bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression and Distribution of GABAA Receptor Subtypes in Human Alcoholic Cerebral Cortex
Authors: BUCKLEY S. TRACEY , ECKERT ALLISON L. , DODD PETER R.
Published: July 2010

Long‐term alcohol abuse is known to target specific areas of the brain such as the superior frontal cortex (SFC), resulting in neuronal cell loss. Abnormal transmission of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA may contribute to this damage. Previous work in our laboratory has found differential expression and distribution of certain α subunit genes of the GABAA receptor in the SFC of human alcoholic brain, suggesting that differences in GABAA receptor subunit expression could give rise to the locally altered GABAA pharmacology which is associated with alcohol abuse. A competitive RT‐PCR assay has been developed to study the expression of the GABAA receptor β‐subunit genes β1, β2, and β3. A single set of primers homologous to all three β isoform sequences has been shown to amplify each of the β isoforms from mRNA isolated from human brain tissue obtained at autopsy. An internal standard has been designed which is identical to the target except for a 61‐bp deletion and a unique restriction enzyme (RE) site. This is co‐amplified with the target sequences to allow amplification efficiency to be assessed and thus enable the quantitation of gene expression. A range of GABAA receptor ligands were used to look at differential distribution of receptor subtypes in the cortical laminae by autoradiography. Differences in distribution of the ligands were demonstrated, consistent with a hypothesis of alcohol‐induced variations in the expression of receptor subunits.
Opsonization of Apoptotic Cells: Implications for Uptake and Autoimmunity
Authors: MEVORACH DROR
Published: July 2010

Abstract: As a part of innate immunity, soluble host proteins called opsonins, which include complement ligands and immunoglobulins, initially coat microorganisms that penetrate the mammalian sterile milieu. The main purpose of opsonization is to allow subsequent clearance of opsonized particles by specific receptors on the surface of leukocytes. Similarly, several proteins that may act as opsonins and have a role in uptake of apoptotic cells and bodies include thrombospondin I, the complement system, β2GPI, immunoglobulins, CRP, and some unidentified others. The surface changes that lead to opsonization include the appearance of phosphatidylserine that acts as an activator molecule for some known opsonins as the complement system and β2GPI. The consequence of altered opsonization is demonstrated by the development of autoimmunity in C1Q deficient mice, and the pro‐inflammatory response by macrophages ingesting apoptotic cell opsonized by an autoantibody.
Consequences for the bovine embryo of being derived from a spermatozoon subjected to oxidative stress
Authors: Hendricks KEM , Hansen PJ
Published: July 2010

Objective  To determine whether oxidative damage of ejaculated frozen–thawed sperm prior to oocyte insemination in vitro affects the competence of the resultant embryo to develop to the blastocyst stage.

Method  Extended frozen semen from bulls was thawed, subjected to Percoll gradient purification to obtain motile spermatozoa and mixed with medium containing the pro‐oxidants menadione or tert‐butyl hydroperoxide. After 3 h at 38.5°C, the sperm were washed and used to inseminate oocytes in vitro. Embryo development proceeded until 8 days after insemination.

Results  Treatment of sperm with 15 or 30 µmol/L menadione reduced the proportions of oocytes that cleaved and those that developed to the blastocyst stage; 30 µmol/L menadione reduced the proportion of cleaved embryos that developed to the blastocyst stage at day 8 after insemination. Oocytes inseminated with sperm treated with 150 or 300 µmol/L tert‐butyl hydroperoxide had lower proportions of cleavage and blastocyst development, and the proportion of cleaved embryos becoming blastocysts was also reduced.

Conclusion  Oxidative damage to ejaculated sperm can compromise the ability of the sperm to cause oocyte cleavage and leads to formation of embryos with reduced competence for development.
Zolpidem poisoning in a cat
Authors: Czopowicz M , Szalus‐Jordanow O , Frymus T
Published: July 2010

Zolpidem (Stilnox) is a non‐benzodiazepine hypnotic drug of the imidazopyridine class intended for treatment of insomnia in humans. A 16‐year‐old neutered cat, weighing 3.8 kg, was presented with sudden onset of stupor, disorientation, severe ataxia, vomiting and hypersalivation. Symptomatic treatment was given when ingestion of 1.25 mg/kg zolpidem (half of a 10‐mg tablet) was confirmed, because no information on the efficacy and safety of the use of flumazenil in the treatment of zolpidem poisoning in cats has been published to date. As zolpidem is prescribed with increasing frequency in humans, the occurrence of accidental poisonings of pets is likely to increase.
An epizootic of bovine ephemeral fever in New South Wales in 2008 associated with long‐distance dispersal of vectors
Authors: Finlaison DS , Read AJ , Kirkland PD
Published: July 2010

Objective  To report the rapid transmission of bovine ephemeral fever (BEF) virus from north‐western New South Wales south to the Victorian border in January 2008 and to present data that suggests an uncommon meteorological event caused this rapid southward dispersal of vectors.

Procedure  The locations of reported clinical cases, data from sentinel herds and results from a survey of cattle in the southern affected area were examined to delineate the distribution of virus transmission. Synoptic weather charts for January 2008 were examined for meteorological conditions that may have favoured movement of vectors in a southerly direction.

Results  Cases of BEF and exposure to BEF virus in NSW were confirmed west of the Great Dividing Range, extending from the Queensland border to Finley, on the far North Coast and around the Hunter Valley. A low‐pressure system moved south across the state on 18–19 January 2008, preceding the first cases of BEF in the south of NSW by 1–2 days.

