructive tool to characterize the microstructure of electron beam physical vapor deposition (EB‐PVD) thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) has been investigated and the contributions of intercolumnar gaps and intracolumnar pores distinguished. It is shown that the reflectance is controlled by the refractive index mismatch and that the optical scattering coefficient depends on the thickness of the TBC due to the porosity distribution through the thickness of the coating. The sensitivity of the reflectance to the porosity suggests that optical reflectance can be used to characterize the microstructure of EB‐PVD TBC for both quality control and nondestructive evaluation purposes.
Characterization of High‐Gadolinium Y0.6Gd1.34Eu0.06O3Powder and Fabrication of Transparent Ceramic Scintillator Using Pressureless Sintering
Authors: Li Xiaodong , Sun Xudong , Li Ji‐Guang , Xiu Zhimeng , Gao Tie , Liu Yinong , Hu Xiaozhi
Published: February 2009

Comparatively high gadolinium contents are of primary importance for (Y,Gd)2O3:Eu scintillators because of expected higher scintillation intensity and higher light output of the materials. Transparent Y0.6Gd1.34Eu0.06O3ceramic, with a high gadolinium composition of ∼67 mol%, has been fabricated via vacuum sintering using synthesized sinterable powders. The precursor powder was coprecipitated with ammonium hydrogen carbonate as the precipitant and the powder calcined at 1100°C showed the best sintering activity. Transparent Y0.6Gd1.34Eu0.06O3ceramic, exhibiting an in‐line transmittance of 66.7% at 610 nm, was obtained by vacuum sintering at 1670°C for 2 h. Under X‐ray excitation, the ceramic exhibited characteristic emissions of the Eu3+ions.
Near‐Well Nonlinear Flow Identified by Various Displacement Well Response Testing
Authors: Zenner Matthias A.
Published: February 2009

The impact of nonlinear flow phenomena on well response tests is still not completely understood today. With the present paper, a set of 10 well response tests is investigated. The tests were conducted in a fractured Devonian limestone formation close to the western national border of Germany. The test design incorporates a packer as well as different solid cylinders to initiate a series of slug‐injection and slug‐withdrawal tests by various initial displacements. Nonlinear response characteristics were observed in the course of the tests, which cannot be explained by tubing‐controlled flow inside the cased well. The analysis shows that the nonlinear response characteristics are likely to be either formation controlled according to non‐Darcian flow developing in a high‐conductivity fracture compartment of the tested limestone formation or a consequence of a severe well inefficiency caused by some sort of screen clogging. This inference is obtained from analyzing the data by a nonlinear well response test model, which differentiates between wellbore internal hydraulic head losses and a generalized rate‐dependent skin effect accounting for nonlinear flow processes in the vicinity of the well. The potential of identifying near‐well nonlinear flow by various displacement well response testing may indicate this methodology to be a valuable complement to modern high‐resolution borehole imaging techniques used when characterizing fractured reservoirs and the tightness of fractured reservoir cap rocks.
MACROECONOMIC PERFORMANCE AND INEQUALITY: BRAZIL, 1983–94
Authors: BITTENCOURT Manoel
Published: February 2009

We examine how poor macroeconomic performance, mainly in terms of high rates of inflation, affected earnings inequality in the 1980s and early 1990s in Brazil. The results, based initially on aggregate time series, and then on sub‐national panel time‐series data and analysis, show that the extreme inflation, combined with an imperfect process of financial adaptation and incomplete indexation coverage, had a regressive and significant impact on inequality. The implication of the results is that sound macroeconomic policies, which keep inflation low and stable in the long run, should be a necessary first step of any policy package implemented to alleviate inequality in Brazil.
IMPACTS OF TRADE LIBERALIZATION ON EMPLOYMENT IN VIETNAM: A SYSTEM GENERALIZED METHOD OF MOMENTS ESTIMATION
Authors: KIEN Tran Nhuan , HEO Yoon
Published: February 2009

Using a system generalized method of moments model, the present paper investigates the impacts of trade liberalization on employment in Vietnam from 1999 to 2004. The results show that the increase in industrial output increased labor demand, whereas the increasing wage rate led to a decline in the employment level. The impact of export expansion on derived labor demand was positive and statistically significant, indicating that the higher level of exports than previously presented employment opportunities for the country's large labor surplus. As far as imports are concerned, empirical observations indicate that imports did not necessarily negatively impact Vietnam's employment level.
Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship Models with Receptor‐Dependent Descriptors for Predicting Peroxisome Proliferator‐Activated Receptor Activities of Thiazolidinedione and Oxazolidinedione Derivatives
Authors: Lather Viney , Kairys Visvaldas , Fernandes Miguel X.
Published: February 2009

