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Spatial distribution of motor unit fibres in fast- and slow-twitch rat muscles with special reference to age.

The spatial arrangement and morphometrical properties of the muscle fibres within single motor units (motor unit fibres) were studied in fast-twitch units of the tibialis anterior (TA) and in slow-twitch units of the soleus, using a computer-assisted model. The motor unit fibres were identified by the glycogen-depletion technique and the position of each fibre was defined by (x, y)-coordinates. The distance between each fibre and the nearest motor unit fibre (nearest-neighbour distance), and the distance between each fibre and each of the other fibres in the unit (interfibre distance), was calculated and plotted. Comparisons were made between young adult (3-6 months) and old (20-25 months) rats. In old animals, the motor units of TA and the soleus were larger (P less than 0.05 and P less than 0.01), contained an increased number of muscle fibres (P less than 0.01) and covered a larger portion of the muscle cross-section (P less than 0.01 and P less than 0.1). These changes indicate the presence of an age-related denervation-reinnervation process in both types of muscles. In the young adult group, the fast-twitch motor unit fibres of TA were non-randomly arranged (P less than 0.05-0.01) whereas the fibre arrangement within the slow-twitch motor units of the soleus was not significantly different from random. In old animals, the fibre arrangement was non-random in both fast- and slow-twitch motor units. In TA, the distribution of nearest-neighbour distances showed an increased (P less than 0.05) proportion of short distances in old age, whereas the distribution of interfibre distances was unchanged. In the soleus, the distribution of interfibre distances showed an age-related displacement to the left at short distances (P less than 0.05) and to the right at long distances (P less than 0.01), but the distribution of nearest-neighbour distances was not significantly altered. It is concluded that motor unit fibres are non-randomly arranged in the fast-twitch motor units studied and that a non-random rearrangement of motor unit fibres takes place in both fast- and slow-twitch units during the ageing process. This age-related rearrangement is secondary to a denervation-reinnervation process and it appears as if different types of reinnervation predominate in fast- and slow-twitch units.

Aging↗

Orientation selectivity and the spatial distribution of enhancement and suppression in receptive fields of cat striate cortex cells.

The relationship between orientation selectivity and spatial receptive field organization was analyzed. Receptive field maps were made with a dual stimulus technique where an optimally oriented activation slit was presented in the most responsive region to produce activity against which the effect of a test spot in various positions was determined. Both simple and complex cells had receptive fields which were subdivided into adjacent elongated and antagonistic subregions. When the two stimuli were presented in phase (both ON or OFF simultaneously) the fields had a central enhancement region with a strong suppression flank on one or both sides. Optimal slit orientation was related to the location of the suppression flank relative to the location of the central enhancement region, and the degree of orientation selectivity to the shape of the subregions and the distance between them. Estimated orientation tuning curves calculated from the receptive field maps gave satisfactory first approximations to experimental curves. The relative contribution of enhancement and suppression to orientation selectivity was studied by presenting a test slit in different orientations in phase with an optimally oriented activation slit. The orientation selectivity was produced almost exclusively by the flank suppression indicating that orientation selectivity is produced by inhibitory input. The flank suppression lacked any specific orientation selectivity, and it occurred only when both the central region and the flanks were activated in phase. Orientation selectivity in both simple and complex cells is explained by a receptive field organization where the cells have input from partially overlapping excitatory and inhibitory fields which have their centers slightly displaced from each other.

Animals↗

The spatial distribution and functional properties of type I mechanoreceptor units of the sural nerve of the rabbit.

The functional characteristics and spatial arrangement of Type I mechanosensitive units found in the sural nerve of the anaesthetized rabbit have been investigated. There are approximately 108 Type I units innervating a skin area of about 59.1 cm2 supplied by the sural nerve giving an innervation density of 1.83. This innervation density of 1.83 does not vary over the skin territory innervated by the sural. The dome/fibre ratio was 2.7. The domes were found to be distributed in a dispersed but fairly regular pattern. The average nearest neighbour distance was 5.3 mm. A stimulus of 5.5 threshold units showed the existence of a small receptive field of radius 2 mm surrounding each dome; at a 3 mm radius even the largest 2 mm indentation failed to evoke a response. The response of the Type I units exhibited 4 distinct phases: (1) a dynamic phase; (2) a transient adaptive phase; (3) a highly irregular static phase; (4) an off phase. The impulse frequency/static displacement relationship was best fitted by a power function. The impulse frequency-velocity characteristic became horizontal at an average value of 15 micrometers/ms. A power function provided the best fit for this relationship. The possible physiological significance of the differences between properties of Type I receptor populations in the rabbit and cat are discussed.