Conclusion  Heavy rainfall in December 2007 provided a suitable environment for vector breeding, resulting in the initiation of and support for continuing BEF virus transmission in north‐western NSW. The movement of a low‐pressure system south across central western NSW in mid‐January 2008 after the commencement of BEF virus transmission in the north‐west of the state provided a vehicle for rapid southward movement of infected vectors.
Muscle strain injuries of the hindlimb in eight horses: diagnostic imaging, management and outcomes
Authors: Walmsley EA , Steel CM , Richardson JL , Whitton RC
Published: July 2010

Objective To describe the clinical presentation, ultrasound findings, management and outcome in horses with muscle tear injuries of the hindlimbs.

Design Retrospective case series

Procedure Medical records of eight horses were reviewed and information on signalment, history, presenting complaint, physical examination findings and further diagnostic tests were recorded. Diagnosis of muscle injury was determined by the presence of abnormal ultrasound findings, compared with the contralateral limb, and, when required, nuclear scintigraphy. Follow‐up information was obtained via telephone interviews with owners, trainers and referring veterinarians.

Results Muscle tears causing lameness were identified in the middle gluteal (3), semitendinosus (1), semimembranosus (2) and gracilis (2) muscles. Tears were classified by ultrasound imaging as partial (6) or complete (2). The degree of lameness did not appear to be indicative of the extent of injury or of completion of healing. Long‐term follow‐up was available for seven horses and the outcome was favourable in six cases.

Conclusions and clinical relevance Ultrasonography is useful in the diagnosis and assessment of moderate to severe muscle strain injuries. The prognosis appears to be favourable in most cases, although recurrence of injury and lameness can delay the return to athletic activity and an inferior outcome with persistent gait abnormality may occur.
Feeding of prohibited substances (swill) to pigs in Australia
Authors: Schembri N , Hernández‐Jover M , Toribio J‐A , Holyoake PK
Published: July 2010

Objective  To assess current swill feeding legislation, swill feeding investigation practices by authorities and feeding practices of pig producers who trade via saleyards in eastern Australia in order to determine levels of understanding and conformance related to current swill feeding legislation.

Method  A three‐tiered approach was undertaken to gather information on the feeding of prohibited substances (swill) to pigs in Australia. Firstly, a review of swill feeding legislation was undertaken to highlight the commonalities and inconsistencies between the various state and territory legislations in defining swill. Secondly, agricultural authorities were contacted in each state to gather information on swill feeding investigations undertaken in 2006. Finally, face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with 106 pig producers who traded pigs at one of six saleyards in eastern Australia to ascertain their knowledge of swill feeding and to determine the feeding practices of this sector of the industry.

Results  Areas of concern identified included (1) inconsistencies in the feedstuffs classed as ‘swill’ among states, (2) the number of producers who had been prosecuted for swill feeding in 2006 (n = 4 of 148 inspections), (3) the low knowledge base of producers who sell pigs at saleyards regarding swill feeding, and (4) the types of feedstuffs provided to pigs marketed at saleyards.

Conclusion  Our findings highlight the need for a consistent definition for ‘swill’ across Australian states and for improved awareness of swill feeding among producers, particularly those who market pigs at saleyards.
Predicting Intermediate Phenotypes in Asthma Using Bronchoalveolar Lavage‐Derived Cytokines
Authors: Brasier Allan R. , Victor Sundar , Ju Hyunsu , Busse William W. , Curran‐Everett Douglas , Bleecker Eugene , Castro Mario , Chung Kian Fan , Gaston Benjamin , Israel Elliot , Wenzel Sally E. , Erzurum Serpil C. , Jarjour Nizar N. , Calhoun William J.
Published: July 2010

An important problem in realizing personalized medicine is the development of methods for identifying disease subtypes using quantitative proteomics. Recently we found that bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytokine patterns contain information about dynamic lung responsiveness. In this study, we examined physiological data from 1,048 subjects enrolled in the US Severe Asthma Research Program (SARP) to identify four largely separable, quantitative intermediate phenotypes. Upper extremes in the study population were identified for eosinophil‐ or neutrophil‐predominant inflammation, bronchodilation in response to albuterol treatment, or methacholine sensitivity. We evaluated four different statistical (“machine”) learning methods to predict each intermediate phenotype using BAL ­cytokine measurements on a 76 subject subset. Comparison of these models using area under the ROC curve and overall classification accuracy indicated that logistic regression and multivariate adaptive regression splines produced the most accurate methods to predict intermediate asthma phenotypes. These robust classification methods will aid future translational studies in asthma targeted at specific intermediate phenotypes. Clin Trans Sci 2010; Volume 3: 147–157
Biomarkers for Establishing a Tolerable Upper Intake Level for Vitamin C
Authors: Johnston Carol S.
Published: July 2010

Dietary reference intakes (DRIs) for vitamin C for healthy U.S. populations are currently being formulated by the Panel on Dietary Antioxidants and Related Compounds of the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine. A major task of the Panel is to analyze the evidence of adverse effects of high-dose vitamin C intakes to derive, if appropriate, a Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for vitamin C. The present report details current and past research examining potential adverse effects of supplemental vitamin C. The available data indicate that very high intakes of vitamin C (2–4 g/day) are well tolerated biologically in healthy mammalian systems. Currently, strong scientific evidence to define and defend a UL for vitamin C is not available.
MESSENGER Observations of Extreme Loading and Unloading of Mercury’s Magnetic Tail
Authors: Slavin James A. , Anderson Brian J. , Baker Daniel N. , Benna Mehdi , Boardsen Scott A. , Gloeckler George , Gold Robert E. , Ho George C. , Korth Haje , Krimigis Stamatios M. , McNutt Ralph L. , Nittler Larry R. , Raines Jim M. , Sarantos Menelaos , Schriver David , Solomon Sean C. , Starr Richard D. , Trávníček Pavel M. , Zurbuchen Thomas H.
Published: July 2010

MESSENGER's Third Set of Messages

MESSENGER, the spacecraft en route to insertion into orbit about Mercury in March 2011, completed its third flyby of the planet on 29 September 2009.

