I would like to thank Daniel Van Dyk from the Centre for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavour (CISAB) for much help in model design and access to archival video. Christopher Evans (CISAB) provided technical support, Daniel Warner (University of Sydney) provided the taxidermic model, and Richard Peters (Australian National University) provided early design features.

Animation Design
Object Scan
Acquire taxidermic lizard. Scan the model with a Konica Minolta VI-9i. It produces a 3D object (*.lwo and *.obj files) in a single polygon mesh of 50,000 polygons. Lightwave&reg; v8.3 has two programs used for 3D animation: Modeller and Layout. Lightwave&reg; Modeller designs and manipulates the object. Lightwave&reg; Layout program creates animation scenes. Lightwave&reg; Modeller and Layout have three dimensions of positioning, orientation, and rotation: heading (Y), pitch (X), and bank (Z).
Texture Acquisition
Photograph a live lizard using an 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D digital camera from two angles (frontal and orthogonal), three positions (frontal, orthogonal, ventral, and dorsal), and three body regions parts (head, body, tail, and limbs) over a white sheet of paper to be white balanced for standardized colour. Fuse photographs together in Adobe&reg; Photoshop&reg; Elements 3.0.
Create an Atlas UV map in Lightwave&reg; Modeller. The UV map breaks the object into strings of connecting polygons. Capture JPEG image of Atlas UV map with Grab V1.2 to create a separate JPEG image. Imbed as the background layer into Adobe&reg; Photoshop&reg; Elements 3.0.
In the Lightwave&reg; Modeller, highlight polygons on the Atlas UV map to identify specific areas on the lizard. Crop area and superimpose onto the background Atlas UV map JPEG. When all photographic fragments are layered onto the Atlas UV map JPEG, remove the background and create a single TIFF file. Import the TIFF file into Lightwave&reg; Modeller and assign UV coordinates.
Implanting Skelegons and Bones
In Lightwave&reg; Modeller, skelegons were designed and imbedded. Skelegons acted as placeholders for bones. Create 61 bones. Create skelegons to mimic the number of vertebrae in a Jacky dragon, with one large skelegon used to simulate the head. Create a virtual spinal column from the neck down to the end of the tail. Fuse the forelimbs, which consist of fours skelegons each, to spinal column. When all skelegons are created, send the entire object to Lightwave&reg; Layout, where the skelegons are to be transformed into bones.
Adding Weight Shading
Independent weight maps have a value range from &ndash;100% to +100% to evenly distribute motion. Designated the limbs, tail, and head with positive (+) weight map values. Give the body a negative (-) weight map value.
Stimulus Capture from Archival Video
Archival lizard footage was shown using Sony MiniDV digital video recorder PAL player on a Sony Trinitron monitor to a live lizard held in its enclosure (for initial video acquisition, see Ord and Evans, 2002; Ord, Peters, Evans, &amp; Taylor, 2002; Van Dyk and Evans, 2007). Responses of lizards were recorded using a Canon (MV650i) digital camcorder placed approximately on meter from the enclosure. Lizard size was scaled to the representative size of the perch on the display monitor. Export as individual sequential JPEG images in Apple Quicktime&trade; v7.0.
Rotoscoping for Stimulus Replication
&lsquo;Rotoscoping&rsquo; is a technique where the object animation is superimposed frame-by-frame in the foreground of the background sequence (Gatsey, Middleton, Jenkins, &amp; Shubin, 1999). Send the animation to Lightwave&reg; Layout, where the light, camera, object, and background characteristics can be controlled for the scene. Select motor patterns from archival digital video and export as an image sequence (JPEG) using Apple QuickTime&trade; Player 7.0. The object must be in camera view. Import the first JPEG in the image sequence into the background. Manipulate the object using the bones and superimpose into the current position that reflects the background image. Each frame is to be &lsquo;keyframed&rsquo;, such that the position of the object is saved. Replace the background image with the next consecutive image and manipulate the object into the new position. Repeat the process until the sequence is finished.
Rendering the Sequence for Completion
Large sequence clips or batch processing are rendered using Render Farm Commander v2.9. Render Farm Commander (RFC) links up computers to produce a series of processors to aid in faster rendering. Four Apple Mac G5 dual-processors (eight threads) were used to distribute the rendering, thus reducing the time to four hours. All sequences were maintained at PAL-DV standard (720 &yen; 576 pixel resolution; 5:1 compression; horizontal resolution 575 lines; 25 frames s-1).