Animals↗

[Biological characteristics and spatial distribution of Chorthippus dubius population on high mountain grassland].

Based on rearing observations and surveys in Ganjia High-Mountain Grassland, Xiahe County, Gansu Province, the occurrence period, ingestion capacity, spatial pattern, and dynamics of Chorthippus dubius were studied. The results showed that this grasshopper had only one generation in a year. Its eggs wintered in the soil, and in the next year, they began to hatch from the last ten days of May to the first ten days of June. The hatching peak took place from the middle ten days to the last ten days of June. The majority of the nymphs possessed 4 instars, and about 23% of them possessed 5 instars. The developmental duration of the nymphs underwent about 70 days, and the longevity of the adults lasted for 42 days. The ingestion capacity of the nymphs was 368. 3 mg, and that of the adults was 743.8 mg. The spatial pattern of 1-2 instars belonged to an aggregated distribution, and that of 3-5 instars belonged to even and random distribution.

Animals↗

Spatial distribution of dental fluorosis in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from North Bohemia (Czech Republic) and its relationships with environmental factors.

We assessed the spatial variation of fluoride load on the local ecosystem in the Czech part of the Ore Mountains region and its southern foothills - a heavily polluted part of Europe's "Black Triangle" region. Dental fluorosis in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) served as a biomarker of fluoride exposure and thus as an indicator of environmental pollution by fluoride. The mean dental lesion index of fluorosis (DLI) calculated from the analyzed mandibles of wild roe deer (>or=2 years of age) was assigned to the hunting ground from which the specimens originated and classified into one of the eight fluorosis categories. Environmental factors potentially related to dental fluorosis (atmospheric deposition of sulfur, concentration of fluoride in and pH of surface waters, geomorphologic features, bedrock and soil type, and vegetation cover), which were represented in the study by GIS layers, were examined to explain the distribution pattern and severity of fluorosis in the roe deer. The study revealed that 75.5% of 616 analyzed mandibles showed dental fluorosis to different extent, with individual DLIs ranging from 0 to 21. The spatial pattern of marked fluorosis on the Czech side continues that found in a previous study on the German side of the Ore Mountains. Together they create a landscape island around several thermal power plants in the region. General Linear Model (GLM) analyses revealed significant relationships between degree of forest damage, soil type, and atmospheric sulfur deposition from air pollution and dental fluorosis, expressed as mean DLI in the roe deer.

Animals↗

Spatial distribution of cell adhesion molecules on the peritoneal surface in the cecal perforation-induced peritonitis.

For understanding the immunological functions of the peritoneum, spatial localization of integrins and their ligands was studied by immuno-SEM on the peritoneal surface of mice with cecal perforation-induced peritonitis. The cecal peritoneum 24 hr after perforation was stained with specific antibodies against LFA-1, Mac-1, VLA-4, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and fibronectin diluted with cold University of Wisconsin (UW) solution in conjunction with immuno-gold labeling. The spatial localization of those cell adhesion molecules was detected by backscatter electron (BSE) imaging with field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). Numerous leukocytes with diverse surface ultrastructure were observed on the peritoneal surface by FESEM. Some leukocytes were in contact with mesothelial cells, and others adhered to the exposed underlying connective tissue. The BSE imaging showed the ubiquitous distribution of Mac-1 on all membrane domains of leukocytes, i.e., cell body, ruffles, and microvilli. In contrast, predominant expressions of LFA-1 and VLA-4 were discernible on ruffles/microvilli of some leukocytes. The mesothelial cells remaining in the inflamed area expressed both ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 on their microvilli. The fibronectin was detected on presumable collagen fibers and/or fibrin over the exposed smooth muscle layer as well as on fibrin extending between leukocyte aggregation. The spatial microlocalization of integrins was clarified on the leukocytes emigrated in peritonitis, and their ligands were detected on the inflamed peritoneum.

