bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization and Quantification of Mouse Mannan‐Binding Lectins (MBL‐A and MBL‐C) and Study of Acute Phase Responses
Authors: Liu H. , Jensen L. , Hansen S. , Petersen S. V. , Takahashi K. , Ezekowitz A. B. , Hansen F. D. , Jensenius J. C. , Thiel S.
Published: March 2003

Rat monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) against mouse mannan‐binding lectin (MBL)‐A and MBL‐C were generated and assays for MBL‐A and MBL‐C were constructed. This allowed for the quantitative analysis of both proteins for the first time. Previously only MBL‐A has been quantified using less standardized methods. In a mouse serum pool the concentrations were now determined at 7.5 µg MBL‐A and 45 µg MBL‐C per ml. On gel permeation chromatography of mouse serum, MBL‐A eluted corresponding to a Mr of 850 kDa whereas the majority of MBL‐C eluted corresponding to a Mr of 950 kDa. On sucrose density gradient centrifugation the sedimentation velocities of MBL‐A and MBL‐C were estimated at 7.3 S and 10.8 S, respectively. The MBL‐A and MBL‐C levels in 10 laboratory mice strains were compared and found to vary between 4 µg/ml to 12 µg/ml, and 16 µg/ml to 118 µg/ml, respectively. After the induction of acute phase responses by intraperitoneal injection of either casein or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), MBL‐A was found to increase approximately two‐fold, with a maximum after 32 h, while MBL‐C did not increase significantly. In comparison, serum amyloid A component (SAA) peaked at 15 h with an approximate 100‐fold increase.
Analysis of Btk Mutations in Patients with X‐Linked Agammaglobulinaemia (XLA) and Determination of Carrier Status in Normal Female Relatives: a Nationwide Study of Btk Deficiency in Greece
Authors: Speletas M. , Kanariou M. , Kanakoudi‐Tsakalidou F. , Papadopoulou‐Alataki E. , Arvanitidis K. , Pardali E. , Constantopoulos A. , Kartalis G. , Vihinen M. , Sideras P. , Ritis K.
Published: March 2003

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) is a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, critical for B‐cell development and function. Mutations that inactivate this kinase were found in families with X‐linked agammaglobulinaemia (XLA). In this study the Btk gene was analyzed in 13 registered Greek patients with XLA phenotype originated from 12 unrelated families, in order to provide a definite diagnosis of the XLA. The structure of Btk was analyzed at the cDNA level using the recently developed method, NIRCA (Non‐Isotopic‐Rnase‐Cleavage‐Assay). Alterations were detected in all patients and sequencing analysis confirmed the results and defined six novel XLA‐associated Btk mutations (three missense mutations: C337G, L346R, L452P; one nonsense mutation: Y392X, and two frameshift alterations: c1211–1212delA, c1306–1307insA). Having defined the genetic alteration in the affected males of these families, the information was used to design polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers and the Btk segments containing the mutated sequences were amplified from peripheral blood derived genomic DNA of potential female carriers. The PCR products were directly sequenced and carrier status was determined in 12 out of 16 phenotypically normal females analyzed. This protocol can be used once the nature of the Btk mutation has been defined in one of the affected males and provides a convenient, simple and reliable way to determine the carrier status of other female family members. Molecular genetic analysis constitutes a determinative tool for the definitive diagnosis of XLA and may allow accurate carrier and prenatal diagnosis for genetic counselling.
The Development of Primary and Secondary Lymphoid Tissues in the Nurse Shark Ginglymostoma cirratum: B‐Cell Zones Precede Dendritic Cell Immigration and T‐Cell Zone Formation During Ontogeny of the Spleen
Authors: RUMFELT L. L. , McKINNEY E. C. , TAYLOR E. , FLAJNIK M. F.
Published: March 2003

Secondary lymphoid tissue and immunoglobulin (Ig) production in mammals is not fully developed at birth, requiring time postnatally to attain all features required for adaptive immune responses. The immune system of newborn sharks – the oldest vertebrate group having adaptive immunity – also displays immature characteristics such as low serum IgM concentration and high levels of IgM1gj, an innate‐like Ig. Primary and secondary lymphoid tissues in sharks and other cartilaginous fish were identified previously, but their cellular organization was not examined in detail. In this study of nurse shark lymphoid tissue, we demonstrate that the adult spleen contains well‐defined, highly vascularized white pulp (WP) areas, composed of a central T‐cell zone containing a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II+ dendritic cell (DC) network and a small number of Ig+ secretory cells, surrounded by smaller zones of surface Ig+ (sIg+) B cells. In neonates, splenic WPs are exclusively B‐cell zones containing sIgM+–MHC class IIlow B cells; thus compartmentalized areas with T cells and DCs, as well as surface Ig novel antigen receptor (sIgNAR)‐expressing B cells are absent at birth. Not until the pups are 5 months old do these WP areas become adult‐like; concomitantly, sIgNAR+ B cells are readily detectable, indicating that this Ig class requires a ‘mature immune‐responsive environment’. The epigonal organ is the major site of neonatal B lymphopoiesis, based on the presence of developing B cells and recombination‐activating gene 1 (RAG1)/terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) expression, indicative of antigen receptor rearrangement; such expression persists into adult life, whereas the spleen has negligible lymphopoietic activity. In adults but not neonates, many secretory B cells reside in the epigonal organ, suggesting, like in mammals, that B cells home to this primary lymphoid tissue after activation in other areas of the body.
Do Autoantibodies Predict Autoimmune Liver Disease in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome? Data of 180 Patients upon a 5 Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Csepregi A. , Szodoray P. , Zeher M.
Published: March 2003

Objective: To evaluate the clinical value of autoantibodies as serological markers to predict autoimmune liver diseases in primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS).