<ol>
	<li>Gatesy, S. M., Middleton, K. M., Jenkins, F. A., Shubin, N. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Three-dimensional+preservation+of+foot+movements+in+Triassic+theropod+dinosaurs.">Three-dimensional preservation of foot movements in Triassic theropod dinosaurs.</a> Nature. 399, 141-144 (1999).</li><li>Newtek, Inc, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Lightwave+[8]+Reference+Manual.">Lightwave [8] Reference Manual.</a> , (2004).</li><li>Ord, T. J., Evans, C. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Interactive+video+playback+and+opponent+assessment+in+lizards.">Interactive video playback and opponent assessment in lizards.</a> Behav. Process. 59, 55-65 (2002).</li><li>Ord, T. J., Peters, R. A., Evans, C. S., Taylor, A. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Digital+video+playback+and+visual+communication+in+lizards.">Digital video playback and visual communication in lizards.</a> Anim. Behav. 63, 879-890 (2002).</li><li>Rosenthal, G. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Design+considerations+and+techniques+for+constructing+video+stimuli.">Design considerations and techniques for constructing video stimuli.</a> Acta Ethol. 3, 49-54 (2000).</li><li>Van Dyk, D. A., Evans, C. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Familiar-unfamiliar+discrimination+based+on+visual+cues+in+the+Jacky+dragon,+Amphibolurus+muricatus.">Familiar-unfamiliar discrimination based on visual cues in the Jacky dragon, Amphibolurus muricatus.</a> Anim. Behav. 74, 33-44 (2007).</li></ol>

Funding was supported by the CISAB and Department of Psychology Postgraduate Award of Macquarie University, and the Australian Research Council. Research was conducted in accordance to the ethical guidelines of the Macquarie University Animal Ethics Committee (2003/014) and the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Services (S11024).

Computer-generated animations are increasingly becoming a popular tool in which to investigate questions regarding communication in animal behaviour. By using animation techniques, researchers can focus on specific aspects of signal design, and manipulate features that previously were unable to be investigated due to limited technology. Although conventional staged animal encounters still demonstrate theoretical principles, animation techniques now provide a sophisticated tool for examining more detailed interactions.

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		<th>Material Name</th>
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		<th>Catalogue Number</th>
		<th>Comment</th>
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<tr>
<td>New Item</td>
<td>Digital camera</td>
<td>Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc. </td>
<td>VI-9i</td>
<td>Used to acquire 3D mesh (done by New Dawn&#174; - Bexley North, NSW Australia)
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lightwave&#174; 3D</td>
<td>Software program</td>
<td>NewTek Inc.</td>
<td>v8.3</td>
<td>To create animation</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Canon</td>
<td>Digital camera</td>
<td>Canon, Inc.</td>
<td>EOS 5D</td>
<td>12.8 megapixels</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Grab</td>
<td>Software program</td>
<td>Apple Computer, Inc.</td>
<td>v1.2</td>
<td>Extract texture from photographs and UV map</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Adobe&#174; Photoshop&#174; Elements</td>
<td>Software program</td>
<td>Adobe Systems Inc.</td>
<td>v3.0</td>
<td>Extract texture from photographs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Render Farm Commander</td>
<td>Software program</td>
<td>Bruce Rayne&#169;</td>
<td>v2.9</td>
<td>Mass rendering across local area network

</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mac Pro</td>
<td>Computer</td>
<td>Apple Computer, Inc.</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Four dual processors (eight threads); Create and render animation</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sony MiniDV</td>
<td>Digital video recorder</td>
<td>Sony Corporation</td>
<td>GV-D300E</td>
<td>Playback stimuli during stimulus acquisition</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sony Trintron</td>
<td>Colour viewfinder</td>
<td>Sony Corporation</td>
<td>PVM-14M2A</td>
<td>One monitor for stimulus acquisition</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Canon</td>
<td>Digital camcorder</td>
<td>Cannon Inc.</td>
<td>MV650i</td>
<td>Records behavior during stimulus acquisition</td>
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computer-generated animal model stimuli

