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Morphological Parameters (morphological + parameter)
Selected AbstractsParallel imaging of knee cartilage at 3 TeslaJOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 4 2007Jin Zuo PhD Abstract Purpose To evaluate the feasibility and reproducibility of quantitative cartilage imaging with parallel imaging at 3T and to determine the impact of the acceleration factor (AF) on morphological and relaxation measurements. Materials and Methods An eight-channel phased-array knee coil was employed for conventional and parallel imaging on a 3T scanner. The imaging protocol consisted of a T2-weighted fast spin echo (FSE), a 3D-spoiled gradient echo (SPGR), a custom 3D-SPGR T1rho, and a 3D-SPGR T2 sequence. Parallel imaging was performed with an array spatial sensitivity technique (ASSET). The left knees of six healthy volunteers were scanned with both conventional and parallel imaging (AF = 2). Results Morphological parameters and relaxation maps from parallel imaging methods (AF = 2) showed comparable results with conventional method. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the two methods for cartilage volume, mean cartilage thickness, T1rho, and T2 were 0.999, 0.977, 0.964, and 0.969, respectively, while demonstrating excellent reproducibility. No significant measurement differences were found when AF reached 3 despite the low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Conclusion The study demonstrated that parallel imaging can be applied to current knee cartilage quantification at AF = 2 without degrading measurement accuracy with good reproducibility while effectively reducing scan time. Shorter imaging times can be achieved with higher AF at the cost of SNR. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007;26:1001,1009. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Comparative study on sensitivity of higher plants and fish to heavy fuel oilENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY, Issue 4 2004N. Kazlauskien Abstract Laboratory tests were conducted on higher plants [garden cress (Lepidium sativum), great duckweed (Spirodela polyrrhiza), and Tradescantia clone BNL 02] and fish [rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) at all stages of development: eggs, larvae and adults] to estimate their sensitivity to heavy fuel oil (HFO). A number of biological indices (survival, growth, and physiological and morphological parameters) as well as the genotoxic impact (Tradescantia) of HFO was evaluated by acute and chronic toxicity tests. Fish were found to be more sensitive to the toxic effect of HFO than were higher plants. EC50 values obtained for higher plants ranged from 8.7 g/L (L. sativum) to 19.8 g/L (Tradescantia), and maximum-acceptable-toxicant concentration (MATC) values ranged from 0.1 to 1.0 g/L of total HFO for L. sativum and Tradescantia, respectively. The 96-h LC50 values ranged from 0.33 g/L, for larvae, to 2.97 g/L, for adult fish, and the MATC value for fish was found to be equal to 0.0042 g/L of total HFO. To evaluate and predict the ecological risk of the overall effects of oil spills, studies should be performed using a set of acute and chronic bioassays that include test species of different phylogenetic levels with the most sensitive morphological, physiological, and genotoxic indices. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 19: 449,451, 2004 [source] Constituent Particle Break-Up During Hot Rolling of AA 5182,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 1-2 2010Nicolas Moulin Aluminum sheet is currently used for body panels on a number of mass-produced vehicles, in particular for closure panels. AA5xxx alloys always contain coarse inter-metallic particles (Alx(Fe,Mn)ySi, Mg2Si) after casting. In the present work inter-metallic particle break-up during hot reversible rolling of AA5182 alloy sheets has been analyzed. The sizes and shapes of inter-metallic particles in as-cast and industrially hot rolled AA5182 alloys sheets were characterized by 3D X-ray tomography observations. The relation between particle break-up and particle morphology was then analyzed statistically and by a micromechanical finite element (FE)-based model. The essential outcomes of the statistical approach may be summarized as follows. The inter-metallic particle population may be described by five morphological parameters. Secondly the comparison of the particle morphology in as cast and industrially rolled sheets leads to the definition of five classes. The evolution of each particle class as function of the rolling strain is provided. The statistical analysis shows which particles break-up. The stresses and strains in inter-metallic particles, embedded in an elasto-viscoplastic aluminum matrix submitted to plane strain compression, were analyzed by an FE model. A new failure criterion was proposed. The essential outcomes of the mechanical approach are as follows: a precise description of stress concentration mechanisms in nonconvex particles, a close description of the parameters controlling particle break-up, and finally a simplified classification of the failure behavior. [source] Numerical Modelling of Flow Boiling Heat Transfer in Horizontal Metal-Foam Tubes,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 10 2009Wei Lu Abstract The flow boiling heat transfer performance in horizontal metal-foam tubes is numerically investigated based on the flow pattern map retrieved from experimental investigations. The flow pattern and velocity profile are generally governed by vapour quality and mass flow rate of the fluid. The porous media non-equilibrium heat transfer model is employed for modelling both vapour and liquid phase zones. The modelling predictions have been compared with experimental results. The effects