bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complex alternative processing of human cytomegalovirus UL37 pre-mRNA
Authors: Adair Richard , Liebisch Gregory W. , Colberg-Poley Anamaris M.
Published: November 2003

Differentially processed human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) UL37 RNAs encode biologically significant proteins. Due to the recent discovery of alternative UL37 exon 3 (UL37x3) splice donors, permissively infected cells were thoroughly examined for additional alternatively spliced UL37 RNAs. Newly described donors within UL37 exon 1 (nt 52520) and intron 1 (nt 52209) as well as UL37x3 di (nt 50770) and dii (nt 50782) were differentially spliced to known downstream UL37 acceptors. The alternatively spliced UL37S, UL37L, UL37di and UL37dii RNAs predictably encode proteins of 83, 163, 217 and 213 residues, respectively, which share UL37x1 N-terminal sequences but differ downstream in their C termini. Moreover, temporal expression of the alternatively spliced UL37 RNAs differs during HCMV infection. The complexity of UL37 pre-mRNA processing is evidenced by the detection of 11 UL37 spliced and unspliced UL37x1 RNAs in HCMV-infected cells. Based upon these data, a revised HCMV UL37 gene map is presented, which incorporates all RNA species detected during permissive infection.
Characterization of Cestrum yellow leaf curling virus: a new member of the family Caulimoviridae
Authors: Stavolone Livia , Ragozzino Antonio , Hohn Thomas
Published: November 2003

Cestrum yellow leaf curling virus(CmYLCV) has been characterized as the aetiological agent of theCestrum parquimosaic disease. The virus genome was cloned and the clone was proven to be infectious toC.parqui. The presence of typical viroplasms in virus-infected plant tissue and the information obtained from the complete genomic sequence confirmed CmYLCV as a member of theCaulimoviridaefamily. All characteristic domains conserved in plant pararetroviruses were found in CmYLCV. Its genome is 8253 bp long and contains seven open reading frames (ORFs). Phylogenetic analysis of the relationships with other members of theCaulimoviridaerevealed that CmYLCV is closely related to theSoybean chlorotic mottle virus(SbCMV)-like genus and particularly to SbCMV. However, in contrast to the other members of this genus, the primer-binding site is located in the intercistronic region following ORF Ib rather than within this ORF, and an ORF corresponding to ORF VII is missing.
Murine pneumotropic virus VP1 virus-like particles (VLPs) bind to several cell types independent of sialic acid residues and do not serologically cross react with murine polyomavirus VP1 VLPs
Authors: Tegerstedt K. , Andreasson K. , Vlastos A. , Hedlund K. O. , Dalianis T. , Ramqvist T.
Published: November 2003

The ability of murine pneumotropic virus (MPtV) major capsid protein VP1 to form virus-like particles (VLPs) was examined. MPtV-VLPs obtained were used to estimate the potential of MPtV to attach to different cells and to assess some characteristics of the MPtV cell receptor. Furthermore, to evaluate if MPtV-VLPs could potentially complement murine polyomavirus (MPyV) VP1 VLPs (MPyV-VLPs) as vectors for prime–boost gene therapy, the capability of MPtV-VLPs to serologically cross react with MPyV-VLPs and to transduce DNA into cells was examined. MPtV VP1 obtained in a recombinant baculovirus system formed MPtV-VLPs readily. MPtV-VLPs were shown by FACS analysis to bind to different cells, independent of MHC class I antigen expression. In addition, MPtV-VLPs did not cause haemagglutination of red blood cells and MPtV-VLP binding to cells was neuraminidase resistant but mostly trypsin and papain sensitive, indicating that the MPtV receptor lacks sialic acid components. When tested by ELISA and in vivo neutralization assays, MPtV-VLPs did not serologically cross react with MPyV-VLPs, suggesting that MPtV-VLPs and MPyV-VLPs could potentially be interchanged as carriers of DNA in repeated gene therapy. Finally, MPtV-VLPs were shown to transduce foreign DNA in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, the data suggest that MPtV-VLPs, and possibly also MPtV, bind to several different cell types, that binding is neuraminidase resistant and that MPtV-VLPs should potentially be able to complement MPyV-VLPs for prime–boost gene transfer in vivo.
Adenovirus vector library: an approach to the discovery of gene and protein function
Authors: McVey Duncan , Zuber Mohammed , Brough Douglas E. , Kovesdi Imre
Published: November 2003

A method was developed to generate a complex cDNA expression library within an adenovirus type 5 (Ad5)-based vector backbone, termed AdLibrary. Construction of the AdLibrary entailed the conversion of an Ad5 genome-containing cosmid to infectious virus particles. The Ad5 genome was modified by replacing the E1A and E1B genes with a Rous sarcoma virus-driven expression cassette. Conversion was accomplished by liberating the viral genome by restriction enzyme digestion and transfection in HEK 293 cells, which support the growth of E1A/E1B-deficient virus. A test AdLibrary demonstrated the possibility of converting and identifying a marker gene present at a frequency of 1/105 in the cosmid library. To demonstrate the utility of this technology, an AdLibrary was used to isolate a viral gene by its biological function. Virus growth was selected for with an AdLibrary on A549 cells, which do not complement for E1A/E1B function. The AdLibrary was generated with cDNAs derived from HeLa cells productively infected with Ad5. A cDNA corresponding to Ad5 E1A 13S was selected and isolated from the AdLibrary using this strategy. Since multiple genes are assayed simultaneously, this technology should expedite the discovery of genes affecting defined biological activities. This AdLibrary approach provides an opportunity to exploit the efficient gene delivery capabilities of adenovirus vectors for the rapid discovery of gene and protein function.
A novel poxvirus lethal to red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris)
Authors: Thomas Kathryn , Tompkins Daniel M. , Sainsbury Anthony W. , Wood Ann R. , Dalziel Robert , Nettleton Peter F. , McInnes Colin J.
Published: November 2003