Communication between animals is diverse and complex. Animals may communicate using auditory, seismic, chemosensory, electrical, or visual signals. In particular, understanding the constraints on visual signal design for communication has been of great interest. Traditional methods for investigating animal interactions have used basic observational techniques, staged encounters, or physical manipulation of morphology. Less intrusive methods have tried to simulate conspecifics using crude playback tools, such as mirrors, still images, or models. As technology has become more advanced, video playback has emerged as another tool in which to examine visual communication (Rosenthal, 2000). However, to move one step further, the application of computer-animation now allows researchers to specifically isolate critical components necessary to elicit social responses from conspecifics, and manipulate these features to control interactions. Here, I provide detail on how to create an animation using the Jacky dragon as a model, but this process may be adaptable for other species. In building the animation, I elected to use Lightwave  3D to alter object morphology, add texture, install bones, and provide comparable weight shading that prevents exaggerated movement. The animation is then matched to select motor patterns to replicate critical movement features. Finally, the sequence must rendered into an individual clip for presentation. Although there are other adaptable techniques, this particular method had been demonstrated to be effective in eliciting both conspicuous and social responses in staged interactions.

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Computer-Generated Animal Model Stimuli at JoVE.com

Computer-Generated Animal Model Stimuli

Computer-generated stimuli using the Jacky dragon as a model.

Communication between animals is diverse and complex. Animals may communicate using auditory, seismic, chemosensory, electrical, or visual signals. In ...

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10.8K Views.  Macquarie University. Computer-generated stimuli using the Jacky dragon as a model.

Video: Computer-Generated Animal Model Stimuli

Cryopreservation of Preimplantation Embryos of Cattle, Sheep, and Goats

Preimplantation embryos from cattle, sheep, and goats may be cryopreserved for short- or long-term storage. Preimplantation embryos consist predominantly of water, and the avoidance of intracellular ice crystal formation during the cryopreservation process is of paramount importance to maintain embryo viability. Embryos are placed into a hypertonic solution (1.4 &#x2013; 1.5 M) of a cryoprotective agent (CPA) such as ethylene glycol (EG) or glycerol (GLYC) to create an osmotic gradient that facilitates cellular dehydration. After embryos reach osmotic equilibrium in the CPA solution, they are individually loaded in the hypertonic CPA solution into 0.25 ml plastic straws for freezing. Embryos are placed into a controlled rate freezer at a temperature of -6&deg;C. Ice crystal formation is induced in the CPA solution surrounding the embryo, and crystallization causes an increase in the concentration of CPA outside of the embryo, causing further cellular dehydration. Embryos are cooled at a rate of 0.5&deg;C/min, enabling further dehydration, to a temperature of -34&deg;C before being plunged into liquid nitrogen (-196&deg;C). Cryopreserved embryos must be thawed prior to transfer to a recipient (surrogate) female. Straws containing the embryos are removed from the liquid nitrogen dewar, held in room temperature air for 3 to 5 sec, and placed into a 37&deg;C water bath for 25 to 30 sec. Embryos cryopreserved in GLYC are placed into a 1 M solution of sucrose for 10 min for removal of the CPA before transfer to a recipient (surrogate) female. Embryos cryopreserved in EG, however, may be directly transferred to the uterus of a recipient.

Preimplantation embryos may be cryopreserved after placement into a hypertonic cryoprotective solution to cause cellular dehydration. After equilibration, ice crystal formation is induced in the solution surrounding the embryo. Further dehydration occurs as the embryo is slowly cooled to subzero temperatures before plunging into liquid nitrogen for storage.

Preimplantation embryos from cattle, sheep, and goats may be cryopreserved for short- or long-term storage.  Preimplantation embryos consist predominantly ...

