bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An outbreak of echovirus 13 meningitis in central Israel
Authors: SOMEKH E. , CESAR K. , HANDSHER R. , HANUKOGLU A. , DALAL I. , BALLIN A. , SHOHAT T.
Published: October 2003

Until recently, echovirus 13 has been a very rare cause of aseptic meningitis. We investigated an outbreak of echovirus 13 in central Israel during the summer of 2000 using a prospective case control study and a retrospective study. Echovirus 13 was isolated from 79 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens from different medical centres in central Israel. Patients' ages ranged from 10 days to 41 years (95% <15 years, M/F ratio 62/38). A total of 128 patients with clinical aseptic meningitis were admitted to the Department of Pediatrics during the outbreak (aged 10 days to 18 years, mean 5·4 years), and 58 CSF samples were processed for viral cultures. Thirty of them did not grow any virus, 26 samples yielded echovirus 13, and 2 samples echovirus 7. The clinical features of patients with echovirus 13 in the CSF were similar to those in whom no virus was isolated or those infected with other enteroviral strains except for higher rate of fever on admission, and prolonged time with fever following the diagnosis in the echovirus 13 patients. CSF cell count varied from 4 to 2333 cells\mm3 with polymorphonuclears (PMN) predominant in >90% of our patients. In a case–control study there was no significant difference between patients and matched controls with regard to parameters such as: day care attendance, recreation in summer camp, swimming pools and at the beach, and consumption of tap water. All the patients in our series recovered fully with no neurological abnormalities. The illness caused by echovirus 13 was benign and involved mainly patients younger than 15 year of age. Several features that characterized this outbreak include relatively high WBC in the blood and a prominent CSF PMN response.
A one-year study of campylobacter carriage by individual Danish broiler chickens as the basis for selection of Campylobacter spp. strains for a chicken infection model
Authors: BANG D. D. , NIELSEN E. M. , KNUDSEN K. , MADSEN M.
Published: October 2003

From February 1999 to February 2000, 1250 individual broiler chickens representing 125 broiler flocks originating from 62 broiler farms in Denmark were screened for campylobacter carriage. Every month, 10 flocks were tested for campylobacter carriage. The swabs were tested individually and as a pooled sample representing the flocks. Campylobacter spp. carriage was detected from 512 (40·9%) broiler chickens originating from 63 (50·4%) positive flocks. Campylobacter carriage by both individual chickens and flocks showed seasonal variation. Campylobacter jejuni was the dominant species (95·5%). Campylobacter isolates were typed using Penner heat-stable serotyping and flaA-typing methods. Data of campylobacter carriage by individual chickens and data generated by the use of different typing methods contributed to a better understanding of the dynamics of campylobacter infection within the broiler flocks. C. jejuni Penner heat-stable serotype HS2, flaA-type 1 was the most common type found in Danish broiler chickens.
A novel multiplex-PCR for the rapid identification of Mycobacterium bovis in clinical isolates of both veterinary and human origin
Authors: COBOS-MARÍN L. , MONTES-VARGAS J. , RIVERA-GUTIERREZ S. , LICEA-NAVARRO A. , GONZÁLEZ-Y-MERCHAND J. A. , ESTRADA-GARCÍA I.
Published: October 2003

Bovine tuberculosis is a zoonotic disease that not only causes huge economic losses but also poses an important risk for human infection. The definitive identification of a clinical isolate relies on time-consuming, highly specialized and laborious biochemical tests. We have developed a method for the rapid and reliable identification of Mycobacterium bovis and for its simultaneous differentiation from other members of the M. tuberculosis complex. Furthermore, the technique also allowed us to distinguish M. tuberculosis complex members from other Mycobacterial species. The method comprises both a single PCR and a multiplex-PCR and can be confidently applied to samples of both veterinary and human origin.
Encoding of both vertical and horizontal disparity in random-dot
stereograms by Wulst neurons of awake barn owls
Authors: NIEDER ANDREAS , WAGNER HERMANN
Published: October 2003

In binocular vision, the lateral displacement of the eyes gives
rise to both horizontal and vertical disparities between the
images projected onto the left and right retinae. While it is
well known that horizontal disparity is exploited by the binocular
visual system of birds and mammals to enable depth perception,
the role of vertical disparity is still largely unclear. In
this study, neuronal activity in the visual forebrain (visual
Wulst) of behaving barn owls to vertical disparity was
investigated. Single-unit responses to global random-dot
stereograms (RDS) were recorded with chronically implanted
electrodes and transmitted via radiotelemetry. Nearly
half of the cells investigated (44%, 16/36) varied the discharge
as a function of vertical disparity. Like horizontal-disparity
tuning profiles, vertical-disparity tuning curves typically
exhibited periodic modulation with side peaks flanking a prominent
main peak, and thus, could be fitted well with a Gabor function.
This indicates that tuning to vertical disparity was not caused
by disrupting horizontal-disparity tuning via vertical
stimulus offset, but by classical disparity detectors whose
orientation tuning was tilted. When tested with horizontal in
addition to vertical disparity, almost all cells investigated
(92%, 12/13) were tuned to both kinds of disparity. The emergence
of disparity detectors sensitive in two dimensions (horizontal
and vertical) is discussed within the framework of the disparity
energy model.
Responses in extrastriate cortex to optic flow during simulated
turns
Authors: SHERK HELEN , KIM JONG-NAM
Published: October 2003

