scholarly journals Effects of Homeopathic Arsenicum Album, Nosode, and Gibberellic Acid Preparations on the Growth Rate of Arsenic-Impaired Duckweed (Lemna gibbaL.)

2010 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 2112-2129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim Jäger ◽  
Claudia Scherr ◽  
Meinhard Simon ◽  
Peter Heusser ◽  
Stephan Baumgartner
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Gibberellic Acid ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Test System ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Test Substance ◽  
Image Analysis System ◽  
Water Control ◽  
Analysis System

This study evaluated the effects of homeopathically potentized Arsenicum album, nosode, and gibberellic acid in a bioassay with arsenic-stressed duckweed (Lemna gibbaL.). The test substances were applied in nine potency levels (17x, 18x, 21x–24x, 28x, 30x, 33x) and compared with controls (unsuccussed and succussed water) regarding their influence on the plant’s growth rate. Duckweed was stressed with arsenic(V) for 48 h. Afterwards, plants grew in either potentized substances or water controls for 6 days. Growth rates of frond (leaf) area and frond number were determined with a computerized image analysis system for different time intervals (days 0–2, 2–6, 0–6). Five independent experiments were evaluated for each test substance. Additionally, five water control experiments were analyzed to investigate the stability of the experimental setup (systematic negative control experiments). All experiments were randomized and blinded. The test system exhibited a low coefficient of variation (≈1%). Unsuccussed and succussed water did not result in any significant differences in duckweed growth rate. Data from the control and treatment groups were pooled to increase statistical power. Growth rates for days 0–2 were not influenced by any homeopathic preparation. Growth rates for days 2–6 increased after application of potentized Arsenicum album regarding both frond area (p< 0.001) and frond number (p< 0.001), and by application of potentized nosode (frond area growth rate only,p< 0.01). Potencies of gibberellic acid did not influence duckweed growth rate. The systematic negative control experiments did not yield any significant effects. Thus, false-positive results can be excluded with high certainty. To conclude, the test system withL. gibbaimpaired by arsenic(V) was stable and reliable. It yielded evidence for specific effects of homeopathic Arsenicum album preparations and it will provide a valuable tool for future experiments that aim at revealing the mode of action of homeopathic preparations. It may also be useful to investigate the influence of external factors (e.g., heat, electromagnetic radiation) on the effects of homeopathic preparations.

scholarly journals Effects of Homeopathic Preparations of Mercurius corrosivus on the Growth Rate of Moderately Mercury-Stressed Duckweed Lemna gibba L

Homeopathy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim Jäger ◽  
Sandra Würtenberger ◽  
Stephan Baumgartner
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Stress Level ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Experimental System ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Lemna Gibba ◽  
Image Analysis System ◽  
Analysis System ◽  
Observation Period

Abstract Background A bioassay with severely mercury-stressed duckweed (Lemna gibba L.) had revealed growth-inhibiting effects of homeopathically potentised mercury(II) chloride (Mercurius corrosivus, Merc-c.). We hypothesised that effects of potentised preparations are dependent on the stress level of the organisms used in the bioassay. The aim of the present investigation was to examine the response of duckweed to potentised Merc-c. at a lower stress level. Methods Duckweed was moderately stressed with 2.5 mg/L mercury(II) chloride for 48 hours. Afterwards plants grew in either Merc-c. (seven different potency levels, 24x–30x) or water controls (unsuccussed or succussed water) for 7 days. Growth rates of the frond (leaf) area were determined using a computerised image-analysis system for day 0–3 and 3–7. Three independent experiments with potentised Merc-c. and three systematic negative control experiments were performed. All experiments were randomised and blinded. Results Unsuccussed and succussed water did not significantly differ in their effects on duckweed growth rate. The systematic negative control experiments did not yield any significant effects, thus providing evidence for the stability of the experimental system. Data from the two control groups and the seven treatment groups (Merc-c. 24x–30x) were each pooled to increase statistical power. Duckweed growth rates for day 3–7 were enhanced (p < 0.05) after application of Merc-c. compared with the controls. Growth rates for day 0–3 were not influenced by the homeopathic preparations. Conclusions Moderately mercury-stressed Lemna gibba L. yielded evidence of growth-enhancing specific effects of Merc-c. 24x–30x in the second observation period (day 3–7). This observation is complementary to previous experiments with severely mercury-stressed duckweed, in which a decrease in growth was observed in the first observation period (day 0–3). We hypothesise that the differing results are associated with the level of stress intensity (moderate vs. severe).