Prockter
et al.

(p.
668
, published online 15 July) present imaging data acquired during this flyby, showing that volcanism on Mercury has extended to much more recent times than previously assumed. The temporal extent of volcanic activity and, in particular, the timing of most recent activity had been missing ingredients in the understanding of Mercury's global thermal evolution.

Slavin
et al.

(p.
665
, published online 15 July) report on magnetic field measurements made during the 29 September flyby, when Mercury's magnetosphere underwent extremely strong coupling with the solar wind. The planet's tail magnetic field increased and then decreased by factors of 2 to 3.5 during periods lasting 2 to 3 minutes. These observations suggest that magnetic open flux loads the magnetosphere, which is subsequently unloaded by substorms—magnetic disturbances during which energy is rapidly released in the magnetotail. At Earth, changes in tail magnetic field intensity during the loading/unloading cycle are much smaller and occur on much longer time scales.

Vervack
et al.

(p.
672
, published online 15 July) used the Mercury Atmospheric and Surface Composition Spectrometer onboard MESSENGER to make measurements of Mercury's neutral and ion exospheres. Differences in the altitude profiles of magnesium, calcium, and sodium over the north and south poles of Mercury indicate that multiple processes are at play to create and maintain the exosphere.
Astrocytes Control Breathing Through pH-Dependent Release of ATP
Authors: Gourine Alexander V. , Kasymov Vitaliy , Marina Nephtali , Tang Feige , Figueiredo Melina F. , Lane Samantha , Teschemacher Anja G. , Spyer K. Michael , Deisseroth Karl , Kasparov Sergey
Published: July 2010

Astrocytes, ATP, Brainstem, and Breathing

Astrocytes (or glial cells), previously assumed to be passive players in brain physiology, may play a functional role in a number of complex behaviors. The central chemosensory control of breathing involves highly specialized neuronal populations in the brainstem, but what about astrocytes?

Gourine
et al.

(p.
571
, published online 15 July) now present evidence that glial cells may help to control breathing. A number of techniques were used to reveal glial calcium rises in vitro that elicit a depolarization of neurons in the primary locus for central respiratory chemosensitivity. The depolarization in these neurons is evoked by vesicular release of ATP in neighboring astrocytes in response to the fall in extracellular pH. Thus, brainstem astrocytes have the ability to sense changes in blood and brain CO
2
, and pH directly, and may control the activity of the respiratory neuronal networks to regulate breathing.
Signaling Kinase AMPK Activates Stress-Promoted Transcription via Histone H2B Phosphorylation
Authors: Bungard David , Fuerth Benjamin J. , Zeng Ping-Yao , Faubert Brandon , Maas Nancy L. , Viollet Benoit , Carling David , Thompson Craig B. , Jones Russell G. , Berger Shelley L.
Published: July 2010

Regulation of Energy Homeostasis

The mammalian AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a serine/threonine kinase complex that regulates cellular energy homeostasis. However, the mechanisms by which AMPK mediates transcriptional responses to metabolic perturbations has been unclear.

Bungard
et al.

(p.
1201
; published online 17 August; see the Perspective by

Hardie

) have found that AMPK activated transcription directly on chromatin, combined with phosphorylation of histone H2B at Serine-36. Both signals colocalized at genes regulated in the pathway, and both the enzyme and phosphorylation were required for the direct transcription of stress-responsive genes.
ANALYSIS OF HEAT CAPACITY AND GLASS TRANSITION IN AMORPHOUS ICE
Authors: YURTSEVEN H. , KURT M.
Published: July 2010

We analyze the heat capacity CP for low and high-density amorphous ice below the transition temperature (TC ≈ 140 K ) using a power-law formula. The renormalized critical exponent αR is extracted from the observed CP data, which describes similar critical behavior for both low and high-density amorphous ice below TC. Our analysis can also describe a glass transition in the low-density amorphous ice which is made from the high-density amorphous ice at 124 K, as observed experimentally.
OPTICAL SOLITONS WITH DUAL-POWER LAW NONLINEARITY USING LIE SYMMETRIES
Authors: KHALIQUE C. MASOOD , BISWAS ANJAN
Published: July 2010

This paper obtains the stationary optical 1-soliton solution of the nonlinear Schrödinger's equation with dual-power law nonlinearity. The technique of Lie symmetry is used to obtain the solution.
EFFECT OF CARDIAC TISSUE ANISOTROPY ON THREE-DIMENSIONAL ELECTRICAL ACTION POTENTIAL PROPAGATION
Authors: HE ZHI ZHU , LIU JING
Published: July 2010

