bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Disappearance of Disney Animated Propaganda: A Globalization Perspective
Authors: Raiti Gerard C.
Published: June 2007

This article examines Disney animated propaganda of the 1940s from the perspective of globalization literature, media studies, sociology and communication studies. Using examples from September 11 and the War in Iraq, the author shows how changes in media corporations, technologies and politics have limited the use of animated propaganda since the Second World War. One of the factors influencing this change is the absence of a mass audience caused by the fragmentation and proliferation of media from cinema to television to the internet. In addition, electronic communication is facilitating a more democratic exchange of information, thus reducing the influence of nation-states over their citizens. Animated propaganda exists today in other forms such as simulations on news broadcasts and internet caricatures, and adopts a more grass-roots approach on mainstream websites and cable television channels.
The Impossibly Real: Green Belting the Imaginary
Authors: Hardstaff Johnny
Published: June 2007

Before we have explored what CGI (computer generated imagery) technology can really do, it seems that CGI technology is exploring what we can do. Animation is being used within corporate advertising to render the visual obsolete as a medium for the conveyance of messages of emotional or intellectual value.
Point mutations involved in red cell stomatocytosis convert the electroneutral anion exchanger 1 to a nonselective cation conductance
Authors: Guizouarn Hélène , Martial Sonia , Gabillat Nicole , Borgese Franck
Published: June 2007

The anion exchanger 1 (AE1) is encoded by the SLC4A1 gene and catalyzes the electroneutral anion exchange across cell plasma membrane. It is the most abundant transmembrane protein expressed in red cell where it is involved in CO2 transport. Recently, 4 new point mutations of SLC4A1 gene have been described leading to missense mutations in the protein sequence (L687P, D705Y, S731P, or H734R). These point mutations were associated with hemolytic anemia, and it was shown that they confer a cation transport feature to the human AE1. Facing this unexpected property for an electroneutral anion exchanger, we have studied the transport features of mutated hAE1 by expression in xenopus oocytes. Our results show that the point mutations of hAE1 convert the electroneutral anion exchanger to a cation conductance: the exchangers are no longer able to exchange Cl− and HCO3−, whereas they transport Na+ and K+ through a conductive mechanism. These data shed new light on transport mechanisms showing the tiny difference, in terms of primary sequence, between an electroneutral exchange and a conductive pathway.
Replacement of the essential Dictyostelium Arp2 gene by its Entamoeba homologue using parasexual genetics
Authors: Zaki Mehreen , King Jason , Fütterer Klaus , Insall Robert H
Published: June 2007

Background

Cell motility is an essential feature of the pathogenesis and morbidity of amoebiasis caused byEntamoeba histolytica. As motility depends on cytoskeletal organisation and regulation, a study of the molecular components involved is key to a better understanding of amoebic pathogenesis. However, little is known about the physiological roles, interactions and regulation of the proteins of theEntamoebacytoskeleton.

Results

We have established a genetic strategy that uses parasexual genetics to allow essentialDictyostelium discoideumgenes to be manipulated and replaced with modified or tagged homologues. Our results show that actin related protein 2 (Arp2) is essential for survival, but that theDictyosteliumprotein can be complemented byE. histolyticaArp2, despite the presence of an insertion of 16 amino acids in an otherwise highly conserved protein. Replacement of endogenous Arp2 withmyc-taggedEntamoebaorDictyosteliumArp2 has no obvious effects on growth and the protein incorporates effectively into the Arp2/3 complex.

Conclusion

We have established an effective two-step method for replacing genes that are required for survival. Our protocol will allow such genes to be studied far more easily, and also allows an unambiguous demonstration that particular genes are truly essential. In addition, cells in which theDictyosteliumArp2 has been replaced by theEntamoebaprotein are potential targets for drug screens.
Sensitive and robust gene expression changes in fish exposed to estrogen – a microarray approach
Authors: Gunnarsson Lina , Kristiansson Erik , Förlin Lars , Nerman Olle , Larsson D G Joakim
Published: June 2007

Background

Vitellogenin is a well established biomarker for estrogenic exposure in fish. However, effects on gonadal differentiation at concentrations of estrogen not sufficient to give rise to a measurable vitellogenin response suggest that more sensitive biomarkers would be useful. Induction of zona pellucida genes may be more sensitive but their specificities are not as clear. The objective of this study was to find additional sensitive and robust candidate biomarkers of estrogenic exposure.

Results

Hepatic mRNA expression profiles were characterized in juvenile rainbow trout exposed to a measured concentration of 0.87 and 10 ng ethinylestradiol/L using a salmonid cDNA microarray. The higher concentration was used to guide the subsequent identification of generally more subtle responses at the low concentration not sufficient to induce vitellogenin. A meta-analysis was performed with data from the present study and three similar microarray studies using different fish species and platforms. Within the generated list of presumably robust responses, several well-known estrogen-regulated genes were identified. Two genes, confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR), fulfilled both the criteria of high sensitivity and robustness; the induction of the genes encoding zona pellucida protein 3 and a nucleoside diphosphate kinase (nm23).

