An improved automatic detection method for earthquake-collapsed buildings from ADS40 image

Earthquake-collapsed building identification is important in earthquake damage assessment and is evidence for mapping seismic intensity. After the May 12th Wenchuan major earthquake occurred, experts from CEODE and IPSC collaborated to make a rapid earthquake damage assessment. A crucial task was to identify collapsed buildings from ADS40 images in the earthquake region. The difficulty was to differentiate collapsed buildings from concrete bridges, dry gravels, and landslide-induced rolling stones since they had a similar gray level range in the image. Based on the IPSC method, an improved automatic identification technique was developed and tested in the study area, a portion of Beichuan County. Final results showed that the technique＇s accuracy was over 95%. Procedures and results of this experiment are presented in this article. Theory of this technique indicates that it could be applied to collapsed building identification caused by other disasters.     

Sertoli cells of adult rats in vitro. II. Effect of different steroid precursors on estradiol 17β-synthesis

Summary The estradiol 17-synthesis by ⁴ pathway has been studied in homogenous cultures of Sertoli cells isolated from adult rat testes. The data reported clearly demonstrate that progesterone, androstenedione, testosterone and estrone induce an increase of the estradiol 17-production.This work was partially supported by grants No. 77.01322.04 and No. 77.01958.04 from the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche.The excellent technical assistance of Antonio Muller and Massimo Rosati is deeply appreciated.     

A mathematical analysis of the disk-sphere transition of the human red cell

Summary By means of analytical calculations, an attempt is made to approximate the profile of the human red cell during the disk-sphere transition induced by variation of the tonicity of the medium.     

Neurosphere-derived multipotent precursors promote neuroprotection by an immunomodulatory mechanism

In degenerative disorders of the central nervous system (CNS), transplantation of neural multipotent (stem) precursor cells (NPCs) is aimed at replacing damaged neural cells. Here we show that in CNS inflammation, NPCs are able to promote neuroprotection by maintaining undifferentiated features and exerting unexpected immune-like functions. In a mouse model of chronic CNS inflammation, systemically injected adult syngeneic NPCs use constitutively activated integrins and functional chemokine receptors to selectively enter the inflamed CNS. These undifferentiated cells survive repeated episodes of CNS inflammation by accumulating within perivascular areas where reactive astrocytes, inflamed endothelial cells and encephalitogenic T cells produce neurogenic and gliogenic regulators. In perivascular CNS areas, surviving adult NPCs induce apoptosis of blood-borne CNS-infiltrating encephalitogenic T cells, thus protecting against chronic neural tissue loss as well as disease-related disability. These results indicate that undifferentiated adult NPCs have relevant therapeutic potential in chronic inflammatory CNS disorders because they display immune-like functions that promote long-lasting neuroprotection.     

Presence of thyrotropin-releasing hormone in porcine and bovine retina

Summary The thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) has been found in porcine and in bovine retina, and it is indistinguishable from synthetic TRH in its immunological and biological properties. The role of retinal TRH is unknown, it probably acts as a neurotransmitter.     

Contractile filaments in cells of regenerating tendon

Summary An extensive cytoplasmic fibrillar system has been observed in fibroblast-like cells of regenerating tendon. It consists of bundles of actin filaments, which often show a cross-striated appearance due to electron dense bodies occurring throughout their length. The functional role of this contractile apparatus seems to be related to the process of movement and orientation of the newly formed cells and to the retraction of the regenerating tendon.Work was supported by grant C. N. R. n. 75.01224.04–115.5479 from Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Italy.The authors are grateful to Dr G. F. Bottazzo, Dept. Immunology, Middlesex Hospital, London, for carrying out the absorption experiments with purified actin and to Miss M. Rita Nicotra, Miss Laura M. Vassallo and Mr Mario Termine for their technical assistance.     

Sertoli cells of adult rats in vitro. II. Effect of different steroid precursors on estradiol 17 beta-synthesis.

The estradiol 17 beta-synthesis by delta 4 pathway has been studied in homogenous cultures of Sertoli cells isolated from adult rat testes. The data reported clearly demonstrate that progesterone, androstenedione, testosterone and estrone induce an increase of the estradiol 17 beta-production.     

The Phaeodactylum genome reveals the evolutionary history of diatom genomes

Diatoms are photosynthetic secondary endosymbionts found throughout marine and freshwater environments, and are believed to be responsible for around one-fifth of the primary productivity on Earth. The genome sequence of the marine centric diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana was recently reported, revealing a wealth of information about diatom biology. Here we report the complete genome sequence of the pennate diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum and compare it with that of T. pseudonana to clarify evolutionary origins, functional significance and ubiquity of these features throughout diatoms. In spite of the fact that the pennate and centric lineages have only been diverging for 90 million years, their genome structures are dramatically different and a substantial fraction of genes ( approximately 40%) are not shared by these representatives of the two lineages. Analysis of molecular divergence compared with yeasts and metazoans reveals rapid rates of gene diversification in diatoms. Contributing factors include selective gene family expansions, differential losses and gains of genes and introns, and differential mobilization of transposable elements. Most significantly, we document the presence of hundreds of genes from bacteria. More than 300 of these gene transfers are found in both diatoms, attesting to their ancient origins, and many are likely to provide novel possibilities for metabolite management and for perception of environmental signals. These findings go a long way towards explaining the incredible diversity and success of the diatoms in contemporary oceans.