Genotyping of Plant and Animal Samples without Prior DNA Purification

The Direct PCR approach facilitates PCR amplification directly from small amounts of unpurified samples, and is demonstrated here for several plant and animal tissues (Figure 1). Direct PCR is based on specially engineered Thermo Scientific Phusion and Phire DNA Polymerases, which include a double-stranded DNA binding domain that gives them unique properties such as high tolerance of inhibitors.
PCR-based target DNA detection has numerous applications in plant research, including plant genotype analysis and verification of transgenes. PCR from plant tissues traditionally involves an initial DNA isolation step, which may require expensive or toxic reagents. The process is time consuming and increases the risk of cross contamination1, 2. Conversely, by using Thermo Scientific Phire Plant Direct PCR Kit the target DNA can be easily detected, without prior DNA extraction. In the model demonstrated here, an example of derived cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence analysis (dCAPS)3,4 is performed directly from Arabidopsis plant leaves. dCAPS genotyping assays can be used to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) by SNP allele-specific restriction endonuclease digestion3. 
Some plant samples tend to be more challenging when using Direct PCR methods as they contain components that interfere with PCR, such as phenolic compounds. In these cases, an additional step to remove the compounds is traditionally required2,5. Here, this problem is overcome by using a quick and easy dilution protocol followed by Direct PCR amplification (Figure 1). Fifteen year-old oak leaves are used as a model for challenging plants as the specimen contains high amounts of phenolic compounds including tannins. 
Gene transfer into mice is broadly used to study the roles of genes in development, physiology and human disease. The use of these animals requires screening for the presence of the transgene, usually with PCR. Traditionally, this involves a time consuming DNA isolation step, during which DNA for PCR analysis is purified from ear, tail or toe tissues6,7. However, with the Thermo Scientific Phire Animal Tissue Direct PCR Kit transgenic mice can be genotyped without prior DNA purification. In this protocol transgenic mouse genotyping is achieved directly from mouse ear tissues, as demonstrated here for a challenging example where only one primer set is used for amplification of two fragments differing greatly in size.

The Direct PCR approach presented here facilitates PCR amplification directly from small amounts of unpurified plant and animal tissue.

The Direct PCR approach facilitates PCR amplification directly from small amounts of unpurified samples, and is demonstrated here for several plant and ...

Utero-tubal Embryo Transfer and Vasectomy in the Mouse Model

The transfer of preimplantation embryos to a surrogate female is a required step for the production of genetically modified mice or to study the effects of epigenetic alterations originated during preimplantation development on subsequent fetal development and adult health. The use of an effective and consistent embryo transfer technique is crucial to enhance the generation of genetically modified animals and to determine the effect of different treatments on implantation rates and survival to term. Embryos at the blastocyst stage are usually transferred by uterine transfer, performing a puncture in the uterine wall to introduce the embryo manipulation pipette. The orifice performed in the uterus does not close after the pipette has been withdrawn, and the embryos can outflow to the abdominal cavity due to the positive pressure of the uterus. The puncture can also produce a hemorrhage that impairs implantation, blocks the transfer pipette and may affect embryo development, especially when embryos without zona are transferred. Consequently, this technique often results in very variable and overall low embryo survival rates. Avoiding these negative effects, utero-tubal embryo transfer take advantage of the utero-tubal junction as a natural barrier that impedes embryo outflow and avoid the puncture of the uterine wall. Vasectomized males are required for obtaining pseudopregnant recipients. A technique to perform vasectomy is described as a complement to the utero-tubal embryo transfer.

Utero-tubal embryo transfer uses the utero-tubal junction as a barrier to prevent the embryo outflow that may occur when performing uterine transfer. Vasectomized males are required to obtain pseudopregnant recipients for embryo transfer. Both techniques are discussed.

The transfer of preimplantation embryos to a surrogate female is a required step for the production of genetically modified mice or to study the effects ...

