bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yeast artificial chromosomes: an alternative approach to the molecular analysis of mouse developmental mutations
Authors: Larin Zoia , Lehrach Hans
Published: September 2009

Mammalian genetics now allows a molecular study of genomic regions previously analysed by genetic and embryological techniques. To simplify such an analysis, we have established a number of libraries of mouse DNA in Yeast Artificial Chromosome (YAC) vectors, constructed either by partial digestion with EcoRI, or by complete digestion with enzymes which cut rarely in the mammalian genome. In this paper we report the construction of complete digest libraries prepared from mouse genomic DNA using the rare cutter enzymes NoiI and BssHII, and the detection of gene loci from the H-2 complex, the t–complex, and other loci from the mouse genome. Due to their large insert size, YAC clones simplify the cloning of extended regions of the mouse genome surrounding known developmental mutations and should, after introduction into the germ line, offer a high probability of correct expression of the genes contained within the cloned region. We hope that this will allow the use of YAC clones to scan regions of interest such as the t–complex for specific genes by testing DNA introduced into transgenic mice for the ability to complement mutations localised to this region.
Use of triple tissue blastocyst reconstitution to study the development of diploid parthenogenetic primitive ectoderm in combination with fertilization-derived trophectoderm and primitive endoderm
Authors: Gardner R. L. , Barton S. C. , Surani M. A. H.
Published: September 2009

Diploid mouse conceptuses lacking a paternal genome can form morphologically normal but small fetuses of up to 25 somites, but they invariably fail to develop beyond mid-gestation. Such conceptuses differ from normal most notably in the poor development of extra-embryonic tissues which are largely of trophectodermal and primitive endodermal origin. However, it is not clear whether the demise of diploid parthenogenetic (P) or gynogenetic (G) conceptuses is attributable entirely to the defective development of these two tissues or whether differentiation of the primitive ectoderm, the precursor of the foetus, extra-embryonic mesoderm and amnion, is also impaired by the absence of a paternal genome. Therefore, a new blastocyst reconstitution technique was used which enabled primitive ectoderm from P blastocysts to be combined with primitive endoderm and trophectoderm from fertilization-derived (F) blastocysts. One third of the ‘triple tissue’ reconstituted blastocysts that implanted yielded foetuses. However, all foetuses recovered on the llth or 12th day of gestation were small and, with one exception, either obviously retarded or arrested in development. The exception was a living 44 somite specimen which is the most advanced P foetus yet recorded. Foetuses were invariably degenerating in conceptuses recovered on the 13th day. In contrast, at least 16% of control reconstituted blastocysts with primitive ectoderm as well as primitive endoderm and trophectoderm of F origin developed normally on the 13th day of gestation or to term. Hence, the presence of a paternal genome seems to be essential for normal differentiation of all 3 primary tissues of the mouse blastocyst.

The P foetuses that developed from reconstituted blastocysts were so closely invested by their membranes that they often showed abnormal flexure of the posterior region of the body. Several also showed a deficiency of allantoic tissue. Therefore, the possibility that the defect in development of P primitive ectoderms resided in their extra-embryonic tissues was investigated by analysing a series of chimaeras produced by injecting them into intact F blastocysts. The foregoing anomalies were not discernible even when P cells made a large contribution to the extra-embryonic mesoderm or amnion plus umbilical cord. Furthermore, selection against P cells was no greater in extra-embryonic derivatives of the primitive ectoderm than in the foetus itself.
Death of mouse embryos that lack a functional gene for glucose phosphate isomerase
Authors: West John D. , Flockhart Jean H. , Peters Josephine , Ball Simon T.
Published: September 2009

A null allele of theGpi-1sstructural gene, that encodes glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI-1;E.C.5.3.1.9), arose in a mutation experiment and was designatedGpi-1sa-m1H. The viability of homozygotes has been investigated. No offspring homozygous for the null allele were produced by intercrossing two heterozygotes, so the homozygous condition was presumed to be embryonic lethal. Embryos were produced by crossingGpi-1sa/null heterozygous females andGpi-1sb/null heterozygous males. Homozygous null embryos were identified at different stages of development by electrophoresis and staining either for GPI-1 alone or GPI-1 plus phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) activity. At 6½ and 7½ dayspost coitumhomozygous null embryos were present at approximately the expected 25% frequency (37/165; 22·4% overall) although at 7½ days the homozygous null embryos tended to be small. By 8½ days most homozygous null embryos were developmentally retarded and had not developed significantly further than at 7½ days; some were dead or dying. By 9½ days the homozygous null conceptus was characterised by a small implantation site that contained trophoblast and often a small amount of extraembryonic membrane. Surviving trophoblast tissue was also detectable at 10½ days. Previous studies have shown that oocyte-coded GPI-1 persists only until 5½ or 6½ days. Survival of homozygous null embryos to 7½ or 8½ days and survival of certain extraembryonic tissue to 10½ days suggests that the homozygous null condition may not be cell-lethal although it is certainly embryo-lethal. Mutant cells that are deficient in glycolysis may use the pentose phosphate shunt to bypass the block in glycolysis created by the deficiency of glucose phosphate isomerase, and/or might be rescued by the transport, from the maternal blood, of energy sources other than glucose (such as glutamine). Either strategy may only permit slow cell growth that would not be adequate to support normal embryogenesis. Transport of maternal nutrients would be more efficient to the trophoblast and extraembryonic membranes and this may help to explain why these tissues survive for longer than the embryo itself. The morphological similarity between homozygous nulls and androgenetic conceptuses, where the trophoblast also survives better than the embryo, is discussed.
Genome imprinting phenomena on mouse chromosome 7
Authors: Searle Antony G. , Beechey Colin V.
Published: September 2009

