Self-Rotation of Cells in an Irrotational AC E-Field in an Opto-Electrokinetics Chip

The use of optical dielectrophoresis (ODEP) to manipulate microparticles and biological cells has become increasingly popular due to its tremendous flexibility in providing reconfigurable electrode patterns and flow channels. ODEP enables the parallel and free manipulation of small particles on a photoconductive surface on which light is projected, thus eliminating the need for complex electrode design and fabrication processes. In this paper, we demonstrate that mouse cells comprising melan-a cells, RAW 267.4 macrophage cells, peripheral white blood cells and lymphocytes, can be manipulated in an opto-electrokinetics (OEK) device with appropriate DEP parameters. Our OEK device generates a non-rotating electric field and exerts a localized DEP force on optical electrodes. Hitherto, we are the first group to report that among all the cells investigated, melan-a cells, lymphocytes and white blood cells were found to undergo self-rotation in the device in the presence of a DEP force. The rotational speed of the cells depended on the voltage and frequency applied and the cells'' distance from the optical center. We discuss a possible mechanism for explaining this new observation of induced self-rotation based on the physical properties of cells. We believe that this rotation phenomenon can be used to identify cell type and to elucidate the dielectric and physical properties of cells.     

Dynamics of the aromatic amino acid residues in the globular conformation of the basic pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI)

Summary The molecular conformation of the basic pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) is known in considerable detail from both X-ray studies in single crystals and NMR studies in solution. The NMR experiments showed that the aromatic rings of the phenylalanyl and tyrosyl residues can undergo rapid rotational motions about the C-C bond. The present paper describes a model investigation of the mechanistic aspects of these intramolecular rotational motions. From calculations of the conformational energies for molecular species derived from the X-ray structure by rotations of individual aromatic rings, it was apparent that the rotational motions of the aromatics could only be understood in a flexible structure. Flexibility was simulated by allowing the protein to relax to an energetically favorable conformation for each of the different rotation states of the aromatic rings. It was then of particular interest to investigate how the perturbations caused by different rotation states of the aromatic rings were propagated in the protein structure. It was found that the rotation axes C-C were only slightly affected ( ¹20°). The most sizeable perturbations are caused by through space interactions with nearby atoms, which move away from the ring center and thus release the steric hindrance opposing the rotational motions. The values for the energy barriers obtained from the energy minimization are of the same order of magnitude as those measured by NMR.     

In vivo observations of myosin II dynamics support a role in rear retraction

To investigate myosin II function in cell movement within a cell mass, we imaged green fluorescent protein-myosin heavy chain (GFP-MHC) cells moving within the tight mound of Dictyostelium discoideum. In the posterior cortex of cells undergoing rotational motion around the center of the mound, GFP-MHC cyclically formed a "C," which converted to a spot as the cell retracted its rear. Consistent with an important role for myosin in rotation, cells failed to rotate when they lacked the myosin II heavy chain (MHC-) or when they contained predominantly monomeric myosin II (3xAsp). In cells lacking the myosin II regulatory light chain (RLC-), rotation was impaired and eventually ceased. These rotational defects reflect a mechanical problem in the 3xAsp and RLC- cells, because these mutants exhibited proper rotational guidance cues. MHC- cells exhibited disorganized and erratic rotational guidance cues, suggesting a requirement for the MHC in organizing these signals. However, the MHC- cells also exhibited mechanical defects in rotation, because they still moved aberrantly when seeded into wild-type mounds with proper rotational guidance cues. The mechanical defects in rotation may be mediated by the C-to-spot, because RLC- cells exhibited a defective C-to-spot, including a slower C-to-spot transition, consistent with this mutant's slower rotational velocity.     