scholarly journals Effects of Homeopathic Preparations of Mercurius corrosivus on the Growth Rate of Severely Mercury-Stressed Duckweed Lemna gibba L.

Homeopathy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 108 (02) ◽  
pp. 128-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim Jäger ◽  
Sandra Würtenberger ◽  
Stephan Baumgartner
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Stress Intensity ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Test System ◽  
Lemna Gibba ◽  
Image Analysis System ◽  
Water Control ◽  
Time Period ◽  
The Stability

Background We developed a bioassay with mercury-stressed duckweed (Lemna gibba L.) to study potential effects of homeopathically potentised mercury(II) chloride (Mercurius corrosivus [Merc-c.]). The response of this bioassay to homeopathic treatments as a function of stress intensity was also of interest. Methods Duckweed was severely stressed with mercury(II) chloride for 48 hours. Afterwards plants grew in either Merc-c. (seven different potency levels, 24x to 30x) or water controls (unsuccussed and succussed water) for 7 days. Growth rates of the frond (leaf) area were determined using a computerised image analysis system for different time intervals between the measurements on days 0, 3 and 7. Three independent experiments with potentised Merc-c. each were evaluated. Additionally, three water control experiments were analysed to investigate the stability of the experimental set-up (systematic negative control [SNC] experiments). All experiments were randomised and blinded. Results Unsuccussed and succussed water did not significantly differ in terms of duckweed growth rate. The SNC experiments did not yield any significant effects, providing evidence for the stability of the experimental system. Data from the two control groups and the seven treatment groups (Merc-c. 24x–30x) were each pooled to increase the statistical power. Duckweed growth rates for day 0 to 3 were reduced (p < 0.05) after application of Merc-c. compared with the controls. Growth rates for day 3 to 7 were not influenced by the homeopathic preparations. Conclusions The present test system with Lemna gibba L. that was severely stressed by mercury yielded evidence for specific effects of Merc-c. 24x to 30x, namely a growth reduction in the first time period (day 0–3). This is in contrast to former experiments with slightly arsenic-stressed duckweed, where a growth increase was observed in the second time period (day 2–6). We hypothesise that the differing results are associated with the level of stress intensity (severe versus slight).

scholarly journals Reproducibility of effects of the homeopathic dilutions 14x - 30x of gibberellic acid on growth of Lemna gibba L.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (40) ◽  
pp. 196-197
Author(s):  
Vera Majewsky ◽  
Claudia Scherr ◽  
Sebastian Arlt ◽  
Peter Klocke ◽  
Stephan Baumgartner
Keyword(s):  
Gibberellic Acid ◽  
Test Organism ◽  
Test System ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Control Area ◽  
System Stability ◽  
Lemna Gibba ◽  
Test Substance ◽  
Image Analysis System ◽  
Water Control

