Subcellular localization and some biochemical properties of the flavivirus Kunjin nonstructural proteins NS2A and NS4A

1. The mean incidence of deaths from ascites in the UK in 1993 was 1.4% (0.7% in 1991 and 0.9% in 1992) and 0.8% from sudden death syndrome (SDS). In total, the economic loss to the UK Broiler Industry in 1993 as a result of these 2 conditions was 24 Pounds M. 2. Clear geographical differences emerged in the occurrence of ascites, with, not only the lowest incidences being observed in Northern Ireland, but also the peak of the mortality from ascites occurring much later in the rearing cycle than in other regions on the mainland. 3. In all regions the incidence of SDS was lower than that of ascites but the reason for this disparity remains to be established. 4. Some of the variables associated with the road transportation of day-old chicks from the hatchery to the farm appeared to influence the incidence of ascites. These included distance or time travelled, stocking density, internal lorry temperature and the length of time the lorry was heated before transport as well as the time the shed was heated before chick arrival. Temperature was also an important factor during growth (brooding and finishing). 5. Negative pressure-powered ventilation was preferred in most organisations but more ascites was seen with positive pressure ventilation. However, the lowest incidence of ascites occurred with natural ventilation. There was more ascites relative to shed orientation when the wind direction was from the west compared to the east. 6. This survey identifies the extent of the problem of broiler ascites in the UK and also highlights the importance of good management control of day-old chicks, not only following placement, but even before their arrival on the farm.     

Ulstrasonic monitoring for early diagnosis of air embolism during neurosurgical procedures (author's transl)

The sitting position of the patient offers many advantages to the neurosurgeon for operations at the posterior fossa, the upper cervical region, the Gasserian ganglion and the retroganglionic trigeminal root. Air embolism is however one of the greatest dangers during operations in this position. Air emboli occur more frequently than it is generally recognized. Most monitoring systems indicate the entrance of air at a late stage only. But early diagnosis and immediate therapy are of utmost importance. The use of an ultrasonic monitoring device for early diagnosis and the preoperative insertion of a right artrial catheter for immediate aspiration of the air are recommended.     

Isolation of feeding deterrents against argentine stem weevil from ryegrass infected with the endophyteAcremonium loliae

Infection of ryegrass (Lolium perenne) by an endophytic fungus (Acremonium loliae) confers resistance against the Argentine stem weevil (Listronotus bonariensis). Extracts from ryegrass clones, infected and uninfected withA. loliae, were compared in a feeding choice bioassay, and several fractions were identified which affected stem weevil feeding behavior. One stem weevil feeding deterrent, peramine C₁₂H₁₇N₅O, has been isolated from infected ryegrass and partially characterized as a basic indole derivative. Extracts from culturedA. loliae had no effect on stem weevil feeding behavior nor was peramine detected in the fungal cultures examined. Peramine and the other active substances are hydrophilic in contrast to the lipophilic properties reported for the neurotoxic lolitrems also isolated from ryegrass infected withA. loliae and associated with causing ryegrass staggers disorder in livestock. It is suggested that ryegrass staggers and stem weevil feeding deterrency may arise by different biochemical mechanisms.     

The organization and postnatal development of the commissural projection of the rat somatic sensory cortex

Anterograde and retrograde tracing experiments have been used to demonstrate the origin and terminal distribution of commissural fibers in the first somatosensory cortex (SI) of the rat. The commissural fibers originate from pyramidal cells of all layers, but predominantly from layers III and V. The fibers terminate in a series of approximately vertical bands. In each of these there are concentrations of terminals extending from the inner portion of the molecular layer to the deep portion of layer III as well as in the superficial part of layer V, and in layer VI. Discrete vertical bands of cortex are reciprocally connected across the midline to give both the origin and terminal regions of the projection a patchy or "columnar" appearance. The commissural fibers arise from and terminate in areas of the cortex that lie between and alongside the aggregations of granule cells that distinguish SI of the rat. No commissural fibers terminate within the aggregations of layer IV cells themselves but the more superficial terminal ramifications may come to overlie these aggregations. A heterotopic projection to the contralateral second somatosensory cortex has been observed and is similar in form to the homotopic projection to SI. Many commissural fibers have crossed the midline in the corpus callosum by the day of birth but lie in the underlying white matter and do not enter the cortical plate until at least the third postnatal day. During the first postnatal week these fibers grow somewhat diffusely into the maturing cortex and their topographic and laminar pattern of distribution attains its adult characteristics by the end of the first week. Commissural axons, thus, arise from immature cells but the maturation of cell form seems to precede the ingrowth of these axons and the acquisition of commissural synapses.     

Field-oriented control of an induction machine in thefield-weakening region with DC-link and load disturbance rejection

A method of actively maintaining voltage margin in field-oriented induction machine controllers is proposed. A voltage-margin controller is developed that rejects DC-link and load disturbances, such that current regulation and field orientation is maintained. In addition, the voltage-margin controller coupled with rotor-flux-oriented control is shown to provide maximum torque capability equivalent to stator-flux-oriented control