Using sensory weighting to model the influence of canal,otolith and visual cues on spatial orientation and eye movements

 The sensory weighting model is a general model of sensory integration that consists of three processing layers. First, each sensor provides the central nervous system (CNS) with information regarding a specific physical variable. Due to sensor dynamics, this measure is only reliable for the frequency range over which the sensor is accurate. Therefore, we hypothesize that the CNS improves on the reliability of the individual sensor outside this frequency range by using information from other sensors, a process referred to as “frequency completion.” Frequency completion uses internal models of sensory dynamics. This “improved” sensory signal is designated as the “sensory estimate” of the physical variable. Second, before being combined, information with different physical meanings is first transformed into a common representation; sensory estimates are converted to intermediate estimates. This conversion uses internal models of body dynamics and physical relationships. Third, several sensory systems may provide information about the same physical variable (e.g., semicircular canals and vision both measure self-rotation). Therefore, we hypothesize that the “central estimate” of a physical variable is computed as a weighted sum of all available intermediate estimates of this physical variable, a process referred to as “multicue weighted averaging.” The resulting central estimate is fed back to the first two layers. The sensory weighting model is applied to three-dimensional (3D) visual–vestibular interactions and their associated eye movements and perceptual responses. The model inputs are 3D angular and translational stimuli. The sensory inputs are the 3D sensory signals coming from the semicircular canals, otolith organs, and the visual system. The angular and translational components of visual movement are assumed to be available as separate stimuli measured by the visual system using retinal slip and image deformation. In addition, both tonic (“regular”) and phasic (“irregular”) otolithic afferents are implemented. Whereas neither tonic nor phasic otolithic afferents distinguish gravity from linear acceleration, the model uses tonic afferents to estimate gravity and phasic afferents to estimate linear acceleration. The model outputs are the internal estimates of physical motion variables and 3D slow-phase eye movements. The model also includes a smooth pursuit module. The model matches eye responses and perceptual effects measured during various motion paradigms in darkness (e.g., centered and eccentric yaw rotation about an earth-vertical axis, yaw rotation about an earth-horizontal axis) and with visual cues (e.g., stabilized visual stimulation or optokinetic stimulation). Received: 20 September 2000 / Accepted in revised form: 28 September 2001     

Assessment of the Rotation Motion at the Papillary Muscle Short-Axis Plane with Normal Subjects by Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Imaging: A Basic Clinical Study

Background

The aim of this study was to observe the rotation patterns at the papillary muscle plane in the Left Ventricle(LV) with normal subjects using two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging(2D-STI).

Methods

We acquired standard of the basal, the papillary muscle and the apical short-axis images of the LV in 64 subjects to estimate the LV rotation motion by 2D-STI. The rotational degrees at the papillary muscle short-axis plane were measured at 15 different time points in the analysis of two heart cycles.

Results

There were counterclockwise rotation, clockwise rotation, and counterclockwise to clockwise rotation at the papillary muscle plane in the LV with normal subjects, respectively. The ROC analysis of the rotational degrees was performed at the papillary muscle short-axis plane at the peak LV torsion for predicting whether the turnaround point of twist to untwist motion pattern was located at the papillary muscle level. Sensitivity and specificity were 97% and 67%, respectively, with a cut-off value of 0.34°, and an area under the ROC curve of 0.8. At the peak LV torsion, there was no correlation between the rotational degrees at the papillary muscle short-axis plane and the LVEF in the normal subjects(r = 0.000, p = 0.998).

Conclusions

In the study, we conclude that there were three rotation patterns at the papillary muscle short-axis levels, and the transition from basal clockwise rotation to apical counterclockwise rotation is located at the papillary muscle level.     

Facts on optic flow

We employ an optimal solution to both the shape from motion problem and the related problem of the estimation of self-movement on a purely optical basis to deduce practical rules of thumb for the limits of the optic flow information content in the presence of perturbation of the motion parallax field. The results are illustrated and verified by means of a computer simulation.The results allow estimates of the accuracy of depth and egomotion estimates as a function of the accuracy of data sampling and the width of field of view, as well as estimates of the interaction between rotational and translational components of the movement.     