Heterozygotes for the reciprocal translocation T(7;15)9H were intercrossed, with albino (c) and underwhite (uw) as genetic markers, in order to study genetic complementation in mouse chromosome 7. Chromosome 15 is known to show normal complementation. Neither reciprocal cross in which one parent wasc/cand the other wild type yielded albino progeny at birth although about 17% would be expected, but albino foetuses were recovered when the mother wasc/cand father wild type. These products of maternal duplication/paternal deficiency for distal 7 were markedly retarded with small placentae. No albino foetuses were found when the father wasc/cand mother wild type, which suggested earlier lethality. Equivalent crosses withuw(chromosome 15) as proximal marker gave normal underwhite progeny when the mother wasuw/uwbut small placentae, retardation and neonatal death of presumptive underwhites in the reciprocal cross. These abnormal newborn would have had a maternal duplication/paternal deficiency for proximal 7. These and other findings indicate that one region of defective complementation probably lies distal to the breakpoint of T(7;18)50H at 7E2-F2, while another is between the centromere and 7B3. Examination of man-mouse homologies suggests that the loci for three pathological human conditions (Beckwith-Weidemann syndrome, dystrophia myotonia and rhabdomyosarcoma) with differential parental transmission may be located in homologous regions to those affected by imprinting phenomena on mouse chromosome 7.
Parental influences on expression of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase,G6pd, in the mouse; a case of imprinting
Authors: Peters J. , Ball S. T.
Published: September 2009

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity was measured in blood from heterozygotes for the normal alleleG6pdaand the low activity alleleG6pda-m l Neu. In adult mice lower activity was found inG6pda/G6pda-m l Neuthan in the reciprocal heterozygoteG6pda-m l Neu/G6pda(the maternal allele being listed first). Thus, either the paternally derived allele was over-expressed or the maternally derived allele was under-expressed. By contrast, in younger mice the difference in G6PD activity in reciprocal crosses was less marked. The findings are interpreted in terms of differential imprinting of maternally and paternally inherited information. The explanation offered for age related differences is that, as a consequence of imprinting, either the paternal X-chromosome is preferentially reactivated, or cells in which the paternally derived allele is active are at a selective advantage, and proliferate better than those in which the maternally inherited allele is active.
Effects of sodium butyrate on X-Ray and bleomycin-induced chromosome aberrations in human peripheral blood lymphocytes
Authors: Sankaranarayanan K. , Duyn A. v. , Loos M. J. , Meschini R. , Natarajan A. T.
Published: September 2009

Peripheral blood lymphocytes from normal human volunteers or from Down syndrome patients were pre-treated with sodium butyrate (a compound which is known to induce structural modifications in the chromatin through hyperacetylation of nucleosomal core histones) and exposed to X-irradiation or treated with bleomycin in vitro in the G0and/or G1stage(s) of the cell cycle. The frequencies of chromosomal aberrations in the first mitosis after treatment were scored.

The results show an enhancement in the yield of aberrations in the butyrate pre-treated groups. However, the absolute frequencies of chromosomal aberrations as well as the relative increases with butyrate pre-treatment varied between blood samples from different donors suggesting the existence of inter-individual variations. There is a parallelism between the effects of X-irradiation or of combined treatments in G0and G1stages and between effects observed in the X-ray and bleomycin series. The increase in the yields of chromosomal aberrations in butyrate-treated and X-irradiated lymphocytes (relative to those which received X-irradiation alone) is interpreted as a consequence of the inhibition of repair of DNA damage by butyrate.
MATE CHOICE IN OLIVENZA: INFLUENCE OF BORDER CHANGE ON SPANISH–PORTUGUESE LINEAGES
Authors: ROMÁN-BUSTO JORGE , FUSTER VICENTE , COLANTONIO SONIA , ZULUAGA PILAR , BLANCO MARÍA JOSÉ , GUARDADO-MOREIRA MARIA JOAO
Published: September 2009