Conclusion

The cross-species, cross-platform meta-analysis correctly identified several robust responses. This adds confidence to our approach used for identifying candidate biomarkers. Specifically, we propose that analyses of an nm23 gene together with zona pellucida genes may increase the possibilities to detect an exposure to low levels of estrogenic compounds in fish.
Cytokine responses of CD4+ T cells during a Plasmodium chabaudi chabaudi (ER) blood-stage infection in mice initiated by the natural route of infection
Authors: Fonseca Luis , Seixas Elsa , Butcher Geoffrey , Langhorne Jean
Published: June 2007

Background

Investigation of host responses to blood stages of Plasmodium spp, and the immunopathology associated with this phase of the life cycle are often performed on mice infected directly with infected red blood cells. Thus, the effects of mosquito bites and the pre-erythrocytic stages of the parasite, which would be present in natural infection, are ignored In this paper,Plasmodium chabaudi chabaudiinfections of mice injected directly with infected red blood cells were compared with those of mice infected by the bites of infected mosquitoes, in order to determine whether the courses of primary infection and splenic CD4 T cell responses are similar.

Methods

C57Bl/6 mice were injected with red blood cells infected withP. chabaudi(ER) or infected via the bite ofAnopheles stephensimosquitoes. Parasitaemia were monitored by Giemsa-stained thin blood films. Total spleen cells, CD4+ T cells, and cytokine production (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10) were analysed by flow cytometry. In some experiments, mice were subjected to bites of uninfected mosquitoes prior to infectious bites in order to determine whether mosquito bitesper secould affect a subsequentP. chabaudiinfection.

Results

P. chabaudi(ER) infections initiated by mosquito bite were characterized by lower parasitaemia of shorter duration than those observed after direct blood challenge. However, splenomegaly was comparable suggesting that parasitaemia alone does not account for the increase in spleen size. Total numbers of CD4 T cells and those producing IFN-γ, IL-10 and IL-2 were reduced in comparison to direct blood challenge. By contrast, the reduction in IL-4 producing cells was less marked suggesting that there is a proportionally lower Th1-like response in mice infected via infectious mosquitoes. Strikingly, pre-exposure to bites of uninfected mosquitoes reduced the magnitude and duration of the subsequent mosquito-transmitted infection still further, but enhanced the response of CD4 T cells producing IFN-γ and IL-4.

Conclusion

The data in this paper suggest that studying early host responses in blood stage malaria infections measured after direct blood challenge of mice may not completely reflect the natural situation, and more detailed investigations of blood-stage immunity after mosquito transmission in experimental models should be considered.
Identification of novel androgen receptor target genes in prostate cancer
Authors: Jariwala Unnati , Prescott Jennifer , Jia Li , Barski Artem , Pregizer Steve , Cogan Jon P , Arasheben Armin , Tilley Wayne D , Scher Howard I , Gerald William L , Buchanan Grant , Coetzee Gerhard A , Frenkel Baruch
Published: June 2007

Background

The androgen receptor (AR) plays critical roles in both androgen-dependent and castrate-resistant prostate cancer (PCa). However, little is known about AR target genes that mediate the receptor's roles in disease progression.

Results

Using Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) Display, we discovered 19 novel loci occupied by the AR in castrate resistant C4-2B PCa cells. Only four of the 19 AR-occupied regions were within 10-kb 5'-flanking regulatory sequences. Three were located up to 4-kb 3' of the nearest gene, eight were intragenic and four were in gene deserts. Whereas the AR occupied the same loci in C4-2B (castrate resistant) and LNCaP (androgen-dependent) PCa cells, differences between the two cell lines were observed in the response of nearby genes to androgens. Among the genes strongly stimulated by DHT in C4-2B cells – D-dopachrome tautomerase (DDT), Protein kinase C delta (PRKCD), Glutathione S- transferase theta 2 (GSTT2), Transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 3 (TRPV3), and Pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1 (PYCR1) – most were less strongly or hardly stimulated in LNCaP cells. Another AR target gene, ornithine aminotransferase (OAT), was AR-stimulated in a ligand-independent manner, since it was repressed by AR siRNA knockdown, but not stimulated by DHT. We also present evidence for in vivo AR-mediated regulation of several genes identified by ChIP Display. For example, PRKCD and PYCR1, which may contribute to PCa cell growth and survival, are expressed in PCa biopsies from primary tumors before and after ablation and in metastatic lesions in a manner consistent with AR-mediated stimulation.

Conclusion

AR genomic occupancy is similar between LNCaP and C4-2B cells and is not biased towards 5' gene flanking sequences. The AR transcriptionally regulates less than half the genes nearby AR-occupied regions, usually but not always, in a ligand-dependent manner. Most are stimulated and a few are repressed. In general, response is stronger in C4-2B compared to LNCaP cells. Some of the genes near AR-occupied regions appear to be regulated by the AR in vivo as evidenced by their expression levels in prostate cancer tumors of various stages. Several AR target genes discovered in the present study, for example PRKCD and PYCR1, may open avenues in PCa research and aid the development of new approaches for disease management.
Molecular response to aromatase inhibitor treatment in primary breast cancer
Authors: Mackay Alan , Urruticoechea Ander , Dixon J Michael , Dexter Tim , Fenwick Kerry , Ashworth Alan , Drury Suzanne , Larionov Alexey , Young Oliver , White Sharon , Miller William R , Evans Dean B , Dowsett Mitch
Published: June 2007

Background

Aromatase inhibitors such as anastrozole and letrozole are highly effective suppressants of estrogen synthesis in postmenopausal women and are the most effective endocrine treatments for hormone receptor positive breast cancer in such women. Little is known of the molecular effects of these agents on human breast carcinomas in vivo.