A parapoxvirus has been implicated in the decline of the red squirrel in the United Kingdom. Virus was isolated from an outbreak of lethal disease in red squirrels in the north-east of England. Experimental infection of captive-bred red squirrels confirmed that this virus was the cause of the severe skin lesions observed. Electron microscopic examination of the virus showed that it had a morphology typical of parapoxviruses whilst preliminary sequence data suggested a genomic G+C composition of approximately 66 %, again similar to that found in other parapoxviruses. However Southern hybridization analysis failed to detect three known parapoxvirus genes, two of which have been found so far only in the genus Parapoxvirus. Comparative sequence analysis of two other genes, conserved across the eight recognized chordopoxvirus genera, suggests that the squirrel virus represents a previously unrecognized genus of the Chordopoxviridae.
Independent expression of Rep and RepA and their roles in regulating bean yellow dwarf virus replication
Authors: Hefferon Kathleen L. , Dugdale Ben
Published: November 2003

Bean yellow dwarf virus (BeYDV) is a mastrevirus specific for dicotyledenous hosts. It contains four ORFs encoding a movement protein, a coat protein, and two Rep gene products, Rep and RepA, which are encoded by two overlapping ORFs. In this study, the roles of Rep and RepA in regulating replication of the BeYDV-based replicon were investigated by uncoupling them and placing Rep and RepA each under constitutive promoter control. Constitutive expression of both Rep and RepA supported replication and enhanced gene expression. When a reporter plasmid containing the Rep gene in the context of its native promoter was supplemented with additional Rep protein, replication was enhanced but the increase in gene expression was found to be more modest. Furthermore, expression of constitutively expressed RepA alone was found to reduce replication of this reporter construct as well as delay BeYDV replication in general. The effect of a RepA mutant with an altered retinoblastoma-related-protein binding motif on the efficiency of BeYDV replication was also examined. This mutant was found to severely diminish replication efficiency. Finally, the relationship of BeYDV coat protein to virus replication and reporter gene expression was investigated. Addition of coat protein increased accumulation of single-stranded DNA and had a detrimental effect on reporter gene expression.
Antibody responses to rhesus cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B in naturally infected rhesus macaques
Authors: Yue Yujuan , Zhou Shan Shan , Barry Peter A.
Published: November 2003

Rhesus cytomegalovirus (RhCMV) exhibits strong parallels with human CMV (HCMV) in terms of nucleic and amino acid identities, natural history, and mechanisms of persistence and pathogenesis in its natural host, rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). To determine whether this non-human primate model would be useful to assess vaccine strategies for HCMV, host immune responses to RhCMV glycoprotein B (gB) were evaluated in RhCMV-infected monkeys. Total protein extracts were prepared from cells transiently transfected with an expression plasmid for either the full-length gB or a derivative (gBΔ, 1–680 aa) lacking both the transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic tail. Western blot analysis showed identical reactivity of macaque sera with full-length gB and its derivative gBΔ, indicating that the immunodominant epitopes of gB are contained in the extracellular portion of the protein. Using gBΔ extract as a solid phase, a sensitive and specific ELISA was established to characterize gB antibody responses in monkeys acutely and chronically infected with RhCMV. During primary infection (seroconversion), gB-specific antibodies developed concurrently and in parallel with total RhCMV-specific antibodies. However, during chronic infection gB-specific antibody responses were variable. A strong correlation was observed between neutralizing and gB-specific antibody levels in RhCMV-seropositive monkeys. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that, similar to host humoral responses to HCMV gB, anti-gB antibodies are an integral part of humoral immunity to RhCMV infection and probably play an important protective role in limiting the extent of RhCMV infection. Thus, the rhesus macaque model of HCMV infection is relevant for testing gB-based immune therapies.
Genetic variability of hepatitis A virus
Authors: Costa-Mattioli Mauro , Napoli Anna Di , Ferré Virginie , Billaudel Sylviane , Perez-Bercoff Raul , Cristina Juan
Published: November 2003

Knowledge of the molecular biology of hepatitis A virus (HAV) has increased exponentially since its identification. HAV exploits all known mechanisms of genetic variation to ensure survival, including mutation and genetic recombination. HAV has been characterized by the emergence of different genotypes, three human antigenic variants and only one major serotype. This paper reviews the genetic variability and molecular epidemiology of HAV. Its evolutionary mechanisms are described with particular emphasis on genetic recombination and HAV mutation rate. Genotypic classification methods are also discussed.
Adenovirus core protein VII contains distinct sequences that mediate targeting to the nucleus and nucleolus, and colocalization with human chromosomes
Authors: Lee Tim W. R. , Blair G. Eric , Matthews David A.
Published: November 2003