Materials and methods: 180 patients who met the European diagnostic criteria for SS but without a history of liver disease were studied upon a 5 year follow‐up. Sera taken at enrolment were evaluated by immunofluorescence analysis (IF‐AMA) on rat liver, stomach and kidney sections, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay using rat mitochondrial, microsomal and soluble liver antigens and Western blot (WB) analysis using rat mitochondrial antigens.

Results: At presentation, 152 (84%) sera had autoantibodies. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) were expressed in 58% of patients and displayed three distinct patterns (speckled, homogenous and anticentromere). Smooth muscle autoantibodies (SMAs) and parietal cell autoantibodies were found in 39 and 4.5% of patients, respectively. Three patients presented antimitochondrial antibodies by IF‐AMA, and two of them developed symptomatic primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Two patients without IF‐AMA and without evidence of cholestasis had PBC‐specific AMA (anti‐PDC–E2 and anti‐BCKADC–E2). However, these two patients and the third IF‐AMA‐positive woman remained free from symptoms and biochemical signs of PBC. Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) (n = 2), ‘overlap syndrome’ of AIH and chronic hepatitis C (n = 1) and autoimmune cholangiopathy (AIC) (n = 1) were diagnosed in four patients.

Conclusions: Patients with IF‐AMA usually develop symptomatic PBC upon a 5 year follow‐up. Our findings support the idea that patients without IF‐AMA, who express PBC‐specific AMA, are in early, asymptomatic stage of the disease. High‐titre SMA and IF‐AMA are the most specific indicators for AIH and PBC.
C1‐Inhibitor Reduces the Ischaemia–Reperfusion Injury of Skeletal Muscles in Mice after Aortic Cross‐Clamping
Authors: Nielsen E. W. , Mollnes T. E. , Harlan J. M. , Winn R. K.
Published: March 2003

Background: Both C1‐inhibitor (C1‐INH) and antibodies against the CD18 adhesion molecule have been shown to reduce ischaemia–reperfusion injuries. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of increased ischaemia times and to determine whether inhibiting C1 or blocking the CD18 function was protective in skeletal muscle ischaemia–reperfusion injury after aortic cross‐clamping.

Materials and methods: BALB/c mice were subjected to aortic cross‐clamping below the renal artery for 60, 75 or 105 min, followed by 3 h of reperfusion. Two‐thirds of a total dose of anti‐CD18 antibody (40 mg/kg) or human C1‐INH (1000 IU/kg) was given by intraperitoneal injection before ischaemia and one‐third immediately after the clamping. Creatine kinase (CK) in the plasma was used as an indicator of muscle injury severity.

Results: There was a consistent rise in the plasma CK concentration proportional to the length of ischaemia (P < 0.0005). C1‐INH treatment significantly (P = 0.012) reduced the plasma CK for the ischaemia times of 75 and 105 min. The anti‐CD18 antibody did not have any effect, as demonstrated by the CK values that were similar to controls (P = 0.836).

Conclusion: The data support a beneficial role for C1‐INH in the treatment of ischaemia–reperfusion injuries of skeletal muscles.
Intranasal Cry1Ac Protoxin is an Effective Mucosal and Systemic Carrier and Adjuvant of Streptococcus pneumoniae Polysaccharides in Mice
Authors: Moreno‐Fierros L. , Ruiz‐Medina E. J. , Esquivel R. , López‐Revilla R. , Piña‐Cruz S.
Published: March 2003

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major respiratory pathogen in infants, children and the elderly. Available parenteral anti‐pneumococcal vaccines based on type‐specific capsular polysaccharides (CPSs) are useful in adults but do not elicit protective immunity in infants and young children. To enhance their immunogenicity, pneumococcal CPSs conjugated to proteins are being developed. Mucosal vaccines may induce mucosal and systemic immune responses, but their development has been hampered by the lack of effective, inexpensive innocuous mucosal adjuvants or immunogenic vaccine carriers. We have demonstrated that the recombinant Cry1Ac protoxin from Bacillus thuringiensis is highly immunogenic and has mucosal and systemic adjuvant effects on proteins coadministered in mice. In this work, we evaluated Cry1Ac as a carrier and adjuvant of S. pneumoniae CPS for the induction of mucosal and systemic antibody responses after intranasal and intraperitoneal immunization in mice. Our results demonstrate that intranasal application of pneumococcal polysaccharides either coadministered or conjugated with Cry1Ac induces higher systemic and mucosal specific antibody responses than those elicited by pneumococcal polysaccharides alone. Adjuvant effects of Cry1Ac on polysaccharides may be appropriate for vaccine design.
Microdeformation of lacustrine laminite sequences from Late Miocene formations of SE Spain: an interpretation of loop bedding
Authors: Calvo Jose P. , Rodriguez‐Pascua Miguel , Martin‐Velazquez Silvia , Jimenez Sergio , Vicente Gerardo De
Published: March 2003