Methods

We randomly assigned primary estrogen receptor positive breast cancer patients to treatment with anastrozole or letrozole for 2 weeks before surgery. Expression profiling using cDNA arrays was conducted on pretreatment and post-treatment biopsies. Sample pairs from 34 patients provided sufficient RNA for analysis.

Results

Profound changes in gene expression were seen with both aromatase inhibitors, including many classical estrogen-dependent genes such as TFF1, CCND1, PDZK1 and AGR2, but also many other genes that are likely to represent secondary responses; decrease in the expression of proliferation-related genes were particularly prominent. Many upregulated genes are involved in extracellular matrix remodelling, including collagens and members of the small leucine-rich proteoglycan family (LUM, DCN, and ASPN). No significant differences were seen between letrozole and anastrozole in terms of molecular effects. The gene changes were integrated into a Global Index of Dependence on Estrogen (GIDE), which enumerates the genes changing by at least twofold with therapy. The GIDE varied markedly between tumours and related significantly to pretreatment levels of HER2 and changes in immunohistochemically detected Ki67.

Conclusion

Our findings identify the transcriptional signatures associated with aromatase inhibitor treatment of primary breast tumours. Larger datasets using this approach should enable identification of estrogen-dependent molecular changes, which are the determinants of benefit or resistance to endocrine therapy.
RAD marker microarrays enable rapid mapping of zebrafish mutations
Authors: Miller Michael R , Atwood Tressa S , Eames B Frank , Eberhart Johann K , Yan Yi-Lin , Postlethwait John H , Johnson Eric A
Published: June 2007

We constructed a restriction site associated DNA (RAD) marker microarray to facilitate rapid genetic mapping of zebrafish mutations. Using these microarrays with a bulk segregant approach, we localized previously unmapped mutations to genomic regions just a few centiMorgans in length. Furthermore, we developed an approach to assay individual RAD markers in pooled populations and refined one region. The RAD approach is highly effective for genetic mapping in zebrafish and is an attractive option for mapping in other organisms.
AMP1andMPantagonistically regulate embryo and meristem development inArabidopsis
Authors: Vidaurre Danielle P. , Ploense Sara , Krogan Naden T. , Berleth Thomas
Published: June 2007

AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR (ARF)-mediated signaling conveys positional information during embryonic and postembryonic organogenesis and mutations in MONOPTEROS (MP/ARF5) result in severe patterning defects during embryonic and postembryonic development. Here we show that MP patterning activity is largely dispensable when the presumptive carboxypeptidase ALTERED MERISTEM PROGRAM 1 (AMP1) is not functional, indicating that MP is primarily necessary to counteract AMP1 activity. Closer inspection of the single and double mutant phenotypes reveals antagonistic influences of both genes on meristematic activities throughout the Arabidopsis life cycle. In the absence of MP activity, cells in apical meristems and along the paths of procambium formation acquire differentiated identities and this is largely dependent on differentiation-promoting AMP1 activity. Positions of antagonistic interaction between MP and AMP1 coincide with MP expression domains within the larger AMP1 expression domain. These observations suggest a model in which auxin-derived positional information through MP carves out meristematic niches by locally overcoming a general differentiation-promoting activity involving AMP1.
Observations on the occurrence of mycoplasmas in the central nervous system of some laboratory animals
Authors: Taylor-Robinson D. , Furr P. M.
Published: June 2007

Mycoplasma pulmonis was isolated from the brains of 6 (23%) of 26 mice which had a naturally-occurring respiratory infection with this mycoplasma, and from the brains of 6 (8%) of 71 mice which had been inoculated intranasally or intravenously. The incidence of natural infection was greater in older mice, but there was no obvious mouse strain difference except for higher incidence in athymic nudes. There was no evidence that the organisms passed the blood-brain barrier. Some isolations, especially from nudes, may have been extraneous contaminants, as these were fewer when the mouse skulls were sterilized with ignited methanol. M. pneumoniae was not isolated from the brains of 14 hamsters which had a respiratory infection after intranasal inoculation nor were ureaplasmas isolated from the cerebrospinal fluids of 12 marmosets with a natural oropharyngeal infection. The aetiology of M. pneumoniae encephalitis in man is discussed.
Establishment of a breeding colony of stumptailed monkeys (Macaca arctoides)
Authors: Chamove Arnold S.
Published: June 2007

A breeding colony of 27 female and 4 male stumptailed monkeys was established in a 300 m2 laboratory. More than 80 infants were born over 6 years.
Biochemical analyses of EDTA extracts and collagenase digests from bone and skin of Wistar rats
Authors: Mbuyi J. M. , Dequeker J.
Published: June 2007

