Effect of board density on bending properties and dimensional stabilities of MDF-reinforced corrugated particleboard

We investigated the bending properties of composite boards produced by reinforcing both sides of corrugated particleboard with medium-density fiberboard (MDF). Thickness swelling and linear expansion (LE) were measured to assess the dimensional stabilities of the composite board. Although the apparent density of the composite board was 0.48g/cm³, its strength was found to be equivalent to that of 18-type particleboard as described in JIS A 5908. The boards parallel/perpendicular anisotropy in strength was 0.9. The modulus of rupture (MOR) of the composite board increased with board density only up to a certain density, beyond which the MOR was constant. On the other hand, the thickness swelling of both corrugated particleboard and the composite board was smaller than that of flat-type particleboard, satisfying the JIS A 5908 standard of 12%. Linear expansion (soaking in water of ordinary temperature for 24h) of corrugated particleboard was 0.7%–0.9% in the parallel direction and 2.1%–3.1% in the perpendicular direction; hence, anisotropy in linear expansion existed in the corrugated particleboard. The linear expansion of the composite board was 0.6%–0.9% in the parallel direction and 1.8%–2.5% in the perpendicular direction. Although the LE of the composite board was lower than that of corrugated particleboard, it is necessary to improve the LE of composite board for practical use.     

DNA extraction from bovine mummified fetuses and detection of factor XI gene deficiency in the mummies

Genomic DNA extracted from bovine mummified tissue is valuable material for detection of some genes that may contribute to fetal abnormalities. In this study bovine genomic DNA was extracted from the hardened tissue samples of ten bovine mummified fetuses. The amount of genomic DNA extracted from 2 g of the mummified tissues by the phenol/chloroform-ethanol method was low (less than 4 microg/ml) for all samples. The extracted DNA was then amplified by the GenomiPhi DNA amplification system. After amplification, the amount of DNA was increased to more than 100 microg/ml for all samples. This amplification system was shown to be a good tool for amplifying the genomic DNA of the mummified fetuses. The amplified genomic DNA was used for testing the mummies for Factor XI gene deficiency, an autosomal recessive deficiency involved in the early stages of the intrinsic blood coagulation pathway. Exon 12 of the Factor XI gene of the mummies was amplified by PCR. Two of the ten mummified fetuses were heterozygous for the Factor XI gene as indicated by the presence of two amplified DNA fragments of 320 bp and 244 bp. Factor XI deficiency has already been described in Holstein cattle. However, no report is available for bovine fetus. In this study, DNA was extracted and amplified from the bovine mummified fetuses, and the samples were successfully tested for Factor XI gene deficiency in the mummies.     

Identification of Card15/Nod2 mRNA in intestinal tissue of experimentally induced colitis in rats

Card15/Nod2 has been suggested to be an intracellular pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMPs) recognition molecule, which contains a leucine-rich repeat region similar to the Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Card15/Nod2 gene variants play an important role in the susceptibility to Crohn's disease. In this study, we examined the kinetics of Card15/Nod2 expression in intestinal tissue during inflammation in the 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-treated rat experimental colitis model. At 2 and 4 days after TNBS administration, the mononuclear cells remarkably infiltrated the mucosal layer and tunica muscularis, which was followed by a gradual decrease to resting levels at 14 days after TNBS administration. Card15/Nod2 mRNA expression increased and peaked at 4 days after the TNBS administration, followed by a gradual decrease in accordance with the amelioration of the inflammatory response. Expressions of Tlr2, Tlr4 and Myd88 were also upregulated in the inflamed colonic region, and in an in situ hybridization study, a positive signal for Card15/Nod2 was observed in the crypt of the epithelial cell layer and in the infiltrated cells of the submucosal and myenteric regions. These results suggest that in addition to the TLR recognition systems, Card15/Nod2 may contribute to the inflammatory process not only in the epithelial and submucosal layers but also in the tunica muscularis.     

Molecular detection of Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' Infection in cats by direct PCR using whole blood without DNA extraction

Detection of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. infection was attempted in cats by PCR using whole blood without DNA extraction. A total 46 of 54 (85%) cats with suspected Mycoplasma spp. infection showed a positive reaction, corresponding completely with the results of standard PCR testing. The direct PCR assay was sensitive enough to detect more than 0.0061% parasitemia for ;C. M. haemominutum' and 0.0075% parasitemia for M. haemofelis. These data indicate that the direct PCR assay might be sufficient for use as a tool in clinical examinations.     

