Mouthpiece forces produced while playing the trumpet

A transducer for measuring the force applied to the trumpet mouthpiece during performance is described. The device allowed the players to perform on their own instrument and in their usual manner. The results of tests on 60 subjects showed that during playing the force between the mouthpiece and instrument increased with increasing loudness and ascending pitch but that there was no significant correlation between mouthpiece force and proficiency or style. The maximum force which the players could tolerate was greater for high proficiency players than for medium.     

Contamination of Sputum Induction Equipment During Patient Usage

Sputum induction equipment was evaluated for its capacity to become contaminated by patients harboring Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The mouthpiece, goose-neck, and 10% NaCl solution were found capable of being contaminated by tuberculous patients. Two per cent glutaraldehyde was shown to be an effective means of decontamination. This study indicates that the entire induction apparatus must be cleaned and decontaminated between patients.     

Development of a semi-closed underwater breathing apparatus, the "eOBA"

Nippon Sanso K.K developed a compact semi-closed underwater breathing apparatus, the eOBA. It consists of a mouthpiece, manifold with a purge valve, two spring-loaded flexible tubes, a small CO2 absorbent canister (net wt. = 190g), and two compact high pressure bottles (50ccx2: 190kg/cm2: 80%O2, 20%N2) with a regulator which supplies the gas at the constant flow rate of 1.5 l/min and lasts for 10 min. Thus, a counterlung is not incorporated. However, spring-loaded tubes act as a counterlung since its volume increases to 3.5 l when fully inflated. Dives to a depth of 5m are also recommended because of no bypass valve. This new eOBA was tested using the mechanical breathing machine and CO2 supply system to the circuit. For the various combinations of tidal volumes (0.5-2.5 l) and respiratory rates (10-20 breaths/min), the pressure at the mouthpiece, respiratory volume and the CO2 level were continuously monitored. The CO2 absorption rates were then calculated. The thin sloping P-V loops demonstrate that the eOBA is a flow dependent type of apparatus. It was found that the external work of breathing (0.1 kg.m/l at 30 l/min) were allowable. The CO2 absorption rates were sufficient when minute ventilation increased to 30 l/min. Thus, results show that the eOBA must be suitable for shallow and short dives.     

A light-reflectance meter to quantify silvering during smolting in Atlantic salmon

An easy-to-construct apparatus is described to quantify changes in silvering during smolting. A modulated visible-red light emitter/receiver unit converts light reflected from the flank of the fish into a DC voltage, the voltage being proportional to the intensity of the reflected light.     

The terminal neuromuscular junctions of lower chordates

Summary The structure of the terminal neuromuscular junctions found close to the insertions of myotomal muscle fibres in teleost fish and amphibia is described, and it is concluded that in both groups, the pattern of innervation is essentially similar. Different degrees of complexity are described, both in the terminal nerve branches, and in the sub-junctional apparatus. It is suggested that the terminal pattern of innervation is an adaptation to the requirements of rapid swimming.     

Morphofunctional features of visceral apparatus of silver arawana <Emphasis Type="Italic">Osteoglossum bicirrhosum</Emphasis> (Osteoglossidae)

The structure of some muscles—previously undescribed ligaments and aponeurotic structures of the visceral apparatus—of silver arawana Osteoglossum bicirrhosum has been studied in detail. A comparative analysis of the obtained results of anatomization and literature data is carried out. The peculiarities of the functioning of the visceral apparatus of silver arawana in the process of feeding are considered. New features of similarity in the structure of muscles of the visceral apparatus of Osteoglossidae and Salmonidae (by the example of salmon Salmo salar), which can provide a basis for confirming previously detected homologous features in the feeding stages of these two primitive groups of fish, are described.     

Ultrastructure and formation of the bursa mouthpiece of Philocelis cellata (Plathelminthes,Acoela)

Philocelis cellata has a strengthened bursa mouthpiece which is arranged in front of the male copulatory organ. The main components of the bursa mouthpiece are numerous ring-shaped bursa mouthpiece cells whose central parts contain strengthened elements forming a tube around the sperm duct. Each of the peripheral areas of the bursa mouthpiece cells is separated by similarly ring-shaped gap cells. The end of the bursa mouthpiece towards the bursa is formed by a so-called sorting apparatus which consists of different cells; opposite the bursa the sperm duct ends in a globe-shaped sperm vestibule. The bursa mouthpiece is differentiated successively, beginning at the distal part at the bursa and proceeding proximally.     