An observer locomoting along a straight path sees a pattern
of optic flow in which images move approximately radially outward
from his heading point. If the observer turns, the optic flow
field changes markedly because each object's image now
has a component of horizontal motion added to its “optic
flow” motion. We tested the responses of 326 cells in
the cat's extrastriate area LS (lateral suprasylvian visual
area) to movies simulating the optic flow seen during locomotion
in a straight line, and during various simulated turns to the
left and right. About 60% of 326 cells tested responded to optic
flow simulating turns. Of most interest was a subset of cells,
15% of the total, that had “turn-selective” responses.
They responded significantly better to turns in a particular
direction (usually to the contralateral side) than to turns
in the opposite direction or to optic flow simulating
straight-ahead locomotion. For each cell, we generated a display
of fronto-parallel motion with a direction and speed that matched
the image motion in the preferred turn movie, as seen at the
receptive-field center. Most turn-selective cells responded
significantly better to their preferred turn movie than to this
fronto-parallel stimulus. We examined the role of cells'
selectivity for stimulus direction, speed, and acceleration
in determining cell preference for particular turns. Direction
preference played some role for most cells, but about a third
of the cells preferred turn movies that did not reflect their
direction selectivity. Other factors, including the presence
of opposing motion, only rarely appeared to determine cell
preferences for particular turn movies.
Experimental retinal detachment in the cone-dominant ground
squirrel retina: Morphology and basic immunocytochemistry
Authors: LINBERG KENNETH A. , SAKAI TSUTOMU , LEWIS GEOFFREY P. , FISHER STEVEN K.
Published: October 2003

The cellular responses of the cone-dominant ground squirrel
retina to retinal detachment were examined and compared to those
in rod-dominant species. Retinal detachments were made in
California ground squirrels. The retinas were prepared for light,
electron, and confocal microscopy. Tissue sections were labeled
with antibodies to cone opsins, rod opsin, glial fibrillary
acidic protein (GFAP), vimentin, synaptophysin, cytochrome oxidase,
and calbindin D 28K. Wax sections were probed with the MIB-1
antibody to detect proliferating cells. By 10 h postdetachment
many photoreceptor cells in the ground squirrel already show
structural signs of apoptosis. At 1 day many photoreceptors
have collapsed inner segments (IS), yet others still have short
stacks of outer segment discs. At 3 days there is a marked increase
in the number of dying photoreceptors. Rod and
medium-/long-wavelength opsins are redistributed in the cell
membrane to their synaptic terminals. At 7 days photoreceptor
cell death has slowed. Some regions of the outer nuclear layer
(ONL) have few photoreceptor somata. IS remnants are rare on
surviving photoreceptors. At 28 days these trends are even more
dramatic. Retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) cells do not expand
into the subretinal space. The outer limiting membrane (OLM)
appears flat and uninterrupted. Müller cells remain remarkably
unreactive; they show essentially no proliferation, only negligible
hypertrophy, and there is no increase in their expression of
GFAP or vimentin. Horizontal cells show no dendritic sprouting
in response to detachment. The speed and extent of photoreceptor
degeneration in response to detachment is greater in ground
squirrel than in cat retina—only a small number of rods
and cones survive at 28 days of detachment. Moreover, the almost
total lack of Müller cell and RPE reactivity in the ground
squirrel retina is a significant difference from results in
other species.
Gjert Kristoffersen (2000). The phonology of Norwegian. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Pp. xvi+366.
Authors: Rice Curt
Published: October 2003

The phonology of Norwegian is the ninth book in the Oxford University Press
series The Phonology of the World's Languages. With Kristoffersen's book,
nearly half of this series is devoted to studies of Germanic languages, in which
context his work supplements previous volumes on Dutch (Booij 1995),
German (Wiese 1996) and English (Hammond 1999). The phonology of Norwegian fits comfortably into this series and the author has been successful in
achieving his stated purpose of giving a thorough presentation of the phonological facts of Norwegian as well as offering analyses of many of those facts.
The phonology of Norwegian can be seen as supplanting Kristoffersen (1991), the
author's doctoral dissertation from the University of Tromsø, which has until
this point arguably been the most comprehensive discussion of Norwegian
phonology.
Recrudescence of sexual activity in a colony of the Mashona mole‐rat (Cryptomys darlingi): an apparent case of incest avoidance
Authors: Herbst M. , Bennett N. C.
Published: October 2003

Colonies of the Mashona mole‐rat Cryptomys darlingi are founded from a single reproductive pair of animals that are genetically unrelated by descent. All non‐reproductive animals are the progeny of the reproductive pair. Non‐reproductive colony members do not seem to be suppressed from reproduction at the level of the pituitary. In colonies in which the reproductive female is removed or dies, there is strict incest avoidance and the colony remains reproductively quiescent. Reinstatement of sexual activity in a queenless colony may be brought about in the laboratory by the introduction of unfamiliar and unrelated adult males. In the queenless colony under study, there was a marked change in the dominance hierarchy with an increase in Landau's index of linearity from 0.61 to 1.0 on the introduction of two unrelated males. The two new males became the most dominant within the colony. All previously non‐reproductive females exhibited heightened urinary oestradiol 17β and progesterone concentrations on the introduction of the males. However, it was only the older and most dominant non‐reproductive female that became the new reproductive female and produced a litter of three pups 70 days after the initial introduction.
Mortality of lambs in free‐ranging domestic sheep (Ovis aries) in northern Norway
Authors: Warren Jerry T. , Mysterud Ivar , Lynnebakken Torun
Published: October 2003

