bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eyelid movements measured by Nightcap predict slow eye movements during quiet wakefulness in humans
Authors: Atienza Mercedes , Cantero Jose L. , Stickgold Robert , Allan Hobson J.
Published: October 2010

A precipitous decline in eyelid movements (ELMs) has been shown to be a highly reliable indicator of sleep onset. While ELMs correlate well with eye movements during waking and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the eye sensor remains silent during the period of slow eye movements (SEMs) typical of sleep onset. If the ELM density (e.g. ELMs per minute) dropped simultaneously with the appearance of SEMs prior to sleep onset, it could be a promising tool for identifying decreases in alertness prior to overt sleep onset. The present study was designed to determine whether the presence of SEMs in the transitional period preceding stage 1 sleep is reflected in decreases in ELM density. ELM densities were computed for 2.5‐s epochs with and without SEMs, as well as for 15‐s epochs. Decreases in ELM density not only were an excellent correlate of the appearance of SEMs during wakefulness with closed eyes, but also a good predictor of their occurrence (c. 82% accuracy) at a time resolution of 2.5 s. Based on these results, we conclude that ELM density reliably predicts moderate changes in the level of alertness during quiet wakefulness.
Benthic foraminiferal depth distribution within the sediment in a modern ria
Authors: Castignetti P. , Manley C.J.
Published: October 2010

The depth in sediment at which benthic Foraminifera are living is obviously of importance to high‐resolution stratigraphy. Sediment cores were retrieved in June 1994 and April 1995 from a range of sedimentological facies within Plymouth Sound. The cores were sub divided into sections and analysed for live (stained) benthic Foraminifera. Analysis revealed that maximum densities of live Foraminifera generally occurred within the uppermost 1 cm, particularly within muddy sediments. Sandy sediments exhibited a more diffuse distribution of live Foraminifera, although maximum densities occurred in the upper centimetres (1–3 cm) of sediment. An unusually deep distribution of the normally epifaunal species Elphidium crispum (Linné) was discovered in cores from Withyhedge Beacon both in 1994 and 1995. The live assemblages were subdivided into three groups on the basis of test type which broadly reflected the energy level of the environment.
Evidence for a synchronous circum‐Iberian subsidence event and its relation to the African‐Iberian plate convergence in the Late Cretaceous
Authors: Reicherter K.R. , Pletsch T.K.
Published: October 2010

Subsidence curves from Mesozoic sedimentary basins at the southern Iberian margin (Betic Cordilleras) display pronounced changes in subsidence rates around 85 Ma (chron 34, Late Cretaceous, Santonian to earliest Campanian). The subsidence events correlate with changes in the bulk and clay mineral composition in these basins, as well as with an Eoalpine high‐pressure metamorphic event in the western Mediterranean region. The synchroneity with subsidence events observed in basins around the Iberian microplate suggests a causal relationship with the regional plate tectonic setting. We propose that the circum‐Iberian subsidence event was largely controlled by the convergence and incipient collision of the Iberian microplate with Africa.
Variable coupling across weak oceanic transform fault: Flateyjarskagi, Iceland
Authors: Angelier J. , Bergerat F. , Homberg C.
Published: October 2010

Tectonic studies near major fault zones often reveal multiple tectonic regimes. Do these regimes indicate multiphase tectonism with distinct episodes, or do they reflect single‐phase tectonism with time‐space perturbations along lithospheric weakness zones? Based on tectonic analyses in Flateyjarskagi, North Iceland, we reconstruct the late Cenozoic tectonic regimes related to right‐lateral transform motion along the Tjörnes Fracture Zone, which connects the Kolbeinsey Ridge and the North Iceland Rift. Rifting and transform motion have induced eight normal and strike‐slip regimes, four of which are inconsistent with the overall kinematics (as a probable result of stress drop, elastic rebound and dyke injection). For the consistent regimes, contrasting angles between extension and transform trends reflect repeated changes from moderate (25°) to very low mechanical coupling (85°) across the transform zone. Thus, the tectonic regimes need not be interpreted in terms of numerous tectonic episodes but rather as a consequence of variable coupling across the transform zone.
Inward and outward K+‐selective currents in the plasma membrane of protoplasts from maize root cortex and stele
Authors: Roberts Stephen K. , Tester Mark
Published: October 2010