During adenovirus infection, following capsid dissociation, core protein VII enters the host cell nucleus complexed with adenovirus DNA. In order to determine whether protein VII may have an active role in this nuclear import, regions of the preVII gene were amplified by PCR, and further oligonucleotide mutants were designed with site-directed mutation of codons for the basic amino acids arginine and lysine. Fragments were cloned into a mammalian expression plasmid to express the peptides as N-terminal fusions to enhanced green fluorescent protein. Results demonstrate that preVII protein contains both nuclear and nucleolar targeting sequences. Such signals may be important in the delivery of adenovirus DNA to the host cell nucleus during adenovirus infection. Furthermore, the data suggest that protein VII may bind to human chromosomes by means of two distinct domains, one sharing homology with the N-terminal regulatory tail of histone H3.
Identification of distinct steps during tubule formation by the movement protein of Cowpea mosaic virus
Authors: Pouwels Jeroen , Kornet Noortje , van Bers Nikkie , Guighelaar Teun , van Lent Jan , Bisseling Ton , Wellink Joan
Published: November 2003

The movement protein (MP) of Cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) forms tubules through plasmodesmata in infected plants thus enabling virus particles to move from cell to cell. Localization studies of mutant MPs fused to GFP in protoplasts and plants identified several functional domains within the MP that are involved in distinct steps during tubule formation. Coinoculation experiments and the observation that one of the C-terminal deletion mutants accumulated uniformly in the plasma membrane suggest that dimeric or multimeric MP is first targeted to the plasma membrane. At the plasma membrane the MP quickly accumulates in peripheral punctuate spots, from which tubule formation is initiated. One of the mutant MPs formed tubules containing virus particles on protoplasts, but could not support cell-to-cell movement in plants. The observations that this mutant MP accumulated to a higher level in the cell than wt MP and did not accumulate in the cell wall opposite infected cells suggest that breakdown or disassembly of tubules in neighbouring, uninfected cells is required for cell-to-cell movement.
Deletion of the non-essential UL0 gene of infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) virus leads to attenuation in chickens, and UL0 mutants expressing influenza virus haemagglutinin (H7) protect against ILT and fowl plague
Authors: Veits Jutta , Lüschow Dörte , Kindermann Katharina , Werner Ortrud , Teifke Jens P. , Mettenleiter Thomas C. , Fuchs Walter
Published: November 2003

Infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV), a member of the Alphaherpesvirinae, possesses several unique genes. One of them, UL0, encodes an abundantly expressed protein that accumulates in the nuclei of ILTV-infected cells. This study demonstrates that this protein is dispensable for in vitro virus replication and that UL0 deletion mutants exhibit only minor growth defects in cultured cells. The UL0 gene locus of ILTV was also used for insertion of foreign DNA sequences encoding enhanced GFP or haemagglutinin (HA), subtype H7, of a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus under the control of the human cytomegalovirus immediate–early gene promoter. Expression of foreign proteins was shown by (immuno)fluorescence tests and Western blot analyses. After experimental infection of chickens, UL0 deletion mutants proved to be attenuated when compared to both parental wild-type ILTV and an UL0 rescue mutant. Nevertheless, all animals immunized with UL0-negative ILTV were protected from clinical disease after subsequent infection with virulent ILTV. Furthermore, all animals immunized with HA-expressing ILTV survived a lethal challenge with H7 subtype avian influenza virus with minimal clinical signs. Thus, an UL0-negative and HA-expressing ILTV recombinant may be used as a bivalent live virus vaccine against ILT and fowl plague. Unlike inactivated influenza virus vaccines, HA-expressing ILTV recombinants should be suitable for mass application and would also permit serological discrimination between vaccinated and virus-infected animals in the field.
Yaba-like disease virus protein 7L is a cell-surface receptor for chemokine CCL1
Authors: Najarro Pilar , Lee Han-Joo , Fox James , Pease James , Smith Geoffrey L.
Published: November 2003

Yaba-like disease virus (YLDV) genes7Land145Rare located on opposite ends of the genome and are predicted to encode 7-transmembrane proteins (7-TM) that share 53 and 44 % amino acid identity, respectively, to human CC chemokine receptor 8 (hCCR8). In this report, we demonstrate that early after infection with YLDV, cells acquire the ability to bind human CCL1. By expression of genes7Land145Rin vaccinia virus, we demonstrated that each protein is glycosylated and is exposed on the cell surface with the N terminus outside the cell. Protein 7L, but not 145R, is able to bind hCCL1 (Kd=0·6±0·13 nM) and couple to heterotrimeric G-proteins and to activate the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2). 7L binds several chemokines including the viral chemokines vMIPI and vMIPII and hCCL7/MCP3. This binding seems species-specific as 7L does not bind the murine orthologues of CCL1 and CCL7 in the assays used. This represents the first example of a poxviral 7-TM chemokine receptor that has functional interactions with a human chemokine.
ORF73 of murine herpesvirus-68 is critical for the establishment and maintenance of latency
Authors: Fowler Polly , Marques Sofia , Simas J. Pedro , Efstathiou Stacey
Published: November 2003