A quantitative structure–activity relationship study has been carried out, in which the relationship between the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α and the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ agonistic activities of thiazolidinedione and oxazolidinedione derivatives and quantitative descriptors, Vsite calculated in a receptor‐dependent manner is modeled. These descriptors quantify the volume occupied by the optimized ligands in regions that are either common or specific to the superimposed binding sites of the targets under consideration. The quantitative structure–activity relationship models were built by forward stepwise linear regression modeling for a training set of 27 compounds and validated for a test set of seven compounds, resulting in a squared correlation coefficient value of 0.90 for peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α and of 0.89 for peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ. The leave‐one‐out cross‐validation and test set predictability squared correlation coefficient values for these models were 0.85 and 0.62 for peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α and 0.89 and 0.50 for peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ respectively. A dual peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor model has also been developed, and it indicates the structural features required for the design of ligands with dual peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor activity. These quantitative structure–activity relationship models show the importance of the descriptors here introduced in the prediction and interpretation of the compounds affinity and selectivity.
AMP‐activated protein kinase: a core signalling pathway in the heart
Authors: Kim A. S. , Miller E. J. , Young L. H.
Published: February 2009

Over the past decade, AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) has emerged as an important intracellular signalling pathway in the heart. Activated AMPK stimulates the production of ATP by regulating key steps in both glucose and fatty acid metabolism. It has an inhibitory effect on cardiac protein synthesis. AMPK also interacts with additional intracellular signalling pathways in a coordinated network that modulates essential cellular processes in the heart. Evidence is accumulating that AMPK may protect the heart from ischaemic injury and limit the development of cardiac myocyte hypertrophy to various stimuli. Heart AMPK is activated by hormones, cytokines and oral hypoglycaemic drugs that are used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The tumour suppressor LKB1 is the major regulator of AMPK activity, but additional upstream kinases and protein phosphatases also contribute. Mutations in the regulatory γ2 subunit of AMPK lead to an inherited syndrome of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and ventricular pre‐excitation, which appears to be due to intracellular glycogen accumulation. Future research promises to elucidate the molecular mechanisms responsible for AMPK activation, novel downstream AMPK targets, and the therapeutic potential of targeting AMPK for the prevention and treatment of myocardial ischaemia or cardiac hypertrophy.
Language in Isolation, and Its Implications for Variation and Change
Authors: Schreier Daniel
Published: February 2009

This article discusses some approaches to the conceptualization of isolation in sociolinguistic research. It argues that isolation is a multifaceted phenomenon with geographic, social and attitudinal implications. Based on evidence from geographically isolated speech communities (mostly islands) and socially isolated ones (so‐calledSprachinseln) from around the world, it discusses their potential for variation and change studies, both in terms of synchrony (contact phenomena, language obsolescence or revival and intensification, language and identity, etc.) and diachrony, because they provide showcase scenarios to look into and reconstruct mechanisms of contact linguistics (e.g. new‐dialect formation), founder effects, colonial lag, etc.
A molecular key for building hyphae aggregates: the role of the newly identified Streptomyces protein HyaS
Authors: Koebsch Ilona , Overbeck Jens , Piepmeyer Sophie , Meschke Holger , Schrempf Hildgund
Published: February 2009

Streptomycetes produce many metabolites with medical and biotechnological applications. During fermentations, their hyphae build aggregates, a process in which the newly identified protein HyaS plays an important role. The corresponding hyaS gene is present within all investigated Streptomyces species. Reporter fusions indicate that transcription of hyaS occurs within substrate hyphae of the Streptomyces lividans wild type (WT). The HyaS protein is dominantly associated with the substrate hyphae. The WT strain forms cylindrically shaped clumps of densely packed substrate hyphae, often fusing to higher aggregates (pellets), which remain stably associated during shaking. Investigations by electron microscopy suggest that HyaS induces tight fusion‐like contacts among substrate hyphae. In contrast, the pellets of the designed hyaS disruption mutant ΔH are irregular in shape, contain frequently outgrowing bunches of hyphae, and fuse less frequently. ΔH complemented with a plasmid carrying hyaS resembles the WT phenotype. Biochemical studies indicate that the C‐terminal region of HyaS has amine oxidase activity. Investigations of ΔH transformants, each carrying a specifically mutated gene, lead to the conclusion that the in situ oxidase activity correlates with the pellet‐inducing role of HyaS, and depends on the presence of certain histidine residues. Furthermore, the level of undecylprodigiosin, a red pigment with antibiotic activity, is influenced by the engineered hyaS subtype within a strain. These data present the first molecular basis for future manipulation of pellets, and concomitant production of secondary metabolites during biotechnological processes.
The thermodynamic landscape of methanogenic PAH degradation
Authors: Dolfing Jan , Xu Aiping , Gray Neil D. , Larter Stephen R. , Head Ian M.
Published: February 2009