A three-dimensional (3D) electrical action potential propagation model is developed to characterize the integrated effect of cardiac tissue structure using a homogenous function with a spatial inhomogeneity. This method may be more effective for bridging the gap between computational models and experimental data for cardiac tissue anisotropy. A generalized 3D eikonal relation considering anisotropy and a self-similar evolution solution of such a relation are derived to identify the effect of anisotropy and predict the anisotropy-induced electrical wave propagation instabilities. Furthermore, the phase field equation is introduced to obtain the complex three-dimensional numerical solution of the new correlation. The present results are expected to be valuable for better understanding the physiological behavior of cardiac tissues.
Marine and brackish water Cretaceous Ostracoda from wells in central and southern Florida
Authors: Swain F. M.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. A small fauna represented by 17 species of ostracods, belonging to 13 genera, has been obtained from white oolitic limestones of probable Washitan (late Albian-early Cenomanian) age in 11 deep wells in Collier, Lee, Monroe, Pinellas, Palm Beach, Hendry, and Highlands Counties, central and southern Florida. Both marine and presumed brackish-water and/or fresh-water species are represented in the fauna. Five of the species are new; Clithrocytheridea? medioreticulata, C.? paucipunctata, C.? holoreticulata, Eocytheropteron highlandsensis and Cytheropteron? pinellensis.
Arenaceous foraminifera from the Llandovery/Wenlock boundary beds of the Wenlock Edge area, Shropshire
Authors: Mabillard J. E. , Aldridge R. J.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Several thousands of specimens of arenaceous foraminifera have been collected from two sections in Shropshire that span the Llandovery/Wenlock boundary. Preservation in limestone samples is superior to that in shales, but both lithologies yielded abundant specimens. The uppermost Purple Shales, of Llandovery age, contain numerous Ammodiscus exsertus, together with Webbinelloidea tholus, Psammosphaera cava, Hemisphaerammina and Hyperammina. A faunal change occurs close to the base of the Wenlock, with the lower beds of the Buildwas Formation containing rather fewer foraminifera; assemblages here are dominated by Hyperammina, Lagenammina and Lituotuba? This event probably reflects a change in sea-floor environment, with habitats favoured by epifaunal encrusters and browsers contracting at the end of the Llandovery.
Lower Sinemurian foraminifera and Ostracoda from two fissure deposits in the Eastern Mendips (Somerset, England)
Authors: Copestake Philip
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Foraminifera and Ostracoda are recorded from two Mesozoic fissures in the Eastern Mendips (Cloford and Holwell). The microfaunas are indicative of the Early Sinemurian (bucklandi–semicostatum Zones), and provide the first evidence for the former presence of sediments of this age on the Mendip “swell”.
Foraminiferid Architectural History; A review using the MinLOC and PI Methods
Authors: Brasier Martin D.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Geometrical models of unit volume are used to examine the effects of differing rates of chamber or test volume expansion, growth plan, chamber shape and apertural form upon internal-external lines of communication within foraminiferid tests. The main quantitative measure is the minimum line of communication (MinLOC) from the back of the proloculus to the nearest aperture in contact with the external milieu. The Parsimony Index (PI) is a qualitative measure, here used to illustrate some basic changes in foraminiferid architecture through time. Three general trends from longer to shorter MinLOC are indicated, particularly in shallow water tropical carbonate facies, with climaxes in the Devonian, the Carboniferous to Permian and the Cretaceous to Recent.
Conodonts of the Dounans Limestone, Highland Border Complex, Scotland
Authors: Ethington R. L. , Austin R. L.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. A meager collection of conodonts recovered from the Dounans Limestone near Aberfoyle, Perthshire, consists for the most part of species with North American affinities. This fauna reaffirms correlation of the Dounans with part of Zone J (Cassinian) of the biostratigraphic succession in western United States. The conodonts indicate that the Dounans is equivalent to part of the zone of Didymograptus nitidus (middle Arenig) in the graptolite sequence for the Ordovician.
On the use of some phosphates in the preparation of ostracod shells
Authors: Kontrovitz Mervin , Slack Jerry Marie , Yuhong Zhao
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Common preparation techniques for ostracods include the use of water-softeners containing sodium hexametaphosphate and/or sodium tripolyphosphate, to disaggregate sediments. Here, ostracod shells were treated with phosphatic water-softener in tap and distilled water. Concentrations as low as 2.5% in as little as six hours caused significant damage. The worst damage occurred in concentrations of water-softener at the middle of the range used (0 – 20%). Alteration could be misinterpreted as taphonomic. Taxa are not equally resistant and assemblages could be altered, leading to erroneous conclusions about diversity, dominance, and differential transport.
Silurian Myodocopes: Pioneer pelagic ostracods and the chronology of an ecological shift
Authors: Siveter David J. , Vannier Jean M. C. , Palmer Douglas
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Analysis of all relevant palaeontological and global geological data strongly supports the notion that representatives of Silurian myodocope ostracods had pelagic lifestyles and habitats and that they may well be, within the Ostracoda, pioneer colonisers of such environments. Morphological evidence (from fossil and Recent myodocopes) combined with facies distributional and concomitant faunal evidence (from the Silurian of, for example, Britain, France, Czechoslovakia, Sardinia, Australia and China) endorses the idea that myodocope ostracods may have undergone a benthic to pelagic ecological shift during mid Silurian times.Lower Silurian myodocopes lived, with benthic associates, on well oxygenated shelves. Upper Silurian ostracods lived, typically with low diversity, largely pelagic faunas in outer shelf topographic lows or off-shelf basin slopes, and are characteristically associated with deposits which are in part suggestive of lowered oxygen levels or even anoxic conditions. A pre-adaptation for swimming may have allowed Silurian myodocopes to respond to environmental forcing (negative oxygen levels; positive trophic and nutrient incentives; rises in sea levels) by migrating, through time, up the water column.
Two new dinoflagellate cysts from the Middle Jurassic of the Barents Sea Region
Authors: Smelror Morten
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Two new Peridinioid dinoflagellate cyst species are described from Middle Jurassic strata of the Barents Sea Region. Phallocysta thomasi sp.nov. occurs in Aalenian-Bajocian sediments cored from the Nordkapp Basin and Valvaeodinium thereseae sp. nov. occurs in Upper Bathonian-Callovian deposits cropping out on Kong Karls Land and Franz Josef Land.
