bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Auxin and physical constraint exerted by the perianth promote androgynophore bending in Passiflora mucronata L. (Passifloraceae)
Authors: Rocha D. I. , Monte Bello C. C. , Sobol S. , Samach A. , Dornelas M. C. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe androgynophore column, a distinctive floral feature in passion flowers, is strongly crooked or bent in many Passiflora species pollinated by bats. This is a floral feature that facilitates the adaptation to bat pollination. Crooking or bending of plant organs are generally caused by environmental stimulus (e.g. mechanical barriers) and might involve the differential distribution of auxin. Our aim was to study the role of the perianth organs and the effect of auxin in bending of the androgynophore of the bat‐pollinated species Passiflora mucronata. Morpho‐anatomical characterisation of the androgynophore, including measurements of curvature angles and cell sizes both at the dorsal (convex) and ventral (concave) sides of the androgynophore, was performed on control flowers, flowers from which perianth organs were partially removed and flowers treated either with auxin (2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid; 2,4‐D) or with an inhibitor of auxin polar transport (naphthylphthalamic acid; NPA). Asymmetric growth of the androgynophore column, leading to bending, occurs at a late stage of flower development. Removing the physical constraint exerted by perianth organs or treatment with NPA significantly reduced androgynophore bending. Additionally, the androgynophores of plants treated with 2,4‐D were more curved when compared to controls. There was a larger cellular expansion at the dorsal side of the androgynophores of plants treated with 2,4‐D and in both sides of the androgynophores of plants treated with NPA. This study suggests that the physical constraint exerted by perianth and auxin redistribution promotes androgynophore bending in P. mucronata and might be related to the evolution of chiropterophily in the genus Passiflora.
Serial Transrectal Ultrasonography for Monitoring the Reproductive Activity of the Asiatic Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus ussuricus)
Authors: Kang HG , Jeong DH , Yang JJ , Lee BK , Kong JY , Lee JW , Kim IH 
Published: December 2014