In vitro studies have established that the latency-associated nuclear antigen encoded by human Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus and the related ORF73 gene product of herpesvirus saimiri interact with virus origins of replication to facilitate maintenance of episomal DNA. Such a function implies a critical role for ORF73 in the establishment and maintenance of latency in vivo. To determine the role of ORF73 in virus pathogenesis, the ORF73 gene product encoded by murine herpesvirus-68 (MHV-68) was disrupted by making an ORF73 deletion mutant, Δ73, and an independent ORF73 frameshift mutant, FS73. The effect of the mutations introduced in ORF73 on MHV-68 pathogenesis was analysed in vivo using a well-characterized murine model system. These studies have revealed that ORF73 is not required for efficient lytic replication either in vitro or in vivo. In contrast, a severe latency deficit is observed in splenocytes of animals infected with an ORF73 mutant, as assessed by infectious centre reactivation assay or by in situ hybridization detection of latent virus. Assessment of viral genome-positive cells in sorted splenocyte populations confirmed the absence of ORF73 mutant virus from splenic latency reservoirs, including germinal centre B cells. These data indicate a crucial role for ORF73 in the establishment of latency and for virus persistence in the host.
Long‐term Impacts of Competitive Tendering of Public Services on Market Structures
Authors: Oettle K.
Published: November 2003

The EU intends to use calls for tenders to serve in the general economic interest, with a view to replacing administration by the market. Service providers and contracting authorities are expected to enter into lasting partnerships, based on incomplete contracts and flexible outputs. These partners in public service contracts are very different economic entities and to what extent calls for tenders will see the intended services delivered depends considerably on the partners' negotiating abilities and behaviour towards one another. Possible outcomes in different market situations are discussed under both static and dynamic circumstances.
The Protection of the Public Interest in the Context of Competitive Tendering
Authors: Püttner G.
Published: November 2003

Public contracts increasingly have to be awarded through a procedure of public competitive tendering. State and other public bodies awarding public service contracts use this mechanism to require bidders to meet specific public interests, for example, certain environment standards, the promotion of women, or the employment of long‐term unemployed persons. Such requirements impose upon bidders criteria not explicitly related to the contract, the implementation of which increases the project's cost and thus precludes the selection of the most economic offer, contrary to what is required by European recommendations. However the European Court of Justice has accepted such practice by Member States, considering it their right to organize themselves, within certain conditions, which are reviewed in this paper.
The Reform of Local Public Utilities in Italy
Authors: Bognetti G. , Robotti L.
Published: November 2003

The Italian system of local public utilities has recently undergone an important reform process. The first round of reforms, introduced in the 1990s, represented a remarkable change in the social welfare function with regard to the management of local public utilities. The legislation was specifically designed to cut costs and reduce deficits. A second round of reforms, required by European directives, started around the mid‐1990s. Several laws were passed introducing important innovations and regulating specific sectors: public transport; electricity; and gas. Article 35 of the 2002 Financial Law was the final step in a comprehensive reform of the whole local public utility sector. The main innovations of the Financial Law concerns liberalization. Article 35 states that the general rule for awarding service provision contracts is competitive tendering; the rationale is obviously that of competition for the market. The general rule as expressed by Article 35 is nevertheless limited during the transition period. In the long run, competitive tendering will become the normal way of awarding contracts for local public utility provision. Even if there are doubts that full competition will be introduced into the sector, liberalization does appear to be having an effect, forcing many local public utilities to become more efficient. The changes introduced have brought about a better and a more efficient system with a greater number of large size enterprises and on the average a more active management.

In the future, the liberalization process may come to a standstill due to an insufficient number of competitors. Strong public administrations are therefore needed to prevent opportunistic behaviour by private firms.
Skull of Grippia Longirostris: no contradiction with a diapsid affinity for the Ichthyopterygia
Authors: Motani Ryosuke
Published: November 2003

The skull of Grippia longirostris, one of the basal ichthyopterygians, is redescribed, based on a newly prepared referred specimen and the examination of others. Grippia had been considered to be the most basal ichthyopterygian until recently, and it has been suggested that the quadratojugal enters the upper temporal fenestra in this species. This and other unique features, which were considered plesiomorphic for ichthyopterygians, obscured the relationship of the group to other amniotes. It is shown here that the quadratojugal is much smaller than previously described, and does not enter the upper temporal fenestra. The skull configuration of the species is very similar to the condition in the recently‐described skull of Utatsusaurus hataii, another ichthyopterygian belonging to the basal grade of the group. The close similarity between the two help clarify ichthyopterygian plesiomorphies. There is no feature in the skull of Grippia that particularly contradicts the emerging consensus that ichthyopterygians are diapsids.
The Late Triassic Araucarioxylon Arizonicum trees of the Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona, USA
Authors: Ash Sidney R. , Creber Geoffrey T.
Published: November 2003

Examination and measurement of many of the trunks attributed to Araucarioxylon arizonicum Knowlton eroded from the Late Triassic Chinle Formation in the Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona demonstrate that the living tree did not closely resemble any of the present‐day Araucaria trees of the southern hemisphere as postulated in past reconstructions. The research indicates that it was a tall monopodial tree with branches occurring in a disordered manner on the trunk from the base to the crown. Calculations using the allometric method of Niklas indicate that the trees were of considerable size. The largest recorded trunk has a basal diameter of nearly 3 m and may represent a tree 59 m high, when living. The root system of the A. arizonicum tree consisted of a ring of four to six steeply inclined lateral roots and a massive, vertically directed tap root. Many of the trunks still have their root systems attached, a circumstance that indicates their felling by the cut‐bank operations of the local river system. The massive roots of these trunks, particularly the large tap root, are consistent with growth in soft, deep, alluvial soil, and the thin scale bark is to be expected in a tropical climate free from frost.
Cranial osteology of the sauropterygian Plesiosaurus brachypterygius from the Lower Toarcian of Germany
Authors: Maisch Michael W. , Rücklin Martin
Published: November 2003