Using EDTA extraction and collagenase digestion, rat bone and rat skin were compared in terms of their content of hydroxyproline, hexoses, uronic acid, sialic acid and plasma proteins. The collagen content of the organic matrix from both tissues was similar. Greater differences were observed in the sialic acid and uronic acid content of the matrix, bone containing higher amounts; smaller differences were found in the levels of hexoses, albumin, IgG and α1 acid-glycoprotein, which are higher in EDTA extracts from bone. The DEAE-cellulose chromatography of the EDTA extracts and soluble collagenase digests indicated the presence of a variety of glycoproteins and a proteoglycan fraction. An acidic glycoprotein, corresponding to sialoprotein, was present in bone but not in skin extracts.
Malignant schwannoma of the dorsal spinal nerve root in a laboratory rat
Authors: Abbott D. P.
Published: June 2007

A malignant schwannoma arising in a dorsal spinal nerve root is described in a 79-week old male CD1 (Sprague-Dawley) rat. The neoplasm had invaded the spinal cord and caused posterior paralysis.
A study of chronic pneumonia in a guineapig colony with enzootic Bordetella bronchiseptica infection
Authors: Baskerville Margaret , Baskerville A. , Wood Margery
Published: June 2007

Three types of lesion were present in the lungs of guinea pigs with chronic pneumonia - pulmonary interstitial fibrosis, perivascular lymphoid hyperplasia and foreign body granulomas. Bordetella bronchiseptica was present in the nasopharynx, trachea and lungs of a high proportion of animals from 4 weeks old, and antibodies to this organism were also found. Animals removed at 4 days old and reared in isolation from the main colony and free from B. bronchiseptica developed similar lung lesions, so that B. bronchiseptica appeared to have no causative role in these forms of chronic pneumonia.
The effect of measles vaccination in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: MacArthur Judy A. , Mann P. G. , Oreffo V. , Scott G. B. D.
Published: June 2007

30 rhesus monkeys ( Macaca mulatta), born into a breeding colony, received measles vaccination when aged between 3 and 26 months; 28 of them were re-vaccinated 5 to 7 months later. Measles virus antibody was measured by haemagglutination-inhibition at the time of each vaccination and again 3 to 6 weeks later. Only 2 out of 9 animals aged less than 6 months responded to vaccination, whereas 10 out of 14 older animals showed 4-fold or greater rises. Re-vaccination of the younger group when aged 8 to 10 months resulted in a marked rise in antibody.
Tail lesions in C3H/He mice
Authors: Koopman J. P. , Van Der Logt J. T. M. , Mullink J. W. M. A. , Heessen F. W. A. , Stadhouders A. M. , Kennis H. M. , Van Der Gulden W. J. I.
Published: June 2007

C3H/He mice obtained from different suppliers developed tail lesions shortly after arrival. Histologically no inclusion bodies could be shown. A serological survey of diseased mice was negative for those viruses which may cause skin lesions. The disease could not be transmitted to healthy mice and no virus could be cultured from the skin lesions. It is concluded that the syndrome was induced by stress, in this case transport from the United Kingdom to the Netherlands.
Vertical transmission of Bacillus piliformis infection (Tyzzer's disease) in a guineapig: case report
Authors: Boot R. , Walvoort H. C.
Published: June 2007

Tyzzer's disease ( Bacillus pilifarmis infection) was diagnosed at necropsy in a hysterectomy-derived, gnotobiotically reared guinea pig. This is the first description of spontaneous vertical, presumably transplacental, transmission of B. pilifarmis infection. Subsequent horizontal transmission of the infection was concluded from the presence of specific anti- B. pilifarmis antibodies in the sera from guineapigs originating from different litters but reared in the same isolator.
'Normalization' of germfree mice with anaerobically cultured caecal flora of 'normal' mice
Authors: Koopman J. P. , Kennis Henriëtte M. , Mullink J. W. M. A. , Prins R. A. , Stadhouders A. M. , De Boer H. , Hectors Magda P.
Published: June 2007

Germfree (GF) mice were inoculated with a cultured flora from 10-1, 10-3, 10-5, and 10-7 dilutions of caecal contents from a 'normal' mouse. GF mice associated with a flora of a 'normal' mouse served as controls. The following intestinal parameters were determined: Colonization resistance (CR), Relative caecal weight (RCW), villus:crypt ratio (jejunum and ileum), IgA-producing cells (jejunum and ileum), ß-aspartyl glycine (faeces), volatile and non-volatile fatty acids (caecum) and bile acids (faeces). Only the 10-1 culture was able to induce similar changes in the GF mice to a 'normal' flora. The GF + 10-5 and GF + 10-7 groups deviated markedly from the controls while the GF + 10-3 group showed in general intermediate values between GF + SPF and GF + 10-1 on the one hand and GF + 10-5 and GF + 10-7 on the other hand. ß-aspartyl glycine was present only in the GF + 10-7 group.