Lacustrine laminated sediments (laminites) present in Late Miocene formations of the Híjar Basin, SE Spain, display well developed loop bedding, a structure consisting of bundles of laminae that are sharply constricted at intervals, giving a morphology of loops or links of a chain. The laminite sequences, which are interbedded with turbidite marlstones, were accumulated on the bottom of a permanently stratified lake developed in a rapidly subsiding basin limited by 010° and 105° normal faults. As deduced from both macro‐ and microdeformational analyses, the basin evolved under an extensional stress field throughout the Late Miocene. Four main types of loops, simple and complex loops with subcategories, have been recognized within the laminite sequence. Simple loops of type 1 show the best definite pattern, quite similar to ‘pinch and swell structures’, a type of boudinage typical of stretching of alternating beds where the competence contrast is not strongly marked. The remaining loop types display contortion and occasional breakage of laminae (microfaulted edges) indicative of microdeformation near the boundary between the ductile‐brittle deformational fields. The distribution of the various loop types across the laminite sequence reflects an interplay between progressive lithification of the laminites as sedimentation progressed and tectonic stresses which affected the sediment sequence. Accordingly, a mechanism of deformation under an extensional stress field, ultimately related to the creep movement of the main basin faults which resulted in successive seismic shocks of low magnitude, is proposed to explain the formation of loop bedding in the laminites.
Feldspar albitization in Cretaceous non‐marine mudrocks, Gyeongsang Basin, Korea
Authors: LEE JAE IL , LEE YONG IL
Published: March 2003

Plagioclases and K‐feldspars in the sandstones and mudrocks of the Cretaceous non‐marine Gyeongsang Basin, Korea, were partially to completely albitized. The preservation of fresh plagioclase grains in early micrite‐cemented sandstones suggests the diagenetic origin of albite. Albitization textures in mudrocks were examined using backscattered electron images. In contrast to completely albitized plagioclase grains in sandstones, those in mudrocks are mostly partially albitized. It suggests that mudrocks can be more useful for a provenance study than sandstones by preserving detrital minerals better. K‐feldspar is unaltered to partially albitized in both sandstones and mudrocks. In mudrocks albitization starts preferentially along microfractures, cleavages and grain margins. Albitization along grain margins seems to be a characteristic feature in mudrocks where development of microfractures in silt‐sized feldspar grains by physical compaction is limited by clayey matrix as well as by overpressure. The extent of albitization in mudrocks is mainly controlled by composition of the detrital plagioclase. Mudrocks containing calcic plagioclase grains tend to be more extensively albitized than those containing sodic varieties.
Pliocene pedosedimentary cycles in the southern Pampas, Argentina
Authors: Kemp  , Zárate
Published: March 2003

Well‐developed Bt horizons of five palaeosols (P1–P5) have been recorded previously within a 20‐m‐thick succession of Pliocene siltstones and clayey siltstones in the southern part of the Buenos Aires Province of Argentina. This paper reports a detailed field and micromorphological (thin section) investigation of a 6‐m portion of the sequence encompassing P2 and P3. Large‐scale faunal burrow infillings occur throughout: other bioturbation features in the form of channel and spongy microstructures are mainly confined to the siltstones. The intervening clayey siltstones (Bt horizons) have been affected more by shrink–swell disruption, as evidenced by slickensides and a range of striated b‐fabrics in thin sections. Clay coatings, indicative of illuvial accumulation of clay translocated in suspension from overlying A or E horizons, occur in both the siltstones and clayey siltstones. The types, microstratigraphic associations and depth functions of features are interpreted in terms of changing interactions, balances and dominances between sedimentary, pedogenic and erosional processes over time, thus providing the basis for the pedosedimentary reconstruction of landscape evolution in the region during part of the Pliocene represented by the whole P1–P5 sequence (4–5 Ma BP). It is envisaged that this period was dominated by aeolian deposition, although fluvial and mass movement processes probably led to reworking and redistribution of some of the materials. Overall rates of subaerial deposition, however, were not substantial: pedogenic processes were active throughout, the balance between sedimentation and pedogenesis varying over time in a cyclical fashion. Phases of reduced deposition and establishment of relatively stable land surfaces were marked by the development of argillic soil profiles with clearly defined eluvial and illuvial horizons. Intervening periods of more rapid accumulation of coarser material were characterized by accretionary soil development and welding of new pedological features on existing soils as the surface accreted, first transforming existing eluvial horizons into BCt/AE horizons (siltstones) and then encouraging the syndepositional upward extension of these complex horizons. The primary basis of the alternating units of siltstones (BCt/AE horizons) and clayey siltstones (Bt horizons) lies in the cyclical change in size of particles deposited, although pedogenic translocation processes enhanced these textural differences. The underlying driving mechanism behind the pedosedimentary cycle can only be speculated upon, although it is tempting to relate the sedimentation pattern to climatic fluctuations linked to glacial advances and retreats in the Patagonian Andes during the Pliocene.
Petrogenesis of graphitic cherts in the Armorican segment of the Cadomian orogenic belt (NW France)
Authors: Dabard Marie‐Pierre
Published: March 2003