Methanogenic degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has long been considered impossible, but evidence in contaminated near surface environments and biodegrading petroleum reservoirs suggests that this is not necessarily the case. To evaluate the thermodynamic constraints on methanogenic PAH degradation we have estimated the Gibbs free energy values for naphthalene, phenanthrene, anthracene, pyrene and chrysene in the aqueous phase, and used these values to evaluate several possible routes whereby PAHs may be converted to methane. Under standard conditions (25°C, solutes at 1 M concentrations, and gases at 1 atm), methanogenic degradation of these PAHs yields between 209 and 331 kJ mol−1. Per mole of methane produced this is 27–35 kJ mol−1, indicating that PAH‐based methanogenesis is exergonic. We evaluated the energetics of three potential PAH degradation routes: oxidation to H2/CO2, complete conversion to acetate, or incomplete oxidation to H2 plus acetate. Depending on the in situ conditions the energetically most favourable pathway for the PAH‐degrading organisms is oxidation to H2/CO2 or conversion into acetate. These are not necessarily the pathways that prevail in the environment. This may be because the kinetic theory of optimal length of metabolic pathways suggests that PAH degraders may have evolved towards incomplete oxidation to acetate plus H2 as the optimal pathway.
Endurantism and the Psychological Approach to Personal Identity
Authors: BRUECKNER ANTHONY
Published: February 2009

This paper considers the question whether a psychological approach to personal identity can be formulated within an endurantist, as opposed to four‐dimensionalist, framework. Trenton Merricks has argued that this cannot be done. I argue to the contrary: a perfectly coherent endurantist version of the psychological approach can indeed be formulated.
Why We Should Lower Our Expectations about the Explanatory Gap
Authors: CAMPBELL NEIL
Published: February 2009

I argue that the explanatory gap is generated by factors consistent with the view that qualia are physical properties. I begin by considering the most plausible current approach to this issue based on recent work by Valerie Hardcastle and Clyde Hardin. Although their account of the source of the explanatory gap and our potential to close it is attractive, I argue that it is too speculative and philosophically problematic. I then argue that the explanatory gap should not concern physicalists because it makes excessive demands on physical theory.
Psephellus yusufeliensis sp. nov. from north‐east Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Tugay Osman , Uysal Tuna , Ertuğrul Kuddisi
Published: February 2009

Psephellus yusufeliensis O. Tugay & Uysal sp. nov. (Asteraceae) from Yusufeli (B7 Artvin‐Turkey) is described and illustrated. It is closely related to P. aucheriana (DC) Wagenitz & F. H. Hellw. Diagnostic morphological characters are provided and the relationship to other Psephellus species in Turkey is discussed. The geographical distribution of the new species and other related species are mapped. Notes are also presented on the ecology, biogeography and conservation status of the new species.
Is biofuel policy harming biodiversity in Europe?
Authors: EGGERS JEANNETTE , TRÖLTZSCH KATJA , FALCUCCI ALESSANDRA , MAIORANO LUIGI , VERBURG PETER H. , FRAMSTAD ERIK , LOUETTE GERALD , MAES DIRK , NAGY SZABOLCS , OZINGA WIM , DELBAERE BEN
Published: February 2009

We assessed the potential impacts of land‐use changes resulting from a change in the current biofuel policy on biodiversity in Europe. We evaluated the possible impact of both arable and woody biofuel crops on changes in distribution of 313 species pertaining to different taxonomic groups. Using species‐specific information on habitat suitability as well as land use simulations for three different biofuel policy options, we downscaled available species distribution data from the original resolution of 50 to 1 km. The downscaled maps were then applied to analyse potential changes in habitat size and species composition at different spatial levels. Our results indicate that more species might suffer from habitat losses rather than benefit from a doubled biofuel target, while abolishing the biofuel target would mainly have positive effects. However, the possible impacts vary spatially and depend on the biofuel crop choice, with woody crops being less detrimental than arable crops. Our results give an indication for policy and decision makers of what might happen to biodiversity under a changed biofuel policy in the European Union. The presented approach is considered to be innovative as to date no comparable policy impact assessment has been applied to such a large set of key species at the European scale.
Relationship of Protein Concentration and Water Content of Equine Serum and Plasma Samples
Authors: Carlson Gary P. , Harrold Doris R.
Published: February 2009

A highly significant correlation between the water content and protein concentration of equine serum and plasma samples was demonstrated over a wide range of concentrations. A close correlation was also observed between protein concentration as estimated by refractometry and as determined by the biuret procedure for equine serum and plasma samples.
Alkaline Phosphatase and Alkaline Phosphatase Isoenzymes in the Cat
Authors: Hoffman Walter E. , Renegar Wayne E. , Dorner Joseph L.
Published: February 2009

