bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variability in movement dynamics of topminnow (Fundulus notatusandF. olivaceus) populations
Authors: Alldredge Patsy , Gutierrez Melissa , Duvernell David , Schaefer Jacob , Brunkow Paul , Matamoros Wilfredo
Published: April 2011

Abstract – Movement and dispersal patterns are key biological processes across a range of organisational levels. TheFundulus notatusspecies complex includes several species with similar ecological niches that exhibit broadly overlapping ranges. We conducted a mark–recapture study on two of the most widely distributed members of this species complex to improve our understanding of their movement and habitat use. A population ofF. notatuswas studied between June and August of 2008 and 2009 in Cahokia Creek, a small tributary of the Mississippi River in Illinois, along with a parallel study ofFundulus olivaceusbetween May and July of 2009 in Big Creek, a tributary of the Pascagoula River in Mississippi. Fish were recaptured approximately weekly, and habitat variables were measured. Estimated daily movement rates varied significantly both between locations and between years.Fundulus olivaceusin Big Creek moved <1 m per day, whileF. notatusin Cahokia Creek in 2009 moved nearly 23 m per day. The distribution of movements was strongly leptokurtic in all three data sets. Differences in movement rates were attributed to significant differences in population size and habitat characteristics. Our data did not support the hypothesis that populations consist of distinct mobile and resident components. Instead, individual fish went through periods of little or no movement followed by extensive movement (consistent with the home range shift model of fish movement). We discuss the implications these results have for contact zone dynamics between these two species.
Subsampling Herbarium Collections to Assess Geographic Diversity Gradients: A Case Study with Endemic Orchidaceae and Rubiaceae in Cameroon
Authors: Droissart Vincent , Hardy Olivier J. , Sonké Bonaventure , Dahdouh‐Guebas Farid , Stévart Tariq
Published: April 2011

We compiled herbarium specimen data to provide an improved characterization of geographic patterns of diversity using indices of species diversity and floristic similarity based on rarefaction principles. A dataset of 3650 georeferenced plant specimens belonging to Orchidaceae and Rubiaceae endemic to Atlantic Central Africa was assembled to assess species composition per half‐degree or one‐degree grid cells. Local diversity was measured by the expected number of species (Sk) per grid cell found in subsamples of increasing size and compared with raw species richness (SR). A nearly unbiased estimator of the effective number of species per grid cell was also used, allowing quantification of ratios of ‘true diversity’ between grid cells. Species turnover was measured using a presence/absence‐based similarity index (Sørensen) and an abundance‐based index that corrects for sampling bias (NNESS). Our results confirm that the coastal region of Cameroon is more diverse in endemic species than those more inland. The southern part of this coastal forest is, however, as diverse as the more intensively inventoried northern part, and should also be recognized as an important center of endemism. A strong congruence between Sørensen and NNESS similarity matrices lead to similar delimitations of floristic units. Hence, heterogeneous sampling seems to confer more bias when measuring patterns of local diversity using raw species richness than species turnover using Sørensen index. Overall, we argue that subsampling methods represent a useful way to assess diversity gradients using herbarium specimens while correcting for heterogeneous sampling effort.

Abstract in French is available in the online version of this article.
Influence of Grazing on Soil Seed Banks Determines the Restoration Potential of Aboveground Vegetation in a Semi‐arid Savanna of Ethiopia
Authors: Tessema Zewdu K. , de Boer Willem F. , Baars Robert M. T. , Prins Herbert H. T.
Published: April 2011

Species composition, number of emerging seedlings, species diversity and functional group of the soil seed banks, and the influence of grazing on the similarity between the soil seed banks and aboveground vegetation, were studied in 2008 and 2009 in a semi‐arid savanna of Ethiopia. We tested whether the availability of persistent seeds in the soil could drive the transition from a degraded system under heavy grazing to healthy vegetation with ample perennial grasses. A total of 77 species emerged from the soil seed bank samples: 21 annual grasses, 12 perennial grasses, 4 herbaceous legumes, 39 forbs, and 1 woody species. Perennial grass species dominated the lightly grazed sites, whereas the heavily grazed sites were dominated by annual forbs. Heavy grazing reduced the number of seeds that can germinate in the seed bank. Species richness in the seed bank was, however, not affected by grazing. With increasing soil depth, the seed density and its species richness declined. There was a higher similarity in species composition between the soil seed bank and aboveground vegetation at the lightly grazed sites compared with the heavily grazed sites. The mean similarity between the seed banks and aboveground vegetation was relatively low, indicating the effect of heavy grazing. Moreover, seeds of perennial grasses were less abundant in the soil seed banks under heavy grazing. We concluded that restoration of grass and woody species from the soil seed banks in the heavily grazed areas could not be successful in semi‐arid savannas of Ethiopia.
The Game of Health©: An innovative lifestyle change program implemented in a family practice
Authors: Courtney Maureen (Reni) , Conard Scott E. , Dunn Pat , Scarborough Kristen
Published: April 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this clinical pilot project was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 12 week lifestyle change program targeted to patients with chronic disease.

Data sources: Data were collected weekly from participants using individual and group feedback and body composition analysis.