A Protocol for Using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis to Identify the Appropriate Animal Model for Translational Research

Recent studies that compared transcriptomic datasets of human diseases with datasets from mouse models using traditional gene-to-gene comparison techniques resulted in contradictory conclusions regarding the relevance of animal models for translational research. A major reason for the discrepancies between different gene expression analyses is the arbitrary filtering of differentially expressed genes. Furthermore, the comparison of single genes between different species and platforms often is limited by technical variance, leading to misinterpretation of the con/discordance between data from human and animal models. Thus, standardized approaches for systematic data analysis are needed. To overcome subjective gene filtering and ineffective gene-to-gene comparisons, we recently demonstrated that gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) has the potential to avoid these problems. Therefore, we developed a standardized protocol for the use of GSEA to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate animal models for translational research. This protocol is not suitable to predict how to design new model systems a-priori, as it requires existing experimental omics data. However, the protocol describes how to interpret existing data in a standardized manner in order to select the most suitable animal model, thus avoiding unnecessary animal experiments and misleading translational studies.

We provide a standardized protocol for the use of gene set enrichment analysis of transcriptomic data to identify an ideal mouse model for translational research. 
This protocol can be used with DNA microarray and RNA sequencing data and can further be extended to other omics data if data are available.

Recent studies that compared transcriptomic datasets of human diseases with datasets from mouse models using traditional gene-to-gene comparison ...

A Tissue Culture Model of Estrogen-producing Primary Bovine Granulosa Cells

Ovarian granulosa cells (GC) are the major source of estradiol synthesis. Induced by the preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge, cells of the theca and, in particular, of the granulosa cell layer profoundly change their morphological, physiological, and molecular characteristics and form the progesterone-producing corpus luteum that is responsible for maintaining pregnancy. Cell culture models are essential tools to study the underlying regulatory mechanisms involved in the folliculo-luteal transformation. The presented protocol focuses on the isolation procedure and cryopreservation of bovine GC from small- to medium-sized follicles (&#60; 6 mm). With this technique, a nearly pure population of GC can be obtained. The cryopreservation procedure greatly facilitates time management of the cell culture work independent of a direct primary tissue (ovaries) supply. This protocol describes a serum-free cell culture model that mimics the estradiol-active status of bovine GC. Important conditions that are essential for a successful steroid-active cell culture are discussed throughout the protocol. It is demonstrated that increasing the plating density of the cells induces a specific response as indicated by an altered gene expression profile and hormone production. Furthermore, this model provides a basis for further studies on GC differentiation and other applications.

A long-term culture model of bovine granulosa cells under serum-free conditions is described. This model allows researchers to study the effects of diverse factors and conditions as different plating densities on the characteristics of estrogen-producing bovine granulosa cells.

Ovarian granulosa cells (GC) are the major source of estradiol synthesis. Induced by the preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge, cells of the theca ...

Bovine Mammary Gland Biopsy Techniques

Bovine mammary gland biopsies allow researchers to collect tissue samples to study cell biology including gene expression, histological analysis, signaling pathways, and protein translation. This article describes two techniques for biopsy of the bovine mammary gland (MG). Three healthy Holstein dairy cows were the subjects. Before biopsies, cows were milked and subsequently restrained in a cattle chute. An analgesic (flunixin meglumine, 1.1 to 2.2 mg/kg of body weight) was administered via jugular intravenous [IV] injection 15-20 min prior to biopsy. For standing sedation, xylazine hydrochloride (0.01-0.05 mg/kg of body weight) was injected via the coccygeal vessels 5-10 min before the procedure. Once adequately sedated, the biopsy site was aseptically prepared and locally anaesthetized with 6 mL of 2% lidocaine hydrochloride via subcutaneous injection. Using aseptic technique, a 2 to 3 cm vertical incision was made using a number 10 scalpel. Core and needle biopsy tools were used. The core biopsy tool was attached to a cordless drill and inserted into the MG tissue through the incision using a clock-wise drill action. The needle biopsy tool was manually inserted into the incision site. Immediately after the procedure, an assistant applied pressure on the incision site for 20 to 25 min using a sterile towel to achieve hemostasis. Stainless steel surgical staples were used to oppose the skin incision. The staples were removed 10 days post-procedure. The main advantages of core and needle biopsies is that both approaches are minimally invasive procedures that can be safely performed in healthy cows. Milk yield following the biopsy was unaffected. These procedures require a short recovery time and result in fewer risks of complications. Specific limitations may include bleeding after the biopsy and infection on the biopsy site. Applications of these techniques include tissue collection for clinical diagnosis and research purposes, such as primary cell culture.