Multifractality in the peripheral cardiovascular system from pointwise holder exponents of laser Doppler flowmetry signals

We study the dynamics of skin laser Doppler flowmetry signals giving a peripheral view of the cardiovascular system. The analysis of Hölder exponents reveals that the experimental signals are weakly multifractal for young healthy subjects at rest. We implement the same analysis on data generated by a standard theoretical model of the cardiovascular system based on nonlinear coupled oscillators with linear couplings and fluctuations. We show that the theoretical model, although it captures basic features of the dynamics, is not complex enough to reflect the multifractal irregularities of microvascular mechanisms.In clinical and physiological investigations, the cardiovascular system dynamics can be considered from a central or from a peripheral point of view. Heart-beat interval sequences, reflecting a central view of the human cardiovascular system, have been analyzed and the results have shown that they display multifractal properties for healthy subjects (1). A peripheral view of the cardiovascular system dynamics is possible by studying microvascular blood flow signals given by the laser Doppler flowmetry technique (2). These signals have complex dynamics, with fractal structures and chaos (3,4). However, are these data, reflecting the underlying mechanisms acting at the microscopic level of the human physiology, as irregular as those giving a central view point of the system dynamics? Is a single fractal exponent sufficient to characterize them? Moreover, a set of nonlinear coupled oscillators has recently been proposed as a standard theoretical model of the cardiovascular system (5–8). Is the dynamics of the corresponding simulated data close to the one of real cardiovascular signals?Herein we report that skin laser Doppler flowmetry signals display multifractal properties on young healthy subjects at rest. By estimating Hölder exponents of signals recorded on the finger, we show that the dynamics of peripheral signals can be irregular, as central data are. We also conclude that the use of a standard theoretical model of the cardiovascular system, based on five nonlinear coupled oscillators with linear couplings and fluctuations, is not complex enough to model the multifractal properties of the cardiovascular system. To our knowledge, it is the first time that multifractality of experimental and simulated laser Doppler flowmetry signals is studied.The rapid changes in a time series are called singularities and a characterization of their strength is obtained with the Hölder exponents (9). When a broad range of exponents is found, signals are considered as multifractal. A narrow range implies monofractality. One of the most widely used monofractal signal models is the fractional Brownian motion. In opposition, multifractal signals are more complex and inhomogeneous. The multifractal formalism has been established to account for the statistical scaling properties of time series observed in various physical situations. A singularity spectrum D(h) of a signal is the function that gives, for a fixed h, the Hausdorff dimension of the set of points x where the Hölder exponent h(x) is equal to h. The Hölder exponent h(x₀) of a function f at the point x₀ is the highest h value so that f is Lipschitz at x₀. There exists a constant C and a polynomial P_n(x) of order n so that for all x in a neighborhood of x₀ we have (10,11)(1)The Hölder exponent measures the degree of irregularity of f at the point x₀.We analyze experimental skin laser Doppler flowmetry signals reflecting microvascular blood flow. The signals are recorded with a frequency sampling of 20 Hz on the finger of seven young healthy people between 20 and 35 years old (12). A laser Doppler flowmetry signal is shown in Fig. 1. For each recording, 15,601 pointwise Hölder exponents are taken into account. They are computed with a parametric generalized quadratic variation based estimation method (13). Open in a separate windowFIGURE 1Skin laser Doppler flowmetry signal recorded on a young healthy subject at rest.For the skin laser Doppler flowmetry signals, we find a minimum Hölder exponent of 0.56, a maximum of 0.71, a mean value of 0.63, and a standard deviation of 0.03 (average values over seven signals). The difference between the minimum and maximum Hölder exponents is therefore of 0.15. An example of Hölder exponent time series is shown in Fig. 2. To compare the results with known mono and multifractal data, we generate a fractional Brownian motion (monofractal signal) and a multifractional Brownian motion (multifractal signal) (14). For each data, 15,601 pointwise Hölder exponents are taken into account. Open in a separate windowFIGURE 2Hölder exponents for a skin laser Doppler flowmetry signal recorded on a young healthy subject at rest.

TABLE 1

Value for the minimum, maximum, range, mean, and standard deviation of the Hölder exponents computed for skin laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) signals (average value computed over seven signals), for a monofractal signal (fBm), and for a multifractal signal (mBm)

Energy approach to stability analysis of the locked and rotating resistive wall modes in tokamaks

