Trabecular trajectory in the articular processes of the human fourth cervical vertebra.

The articular processes (AP) of the neural arch have been implicated in weight transmission through the cervical spine. To analyse the mechanism of weight transmission in the AP, we studied the direction of forces within it, in particular, the pattern of trabecular trajectories. Twenty-two AP from C4 vertebrae were studied in anatomical sections, and corresponding photoelastic models from selected sections were constructed and analysed.

Exposure of domestic quail embryos to extremely low frequency magnetic fields.

Four hundred domestic quail eggs (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were used to study the possible teratogenic effects of extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) on early embryonic development. Ten females were selected from a flock on the basis of their high fertility rate and low number of spontaneous abnormalities and they were selectivity maintained in nesting-boxes in a room where feeding and environmental conditions were carefully controlled. All the eggs used in the experiments were filiated by their progemtor, and were handled in the same way from the time they were laid until the point at which they were placed in a specially designed incubator, which dramatically reduces the stray magnetic fields produced by the heating system.