An osteological re‐study of the holotype skull of Plesiosaurus brachypterygius leads to a correction of several inaccuracies and misidentifications of the original description by von Huene and reveals additional facts on the cranial anatomy of this plesiosaur. Comparison with the type species, Plesiosaurus dolichodeirus, from the Lower Lias of England shows considerable differences in many parts of the cranial skeleton, even though the two species are generally so similar that their inclusion in the same genus proposed by von Huene, and agreed with by all subsequent authors, can be supported. Plesiosaurus brachypterygius is provisionally considered as a valid species distinguishable from the contemporaneous Plesiosaurus guilelmiimperatoris by its much shorter limbs, a difference that cannot be explained by ontogenetic variation as proposed by Storrs. Plesiosaurus brachypterygius was probably an ichthyophagous form that occurred rarely in the Posidonienschiefer fauna.
Upper Albian ammonites from ODP Leg 171B off northern Florida
Authors: Lehmann Jens
Published: November 2003

ODP Leg 171B investigated the sediments of the Blake Plateau off northern Florida and recovered 36 Upper Albian ammonites — one from Site 1050C, the others from Site 1052E. This unusually large number of specimens from an ODP site permits the dating of the interval between 668 to 621 m below sea‐floor at Site 1052E as late Late Albian, Stoliczkaia (S.) dispar ammonite zone. This zone is indicated by the genera Mortoniceras and Stoliczkaia (S.). Site 1050C (Interval 171B‐1050C‐31R‐3, 0.80–0.86 m) cannot be dated more precisely than Late Aptian to Mid Cenomanian by ammonites. The fauna is cosmopolitan. Tetragonites jurinianusPuzosia mayoriana are widely distributed forms. Kossmatella muhlenbecki was thought to be restricted to a fairly small area around the Mediterranean, but the record off northern Florida presented here, indicates that it is not an endemic species; this is also true for Hemiptychoceras subgaultinum in the Albian. The event‐like character of the ammonite‐bearing interval at Site 1052E is unique. It is overlain by a laminated claystone succession; the top of this sequence is considered to represent maximum flooding (Oceanic Anoxic Event, OAE 1d). Ammonites perhaps profited from an increased nutrient supply derived from flooded coastal plains during a continuous transgression.
Morphology and ontogeny of Cretaceous ostracods with preserved appendages from Brazil
Authors: Smith Robin J.
Published: November 2003

The Lower Cretaceous ostracod Pattersoncypris micropapillosa Bate is redescribed, and Reconcavona sp. indet. with appendages preserved is described for the first time. The morphology of the carapace and especially of the appendages of P. micropapillosa is compared in detail with that of the Recent Cyprididae Eucypris virens, which demonstrates that there are substantial similarities. In addition to the adults of P. micropapillosa, a number of juveniles have also been recovered and described, and these are compared with the juveniles of E. virens. The ontogenetic development of P. micropapillosa is shown to be very similar to that of Recent Cyprididae. This has highlighted that this group of ostracods has changed very little over the last 100 My. P. micropapillosa is tentatively placed in the subfamily Cyprinotinae, based on features of the upper lip. As the morphology of the appendages and the ontogeny of P. micropapillosa are very similar to those of Recent forms, it is postulated that the function of the limbs and lifestyle were also similar, i.e. it was nektobenthic and an opportunistic detritus feeder.
The Cenozoic Brachiopods of the Carnarvon Basin, Western Australia
Authors: Craig Robert S.
Published: November 2003

The Paleocene‐Miocene deposits of the Carnarvon Basin of Western Australia contain a rich fauna of brachiopods, but only two species, Tegulorhynchia boongeroodaensisWestralicrania allani, both from the Paleocene, have previously been described.One new genus, Giraliathyris, and eight new species are described herein. They are Giraliathyris mcnamari, G. kaitrinae, G. jubileensis, Liothyrella longorum, Victorithyris decapello, V. cardabiaensis, V. blakeorum, V. tulkiensis, Diedrothyris cf. johnstonianaParaldingia timi. A Terebratulina species and two species of indeterminate genera are also described. Basiliola (Rhynchonellida) and Cancellothyris (Terebratulida) are recorded for the first time from the upper Paleocene of Australia. These, together with VictorithyrisDiedrothyrisLiothyrella and Paraldingia, represent the oldest records of these genera. It is suggested that their early occurrence, together with those known from the Antarctic Peninsula, indicates a southern origin for this fauna and a high latitude, southern circum‐Indo‐Atlantic faunal province is proposed. Subsequently the brachiopod fauna spread northwards towards lower latitudes and west to east around southern Australia, before and during the development of the circum‐polar current during the Oligocene.
First Occurrence of the brachiopod family Erymnariidae Cooper in the Upper Cretaceous of southern Italy
Authors: Motchurova‐Dekova Neda , Taddei Ruggiero Emma
Published: November 2003