Domestic lamb mortality on an open forested and alpine summer range in the municipality of Målselv in northern Norway was investigated. Two hundred and fifty‐three lambs in four of the area's six flocks were randomly fitted with mortality transmitters and monitored throughout the summer grazing season from June to September. Total losses in the six flocks were 183 (22.9%) lambs and 20 (4.2%) ewes. The carcasses of 69 lambs, 36 of which had radio‐collars, and six ewes were recovered. Of the collared lambs, eight (22%) died as a result of disease and 27 (75%) were killed by predators. Implicated predators included red fox Vulpes vulpes, lynx Lynx lynx, golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos and wolverine Gulo gulo. Diseased animals included those diagnosed with pasteurellosis, disrupted intestinal functions and advanced coccidiosis. The remains of one lamb were too decomposed for necropsy, though there was no evidence that it had been attacked by a predator. Factors associated with losses were identified using logistic regression. Age of lamb at time of release on the summer range and age of dam were statistically associated with lamb losses (P<0.05). Mortality was higher among older lambs and those of year‐old ewes. Parameters commonly associated with lamb size and growth were not statistically associated with mortality. The negative association between lamb mortality and age of dam may be related to the quality of maternal care provided by ewes of different ages, particularly vigilance in the habitat of predators. Similarly, the positive association between mortality and age of lamb may be related to changing lamb behaviour, specifically increased distance from ewe, as lambs grow older and more independent. Predators, when present, are a major cause of mortality in free‐ranging lambs, as in most wild ungulates.
Facial growth and the ontogeny of morphological variation within and between the primatesCebus apellaandCercocebus torquatus
Authors: O'Higgins Paul , Chadfield Pippa , Jones Nicholas
Published: October 2003

Differences in facial skeletal form arise in part through differences in growth and in part through differences in embryonic patterning and proportioning. This study examines post‐natal facial growth, sexual dimorphism and adult differences within and between two primate species:Cebus apellaandCercocebus torquatus. The species were chosen because they are phylogenetically distant yet present roughly similar adult morphologies. The comparison of ontogenetic, sexual and phylogenetic differences between these species illuminates the relationship between pre‐natal proportioning, growth, sexual dimorphism and evolutionary change in the facial skeleton.

The quantitative analytical methods used in this study are taken from the geometric morphometric toolkit. Additionally, facial growth is examined through scanning electron microscope studies of bone growth remodelling. The main findings are that adult sexual dimorphism differs markedly between the studied species. In both species, however, it arises through extension in males relative to females of a common size–shape growth trajectory plus late divergence of growth between the sexes. This similarity contrasts with the findings that growth remodelling in the facial skeleton and size‐related shape changes in the face of each species differ. Thus, variations in facial form between species seem to be the result of pre‐natally established differences in form plus post‐natal growth divergence, whilst the different sexual dimorphisms of these species arise through the action of similar growth processes on divergent growth trajectories. The implications of these findings for the interpretation of adult variations in facial form and growth are considered.
Jumping spiders (Araneae: Salticidae) that feed on nectar
Authors: Jackson Robert R. , Pollard Simon D. , Nelson Ximena J. , Edwards G. B. , Barrion Alberto T.
Published: October 2003

Nectivory was studied in 90 species from the spider family Salticidae. Observations of 31 of these species feeding on nectar from flowers in nature was the impetus for laboratory tests in which all 90 species fed from flowers. That sugar, not just water, is relevant to salticids was implied by choice tests where salticids spent more time drinking from a simulated nectar source (30% sucrose solution) than from distilled water. Our findings suggest that nectar feeding may be widespread, if not routine, in salticid spiders.
Taxonomy, biogeography and phylogeny of the non‐lacustrine African freshwater snails belonging to the generaCeratophallusandAfrogyrus(Mollusca: Planorbidae)
Authors: Brown David S.
Published: October 2003