Graphitic cherts are interbedded within terrigenous sediments in the Cadomian orogenic belt of end‐Proterozoic age. In the Armorican Massif (NW France), the graphitic cherts are of two types: massive cherts essentially composed of quartz (SiO2 > 96%) and with rare sedimentary structures; laminated cherts containing up to 3·4% Al2O3 and 92–98% SiO2. Sedimentary structures observed in the laminated cherts are indicative of a restricted hypersaline tidal or supratidal environment. The origins of both types of chert are to be found in the diagenetic processes of silification of terrigenous and mixed terrigenous‐evaporitic facies. These processes, which could be mediated by the presence of organic matter, were controlled by the migration of the freshwater/saltwater mixing zone during periods of relative sea‐level change. The proposed diagenetic origin for the cherts places a number of constraints on their use in the establishment of stratigraphic correlations.
An epeiric ramp: low‐energy, cool‐water carbonate facies in a Tertiary inland sea, Murray Basin, South Australia
Authors: Lukasik Jeff J. , James Noel P. , McGowran Brian , Bone Yvonne
Published: March 2003

The Murray Supergroup records temperate‐water carbonate deposition within a shallow, mesotrophic, Oligo‐Miocene inland sea protected from high‐energy waves and swells of the open ocean by a granitic archipelago at its southern margin. Rocks are very well preserved and exposed in nearly continuous outcrop along the River Murray in South Australia. Most facies are rich in carbonate silt, contain a background assemblage of gastropods (especially turritellids) and infaunal bivalves, and are packaged on a decimetre‐scale defined by firmground and hardground omission surfaces. Bioturbation is pervasive and overprinted, resulting in rare preservation of physical sedimentary structures. Facies are grouped into four associations (large foraminiferan–bryozoan, echinoid–bryozoan, mollusc and clay facies) interpreted to represent shallow‐water (<50 m) deposition under progressively higher trophic resource levels (from low mesotrophy to eutrophy), and restricted marine conditions from relatively offshore to nearshore regions. A large‐scale shift from high‐ to low‐mesotrophic conditions within lower Miocene strata reflects a change in climate from wet to seasonally dry conditions and highlights the influence terrestrially derived nutrients had upon this shallow, land‐locked sea. Overall, low trophic resource levels during periods of seasonally dry climate resulted in a deepening of the euphotic zone, a widespread proliferation of foraminiferan photozoan fauna and a relatively high carbonate productivity. Inshore, heterozoan facies became progressively muddier and restricted towards the shoreline. In contrast, periods of wet climate led to rising trophic resource levels, resulting in a shallowing of the euphotic zone, a decrease in epifaunal and seagrass cover and widespread development of a mostly heterozoan biota dominated by infaunal echinoids. Rates of carbonate production and accumulation were relatively low. The Murray Basin is best described as an epeiric ramp. Wide facies belts developed in a shallow sea on a low‐angled slope reaching many hundreds of kilometres in length. Grainy shoal and back‐barrier facies were absent. Internally generated waves impinged the sea floor in offshore regions and, because of friction along a wide and shallow sea floor, created a low‐energy expanse of waters across the proximal ramp. Storms were the dominating depositional process capable of disrupting the entire sea floor.
Quaternary palaeohydrological evolution of a playa lake: Salada Mediana, central Ebro Basin, Spain
Authors: Valero‐GarcÉs Blas L. , Delgado‐Huertas Antonio , Navas Ana , MachÍn Javier , GonzÁlez‐SampÉriz PenÉlope , Kelts Kerry
Published: March 2003

Sedimentary features, mineralogy, bulk geochemical composition, stable isotope analyses and pollen data from sediment cores were used to reconstruct the Late Quaternary depositional evolution of the Salada Mediana playa lake (central Ebro Basin, northeastern Spain). The 150‐cm‐long sediment core sequence is composed of gypsum‐ and dolomite‐rich muds (Lower and Middle sections) and black, laminated, calcite‐bearing sediments (Upper section). The Salada Mediana formed as a karstic depression in the Miocene gypsum substratum during the Late Pleistocene. The Lower section was deposited in a sulphate–carbonate saline lake that ended with a period of desiccation and basin floor deflation. Subsequent deposition (Middle section) took place in a playa‐lake system. Two cycles of lower water table and expanded saline mud flats occurred. The Holocene sequence is missing, probably as a result of aeolian erosion. Sedimentation resumed only a few centuries ago, and saline pan environments dominated until modern times. The Salada Mediana facies succession was mainly governed by fluctuations in the hydrological balance, brine composition, and salinity; however, aeolian processes (detrital input and deflation) and recycling of previously precipitated salts also played a significant role.
Variations in shoreface progradation and ravinement along the Texas coast, Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Rodriguez Antonio B. , Fassell Michelle L. , Anderson John B.
Published: March 2003