The mating pattern in a population determines the next generation gene pool and therefore its genetic structure. Besides socio-cultural and geographic factors, political barriers may influence the formation of couples. The present paper studies how the change of national border affected the mating pattern of Olivenza in Badajoz Province (Spain), which experienced a change of domain from Portugal to Spain in 1801. For the period analysed (1750–1850), 954 Catholic marriage records were transcribed. Data were sorted by decades in order to make a temporal study possible and analysed by means of diversity and repeated-pairs of surnames. Following the change of border the mating pattern modified. Coinciding with a larger number of mixed marriages with Spaniards, there was a progressive rise in the diversity of surnames. From 1811 to 1820 the analysis of repeated-pairs of surnames indicates the existence of preferential matings within Spanish and Portuguese lineages. After 1821 the above pattern became less clear due to the disappearance of the Spanish–Portuguese restrictions on choice of mate.
Haptoglobin and serum amyloid A in bulk tank milk in relation to raw milk quality
Authors: Åkerstedt Maria , Waller Karin Persson , Sternesjö Åse
Published: September 2009

The aim of the present study was to evaluate relationships between the presence of the two major bovine acute phase proteins haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA) and raw milk quality parameters in bulk tank milk samples. Hp and SAA have been suggested as specific markers of mastitis but recently also as markers for raw milk quality. Since mastitis has detrimental effects on milk quality, it is important to investigate whether the presence of Hp or SAA indicates such changes in the composition and properties of the milk. Bulk tank milk samples (n=91) were analysed for Hp, SAA, total protein, casein, whey protein, proteolysis, fat, lactose, somatic cell count and coagulating properties. Samples with detectable levels of Hp had lower casein content, casein number and lactose content, but higher proteolysis than samples without Hp. Samples with detectable levels of SAA had lower casein number and lactose content, but higher whey protein content than samples without SAA. The presence of acute phase proteins in bulk tank milk is suggested as an indicator for unfavourable changes in the milk composition, e.g. protein quality, due to udder health disturbances, with economical implications for the dairy industry.
Influence of milk yield, stage of lactation, and body condition on dairy cattle lying behaviour measured using an automated activity monitoring sensor
Authors: Bewley Jeffrey M , Boyce Robert E , Hockin Jeremy , Munksgaard Lene , Eicher Susan D , Einstein Mark E , Schutz Michael M
Published: September 2009

Time spent lying by lactating Holstein-Friesian cows of varying body condition scores (BCS) and milk yield was measured using an animal activity monitor. A 3-week average BCS was calculated for each cow; and in total, 84 cows were selected with 28 cows each among three BCS categories (Thin: BCS<2·75; Moderate: 2·75⩾BCS<3·25; Heavy: BCS⩾3·25) and two stage of lactation categories (<150 days in milk or >150 days in milk). Cows were kept in two management systems: parlour/freestall (n=60) or automated milking system/freestall (n=24). Behaviour was recorded for 5·3±0·1 d for each cow. Production levels were considered using a 28-d rolling average of daily milk production. Cows that exhibited clinical lameness before or during the observation period were excluded from analyses. For cows exhibiting oestrus, the day prior to, day of, and day following breeding were removed. The final analysis included 77 cows (408 d of observation). A mixed model was fitted to describe average daily hours spent lying. Results demonstrated that lying time increased as days in milk (DIM) increased (P=0·05). Variables that were tested but not significant (P>0·05) were BCS category, parity category (1 or ⩾2) and 28-d rolling average daily milk production. Although a numerical trend for increasing hours spent lying with increasing BCS was observed, after accounting for other factors in the mixed model, BCS did not significantly impact lying time. Continued investigation of these management factors that impact lying time and bouts, using new technologies, more cows, and more herds will help dairy owners better manage facilities and cow movements to optimize this essential behaviour.
Freak wave statistics on collinear currents
Authors: HJELMERVIK KARINA B. , TRULSEN KARSTEN
Published: September 2009

Linear refraction of waves on inhomogeneous current is known to provoke extreme waves. We investigate the effect of nonlinearity on this phenomenon, with respect to the variation of significant wave height, kurtosis and occurrence of freak waves. Monte Carlo simulations are performed employing a modified nonlinear Schrödinger equation that includes the effects of a prescribed non-potential current. We recommend that freak waves should be defined by a local criterion according to the wave distribution at each location of constant current, not by a global criterion that is either averaged over, or insensitive to, inhomogeneities of the current. Nonlinearity can reduce the modulation of significant wave height. Depending on the configuration of current and waves, the kurtosis and probability of freak waves can either grow or decrease when the wave height increases due to linear refraction. At the centre of an opposing current jet where waves are known to become large, we find that freak waves should be more rare than in the open ocean away from currents. The largest amount of freak waves on an opposing current jet is found at the jet sides where the significant wave height is small.
The effects of hindered mobility and depletion of particles in near-wall shear flows and the implications for nanovelocimetry
Authors: HUANG PETER , GUASTO JEFFREY S. , BREUER KENNETH S.
Published: September 2009