The commonly reported freshwater snailCeratophallus natalensis(Krauss) (Planorbidae) of eastern and southern Africa is shown here to be a composite taxon comprising at least three species. The species ofCeratophallusare found only in Africa and some Indian Ocean islands; they are distinguished by the structure of the penis, which is chitinized internally and may bear microspination.Ceratophallus natalensis(Krauss) has been often recorded as common in pools and marshes. According to observations on the genital organs reported here, this taxon comprises three species,C. natalensis,C. gibbonsi(Nelson) comb. nov. andC. yesimitsp. nov. No clear‐cut conchological differences among them were evident. Anatomical observations were made on snails from 398 collectors' samples, providing many new locality records for this genus (details in Appendix).Ceratophallus natalensisandC. gibbonsiare widespread from Ethiopia to South Africa, whereasC. yesimitis known only from the Ethiopian Rift Valley. Thoughnatalensisandgibbonsiare partly sympatric, the latter is associated with fully tropical climatic areas and comparatively permanent waterbodies, whereasnatalensisis commonest in cooler areas and is abundant in seasonal rain pools. This study showed the penis ofCeratophallusto be stiffened by internal chitinous bands that apparently are unique in the Planorbidae and perhaps for all pulmonate molluscs. It is suggested that the microspinous penis ofC. natalensismay be adapted to the function of sperm displacement. The chromosome number 2n=36 was observed forC. natalensis. Comparative data are given forAfrogyrus coretus(de Blainville) (Planorbidae), which in part of its range is sympatric withCeratophallusand has a similar shell, but differs in having an external penial stylet. Although both groups are found only in the Afrotropical Region, they apparently differ in biogeographical history and phylogeny. In a cladogram where the first apomorphy is external chitinization of the penis,Afrogyrusis allied toGyraulus, whereasCeratophallusis more closely related toPlanorbis.
Metabolic responses to food deprivation in two limpets with different foraging regimes, revealed by recording of cardiac activity
Authors: Santini Giacomo , Bianchi Tommaso , Chelazzi Guido
Published: October 2003

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of food deprivation on the cardiac activity of two Mediterranean limpets, the exploiter Patella caerulea and the conserver P. rustica, which have different foraging regimes. Heart rate variations were monitored in the two species according to two experimental protocols: (1) starvation/recovery, during which limpets were starved for up to 15 days and then allowed to feed on boulders covered with microalgae; (2) starvation/forced feeding, during which specimens were starved for 11 days and then fed orally with a test (30 mg/ml glucose) or control solution. Increasing starvation time was associated with a significant decline of heartbeat frequency in both species. The decline was comparable in the two species, but heartbeat frequencies in P. rustica were always significantly lower than in P. caerulea. When the limpets were allowed to feed on natural substrates, a rapid increase in heart rate was observed, with frequencies slightly higher than those measured at the beginning of the experiment. No significant difference in heart rate was observed between the two species. Similarly, both in P. caerulea and P. rustica forced feeding caused a recovery of heart rate to pre‐treatment levels. The results are consistent with previous findings on the metabolic consequences of food deprivation in gastropods and demonstrate the ability of both species to depress their heart rate when faced with a food shortage. Moreover, a greater regulative ability was observed in P. rustica than in P. caerulea, confirming their status as conserver and exploiter, respectively.
Temporal distribution and composition of the ichthyoplankton from Leopoldo's Inlet on the Upper Paraná River floodplain (Brazil)
Authors: de Castro Reinaldo José , Nakatani Keshiyu , Bialetzki Andréa , Sanches Paulo Vanderlei , Baumgartner Gilmar
Published: October 2003

Temporal distribution and composition of ichthyoplankton and their relationships with some environmental variables of Leopoldo's Inlet (Ressaco do Leopoldo) on the upper Paraná River floodplain, southern Brazil, were analysed. Samples were taken from February 1991 to February 1992, and 3480 larvae were collected. The highest density of larvae was observed in November 1991 (36.79 larvae/10 m3) at night (night/day ratio 7: 1). Species composition showed a predominance of Characiformes (80%). There was a high density (4.28 larvae/10 m3) of Bryconamericus stramineus throughout almost the whole study period. The majority of the species were more frequently collected at night. Pearson's correlation indicated a relationship between larval density, temperature, and pluviometric index. Leopoldo's Inlet, whose ichthyofauna is mainly composed of grazing and resident species, shows favourable conditions for fish reproduction and development.
Long‐term anhydrobiotic survival in semi‐terrestrial micrometazoans
Authors: Guidetti Roberto , Jönsson K. Ingemar
Published: October 2003

This study represents the first systematic investigation of long‐term anhydrobiotic survival in tardigrades, rotifers and nematodes inhabiting mosses and lichens. Sixty‐three different samples from public and private collections, kept dry for 9–138 years, were examined. Rotifers of the genus Mniobia and the eutardigrade Ramazzottius oberhaeuseri (hatched from eggs) were found alive from one of the samples (9 years old). These observations represent the longest record for rotifers in the anhydrobiotic state. For tardigrades, our results confirm previous reports on the upper limit of anhydrobiotic survival under atmospheric oxygen conditions. This study suggests the possibility that tardigrade eggs are able to withstand longer periods in anhydrobiosis than animals. Some problems related to the evaluation of long‐term anhydrobiotic survival, such as contamination and chemical treatments of samples, are reported. The possible role of the microenvironment in which the anhydrobiotic animals are kept is discussed.
Selection of roost sites by the lesser long‐eared bat (Nyctophilus geoffroyi) and Gould's wattled bat (Chalinolobus gouldii) in south‐eastern Australia
Authors: Lumsden L. F. , Bennett A. F. , Silins J. E.
Published: October 2003

