Measurements of the equation of state of deuterium at the fluid insulator-metal transition

A high-intensity laser was used to shock-compress liquid deuterium to pressures from 22 to 340 gigapascals. In this regime deuterium is predicted to transform from an insulating molecular fluid to an atomic metallic fluid. Shock densities and pressures, determined by radiography, revealed an increase in compressibility near 100 gigapascals indicative of such a transition. Velocity interferometry measurements, obtained by reflecting a laser probe directly off the shock front in flight, demonstrated that deuterium shocked above 55 gigapascals has an electrical conductivity characteristic of a liquid metal and independently confirmed the radiography.     

Evaluation of a point-of-care immunodot assay for predicting results of allergen-specific intradermal and immunoglobulin E serological tests

Immunotherapy to prevent recurrence of clinical signs of atopic dermatitis (AD) is based on intradermal or serological tests that assist in identifying allergen-specific immunoglobulin E hypersensitivities. Unfortunately, the results of such tests can be negatively influenced by several factors, which include the age of the patients, the season of testing and the administration of anti-allergic drugs. Screening to predict when these expensive tests will be useful would benefit owners of dogs with AD. The objectives of this study were to determine whether a point-of-care allergen-specific immunodot assay (Allercept E-Screen, Heska Corp., Ft Collins, CO, USA) could predict results of either intradermal or Allercept full panel serological tests in atopic dogs. Thirty dogs living in the south-eastern USA were diagnosed with AD in accordance with current standards. Allergen-specific intradermal, serological and E-Screen tests were performed in all subjects. For flea, house dust mite and pollen allergens altogether, results of the E-Screen assay agreed with those of intradermal and serological tests in 26/30 dogs (87%) and 25/30 dogs (83%), respectively. In this group of dogs, the probabilities of obtaining intradermal or serological tests positive for these allergens were 70 and 67%, respectively. If either skin or serum tests were performed only in dogs with positive E-Screen tests, the probability of obtaining positive results would be increased from 70 to 95% and from 67 to 90%, respectively. In this population of dogs with AD, results of the E-Screen point-of-care immunodot assay was found to often agree with those of allergen-specific intradermal or Allercept tests for selected allergen groups.     

Carbonic anhydrase and Na/K-ATPase activities at different molting stages of the giant freshwater prawn <Emphasis Type="Italic">Macrobrachium rosenbergii</Emphasis>

ABSTRACT:   In the present study, the role of carbonic anhydrase (CA) and Na/K-ATPase in the gill and epidermal tissues in the giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii was examined as a function of molting stage. CA activity levels in the front and back gills were low at the intermolt stage C₀, but increased significantly at premolt stage D₃, and then decreased after molting. In the epidermal tissue, activity levels decreased gradually towards premolt to a minimum level at stage D₃, but became elevated at postmolt stages A and B. Na/K-ATPase levels in the front and back gills did not change significantly during the molt cycle. CA in the gill is possibly involved in supplying counter-ions for ion uptake, while CA in the epidermal tissue may play a role in mineralizing the exoskeleton after ecdysis. Na/K-ATPase in the gills may function in ion uptake from the ambient medium; however, since its activity was not influenced by the molt cycle, it probably does not have a major role in osmoregulation in the freshwater environment.     

Clinical and pathological findings of Babesia infection in dogs

The clinical and pathological findings of Babesia infection in 32 dogs in northern Australia are presented. Eleven different breed types were represented from 6 localities in north Queensland and one locality in northern Western Australia. Twenty three (72%) were males. Babesia-infected dogs were grouped by the degree of haematological disturbance and clinical severity: Acute babesiosis (25/32), all pups with severe haemolytic anaemia; subclinical carriers (5/32) with non-specific malaise, characterised haematologically by a normal erythrogram but marked leucopenia; chronic anaemia, observed in 2 adult dogs. Pups were azotaemic (serum urea greater than 6.6 mmol/l) and had elevated serum bilirubin levels (20.8 to 48.5 mmol/l). Total serum protein was usually within the normal range. Pups that died were also hypoglycaemic and severely hyperkalaemic (K+ greater than 10 mmol/l). Low parasitaemias in routine blood smears complicated diagnosis but smears made from ear or toe capillaries, or after haematocrit concentration, greatly enhanced finding parasitised cells. At necropsy, pallor and jaundice were the most consistent observations. Haemoglobinuric nephrosis, an active reticulo-endothelial system and capillaries packed with large numbers of infected erythrocytes were the main histopathological findings. A combination of imidocarb dipropionate at 5 mg/kg body weight, given intramuscularly, with fluid therapy and blood transfusion was the most successful treatment.     

Surgical Repair of an Inguinal Herniation of the Urinary Bladder in an Intact Female Domestic Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

A 4-month-old intact female domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was evaluated for a recent onset of lethargy, anorexia, foul-smelling red urine, diarrhea, and a soft subcutaneous swelling in the inguinal region. Physical examination confirmed the presence of a flocculent subcutaneous swelling in the ventral pelvic region. Whole body radiographs showed an approximately 5 × 3.5 × 3.5 cm structure of mineral opacity within the subcutaneous tissues ventral to the pelvic girdle. Cytology of fluid aspirated from the mass and an excretory urogram supported the diagnosis of a herniation of the urinary bladder through the right caudoventral abdominal body wall. The hernia was successfully repaired with an inguinal herniorrhaphy and replacement of the bladder within the abdominal cavity. The etiology of this herniation could not be definitively determined but was likely congenital or non-traumatically acquired in origin. This is the first published report describing the surgical repair of an inguinal herniation and incarceration of the urinary bladder in an intact female rabbit.     

Conjunctival xanthoma in a blue and gold macaw (Ara ararauna)

A 17-year-old female blue and gold macaw ( Ara ararauna ) presented for evaluation of a discreet, conjunctival mass of the OD. No other abnormalities were found on ophthalmic or physical examination. A heterophilic leukocytosis was present on the complete blood count, and elevated aspartate aminotransferase activity, creatinine kinase activity and cholesterol were present on the plasma biochemistry panel. Surgical removal of the mass was complete and no recurrence has occurred by six months after excision. Reduction of dietary fats was recommended to reduce serum cholesterol levels and reduce the likelihood of future occurrence of xanthomas in this bird.