Dimensional stability and strength properties of particleboard produced by a closed-press system

The purpose of this study was to reveal the effects of various levels of mat-moisture content (m.m.c.) and the closed-press system for making single- or three-layer particleboard on the density profile, thickness swelling, specific moduli of elasticity (MOE) and rupture (MOR) and internal bond strength. Internal gas pressure was measured in an enclosed frame; and the larger the m.m.c., the higher the internal gas pressure became. When rising water vapor (steam) struck particles, it plasticized them and cured the adhesive, resulting in improved interparticle contact. The vertical density gradient in the three-layer board was larger than that in the single-layer board. As for thickness swelling by cold-water soaking, the single-layer boards were less affected than the three-layer boards and showed good dimensional stability with increased m.m.c. The open-system boards swelled more than the closed-system boards. The closed-system single-layer board made at high m.m.c. returned nearly to the prime thickness by air-drying after cold-water soaking. Specific MOE and MOR were larger at 15% or 10% m.m.c. than those at other m.m.c. Considerable reductions of specific MOR and MOE of the closed-system three-layer board were observed at 20% or 25% m.m.c.Part of this report was presented at the 45th annual meeting of the Japan Wood Research Society, Tokyo, April 1995 and at the 48th annual meeting of the Japan Wood Research Society, Shizuoka, April 1998     

Change in Morphology of Spermatozoa from Dismount Semen during the Breeding Season in Thoroughbred Stallions in Japan

To clarify the physiological changes of sperm morphology in active Thoroughbred stallions during the breeding season, we examined the dismount semen collected from the penile urethra immediately after service. The spermatozoa were analyzed for relationships between the morphology and the stallion’s age or the number of services. Seasonal variation was apparent in the rate of the sperm tail abnormalities, spermatozoa with cytoplasmic droplets, appearance of medusa cells, and sperm head length. Area and width of the sperm head correlated negatively with age (P<0.05). The rate of appearance of medusa cells and the length of the sperm head were positively related to the number of services (P<0.05), and the aspect ratio was negatively related (P<0.01).     

广东南岭自然保护区翼手类物种资源调查

2009年9月,对南岭自然保护区翼手类物种多样性进行了调查。采集蝙蝠标本9种36号,其中西南鼠耳蝠和中管鼻蝠为广东省蝙蝠新纪录。结合以往调查资料,得出该保护区共有翼手类25种,隶属5科12属,其物种多样性十分丰富。     

Hepatic AA amyloidosis in a cat: cytologic and histologic identification of AA amyloid in macrophages

A 3‐year‐old, spayed female, Domestic Shorthair cat presented with anorexia, lethargy, vomiting, probable hemoabdomen, and multiple masses on the right lateral liver lobe. Clinicopathologic and imaging abnormalities included anemia, azotemia, icterus, and hepatomegaly with hypoechoic masses. On cytologic evaluation of a fine‐needle aspiration of a liver mass there was abundant extracellular pink‐ to purple‐colored material between hepatocytes. The amorphous material was stained with direct fast scarlet (DFS), and green birefringent areas were observed under polarized light, confirming the presence of amyloid. A unique finding on the cytologic smear were macrophages containing amorphous and fibrillar amyloid‐like protein. Histopathologic examination using H&E and Congo red staining confirmed amyloid deposits within the space of Disse, along the sinusoids, portal tracts, blood vessel walls, and within the cytoplasm of macrophages. Immunohistochemical staining with anti‐AA amyloid antibodies further confirmed the presence of AA amyloid. To the author's knowledge, this is the first report of the cytologic finding of AA amyloid protein within macrophages and DFS stain detection of amyloid on a cytologic smear.     

Neutropenia associated with osteomyelitis due to Hepatozoon canis infection in a dog

A 4-year-old, intact male Shiba dog was referred to Yamaguchi University Animal Medical Center, Yamaguchi, Japan, for the following complaints: anorexia, lethargy, intermittent fever, gingival bleeding and abdominal purpura. The dog presented with persistent neutropenia. Histopathological examination of a bone marrow sample revealed round to oval structures that resembled Hepatozoon micromerozoites and formed a "wheel-spoke" pattern. Furthermore, mature neutrophils were observed around these structures. PCR and sequencing using bone marrow aspirate confirmed Hepatozoon canis (H. canis) infection. These findings suggest that the neutropenia observed in this case was associated with osteomyelitis due to H. canis infection. This is the first report of neutropenia associated with H. canis infection. H. canis infection can be included in the differential diagnosis in canine cases of neutropenia in areas where the disease is endemic.