of metal-foam morphological parameters, heat flux and mass flux on heat transfer have been examined. The numerical predictions show that the overall heat transfer coefficient of the metal-foam filled tube increases with the relative density (1-porosity), pore density (ppi), mass and heat flux. [source] Holographic Method for Blood Cell ImagingIMAGING & MICROSCOPY (ELECTRONIC), Issue 3 20093D Morphology of Human Blood Erythrocytes Abstract Human blood cells (erythrocytes) were imaged by the digital holographic interference microscope (DHIM) without any preparation. DHIM represents an effective technique for 3D imaging of phase microscopic objects and measurement of their morphological parameters. It has been detected that, in addition to hematological diseases, the diseases of different genesis and external factors serve as the reason for the morphological modification of blood erythrocytes. [source] Chronic effects of polychlorinated dibenzofurans on mink in laboratory and field environmentsINTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT, Issue 2 2009Matthew J Zwiernik Abstract Mink are often used as a sentinel species in ecological risk assessments of chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dibenzo- p -dioxins (PCDDs), and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) that cause toxicity mediated through the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor. Considerable toxicological information is available on the effects of PCBs and PCDDs on mink, but limited toxicological information is available for PCDFs. Thus, exposure concentrations at which adverse effects occur could not be determined reliably for complex mixtures in which PCDFs dominate the total calculated concentration of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin equivalent (TEQ). Two studies were conducted to evaluate the potential toxicity of PCDFs to mink. The first was a chronic exposure, conducted under controlled laboratory conditions, in which mink were exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (2,3,7,8-TCDF) concentrations as great as 2.4 × 103 ng 2,3,7,8-TCDF/kg wet-weight (ww) diet or 2.4 × 102 ng TEQ2006-WHO-mammal/kg ww diet. In that study, transient decreases in body masses of kits relative to the controls was the only statistically significant effect observed. The second study was a 3-y field study during which indicators of individual health, including hematological and morphological parameters, were determined for mink exposed chronically to a mixture of PCDDs and PCDFs under field conditions. In the field study, there were no statistically significant differences in any of the measured parameters between mink exposed to a median estimated dietary dose of 31 ng TEQ2006-WHO-mammal/kg ww and mink from an upstream reference area where they had a median dietary exposure of 0.68 ng TEQ2006-WHO-mammal/kg ww. In both studies, concentrations of TEQ2006-WHO-mammal to which the mink were exposed exceeded those at which adverse effects, based on studies with PCDD and PCB congeners, would have been expected. Yet in both instances where PCDF congeners were the sole or predominant source of the TEQ2006-WHO-mammal, predicted adverse effects were not observed. Taken together, the results of these studies suggest that the values of the mammalian-specific toxicity equivalency factors suggested by the World Health Organization overestimate the toxic potency of PCDFs to mink. Therefore, hazard cannot be accurately predicted by making comparisons to toxicity reference values derived from exposure studies conducted with PCBs or PCDDs in situations where mink are exposed to TEQ mixtures dominated by PCDFs. [source] Quantitation of cytological parameters of malignant lymphocytes using computerized image analysisINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LABORATORY HEMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2008S. A. HAMID JAHANMEHR Summary Computerized image analysis may add to morphological evaluation by turning qualitative data into quantitative values. In this study, image analysis program was used to quantitate cytological parameters of lymphocytes in B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and B-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (B-PLL) were selected to represent typically small, medium, and large-sized lymphocytes, respectively. Image analysis was performed to determine the morphological parameters. A set of measurements was generated for quantitation of total cell area, cell diameter, cytoplasm area, nuclear area, nuclear/cell ratio, and nuclear density. The quantitated parameters substantiated morphological characteristics of the tumor cells. Comparative assessments demonstrated that CLL, MCL, and PLL can be differentiated by the quantitative descriptors. The results from image analysis may assist in defining morphological criteria and in developing quantitative cell morphology. [source] Morphological sperm defects analyzed by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy and their correlation with sperm motilityINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 3 2010Vincenzo Visco Objectives: To compare sperm defects as assessed by light microscopy (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and to correlate them with sperm motility. Methods: A cohort of 40 male partners of infertile couples was selected. Group 1 (n = 31) included subjects with motility >5 and <50%, group 2 (n = 9) included those with motility <5% and the control group consisted of 10 normospermic subjects. Semen analysis of morphological parameters was carried out by LM and TEM. Results: A linear correlation between LM and TEM regarding head defects and excess residual cytoplasm (r = 0.87 and 0.90) was found, whereas there was a poor correlation between tail