Cretaceous Orbitolinidae (Foraminifera) from Onshore and Offshore South-West England
Authors: Simmons M. D. , Williams C. L.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The occurrence of orbitolinids in onshore and offshore South-West England is fully documented for the first time. Palorbitolina lenticularis is known from the Early Aptian — Late Barremian sediments of the offshore Fastnet Basin, and may also occur in the Aptian Farringdon Greensand. Late Albian Orbitolina sefini occurs in the Wolborough Limestone of Devon, whilst at Haldon, Devon, the orbitoline faunas are of Early Cenomanian age and referable to Orbitolina cf. concava. The orbitolinids from the Upper Greensand of the south-east Devon coast and the Fastnet Basin cannot be precisely identified, but belong to the Late Albian — Early Cenomanian O. sefini - O. concava plexus. Previous records of Orbitolina from the Upper Greensand at Wilmington are shown to be mistaken. These records are in fact referable to the sponge Porosphaera. The precise identification of some of the orbitolinids from South-West England supports the ages of the Wolborough Limestone and Haldon Sands suggested by Hamblin & Wood (1976). It is thought that orbitolinids migrated from Iberia to South-West England via the South-West Approaches during the Late Albian.
First record of the genus Beela Banner & Blow, 1960, in upper Pleistocene sediments (past 600Ka) from the Norwegian-Greenland Sea
Authors: Bauch Henning A.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Planktonic foraminifers from Pleistocene sediments from the Norwegian-Greenland Sea (NGS) have been subject to intense investigation during the past 20 years. This is mainly due to their almost continuous presence in glacial and interglacial times, and hence, their utility for establishing sound O18-isotopic curves. Traditionally, all are assigned to a polar and subpolar group. Neogloboquadrina pachyderma (sinistral) is the only polar species, whereas the subpolar group is made up of Globigerina quinqueloba, G. bulloides, G. universa, N. pachyderma (dextral), N. dutertrei, Globigerinita glutinata, Gl. uvula, Globorotalia inflata, Glr. truncalutinoides, Glr. scitula. N. pachyderma (sinistral) is almost continuously present during glacial/interglacial times. This is in contrast to the subpolar species that show main abundances in interglacial maxima only. Prior to this study, a species belonging to the genus Beela has never been mentioned to occur in Pleistocene sediments north of 55° latitude (Holmes, 1984). My specimens exhibit a thin-walled spinose test; trochospiral becoming streptospiral; last chamber radially elongated but never pointed or digitate; aperture very variable from small umbilical to larger extraumbilical-umbilical. Its size ranges from 200–660μm, but is mainly confined to the 250–500μm mesh-size fraction.These general characteristics agree well with the emendation of the genus Beela by Holmes (1984). Accordingly, the described species will in future be assigned to Beela megastoma (Earland).There is good evidence that Beela megastoma is not simply a ‘warmer water form’ being swept into the NGS by North Atlantic Waters as some of those mentioned above, but a species that seems to. . .
Supposed pronounced ecophenotypy in foraminifera
Authors: Haynes J. R.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The use of the term ecophenotype in the literature on foraminifera is confused and misleading. The results of tank experiments, held to demonstrate that extensive morphological variation occurs, beyond what is normally regarded as specific, and is environmentally determined, can be otherwise explained. The suggestion that the Ammonia beccarii group should be reduced to three ‘forms’ and that even the type is an ecophenotype should therefore be treated with reserve.
On Trochamijiella gollesstanehi, gen. nov et sp. nov. (Foraminiferida, Loftusiacea), an index for the Middle Eastern marine Late Bathonian
Authors: Athersuch J. , Banner F. T. , Simmons M. D.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The new taxon Trochamijiella gollesstanehi is described; it is morphologically similar to, but phylogenetically distinct from, Amijiella, and is initially trochospiral; it is known from Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, and is believed to characterise the Late Bathonian. Primary type specimens of Amijiella amiji and Haurania deserta are refigured for comparison and are believed to characterise Early Bathonian and older Jurassic strata. All three genera are reclassified and all are placed in the Biokovinidae Gušić, 1977.
Foraminifera of the Eptahorion Formation (early Oligocene) of the Mesohellenic Basin, northern Greece
Authors: Barbieri Roberto
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Planktonic and benthic foraminifera from the type area of the early Oligocene Eptahorion Formation (Mesohellenic Basin, northern Greece) have been ranged and partly described and figured. Altogether, about 130 taxa were identified. According to the current age assignments, the formation is attributable to Blow’s Zones P20 and P21. The record of benthic palaeoecologic indices has thrown light on bathymetric history of the formation. The deposition of the whole sequence, after the initial transgressive phase, occured in a marine, relatively deep environment. Palaeontologic evidence indicates few changes, ranging from the epibathyal to the outer neritic bathymetric domain.
Milankovitch cycles and microfossils: principles and practice of palaeoecological analysis illustrated by Cenomanian chalk-marl Rhythms
Authors: Paul C. R.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. While standardization of sampling, processing and picking techniques is essential in micropalaeontology, standard counts (and percentages) have three serious disadvantages. They are interdependent, so changes in one taxon affect counts of all others; they can be misleading, e.g. when percentage abundance increases but absolute numbers decrease; and they conceal changes in absolute abundance, which for palaeoecology are often most revealing. A technique which combines a minimum count with estimates of absolute numbers is recommended and has been applied to 12 samples from a mid-Cenomanian chalk/marl rhythm. Data for insoluble residues, stable isotopes of carbon and oxygen and numbers of planktonic and benthonic foraminifera and ostracods all vary through the rhythm. Absolute abundance of planktonic foraminifera correlates best with surface sea water temperatures calculated from oxygen isotopes. Abundances of both calcareous and agglutinated benthonic foraminifera correlate best with percent insoluble residue values and these foraminifera respond passively to changes in sedimentation rate. Ostracods do not correlate well with either control. Ratios of insoluble residues and of benthonic foraminiferal abundances between chalks and marls confirm that the rhythms are productivity cycles. Mid-Cenomanian chalk beds were deposited rapidly, taking at most 5–7000 years of the 21,000 year precession cycle.
Planularia kintradwellensis sp. nov. (Foraminifera), a distinctive biostratigraphical marker species for the Lower Kimmeridgian of the U.K.
Authors: Gregory Francis John
Published: July 2010