Conclusions: The Game of Health was well received by patients and was effective in modifying behaviors to achieve a healthier lifestyle and to improve body composition. Primary care providers need to consider how to make lifestyle change programs available to their patients to complement clinical interventions.
What is an animal emotion?
Authors: de Waal Frans B.M.
Published: April 2011

Emotions suffuse much of the language employed by students of animal behavior—from “social bonding” to “alarm calls”— yet are carefully avoided as an explicit topic in scientific discourse. Given the increasing interest in human emotional intelligence and the explicit attention in neuroscience to the emotions, both human and nonhuman, the taboo that has reigned for so long in animal behavior research seems outdated. The present review seeks to recall the history of our field in which emotions and instincts were mentioned in the same breath and in which neither psychologists nor biologists felt that animal emotions were off limits. One of the tenets supporting a renewed interest in this topic is to avoid unanswerable questions and to view emotions as mental and bodily states that potentiate behavior appropriate to environmental challenges. Understanding the emotionally deep structure of behavior will be the next frontier in the study of animal behavior.
Concepts and principles in the analysis of brain networks
Authors: Wig Gagan S. , Schlaggar Bradley L. , Petersen Steven E.
Published: April 2011

The brain is a large‐scale network, operating at multiple levels of information processing ranging from neurons, to local circuits, to systems of brain areas. Recent advances in the mathematics of graph theory have provided tools with which to study networks. These tools can be employed to understand how the brain's behavioral repertoire is mediated by the interactions of objects of information processing. Within the graph‐theoretic framework, networks are defined by independent objects (nodes) and the relationships shared between them (edges). Importantly, the accurate incorporation of graph theory into the study of brain networks mandates careful consideration of the assumptions, constraints, and principles of both the mathematics and the underlying neurobiology. This review focuses on understanding these principles and how they guide what constitutes a brain network and its elements, specifically focusing on resting‐state correlations in humans. We argue that approaches that fail to take the principles of graph theory into consideration and do not reflect the underlying neurobiological properties of the brain will likely mischaracterize brain network structure and function.
Cognitive control and right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex: reflexive reorienting, motor inhibition, and action updating
Authors: Levy Benjamin J. , Wagner Anthony D.
Published: April 2011

Delineating the functional organization of the prefrontal cortex is central to advancing models of goal‐directed cognition. Considerable evidence indicates that specific forms of cognitive control are associated with distinct subregions of the left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC), but less is known about functional specialization within the right VLPFC. We report a functional MRI meta‐analysis of two prominent theories of right VLPFC function: stopping of motor responses and reflexive orienting to abrupt perceptual onsets. Along with a broader review of right VLPFC function, extant data indicate that stopping and reflexive orienting similarly recruit the inferior frontal junction (IFJ), suggesting that IFJ supports the detection of behaviorally relevant stimuli. By contrast, other right VLPFC subregions are consistently active during motor inhibition, but not reflexive reorienting tasks, with posterior‐VLPFC being active during the updating of action plans and mid‐VLPFC responding to decision uncertainty. These results highlight the rich functional heterogeneity that exists within right VLPFC.
Perception, action, and word meanings in the human brain: the case from action verbs
Authors: Bedny Marina , Caramazza Alfonso
Published: April 2011

Among other things, humans talk about what they perceive and do, like “glowing,”“hopping,” and “squeaking.” What is the relationship between our sensory‐motor experiences and word meanings? Does understanding action‐verbs rely on the same neural circuits as seeing and acting? The available evidence indicates that sensory‐motor experience and word meanings are represented in distinct, but interacting systems. Understanding action‐verbs does not rely on early modality‐specific visual or motor circuits. Instead, word comprehension relies on a network of amodal brain regions in the left frontal, temporal, and parietal cortices that represent conceptual and grammatical properties of words. Interactions between word meanings and sensory‐motor experiences occur in higher‐order polymodal brain regions.
Activities to Alleviate Stress and the Association with Leisure Time Activities, Socioeconomic Status, and General Health
Authors: Corazon Sus S. , Stigsdotter Ulrika K. , Ekholm Ola , Pedersen Pia V. , Scopelliti Massimiliano , Giuliani M. Vittoria
Published: April 2011

The aim of this study is to acquire knowledge about what activities people reportedly engage in to relax when feeling stressed. A special focus is on physical activity to reduce stress and the association with socioeconomic status, general health, and leisure time activities. The data are derived from a Danish national health survey, and the variables are studied by statistical correspondence analyses. Results show that physical activity when relaxing from stress is related to an active leisure time, good health, and socioeconomic factors such as high education, employment, and good housing conditions. These findings support earlier research indicating that social inequality plays an important role in the choice of activities for stress reduction.
Shamanism and Charisma: Reflections on the Problem of Enchantment in Modernity
Authors: Reddekop Jarrad
Published: April 2011

This article investigates the ways in which South American shamanism might be analysed in terms of the Weberian concept of charisma, and to ask what is at stake in doing so. It is suggested that this problem might be more rigorously approached by way of a detour through Weber's account of disenchantment, which poses questions about the theological heritage with which our contemporary philosophical and methodological thought is interwoven, and about the particularity of that heritage. As a consequence, it is suggested that contemporary modulations of shamanism can productively problematise customary accounts of the meaning and structure of charisma and of the ways it must be thought to relate to politics in modernity.
Symbolic Charisma and the Creation of Nations: The Case of the Sámi
Authors: Elenius Lars
Published: April 2011