Physical characteristics of roost sites used by the lesser long‐eared batNyctophilus geoffroyiand Gould's wattled batChalinolobus gouldiiwere investigated in a farmland–remnant vegetation mosaic and adjacent forested floodplain in south‐eastern Australia. A total of 45 individuals ofN. geoffroyiand 27C. gouldiiwere fitted with radio‐transmitters, resulting in the location of 139 and 89 roosts, respectively. MaleN. geoffroyiroosted in trees, fallen and decayed timber and artificial structures. These roosts were low to the ground, mainly under bark and in cracks in timber. Roosts of femaleN. geoffroyiwere located higher above ground, and all within trees. Maternity roosts were predominantly located in large dead trees, approximately twice the diameter of roost trees used by females outside the breeding season. No maternity roosts were found under bark, despite half the roosts used by non‐breeding females being located in these situations. Both sexes roosted primarily in dead timber and used cavities where the narrowest dimension of the entrance was 2.5 cm. Most roosts ofC. gouldiiwere in dead spouts on large, live river red gumEucalyptus camaldulensistrees. Intraspecific differences in roost characteristics were less pronounced for this species. Despite access to the same roosting opportunities, there were marked differences in roost selection betweenN. geoffroyiandC. gouldii. Both species favoured large diameter trees, but differed significantly for all other measured variables: type of roost structure, condition of roost tree (live or dead), height of roost tree, height of roost, and entrance dimensions. Although these species are among the most widespread bats in Australia and are often considered to be habitat ‘generalists’, both displayed a high level of discrimination in the roosts used. Clearly, roosting requirements are a complex and important issue in the conservation of even the most common species of bats.
Freshwater snails on Mafia Island, Tanzania with special emphasis upon the genus Bulinus (Gastropoda: Planorbidae)
Authors: Stothard J. Russell , Loxton Nicola J. , Rollinson David
Published: October 2003

A survey of freshwater snails on Mafia Island has been conducted that mapped the distribution and, by using a timed searching strategy, documented the relative levels of abundance of species. Twenty‐five freshwater habitats around the island were surveyed; snails were found in 15 sites (60%). From the total number of snails collected (n=240), prosobranchs (59%) outnumbered pulmonates (41%). Potential intermediate hosts of urinary schistosomiasis were encountered and these Bulinus species were further characterized by analysis of six enzyme systems (GPI, PGM, MDH, HBDH, GDH & AcP), by inspection of DNA sequence variation within mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase sub‐unit I (COI) and nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS). Three species of Bulinus were found: a single B. africanus group taxon, B. nasutus, and two B. forskalii group taxa, B. forskalii and a species presently identified as Bulinus sp. in this paper. The genera Pila, Lanistes and Bulinus were widespread across the island and dominated the fauna. The remaining taxa were found in lower numbers and often only at single sites. Three prosobranchs: Lanistes purpureus, Pila ovata and Melanoides tuberculata were found. In addition to Bulinus, the pulmonates included a small discoidal planorbid (?)Ceratophallus and an ancylid (a freshwater limpet). The factors that shape the dispersal and distribution of molluscs on Mafia were considered. Water chemistry could be an important variable as both pH (mean 6.37±0.99 SD) and conductivity (mean μS=149±135 SD) were significantly different from similar habitats on neighbouring Zanzibar Island (P<0.001). The Mafian fauna is clearly associated with that of mainland Africa and Madagascar.
Altruistic sperm donation in a sperm‐dependent parthenogenetic hermaphrodite is stabilized by reciprocal sperm exchange
Authors: Michiels Nico K. , Kuhl Aline
Published: October 2003

Sperm‐dependent parthenogenetic animals require sperm from an ‘altruistic’ mate in order to trigger embryogenesis, but without genetic contribution from the sperm donor. The stability of sperm donation is puzzling, particularly in populations that consist of sperm‐dependent parthenogenetic hermaphrodites. Here, selection should favour total reduction of the male function, which would lead to population extinction. We investigated mating behaviour in a population of the sperm‐dependent parthenogenetic, hermaphroditic flatworm Schmidtea polychroa. In this species, parthenogens possess a fully functional male reproductive system. We predicted that individuals should trade sperm and hence, only donate when receiving sperm from their partner. Results from 54 pairs indicate that conditional reciprocity is common, possibly even more so than in previously studied sexual conspecifics. In contrast to sexuals, however, parthenogens do not increase allocation to sperm with body size. Taken together, the data indicate that in order to receive sperm and ensure full maternal fertility, parthenogenetic S. polychroa must be able to produce and donate a minimum of self‐sperm. As such, sperm trading contributes to the stability of apparently ‘altruistic’ sperm donation. This study is also the first convincing example of sperm trading in internally fertilizing hermaphrodites with a strong preference for the female role.
Physical structure of epishelf lakes of the southern Bunger Hills,
East Antarctica
Authors: GIBSON JOHN A.E. , ANDERSEN DALE T.
Published: October 2003

Epishelf lakes, positioned between ice-free areas and floating ice shelves or glaciers, are unusual
tidal, but largely freshwater, environments found in both the Arctic and the Antarctic. The greatest
concentration of these lakes is in the Bunger Hills, East Antarctica (66°S, 100°E). We present and discuss
temperature and salinity profiles for five epishelf lakes from this region, most of which show unusual
properties. White Smoke Lake is fresh and cold (<0.1°C) throughout; Lake Pol’anskogo has two basins, one
fresh and cold, the other saline and warm; ‘Southern’ Lake is cold and saline at depth; Transkriptsii Gulf has
a deep, warm saline layer; and ‘Northern’ Lake is relatively warm throughout. The structures of these lakes
can be explained in terms of a simple model in which the isolated saline water evident in three of the lakes
entered the basins through the connection to the marine waters during periods of reduced freshwater input.
By dating these marine incursions, periods of reduced melt, presumably due to colder temperatures, can be
determined.
A new ichnogenus Catenarichnus from the Devonian of the Ohio
Range, Antarctica
Authors: BRADSHAW MARGARET A.
Published: October 2003

The Horlick Formation is a fossiliferous, predominantly
marine succession of interbedded sandstone and mudstone
that crops out along a prominent escarpment in the Ohio
Range. The formation buries a relatively level wave-cut
platform eroded across a basement granitoid, and is
nowhere more than 56 m thick due to subsequent
Permo–Carboniferous glacial erosion.