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of ileal contents revealed segmented filamentous organisms in the ileum of controls and the GF + 10-1 group. The faecal flora consisted mainly of fusiform organisms. In the faeces of the 10-5 and 10-7 groups increasing amounts of non-bacterial matter were found, while in the faeces of the other groups virtually only bacteria were seen.
Phase relationship of the circadian rhythms of feed intake, caecal motility and production of soft and hard faeces in domestic rabbits
Authors: Hörnicke H. , Ruoff G. , Vogt Barbara , Clauss W. , Ehrlein H.-J.
Published: June 2007

In rabbits kept under 12 : 12 h light conditions, caecal contractions were recorded by implanted strain gauges or induction coils. In animals fed ad libitum caecal contraction frequency varied cyclically in phase with the circadian rhythm of feed intake. Both had their minimum during the time of soft faeces production. Thus all 3 functions seem to depend on the same circadian clock. The close link between caecatrophy and caecal contractions can, however, be upset by either time-restricted feeding or by fasting.
Blood pressure in rats: a comparison of a multifactorial experimental design to measurements in an outbred stock
Authors: Büttner D. , Hackbarth H. , Wollnik F. , Borggreve H.
Published: June 2007

Systolic blood pressure was measured in males of 8 inbred strains and 1 outbred stock of rats 5 times over a period of 20 min on 5 consecutive days. The strain means ranged between 107·9 mmHg and 149·3 mmHg. The estimated variance between strains (V = 248·7 mmHg) was about 5 times higher than the variance within strains (V = 54·3 mmHg). The intraindividual variance within strains was relatively constant (V = 24·0-37·6 mmHg), while the interindividual variance varied to a great extent (V = 4·5-44·5 mmHg) from strain to strain. The outbred stock showed values of blood pressure and components of variance similar to those of a single inbred strain. Thus, by investigation of a battery of 8 inbred strains in a multifactorial experimental design a greater phenotypic variability due to genetic strain differences is achieved than by measurements in a single outbred stock.
Midazolam and fentanyl-fluanisone: assessment of anaesthetic effects in laboratory rodents and rabbits
Authors: Flecknell P. A. , Mitchell M.
Published: June 2007

The anaesthetic effects of a combination of midazolam, a water-soluble benzodiazepine, and fentanyl-fluanisone were assessed in laboratory rodents and rabbits. This combination of drugs produced good surgical anaesthesia in all of the species investigated. An important advantage of the combination was that it could be administered as a single intraperitoneal injection.
Aspiration pneumonia with adenovirus infection in a Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata fuscata)
Authors: Umemura T. , Inagaki H. , Goryo M. , Itakura C.
Published: June 2007

Pneumonia with aspiration of foreign bodies and adenovirus infection was identified in a wild Japanese macaque which died 1 month after capture. The adenovirus infection was considered to be secondary in importance to the pneumonia.
Salmonella ochiogu: experimental infection of laboratory rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Onyekaba C. O.
Published: June 2007

Oral infection with Salmonella ochiogu resulted in the manifestation of clinical salmonellosis in laboratory rabbits. Infection was associated with septicaemia, anaemia and terminal pneumonia. Organisms were excreted in the faeces on the first day post-inoculation, and cultures of most visceral organs revealed widespread dissemination. This serotype appears to be highly pathogenic for rabbits.
Use and misuse of an imprecise concept: alternative methods in animal experiments
Authors: Weihe W. H.
Published: June 2007

The concept of inhumanity of Russell & Burch in 1959 with proposals for human procedures in experiments on animals by way of replacement, reduction and refinement (the 3 R's) and the revival of these by Smyth (1978) as alternatives to animal experiments are presented. Since then under the name 'alternative methods', replacement of in vivo by in vitro methods has found great public attention and promotion. It is argued that alternative methods are a fallacy, because in the progress of research a continual control and reinvestigation of findings on each system level is required until knowledge is complete, which makes in vivo experiments irreplaceable. True alternatives exist only for refinement within a system level. On the level of the organism, refinement would be in the care of animals and experimental procedure through alleviation of stress. The possibilities which refinement offers for animal welfare have been nearly forgotten and need promotion among researchers, animal technicians and attendants.
Palatability and digestibility of soya- and milk proteins in Callithricidae
Authors: Flurer Carola , Krombach F. , Zucker H.
Published: June 2007

4 protein sources were tested for palatability, digestibility, influence on bodyweight and consistency of faeces in Callithrix jacchus and Saguinus fuscicollis. The protein sources were incorporated at crude protein levels of 12, 17 and 22% in a pelleted diet. A banana supplement was also fed which reduced the total protein content to 10·7, 14·7 and 18·3%. The test diets, fed for 3 weeks, were well accepted with the milk proteins being slightly preferred. Consumption of the 12% protein pellets was greater than their 22% equivalents. True protein digestibility was calculated to be 97% for lactalbumin, 96% for casein, 90% for soy protein concentrate and 83% for soyabean meal. Changes in bodyweight were negligible. Dry matter of faeces varied between 25% (lactalbumin diets) and 28% (casein diets), but did not change with increasing protein intake. Increasing levels of cellulose, from 2·4 to 7·2% total crude fibre lowered the apparent protein digestibility from 84·3 to 79·2% and the digestibility of dry matter from 82·2 to 76·5%.
Head tilt in rabbits caused by pasteurellosis and encephalitozoonosis
Authors: Kunstýř I. , Naumann Susanne
Published: June 2007

Rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus) of non-dwarf (Group A) and dwarf (Group B) strains showing a common clinical sign of head tilt (torticollis) were examined. With 1 exception, all rabbits of group A had otitis and empyema of either one or both middle ears. Pasteurella multocida was isolated from pus and from the nose of all but 1 of these rabbits, and on occasion was also isolated from the brain. By contrast in all dwarf rabbits the presence of the protozoan Encephalitozoon cuniculi was confirmed both histologically and serologically. This parasite did not affect the ears of the animals but rather the central nervous system. We assume that the different exposure to both agents, rather than the degree of susceptibility, was responsible for the differences found between the 2 types of rabbits.
Haematology and pathology of captive southern grasshopper mice (Onychomys torridus)
Authors: Swindle M. M. , Hulebak Karen L. , Yarbrough Barbara A.
Published: June 2007

A colony of Onychomys torridus was evaluated for the prevalence of infectious, parasitic and congenital diseases. Multiple limb defects including brachydactyly, syndactyly, and hemimelia were observed in offspring from the colony. The colony was parasitized by Ornithonyssus bacoti (tropical rat mites) on 2 occasions. No infectious diseases were detected. Normal haematologic values were determined in healthy adult animals.
Diet-induced nephrocalcinosis and urinary excretion of albumin in female rats
Authors: Van Camp I. , Ritskes-Hoitinga J. , Lemmens A. G. , Beynen A. C.
Published: June 2007

This study was carried out to test the hypothesis that diet-induced nephrocalcinosis causes enhanced loss of albumin in urine, irrespective of the composition of the nephrocalcinogenic diet. Female rats were fed various purified diets for 28 days. There was a control diet (0·5% Ca, 0·04% Mg, 0·4% P, 15·1% protein, wt/wt), a low Mg (0·01% Mg), a high protein (30·2% protein) and a high P diet (0·6% P). The low Mg and high P diet induced nephrocalcinosis as demonstrated histologically and by markedly increased concentrations of kidney Ca. In rats fed the high protein diet, nephrocalcinosis was essentially absent. Group mean values of urinary excretion of albumin and plasma concentrations of urea were increased in rats fed either the low Mg or high P diet. The high protein diet did not affect urinary albumin but caused lysozymuria which was not seen in the other groups. Plasma urea was increased in rats fed the high protein diet. In individual rats, the concentration of Ca in kidney and urinary albumin excretion were positively correlated. It is suggested that nephrocalcinosis in female rats induced by either low Mg or high P intake causes kidney damage which in turn leads to increased concentrations of albumin in urine and urea in plasma.
The infectivity of Schistosoma mansoni in mice, following dipping with an acaricide
Authors: Dettman C. D. , Higgins-Opitz S. B. , Saikoolal A.
Published: June 2007

The effect of prior treatment of mice with an acaricide (Alugan) on the infectivity of Schistosoma mansoni cercariae via the percutaneous route was assessed. No effects were observed, even in animals dipped only 1 day before exposure to cercariae.
Induction of pregnancy-associated murine protein-1 in dwarf mice by human growth hormone
Authors: Hau J. , Poulsen O. M. , Hansen N. F. Dagnæs , Worm K. R.
Published: June 2007

Pregnancy-associated murine protein-1 (PAMP-1) could not be detected in peripheral blood of female dwarf mice (genotype dw/dw of the DW strain). By contrast the normal size females of the DW strain (genotypes +/+ and +/dw) had PAMP-1 serum levels of 18·9 AU ± 15·7 AU/ml. Following administration of biosynthetic human growth hormone (hGH) every 2h for 52 h PAMP-1 was detected in all dwarf females at concentrations of 16·0 AU ± 3·3 AU/ml.

The albumin levels in the circulation of DW females of normal size were significantly higher ( P<0·05) than those of DW dwarfs, and the hGH administration did not change the serum albumin levels.

The present experiment adds weight to the suggestion that the PAMP-1 serum level is regulated by GH.
Behavioural characteristics of wild jumping or running episodes in the double mutant spontaneously epileptic rat
Authors: Asano Yuzo , Okaniwa Azusa , Serikawa Tadao , Yamada Junzo
Published: June 2007

Spontaneously epileptic rats (SER) are homozygous for two mutations, zitter ( zi) and tremor ( tm), and spontaneously exhibit both absence-like seizure and tonic convulsion. In addition, wild jumping or running episodes sometimes appear without any previous stimuli. We recorded the behaviour on a video camera and/or a vibration response apparatus to examine the behavioural characteristics. All wild jumping or running episodes appeared within 27 s after termination of tonic convulsion with a frequency of 2·1%, and the episode could be detected even in the dark by using the vibration response apparatus. A rapid increase of high motor activity around the episodes was recorded as a single peak with high amplitude by the vibration response apparatus. The wild jumping or running episode appeared in all 4 SER at 8-14 weeks of age with a variable frequency, 0-9 times in the light period and 0-6·7 times in the dark period 8 h each week. Thus, the wild jumping or running episode was found to occur not only during the light period but also during the dark period without any significant difference in frequency.
The effect of haemolysis on certain canine serum chemistry parameters
Authors: Leard Barbara L. , Alsaker Richard D. , Porter William P. , Sobel LaDean P.
Published: June 2007