Animals↗

Spatial distribution of mortality from leading notifiable diseases in Nigeria.

This study shows that a total of 36 notifiable diseases account for nearly all the reported deaths in Nigeria. When ranked by magnitude, measles, malaria, pneumonia, tetanus, dysentery and tuberculosis together account for 85% of all deaths. The objective of this paper is to gain an insight into the geographical distribution of deaths arising from these six leading diseases using the administrative states as the spatial framework. The data were obtained from the Statistical Unit of the Federal Ministry of Health and the emerging pattern of mortality is highlighted. An attempt is also made to identify factors that explain the observed variations among the states and the contiguous geographical regions in the country.

Dysentery↗

The relative spatial distributions of CFUs and CFUc in the normal mouse femur.

Femoral bone marrow was divided longitudinally into two groups of cells of varying size. By assaying CFU and CFU in the two zones of the marrow, their distributions across the diameter of the femur was determined. It is shown that the concentration of CFU increases from the femoral axis (15 CFU/105 bone marrow cells) to the bone surface (44 CFU/105 cells), obeying approximately a square-law relationship. The CFU concentration, on the other hand, increases from the femoral axis (32CFU/105 cells) to a peak value (260 CFU/105 cells) at about 330 um from the axis and thence falls off against to the bone surface (77 CFU/105 cells). Selective kinning cells in DNA synthesis using the tritiated thymidine suicide technique, in vivo, showed that CFU, near the bone surface are proliferating at a faster rate than those more distant from bone, but that CFU have a fast proliferation rate irrespective of their position in the distribution. Thus, bone marrow cell populations are shown to conform to a well-defined spatial organization corresponding to the chronologic relationships between marrow cells.

Animals↗

Potato MADS-box gene POTM1-1 transcripts are temporally and spatially distributed in floral organs and vegetative meristems.

The POTM1-1 gene is abundantly expressed in both vegetative and reproductive organs of potato. We performed in situ hybridization and RNA blotting analysis to investigate the patterns of POTM1-1 gene expression in the flower development and the early tuber development. In the early flowers, POTM1-1 transcripts were accumulated abundantly in the developing reproductive organs, including the placentae of carpels and the pollen sacs of stamens. In contrast, the pattern of POTM1-1 distribution during late flower development was different from that of the early flower development. The POTM1-1 transcripts were abundant in the sepals and petals of late flowers, but were minimally expressed in the stamens and carpel. In the shoot apical meristem of the vegetative organs, transcripts were distributed throughout meristem domes, young leaves, and developing vascular cambium. In the early tuberization, the transcripts were widely distributed in the swollen tips of the stolons. Taken together, the results suggest that POTM1-1 gene expression is temporally and spatially regulated in active growing tissues of both vegetative and floral organs with specific distribution patterns dependent upon the developmental stages of the tissue.

Flowers↗

Spatial distribution of ochratoxin A in vineyard and sampling design to assess must contamination.

The aim of this work was to study the spatial variability of ochratoxin A (OTA) in vineyards and to define a reliable sampling protocol for bunches in order to assess OTA content before harvesting. In 2002, two vineyards with 'Negroamaro' and 'Sangiovese' grape varieties were chosen in Southern Italy. The same sampling design was applied to both vineyards. Ten plants were collected from the X-shaped path of the whole vineyard (plants 1 through 10) and 10 plants from the two central cross-perpendicular lines (plants 11 through 20). Bunches harvested from plants 1 through 10 were numbered progressively, weighed, and crushed separately, and bunches obtained from plants 11 through 20 were crushed plant by plant. Juices obtained were analyzed for OTA content by high-performance liquid chromatography. Then, a simulated approach for sampling was applied, following randomized and systematic designs. High and random variability was observed in OTA content both among bunches and among plants in the two vineyards, independent of contamination level. Simulated sampling design markedly influenced the assessment of must contamination. The best results were obtained when sampling involved one bunch per plant, in a predefined position, from at least 10 plants. Estimated means, obtained with different sampling designs, did not differ significantly from calculated mean OTA content. If the true contamination in a vineyard is 2 microg kg(-1), the limit fixed in Europe for OTA content in must and wine, the range of OTA content assessed sampling one bunch in the central position of 10 plants should lie between 2.9 and 1.4. The accuracy could be considered acceptable.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

Spatial distribution of thalamic projections to the supplementary motor area and the primary motor cortex: a retrograde multiple labeling study in the macaque monkey.