The sediments have been described in terms of nine
lithofacies (Bradshaw & McCartan 1983, McCartan &
Bradshaw 1987), that were renamed in conjunction with the
establishment of six ichnocoenoses (Bradshaw et al. 2002).
An abundant but relatively limited shelly fauna was
described by Doumani et al. 1965 and Bradshaw &
McCartan 1991.

The six ichnocoenoses within the Horlick Formation have
been used in palaeoenvironmental interpretations
(Bradshaw et al. 2002). Catenarichnus is an important
element and name bearer for one of these ichnocoenoses.
Detailed descriptions of the remaining ichnofauna will be
described in a separate paper.
“THERE WERE GIANTS IN THOSE DAYS”
Authors: Flannery Kent V.
Published: October 2003

On January 16, 2001, on a gravel road in the Maya Mountains
of Belize, one of archaeology's most prolific and colorful
superstars was fatally injured in the crash of his rental car.
Having endured for 82 years despite cancer, heart attacks, a
near-drowning, and double bypass surgery, the seemingly
indestructible “Scotty” MacNeish was taken from
us by accident. Had he lasted 102 years, I would still consider
his death premature.
Asymptotics beyond all orders and Stokes lines in nonlinear differential-difference equations
Authors: KING J. R. , CHAPMAN S. J.
Published: October 2003

A technique for calculating exponentially small terms beyond all orders in singularly perturbed
difference equations is presented. The approach is based on the application of a WKBJ-type
ansatz to the late terms in the naive asymptotic expansion and the identification of Stokes
lines, and is closely related to the well-known Stokes line smoothing phenomenon in linear
ordinary differential equations. The method is illustrated by application to examples and the
results extended to time-dependent differential-difference problems.
Modelling the interactions between tumour cells
and a blood vessel in a microenvironment within
a vascular tumour
Authors: BREWARD C. J. W. , BYRNE H. M. , LEWIS C. E.
Published: October 2003

In this paper, we develop a mathematical model to describe interactions between tumour cells
and a compliant blood vessel that supplies oxygen to the region. We assume that, in addition
to proliferating, the tumour cells die through apoptosis and necrosis. We also assume that
pressure differences within the tumour mass, caused by spatial variations in proliferation and
degradation, cause cell motion. We couple the behaviour of the blood vessel into the model for
the oxygen tension. The model equations track the evolution of the densities of live and dead
cells, the oxygen tension within the tumour, the live and dead cell speeds, the pressure and the
width of the blood vessel. We present explicit solutions to the model for certain parameter
regimes, and then solve the model numerically for more general parameter regimes. We show
how the resulting steady-state behaviour varies as the key model parameters are changed.
Finally, we discuss the biological implications of our work.
How to look busy while being as lazy as ever: the Implementation of a lazy functional debugger
Authors: NILSSON HENRIK
Published: October 2003

This article describes the implementation of a debugger for lazy functional languages like
Haskell. The key idea is to construct a declarative trace which hides the operational details of
lazy evaluation. However, to avoid excessive memory consumption, the trace is constructed
one piece at a time, as needed during a debugging session, by automatic re-execution of the
program being debugged. The article gives a fairly detailed account of both the underlying
ideas and of our implementation, and also presents performance figures which demonstrate
the feasibility of the approach.
23 System Functions
Authors: PEYTON JONES SIMON
Published: October 2003

System Functions  223
Burning Instruments: From Diocles to Ibn Sahl
Authors: Bellosta Hélèna
Published: October 2003

R. Rashed, Géométrie et dioptrique au Xesiècle, Ibn Sahl, al-Qūhī et Ibn al-Haytham (Paris, Les Belles Lettres, 1993); OEuvres philosophiques et scientifiques d'al Kindī, vol. I: L'Optique et la catoptrique (Leiden, E.J. Brill, 1997); Les Catoptriciens grecs (Paris, Les Belles Lettres, 2000).
Négation, Interrogation et Alternance Indicatif–Subjonctif
Authors: Abouda Lotfi
Published: October 2003

Cet article étudie l'alternance modale indicatif–subjonctif dans les complétives dépendantes d'un verbe d'opinion employé négativement ou interrogativement.

L'hypothèse défendue ici consiste à expliquer la sélection modale dans ce contexte comme le résultat d'un phénomène d'accord entre deux paquets de traits – sémantiques – dont l'un serait porté par l'élément gouvernant la complétive, et l'autre serait porté par la tête fonctionnelle de la complétive.