Haemolysis has been known to cause artefacts in certain canine serum chemistry parameters. These parameters are often used by researchers to detect toxicity in certain studies; haemolysis, therefore, can make serum chemistry interpretation very difficult. In order to determine whether a relationship existed between the level of haemolysis and certain canine serum chemistry parameters, haemolysis was artificially induced by adding a haemolysate of known haemoglobin concentration to serum specimens. A routine clinical chemistry profile was performed on each specimen. Statistical analyses were performed on the results to examine the relationship between level of haemolysis and serum chemistry results. Interpretation of serum chemistry results of haemolysed canine sera paralleled, in most cases, human historical data.
Isolation and identification of strains of Bacteroides fragilis group from the digestive tract of Callithrix penicillata marmosets
Authors: Avila-Campos M. J. , Raymundo N. L. S. , Farias L. M. , Silva S. L. , Carvalho M. A. R. , Damasceno C. A. V. , Pereira L. H. , Cisalpino E. O.
Published: June 2007

Thirty-five strains of the Bacteroides fragilis group were isolated from oral and intestinal samples from 5 wild caught, captive Callithrix penicillata. Nine oral strains of Bacteroides fragilis (7) and Bacteroides distasonis (2), and 26 intestinal strains of Bacteroides fragilis (14) and Bacteroides distasonis (12) were identified.
Megaoesophagus in the mouse: histochemical and ultrastructural studies
Authors: Randelia Homai P. , Panicker K. N. S. , Lalitha V. S.
Published: June 2007

Histochemical and ultrastructural studies of the muscle coat of the oesophagus from ICRC/HiCri mice (with megaoesophagus) and DBA/2fNCri mice (normal oesophagus) were carried out. The striking observation from histochemical studies was the presence of smooth muscle in the abdominal segment of the oesophagus from ICRC mouse in contrast to the control strain where smooth muscle was present only in the lowermost portion adjoining the stomach. Ultrastructural studies of the oesophageal wall from 5and 10-day-old ICRC mice revealed an apparently normal muscle coat. In 3-month-old ICRC mice the upper abdominal segment of the oesophagus showed several abnormalities of smooth muscle fibres and paucity of plexus tissue accompanied by interstitial collagen deposition. The abnormalities were more severe in 1-year-old animals and were seen throughout the abdominal segment. From this study it is suggested that the primary cause of megaoesophagus in ICRC mice is neurogenic and not myogenic.
Seasonal variations in male mice at the time of sexual maturation
Authors: Kruczek Malgorzata , Gruca Anna
Published: June 2007

The sexual maturation of male mice reared under constant laboratory conditions was studied in animals born in different months of the year. The body weights were significantly affected by the month of birth. Males born in March and May were heavier at 4 and 5 weeks of age than those born in autumn and winter. As indicated by the relative weights of accessory glands, males born in spring matured earlier compared with animals born in other months of the year. Variation in the relative testicular weights during maturation was not influenced by the month of birth. Female mice also showed a significant relationship between the month of birth and sexual maturation. Females born in March reached puberty, as measured by the age of vaginal opening and first oestrus, earlier than those born in other months of the year.
When Does Repeat Burglary Victimisation Occur?
Authors: Sagovsky Alex , Johnson Shane D.
Published: June 2007

Research consistently demonstrates that past victimisation is among the best predictors of future risk. Using recorded domestic burglary crime data from Victoria, Australia, analyses were conducted to examine temporal patterns of repeat burglary victimisation. The analyses focus on both time elapsed between incidents at the same location and the time of day that events occur, the latter previously unexamined in the literature. The time-course of revictimisation is as found hitherto: revictimisation occurs swiftly and the risk of repetition decays over time. Considering the time of day, in line with routine activities theory, the majority of incidents (first or follow-up events) occurred during the day. More interestingly, the results suggest that, relative to repeat burglaries that occur months after the first offence, those that occur within 7 days are more likely to occur at the same time of the day as the antecedent event. Moreover, the time course of revictimisation appears to vary for burglaries that occur at different times of the day. The results are discussed in relation to routine activities theory and with respect to their implications for crime reduction.
A Micro-Spatial Analysis of the Demographic and Criminogenic Environment of Drug Markets in Philadelphia
Authors: McCord Eric S. , Ratcliffe Jerry H.
Published: June 2007

Few studies have combined factors related to social disorganisation and factors related to opportunity theory at the microspatial level, with most studies aggregating to the block group or census tract. This study disaggregates block group census data in and around the vicinity of locations believed to encourage outdoor drug markets in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. A location quotient analysis finds that drug arrests cluster within a block or two of many suspected crime generators/attractors. Results from a zero-inflated Poisson model suggest some land use variables and factors associated with social disorganisation can help predict the location and size of drug markets; however, at the city level only retail alcohol outlets remained significant when combined with the social disorganisation-related variables, as a predictor of drug markets. The article discusses a number of potential reasons for these findings.
Application of Discrete Choice Models to Predict White Crappie Temperature Selection in Two Missouri Impoundments
Authors: Bajer Przemyslaw G. , Millspaugh Joshua J. , Hayward Robert S.
Published: June 2007