The behaviour of spherical Brownian particles in a near-wall shear flow is explored using Langevin simulations and experimental measurements, focusing on the effects of anisotropic hindered particle mobility and the formation of a particle depletion layer due to repulsive forces. The results are discussed in the context of particle velocity distributions obtained by near-wall image-based velocimetry. It is observed that the shear force and dispersion dominate at high Péclet number (Pe > 3), and the asymmetric shapes of particle velocity distributions are attributed to broken symmetry due to the presence of the wall. Furthermore, the excursions outside the observation depth between image acquisitions and the shear-induced slowdowns of tracer particles cause significant measurement bias for long and short inter-frame time intervals, respectively. Also impeding the measurement accuracy is the existence of a near-wall particle depletion layer that leads to an overestimation of the fluid velocity. An analytical protocol to infer the correct fluid velocity from biased measurements is presented.
Highly efficient, easily spectrally tunable X-ray backlighting for the study of extreme matter states
Authors: Loupias B. , Perez F. , Benuzzi-Mounaix A. , Ozaki N. , Rabec M. , Gloahec L.E. , Pikuz T.A. , Faenov A.Ya. , Aglitskiy Y. , Koenig M.
Published: September 2009

An improved high luminosity, easily spectrally tunable backlighting scheme based on a spherically bent crystal is considered in this paper. Contrary to the traditional backlighting scheme, we used crystal far from normal incidence, and the backlighter source was inside the Rowland circle. With the presented configuration, we obtained a spatial resolution up to 8 µm in the desired direction with an X-ray backlighting energy close to 5 keV. Detailed discussions and ray-tracing calculations show that with this convenient scheme resolution down to 5 µm can be achieved. A dedicated application to high energy density physics is presented: the radiography of shock compressed matter.
Faecal incontinence in older people
Authors: Harari Danielle
Published: September 2009

Faecal incontinence in older people is a distressing and socially isolating symptom and increases the risk of morbidity, mortality and dependency. Many older individuals with faecal incontinence will not volunteer the problem to their general practitioner or nurse and, regrettably, health care providers do not routinely enquire about the symptom. Even when older people are noted by health care professionals to have faecal incontinence, the condition is often managed passively, especially in the long-term care setting where it is most prevalent. The importance of identifying treatable causes of faecal incontinence in older people, rather than just managing passively, is strongly emphasized in national and international guidance, but audit shows that adherence to such guidance is generally poor. This article describes epidemiology, causes, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of faecal incontinence in older people.
Older people and major trauma
Authors: Cole Elaine , Lynch Antonia , Bridges Jackie , West Anita
Published: September 2009

Major traumatic injury is a leading cause of death in younger age groups, but increasingly older people are affected also. Adverse outcomes, both physical and psychological, are associated with injury in the older population. This review aims to locate and describe the evidence relating to older people and major trauma in order to inform policy, practice, research and education. The published research and systematic reviews fall into three main topics: mechanism of traumatic injury in older people, the effects of co-morbidities on older trauma patients and outcomes following serious traumatic injury in older people. The psychological impact of traumatic injury and the resulting functional alteration cannot be underestimated in this group of patients.
Symptom complaints following combat-related traumatic brain injury: Relationship to traumatic brain injury severity and posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: BELANGER HEATHER G. , KRETZMER TRACY , VANDERPLOEG RODNEY D. , FRENCH LOUIS M.
Published: September 2009

Patients with a history of mild (n= 134) or moderate-to-severe (n= 91) TBI were asked to complete the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI) and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist. Consistent with prior research, significantly more postconcussion symptoms were endorsed by the mild group. After controlling for age, time since injury, and mechanism of injury, TBI severity continued to be significantly related to postconcussion complaints on the NSI. However, after controlling for these same variables, along with posttraumatic stress disorder symptom severity, there no longer were differences between the TBI severity groups. That is, patients with mild TBI did not endorse significantly more complaints (adjusted mean = 22.4) than the moderate-to-severe group (adjusted mean = 21.8). These findings suggest that much of the symptom complaints in mildly injured patients may be due to emotional distress. (JINS, 2010,16, 194–199.)
Validity of the Bouchard activity diary in Spanish adolescents
Authors: Martínez-Gómez David , Wärnberg Julia , Welk Gregory J , Sjöström Michael , Veiga Oscar L , Marcos Ascension
Published: September 2009

Objective

Valid and simple instruments to assess physical activity (PA) in specific populations are required for health-related research. The aim of the present study was to assess the validity of the Bouchard activity diary (AD) in Spanish adolescents using an activity monitor to compare total PA and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) obtained by both instruments.

Design

Sixty-one Spanish adolescents, aged 12–16 years, completed the Bouchard AD and wore the ActiGraph activity monitor for three consecutive days. Validity was assessed with the Spearman correlation coefficient (ρ), the Bland–Altman method and the κ coefficient.

Results

Thirty-seven adolescents were included in the final analysis. Correlations between the activity monitor and the AD administered over the three days (Thursday–Saturday) were moderate (ρ = 0·33–0·35, P < 0·05) or non-significant for total PA and moderate (ρ = 0·36, P < 0·05) for MVPA. Correlations between the two methods were progressively lower for each subsequent day of testing, for both total PA and MVPA. The Bland–Altman plot illustrated that the Bouchard AD overestimated MVPA (mean difference −32·05 (sd 74·56) min; 95 % limits of agreement 109·61, −173·31 min). Agreements for classification into MVPA tertiles and accordance with the international recommendations of MVPA were fair and moderate, respectively, for the 3 d means.