Background: Reproducibility of investigations in homeopathy is still challenging. Duckweed (Lemna gibba L.), a monocotyledonous waterplant which mostly reproduces vegetatively and therefore builds genetically identical clones, may be a suitable test system for standardised trials. Aims: This study investigated if formerly observed effects of gibberellic acid 14x – 30x on growth of Lemna gibba were reproducible. Methododology: Duckweed was grown in dilutions of gibberellic acid (14x–30x) as well as once succussed (c1) and unsuccussed (c0) water control. Area-related growth rate for day 0–7 was determined by a computerised image analysis system. Three series including five independent blinded and randomised experiments each were carried out in the same way as in the original study. Only time and conductor of experiments were modified. System stability was controled by three series of systematic negative control (SNC) experiments with the same set-up, but distilled and autoclaved water was used as the only test substance. According to the series with gibberellic acid, each serie of SNC experiments included five experiments. Full two-way ANOVA (α = 5%) was used for statistical analysis. Independent variables were treatment and experiment number, dependent variable was r(area) for day 0–7. Data of each experiment was normalised to its mean value to allow a better comparison between experiments. Only if the global ANOVA F-test was significant (p < 0.05) we compared the investigated groups with Fisher`s LSD test (protected Fisher`s LSD). Results: No specific effects of agitated dilutions of gibberellic acid were found in the first two replication series (p=0.263 and p=0.062). In the third serie with gibbous Lemna gibba L. we observed a significant effect (p=0.009) of the homeopathic treatment, however growth was increased in contrast to decreasing in the former study. Variability in experiments with gibberellic acid 14x – 30x was lower than in SNC experiments. The stability of the experimental system was verified by the SNC experiments. Conclusions: When designing new studies to investigate reproducibility, different physiological states of the test organism must be considered. Variability might be an interesting parameter to investigate effects of homeopathic remedies in basic research.

scholarly journals Investigation of Arsenic-Stressed Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) as a Bioassay in Homeopathic Basic Research

2011 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 568-583 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim Jäger ◽  
Claudia Scherr ◽  
Ursula Wolf ◽  
Meinhard Simon ◽  
Peter Heusser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Test System ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Test Substance ◽  
Experimental Setup ◽  
Water Control ◽  
Yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae

This study investigated the response of arsenic-stressed yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) towards homeopathically potentized Arsenicum album, a duckweed nosode, and gibberellic acid. The three test substances were applied in five potency levels (17x, 18x, 24x, 28x, 30x) and compared to controls (unsuccussed and succussed water) with respect to influencing specific growth parameters. Five independent experiments were evaluated for each test substance. Additionally, five water control experiments were analyzed to investigate the stability of the experimental setup (systematic negative control experiments). All experiments were randomized and blinded. Yeast grew in microplates over a period of 38 h in either potentized substances or water controls with 250 mg/l arsenic(V) added over the entire cultivation period. Yeast's growth kinetics (slope, Et50, and yield) were measured photometrically. The test system exhibited a low coefficient of variation (slope 1.2%, Et500.3%, yield 2.7%). Succussed water did not induce any significant differences compared to unsuccussed water. Data from the control and treatment groups were both pooled to increase statistical power. In this study with yeast, no significant effects were found for any outcome parameter or any homeopathic treatment. Since in parallel experiments arsenic-stressed duckweed showed highly significant effects after application of potentized Arsenicum album and duckweed nosode preparations from the same batch as used in the present study, some specific properties of this experimental setup with yeast must be responsible for the lacking response.

Reproducibility of the effects of homeopathically potentised Argentum nitricum on the growth of Lemna gibba L. in a randomised and blinded bioassay

Homeopathy ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 106 (03) ◽  
pp. 145-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Scherr ◽  
Claudia Schneider ◽  
Sebastian Patrick Arlt ◽  
Stephan Baumgartner ◽  
Vera Majewsky
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Treatment Effect ◽  
Significant Interaction ◽  
Test System ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Original Study ◽  
System Stability ◽  
Lemna Gibba ◽  
Growth State ◽  
Successful Reproduction