Feline alkaline phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes have been studied in tissue and serum. Alkaline phosphatase from various organs was quantitated and then subjected to cellulose acetate electrophoresis. The effects of bile duct ligation, prednisolone treatment and phenobarbital treatment on serum alkaline phosphatase was measured. The diagnostic importance of feline serum alkaline phosphatase levels is discussed in light of the results of this and other studies.
An Evaluation of Activated Coagulation Time in Warfarin‐Intoxicated Dogs
Authors: Green R. A. , White Fred , Osweiler G. A.
Published: February 2009

Activated coagulation time, one stage prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were compared in warfarin‐intoxicated dogs. All coagulation tests were significantly prolonged on the third and fourth days following intoxication. Coagulation assays of all dogs except one returned to preintoxication values one day following vitamin K therapy. Significant correlation was found between all coagulation tests in the intoxicated group. Activated coagulation time may provide a useful coagulation screening test to veterinarians with limited laboratory capabilities.
Determination of the Concentration of Protein in Cerebrospinal Fluid With A New Dye‐Binding Method
Authors: Barsanti J.A. , Duncan J.R.
Published: February 2009

The protein concentration of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was measured on 50 samples with a new dye‐binding method using Coomassie Brilliant Blue G‐250 (CBB). The results of this method correlated well (r = 0.99) with those of the trichloroacetic acid‐Ponceau S method (TCA‐PS). Since the CBB method involves only one step, it is recommended as a simple method of determining protein concentration in CSF.
The Value of Anion Gap and Osmolal Gap Determination in Veterinary Medicine
Authors: Shull Robert M.
Published: February 2009

Introduction Evaluation of the anion gap and the osmolal gap has become routine in many medical institutions. Both calculations take little time, are essentially without cost, and have proven valuable in assessing a variety of clinical conditions. The wide range of acid‐base and electrolyte abnormalities encountered in veterinary medicine makes assessment of anion and osmolal gaps a potentially valuable addition to veterinary clinical pathology. Eight months' experience with determination of calculated gaps at the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine has proven this to be the case. While both calculations are merely aids in the interpretation of clinical and laboratory data, the diagnostic value of the anion gap and the prognostic value of the osmolal gap is readily apparent. Both calculations can also play an important role in quality control monitoring of acid‐base and electrolyte determinations.
Comparative Studies on Serum Arginase and Transaminases in Hepatic Necrosis in Various Species of Domestic Animals
Authors: Mia A.S. , Koger H.D.
Published: February 2009

Serum concentrations of arginase, gluta‐mic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and gluta‐mic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) in dogs, cats, horses, cattle, sheep and pigs were determined before and after oral administration of CCi4 at doses known to cause hepatic necrosis. Following CCI4 administration, serum concentration of arginase and SGOT increased to a level of diagnostic significance in all animals. SGPT increased markedly in dogs and cats and marginally in 1 of 3 cattle and 2 of 3 pigs. In the surviving animals, the serum concentration of arginase returned to normal range much earlier than SGPT or SGOT.

Based on the CCI4 experimental toxicity results of this study, an elevated level of serum arginase would appear to be a reliable indicator of hepatic necrosis in both small and large animals whereas SGPT would be a reliable indicator of hepatic necrosis only in dogs and cats.
The Hematology of Lead Poisoning in Man and Animals
Authors: George Jeanne Wright , Duncan J. Robert
Published: February 2009

The hematologic abnormalities are used to aid in diagnosis and understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of lead poisoning. Erythrocyte shape abnormalities, basophilic stippling, porphyrin abnormalities and normoblastosis have been associated with lead ingestion in many species. This paper reviews literature on these aspects of hematology of lead poisoning in both man and domestic animals.
Development of a Radioimmunoassay for Thyroxine in Canines Using Polyethylene Glycol
Authors: Mincey E.K. , McTaggart M.P.
Published: February 2009

Since the normal circulating level of thy‐roxine is so much lower in canines and other species than it is in humans, the authors suggest that it is impractical to use systems designed for thyroxine detection in human sera on their veterinary patients. Their newly developed, simple yet sensitive radioimmunoassay is presented here and further outlined in the accompanying table. Successfully performed on 500 canine patients, this radio‐immunoassay features the use of T4 standards prepared with T4‐free serum, I125 thyroxine with a very high specific activity, and specific antiserum for thyroxine, previously titered to give 50% binding of radioactive T4 in the test system. Polyethylene glycol is used to separate the bound and free radioactive T4, resulting in a procedure which can be performed rapidly at room temperature.
Serum Alkaline Phosphatase in Pregnant Mares
Authors: Meuten Donald J. , Kociba Gary , Threlfall Walter R. , Nagode Larry A.
Published: February 2009

Serum alkaline phosphatase was measured in ten mares during various stages of gestation. No significant change in serum alkaline phosphatase activity was detected during pregnancy. These data suggest that interpretation of serum alkaline phosphatase in horses can be made independently of their pregnancy status.
Determination of Canine Factor VIII‐related Antigen Using Commercial Antihuman F VIII Serum
Authors: Johnstone I.B. , Crane S.
Published: February 2009

Factor Vlll‐related antigen (F Vlll:AGN) in 21 canine plasma samples was assayed by immunoelectrophoresis using a rabbit anti‐canine F VIII serum prepared from a canine F VIII concentrate and a commercial rabbit antihuman F VIII serum. A good correlation existed (r value 0.916) between the antigen levels obtained using the two sera.