In an attempt to understand the processes mediating ion transport within the root, the patch clamp technique was applied to protoplasts isolated from the cortex and stele of maize roots and their plasma membrane conductances investigated. In the whole‐cell configuration, membrane hyperpolarization induced a slowly activating inwardly rectifying conductance in most protoplasts isolated from the root cortex. In contrast, most protoplasts isolated from the stele contained a slowly activating outwardly rectifying conductance upon plasma membrane depolarization. The reversal potential of the inward current indicated that it was primarily due to the movement of K+; the outwardly rectifying conductance was comparatively less selective for K+. Membrane hyperpolarization beyond a threshold of about −70 mV induced inward currents. When EK was set negative of this threshold, inward currents activated negative of EK and no outward currents were observed positive of EK. Outward currents in the stelar protoplasts activated at potentials positive of −85 mV. However, when EK was set positive of −85 mV a small inward current was also observed at potentials negative (and slightly positive) of the equilibrium potential for K+. Inwardly and outwardly rectifying K+ channels were observed in outside‐out patches from the plasma membrane of cortical and stelar cells, respectively. Characterization of these channels showed that they were likely to be responsible for the macroscopic ‘whole‐cell’ currents. Inward and outward currents were affected differently by various K+ channel blockers (TEA+, Ba2+ and Cs+). In addition, Ca2+ above 1 mM partially blocked the inward current in a voltage‐dependent manner but had little effect on the outward current. It is suggested that the inwardly rectifying conductance identified in protoplasts isolated from the cortex probably represents an important component of the low‐affinity K+ uptake mechanism (mechanism II) identified in intact roots. The outwardly rectifying conductance identified in protoplasts isolated from the stele could play a role in the release of cations into the xylem vessels for transport to the shoot.
Gene activation by UV light, fungal elicitor or fungal infection in Petroselinum crispum is correlated with repression of cell cycle‐related genes
Authors: Logemann Elke , Wu Sheng‐Cheng , Schröder Joachim , Schmelzer Elmon , Somssich Imre E. , Hahlbrock Klaus
Published: October 2010

The effects of UV light or fungal elicitors on plant cells have so far been studied mostly with respect to defense‐related gene activation. Here, an inverse correlation of these stimulatory effects with the activities of several cell cycle‐related genes is demonstrated. Concomitant with the induction of flavonoid biosynthetic enzymes in UV‐irradiated cell suspension cultures of parsley (Petroselinum crispum), total histone synthesis declined to about half the initial rate. A subclass of the histone H3 gene family was selected to demonstrate the close correlation of its expression with cell division, both in intact plants and cultured cells. Using RNA‐blot and run‐on transcription assays, it was shown that one arbitrarily selected subclass of each of the histone H2A, H2B, H3 and H4 gene families and of the genes encoding a p34cdc2 protein kinase and a mitotic cyclin were transcriptionally repressed in UV‐irradiated as well as fungal elicitor‐treated parsley cells. The timing and extent of repression differed between the two stimuli; the response to light was more transient and smaller in magnitude. These differential responses to light and elicitor were inversely correlated with the induction of phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase, a key enzyme of phenylpropanoid metabolism. Essentially the same result was obtained with a defined oligopeptide elicitor, indicating that the same signaling pathway is responsible for defense‐related gene activation and cell cycle‐related gene repression. A temporary (UV light) or long‐lasting (fungal elicitor) cessation of cell culture growth is most likely due to an arrest of cell division which may be a prerequisite for full commitment of the cells to transcriptional activation of pathways involved in UV protection or pathogen defense. This conclusion is corroborated by the observation that the histone H3 mRNA level greatly declined around fungal infection sites in young parsley leaves.
Ethylene is a positive regulator of root hair development in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Tanimoto Mimi , Roberts Keith , Dolan Liam
Published: October 2010

Evidence is provided that ethylene is a positive regulator of hair cell development in the root epidermis of Arabidopsis thaliana. Treatment of seedlings with increasing concentrations of the ethylene precursor, 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) results in progressively more root hair cells developing in positions normally occupied by non‐hair cells. Consistent with these findings are observations that treatments that block either ethylene synthesis or its perception reduce the number of root hairs. A model is proposed in which either ethylene or ACC is a signal involved in specifying the pattern of cell differentiation in the Arabidopsis root epidermis.
Requirement of sense transcription for homology‐dependent virus resistance and trans‐inactivation
Authors: English James , Davenport Guy , Elmayan Taline , Vaucheret Hervé , Baulcombe David
Published: October 2010

Transgenic tobacco plants carrying post‐transcriptionally silenced (L) or conditionally high‐expressing (Hc) cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter:β‐glucuronidase (GUS) transgenes were tested for their ability to support replication of a potato virus X derivative with an inserted GUS coding sequence (PVX.GUS). PVX.GUS accumulated to high levels on non‐transformed tobacco. In contrast, both L and Hc tobacco were resistant to PVX.GUS. Another line, 271, carries a 35S‐driven transgene that can down‐regulate transcription from any other 35S promoter in trans. When the 271 locus was introduced into the L and Hc lines, virus resistance was suppressed. The L tobacco line also trans‐inactivated transient GUS expression from an extra‐chromosomal T‐DNA delivered by Agrobacterium. This trans‐inactivation was not observed when the 271 locus was present. In addition, it was found that the 271 locus suppressed the virus resistance normally conferred by a 35S‐driven transgene derived from the PVX replicase open reading frame. These results indicate that sense transcription is required for a transgene to condition homology‐dependent virus resistance and post‐transcriptional trans‐inactivation.
Developmental and auxin‐induced expression of the Arabidopsis prha homeobox gene
Authors: Plesch Gunnar , Störmann Katja , Torres Jorge Tovar , Walden Richard , Somssich Imre
Published: October 2010