ContentsThis study evaluated the structural changes in the reproductive tract of Asiatic black bears using serial transrectal ultrasonography. In addition, the ultrasonographic observations were compared with the results of vaginal cytology and hormonal analyses. The collection of blood for hormonal analysis, vaginal cytology and transrectal ultrasonography was performed in two bears (Bears 1 and 2) from June 2011 to August 2013 without mating and in a third bear (Bear 3) from April to December 2012, allowing natural mating. Serial ultrasonographic observations showed cyclic changes in ovarian structures (e.g. emergence of small follicles, growth and ovulation of dominant follicles and corpus luteum (CL) formation) during the reproductive cycles of the three bears. The diameter of the uterine horns remained similar throughout the reproductive cycle in Bears 1 and 2, and it remained similar from April until October, but an enlargement containing foetuses was observed in Bear 3 in December. The ultrasonographic observations were consistent with the data obtained through vaginal cytology and progesterone analysis during the reproductive cycle. An average of 4.0 (±0.4) dominant follicles was observed during the oestrous stage (May‐August), during which the superficial cells accounted for >90% of the total vaginal cells. In addition, the detection of an average of 2.6 (±0.2) CL was associated with increased plasma progesterone concentrations (3.0 ± 0.4 ng/ml) between June and December (near hibernation). In conclusion, serial transrectal ultrasonography demonstrated yearly oestrous (ovulation) cycles via follicular dynamics and CL formation on ovaries, accordingly with vaginal cytology and hormonal level in the Asiatic black bear.
Nonparametric Benchmark Dose Estimation with Continuous Dose‐Response Data
Authors: Lin Lizhen , Piegorsch Walter W. , Bhattacharya Rabi 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWe propose a new method for risk‐analytic benchmark dose (BMD) estimation in a dose‐response setting when the responses are measured on a continuous scale. For each dose leveld, the observationX(d) is assumed to follow a normal distribution:. No specific parametric form is imposed upon the meanμ(d), however. Instead, nonparametric maximum likelihood estimates ofμ(d) andσare obtained under a monotonicity constraint onμ(d). For purposes of quantitative risk assessment, a ‘hybrid’ form of risk function is defined for any dosedasR(d) =P[X(d) <c], wherec> 0 is a constant independent ofd. The BMD is then determined by inverting theadditional risk functionRA(d) =R(d) −R(0) at some specified value of benchmark response. Asymptotic theory for the point estimators is derived, and a finite‐sample study is conducted, using both real and simulated data. When a large number of doses are available, we propose an adaptive grouping method for estimating the BMD, which is shown to have optimal mean integrated squared error under appropriate designs.
Two decades of voluntary nonremunerated blood donation in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Yang Bao‐Cheng , Shao Chao‐Peng , Zhang Yan‐Yan , Kong Lingkui , Xu Yun‐Ping 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundAs an emerging metropolis with population expansion from 2 million to 10 million from 1993 to 2012, the clinical demand for blood in Shenzhen has increased 20 times. To deal with this big challenge, Shenzhen utilized voluntary nonremunerated blood donation (VNRBD) in 1993 for the first time in China. After two decades of efforts, Shenzhen has achieved self‐sufficiency in its blood supply and guaranteed its blood security by nonpaid blood donation.Study Design and MethodsWe summarized the strategies to achieve self‐sufficiency and security in the blood supply in Shenzhen during two decades, including the legal construction of VNRBDs and the continuously improving strategies to recruit and retain nonpaid donors. The collection data of whole blood (WB) and apheresis platelet (PLT) donations were retrieved, and donor demographic and donation characteristics were analyzed.ResultsFrom 1993 to 1998, paid and nonpaid blood donations coexisted in Shenzhen. From the year 1999, all WB for clinical use came from VNRBDs. From 1999 to 2012, the donors who chose to donate 400 mL each time and repeat and regular donors increased sharply to meet the fast growth of clinical demand. From the year 2005, the clinical demand for PLTs was entirely satisfied by nonpaid donations.ConclusionsAfter two decades of practice, we believe that the legal regime of VNRBD is fundamental guarantee for long‐term self‐sufficiency and security in the blood supply. In addition, strengthening the publicity to improve the public's awareness and improving donation services and measures to recruit more nonpaid donors and retain repeat and regular donors are very important.
Effect of topical ophthalmic dorzolamide(2%)–timolol(0.5%) solution and ointment on intraocular pressure in normal horses
Authors: Tofflemire Kyle L. , Whitley Elizabeth M. , Flinn Allison M. , Dufour Valerie L. , Ben‐Shlomo Gil , Allbaugh Rachel A. , Griggs Angela N. , Peterson Chimene S. , Whitley David R. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the effect of commercially available solution and compounded ointment formulations of dorzolamide(2%)–timolol(0.5%) on intraocular pressure (IOP) of normal horses.AnimalsEighteen clinically normal horses.ProceduresA randomized, masked prospective design was used with horses divided into two equal groups. One eye of each horse was selected for topical ophthalmic treatment with either 0.2 mL of dorzolamide(2%)–timolol(0.5%) solution or 0.2 g of dorzolamide(2%)–timolol(0.5%) ointment every 12 h for 5 days. The contralateral eye of horses in both groups was untreated. Rebound tonometry was performed every 6 h starting 2 days prior to and ending 2 days after the treatment period.ResultsThe meanIOPreduction in eyes treated with the solution or ointment formulations was 13%. Untreated eyes in both groups experienced a lesser but still statistically significant reduction inIOP. TheIOPvalues did not return to baseline within 48 h of the last treatment.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceThe commercially available solution and compounded ointment formulations of ophthalmic dorzolamide(2%)–timolol(0.5%) had similar effects onIOPin normal horses. PersistentIOPreduction following cessation of treatment may indicate prolonged drug effect or acclimation of horses to tonometry.
THE INFLUENCE OF VITAMIN E ON OVARIAN STRUCTURE IN MICE
Authors: Menschik Z. 
Published: December 2014