Shoreface architecture, evolution (mid‐Holocene to present) and depths of transgressive ravinement were examined from Sabine Pass, at the Texas–Louisiana border, to South Padre Island, near the Texas–Mexico border, using 30 shoreface transects. Shoreface transects extend out to 16‐m water depth, each created from an echo‐sounding profile and, on average, seven sediment cores. The shoreface is composed of three broad sedimentological facies: the upper shoreface, composed almost entirely of sand; the proximal lower shoreface, composed of sand with thickly to medium‐bedded (50–10 cm) mud; and the distal lower shoreface, composed dominantly of mud with medium‐ to thinly bedded (20–3 cm) sand. Shoreface architecture and evolution is extremely variable along the Texas coast. Shoreface gradients increase from 2·25 m km–1 in east Texas to 3·50 m km–1 in south Texas. Shoreface sands coarsen towards south Texas. East and south Texas shoreface deposits are thin and retrograding whereas central Texas shoreface deposits are thicker and prograding. Central Texas is characterized by stacked shoreface successions, whereas in east Texas, lower shoreface sands are preserved only in offshore banks. Preservation of shoreface deposits is low in south Texas. Although eustatic fluctuations and accommodation space have a strong impact on overall mid‐Holocene to present shoreface evolution and preservation potential, along‐strike variations in sediment supply and wave energy are the main factors controlling shoreface architecture. The transgressive ravinement surface varies from –6 to –15 m along the Texas coast.
Ecological succession, palaeoenvironmental change, and depositional sequences of Barremian–Aptian shallow‐water carbonates in northern Oman
Authors: Pittet Bernard , Van Buchem Frans S. P. , Hillgärtner Heiko , Razin Philippe , Grötsch Jürgen , Droste Henk
Published: March 2003

Abstract Barremian and Aptian shallow‐water carbonate facies (uppermost Lekhwair, Kharaib and Shuaiba Formations) are described from outcrops in northern Oman. Based on facies analysis and bedding pattern, three orders of depositional sequences are defined (third to fifth order) and correlated between sections. Over the course of three third‐order sequences, covering the Barremian to Lower Aptian, a third‐order depositional pattern is documented that consists of a succession of three distinct faunal assemblages: discoidal orbitolinids and calcareous algae were deposited during early transgression; microbialites and microencrusters dominate the late transgressive to early highstand facies; and a rudist‐ and miliolid‐dominated facies is typical of the highstand. This ecological succession was controlled largely by palaeoenvironmental changes, such as trophic level and clay influx, rather than sedimentological factors controlled by variations in accommodation space. Orbitolinid beds and carbonates formed by microbialites and microencrusters seem to be the shallow‐water carbonate response to global changes affecting Late Barremian to Aptian palaeoclimate and palaeoceanography.
Glacial influence on Neoproterozoic sedimentation: the Smalfjord Formation, northern Norway
Authors: Arnaud Emmanuelle , Eyles Carolyn H.
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT There is much debate regarding the intensity and geographic extent of glaciation during the Neoproterozoic, particularly in response to recent geochemical work suggesting that the Neoproterozoic earth was at times ice covered from equator to poles (the ‘Snowball Earth’ hypothesis). A detailed sedimentological analysis of the Neoproterozoic Smalfjord Formation of northern Norway was conducted in order to determine the extent and intensity of glacial influence on sedimentation. In the Tarmfjorden area, the Smalfjord Formation consists of a stacked succession of diamictites interbedded with fine‐grained laminated mudstones containing rare outsized clasts. Diamictites and interbedded mudstones are interpreted as the product of subaqueous mass flows generated along the basin margin. In the Varangerfjorden area, chaotically interbedded diamictites, conglomerates and sandstones are overlain by a thick succession of stacked sandstone beds; onediamictite unit at Bigganjargga overlies a striated pavement. The Varangerfjorden outcrops appear to record deposition on a subaqueous debris apron. Although diamictites contain rare striated and faceted clasts, suggesting a glacial sediment source, their origin as subaqueous mass flows prevents the interpretation of ice mass form or distribution. Rare lonestones may be associated with floating ice in the basin, which may be of glacial or seasonal origin. Glacial ice may have contributed poorly sorted glacial debris to the basin margin, either directly or through fluvioglacial systems, but there is no evidence of direct deposition by ice at Varangerfjorden or Tarmfjorden. The overall fining‐upward trend identified in the Smalfjord Formation and overlying Nyborg Formation is consistent with depositional models of rift basin settings. This fining‐upward trend, the predominance of mass flow facies including breccias associated with scarps and the evidence for extensional tectonic activity in the region suggest that tectonic activity may have played an important role in the development of this Neoproterozoic succession. The Smalfjord Formation at Tarmfjorden and Varangerfjorden does not exhibit sedimentological characteristics consistent with severe glacial conditions suggested by the snowball Earth hypothesis.
The identity of Leptothorax albipennis (Curtis) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and its presence in Great Britain
Authors: ORLEDGE
Published: March 2003

The karyotype and external morphology of Leptothorax (Myrafant) ants, taken from nests at nine ‘Leptothorax tuberum’ localities in England and Wales, identifies them all as L. tuberointerruptus. Their karyotype differs in chromosome number and chromosome morphology from the karyotypes of morphologically similar European Leptothorax (Myrafant) species including L. tuberum, but matches the karyotype shared by L. tuberointerruptus and L. rougeti. Worker propodeal spine length, and worker propodeal spine shape coupled with worker gaster banding characteristics, distinguish the nest samples from L. rougeti. The presence of L. tuberointerruptus in Britain is therefore confirmed, and the data demonstrate this ant's occurrence throughout the British range attributed to L. tuberum. In the absence of equivalent data identifying L. tuberum as a British species, it may reasonably be assumed that L. tuberointerruptus has been misrecorded as L. tuberum in Britain and that all British mainland records of L. tuberum refer to L. tuberointerruptus. An examination of the syntypes of Stenamma albipennis shows that S. albipennis and L. tuberointerruptus are synonymous, and that L. albipennis is the senior name. It follows that L. albipennis is a scarce British ant of ‘Notable B’ conservation status. A taxonomic synopsis for L. albipennis is given.
Morphological and molecular phylogenetics in the genus Leptopilina (Hymenoptera: Cynipoidea: Eucoilidae)
Authors: SCHILTHUIZEN MENNO , NORDLANDER GÖRAN , STOUTHAMER RICHARD , VAN ALPHEN JACQUES
Published: March 2003