A method is proposed for stability analysis of the locked and rotating resistive wall modes (RWMs) in tokamaks. The method is based on the relations describing the balance of energy permeating through the vessel wall. This is a natural extension of the traditional energy approach to the plasma stability tasks which allows incorporation of the energy outflow (absent in the classical energy principle) and its dissipation in the wall. The proposed method covers the locked and rotating modes with a complex growth rate. Its efficiency is proved by derivation of a general dispersion relation for such modes with further reduction to particular consequences for slow and fast RWMs. It is shown that in the latter case, when the skin depth becomes smaller than the wall thickness, the mode rotation essentially amplifies its damping, weakening and even suppressing the instability. This effect was earlier found in the frame of the slab model [V. D. Pustovitov, Phys. Plasmas 19, 062503 (2012)]. Here, it is confirmed with equations valid for toroidal geometry, which are obtained as a supplement to the standard energy principle. The presented results predict strong rotational stabilization of the fast RWMs, which occurs at the mode rotation frequency above a critical level. The estimates are given to allow comparison of these predictions with experimental results.     

Nomenclatural changes in Myrteola and Myrceugenia (Myrtaceae)

The following new combinations are made:Myrteola phylicoides (Benth.) Landrum,Myrteola phylicoides var.glabrata (Berg) Landrum,Myrceugenia alpigena var.fuliginea (Berg) Landrum,Myrceugenia ovata var.regnelliana (Berg) Landrum, andMyrceugenia pilotantha var.nothorufa (Legrand) Landrum.     

Evaluation of the Shape Symmetry of Bilateral Normal Corneas in a Chinese Population

Purpose

To investigate the bilateral symmetry of the global corneal topography in normal corneas with a wide range of curvature, astigmatism and thickness values

Design

Cross-Sectional Study

Methods

Topography images were recorded for the anterior and posterior surfaces of 342 participants using a Pentacam. Elevation data were fitted to a general quadratic model that considered both translational and rotational displacements. Comparisons between fellow corneas of estimates of corneal shape parameters (elevation, radius in two main directions, R_x and R_y, and corresponding shape factors, Q_x and Q_y) and corneal position parameters (translational displacements: x₀, y₀ and z₀, and rotational displacements: α, β and γ) were statistically analyzed.

Results

The general quadratic model provided average RMS of fit errors with the topography data of 1.7±0.6 µm and 5.7±1.3 µm in anterior and posterior corneal surfaces. The comparisons showed highly significant bilateral correlations with the differences between fellow corneas in R_x, R_y, Q_x and Q_y of anterior and posterior surfaces remaining insignificantly different from zero. Bilateral differences in elevation measurements at randomly-selected points in both corneal central and peripheral areas indicated strong mirror symmetry between fellow corneas. The mean geometric center (x₀, y₀, z₀) of both right and left corneas was located on the temporal side and inferior-temporal side of the apex in anterior and posterior topography map, respectively. Rotational displacement angle α along X axis had similar distributions in bilateral corneas, while rotation angle β along Y axis showed both eyes tilting towards the nasal side. Further, rotation angle γ along Z axis, which is related to corneal astigmatism, showed clear mirror symmetry.

Conclusions

Analysis of corneal topography demonstrated strong and statistically-significant mirror symmetry between bilateral corneas. This characteristic could help in detection of pathological abnormalities, disease diagnosis, measurement validation and surgery planning.     

Development of a Cerebrospinal Fluid Lateral Reservoir Model in Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