In normal dogs the plasma F VIII. AG/V level was 95 ± 39% (Mean ± SD) compared to 175 ± 40% in dogs with severe hemophilia A and 17 ± 15% in dogs with von Willebrand's disease.

It was concluded that there was sufficient cross reactivity between canine F VIII and commercial rabbit antihuman F VIII serum to make the latter useful in the differential diagnosis of F VIII deficiencies in the dog.
The Anemia of Chronic Renal Failure Revisited
Authors: Easley J. Roger
Published: February 2009

The mechanisms of the anemia of chronic renal failure are reviewed. Ineffective erythro‐poiesis is undoubtedly the major cause of this anemia. The contributions of inadequate erythropoietin secretion by the diseased kidneys, suppressive effects of uremic “toxins” on erythropoiesis and red cell survival, excess blood loss, and plasma concentrations of parathyroid hormone, calcium and phosphate are discussed.
Evaluation of a Commercial Kit for Measurement of Glycosylated Hemoglobin in Canine Blood
Authors: Mahaffey Edward A. , Cornelius L.M.
Published: February 2009

Total glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1) was measured in canine blood samples by conventional macrocolumn ion exchange chro‐matography and with a commercial glycosylated hemoglobin kit. The two methods correlated well (r=0.94, p < 0.001) and the reproducibility of the kit method was good. The commercial kit method is recommended for measurement of HbA1in canine blood.
Hepatic Bilirubin‐IX‐ α ‐Glycosyltransferase Activities in Animals Excreting Primarily Biliverdin into Bile
Authors: Cornelius Charles E.
Published: February 2009

A wide variation was observed in hepatic bilirubin‐IX‐α undine diphosphate (UDP) glu‐curonyl, glucosyl and xylosyl transferase activities among yellow rat snakes, pin fish, chickens, turkeys, sea turtles, alligators, nutria and rats. Lower hepatic enzyme activities were observed in fish, snakes, turtles, and avian species with intermediate enzyme activities present in the livers of nutria and alligators. Hepatic glycosyltransferase activities were greater in the biliverdin‐excreting species which are known to excrete readily an exogenous bilirubin load. Hepatic enzyme activities and the biliary transport maxima of bilirubin‐IX‐α are closely correlated.
Effect of Sample Preparation on Basophilic Stippling in Bovine Blood Smears
Authors: George Jeanne Wright , Duncan J. Robert
Published: February 2009

The effect of sample preparation on the amount of basophilic stippling of erythro‐cytes (BSE) was studied using blood from a calf with chronic experimental lead poisoning. The combination of EDTA anticoagulation and rapid drying of the blood smear resulted in the most BSE. Alcohol prefixation reduced BSE. Wright‐Leishman stain was better than Wright stain in demonstrating BSE.
Myeloproliferative Disease with Megakaryocytic Predominance in a Dog with Occult Dirofilariasis
Authors: Harvey John W. , Henderson Carl W. , French Tracy W. , Meyer Dennis J.
Published: February 2009

A 7‐year‐old male German Shepherd dog with a history of lethargy, weight loss and severe anemia was referred to the University of Florida Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for examination. Abnormal laboratory findings included a normocytic and normo‐chromic anemia, thrombocytosis, eosino‐philia, basophilia and hyperproteinemia. An increased pulmonary density in the caudal lung lobes was observed on thoracic radiographs. Bone marrow aspiration and core biopsy revealed a hypercellular bone marrow with increased numbers of unidentified blast cells and bizarre megakaryocyte proliferation. Circulating microfilariae were not present in the blood, but serum examined by immunofluorescence was strongly positive for antibodies against Dirofilaria immitis microfilariae. A diagnosis of myeloproliferative disease with megakaryocytic predominance and occult dirofilariasis was made.
Analysis of Equine Thoracic Fluid
Authors: Wagner >A.E , Bennett D.G.
Published: February 2009

Eighteen clinically normal horses were used to study the characteristics of normal thoracic fluid. Thoracic fluid was obtained from each horse and was found to be similar to equine abdominal fluid. Total leukocytes averaged 3994/μl, total protein 1.8 g/dl, and specific gravity 1.015. Analysis of thoracic fluid from 16 horses with clinical signs of thoracic disease showed abnormalities in every case. Thoracic fluid analysis alone determined a specific diagnosis in 50% of the cases.
The Qualitative Analysis of Canine Immunoglobulins and Myeloma Proteins by Immunofixation
Authors: Jacobs Robert M.
Published: February 2009