A single‐copy Arabidopsis homeobox gene, prha, which encodes a homeodomain protein with a molecular weight of 90 500 has been characterized. The position of the gene was mapped to the distal part of chromosome 4. Expression of the gene differs in various vegetative and floral plant tissues and is positively influenced by the phytohormone auxin. In Arabidopsis plants, a complex pattern of prha promoter‐driven GUS expression is observed, often associated with regions of developing vascular tissue. Exogenously applied auxin strongly increased endogenous prha transcript levels. In addition, the prha promoter is highly responsive to the synthetic auxin, naphthalene acetic acid, in transient assays using tobacco protoplasts. The PRHA protein has the capacity to bind to TAATTG core sequence elements but requires additional adjacent bases for high‐affinity binding. These findings are discussed in relation to studies of other plant homeobox genes as well as possible in vivo target genes for PRHA.
The VLF loci, polymorphic between ecotypes Landsberg erecta and Columbia, dissect two branches of phytochrome A signal transduction that correspond to very‐low‐fluence and high‐irradiance responses
Authors: Yanovsky Marcelo , Casal Jorge , Luppi Juan
Published: October 2010

Phytochromes play a key role in the perception of light signals by plants. In this study, the three classical phytochrome action modes, i.e. very‐low‐fluence responses (VLFR), low‐fluence responses (LFR) and high‐irradiance responses (HIR), were genetically dissected using phyA and phyB mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana (respectively lacking phytochrome A or phytochrome B) and a polymorphism between ecotypes Landsberg erecta and Columbia. Seed germination and potentiation of greening, hypocotyl growth inhibition and cotyledon unfolding in etiolated seedlings of the ecotype Landsberg erecta showed biphasic responses to the calculated proportion of active phytochrome established by one light pulse or repeated light pulses. The first phase, i.e. the VLFR, was absent in the phyA mutant, normal in the phyB mutant (both in the Landsberg erecta background) and severely deficient in Columbia. The second phase, i.e. the LFR, was present in the phyA mutant, deficient in the phyB mutant and normal in Columbia. Under continuous far‐red light, HIR of etiolated seedlings were absent in phyA and normal in phyB and Columbia. The segregation of VLFR in recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between Landsberg erecta and Columbia was analysed by MAPMAKER/QTL. Two quantitative trait loci, one on chromosome 2 (VLF1) and another on chromosome 5 (VLF2), were identified as responsible for the polymorphism. Phytochrome A is proposed to initiate two transduction pathways, VLFR and HIR, involving different cells and/or different molecular steps. This is the first application of the analysis of quantitative trait loci polymorphic between ecotypes to dissect transduction chains of environmental signals.
Pathogenesis‐related protein 10 isolated from hot pepper functions as a ribonuclease in an antiviral pathway
Authors: Park Chang‐Jin , Kim Ki‐Jeong , Shin Ryoung , Park Jeong Mee , Shin Yun‐Chul , Paek Kyung‐Hee
Published: October 2010

A hot pepper (Capsicum annuum) cDNA clone encoding pathogenesis‐related protein 10 (CaPR‐10) was isolated by differential screening of a cDNA library prepared from pepper leaves inoculated with tobacco mosaic virus pathotype (TMV‐P0).CaPR‐10transcripts were induced in the incompatible interaction with TMV‐P0orXanthomonas campestrispv.vesicatoria(Xcv) but not induced in the compatible interaction. Characterization of enzymatic properties of CaPR‐10 indicated that the recombinant protein exhibits a ribonucleolytic activity against TMV RNA, as well as against pepper total RNA, and shows its putative antiviral activity in several conditions. The CaPR‐10 protein existed at very low level in leaf tissue but was dramatically induced as soon as plants were inoculated with TMV‐P0, and this was correlated with the increase of its ribonucleolytic activity. Immunoblot analysis and pull‐down assays using proteins extracted from pepper leaves showed that TMV‐P0inoculation led to the phosphorylation of CaPR‐10, a modification that should affect its capacity for RNase function. We present data that the induction and subsequent phosphorylation of CaPR‐10 increased its ribonucleolytic activity to cleave invading viral RNAs, and this activity should be important to its antiviral pathway during viral attackin vivo.
Genomic regions regulating imprinting and insulin‐like growth factor‐II promoter 3 activity in transgenics: novel enhancer and silencer elements
Authors: Ward Andrew , Fisher Rosie , Richardson Lynne , Pooler Jo‐Anna , Squire Sarah , Bates Phil , Shaposhnikov Rimma , Hayward Neil , Thurston Milo , Graham Chris
Published: October 2010

Transgenic lines (89) were made with constructs containing eight different combinations of candidate regulatory elements from the insulin‐like growth factor‐II (Igf2)–H19 region of mouse chromosome 7. In all constructs, promoter 3 of Igf2 was attached to a firefly luciferase reporter gene. Promoter 3 was the common element that imposed a decrease in reporter activity similar to that of endogenous Igf2 after birth. The specific activity of the reporter was measured on the day of birth in the liver and the brain, after each transgene had been transmitted by either the father or the mother. This procedure demonstrated that the quantity and organ distribution of expression from this promoter can be regulated by each element. The following new information was obtained. (a) The 5′ differentially methylated region of Igf2 inhibits promoter 3 in the liver. (b) The conserved DNase I‐hypersensitive Middle region between Igf2 and H19 is an enhancer of promoter 3 in the brain. (c) The H19 promoter inhibits Igf2 promoter 3 in the brain. The results confirmed that the H19 enhancer is a strong enhancer of promoter 3 in the liver. A new finding was that one genomic region regularly imposed imprinted gene expression. This was the H19 enhancer, and this region was sufficient to give higher expression on maternal transmission in the majority of transgenic lines. The full data are reported in Supplementary Publication SUP 50180 (8 pages), which has been deposited at the British Library Document Supply Centre, Boston Spa, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 7BQ, U.K., from whom copies can be obtained on the terms indicated in Biochem. J. (1997) 21, 8–10.
Selective roles for TATA‐binding‐protein‐associated factors in vivo
Authors: Struhl Kevin
Published: October 2010