Abstract. A foraminiferal species, Planularia kintradwellensis sp. nov., previously left in open nomenclature, is shown to have a useful short stratigraphical range. It has been recovered from several onshore sites within the UK and only from the Lower Kimmeridgian.
A Revision of the Genus Sanyuania Zhao and Han, 1980 Ostracoda, Crustacea) with the Description of New Species from the Late Cainozoic of China
Authors: Zhao Quanhong , Whatley Robin
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The endemic genus Sanyuania, one of the most important elements of the Cainozoic brackish water faunas unique to China, is redescribed, and 3 new species, S. wangi, S. cuneata and S. sublaevis are established, based on Quaternary material from the eastern coast of China. The evolution of the genus is discussed and a general trend involving a reduction in the strength of carapace ornamentation with time is established, as is a general migration seawards exhibited by subsequent chronological species.
Shared versus derived characters in the pore-system of Loxoconcha (Ostracoda, Crustacea)
Authors: Kamiya Takahiro , Hazel Joseph E.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Ontogenetic development of the pore-systems of two species of Loxoconcha, phytal L. japonica and bottom-dwelling L. uranouchiensis, were examined. Adult pore-systems differ between the two species in number and distribution of “smooth”-type bristles, the basal structure of “twisted”-type bristles and the existence of microhairs. These specific features start to differentiate after the A-2 or A-3 juvenile stage, a fairly late moulting stage, and continue to differentiate until the adult stage. These characters are identified as lower phylogenetic ones based on the ontogeny-phylogeny relationship. The result is consistent with the estimate that the characters were regarded as adaptive and specialized through the consideration of their function to the respective habitats. The mode of increase of the two types of pore-systems was revealed. The “twisted”-type bristle, whose number is common between the two species at all stages, reaches the final number, except for one, at the A-3 juvenile stage. In contrast, the “smooth”-type bristle continues to increase in number until adult stage, and, as mentioned above, the specific differences become more obvious as the moulting stages advance. This type of pore-system is valuable for specific differentiation. Two types of pore-system that differ from each other in the pattern of increase were recognized in other ostracod taxa. The two types of pore-systems have different significance in ostracod taxonomy and the recognition of the type is indispensable for future taxonomy.
Late Triassic-Early Jurassic Calcareous Nannofossils of the Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia
Authors: Bown Paul R.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Sediments of the Kunga and Maude groups (Early Norian-Aalenian) from the Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia, have yielded the first records of early Mesozoic calcareous nannofossils in North America. These occurrences are the only record of Triassic nannofossils away from the recent discoveries in the Tethyan area (Austria, Indonesia, and the northwestern Australian margin). The nannofossil assemblages from the Queen Charlotte Islands are generally poor to moderately preserved, with species diversities typical for this time interval (2–10 species). The assemblages are comparable to those from northwest Europe, for the Lower Jurassic, and to those from Austria, Indonesia, and the Australian margin, for the Upper Triassic. They show compatible stratigraphical ranges, allowing the application of existing biostratigraphical zonations. Palaeobiogeographical interpretations are inconclusive and fail to positively confirm a low latitude (Tethyan) position for the Queen Charlotte Islands, as indicated by macrofossil data. However, Triassic nannofossil assemblages have yet to be described from high palaeolatitude locations. In addition, certain features of the Lower Jurassic assemblages may indicate Tethyan affinities but also distinguish these assemblages from those which have been previously documented. These features include the absence of Schizosphaerella punctulata, which occurs abundantly in the circum-Mediterranean region and was previously thought to be “cosmopolitan” in distribution; and the absence of Mitrolithus jansae which characterizes “Tethyan” assemblages in the circum-Mediterranean area. The Queen Charlotte Islands results are compared with new nannofossil data from Argentina, Timor and North America.
Kirkbyites Johnson, an ostracod genus indicative of pelagic palaeo-environments
Authors: Becker Gerhard , Blumenstengel Horst
Published: July 2010