Conclusions

The Bouchard AD has reasonable validity to assess total PA and MVPA in Spanish adolescents. The results show lower levels of agreement on the third day but it is not clear if this is due to design features (weekday v. weekend) or to participant compliance with the survey or the activity monitoring protocol.
The special safeguard fiasco in the WTO: the perils of inadequate analysis and negotiation
Authors: WOLFE ROBERT
Published: September 2009

The July 2008 attempt by a group of ministers to agree on modalities for the WTO's Doha Round broke down in part because they could not agree on a proposed ‘Special Safeguard Mechanism’ (SSM) for developing countries in agriculture. This paper offers a corrective to the conventional story that the breakdown was due to a simple conflict of interests over the SSM between the United States and India. The term SSM was first used in a Doha Round text in 2004, but neither the principles nor the commercial implications had ever been discussed by ministers before July 2008. The conceptual origins of the SSM go back to proposals in the late 1990s for a ‘Development Box’, but by the time of the ministerial, negotiators had been unable to agree on the purpose of the safeguard, or how it would work, including the agricultural products it would cover, how it would be triggered, the remedies (additional tariffs) allowed, or the transparency requirements for its operation. The SSM was therefore one of the least ‘stabilized’ parts of the text placed before ministers in July 2008. Members were far from reaching a consensual understanding of the SSM, which resulted in a fiasco that might have been avoided. Ministers should not have been asked to engage in a poorly prepared discussion of a sensitive issue, because inevitably they staked out incompatible positions. Members may subsequently find it difficult to back down.
Differential involvement of β3 integrin in pre- and postsynaptic forms of adaptation to chronic activity deprivation
Authors: Cingolani Lorenzo A. , Goda Yukiko
Published: September 2009

Neuronal networks can adapt to global changes in activity levels through compensatory modifications in pre- and postsynaptic parameters of synaptic transmission. These forms of synaptic plasticity are known as synaptic homeostasis, and are thought to require specific cellular interactions and signaling across the entire neuronal network. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic homeostasis have so far been investigated mostly in primary cultures of dissociated neurons, a preparation that lacks the specificity of in vivo circuitry. Here, we show that there are critical differences in the properties of synaptic homeostasis between dissociated neuronal cultures and organotypic slices, a preparation that preserves more precisely in vivo connectivity. Moreover, the cell adhesion molecule β3 integrin, which regulates excitatory synaptic strength, is specifically required for a postsynaptic form of synaptic homeostasis called synaptic scaling in both dissociated cultures and organotypic slices. Conversely, another form of synaptic homeostasis that involves changes in presynaptic quantal content occurs independently of β3 integrin. Our findings define the differential involvement of β3 integrin in two forms of synaptic homeostasis.
Using altimetry to help explain patchy changes in hydrographic carbon measurements
Authors: Rodgers Keith B. , Key Robert M. , Gnanadesikan Anand , Sarmiento Jorge L. , Aumont Olivier , Bopp Laurent , Doney Scott C. , Dunne John P. , Glover David M. , Ishida Akio , Ishii Masao , Jacobson Andrew R. , Lo Monaco Claire , Maier‐Reimer Ernst , Mercier Herlé , Metzl Nicolas , Pérez Fiz F. , Rios Aida F. , Wanninkhof Rik , Wetzel Patrick , Winn Christopher D. , Yamanaka Yasuhiro
Published: September 2009

Here we use observations and ocean models to identify mechanisms driving large seasonal to interannual variations in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and dissolved oxygen (O2) in the upper ocean. We begin with observations linking variations in upper ocean DIC and O2 inventories with changes in the physical state of the ocean. Models are subsequently used to address the extent to which the relationships derived from short‐timescale (6 months to 2 years) repeat measurements are representative of variations over larger spatial and temporal scales. The main new result is that convergence and divergence (column stretching) attributed to baroclinic Rossby waves can make a first‐order contribution to DIC and O2 variability in the upper ocean. This results in a close correspondence between natural variations in DIC and O2 column inventory variations and sea surface height (SSH) variations over much of the ocean. Oceanic Rossby wave activity is an intrinsic part of the natural variability in the climate system and is elevated even in the absence of significant interannual variability in climate mode indices. The close correspondence between SSH and both DIC and O2 column inventories for many regions suggests that SSH changes (inferred from satellite altimetry) may prove useful in reducing uncertainty in separating natural and anthropogenic DIC signals (using measurements from Climate Variability and Predictability's CO2/Repeat Hydrography program).
Assessing Stream Ecosystem Condition in the United States
Authors: Faustini John M. , Kaufmann Philip R. , Herlihy Alan T. , Paulsen Steven G.
Published: September 2009

When the U.S. Congress passed the Federal Water Pollution Control Act in 1972, later amended by the Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1977, it tasked the newly created U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in cooperation with the states, with periodically assessing the quality of U.S. waters and reporting on progress toward meeting the goals of the CWA. In subsequent decades, reviews by various governmental and nongovernmental organizations consistently have found available water quality data and reporting to be inadequate to evaluate the nation's progress [Shapiro et al., 2008]. In response to these concerns, in 1989 EPA's Office of Research and Development initiated the Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) to develop and demonstrate scientific tools to monitor the status of, and trends in, U.S. aquatic resources and environmental stressors affecting them.