Or ce phénomène d'accord est en grande partie syntaxique. En effet, non seulement les traits sémantiques responsables de la sélection modale doivent obligatoirement être assignés à des têtes syntaxiques, mais en plus, l'héritage des traits en question doit obligatoirement suivre des chemins syntaxiques précis, i.e. qui relèvent de la complémentation.
Estimates of the genetic variability in a natural population of Bare-faced Curassow Crax fasciolata (Aves, Galliformes, Cracidae)
Authors: Pereira Sérgio Luiz , Wajntal Anita
Published: October 2003

Most of Brazil's electricity is generated by hydroelectric power plants that require the flooding of huge areas and affect the stability of local ecosystems. The area of the Porto Primavera power dam was flooded in 1998 and a rescue programme was executed to save the fauna sheltering on treetops or emerging islands. Using DNA fingerprinting we estimated the genetic variability in a sample of 23 Bare-faced Curassow Crax fasciolata rescued in this area and found that the mean heterozygosity was H=0.89. Although similar data on other natural populations of cracids is not available, the mean heterozygosity observed in the present sample is in the range found for free-living populations of two species of reintroduced cracids whose origin was captive breeding of a limited number of founders. We suggest that a collaborative captive breeding and reintroduction programme between the facilities holding the birds caught at Porto Primavera should start immediately to avoid the loss of genetic variability due to the small number of founders in captivity. Habitat protection, responsibility in fauna management and measures that prevent or correct the isolation of habitat fragments are needed to establish an equilibrium between progress and conservation in developing countries.
Birds and the Convention on Biological Diversity: can ornithologists and bird conservationists make a difference?
Authors: Herkenrath Peter
Published: October 2003

Upon its adoption in 1992, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was greeted with enthusiasm by the conservation community including bird conservationists. Nine years after its entry into force in 1993, the CBD still has to live up to the original high expectations if it is to halt, or even slow, the loss of biodiversity at the ecosystem, species and genetic level. Among the reasons for this shortcoming, the rather vague nature of obligations for the 182 governments who have ratified the Convention is probably the most important. National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) form the most significant instrument for the implementation of the CBD. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is supporting the NBSAPs financially, as well as local, national and regional projects, many of which are relevant for bird conservation. Being the best-researched animal taxa, birds could serve relatively easily as indicators for the success of efforts under the Convention. Some cases, where ornithological data are being used within NBSAPs and related processes, are highlighted. From the early stages of planning, bird surveyors should take the potential use of their results by decision-makers into account. For ensuring that survey data are fed into NBSAPs and other similar policy documents, a strong collaboration of ornithologists and birdwatchers with non-governmental conservation organizations is recommended.
Recent releases of plainchant
Authors: Weber Jerome F.
Published: October 2003

This year has brought new issues from several long-time contributors to the chant discography. Ranking with the abbey of Solesmes in sheer quantity of chant recordings is Schola Hungarica, whose new disc is titled ‘The Holy Lady of Chartres’ (no. 1 in the list below). Although this is not billed ‘Magyar Gregorianum’ as the last entry was (2001, no. 10), it does in fact include an Office originating in Chartres that is preserved only in Hungary. Matins responsories for the common of the Blessed Virgin include three responsories attributed to Fulbert of Chartres (two of which were recorded by Ensemble Venance Fortunat, 1993, no. 18, since reissued as L'Empreinte Digitale ED 13036). The third responsory, Ad nutum Domini, receives its first chant recording here. This is a set of Matins responsories in numerical modal order. Despite the neat fit of Fulbert's three pieces with the rest, the notes decline to assert that this integral set of responsories originated at Chartres. Masses for Purification and Assumption from two Chartres sources, Provins 12 and Chartres 520, fill out the disc.
Recent releases of plainchant
Authors: Weber Jerome F.
Published: October 2003

In the century of recorded interpretation of Gregorian chant, the introduction of a new choir director at the abbey of Solesmes might be considered a moment of the highest importance, though the event seems not to have been reported widely. After all, we have heard only Dom André Mocquereau in 1904 (admittedly directing French seminarians in Rome), Dom Joseph Gajard from 1930 to 1971, and Dom Jean Claire from 1972 to 1996. The début of Dom Richard Gagné as choirmaster is marked by a pairing of two feast-day Propers (no. 1 in the list below), followed by a collection of popular chants from Liber Cantualis (no. 2). It would take a sharp eye to notice on Dom Claire's last recording (1997, no. 1) that Dom Gagné was listed as assistant to Dom Claire. If Dom Claire's interpretations were lighter and quicker than Dom Gajard's, it may be equally true that Dom Gagné is still lighter and quicker. The familiar sound of the monks has not changed much, though Jean Allard, the engineer who has recorded all of the Solesmes discs (and those of several other monasteries as well) since the Decca era, has been succeeded by Igor Kirkwood, a familiar engineering presence on French recordings.
THYROID HORMONES IN FETAL CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT
Authors: CHAN SHIAO , ROVET JOANNE
Published: October 2003