and midpiece anomalies (r = 0.46 and 0.21). No significant variations were detected by LM and TEM regarding sperm head defects and excess residual cytoplasm, whereas TEM showed a significantly greater percentage of tail and midpiece alterations compared with LM in groups 1 and 2, as well as controls (P < 0.05). The microtubular pattern ,<9 + 2' represented the most frequent axonemal morphological alteration. Conclusions: TEM might represent an additional diagnostic tool in the presence of severe sperm hypomotility or absence of motility. [source] Effect of Altitude on Energy Exchange Characteristics of Some Alpine Medicinal Crops from Central HimalayasJOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE, Issue 1 2004S. Chandra Abstract To explore the conservation and cultivation of endangered alpine medicinal crops at comparatively lower altitudes, a study on variations in morphological parameters and energy exchange characteristics was conducted on five herbaceous medicinal crops from the alpines of Central Himalayas. Plants of same age were selected from the alpine medicinal crop nursery, Tungnath (3600 m), and were planted at the nurseries at 2100 and 550 m altitudes. After well acclimatization at lower altitudes, plants were examined for morphological and energy exchange studies during their active growth period. The energy balance sheet of these plant species indicates that most of the energy absorbed by the leaves dissipates by re-radiation, transpiration and thermal conductance across leaf surfaces. All species maintained leaf temperature below the surrounding air temperature at all altitudes and therefore gained energy by convection of heat as well as by boundary layer thermal conduction. Leaf-to-air temperature difference, gain of energy by convection of heat and boundary layer thermal conduction was maximum at an altitude of 2100 m in all the species. Boundary layer thermal conductivity, boundary layer thickness, thermal conductivity of the leaf and therefore, total energy absorbed by the leaves of these species increase significantly with decreasing altitude. Leaf thickness significantly decreases with decreasing altitude, which in turn enhances total energy absorption (r = ,0.975, P < 0.005) of the leaves in all the species. The results indicate that all these species absorb higher amount of energy at lower altitudes, which indicates their adaptability to warm temperatures at low altitudes (up to 550 m). Therefore, these species can be cultivated at relatively lower altitudes. However, a proper agronomic methodology needs to be developed for better yields. [source] Further evidence and characterization of Artemia franciscana (Kellogg, 1906) populations in ArgentinaJOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY, Issue 11 2004Francisco Amat Abstract Aim, This paper reports the presence of Artemia franciscana (Kellogg, 1906) in Mar Chiquita (CHI) salt lake and in Las Tunas (TUN) lagoon, as well as at a shallow lake in Salinas Grandes (Province of Córdoba) in Argentina. To date, this species has been considered absent from Argentina. This study also provides further data on the characterization of the A. franciscana populations from this area. Location, Province of Córdoba (Argentina). Methods, The cyst samples collected at the three hypersaline environments were measured to assess its mean diameter with a dissecting microscope. The length of the nauplii hatched from the cysts was also determined with the microscope. The adults raised from these nauplii under strictly controlled conditions were analysed for 12 morphological parameters and compared through multivariate discriminant analysis with other American populations. Fatty acids from the total lipids were analysed by gas chromatography. Reproductive compatibility was evaluated from single-pair intraspecific and interspecific crosses of adult specimens. Results, The results endorse the morphometric assimilation of the Artemia populations of this area to other American populations of the A. franciscana,super-species', together with its morphometric differentiation from the species A. persimilis (Piccinelli & Prosdocimi, 1968). The more conspicuous population from CHI shows cross-fertility with A. franciscana original from San Francisco Bay (California, USA). Both populations from CHI and TUN show cross-fertility between them and reproductive isolation with A. persimilis from Hidalgo (Province of La Pampa), which to date is considered to be endemic or exclusive of hypersaline ecosystems in Argentina. The reproductive characteristics displayed by the population from TUN lagoon suggest the existence of an occasional hybridization between A. franciscana and A. persimilis (Papeschi et al., 2000). Artemia cysts from CHI and TUN show a fatty acid profile rich in eicosapentaenoic acid differing markedly from the fatty acid profiles found in A. persimilis cysts. Main conclusions:,Artemia franciscana is present in Argentina at 36° S and north of this latitude. Artemia persimilis is confined to the south of latitude 37°10, S. There are different pieces of evidence that point to a certain level of hybridization of the two species taking place in the land belt between these parallels. [source] Phenotype and chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal cells from adipose tissue of different speciesJOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 11 2009María José Martínez-Lorenzo Abstract Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells capable of differentiating into several mesoderm lineages. They have been isolated from different tissues, such as bone marrow, adult peripheral blood, umbilical cord blood, and adipose tissue. The aim of this study was to analyze the differences in proliferation and phenotype of adipose tissue-derived MSCs from