We have conducted cladistic analyses of the genus Leptopilina, a group of Drosophila parasitoids studied intensively by (behavioural) ecologists. Twenty‐three morphological characters were scored in ten Leptopilina and two outgroup species. At the same time, DNA sequences for the second ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) were gathered for eight Leptopilina and one outgroup species. Both data sets yielded phylogenetic trees which were largely compatible. A ‘total evidence’ analysis resulted in a single tree that provides a relatively robust phylogenetic reconstruction of the group, which may serve as a basis for historically interpreting the distribution of ecological and behavioural traits.
Botryocladius gen.n.: a new transantarctic genus of orthocladiine midge (Diptera: Chironomidae)
Authors: Cranston Peter S. , Edward Donald H. D.
Published: March 2003

A new genus of orthocladiine Chironomidae, Botryocladius (type species B. grapeth sp.n. from eastern Australia) is described and illustrated in all life history stages. All thirteen included species are described as new, six from eastern Australia (B. grapeth, B. brindabella, B. mdfrc, B. collessi, B. tasmania, B. australoalpinus), two from Western Australia (B. bibulmun and B. freemani), one from ephemeral streams in Australia (B. petrophilus) and four from Patagonian Argentina and Chile (B. edwardsi, B. glacialis, B. mapuche and B. tronador). All Australian species are known from at least pupal exuviae, most from adult males and several from larvae. In contrast, only B. edwardsi amongst Neotropical species is known from the adult male; all others are described from pupal exuviae. The immature stages are lotic in Australian permanent and temporary streams and Patagonian glacial streams and rivers, and lentic in Neotropical glacial‐fed and Australian subalpine lakes. Botryocladius appears to belong with a grouping centred on two formally undescribed taxa from Australia. The genus evidently demonstrates a vicariant distribution with at least two sister‐group relationships between South American and Australian taxa, providing a minimum dating for the clade of 38 Ma., with apparent absence from New Zealand indicating a maximum date of 80 Ma.
Basal ischnoceran louse phylogeny (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera: Goniodidae and Heptapsogasteridae)
Authors: Smith Vincent S.
Published: March 2003

A phylogenetic analysis of generic relationships for avian chewing lice of families Goniodidae and Heptapsogasteridae (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) is presented. These lice, hosted by galliform, columbiform and tinamiform birds are reputedly basal in the phylogeny of Ischnocera. A cladistic analysis of sixty‐two adult morphological characters from thirty‐one taxa revealed thirty equally parsimonious cladograms. The phylogeny is well resolved within Heptap‐sogasteridae and supports the monophyly of subfamily Strongylocotinae (sensuEichler 1963). Resolution within Goniodidae is lower but suggests that the genera hosted by Columbiformes are largely monophyletic. Mapping host taxonomy on to the phylogeny of the lice reveals a consistent pattern which is largely congruent down to the rank of host family, although at lower taxonomic levels the association appears to be more complex. The inclusion of more louse taxa may help considerably to unravel the coevolutionary history of both the hosts and their parasites.
Molecular sequence data resolves basal divergences within Simuliidae (Diptera)
Authors: Moulton JohN. K.
Published: March 2003

Basal divergences within Simuliidae are inferred from portions of the large nuclear ribosomal subunit (28S), elongation factor‐one alpha (EF‐1α), dopa decarboxylase (DDC), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), the small mitochondrial ribosomal subunit (12S) and subunit two of NADH dehydrogenase (ND2). Sequences from 28S and EF‐1α are presented for a thaumaleid, a chironomid and twenty‐five of the thirty‐two currently recognized simuliid genera. For DDC, PEPCK, 12S and ND2 the taxon sampling is less extensive, but includes both aforementioned outgroup taxa, Parasimulium Malloch, Simulium Latreille and genera representing each of the two to three major suprageneric taxa of various authors. Phylogenetic analyses of 28S, EF‐1α, PEPCK and DDC sequences yield strong support for the basal position of Parasimulium (Parasimuliinae) and division of the remaining simuliids (Simuliinae) into monophyletic sister taxa, Prosimuliini and Simuliini. These groupings are entirely concordant with those recovered in the most intensive analysis of morphological data.
Phylogeny of the water strider genus Rheumatobates (Heteroptera: Gerridae)
Authors: Westlake Kathleen P. , Rowe Locke , Currie Douglas C.
Published: March 2003