Background: A previous study reported a significant statistical interaction between experiment date and treatment effect of Argentum nitricum 14x–30x on the growth rate of duckweed (Lemna gibba L.). The aim of the present study was to investigate the stability of the test system and intra-laboratory reproducibility of the effects found. Methods: Duckweed was treated with A. nitricum potencies (14x–30x) as well as succussed and unsuccussed water controls. The outcome parameter area-related growth rate for day 0–7 was determined by a computerised image analysis system in two series of independent randomised and blinded experiments. Systematic negative control (SNC) experiments were carried out to investigate test system stability. Statistical analysis was performed with full two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and protected Fisher's Least Significant Difference (LSD) test. Results: In the first repetition series we found a significant treatment effect (p = 0.016), while in the second series no effect was observed. The negative control experiments showed that the experimental system was stable. An a posteriori subgroup analysis concerning gibbosity revealed the importance of this growth state of L. gibba for successful reproduction of the statistically significant interaction in the original study; flat: no interaction (p = 0.762); slight gibbosity: no interaction (p = 0.356); medium gibbosity: significant interaction (p = 0.031), high gibbosity: highly significant interaction (p = 0.005). Conclusions: With the original study design (disregarding gibbosity status of L. gibba) results of the original study could not be reproduced sensu stricto. We conclude that the growth state gibbosity is crucial for successful reproduction of the original study. Different physiological states of the test organisms used for bioassays for homeopathic basic research must carefully be considered.

Digital Processing of STEM Images

1981 ◽  
Vol 39 ◽  
pp. 236-237
Author(s):  
A. V. Crewe ◽  
M. Ohtsuki
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Assembly Language ◽  
Processing System ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Digital Processing ◽  
Image Analysis System ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Analysis System ◽  
Dose Imaging

We have assembled an image processing system for use with our high resolution STEM for the particular purpose of working with low dose images of biological specimens. The system is quite flexible, however, and can be used for a wide variety of images.The original images are stored on magnetic tape at the microscope using the digitized signals from the detectors. For low dose imaging, these are “first scan” exposures using an automatic montage system. One Nova minicomputer and one tape drive are dedicated to this task.The principal component of the image analysis system is a Lexidata 3400 frame store memory. This memory is arranged in a 640 x 512 x 16 bit configuration. Images are displayed simultaneously on two high resolution monitors, one color and one black and white. Interaction with the memory is obtained using a Nova 4 (32K) computer and a trackball and switch unit provided by Lexidata.The language used is BASIC and uses a variety of assembly language Calls, some provided by Lexidata, but the majority written by students (D. Kopf and N. Townes).

Chemical Classification and Particle Sizing of Foundry Sands

1985 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
pp. 388-389
Author(s):  
D.S. DeMiglio
Keyword(s):  
Image Analysis ◽  
Energy Dispersive Spectrometer ◽  
Image Analysis System ◽  
Representative Sampling ◽  
Foundry Sands ◽  
Large Atomic Number ◽  
Backscattered Electron ◽  
Sand Particles ◽  
Analysis System ◽  
Reclamation System

Much progress has been made in recent years towards the development of closed-loop foundry sand reclamation systems. However, virtually all work to date has determined the effectiveness of these systems to remove surface clay and metal oxide scales by a qualitative inspection of a representative sampling of sand particles. In this investigation, particles from a series of foundry sands were sized and chemically classified by a Lemont image analysis system (which was interfaced with an SEM and an X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer) in order to statistically document the effectiveness of a reclamation system developed by The Pangborn Company - a subsidiary of SOHIO.The following samples were submitted: unreclaimed sand; calcined sand; calcined & mechanically scrubbed sand and unused sand. Prior to analysis, each sample was sprinkled onto a carbon mount and coated with an evaporated film of carbon. A backscattered electron photomicrograph of a field of scale-covered particles is shown in Figure 1. Due to a large atomic number difference between sand particles and the carbon mount, the backscattered electron signal was used for image analysis since it had a uniform contrast over the shape of each particle.