The rhynchonellid family Erymnariidae Cooper includes the new genus Costerymnaria together with Erymnaria Cooper, which comprises all the known erymnariids, and Erymnaria matensis (Capasso) from the Cenomanian of the Matese Mountains in southern Italy, which is revised herein. Costerymnaria includes three new forms: Costerymnaria italica sp. nov. and Costerymnaria sp. from the Cenomanian of the Matese Mountains, and Costerymnaria apula sp. nov. from the uppermost Campanian of the Salentine Peninsula, also in southern Italy. The shell ultrastructure and mode of life together with the taphonomy of these taxa are discussed. The occurrence of these rhynchonellids extends the stratigraphical range of the family Erymnariidae, its first appearance being in the Cenomanian, and also its geographical distribution to include the southernmost part of Italy. The erymnariids are, therefore, typical Tethyan forms. Erymnaria is one of the few brachiopods to have survived the Cretaceous‐Paleogene boundary events. Along with Costerymnaria it probably developed in parallel from a common ancestral stock during the Late Cretaceous.
A New Rhinoceros From The Lower Miocene Of The Bugti Hills, Baluchistan, Pakistan: The Earliest Elasmotheriine
Authors: Antoine Pierre‐Olivier , Welcomme Jean‐Loup
Published: November 2003

The stratigraphical position of the Dera Bugti area (Baluchistan, Pakistan), which yielded the remains described herein, is discussed. Dental and postcranial material attributed to Bugtirhinus praecursor gen. et sp. nov., from the lower Miocene (MN 3) of the same area, is described. This species is the oldest and most primitive member of the elasmotheriine group within Rhinocerotidae (Mammalia). A new diagnosis is established for the Elasmotheriini. Comparison with the other lower and middle Miocene elasmotheriine taxa leads to the tree [Bugtirhinus praecursor [Caementodon oettingenae [other elasmotheriine taxa]]]. An upper Oligocene–lowermost Miocene Asiatic differentiation is suggested for the group, strengthened by a first appearance datum in the Dera Bugti area (lower part of the MN 3). The origin and dispersal of the elasmotheriines throughout Eurasia are discussed and correlated with major faunal exchanges. Keywords: Bugti Hills, Pakistan, Rhinocerotidae, Elasmotheriini, Miocene, biostratigraphy, palaeobiogeography.
Late Ordovician Brachiopods From The Otar Member Of The Chu‐Ili Range, South Kazakhstan
Authors: Popov Leonid E. , Nikitin Igor F. , Cocks L. R. M.
Published: November 2003

Brachiopods from the Otar Member (upper Caradoc) of the Dulankara Formation, Kazakhstan, are revised. Twenty‐one species are represented of which the orthoid genus Bokotorthis and strophomenoid genus Karomena are new. New species are Phaceloorthis reconditaPlaesiomys fidelisAnoptambonites kovalevskii, Karomena squalidaDzhebaglina plicata. Three ecological associations are identified, the Altaethyrella‐Nalivkinia (Pronalivkinia) Association, the Ctenodonta‐Sowerbyella Association and the Dinorthis Association, all living in shallow‐water (BA2) environments. The fauna shows closest affinity with South China, but contains two genera only known elsewhere from Australia.
Late Late Cambrian Trilobites From Near Birch Inlet, South‐Western Tasmania
Authors: Bao Jin‐Song , JAGO J. B.
Published: November 2003

The first late Late Cambrian basinal‐facies trilobites to be described from Tasmania are from a succession exposed 8.5 km west of Birch Inlet, south‐western Tasmania. Twenty‐one taxa are described; the six agnostoid species include a new species of Leiagnostus, L inletensis. The polymeroids include five new species: Hedinaspis uniformis, Proceratopyge longa, Niobella birchensisSkljarella expansa and Ivshinaspis reticulata.SkljarellaIvshinaspis are described for the first time from Australia. The specimens are preserved in siltstone belonging to a basinal facies; the fauna has more in common with those of the South‐East China Faunal Province than with the shallow‐water carbonate‐facies faunas from northern Australia. The fauna is of late Late Cambrian age (Payntonian–earliest Datsonian) on the north Australian biostratigraphic scale. The Birch Inlet fauna is correlated with those of the Siyangshan Formation of Zhejiang, the Guoziguonen Formation of Xinjiang and the Shengjiawan Formation of Hunan. There are similarities with late Late Cambrian faunas from Nevada, Kazakhstan and New Zealand. Key words: Trilobita, Late Cambrian, Tasmania, basinal facies, biostratigraphy, palaeobiogeography.
Pohlsepia Mazonensis, An Early ‘Octopus’ From The Carboniferous Of Illinois, USA
Authors: Kluessendorf Joanne , Doyle Peter
Published: November 2003

Pohlsepia mazonensis gen. et sp. nov. from the Mazon Creek Konservat Lagersta¨tte (Carboniferous) of Illinois is an exceptionally preserved soft‐bodied fossil coleoid, with well‐defined body and arms. Lacking an internal shell and possessing eight subequal and two modified arms, Pohlsepia can be compared with both the living cirrate octopods and the decabrachian sepiardarids, both of which lack a well‐developed internal skeleton. Given its sac‐like body, lack of a well‐defined head and presence of fins, Pohlsepia can be safely compared with modern cirrate octopods. It is the oldest known completely soft‐bodied coleoid and as such has great significance with respect to the phylogeny of the group, given that both the octobrachian and decabrachian clades have previously been thought to have evolved in the Jurassic. Key words: Coleoidea, Octobrachia, Konservat Lagersta¨tte, Mazon Creek, Carboniferous.
A Revision Of Paramblypterid And Amblypterid Actinopterygians From Upper Carboniferous–Lower Permian Lacustrine Deposits Of Central Europe
Authors: Dietze Kathrin
Published: November 2003