Abstract. A third Kirkbyites species, K. hercynicus sp. nov., is described from the early Upper Devonian (early Famennian) of the Harz Mountains (Central Europe) to join the other two known species of the genus Kirkbyites upsoni Johnson, the Upper Carboniferous type species from Nebraska (U.S.A.), and the late Upper Devonian Kullmannissites? solus Becker from N Spain (W Europe). Its biotype indicative carapace features, characteristic of marine low-energy palaeo-environments, place Kirkbyites Johnson, 1936 (Ostracoda, Palaeocopida, Kirkbyacea, Amphissitidae) into Becker’s “Thuringian” ecotype.
A New Allogromiid Genus (Rhizopoda: Foraminiferida) from the Vellar Estuary, Bay of Bengal
Authors: Gooday Andrew J. , Fernando Olivia J.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. This paper reports what we believe to be the first record of allogromiid foraminifers from coastal Indian waters. Two species from the Vellar Estuary on the east coast of India south of Madras are described and placed in a new genus Vellaria. The foraminifers live at or near the sediment-water interface and are characterised by the development of a flared, conical or trumpet-shaped apertural structure which apparently serves to attach the test to small sand grains. Allogromiids are delicate and inconspicuous organisms which may be more widespread in esturine and brackish water settings than is currently realised.
Conodonts with preserved soft tissue from a new Ordovician Konservat-Lagerstätte
Authors: Aldridge Richard J. , Theron Johannes N.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. A newly-discovered Konservat-Lagerstätte in the Upper Ordovician of South Africa has yielded giant conodont apparatuses, some of which are associated with preserved soft tissues of the conodont animals. Lobate structures located to the anterior of the conodont apparatus in several specimens are interpreted as sclerotic cartilages surrounding the eyes, comparing closely with those of the Silurian agnathan Jamoytius. One specimen also displays a possible trunk trace.
Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction in the Breydon Formation, Holocene of East Anglia
Authors: Boomer Ian , Godwin Mike
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The foraminiferal and ostracod faunas from two East Anglian, Holocene cores are described. Together they add further environmental evidence to the lithological alternation between peat and alluvial mud sedimentation observed in these sections resulting from local changes in sea-level. Sedimentological and micro-faunal differences between the two sections reflect their relative positions in the estuary with respect to the local palaeogeography. Foraminifera are abundant, the Ostracoda less so, nevertheless a comprehensive environmental interpretation is given and a foraminiferal ecological zonation proposed. Palaeoenvironmental reconstructions are based upon both microfossil groups which complement each other.
A boring foraminiferan from the Upper Jurassic of England and Northern France
Authors: Plewes C. R. , Palmer T. J. , Haynes J. R.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Small rosette borings, consisting of an excavated pit from which is subtended a system of branching galleries, are common in carbonate skeletal substrates in the Upper Jurassic Oxford Clay (Callovian-Oxfordian) and Kimmeridge Clay (Kimmeridgian) of southern England and northern France. The opening of the pit onto the substrate surface is surrounded by an agglutinated collar, which suggests that they may be the work of Foraminifera. The new genus and species, Globodendrina monile, are erected to accommodate them. Other examples of boring in the Foraminiferida are reviewed. It is proposed that other similar rosette boring ichnogenera may also be the work of foraminiferans.
Fusiline foraminiferal biostratigraphy and carbonate facies of the Permian Ratburi Limestone, Saraburi, central Thailand
Authors: Dawson O.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. A succession of Permian carbonates outcropping along the highway north of Saraburi, central Thailand, has yielded a prolific and diverse fusiline-algal assemblage of Early Permian (Sakmarian) to early Late Permian (Midian) age. Six major units representing dominantly carbonate platform environments are recognised: turbidite and basin slope deposits, a platform margin algal reef, a back reef, an interior platform with patch reefs, a protected lagoon inner platform, and supratidal, dolomitised algal mats. Archaeolithoporella and Tubiphytes form major reef frameworks analogous to those described from the Middle Permian reefs of Trogkofel (southern Austria) and El Capitan (western Texas). The associated dasycladacean floras are assignable to the Eastern Circum-Pacific Realm, whilst the fusiline fauna has Arctic-Tethyan affinities in the Early Permian and Tethyan affinities in the Middle Permian. Eight fusuline assemblage zones are recognised and the Robustoschwagerina-Nagatoella Zone, representing the Sakmarian (early Artinskian) stage, is recorded for the first time from central Thailand. Phylogenetic studies of the fusulines, coupled with an examination of the diagenetic fabrics and field observations, indicate the presence of an unconformity during the late Early Permian-early Middle Permian, which may be correlatable with a worldwide eustatic sea-level fall or may be due to local tectonic movements.
The Foraminiferal Toothplate, A Review
Authors: Revets Stefan A.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The concept of the foraminiferal toothplate and the way in which this has changed through time is laid out. Historical developments are contrasted with more recent information. Ultrastructure and lamellarity are used to define and differentiate the toothplate from other internal anatomical elements. The function of the toothplate in the test remains an enigma.
The taxonomy and apparatus structure of the Silurian distomodontid conodont Coryssognathus Link & Druce, 1972
Authors: Miller C. Giles , Aldridge Richard J.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Collections of discrete conodont elements from the Upper Whitcliffe Formation of the Welsh Borderland indicate a septimembrate plan for the feeding apparatus of Coryssognathus, comprising Pa, Pb, Pc, M, Sa/Sb, Sb and Sc elements. Each element is paired, and relative frequencies suggest that there was a total of 16 elements in the apparatus, including two indistinguishable pairs of Sc elements. Associated small coniform elements appear to represent discrete denticles of crown tissue that were sequentially incorporated into multidenticulate elements during ontogeny.
Distribution of smaller benthic foraminifera in the Chagos Archipelago, Indian Ocean
Authors: Murray John W. , Smart Christopher W.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The Chagos Archipelago is a series of atolls situated in the centre of the Indian Ocean close to the equator. The area experiences small tides and periods of strong winds. The combined effects of these is to cause relatively high energy conditions to exist in the shallow waters around the reefs, therefore the bottom sediments are coarse grained and mobile. Although the coral faunas are diverse, seagrasses are rare. The total benthic foraminiferal assemblages have low to high species diversity and are dominated by hyaline taxa. On the oceanic side of the atoll reefs, the dominant foraminiferan is Amphistegina lessonii, with subsidiary miliolids. Planklonic tests form up to 20% of the combined benthic and planktonic component. In the lagoon, the assemblages are dominated by Calcarina calcar, with subsidiary miliolids. Planktonic tests are relatively uncommon. Some post-mortem transport and damage to tests has taken place but the distribution patterns are believed to be representative of the original living ones.
A charophyte flora from the Lower Pechelbronn Formation (?Upper Eocene/?Lower Oligocene) of Malsch south of Heidelberg (SW Germany)
Authors: Schwarz J. , Griessemer Th. W.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The Lower Pechelbronn Formation (?Upper Eocene/?Lower Oligocene) of Malsch (clay-pit ‘Am Viehweg’) yielded a moderately abundant charophyte assemblage. One new species, Chara rhenana sp. nov., is erected, two more species, Harrisichara lineata and Nitellopsis (Tectochara) cf. wonnacotti, are recorded in the Rhine Graben area for the first time. The Lower Pechelbronn Formation may be correlated to the Stephanochara vectensis zone (Riveline, 1986) and the mammalian level MP 20 (reference locality: St. Capraise; Schmidt-Kittler, 1987). The associated ostracod fauna clearly indicates a limnic depositional environment.
Mendicodinium morgenrothum, a new species of dinocyst from the Middle Jurassic, Aalenian to lowermost Bajocian Ness Formation (Brent Group), northern North Sea
Authors: Butler Nick
Published: July 2010