Rapid, serial, and humane collection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in nonhuman primates (NHP) is an essential element of numerous research studies and is currently accomplished via two different models. The CSF reservoir model (FR) combines a catheter in the 4th ventricle with a flexible silastic reservoir to permit circulating CSF flow. The CSF lateral port model (LP) consists of a lateral ventricular catheter and an IV port that provides static access to CSF and volume restrictions on sample collection. The FR model is associated with an intensive, prolonged recovery and frequent postsurgical hydrocephalus and nonpatency, whereas the LP model is associated with an easier recovery. To maximize the advantages of both systems, we developed the CSF lateral reservoir model (LR), which combines the beneficial features of the 2 previous models but avoids their limitations by using a reservoir for circulating CSF flow combined with catheter placement in the lateral ventricle. Nine adult male rhesus monkeys were utilized in this study. Pre-surgical MRI was performed to determine the coordinates of the lateral ventricle and location of choroid plexus (CP). The coordinates were determined to avoid the CP and major blood vessels. The predetermined coordinates were 100% accurate, according to MRI validation. The LR system functioned successfully in 67% of cases for 221 d, and 44% remain functional at 426 to 510 d postoperatively. Compared with established models, our LR model markedly reduced postoperative complications and recovery time. Development of the LR model was successful in rhesus macaques and is a useful alternative to the FR and LP methods of CSF collection from nonhuman primates.Abbreviations: CP, choroid plexus; FR, CSF 4th ventricular reservoir model; LP, CSF lateral port model; LR, CSF lateral reservoir model; SER, successful establishment rateSerial ventricular CSF sampling in NHP is a frequent and critical requirement for a wide variety of studies and is predominantly accomplished by using either of 2 models. The 4th ventricle (FR) model, previously referred to as an Ommaya reservoir,⁶ and lateral port (LP) models² are closed, indwelling, subcutaneous systems that allow for serial, rapid, and humane collection of CSF, as well as intraventricular drug administration, in unanesthetized and restrained NHP.The FR model (Figure 1 A) consists of a catheter that is placed in the 4th ventricle and attached to a silastic reservoir that is implanted subcutaneously over the occipital bone. The silastic reservoir is depressed repetitively prior to and after sampling to circulate the CSF throughout the ventricles and catheter system to provide an unbiased sample without volume loss to dead space. The reservoir is accessed percutaneously to obtain a CSF sample via aspiration or to administer drug. The FR model initially was developed in 1977⁶ and continues to be used for pharmacokinetic studies. This system continues to demonstrate a low rate of successful establishment, but once established, the FR model remains patent for prolonged periods without evidence of neurologic sequelae or bleeding from the choroid plexus (CP) in rhesus macaques. The decreased establishment rate of this model is attributed, at least in part, to postsurgical development of hydrocephalus, given that the catheter, which is routed through the aqueduct of Magendie to the 4th ventricle, can obstruct the flow of CSF. In addition, maintaining catheter patency is problematic due to CP bleeding during the recovery period. Postsurgical care and recovery after creating the FR are extensive, frequently requiring prolonged analgesics and steroid administration, with many days needed for complete recovery.Open in a separate windowFigure 1.Evolution of CSF ventricular models, with flow dynamics. (A) Sagittal diagram of original FR (Ommaya) model, with placement in the 4th ventricle. Developed in 1977. Arrows indicate the circulating flow of CSF. (B) Original LP model, with catheter placement in the lateral ventricle and attachment to an IV access port. Developed in 1990. Arrows indicate the static, unidirectional flow of CSF. (C) The LR model, a composite of the 2 earlier CSF models. Arrows indicate the circulating flow of CSF.The LP model (Figure 1 B) consists of a catheter that is implanted in the lateral ventricle and attached to a subcutaneous intravenous access port. The port is accessed percutaneously to obtain the CSF sample or to administer a drug. The LP is a static model, because the CSF is not circulated or mixed through the ventricles, and CSF is obtained via unidirectional flow. The LP model was developed in 1990 for intrathecal drug administration³ and has been used subsequently for CSF collection⁴ by several investigators. CSF sampling with the LP model is restrictive: the volume of the system (that is, the dead space) must be removed at each collection to obtain an unbiased sample, collection is accomplished via gravitational flow and not aspiration, and the collection frequency is dependent on the rate of CSF replacement. In addition, the potential for sample contamination from blood due to CP bleeding remains problematic for the duration of LP implantation. However, the use of the lateral ventricle avoids the postsurgical complication of hydrocephalus. This system demonstrated a high rate of successful establishment with a reduction in the necessary analgesic and steroid administration as well as days to complete recovery, as compared with the FR model. Analysis of our clinical records from 2003 to 2013 revealed a successful establishment rate (SER) of 39% for the FR model; 33% of these systems remained functional for 3 to 7.5 y (

Instrumental Rotation for Persistent Fetal Occiput Posterior Position: A Way to Decrease Maternal and Neonatal Injury?

Objective

To evaluate immediate perineal and neonatal morbidity associated with instrumental rotations performed with Thierry’s spatulas for the management of persistent posterior occiput (OP) positions.

Methods

Retrospective study including all persistent occiput posterior positions with vaginal OP delivery, from August 2006 to September 2007. Occiput anterior deliveries following successful instrumental rotation were included as well. We compared maternal and neonatal immediate outcomes between spontaneous deliveries, rotational and non rotational assisted deliveries, using χ² and Anova tests.