The descriptions and diagnoses of the type species of ParamblypterusParamblypterusdecorus, and the type species of Amblypterus Amblypterus latus, which is very similar to Paramblypterus, are revised. The skulls of Paramblypterusdecorus P. duvernoyi, and A. latus are restored in three‐dimensional models, and their diagnoses are emended. Intra‐specific variation of P.decorusP. duvernoyi concerns dermohyal, ‘suborbital’ and extrascapular bones, and dermohyal, rostral, parietal and extrascapular bones, respectively. Owing to poor preservation, patterns of variation could only be recognised in one specimen of A. latus regarding the extrascapular series and the posterior edges of the scales. All data on AmblypterusParamblypterus were entered into a PAUP analysis. Fifty taxa of lower actinopterygians were analysed for 57 characters. According to this analysis, ParamblypterusAmblypterus are contained in the same family, the Amblypteridae. P. gelbertiP. duvernoyi are the sister group of P. rohani and P. decorus, and the genus Paramblypterus is the sister taxon of the genus Amblypterus. Key words. morphology, intra‐specific variation, systematics, lower actinopterygians, amblypterids, paramblypterids, Permo‐Carboniferous.
An Articulated Dragonfly (Insecta, Odonata) From The Upper Liassic Posidonia Shale Of Northern Switzerland
Authors: Etter Walter , Kuhn Olivier
Published: November 2003

An articulated dragonfly from the Lower Jurassic Posidonia Shale of northern Switzerland is described. The specimen is assigned to Liassogomphus brodiei (Buckman). This is the first description of an articulated member of the family Liassogomphidae, hitherto known from isolated wings only. Almost identical wings were previously described as Phthitogomphus angulatus (Handlirsch) and Palaeogomphus propinquus (Bode). The latter is now treated as synonymous with Liassogomphus brodiei, and the genus Palaeogomphus Handlirsch is therefore a junior synonym of Liassogomphus Cowley. The structures of the head, eyes, thorax, legs, and first segments of the abdomen confirm the state of the Liassogomphidae within the Anisoptera (or Pananisoptera) and point perhaps to a close relationship of the Liassogomphidae to the extant family Aeshnidae. This has already been stated previously based on wing venation patterns alone. The taphonomy of dragonflies in marine settings is briefly addressed. Only a combination of several exceptional circumstances led to the fossilization of this remarkable fossil. Key words: Odonata, Liassogomphidae, Jurassic, Posidonia Shale, insect taphonomy.
The Ichnogenus Undichna, With Examples From The Permian Of The Falkland Islands
Authors: Trewin Nigel H.
Published: November 2003

Abundant, well‐preserved and variable species of Undichna are described from the Permian of the Falkland Islands. The environment is considered to be non‐marine and the traces are associated with turbidite and rhythmite deposits. There are strong similarities between the Undichna and other ichnogenera of the Falkland Islands and those of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, thus strengthening the view that the missing eastern end of the Permian Karoo Basin is present in the Falklands. Undichna binaU. insolentia occur associated within glacially influenced rhythmite and turbidite facies of a non‐marine basin in the Cantera Formation, Camilla Creek, East Falkland. U. quina isp. nov. occurs on Sea Lion Island and is associated with thin (mm–cm scale) graded interbeds between thicker amalgamated sandstones in a sequence deposited by density currents derived from a delta feeding the same non‐marine basin. The elements that comprise Undichna traces are (1) single sinusoidal grooves, (2) paired sinusoidal grooves, (3) broad shallow grooves, (4) repeated arcuate imprints, (5) irregular grooves, (6) striated brush‐like imprints. A distinct, repeated morphology is only produced by a constant activity of the tracemaker (generally a fish). Irregular activity (e.g. acceleration, sharp turns) or current action produces non‐constant morphology, lacking the defining regularity of the ichnogenus Undichna. Such irregular forms can frequently be identified as a modified expression of a described ichnospecies, but morphologically do not fall within the definition of the ichnospecies. It is suggested that rather than create new names they should be referred to as ‘cf. Undichna isp.’ (irregular form).
A New Family Of Coleoids From The Lower Jurassic Of Osteno, Northern Italy
Authors: Garassino Alessandro , Donovan Desmond T.
Published: November 2003

The discovery of well preserved and almost complete fossil coleoid cephalopods near Osteno in northern Italy has allowed the original study of a single specimen by Pinna (1972) to be enhanced. The unusual structure of the ten arms, showing a clear differentiation in the shape of the arm hooks (long and thin on six arms and short and stocky on the other four), is a distinctive character which is not present in any Jurassic family of coleoids known to date. We distinguish two new genera: Ostenoteuthis, with the species O. siroi sp. nov., and Uncinoteuthis, with the species U. cuvieri sp. nov. The new family Ostenoteuthidae (Order uncertain) is erected for them. The systematic position of this family within the fossil coleoids is discussed.
Lower Devonian Chonetoidean Brachiopods From Bac Bo, North Viêt Nam
Authors: Racheboeuf Patrick R. , Thanh Tong‐Dzuy
Published: November 2003