Evaluation of a semi-closed underwater breathing apparatus, the "eOBA"

Semi-closed underwater breathing apparatus has commonly been used among military and commercial divers, but never available for recreational divers because of complicated operations, difficulties of maintenance, and expensiveness. Nippon Sanso K.K. has newly deployed a semi-closed circuit underwater breathing apparatus called the "eOBA". It is especially designed for divers to enjoy shallow (max. 5 m) and short (10 min.) dives. This eOBA was evaluated from manned testing based on physiological requirements for the apparatus. Four male and four female subjects participated in the three test trials. Subjects maintained their position at the depths of 2 m and 4 m for 10 min. and e exercised on the underwater ergometer at the depth of 2.4 m. The pressure at the mouthpiece, tidal volume, breathing rate, the inspired O2 level, CO2 level were monitored on breath-by-breath basis. The inspired O2 level ranged from 45% (at exercise) to 60% (at rest) and the inspired CO2 level were kept less than 1.0% in the most cases. The P-V loop indicated relatively little external work of breathing (less than 0.1 kg.m/l) and allowable peak pressures (less than 25cmH2O). Results show that the eOBA meets the standards sufficiently under the test conditions and is a safe apparatus for recreational divers if it is properly used.     

The effects of mouthpiece use on cortisol levels during an intense bout of resistance exercise

Research has suggested mouthpiece use during exercise results in an increase in muscle strength and endurance. However, the research is difficult to replicate, and the methodology suggested measures that were too subjective to determine a mouthpiece effect. Thus, the purpose of this study was to use an objective measure to determine a possible physiological mechanism occurring during and after exercise with mouthpiece use. A within-subjects design was used in which 28 division I football players, aged 18-22 years, performed 2 identical bouts of a 1-hour intense resistance exercise, with each subject being randomly assigned the use of a custom-fit mouthpiece either during the first or second session. During both exercise sessions, saliva was analyzed for cortisol at the following time points: pre-exercise, 25, 45, and 60 minutes of exercise, and 10 minutes postexercise. The results revealed a significant difference in cortisol levels with the use of a mouthpiece vs. no mouthpiece (p = 0.019) at 10 minutes postexercise. Additionally, although the expected increase in cortisol levels from pre to 10 minutes postexercise was present in the no-mouthpiece group (p = 0.01), no such increase was observed in the mouthpiece group. These observations are most likely because of the decrease in cortisol from post to 10 minutes post (p = 0.04) in the mouthpiece group. These data demonstrate that although cortisol continued to increase in the no-mouthpiece session, there was a significant decrease in cortisol in the no-mouthpiece condition 10 minutes postexercise.     

Human breathing patterns on mouthpiece or face mask during air, CO2, or low O2

Steady-state breathing patterns on mouthpiece and noseclip (MP) and face mask (MASK) during air and chemostimulated breathing were obtained from pneumotachometer flow. On air, all 10 subjects decreased frequency (f) and increased tidal volume (VT) on MP relative to that on MASK without changing ventilation (VE), mean inspiratory flow (VT/TI), or mean expiratory flow (VT/TE). On elevated CO2 and low O2, MP exaggerated the increase in VE, f, and VT/TE due to profoundly shortened TE. On elevated CO2, MASK exaggerated VT increase with little change in f. Increased VE and VT/TI were thus due to increased VT. During low O2 on MASK, both VT and f increased. During isocapnia, shortened TE accounted for increased f; during hypocapnia, increased f was related primarily to shortened TI. Thus the choice of a mouthpiece or face mask differentially alters breathing pattern on air and all components of ventilatory responses to chemostimuli. In addition, breathing apparatus effects are not a simple consequence of a shift from oronasal to oral breathing, since a noseclip under the mask did not change breathing pattern from that on mask alone.     

Fine Structure of the Adrenocortical Homolog and the Corpuscles of Stannius of Amia calva L.

A comparison is made between the fine structure of yellow corpuscles and white corpuscles located within the kidneys of the holostean fish, Amia calva L. The yellow corpuscles are composed of epithelial cells possessing all the features of steroid-producing tissues, namely an abundance of vacuoles, tubular smooth endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria with tubular cristae. The Golgi apparatus is also a conspicuous component of their cytoplasm. These cells are homologous to adrenocortical cells of higher vertebrates and they have cytoplasmic projections which extend into the lumina of surrounding sinusoids. The white corpuscles possess epithelial cells of variable appearance but all cells contain secretory granules and an extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum. The secretory granules appear to originate at the Golgi apparatus and occasionally are observed intact in the intercellular space. However the method of release of these granules was not clearly defined. These corpuscles are similar to the corpuscles of Stannius which have been described in modern bony fish. The presence of multivesicular bodies and smooth endoplasmic reticulum in some cells may reflect the origin of the corpuscles of Stannius from the tubular nephron. A. calva appears to be a suitable organism for comparative studies into the function of the adrenocortical homolog and corpuscles of Stannius in “primitive” fish.     

