Recognition of a hidden mineral deposit by an artificial intelligence program

A computer program that uses artificial intelligence techniques has successfully identified the location of a porphyry molybdenum deposit. Given geological maps of readily available predrilling exploration data for Mount Tolman in Washington State and using rules obtained from a porphyry molybdenum exploration specialist, the program (called PROSPECTOR) identified the location of previously unknown ore-grade mineralization. This appears to be the first reported determination of the location of mineralization by such a computer-based approach.     

Impairment of muscle stretch reflexes in tick paralysis

Experiments with tick-paralyzed dogs and woodchucks have shown impairment of stretch reflexes in addition to partial paralysis at the neuromuscular junction. Stretch reflexes disappear very early during paralysis, whereas nociceptive reflexes do not appear to be directly affected. The early incoordination and the ascending nature of the paralysis may be related to impairment of stretch reflex pathways.     

Estrogen-like activity in vegetable oils and mill by-products

By the immature female mouse bioassay technique, an increased uterine weight was observed when certain vegetable oils were fed or injected. Byproducts from the milling of cereals were also capable of eliciting a uterine response.     

State of dynamic equilibrium in protein of mammalian cells

Labeled strain L cells in suspension tissue culture showed no degradation of protein when maintained in logarithmic growth. Although the protein of these cells was not in dynamic equilibrium, the conclusions cannot be transferred to the intact mammalian organism.     

Influence of Anabolic Steroids on Uptake of Alpha-Aminoisobutyric Acid by Levator Ani Muscle

Two representative anabolicsteroids caused an increase in the uptake of alpha-aminoisobutyric acid-1-C(14) in the levator ani muscle of rats. The distribution ratio between that muscle and the plasma was increased fourfold by the administration of a synthetic anabolic steroid and twofold by administration of testosterone propionate. The determination of this increase may serve as an indicator for the myotrophic effect of anabolic steroids.     

First Natural Occurrence of Coesite

Coesite, the high-pressure polymorph of SiO(2), hitherto known only as a synthetic compound, is identified as an abundant mineral in sheared Coconino sandstone at Meteor Crater, Arizona. This natural occurrence has important bearing on the recognition of meteorite impact craters in quartz-bearing geologic formations.     

Differential Thermal Study of Pyrosynthesis

Equipment is described which provides a thermal record of the synthesis of sulfides and related minerals contained in easily constructed tubular glass vials. As an example, a temperature curve for the synthesis of galena (PbS) is given. Similarly derived temperatures of formation for eight other synthetic sulfides and selenides are reported.     

Surface molecules identify groups of growing axons

Studies on vertebrate and invertebrate species have established that, during development, axons have the ability to choose particular paths over others. The chemical basis of this pathfinding is not clear but biochemical differences between neurons have long been postulated to account for the specificity of neuronal connections. Such subtle molecular differences between different cells in a single tissue are difficult to study with standard biochemical techniques but hybridoma technology has offered a potential solution to this type of problem. This technique has made possible the production of monoclonal antibodies for identifying and characterizing a family of glycoproteins which are expressed on the surface of specific axon bundles during the development of the leech nervous system. The results show that groups of growing axons do indeed carry chemically distinct surface molecules.