three different species, and to evaluate their capacity to differentiate into chondrocytes in vitro. A comparative study of cultured human, rabbit, and sheep mesenchymal cells from adipose tissue was carried out, and the main morphological parameters, proliferative activity, and expression of surface markers were characterized. Proliferation and flow cytometry data showed species-related differences between animal and human MSCs. Histological staining suggested that rabbit and sheep mesenchymal cells were able to differentiate into chondrocytic lineages. Human mesenchymal cells, though they could also differentiate, accomplished it with more difficulty than animal MSCs. These results could help to explain the differences in the chondrogenic capacity of sheep and rabbit MSCs when they are used as animal models compared to human mesenchymal cells in a clinical assay. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:1499,1507, 2009 [source] The effects of perceived predation risk on pre- and post-metamorphic phenotypes in the common frogJOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY, Issue 3 2009C. E. Stamper Abstract Where organisms undergo radical changes in habitat during ontogeny, dramatic phenotypic reshaping may be required. However, physiological and functional interrelationships may constrain the extent to which an individual's phenotype can be equally well adapted to their habitat throughout the life cycle. The phenotypic response of tadpoles to the presence of a predator has been reported for several species of anuran but the potential post-metamorphic consequences have rarely been considered. We reared common frog Rana temporaria tadpoles in the presence or absence of a larval odonate predator, Aeshna juncea, and examined the consequences of the resulting phenotypic adjustment in the aquatic larval stage of the life cycle for the terrestrial juvenile phenotype. In early development tadpoles developed deeper tail fins and muscles in response to the predator and, in experimental trials, swam further than those reared in the absence of a predator. While the difference in swimming ability remained significant throughout the larval period, by the onset of metamorphosis we could no longer detect any differences in the morphological parameters measured. The corresponding post-metamorphic phenotypes also did not initially differ in terms of morphology. At 12 weeks post-metamorphosis, however, froglets that developed from predator-exposed tadpoles swam more slowly and less far than those that developed from tadpoles reared in the absence of predators, the opposite trend to that observed in the larval stage of the life cycle, and had narrower femurs. These results suggest that there may be long-term costs for subsequent life-history stages of tailoring the larval phenotype to prevailing environmental conditions. [source] Monitoring a Marine Coastal Area: Use of Mytilus galloprovincialis and Mullus barbatus as BioindicatorsMARINE ECOLOGY, Issue 2002Ilaria Corsi Abstract. Samples of Mytilus galloprovincialis and Mullus barbatus were collected in eight coastal sites along the South Adriatic and Ionic coasts of Italy in spring 2000 for a survey of coastal pollution in the Mediterranean basin. Specimens were analysed using an integrated approach based on residue analysis of common aquatic pollutants like organochlorines such as hexachlorobenzene (HCB), DDTs and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals and nonylphenols (NPnE) and biomarker responses such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and the two specific P450 activities benzo(a)pyrene monooxygenase (BPMO) and 7-ethoxyre-sorufin-(9-deethylase (EROD). Biological and morphological parameters like somatic liver index (SLI), gonadosomatic index (GSI) and gonadal and gamete histology (eggs and sperms) were also evaluated in red mullet samples. A contamination gradient in which several hot spots occur were revealed in this study. The hot spots account for high levels of organochlorines in both species near incinerators and of PAHs in harbour areas. Levels of both NPnE and AChE activity were highest in two protected marine areas and were within detectable limits in others. This finding was confirmed by P450 activities, in which maximum levels were detected in harbours and protected marine areas. No morphological alterations of male and female gonads were observed on the histological level. [source] Red star-forming and blue passive galaxies in clustersMONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, Issue 2 2009Smriti Mahajan ABSTRACT We explore the relation between colour (measured from photometry) and specific star formation rate (derived from optical spectra obtained by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 4) of over 6000 galaxies (Mr,,20.5) in and around (<3 r200) low-redshift (z < 0.12) Abell clusters. Even though, as expected, most red sequence galaxies have little or no ongoing star formation, and most blue galaxies are currently forming stars, there are significant populations of red star-forming and blue passive galaxies. This paper examines various properties of galaxies belonging to the latter two categories, to understand why they deviate from the norm. These properties include morphological parameters, internal extinction, spectral features such as EW(H,) and the 4000 Å break, and metallicity. Our analysis shows that the blue passive galaxies have properties very similar to their star-forming counterparts, except that their large range in H, equivalent width indicates recent truncation of star formation. The red star-forming galaxies fall into two broad categories, one of them being massive galaxies in cluster cores dominated by an old stellar population, but with evidence of current star formation in the core (possibly linked with active galactic nuclei). For the remaining red star-forming galaxies, it is evident from spectral indices, stellar and gas-phase metallicities and mean stellar ages that their colours result from the predominance of a metal-rich stellar population. Only half of the red star-forming galaxies have extinction values consistent with a significant presence of dust. The implication of the properties of these star-forming galaxies on environmental studies, like that of the Butcher,Oemler effect, is discussed. [source] Variations in 24-,m morphologies among galaxies in the Spitzer Infrared Nearby Galaxies Survey: new insights into the Hubble sequenceMONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, Issue 4 2007G. J. Bendo ABSTRACT To study the distribution of star formation and dust emission within nearby galaxies, we measured five morphological parameters in the 3.6- and 24-,m wavebands for 65 galaxies in the Spitzer Infrared Nearby Galaxies Survey (SINGS) and eight galaxies that were serendipitously observed by SINGS. The morphological parameters demonstrate strong variations along the Hubble sequence, including statistically significant differences between S0/a-Sab and Sc-Sd galaxies. Early-type galaxies are generally found to be compact, centralized, symmetric sources in the 24-,m band, while late-type galaxies are generally found to be extended, asymmetric sources. These results suggest that the processes that increase the real or apparent sizes of galaxies' bulges also lead to more centralized 24-,m dust emission. Several phenomena, such as strong nuclear star formation, Seyfert activity, or outer ring structures, may cause galaxies to deviate from the general morphological trends observed at 24 ,m. We also note that the 24-,m morphologies of Sdm-Im galaxies are quite varied, with some objects appearing very compact and symmetric but others appearing diffuse and asymmetric. These variations reflect the wide variation in star formation in irregular galaxies as observed at other wavelengths. The variations in the 24-,m morphological parameters across the Hubble sequence mirror many of the morphological trends seen in other tracers of the ISM and in stellar emission. However, the 24-,m morphological parameters for the galaxies in this sample do not match the morphological parameters measured in the stellar wavebands. This implies that the distribution of dust emission is related to but not equivalent to the distribution of stellar emission. [source] Searching for cluster substructure using APM and ROSAT dataMONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, Issue 1 2001V. Kolokotronis We present a detailed study of the morphological features of 22 rich galaxy clusters. Our sample is constructed from a cross-correlation of optical data with X-ray (0.1,2.4 keV) ROSAT pointed observations. We systematically compare cluster images and morphological parameters in an attempt to reliably identify possible substructure in both optical and the X-ray images. To this end, we compute various moments of the optical and X-ray surface-brightness distribution such as the ellipticities, centre-of-mass shifts and ellipsoidal orientations. We assess the significance of our results using Monte Carlo simulations. We find significant correlations between the optical and X-ray morphological parameters, indicating that in both parts of the spectrum it is possible to identify correctly the dynamical state of a cluster. Most of our clusters (17/22) have a good one-to-one correspondence between the optical and the X-ray images, and about 10 appear to have strong indications of substructure. This corresponds to a minimum percentage of order ,45 per cent, which is in very good accordance with other similar analyses. Finally, five out of 22 systems (,22 per cent) seem to have distinct subclumps in the optical which are not verified in the X-ray images, and thus are suspect of being due to optical projection effects. These results will serve as a useful guide in interpreting subsequent analyses of large optical cluster catalogues. [source] Time-Domain and Morphological Analysis of the P-Wave.PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 7 2008Part I: Technical Aspects for Automatic Quantification of P-Wave Features Introduction: Time-domain and morphological analysis of P-wave from surface electrocardiogram has been extensively used to identify patients prone to atrial arrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation (AF). However, since no standard procedure exists for P-wave preprocessing, standardization of cut-off values for P-wave duration and morphological features is difficult. This study is a methodological investigation of P-wave preprocessing procedures for automatic time-domain and morphological analysis. Methods: We compared, on simulated and real data, the P-wave template obtained applying three alignment algorithms with that obtained without alignment, in terms of template error, shift error, P-wave duration, and morphological parameters. We also proposed automatic algorithms for estimation of P-wave duration. Results: We found that alignment is necessary for a reliable extraction of P-wave template by the averaging procedure, in order to perform time-domain and morphological analysis. On simulated and real data, the error on P-wave duration can be as high as 30 ms on a template obtained without alignment; if alignment procedure is performed, the error on P-wave duration is negligible. Analogously, morphological features are correctly estimated only on a P-wave template obtained with P-waves alignment. We also found that the proposed algorithm for the automatic estimation of the P-wave duration gave reliable results. [source] In vivo inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase decreases