The cultural charisma of the Sámi people has served to inscribe them in the nation myths of the Scandinavian states. This charisma was also built into the self‐image of the Nordic countries when they established as a political organisation in the 1950s. While this charisma was to some extent created by leaders of the majority population, its symbolic value has also been used by the Sámi movement as a tool for political mobilisation. The global resistance by indigenous people towards colonialism resulted in a shift of the Sámi people's strategy from national to global action, and in the redefinition from a ‘nature people’ within the nation‐state to an ‘indigenous people’ in a global legalistic discourse. At the same time, Sámi politicians strive to unite the different Sámi groups through a common homeland, Sápmi, which crosses the nation‐state borders. The political territory of Sápmi can culturally be regarded as an imagined nation in the same way as a nation‐state, even if it is scattered across four countries. The creation of a Sámi nation also faces the same kind of inter‐ethnic problems as the nation‐state.
CogSketch: Sketch Understanding for Cognitive Science Research and for Education
Authors: Forbus Kenneth , Usher Jeffrey , Lovett Andrew , Lockwood Kate , Wetzel Jon
Published: April 2011

Sketching is a powerful means of working out and communicating ideas. Sketch understanding involves a combination of visual, spatial, and conceptual knowledge and reasoning, which makes it both challenging to model and potentially illuminating for cognitive science. This paper describes CogSketch, an ongoing effort of the NSF‐funded Spatial Intelligence and Learning Center, which is being developed both as a research instrument for cognitive science and as a platform for sketch‐based educational software. We describe the idea of open‐domain sketch understanding, the scientific hypotheses underlying CogSketch, and provide an overview of the models it employs, illustrated by simulation studies and ongoing experiments in creating sketch‐based educational software.
China's Environmental Activism in the Age of Globalization
Authors: Xie Lei
Published: April 2011

This article explores the impact of globalization on China's environmental activism by analyzing the development of Chinese environmental activism and assessing its links with the transnational environmental movement. It uses the case of Beijing to examine the characteristics, evolution, organizational development, and environmental identity of a green community. Two influential campaigns are presented and compared to illustrate the different movement repertoires employed, which are related to the extent that Chinese environmentalists are involved in the transnational environmental movement. The article concludes that Chinese environmental activists have been actively interacting with the transnational environmental movement, and this has influenced the identification of their issues of concern and the development of their strategies. However, Chinese involvement in the transnational environmental movement is still limited, owing to China's political conditions as well as the movement's early stage of development.
Assessing the reliability of fatty acid–specific stable isotope analysis for trophic studies
Authors: Bec Alexandre , Perga Marie‐Elodie , Koussoroplis Apostolos , Bardoux Gérard , Desvilettes Christian , Bourdier Gilles , Mariotti André
Published: April 2011

1. Fatty acid–specific stable isotope analysis (FA‐SIA) is expected to encompass most of the limits encountered when using more classical trophic markers such as bulk tissue stable isotope or fatty acid analyses. However, an essential premise for using FA‐SIA for trophic studies is that the individual FA δ13C values of the consumer reflect those of its diet. Field studies using FA‐SIA have so far made this assumption, which is not necessarily supported by the rare experimental tests.

2. A feeding experiment was conducted on Daphnia to test whether the δ13C values of individual fatty acids in Daphnia were actually related to those of its food.

3. Only the stable isotope composition of polyunsaturated (PUFA) and branched fatty acids (BrFA) was globally transmitted from the diet to Daphnia lipids, with however a significant isotope fractionation that varied depending on the considered diet source.

4. A model was constructed to evaluate how such variability may affect the reliability of FA‐SIA to track the dietary sources of consumers’ PUFA and BrFA in the field. Results suggest that provided the endmembers are substantially isotopically different, FA‐SIA could provide valuable insights into the pathways conveying these particular FA to consumers in the field.
Palthé Senna as an Adulterant of Indian Senna Leaves
Authors: Forsdike J L
Published: April 2011

The principal characters which serve to differentiate Palthé senna from the official sennas, particularly in the broken or powdered condition, are:–

The trichomes, which are about three times as long as those of genuine senna and lack a conspicuously warty cuticle. The presence of two layers of palisade cells on the upper side of the leaf and none on the lower. The cluster crystals being usually along the main veins, whereas the clusters of genuine senna are not found in the neighbourhood of the veins. The presence of occasional prisms of calcium oxalate on the smaller veinlets, where they are lacking in the official sennas. The palisade ratio, stomatal index and vein-islet number. The colours produced by 80 per cent. v/v sulphuric acid and chloral hydrate. The absence of anthraquinone derivatives, resulting in the leaf giving a negative result with Bornträger’s reaction.
PharmacopæIas and Formularies: The British Pharmacopæia, 1948: The Assay of Alkaloidal Salts
Authors: van Os D
Published: April 2011