Transcription factor TFIID, a central component of the eukaryotic RNA polymerase II transcription machinery, is a multiprotein complex containing the TATA‐binding protein (TBP) and TBP‐associated factors (TAFs). In vitro, TAFs are required for the response to activator proteins, but they are dispensible for basal transcription. However, recent work in yeast cells indicates that TAFs are not generally required for transcriptional activation, but rather have selective effects on gene expression. Molecular mechanisms for these observations are considered.
HIV integrase: a target for drug discovery
Authors: Puras Lutzke Ramon , Plasterk Ronald
Published: October 2010

Current antiviral strategies against HIV rely on structure–function analysis of HIV reverse transcriptase (RT) and protease (PR). The third viral pol gene product, HIV integrase (IN), is also a good target for drug discovery, since IN is essential for retroviral replication and, moreover, it has no obvious functional analogue in the host. IN forms a ternary complex with metal ions and DNA and has a mechanism of catalysis common with other polynucleotidyl transferases. Although there is no structural information for full‐length IN available, structures of all three functional IN domains have been determined by X‐ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. The N‐terminal domain has a novel zinc‐binding fold, the catalytic domain shares a common structural motif with other polynucleotidyl transferases, and the C‐terminal DNA‐binding domain has a Src‐homology‐3‐like fold. This structural information provides the basis for drug development. In turn, increasing numbers of IN inhibitors identified so far may serve structure–function analysis of IN. The final goal is the development of new classes of anti‐HIV drugs, which can be added to the repertoire of anti‐RT and anti‐PR drugs.
The Effect of Felling on the Occurrence of Microfungi Stimulatory to Armillaria Rhizomorph Formation in Thin Roots of Quercus robur
Authors: Kwaśna H.
Published: October 2010

Eight fungal assemblages were isolated from thin branch roots (0.5–1 mm diameter) of living oak trees (Quercus robur) and their stumps 2 years after felling. The roots were serially washed or surface‐sterilized with ethanol and hypochlorite. The thin roots were inhabited by fungi that are stimulants of Armillaria rhizomorphs as found previously in thick roots (0.5–1 cm diameter). However, unlike thick roots, the densities of the fungi in serially washed roots were significantly less in stump roots than in living roots. Among the most common ‘stimulants’, the frequencies of Cylindrocarpon didymum, Mortierella gracilis, Mor. microspora var. macrocystis, Mycelium radicis atrovirens, Nectria grammicospora, Pseudogymnoascus roseus and Sporothrix schenckii were usually significantly greater in stump roots than in living roots, while the frequencies of Chrysosporium merdarium, Cy. destructans, Mor. hygrophila, Penicillium adametzii, Pe. citrinum, Pe. daleae, Pe. janczewskii and Pe. spinulosum were usually significantly less in stump roots. The frequency of Trichoderma viride was less in the stump roots. Serial washing of roots was more effective than chemical surface‐sterilization in the detection of Armillaria rhizomorph ‘stimulants’. The significance of these findings in the ecology and risk assessment of Armillaria in plantations is discussed.
Production of Polyclonal Antibodies to a Recombinant Coat Protein of Potato mop‐top virus
Authors: Čeřovská N. , Moravec T. , Rosecká P. , Dědič P. , Filigarová M.
Published: October 2010

The coat protein (CP) coding regions of two Czech Potato mop‐top virus (PMTV) isolates were sequenced and shown to be identical. One, the Korneta isolate CP gene, was cloned in several expression vectors. The recombinant PMTV‐CP was expressed in Escherichia coli and the purified recombinant protein was used to produce PMTV‐specific polyclonal antibodies. The antiserum had a titre of 1 : 2000 in an indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reacted specifically in immunoblotting and IPTA‐ ELISA (indirect plate‐trapped antigen (PTA)‐ELISA).
Detection of Ralstonia solanacearum in Soil and Weeds from Commercial Tomato Fields Using Immunocapture and the Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Dittapongpitch V. , Surat S.
Published: October 2010