Цифровая морфометрия разнокачественности семян овощных культур

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
F.B. Musaev ◽  
N.S. Priyatkin ◽  
M.V. Arkhipov ◽  
P.A. Shchukina ◽  
A.F. Bukharov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seed Quality ◽  
Image Analysis System ◽  
Flatbed Scanner ◽  
The Future ◽  
Scanned Images ◽  
Computer Morphometry ◽  
Analysis System ◽  
Matrix Heterogeneity ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
Selection Of

Приведено описание разработанной авторами методики цифровой компьютерной морфометрии семян овощных культур на основе системы анализа изображений, состоящей из планшетного сканера и программного обеспечения для автоматических измерений. В основу метода положено представление о разнокачественности семян, обусловленной генетической неоднородностью самих семенных растений, используемых в промышленном семеноводстве. Физические свойства семян (их форма и линейные размеры) – основные параметры при определении их качества. Цифровые изображения семян получены при помощи планшетного сканера HP Sсanjet 200 на базе Агрофизического НИИ с использованием серийного программного обеспечения «Argus-BIO», производства ООО «АргусСофт» (г. Санкт-Петербург). Метод состоит из подбора контрастной подложки (фона) для сканирования семян с минимальными теневыми эффектами, калибровку программного обеспечения для привязки к истинным размерным величинам, подбор параметров измерений и автоматическое распознавание цифровых сканированных изображений семян. Представлены экспериментальные данные по морфометрии экологически разнокачественных семян фасоли овощной, матрикально разнокачественных семян укропа, пастернака и лука Кристофа. Семена укропа и пастернака, собранные из разных порядков ветвления семенного растения, значительно различались по величине линейных параметров. Наиболее показательный линейный параметр семян – площадь проекции. Предложенная авторами методика цифровой морфометрии, уже использована на практике и в перспективе может быть задействована в исследованиях экологической и матрикальной разнокачественности семян овощных культур. Так, она прошла апробацию на разнокачественных семенах пяти сортов фасоли овощной (Настена, Магура, Миробела, Морена, Бажена) полученных в пяти контрастных эколого-географических условиях среды (Москва, Белгород, Ставрополь, Омск, Горки) в 2011–2012 годах. В дальнейшем методика может быть использована для улучшения качества цифровых изображений семян, изучения разнокачественности семян в том числе и для совершенствования контроля за селекционным процессом. Кроме того, она применима для изучения взаимосвязи совокупности морфометрических характеристик семян и их посевных качеств.The description of the method of digital computer morphometry of vegetable seeds developed by the authors on the basis of the image analysis system consisting of a flatbed scanner and software for automatic measurements is given. The method is based on the idea of seed quality, due to the genetic heterogeneity of the seed plants used in industrial seed production. Physical properties of seeds (their shape and linear dimensions) are the main parameters in determining their quality. Digital image of the seed obtained using the flatbed scanner, HP Sсanjet 200 on the basis of the Agrophysical research Institute with serial software “Argus-BIO”, produced by LLC “Argussoft” (Saint-Petersburg). The method consists of selection of a contrast substrate (background) for scanning seeds with minimal shadow effects, calibration of software for binding to true size values, selection of measurement parameters and automatic recognition of digital scanned images of seeds. Experimental data on the morphometry of ecologically different-quality seeds of vegetable beans, matrix seeds of dill, Pasternak and Christoph onion are presented. Seeds of dill and parsnip, collected from different orders of branching of the seed plant, significantly differed in size of linear parameters. The most revealing linear parameter seed – area projection. The method of digital morphometry proposed by the authors has already been used in practice and in the future can be used in studies of ecological and matrix heterogeneity of vegetable seeds. So, it was tested on different quality seeds of five varieties of vegetable beans (Nastena, Magura, Mirobelа, Morena, Bazhenf) obtained in five contrasting environmental and geographical conditions (Moscow, Belgorod, Stavropol, Omsk, Gorki) in 2011-2012. In the future, the technique can be used to improve the quality of digital images of seeds, study of seed diversity, including to improve the control of the breeding process. In addition, it is applicable to study the relationship of the set of morphometric characteristics of seeds and their sowing qualities.

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