Allometric model of the Reineke equation for Japanese cypress (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Chamaecyparis obtusa</Emphasis>) and red pine (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus densiflora</Emphasis>) stands

An allometric model that explains the mechanism of the difference in the slope of the Reineke equation (A) among species was proposed based on the allometric relationships of mean tree height (H) to quadratic mean diameter D (H ∝ D ^θ ) and stand density N (H ∝ N ^δ ), i.e., A = θ/δ. The proposed model was fitted to Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa Endl.) and red pine (Pinus densiflora) stands. The allometric exponents θ and δ were, respectively, 0.8995 and −0.5000 for cypress and 0.8612 and −0.6619 for pine. The difference between cypress and pine was significant for δ but not for θ. Inserting the exponents into the model resulted in predicted slopes of −1.7991 for cypress and −1.3011 for pine. The difference in the slope of the Reineke equation between the two species was produced by characteristics related to the tree crown, rather than characteristics related to stem slenderness. The proposed model enables us to estimate the slope of the Reineke equation from commonly measured stand attributes, such as mean tree height and quadratic mean diameter. Therefore, the proposed model is expected to be practical and convenient for estimating the slope of the Reineke equation and for explaining the mechanism of its variation among species. The model should be also accepted as a generalized model of the stand density versus quadratic mean diameter relationship, whereas the original Reineke equation should be seen as a specific case of this model.     

Blepharmone: a conjugation-inducing glycoprotein in the ciliate blepharisma

Gamone 1 of Blepharisma intermedium was isolated, identified as a slightly basic glycoprotein (mizoleclular weight, 2 x 10(5)), and designated as blepharmnone. At the concentration of 6 x 10(-8) milligram per milliliter, it specifically transforms matinig type 2 cells, so that they can conjugate in about 2 hours.     

Effect of contrast media formulation on computed tomography angiographic contrast enhancement.

The characteristics of contrast media formulation (mgI/ml, osmolarity, and viscosity) are generally not considered important in computed tomography (CT) angiography in animals. The purpose of this study was to assess the contrast effect in CT angiography as a function of contrast media formulation, with a constant iodine dose. The contrast effects of three contrast media with different iodine concentrations were compared by administering identical iodine dosages (mgI/kg). The contrast effects of the three contrast media differed, and the area under the time-attenuation curve of iohexol 350 mgI/ml, which had the highest iodine concentration, was the lowest. It was hypothesized that the contrast effect of a contrast medium decreases with higher iodine concentration because of the high amount of residual iodine present in the circulatory system from the injection site to the portion immediately before the great vessels. In addition, the influence of osmotic dilution on contrast media with high osmolarity was also considered. In conclusion, the contrast effect varies with different contrast media formulations, even when the same iodine dosage is administered.     

The Possibility of Chromosome Classification as Identified by Trypsin-Giemsa Banding Patterns

Inhalt Möglichkeit einer Chromosomenklassifikation durch eine Trypsin-Giemsa-Bänderungstechnik. Es wird eine modifizierte Trypsin-Giemsa-Bandtechnik für Chromosomen beschrieben, die beim Schwein eine deutliche Bänderung zur Chromosomenidentifikation ergibt. Die Bänderung wird erzielt durch eine Verkärzung der Kolchizineinwirkung auf 30 Minuten und eine Behandlung der 3–5 Tage alten Objektträger mit einer 0,1 % Trypsinlösung (Sörensenpuffer pH 6,8) über eine Dauer von 10–20 Minuten bei 4°C und anschlieβender Färbung mit 2 % Giemsalösung (Phosphatpuffer pH 6,8) für 7–10 Minuten. Mit dieser Technik konnten die 18 autosomalen Chromosomen und die beiden Geschlechtschromosomen des Schweines identifiziert werden. Einzelheiten der G-Bandzeichnung eines jeden Chromosoms dieser Spezies werden beschrieben und in einem Karyotypogramm photographisch und schematisch belegt. Das beschriebene Verfahren kann für Zytogenetiker der Human- und Tiermedizin von Bedeutung sein. Contents In the present paper the authors present a modified trypsin-giemsa chromosomal banding technique showing clear banding patterns for the identification of pig chromosomes. The banding patterns were induced by the reduction of colchicine density or trypsin treatment at a critical temperature of 4°C. Identification of 18 pairs of autosomes and a pair of sex-chromosomes of pig were made successfully. Details of the G-banding patterns of each chromosome were described and illustrated both in a karyotypical photograph and in a schematic diagram. The methods may be of importance to veterinary cytogenetics and genetical pathology, as well as to human medicine.     