Abstract. A new dinocyst species Mendicodinium morgenrothum is described from the Middle Jurassic, Aalenian to lowermost Bajocian Ness Formation (Brent Group) of the North Viking Graben area of the North Sea.
Recent foraminifera from inter-reef channels, nearshore North Rarotonga, Cook Islands, South Pacific
Authors: Hughes G. W.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The Avatiu and Avarua sand-covered channels within the fringing reef of north Rarotonga, Cook Islands, contain foraminiferal assemblages considered to be predominantly derived from the adjacent reef platform. Benthonic species which display a depth restriction include Melonis affinis, Cassidulina delicata, Clavulina pacifica and Bolivina alata. Small (less than 200 μm), rare planktonic species, including Globigerina bulloides, are recovered from sediments as shallow as 8 m, but an increase in species diversity and abundance is noted at 30 m in Avarua channel and 48 m in Avatiu channel.No clear depth, substrate nor symbiont-associated restriction of species is evident, and this may result from mixing of primary microfaunal assemblages by sediment transport in this exposed part of the island.
A note of caution concerning the application of quantitative palynological data from oxidized preparations
Authors: Dodsworth Paul
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Kerogen extracted from rock samples for palynological studies frequently requires oxidative treatment in order to liberate palynomorphs from amorphous organic matter (AOM). Treatment with nitric acid (70% HNO3) is sometimes adequate though many Mesozoic organic-rich samples require more severe oxidation to break up clumped AOM. A widely used method involves the repeated oxidation of a preparation in Schulze’s solution (70% HNO3 supersaturated with KClO3), followed each time by rinsing with 2% potassium hydroxide solution (KOH) (Jones, 1994).The mid-Cretaceous Greenhorn Formation, exposed near Pueblo, Colorado, USA, is composed of interbedded bioturbated limestones and laminated calcareous shales (Cobban & Scott, 1972). In the middle part of the Bridge Creek Limestone Member, kerogen extracted from these two lithologies is markedly different. Diverse, predominantly gonyaulacineaen dinocyst assemblages are found in kerogen from the bioturbated limestone samples. These either require five minutes of nitric acid treatment or no oxidation at all. Most of the AOM is finely disseminated and passes through a standard 10 μm sieve mesh.Dinocysts in the >10μm kerogen fraction from the laminated calcareous shale samples are outnumbered by clumped AOM at a ratio of between 10 and 1000:1. Prior to oxidation, gonyaulacineaen and peridiniineaen dinocysts are seen to be present. However, if Schulze’s solution and KOH are applied until most of the clumped AOM has disintegrated (a process which takes from 1 to 48 hours), Gonyaulacineae are rare (<5%) in resulting dinocyst assemblages (which are dominated by well-preserved Peridiniineae). . . .