lung injury induced by Toxocara canis in experimentally infected ratsPARASITE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 11-12 2002Elsa Y. Espinoza SUMMARY The direct effect of nitric oxide (NO) on the viability of Toxocara canis larvae was studied. We observed that the nitric oxide donors, SIN-1 and SNOG, exert no cytotoxic effect on the in vitro viability of T. canis larvae. In addition, we developed a model in rats to elucidate the role of NO during T. canis infection. We evaluated different indicators in four experimental groups: morphological parameters, the total number cells and cell types recovered, nitrite and protein concentration, lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase enzymatic activity in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, lung index and detection of anti- T. canis specific antibodies. We observed significant differences between non-infected and infected groups. The infected animals treated with the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor aminoguanidine were less damaged than infected, non-treated animals. Our results suggest that the in vivo inhibition of the synthesis of NO triggered by iNOS diminishes the deleterious effects of the parasite upon the host, especially the vascular alterations in the lungs. We could show that in vivo production of NO induced by infection with T. canis results in direct host damage. Thus, this induction may constitute an evasion/adaptation mechanism of the parasite. [source] Ecophysiological and morphological parameters related to survival in grass species exposed to an extreme climatic eventPHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM, Issue 4 2005Ann Milbau An experiment was performed to elucidate interspecific differences in survival time of grass species subjected to an extreme climatic event. We exposed eight grass species to a simulated heat wave in the field (,free air' temperature increase at 11°C above ambient) combined with drought. We determined whether interspecific differences in survival time were related to the responses of the species to the imposed stress or could be explained by their ecophysiological or morphological characteristics in unstressed conditions. Surprisingly, there was no effect of specific leaf area, but species with a higher total leaf area survived longer. This may arise from a greater water reserve in the plant as a whole, which could delay the desiccation of the meristem, or from reduced evaporation due to a higher leaf area index. Species in which the decrease in light-saturated stomatal conductance (gs) and photosynthetic CO2 uptake rate (Amax) was strongly related to the decrease in soil water availability (measured as soil relative water content and stress duration) survived longer than species in which gs and Amax likewise declined but responded more to daily fluctuations in irradiance, temperature, and vapor pressure deficit during the heat wave. We, therefore, hypothesize that interspecific differences in stress survival time might be related to the extent to which stomata react to changes in soil water conditions relatively to changes in other environmental and physiological factors. The results suggest that resistance to extremes is governed by other mechanisms than resistance to moderate drought. [source] Reactive compatibilization of nylon copolymer/EPDM blends: experimental aspects and their comparison with theoryPOLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, Issue 5 2008Cibi Komalan Abstract In situ reactive compatibilization was first time applied to a low melting nylon (nylon 6 and 66 copolymer) and EPDM blend system. The effects of in situ compatibilization and concentration of compatibilizer on the morphology and mechanical properties of nylon/EPDM blends have been investigated. The influence of EPM-g-MA on the phase morphology was examined by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after preferential extraction of the minor phase. The SEM micrographs were quantitatively analyzed for domain size measurements. The compatibilizer concentrations used were 0, 1, 2.5, 5, and 10,wt%. The graft copolymer (nylon-g-EPM) formed at the interface showed relatively high emulsifying activity. A maximum phase size reduction was observed when 2.5,wt% of compatibilizer was added to the blend system. This was followed by a leveling-off at higher loadings indicating interfacial saturation. The conformation of the compatibilizer at the interface was deduced based on the area occupied by the compatibilizer at the blend interface. The experimental compatibilization results were compared with theoretical predictions of Noolandi and Hong. It was concluded that the molecular state of compatibilizer at interface changes with concentration. The in situ compatibilized blends showed considerable improvement in mechanical properties. Measurement of tensile properties shows increased elongation as well as enhanced modulus and strength up on compatibilization. At higher concentrations of compatibilizer, a leveling-off of the tensile properties was observed. A good correlation has been observed between the mechanical properties and morphological parameters. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Comparative study of brain morphology in Mecp2 mutant mouse models of Rett syndromeTHE JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY, Issue 1 2008Nadia P. Belichenko Abstract Rett syndrome (RTT) is caused by mutations in the X-linked gene MECP2. While patients with RTT show widespread changes in brain function, relatively few studies document changes in brain structure and none examine in detail whether mutations causing more severe clinical phenotypes are linked to more marked changes in brain structure. To study the influence of MeCP2-deficiency on the morphology of brain areas and axonal bundles, we carried out an extensive morphometric study of two Mecp2-mutant mouse models (Mecp2B and Mecp2J) of RTT. Compared to wildtype littermates, striking changes included reduced brain weight (,13% and ,9%) and the volumes of cortex (,11% and ,7%), hippocampus (both by ,8%), and cerebellum (,12% and 8%) in both mutant mice. At 3 weeks of age, most (24 of 47) morphological parameters were significantly altered in Mecp2B mice; fewer (18) were abnormal in Mecp2J mice. In Mecp2B mice, significantly lower values for cortical area were distributed along the rostrocaudal axis, and there was a reduced length of the olfactory bulb (,10%) and periaqueductal gray matter (,16%). In Mecp2J mice, while there was significant reduction in rostrocaudal length of cortex, this parameter was also abnormal in hippocampus (,10%), periaqueductal gray matter (,13%), fimbria (,18%), and anterior commissure (,10%). Our findings define patterns of Mecp2 mutation-induced changes in brain structure that are widespread and show that while some changes are present in both mutants, others are not. These observations provide the underpinning for studies to further define microarchitectural and physiological consequences of MECP2 deficiency. J. Comp. Neurol. 508:184,195, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Relationships between morphological and sedimentological parameters in source-to-sink systems: a basis for predicting semi-quantitative characteristics in subsurface systemsBASIN RESEARCH, Issue 4 2009Tor O. Sømme ABSTRACT The study of source-to-sink systems relates long-term variations in sediment flux to morphogenic evolution of erosional,depositional systems. These variations are caused by an intricate combination of autogenic and allogenic forcing mechanisms that operate on multiple time scales , from individual transport events to large-scale filling of basins. In order to achieve a better understanding of how these mechanisms influence morphological characteristics on different scales, 29 submodern source-to-sink systems have been investigated. The study is based on measurements of morphological parameters from catchments, shelves and slopes derived from a ,1 km global digital elevation model dataset, in combination with data on basin floor fans, sediment supply, water discharge and deposition rates derived from published literature. By comparing various morphological and sedimentological parameters within and between individual systems, a number of relationships governing system evolution and behaviour are identified. The results suggest that the amount of low-gradient floodplain area and river channel gradient are good indicators for catchment storage potential. Catchment area and river channel length is also related to shelf area and shelf width, respectively. Similarly to the floodplain area, these parameters are important for long-term storage of sediment on the shelf platform. Additionally, the basin floor fan area is correlative to the long-term deposition rate and the slope length. The slope length thus proves to be a useful parameter linking proximal and distal segments in source-to-sink systems. The relationships observed in this study provide insight into segment scale development of source-to-sink systems, and an understanding of these relationships in modern systems may result in improved knowledge on internal and external development of source-to-sink systems over geological time scales. They also allow for the development of a set of semi-quantitative guidelines that can be used to predict similar relationships in other systems where data from individual system segments are missing or lacking. [source] Acoustic and Morphological Differentiation in the Frog Allobates femoralis: Relationships with the Upper Madeira River and Other Potential Geological BarriersBIOTROPICA, Issue 5 2008Pedro Ivo Simões ABSTRACT We studied patterns of call acoustics and external morphological differentiation in populations of the dart-poison frog Allobates femoralis occurring in forested areas along a 250-km stretch of the upper Madeira River, Brazil. Multivariate analyses of variance using principal components representing shared acoustic and morphological parameters distinguished three groups in relation to call structure and external morphology: (1) populations belonging to a two-note call morphotype; (2) populations with four-note calls inhabiting the left riverbank; and (3) populations with four-note calls inhabiting the right riverbank. Our results report a case of Amazonian anuran diversity hidden by current taxonomy and provide evidence for the upper Madeira River being a boundary between distinct populations of A. femoralis, and suggest a new taxonomic interpretation for these groups. Samples that did not fit into the general differentiation pattern and the existence of a well-defined contact zone between two morphotypes on the left riverbank indicate that mechanisms complementary to river-barrier hypotheses are necessary to explain the phenotypic differentiation between populations. Our study shows that at least one anuran species shows congruence between population differentiation and separation by a large Amazonian river, as documented for birds and mammals. Conservation efforts should not consider the taxon now known as A. femoralis as a homogeneous entity. There is much within-taxon variability, which can be probably explained partly by the existence of cryptic species, partly by geological barriers and part of which currently has no obvious explanation. RESUMO Estudamos padrões de diferenciação em acústica de cantos e morfologia externa em populações da rã-venenosa Allobates femoralis em áreas de floresta ao longo do alto Rio Madeira, Estado de Rondônia, Brasil, utilizando dados de 19 pontos