The technique of immunofixation was used to locate the immunoglobulin species in canine sera following agarose electro‐phoresis. The myeloma proteins in two dogs were identified as immunoglobulin G, and a polyclonal gammopathy was characterized by this method.
Hematology of the West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus)
Authors: Medway W. , Black D.J. , Rathbun G.B.
Published: February 2009

Hemograms on blood obtained from 10 clinically normal West Indian Manatees (Trichechus manatus) were studied. The red cells were large and in lower number than in most terrestrial species. The manatee does not have a neutrophil as is present in most species, but it has a heterophil whose granules stain pink with the Wright‐Giemsa stain.

The eosinophil has uniform red‐staining granules that make its differentiation from hetero‐phils difficult. Both large and small lymphocytes, monocytes and basophils are present. The total number of white blood cells was comparable to that of common domestic species as were the platelet numbers. No re‐ticulocytes were found.
Isoamylases in Clinically Normal and Diseased Dogs
Authors: Jacobs Robert M. , Hall Robert L. , Rogers William A.
Published: February 2009

Isoamylases in normal canine sera were separated on cellulose acetate membranes using a discontinuous buffer system without EDTA. Four peaks of amylase activity were present in 17 of 24 sera. Normal values were established. The majority of activity was present in Peak 4 (cathodal isoamylase). Tissue extracts of pancreas, duodenum, kidney, lung, testis, spleen and uterus‐ovaries contained Peak 4 isoamylase. Liver and salivary gland lacked ail isoamylase activity. Pancreas contained Peak 3 in addition to Peak 4 isoamylase. A tissue origin for Peaks 1 and 2 was not identified. An overall lack of resolution resulted from the inclusion of EDTA in the electrophoresis buffer system. This may account for previous findings suggesting that pancreatic amylase is not present in normal canine serum. An increase in the Peak 3 isoamylase was present in dogs with pancreatitis while dogs with pancreatic atrophy had a decrease in all isoamylases. Total amylase activity was significantly (p ≪ 0.05) decreased in dogs with pancreatic atrophy.
Superoxide, Superoxide Dismutase and the Respiratory Burst
Authors: Bender Holly S. , Chickering William R.
Published: February 2009

Phagocytes undergo a sharp burst of oxygen consumption when engulfing bacteria. This oxygen is enzymatically reduced to toxic metabolites which are essential to the bactericidal action of the cell. Oxygen metabolites formed in this burst as well as other intermediates formed in biological reduction reactions do not selectively reserve their toxicity for microorganisms. Cells help to guard their organelles against the toxic effects of oxygen by producing intracellular enzymes such as superoxide dismutase. Though superoxide dismutase is found in relatively high concentrations inside cells, there are only small amounts in extracellular fluids. This may account for some of the local tissue damage surrounding aggregates of neutrophils in inflammatory reactions. A pharmacological preparation of superoxide dismutase has shown efficacy in preventing some of the pathological changes seen in degenerative arthritis.
“Flaming” Plasma Cells in a Dog with IgA Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Zinkl Joseph G. , LeCouteur Richard A. , Davis David C. , Saunders Geoffrey K.
Published: February 2009

Multiple myeloma with “flaming” plasma cell infiltration of the bone marrow was found in an 8‐year‐old Shetland sheepdog. Immuno‐electrophoresis results indicated that the myeloma protein was IgA. Flaming plasma cells frequently have been associated with human IgA myeloma.
Congenital Lipoprotein Lipase Deficiency in Hyperlipemic Kitten Siblings
Authors: Bauer John E. , Verlander Jill W
Published: February 2009

The nature of the hyperlipemia in two 3‐week‐old male kittens, one of which was presented with the owner's complaints of retarded growth and white streaks on its eyes, was studied. Hypertriglyceridemia, hyper‐cholesterolemia, and reduced Post‐Heparin Plasma Lipolytic Activities (PHPLA) were observed in both animals. One of the kittens, however, was more severely affected and in addition, had lipemia retinalis and a marked lactescent, hyperchylomicronemic serum in spite of a short‐term fast before sampling. These findings are strikingly similar to those found in human Type I hyperlipoproteinemia due to familial Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL) deficiency. Diagnosis of persistent hyperlipemic syndromes in kittens should include the possibility of LPL deficiency as determined by PHPLA measurements.
Multiple Cytopenias Associated with Monocytic Proliferation in a Dog
Authors: Hirsch V.M. , Mitcham S.A. , Dunn J.K.
Published: February 2009