A serial histological study has been made of the ovaries of mice fed from the day of weaning on several different diets, the principal being a vitamin E deficient diet and one containing alpha‐tocopherol (“Ephynal” Roche) as the only vitamin E source. Control animals were kept on stock diet, lettuce being the main source of vitamin E. Animals were examined after periods ranging from 7 to 791 days of the particular diet.1. Animals on vitamin E rich diet, compared with controls, show ovaries with more primordial ova and primary follicles: follicular cells and interfollicular tissue of epithelial origin are more abundant, but degenerating follicles are numerous: there are fewer mature follicles and corpora lutea, both of which are enlarged. After prolonged vitamin E rich diet the ovary is small with degenerating follicles containing blood: neutral fat is present in the ovarian medulla and adipose tissue is extremely abundant in the mesovarium.2. Animals on vitamin E deficient diet, compared with controls, show ovaries with fewer primordial ova and less interfollicular tissue: follicles contain fewer follicular cells: corpora lutea are increased, but are smaller and of various ages: medullary lipids, not readily soluble in fat solvents, are prominent, yet there is complete absence of neutral fat in both ovary and mesovarium. As the vitamin E deficiency continues, the lipids invade the ovarian cortex. After prolonged vitamin E deficient diet the ovary, comparatively large, is hard and yellowish and contains only cells filled with lipids other than neutral fat.The ovarian changes summarised under 1 and 2 appear to be quantitative rather than qualitative; but it seems certain that vitamin E stimulates the development of all elements of germinal epithelium origin, and that it influences fat metabolism in the ovary and its neighbourhood so that neutral fat increases, while the formation of other lipids is inhibited.I wish to express my deep gratitude to Professor J. C. Brash, Professor of Anatomy, University of Edinburgh, under whose supervision the experiments have been performed, for his continuous readiness in advising, for providing accommodation and material for experiments, and also for revising the manuscript. I am deeply thankful to Professor T. Rogalski, Professor of Anatomy, Polish School of Medicine, Edinburgh, for guidance, advice, and suggestions received from him. I am very much indebted to Messrs Roche Products Ltd., Welwyn Garden City, England, by whom the synthetic vitamin E was generously provided. I owe thanks also to Mr. J. Borthwick, Anatomy Department, University of Edinburgh, for photomicrographs, and to all members of the staff of the Anatomy and Embryology Department of the Polish School of Medicine, who always willingly gave me technical assistance.
The electroretinogram evoked by the excitation of human foveal cones
Authors: Aiba T. S. , Alpern M. , Maaseidvaag F. 
Published: December 2014

1. A 2° test stimulus foveally fixed and viewed against a blue background (40° in extent and producing 2·0 × 104 scotopic td of retinal illuminance) evokes a small voltage which can be recorded from the human eye with a conventional contact lens electrode if the test stimulus is flashed at a rate of 15 c/s, and the responses to at least several hundred flashes are averaged.2. The action spectrum of the response obtained in this way agrees reasonably well with the observer's psychophysical foveal luminosity curve.3. For the peripheral retina, the action spectrum is similar to that of the fovea when allowance is made for differences in screening macular pigment.4. Such responses diminish when the test stimulus is focused on to the peripheral retina and disappear when the test light is focused on the blind spot.5. Therefore, the response to the test light fixated centrally is the result of the excitation only of cones mainly, if not exclusively, in the fovea.6. When the intensity of the background is reduced by a factor of 10, the action spectrum shows evidence of the effect of excitation of rods in the blue part of the spectrum and of cones in the red. These red and blue responses add linearly when combined together, provided they are adjusted to coincide in phase.
Short latency activation of pyramidal tract cells by Group I afferent volleys in the cat
Authors: Swett John E. , Bourassa Charles M. 
Published: December 2014

1. The contralateral bulbar pyramids were explored with low impedance micro‐electrodes in cats anaesthetized with chloralose to reveal the effect of Group I afferent volleys (deep radial nerve of the forelimb) on pyramidal tract (Pt) cells.2. Low rate (0·5/sec) stimulation of Group I afferents produced small responses (5‐30 μV) in the bulbar pyramid which could be detected only with response averaging methods. The responses appeared with an initial latency of 7·0‐11·2 msec and reached peak amplitude in 15·7 msec (mean latency). The pyramidal tract origin of the potential was demonstrated by its depression at stimulus rates above 1–2 sec and its disappearance at rates above 4/sec.3. Recordings of neurones in the Group I cortical projection zone of the posterior sigmoid gyrus revealed that several types of cells, including Pt cells, were activated by Group I afferent volleys.4. Pt cells responding to Group I afferent volleys frequently received convergent actions from low threshold cutaneous nerve volleys.5. Averaged response recordings from electrodes positioned in the medial portions of the lateral funiculus of the spinal cord at the level of C2, revealed a response to Group I afferent volleys as early as 7·4 msec which possessed the same characteristics as the relayed response to Group I in the bulbar pyramids. Some Pt cells, activated by Group I volleys orthodromically, could also be antidromically activated by stimulation of the recording site in C2.6. It was concluded that group I afferent volleys can influence, after short latencies, Pt and non‐Pt cells and that some of these Pt cells gave rise to axons incorporated in the corticospinal tract.
The relation between heat produced and phosphorylcreatine split during isometric contraction of frog's muscle
Authors: Carlson F. D. , Hardy Donna , Wilkie D. R. 
Published: December 2014