Relationships among age, body weight, scrotal circumference, semen quality and peripheral testosterone and estradiol concentrations in pubertal and postpubertal Holstein bulls

In the present study, the correlations among age, body weight, scrotal circumference (SC), semen quality and peripheral testosterone and estradiol-17beta (E(2)) concentrations were investigated in pubertal (n=5) and postpubertal (n=7) groups of Holstein bulls over a 6 week period. There were significant positive correlations (P<0.01) among age, body weight and SC in both groups, and similar significant correlations between sperm motility and SC in pubertal bulls (P<0.01) and between sperm concentration and SC in postpubertal bulls (P<0.05). The sperm motility after collection (P<0.05) and after freezing and thawing (P<0.01) of the postpubertal bulls correlated positively with the E(2) concentration. Estrogen may be important for the function of postpubertal bull testes, in which it may regulate spermatozoa motility in vivo.     

Comparison of fertility on intrauterine insemination between cryopreserved ejaculated and cauda epididymal sperm in dogs

The fertility was compared between ejaculated and cauda epididymal sperm sensitized with prostatic fluid in dog after freeze-thawing using the fertility of ova from the contralateral ovary after injection (2 × 10(8) sperm) into dog uterus on the unilateral ovariectomized side, on the basis of the presence or absence of conception. No significant difference was observed in sperm quality after freeze-thawing between the two groups and conception rates were equivalent and low. Therefore, to achieve a high fertility by intrauterine insemination of canine frozen-thawed ejaculated and cauda epididymal sperm, intrauterine insemination on both sides is recommended, rather than insemination with a lot of sperm of the uterine horn on one side.     

Basal levels and GnRH-induced responses of peripheral testosterone and estrogen in Holstein bulls with poor semen quality

The present study investigated the basal levels and GnRH-induced responses of peripheral testosterone and estrogen in Holstein bulls with poor semen quality. On the basis of semen parameters, bulls (n=5) having poor semen quality were selected as experimental bulls, and good semen quality bulls (n=4) were used as control bulls. Both groups were treated intramuscularly once with GnRH (250 μg of fertirelin acetate). Blood samples were collected at -1 day (d), -30 min and 0 h (treatment) followed by every 30 min for 5 h and 1, 3 and 5 d post-GnRH treatment (PGT), and LH, testosterone and estradiol-17β (E(2)) concentrations were measured. The pretreatment concentrations were used as basal levels. The percentage increments based on the 0-h levels were calculated per bull for each sampling time until 5 h PGT, and differences were compared between the experimental and control groups. The PGT concentrations of testosterone and basal and PGT concentrations of E(2) were significantly lower in the experimental group. The testosterone increment in the experimental group was delayed and significantly lower from 1 to 5 h PGT than those in the control group. It can be suggested that bulls with poor semen quality have delayed and lower GnRH-induced testosterone response and may also have lower estrogen levels.     

Virtopsy in a red kangaroo with oral osteomyelitis

This report describes the use of computed tomography (CT) in a nondomestic species. Postmortem CT was performed on a red kangaroo (Macropus rufus) and a diagnosis of oral osteomyelitis was made. CT examination revealed bony remodeling of the right mandible, an intraosseous lesion of the right temporal bone, muscle necrosis around the right mandible, and the absence of the right, first, upper molar tooth. Cardiac and intrahepatic gas and a distended intestine due to postmortem gas accumulation were also seen. All the lesions identified with CT were also identified by conventional necropsy, except the cardiac and intrahepatic gases. Virtopsy may be a useful procedure for the noninvasive identification of cause of death and as a guide for necropsy in animals.