Recent investigations of the Lower Devonian fauna of North Viêt Nam have provided abundant invertebrates, among which chonetoidean brachiopods are especially common. Their good preservation has allowed the revision of eight of the nine species described in the literature. The North Vietnamese chonetoidean fauna is mainly characterized by the diversity of representatives of the Family Strophochonetidae (strophochonetines and parachonetines), which includes nine species. Three new genera, namely TulynetesBacbonetesCyrtochonetes, and two species, namely Bacbonetes janvieriChlupacina nariensis, are described. The occurrence of Perichonetes mirabilisChlupacina nariensis, and plicanoplitid brachiopods establishes the extension of the south‐west China pelagic Nandan Facies to eastern Bac Bo. The Lower Devonian chonetoidean fauna of eastern Bac Bo is closely allied to that of south‐west and central China belonging to the Yangtzé microcontinent, whilst the fauna of western Bac Bo appears to be more closely allied with that of the northern Gondwanaland margin. One new additional chonetoidean genus, Orthochonetes, is described in a note added to the systematic section.
The Late Tortonian‐Early Messinian Foraminiferal Record Of The Abad Member (Turre Formation), Sorbas Basin, Almería, South‐East Spain
Authors: Baggley Kieron A.
Published: November 2003

The Late Tortonian‐Early Messinian Abad Member in the Sorbas Basin, south‐east Spain contains abundant foraminifera. Planktonic foraminifera have been used to reconstruct the environmental conditions that developed within the basin. Benthonic foraminifera reveal a detailed picture of the palaeoenvironment. After an initial deepening episode, from upper epibathyal (c. 200 m) depths to lower epibathyal (c. 1000 m) depths, the basin progressively shallowed to shelf depths (c. 100 m); this palaeobathymetric reconstruction thus describes an initial rapid transgressive episode, a highstand and a regressive phase; the basin water mass became progressively warmer, and yet there was no significant increase in salinity or oxygen level in the water mass. The lack of any microfossil evidence to support an increase in the salinity levels towards the top of the Abad Member indicates a rapid environmental switch from normal marine conditions during the deposition of the Abad Member to hypersaline conditions during deposition of the overlying Yesares Member and precipitation of great thicknesses of gypsum. This research illustrates the necessity for high resolution sampling, approximate to the standard interval (10 feet: c. 3 metres) used in industrial boreholes, for Mediterranean Late Miocene stratigraphies, and indicates that all previous palaeoenvironmental studies on the Sorbas Basin have had inadequate sampling regimes which do not represent the evolving environmental conditions of the Abad Member.
Parasitism On Graptoloid Graptolites
Authors: Bates Denis E. B. , Loydell David K.
Published: November 2003

A review of evidence for parasitism on graptoloid graptolites is presented. The phenomenon is rare, having been recorded in only a few biserial forms and straight monograptids. Most periderm outgrowths secreted as a response to parasitism are small and blister‐like, but in two new specimens remarkable tubular outgrowths occur. These would have had a detrimental, but clearly not fatal, influence on the functioning of these graptolites, particularly with regard to the hydrodynamics and buoyancy of the rhabdosome and the energy expended in secreting additional periderm.
A New Family Of Calcareous Microfossils From The Silurian Of Gotland, Sweden
Authors: Munnecke Axel , Servais Thomas , Vachard Daniel
Published: November 2003

Scanning electron microscopy of polished, slightly etched rock surfaces of samples from the Silurian of Gotland, Sweden, revealed the presence of excellently preserved calcareous microfaunas and microfloras. This paper illustrates several morphotypes of calcareous micro‐organisms of unknown biological affinity, attributed to the new family Ovummuridae. Specimens of Ovummurus duoportius Minoura and Chitoku, a problematical microfossil, which was first described from the Upper Pennsylvanian of Kansas, USA, were found in addition to comparable micro‐organisms attributed to the following new taxa: Minourella gotlandica gen. et sp. nov., Arouxina pluricellata gen. et sp. nov. and Samtlebenella circumcamerata gen. et sp. nov. In addition, a few other problematical micro‐organisms, probably belonging to the same family, are described under open nomenclature. The enigmatic microfossils are compared with other known calcareous organisms, their possible biological affinities are discussed, and the different stages of diagenetic alteration and destruction are illustrated.
Dental Morphology of the Jurassic Holotherian Mammal Amphitherium, with a Discussion of the Evolution of Mammalian Post‐Canine Dental Formulae
Authors: Butler P. M. , Clemens W. A.
Published: November 2003

Four fragmentary mandibles from the Stonesfield Slate facies, Taynton Limestone Formation, Middle Bathonian (Middle Jurassic), England, represent two species of AmphitheriumA. prevostiiA. rixoni sp. nov. Both species had five lower premolariform teeth. The composite formula for the lower dentition of Amphitherium appears to have been I/4, C/1, P/5, M/6–7. The seventh molar is not present in the presumably oldest individual, and its presence is regarded as probably an individual variation.  The mosaic evolution of patterns of differentiation of the postcanine dentition from nonmammalian cynodonts to modern therian mammals is reviewed. It is concluded that Amphitherium probably had reached the grade of modern therians in the division between diphyodont premolars and monophyodont molars. The common ancestor of Amphitherium and zatheres probably had lost the primitive pattern of posterior shift of the postcanine dentition, which appears to have consisted of five premolars and four or possibly five molars. In Amphitherium the number of molars probably was secondarily increased.