Recent EPA‐led efforts involve monitoring wadeable perennial streams (streams or rivers shallow enough to be wadeable during seasonal low flows), which make up an estimated 90% of the total length of all perennial flowing waters in the United States [EPA, 2006]. Selected results from the first national survey of these streams, the national Wadeable Streams Assessment (WSA) [EPA, 2006; Paulsen et al., 2008], illustrate how such surveys can provide critical information to guide management of this important resource. Nonmonitoring applications of data from the WSA and earlier regional surveys show the wide‐ranging applicability of these rich data sets.
Drilling, Sampling, and Monitoring the Alpine Fault: Deep Fault Drilling Project—Alpine Fault, New Zealand; Franz Josef, New Zealand, 22–28 March 2009
Authors: Townend John
Published: September 2009

Several fundamental geological and geophysical phenomena are associated with the midcrust. These include the transitions from brittle to ductile behavior and from unstable to stable frictional sliding; earthquake nucleation; maximum crustal stresses; and mineralization associated with permeable fractures. However, knowledge of deformation, seismogenesis, and mineralization in the midcrust is based largely on remote geophysical observations of active faults and direct geological observations of fossil faults.

The Alpine Fault is a major dextral‐reverse fault that is thought to fail in large earthquakes (Mw ≈ 7.9) every 200–400 years and to have last ruptured in 1717 C.E. Ongoing uplift has rapidly exhumed a crustal section from 20‐to 30‐kilometer depths, yielding a young (<∼1‐million‐year‐old), well‐preserved sample of structures currently active at depth. The Deep Fault Drilling Project (DFDP) proposes to drill, sample, and monitor the Alpine Fault to better understand processes of rock deformation, seismogenesis, and mineralization.
AGU International Award Recognizes Outstanding Science in Developing Countries
Authors: Urrtia Jaime , Cazenave Anny , Brown Laurie , Chao Ben , Fraser Brian , Mesa Oscar , Muhongo Sospeter , Perillo Gerardo M. E.
Published: September 2009

One of AGU's major programs is its honors program, which includes the Union medals and awards, fellowships, and section and focus group awards. The program seeks to recognize outstanding contributions made by AGU members and other individuals to the advancement of the Earth and space sciences; service to the community; and excellence in education, outreach, and science journalism.

The International Award, the most recent addition to the Union's honors program, this year was presented for the third time, and nominations are being sought for the 2010 award. This award for international research cooperation was established to recognize an individual scientist or a small team for making an outstanding contribution to furthering the Earth and space sciences and using science for the benefit of society while laboring under adverse circumstances with limited resources in less favored nations.
Tomorrow's AGU: Building a Foundation for Good Governance
Authors: Grove Timothy L.
Published: September 2009

In May, the AGU Council voted unanimously to create a 16‐member board of directors to oversee the business of the Union, and to expand the Council beyond section leadership to include focus group and committee leaders concentrating on matters of science and related Union activities such as AGU publications, meetings, and awards and honors (see Eos, 90(25), 213, 23 June 2009). This fall, the AGU membership will be asked to vote on these important changes.

The Council action followed careful deliberation and reflects the recommendations of the Future Focus Task Force, which was formed to answer the question, “How will AGU need to change the way it does business to achieve its strategic vision and mission and remain a preeminent scientific society?”
American Geophysical Union Bylaws
Authors: Anonymous
Published: September 2009

On 25 August 2009, the AGU Council voted unanimously to accept and send to the membership for its approval revised bylaws (see http://www.agu.org/elections/bylaws09/) to implement a new governance structure (see charts on pages 324 and 325). If adopted by the membership vote in October 2009, the revised bylaws will replace the existing statutes and bylaws (http://www.agu.org/about/statutes_bylaws/).
Articles of Incorporation of the American Geophysical Union
Authors: Anonymous
Published: September 2009

The AGU membership will need to amend, as shown below, the articles of incorporation (see http://www.agu.org/elections/bylaws09/) to have them conform to the revised bylaws.
International Arctic Sea Ice Monitoring Program Continues Into Second Summer
Authors: Overland James , Eicken Hajo , Meier Walt , Wiggins Helen
Published: September 2009

Rapid and extreme environmental changes are occurring in the Arctic. To increase the understanding of these changes, a Web‐based Sea Ice Outlook program that was initiated in May 2008 has continued for a second summer in 2009 (http://www.arcus.org/search/seaiceoutlook). Here the term “outlook” refers to a procedure where investigators were asked in early June to provide projections of the mean sea ice extent for September, and to explain the rationale for their estimates.