In the control of the purity of alkaloidal salts and similar compounds the question arises whether it is necessary to estimate the physiologically active base, or if it is sufficient to determine the other part of the compound molecule. In general, the estimation of the active base gives the best control of purity, but the methods are often laborious and troublesome. It is often difficult to find a good method for the estimation of the active substance, whereas a simple and quick method for the estimation of the other part of the molecule is readily available.
The Effect of Drugs on the Motility of Isolated Strips of Human Stomach Muscle
Authors: Graham J D P
Published: April 2011

Strips of longitudinal muscle were obtained from the anterior and posterior wall of the human stomach removed at gastrectomy for duodenal ulceration. The preparations were mounted in an isolated organ bath and movements recorded. Spontaneous movement included periods of relative quiescence, periods of slow wave changes in tonus, and periods of active contraction. Periods of tetanic spasm could be induced by drugs. Acetylcholine, carbaminoylcholine, eserine, barium and histamine stimulated the muscle, and adrenaline, ephedrine and amphetamine inhibited it. Atropine, pavatrine, benadryl and neoantergan (2786 RP) inhibited spontaneous and drug induced contractions. Small doses of atropine (concentration of 10−7) occasionally had a motor effect on the muscle strip. Morphine had no effect on the quiescent or actively contracting muscle, but increased the tone of the slow wave of tonus change. Irregularity of spontaneous activity and response to drugs was a marked feature of the preparation.
Letters to the Editor
Authors: Stuart R G , Stuckey R E
Published: April 2011

For some time it has been known that warming with concentrated sulphuric acid caused condensation of several natural æstrogens with the production of coloured solutions with varying fluorescence effects. Boscott1 has recently developed the phosphoric acid reaction of Finkelstein, Hestrin, and Koch2 for the detection and estimation of steroid and synthetic æstrogens. The need for a reaction to distinguish between tablets containing small amounts of the various steroid and synthetic hormones in general has led us to investigate the possibility of extending Boscott’s technique for this purpose, since it is known that the presence of small amounts of tablet disintegrants and lubricants interferes with certain colour reactions for these substances (cf. Cocking3). The basic technique described by Boscott was followed after preliminary extractions (when necessary) of the crushed tablets with ether and evaporation of the solvent. It is not certain in cases where extraction had to be used what accompanying tablet constituent was interfering with the fluorescence reaction; starch interfered with the dienæstrol reaction but in other cases merely caused a slight alteration of the fluorescence colour. The results given by a number of steroid hormones not previously examined are also recorded.
Scientific Meeting: The Relationship Between Chemical Structure and Therapeutic Activity
Authors: Linnell W H
Published: April 2011

Summary of a paper delivered before the Bristol and South-Western Counties Section of the Royal Institute of Chemistry at the University, Bristol, on January 13, 1948
The Determination of Amino-Compounds Occurring as Impurities in Pharmaceutical Chemicals: Part II.: 3-Amino-4-Hydroxyphenylarsonic Acid in Acetarsol
Authors: Ballard C W
Published: April 2011

A method has been evolved for the determination of small amounts of 3-amino-4-hydroxyphenylarsonic acid in acetarsol. The official limit test has been examined by photoelectric methods and the actual limit determined. A more satisfactory test is proposed.
The Pharmacology of Curare and Curarising Substances
Authors: Paton W D M
Published: April 2011

Historical: Eighty years have now elapsed since Crum Brown and Fraser1,2 in a paper still worth close study, laid the foundations of our knowledge of the relation between the chemical structure and the pharmacological action of quaternary salts. Even at that early date, they referred to the therapeutic possibilities of the new compounds they had described, and to their advantages over curare in being “readily obtained in a state of perfect purity, and, therefore, of constant strength.” It is only in recent years, however, that either a natural alkaloid or a synthetic curarising substance has emerged in good supply and of the required properties. This rapid progress has been greatly stimulated by King’s determination of the structure of d-tubocurarine chloride3,4,5 by the success of Bennett6 in softening therapeutic convulsions with a curare extract prepared by MacIntyre and standardised by Holaday’s rabbit head-drop method; by Griffith and Johnson’s pioneer demonstrations of the usefulness of curare in anæsthesia7; by Wintersteiner and Dutcher’s isolation8 of a potent curarising extract (intocostrin) rich in d-tubocurarine chloride, from a known botanical species (Chondrodendron tomentosum); and by the discovery of Bovet and his colleagues of synthetic compounds with a potency comparable to that of the natural alkaloids9,10,11,12,13. As a result of this and other work, the clinician now commands a choice of reliable and well-studied compounds, and the pharmacologist has been enriched by many stimulating (and often bewildering) additions to his knowledge.
The Chemistry of Anti-Pernicious Anæmia Factors: Part I: The Liberation of Phosphorus as Phosthate From Vitamin B12 by Acid Hydrolysis
Authors: Ellis B , Petrow V , Snook G F
Published: April 2011