Temperature selection by white crappiePomoxis annularisover 24 h was determined in two Missouri impoundments, Little Dixie Lake and Rocky Fork Lake, on six and five dates, respectively, during June‐August 2001 using temperature‐sensitive radio transmitters. Temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) profiles showed that the habitable portions of the upper water columns associated with fish locations varied by as much as 6°C in temperature. The habitable portions of water columns were subdivided into three strata (warm, moderate, and cool) such that each stratum covered an equivalent temperature range (≤2°C). Discrete choice models (DCMs) were developed for each impoundment to predict the relative probabilities of white crappies selecting the different strata in response to stratum height, DO concentration, average temperature throughout the habitable water column (AVG), and fish weight. For each impoundment, a distinct DCM containing AVG as the sole predictor variable was most supported by the data. Cross‐verification indicated that the DCMs accurately predicted white crappie thermal strata selection within the impoundments for which they were developed but that they were inaccurate when applied across the impoundments. The DCM for Little Dixie Lake predicted that white crappies mostly select warm strata at AVGs less than 27°C and mostly select cool strata at AVGs of 27°C or more. In contrast, the DCM for Rocky Fork Lake predicted that white crappies continue to select warm strata until AVGs reach 30°C, select moderate strata at AVGs of 30–32°C, and select cool strata only when AVGs exceed 32°C. The predicted mean daily thermal experiences of the white crappies in each impoundment, obtained by multiplying the relative selection probabilities for the different strata by the average temperatures in those strata, remained within 0.5°C of the mean of observed temperatures experienced by white crappies. These findings indicate that discrete choice modeling provides a novel and effective approach for predicting the daily thermal experiences of fish.
Evolution of Mitochondrial DNA Variation within and among Yukon River Chum Salmon Populations
Authors: Flannery Blair G. , Wenburg John K. , Gharrett Anthony J.
Published: June 2007

We surveyed seven regions of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genome for restriction site variation to investigate the evolution of genetic variability in chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta from the Yukon River. Chum salmon from other Alaska regions were also analyzed to provide context for mtDNA variation. No divergence was observed in mtDNA haplotype frequency distributions among Yukon River populations, but divergence was observed across Alaska. The haplotype genealogy identified two lineages, and nested clade analysis revealed significant relationships between the geographical distribution of haplotypes and their genealogy for a two‐step clade (which predominates in the Yukon River), a three‐step clade, and for the total cladogram. The demographic signal detected for the two‐step clade was consistent with isolation by distance, whereas contiguous range expansion was identified for the three‐step clade and the total cladogram. The absence of signals of historical fragmentation suggests that incomplete lineage sorting is responsible for paraphyly within the Yukon River. Mismatch analysis reveals either that an ancestral Yukon River population underwent a post‐Pleistocene expansion followed by subdivision or that expansion and subdivision coincided. Although restriction site analysis of mtDNA is of limited use for Yukon River chum salmon fishery management applications (e.g., mixed‐stock analysis), it is useful for separating population history from contemporary processes and aids our understanding of Yukon River chum salmon evolution.
Validation of Endoscopy for Determination of Maturity in Small Salmonids and Sex of Mature Individuals
Authors: Swenson Erica A. , Rosenberger Amanda E. , Howell Philip J.
Published: June 2007

Fish maturity status, sex ratio, and age and size at first maturity are important parameters in population assessments and life history studies. In most empirical studies of these variables, fish are sacrificed and dissected to obtain data. However, maturity status and the sex of mature individuals can be determined by inserting an endoscope through a small incision in the body cavity wall and viewing the gonads. The objective of this study was to evaluate endoscopy in a field setting for gonadal assessment of stream‐resident forms of salmonids that mature at small sizes. Ninety‐one brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis (60–210 mm fork length [FL]) were obtained via electrofishing and anesthetized. Maturity status and sex of mature individuals were determined with an endoscope. After recovery, individuals were euthanized with anesthetic and were dissected to validate the endoscopic classification. Endoscopy correctly determined the maturity status and sex of mature individuals for 96% of the brook trout; the highest accuracy was observed for the smallest (60‐70 mm FL) and largest (>140 mm FL) individuals examined. In the misclassifications, visceral fat hampered visibility and was mistaken for mature testes. Immediate postprocedure mortality was 3.3% and was limited to individuals smaller than 70 mm FL. Endoscopy is a useful technique that can be used in field settings to assess maturity status and sex of mature fish with a low rate of immediate mortality.
Movement Responses of Stream Fishes to Introduced Corridors of Complex Cover
Authors: Roberts James H. , Angermeier Paul L.
Published: June 2007

Although the efficacy and design of terrestrial movement corridors have received considerable attention, the potential role of corridors in connecting stream habitats has not. We studied the movements of three benthic species of fish, fantail darters Etheostoma flabellare, riverweed darters E. podostemone, and Roanoke darters Percina roanoka, among suitable mesohabitat patches (i.e., riffles) through adjacent, less suitable pools in the South Fork Roanoke River, Virginia. We constructed movement corridors of overhead cover in four pools and compared rates of movement through these pools with those through four control pools without corridors. Movement rates were significantly greater through pools with corridors than through control pools for riverweed and Roanoke darters but equivalent through connected and unconnected pools for fantail darters. Interspecific differences in microhabitat use may have been responsible for the observed variability in corridor effects. Our results suggest that intact movement corridors can enhance the persistence of stream fish populations by connecting patchily distributed favorable habitats but that the characteristics of functional corridors may vary, even between closely related species.