This article presents a bovine mammary gland biopsy using core and needle biopsy tools. Harvested tissue can be used for cell culture or to assess mammary physiology and metabolism including gene expression, protein expression, protein modifications, immunohistochemistry, and metabolite concentrations.

Bovine mammary gland biopsies allow researchers to collect tissue samples to study cell biology including gene expression, histological analysis, ...

Mass Spectrometry Analysis to Identify Ubiquitylation of EYFP-tagged CENP-A (EYFP-CENP-A)

Studying the structure and the dynamics of kinetochores and centromeres is important in understanding chromosomal instability (CIN) and cancer progression. How the chromosomal location and function of a centromere (i.e., centromere identity) are determined and participate in accurate chromosome segregation is a fundamental question. CENP-A is proposed to be the non-DNA indicator (epigenetic mark) of centromere identity, and CENP-A ubiquitylation is required for CENP-A deposition at the centromere, inherited through dimerization between cell division, and indispensable to cell viability.
Here we describe mass spectrometry analysis to identify ubiquitylation of EYFP-CENP-A K124R mutant suggesting that ubiquitylation at a different lysine is induced because of the EYFP tagging in the CENP-A K124R mutant protein. Lysine 306 (K306) ubiquitylation in EYFP-CENP-A K124R was successfully identified, which corresponds to lysine 56 (K56) in CENP-A through mass spectrometry analysis. A caveat is discussed in the use of GFP/EYFP or the tagging of high molecular weight protein as a tool to analyze the function of a protein. Current technical limit is also discussed for the detection of ubiquitylated bands, identification of site-specific ubiquitylation(s), and visualization of ubiquitylation in living cells or a specific single cell during the whole cell cycle.
The method of mass spectrometry analysis presented here can be applied to human CENP-A protein with different tags and other centromere-kinetochore proteins. These combinatory methods consisting of several assays/analyses could be recommended for researchers who are interested in identifying functional roles of ubiquitylation.

Mass Spectrometry Analysis to Identify Ubiquitylation of EYFP-tagged CENP-A EYFP-CENP-A

CENP-A ubiquitylation is an important requirement for CENP-A deposition at the centromere, inherited through dimerization between cell division, and indispensable to cell viability. Here we describe mass spectrometry analysis to identify ubiquitylation of EYFP-tagged CENP-A (EYFP-CENP-A) protein.

Studying the structure and the dynamics of kinetochores and centromeres is important in understanding chromosomal instability (CIN) and cancer ...

Planarian Scrunching as a Quantitative Behavioral Readout for Noxious Stimuli Sensing

Freshwater planarians normally glide smoothly through ciliary propulsion on their ventral side. Certain environmental conditions, however, can induce musculature-driven forms of locomotion: peristalsis or scrunching. While peristalsis results from a ciliary defect, scrunching is independent of cilia function and is a specific response to certain stimuli, including amputation, noxious temperature, extreme pH, and ethanol. Thus, these two musculature-driven gaits are mechanistically distinct. However, they can be difficult to distinguish qualitatively. Here, we provide a protocol for inducing scrunching using various physical and chemical stimuli. We detail the quantitative characterization of scrunching, which can be used to distinguish it from peristalsis and gliding, using freely available software. Since scrunching is a universal planarian gait, albeit with characteristic species-specific differences, this protocol can be broadly applied to all species of planarians, when using appropriate considerations. To demonstrate this, we compare the response of the two most popular planarian species used in behavioral research, Dugesia japonica and Schmidtea mediterranea, to the same set of physical and chemical stimuli. Furthermore, the specificity of scrunching allows this protocol to be used in conjunction with RNA interference and/or pharmacological exposure to dissect the molecular targets and neuronal circuits involved, potentially providing mechanistic insight into important aspects of nociception and neuromuscular communication.

Freshwater planarians exhibit three gaits (gliding, peristalsis, and scrunching) that are distinguishable by quantitative behavioral analysis. We describe a method to induce scrunching using various noxious stimuli, quantification thereof, and distinction from peristalsis and gliding. Using gene knockdown, we demonstrate the specificity of scrunching as a quantitative phenotypic readout.

