Transparent Acetate Sheets Research Articles

A plastic device fixed around trees can deter snakes from predating bird nest boxes

Several devices have been designed to prevent predation in nest boxes by mammals and birds. Although snakes are one of the most common predators in cavity–nesters, they have always been difficult to deter. Here we tested a method originally designed to avoid predation by tree–climbing mammals. To prevent snakes from climbing trees and predating on nest boxes, we wrapped a transparent acetate sheet of 80 cm high around tree trunks below a sample of 40 nest boxes used by tits. The acetate sheets were secured with duct tape. The remaining nest boxes (N = 74) in the study area were left as controls. The predation rate in the experimental nest boxes was 20 % and 2 % in control boxes. This method can be useful to increase bird breeding success, improving both the effectiveness of resources to obtain scientific data and the breeding success of endangered species.

A plastic device fixed around trees can deter snakes from predating bird nest boxes

Several devices have been designed to prevent predation in nest boxes by mammals and birds. Although snakes are one of the most common predators in cavity–nesters, they have always been difficult to deter. Here we tested a method originally designed to avoid predation by tree–climbing mammals. To prevent snakes from climbing trees and predating on nest boxes, we wrapped a transparent acetate sheet of 80 cm high around tree trunks below a sample of 40 nest boxes used by tits. The acetate sheets were secured with duct tape. The remaining nest boxes (N = 74) in the study area were left as controls. The predation rate in the experimental nest boxes was 20 % and 2 % in control boxes. This method can be useful to increase bird breeding success, improving both the effectiveness of resources to obtain scientific data and the breeding success of endangered species.

Standardization of blood smears prepared in transparent acetate: an alternative method for the microscopic diagnosis of malaria.

BackgroundDue to students’ initial inexperience, slides are frequently broken and blood smears are damaged in microscopy training, leading to the need for their constant replacement. To minimize this problem a method of preparing blood smears on transparent acetate sheets was developed with the goal of implementing appropriate and more readily available teaching resources for the microscopic diagnosis of malaria.MethodsAcetate sheets derived from polyester were used to standardize the preparation and staining of thin and thick blood smears on transparent acetate sheets. Thick and thin blood smears were also prepared using the conventional method on glass slides. The staining was conducted using Giemsa staining for the thick and thin smears.ResultsMicroscopic examination (1,000x) of the thin and thick blood smears prepared on transparent acetate produced high-quality images for both the parasites and the blood cells. The smears showed up on a clear background and with minimal dye precipitation. It was possible to clearly identify the main morphological characteristics of Plasmodium, neutrophils and platelets. After 12 months of storage, there was no change in image quality or evidence of fungal colonization.ConclusionPreparation of thin and thick blood smears in transparent acetate for the microscopic diagnosis of malaria does not compromise the morphological and staining characteristics of the parasites or blood cells. It is reasonable to predict the applicability of transparent acetate in relevant situations such as the training of qualified professionals for the microscopic diagnosis of malaria and the preparation of positive specimens for competency assessment (quality control) of professionals and services involved in the diagnosis of malaria.

A pilot study to measure marks in children with cerebral palsy using a novel measurement template

The primary aim of this pilot study was to trial a method of assessing bruises in a population of disabled children. If the method was found to be sufficiently robust it would be our intention to undertaking a more extensive observational study. Less is known about normal bruising patterns in children with disability than in those without. It is important that the method used to assess bruising is objective and repeatable. In an effort to define and improve repeatability, we employed a novel bruise measurement template which was printed onto transparent acetate sheets. Twenty primary school age children, the majority of whom were non-ambulant and severely disabled with cerebral palsy, underwent full skin examination. The template was used to assess any bruises seen. A comparison was then made between measurements made by experienced paediatricians using the template and using a standard tape measure on a series of bruise images in 25 photographs. The majority of children in our pilot were found to have bruises, with one child having 6 and one 7 bruises. This comparative study showed that the two techniques had a very similar precision and that the template was easy to use. Greater precision would require a tighter measurement protocol, whether with a template or a tape measure. Further evaluation of the application of such a template would be worthwhile. We would suggest that our finding of some bruising in this population of disabled children is borne in mind whenever bruising is found in a non-ambulant child.