记裂齿鱼属(Perleidus)一新种

本文记述了在安徽和县发现的裂齿鱼属一新种——扬子裂齿鱼(Perleidus yangtzensis,sp.nov.)。根据其形态特征,与相近的种作了对比,认为和马达加斯加早三迭世的皮氏裂齿鱼(P.pivetcaui)最为接近。从而认为含鱼化石地层的时代为三迭纪或可能为早三迭世。     

Effect of mouthpiece, noseclips, and head position on airway area measured by acoustic reflections

To investigate whether it is possible to simplify the methodology of measuring airway area by acoustic reflections, we measured upper airway area in 10 healthy subjects during tidal breathing according to seven different protocols. Three protocols employed custom-made bulky mouthpiece with or without nose-clips, two protocols used a scuba-diving mouthpiece and cotton balls placed in the nostrils instead of noseclips, and two protocols employed neck flexion and extension. We found no significant difference in average pharyngeal, glottic, and tracheal areas for any of the protocols except for neck flexion, which was associated with a significantly lower mean pharyngeal area. Intraindividual variabilities were comparable for all protocols, except for protocol employing the customary bulky mouthpiece and no noseclips, which consistently resulted in the most variable measurements of area for all three airway segments: pharynx, glottis, and trachea. Furthermore, we found that the protocol employing the scuba-diving mouthpiece with or without cotton balls in the nostrils resulted in the lowest number of unacceptable measurements. We conclude that measurements of airway area by acoustic reflections may be further simplified by using a scuba-diving mouthpiece without noseclips; furthermore, control of head position during measurements is not critical provided there is no obvious neck flexion.     

Effect of respiratory apparatus on respiration

A mouthpiece plus noseclip (MP + NC) is frequently used in performing measurements of breathing patterns. Although the effects the apparatus exerts on breathing patterns have been studied, the mechanism of the changes it causes remains unclear. The current study examines the effects on respiratory patterns of a standard (17-mm-diam) MP + NC during room air (RA) breathing and the administration of 2 and 4% CO2 in normal volunteers and in patients 2-4 days after abdominal operation. When compared with values obtained with a noninvasive canopy system, the MP + NC induced increases in minute ventilation (VE), tidal volume (VT), and mean inspiratory flow (VT/TI), but not frequency (f) or inspiratory duty cycle, during both RA and CO2 administration. The percentage increase in VE, VT, and VT/TI caused by the MP + NC decreased as the concentration of CO2 increased. During RA breathing, the application of noseclip alone resulted in a decrease in f and an increase in VT, but VE and VT/TI were unchanged. The changes were attenuated during the administration of 2 and 4% CO2. Reducing the diameter of the mouthpiece to 9 mm abolished the alterations in breathing pattern observed with the larger (17-mm) diameter MP.     

The andrenocortical homolog in the lake sturgeon, acipenser fulvescens rafinesque.

The adrenocortical homolog in the chondrostean fish, Acipenser fulvescens, is confined within yellow corpuscles located at the dorsal junction of the two kidneys near the cardinal veins. The concentration and distribution of this tissue in chondrosteans appear to be a condition intermediate between that of cyclostomes and teleosts. The homology of this tissue to adrenocortical tissue of higher vertebrates is demonstrated in its delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity and the ultrastructure of the cells. The cells contain large lipid droplets and an abundance of smooth endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. The abundance of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, a large Golgi apparatus and an extensive elaboration of the plasma membrane suggest the high degree of steroidogenic activity of these cells. Apposed plasma membranes make contacts through the unique cell contacts described in the adrenocortical cells of mammals (Friend and Gilula, '72). The Golgi apparatus is described as a most conspicuous component of the cytoplasm and is presented as further evidence for the important involvement of this organelle in corticosteroidogenesis in vertebrates. These morphological observations are discussed in relation to the known secretory products of this tissue in the sturgeon, and it is suggested that there is a need for further examination of the corticosteroids produced by lower vertebrates.     