1. Heat production, tension development and phosphorylcreatine (PC) splitting have been measured simultaneously during isometric contractions of iodoacetate‐poisoned frogs' sartorii at 0° C. The muscles were stimulated to produce a series of 30 twitches or a 10 sec tetanus or a 30 sec tetanus.2. Of the several possible methods of calculating PC breakdown the best appears to be the one based on the assumption that PC/(total creatine) was originally the same in the two muscles of a pair.3. The difficulty of expressing PC break‐down, heat production etc. in terms of the muscle's size is demonstrated.4. Several artifacts are discussed, including the heat produced by the stimulus and the possible role of reactions other than PC splitting.5. Even when these have been substantially eliminated there remains the rather intractable statistical problem of establishing a functional relationship between heat produced and PC split when both of these variables contain errors, so that ordinary regression analysis is misleading. It is shown that this problem can be dealt with satisfactorily by introducing other instrumental variables that can be determined experimentally.6. The final conclusion is that the in vivo enthalpy of hydrolysis of PC is about 10·6 kcal/mole, and is the same in twitches and in tetani.
The mechanism of body temperature changes induced by intraventricular injections of adrenaline, noradrenaline and 5‐hydroxytryptamine in the ox (bos taurus)
Authors: Findlay J. D. , Robertshaw D. 
Published: December 2014

1. Adrenaline, noradrenaline and 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) were injected into the lateral ventricle of the ox. The effect of these drugs was measured on the respiratory rate, tidal volume, heat production, skin temperature of the ear, evaporative loss from the skin and the rectal temperature at 20 and 10° C ambient temperature.2. Neither adrenaline (3 mg) nor noradrenaline (3 mg) had any effect on the temperature regulating mechanisms of the ox, except to produce vasoconstriction if vasodilatation was already present due to high ambient temperature or previous injection of 5‐HT.3. Injection of 5‐HT (5 mg) caused a rise in respiratory rate, a fall in tidal volume and heat production, elevation of ear skin temperature and skin evaporative loss and a decrease in rectal temperature. Sedation of the animals occurred.4. In its reaction to these monoamines the ox is similar to the goat, sheep and rabbit, but is unlike the cat and dog.5. It was concluded that neither adrenaline nor noradrenaline has a role in the central control of temperature regulation in the ox, but that 5‐HT may be involved in the control of heat dissipation mechanisms.
The effects of haemorrhage in the unanaesthetized rabbit
Authors: Chalmers J. P. , Korner P. I. , White S. W. 
Published: December 2014

1. The circulatory response following acute loss of 26% of the blood volume was examined in unanaesthetized rabbits. The groups of animals studied were normal rabbits; adrenalectomized rabbits; animals subjected to prolonged treatment with guanethidine in which peripheral adrenergic nerve transmission is blocked, but which can reflexly liberate adrenal medullary hormones; animals subjected to combined adrenalectomy and guanethidine treatment with no functional adrenergic effectors; in each case with or without administration of atropine. The responses of animals with section of the carotid sinus and aortic nerves were also examined.2. The spontaneous rate of replacement of the blood volume after haemorrhage by reabsorption of extravascular fluid was the same in all the above preparations, the blood volume returning to normal 3‐4 hr after bleeding.3. The ‘passive’ effects of haemorrhage were examined in animals without functioning autonomic effectors and include a large fall in right atrial pressure and cardiac output, arterial hypotension, no significant change in total peripheral resistance, and a bradycardia of gradual onset. Reflex autonomic effector activity in normal animals minimizes the fall in atrial pressure, cardiac output and arterial blood pressure, and produces a significant increase in total peripheral resistance and tachycardia. Increased sympathetic nerve activity and secretion of adrenal medullary hormones each play an important and complementary part in the normal circulatory response to haemorrhage of the rabbit. There is also reflex reduction in vagal efferent activity.4. Reflexes from the carotid sinus and aortic arch limit the fall in arterial pressure for the first 4 hr after haemorrhage. These reflexes also account for the tachycardia normally observed after haemorrhage. The baroreceptor reflexes rather than the chemoreceptors appear to be dominant in these responses.5. Twenty‐four hours after haemorrhage the haemodynamic pattern is similar in all preparations irrespective of their autonomic effector status: blood volume, right atrial pressures and cardiac outputs are all elevated, and the arterial pressure has virtually recovered, consistent with the development of hypervolaemic anaemia at this time.
The effect of pH on the 36Cl efflux from frog skeletal muscle
Authors: Hutter O. F. , Warner Anne E. 
Published: December 2014