Tyrosylprotein Sulfotransferase-2 Expression Is Required for Sulfation of RNase 9 and Mfge8 in Vivo

Protein-tyrosine sulfation is mediated by two Golgi tyrosyl-protein sulfotransferases (TPST-1 and TPST-2) that are widely expressed in vivo. However, the full substrate repertoire of this enzyme system is unknown and thus, our understanding of the biological role(s) of tyrosine sulfation is limited. We reported that whereas Tpst1(-/-) male mice have normal fertility, Tpst2(-/-) males are infertile despite normal spermatogenesis. However, Tpst2(-/-) sperm are severely defective in their motility in viscous media and in their ability to fertilize eggs. These findings suggest that sulfation of unidentified substrate(s) is crucial for normal sperm function. We therefore sought to identify tyrosine-sulfated proteins in the male genital tract using affinity chromatography on PSG2, an anti-sulfotyrosine monoclonal antibody, followed by mass spectrometry. Among the several candidate tyrosine-sulfated proteins identified, RNase 9 and Mfge8 were examined in detail. RNase 9, a catalytically inactive RNase A family member of unknown function, is expressed only in the epididymis after onset of sexual maturity. Mfge8 is expressed on mouse sperm and Mfge8(-/-) male mice are subfertile. Metabolic labeling coupled with sulfoamino acid analysis confirmed that both proteins are tyrosine-sulfated and both proteins are expressed at comparable levels in wild type, Tpst1(-/-), and Tpst2(-/-) epididymides. However, we demonstrate that RNase 9 and Mfge8 are tyrosine-sulfated in wild type and Tpst1(-/-), but not in Tpst2(-/-) mice. These findings suggest that lack of sulfation of one or both of these proteins may contribute mechanistically to the infertility of Tpst2(-/-) males.

Wound assessment

Most wounds, of whatever aetiology, heal without difficulty. Some wounds, however, are subject to factors that impede healing, although these do not prevent healing if the wounds are managed appropriately....

Reliability of recording static and dynamic occlusal contact marks using transparent acetate sheet

Inaccuracy in the transfer of information between clinician and technician regarding occlusal contacts can cause problems when fabricating indirect restorations, which can result in frustration for the dentist, technician, and patient. Few studies have considered the reproducibility of recording marked occlusal contacts. This study aimed to test the reproducibility of a quick and simple means of recording marked occlusal contacts. The static and dynamic occlusal contacts of 29 subjects, with no missing functional units, were marked using articulating paper. Three clinicians with varying clinical experience (3-10 years after graduation from dental school) were asked to independently record the marked occlusal contacts using a transparent acetate sheet. The results were analyzed for Kappa agreement. For the static occlusion, Kappa values of agreement between pairs of examiners were 0.88, 0.86, and 0.85, respectively, all indicating "almost perfect agreement." For the dynamic occlusion, the range of Kappa agreement between pairs of examiners produced a median of 0.91, 0.88, and 0.85, respectively, indicating almost perfect strength of agreement. The results suggest that marking occlusal contacts on a transparent acetate sheet provides a simple means of recording static and dynamic occlusal contacts with a high degree of reproducibility.

Effect of two NeemAzalTM formulations on honeybees under semi-field conditions

The effects of NeemAzalTM formulations: NeemAzalTM T/S (1% azadirachtin) and NeemAzalTM granules (1% azadirachtin) on honeybees, <i>Apis mellifera</i> L., were studied under semi-field conditions. Three plots at 15 m<sup>2</sup> each were sown with spring rape seeds Brassica napus cultivar Likolly (Brassicaceae/Cruciferae). In the first plot NeemAzal granules were added with the seeds during sowing. The second plot was sprayed with NeemAzal T/S during full flowering; GreemaxTM was used as a wetting agent. The third one was sprayed with water only during full flowering as a control. For each treatment one tunnel tent (3 × 5 × 2 m) was used during the flowering period. Small bee colonies were exposed to the treated plants for 7 days. Evaluation was carried out by comparing the results in the treatments to the control and, furthermore, by comparing the pre- and post-application. The mortality in the tunnels and the flight activity were checked before, as well as after the treatment. The development of the bee brood was evaluated by using transparent acetate sheets to mark single cells in brood combs with their contents on different assessment dates. The time schedule of the assessment dates was chosen in order to check the bee brood at different expected stages during the development. The development of the bee brood was evaluated by calculation of brood termination rates in percentage and brood indices. The results show that residues of NeemAzal granules did not adversely affect bee mortality, foraging activity or brood development. By contrast, it was noticed that NeemAzal T/S caused some reduction in foraging activity and brood development.