Freshwater planarians normally glide smoothly through ciliary propulsion on their ventral side. Certain environmental conditions, however, can induce ...

Bovine Ovarian Cortex Tissue Culture

Follicle development from the primordial to antral stage is a dynamic process within the ovarian cortex, which includes endocrine and paracrine factors from somatic cells and cumulus cell-oocyte communication. Little is known about the ovarian microenvironment and how the cytokines and steroids produced in the surrounding milieu affect follicle progression or arrest. In vitro culture of ovarian cortex enables follicles to develop in a normalized environment that remains supported by adjacent stroma. Our objective was to determine the effect of nutritional Stair-Step diet on the ovarian microenvironment (follicle development, steroid, and cytokine production) through in vitro culture of bovine ovarian cortex. To accomplish this, ovarian cortical pieces were removed from heifers undergoing two different nutritionally developed schemes prior to puberty: Control (traditional nutrition development) and Stair-Step (feeding and restriction during development) that were cut into approximately 0.5-1 mm3 pieces. These pieces were subsequently passed through a series of washes and positioned on a tissue culture insert that is set into a well containing Waymouth&#39;s culture medium. Ovarian cortex was cultured for 7 days with daily culture media changes. Histological sectioning was performed to determine follicle stage changes before and after the culture to determine effects of nutrition and impact of culture without additional treatment. Cortex culture medium was pooled over days to measure steroids, steroid metabolites, and cytokines. There were tendencies for increased steroid hormones in ovarian microenvironment that allowed for follicle progression in the Stair-Step versus Control ovarian cortex cultures. The ovarian cortex culture technique allows for a better understanding of the ovarian microenvironment, and how alterations in endocrine secretion may affect follicle progression and growth from both in vivo and in vitro treatments. This culture method may also prove beneficial for testing potential therapeutics that may improve follicle progression in women to promote fertility.

In vitro culture of bovine ovarian cortex and the effect of nutritional Stair-step diet on ovarian microenvironment is presented. Ovarian cortex pieces were cultured for seven days and steroids, cytokines, and follicle stages were evaluated. The Stair-Step diet treatment had increased steroidogenesis resulting in follicle progression in culture.

Follicle development from the primordial to antral stage is a dynamic process within the ovarian cortex, which includes endocrine and paracrine factors ...

A Modified Surgical Model of Hind Limb Ischemia in ApoE-/- Mice using a Miniature Incision

The purpose of this study is to introduce and evaluate a modified surgical approach to induce acute ischemia in mice that can be implemented in most animal laboratories.&#160;Contrary to the conventional approach for double ligation of the femoral artery (DLFA), a smaller incision on the right inguinal region was made to expose the proximal femoral artery (FA) to perform DLFA. Then, using a 7-0 suture, the incision was dragged to the knee region to expose the distal FA. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on bilateral hind limbs was used to detect FA occlusion after the surgery. At 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after the surgery, functional recovery of the hind limbs was visually assessed and graded using the Tarlov scale. Histologic evaluation was performed after euthanizing the animals 7 days after DLFA. The procedures were successfully performed on the right leg in ten ApoE-/- mice, and no mice died during subsequent observation. The incision sizes in all 10 mice were less than 5 mm (4.2 &#177; 0.63 mm). MRI results showed that FA blood flow in the ischemic side was clearly blocked. The Tarlov scale results demonstrated that hind limb function significantly decreased after the procedure and slowly recovered over the following 7 days. Histologic evaluation showed a significant inflammatory response on the ischemic side and reduced microvascular density in the ischemic hind limb. In conclusion, this study introduces a modified technique using a miniature incision to perform hind limb ischemia (HLI) using DLFA.

A Modified Surgical Model of Hind Limb Ischemia in ApoE-/- Mice using a Miniature Incision

This article demonstrates an efficient surgical approach to establish acute ischemia in mice with a small incision. This approach can be applied by most research groups without any laboratory upgrades.

The purpose of this study is to introduce and evaluate a modified surgical approach to induce acute ischemia in mice that can be implemented in most ...