Summary and Conclusions

Phosphate is found in acid hydrolysates of vitamin B12. Such hydrolysates are deeply coloured and, in order to determine phosphate in them colorimetrically, it has been necessary to develop a new application of the unidimensional paper-strip partition chromatogram technique. The atomic ratio of cobalt: phosphorus in vitamin B12 is found to be 1:1. From a comparison of this result (3 above) with the values recorded by Smith for the anti-pernicious anæmia factor of Smith and Parker6, it is concluded that the latter compound is not identical with vitamin B12.
The Pharmacognosy of Rauwolfia
Authors: Wallis T E , Rohatgi S
Published: April 2011

Rauwolfia of Indian commerce consists of the dried rhizomes and roots, with occasional small pieces of attached aerial stem, of Rauwolfia serpentina Benth. The important histological features are the cork, composed of alternating layers of broad and narrow cells, giving a somewhat spongy and friable exterior to the drug; the narrow bark and the wide central mass of wood in the root or broad ring in the rhizome, showing about 3 to 8 growth rings; a tetrarch, or occasionally triarch, primary xylem in roots or a very small pith at the centre of rhizomes; in the periphery of the pith a ring of about 20 small groups of perimedullary phloem. All the cells of the wood, including those of the medullary rays are lignified. The xylem vessels, fibres and parenchyma form narrow undulating radially arranged bands, separated by large medullary rays in the root and by smaller ones in the rhizome. The vessel segments are small and narrow and the xylem fibres are often irregularly shaped with long, usually much contorted, tapering ends; many of the vessels, especially in the rhizome, show tylosis and occasionally contain resinous masses. The phloem also occurs in undulating bands similar to those of the xylem; phloem fibres are absent. In the rhizome, unlignified pericyclic fibres occur, either singly or in groups of 2 to 4; they show the local and sub-terminal elongated-oval enlargements characteristic of the Apocynaceæ. All the parenchymatous tissues, except the cork, contain numerous starch grains, about 4 to 20 to 50μ in diameter. Cells containing a brownish yellow secretion occur in small numbers, either singly or in short longitudinal rows, in the bark, wood and pith, being most frequent in the cortex of pieces of rhizome. Typical laticiferous tubes are absent. Calcium oxalate occurs in numerous cells of the phloem and of the medullary rays of the bark; the crystals are either well-formed prisms or aggregates of irregular angular components.
The Absorption Spectra and Ionic Dissociation of Thiouracil Derivatives with Reference to Their Anti-Thyroid Activity
Authors: Stuckey R E
Published: April 2011

The ultra-violet absorption spectra of 2-thiouracil, 2-thio-4-methyluracil, 1:4-dimethyl-2-methylmercapto-6-oxypyrimidine and 2-methylmercapto-4-methyl-6-oxypyrimidine have been determined at varying pH values. Electrometric titration curves have been plotted for 2-thio-4-methyluracil, 2-methylmercapto-4-methyl-6-oxypyrimidine and 1:4-dimethyl-2-methylmercapto-6-oxypyrimidine, and pKa values for these compounds in aqueous ethyl alcohol have been recorded. The close connection between change in pH and change in ultraviolet light absorption for the compounds studied shows that absorption changes are due primarily to ionisation and subsequent ionic rearrangement. On the basis of the iodine oxidation theory, the probable ionic nature of the iodine absorption mechanism suggests that thiouracil derivatives which are appreciably ionised at pH 7ṁ3 are most likely to exhibit anti-thyroid activity.
A Note on the Conversion of w-Tribromoquinaldine to w-Dibromoquinaldine and the Production of Quinaldic Aldehyde
Authors: Sharp L K
Published: April 2011

w-Dibromoquinaldine cannot be prepared by selective bromination of quinaldine, the only product isolated being the w-tribromo derivative, but the former may be prepared by reduction from the latter. Hammick1 reduced tribromoquinaldine by means of stannous chloride in acetone solution, obtaining a yield of 60 per cent. of theory. In order to separate the product from tin compounds, steam distillation was employed. As dibromoquinaldine is only slightly volatile in steam the purification process is tedious. The reduction may however be performed by refluxing w-tribromoquinaldine with a 20 per cent. v/v solution of sulphuric acid in alcohol and pouring the mixture into water. The product separates almost pure in excellent yield, and a single crystallisation from alcohol is all that is necessary. The identity of the product was confirmed by its conversion, by means of alcoholic silver nitrate, to quinaldic aldehyde by the method of Hammick2.
An Examination of Factors Affecting the Precision of the Assay of the Oxytocic Hormone in Posterior Pituitary Lobe Preparations
Authors: Stewart G A
Published: April 2011

Work has been described which shows the errors which may be encountered under different experimental conditions of the uterine assay of oxytocin, or commercial posterior pituitary extracts where the ratio of oxytocin to vasopressin is not unity.