A detection assay for Ralstonia solanacearum in soil and weeds was developed by combining immunocapture and the polymerase chain reaction (IC‐PCR). Anti‐R. solanacearum polyclonal antibodies were produced in a white female rabbit and Dynal® super‐paramagnetic beads were coated with purified immunoglobulinG (IgG). Using IC‐PCR, the 718 bp target DNA was amplified at a detection threshold of approximately 104 colony‐forming units (CFU) bacteria per millilitre of suspension. DNA was not amplified in soil suspensions derived from autoclaved and non‐autoclaved soils, which contained R. solanacearum at 1–105 CFU/g soil. However, a positive PCR result was obtained when bacteria in the soil suspensions were first enriched in nutrient broth. IC‐PCR detected R. solanacearum in tomato stems 24 h after inoculation by stem puncture with a suspension containing approximately 105 CFU/ml. IC‐PCR detected the bacterium in 28 of 55 (51%) weeds and 10 of 32 (31%) soil samples. Of the weeds, Physalis minima, Amaranthus spinosus and Euphorbia hirta had the highest incidence of infection. R. solanacearum was not detected in soil taken from fallow fields, but it was discovered in some weed species. Symptomless tomato and pepper plants collected from the fields in which tomato bacterial wilt had previously occurred were found to contain R. solanacearum. These discoveries suggest that weeds and latent hosts may play a role in the survival of R. solanacearum between cropping cycles.
Carbon Metabolism Alterations in Sunflower Plants Infected with the Sunflower Chlorotic Mottle Virus
Authors: Arias M. C. , Lenardon S. , Taleisnik E.
Published: October 2010

Sunflower chlorotic mottle virus (SuCMoV) causes chlorotic mottling symptoms and important growth reductions and yield losses in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L., cv. Contiflor 7). This paper describes the effects of SuCMoV on some aspects of carbon metabolism of sunflower plants. After symptoms became evident, CO2 fixation rates decreased, nevertheless, soluble sugars and starch increased in infected leaves. High H2O2 accumulation, lipid peroxidation and chlorophyll degradation were, like the other changes, observed only after symptom expression. Increased soluble carbohydrate accumulation was not related to changes in α‐amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) activity, nor in the activities of enzymes associated with sugar import and hydrolysis such as invertase (EC 3.2.1.26) and sucrose synthase (EC 2.4.1.13), suggesting it did not derive from starch hydrolysis nor increased sugar import. Rather, it may derive from recycling of cell components associated with the development of oxidative damage. The physiological alterations caused by this virus share many common features with the development of senescence.
Simultaneous presentation of coeliac disease and ulcerative colitis in a child
Authors: Day AS , Abbott GD
Published: October 2010

Abstract: Coeliac disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) individually are not uncommon in children, but the occurrence of both conditions together is rare. The combined presentation of coeliac disease and IBD in a girl of 7 years is presented with a review of the related literature. The occurrence of coeliac disease with IBD should be considered at the time of diagnosis and at relapse, or where there is difficulty maintaining remission in established IBD. Screening with serum antibody tests may be helpful.
The first case of H5N1 avian influenza infection in a human with complications of adult respiratory distress syndrome and Reye’s syndrome
Authors: Ku ASW , Chan LTW
Published: October 2010

Abstract: Avian influenza virus was not known to cause systemic infection in humans before. We report a 3‐year‐old boy with good past health who developed pneumonia caused by H5N1 avian influenza A virus (A/Hong Kong/156/97). The virus was isolated from a tracheal aspirate. There were complications of Reye’s syndrome, adult respiratory distress syndrome, and multiple organ system failure. He had a history of receiving aspirin. His adult respiratory distress syndrome did not respond to endotracheal surfactant replacement therapy. He died 6 days after admission. Clinicians should be alert to the importance of a new human influenza strain.
Repeated dose inhaled budesonide versus placebo in the treatment of croup
Authors: Roberts GW , Master VV , Staugas RE , Raftos JV , Parsons DW , Coulthard KP , Martin AJ
Published: October 2010

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and tolerance of 12‐hourly dosing with 2 mg 4 mL–1 of inhaled budesonide versus placebo in patients admitted to hospital with moderate/severe croup.

Method: Eighty‐two children hospitalised with croup received either 2 mg 4 mL–1 of budesonide or placebo 12 hourly (maximum four doses) via Ventstream® nebuliser in a randomised, double‐blind manner. Croup scores were performed at 0, 2, 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h from initial nebulisation whilst the patient remained hospitalised. Follow‐up assessments were made 1 and 3 days after discharge.

Results: Improvement was observed in the budesonide group over the 12‐h dosing interval when compared to placebo (P = 0.04). Time to attain a significant clinical improvement was superior in the budesonide group (P = 0.01). Three days after discharge seven of 32 placebo‐treated patients and one of 34 budesonide‐treated patients had sought further medical follow‐up (P = 0.02).

Conclusion: Twelve‐hourly dosing with inhaled budesonide significantly improved symptoms of croup as well as decreased relapse rates when compared with placebo.
An evaluation of the autopsy following death in a Level IV neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Barr P , Hunt R
Published: October 2010

Objective: To ascertain the determinants of neonatal autopsy, define clinical errors in the causes of death, and elucidate the possible audit and genetic value of the autopsy following death in a Level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Methods: A review and correlation of clinical and autopsy information in a case series of infants who died during the period 1991–97.

Results: Two hundred and twenty‐nine of 4057 infants admitted to the NICU died and 91 (39.7%) underwent an autopsy. The underlying cause of death was significantly different in infants who had an autopsy compared with infants who did not (P = 0.02). The autopsy rate was higher for deaths from miscellaneous causes (52.9%), lethal malformation (46.8%) and infection (45.4%) than deaths from prematurity (25.9%) and asphyxia (19%). Clinical errors in the causes of death were found in 22% of the infants, and in 4.4% a change in management may have been curative or prolonged life. The autopsy had audit value in 26% of infants and genetic value for a single gene (Mendelian) disorder in 4.4%.