An unusual combination of blood cytopenias and monocytic proliferation was observed in a dog. Initial hematologic findings included severe thrombocytopenia, neutro‐penia, mild nonregenerative anemia and apparently normal bone marrow. Subsequently, a severe persistent monocytosis developed and the bone marrow became populated with monocytes and cytophagic macrophages. Splenomegaly was due to reticuloendothelial hyperplasia and extramedullary hematopoie‐sis. Treatment consisted of splenectomy and azathioprine but the response was poor and the dog was euthanized. Postmortem examination revealed a hypocellular bone marrow which contained moderate numbers of monocytes and plasma cells. Neoplastic proliferation was absent in visceral organs. No definite diagnosis was established; chronic blood cell consumption, perhaps immune‐mediated, may have been responsible for the extensive reticuloendothelial hyperplasia and cytophagia.
Effect of EDTA on Morphology of Neutrophils of Healthy Dogs and Dogs with Inflammation
Authors: Gossett Kent A. , Carakostas Michael C.
Published: February 2009

Increased basophilia and foamy vacu‐olation in the cytoplasm of neutrophils in smears made within 1 hour of blood collection suggest inflammatory disease. Due to the mild increase in foamy vacuolation which occurred with time in EDTA, the significance of mildly vacuolated neutrophils in smears prepared a few hours after blood collection is questionable. However, moderate or severe foamy vacuolation should be considered clinically significant.

In vitro morphologic changes in neutrophils from healthy dogs in EDTA include clear, discrete vacuoles in the cytoplasm, uneven distribution of cytoplasmic granules, irregular cell membrane and pyknosis. These neutrophils generally lack basophilia, have minimal foamy vacuolation of the cytoplasm and are morphologically different from neutrophils associated with severe inflammation.
Uniform Evaluation and Semiquantitative Reporting of Hematologic Data in Veterinary Laboratories
Authors: Weiss Douglas J.
Published: February 2009

A protocol was presented for uniform evaluation and reporting of hematologic data in veterinary clinical laboratories. The protocol was used in the Clinical Pathology Labora‐tory at Michigan State University for 2 years and was found to improve the recognition and quantification of morphologic changes in blood smears.
The Effect of Three Phlebotomy Techniques on Hematological and Clinical Chemical Evaluation in Sprague‐Dawley Rats
Authors: Suber Robert L. , Kodell Ralph L.
Published: February 2009

The effects of three phlebotomy techniques — periorbital sinus puncture, tail vein incision and cardiac puncture — were determined on seven hematological parameters and seven clinical chemical parameters in female Sprague‐Dawley rats. The mean er‐ythrocyte count, leukocyte count, hemoglobin and hematocrit were reduced with cardiac puncture as compared to the other two techniques. There was a statistically significant increase in the variance of each of these parameters except the leukocyte count. The mean serum lactate dehydrogen‐ase, aspartate animotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma‐glutamyl transfer‐ase and creatinine were greater in samples collected by cardiac puncture than with the periorbital sinus and tail vein techniques. A statistically significant difference in variance was observed between the orbital sinus puncture and the cardiac puncture for each of these parameters. In all cases except lactate dehydrogenase, the values from the orbital sinus and tail vein techniques were comparable for both hematology and clinical chemistry. A large variance was found by all three techniques for both alkaline phos‐phatase and lactate dehydrogenase in the rat. Over 60% of the serum samples were hemolyzed from the cardiac puncture technique while approximately 25% of the serum samples from tail vein incision were hemolyzed. In this laboratory the lack of hemolysis and the lower variance make the periorbital sinus venipuncture technique the method of choice for collection of blood samples from rats.
Renal Percent Clearance Ratios in Cattle
Authors: Neiger R.D. , Hagemoser W.A.
Published: February 2009

Renal percent clearance ratios for various electrolytes were determined on nine clinically normal Holstein heifers. Endogenous creatinine serum and urine levels were used to calculate the ratios. The average percent clearance ratios and standard deviations of Na, K, Cl, P, and Ca were 1.97±0.63, 49.3± 9.2, 3.16±1.12, 15.6±14.3, and 1.38 ±1.41, respectively. The correlation between Na and Cl percent clearance ratios within a sample was 0.92. A very strong direct correlation of urine creatinine and urine specific gravity was demonstrated.
Pathologic Sideroblasts and Siderocytes Associated with Chloramphenicol Therapy in a Dog
Authors: Harvey John W. , Wolfsheimer Karen J. , Simpson Charles F. , French Tracy W.
Published: February 2009