By increasing the concentration of magnesium chloride in the British Pharmacopoeia 1948 Ringer’s solution, the response of the guinea-pig uterus to pitocin is increased. The response of the guinea-pig uterus to pitressin is also potentiated by increasing the concentration of magnesium chloride, but to a different extent than is pitocin. Different concentrations of calcium chloride in the Ringer’s solution produce potentiation to both pitocin and pitressin, but to different extents. The pressor principle does not produce any oxytocic effect on the uterus suspended in Ringer’s solution from which calcium chloride is absent. The absence of glucose from the Ringer’s solution produces rapid fatiguing of the uterine strip. Temperature regulation of the Ringer’s solution is very important. The sensitivity of uteri from guinea-pigs treated with stilbæstrol is greater than the uteri of progesterone-treated guinea-pigs to both pitocin and pitressin. The ratio of the sensitivity of uteri from progesterone-treated guinea-pigs to pitressin and pitocin is almost unity, whilst the ratio of sensitivity for the uteri of guinea-pigs treated with stilbæstrol indicates that the uteri are more sensitive to pitocin than to pitressin. Seasonal variation in the number of virgin albino guinea-pigs used per assay was not found to be significant. The ratio of oxytocin to vasopressin in the test samples must be the same as the ratio which is stated for the standard. The type of uterus and the physiological salt solution should be stated. It is recommended that the modification of Ringer’s solution proposed by the British Pharmacopoeia 1948 should be used for the guinea-pig assay, and that the uterus of the guinea-pig should be that of a virgin in diæstrus. The chicken blood depressor method offers many advantages over the isolated guinea-pig uterine method. It is cheaper and quicker to perform, and is more accurate in that narrow fiducial limits can be obtained. Until the chicken blood depressor method has been studied exhaustively in many laboratories engaged on the assay of the oxytocic principle, the guinea-pig uterine assay should be run in parallel with the former.
A Titration Method for the Determination of Procaine in Procaine Penicillin and its Oily Suspensions
Authors: Shaw W H C
Published: April 2011

A semi-micro method for the determination of procaine in procaine-penicillin and in its suspensions in arachis oil is given. The method is based upon extraction of procaine base with chloroform followed by acidification of the extract and titration with sodium nitrite solution. No interference has been encountered in the presence of low potency penicillin or aluminium monostearate. The author wishes to thank Mr. A. G. Fishburn and Mr. R. T. Parry-Jones for their interest and helpful criticism during this work.
Khellin and its Assay in Injections and Tablets
Authors: Fahmy I R , Badran N , Messeid M F
Published: April 2011

The characters and identification tests of khellin are described. The standards of purity of khellin used in pharmaceutical preparations is given. The method of assay of khellin in injections and tablets is described.
The Evaluation of the Bactericidal Activity of Ethylene Glycol and Some of its Monoalkyl Ethers Against Bacterium Coli: Part VII
Authors: Berry H , Michaels I
Published: April 2011

The course of the disinfection (at 30°C.) between Bact. coli and several concentrations of ethylene glycol and the following ethers: monomethyl, monoethyl, monopropyl, monobutyl and monohexyl has been investigated. Several experiments were conducted at every concentration and probit-log.*** time regressions calculated for all experiments. For every concentration of a substance the sum of squares for the common regression and for the variation in regression were calculated; the error mean square of the regression was also computed. The data for every concentration of each compound have been pooled and a mean regression has been calculated for each compound. The statistical data from all the calculations for the terms of the regressions for every concentration of the compounds (at 30°C.) have been massed and an analysis of variance carried out. The probabilities for the differences between the mean squares of the items in the analysis of variance have been deduced by means of the z distribution. No significant difference could be shown between the variation in regression between concentrations and between tests; these two errors have been pooled in order to establish the error mean square for all the estimations performed. The probit-log. time regression coefficient for every compound has been compared with its standard error; in all cases the ratio was large, thereby indicating that b had been estimated satisfactorily.
The Isolation and Identification of Beetle Fragments from Powdered Vegetable Drugs
Authors: Melville Colin
Published: April 2011

A rapid and effective method of isolating insect fragments from powdered infested drugs is described. The method depends on solution of the crude fibre of the drug in acetic anhydride containing 10 per cent. v/v of concentrated sulphuric acid. The diagnostic microscopical characters of five of the more common beetle pests of drugs are described and illustrated. In conclusion I wish to express my thanks to Mr. W. D. Hincks, M.P.S., F.R.E.S., of the Manchester Museum, for his assistance in confirming the identity of the species described.
Notes on Microbiological Assays Using Lactobacillus Lactis Dorner
Authors: Shaw G E
Published: April 2011

A method has been described for conducting microbiological assay of material containing vitamin B12. Over a long period regularly reproducible results have been obtained. Means have been described briefly for assessing the extent of interference with the assay of inhibiting materials and growth factors for L. lactis Dorner other than vitamin B12.
The International Standard for Vitamin D
Authors: Coward Katharine H
Published: April 2011

The International Standards for the determination of the different vitamins are part of the indispensable equipment of the laboratories in which this work is carried out. Though the standard materials themselves are so well known, the amount of labour which has been devoted to their creation and adoption and the infinite care which has been taken to ensure their suitability, accessibility and integrity are not so well known or appreciated. The adoption of a crystalline preparation of vitamin D3 to serve as the International Standard for Vitamin D affords a suitable opportunity for outlining the nature of this work, the importance of which to scientific research, medical practice, the problems of nutrition, and the international exchange of ideas, results and materials is now well recognised.
British Pharmaceutical Conference Blackpool, 1949
Authors: Floyd J C
Published: April 2011