Conclusions: Although the autopsy following death in a Level IV NICU yields potentially useful information in more than one‐third of cases, this does not seem sufficient to ensure a high neonatal autopsy rate.
Impacts of Citrus Development on Habitats of Southwest Florida
Authors: PEARLSTINE LEONARD G. , BRANDT LAURA A. , KITCHENS WILEY M. , MAZZOTTI FRANK J.
Published: October 2010

Abstract: Examining resource management needs at the landscape level has become critical for the conservation of ecosystems and the preservation of species. Geographic information systems (GIS) that allow for the integration of spatially referenced databases are a powerful tool that can be used by resource managers to examine potential impacts and develop strategies for regional planning. We applied a landscape‐level approach to examine the potential impacts of citrus development on habitats and species in southwest Florida. We developed GIS models for panthers, Sandhill Cranes, and wading birds that reflect changes in potential habitats under a series of development scenarios. The models indicate that, under the maximum development scenario, 63% of potential panther habitat, 66% of potential Sandhill Crane habitat, and 67% and 33% of potential wading bird nesting and foraging habitats could be lost. In addition, the habitat that would remain would be severely fragmented. Several key areas were identified that will be critical to the continued existence of these species and to maintenance of regional biodiversity. The areas identified are habitats not represented on the existing public lands concentrated in the southern portion of the study area and/or that provide connections among existing natural areas.

Impacto del desarrollo de cítricos en hábitats del suroeste de Florida
Using the Landscape Ecosystem Approach to Assess Species and Ecosystem Diversity
Authors: LAPIN MARC , BARNES BURTON V.
Published: October 2010

Abstract:Diversity was determined for ground‐cover species within and among landscape ecosystem groups of the University of Michigan Biological Station, nortbern lower Michigan, USA. The concept of ecosystem diversity, number, kinds, and patterns of landscape ecosystems and their processes, was introduced and illustrated. The 4000‐ha area has been highly disturbed by logging and repeated post‐logging fires. Early successional species now dominate the overstory of upland ecosystems. Twenty‐one upland landscape ecosystem groups were identified, classified, described, and mapped on the basis of interrelationships among climate, physiography, soil, and vegetation. Six landscape ecosystem groups, representative of extremes along moisture, nutrient, and microclimate gradients, were selected for the analysis of alpha and beta diversity of ground‐cover vegetation. Alpha diversity indices calculated were species richness, Shannon‐Wiener diversity, Shannon‐Wiener evenness, and Simpson's index. Beta diversity was measured by percentage similarity and Jaccard's coefficient. The most moist and nutrient‐rich ecosystem group had the highest alpha diversity. The general pattern of decreasing alpha diversity was moist and nutrient‐rich, moderately moist and moderately nutrient‐rich, moist and nutrient‐poor and climatically extreme, dry and nutrient‐poor and climatically extreme, and dry and nutrient‐poor. Beta diversity analysis revealed significant between‐ecosystem diversity, despite the fact that the landscape appears relatively flat and strongly dominated by big‐tooth(Populus grandidentataMichx.) and trembling(P. tremuloidesMichx.) aspens. The richness of landscape ecosystems among four regional landscapes in Michigan, including the Biological Station was contrasted and described. Greater ecosystem richness of the Biological Station reflects greater geologic‐physiographic complexity of the area due to its glacial history. Distinguishing and mapping landscape ecosystems proves an excellent framework for assessing alpha and beta diversity of plant species and for similar analyses of whole landscape ecosystems and their processes.

Utilización del enfoque ecosistémico a nivel de paisaje para evaluar la diversidad de especies y ecosistemas
Effect of Migration or Inbreeding Followed by Selection on Low‐Founder‐Number Populations: Implications for Captive Breeding Programs
Authors: BACKUS VICKIE L. , BRYANT EDWIN H. , HUGHES COLIN R. , MEFFERT LISA M.
Published: October 2010

Abstract: Using the housefly, Musca domestica (L), as a model system, we tested the ability of two extrems in the range of possible captive breeding protocols to yield sustainable populations following founding with low founder numbers. The protocols tested included two levels of migration as well as inbreeding followed by selection, each with appropriate controls. Each low‐founder‐number population was founded with two pairs of flies. The maximum migration scheme had 50% migration per generation, and the minimum migration populations experienced a migration rate of 2.5% per generation. The control level of migration was 0%. A fourth low‐founder‐number treatment was designed to test the effect of inbreeding followed by selection. Two sets of high‐founder‐number control groups were also derived from the stock population. Two fitness measures, viability and productivity of the populations, were recorded at the fifth generation. Populations in the minimum‐migration and zero migration treatment groups had lower fitness than populations in any other treatment for both measures. Populations that experienced inbreeding and selection for high fitness levels, high levels of migration, or large high‐founder‐number populations were equally fit. These results demonstrate that a captive‐breeding scheme that contains substantial levels of migration or inbreeding followed by selection can yield highly adapted populations.