Results

157 patients were enrolled, comprising 46 OP spontaneous deliveries, 58 assisted OP deliveries and 53 deliveries after rotational procedure. Instrumental rotation failed in 9 cases. Mean age and parity were significantly higher in the spontaneous delivery group, while labor duration was shorter. There were no significant differences in the rate of severe perineal tears and neonatal adverse outcomes between the 3 groups.

Conclusion

Instrumental rotation using Thierry’s spatulas was not associated with a reduced risk of maternal and neonatal morbidity for persistent OP deliveries. Further studies are required to define the true interest of such procedure in modern obstetrics.     

On fast solid-body rotation of the solar core and differential (liquid-like) rotation of the solar surface

On the basis of a two-component (two-fluid) hydrodynamic model, it is shown that the probable phenomenon of solar core rotation with a velocity higher than the average velocity of global rotation of the Sun, discovered by the SOHO mission, can be related to fast solid-body rotation of the light hydrogen component of the solar plasma, which is caused by thermonuclear fusion of hydrogen into helium inside the hot dense solar core. Thermonuclear fusion of four protons into a helium nucleus (α-particle) creates a large free specific volume per unit particle due to the large difference between the densities of the solar plasma and nuclear matter. As a result, an efficient volumetric sink of one of the components of the solar substance—hydrogen—forms inside the solar core. Therefore, a steady-state radial proton flux converging to the center should exist inside the Sun, which maintains a constant concentration of hydrogen as it burns out in the solar core. It is demonstrated that such a converging flux of hydrogen plasma with the radial velocity v _r (r) = ?βr creates a convective, v _r ?v _φ/?r, and a local Coriolis, v _r v _φ/r,φ nonlinear hydrodynamic forces in the solar plasma, rotating with the azimuthal velocity v _φ. In the absence of dissipation, these forces should cause an exponential growth of the solid-body rotation velocity of the hydrogen component inside the solar core. However, friction between the hydrogen and helium components of the solar plasma due to Coulomb collisions of protons with α-particles results in a steady-state regime of rotation of the hydrogen component in the solar core with an angular velocity substantially exceeding the global rotational velocity of the Sun. It is suggested that the observed differential (liquid-like) rotation of the visible surface of the Sun (photosphere) with the maximum angular velocity at the equator is caused by sold-body rotation of the solar plasma in the radiation zone and strong turbulence in the tachocline layer, where the turbulent viscosity reaches its maximum value at the equator. There, the tachocline layer exerts the most efficient drag on the less dense outer layers of the solar plasma, which are slowed down due to the interaction with the ambient space plasma (solar wind).     

Practical Model Fitting Approaches to the Direct Extraction of NMR Parameters Simultaneously from All Dimensions of Multidimensional NMR Spectra

A maximum likelihood (ML)-based approach has been established for the direct extraction of NMR parameters (e.g., frequency, amplitude, phase, and decay rate) simultaneously from all dimensions of a D-dimensional NMR spectrum. The approach, referred to here as HTFD-ML (hybrid time frequency domain maximum likelihood), constructs a time-domain model composed of a sum of exponentially-decaying sinusoidal signals. The apodized Fourier transform of this time-domain signal is a model spectrum that represents the best fit to the equivalent frequency-domain data spectrum. The desired amplitude and frequency parameters can be extracted directly from the signal model constructed by the HTFD-ML algorithm. The HTFD-ML approach presented here, as embodied in the software package CHIFIT, is designed to meet the challenges posed by model fitting of D-dimensional NMR data sets, where each consists of many data points (108 is not uncommon) encoding information about numerous signals (up to 105 for a protein of moderate size) that exhibit spectral overlap. The suitability of the approach is demonstrated by its application to the concerted analysis of a series of ten 2D 1H-15N HSQC experiments measuring 15N T1 relaxation. In addition to demonstrating the practicality of performing maximum likelihood analysis on large, multidimensional NMR spectra, the results demonstrate that this parametric model-fitting approach provides more accurate amplitude and frequency estimates than those obtained from conventional peak-based analysis of the FT spectrum. The improved performance of the model fitting approach derives from its ability to take into account the simultaneous contributions of all signals in a crowded spectral region (deconvolution) as well as to incorporate prior knowledge in constructing models to fit the data.     