An air-economizer apparatus for use in fish work

Cylinders of compressed air are usually employed to aerate fish stock tanks located away from a source of mains electricity.
The apparatus described drives a compressor by extracting some of the energy contained within the high-pressure air from the cylinder by expanding it through an engine, and recovering the power produced. The compressor draws air from the atmosphere to supply a reservoir used to aerate the tanks, at about 0–2 atmospheres. The volume of air obtained is five to six times that available when an air cylinder is connected direct to the aeration system.     

Breathing patterns during varied activities.

The level of ventilation attained and breathing patterns adopted during activity have important implications for the distribution and deposition of particles that are inhaled. However, breathing patterns and levels of ventilation adopted during specific physical activities are unknown. We used a noninvasive means of measuring ventilation in subjects performing a variety of activities (bicycling, arm ergometry, lifting, and pulling) during unencumbered (no mouthpiece) breathing and while breathing through a mouthpiece. Minute ventilation (VE), tidal volume (VT), inspiratory time (TI), and total breathing cycle time (TT) were measured initially both spirometrically and from body surface displacements. When a mouthpiece was used, VE and breathing patterns were significantly altered during all activities such that VE, VT, and TT increased by 16, 34, and 20%, respectively. This mouthpiece effect was attenuated at the higher levels of VE. A task dependency of breathing pattern was also noted such that there was much greater variability of VT and TI for a given VE during the lifting activity compared with bicycling (coefficient of variation for VT of 0.39 +/- 0.09 vs. 0.20 +/- 0.07, P less than 0.01; and for TI of 0.38 +/- 0.08 vs. 0.21 +/- 0.08, P less than 0.01). We conclude that a mouthpiece significantly alters breathing pattern during varied types and intensities of activities, and breathing patterns may differ significantly from one activity to another. When the total dose of particulates inhaled in the lung are assessed, the mouthpiece effect and activity effect on breathing pattern must be considered.     

Effects of implanted dummy transmitters on mortality, growth and tissue reaction in rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson

For the first time, workers in the U.K. with a Home Office licence may surgically implant transmitters into wild fish in order to track them. A laboratory study was designed to investigate the effects of intraperitoneally implanted transmitters on rainbow trout. No significant difference in mortality or growth occurred between control, sham-implanted and implanted groups of fish over a 7-month period. Transmitters became encapsulated by connective tissue, the composition of which is described. Three fish expelled transmitters via the body wall without subsequent mortality or morbidity. Histological evidence suggests pressure necrosis of the body wall adjacent to the tag to be the mechanism of expulsion. With good surgical procedure, intraperitoneal implantation appears to provide a suitable technique for attaching transmitters to fish, and may be preferable to existing methods for many fish.     

Recirculation anaesthesia for laboratory fish

An economic reliable long-term recirculation anaesthesia system for laboratory fish is described. Anaesthesia of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque) was induced within 60 s and was maintained for up to 40 min using tricaine methanesulphonate; recovery occurred within 30-60 s. Various surgical procedures were performed on the fish. No deaths were recorded. All water-quality parameters tested over 19 days use of the system remained stable except for total ammonia nitrogen and, by calculation, un-ionized ammonia which increased to a maximum of 0.23 mg/l.     

Assessment of maximal expiratory pressure in healthy adults

Maximal static expiratory pressure developed at the mouth (PEmax) provides a useful clinical index of expiratory muscle function; however, the range of normal values among laboratories shows considerable variation. We examined the hypothesis that the wide variability could be attributable to the differences in technique among laboratories. We measured PEmax at functional residual capacity (PEmax FRC) in 28 healthy subjects using the following five techniques: 1) using a scuba-type mouthpiece with the cheeks supported by the hands ("hands on"), 2) without supporting the cheeks ("no hands"), 3) using a rigid, circular mouthpiece (2.8 cm ID, "tube"), 4) using the scuba-type mouthpiece but with the cheeks supported by an observer ("other hands"), and 5) using a large-bore circular mouthpiece (4.1 cm ID, "new tube"). Mean PEmax FRC obtained with hands on was significantly higher than no-hands and tube methods. PEmax FRC values obtained by the other-hands and new-tube maneuvers were similar to the hands-on maneuver. We conclude that the technique used to measure PEmax FRC can significantly affect the results and suggest that it should be measured using a large-bore circular mouthpiece or a scuba-diving mouthpiece with the cheeks supported.