Efecto de la migración o intracruza seguido por la selección de poblacions originadas a partir de un número pequeño de fundadores
DNA Fingerprinting Reveals a Lack of Genetic Variation in Northern Populations of the Western Pond Turtle (Clemmys marmorata)
Authors: GRAY ELIZABETH M.
Published: October 2010

Abstract: I used DNA fingerprinting to provide the first analysis of the genetic composition of western pond turtle (Clemmys marmorata( populations in Washington, Oregon, and California. Populations of the western pond turtle in Washington and northern Oregon are rapidly approaching extinction. Genetic similarity within the largest northern populations, which are located inland, is high. An analysis of population substructure (Fst) revealed significant genetic divergence between inland populations, indicating a lack of dispersal and gene flow between sites. In contrast, northern coastal sites are not genetically distinct, but there are few if any viable populations remaining in this region. Genetic variability within southern California populations is a great deal higher than in northern inland sites. Similarly, a low Fst value indicated a lack of genetic differentiation between southern sites. An inter‐regional analysis of population substructure (Fst= 0.24) revealed a significant degree of genetic divergence between geographical regions throughout the range. In addition, an estimate of western pond turtle phylogeny showed a genetic break in the species between northern and southern populations. Both population subdivision and phylogenetic analyses suggest a lack of appreciable gene flow between geographical regions for a considerable period of time. Genetic analyses support traditional subdivision based solely on the morphological variation of Clemmys marmorata into two subspecies: northern Clemmys marmorata marmorata and southern Clemmys marmorata pallida. Recovery of dwindling northern populations must combine demographic and genetic considerations. A first step should be to preserve local gene pools while augmenting population numbers, with the goal of preventing the extinction of this genetically and morphologically distinct subspecies.

La falta de variación genetica en poblaciones norteñas de la tortuga de agua dulce del oeste (Clemmys marmorata)
Selective Breeding Programs for Rare Alleles: Examples from the Przewalski's Horse and California Condor Pedigrees
Authors: MILLER PHILIP S.
Published: October 2010

Abstract: As extinction due to loss of habitat grows more imminent for a wide variety of species, population management has been recognized as an important means toward species survival and recovery in the wild. Genetic management practices generally seek to preserve population variation at the level of the genome. It has been proposed, however, that such efforts should instead be directed to specific loci barboring alleles with particular selective benefits. This strategy may in fact result in greater loss of variation in the rest of the genome, potentially threatening population viability. Pedigrees of Przewalski's horse (Equus prezewalskii) and the California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) were used to evaluate a “rare kinship” management strategy in which a single individual known to carry a unique allele is repeatedly bred to mates chosen by mean kinship in order to increase the frequency of the rare allele. This strategy led to increased population mean kinship and reduced gene diversity and founder genome equivalents relative to a no‐management control pedigree and performed considerably worse than a pedigree managed for mean kinship. Reduced success in the breeding program can be directly attributed to significant deviations of founders' representations from their respective target values. As a result, a strategy for increasing the frequency of rare alleles cannot be generally recommended for management of captive populations. Under strict conditions; however, limited use of this strategy may be applicable only if used for a short time under careful monitoring by pedigree analysis. Even if these conditions are met, managing by a more conventional method such as mean kinship is preferable. These results illustrate the utility of thoughtful analysis of pedigree information to successful population management.

Programas de cría selectivos para alelos raros: Ejemplos de los pedigrés de los caballos de Przewalski y de los condores de California
Measurement and correlation of microstructures: the case of foliation intersection axes
Authors: Stallard A. R. , Hickey K. A. , Upton G. J.
Published: October 2010

Recent studies have used the relative rotation axis of sigmoidal and spiral‐shaped inclusion trails, known as Foliation Inflexion/Intersection Axis (FIA), to investigate geological processes such as fold mechanisms and porphyroblast growth. The geological usefulness of this method depends upon the accurate measurement of FIA orientations and correct correlation of temporally related FIAs. This paper uses new data from the Canton Schist to assess the variation in FIA orientations within and between samples, and evaluates criteria for correlating FIAs. For the first time, an entire data set of FIA measurements is published, and data are presented in a way that reflects the variation in FIA orientations within individual samples and provides an indication of the reliability of the data. Analysis of 61 FIA trends determined from the Canton Schist indicate a minimum intrasample range in FIA orientations of 30°. Three competing models are presented for correlation of these FIAs, and each of the models employ different correlation criteria. Correlation of FIAs in Model 1 is based on relative timing and textural criteria, while Model 2 uses relative timing, orientation and patterns of changing FIA orientations, and Model 3 uses relative timing and FIA orientation as correlation criteria. Importantly, the three models differ in the spread of FIA orientations within individual sets, and the number of sets distinguished in the data. Relative timing is the most reliable criterion for correlation, followed by textural criteria and patterns of changing FIA orientations from core to rim of porphyroblasts. It is proposed that within a set of temporally related FIAs, the typical spread of orientations involves clustering of data in a 60° range, but outliers occur at other orientations including near‐normal to the peak distribution. Consequently, in populations of FIA data that contain a wide range of orientations, correlation on the basis of orientation is unreliable in the absence of additional criteria. The results of this study suggest that FIAs are best used as semiquantitative indicators of bulk trends rather than an exact measurement for the purpose of quantitative analyses.
Strain rates from snowball garnet
Authors: Biermeier C. , Stüwe K.
Published: October 2010