Genomic evaluation of both purebred and crossbred performances

Background

For a two-breed crossbreeding system, Wei and van der Werf presented a model for genetic evaluation using information from both purebred and crossbred animals. The model provides breeding values for both purebred and crossbred performances. Genomic evaluation incorporates marker genotypes into a genetic evaluation system. Among popular methods are the so-called single-step methods, in which marker genotypes are incorporated into a traditional animal model by using a combined relationship matrix that extends the marker-based relationship matrix to non-genotyped animals. However, a single-step method for genomic evaluation of both purebred and crossbred performances has not been developed yet.

Results

An extension of the Wei and van der Werf model that incorporates genomic information is presented. The extension consists of four steps: (1) the Wei van der Werf model is reformulated using two partial relationship matrices for the two breeds; (2) marker-based partial relationship matrices are constructed; (3) marker-based partial relationship matrices are adjusted to be compatible to pedigree-based partial relationship matrices and (4) combined partial relationship matrices are constructed using information from both pedigree and marker genotypes. The extension of the Wei van der Werf model can be implemented using software that allows inverse covariance matrices in sparse format as input.

Conclusions

A method for genomic evaluation of both purebred and crossbred performances was developed for a two-breed crossbreeding system. The method allows information from crossbred animals to be incorporated in a coherent manner for such crossbreeding systems.     

Bayesian modeling of perceived surface slant from actively-generated and passively-observed optic flow

We measured perceived depth from the optic flow (a) when showing a stationary physical or virtual object to observers who moved their head at a normal or slower speed, and (b) when simulating the same optic flow on a computer and presenting it to stationary observers. Our results show that perceived surface slant is systematically distorted, for both the active and the passive viewing of physical or virtual surfaces. These distortions are modulated by head translation speed, with perceived slant increasing directly with the local velocity gradient of the optic flow. This empirical result allows us to determine the relative merits of two alternative approaches aimed at explaining perceived surface slant in active vision: an "inverse optics" model that takes head motion information into account, and a probabilistic model that ignores extra-retinal signals. We compare these two approaches within the framework of the bayesian theory. The "inverse optics" bayesian model produces veridical slant estimates if the optic flow and the head translation velocity are measured with no error; because of the influence of a "prior" for flatness, the slant estimates become systematically biased as the measurement errors increase. The bayesian model, which ignores the observer's motion, always produces distorted estimates of surface slant. Interestingly, the predictions of this second model, not those of the first one, are consistent with our empirical findings. The present results suggest that (a) in active vision perceived surface slant may be the product of probabilistic processes which do not guarantee the correct solution, and (b) extra-retinal signals may be mainly used for a better measurement of retinal information.     

Adapting coincidence scalers and neural modelling studies of vision

Summary Some extensions of the theory of adapting coincidence scaling are presented in the context of neural theory and modelling.Previously the theory of adapting coincidence scaling has been successfully applied to quite a number of specific problems mainly drawn from psychophysical theories of vision: van de Grind et al. (1970a, b); Koenderink et al. (1970a, b). Here emphasis is on neurophysiological problems and after a brief discussion of the coding and component problems of neural network modelling and a survey of basic coincidence scaling mechanisms a paradigm for neural encoding is treated in some detail. This paradigm (Fig. 6A) is similar to the neuromimes developed and studied by Harmon (1959, 1961) and Küpfmüller and Jenik (1961) for deterministic input signals. On the basis of the introductory discussion of the coding problem it is assumed that the neural code in the peripheral part of the nervous system that we choose as our hunting ground, viz. the retina, is an average event rate code with a Poisson point process as a carrier. Thus the paradigm for neural encoding is studied for such a stochastic input point process. It is then among other things shown that such a simple encoder can generate a wide variety of multimodal interval distributions for certain choices of its parameters. Next we turn to a classic coincidence model of vision and give extremely accurate simulation results to substitute for the lacking analytic solution of the underlying K-fold coincidence problem.A shortcoming of this model is analysed in terms of elementary neural operations and it is shown that the problem of specifying a generalized version of the model ties in with the problem of developing models to explain the quantal signals (bumps) observed on the generator potential during intracellular recordings from the eccentric cell of Limulus. A cybernetic principle for bump size adaptation is formulated on the basis of the apparent and possibly significant similarity of this adaptation process with the event rate reduction principle embodied in the so called V R-machine (van de Grind et al., 1970a) which is one of our set of adapting coincidence scalers.     