The outlook, initiated by the Study of Environmental Arctic Change (SEARCH), was developed in response to the dramatic decrease in the areal extent of sea ice in summer 2007, when the extent dropped to a value of 39% below the average sea ice extent for 1979–1999 and 23% below the previous record minimum extent in 2005 (Figure 1). An effective response to such radical changes in sea ice extent requires enhanced, rapid communication within the Arctic science community to observe and understand Arctic processes as new information becomes available.
Eastward electric field enhancement and geomagnetic positive bay in the dayside low‐latitude ionosphere caused by magnetospheric substorms during sawtooth events
Authors: Huang Chao‐Song
Published: September 2009

Substorms cause significant disturbances in the magnetosphere and ionosphere. Although many substorm‐induced phenomena have been relatively well understood, a serious controversy arises as to how the magnetospheric and ionospheric convection responds to the expansion onset. In this paper, we present the observations of the low‐latitude ionospheric electric field and geomagnetic field at substorm onsets during sawtooth events when the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) remains steady southward, so the ionospheric disturbances are attributed solely to the substorm effects. In the substorm events we have analyzed, the dayside equatorial ionospheric electric field shows an eastward enhancement at the onset, and the geomagnetic field northward component at middle and low latitudes shows an increase (positive bay) on both the dayside and nightside. We suggest that the magnetospheric convection is enhanced at substorm onset and that the enhanced magnetospheric convection electric field penetrates to the low‐latitude ionosphere. The penetration electric field driven by substorm onset causes the eastward ionospheric electric field enhancement and geomagnetic positive bay on the dayside, and the substorm current wedge causes the geomagnetic positive bay on the nightside. Our findings are significantly different from the results of most previous studies and provide new insight into the substorm dynamic process.
On mantle chemical and thermal heterogeneities and anisotropy as mapped by inversion of global surface wave data
Authors: Khan A. , Boschi L. , Connolly J. A. D.
Published: September 2009

We invert global observations of fundamental and higher‐order Love and Rayleigh surface wave dispersion data jointly at selected locations for 1‐D radial profiles of Earth's mantle composition, thermal state, and anisotropic structure using a stochastic sampling algorithm. Considering mantle compositions as equilibrium assemblages of basalt and harzburgite, we employ a self‐consistent thermodynamic method to compute their phase equilibria and bulk physical properties (P, S wave velocity and density). Combining these with locally varying anisotropy profiles, we determine anisotropic P and S wave velocities to calculate dispersion curves for comparison with observations. Models fitting data within uncertainties provide us with a range of profiles of composition, temperature, and anisotropy. This methodology presents an important complement to conventional seismic tomography methods. Our results indicate radial and lateral gradients in basalt fraction, with basalt depletion in the upper and enrichment of the upper part of the lower mantle, in agreement with results from geodynamical calculations, melting processes at mid‐ocean ridges, and subduction of chemically stratified lithosphere. Compared with preliminary reference Earth model (PREM) and seismic tomography models, our velocity models are generally faster in the upper transition zone (TZ) and slower in the lower TZ, implying a steeper velocity gradient. While less dense than PREM, density gradients in the TZ are also steeper. Mantle geotherms are generally adiabatic in the TZ, whereas in the upper part of the lower mantle, stronger lateral variations are observed. The retrieved anisotropy structure agrees with previous studies indicating positive as well as laterally varying upper mantle anisotropy, while there is little evidence for anisotropy in and below the TZ.
Retrieval of the particle size distribution from satellite ocean color observations
Authors: Kostadinov T. S. , Siegel D. A. , Maritorena S.
Published: September 2009

The particle size distribution (PSD) provides important information about pelagic ocean ecosystem structure and function. Knowledge of the PSD and its changes in time can be used to assess the contributions made by phytoplankton functional groups to primary production, particle sinking, and carbon sequestration by the ocean. However, few field measurements of the PSD have been made in the pelagic ocean, and little is known about its space‐time variation. Here, a novel bio‐optical algorithm is introduced to retrieve the parameters of a power law particle size spectrum from satellite ocean color observations. First, the particle backscattering coefficient spectrum, bbp(λ), is retrieved from monthly Sea‐viewing Wide Field‐of‐view Sensor (SeaWiFS) normalized water‐leaving radiance observations following Loisel et al. (2006). Mie modeling is then used to estimate the parameters of a power law PSD (the PSD slope and the particle differential number concentration for a given reference diameter) as a function of the particulate backscattering spectrum. Algorithm uncertainties are greater when bbp(λ) slopes are low, which occurs in high‐productivity areas. Satellite‐based retrievals of PSD parameters are reasonably consistent with available field observations. As an example, the algorithm was applied to monthly SeaWiFS global imagery from August 2007. Global spatial distributions show subtropical oligotrophic gyres characterized by higher PSD slopes and smaller particle number concentrations, as compared with coastal and other high‐productivity areas. Partitioning particle number and volume concentrations into picophytoplankton‐, nanophytoplankton‐, and microphytoplankton‐sized classes indicates that the abundance of picoplankton‐sized particles is roughly constant spatially and that they dominate the particle volume concentrations in oligotrophic regions. On the other hand, abundances of microplankton‐sized particles vary over many orders of magnitude, and they contribute to volume concentration only in the highest‐productivity areas. These results are consistent with current understanding of particle dynamics of pelagic ecosystems and provide new tools for biogeochemical modeling and assessment of the global ocean ecosystem.
Equilibrium shoreline response: Observations and modeling
Authors: Yates M. L. , Guza R. T. , O'Reilly W. C.
Published: September 2009