Siderotic granules were recognized in blood erythrocytes from a male Boxer dog with suppurative prostatitis, cystitis and pyelonephritis that was being given high dosage chloramphenicol therapy. Siderotic inclusions were recognized in the cytoplasm of 96% of the rubricytes and metarubricytes in a bone marrow aspirate. Siderotic inclusions were numerous and in some cases formed a ring around the nucleus. This peri‐nuclear location suggested that pathologic mitochondrial iron accumulation had occurred, resulting in the formation of “ringed” sideroblasts. The occurrence of pathologic sideroblasts was confirmed by electron microscopy. Blood siderocytes and bone marrow sideroblasts disappeared after cessation of chloramphenicol therapy.
Sizing of Animal Erythrocytes Using Sulfate Based Diluent
Authors: Weiser M. G.
Published: February 2009

Sulfate based cell counting diluent and human erythrocyte size standards were evaluated for electronically sizing erythrocytes of common domestic species. Mean differences between calculated and human cell referenced electronic mean corpuscular volume values were 0, 0.4, 0.8, and 2.1 fl for blood of dogs, horses, cats, and cows, respectively. These differences were statistically significant only for the cat (p = 0.029) and cow (p = 0.0002). Electronic mean corpuscular volume was measured on multiple lots of human cell control material following calibration with human cells and cells of each of the four species. There were no significant differences between assigned assay values and direct measurements at each calibration (F = 0.14, df = 29). Sulfate based diluent, used on some automated cell counting systems, appears suitable for sizing animal erythrocytes and commercially available human cell standards are appropriate for calibration of certain systems used in veterinary hematology.
Cytochemical Reactions in Cells from Leukemic Cats
Authors: Grindem Carol B. , Stevens Jerry B. , Perman Victor
Published: February 2009

Cytochemical staining for leukocyte alkaline phosphatase (LAP), nonspecific esterase (NSE), nonspecific esterase with fluoride inhibition (NSE‐F), periodic acid Schiff (PAS) reactivity, and peroxidase (PO) was valuable in identification of the neoplastic cell type in 10 leukemic cats. Staining both blood and bone marrow smears was often necessary for making the correct diagnosis. Cytochemical staining resulted in changing the morphologic diagnosis of leukemia in two of the 10 cats. Also, increased LAP activity, probably a marker for myelocytic leukemia in the cat, was observed in bone marrow cells from three nonleukemic, FeLV‐positivecats.
Screening Coagulation Tests in the Cat: Reference Values Based on Direct Venipuncture and Catheterized Samples
Authors: Killingsworth Cheryl R. , Weiss Douglas J. , Eyster G.E. , Bartlett Paul C. , Bell T.G.
Published: February 2009

Platelet count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen degradation products, fibrinogen, and modified thrombin time were determined in 46 healthy adult cats. Samples were obtained by direct venipuncture (pet cats, n = 20) or through an 18 gauge intravenous jugular catheter (laboratory conditioned cats, n ‐ 26). Range, mean, standard error, and 95% confidence interval were tabulated for the 2 samples. A statistically significant difference between the two groups of cats (Student's t test, p < .05) was found for fibrinogen. No statistical difference was detected between the two groups of cats for the other laboratory values.
Cytochemical Properties of Chicken Blood Cells Resembling Both Thrombocytes and Lymphocytes
Authors: Swayne David E. , Stockham Steven L. , S.Johnson Gary
Published: February 2009

Generally accepted criteria were used to identify typical nucleated thrombocytes and typical small lymphocytes in chicken‐blood smears subjected to modified‐Wright staining. Other cells, here referred to as “intermediate cells,” were difficult to classify because in some aspects they resembled thrombocytes while they also had features typical of small lymphocytes. The “intermediate cells” had small, round or oval nuclei with coarsely condensed chromatin, characteristic of both thrombocytes and small lymphocytes. In addition, “intermediate cells” had moderately abundant cytoplasmic volumes, typical of thrombocytes but blue cytoplasm lacking both granules and vacuoles, which is characteristic of small lymphocytes. It made little difference to the thrombocyte count whether these cells were classified as thrombocytes or small lymphocytes; however, this decision made a substantial difference to the lymphocyte count in some chicken‐blood smears.

Most “intermediate cells” (351 of 410 cells examined) were nonfluorescent after treatment with formaldehyde gas. Furthermore, most “intermediate cells” failed to acquire characteristic pigments when subjected to either Grimelius staining (179 of 204 cells examined) or periodic acid‐Schiff staining (173 of 206 cells examined). Typical small lymphocytes reacted in the same way, failing to fluoresce after gaseous formaldehyde treatment(65 of 65 cells examined) and failing to react during Grimelius staining (41 of 44 cells examined) or periodic acid‐Schiff staining (21 of 21 cells examined). In contrast, almost all typical thrombocytes became fluorescent in response to gaseous formaldehyde (709 of 718 cells examined) and gave positive reactions when subjected to Grimelius staining (381 of 382 cells examined) or periodic acid‐Schiff staining (322 of 326 cells examined). These findings suggested that “intermediate cells” should be classified as lymphocytes in differential cell counts.