Vegetation development on newly embanked sandflats in the Grevelingen (The Netherlands) under different management practices

In 1971 the Grevelingen estuary was embanked. In the newly created lake Grevelingen the tidal movements stopped and a few thousand ha of sandflats fell permanently dry. Ca 40% of the surface of those flats was immediately afterwards sown with rye and other grasses to prevent wind erosion. This fixation of a rather uniform environment resulted in a monotonous vegetation cover. Grazing with domestic animals is now applied as management practice to create more environmental variation and thereby a higher species diversity.The present study gives the results of eleven years of comparing vegetation development under various management practices, including non-interference in the spontaneous and sown vegetation. Sequential vegetation mapping, repeated inventories of selected areas and studies in permannent plots are the main techniques used.On the unsown shore zones interesting vegetation types are developing where species diversity is higher than in the sown areas. In the shore zones not only a faster succession occurred compared with the sown areas, but also a shifting of environmental gradients, e.g. in moisture and salinity conditions, encouraged vegetation changes. After 10 yr grazed areas had a higher number of species than ungrazed equivalent areas. The results also indicated that grazing slows down the establishment of (tall) woody species and shrub development.Nomenclature of angiosperms and syntaxa follows Heukels & van Ooststroom (1977) and Westhoff & den Held (1975), respectively.The authors are indebted to Dr W. G. Beeftink (Yerseke) who initiated and supervised the early stages of the Grevelingen research work and W. de Munck (Yerseke) who assisted in the first steps. The logistic assistance of Rijkswaterstaat and Staatsbosbeheer made it all possible, especially the services of the bargemen A. van den Berg, G. W. van Leeuwen and J. M. Smits (Zonnemaire). Dr W. G. Beeftink, Dr D. C. P. Thalen (Leersum) and Dr A. D. Q. Agnew (Aberystwyth) reviewed earlier drafts and their constructive criticism is gratefully acknowledged.     

Three new species of Pourouma (Cecropiaceae) of the Guiana region

Three new species,Pourouma saulensis C. C. Berg & F. Kooy,P. stipulacea C. C. Berg, andP. bolivarensis C. C. Berg, are described and illustrated.     

Photooxidation of mitochondrial cytochrome c by isolated bacterial reaction centers: Evidence for tight-binding and diffusional pathways

The binding of horse heart mitochondrial cytochrome c to isolated reaction centers from Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides is described. The kinetics of photooxidation of cytochrome c following a short actinic flash is compared to the expected binding state of the cytochrome at various concentrations and at different ionic strengths. At low ionic strength a very tight binding site (K_D10^-8 M) is apparent which is nonfunctional with respect to electron donation to the bound reaction center. This tightly bound cytochrome can react with another reaction center in a diffusion limited, second order process. A weaker binding site (K_D0.3 · 10^-6 M) is also boserved which is associated with rapid, first order electron transfer from cytochrome to reaction center. Both binding processes are weakened in the presence of salt and there is no detectable binding in 100 mM NaCl. Under such conditions cytochrome oxidation is entirely a diffusional, second order process. However, analysis of the flash intensity dependence of the extent of cytochrome oxidation, by the method of van Grondelle (van Grondelle, R. (1978) Ph.D. Thesis, State University, Leiden) indicated that the cytochrome was not freely mobile even in 100 mM NaCl, at least in the sense that reduced cytochrome only slowly dissociates from unactivated reaction centers. An overall kinetic/equilibrium scheme for cytochrome c binding and photooxidation by reaction centers is presented. This is very similar to that described earlier for cytochrome c₂ (Overfield, R.E., Wraight, C.A. and DeVault, D. (1979) FEBS Lett. 105, 137–142), but the tight binding site and associated diffusion controlled oxidation is unique to cytochrome c.Dedicated to Prof. L.N.M. Duysens on the occasion of his retirement.