de coleta estabelecidos em um trecho de 250 km do rio. Dois morfotipos distintos foram encontrados na área de estudo. Um, com cantos de anúncio constituídos por 2 notas, ocorre apenas na porção superior da margem esquerda do Rio Madeira, alcançando uma zona de contato com o segundo morfotipo à jusante, onde não há qualquer barreira de dispersão aparente na atualidade. O segundo morfotipo, com cantos constituídos por 4 notas, ocorre em ambos os lados do rio. Análises de variância multivariadas usando componentes principais representando parâmetros acústicos e morfológicos apontaram três grupos distintos em relação à estrutura dos cantos e morfologia externa: (1) populações pertencentes ao morfotipo com cantos de 2 notas; (2) populações pertencentes ao morfotipo com cantos de 4 notas da margem esquerda; e (3) populações pertencentes ao morfotipo de 4 notas da margem direita. Nossos resultados apontam um caso de diversidade de anuros amazônicos mascarada pela taxonomia atual e fornece evidências sobre o papel do Rio Madeira como um limite entre populações diferenciadas da espécie, sugerindo uma Re-interpretação taxonômica destes grupos. Amostras que não se encaixam no padrão geral de diferenciação e a existência de uma zona de contato bem definida entre dois morfotipos na margem esquerda indicam que mecanismos complementares à hipóteses de rios como barreiras são necessários para explicar a diferenciação fenotípica de Allobates femoralis. Nosso estudo mostra que ao menos uma espécie de anuro apresenta congruência entre diferenciação populacional e sua separação por um grande rio amazônico, como já documentado para aves e mamíferos. Esforços de conservação não deveriam considerar o táxon Allobates femoralis como uma entidade homogênea. Há uma grande variabilidade dentro deste táxon, o que pode ser provavelmente explicado em parte pela existência de espécies crípticas, em parte por barreiras geológicas e em parte por mecanismos ainda desconhecidos. [source] 4333: How does scleral buckling affect the anterior segment of the eye?ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010FJ ASCASO Purpose To describe the modifications produced in the anterior segment of the eye after placing an encircling scleral buckling (SB) in terms of corneal morphology, biomechanics and intraocular pressure. Methods A prospective study of 15 eyes with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment who underwent pars plana vitrectomy combined with a scleral buckle (PPV/SB), and 12 eyes with vitreous hemorrhage treated with PPV alone. We measured preoperatively and 1-month after surgery the corneal biomechanical properties using the Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA), including corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), intraocular pressure (IOPg), and corneal compensated IOP (IOPcc). Moreover, we defined the corneal morphology by 4 parameters provided by the topographer Orbscan IIz: mean corneal power (dioptres), standard deviation, thinnest point (µm), and anterior chamber depth (ACD) (mm). Results Mean CH values were significantly diminished following PPV/SB (p=0.003). We found no significant changes in CRF. IOPg and IOPcc mean values were significantly increased only in the PPV/SB group (p=0.019 and p=0.010, respectively) but not in PPV group (p=0.715 and p=0.273, respectively). In PPV/SB group, IOPcc mean values were significantly higher than IOPg before (p=0.001) and after surgery (p=0.003), but not in the other group. None of the morphological parameters were modified after surgery in any of the two study groups (p>0.05) Conclusion Anterior segment morphology was not modified after placing a SB. Corneal biomechanical properties showed a reduction in CH, probably due to a vascular constriction and reduction of the eye compliance. PPV might be considered a less invasive approach for the repair of noncomplex retinal detachments than PPV/SB. [source] Ocular haemodynamic changes after single treatment with photodynamic therapy assessed with non-invasive techniquesACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 6 2009Noemi Maar Abstract. Purpose:, To investigate in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) the changes in ocular perfusion caused by single treatment with photodynamic therapy (PDT) by different non-invasive methods; to evaluate correlations between relative changes of ocular haemodynamic parameters after PDT among each other and compared to morphological parameters; and to assess this in relation to early changes of visual acuity. Methods:, Study population: 17 consecutive patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) caused by ARMD scheduled for PDT without previous PDT treatment (four patients with predominantly classic CNV and 13 patients with occult CNV). Observation procedures: best-corrected visual acuity (before PDT, 6 and 8 weeks after PDT), fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, haemodynamic measurements with laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF), laser interferometry and ocular blood flow (OBF) tonometry (baseline and 1, 2, 6 and 8 weeks after treatment). Main outcome measures: choroidal blood flow (CHBF), fundus pulsation amplitude (FPA), pulsatile ocular blood flow (POBF), visual acuity. Changes smaller than 20% were considered clinically irrelevant. Results:, Ocular haemodynamic parameters did not change significantly in the follow-up period. Changes of haemodynamic parameters showed no correlation to treatment spot, morphological changes or visual acuity. Changes of visual acuity were comparable to results of earlier studies. Conclusion:, Single treatment with PDT did not modify ocular blood flow parameters above 20% as assessed with different non-invasive methods. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||