1. Frog sartorii and toe muscles were loaded in a 100 m
M‐K 216 m
M‐Cl solution at pH 7·4 labelled with either 36Cl, or 42K, or with both isotopes. The efflux of the isotopes into inactive solution of the same composition at pH 5·0 and 9·8 was followed.2. The efflux of 36Cl into acid solution was extremely slow so that the cellular fraction could easily be distinguished. On raising the pH the efflux of 36Cl from sartorii increased 4·5 ± 0·43 (mean ±
S.E.) times; from toe muscles 6·7 ± 0·69 (mean ±
S.E.) times. The effect was fully reversible.3. The efflux of 42K from sartorii was only slightly increased by alkaline solutions. When the effluxes of 36Cl and 42K were measured simultaneously the increment in chloride efflux was much greater than the increment in 42K efflux.4. Toe muscles depolarized by high potassium solution showed an approximately twofold increase in 42K efflux on transfer from acid to alkaline solution. This effect was independent of the presence of chloride ions.5. The results confirm the identification of chloride as the ion species principally concerned in the pH sensitivity of the membrane conductance.
Potentiation of secretin stimulation of the pancreas
Authors: Brown J. C. , Harper A. A. , Scratcherd T. 
Published: December 2014

1. In fasted anaesthetized cats which were secreting pancreatic juice at a steady slow rate in response to continuous intravenous infusion of secretin, stimulation of the dorsal vagus trunk increased the rate of secretion, the rate of output of amylase and the concentration of bicarbonate in the juice.2. The increase in rate of secretion and in concentration of bicarbonate was reduced but not abolished by atropine. It was unaffected by adrenergic blocking agents, but abolished by hexamethonium.3. No increase in rate of secretion of secretin‐stimulated juice was observed on cervical stimulation of vagus nerves in which the efferent fibres had degenerated after supra‐nodose section of the nerves. It is concluded that the increase in secretion rate is mediated by ‘atropine‐resistant’ efferent vagal fibres.4. Pancreozymin, antral extracts and histamine increased the rate of secretion of secretin‐stimulated juice. Pancreozymin and antral extracts also increased the rate of amylase output. These effects of pancreozymin and antral extracts were not abolished by atropine or hexamethonium.5. As vagal stimulation pancreozymin, antral extracts and histamine have little or no effect on the resting pancreas of the anaesthetized cat, it is concluded that they exert a potentiating effect on secretin. It is suggested that the mechanism of this potentiation is an increase in pancreatic blood flow, which facilitates the supply of secretin to the gland.
The metabolic response of brain slices to agents affecting the sodium pump
Authors: Ruščák M. , Whittam R. 
Published: December 2014

1. Slices of brain cortex from rabbits were incubated in Ringer solution and in Ringer modified by the removal of calcium and sodium, and the addition of ouabain, oligomycin or extra potassium. The potassium content of the tissue, the oxygen consumption and the lactate production from glucose were measured and found to be interrelated.2. Incubation in high‐K Ringer caused an increase in oxygen consumption that was prevented by ouabain, oligomycin and deprivation of sodium. Lactate production was also raised, but this increase was unaffected by ouabain and raised further by oligomycin.3. Calcium omission raised metabolism; the tissue K content was unaffected. Oligomycin always decreased oxygen consumption and raised lactate production further. The metabolic responses to calcium, potassium, ouabain and oligomycin depended on sodium.4. After anaerobic incubation, the tissue potassium concentration was still 5 times higher than that in Ringer. It was unaffected by oligomycin but lowered markedly by ouabain.5. The synergistic effects of sodium with potassium, oligomycin, calcium, and calcium plus ouabain suggest that the metabolic responses of brain cortex slices to a high‐K Ringer depend on the operation of the sodium pump.