Thyroid hormones are important for normal development of the human central nervous system (CNS). It is well established in children with congenital hypothyroidism that neonatal thyroid hormone deficiency significantly impairs subsequent neurodevelopment. In these children, the period of thyroid hormone insufficiency, which can begin in utero and extend until thyroid status is restored to normal in the neonatal period, determines the severity and type of defect manifested. While prompt and optimal thyroid hormone supplementation, following newborn screening is associated with far improved outcome and near normal development, subtle specific neurodevelopmental differences are still detectable compared to euthyroid controls. Because the particular impairments reflect the exact period of thyroid hormone insufficiency postnatally, as well as during gestation, this implies that brain development is not only thyroid hormone dependent in the neonatal period, but also prior to birth.
MECHANISMS UNDERLYING MYOMETRIAL QUIESCENCE DURING PREGNANCY
Authors: CARVAJAL JORGE A , WEINER CARL P
Published: October 2003

The length of mammalian pregnancy is tightly regulated to assure the delivery of a newborn mature enough to survive the extra-uterine environment. A successful pregnancy requires near complete relaxation of the uterus for more than ninety-five percent of gestation, overcoming the inherent tendency of the myometrium to contract with stretch. This active and highly regulated process is called myometrial quiescence. It requires not only the near absence of myometrial contractions, but also its refractoriness to contractile agents.
Amniotic fluid embolism
Authors: Hankins Gary DV , Clark Steven Leigh
Published: October 2003

Attwood traces the earliest possible description of a case of amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) to 1825. The next case was described by Meyer some 101 years later. Not until 1941 was this obstetric catastrophe recognised as constituting a true syndrome with its own clinical and pathological characteristics. Any combination of sudden and profound shock, dyspnoea, cyanosis, apprehension, seizures, and the failure of rapid blood coagulation may herald the clinical onset of an AFE. Liban was the first to report the detection of squamous cells throughout the systemic circulation, an observation which was not explained at the time. Many have commented upon the ominous fetal heart pattern that almost invariably accompanies AFE if the fetus is in-utero at the time of the embolus.
Effects of the addition of glutathione during maturation on in vitro fertilisation of prepubertal goat oocytes
Authors: Mayor P. , López-Béjar M. , Rodríguez-González E. , Paramio M.T.
Published: October 2003

Glutathione (γ-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine; GSH) is a ubiquitous intracellular free thiol that improves development of the male pronucleus at fertilisation and has also been implicated in promoting the development of preimplantation embryos. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of adding GSH or cysteine to the in vitro maturation medium on intracellular GSH amounts after in vitro maturation and fertilisation of prepubertal goat oocytes. Oocytes were matured in TCM199 medium supplemented with 10% bovine fetal serum, 1 mg/ml 17β-estradiol, 10 μg/ml o-FSH, 10 μg/ml LH and 50 mg/ml gentamicin. In vitro maturation medium was completed with two independent treatments: GSH at different concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.50 and 1.00 mM) and L-cysteine at different concentrations (0, 150, 300, 600 and 900 μM). After 27 h of culture at 38.5 °C in 5% CO2 in air, the nuclear stage was evaluated. Simultaneously, another sample of oocytes was frozen and the intracellular GSH level was evaluated with spectrophotometric methodology. Oocytes were inseminated with fresh semen (2-3 × 106 sperm/ml) in TALP medium supplemented with 1 mg/ml hypotaurine. Oocytes were fixed at 20 h post-insemination to evaluate the in vitro fertilisation. Oocytes matured in 1.00 mM GSH-supplemented medium exhibited higher amounts of intracellular GSH (3.23 pmol per oocyte). The percentage of normal fertilisation (17-27%) was similar for the treatment groups. In conclusion, the addition of 1.00 mM GSH to the maturation medium could be a useful method for increasing the intracellular GSH levels of prepubertal goat oocytes. However, this increase was not associated with a higher normal fertilisation rate of prepubertal goat oocytes.
Genetic expression of monocarboxylate transporters during human and murine oocyte maturation and early embryonic development
Authors: Hérubel François , El Mouatassim Saïd , Guérin Pierre , Frydman René , Ménézo Yves
Published: October 2003

During the early preimplantation stages of human embryos, pyruvate and lactate, but not glucose, are the preferred energy substrates. Transport of these monocarboxylates is mediated, in mammalian cells, by a family of transporters, designated as monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs). Human and mouse genetic expression of MCT members 1, 2, 3, 4 and basigin, a chaperone protein of MCT1 and MCT4, was qualitatively analysed using the reverse transcription nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-nested PCR) in immature oocytes (germinal vesicle stage; GV), in non-fertilised metaphase II (MII) oocytes and in embryos from 2-cell stage to blastocysts. Transcripts encoding for MCT1 and MCT2 were present, under a polyadenylated form, in the majority of the human and mouse oocytes and early embryos. MCT3 transcripts were not detected in either human or mouse. MCT4 mRNA was not detected in human oocytes and embryos, but was present in mouse oocytes and embryos. This fact could imply differences in lactate transport and regulation of intracellular pH between human and murine early embryos. Basigin transcripts were present in mouse and human MII oocytes and preimplantation embryos, but were not detected at GV stage. However, using 3' end-specific primers in the RT reaction instead of Oligo(dT)12-18 primers, transcripts encoding for this protein were then detected at GV stage in both species. This result suggests that a regulated polyadenylation process occurs during oocyte maturation for these transcripts. Thus, basigin mRNA can be considered as a marker of oocyte cytoplasmic maturation in human and mouse species.