The genus Rheumatobates comprises thirty‐seven species and subspecies of New World water striders belonging to subfamily Rhagadotarsinae. Among species, males vary dramatically in the degree and nature of modifications of the antennae, three pairs of legs and abdominal and genital segments. Characters describing this modification have traditionally been used to differentiate and group species. The general assumption has been that modified species belong to one group and unmodified species to another. These two ‘species groups’ are subdivided into ‘subgroups’, but little effort has been made to resolve relationships among them. We conduct the first numerical cladistic analysis of Rheumatobates using a data set comprised of 102 characters, primarily describing modification of male external morphology. To address concerns about the inclusion of characters to be optimized on the phylogeny, characters describing modification of antennae and hind legs were included and then excluded in separate analyses. A preferred phylogeny was chosen from the four equally parsimonious cladograms found after successive reweighting of characters. There was good resolution at all levels of the phylogeny. Most of the major clades and terminal relationships were moderately to strongly supported, whereas the basal relationships were less well supported. The general assumption that unmodified and modified species form two monophyletic groups was not supported. However, traditionally recognized ‘subgroups’ within the modified species group were largely upheld. The analysis also suggested several major clades and relationships among these clades that were not previously recognized. The exclusion of characters describing modification of antennae and hind legs did not change the resolved major clades of the reconstructed phylogeny.
Morphological and molecular characterization of Anopheles (Anopheles) maculipennis Meigen, type species of the genus and nominotypical member of the Maculipennis Complex
Authors: Linton Yvonne‐Marie , Smith Lisa , Koliopoulos George , Samanidou‐Voyadjoglou Anna , Zounos Athanassios K. , Harbach Ralph E.
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Adults and larvae of Anopheles maculipennis Meigen were collected in Greece in May and June 2001. Larvae and the progeny of wild‐caught females were individually reared to obtain samples of all life stages for integrated morphological and molecular study. Specimens were identified on the basis of egg morphology and correlation of their ITS2 rDNA sequences with those in GenBank. The adult, pupal, larval (fourth‐instar) and egg stages are described, and all stages except the egg are illustrated. Partial sequence data are provided for the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene and complete sequences for the nuclear ITS2 region. Additionally, the bionomics and distribution of the species are reviewed, and its taxonomy and systematics are discussed. This study provides the first fully integrated morphological and molecular assessment of An. maculipennis, the nominotypical member of the Maculipennis Complex, and the type species of genus Anopheles, and serves as a foundation for further studies of the complex and subfamily Anophelinae.
Doming in the southern foreland of the Dabieshan (Yangtse block, China)
Authors: Faure  , Lin  , Sun
Published: March 2003

In China, the foreland of the Dabieshan is characterized by E–W trending domes and basins. From South to North the Wugongshan, Jiulingshan, Lushan and Dabieshan domes consist of Proterozoic metamorphics unconformably covered by late Proterozoic to Triassic sediments. Ductile and brittle extensional structures are described along the margins of the metamorphic domes. Along the N–S striking lineation, kinematic indicators show divergent top‐to‐the‐north and ‐south shear in the north and south flanks of the domes, respectively. The superposition of Proterozoic phyllite over Permian–Triassic carbonates is reinterpreted as extensional allochthons formed by tilting, shearing and sliding on the layers. Plate convergence is responsible for continental subduction in the Dabieshan and deep‐seated thrusting in the Yangtse plate. As compression continued, the thrust contacts were folded and several antiformal stacks developed. Domal uplift induced the formation of gravity‐driven extensional structures.
Biostratigraphical and palaeoenvironmental implications of isotopic studies (18O, 13C) of middle Miocene (Badenian) foraminifers in the Central Paratethys
Authors: Gonera M. , Peryt T.M. , Durakiewicz T.
Published: March 2003

The cause of the middle Miocene Badenian salinity crisis in the Central Paratethys is addressed by examining the palaeotemperature evolution of Badenian waters before and after the deposition of evaporites. Selected foraminifer taxa (Globigerinoides spp., Globigerina bulloides, and Uvigerina) characterizing, respectively, the near‐surface, intermediate, and bottom layers of the water column, were studied in two boreholes of SW Poland. The δ18O and δ13C values for these taxa show distinct differences which can be explained by the temperature difference between surface and bottom waters during deposition. These values also show temporal changes corresponding to the water temperature evolution in the Badenian basin. Different and quickly changing environmental conditions have been inferred from changes in foraminifer assemblages. They explain why biostratigraphic subdivisions based on well‐recognized assemblages are the most accurate approach for determining the biostratigraphy of middle Miocene deposits in the Central Paratethys. The results of isotopic studies indicate that evaporites occur in a part of the Badenian section that was characterized by the lowest temperatures in the studied sections.
Characterization of soil’s structural crust by spectral reflectance in the SWIR region (1.2–2.5 μm)
Authors: Goldshleger N. , Ben‐Dor E. , Benyamini Y. , Agassi M. , Blumberg D. G.
Published: March 2003

Structural crust is a thin layer formed on the soil surface after a rainstorm. The crust is the result of a physical segregation and rearrangement of soil particles in a way that affects some of the soil properties, such as infiltration, runoff and soil erosion. In practice, there is no rapid, in situ method for monitoring, assessing and mapping crust intensity and quality. In this study, a controlled spectral investigation of the structural crust across the NIR–SWIR spectral region was conducted on three selected Israeli soils, to study the potential of reflectance radiation to detect structural crust in soils. Two major factors served as the driving forces for this study: (1) there is no valid method for in situ assessment of the crust’s characteristics in the agriculture field, and (2) the crust might bias thematic remote sensing of soils, because the thin layer of crust blocks photon–matter interaction, which represents the relevant soil body. Through the use of a laboratory rainfall simulator and a sensitive spectrometer, it was revealed that for three selected soils, significant spectral differences occurred between the crust and its bulk soil. The spectral information was found to be related to changes in particle size distribution and texture at the surface of the soil. This conclusion was based on indications of absorption of OH in clay lattice, OH in adsorbed water and CO3 in carbonates. It was concluded that the structural crust is a phenomenon that should not be ignored by remote‐sensing users. In fact, in the field of agriculture, the spectral properties of crust can be used as tools for estimating the crust’s intensity.
Onshore climate change during the Late Triassic marine inundation of the Central European Basin
Authors: Ahlberg Anders , Arndorff Leif , Guy‐Ohlson Dorothy
Published: March 2003