Discrimination of conspecific‐built chimneys from human‐built ones by the burrowing crayfish, Fallicambarus fodiens (Decapoda, Cambaridae)

Abstract. The vast majority of tested juvenile crayfish of Fallicambarus fodiens consistently preferred conspecific‐built mud chimneys over similar‐looking human‐built chimneys. When the chimneys were surrounded by transparent acetate sheets, the crayfish no longer discriminated between conspecific‐built and human‐built chimneys. This suggests that visual cues were not important in allowing the crayfish to discriminate between the two chimney types. In the absence of chimneys, significantly more crayfish showed an initial preference for mud saturated with water that had contained conspecifics, over similar mud saturated with distilled water. This indicates that chemical cues play a role in allowing these crayfish to discriminate between the conspecific‐conditioned mud and the control wet mud. The preference of F. fodiens individuals for conspecific‐built chimneys appears to be based, at least in part, on chemical cues, possibly in addition to tactile cues.

Measurement and Characterization of Macropores by using AUTOCAD and Automatic Image Analysis

AbstractMacropores (with equivalent diameters greater than 1600 µm) were quantified under no‐till and conventional tillage practices by using AUTOCAD and automatic image analysis. To quantify macropores, undisturbed soil blocks (50 by 50 cm) were impregnated with plaster of paris slurry. After the plaster of paris set, soil layers were taken out in 5‐cm increments to a total depth of 60 cm. At each soil plane pictures were taken by a 35‐mm camera and macropores were traced on transparent acetate sheets. The pictures and transparent sheets were analyzed by using an automated image analyzer and AUTOCAD, respectively, for total number, perimeter, area, and size frequency distribution of macropores. The AUTOCAD method proved to be simpler and better than the image analysis technique. Larger and continuous cracks accounted for greater macropore area in conventional tillage sites than in no‐till sites. On the other hand, more worm holes and root holes accounted for a greater number and larger perimeters of macropores in no‐till sites in comparison to conventional tillage sites.

The microbial colonization of inflamed acne vulgaris lesions

Seventy one papules in the early stages of inflammatory development were isolated from acne vulgaris affected skin and their content of micro-organisms characterized. The progress of lesions prior to excision was monitored by tracing an area of the upper back onto a transparent acetate sheet. This template was used the next day, and in some cases after 3 days, to identify inflamed lesions of less than 1 day and 2-3 days duration. These were biopsied, and pilosebaceous units isolated by micro-dissection, homogenized and microbial populations studied by viable counting and microscopy. Propionibacteria colonised 68% of '1 day' duration lesions and 79% of '3 day' duration lesions; staphylococci colonized 19% and 32% respectively and Pityrosporum spp. (Malassezia furfur) were found in 52% and 68%. Although the prevalence of each microbial group was higher in the more chronic lesions, these differences were not statistically significant. The microbial profile of inflamed lesions was similar both qualitatively and quantitatively to non-inflamed lesions studied previously. These results call into question the role of micro-organisms as the initiators of inflammation in acne vulgaris.

Identification of bacteria by studying one section under light microscopy, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy

AbstractA method for bacterial identification has been developed by means of studying the same histological sections through several types of microscopy. With this method, one section was processed and analyzed respectively for light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Sections of gingival biopsies were Gram stained and bacteria tentatively identified by LM. Photographs of the sections were taken and presketched transparent acetate sheets (PTAS) were made from the photos. The same section was later prepared for SEM, areas previously thought to contain bacteria were localized by placing the PTAS onto the SEM monitoring screen. The SEM specimens were subsequently processed for TEM, bacteria were located, and micrographs obtained. The results showed that out of ten diseased gingival biopsies observed under the LM, bacteria were found to be present in all the specimens and were identified as both Gram positive and Gram negative. By transferring the section from LM to SEM, the bacteria could be relocated and their morphotype (cocci, rods, etc.) clearly identified in most of the cases. Since cocci may resemble other biological granular structures under SEM, they require further analysis under TEM for additional positive identification. This study demonstrated that the method described here is a useful tool for assessing the presence and identifying bacteria within the gingival tissues.