(a)  A comparison has been made of the efficiency of various oily injections of penicillin using a mouse-protection test. (b)  It is concluded that the most satisfactory preparation consists of procaine penicillin of small particle size dispersed in a stearate/arachis oil gel. (c)  A theory is suggested for the mechanism by which aluminium stearate induces “slow-release.“

I am indebted to Dr. O. L. Davies for the design of the tests and the analysis of results, to Dr. A. R. Martin for supervision of the biological work, and to Mr. A. G. Fishburn for help in the preparation of the paper.
Para - Aminosalicylic Acid–Part iv
Authors: Goodacre C L , Seymour D E
Published: April 2011

After repeated exposure of M. tuberculosis H37RV to p-amino-salicylic acid for 10 months, no increase in resistance developed. Out of a total of 25 strains of M. tuberculosis isolated from patients receiving p-aminosalicylic acid, only one developed any increase in resistance after four months’ treatment.
The Separation and Identification of Ergot Alkaloids by Paper Partition Chromatography
Authors: Foster G E , MacDonald Miss J , Jones T S G
Published: April 2011

A study has been made of the application of paper partition chromatography in the ergot field. A technique for the separation and identification of ergometrine and ergometrinine, when present in mixtures of total ergot alkaloids, has been described. The method has been extended so that approximately quantitative results may be obtained and, in this way, the ergometrine contents of samples of ergot have been estimated. The changes which take place in injection of ergometrine maleate B.P. 1948, during manufacture and storage have been studied chromatographically. It was found that during heat sterilisation some conversion of ergometrine to ergometrinine occurs. On storage some hydrolysis giving rise to lysergic and iso-lysergic acids takes place. By preparing chromatograms from the hydrolysates of water-insoluble ergot alkaloids, identification tests for individual alkaloids have been developed. We wish to thank Mr. H. M. Hood, B. Sc., for the photograph of a chromatogram, Mr. R. L. Grant, M. Sc., for a sample of ergometrinine and Dr. S. Smith for specimens of lysergic and iso-lysergric acids. We are also indebted to the Directors of The Wellcome Foundation for permission to publish this paper.
The Determination of Benzene Hexachloride (Hexachlorocyclohexane) in Pharmaceutical Preparations
Authors: Shaw W H C
Published: April 2011

Methods are suggested for the determination of benzene hexachloride in certain pharmaceutical preparations. These are based on alkaline dehydrochlorination using monoethanolamine or alcoholic potassium hydroxide.
Protein in Malted Preparations
Authors: Wokes F , Klatzkin Chloe
Published: April 2011

The total nitrogen content of malt extract may range from 0ṁ2 to 1ṁ2 per cent. but is usually well above 0ṁ64 per cent. which corresponds to the B.P. 1948 minimum content of 4 per cent. (total nitrogen x 6ṁ25). Lower diastatic values are usually associated with lower total nitrogen contents, the tendency being observed with malted barley as well as with malt extract. Of the total nitrogen of malt extract only 12 to 44 per cent. is true protein nitrogen. The greater part represents breakdown products of protein, largely formed during malting and brewing. The “less soluble” nitrogen of malt extract may range from 1ṁ8 to 10 per cent. of the total nitrogen, and should be reduced to as low a level as possible in malted preparations. In baby foods prepared from malt extract, wheat flour and soya flour sufficient aneurine and nicotinic acid may be derived from the raw materials if care is taken to use malt extract of high vitamin B content. Fortification with riboflavine may be necessary. If the diet is adequately supplemented by vitamins A, C and D the growth-promoting effect on babies may provide a measure of the protein value of the diet. We are indebted to Dr. F. W. Norris for microbiological assays, to Dr. R. G. Booth and to Mr. J. G. Heathcote for checking at the Cereals Research Station some of our protein analyses, to Miss Hazel Williams for fluorimetric estimations of aneurine, to Miss Janet Horsford for technical assistance, and to Dr. H. Chick and her colleagues for advice and generous comments on our work.
Synthesis of the Benzene Analogue of Vitamin A
Authors: Linnell W H , Shen C C
Published: April 2011

The successful synthesis of pure crystalline vitamin A by Arens and van Dorp1 and by Isler et al.2 opened a new field in the chemical study of vitamin A. Thus, it is possible to synthesise various analogues of vitamin A in order to establish the relationship between chemical structure and vitamin A activity. A survey of recent publications on synthetic compounds bearing modified side chains led to the conclusion that although the terminal hydroxyl group might not be of utmost importance, the length and the general skeleton of the side chain could not be altered without a complete loss of activity. (cf. Table I.)
Letters to the Editor
Authors: Buttle G A H , Zaimis Eleonore J
Published: April 2011

The Action of Decamethonium Iodide in Birds

We are grateful to Dr. J. Walker for the supply of succinoylcholine dibromide. This work is being done with the aid of a grant from the Medical Research Council.
The Factors Influencing Sterilisation by Low Pressure Steam
Authors: Barson T E , Peacock F , Robins E L , Wilkinson G R
Published: April 2011