Sedimentological, pedological and palynological evidence reveal radically increasing onshore humidity during the Rhaetian marine invasion of central Europe along the north‐eastern margin of the Central European Basin (southern Sweden). Pre‐Rhaetian aridity favoured the formation of Carnian redbeds with calcrete, which were succeeded by Norian hematite‐cemented conglomerates, arkoses, arkosic wackestones, and smectititic mudstones deposited on braidplains and in lakes. Superimposed autochthonous coals and gleysols indicate the Rhaetian onset of year‐round humidity. Chemically mature sandstones, kaolinitic mudstones and luvisols also formed at this time, influenced by a permanent vegetation cover which lowered soil pH and strongly intensified chemical weathering. The Rhaetian deposits accumulated in floodplain lakes repeatedly subjected to sediment infill, plant colonization and palaeosol development. The humidity shift resembles that contemporaneously recorded in the North Sea region.
Early Palaeozoic North Qaidam UHP metamorphic belt on the north‐eastern Tibetan plateau and a paired subduction model
Authors: Jingsui Yang , Zhiqin Xu , Jianxin Zhang , Shuguang Song , Cailai Wu , Rendeng Shi , Haibing Li , Brunel Maurice
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT An Early Palaeozoic UHP metamorphic belt was recently discovered in the North Qaidam Mountains in the north‐eastern part of the Tibet Plateau. The belt contains abundant eclogite with lesser amounts of garnet peridotite and gneiss. The paragneiss contains abundant zircon with coesite inclusions whereas the eclogite has garnet with coesite pseudomorphs and omphacite with exsolved quartz. The calculated peak metamorphic conditions for the eclogite are T = 730 °C and P = 2.8 GPa. The garnet peridotites are magnesium‐rich with Mg#s [100 × Mg/(Mg + Fe)] up to 92. Olivine in the peridotites is highly magnesian (Fo > 91.5) and TiO2‐poor and is typical of low‐T garnet peridotites. Calculated peak metamorphic conditions for the peridotites are T = 837 °C and P = 2.5 GPa. U–Pb and Sm–Nd isotope dating indicate that continental subduction started during the early Ordovician (∼ 495 Ma). The North Qaidam UHP, together with the North Qilian HP belt about 300 km to the north, constitute a pair of genetically related early Palaeozoic subduction zones along the northern margin of the Tibet Plateau.
A possible mechanism for the thermal asymmetry of the Ligurian basin
Authors: Pasquale V. , Verdoya M. , Chiozzi P.
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT We propose a thermo‐mechanical model and a new interpretation of heat flux data for the Ligurian basin that may be a key to understanding the evolution of the NW Mediterranean. The model incorporates the removal of a portion of mantle lithosphere to explain the heat‐flux and subsidence anomaly of the eastern (Corsican) margin of the basin. This process is envisaged as a result of eastward asthenosphere flow induced by the Apennines subduction system. After a heating phase, time‐dependent conductive cooling and re‐thickening of the lithosphere result in re‐equilibrium of the thermal gradient to its initial value. Such a rifting mode can account for the asymmetric heat‐flux and subsidence pattern observed across the basin and the present‐day lithospheric thickness.
The adenine nucleotide translocator of higher plants is synthesized as a large precursor that is processed upon import into mitochondria.
Authors: Winning BM , Sarah CJ , Purdue PE , Day CD , Leaver CJ
Published: March 2003

Two maize genes and cDNAs encoding the mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT), a nuclear‐encoded inner mitochondrial membrane carrier protein, have previously been isolated in this laboratory. Sequence analysis revealed the existence of much longer open reading frames than the corresponding fungal and mammalian ANT genes. Potato ANT cDNAs have subsequently been isolated and sequenced and alignment of the deduced plant amino acid sequences with the equivalent fungal and mammalian polypeptides indicated that the plant proteins contain N‐ terminal extensions. When the plant cDNA clones are expressed in vitro they direct the synthesis of precursor proteins that are specifically processed at the N‐terminus upon import into isolated mitochondria. N‐ terminal amino acid sequence data obtained from the native proteins purified from both maize and potato mitochondria has allowed identification of the putative processing sites. Further import analysis has shown that two distinct regions of the maize precursor protein contain targeting information, the 97 amino acids at the N‐ terminus and the 267 C‐terminal amino acids. This is the first report that provides experimental evidence that the adenine nucleotide translocator of higher plants is synthesized as a large precursor protein that is specifically cleaved upon import into mitochondria. Import of ANT into higher plant mitochondria therefore appears to be different to the corresponding process in fungal and mammalian systems where targeting of ANT to mitochondria is mediated by internal signals and there is no N‐terminal processing.