Shoreline location and incident wave energy, observed for almost 5 years at Torrey Pines beach, show seasonal fluctuations characteristic of southern California beaches. The shoreline location, defined as the cross‐shore position of the mean sea level contour, retreats by almost 40 m in response to energetic winter waves and gradually recovers during low‐energy summer waves. Hourly estimates of incident wave energy and weekly to monthly surveys of the shoreline location are used to develop and calibrate an equilibrium‐type shoreline change model. By hypothesis, the shoreline change rate depends on both the wave energy and the wave energy disequilibrium with the shoreline location. Using calibrated values of four model free parameters, observed and modeled shoreline location are well correlated at Torrey Pines and two additional survey sites. Model free parameters can be estimated with as little as 2 years of monthly observations or with about 5 years of ideally timed, biannual observations. Wave energy time series used to calibrate and test the model must resolve individual storms, and model performance is substantially degraded by using weekly to monthly averaged wave energy. Variations of free parameter values between sites may be associated with variations in sand grain size, sediment availability, and other factors. The model successfully reproduces shoreline location for time periods not used in tuning and can be used to predict beach response to past or hypothetical future wave climates. However, the model will fail when neglected geologic factors are important (e.g., underlying bedrock limits erosion or sand availability limits accretion).
Qualitative comparisons of global ocean tide models by analysis of intersatellite ranging data
Authors: Ray R. D. , Luthcke S. B. , Boy J.‐P.
Published: September 2009

Four global ocean tide models are compared in terms of their contribution to Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite‐to‐satellite tracking residuals. The residuals are computed relative to a comprehensive model of Earth's time‐varying gravity, including allowance for mass motions in the atmosphere, ocean, terrestrial hydrology, and mantle, in addition to tides. For each analyzed tide model, 4 years of GRACE range rate data are processed. Range and range acceleration residuals are tidally analyzed by geographic location. All four global tide models are shown to be error prone in various ways, leaving tidally coherent residuals especially in polar regions but also in some lower‐latitude regions. Considerable power in the solar semidiurnal S2 tide in low latitudes suggests errors in our adopted model of atmospheric tides, which is based on 3 hourly European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts operational analyses. Anomalies in the μ2 tidal constituent over some shallow seas suggest the presence of unmodeled nonlinear compound tides, in this case 2MS2. Similarly, anomalies in the nonlinear M4 tide are seen if this constituent is omitted from the models. Errors in assumed seawater density may be contributing to some residuals.
Seasonal cycle in the upper equatorial Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Ding Hui , Keenlyside Noel S. , Latif Mojib
Published: September 2009

The dynamics of the seasonal cycle in the upper equatorial Atlantic ocean are studied using observations and a hierarchy of ocean models. Distinctive features of the seasonal cycle are strong annual and semiannual components: eastward (westward) propagating sea surface height (SSH) and thermocline depth at the equator (off the equator) and westward propagating surface zonal currents at the equator. Modelling results show that linear theory can explain the seasonal cycle in thermocline depth and SSH. While first‐order linear theory can also explain the structure of the seasonal cycle of surface zonal currents at the equator, nonlinear terms are required; they weaken the variability and improve its phase and zonal extent. The important terms are meridional and vertical advection and vertical diffusion of zonal momentum. The linear solution is essentially determined by the four gravest baroclinic modes and Kelvin and first meridional mode Rossby waves. The eastward propagation in thermocline depth at the equator results from the Kelvin wave contribution, while the westward propagation in thermocline depth off the equator and surface zonal currents at the equator result from the first meridional mode Rossby wave. The contribution of Kelvin and Rossby waves generated by boundary reflections equals that of the directly forced waves. The semiannual cycle in zonal winds although much weaker than the annual component forces a strong semiannual component in SSH and surface zonal currents, because it excites the basin mode of the second baroclinc mode. This explains the observed feature in the seasonal cycle from March to August.
Microtubule‐Dependent Transport of Secretory Vesicles in RBL‐2H3 Cells
Authors: Smith Alexander J. , Pfeiffer Janet R. , Zhang Jun , Martinez A. Marina , Griffiths Gillian M. , Wilson Bridget S.
Published: September 2009

Antigen‐mediated activation of mast cells results in Ca2+‐dependent exocytosis of preformed mediators of the inflammatory response. To investigate the role of secretory vesicle motility in this response, we have performed time‐lapse confocal microscopy on RBL‐2H3 cells transfected with a green fluorescent protein‐Fas ligand fusion protein (GFP‐FasL). Green fluorescent protein‐labeled vesicles exhibit rapid, bidirectional movement in both resting and activated cells and can be localized adjacent to microtubules. Colchicine treatment inhibits the motility of secretory vesicles as measured by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). Colchicine also inhibits both the extent and the rate of exocytosis triggered by receptor activation or by Ca2+ionophore, demonstrating that microtubule‐dependent movement of secretory vesicles plays an important role in the exocytic response.