Spiral inclusion trails in garnet porphyroblasts are likely to have formed due to simultaneous growth and rotation of the crystals, during syn‐metamorphic deformation. Thus, they contain information on the strain rate of the rock. Strain rates may be interpreted from such inclusion trails if two functions are known: (1) The relationship between rotation rate and shear strain rate; (2) the growth rate of the crystal. We have investigated details of both functions using a garnetiferous mica schist from the eastern European Alps as an example. The rotation rate of garnet porphyroblasts was determined using finite element modelling of the geometrical arrangement of the crystals in the rock. The growth rate of the porphyroblasts was determined by using the major and trace element distributions in garnet crystals, thermodynamic pseudosections and information on the grain size distribution. For the largest porphyroblast size fraction (size L=12 mm) we constrain a growth interval between 540 and 590 °C during the prograde evolution of the rock. Assuming a reasonable heating rate and using the angular geometry of the spiral inclusion trails we are able to suggest that the mean strain rate during crystal growth was of the order of =6.6 × 10−14 s−1. These estimates are consistent with independent estimates for the strain rates during the evolution of this part of the Alpine orogen.
Geochronology and geochemistry of high‐pressure granulites of the Arthur River Complex, Fiordland, New Zealand: Cretaceous magmatism and metamorphism on the palaeo‐Pacific Margin
Authors: Hollis J. A. , Clarke G. L. , Klepeis K. A. , Daczko N. R. , Ireland T. R.
Published: October 2010

The Arthur River Complex is a suite of gabbroic to dioritic orthogneisses in northern Fiordland, New Zealand. The Arthur River Complex separates rocks of the Median Tectonic Zone, a Mesozoic island arc complex, from Palaeozoic rocks of the palaeo‐Pacific Gondwana margin, and is itself intruded by the Western Fiordland Orthogneiss. New SHRIMP U/Pb single zircon data are presented for magmatic, metamorphic and deformation events in the Arthur River Complex and adjacent rocks from northern Fiordland. The Arthur River Complex orthogneisses and dykes are dominated by magmatic zircon dated at 136–129 Ma. A dioritic orthogneiss that occurs along the eastern margin of the Complex is dated at 154.4 ± 3.6 Ma and predates adjacent plutons of the Median Tectonic Zone. Rims on zircon cores from this sample record a thermal event at c. 120 Ma, attributed to the emplacement of the Western Fiordland Orthogneiss. Migmatitic Palaeozoic orthogneiss from the Arthur River Complex (346 ± 6 Ma) is interpreted as deformed wall rock. Very fine rims (5–20 µm) also indicate a metamorphic age of c. 120–110 Ma. A post‐tectonic pegmatite (81.8 ± 1.8 Ma) may be related to phases of crustal extension associated with the opening of the Tasman Sea. The Arthur River Complex is interpreted as a batholith, emplaced at mid‐crustal levels and then buried to deep crustal levels due to convergence of the Median Tectonic Zone arc and the continental margin.
Exhumation of the Main Central Thrust from Lower Crustal Depths, Eastern Bhutan Himalaya
Authors: Daniel C. G. , Hollister L. S. , Parrish R. R. , Grujic D.
Published: October 2010

Geothermometry and mineral assemblages show an increase of temperature structurally upwards across the Main Central Thrust (MCT); however, peak metamorphic pressures are similar across the boundary, and correspond to depths of 35–45 km. Garnet‐bearing samples from the uppermost Lesser Himalayan sequence (LHS) yield metamorphic conditions of 650–675 °C and 9–13 kbar. Staurolite‐kyanite schists, about 30 m above the MCT, yield P‐T conditions near 650 °C, 8–10 kbar. Kyanite‐bearing migmatites from the Greater Himalayan sequence (GHS) yield pressures of 10–14 kbar at 750–800 °C. Top‐to‐the‐south shearing is synchronous with, and postdates peak metamorphic mineral growth.

Metamorphic monazite from a deformed and metamorphosed Proterozoic gneiss within the upper LHS yield U/Pb ages of 20–18 Ma. Staurolite‐kyanite schists within the GHS, a few metres above the MCT, yield monazite ages of c. 22 ± 1 Ma. We interpret these ages to reflect that prograde metamorphism and deformation within the Main Central Thrust Zone (MCTZ) was underway by c. 23 Ma. U/Pb crystallization ages of monazite and xenotime in a deformed kyanite‐bearing leucogranite and kyanite‐garnet migmatites about 2 km above the MCT suggest crystallization of partial melts at 18–16 Ma. Higher in the hanging wall, south‐verging shear bands filled with leucogranite and pegmatite yield U/Pb crystallization ages for monazite and xenotime of 14–15 Ma, and a 1–2 km thick leucogranite sill is 13.4 ± 0.2 Ma. Thus, metamorphism, plutonism and deformation within the GHS continued until at least 13 Ma. P‐T conditions at this time are estimated to be 500–600 °C and near 5 kbar. From these data we infer that the exhumation of the MCT zone from 35 to 45 km to around 18 km, occurred from 18 to 16 to c. 13 Ma, yielding an average exhumation rate of 3–9 mm year−1. This process of exhumation may reflect the ductile extrusion (by channel flow) of the MCTZ from between the overlying Tibetan Plateau and the underthrusting Indian plate, coupled with rapid erosion.