The distribution and morphological characteristics of the intracortical VIP-positive cell: An immunohistochemical analysis

Using a sensitive immunohistochemical procedure, we have undertaken a detailed morphological characterization of the vasoactive intestinal peptide-positive (VIP-positive) neuron in the cerebral cortex of the rat. VIP-positive neurons are present in all regions of cortex, and are usually strongly bipolar, possessing long, radially directed processes with very limited branching in the tangential plane. The most extensive dendritic branching occurs in layers I and deep IV-superficial V, and the density of axonal varicosities is highest in layers II–IV. In the visual cortex, approximately 50% of the labeled cell bodies are in layer II and III and 80% of the labeled cell bodies are contained in layers I–IV (superficial 600 μm of cortex). In order to determine the density and 3-dimensional distribution pattern of these cells, we prepared serial tangential sections through the rat visual cortex, mapped the distribution of all labeled cells in each section on transparent acetate sheets, and compressed these superimposed maps. This analysis demonstrated that: (1) approximately 1% of the cortical neurons are VIP-positive, (2) their distribution is fairly uniform and statistically random, (3) there are no large areas (i.e. with a diameter greater than 100 μm) that lack a VIP-positive cell, (4) on the average, there is one VIP-positive cell per column of 30 μm diameter, and (5) the average nearest neighbor distance on the compressed display is 15 μm. Given the morphological characteristics of VIP-positive cells, these data indicate that each VIP-containing cell is identified with a unique radial volume, which is generally between 15 and 60 μm in diameter, and overlaps with the contiguous domains of neighboring VIP-positive cells. These morphological data support the notion that VIP-containing neurons play an important functional role within radially oriented columns of cerebral cortex.

Protective effect of small lead shields during repeated whole-body x-ray irradiation of rats.

Lead shielding of the exteriorized spleen has been shown by Jacobson et al. (1) to decrease the lethal effects of whole-body x-ray irradiation. The experiments to be recorded here were done to determine the lethal effects of repeated whole-body irradiation with lead shielding of only small portions of the body of the rat. Method White female Wistar rats, 110 days of age, averaging 200 gm. in weight, were divided into 9 groups of 10 each. The x-ray factors used for whole-body irradiation were 200 kv., 25 ma., 0.5 mm. Cu + 1.0 mm. Al filter, 50 cm. distance, 4 minutes 40 seconds exposure, for a total LD 50 of 600 r. The half-value layer equaled 1.1 mm. of Cu. Each rat was placed in a close-fitting compartment of a cigar-box frame, the cover of which was a thin transparent acetate sheet. The lead shields, 1/8 inch thick, were fixed to this cover over various parts of the body (see Figs. 1 and 2). Small portions of contiguous structures around each organ received some transient protection from the lead shields because of slight unavoidable movement of the unanesthetized rat. In Group III the lead shields were placed over the tails of the animals, in Group IV over the heads, in Group V over the dorsolumbar spine, in Group VI over the liver, in Group VII over the right lower abdomen, in Group VIII over the right lung, and in Group IX over the spleen. The shields over the liver and spleen were localized by fluoroscopic control. The rats in Group I were not irradiated, serving as controls, and the rats in Group II received whole-body irradiation without lead shielding of any part of the body. The average daily weights, blood counts, bleeding and clot retraction times were determined for each group. These observations were continued for thirty days. Then, after an additional interval of four days, all rats were again subjected to similar whole-body irradiation with the same areas shielded, and the observations were repeated. Results After the first exposure, all the rats in each group survived except for Group II, in which there were only 6 survivors (Table I). The rats in this group were subjected to whole-body irradiation without lead protection. Those which died showed evidence of bleeding, chiefly into and from the mucous membranes of the respiratory and gastro-intestinal tracts, but the bleeding time and clot retraction studies showed no abnormalities. These findings suggest that screening of small portions of the body with lead shields offers some protection against the lethal effects of whole-body x-ray irradiation. Similar findings have previously been reported by us (2). Following the second dose of radiation the survivors of the first exposure still survived except for 1 animal in Group I, 1 in Group IV, and 5 in Group VII, in which lead shields were placed over the right lower abdomen. The death of the 5 Group VII animals was not anticipated, since the sensitive gastro-intestinal tract was partially shielded.