The exact knowledge on spatial organization of information sources from the thalamus to the supplementary motor area (SMA) and to the primary motor cortex (MI) has not been established. We investigated the distribution of thalamocortical neurons projecting to forelimb representations of the SMA and the MI using a multiple retrograde labeling technique in the monkey. The forelimb area of the SMA, and the distal and proximal forelimb areas of the MI were identified by electrophysiological techniques of intracortical microstimulation and single neuron recording. Injections were made into these three representations with three different dyes in the same animal (horseradish peroxidase conjugated to wheat germ agglutinin, diamidino yellow, and fast blue), and the thalamic neurons were retrogradely labeled. Injections into the SMA densely labeled thalamic neurons in nuclei ventralis lateralis pars oralis (VLo), ventralis lateralis pars medialis (VLm) and ventralis lateralis pars caudalis (VLc), but not in nucleus ventralis posterior lateralis pars oralis (VPLo). Injections into the MI labeled thalamic neurons primarily in VLo, VLc, and VPLo. We found that the distribution of projection neurons to the three areas was largely separate in the thalamus. However, in the middle part of VLo, and in a limited portion of VLc, thalamic neurons projecting to the SMA partially overlapped with those to the distal forelimb area of the MI. They overlapped little with those to the proximal forelimb area of the MI. We noted no overlap between the distributions of thalamic projection neurons to the distal and proximal forelimb areas of the MI. These findings suggest that the SMA and MI receive separate information from the thalamus, while sharing minor sources of common inputs.

Animals↗

Statistical properties of the temporal and spatial distribution of interperistaltic intervals and their relationship to pacemaker and respiratory rhythmicity.

A straightforward method is outlined for the presentation of the temporal and spatial characteristics of interperistaltic intervals obtained from the canine ureter. The fundamental statistical property of ureteral peristaltic contractions is demonstrated to be multimodal. This is characterized by a basic rate and whole number multiples of that rate. The methods for identifying the relationship of peristalsis with the pacemaker and respiratory rate is outlined.

Animals↗

Temporal and spatial distribution of Fos protein in the lumbar spinal dorsal horn neurons in the rat with chronic constriction injury to the sciatic nerve.

The temporal and spatial expression pattern of Fos protein in spinal dorsal horn neurons was examined by immunohistochemistry in rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI) to the sciatic nerve. In normal animals, a few Fos-immunoreactive (-IR) neurons were detected in the dorsal horn of the lumbar spinal cord. Following induction of CCI, a very large number of Fos-IR neurons appeared in the spinal dorsal horn, but a significant number of Fos-IR neurons were also observed in the contralateral dorsal horn where primary afferents of the injured sciatic nerve rarely project. Sham-operated animals also had a significant number of Fos-IR neurons in the dorsal horn bilaterally. The number of Fos-IR neurons reached its maximal level 1 day following placement of the ligatures (PO 1d). The ratio of the number of Fos-IR neurons in the ipsilateral dorsal horn to the contralateral dorsal horn, however, had its peak level 3 days following CCI (3.1-fold increase compared to the contralateral dorsal horn). The number of Fos-IR neurons in the dorsal horn gradually decreased, but increased again around PO 15d. On PO 30d, the number of Fos-IR neurons decreased and became comparable to that in normal animals. The present results indicate that the induction of Fos-IR neurons in the dorsal horn caused by CCI is biphasic and reaches its maximal level on PO 3d, near the time of hyperalgesia onset.

Animals↗

The effect of chrysanthemum leaf trichome density and prey spatial distribution on predation of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) by Phytoseiulus persimilis (Acari: Phytoseiidae).

The effect of plant architecture, in terms of leaf hairiness, and prey spatial arrangement, on predation rate of eggs of the spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, by the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot was examined on cut stems of chrysanthemums. Three levels of leaf hairiness (trichome density) were obtained using two different chrysanthemum cultivars and two ages within one of the cultivars. The number of prey consumed by P. persimilis was inversely related to trichome density. At low prey densities (less than ten eggs per stem), prey consumption did not differ in a biologically meaningful way between treatments. The effect of prey spatial arrangement on the predation rate of P. persimilis was also examined. Predation rates were higher in prey patches on leaves adjacent to the release point of P. persimilis, but significantly greater numbers of prey were consumed in higher density prey patches compared to low density patches. The predators exhibited non-random searching behaviour, spending more time on leaves closest to the release point. The implications of these findings for biological control and predator-prey dynamics are discussed.