A vessel has been designed for the study of the factors influencing sterilisation by steam at low pressure. Instruments have also been constructed for the conversion of pressure and the volume of condensate into electrical signals suitable for application to a recording potentiometer. Commercially available steam traps have been tested, compared, and found unsuitable and a modified steam trap has been produced, which is considered to be more efficient for this purpose than those normally used.
The Stability of Solutions of 5-Hydroxytryptophan
Authors: Hadgraft J W , Price Shirley A P , West G B
Published: April 2011

The stability of solutions of 5-HTP contained in ampoules has been studied using physical, chemical and biological methods. No loss of activity occurs when such solutions are sterilised by autoclaving provided the air in the ampoule is replaced by nitrogen. To prevent any formation of colour it is preferable to include 0·1 per cent sodium metabisulphite in the solution.
Some Aspects of the Property of Angle of Repose of Powders
Authors: Train David
Published: April 2011

Four methods of determining the angle of repose of free flowing powders have been critically compared using graded samples of glass balls, lead shot and silver sand. The method used influenced the result. Results of all methods have been correlated graphically and values for static and dynamic interparticulate friction have been assessed for the materials used. It was found that results for spheres could be correlated on one graph, irrespective of type of material and an explanation is given to account for this.
The Preparation and the Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties of Some Substituted Benzyl Alcohols
Authors: Carter D V , Charlton P T , Fenton A H , Housley J R , Lessel B
Published: April 2011

A number of substituted benzyl alcohols have been prepared and together with some related, commercially available, compounds have been tested for antibacterial and antifungal properties. The most active inhibitory compound was 3:4:5-trichlorobenzyl alcohol followed by 4-chloro-3:5-dimethyl-, 3:4-dichloro- and 2:4-dichlorobenzyl alcohols, but saturated aqueus solutions of the last three compounds were more rapidly bactericidal. Pharmacological tests have shown that 2:4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol has low toxicity.
Neuromuscular Blocking Agents
Authors: Carey Fiona Macleod , Edwards D , Lewis J J , Stenlake J B
Published: April 2011

NSN- and NNN-Tris-onium compounds related to dihexasulphonium and dihexazonium in which N-alkyl substituents are varied have been synthesised. All compounds tested qualitatively resembled tubocurarine in their action. Stepwise replacement of Et by Me in dihexasulphonium tri-ethiodide decreases potency and some C 10-like effects appear in compounds Xa and Xb. Potency also falls when Et groups are replaced successively by n-Pr in both dihexasulphonium tri-ethiodide and dihexazonium tri-ethiodide, compounds XIf and XIg being the least active of the series and approximately equipotent with dihexasulphonium trimethiodide (Xa). Replacement of one Et group by n-Bu at each quaternary ammonium centre of dihexazonium, as in compound XIc increases potency.
A Note on The Use of Membrane Filters in Sterility Testing
Authors: Sykes G , Hooper Margaret C
Published: April 2011

Filtration techniques have been applied advantageously in testing antibiotics and certain other medicaments, including oily solutions, for sterility, on the one hand by eliminating any residual bacteriostatic activity and on the other by eliminating interference through precipitation or the development of cloudiness. Membrane filters have been shown to be satisfactory for this purpose, and in some respects they are superior to asbestos pad filters.
A Contribution to Powder Compaction Theory by The Pressing of Regular Arrangements of Spheres
Authors: Train D , Carrington J N
Published: April 2011

Regular arrangements of annealed phosphor bronze spheres have been used to investigate the lubricating effect of graphite films located in various parts of the system being compressed in a cylindrical die. The relative importance of interparticulate lubrication and of die wall lubrication are discussed. The influence of the “angle of packing” on the pressing behaviour has been investigated using similar arrangements of spheres but varying the diameter of the upper layer. From consideration of these experiments, it would appear that die wall friction calculations for powders should include a factor for particle deformation and interparticulate frictional effects.
Pharmacological and Chemical Observations on Some Toxic Nectars
Authors: Carey Fiona Macleod , Lewis J J , MacGregor J L , Martin-Smith M
Published: April 2011

Acetylandromedol (andromedotoxin) has been isolated from the nectar of Rhododendron thomsonii. The pharmacological properties of toxic nectars obtained from several Rhododendron sp. and hybrids have been investigated and these indicate that the poisonous principle is acetylandromedol.
Some Aspects of The Storage and Testing of Sterilised Catgut
Authors: Wilkinson G R , Robins E L , Grimshaw J J , Hudson S P A
Published: April 2011

Results obtained during an examination of plain and chromicised surgical catgut stored in tubing fluids of differing water content, and the effect on diameter, tensile strength and flexibility are described. A fall in tensile strength and an increase in diameter which vary with water content and time of storage was observed, although gut does not deteriorate rapidly when immersed in water and several days elapse before significant changes occur. The official testing methods have been examined, and the results indicate that the surgeon's knot test gives a more reliable measurement of tensile strength than the straight pull. Also the present gauge method for measurement of diameter can lead to errors due to compression of the gut. The time of equilibration of the gut in air is important for the measurement of both tensile strength and diameter, particularly when tubing fluids contain a high water content. A relation has been shown between tensile strength, extensibility and softening, and it is suggested that this might provide an index of flexibility of the gut. The effect of some common disinfectant solutions on the gut has been investigated.