Animals↗

[Assessment of PCB pollution in spatial distribution and analysis of the PCB sources in sediments in China].

An assessment of the current state of pollution from polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and PCBs spatial character in sediments are represented. The sources of PCBs and relative factors are also analyzed. Songhua River and Dalian Bay in Northeast, Baoding in Hebei Province, Ya-er Lake in Wuhan City, Pearl River and Taiwan Province in Southeast of China have relatively high level of PCBs, while most other regions have lower average concentrations of PCBs. Serious pollution of PCBs is found in some locations, most of which are harbors, industrial areas, the places where improper disposal of and leakage from PCB containers taken place Point source pollution is the common pattern of contamination, influenced primarily by local geographic, economic, management and historical factors, with Pearl River/Estuary as an example.

China↗

Spatial distribution and coexistence of monogenean gill parasites inhabiting two damselfishes from Moorea island in French Polynesia.

The ectoparasite fauna of two damselfishes, Stegastes nigricans and Dascyllus aruanus, from Moorea Island in French Polynesia was investigated. Gills of these damselfishes were infected with congeneric Monopisthocotylea Monogenea belonging to the genus Haliotrema. Stegastes nigricans were found to harbour a guild of three Haliotrema species whereas only one species inhabited D. aruanus. Microhabitat distribution, inter- and intraspecific competition and interspecific associations on the gill were studied. Observations on site preference revealed no spatial segregation between the three congeneric species inhabiting the gills of S. nigricans. Juvenile and adult monogeneans of that guild occurred on the same microhabitat. The dominant species Haliotrema sp. 1 did not expand on the microhabitat when the intensity of infection increased. Interspecific association tests revealed positive and negative associations. Haliotrema sp. 4 expanded its distribution on the gills of Dascyllus aruanus when the intensity of infection increased suggesting the likelihood of intraspecific competition. Juvenile and adult monogeneans of Haliotrema sp. 4 appeared to segregate as a result of intraspecific competition. This competition may exist to enhance resource availability when the gill habitat is limited. Overlaps between niche breadth and species microhabitat were revealed for monogenean species inhabiting S. nigricans. Interspecific competition did not appear to play an important role in the distribution of S. nigricans congeneric ectoparasites. Reinforcement of reproductive barriers may have led to the avoidance of hybridization.

Analysis of Variance↗

Use of Taylor's Power Law in examining the spatial distribution of free-living Boophilus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) larvae in pastures in Puerto Rico.

Taylor's power law (y = amb) was used to analyze the spatial pattern of Boophilus microplus (Canestrini) larvae in tropical pastures. The index of aggregation b was 2.75 and showed that larvae were highly aggregated. The b-values differed significantly among certain pastures (LSD, P less than 0.05), and pasture type and use could have contributed to differences in b. The use of Taylor's power law to adjust for sampling inconsistencies that occur in tropical pastures where regimented sampling cannot always be followed is discussed.

Animals↗

Comparison of the spatial distribution of endopeptidase-24.11 with substance P, substance P receptor (NK-1r) and gastric efferent neurons in the dorsal vagal complex of the rat.

The spatial location of neutral endopeptidase 24.11 (NEP) immunoreactivity was compared to that of substance P (SP), SP receptor (NK-1r) and identified gastric efferent neurons in the dorsal vagal complex in rat brainstem. The majority of NEP labeling was observed caudal to the obex. Neutral endopeptidase-immunoreactivity was associated with the central canal, ependyma and blood vessels, and surrounded the area postrema. A comparison of the results of immunocytochemical and retrograde tracing experiments demonstrated the absence of co-labeling of neurons or their process with NEP and either substance P or NK-1r. Furthermore, no NEP-immunoreactivity was observed in the vicinity of identified gastric efferents in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus. These results would suggest that NEP does not degrade SP in the vicinity of gastric efferent neurons.

Animals↗